Inflatable object and valve therefor

Abstract

In one aspect, an inflatable object includes an object body enclosing a chamber to receive air, and a valve mounted to the inflatable object body. The valve includes a valve body defining a passageway between the chamber and an ambient environment. The valve body has a shoulder portion. The valve body defines an outer end open to the ambient environment and an inner end open into the chamber. The valve includes a one-way valve flap movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position it allows fluid communication between the chamber and the ambient environment through the passageway. The one-way valve flap is biased to the closed position by a closing force selected to be overcome by a flow of air having a velocity less than about 48 m / s and at a pressure below 1 atmosphere to move the one-way valve flap to the open position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This instruction manual generally relates to inflatable objects, and more specifically to valves used for inflatable objects. Background Technology

[0002] An inflatable object is known to be constructed with a valve that allows a user to manually inflate and deflate the object. Typically, the valve employs a unidirectional flow mechanism to allow air to be forced into the object while preventing air from leaving the object during the intervals between air blown by the user. These unidirectional flow mechanisms sometimes require considerable effort to overcome, which can lead to user fatigue during inflating the object. Furthermore, the volume of air that the user needs to blow into the inflatable object can be large, which can also cause user fatigue or dizziness. It would be advantageous to at least improve one or more of these or other problems with inflatable objects. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, an inflatable object is provided, comprising an inflatable object body and a valve mounted to the inflatable object body, the inflatable object body enclosing a chamber to receive air for pressurizing the inflatable object body. The valve includes a valve body defining a passage between the chamber and the surrounding environment. The valve body has a shoulder. The valve body defines an outer end of the passage to the surrounding environment and an inner end of the passage into the chamber. The valve also includes a one-way valve flap movable between an open position and a closed position, in which the one-way valve flap allows fluid communication between the chamber and the surrounding environment through the passage, and in a closed position, the one-way valve flap seals against the shoulder to block fluid communication between the chamber and the surrounding environment through the passage. The one-way valve flap is biased to a closed position by a closing force. The closing force is selected to be overcome so that the one-way valve flap is moved to an open position by an airflow blown by a person through the passage towards the one-way valve flap without their mouth engaging the valve body to form a seal.

[0004] In one aspect, an inflatable object is provided, comprising an inflatable object body and a valve mounted to the inflatable object body, the inflatable object body enclosing a chamber to receive air for pressurizing the inflatable object body. The valve includes a valve body defining a passage between the chamber and an ambient environment. The valve body has a shoulder. The valve body defines an outer end of the passage to the ambient environment and an inner end of the passage into the chamber. The valve also includes a one-way valve flap movable between an open position and a closed position, in which the one-way valve flap allows fluid communication between the chamber and the ambient environment through the passage, and in a closed position, the one-way valve flap seals against the shoulder to block fluid communication between the chamber and the ambient environment through the passage. The one-way valve flap is biased to a closed position by a closing force. The closing force is selected to be overcome so as to move the one-way valve flap to the open position by an airflow having a velocity of less than about 48 m / s and a pressure below 1 atm. The valve also includes a cover that can be removably mounted on the outer end to form a cover seal for fluid communication between the chamber and the surrounding environment.

[0005] On the other hand, an inflatable object is provided, comprising an inflatable object body and a valve mounted to the inflatable object body, the inflatable object body enclosing a chamber to receive air for pressurizing the inflatable object body. The valve includes a valve body defining a passage between the chamber and the surrounding environment. The valve body has a shoulder. The valve also includes a one-way valve disc movable between an open position and a closed position, in which the one-way valve disc allows fluid communication between the chamber and the surrounding environment through the passage, and in a closed position, the one-way valve disc seals against the shoulder to block fluid communication between the chamber and the surrounding environment through the passage. The one-way valve disc is biased to the closed position by a closing force. The valve also includes a cap removably mounted on an outer end to form a cap seal against fluid communication between the chamber and the surrounding environment. The cap includes a venting protrusion that extends far enough from the rest of the cap to allow the cap to be inserted into the passage to the venting position, in which the venting protrusion drives a one-way valve to the open position to allow deflation of the inflatable object.

[0006] Other technical advantages will readily become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following figures and description. Attached Figure Description

[0007] To better understand the embodiments described herein and to more clearly illustrate how the embodiments can be implemented, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings by way of example only.

[0008] Figure 1 A perspective view of an inflatable object according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 It is taken from Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of the valve of the inflatable object shown.

[0010] Figure 3A yes Figure 2 The image shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the valve, with the one-way valve disc in the open position.

[0011] Figure 3B yes Figure 2 The image shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the valve, with the one-way valve disc in the closed position.

[0012] Figure 4 It is blown up by the user through the valve Figure 1 A perspective view of the inflatable object shown.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 The enlarged side view of the valve shown illustrates air flowing into an inflatable object.

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 The valve shown is a perspective cross-sectional view.

[0015] Figure 7 From Figure 2 The diagram shows a perspective view of the outer end of a variant of the valve.

[0016] Figure 8 From Figure 2 The diagram shows a perspective view of the inner end of the valve.

[0017] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 The image shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the valve, with the cover in the closed position.

[0018] Figure 10 yes Figure 2 The image shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the valve, with the cover in the venting position.

[0019] Figure 11A yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a perspective view of a variant of the valve, wherein a shoulder is formed on the valve for being... Figure 3A and Figure 3B The recessed portion where the one-way valve disc engages is shown.

[0020] Figure 11B yes Figure 11A The diagram shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a variant of the valve, revealing a one-way valve disc in a recess.

[0021] Figure 12 yes Figure 2 The enlarged cross-sectional side view of the valve shown shows a variation of the connection structure that holds the one-way valve disc to the valve body.

[0022] Figure 13A yes Figure 2 A perspective view of another variant of the valve shown.

[0023] Figure 13B yes Figure 13A The valve shown is a cross-sectional side view of a variant.

[0024] Figure 14 yes Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional side view of the valve shown, illustrating its relationship with... Figure 1 The wall-joined extension of the inflatable body of the inflatable object shown.

[0025] Unless otherwise specified, the items depicted in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0026] For the sake of simplicity and clarity, reference numerals may be repeated in multiple figures where deemed appropriate to indicate corresponding or similar elements. Furthermore, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. It should be understood from the outset that although exemplary embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings and described hereinafter, the principles of this disclosure can be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. This disclosure should not be limited in any way to the exemplary embodiments and techniques shown in the accompanying drawings and described hereinafter.

[0027] Unless the context otherwise indicates, the various terms used throughout this specification may be read and understood as follows: the word “or” as used throughout is inclusive, as written as “and / or”; the singular articles and pronouns as used throughout include their plural forms, and vice versa; similarly, gender pronouns include their corresponding pronouns, and therefore the pronouns should not be construed as limiting anything described herein to use, implementation, performance, etc., by a single gender; “exemplary” should be understood as “illustrative” or “model”, and not necessarily as “superior” to other embodiments. Further definitions of terms may be set forth herein; these may apply to prior and subsequent instances of those terms, as will be understood by reading this specification.

[0028] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Furthermore, the operation of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components, and the described methods may include more, fewer, or other steps. Moreover, the steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used herein, “each” means each component of a set or each component of a subset of a set.

[0029] refer to Figure 1 The image shows an inflatable object 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The inflatable object 10 includes an inflatable object body 12 and a valve 14. The inflatable object body 12 encloses a chamber 16 for receiving air to pressurize the inflatable object body 12. The valve 14 is mounted to the inflatable object body 12 and includes a valve body 18, a one-way valve disc 20, and a cap 22. The valve body 18 (… Figure 2 A passage 24 is defined between chamber 16 and the surrounding environment 26, which is the environment outside the inflatable object 10. The passage is defined. Figure 6 The path axis A is shown in the diagram.

[0030] refer to Figure 2 The valve body 18 defines an outer end 28 of a passage 24, which opens to the surrounding environment 26, and an inner end 30 of the passage 24, which opens into a chamber 16. The valve body 18 also includes a shoulder 32, which is a sealing surface to which the one-way valve disc 20 can seal. The one-way valve disc 20 can be in an open position (…). Figure 3A ) and closing position ( Figure 3B The one-way valve 20 moves between the chamber 16 and the surrounding environment 26 in the open position, allowing fluid communication between the chamber 16 and the surrounding environment 26 through the passage 24, while in the closed position, the one-way valve 20 seals the shoulder 32 to block fluid communication between the chamber 16 and the surrounding environment 26 through the passage 24.

[0031] At least in certain conditions, the one-way valve 20 is biased to the closed position by a closing force F. The closing force F is the sum of all forces that push the one-way valve 20 to the closed position. This includes one or more of the following forces: 1. the air pressure P1 within chamber 16, which is greater than the air pressure P2 in the surrounding environment 26; 2. the resilience within the one-way valve 20 itself, which pushes the one-way valve 20 to the closed position; and 3. a separate biasing member, such as a spring, which pushes the one-way valve 20 to the closed position. In the example shown, the one-way valve 20 is not pushed to the closed position by a separate biasing member. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the one-way valve 20 lacks sufficient resilience to push itself to the closed position. In other words, when the air pressure P1 in chamber 16 is the same as the air pressure P2 in the surrounding environment 26, the one-way valve 20 can be sufficiently resilient to collapse away from the closed position (i.e., collapse in a direction away from the outer end 28 of the passage 24). Figure 3B In the view shown, the one-way valve 20 can be held in the closed position at least in part by a pressure difference across the one-way valve 20, wherein the internal air pressure P1 is greater than the external air pressure P2. It will be noted that the closing force F that pushes the one-way valve 20 to the closed position during the initial inflation process of the inflatable object 10 can therefore be zero.

[0032] The closing force is chosen to be low enough that, during at least the first part of the inflation process, the closing force F will be non-zero, at least due to the pressure difference between P1 and P2, but will be low enough to be overcome to move the one-way valve disc to the open position by an airflow having a velocity of less than about 48 m / s and a pressure below 1 atmosphere. This provides several significant advantages over valves used for inflatable objects in the prior art. One advantage is that the chosen velocity allows a person to generate an airflow with the aforementioned velocity of 48 m / s. As a result, a person can blow into the valve from a distance without forming a seal around valve 14 with their mouth, generating an airflow with a velocity of at least 48 m / s, such as... Figure 4As shown in the diagram, a person (who may also be referred to as the user, and is shown as 34) is depicted holding the inflatable object 10, close to the valve 14, and blowing into the valve 14 at a distance (i.e., such that the user's mouth (shown as 36) is spaced apart from the valve body 18). The airflow generated directly from the user's mouth 36 is indicated by arrow 38 and can be referred to as the initial airflow 38. It should be noted that air moving at a faster speed than the surrounding air is under a lower pressure than the surrounding air. Therefore, the pressure of the initial airflow 38 moving from the user's mouth 36 toward the one-way valve 20 is at pressure P3, which is lower than the pressure P2 of the air in the surrounding environment 26 (and therefore certainly lower than the pressure P1 within the chamber 16). However, even though the pressure of the air moving from the user's mouth 36 to the one-way valve 20 is low, the air moves at a speed sufficient to overcome the closing force F on the one-way valve 20, thereby opening the one-way valve 20.

[0033] Still referencing Figure 4 As noted above, the pressure P3 of the initial airflow 38 moving toward the one-way valve 20 is lower than the pressure P2 of the air surrounding it in the ambient environment 26. As a result, air from the ambient environment 26 is drawn into the initial airflow 38, as indicated by arrow 40. Consequently, as a result of the user 34's blowing action, air enters the chamber 16 ( Figure 6 The inlet airflow shown at 42 consists partly of air from the user's lungs (i.e., the initial airflow 38) and partly of air inhaled into the airflow 38. This means that some air not directly from a person's lungs can be used to inflate the inflatable object 10. This greatly facilitates the inflation process of the inflatable object 10.

[0034] The outer end 28 of the passage 24 has a first cross-sectional area A1. The central region 34 of the passage 24, located inside the outer end 28, has a second cross-sectional area A2. Optionally, as... Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the outer end 28 is flared outwards, and therefore the second cross-sectional area A2 is smaller than the first cross-sectional area A1. It has been found that this increases the amount of air drawn into the airflow from the surrounding environment 26, which, with each breath from a person, engages and passes through the one-way valve 20 into the chamber 16. Theoretically, this may occur because the reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the passage 24 as it travels from the outer end 28 toward the one-way valve 20 could lead to an increase in the airflow velocity and a further decrease in the airflow pressure, drawing in more air from the surrounding environment 26 compared to the case without the flared outer end 28.

[0035] refer to Figure 6The valve body 18 optionally includes a plurality of support ribs 43 that extend into the passage to support the one-way valve disc 20 and prevent it from collapsing toward the outer end 28. More specifically, the one-way valve disc 20 may be sufficiently resilient to collapse toward and away from the outer end 28 due to the pressure differential across the one-way valve disc 20. However, the plurality of support ribs 43 prevent the one-way valve disc 20 from collapsing toward the outer end 28 in order to maintain a seal against the shoulder 32.

[0036] Each of the plurality of support ribs 43 has a first side 44 facing the outer end 28 of the passage 24 and a second side 46 facing away from the outer end 28 of the passage 24. Figure 6 As shown slightly in the middle, and even more so in Figure 7 As shown in the variant, each of the plurality of support ribs 43 can gradually taper from the second side 46 toward the first side 44. This reduces the pressure drop caused by the inlet airflow 42 as it passes through the support ribs 43.

[0037] As noted above, the one-way valve disc 20 may be an elastic polymer valve disc that is resilient and biased toward the closed position due to its resilience, or it may be resilient enough to collapse away from the outer end 28 under equal pressure across the one-way valve disc 20. The one-way valve disc 20 may be made of any suitable material (e.g., such as silicone).

[0038] The one-way valve disc 20 can be connected to the valve body 18 in any suitable manner. For example, in Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the embodiment shown, the one-way valve disc 20 is in the connection structure 48 (in Figure 6 The connection structure 48 is centered in the passage 24 and connected to the valve body 18 at the best visible location. The connection structure 48 may include a one-way valve stem 50 extending through a central ring 52 that connects multiple support ribs 43 to each other. The one-way valve stem 50 may be frictionally engaged with the inner surface of the ring, or it may be more securely connected by adhesive or any other suitable means.

[0039] Optionally, a collar 56 is provided and extends between the inflatable body 12 and the valve body 18. The collar 56 can be in the extended position ( Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 5 ) and retraction position ( Figure 9The collar 56 moves between the extended and retracted positions. In the extended position, the collar 56 holds the valve body 18 such that the outer end 28 of the passage 24 protrudes outward from the inflatable object body 12. In the retracted position, the collar 56 holds the valve body 18 such that the outer end 28 of the passage 24 is positioned closer to the inflatable object body 12 than when the collar 56 is in the extended position. For example, when the collar 56 is in the retracted position, the outer end 28 may be substantially flush with the inflatable object body 12. The collar 56 is resilient and stable in both the extended and retracted positions, and may optionally (but not necessarily) be biased toward one of the extended and retracted positions when the collar 56 is between the extended and retracted positions.

[0040] The collar 56 can be attached to the inflatable body 12 in any suitable manner, such as by heat welding or by a suitable adhesive.

[0041] Optionally, the valve body 18 includes a valve body main portion 18a and a reinforcing member 18b. The valve body main portion 18a is made of a first material having a first hardness. For example, the valve body 18a may be made of a polymeric material (such as soft PVC) that is easily deformable by hand. The valve body main portion 18a may be connected to the collar 56.

[0042] The reinforcing member 18b is made of a second material having a second hardness greater than the first hardness. The reinforcing member 18b can be made, for example, of a rigid polymeric material (such as rigid PVC). The reinforcing member 18b is connected to the valve body body portion 18a to reinforce the valve body body portion 18a. The connection to the valve body body portion 18a can be made in any suitable manner. For example, the reinforcing member 18b may include a connection hole 58 and the valve body 18a may be overmolded through the connection hole 58, or may include a pre-formed protrusion engaging the connection hole 58. In embodiments where the valve body body portion 18a is not overmolded to the reinforcing member 18b, adhesive may be used to securely hold the two components to each other.

[0043] exist Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, it can be seen that the inner end 30 of the passage 24 has an inner end edge 60 having a plurality of peaks 62 and valleys 64, wherein at least the peaks 62 extend further inward relative to the one-way valve disc 20. It has been found that the peaks 62 and valleys 64 facilitate the movement of the one-way valve disc 20 to the closed position. More specifically, even when the one-way valve disc 20 is only slightly open, the valleys 64 facilitate the inflow of air into the chamber 16, while the peaks 62 help protect the one-way valve disc 20 from mechanical damage. Furthermore, it can be seen that the inner end edge 60 is formed on the reinforcing member 18b, so that it can more effectively protect the one-way valve disc 20 from damage compared to confining it on the valve body body portion 18a, which is softer than the reinforcing member 18b. It will also be noted that even when the inner end 30 of passage 24 is rolled up against the wall of the inflatable body 12 within chamber 16, the peaks 62 and valleys 64 allow the one-way valve 20 to open and close to allow air to flow into (or out of) chamber 16.

[0044] The portion of the valve body 18 that extends axially through the one-way valve disc 20 (when the one-way valve disc 20 is in the closed position) into the chamber 16 may be referred to as the extension portion 66. Therefore, the peak portion 62, the valley portion 64, and the inner end edge 60 are located on the extension portion 66.

[0045] Figure 14 An example illustrating this situation is shown where the inner end 30 of passage 24 directly abuts against the wall (shown as 65) of the inflatable body 12. As can be seen, the extension 66 allows the one-way valve 20 to move to the open position, and the peaks 62 and valleys 64 cooperate to define a plurality of air holes 67, which are used when the one-way valve 20 is in the open position (where it is in...). Figure 14 When (as shown in the diagram), air enters (or leaves) chamber 16.

[0046] Therefore, it can be said that the valve body 18 has an extension 66 that extends through the one-way valve disc 20 into the chamber 16 and has a plurality of protrusions 62 and valleys 64 that define a plurality of air holes 67 to allow the one-way valve disc 20 to move to an open position, thereby allowing air to flow into the chamber 16 when the inner end 30 of the passage 24 engages with the wall 67 of the inflatable body 18 within the chamber.

[0047] refer to Figure 9The cover 22 can be removably mounted on the outer end 28 of the passage 24 to form a cover seal for fluid communication between the chamber 16 and the surrounding environment 26. In embodiments where the one-way valve 20 is very soft and collapses under equal pressure across it, the seal formed by the cover 22 becomes the only seal for retaining air in the chamber 16. In embodiments where the one-way valve 20 has sufficient resilience or is pushed closed by an external spring, the seal formed by the cover 22 cooperates with the seal formed by the one-way valve 20 to retain air in the chamber 16.

[0048] When user 34 wishes to fill chamber 16, they can pull out valve 14 and open cover 22, so that valve 14 is in the position of Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, the user 34 can unfold the inflatable object body 12 to prepare it for receiving air. The user 34 can then proceed as follows: Figure 4 As shown, air is blown towards valve 14, thus filling chamber 16 with air from the user's lungs and air from the surrounding environment 26. When air enters chamber 16 and applies a small amount of pressure, if the one-way valve 20 is collapsed, it moves to the closed position by the pressure difference across it. Further blowing by the user 34 further fills chamber 16 with air as described above. Eventually, the pressure P2 in chamber 16 becomes high enough that the initial airflow 38 generated by the user 34 is not fast enough to open the one-way valve 20. At this point, chamber 16 contains a large amount of air and is likely very close to being full. The user 34 can then form a seal around the outer end 28 of valve body 18 with their mouth 36 and blow into chamber 16 using the pressure from their lungs instead of the speed of air. Once chamber 16 is full, the user 34 can then close the cap 22 on the outer end 28 of valve body 18 and push valve 14 inward, causing collar 56 to move to the retracted position. When it is necessary to open and deflate the inflatable object 10, the user 34 can open the cover 22 and (if necessary) mechanically push the one-way valve 20 to break its seal with the shoulder 32. The user 34 can keep the one-way valve 20 in the open position while deflating the chamber 16. To assist the user in deflating the chamber 16, the cover 22 may optionally include a deflation protrusion 68 that protrudes far enough from the rest of the cover 22 to allow the cover 22 to be inserted into the passage 28. Figure 10 The venting position shown is in which the venting protrusion 68 actuates the one-way valve 20 to the open position to allow the inflatable object 10 to deflate. Figure 8 As shown, valve 14 may include a plurality of venting protrusions 68 positioned to allow one of the support ribs 43 to pass through it, such that the venting protrusions 68 can engage the one-way valve disc 20 on either side of one of the support ribs 43.

[0049] refer to Figure 11A and Figure 11B , Figure 11A and Figure 11B An alternative embodiment of valve 14 is shown. The one-way valve disc 20 is not present. Figure 11A In the middle, but Figure 11B As shown in [the image]. Figure 11A and Figure 11B In the illustrated embodiment, the shoulder 32 may optionally be in the form of a recess 70, such that the radially inner edge of the shoulder 32 (shown as 72) is closer to the outer end 28 of the passage 24 than the radially outer edge of the shoulder 32 (shown as 74). By forming the recess, the one-way valve disc 20 can move more easily between its open and closed positions and may be easier to form a good seal because the one-way valve disc 20 is always bent in a certain direction, whether in the open or closed position. Figure 11A and Figure 11B In the embodiment shown, the one-way valve flap 20 bends away from the outer end 28, that is, it bends in the direction in which it will bend during the movement of air into the inflatable member 10.

[0050] like Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown, the second side 46 of the support rib 43 cooperates with the shoulder portion 32 to form a recess 70. This further ensures that the one-way valve disc 20 is always kept in a state in which it is bent a certain amount away from its outer end 28.

[0051] It can be seen that, Figure 11A and Figure 11B In the embodiment shown, valve 14 does not have an extension 66. However, it will be noted that it can be... Figure 11A and Figure 11B The valve 14 shown is provided with an extension.

[0052] refer to Figure 12 In an alternative embodiment, the connection structure 48 is not formed by a one-way valve stem located in the passage 24, but rather located outside the radial edge of the passage 24. As a result, Figure 12 The connection structure 48 shown has minimal interference with the airflow entering the chamber 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection structure 48 includes a valve flap extension 76 that extends radially outward from the remainder of the one-way valve flap 20 and is clamped (i.e., held) between the edge face 78 of the valve body body portion 18a and the clamping surface 80 on the reinforcing member 18b.

[0053] Figure 12 This arrangement may also be advantageous because the one-way valve disc 20 is held in the cantilever only at its outermost edge and thus flexes freely along its length extending across its entire diameter. In contrast, for example... Figure 3B The one-way valve disc 20 shown flexes along half its length because it is supported in the middle. Therefore, Figure 12 The one-way valve disc 20 in the middle can be compared to Figure 3B The one-way valve disc 20 shown is more easily moved to the open position, thereby further reducing the minimum air velocity required to move the one-way valve disc 20 to the open position.

[0054] refer to Figure 13A and Figure 13B , Figure 13A and Figure 13B Another embodiment of valve 14 is shown. (Compared to...) Figure 3A and Figure 3B Compared to the embodiment shown where the extension portion 66 extends only axially and does not have a radially extending portion, in Figure 13A and Figure 13B In the illustrated embodiment, valve 14 includes an extension 66 comprising an axial extension 82 and a radial extension 84. The axial extension 82 may include a peak 62 and a valley 64 defining an orifice 67. The radial extension 84 at least partially overlaps radially with the one-way valve disc 20, as particularly in… Figure 13B As can be seen in the image. The axially extending portion 82 has a structure consisting of... Figure 3A and Figure 3B The extension 66 shown provides the aforementioned advantages. However, local protrusions that may exist in the wall 67 of the inflatable body 12 may enter the extension 66 and obstruct the opening of the one-way valve 20 during use of the valve 14 (e.g., when the inflatable body 10 is inflated), or they may enter the extension 66 and damage the one-way valve 20. For example, if the wall 67 of the inflatable body 12 is folded and stacked to a certain extent, it may spontaneously form such a protrusion. In another example, if the inflatable body 12 is placed uninflated on the ground with a local protrusion below the wall 67, the wall 67 will form a local protrusion that simply sits on the local protrusion on the ground below it. By providing a radial extension 84, the radial extension 84 provides additional protection against local protrusions within the chamber 16 entering the extension 66 and obstructing or damaging the one-way valve 20.

[0055] Although a speed of 48 m / s has been described, this is not necessarily a strict limitation. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the one-way valve disc 20 is configured (in at least some embodiments) to be moved to an open position by a person blowing toward it (i.e., to be overcome) without their mouth engaging with the valve body 18 to form a seal thereto.

[0056] While specific advantages have been listed above, various embodiments may include some or all of the listed advantages or may not include any of the listed advantages.

[0057] Those skilled in the art will understand that many other possible alternative implementations and modifications exist, and the examples above are merely illustrative of one or more implementations. Therefore, the scope is limited only by the appended claims and any modifications thereof.

Claims

1. An inflatable object, said inflatable object comprising: An inflatable object body having an enclosed chamber for receiving air to pressurize the inflatable object body; as well as A valve is installed on the body of the inflatable object, the valve comprising: A valve body defining a passage between the chamber and the surrounding environment, the valve body having a shoulder, wherein the valve body defines an outer end and an inner end of the passage, the outer end opening to the surrounding environment and the inner end opening into the chamber, the shoulder being in the form of a recess such that the radially inner edge of the shoulder is closer to the outer end of the passage than the radially outer edge of the shoulder. A one-way valve disc movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the one-way valve disc allows fluid communication between the chamber and the surrounding environment through the passage, and in the closed position the one-way valve disc seals against the shoulder to block fluid communication between the chamber and the surrounding environment through the passage, wherein the one-way valve disc is biased to the closed position by a closing force, wherein the closing force is selected to be overcome so as to move the one-way valve disc to the open position by an airflow having a velocity of less than 48 m / s and a pressure of less than 1 atmosphere; and A cover that can be removably mounted on the outer end to form a cover seal for fluid communication between the chamber and the surrounding environment; The valve body includes a plurality of support ribs that extend into the passage to support the one-way valve disc and prevent it from collapsing toward the outer end. The one-way valve disc is sufficiently resilient to collapse toward and away from the outer end due to a pressure difference across the one-way valve disc, but is prevented from collapsing toward the outer end by the plurality of support ribs to maintain a seal against the shoulder. Each of the plurality of support ribs has a first side and a second side, the first side facing the outer end of the passage and the second side facing away from the outer end of the passage, and wherein each of the plurality of support ribs gradually tapers from the second side to the first side.

2. An inflatable object according to claim 1, wherein, The outer end has a first cross-sectional area and a central region, the central region being inside the outer end and having a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area.

3. The inflatable object of claim 1, wherein, The one-way valve disc is connected to the valve body at a connecting structure, which is centered in the passage.

4. The inflatable object of claim 1, wherein, The one-way valve disc is connected to the valve body at a connection structure located outside the radial edge of the passage.

5. The inflatable object of claim 1, wherein, The cap includes a venting protrusion that extends sufficiently from the remainder of the cap to allow the cap to be inserted into the passage to reach a venting position, in which the venting protrusion actuates the one-way valve to the open position to allow deflation of the inflatable object.

6. The inflatable object of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a collar that extends between the inflatable object body and the valve body and is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, in which the collar holds the valve body such that the outer end of the passage protrudes outward from the inflatable object body, and in the retracted position, the collar holds the valve body such that the outer end of the passage is located closer to the inflatable object body than when the collar is in the extended position; The collar is resilient and stable in both the extended and retracted positions, and is biased toward one of the extended and retracted positions when the collar is between the extended and retracted positions.

7. An inflatable object according to claim 6, wherein, The valve body includes a valve body main portion made of a first material having a first hardness, wherein the valve body main portion is connected to the collar, and the valve body further includes a reinforcing member made of a second material having a second hardness greater than the first hardness, wherein the reinforcing member is connected to the valve body main portion to reinforce the valve body main portion.

8. An inflatable object according to claim 7, wherein, The one-way valve disc is held between a first clamping surface on the main body of the valve body and a second clamping surface on the reinforcing member.

9. The inflatable object according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body has an extension that extends through the one-way valve disc into the chamber and has a plurality of protrusions and valleys that define a plurality of air holes to allow the one-way valve disc to move to the open position so that air can flow into the chamber when the inner end of the passage engages with the wall of the inflatable object within the chamber.

10. The inflatable object according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one-way valve disc is sufficiently elastic such that, under equal pressure across the one-way valve disc, the one-way valve disc collapses away from the outer end.

11. The inflatable object according to claim 9, characterized in that, The extension includes an axial extension portion, which includes the protrusion and the valley, and also includes a radial extension portion, which at least partially overlaps the one-way valve flap in the radial direction.

12. An inflatable object, said inflatable object comprising: An inflatable object body having an enclosed chamber for receiving air to pressurize the inflatable object body; A valve is installed on the body of the inflatable object, the valve comprising: A valve body defining a passage between the chamber and the surrounding environment, the valve body having a shoulder and defining the outer end of the passage; A one-way valve disc is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the one-way valve disc allows fluid communication between the chamber and the surrounding environment through the passage, and in the closed position the one-way valve disc seals the shoulder to block fluid communication between the chamber and the surrounding environment through the passage, wherein the one-way valve disc is biased to the closed position by a closing force; as well as A cap, removably mountable to the outer end to form a cap seal for fluid communication between the chamber and the surrounding environment, wherein the cap includes a venting protrusion that protrudes sufficiently from the remainder of the cap to allow the cap to be inserted into the passage to a venting position, in which the venting protrusion actuates the one-way valve to the open position to allow deflation of the inflatable object; The valve body includes a plurality of support ribs that extend into the passage to support the one-way valve disc and prevent it from collapsing toward the outer end, wherein the one-way valve disc is sufficiently resilient to collapse toward and away from the outer end due to a pressure differential across the one-way valve disc, but is prevented from collapsing toward the outer end due to the plurality of support ribs to maintain a seal against the shoulder. The venting protrusion is the first of a plurality of venting protrusions, which are positioned to allow one of the support ribs to pass through them, such that the plurality of venting protrusions can engage the one-way valve flap on either side of one of the support ribs. Each of the plurality of support ribs has a first side and a second side, the first side facing the outer end of the passage, the second side facing away from the outer end of the passage, and wherein each of the plurality of support ribs gradually tapers from the second side toward the first side.

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