Patent ID: 6672435
Filing Date: 2004-01-06
Classification: F16F

Abstract:
An adjustable shock absorber, comprising:a shock rod having a longitudinal axis; a shock body disposed around a portion of the shock rod, the shock body defining a first fluid chamber therein and being slidable along the longitudinal axis; a piston disposed on the shock rod in sealing engagement with the shock body, the piston having at least one channel therethrough in communication with the first fluid chamber; at least one valve in fluid communication with the at least one channel to control fluid movement through the at least channel; a support movable longitudinally along the shock rod and disposed adjacent to the valve; and an adjustment mechanism for altering a longitudinal position of the support to adjust the valve's operation thereby altering the fluid movement through the at least one channel, the adjustment mechanism comprising: a support housing disposed on the shock rod adjacent the support, wherein the support sealingly engages with the support housing to define a second fluid chamber; a fluid passage defined within the shock rod extending from the second fluid chamber to a position along the shock rod exterior to the shock body; and a screw communicating with a portion of the fluid passage exterior to the shock body, wherein adjustment of the screw alters fluid pressure within the fluid passage and second fluid chamber, thereby causing the support to slide along the longitudinal axis in response thereto.