Abstract: A pocket spring core as well as a method for producing a pocket spring core for use in the manufacture of mattresses or furniture upholstery. The pocket spring core has a plurality of springs, a number of which lie in a row one behind the other in respective flexible pockets, forming a bank of springs, and a number of adjacent banks of spring, which together form a supporting surface, are interconnected. The springs of at least one region of the supporting surface have different springing characteristics from the springs of the neighboring regions. At least one part of the individual banks of springs consists of bank portions with differing spring characteristics, the pocketed springs of each bank portion are identical, at least some of the neighboring portions of adjacent banks of springs are of different lengths and the neighboring portions of adjacent banks of springs are interconnected.

Abstract: A child support apparatus includes a standing frame, and a juvenile support assembly supported on the standing frame, wherein the juvenile support assembly has a left and a right side and includes a resilient wire extending between the left and right sides, the resilient wire forming a bearing support for a child that is elastically deformable along an upward-downward direction of the juvenile support assembly.

Abstract: A pressure structure which is arranged between a first pressed body and a second pressed body facing the first pressed body and applies a pressure to the first pressed body and the second pressed body includes: a first spring member including a center portion which is in contact with the first pressed body, two end portions, each of which is in contact with the second pressed body, and two arm portions which extend from the center portion toward the different end portions; and a second spring member including a center portion which is in contact with the second pressed body, two end portions, each of which is in contact with the first pressed body, and two arm portions which extend from the center portion toward the different end portions.

Abstract: The invention concerns an undercarriage (35) for a vehicle comprising a chassis, two front steering wheels (36D, 36G) and at least one rear drive wheel. The undercarriage comprises, combined with each wheel, a suspension system (39) suspending the wheel from said chassis, said system (39) comprising an upper suspension arm (40), a lower suspension arm (41) and a lateral arm (42), said arms being linked together by articulated means (43, 44, 45, 46) such that a lateral tilting of the undercarriage results in an equivalent tilting of the two front wheels, which remain parallel to each other. According to a feature of the invention, the undercarriage comprises a damper (50), integral with each front wheel, to at least partially cancel the oscillation frequencies of said front wheel.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack and a compression system for providing compressive force to a fuel cell stack having first and second ends is provided. The compression system includes asymmetric leaf springs operatively connected to first and second ends of the fuel cell stack. Each leaf spring includes a slot having first and second connector positions. The compression system also includes tension members connected to the leaf springs. The tension members compress the leaf springs to provide a compressive load to the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: Cushioning elements having a top cushioning surface and a bottom base surface include an elastomeric cushion member and a stabilizing material. The elastomeric cushion member includes a first plurality of interconnected buckling walls having a first mean height and a second plurality of buckling walls having a second mean height. Each buckling wall of the second plurality intersects and connects to at least two buckling walls of the first plurality. A surface of the stabilizing material on a side thereof opposite the elastomeric cushion member defines the bottom base surface of the cushioning element. The first ends of the first plurality of interconnected buckling walls and the first ends of the second plurality of buckling walls define the top cushioning surface of the cushioning element. Methods of forming cushioning elements include securing a stabilizing material to ends of the first plurality of interconnected buckling walls.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first portion comprising a generally flexible material formed in a generally planar rectangular shape. A second portion comprises the generally flexible material formed in the generally planar rectangular shape. The first portion and the second portion are joined to form a V-shaped structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring element (1) for a cushioning device of a piece of furniture for sitting or lying, in particular for a bed mattress, comprising a spring body (10) and an accommodating section (30) arranged thereon, wherein the spring body (10) and the accommodating section (30) are injection-molded from plastic as one piece.

Abstract: To provide a spring assembly whose production cost is low. It includes a coil spring 1, and a pair of retainers 2 disposed respectively at opposite end portions of the coil spring 1, and the retainer 2 includes a plate member 3 abutting against the end portion of the coil spring 1 and depressed at a central portion thereof toward the inside of the coil spring 1, and a hook member 4 fixed to the plate member 3 so as to hold a free length of the coil spring 1 shortened.

Abstract: A posture channel innerspring is described having a plurality of helical form coils interconnected in an array in which the coils are generally aligned in rows and columns, each of the coils having a generally cylindrical coil body formed by helical turns of wire with openings between each of the helical turns of wire, and first and second ends to the coil body also formed by the wire, each of the coil bodies being spaced apart in the array. At least one posture channel support is inserted into the innerspring in the space between the spaced apart coils. The posture channel support may, in one embodiment, have an H-shaped configuration with having upper and lower parallel lateral members and a transverse member that extends between and bisects the upper and lower lateral members.

Abstract: Spring cushions (10) having slow-acting pocketed spring cores (12) characterized by the individual springs of the cores (12) being pocketed within semi-impermeable fabric material and a method of making such pocketed spring cores (12). Cushioning material is located between adjacent rows of pocketed springs to reduce noise.

Abstract: Support elements and support structures form the basis of ergonomic body supports for chairs, mattresses and other structures. The support elements may be individually designed according to their location and body support function. Thus, the structures that include the support elements may provide point-tailored support for any part of the body to enhance comfort, fit, and proper anatomical support.

Abstract: The present invention provides machines, methods and apparatus for automatically vending, damping, delivering and returning large heavy product containers such as 5-gallon water bottles. In some embodiments, damping methods and apparatus are provided to gently transfer large heavy product containers from one level to another inside a vending machine. In some embodiments, methods and apparatus including adjustable support rails are provided for handling different sized large heavy product containers inside a vending machine. In some embodiments, delivery methods and apparatus are provided for use with large heavy product containers. In some embodiments, methods and apparatus for returning large product containers are provided. Some or all of these features may be provided in a single vending machine, or in multiple machines, and multiple features or machines may be controlled by a single computer processor.

Abstract: A resilient device includes a fixing member defining two sliding holes, two slide members slidably mounted to opposite sides of the fixing member, and a number of elastic members. Each slide member includes a protrusion engagable in a corresponding sliding hole. The fixing member includes at least one receiving portion for receiving the elastic members, and the elastic members are disposed between the slide members and separated by the slide members. Therefore, each elastic member is positioned to resist against the slide members for biasing the slide members.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.

Abstract: Spring cushions (10) having slow-acting pocketed spring cores (12) characterized by the individual springs of the cores (12) being pocketed within semi-impermeable fabric material and a method of making such pocketed spring cores (12).

Abstract: A motion-restraint arrangement (48) with elongate lines of elements (10), wherein each line of elements (10) has a number of individual elements (12) which can be erected by spring elements (20) from a small-volume thin storage condition into a large-volume active condition. Each respective individual element (12) has flexible lateral edge elements (16, 18), which in the active condition define a parallelepiped. The spring elements (20) extend in spatially diagonal relationship between the corners (22) of the respective parallelepiped (14). A motion-restraint arrangement (48) which is easy and inexpensive to produce and which has optimum restraint properties is obtained in that the spatially diagonal spring elements (20) are formed by spring wires (24), which extend in a zigzag shape in the longitudinal direction of the respective line of elements (10).

Abstract: A bushing member includes a hinge portion enabling improved assembly and, in some embodiments. An optional flange and a seal design that limits moisture entry also ensures an improved fit when secured with a matching bracket compressing the bushing in a beneficial manner.

Abstract: A spring device comprising at least one annular support plate defining a ring with a central axis; a plurality of circumferentially spaced, parallel oriented coil springs disposed about the at least one annular plate; and, a plurality of lock assemblies spaced about the plate. Each of the lock assemblies being in position within a spring cavity of one of the coil springs to allow additional springs to be provided on the spring device. In addition, the lock assemblies are dimensioned so that the coil spring is retained in a prestressed condition.

Abstract: An impact absorber for protecting a protected item against damage or injury upon impact includes a formed metallic structure having at least one Nitinol member having a grounded portion in contact with a first structure positioned to engage the protected item, and an impact receiving portion. In one embodiment, the formed metallic structure includes a plurality of Nitinol wires connected together at opposite polar regions in the form of a wire-frame sphere. The wires in the wire-frame sphere may be superelastic austenitic Nitinol in a strained condition. A release device holds the wire-frame sphere in a collapsed condition and may be actuated to release the strained superelastic Nitinol structure to a deployed position at which the deployed superelastic Nitinol structure is positioned to engage and absorb energy from the protected item impacting the impact absorber.

Abstract: The invention discloses a spring unit for use in a sprung unit such as a bed, divan bed, mattress, or other upholstered unit, the spring unit comprising a pocket of fabric or other suitable material and having at least two sub-pockets, each of said sub-pockets containing a resilient member. The pocket will preferably be divided across, laterally, or diagonally so as to form said at least two sub-pockets. The spring unit may be formed with two sub-pockets or three or more sub-pockets each containing a resilient member. The sub-pockets may be of equal length or of differing lengths, and the resilient members will preferably be springs which may be of equal lengths or of differing lengths and of equal or differing rates of compression. The pocket will be divided by fabric or other suitable material which is integral with the pocket or by discrete piece(s) of fabric or other suitable material secured to said pocket to form said sub-pockets.

Abstract: An apparatus for attenuating shock loads includes a flexible, non-rigid outer impervious envelope. The envelope is formed from a high strain resistance material. An inner, pervious baffle extends across the envelope between the first and second sides. The inner baffle is also a flexible, non-rigid material of high strain resistance. The envelope is inflated with gas at a superatmospheric pressure. An impact on one side of the structure will compress that side, increasing the pressure of the gas between that side and the baffle. The gas will then flow through the pervious baffle to the other side, dissipating energy, spreading the load over the second side of the envelope and causing a time delay in the build-up of pressure on the second side. In preferred embodiments of the invention, there are plural, parallel baffles in the envelope to provide a multi-stage energy dissipation.

Abstract: A coil spring assembly for use in the manufacture of bedding and seating products or the like comprising a plurality of bands of coil springs joined together with helical lacing wires. Each of the bands of coil springs is made of one piece of wire formed into a row of coil springs. The helical lacing wires are spaced inwardly from the end turns of the coil springs, thereby creating a cushioning affect on at least one surface of the product.

Abstract: An energy absorbing module 10 including a plurality of cells 12, 112 with each cell 12, 112 including a first step wall 22 and 122 horizontally interconnecting first 16, 116 and second 18, 118 walls and having a greater thickness than the second wall 18, 118 for assuring collapse of the second wall 18, 118 before collapse the first wall 16, 116 in response to a force applied to the second wall 18, 118. Likewise, a second step wall 24 and 124 horizontally interconnects the second wall 18, 118 and a third wall 20, 120 and has a greater thickness than the first step wall 22 and 122 for assuring collapse of the third wall 20, 120 before collapse of the second wall 18, 118 in response to a force applied to the third wall 20, 120.

Abstract: A shock isolator comprising a first plate having a set of ridges and grooves extending there along and a second plate having a complementary set of ridges and grooves with an elastomeric sheet sandwiched between the two plates so that when a compressive force is applied to the two plates the elastomeric sheet resist the forces through compression resistance, tension resistance and shear resistance to provide both static support and shock isolation to an object supported by the shock isolator.

Abstract: A spring assembly comprises upper and lower superimposed webs of strong yet flexible material which are connected together at spaced intervals to define a plurality of similar pockets (30, 31, 32, 33 . . . ) arranged side-by-side in a parallel relationship, and a length of continuous spring (20) inserted into each successive pre-formed pocket. Apparatus and a method of manufacturing the spring assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: An oil level detector mounting arrangement, which includes a mount having a downward tube dipped in the oil in the oil tank of a vehicle, a float floating in the oil in the oil tank and moved along the downward tube, and a circuit board sealed in the downward tube and carrying a plurality of solenoids at different elevations for acting with magnets at the float to indicate the elevation of the float in the oil tank, wherein the solenoids each have a first end inserted through a respective hole at the circuit board and then welded to a contact at the circuit board, and a second end inserted through a respective hole at the circuit board and then welded to a common springy wire conductor suspended from the circuit board.

Abstract: A shock absorbing component having a pair of surfaces with a plurality of inwardly extending indentations in the top and bottom surfaces. The indentations extend between the surfaces to provide support members for the shock absorbing component. At least some of the indentations are hemispherical. The surfaces may be formed of mesh material to allow the passage of gas or fluid therethrough. One or more inserts may be placed in the indentations. The shock absorbing component can be constructed by molding upper and lower shock absorbing component halves wherein the molds are configured to provide indentations in the top and bottom surfaces. The upper and lower halves are then joined to complete the shock absorbing component.

Abstract: Improved spring elements have a unique energy absorbing element that responds to applied loads to produce counter-acting forces that act to absorb the energy of the applied loading. The greater the magnitude of the applied loads, the more the counter-acting forces equilibrate, which enables the spring elements of the invention to accommodate a range of loading force magnitudes. The improved spring elements of the invention may be integrally formed of plastic, and are suitable for use in a variety of different articles of manufacture. Exemplary single- and double-configuration mattress spring, box spring and edge stiffener embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An automated method for the manufacture of a coil spring assembly including inserting coil springs having predetermined multiple spring rates into respective individual pockets of a continuous pocket strip in a predetermined order. The predetermined multiple spring rates of at least one coil spring may differ from that of the other coil springs, and each of the multi-rate coils has at least two different spring rates. One or more wires having a substantially uniform thickness are coiled to form the multiple rate coil springs before insertion into the continuous pocket strip. The wire is preferably coiled to produce a coil spring having at least two different diameters and at least two different pitches. The method also includes cutting the spring-filled strip into one or more desired lengths, placing at least two spring-filled lengths adjacent to each other; and attaching adjacent lengths together. A coil spring assembly may thus be provided with one or more firmness zones.

Abstract: A vibration damping structure for a machine tool is provided. The structure includes first and second plate members disposed in an opposing spaced apart relationship with one another. A cast structure formed of a polymer concrete extends between the first and second plate members. A first structure is attached to the first plate member and extends inwardly of the cast structure. The first structure has a compression surface extending in a spaced apart relationship from the surface of the first plate member. A second structure is attached to the second plate member and extends inwardly of the cast structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for fastening the ends of sinusoidal springs or of similar fiat spring elements to a part of a frame of upholstered furniture, includes a long, extended, one-piece plastic profiled strip with a fastening part, continuous over its length, for putting in place staples or similar fastening elements on the frame and in an accommodating part for the sinusoidal springs, which is to face the inner edge of the frame part, with clevis type eyelets for the spring ends, spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the strip.

Abstract: A seating frame is disclosed in which the ends of seat springs are coupled to two spaced opposing metal frame members by plastic clips which have been secured in a friction-fit-manner to flanges formed in each frame member. The flange of each frame member extending in a direction away from the opposing frame member to an open end. Each clip having a generally S-shaped profile and including a frame engaging hook portion which is separated from a spring engaging hook portion by a central portion of the clip. The frame engaging hook portion and central portion defining a slot opening in a first direction, and which is sized to receive therein in a friction-fit the open end of a flange. The spring retaining hook portion and central portion defining a second slot opening in a direction opposite to the first direction, and which is sized to receive and retain therein one end of the spring.

Abstract: A thin sheet of metal is patterned, folded, and joined to produce an array of compression springs, each of which exhibits constant force characteristics over a useful range of deflections to allow the array to apply nearly constant specified forces to closely spaced items which may be of varying size or height. As the springs are loaded from a relaxed state, the rate of force increase per unit of increased deflection is initially high, tapering off to nearly zero force increase with subsequent increases in deflection. This region of minimal force increase per unit of increased deflection (i.e. a "near constant force" band) extends over a useful range of deflections. The springs are self guiding and balanced, producing no lateral force on a perpendicularly applied load.

Abstract: A spring wire core for use in bedding mattresses and/or upholstered furniture cushions and the like comprised of a pair of half units. Each half unit includes a surface portion and a plurality of springs projecting in one direction from the surface portion. Connecting elements are provided to enable a pair of half units, one inverted relative to the other, to be connected together forming a wire core with two spaced surface portions. Preferably, the spring portions are configured to enable a plurality of the half units to be nestably stacked one upon another to enable efficient shipping of the half units without compression of the spring portions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shock absorbing structure made of a rubber-like elastic material having a hardness in the range of 5 to 60, according to a JIS-A type hardness meter and being composed of a base and a plurality of ridges or projections spaced apart in parallel on said base. The shock absorbing structure according to the present invention is suitable as a shock absorbing material, especially, for shoes.

Abstract: A spring assembly has a plurality of rows of springs interconnected in chain-like fashion, each spring including upper and lower runs and an intermediate run interconnecting the upper and lower runs. The upper and lower runs each include a coil on one end and a hook on the opposite end hooked about a coil of an adjacent spring. A plurality of runner wires extend transversely of the upper runs where they are connected thereto by a plurality of helical wires respectively received about the upper runs. The upper runs are in planes above the coils of the upper runs providing recesses above the coils receiving the helical wires.

Abstract: An improved spring is provided which may be used in cushions, mattresses, or box springs which includes a limiting internal member. This limiting member assist in limiting the longitudinal deflection of the springs. Also provided are snapped-fitting connections between the spring and a grid for use within a box spring. Also provided is a "floating" portion of a peripheral border wire, particularly suitable for use in a pair of box springs beneath a king-size mattress unit. Also provided is a corner guard which provided support for upholstered fabric on a box spring. Finally, an improved borderwireless mattress using a peripheral band is provided, which allows the mattress to bend more easily, without disadvantageous setting of its border wires.

Abstract: An improved array of spring units. In a preferred embodiment, the spring units are composed of polyurethane which are blow molded such that a string of bellows-like springs are provided, with the axial ends of each spring being free for axial compression, while the sides of the springs are left attached to each other during the blow molding process. In another embodiment, the blow molded springs each include a vent hole which affects the dynamic cushioning properties of the springs. In another embodiment, extruded tubes of particular configurations are slotted at spaced-apart intervals such that independent spring units are provided, with the axial ends of each spring being free for axial compression. The array of spring units does not require a fabric covering as do strings of pocketed coils, but may be as easily handled, and may be connected in side-to-side abutting relationship to provide a mattress, cushion, or box spring inner construction.

Abstract: A grid frame for a spring assembly comprising a border wire transversely and longitudinally-crossing line wires, and spring wires disposed between adjacent line wires either transversely of the frame or longitudinally thereof.

Abstract: A resilient support for receiving a force acting thereon along a certain direction, and wherein the force is opposed by a bearing counterforce acting at least partly along a direction opposite to said certain direction, and which includes a plurality of bar elements, at least two bar elements confronting one another, each of the two confronting bar elements having end regions, and forming a rod pair, a linking bar joining the confronting bar elements at a first set of connecting locations spaced at a distance from any end region of any of the confronting bar elements, two other bar elements, each connecting the end regions off the two confronting bar elements at a second set of connecting locations so as to form a closed structure therewith, the other bar elements forming a bar pair, at least two of the means being resilient in at least one of flexion and torsion, one force acting on a location of at least one of the other bar elements, the other force acting on the linking bar, at least one of the forces act