Plastic quick-snap centerbearing isolator mount and method of manufacturing and assembling same
AssigneeCooper-Standard Automotive Inc.
InventorJohn G. Lew
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A resilient mount (30), such as a center bearing isolator mount includes an inner sleeve (52) into which is molded an elastomer/rubber isolator (60), and an insert (70). These components are prepared as a sub-assembly (50) and axially inserted into the opening of an outer bracket (32), whereby fingers (76) deflect radially during insertion and snap-fit radially outward once received through the bracket opening to preclude disassembly. A lower insertion force is required to assemble the components.
Claims28
A resilient mount assembly comprising:
- a rigid, outer bracket having an opening therethrough, the bracket adapted to be mounted to a first member of an associated vehicle;
- a rigid, inner mount dimensioned for receipt in the outer bracket;
- a resilient member interposed between the inner mount and the outer bracket for damping vibrations therebetween;
- and
- an insert fixedly secured to one of the outer bracket and the inner mount, and including a resilient snap member for selectively securing to an other of the outer bracket and inner mount.
A center bearing isolator mount assembly comprising:
- an outer bracket adapted to be mounted on an associated vehicle, the outer bracket including an aperture extending therethrough;
- an inner sleeve received in the outer bracket defining an annular space therebetween;
- an insert member secured to the inner sleeve for receipt in the annular space and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced, outwardly biased fingers that engage the outer bracket;
- and
- an elastomeric isolator member received in the annular space for providing vibration damping and isolation between the inner sleeve and outer bracket.
A method of manufacturing a vibration isolator assembly for damping vibrations having an outer bracket, an insert, an inner sleeve, and an elastomeric isolator, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing an outer bracket;
- mold bonding an inner sleeve and elastomeric isolator together;
- providing an insert;
- and
- inserting the bonded sleeve, isolator, and insert into the outer bracket.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.