FLANGE BEARING HAVING REINFORCED MOLDED HOUSING
First Claim
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1. An apparatus to support a shaft, said apparatus comprising:
- a smooth solid molded body, said body having a first surface and a second surface;
a first mount hole extending through said solid body from said first surface to said second surface for receiving a first fastener;
a second mount hole extending through said solid body from said first surface to said second surface for receiving a second fastener;
a third mount hole extending through said solid body from said first surface to said second surface for receiving a shaft, said third mount hole having a perimeter that is larger than a perimeter of each of said first and second mount holes; and
a reinforcing member molded in place and encased entirely within said solid body, said reinforcing member forming a closed loop circumscribing said first, second and third mount holes and having arcuate portions adjacent said holes and connected by said reinforcing member strengthening said holes and aiding in transmitting loads from the shaft radially to the fasteners.
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Abstract
A flange bearing comprises a housing having a body with a reinforcing member encased therein. The housing provides strength and resistance to stress fracturing without the use of heavy materials, such as cast iron, or the use of ribs and recesses which can harbor contaminates. The bearing is preferably lightweight and easily cleaned. Also, a leveler constructed in accordance with the present invention provides similar advantages.
6 Citations
16 Claims
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1. An apparatus to support a shaft, said apparatus comprising:
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a smooth solid molded body, said body having a first surface and a second surface;
a first mount hole extending through said solid body from said first surface to said second surface for receiving a first fastener;
a second mount hole extending through said solid body from said first surface to said second surface for receiving a second fastener;
a third mount hole extending through said solid body from said first surface to said second surface for receiving a shaft, said third mount hole having a perimeter that is larger than a perimeter of each of said first and second mount holes; and
a reinforcing member molded in place and encased entirely within said solid body, said reinforcing member forming a closed loop circumscribing said first, second and third mount holes and having arcuate portions adjacent said holes and connected by said reinforcing member strengthening said holes and aiding in transmitting loads from the shaft radially to the fasteners. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A flange bearing to support a rotatable shaft at a fixed location, comprising:
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a smooth, solid, molded body having a first surface and a second surface, said body without having recesses in order to inhibit accumulation of contaminants on said body;
a plurality of holes for receiving one or more fasteners, said holes extending between said surfaces of said body;
a circular opening extending between said surfaces of said body, said opening being located between said holes;
a bearing insert received in said opening for supporting the shaft; and
a reinforcing member molded in place and encased entirely within said solid body, said reinforcing member forming a closed loop circumscribing said holes and said opening, and having arcuate portions adjacent said holes and connected by linear portions, said reinforcing member strengthening said holes and aiding in transmitting loads from the shaft radially to the fastener. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification