Patent ID: 8403307
Filing Date: 2013-03-26
Classification: B60G,F16F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A gas spring assembly comprising: a first end member adapted for securement along a first associated structural component; a second end member adapted for securement along a second associated structural component and spaced from said first end member such that a long-extending axis is disposed therebetween; a flexible wall extending circumferentially about said longitudinally-extending axis such that said flexible wall includes first and second ends, said first end of said flexible wall secured on said first end member such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween, said flexible wall formed from a filament structure and a quantity of elastomeric material, said filament structure extending longitudinally within said flexible wall between said first and second ends; a bead wire including a radially-inward surface area, said bead wire extending circumferentially about said longitudinal axis and being formed into said flexible wall along said first end thereof such that a first portion of said filament structure extends through said bead wire along said radially-inward surface area; and, an end closure including an end wall and a side wall that extends longitudinally from said end wall, said side wall including an outermost peripheral wall portion disposed generally opposite said end wall that extends radially outwardly beyond at least a portion of said bead wire; said end closure being received within said second end of said flexible wall and bonded thereto such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween, said end closure being positioned along said flexible wall such that said first portion of said filament structure is compressively captured between said bead wire and said side wall of said end closure which thereby establishes a line of contact about said end closure, said filament structure extending from along said line of contact in radially-outwardly spaced relation to said outermost peripheral wall portion of said side wall such that an angle is formed between said filament structure and said end wall to form a gas impermeable barrier comprising a quantity of elastomeric material having a thickness of at least 0.005 inches disposed between said filament structure and said outermost peripheral wall portion.