Inner metal link bushing for a vibration isolator and method for forming

Abstract

An inner metal link bushing is formed by providing flat steel stock having a chamfered edge disposed at an angle relative to the surfaces such that, when the flat stock is reshaped to a tubular formation, the edges forming a longitudinal seam will initially contact one another at the outer surfaces thereof leaving slight gap between such edges in the area adjacent the inner surface. The tubular formation is placed in a die having a rigid interior wall surface in close relationship with the outer surface of the tubular formation and a mandrel is positioned inside the tubular formation in slightly spaced relationship therewith. Presses impose compressive forces on the opposing ends of the tubular formation sufficient to squeeze the ends of the tubular formation toward one another and to cause the inner and outer surfaces of the tubular formation to be homogeneously plastically deformed into firm contact respectively with the inner surface of the partible die and the outer surface of the mandrel. The reshaping caused by such compressive forces also forces the edges into sealing engagement with one another.

1 - 13 . (canceled)  
   
   
       14 . A vibration isolator comprising 
 (a) an axially extending metal tube formed from a substantially flat sheet and having longitudinal seam substantially parallel to the axis thereof, said longitudinal seam being defined by a pair of opposing edges bonded by plastic deformation of said metal; and    (b) an in-place injection molded member encircling at least a portion of said tubular member.    
   
   
       15 . A vibration isolator according to  claim 14  wherein said tube has first and second ends and said plastic deformation results from compressive forces applied to said ends.  
   
   
       16 . A bushing comprising 
 (a) an axially extending metal tube formed from a substantially flat sheet and having longitudinal seam substantially parallel to the axis thereof, said longitudinal seam being defined by a pair of opposing edges bonded by plastic deformation of said metal; and    (b) an in-place injection molded member encircling at least a portion of said tubular member.    
   
   
       17 . A bushing according to  claim 16  wherein said tube has first and second ends and said plastic deformation results from compressive forces applied to said ends.  
   
   
       18 . A bushing according to  claim 16  wherein said injection molded member comprises rubber.  
   
   
       19 - 21 . (canceled)