초록 ▼

A multi-stage resiliently compressible element for providing a biasing element having at least two portions having different compression resistances from one another. The multi-stage resiliently compressible element includes a resiliently compressible element comprising a resiliently deformable elas

A multi-stage resiliently compressible element for providing a biasing element having at least two portions having different compression resistances from one another. The multi-stage resiliently compressible element includes a resiliently compressible element comprising a resiliently deformable elastomeric material and having top and bottom faces and a side surface. The side surface of the resiliently compressible element has an annular channel therearound which divides the resiliently compressible element into top and bottom portions. The resiliently compressible element has a bore therethrough extending between the top and bottom faces. The bore has generally cylindrical top and bottom regions and top and bottom chambers interposed between the top and bottom regions of the bore. The top and bottom portions of the resiliently compressible element each have a compression resistance for resisting compression against the top and bottom faces of the resiliently compressible element in directions generally parallel to the axis of the resiliently compressible element. The resistance of the top portion is less than the compression resistance of the bottom portion so that the top portion is relatively softer than the bottom portion.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.]1. A multi-stage compression spring, comprising:a resiliently compressible element having top and bottom faces, a side surface, and an axis extending between said top and bottom faces of said resiliently compressible element;said side surface of said resiliently compressible element

[ I claim:] [1.]1. A multi-stage compression spring, comprising:a resiliently compressible element having top and bottom faces, a side surface, and an axis extending between said top and bottom faces of said resiliently compressible element;said side surface of said resiliently compressible element having an annular channel therearound, said annular channel of said resiliently compressible element dividing said resiliently compressible element into top and bottom portions;said resiliently compressible element having a bore therethrough extending between said top and bottom faces of said resiliently compressible element, said bore of said resiliently compressible element having a longitudinal axis;said bore having generally cylindrical top and bottom regions and top and bottom chambers interposed between said top and bottom regions of said bore;said top and bottom regions of said bore each having a diameter;said top and bottom chambers of said bore each having generally frusto-conical upper and lower sections, said upper sections of said top and bottom chambers each tapering towards said top face of said resiliently compressible element, said lower sections of said top and bottom chambers each tapering towards said bottom face of said resiliently compressible element;said upper and lower sections of said top chamber forming an annular upper intersection therebetween;said upper and lower sections of said bottom chamber forming an annular lower intersection therebetween;said lower section of said top chamber and said upper section of said bottom chamber forming an annular middle intersection therebetween;said upper, lower, and middle intersections of said bore each having a diameter defined substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said bore;said diameter of said upper intersection being greater than said diameter of said lower intersection, said diameter of said lower intersection being greater than said diameter of said middle intersection;said top and bottom portions of said resiliently compressible element each having a compression resistance for resisting compression against said top and bottom faces of said resiliently compressible element in directions generally parallel to said axis of said resiliently compressible element, said compression resistance of said top portion being less than said compression resistance of said bottom portion; andwherein said upper and lower sections of said top and bottom chambers each have a length defined along said longitudinal axis of said bore, said length of said lower section of said top chamber being greater than said length of said upper section of said top chamber, said length of said upper section of said bottom chamber being greater than said length of said lower section of said bottom chamber, and said length of said lower section of said bottom chamber being greater than said upper section of said top chamber.