Abstract: A vibration isolator assembly, such as an isolator bushing or cradle mount, includes a housing and an isolator connected to the housing. A shaft assembly includes first and second mating components, the first component being connected to the elastomer and having a cavity of a first dimension for receiving the second component having a different, second dimension therein. The differing dimensions alters the stress characteristics of the vibration isolator assembly. According to a preferred method of altering stress characteristics of a vibration isolator assembly, the method includes the steps of forming a cavity in the shaft and varying a dimension of the shaft to alter the spring rate characteristics. In the preferred arrangement, the shaft assembly includes a split, first component and a second component is inserted between the split portions to relieve tensile stress in the isolator and, if desired, to impart a compressive stress in the isolator.

Abstract: A vibration isolator assembly, such as an isolator bushing or cradle mount, includes a housing and an isolator connected to the housing. A shaft assembly includes first and second mating components, the first component being connected to the elastomer and having a cavity of a first dimension for receiving the second component having a different, second dimension therein. The differing dimensions alter the stress characteristics of the vibration isolator assembly. In the preferred arrangement, the shaft assembly includes a first component comprising first and second portions, a thin layer of elastomer interposed between the first and second components and a second component which is inserted between the portions to relieve tensile stress in the isolator and, if desired, to impart a compressive stress in the isolator. The thin layer of elastomer permits the first components to be made more economically.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a damper assembly for use in a vehicle structure that includes a spare tire mounted thereto is provided. The damper assembly includes a support member extending from the structure and a damper secured to the support member. The damper is operatively interposed between and interconnects the structure and the spare tire for modulating relative motion of the spare tire with respect to the structure for damping vibrations of the structure.

Abstract: A vibration isolator is provided that can produce spring rate characteristics of a large preloaded engine bushing mount while also controlling mount excursions similar to those encountered with a smaller engine bushing mount. The isolator assembly improves isolator retention under dislodging forces such as those produced during bumper impact events.

Abstract: A vibration isolator assembly, such as an isolator bushing or cradle mount, includes a housing and an isolator connected to the housing. A shaft assembly includes first and second mating components, the first component being connected to the elastomer and having a cavity of a first dimension for receiving the second component having a different, second dimension therein. The differing dimensions alters the stress characteristics of the vibration isolator assembly. According to a preferred method of altering stress characteristics of a vibration isolator assembly, the method includes the steps of forming a cavity in the shaft and varying a dimension of the shaft to alter the spring rate characteristics. In the preferred arrangement, the shaft assembly includes a split, first component and a second component is inserted between the split portions to relieve tensile stress in the isolator and, if desired, to impart a compressive stress in the isolator.

Abstract: A vibration isolator assembly, such as an isolator bushing or cradle mount, includes a housing and an isolator connected to the housing. A shaft assembly includes first and second mating components, the first component being connected to the elastomer and having a cavity of a first dimension for receiving the second component having a different, second dimension therein. The differing dimensions alter the stress characteristics of the vibration isolator assembly. In the preferred arrangement, the shaft assembly includes a first component comprising first and second portions, a thin layer of elastomer interposed between the first and second components and a second component which is inserted between the portions to relieve tensile stress in the isolator and, if desired, to impart a compressive stress in the isolator. The thin layer of elastomer permits the first components to be made more economically.