Patent Publication Number: US-2012032063-A1

Title: Vibration reduction support apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/592,386 filed Nov. 3, 2009 by the inventors named in this application, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/109,517 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,621,705), filed on Apr. 19, 2005 by the inventors named in this application, which is in turn a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/607,113, filed on Jun. 25, 2003 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,890,137, issued May 10, 2005) by the inventors named in this application, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Priority is hereby claimed under 35 USC 120. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Fragile loads require care in loading and transport. By way of example, patient transport by ambulance can result in shock or vibration induced trauma due to road conditions encountered by the ambulance when in transit. Other similar fragile loads, such as wheelchair bound individuals, or sensitive cargo can also require care in transport. However, a transport vehicle suspension has yet to be developed that is sufficiently compliant for fragile loads, and that also provides for safe vehicle operation. 
     Various suspension devices have been developed in recognition of the above problem. However most are costly, complex, and do not adapt well to standardized load support and securing arrangements by which the otherwise movable load is secured to the adjacent support. One example of such a securing arrangement is the standard ambulance lock down apparatus. 
     Another problem faced by those wishing supplemental suspension systems in ambulances is that there is generally no standard configuration for ambulance stretchers. In fact, there are several stretcher configurations currently available in the marketplace. Stretcher configuration and weight may vary, as may lock down arrangements. The same can be true for wheelchairs and other forms of cargo such as pallets, shipping containers, and other storage devices. Similar problems can also exist with other forms of support, especially where shock loading is to be avoided. 
     In ambulances, one fairly standard feature is a floor construction that includes a covering placed over a plywood sub floor. The plywood is placed over a metal pan that is an integral part of, or is mounted to, the ambulance chassis. The pan protects and seals the plywood from exposure to the outside environment and the plywood provides rigidity, working with the floor covering to provide a degree of sound and heat insulation for the ambulance interior. The combination of covering and plywood presents a floor thickness between the covering and pan that is typically less than about one inch. The thin floor structure limits use of sub floor mounted vibration reduction mechanisms, at least if it is desired to maintain the integrity of the pan. Floor mounted vibration reduction systems have been mounted above the floor surfaces to maintain the integrity of the pan. However, such structures can obstruct access and hinder cleaning. 
     In view of the above problems, what is needed is a vibration reduction arrangement that achieves the benefits to be derived from other, known methods and devices, but which avoids the shortcomings and detriments individually associated therewith. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides for different embodiments of a cushioning support apparatus between a load element and a support element. The load and support elements can vary, but generally can involve some form of vehicle as a support element that will transmit vibration to a load element as the vehicle moves across the medium traveled upon. 
     Ambulances, trucks, vans, and other ground engaging form of vehicle are examples of support elements. Airplanes, helicopters and other aircraft are also examples. Ships, boats, barges and other watercraft are still further examples of vehicles that can be utilized as, or incorporate support elements. 
     The load element can be any form of mass that can be confined in a physical state to be carried by the vehicle support element. Examples of load elements include but are not limited to ambulance stretchers, wheel chairs, cargo bins, boxes and pallets. 
     Embodiments of the present invention are provided to reduce transmission of vibration between the support element and a load element carried on the support element. The present support apparatus can be mounted on the support element to removably receive the load element. Alternatively, embodiments of the present apparatus can be mounted to the load element and be removably received on the support element. Still further embodiments of the present invention can also be removably positioned between support and load elements without being mounted to either. 
     It is also pointed out that the various embodiments of the invention can be used singularly or in groups between a support and a load element. For example, to reduce vibration between an ambulance floor and a stretcher carried by the ambulance, one of the present support apparatus can be provided on the ambulance floor for each leg of the stretcher. In another example, two of the present support apparatus can be arranged on a vehicle floor or other support element to receive the rear weight bearing wheels of a wheel chair. In yet further examples, one or more of the present supports can be arranged between the bottom surface of a load such as a pallet, cargo bin, or other mass; and a support element such as the floor of a transport vehicle. 
     One embodiment of the present invention provides a support apparatus that can be positioned between a load element and a support element to cushion the load element against vibration with respect to the support element. As such, this embodiment includes a receiving member, and a base member movably mounting the receiving member along an axis of movement. An element engaging surface is defined on one of the members and in substantially normal relation to the axis and is configured to releasably engage one of the elements. One of the members is partially received within the other member for sliding motion along the axis. A vibration reduction device is mounted between the members and is configured to yieldably resist relative movement of the members toward one another. 
     Another embodiment provides a wheel chair wheel support apparatus for a vehicle having a floor with a top floor surface, and in which an elongated wheel chair wheel receiving member is provided with an elongated concave wheel chair wheel receiving surface that is adapted to releasably receive a wheel chair wheel. An elongated base is also provided and is configured to be mounted to the vehicle floor, to mount the wheel chair receiving member for movement between a position substantially coplanar with the top floor surface, and a position below the top floor surface. A vibration reduction device is mounted between the base and the wheel chair wheel receiving member. A wheel chair wheel can be releasably supported on the wheel chair wheel receiving member and the vibration reduction device will reduce transfer of vibration from the vehicle floor to the wheel chair. 
     A still further embodiment includes a support apparatus for reducing vibration between a support element and a load element in which a receiving member defining a concave element receiving surface is adapted to releasably receive at least a portion of one of the support or load elements. A base member is also included, to mount the element receiving member for movement between a first position and a second position. A vibration reduction device is mounted between the base member and the receiving member and is configured to reduce transfer of vibration to the load element from the support element. 
     These and other aspects and embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of an ambulance incorporating one form of the present support apparatus in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a pictorial view depicting an exemplary single support apparatus. 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the support apparatus embodiment exemplified by  FIG. 2  with the element receiving member removed, and showing a vibration reduction device component of the support apparatus adjusted for a high degree of resistance to deflection. 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the  FIG. 2  embodiment depicting another exemplary arrangement of the vibration reduction device for a lesser degree of resistance. 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view depicting another exemplary arrangement for the vibration reduction device. 
         FIG. 6  depicts another exemplary arrangement used to produce a still further different degree of resistance. 
         FIG. 7  is a partial sectional view taken through an exemplary base, element receiving member, and vibration reduction device in which three exemplary springs are shown for clarity. 
         FIG. 8  is a view similar to  FIG. 7  with a fragmentary showing of a stretcher leg and wheel as a load element bearing downwardly against the element receiving member, and deflecting the vibration reduction device. 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view depicting components in a separated arrangement and indicating steps in a process for reducing vibration between a support element and a load element. 
         FIG. 10  is a top plan view of the support apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a sectional view of the  FIG. 10  embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded side elevation view of the  FIG. 10  embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of a wheel chair support embodiment of the support apparatus. 
         FIG. 14  is a top plan view of the  FIG. 13  embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a partially sectioned view of the  FIG. 13  embodiment, depicting a segment of a wheel chair as a load element resting against a support member. 
         FIG. 16  is a side sectional view of a support apparatus in accordance with yet another embodiment depicting one variation of a load element securing device attached to the receiving member. 
         FIG. 17  is a side sectional view of a support apparatus in accordance with a further embodiment depicting one variation of a load element securing device attached to the base member. 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded side sectional view of a support apparatus in accordance with another embodiment depicting a two-part base member and how the receiving member can be secured within the base member. 
         FIGS. 19 and 20  are side views of receiving members depicting further variations of a load element securing devices that can be attached to the receiving member. 
         FIG. 21  is a side sectional view of another embodiment of a support apparatus depicting various mountings for a load element securing device and/or devices for attaching the apparatus to a support element. 
         FIG. 22  is a side sectional view of a further embodiment of a support apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure, and is a variation on the apparatus depicted in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 23  is a side sectional view of yet another embodiment of a support apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure, and is another variation on the apparatus depicted in  FIG. 11 , as well as  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 24  is a side sectional view of an apparatus depicting variations of the apparatus depicted in  FIGS. 22 and 23 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now in greater detail to the drawings, attention is first directed to the ambulance depicted generally in  FIG. 1  which defines an exemplary support element  12 . The illustrated ambulance is exemplary of numerous forms of support elements  12  that can be used in conjunction with embodiments of the present support apparatus, which are generally depicted in the drawings by reference numeral  10 . In the ambulance example, a side wall is shown broken away to expose a portion of a floor  13  which incorporates multiple units of the present support apparatus  10 . A stretcher load member  18  is shown resting on a plurality of the support apparatus  10  that are supported in turn by the ambulance support element  12 . The stretcher exemplifies a load element  18 , with leg and wheel assemblies  19  resting on the support apparatus  10 . 
       FIGS. 1 ,  7 , and  8 , depict portions of an exemplary support element  12  as an ambulance floor  13 . The floor  13  is shown to include a top surface  14  defined by a floor covering  15  that is supported on a sub floor  16  which can typically be formed of plywood. In many instances, the plywood will have a thickness dimension of about ¾ inch. The floor covering thickness can vary according to the material used, but can be within a range of about 1/16-¼ inch. Thus the overall floor thickness (excluding the thickness dimension of a pan  17 ) can vary somewhat, but will generally be approximately 13/16-1 inch. Other support elements, aside from the exemplary ambulance floor  13 , can provide different thickness dimension range. 
     A bottom pan  17  that is mounted to or is an integral part of the ambulance chassis can typically support the ambulance subfloor  16 . Ambulance floor pans  17  are usually formed of aluminum or another rigid material and is substantially imperforate, to protect the patient compartment. It is intended that certain embodiments of the present support  10  be configured for positioning between the floor  13  and the load element  18  without involving penetration or alteration of the pan  17  and without projecting significantly above the top floor surface  14 . 
     Support Apparatus General Configurations 
     It is noted that the support apparatus  10  is shown in  FIG. 2  as circular in form, including an element receiving member  20  and a base member  21 . This can also be true for other embodiments of the present apparatus  10  such as depicted by  FIGS. 10-12 . However, other shapes can be used, including curvilinear or polygonal shapes. One such alternative configuration is depicted in  FIGS. 13-15 , which show a curvilinear elongated embodiment. 
     It is pointed out that the present support apparatus  10  can be provided in a system in combination with a vehicle support element such as the floor depicted at  13 , in  FIG. 1 , so as to receive and support each leg and wheel assembly  19  of a stretcher form of load element  18 . Another embodiment of the support apparatus  10  can be mounted or likewise attached to a support element  12  as depicted in  FIG. 15 , to receive and reduce vibration from the support element  12  to the load element  18 , depicted as a wheel chair wheel fragment  19   a.    
     Other embodiments of support apparatus  10  can be produced for attachment singularly or in groups to a load element  18  as depicted in  FIG. 12 , for resting against a support element  12 . The present support apparatus  10  can also be used in loose engagement between a load element  18  and a support element  12 . 
     The Element Receiving Members 
     The element receiving member  20  in any of the exemplary embodiments can be formed as a rigid plate of an appropriate material such as aluminum, which can be anodized for surface hardening and to avoid corrosion. Aspects of the receiving member  20  that are generally common to all embodiments include a top or outward surface  26  which as depicted in  FIGS. 2 ,  7 - 9 , and  13 - 5 , can include a concave centering surface  27  formed therein. 
     The concave centering surface  27  can be substantially centered on a central axis “X” that passes through the element receiving member  20  and about which the remaining components of the support apparatus are spaced. The outward surface  26  can extend about the centering surface  27  and can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis “X”. 
     The concave surface  27  can be of a substantially constant radius (i.e. spherical), as depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 12 . However, conical, pyramidal and other concave surface shapes can function as well. As an example, the embodiment exemplified by  FIGS. 13-15  provides for a “V” shaped concave wheel chair wheel receiving surface  27   a,  forming an elongated, line  27   b  at the vertex of the “V” shape. The surface  27   a  and line  27   b  are at least substantially centered on the receiving member  20  and extend longitudinally with respect to the elongated configuration of the  FIG. 7  embodiment. 
     In the embodiments depicted, a surface  28  is provided on member  20 , opposite to the top or outward surface  26 . Surface  28  can be provided with a number of axially protruding bosses  29  that can be used to position and spatially locate the vibration reduction device  22 . In the illustrated embodiments, numerous bosses  29  are provided, with one or more centrally located and the remainder substantially equally spaced from the central axis “X”. The bosses  29  can be integral with the element receiving members  20 . Alternatively, the bosses can be separately formed and mechanically, adhesively, or otherwise attached to the receiving member  20 . 
     While the bosses  29  depicted in  FIG. 8  and others are part of the element receiving member  20 , the base member  21  can alternately be provided with similar bosses  29   a  ( FIG. 13 ) for the same purpose of positioning the vibration reduction device  22 . As a further alternative, another form of positioning arrangement such as formed sockets, tubular guides studs, or the like can be provided on either member  20 ,  21  or the vibration reduction device  22  for positioning the device  22  with respect to the element receiving member  20 . 
     The axial distance between the top or outward surface of element receiving members  20  and the opposite surfaces  28  define a thickness dimension, which can vary from one embodiment to another. For example, the thickness dimension of the element receiving members  20  exemplified in  FIGS. 7 and 13  can be substantially equal, while the thickness of member  20  for the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 10-12  can be greater for reasons set forth below. 
       FIGS. 7 and 15  embodiments of the element receiving members  20  can be made relatively thin, to minimize the overall thickness dimension of the apparatus  10  and to permit installation in or on thin floor support elements such as the ambulance floor  13  described above. Element receiving members  20  that are formed in this manner are well suited to use in installations where it is preferred that the outward or top surface  26  of the element receiving members  20  be in close proximity to the plane of the floor surface  14  of the support element  12 . These embodiments can be used to advantage in applications in which the present support apparatus  10  are mounted to the support element  12 , and the load element  18  has, for example, a wheel or leg support such as the illustrated stretcher leg assembly  19  ( FIG. 1 ) or wheel chair  19   a  ( FIG. 15 ). The legs or wheels can be readily rolled or otherwise moved onto the element receiving members  20  without requiring substantial lifting. 
     The  FIG. 10-12  embodiment can be produced such that part of the somewhat axially elongated element receiving member  20  will always be exposed beyond the base member  21 . The increased axial thickness allows for axial travel between the load element  18  and the support element  12  when arranged as suggested by  FIG. 12 . As such, this embodiment can be advantageously mounted to load elements  18  such as pallets, cargo containers or other load elements  18  that would otherwise rest in substantially flush engagement against the support element  12 . 
     From the above, it can be understood that the present support apparatus  10  can be either mounted to a support element  12 , or to a load element  18 . It follows then that, depending upon the embodiment; the element receiving member  20  can be made to engage directly with the load element  18  ( FIGS. 8 and 15 ) or the support element ( FIG. 12 ). 
     Referring now to the examples illustrated in  FIGS. 7 ,  12 , and  13 , embodiments of the apparatus  10  can include peripheral grooves  43  or equivalent structure that can be configured to mount a sliding seal, which can be in the form of an “O” ring  44 . The illustrated groove  43  can be sized to locate the “O” ring  44  in sliding engagement with an adjacent wall  37  of the associated base member  21 . 
     The “O” rings  44  can be of a conventional form to provide a sliding but resilient seal between the element receiving members  20  and the base members  21 . The “O” rings  44  can be formed of rubber or an appropriate synthetic “O” ring material that includes resilient properties. An exemplary “O” ring material will deflect to conform with the shape of the adjacent engaged surfaces and will movably seal the element receiving member  20  against the base  21  to prevent liquids and debris from entering a chamber  40  that formed by the associated base member  21 . 
     Resilient “O” rings  44  also allow for resilient lateral deflection of the receiving members  20  with respect to the base members  21 . Lateral vibration (with respect to axis “X”) can thus be reduced between the base members  21  and receiving members  20 . Further, the resilient “O” rings  44  can allow a degree of lateral deflection without permitting a binding engagement of the two members  20 ,  21  upon axial deflection of the element receiving members  20  under load. 
     While the “O” rings  44  of the various embodiments are depicted as being mounted on the element receiving members  20 , the base members  20  can also be provided with appropriate mounting surfaces for an “O” ring arrangement that can be made to function in a similar manner to the “O” ring arrangements illustrated and described above. 
     In certain embodiments, the element receiving members  20  can be provided with a normally plugged lift hole  46  ( FIG. 9 ) to allow for attachment of a lift tool  47 . Tool  47  can be used for placing and removing the associated load engaging member  20  into and from the base  21 . An appropriate plug or screw (not shown) can be used to normally close the hole  46 . 
     The Base Member 
     Referring now in greater detail to the embodiments of the base members  21 , attention is drawn to  FIGS. 9 ,  12 , and  13  where various base member configurations are shown without the element receiving members  20  and vibration reduction devices  22 . As depicted, the base members  21  can be somewhat bowl or pot shaped to slidably receive the associated element receiving members  20  and to house the vibration reduction devices  22 . 
     In  FIGS. 9 and 15 , the base members  21  are shown mounted to an associated support element  12 . In  FIG. 12 , the illustrated base member  21  is shown mounted to an associated load element  18 . 
     The base members  21  can be formed of the same material, such as anodized aluminum, as the receiving members  20 , and can be produced using conventional milling, casting or other known manufacturing techniques. 
     Each exemplary base member  21  can include a flange  36  that can be used to secure mounting of the apparatus  10  to a support element  12  ( FIGS. 7 ,  15 ) or a load element  18  ( FIG. 12 ). Flange  36  can be formed with a beveled outward edge that will smoothly transition with an adjacent surface of the element  12  or  18  to which the base member  21  is mounted. In the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 15  the illustrated flanges  36  are substantially flush with a support  12  such as an ambulance or other vehicle floor, while the flange  36  depicted in  FIG. 12  is shown mounted to a load element  18  such as a pallet, cargo container, box or the like. 
     In the  FIGS. 7 and 15  configurations, no more than the axial thickness of the flange  36  is depicted as being exposed beyond the adjacent surface of the support element  12 . This can be done to reduce obstruction to wheel access by a stretcher leg or wheel assembly  19 , a wheel chair  19   a,  or another support engaging surface of an associated load element  18 . The low profile also serves to avoid any significant change in the “at rest” position of the load member  18  so no change or modification of, say, ambulance stretcher lock down equipment (not shown) will become necessary. 
     It is pointed out that no flange  36  is necessary in variations wherein the present apparatus  10  is used without attachment to a support element  12  or to a load element  18 . Further, even support apparatus  10  with mounting flanges  36  can be loosely mounted between loads and supports without seriously affecting the ability of the apparatus to reduce transmission of vibration. 
     Each of the exemplary flanges  36  can be situated at or adjacent to the top end of a base side wall  37 . The base side walls  37  can be formed substantially continuously about the axis “X” and can be of a generally cylindrical configuration ( FIGS. 2 ,  10 ) or another shape such as the elongated configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 13-15 , in complimentary relation to the associated element receiving members  20 . 
     The base wall  37  can extend axially from the flange  36  toward an end wall  38 . In various embodiments, the base walls  37  and associated end walls  38  together can be formed to define chambers  40  (see for example  FIGS. 12 and 15 ) that contain the vibration reduction device  22 . The end wall surfaces  38  can be used to help contain and provide reaction surfaces against which the vibration reduction devices  22  can operate. 
     Versions of the base member  21  that can be used in retrofit situations (mounted to pre-existing support or load elements  12 ,  18 ) can include the end walls  38 . In such embodiments, breather holes  39  ( FIG. 15 ) can be provided to reduce air pressure fluctuations within the chamber  40 . 
     It is noted that the depicted end walls  38  (and the remainder of the base members for that matter) can be eliminated in situations where the support apparatus  10  is incorporated as an integral part of a support element  12  or a load element  18 . In such instances, the element  12 , or  18  itself can become the base member  21  and include integral surfaces that define base and end walls. 
     It is generally advantageous to minimize the overall thickness dimension of the apparatus  10  to permit installation in confined spaces and provide lateral stability. Thus, in one example, the axial dimension “T” ( FIG. 15 ) of the base walls  37  between flanges  36  and end walls  38  can be under two inches and for ambulance and similar vehicle floor installations, about one inch or even less. This minimal overall axial thickness dimension “T” as compared with the significantly greater lateral dimension “L” also contributes to lateral stability especially in the  FIG. 10-12  embodiment by minimizing the axial working distance between the load  18  and support  12  and maximizing the effective lateral “footprint” of the apparatus  10 . 
     In the illustrated embodiments, the present apparatus  10  can be made with base thickness dimensions to approximate an anticipated thickness dimension of the element to which the apparatus is to be mounted. In one example, the base thickness dimension can be made to accommodate a support element  12  such as a conventional ambulance floor, including the floor covering and the sub floor, but not the pan thickness dimension (see  FIG. 7  or  15 ). In another example, the base thickness dimension can be made to accommodate a load element  18  such as a pallet, cargo container, box, or equivalent structure as exemplified by  FIG. 10 . 
     The Vibration Reduction Device 
     Aspects of the vibration reduction device  22  will now be discussed. In general terms, the vibration reduction device  22  is provided between the base member  21  and element receiving member  20 . For example, a stretcher leg and wheel  19  ( FIG. 8 ) or a wheel chair  19   a  ( FIG. 15 ), or a pallet, box, cargo container, or other load element  18  ( FIG. 12 ) can be releasably supported on or by the element receiving member  20  and the vibration reduction device  22  will reduce transfer vibration from the support element  12  to the load element  18 . 
     Various known pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanical devices can be used along with the support  20  and base  21  to achieve the desired vibration damping result within the scope of our invention. In the embodiments depicted herein a plurality of conical coil compression springs  32  will be used to depict the vibration reduction device  22 . However, it will be understood that the depiction is not intended to limit the specific structure or components of the vibration reduction device  22 . In general, the vibration reduction device is intended to provide resilient compliance between the receiving member  20  and the base member  21 . 
     The springs  32  depicted in the figures can be formed of conventional spring material, having top ends  31  of reduced diameter with respect to enlarged bottom ends  33 . Multiple springs  32  of the nature exemplified herein give the advantage of simplicity, adjustability, low cost, and uniform resistance against forces applied axially by the associated support element  12 . Transmission of small lateral vibrations can also be reduced as accommodated by the springs and inherent resiliency of the “O” rings  44 . 
     The illustrated spring tops  31  can be shaped to receive the bosses  29  on the adjacent element receiving members  20 . This is a desirable arrangement by which the springs can be evenly and equally placed about the central axis “X”, thereby providing for uniform resistance against axial movement of the associated element receiving member  20 . It is again noted, however, that other spring orientation arrangements can be made that are not shown but that fall within the scope of this application. 
     It is also pointed out that the spring travel can be limited to an axial distance of less than about 0.75 inches. Low profile and short spring travel permit use of the present support apparatus  10  without presenting significant obstruction to reception and transport of a load. Further, short spring travel can be desired because it permits reduction of vibration without requiring alteration or replacement of the structure to which the apparatus  10  is mounted. A stretcher, for example, can be carried on the ambulance floor at very nearly the same elevation as the stretcher would be carried on the floor without the present support assemblies  10 . Minimal deflection of the element receiving members  20  is also such that existing stretcher lock down mechanisms provided for in the associated ambulance can be used in the same manner as they would be if the present support apparatus  10  were not being used. 
       FIG. 3  depicts seven springs  32  in use within a base member  21 . Although seven individual springs  32  are illustrated, it should be understood that greater or fewer numbers can be used. In fact, an arrangement of up to twelve springs  32  ( FIG. 13 ) or even more can be used in situations where greater spring resistance is desired. Fewer springs  32  can also be used, with different spacing arrangements. Typically, however, a minimum of three (to allow for adjustment), and a maximum of up to twelve or more springs can be used, depending upon the application and load to be carried. 
     It is further pointed out that the springs can be secured to the base member  21 , the element receiving member  20 , or be independent and removable as depicted. In the illustrated embodiments, the springs are relatively independent, being confined laterally only by the bosses  29 , and axially removable simply by removal of the associated element receiving member  20 . It is a simple matter to access the springs to change resistance by adding to or removing springs from the groups presently held within the base members  21 . 
       FIGS. 4-6  are included to depict arrangements of springs  32  used to vary the amount of resistance offered to axial movement of the element receiving member  20 . Such adjustment capability can be used to accommodate weight distribution for different loading situations. In the ambulance and stretcher example, weight concentration under a prone patient can vary with more weight concentrated at the torso area than at the head or feet. Adjustment of spring numbers below the different weight concentration areas can be made accordingly. For example, the base members  21  that are located under the torso area of a patient can be fitted with a maximum number of springs  32 , while those base members  21  situated below the head and feet can be supplied with fewer springs. 
     Adjustment of spring numbers can also be made in instances where transport conditions are known. For example, more springs might be used in a vehicle such as an ambulance that is dedicated to use in a professional football stadium because potential patients are likely to be heavier than those found in ordinary public places. Likewise, in exemplary settings, loading can be predicted according to the product to be carried. A pallet of fine china, for example, can have a predictable weight, and the number of springs in pallet or carrier mounted support assemblies  10  can be adjusted accordingly. A significantly different number of springs might be selected to reduce transmission of vibration to, say, a similar pallet of fragile Christmas ornaments. 
     Travel medium can also influence adjustment of spring count. For example, different spring counts might be employed in a carrier vehicle that is typically used on bumpy unpaved roads as opposed to the same carrier vehicle and the same load carried over a smooth paved surface. 
     Embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 4 ,  7 , and  8  depict an equiangularly spaced group of three springs  32 , an arrangement used to minimize resistance to axial deflection of the element receiving member  20  in the illustrated circular forms of the present apparatus  10 .  FIGS. 5 and 6  depict example arrangements for progressively increasing resistance by using more springs  32 . The illustrated exemplary springs are also in equiangular relationships with respect to the central axis “X”. Of course the heaviest resistance is offered by the maximum number of springs  32  (assuming the same spring constant is used for additional springs) that will fit into the base  21  ( FIG. 3 ), which in the example illustrated is seven. A base member  21  of larger size (see the elongated wheel chair receiving embodiment of  FIG. 13 ) can receive even more springs  32 , which can be arranged in clusters as shown. The groupings shown are offered simply as examples for spring grouping based upon an initial spring outlay. 
     It has been found by experimentation that slight unequal angular spacing of springs about the center axis “X” is tolerable, so long as the element receiving member  20  does not deflect and bind from asymmetrical loading. For example two of the springs (the center spring and one of the remaining springs) have been removed from the otherwise symmetrical arrangement shown in  FIG. 3 , thereby leaving an asymmetrical arrangement of springs. It was found that such an arrangement did not result in a noticeable imbalance in resistance or binding of the element receiving member under loading conditions. This capability can be attributed to the concave centering surfaces  27 ,  27   a,  and the resilient nature of the “O” rings  43 . 
     Spring arrangements in the examples illustrated in the wheel chair embodiment of  FIG. 13  can be adapted to the elongated nature of the element receiving member  20  and base member  21 . Functioning of the springs, however will remain consistent with those provided in the versions shown in  FIGS. 4-6  and others. 
     Other Considerations 
     In the embodiments illustrated by  FIGS. 10-12 , an additional part can be provided to discourage separation of the members  20 ,  21 . A retention device such as a retainer ring  35  or another appropriate stop can be mounted on the base member  21  in the axial path of an “O” ring mounting flange  41  on the receiving member  20 . The retainer  35  can be provided in the form of a ring that can be releasably attached to the base to allow for removal of the associated element receiving member  20  for spring count adjustment or other purposes, but will normally act to prevent the element receiving member  20  from falling. 
     Retainers  35  are not required in other embodiments where the element receiving members  20  face upwardly. However, retainer rings  35  become useful in embodiments where the base members  21  are mounted to a load element  18  as suggested in  FIG. 11 , and the element receiving members  20  can be in a downwardly oriented position. Thus, when the load element  18  (such as a cargo container, pallet or the like) is lifted, the receiving members  20  can slide to extended positions but will be held from falling by the retainers  35 . 
     Process and Operation 
     To reduce transmission of vibration from a support element  12  to a load element  18 , an initial step can include embedding or otherwise positioning the base member  21  in one of the support or load elements  12 ,  18 . This can be done by forming the base member as an integral part of the selected support or load element, or by mounting the described base member  21  to the chosen element  12  or  18 . 
     To secure a base member  21  in a retrofit arrangement to one of the support or load elements  12 ,  18 , an appropriate device such as a hole drill, router, or other material removal tool can be used for forming a socket  49  of a shape complimentary to the base member  21 . In the ambulance floor example illustrated, the socket  49  is formed to a depth that is equal to or slightly greater than the thickness dimension of the base  21  (as measured from the bottom surface of the flange  36  to the bottom wall  38  of the base member  21 ). A hole saw  50  is illustrated in  FIG. 9  as one exemplary tool for accomplishing this task. 
     Once the socket  49  is provided or otherwise formed, the complimentary shaped base member  21  can be inserted, with the mounting flange  36  coming into contact with the element surface. Appropriate fasteners such as screws, bolts, adhesive, or other fasteners can be used at this point to secure the base member in position. Alternatively the socket size can be selected to provide a resistance fit so mechanical or other fastening means is not required. 
     Placing the vibration reduction device  22  now becomes a simple matter of selecting a desired number of springs  32  and arranging them in a desired spatial grouping before inserting the receiving member  20 . This can be accomplished using the bosses  29  as placement guides, and choosing the number and placement of springs according to the nature of the load to be carried. 
     In embodiments such as illustrated by  FIGS. 1 and 15 , the element receiving member  20  will face upwardly and can be installed simply by lowering it into place and pressing the attached “O” ring  44  into sliding engagement with the complimentary side walls  37  of the associated base member  21 . The springs  32  will hold the element receiving member  20  in position, ready to receive a load. 
     In embodiments where a retainer  35  is used ( FIGS. 10-12 ), another step can be that of securing the retainer  35  after sliding the element receiving member  20  into place. The retainer  35 , once secured, will function to prevent the element receiving member  20  from falling free of the base member  21 . 
     The above steps can be repeated for each support assembly  10  to be used, with variations required only when the number and placement of springs  32  are to be altered according to a particular loading situation. 
     Continued description of the operation and process will be made with reference to the ambulance and stretcher illustrations. Other embodiments involve similar operation or procedural steps unless noted otherwise. 
     After installation and adjustment of the vibration reduction devices  22 , the process can continue with placement of the stretcher load element  18  on the ambulance floor with legs and wheels  19  resting on the element receiving members  20 . Transmission of vibration from the ambulance floor support element  12  to the stretcher will be reduced by the resilient properties of the springs  32 . 
     The installed support apparatus  10  can have flanges  36  and receiving members  20  substantially flush with the ambulance floor as shown in  FIG. 7 , in position to receive all of the floor engaging legs or wheels on the associated stretcher. However, when a stretcher is rolled into place and locked down, with the stretcher legs or wheels  19  engaging the support apparatus  10 , the stretcher and patient weight will deflect the receiving members  20  as suggested in  FIG. 8 . During such deflection, the element receiving members  20  will slide axially within the base members  21  while the “O” rings  44  maintain resilient yet sealed relationships with the base members  21 . Any air that might otherwise be compressed within the associated base members by the above action is expelled through the air drain holes  39 . Also the concave surfaces  27  on the element receiving members  20  serve at this time to center the applied weight over the respective groups of springs  32 . 
     As the conical compression springs  32  compress, their windings will nest axially together, allowing for maximum spring travel in the minimal space allowed. Of course the amount of deflection depends upon the weight bearing down from the load created by the patient and stretcher. 
     All the time the load element  18  is in place, relatively small amount of spring travel will assure that, in the ambulance application, stretcher lock down mechanisms (not shown) will function normally. Thus no alteration of the lock down mechanism is required. Further, in situations other than the ambulance and stretcher scenario, the low profile apparatus  10  will also permit loading and unloading of load elements  18  in a fashion very similar to loading and unloading steps without the apparatus  10  in place. 
     Should a need arise for adjustments in spring resistance, or a need otherwise arises to gain access to the springs, a user can simply engage a lift tool  47  ( FIG. 9 ) with the selected element receiving member  20  and lift it from the base member  21  to expose the springs  32 . One or more springs  32  can be removed, adjusted spatially, or added to achieve the desired effect. Replacement of the element receiving member  20  is accomplished simply by reversing the removal step. 
     Loading of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 13-15  can occur in a manner similar to that for the embodiment described above, except that it may be that only two of the support apparatus  10  need be provided. One apparatus  10  for each of the rear wheel of a wheel chair  19   a  is typically sufficient. The elongated base members  21  can be mounted to the vehicle support element  12  (typically a floor at least somewhat like the ambulance floor). The elongated base members  21  can be installed in parallel relation and be spaced apart by a distance equal to the distance between the rear wheels of the wheel chair  19   a  to be received. The “V” shaped concave centering wheel chair wheel receiving surfaces  27   a  are thus positioned to receive, center and secure the wheel chair wheels as the chair  19   a  is rolled onto the receiving members  20 . Transmission of vibration from the vehicle support element  12  to the load element  18  (the wheel chair  19   a ) will be reduced in the same manner as described above. 
     Loading of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 10-12  can occur in a manner as already described, except that the base member  21  is mounted to the load element  18  and a retainer  35  is provided to hold the element receiving member  20  in place. Thus to gain access to insert, remove, or adjust spacing of springs  32 , the retainer  35  can first be removed or otherwise displaced in order to allow the receiving member  20  to slide from engagement with the base member  21  and thereby permit access to the springs  32  therein. 
     Operation of the  FIG. 10-12  embodiment is essentially the same as for the other embodiments except that the load element  18  carries the support apparatus  10  and each receiving member  20  comes into contact with and deflects axially as the load is lowered toward the support element  12 . The increased axial thickness of the receiving member  20  in this form is provided so that the outward surface  26  will normally project beyond the base member  21  to engage and axially deflect on engagement with the support element  12 . The partially deflected springs will then act to reduce transmission of vibration transmission between the support element  12  and the load element  18  in substantially the same manner as described for the other embodiments. 
     Additional Embodiments and Variations 
     In one variation the O-ring  43  ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ) is replaced with a split-ring which acts to secure the receiving member  20  within the base member  21 . The split-ring can be formed of spring steel such that during fabrication of the apparatus  10  the ring is compressed and fit into groove  44  in the receiving member  21 , and the receiving member  20  is inserted into the base  21 . The split-ring then expands to contact the inside of side wall  37 , and the split-ring holds the receiving member  20  in the base  21  by virtue of interference between the split-ring and the inner lip (not numbered) of flange  36 , as depicted in  FIG. 7 . In another variation, a split-ring can be used in conjunction with an O-ring by providing two annual grooves  44  in the receiving member  20 , or by making the groove  44  of sufficient height to receive both the split-ring and the O-ring. Further, the split-ring can be sized such that when the receiving member  20  is placed in the base  21  and the ring expands, it does not contact the side wall  37  (or only contacts the wall  37  with a small force) in order to facilitate freedom of movement of the receiving member  20  in the base  21 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 16  another embodiment of a vibration reduction apparatus  100  is depicted in a side sectional view. The apparatus  100  includes a base member  121  and a receiving member  120  which is disposed within an opening  123  in the base member. The base  121  is depicted in  FIG. 16  as being a substantially solid member. However, the base  121  can also be in a form similar to base  21  as depicted in  FIG. 9 . The base  121  in  FIG. 16  can be supported by a support element (not shown). A vibration reduction device (here, springs  32 ) is disposed between the base  121  and the receiving member  120  in the void  123  formed therebetween. A ring flange  136  is attached to the base  121  and serves to retain the receiving member  120  in the void  123 . The ring flange  136  can be attached to the base  121  by fastening means such as screws  137 . The apparatus  100  further includes a load element securing device  140  which is attached to the receiving member  120  and which can be used to secure the load element (not shown) to the load element engaging surface  127  which is defined on the receiving member  120 . In the example depicted the load element securing device  140  is a bolt which is attached to the receiving member  120  by passing the shaft  142  of the bolt through an opening  125  (which can be a threaded opening) in the receiving member  120 . The bolt head  143  and a lock washer  146  secure the bolt  140  to the receiving member. A removable nut  144  can be used to secure the load element to the shaft  142  of the bolt. Other variations of a load element securing device  140  can include one or more brackets attached to the load element engaging surface  127 . One such variation is depicted in  FIG. 19 . 
       FIG. 19  is a side view of a receiving member  120  depicting two brackets  128  which are attached to the load element engaging surface  127  as part of a load element securing device  135 . As depicted, a load element “LE” can be positioned between the brackets  128  and supported on the element engaging surface  127 . A bolt  140  can then be passed through holes  143  in the brackets  128 , and a mating hole  145  in the load element LE. A nut  144  can then be used to secure the bolt  140  to the brackets  128 , thus firmly securing the load element LE to the receiving member  120 . 
       FIG. 20  is a side view of a receiving member  120  depicting yet another manner in which a load element “LE” can be supported on the element engaging surface  127  of the receiving member  120 . In this variation, the load element “LE” is attached directly to the receiving member  120  by a means such as a weld  129 , brazing, soldering, gluing, or other means. Alternately (or in addition), a threaded hole  145 ′ can be formed through the receiving member  120  and into the load element LE, and a machine screw or the like can be used to secure the load element to the receiving member  120 . 
     Other examples of a load element securing device beyond those depicted in  FIGS. 16 and 19 , and which can be attached to the load element engaging surface  127 , include a locking clamp, a spring-loaded clamp, a pin (e.g., bolt  140  in  FIG. 19  can be replaced with a retaining pin which can be held in holes  143  and  145  by a cotter pin or the like), wood screws or nails (particularly if the load element is made from wood), and teethed brackets (to grip the load element). 
     Turning now to  FIG. 17 , an apparatus  150  according to yet another embodiment is depicted in a side sectional view. The apparatus  150  includes a base member  121  and a load receiving member  120  disposed within a void  123  defined in the base  121 . As with the base  121  in  FIG. 16 , the base  121  of  FIG. 17  is depicted as being a substantially solid member. However, the base  121  can also be in a form similar to base  21  as depicted in  FIG. 9 . The base  121  in  FIG. 17  can be supported by a support element (not shown). A vibration reduction device (here, springs  32 ) is disposed between the base  121  and the receiving member  120  in the void  123  formed therebetween. The receiving member  120  defines a load element engaging surface  177  which can support a load element “LE”, here depicted as being a bracket or foot which can support at least a part of the load. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 17  the apparatus  150  further includes a load element securing device  190 . Load element securing device  190  as depicted includes a threaded shaft  192  which is attached to an inner surface  12  of the base and which passes freely through an opening  125  in the receiving member  120 . A nut  144  secures the load element LE on the shaft  192 . Nut  144  can be provided with an internal plastic or nylon washer to prevent the nut from working loose from the threaded shaft  192 . 
       FIG. 18  depicts yet another embodiment of an apparatus  200  in accordance with the present disclosure. The apparatus  200  of  FIG. 18  is shown in a section side view in exploded form. For assembly, the components shown are moved along axis “X” into mating engagement. The apparatus  200  includes a receiving member  220  defining a load element engaging surface  237 . The apparatus  200  further includes a two-part base having a base lower member  221  and a base upper member  223 . A vibration reduction device (here, springs  32 ) is disposed between the base lower member  221  and the receiving member  220 , and the base lower member  221  can optionally be received in support element  210 . The base upper member  223  includes an opening  239  to allow the load element (not shown) to contact the load element engaging surface  237  of the receiving member  220 . Opening  239  is defined by flange  236  such that opening  239  is smaller than the size of the receiving member  220 , thus preventing the receiving member from passing out of the opening  239 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 18 , the outside diameter of the base upper member  223  is smaller than the inside diameter of the base lower member  221  such that the base upper member  223  fits inside the base lower member  221 . In one variation, the inside diameter of the base upper member  223  can be larger than the outside diameter of the base lower member  221  such that the base upper member  223  fits over the base lower member  221 . The base lower member  221  can be provided with spring clips  228  which can be formed out of the material of the base lower member  221 . The base upper member  223  can include corresponding tab openings  224  which align with the spring clips  228  such that when the base parts  221  and  223  are pressed together, the clips  228  lock into the tab openings  224 , thus holding the parts  221  and  223  together. Note than in the variation wherein the base upper member  223  fits over the base lower member  221  the spring clips  228  in the lower member face outward and not inward (as currently depicted in  FIG. 18 ). As an alternative to the clips  228 , the base upper member  223  and the base lower member  221  can be secured to one another by threads (e.g., a threaded feature formed on the outside of the side wall of the upper member  223  and a mating threaded feature formed on the inside of the side wall of the lower member  221 ). Other means for securing the base upper member  223  and the base lower member  221  together include, without limitation: press-fit; welding, soldering, brazing or gluing; and crimping. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 21  a further embodiment of a support apparatus  300  in accordance with the present disclosure is depicted in a side sectional view. The apparatus  300  includes a base member  321  and a load receiving member  320 . A vibration reduction device  322  is disposed between the base  321  and the receiving member  320 . As depicted in this example, the vibration reduction device  322  includes upper springs  32  and lower springs  32 , and a spacing member  331  disposed therebetween. The spacing member  331  can facilitate lateral motion of the springs  32  between the base  321  and the receiving member  320 . The base  321  can include base flange  337 , while the receiving member  320  can include receiving member flange  339 . Flanges  337  and  339  can cooperate to prevent the receiving member  320  from separating from the base  321 . For ease of fabrication flanges  337  and  339  can be partially discontinuous about the periphery of their respective parts  321  and  320  so that the parts  320  and  321  can be mated together by sliding the flange portion of one part past the discontinuous flange portion of the other part, and then rotating the two parts so that the flange portions match up. Alternately, flange  339  can be formed after placing the receiving member  320  over the base  321 . 
     The apparatus  300  further includes a load element securing device  140 , which is depicted here as a threaded shaft  142  attached to the load element engaging surface  327  of the load receiving member  320 . As discussed above with respect to  FIG. 16 , a nut  144  can be used to secure a load element (not shown) to the threaded shaft  142 . Other variations of load element securing members discussed above can be used in place of threaded shaft  142  and nut  144 . Further, in one variation a load element securing member can be attached to the bottom surface of the base  321  to act as a support element securing device, as depicted by the dashed-line depiction of load element securing device  140 ′. In another variation, rather than providing the bottom surface of the base  321  with the support element securing device  140 ′, a support element member  317  can be attached to the bottom surface of the base  321  to act as the support element securing device. The support element member  317  can then be used to attach the base  321  to a support element (e.g., by using fasteners through holes  318 ). The support element member  317  can be a plate or an elongate member, for example. It will be appreciated that in the apparatus  300  of  FIG. 21  the base  321  can act as the receiving member  320  (i.e., base  321  can be attached to the load element), and the receiving member  320  can act as the base (i.e., receiving member  320  can be attached to the support element). 
     Turning now to  FIG. 22 , a variation on the apparatus of  FIG. 11  is depicted in a sectional side view. The apparatus  400  of  FIG. 22  includes a base member  421  and a receiving member  420 . The receiving member  420  supports the load element  18  on an element engaging surface  427  which is defined on an outward side of the receiving member  420 . The receiving member  420  can be attached to the load element  18  by a flange  436  (which is attached to the receiving member) and screws  439 . A vibration reduction device (here depicted by springs  32 ) is disposed between the receiving member  420  and the base member  421 . As depicted, the base member  421  is partially disposed within the receiving member  420  and is held in place by O-ring  444  (which is placed in an annular groove  441  formed in the base member  421 ) and a lip  435  on flange  436 . (Construction of the flange  436  can be the same as flange  36  of  FIG. 11  to facilitate assembly of the apparatus  400 . Alternately, the O-ring  444  can be replaced with a split-ring retaining ring as described above to allow the flange  436  to be formed integrally with the receiving member  420 .) 
     The apparatus  400  further includes a support element securing device  140  which is used to attach the apparatus  400  to the support element  12 . As depicted, the support element securing device  140  is a machine screw which is disposed in an opening (not numbered) in the base member  420 , and having a threaded portion  142  extending away from the base member. (The opening in the base member  420  for receiving the machine screw can be threaded to thus secure the machine screw in the base member.) The threaded end portion  142  of the screw  140  can be passed through an opening “O” in the support element  12 , and attached thereto with a nut  144  to thereby secure the apparatus  400  to the support element. 
       FIG. 23  is a side sectional view of another load securing apparatus  500  in accordance with the present disclosure. The apparatus  500  of  FIG. 23  includes a base member  521  and a receiving member  520 . (It will be appreciated by viewing  FIGS. 22 and 23  together that the base member  521  of  FIG. 23  resembles the receiving member  420  of  FIG. 22 , and the receiving member  520  of  FIG. 23  resembles the base member  421  of  FIG. 22 . Thus, if the apparatus  400  of  FIG. 22  is inverted the support element securing device  140  then acts as a load element securing device.) The receiving member  520  of the apparatus  500  supports the load element  18  on an element engaging surface  527  which is defined on an outward side of the receiving member. The base member  521  can be attached to the support element  12  by a flange  536  (which is attached to the base member) and screws  539 . A vibration reduction device (here depicted by springs  32 ) is disposed between the receiving member  520  and the base member  521 . As depicted, the receiving member  520  is partially disposed within the base member  521  and is held in place by an O-ring and a lip on flange  536  (similar to the arrangement depicted in  FIG. 22 ). 
     The apparatus  500  further includes a load element securing device  540  which is used to attach the apparatus  500  to the support element  12  and the load element  18 . As depicted, the load element securing device  540  is an elongate bolt which passes through opening “O 2 ” in the receiving member  520  and opening “O 3 ” in the base member  521 . A first end  542  of the elongate bolt  540  passes through opening “O 1 ” in the load element  18 , and a nut  545  secures the load element  18  to the element engaging surface  527  on the receiving member  520 . A second end  541  of the elongate bolt  540  passes through opening “O 4 ” in the support element  12 , and a nut  544  secures the apparatus  500  to the support element  12 . The first end  542  of the elongate bolt  540  can be smaller in diameter than the second end  541 , such that a shoulder  543  is formed on the elongate bolt. The receiving member  520  can rest on the bolt shoulder  543  around the periphery of opening “O 2 ”. 
       FIG. 24  is a side sectional view of a support apparatus  600  that includes two variations on the apparatus  400  of  FIG. 22 . The apparatus  600  of  FIG. 24  includes a base member  621  and a receiving member  620 . The receiving member  620  supports the load element  18  on an element engaging surface  627  which is defined on an outward side of the receiving member. The base member  621  can be supported by the support element  12  by a flange  636  (which is attached to the base member). A vibration reduction device (here depicted by springs  32 ) is disposed between the receiving member  620  and the base member  621 . As depicted, the receiving member  620  is partially disposed within the base member  621  and is held in place by an O-ring and a lip on flange  636  (similar to the arrangement depicted in  FIG. 22 ). 
     The apparatus  600  further includes a load element securing device  140  which is used to secure the load element  18  to the element engaging surface  627 . Here, the load element securing device  140  is a threaded shaft  142  which forms an integral component of the receiving member  620 . For example, the threaded shaft  142  can be formed as part of the receiving member  620  during the receiving member fabrication process, or the threaded shaft  142  can be secured to the receiving member  620  by a process such as welding, brazing, soldering, and gluing or the like. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 24 , the base member  621  can include clips  637  which hold the base member in the support element  12 . More specifically, clips  637  work in conjunction with flange  636  to hold the apparatus  600  in the opening (not numbered) in the support element  12 . Clips  637  can be spring clips with a bias inward towards the side wall of the base member  621 . In this way spring clips  637  press against the bottom of the support element  12 , pulling the flange  636  tight against the upper surface of the support element. Clips  637  can be fabricated from the same material as the base member  621 . For example, if the base member  621  is fabricated from sheet metal, then the clips  637  can be stamped from the sidewalls of the base member along three sides of a rectangle and afterwards bent outward so that the clip protrudes away from the base member as depicted in  FIG. 24 . The use of clips  637  to secure the apparatus  600  to the support element  12  allows the apparatus to be easily removed merely by pushing the clips back into the sidewall of the base member  621 . 
     Interchangeability of Components and Roles 
     It will be appreciated that features from one embodiment described above and depicted in the figures can be used with other embodiments. For example, the load element securing devices of  FIGS. 16 ,  17   19  and  21  can be used with the apparatus  10  of  FIG. 7 . Likewise, the spring arrangement of  FIG. 21  can be used with other embodiments. It will also be appreciated that springs  32  depicted for the vibration reduction device in the various embodiments depicted in the figures is exemplary only, and that other forms for the vibration reduction device can also be used, as discussed previously. Further, the roles of the base member and the receiving member for any of the apparatus depicted and described herein can be exchanged merely by inventing the apparatus. That is, the roles of the base member and the receiving member are defined by a particular application in which an apparatus is being used, and not by any structural limitations. Likewise, the load element securing device depicted in the figures and described above can function equally as a support element securing device if used to secure the apparatus to the support element (and not the load element). 
     Characterizations 
     The following characterizations are to be considered as part of the Detailed Description, and are to be further considered as selected generic embodiments of the correspondingly identified exemplary embodiments. While a characterization of an embodiment may be described below with reference to a specific exemplary embodiment, the referenced exemplary embodiment should not be considered as limiting the scope of the corresponding characterization. Further, the characterizations set forth below should not be considered as limiting the scope of the current claims, or any future claims to be presented in any continuation, divisional, reissue, or reexamination patent application following from the current application. 
     The various non-limiting embodiments include: 
     A load element support apparatus (as exemplarily embodied by the apparatus in  FIGS. 1-9  and  13 - 21  of the drawings included herewith and the entire accompanying description, without limitation). 
     A load element support apparatus for use with a vehicle having a floor with a top floor surface includes a load element receiving member defining a concave element receiving surface adapted to releasably receive at least a portion of the load element, and a base member configured to be mounted to the vehicle floor and to mount the load element receiving member for movement between a position substantially coplanar with the top floor surface, and a position below the top floor surface. The apparatus further includes a vibration reduction device disposed between the base and the load element receiving member. The portion of the load element received by the element receiving surface can be releasably supported on the load element receiving member, and the vibration reduction device is configured to reduce transfer of vibration from the vehicle floor to the load element to be supported. 
     The element support apparatus described immediately above, further comprising a resilient “O” ring on one of the members and in wiping engagement with the other one of the members. 
     The element support apparatus described first above, wherein the members are elongated and the concave element receiving surface is elongated and formed in an elongated “V” configuration to receive and center wheel chair wheels. 
     The element support apparatus described first above, wherein the members are relatively moveable along an axis, and wherein the members define a thickness dimension along the axis that is under two inches. 
     The element support apparatus described first above wherein the members are movable relative to one another along an axis, and wherein the vibration reduction device is comprised of up to twelve conical compression springs removably placed between the members for axial deflection along the axis. 
     A process for reducing transmission of vibration from a support element to a load element (as exemplarily embodied by all drawings and the entire accompanying description, without limitation). 
     A process for reducing transmission of vibration from a support element to a load element includes the following steps: providing a base member; mounting a element receiving member on the base member; confining the members to movement toward one another along an axis; placing a plurality of conical compression springs between the members to supply yieldable resistance to axial movement of the members along the axis toward one another; and positioning a resilient “O” ring between the members to guide axial movement of the members and yieldably resist lateral movement of the members with respect to the axis. 
     A load element support apparatus (as exemplarily embodied by the apparatus in all drawings included herewith and the entire accompanying description, without limitation). 
     A load element support apparatus for use between a load element and a support element includes an element receiving member adapted to engage against one of the elements, and a base member mounting the element receiving member for movement along an axis and adapted to engage against the other one of the elements with the axis oriented substantially vertically. The apparatus further includes a plurality of compression springs releasably mounted between the members and disposed about the axis to yieldably resist axial motion of the members toward one another. The element receiving member, base member and compression springs are configured to be placed between the load element and support element in such a manner that transmission of vibration from the support element to the load element is reduced by deflection of the compression springs along the axis. 
     An apparatus that can be positioned between a load element and a support element to cushion the load element against vibration with respect to the support element, the apparatus including a base having an upper base part and a lower base part, and wherein the upper base part defines an opening therein. The apparatus further includes a receiving member disposed within the base member between the upper base part and the lower base. The receiving member defines an element engaging surface thereon which is accessible via the opening in the upper base part. The apparatus also includes a vibration reduction device disposed within the base between the lower base part and the receiving member to yieldably resist relative movement of the receiving member towards the lower base along an axis of movement which is substantially normal to the element engaging surface. 
     A support apparatus that can be positioned between a load element and a support element to cushion the load element against vibration with respect to the support element includes a base member and a receiving member having defined thereon an element engaging surface facing away from the base member to receive the load element. The apparatus further includes a vibration reduction device disposed between the base member and the receiving member to yieldably resist relative movement of the members toward one another along an axis of movement which is substantially normal to the element engaging surface. The apparatus includes a load element securing device comprising a threaded shaft attached to the base member and extending through an opening in the receiving member to secure the load element to the element engaging surface. In the apparatus, one of the base member or the receiving member is at least partially received within the other member for sliding motion along the axis.