Valve assembly for air cushion

Abstract

The air valve assembly includes a housing defining an internal channel, a plunger member positioned within the internal channel and configured to move relative to the housing, a biasing member positioned within the internal channel and configured to apply a biasing force to the plunger member, a sealing member defining a first inflation bore, the plunger member being received by the first inflation bore, a second deflation bore defined by the housing and in fluid communication with the internal channel, and a deflation control member slidably connected to the housing and configured to selectively seal the second deflation bore.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inflatable air cushion. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a valve assembly for use with an inflatable air cushion including at least one inflatable zone. The valve assembly is configured to selectively facilitate inflation or deflation of the at least one inflatable zone of the air cushion to improve inflation control and ease of use for a user. [Background technology]

[0002] Wheelchair-bound individuals are at higher risk for developing tissue breakdown and pressure sores that may be difficult to treat and / or heal. In certain circumstances, much of an individual's body weight may be concentrated in the ischial region, including the ischial tuberosity or buttocks bony prominence. Without regular movement, blood flow to skin tissue in these areas may be reduced, leading to tissue damage and the development of pressure sores. Inflatable cellular cushions are commonly known to improve weight distribution and thus provide protection from tissue damage and the development of pressure sores. These cushions may include an array of air cells projecting upward from a common base. Within the base, the air cells are configured to communicate with one another, so that all are at the same internal pressure. Thus, each air cell exerts substantially the same restoring force on the buttocks, regardless of the degree to which it is deflected. U.S. Pat. No. 4,541,136 discloses such a cellular cushion, currently manufactured and sold by Permobil, Inc. of Lebanon, Tennessee, USA, for use in wheelchairs. Known inflatable cellular air cushions (air cushions) generally utilize Schrader valves as inflation and deflation valves. Although reliable in maintaining a desired inflation level, Schrader valves have certain limitations. For example, Schrader valves generally include an external threaded tube to facilitate connection to an air source (e.g., an air pump, etc.). Engaging the connection can be difficult for a wheelchair-bound user because the user may have difficulty accessing and / or connecting (or disconnecting) the air source to the Schrader valve. Furthermore, inflation with a Schrader valve requires a pump or other high-pressure air supply device. Thus, inflation of a cellular air cushion requires connection of an air pump. In addition, Schrader valves can be difficult to facilitate deflation and control the rate of deflation. A user must rotate a portion of the Schrader valve or facilitate depressing a small inner core of the Schrader valve to deflate the cellular air cushion.This can be difficult for some users, including those with limited dexterity. In addition to being difficult to press down, the rate of air ejection is not easily controllable. This can lead to undesirable over-deflation resulting in an over-deflated cellular air cushion. Thus, there is a need for an air pump that provides improved connection to an air supply, allowing for easier inflation without an air pump and improved deflation control for the user. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The air valve assembly includes a housing defining an internal channel, a plunger member positioned within the internal channel and configured to move relative to the housing, a biasing member positioned within the internal channel and configured to apply a biasing force to the plunger member, a sealing member defining a first inflation bore, the plunger member being received by the first inflation bore, a second deflation bore defined by the housing and in fluid communication with the internal channel, and a deflation control member slidably connected to the housing and configured to selectively seal the second deflation bore. In a first inflation configuration, the plunger member is configured to overcome the biasing force and slide relative to the first inflation bore to facilitate air flow between the sealing member and the plunger member. In a first deflated configuration, the plunger member is slidably received by the first inflation bore and the deflation control member slides relative to the housing to expel air through the second deflation bore.

[0004] Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an embodiment of a cellular cushion.

[0006] [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a bottom-up view of the cellular cushion of FIG. 1 with several cells removed to illustrate the different zones of cells.

[0007] [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one example of an embodiment of an air valve assembly for use with the cellular cushion of FIG. 1 shown separated from the cellular cushion and depicting the first male member in a separated configuration.

[0008] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of a first male member for use with the air valve assembly of FIG.

[0009] [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first male member of FIG. 4.

[0010] [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first male member of FIG. 4.

[0011] [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the air valve assembly of FIG. 3 with the first male member removed.

[0012] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of the air valve assembly of FIG.

[0013] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the air valve assembly of FIG. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Before embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0015] The present disclosure is directed to an embodiment of an air valve assembly 200 configured to operate with a cellular cushion 10. The air valve assembly 200 is configured to selectively control the inflation and deflation of at least one inflatable zone 30, 34, 38, 42 of the cellular cushion 10. The air valve assembly 200 includes a first inflation configuration, where the air valve assembly 200 is configured to receive a first member 204 that is fluidly connected to an air pump. The magnetic connection improves the attachment and removal of the associated air pump. In the absence of an air pump, the air valve assembly 200 can be inflated by a second inflation configuration, where a user can blow air into the air valve assembly 200. The air valve assembly 200 also includes a deflation control member 290 that is slidably connected to a housing 248. Deflation can be controlled by simply sliding the deflation control member 290 to facilitate deflation through the deflation holes 270, which are separate and distinct from the inflation holes 266, 286;

[0016] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an embodiment of a cellular cushion 10 (also referred to as a cellular air cushion 10). The cellular cushion 10 includes a base 14 and a plurality of air cells 18. The base 14 is formed of a lower layer 22 and an upper layer 26. The lower layer 22, which may also be referred to as a backing layer 22, may be coupled to the upper layer 26, for example, via a suitable adhesive or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower layer 22 may be formed of a first material, while the upper layer 26 may be formed of a second, different material. In one example embodiment, the lower layer 22 may be formed of polyurethane, while the upper layer 26 may be formed of flexible neoprene. In other example embodiments, the lower layer 22 and the upper layer 26 may be formed of any material (or combination of materials) suitable for the operation of the cellular cushion 10, as described herein. A suitable example of the cellular cushion 10 is disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,541,136, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0017] The plurality of air cells 18 protrude away from the base 14. The plurality of air cells 18 are molded into, and thus defined by, the top layer 26. In addition, the top layer 26 interconnects the plurality of air cells 18. Each of the plurality of air cells 18 includes four fins F. In other example embodiments, each of the plurality of air cells 18 can have any suitable configuration, including, but not limited to, air cells 18 having any number of fins, any number of sides, or no fins (e.g., cylindrical cells, cubic cells, rounded cells, etc.).

[0018] The plurality of air cells 18 are arranged on the top layer 26 in a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows. Thus, each air cell 18 occupies both a column and a row. In other example embodiments, the plurality of air cells 18 can be arranged in any geometric shape suitable for providing support to a user. For example, the air cells 18 can be arranged in a semicircular pattern, a circular pattern, or any other suitable arrangement or geometric shape of air cells 18.

[0019] Referring now to FIG. 2, the cellular cushion 10 is arranged in at least one expansion zone. More specifically, the air cells 18 (shown in FIG. 1) of the cellular cushion 10 are arranged in a plurality of zones (also referred to as expansion zones). In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of zones includes four different expansion zones 30, 34, 38, 42. The first zone 30 is positioned adjacent to the second zone 34 along a first axis 46. In other words, the first and second zones 30, 34 are positioned side by side at the front F (or first end F) of the cellular cushion 10. The third zone 38 is positioned adjacent to the fourth zone 42 along the first axis 46. In other words, the third and fourth zones 38, 42 are positioned side by side at the rear R (or second end R) of the cellular cushion 10. In addition, the first zone 30 and the third zone 38 are positioned side by side along a second axis 50. In other words, the first and third zones 30, 38 are positioned side by side along the right side S1 (or first side S1) of the cellular cushion 10. The second zone 34 and the fourth zone 42 are also positioned side by side along the second axis 50. In other words, the second and fourth zones 34, 42 are positioned side by side along the left side S2 (or second side S2) of the cellular cushion 10. It should be understood that the sides (i.e., right side and left side) are described in relation to looking at the cellular cushion 10 from the front F to the rear R. When describing the sides in relation to a user sitting on the cellular cushion 10, the first side S1 can be referred to as the left side and the second side S2 can be referred to as the right side. In the illustrated embodiment, the first axis 46 is generally perpendicular (or generally orthogonal) to the second axis 50. In other embodiments of the cellular cushion 10, the zones 30, 34, 38, 42 of air cells 18 (shown in FIG. 1) can be oriented in any suitable orientation or geometry relative to one another. Additionally, in other example embodiments, the multiple zones can include two zones, three zones, five or more zones, or any suitable or desired number of zones. It should be understood that each zone 30, 34, 38, 42 includes multiple air cells 18 (shown in FIG. 1).

[0020] A fluid conduit 54, 58, 62, 66 (also referred to as air conduits 54, 58, 62, 66) fluidly connects each of the plurality of zones 30, 34, 38, 42 to the valve assembly 100. A first fluid conduit 54 fluidly connects the first zone 30 to the valve assembly 100. A second fluid conduit 58 fluidly connects the second zone 34 to the valve assembly 100. A third fluid conduit 62 fluidly connects the third zone 38 to the valve assembly 100. A fourth fluid conduit 66 fluidly connects the fourth zone 42 to the valve assembly 100. It should be understood that each zone 30, 34, 38, 42 is generally fluidly isolated from any other zone 30, 34, 38, 42. It should be understood that each conduit 54, 58, 62, 66 may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, in one embodiment, each conduit 54, 58, 62, 66 can be molded or vacuum formed between the lower layer 22 and the upper layer 26 of the base 14 (shown in FIG. 1).

[0021] An air valve assembly 70 (also referred to as air valve 70) is fluidly connected to the plurality of air cells 18 (shown in FIG. 1 ). More specifically, the air valve 70 is fluidly connected to the first zone 30 by an air passageway 72. In other example embodiments, the air valve 70 can be fluidly connected to the second zone 34, the third zone 38, or the fourth zone 42. The air valve 70 is configured to facilitate the inflation and deflation of the plurality of air cells 18 (or the inflation and deflation of the plurality of zones 30, 34, 38, 42). For example, the air valve 70 can be configured to engage an air pump (not shown) to facilitate inflation. The air pump can be a hand pump, a manual pump, an electric pump, or any other suitable pump configured to supply air to the cellular cushion 10. The air pump (not shown) can provide a flow of air to one zone, shown as the first zone 30. The air travels from the first zone 30 to the valve assembly 100 through a first conduit 54. The air is then distributed by the valve assembly 100 to the other zones 34, 38, 42 through the respective conduits 58, 62, 66. Similarly, the air valve 70 can be configured to deflate the plurality of cells 18 (shown in FIG. 1 ) of the cellular cushion 10. The air valve 70 can be opened to the atmosphere to facilitate the release of air within the plurality of cells 18. More specifically, air can flow from the second, third, and fourth zones 34, 38, 42 to the first zone 30. The air flows through the respective conduits 58, 62, 66 to the valve assembly 100, where the air is directed through the first conduit 54 to the first zone 30 and then exhausted from the cellular cushion 10 through the air valve 70.

[0022] The valve assembly 100 shown in FIG. 2 is configured to selectively open and close. In response to being in an open position, the valve assembly 100 is configured to fluidly connect all of the zones 30, 34, 38, 42 through the respective conduits 54, 58, 62, 66. The open position is desirable for the expansion or contraction of the zones 30, 34, 38, 42 (or the associated air cell 18 shown in FIG. 1). In response to being in a closed position, the valve assembly 100 is configured to fluidly disconnect all of the zones 30, 34, 38, 42. Thus, each of the plurality of zones 30, 34, 38, 42 is fluidly isolated such that air cannot pass from one zone 30, 34, 38, 42 to any of the other zones 30, 34, 38, 42 through the respective conduits 54, 58, 62, 66. In other words, the valve assembly 100 prevents any such fluid movement between the zones 30, 34, 38, 42. One example of a valve assembly 100 is disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,687,936, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0023] 3-9 illustrate an example of one embodiment of an improved air valve assembly 200. The air valve assembly 200 is configured to couple to an air passageway 72 (shown in FIG. 2) to facilitate selective inflation and deflation of a plurality of air cells 18 (or inflation and deflation of at least one inflation zone 30, 34, 38, 42). While the illustrated cellular cushion 10 illustrates a plurality of inflation zones 30, 34, 38, 42, it should be understood that the air valve assembly 200 is configured for use with a cellular cushion 10 that includes at least one inflation zone. In other words, the air valve assembly 200 can be configured for use with a cellular cushion 10 that includes one inflation zone or two or more inflation zones. Thus, the at least one inflation zone can include one inflation zone or multiple inflation zones.

[0024] 3, air valve assembly 200 (also referred to as inflation-deflation valve assembly 200) is configured to engage with a first member 204. First member 204 (also referred to as male member 204 or first inflatable element 204) is configured to be received by air valve assembly 200, which includes a female portion 208.

[0025] 4, the first member 204 includes a first end 212 opposite a second end 216. The first end 212 defines a valve engagement member 220, while the second end 216 defines a plurality of barbs 224. The second end 216 is configured to engage an air pump (not shown) or other air source to facilitate air flow for inflation. The air pump can be a hand pump, manual pump, electric pump, or any other suitable pump configured to supply air to the cellular cushion 10 (shown in FIG. 1). The plurality of barbs 224 can provide a frictional engagement with an air supply hose (not shown) to convey air from the air pump (not shown) to the valve engagement member 220.

[0026] 5, the valve engagement member 220 of the first member 204 can include a keyed geometry to facilitate complementary engagement with the female portion 208 of the air valve assembly 200. In these embodiments, the first member 204 includes a geometry that is complementary to an associated geometry defined by the female portion 208 to facilitate keyed engagement. More specifically, the first member 204 defines a plurality of elongated recesses 228. The elongated recesses 228 are positioned around the circumference of the first member 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the first member 204 includes four elongated recesses 228. In other example embodiments, the first member 204 can include any suitable number of recesses 228 (e.g., 2, 3, 5, 6, or more than 6) to facilitate keyed engagement (or keyed connection) to the female portion 208 of the air valve assembly 200. The plurality of elongated recesses 228 are generally parallel (or generally aligned) with the engagement axis A1 (or first axis A1) shown in FIG. 6. It should be understood that the keyed geometry may be any configuration. In other example embodiments, the female portion 208 may be configured to receive a portion of the first member 204, more specifically, the valve engagement member 220 of the first member 204. In these embodiments, the valve engagement member 220 and / or the female portion 208 may have any suitable geometry to facilitate engagement and further removable reception of the valve engagement member 220 of the first member 204 by the female portion 208.

[0027] 6, the first member 204 defines an air passage 232. The air passage 232 extends through the first member 204 from the first end 212 to the second end 216. The air passage 232 extends along the engagement axis A1 (or first axis A1). The valve engagement member 220 also houses a magnetic member 236. The magnetic member 236 defines a central passage 240 (or bore 240) that is aligned with the air passage 232. Thus, a supply of air 244 (or air flow 244) travels from an air pump (not shown) through the second end 216 of the first member 204, through the air passage 232 and the central passage 240 of the magnetic member 236 before exiting the first end 212 of the first member 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic member 236 is an annular magnet. In other example embodiments, the magnetic member 236 can have any suitable geometric shape (such as a square, a rectangle, etc.) while also defining a central passage 240 that can be aligned with the air passages 232 to facilitate the flow of air through the first member 204. It should be understood that the supply of air 244 (or air flow direction 244) is generally parallel to the engagement axis A1 (or first axis A1).

[0028] 7-8, the air valve assembly 200 includes a housing 248. The housing 248 defines a first end 252 opposite a second end 256. The housing 248 defines a female portion 208 at the first end 252. The second end 256 defines a plurality of protrusions 260. The second end 256 is configured to engage an air passageway 72 (shown in FIG. 2) of the cellular cushion 10 to facilitate inflation and / or deflation of the plurality of air cells 18. The plurality of protrusions 260 can provide frictional engagement with the air passageway 72 to convey air flow to and from the plurality of air cells 18 (or at least one of the inflation zones 30, 34, 38, 42). The housing 248 defines a plurality of sides 264. More specifically, the housing 248 generally has a polygonal cross-sectional shape defined by a number of sides 264. In the illustrated embodiment, the polygonal cross-sectional shape is generally pentagonal. In other example embodiments, the polygonal cross-sectional shape can be triangular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, or any suitable number of sided polygon. The multiple sides 264 advantageously increase the stability of the air valve assembly 200 to limit rotational (or rolling) movement when positioned adjacent to the cellular cushion 10 (e.g., as positioned on a wheelchair).

[0029] 9, the female portion 208 defines a first bore 266. More specifically, the housing 248 defines the first bore 266 at the first end 252. The first bore 266 is dimensioned to slidably receive the first member 204 (shown in FIG. 4). Accordingly, the first bore 266 has a geometric shape that is complementary to the first member 204 to facilitate keyed engagement. The housing 248 defines an internal channel 268 that extends from the first bore 266 to the second end 256. In other words, the internal channel 268 extends from the first end 252 to the second end 256. The internal channel 268 is configured to selectively allow the supply of air 244 through the first end 252 to the second end 256. The housing 248 also defines a second bore 270. The second hole 270 extends through the sidewall 264 and is in fluid communication with the interior channel 268. It should be understood that the first hole 266 may be referred to as an inflation hole 266 (or a first inflation hole 266) and the second hole 270 may be referred to as a contraction hole 270.

[0030] A plunger member 272 is positioned within the internal channel 268 and configured to selectively seal the first bore 266. More specifically, the plunger member 272 is configured to slide within the internal channel 268 along an engagement axis A1 (or first axis A1). A sealing member 274 (sealing member) is positioned within the internal channel 268 at the first bore 266. The sealing member 274 defines a bore 276 (or central passage 276) that is aligned with the internal channel 268. The bore 276 also includes an inclined surface 278. The plunger member 272 defines a complementary inclined surface 280 configured to engage the inclined surface 278 of the bore 276 of the sealing member 274. Thus, the plunger member 272 is configured to slide relative to the sealing member 274 to selectively seal the bore 276 of the sealing member 274. In other words, the bore 276 slidably receives the plunger member 272. It should be understood that the bore 276 and the bore 268 may collectively be referred to as the first inflation bore 268. Thus, the sealing member 274 may define (or partially define) the first inflation bore 268. It should be understood that the supply of air 244 (or air flow direction 244) is generally parallel to the engagement axis A1 (or first axis A1).

[0031] 9, in the illustrated example of an embodiment, the sealing member 274 is a magnetic member 274. Moreover, the magnetic member 274 can be an annular magnet. In other example embodiments, the magnetic member 274 can have any suitable geometric shape (square, rectangle, etc.), while also defining a hole 276 that is generally aligned with the interior channel 268 to facilitate air flow through the air valve assembly 200. It should be understood that the magnetic member 274 is configured to be attracted to the magnetic member 236 of the first member 204. At least one of the magnetic members 236, 274 is a magnet. In one example of an embodiment, one of the first magnetic member 236 or the second magnetic member 274 can be a magnetic member (e.g., a magnetized member, a ferromagnetic member, etc.), while the other of the second magnetic member 274 or the first magnetic member 236 can be a metallic member that is not magnetized but is configured to be magnetically attracted to the magnetic member. In other words, one of the magnetic members 236, 274 can be magnetized while the other of the magnetic members 274, 236 can be non-magnetized but magnetically attracted to the magnetized magnetic member 236, 274. In another example of an embodiment, both of the magnetic members 236, 274 can be magnetic members (e.g., magnetized members, ferromagnetic members, etc.). Thus, the combined magnetic members 236, 274 can define a magnetic connection between the air valve assembly 200 and the first member 204. In one example of an embodiment, the magnetic member 236 can be referred to as the first magnetic member 236 while the magnetic member 274 can be referred to as the second magnetic member 274. In another example of an embodiment, the magnetic member 274 can be referred to as the first magnetic member 276 while the magnetic member 236 can be referred to as the second magnetic member 234.

[0032] The plunger member 272 may include an annular seal member 282 (or a first seal member). In the illustrated embodiment, the annular seal member 282 is a gasket 282 (e.g., an O-ring, etc.). In addition, a biasing member 284 (biasing member) applies a biasing force to the plunger member 272 toward a closed position (or closed configuration), as shown in FIG. 9 . In other words, the biasing member 284 applies a biasing force to the plunger member 272 toward engagement with the second magnet 274. Thus, the biasing force directs the plunger member 272 into sealed engagement with the second magnet 274 to seal the first bore 266. The annular seal member 282 may further assist in sealing the first bore 266 by further restricting the flow of air between the plunger member 272 and the second magnet 274.

[0033] The plunger member 272 also defines a central bore 286 (or central channel 286) extending therethrough. The central bore 286 may also be referred to as a second inflation bore 286 or a third bore 286. The central bore 286 supports a seal member 288, shown as an umbrella seal 286. The seal member 288 may be referred to as a second seal member 288. In other example embodiments, the seal member 288 may be any suitable type of seal that selectively allows and / or blocks the flow of air through the second inflation bore 286.

[0034] The contraction control member 290 is slidably connected to the housing 248. The contraction control member 290 is configured to slide relative to the housing 248. A second biasing member 292 applies a second biasing force to the contraction control member 290 toward a closed configuration (or closed position). In the closed position, the contraction control member 290 blocks the second hole 270 to restrict air flow from the second hole 270. The contraction control member 290 is configured to slide relative to the housing 248 to overcome the bias applied by the second biasing member 292 toward an open position. In the open position (or open or contracted configuration), air is configured to be released from the second hole 270. More specifically, the contraction control member 290 defines a first sealing portion 294 and a second recessed portion 296 (or channel portion 296). When transitioning from a closed position to an open position (shown in FIG. 9 ), the deflation control member 290 slides relative to the housing 248 in a direction parallel to the first axis A1. The sealing portion 294 moves out of engagement with the second bore 270 and the recessed portion 296 moves into fluid communication with the second bore 270. The recessed portion 296 creates a fluid connection with the atmosphere to facilitate deflation flow of air from the housing 248 of the air valve assembly 200. A seal 298 can be positioned between the deflation control member 290 and the second bore 270 to help restrict air flow in response to the deflation control member 290 being in the closed position.

[0035] In operation, the air valve assembly 200 is configured to operate in a first inflated configuration and a second inflated configuration. In the first inflated configuration, the air valve assembly 200 is configured to receive the first member 204. More specifically, the first member 204 is received by the female portion 208. A magnetic connection is configured to be formed between the first member 204 and the air valve assembly 200. More specifically, the first magnetic member 236 is attracted to the second magnetic member 274. Once magnetically engaged, the first end 212 of the first member 204 engages with a portion of the plunger member 272 that extends beyond the second magnetic member 274 into the female portion 208. The magnetic connection allows the first member 204 to overcome a bias applied to the plunger member 272 by the biasing member 284. Thus, the first member 204 slides the plunger member 272 relative to the housing along the first axis A1 from a closed position (or closed configuration) shown in FIG. 9 to an open position (or open configuration). In the open position, the angled surface 280 of the plunger member 272 slides out of engagement with the angled surface 278 of the hole 276 of the second magnetic member 274. This allows air to pass between the angled surfaces 278, 280 and into the interior channel 268 from the first end 252. More specifically, air is allowed to pass from an air pump (not shown), through the first member 204, through the first hole 266, into the interior channel 268, through the second end 256, and into the air passage 72 to transport an air flow to the plurality of air cells 18 (or at least one of the expansion zones 30, 34, 38, 42). Once a user has inflated the plurality of air cells 18 (or at least one of the expansion zones 30, 34, 38, 42) to a targeted or desired inflation level, the user may remove the first member 204 from engagement with the air valve assembly 200. More specifically, the user withdraws the first member 204 to disengage the magnetic connection between the magnetic members 236, 274. Once the first member 204 is withdrawn from the female portion 208, the first member 204 is no longer sufficiently engaged with the plunger member 272 to overcome the bias applied by the biasing member 284.Thus, the bias applied to the plunger member 272 by the biasing member 284 facilitates sliding movement of the plunger member 272 toward the closed position (or closed configuration) shown in Figure 9. The biasing member 284 slides the plunger member 272 along the first axis A1 relative to the housing 248 to the closed position, such that the angled surface 280 of the plunger member 272 is positioned to engage (or re-engage) with the angled surface 278 of the bore 276 of the second magnetic member 274 in the closed position. This restricts the flow of air through the first bore 266.

[0036] In the second inflation configuration, air is configured to enter the interior channel 268 while the first hole 266 is closed. More specifically, the plunger member 272 is positioned in a closed position (or closed configuration) relative to the second magnetic member 274, as shown in FIG. 9. In this second inflation configuration, a user can blow air into the female portion 208 or the first end 252 of the housing 248 to provide an inflation source. One example is air from the user's mouth. When the user exhales into the first end 252, air enters the female portion 208. The air is not enough to overcome the bias applied by the biasing member 284, and thus the plunger member 272 remains in the closed position. However, air does travel through the central hole 286 of the plunger member 272, where the seal member 288 selectively allows air to enter the interior channel 268. The air can then travel from the interior channel 268 through the second end 256 and into the air passage 72 for transporting the air flow to the plurality of air cells 18 (or at least one expansion zone 30, 34, 38, 42).

[0037] The air valve assembly 200 is configured to facilitate controlled deflation of the plurality of air cells 18 (or at least one of the inflation zones 30, 34, 38, 42). The deflation can occur through the second hole 270. In other words, the deflation can be controlled through a hole separate from the first or second inflation holes 266, 286. To control the deflation, the user slides the control member 290 relative to the housing 248 to overcome the bias applied by the second biasing member 292. As the control member 290 slides, the sealing portion 294 of the control member 290 is moved out of fluid communication with the deflation hole 270. The recessed portion 296 of the control member 290 is moved into fluid communication with the deflation hole 270. Air can then pass from the plurality of air cells 18 (or at least one of the expansion zones 30, 34, 38, 42), through the air passages 72, through the second end 256 of the air valve assembly, into the interior channel 268, and through the deflation hole 270. The exhaust air is then directed to the atmosphere by the recessed portion 296. To terminate deflation, the user can simply release the control member 290. The bias applied by the second biasing member 292 slides the control member 290 such that the sealing portion 294 is positioned in fluid communication with the deflation hole 270, sealing against air flow from the deflation hole 270.

[0038] It should be understood that during deflation, the control member 290 still overlaps the deflation hole 270. This prevents the air valve assembly 200 from allowing dirt, debris, water, or other contaminants to enter the interior channel 268. In other words, in both the closed and open positions of the control member 290, the control member 290 overlaps the deflation hole 270.

[0039] In addition to the controlled deflation described above (also referred to as the first deflated configuration), the air valve assembly 200 is also configured to operate in a second deflated configuration. In the second deflated configuration, the air valve assembly 200 is configured to receive the first member 204 and allow air to be evacuated from the plurality of air cells 18 (or at least one inflatable zone 30, 34, 38, 42) through the second end 256 of the air valve assembly 200, through the internal channel 268, through the first hole 266, and through the first member 204. In this second deflated configuration, deflation may occur when an air pump (not shown) fluidly connected to the first member 204 does not provide air flow to (or facilitate inflation of) the cellular cushion 10. For example, the second deflated configuration can be used to deflate the cellular cushion 10 in an uncontrolled manner, such as for uninflated storage when not in use.

[0040] One or more aspects of the air valve assembly 200 provide certain advantages. For example, the air valve assembly 200 provides controlled inflation and deflation of the fluidly connected cellular cushion 10. The air valve assembly 200 includes a first inflation configuration in which the air valve assembly 200 is configured to receive a first member 204 that is fluidly connected to an air pump. The first member 204 is a male member that is easily received by the female portion 208. Additionally, the male member 204 engages the air valve assembly 200 by a magnetic connection to eliminate messy threaded connections and facilitate inflation. In situations where an air pump is not present, the air valve assembly 200 can be inflated by a second inflation configuration. In the second inflation configuration, a user can blow air into the female portion 208 or the first end 252 of the housing 248 to provide an inflation source. The air valve assembly 200 also includes a deflation control member 290 that is slidably connected to the housing 248. A user can facilitate controlled deflation of the fluidly connected cellular cushion 10 by simply sliding the deflation control member 290 relative to the housing 248. To terminate deflation, the user simply releases the deflation control member 290, in which case the second biasing member 292 biases the deflation control member 290 to the closed position. The air valve assembly 200 also includes a plurality of sides 264 that advantageously enhance the stability of the air valve assembly 200, which limits rotational (rolling) movement when positioned adjacent to the cellular cushion 10, such as when placed on a wheelchair. These and other advantages are realized by the disclosure provided herein.

Claims

1. a housing defining an interior channel; a plunger member positioned within the internal channel and configured to move relative to the housing; a biasing member positioned within the internal channel and configured to exert a biasing force on the plunger member; a sealing member defining a first expansion bore, the plunger member being received by the first expansion bore; a second shrink hole defined by the housing and in fluid communication with the interior channel; a shrinkage control member slidably connected to the housing and configured to selectively seal the second shrinkage hole; in a first inflation configuration, the plunger member is configured to overcome the biasing force and slide relative to the first inflation bore to facilitate air flow between the sealing member and the plunger member; In a first deflated configuration, the plunger member is slidably received by the first inflation bore and the deflation control member slides relative to the housing to expel air through the second deflation bore. Air valve assembly.

2. The air valve assembly of claim 1 , wherein the biasing member is a first biasing member and further comprises a second biasing member configured to exert a biasing force on the contraction control member toward a closed configuration.

3. 3. The air valve assembly of claim 2, wherein in response to overcoming the bias applied by the second biasing member, the deflation control member slides to an open configuration relative to the housing to expel air through the second deflation hole.

4. 2. The air valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the deflation control member defines a recessed portion, and in the first deflated configuration, the recessed portion is in fluid communication with the second deflation hole.

5. The air valve assembly of claim 4 , wherein the deflation control member defines a sealing portion, and in the first expanded configuration, the sealing portion is in fluid communication with the second deflation hole.

6. 2. The air valve assembly of claim 1, wherein said plunger member defines a second inflation bore, said second inflation bore receiving a second seal member.

7. 7. The air valve assembly of claim 6, wherein the second seal member is an umbrella seal.

8. The air valve assembly of claim 6 , wherein the second inflation bore is configured to slide with the plunger member in the first expanded configuration.

9. 7. The air valve assembly of claim 6, wherein in a second inflation configuration, said plunger member is slidably received by said first inflation hole, and said second seal member selectively facilitates air flow through said second inflation hole.

10. 2. The air valve assembly of claim 1, further comprising a female portion defined by the housing, the female portion configured to receive a first member fluidly connected to an air source, wherein in the first inflated configuration, the first member engages the plunger member to overcome the biasing force and slide against the first inflation bore to facilitate air flow between the sealing member and the plunger member.

11. The air valve assembly of claim 10 , wherein the first member is configured to form a magnetic connection with the sealing member.

12. 12. The air valve assembly of claim 11, wherein the first member comprises a first magnetic member and the sealing member is a second magnetic member.

13. The air valve assembly of claim 12 , wherein at least one of the first magnetic member or the second magnetic member is a magnet.

14. 13. The air valve assembly of claim 12, wherein the first member defines an air passage and the first magnetic member defines a hole aligned with the air passage.

15. 15. The air valve assembly of claim 14, wherein the second magnetic member defines the first inflation hole.

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