WO2005116496A1

WO2005116496A1 - Valve for an inflatable product

Info

Publication number: WO2005116496A1
Application number: PCT/US2004/015303
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew T. Metzger; Kimberly M. Reuter
Original assignee: Coleman Co Inc
Current assignee: Coleman Co Inc
Priority date: 2004-05-14
Filing date: 2004-05-14
Publication date: 2005-12-08
Anticipated expiration: 2006-11-14

Abstract

A valve (222) is provided for both inflation and deflation and for quick closure after inflation. A rigid sleeve (54) is provided that is in fluid communication with the outside and inside of the inflatable product. A plug (58) may be provided for closing the rigid sleeve. A collapsible tube (62) is attached to the inside of the rigid sleeve (54) and extends inward into the inflatable product.

Description

VALVE FOR AN INFLATABLE PRODUCT

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION (0001) The present invention is directed to inflatable products, and more specifically to a valve for an inflatable product .

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (0002) An airbed is a large rectangular rubber or plastic bag that is filled with air so that it may be used as a bed. An air mat is similar in construction to an airbed, but is used as a float so that an individual may lie on the, air mat in the water. Both products fall under the broad category of "inflatable" products. Other nonlimiting examples of inflatable products include rafts, inflatable furniture, inflatable pools, and inflatable boats. (0003) One thing inflatable products have in common is that they must be inflated for use. To this end, a valve or valves are supplied on an inflatable product for a user to provide air or another gas into the inflatable product. The user may utilize his or her breath, i.e., by blowing into a valve or valves, may utilize a manual or electric pump, or may use an air compressor, as examples. (0004) A variety of different valves are presently used for inflatable products. These valves have a common goal : to permit the user to easily inflate and deflate the product, while minimizing escaped air when the user tries to seal the product . Examples of present day valves are the pinch valve, the Boston valve, and a double lock valve sold by the assignee of the present invention, The Coleman Company, Inc . (0005) While present valves work well for their intended purpose, very few valves are useful in both allowing simple inflation and deflation of the product and allowing quick closure so that air is not lost from the inflatable product after the inflatable product is full. That is, for most prior art valves, when a user has inflated a product, a cap or other structure must be placed over the valve before air is lost. Often, a substantial amount of air is lost before the valve is sufficiently closed. Additionally, the valve may be difficult to use for deflation of the inflatable product .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION (0006) The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. (0007) In accordance with an embodiment, a valve is provided for an inflatable product that is easy to use for both inflation and deflation of the product and for quick closure after inflation. In one embodiment, the valve includes an inflation tube that moves in and out of the inflatable product. The inflation tube may, for example, rotate in and out of the valve base. The inflation tube includes a sealing structure, such as a gasket, that abuts against a seat when the inflation tube is fully inserted into the inflatable product . This closure prevents the flow of air out of the inflatable product. The user may provide air through the inflation tube and close the valve by inserting the inflation tube until the gasket is seated. To deflate the inflatable product, the user simply moves the inflation tube out, for example by rotating it outward, disengaging the gasket from the seat . (0008) In accordance with an embodiment, the seat is conically shaped so that the gasket ensures firm contact with the seat. In addition, an additional air lock, such as an 0- ring, is provided to fit the inflation tube against an outer surface of a base for the valve. This additional seal prevents possible leakage of air out of the inflatable product when the inflation tube is fully seated. (0009) In an alternate embodiment of the valve for an inflatable product, a rigid sleeve is provided that is in fluid communication with the outside and inside of the inflatable product. A cap, plug, or other structure may be provided for closing the rigid sleeve. A collapsible tube is attached to the inside of the rigid sleeve and extends inward into the inflatable product. During inflation, the collapsible tube remains open, allowing air to enter the inflatable product . When air flow into the inflatable product stops, the pressure inside the inflatable product collapses the collapsible tube, closing the opening of the rigid sleeve, and blocking the flow of air out of the rigid sleeve. Thus, the structure provides easy inflation of an inflatable product, yet closes the valve without requiring manipulation by the user. The cap or plug is closed over the outer portion of the rigid sleeve to ensure that air does not flow out of the inflatable product . (0010) In accordance with an embodiment, this valve is deflated by inserting a rigid hollow structure, such as a tube, through the rigid sleeve and through the collapsible tube so that the tube is in fluid communication with the internal portion of the inflatable product. The tube prevents the flexible sleeve from collapsing to close the opening in the valve. Air is permitted to flow through the tube, - allowing easy deflation. (0011) Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS (0012) FIG. 1 is side perspective view of an airbed incorporating a valve that may utilize one of the embodiments of the invention; (0013) FIG. 2 is a side view of a first embodiment of a valve for an inflatable product such as the airbed in

FIG. 1; (0014) FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the section lines 3--3 of FIG. 2; (0015) FIG. 4 is an exploded side perspective view of the valve of FIG. 2 ; (0016) FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a valve, showing an adapter just prior to insertion in the valve; (0017) FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 5, showing the valve closed when the inflatable product is filled with air; and (0018) FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 5, shown with the attachment inserted and the valve in a deflation state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION (0019) In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described. (0020) Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows an airbed 20 incorporating a valve 22 that may utilize features in accordance with the present invention. In general, the present invention is directed to a valve for an inflatable product such as the airbed 20, but valves in accordance with the invention may be utilized with other inflatable products including, but not limited to, air mats, rafts, inflatable furniture, inflatable pools, inflatable boats, and other inflatable products. (0021) FIG. 2 shows a valve 122 in accordance with an embodiment. The valve 122 includes an inflation tube 24 having a gripping section 26 at an upper end. The gripping section 26 includes knurls 28 and is concave in configuration to aid in gripping. External threads 30 extend along the outside of the inflation tube 24 down to a bottom portion of the inflation tube 24. (0022) The inflation tube 24 threads into a base, which, in the embodiment shown, includes an outer flange 34 and an inner flange 36. The outer flange 34 may be formed, for example, of polyvinylchloride (PVC) or another suitable structure for ease of attachment to the airbed 20 or another inflatable product. The inner flange 36 is positioned against the outer flange 34, and may be made of the same material or a different material, but preferably is rigid, and may be made of, for example, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) , or another rigid plastic. A rigid sleeve 38 is attached to or is formed integral with the bottom of the inner flange 36. Flanges 39 extend downward from the bottom of the sleeve 38. A conical seat 40 extends upward from the juncture of the bottom of the flanges 39. (0023) An 0-ring 42 is positioned on the outside of the inflation tube 24 just below the gripping section 26. A gasket 44 is attached to the bottom of the inflation tube 24. (0024) In use, to inflate the inflatable product to which the valve 122 is attached, the inflation tube 24 is rotated upward to the position shown in FIG. 2. The user then supplies air or another gas into the inflatable product by either blowing on the outside of the inflation tube 24 or attaching a pump (not shown) or other inflation device to the inflation tube 24. As an example, a pump adapter 46 may be supplied with a pump and may be configured to fit into the inflation tube 24. To this end, the pump adapter 46 includes an elongate tube 48 that may be fitted inside the inflation tube 24, and may fit, for example, by friction fit. (0025) In any event, when air is supplied to the top of the inflation tube, the air flows downward through the inflation tube and out of the inflation tube 24. When the air hits the conical seat 40, it is directed outward and into the inflatable product by the conical shape of the conical shape 40. The user may continue to provide air through the inflation tube until the inflatable product is inflated. (0026) To lock the valve 122, the user rotates the inflation tube 24 by gripping the gripping section 26 and rotating the inflation tube so that the external threads 30 drive the inflation tube downward. This movement of the inflation tube 24 may be done while the pump adapter 46 is still connected to the pump and, if desired, while the pump is still blowing air into the inflatable product. The inflation tube 24 is rotated downward until the gasket 44 engages the conical seat 40, closing the air flow between the inflatable product and the inflation tube. In addition, the O-ring 42 engages the top of the outer flange 34, providing another stop for potential loss of air. The pump adapter 46 may then be removed . (0027) As can be seen, the valve 122 provides a simple manner of inflation for an inflatable product. The easy locking feature of the inflation tube 24 permits a user to close the valve 122 with little or no loss of air. (0028) To deflate the inflatable product, the user simply grips the gripping portion 26 and turns the inflation tube 24 in the opposite direction, releasing the engagement of the O-ring 42 with the outer surface of the outer flange 34 and the engagement of the gasket 44 with the conical seat 40. Air may then flow out through the inflation tube 24, allowing deflation of the inflatable product. If desired, the pump adapter 46 may be connected to the inflation tube 24, and a pump may be operated in reverse to aid in deflation of the inflatable product . (0029) If desired, a different shape may be used for the conical seat 40. However, the conical shape of the conical seat 40 aids in air flow into and out of the inflatable product, and ensures that the gasket 44 is properly seated. That is, because of the conical shape of the conical seat 40, if the inflation tube 24 is misaligned, the conical gasket 44 will hit the outer surface of the conical seat and the tapered surface will press the inflation tube towards being centered, forcing the inflation tube into alignment. (0030) Although the embodiment shown in the drawings utilizes external threads 30 to insert the inflation tube 24, the inflation tube 24 may be inserted in another manner. For example, the inflation tube 24 may be friction fit into the sleeve 38 and may be pressed against the friction fitting into the closed position and pulled against the friction fitting into the open position. In addition, a structure may be provided for snapping of the inflation tube 24 between the closed and open positions. (0031) If desired, an abutment (not shown) or other surface may be provided to prevent over-rotation outward of the inflation tube 24, preventing a user from removing the inflation tube from the valve 122. In addition, the inner flange 36 and outer flange 34 may be provided as a single integral unit , and other structures may be provided for attaching the sleeve 38 to the conical seat 40. (0032) FIG. 5 shows an alternate embodiment of a valve 222. The valve 222 includes an opening 52 that extends to a rigid sleeve 54 (FIG. 6) . A flange 56 attaches to the rigid sleeve 54. The rigid sleeve 54 is made of a suitable material, such as ABS, PVC, or another rigid plastic. The flange 56 is preferably formed of a material that can easily be attached to an inflatable product. The material may be, for example, polyvinylchloride (PVC) . The rigid sleeve 54 and the flange 56 may be made of the same material, and may be integral . (0033) In the embodiment shown, a plug 58 is provided that is attached by a tab 60 to the rigid sleeve 54. However, another suitable cap or closure device may be provided for the top of the valve 222. (0034) As can best be seen in FIG. 7, the valve 222 includes a collapsible tube 62. The collapsible tube 62 is attached to the rigid sleeve 54 and extends into the inflatable product . (0035) The collapsible tube 62 is attached to the rigid sleeve 54 in a suitable manner, such as by an O-ring, gluing, welding, or a mechanical attachment. (0036) In an embodiment, the collapsible tube 62 is highly flexible so that it may collapse with little effort. For example, a thin polyvinylchloride may be used. The material for the collapsible tube 62 may be chosen so that it may collapse in a desire direction or to a certain degree. In the embodiment shown, the collapsible tube 62 is made from four panels that are attached along seams to form the sleeve. However, the collapsible tube 62 may be formed in other manners, such as by attaching two panels, forming a sleeve out of a single panel, utilizing a tubular sleeve, and other variations . (0037) To inflate an inflatable product with the valve 222, a user blows air through the opening 52. This may be done by blowing with the user's mouth or utilizing a pump or other inflation device. To this end, the pump adapter 46 may be used, wherein the tube 48 is inserted into the opening 52 and the rigid sleeve 54. (0038) Air is free to enter the inflatable product through the collapsible tube 62, because the air flow causes the collapsible tube to remain open. In addition, if the pump adapter 46 is used, the pump adapter may extend past the collapsible tube 62, directing air beyond the collapsible tube. This arrangement can be seen in FIG. 7, for example. (0039) After inflating the inflatable product, the pump adapter 46 is removed (if relevant) , and air pressure within the inflatable product causes the collapsible tube 62 to fold into itself, closing the opening formed by the collapsible tube 62. The manner in which the collapsible tube 62 collapses depends upon the rigidity of the material used for the collapsible tube and the shape of the collapsible tube. For example, if a slightly flexible material is used for the collapsible tube 62, then the sidewalls of the collapsible tube 62 may simply collapse inward to the position shown in FIG. 6. However, if a highly flexible material is used for the collapsible tube 62, the collapsible tube 62 may completely collapse over the rear portion of the rigid sleeve 54, for example into the position shown in phantom in FIG. 6. In either event, air pressure causes the collapsible tube 62 to close, preventing air from flowing out of the inflatable product. The collapsible tube 62 therefore provides an immediate closure of air flowing out of the opening 52 after a pump or other inflation device stops providing air through the opening 52. Therefore, there is very little air loss through the valve 222 after inflation. (0040) The plug 58 or another suitable cap or closure structure is then closed over the opening 52, such as is shown in FIG. 6. The plug 58 or other closure mechanism provides additional blockage of air out of the opening 52. (0041) In accordance with an embodiment, to deflate an inflatable product through the valve 222, a tube, such as the tube 48 of the pump adapter 46 is inserted through the opening 52 so that it extends through the collapsible tube 62. By inserting the tube 48 into the collapsible tube 62, air pressure within the inflatable product cannot cause the collapsible tube 62 to close the valve 222. Thus, the inflatable product is free to deflate. (0042) Although a tube is described for deflating an inflatable product through the valve 222, another structure may be used that opens the collapsible tube and permits air flow therethrough. For example, a pair of separated rods may be inserted through the opening 52 to spread and open the collapsible tube and permit air to flow therethrough. (0043) The valves 122 and 222 provide easy inflation and deflation of an inflatable product. They also provide a structure in which the valve may be easily closed after inflation with the loss of little or no air. (0044) Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail . It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims . (0045) The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. (0046) Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context .

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. An inflatable product, comprising: a valve, comprising: a base; an inflation tube having a hole therethough and mounted for movement relative to the base from a first position to a second position; and a seat within the inflatable product positioned and arranged so that, when the inflation tube is in the first position, the hole in the inflation tube provides a fluid conduit between an inside of the inflatable product and an outside of the inflatable product, and when the inflation tube is in the second position, the seat closes the hole.

2. The inflatable product of claim 1, wherein the seat is fixed in position with respect to the base.

3. The inflatable product of claim 1, wherein the seat comprises a conical seat.

4. The inflatable product of claim 3, wherein the conical seat is positioned and arranged so that an apex of the conical seat aligns with the hole of the inflation tube when the inflation tube is in the second position.

5. The inflatable product of claim 3, wherein the conical seat is spaced from the base.

6. The inflatable product of claim 5, wherein the conical seat is spaced from the base by flanges.

7. The inflatable product of claim 3, wherein the inflation tube comprises a gasket that engages the conical seat when the inflation tube is in the second position.

8. The inflatable product of claim 3, further comprising an o-ring mounted on the outside of the inflation tube and arranged and configured to contact an outer surface of the base when the inflation tube is in the second position.

9. The inflatable product of claim 1, wherein the inflation tube comprises a gasket that engages the seat when the inflation tube is in the second position.

10. The inflatable product of claim 1, further comprising an o-ring mounted on the outside of the inflation tube and arranged and configured to contact an outer surface of the base when the inflation tube is in the second position.

11. The inflatable product of claim 1, wherein the inflation tube is threaded into the base.

12. The inflatable product of claim 11, wherein rotating the inflation tube relative to the base moves the inflation tube between the first and second positions .

13. The inflatable product of claim 1, wherein the inflation tube is configured to receive a pump adapter.

13.. An inflatable product, comprising: a valve, comprising: a base; an opening in the base positioned between an inside of the inflatable product and an outside of the ^' inflatable product; and a collapsible tube mounted on an inside of the inflatable product and in fluid communication with the opening, the collapsible tube being arranged and configured to open when a gas is flowing into the opening from outside the inflatable product and to close due to air pressure inside the inflatable product when air is not flowing into the opening from outside the inflatable product .

14. The inflatable product of claim 13, further comprising a sleeve attached coaxial with the opening and extending into the inflatable product, and wherein the collapsible tube is connected to the sleeve.

15. The inflatable product of claim 14, wherein the sleeve is arranged and configured to receive an elongate tube, the elongate tube extending into the collapsible tube.

16. The inflatable product of claim 15, wherein the elongate tube is inserted into the sleeve and the collapsible tube to deflate the inflatable product .

17. The inflatable product of claim 13, wherein the collapsible tube comprises a flexible material.

18. The inflatable product of claim 17, wherein the collapsible tube comprises a highly flexible material.

19. The inflatable product of claim 13, wherein the collapsible tube comprises polyvinyl chloride.

20. The inflatable product of claim 13, wherein closing the collapsible tube comprises the collapsible tube folding inward on itself.

21. The inflatable product of claim 20, wherein closing the collapsible tube comprises the tube folding against the base .

22. The inflatable product of claim 13, wherein closing the collapsible tube comprising the tube folding against the base .