Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC

Edger Ten Broeke

Joshua R Leonard

Machiel G A Wentink

Flexible spring member and end closure assemblies include a flexible spring member-defining a spring chamber. An end closure body includes an outer peripheral surface portion and an elongated damping passage extending axially into end closure wall in a spiral arrangement about longitudinal axis. End closure body is positioned along an end of flexible spring member with flexible wall permanently attached along outer peripheral surface portion such that a substantially fluid-tight joint is formed between flexible spring member and end closure body. Gas spring and gas damper assemblies as well as methods of assembly are also included.

Flexible spring member and end closure assemblies as well as gas spring and gas damper assemblies including same

End member assemblies dimensioned for securement to a flexible spring member for forming a gas spring assembly include first and second end member sections. The first end member section includes a plurality of first ribs disposed in spaced relation to one another such that a plurality of first grooves are formed therebetween. The second end member section is disposed in abutting engagement with the first end member section. The second end member section includes a plurality of second ribs disposed in spaced relation to one another such that a plurality of second grooves are formed therebetween. The plurality of first ribs and/or the plurality of second ribs are dimensioned for permanent deflection into a respectively adjacent one of the plurality of first and/or second grooves upon undergoing a kinetic impact from an associated foreign object. Gas spring assemblies and suspension systems are also included.

End member assemblies and gas spring assemblies including same

A molded piston for an air spring for a vehicle suspension has an outer shell, a non-cylindrical central column braced in its relation to the outer shell by outer radial webs, and an upper surface having a recessed lower end closure seating surface. The non-cylindrical central column may have a chordal surface and a mounting stud sleeve and hole for attachment to a vehicle suspension member. The mounting stud sleeve and hole may be braced in its relation to the non-cylindrical central column by inner radial webs. The non-cylindrical central column may further have a locating sleeve and hole. The outer radial webs may be provided with Y-shaped webs connecting the outer radial webs to the outer shell and/or web arches.

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Edger Ten Broeke