Abstract:
A vehicle body mount assembly has first and second retainers defining a core structure having replaceable elastomeric bodies thereon. A mounting plate is provided between elastomeric bodies for securing the assembly to a vehicle frame. A retaining clip is provided to assist in holding the assembly in the frame while fasteners are affixed to the frame.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present regular United States Patent Application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/675,715 filed Apr. 28, 2005. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to body mount assemblies commonly found in motor vehicles for interconnecting the vehicle body and the vehicle frame.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Body mounts are used to fasten a vehicle body to a vehicle frame. Body mounts provide vibration and noise isolation and contribute to improved vehicle ride and handling characteristics. Body mounts are known to include an elongated member extending between mounting holes in the vehicle frame and vehicle body, with an elastomeric element or elements disposed on the elongated member between the vehicle frame and vehicle body.  
         [0004]     In a known body mount assembly, rubber bodies are provided on opposite sides of a flange. A bolt extends through the rubber bodies and flange, with washers being provided between the head of the bolt and the first rubber body at one end and between the rubber bodies and the nut at the opposite end of the bolt. For installation, the threaded end of the bolt and the rubber body or bodies on one side of the flange are passed through a hole in the frame from beneath the frame. Studs extending from the flange outwardly of the rubber bodies are inserted through bolt holes in the frame. A mounting plate is passed over the threaded end of the bolt, the rubber body or bodies that were passed through the frame and over the ends of the studs extending through the frame. Nuts are then run onto the studs and eventually tightened to a specified torque to secure the body mount assembly with the flange on one side of the frame and the mounting plate on the opposite side of the frame. The vehicle body is mounted against the rubber bodies passed through the frame and secured by the nut on the end of the bolt extending through the rubber bodies.  
         [0005]     Mounting the assembly just described is awkward and time consuming. The assembly is inserted from beneath the frame and must be held in place while the mounting plate is installed from above the frame and until the nuts are run onto the studs. If not held in position the assembly will fall out of the frame. Accordingly, the installer can use only one had to manipulate the mounting plate and nuts, as the other hand is required for holding the assembly in the proper position.  
         [0006]     What is needed is a body mount assembly that can be installed more easily and more quickly than known body mount assemblies.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The present invention provides a vehicle body mount assembly that is held in position on the frame prior to final attachment with the fasteners, and that uses replaceable rubber bodies to provide different handling and ride characteristics after installation.  
         [0008]     In one aspect thereof, the present invention provides a vehicle body mount assembly with a mounting plate having a central opening, and elastomeric bodies on opposite sides of the mounting plate, each the body having a center opening aligned with the center opening of the mounting plate. First and second retainers are provided on opposite sides of the elastomeric bodies. A first tube segment from the first retainer and a second tube segment from the second retainer each extend through some of the elastomeric bodies toward one another. The first and second retainers engage at least some of the elastomeric bodies and restrain the engaged elastomeric bodies against relative rotation. Fastener fixtures are provided on the mounting plate outwardly of the elastomeric bodies.  
         [0009]     In another aspect thereof, the present invention provides a vehicle body mount assembly with an elongated mounting plate having a central opening and mounting fixtures outwardly of the central opening; elastomeric bodies on opposite sides of the mounting plate. First and second retainers are on opposite sides of the elastomeric bodies. The first and second retainers have first and second tube segments extending into at least some of the elastomeric bodies. The retainers are configured for engaging adjacent ones of the elastomeric bodies to restrict relative rotation therebetween.  
         [0010]     In a further aspect thereof, the present invention provides a vehicle body mount assembly with an elongated mounting plate having a central opening and mounting fixtures outwardly of the central opening. A first group of elastomeric bodies are provided on one side of the mounting plate, and a second group of elastomeric bodies are provided on an opposite side of the mounting plate from the first group of elastomeric bodies. A first retainer has a plate thereof outwardly of the first group of elastomeric bodies, and a second retainer has a plate outwardly of the second group of elastomeric bodies. The first and second retainers have first and second tube segments extending into the first and second groups of elastomeric bodies and the mounting plate. The first and second tube segments are received telescopically and are configured with at least one substantially flat outer face for engaging the elastomeric bodies so as to restrict relative rotation therebetween.  
         [0011]     An advantage of the present invention is providing a vehicle body mount assembly that can be mounted easily and quickly and that will stay properly located before fasteners are tightened in place.  
         [0012]     Another advantage of the present invention is providing a vehicle body mount assembly having modular elastomeric members, thereby increasing the versatility of the assembly for use on different types of vehicles with different ride and handling requirements.  
         [0013]     Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals are used to designate like features. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a vehicle body mount assembly in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the vehicle body mount assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle body mount assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an elastomeric member in the vehicle body mount assembly;  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicle body mount assembly in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the vehicle body mount assembly embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle body mount assembly shown in  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicle body mount assembly in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an upper retainer for the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 5 and 8 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of yet another elastomeric member for a vehicle body mount assemblies of the present invention; and  
         [0024]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a retaining clip for vehicle body mount assemblies of the present invention. 
     
    
       [0025]     Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use herein of “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0026]     Referring now more specifically to the drawings and to  FIGS. 1 and 2  in particular, a vehicle body mount assembly  20  in accordance with the present invention is shown. Body mount assembly  20  includes a first retainer  22  and a second retainer  24  on opposite ends thereof. A mounting plate  26  is disposed between first retainer  22  and second retainer  24 . In the exemplary embodiment, three elastomeric bodies  28 ,  30  and  32  are provided between first retainer  22  and mounting plate  26 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, two elastomeric bodies  34 ,  36  are provided between mounting plate  26  and second retainer  24 . A retaining clip  38  is provided between elastomeric bodies  34  and  36 .  
         [0027]     First retainer  22  and second retainer  24  are metallic bodies that provide structural integrity for assembly  20  and include telescoping tube segments  40  and  42 , respectively. As can be seen in the cross-sectional view of the completed assembly shown in  FIG. 3 , tube segment  40  of first retainer  22  slides over tube segment  42  of second retainer  24 . Tube segments  40 ,  42  define an axial opening through assembly  20  for mounting a vehicle body to the assembly, as will be described more fully hereinafter.  
         [0028]     First retainer  22  and second retainer  24  also provide stabilizing structure for elastomeric bodies  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  and  36 . Accordingly, first retainer  22  includes a plate portion  44  and a peripheral rim  46  for receiving elastomeric body  28 . Second retainer  24  includes a plate portion  48  and a peripheral rim  50  for receiving elastomeric body  36 . Rims  46  and  50  provide strength and rigidity to first retainer  22  and second retainer  24 , respectively, as well as cupping edges of elastomeric bodies  28  and  36 , respectively to stabilize the position of the elastomeric bodies against the retainers.  
         [0029]     One or more weep hole  52  ( FIG. 3 ) is provided in second retainer  24 , at the bottom of assembly  20 , to provide a path to drain moisture or other contaminants away from elastomeric bodies  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  and  36 .  
         [0030]     To secure the assembly of first retainer  22 , second retainer  24 , mounting plate  26 , elastomeric bodies  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36  and retaining clip  38  an inwardly projecting locking arm  54  is provided in tube segment  40 . As the distal end of tube segment  42  slides past locking arm  54 , the locking arm yields outwardly. A ridge  56  on the distal end of tube segment  42  flares outwardly and engages the end of locking arm  54 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Accordingly, assembly  20  is secured together by the locking engagement of tube segment  42  within tube segment  40 .  
         [0031]     Tube segments  40  and  42  are non-cylindrical, having flat faces extending axially along the length thereof. In the exemplary embodiment tube segments  40 ,  42  have six-sided shapes. Accordingly, with tube segment  42  inserted in tube segment  40 , relative rotation between first retainer  22  and second retainer  24  is limited. Further, as can be seen most clearly in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , elastomeric bodies  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  and  36  define center openings  58 ,  60 ,  62 ,  64  and  66 , respectively, that are also of hexagonal shape to fit on the outer surface of tube segment  40  without rotating thereon. Accordingly, relative rotation between any and all of first retainer  22 , second retainer  24  and elastomeric bodies  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  and  36  is restrained by the hexagonal shapes of the interconnected components. It should be understood that shapes other than hexagonal shapes can be used to limit relative rotation between the parts.  
         [0032]     Elastomeric bodies  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  and  36  can be provided in various combinations, different numbers and made of different elastomeric material including natural and synthetic rubbers. The selection of material can be used to provide desired stiffness and achieve different ride and handling characteristics in a vehicle. Further, bodies  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  and  36  can be shaped as required to provide different spring and damping characteristics by providing holes therein of different size and shape.  FIG. 4  illustrates elastomeric body  30  having a generally lobe-shaped periphery, with elongated holes or void areas  68  of one size and shape in each lobe area; however, holes or void areas of different sizes and shapes, holes or void areas in different numbers or arrangements, or no holes in the elastomeric body can be used. More or fewer elastomeric bodies than the five elastomeric bodies shown in the exemplary embodiments can be used, and the bodies can have shapes other than the somewhat lobed outer periphery shown. Different types of elastomeric bodies can be used in a single assembly, if desired.  
         [0033]     Mounting plate  26  is an elongated metallic structure for securing assembly  20  in a vehicle. Mounting plate  26  defines a central opening  70  having inwardly extending feet  72 ,  74 ,  76  and  78  for supporting elastomeric body  32  on one side thereof and elastomeric body  34  on the other side thereof. Flanges  80 ,  82 ,  84 ,  86  are provided at the edge of center hole  70 , extending along at least a portion of elastomeric body  32 , providing lateral support of elastomeric body  32  for added integrity of vehicle body mount assembly  20  when force is exerted fore and aft and to withstand cross-vehicle stresses. It should be understood that more or fewer feet and more or fewer flanges can be used.  
         [0034]     In the exemplary embodiment, fastener fixtures in the manner of mounting bosses  88 ,  90  are provided on opposite ends of mounting plate  26  by which assembly  20  is secured to a vehicle frame. Accordingly, mounting bosses  88  and  90  have internal threads  92 ,  94 , respectively, for engaging a bolt as will be described hereinafter. A peripheral rim  96  is provided at the outer edge of mounting plate  26  to provide further lateral stiffness for assembly  20 .  
         [0035]     Retaining clip  38 , seen most clearly in the enlarged view of  FIG. 11 , is a metallic plate-like body defining a central opening  100 . A plurality of tabs  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108  are positioned at the periphery of retaining clip  38  and extend outwardly of the elastomeric bodies on opposite sides of retaining clip  38 . More tabs or fewer tabs than the four tabs shown in the exemplary embodiments can be used for the purposes to be described hereinafter.  
         [0036]     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a second embodiment of a vehicle body mount assembly  120  in accordance with the present invention is shown.  
         [0037]     Assembly  120  includes a first retainer  122  and a second retainer  124  with a mounting plate  126  disposed therebetween. Elastomeric bodies  128 ,  130 ,  132  are provided between first retainer  122  and mounting plate  126 . Elastomeric bodies  134 ,  135  and  136  are provided between mounting plate  126  and second retainer  124 . A retaining plate  138  is provided between elastomeric bodies  135  and  136 .  
         [0038]     Assembly  120  is similar to assembly  20 , but includes an additional elastomeric body, having six elastomeric bodies instead of the five elastomeric bodies shown in assembly  20 . Further, tube segments  140  and  142  of first and second retainers  22  and  24 , respectively, are generally cylindrical in outer shape. First retainer  22  includes a plate  144  and a rim  146  and second retainer  124  includes a plate  148  and a rim  150 . One or more integral pin  152  projects from plate  144  toward elastomeric body  128 . The exemplary embodiment shows two such integral pins  152 . Similarly, one or more integral pin  154  extends from plate  148  toward elastomeric body  136 , two such integral pins  154  being shown in the exemplary embodiment.  
         [0039]     Elastomeric bodies  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  135  and  136  define substantially circular center openings  158 ,  160 ,  162 ,  164 ,  165 ,  166 , respectively, for fitting onto tube segments  140  and  142 . At least elastomeric bodies  128  and  136  adjacent first retainer  122  and second retainer  124 , respectively, are provided with appropriately positioned holes  168 ,  170  respectively for receiving pins  152 ,  154 , respectively. Depending on the length of pins  152 ,  154  intermediate elastomeric bodies  130 ,  132 ,  134  and/or  135  can also be provided with appropriate holes for receiving the pins.  
         [0040]     Mounting plate  126  defines a central opening  172  and one or more integral pin  174  extending therefrom on one side thereof toward adjacent elastomeric body  132 , and one or more integral pin  176  extending therefrom on an opposite side thereof toward elastomeric body  134 . Pins  174  and  176  on opposite surfaces of mounting plate  126  can be aligned with each other or askew from each other and aligned with or askew from one or both of pins  152  and  154 . Elastomeric body is  132 ,  134  on opposite sides of mounting plate  126  are provided with appropriately sized and a located holes  178 ,  180 , respectively, to receive pins  174 ,  176 . It should be noted that pins  152 ,  154 ,  174  and  176  can be similarly sized and positioned so that the appropriate holes  168 ,  170 ,  178 ,  180  can also be of similar size and location, and all elastomeric members are interchangeable for any position in assembly  120 . Pins  152 ,  154 ,  174  and  176  within holes  168 ,  170 ,  178 ,  180  restrain the elastomeric bodies against relative rotation. As noted previously, pins  152 ,  154 ,  174  and  176  can be of sufficient length to extend through several of the elastomeric bodies, so that all elastomeric bodies are actively restrained. Alternatively, inner ones of the elastomeric bodies can be restrained from relative rotation by compression and friction between other elastomeric bodies.  
         [0041]     Mounting plate  126  is further provided with mounting bosses  188 ,  190  having internal threads  192 ,  194 , respectively, similar to bosses  88 ,  90  and threads  92 ,  94  of assembly  20  described previously. A peripheral rim  196  is provided around mounting plate  126  to provide stiffness.  
         [0042]     Retaining clip  138  defines a center hole  200  and peripheral tabs  202 ,  204 ,  206  and  208  similar to center opening  100  and tabs  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108  in retaining clip  38  described previously.  
         [0043]      FIG. 7  illustrates the manner in which the aforedescribed embodiments are mounted in a vehicle.  FIG. 7  illustrates the installation of assembly  120 ; however, it should be understood that assembly  20  is mounted in a similar manner. A vehicle frame  250  is provided with an opening  252  for receiving assembly  120  and bolt holes  254 ,  256  by which assembly  120  is secured to frame  250 . Second retainer  124  and elastomeric body  136  are lowered through opening  252 . Tabs  202 ,  204 ,  206  and  208  of retaining clip  138  define an outer perimeter wider than opening  252 . Accordingly, tabs  202 ,  204 ,  206  and  208  engage the periphery of opening  252  and are deflected inwardly as force is exerted against assembly  120 . Retaining clip  138  “snaps through” opening  252 , and tabs  202 ,  204 ,  206  and  208  rebound outwardly after passing through opening  252 . When retaining clip  138  has passed completely through opening  252 , tabs  202 ,  204 ,  206  and  208  prevent assembly  120  from being pulled easily outwardly in the direction from which it was inserted. Accordingly, assembly  120  remains in opening  252  during subsequent movement and handling of frame  250 .  
         [0044]     Assembly  120  is inserted until mounting plate  126  rests on frame  250 , with bolt holes  254 ,  256  aligned with mounting bosses  188 ,  190 . Thereafter, bolts  258 ,  260  are inserted into holes  254 ,  256  in frame  250  and are threadedly engaged with threads  192 ,  194  of bosses  188 ,  190 . Proper torque is applied to bolts  258 ,  260 , and assembly  120  is thereby secured to frame  250 .  
         [0045]     To connect a vehicle body to frame  50 , a bolt  262  is inserted through tube segments  140 ,  142 . A vehicle body  264  defining a hole  266  is placed over the end of bolt  262 , and a nut  268  is secured thereto. As shown in  FIG. 7 , a constriction  270  can be provided in one or both of tube segments  140 ,  142  to hold bolt  262  in assembly  120  as the vehicle body is placed thereon.  
         [0046]      FIG. 8  illustrates a further embodiment of a mount assembly  280  in accordance with the present invention which is similar in many ways to assembly  120  described previously. Components of mount assembly  280  that are similar to components of assembly  120  have been designated with the same reference numerals. In assembly  280 , instead of internally threaded bosses  88 ,  90  or  188 ,  190 , assembly  280  is provided with a mounting plate  282  having fastener fixtures in the manner of staked bolts or studs  284 ,  286 . Studs  284 ,  286  are passed through holes  254 ,  256  of frame  250 . Once positioned, nuts (not shown) are engaged with studs  284 ,  286  to secure assembly  280  relative to frame  250 . Mount assembly  280  differs further from mount assembly  120  in the location of retaining clip  138 . In assembly  120 , retaining clip  138  is located between elastomeric bodies  135  and  136 . In assembly  280  retaining clip  138  is located between elastomeric bodies  134  and  135 . Other than the location thereof, the retaining clips are similar.  
         [0047]      FIG. 9  illustrates a further variation of the present invention in which an upper retainer  290  for any of the embodiments described previously herein includes a tube segment  292  with internal threads  294  for threadedly receiving and hold bolt  262  in the assembled assembly. Using upper retainer  290 , a vehicle mount assembly can be fully preassembled before attaching to a vehicle frame and subsequent lowering of a vehicle body thereon. A bolt such as bolt  262  inserted through a second retainer and engaged with threads  294  of retainer  290  can be used to draw the retainers together, and the assembly can be preassembled even if tube segment  292  does not engage or even physically meet a tube segment from a second retainer used therewith.  
         [0048]      FIG. 10  illustrates an alternate form for a substantially round elastomeric body  300  for use in body mount assemblies of the present invention. Body  300  has a central hole or opening  302  and pin receiving holes  304 . One or more void area  306  is provided to adjust performance of the material disk forming body  300 . Other shapes, sizes and configurations for elastomeric bodies also can be used. By altering the elastomeric bodies used, vehicle mount assemblies performing differently can be provided using the same first and second retainer, mounting plate, retaining clip and bolts. Accordingly manufacturers need supply fewer different parts for use on vehicles having different requirements for body mount assemblies.  
         [0049]     The present invention provides a vehicle body mount assembly that can be preassembled and is easy to install as a single unit. The assembly is adaptable for use on various types of vehicles and includes modular elastomeric members for adjusting performance of the mount assembly.  
         [0050]     Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.  
         [0051]     Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.