Abstract: An auxetic structure includes a plurality of polyhedral units arranged adjacent one another to form a three-dimensional structure. Each polyhedral unit has protrusions extending orthogonally from some surfaces thereof and recesses formed in other surfaces thereof. The protrusions of each polyhedral unit are slidingly received in corresponding recesses of adjacent polyhedral units. A plurality of sleeves are positioned around each protrusion and in a corresponding recess. The sleeves are formed from a softer material than the protrusions. An auxetic effect is achieved by shear-induced displacement of the protrusions in corresponding recesses.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an over-slam bumper for a vehicle. The over-slam bumper includes: a bumper unit (100) of which an end portion protrudes toward a door to absorb shock generated between a vehicle body and the door; and a mounting unit (200) coupled with the bumper unit (100) to fix the bumper unit to the vehicle body, wherein the bumper unit (100) includes: an elastic part for absorbing shock generated when getting in contact with the door; and a coupling part (116) connected to the elastic part and coupled with the mounting unit (200). The elastic part includes a buckling part (111) for absorbing shock by buckling; a compression part (130) for absorbing shock by compression; and an elastic air compression part for absorbing shock by sealing the inside air to compress inside air.

Abstract: A passive motion isolation system for motion-sensitive equipment is disclosed. The passive motion isolation system has a three-axis free motion platform mounted on a base subject to ambient motions. A vibration isolation subsystem is coupled between the motion-sensitive equipment and the three-axis free motion platform.

Abstract: A damper assembly comprises a main tube extending along a center axis between a first end and a second end defining a fluid chamber. A main piston is disposed in the fluid chamber dividing the fluid chamber into a compression chamber and a rebound chamber. A piston rod extends along the center axis coupled to the main piston. An external tube extends about the main tube and defines a compensation chamber therebetween. The external tube includes a protrusion extending radially inwardly from an opened end to abut the main tube. An external piston is located in the compensation chamber and coupled to the main tube, dividing the compensation chamber into a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment extends between the protrusion and the external piston for containing a working fluid. The second compartment extends between the closed end and the external piston for containing a gas.

Abstract: An automotive exhaust system isolator including an elastomeric body. The elastomeric body includes a central member having a through hole for inserting a pin of an exhaust system, and a peripheral member being configured to be coupled to a vehicle body, which surrounds the central member and is connected to the central member. The elastomeric body further includes two support arms having a first end and a second end, the first and second ends of the respective support arms being joined to the peripheral member, and the central member being connected to the two support arms by means of respective lateral bridges, so that, in use, the first ends of the support arms are positioned in an upper part of the peripheral member and the second ends are positioned in a lower part of the peripheral member, the central member being positioned between both support arms.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a spring pad coupled to a spring and configured to support the spring connecting a suspension arm and a vehicle body member of the vehicle, where the spring pad includes: a seat part coupled to an end of the spring; a guide part configured to guide upward and downward movements of the seat part; and an elastic part configured to connect the seat part and the guide part and having a length that varies when the seat part moves. In particular, the spring is consistently supported by being coupled to the seat part of the spring pad even in a situation in which an additional rebound further occurs in a full-rebound situation and the spring deviates from a range in which the spring can be extended, thus preventing withdrawal of the spring connecting the suspension arm and the vehicle body member.

Abstract: A device for use in a shoe includes a first foot, a second foot, a third foot, a fourth foot, a first flexible leg, a second flexible leg, a third flexible leg, and a fourth flexible leg. The first flexible leg extends from the first foot and is curved. The second flexible leg extends from the second foot and is curved. The third flexible leg extends from the third foot and is curved. The fourth flexible leg extends from the fourth foot and is curved. The first flexible leg, second flexible leg, third flexible leg, and fourth flexible leg are joined together with each other at a common area. The first flexible leg, second flexible leg, third flexible leg, and fourth flexible leg are configured to store energy when a force is applied to the common area, and to return energy when the force is removed from the common area.

Abstract: A semiconductor package is provided. The semiconductor package includes: a package substrate having a first surface, a second surface that is provided opposite the first surface and has a concave portion, and a through-hole having a side surface that is oblique with respect to the first surface, and a first diameter of a first opening of the through-hole defined through the first surface being less than a second diameter of a second opening of the through-hole defined through a bottom surface of the concave portion; a plurality of first semiconductor chips provided on the first surface; a second semiconductor chip provided on the bottom surface; and a molding portion provided in the through-hole, and covering the plurality of first semiconductor chips and the second semiconductor chip.

Abstract: An emergency air spring assembly includes an upper cover plate, an air bag, an upper end plate and a lower end plate. An outer periphery of the upper end plate is connected with an outer periphery of the lower end plate through the air bag. An hourglass elastomer is connected between the upper cover plate and the upper end plate. A plurality of steel springs are arranged between the upper cover plate and the upper end plate in a circumferential direction of the sand clock elastomer in a pressing mode.

Abstract: A stabilizer includes a stabilizer bar and a rubber bush. The stabilizer bar includes a bar body made of a steel and a coating film covering the bar body. The coating film is formed on the surface of the bar body by using a resin having a water contact angle of more than 65°. By performing surface treatment for reducing the contact angle of the coating film present on an attachment part, the contact angle of the attachment part is changed to 65° or less. A pre-cured liquid adhesive agent is applied to an inner surface (adhesion surface) of the rubber bush. After a region including the attachment part of the stabilizer bar is heated, the rubber bush is overlaid on the attachment part. The adhesive agent is cured in a state where the rubber bush is pressed.

Abstract: An elastomer spring (10) for a vehicle (12) includes a cylindrical body (28) adapted to be disposed within a coil spring (20) of the vehicle (12) and extend axially between a first component (16) and a second component (18) of the vehicle (12), the second component (18) being spaced from and moveable toward the first component (16) along an axis of the coil spring (20). The body (28) has a height greater than a width thereof and a plurality of apertures (38) spaced about the body (28), wherein the apertures (38) are configured to allow the coil spring (20) to compress axially for absorbing energy as one of the first component (16) and the second component (18) move along the axis.

Abstract: A vibration-sensor-integrated vibration exciter 4 has a chassis 21, an excitation unit 22, a magnet 23, a yoke 24, a vibration sensor 25, a fixed plate 26, a moving plate 27, coil springs 28a to 28d, a retaining plate 29, and a crisscross plate 30. Shafts 31a to 31d are fixed to the fixed plate 26. The excitation unit 22 is fixed to the crisscross plate 30. Four vibration-proof rubber members 32a to 32d are installed to the crisscross plate 30 at 90-degree pitches with same radius centering on the excitation axis of the fixed excitation unit 22. The crisscross plate 30 is installed to the retaining plate 29 through the vibration-proof rubber members 32a to 32d. A vibration applied to the chassis 21 is absorbed by the vibration-proof rubber members 32a to 32d, to prevent the yoke 24 from being dislocated in lateral direction due to the vibration.

Abstract: The vibration isolation device (10) includes a first mounting member (11) connected to one of a vibration generating portion and a vibration receiving portion, and a second mounting member (12) connected to the other thereof; and an elastic body (13) disposed between the mounting members. On either one of opposing surfaces (24, 25) that oppose each other, respectively on the first mounting member (11) and the second mounting member (12), a stopper elastic body (27) having a stopper surface (26) which faces the other of the opposing surfaces (24, 25) such as to be capable of coming into contact therewith, and a hollow portion (30) in which the stopper elastic body (27) is disposed, are provided. The stopper elastic body (27) is fitted into the hollow portion (30) such that, among the surfaces of the stopper elastic body (27), a counter-stopper surface (34) which faces the direction opposed to the stopper surface (26), is in a state of non-contact.

Abstract: An elevator system may include a stationary support structure defining a hoistway; a car disposed in the hoistway; a linear propulsion assembly for applying a force to the car, the assembly including a first rail engaged to one of the support structure and the car, a plurality of magnets mounted to the first rail, a second rail co-extending with and spaced laterally from the first rail and engaged to the other of the support structure and the car, and a plurality of electric coils mounted to the second rail; and, a damper engaged to at least one of the first and second rails for dissipating vibration.

Abstract: A bearing assembly is for supporting a pivotable member and includes a laminated bearing having a generally cylindrical body with a centerline and a central bore for receiving at least a portion of the pivotable member. The body is formed of a plurality of alternating, generally tubular elastomeric and metallic laminae nested coaxially about the central axis, each one of the elastomeric and metallic laminae having opposing axial ends. At least one and preferably two thermally conductive members are coupled with a separate one of the two axial ends of one of the metallic laminae and each extends generally axially from the bearing body so as to provide a heat sink.

Abstract: An acceleration device includes an actuator configured to displace a mass in a reciprocating motion at a desired frequency, a mount configured to hold a device, such as an accelerometer device, and at least one spring connecting the mount to the mass. The actuator is used to apply a force to achieve resonance. The actuator may comprise a voice coil motor, wherein the voice coil motor includes a permanent magnet and an armature and wherein said armature comprises part of said mass. The actuator applies a periodic force to the mass. The periodic force may be a sinusoidal force. Preferably, the applied force is aligned with a resulting velocity of the mass. The mount may include a test socket to which the device is electrically connected. The spring may comprises one or more flexure elements. The acceleration device may be used with a handler device to connect and disconnect the device to and from the mount. Optionally, the handler device includes an environmental chamber surrounding the mount.

Abstract: A tape head system. The tape head system includes: a head for reading from and/or writing to magnetic tape; a support; and at least one leaf spring assembly supporting the head moveably relative to the support so as to allow the head to follow a motion of the tape, the at least one leaf spring assembly including at least one leaf spring and at least one damping element configured for damping a motion of the head relative to the support.

Abstract: A spring unit includes a composite spring and a metal wire. The composite spring is formed of resin, has a single beam structure, and includes a curved part between its end parts. The metal spring is formed of a metal wire, and includes a curved part between its end parts. The end parts of the composite spring are fixed to the corresponding end parts of the metal spring, so that the composite spring and the metal spring are fixed to be positioned in the same plane. The composite spring and the metal spring engage with each other in an engagement part formed in at least one position between the curved parts and the end parts. The composite spring and the metal spring are separated in a part other than the end parts and the engagement part.

Abstract: An energy absorbing and transmitting material comprising a framework of interconnected units comprising at least one unit having a base and a protrusion or cone extending from the base along an axis, and at least one connecting member or rod that connects the unit to at least one adjacent unit, the connecting members extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of the unit from the base, where the framework is comprised of a single elastic material throughout, or configured so that when the framework is perturbed by tilting the unit towards the adjacent unit, the adjacent unit is tilted towards the unit.

Abstract: Impact attenuating/spring systems may include first and second body portions and at least one spring member at least partially included between the body portions. The spring member(s) may substantially enclose and/or be pivotally engaged with the body portion(s). The components of the impact attenuating and spring element may be arranged such that when a force is applied to the body portion(s), the spring member(s) will exert a counter force to urge the impact attenuating and spring element back toward its original orientation. The spring members may include one or more polymeric element that stretches under a tensile force. The impact attenuating and spring elements may be included in a piece of footwear or other device in a manner such that a user or a retailer (or others) can select an appropriate spring member (or portion thereof), e.g., depending on characteristics of the user or the intended use.

Abstract: A dual-phase spring assembly configured for use with a fuel injector system includes a metal main body and a rubber ring. The main body includes a base integrally connected to a circumferential wall having a radially-canted lip. The base defines a central opening. The radially-canted lip angles away from a center of the main body. The rubber ring secures over the base and to an internal surface of the circumferential wall. The rubber ring covers a ledge of the base, while the radially-canted lip is exposed. The rubber ring is configured to directly abut at least a first portion of the fuel injector system, and the radially-canted lip is configured to directly abut a second portion of the fuel injector system.

Abstract: An integrated impact energy absorption system application for enhanced safety performance of sports related protective head gear. A multiplicity of pattern positioned energy shock absorption impact strips of high performance dual elastomeric polyurethane resin of the invention are selectively secured in a pattern orientation on a sports helmet to protect critical vulnerable locations on the exterior thereof. Preformed impact absorption strips are of a composite construction having internalized compartment energy attenuating cells in a repetitive matrix construction for enhanced forced absorption and deflection to the helmet surface to which they are so secured.

Abstract: A polymer spring has a hollow tubular polymer body, wherein the first end portion of the body, the second end portion of the body, and the mid-portion of the body together substantially maintain an annular cylindrical column structure throughout the length of the body from the first end portion of the body to the second end portion of the body, such that the mid-portion of the body has a substantial portion that is in direct alignment with the first end portion of the body and the second end portion of the body when the spring is compressed to eliminate or reduce the chances of the spring failing caused by the spring folding or buckling and to reduce material fatigue in the polymer spring associated with folding or buckling.

Abstract: A toilet seat lifting device maintains a toilet seat in a partially elevated position when at rest. The device includes a lifting spring attached to a toilet rim. The lifting spring includes a compressible air bellow which provides resistance for maintaining a front end of the toilet at a prescribed angle when in the resting state. The spring is compressible such that a user may depress the toilet seat to a flat position when seated. The seat is not attached to the spring such that the seat can be lifted to an upright position in a traditional manner. The spring is attached to the toilet rim underneath the toilet seat, adjacent to a hinge by an adhesive.

Abstract: An elastomeric load bearing surface with different load support characteristics in different directions. In one embodiment, the surface includes an elastomeric membrane that is oriented in only a single direction, for example, by compression or stretching. In another embodiment, the surface includes mechanical structures, such as connectors, variations in thickness and apertures, that vary the load support characteristics in different directions. In another aspect, the present invention provides a multilayer load bearing surface in which the layers cooperate to provide a controlled force/deflection profile that is variable in different regions of the surface. In one embodiment, the upper layer includes a plurality of loosely connected nodes and a lower layer having a plurality of resilient elements that separately support each node.

Abstract: Disclosed is a damper that is easy to mount and capable of attenuating to a sufficient degree a vibration generated by an electronic component; also disclosed are an electronic component and an electronic apparatus that are provided with such a damper. A mounting insertion portion is provided with a hard portion maintaining the configuration of the mounting insertion portion.

Abstract: A vibration isolating device for isolating an object from at least one of vibration and shock from an external source. The vibration isolation device comprises such features as a mounting structure where the object is mounted to, at least a plurality of first springs coupled to the mounting structure to minimize coupling of the at least one vibration and shock to the object, and a shock stop. In addition, the device may include a plurality of stop pins that are separate from the mounting structure and arranged externally to the mounting structure. The stop pins can limit a displacement of the object when the at least one of vibration and shock exceeds a given level.

Abstract: Impact attenuating/spring systems may include first and second body portions and at least one spring member at least partially included between the body portions. The spring member(s) may substantially enclose and/or be pivotally engaged with the body portion(s). The components of the impact attenuating and spring element may be arranged such that when a force is applied to the body portion(s), the spring member(s) will exert a counter force to urge the impact attenuating and spring element back toward its original orientation. The spring members may include one or more polymeric element that stretches under a tensile force. The impact attenuating and spring elements may be included in a piece of footwear or other device in a manner such that a user or a retailer (or others) can select an appropriate spring member (or portion thereof), e.g., depending on characteristics of the user or the intended use.

Abstract: An oscillator spring material comprising a mixture of a host material with an additive in proportions which permit the thermal evolution of the material's elastic modulus to be tuned, e.g. to correct or compensate for other thermal changes in an oscillator system. The additive comprises a crystalline material having an abnormal thermal evolution of elastic modulus. The host material has a normal thermal evolution of elastic modulus. The additive is mixed with the host material before the host material undergoes a phase transformation into its final form. The additive has a phase transformation temperature higher than the host material, so that additive remains in the same state while the host material phase transformation takes place.

Abstract: A vibration damping system includes a laminated body (3) formed by alternately laminating rigid hard plates (4) and viscoelastic soft plates (5), and pair of shoe plates (1, 2) at both ends in the laminating direction of the laminated body (3), to form a vibration damping body (6). The show plates (1, 2) are connected to each other by a displacement restriction member (7), so as to applying a pre-compression to the laminated body. The vibration damping body (6) is divided into a plurality of segments (3A, 3B, 3C) in the laminating direction, for allowing the vibration-proof main body (6) to be separated and displaced at the parting faces (8), without causing an excessive tensile force in the vibration damping system, even if the displacement restriction member (7) has worn to degrade the pre-compression function and a tensile force is applied due to a prying deformation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a material adapted to reduce vibration and, more specifically, to a material adapted to dissipate and evenly distribute transmitted vibrations. The material is particularly suited for impact and/or heavy load vibration resistance.

Abstract: An absorbent covering (1) has high damping power, secured on a structure (2) and includes a dissipater mesh made up of a plurality of dissipating elements (3) and of nodes (4) each having its bottom end (4?) secured on the structure (2). In remarkable manner, the bottom ends (4?) of the nodes (4) project from the dissipating elements (3) so as to leave an empty space (5) between the dissipating elements (3) and the structure (2), the absorbent covering (1) including main absorbent elements (6) arranged in the empty space (5), each of the main absorbent elements (6) being secured firstly to a bottom face (3?) of a dissipating element (3) and secondly to the structure (2).

Abstract: A spring for a spring shoe, the spring including a conical disk, the conical disk having a flexible flange around the perimeter of the conical disk. A spring comprising a conical disk and a ring spring around the conical disk, the ring spring being movable up and down relative to the conical disk to adjust the spring force of the spring. A threaded engagement between the ring spring and the conical disk so that rotation of the conical disk moves the ring spring up or down relative to the conical disk. A damper ring around the perimeter of the conical disk to resist the expansion of the circumference of the conical disk. An eccentric ring or cam to adjust the position of the apex of the conical disk relative to an insole by rotating the eccentric ring or cam. An asymmetric conical disk to adjust the position of the apex of the conical disk by rotating the conical disk. A damper for a spring shoe comprising a flexible container containing a material with little or no propensity to return to its original shape.

Abstract: A hydraulic mount has an upper support member and a lower support member. An upper elastomeric spring and a lower elastomeric spring are disposed between the upper support member and the lower support member to define an upper fluid chamber and a lower fluid chamber. A channel extends between the upper and lower chambers. During compression and extension of the hydraulic mount, fluid transfers between the upper and lower chamber to provide a damping force for the hydraulic mount.

Abstract: A vibration damper comprises a vibration dampening structure and a load bearing plate disposed on the vibration dampening structure. The vibration dampening structure includes a slip resistant layer and at least one foam layer disposed between the slip resistant layer and the load bearing plate. A resilient mounting layer is disposed on the load bearing plate. The vibration damper may act directly between an underlying support surface and equipment or may act between the underlying support surface and a sheet of flooring.

Abstract: A resilient shock-absorbing device includes an absorber body having a first absorber layer including a plurality of longitudinal first outer tube halves heat-sealed to each other and each having two transversely opposed first longitudinal ends contacting respectively adjacent first longitudinal ends of two adjacent first outer tube halves, and a plurality of first heat-seal seams each interconnecting two adjacent first longitudinal ends that contact each other, and a second absorber layer including a plurality of longitudinal second outer tube halves heat-sealed to each other and each having two transversely opposed second longitudinal ends contacting respectively adjacent second longitudinal ends of two adjacent second outer tube halves, and a plurality of second heat-seal seams each extending longitudinally and interconnecting two adjacent second longitudinal ends that contact each other. A plurality of first and second foam members are respectively filled in the first and second outer tube halves.

Abstract: An isolation mount for supporting and isolating one part from another includes an inner member formed to be connected to one of the parts and an outer member formed to be connected to one of the parts. The inner member has a first and a second inner plates being connected at one end and extending at a first angle with respect to each other; the outer member also has a first and a second outer plates being connected at one end and extending at a second angle with respect to each other. The isolation mount further includes a first and a second individual elastomeric element compressed between respective inner and outer plates.

Abstract: A device of the invention includes a vibration isolator with an elastomeric damper and inner and outer connectors. The inner connector has external and internal threads, and the outer connector has internal threads. A method of the invention includes attaching the vibration isolator to a block by screwing external threads of an internal connector of the isolator into the block. The block with attached isolators is inserted into an enclosure, and each isolator is loosened as necessary to make a flush fit with the enclosure. A screw is then inserted into each isolator and fastens the isolator to the block at the flush position. Finally, a screw is inserted through the enclosure into each isolator to connect the isolators to the enclosure.

Abstract: A support element for a motor vehicle suspension spring, including a main part and a substantially rigid or semi-rigid insert. The suspension spring bears directly on the substantially rigid or semi-rigid insert.

Abstract: A geometric shaped side bearing pad includes a top and a surface extending an angle ? towards the top, wherein the bearing pad has a geometric shape and a non-linear spring rate which levels out a reaction force without buckling. The surface of the bearing pad can have two sides or four sides, can have spacing within the surface, or can be solid. The angle ? can be within the range of about 20 degrees and 85 degrees, and may preferably be within the range of about 30 degrees and 45 degrees to achieve non-linear load/deflection. The top of the bearing pad can have a slot defined therethrough to accommodate a protrusion in a fixture to engage the bearing pad. The bearing pad can provide a friction contact with an object and enables lateral force transfer to the bearing pad, thereby providing lateral stiffness.

Abstract: This invention relates to a traction assembly for a vehicle which uses an endless traction band and a plurality of wheels for propulsion. More particularly, the traction assembly comprises a sprocket wheel which has a different size and number of sprocket teeth depending on whether the traction kit replaces the front wheels or the rear wheels of the vehicle. The sprocket wheel of the traction kit can also be configured such that its sprocket teeth are laterally offset. The traction kit can also comprise an anti-torque system that prevent physical contact between the traction kit and the vehicle and that can bias the position of the traction kit in order to improve the steering performance. Finally, the traction assembly can comprise a pivotable extension which lengthens the traction assembly and improves its traction capabilities.

Abstract: A spring arrangement for a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, with a first spring device and a second spring device, wherein the first spring device and the second spring device are mechanically arranged in series, and are designed to support a component of the vehicle on a further component of the vehicle in a support direction, the first spring device has a first transverse rigidity in a transverse direction running transverse to the support direction, the second spring device has a second rigidity in the transverse direction which is smaller than the first transverse rigidity. The first spring device and the second spring device are arranged nested in the support direction.

Abstract: A dual-phase spring assembly configured for use with a fuel injector system includes a metal main body and a rubber ring. The main body includes a base integrally connected to a circumferential wall having a radially-canted lip. The base defines a central opening. The radially-canted lip angles away from a center of the main body. The rubber ring secures over the base and to an internal surface of the circumferential wall. The rubber ring covers a ledge of the base, while the radially-canted lip is exposed. The rubber ring is configured to directly abut at least a first portion of the fuel injector system, and the radially-canted lip is configured to directly abut a second portion of the fuel injector system.

Abstract: Shock dampener bumper for motor-vehicles, adapted to be applied on to motor-vehicles of various kind, both for personal uses and for sports contests, for protecting the constructive structure of each motor-vehicle from any possible damage and/or breakage thereof, in the case in which the motor-vehicle falls.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an exhaust system support assembly (10) for coupling an exhaust member (F) to a vehicle (A). The exhaust system support assembly (10) includes an exhaust member mount assembly (52) couplable to the exhaust member (F), an isolation pin (32) received within at least a portion of the exhaust member mount assembly (52), and at least one resilient member (44,46) disposed between the exhaust member mount assembly (52) and the isolation pin (32). The exhaust system support assembly (10) further includes a pivot assembly (16) couplable to the vehicle (A), wherein the pivot assembly (16) slidably and rotatably receives the isolation pin (32).

Abstract: A stopper structure including: a rigid abutting member extending in its longitudinal direction with a rectangular cross sectional shape; and a rubber stopper having a base portion of tubular cross sectional shape and secured press-fit onto the rigid abutting member without being adhesive thereto, two peripheral projections formed on laterally opposite sides of a first abutting plane of the base portion and extending in the longitudinal direction, and a central projection formed on an intermediate area interposed between the peripheral projections of the first abutting plane of the base portion. The peripheral projections are situated above laterally opposite edges of a first abutting plane of the rigid abutting member, and have a width dimension extending inside and outside the laterally opposite edges. The central projection projects outward from the first abutting plane of the base portion with the same height as the peripheral projections.

Abstract: A lateral displacement shock absorbing material includes a material consisting of elongated tubular impact absorbing members, each having an axis of elongation. The axes of elongation are parallel to one another by virtue of lateral webbing interconnecting them together. Each of the tubular members has an outer surface made up of two frustoconical surfaces with their larger diameter ends abutting one another and their smaller diameter ends facing away from one another. Each tubular member includes a passageway defined by two frustoconical shapes with the smaller diameter ends abutting one another, and the larger diameter ends facing away from one another and defining the openings of each passageway. Upon impact, the side walls of the tubular members bulge or displace laterally to absorb impacts.

Abstract: A tension-compression spring with high utilization of properties of the material from which the spring is fabricated wherein displacements between conforming and interacting beveled surfaces of rings constituting the spring are accommodated by internal shear in an elastomeric layer or layered (laminated) element residing between the conforming and interacting beveled surfaces of the rings.

Abstract: A spring seat assembly for a suspension system of a vehicle utilizing a coil spring. The spring seat assembly includes a first spring seat retainer having a central axis. The first spring seat retainer includes a flange and a pocket portion extending from the flange toward a distal end. The flange includes a first side and a second side extending radially from the central axis in a spaced and parallel relationship. The flange includes a plurality of ribs that extend radially relative to the central axis. The ribs project axially from the first side and the second side of the flange and are spaced angularly from one another. The ribs on the first side are angularly offset from the ribs on the second side for dampening vibration and absorbing noise upon a compression of the coil spring.

Abstract: Impact attenuating/spring systems may include first and second body portions and at least one spring member at least partially included between the body portions. The spring member(s) may substantially enclose and/or be pivotally engaged with the body portion(s). The components of the impact attenuating and spring element may be arranged such that when a force is applied to the body portion(s), the spring member(s) will exert a counter force to urge the impact attenuating and spring element back toward its original orientation. The spring members may include one or more polymeric element that stretches under a tensile force. The impact attenuating and spring elements may be included in a piece of footwear or other device in a manner such that a user or a retailer (or others) can select an appropriate spring member (or portion thereof), e.g., depending on characteristics of the user or the intended use.