Spherical bearing

Abstract

A spherical bearing including an inner ball with an opening for receiving a shaft and a spherical outer surface is described. Features of the bearing include: (1) a circular outer race including a plurality of circumferentially spaced sections extending around the inner ball for snugly receiving the inner ball; and (2) a groove extending circumferentially around the race producing a thin wall portion which permits the opposed side portions to flex relative to the ball for maximizing the physical contact between the inner surface of the race and the spherical outer surface of the ball.