Each wheel suspension member includes a pair of telescoping tubes, one connected to the cycle frame and the other connected to the wheel axle. As the wheel receives a perturbation, the tubes are telescoped further within one another which forces an enclosed hydraulic fluid through restricting orifice means to damp the effect received at the upper cycle frame. Simultaneously, an enclosed coil spring is compressed by the same action, which also serves to dampen shock and vibration effect. Conduiting for the hydraulic fluid isolates the fluid from a substantial length of the coil spring, thereby obviating fluid entrapment by the spring. On resuming rest condition the coil spring returns the telescoped tubes to their original relationship, at which time the hydraulic fluid returns through the orifice means, again without contacting the major spring length.
A bicycle shock-absorbing apparatus comprises an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube is inserted into the outer tube. An upper spring socket and a lower spring socket are disposed in the inner tube and the outer tube separately. A compression spring is disposed between the spring sockets, oil being filled between the spring sockets. The inner tube is fixedly attached to the upper spring socket and corelatedly actuated with the spring to achieve a shock absorbing effect. A hole is formed in the center of the upper spring socket, enabling oil to flow therethrough. An oil seal is disposed inside the top of the outer tube to prevent oil spillage. An air inlet socket is attached inside an upper wall of the inner tube, while an air inlet valve is received by the air inlet socket to enable inflation of the inner tube. The air, in cooperation with the spring and the oil, provide elasticity for the bicycle shock-absorbing apparatus.
A suspension system for a bicycle or other vehicle or apparatus, the system including at least one telescoping strut comprising a first telescoping member and a second telescoping member, the first and second telescoping members being telescopingly and coaxially engaged with each other so that the strut is compressible by relative movement of the telescoping members toward each other and expandable by relative movement of the telescoping members away from each other. A piston may be interconnected with the second telescoping member and slidably positioned within the first telescoping member. The piston separates a primary compression spring chamber into two gas chambers connected by an adjustable port, whereby compression or expansion of the strut creates a damping force that resists such relative movement of the telescoping members, resulting in the primary compression spring having a frequency-sensitive spring rate. The crack force, spring rate and other characteristics of the suspension system may be adjusted using a piston location adjuster to adjust the piston height, and/or a negative preload spring to apply a compressive preload force to the telescoping strut.
A suspension system having first and second elements telescopingly engaged and being biased apart by a positive spring, such biasing being counteracted by a negative spring. In one embodiment, the positive spring and negative spring are disposed in the first element, which is in the form of a tube, and separated by a damping system, and a damping piston is fixed with respect to the first element. In another embodiment in which the suspension system comprises two legs of a bicycle suspension fork, a positive spring is disposed in both legs, and a negative spring and damping system are disposed in separate legs. In another embodiment in which the suspension system comprises a rear shock absorber for a bicycle, the negative and positive springs are disposed in a first tubular element, and a damping system is disposed in a second tubular element. The positive and negative springs preferably comprise air or other gas springs, and the negative spring preferably performs the additional function of resisting top-out impacts.
A fluid damped shock absorber comprises an outer tube having a closed end and an open end, and a damper tube disposed within the outer tube. An inner tube is axially slideable within the outer tube and has a closed end and an open end. A sealing piston is attached to the inner tube to provide a seal between the inside of the outer tube and the outside of the damper tube. A sealing device is attached near the open end of the outer tube to provide a seal between the outside of the inner tube and the outer tube. A regulation valve is fixed to the damper tube in a sealed arrangement with the outer tube. The regulation valve is located between the closed end of the outer tube and the sealing piston. The regulation valve is configured to regulate fluid flow of a damping fluid between the outer tube and the damper tube upon axial movement of the inner tube within the outer tube.
