Patent ID: 7350774

Claim:
A combination spring comprising: a first spring; a second spring having a different spring rate from said first spring; said first and second spring arranged end-to-end with an intermediate flange member engaging juxtaposed ends of said first and second springs; a plunger associated with said first spring and projecting within said first spring towards said intermediate flange member; said plunger having a pin therein extending through an opening at a first end of said plunger and through an opening in said intermediate flange member; said plunger first end having a larger cross-sectional dimension than said intermediate flange member so said plunger cannot travel past said intermediate flange member; said plunger having a predetermined travel distance and thereafter upon further movement can compress said second spring; a second end of said plunger configured to compress said first spring toward said intermediate flange member when a force is applied to said plunger; and wherein said pin has at least a first section and a second section, said first section having a diameter that prohibits said first section from passing through said intermediate flange member, and said second section having a diameter that allows said second section to pass through said first end of said plunger and through said intermediate flange.