U.S. patent application number 13/172895 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-03 for inflatable device for receiving an infant.
This patent application is currently assigned to POPINPOD LIMITED. Invention is credited to Jodi Sharee Bartle, Jurgen Brand, Susan Page Wood Greeney.
Application Number | 20130000036 13/172895 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47389106 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130000036 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wood Greeney; Susan Page ;
et al. |
January 3, 2013 |
INFLATABLE DEVICE FOR RECEIVING AN INFANT
Abstract
An inflatable device for infants, the device comprising a
structure formed from two or more inflatable chambers in fluid
communication with a control valve, wherein the control valve
comprises a single input port for receiving an inflation device and
an output port unit in fluid communication with the inflatable
chambers to enable the chambers to be inflated simultaneously by
the inflation device while providing fluid separation between the
chambers after inflation.
Inventors: |
Wood Greeney; Susan Page;
(London, GB) ; Bartle; Jodi Sharee; (London,
GB) ; Brand; Jurgen; (Wellington, NZ) |
Assignee: |
POPINPOD LIMITED
London
GB
|
Family ID: |
47389106 |
Appl. No.: |
13/172895 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/93.1 ;
5/655 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 13/063 20130101;
A47D 9/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/93.1 ;
5/655 |
International
Class: |
A47D 7/00 20060101
A47D007/00; A47D 13/06 20060101 A47D013/06; A47D 13/08 20060101
A47D013/08 |
Claims
1. An inflatable device for infants, the device comprising a
structure formed from two or more inflatable chambers in fluid
communication with a control valve, wherein the control valve
comprises a single input port for receiving an inflation device and
an output port unit in fluid communication with the inflatable
chambers to enable the chambers to be inflated simultaneously by
the inflation device while providing fluid separation between the
chambers after inflation.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the structure comprises four
inflatable chambers arranged to form four walls of a skeleton
structure suitable for receiving an infant.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the device comprises a separate
base for insertion within the skeleton structure.
4. The device of claim 2, wherein the structure further comprises a
fifth inflatable chamber arranged to form an inflatable base.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the two or more inflatable
chambers are fluidly independent.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the control valve is a failsafe
valve.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein the output port unit of the
control valve is arranged not to be in fluid communication with the
inflatable chambers when the single input port is not receiving the
inflation device.
8. The device of claim 6, wherein the output port unit of the
control valve is arranged to be in fluid communication with the
inflatable chambers only when the single input port is receiving
the inflation device.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the output port unit of the
control valve comprises multiple output ports in fluid
communication with the inflatable chambers.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the output port unit is formed
on a housing that may be retro-fitted to a standard spring actuated
valve.
11. The device of claim 9, wherein each output port is in fluid
communication with a single inflatable chamber.
12. The device of claim 9, wherein each output port is in fluid
communication with two or more inflatable chambers.
13. The device of claim 9, wherein the control valve comprises a
spindle in communication with the input port and output port unit,
where the spindle is arranged to set the control valve in an
inflation mode upon receiving the inflation device and further
arranged to set the control valve in a non-inflation mode when the
inflation device is not being received.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the control valve further
comprises a housing and a spring, wherein the spring is arranged
between the spindle and the housing to set the control valve in the
non-inflation mode when the inflation device is not being
received.
15. The device of claim 1, wherein the inflatable chambers are in
parallel fluid communication with each other.
16. The device of claim 1, wherein the output port unit of the
control valve comprises a single output port in fluid communication
with a manifold and the manifold comprises multiple shut off valves
in fluid communication with the inflatable chambers.
17. The device of claim 16, wherein the multiple shut off valves
are arranged to be controlled manually to provide fluid separation
between the chambers after inflation.
18. The device of claim 16, wherein the control valve comprises a
spindle in communication with the input port and single output
port, where the spindle is arranged to set the control valve in an
inflation mode upon receiving the inflation device and further
arranged to set the control valve in a non-inflation mode when the
inflation device is not being received.
19. The device of claim 18, wherein the control valve further
comprises a housing and a spring, wherein the spring is arranged
between the spindle and the housing to set the control valve in the
non-inflation mode when the inflation device is not being
received.
20. The device of claim 1, wherein the output port unit of the
control valve is in fluid communication with a first inflatable
chamber and the device further comprises one or more shut off
valves positioned in between each inflatable chamber.
21. The device of claim 20, wherein the inflatable chambers are in
series fluid communication with each other.
22. The device of claim 20, wherein the one or more shut off valves
are arranged to be controlled manually to provide fluid separation
between the chambers after inflation.
23. The device of claim 1, wherein the inflatable chambers are
formed from a material from any one of a drop stitch material,
sonically welded film, PVC material, thermoplastic material
manufactured as a film, urethane material manufactured as a film,
non-rigid material manufactured as a film.
24. The device of claim 23 wherein the drop stitch material
comprises two layers of material, where a first layer is connected
to a second layer via interconnecting threads.
25. The device of claim 1, wherein the single input port is adapted
to provide fluid communication from the input port to the output
port unit upon receiving the inflation device.
26. The device of claim 1, wherein the structure includes a
re-enforced base fabric on a lower base portion of the device.
27. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is a cot, crib,
carrycot or playpen.
28. The device of claim 1, wherein the single input port is adapted
to receive an inflation device that is one of a human being,
bicycle pump, hand pump, motorised pump, electrical pump,
mechanical pump and air compressor.
29. The device of claim 1, wherein the structure is formed from 3
or more inflatable chambers.
30. The device of claim 29, wherein the structure is formed from 4
or more inflatable chambers.
31. The device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a
fabric cover arranged to fit over the structure.
32. The device of claim 31, wherein the fabric cover is arranged to
reinforce and/or increase rigidity to the device.
33. The device of claim 31, wherein the fabric cover is formed from
a washable fabric.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an inflatable device for
receiving an infant. In particular, the present invention relates
to an inflatable device, such as a cot, crib or playpen suitable
for infants.
BACKGROUND
[0002] It is known to have inflatable devices for receiving infants
including cribs, carrycots, cots, playpens and the like. It will be
understood that the concepts described herein may be applied to any
other suitable inflatable device that may be used to hold, carry,
sleep or otherwise receive an infant child. The term infant is
understood to mean a child from newborn to the age of up to two
years old.
[0003] In general, many of these inflatable devices have several
problems such as complete failure upon receiving a puncture,
instability during use, too many complex components resulting in
increased cost, multiple input valves making it a time-consuming
job to inflate the device and generally poor design.
[0004] Certain types of inflatable devices for infants generally
have multiple individual chambers. These chambers are inflatable
through separate individual input valves connected to each chamber.
This arrangement requires a user to connect, disconnect and
reconnect an inflation device, such as a pump for example, to each
valve to fully inflate all the chambers. Further, this type of
device requires multiple valve assemblies for each of the separate
inflatable chambers.
[0005] Other types of inflatable device for infants generally have
multiple interlinked chambers. The chambers are generally
inflatable through a single input valve connected to any one of the
chambers. The remaining chambers are then inflated via the single
input valve through channels interconnecting the chambers. This
arrangement provides no fail safe mechanism in situations when a
puncture occurs in any of the chambers and so, upon receiving a
puncture, the entire device becomes deflated. This deflation can
result in an extremely dangerous situation when an infant is placed
in the device by causing a potential health risk or injury to the
infant.
[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an
inflatable device for receiving an infant that is easy to inflate
and/or deflate.
[0007] A further object of the present invention is to provide an
inflatable device for receiving an infant that is made of a
material that is durable and rigid when inflated.
[0008] A further object of the present invention is to provide an
inflatable device for receiving an infant having a rigid and self
supporting structure.
[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide an
inflatable device for receiving an infant that will not deflate
upon a single chamber deflating.
[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide an
inflatable device for receiving an infant that is compact when
deflated.
[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide an
inflatable device for receiving an infant that seals the inflatable
chambers from each other after inflation.
[0012] A further object of the present invention is to provide an
inflatable device for receiving an infant that deflates all
chambers together.
[0013] A further object of the present invention is to provide an
inflatable device for receiving an infant that overcomes, or at
least alleviates, the afore-mentioned disadvantages.
[0014] Each object is to be read disjunctively with the object of
at least providing the public with a useful choice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] It is acknowledged that the terms "comprise", "comprises"
and "comprising" may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed
with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose
of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, these terms are
intended to have an inclusive meaning--i.e. they will be taken to
mean an inclusion of the listed components which the use directly
references, and possibly also of other non-specified components or
elements.
[0016] According to one aspect, the present invention provides an
inflatable device for infants, the device comprising a structure
formed from two or more inflatable chambers in fluid communication
with a control valve, wherein the control valve comprises a single
input port for receiving an inflation device and an output port
unit in fluid communication with the inflatable chambers to enable
the chambers to be inflated simultaneously by the inflation device
while providing fluid separation between the chambers after
inflation.
[0017] Preferably, the inflatable device may include any of the
features as defined in the appended dependent claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described,
by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 shows the device in a rolled up state according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 shows the device in an unrolled state according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 shows a structure of the device after inflation
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 4 shows a cover for use with the device according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 5 shows a plan view of an inflated device with a cover
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram describing the operation of
a control valve according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 7 shows a conceptual diagram of air flow into
inflatable chambers of a device according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0026] FIG. 8 shows a conceptual diagram of air flow out of
inflatable chambers of a device according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0027] FIGS. 9A and 9B show a valve assembly in different modes
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 10 shows a conceptual diagram of an inflatable device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 11 shows a conceptual diagram of an inflatable device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 12 shows a conceptual diagram of an inflatable device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 13 shows a cross sectional view of an inflating device
for use with an inflatable device according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0032] FIG. 14 shows a valve cluster assembly for use with an
inflatable device according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 15 shows a partial exploded view of a valve cluster
assembly for use with an inflatable device according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 16 shows a partial assembled view of a valve cluster
assembly for use with an inflatable device according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 17 shows a detailed view of a valve cluster assembly
for use with an inflatable device according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0036] FIG. 18 shows a nozzle assembly in attachment with a valve
cluster assembly for use in a second mode according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 19 shows a partial exploded view of a nozzle assembly
and valve cluster assembly for use with an inflatable device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 20 shows a nozzle assembly in attachment with a valve
cluster assembly for use in a first mode according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 21 shows a partial exploded view of a nozzle assembly
and valve cluster assembly for use with an inflatable device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
First Embodiment
[0040] A first embodiment of the present invention is now
described. In this first embodiment, the inflatable device for
receiving an infant is an inflatable cot.
[0041] The cot device has multiple chambers and a single input
channel arranged to shut off the multiple chambers after inflation.
In particular, the cot has a main structure that is formed from
four inflatable chambers. Each of the four inflatable chambers is
connected by way of air passages to a single main control valve.
That is, the chambers are in fluid communication with the control
valve to enable each of the inflatable chambers to be inflated by
the valve. It will be understood that the control valve may be
located in any suitable position and on, or in fluid communication
with, any of the chambers to enable the user to inflate and deflate
the device.
[0042] The control valve has a single input port which is
configured to receive any suitable type of inflation device. For
example, in this embodiment, the input port is configured to
receive a bicycle pump for inflating the chambers in the cot. It
will be understood that alternative arrangements may be made to
enable other types of inflation devices to be used.
[0043] The control valve has multiple outlet or output ports for
channeling fluid (such as air) into the chambers of the cot. The
air enters the individual chambers via integral fluid channels
connected, and thus providing fluid communication, between each of
the outlet ports and the inflatable chambers.
[0044] According to this embodiment, the control valve is arranged
to enable the chambers to be inflated simultaneously by the bicycle
pump while ensuring that the chambers are disconnected, separated
or blocked off from each other after the cot is inflated. That is,
the control valve is arranged to ensure that there is fluid
separation between the chambers after inflation of the cot. The
mechanism for providing this fluid separation is described in more
detail below.
[0045] FIG. 1 shows the structure 101 of the cot in a rolled up
state. In this state, the cot is suitable for easy transportation.
For example, a user may wish to take the inflatable cot with them
when travelling overseas. The cot according to this embodiment is
particularly designed to ensure it is both light and compact to
enable it to be packed away in luggage.
[0046] The main structure in this embodiment is formed from a light
and durable material known as a drop stitch material. The drop
stitch material is effectively a plastic based layered material
with two layers having a fine hair like stitching structure
positioned in between the layers. For example, the plastic material
may be a polyurethane material. The hair like structure between the
layers causes restriction between the layers as the device is being
inflated and so makes the layers of the inflatable structure rigid.
It enables the structure to be inflated to a high pressure and
causes the structure to become rigid due to each layer being
limited to its movement by the stitching structure.
[0047] FIG. 2 shows the structure 101 of the cot in an unrolled
state. It can be seen in this view that the structure 101 includes
a top section 103 and a base section 105.
[0048] FIG. 3 shows the main skeletal structure of the cot once it
has been inflated. The structure includes the top section 103, the
bottom section 105 and four upright sections 107A, 107B, 107C &
107D connecting and separating the base section from the top
section.
[0049] The main control valve 109 is located within one of the
upright sections 107A. The inflated structure shown in FIG. 3 is a
sturdy and rigid structure.
[0050] The cot may include a cover 111, for example as shown in
FIG. 4. The cover may be of any suitable material, such as a fabric
for example. The cover is configured or arranged to fit over the
structure after the structure is inflated. The fabric cover
provides wall structure around the inflated structure to ensure the
infant remains within the cot. The fabric cover is formed from a
washable fabric to enable a user to easily remove the cover after
use and wash it prior to subsequent use.
[0051] It will be understood that the fabric cover may increase the
structure's rigidity and therefore the structural integrity of the
device. Further, the cover may act either as a cosmetic or
structural element, or both. Also, it will be understood that the
cover may be fitted before inflation and that this may be required
in order to provide structural integrity of the device.
[0052] FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the inflated cot after the cover
has been fitted. Approximate dimensions of the cot are also
provided. The internal width is approximately 580 mm. The internal
length is approximately 1245 mm. The external width is
approximately 800 mm. The external length is approximately 1465 mm.
The distance between each inner and outer layer of the chambers
(i.e. the thickness of the sides of the inflated chamber) is thus
approximately 110 mm.
[0053] The inflated structure includes four inflatable chambers
that are arranged to form four walls of the skeleton structure. The
four inflatable chambers in this embodiment do not correspond with
the four sides of the inflatable structure. However, it will be
understood that the arrangement of the inflatable structures may
vary and as such could correspond with each of the four sides of
the structure.
[0054] FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram describing the operation of
the control valve 109. An inlet channel 601 for receiving the
expelled air from the inflation device (bicycle pump) is provided.
The control valve 109 includes multiple output ports 603A, 603B,
603C & 603D. Each of these output ports is connected
(effectively in parallel) to a separate inflation chamber 607A,
607B, 607C & 607D via a fluid channel 605A, 605B, 605C &
605D.
[0055] The output ports (603A, 603B, 603C & 603D) are arranged
to allow air to enter each of the chambers (607A, 607B, 607C &
607D) simultaneously when air is provided to the cot via the
inflation device. However, upon removing the inflation device the
output ports (603A, 603B, 603C & 603D) are arranged to shut off
each of the chambers. This makes the chambers independent of each
other after inflation ensuring that if a puncture occurs in any one
of the chambers or one of the chambers deflates then all other
chambers are not affected thus ensuring no harm comes to the
infant. The valve 109 effectively operates as a fail safe valve as
will be explained in more detail below.
[0056] Conceptual diagrams are shown in FIGS. 7 & 8 indicating
the direction of air flow for each of the four chambers when
inflating and deflating the cot. It will be understood that the
configuration of the chambers may differ to that shown in these
conceptual drawings. For example, the chambers may be separated
along any suitable plane such as a vertical plane or horizontal
plane. Further, it will be understood that the number of chambers
may be varied.
[0057] As can be seen in FIG. 7, during inflation the air input via
the inflation device enters the cot through the main input valve
109 into each of the four independent inflatable chambers (607A,
607B, 607C & 6070) at the same time. This provides a quick and
easy way in which to inflate the cot for use.
[0058] As can be seen in FIG. 8, during deflation the air from the
four independent (i.e. fluidly independent) inflatable chambers
(607A, 607B, 607C & 607D) flows out simultaneously through the
main input valve 109 and then out through the inflation device.
That is, the insertion of the inflation device opens the output
ports (603A, 603B, 603C & 603D) of the control valve to allow
the air to be expelled from all the chambers at the same time. This
provides a quick and easy way in which to deflate and repack the
cot after use.
[0059] Alternatively, the inflation device may be used in reverse
as a deflation device where applicable. For example, if the
inflation device were a reversible electric pump in order to suck
the air out of the inflatable device. This would mean that the
deflation procedure is not reliant on internal pressure and gravity
to exhaust the air on deflation.
[0060] Therefore, the output ports of the control valve are
arranged to be in fluid communication with the inflatable chambers
and input port when the inflation device is received within the
input port. That is, an air flow path is provided from the input
port, through the output ports to the inflatable chambers. The
inflatable chambers may then be easily inflated or deflated by the
user.
[0061] FIGS. 9A and 9B show diagrams of a control valve mechanism
suitable for performing the operations of the control valve as
described above. It will be understood that other valve types and
valve configurations may be used to perform the same
functionality.
[0062] The valve components may be made from any suitable materials
using any suitable manufacturing methods. For example, the casing
and housing of the valve components may be made form a suitable
plastics material which may be machined and/or injection moulded to
produce the desired configuration. The spindles and pins of the
device may be made from stainless steel components that are
machined.
[0063] Several individual valves are integrated into a common
housing to provide control over the air flow into the chambers.
This effectively provides a manifold effect without the requirement
of a manifold.
[0064] FIG. 9A shows a control valve assembly in a first mode where
an inflation device has not been inserted into the input port of
the valve and as such the chambers of the cot are not being
inflated.
[0065] The control valve assembly includes a core housing portion
that includes a recess 903 for receiving an inflation device (not
shown). Formed in a bottom wall within the recess is a channel 905
that passes through the core housing portion. The core housing
portion includes an outer wall with a threaded portion 907 formed
thereon. The threaded portion is arranged to screw into a
corresponding threaded portion 909 formed on an outer housing 911
such that the core housing and outer housing are attached. A
spindle 913 is provided that includes a connecting portion 915
connected to a head portion 917 and a tail portion 919. The head
portion is located within the recess 903 while the connecting
portion passes through the channel 905. The tail portion is located
on the opposite side of the channel 905 to the head portion. A
spring device 921 is provided around the connecting portion on the
recess side of the core housing. The spring device provides a
spring force between the head portion of the spindle and the bottom
wall of the core housing. This spring force ensures that the
spindle is in a first position (or mode) when no inflation device
is inserted into the recess of the valve. That is, the tail portion
of the spindle is forced by the spring action to rest on an outer
base surface 922 of the core housing.
[0066] A number of recesses 923 are provided in a base surface of
the outer housing 911. The number of recesses matches the number of
chambers being inflated. In this embodiment, there are four
recesses. It will be understood that that the FIGS. 9A and 9B only
show two recesses as the other two recesses are located immediately
behind the shown recesses and are thus not visible. Located within
these recesses are valve elements 925. The combination of the
recesses and valve elements form the outlet or output ports of the
control valve.
[0067] According to this embodiment, each outlet port is in fluid
communication with a single inflatable chamber. However, it will be
understood that a single outlet port may be arranged to inflate
more than one chamber. For example, each outlet port may be
arranged to inflate two or more chambers, where those chambers are
interconnected (i.e. in fluid communication).
[0068] The valve elements may be, for example, Schrader valves
which are generally used as valves on bicycle tires. However, it
will be understood that other suitable types of valves may be used
as an alternative. The Schrader valves include a pin 927 that is
arranged to sit in a first position when not activated and causes
the valve to be shut (i.e. no fluid communication between the input
and output of the valve). Upon the pin being activated by applying
pressure, the valve is opened. When the applied pressure is
removed, the pin reverts back to its closed mode due to a spring
force applied to the pin.
[0069] The tail portion of the spindle is arranged to sit above the
pins of the Schrader valves without activating the Schrader valves
when the control valve has not received an inflation device in the
recess 903. Therefore, in this mode, the fluid channels to the
separate chambers are shut off from the input of the control valve
ensuring no air escapes from the inflatable valves. In other words
the output port of the control valve is arranged to not provide
fluid communication between the input port and inflatable chambers
when the input port is not receiving the inflation device.
[0070] FIG. 9B shows the control valve assembly in a second mode
where an inflation device has been inserted into the input port of
the valve to enable inflation (and also deflation) of the cot.
[0071] A nozzle 929 of an inflation device is shown in FIG. 9B
having been inserted into the recess 903 of the control valve. The
insertion of the pump nozzle forces the head portion of the spindle
(and thus the whole spindle) in the direction of the length of the
connecting portion of the spindle. The spindle thus moves against
the force of the spring device 921, forcing the tail portion to
push against the pins of the Schrader valves and opening up the
outlet ports of the control valve. All four of the outlet ports are
opened simultaneously. This ensures that there is fluid
communication between each of the inflatable chambers and the inlet
port of the control valve via the outlet ports and through the
channel 905. The inflation device may thus be activated to inflate
the chambers.
[0072] After inflation, the inflation device may be removed causing
the Schrader valves to close and seal off the chambers.
[0073] Therefore, a single input multiple output control valve
assembly is provided to enable inflation and deflation of multiple
independent chambers while allowing the chambers to be fluidly
independent of each other after inflation, i.e. after an inflation
device has been removed following inflation.
Second Embodiment
[0074] According to a second embodiment of the present invention,
the control valve assembly may include a single input port and a
single output port. The single output may be in fluid communication
along fluid channels to a manifold structure. The manifold
structure may include two or more arms providing further fluid
channels to the individual independent chambers. In between the
manifold fluid channels and the independent chambers are located
shut off valves which may be used by the user to decide which
chambers are inflated and deflated during the inflation and
deflation cycles. Also, the shut off valves may be closed to
fluidly separate the chambers from each other after inflation to
ensure that no single chamber deflating causes other chambers to
deflate, i.e. fluid separation between chambers is provided after
inflation. It will be understood that the shut off valves may be
manually opened and closed by a user or by using an electrical
signal. Further, it will be understood that the shut off valves may
be directly connected to the manifold, the inflation chambers or
somewhere in between.
[0075] FIG. 10 shows a conceptual diagram of this further
embodiment, wherein a single input single output valve 1001 is
provided. The output port is in fluid communication with a manifold
1003 and the manifold includes multiple shut off valves 1005A,
1005B, 1005C & 1005D that are in fluid communication with the
inflatable chambers 1007A, 1007B, 1007C & 1007D.
[0076] It will be understood that the same outlet port arrangement
may be used as in the first embodiment to ensure that the inlet
port is in fluid communication with the outlet port when an
inflation device is inserted, and that the outlet port of the
control valve is closed when the inflation device is removed.
[0077] The use of independently controlled shut off valves allows a
user to make the chambers independent after inflation. It also
allows a use to choose the order and the amount of chambers that
are inflated and deflated. For example, this arrangement may aid
the user in inflating the cot by allowing the user to select one
individual chamber at a time for inflation, thus allowing the user
to inflate the chamber to a relatively high pressure when compared
to inflating all chambers at the same time. Also, this arrangement
allows the user to select all chambers for deflation
simultaneously.
Third Embodiment
[0078] According to a third embodiment, an inline series
arrangement of chambers may be provided with a shut off valve
positioned in between each chamber. A single input single output
valve may be used to provide inflation with the use of an inflation
device.
[0079] FIG. 11 shows a conceptual diagram this further embodiment.
The single input single output valve 1101 is in fluid communication
with a first chamber 1103. The first chamber is in fluid
communication with a second chamber 1105 via a shut off valve 1107.
The second chamber is in fluid communication with a third chamber
1109 via a shut off valve 1111. The third chamber is in fluid
communication with a fourth chamber 1113 via a shut off valve 1115.
It will be understood that the shut off valves may be manually
opened and closed by a user or by using an electrical signal. Each
of the shut off valves provides fluid separation between the
chambers after inflation.
[0080] It will be understood that the same outlet port arrangement
may be used as in the first embodiment to ensure that the inlet
port is in fluid communication with the outlet port when an
inflation device is inserted, and that the outlet port of the
control valve is closed when the inflation device is removed.
Fourth Embodiment
[0081] According to this fourth embodiment an alternative valve
arrangement is described.
[0082] FIG. 13 shows a cross sectional view of a pump 1301, an
inlet/outlet chamber or port 1303 and nozzle assemblies (1305,
1307) according to this embodiment of the present invention. The
nozzle assemblies, pump and housing are suitable for use with an
inflatable device as described above. The pump is a reversible pump
that may either blow air outwards or suck air inwards thus
providing a bi-directional air flow. Further, the pump may also be
switched to a non active mode to stop airflow in both
directions.
[0083] Each of the two nozzle assemblies provides a different
function (inflate & deflate). The nozzle assemblies (1305,
1307) physically correspond with a valve cluster assembly 1400,
which includes a housing 1401 and valves 1405. The assembly 1400 is
attached to the inflatable device 1403 as shown in FIG. 14. The
valve cluster assembly 140 includes a number of valves 1405A &
1405B that are in fluid communication with individual chambers
1407A and 1407B. The valve cluster assembly 1400 is attached to the
inflatable device by any suitable means, such as by welding the
housing to the inflatable device. Although FIG. 14 only shows two
valves in this cross section, the assembly has six in total in this
embodiment in a 2.times.3 arrangement. Each of these valves is
connected to a separate chamber in the inflatable device. It will
be understood however that, as an alternative, the number and
arrangement of chambers and valves may be modified depending on the
device.
[0084] An inflate nozzle assembly 1305 is connected to and in fluid
communication with the pump inlet/outlet chamber (port) 1303. The
inflate nozzle assembly 1305 includes a number of nozzle chambers
1309 that have an aperture 1311 which provides a fluid
communication path to the inlet/outlet port 1303 of the pump
assembly. Across each aperture 1311 is a flapper valve 1312 that is
made of a flexible non-permeable material, such as rubber, silicon,
urethane or the like. The flapper valve 1312 is located on the
internal side of the nozzle chamber 1309. The flapper valve 1312
allows pressurised air (generated by the pump in inflate mode) to
pass from the inlet/outlet port through the aperture 1311, into the
nozzle chamber 1309 and into the connected valve cluster assembly
in order to inflate the inflatable device.
[0085] A deflate nozzle assembly 1307 is also connected to and in
fluid communication with the pump inlet/outlet chamber (port) 1303.
The deflate nozzle assembly 1307 includes a number of nozzle
chambers 1313 that have an aperture 1315 which provides a fluid
communication path to the inlet/outlet port 1303 of the pump
assembly. Across each aperture 1315 is a flapper valve 1317 that is
made of a flexible non-permeable material, such as rubber, or the
like. The flapper valve 1317 of the deflate nozzle assembly is
located on the external side of the nozzle chamber 1313, i.e. on
the external side of the apertures 1315 and within the inlet/outlet
port 1303. The flapper valve 1317 allows pressurised air to pass
from nozzle chamber 1313 through the aperture 1315 to the
inlet/outlet port when the pump is in deflate mode in order to
deflate the inflatable device. A spigot 1319 is positioned
centrally around the aperture 1315 of each nozzle chamber and
passes from the aperture into the chamber. Each spigot 1319 in each
chamber 1313 enables the pressurised air within each chamber of the
inflatable device to be released from the inflatable device when
the deflate nozzle assembly is used, as will be explained in more
detail below.
[0086] The first inflate nozzle assembly 1305 is attached to the
valve cluster assembly 1400 to enable the inflatable device to be
inflated. The second deflate nozzle assembly 1307 is attached to
the valve cluster assembly 1400 to enable the inflatable device to
be deflated. Operation of these nozzles and valve cluster assembly
will be explained in more detail below.
[0087] FIG. 15 shows a partial exploded view of the valve cluster
housing 1401 and valves 1405 that form the valve assembly 1400.
FIG. 16 shows a partial assembled view of the same components.
[0088] FIG. 17 shows a more detailed view of the valve cluster
assembly 1400 including the valves 1405 and housing 1401. The
valves include a flapper valve 1701 that, when unaided, allows air
to pass through the valve in one direction only via an aperture
1703 into the valve housing 1705. The valve housing 1705 is in
fluid communication with the inflatable chambers of the inflatable
device. Once the chambers have been inflated and no more air is
being directed through the valve 1405, the air pressure in the
inflatable chamber causes the flapper valve 1405 to seal against
the aperture 1703 maintaining air pressure within the inflatable
device. Air can only be transferred out of the inflatable chamber
through the valve 1405 by moving the flapper valve 1701 away from
the aperture, as explained in more detail below.
[0089] Inflation of the inflatable device is performed by attaching
the inflate nozzle assembly 1305 to the valve cluster assembly
1400, as shown in more detail in FIG. 18. When the inflate nozzle
assembly is placed within the valve cluster assembly 1400, it can
be seen that pressurised air from the inlet/outlet port 1303
generated by the pump can flow (as shown by the arrows) through the
apertures and flapper valves of the nozzle assembly and through the
apertures and flapper valves of the valve cluster assembly to enter
and inflate the inflatable chambers 1407A & 1407B.
[0090] After inflation, the inflate nozzle assembly 1305 is removed
from the valve cluster assembly 1400 and the flapper valves 1701 on
the valve cluster assembly seal the apertures 1703 to stop the
inflatable device from deflating.
[0091] FIG. 19 shows a partial exploded view of the inflate nozzle
assembly 1305 and the valve cluster assembly 1400.
[0092] Deflation of the inflatable device is performed by attaching
the deflate nozzle assembly 1307 to the valve cluster assembly
1400, as shown in more detail in FIG. 20. When the deflate nozzle
assembly is placed within the valve cluster assembly 1400, the
spigots 1319 within the nozzle chambers 1313 push through the
apertures 1703 in the valve cluster assembly to move the flapper
valves 1701 away from the apertures 1703 and so break the seal in
the valve cluster assembly. A fluid communication path is therefore
created from the inflated chambers 1407A & 1407B through the
apertures 1703 & 1315, past the flapper valves 1317 and into
the inlet/outlet port 1303. With the pump switched on in deflate
mode, the air is therefore quickly evacuated out of the inflatable
chambers in the inflation device as shown by the arrows.
[0093] After deflation, the deflate nozzle assembly 1307 is removed
from the valve cluster assembly 1400, and the inflatable device may
be stored away.
[0094] FIG. 21 shows a partial exploded view of the deflate nozzle
assembly 1307 and the valve cluster assembly 1400.
Further Embodiments
[0095] It will be understood that the embodiments of the present
invention described herein are by way of example only, and that
various changes and modifications may be made without departing
from the scope of invention.
[0096] It will be understood that the concepts described in the
above embodiments may be combined in any suitable way to form
different embodiments. For example, FIG. 12 shows a conceptual
arrangement using a combination of the features of the second and
third embodiments described above. That is, a control valve 1201
has a single input and single output mechanism that is in fluid
communication with a first inflatable chamber 1203. The first
inflatable chamber is in fluid communication with a first shut off
valve 1205. The output of the first shut off valve is in fluid
communication with a manifold 1207 as described in an embodiment
above. The manifold is in fluid communication with three other
chambers (1209, 1211, 1213) via three further shut off valves
(1215, 1217, 1219).
[0097] Further, it will be understood that the concept as described
with reference to FIG. 6 may be combined with the manifold concept
of FIG. 10 and/or the inline concept of FIG. 11.
[0098] It will be understood that, as an alternative, the device
described in the above embodiments may be any other suitable
inflatable device for receiving an infant, such as an inflatable
carrycot, crib, playpen or the like. That is, it will be understood
that the device may be modified by arranging or modifying the shape
of the inflatable chambers and/or structure, or arranging or
modifying the arrangement or configuration of the chambers and/or
structure to provide any suitable different use.
[0099] Further, it will be understood that the number of inflatable
chambers in the device may vary. For example, the number of
inflatable chambers may be two or more.
[0100] Further, it will be understood that the input port may be
configured to receive any other suitable type of inflation device.
For example, the input port may be configured to more easily enable
a user to manually inflate the chambers in the cot by mouth by
providing a self sealing tube which opens upon expressing air into
the tube and closes off the inflatable chambers when air is no
longer being expressed into the tube. Alternatively, the input port
may be configured or adapted to receive any one of a hand pump,
motorised pump, electrical pump, mechanical pump, air compressor or
the like.
[0101] Further, it will be understood that the device may also be
arranged to receive a fluid other than air. For example, the device
may be adapted to receive a liquid, such as water for example, for
inflating the device chambers.
[0102] Further, it will be understood that the material used to
form the main structure of the device may be any other suitable
type of material. For example, the material may be any suitable
type of plastics, polyurethane or PVC type material. It may also
be, for example, any suitable type of sonically welded film or the
like. Further, any suitable non-rigid material manufactured as a
film may be used. Also a thermoplastic or urethane material
manufactured as a film may be used.
[0103] Further, it will be understood that the structure may be of
any suitable configuration. For example, the structure may consist
of four solid walls and a base portion. Alternatively, it may
consist of multiple support pillars (i.e. more or less than four as
shown in the above embodiments).
[0104] Further, it will be understood that the device may be
deflated by reversing the operation of the inflation device in
order to suck the air out of the inflation chambers.
[0105] Further, it will be understood that the device may consist
of four inflatable chambers that form only the walls of the main
structure and that a further inflatable chamber forms an inflatable
base of the structure. Alternatively, the device may comprise a
separate base for insertion within the skeleton structure.
[0106] Further, it will be understood that the outer housing of the
control valve along with the attached or inserted Schrader valves
(or the like) may be fitted to any suitable type of valve, such as
spring actuated valve. For example, the outer housing may be
retro-fitted to any suitable existing valve structure, such as an
RIB valve generally used in inflatable devices for example, to
provide a control valve that can perform the functions herein
described.
[0107] Further, it will be understood that the structure may
include a re-enforced base fabric forming a lower base portion of
the device to minimise the risk of the device becoming punctured
through the base.
[0108] Further, it will be understood that any suitable form of
tubing, such as plastic, PVC or polyurethane tubing, may be used
between the control valve and the inflatable chambers to provide
fluid communication between these elements.
* * * * *