Plastic bead reinforcement ring for fluid pressure devices

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Air springs or other fluid pressure devices have flexible elastomeric sleeves terminating in a pair of end beads which are clamped or crimped onto a pair of spaced end members. Each of the beads is reinforced by a solid annular ring of nonreinforced thermoplastic material which is molded within the sleeve beads. The rings preferably are formed of nylon and are sufficiently flexible to move with the end members and sleeve and return to their original shape after such movement. A similar nonreinforced plastic ring may be molded in a central portion of the elastomer sleeve to provide the girdle hoop of the sleeve.