Patent ID: 6220409
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: F16F

Abstract:
A two-stage shock absorber comprising:a pressure tube defining a chamber;a piston member slidably disposed within said pressure tube, said piston member dividing said chamber into an upper working chamber and a lower working chamber;a piston rod extending through one of said working chambers and projecting out of said pressure tube, said piston rod being attached to said piston member;a valve assembly attached to said piston member, said valve assembly providing a first and a second fluid passageway through said piston member;a continuously open third fluid passageway defined through said piston rod, said third fluid passageway extending between said one of said working chambers and a pressure chamber defined by said piston member, said third fluid passage being the only fluid communication path between said one of said working chambers and said pressure chamber said pressure chamber being defined by a housing attached to said piston rod and a piston slidably disposed within said housing;a retaining ring attached to said housing for retaining said piston within said housing; anda first flexible member disposed between said piston and said retaining ring.