FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a reversible one-way valve. The invention is particularly suited to use in inflatable devices such as air mattresses and other inflatable outdoor equipment.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Inflatable devices take many forms. In some cases, such as where the device is inflatable so as to assist its transport, the use of inflating aids (such as pumps) may be limited if available at all. However, regardless of their use, inflation and deflation of the device is typically through the use of a self-sealing valve.

[0004] The typical self-sealing inflate valve facilitates movement of fluid in a single direction through an aperture. A flexible diaphragm occludes the aperture in its original position. As fluid is forced into the valve, the diaphragm flexes in the single direction (and thus no longer occludes the aperture so as to allow fluid to enter into the inflatable device). However, the diaphragm is biased or otherwise operates to return to its original position and thus again occlude the aperture and prevent the flow of fluid in a second, opposing direction.

[0005] This configuration presents a number of problems:

• As the diaphragm is designed to return to its original position, manipulation of the diaphragm in a manner for which it was not readily designed is required to facilitate deflation of the inflatable device; AND

• Even when the diaphragm can be manipulated as required, deflation is very slow until there is a significant reduction in air pressure within the inflatable device. [0006] To address these problems some inflatable devices incorporate a separate deflate valve. This creates yet further problems in the form of:

• adding to the complexity of operation and manufacturing costs, as well as potentially increasing the height profile of the inflatable device (an undesirable characteristic for transportable inflatable devices).

• creating an additional site of potential failure in case of user error; AND

• adding a further component increases confusion in finding the correct valve for inflation or deflation specially in active field use situations, such as low light or distress situations.

[0007] Attempting to solve the last two problems has seen two-way valves introduced in place of the self-sealing inflate valve. However, such valves typically exacerbate the first problems mentioned above. In particular, two-way valves require mechanical contrivances, such as switches, to facilitate their intended operation. This significantly increases the operation and manufacturing costs as well as creating a higher probability of total failure of the valve. At the same time, a two-way valve is not able to maintain a low profile that is a desired characteristic for mobile inflatable devices such as outdoor inflatable mattresses.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a valve that alleviates, or at least ameliorates in part, one or more of the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Throughout this document, unless otherwise indicated to the contrary, the terms "comprising", "consisting of", and the like, are to be construed as non-exhaustive, or in other words, as meaning "including, but not limited to".

[0010] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is a reversible oneway valve comprising: a one-way valve structure;

a receptacle for the one way valve structure; and

connecting means connecting the one way valve structure to the receptacle, where the connecting means may be manipulated such that the one way valve structure may be inverted relative to its original biased position and the one-way valve structure is able to be received within the receptacle when in both its original biased position and in its inverted position.

[0011] Preferably, the connecting means has a through slot provided therein, the through slot allowing the connecting means to twist so as to allow for inversion of the one-way valve structure.

[0012] The through slot may have flared ends. In yet further arrangements, the through slot may have a pair of notches positioned directly opposite one another relative to the through slot, such that when the through slot is twisted the notches mate and thereby lock the one-way valve structure in its inverted position.

[0013] In a preferred configuration, the through slot divides the connecting means into a first connecting arm and a second connecting arm, the first connecting arm having a length greater than the length of the second connecting arm. The first connecting arm and the second connecting arm may both have a plurality of ribs provided thereon, the ribs operable to engage each other when the one-way valve is in its inverted position.

[0014] The reversible one-way valve may also incorporate a cap and a cap connecting means, the cap connecting means operable to connect the cap to the receptacle. The cap connecting means may have a plurality of apertures provided therein to facilitate manipulation of the cap connecting means.

[0015] The receptacle may include a welding insert, the welding insert operable to facilitate a permanent connection to an inflatable object. Furthermore, the welding insert may have a plurality of stepped teeth located about its perimeter.

[0016] The connecting means may include a sliding sleeve, the sliding sleeve able to move to a position along the connecting means which maintains the one-way valve in its inverted position.

[0017] The one-way valve structure has an "O"-ring, the "O"-ring operable to create an interference fit between the one-way valve structure and the receptacle when the oneway valve structure is received therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top plan view of a reversible one-way valve according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a side plan view of a reversible one-way valve according to Figure 1 .

Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of a reversible one-way valve according to Figure 1 .

Figure 4 is a first isometric view of a reversible one-way valve according to Figure 1 as shown in its disassembled form.

Figure 5 is a second isometric view of a reversible one-way valve according to Figure 1 as shown in its assembled form.

Figure 6 is a first isometric view of a reversible one-way valve according to Figure 1 of the invention in its original biased position.

Figure 7 is a second isometric view of the reversible one-way valve according to Figure 1 half way through its movement to an inverted position.

Figure 8 is a third isometric view of the reversible one-way valve as shown according to Figure 1 at its inverted position.

Figure 9 is a top plan view of a reversible one-way valve according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 10 is an isometric view of the reversible one-way valve as shown in Figure 7. PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0019] In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention there is a reversible oneway valve 10. The reversible one-way valve 10 comprises a one-way valve structure 12; a receptacle 14 and connecting means 16.

[0020] The one-way valve structure 12 has a first side 18 and a second side 20. Located on both the first side 18 and the second side 20 is a valve connector 22. The valve connector 22 is adapted to mate with a similar connector (not shown) of the receptacle 14.

[0021] Extending circumferentially about the internals of the one-way valve system 12 are a plurality of inlet apertures 24. Also attached to the internals of the one-way valve system 12 is a diaphragm 26. The diaphragm 26 is sized and dimensioned so as to facilitate coverage of all of the inlet apertures 24 in the manner as will be described in more detail below.

[0022] The receptacle 14 has a flange 28 and a welding insert 30. The welding insert 30 has a side wall 32 and an opening 34. The side wall 32 proximate opening 34 has stepped teeth 36 extending therefrom. The side wall 32 is welded to the inflatable device (not shown) which the valve is intended to provide inflation/deflation.

[0023] Internally, the receptacle 14 has an "O" ring 38. The "O" ring 38 facilitates an interference fit for the one-way valve system 12 as described in more detail below.

[0024] The connecting means 16 takes the form of a bridge having a first end 40 and a second end 42. The connecting means 16 attaches to the receptacle 14 at the first end 40. The connecting means 18 attaches to the one-way valve system 12 at the second end 42.

[0025] Extending through the full length L of the connecting means is a first through slot 44. The first through slot 44 has flared ends 46a, 46b. Flared end 46a extends into flange 28. Flared end 46b forms part of the flange 28 that surrounds the one-way valve structure 12.

[0026] Located directly opposite one another relative to the first through slot 44 are notches 48. The role of the notches 48 will be explained in more detail below.

[0027] The invention will now be described in the context of its intended use.

[0028] A user (not shown) places the inflatable device (also not shown) on a surface in such a manner that the receptacle 14 faces towards them. The user than manipulates the connecting means 16 such that the one way valve system 12 is aligned with the receptacle 14. In this embodiment, this alignment is such that the first through slot 44 substantially maintains its shape. This is referred to hereafter as the original biased position as this is the shape that the connecting means 16 will always return to when there is no holding force applied thereto.

[0029] With the one-way valve system 12 now in proper alignment with the receptacle 14 for inflation of the inflatable device, the one-way valve system 12 is manipulated so as to be retained therein. Retention of the one-way valve system 12 within the receptacle 14 is facilitated by the interference fit caused by the "O" ring 38 pressing against external side wall 50.

[0030] The user may now inflate the inflatable device by way of the one-way valve system 12. As there are various techniques by which an inflatable device may be inflated by way of a valve and such would be known to the person skilled in the art, they will not be described in more detail here.

[0031] When the user wishes to deflate the inflatable device, the user first manipulates the one-way valve system 12 so as to break the interference fit it has with the receptacle 14. The one-way valve system 12 can then be removed from the receptacle 14.

[0032] Once removed from the receptacle 14, the user twists the connecting means 16. This results in the portions of the connecting means 16 adjacent the through slot 44 intersecting at the location of notches 48. The notches 48 then operate to hold its respective portion in this position. The end result is that the one-way valve system 16 is then locked in what will be referred to hereafter as the inverted position.

[0033] The user then manipulates the one-way valve system 16 to align with the receptacle 14. As occurs when seeking to inflate the inflatable device, with the one-way valve system 12 now in proper alignment with the receptacle 14, the one-way valve system 12 is manipulated so as to be retained therein. Retention of the one-way valve system 12 within the receptacle 14 is facilitated by the interference fit caused by the "O" ring 38 pressing against external side wall 50.

[0034]The user is then able to deflate the inflatable device with the diaphragm 26 operating as a seal to prevent re-inflation.

[0035] In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, where like numerals reference like parts, there is a reversible one-way valve 100. The reversible one-way valve 100 comprises the reversible one-way valve 10 of the first embodiment of the invention in combination with a second connecting means 102 and a cap 104.

[0036] The second connecting means 102 has a first end 106 and a second end 108. The second connecting means 16 attaches to the receptacle 14 at the first end 106. The second connecting means 102 attaches to the cap 104 at the second end 108. A plurality of apertures 1 10 are provided in the second connecting means. Each aperture 1 10 extends in a direction transverse to the length L of the second connecting means 102. [0037] The cap 104 is sized and dimensioned so as to fit over the external side wall 50 of the one-way valve system 12 in a sealing manner.

[0038] The second embodiment of the invention will now be described in the context of its intended use.

[0039]The invention is inflated as per the process described for the first embodiment of the invention. However, once inflated, the user manipulates the second connecting means 102 such that it is in a position aligned with the one-way valve system 12 as received within the receptacle 14. The user then places the cap 104 over the protruding external side walls 50, thereby sealing the one-way valve system 12 and preventing both further inflation of the inflatable device as well as accidental inflation thereof.

[0040] When the user wishes to deflate the inflatable device, the user simply removes the cap 104 and then proceeds to deflate as per the process described for the first embodiment of the invention.

[0041] It is to be noted here that the through slot 44 not only allows for the reversal of the one-way valve system 12, but its configuration also ensures that the one-way valve system 12 can be properly manipulated to its position relative to the receptacle 14. Similarly, the apertures 1 10 allow the second connecting means 102 to properly bend to facilitate positioning of the cap 104. In both cases, the use of the connecting means 16, 102 also ensures that the one-way valve system 12 and cap 104, as appropriate, are not inadvertently lost and close at hand during intended operation.

[0042] It is to be further noted that when this valve is used in conjunction with the foam typically used within self-inflating mattresses, the valve further assists in the inflation and deflation. To elaborate, when the one-way valve structure 12 is placed in its original biased position, the inherent "memory" of such foam acts to draw air through the oneway valve structure 12 and inflate the mattress to a general level (noting that the user may need to inflate the mattress further using their own breath to achieve the desired level of pressure). When the one-way valve structure 12 is placed in the inverted position the compression of the foam causes air to be released from the mattress by way of the one-way valve structure 12, while at the same time preventing the foam from naturally drawing air back into the inflatable device 10. [0043] In accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, where like numerals reference like parts, there is a reversible one-way valve 200. The reversible one-way valve 200 comprises the reversible one-way valve 10 of the first embodiment of the invention but with a variation on the connecting means 16.

[0044] To elaborate, as shown in Figure 9, the connecting means 202 takes the form of a bridge having a first end 40 and a second 42. The connecting means 202 attaches to the receptacle 14 at the first end 40. The connecting means 202 attaches to the one-way valve system 12 at the second end 42.

[0045] Extending through the full length L of the connecting means 202 is a first through slot 204. The first through slot 204 has flared ends 46a, 46b. Flared end 46a extends into flange 28. Flared end 46b forms part of the flange 28 that surrounds the one-way valve structure 12.

[0046] The through slot 204 divides the connecting means 202 into a first flexing arm 206 and a second flexing arm 208. The first flexing arm 206 has a length (Li) being equal to the distance between the one-way valve system 12 and the receptacle 14. The second flexing arm 208 has a length (L2) being substantially greater than the length (Li) of the first flexing arm 206. This difference in length means that in its unassembled state, as shown in Figure 10, there is a bow formed in the second flexing arm 208.

[0047] The rationale for this difference in length between the first flexing arm 206 and the second flexing arm 208 will be described in more detail below.

[0048] Both the first flexing arm 206 and the second flexing arm 208 have a series of ribs 210 extending therefrom in the direction of first side 18.

[0049] This embodiment of the invention will now be described in the context of its intended use.

[0050] A user manipulates the inflatable device in the same manner as described when using the first embodiment of the invention to inflate the inflatable device.

[0051] When the user wishes to deflate the inflatable device, the user first manipulates the one-way valve system 12 so as to break the interference fit it has with the receptacle 14. The one-way valve system 12 can then be removed from the receptacle 14. [0052] Once removed from the receptacle 14, the user twists the connecting means 202 such that the second flexing arm 208 overlays the first flexing arm 206. Because of the longer length (L2) of the second flexing arm 208 relative to the length (Li) of the first flexing arm 206, doing so does not really impact on the positioning of the one-way valve system 12 other than to invert it.

[0053] When twisted in this manner, the ribs 210 of the second flexing arm 208 engage the ribs 210 of the first flexing arm 210 in a manner that assists in preventing the second flexing arm 208 from returning to its original biased position.

[0054] The user then manipulates the one-way valve system 16 to align with the receptacle 14. As occurs when seeking to inflate the inflatable device, with the one-way valve system 12 now in proper alignment with the receptacle 14, the one-way valve system 12 is manipulated so as to be retained therein. Retention of the one-way valve system 12 within the receptacle 14 is facilitated by the interference fit caused by the "O" ring 38 pressing against external side wall 50.

[0055]The user is then able to deflate the inflatable device with the diaphragm 26 operating as a seal to prevent re-inflation.

[0056] It should also be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the above invention is not limited to the embodiment described. In particular, the following modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention:

• [0057] While the invention has been described in the context of a reversible one way valve utilising a twisted connector, other ways of facilitating the inversion of a one-way valve system while maintaining its connection to the receptacle are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

• [0058] Other means of securing the connecting means 16 in the inverted position may be used and are considered within the scope of the present invention. For instance, a sliding sleeve may be moved over the top of the connecting means at the point of twist of the connecting means 16 to secure it in the inverted position and moved to a point near its first or second end 40, 42.

• [0059] The second embodiment has been described in the context of an arrangement by which the cap 104 fits over the top of the one-way valve system 12. However, it should be appreciated that the cap 104 may also be configured so as to be securely received within a housing for the one-way valve system as shown in Figures 9 and 10 which illustrate the third embodiment of the invention.

[0060] It should be further appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the above variations and modifications, not being mutually exclusive, can be combined to form yet further embodiments that fall within the scope of the present invention.