Vibration isolator and method for manufacturing same

Abstract

An isolator for supporting a load on a part, such as a vehicle part, which is subject to vibrations, in a manner isolating the load from the vibrations. The isolator includes a pair of elongated bar structures for respective coupling to the load and the part, the bar structures being substantially parallel to and spaced from each other and interconnected by a plurality of spring structures fixed to and distributed longitudinally along opposed sides of the bar structures. Each spring structure includes an elongated portion respectively fixed to the bar structures and extending therebetween along a path including at least a curved portion. The spring structures are initially in the form of substantially straight wire cables or ropes and are arranged substantially parallel to and spaced from each other in a mold in which the bar structures are molded around the spring structures so that the latter are fixed to the bar structures by being embedded therein. The ends of the spring structures are molded to a pair of elongated plastic bodies which, together with a retainer, define one bar structure, while intermediate portions of the spring structures are molded to an intermediate plastic body which defines the second bar structure.