Patent ID: 9194453
Filing Date: 2015-11-24
Classification: B60G,F16F

Abstract:
1. A gas spring assembly capable of undergoing displacement between extended and compressed conditions, said gas spring assembly comprising: a flexible wall having a longitudinal axis and extending peripherally about said axis and longitudinally between opposing first and second ends displaceable relative to one another between extended and compressed conditions, said flexible wall at least partially defining a spring chamber inflatable by pressurized gas, and said flexible wall being free from internal reinforcement and substantially entirely formed from elastomeric material; and, an external reinforcing structure extending peripherally about said axis and lengthwise between opposing first and second ends, said external reinforcing structure positioned along said flexible wall with said first end operatively connected to said first end of said flexible wall and said second end operatively connected to said second end of said flexible wall such that said first and second ends of said external reinforcing structure move relative to one another as said first and second ends of said flexible wall are displaced between said extended and collapsed positions, said external reinforcing structure being at least partially formed from a plurality of wall segments that at least partially define a plurality of openings extending through said reinforcing structure, said external reinforcing structure being at least partially formed from a comparatively inelastic material relative to said flexible wall such that said external reinforcing structure is capable of resisting outward expansion of said flexible wall in an inflated condition thereof; said external reinforcing structure including: