US Patent:
20020126928, Sep 12, 2002
Inventors:
James Edler - Troy MI, US
Clayton Guensche - Grosse Pointe Park MI, US
International Classification:
F16C013/00
Abstract:
A bearing mechanism including two substantially identical ball bearings, each having a longitudinal axis and an inner and an outer race with grooved surfaces facing each other in the races, said bearings being placed in a substantially parallel configuration once assembled in the resultant bearing mechanism, an inner tubular sleeve extending between and against the two substantially parallel ball bearings, said inner sleeve having a thickness and an outer diameter that substantially matches the dimensions of the inner and outer races of the ball bearings, and two bearing caps to be inserted through the two ball bearings, said bearing caps having a substantially tubular shape, each with a flange extending outwardly from one end of the tubular shaped bearing cap, the thickness of the flange matching the dimensions of the inner and/or outer race of the bearings such that, once assembled, the flanges contact the outside surfaces of the races of the substantially parallel ball bearings, thereby exerting a force on the outside surface of the inner and/or outer race in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ball bearing. This configuration holds the bearings in an optimum position to reduce friction to a bear minimum. This configuration also allows for the interchangeability of bearings into various personal transport devices including, but not limited to, in-line skates, scooters and/or skateboards.