Importance

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Abstract

A compression spring formed from an elastomer member having a ratio of plastic strain to elastic strain that is greater than 1.5 to 1 is disclosed. The elastomer spring member defines an elongated axis between opposed ends of the spring and has a molecular structure. A periphery of the elastomer member has a series of axially spaced annular portions of increased cross-sectional area with an annular waistline portion disposed between adjacent annular portions of increased cross-sectional area to provide the elongated member with a series of axially spaced hourglass configurations arranged in end-to-end relation relative to each other. The hourglass configurations along the periphery of the elastomer member allowing the elastomeric spring to collapse upon itself during compression thereof while maintaining a substantially constant outside diameter for the areas of increased cross-sectional area. The internal molecular structure in each annular portion of increased cross-sectional area along with the annular waistline portion being oriented in a predetermined manner during precompression of the elastomeric member to eliminate any compression set characteristic of the elastomer material.

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First Claim