Expansible chamber devices – Collapsible chamber wall portion – Wall portion formed of flexible material
Patent
1994-04-12
1995-07-25
Denion, Thomas E.
Expansible chamber devices
Collapsible chamber wall portion
Wall portion formed of flexible material
417437, 92 90, F01B 1900
Patent
active
054352304
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an improved inflation mechanism and, more particularly, to an inflation mechanism for maximizing fluid displacement.
2. Background of the Invention
The use of devices inflatable with a fluid such as air is widespread in various articles of manufacture. For example, inflatable devices are now commonly used in a variety of articles as diverse as footwear, furniture (e.g., air mattresses), apparel and athletic equipment (e.g., helmets and protective pads). Such inflatable devices incorporate a bladder or other air-tight chamber which is inflated by an inflation mechanism disposed on the article (i.e., "on-board") or by an inflation mechanism separate from the article.
When using an on-board inflation mechanism, it is important that the mechanism be as small as reasonably possible to minimize interference with the intended use of the article. However, a reduction in the size of the mechanism can result in a decrease in its fluid displacement capability. In general, the smaller the inflation mechanism, the less fluid which can be displaced upon compression. This is a particular problem if the mechanism is not efficient, i.e., it does not provide a high compression ratio (the ratio of the total volume of fluid in the mechanism prior to compression to the volume of fluid remaining in the inflation mechanism after the mechanism is compressed). A decreased fluid displacement capability requires an increased number of compressions to inflate an associated bladder, thereby decreasing the overall efficiency of the inflatable article. A low compression ratio limits the maximum pressure of that which is being inflated.
Conventional inflation mechanisms are manufactured of rubber or equivalent material which is not particularly aesthetically pleasing. Thus, .a flexible plastic cover carrying a logo, for example, is commonly provided over the mechanism. The friction between the inflation mechanism and cover requires an increased effort during pumping. Therefore, the need exists for an efficient yet lightweight inflation mechanism which serves as its own cover and which can be disposed on a variety of articles of manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The inflation mechanism of the present invention has been designed to fulfill the aforementioned need. As such, the present invention comprises an inflation mechanism comprising a sidewall defining a fluid-filled interior chamber, an inflation head and flexure means disposed between the sidewall and the inflation head. The flexure means allows the inflation head to invert within the interior chamber while maintaining the integrity of the sidewall, thereby displacing fluid disposed within said chamber. The flexure means may comprise a weakened area which may be a groove. The groove may extend along the entire periphery of the sidewall. The fluid may be air. The inflation mechanism may be incorporated in an inflation system including a bladder. The inflation mechanism is designed so as to be aesthetically tolerable on the outside of an article, thus removing the need for a second cosmetic cover which would otherwise impair the pumping function of the mechanism. Furthermore, because the inflation mechanism serves as its own cover, eliminating the need for a separate interior inflation device, it is better suited for mass production of articles of manufacture by minimizing the steps necessary to produce the articles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other aspects and features of the present invention will be more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood from the following detailed description of the present invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a top view of the inflation mechanism of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the same taken along line 2--2 in FIG. 1 and including a portion of a bladder;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention upon the application of a force
REFERENCES:
patent: 1637219 (1927-07-01), Edelmann
patent: 2717556 (1955-09-01), Bartoo
patent: 2775401 (1956-12-01), Storrs
patent: 2845032 (1958-07-01), Krohm
patent: 3494343 (1970-02-01), Nutten
patent: 5056992 (1991-10-01), Simons et al.
Denion Thomas E.
Reebok International Ltd.
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