Patent Publication Number: US-2016238170-A1

Title: Device for deflating an item

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     (Not Applicable) 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
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     REFERENCE TO AN APPENDIX 
     (Not Applicable) 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to devices for deflating an item, specifically to a device that is used with a vacuum source for rapidly deflating the item. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Inflatable items such as pool toys typically have a valve for inflating and deflating the item. When deflation is desired, typically the valve must be squeezed or pinched in order to allow air to escape, because most valves have a counter-valve for blocking the release of air even when the valve is in an open position. Pinching and squeezing the valve wears the material surrounding the valve, and can lead to tearing. The process also consumes time, so a person may hug or squeeze the item in order to hasten the removal of air, but this practice causes the item to rupture. In most cases, the air is displaced unevenly throughout the item one squeezed, and so air remains in the item which hinders folding and storage of the item. The prior art devices desired for inflating, and deflating an item utilize bulky and complex attachment parts for connecting a vacuum to the device. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A device for deflating an item may be utilized in conjunction with a vacuum source for rapid deflation of the item. The device receives the vacuum source for making an airtight fit, and the vacuum suction force holds the vacuum source onto the device without the need for a connecting member. The device removes substantially all the air to allow easier fold-up and storage of the item, eliminating the need for pinching the air valve on the item and squeezing the item to force air therefrom. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a view in perspective of the device, with the central aperture at the tip end displayed. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of the device, with arrows displaying the air flow through the central aperture. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view of the device during use in conjunction with a vacuum source, with the tip portion inserted through a valve of an inflated device with arrows displaying the air flow through the central aperture and into the vacuum source hose. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  a device  100  according to an aspect of the invention is illustrated. The device  100  has a foremost tip  140  portion. A second receiving portion  160  distal to the tip  140  has a peripheral annular wall  180 . A stem portion  190  extends longitudinally between the tip  140  and receiving portion  160 . The stem  190  and tip  140  are formed with an inner cylindrical void space called a central aperture  200 , which extends through the device  100 . 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view in perspective exhibiting air flows through the central aperture  200  extending within the stem portion  190 . The annular wall  180  is formed contiguous with the stem  190  and is positioned substantially planar and perpendicular to the central aperture  200 . Air flow is represented by the arrows flowing into the central aperture  200  at the tip portion  140 . 
     In  FIG. 3 , also in cross section, the device  100  is shown inserted into a standard air valve  300 , which has a counter-valve  340  and a plug  360 . A portion of a membrane  320  of an inflated item is shown. Contact between the air valve  300  and the tip  140  results in a friction fit that holds the device  100  in place. When a user desires to remove air from an inflated item, the plug  360  is removed from the valve  300 . The tip  140  is inserted into the valve  300 . The counter-valve  340  is displaced from a first resting position in which the counter-valve  340  is substantially blocking air flow through the central aperture  200 , to a second open position in which the counter-valve  340  is substantially parallel to the central aperture  200 . In  FIG. 3 , the counter-valve  340  is shown in the second position, displaced from blocking air now through the valve. 
     Also exhibited in  FIG. 3 , the device  100  is preferably used in conjunction with a common household vacuum cleaner, or a shop-vacuum cleaner, both of which are typically equipped with a hose. The hose  150  becomes suction-coupled with the device  100  rapidly remove air from the inflated item. While in the ‘on’ position, the user places the hose  150  against the annular wall  180  inside the receiving end  160 . The suction action of the vacuum results in an airtight contact between the hose  150  and the device  100 . 
     In other embodiments, a device may be formed tapered at a tip region. The tapered protrusions at the tip make contact with a valve, resulting in a mechanical and friction fit to hold the device in the valve as the device is deflated. 
     In another embodiment, a device has a threaded tip for inserting into a valve. A helical threaded tip also works to hold the device on the valve in a friction and mechanical manner. In all uses of the device  100  there is no latch or clip required for obtaining a connection that is secure enough to achieve the desired results. The device  100  provides for rapid deflation of most items and removes substantially all the air to allow easier fold-up and storage of the item. 
     The device  100  may be fabricated from a rigid, lightweight, plastic material, for example, polyethylene, polycarbonate, or other suitable plastic material. Suitable vacuum sources for use with the present invention includes most household vacuums and shop vacuums. 
     While certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed in detail, it is to be understood that various modifications may be adopted without deputing from the spirit of the invention or scope of the following claims.