Abstract:
Boats having one or more inflatable inner members or tubes incorporated into their fenders are described herein. Also described are valve assemblies for use with such inner tubes, the assemblies permitting relatively easy removal of the inner tubes when necessary as well as inflation and deflation thereof.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to fixtures for use in connection with inflatable objects and more particularly for valves or other components connected to inner tubes of inflatable boats. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,978 to Garnier, incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference, illustrates an exemplary boat having inflatable tubes as fenders and, among other components, a transom. The tubes of the boat are designed to be inflated with air to make the boat buoyant in water. The transom, to which an outboard motor may be fitted, typically is formed of wood or another sturdy material such as (but not limited to) metal. 
     Because in use the exteriors of the tubes contact multiple objects, their puncture and wear characteristics may be significant. To reduce the likelihood of premature puncture or wear of many tubes, manufacturers coat or cover them with puncture-inhibiting chemicals or fabrics. Alternatively or additionally, manufacturers may fill the tubes with foam (rather than air) to minimize their buoyancy loss should the tubes be punctured or torn. U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,436 to Hansen describes certain variations of such foam-filled tubes, calling them “stabilizing members.” Notwithstanding inclusion of buoyant foam in the members, the boats of the Hansen patent may nevertheless need the exteriors of the stabilizing members to be coated or covered “with a protective material, such as a rubber, liquid vinyl or some other plastic material” to “increase damage tolerance.” See Hansen, col. 6, 11. 21-25. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,685 to Hemphill, et al., also incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference, describes additional foam-collared boats. Disclosed in the Hemphill patent are two coatings for the collars, preferably a urethane elastomer for use as one coating and two-component polyurethane system for the other. Both coatings are detailed as being capable of providing at least some abrasion-resistance, with the first above-described coating also designed to supply “strength” and “elongation.” See Hemphill, col. 4, 11. 28-64. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides alternative methods of enhancing the damage resistance of objects such as boats, particularly those having inflatable tubes or “fenders.” Rather than filling foam into the fenders, the present invention incorporates one or more inflatable inner members or tubes into the fenders Additionally included as part of the invention is an innovative valve assembly, which facilitates inflation and deflation of the inner tubes. 
     Thus, rather than requiring the tubular fenders to be coated or covered with further protective material, the present invention permits the fenders themselves to function as protective material for the inflatable inner tubes. The fenders may, of course, be coated or covered for additional protection. Nevertheless, such coating or covering is not absolutely necessary for satisfactory damage resistance. 
     Inner tubes of the invention typically are inserted within the fenders and inflated so that the fenders fit snugly about them. However, because the fenders themselves are usually sealed (or nearly so) from the ambient environment, removal of the inner tubes from the fenders for repair, replacement, addition of air, or otherwise may be difficult. The invention therefore includes a valve assembly adapted for connection to both the inner tubes and fenders and which facilitates removal of the inner tubes when necessary. 
     In use, a valve assembly is attached to its associated inner tube, preferably (although not necessarily) near an end thereof. As attached, the valve assembly and inner tube combination presents a combined object capable of being sealed and thereby isolated from its ambient external environment. By opening a valve formed as part of the assembly, air (or other fluid) may be caused to flow into or out of the inner tube, hence inflating or deflating it. 
     Unlike existing devices, the valve assembly of the present invention also may be connected to the outer fenders and have portions detached therefrom without opening the valve. Stated differently, even after an inner tube is inserted into a fender and inflated, it may easily be deflated and removed from the fender merely by grasping part of the assembly and pulling to withdraw it from the corresponding fender. The present invention thus permits both facile removal of the inner tubes from a boat or other object and inflation and deflation thereof. 
     After removal of the detachable portion of the assembly and the inner tube connected thereto, the associated fender will have an opening large enough to reinsert an (uninflated) inner tube—either the same inner tube or, if the original inner tube is to be replaced, a new one. Because the inner tubes typically are elongated, the end of each inner tube opposite the assembly advantageously may have an end of a cord connected to it, with the other end of the cord capable of being pulled to draw the inner tube the length of the interior of the fender. This permits the shape of the inserted inner tube to match more closely that of the associated fender so as to facilitate inflating the inner tube therein. 
     It thus is an object of the present invention to provide inflatable inner tubes and associated valve assemblies for objects including boats. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide inflatable boats having enhanced damage-resistance without resort to use of foam or protective coatings or coverings for the fenders. 
     It is an additional object of the present invention to provide alternate valve assemblies for inflatable objects, the assemblies facilitating inflation and deflation of the inner tubes. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide valve assemblies adapted for connection jointly to both an inner tube and a corresponding fender and having a portion detachable from at least the fender to allow withdrawal of the inner tube from within the fender. 
     Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art with reference to the remaining text and the drawings of this application. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary boat of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2A is a plan view of the outer base of a valve assembly of the present invention for use as part of the boat of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the outer base of FIG. 2A taken a along lines B—B of that figure. 
     FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the outer base of FIG. 2A taken along lines C—C of that figure. 
     FIG. 3A is a plan view of the inner base of the valve assembly of present invention for use as part of the boat of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the inner base of FIG. 3A taken along lines B—B of that figure. 
     FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the inner base of FIG. 3A taken along lines C—C of that figure. 
     FIG. 4A is a side view of an inflatable inner tube of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the inner tube of FIG.  4 A. 
     FIG. 5A is a plan view of an external fitting of the valve assembly of the present invention for use as part of the boat of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the external fitting of FIG. 5A taken along lines B—B of that figure. 
     FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the external fitting of FIG. 5A taken along lines C—C of that figure. 
     FIG. 6A is a side view of a fender of the boat of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the fender of FIG.  6 A. 
     FIG. 7A is a plan view of a ring of the valve assembly of the present invention for use as part of the boat of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the ring of FIG. 7A taken along lines B—B of that figure. 
     FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the ring of FIG. 7A taken along lines C—C of that figure. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Illustrated in FIG. 1 is an exemplary boat  10  of the present invention. Boat  10  of FIG. 1 includes two fenders  14  (denoted  14 A and  14 B), one forming each of the port and starboard sides thereof, and floor  18 . Optionally additionally included as part of boat  10  may be transom  22 , which if desired may comprise inflatable portion  26  and non-inflatable portion  30 , and generally frusto-conically-shaped segments  34  typically (but not necessarily) integrally formed with fenders  14 A and  14 B. Yet other options for boat  10  shown in FIG. 1 include D-ring assemblies  38 , through which cord  42  may be strung to facilitate handling of boat  10 , and oar locks  46 . Assemblies  38  and locks  46  typically are attached to each of fenders  14 A and  14 B, although FIG. 1 affirmatively illustrates such items connected only to fender  14 B. 
     In preferred embodiments of boat  10 , fenders  14 A and  14 B do not permit fluid communication therebetween, rather being sealed from each other in the area near bow  50 . Such isolation is not a requirement of the invention, however, so fenders  14 A and  14 B indeed may communicate if necessary or desired. Likewise, having exactly two fenders  14 A and  14 B as part of boat  10  is not mandated by the present invention, and fewer or greater numbers of fenders may be utilized instead. 
     Within each of fenders  14 A and  14 B may be an inflatable inner tube  52  shown in phantom lines in FIG.  1 . Inner tube  52  is formed of a material, such as (but not limited to) polyvinyl chloride, capable of retaining air for an extended period. Inner tube  52  also may (but need not necessarily) be generally cylindrically shaped and, when inflated, abut much of the interior surface of its associated fender  14 , thus causing the fender  14  to be shaped similarly. Each of fenders  14 A and  14 B may thus form a protective cover for its associated inner tube  52 , avoiding any requirement that the fenders  14  also be covered or coated for protection. As noted earlier, however, fenders  14  can be so coated or covered if desired. 
     Valve assembly  54  additionally appears in FIG.  1 . Typically, each inner tube  52  of boat  10  will have connected thereto a valve assembly  54 , which permits not only inflation and deflation of the inner tube  52 , but also facilitates removing the inner tube  52  from the corresponding fender  14 . Valve assembly  54  additionally may be attached to a fender  14  (see. e.g., fender  14 A in FIG.  1 ), although detachably so in order to remove inner tube  52  from within. Preferred embodiments of boat  10  include one or more valve assemblies  54 , each having portions detachably connected to fender  14  and permanently connected to an inner tube  52 . 
     FIGS. 2A-5C detail components of a sample valve assembly  54  of the present invention. Illustrated in FIGS. 2A-C, for example, are various views of outer base  58  of assembly  54 . Outer base  58  may comprise bottom  62  and side walls  66  integrally formed therewith, with bottom  62  defining central opening  70  therein. Walls  66 , moreover, may include serrations  74 , with one more recessed areas  78  being adapted to receive complimentary trusions  80  of inner base  82 . 
     Indeed, shown in FIGS. 3A-C is inner base  82 . Like outer base  58 , inner base  82  includes bottom  86  with a central opening  90  therein as well as side walls  94 . In use, inner base  82  is inserted into outer base  58  so that bottom  86  abuts bottom  68  and side walls  94  abut side walls  66 , with protrusions  80  received by recesses  78 . As so inserted, furthermore, inner base  82  has its central opening  90  aligned with central opening  70  of outer base  58 . If desired, inner base  82  may be permanently attached to outer base  58  once inserted therein. 
     Additionally included in many embodiments of inner base  82  are interior walls  98  and flange  102 , the latter protruding outward from side walls  94 . Inner base  82  thus creates two distinct recesses  106  and  110 , with recess  106  being formed between side walls  94  and interior walls  98 . Recess  110 , by contrast, is the area bounded by interior walls  98 . 
     As fitted together, inner base  82  and outer base  58  form a structure adapted to be connected to inflatable inner tube  52  of boat  10 , as detailed in FIGS. 4A-B. Underside  114  or, preferably, upper side  115  of flange  102  may be welded (using RF energy or otherwise) or attached, bonded, or connected in any suitable manner to (typically) exterior surface  116  of inner tube  52 , with side walls  66  and bottom  68  extending into the interior volume of tube  52  through an opening created therein. Because of the tight (friction) fit or other attachment between inner base  82  and outer base  58 , after the structure is connected to inner tube  52 , tube  52  remains sealed from the ambient environment except at aligned openings  70  and  90 , through which fluid may enter and exit the interior volume of tube  52 . 
     FIG. 4-B also illustrate valve  118  useful as part of the present invention. In some embodiments of boat  10 , valve  118  is a valve commonly known as a “Boston” valve and is fitted into openings  70  and  90 . Those skilled in the art will, of course, recognize that other appropriate valving mechanisms may be substituted for the Boston-style valve shown in FIG. 4-B. 
     Nevertheless, if a Boston valve, valve  118  may include flanged retainer  122 , which may be fitted into openings  70  and  90  with its flanges retaining it in position. Retainer  122  need not be flanged, however, and instead may be welded or otherwise formed or fitted in place in any manner suitable for the plastics materials of which valve assembly  54  preferably (although not necessarily) is made. Retainer  122  additionally may have a threaded interior bore into which valving member  126  may be inserted, and member  126  may include cap  130  which, when removed, provides access to a chamber within member  126  to which a pump or other source of pressurized fluid may be connected. To inflate tube  52  with air, therefore, one need merely remove cap  130 , attach an air source to member  126 , and allow the air to flow through member  126  and retainer  122  of valve  118  into the interior  134  of tube  52 . 
     Detailed in FIGS. 5A-C is external fitting  138 . Fitting  138  may include flange  142  and side walls  146  extending downward therefrom. Formed intermediate flange  142  and walls  146  may be recess  150 , the base  154  of which includes one or more openings  158 . Side walls  146 , further, bound an opening  162 . In use, upper side  163 A or underside  163 B of flange  142  may be welded or otherwise attached to the exterior  164  of fender  14 A or  14 B (see FIGS.  6 A-B), with side walls  146  intending into interior  166  of the fender  14  through an opening therein. When inner tube  52  likewise is positioned within interior  166 , side walls  146  are adapted to fit into and be received by recess  106  of inner base  82 . Further, as so fitted, openings  158  are aligned with corresponding openings  170  of inner base  82 , with the openings  158  and  170  receiving screws or other fasteners to fasten fitting  138  and inner base  82  together. 
     Such screws or fasteners additionally may penetrate openings  174  of ring  178  (FIGS. 7A-C) and the fabric or other material from which fenders  14  is formed. In use, ring  178  fits into recess  150  and, like fitting  138 , bounds an opening  182 . Aligned openings  182  and  162  thus provide access to the interior  166  of fender  14 A or  14 B after flange  142  is connected to exterior  164 . 
     To position an inner tube  52  within interior  166 , the tube  52  (in an uninflated or partially-inflated state) may be fed, or “stuffed,” through aligned openings  182  and  162 . Because inner base  82  and outer base  58  (if present) are attached to inner tube  52 , they too must be inserted through aligned openings  182  and  162  (usually simply by turning or twisting them sideways) so that they are within interior  166 . After inner base  82  and outer base  58  have been positioned within interior  166  of a fender  14 , the fasteners may be inserted through openings  174 ,  170 , and  158  to fasten the respective components of valve assembly  54  together. 
     Thereafter, inner tube  52  may be fully inflated from outside fender  14  through valve  118 , and as tube  52  expands with inflation fluid, fender  14  will conform its shape to that of tube  52  (analogous to the fender serving as a cover for a balloon). Similarly, if inner tube  52  needs additional air pressure at some later time for enhanced buoyancy, such air can be provided merely by opening valve  118  and connecting it to a source of pressurized air (and hence without needing first to deflate inner tube  52  and remove it from within fender  14 ). Although careful application of inflation fluid may minimize the possibility of inner tube  52  kinking or otherwise not engaging in uniform expansion when being filled, an elongated section of cord may also be tied to end  186  of tube  52  and protrude through an (unshown) opening of fender  14  near bow  50 , so that someone can pull the cord so as to preposition tube  52  within the length of fender  14  before commencing inflation. If indeed such cord is used, it should be long enough to extend within fender  14  approximately the entire distance between the bow and aligned openings  162  and  182 , so that neither end of the cord is lost within interior  166  when inner tube  52  is removed. 
     In some circumstances inner tube  52  indeed may need to be removed from fender  14 , as for repair, examination, or replacement, for example. Merely by removing the fasteners, inner base  82  and outer base  58  can be disconnected from fitting  138  and ring  178  and then (typically turned sideways and) pulled through aligned openings  162  and  182 . Because inner base  82  and outer base  58  are connected to inner tube  52 , it too is pulled through aligned openings  162  and  182  to outside fender  14 . 
     The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of the present invention. Further modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. As (non-limiting) examples of such modifications, outer base  58  may be omitted in some embodiments, while in others it may comprise a simple sleeve or cover having a cross-section generally similar to that shown in FIG.  2 C. In such embodiments, the sleeve or cover may be welded or otherwise attached to inner base  82 . Additionally, having recesses  78  and protrusions  80  is not a requirement of the invention, and such recesses  78  and protrusions  80  may be omitted if appropriate or desired.