CA2527393A1 - Spring seat assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A vehicle suspension system includes a first spring seat retainer (30) and a second spring seat retainer (32). The first spring seat retainer (30) includes a flange (40) and a pocket portion (52) extending from the flange (40) to a distal end (54). The pocket portion (52) includes a distal rim (62) and a cavity (56) between the distal end (54) and the flange (40). A jounce bumper (78) is mounted within the cavity (56) of the pocket portion (52) and extends from the distal end (54). A band (72) encircles the distal rim (62) for preventing deformation of the rim (62) upon compression of the jounce bumper (78).

Description

SPRING SEAT ASSEMBLY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention [0001] The invention relates to an assembly for a suspension system of a vehicle of the type using a coil spring.

2. Description of the Prior Art [0002] Vehicle suspension systems of the prior art typically include spring seat assemblies each having a pair of opposing spring seat retainers with a coil spring disposed therebetween. Spring seat retainers of a variety of configurations are well known in the art. An example of a configuration of a spring seat retainer is shown in European Publication No. 0 778 166 B 1. The spring seat retainer disclosed in this European Publication is formed of a polymeric material and includes a flange extending radially from a central axis. A pocket portion extends axially from the flange to a distal end and supports a coil spring encircling the pocket portion. The pocket portion includes a distal rim and defines a cavity between the flange and the distal end. A jounce bumper is disposed within the cavity of the pocket portion and extends from the distal end. The design and material considerations of the spring seat retainer disclosed in the European Publication provides significant advantages over other prior art retainers.

[0003] During operation, the coil spring can be compressed to the point where the jounce bumper engages an opposing spring seat retainer to cause the jounce bumper to compress and exert forces radially outwardly against the distal rim. These radial forces on the distal rim can be large enough to cause the distal rim to deform or bulge, especially if the distal rim is made out of the polymeric material, i.e., plastic. The functionality of the spring seat retainer can be lost after the distal rim radially stretches and permanently deforms the cavity, which can cause the jounce bumper to fall out of the cavity.

[0004] In addition, the European Publication discloses a spring isolator, which is a pad having a donut shaped configuration, abutting the flange of the spring seat retainer. The spring isolator is designed to absorb noise upon compression of the coil spring. Spring isolator pads of this type are useful, but can be cumbersome to install and have operational limitations.

[0005] Although the prior art has developed improved designs, there remains a need to develop a spring seat retainer that incorporates the advantages of the prior art while avoiding the potential drawbacks of the spring seat retainers and the isolator pads.
SUIVflVIARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

[0006] The present invention provides a spring seat assembly for use in a suspension system of a vehicle utilizing a coil spring. The spring seat assembly comprises a spring seat retainer having a flange extending radially from a central axis. A pocket portion extends axially from the flange to a distal end and supports a coil spring encircling the pocket portion. The pocket portion includes a distal rim and defines a cavity between the distal end and the flange for mounting a jounce bumper within the cavity. The jounce bumper extends from the distal end for compressing and exerting radial forces within the cavity against the distal rim upon a predetermined compression of the coil spring. A
band encircles the distal rim of the pocket portion for preventing deformation of the distal rim under the band thereby retaining the jounce bumper in the cavity upon the predetermined compression of the coil spring.

[0007] The present invention also provides a spring seat assembly comprising a spring seat retainer having a flange extending radially from a central axis. The flange of the spring seat retainer includes a first side and a second side extending radially from the central axis in a spaced and parallel relationship. A pocket portion extends axially from the flange to a distal end and defines a cavity between the distal end and the flange. A
jounce bumper is mounted within the cavity and extends from the distal end. A
plurality of ribs extend radially relative to the central axis, are spaced angularly from one another, and project axially from the first side and the second side of the flange to dampen vibrations and absorb noise.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention provides for a spring seat assembly having a restrictor for preventing deformation of a distal rim to retain a jounce bumper. In addition, the present invention provides for a spring seat assembly having an integrated absorption device that not only dampens vibration and absorbs noise but is also cost effective and reduces the number of parts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a suspension system of a spring seat assembly showing a first spring seat retainer and a second spring seat retainer at opposite ends of a coil spring shown in phantom, [0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the first spring seat retainer and the coil spring shown in phantom, [0012] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the first spring seat retainer, [0013] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first spring seat retainer, [0014] Figure 5 is a side view of the first spring seat retainer, (0015] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the suspension system in a compressed state, [0016] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a spring seat assembly showing a first spring seat retainer and a second spring seat retainer at opposite ends of a coil spring shown in phantom, (0017] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the first spring seat retainer and the coil spring shown in phantom, and (0018] Figure 9 is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the first spring seat retainer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, a spring seat assembly 20 is generally shown in Figure 1.
The spring seat assembly 20 includes a first spring seat retainer 30 and a second spring seat retainer 32. The spring seat assembly 20 is part of a suspension system for use in a vehicle (not shown).

[0020] Referring to Figures 1 and 6, the suspension system further includes a plurality of spring seats 22 and a coil spring 24 shown in phantom. Each of the spring seats 22 include a planar portion 26 and a projection 28 extending toward each other from corresponding planar portions 26. The spring seats 22 are preferably made of steel and are mounted to corresponding structures of the vehicle.

[0021] The first spring seat retainer 30 defines an opening 34 and the second spring seat retainer 32 defines a void 36 for mating with the corresponding projections 28 of the spring seats 22. In particular, the first and second spring seat retainers 30, 32 are mounted to associated spring seats 22 having the coil spring 24 disposed therebetween.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that the first and second spring seat retainers 30, 32 may be of any suitable configuration to mount to alternative spring seats 22 and/or alternative suspension systems.

[0022] Referring also to Figures 2-5, the first spring seat retainer 30 is shown having a flange 40 extending radially from a central axis 38 to a peripheral edge 50. A
pocket portion or neck 52 extends axially from the flange 40 to a distal end 54 for supporting the coil spring 24 encircling the pocket portion 52. Preferably, the flange 40 and the pocket portion 52 are formed of a homogeneous material. Even more preferably, the first spring seat retainer 30 may be formed of a polymeric material or plastic material such as nylon, isoprene, polypropylene, or polyurethane. In the most preferred embodiment, the first spring seat retainer 30 is formed of a one-piece integrated thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material.

[0023] A spring isolator 100 abuts the flange 40 of the first spring seat retainer 30. The spring isolator 100 preferably has a donut shaped configuration complementary to the configuration of the flange 40. The spring isolator 100 extends radially from the pocket portion 52 to the peripheral edge 50 of the flange 40. Preferably, the spring isolator 100 is formed of an elastomeric material, such as micro-cellular polyurethane (NlPil).

[0024] The pocket portion 52 also includes a shoulder 58 and a plurality of fins 60. The plurality of fins 60 are spaced circumferentially about an exterior of the pocket portion 52 and extend along the central axis 38 to the shoulder 58 for engaging and retaining the coil spring 24. The fins 60 extend axially from a predetermined distance spaced from the flange 40 to the shoulder 58. The fins 60 are preferably integral with the pocket portion 52.

[0025] The pocket portion 52 further includes a distal rim 62, wherein the distal rim 62 includes an inner surface 64 and an outer surface 66 in a spaced and parallel relationship.
The outer surface 66 of the distal rim 62 defines a recess 68 extending axially from the shoulder 58 to the distal end 54. The pocket portion 52 also defines a cavity 56 between the distal end 54 and the flange 40. The inner surface 64 of the distal rim 62 includes a plurality of tabs 70 that project into the cavity 56. Preferably, the tabs 70 are integral with the inner surface 64 of the distal rim 62. The first spring seat retainer 30 further includes a stem 98 disposed within the cavity 56 of the pocket portion 52.

[0026] The distal rim 62 can undergo undesirable bulging and other deformation from heat and pressure. The subject invention therefore includes a restrictor at least partially disposed about the distal rim 62 of the pocket portion 52, which operates as an anti-bulging device for preventing bulging of the distal rim 62. The restrictor preferably includes a band 72 encircling the distal rim 62 for preventing bulging of the distal rim 62 under the band 72. The band 72 is preferably continuous, presents spaced edges 74, and disposed in the recess 68 with one of the edges 74 abutting the shoulder 58.
The distal end 54 of the distal rim 62 includes a protrusion 76 that extends over one of the edges 74 of the band 72 opposite the shoulder 58 to retain the band 72 in the recess 68. Hence, the band 72 encircles the distal rim 62 of the pocket portion 52 for preventing deformation of the distal rim 62 under the band 72. The band 72 is preferably made of a metal, such as steel, and has a modulus of elasticity higher than the modulus of elasticity of the polymeric material of the pocket portion 52.

[0027] A jounce bumper 78 is disposed within the cavity 56 of the pocket portion 52 and extends from the distal end 54. The jounce bumper 78 will compress and exert radial forces within the cavity 56 against the distal rim 62 upon a predetermined compression of the coil spring 24. Preferably, the jounce bumper 78 is formed of a polymeric or elastomeric material, such as micro-cellular polyurethane (MPLI]. The jounce bumper 78 defines an annular groove 80, wherein the tabs 70 of the distal rim 62 engage the groove 80 for retaining the jounce bumper 78 within the cavity 56. As shown in Figure 1, the jounce bumper 78 presents a hollow 102 in the bottom thereof to define a skirt 104 in which the stem 98 of the pocket portion 52 engages the skirt 104 for forcing the jounce bumper 78 radially outwardly toward the distal rim 62 and into engagement with the tabs 70.

[0028] As shown in Figure 6, the coil spring 24 can be compressed to the point where the jounce bumper 78 hits the second spring seat retainer 32 which causes the jounce bumper 78 to compress and exert forces radially outwardly against the distal rim 62.
The band 72 resists any radial deflection of the distal rim 62 such that the tabs 70 of the inner surface 64 of the distal rim 62 remain in continuous contact with the groove 80 to retain the jounce bumper 78 within the first spring seat retainer 30.

[0029] Referring back to Figures 1 and 6, the second spring seat retainer 32 has a similar configuration as the first spring seat retainer 30. The second spring seat retainer 32 includes a neck portion 88 and a base portion 82 extending radially from the central axis 38 to an outer perimeter 84. The base portion 82 further includes a plurality of ridges 86 spaced angularly from one another. The ridges 86 extend radially relative to the central axis 38 and project axially toward the outer perimeter 84 of the base portion 82. The ridges 86 are spaced a predetermined distance from the neck portion 88 to define a depression 90 for engaging and retaining the coil spring 24. Preferably, the ridges 86 are integral with the base portion 82.

[0030] The neck portion 88 extends axially from the base portion 82 for supporting the coil spring 24 encircling the neck portion 88. The neck portion 88 includes a cap 92 at a top thereof to define a jounce contact surface for engaging with the jounce bumper 78. A
plurality of strips 96 are spaced circumferentially about an exterior of the neck portion 88 and extend along the central axis 38. The strips 96 are spaced a predetermined distance from the base portion 82 and extend toward a predetermined distance spaced from the jounce contact surface for engaging and retaining the coil spring 24.
Preferably, the cap 92 and the strips 96 are integral with the neck portion 88.

[0031] The base portion 82 and the neck portion 88 are preferably formed of a one-piece homogeneous material. Even more preferably, the second spring seat retainer 32 is similarly formed of a polymeric material or plastic material such as nylon, isoprene, polypropylene, or polyurethane. In the most preferred embodiment, the second spring seat retainer 32 is similarly formed of a one-piece integrated TPU material. , [0032] Another embodiment of the spring seat assembly 220 is shown in Figures 7-9.
The spring seat assembly 220 includes a first spring seat retainer 230 and a second spring seat retainer 232. The spring seat assembly 220 is part of a suspension system for use in a vehicle (not shown).

[0033] Refernng to Figure 7, the suspension system further includes a plurality of spring seats 222 and a coil spring 224 shown in phantom. Each of the spring seats 222 include a planar portion 226 and a projection 228 extending toward each other from corresponding planar portions 226. The spring seats 222 are preferably made of steel and are mounted to corresponding structures of the vehicle.

[0034] The first spring seat retainer 230 defines an opening 234 and the second spring seat retainer 232 defines a void 236 for mating with the corresponding projections 228 of the spring seats 222. In particular, the first and second spring seat retainers 230, 232 are mounted to associated spring seats 222 having the coil spring 224 disposed therebetween.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that the first and second spring seat retainers 230, 232 may be of any suitable configuration to mount to alternative spring seats 222 and/or alternative suspension systems.

[0035] Refernng also to Figures 8 and 9, the first spring seat retainer 230 includes a central axis 238, a flange 240, and a pocket portion 252: The flange 240 includes a first side 246 and a second side 248 extending radially from the central axis 238 in a spaced and parallel relationship. The flange 240 also includes a plurality of ribs 244 that extend radially relative to the central axis 238. The ribs 244 project axially from the first and second sides 246, 248 of the flange 240 and are spaced angularly from one another. The ribs 244 on the first side 246 are angularly offset from the ribs 244 on the second side 248 for dampening vibration and absorbing noise upon a compression of the coil spring 224.
The flange 240 further includes a peripheral edge 250, wherein the ribs 244 on the first and second sides 246, 248 of the flange 240 extend radially inwardly from the peripheral edge 250. Each of the ribs 244 on the first side 246 decrease in axial thickness to taper from the peripheral edge 250 toward the pocket portion 252. Similarly, each of the ribs 244 on the second side 248 decrease in axial thickness to taper from the peripheral edge 250 toward the opening 234. It should be appreciated that the ribs 244 may be of any suitable design or configuration so long as the flange 240 can adequately dampen vibration and absorb noise from the coil spring 224.

[0036] The pocket portion 252 includes a distal end 254 with the pocket portion 252 extending axially from the flange 240 to the distal end 254 for supporting the coil spring 224 encircling the pocket portion 252. Preferably, the flange 240, the ribs 244, and alI
features of the pocket portion 252 are formed of a one-piece homogeneous material.
Even more preferably, the first spring seat retainer 230 is formed of a polymeric material or plastic material such as nylon, isoprene, polypropylene, or polyurethane.
In the most preferred embodiment, the first spring seat retainer 230 is formed of a one-piece integrated thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material.

[0037] The pocket portion 252 also includes a shoulder 258 and a plurality of fins 260.
The plurality of fins 260 are spaced circumferentially about an exterior of the pocket portion 252 and extend along the central axis 238 to the shoulder 258 for engaging and retaining the coil spring 224. The fins 260 extend axially from a predetermined distance spaced from the flange 240 to the shoulder 258. The fins 260 are preferably integral with the pocket portion 252.

[0038] The pocket portion 252 further includes a distal rim 262, wherein the distal rim 262 includes an inner surface 264 and an outer surface 266 in a spaced and parallel relationship. The outer surface 266 of the distal rim 262 defines a recess 268 extending axially from the shoulder 258 to the distal end 254. The pocket portion 252 also defines a cavity 256 between the distal end 254 and the flange 240. The inner surface 264 of the distal rim 262 includes a plurality of tabs 270 that project into the cavity 256. Preferably, the tabs 270 are integral with the inner surface 264 of the distal rim 262.

[0039] A restrictor 272 is disposed completely about the distal rim 262 to prevent the distal rim 262 from bulging or deforming. The restrictor 272 presents spaced edges 274 and is disposed in the recess 268 with one of the edges 274 abutting the shoulder 258.
The distal end 254 of the distal rim 262 includes a protrusion 276 that extends over one of the edges 274 of the restrictor 272 opposite the shoulder 258 to retain the restrictor 272 in the recess 268. The restrictor 272 is preferably made of a metal, such as steel.

[0040] A jounce bumper 278 is disposed within the cavity 256 of the pocket portion 252 and extends from the distal end 254. Preferably, the jounce bumper 278 is formed of a polymeric or elastomeric material, such as micro-cellular polyurethane (MPLn.
The jounce bumper 278 defines an annular groove 280, wherein the tabs 270 of the distal rim 262 engage the groove 280 for retaining the jounce bumper 278 in the cavity 256.

[0041] Referring back to Figure 7, the second spring seat retainer 232 has a similar configuration as the first spring seat retainer 230. The second spring seat retainer 232 includes the central axis 238, a base portion 282, and a neck portion 288. The base portion 282 includes an outer perimeter 284, wherein the base portion 282 extends radially from the central axis 238 to the outer perimeter 284. The base portion 282 further includes a plurality of ridges 286 spaced angularly from one another.
The ridges 286 extend radially relative to the central axis 238 and project axially toward the outer perimeter 284 of the base portion 282. The ridges 286 are spaced a predetermined distance from the neck portion 288 to define a depression 290 for engaging and retaining the coil spring 224. Preferably, the ridges 286 are integral with the base portion 282.
Although not numbered, the second spring seat retainer 232 may also include a similar rib configuration as discussed above for dampening vibration and absorbing noise. In particular, the base portion 282 of the second spring seat retainer 232 also has a first side and a second side extending radially from the central axis 238 of the second spring seat retainer 232 in a spaced and parallel relationship. The ribs would extend radially relative to the central axis 238 of the second spring seat retainer 232, be spaced angularly from one another, and would project axially from the first side and the second side of the base portion 282.

[0042] The neck portion 288 extends axially from the base portion 282 for supporting the coil spring 224 encircling the neck portion 288. The neck portion 288 includes a cap 292 at a top thereof to define a jounce contact surface for engaging with the jounce bumper 278. A
plurality of strips 296 are spaced circumferentially about an exterior of the neck portion 288 and extend along the central axis 238. The strips 296 are spaced a predetermined distance from the base portion 282 and extend toward a predetermined distance spaced from the jounce contact surface for engaging and retaining the coil spring 224.
Preferably, the cap 292 and the strips 296 are integral with the neck portion 288.

[0043] The base portion 282 and the neck portion 288 are preferably formed of a one-piece homogeneous material. Even more preferably, the second, spring seat retainer 232 is similarly formed of a polymeric material or plastic material such as nylon, isoprene, polypropylene, or polyurethane. In the most preferred embodiment, the second spring seat retainer 232 is similarly formed of a one-piece integrated TPU material.

[0044] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than is specifically described.

Claims (40)

1. A spring seat assembly (20) for a suspension system of a vehicle utilizing a coil spring (24), said assembly comprising:
a spring seat retainer having a flange (40) extending radially from a central axis (38) and a pocket portion (52) extending axially from said flange (40) to a distal end (54) for encircling said pocket portion (52), and defining a distal rim (62) and a cavity (56) between said distal end (54) and said flange (40);
a jounce bumper (78) mounted to said pocket portion (52) within said cavity (56) and extending from said distal end (54) for compressing and exerting radial forces within said cavity (56) against said distal rim (62) upon a predetermined compression of the coil spring (24), and a restrictor at least partially disposed about said distal rim (62) of said pocket portion (52) for preventing bulging of said distal rim (62) to retain said jounce bumper (78) within said cavity (56) upon the predetermined compression of the coil spring (24).

2. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said restrictor includes a band (72) encircling said distal rim (62) for preventing bulging of said distal rim (62) under said band (72).

3. An assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said band (72) is continuously disposed about said distal rim (62).

4. An assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said band (72) has a modulus of elasticity that is higher than a modulus of elasticity of said pocket portion (52).

5. An assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said pocket portion (52) is formed of a polymeric material and said band (72) is formed of a metallic material.

6. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said pocket portion (52) and said flange (40) are formed of a homogeneous material.

7. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said pocket portion (52) and said flange (40) are formed of a polymeric material.

8. An assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein said polymeric material of said pocket portion (52) and said flange (40) is further defined as a thermoplastic polyurethane material.

9. An assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said distal rim (62) defines an inner surface (64) and an outer surface (66) with said outer surface (66) defining a recess (68) extending axially from said distal end (54) to a shoulder (58) and said band (72) presents spaced edges (74) and disposed in said recess (68) with one of said edges (74) abutting said shoulder (58).

10. An assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein said distal end (54) of said distal rim (62) includes a protrusion (76) extending over one of said edges (74) of said band (72) opposite said shoulder (58) to retain said band (72) in said recess (68).

11. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 further including fins (60) spaced about said pocket portion (52) for engaging the coil spring (24), said fins (60) extending axially to said shoulder (58) of said recess (68).

12. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 further including a spring isolator (100) abutting said flange (40) of said spring seat retainer.

13. An assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein said spring isolator (100) extends radially from said pocket portion (52) to a peripheral edge (50) of said flange (40).

14. An assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein said spring isolator (100) is formed of an elastomeric material.

15. An assembly as set forth in claim 14 wherein said elastomeric material of said spring isolator (100) is further defined as micro-cellular polyurethane.

16. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said spring seat retainer is further defined as a first spring seat retainer (30) and further including a second spring seat retainer (32).

17. An assembly as set forth in claim 16 wherein said second spring seat retainer (32) includes a base portion (82) extending radially from said central axis (38) and a neck portion (88) extending axially from said base portion (82).

18. An assembly as set forth in claim 17 further including a plurality of radially projecting ridges (86) spaced about said base portion (82) and spaced from said neck portion (88) to define a depression (90) for engaging the coil spring (24).

19. An assembly as set forth in claim 17 further including a cap (92) at the top of said neck portion (88) to define a jounce contact surface.

20. An assembly as set forth in claim 17 further including a plurality of strips (96) spaced circumferentially about an exterior of said neck portion (88) and extending axially a predetermined distance spaced from said base portion (82) to a predetermined distance spaced from said jounce contact surface for engaging the coil spring (24).

21. A spring seat assembly (220) for a suspension system of a vehicle utilizing a coil spring (224), said assembly comprising;
a first spring seat retainer (230) having a central axis (238) and a flange (240), said flange (240) having a first side (246) and a second side (248) extending radially from said central axis (238) in a spaced and parallel relationship, a pocket portion (252) extending axially from said flange (240) to a distal end (254) and defining a cavity (256) between said distal end (254) and said flange (240), a jounce bumper (278) mounted within said cavity (256) and extending from said distal end (254), and a plurality of ribs (244) extending radially relative to said central axis (238) and spaced angularly from one another and projecting axially from said first side (246) and said second side (248) of said flange (240).

22. An assembly as set forth in claim 21 wherein said ribs (244) on said first side (246) are angularly offset from said ribs (244) on said second side (248).

23. An assembly as set forth in claim 21 wherein said flange (240) and said ribs (244) and said pocket portion (252) are formed of a homogeneous material.

24. An assembly as set forth in claim 21 wherein said flange (240) and said ribs (244) and said pocket portion (252) are formed of a polymeric material.

25. An assembly as set forth in claim 24 wherein said polymeric material comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane material.

26. An assembly as set forth in claim 22 wherein said flange (240) includes a peripheral edge (250) and said ribs (244) on said first side (246) of said flange (240) extend radially inwardly from said peripheral edge (250), each of said ribs (244) on said first side (246) decrease in axial thickness to taper from said peripheral edge (250) toward said pocket portion (252).

27. An assembly as set forth in claim 26 wherein said second side (248) of said flange (240) defines an opening (234) between said flange (240) and said distal end (254) of said pocket portion (252).

28. An assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein said ribs (244) on said second side (248) of said flange (240) extend radially inwardly from said peripheral edge (250) of said flange (240), each of said ribs (244) on said second side (248) decrease in axial thickness to taper from said peripheral edge (250) toward said opening (234).

29. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said pocket portion (252) defines a distal rim (262).

30. An assembly as set forth in claim 29 including a restrictor (272) disposed completely about said distal rim (262).

31. An assembly as set forth in claim 30 wherein said restrictor (272) is formed of a metallic material.

32. An assembly as set forth in claim 30 wherein said distal rim (262) includes an inner surface (264) and an outer surface (266).

33. An assembly as set forth in claim 32 wherein said pocket portion (252) includes a shoulder (258).

34. An assembly as set forth in claim 33 wherein said outer surface (266) of said distal rim (262) defines a recess (268) extending axially from said shoulder (258) to said distal end (254).

35. An assembly as set forth in claim 34 wherein said restrictor (272) presents spaced edges (274) and is disposed in said recess (268) with one of said edges (274) abutting said shoulder (258).

36. An assembly as set forth in claim 35 wherein said distal end (254) of said distal rim (262) includes a protrusion (276) extending over one of said edges (274) of said restrictor (272) opposite said shoulder (258) to retain said restrictor (272) in said recess (268).

37. An assembly as set forth in claim 21 wherein said pocket portion (252) includes a plurality of fins (260) spaced thereabout and extending along said central axis (238) to said shoulder (258).

38. An assembly as set forth in claim 22 wherein said second side (248) of said flange (240) defines an opening (234) between said flange (240) and said distal end (254).

39. An assembly as set forth in claim 38 wherein said ribs (244) on said second side (248) of said flange (240) extend radially inwardly from said peripheral edge (250) of said flange (240), each of said ribs (244) on said second side (248) decrease in axial thickness to taper from said peripheral edge (250) toward said opening (234).

40. A suspension system for a vehicle, said system comprising;
a first spring seat retainer (230) having a central axis (238) and a flange (240), a second spring seat retainer (232) having a central axis and a base portion (282), a coil spring (224) disposed between said first spring seat retainer (230) and said second spring seat retainer (232), a pair of spring seats (222) supporting said first spring seat retainer (230) and said second spring seat retainer (232) thereon, said flange (240) of said first spring seat retainer (230) having a first side (246) and a second side (248) extending radially from said central axis (238) of said first spring seat retainer (230) in a spaced and parallel relationship, said base portion (282) of said second spring seat retainer (232) having a first side and a second side extending radially from said central axis of said second spring seat retainer (232) in a spaced and parallel relationship, a pocket portion (252) extending axially from said flange (240) to a distal end (254) and defining a cavity (256) between said distal end (254) and said flange (240), a jounce bumper (278) mounted within said cavity (256) and extending from said distal end (254), and a plurality of ribs extending radially relative to at least one of said central axes and spaced angularly from one another and projecting axially from said first side and said second side of at least one of said flange (240) and said base portion (282).