Abstract: A tether adapted for use in a device for inflating and deflating an inflatable article. The device shown has a body affixed to a wall of the inflatable article at a hole therethrough, the device having a tubular insert or nipple sealed to the body and a closure element or plug functioning as a stopper for the nipple, the plug being completely removable from the nipple to deflate the article. The plug has threaded engagement with the nipple, and functions as an inflating check valve when the valve is opened by partially unscrewing the plug from the nipple. The inflation device incorporates a novel tether for the rotatable plug, the tether permitting free rotation of the plug with respect to the nipple, and the complete removal of the plug from the nipple while retaining it tethered, as during the deflation of the inflatable article.

Abstract: Device for inflating and deflating an inflatable article. The device has a body affixed to a wall of the inflatable article at a hole therethrough, the device having a tubular insert or nipple sealed to the body and a closure element or plug functioning as a stopper for the nipple, the plug being completely removable from the nipple to deflate the article. The plug has threaded engagement with the nipple, and functions as an inflating check valve when the valve is opened by partially unscrewing the plug from the nipple. The check valve is of novel construction, incorporating an annular seat formed integral with the body of the inflation device, a valve element in the form of a diaphragm on the plug cooperating with such annular seat, and a novel means for manually locally unseating the valve element from the annular valve seat when the plug is partially unscrewed from the nipple.