Abstract:
A bending sleeve clamp is used to control the flow of a fluid (liquid or gas) in a flexible tube. The flexible tube extends through a pair of rigid sleeves that are connected by a bending sleeve. The rigid sleeves are manipulated to bend the bending sleeve so as to form a kink in the bending sleeve, which pinches and closes off the flow in the flexible tube. The bending sleeve clamp may be biased in either an open or closed position. Preferably, the bending sleeve is pre-kinked to define where the kink will be formed and to grip the flexible tube. In addition, the bending sleeve clamp may include a mechanism to prevent the bending sleeve from being bent too far or from being stretched too much.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates to devices used to control the flow of a fluid through a flexible tube.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     There are many situations in which it is desired to control the flow of a fluid (liquid or gas) through a flexible tube. One of the most common is the ordinary garden hose. Other examples include air supply hoses, garden chemical sprayers, and the tubes used for the intravenous (IV) administration of medicines or nutrients to a patient.  
         [0003]     Ordinarily a clamp or valve is used for this purpose. Many clamps and valves are relatively complicated, with a number of parts which must be machined very accurately and which must be carefully assembled. These requirements add to the expense of the valve. Often, at least some of the parts must be made of metal, which is relatively expensive as compared with plastic, for example.  
         [0004]     In addition, with some valves it is difficult to control very low flow rates. There may be a surge of fluid when the valve is first opened, and the valve may abruptly shut off the flow of fluid as it is closed. Conversely, it is often difficult to get a full, unrestricted flow through the valve; the valve seat and other internal parts get in the way of the flow even when the valve is fully open.  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,312,493 discloses a control valve for infusing an IV fluid. The valve contains a screw mechanism that pinches the tubing. Unfortunately, this type of mechanism is relatively expensive and cumbersome. Expense is a major factor to be considered, especially when the valve is to be purchased and used in less-developed countries.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,664 discloses an operation aspirator with control valve. The valve uses a gate that obstructs but does not fully close off the flow of a liquid. Moreover, the valve cannot withstand a pressure greater than 10-20 psi.  
         [0007]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,689,043 discloses an IV tube activator which uses a sliding clamp to close off the passage of a liquid in a flexible tube. The clamp is usable with only one size of flexible tube, however, and it cannot be used to shut off flow at different locations along the length of the flexible tube. After usage, the flexible tube must be discarded.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,453,098 discloses a clamp that is similar to the clamp shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,689,043, except that in U.S. Pat. No. 5,453,098 the clamp is in a stationary portion of the device.  
         [0009]     U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,630,481, 3,685,787, 4,238,108 and 5,190,079 disclose various forms of rolling clamps. In order to close off the flow of liquid, one must rotate the roller several revolutions, and considerable force is required to close the flexible tube. Thus, it is difficult to close off the flow of liquid quickly. Also, these devices are generally usable only with pressures in the range of 10-20 psi.  
         [0010]     Accordingly, there is a definite need for a clamp that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, that can be made entirely of plastic materials, and that can be used to precisely control the release of a fluid. Furthermore, the clamp should be: (a) operable with a single hand, (b) slidable along the flexible tube, (c) usable with flexible tubes of various diameters, (d) capable of controlling highly pressurized fluids, and (e) require minimal force to shut off the flow of fluid.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0011]     The bending sleeve clamp of this invention comprises a bending sleeve, a pair of rigid sleeves and a locking mechanism. The rigid sleeves are connected by the bending sleeve. Each of the rigid sleeves defines an axis. The bending mechanism operates to move the sleeves between a closed position, in which the sleeves are oriented such that their respective axes form a relatively small angle, and an open position, in which the sleeves are oriented such that their respective axes form a relatively large angle. In one embodiment, for example, the relatively small angle is about 90 degrees and the relatively large angle is about 180 degrees.  
         [0012]     A flexible tube is passed through the bending sleeve and the rigid sleeves. The outer diameter of the tube is smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeves. When the sleeves are in the closed position, a kink is formed in the bending sleeve. The kink pinches the flexible tube, preventing the passage of fluid through the tube. When the locking mechanism is released, the kink in the bending sleeve is relaxed, and fluid is allowed to flow through the flexible tube. As the sleeves continue to move in a direction from the closed position to the open position, the fluid flows through the tube at a progressively greater flow rate. As used herein, a “kink” is defined as a condition caused by the bending of the bending sleeve in which the internal surfaces of the bending sleeve pinch the flexible tube so as to close off the flow of a fluid in the flexible tube.  
         [0013]     The locking mechanism may include a stop to prevent the bending sleeve from being bent beyond the closed position of the clamp.  
         [0014]     The bending sleeve clamp of this invention has numerous advantages. It is simple, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and contains no moving parts. Many embodiments are made entirely of plastic. It is typically a hand-held device, and many embodiments can be operated (opened and closed) with the fingers and thumb of one hand. The force required to operate the bending sleeve clamp is typically very small. The bending sleeve clamp can control the flow of a highly pressurized liquid or gas in the flexible tube. A single bending sleeve clamp can be used with flexible tubes having various outside and inside diameters and wall thicknesses; the only requirement is that the outside diameter of the flexible tube be less than the inside diameters of the rigid sleeves and the bending sleeve. The bending sleeve clamp and flexible tube may be purchased separately and from different sources. The flexible tube may slide within the bending sleeve, allowing the shut-off position on the flexible tube to be varied. The bending sleeve clamp can be used to control the flow of fluid in the flexible tube accurately. The shut-off and turn-on of the fluid is an abrupt action, but there is no “surge” of the kind that often occurs when a valve is first opened. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are detailed cross-sectional views of the flexible tube inside the bending sleeve when the bending sleeve clamp is in the open position.  
         [0016]      FIG. 1C  is a detailed cross-sectional view of the flexible tube inside the bending sleeve when the bending sleeve clamp is in the closed position.  
         [0017]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are conceptual views of the bending sleeve clamp of this invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  is a detailed cross-sectional view of the bending sleeve.  
         [0019]      FIGS. 4A-4D  are a sequence of cross-sectional views showing progressively how the bending sleeve closes.  
         [0020]      FIG. 5A  shows a bending sleeve clamp that includes a buckle type of locking mechanism.  
         [0021]      FIG. 5B  is a detailed view of the locking prong in the bending sleeve clamp of  FIG. 5A .  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the bending sleeve clamp of  FIG. 5A  in the closed position.  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  shows the bending sleeve clamp of  FIG. 5A  in an open position.  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  shows how the bending sleeve clamp of  FIG. 5A  may be gripped to close it.  
         [0025]      FIG. 9  shows a bending sleeve clamp that includes a hook-to-hook locking mechanism.  
         [0026]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the bending sleeve clamp of  FIG. 9  in the closed position.  
         [0027]      FIG. 11  shows how a user may open the bending sleeve clamp of  FIG. 9 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 12  shows how a user may close the bending sleeve clamp of  FIG. 9 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 13  shows a bending sleeve clamp which utilizes an elastic band to maintain the clamp normally in the closed position.  
         [0030]      FIG. 14  shows a cross-sectional view of the bending sleeve clamp of  FIG. 13  in the closed position.  
         [0031]      FIGS. 15 and 16  show the bending sleeve clamp of  FIG. 13  in the open position.  
         [0032]      FIG. 17  shows how a user may open the bending sleeve clamp of  FIG. 13 .  
         [0033]      FIGS. 18A and 18B  show a handle-type bending sleeve clamp.  
         [0034]      FIG. 19  shows a sprayer system that includes the bending sleeve clamp of  FIG. 19   
         [0035]      FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle in the sprayer system of  FIG. 19 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 21  shows a tool that can be used to form a pre-kink in the bending sleeves.  
         [0037]      FIG. 22  is a general view of an inflation system that includes a bending sleeve clamp of this invention.  
         [0038]      FIG. 23A  shows a cross-sectional view of the pressure bottle in the inflation system.  
         [0039]      FIG. 23B  shows the state of the pressure relief indentation in the pressure bottle when the maximum pressure has been exceeded.  
         [0040]      FIGS. 24A and 24B  are cross-sectional views of the air chuck in the closed and open positions, respectively.  
         [0041]      FIG. 25  is a partial cross-sectional view of the valve stem cap on the pressure bottle.  
         [0042]      FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view of the anti-kink connector that connects the flexible tube and the air chuck.  
         [0043]      FIGS. 27 and 28  illustrate the components of an arrangement for connecting two pressure bottles in the inflation system.  
         [0044]      FIGS. 29 and 30  illustrate the components of an arrangement for connecting four pressure bottles in the inflation system. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0045]      FIGS. 1-4  illustrate the general principles of this invention.  FIG. 1A  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a flexible tube  2  running through a bending sleeve  1 . While both flexible tube  2  and bending sleeve  1  are flexible, bending sleeve  1  is fabricated of a harder material than tube  2 . For example, bending sleeve  1  may be made of low-density polyethylene having a Shore hardness in the range of 90. Flexible tube  2  may be made of polyvinyl chloride or polyurethane having a Shore hardness in the range of 70-80.  
         [0046]     As indicated, bending sleeve  1  is “pre-kinked” at the location of transverse cross-section A-A′, which is shown in  FIG. 1B . The internal dimension D 1  of bending sleeve  1  at cross-section A-A′ is slightly smaller than the normal inner diameter of bending sleeve  1  and approximately equal to the outer diameter of tube  2 . The location of the “pre-kink” determines where bending sleeve  1  will kink when in operation. In some embodiments, the pre-kink also helps to grip the flexible tube and prevent it from sliding longitudinally inside the bending sleeve when the bending sleeve clamp is in its relaxed condition.  
         [0047]     Bending sleeve  1  can be pre-kinked using the tool shown in  FIG. 21 . Before the assembly of the bending sleeve clamp, a group of bending sleeves  7  are arranged side-by-side in a fixture  8 , which contains a trough  8 A having a width approximately equal to the length of the bending sleeves  7 . The fixture  8  is positioned in a punch tool, and a chisel-like die  9  is lowered against the bending sleeves  7 , sufficient pressure being applied to deform the bending sleeves  7  without damaging them. The result is the formation of a pre-kink of the kind shown  FIG. 1A  in each of the bending sleeves  7 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 1C  shows cross-section A-A′ when bending sleeve  1  is bent about 90 degrees. Note that a kink has formed in bending sleeve  1 , which pinches flexible tube  2 , preventing the flow of a fluid through tube  2 . Bending sleeve  1  is tested to be able to withstand repeated bending with very little stress, and hence no breakage, at the position of the pre-kink.  
         [0049]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are conceptual drawings of a bending sleeve clamp according to this invention. Bending sleeve  1  is connected between rigid sleeves  3  and  4 . A stop  5  is attached to rigid sleeve  3  and a stop  6  is attached to rigid sleeve  4 . Rigid sleeve  3  has an inner diameter that is approximately equal to the inner diameter of bending sleeve  1  and that defines an axis X. Rigid sleeve  4  also has an inner diameter that is approximately equal to the inner diameter of bending sleeve  1  and that defines an axis Y. With the clamp in the open position, as shown in  FIG. 2A , axes X and Y form an angle α that is approximately equal to 180 degrees. With the clamp in the closed position, as shown in  FIG. 2B . the angle α is approximately equal to 90 degrees. Note that stops  5  and  6  meet in the closed position to prevent the angle α becoming less than 90 degrees.  
         [0050]      FIG. 3  is a detailed cross-sectional view of bending sleeve  1  and rigid sleeves  3  and  4 . The distance D 2  between each of the rigid sleeves  3  and  4 , respectively, and the midpoint (pre-kink) of bending sleeve  1  is preferably greater than the outer diameter D 3  of bending sleeve  1 . The outer diameter D 3  of bending sleeve  1  is typically in the range of 3 mm to 40 mm, and the thickness D 4  of bending sleeve  1  is typically in the range of 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm. The thickness D 5  of rigid sleeves  3  and  4  can be any value, and in fact rigid sleeves  3  and  4  do not have to be absolutely rigid but may be somewhat flexible provided that they are more rigid than bending sleeve  1 .  
         [0051]     The thickness D 4  may be determined by a trial-and-error process to ensure that the tube  2  is completely pinched of when the clamp is in the closed position (typically when axes X and Y are at a 90 degree angle).  FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrate how the lower wall “a” approaches the upper wall “b” of bending sleeve  1  as the angle a becomes smaller. The objective is to have points “a” and “b” be spaced by a distance that closes off the flow of a fluid in the flexible tube  2  when the axes defined by the rigid sleeve are at the desired angle.  
         [0052]     The basic components of the clamp of this invention are the bending sleeve, the rigid sleeves (which, as described above, do not have to be absolutely rigid) and the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism, which may include stops and other elements, may take various forms, as illustrated in  FIGS. 5-18 .  
         [0053]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  show a bending sleeve clamp  10  that includes a buckle type of locking mechanism. Bending sleeve clamp  10  includes a first rigid sleeve  102  and a second rigid sleeve  104 , which are connected by a bending sleeve  105 , and a locking mechanism  108 . In  FIG. 5A , a flexible tube  106  is fitted through bending sleeve  105  and rigid sleeves  102  and  104 , the outside diameter of flexible tube  106  being slightly smaller than the inside diameter of bending sleeve  105  and rigid sleeves  102  and  104 . Flexible tube  106  could have an outer diameter from 7/16″ to 1⅛″, for example, and could be a garden hose or a car wash hose, with the spray nozzle connected to the discharge end of the hose.  
         [0054]     Bending sleeve clamp  10  is in the closed position in  FIG. 5A . Locking mechanism  108  includes an arm  110 , which extends from rigid sleeve  102 , and a locking prong  112 , which extends from rigid sleeve  104 . As shown in the detailed view of  FIG. 5B , locking prong  112  fits into a slot  114  at the end of arm  110  when bending sleeve clamp  10  is in the closed position. A transverse handle  116  assists the user in gripping arm  110  and fitting prong  112  into slot  114 .  
         [0055]     Referring still to  FIG. 5A , rigid sleeve  102  defines a first axis  118 , and rigid sleeve  104  defines a second axis  120 . Axes  118  and  120  are oriented at an angle of about 90 degrees when bending sleeve clamp  10  is closed. Locking mechanism  108  also includes stops  124  and  126 , which prevent the angle between axes  118  and  120  from becoming less than about 90 degrees. Referring to  FIG. 6 , which is a cross-sectional view of bending sleeve clamp  10  and flexible tube  106  in the closed position, it is apparent that a kink  122  is formed in bending sleeve  105 , pinching and preventing the flow of fluid through flexible tube  106 .  
         [0056]      FIG. 7  illustrates bending sleeve clamp  10  in the open position, with arm  110  disengaged from prong  112 . In this condition, the axes  118  and  120  form an angle approximately equal to 180 degrees, allowing a fluid to flow unrestricted through bending sleeve clamp  10 . A pre-kink  103  in bending sleeve  105  is also shown.  
         [0057]      FIG. 8  illustrates how handle  116  can be gripped by a user in order to close bending sleeve clamp  10 .  
         [0058]     Bending sleeve clamp  10  is preferably made entirely of plastic. As noted above, bending sleeve  105  is preferably made of low-density polyethylene. Rigid sleeves  102  and  104  and locking mechanism  108  can also be made of low-density polyethylene, although of a thickness that prevents these components from permanently flexing or bending. Rigid sleeves  102  and  104  and bending sleeve  105  are preferably manufactured by compression molding and in a single mold. In that case, rigid sleeves  102  and  104  and bending sleeve  105  are in reality portions of a single article of manufacture. Alternatively, rigid sleeves  102  and  104  and bending sleeve  105  could be manufactured in separate molds and bonded together or otherwise attached afterward.  
         [0059]     Flexible tube  106  is preferably manufactured by protrusion molding and, as noted above, can be made of polyvinyl chloride or polyurethane.  
         [0060]     The rigid sleeves, bending sleeve and flexible tube in other embodiments of this invention can be manufactured in a similar manner.  
         [0061]      FIGS. 9-12  illustrate a second embodiment of the invention, in which has a hook-to-hook locking mechanism  208 . Referring initially to  FIG. 9 , bending sleeve clamp  20  includes a first rigid sleeve  202  and a second rigid sleeve  204 . Rigid sleeves  202  and  204  are permanently connected together by a bending sleeve  216 . A flexible tube  206  passes through rigid sleeves  202  and  204  and bending sleeve  216 . As shown in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 10 , the outside diameter of tube  206  is slightly smaller than the inside diameters of rigid sleeves  202  and  204  and bending sleeve  216 .  
         [0062]     An arm  210  extends from rigid sleeve  202 , and a hook  212  extends from rigid sleeve  204 . A second hook  210 A is formed at the end of arm  210 . Bending sleeve clamp  20  is made of plastic, and arm  210  is shaped (see  FIG. 12 ) so that it flexes slightly, and hook  210 A remains engaged with hook  212  when bending sleeve clamp  20  is closed, as shown in  FIG. 9 . Stops  226  and  228  prevent bending sleeve clamp  20  from moving past the point of closure shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , wherein the axes defined by rigid sleeves  202  and  204  are oriented at an angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to each other. In this closed position, a kink is formed in bending sleeve  216 , closing off the flow of a fluid through flexible tube  206 .  
         [0063]     As described above, flexible tube  206  is formed of a relatively soft material as compared with bending sleeve  216 . Flexible tube  206  may have an outer diameter in the range of 1/16″ to 7/16″, for example.  
         [0064]      FIG. 11  shows how bending sleeve clamp  20  may be opened with one hand. The user presses against arm  210  with his or her thumb while supporting sleeve  206  against his or her first finger.  
         [0065]     As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 12 , ridges  202 A and  204 A are formed on sleeves  202  and  204 , respectively.  FIG. 12  illustrates how ridges  202 A and  204 A provide gripping surfaces to assist the user in closing bending sleeve clamp  20  with one hand.  
         [0066]     The hook-to-hook clamp  20  shown in  FIGS. 9-12  may be used for intravenous tubing, drip irrigation tubing, leveling water tubes and air supply hoses.  
         [0067]      FIGS. 13-17  illustrate a third embodiment of the invention, which utilizes an elastic band to maintain the clamp normally in the closed position. In bending sleeve clamp  30 , rigid sleeves  302  and  304  are connected by a bending sleeve  305 . A flexible tube  306 , which may have an outer diameter of 1/16″ to ¼″, for example, runs through rigid sleeves  302  and  304  and bending sleeve  305 . An elastic band  328 , preferably made of rubber or silicone rubber, is wrapped around stops  324  and  326 , which are part of locking mechanism  308 . Each of stops  324  and  326  has a channel for retaining elastic band  328  and a flat surface which abuts against the flat surface of the other stop to hold bending sleeve clamp  30  is the closed position shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , with bending sleeve  305  bent 90 degrees. This structure is clearly shown in  FIG. 14 .  
         [0068]     A prong  314  extends from stop  324  and a prong  316  extends from stop  326 . As shown in  FIGS. 14 and 16 , prongs  314  and  316  interact with each other to prevent bending sleeve clamp  30  from being opened by more than a predetermined amount (angle).  FIGS. 15 and 16  show bending sleeve clamp  30  in the open position.  FIG. 16  shows that in the opening position bending sleeve  305  has relaxed slightly, allowing a small opening  307  to form in flexible tube  306 .  
         [0069]     Referring again to  FIG. 13 , rigid sleeves  302  and  304  also contain finger pads  310  and  312 , respectively, which are useful for opening bending sleeve clamp  30  with the fingers and thumb of one hand, in the manner shown in  FIG. 17 , with the thumb pressed against bending sleeve  305  and the first and second finger gripping finger pads  310  and  312 .  
         [0070]     Bending sleeve clamp  30  is particularly useful for small pressurized air, water, and corrosive liquid tubes.  
         [0071]      FIGS. 18A and 18B  illustrate a fourth embodiment of the invention, a handle-type bending sleeve clamp  40 .  FIG. 18A  shows bending sleeve clamp  40  in the open position;  FIG. 18B  shows bending sleeve clamp  40  in the closed position.  
         [0072]     Bending sleeve clamp  40  includes a first rigid sleeve  402 , a second rigid sleeve  404 , and a bending sleeve  405 . A flexible tube  406  is inserted through rigid sleeves  402  and  404  and bending sleeve  405 . An extension tube  424  is attached to rigid sleeve  402 , and flexible tube  406  extends through extension tube  424  also.  
         [0073]     A handle  410  is rotatably connected to rigid sleeve  402  by a mechanism that includes a shaft  412 . A rotary spring (not shown) is wrapped around shaft  412  and biases handle  410  in a clockwise direction (as shown in  FIGS. 18A and 18B ) so that a bottom edge of handle  410  rests against a stop  420  when bending sleeve clamp  40  is in the closed position, shown in  FIG. 18B . Handle  410  is also rotatably connected to rigid sleeve  404  by a mechanism that includes a shaft  414  and a slot  416 . Shaft  414  is free to slide in slot  416  to relieve tensile stress on bending sleeve  405  as bending sleeve clamp  40  moves between the open and closed positions.  
         [0074]     When bending sleeve clamp  40  is in the closed position, bending sleeve  405  is bent at a 90 degree angle, and a kink in bending sleeve  405  pinches flexible tube  406 , closing off flow in flexible tube  406 , as described above. Bending sleeve clamp  40  is maintained in the open position, shown in  FIG. 18A , via a locking ring  418 , which fits over a prong  410 A of handle  410 . In the open position bending sleeve  405  is relaxed, allowing fluid to flow through flexible tube  406 . It should be noted that that the bend in bending sleeve  405  is somewhat less than 180 degrees when bending sleeve clamp  40  is in the open position.  
         [0075]      FIG. 19  shows how bending sleeve clamp  40  can be used in a spraying system  50 . One end of flexible tube  406  is connected to a fitting (not shown) on the bottom of a pressure tank  502 . Flexible tube  406  then runs through bending sleeve clamp  40 , as described above, and through extension tube  424  to a nozzle  504 . A valve stem cap  508  at the top of pressure tank  502  can be connected to an air chuck to supply pressure tank  502  with compressed air.  
         [0076]      FIG. 20  shows a cross-sectional view of nozzle  504 . Extension tube  424  is press-fit into an extension socket  506 . A male barbed connector  510  is threaded into one end of extension socket  506 , and an end of flexible tube  406  fits over barbed connector  510 . A female sprayer head  512  is threaded onto male barbed connector  510 , and the joint between female sprayer head  512  and male barbed connector  510  is sealed with an O-ring  514 . Thus, when bending sleeve clamp  40  is opened, a fluid may flow from flexible tube  506  through male barbed connector  510  and be ejected through an orifice  512 A in female sprayer head  512 .  
         [0077]     Referring again to  FIG. 19 , the user may conveniently grasp bending sleeve clamp  40  in one hand and squeeze handle  410  to rigid sleeve  402  in order to open bending sleeve clamp  40 . If the user desires to keep bending sleeve clamp in the open position, he or she simply slips locking ring  418  over prong  410 A. To close bending sleeve clamp  40 , the user simply releases locking ring  418 , and the spring which encircles shaft  412  (see  FIG. 18A ) returns bending sleeve clamp  40  to its closed position.  
         [0078]     The bending sleeve clamp of this invention is highly versatile and can be used in numerous applications. One such use is in the inflation system  60 , shown in  FIG. 22 . Inflation system  60  includes a flexible tube  62 , which runs through a bending sleeve clamp  30  (shown in FIGS.  13 - 17 ); air chucks  63  and  64 ; anti-kink connectors  65  and  66 ; and a pressure bottle  67 , which is fitted with a valve stem cap  68 . In one embodiment, air chucks  63  and  64  are identical. Air chuck  63  connects to valve stem cap  68 . Air chuck  64  connects to the article to be inflated, in this case represented by a tire stem  69  (or a stem that is adapted to fill a football, inflatable toy or balloon). Bottle  67  is filled with a pressurized gas, typically air, and after the air chucks  63  and  64  have been connected to valve stem cap  68 , bending sleeve clamp is opened in the manner described above to allow the pressurized gas to flow from bottle  67  to the tire or other article to be inflated.  
         [0079]     Details of the components of inflation system  60  are shown in  FIGS. 23-27 .  
         [0080]      FIG. 23A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of pressure bottle  67 . Pressure bottle  67  is preferably made of polyethylene terephtalate (P.E.T.) having an inverted gravity (I.V.) of 84 and is manufactured by an extrusion blow mold process. The walls of bottle  67  can be in the range of 0.5-1.0 mm thick, and bottle  67  may have a volume of 2-4 liters, for example.  
         [0081]     Structurally, pressure bottle  67  is divided into three parts: upper and lower portions  671 A and  671 C, each of which is in the shape of a half-sphere having a radius of R 1 , and a middle portion  671 B, which is in the shape of a cylinder having a radius of R 1 . A valve stem cap  68  is screwed onto the mouth of pressure bottle  67 .  
         [0082]     Pressure bottle  67  is supported on a bottom skirt  672 , which may be made of polyethylene and may be attached to lower portion  671 C by a layer of glue  673 .  
         [0083]     An indentation  674  is hot-stamped into the wall of pressure bottle  67  to provide protection against bursting. The thickness of wall at indentation  674  is less than the thickness of the other portions of the wall. The thickness of the wall at indentation  674  is designed such that, if bottle  67  is pressurized to a level in excess of the working pressure, the wall of bottle  674  will rupture at indentation  674 , releasing the pressure and preventing other portions of the wall from bursting. For example, the thickness of the wall of pressure bottle  67  may be reduced by one-half in indentation  674 . In this embodiment, indentation  674  is formed in the shape of two arcs which define opposing flaps  674 A. As shown in  FIG. 23B , flaps  674 A bend outward when indentation  674  is broken as a result of excessive pressure inside pressure bottle. No solid material is propelled from pressure bottle  67  when indentation  674  is ruptured.  
         [0084]      FIGS. 24A and 24B  illustrate the connection between air chuck  64  and valve stem cap  68 . In  FIG. 24A , valve stem cap  68  is closed; in  FIG. 24B , valve stem cap  68  is open.  
         [0085]     Referring first to  FIG. 24A , air chuck  64  fits over a threaded or ribbed portion  682  of valve stem cap  68 . Threaded or ribbed portion  682  is in a loose fit with a cylindrical rubber washer  645  that is retained in air chuck  64  by a housing  646 . Air chuck  64  contains a lever arm  642  which rotates about a shaft  643 . Shaft  643  is separated from a first cam surface  647  of lever arm  642  by a distance D 6  and from a second cam surface  648  of lever arm  642  by a distance D 7 , distance D 7  being greater than distance D 6 . In the open position shown in  FIG. 24A , cam surface  648  abuts a plunger  644 , which is free to slide in a vertical direction. A male connector  646  which is a part of plunger  644  slides in a slot  647  in housing  646 . As a result, as lever arm  642  is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the position shown in  FIG. 24A  to the position shown in  FIG. 24B , where cam surface  648  abuts plunger  644 , plunger is forced downward by a distance equal to D 7  minus D 6 . This action compresses the rubber washer  645 , causing rubber washer  645  to grip the threaded or ribbed portion  682  of valve stem cap  68 . At the same time, a central protrusion  649  of air chuck  64  forces a head portion  683  of valve stem cap downward. Assuming the pressure bottle  67  is pressurized, this opens valve stem cap  68  (as described below) and allows gas to flow out of pressure bottle  67  and through air chuck  64  via the path indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 24B .  
         [0086]      FIG. 25  shows a cross-section of a portion of valve stem cap  68  and the mouth of bottle  67 . Valve stem cap  68  has a body  686 , which can be made of polycarbonate plastic. Valve stem cap  68  is screwed onto the mouth of bottle  67  by means of a threaded portion  685 , which has internal threads that mesh with external threads on the threaded portion  675  of bottle  67 . A flat rubber washer  684  creates a seal between bottle  67  and valve stem cap  68 . Only one-half of body  686  is shown in  FIG. 25 ; the line CL denotes the central axis of pressure bottle  67 .  
         [0087]     Valve stem cap  68  include a valve stem  687 , which is similar to the valve stems commonly used in automobile tires. Valve stem  687  is threaded into an internal threaded portion  688  of body  686 . A rubber washer  689  contacts an interior wall of nozzle  690  of body  686  to provide a pressure seal when valve stem  687  is tightened into nozzle  690  of body  686 . Normally, head  683  is forced upward by a compression spring  693 . This action creates a seal between a washer  691  and a valve seat  692 . As head  683  is forced downward by the action of air chuck  64  (as described above), washer  691  is separated from valve seat  692 . This allows air to flow through the interior of valve stem  687 , as indicated by the arrows.  
         [0088]     To summarize, rotating the lever arm  642  of air chuck  64  simultaneously creates a seal between air chuck  64  and valve stem cap  68  and stretches valve stem  687 , allowing air (or another gas) to flow through air chuck  64  and anti-kink connector  66 .  
         [0089]      FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view of anti-kink connector  66 , which provides a connection between flexible tube  62  ( FIG. 22 ) and air chuck  64 . Connector  66  includes a sleeve portion  662 , made of metal, which is crimped on a rubber socket  665  to connect male connectors  646  and  663 , thereby creating a flow path through anti-kink connector  66 . Male connector  663  includes a smaller male connector  663 A, which is in flow communication with the main passage through male connector  663  and which is sized to accept an end of flexible tube  62 . An anti-kink tube  664  fits over an end of sleeve portion  662 . To connect flexible tube  62  to connector  66 , flexible tube  62  is first passed through anti-kink tube  664  and then pressed onto male connector  663 A. Anti-kink tube  664  is then fitted onto sleeve portion  662 , completing the connection between flexible tube  62  and air chuck  64 .  
         [0090]     It will be understood that in this embodiment air chuck  63  and connector  65  are identical to air chuck  64  and connector  66 , respectively. Thus, when air chuck  63  is connected to valve stem  69 , for example, and air chuck  64  is connected to valve stem cap  68 , a continuous flow channel is created between pressure bottle  67  and the automobile tire, blocked only by bending sleeve clamp  30 . When bending sleeve clamp  30  is opened (as described above), air flows from bottle  67  to the automobile tire until the desired pressure is reached.  
         [0091]     The inflation system of this invention may be used to inflate a wide variety of inflatable articles besides automobile tires, including balloons, balls, air mattresses, floating water toys, and inflatable swimming pools. Various types of adapters, well known in the art, are used to inflate these articles and would be connected between the inflation system and the article to be inflated.  
         [0092]     If a greater volume of air is desired, multiple pressure bottles can be joined together.  FIG. 27  illustrates an arrangement  70  that can be used to combine the contents of two pressure bottles. Arrangement  70  includes a junction block  702  and tubes  703  and  704 , all of which can be made of metal. Fittings  705  and  706  are attached to the ends of tubes  703  and  704 , respectively. As shown, fitting  705  is screwed onto a plastic cap of a pressure bottle, with a rubber washer  708  to create a seal. A valve stem cap  709  is connected to junction block  702 , in flow communication with tubes  703  and  704 . Valve stem cap  709  may be similar to valve stem cap  68 .  FIG. 28  shows arrangement  70  connected to two pressure bottles  710  and  712 . Air chuck  64  would be connected to valve stem cap  709  in the manner described above.  
         [0093]      FIG. 29  shows an arrangement  80 , which could be used to connect air chuck  64  to four pressure bottles. Arrangement  80  contains three junction blocks  802 ,  803  and  804 , which are linked by tubes  805  and  806 . In turn, junction block  803  is connected to fittings  810  and  811  by tubes  807  and  808 ; and junction block  804  is connected to fittings  812  and  813  by tubes  809  and  810 . A valve stem cap  814  is connected to junction block  802  in flow communication with tubes  805  and  806 .  FIG. 30  shows arrangement  80  can be used to combine the capacities of four pressure bottles  820 ,  821 ,  822  and  823 .  
         [0094]     Although the present invention is illustrated in connection with specific embodiments for instructional purposes, the present invention is not limited thereto. Various adaptations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the foregoing description.