Compression spring assembly and methods of using the same
AssigneeSilgan Dispensing Systems Corporation
InventorsEelco H. Deman, Paulus Zuijderduijn
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An all plastic compression spring assembly includes a slotted tubular spring element formed from a tensile polymer material and first and second loading cones received at opposing first and second ends of the slotted tubular spring element. The loading cones are axially compressible toward each other within the slotted tubular spring element whereby the slotted tubular spring element radially expands in tension to create an opposing radial contraction force, and in turn, an axial extension spring force. When released, the spring element elastically returns to its normal at rest shape, returning the cones to their normal at rest positions.
Claims20
A compression spring assembly comprising:
- a slotted tubular spring element formed from a tensile polymer material;
- and
- first and second loading cones received at opposing first and second ends of said slotted tubular spring element,
- said loading cones being axially compressible toward each other within said slotted tubular spring element,
- whereby said slotted tubular spring element radially expands in tension to create an opposing axial extension spring force, and
- wherein said slotted tubular spring element has strain reducing ribs extending longitudinally along opposing slot edges.
A compression spring assembly comprising:
- a slotted tubular spring element formed from a tensile polymer material;
- and
- first and second loading cones received at opposing first and second ends of said slotted tubular spring element,
- said loading cones being axially compressible toward each other within said slotted tubular spring element,
- whereby said slotted tubular spring element radially expands in tension to create an opposing axial extension spring force, and
- wherein said loading cones have a first frustoconical pre-load section having a wall angle greater than 11 degrees and a second frustoconical section having a wall angle of no less than 11 degrees.
A compression spring assembly comprising:
- a slotted tubular spring element formed from a tensile polymer material;
- and
- first and second loading cones received at opposing first and second ends of said slotted tubular spring element,
- said loading cones being axially compressible toward each other within said slotted tubular spring element,
- whereby said slotted tubular spring element radially expands in tension to create an opposing axial extension spring force, and
- wherein said loading cones have a first frustoconical preloading section with a first wall angle and a second loading section with a second wall angle which is less than said first wall angle.
A compression spring assembly comprising:
- a slotted tubular spring element formed from a tensile polymer material;
- and
- first and second loading cones received at opposing first and second ends of said slotted tubular spring element,
- said loading cones being axially compressible toward each other within said slotted tubular spring element,
- whereby said slotted tubular spring element radially expands in tension to create an opposing axial extension spring force,
- wherein said slotted tubular spring element is cylindrical,
- wherein said slotted tubular spring element has a uniform wall thickness, and
- wherein said loading cones have a first frustoconical pre-load section having a wall angle greater than 11 degrees and a second frustoconical section having a wall angle of no less than 11 degrees.
A compression spring assembly comprising:
- a slotted tubular spring element formed from a tensile polymer material;
- and
- first and second loading cones received at opposing first and second ends of said slotted tubular spring element,
- said loading cones being axially compressible toward each other within said slotted tubular spring element,
- whereby said slotted tubular spring element radially expands in tension to create an opposing axial extension spring force,
- wherein said slotted tubular spring element is cylindrical,
- wherein said slotted tubular spring element has a uniform wall thickness, and
- wherein said loading cones have a first frustoconical preloading section with a first wall angle and a second loading section with a second wall angle which is less than said first wall angle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.