Metal felt laminate structures

Abstract

A laminate comprises first and second metal layers, and a metallic felt layer disposed between the metal layers and attached to each to provide vibrational damping and thermal insulation. In one embodiment, the layers are tubular in shape and form an automotive exhaust pipe. In another embodiment the layers are annular in shape and form a disk of a brake rotor. In another embodiment the laminate is a damping structure for a brake pad assembly, wherein the first metal layer may either be the backing plate of the brake pad assembly or be attached to the backing plate. The damping structure may include additional metallic felt and metal layers. Various modes of attachment of the metallic felt layer to the metal layers are disclosed. The metallic felt layer may be completely surrounded by metal.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.