초록 ▼

A self-closing and self-sealing valve device for use with inflatable structures. The valve device comprises a pair of relatively flat plastic sheets which are disposed over one another in facewise engagement, and form an air inlet end and air outlet end, the latter of which is disposed in the inflat

A self-closing and self-sealing valve device for use with inflatable structures. The valve device comprises a pair of relatively flat plastic sheets which are disposed over one another in facewise engagement, and form an air inlet end and air outlet end, the latter of which is disposed in the inflatable structure. The valve is constructed by providing two longitudinal heat seals in proximity to the longitudinal margins of the pair of plastic sheets or strips. An adhesive zone is formed interiorly of the two longitudinal heat seals and causes a self-closing and self-sealing of the valve device. The adhesive zone further precludes any sealing of the two sheets in the adhesive zone during longitudinal sealing operations since sealing will not occur with the presence of the adhesive. In this way, since the two sheets are adhesively secured to one another, there is no back flow from the inflatable and deflatable structure outwardly of the structure even under low pressure condition. However, by engaging terminal ends of the two sheets, one can introduce an expandable gas into and through the valve device. The two strips will separate from one another, notwithstanding the adhesive zone, when a gas, such as air under pressure, is forced through the adhesive zone. A unique method of forming the valve is also disclosed wherein there is a complete assurance that there will be no transverse gap or interruption of adhesive in the adhesive zone of the valve passageway.

대표청구항 ▼

[ Having thus described the invention, what we desire to claim and secure by letters patent is:] [1.] A self-closing and self-sealing valve device for use in inflatable and deflatable structures, said valve device comprising:a) a pair of relatively flat flexible sheets disposed upon one another in f

[ Having thus described the invention, what we desire to claim and secure by letters patent is:] [1.] A self-closing and self-sealing valve device for use in inflatable and deflatable structures, said valve device comprising:a) a pair of relatively flat flexible sheets disposed upon one another in facewise engagement and having an inlet end and an outlet end with a gas passageway extending therebetween;b) said flat flexible sheets having a pair of connecting regions extending along opposite side portions of the sheets between the inlet end and the outlet end for securing said two sheets together with air-tight longitudinal seals and with a gas passageway therebetween; andc) an adhesive coating in said gas passageway substantially sealing the gas passageway for the full transverse distance between the connecting regions and for a substantial portion of the distance between the inlet end and the outlet end, said adhesive coating creating a gas-tight seal in the gas passageway to prevent gas from being expelled into the outlet end to exit through the inlet end in a back flow condition but which gas-tight seal will open when gas is introduced at the inlet end under sufficient pressure to cause an opening of the seal without need for a mechanical implement to open same.