Patent ID: 7918432

Claim:
A variable spring support for supporting an applied load through a predetermined range of displacement, comprising: a load flange ( 1 ) adapted to support an applied load; a load column ( 2 ), connected to a load flange ( 1 ), transmits the applied load to a load plunger ( 7 ); a housing ( 11 ) adapted to encase one or more conical washer springs ( 13 ) and flat washer sets ( 23 ), is connected to a base ( 8 ); the base ( 8 ) adapted for mounting to an external rigid support or structural member; and a guide ( 12 ), connected to the base ( 8 ), which provides a center support to the load column ( 2 ) and load plunger ( 7 ) during their linear translation through the housing ( 11 ) while the external load is applied; a land set on the flat washer sets ( 23 ) is set to be at least twice the clearance between an inner diameter of the outer housing pipe ( 11 ) and an outer diameter of the conical washers ( 13 ).