Abstract:
An inflatable device with a liquid-powered air pump includes a pump housing a liquid chamber and an air chamber, each having an input port and an output port. A turbine axle extends between the liquid chamber and the air chamber. The end of the turbine axle, residing in the liquid chamber, includes a number of liquid turbine blades while the end of the turbine axle, residing in the air chamber, includes a number of air turbine blades. A nozzle, which is preferably adjustable, is connected to the input port to the liquid chamber. Introduction of liquid into the liquid input port turns the liquid turbine blades and thus the air turbine blades via the axle. Air is drawn from the air input port and forced through the air output port. The pump assembly may be connected to or integrated with an inflatable device to simultaneously fill a liquid container and a separate air bladder of the inflatable device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to inflatable devices, such as child swimming pools, inner tubes, rafts and other toys. In addition, the present invention relates to inflatable devices and apparatuses used for filling such inflatable devices with air and water. The present invention relates to the automatic and simultaneous filling of portions of an inflatable device with air an other portions with water. 
     In the inflatables industry, many different types of devices are available. For example, inflatable swimming pools are particularly popular for use and enjoyment by children. These prior art swimming pools are commonly made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and formed, for example, into a cylindrical configuration where the upstanding wall is a tube that is inflatable with air. A bottom floor is typically heat sealed to one end of the inflatable cylinder to form a reservoir for receipt of water therein. A closable valve port is typically provided in the outer wall of the inflatable pool to allow for the introduction of air to inflate the device. Air is typically introduced manually by the user putting their mouth on the valve and blowing air therein. When the device is inflated to the desired amount, the user stops blowing and the valve port is closed and by affixing a closure to the valve to maintain air within the device. Alternatively, a separate mechanical pump may be fitted with a nozzle of the appropriate size to interface with the valve port. Such mechanical pumps are commonly hand or foot driven or may include an electrical motor to facilitate air pumping. 
     There have been many attempts in the prior art to facilitate the pumping of air into an inflatable device. Electrical mechanical pumps have been incorporated directly into an inflatable device so that upon turning on the pump, the device will inflate as desired. Also, mechanical pumps, in the form of integrated bladders have been incorporated into inflatable devices where the bladder is squeezed to pump air and inflate the device. These foregoing pump devices and devices are found in sporting equipment, such as baseball gloves and athletic shoes, and portable sleeping mattresses. While these devices are capable of filling a device with air, they are not well-suited for inflating a device with air and also filling a portion of the device with liquid, such as water. As a result, these known integrated pumps cannot be employed to fill a child&#39;s inflatable swimming pool with water while still being able to inflate the body of the swimming pool with air. 
     Further the prior art pump devices are expensive to manufacture and integrate into the inflatable device. These devices are particularly awkward and difficult to use. Electric pumps require a power source, such as an electrical outlet, and are not safe for use near water such as what is always present around a child swimming pool inflatable device. Further, due to the small pumping capacity of manual foot or hand air pumps, these devices are inappropriate for inflating large inflatable devices, such as child swimming pools. In summary, the prior art air pumps and inflatable devices are not appropriate for addressing the needs of both inflating an inflatable device with air and filling it with water for use. In addition, water-powered turbines are generally shown in the prior art, however, they are not suitable for integration into an inflatable device or for the controlled simultaneous delivery of both water and air. 
     In view of the foregoing, there is a demand for a pump that can deliver both air to an inflatable as well as water for filling the device. There is a demand for a liquid-powered air pump that can be easily incorporated into an inflatable device that uses readily available water to power the air pump. There is a demand for an inflatable device to have an integrated air pump that greatly facilitates the air inflation and water filling process of preparing an inflatable device, such as child&#39;s swimming pool, for use. There is a further demand to obviate the need for manual air pumping to fill an inflatable with air. In addition, there is a demand for an inflatable device with a liquid-powered air pump that does not require electricity and is safe for use near water. Finally, there is a demand for an inflatable device with a liquid-powered air pump that is easy to operate, even by a child. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention preserves the advantages of prior art liquid-powered air pumps and inflatable devices. In addition, it provides new advantages not found in currently available pumps and inflatable devices and overcomes many disadvantages of such currently available devices. 
     The invention is generally directed to the novel and unique liquid-powered air pump that can be easily incorporated directly within an inflatable device, such as a swimming pool or child&#39;s water toy. The present invention relates to a liquid-powered air pump that, when incorporated into an inflatable device, can simultaneously fill the device with a liquid while using that liquid to pump air to inflate the device. For example, the liquid-powered air pump of the present invention can be incorporated into a child&#39;s inflatable swimming pool so that the flow of water filling the center of the pool drives an air pump to simultaneous fill the inflatable portion of the pool with air. 
     The liquid-powered air pump and associated inflatable device has many advantages over prior art air pumps and known inflatables. The liquid-powered air pump of the present invention includes a pump housing having a liquid chamber and an air chamber, each having an input port and an output port. A turbine axle extends between the liquid chamber and the air chamber. The end of the turbine axle, residing in the liquid chamber, includes a number of liquid turbine blades while the end of the turbine axle, residing in the air chamber, includes a number of air turbine blades. An adjustable nozzle is connected to the input port to the liquid chamber. Introduction of liquid into the liquid input port turns the liquid turbine blades and thus the air turbine blades via the axle. Air is drawn from the air input port and forced through the air output port. The pump assembly may be connected to or integrated directly within an inflatable device to simultaneously fill a liquid container and a separate air bladder of the inflatable device. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved liquid-powered air pump that simultaneously delivers liquid and air to an inflatable device. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved liquid-powered air pump that does not require electricity. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved air pump that does not require the user to manually pump the air. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved liquid-powered air pump that can control the flow of water and air to the inflatable device. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved liquid-powered air pump that can be incorporated into an inflatable swimming pool to simultaneously fill the pool with water and inflate the pool itself with air. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved liquid-powered air pump that can be connected to an inflatable toy to simultaneously fill the base of the toy with water and fill the inflatable portion of the toy with air. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved liquid-powered air pump that is inexpensive to manufacture. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved liquid-powered air pump that can be easily attached directly to an inflatable device to provide an integrated air source to the inflatable device. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The novel features which are characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the invention&#39;s preferred embodiments, together with further objects and attendant advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the inflatable device with liquid-powered air pump of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a close-up perspective view of the liquid-powered air pump of FIG. 1 with housing shown in broken lines for illustration purposes; 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view through the line  3 — 3  of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the liquid-powered air pump of the present invention with adjustable internal nozzle; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the inflatable device with liquid-powered air pump of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a close-up perspective view of the liquid-powered air pump of FIG. 5 with housing shown in broken lines for illustration purposes; and 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view through the line  7 — 7  of FIG.  5 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The inflatable device  10  with liquid-powered air pump  12  of the present invention may be configured in many different ways. A first embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 1-4 while a second embodiment is shown in FIGS. 5-7. These embodiments are two examples of an application of the present invention. The preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, is in the configuration of an inflatable swimming pool  14  that is to be inflated with air to form the device and also filled with water to serve as a pool  14 . An alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5-7, is in the configuration of an inflatable toy  100  that is inflated with air and includes a base  102  that is filled with water. The foregoing embodiments are just two examples of how the apparatus of the present invention can be configured for actual use. Other variations, employing the present invention, are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. For ease of illustration and description of the present invention, the foregoing preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 and alternative embodiment of FIGS. 5-7 will be discussed in detail herein. 
     Referring first to FIGS. 1-4, the device  10  of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown to include a child&#39;s inflatable swimming pool  14  with an integrated liquid-powered air pump  12 . The preferred liquid is water. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus  10  of the present invention includes a general inflatable swimming pool  14  device with a floor  16  and an inflatable upstanding wall  18  therefrom. The wall  18  has an inner wall  18   a  and an outer wall  18   b  that forms a chamber  20  for receiving air therebetween to inflate the wall  18 . The upstanding walls  18   a  and  18   b  also form a water reservoir  22  with the pool floor. The upstanding walls  18   a  and  18   b  are connected to the floor  16  of the swimming pool  14  in an air and water tight manner by heat sealing or other ways known in the art. A water-powered air pump  12  is connected directly to the outer side wall  18   b  and is in fluid communication with the chamber  20  between the inner wall  18   a  and outer wall  18   b  as well as the water reservoir area  22  via a water conduit  24 . As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the water conduit  24  is shown as being routed through the air chamber  20  within the side wall  18  of the pool device  14 . However, the water conduit  24  may be routed over the top surface  18   c  of the side wall  18  as opposed to being routed through the side walls  18   a  and  18   b.    
     Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the water reservoir  22  of the pool device  14  is filled with water  26  and the air chamber  20  in the side wall  18  is filled with air in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 1 shows an example configuration of such a swimming pool device  14  that is of a general circular shape with a double tubular side wall  18 , however, other pool configurations may be employed. As shown in FIG. 1, additional pool components are optionally added, such as a water slide  28  and decorative tree  30 . As will be described below, additional internal conduits may be provided to supply water to these components so that water can be sprayed from nozzles  32  or orifices present thereon. This additional spraying may be desired to enhance enjoyment and fun of the device  10 . For example, additional spraying would be desirable on the ramp  34  of the water slide  28  to facilitate sliding thereon. 
     Turning now to FIGS. 2-4, the details of the construction of the pump portion  12  of the apparatus  10  and its interface to the inflatable swimming pool  14  is shown. Specifically, the liquid-powered air pump  12  includes an outer housing  36  which is shown in broken lines in FIG. 2 to reveal the internal components thereof. The housing  36  includes an internal chamber which is divided into a water chamber  38  and an air chamber  40  by a partition  41 . A water input port  42  and a water output port  44  are provided in fluid communication with the water chamber  38 . An air input port  46  and air output port  48  are also provided in fluid communication with the air chamber  40  of the housing  36 . 
     An air-tight releasable closure  50  is provided at the air input port  46 . The air output port  48  is in fluid communication with the air chamber  20  within the walls  18   a  and  18   b  of swimming pool device  14  as shown in FIG.  3 . Optionally, a valve  52 , such as flapper valve, my be provided at the air output port  48  to prevent backflow of air to the environment from within the air chamber  20  of the swimming pool device. 
     At the water input port  42 , a female threaded port  54  is provided to threadably receive a male connector  56  of a standard “garden” water hose  58 . A male threaded water-tight closure (not shown) may optionally be threadably secured to the female threaded port  54  to maintain water with the water reservoir  22  if the user wishes to disconnect the hose  58  from the pump  12 . The foregoing connection structure is preferred to facilitate connection using a standard water hose; however, other connection methods may be employed. An internal nozzle  60  is provided to accelerate the flow of water  26  through the water input port  42 . As shown in FIG. 4 below, the internal nozzle  60  may be adjustable to control the power of the air pump  12 . In addition, the water output port  44  is in fluid communication with a water conduit  24  which is, in turn, in fluid communication with the water reservoir  22  defined by the walls  18   a  and  18   b  and floor  16  of the swimming pool device  14 . 
     The preferred embodiment illustrates the water conduit  24  being routed directly through the side wall  18  of the swimming pool  14 . Alternatively, the water conduit  24  can be routed above and over the side wall  18  of swimming pool  14  to provide water  26  to the reservoir  22  in a waterfall-type manner. In general, the pump housing  36  is affixed to the outer side wall  18   a  of the swimming pool  14  by heat sealing, water-proof adhesive and other methods known in the art, to thereby integrate the pump  12  directly into the inflatable device  10 . 
     As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid-powered air pump  12  includes a turbine axle  62  which extends through the partition  41  of the pump housing  36  and into communication with the water chamber  38  and the air chamber  40 . Preferably, the turbine axle  62  is mounted through the walls of the pump housing  36  and through the partition  41  for additional stability. A water turbine or water impeller  64 , with water flanges  66  thereon, is mounted to the turbine axle  62  at a portion of the turbine axle residing within the water chamber  38 . An air turbine or air impeller  68 , with air flanges  70  thereon, is mounted to the turbine axle  62  at a portion residing within the air chamber  40 . As result, rotation of the water flanges  66  about the turbine axle  62  causes the air flanges  70  to rotate as well. 
     In accordance with the assembly and operation of the present invention, a swimming pool device  14  and integrated air pump  12  is first in a deflated state. A common garden hose  58 , connected to a water source (not shown), is threadably secured to the female threaded port  54  at the water input port  42 . The water source is then turned on thus creating a flow of water  26  through the hose  58  and into the water chamber  38  via the nozzle  60  which accelerates the flow of water  26 . The internal nozzle  60  directs the incoming flow of water  26  into communication with the water flanges  66  of the water turbine  64  thus causing the turbine axle  62  to rotate within the housing  36 . As a result, the air turbine  68  and the air flanges  70  thereon rotate. The rotation of the air flanges  70  blows air through the air output port  48  and into the air chamber  20  within the wall  18  of the swimming pool  14  thereby inflating the wall  18  of the swimming pool  14 . In accordance with the present invention, the water reservoir  26 , defined by the wall  18  of the swimming pool  14 , is simultaneously filled with water  26  by the flow of water from the water chamber  38  and through the water conduit  24  which supplies water directly into the water reservoir  22 . 
     Once the desired level of water  26  in the water reservoir  22  and air within the wall  18  of the swimming pool is achieved, the source of water may be turned off thus stopping the filling of the reservoir  22  and inflation of the wall  18  of the swimming pool  14 . If a valve  52 , such as a flapper valve is employed at the air output port  48 , a closure cap  50  is not needed as air will be retained with the wall  18  of the swimming pool  14 . If no valve  52  is employed at the air output port  48 , the closure cap  50  is secured to the air input port  46  to seal air within the wall  18  of the swimming pool  14 . As far as the water side of the pump  12 , the hose  58  may simply be left connected to the water input port  42  even if turned off. Such connection will maintain water  26  within the water reservoir  22  due to the backpressure present in the hose  58 . Alternatively, a threaded closure cap (not shown) may be secured to the water input port  42  to keep the water  26  in the water reservoir  22  if the hose  58  is disconnected. Still further, if the water conduit  24  is routed over the top of the wall  18  of the swimming pool  14 , the water input port  42  need not be closed at all because, in that configuration, the water chamber  38  is not in pressurized fluid communication with the water reservoir  22  thereby obviating the need seal off the water input port  42 . 
     Turning now to FIG. 4, the internal nozzle  60  of the present invention may be made adjustable to control the speed of rotation of the turbine axle  62  to thereby control the relative rates of water flow and air flow to the respective portions of the swimming pool  14 . For example, a 3-position ball valve  72  may be employed for this purpose. The side elevational view of FIG. 3 shows an internal nozzle  60  that is pivotally connected to the water input port  42  of the pump housing  36 . A handle  74  is connected to the internal nozzle  60  through the housing  36  to permit the user to manipulate the internal nozzle  60  from outside of the pump housing  36 . The pivoting internal nozzle  60  allows the user to control the direction of the flow of water  26  within the water chamber  38 . 
     Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the internal nozzle  60  may be adjusted to a first position, referenced as A, where the adjustable internal nozzle  60  is directed completely away from the water turbine  64  thus imparting no rotation to the turbine axle  62  resulting in no air flow by the air turbine  68 . Position A is desirable when the swimming pool  14  is already inflated but further water flow is desired, such as when the water reservoir  22  requires re-filling or further water flow is desired to supply water  26  to the secondary fanciful nozzles  32  positioned about the device  10 . Also, the adjustable internal nozzle  60  may be adjusted to point, for example, directly at the water turbine  64 , as generally referenced as position B. In this position, the water flow is directed to the water turbine  61  thereby rotating the turbine axle  62  thus generating air pressure. Position B is be desirable, for example, when first inflating the swimming pool  14  and fast inflation and water flow are both desired. In a nozzle shut-off position, referenced as C, shows further rotation of the adjustable internal nozzle  60  to completely constrict the flow of water from the hose  58 . In position C, water flow from the hose  58  is turned off and is appropriately used when no further water or air flow is desired. 
     Air overflow valves (not shown) may also be provided in the pump housing  36  or in the swimming pool wall  18  itself to allow for release of excess air when a predetermined air pressure within the swimming pool  14  is reached. Such overflow valves may be used to prevent popping of the swimming pool body due to excess air pressure therein. 
     Moreover, the relative rotational speeds of the water turbine  64  and the air turbine  68  can be further adjusted by modifying the relative sizes and diameters of the water turbine  64  and the air turbine  68  as well at the configuration and number of water flanges  66  and air flanges  70  respectively thereon. For example, it has been found that, with water pressure from typical household water spigots, optimum flow of air results if the water turbine  64  is about half of the size of the air turbine  68 . Of course, the relative sizes and configurations of the water turbine  64  and air turbine  68  can be modified to suit the available water pressure, size of the inflatable, and the like. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown to include an air pump  104  with a housing  106  having a water chamber  108  and an air chamber  110  divided by a partition  112 . The configuration of the inflatable device  100  and air pump  104  of the alternative embodiment is similar to that of the preferred embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4 in that it simultaneously delivers both water and air to an inflatable device. In this alternative embodiment, the inflatable device  100  is an upstanding toy that can, for example, spray water, be used as a punching toy, or the like. This inflatable device  100  does not have an open water reservoir as in preferred embodiment but an enclosed water base  102  that retains water  114  to secure the toy in place in addition to an upstanding air inflated portion  116 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, water  114  is delivered to a water turbine  118  and into the base  102  of the device  100  to provide a weighted base to prevent the toy from tipping over. Rotation of the water turbine  118 , as described above, rotates an air turbine  120  via a turbine axle  122 . Air flow generated by the air turbine  120  forces air through an air conduit  122  and into the inflatable portion  116  of the device  100 . Depending on the configuration of the inflatable device  100 , the air conduit  122  may pass through the water filled base  102  of the device, as shown in FIG. 7, or may be routed directly into fluid communication with the inflatable portion  116  of the device  100 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the upstanding device  100  may include additional fanciful components  124 , such as water powered streamers, the like to enhance the enjoyment and fun of the toy. Additional water conduits  126 , as shown in FIG. 7, may be provided in communication with the flow of water to supply water to these additional components  124 . 
     The inflatable devices  10  and  100  and liquid-powered air pumps  12  and  104  can be formed in a wide array of different configurations. For example, water slides and simulated play houses can be created due to the ability to provide controlled delivery of water and air to an inflatable device. Still further, the liquid-powered air pumps  12  and  104  may be employed as a stand alone unit where a water hose is connected to the water output port and an air hose is connected to the air output port of the pump housing. This stand alone pump provides the simultaneous water and air delivery to existing inflatables, such as a common child&#39;s inflatable swimming pool. The water hose connected to the water output port can be routed into the water reservoir portion of the pool. The free end of the air hose, not connected to the air output port, can be configured to interface with a standard valve assembly found on inflatable devices. When the pool is filled with air and the water reservoir is filled with water, the water source is simply turned off, the stand alone unit is removed and the standard valve assembly of the inflatable pool is closed to seal air within the air chamber of the swimming pool. 
     The inflatable devices can be made of PVC and other known materials. The components parts of the pump  12  and  104  are preferably made of plastic to reduce the cost of and simplify manufacture. However, these parts may be made of metal or other materials as desired. 
     It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such modifications and changes are intended to be covered by the appended claims.