AU2003244024C1 - A switchable inflation device - Google Patents

Description

29- 8-03;18:27 f 6/ 33 ReAPatio. 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

(ORIGINAL)

Name of Applicant(s): Robert B. Chaffee, of 78 Montgomery Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, United States of America Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: Robert B. CHAFFEE DAVIES COLLISON CAVE, Patent Attorneys, of 1 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia "A switchable inflation device" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: -1- COMS ID No: SMBI-00397160 Received by IP Australia: Time 18:39 Date 2003-08-29 29- 8-03;10!27 j /3 7/ 33 PACOSM:LA12=702TWcdaW-ISMM~ -lIA- A SWITCHABLE INFLATION DEVICE The invention relates to a fluid moving device for use primarily, but not exclusively, with low-pressure inflatable articles.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a fluid moving device that includes a self-sealing intake port that provides for a fluid to he drawn into the fluid moving device, a moving means for moving the fluid through the fluid moving device, and a fluid transfer orifice that provides the fluid. According to this embodiment, the fluid moving device is also provided with a power switch for activating and deactivating the moving means. The power switch includes a self-sealing structure that seals the self-sealing intake port when the power switch is in a deactivated position, and that unseals the self-sealing intake pent when the power switch is not in the deactivated position.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a combination of an inflatable device and a fluid moving device comprising: the inflatable device; and the fluid moving device, including: a self-sealing intake port that provides for a fluid to be drawn into the fluid moving device; moving means for moving the fluid through the fluid moving device; and a fluid transfer orifice that provides the fluid; the combination characterized in that: the fluid moving device includes a power switch for activating and deactivating the moving means, wherein the power switch includes a self-sealing structure that seals the self-sealing intake port when the power switch isd in a deactivated position, and that unseals the self-sealing intake port when the power switch is not in the deactivated position; and the inflatable device includes a valve assembly that is constructed and arranged to mate with the fluid moving device.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the COMS ID No: SMBI-00397180 Received by 1P Australia: Time 18:39 Date 2003-08-29 2R- 8-03;18:27 18/2 8/ 3 -2accompanying drawings: FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a hand held fluid moving device, shown being held in a power OFF mode; FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of the fluid moving device, illustrating a switch in a power OFF position and air vents in a closed position; FIG. 3 is a perspective front view of the hand held fluid moving device, shown being held in a power ON mode; FIG. 4 is a perspective side view of the fluid moving device, showing the switch in a power ON position and the air vents in an open position; FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the fluid moving device illustrating its components arrangement and connection to an inflatable receptacle via an inflation valve; FIG. 6 is a perspective front view of the fluid moving device, shown being held in a "ready" position for both powering ON the fluid moving device and for engaging or disengaging with a receptacle via an inflation valve; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional top view of the fluid moving device including an embodiment of a battery compartment; COMS ID No: SMBI-00397160 Received by IP Australia: Time 18:39 Date 2003-08-29 29- 8-03',18:27 ;;9x3 4 9/ 33- FIG. 8 is a top view of ftr fluid moving device showing the battery compatmt wt Conventionat batteries iostaled; FIG. 9 is a top view of the fluid moving device sowing toe bautily comparnnem with a battery peck for rechageable-type btteries innllied s FIG. 10 is stiop iew of the Mlid moving device ilhaftg another embo~diment of a FIG. I Iis a top view of the flud moving devmie ilhsat the batry compartment of FIG. 10, with conmrliona] batteries isat FIG. 12 is a top iew of the flaid moving device llusmang the battery compnnt w of FIG. 10, and ilustrating a battery pack having erge~ahle-typ baftteries nStalld withi a battery contaner and disposed within the bstu compartment FIG. 13 is a perspective view of tde battery conaine, mid the batery pack including rechargeable batteries of FIG. 12, and a battery charging adaptor, FIG. 14 is a p=eraetve view of the battery charig adepkorof FIG. 13; is FIG. 15 is PL perspective view of the bafty oostaw, the bater puck and the battery charging aidator of FIG. 13, tlhutatin connectio of t batty chaging adaptor to the bakery pick and battery cthszr, and FI1G. 16 is a cutway side perspective view of dth u moving device having a power swich an! showin a arranc of uerior cmoma wish caveuical batteries 2o installed.

Daish Dumnip4ft Unles otewise indcaed the follwing descrpton is rae With reference to FIG.

The preferred embodiment of t fud mving dievice 100 oft.w invention aw herin 2s disclosed, is tD be used as an inflation device tha will eoaipleiy inflt am! pessiza infatable articles up to approximately %t psi (O.OOkPa It is t* be apptrcated tha lager capcty versio of thi fluid moving device cabs mUt Provide mare prn such as for example, up to 4 psi (0.O0kAf). It is to be appreciated tha in aprf=cmd embodiment of the invention, air is thefuid that is moved mud tha may be modified in prCssue by the luid moving device, however, the device of the invention is no limited to air moving deviccs and oan include any flid moving device as defined by the clairm COMS ID No: SMBI-00397160 Received by IP Australia: Time 18:39 Date 2003-08-29 29- 8-03:18:27 10/ 33 .4- The fluid motving device ofthis invention is preferably used with inflatable recptacles that incorporate a valve which allows rapid transfer of fluid into the inflatable receptacle (at least 10 cfm [4.7 at low pressure. It is to be ppricated that an infatable receptacle as used herein is to include any recptaele that can receive a fluid, and in a preferred s embodiment, includes inflatable articles having a valve assembly that mates with the fluid moving device such as, for example, mattresses, toys, flBosts, and the like. An example of such a valve 26, shown in combination with an inflatable receptacle 28, is illustrated in FIG.

A preferred embodiment of dthis inflation valve has a fluid transfer orifice of approximately 314 sq. in. (5cm), which does not unduly restrict fluid flow from the fluid moving device to to the inflatable receptacle. The ombination ofthe inflation valve and the inflatable receptacle, when coupled with the fluid moaving device 100, provides an easy-to-use, inexpnsie, fast and efficient way to move fluid into and to pressurize most low-prssure inflatable receptacles.

The preferred embodiment of the fluid moving device is battery operated It includes is a housing 1 with a motor 3, an impeller I1 and a power switch 5. A battery power source affords maxmm portability. Referring now to Figs. 7-9, to address cost/perfornance issues which may be important to uses of this device, the fluid moving device 100 incldes a battery chamber 30 which will accept either a more readily availabl, wer-cost conventional battery such as, for example, an alkaline battery 33 or a higher-cost, eohanced perfbrmanca rechargeable-type battery such as, for example, anickel cadmium battery 36.

Referring to FIG. 5 and PIG. 7, with the removal of panel 45, located at one end of the battery compartment 30, batteries may be inserted into the battery compartment ofthe fluid moving device. A spring latch 47 (see PIG. 5) located on the panel secures the panel to the housing. Manual depression of the spring allows the panel to be removed. When the panel is installed in the housing, it uaintains the batteries in em operable condition within the battery compmcet Referring now to FIG. 9, there is illustrated an embodiment of a battery pack configuration 38, which fits into the battery Ohamber 30 of the fluid moving device and that is dinccionally itrchangeable wit the conventional batteries 33 a illustrated in FIG. R. The embodiment of the battery pack illustrated in Fu. 9 includes a slot 37 which allows the battery pack to mate with a spring 39. The spring 39 enters into the slot and the slot 37 is configurcd such that the battery pack mates with housing contat 41. The spring 39 and spring 40 of the battery compartment provide equal and opposite forces on the battery pack COMS ID No: SMBI-00397160 Received by IP Australia: Time 18:39 Date 2003-08-29 29- 8-03:18:27 1 11/ 33 such that the battery pack can make appropriate contact to the housing contact 41. The housing contact is coupled to the various components of the tuid moving device that require power. Accordingly, the battery pack is provided with the slot to allow this electrical connection to the housing contact.

s As the physical requirements for interchangeability of the batteries such as, for example, size and shape of the conventional and rechargeable-type batteries vary, a mechanism is needed to Insure that all battery options will fit and properly function within the fluid moving device's battery comparitmem 30. Referring mow to FIG. 10, in the preferred embodiment of the fluid moving device, the battery compartment is sized to accommodate a to phnality of Csize alkaline battmies. Therefore, thereis needed a mechanism to allow for a battery size that is either larger or smaller than the conventional C-size alkaline battery.

As will be discussed in further detail ifra, one such mechanism that may be used to achieve size compatibility is a battery pack that holds differently sized batteries, and that is compatibly sized to fit within the.battery compartment 30. An example of such.a battery 1is pack 38 is illistrated in FIG. 9 and is discussed saupra. An additional example of such a battery pack will be illustrated infra.

Another mechanism that may be used to provide the above-described compatibility of differently sized batteries with the battery compartent, Is a rusable battery container that is compatible in size with the C-sir alkaline battery such as is illustrated in FIGS. 1 3A, 135 and 5IA, 158, and that may also house avariety ofsmaller or differently sized batteries or battery packs. The battery container is adaptable to accept various battery types and sizes of batteries including, for example, multiple sies of nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries. Referring to FIG. 13A, 13B, a surface of the battery container incorporates at least one spring 51 that may be disposed at a.pltrulity of locations, which may securely 2s hold batteries of, for example, different diameter in the battery container. An interior of the battery container also includes at least one spring 57 that may maintain batteries of different length in a desired operating position within the battery container. The interior of the battery container can be further reconfigured to accommodate batteries of substantially different length by, for example, moving or changing a position of the spring 57..

FG. 10 ilusrates an embodimcat ofthe fluid moving device which will accept such a battery container 50. The fluid moving device includes spring contacts 52, 53 at opposite ends of the battery compartment 30. This pair ofspring contacts helps to assure electrical COMS ID No: SMBI-00397160 Received by IP Australia: Time 18:39 Date 2003-08-29 29- 8-03;1:27 2 12/ 33 -6rontaCt betwegn any of the battries, the battery peck and the battery container and the housig1 contac (not Millstrated) of rho fluid rmoving device, reprdlien of which battery option is uso4L Referring again to FIG. 5, any of the battery container 50 and the battery pack 3S may s be provided wih a tab 46 (see also the battery container as iustrated in IG. 23) ta as=Umes proper orientation of the battery pack or the battery containar witin the fud =oving device.

Itt particular, the fluid morving device inclus a protrusion 99 that prven the battery pack or the battery container from being inserted into the fluid moving device in an impropr orientation. In particular, the pnnrusion 99 prevents the tab 46 on the battery pack or the io battery container from sliding pest the protrusion, thus sawniag thAt the battery pack or thei battery container can be inserted into the battery conpartmeit 30 in only one orientation.

The srucbre is useful, for example, to prevent the battery or btteies withi" the. battery container from inadvertently being shorted out d= to imprper orictztimm in the battery compartment and improper Contact to the spring conact 52 of the battery compartment (see is FIG. Rferring now to FIGS. 13A and 13B, thee Is illustrted an embodimet ofthe battery container 50. which house, for cnntplc, differetly sized echargable batery typs.

In the pwvfcrrcd crnbodimceLm the battery container can acept smaller than C-size rechargeable battery sizes and ciy also be configured, wit a digt modlficati, to house targer than Csizc rechargeabLe banerics. In particular, in the preferred anbodmens, the battery container accepts any battery size below without any wodilctica.

Accrdiy,- it is to be appreciated that although the prefened embodiment of te battery container is illustrated with C-type batteries, any battery option or size can be used within the battery container- The battery continr may also be provided with a strucue tat allows rechargeable batteries contained within the battery container to be recharsed while the rechageable batteries are within the banery contair, thereby elimnating the need to re=oe the rechargeable batteries or the battery pack fom the container with every charge FGS. 13A, 138 and I$A, 158 ilhntraftea rechargeable bettcry pack S4 having a tenninl end 56 -3 dispoed within the batry containr S. The battery contair 50 is prid4 with a pair of tabs 58, 59 extending from an end of the battery container, that hae a rib configuration which create slot sections 64, 65. The slot sections mate with ibs 6S. 69 on a battery COMS ID No: SMBI-00397160 Received by IP Australia: lime 18:39 Date 2003-08-29 29- 8-03;18:27 13Z 33 47charging device 72. The battezy charging dtvicc 72 ma slide it a chaging position as MunneUL-d ia FIG, 15, whereby thc ribsaliSn and seceterminais 79, 79 on the battay charging device (see FIG. 14A) and contact with batter tcinals 80, S1 of the battery paek, thereby enabling recharge of the battery peck.

The butiwy container 50 also may be used to pmoide atrucatre forproteting the rechargeable battery pack 54 for traSportation or storage such aS for examlea, w*ho the rechargeabe battery peck is erred outside oftbe fluid moving devics battery comparkutr4 or may be ma to provide addional seemi ty against inadvenent activation of the fluid moving device such ma, for example, when the fid moving device is tutpot~ed with th battery pack disposed within the fluid moving dovice. For eithr oflhse sc=rios, it is advantageous and useful to protect the exposed battery Ismitmis SD, SI and to elimiate inadveret activation of the fluid moving devie due to conet with the battery ternusals.

This protection of the battery teiminals may be achieved by reversing the positin of the rechargeable battery pack within the battery confliner 30 that an eposed cad crtbe battery Is pack canot make cntact with the owing contat 41 (scc and so that the bttry tenils S0, 81 ae situated at a protected, non-active end 5$ oft!. battry conainer(see FIG.- 13A).

AA adantage of the i rchsngeb ity o onventional baetdes, differently sized rechargeable batteries and the rechargeable'bitery paek54. is tha the mr is provided with a cost/perfbrmanc option, wherein the ser can select the'lower-ost, readiy available convectiodl batteies which may not provideas much-output power, but typically have a longer run time than n option such as the rcchaaguable battery pack. Abternatively, the user ern select, for example. the rechargeable battery pack which alftough more expensiv provides a higher oulpit and threfore n=n the f"d movig device at a higher throughput of s fuid at increased pressre, and also provides the option to reeharge the battry peck so that it is reusable. It should also be appreciated tbt any of Ow i -th& r'angrabk batherypW&3g fi rcchargable battery perk 54 which has been ilustrated as mating with the battery container the battery container incuding any sied batteries, the standd Sized bttries",and the battey compartmnm 30 hat accommodats any of te Interchangeable optious, a= not limited to a fluid Moving device. 12 prticar, it is to be precated that the bttery container, the battery pack and the battery compartment can be used with any battery-operated device.

COMS ID No: SMBI-00397160 Received by IP Australia: Time (Itm) 18:39 Date 2003-08-29 29- 8-03;18:27 1 4/ 3.

-8- As stated above, the objective of having multiple power sources available with the fluid moving device and which are containable within the fluid moving device housing, is to provide the user with the choice in selecting the user's preferred battery option as well as performance option which suits the user's needs. However, it is to be appreciated that the fluid moving device need not contain the interchangeable power source and can also be configured with, for example, a set of rechargeable batteries permanently installed within the fluid moving device so that the rechargeable batteries can be recharged within the fluid moving device by attaching the battery charging connector to a suitable connector on the fluid moving device itself. Nevertheless, it is to be appreciated that an advantage of the removable and rechargeable battery container or removable battery pack and the battery compartment ofthe fluid moving device configured to accommodate the removable battery container and the removable battery pack, is that the fluid moving device may be operated by an additional power source even when the battery container or battery pack has been removed from the battery compartment such as, for example, to charge the battery container or the rechargeable battery pack. Therefore, it is an advantage of this embodiment of the fluid moving device of the invention, that the operating time of the fluid moving device may be extended beyond that of an fluid moving device having the rechargeable battery pack completely and permanently enclosed within the fluid moving device.

In the preferred embodiment of the fluid moving device, any of the above-described battery sources may be used interchangeably to power the motor driven impeller 11 (see FIG.

which produces a fluid flow, and which may modify a pressure of the fluid to inflate an fluid moving device.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, it is to be appreciated that another aspect of the fluid moving device of the prefared abodiment of the invention is its hand-holdable assembly. In order to optimize perfomance of the battey source, mtor 3, and impeller 11, these convpnents have been incorporated into an ergonomically efficient, hand-holdable housing 1 having both a multipurpose user grip and a multi-purpose power switch 5. Referring to FIG. 6, the hand-holdable housing allows a user to hold the fluid moving device with the multi-purpose user grip within the user's hand so that the multi-purpose power switch 5 is proximate to and readily accessible by the user's thumb. Essentially, the hand-holdable housing, the multi-purpose user grip, and the multi-purpose power switch are for holding and switching ON or OFF the fluid moving device and also for moving the fluid moving device into and out of a coupled COMS ID No: SMBI-00397160 Received by IP Australia: Time 18:39 Date 2003-08-29 29- 8--03;18:27 #1/3 1 5/ 33 position with the aforementioned valve 26 of an inflatable receptacle (connection with the valve is shown in FIG. Coupling the fluid moving device 100 with the inflation valve 26 via a mechanical interlock simplifies the inflation process by eliminating the need for manual support of the fluid moving device to maintain an airtight connection during inflation. FIGS. 3 and 5-6.

illustrate a preferred embodiment of a mechanical interlock assembly of the invention, having projecting tabs 20 located on the housing proximate to a fluid transfer orifice 1S, which engage with mating projections 22 of the inflation valve located near an outer rim 24 of the inflation valve. The hand-boldable housing provides for both right-hand and left-hand operation and allows the fluid moving device to be rotated both clockwise and counterclockwise to respectively engage and disengage with the inflation valve.

Operation of the fluid moving device will now be described with respect to FIGS. 1-6.

When the fluid moving device is active rotation of the impeller 11I draws fluid into the housing-through-self-sealing intake ports 10. This fluid then passes through the impeller is chamber 14, where it may be pressurized and then ejected from the hand-holdable housing at the fluid transfer orifice 18. In order to maximize the efficiency and power output of the battery, motor, and imnpeller cornbination, an exit side 15 of the impeller chamber 14 includes a series of stationary vanes 16 which direct the path of fluid as it leaves the impeller chamber and flows from the fluid moving device. By better channelling the exit fluid path, the stationary vanes enhance performance, improving the device's capacity to fill and pressurize an inflatable receptacle.

Ina£prefewred embodiment of the motor and impeller combination of the fluid moving device of the invention, it will be appreciated that the motor/impeller combination eliminates te need for additional mechanical attachment of the impeller to a motor shaft in order to prevent axial movement of the impeller on the motor shaft. In particular, in the preferred embodiment, impeller blades of the impeller face the motor such that any axial load on the impeller is in the direction of the motor. In addition, a hub 9 of the impeller abuts against a bushing 8 on the motor shaft, so that any axial movement is prevented. It is further to be appreciated that although the preferred embodiment of the fluid moving device has a motor and impeller, other arrangements of fluid moving devices, for example a diaphragm and pump, that are known to those of skill in the art are also within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

COMS ID Na:SMBI-00397160 Received by IP Australia: Time 18:39 Date 2003-08-29 29- 8-03;18:27 16/ 33 Because the preferred embodiment of the fluid moving device is portable, it may be used in a variety of situations both indoors and out. In these varied operating environments, the fluid path through the fluid moving device via the self-sealing intake ports JO may also place the fluid moving device's internal components in close proximity to threatening environmental debris such as dirt, sand, miscellaneous particulate matter, and the like.

Accordingly, another aspect of the fluid moving device is its self-sealing structure that seals the internal components of the fluid moving device when the power switch of the fluid moving device is in the OFF or deactivated position.

Referring now to FIG. 16, to limit the exposure to foreign matter, the preferred I0 embodiment of the fluid moving device intentionally recesses the self-sealing intake port behind an exterior perimeter of the device. In particular, the power switch 5 has a pair of side members 6 with a series of counter-slots 7 which move with the power switch to open the self-sealing intake vent when thepower switch is moved out.of thedeactivated position toward an ON position, and to seal the intake vent with movement of the power switch to the s1 OFF position (See FIGS. This ensures that exposure of the self-sealing intake port occurs only while the fluid moving device is operating, thereby reducing the potential for contamination of electromechanical components of the fluid moving device.

It is also to be appreciated that in the preferred embodiment of the invention, which is intended for portable applications, the housing I and all components used in the device have been integrated so as to minimize size and weight, thereby improving convenience and ease of operation. In particular, it is to be appreciated that hand-holdable as used herein, is intended to include any fluid moving device that is size and that is light enough to be held in a hand of a user, and preferably is a palm-sized device that may fit in a palm of a user and be activated by a single finger ofthe user. This integration includes the options such as the nickel cadmium battery, which provides a power output to size and weight ratio appropriate to portable application of the device.

Having thus described at least one illustrative embodiment of the invention, various alterations, modifications and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications and improvements are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended as limiting.

COMS ID No: SMBI-00397160 Received by IP Australia: Time 18:39 Date 2003-08-29 29- 8-03.;8 27 1 7/ 3 3 II Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

COMS ID No: SMBI-00397160 Received by IP Australia: Time 18:39 Date 2003-08-29

Claims (2)

1. 23- 8-03;18:27 1 8/ 3 q -12- The claims defining the invention are as follows: I. A fluid moving device comprising: 1 D a self-sealing intake port that provides for a fluid to be drawn into the fluid moving device; moving means for moving the fluid through the fluid moving device; and a fluid transfer orifice that provides the fluid, the device characterized by comprising: is a power switch for activating and deactivating the moving means, wherein the power switch includes a self-sealing structure that seals the self-sealing intake port when the power switch is in a dectivated position, and that unseals the self- sealing intake port when the power switch is not in the deactivated position. 2. The fluid moving device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moving means includes means for modifying a pressure of the fluid to provide a pressurized fluid to and through the fluid transfer orifice. 3. The fluid moving device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the self-sealing intake port includes a plurality of intake vents that are recessed tron an outside wall of the fluid moving device. 4. The fluid moving device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the power switch has a series of counter-slots that move with the power switch to seal the intake vents when the power switch is in the deactivated position, and that move with the power switch to unseal the intake vents when the power switch is not in the deactivated position. COMS ID No: SMBI-00397160 Received by IP Australia: Time 18:39 Date 2003-08-29
2. 29- 8-03;18:27 1 9/ 3.- -13- The fluid moving device as claimed in claim 1, filrther comprising a hand- holdable-housing that houses the intake port the moving means and the fluid transfer orifice, the hand-holdable housing shaped so that it may be cradled in one hand of a user with a single-handed user grip, the housing and the single-handed user grip allowing the fluid transfer orifice to be rotated into and out of engagement with a valve assembly. 6. The fluid moving device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the power switch is disposed so that it may contact a finger of the user when the fluid moving device is held in the hand of the user and so that the fluid moving device may be activated and deactivated simply by movement of the finger of the user. 7. The fluid moving device as claimed in claim 1; further comprising an interlock connector disposed adjacent the fluid transfer orificei the interlock connector having projecting tabs that engage with mating projections, of a valve assembly. 8. The fluid moving device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the fluid moving device may be rotated in a clockwise and a counter-clockwise direction about the axis of the fluid moving devicce into and out of engagement with the valve assembly, 9. The fluid moving device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moving means injudes a motor in combination with an impeller. wherein a hub of the impeller abuts against a bushing that is on a shaft of the moto; wherein blades of the impeller face the motor, and wherein a back surface of the impeller faces the fluid transfer orifice so that the impeller is prevented from being drawn away from the motor when an axial load occurs and so that the blades of the impeller are not exposed to any object that may be introduced through the fluid transfer orifice. 10. The fluid moving device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluid moving device Ifurthcr includes stationary vanes disposed adjacent the fluid transfcr orifivc that COMS ID No: SMBI-00397160 Received by IP Australia: Time (Hkm) 18:39 Date 2003-08-29 29- 8-03;18:27 20/ 33 -14- direct the fluid path as the fluid exits the fluid moving device to and through the fluid transfer orifice. 11. The fluid moving device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a battery compartment having a size and arrangement to accommodate and provide electrical connection with a standard size set of batteries. 12. The fluid moving device as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a removable battery pack of differently sized batteries, the removable battery pack being 1D sized and arranged to electrically connect with the battery compartment. 13. The fluid moving device as claimed in claim 11, further comprising rechargeable batteries penanently installed in the-battery compartment. 14. The fluid moving device as claimed in claim 11 ,further- comprising a removable battery container sized and arranged to adapt differently sized batteries to the size and arrangement of the battery compartment, so that the differently sized batteries can be electrically connected to the fluid moving device.,: 15. The fluid moving device as claimed in claim 12 or 14, wherein one of the removable battery pack and the removable battery container includes means for assuring proper orientation of the removable battery pack or the removable battery container in the battery comparntment. 16. The fluid moving device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the standard size set of batteries are alkaline C-size batteries, 17. The fluid moving device as claimed in claim 12 or 14, wherein the differently sized batteries are rechargeable batteries. 18. The fluid moving device' as claimed in claim 14, wherein the removable battery COMS ID No: SMBI-00397160 Received by IP Australia: Time 18:39 Date 2003-08-29 29- 8-0S;18:27 2 1/ 3 a container includes a slot that allows the rechargeable batteries to make electrical contact with the battery compartment of the fluid moving device. 19. The fluid moving device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the removable battery s container includes structure for coupling the removable battery container and the differently sized batteries to a battery charging device. The fluid moving device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the structure includes a pair of tabs extending from one end of the removable battery container each tab having a ribbed configuration that creates a slot section of each tab. 21. The fluid moving device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the slot sections of the pair of tabs. are sized and arranged tocooperatively-matewithhe battery charging device, and to bring terminals of the differently sized batteries into contact with the battery charging device. 22. The fluid moving device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the removable battery container is constructed and arranged so that it may be opened and closed to accommodate removal, replacement, or altering ofa position of the differently sized batteries 23. The fluid moving device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the removable battery container is constructed and arranged to be internally rearrangeable so that the removable battery container can accommodate a plurality of size and type batteries. 2s 24. The fluid moving device, as claimed in claim 17, wherein the battery compartment includes at least one spring that forces the rechargeable batteries into electrical connection with the battery compartment. COMS ID No: SMBI-00397160 Received by IP Australia: Time 18:39 Date 2003-08-29 29- 8-03;18:27 A, 2 21 3 a -16- A combination of an inflatable device and a fluid moving device comprising: the inflatable device; and 1O the fluid moving device including: a self-sealing intake port that provides for a fluid to be drawn into the fluid moving device, moving means for moving the-fluid through the-fluid moving device; and a fluid transfer orifice that.provides the fluid; the combination characterized in that the fluid moving device includes a power switch for activating and deactivating the moving means, wherein the power switch includes a self- sealing structure that seals the self-sealing intake port when the power switch is, in a deactivated position, and that unseals the self-sealing intake port when the power switch .is not in the deactivated position; and the inflatable device includes a valve assembly that is constructed and arranged to mate with the fluid moving device. COMS ID No: SMBI-00397160 Received by IP Austrafia: Time 18:39 Date 2003-08-29 P.XOPERLKA%12321370 p& 1 7 docI )K1IMM 17- 26. A combination of an inflatable device and a fluid moving device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.