Patent ID: 7520372
Filing Date: 2009-04-21
Classification: B62K,F16F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A vehicle suspension assembly, comprising: (a) at least first and second telescoping portions having a common longitudinal axis; (b) a variable volume first chamber partially defined by the first telescoping portion; (c) a variable volume second chamber partially defined by the first telescoping portion; (d) a piston dividing the first telescoping portion into the first and second chambers and coupled to a piston rod; the piston and at least a portion of the piston rod movable along the common longitudinal axis relative to the first telescoping portion, wherein compressive movement of the piston rod displaces a corresponding volume of damping fluid from the first telescoping portion; (e) a variable volume third chamber at least partially defined by the second telescoping portion and containing a pressurized gas; the second telescoping portion at least partially surrounding the first telescoping portion; (f) a variable volume fourth chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber; (g) a moveable inertia mass; (h) a shaft, having an interior hollow portion and an outer surface, the interior hollow portion being in fluidic communication with at least one flow passage intermediate the ends of the shaft that is selectively at least partially obstructed by the inertia mass to control the degree of fluid flow restriction from the first chamber to the fourth chamber depending upon the position of the inertia mass; (i) the inertia mass moveable along the outer surface of the shaft between: (j) wherein the inertia mass moves from the first position towards the second position when an upward acceleration imparted to at least a portion of the vehicle suspension assembly exceeds a predetermined acceleration threshold.