US Patent 7354248 Elastomeric bearing elements for droop stop mechanisms

An elastomeric bearing element having an outer race, an inner race, and at least two elastomeric segments secured between the inner and outer races is provided. The elastomeric segments are spaced from one another by a corresponding number of expansion segments. The elastomeric segments provide a first spring rate when a first force applied to the outer race places the elastomeric segments in compression and a second spring rate when a second force applied to the outer race places the elastomeric segments in shear. The second spring rate is lower than the first spring rate.