What Are Rubber Cradle Mounts?

Cradle Mount

• A cradle mount is a mounting device that cradles an object. For instance, a cradle-mount motor sits in a cradle mount like a person might sit in a hammock. The sides of the cradle mount attach to the walls of an appliance, or other parts within an engine, to mount, or suspend, the motor. This works in the same way that a hammock ties to a tree or porch posts to suspend a person. Not all cradle mounts suspend objects within space, though most possess the capability to do so if the user desires it.

Rubber Cradle Mounts

• A rubber cradle mount entails exactly what it sounds like, a cradle mount made out of rubber. The rubber used in cradle mounts usually assumes a hardened form that more closely resembles plastic than the gummy texture commonly associated with rubber. Rubber cradle mounts usually contain an elliptical bottom, or basket, with raised sides that turn inward. Things mounted in these cradles sit in the basket, while the sides hold them in place, preventing them from slipping off the mount.

Uses

• Rubber cradle mounts have numerous uses across a wide gamut of industries. Some automobile manufacturers use rubber cradle mounts to hold things within vehicle engines. Numerous types of cradle mounts, some plastic and some rubber, exist for using GPS systems, MP3 players and smart phones in cars. These cradles usually hang from the windshield or stick up from the dashboard. Rubber cradle mounts also exist for holding and suspending tablets, such as the iPad, for the benefit of the user.

More Information

• Rubber cradle mounts for small items including phones, GPS systems, MP3 players and tablets usually offer two types of orientation, horizontal and vertical. For instance, if your smart phone can perform functions from a vertical and horizontal position, a cradle mount may swivel on a central axis to allow you to use your phone in both positions. Some cradle mounts must remain stationary, such as those used for giant proscenium signs. These cradle mounts, however, are usually made of metal. Some manufacturers coat metal cradle mounts in rubber or plastic for protection from weather.