Patent ID: 7341245

Claim:
A bushing member, comprising: an elastomeric member defining a central opening between an opposing front face and a rear face, said front face and rear face being perpendicular to the axis of the central opening; a slot in said bushing along a first side of said elastomeric member providing a lateral access from an exterior of said elastomer member to said central opening; a continuous hinge configured as part of said elastomeric member; at least a part of said continuous hinge positioned proximate a second side of said elastomeric member distal said slot, whereby during an opening of said bushing member said continuous hinge reduces an opening force required for separating said slot and inserting an external member into said central opening and improves a smooth transfer of said external member into said slot; and at least a first and a second flange member extending outwardly and generally perpendicular to the axis of the central opening extending substantially along an outer edge portion of said elastomeric member proximate respective said front face and said rear face and between said first and second sides of said elastomeric member, thereby forming a saddle portion of said elastomeric member therebetween which extends substantially the entire length of the elastomeric member.