Abstract: A shock absorber for a vehicle is provided with an elongated rod which is longitudinally displaceable with respect to a carrier which supports at least one frictional rod engagement member for producing a rod travel retardation force. The rod engagement member is arranged to apply a lateral force to the rod, which lateral force is translated into the rod travel retardation force to smoothly and quickly control the motion of the rod between first and second positions. The frictional rod engagement member can be urged against a rod in various ways, including compression of a resilient or elastic force exerting component, such as a wire-wound spring. The combination of the force exerting components and the frictional member can be configured to apply retardation forces to the rod which have preselectable damping characteristics. In a featured embodiment of the invention, the resilient force exerting component is itself damped by contact with the frictional rod engagement member.

Abstract: A resilient element shock absorber having a casing and a movable rod extending into a bore in the casing. Two bushings are slidably disposed in the bore, and a resilient structure is disposed between the bushings. Upon displacement of the rod in either direction from its neutral position, one of the bushings is displaced inwardly and the resilient structure is compressed. Thus, the resilient structure will oppose any displacement of the rod from its neutral position and the resilient structure will bias the rod towards its neutral position. Adjustment devices are provided for varying the forces exerted by the resilient structure.

Abstract: A shock absorber having controlled, continuous, adjustable resistance in both directions is obtained by means of a slide piston passing through a fixed collar and through two movable collars and elastic compression means abutting each movable collar.