U.S. patent application number 13/473906 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-21 for gas strut assembly with an internal detent module.
This patent application is currently assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Babu R. Amarnath, Gary W. Krajenke, Alvin N. Standard. Invention is credited to Babu R. Amarnath, Gary W. Krajenke, Alvin N. Standard.
Application Number | 20130305915 13/473906 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49511127 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130305915 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Krajenke; Gary W. ; et
al. |
November 21, 2013 |
GAS STRUT ASSEMBLY WITH AN INTERNAL DETENT MODULE
Abstract
A gas strut assembly includes a housing defining an interior
space. A rod is coupled to the housing, and is slideably moveable
between an extended position and a retracted position. A flexible
member is secured in position relative to the housing. A rigid
member is coupled to and moveable with the rod. The flexible member
includes at least one displaceable portion that moves radially away
from the central axis in response to a first radial force component
of an opening force when engaged by the rigid member moving from
the refracted position into the extended position. The displaceable
portion moves radially away from the central axis in response to a
second radial force component of a closing force when engaged by
the rigid member moving from the extended position into the
retracted position. The second radial force component is greater
than the first radial force component.
Inventors: |
Krajenke; Gary W.; (Warren,
MI) ; Standard; Alvin N.; (Clarkston, MI) ;
Amarnath; Babu R.; (Troy, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Krajenke; Gary W.
Standard; Alvin N.
Amarnath; Babu R. |
Warren
Clarkston
Troy |
MI
MI
MI |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS
LLC
Detroit
MI
|
Family ID: |
49511127 |
Appl. No.: |
13/473906 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
92/145 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05Y 2900/536 20130101;
F16F 9/02 20130101; F16F 9/0218 20130101; F16F 9/52 20130101; F16F
9/04 20130101; E05F 1/10 20130101; F16F 2230/0064 20130101; E05Y
2900/548 20130101; E05C 17/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
92/145 |
International
Class: |
F01B 23/00 20060101
F01B023/00 |
Claims
1. A gas strut assembly comprising: a housing including a wall
extending along a central axis and defining an interior space; a
rod coupled to the housing and slideably moveable within the
interior space and along the central axis between an extended
position and a retracted position; a flexible member secured in
position relative to the housing; and a rigid member coupled to and
moveable with the rod; wherein the flexible member includes at
least one displaceable portion configured for moving radially away
from the central axis in response to a first radial force component
of an opening force when engaged by the rigid member moving from
the retracted position into the extended position; wherein the at
least one displaceable portion is configured for moving radially
away from the central axis in response to a second radial force
component of a closing force when engaged by the rigid member
moving from the extended position into the retracted position; and
wherein the second radial force component is greater than the first
radial force component.
2. A gas strut assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the rigid
member includes a body disposed about and concentric with the rod,
and a detent extending radially away from the body and the central
axis, wherein the detent includes a first cam surface for engaging
the displaceable portion when moving from the retracted position
into the extended position, and wherein the detent includes a
second cam surface for engaging the displaceable portion when
moving from the extended position into the retracted position.
3. A gas strut assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein the
flexible member includes an annular base, with the displaceable
portion extending axially along the central axis from the annular
base.
4. A gas strut assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein the
displaceable portion includes a first leg portion having a radially
inner surface for engaging the first cam surface of the detent.
5. A gas strut assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein the radial
inner surface of the first leg portion is angled relative to the
central axis, wherein the first cam surface engages the radial
inner surface of the first leg portion at a first engagement angle
relative to the central axis such that a force applied axially to
the rod along the central axis generates a radial component force
thereof directed perpendicularly away from the central axis.
6. A gas strut assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein the first
engagement angle is between the range of 0.degree. and
45.degree..
7. A gas strut assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein the
displaceable portion includes a wall portion extending from an
axial end of the first leg portion and radially away from the
central axis, wherein the wall portion includes an axial end
surface for engaging the second cam surface of the detent.
8. A gas strut assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein the axial
end surface of the wall portion is angled relative to the central
axis, wherein the second cam surface engages the axial end surface
of the wall portion at a second engagement angle relative to the
central axis such that a force applied axially to the rod along the
central axis generates a radial component force thereof directed
perpendicularly away from the central axis.
9. A gas strut assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein the second
engagement angle is between the range of 0.degree. and
45.degree..
10. A gas strut assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein the
displaceable portion includes a second leg portion extending from
the wall portion axially along the central axis and away form the
first leg portion, and wherein the second leg portion includes an
inner surface for engaging a radial outer surface of the detent to
limit radial movement of the displaceable portion inward toward the
central axis when the rod is in the extended position to ensure
proper engagement between the second cam surface and the axial end
surface of the wall portion.
11. A gas strut assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the at
least one displaceable portion includes a plurality of displaceable
portions radially spaced about the central axis.
12. A gas strut assembly as set forth in claim 11 further
comprising a band disposed radially about and encircling the
plurality of displaceable portions.
13. A gas strut assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein the band
includes and is manufactured from a material having a resistance to
expansion that is variable with temperature.
14. A gas strut assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein the band
includes a resistance to expansion that increases with a decrease
in temperature.
15. A gas strut assembly as set forth in claim 14 wherein the band
includes and is manufactured from one of a thermoplastic elastomer
or a thermoplastic rubber.
16. A gas strut assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the
flexible member includes and is manufactured from a polymer.
17. A gas strut assembly comprising: a housing including a wall
extending along a central axis and defining an interior space; a
rod coupled to the housing and slideably moveable within the
interior space and along the central axis between an extended
position and a retracted position; and an internal detent module
interconnecting the housing and the rod, the internal detent module
including: a rigid member coupled to and moveable with the rod, and
including a body having a detent extending radially away from the
body and the central axis, wherein the detent defines a first cam
surface and a second cam surface; a flexible member secured in
position relative to the housing, and including a plurality of
displaceable portions, with each of the displaceable portions
including a first leg portion having a radially inner surface, and
a wall portion having an axial end surface; wherein the radial
inner surfaces of the first leg portions of the displaceable
portions are angled relative to the central axis to engage the
first cam surface of the detent at a first engagement angle
relative to the central axis when moving from the retracted
position into the extended position, such that the first engagement
angle directs a portion of an opening force applied axially to the
rod along the central axis perpendicularly away from the central
axis to define a first radial force component of the opening force;
wherein the axial end surfaces of the wall portions are angled
relative to the central axis to engage the second cam surface of
the detent at a second engagement angle relative to the central
axis when moving from the extended position into the retracted
position, such that the second engagement angle directs a portion
of a closing force applied axially to the rod along the central
axis perpendicularly away from the central axis to define a second
radial force component of the closing force; and wherein the second
radial force component of the closing force is greater than the
first radial force component of the opening force such that the
closing force must be greater than the axial force to displace the
plurality of displaceable portions and move the rod from the
extended position into the retracted position.
18. A gas strut assembly as set forth in claim 17 further
comprising a band disposed radially about and encircling the
plurality of displaceable portions.
19. A gas strut assembly as set forth in claim 18 wherein the band
includes and is manufactured from a material having a resistance to
expansion that increases with a decrease in temperature.
20. A gas strut assembly as set forth in claim 17 wherein each of
the displaceable portions includes a second leg portion extending
from the wall portion axially along the central axis and away from
the first leg portion, and wherein the second leg portion includes
an inner surface for engaging a radial outer surface of the detent
to limit radial movement of each of the displaceable portions
inward toward the central axis when the rod is in the extended
position to ensure proper engagement between the second cam surface
and the axial end surface of the wall portion.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention generally relates to a gas strut assembly, and
more specifically to an internal detent module for increasing a
hold-open force of the gas strut assembly.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Gas strut assemblies include a housing that defines an
interior space, with a rod moveably disposed within the interior
space. The rod is slideably moveable along a central axis between a
retracted position, i.e., a shortened position, and an extended
position, i.e., a lengthened position. A piston is disposed at an
axial end of the rod within the interior space of the housing. The
housing includes a closed end, and includes a volume of gas, such
as but not limited to air, trapped within the interior space of the
housing, between the piston and the closed end of the housing.
Movement of the rod from the extended position into the retracted
position compresses the air between the closed end of the housing
and the piston, thereby generating a resulting axial force urging
the piston and the rod back into the extended position. As such,
the rod is continuously biased toward the extended position.
[0003] Because the gas strut assemblies are biased toward the
extended position, the gas strut assemblies are often utilized to
provide an opening force and/or to provide a hold-open force to
door, trunk lid, hood, etc. However, the gas strut assemblies rely
on the compressed gas to provide the axial force urging the piston
and the rod into the extended position. Changing ambient
temperatures change the temperature of the gas, which changes the
density of the gas. For example, when the temperature decreases,
the density of gas also decreases, which lowers the resulting axial
force that urges the rod into the extended position.
SUMMARY
[0004] A gas strut assembly is provided. The gas strut assembly
includes a housing having a wall that extends along a central axis.
The wall defines an interior space. A rod is coupled to the
housing. The rod is slideably moveable within the interior space
along the central axis between an extended position and a retracted
position. A flexible member is secured in position relative to the
housing. A rigid member is coupled to and moveable with the rod.
The flexible member includes at least one displaceable portion that
moves radially away from the central axis in response to a first
radial force component of an opening force when engaged by the
rigid member moving from the retracted position into the extended
position. The displaceable portion moves radially away from the
central axis in response to a second radial force component of a
closing force when engaged by the rigid member moving from the
extended position into the retracted position. The second radial
force component is greater than the first radial force
component.
[0005] Accordingly, the interaction between the rigid member and
the flexible member resists movement of the rod along the central
axis. In order to move the rod from the extended position into the
retracted position, the interaction between the flexible member and
the rigid member must generate the second radial force component
from the closing force. The second radial force component must be
sufficient to move the displaceable portion away from the rigid
member to allow the rigid member to pass thereby and continue into
the refracted position. As such, the mechanical interaction between
the rigid member and the flexible member increases the force
required to move the rod out of the extended position and into the
retracted position, thereby increasing the hold-open force of the
gas strut assembly.
[0006] In order to move the rod from the retracted position into
the extended position, the interaction between the flexible member
and the rigid member must generate the first radial force component
from the opening force. The first radial force component must be
sufficient to move the displaceable portion away from the rigid
member to allow the rigid member to pass thereby and continue into
the extended position. As such, the mechanical interaction between
the rigid member and the flexible member increases the force
required to move the rod into the extended position. The
interaction between the flexible member and the rigid member is
designed so that the first radial force component is significantly
less than the second radial force component so that the axial
opening force generated from the compressed gas within the housing
is able to generate the first radial force component and move the
rod into the extended position.
[0007] The above features and advantages and other features and
advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the
following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out
the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross sectional view of a gas strut
assembly in an retracted position.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross sectional view of the gas strut
assembly in an extended position.
[0010] FIG. 3 is an exploded schematic perspective view of the gas
strut assembly.
[0011] FIG. 4 is an enlarged schematic cross sectional view of a
detent module of the gas strut assembly showing a resultant force
diagram of an opening force of the gas strut assembly generating a
first radial force component.
[0012] FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic cross sectional view of the
detent module showing a resultant force diagram of a closing force
of the gas strut assembly generating a second radial force
component.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that
terms such as "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "top,"
"bottom," etc., are used descriptively for the figures, and do not
represent limitations on the scope of the invention, as defined by
the appended claims.
[0014] Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate
like parts throughout the several views, a gas strut assembly is
generally shown at 20. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the gas strut
assembly 20 includes a housing 22. The housing 22 includes an
exterior wall 24 that extends along a central axis 26. The exterior
wall 24 includes a circular cross sectional shape perpendicular to
the central axis 26, and defines an interior space 28, also having
a circular cross sectional shape perpendicular to the central axis
26.
[0015] The housing 22 includes a first open end 30 and a second
closed end 32. A rod 34 is coupled to the housing 22, and extends
through the open end of the housing 22. The rod 34 extends along
the central axis 26, and is concentric with the housing 22 about
the central axis 26. The rod 34 is slideably moveable within the
interior space 28 of the housing 22 along the central axis 26. The
rod 34 moves between a retracted or shortened position, shown in
FIG. 1, and an extended or lengthened position, shown in FIG.
2.
[0016] A sealing pack 36 is attached to the housing 22, adjacent
the first open end 30 of the housing 22. The sealing pack 36 seals
between the rod 34 and the housing 22 to trap gas, such as but not
limited to air, within the interior space 28 of the housing 22. The
sealing pack 36 slideably supports the rod 34 relative to the
housing 22.
[0017] The first open end 30 of the housing 22 is flared radially
inward toward the central axis 26. The housing 22 includes a first
rim 38 that extends radially inward toward the central axis 26. The
first rim 38 is spaced from the flared open end of the housing 22
an axial distance 40 along the central axis 26 equal to a length 42
of the sealing pack 36 measured along the central axis 26. The
sealing pack 36 is disposed between the first rim 38 and the flared
open end of the housing 22, and is secured in position relative to
the housing 22 by the flared first open end 30 of the housing 22
and the first rim 38.
[0018] The housing 22 further includes a second rim 44 spaced along
the central axis 26 from the first rim 38. A flexible member 46 of
an internal detent module 48 (described in greater detail below) is
disposed between the sealing pack 36 and the second rim 44. As
such, the flexible member 46 of the internal detent module 48 is
secured in position relative to the housing 22 by the sealing pack
36 and the second rim 44.
[0019] The internal detent module 48 interconnects the housing 22
and the rod 34 when the rod 34 is disposed in the extended position
to increase a closing force of the gas strut assembly 20. The
closing force is the force required to move the rod 34 from the
extended position into the retracted position. Accordingly, the
internal detent module 48 increase the force required to move the
rod 34 from the extended position into the retracted position.
[0020] Referring also to FIG. 3, the internal detent module 48
includes the flexible member 46 and a rigid member 50. As described
above, the flexible member 46 is secured in position relative to
the housing 22. The rigid member 50 is attached to and moveable
with the rod 34. The flexible member 46 includes at least one
displaceable portion 52. As shown, the displaceable portion 52
includes a plurality of displaceable portions 52 radially spaced
about the central axis 26. FIG. 3 shows four displaceable portions
52 in the exemplary embodiment. However, it should be appreciated
that the total number of displaceable portions 52 may vary from the
four shown in the exemplary embodiment. While only one of the
displaceable portions 52 is described in detail herein, each of the
displaceable portions 52 is identical. As such, the description of
the displaceable portion 52 described below is applicable to all of
the displaceable portions 52.
[0021] The flexible member 46 includes an annular base 54 defining
a central aperture 56. The rod 34 extends through the central
aperture 56 of the annular base 54. The outer periphery of the
annular base 54 extends radially outward into abutting engagement
with an interior surface 58 of the exterior wall 24 of the housing
22. The displaceable portion 52 extends axially along the central
axis 26 from the annular base 54, with the displaceable portion 52
disposed between the annular base 54 and the sealing pack 36. The
displaceable portion 52 includes a first leg portion 60 extending
substantially along the central axis 26, a wall portion 62
extending from the first leg portion 60 and substantially away from
the central axis 26, and a second leg portion 66 extending from the
wall portion 62 and substantially along the central axis 26.
[0022] The rigid member 50 includes a body 68 that defines a
central bore 70. The body 68 is disposed about and concentric with
the rod 34 such that the rod 34 passes through the central bore 70.
As shown, the rod 34 includes a ridge 72 that engages the body 68
of the rigid member 50 and prevents the rigid member 50 from moving
axially along the rod 34 in a first axial direction 74 beyond the
ridge 72. A clip 76 is coupled to a recess 78 in the rod 34 to
prevent movement of the rigid member 50 relative to the rod 34 in a
second axial direction 80, i.e., opposite the first axial direction
74. As such, the rigid member 50 is secured in place on the rod 34
between the ridge 72 and the clip 76. The internal detent module 48
may further include a first washer 82 and a second washer 84
disposed at opposite axial ends of the rigid member 50. The body 68
includes detent 86, which extends radially away from the body 68
and the central axis 26. The detent 86 is disposed at an axial end
of the body 68 facing the first open end 30 of the housing 22. As
shown, the detent 86 includes an annular ring that extends away
from the body 68 of the rigid member 50, and completely encircles
the rod 34. However, it should be appreciated that the detent 86
need not completely encircle the rod 34, and that the detent 86 may
include multiple detents, with each of the detents spaced about the
body 68 of the rigid member 50.
[0023] The detent 86 includes a first cam surface 88 and a second
cam surface 90. As shown, the first cam surface 88 and the second
cam surface 90 are defined by rounded or chamfered axial edges of
the detent 86. The first cam surface 88 is defined by an axial edge
of the detent 86 facing the first open end 30 of the housing 22.
The second cam surface 90 is defined by an axial edge of the detent
86 facing the second closed end 32 of the housing 22.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 4, the first cam surface 88 engages the
displaceable portion 52 when moving from the retracted position
into the extended position. The displaceable portion 52 moves
radially away from the central axis 26 in response to a first
radial force component F.sub.R1 of an opening force F.sub.O when
engaged by the first cam surface 88 of the rigid member 50. The
opening force F.sub.O is a force applied to the rod 34 to move the
rod 34 from the retracted position into the extended position. The
opening force F.sub.O is applied by compressed gas, such as but not
limited to air, trapped between a piston end 92 of the rigid member
50 and the second closed end 32 of the housing 22. The compressed
gas biases against the piston end 92 of the rigid member 50 to urge
the rod 34 from the refracted position into the extended position,
thereby providing the opening force F.sub.O.
[0025] The first leg portion 60 of the displaceable portion 52
includes a radially inner surface 94 that contacts and/or engages
the first cam surface 88 of the detent 86. The radial inner surface
94 of the first leg portion 60 is angled relative to the central
axis 26. The first cam surface 88 engages the radial inner surface
94 of the first leg portion 60 to define a first engagement angle
96 there between. When the opening force F.sub.O is applied to the
rod 34, the engagement or interaction between the first cam surface
88 and the radial inner surface 94 of the first leg portion 60 at
the first engagement angle 96 relative to the central axis 26
generates a first axial force component F.sub.A1 and the first
radial force component F.sub.R1. The first axial force component
F.sub.A1 is directed along or parallel with the central axis 26,
and the first radial force component F.sub.R1 is directed
perpendicularly away from the central axis 26, and against the
displaceable portion 52. The degree of angle of the first
engagement angle 96 relative to the central axis 26 determines how
much of the opening force F.sub.O is directed into the first axial
force component F.sub.A1 and the first radial force component
F.sub.R1 respectively. A greater value of the first engagement
angle 96 directs more of the opening force F.sub.O into the first
axial force component F.sub.A1 than a lesser value of the first
engagement angle 96, thereby decreasing the first radial force
component F.sub.R1 and requiring a greater opening force F.sub.O to
move the displaceable portion 52 radially away from the detent 86
and allow the rigid member 50 to move into the extended position.
The radial inner surface 94 of the first leg portion 60 is
preferably oriented relative to the central axis 26 so that the
first engagement angle 96 includes a smaller or lesser value so as
not to greatly increase the required opening force F.sub.O. For
example, the first engagement angle 96 may vary between the range
of 0.degree. and 45.degree.. However, it should be appreciated that
the first engagement angle 96 may differ from the values described
herein, and may be defined based upon the particular uses of the
gas strut assembly 20.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 5, the second cam surface 90 engages the
displaceable portion 52 when moving from the extended position into
the retracted position. The displaceable portion 52 moves radially
away from the central axis 26 in response to a second radial force
component F.sub.R2 of the closing force F.sub.C when engaged by the
second cam surface 90 of the rigid member 50.
[0027] The wall portion 62 of the displaceable portion 52 extends
from an axial end of the first leg portion 60 and radially away
from the central axis 26. The wall portion 62 includes an axial end
surface 98 that engages and/or contacts the second cam surface 90
of the detent 86. The axial end surface 98 of the wall portion 62
is angled relative to the central axis 26. The second cam surface
90 engages the axial end surface 98 of the wall portion 62 to
define a second engagement angle 100 there between relative to the
central axis 26. When the closing force F.sub.C is applied to the
rod 34, the engagement between the second cam surface 90 and the
axial end surface 98 of the wall portion 62 at the second
engagement angle 100 relative to the central axis 26 generates a
second axial force component F.sub.A2 and the second radial force
component F.sub.R2. The second axial force component F.sub.A2 is
directed along or parallel with the central axis 26, and the second
radial force component F.sub.R2 is directed perpendicularly away
from the central axis 26, and against the displaceable portion 52.
The degree of angle of the second engagement angle 100 relative to
the central axis 26 determines how much of the closing force
F.sub.C is directed into the second axial force component F.sub.A2
and the second radial force component F.sub.R2 respectively. A
greater value of the second engagement angle 100 directs more of
the closing force F.sub.C into the second radial force component
F.sub.R2 than a lesser value of the second engagement angle 100,
thereby requiring a greater closing force F.sub.C to move the
displaceable portion 52 radially away from the detent 86 and allow
the rigid member to move into the retracted position. The axial end
surface 98 of the wall portion 62 is preferably oriented relative
to the central axis 26 so that the second engagement angle 100
includes a higher or greater value so as to significantly increase
the required closing force F.sub.C. For example, the second
engagement angle 100 may vary between the range of 0.degree. and
45.degree.. However, it should be appreciated that the second
engagement angle 100 may differ from the values described herein,
and may be defined based upon the particular uses of the gas strut
assembly 20. When the second engagement angle 100 is defined to
include a higher value than the first engagement angle 96, it
should be appreciated that the second radial force component
F.sub.R2 is greater than the first radial force component
F.sub.R1.
[0028] The second leg portion 66 of the displaceable portion 52
extends from the wall portion 62, axially along the central axis 26
and away from the first leg portion 60. The second leg portion 66
includes an inner surface 102 that contacts and/or engages a radial
outer surface 104 of the detent 86. Engagement between the radial
outer surface 104 of the detent 86 and the inner surface 102 of the
second leg portion 66 limits radial movement of the displaceable
portion 52 inward toward the central axis 26 when the rod 34 is in
the extended position. As such, when the rod 34 is in the extended
position, the engagement between the radial outer surface 104 of
the detent 86 and the inner surface 102 of the second leg portion
66 ensures proper engagement between the second cam surface 90 and
the axial end surface 98 of the wall portion 62, and prevents the
displaceable portion 52 from flexing radially inward toward the
body 68 of the rigid member 50 and becoming wedged in place.
[0029] The flexible member 46 may include and be manufactured from
a polymer, such as but not limited to nylon or a plastic. The
characteristics of the material used to form the flexible member
46, particularly the stiffness or resistance to bending of the
material, affects the force required to move the displaceable
portion 52 radially away from the body 68. As such, the specific
material chosen for the flexible member 46 is dependent upon the
particular use for the strut assembly.
[0030] A band 106 may be disposed radially about and encircle the
displaceable portions 52. In order for the displaceable portions 52
to flex radial outward away from the detent 86 of the body 68, the
band 106 must expand in circumferential length 42. Accordingly, the
band 106 increases the force required to move the displaceable
portions 52 radially outward away from the detent 86 of the body
68. The material characteristics of the material used to form the
band 106, particularly the strain resistance or resistance to
stretching, affects the force required to stretch or expand the
band 106, and thereby affects the force required to move the
displaceable portions 52 radially away from the body 68.
[0031] The band 106 may include and be manufactured from a material
having a resistance to expansion that is variable with temperature.
As such, the band 106 may include a resistance to expansion that
increases with a decrease in temperature. Accordingly, as the
temperature decreases, the resistance of the band 106 to expanding,
i.e., stretching, increases, thereby increasing the force required
to move the displaceable portions 52 radially away from the detent
86 of the rigid member 50. As such, the specific material chosen
for the band 106 is dependent upon the amount of resistance the
band 106 is required to provide, which is dependent upon the
particular use of the gas strut assembly 20. However, the band 106
may include and be manufactured from, for example, one of a
thermoplastic elastomer or a thermoplastic rubber.
[0032] The detailed description and the drawings or figures are
supportive and descriptive of the invention, but the scope of the
invention is defined solely by the claims. While some of the best
modes and other embodiments for carrying out the claimed invention
have been described in detail, various alternative designs and
embodiments exist for practicing the invention defined in the
appended claims.
* * * * *