Flexible spring members, gas spring assemblies and methods
US9366304B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jun 14, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49611
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A flexible spring member includes a flexible wall that is at least partially formed from an elastomeric material. The flexible wall can have a longitudinal axis and extend peripherally about the axis and longitudinally between first and second ends. The flexible wall can also include an outside surface and an inside surface that can at least partially define a spring chamber. A radial-biasing band can be disposed along the outside surface of the flexible wall in longitudinally-spaced relation to the first and second ends. The radial-biasing band can be at least partially formed from an elastomeric material and can be operative to elastically bias at least a portion of the flexible wall in one of a radially-inward direction and a radially-outward direction in an inflated condition of the gas spring assembly. A gas spring assembly and a method of manufacture including such a flexible spring member are also included.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.