Inflation valve assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides an inflation valve assembly (10) for inflatable camping assemblies that can be equipped with awnings, tents, and inflatable camping accessories (mattresses, chairs, furniture, etc.). The inflation valve assembly has an inflation valve (20) having an intake port (22) and an exhaust port (24). To inflate the camping assembly, an air source (e.g., a pump) is connected to the intake port (22) and air is introduced into the chamber in the camping assembly via the exhaust port (24). The valve member has a sealing member (26) which seals the air path between the intake port (22) and the exhaust port (24) and maintains air pressure in the chamber. The sealing member (26) is movable from a closed position to an open position when the air source is connected to the intake port (22) and / or when the chamber is deflated. The present invention provides a valve key (60) that allows the sealing member (26) to move from the closed position to the open position. The sealing member (26) can be held in the closed position even without using this valve key (60).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inflation valve assembly having a valve key. In particular, the present invention relates to an inflatable camping assembly including an inflation valve and a valve key.

Background Art

[0002] For example, when inflatable camping items such as tents, camper trailers, and camping accessories such as gazebos need to be assembled from a large number of parts, these structures can be said to be complex and time-consuming to assemble. Such parts may be easily damaged during assembly or use, for example, by being subjected to impacts or strong winds. To address these problems, such structures can be constructed of inflatable parts that can be assembled by inflating the inflatable parts using a compressed air source such as a pump.

[0003] Inflatable assemblies may be equipped with inflation valves that have individual stopper / sealing configurations. Such stoppers must be manually placed and secured within the inflation valves that enable the inflation of the structure. Therefore, the user must check that all inflation valves are properly closed before the structure is inflated. In the case of large camping structures, it is difficult to spread out the deflated structure and check the location of all these valves in order to confirm that they are closed. In this case, the assembly of the camping assembly may be delayed in bad weather, for example, in rainfall where the inner walls / interior surfaces may get wet. In addition, inflation valves can easily be lost, and the assembly may start to inflate in this state, with air simultaneously escaping as the assembly inflates. This is inefficient and time-consuming for the user to know what is happening. This is especially problematic with new or unfamiliar camping assemblies in which the user is not familiar with the location and number of inflation valves. When using a single inflation / deflation valve, the user can confirm that no air is escaping during inflation, but because the air only escapes from a single location, deflation time is longer. Furthermore, the air tends to remain trapped, making it difficult to pack the deflated assembly into a compact configuration and / or a dedicated bag / container.

[0004] Furthermore, a problem with using inflatable parts is that they can be easily deflated by, for example, someone other than the person in charge. Such deflation can be carried out by any person at any time, for example, at night. This is not only a nuisance to the occupant, but can also be a source of anxiety for the owner and / or occupant of such inflatable structures.

[0005] In addition, while inflation valves are generally universal inflation valves and can accommodate any or many inflation devices / pumps, attempts to accommodate such a wide variety of attachments can negatively impact the sealing and retention of inflation devices within the inflation valve, particularly the sealing between pump adapters and the inflation valve. Users may need to continuously hold the adapter within the valve or periodically push the adapter back into the inflation valve to maintain an open passage.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to solve at least one problem found in the prior art, whether or not it is mentioned herein. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0007] An inflation valve assembly according to a first aspect of the present invention is It is an inflation valve, Air intake, Exhaust vent, and A sealing member movable between an open position and a closed position, having a seal that prevents airflow from flowing to or allows airflow to flow to an inflation valve located between the intake port and the exhaust port, and being pulled apart by a biasing means from the open position toward the closed position, An inflation valve having, It has a valve key, The valve key is configured to dock with the intake port of the inflation valve and move the sealing member to the open position. Engaging means are provided to engage the valve key at the docking position, and at the docking position, the valve key maintains the sealing member in the open position, forming an air path through the inflation valve located between the intake port and the exhaust port.

[0008] The inflation valve assembly preferably has a magnetic docking configuration that holds a valve key to the inflation valve and moves the sealing member from a closed position to an open position. The default position of the inflation valve / sealing member is the closed position, and it moves (only) to the open position as the valve key docks to the inflation valve, and is held in this open position.

[0009] The valve key preferably includes a magnetic key member. The magnetic key member may be located at the center of the docking surface of the valve key. The magnetic key member may include a magnetic core. The magnetic key member may be made of a permanent magnet.

[0010] The valve key may have a substantially circular docking surface.

[0011] The valve key may include a disc component.

[0012] The valve key may comprise a cylindrical body. The valve key may comprise a partition member having a series of through-formed openings. These openings can be arranged (evenly) around a central magnetic member.

[0013] The valve key may also have a connection surface for an air source. Alternatively, this connection surface may be left exposed, allowing air to pass through the inflation valve or exit through the connection surface of the valve key.

[0014] The valve key may include a sealing member that forms a seal with respect to the inflation valve. Preferably, the sealing member forms a seal between the inflation valve and the valve key when the valve key is docked to the intake port of the inflation valve.

[0015] The valve key may have a first docking surface and a second docking surface on opposite sides of the valve key. Each docking surface may have a shape and / or dimensions that dock to the intake port of an inflation valve of different sizes and / or shapes.

[0016] The valve key may include two sealing members that can be provided on each docking surface of the valve key.

[0017] The inflation valve may include a magnetic valve member. The magnetic valve member may be configured to attract the magnetic key member of the valve key and dock the valve key to the intake port of the inflation valve. The magnetic key member and the magnetic valve member may constitute a magnetic latch that holds the valve key relative to the inflation valve.

[0018] The magnetic valve member is preferably provided on the sealing member. The magnetic valve member is preferably provided on the carrier of the sealing member. The sealing member can move from a closed position to an open position by latching the magnetic valve member to the magnetic key member. In the closed position, the sealing member can seal the opening of the exhaust port of the inflation valve. The sealing member may include a seal that seals over and / or around the opening of the exhaust port. The sealing member may include a sealing disc that has an elastomer-based sealing disc. The sealing member may have a secondary seal that seals around the opening of the exhaust port of the inflation valve.

[0019] The biasing means may include a magnetic bias configuration that biases the sealing member toward the closed position. The magnetic bias configuration may have a first magnetic means within the housing of the inflation valve. The magnetic bias configuration may have a second magnetic means provided on the sealing member. Therefore, the magnetic bias configuration can hold the sealing member in the closed position as long as the counterforce / cancellation force does not exceed the magnetic strength of the magnetic bias configuration. It is preferable that the strength of the magnetic docking configuration is greater than or equal to the strength of the magnetic bias configuration.

[0020] The first magnetic means may comprise a permanent magnet, preferably a series of permanent magnets. This permanent magnet, or each permanent magnet, may be embedded or housed in a corresponding recess within the housing. The recess may be formed within the sealing surface of the housing. This permanent magnet, or each permanent magnet, may comprise a disk magnet.

[0021] The second magnetic means may comprise an iron-based member or a plurality of iron-based members. The second magnetic means may have an iron-based washer. The second magnetic means may be fixed within or to the carrier of the sealing member.

[0022] An inflation valve may be equipped with a restrictor that limits the detachment movement of a sealing member from the opening of the exhaust port of the inflation valve. Thus, the movement of the sealing member can be limited to between the sealing surface and the restrictor. The sealing member can be limited by the sealing surface in a first direction and by the restrictor in a second (opposing) direction. The restrictor may be equipped with an opening or a series of openings through which air flows.

[0023] The biasing means may include a spring bias configuration having a spring mechanism that applies a bias to the sealing member toward the closed position.

[0024] The spring can comprise a single coil spring, and this coil spring can be provided between the proximal surface (upper surface) of the carrier and the distal surface (lower surface) of the restrictor.

[0025] The spring can comprise an elastically deformable member.

[0026] The spring can comprise a leaf spring. The spring can comprise a plurality of, for example, two leaf springs. This leaf spring or each leaf spring can be formed in an arc shape and can extend at an angle of 180 degrees. The first end of the leaf spring can be attached to or fixed to the distal surface (or lower surface) of the restrictor, and the free end of this leaf spring or each leaf spring can extend in the distal direction and be provided around the proximal surface (upper surface) to press the seal member toward the closed position.

[0027] The spring can be located around the central core of the carrier. Thus, the spring bias configuration can hold the seal member in the closed position as long as the opposing force does not exceed the spring strength of the spring bias configuration. Regarding the strength of the magnetic docking configuration, it is preferably greater than or equal to the strength of the spring bias configuration. The magnetic strength of the magnetic docking configuration can be such that it can fully compress the spring.

[0028] The biasing means can comprise a fluid chamber. The fluid chamber can comprise a first end operable by a part of a valve key. The first end can have a membrane. The second end of the fluid chamber can communicate with the seal member. Thus, the pressure from the valve key at the first end of the fluid chamber is transmitted through the fluid in the fluid chamber, and the seal member operates.

[0029] The sealing member may have a cap. The cap may have one or more openings formed around the skirt portion. The cap may be configured to be positioned on the corresponding tubular portion of the exhaust port. In the closed position, the opening or each opening is adjacent to the outer circumference of the tubular portion, and in the open position, the opening or each opening is positioned on the proximal edge (upper edge) of the tubular portion.

[0030] The docking configuration may include a bayonet mechanism. The inflation valve may have one or more slots that engage with one or more lugs on the external / outer surface of the valve key.

[0031] The docking configuration may have a fastening-fit configuration.

[0032] The sealing member may have a sealing disc with flaps that can move from a closed position to an open position. When the valve docks with the intake port, the sealing disc may have four sealing flaps. The valve key may have a nozzle that presses against the flaps, separating them to form an opening through the sealing disc when the valve key docks with the intake port.

[0033] The inflation valve may be equipped with a shape memory device. The shape memory device is configured to move a sealing member from a closed position to an open position. Preferably, the shape memory device is configured to move the sealing member from a closed position to an open position when the valve docks with the intake port. The shape memory device may be equipped with a shape memory alloy. The shape memory device may be equipped with a helical member configured to expand when operated by a valve key. The valve key may have an operating means for the shape memory device. When the valve key is docked, the shape memory alloy is heated and can expand. When the valve key is removed, the shape memory alloy cools and the shape memory device compresses / retracts.

[0034] The sealing member comprises a disc, which may have one or more openings. The distal surface (bottom surface) of the sealing member may be provided with a sealing material, such as an elastomer. The distal surface (bottom surface) can be lifted and pulled away from the sealing surface, allowing air to flow between the exhaust port opening and the outside of the intake port through the opening or each of the openings.

[0035] The inflation valve assembly may include a second inflation valve, which allows the valve key to dock not only with the first inflation valve but also with the second inflation valve. The first side of the valve key can dock with the first inflation valve, and the second side of the valve key can dock with the second inflation valve.

[0036] The default configuration for the inflation valve is closed.

[0037] A camping assembly according to a second aspect of the present invention is: A camping assembly having an inflatable camping assembly equipped with an inflation valve assembly, wherein the inflation valve assembly is Air intake, Exhaust vent, and A sealing member movable between an open position and a closed position, having a seal that prevents airflow from flowing to or allows airflow to flow to an inflation valve located between the intake port and the exhaust port, and being pulled apart by a biasing means from the open position toward the closed position, It has, The aforementioned camping assembly further has a valve key, The valve key is configured to dock with the intake port of the inflation valve, moving the sealing member to the open position. Engaging means are provided to engage the valve key in the docking position, and in the docking position, the valve key maintains the sealing member in the open position, forming an air path through the inflation valve located between the intake port and the exhaust port.

[0038] An inflatable camping assembly may include an inflatable tent, awning, or gazebo. An inflatable camping assembly may also include an inflatable camper trailer tent.

[0039] An inflatable camping assembly may comprise a second inflatable camping assembly. The second inflatable camping assembly may comprise an inflatable tent, awning, or gazebo.

[0040] The first and / or second inflatable camping assembly may include a gazebo, windbreak, auxiliary tent, inflatable water pool, inflatable ball, inflatable mattress and / or inflatable seat (such as a chair or sofa).

[0041] The first inflation valve assembly may include a first connecting valve, and the second inflation valve may include a second connecting valve.

[0042] The valve key can be configured to dock with both the first and second inflation valves. The valve key can be configured to move the sealing member of the first inflation valve to the open position and the sealing member of the second inflation valve to the open position, and to hold them in these open positions.

[0043] In the inflation method for an inflatable camping assembly according to a third aspect of the present invention, A method for inflating an inflatable camping assembly, wherein the inflatable camping assembly has an inflation valve assembly, and the inflation valve assembly is It is an inflation valve, Air intake, Exhaust vent, and A sealing member movable between an open position and a closed position, having a seal that prevents airflow from flowing to or allows airflow to flow to an inflation valve located between the intake port and the exhaust port, and being pulled apart by a biasing means from the open position toward the closed position, An inflation valve having, It has a valve key, The valve key is configured to dock with the intake port of the inflation valve and move the sealing member to the open position, and an engaging means is provided to engage the valve key at the docking position, and at the docking position the valve key maintains the sealing member in the open position, forming an air path through the inflation valve between the intake port and the exhaust port. The present invention provides an inflation method for an inflatable camper assembly, comprising docking and engaging the valve key with the intake port of the inflation valve and moving the sealing member to the open position.

[0044] In the above method, the air source can be docked to the valve key. Air can also be supplied from the air source to the inflatable camping assembly via the valve key and through the inflation valve.

[0045] The air source may include a second / auxiliary inflatable camping assembly. In the above method, a valve key can be docked to the inflation valve of the second / auxiliary inflatable camping assembly. In the above method, air can be supplied or transferred from the second inflatable camping assembly to the first inflatable camping assembly via the inflation valve assembly. This transfer or supply can be carried out via the second inflation valve, then the valve key, and finally the first inflation valve. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0046] The present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings for illustrative purposes only. [Figure 1a-1d] Figures 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d are perspective views, perspective cross-sectional views, side cross-sectional views, and exploded views, respectively, illustrating a preferred first embodiment of the inflation valve. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded view showing a preferred first embodiment of the valve key. [Figure 3a-3c] Figures 3a, 3b, and 3c are perspective views, perspective cross-sectional views, and side cross-sectional views, respectively, showing a preferred first embodiment of an inflation valve device having an inflation valve and a valve key. [Figures 4a-4d] Figures 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d are perspective views, perspective cross-sectional views, side cross-sectional views, and exploded views, respectively, illustrating a preferred second embodiment of the inflation valve. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an exploded view showing a preferred second embodiment of the valve key. [Figure 6] Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c are perspective views, perspective cross-sectional views, and side cross-sectional views, respectively, showing a preferred second embodiment of an inflation valve device having an inflation valve and a valve key. [Figures 7a-7d]Figures 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d are perspective views, perspective cross-sectional views, side cross-sectional views, and exploded views, respectively, illustrating a preferred third embodiment of the inflation valve. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an exploded view showing a preferred third embodiment of the valve key. [Figures 9a-9c] Figures 9a, 9b, and 9c are perspective views, perspective cross-sectional views, side cross-sectional views, and exploded views, respectively, showing a preferred third embodiment of an inflation valve device having an inflation valve and a valve key. [Figures 10a-10d] Figures 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d are perspective views, perspective cross-sectional views, side cross-sectional views, and exploded views, respectively, illustrating a preferred fourth embodiment of the inflation valve. [Figure 10e] Figure 10e is a perspective view showing the distal portion / bottom surface of one embodiment of a restrictor in another preferred embodiment of the inflation valve. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an exploded view showing a preferred fourth embodiment of the valve key. [Figures 12a-12c] Figures 12a, 12b, and 12c are perspective views, perspective cross-sectional views, and side cross-sectional views, respectively, showing a preferred fourth embodiment of an inflation valve device having an inflation valve and a valve key. [Figures 13a-13d] Figures 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d are perspective views, perspective cross-sectional views, side cross-sectional views, and exploded views, respectively, illustrating a preferred fifth embodiment of the inflation valve. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is an exploded view showing a preferred fifth embodiment of the valve key. [Figures 15a-15c] Figures 15a, 15b, and 15c are perspective views, perspective cross-sectional views, and side cross-sectional views, respectively, showing a preferred fifth embodiment of an inflation valve device having an inflation valve and a valve key. [Figures 16a-16d] Figures 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d are perspective views, perspective cross-sectional views, side cross-sectional views, and exploded views, respectively, showing a preferred sixth embodiment of the inflation valve. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is an exploded view showing a preferred sixth embodiment of the valve key. [Figures 18a-18c] Figures 18a, 18b, and 18c are perspective views, perspective cross-sectional views, and side cross-sectional views, respectively, showing a preferred sixth embodiment of an inflation valve device having an inflation valve and a valve key. [Figures 19a-19d] Figures 19a, 19b, 19c, and 19d are perspective views, perspective cross-sectional views, side cross-sectional views, and exploded views, respectively, illustrating a preferred seventh embodiment of the inflation valve. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is an exploded view showing a preferred seventh embodiment of the valve key. [Figures 21a-21c] Figures 21a, 21b, and 21c are perspective views, perspective cross-sectional views, and side cross-sectional views, respectively, showing a preferred seventh embodiment of an inflation valve device having an inflation valve and a valve key. [Figures 22a-22c] Figures 22a, 22b, and 22c are perspective and cross-sectional views showing yet another embodiment of the inflation valve, and cross-sectional views showing a portion of yet another embodiment of the inflation valve. [Figures 23a-23b] Figures 23a and 23b are cross-sectional views showing yet another configuration of the inflation valve in its default closed position / configuration and open position / configuration, respectively. [Figures 24a-24c] Figures 24a, 24b, and 24c are perspective views showing an embodiment of a valve device having two inflation valves and one valve key, where in Figure 24a both inflation valves are in the default closed position, in Figure 24b one inflation valve is in the open position and one inflation valve is in the closed position, and in Figure 24c both inflation valves are in the open position. [Figures 25a-25d] Figures 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d are perspective views, perspective cross-sectional views, side cross-sectional views, and exploded views, respectively, illustrating another preferred embodiment of the inflation valve. [Figures 26a-26c] Figures 26a, 26b, and 26c are perspective views, perspective cross-sectional views, and side cross-sectional views, respectively, showing another preferred embodiment of an inflation valve device having an inflation valve and a valve key. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a perspective view showing yet another preferred embodiment of the valve key. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0047] The present invention provides an inflation valve assembly 10 for inflatable camping structures that can be equipped with awnings, tents, and inflatable camping equipment (mattresses, chairs, furniture, etc.). The inflation valve device has an inflation valve 20 having an intake port 22 and an exhaust port 24. To inflate the camping assembly, an air source (e.g., a pump) is connected to the intake port 22 and air is introduced into a chamber within the camping assembly via the exhaust port 24. For example, this chamber can be located inside the air pole of a tent or awning. The valve member has a sealing member 26 that seals the air path between the intake port 22 and the exhaust port 24 to maintain air pressure in the chamber. This sealing member 26 is movable from this closed position to an open position when the air source is connected to the intake port 22 and / or when air is removed from the chamber. The present invention provides a valve key 60 for intentionally moving the sealing member 26 from the closed position to the open position. The sealing member 26 is held in the closed position even without using this valve key 60. Therefore, unintended air venting of the inflatable camping assembly is prevented. Furthermore, holding the valve key 60 inside the air intake 22 makes it easier to vent the camping assembly by keeping the sealing member 26 in the open position without having to continuously manually operate a part of the inflation valve (for example, without having to manually hold the pump adapter inside the inflation valve).

[0048] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the first embodiment of the valve assembly 10 includes an inflation valve 20 and a dedicated valve key 60. The valve key has a magnet 62 that moves the sealing member 26 from a closed position to an open position. Furthermore, the magnet is configured to automatically hold the valve key inside the intake port 22.

[0049] The sealing member 26 of the inflation valve 20 has a carrier 30 and a restrictor 31 that fixes the carrier 30 inside the intake port 22. In this embodiment, the sealing member 26 includes a seal having a primary seal 32 and a secondary seal 33. The primary seal 32 has a central seal configured to seal the sealing surface 29 formed around the opening 25 of the exhaust port 24. The secondary seal 33 is an annular seal that forms the secondary seal, and in the closed position, similarly seals the sealing surface 29 formed by the valve housing 28 of the inflation valve 20. Both the primary seal 32 and the secondary seal 33 are fixed to the distal surface formed on the carrier 30.

[0050] The sealing member 26 has a magnetic member 34, which in this embodiment takes the form of an annular component having an iron washer. The inflation valve 20 has magnetic means configured to work in conjunction with the magnetic member 34 of the sealing member 26. Specifically, the magnetic means is located within the housing 28 of the inflation valve 20 in a position opposite to (opposite polarity to) the magnetic member 34 of the sealing member 26. The magnetic means has a series of individual magnets 36 embedded and / or fixed within the housing 28. The housing 28 is provided with a series of individual openings 37 for the magnets 36. These openings 37 are formed within the sealing surface 29 of the housing 28.

[0051] Consequently, each magnet 36 attracts the magnetic member 34 of the sealing member 26, causing the sealing member 26 to be drawn towards the sealing surface 29 and move. Specifically, this bias configuration allows the primary seal 32 and secondary seal 33 to seal the sealing surface 29. The magnetic attraction force sets the pressure that the inflation valve 20 seals. For example, when the pressure in the pressurized chamber exceeds a certain pressure, the pressure acting on the central region (mainly the primary seal 32) becomes sufficient to separate the magnetic member 34 from the individual magnets. This opens an air path between the exhaust port 24 and the intake port 22, which becomes a path for air to escape.

[0052] The restrictor 21 of the inflation valve 20 is configured to limit the movement of the sealing member 26. Specifically, the restrictor 21 prevents the sealing member 26 from coming out of the housing 28. The restrictor 21 provides a retaining surface 23 that is in the opposite relationship (located at the opposite pole) to the sealing surface 29. This limits the range of movement of the sealing member 26 between the sealing surface 29 (closed position) and the retaining surface 23 (open position). The restrictor 21 is fixed in a predetermined position within the intake port 22 of the valve housing 28. The restrictor 21 has a series of push-fit legs that engage with corresponding recesses 19 formed around the inner surface of the intake port 22.

[0053] To assemble the inflation valve 20, the sealing member 26 is placed inside the intake port 22, and then the restrictor 21 is pushed into the intake port 22 until the push-fit fitting 18 engages in the corresponding recess 19. In this configuration, the inflation valve 20 forms a single component, and the translational range of motion of the sealing member 26 is limited to between the open and closed positions. As described above, since the individual magnets 36 act on the magnetic member 34, the sealing member 26 will be biased toward the closed position unless the counterforce exceeds this magnetic attraction. Such counterforces can occur when the internal pressure in the inflatable camp assembly becomes excessive, or may occur due to the use of the valve key 60, as described below.

[0054] The valve key 60 has a body 62, which is provided on a peripheral wall 64 and a partition 68, and has a number of openings 66 that create pathways within the body 62. The peripheral wall 64 is configured to engage on the outer edge 27 of the intake port of the inflation valve 20. The valve key 60 has a first seal 70 and a second seal 71, each having an annular seal. These seals 70, 71 are located on opposing sides of the partition 68. The seals 70, 71 are positioned to form a seal around the edge 27 of the intake port 22. In some embodiments, the valve key 60 may have two seals 70, 71 with different dimensions / diameters so that the valve key 60 can seal two corresponding different intake ports 22. In this configuration, the inner diameter of half of the body 62 can be reduced so that it can engage around a smaller intake port 22.

[0055] The valve key 60 is located at the center and has magnetic means in the form of a fixed magnet 72. Specifically, the partition 68 of the main body 62 has a cylindrical central opening 73 for fixing the magnet 72.

[0056] The valve key 60 is positioned on the opening of the intake port 22 such that the seal 70 forms a seal around the edge 27. In this position, the magnet 72 of the valve key 60 attracts the magnetic means provided on the movable seal member 26. In particular, the magnetic means of the seal member 26 has a core component 40 as a central iron core. With the valve key 60 fixed to the intake port 22, the magnet 72 attracts the core component 40, causing the seal member 26 to move to the open position. Since the magnetic force of the magnet 72 with the core component 40 is greater than the magnetic force between the individual magnets 36 and the magnetic member 34, the magnetic member 34 is pulled away from the individual magnets 36. As a result, the seals 32 and 33 move away from the sealing surface 29, and an air path is formed between the intake port 22 and the exhaust port 24.

[0057] Therefore, the valve key 60 can quickly and easily engage with the air intake port 22, opening the inflation valve 20. The valve key 60 can also engage with the opposite side (exposed side) where the air source is located. For example, the exhaust port of a pump can engage with the exposed surface of the valve key 60. Thus, by using the valve key 60, air can be easily introduced into the inflatable camping structure. Furthermore, because of the inflation valve 20, it is not possible for someone passing by to easily open the valve. This limits the use of the inflation valve 20. In addition, once engaged, the sealing member 26 is maintained in the open position, so the valve key 60 itself can perform air venting.

[0058] Further embodiments of the present invention, which involve positioning a sealing member using different biasing means and providing a valve key within an inflation valve using different systems, are described below. In these embodiments, similar feature parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, except that of the previous embodiments, which are denoted by 100.

[0059] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, in the second embodiment, the biasing means in the inflation valve device 110 has a spring means, and this biasing means generates a biasing force that maintains and / or presses the sealing member 126 against the sealing surface (i.e., the default closed position). In the second embodiment, the magnetic structure is held and the valve key 160 is docked to the inflation valve 120.

[0060] The valve key 160 is essentially the same as that described in the first embodiment. In the case of the inflation valve 120, a spring 134 is used to press the sealing member 126 against the sealing surface 129. The spring 134 has a single coil spring located between the upper / proximal surface of the carrier 130 and the lower / distal surface of the restrictor 121. That is, the spring 134 pushes the sealing member 126 toward the sealing surface 129, forming a seal over the opening 125 of the exhaust port 124.

[0061] The sealing member 126 has a single sealing element 132, which is located above the opening 125 and has a disc (elastomer disc / elastic disc) configured to seal the sealing surface 129 located around the opening 125. The strength of the spring 134 is selected to seal the pressure within the inflatable camp assembly to a suitable level so that excessive pressure does not exceed the bias effect of the spring 134, pulling the sealing member 126 away from the opening 125 and releasing such excessive pressure. Furthermore, the spring strength is not sufficient to counteract the magnetic force generated by the use of the valve key 160.

[0062] Similarly, the valve key 160 docks with and around the intake port 122 of the inflation valve 120. A magnet 172 located inside the valve key 160 attracts the core component 140, which is an iron-based core fixed to the sealing member 126. This force is sufficient to overcome the counterforce of the spring 134 that maintains the sealing member 126 in the sealing action position / closed position. This action lifts the sealing member 126 from the sealing action surface 129, thereby opening a path to the valve assembly 110. In this position, air can be introduced into the inflatable camping assembly by an air source (e.g., a pump), and the inflatable camping assembly can be inflated. Alternatively, air can escape freely from the inflatable camping assembly into the atmosphere, causing the inflatable camping assembly to deflate. Similarly, the valve key 160 is specifically required to easily open and close the inflation valve 120, thereby providing a certain level of protection to the owner / user of the inflatable camping assembly.

[0063] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, in the third embodiment of the inflation valve assembly 210, the bias means has an elastic means which generates a biasing force that maintains and / or presses the seal member 226 against the sealing surface (i.e., the default closed position). In the third embodiment, the valve key 260 is docked to the inflation valve 220 by a magnetic configuration.

[0064] The valve key 260 is essentially the same as that described in the first embodiment. In the case of the inflation valve 220, an elastic member 234 is used to press the sealing member 226 against the sealing surface 229. The elastic member 234 has a single annular elastic element located between the upper / proximal surface of the carrier 230 and the lower / distal surface of the restrictor 221. That is, the elastic member 234 pushes the sealing member 226 toward the sealing surface 229, forming a seal over the opening 225 of the exhaust port 224.

[0065] The sealing member 226 has a single sealing element 232, which is located above the opening 225 and has a disc (elastomer disc / elastic disc) configured to seal the sealing surface 229 located around the opening 225. The elastic strength of the elastic member 234 is selected to seal the pressure within the inflatable camp assembly to a suitable level so that excessive pressure does not exceed the bias effect of the spring 234, pulling the sealing member 226 away from the opening 225 and releasing such excessive pressure. Furthermore, the elastic strength is not sufficient to counteract the magnetic force generated by the use of the valve key 260.

[0066] Similarly, the valve key 260 docks with and around the intake port 222 of the inflation valve 220. A magnet 272 located within the valve key 260 attracts the core component 240, which is an iron-based core fixed to the seal member 226. This force is sufficient to overcome the counterforce of the elastic member 234 that maintains the seal member 226 in the sealing / closed position. The magnetic force substantially compresses the material of the elastic member 234 as the seal member 226 moves to the open position. Conversely, the elastic member 234 will regain its original shape and configuration when the magnetic force generated by the valve key 260 is removed. This docking action of the valve key 260 lifts the seal member 226 away from the sealing surface 229, thereby opening a path to the valve assembly 210. At this position, air can be introduced into the inflatable camping assembly 210 by an air source (e.g., a pump), and the inflatable camping assembly can be inflated. Alternatively, air can escape freely into the atmosphere from the inflatable camping assembly, causing it to deflate. As described above, the valve key 260 is specifically required to easily open and close the inflation valve 220, thereby providing a certain level of protection to the owner / user of the inflatable camping assembly.

[0067] As shown in Figures 10 to 12, in the inflation valve assembly 310 of the fourth embodiment, the bias means has a spring means that generates a bias force and maintains and / or presses the sealing member 326 to the sealing surface (i.e., the default closed position). The fourth embodiment has a magnetic configuration that docks the inflation valve 320 to the valve key 360.

[0068] The valve key 360 is essentially the same as the valve key described with respect to the first embodiment. In the case of the inflation valve 320, a spring means such as a leaf spring 334 or tendril is used to press the sealing member 326 against the sealing surface 329. The spring means has two leaf springs 334, which are arc-shaped and extend at an angle of approximately 180 degrees. One end of each leaf spring 334 is attached to or fixed to the distal / lower side of the restrictor 321, as shown in Figure 10e. Each leaf spring 334 has a free end which abuts against the proximal / upper surface of the carrier 330. This positions the leaf spring 334 between the upper / proximal surface of the carrier 330 and the lower / distal surface of the restrictor 321. Therefore, the overlapping leaf spring 334 pushes the sealing member 326 toward the sealing surface 329, forming a seal over the opening 325 of the exhaust port 324.

[0069] The sealing member 326 has a single sealing element 332, which is located above the opening 325 and has a disc (elastomer disc / elastic disc) configured to seal the sealing surface 329 located around the opening 325. The strength of the leaf spring 334 is selected to seal the pressure within the inflatable camp assembly to a suitable level such that excessive pressure exceeds the bias effect of the leaf spring 334, pulling the sealing member 326 away from the opening 325 and releasing such excessive pressure. Furthermore, the spring strength is not sufficient to counteract the magnetic force generated by the use of the valve key 360.

[0070] Similarly, the valve key 360 docks inside and around the intake port 322 of the inflation valve 320. A magnet 372 located inside the valve key 360 attracts the core component 340, which is an iron-based core fixed to the sealing member 326. This force is sufficient to overcome the counterforce of the leaf spring 334 that maintains the sealing member 326 in the sealing / closed position. This docking lifts the sealing member 326 away from the sealing surface 329, thereby opening a path to the valve assembly 310. This causes the leaf spring 334, which maintains the bias effect during use after the valve key 360 is removed, to bend or fold. In this position, air can be introduced into the inflatable camping assembly by an air source (e.g., a pump), and the inflatable camping assembly can be inflated. Alternatively, air can escape freely from the inflatable camping assembly into the atmosphere, causing the inflatable camping assembly to deflate. Similarly, the valve key 360 is specifically required to easily open and close the inflation valve 320, thereby providing a certain level of protection to the owner / user of the inflatable camping assembly.

[0071] As shown in Figures 13 to 15, in the inflation valve assembly 410 of the fifth embodiment, the biasing means has a fluid chamber that generates a biasing force and maintains and / or presses the sealing member 426 in the sealing position (i.e., the default closed position). The fourth embodiment uses a bayonet configuration to dock the inflation valve 420 to the valve key 460.

[0072] The inflation valve 420 has a fluid chamber 480 formed between a membrane 482 and a movable sealing member 426. The sealing member 426 also forms a skirt portion with a series of openings 484 used to form the necessary air path within the valve assembly 410. In the default position, the sealing member 426 is positioned such that the openings 484 are hidden below the upper extending surface 486 of the opening 425 of the exhaust port 424. Thus, no air flows into the valve assembly 410. Force is required for the sealing member 426 to move to the open position, and this movement exposes the openings 484 above the upper edge of the upper extending surface 486 of the opening 425 of the exhaust port 424. This movement is generated by a dedicated valve key 460, as described below.

[0073] The valve key 460 extends outward and has two lugs 490 offset by 180 degrees. These lugs are configured to engage with two corresponding slots 492 formed in the housing 428 of the inflation valve 420. In this way, a bayonet configuration is formed in which the valve key 460 docks with the inflation valve 420. The lower / distal edge of the valve key 460 penetrates the annular portion formed by the inflation valve 420 until the lower / distal edge contacts / abuts against the membrane 482. The lower / distal edge moves / deflects the membrane 482 downward / distally, increasing the pressure in the fluid chamber 480 and / or displacing the fluid in the fluid chamber 480. This causes the fluid to act on the lower / distal edge of the seal member 426, which moves upward and opens the opening 484. Therefore, at this position, an air path is formed within the inflation valve assembly 410.

[0074] When the valve key 460 is removed from the bayonet docking configuration, the membrane 482 returns to its original position / configuration, and the sealing member 426 automatically returns to the default (closed) position.

[0075] As described above, the valve key 460 is specifically required to easily open and close the inflation valve 420, thereby providing a certain level of protection to the owner / user of the inflatable camping assembly.

[0076] As shown in Figures 16 to 18, in the inflation valve assembly 510 of the sixth embodiment, the biasing means has a deformable sealing film, which naturally maintains the sealing member 426 relative to the sealing surface (i.e., in the default closed position).

[0077] In the inflation valve 520, an elastically deformable membrane provides a sealing member 526 and has a sealing flap 596 that is movable between an open position and a closed position. Since the material of the sealing flap 596 is elastic and the flap 596 is biased towards the closed position, a positive force is required to pull these flaps 596 away from the closed position. In this embodiment, four flaps 596 are formed and intersect and cross each other.

[0078] The sealing member 526 has a single sealing element, which is located on the opening 525 and has a membrane disc (elastomer disc / elastic disc) configured to seal the opening 525. The bias return strength of the flap 596 is selected to seal the pressure in the inflatable camping assembly to a suitable level where excessive pressure exceeds the bias effect of the flap 596, causing the flap to move and form an opening that can release such excessive pressure.

[0079] Similarly, the valve key 560 docks with the intake port 522 of the inflation valve 520. The valve key 560 docks with the intake port 522 using an interference fit, maintaining a docking engagement between the valve key 560 and the inflation valve 520. In particular, the outer circumference dimensions of the valve key 560 and the inner circumference dimensions of the intake port 522 are selected considering the properties of the accompanying materials that will provide the necessary interference fit.

[0080] The valve key 560 has a nozzle 598 which moves the flap 596 outward to form an opening in the inflation valve assembly 510. In particular, the nozzle 598 moves and flexes all four flaps 596 outward so that the (center) opening of the nozzle 598 moves into the membrane.

[0081] Similarly, the valve key 560 is specifically required to easily open and close the inflation valve 520, thereby providing a certain level of protection to the owner / user of the inflatable camping assembly.

[0082] As shown in Figures 19 to 21, in the seventh embodiment of the inflation valve assembly 610, the biasing means has an expandable element 634, which has a shape memory alloy that pulls the seal member 626 away from the default closed position. This closed position is a position that is naturally held by the seal member 626, which is biased toward the closed position by gravity and / or a pressing means (such as a spring) (not shown).

[0083] In the inflation valve 120, a spring, which is an expandable element 634, is used to press the seal member 626 and pull it away from the sealing surface 629. The expandable element 634 has a single coiled (helical) element located within a tubular recess 678 in the sealing surface 629. The upper surface of the expandable element 634 can contact the lower / distal surface of the seal member 626. The expandable element is made of a shape memory alloy in a compressed state under static pressure. A catalytic material or catalytic action of the valve key 620 causes a temperature change (heating), which then brings out the properties of the shape memory alloy, causing it to expand. This expansion lifts the seal member 626, creating an airflow.

[0084] The sealing member 626 has a carrier 630 and a sealing element 632 (for example, an elastomer sealing element). The sealing member 626 has a series of openings 679 through which air flows. In particular, when the sealing member 626 is lifted and pulled away from the sealing surface 629 of the inflation valve, air flows through these openings 679.

[0085] Similarly, the valve key 660 docks with and around the intake port 622 of the inflation valve 620. The valve key 660 docks with the intake port 622 using an interference fit, maintaining a docking engagement between the valve key 660 and the inflation valve 620. In particular, the outer circumference dimensions of the valve key 660 and the inner circumference dimensions of the intake port 622 are selected considering the properties of the accompanying materials that provide the necessary interference fit.

[0086] The valve key 660 has means for activating the shape memory alloy of the expandable element 634. The valve key 660 has a central sleeve 679 of material that facilitates this activation reaction. The lower end of the sleeve 679 is located close enough for the expandable element to expand. For example, the lower end of the sleeve may be located within a distance that allows heat from the sleeve 679 to be transferred to the expandable element 634, thereby lifting the sealing member 626 to the open position. For this reason, means for generating the necessary heat within the sleeve are also used.

[0087] Similarly, the valve key 660 is specifically required to easily open and close the inflation valve 620, thereby providing a certain level of protection to the owner / user of the inflatable camping assembly.

[0088] Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 22 and 23. In this embodiment, the inflation valve 720 has a biasing means as a (central) magnetic member 736 that maintains and / or presses the sealing member 726 against the sealing surface (i.e., the default closed position). The second embodiment also has a magnetic configuration for docking the valve key 760 to the inflation valve 720.

[0089] The valve key 760 is essentially the same as that described in the first embodiment, except that in the case of the inflation valve 720, the sealing member 726 has a single sealing element 732, which has a disc that may have an airtight composite that seals over the opening 725 of the exhaust port 724.

[0090] In Figures 23a and 23b, air is schematically indicated by reference numeral 8. As shown in Figure 23b, an air path is formed within the assembly. Figure 23a shows the default closed position. In this embodiment, the sealing means, as an outer O-ring seal 771 of the housing 728 of the inflation valve 720, is configured to form a seal between the inflation valve 720 and the valve key 760.

[0091] The magnetic force between the magnetic member 740 (iron-based component) of the sealing member 726 and the magnetic member 736 (magnet) of the inflation valve 720 is smaller than the magnetic attractive force between the magnetic member 772 (magnet) of the valve key 760 and the magnetic member (iron-based component) 740 of the sealing member 726. Therefore, when the valve key 760 is docked, the inflation valve 720 opens to the open position / configuration and remains open. Specifically, the magnetic member 772 of the valve key 760 acts in opposite directions, causing the magnetic member 736 of the sealing member 726 to retract and the magnetic member 736 of the inflation valve 720 to move away. In one embodiment, the magnetic attractive force of the valve key 760 can be set to substantially 15 kg, and the magnetic attractive force of the magnetic member 736 in the valve housing 728 can be set to substantially 2.5 kg. Using a magnetic force four, six, ten times, or more times greater, the sealing member 726 moves to the open position, but a reliable method can be established to ensure that the default closing force can still withstand internal pressures of about 8 psi in some embodiments.

[0092] As shown in Figure 24, in a preferred embodiment, the valve key 760 is configured as a dual valve key, so that the first side of the valve key 760 docks with the first inflation valve 720 and the second side docks with the second inflation valve 720. Therefore, in such a configuration, the first inflatable camping assembly can inflate the second inflatable camping assembly. In such a system, one inflatable camping assembly acts as an air source for the other inflatable camping assembly. More specifically, the first camping assembly acts as a donor for the second camping assembly.

[0093] In this donor configuration, the valve key 760 maintains the two sealing members in an open configuration throughout the entire connection. In particular, in some embodiments, the central magnet attracts the first sealing member of the first inflation valve 720 and also attracts the second sealing member of the second inflation valve 720. The above embodiments (shown in the attached drawings) can also be used to perform this dual function.

[0094] Figures 25 to 27 show another preferred embodiment of the inflation valve 820 and the corresponding valve key 860. In this embodiment, the inflation valve 820 has biasing means as a spring 823 that maintains and / or presses the sealing member 826 against the sealing surface (i.e., against the default closed position). The inflation valve 820 has a docking configuration that docks the valve key 860 to the inflation valve 820 and maintains the inflation valve 820 in the open position.

[0095] The valve key 860 has engaging means as elastic tabs 872 with engaging / docking functions. Specifically, the peripheral wall 864 of the valve key 860 provides a first pair of elastic tabs 872 that engage with the inflation valve 820. In some embodiments, the valve key 820 may also have a second pair of elastic tabs 872 for engaging with a second inflation valve and / or for using either end of the valve key 820. The tabs 872 are provided toward the end of the valve key 860. The inflation valve 820 has engaging means as openings 844 or recesses. Specifically, the inflation valve 820 has two openings 844 offset by 180 degrees around the outer wall or peripheral wall 827 of the intake port 822. In some embodiments, four openings 844 are provided, each offset by 90 degrees, so that the valve key 860 can engage more easily, as two elastic tabs 872 can engage with two different pairs of openings 844. For example, a valve key 860 is located in an intake port 822 and can then be rotated until a tab 872 engages with the nearest pair of openings 844.

[0096] For use, the valve key 860 is docked and engaged with the inflation valve 820 and into the receiving portion 845. The tip / distal end of the valve key 860 forms a seal (O-ring seal) with the sealing member 897 provided in the receiving portion 845. When installed in this manner, the sealing member 826 moves to the open position. In particular, the actuator 880 of the valve key 860 pushes out the sealing member 826 and moves it to the open position. Specifically, the actuator 880 of the valve key 860 pushes down the restrictor 841 and opens the inflation valve 820. The valve key 860 then detaches from the inflation valve 820, releasing the pressure in the restrictor 841 and closing the inflation valve 820.

[0097] The sealing member 826 has a carrier 840 and a restrictor 841 that fixes the carrier 840 inside the intake port 822. In this embodiment, the sealing member 826 also has a seal with a primary seal 842. The primary seal is an annular seal (for example, an elastomer O-ring seal).

[0098] The inflation valve 820 has a biasing means in the form of a coiled spring 823 located around the central shaft 848 (core member), which presses against the seal member 826 and moves it toward the sealing surface 829. Specifically, this biasing action causes the primary seal 842 to seal the sealing surface 829. The coiled spring 823 is constrained between the holding surface of the carrier and the surface 821 of the intake port 822 of the inflation valve 820. The restrictor 841 has a shaft (or core member) extending from the disc-shaped portion of the carrier 840, which protrudes into the intake surface 821 of the inflation valve 820. The intake surface 821 forms an opening or path through the disc-shaped partition that becomes this intake surface 821. This opening allows the shaft 848 to slide inward. A head 846 is provided at the upper distal end of the shaft 848. This head has an expanding head or a radial flange. This expanding head has a diameter or circumference that is too large to pass through the opening. Thus, the expanding head 846 constitutes an annular or retaining surface 843 that is directly opposite the upper / distal surface of the intake port surface 821. These two surfaces are configured to capture or restrain the spring 823 between them in order to press the seal 832 against the sealing surface 829.

[0099] The restrictor 841 of the inflation valve 820 is also configured to restrict the movement of the seal member 826. Specifically, the restrictor 841 prevents the seal member 826 from coming out of the housing 828. The restrictor 841 has a retaining surface 843 that is directly opposite to the outer surface of the surface of the inflation valve 820 (located inside the intake port 822). Therefore, the movement of the seal member 826 is limited to movement only between the sealing surface 829 (closed position) and a restricted position that is spaced away from the sealing surface 829, which forms a gap for air to flow around the seal member 826. The restrictor 841 is fixed in a predetermined position inside the intake port 822 of the valve housing 828. The restrictor 841 has a central shaft with an upper (distal) head or flange. This head (or flange) has a surface 843 that engages with the coil spring 823. Furthermore, the upper distal end surface of the head provides a contact surface for operating the inflation valve 820. In one embodiment, the shaft has two parts, and a coil spring 823 is positioned in place on the lower component or connected to hold the coil spring 823 in place before these two parts engage with the upper component, which has the head. These two components forming the shaft can be fixed in a push-fit configuration. The inflation valve 820 also includes a covered housing 899 which is fixed to the body of the inflation valve by a sealing member 898 (O-ring seal) and a threaded configuration.

[0100] The inflation valve 820 has a manually operable latching mechanism, which preferably allows a user to press a portion of the seal member 826 to engage the seal member with the latching mechanism, and then hold the seal member 826 in the open position or a second open position. For the seal member 826, for example, if the latching of the seal member is released and the seal member 826 is not pressed by the valve key 860 (or other external force), and is held in the open position by the valve key 860 and in the second open position by the latching mechanism, the seal member 826 is held in the closed position. In these two open positions, a biasing mechanism (spring 823) biases the seal member 826, continuing to press it toward the closed position. For the latching mechanism, if the latching is released by a user who is manually operating from the latched position and pressing a portion of the seal member 826 (e.g., head 846), the seal member 826 disengages from the latching mechanism, and then the seal member 826 can be moved to the closed position. The latching mechanism has a latch as a ring component 875. The ring component 875 engages with the profiled surfaces provided on the first portion 874 and the second portion 876 of the restrictor 841. Each profiled surface has a series of gaps or recesses, which allow the ring 875 (or a part of the ring) to engage with, or disengage from, the seal member 826 in a latched (open or second open) position.

[0101] The latching mechanism cannot be operated by the valve key 860. Specifically, the latching mechanism is not activated by docking the valve key 860 into the inflation valve 820. The valve key 860 only partially advances the restrictor 841 toward the latching mechanism, so the latching mechanism cannot latch the seal member 826, and the seal member 826 remains unlatched. Specifically, when the user pushes the restrictor 841 inward, a portion of the seal member 826 generates resistance, indicating that it has already reached a sufficiently depressed position, so the user can release the pressure, and the seal member 826 maintains a latched state in the open position (or second open position). When the valve key 860 is docked, the seal member does not reach this sufficiently depressed position and only partially advances toward it, so the latch does not activate, and when the valve key 860 is removed, the seal member 826 automatically and immediately returns to the closed position (due to the biasing mechanism acting as a spring 823). This is because there is no latching or other obstruction that would cause the seal member 826 to be held in the open position or the second open position (or any open position). In the latched position, the biasing means (spring 823) continues to apply a bias to the seal member 826 toward the closed position.

[0102] Therefore, in this embodiment, the user can manually operate the inflation valve 820 even without the valve key 860. If the valve key 860 is not docked to the inflation valve 820, the user can open and close the inflation valve 820 by pressing the restrictor 841. The sealing member valve 826 provides a shaft having a first (upper distal) portion 874 and a second (lower / proximal) portion 876.

[0103] These parts work together with the ring 875 to form a latch or catch mechanism that facilitates holding the seal member 826 in the open position. This holding mechanism facilitates air venting. To understand, when the seal member 826 is pushed inward (downward), the seal 829 disengages from the corresponding sealing surface on the valve, allowing fluid to flow and accommodate, for example, expansion or air venting.

[0104] The upper portion 874 is stationary and does not bend or rotate. The entire sealing member 826 is pushed down, the upper portion 874 comes into contact with the ring, and the ring bends. When the downward force pushing the sealing member 826 is released (for example, by the user releasing their fingers), the ring 875 falls into the slot of the lower portion 876. The slot of the lower portion 876 determines whether the lower portion is sealing the valve or whether the valve is open by determining the height of the lower portion 876 within the valve. The slot arrangement is alternating, for example, slot 1 = valve open, slot 2 = valve closed, slot 3 = valve open, slot 4 = valve closed. The spring 823 applies an upward force to the upper portion 874, causing the ring 875 to engage with the next slot, determining whether the valve is open or closed. The ring 875 continues to rotate in the same direction each time the sealing member 826 is pressed. This latching mechanism is not activated by the valve key 860. This is because the restrictor 841 is not fully pressed until the valve key 860 engages with the ring 875. Therefore, the inflation valve 820 (seal member 826) returns to the closed position when the valve key 60 is released.

[0105] Overall, the present invention addresses the problem by using the default position of the valves when closed, so that these valves are always ready to go when the camping structure is taken out. There is no need to manually close each valve prior to inflation. With such a configuration, the user does not need to intervene to close the inflation valves. For example, there is no need to use stoppers with the valves. The valve key prevents accidental air leaks while making the donor system easy to handle, and the valve itself can automatically release excess air pressure, preventing over-inflation of the tent and potentially costly damage such as rupture. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 10, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 Valve Assembly 20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820 Inflation Valves 22, 122, 222, 322, 522, 622, 822 Air intake 24, 124, 224, 324, 424, 724 exhaust ports 25, 37, 125, 225, 325, 425, 484, 525, 725, 844 aperture 26, 126, 128, 226, 227, 228, 326, 426, 526, 626, 726, 826 sealing members 28, 428, 728, 828, 899 Housing 29, 129, 229, 329, 629, 829 sealing surface 30, 130, 230, 330, 840 carriers 31, 221, 321, 841 restrictors 32,842 Primary seal 33 Secondary seal 34 Magnetic component 36, 62, 72, 172, 272, 372 magnets 60, 160, 260, 360, 460, 560, 660, 760, 860 valve key 70, 71 Seals 110 Inflation valve device 134, 234, 334, 823 springs 140, 240, 340 core components 232, 332, 732 seal elements 234 Elastic members 480 Fluid chamber 482 Membrane 486 Upper extension plane 490 lag 492 slots 596 Flap 598 Nozzles 634 Extended Elements 678 Tubular recess 679 sleeves 736, 740, 772 Magnetic material 821 Intake surface 843 Holding surface 845 Receipt portion 846 head 848 Center shaft 864 Peripheral wall 872 Elastic Tab 874 Part 1, Upper Part, Part 1 (Upper Distal) 875 Rings, Ring Components 876 Part 2, Lower Part, Part 2 (Lower / Proximal) 880 Actuator 897, 898 Sealing member

Claims

1. An inflation valve assembly, wherein the inflation valve assembly is It is an inflation valve, Air intake, Exhaust vent, and A sealing member movable between an open position and a closed position, having a seal that prevents airflow from flowing to or allows airflow to flow to an inflation valve located between the intake port and the exhaust port, and being pulled apart by a biasing means from the open position toward the closed position, An inflation valve having, It has a valve key, The valve key is configured to dock with the intake port of the inflation valve and move the sealing member to the open position. Engaging means are provided to engage the valve key at the docking position, and at the docking position, the valve key maintains the sealing member in the open position, forming an air path through the inflation valve between the intake port and the exhaust port. An inflation valve assembly characterized by the following features.

2. The inflation valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the inflation valve assembly has a magnetic docking configuration that holds the valve key in the inflation valve and moves the sealing member from the closed position to the open position.

3. The inflation valve assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the default position of the sealing member is in the closed position, and the default position is independently moved to and held in the open position by docking the valve key and the inflation valve.

4. The inflation valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the valve key has a magnetic key member.

5. The inflation valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the valve key has a connection surface with an air source.

6. An inflation valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the connection surface is exposed so that air passes through the inflation valve and out through the connection surface of the valve key.

7. The inflation valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the valve key may have a sealing member for sealing the inflation valve.

8. The inflation valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the valve key has a first docking surface and a second docking surface on the side opposite to the valve key.

9. The inflation valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inflation valve has a magnetic valve member.

10. The inflation valve assembly according to claim 9, wherein the magnetic valve member attracts the magnetic key member of the valve key, and the valve key docks with the intake port of the inflation valve.

11. The inflation valve assembly according to claim 10, wherein the magnetic key member and the magnetic valve member provide a magnetic latch for holding the valve key in the inflation valve.

12. The inflation valve assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the magnetic valve member is provided on the sealing member.

13. The inflation valve assembly according to claim 12, as dependent on claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the magnetic valve member is provided with a carrier for the sealing member, and the sealing member is moved from the closed position to the open position by a latch between the magnetic valve member and the magnetic key member.

14. The inflation valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the bias has a magnetic bias configuration that biases the sealing member toward the closed position.

15. The inflation valve assembly according to claim 14, wherein the magnetic bias configuration comprises a first magnetic means in the housing of the inflation valve and a second magnetic means provided on the sealing member.

16. The inflation valve assembly according to claim 15, wherein the magnetic bias configuration holds the sealing member in the closed position as long as the canceling force does not exceed the magnetic strength of the magnetic bias configuration.

17. The inflation valve assembly according to claim 16, wherein the strength of the magnetic docking configuration is greater than or equal to the strength of the magnetic bias configuration.

18. The inflation valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the biasing means has a spring bias configuration comprising a spring means that biases the sealing member toward the closed position.

19. The inflation valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the biasing means has a fluid chamber having a first end that is actuated by a portion of the valve key, and a second end of the fluid chamber is in fluid contact with the sealing member, and pressure from the valve key at the first end of the chamber is transmitted through the fluid in the chamber and acts on the sealing member.

20. The inflation valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the inflation valve has a shape memory alloy configured to move the sealing member from the closed position to the open position.

21. The inflation valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the inflation valve assembly has a second inflation valve, and the valve key is configured to dock with the first inflation valve and also with the second inflation valve.

22. A camping assembly having an inflatable camping assembly equipped with an inflation valve assembly, wherein the inflation valve assembly is Air intake, Exhaust vent, and A sealing member movable between an open position and a closed position, having a seal that prevents airflow from flowing to or allows airflow to flow to an inflation valve located between the intake port and the exhaust port, and being pulled apart by a biasing means from the open position toward the closed position, It has, The aforementioned camping assembly further has a valve key, The valve key is configured to dock with the intake port of the inflation valve and move the sealing member to the open position. Engaging means are provided to engage the valve key at the docking position, and at the docking position, the valve key maintains the sealing member in the open position, forming an air path through the inflation valve between the intake port and the exhaust port. A camping assembly characterized by the following features.

23. The camping assembly according to claim 22, wherein the camping assembly has a second inflatable camping assembly, and the valve key is configured to dock with both the inflation valve of the first camping assembly and the inflation valve of the second camping assembly.

24. The camping assembly according to claim 23, wherein the valve key is configured to move the sealing member of the first inflation valve and maintain it in the open position, and also move the second inflation valve and maintain it in the open position.

25. A method for inflating an inflatable camping assembly, wherein the inflatable camping assembly has an inflation valve assembly, and the inflation valve assembly is It is an inflation valve, Air intake, Exhaust vent, and A sealing member movable between an open position and a closed position, having a seal that prevents airflow from flowing to or allows airflow to flow to an inflation valve located between the intake port and the exhaust port, and being pulled apart by a biasing means from the open position toward the closed position, An inflation valve having, It has a valve key, The valve key is configured to dock with the intake port of the inflation valve and move the sealing member to the open position, and an engaging means is provided to engage the valve key at the docking position, and at the docking position the valve key maintains the sealing member in the open position, forming an air path through the inflation valve between the intake port and the exhaust port. The valve key is docked and engaged with the intake port of the inflation valve, and the sealing member is moved to the open position. A method for inflating an inflatable camping assembly, characterized by the above.

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