CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 /975,372, filed April 4, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to devices and methods for reducing and/or controlling vibrations within a vehicle. More particularly, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to low natural frequency vehicle cab mount devices and methods to be used with off-road vehicles and equipment.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Vibration and/or movement associated with off-road or off-highway vehicles and equipment is particularly troublesome, as each is known for causing fatigue, stress, and/or other forms of wear upon equipment and occupants associated with the vehicle. In cabs of industrial vehicles or construction equipment, vibrations are particularly problematic in that they interfere with occupant comfort and ease of operation. Many of the vibrations are low-frequency vibrations in ranges that are difficult to remove.

[0004] There is a need for improved devices and methods for reducing and/or controlling vibration and movement of vehicle cabs at low-frequencies, where the improved devices and methods are durable, easy to manufacture, easy to assemble, and cost-effective for both the manufacturer and consumer.

SUMMARY

[0005] Low natural frequency vehicle cab mount devices and methods are provided. In one aspect, a low natural frequency vehicle cab mount device includes a fluid-filled mount. The fluid-filled mount is a device including a cup, a mount subassembly, and an interchangeable top plate assembly. The cup is configured to hold fluid therein; the cup has at least one opening and an inner surface. The mount subassembly is disposed within the cup and proximate to the opening, the mount subassembly is secured therein by a radially reduced section of the cup. The mount subassembly further comprises an inner member, at least one partitioned elastomeric section, an outer member, an isolation elastomeric element, and a damping plate. The inner member has a threaded receiver.

[0006] In some aspects the at least one partitioned elastomeric section has at least one elastomeric element and at least one non-elastomeric partition that are bonded together. The outer member is interiorly positionable proximate the radially reduced section of the cup and secured thereto, the outer member can have a planar interface, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The partitioned elastomeric section has an inner elastomeric element bonded to an outer surface of the inner member and an outer elastomeric element bonded to the inner surface of the outer member. The isolation elastomeric element extends outwardly from the outer elastomeric element and is proximate to at least a portion of the outer surface of outer member and proximate to at least a portion of the inner surface of cup. The damping plate is movably secured to the inner member.

[0007] In some aspects, the interchangeable top plate assembly includes an elastomeric profile and multiple snubbing surfaces. The top plate assembly includes an upper snubbing surface, a metallic washer having a lower snubbing surface, a radial snubbing surface, and a mounting plate. The elastomeric profile has a central aperture therethrough, wherein the elastomeric profile is configured to dispose the threaded receiver of inner member therethrough. The upper snubbing surface is positioned on the elastomeric profile. The metallic washer is positioned proximate to an inner lower surface of the elastomeric profile and capable of snubbing. The radial snubbing surface is positioned radially inward on the elastomeric profile. The mounting plate is partially disposed within and bonded to the elastomeric profile; the mounting plate has a lower mounting surface thereon, wherein it is positioned proximate to planar interface of the upper mounting surface of outer member.

[0008] Devices and methods described herein are configured to reduce and/or control vibration and movement of a vehicle cab at low-frequencies and are durable, easy to manufacture, easy to assemble, and cost-effective for both the manufacturer and consumer. These and other objects are achieved according to subject matter provided herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle cab mount device according to aspects of the subject matter described herein.

[0010] Figure 2 is a sectional view showing in detail of installing a vehicle cab mount device according to aspects of the subject matter described herein.

[0011] Figures 3A and 3B are perspective and sectional views, respectively, of a portion of a vehicle cab mount device according to aspects of the subject matter described herein.

[0012] Figures 4 to 7 are sectional views showing in detail a vehicle cab mount device and method of assembling the device according to aspects of the subject matter described herein.

[0013] Figure 8 is an alternative embodiment of a vehicle cab mount device according to aspects of the subject matter described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The subject matter described herein provides improved vehicle fluid mount devices and methods for improving movement and vibration damping in off-road or off-highway vehicles, equipment, etc. Such devices can be mounted within a cab of the vehicle or equipment. Devices and methods described herein include fluid-filled mounts for providing superior low-frequency damping, superior sealing, improved fatigue life, improved life expectancy, increased durability, improved manufacturability, and reduced cost, of manufacturing and maintenance. In some aspects, damping devices and methods described herein reduce vibration in the cab, for example, firing and inertial disturbances generated by a vehicle engine during operation. Thus, devices and methods described herein prevent damage and reduce engine noise and vibration in the vehicle cab.

[0015] This present subject matter includes a low natural frequency vehicle cab mount, also referred to as a fluid-filled mount, for use and installation in off-road vehicles and equipment. Low natural frequency for vehicle cab mounts is dependent on the mass applied to the mount and the stiffness of the mount as well as being use, size and vehicle dependent. In the embodiments herein, natural frequency includes the mass that each vehicle cab mount is optimized for as the mass that equalizes the gap between the snubbers and the stiffness of the mount calculated between contact with the snubbers. In the embodiments herein, low natural frequency is generally less than 8 Hertz (Hz). The natural frequency range is optimized for superior vibration isolation, but does not allow excessive cab motion or couple with other vehicle frequencies. Excessive cab motion occurs when the vehicle cab mount allows enough total motion in the cab for the operator to 'feel' the motion of the frame of the vehicle.

[0016] Vehicle mount devices provided herein allow a customizable 'soft ride' region designed to the low natural frequency along with a motion controlling 'snubbing' region in both the axial and radial directions thereby allowing for limited cab movement with respect to the frame of the vehicle. Mount devices provided herein are modular, and can be interchangeably used with or without a Roll Over Protection System (ROPS). A ROPS version of devices described herein is designed to make allowances for an external ROPS device to be installed as a modular attachment, thereby allowing mount devices provided herein to be more robust in regards to the number of possible applications.

[0017] As used herein, the term "snubbing" refers to reducing or stopping movement between the fixed and movable portions of a vehicle (e.g., the frame and the cab) by absorbing kinetic energy therebetween via an elastomeric profile member of vehicle mount devices described herein. The profile part can include snubbing surfaces for absorbing and/or dissipating kinetic energy. Thus, in some aspects "snubbing" is a form of and/or refers to shock absorbing.

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle mount device 100, also known as a fluid mount or a fluid-filled mount, which includes a mount subassembly generally designated 200, a cup 300, and a top plate assembly generally designated 400. Top plates, or portions thereof, described herein are interchangeable and modular for use in both ROPS and non-ROPS applications. In some aspects, device 100 includes a fluid device configured to mount to a portion of an off-road vehicle cab. Device 100 is configured to dampen vibrations and/or movements occurring within the vehicle cab, thereby decreasing wear and fatigue of components and/or occupants thereof.

[0019] Mount subassembly 200 of device 100 includes an inner member 202 having a threaded receiver 204 provided therein. Threaded receiver 204 is threaded hole, opening, or cavity that can be a blind threaded hole, opening or cavity.

Threaded receiver 204 is configured to receive a retaining member (e.g., a first retaining member M1 , Figure 2), for example, a bolt, a clip, a screw, etc., for securing device 100 to a supporting structure (e.g., a first supporting structure S1 , Figure 2). Supporting structures (e.g., S1 , S2, Figure 2) described herein include, for example, a cab, cab surface, or mounting surface of an off-highway or off-road vehicle. In one aspect, threaded receiver 204 longitudinally extends from a top surface 206 of inner member 202 towards a center of inner member 202, for a specified depth that can vary based upon the length, size and/or shape of the retaining member being used. The dimensions of threaded receiver 204 can also be selected based on the parameters of a given application. In some aspects, inner member 202 is centrally disposed with respect to a cup 300 of device 100.

[0020] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a cup 300 that is configured to contain a volume of damping fluid and/or a volume of air for providing vibration control (e.g., reducing vibration) within a vehicle cab. As described herein, one or more portions of cup 300 are radially crimped into portions of mount subassembly 200 for securely attaching to and sealing against portions of subassembly 200. In some aspects, mount subassembly 200 is disposed within an interior portion of cup 300. In some aspects, cup 300 is radially crimped into or against an elastomer contour portion of mount subassembly 200 (see e.g., Figure 6B) to firmly seal and hold cup 300 in place.

[0021] Figure 2 is a sectional view illustrating device 100 installed to a vehicle cab. The load direction is indicated by arrow L. In some aspects, device 100 is optimized for a 1 G static load rating. In some aspects, a first retaining member M1 secures device 100 to a first supporting structure S1 via threading to inner member 202, and additional retaining members M2 secure device 100 to a second supporting structure S2 via threading bolt holes 414 (Figure 3) and 222 (Figure 7) for isolating low natural frequency vibration occurring therebetween.

[0022] In some aspects, cup 300 contains a specified volume of a viscous fluid F, such as silicone. The volume of fluid F is specified to allow for air within the cup 300. Compression of the air pocket is the primary source of volume compensation for the device 100 while in motion. The combination of fluid F and a damping plate 216 acts as a fluid damper to remove energy of motion of the first supporting structure S1 , such as a vehicle cab with respect to second supporting structure S2, such as the vehicle frame.

[0023] The mounting plate 402 and/or an elastomeric portion comprising a profile

404 of top plate assembly 400 are interchangeable and/or modular for use in ROPS and non-ROPS applications. In a ROPS version, the load path goes directly from first supporting structure S1 , through inner member 202, to the ROPS mounting plate 402, and then to second supporting structure S2. This separates the ROPS loading from the static and dynamic performance features of device 100 allowing the ROPS capability of the mount to be added or removed by simply changing mounting plate 402 and inner member 202 material of device 100. This allows the ROPS capability of this mount to be truly modular by component replacement.

[0024] As Figure 2 further indicates, device 100 incorporates one or more 'soft ride' regions R designed to a low natural frequency along with a motion controlling 'snubbing' region in both the axial and radial directions thereby allowing for limited movement with respect to supporting surfaces S1 and S2. The joint between cup 300 and an outer member 214 of device 100 places an elastomer load bearing structure both in shear and tension during axial loading. This, along with the motion controlling 'snubbers' (e.g., 406A and 406B) provided on the top plate assembly 400 of the mount, allow this mount to have a static stiffness soft enough to accomplish the low natural frequency while still maintaining functionality over the life of the vehicle through the designed load range.

[0025] Figures 3A and 3B are perspective and sectional views, respectively, of a top plate assembly 400 portion of vehicle mount device 100. Top plate assembly

400, as illustrated is modular, and includes a mounting plate 402, which is illustrated as being modular, and an elastomeric profile 404, allowing for gross motion control to be moved external with respect to the low frequency mount device 100. That is, gross motion control (e.g., shock absorption) of the vehicle cab with respect to the frame of the vehicle is limited or reduced via incorporation of an energy absorbing or dissipating elastomeric profile 404 within top plate assembly 400. In some aspects, elastomeric profile 404 includes an elastomeric material configured to control motion of a vehicle cab with respect to a vehicle frame via one or more (multiple) snubbing contact surfaces 406A, 406B, and 406C. In some aspects, motion controlled snubbing is solely performed by elastomeric profile 404 of top plate assembly 400 or a ROPS plate. This allows an easily achievable and readily available method of changing motion control characteristics of the mounts or devices 100 in a modular fashion without changing the low displacement natural frequency of the mount.

[0026] As illustrated by Figure 3B, elastomeric profile 404 includes a first, downward snubbing contact surface 406A, a second, upward snubbing contact surface 406B and a third snubbing surface 406C, which is positioned radially inward on the elastomeric profile 404. Upward and downward snubbing contact surfaces 406A, 406B are adapted to control axial upward and downward motion, and are customizable during manufacturing for adapting to application needs via altering the contact locations of elastomeric profile 404. As used herein, the term "customizable" refers to being manufactured for a specific vehicle size, weight, use and ride characteristics desired by a customer. Top plate assembly 400 also allows the possibility of a modular ROPS plate to be incorporated therein.

[0027] Elastomeric profile 404 includes an annular shaped ring that is symmetric about a centerline C _L of top plate assembly 400, and also includes a central aperture 408 adapted to receive and retain portions of mount subassembly 200. In some aspects, a portion of second snubbing contact surface 406B includes metal, for example, a metallic washer 410 configured to contact portions of inner member 202 of mount subassembly 200. For example, metallic washer 410 can contact a stepped region (208, Figure 4) of inner member 202 for upward snubbing. This also provides the added benefit of adjusting the upward snubbing stiffness by simply altering the outer diameter of the metallic washer 410 that is bonded in the elastomeric profile 404 or section.

[0028] Mounting plate 402 of top plate assembly 400 includes at least one mounting surface 412 and one or more openings or mounting holes 414 provided therein. Mounting plate 402 and surface 412 are illustrated as a substantially square shape; however, any shape is contemplated. Any thickness of mounting plate 402 is also contemplated. The one or more mounting holes 414 are adapted to receive one or more retaining members (e.g., M2, Figure 2) for attaching device 100 to a support structure (e.g., S2, Figure 2), for example, a vehicle frame via mounting plate 402. In some aspects, four mounting holes 414 are provided, where each hole is positioned substantially equidistant from one another at corners of mounting surface 412 of device 100. However, any size, shape, and/or quantity of mounting holes 414 are contemplated.

[0029] In some aspects, interchangeable ROPS and non-ROPS mounting plates

402 are used thereby allowing device 100 to accommodate ROPS and non-ROPS applications. For example, mounting plate 402 may include a ROPS plate with an elastomer snubbing section (e.g., an elastomeric profile 404) bonded thereto for motion control in both the axial and radial directions. In other aspects, mounting plate 402 may include a non-ROPS plate with an elastomer snubbing section bonded thereto. One difference between a ROPS and a non-ROPS version of mounting plate 402 is that for a non-ROPS version, device 100 is fit with a thinner, less expensive mounting plate 402. For a ROPS version, mounting plate 402 is thicker and stronger and includes the ability to carry the required ROPS loads. In both configurations, the combination of mounting plate 402 and a stepped region (e.g., 208, Figure 7) of the inner member 202 (Figure 7) provides a pull-out safety feature. That is, inner member 202 of mount subassembly 200 cannot be displaced from the mount device 100, even with complete elastomer failure.

[0030] Figures 4 to 7 are sectional views of device 100 and/or portions thereof, and illustrate a method of assembling or providing device 100. For example, Figures 4 and 5A illustrate providing the mount subassembly 200 and cup 300 with a volume of fluid F, respectively. Figures 6A and 6B illustrate inserting mount subassembly 200 into cup 300 under a vacuum, and swaging or crimping cup 300 to an outer member of mount subassembly 200. Figure 7 is a section view of device 100 at final assembly, and Figure 2 is a sectional view of installing device 100 to supporting structures S1 and S2 such as a vehicle cab and frame, respectively.

[0031] Referring to Figure 4, mount subassembly 200 is provided and illustrated. Portions of mount subassembly 200 are configured to be received in and/or bonded with portions of top plate assembly 400 and cup 300. For example, a stepped region 208 of mount assembly is adapted to contact metallic washer 410 (Figure 3B) of top plate assembly 400 for upward snubbing. As illustrated metallic washer 410 is positioned proximate to an inner lower surface 411 of the elastomeric profile 404 and is capable of snubbing.

[0032] In some aspects, mount subassembly 200 includes one or more partitioned elastomeric sections, generally designated 210. Elastomeric sections 210 include one or more portions of elastomer element 213 or elastomeric material partitioned via partitions 212 or nonelastomeric partitions 212. The required axial spring rate and low frequency response of device 100 is a function of the partitioned elastomeric sections 210 of device 100 and the fluid damper. As illustrated in Figure 4, elastomer element 213 further includes an inner elastomeric element 221 and an outer elastomeric element 225.

[0033] In some aspects, nonelastomeric partitions 212 are incorporated into device 100 for reducing the overall radial stress in mount subassembly 200 at the deflection of the rated load. This reduction of radial stress increases the durability of the elastomer element 213 and allows a single bonded unit the ability to be soft enough to have the required low frequency response while still maintaining the required life expectancy with the high strains resulting from the low mount stiffness. That is, partitioned elastomeric sections 210 (e.g., including elastomer element 213 and nonelastomeric partition 212) are provided about and secured to inner member 202 of subassembly 200 for providing reduced radial stresses, thereby increasing endurance and life expectancy of device 100. In some aspects, elastomeric sections 210 are bonded to inner member 202 via an adhesive or other bonding material and/or method.

[0034] Mount subassembly 200 includes an inner member 202, an outer member 214, and a damping plate 216. Elastomeric section 210 is physically bonded to both inner member 202 and outer member 214. As illustrated, outer member 214 has a planar interface 215, an inner surface 217 and an outer surface 219. In some aspects, inner elastomeric element 221 of partitioned elastomeric section 210 is coupled to (e.g. bonded, adhered, friction fit, etc.) an outer surface 223 of inner member 202. Similarly, outer elastomeric element 225 of partitioned elastomeric section 210 is bonded to the inner surface 217 of the outer member 214. In some aspects, damping plate 216 is secured onto inner member 202. Inner member 202 includes portions having different or variable diameters, for example, a first and a second diameter D1 and D2, respectively.

[0035] In some aspects, outer member 214 of device 100 includes rolled or crimped regions 218 adapted to retain, seal, and/or secure cup 300 (see e.g., Figures 6A and 6B) adjacent thereto. Outer member 214 also extends to include bolt holes for allowing device 100 to be bolted to the frame of a vehicle (see e.g., bolt holes 222 in Figures 2 and 7). Inner member 202 includes threaded receiver 204 in an upper portion thereof for allowing the cab of the vehicle to be bolted to it.

[0036] In some aspects, damping plate 216 can be staked or attached to a bottom portion of inner member 202, for example, via a radial rivet, a smashing projection, or a bolted joint, although any other suitable approaches and structures can be sufficient. It is also contemplated for damping plate 216 to be manufactured as an integral unit with inner member 202. Where damping plate 216 and inner member 202 are manufactured as a unitary member, a removable core may be used therewith to form a cavity disposed within an interior of elastomeric section 210. Conversely, the unitary member can be manufactured cost-effectively using a powdered metal process.

[0037] Figures 5A and 5B are sectional views of cup 300. Figure 5A is a crimped configuration of cup 300 and Figure 5B is the uncrimped configuration of cup 300. Cup 300 is configured to maintain a volume of fluid F and/or air for controlling vibration. A volume of fluid F can be provided within cup 300 prior to insertion of mount subassembly 200, or in other aspects fluid F is injected through inner member 202 of subassembly 200 after insertion of subassembly 200 into cup 300, or in other aspects, fluid F is injected through a hole in the cup that is subsequently sealed. Sealing may include a sealing rivet or other such mechanical devices as known to those skilled in the art. In some aspects, device 100 includes a fluid damper housed within cup 300. The fluid damper is configured to resist motion and suppress vibration via viscous friction for slowing the motion and absorbing energy. In some aspects, mount subassembly 200 (Figure 4) is inserted into cup 300 and acts as a spring for resisting displacement. Thus, device 100 is devoid of any metallic spring.

[0038] Cup 300 has at least one opening 301 and an inner surface 303. Cup 300 further includes a radially reduced section 302 and a non-flat (e.g., curved or concave) bottom surface 304. Figures 2 and 6A-7 illustrate outer member 214 interiorly positionable proximate the radially reduced section 302 of the cup 300 and secured thereto. Radially reduced section 302 of cup and outer member 214 are configured to be secured together. As illustrated, radially reduced section 302 may be rolled or crimped to outer member 214 (Figure 4) as indicated by arrows in the direction A in Figure 5A. The seal between radially reduced section 302 and outer member 214 provides a radially reduced joint or interface to secure cup 300 to outer member 214 of mount subassembly 200. Incorporating a substantially curved or concave bottom surface 304 provides for stress reduction in cup 300. Stress in cup 300 is produced due to the internal dynamic pressure developed during mount operation. By providing stress reduction in cup 300, a thinner grade of material can be utilized to form cup 300. This advantageously reduces the weight of cup 300.

[0039] Figures 6A and 6B illustrate mount subassembly 200 positioned within cup 300 such that portions of outer member 214 of subassembly 200 retain cup 300. As illustrated in Figure 6A, mount subassembly 200 includes a bonded member 209 comprising the inner member 202 and elastomer section 210 bonded thereto. The mount subassembly 200 is snuggly contained within the crimped cup 300. In some aspects, holes (not shown) are included in damping plate 216.

[0040] When the mount subassembly 200 is placed within the cup 300, a quantity of fluid F substantially surrounds the damping plate 216 such that fluid F is at least in contact with the lower and upper surfaces of damping plate 216. Thus, the quantity of viscous fluid F and the damping plate 216 act as a fluid damper by allowing fluid flow (e.g. fluid movement) around an outer diameter of damping plate 216 (i.e. annular damping). When holes (not shown) are included in the damping plate 216, the damping plate 216 exhibits a combination of annual and orifice damping as the quantity of viscous fluid F can flow through the holes in the damping plate 216. The benefits of a fluid damper include dissipating the overall energy of the system and, thus, provide damping.

[0041] Referring now to Figure 6B, the interface or joint between cup 300 and mount subassembly 200 is illustrated in detail. As Figure 6B illustrates, outer member 214 includes an isolation elastomeric element 220 extending along element lower section 229 and having an elastomeric contour 227 disposed along an outer surface thereof for improving retention of cup 300 to mount subassembly 200. Isolation elastomeric element 220 can be pre-compressed and extend outwardly from outer elastomeric element 225 and is proximate to at least a portion of the outer surface 219 of outer member 214 and proximate to at least a portion of the inner surface 303 of cup 300. Thus, the interface between cup 300 and mount subassembly 200 includes an elastomer material sandwiched between metallic parts, and is not solely comprised of a metal-to-metal interface. In some aspects, the isolation elastomeric element 220 includes a pre-compressed elastomer material configured to isolate configured to isolate a high-frequency vibration acting upon the device 500.

[0042] Isolation elastomeric element 220 and outer elastomer element 225 of partitioned elastomeric sections 210 may be physically bonded to outer member 214 via an adhesive or other bonding materials and/or method. In some aspects, elastomer contour 227 includes a variable diameter along the length disposed between cup 300 and outer member 214. In some aspects, the diameter of elastomer contour 227 is smaller between rolled or crimped areas 218 positioned proximate to radially reduced section 302 of cup 300 and outer member 214. [0043] As device 100 includes elastomer in the joint where cup 300 and outer member 214 are crimped, this results in a joint that is devoid of relying upon a metal- to-metal contact for holding the cup in place. This allows cup 300 to have a small amount of motion with respect to the mount subassembly 200 resulting in a small amount of additional volume compensation and decoupling.

[0044] Still referring to Figures 6A and 6B, device 100 incorporates a rolled or crimped joint at the top of cup 300 whereby cup 300 is crimped against outer member 214 to secure it to outer member 214. Outer member 214 also contains a rolled or crimped region 218 corresponding to radially reduced section 302 of cup 300. The rolled form of rolled or crimped region 218 can be filled with elastomer before cup 300 forms or bonds to outer member 214. The joint between cup 300 and outer member 214 acts both as a mechanical lock holding cup 300 in place and as a secondary sealing method for the viscous fluid F for superior sealing.

[0045] Device 100 also provides improved durability via radially crimping cup 300 to outer member 214, as radially crimping cup 300 radially compresses outer member 214 and/or elastomeric section 210 of subassembly 200. This can minimize relative motion at the interface between cup 300 and mount subassembly 200, thereby improving durability. Further, the use of traditional sealing beads can be eliminated.

[0046] Maintaining the specified volume of viscous fluid F within device 100 is desirable as the damping accomplished by the fluid F and damping plate 216 acts in combination as a fluid damper. Thus, even small quantities of leakage of the fluid F can impact the efficiency and ability of the fluid mount to control and reduce gross vehicle cab movement and vibration. Thus, crimping cup 300 into outer member 214 of mount subassembly 200 provides improved sealing and improved damping capabilities while extending the lifetime of device 100. The crimping and joint between cup 300 and subassembly 200 further eliminates the need for any additional outer member provided outside of cup 300 for compressing and maintaining cup 300 against subassembly 200.

[0047] Figure 7 is a sectional view of an assembled device 100. After inserting mount subassembly 200 into cup 300 as illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B, top plate assembly 400 is then provided over portions of mount subassembly 200 and cup

300. Inner member 202 of mount subassembly 200 is received central aperture 408

(e.g., Figures 3A and 3B) of top plate assembly 400 and retained therein. Metallic washer 410 is configured to physically contact stepped region 208 of inner member 202 for upward snubbing. Metallic washer 410 provides stiffness control and an upward snubbing contact surface 406B. An upward snubbing response can be altered via altering the diameter of metallic washer 410 bonded to elastomeric profile 404.

[0048] Figure 7 further illustrates mounting plate 402 and outer member 214 of subassembly 200 extending in length to include aligned bolt holes 414 and 222, respectively, for allowing device 100 to be bolted to a structure or frame of a vehicle.

[0049] Figure 8 is an alternate embodiment of a fluid-filled mount, generally designated 500 that includes some of the aspects shown and described in other Figures, such as in Figures 3A, 3B, 5A, and/or 5B. In this alternative embodiment, the fluid-filled mount comprises cup 300, which is configured to hold fluid F therein. Cup 300 has at least one opening 301 and an inner surface 303. The fluid-filled mount 500 of Figure 8 also includes a mount subassembly 505 disposed within cup 300 and proximate to opening 301.

[0050] Referring to Figure 8, mount subassembly 505 is secured within cup 300 by radially reduced section 302 of cup 300. Mount subassembly 505 comprises an inner member 502 having a threaded receiver 504, at least one elastomeric element 513, and an outer member 514 interiorly positionable proximate the radially reduced section 302 of the cup 300 and secured thereto.

[0051] Outer member 514 has a planar interface 515, an inner surface 517 and an outer surface 519. Elastomeric element 513 has an inner elastomeric surface

521 bonded to an outer surface 523 of the inner member 502 and an outer elastomeric surface 525 bonded to the inner surface 517 of the outer member 514.

Elastomeric element 513 also has an isolation elastomeric element 520 extending outwardly from an element lower section 529 of elastomeric element 513 and is proximate to at least a portion of the outer surface 519 of outer member 514 and proximate to at least a portion of the inner surface 303 of cup 300. A damping plate

516 is movably secured to the inner member 502. In some aspects, the isolation elastomeric element 520 includes a pre-compressed elastomer material configured to isolate configured to isolate a high-frequency vibration acting upon the device 500.

[0052] The interchangeable top plate assembly 400 (Figures 3A and 3B) can be disposed over and/or used with fluid mount 500. Assembly 400 comprises an elastomeric profile 404 having a central aperture 408 therethrough. Elastomeric profile 404 is configured to dispose the threaded receiver 504 of inner member 502 therethrough.

[0053] Referring to Figures 3A and 3b, upper snubbing surface 406B is positioned on elastomeric profile 404. Lower metallic washer 410 is positioned proximate to inner lower surface 411 of elastomeric profile 404 and capable of snubbing. Radial snubbing surface 406C is positioned radially inward on the elastomeric profile 404. Mounting plate 402 is partially disposed within and bonded to elastomeric profile 404. Mounting plate 402 has lower mounting surface 412 thereon. Lower mounting surface 412 is positioned proximate to planar interface 515 of outer member 514.

[0054] As illustrated in Figure 8, outer member 514 has a planar interface 515, an inner surface 517 and an outer surface 519. In some aspects, elastomeric element 513 is coupled to (e.g. bonded, adhered, friction fit, etc.) an outer surface 523 of inner member 502. Similarly, outer elastomeric element 513 is bonded to the inner surface 217 of the outer member 514.

[0055] Additional features and design considerations for the subject matter disclosed herein include, but are not limited to: the contact locations of mounting plate 402 (Figure 7) and supporting structure S2 (Figure 2) can be adjusted for each application to control overall gross motion control; and a vacuum amount or pressure at which mount subassembly 200 is inserted with cup 300 can be selected.

[0056] Other embodiments of the current subject matter will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this specification or practice of the subject matter disclosed herein. Thus, the foregoing specification is considered merely exemplary of the current subject matter with the true scope thereof being defined by the following claims.