Flexible wall and compression core assemblies as well as gas spring assemblies and methods including same

A rail spring assembly having a longitudinal axis and dimensioned for securement between associated sprung and unspring masses, said rail spring assembly comprising:

• a first end member including an end wall disposed transverse to said longitudinal axis and a side wall extending from along said end wall, said side wall including an inner peripheral surface;
• a second end member disposed in longitudinally-spaced relation to said first end member;
• a flexible wall at least partially formed from a first elastomeric material extending peripherally about said longitudinal axis and axially between opposing first and second ends to at least partially define a spring chamber, said first end of said flexible wall including a first mounting bead formed therealong, said first mounting bead disposed along said inner peripheral surface of said first end member such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween, said second end operatively connected to said second end member such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween;
• a first reinforcing element extending peripherally about said axis and embedded within said first mounting bead of said flexible wall;
• and,
• a first compression core disposed between said first mounting bead and a first portion of said flexible wall adjacent said first mounting bead, said compression core formed from at least one of a metal material, a polymeric material and a second elastomeric material that is different from said first elastomeric material.

A method of assembling a rail spring, said method comprising:

• providing a flexible wall that has a longitudinal axis and extends peripherally about said longitudinal axis and axially between opposing first and second ends such that said flexible wall can at least partially define a spring chamber, said flexible wall including a first mounting bead disposed along said first end;
• providing a compression core and positioning said compression core along the exterior of said flexible wall in abutting engagement with said first mounting bead;
• providing a first end member having an inner surface;
• positioning said first mounting bead and said compression core adjacent said inner surface of said first end member;
• urging said first mounting bead and said compression core into abutting engagement with said inner surface and thereby at least partially securing said first end member along said first end of said flexible wall;
• and,
• providing a second end member and securing said second end member along said second end of said flexible wall.