Patent ID: 9261156
Filing Date: 2016-02-16
CPC Classification: B60G,F16F

Claim Text:
1. A flexible spring member comprising: a flexible spring wall at least partially formed from an elastomeric material, said flexible spring wall having a longitudinal axis and extending longitudinally between opposing first and second ends, said flexible spring wall extending peripherally about said longitudinal axis and including a plurality of convoluted wall portions disposed in longitudinally-spaced relation to one another; and, at least one girdle hoop in the form of an annular ring extending peripherally about said longitudinal axis and positioned longitudinally between adjacent ones of said plurality of convoluted wall portions with said at least one girdle hoop at least partially embedded within said flexible spring wall, said at least one girdle hoop including an inner core and an outer casing that is at least partially formed from a hoop elastomeric material that is different from said elastomeric material of said flexible spring wall with said hoop elastomeric material of said at least one girdle hoop being selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber and thermoplastic elastomer, said inner core being formed from a polymeric material that is different from said elastomeric material of said flexible spring wall and said hoop elastomeric material of said outer casing with at least one of a harder durometer, a greater rigidity and an increased strength relative to said elastomeric material of said flexible spring wall and said hoop elastomeric material of said outer casing.