Patent ID: 6378640
Filing Date: 2002-04-30
Classification: B60R,B62D

Abstract:
A surface conforming spring for mounting adjacent a spring conformance surface which has two or more mounting points disposed adjacent the spring conformance surface one or both of which mounting points may be comprised of a mounting plate which has a plate thickness, comprising:(a) a spring body extending along a longitudinal axis of said surface conforming spring; (b) at least two mounting engagement structures each of which is disposed at an end of said spring body; (c) wherein each of said two mounting engagement structures is designed to be engaged to one of the mounting points; (d) wherein said spring body is constructed such that a stiffness of said spring body against bending varies along said longitudinal axis of said spring body; (e) wherein portions of said spring body which are designed to be located next to portions of the spring conformance surface which have a relatively large radius of curvature have a relatively high stiffness against bending; (f) wherein portions of said spring body which are designed to be located next to portions of the spring conformance surface which have a relatively small radius of curvature have a relatively low stiffness against bending; (g) wherein when said surface conforming spring is properly installed, said mounting engagement structures at said ends of said spring body are engaged to the mounting points, and said spring body of said surface conforming spring is disposed relatively close to the spring conformance surface between the mounting points; (h) said spring body is comprised of a spring member which extends from one end of said longitudinal axis of said surface conforming spring, along said longitudinal axis of said surface conforming spring, to an opposite end of said longitudinal axis of said surface conforming spring; (i) said spring member is constructed such that it has cross-sections of different shape and/or size perpendicular to said longitudinal axis at different points along said longitudinal axis; (j) said spring member is comprised of a sheet with substantially uniform thickness throughout; and (k) said sheet forms one or more stiffening features which extend parallel to said longitudinal axis and which stiffen said spring body against bending along said longitudinal axis of said spring body.