WO 2006/076720 PCT/US2006/001612
ENGINE MOUNT AND ELASTOMERIC ELEMENT THEREOF
This application claims the priority benefit to and incorporates by
reference Chinese Patent Application No. 200510002169.1 "Engine Mount
and Elastomeric Element Thereof" by Peter D. Howorth, and Gary Li, filed on
January 14, 2005 by Lord Corporation with The State Intellectual Property
Office of China and Chinese Utility Model Application No. 200520000871.X
"Engine Mount and Elastomeric Element Thereof" by Peter D. Howorth, and
Gary Li, filed on January 14, 2005 by Lord Corporation with The State
Intellectual Property Office of China.
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an elastomeric mount of the type used
to support and isolate an engine from a vehicle chassis.
2. Background of the Invention
In applications involving on-and off-highway equipment, elastomeric
mounts must be rugged to take the pounding from traversing unimproved
roads. In addition, these mounts should be designed to avoid total disconnect
of the power train from the support in the event of elastomer failure (i.e., they
are safely tied). Finally, the provision of snubbing in all three orthogonal
directions protects the power train, improves subjective ride quality and
reduces unwanted chatter caused by metal-to-metal contact.
There is a need for an effective and economical means for making
isolation mounts for vehicle engine drive system applications and use. There
is a need for economically feasible engine isolation mounts with improved
vehicle performance. There is a need for a robust isolation mount system and
method of making a vehicle engine mount.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved isolation mount, the manufacture of which can be simplified, or at
least provide the public with a useful choice.
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It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved
elastorneric member for the isolation mount, the manufacture of which can be
simplified, or at least provide the public with a useful choice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to an aspect of the present invention, an isolation mount for
supporting and isolating one part from another includes an inner member
formed to be connected to one of the parts and an outer member formed to be
connected to one of the parts. The inner member has a first and a second
inner plates being connected at one end and extending at a first angle with
respect to each other; the outer member also has a first and a second outer
plates being connected at one end and extending at a second angle with
respect to each other. The isolation mount further includes a first and a
second individual elastomeric element compressed between and respective
inner and outer plates.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an elastomeric
member sandwiched between an inner and an outer member of an isolation
mount is provided. The isolation mount is to support and isolate one part from
another, the inner member is formed to be connected to one of the parts and
has a first and a second inner plate being connected at one end and
extending at a first degree to each other, and the outer member is formed to
be connected to one of the parts and has a first and a second outer plate
being connected at one end and extending at a second degree to each other.
The elastomeric member includes a first and a second individual elastomeric
element compressed between and respective inner and outer plates.
Preferably, each individual elastomeric element is slidably mounted to
its respective inner plate.
According to a further aspect of the present invention a method of
making an isolation mount for supporting and isolating one part from another
includes: providing an inner member which is formed to be connected to one
of the parts and has a first and a second inner plate being connected at one
end and extending at a first angle with respect to each other, providing an
outer member which is formed to be connected to one of the parts and has a
first and a second outer plate being connected at one end and extending at a
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second angle with respect to each other, providing an individual elastomeric
member element , said individual elastomeric member element formed from
an elastomer mold bonded between a first metal plate and a second metal
plate, and compressing and sandwiching said individual elastomeric member
element between the inner member first inner plate and the outer member
first outer plate.
The invention includes a vehicle isolation mount for supporting and
isolating a vehicle engine power train drive system part from another vehicle
chassis part. The invention includes an inner member formed to be connected
to one of the parts, the inner member having a first and a second inner plate
being connected at one end and extending at a first angle with respect to
each other, the inner member having a third and a fourth inner plate being
connected at one end and extending at a second angle with respect to each
other. The invention includes an outer member formed to be connected to one
of the parts, the outer member having a first and a second outer plate being
connected at one end and extending at a third angle with respect to each
other, the outer member having a third and a fourth outer plate being
connected at one end and extending at a fourth angle with respect to each
other. The isolation mount includes a first individual elastomeric element
compressed between the first inner plate and the first outer plate, a second
individual elastomeric element compressed between the second inner plate
and the second outer plate, a third individual elastomeric element compressed
between the third inner plate and the third outer plate, and a fourth individual
elastomeric element compressed between the fourth inner plate and the
fourth outer plate.
The invention includes a vehicle engine power train drive system
isolation mount elastomeric sandwich member for sandwiching between an
inner and an outer member of an isolation mount. The elastomeric sandwich
member is comprised of an individual elastomeric element for compression
between a first inner plate of the isolation mount inner member and a first
outer plate of the isolation mount outer member, with the individual
elastomeric element slidably mountable to the first inner plate of the isolation
mount inner member.
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The invention includes a method of making a vehicle engine power
train drive system isolation mount for supporting and isolating a vehicle
engine power train drive system part from a vehicle chassis part. The method
includes providing an inner member with at least a first and a second inner
plate. The method includes providing an outer member with at least a first
and a second outer plate. The method includes providing a plurality of
individual elastomeric member elements formed from elastomers mold
bonded between individual elastomeric member element rigid plates. The
method includes selecting a first individual elastomeric member element and
selecting a second individual elastomeric member element. The method
includes disposing the selected first individual elastomeric member element in
compression between the inner member first inner plate and the outer
member first outer plate and disposing the selected second individual
elastomeric member element in compression between the inner member
second inner plate and the outer member second outer plate to provide the
isolation mount for supporting and isolating the vehicle engine power train
drive system part from the vehicle chassis part.
The invention includes a method of making a vehicle engine power
train drive system isolation mount for supporting and isolating a vehicle
engine power train drive system part from a vehicle chassis part. The method
includes providing an inner member having at least a first and a second inner
plate and providing an outer member having at least a first and a second
outer plate. The method includes providing a plurality of slidably mountable
individual elastomeric member elements divided into at least a first slidably
mountable individual elastomeric member element group with the first slidably
mountable individual elastomeric member element group elastomeric member
elements substantially identical, and divided into at least a second slidably
mountable individual elastomeric member element group with the second
slidably mountable individual elastomeric member element group elastomeric
member elements substantially identical, with the second slidably mountable
individual elastomeric member element group different from the first slidably
mountable individual elastomeric member element group. The method
includes selecting" at least two desired slidably mountable individual
elastomeric member elements from either the first group or the second group,
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and slidably mounting a first one of said selected at least two desired slidably
mountable individual elastomeric member elements between the first inner
plate and the first outer plate, and slidably mounting a second one of the
selected at least two desired slidably mountable individual elastomeric
member elements between the first inner plate and the first outer plate.
Preferably the invention provides modular mount components for
designing and manufacturing a multitude of different engine mount
configurations and performances. Preferably the invention provides a method
of making a plurality of different types of vehicle engine power train drive
system isolation mounts. Preferably the invention provides modular mount
components which are used to assemble a plurality of different engine mounts
with different desired technical specifications. The invention provides for
manufacturing more than one type of engine mount with modular mount
components including individual elastomeric member elements formed from
an elastomer mold bonded between first metal plate and second metal plates.
The invention provides a manufacturing and testing process for engine
mounts with increased production with minimal rework. Further, it is desirable
to provide a method for coupling, supporting, and isolating an isolation mount
inner member and an isolation mount outer member. Preferably the invention
provides modular mount common components in the different engine mounts
which can be easily utilized in assembling more than one engine mount. The
invention includes a method of making n different types of vehicle engine
power train drive system isolation mounts with n being equal to or greater
than 2. The method includes providing a plurality of slidably mountable
individual elastomeric member elements formed from a plurality of elastomers
mold bonded to a plurality of individual elastomeric member element rigid
plates, with the rigid plates including a pair of opposing corresponding
elongated sliding channel rail mating members. The method includes
providing a first inner member having at least a first and a second plate, and
providing a first outer member having at least a first and a second plate,
slidably mounting a first individual elastomeric member element and a second
individual elastomeric member element to said first inner member to provide a
first type of said isolation mounts. The method includes providing a second
inner member having at least a first and a second plate, and providing a
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second outer member having at least a first and a second plate, slidably
mounting a third individual elastomeric member element and a fourth
individual elastomeric member element to the second inner member to
provide a second type of said isolation mounts, with the second type of the
isolation mount different from the first type.
Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent
from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, which description illustrates by way of example the
principles of the invention. It is to be understood that both the foregoing
general description and the following detailed description are exemplary of the
invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for
understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The
accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the
invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.
The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention, and together
with the description serve to explain the principals and operation of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1A is a perspective view of an isolation mount according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view of the mount of Figure 1A along line
A-A;
Figures 2A and 2B each illustrates an elastomeric element of the
isolation mount of Figure 1;
Figure 3 illustrates assembly of an elastomeric element of Figure 2A or
2B onto an inner member of the isolation mount of Figure 1;
Figure 4 illustrates both elastomeric elements assembled to the inner
member; and
Figure 5 illustrates molding of the elastomeric element of Figure 2B.
Figure 6A and 6B illustrates molding of the elastomeric elements of
Figure 1-5, 8-9.
Figure 7A and 7B illustrates molding of the elastomeric elements of
Figure 10-14.
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Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D illustrate views of an isolation mount;
Figures 9A and 9B illustrates views of an isolation mount;
Figure 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, and 10F illustrate views of an
isolation mount according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
Figures 11 A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, and 11F illustrate views of an
isolation mount with individual elastomeric elements;
Figures 12A, 12B, and 12C illustrate views of an isolation mount with
individual elastomeric elements;
Figures 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, and 13E illustrate views of an isolation
mount with individual elastomeric elements; and
Figures 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E and 14F illustrate views of an
isolation mount with individual elastomeric elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in
the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to
those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the
invention as described herein, including the detailed description which follows,
the claims, as well as the appended drawings. Reference will now be made in
detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of
which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
As shown in Figure 1A and 1B, an exemplary engine mount 100
according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of
individual elastomeric elements 101 A, 101B pre-loaded in compression
between outer and inner members 103 and 105 to form a V-configuration like
mount. In the current application, the pair of individual elastomeric elements
101A, 101B can also be generally referred as an elastomeric member.
Additional views of an exemplary engine mount 100 are shown in Figures 8A-
8D with inner and outer engine mount members 103, 105 assembled together
with slidably mounted individual elastomeric elements 101 A, 101B.
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Outer member 103 has a pair of outer plates 107A, 107B projecting
from a generally rectangular base 109 and diverging symmetrically from and
at an angle to each other. Suitable angles are determined dependent upon a
supporting structure such as a vehicle and engine drive system (not shown),
to which the engine bracket outer member 103 is mounted, as could be
generally understood by the people in the art. Flange 111 at a corner of base
109 includes holes 113 extending therethrough for receiving bolts on the
vehicle engine drive system which is to be isolated from the vehicle
supporting structure chassis.
Inner member 105 also has a pair of inner plates 115A, 115B
projecting from a joint 117 at one end of the inner plates and extending
substantially parallel to the respective outer plates 107A, 107B. The other
ends of the inner plates 115A, 115B are joined by yet another plate 119 such
that the inner member 105 exhibits a solid triangle configuration. Elongate
hole 121 extends through inner member 105 receiving a connecting fixture or
bolt for attachment to the vehicle supporting structure chassis.
Inner and outer members 103 and 105 are preferably castings of high
strength ductile iron or aluminum for strength and durability. Each individual
elastomeric element 101 A, 101B has a generally cuboid shape as shown in
Figures 2A and 2B. The top and bottoms surfaces of each elastomeric
element are planarly abutting and contiguous with respective outer and inner
plates respectively, when the engine mount is assembled as shown in Figures
1A and 1B. The fact that the elastomeric elements 101 A, 101B are
independent from each other may allow relatively easy assembly of the
engine mount 100 and thereby may benefit the manufacture efficiency of the
engine mount 100. Furthermore, the relatively simple configuration of the
elastomeric element 101 A, 101B may increase the capacity of the fabricating
process in the molding press and consequently the manufacture efficiency of
the engine mount 100 as well. Preferably the elastomeric elements 101 have
a substantially parallel planar plate orientation, with the elastomer bonded
between its two substantially planar rigid metal plates with a parallel planar
plate orientation to provide a planar plate sandwich configuration, with the
elastomeric elements 101 slidably mountable.
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Preferably the V-configuration, which the engine mount 100 utilizes,
provides and assists in obtaining an appropriate ratio of stiffness of the engine
mount in order to reduce vibration.
In Figures 2A and 2B, each elastomeric element 101 A, 101B has an
elastomeric component 205A, 205B of a simple configuration, i.e., a generally
cuboid shape in the exemplary embodiment, and a top and a bottom rigid
nonelastomeric metal plate 201 A, 201B, 203A, 203B respectively bonded to
the top and bottom of each respective elastomeric component 205A, 205B.
Components 205A, 205B may be made of an elastomer, such as a natural
rubber, neoprene, Buna, nitrile, and so on to provide soft vertical and lateral
nominal spring rates with a stiffness ratio.
Preferably the elastomeric component 205A, 205B are mold bonded to
the top and a bottom metal plate 201 A, 201B, 203A, 203B in an elastomer
press mold, preferably with a rubber to metal bonding adhesive ensuring the
bonding of the elastomer to the metal plates. Preferably the elastomeric
component 205A, 205B are a mold bonded elastomeric block components
with the elastomer bonded to the rigid top and a bottom metal plate 201 A,
201B, 203A, 203B during the molding of the elastomer 572 to the rigid metal
top and a bottom metal plate members 201 A, 201B, 203A, 203B with a rubber
to metal bonding agent in an elastomer press mold 570 that accepts the
substantially planar rigid metal plate members such as shown in Figures 5-7B.
Preferably the elastomer press mold 570 receives the substantially rigid metal
plate member 201 and 203 with the rigid plate members planes oriented
substantially parallel, with the rigid plate members including their already
formed opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating
members 99, such as elongated channels 211. Preferably the method of
making the engine mount 100 includes providing an elastomeric element mold
570 for receiving the nonelastomeric rigid metal top and bottom metal plate
members, providing an elastomer 572, and molding the elastomer 572 to the
nonelastomeric metal plate members inside the mold 570. Preferably the
elastomer 570 is comprised of a natural rubber elastomer. In embodiments
such as shown in Figures 5-7B molding in the mold includes providing the
elastomer 572 as an elastomer transfer stock 572, and transferring the
elastomer transfer stock 572 under a pressure into the mold 570, such as
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through a sprue 580 with the mold 570 comprising close fitting steel metal
pieces pressed in place, and vulcanizing curing the elastomer 572 inside the
mold 570 under a molding pressure, preferably a molding pressure of at least
300psi, dependent upon the elastomer modulus,
The top and bottom plates 201 A, 201B, 203A, 203B, which now define
the top and bottom surfaces of the elastomeric element 101 A, 101B, have a
generally planar rectangular shape. The top and bottom plates 201 A, 201B,
203A, 203B are formed from a nonelastomeric rigid material, preferably
stamped from a high-strength, cold-rolled steel sheet, grade 80 and, if
desired, may be bonded to elastomeric components 205A and 205B with an
adhesive such as the Lord Chemlok 205 and Chemlok EP6788-50 rubber to
metal bonding system.
In embodiments such as shown in Figures 1-6, 8-9 preferably, at one
side of each top plate 201 A, 201B, a portion of the plate is folded away from
the elastomeric component 205A, 205B to form a projection 207A, 207B
projecting substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the top plate
201 A, 201B extends. Preferably a hole or aperture 209A, 209B is provided on
each projection 207A, 207B so as to be bolted to the respective outer plate
107A, 107B of the outer member 103, preferably to attach and secure the
position of the elastomeric element.
Preferably each bottom plate 203 is substantially planar and includes
opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members 99 for
slidably mounting the elastomeric elements 101 to the opposing
corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members 99 of the inner
plates 115. In preferred embodiments the bottom plate's opposing
corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members 99 are a pair of
elongate channels 211 A, 211B formed at two opposite sides of the bottom
planar plate 203A, 203B for slidably mounting each elastomeric element
101 A, 101B onto respective inner plate 115A, 115B, which will be discussed
in further details with reference to Figure 3. The channels are preferably
comprised of protruding portion 213A, 213B of the bottom plate 203A, 203B
protruding firstly away from the elastomeric component 205A, 205B
perpendicularly and then protruding towards each other substantially parallel
to the direction in which the bottom plate 203A, 203B extends, with the
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opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating channels
slidably matable with the corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating
rails of inner plate 115A, 115B.
Figure 3 illustrates the slidably mounting assembling of an elastomeric
element 101A onto a respective inner plate 115A. Preferably the substantially
planar inner plate 115 includes a pair of opposing corresponding elongated
sliding channel rail mating members 99 for accepting the pair of opposing
corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members 99 of the
substantially planar bottom plate 115. In a preferred embodiment the pair of
opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members 99
are comprised of a pair of extensions or rails 301A (only one rail 301A is
shown in Figure 3, but the pair of rails 301B of the other inner plate 115B are
shown) are provided at two sides of the inner plate 115A such that the mating
channels 211A on the bottom plate 203A of the elastomeric element 101a can
slide along the rails downwards until the elastomeric element 101A is fully
assembled onto the respective inner plate 115A. Some space 303 is left
around the joint between the rails 301 A, 301B for allowing easy assemble of
the elastomeric element. Furthermore, the opposing corresponding elongated
sliding channel rail mating member channels 211A and respective rails 301A
are configured such that the channels are capably of relatively tightly gripping
the rails. Though such grip assists retaining each individual elastomeric
element on respective inner plate, the elastomeric elements are fully retained
in position after the outer member is bolted thereto. Figure 9A-B show an
isolation mount embodiment of the invention utilizing four individual
elastomeric elements 101 (101 A, 101B, 101C, 101D). As shown in Figures
9A-B two pairs of individual elastomeric elements 101, such as used in
Figures 1-6, 8, are used in the assembly of an engine isolation mount having
an X-configuration, that provides and assists in obtaining an appropriate ratio
of stiffness of the engine mount in order to reduce vibration.
A further embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 10. As shown
in Figure 10 the inner member 105 includes substantially planar inner plates
115 with a pairs of opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail
mating members 99 for accepting the pair of opposing corresponding
elongated sliding channel rail mating members 99 of the substantially planar
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bottom plate 115. As shown in FigurelOE, the individual elastomeric elements
101 preferably are comprised of the nonelastomeric rigid planar plates 203
with the opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating
members 99 comprised of protruding elongated rails 301 that mate with the
elongated channels 211 in the inner member 105 at the inner plated 115. In
embodiments the substantially planar nonelastomeric rigid plates 201 and 203
are formed from a rigid metal or other rigid material such as Nylon 66, in
preferred embodiments the substantially planar nonelastomeric rigid plates
201 and 203 are formed from a metal, such as from a stamped steel or
aluminum plate or an extruded aluminum plate. 13. As shown in Figure 10, a
preferred embodiment of the vehicle drive train isolation mount includes at
least one elastomeric snubber member 400. As shown in Figure 10, the
isolation mount inner member includes a pair of snubber opposing
corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members 99 at two
opposite sides, and an elastomeric snubber member 400 wherein the
elastomeric snubber member 400 has a pair of opposing corresponding
elongated sliding channel rail mating members 99 at two opposite sides of its
rigid plate for slidabiy mounting with the respective inner member snubber
opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members 99 of
the inner member 105. Preferably the snubber member 400 includes a
substantially planar nonelastomeric rigid plate having a planar orientation,
with the snubber member plate planar orientation substantially normal to the
planes of the inner member first and second inner plates 115. As shown in
Figure 10B, preferably the elastomeric snubber member 400 is slidabiy
mounted with the inner member snubber opposing corresponding elongated
sliding channel rail mating members 99 and inhibits a removal movement of
the first and second individual elastomeric elements 201 from said inner
member 105, preferably as shown the snubber member 400 is a keystone
snubber plate locking in the elastomeric elements rigid metal plates of the first
and second individual elastomeric elements 201 and the top snubber member
400 that are already slidabiy mounted to the inner member 105.
The invention includes a vehicle engine power train drive system
isolation mount for supporting and isolating one part from another. Preferably
the isolation mount provides a vehicle engine power train drive system part
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mounted to and isolated from a vehicle chassis part. Preferably the vehicle
power train isolation mount includes an inner member 105 formed to be
connected to one of the parts, preferably either the vehicle engine power train
drive system part or the vehicle chassis part. The inner member 105 includes
a first and a second inner plate 115 being connected at one end and
extending at a first angle with respect to each other, the inner member
preferably having a third and a fourth inner plate 115 being connected at one
end and extending at a second angle with respect to each other. Preferably
the vehicle power train isolation mount includes an outer member 103 formed
to be connected to the other one of the parts (vehicle engine power train drive
system part or vehicle chassis part that the inner member is not connected
to). The outer member 103 has a first and a second outer plate 107 being
connected at one end and extending at a third angle with respect to each
other, preferably with the outer member 103 having a third and a fourth outer
plate 107 being connected at one end and extending at a fourth angle with
respect to each other. The isolation mount includes a first individual
elastomeric element 101 compressed between the first inner plate 115 and
the first outer plate 107, a second individual elastomeric element 101
compressed between the second inner plate 115 and the second outer plate
107, a third individual elastomeric element 101 compressed between the third
inner plate 115 and the third outer plate 107, a fourth individual elastomeric
element 101 compressed between the fourth inner plate 115 and the fourth
outer plate 107. Preferably each individual elastomeric element 101 is slidably
mounted to its respective inner plate 115. Preferably each inner plate 115 has
a pair of opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating
members 99 at its two opposite sides, and wherein each elastomeric element
101 has a pair of opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail
mating members 99 at its two opposite sides for slidably mounting with the
respective inner plate opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail
mating members 99 for slidably mounting each individual elastomeric element
101 to its respective inner plate 115. Preferably the inner plate pair of
opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members 99
are substantially parallel to each other. Preferably the elastomeric element
pair of opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating
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members 99 are substantially parallel to each other. In a preferred alternative
embodiment the individual elastomeric element 101 is slidably mounted to its
respective outer plate 107, with the outer plate 107 having a pair of opposing
corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members 99 at its two
opposite sides, and wherein the elastomeric element 101 has a pair of
opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members 99 at
its two opposite sides for slidably mounting with the respective outer plate
opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members 99 for
slidably mounting the individual elastomeric element 101 to its respective
outer plate. Preferably the inner plate 115 is substantially planar and has a
pair of opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating
members 99 at its two opposite sides, and wherein each elastomeric element
101 has a bonded first metal rigid substantially planar plate 203 with a pair of
opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members 99 at
its two opposite sides for slidably mounting with the respective inner plate
opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members 99 for
slidably mounting each individual elastomeric element 101 to its respective
inner plate115. Preferably the elastomeric element pair of opposing
corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members 99 are
substantially parallel to each other, and each of the elastomeric elements 101
has a bonded second metal rigid substantially planar plate 201, the bonded
second metal rigid substantially planar plate 201 substantially parallel to the
bonded first metal rigid substantially planar plate 203. Preferably the outer
plate 107 is substantially planar for abutment with the bonded second metal
rigid substantially planar plate 201, wherein movement between the outer
plate 107 and the bonded second metal rigid planar plate 201 is inhibited,
preferably including an attachment means such as projection 207 with bolt
screw hole 209. Preferably each elastomeric element 201 includes an
elastomeric component 205 and a first metal plate bonded 203 to the
elastomeric component 205 and being contiguous with its respective inner
plate 115 when the elastomeric element 201 is assembled to its respective
inner plate 115, and wherein each of two opposite sides of each metal plate
includes the opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating
members 99 at its two opposite sides for slidably mounting with the respective
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inner plate opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating
members 99. Preferably each elastomeric element 201 includes an
elastomeric component 205 and a second metal plate 201 bonded to the
elastomeric component 205 and being contiguous with its respective outer
plate 107 when the elastomeric element 201 is assembled to its respective
outer plate 107. In an alternative embodiment each of two opposite sides of
each metal plate includes the opposing corresponding elongated sliding
channel rail mating members 99 at its two opposite sides for slidably mounting
with the respective outer plate opposing corresponding elongated sliding
channel rail mating members 99. Preferably each individual elastomeric
element 201 includes a molded elastomer rubber block elastomeric
component 205 bonded to a nonelastomeric element rigid metal plate,
preferably with a first rigid metal plate 203 and an opposing second rigid metal
plate 201 such that movements of the individual elastomeric elements 101
relative to the respective inner member inner plate 115 or the outer member
outer plate 107 are prevented.
The invention includes a vehicle engine power train drive system
isolation mount elastomeric sandwich member for sandwiching between an
inner and an outer member of an isolation mount which is to support and
isolate one part from another part. Preferably the isolation mount supports
and isolates a vehicle engine power train drive system part from a vehicle
chassis part. Preferably the inner member 105 is formed to be connected to
one of the parts and has at least a first and a second inner plate 115 which
are preferably connected at one end and extend at a first angle with respect to
each other. Preferably the outer member 103 is formed to be connected to
one of the parts and has at least a first and a second outer plate 107 which
are preferably connected at one end and extend at a second angle with
respect to each other. The elastomeric sandwich member is comprised of an
individual elastomeric element 101 for compression between the first inner
platel 15 and the first outer plate 107, with the individual elastomeric element
101 slidably mountable to the first inner platel 15. In an alternative
embodiment the elastomeric sandwich member individual elastomeric
element 101 is slidably mountable to the first outer plate 107. Preferably the
first inner plate 115 has a pair of opposing corresponding elongated sliding
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channel rail mating members 99 at its two opposite sides, and elastomeric
sandwich member individual elastomeric element 101 has a pair of opposing
corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members 99 at its two
opposite sides for slidably mounting with the respective inner plate 115
opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members 99 for
slidably mounting each individual elastomeric element 101 to its respective
inner plate . Preferably the individual elastomeric element pair of opposing
corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members 99 are
substantially parallel to each other. Preferably the individual elastomeric
element 101 includes an elastomeric component 205 and a first rigid metal
plate 203 bonded to the elastomeric component 205 and is contiguous with
the inner plate 115 when the elastomeric element 101 is assembled to the
inner plate 115, with each of two opposite sides of the individual elastomeric
element first rigid metal plate 203 having the opposing corresponding
elongated sliding channel rail mating members 99 at its two opposite sides for
slidably mounting with the inner plate 115 opposing corresponding elongated
sliding channel rail mating members 99. Preferably each individual
elastomeric element 101 includes a molded elastomer rubber block
elastomeric component 205 bonded to an elastomeric element rigid metal
plate, preferably a first rigid metal plate 203 and an opposing second rigid
metal plate 201 with the elastomeric element rigid metal plate including the
elongated sliding channel rail mating members 99 and a planar base for
contiguous abutment with the inner plate 115 when assembled to the inner
plate 115, such that movements of the individual elastomeric elements 101
relative to the respective inner member inner plate 115 or the outer member
outer plate 107 are prevented. Preferably the elastomeric element 101
includes a molded elastomer rubber block elastomeric component 205
bonded to a first inner elastomeric element substantially planar rigid metal
plate 203 and an opposing second inner elastomeric element substantially
planar rigid metal plate 201, with the plane of the first inner elastomeric
element substantially planar rigid metal plate 203 substantially parallel with
the plane of the opposing second inner elastomeric element substantially
planar rigid metal plate 201. Preferably each individual elastomeric element
101 includes a molded elastomer rubber block elastomeric component
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bonded 205 to a first inner elastomeric element rigid metal plate 203 and an
opposing second inner elastomeric element rigid metal plate 201 with the
elastomeric element rigid metal plate including the elongated sliding channel
rail mating members 99 and a planar base for contiguous abutment with the
inner plate 115 when assembled to the inner plate such that movements of
the individual elastomeric elements 101 relative to the respective inner
member inner plate 115 or the outer member outer plate 107 are prevented.
Preferably the elastomeric element 101 includes a molded elastomeric block
205 having a second metal plate 201 mold bonded to an opposing surface,
and wherein the second plate 201 is attached to the outer plate 107 such that
movements of the elastomeric element 101 relative to the respective inner
and outer plate are prevented.
The invention includes a method of making a vehicle engine power
train drive system isolation mount for supporting and isolating one part from
another. Preferably the method provides a means for a vehicle engine power
train drive system part mounted to and isolated from a vehicle chassis part.
Preferably the method includes providing an inner member 105 which is
formed to be connected to one of the parts and has at least a first and a
second inner plate 115 preferably being connected at one end and extending
at a first angle with respect to each other. Preferably the method includes
providing an outer member 103 which is formed to be connected to one of the
parts and has at least a first and a second outer plate 107 preferably being
connected at one end and extending at a second angle with respect to each
other. Preferably the method includes providing a plurality of individual
elastomeric member elements 101, the plurality of individual elastomeric
member elements 101 formed from a plurality of elastomers 205 mold bonded
between a plurality of individual elastomeric member element rigid metal
plates 203 and 201. Preferably the method includes selecting a first individual
elastomeric member element 101, selecting a second individual elastomeric
member element 101, and disposing the selected first individual elastomeric
member element 101 in compression between the inner member first inner
plate 115 and the outer member first outer plate 107, and disposing the
selected second individual elastomeric member element 101 in compression
between the inner member second inner plate 115 and the outer member
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second outer plate 107 to provide the vehicle engine power train drive system
isolation mount for supporting and isolating the one part from the another part.
Preferably the method provides the isolation mount for a vehicle engine power
train drive system part mounted to and isolated from a vehicle chassis part.
Preferably the method includes slidably mounting the first individual
elastomeric element 101 to the inner member first inner plate 115, and
slidably mounting the second individual elastomeric element 101 to the inner
member second inner plate 115. Preferably providing the plurality of
individual elastomeric member elements 101 with rigid metal plates 203, 201,
includes providing individual elastomeric member elements 101 with rigid
plates including pairs of opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail
mating members 99 at its two opposite sides for slidably mounting with the
respective inner plate 115 opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel
rail mating members 99, for slidably mounting each individual elastomeric
element to its respective inner plate. Preferably providing the plurality of
individual elastomeric member elements 101 formed from the plurality of
elastomers 205 mold bonded between the plurality of individual elastomeric
member element rigid metal plates, includes providing at least a first
elastomer 572 and a second different elastomer 572. Preferably the different
elastomers are different in terms of elastomer composition, with the first and
second elastomer differentiated by their respective composition. In a preferred
embodiment the different elastomer composition are selected from elastomers
comprised of different elastomer components. In a preferred embodiment the
elastomers are chosen from the elastomer components group comprised of
natural rubber (natural polyisoprene), synthetic polyisoprene (synthetic natural
rubber), styrene butadiene, polybutadiene, butyl, chlorobutyl, ethylene,
propylene, ethylene propylene diene monomer, chloroprene, chloro-
sulfonated polyethylene, nitrile butadiene, epichlorohydrin, polyacrylate,
polysulfide, polysiloxane, fluoro vinyl methyl siloxane, fluorinated
hydrocarbon, urethane, and polynor-bornene. Preferably the different
elastomers are different in terms of elastomer hardness properties. In a
preferred embodiment providing the plurality of individual elastomeric member
elements formed from the plurality of elastomers mold bonded between the
plurality of individual elastomeric member element rigid metal plates, includes
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providing at least a first elastomer with a first elastomer Shore A Hardness A1
and at least a second elastomer with a second elastomer Shore A Hardness
A2, wherein the first elastomer Shore A Hardness A1 is greater than the
second elastomer Shore A Hardness A2. Preferably the different elastomers
are chosen from the elastomer group comprised of elastomers having
different Shore A Hardness in the range from 30-100. Preferably the different
elastomers are selected from the elastomer group comprised of different
Shore A Hardness elastomers chosen from the Shore A Hardness sub ranges
of: 30-39 Shore A Hardness, 40-49 Shore A Hardness, 50-53 Shore A
Hardness, 54-57 Shore A Hardness, 58-61 Shore A Hardness, 62-65 Shore A
Hardness, 66-69 Shore A Hardness, 70-73 Shore A Hardness, 74-77 Shore A
Hardness, 78-81 Shore A Hardness, 82-85 Shore A Hardness, 86-89 Shore A
Hardness, 90-93 Shore A Hardness, 94-97 Shore A Hardness, and 97-100
Shore A Hardness. In an embodiment providing the plurality of individual
elastomeric member elements 101 with rigid metal plates 201, 203, includes
providing includes providing at least a first individual elastomeric member
element 101 with a first elastomer 205 thickness T1 between a first individual
elastomeric member element rigid metal plate 203 and a second individual
elastomeric member element rigid metal plate 201, and providing at least a
second individual elastomeric member element 101 with a second elastomer
205 thickness T2 between a third individual elastomeric member element rigid
metal plate 203 and a fourth individual elastomeric member element rigid
metal plate 201 with T1 < T2, preferably selected from a variety of elastomer
205 thicknesses to provide different levels of elastomer 205 precompression
when assembled between the inner plate 115 and the outer plate 107.
The invention includes a method of making a vehicle engine power
train drive system isolation mount for supporting and isolating a vehicle
engine power train drive system part from a vehicle chassis part. The method
includes providing an inner member 105 having at least a first and a second
inner plate 115, preferably being connected at one end and extending at a
first angle with respect to each other. The method includes providing an outer
member 103 having at least a first and a second outer plate 107, preferably
being connected at one end and extending at a second angle with respect to
each other. The method includes providing a plurality of slidably mountable
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individual elastomeric member elements 101, the plurality of slidably
mountable individual elastomeric member elements 101 divided into at least a
first slidably mountable individual elastomeric member element group with the
first slidably mountable individual elastomeric member element group
elastomeric member elements are substantially identical. Preferably the
elastomeric member element group is substantially identical in terms of a
common substantially identical elastomer composition, elastomer Shore A
Hardness, and elastomer thickness, most preferably with the elastomeric
member element group produced in the same molding batch. The method
includes providing a plurality of slidably mountable individual elastomeric
member elements 101, the plurality of slidably mountable individual
elastomeric member elements 101 divided into at least a second slidably
mountable individual elastomeric member element group with the second
slidably mountable individual elastomeric member element group elastomeric
member elements are substantially identical (common elastomer composition,
elastomer Shore A Hardness, and elastomer thickness), with the second
slidably mountable individual elastomeric member element group
commonality different from the first slidably mountable individual elastomeric
member element group. The method includes selecting at least two desired
slidably mountable individual elastomeric member elements 101 from either
the first group or the second group, and slidably mounting a first one of the
selected at least two desired slidably mountable individual elastomeric
member elements 101 between the first inner plate 115 and the first outer
plate 107, and slidably mounting a second one of the selected at least two
desired slidably mountable individual elastomeric member elements 101
between the second inner plate 115 and the second outer plate 107 to provide
the vehicle engine power train drive system isolation mount. Preferably the
inner member 115 includes a third and a fourth inner plate 115, preferably
being connected at an end and extending at an angle with respect to each
other, and the outer member includes a third and a fourth outer plate 107,
preferably being connected at an end and extending at an angle with respect
to each other. Preferably the method includes selecting a third and a fourth
desired slidably mountable individual elastomeric member element 101 from a
group different than the selected first and second desired slidably mountable
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individual elastomeric member elements, and slidably mounting the selected
third desired slidably mountable individual elastomeric member element 101
between the third inner plate 115 and the third outer plate 107, and slidably
mounting the selected fourth desired slidably mountable individual elastomeric
member element 101 between the fourth inner plate 115 and the fourth outer
plate 107.
The invention includes a method of making n different types of vehicle
engine power train drive system isolation mounts with n being equal to or
greater than 2. Preferably method includes making the n different types of
vehicle engine power train drive system isolation mounts with a single
manufacturing facility. The method includes providing a plurality of slidably
mountable individual elastomeric member elements 101, the plurality of
individual elastomeric member elements 101 formed from a plurality of
elastomers 205 mold bonded to a plurality of individual elastomeric member
element rigid metal plates 203, with the rigid plates 203 including a pair of
opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members 99 at
its two opposite sides for slidably mounting with the respective inner plate 115
opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members 99,
for slidably mounting each individual elastomeric element 101 to its respective
inner plate 115. The method includes providing a first inner member 105
having at least a first and a second inner plate 115, preferably being
connected at one end and extending at a first angle with respect to each
other, and providing a first outer member 103 having at least a first and a
second outer plate 107 preferably being connected at one end and extending
at a first angle with respect to each other. The method includes slidably
mounting a first individual elastomeric member element 101 and a second
individual elastomeric member element 101 to the first inner member 105 to
provide a first type of the isolation mounts. The method includes providing a
second inner member 105 having at least a first and a second inner plate 115,
preferably being connected at one end and extending at a first angle with
respect to each other, and providing a second outer member 103 having at
least a first and a second outer plate 107. The method includes slidably
mounting a third individual elastomeric member element 101 and a fourth
individual elastomeric member element 101 to the second inner member 105
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to provide a second type of the isolation mount, the second type of the
isolation mount different from the first type of isolation mount. Preferably
providing a plurality of slidably mountable individual elastomeric member
elements 101, includes providing a plurality of slidably mountable individual
elastomeric member elements 101 divided into at least a first slidably
mountable individual elastomeric member element group with the first slidably
mountable individual elastomeric member element group elastomeric member
elements are substantially identical (first common elastomer composition,
elastomer Shore A Hardness, and elastomer thickness), and divided into at
least a second slidably mountable individual elastomeric member element
group with the second slidably mountable individual elastomeric member
element group elastomeric member elements are substantially identical
(second common elastomer composition, elastomer Shore A Hardness, and
elastomer thickness), with the second slidably mountable individual
elastomeric member element group different from the first slidably mountable
individual elastomeric member element group.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications
and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present
invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they
come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
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CLAIMS
What is claimed is:
1. An isolation mount for supporting and isolating one part from another,
comprising:
an inner member formed to be connected to one of the parts, the inner
member having a first and a second inner plate being connected at one end
and extending at a first angle with respect to each other; and
an outer member formed to be connected to one of the parts, the outer
member having a first and a second outer plate being connected at one end
and extending at a second angle with respect to each other;
characterized in that the isolation mount further comprises a first and a
second individual elastomeric element compressed between and respective
inner and outer plates.
2. The isolation mount of claim 1, wherein the pair of elastomeric
elements are of at least substantially symmetrical or identical configuration.
3. The isolation mount of claim 1, wherein each individual elastomeric
element is slidably mounted to its respective inner plate.
4. The isolation mount of claim 3, wherein each inner plate has a pair of
rails at its two opposite sides, and wherein each elastomeric element has a
pair of mating channels at its respective two opposite side for slidably
mounting each elastomeric element to its respective inner plate.
5. The isolation mount of claim 4, wherein the channels are at least
substantially parallel to each other.
6. The isolation mount of claim 4, wherein each elastomeric element
includes an elastomeric component and a first metal plate bonded to the
elastomeric component and being contiguous with its respective inner plate
when the elastomeric element is assembled to its respective inner plate, and
wherein each of two opposite sides of each metal plate is folded outwardly
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and subsequently in a direction at least substantially parallel to the metal plate
and towards each other for forming the channels on the two opposite sides.
7. The isolation mount of claim 1, wherein each elastomeric element is of
an at least substantially cuboid shape.
8. The isolation mount of claim 1, wherein each elastomeric element is
designed to be a rubber block having a second metal plate bonded to one of
its top and bottom surfaces, and wherein each second metal plate is bolted to
the respective outer plate such that movements of the elastomeric elements
relative to the respective inner or outer plate are prevented.
9. The isolation mount of claim 1, wherein each inner plate extends at
least substantially straight such that the isolation mount exhibits a V shape.
10. The isolation mount of claim 1, wherein the outer member is a casting
of aluminum.
11. The isolation mount of claim 1, wherein the outer member is a ductile
iron casting and the inner member is an aluminum casting.
12. The isolation mount of claim 1, wherein the outer member is an
aluminum casting and the inner member is a ductile iron casting.
13. The isolation mount of claim 1, wherein said inner member includes a
pair of snubber opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating
members, and an elastomeric snubber member wherein said elastomeric
snubber member has a pair of opposing corresponding elongated sliding
channel rail mating members for slidably mounting with the respective inner
member snubber opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail
mating members.
14. The isolation mount of claim 13, wherein elastomeric snubber member
slidably mounted with said inner member snubber opposing corresponding
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elongated sliding channel rail mating members inhibits a removal of said first
and second individual elastomeric elements from said inner member.
15. An elastomeric member sandwiched between an inner and an outer
member of an isolation mount, which is to support and isolate one part from
another, wherein the inner member is formed to be connected to one of the
parts and has a first and a second inner plate being connected at one end and
extending at a first angle with respect to each other, wherein the outer
member is formed to be connected to one of the parts and has a first and a
second outer plate being connected at one end and extending at a second
angle with respect to each other, characterized in that the elastomeric
member comprises
a first and a second individual elastomeric element compressed between said
respective inner and outer plates.
16. The elastomeric member of claim 15, wherein the pair of elastomeric
elements are of at least substantially symmetrical or identical configuration.
17. The elastomeric member of claim 15, wherein each individual
elastomeric element is slidably mounted to its respective inner plate.
18. The elastomeric member of claim 15, wherein each inner plate has a
pair of rails at its two opposite sides, and wherein each elastomeric element
has a pair of mating channels at its respective two opposite side for slidably
mounting each elastomeric element to its respective inner plate.
19. The elastomeric member of claim 18, wherein the channels are at least
substantially parallel to each other.
20. The elastomeric member of claim 18, wherein each elastomeric
element includes a first metal plate being contiguous with its respective inner
plate when the elastomeric element is assembled to its respective inner plate,
and wherein each of two opposite sides of each metal plate protrudes
outwardly and subsequently in a direction at least substantially parallel to the
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metal plate and towards each other for forming the channels on the two
opposite sides.
21. The elastomeric member of claim 15, wherein each elastomeric
element is of an at least substantially cuboidshape.
22. The elastomeric member of claim 15, wherein each elastomeric
element is a molded elastomeric block having a second metal plate mounted
to one of its top or bottom surfaces, and wherein each second metal plate is
attached to the respective outer plate such that movements of the elastomeric
elements relative to the respective inner or outer plate are prevented.
23. A method of making an isolation mount for supporting and isolating one
part from another, said method comprising: providing an inner member which
is formed to be connected to one of the parts and has a first and a second
inner plate being connected at one end and extending at a first angle with
respect to each other, providing an outer member which is formed to be
connected to one of the parts and has a first and a second outer plate being
connected at one end and extending at a second angle with respect to each
other, providing an individual elastomeric member element , said individual
elastomeric member element formed from an elastomer mold bonded
between a first metal plate and a second metal plate, and compressing and
sandwiching said individual elastomeric member element between the inner
member first inner plate and the outer member first outer plate.
24. A method as claimed in claim 23 including providing a second
individual elastomeric member element, said second individual elastomeric
member element formed from a second elastomer mold bonded between a
first metal plate and a second metal plate, and compressing and sandwiching
said second individual elastomeric member element between the inner
member second inner plate and the outer member second outer plate.
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25. An isolation mount for supporting and isolating one part from another,
comprising:
an inner member formed to be connected to one of the parts, the inner
member having a first and a second inner plate being connected at one end
and extending at a first angle with respect to each other, said inner member
having a third and a fourth inner plate being connected at one end and
extending at a second angle with respect to each other; and
an outer member formed to be connected to one of the parts, the outer
member having a first and a second outer plate being connected at one end
and extending at a third angle with respect to each other, the outer member
having a third and a fourth outer plate being connected at one end and
extending at a fourth angle with respect to each other;
wherein said isolation mount includes a first individual elastomeric element
compressed between said first inner plate and said first outer plate,
a second individual elastomeric element compressed between said second
inner plate and said second outer plate,
a third individual elastomeric element compressed between said third inner
plate and said third outer plate,
a fourth individual elastomeric element compressed between said fourth inner
plate and said fourth outer plate.
26. The isolation mount of claim 25, wherein each individual elastomeric
element is slidably mounted to its respective inner plate.
27. The isolation mount of claim 26, wherein each inner plate has a pair of
opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members, and
wherein each elastomeric element has a pair of opposing corresponding
elongated sliding channel rail mating members for slidably mounting with the
respective inner plate opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail
mating members.
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28. The isolation mount of claim 27, wherein said inner plate pair of
opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members are
substantially parallel to each other.
29. The isolation mount of claim 27, wherein said elastomeric element pair
of opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members are
substantially parallel to each other.
30. The isolation mount of claim 25, wherein each individual elastomeric
element is slidably mounted to its respective outer plate.
31. The isolation mount of claim 30, wherein each outer plate has a pair of
opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members, and
wherein each elastomeric element has a pair of opposing corresponding
elongated sliding channel rail mating members for slidably mounting with the
respective outer plate opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail
mating members.
32. The isolation mount of claim 26, wherein each inner plate is
substantially planar and has a pair of opposing corresponding elongated
sliding channel rail mating members, and wherein each elastomeric element
has a bonded first rigid substantially planar plate with a pair of opposing
corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members for slidably
mounting with the respective inner plate opposing corresponding elongated
sliding channel rail mating members
33. The isolation mount of claim 32, wherein said elastomeric element pair
of opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members are
substantially parallel to each other, and said each elastomeric element has a
bonded second rigid substantially planar plate, said bonded second rigid
substantially planar plate substantially parallel to said bonded first rigid
substantially planar plate.
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34. The isolation mount of claim 27, wherein each elastomeric element
includes an elastomeric component and a first metal plate bonded to the
elastomeric component and being contiguous with its respective inner plate
when the elastomeric element is assembled to its respective inner plate, and
wherein each of two opposite sides of each metal plate includes said
opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members for
slidably mounting with the respective inner plate opposing corresponding
elongated sliding channel rail mating members.
35. The isolation mount of claim 31, wherein each elastomeric element
includes an elastomeric component and a second metal plate bonded to the
elastomeric component and being contiguous with its respective outer plate
when the elastomeric element is assembled to its respective outer plate, and
wherein each of two opposite sides of each metal plate includes said
opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members for
slidably mounting with the respective outer plate opposing corresponding
elongated sliding channel rail mating members.
36. The isolation mount of claim 25, wherein each individual elastomeric
element includes a molded elastomer bonded to a nonelastomeric element
rigid plate such that movements of the individual elastomeric elements relative
to the respective inner member inner plate or the outer member outer plate
are prevented.
37. An elastomeric sandwich member for sandwiching between an inner
and an outer member of an isolation mount, which is to support and isolate
one part from another for supporting and isolating one part from another,
wherein the inner member is formed to be connected to one of the parts and
has at least a first inner plate, wherein the outer member is formed to be
connected to one of the parts and has at least a first outer plate, said
elastomeric sandwich member comprised of an individual elastomeric element
for compression between said first inner plate and said first outer plate, said
individual elastomeric element slidably mountable to said first inner plate .
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38. The elastomeric sandwich member of claim 37, wherein said individual
elastomeric element is slidably mountable to said first outer plate.
39. The elastomeric sandwich member of claim 37, wherein said first inner
plate has a pair of opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail
mating members, and wherein said individual elastomeric element has a pair
of opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members for
slidably mounting with the respective inner plate opposing corresponding
elongated sliding channel rail mating members.
40. The elastomeric sandwich member of claim 39, wherein said individual
elastomeric element pair of opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel
rail mating members are substantially parallel to each other.
41. The elastomeric sandwich member of claim 39, wherein said individual
elastomeric element includes an elastomeric component and a first plate
bonded to the elastomeric component and being contiguous with the inner
plate when the elastomeric element is assembled to the inner plate, and
wherein each of two opposite sides of said individual elastomeric element first
plate includes said opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail
mating members for slidably mounting with the inner plate opposing
corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members.
42. The elastomeric sandwich member of claim 39, wherein each individual
elastomeric element includes a molded elastomer bonded to an elastomeric
element rigid plate.
43. The elastomeric sandwich member of claim 37, wherein said
elastomeric element includes a molded elastomer bonded to a first inner
elastomeric element substantially planar rigid plate and an opposing second
inner elastomeric element substantially planar rigid plate, with the plane of
said first inner elastomeric element substantially planar rigid plate
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substantially parallel with the plane of said opposing second inner elastomeric
element substantially planar rigid plate.
44. The elastomeric sandwich member of claim 37, wherein each individual
elastomeric element includes a molded elastomer bonded to a first inner
elastomeric element rigid plate and an opposing second inner elastomeric
element rigid metal plate.
45. The elastomeric sandwich member of claim 41 wherein said
elastomeric element includes a molded elastomeric block having a second
plate mold bonded to an opposing surface, and wherein said second plate is
attached to the outer plate such that movements of the elastomeric element
relative to the respective inner and outer plate are prevented.
46. A method of making an isolation mount for supporting and isolating one
part from another, said method comprising: providing an inner member which
is formed to be connected to one of the parts and has at least a first and a
second inner plate, providing an outer member which is formed to be
connected to one of the parts and has at least a first and a second outer plate,
providing a plurality of individual elastomeric member elements , said plurality
of individual elastomeric member elements formed from a plurality of
elastomers mold bonded between a plurality of individual elastomeric member
element rigid plates,
selecting a first individual elastomeric member element,
selecting a second individual elastomeric member element,
disposing said selected first individual elastomeric member element in
compression between said inner member first inner plate and the outer
member first outer plate,
disposing said selected second individual elastomeric member element in
compression between said inner member second inner plate and the outer
member second outer plate to provide said isolation mount for supporting and
isolating said one part from said another part.
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47. A method as claimed in claim 46, wherein said method includes
slidably mounting said first individual elastomeric element to said inner
member first inner plate, and slidably mounting said second individual
elastomeric element to said inner member second inner plate.
48. A method as claimed in claim 46, wherein providing said plurality of
individual elastomeric member elements with rigid plates, includes providing
individual elastomeric member elements with rigid plates including pairs of
opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members
49. A method as claimed in claim 46, wherein providing said plurality of
individual elastomeric member elements formed from said plurality of
elastomers mold bonded between said plurality of individual elastomeric
member element rigid plates, includes providing at least a first elastomer and
a second elastomer.
50. A method as claimed in claim 46, wherein providing said plurality of
individual elastomeric member elements formed from said plurality of
elastomers mold bonded between said plurality of individual elastomeric
member element rigid plates, includes providing at least a first elastomer with
a first elastomer
Shore A Hardness A1 and a at least a second elastomer with a second
elastomer Shore A Hardness A2, wherein said first elastomer
Shore A Hardness A1 is greater than said second elastomer Shore A
Hardness A2.
51. A method as claimed in claim 48, wherein providing said plurality of
individual elastomeric member elements with rigid plates, includes providing
includes providing at least a first individual elastomeric member element with
a first elastomer thickness T1 between a first individual elastomeric member
element rigid plate and a second individual elastomeric member element rigid
plate, and
providing at least a second individual elastomeric member element with a
second elastomer thickness T2 between a third individual elastomeric
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member element rigid plate and a fourth individual elastomeric member
element rigid plate.
52. A method of making a vehicle engine power train drive system isolation
mount for supporting and isolating a vehicle engine power train drive system
part from a vehicle chassis part, said method comprising:
providing an inner member having at least a first and a second inner plate,
providing an outer member having at least a first and a second outer plate,
providing a plurality of slidably mountable individual elastomeric member
elements, said plurality of slidably mountable individual elastomeric member
elements divided into at least a first slidably mountable individual elastomeric
member element group with said first slidably mountable individual
elastomeric member element group elastomeric member elements are
substantially identical, and into at least a second slidably mountable individual
elastomeric member element group with said second slidably mountable
individual elastomeric member element group elastomeric member elements
are substantially identical, with said second slidably mountable individual
elastomeric member element group different from said first slidably mountable
individual elastomeric member element group,
selecting at least two desired slidably mountable individual elastomeric
member elements from either said first group or said second group,
slidably mounting a first one of said selected at least two desired slidably
mountable individual elastomeric member elements between said first inner
plate and said first outer plate,
slidably mounting a second one of said selected at least two desired slidably
mountable individual elastomeric member elements between said second
inner plate and said second outer plate.
53. A method as claimed in claim 52, wherein said inner member includes
a third and a fourth inner plate, and said outer member includes a third and a
fourth outer plate,
selecting a third and a fourth desired slidably mountable individual elastomeric
member element from a group different than said selected first and second
desired slidably mountable individual elastomeric member elements,
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slidably mounting said selected third desired slidably mountable individual
elastomeric member element between said third inner plate and said third
outer plate, and slidably mounting said selected fourth desired slidably
mountable individual elastomeric member element between said fourth inner
plate and said fourth outer plate.
54. A method of making n different types of isolation mounts, with n being
equal to or greater than 2, said method comprising:
providing a plurality of slidably mountable individual elastomeric member
elements , said plurality of individual elastomeric member elements formed
from a plurality of elastomers mold bonded to a plurality of individual
elastomeric member element rigid plates, said rigid plates including a pair of
opposing corresponding elongated sliding channel rail mating members,
providing a first inner member having at least a first and a second inner plate,
and providing a first outer member having at least a first and a second outer
plate, slidably mounting a first individual elastomeric member element and a
second individual elastomeric member element to said first inner member to
provide a first type of said isolation mounts,
providing a second inner member having at least a first and a second inner
plate, and providing a second outer member having at least a first and a
second outer plate, slidably mounting a third individual elastomeric member
element and a fourth individual elastomeric member element to said second
inner member to provide a second type of said isolation mounts, said second
type of said isolation mount different from said first type.
55. A method as claimed in claim 54, wherein providing a plurality of
slidably mountable individual elastomeric member elements, includes
providing a plurality of slidably mountable individual elastomeric member
elements divided into at least a first slidably mountable individual elastomeric
member element group with said first slidably mountable individual
elastomeric member element group elastomeric member elements are
substantially identical, and divided into at least a second slidably mountable
individual elastomeric member element group with said second slidably
mountable individual elastomeric member element group elastomeric member
34

WO 2006/076720 PCT/US2006/001612
35
elements are substantially identical, with said second slidably mountable
individual elastomeric member element group different from said first slidably
mountable individual elastomeric member element group.

An isolation mount for supporting and isolating one part from another includes an inner
member formed to be connected to one of the parts and an outer member formed to
be connected to one of the parts. The inner member has a first and a second inner
plates being connected at one end and extending at a first angle with respect to each
other, the outer member also has a first and a second outer plates being connected at
one end and extending at a second angle with respect to each other. The isolation
mount further includes a first and a second individual elastomeric element compressed
between respective inner and outer plates.