U.S. patent application number 10/314754 was filed with the patent office on 2004-06-10 for elastomeric bearing assembly and associated pin structure.
Invention is credited to Galloway, William James, Michael, Robert Joseph.
Application Number | 20040108640 10/314754 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32468556 |
Filed Date | 2004-06-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040108640 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Michael, Robert Joseph ; et
al. |
June 10, 2004 |
Elastomeric bearing assembly and associated pin structure
Abstract
An elastomeric bearing assembly including a concentric outer
member operable for securely engaging a bore structure associated
with a first structural member, wherein the concentric outer member
is disposed substantially within the bore structure. The
elastomeric bearing assembly also including a concentric inner
member operable for securely engaging a pin structure associated
with a second structural member, wherein the concentric inner
member is disposed substantially within the concentric outer
member. The elastomeric bearing assembly further including an
elastomeric section disposed between the concentric inner member
and the concentric outer member, wherein the elastomeric section is
bonded to a surface of the inner member and a surface of the outer
member, and wherein the elastomeric section is operable for
accommodating axial, cocking, and torsion motions of the second
structural member relative to the first structural member.
Inventors: |
Michael, Robert Joseph;
(Erie, PA) ; Galloway, William James; (Erie,
PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LORD CORPORATION
P.O. BOX 8012
111 LORD DRIVE
CARY
NC
27513
US
|
Family ID: |
32468556 |
Appl. No.: |
10/314754 |
Filed: |
December 9, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
267/292 ;
267/152; 267/293 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 9/02 20130101; Y10T
29/49615 20150115; B60G 2200/322 20130101; Y10T 29/49696 20150115;
B62D 55/0842 20130101; Y10T 29/49872 20150115; Y10T 29/49718
20150115; Y10T 29/4973 20150115; Y10T 29/53657 20150115; Y10T
29/49698 20150115; Y10T 29/49638 20150115; F16F 1/393 20130101;
Y10T 29/49721 20150115; B60G 2204/148 20130101; B60G 2204/418
20130101; B60G 2300/32 20130101; B60G 2204/41 20130101; Y10T
29/49842 20150115; E02F 9/006 20130101; F16F 1/3807 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
267/292 ;
267/293; 267/152 |
International
Class: |
F16F 003/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An elastomeric bearing assembly, comprising: a concentric outer
member operable for securely engaging a bore structure associated
with a first structural member, wherein the concentric outer member
is disposed substantially within the bore structure; a concentric
inner member operable for securely engaging a pin structure
associated with a second structural member, wherein the concentric
inner member is disposed substantially within the concentric outer
member; and an elastomeric section disposed between the concentric
inner member and the concentric outer member, wherein the
elastomeric section is bonded to a surface of the inner member and
a surface of the outer member, and wherein the elastomeric section
is operable for accommodating axial, cocking, and torsion motions
of the second structural member relative to the first structural
member.
2. The elastomeric bearing assembly of claim 1, wherein the
concentric outer member comprises a substantially barrel-shaped
member.
3. The elastomeric bearing assembly of claim 1, wherein the
concentric outer member comprises a substantially cylinder-shaped
member.
4. The elastomeric bearing assembly of claim 1, wherein the
concentric inner member comprises a substantially barrel-shaped
member.
5. The elastomeric bearing assembly of claim 1, wherein the
concentric inner member comprises a substantially cylinder-shaped
member.
6. The elastomeric bearing assembly of claim 1, further comprising
one or more concentric shim members disposed within the elastomeric
section, wherein the one or more concetric shim members are
operable for providing the elastomeric section with rigidity.
7. The elastomeric bearing assembly of claim 1, further comprising
a plate structure having a slot, wherein the plate structure is
fixedly attached to the second structural member.
8. The elastomeric bearing assembly of claim 7, wherein an end of
the pin structure comprises a notch operable for non-rotatably
engaging the slot of the plate structure.
9. The elastomeric bearing assembly of claim 8, wherein the notch
is formed by a collar associated with the end of the pin
structure.
10. An elastomeric bearing assembly for use in conjunction with the
equalizer link of a tractor or other earth-moving vehicle,
comprising: a concentric outer member operable for securely
engaging a bore structure associated with a first structural
member, wherein the concentric outer member is disposed
substantially within the bore structure; a concentric inner member
operable for securely engaging a pin structure associated with a
second structural member, wherein the concentric inner member is
disposed substantially within the concentric outer member; and an
elastomeric section disposed between the concentric inner member
and the concentric outer member, wherein the elastomeric section is
bonded to a surface of the inner member and a surface of the outer
member, and wherein the elastomeric section is operable for
accommodating axial, cocking, and torsion motions of the second
structural member relative to the first structural member.
11. The elastomeric bearing assembly of claim 10, wherein the
concentric outer member comprises a substantially barrel-shaped
member.
12. The elastomeric bearing assembly of claim 10, wherein the
concentric outer member comprises a substantially cylinder-shaped
member.
13. The elastomeric bearing assembly of claim 10, wherein the
concentric inner member comprises a substantially barrel-shaped
member.
14. The elastomeric bearing assembly of claim 10, wherein the
concentric inner member comprises a substantially cylinder-shaped
member.
15. The elastomeric bearing assembly of claim 10, further
comprising one or more concentric shim members disposed within the
elastomeric section, wherein the one or more concetric shim members
are operable for providing the elastomeric section with
rigidity.
16. The elastomeric bearing assembly of claim 10, further
comprising a plate structure having a slot, wherein the plate
structure is fixedly attached to the second structural member.
17. The elastomeric bearing assembly of claim 16, wherein an end of
the pin structure comprises a notch operable for non-rotatably
engaging the slot of the plate structure.
18. The elastomeric bearing assembly of claim 17, wherein the notch
is formed by a collar associated with the end of the pin
structure.
19. An elastomeric bearing assembly, comprising: a concentric outer
member; a concentric inner member, wherein the concentric inner
member is disposed substantially within the concentric outer
member; and an elastomeric section disposed between the concentric
inner member and the concentric outer member, wherein the
elastomeric section is bonded to a surface of the inner member and
a surface of the outer member, and wherein the elastomeric section
is operable for accommodating axial, cocking, and torsion motions
of the concentric inner member relative to the concentric outer
member.
20. The elastomeric bearing assembly of claim 19, wherein the
concentric outer member comprises a substantially barrel-shaped
member.
21. The elastomeric bearing assembly of claim 19, wherein the
concentric outer member comprises a substantially cylinder-shaped
member.
22. The elastomeric bearing assembly of claim 19, wherein the
concentric inner member comprises a substantially barrel-shaped
member.
23. The elastomeric bearing assembly of claim 19, wherein the
concentric inner member comprises a substantially cylinder-shaped
member.
24. The elastomeric bearing assembly of claim 19, further
comprising one or more concentric shim members disposed within the
elastomeric section, wherein the one or more concetric shim members
are operable for providing the elastomeric section with
rigidity.
25. A method for installing an elastomeric bearing assembly,
comprising: providing: a concentric outer member operable for
securely engaging a bore structure associated with a first
structural member; a concentric inner member operable for securely
engaging a pin structure associated with a second structural
member, wherein the concentric inner member is disposed
substantially within the concentric outer member; and an
elastomeric section disposed between the concentric inner member
and the concentric outer member, wherein the elastomeric section is
bonded to a surface of the inner member and a surface of the outer
member, and wherein the elastomeric section is operable for
accommodating axial, cocking, and torsion motions of the second
structural member relative to the first structural member; and
pressing the concentric outer member, the concentric inner member,
and the elastomeric section into the bore structure using a ram
apparatus, thereby precompressing the elastomeric section.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to an elastomeric
bearing assembly and an associated pin structure. More
specifically, the present invention relates to an elastomeric
bearing assembly for use in conjunction with the equalizer link of
a tractor or other earth-moving vehicle and an associated pin
structure operable for securing the elastomeric bearing assembly
and the equalizer link to the roller frame assembly of the tractor
or other earth-moving vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A typical tractor or other earth-moving vehicle, also
referred to herein as a "dozer," includes an equalizer link
operable for securing the cab assembly of the dozer to the moving
tracks or wheels of the dozer, allowing for uniform track-to-ground
or wheel-to-ground contact. This equalizer link consists of a
hot-rolled steel member or forging. A cylindrical center bearing is
provided to secure the equalizer link to the cab assembly of the
dozer and two spherical bearings are provided at each end of the
equalizer link to the secure the equalizer link to a roller frame
assembly associated with the moving tracks or wheels of the dozer,
accommodating axial, cocking, and torsion motions. Typically, these
spherical end bearings are manufactured from hardened steel and
constitute a major wear item. Although the spherical end bearings
are sealed and lubricated, the spherical end bearings typically
last from about 1,000 hours to about 3,000 hours and, due to
inadequate lubrication, fail. Such failure occurs because of the
proximity of the spherical end bearings to the tracks or wheels of
the dozer and the resulting exposure to dirt, mud, and debris.
Failure of the spherical end bearings limits articulation and may
destroy the end joints of the equalizer link. Typically, this
necessitates expensive re-manufacturing of the retaining-ring
groove, seal, and/or bore of the end joints of the equalizer link.
For example, a major reworking of the equalizer link may cost as
much as about $2,700 and may lead to dozer downtime of about 1
week. Even in a non-failure case, the spherical end bearings must
be regularly lubricated and maintained.
[0003] Thus, what is needed is an elastomeric bearing assembly for
use in conjunction with the equalizer link of a tractor or other
earth-moving vehicle and an associated pin structure operable for
securing the elastomeric bearing assembly and the equalizer link to
the roller frame assembly of the tractor or other earth-moving
vehicle. Preferably, this elastomeric bearing assembly may be used
in conjunction with the cylindrical center bearing or the spherical
end bearings of the equalizer link, providing a cost-effective,
low-maintenance option for reducing and/or preventing equalizer
link failure.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention provides an elastomeric bearing
assembly for use in conjunction with the equalizer link of a
tractor or other earth-moving vehicle and an associated pin
structure operable for securing the elastomeric bearing assembly
and the equalizer link to the roller frame assembly of the tractor
or other earth-moving vehicle. This elastomeric bearing assembly
may be used in conjunction with the cylindrical center bearing or
the spherical end bearings of the equalizer link, providing a
cost-effective, low-maintenance option for reducing and/or
preventing equalizer link failure. Advantageously, the elastomeric
bearing assembly of the present invention does not require complex
machining and allows +/-3.0 degrees cocking and +/-3.5 degrees
torsion with acceptable strains. A radial load of about 25.0 K
produces moderate compression stresses that are well within
specified requirements. These compression stresses may be further
reduced with a large package width. Because the elastomeric bearing
assembly of the present invention incorporates rubber, it does not
require lubrication and it prevents relative motion or sliding
between metal surfaces.
[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, an elastomeric
bearing assembly includes a concentric outer member operable for
securely engaging a bore structure associated with a first
structural member, wherein the concentric outer member is disposed
substantially within the bore structure. The elastomeric bearing
assembly also includes a concentric inner member operable for
securely engaging a pin structure associated with a second
structural member, wherein the concentric inner member is disposed
substantially within the concentric outer member. The elastomeric
bearing assembly further includes an elastomeric section disposed
between the concentric inner member and the concentric outer
member, wherein the elastomeric section is bonded to a surface of
the inner member and a surface of the outer member, and wherein the
elastomeric section is operable for accommodating axial, cocking,
and torsion motions of the second structural member relative to the
first structural member.
[0006] In another embodiment of the present invention, an
elastomeric bearing assembly for use in conjunction with the
equalizer link of a tractor or other earth-moving vehicle includes
a concentric outer member operable for securely engaging a bore
structure associated with a first structural member, wherein the
concentric outer member is disposed substantially within the bore
structure. The elastomeric bearing assembly also includes a
concentric inner member operable for securely engaging a pin
structure associated with a second structural member, wherein the
concentric inner member is disposed substantially within the
concentric outer member. The elastomeric bearing assembly further
includes an elastomeric section disposed between the concentric
inner member and the concentric outer member, wherein the
elastomeric section is bonded to a surface of the inner member and
a surface of the outer member, and wherein the elastomeric section
is operable for accommodating axial, cocking, and torsion motions
of the second structural member relative to the first structural
member.
[0007] In a further embodiment of the present invention, an
elastomeric bearing assembly includes a concentric outer member and
a concentric inner member, wherein the concentric inner member is
disposed substantially within the concentric outer member. The
elastomeric bearing assembly also includes an elastomeric section
disposed between the concentric inner member and the concentric
outer member, wherein the elastomeric section is bonded to a
surface of the inner member and a surface of the outer member, and
wherein the elastomeric section is operable for accommodating
axial, cocking, and torsion motions of the concentric inner member
relative to the concentric outer member.
[0008] In a still further embodiment of the present invention, a
method for installing an elastomeric bearing assembly includes
providing: a concentric outer member operable for securely engaging
a bore structure associated with a first structural member; a
concentric inner member operable for securely engaging a pin
structure associated with a second structural member, wherein the
concentric inner member is disposed substantially within the
concentric outer member; and an elastomeric section disposed
between the concentric inner member and the concentric outer
member, wherein the elastomeric section is bonded to a surface of
the inner member and a surface of the outer member, and wherein the
elastomeric section is operable for accommodating axial, cocking,
and torsion motions of the second structural member relative to the
first structural member. The method for installing the elastomeric
bearing assembly also includes pressing the concentric outer
member, the concentric inner member, and the elastomeric section
into the bore structure using a ram apparatus, thereby
precompressing the elastomeric section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a side view of a typical equalizer link operable
for securing the cab assembly of a tractor or other earth-moving
vehicle to the moving tracks or wheels of the tractor or other
earth-moving vehicle, allowing for uniform track-to-ground or
wheel-to-ground contact;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a photograph of an equalizer link, such as that
illustrated in FIG. 1, installed in a tractor or other earth-moving
vehicle;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the mechanism by
which a cylindrical center bearing of the equalizer link of FIG. 1
is secured to a saddle structure associated with the cab assembly
of a tractor or other earth-moving vehicle;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the mechanism by
which spherical end bearings of the equalizer link of FIG. 1 are
secured to a roller frame assembly associated with the tracks or
wheels of a tractor or other earth-moving vehicle;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of
the elastomeric bearing assembly of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment
of the elastomeric bearing assembly of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a
pin structure associated with the elastomeric bearing assembly of
the present invention; and
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the components of the pin
structure of FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] As described above, the present invention provides an
elastomeric bearing assembly for use in conjunction with the
equalizer link of a tractor or other earth-moving vehicle and an
associated pin structure operable for securing the elastomeric
bearing assembly and the equalizer link to the roller frame
assembly of the tractor or other earth-moving vehicle. Likewise,
the pin structure may be used to secure the elastomeric bearing
assembly and the equalizer link to a saddle structure associated
with the cab assembly of the tractor or other earth-moving vehicle.
Accordingly, this elastomeric bearing assembly may be used in
conjunction with the cylindrical center bearing or the spherical
end bearings of the equalizer link, providing a cost-effective,
low-maintenance option for reducing and/or preventing equalizer
link failure. An equalizer link is illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, the equalizer link 10 consists of a
structural member 12, such as a hot-rolled steel member, a forging,
or the like. The center portion 14 of the structural member 12
includes a cylindrical center bearing 16. A first end portion 18 of
the structural member 12 includes a first spherical end bearing 20
and a second end portion 22 of the structural member 12 includes a
second spherical end bearing 24. The equalizer link is operable for
securing the cab assembly of a tractor or other earth-moving
vehicle to the moving tracks or wheels of the tractor or other
earth-moving vehicle, allowing for uniform track-to-ground or
wheel-to-ground contact. An installed equalizer link 10 is
illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 2, the cylindrical center bearing 16 (FIG.
1) of the equalizer link 10 is rotatably attached to a saddle
structure (not shown) associated with the cab assembly (not shown)
of the dozer. Likewise, the first spherical end bearing 20 (FIG. 1)
disposed within the first end portion 18 of the structural member
12 and the second spherical end bearing 24 (FIG. 1) disposed within
the second end portion 22 of the structural member 12 are each
attached via a pin structure 30 to a roller frame assembly 32
associated with the moving tracks or wheels (not shown) of the
dozer. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the specific mechanisms by which
the cylindrical center bearing 16 is secured to the saddle
structure (see FIG. 3) and the spherical end bearings 20,24 are
secured to the roller frame assembly 32 (see FIG. 4).
[0020] Referring to FIG. 3, a bearing assembly 40, such as the
elastomeric bearing assembly of the present invention, is disposed
within a substantially circular bore 42 running through the center
portion 14 of the structural member 12 comprising the equalizer
link 10. A pin structure 30, such as the pin structure of the
present invention, is inserted through the substantially circular
bore 42 running through the center portion 14 of the structural
member 12. The pin structure 30 is also inserted through a first
substantially circular opening 44 and a second substantially
circular opening 46 running through the saddle structure associated
with the cab assembly (not shown) of the dozer, thus securing the
equalizer link 10 to the cab assembly.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 4, another bearing assembly 40, such as
the elastomeric bearing assembly of the present invention, is
disposed within a substantially circular bore 52 running through
each of the end portions 18,22 of the structural member 12
comprising the equalizer link 10. A pin structure 30, such as the
pin structure of the present invention, is inserted through the
substantially circular bore 52 running through each of the end
portions 18,22 of the structural member 12. The pin structure 30 is
also inserted through a first substantially circular opening 54 and
a second substantially circular opening 56 running through the
roller frame assembly 32 associated with the moving tracks or
wheels (not shown) of the dozer, thus securing the equalizer link
10 to the tracks or wheels.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment of the present
invention, the elastomeric bearing assembly 40 includes an inner
member 60 and an outer member 62. The inner member 60 and the outer
member 62 may be made of a metal, a metal alloy, a composite, or
any other suitable material. The inner member 60 is positioned
adjacent to and concentrically about the surface of the pin
structure 30 (FIGS. 2, 3, and 4), described above and described in
further detail herein below. Preferably, the inner member 60
securely engages the pin structure 30. Likewise, the outer member
62 is positioned adjacent to and concentrically within the
substantially circular bore 42,52 (FIGS. 3 and 4) running through
the center portion 14 (FIG. 3) and/or the end portions 18,22 (FIG.
4) of the structural member 12 (FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4). Preferably,
the outer member 62 securely engages the substantially circular
bore 42,52. An elastomeric section 64, made of rubber or the like,
is disposed between and bonded to the surfaces of the inner member
60 and the outer member 62. It should be noted that, in the present
embodiment, the inner member 60 and the outer member 62 have
corresponding substantially concave and convex shapes,
respectively, operable for accommodating axial, cocking, and
torsion motions. Additionally, in the present embodiment, the
elastomeric section 64 has a substantially elliptical or barrel
shape.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 6, in another embodiment of the present
invention, the elastomeric bearing assembly 40 includes an inner
member 60 and an outer member 62. The inner member 60 and the outer
member 62 may be made of a metal, a metal alloy, a composite, or
any other suitable material. The inner member 60 is positioned
adjacent to and concentrically about the surface of the pin
structure 30 (FIGS. 2, 3, and 4), described above and described in
further detail herein below. Preferably, the inner member 60
securely engages the pin structure 30. Likewise, the outer member
62 is positioned adjacent to and concentrically within the
substantially circular bore 42,52 (FIGS. 3 and 4) running through
the center portion 14 (FIG. 3) and/or the end portions 18,22 (FIG.
4) of the structural member 12 (FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4). Preferably,
the outer member 62 securely engages the substantially circular
bore 42,52. An elastomeric section 64, made of rubber or the like,
is disposed between and bonded to the surfaces of the inner member
60 and the outer member 62. It should be noted that, in the present
embodiment, the inner member 60 and the outer member 62 have
corresponding substantially concave and convex shapes,
respectively, operable for accommodating axial, cocking, and
torsion motions. Additionally, in the present embodiment, the
elastomeric section 64 has a substantially elliptical or barrel
shape. A plurality of concentric shim members 70 are also disposed
within the elastomeric section 64. FIG. 6 shows two concentric shim
members 70, however, as is readily apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art, a greater or lesser number of concentric shim
members 70 may be utilized. The concentric shim members 70 provide
strength, rigidity, and stability to the elastomeric section 64.
The concentric shim members 70 may be made of a metal, a metal
alloy, a composite, or any other suitable material.
[0024] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the
inner member 60, the outer member 62, and the elastomeric section
64 may each have a substantially cylindrical shape, as opposed to
the substantially concave and convex shapes illustrated in FIGS. 5
and 6. Additionally, the ends of the outer member 62 may be
crimped, so as to securely engage the substantially circular bore
42,52 running through the center portion 14 and/or the end portions
18,22 of the structural member 12, enhancing the axial retention of
the elastomeric bearing assembly 40.
[0025] Installation-wise, the elastomeric bearing assembly 40 of
the present invention may be forced into the substantially circular
bore 42,52 running through the center portion 16 and/or the end
portions 18,22 of the structural member 12 using a ram or the like.
Preferably, the substantially circular bore 42,52 running through
the center portion 16 and/or the end portions 18,22 of the
structural member 12 has a substantially funnel shape operable for
receiving the elastomeric bearing assembly 40. Alternatively, a
substantially funnel-shaped piece may be temporarily attached to
the substantially circular bore 42,52 running through the center
portion 16 and/or the end portions 18,22 of the structural member
12 for receipt of the elastomeric bearing assembly 40.
Advantageously, the installation technique described above
precompresses the elastomeric bearing assembly 40, enhancing its
durability and general operation. Additionally, the unique
elastomer contours utilized in conjunction with the elastomeric
section 64 of the present invention accommodate elastomer bulge
during precompression, reducing exposure to dirt, mud, and debris
that may cause premature damage.
[0026] The pin structure 30 (FIGS. 2, 3, and 4) of the present
invention is operable for securing the elastomeric bearing assembly
40 of the present invention between two abutments, such as those
associated with the saddle structure 48 (FIG. 3) associated with
the cab assembly of the dozer or the roller frame assembly 32
(FIGS. 2 and 4) associated with the tracks or wheels of the
dozer.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 7, as described above, the pin structure
30 is inserted through the saddle structure 48 (FIG. 3) associated
with the cab assembly of the dozer or the roller frame assembly 32
(FIGS. 2 and 4) associated with the tracks or wheels of the dozer
and the elastomeric bearing assembly 40 (FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6) of
the present invention, securing the tracks or wheels to the cab
assembly while allowing a plurality of axial, cocking, and torsion
motions there between. Specifically, the pin assembly 30 securely
engages the inner member 60 of the elastomeric bearing assembly 40.
Preferably, the pin structure 30 has a substantially circular
cross-sectional shape. The pin structure 30 may have a plurality of
radii, including, for example, a first radius 80 and a second
radius 82, wherein the first radius 80 is larger than the second
radius 82. The pin structure 30 may be made of a metal, a metal
alloy, a composite, or any other suitable material. Preferably, a
portion of the second radius 82 of the pin structure 30 forming a
notch 84 is configured to fixedly engage a slot 86 disposed within
a plate structure 88. The plate structure 88 is fixedly attached to
the roller frame assembly 32 associated with the tracks or wheels
of the dozer. Thus, the pin structure 30 prevents the inner member
60 of the elastomeric bearing assembly 40 from rotating with
respect to the roller frame assembly 32. Alternatively, a collar 90
disposed about the second radius 82 of the pin structure 30 may
form the 84 operable for engaging the slot 86 disposed within the
plate structure 88. The collar may be made of a metal, a metal
alloy, a composite material, or any other suitable material. The
pin structure 30 and, specifically, the notch 84 and the collar 90
are shown in greater detail in FIG. 8.
[0028] Although the elastomeric bearing assembly of the present
invention has been shown and described with reference to preferred
embodiments and examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and
examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve similar
results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within
the spirit and scope of the present invention and are intended to
be covered by the following claims.
* * * * *