Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
In a stress-absorbing structure, in combination, supporting means and an elongate member carried by said supporting means with freedom of deflection in a predetermined direction under transverse stress, said member comprising a throughgoing leaf spring with broad surfaces perpendicular to the direction of stress and reinforcing means adjacent at least one of said surfaces, going into compression upon deflection, for stiffening the deflected leaf spring by resisting further compression of said one of said surfaces beyond a predetermined limit, said reinforcing means comprising a row of abutments axially spaced apart in a normal position of said leaf spring, said abutments including rigid formations rising from said one of said surfaces at axially spaced locations in positive contact with said leaf spring.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
In a stress-absorbing structure, in combination, supporting means and an elongate member carried by said supporting means with freedom of deflection in a predetermined direction under transverse stress, said member comprising a throughgoing leaf spring with broad surfaces perpendicular to the direction of stress and reinforcing means adjacent at least one of said surfaces, going into compression upon deflection, for stiffening the deflected leaf spring by resisting further compression of said one of said surfaces beyond a predetermined limit, said reinforcing means comprising a row of abutments axially spaced apart in a normal position of said leaf spring, said abutments including rigid formations rising from said one of said surfaces at axially spaced locations in positive contact with said leaf spring.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination defined in claim 1 wherein said formations are ribs integral with said leaf spring.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The combination defined in claim 1 wherein said formations are compression elements provided with fastening means securing same to said leaf spring.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The combination defined in claim 3 wherein at least one of said elements is a wedge piece with end faces converging in a plane of deflection of said leaf spring.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The combination defined in claim 3, further comprising cushioning means interposed between said elements and said one of said surfaces.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The combination defined in claim 1 wherein said abutments further include a stack of compression elements each engaging one of said formations with limited relative axial mobility.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
The combination defined in claum 6 wherein said leaf spring is provided with a pair of end stops bracketing said stack with play, further comprising resilient means inserted between one of said end stops and said stack for urging the latter against the other of said end stops.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
48 words
The combination defined in claum 6 wherein said leaf spring is provided with a pair of end stops bracketing said stack with play, further comprising resilient means inserted between one of said end stops and said stack for urging the latter against the other of said end stops.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The combination defined in claim 7 wherein said other of said end stops comprises a wedge member adjustably traversing a longitudinal slot in said leaf spring.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
The combination defined in claum 6 wherein said elements have internal recesses receiving said formations with longitudinal clearance, further comprising control means in said recesses operable to rigidify said elements with said leaf spring by eliminating said clearance.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
38 words
The combination defined in claum 6 wherein said elements have internal recesses receiving said formations with longitudinal clearance, further comprising control means in said recesses operable to rigidify said elements with said leaf spring by eliminating said clearance.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
37 words
The combination defined in claim 9 wherein said formations are lugs with sloping edges remote from said leaf spring, said recesses having slanting bottoms paralleling said sloping edges and engageable therewith in a predetermined relative longitudinal position.