With Cap Patents (Class 137/232)
  • Patent number: 6990994
    Abstract: A valve is provided that includes a body portion defining a conduit and a control element coupled to the body portion and configured to selectively engage the body portion adjacent the conduit. The control element is configured to be axially repositioned based on axial movement of the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Kelsyus, LLC
    Inventors: David L. Reeb, Brian E. Le Gette
  • Patent number: 6986360
    Abstract: A self-sealing valve comprises a valve housing having a fluid conduit, a valve seat, a flexible diaphragm and a support member. The valve housing is configured to pass fluid through the fluid conduit. The flexible diaphragm provides a self-seal of the fluid conduit, and comprises an area larger than an area of the fluid conduit and a periphery. The support member is configured to retain a portion of a flexible diaphragm. The support member and flexible diaphragm are configured to position the flexible diaphragm against the valve seat to seal the fluid conduit in a closed position of the self-sealing valve, and to facilitate movement of at least a part of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm in a first direction away from the valve seat to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
  • Patent number: 6966331
    Abstract: A valve stem adaptor is provided for a valve stem assembly having a body with a first end and a second end and having an elongated shaft portion with a first end and a second end and having a passageway extending through the shaft. The shaft second end has external threads displaced thereon, and the body second end has a circular end rim with an end rim groove extending around an end rim perimeter. A fastening mechanism engages an outer surface of a tire rim. The valve stem adaptor includes an adaptor body manufactured from rigid material and has an adaptor rim portion with an upper surface, lower surface and passageway extending through the adaptor body. The valve stem adaptor also includes a first O-ring adapted to fit adjacent an upper surface of the adaptor rim portion, and a second O-ring adapted to fit adjacent a bottom surface of the adaptor rim portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventors: Jerry C. Simmons, Andrew Snyder, III
  • Patent number: 6935073
    Abstract: An inflatable device that includes a inflatable component and a base inflatable component. The inflatable component is releasably connected to the base inflatable component by a component connector. The component connector includes a base and a cap, wherein the cap releasably connected to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Scherba Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Scherba
  • Patent number: 6929020
    Abstract: A system and method for enabling rapid and controlled releasing of fluid pressure, as for deflating a tire. The system, in an embodiment thereof, enables rapid and controlled deflation of a tire to enable a vehicle to navigate in rough or unstable terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Klune Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore A. Rogers
  • Patent number: 6929021
    Abstract: An inflation/deflation valve for filling a dunnage bag with air includes a sleeve for insertion into an opening in a wall of the bag, a cap for covering the sleeve and threaded onto the sleeve and an inflation head for engaging the cap. A valve is mounted in the cap having a valve seat, a valve member moveable generally axially of the sleeve and a spring biasing the movement of the valve member in the axial direction toward the valve seat. The cap has mounting lugs on the base adjacent the bag arranged for engagement with co-operating slots of the inflation head in a bayonet fitting where the slots are shaped so that the head is cammed by the lugs in the slots to cause depression of an abutment surface of the valve member against the spring bias to open the valve. The removal of the cap allows rapid deflation of the bag for testing or reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Syn-Tex Convertors Ltd.
    Inventor: Edward J. Cavenagh
  • Patent number: 6755208
    Abstract: A self-sealing valve for controlling the volume of fluid within an inflatable device. The valve includes a housing having a fluid conduit, a valve seat and a valve assembly that selectively seals the fluid conduit to provide a self-seal. The valve assembly includes a support member and a mounting device that holds a portion of a flexible diaphragm in a closed position, and that facilitates movement of at least part of the periphery of the diaphragm away from the valve seat to an open position and towards the valve seat to the closed position. The support member may be manually moved to any of the multiple open positions, either to enable fluid release or to enhance fluid injection. With the injection of fluid, the diaphragm assumes an open position, allowing fluid influx.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Robert B. Chaffee
    Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
  • Publication number: 20040040596
    Abstract: A valve used for an inflatable article includes a valve body and a male connector. The valve body has a rear hollow portion, a female connector attached to the rear hollow portion, and a spring-loaded valve core movable therein. The male connector has a first tubular end and a second tubular end, and the second tubular end is dimensioned to be snugly plugged in the female connector to move the spring-loaded valve core backward. Furthermore, the female connector of the valve body defines a pair of L-shaped slots, while the male connector is formed with a pair of bayonet fittings adapted to be held in the L-shaped slots after the second tubular end is plugged, thereby allowing the male connector to be fastened to the female connector and hence to the valve body in a quick-detachable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Lung-Po Tsai
  • Patent number: 6648004
    Abstract: An air valve assembly has a valve block that is permanently secured to an article and has a passageway through which air can pass. The assembly further includes a valve body made from a flexible material defining a through bore, and having a wall with an inner annular indent. The assembly also includes an air block made from a rigid material. The air block has an outer wall with a flange provided on the outer wall, and a plurality of air holes and a central passageway. The flange is fitted inside the indent to attach the air block to the valve body. The assembly also has a valve flap having a disk and a shaft, with the shaft inserted through the central passageway of the air block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Pleasure Time Products (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Vincent Wai Shun Lau
  • Patent number: 6615829
    Abstract: A feeding valve having a hose coupling in the form of an expansion bellows which unfolds automatically into the wearer's field of vision when the sealing cap of the feeding valve is opened, thereby enables a wearer to easily insert the straw of a food or beverage bottle even when wearing protective gloves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Auergeselischaft GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Horn, Klaus Schmidtke
  • Patent number: 6612329
    Abstract: A valve stem and cap apparatus includes a valve stem having a base for attachment to a rim and a tubular sleeve extending upwardly from the base, the sleeve defining an open end. A stem valve is positioned in the sleeve for regulating air flow therethrough. A pair of resilient flanges are positioned on an outer surface of the sleeve adjacent the open end. The apparatus includes a cap having a cylindrical configuration with an open end for selectively covering the open end of the sleeve. The cap defines a pair of oppositely disposed apertures for releasably engaging respective resilient flanges in a snap-fit relationship when the cap is positioned to cover the open end of the sleeve and appropriately rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Scott T. Wright
  • Patent number: 6508264
    Abstract: A self-sealing valve is used to fill, empty, and control the volume of fluid within an inflatable device. The valve includes a housing having a fluid inlet, a valve seat and a valve assembly that selectively covers the fluid inlet to provide a self-seal. The valve assembly includes a support member that suspends a flexible diaphragm in a closed position within the valve housing while allowing movement of at least part of the periphery of the diaphragm away from the valve seat to an open position and back towards the valve seat to a closed position. The support member may be manually moved to any of the multiple open positions, either to enable fluid release or to enhance fluid injection. With the injection of fluid, the diaphragm assumes an open position, allowing fluid influx. A fluid pressure created within the device assists in maintaining the diaphragm in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
  • Patent number: 6460560
    Abstract: A low profile inflation valve intended to be installed with an article to inflated with air, water or other fluid. The valve of the invention comprises a valve body which is sealed, such as by an adhesive, heat-sealing or RF sealing, to a corresponding opening in the article to be inflated. The body comprises a generally circular cylindrical configuration with internal threads for receiving a cap. The cap correspondingly comprises a circular cylindrical configuration having exterior threads for threaded engagement into the valve body. A flapper is affixed to the underside of the cap and functions as a one-way valve to prevent fluid from within the article from escaping therefrom when the cap is partially threaded within the body and yet which allows inflation of the article. Moreover, full tightening of the cap within the body sealingly entraps the flapper between the cap in a lower portion of the body so as to create an airtight seal and prevent further inflation (or deflation) of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Halkey-Roberts Corporation
    Inventors: Jacek M. Weinheimer, Lyman W. Fawcett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6439259
    Abstract: A closure for a container incorporating an air valve to facilitate inflation of a bladder within the container. The closure includes a plug for sealing an opening with the container lid. The plug has a central aperture within which is seated a valve adapter. Extending through the aperture and engaging the valve adapter is a valve stem fluidly connected to an inflatable bladder. The valve adapter maintains the valve stem above the closure for connection to an air supply for inflation of the bladder. A cap snap-fits over the adapter and valve stem to protect the valve from contaminants and damage. The bladder is inflated after the container has been filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Beaver
  • Publication number: 20020083975
    Abstract: A self-sealing valve is used to fill, empty, and control the volume of fluid within an inflatable device. The valve includes a housing having a fluid inlet, a valve seat and a valve assembly that selectively covers the fluid inlet to provide a self-seal. The valve assembly includes a support member that suspends a flexible diaphragm in a closed position within the valve housing while allowing movement of at least part of the periphery of the diaphragm away from the valve seat to an open position and back towards the valve seat to a closed position. The support member may be manually moved to any of the multiple open positions, either to enable fluid release or to enhance fluid injection. With the injection of fluid, the diaphragm assumes an open position, allowing fluid influx. A fluid pressure created within the device assists in maintaining the diaphragm in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
  • Patent number: 6296010
    Abstract: This invention is an automatic shut-off valve and gauge for tires during inflation. Configured as a double stem valve joined either on the outside or inside the rim of the tire. One stem serves as an air valve for inflating tires with a metal or plastic line attached to it extending into the second stem, which is a valve that regulates the air pressure in the tire. Air supplied during inflation of the tire causes a linkage to move and open a vent to the atmosphere which was otherwise closed. A spring loaded valve is designed to open when the air pressure in the tire exceeds the correct operating pressure and to allow excess air to escape to the atmosphere. A retracting and extending indicia is provided on the top of a spring loaded valve to indicate when the tire is properly inflated to a preset pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Gerard Michael DeLauer
  • Patent number: 6279600
    Abstract: A theft resistant valve cap including a liner adapted for threaded engagement with a standard pneumatic tire stem valve, a sleeve rotatably mounted with the liner to shroud it and an interlocking feature to selectively prevent axial displacement between the liner and the sleeve. The interlocking feature includes a screw threaded into an aperture in the sleeve, or other coupling device, and an annular channel on the liner, positioned to receive the screw. The annular channel has an upper surface, a lower surface and an inner surface disposed between the upper and lower surfaces. The screw is moved so that it extends into the channel resting proximate to the upper surface, but clear of both said lower and inner surfaces. The screw can be removed after the valve cap has been installed. In this fashion, the liner and the sleeve are in a fixed axial position with respect to each other; however, the rotatability of the sleeve with respect to the liner is maintained, preventing removal of the liner from the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Robert Robinson
  • Patent number: 6237621
    Abstract: A self sealing valve includes a diaphragm (602) positioned within a valve housing (606) by a movable hanger arm (610) which suspends the diaphragm from a mounting point (612) in the center of an air inlet (614). The hanger arm (610) is a rotating diaphragm hanger that has one end secured adjacent to an inner wall (618) of the air inlet (614) by a pair of pins (634). There is a contoured section (648) between the hinge pins (634) of the inner wall which interfaces with a contoured end (650) to provide for at least four distinct interaction possibilities. A first retains the hanger arm (610) in a valve closed position. A second causes the valve to exhibit a biased closed condition. A third locks the valve open and a fourth facilitates assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
  • Patent number: 6164314
    Abstract: An oversized air valve for use with inflatable devices typically in an above-the-ground swimming pool or an inflatable mattress is disclosed. In its most fundamental embodiment, the oversized air valve for use with inflatable devices includes a construction having an outer housing and a base flange connected to the outer housing for being secured to an inflatable device. A cylindrical passageway is formed through the outer housing for carrying pressurized air. A cap attached to the cylindrical passageway enables the air valve to be sealed against air leakage. Finally, a removable rigid member is insertable into the cylindrical passageway for preventing deformation to the air valve. The removable rigid member is force-fitted into the cylindrical passageway and is of a length sufficient to displace a back pressure flap hinged to the bottom of the cylindrical passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Intex Recreation Corp.
    Inventors: Richard A. Saputo, Hua Hsiang Lin
  • Patent number: 6138711
    Abstract: An air valve for an inflatable device, which includes a valve block having two downward locating plates, a valve cap detachably closed on the valve block, and a valve flap fastened to an inside annular flange inside the valve block and turned to close/open the air passage through the valve block, wherein the valve flap has a finger rod raised from a free flap portion thereof for the holding of the hand to turn the free flap portion of the valve flap downwards from a close position to an open position, enabling the free flap portion to be forced through the gap between the locating plates and then stopped at the locating plates in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Ho Lee Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsai Lung-Po
  • Patent number: 6119714
    Abstract: A valve cap for an installation having interior air pressure. The cap includes an upper sleeve portion with a central recess for receiving a pair of pressure indicating inserts. The inserts are received in the recess, and each displays one digit of a desired inflation pressure on its upper surface. The inserts also have a formation thereon which enable them to be snapped snugly in place within the recess. Other embodiments include a tray nesting with the inserts. A single insert is also taught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Karl G. Otzen
  • Patent number: 6102064
    Abstract: A theft resistant valve cap including a liner adapted for threaded engagement with a standard pneumatic tire stem valve, a sleeve rotatably mounted with the liner to shroud it and an interlocking feature to selectively prevent axial displacement between the liner and the sleeve. The interlocking feature includes a screw threaded into an aperture in the sleeve, or other coupling device, and an annular channel on the liner, positioned to receive the screw. The annular channel has an upper surface, a lower surface and an inner surface disposed between the upper and lower surfaces. The screw is moved so that it extends into the channel resting proximate to the upper surface, but clear of both said lower and inner surfaces. The screw can be removed after the valve cap has been installed. In this fashion, the liner and the sleeve are in a fixed axial position with respect to each other; however, the rotatability of the sleeve with respect to the liner is maintained, preventing removal of the liner from the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Robert Robinson
  • Patent number: 6089251
    Abstract: Pneumatic valve (1) for an inflatable object such as an inflatable boat, arranged so as to be partially embedded in an aperture (22) in the flexible wall (21) of the inflatable object carrying it and comprising a valve body (2) containing a valve mechanism (1) and two collars (18, 20) like truncated cones surrounding the valve body (2) and gripping between them in a leak-proof manner the portion of the flexible wall (21) peripherally bordering the aperture (22); the two collars (18, 20) belong to two respective rings (17, 19) removably attached to the valve body (2), and sealing means (16) are provided between the lower ring (17) and the valve body (2); thanks to which the valve body (2) can present a transverse dimension approximately identical to that of said aperture (22) of the flexible wall (21) and fitting the valve (2) to or removing it from the flexible wall (21) can be carried out entirely from the exterior of the flexible wall (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Zodiac International
    Inventor: Dominique Pestel
  • Patent number: 5450886
    Abstract: In order to be able easily to inflate a tire mounted on a rim with a seal ring (6) arranged between the two beads, without presenting the ordinary inconveniences in mounting, the inflation device is formed of a valve (V, V') provided with a locking element (2, 2') intended to be associated with a locking member (83, 51) separate from the valve. The method of inflation consists then in introducing the valve (V, V') provided with its stem (1, 1') and its locking element (2, 2') into the orifice (64) provided in the ring 6 and into the locking member (83, 51), and then turning the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin - Michelin & Cie
    Inventor: Dominique Girard
  • Patent number: 5351711
    Abstract: An automatic sealing valve having a cylindrical inflation nozzle, which has a cone-shaped wall section in its lower area, which a welding rim adjoins. The welding rim is connected by a peripheral joint with a foil of the inflatable body. A pressure membrane is peripherally welded at the peripheral joint at the lower end of the welding rim and forms an open air passage. The annular area formed in this way is the active pressure area with which the pressure membrane presses against the welding rim. The pressure membrane has a recess below the cone-shaped edge area which is sealingly closed by a cup-shaped receptacle. The inflation nozzle can be pushed into the receptacle with its cone-shaped edge area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Inventor: Arthur M. Peter
  • Patent number: 5343889
    Abstract: A nozzle for inflatable objects being made of a plastic material, including a nozzle body and a sealing element composed of a vertical sleeve body and an one-way membrane, in which the nozzle body is incorporated with an annular nozzle seat, a conical wall is extended upward from the annular nozzle seat, an annular horizontal wall is extended from the top of the conical wall, a vertical cylindrical body is extended from the annular horizontal wall, an air passage is formed in the vertical cylindrical body, a plug which can be inserted to the air passage to seal the air passage, the sealing element is tightly fitted to the lower cylindrical body, and an one-way membrane is secured to the inner wall of the sealing element to swing freely therein and to close the air passage tightly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Inventor: Horng-Chang Jaw
  • Patent number: 5341833
    Abstract: A tire valve cap for a flush mounted tire valve seals the tire valve against external debris and internal leakage. Slits in the wall of the cap allow the cap to act like a spring after insertion and to permit any internal leakage to intensify the sealing properties of the cap to the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: Don Davis
  • Patent number: 5325886
    Abstract: Apparatus for inflating a tire connected to a tire rim and indicating the pressure of a tire while the tire is on the rim includes an elongated body element for connection with the tire rim, an elongated valve element having indicia thereon slidably disposed within an elongated passageway within the elongated body element, a seal attached to the elongated valve element, and a spring for biasing the elongated valve element against movement toward an extended position. The elongated valve element is moveable to a fully retracted position within the elongated body element and allows pressurized air to flow between the elongated body element and the elongated valve element when the apparatus is used to fill a tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventor: James E. Klink
  • Patent number: 5306187
    Abstract: An inflator manifold made of plastic materials that is as strong as metallic inflator manifolds and that has the same external dimensions of metallic inflator manifolds so that it meets industry strength and size standards. The outermost end of the inflator manifold is capped by an end cap having external and internal threads so that a double screw threaded engagement is achieved that matches the strength of metallic threads. The side walls of the inflator manifold are thickened in an internal direction so that the bore for gaseous fluids under pressure entering the article to be inflated has a diameter less than the diameter of a bore of a metallic inflator manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Glenn H. Mackal
  • Patent number: 5211782
    Abstract: A tire valve assembly is provided that includes a valve stem with external threads and a valve core which is placed in an axial passage in the valve stem. The valve stem is installed in a hole provided in a wheel rim using a locknut that secures the stem to the rim. The valve stem in particular has at least one flat surface for applying a hand tool to hold and to prevent the valve stem from rotating while the locknut is tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Inventor: Donald Thelen
  • Patent number: 5119842
    Abstract: An improved nozzle for inflatable objects including a nozzle seat, a first annular wall extending from which, a relatively thin ring portion on the first annular wall to serve as a bending position, a conical body defining an air inlet located on the ring portion, an one-way membrane beneath the air inlet, a tab and a plug arm carrying a plug and having a protuberance at an end for inserting to the air inlet to push away the one-way membrane for deflation purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Inventor: Horng-Chang Jaw
  • Patent number: 5083581
    Abstract: A nozzle for inflatable objects, made of a plastic material, including a nozzle seat adapted to engage with the inflatable object, a first annular wall extending from the nozzle seat, a relatively thin ring portion formed at top end of the first annular wall, a second annular wall extending from the ring portion to define an air inlet, a plug for blocking air inlet, a plug arm extending from second annular wall and connecting the plug with second annular wall, a plug extension formed with a projection and extended from the plug at a position remote from plug arm, a tab formed with a hole and located at a side of air inlet opposite plug arm, and a one-way membrane extending from first annular wall, which during inflation allows air to blow through air inlet into the inflatable object, whereby after inflation, the plug is fitted into air inlet and the nozzle is retracted into the inflatable object with first bent portion bent downward, while when deflating, the plug is drawn out of air inlet and the nozzle is f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Inventor: Horng-Chang Jaw
  • Patent number: 5044098
    Abstract: An implement interface, comprising first and second spring actuators comprising respective first apparatus for attaching the interface to an implement and second apparatus for attaching the interface to a source of mechanical power. A spring is stressed between the spring actuators. The interface is adapted to apply downwardly directed force to the implement. Method of moving media is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Inventor: Ray A. Berghefer
  • Patent number: 5040562
    Abstract: A valve cap adapted to be screwed onto the tire valve of a pneumatic tire generates a wireless transmissible pressure drop indication signal. The valve cap comprises a valve cap housing comprising a pressure chamber and a reference chamber. The non-blockable pressure chamber is admittable with the tire pressure to be controlled. The reference chamber is admitted with a desired pressure whenever the valve cap is screwed onto the tire valve. A signal generating means including transmitter means, power supply means and switching means is provided within said valve cap housing. The switching means comprises a conductor section fixedly arranged within the pressure chamber in a short distance to a rest position of a deflectable diaphragm. Any tire pressure drop will converge the diaphragm into the pressure chamber and will complete an electrical circuit whereupon a transmitter circuitry is supplied with voltage/current, and the transmitter means generates a pressure drop indicating signal of limited duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Inventor: Rainer Achterholt
  • Patent number: 5029730
    Abstract: A sealed oxygen container having a filling neck is provided with a heat welded closure cap. A valve is positioned within the neck. The valve enables the container to be filled with oxygen and then seals the oxygen therein preventing oxygen from escaping during heat welding of the closure cap. The heat welded cap may then be readily pierced so that oxygen can be dispsensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Sparklet Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary A. Kostecki, Robert C. Guth, James P. Lyons, Donald G. Seliner, Luther S. Moore
  • Patent number: 4924899
    Abstract: A gas inlet including an inlet body having a gas passage, a tube body and a plug body, wherein the tube body and plug body are connected to the inlet body via a thin strip. The tube body has a close end and a cut and is suitable to be fitly fitted into the gas passage, while the plug body is suitable to be plugged into the tube body, whereby by means of plugging or removing the tube body and plug body, an inflatable product can be rapidly inflated or deflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Inventor: Tsai J. Po
  • Patent number: 4823831
    Abstract: A nozzle for inflatable objects being made of a plastic material, including a nozzle seat which is subject to engage with the inflatable object in such a manner that it is normally retracted in the inflatable object but also being extendable from the surface of the inflatable object when being pulled out; and annular wall extended from the nozzle seat which defines an air inlet; a plug for insertion into the air inlet; a plug arm extended from the annular wall and connecting the plug with the nozzle seat; a plug extension extended from the plug at a position remote from the plug arm and having two holes; a tie at a side of the air inlet opposite the plug arm being passable through the two holes on the plug extension; and a piece of one-way membrane extended from a lower face of the nozzle seat which during inflation allows air to blow in through the air inlet but which blocks air from flowing out of the air inlet when the nozzle seat is protruded from the surface of the inflatable object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Inventor: Horng-Chang Jaw
  • Patent number: 4768574
    Abstract: A valve for vehicle tires, in particular a snap-in valve, having a shell-like plastic material of a hardness in the condition as supplied of about 65 to 75 Shore A, which has a base portion for connection to a rim or the like and a valve cylinder having an external screwthread for a valve cap, wherein an axial opening in the valve cylinder, in the axial direction, is of different diameters and accommodates a valve insert which is mounted axially displaceably against a force storage means, is to be such that manufacture and also operational reliability are improved.That is achieved in that the shell-like body is combined with the valve cylinder to provide a valve body (11) and same is produced in one piece from the plastic material in such a way that the hardness at the inside surfaces (26, 27) of the axial opening of the valve cylinder is higher, at least in the region adjoining the valve insert (12), than at the base portion (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Alligator Ventilfabrik GmbH
    Inventor: Georg Probst
  • Patent number: 4768537
    Abstract: The air hose to water hose adapter includes a water hose connector having a first cylindrical tube at the front thereof adapted to be rigidly connected to a hose line, and a rear, second larger cylindrical tube, internally threaded, rotatably connected to the first tube. A novel air hose connector is releasably received in the rear portion of the water hose connector and includes an externally threaded generally cylindrical fitting which can abut an internal shelf in the water hose connector and has a central passageway therein, and an elastomeric plug releasably secured in that fitting passageway. The plug has a rounded front end adapted to protrude into the first tube of the water hose connector and plug it tight. The plug front end has a rear flange or shelf which seats firmly in a recessed ring at the front of the air hose fitting, and the plug also has an elongated intermediate portion in the fitting passageway, with external sealing ring engageable with the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Inventor: George Tash
  • Patent number: 4766628
    Abstract: An air mattress has a filler check valve connected to an air blower to supply air to the mattress chamber. A holder secured to the air mattress locates the filler check valve in a recessed position relative to an outer wall of the mattress. The filler check valve has a sleeve mounted on the holder and a rod attached to a valve head carrying an annular sealing member. A spring biases the valve head to a closed position wherein annular sealing member engages a beveled face on the inner end of the sleeve. The outer end of the sleeve has a cylindrical collar with internal and external threads. The internal threads of the collar engage external threads of the holder to secure the sleeve on the holder. A cap has an annular flange with internal threads of the collar to close an air passage in the sleeve. Seals located between the collar and sleeve and between the cap and the sleeve inhibit leakage of air from the chamber of the air mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Inventor: Robert A. Walker
  • Patent number: 4702754
    Abstract: A vapor delivery pressure test adapter for integral installation at the outlet of a vapor delivery pressure regulator within a self-contained vapor delivery system, comprising a vapor pipe nipple compatible with such system, with vapor filter means internally and fixedly mounted within the nipple, and delivery pressure test adapter means externally and piercingly mounted to the nipple to permit intermittent external measurement of vapor delivery pressure within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Inventor: William C. Blocker
  • Patent number: 4445527
    Abstract: A tire valve extension (10) which includes a relief valve element (24) to limit the inflation pressure of the tire. The extension has a tubular body with an annular recess (36) formed therein to define an outer tube section (14) and an inner tube section (16). A spring loaded valve actuating pin (18) is received within the inner tube section, and the relief valve element is received within the recess. Ports (32) formed in the body intersect a channel (38) formed in the recess to define a relief flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1984
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Richard C. Leimbach
  • Patent number: 4356836
    Abstract: A rigid valve stem cover for flexible tubeless tire type valve stems. The cover has a frustro conical shape which threadably engages the valve stem at its upper end while the bottom edge of the cover comes in contact with the stem and wheel rim area surrounding the stem and provides substantial rigidity to the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1982
    Inventors: Clayton P. Wenger, Clifford A. Reeves
  • Patent number: 4337814
    Abstract: Tires are typically inflated through an air conduit mounted on the tire carcass and extending through a hole in the metal rim on which the tire is mounted. Now and then relative slipping between the tire and rim has caused the air conduit to be sheared off, deflating the tire. The present invention overcomes this problem by moving the air conduit (26, 33, 37) completely away from the rim. The air conduit (26, 33, 37) extends from the air chamber (12) through the track wall (10) to the side wall (8) of the carcass (7) and terminates in an air valve receptacle (27) accessible at the side wall (8) of the carcass (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1982
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Charles E. Grawey
  • Patent number: 4292999
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve for toy balloons, this valve opening inwardly under very minor excess pressure and yet providing a tight seal by means of an additional cap. A container surrounding the valve and flaring conically serves for introducing the valve into the balloon aperture without the need for a special mounting or sealing means. The container is sealed by a removable lid containing the cap and simultaneously making it possible to introduce an internal illumination for the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1981
    Inventor: Anton Szollmann
  • Patent number: 4281422
    Abstract: A disconnect unit for the isolation of the aqueous contents of a swimming pool from pump lines running into said pool which permits contained water to be blown clear of said pump lines without need to remove any substantial quantities of water from the pool. The unit comprises a pool inlet fitting having a check valve permanently mounted therein and adapted to have inserted within the check valve at its distal end a compressed air nipple and at its proximal end frictionally and permanently embedded into the wall a blocking membrane for the inlet fitting member. The device functions by the first insertion of the compressed air nipple 1 into the check valve 2 and the locking of the shoulders of the two members together. The air line to the pump is then blown clear of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1981
    Inventor: Louis R. Simonelli
  • Patent number: 4239184
    Abstract: A construction for valve stems for vehicle tires is provided which fits them to accept quick connect and disconnect connectors. The stem is equally functional with quick connect connectors of different sizes and provides a protective covering for the entrance to the valve stem which is quickly removed when the connector is to be affixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1980
    Inventor: Walter H. Dudar
  • Patent number: 4015624
    Abstract: A valve assembly having a pair of flow passages in fluid communication with a chamber leading to a tire. One of the passages contains a typical one-way valve core mechanism while the other passage contains a pressure release mechanism. The cross sectional area of the tire inflation passage is less than the cross sectional area of the passage leading from the chamber to the pressure release bore. The openings at the ambient pressure ends of the valve bores are unobstructed for ready access to the valve mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1977
    Assignee: The B.F. Goodrich Company
    Inventors: Gregory E. Wanstreet, C. Lucas Plaat
  • Patent number: 4015623
    Abstract: A valve assembly having a pair of flow passages in fluid communication with a chamber leading to a tire. One of the passages contains a typical one-way valve core mechanism while the other passage contains a pressure release mechanism. The cross sectional area of the tire inflation passage is less than the cross sectional area of the passage leading from the chamber to the pressure release bore. The exhaust port has a closure means which opens simultaneously with the pressure release mechanism. The closure means offers resistance to escaping inflation fluid which serves to urge the pressure release mechanism open against the biasing force of spring means urging it closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1977
    Assignee: The B.F. Goodrich Company
    Inventor: Gregory E. Wanstreet
  • Patent number: D265380
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1982
    Inventor: William F. Addington