SHAPED RUBBER FLEXIBLE MEMBER

摘要

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an air spring having a flexible member which collapses into the form of a double meniscus under conditions where there is a substantial or a complete loss of air pressure. The double meniscus prevents the flexible member from rolling over the piston and/or chafing against surrounding parts of the vehicle on which the air spring is mounted. This is accomplished by incorporating a flexible member having a top portion, a bottom portion, and an expansion region between the top portion and the bottom portion of the flexible member. Embodiments of the present invention more specifically disclose an air spring comprising a piston, a top plate, and a flexible member which is affixed to the piston and the top plate, wherein the piston, the top plate and the flexible member define a pressurizable chamber.

主权项

1. An air spring comprising a piston, a top plate, and a flexible member which is affixed to the piston and the top plate, wherein the piston, the top plate and the flexible member defines a pressurizable chamber, wherein the flexible member comprises a top portion, a bottom portion, and an expansion region extending between the top portion and the bottom portion of the flexible member, wherein the top portion has a diameter which is at least 10% larger than the diameter of the bottom portion.