Patent ID: 6581948
Filing Date: 2003-06-24
Classification: B62K,F16F

Abstract:
An acceleration-sensitive dampener, comprising:a first section at least partially defining a first chamber; a second section comprising a piston, said piston being movable within said first chamber; a second chamber defined by said dampener; a first flow circuit connecting said first chamber and said second chamber; an inertia valve, comprising an inertia mass, said inertia mass being movable between a first position wherein said valve substantially prevents fluid flow through said first flow circuit and a second position which permits fluid flow through said first circuit; said inertia mass moving between said first position and said second position in response to an acceleration force over a threshold, said acceleration force further causing said piston to move within said first chamber, said piston movement continuing until said piston completes a compression stroke, said inertia valve further comprising a body including a portion which cooperates to exert a force on said inertia mass which delays said inertia mass from returning to said first position until a period of time after completion of said compression stroke.