초록 ▼

A low profile inflation valve intended to be installed with an article to inflated with air, water or other fluid. The valve of the invention comprises a valve body which is sealed, such as by an adhesive, heat-sealing or RF sealing, to a corresponding opening in the article to be inflated. The body

A low profile inflation valve intended to be installed with an article to inflated with air, water or other fluid. The valve of the invention comprises a valve body which is sealed, such as by an adhesive, heat-sealing or RF sealing, to a corresponding opening in the article to be inflated. The body comprises a generally circular cylindrical configuration with internal threads for receiving a cap. The cap correspondingly comprises a circular cylindrical configuration having exterior threads for threaded engagement into the valve body. A flapper is affixed to the underside of the cap and functions as a one-way valve to prevent fluid from within the article from escaping therefrom when the cap is partially threaded within the body and yet which allows inflation of the article. Moreover, full tightening of the cap within the body sealingly entraps the flapper between the cap in a lower portion of the body so as to create an airtight seal and prevent further inflation (or deflation) of the article. A dust cap is provided for covering the cap during use of the article after inflation so as to prevent dust and other debris from contaminating the interior of the cap and otherwise obstructing or interfering with the proper sealing of the flapper to the underside of the cap. Preferably, the dust cap is tethered to the cap by means of a tether having a living hinge and the cap is tethered to the body by means of another tether which allows the cap to be fully removed from the body and moved off to the side during deflation of the article.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A low profile inflation valve for inflating an article, comprising in combination:a body defined by an annular wall and a lower wall having a center hole formed therein, said annular wall of said body comprising at least one thread, said body further including a sealing flange for facilitating co

1. A low profile inflation valve for inflating an article, comprising in combination:a body defined by an annular wall and a lower wall having a center hole formed therein, said annular wall of said body comprising at least one thread, said body further including a sealing flange for facilitating connection of the body to the article; a cap having an annular wall with at least one external thread formed thereon for threaded engagement with said thread of said body, said cap further including at least one web extending thereacross from one portion of said annular wall to another, said web of said cap including a slot formed therein; and a flapper having a protruding portion for insertion within a hole formed in said web of said cap, said flapper having a peripheral configuration generally corresponding to a lower edge of said annular wall of said cap so as to form a one-way seal therewith when said protrusion of said flapper is positioned within said hole in said web and whereby upon full tightening of said cap within said body, said flapper is captured between said lower edge of said annular wall of said cap and said lower wall of said annular wall of said body to prevent flow of the fluid through said cap.