Position-sensitive shock absorber

Abstract

The present invention is directed to shock absorbers, including position-sensitive shock absorbers (2) in which the position-sensitive damping can be different during compression and rebound strokes, and shock absorbers (60) with damping adjusters (80, 118) which vary the damping provided during compression and rebound strokes. The position-sensitive shock absorber includes a cylinder (4) within which a piston (122) is movably mounted for movement between the first and second ends of the cylinder. Bypass openings (24-32) open into the cylinder interior (6) at axially spaced-apart positions. The bypass openings are coupled by a bypass channel (38). A flow valve (40, 42) may be positioned along the bypass channel permitting fluid flow from the first opening to the second opening and restricting fluid flow from the second opening to the first opening. A pressurized gas container (18) may be fluidly coupled to the cylinder interior with a movable barrier (14) separating the pressurized gas container and the cylinder interior.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.