BLOC-O-LIFT Locking Gas Spring

Variable Positioning, Rigid or Elastic Locking Gas Springs
Flaps and lids can be very heavy and hard to operate by hand. Chairs and desks must be adapted to the body height of the individual user to take ergonomic aspects into consideration. In these cases, locking gas springs from Stabilus will provide optimum weight equalization and user-friendly motion sequences during opening, closing, and positioning. Our products in the BLOC-O-LIFT line of locking gas springs are also available with variable locking, either rigid or elastic in the direction of tension or compression, depending on the desired setup.
Function of BLOC-O-LIFT Locking Gas Springs
A special piston / valve system, which separates the two pressure chambers in the spring, allows effortless variable locking. If the valve tappet is released from the outside and the exchange between the pressure chambers is interrupted, the gas spring will lock and hold even heavy loads reliably in the desired position. With the valve open, the linear spring characteristic curve of the BLOC-O-LIFT locking gas springs will provide an even increase in force over the entire range of motion.
BLOC-O-LIFT Locking Gas Springs offer Solutions for Every Requirement
Our standard product line offers a broad selection of locking gas springs and, thus, always the right product for any installation situation.
With our long-term expertise as pioneers in the production of gas springs, we will also be happy to support you as a development partner. Together, we will develop the right solution for locking gas springs, which will meet your individual requirements.
Your Advantages using BLOC-O-LIFT Locking Gas Springs
- Variable positioning with elastic or rigid locking
- Optimized weight compensation during lifting, lowering, opening, and closing
- Lock into position in the extended or compressed position
- Installation can be orientation-specific or in any orientation, depending on type
- Flat spring characteristic curve for low force increase, even with high forces or large strokes.
- Linear, progressive, or degressive spring characteristic curve
- Mechanical actuation systems, also with an extra small actuation range for easiest operation
- Broad selection of sizes, force variants, and end fittings
- Compact design for installation in the smallest of spaces
- Maintenance-free, even at high loads, with long service life
- High-quality products manufactured in compliance with DIN EN ISO 9001 and the international standard ISO/TS 16949.
Product Variants of BLOC-O-LIFT Locking Gas Springs
- BLOC-O-LIFT – standard locking gas springs, elastic locking
- BLOC-O-LIFT – gas springs with rigid locking in the direction of tension or compression
- BLOC-O-LIFT – locking gas springs with override function, to protect against overload
- BLOC-O-LIFT OBT – locking gas springs for safe and comfortable lifting of table tops without actuation
- BLOC-O-LIFT T – locking gas springs for height adjustment with even force distribution over the entire stroke.
- KOMBI-LIFT – combined functionality of locking and non-locking ranges for special applications
- BLOC-O-LIFT actuation systems
- STAB-O-MAT / STAB-O-BLOC – special locking gas springs for swivel chair height adjustment

Variable Adjustment Option with Elastic Locking
In its standard version, the BLOC-O-LIFT is an elastic locking gas spring that not only allows you to adjust furniture and flaps conveniently and easily, but also to position them variably, where they will be held safely.
Its preferred use is in the backrest adjustment of swivel chairs, where a slight bounce is desirable from an ergonomic point of view.
Function
The locking function is made possible by a special piston / valve system which creates a leak-proof separation between the two pressure chambers in the spring. With the valve open, BLOC-O-LIFT will provide force assist, ensuring user-friendly motion sequences due to its predefined damping characteristics. When the valve is closed, the gas spring will lock with a slight bounce in the desired position.
The standard BLOC-O-LIFT is filled with gas and should be installed with the piston rod pointing down.
Advantages
- Variable elastic locking and optimized weight compensation during lifting, lowering, opening, and closing
- Comfortable bouncing and damping of shocks, impacts, or sudden peak loads
- Flat spring characteristic curve; i.e., low force increase even for high forces or large strokes
- Compact design for installation in small spaces
- Easy mounting due to a variety of end fitting options
Application Examples
- Elastic locking in backrest adjustment of swivel chairs or massage chairs
- Height adjustment of physician’s stools with foot actuation
- Generally suited for elastic locking of elements where no additional loads need to be held besides the application load

Gas Spring with Rigid Locking in the Direction of Tension or Compression
BLOC-O-LIFT springs from STABILUS even hold larger loads safely and reliably in place.
Function
Unlike the purely gas-filled, elastic locking standard BLOC-O-LIFT spring, the entire stroke is filled with oil in this version, allowing rigid locking. A special separating piston separates the gas chamber from the oil chamber. Depending on the type, this will provide different locking forces in the extension direction (tensile lock) or in the compression direction (compression lock).
As an added advantage, the gas spring can be installed in any position.
Advantage
- Very high oil locking force
- Can be installed in any orientation
- Variable locking and optimized weight compensation during lifting, lowering, opening, and closing
- Compact design for installation in small spaces
- Easy mounting due to a variety of end fitting options
Application Example
- Head and foot panel adjustments in hospital beds, operating tables, wheelchairs
- Height adjustment in walker
- Armrest, headrest, driver seat adjustment
- Desktop/table height and inclination adjustment

Locking Gas Spring with Height Adjustment and Even Force Distribution over the Entire Stroke
The BLOC-O-LIFT-T gas spring from Stabilus is used primarily for the convenient adjustment of table heights.
Function
The very flat characteristic curve provides virtually even force assist over the entire stroke. This makes it easy to adjust the table top, regardless of its weight, without the table losing stability or strength.
This gas spring can be installed in any orientation. The lock can be released optionally by hand or foot lever allowing the table height to be adjusted fast and easily.
Your Advantages
- Fast and easy adjustment due to low compression damping and even force distribution over the entire stroke
- Compact design with a long stroke
- Mounting in any orientation possible
- Table is locked rigidly in any position
Application Examples
- Pub tables (single base tables)
- Desks (two-column desks)
- Speaker pulpits
- Nightstands
- Height-adjustable kitchen counters
- RV tables
Mechanical BLOC-O-LIFT release systems for ultimate convenience
STABILUS offers different release systems for BLOC-O-LIFT gas springs.

SOFT-O-TOUCH
Cable release
This program offers complete release systems with an attractive design. Five different ergonomic push-buttons and levers with axial or lateral Bowden cable configurations as well as two different release heads give you even more flexibility in your design and in positioning the gas spring in your application.

Further BLOC-O-LIFT release systems
In the standard version, the BLOC-O-LIFT uses a sliding valve with an release stroke of 2.5 mm. A seat valve is available for short stroke of 1 mm and very easy operation.
Indirect Bowden cable release:
A Bowden cable release is used when the release mechanism cannot be installed directly on the gas spring. This system consists of a release head, a Bowden cable with optional lengths, and the release unit.

Direct release:
For applications with direct release on the gas spring, there are release heads with diefferent lever variants.
We will gladly help you select the right system.
Application Examples
- Backrest and armrest adjustment in swivel chairs
- Table height adjustment
- Head and foot panel adjustment in treatment tables and beds

Gas Spring with Rigid Locking for Vertical Installations
A cost efficient alternative in rigid locking gas springs can be achieved if BLOC-O-LIFT from STABILUS is mounted almost vertically.
Function
Since oil cannot be compressed, gravity will ensure the usual safe holding force. Consequently, the additional piston as a separating element between gas and oil will not be necessary.
In this version, the entire working stroke of the piston is located in the oil layer, allowing the required rigid locking of the BLOC-O-LIFT in any position.
For locking in the compression direction, the BLOC-O-LIFT must be installed with the piston rod pointing up. In the rare cases where locking in the extension direction is desired, a BLOC-O-LIFT version with the piston rod pointing down should be mounted.
Advantages
- Cost-efficient variant with very high rigid oil locking force
- Variable rigid locking and optimized weight compensation during lifting, lowering, opening, and closing
- Compact design for installation in small spaces
- Easy mounting due to a large variety of end fitting options

The Locking Gas Spring with Overload Protection
In addition to variable locking, this BLOC-O-LIFT variant from Stabilus is equipped with a so-called override function, which protects components from overload and significantly facilitates handling.
Function
In the tension override function, the gas spring will lock rigidly in the compressed state. If too high a tensile force is applied to the piston rod, an overload valve in the piston will open automatically and release the lock. The gas spring extends, thereby protecting the application from damage, e.g., from hitting the floor.
This variant is preferred in chairs and beds or treatment tables and beds. Head and foot panels can be adjusted without operating a separate actuation mechanism.
In the compression override function, the gas spring will lock in the extended state. In this version, too, an overload valve will open as soon as the load on the gas spring extends a defined limit. The lock will be released, the piston rod retracted slowly, protecting the application from overload. Proven protection that is often used in the height and tilt adjustment of desk and table tops.
Your Advantages
- Depending on the version, the gas spring is protected against overload pressure in the locked state, preventing damage to the application
- Easy handling
- Override force can be freely defined within certain limits
- Can be realized in rigid locking gas springs in any or vertical mounting orientation
Application Examples
- Head and foot sections of treatment tables, hospital beds, massage tables
- Seat and foot section adjustments in recliners and beds
- Tables, desks with height and/or tilt adjustment

Gas Spring without Locking in Extension Direction
Customized for safe and comfortable handling, mobile bedside tables for hospital and nursing home beds benefit from a gas spring with infinitely variable height adjustment – BLOC-O-LIFT OBT (Over Bed Table).
Function
It will lock rigidly in any desired position; it can be pulled out immediately without actuation if the situation so requires.
In an emergency, the table top can be moved up and away using light pressure from below. The actuation lever is only required for lowering the table.
Usually, the OBT function of Stabilus gas springs is used in vertical installations.
Your Advantages
- Fast and safe lifting of locked table tops without an actuation mechanism.
- Simplified handling of the tables increases safety
Application Examples
- Table adjustment systems in hospital nightstands and in school furniture

Combined Functionality for Special Applications
With KOMBI-LIFT, a lid can be closed from two selectable positions.
Tailgates of high vehicles (vans) are protected from slamming into the garage ceiling or door. This will also allow shorter people to limit the opening angle of the trunk, facilitating the use of their car.
Function
The KOMBI-LIFT from Stabilus combines the advantages of locking and non-locking gas springs. With a lever on the piston rod, a defined partial range of the stroke can be locked during extension.
For this purpose, the KOMBI-LIFT is equipped with a special groove in the pressure tube. When the valve is open, the lid will open across the entire opening angle to the end position.
With the valve closed, the piston rod can only move within a range that corresponds to the opening angle specified in the groove. The functional areas can be arranged in any form over the entire stroke.
The lid will close and, consequently, the gas spring will compress without actuation.
Your Advantages
- Closing a lid from two selectable positions
- Combined functionality of locking and non-locking gas springs for special applications
- Freely selectable function ranges over the entire stroke
- Different actuation systems for locking gas springs usable
Application Examples
- Tailgates of high vehicles (vans)
- Lid limitation in cab construction for utility vehicles