Patent ID: 6328294
Filing Date: 2001-12-11
Classification: F16F

Abstract:
A spring system having non-linear force-deflection response characteristics comprising:a housing having a bore extending at least partway therethrough and defining a bore axis;at least one radially outwardly deformable first spring member slidably retained in said bore coaxial with said bore axis;at least one axially deformable second spring member slidably retained in said bore, coaxial with, and in end-to-end relationship with said first spring member;said first spring member defining at least one opening adapted to receive at least a portion of said second spring member in response to an applied force having a component along said bore axis; and wherebyin response to said force, said first spring member receiving said portion of said second spring member in said opening progressively deforms substantially radially outwardly relative to said bore axis enveloping at least a portion of said second spring member while said second spring member progressively deforms substantially parallel to said axis such that said spring system exhibits a non-linear response to said applied force.