Apparatus and methods for a vehicle shock absorber

Abstract

A method and apparatus for a vehicle shock absorber comprising a main damper cylinder, a first reservoir and a second reservoir. One embodiment includes a first operational mode where both reservoirs are in fluid communication with the cylinder. In a second operational mode, only one reservoir communicates with the cylinder during fluid evacuation from the cylinder. In each mode, rebound from either or both reservoirs may travel through a single, user-adjustable metering device.

1 . A shock absorber comprising:
 a main damper cylinder having a variable volume portion with fluid therein;   a first reservoir and a second reservoir;   a first fluid flow path extending from the variable volume portion to a first valve;   a second fluid flow path extending from the first valve to the first reservoir;   a third fluid flow path extending from the first valve to the second reservoir;   a fourth fluid flow path extending between the first reservoir and the second reservoir independent of the first, second and third fluid flow paths, the fourth fluid flow path having a fourth fluid flow path valve positioned therein to selectively open and close the fourth fluid flow path, wherein the shock absorber is operable in a first operational mode wherein fluid travels only from the variable volume portion of the main damper cylinder to the first reservoir utilizing the first fluid flow path and the second fluid path and, fluid travels from the first reservoir to the second reservoir utilizing only the fourth fluid flow path, said shock absorber further operable in a second operational mode wherein fluid travels from the variable volume portion of the main damper cylinder to the second reservoir utilizing the first fluid flow path and the third fluid flow path, said shock absorber further operable in a third operational mode wherein said fluid is prevented from travelling from said variable volume portion of said main damper cylinder to said first reservoir and said fluid is also prevented from travelling from said variable volume portion of said main damper cylinder to said second reservoir; and   user-accessible controls coupled to said shock absorber, said user-accessible controls for selecting between said first operational mode, said second operational mode, and said third operational mode, wherein said first operational mode is a full-travel mode, and said third operational mode is a lock-out mode.