Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application (in United Kingdom), 19th Aug., 1899
Complete Specification Left, 17th May, 1900-Accepted, 18th Aug.,
1900
I, EDWIN FRANCIS CREAGER, of Lancaster, Pa., United States of America,
Superintendent of the Hubley Manufacturing Company, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to improvements in ball bearings, and particularly to
retainers and separators to be used with ball bearings. Its object is to provide
a retainer which may be easily manufactured, shall be applicable to ball bear-
ings generally and shall give the greatest freedom to the balls in action.
It consists essentially of a ring having openings, receptacles or perforations
to receive balls and retain them in one direction, and bent to form approach-
ing walls or portions, so that either the walls or portions, or the openings,
receptacles or perforations may guard and retain the balls in the opposite
direction.
I will describe first the order of retainer in which the perforations retain
the balls in both directions, and then the retainer in which the perforations
retain the balls in one direction and the walls or portions retain the balls in
the opposite direction.
In the first order I have devised many forms, the several forms generally
grouping under two principal specific forms, one a semi-cylindrical form, the
other in the form of a tubular annulus minus an interior segment.
The several forms may be derived from a templet having an axial perfora-
tion and a series of ball-receiving perforations surrounding the axial perfora-
tion and lying between the outer circumference of the templet and the circum-
ference of the axial perforation.
The retainer may be formed of metal cast, spun or stamped in any approved
manner. The templet is cut in the form of a flat ring having, as stated, an
axial perforation of circular outline and a series of perforations which are sub-
stantially circular or, preferably, elliptical in outline. The short axis of each
ball-receiving perforation is less than the diameter of the ball it is to receive.
The templet may vary in dimensions and in conformation, but the one described
may be bent to produce many forms. The bend is on the line or includes the
line of the short axis of each ball-receiving perforation, and there is always,
therefore, a fixed guard for the balls in one direction. The space included
within the circumference of any of the ball-receiving perforations is greater

page_text: than the area included within the equator or circumference of any ball to be
used in the retainer, a provision which insures the greatest freedom of move-
ment of the balls when in place in the finished retainer.
The line of bending lies between the circumference of the templet and the
circumference which defines the axial perforation. The ball-receiving perfora-
tions are intermediate the circumferences and the metal on each side of the
line of bending may be considered as forming distinct walls or portions of the
ring or retainer, each perforation being divided between the walls or portions,
or a part of each perforation extending beyond the line of bending or division
into each wall. These walls approach each other and the effect of the bending
is to bring nearer together the ends of the long diameter of each of the ball-
receiving perforations with the result that any point of contact between a ball
and the wall of a perforation is a less distance from any other point in the wall
of the perforation than the length of the diameter of the ball, so that while a
large space is provided for the play of the ball it will be secured or retained
at all times. I may, especially in case of unusually large perforations or to
even further reduce the necessity of carefully measuring the perforations,
depress one of the walls to bring nearer together the ends of the long diameter
of each perforation.
Some of the modifications I have produced are, a right-angle form, one with
both sides bent in, one with a double bend (a form adapted for certain special
bearings), an obtuse angle form and many curved forms.
The second specific form of the first order is that of a ring in substantially
the form of a tubular annulus minus an interior segment. In this form the
contact wall or circumference which is to lie inside, is of less diameter than
the opposing wall or circumference. This permits the retainer to readily adapt
itself to the action of a cone. The walls approach each other so that they are
a less distance apart, and this, as well as other forms, may be adapted to have
the balls held both ways by the walls of the perforations, or held in one
direction by the walls of the perforations and in the other direction by the
approaching walls or portions, that is may be placed in either the first or
second order.
In the form of retainer in which the ball-receiving perforations retain the
balls in one direction, while approaching walls or portions retain them in the
opposite direction, (the second order) the perforations bear substantially the
relations previously described. The distinction is that in this form the short
axis of the perforation retains the ball in one direction, while in the opposite
direction the ball is retained by the approaching walls or portions or contact
lips or flanges of such approaching walls or portions.
In this form I may produce a modification in the form of a cone with a flaring
lip or flange at each end, and having intermediate perforations of a less diameter
than the balls to be retained. In all these forms where the approaching walls
or portions are to retain the balls in one direction the points of contact are a
less distance apart than the diameter of a ball.
In all the forms which I have described I may apply an extension lip or
flange on the outer circumference of the ring, so as to permit the use of addi-
tional metal in the rim of a retainer and thereby strengthen it.
In all of the forms all of the balls may be readily applied and any ball may
be easily removed by pressure upon the ball in either direction with relation
to the short axis of the perforation. The balls are thus securely held, and
yet, through the elasticity of the metal easily replaced in case of necessity.
In action a ball lies between the cone and the walls of the cup, pressed
in from the short axis of its perforation, barely touching the retainer, generally
lightly at a single point and never at more than two distinct and opposite
points, the retainer travelling with the balls.
Throughout the invention, I have had in mind a low cost, ease of manufacture,
a minimizing of friction, adaptibility to fit substantially all forms of hubs,
accompanied by strength and wearing qualities.

page_text: I have used the word "retainer" throughout the specification as a convenient
term to designate a device having the functions of both a retainer and a
separator that is, a cage for holding all the balls in place when removed from
the hub and preventing contact of the balls in action.
Improvements in Ball Bearings.
I, EDWIN FRANCIS CREAGER, of Lancaster, Pa., United States of America,
Superintendent of the Hubley Manufacturing Company, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:---
My invention relates to improvements in ball-bearings, and particularly to
retainers and separators to be used with ball-bearings. Its object is to provide
a retainer which may be easily manufactured, shall be applicable to ball-
bearings generally, and shall give the greatest freedom to the balls in action.
It consists, essentially, of a ring perforated to receive the balls and bent to
convert the walls of the perforations into guards for the balls
In the accompanying drawings, Figure is a plan view of a templet from
which the retainer may be formed. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section of an
improved form of hub with my retainer and separator applied. Fig. 3 is rela-
tively to the following figures a top plan view. Fig. 4 is a bottom plan view,
and Fig. 5 is a section on the line B-B of Fig. 4. Figs. 6 to 15 are sections
of modifications of the form illustrated by Figs. 3, 4, and 5.
Figs. 16, 17 and 18 are illustrations of another form, that of a tubular
annulus; Fig. 16 being a longitudinal section; Fig. 17, with reference to
Fig. 16, an outer view, and Fig. 18 a central vertical section on the line A-A
of Fig. 17.
Figs. 19 to 28 are views of two other principal forms, Figs. 19-22 illus-
trating a form substantially that of Figs. 3, 4 and 5, while Figs. 23-26 illus-
trate the principle applied to a form of a cone with a flaring lip or flange at the
bottom and a flaring lip or flange at the top. Fig. 19 is a longitudinal section
of an improved form of hub with the retainer and separator of Figs. 20–22
applied. Fig. 20 is, relatively to the following views, a top plan view of the
separator. Fig. 21 is a bottom plan view and Fig. 22 is a central vertical
section on the line C-C of Fig. 21. Fig. 23 is a longitudinal section of an
improved form of hub with the retainers of Figs. 24-26 applied; Fig. 24 is.
relatively to the following figures, a bottom plan: Fig 25 is a top plan, and
Fig. 26 a central vertical section, showing two balls in place. Figs. 27 and 28
are further modifications.
The figures are arranged with reference to the positions of the balls and the
position the retainer occupies when in place.
In the drawings, 1 designates a templet having an axial perforation 2 and
a series of perforations 3.
4 designates a hub; 5, a shaft or axle, 6, a cup or ball-chamber; 7. a cone;
8. a retainer, and 9 anti-friction-balls.
In Figs. 3, 4 and 5 10 designates the outer wall, and 11 the inner wall,

page_text: of the retainer-that is, inner and outer with respect to the location of the
retainer in place, as shown in Fig. 2.
The retainer may be formed of metal cast, spun, or stamped in any approved
manner. The templet 1 is shown as cut in the form of a flat ring having a
circular axial perforation and a series of perforations which are substantially
circular or preferably oblong or elliptical in outline. The short axis 13 of
each perforation 3 is less than the diameter of the ball it is to receive, the
templet may vary in dimensions and in conformation, but the one shown
may be bent to produce many forms, as indicated in the drawings. The bend
is on the line or includes the line of the short axis 13 of each perforation 3,
and there is always therefore a fixed guard for the balls in one direction. The
space included within the circumference of any of the perforations 3 is greater
than the area included within the equator or circumference of any ball to be
used in the retainer, a provision which insures the greatest freedom of move-
ment of the balls when in place in the finished retainer. The line of bending
lies between the circumference of the templet 1 and the circumference which
defines the axial perforation 2. The perforations 3 are intermediate these cir-
cumferences, and the metal on each side of the line of bending may be con-
sidered as forming distinct walls of the ring or retainer, each perforation being
divided between the walls or a part of each perforation extending beyond the
line of bending or division into each wall. These walls diverge, but the effect
of the bending is to bring nearer together the ends of the long diameter of
each of the ball-receiving perforations, with the result that any point of contact
between a ball and the wall of a perforation is a less distance from any other
point of contact in the wall of the perforation than the length of the diameter
of the ball, so that while a large space is provided for the play of the ball it
will be secured or retained at all times. In other words, I bend or curve the
ring to form a cylindrical side wall and an end wall, so that the ball-receiving
openings are so related to the size of the balls to be used that a ball may be
sprung into an opening from the inner side of the ring and held from acci-
dental displacement by the contact-points at the opposite ends of the transverse
diameter, or, briefly, by what may be termed the "side "walls of the openings,
and held from displacement in the opposite direction by what may be termed
the "end" walls of the openings. The ball-receiving perforations or openings
may be said to be inclosed-that is, in the specific illustrations they are distin-
guished from mere notches or recesses in the side of a cup or ring, and con-
sidering the real size of the openings they may be rudely but fairly described
as of greater length than width. I may, especially in case of unusually large
perforations or to even further reduce the necessity of carefully measuring the
perforations, depress one of the walls, as in Fig. 5, to bring nearer together
the ends of the long diameter of each perforation.
In Figs. 6 to 17 I have illustrated several modifications. Fig. 6 is practi-
cally a right angle form. Fig. 8 shows both sides bent in. Fig. 10 has a
double bend, a form adapted for certain special bearings. Fig. 7 is an obtuse
angle form. Fig. 9 is practically the form of Figs. 3 to 5 with the peripheral
wall depressed instead of the end wall. In Figs. 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 I have
illustrated the same principle applied to curved forms, a distinct specific form,
that of a tubular annulus being illustrated, as previously stated, in Figs. 16 to 18.
In Figs. 6, 12 and 13 I have also illustrated a generally applicable feature
of invention in an extension flange 12, which enables me to strengthen the
ring by using additional metal in the wall without requiring additional space
in the line of action.
In the forms shown in Figs. 16 to 18, the ring is substantially in the form
of a tubular annulus, minus a segment. In the example shown, the contact
wall or circumference 16 is of less diameter than the opposing wall or circum-
ference 17. This, as shown in Fig. 16, permits the retainer to readily adapt
itself to the action of a cone. The walls 16 and 17 approach each other, so

page_text: that they are a less distance apart than the length of the diameter of a ball.
In other words, the retainer is in the form of a hollow ring open at its inner
side and provided at its periphery with openings of a size to allow the balls
to project only partially beyond the ring, the edges of the ring at its open
side being spaced apart a less distance than the diameter of a ball to allow the
balls to project through the open sides and yet to retain them in the openings.
In the figures illustrating this form the same reference numerals apply as
in the preceding figures, the reference numeral 15, in this case, designating the
retainer and the reference numerals 16 and 17 the smaller and
the larger
circumferences of the axial openings 2, as previously stated.
In the forms illustrated by Figs. 19 to 28, the ring is perforated to receive
the balls and retain them in one direction and bent to form approaching walls
to guard and retain the balls in the opposite direction. 20 designates a hub,
21 a shaft, 22 a cup or ball-chamber: 23 a cone; 24 anti-friction balls; 25 the
retainer of Figs 20-22; 26 an axial perforation, 27 a series of perforations
between the axial perforations and the rim of the retainer; 28 the short axis
of the perforations 27; 29 the inner wall of the retainer 25, and 30 the outer
wall that is, inner and outer with respect to the location of the retainer in
place, as shown in Fig. 19.
31 represents contact lips, a bend being given one or both of the walls. 32
is a inclined wall in the form of Fig. 26. 33 and 34 are approaching walls of
the same form, being, respectively, the inner and the outer walls-that is,
inner and outer with respect to the location of the retainer as illustrated in
Fig. 23, this form of retainer being designated in that figure by 25.
35 is an extension lip or flange which may be applied to some of the forms
within the invention, as shown in Fig. 27, and 36 is a perforation, substan-
tially circular, of the form 25*.
In the retainer illustrated, for example, in Fig. 22, there are two diverging
walls 29 and 30, and two approaching walls, otherwise specifically designated
as contact lips" 31, of the walls.
the
These forms of retainers may be made substantially as already described for
the preceding forms. The ball-receiving perforations are intermediate
contact lips of the walls, each perforation being divided between the walls or
a part of each perforation extending beyond the line of bending or division into
each wall. The principle is carried out in this form, the short axis of the
perforations being of a less length than the diameter of a ball retains it in one
direction, while the lips formed on the wall retain the ball in the opposite
direction. In the retainer 25, as illustrated for example in Figs. 19 to 22,
both of the walls 29 and 30 are bent in near the ends to form the retaining
lips 31. In the form shown in Fig. 27 one wall is bent in for the same pur-
pose. The same is true of Fig. 28, the bend being at a different place and
the lip straight and longer. In other words, I bend or curve the ring to form
a cylindrical side wall and an end wall with the openings and the spacing
apart of the walls so related to the size of the balls to be used that a ball may
be sprung into an opening from the inner side of the ring and held from
accidental displacement by the contact-points at the opposite ends of the trans-
verse diameter, or, briefly, by what may be termed as the
"
side walls of the
openings, and held from displacement in the opposite direction by the lips of the
approaching walls on the open side. The ball-receiving perforations or open-
ings may be said to be inclosed-that is, in the specific illustrations they are
distinguished from mere notches or recesses in the side of a cup or ring-and
considering the real size of the openings they may be rudely but fairly described
as of greater length than width.
In the forms shown in Figs. 23-26 the ball retaining perforations are sub-
stantially circular and the bend which forms the walls on each side is beyond
the periphery of the perforations The form is that of a cone with a flaring
lip or flange at the bottom and a flaring lip or flange at the top, or, with

page_text: reference to the retainer 25ª as applied an inner and an outer flange. The
'diameter of each perforation 36 is less than that of any ball to be retained, so
that the perforation guards and retains a ball in one direction, while the
approaching walls guard and retain the ball in the opposite direction, present-
ing points of contact a less distance apart than the diameter of a ball.
In all of the forms all of the balls may be readily applied and any ball may
be easily removed by pressure upon the outer or projecting surface of the ball.
The balls are thus securely held, and yet through the elasticity of the metal
easily replaced in case of necessity.
In action a ball lies between the cone and the walls of the cup, pressed in
from the short axis of its perforation, barely touching the retainer, generally
lightly at a single point and never at more than two distinct and opposite
points, the retainer traveling. with the balls.
Throughout the invention I have had in mind a low cost, ease of manufacture,
a minimizing of friction, adaptability to fit substantially all forms of hubs,
accompanied by strength and wearing qualities.
I have used the word "retainer" throughout the specification as a convenient
term to designate a device having the functions of both a retainer and a sepa-
rator that is, a cage for holding all the balls in place when removed from the
hub and preventing contact of the balls in action.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is
1. In a ball-bearing, the combination of a ball-retainer and balls, the ball-
retainer comprising a ring having perforations to receive the balls, the area
included within the circumference of a perforation being greater than the area
included within the equator or circumference of a ball, and any point of contact
between a ball and the wall of a perforation being a less distance from any
other point of contact than the diameter of a ball.
2. In a ball-bearing, the combination of a ball-retainer and balls, the ball-
retainer comprising a ring having openings to receive the balls, the circum-
ference of an opening including an area of larger area than that included
within the equator or circumference of a ball, the ring being bent so that all
opposite points of contact of a ball in an opening are a less distance apart than
the length of the diameter of a ball.
3. A ball-retainer comprising a ring having substantially elliptical perfora-
tions to receive balls, the transverse diameter of a perforation being less than
the diameter of a ball, the ring being bent substantially on the line of the
transverse diameter of each perforation, so that the perforation may retain and
yet permit a free movement of the ball.
4. A ball-retainer, comprising a ring bent or curved to form a cylindrical
side wall and an end wall and provided with inclosed ball-receiving openings
in its bend, each of greater length than width, the relative areas of the open-
ings and the balls to be used being such that the balls may be sprung into
the openings and held from accidental displacement in one direction by the
side walls of said openings, and from displacement in the opposite direction
by the end walls of the openings.
5. In a ball-bearing, the combination of a ball-retainer and balls, the ball-
retainer comprising a ring bent to retain the balls by approaching walls and
having perforations to receive the balls, the shortest diameter of a perforation
being less than the diameter of a ball, but the circumference of a perforation
including a larger area than that included within the equator or circumference
of a ball, substantially as described.
6. A ball-retainer, comprising a ring bent or curved to form a cylindrical side
wall and an end wall and having enclosed ball-receiving openings in its bend
of greater length than width to hold the balls from accidental displacement,

page_text: the ring also having approaching walls spaced apart a less distance than the
diameter of the balls to be used to retain the balls within the ring at its open
side.
7. A ball-retainer in the form of a hollow ring, open at its inner side and
provided at its periphery with openings of a size to allow the balls to project
only partially beyond the ring, the edges of the ring at its open side being
spaced apart a less distance than the diameter of a ball to allow the balls to
project through the open side and yet to retain them in the openings.
S. The improved ball-retainer formed and operating in relation to the balls
to be retained as hereinbefore described with reference to and shown in Figs. 1
to 5 inclusive of the accompanying drawings, and the same as modified accord-
ing to Fig 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14,
and Fig. 15 thereof.
9. The improved ball-retainer formed and operating in relation to the balls
to be retained as hereinbefore described with reference to and shown in Figs. 16,
17 and 18 of the accompanying drawings.
10. The improved ball-retainer formed and operating in relation to the balls
to be retained as herein before described with reference to and shown in Figs. 19
to 22 inclusive of the accompanying drawings, and the same as modified
according to Fig. 27 and to Fig. 28 respectively thereof.
11. The improved ball-retainer formed and operating in relation to the balls
as herein before described with reference to and shown in Figs. 23 to 26 inclu-
sive of the accompanying drawings.
F. WISE HOWORTH,
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agent for the Applicant.