LATERAL SUPPORT ELEMENTS, GAS SPRING ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS

摘要

Lateral support elements for engaging an associated flexible wall of an associated gas spring assembly can be displaceably mounted along an associated end member of the associated gas spring assembly, such as by way of an elastomeric mounting element. The elastomeric mounting element can be formed as an endless annular ring, from an elongated length of elastomeric material wound helically about an axis, a plurality of support element sections disposed in peripherally spaced relation to one another about an axis or from a plurality of concentric element rings formed from elastomeric and comparatively rigid materials. Gas spring assemblies including one or more of such lateral support element as well as suspension systems that includes one or more of such gas spring assemblies and methods of manufacture are also included.

主权项

1. A gas spring assembly comprising:
a flexible sleeve having a longitudinal axis and extending peripherally about said longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end spaced axially from said first end, said flexible sleeve including an outer surface and an inner surface least partially defining a spring chamber; an end member disposed across said first end of said flexible sleeve and operatively secured thereto such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed with said end member along said first end of said flexible sleeve; and, a lateral support element disposed along said first end of said flexible sleeve adjacent said end member, said lateral support element including a support surface dimensioned to abuttingly engage said outer surface of said flexible sleeve, said lateral support element displaceably supported along said first end of said flexible wall such that forces generated during lateral displacement of said first end of said flexible sleeve and said end member relative to said second end of said flexible sleeve can induce lateral movement of said lateral support element relative to said end member in a direction transverse to said longitudinal axis.