Patent ID: 7270317

Claim:
A fluid suspension member adapted for use with an associated fluid line, said fluid suspension member comprising: a flexible wall at least partially defining a fluid chamber; and, a connector fitting suitable for forming a substantially fluid-tight seal with the associated fluid line secured on said flexible wall; said flexible wall including: a first wall portion having a first nominal wall thickness and at least partially defining a passage extending therethrough and having an axis with said connector fitting received within said passage and sealingly engaging said first wall portion; a second wall portion having a second nominal wall thickness, said second wall portion spaced radially outwardly from said first wall portion and at least partially forming a first axially-extending groove therebetween; and, a third wall portion extending between said first and second wall portions and at least partially forming a closed end of said first axially-extending groove, said third wall portion having a minimum wall thickness that is substantially less than said first and second nominal wall thicknesses such that said third wall portion is substantially more capable of flexing than said first and second wall portions to thereby permit displacement of said first wall portion relative to said second wall portion and thereby reduce stresses in said first wall portion that are capable of separating said first wall portion and said connector fitting.