Patent US3863909A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3863909A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Multi-tubular springs
Assignee: Hutchinson Aerospace and Industry Inc
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Filing: 1973-07-09
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Granted: 1975-02-04
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Expires: 1993-07-09
Abstract
Abstract A spring comprising a plurality of tubular elements formed of a resilient material, and arranged in groups in parallel planes. The groups and the members of each group are bonded together so that the latter are in integral and load transmitting relation with each other.
Inventors
- 👤 Milton N Weber
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 14:43
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16F; F16F3/00; F16F3/08; F16F3/087; F16F3/0873; F16F3/0876
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
A spring comprising a plurality of tubular spring elements arranged in groups in substantially parallel planes with each member of each group extending parallel to the other members of the same group, each of said spring elements being made of a resilient material so that it is capable of collapsing under a load applied transversely of its longitudinal axis and of automatically regaining its original cross-sectional configuration on removal of said load, and the members of each group engaging and being bondeD to each other and also adjacent members of each adjacent group so as to form a totally integrated structure with said members in load-transmitting relation with each other.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 words
A spring comprising a plurality of tubular spring elements arranged in groups in substantially parallel planes with each member of each group extending parallel to the other members of the same group, each of said spring elements being made of a resilient material so that it is capable of collapsing under a load applied transversely of its longitudinal axis and of automatically regaining its original cross-sectional configuration on removal of said load, and the members of each group engaging and being bondeD to each other and also adjacent members of each adjacent group so as to form a totally integrated structure with said members in load-transmitting relation with each other.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A spring according to claim 1 wherein said tubular elements are open at their opposite ends.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A spring according to claim 2 wherein members of one groups are extended at an angle to members of another group.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
A spring according to claim 1 wherein said elements are cylindrical tubes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
A spring according to claim 1 wherein said elements are elliptical tubes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
A spring according to claim 1 wherein at least some of said tubular elements are formed with struts and are bonded to each other along the lengths of said struts.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A spring according to claim 6 wherein said struts and said elements are formed of the same material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
A spring according to claim 1 wherein said elements are constructed so as to cause the load deformation of said spring to conform to a selected, predetermined relationship as the load on said spring is increased through its working range.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
A spring according to claim 1 wherein said elements are constructed and disposed so that the load-deformation curve of said spring has a selected, predetermined shape.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
A spring according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of tubular elements are formed integrally as one-piece.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
117 words
A unitary spring structure for use as a load-bearing device comprising at least two parallel groups of tubular open-ended spring elements with each member of each group extending parallel to the other member of the same group, each of said elements being made of a resilient material so that said each element is capable of collapsing under a load applied transversely of its longitudinal axis and of automatically regaining its original cross-sectional configuration on removal of said load, at least some of the elements of each group being integrally joined with adjacent elements of the same group and adjacent groups, so as to form a totally integrated structure with said members in load-transmitting relation with each other.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
117 words
A unitary spring structure for use as a load-bearing device comprising at least two parallel groups of tubular open-ended spring elements with each member of each group extending parallel to the other member of the same group, each of said elements being made of a resilient material so that said each element is capable of collapsing under a load applied transversely of its longitudinal axis and of automatically regaining its original cross-sectional configuration on removal of said load, at least some of the elements of each group being integrally joined with adjacent elements of the same group and adjacent groups, so as to form a totally integrated structure with said members in load-transmitting relation with each other.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
A spring according to claim 1 comprising first and second mounting plates affixed to and embracing said elements.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
A spring according to claim 1 wherein certain of said elements are made of a material having a stiffness different from the material of which others of said elements are made.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
31 words
A spring according to claim 1 further including auxiliary resilient elements mounted within at least some of said tubular elements and coacting therewith to modify the load-deflection characteristic of said spring.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
A spring according to claim 1 wherein said tubular elements have a polygonal shape in cross-section.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
A spring according to claim 1 wherein said tubular elements are made of a polymerized material.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
A spring according to claim 16 wherein said tubular elements have a durometer in the order of 90 on the Shore A hardness scale.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
A spring according to claim 1 wherein the members of one group are in staggered relation to the members of an adjacent group.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-03 | 1978-08-05 | 1979-02-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-03 | 1982-08-05 | 1983-02-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-03 | 1986-08-05 | 1987-02-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |