Abstract: The invention contemplates elastomeric-seal application to the so-called plain-spherical variety of self-aligning bearing wherein the outer ring is the product of a swaging operation which causes it to conform its cylindrical bore to a spherical surface at sliding interface with the spherical convex outer surface of an inner-bearing member. Specifically, in the machining of the swaged ring to its ultimate O.D. and other specified dimensions, a deformable axially extending lip is created, in conjunction with an undercut counterbore, at the axial end to be sealed; an elastomeric O-ring is fitted to the counterbore, and the lip is coined-over into retaining and preloading relation with the O-ring.

Abstract: The invention contemplates elastomeric-seal application to the so-called plain-spherical variety of self-aligning bearing wherein the outer ring is the product of a swaging operation which causes it to conform its cylindrical bore to a spherical surface at sliding interface with the spherical convex outer surface of an inner-bearing member. Specifically, in the machining of the swaged ring to its ultimate O.D. and other specified dimensions, a deformable axially extending lip is created, in conjunction with an undercut counterbore, at the axial end to be sealed; an elastomeric O-ring is fitted to the counterbore, and the lip is coined-over into retaining and preloading relation with the O-ring.