EP0852296A2 - Batteriebetriebene Aufblasvorrichtung mit Universaladaptor - Google Patents

Batteriebetriebene Aufblasvorrichtung mit Universaladaptor Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0852296A2
EP0852296A2 EP98300052A EP98300052A EP0852296A2 EP 0852296 A2 EP0852296 A2 EP 0852296A2 EP 98300052 A EP98300052 A EP 98300052A EP 98300052 A EP98300052 A EP 98300052A EP 0852296 A2 EP0852296 A2 EP 0852296A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
inflator
transition structure
air
outlet
adapter
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP98300052A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0852296A3 (de
Inventor
Robert M. Feldman
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Innovative Air Products Inc
Original Assignee
Innovative Air Products Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US08/960,879 external-priority patent/US5890882A/en
Application filed by Innovative Air Products Inc filed Critical Innovative Air Products Inc
Publication of EP0852296A2 publication Critical patent/EP0852296A2/de
Publication of EP0852296A3 publication Critical patent/EP0852296A3/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
    • F04D25/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
    • F04D25/08—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the working fluid being air, e.g. for ventilation
    • F04D25/084—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the working fluid being air, e.g. for ventilation hand fans
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
    • F04D25/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
    • F04D25/06—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being electrically driven
    • F04D25/0673—Battery powered

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the field of low pressure inflators for pneumatic bladders, and more specifically to low cost, portable inflators used with a variety of bladders with different sized inflation valves, e.g. full sized or larger air mattresses, balls, inflatable water toys, and the like.
  • Air beds with pneumatic bladders with manual and motorized inflators are known. These devices are described in several U.S. patents: No. 4,977,633 which issued on Dec. 18, 1990; No. 5,267,363 which issued on Dec. 7, 1993, and No. 5,367,726 which issued on Nov. 29, 1994, all to Robert Chaffee.
  • battery powered inflators are designed and adapted for use with a particular bed or other such specific bladder that has a particular inlet valve.
  • battery powered inflators have been developed with rechargeable batteries that are maintenance free while providing long life.
  • rechargeable batteries are expensive, and since rechargeable, the inflators and batteries are not designed for easy removal or replacement of the batteries.
  • One such limitation is the inability to adapt to different sized inlet valves.
  • a large bladder like an adult sized air mattress, has a larger inlet valve than a small child's tube.
  • the larger sized valve provides faster inflation and/or deflation times, but may be incompatible for use with a child's small air tube.
  • Embodiments can provide a simpler, less expensive inflator, which minimizes the air flow resistance of diaphragm valves used in air bladders and an adapter for allowing the inflator to be used to inflate a wide variety of bladders, from small toy bladders to larger air mattresses or other such large bladders.
  • Embodiments of the present invention include a battery powered inflator that uses standard sized, inexpensive, common dry cell batteries that are not rechargeable.
  • An advantage of such an inflator is that the inflator is less expensive and less complicated.
  • An adapter useful for a range of different bladder inlet valves may be provided wherein the inflator can be substantially universally applied to any air bladder.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention is provided by means incorporated in the inflator which mechanically opens the diaphragm of valves used in many air mattresses so as to minimize the air flow resistance of the valve and to therefore minimize the time to inflate the mattress.
  • An inflation device may include a container or housing having an air inlet and air outlet, and a battery compartment within the container that is adapted to hold two or more batteries.
  • the batteries may be releasably retained within the compartment, and supply electrical energy to an electrically activated motor disposed within the container.
  • An air impeller may be connected to the motor drives air from the inlet to the outlet when the motor is activated.
  • a switch may be disposed within the container can be opened or closed to make or break the electrical circuit between the batteries and the motor.
  • a transition structure may be adapted to be removably attached to the air outlet.
  • the transition structure may have an extension that closes the switch and is attached to the air outlet.
  • the transition structure additionally has an in port for accepting air from the air outlet and an out port through which air is delivered.
  • Two or more adapters may be detachably mounted to the transition structure or to the container. Each of the adapters may have a first end for attaching to and accepting air from the out port, and a second opening for delivering
  • Advantages of embodiments of the present invention include: low cost (expensive rechargeable batteries are not required); no requirement for recharging equipment; and portability (the inflator can be used where no AC power service is available).
  • FIG. 1A shows a housing 2 with an air intake 4 and an air outlet 6.
  • An electrical motor 8 is centrally mounted and a rotor part 10 is attached to an air impeller 12 which,as indicated by arrows 14, sucks in air and delivers air out the outlet 6.
  • Two batteries 16 and 16' are shown in compartments that surround the motor 8.
  • the housing 2 may be sized with many battery compartments built of any applicable size. In a preferred embodiment four "D" sized dry cells are used. However, other types and numbers can be used to advantage.
  • An electrical circuit is provided in the inflator housing 2 with electrical conductors 25 arranged to connect the batteries 16, 16' and the motor 8 so that the motor 8 can be activated when power is supplied from the batteries 16, 16' to the motor 8.
  • the batteries may be mounted on springs as is well known in the art to provide secure electrical connection thereto.
  • the electrical connection and circuitry are well known in the art wherein the batteries may be connected in parallel or series or combinations thereof as determined by the batteries and the motor design.
  • a switch 18 (diagrammatically shown in FIG. 1A) is incorporated to allow completion of the circuit and activation of the motor 8. Details of such switches are described in the incorporated patents, and are well known in the art. In this preferred embodiment arrangements are made to close the switch and automatically activate the motor by attaching an air adapter or a transition structure. However, an external, manually activated (not shown) switch is provided in other preferred embodiments.
  • a post 7 extends directly from the middle of the inflator which is of a length to push open mechanically the plastic frame of a diaphragm valve used in air mattresses. Being centered allows the post 7 to not interfere with the adapters later described. Even though the force needed to open such valves is on order of a few ounces the elimination of the need to open the valve provides for 10 percent to as much as 50% and more reduction in the time to inflate a bladder.
  • FIG. 1B is a top view of the inflator showing the four D-size batteries 16, 16' that can be used in the inflator.
  • a cover 15 is hinged at 17 and has a latch 19 that is adapted to engage a latch 19' on the side of the battery compartment.
  • FIG. 1C shows the cover 15 closed and the retaining extensions 21 and 21'.
  • FIG. 2A shows a transition adapter structure in cross section.
  • Ears 22 and 22' extend from opposite sides of an opening 20 in a tubular body 24.
  • An encircling flange 26 is provided, and just above the flange 26 there is a groove 28 discussed below that also encircles the body 24.
  • the other end includes a tapered section 30 that extends to an outlet opening 32.
  • the tapered end is designed with a pliable material that makes a substantially air tight seal when it is inserted into any inlet valve on a bladder with an internal diameter that mates with the tapered part 30.
  • other adapters are provided for inlet valves that are not accommodated by the transition adapter.
  • FIG. 2B shows the ears 22 and 22' of the transition adapter structure that fit into the opening 6 of the inflator also shown in FIG. 1A.
  • Mating extensions 21 and 21' are adapted to accept and retain the ears 22, 22'.
  • the ears 22 and the extensions 21 are matingly tapered such that as the inserted transition adapter structure is rotated relative to the inflator the ear 22 or 22' will engage the electrical switch 18 and force the switch closed thereby activating the motor 8 and causing air to be delivered.
  • FIG. 3 shows a ring 34 with two tethers 36 and 36' extending therefrom, each of which tethers has an adapter 38 or 38' at its end.
  • the ring 34 is made of pliable material and is placed in the groove 28 so that the tethered adapters 38 and 38' are retained with the transition structure.
  • FIG. 4 shows a detail of an adapter 38'.
  • the only difference between the adapter 38' and the adapter 38 shown in FIG. 3 is that adapter 38' is larger than adapter 38.
  • the adapter 38' has a tubular section 40 with an outside diameter (OD) at an end 44 that fits into the opening 32 of the transition structure shown in FIG. 2A.
  • the tubular OD becomes larger due to the outward tapering of the outside surface 42.
  • the material is pliable so that the end 44 fits snugly into the opening 32 (FIG. 2A) and when pressed farther into the opening 32 the larger OD at 42 provides an interference fit that retains the adapter to the transition structure and make a substantially air tight seal.
  • the adapter 38' is connected to the tether 36' at a point distal from the end 44 to allow adequate fitting of the adapter 38' to the transition structure.
  • the other end 39 of the adapter 38' is a tubular body that tapers to an extended opening 46.
  • the end 48 is designed to fit into and open the air valve in an air bladder.
  • the adapter 38' is pressed into the bladder up to a point 50 where the opening 46 ends and the diameter of the adapter becomes substantially larger.
  • the point 50 is designed to engage the air bladder valve and prevent farther insertion.
  • the material of the adapters is pliable allowing insertion that will not damage the air valve while providing compliance for an air tight seal. In each of these cases there is only a few pounds per square inch (psi) or less of air pressure involved.
  • psi pounds per square inch
  • FIG. 5 shows the tethered adapters attached to the transition structure.
  • FIG. 6 shows a composite of the inflator housing 2, and attached transition structure 50 with an adapter 38 ready to be inserted into a valve 52 of a bladder 54. As shown by arrows 56, air is being delivered and directed to the valve 52.
  • the adapter could be placed into the bladder valve and then attached to the motor activating the air delivery into the bladder.
  • a manually activated electrical switch could be used to activate the inflator by the operator as desired.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)
  • Air Bags (AREA)
EP98300052A 1997-01-06 1998-01-06 Batteriebetriebene Aufblasvorrichtung mit Universaladaptor Withdrawn EP0852296A3 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US77884197A 1997-01-06 1997-01-06
US778841 1997-01-06
US960879 1997-10-30
US08/960,879 US5890882A (en) 1997-01-06 1997-10-30 Inflator with drop-in batteries and universal adapters

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0852296A2 true EP0852296A2 (de) 1998-07-08
EP0852296A3 EP0852296A3 (de) 2000-01-26

Family

ID=27119514

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98300052A Withdrawn EP0852296A3 (de) 1997-01-06 1998-01-06 Batteriebetriebene Aufblasvorrichtung mit Universaladaptor

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0852296A3 (de)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000009890A1 (en) * 1998-08-13 2000-02-24 Chaffee Robert B A switchable inflation device
US6237621B1 (en) 1996-07-19 2001-05-29 Robert B. Chaffee Valve for inflatable objects
EP1359325A2 (de) * 1998-08-13 2003-11-05 CHAFFEE, Robert B. Eine schaltbare Aufblasvorrichtung
US6990994B2 (en) 2003-02-21 2006-01-31 Kelsyus, Llc Valve for inflatable article
AU2003244024B2 (en) * 1998-08-13 2007-01-04 Robert B. Chaffee A switchable inflation device
US8162009B2 (en) 2006-04-04 2012-04-24 Chaffee Robert B Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device
US8225444B2 (en) 2001-07-10 2012-07-24 Chaffee Robert B Inflatable device forming mattresses and cushions
US8413278B2 (en) 2006-04-04 2013-04-09 Robert B. Chaffee Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device
US9752693B2 (en) 2012-08-03 2017-09-05 Robert B. Chaffee Self-sealing valve
CN109441852A (zh) * 2018-07-26 2019-03-08 国家海洋局北海环境监测中心(中国海监北海区检验鉴定中心） 一种用于海面溢油回收围油栏浮筒的充气装置

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4977633A (en) 1989-07-25 1990-12-18 Chaffee Robert B Collapsible air bed
US5267363A (en) 1989-07-25 1993-12-07 Chaffee Robert B Pneumatic support system

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3647323A (en) * 1970-08-28 1972-03-07 John C Thomas Battery operated fanning device
US4146069A (en) * 1977-07-29 1979-03-27 Signode Corporation Apparatus for rapidly inflating and pressurizing a dunnage bag
US4516561A (en) * 1982-09-30 1985-05-14 P D Manufacturing, Inc. Portable battery powered blower apparatus for fanning charcoal or other fuel
US4678014A (en) * 1984-11-05 1987-07-07 Siesta Corporation Inflator/deflator with molded housing
US5224863A (en) * 1990-08-22 1993-07-06 Lauer Toys Incorporated Filling assembly for doll with liquid reservoir
US5068933A (en) * 1990-11-07 1991-12-03 Sexton Eugene D Air comfort pillow
US5111838A (en) * 1991-11-25 1992-05-12 Shipping Systems, Inc. Dunnage bag air valve and coupling

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4977633A (en) 1989-07-25 1990-12-18 Chaffee Robert B Collapsible air bed
US5267363A (en) 1989-07-25 1993-12-07 Chaffee Robert B Pneumatic support system
US5367726A (en) 1989-07-25 1994-11-29 Chaffee; Robert B. Pneumatic support system

Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6755208B2 (en) 1996-07-19 2004-06-29 Robert B. Chaffee Valve for inflatable objects
US6237621B1 (en) 1996-07-19 2001-05-29 Robert B. Chaffee Valve for inflatable objects
US9086162B2 (en) 1996-07-19 2015-07-21 Robert B. Chaffee Valve for inflatable objects
US8307841B2 (en) 1996-07-19 2012-11-13 Chaffee Robert B Valve for inflatable objects
US6508264B2 (en) 1996-07-19 2003-01-21 Robert B. Chaffee Valve for inflatable objects
US7938138B2 (en) 1996-07-19 2011-05-10 Robert B. Chaffee Valve for inflatable objects
US6986360B2 (en) 1996-07-19 2006-01-17 Chaffee Robert B Valve for inflatable objects
AU2003244024B2 (en) * 1998-08-13 2007-01-04 Robert B. Chaffee A switchable inflation device
US6237653B1 (en) 1998-08-13 2001-05-29 Robert B. Chaffee Switchable inflation device
EP1359325A2 (de) * 1998-08-13 2003-11-05 CHAFFEE, Robert B. Eine schaltbare Aufblasvorrichtung
US6598626B2 (en) 1998-08-13 2003-07-29 Robert B. Chaffee Switchable inflation device
EP1359325A3 (de) * 1998-08-13 2003-12-17 CHAFFEE, Robert B. Eine schaltbare Aufblasvorrichtung
WO2000009890A1 (en) * 1998-08-13 2000-02-24 Chaffee Robert B A switchable inflation device
AU2003243994B2 (en) * 1998-08-13 2007-01-04 Robert B. Chaffee A fluid moving device
AU760985B2 (en) * 1998-08-13 2003-05-29 Robert B. Chaffee A switchable inflation device
JP2002522708A (ja) * 1998-08-13 2002-07-23 ロバート・ビー・チャフィー 切り替え可能な膨張装置
US8225444B2 (en) 2001-07-10 2012-07-24 Chaffee Robert B Inflatable device forming mattresses and cushions
US6990994B2 (en) 2003-02-21 2006-01-31 Kelsyus, Llc Valve for inflatable article
US8162009B2 (en) 2006-04-04 2012-04-24 Chaffee Robert B Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device
US8413278B2 (en) 2006-04-04 2013-04-09 Robert B. Chaffee Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device
US8839474B2 (en) 2006-04-04 2014-09-23 Robert B. Chaffee Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device
US9289073B2 (en) 2006-04-04 2016-03-22 Robert B. Chaffee Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device
US9752693B2 (en) 2012-08-03 2017-09-05 Robert B. Chaffee Self-sealing valve
CN109441852A (zh) * 2018-07-26 2019-03-08 国家海洋局北海环境监测中心(中国海监北海区检验鉴定中心） 一种用于海面溢油回收围油栏浮筒的充气装置

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Publication number Publication date
EP0852296A3 (de) 2000-01-26

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