Patent ID: 6109599
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: F16F

Abstract:
A flexible connector for resiliently securing at least two objects together, the flexible connector comprising:first resilient means for resiliently connecting the at least two objects, wherein said first resilient means undergoes partial elastic elongation upon application of a force, wherein said first resilient means includes a flexible sleeve;second resilient means for resiliently connecting the at least two objects, wherein said second resilient means undergoes partial elastic elongation upon application of the force, wherein said second resilient means includes a spring assembly;first anchoring means for securing the flexible connector to one of the at least two objects, said first and second resilient means being secured to said first anchoring means; andsecond anchoring means for securing the flexible connector to one of the at least two objects, said first and second resilient means being secured to said second anchoring means;wherein said first and second resilient means undergo partial simultaneous elastic elongation with differing reduction rates upon application of the force and contribute opposing forces to the force until said first resilient means contacts said second resilient means, whereupon said first and second resilient means are capable of withstanding additional forces at a substantially reduced elongation rate;wherein said second resilient means is inhibited from elongating greater than its elastic limit by the forces exerted on said second resilient means by said first resilient means when said flexible sleeve contacts said spring assembly, andwherein said first resilient means is inhibited from elongating greater than its elastic limit by the forces exerted on said first resilient means by said second resilient means when said flexible sleeve contacts said spring assembly.