FR3085445A1 - PUMP FOR THE VOLUME OF AN INFLATABLE STRUCTURE AND INFLATABLE STRUCTURE INCORPORATING THE SAME - Google Patents

Abstract

A pump (P) for an inflatable structure, in particular a seat or chaise longue, comprises: - a turbine (8) powered by an electric motor (10), - two members (7, 2) are surfaces (7a, 2a) can be brought closer to so as to enclose in a generally sealed manner a region of an envelope of the structure which surrounds an opening, - a non-return valve (6) selectively openable to allow the turbine to entrain air from the outside towards the inside the envelope. Application to portable inflatable structures for seating or sleeping which no longer have to be made into volume by scooping.

Description

The invention relates to a new inflatable structure for seating or sleeping, comprising improved inflation means.

The inflation of structures by scooping ("scooping" in English) has been known for a few years.

It is tedious, uncertain, requires training and especially wind.

The invention aims to provide an alternative to scooping structures which does not significantly affect the weight and size of the article, while being reliable and easy to operate in all conditions.

A pump is therefore proposed for an inflatable structure, in particular a seat or a chaise longue, comprising:

- a turbine driven by an electric motor,

- two members, the surfaces of which can be brought together to enclose a region of an envelope of the structure which surrounds an opening in a generally sealed manner,

- a selectively opening check valve to allow the turbine to draw air from the outside towards the inside of the casing.

This pump can include the following optional characteristics, taken individually or in any combination that a person skilled in the art will understand as being technically compatible:

* the pump also includes a valve control member from the outside.

* the control unit includes a perforated grid through which the inlet air can pass.

"The valve control member is attached to an external motor power connector to open the valve when said external connector is coupled to a complementary connector that is part of the pump.

“The control member is able to be pushed by the connector during coupling.

* an elastic means urges the valve towards its closed position.

* the turbine has a radial effect and is intended to be located in the internal volume of the structure.

* the pump also includes a rechargeable battery to power the motor in the absence of external power.

* the pump also includes a pressure sensor for automatic shutdown.

According to the invention, an inflatable structure is also proposed, in particular for seating or sleeping, characterized in that it has an opening and a pump as defined above, the said surfaces of the said members enclosing the periphery in a generally sealed manner. of said opening.

Other aspects, aims and advantages of the present invention will appear better on reading the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, given by way of nonlimiting example and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 to 3 are respectively exploded views in elevation, in perspective from above and in perspective from below of a pump,

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the various components of the pump,

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the assembled pump,

FIGS. 6 to 9 are respectively schematic front, side, back and top views of an inflatable seat,

FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional view along the line A-A of FIG. 6, and

FIG. 11 is a vertical section view on an enlarged scale of an assembly detail D of FIG. 10, and

- Figure 12 is a top view of the detail of Figure 11.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5, we will first describe a volume pump which can be optionally used for inflating a structure according to the invention.

The pump P comprises a main body 9 perforated peripherally at 9a, receiving an electric motor 10 capable of driving a turbine 8 with a radial effect around an axis.

A cover 11 closes the body at the bottom and can receive, in a stand-alone version, a battery, not shown.

The body is surmounted by a plate 7 having a first axial support flange 7a surmounted by a threaded sleeve 7b on which a ring 2 can be screwed forming a axial support flange 2a.

By screwing the ring 2 onto the sleeve 7b, one comes to trap a region of a flexible envelope E of the inflatable seat surrounding a circular opening made in this envelope.

This achieves the sealed closure of this opening by the pump.

This seal can be ensured for example using two flat elastomer seals 13, 14 applied against the flanges 7a, 2a and against the casing E, on either side of the latter.

The plate 7 also forms a seat 7c turned downwards in the figure, to cooperate with a valve 6 formed by a solid circular plate 6a connected by an upright 6b to an openwork control plate 4 in which an opening 4a is made, here circular, for a connector not shown of a power cord.

This connector can engage in a base 7d mounted on the plate 7 and located at an axial distance from the control plate 4, so that when making the connection, the plate 4 is pushed axially and carries with it the valve, against the force of a compression spring 6c

5 acting between the plate 4 and a perforated central region of the plate 7, to force the opening of the valve.

At this instant, the electric motor is supplied and drives the turbine 8 to draw air from outside the enclosure E, via the perforated plate 4 and the valve 6, towards the interior of the enclosure through the openings

0 body peripherals 9.

When the article is inflated enough, the connector is removed and the valve closes under the action of spring 6c, keeping the article in its inflated state.

To deflate it, the user exerts pressure on the control plate 4 to keep the valve 6 open and allow the air to escape. Pressing on the article walls accelerates deflation.

Power can be supplied from any available current source: mobile phone battery, autonomous battery, AC adapter. The cord is preferably the USB standard and / or the standard of a manufacturer of smartphones and / or low voltage power supply with coaxial contacts.

Many variants of this pump are possible:

- it can include a rechargeable battery using the connector,

- the valve can be locked in the open position to facilitate deflation, for example by rotation of the latter using a bayonet type mechanism,

- an opening of the valve can be provided by another movement than the engagement of the connector in its base,

- we can provide an opening of the valve by electrical control during power supply.

- a pressure sensor can be provided to stop the pump automatically when a certain inflation pressure is reached.

Preferably, the inflatable article is designed for a low inflation pressure so as to limit the consumption of the pump.

The pump can be reduced in size (5 to 15 cm in diameter) and light in weight (typically 100 to 500 g) thanks to the majority of plastic materials used. It can thus easily equip portable inflatable structures such as seats, cushions and beach mattresses.

Referring now to Figures 6 to 12, a padding device will be described.

To keep close together, in a localized manner, two opposite envelope regions E1 and E2 of the flexible envelope of the inflatable structure (here a seat S), and thus achieve padding, a rounded volume element is used, here generally spherical. 21, preferably made of a material having a certain elasticity and non-slip, and a throttling element 22.

The two envelope layers E1, E2 are brought together and placed around the spherical element so as to enclose it tightly by conforming to its shape.

The material of the envelope on the two layers is tightened on itself and the throttling element 22 is put in place so as to maintain this tightening, permanently or removable.

The spherical element 21 is then trapped, while the throttling element, in combination with the spherical element, prevents the envelope parts from sliding relative to each other while holding them together so localized.

In this way, the two envelope parts are kept close together locally, to achieve padding.

This padding can be formed in any suitable location of the inflatable structure, in particular of the seat to give it a hollow, and therefore allows to play at will on the final shape. One or more upholstery is provided depending on the size and use of the article.

The spherical element 21 may alternatively be ovoid, or even be a volume of completely different shape, preferably without edges so as not to risk tearing the material of the envelope. It is hollow or full. It is for example made of rigid or semi-rigid plastic, with a diameter of the order of 2 to 5 cm.

The throttling element 22 may be a collar of the "Serflex" ® type, an open ring of the "Circlip" ® type or the like.

The seat is here in the form of a low armchair, with the pump P as described above placed laterally at the back.

The seat may further include one or more storage pockets PC, and an incorporated bag SC for its storage and transport when it is deflated.

Claims (6)

Claims 1. Pump (P) for an inflatable structure, in particular a seat or chaise longue, comprising: 5 - a turbine (8) driven by an electric motor (10), - two members (7, 2) whose surfaces (7a, 2a) can be brought together so as to enclose in a generally sealed manner a region of an envelope of the structure which surrounds an opening, - a selectively opening check valve (6) to allow the turbine to draw air from the outside towards the inside of the enclosure. 2. Pump according to claim 1, which further comprises a member (4) for controlling the valve from the outside. 15 3. Pump according to claim 2, wherein the control member (4) comprises a perforated grid through which can pass the inlet air. 4. Pump according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the valve control member (4) (6) is subject to an external power connector 2 0 of the motor to open the valve when said external connector is coupled to a complementary connector (7d) forming part of the pump. 5. Pump according to claim 4, wherein the control member (4) is adapted to be pushed by the connector during coupling. Z. o 6. Pump according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an elastic means (6c) biases the valve towards its closed position. 7. Pump according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the turbine (8) 3 0 has a radial effect and is intended to be located in the internal volume of the structure. 8. Pump according to one of claims 1 to 7, which further comprises a rechargeable battery for powering the motor in the absence of external power. 9. Pump according to one of claims 1 to 8, which further comprises a pressure sensor for its automatic shutdown. 10. Inflatable structure, especially for seating or sleeping, 10 characterized in that it has an opening and a pump according to one of claims 1 to 9, said surfaces of said members enclose in a generally sealed manner the periphery of said opening.