Spring element

A spring structure comprising:

• a spring element having at least one loop portion for providing vibration isolation characteristics of the spring element, and fastening portions connected to the at least one loop portion, wherein a ratio of a longitudinal measure (a) of the loop portion to a transverse measure (b) of the spring element is between 7.5 and 500;
• first and second structures movable relative to each other, the first and second structures being connected to the fastening portions of the spring element such that the spring element attenuates their relative movement;
• a limiting assembly connecting the first and second structures together and operable to limit distortion of the spring element, the limiting assembly including:
• a limiting plate connected to the spring element and the first structure;
• a fastening member connecting the limiting plate to the first structure;
• an aperture formed in one of the limiting plate and the first structure;
• a sleeve movably disposed in the aperture and having a passage through which the fastening member extends, the movement of the sleeve in the aperture being limited by a constraint;
• and
• wherein the constraint on the movement of the sleeve helps limit the distortion of the spring element.

A base structure for supporting an object, the base structure comprising:

• a spring element comprising a pair of loop portions for providing vibration isolation characteristics of the spring element, the loop portions being integrally joined together at a middle section to form a continuous loop, wherein for each loop portion, a ratio of a longitudinal measure (a) of the loop portion to a transverse measure (b) of the spring element is between 7.5 and 500;
• and first and second support members disposed on opposing sides of the spring element and being movable relative to each other;
• and wherein the spring element and the first and second support members are formed as a unitary structure;
• and wherein each of the loop portions of the spring element has an end curve with an inner surface in the shape of an arc of an inner circle and an outer surface in the shape of an arc of an outer circle, wherein center points of the inner and outer circles are located at different points, thereby giving the end curve a varying height profile.