EP0918935A1

EP0918935A1 - Miniature universal pump and valve for inflatable linings

Info

Publication number: EP0918935A1
Application number: EP97951479A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nikola Lakic
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-11-29
Filing date: 1997-11-28
Publication date: 1999-06-02
Also published as: WO1998023863A1; EP0918935A4

Abstract

There is disclosed a preform for a miniature air pump and relief valve assembly (1020) with a substantially flat bottom and a bulbous extremity (1022) on one end and a relief valve (1035) in a recess at the opposite ends. The miniature air pump and relief valve assembly (1020) is applied to linings for items such as insoles (810, 1010, 1100, 1170, 1200), bicycle seat (1218), seat and seat backs (1250), helmets (1280, 1310, 1283, 1285, 1330, 1400) and a multipurpose pad (1370).

Description

MINIATURE UNIVERSAL PUMP AND VALVE FOR INFLATABLE LININGS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field Of The Invention

This invention relates to a miniature pump and relief valve and, in particular, to the combination of the miniature pump and relief valve with an inflatable lining for wearing apparel such as footwear, headgear and gloves and seats. Brief Statement Of The Prior Art

Inner soles have been provided for shoes and boots which are formed of a compressible, elastic material such as cellular plastic foams, foam rubber, etc. These inner soles have provided only limited shock absorbency, resulting in little or no significant improvement in wearer comfort.

Some prior investigators have provided inner soles with inflated cushions at either the toe and heel areas, and some have provide cushions at both areas with circulation between the two cushions. The cushions have been provided with mechanisms to circulate air and ventilate the shoe or boot during walking activities. Examples of these are: U.K. Patents 2,189,679 and 357,391; U.S. Patents 3,180,039, 2,716,293, 1,213,941 and German Patent 3,144,207.

In some foot apparel, notably in ski boots, an outer shell is molded from plastic and is lined with an inner shoe. Adjustment has been made to the tightness of the outer shell and air bags have been provided across the instep region of the shoe, and elsewhere, and have been provided with an air pump to pressure the air bags, thus forcing the foot against the sole and creating a snugness of the fit of the ski boot. U.S. Patent 4,730,403 and German Patent 2,321,817 are representative of these ski boots.

A water-filled inner sole for shoes has recently been marketed under the tradename "Walk On Water" . While this is an attempt to increase wearer comfort, water is heavy, non- compressible and the inner sole cannot be adjusted for firmness, and cannot provide shock absorbency. Additionally, water is unsuited for use in freezing climates. Also, a leak will wet the inside of the bootwear, and this inner is not breathable.

Another recently marketed innovation is that disclosed in U.S. Patents 4,183,156; 4,340,626 and 4,817,304 in which an inflatable inner sole or sole insert is permanently inflated with halogenated hydrocarbon gases. Since it is impossible to preclude diffusion of gases through the plastic, the inflatable insert or inner sole is acknowledged to experience a rapid increase in pressure shortly after manufacture, followed by a slowly declining pressure, thus failing to provide a stable condition. The pressure of the inflatable member also can not be adjusted by the wearer for varying conditions of use and comfort.

None of the aforementioned prior devices provides a simple, inexpensive solution to comfortable wear and walking in a shoe or boot. The foam inner soles have only a limited value and limited shock absorbency. The remainder of the prior devices, including the pressurization system for ski boots are relatively complex and costly and are often too bulky and cumbersome. Consequently, these devices are not readily acceptable for everyday activities.

Headgear such as helmets for sports, particularly football helmets have been provided with inflatable liners to improve the fit. These liners, however, require use of an extraneous air pump, and have not utilized multiple compartments, nor flexibility in adjustment of air pressure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention comprises a preform for an air pump and relief valve assembly which has an assembly body with a substantially flat bottom and molded entirely of a flexible plastic to form a bulbous extremity on one end of the body and open at its bottom and a relief valve recess adjacent the opposite end of said body and open to a valve port in said bottom wall with at least one, and preferably two, internal passages open to the interior of the bulbous extremity and extending through said assembly body to a second port open at the bottom wall, with a substantially planar base flange extending about said body and peripherally about said bulbous extremity and said relief valve recess. The preform can be sealed to a flat sheet of plastic to complete the pump and relief valve and for this purpose has a transverse tunnel located between said internal passage and the bottom wall. The invention includes a method for assembling and bonding the preform to an inflatable enclosure formed of two sheets of flexible plastic, and the inflatable enclosure with a miniature air pump and relief valve as applied to a lining for apparel and protective shields.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be described with reference to the figures of which: FIGURE 1 is a plan view of an inflatable inner sole suitable for use in the invention.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the inflatable innersole insert embodiment described in FIGURE 1.

FIGURES 3-6 are views of the discharge check valve assembly.

FIGURES 7-10 are views of the automatic adjustable relief valve assembly.

FIGURES 11-14 are plane and sectional views of heel pump which is also illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2. FIGURES 15 and 16 are sectional views of several alternative shape of the heel pump.

FIGURES 17-18 illustrate universal miniature pump and relief valve assembly 1020 as one unit, for all inflatables. FIGURES 17-20 illustrate universal miniature pump and relief valve assembly heat sealed to a flexible plastic sheet 1012.

FIGURES 21-22 are enlarged views of a portion of FIGURES 17-20. FIGURE 23 is an exploded perspective view of the universal miniature pump and relief valve assembly and cover.

FIGURE 24 is a perspective view of the assembled universal miniature pump and relief valve assembly.

FIGURE 25 is a plan view of the universal miniature pump and relief valve assembly.

FIGURE 26 is a side view of the universal miniature pump and relief valve assembly.

FIGURE 27 is a perspective exploded view of the universal miniature pump and relief valve assembly and the first and second flexible plastic sheets of the inflatable liner.

FIGURE 28 is a perspective exploded view of an alternative assembly of the universal miniature pump and relief valve assembly 1020, and first and second flexible plastic sheets of the inflatable liner.

FIGURE 29 illustrates an inflatable sole insert for footwear with the miniature pump and valve of the invention.

FIGURE 30 is a perspective view of the inflatable insole shown in FIGURE 29.

FIGURE 31 is a sectional view of an inflatable sole inserted in footwear.

FIGURE 32 is a sectional view of an alternative inflatable sole inserted in footwear. FIGURE 33 illustrates an alternative inflatable sole in combination with the miniature pump and relief valve.

FIGURE 34 is a perspective view of an inflatable sole combination shown in FIGURE 33.

FIGURE 35 is a perspective view of an alternative inflatable sole similar to that shown in FIGURE 34.

FIGURE 36 illustrates an alternative inflatable sole similar to those shown in FIGURES 33 and 34.

FIGURE 37 is a perspective view of the inflatable sole shown in FIGURE 36 inserted in footwear. FIGURE 38 illustrate an alternative inflatable sole

1200 similar to those shown in FIGURES 33 - 36.

FIGURE 39 is a perspective view of the inflatable sole shown in FIGURE 38 inserted in footwear.

FIGURE 40 is a plan view of an inflatable bicycle seat in combination with the inflatable pump and relief valve invention. FIGURE 41 illustrates an inflatable back and seat support with the inflatable pump and relief valve of the invention.

FIGURE 42 is a perspective view of an inflatable back and seat support assembly shown in FIGURE 41. FIGURE 43 is a perspective view of a football helmet with an inflatable liner.

FIGURE 44 is a sectional view of the helmet shown in FIGURE 43 in combination with the miniature pump and relief valve of the invention. FIGURE 45 is a perspective view of an inflatable liner for a helmet with the miniature pump and relief valve of the invention.

FIGURE 46 is a plan view of the inflatable liner of FIGURE 45 in an unfolded configuration. FIGURE 47 is a rear view of the helmet shown in

FIGURE 44.

FIGURE 48 is a perspective view of an inflatable liner for a helmet with a plurality of miniature pumps and relief valves. FIGURE 49 is a plan view of the inflatable liner shown in FIGURE 48 in an unfolded configuration.

FIGURE 50 is a rear view of a helmet with the inflatable liner of FIGURE 49.

FIGURE 51 is a sectional view of an alternative inflatable lining in a sports helmet.

FIGURE 52 is a rear view of the helmet shown in FIGURE 51.

FIGURE 53 is a perspective view of a baseball helmet with an inflatable lining and the miniature pump and relief valve of the invention.

FIGURE 54 is a view of the inside of the baseball helmet shown in FIGURE 53. FIGURE 55 is a sectional view of the baseball helmet shown in FIGURES 53 and 54.

FIGURE 56 is a plan view of an inflatable jaw pad 1348 for the baseball helmet shown in FIGURES 53-55. FIGURE 57 is a sectional view along line 91-91 ^» of

FIGURE 56.

FIGURE 58 is a plan view of an unfolded inflatable front liner for the baseball helmet shown in FIGURES 53- 55. FIGURE 59 is a plan view of an unfolded inflatable rear liner for the baseball helmet shown in FIGURES 53- 55.

FIGURES 60 - 62 illustrate an inflatable multipurpose pad in combination with the miniature pump and relief valve of the invention.

FIGURE 63 is a perspective view of a bicycle helmet having an inflatable liner in combination with the miniature pump and relief valve invention.

FIGURE 64 is a perspective view of the underside of the bicycle helmet shown in FIGURE 63.

FIGURE 65 is a sectional view of the bicycle helmet shown in FIGURES 63 and 64.

FIGURE 66 is a plan view of the inflatable liner for the bicycle helmet of FIGURES 63 and 64, in its unfolded configuration.

FIGURE 67 is a sectional view along line 101-101 ' of FIGURE 66.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of an inflatable inner sole suitable for use in the invention. Referring now to FIGURE 1, the inflatable insole 10 of the invention is shown in plan view. The inner sole 10 is formed by a first sheet 12 and a coextensive second sheet 14 of substantially the same shape and size. The first and second sheets 12 and 14 are bonded together in a continuous peripheral seam 16 that extends about the toe, the lateral side of the inner sole 10, the heel and medially about the instep. The seams are shown in the figures as cross hatched areas. This is intended to show seamed areas only and not to represent sectional views.

The first and second sheets 12 and 14 are preferably plastic and most preferably are thermoplastic, so that conventional heat sealing can be used for forming the seams. The most preferred thermoplastic material is polyurethane, however, other suitable materials include ethylene, and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, etc. Natural or synthetic rubber can also be used.

The first sheet 12 and second sheet 14 are also bonded together with a plurality of discontinuous seams 34, 36 and 37 which form tubular, interconnecting passageways 28 through the inner sole 10. The spacing between adjacent seams controls the size (diameter) of the passageways 28. Also, unseamed expanses will form air pillows such as the arch pillow 45 and toe pillow 47. The size and space of the pillows can easily be varied during manufacture to adapt the inner sole to the particular shoe. Thus, if intended to fit conventional shoes with integral arch supports, the arch pillow can be reduced in size. It can also be enlarged for use with shoes having flat or near flat soles, to provide an arch support, the firmness of which can be regulated by adjustment of the air pressure within the inner sole.

Preferably, the seams have a plurality of through perforations or apertures 32 which extend entirely thorough the first and second sheets 12 and 14 and are entirely surrounded by a seamed area 30. For this purpose, the seams can be expanded to provide an annular seam area 30 that entirely surrounds each circular aperture 32 through the first and second plastic sheets. Each seam and seamed channels along the first and second sheets, described with reference to FIGURES 19-21, and the apertures 32 establish communication between the channels above and below the inner sole 10.

In this embodiment the inflatable sole has a heel pump 873 described in more detail in FIGURES 21-26 hereinafter. The discharge port 832 of the heel pump 873 is connected through flexible tube 896 with check value assembly 855 which is permanently attached (heat sealed or glued) underneath and beside arch pillow 845. An automatic adjustable relief valve assembly 875 is also permanently attached underneath and beside arch pillow 845, but separated from check valve assembly 855.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the inflatable innersole embodiment described in FIGURES 1-6. FIGURES 3-6 are views of the discharge check valve assembly 855. There is a duck bill check valve 860 and a housing 864 of the assembly. Inlet port 862 and outlet port 853 align with opening (not illustrated) on the lower sheet of the inflatable sole 810. There is a flange 857 around housing 864 to permit permanent attachment of the pump and valve assembly to the innersole through heat sealing process or any other alternating process.

FIGURES 7-10 are views of the automatic adjustable relief valve assembly 875. There is a housing 808 of the assembly.

There is a spring 802 which can be depressed by the screw 804 which is engaged with sleeve 806 which is permanently inserted into housing 808. There are release ports 880 and 878 which are separated by ball 898. There is a flange 884 around housing 808 to permit permanent attachment through heat sealing process or any other alternative process. FIGURES 11-14 are plan and sectional views of the heel pump 873 also illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2. The heel pump 873 is formed with an upper part 767 which has the shape and form of the cavity, formed underneath the heel area of the sole by seams 842 and 839, and a lower flat part 769 which are sealed with a peripheral seam 771. The upper part 767 also has two ports: inlet port 833 and discharge port 832. It can be made from polyurethane, kraton, silicon, rubber, etc., any material that is soft, has good resiliency, good memory and that is durable. There is a slot 835 on the upper part of the pump to accept circular seam 842 of inflatable sole 810. This pump can be assembled by heat sealing or a permanently glued seam. FIGURES 15 and 16 are sectional views of several alternative shapes of the heel pump 873. The heel pump could also be formed by two symmetrical hemi-spherical halves.

FIGURES 17-28 illustrate the universal miniature pump and relief valve assembly 1020 of the invention, as a component which is useful for all inflatable linings.

FIGURES 17-20 illustrate universal miniature pump and relief valve assembly 1020 as one unit, heat sealed to the first flexible plastic sheet 1012. FIGURES 21-22 are enlarged views of the pump outlet and inlet check valve assemblies also illustrated in FIGURES 17-20, with the check valves 860 and 850 illustrated in broken lines.

Referring now to FIGURES 17-20, the assembly includes a bulbous pump dome 1022 which has an undercut 1021 for ease of depression. The housing of the assembly is shown as 1043 and has two cavities 1017 and 1018 which receive two duck-bill check valves: inlet check valve 850 and outlet (discharge) check valve 860. The check valves are shown in FIGURE 18 with a flange 859 on a tubular body with an air passage 863. Prior to insertion into the housing cavities 1017 and 1018, the duck-bill check valves 860 and 850 are inserted into protective sleeves 1050 and 1060 which are made of rigid plastic, contrary to the housing 1043 which is made of soft plastic. The protective sleeves prevent accidental squeezing of the check valves when forces are applied to the housing.

During this process of assembling duck-bill check valves

860 and 850 in protective sleeves 1060 and 1050, and placing of the valve assemblies into cavities 1017 and 1018, adequate adhesive is used and an additional short protective sleeve 1061 is inserted into cavity 1017. A relief valve operator 1035 is inserted through opening 1039 of the relief valve housing 1040 and a coil spring 1003 is positioned beneath the operator to support the relief valve operator 1035, and force seal ball 1038 on the lower end of the relief valve operator 1035 upward, sealing opening 1039. There is a passageway 1016, which connects the cavity beneath dome 1022 and check valve assembly. Check valve 860 extends over tunnel 1075, and discharges into passageway 1019 which communicates through opening 1005 in the first flexible plastic sheet 1012 into an inflatable bladder, described hereinafter.

The inlet check valve 850 receives air through side opening 1024 and discharges into the cavity beneath pump dome

1022. There is a recess 1023 on top surface of the relief valve housing 1040 to permit the user's finger or finger nail to compress relief valve operator 1035.

There is a flange 1026 around the assembly 1020 to permit permanent attachment of the assembly to a supporting surface, usually a plastic sheet by heat sealing or any other alternative process. The tunnel 1075 accepts a mandrel (metal bar) which is a removable part of the metal sealing die to heat seal the area 1077, beneath tunnel 1075, to seal the cavity beneath the dome 1022 and check valves 860 and 850 from the inflatable bladder. This area 1077 could also be glued if not heat sealed.

FIGURE 23 is a perspective view of the universal miniature pump and relief valve assembly 1020, with the plastic relief valve cover 1025 shown in exploded view.

FIGURE 24 is a perspective view of the universal miniature pump and relief valve assembly 1020 in assembly with the plastic relief valve cover 1025. The heat sealing tunnel 1075 accepts plastic pins (pivots) 1027 and 1029 (see FIGURE 23) , which are part of plastic cover 1025 which protect from accidental activation of the relief valve operator 1035.

FIGURE 25 is a plan view of the universal miniature pump and relief valve assembly 1020, with plastic relief valve cover 1025 closed, and FIGURE 26 is a side view of the assembly 1020 illustrated with plan view in FIGURE 25. The relief valve cover 1025 is illustrated closed over the relief valve with two side pins (pivots) 1027 and 1029 inserted into both ends of the tunnel 1075. In its closed position, the cover 1025 seals the inlet 1024 against debris and water entry. On the forward edge of the relief valve cover 1025 there is a little knob 1053 for finger to push up to open the cover. Relief valve cover 1025 is illustrated in its open position with broken lines.

FIGURE 27 illustrates the universal miniature pump and relief valve assembly 1020, and first and second flexible plastic sheets 1012 and 1014, which form an inflatable lining of the inflation system. The pump and valve assembly 1020 is illustrated above first sheet 1012 in a position for sealing to the sheet 1012. A major objective of the invention is the ability of the assembly 1020 to be permanently attached to the first plastic film in a single heat sealing cycle. In FIGURE 27 the shaded area 1064 of the first plastic sheet 1012 receives the flange 1026 of the assembly 1020 and forms a permanent peripheral closed seam with flange 1026. The area within the shaded area forms a film base 1066 underneath assembly 1020. Transverse seam 1065 divides that area, into an area 1068 beneath dome 1022, forming the sealed enclosure of the pump and area 1069 beneath relief valve 1069, which contains opening 1005 into the sealed enclosure of the inflatable lining.

Electronic sealing is accomplished by sending a high frequency (heating) current through two or more layers of thermoplastic material placed between two sealing electrodes or dies. One die is shaped in the image of the required seal.

The other die may have the same shape or may be a flat plate.

An insulating layer, commonly referred to as a "buffer", which can be a Teflon film with a thickness of from 0.01 to 0.03 inches, is placed over one or both dies. One of the dies has a cavity to receive the pump and valve preform with its flange 1026 and the first plastic sheet of the enclosure between the dies. A metal mandrel is placed in the tunnel 1075 and the surface of this mandrel which contacts the flange 1026 can be coated with a buffer such as a Teflon coating with matching thickness of of from 0.01 to 0.03 inches.

After the first cycle, heat sealing of the pump and relief valve assembly 1020 to the first thermoplastic film 1012 is finished, the thermoplastic film 1014 is placed in the assembly and the assembly is moved to a second heat sealing machine having a different upper electrode, the shape of which, of course, depends on the required shape of the inflatable lining. In FIGURE 27 the shaded area 1084 on the second plastic sheet 1014 is joined in a permanent seam to the first plastic sheet 1012, forming passageway 1087, which leads to the inflatable lining. Transverse seam 1085 is optional. FIGURE 27 also illustrates the second sheet 1014 being laminated with an inner layer 1044 of thermoplastic material inside and an outer layer 1045 of fabric. The outside fabric material 1045 may be Nylon such as widely used in inflatables produced by Mann Industries, Inc., of Framingham, MA, or Material produced by Faytex Corp. , Weymouth, MA, like DRI-LEX^® LINING, HYDROFIL^® Nylon from Allied Signal. The moisture absorbing qualities of the HYDROFIL Nylon draws moisture away from the skin keeping the user dry, cool and comfortable. The outer layer 1044 may also include in whole or in part a hook or loop fabric such as the VELCRO^® hook and loop fasteners.

FIGURE 28 illustrates the universal miniature pump and relief valve assembly 1020, and first and second flexible plastic sheet 1012 and 1014, similar to assembly already described in FIGURE 27. In this assembly, however, first plastic sheet 1012 has also an inner layer 1044 of thermoplastic material, and an outer layer 1045 of fabric material. In this assembly, first sheet 1012 has opening 1015 to accept assembly 1020 with the flange 1026 of the assembly 1020 received between inside layers 1044 of the both first and second plastic sheets 1012 and 1014.

In this assembly transverse seam 1086 completes the sealing isolation of the pump cavity beneath dome 1022 permitting it to function as a pump. FIGURES 29 and 30 illustrate an inflatable sole insert 1010 formed by a peripheral seam 1011 about the peripheries of the two plastic films to form a sealed enclosure. Within the inflatable sole are tubular passageways 1007 formed by parallel seams 1009, that extend transversely across the sole, thereby providing a cushion support and flexibility to the inflated sole. There are also peripheral support pillows 909, which together form a peripheral support of greater thickness than the transverse passages 1007. There is a "C" shaped heel seam 1032, which forms a heel pillow 1031 and a heel peripheral tubular passageway 1033 which provide comfortable heel support. There are central metatarsal foot pillow 1165 and lateral tubular passageway 1036. Medial heel portion of the embodiment 1010 has tendency to pull in and bend toward the central line of the sole, and this tendency is opposed by transverse seam 1037 which resists that force. There is a small arch pillow 1145 formed by seams 1047, 1037 and 1089 which almost encircle the pump and relief valve assembly 1101. The small arch pillow 1045 has a "C" shape and it surrounds pump and relief valve assembly 1101, which is same as assembly 1020, previously described. This inflatable sole is intended to be marketed as a replacement insert for existing shoes, as most existing shoes already have some arch support. Therefore this embodiment 1010 has only a small arch pillow 1145, just sufficient to encircle the pump and relief valve assembly 1101, and to follow the contour line of the existing arch support 1148, as illustrated in FIGURE 32. FIGURE 30 is a perspective view of an inflatable insole insert 1010, embodiment described in FIGURE 29, showing, in exploded view an optional protector cover 1090 for the pump and relief valve assembly 1101. The protector cover has a cavity 1091 to receive assembly 1101 and is made of soft plastic. FIGURE 30 also illustrates a small air pillow 1168 underneath the pump and relief valve assembly 1101, which is formed when seam 1085 (see FIGURE 27) is not formed.

FIGURES 31 is a sectional view of an inflatable sole 750 inside a shoe 1150 having a custom made outsole 1149 with a cavity 1151 provided for the pump and relief valve assembly 920. Similar cavities can be made at other locations, inside other custom made outsoles, for other inflatable insoles like that previously described in FIGURE 1 for their attached elements such as 855, 875, 920, etc. Pump and relief valve assembly 920 is heat sealed (attached) to the lower flexible sheet 1012 of the inflatable arch pillow 845. The upper flexible sheet 1014 is laminated with a fabric layer 1045 previously described in FIGURE 27. The channels 155 are formed beneath the inflated insole 750, for air circulation. The upper 1146 of the shoe is also illustrated.

FIGURE 32 is a sectional view along line 56-56' of an alternative inflatable sole insert 1010 previously described in FIGURE 29. FIGURE 32 illustrates inflatable sole 1010 inside an existing shoe 1152. There is an outsole 1147 with an arch support 1148. This inflatable sole 1010 has a pump and relief valve assembly 1101 surrounded by seam 1089. This seam is made in the second heat sealing cycle. By applying seam 1089, the pump and relief valve assembly 1101 is elevated to the level of the seams and surrounded by inflatable arch pillow 1145, preventing interference of the assembly 1101 with the wearer's foot. Upper flexible sheet 1014 is laminated with fabric layer 1045 previously described in FIGURES 27 and 31. Channels 155 are formed underneath inflated insole 1010, for air circulation as previously described. The upper 1146 of the shoe is also partially illustrated.

FIGURE 33 illustrates an alternative inflatable sole 1100. This embodiment is similar with that previously described in FIGURE 29. The peripheral support pillows 909 together form a peripheral support of greater thickness than the inflated thickness of the remainder of the sole, i.e., transverse passages 1007. There is a "C" shaped heel seam 1032, which forms heel pillow 1031 and heel peripheral tubular passageway 1033. The medial heel portion of the embodiment 1100 has tendency to pull in and bend toward the central line of the sole. Transverse seam 1037 resists this tendency and prevents wrinkling of the inflatable sole. There is a seam 1154 which reduces the height of the arch pillow 1155. This inflatable sole is intended to be marketed as a replacement insert for existing shoe. As most existing shoes already have arch supports, this embodiment 1100 has only a small arch pillow 1155, sufficient to cushion the existing arch support. This embodiment 1100 has pump and relief valve assembly 1102 heat sealed onto the tab 1140. This tab has a peripheral seam 1183, which forms air passageway 1141, with the peripheral seam 1211 of the sole 1100 continuing as the peripheral seam 1183 of the tab 1140. There is a fastening hook band 1187 above pump and valve assembly 1102 to meet with fastening loops inside tongue 235 of the shoe 213; see FIGURE 34. Between fastening hook strip 1187 and pump and relief valve assembly 1102, there is an alternative trimming seam 1186 which can be cut to remove the band 1187 if fastening hooks are not needed. There is a peripheral seam 1184 around the pump and valve assembly, and a transverse seam 1185. In all of the embodiments, the outer soles can be formed of suitable rubber or plastics, including, for example, open or closed cell foams of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, polyurethane, ethylene, etc.

The invention provides the advantages of an inflatable inner and outer sole and upper lining which can be inflated by the normal walking activities or which can be manually inflated by operation of a small hand pump. In either case, the firmness of the inner sole is custom, adjustably controllable with a pressure control relief valve to insure exactly the desired softness and resiliency for any desired performance and for maximum comfort to avoid fatigue.

FIGURES 33, 29, 36 and 38 illustrate the pattern of the electronic dies for use on the second heat sealing machine, previously described. As previously described in FIGURES 27 and 28, the first heat sealing cycle attaches the pump and relief valve assembly to the first plastic film, and the second heat sealing cycle bonds the first and second plastic films of the inflatable lining.

FIGURE 34 illustrates the inflatable sole insert 1100, described in FIGURE 33, inserted inside shoe 213. The tab 1140 is illustrated as folded over the sole and underneath tongue 235. The upper part of the tongue 235, in the most footwear specially athletic footwear such as sneakers, hiking boots, etc., is soft and stuffed. With this illustrated shape of the tab 1140 end part of it with assembly 1102 could be pulled up or pushed in to adjust with location and size of the tongue 235 of the existing shoe 213. If the innersole 1100 is incorporated in the shoe 213 as manufactured then a cavity can be formed in the upper part of the tongue 235 to receive the pump and relief valve assembly 1102.

FIGURE 35 is a perspective view of an alternative inflatable sole 1160 similar with innersole previously described in FIGURE 34. FIGURE 35 shows an inflatable sole with a tab 1162 on which are carried the pump and relief valve assembly 1103 at the heel with the tab 1162 folded over the collar of the shoe 213. There is also a fastening hook band 1182 on the tab 1162 for attachment with a fastening loop band on the collar of the shoe 53.

FIGURE 36 illustrates an alternative inflatable sole 1170 similar to inflatable sole 1100 previously described in FIGURES 33 and 34. The only difference is that this embodiment 1170 has an enlarged arch pillow 1175 with one pump and relief valve assembly 1105 attached to the tab 1172 and connected with arch pillow 1175 through air passageway 1196. Tab 1172 also has a second pump and relief valve assembly 1104 connected with rest of the sole 1170 through air passageway 1194. There is a peripheral seam 1174 around the pumps. There is a fastening hook band 1189 on the tab 1172 and an alternative trimming seam 1188 which can be cut to remove the band if the wearer does not need a fastening hook band. Transverse seam 1037 is extended into seam 1198 to form two air passageways 1194 and 1196 inside the tab 1172. Peripheral seam 1211 of the sole 1170 is integral with peripheral seam 1173 of the tab 1172. There is also a small central metatarsal foot pillow 1166, as additional support for the wearer's foot. The main objective of this inflatable innersole is that wearer is able to adjust air pressure inside arch pillow 1175 as he/she wishes accordingly to the wearer's personal arch contour, independently from the remainder of the inflatable innersole which can be adjusted according to the wearer's weight and activities. FIGURE 37 is a perspective view of an alternative inflatable sole 1170 embodiment described in FIGURE 36. It is similar with inflatable sole 1100 previously described in FIGURES 33 and 34. The inflatable sole 1170 is illustrated with tab 1172 folded over sole 1170 and underneath tongue 235 of the shoe 213.

FIGURE 38 illustrates an alternative inflatable sole 1200 similar with inflatable soles 1100 and 1170, previously described in FIGURES 33 - 37. This embodiment has a separate arch pillow 1195 connected with pump and relief valve assembly 1107 on the tab 1203 through air passageway 1206. This embodiment also has front and heel air chambers connected with two separate pump and relief valve assembly 1108 and 1106 heat sealed on the tab 1203 and connected with those inflatable chambers through air passageways 1204 and 1208, which are formed by heat seams 1205 and 1207. There is a peripheral seam 1164 around pumps and an optional transverse seam 1185 beneath the pumps. There is a fastening hook band 1191 on the tab 1203 and an alternative trimming seam 1190 permitting the wearer to remove the band 1191 if not needed. The peripheral seam 1211 of the sole 1200 is integral with the peripheral seam 1163 of the tab 1203. There is also a small central metatarsal foot pillow 1167, as an additional support for the wearer's foot.

FIGURE 39 is a perspective view of the alternative inflatable sole 1200 described in FIGURE 38. It is similar with inflatable soles 1100 and 1170 previously described in FIGURES 33 - 37. The inflatable sole 1200 is illustrated with tab 1203 folded over sole 1200 and underneath tongue 235 of the shoe 213.

The inflatable soles described in FIGURES 29-39 are replacement inserts for existing shoes and they may be also produced to fit permanently in custom made shoes.

As previously described in FIGURE 27 the first heat sealing cycle attaches the pump and relief valve assembly onto the first plastic film. It can also be used to emboss information such as a trade logo, patent number, size of the insert, etc. By doing so, it saves an additional step of printing information on the sole which would not be so permanent and attractive. On the final product, the information would be visible through the transparent lower polyurethane film. This film is also easy to stick to the inside surface of the shoe sole 85. Upper film is laminated with DRI-LEX^® 2-zone comfort lining by Faytex Corp, which has a porous inner layer which is against the foot of the wearer, and an outer layer against the inflatable innersole. The inner layer or zone stays soft, dry and cool against the foot and the outer layer which is formed of #2 Hydrofil^® Nylon rapidly pulls and absorbs perspiration. The lining is durable and resists wrinkling, odor and mildew. It is completely breathable. In addition with the channels 155 which are formed underneath inflatable soles and through apertures which allow air to circulate, it makes a superior foot-cooling and quick drying system. The main objectives of these inflatable soles are:

To provide adjustable air pressure to the whole sole or to the arch pillow to alleviate a wearer's flat foot problem by providing gradual adjustment over an extended period of use, or immediate adjustment to custom fit footwear. By using two inflatable soles in each shoe one can increase the wearer's comfort and height. The use of two inflatable soles in each shoe can also increase jumping abilities for basketball players and improve performance to all athletes. The inflatable linings are filled with air and they are very light weight.

The universal miniature pump and relief valve assembly is a single unit which is heat sealed to the thermoplastic film in a single heat sealing cycle. The use of a separate insert also provides the possibility to remove the inflatable insole from a shoe and insert it into another shoe.

The controls of the pump and relief valve assembly are accessible to the wearer. Since the tab connector between the pumps and inflatable sole is a flat element and is integral with the sole, the wearer will not feel it inside the shoe. It does not have circular tubes and tubes connecting areas, which could irritate the wearer's foot.

FIGURE 40 is a plan view of an inflatable bicycle seat 1218. There are three continuous seams 1222, 1224 and 1226, which divide inflatable seat 1218 into six chambers 1221, 1223, 1225, 1227 1229 and 1231. Each air chamber has extended tabs 1233, 1232, 1235, 1230, 1237 and 1228, with miniature pump and relief valve assemblies, 1112, 1111, 1113, 1110, 1114 and 1109, same as previously described in FIGURES 17 - 28. Each pump and relief valve assembly is connected with corresponding chambers through air passageways 1248, 1246, 1238, 1244, 1240 and 1242. There are discontinuous seams 1234 and 1245 to retain proper thickness of the inflatable seat 1218. There are two additional tabs 1236 and 1239. On end of the tabs 1228, 1230, 1239 and 1232 are attached fastening hook strips 1241, which close underneath seat with corresponding fastening loop strips 1243, which are attached on end of the tabs 1233, 1236, 1235 and 1237. There are also channels formed underneath seams and there are apertures 32, which allow air to circulate through the seat.

The main objectives of this inflatable bicycle seat 1218 are that it is simple and inexpensive to produce, and the multiple chambers prevent transfer of the air from one side to the other. FIGURE 41 illustrates an inflatable back and seat support 1250 with an inflatable back support 1260 surrounded by peripheral seam 1262. There is also an inflatable orthopedic- style chamber 1252 for lumbar support. The chamber 1252 is connected with pump and relief valve assembly 1117 through air passageway 1257. The rest of the back support 1260 is connected with separate pump and relief valve assembly 1118 through air passageway 1258. The passageways are formed by a peripheral seam about coincident tabs of the first and second plastic sheets. There are discontinuous seams 1253 to retain proper thickness of the inflatable back support 1260.

The inflatable seat 1270 has a peripheral seam 1264. There is a continuous seam 1275, which divides inflatable seat into two chambers. The left inflatable chamber 1272 is connected with pump and relief valve assembly 1115 through air passageway 1255.

The right inflatable chamber 1274 of the inflatable seat 1270 is connected with pump and relief valve assembly 1116 through air passageway 1256. The discontinuous seams 1276 retain proper thickness of the inflatable seat 1270. Inflatable back support 1260 has tab 1268 with a fastener loop strip on it, which coincide with fastening hook strip on tab 1267 of the inflatable seat 1270. There are also apertures 32 previously described, for air circulation.

FIGURE 42 is a perspective view of an inflatable back and seat support assembly 1250. There are four separate chambers 1260, 1252, 1272 and 1274, each connected with separate pump and relief valve assembly 1118, 1117, 1115 and 1116, which are same as previously described in FIGURES 27 and 28.

The advantages of the back and seat support 1250 include simple and inexpensive production. The support 1250 also provides a portable back support with adjustable air pressure and separate air chambers for lumbar support and back support, each of which has an independently adjustable air pressure. The inflatable seat support has two separate chambers, each with a miniature pump and relief valve assembly permanently mounted on board. The adjustable back support is removably attached to the inflatable seat support permitting their separation when needed.

FIGURE 43 is a perspective view of a football helmet 1280, with an inflatable liner 1300. In this figure are also illustrated a polycarbonate alloy shell 1281, face guard 1282, chin strap 1284, jaw pads 1286, nose bumper 1288, saw tooth back sizer 1290, front sizer 1292, and apertures 1298 on top of the helmet for air circulation. The inflatable liner 1300 is better illustrated in the FIGURES 44-47.

FIGURE 44 is a sectional view of the helmet 1280 previously described in FIGURE 43. In this figure, face guard 1282 and chin strap 1284 are not illustrated. FIGURE 44 also illustrates stabilizer system 1296, which is formed of a foam material to stabilize the inflatable liner 1300. There is also a pump and relief valve assembly 1119, permanently attached on tab 1299 and connected with inflatable liner 1300 through air passageway (not illustrated) . The pump and relief valve assembly 1119 are permanently heat sealed on tab 1299 which, is folded over the back edge of the plastic shell 1281 of the helmet 1280, and attached using fastening hooks and loops device, known as VELCRO^®. The liner 1300 is made of thermoplastic material laminated with DRI-LEX^® material, produced by Faytex Corp. previously described in FIGURE 27 and FIGURE 28. Also the Faytex Corp produces DRI-lex^® with loops which is used in this embodiment to match with hooks fastening strip 1278 permanently secured on the back of the helmet 1280, illustrated in FIGURE 27. FIGURE 45 is a perspective view of an inflatable liner 1300, with tab 1299 and pump and relief valve assembly 1119 on board. In this figure the liner 1300 is illustrated isolated out of the helmet but folded as it would be inside the helmet (see FIGURES 43 and 44). FIGURE 46 is a plan view of an unfolded inflatable liner 1300 as is produced under a heat sealing die. There is a horizontal tubular passageway 1294, which forms a ring or head band when folded inside helmet 1280. There are vertical tubular passageways formed by peripheral seams about the coincident prongs 1301, 1302, 1303, 1304, 1305, 1306, 1307 and 1308 of the first and second plastic sheets, which are connected with horizontal, tubular passageway 1294. The inflated prongs form a dome when folded and bent inside helmet 1280 lining the inside crown of the helmet. There are discontinuous seams 1295 which permit liner 1300 to fold and bend.

FIGURE 47 is a rear view of the helmet 1280 with fastening hook strip 1278, permanently secured to it, and pump and relief valve assembly 1119 attached to the fastening hook strip 1278.

FIGURE 48 is a perspective view of an inflatable liner assembly 1310 similar with liner 1300 previously described in FIGURES 43 - 47. In this embodiment 1310 there are four air chambers 1311, 1312, 1313 and 1314, each with prongs 1320, 1321, 1323, and 1322, and dependent pump and relief valve assemblies 1120, 1121, 1122 and 1123. Air passageways inside the prongs are not illustrated.

FIGURE 49 is a plan view of an unfolded inflatable liner assembly 1310, previously described in FIGURE 48. The illustration of this figure is similar to illustration of FIGURE 46 previously described. In FIGURE 49 inflatable liner assembly 1310 is illustrated as four separate liners, although it may be produced as one liner with four chambers.

FIGURE 50 is a rear view of the helmet 1283 which contains inflatable liner assembly 1310 previously described in FIGURES 48 and 49. There is fastening hook strip 1277 permanently secured to the helmet 1283. FIGURE 50 also illustrates pump and relief valve assemblies 1120, 1121, 1122 and 1123.

FIGURE 51 is a sectional view of an alternative helmet 1285. Inside this helmet 1285 there is no stabilizer system such as liner 1296 previously described in FIGURE 44. Instead, there is a liner 1300, previously described in FIGURES 43-47, which is incorporated as an outer liner next to shell 1281 with its own pump and relief valve assembly 1119, also illustrated in FIGURE 52. In this helmet 1285 is also incorporated inflatable liner assembly 1310 previously described in FIGURES 48-50, as inner liner 1310 with four chambers, each having its own pump and relief valve assembly. There are stabilizer blocks 1297, crown stabilizer block 1317, front sizer 1292, saw tooth back sizer 1290, nose bumper 1288 and jaw pads 1286.

FIGURE 52 is a rear view of the helmet 1285, which contains inflatable liner 1300 as an outer liner next to shell 1281 and inflatable liner assembly 1310 as inner liner slightly smaller to fit underneath outer liner 1300. FIGURE 52 illustrates fastening hook strip 1279 permanently secured to the helmet 1285. FIGURE 52 also illustrates pump and relief valve assembly 1119 which is a permanent part of the liner 1300 and four other pump and relief valve assemblies 1120, 1121, 1122 and 1123 which are permanent parts of the all chambers of the inflatable liner assembly 1310.

FIGURES 53-59 illustrate baseball helmet 1330 with an inflatable liner assembly 1340, with two inflatable chambers 1342 and 1344, each having its own pump and relief valve assembly 1126 and 1125 permanently on board. There are two inflatable jaw pads 1346 and 1348, each with own pump and relief valve assembly 1124 and 1127. FIGURE 53 is a perspective view of a baseball helmet

1330. FIGURE 53 illustrates plastic shell 1331, inflatable pads 1346 and 1348, and saw tooth back sizer 1335.

FIGURE 54 is a view from underneath baseball helmet 1330. In this figure are illustrated inflatable front liner 1342 with tab 1356 and its own pump and relief valve assembly 1126. There is also inflatable back liner 1344 with tab 1355 and its own pump and relief valve assembly 1125. Also, are illustrated inflatable jaw pads 1348 and 1346 with their tabs 1354 and 1357 with their own pumps and relief valve assemblies 1124 and 1127. Also are illustrated, beside plastic shell

1331, front foam-molded sizer 1333 and sawtooth back foam molded sizer 1335.

FIGURE 55 is a sectional view of a baseball helmet 1330 previously described in FIGURES 53 and 54. FIGURE 55 illustrates plastic shell 1331, and underneath it inflatable liner assembly 1340. There are front chamber 1342 and rear chamber 1344. There are front sizer 1333 and saw tooth back sizer 1335 with pump and relief valve assembly 1125. There is also inflatable jaw pad 1348 with pump and relief valve assembly 1124.

FIGURE 56 is a plan view of an inflatable jaw pad 1348 for baseball helmet 1330 previously described in FIGURES 53- 55. Figure 56 illustrates an inflatable jaw pad 1348 with unfolded tab 1354, with pump and relief valve assembly 1124, heat sealed on it. In this illustration air passageway 1347, which is formed inside tab 1354 and which connects inflatable jaw pad 1348 and pump and relief valve assembly 1124, is visible .

FIGURE 57 is a sectional view along line 81-81' of an inflatable jaw pad 1348 previously described in FIGURE 56. To avoid peripheral seams close to wearer's skin, these jaw pads are produced from a soft plastic film 1350 in a vacuum press. The miniature pump and relief valve assembly is sealed to the plastic film 1350 before it is formed in the vacuum press, prior to heat sealing to the second plastic film 1351 which is laminated with proper fabric with loops 1352 for easy attachment with hooks on interior of the plastic shell 1331 of the helmet 1330.

FIGURE 58 is a plan view of an unfolded inflatable front liner 1342. There is a horizontal tubular passageway 1359 and three perpendicular tubular passageways in prongs 1361, 1362 and 1363 in communication with horizontal tubular passageway 1359. When installed inside helmet they form a half dome which lines the inside surface of the crown of the helmet. There is a tab 1356 with air passageway inside it (not illustrated) and pump and relief valve assembly 1126 which communicate with central tubular passageway 1362. There is front foam molded sizer 1333 which also could be made inflatable with its own pump and relief valve assembly.

FIGURE 59 is a plan view of an unfolded inflatable rear liner 1344, which with front liner 1342 previously described in FIGURE 58, forms complete inflatable liner 1340 for baseball helmet 1330. This liner 1344 also has a horizontal tubular passageway 1360, and three perpendicular tubular passageways in prongs 1365, 1366 and 1367 in communication with horizontal tubular passageway 1360. There is a tab 1355 with air passageway inside it (not illustrated) and pump and relief valve assembly 1125 which communicate with horizontal tubular passageway 1360. There is also a saw toothed back sizer 1335 made of foam material to protect neck of the wearer, and is interchangeable. FIGURES 60 - 62 illustrate and inflatable multi-purpose pad 1370. It has a circular tubular passageway 1372, formed by two circular seams 1374 and 1376. Circular tubular passageway 1372 form cavity 1378, where pump and relief valve assembly 1128 is located. To avoid peripheral seams being close to wearer's skin, this universal pad 1370 is produced by same method as jaw pad 1348 previously described in FIGURES 56 and 57. In first heat sealing cycle the pump and relief valve assembly 1128 is permanently attached to the first flexible plastic film 1380. After that first plastic film 1380 is put in vacuum press with a special die to be formed as shown in FIGURES 61 and 62, and then placed in heat sealing machine where second plastic film 1381 is added and second heat sealing cycle performed for final shape of the product. There is air passageway 1368 which connects circular tubular passageway 1372 with the pump and relief valve assembly 1128. Second plastic film 1381 is laminated with proper fabric with loops 1382, for easy attachment with hooks on the interior surface of the product in which this pad 1370 is applied. For example, it could be used instead of jaw pad 1348 (see FIGURES 53-57) or instead jaw pad 1286 (see FIGURES 43, 44, 51). Inflatable pad 1370 can be used in numerous applications. For example as padding for shield protective gear in many sports such as baseball, hockey, football, etc., on interior of a knee brace, etc.

The advantages of the inflatable pad 1370 are that it is simple and inexpensive to produce, it has adjustable air pressure to control its firmness, it has the miniature pump and relief valve assembly 1128, permanently attached and hidden inside cavity formed by circular main passageway 1372. It is portable and interchangeable.

FIGURES 63-67 illustrate a bicycle helmet 1400 with an inflatable liner assembly 1410, which contains a front liner 1412 and rear a liner 1420. The front liner 1412 has two independent chambers: front left chamber 1414 and front right chamber 1416. The rear liner 1420 is identical and has also two independent chambers: rear left 1422 and rear right 1424. FIGURE 63 is a perspective view of a bicycle helmet 1400, having a helmet shell 1402, straps 1404, opening for ventilation 1406, tab 1408 of the front liner 1412 and two independent pumps and relief valve assemblies 1130 and 1129. FIGURE 64 is a perspective view of the inside of the bicycle helmet 1400. FIGURE 64 illustrates inflatable liner assembly 1410 described in FIGURES 63-67, and also illustrates tab 1408 of the front liner 1412, with two pump and relief valve assemblies 1129 and 1130 and tab 1409 of the rear liner 1420 with two pumps and relief valve assemblies 1131 and 1132. Each pump and relief valve assembly communicates with relevant chamber through air passageways 1429, 1430, 1431 and 1432.

FIGURE 65 is a sectional view of a bicycle helmet 1400 previously described in FIGURES 62 and 64.

FIGURE 66 is a plan view of an unfolded front inflatable liner 1412 of an inflatable liner assembly 1410 previously described in FIGURES 63-65. FIGURE 66 illustrates continuous seam 1418 which divides front line 1412 into two independent chambers 1414 and 1416. Each of those chambers has side tubular passageway 1434 and 1436, and top tubular passageways in prongs 1435 and 1437. Each of those chambers 1414 and 1416 has its own pump and relief valve assembly 1129 and 1130 and they communicate through air passageways 1429 and 1430, which are formed inside tab 1408. Pump and relief valve assembly 1129 and 1130 are heat sealed to the tab 1408.

FIGURE 67 is a sectional view along line 91-91' of an inflatable front liner 1412 of the inflatable liner assembly 1410 previously described in FIGURES 63-66.

FIGURE 67 illustrates a typical cross-section of the tubular passageways 1434, 1435, 1436, and 1437 of the front inflatable liner 1412 and tubular passageways 1444, 1445, 1446 and 1447 of the rear inflatable liner 1420. To avoid peripheral seams being too close to the wearer's skin, this liner 1410 is produced by the same method as jaw pad 1348 and universal multi-purpose pad 1370 previously described in FIGURES 56, 57, and 60-62. In first heat sealing cycle the pump and relief valve assembly 1129 and 1130 are permanently attached to the first flexible plastic film 1380. The first plastic film 1380 is placed in a vacuum press with a special die to be formed as shown in FIGURE 67, and then placed in heat sealing machine where second plastic film 1381 is added and second heat sealing cycle performed for the final shape of the product as shown in FIGURE 66. Second plastic film 1381 is laminated with proper fabric with loops 1382, for easy attachment with hooks on the interior surface of helmet 1400. Helmet 1400 also has fastening hook strip on the exterior surface on limited area underneath tabs 1408 and 1409 (not illustrated) . The advantages of the inflatable liners for helmets are simple and inexpensive manufacture, a multiple chamber system with pump and relief valve assemblies on board, and easily interchangeable with existing inflatable liners which do not have a pump and relief valve assembly on board, and thus must be supported by extraneous inflation systems.

Claims

1. A preform for an air pump and relief valve assembly which comprises: a. an assembly body having a substantially flat bottom and molded entirely of a flexible plastic; b. a bulbous extremity on said body adjacent one end thereof and open at said bottom wall; c. a relief valve recess adjacent the opposite end of said body and open to a valve port in said bottom wall; d. at least one internal passage open to the interior of said bulbous extremity and extending through said assembly body to a second port open at said bottom wall; e. said bottom wall including a substantially planar base flange extending about said body and peripherally about said bulbous extremity and said relief valve recess; and f. a through tunnel in said body transverse to said at least one internal passage and located between said internal passage and said bottom wall.

2. The preform of claim 1 including a second internal passage open to the interior of said bulbous extremity and extending through said body to a port open in a wall of said body.

3. The preform of claim 1 including a check valve disposed in said internal passage to permit air flow from saiα bulbous extremity to said port open at said bottom wall.

4. The preform of claim 2 including a first check valve disposed in said internal passage to permit air flow from said bulbous extremity to said port open at said bottom wall and a second check valve disposed in said second internal passage and oriented to permit air flow from said port open in a wall of said housing to said bulbous extremity.

5. The preform of claim 1 including a relief valve member mounted in said relief valve recess with a spring to bias said valve member into a closed position seating in said valve port.

6. The preform of claim 1 including a cover overlying said body and having downwardly dependent side flanges with distal shafts which are seated in the opposite ends of said tunnel to provide a hinged attachment of said cover to said body.

7. An inflatable enclosure formed of first and second sheets of plastic film bonded together in a continuous seam about their peripheries to form a sealed interior in combination with the air pump and valve preform of claim 4 having its bottom wall and flange bonded to one of said sheets of plastic film with an opening in said one sheet of plastic open to said valve port and said second port in said bottom wall.

8. The inflatable enclosure of claim 7 including a seam between said bottom wall and said first sheet of plastic which extends coextensively with said tunnel.

9. The inflatable enclosure of claim 7 including a relief valve member mounted in said relief valve recess with a spring to bias said valve member into a closed position seating in said valve port.

10. The inflatable enclosure of claim 9 as an inflatable inner sole for footwear wherein said first and second sheets of plastic film have the shape of a sole of said footwear.

11. The inflatable enclosure of claim 10 including a plurality of discontinuous seams extending transversely across the metatarsal area of said inner sole.

12. The inflatable enclosure of claim 10 including discontinuous longitudinal seams adjacent the lateral edge of said inner sole to form a tubular passage adjacent said lateral edge.

13. The inflatable enclosure of claim 10 including a C-shaped, discontinuous seam in the heel area of said inner sole to form a heel inflatable pillow and a peripheral tubular passageway about the heel of said inflatable inner sole.

14. The inflatable enclosure of claim 10 including a plurality of discontinuous seams encircling the arch area of said inner sole to form an arch pillow.

15. The inflatable enclosure of claim 14 wherein said air pump and valve preform are bonded to said enclosure adjacent said arch pillow.

16. The inflatable enclosure of claim 10 wherein said first and second sheets have coincident tabs which are bonded about their periphery to form a tubular passageway coextensive of said tabs, and wherein said air pump and valve preform are bonded to said one sheet adjacent the end of its tab.

17. The inflatable enclosure of claim 10 including a continuous seam encircling the arch area of said inner sole to form an inflatable arch pillow which is sealed from the remainder of said inflatable inner sole.

18. The inflatable enclosure of claim 17 including two air pump and valve preforms; one preform being located adjacent to and in communication with said inflatable arch pillow and the other being located adjacent to said inflatable arch pillow and open to the remainder of said inflatable inner sole.

19. The inflatable enclosure of claim 17 wherein said first and second sheets have coincident tabs which are bonded about their periphery and along their centers to form two tubular passageways coextensive of said tabs, with one passageway open to said inflatable arch pillow and the other open to the remainder of said inflatable inner sole, and including two air pump and valve preforms located at the end of said tabs; one preform being located adjacent to and in communication with said passageway open to said inflatable arch pillow and the other being located adjacent to said inflatable arch pillow and the other open to said passageway open to the remainder of said inflatable inner sole.

20. The inflatable enclosure of claim 17 including a continuous seam located between the heel and metatarsal regions of said inner sole to form separate heel and metatarsal chambers which are sealed from each other and said inflatable arch pillow.

21. The inflatable enclosure of claim 20 wherein said first and second sheets have coincident tabs which are bonded about their periphery and including two longitudinal seams to form three tubular passageways coextensive of said tabs, with one passageway open to said inflatable arch pillow, a second open to the inflatable heel pillow, and the third open to the metatarsal chambers, and including three air pump and valve preforms located at the end of said tabs; one preform being located adjacent to and in communication with said passageway open to said inflatable arch pillow, a second preform being located adjacent to and in communication with said second passageway open to said heel chamber and the third being located adjacent to said third passageway and open to the metatarsal chamber.

22. The inflatable enclosure of claim 9 as an inflatable seat covering wherein said first and second sheets of plastic film have the shape of a seat and wherein said first and second sheets have coincident tabs which are bonded about their periphery to form tubular passageways coextensive of said tabs, and wherein said air pump and valve preform are bonded to said one sheet adjacent the end of its tab.

23. The inflatable enclosure of claim 22 including a continuous longitudinal seam dividing said inflatable enclosure into separate chambers and including said coincident tabs on each side thereof with an air pump and relief valve preform for each of said chambers.

24. The inflatable enclosure of claim 23 as an inflatable bicycle seat covering wherein said first and second sheets of plastic film have the shape of a bicycle seat.

25. The inflatable enclosure of claim 9 as an inflatable seat back covering wherein said first and second sheets of plastic film have the shape of the back of a seat and wherein said first and second sheets have coincident tabs which are bonded about their periphery to form a tubular passageway coextensive of said tabs, and wherein said air pump and valve preform are bonded to said one sheet adjacent the end of its tab.

26. The inflatable enclosure of claim 25 including a continuous seam surrounding the lumbar area of said seat back to form a lumbar support chamber and a remainder back chamber, and including said coincident tabs adjacent said lumbar area of said seat back and adjacent the remainder of said remainder back chamber with an air pump and relief valve preform for each of said chambers.

27. An inflatable lined helmet comprising a helmet having a top, front, back, and sides, with an inflatable lining received within said helmet as an internal lining for at least one selected interior surface thereof comprising the top, sides, front and back, and combinations thereof, of said helmet wherein said lining includes the inflatable enclosure of claim 9.

28. The helmet of claim 27 wherein said inflatable enclosure is formed with first and second sheets having the shape of a longitudinal band with a plurality of dependent prongs and is received within said helmet with said longitudinal band forming a head band lining and with said dependent prongs extending upwardly along the interior surfaces of the crown of said helmet.

29. The helmet of claim 28 including coincident tab extensions on each of said first and second sheets of plastic which extend exteriorly of said helmet and which are bonded together in a peripheral seam to form a tubular passage coextensive said tabs and wherein said preform is bonded to said tab extensions exteriorly of said helmet.

30. The helmet of claim 28 including at least two of said inflatable enclosures disposed at selected locations within said helmet.

31. The helmet of claim 30 wherein said helmet has jaw projections and including an inflatable enclosure of claim 9 with first and second sheets of the shape of the jaw projection and positioned adjacent the inside of each jaw projection to provide separate inflatable jaw pads.

32. An inflatable cushion of claim 9 wherein said first and second sheets of plastic are bonded together with a peripheral seam and a continuous substantially parallel seam to form an inflatable annular cushion and wherein said air pump and relief valve preform is surrounded by said annular cushion.

33. An inflatable lining of claim 9 wherein said bottom wall and flange of said preform are bonded with a single seam to both said sheets of plastic film.

34. A preform for a flexible bulb air pump which comprises a generally hemispherical bulbous shell contiguous with a radial arm open at one end to said bulbous shell and closed with an end wall at its opposite end, and a flat sealing flange extending peripherally about said shell and arm, with a pair of apertures in said end wall.

35. An air pump flexible bulb formed with a flat bottoms sheet permanently bonded to said sealing flange of the preform of claim 34.