Patent ID: 7784772

Claim:
A spring system, comprising: a first pulling part having a first fastening element; a second pulling part having a second fastening element; a tension spring connected to each of said first and second pulling parts so that said first pulling part is connected to said second pulling part by said tension spring, said first and second pulling parts being movable along a movement path relative to one another to increase or release a stress on the tension spring; and a damping device for damping the relative movement between said first and second pulling parts, said damping device including: a cylinder connected to said first pulling part, extending toward said second pulling part, the cylinder having an open end; and a piston displaceably arranged in said cylinder and dividing an interior of said cylinder into first and second cylinder chambers, said first cylinder chamber being closer to said first pulling part, said piston having a piston rod arranged on said second pulling part, wherein said interior of said cylinder is connected to ambient surroundings through at least one restrictor opening defined in said cylinder such that pressure generated in said interior during relative movement of said first and second pulling parts is dissipated through said at least one restrictor opening, wherein an outside diameter of the piston rod is substantially the same as the inside diameter of the cylinder such that a piston rod guide is not required at the open end of the cylinder, wherein a relative axial position between said second pulling part and one of said piston and piston rod is adjustable, wherein said second pulling part is arrestable at a plurality of axial positions on said piston rod, and wherein said second pulling part includes a fastening pin which bears said second fastening element, said fastening pin projects into a coaxial recess of said piston rod, and at least one arresting element for arresting said fastening pin at said plurality of axial positions relative to said piston rod.