Means for decoupling mechanical components

Abstract

A vibration and noise dampening connection mechanism for securing at least two components together having a simplified construction is disclosed. A passageway is formed in one of the components with a milled thread having a runout. The end face of the bolt and the runout of the milled thread cooperate to establish an inserted end position having a desired initial tension.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A vibration and noise dampening connection mechanism for securing at least two components together, comprising: 
 a first component having at least one first component passageway formed therein;    a second component having at least one second component passageway formed therein, wherein each of the second component passageway having a thread therein and a stop formed therein;    at least one bolt, wherein each of the at least one bolt being received in a corresponding one of the at least one first component passageway and a corresponding one of the at least one second component passageway to secure the first component to the second component, wherein each bolt having a bolt end;    at least one molded body formed from an elastomeric material, wherein each of the at least one molded body having a passageway formed therein for receiving a corresponding one of the at least one bolt; and    at least one seal member at least partially interposed between the first component and the second component,    wherein the end face of the bolt and the stop within the second component passageway cooperate to establish an inserted end position for the vibration and noise dampening connection mechanism.    
     
     
         2 . The vibration and noise dampening connection mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein the first component is a valve cover for an engine.  
     
     
         3 . The vibration and noise dampening connection mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein the second component is a cylinder head for an engine.  
     
     
         4 . The vibration and noise dampening connection mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein the inserted end position establishes a desired initial tension for the at least one bolt.  
     
     
         5 . The vibration and noise dampening connection mechanism according to  claim 4 , wherein the desired initial tension between the first component and the second component can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the stop.  
     
     
         6 . The vibration and noise dampening connection mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein one of the at least one molded body is received within one of the at least one first component passageway.  
     
     
         7 . The vibration and noise dampening connection according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the at least one seal member having an opening formed therein for receiving a corresponding one of the at least one bolt.