US Patent 6959921 Temperature responsive valve assembly for a pneumatic spring

A temperature responsive valve assembly for a gas spring includes a valve body, a seal, a bi-metal valve and a locking member. The valve body includes a flexible radial member defined along the outer periphery of the valve body. Each radial member includes a radially inward extending tab which engages the outer diameter of the locking member. The construction allows the temperature responsive valve assembly to be essentially “snapped” together. The locking member further includes axial spring feet which provide axial pressure upon the bi-metal valve to maintain engagement with the valve seat.