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.

Abstract: The present invention is related to pumps and, more specifically, to pumps for use with inflatable devices. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a pump is provided. The pump includes an outer housing and an inner housing positioned within the outer housing and defining a fluid conduit between the inner housing and the outer housing. The pump also includes a motor positioned within the inner housing, a vane occupying a majority of the fluid conduit, and an impeller positioned within the fluid conduit and connected to the motor. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an inflatable device is provided. The inflatable device includes a substantially fluid impermeable bladder, a valve assembly, and a hand holdable pump detachably connected to the valve assembly. In this embodiment, a majority of the hand holdable pump and valve assembly are positioned within the bladder. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a pump is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is related to inflatable devices, and, more specifically, to inflatable devices in combination with rigid surfaces and a method for deflating an inflatable device. According to one embodiment of the present invention an inflatable device is provided. The inflatable device includes a substantially fluid impermeable bladder and an outlet in the bladder. The inflatable device also includes a first substantially rigid surface in contact with a first surface of the fluid impermeable bladder and a second substantially rigid surface in contact with the first surface of the fluid impermeable bladder. In this embodiment, the first and second substantially rigid surfaces collectively are in contact with more than half of the first surface of the fluid impermeable barrier. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of deflating an inflatable device is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid moving device for use with inflatable articles. The fluid moving device includes a fluid intake port, a motor and impeller assembly, and a fluid transfer orifice that provides the fluid. The fluid moving device also includes a power switch. The fluid moving device may be provided with a hand-holdable housing. The fluid moving device may also be provided with a battery compartment sized and arranged to fit a standard size set of batteries, and a removable battery container. The removable battery container may be sized and arranged to adapt differently sized batteries to the battery compartment. The power switch may also be a self-sealing power switch that seals the intake port when the power switch is in a deactivated position.

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.

Abstract: The application is related to inflatable devices, and, more specifically, to an inflatable device with a recessed fluid controller and improved adjustment device. In one embodiment, the application is directed to an inflatable device comprising a substantially fluid impermeable bladder and a fluid controller comprising an electrically powered pump at least partly positioned within the bladder. In another embodiment, the application is directed to a combination of a fluid controller comprising an electrically powered pump and an inflatable device. The combination comprises the fluid controller connected to the inflatable device such that the exterior profile of the fluid controller and inflated inflatable device in combination is essentially the same as the exterior profile of the inflated inflatable device.

Abstract: The application relates to fasteners for use in securing two objects together with a fastening element and to an inflatable device incorporating such fasteners. In one embodiment, a fastener for use with a fastening element includes a housing sized and adapted to mate with a fastening element and a latch positioned relative to the housing to retain the fastening element within the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid moving device for use, for example, with inflatable articles. The fluid moving device includes an intake port that provides for fluid to be drawn into the fluid moving device, a motor and impeller assembly for moving the fluid through the fluid moving device and a fluid transfer orifice that provides the fluid at an output of the fluid moving device. The fluid moving device also includes a power switch that allows manual activation and deactivation of the fluid moving device.

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.

Abstract: A portable, inflatable support system, and a portable inflator for use with such a system are provided in one embodiment. The inflatable support system may include an inflatable mattress having a pressure valve and a battery powered inflator for removable engagement therewith, which on engagement is automatically powered for a predetermined time or until a predetermined pressure is achieved. The mattress may be readily expanded for use and collapsed for storage. Another embodiment provides a multipurpose pressure control, for manual adjustment to provide an inflatable support system of desired firmness, and to modify the posture of the reclining user. A dual valve assembly includes a cover assembly that removably covers a throat, and the cover assembly is itself provided with a one-way valve.

Abstract: A portable, inflatable support system, and a portable inflator for use with such a system are provided in one embodiment. The inflatable support system may include an inflatable mattress having a pressure valve and a battery powered inflator for removable engagement therewith, which on engagement is automatically powered for a predetermined time or until a predetermined pressure is achieved. The mattress may be readily expanded for use and collapsed for storage. Another embodiment provides a multipurpose pressure control, for manual adjustment to provide an inflatable support system of desired firmness, and to modify the posture of the reclining user. Another embodiment provides an in-place bedding system, including a mattress, mattress cover, and top and bottom bedsheets, which retain their functional arrangement when the bed is collapsed for storage and prepared for use, thereby eliminating the necessity for re-making the bed with each use.

Abstract: A acollapsible, portable, stowable, air inflatable bed is disclosed. The bed consists of an air mattress supported at the head from a hollow cylinder. One end of the hollow cylinder forms the support housing and the air conduit for an electric motor driven air pump. The other end of the hollow cylinder provides miscellaneous storage space. The surface of the cylinder provides a roller assembly onto which the air bed is rolled as it is being deflated. The mattress is inflated and automatically unrolled by pumping air through a one-way valve into the interior of the mattress. When the user is lying on the mattress, the firmness can be increased by energizing the pump motor, or the firmness can be decreased by manually releasing air through the one-way valve. The mattress is rapidly deflated by first opening a relatively large valve at the end of the mattress opposite the cylinder, and then hand rolling the mattress on to the cylinder. A unique beeding system is also disclosed.