Abstract: A gas spring includes a cylinder receiving pressurized gas and liquid therein, a piston slidably disposed in the cylinder, a piston rod secured to the piston and extending to the outside of the cylinder through a first end thereof, a valve mechanism disposed in the cylinder for controlling movement of the fluid in the cylinder, thereby controlling movement of the piston in the cylinder, and a valve actuating element projecting to the outside of the cylinder through a second end thereof. The cylinder has a generally cylindrical portion extending from the second end thereof, and a valve operating member is pivotally supported on the extending portion of the cylinder.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the length of a gas spring is disclosed. This device includes an operating lever pivotally supported on a bracket rigid with the outer peripheral surface of the body proper of a gas spring. The operating lever has an outer end portion suited for operation, and an inner end portion inserted in the body proper of the gas spring. The device further includes a length-adjusting valve for the gas spring, which valve is actuated by the inner end portion of the operating lever, when the operating lever is operated by moving its outer end portion.