Patent ID: 6615960
Filing Date: 2003-09-09
Classification: F16F

Abstract:
A fluid damped shock absorber, comprising:an outer tube having a closed end and an open end, wherein the outer tube is generally straight from the open end to the closed end; a damper tube disposed within the outer tube; an inner tube axially slidable within the outer tube, the inner tube having a closed end and an open end; a sealing piston attached to the inner tube to provide a seal between the inside of the outer tube and the outside of the damper tube; a sealing device attached near the open end of the outer tube to provide a seal between the outside of the inner tube and the inside of the outer tube; a regulation valve fixed to the damper tube in a sealed arrangement with the outer tube, wherein the regulation valve is located between the closed end of the outer tube and the sealing piston, the regulation valve being configured to regulate fluid flow of a damping fluid between the outer tube and the damper tube in both directions upon axial movement of the inner tube within the outer tube; wherein the outer tube and the damper tube are configured to hold the damper fluid, and wherein the inner tube is configured to hold a gas, with the pressure of the gas within the inner tube providing a biasing force to resist translation of the inner tube into the outer tube; and further comprising a floating piston disposed within the inner tube, the floating piston separating the gas from the damper fluid, and a biasing member disposed within the inner tube to resist movement of the floating piston toward the closed end of the inner tube; wherein the damper tube extends between the regulation valve and the closed end of the outer tube and includes an orifice extending through a wall of the damper tube at a location between the regulation valve and the closed end of the outer tube.