Patent ID: 6024342
Filing Date: 2000-02-15
Classification: B60G,F16F

Abstract:
A suspension spring, comprising:a. a plurality of spring elements, each said spring element of said plurality of spring elements comprising:i). a central portion having a first end and a second end;ii). first and second arms, each said first and second arm having a first end and a second end; andiii). first and second helical coils, each said first and second helical coil having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said first helical coil is coupled to said first end of said central portion, said second end of said first helical coil is coupled to said first end of said first arm, said first end of said second helical coil is coupled to said second end of said central portion, and said second end of said second helical coil is coupled to said first end of said second arm; andb. a load distributor for distributing a first force amongst each of said central portions of said plurality of spring elements, wherein said load distributor comprises at least one attachment plate, said at least one attachment plate comprises a plurality of slots substantially parallel to one another, each said central portion of said plurality of spring elements is disposed within a distinct one of said plurality of slots, said plurality of slots is disposed so that each of said plurality of spring elements are proximate to another of said plurality of spring elements, each said second end of said first arm is adapted to receive a second force and each said second end of said second arm of said plurality of spring elements is adapted to receive a third force, and each of the elements of said plurality of spring elements are disposed substantially parallel to a plane of reference and displaced from one another so as to provide for increased stiffness in a direction that is normal to said plane of reference, whereby said second and third forces are reactive to said first force and said plurality of spring elements act in unison responsive to said first, second and third forces.