Patent ID: 6575439
Filing Date: 2003-06-10
Classification: F16F

Abstract:
A spring device comprising a pair of spaced-apart first and second annular support plates defining a ring with a central axis; a plurality of circumferentially spaced, parallel oriented coil springs disposed between said annular plates and having associated therewith a free-state height for said coil springs; and, a plurality of guide assemblies located at circumferentially spaced positions around said ring, each of said guide assemblies including a first tab extending from one of said plates toward the other of said plates, a second tab extending from said other of said plates toward said one of said plates to form a generally sliding contact between said first and second tabs as said plates move vertically to compress and/or release said coil springs, said first tab having a guide slot with a given width and extending in a direction perpendicular to said plates and said second tab carrying an assembled elongated guide member extending radially of said ring and through said slot to guide vertical movement between said plates.