Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bushing assembly. The bushing assembly includes an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve, an elastomer, and a bar pin. The elastomer is disposed between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve. The bar pin includes a first end, a second end, and a central portion between the first end and the second end. The central portion extends along a longitudinal axis. The central portion has a cruciform cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The bar pin further includes a first intermediate portion between the central portion and the first end. The first intermediate portion has an uninterrupted circular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The inner sleeve circumscribes the central portion of the bar pin.

Abstract: A bolt retainer clip for positioning a fastener and maintaining its alignment within a vehicle body mount. The bolt retainer clip includes a retainer body that has a longitudinal axis, an inside surface, and an outside surface. The inside surface defines a bolt receiving aperture in the retainer body. A plurality of fingers extend into the bolt receiving aperture from the inside surface of the retainer body. A portion of each finger is curved, creating a line contact between the fastener and each finger at a location that is spaced from a terminal end of the finger. Each line contact runs parallel to the longitudinal axis and therefore limits gimbaling movements of the fastener relative to the retainer body.

Abstract: A bolt retainer clip for positioning a fastener and maintaining its alignment within a vehicle body mount. The bolt retainer clip includes a retainer body that has a longitudinal axis, an inside surface, and an outside surface. The inside surface defines a bolt receiving aperture in the retainer body. A plurality of fingers extend into the bolt receiving aperture from the inside surface of the retainer body. A portion of each finger is curved, creating a line contact between the fastener and each finger at a location that is spaced from a terminal end of the finger. Each line contact runs parallel to the longitudinal axis and therefore limits gimbaling movements of the fastener relative to the retainer body.

Abstract: A dual compound bushing includes a tube having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. A first elastomeric member having a first durometer value is arranged on the intermediate portion. A second elastomeric member having a second durometer value that is distinct from the first durometer value is arranged at the first end. A ferrule is mounted to the tube at the first end. The second elastomeric member being arranged between the ferrule and the first elastomeric member.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension bushing assembly including an inner sleeve, a bearing, an intermediate sleeve, an outer sleeve, and a bushing. The inner sleeve extends longitudinally between first and second inner sleeve ends. The bearing extends annularly about the inner sleeve, the intermediate sleeve extends annularly about the bearing, and the outer sleeve extends annularly about the intermediate sleeve. The bushing is positioned radially between the outer sleeve and the intermediate sleeve. Axial retainers extend annularly about the first and second inner sleeve ends. The axial retainers are longitudinally moveable relative to the inner sleeve. The axial retainers have a preload feature including a flange segment that is resilient and deflects from an unbiased position when the axial retainers are in an uncompressed position to a biased position when the axial retainers are in a compressed position to apply a longitudinal preload force to the intermediate sleeve.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension bushing assembly including an inner sleeve, a bearing, an intermediate sleeve, an outer sleeve, and a bushing. The inner sleeve extends longitudinally between first and second inner sleeve ends. The bearing extends annularly about the inner sleeve, the intermediate sleeve extends annularly about the bearing, and the outer sleeve extends annularly about the intermediate sleeve. The bushing is positioned radially between the outer sleeve and the intermediate sleeve. Axial retainers extend annularly about the first and second inner sleeve ends. The axial retainers are longitudinally moveable relative to the inner sleeve. The axial retainers have a preload feature including a flange segment that is resilient and deflects from an unbiased position when the axial retainers are in an uncompressed position to a biased position when the axial retainers are in a compressed position to apply a longitudinal preload force to the intermediate sleeve.

Abstract: A bar pin for an elastomeric bushing assembly couples components of a vehicle. The bar pin may include a body member and a beam member. The body member defines a hollow center. The beam member includes a plurality of plates arranged in a stacked configuration. The plurality of plates forms a tab portion and a body portion of the beam member. The body portion is housed in the hollow center of the body member and the tab portion extends outward beyond the body member.

Abstract: A V-shaped torque rod includes an apex joint assembly that is attached to a component of a vehicle using only a single fastener. The apex joint assembly includes a housing, an inner metal, an elastomeric member disposed between the housing and the inner metal and a post that engages the inner metal. The single fastener extends through the inner metal and through the post to secure the apex joint assembly to the vehicle. The post can be a tapered post or the post can be a non-tapered post.

Abstract: A laundry basket incorporates a feature that allows an individual to deposit clothing directly from the basket into a washing machine, such as a front-loading washing machine, via a molded chute. The chute is integrated into the basket and is the correct size to allow it to be inserted into the typically round opening in the front of the appliance, hooked over the edge by the lip/handle, and the opposite end lifted up to deposit the clothing directly into the appliance with very little effort.

Abstract: A V-shaped torque rod includes an apex joint assembly that is attached to a component of a vehicle using only a single fastener. The apex joint assembly includes a housing, an inner metal, an elastomeric member disposed between the housing and the inner metal and a post that engages the inner metal. The single fastener extends through the inner metal and through the post to secure the apex joint assembly to the vehicle. The post can be a tapered post or the post can be a non-tapered post.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an elastomeric bushing assembly that includes a multi-piece inner metal component. The inner metal component is formed from a plurality of stamped components that when assembled form a hollow chamber in the center section of the inner metal component. Flat sections at opposite ends of the center section include folded over tabs which increase the strength of the flat sections.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an elastomeric bushing assembly that includes a multi-piece inner metal component. The inner metal component is formed from a plurality of stamped components that when assembled form a hollow chamber in the center section of the inner metal component. Flat sections at opposite ends of the center section include folded over tabs which increase the strength of the flat sections.

Abstract: An isolator for an engine mount or an exhaust system is designed to be mounted directly into a hole defined by a supporting structure of a vehicle. A rod extends between an elastomeric isolator disposed in the hole and a component of the vehicle being supported.

Abstract: A pivot has a low friction rotational property by allowing the elastomeric bushing to rotate with respect to the inner metal. A low friction material can be incorporated between these two components to facilitate the rotation, if desired. The elastomeric bushing helps to isolate the pivot joint and prevent the transmission of vibrations. In one embodiment, the elastomeric bushing is also allowed to pivot about an axis generally perpendicular to its axis of rotation.

Abstract: An exhaust system has a plurality of isolator assemblies which are used to mount the exhaust system to a vehicle. Each of the isolator assemblies has an exhaust rod which is attached to a component of the exhaust system and which includes a first end which engages an elastomeric isolator attached to the vehicle through a U-shaped member. Each of the first ends of the exhaust rods are aligned to be generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle when the exhaust system is installed in the vehicle.