Abstract: A resilient alveolar block is provided for filtering vibrations, intended particularly to support an engine-gear box unit in a vehicle, wherein, in a rubber or elastomer block (1) cells (4, 5) are provided capable of communicating with the outside through passages for the moulding cores (respectively 2 and 3), the purpose of these cells being to obtain a very low constant stiffness of the block. The cells and their respective passages are distributed in identical superimposed layers, with two adjacent layers being offset by 90.degree. through rotation about the axis of the block so that, seen in projection, the spherical cells may be narrowly interleaved.

Abstract: The invention concerns seals particularly for rotating shafts.This seal, with a flexible membrane in the form of a cupola having an aperture for the shaft to pass therethrough, is characterized by the fact that said cupola has a thickness decreasing from its base to the contact ridge with the shaft, the elasticity necessary for maintaining the contact being obtained from the inherent rigidity of the membrane.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing device, such as a vehicle fender, comprises an assembly of interconnected elastomeric cells. The cells are arranged to extend at right angles to the forces to be absorbed and have a polygonal cross-section. The cells are formed so that, in absorbing forces, the device is initially resiliently deformed, then deformed by buckling of the cell walls and finally compressed.

Abstract: Plastic or elastomeric side elements of automobile bumpers are provided with shaped plates, attached thereto or embedded therein, which plates control the direction of buckling of the side elements when the bumper is driven inwardly upon impact of the vehicle. This inhibits damage to the fenders of the vehicle.

Abstract: A lip sealing ring has a lip engaging a shaft, the lip being at one end of a flexible sleeve which surrounds the shaft and is supported by its other end in a housing. The sealing lip is supported by a pair of stiffening rings, one on the inside and one on the outside of the sleeve, to ensure adequate sealing while allowing the sleeve to be sufficiently flexible to accommodate displacements of the shaft.

Abstract: A ball-joint coupling comprises a male coupling member and a female coupling member. The male coupling member includes a ball to which a layer of elastomeric material is bonded. A part-spherical cap is received on the ball over said elastomeric layer and is bonded to such layer. The female coupling member has a part-spherical socket to receive the cap. Retaining means are operative between the cap and the female coupling member to prevent relative rotation of the cap in the socket at least in the horizontal plane, so that relative movement between the male and female coupling member results in deformation of the elastomeric layer and consequent damping of the movement.

Abstract: The bumper bar of a vehicle is mounted by means of shock-absorbing resilient cushions which are arranged to be stressed in shear when forces are exerted longitudinally of the vehicle. Preferably the cushions are stressed partially in shear and partially in compression both for longitudinal forces and for lateral forces.