Patent ID: 6422420
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
Classification: B63C,F17C,Y10T

Abstract:
Apparatus adapted to receive a puncture a gas cartridge for the filling of an inflatable device, comprising:a first arm having a cam surface at one end thereof, a lanyard secured at a second end thereof, and a tab coupled to said lanyard for rotating said arm when pulled; a second arm having a shaft pproximate to said cam surface, a head at one end thereof divided into first and second visually distinct sections, and a pin at a second end thereof about which said shaft is actuable to rotate; a housing including front and rear surfaces joined at a first side edge thereof, joined at spaced-apart top edges by a cover, and joined at spaced-apart bottom edges by said second arm when rotated to a quiescent position, said housing then enclosing said first and second arms; a spring secured at a first end within said housing, and a second end to said second arm; a chamber within said housing defined by front and rear internal walls; a window in said housing for viewing said first and second visually distinct sections of said head of said second arm; an inflation pin within said chamber, quiescently positioned to extend beyond said rear internal wall, and movable in direction towards and through said front internal wall, and towards and through said rear internal wall; with said pin having a head end of cone-shaped cross-section to bear against a gas cartridge introduced into said housing, a barrel end with upper and lower steps to bear against said shaft of said second arm, and a body including a vent means; wherein said first visually distinct section is viewable through said window prior to said tab being pulled, and wherein said second visually distinct section is viewable through said window after said tab is pulled; and wherein said pin forms a round hole in a cap of said cartridge when brought against said cartridge to bear against said cap upon pulling of said tab.