Resilient Unit and Method of Manufacture

Abstract

A method of making a resilient unit includes inserting a spring (2300) into a block (2100). A rotatable cutter tool (2500) comprises a cylindrical spring support (2510) onto which is placed a spring (2300), the length of which is slightly greater than the support (2510). The support (2510) is magnetic and the spring is held in place on the support by magnetism. The support (2510) comprises a substantially hollow metal tube, the leading edge of which (2510a) comprises a sharp cutting edge. As the rotating tube (2510) advances towards the block (2100), it begins to make a cut or discontinuity in the material of the block for the spring (2300) to occupy. Once the cut is sufficiently deep to accommodate the spring, the cutter/support is withdrawn, leaving the spring inside the block where it is lightly gripped due to the diameter of the spring being slightly greater than the cut made by the cutter. Note that substantially no block material is removed by the cutting. Rather, the block material is parted or displaced by the cutting edge, leaving behind a cylindrical-shaped discontinuity for the spring. Leaving the block material in place is beneficial because it avoids wasting material and also the material left in place can contribute to the resilience of the unit and optionally act as a damper for the action of the spring.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.