BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a damper assembly for a vehicle. More specifically, certain embodiments relate to a remotely operated bypass device used in conjunction with a vehicle damper.

Vehicle suspension systems typically include a spring component or components and a dampening component or components. Typically, mechanical springs, like helical springs are used with some type of viscous fluid-based dampening mechanism and the two are mounted functionally in parallel. In some instances features of the damper or spring are user-adjustable. What is needed is an improved method and apparatus for adjusting dampening characteristics, including remote adjustment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention includes a vehicle suspension damper comprising a cylinder and a piston assembly comprising a damping piston along with working fluid within the cylinder. A bypass permits fluid to avoid dampening resistance of the damping piston. A fluid path through the bypass is controlled by a valve that is shifted by a piston surface when the contents of at least one predetermined volume is injected against the piston surface which acts upon the valve. In one embodiment, the bypass is remotely operable.

