Abstract: A fluid-filled elastomeric mounting for a vehicle suspension comprises an inner rigid member, an outer rigid member which surrounds and is spaced from the inner rigid member, a pair of longitudinally spaced load-bearing annular elastomeric elements which interconnect the rigid members and define a fluid chamber, and in the fluid chamber a partition member secured to the inner rigid member to provide fluid damping in response to relative longitudinal movement of the rigid members, the partition member incorporating an elastomeric buffer arranged to be subject to radial compression when a predetermined level of relative movement of the rigid members is exceeded.

Abstract: A flexible ball type joint or bearing is constructed by inserting into a generally tubular-shaped rigid outer housing an assembly of an inner rigid member having a curved surface of part-spherical or barrel shape, a layer of elastomeric material surrounding said curved surface, and an annular member the inner surface of which is of a part-spherical or barrel shape to conform generally with said curved surface of the inner rigid member, and said annular member having an outer surface which conforms generally to the shape of the rigid outer housing.Subsequent to insertion of the assembly in the rigid outer housing, the rigid outer housing is adapted to possess a pair of end abutments between which the assembly is located. The outer housing is then subject to radial compression. The annular member is formed of a material of a modulus of elasticity which is higher than that of the elastomeric material and lower than that of the rigid outer housing.

Abstract: Link means for connecting two components comprises a pair of axially spaced bushes each adapted for connection to a respective one of said components and an endless band extending between the bushes. Band has side portions disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the link means and end portions each disposed around a respective bush. Each end portion is positively secured to the associated bush by wrapping reinforcement material around the end portion and associated bush, preferably in a figure of eight pattern, such that band is capable of transmitting both tension and compression loads between the bushes.