Patent Description:
The subject matter of the present disclosure may find particular application and use in conjunction with components for wheeled vehicles, and will be shown and described herein with reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the subject matter of the present disclosure is also amenable to use in other applications and environments, and that the specific uses shown and described herein are merely exemplary. For example, the subject matter of the present disclosure could be used in connection with gas spring and damper assemblies of non-wheeled vehicles, support structures, height adjusting systems and actuators associated with industrial machinery, components thereof and/or other such equipment. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to use associated with suspension systems of wheeled vehicles.

Wheeled motor vehicles of most types and kinds include a sprung mass, such as an operator cab or body, for example, and an unsprung mass, such as a vehicle frame, an axle or other wheel-engaging members, for example, with a suspension system disposed therebetween. Typically, a suspension system will include one or more spring devices as well as one or more damping devices that together permit sprung and unsprung masses of the vehicle to move in a somewhat controlled manner relative to one another. Movement of the sprung and unsprung masses toward one another is normally referred to in the art as jounce motion while movement of the sprung and unsprung masses away from one another is commonly referred to in the art as rebound motion.

Generally, the one or more spring devices function to accommodate forces and loads associated with the operation and use of the vehicle. The one or more damping devices are operative to dissipate energy associated with undesired inputs and movements of the sprung mass, such as road inputs occurring under dynamic operation of a vehicle, for example. Typically, such dampers are liquid filled and operatively connected between a sprung mass and an unsprung mass, such as between a body and a frame or axle of a vehicle, for example. One example of such damping components are conventional shock absorbers that are commonly used in vehicle suspension systems.

In some cases, the one or more spring devices can take the form of gas spring assemblies that utilize pressurized gas as the working medium. Gas spring assemblies of various types, kinds and constructions are well known and commonly used. Typical gas spring assemblies can include a flexible wall that is secured between comparatively rigid end members. A wide variety of arrangements for securing the flexible wall on or along an end member have been developed, and it is recognized that different securing arrangements have different advantages, such as low cost, improved sealing or reliability, high strength and/or a capability of disassembly and/or repair, for example. Thus, different securing arrangements may be employed in different applications depending upon the particular conditions under which the gas spring assembly is intended for use, such as applications during which elevated internal gas pressures, over-extension conditions and/or exposure to low temperatures may be experienced. In many cases, a different securing arrangement may be selected and used on each of the two different end members of a gas spring assembly.

For example, some gas spring constructions utilize a crimp ring to secure an end of the flexible wall along an outer surface of the end member. In such cases, the crimp ring may take the form of an endless, annular ring that is deformed inwardly to compress the flexible wall against the outer surface of the end member. Unfortunately, such assembly techniques can result in variations in compression of the flexible wall around the outer surface of the end member. It has been recognized that under certain conditions of use, such as when experiencing certain axial load conditions, for example, additional flexing of the end member can occur. When combined with areas of reduced compression, the additional flexing of the end member can result in pressurized gas loss or other undesirable performance characteristics.

Notwithstanding the overall success of known constructions, it is believed desirable to develop end members for gas spring assemblies that may assist in providing improved retention and/or securement of the flexible wall, and/or overcoming other disadvantages of known constructions, while promoting relatively low costs of manufacture, ease of assembly and/or otherwise advancing the art of gas spring devices.

One example of a gas spring end member in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure is dimensioned for securement to an associated flexible spring member. The gas spring end member includes an end member wall with a longitudinal axis. The end member wall includes an end wall portion oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis and an outer wall portion disposed radially outward of the end wall portion. The outer wall portion extends peripherally about the longitudinal axis and is dimensioned to receivingly engage the associated flexible spring member. The outer wall portion includes a first end surface portion and a second end surface portion facing opposite the first end surface portion with an inner side surface portion of the outer wall portion facing radially inward. A plurality of rib wall portions are disposed in spaced relation to one another about the longitudinal axis with each of the plurality of rib wall portions projecting axially from the end wall portion toward a rib end surface portion oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis. The plurality of rib wall portions also includes a rib edge surface portion spaced inward from the inner side surface portion of the outer wall portion such that a gap is formed therebetween.

In some cases, a gas spring end member according to the foregoing paragraph can include the end member wall including an inner wall portion that is spaced inward of the outer wall portion with the inner wall portion including an inner end surface portion disposed in spaced relation to the rib end surface portion of one or more of the plurality of rib wall portions.

In some cases, a gas spring end member according to either of the foregoing two paragraphs can further include a securement structure disposed along the inner wall portion.

In some cases, a gas spring end member according to the foregoing paragraph can include the securement structure including a mounting stud extending axially from along the inner wall portion.

In some cases, a gas spring end member according to any one of the foregoing four paragraphs can include the end member wall being formed substantially-entirely from a polymeric material.

One example of a gas spring assembly in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure includes a flexible spring member extending peripherally about a longitudinal axis and longitudinally between opposing first and second ends such that a spring chamber is at least partially defined therebetween. A gas spring end member according to paragraph [<NUM>] is at least partially received within the first end of the flexible spring member. A crimp ring is be positioned coextensively with the gas spring end member and extends peripherally therearound with the first end of the flexible spring member extending coextensively between the crimp ring and the gas spring end member such that a substantially fluid-tight connection is formed therebetween.

One example of a suspension system in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure can include a pressurized gas system that includes a pressurized gas source and a control device. The suspension system can also include at least one gas spring and damper assembly according to the foregoing paragraph. The at least one gas spring and damper assembly can be disposed in fluid communication with the pressurized gas source through the control device such that pressurized gas can be selectively transferred into and out of the spring chamber.

Turning now to the drawings, it is to be understood that the showings are for purposes of illustrating examples of the subject matter of the present disclosure and that such examples are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the drawings are not to scale and that portions of certain features and/or elements may be exaggerated for purposes of clarity and/or ease of understanding.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, a vehicle <NUM> is shown as taking the form of a tractor-trailer combination that includes an over-the-road tractor <NUM> and a trailer <NUM> that is operatively connected to the tractor for over-the-road transport. Tractor <NUM> is shown as including a frame <NUM> that is supported on a plurality of wheels <NUM> by a tractor suspension system (not shown). Tractor <NUM> will typically also include an internal combustion engine (not shown) and drivetrain (not shown) that are supported on the frame and provide motive power to one or more of wheels <NUM>. Tractor <NUM> can include a fuel tank <NUM> and an exhaust stack <NUM> that are operatively associated with the engine.

Tractor <NUM> can also include an operator compartment or cab <NUM> that can be supported on or along frame <NUM> in any suitable manner, such as by way of one or more cab mounts and/or one or more cab suspensions, which are respectively represented in <FIG> by dashed boxes <NUM> and <NUM>. Additionally, or in the alternative, Tractor <NUM> can, optionally, include a seat suspension, which is represented in <FIG> by dashed box <NUM>. It will be appreciated that a cab, such as cab <NUM>, for example, will typically be supported on or along frame <NUM> by one or more of cab mounts <NUM>, one or more cab suspensions <NUM> and/or one or more seat suspensions <NUM>. If included, such one or more cab suspensions and/or seat suspensions can include one or more gas spring assemblies <NUM> and/or one or more dampers <NUM> that can be operatively connected on, along or otherwise frame <NUM> and a corresponding one of cab <NUM> and/or a seat (not shown) within the cab in any suitable manner.

It will be recognized that gas spring assemblies <NUM> are illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> as being of a rolling lobe-type construction. It is to be understood, however, that gas spring assemblies <NUM> could be of any other type, kind and/or construction. Additionally, it will be appreciated that dampers <NUM> are shown and described herein as having a conventional construction in which a hydraulic fluid is contained within at least a portion thereof. However, it will be recognized and appreciated that dampers of other types, kinds and/or constructions, such as pressurized gas or "air" dampers, for example, could be used without departing from the subject matter of the present disclosure. In some cases, the gas spring assembly and the damper can be secured together in an axially co-extensive arrangement to form a gas spring and damper assembly <NUM> that is operatively secured between the frame and the cab and/or seat of the tractor. In other cases, the gas spring assembly can be operatively secured between frame <NUM> and cab <NUM> and/or the seat in spaced relation to and/or otherwise separate from the damper.

Trailer <NUM> is shown as including a frame <NUM> that is supported on a plurality of wheels <NUM> by a trailer suspension system <NUM>. Trailer <NUM> can also include a trailer body <NUM> that is at least partially supported on frame <NUM> and is generally dimensioned to receive and retain a quantity of cargo.

It will be appreciated that numerous components and/or systems of vehicle <NUM> can utilize pressurized gas (e.g., air) as a power source for the operation thereof. As non-limiting examples, such components and/or systems can include a tractor suspension system, a tractor braking system, a cab suspension, a trailer suspension system and/or a trailer braking system. One greatly-simplified example of a pressurized gas system <NUM> that can be operatively associated with one or more of the components and/or systems of vehicle <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. Pressurized gas system <NUM> can be operatively associated with one or more components and/or systems of the vehicle in any suitable manner for selectively supplying pressurized gas (e.g., air) thereto and selectively transferring pressurized gas therefrom.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, pressurized gas system <NUM> includes a pressurized gas source <NUM>, such as a compressor, for example, for generating pressurized air or other gases. A control device <NUM>, such as a valve assembly, for example, is shown as being in communication with pressurized gas source <NUM> and can be of any suitable configuration or arrangement. In the exemplary embodiment shown, control device <NUM> can include a valve assembly with a valve block <NUM> and a plurality of valves <NUM> supported thereon. Control device <NUM> can also, optionally, include a suitable exhaust <NUM>, such as a muffler, for example, for venting pressurized gas from the system. Pressurized gas system <NUM> can also, optionally, include a reservoir <NUM>, which is shown as being in fluid communication with the pressurized gas source and/or the control device, and is suitable for storing pressurized gas at an elevated pressure for an extended period of time, such as minutes, hours, days, weeks or months.

In some cases, the tractor suspension system and/or the trailer suspension system can include one or more gas spring assemblies <NUM>, which can be of a conventional construction. In the arrangement shown in <FIG>, control device <NUM> is in communication with gas spring assemblies <NUM> through gas transfer lines <NUM>. As such, pressurized gas can be selectively transferred into and/or out of the gas spring assemblies through control device <NUM>, such as by selectively operating valves <NUM>, for example. Pressurized gas system <NUM> can also be operatively associated with one or more other components and/or systems, such as gas spring assemblies and/or actuators operatively associated with one or more other suspension systems, for example. As a non-limiting example, pressurized gas system <NUM> can be operatively associated with gas spring assemblies <NUM> in a suitable manner such as may provide for selective operation and/or control thereof. As shown in <FIG>, control device <NUM> is in fluid communication with gas spring assembly <NUM> through a gas transfer line <NUM>, which is operatively associated with one of valves <NUM> such that pressurized gas can be selectively transferred into and/or out of gas spring assembly <NUM> and/or any other actuators and/or other components of vehicle <NUM>.

As indicated above, it will be appreciated that pressurized gas system <NUM> is greatly simplified and merely illustrates one example of a pressurized gas system with which gas spring assemblies in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure can be used. As such, it will be appreciated that the pressurized gas system can include any one or more additional systems and/or components. For example, in some cases, pressurized gas system <NUM> can include a control system <NUM> that is capable of communication with any one or more systems and/or components of vehicle <NUM>, such as for selective operation and/or control thereof. Control system <NUM> can include a controller or electronic control unit (ECU) <NUM> communicatively coupled with pressurized gas source <NUM> and/or control device <NUM>, such as through a conductor or lead <NUM>, for example, for selective operation and control thereof, which can include supplying and exhausting pressurized gas to and/or from the gas spring assemblies <NUM> and/or <NUM> of suspension systems <NUM> and/or <NUM>, respectively. It will be appreciated that controller <NUM> can be of any suitable type, kind and/or configuration.

Having described an example of a suspension system (e.g., cab suspension system <NUM>) that can include one or more gas spring assemblies in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, one example of such a gas spring assembly <NUM> will now be described in connection with <FIG>. As shown therein, gas spring assembly <NUM>, such as may be suitable for use as one or more of gas spring assemblies <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>, for example, is shown as having a longitudinal axis AX (<FIG>) and can include one or more end members, such as an end member <NUM> and an end member <NUM> that is spaced longitudinally from end member <NUM>. A flexible spring member <NUM> can extend peripherally around axis AX and longitudinally between an end <NUM> and an end <NUM> with a spring chamber <NUM> at least partially defined by flexible spring member <NUM> between ends <NUM> and <NUM>.

Gas spring assembly <NUM> can be disposed between associated sprung and unsprung masses of an associated vehicle in any suitable manner. For example, one end member can be operatively connected to the associated sprung mass with the other end member disposed toward and operatively connected to the associated unsprung mass. It will be appreciated that any suitable combination and/or arrangement of securement devices can be used to operatively connect the end members with respective ones of the sprung and unsprung masses. For example, end member <NUM> can be secured along a first or upper structural component USC, such as cab <NUM> in <FIG>, for example, by way of a securement device <NUM>, such as a threaded nut, for example, that can operatively engage a securement device <NUM>, such as threaded stud, for example, disposed on or along end member <NUM>. Additionally, one of securement devices <NUM> and <NUM> can extend through mounting holes (not shown) in upper structural component USC for operative engagement with the other of securement devices <NUM> and <NUM>. Additionally, or in the alternative, securement device <NUM> can take the form of a threaded hole with securement device <NUM> taking the form of a threaded fastener that extends into engagement with the threaded hole, such as through a mounting hole (not shown) in the upper structural component. In some cases, such a threaded hole can be at least partially formed by a corresponding threaded fitting that can be at least partially embedded in or otherwise retained on or along the end member.

End member <NUM> can be secured along a second or lower structural component LSC, such as a frame <NUM> in <FIG>, for example, in any suitable manner. As one example, lower structural component LSC could include one or more mounting holes (not shown) extending therethrough. In such case, a threaded fastener <NUM> could extend through one of the mounting holes and be operatively connected to end member <NUM>, such as by engaging a corresponding threaded fitting (not shown) that may be at least partially embedded in or otherwise retained on or along the end member.

Additionally, a fluid communication port, such as a transfer passage <NUM>, for example, can be provided to permit fluid communication with spring chamber <NUM>, such as may be used for transferring pressurized gas into and/or out of the spring chamber, for example. In the exemplary arrangement shown in <FIG>, transfer passage <NUM> extends through securement device <NUM> and through end member <NUM> into fluid communication with spring chamber <NUM>. It will be appreciated, however, that any other suitable fluid communication arrangement could alternately be used.

It will be appreciated that the one or more end members <NUM> and/or <NUM> can be operatively connected or otherwise secured to flexible spring member <NUM> in any manner suitable for forming a substantially fluid-tight seal and/or connection therebetween. In the exemplary arrangement shown in <FIG>, end member <NUM> is of a type commonly referred to as a top cap or top plate and is secured to end <NUM> of flexible spring member <NUM> by way of a retaining ring <NUM> that can be crimped or otherwise inwardly deformed to compressively capture at least a portion of end <NUM> of flexible spring member <NUM> between the end member and the retaining ring. In such case, retaining ring <NUM> is positioned coextensively with end member <NUM>, and end <NUM> extends coextensively with and radially between the retaining ring and the end member. In an installed condition, retaining ring <NUM> compressively engages end <NUM> of the flexible spring member in abutting engagement with end member <NUM> such that a substantially fluid-tight seal and/or connection is formed therebetween.

End member <NUM> is shown in <FIG> and <FIG> as being of a type commonly referred to as a piston (or a roll-off piston) that has an outer surface <NUM> that abuttingly engages flexible spring member <NUM> such that a rolling lobe <NUM> is formed therealong. As gas spring assembly <NUM> is displaced between extended and collapsed conditions, rolling lobe <NUM> is displaced along outer surface <NUM> in a conventional manner. As indicated above, it will be appreciated that end <NUM> of flexible spring member <NUM> can be secured on or along end member <NUM> in any manner suitable for forming a substantially fluid-tight seal and/or connection therebetween. In the exemplary arrangement shown in <FIG>, end <NUM> of flexible spring member <NUM> is disposed on or along end member <NUM>. A retaining ring <NUM> can be positioned coextensively with end member <NUM>, and end <NUM> can extend coextensively with and radially between the retaining ring and the end member. In such case, retaining ring <NUM> can compressively engage end <NUM> of the flexible spring member in abutting engagement with end member <NUM> such that a substantially fluid-tight seal and/or connection is formed therebetween. It will be appreciated, however, that other configurations and/or arrangements for connecting end <NUM> of flexible spring member <NUM> on or along end member <NUM> can alternately be used without departing from the subject matter of the present disclosure.

End member <NUM> can include any suitable number of one or more walls and/or wall portions, and can be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. As a non-limiting example, end member <NUM> can include an end member wall <NUM> that is at least partially formed from a polymeric material, such as a fiber-reinforced polypropylene, a fiber-reinforced polyamide, or an unreinforced (i.e., relatively high-strength) thermoplastic (e.g., polyester, polyethylene, polyamide, polyether or any combination thereof), for example. In some cases, end member wall <NUM> can be substantially-entirely formed from such a polymeric material or combination of polymeric materials.

End member wall <NUM> of end member <NUM> includes an end wall portion <NUM> oriented transverse to axis AX with an end surface portion <NUM> facing in one axial direction and an end surface portion <NUM> facing in the opposing axial direction. In an assembled condition, end surface portion <NUM> can at least partially define spring chamber <NUM> with end surface portion <NUM> facing outward, such as toward upper structural component USC, for example. End member wall <NUM> also includes an outer wall portion <NUM> disposed radially outward of the end wall portion. Outer wall portion <NUM> extends peripherally around axis AX and can be dimensioned to receivingly engage end <NUM> of flexible spring member <NUM>, as discussed above. As such, outer wall portion <NUM> can extend axially between an end surface portion <NUM> and an end surface portion <NUM> facing opposite end surface portion <NUM>.

End wall portion <NUM> flows into or is otherwise integrally formed with outer wall portion <NUM> such that end wall portion <NUM> is axially offset from end surface portion <NUM>. In such cases, outer wall portion <NUM> can include a side surface portion <NUM> facing radially inward between end surface portions <NUM> and <NUM>. In some cases, end wall portion <NUM> can be axially offset from end surface portion <NUM> and end surface portion <NUM>. In which case, outer wall portion <NUM> can also, optionally, include a side surface portion <NUM> facing radially inward and disposed axially between end surface portions <NUM> and <NUM>. Outer wall portion <NUM> can also include a side surface portion <NUM> facing outwardly. In some cases, one or more annular grooves <NUM> can extend into outer wall portion <NUM> from along side surface portion <NUM>, such as may abuttingly engage end <NUM> of flexible spring member <NUM> and aid in retention thereof on or along the end member. End member wall <NUM> can also, optionally, include a flange wall portion <NUM> that extends outward from along outer wall portion <NUM> to an outer peripheral edge <NUM> of end member <NUM>.

End member wall <NUM> can also include an inner wall portion <NUM> that extends axially from along end wall portion <NUM> toward an end surface portion <NUM>. Inner wall portion <NUM> is disposed inward of outer wall portion <NUM> and includes an outer surface portion <NUM> facing toward side surface portion <NUM>. In some cases, inner wall portion <NUM> can also include an inner surface portion <NUM> that can, optionally, at least partially define transfer passage <NUM>.

End member wall <NUM> also includes a plurality of rib wall portions <NUM> that are disposed in spaced relation to one another around longitudinal axis AX. Rib wall portions <NUM> can extend axially from along end wall portion <NUM> toward an end surface portion <NUM>. Additionally, or in the alternative, rib wall portions <NUM> can extend outwardly from along outer surface portion <NUM> of inner wall portion <NUM> toward an edge surface portion <NUM>. Rib wall portions <NUM> have a dimension between outer surface portion <NUM> and edge surface portion <NUM> that is less than a corresponding dimension between outer surface portion <NUM> and side surface portion <NUM> such that a gap GAP is formed between outer surface portion <NUM> and edge surface portions <NUM> of the rib wall portions. In some cases, edge surface portions <NUM> can be disposed at an acute angle relative to side surface portion <NUM>, as is represented in <FIG> by reference dimension AG1.

In some cases, one or more of end surface portions <NUM> can at least partially define a mounting plane MP of end member <NUM>, such as may be suitable for abuttingly engaging an associated structural component, such as upper structural component USC, for example. Additionally, or in the alternative, end surface portion <NUM> of outer wall portion <NUM> can, optionally, at least partially define mounting plane MP. In a preferred arrangement, end surface portion <NUM> and end surface portions <NUM> are at least approximately disposed within mounting plane MP. In some cases, end surface portion <NUM> can be disposed in axially-spaced relation to end surface portions <NUM> such that end surface portion <NUM> of inner wall portion <NUM> is axially offset from mounting plane MP.

It will be appreciated that conventional end members that are otherwise dimensioned for use in gas spring assemblies of type and kind with which end member <NUM> is used will commonly include rib walls that extend radially outward and unitarily connect with the outer wall portion of the conventional end member. It will be recognized and understood that the areas of the outer wall of a conventional end member where the rib walls unitarily connect typically have increased radial stiffness relative to the areas of the outer wall of a conventional end member that are disposed peripherally between two adjacent rib walls. That is, in such conventional constructions, the outer wall typically has stiffness in the radially-inward direction that varies around the periphery of the outer wall in relation to proximity to the nearest rib walls with stiffness increasing as the outer wall approaches a rib wall.

As discussed above, gas spring assemblies are commonly assembled by swaging or other radially-inward deformation of a crimp ring, such as crimp ring <NUM>, for example, around the exterior of the end of the flexible spring member to secure the end of the flexible spring member on the end member in a substantially fluid-tight manner. Due to the variability in radial stiffness discussed above, it will be appreciated that the radial deflection of conventional end members will vary peripherally around the conventional end member during and after a conventional swaging process. As such, the flexible spring member disposed between the crimp ring and a conventional end member will typically experience corresponding variations in compression peripherally around the flexible spring member. In some cases, such variations can be substantial and can, in some cases, lead to pressurized gas loss and/or reduced performance of the conventional gas spring assembly.

In accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, rib wall portions <NUM> are isolated, decoupled and/or otherwise disconnected from outer wall portion <NUM>. In such an arrangement, the outer wall portion has a substantially uniform radial stiffness. As a result, radial deflection is substantially uniform around the periphery of outer wall portion <NUM> during otherwise conventional assembly processes in which a crimp ring (e.g., crimp ring <NUM>) is swaged or otherwise radially-inwardly deformed to secure the end of the flexible spring member on or along end member <NUM>, which is represented in <FIG> by arrows CRL representing radially-inward forces and/or loads associated with swaging or otherwise deforming crimp ring <NUM>. That is, in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, rib wall portions <NUM> are isolated, decoupled or otherwise disconnected from outer wall portion <NUM> such that the outer wall portion has a substantially uniform radial stiffness and an approximately uniform radial deflection during and after assembly.

In addition to crimp loads CRL, end members <NUM> also experience otherwise conventional spring forces and/or loads due to pressurized gas within spring chamber <NUM>, as are represented in <FIG> by arrows DSL. It will be appreciated that the spring loads from the pressurized gas are substantially-evenly distributed along the surface portions of end member <NUM> that are in fluid communication with spring chamber <NUM>. As such, it will be recognized and understood that pressurized gas acting on the surface portions oriented transverse to longitudinal axis AX function to generate the otherwise conventional axial forces of gas spring assembly <NUM>, which are transferred toward mounting plane MP and into upper structural component USC through outer wall portion <NUM> as well as through the combination of end wall portion <NUM> and rib wall portions <NUM>.

Additionally, end members <NUM> can experience other axially-applied forces and/or loads, such as are represented in <FIG> by arrows JBL, for example. Such axially-applied forces and/or loads can, for example, be generated by contact with an associated jounce bumper during a jounce condition of the gas spring assembly. Jounce bumper loads JBL (or other such axially-applied forces) can be transferred toward mounting plane MP and into upper structural component USC through the combination of end wall portion <NUM> and rib wall portions <NUM> while substantially isolating outer wall portion <NUM> from such jounce bumper or other axially-applied loads.

As used herein with reference to certain features, elements, components and/or structures, numerical ordinals (e.g., first, second, third, fourth, etc.) may be used to denote different singles of a plurality or otherwise identify certain features, elements, components and/or structures, and do not imply any order or sequence unless specifically defined by the claim language. Additionally, the terms "transverse," and the like, are to be broadly interpreted. As such, the terms "transverse," and the like, can include a wide range of relative angular orientations that include, but are not limited to, an approximately perpendicular angular orientation. Also, the terms "circumferential," "circumferentially," and the like, are to be broadly interpreted and can include, but are not limited to circular shapes and/or configurations. In this regard, the terms "circumferential," "circumferentially," and the like, can be synonymous with terms such as "peripheral," "peripherally," and the like.

Claim 1:
A gas spring end member (<NUM>) dimensioned for securement to an associated flexible spring member (<NUM>), said gas spring end member (<NUM>) comprising:
an end member wall (<NUM>) with a longitudinal axis (AX), said end member wall (<NUM>) including:
an end wall portion (<NUM>) oriented transverse to said longitudinal axis (AX);
an outer wall portion (<NUM>) disposed radially outward of said end wall portion (<NUM>), said outer wall portion (<NUM>) extending peripherally about said longitudinal axis (AX) and dimensioned to receivingly engage the associated flexible spring member (<NUM>), said outer wall portion (<NUM>) including a first end surface portion (<NUM>;<NUM>), a second end surface portion (<NUM>;<NUM>) facing opposite said first end surface portion (<NUM>;<NUM>) and an inner side surface portion (<NUM>) facing radially inward; and,
a plurality of rib wall portions (<NUM>) disposed in spaced relation to one another about said longitudinal axis (AX) with each of said plurality of rib wall portions (<NUM>) projecting axially from said end wall portion (<NUM>) toward a rib end surface portion (<NUM>) oriented transverse to said longitudinal axis (AX)
characterized in that
each of said plurality of rib wall portions (<NUM>) including a rib edge surface portion (<NUM>) spaced inward from said inner side surface portion (<NUM>) of said outer wall portion (<NUM>) such that a gap (GAP) is formed therebetween.