Airspring assembly

Abstract

An improved airspring assembly includes a collapsible support member disposed within the pressurizable chamber of an airspring having a flexible sidewall. The support member is configured such that it extends and collapses along a longitudinal axis of the chamber responsive to pressurization and depressurization of the chamber, respectively. The support member also is configured such that it retains a substantially rigid outer perimeter, thereby restricting movement of the chamber's flexible sidewall toward the longitudinal axis when the chamber is depressurized. The support member also is configured such that it does not interfere with the full stroke of the airspring.

1 - 20 . (canceled)  
   
   
       21 . An airspring, comprising: 
 (a) a first end member;    (b) a second end member, wherein the second end member comprises a recessed portion facing the first end member;    (c) a flexible sidewall disposed between a first end member and a second end member to define a chamber having a longitudinal axis, the sidewall is configured to expand and collapse generally along the longitudinal axis, said second end member is configured such that when the sidewall is in a collapsed state the first end member contacts the second end member; and    (d) a non-load bearing collapsible member disposed within the chamber configured to 
 i) substantially restrict pinching of the flexible sidewall during sidewall collapse;  
 ii) fit within the recessed portion of the second end member when in the collapsed state, and  
 iii) expand and collapse generally along the longitudinal axis of the chamber in response to extension and contraction of the chamber.  
   
   
   
       22 . The airspring as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the collapsible member is configured as a helical coil.  
   
   
       23 . The airspring as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the collapsible member is made of a metallic material.  
   
   
       24 . The airspring as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the collapsible member is longitudinally extendible while retaining a substantially rigid lateral perimeter.  
   
   
       25 . The airspring as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the collapsible member comprises a plurality of graduated coils configured such that at least a first coil fits within an adjacent coil when the collapsible member is in the collapsed state.  
   
   
       26 . The airspring as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the collapsible member is coupled to the first end member.  
   
   
       27 . A collapsible suspension system for a vehicle, comprising: 
 a top member;    a base member having a cupped portion facing the top member, wherein either the top member or the base member is movable relative to the other and the top member and bottom member are in contact when the system is collapsed;    a flexible sidewall extending from the base member to the top member defining an inflatable chamber therebetween; and    a sidewall support member with a substantially rigid perimeter disposed within the chamber and configured to substantially fit within the cupped region so that when the system is operating or in a collapsed state the pinching of the flexible sidewall is prohibited by the sidewall support member.    
   
   
       28 . The suspension system as recited in  claim 27 , wherein the sidewall support member is configured as a coil.  
   
   
       29 . The suspension system as recited in  claim 27 , wherein the sidewall support member is made of a metallic material.  
   
   
       31 . The suspension system as recited in  claim 27 , wherein the collapsible member comprises a plurality of graduated coils configured such that at least a first coil fits within an adjacent coil when the collapsible member is in the collapsed state.  
   
   
       32 . The suspension system as recited in  claim 27 , wherein the collapsible member is coupled to the base member.