Abstract: A heavy duty elastomeric bearing typically of annular shape comprises a pair of rigid end members spaced apart and interconnected by an element of elastomeric material having embedded therein a plurality of substantially rigid reinforcing interleaves each arranged to lie in respective planes generally parallel with confronting surfaces of the rigid members. One or more of the reinforcing interleaves lying substantially mid-way between the confronting surfaces of the end members has a greater thickness than one or more of the interleaves which lies closest to at least one of the end members. The confronting surfaces, elastomeric layers and reinforcing interleaves may each be of annular part-spherical shape.

Abstract: For the manufacture of a heavy duty elastomeric having a stack of elastomeric and metal reinforcing layers interleaved with one another use is made of a mould sufficiently large to allow an elastomeric cover layer to be formed and cured simultaneous with compression and cure of the elastomeric layers. Relative transverse movement of the metal layers during compression is restricted by spacers which occupy in the mould a small part of the space that in the finished product is to be occupied by the cover layer. Subsequent to moulding and cure the spacers are removed and the resulting spaces in the part formed cover are filled.