Patent ID: 12215703

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Referring generally toFIGS.1-7, an air assembly1000is disclosed. Air assembly1000includes a main body1011, which forms a main body chamber1090with an opening. At the lower end of the main body1011opposite the opening of the main body chamber1090, the main body1011includes an air outlet1112that directs air to an inflatable product P and an air inlet1111that receives air from the inflatable product P, as shown inFIG.4A, for inflation and deflation of the inflatable product P respectively. At the upper end of the main body1011, a panel1013fits within the opening of the main body chamber1090. A fixing ring1014removably couples the main body1011and the panel1013to a control panel1012. The control panel1012may be welded, adhered, or otherwise attached to a wall of the inflatable product P.

Referring toFIGS.1-2, the control panel1012includes a vent1121in communication with ambient air to facilitate the introduction of air into the air assembly1000. A rotating actuator in the form of a hand wheel1031is positioned on the control panel1012over the vent1121and includes a wheel vent1311. Referring also toFIG.5, a transmission member in the form of a hollow rotating control shaft1034includes an upper portion coupled to the hand wheel1031above a top surface of the control panel1012, a middle portion disposed through the control panel1012, and a lower portion with a gear1032disposed within the main body chamber1090. A sidewall of the rotating control shaft1034includes an air hole1341, which places wheel vent1311in communication with main body chamber1090to enable the movement of ambient air into main body chamber1090. The middle portion of the rotating control shaft1034is also disposed through panel1013, which is coupled to an interior sidewall of the main body1011between the control panel1012and the gear1032. The rotating control shaft1034includes sensed elements, such as protrusions1342aand1342bon its periphery (FIG.5), configured for detection by a sensor, such as microswitch1015supported by panel1013and operably coupled to a power supply (not shown).

Referring now toFIGS.1and3-4, a rotating directional control valve or disc1033is positioned within the main body chamber1090above the air inlet1111and the air outlet1112of the main body1011and engages with the gear1032so that the rotating disc1033rotates when the gear1032rotates. Gaskets1092(FIG.1) are fitted within the air inlet1111and the air outlet1112to prevent the leakage of air before and after inflation or deflation of the inflatable product P (FIG.4A). A pump cover1024is located within main body chamber1090and includes an air inlet1241in communication with the main body chamber1090and an air outlet1242in selective communication with the air inlet1111or the air outlet1112of the main body1011. The pump cover1024cooperates with a pump body1022to form an impeller chamber1091, which supports an impeller1023. The impeller chamber1091is in communication with the main body chamber1090and in selective communication with air inlet1111or air outlet1112of the main body1011through air inlet1241and air outlet1242of the pump cover1024respectively. A motor1021is located above pump body1022within main body chamber1090and includes a rotational motor shaft1093. The rotational motor shaft1093is disposed through the pump body1022to couple to the impeller1023within impeller chamber1091so that motor1021may drive the impeller1023to rotate to perform an inflation operation or a deflation operation.

Referring again toFIGS.4and6-7, the rotating disc1033includes a first inlet vent1331to selectively communicate with the air inlet1241of the pump cover1024and the main body chamber1090; a first outlet vent1332to selectively communicate with the air outlet1242of the pump cover1024and the air outlet1112of the main body1011; a second air inlet vent1333to selectively communicate with the air inlet1241of the pump cover1024and the air inlet1111of the main body1011; and a second air outlet vent1334to selectively communicate with the air outlet1242of the pump cover1024and the main body chamber1090. The first inlet vent1331and the first outlet vent1332may be aligned across the rotating disc1033for simultaneous communication with the pump cover1024in an inflation state ofFIG.6, which is described further below. Similarly, the second inlet vent1333and the second outlet vent1334may be aligned across the rotating disc1033for simultaneous communication with the pump cover1024in a deflation state ofFIG.7, which is also described further below.

Returning toFIG.2, the hand wheel1031may be rotated by a user to adjust the air assembly1000between the above-described inflation, deflation, and closed states. Illustratively, a rotation stroke of the hand wheel1031is about 120°, which coincides with an included angle between the two protrusions1342aand1342bon the rotating control shaft1034(FIG.5). Specifically, a stroke angle between the inflation state and the closed state is about 60°, and a stroke angle from the closed state to the deflation state is about 60°. The angles between the corresponding vents1331,1332,1333, and1334of the rotating disc1033also coincide. It is understood that these angles may vary.

In one configuration, when the air assembly1000is in a closed or non-operating state, first inlet vent1331, first outlet vent1332, second inlet vent1333, and second outlet vent1334are offset from and not in communication with inflatable product P (FIG.4A). In other words, the air inlet1111of the main body1011and the air outlet1112of the main body1011are closed and the gaskets1092create an air-tight seal between the rotating disc1033, the air inlet1111, and the air outlet1112. When the hand wheel1031is in the closed state, neither of the protrusions1342aor1342btouch the microswitch1015, so the motor1021may be disconnected from the power supply (not shown). In this closed state, the air inlet1111and the air outlet1112of the main body1011are closed, as described above.

In another configuration as shown byFIGS.4and6, the L-shaped first inlet vent1331is in selective communication with the air inlet1241of the pump cover1024and the main body chamber1090, and the first outlet vent1332is in selective communication with the air outlet1242of the pump cover1024and the air outlet1112of the main body1011. In this configuration, the main body chamber1090, the air inlet1241of the pump cover1024, the impeller chamber1091, the air outlet1242of the pump cover1024, and the air outlet1112of the main body1011comprise an airway. The air inlet1111, by contrast, is covered by the rotating disc1033. Thus, the air outlet1112of the main body1011is opened and the air inlet1111of the main body1011is closed so that the inflatable product P (FIG.4A) may be inflated. This configuration of air assembly1000may also be referred to as the inflation state.

As shown inFIG.6, when a user rotates the hand wheel1031in a first direction by 60° to reach the inflation state, the gear1032rotates along with the hand wheel1031via rotating control shaft1034to engage rotating disc1033. As a result, the air outlet1112of the main body1011is opened and the air inlet1111is closed as described above. Additionally, the first protrusion1342aof the rotating control shaft1034touches the microswitch1015(FIG.1), starting the motor1021. Then, the motor1021drives the impeller1023to rotate, drawing ambient air into the main body chamber1090of the air assembly1000through the wheel vent1311of the hand wheel1031and the air hole1341of the rotating control shaft1034. The air is then drawn into the impeller chamber1091through the first inlet vent1331of the rotating disc1033and the air inlet1241of the pump cover1024. Then, the air moves through the impeller chamber1091and out of the air outlet1242of the pump cover1024and the first outlet vent1332. The air is then free to exit through the air outlet1112of the main body1011and into the inflatable product P (FIG.4A), thus inflating the inflatable product P.

Once the inflatable product P (FIG.4A) has been inflated to a desired pressure, the user may rotate the hand wheel1031in the opposite direction by 60° back to the closed state, thereby turning the gear1032via rotating control shaft1034to engage with the rotating disc1033and close the air inlet1111and the air outlet1112of the main body1011as described above. Additionally, the protrusion1342ano longer touches microswitch1015(FIG.1), disconnecting the motor1021from the power supply (not shown) so that the motor1021stops operating.

In another configuration as shown byFIG.7, the second inlet vent1333is in selective communication with the air inlet1241of the pump cover1024and the air inlet1111of the main body1011, and the L-shaped second outlet vent1334is in selective communication with the air outlet1242of the pump cover1024and the main body chamber1090. In this configuration, the air inlet1111of the main body1011, the air inlet1241of the pump cover1024, the impeller chamber1091, the air outlet1242of the pump cover1024and the main body chamber1090comprise an airway. The air outlet1112, by contrast, is covered by the rotating disc1033. Thus, the air inlet1111of the main body1011is opened and the air outlet1112of the main body1011is closed so that the inflatable product P (FIG.4A) may be deflated. This configuration of air assembly1000may also be referred to as the deflation state.

As shown inFIG.7, when a user rotates the hand wheel1031in a second direction by 60° to reach the deflation state, the gear1032rotates along with the hand wheel1031via rotating control shaft1034to engage rotating disc1033. As a result, the air inlet1111of the main body1011is opened and the air outlet1112is closed as described above. Additionally, the second protrusion1342bof the rotating control shaft1034touches the microswitch1015(FIG.1), starting the motor1021. Then, the motor1021drives the impeller1023to rotate, drawing air from the inflatable product P (FIG.4A) into the main body chamber1090of the air assembly1000through the air inlet1111of the main body1011. Specifically, the air is drawn in through air inlet1111of the main body1011, through the second inlet vent1333of the rotating disc1033, through the air inlet1241of the pump cover1024, and then enters impeller chamber1091. The air then moves through air outlet1242of the pump cover1024and the second outlet vent1334of the rotating disc1033into the main body chamber1090. The air is then free to exit the air assembly1000into the surrounding environment through the air hole1341of the rotating control shaft1034and the wheel vent1311of the hand wheel1031, thus deflating the inflatable product P.

Once the inflatable product P (FIG.4A) has been deflated entirely or to a desired pressure, the user may rotate the hand wheel1031in the opposite direction by 60° back to the closed state, which closes the air inlet1111and the air outlet1112of the main body1011and turns off motor1021as described above.

Now referring toFIGS.8-16, another embodiment of air assembly2000is disclosed. The air assembly2000has substantially the same structure and operation as the air assembly1000, except as described below. Like elements of the air assembly2000are identified by adding “1000” to the corresponding reference number of the air assembly1000.

Referring specifically toFIGS.8-9, a translating directional control valve or core2043is positioned within the main body chamber2090above the air inlet2111and the air outlet2112of the main body2011(FIGS.10-11) and engages with the gear2032so that the translating core2043translates side-to-side when the gear2032rotates. Gaskets2092are fitted between the translating core2043, the air inlet2111, and the air outlet2112to prevent the leakage of air before and after inflation or deflation of the inflatable product P (FIG.4A). Specifically, as shown inFIG.9translating core2043includes a connecting arm2434with a rack2441to engage with the gear2032of the rotating control shaft2034. As the rotating control shaft2034rotates, the gear2032rotates with the rotating control shaft2034and drives the translating core2043to translate side-to-side.

As illustrated inFIGS.9and11, the translating core2043includes an inlet vent2431to selectively communicate with the air inlet2111of the main body2011and air inlet2241of the pump cover2024; an outlet vent2432to selectively communicate with the air outlet2112of the main body2011and the air outlet2242of the pump cover, and a baffle2433disposed between the inlet vent2431and the outlet vent2432to selectively close the air inlet2111and/or the air outlet2112of the main body2011as the translating core2043translates, with the gaskets2092(FIG.8) creating an air-tight seal between the translating core2043, the air inlet2111, and the air outlet2112.

Referring toFIGS.8and11, in some embodiments, an intermediate guide plate2054may be disposed between the pump cover2024and the translating core2043. The guide plate2054includes two guide arms2543aand2543bopposite to each other so that the translating core2043is received between the guide arms2543a-b, and the guide arms2543a-bguide the translating core2043as translating core2043translates relative to the guide plate2054during operation of the air assembly2000. The guide plate2054further includes an inlet vent2541in communication with the air inlet2241of the pump cover2024and in selective communication with the inlet vent2431of the translating core2043. The guide plate2054also includes an outlet vent2542in communication with the air outlet2242of the pump cover2042and in selective communication with outlet vent2432of the translating core2043. For example, in an inflation state, as shown inFIG.14, the outlet vent2432of the translating core2043is in selective communication with the air outlet2242of the pump cover2024via the outlet vent2542of the guide plate2054. In a deflation state, as shown inFIG.15, the inlet vent2431of the translating core2043is in selective communication with the air inlet2241of the pump cover2024via the inlet vent2541of the guide plate2054. In other embodiments, air assembly2000may not include the guide plate2054, so that the inlet vent2431of the translating core2043may come into direct selective communication with the air inlet2241of the pump cover2024and the outlet vent2432of the translating core2043may come into direct selective communication with the air outlet2242of the pump cover2024.

Referring now toFIG.10, similar to air assembly1000, the hand wheel2031of air assembly2000may be rotated by a user to adjust between the inflation, closed, and deflation states.

When the air assembly2000is not in use, the hand wheel2031remains in the closed state as shown inFIG.13, and the baffle2433of the translating core2043closes both the air inlet2111and the air outlet2112of the main body2011. The motor2021may also stop operating as described above.

As illustrated inFIG.14, when the user rotates the hand wheel2031in a first direction to the inflation state, the motor2021starts via the protrusion2342aon the rotating control shaft2034and the microswitch2015as described above, and the motor2021drives the impeller2023to rotate via rotating motor shaft2093. The gear2032rotates along with the rotating control shaft2034and the hand wheel2031to engage with the tooth edge2441of the connecting arm2434of the translating core2043to cause the translating core2043to translate to the left inFIG.14. In this position, the outlet vent2432of the translating core2043aligns with the air outlet2242of the pump cover2024and the air outlet2112of the main body2011while the baffle2433of the translating core2043closes the air inlet2111of the main body2011. The inflatable product P is inflated as air is drawn in through the wheel vent2311by impeller2023and moves through the created airway.

When the inflatable product P (FIG.4A) has been inflated to a desired pressure, the user may return hand wheel2031to the closed state (FIG.13) so that the baffle2433of the translating core2043closes both the air inlet2111and the air outlet2112of the main body2011and the motor2021stops operating as described above.

As illustrated inFIG.15, when the user rotates the hand wheel2031in a second direction to the deflation state, the motor2021starts via the protrusion2342bon the rotating control shaft2034and the microswitch2015as described above, and the motor2021drives the impeller2023to rotate via rotating motor shaft2093. The gear2032rotates along with the rotating control shaft2034and the hand wheel2031to engage with the rack2441of the connecting arm2434of the translating core2043to cause the translating core2043to translate. When the translating core2043translates, the inlet vent2431of the translating core2043aligns with the air inlet2241of the pump cover2024and the air inlet2111of the main body2011, while the baffle2433of the translating core2043closes the air outlet2112of the main body2011. Thus, the deflation state is implemented as air is drawn in through the air inlet2111of the main body2011and moves through the created airway. When the inflatable product P (FIG.4A) has been deflated entirely or to a desired pressure, the user may return hand wheel2031to the closed state (FIG.13) so that the baffle2433of the translating core2043closes both the air inlet2111and the air outlet2112of the main body2011and the motor stops operating as described above.

Now referring generally toFIGS.17-23, another embodiment of air assembly3000is disclosed. The air assembly3000has substantially the same structure and operation as the air assembly1000, except as described below. Like elements of the air assembly3000are identified by adding “2000” to the corresponding reference number of the air assembly1000.

As illustrated inFIGS.17-18, the hand wheel3031supported by the control panel3012over the control panel vent3121is coupled to a transmission member in the form of a swing bar3062, which includes a connector3621, illustrated as a disc-shaped extension that extends horizontally outward from a vertical axis of the swing bar3062. A portion of an upper face of the connector3621protrudes upward to form a fixing step3622which passes through the panel3013to couple to the hand wheel3031, such as with a connection shaft3623, so that a rotating directional control valve or disc3033rotates along with the hand wheel3031. The hand wheel3031may include a centrally disposed main wheel vent3311in communication with the surrounding environment and at least one radially disposed side wheel vent3312disposed on a sidewall of the hand wheel3031and in communication with the main body chamber3090. The swing bar3062is further provided with two sensed protrusions3342a-bcoupled to a lower end face of the connector3621, which are configured to selectively touch the microswitch3015supported by the panel3013when a user rotates the hand wheel3031. At its lower end opposite the connector3621, the swing bar3062is coupled to a fixing hole3335of the rotating disc3033so that rotating disc3033is rotated via the swing bar3062when the user rotates the hand wheel3031. Gaskets3092are fitted between the rotating disc3033, the air inlet3111, and the air outlet3112to prevent the leakage of air before and after inflation or deflation of the inflatable product P (FIG.4A).

As shown inFIG.19, and similar to air assembly1000, the hand wheel3031of air assembly3000may be rotated by a user to adjust the air assembly3000between the inflation, closed, and deflation states. When the air assembly3000is not in use, the hand wheel2031remains in the closed state, with the gaskets3092(FIG.17) creating an air-tight seal between the rotating disc3033, the air inlet3111, and the air outlet3112.

When the user rotates the hand wheel3031in a first direction to the inflation state as illustrated inFIG.22, the rotating disc3033is rotated via the swing bar3062so that the air outlet3112of the main body3011is opened and air inlet3111of the main body3011is closed, and the protrusion3342aof the swing bar3062touches the microswitch3015(FIGS.17and18) to start the motor3021. Then, the motor3021drives the impeller3023to rotate, drawing ambient air into the main body chamber3090via the main wheel vent3311and side wheel vent3312of the hand wheel3031. Next, the air is drawn into the impeller chamber3091through the first L-shaped inlet vent3331of the rotating disc3033and the air inlet3241of the pump cover3024. The air then moves through the air outlet3242of the pump cover3024and the first outlet vent3332of the rotating disc3033, where the air is free to enter and inflate the inflatable product P (FIG.4A) through the air outlet3112of the main body3011. When the inflatable product P (FIG.4A) has been inflated to a desired pressure, the user may return hand wheel3031to the closed state (FIG.20) so that the air inlet3111and the air outlet3112of the main body3011are closed and the motor3021stops operating as described above.

Now referring toFIG.23, when the user rotates the hand wheel3031in a second direction to the deflation state, the rotating disc3033is rotated via the swing bar3062so that the air inlet3111of the main body3011is opened and air outlet3112of the main body3011is closed, and the protrusion3342bof the swing bar3062touches the microswitch3015(FIGS.17and18) to start the motor3021. Then, the motor3021drives the impeller3023to rotate, drawing the air from the inflatable product P into the impeller chamber3091through the air inlet3111of the main body3011, the second inlet vent3333of the rotating disc3033, and the air inlet3241of the pump cover3024. The air then moves through air outlet3242of the pump cover3024and the second L-shaped outlet vent3334of the rotating disc3033to enter the main body chamber3090. The air is then free to exit the air assembly3000via the side wheel vent3312and the main wheel vent3311of the hand wheel3031, thus deflating the inflatable product P. When the inflatable product P (FIG.4A) has been deflated entirely or to a desired pressure, the user may return hand wheel3031to the closed state (FIG.20) so that the air inlet3111and the air outlet3112of the main body3011are closed and the motor3021stops operating as described above.

Now referring generally toFIGS.24-31, another embodiment of the air assembly4000is disclosed. The air assembly4000has substantially the same structure and operation as the air assembly1000, except as described below. Like elements of the air assembly4000are identified by adding “3000” to the corresponding reference number of the air assembly1000.

Like the air assembly1000, the main body4011forms the main body chamber4090with an opening. The main body4011further has at least one inflation/deflation port4211, which is in communication with an inflatable product P (FIG.24A). As illustrated, the main body4011may have two inflation/deflation ports4211a-blocated on opposing sidewalls of the main body4011. In other embodiments, more or fewer inflation ports4211may be located at other positions on the main body4011.

Referring now toFIG.25, the control panel4012is spaced apart from the main body4011and the panel4013via the removable fixing ring4014. The panel4013encloses the main body chamber4090. Additionally, as illustrated inFIGS.27-31, the panel4013divides the main body chamber4090formed by the main body4011into a first, upper chamber4094and a second, lower chamber4095. The first chamber4094is in communication with the vent4121of the control panel4012(FIG.24) and the hand wheel4031, while the second chamber4095is in communication with the inflation/deflation ports4211a-bof the main body4011. The panel4013is provided with an inflation vent4131and a deflation vent4132for selective communication with the first chamber4094. Gaskets4092(FIG.24) are fitted between the rotating disc3033, the inflation vent4131of panel4013, and the deflation vent4132of the panel4013to prevent the leakage of air before and after inflation or deflation of the inflatable product P (FIG.4A).

Referring toFIGS.25-29, as with previous embodiments, the hand wheel4031sits over the vent4121of the control panel4012. The hand wheel4031is provided with a wheel vent4311in communication with the first chamber4094. In an illustrative embodiment, the hand wheel4031is fixedly coupled to a rotating directional control valve or disc4033through a connection shaft4313so that the rotating disc4033is disposed in the second chamber4095and rotates along with the hand wheel4031. In other embodiments, the hand wheel4031may be coupled to the rotating disc4033through other means.

Referring now toFIGS.24and27-31, the rotating disc4033is provided with a first vent4331with an opening on each the top face and the bottom face of the rotating disc4033and an L-shaped second vent4332with an opening on each the bottom face and the sidewall of the rotating disc3033. One or more sensed protrusions4335(FIG.24) extend from the periphery of the rotating disc4033and are configured to be sensed by the microswitch4015to operate the motor4021.

Now referring toFIG.26, similar to air assembly1000, the hand wheel4031of air assembly4000may be rotated by a user to adjust air assembly4000between the inflation, closed, and deflation states. When the air assembly4000is not in use, the hand wheel4031remains in a closed state (FIG.29) so that both the air inlet4241and the air outlet4242of the pump cover4024are closed by the rotating disc4033, and the gaskets4092(FIG.24) create an air-tight seal between rotating disc4033, inflation vent4131of panel4013, and deflation vent4132of panel4013.

In a first position as illustrated byFIG.30, the first vent4331is in selective communication with the wheel vent4311of the hand wheel4031via the inflation vent4131of the panel4013and with the air inlet4241of the pump cover4024, which is also disposed in the second chamber4095and supports the microswitch4015. When the first vent4331of the rotating disc4033is in this position, the second vent4332of the rotating disc4033is in selective communication with the air outlet4242of the pump cover4024and the inflation/deflation ports4211a-bof the main body4011. This configuration of air assembly4000may also be referred to as the inflation state.

When a user rotates the hand wheel4031in a first direction to the inflation state as illustrated byFIG.30, the rotating disc4033rotates with the hand wheel4031so that one of the sensed protrusions4335touches microswitch4015(FIG.24) and starts motor4021. Additionally, the first vent4331comes into the first position described above. The motor4021drives the impeller4023to rotate, drawing ambient air from outside of the air assembly4000into the first chamber4094via the wheel vent4311of the hand wheel4031. The air is then drawn into the impeller chamber4091through the inflation vent4131of the panel4013, the first vent4331of the rotating disc4033, and the air inlet4241of the pump cover4024. The air then moves through the air outlet4242of the pump cover4024and the second vent4332of the rotating disc4033to enter the second chamber4095of the main body chamber4090. The air is then free to move into the inflatable product P (FIG.24A) via the inflation/deflation ports4211a-b, thus inflating the inflatable product P. When the inflatable product P (FIG.24A) has been inflated to a desired pressure, the user may return the hand wheel4031to the closed state (FIG.29), thereby closing the air inlet4241and the air outlet4242of the pump cover4024, and the motor4021stops operating as described above.

In a second position as illustrated byFIGS.27and31, the first vent4331is in selective communication with the wheel vent4311of the hand wheel4031via the deflation vent4132of the panel4013and the air outlet4242of the pump cover4024. When the first vent4331of the rotating disc4033is in this position, the second vent4332of the rotating disc4033is in selective communication with the air inlet4241of the pump cover4024and the inflation/deflation ports4211a-bof the main body4011. This configuration of air assembly4000may also be referred to as the deflation state.

When the user rotates the hand wheel4031in a second direction to the deflation state as illustrated byFIG.31, the rotating disc4033rotates with the hand wheel4031so that the other sensed protrusion4335touches the microswitch4015(FIG.24) and starts the motor4021. Additionally, the first vent4331comes into the second position described above. The motor4021drives the impeller4023to rotate, drawing air from the inflatable product P (FIG.24A) into the second chamber4095via the inflation/deflation ports4211a-b. Next, the air moves through the second vent4332of the rotating disc4033and the air inlet4241of the pump cover4024to enter the impeller chamber4091. The air then exits the impeller chamber4091into the first chamber4094through the air outlet4242of the pump cover4024, the first vent4331of the rotating disc4033, and the deflation vent4132of the panel4013. From the first chamber4094, the air is free to exit into the surrounding environment via the wheel vent4311of the hand wheel4031, thus deflating the inflatable product P. When the inflatable product P (FIG.24A) has been deflated entirely or to a desired pressure, the user may return the hand wheel4031to the closed state (FIG.29) so that the rotating disc4033has closed the air inlet4241and the air outlet4242of the pump cover4024, and the motor4021stops operating as described above.

Now referring generally toFIGS.32-38, another embodiment of air assembly5000is disclosed. The air assembly5000has substantially the same structure and operation as the air assembly1000, except as described below. Like elements of the air assembly5000are identified by adding “4000” to the corresponding reference number of the air assembly1000.

Now referring toFIG.32-33, like previous embodiments, air assembly5000includes a main body5011that forms a main body chamber5090with an opening, a panel5013covering the opening, and a control panel5012removably coupled with the main body5011via a removeable fixing ring5014. However, unlike the previous embodiments, the control panel5012includes an elongated groove5122and a translating actuator button5123for operation by the user.

Referring specifically toFIG.32, air assembly5000includes a translating directional control valve assembly5001disposed within the main body chamber5090and movably positioned between the pump cover5024and the main body5011so that the inflation/deflation vent or port5111located on a lower end of the main body5011is in selective communication with the air inlet5241or the air outlet5242of the pump cover5024. The translating valve assembly5001includes an upper vane5070coupled to a lower end of the pump cover5024in an airtight manner, and a lower translating vane5080disposed between the upper vane5070and the main body5011so that lower translating vane5080is movable side-to-side relative to the upper vane5070. In other embodiments, the upper vane5070may be integrated with the pump cover5024or otherwise omitted.

Now referring toFIG.34, the upper vane5070is provided with an inlet vent5071in communication with the air inlet5241of the pump cover5024(FIG.32) and an outlet vent5072in communication with the air outlet5242of the pump cover5024(FIG.32). The inlet vent5071is formed by a first, inner sidewall5711, located closest to the outlet vent5072, a second, outer sidewall5712parallel to the first sidewall5711, a third sidewall5713between first sidewall5711and second sidewall5712with an opening5715in communication with the main body chamber5090(FIG.36), and a fourth sidewall5714parallel to the third sidewall5713with an opening5716in communication with the main body chamber5090(FIG.36).

Now referring toFIGS.35and36, the lower translating vane5080is provided with an inlet vent5081, an outlet vent5082, and a baffle5083disposed between the inlet vent5081and the outlet vent5082. The inlet vent5081is formed by a plurality of sidewalls, including a tilted sidewall5811closest to the baffle5083and a bottom sidewall5812. An opening formed between a lower end of the tilted sidewall5811and the bottom sidewall5812is a lower port of the inlet vent5081, which complements the inflation/deflation port5111of the main body5011to selectively communicate with the inflation/deflation port5111of the main body5011(FIG.36). A gasket5092(FIG.32) is fitted between the lower translating vane5080and the inflation/deflation port5111to prevent the leakage of air before and after inflation or deflation of the inflatable product P (FIG.32A). The outlet vent5082of the lower translating vane5080is also formed by a plurality of sidewalls, including a first vertical sidewall5821, which is closest to the baffle5083. A perimeter of the outlet vent5082decreases in size gradually from top to bottom so that the bottom end of the outlet vent5082complements the inflation/deflation port5111of the main body5011(FIG.36) to selectively communicate with the inflation/deflation port5111(FIG.36). One end of the baffle5083is coupled to a lower end of the tilted sidewall5811of the inlet vent5081, while the other end of the baffle5083is coupled to a lower end of the first sidewall5821of the outlet vent5082. The baffle5083, the tilted sidewall5811of the inlet vent5081, and the first sidewall5821of the outlet vent5082cooperate to form a first interior chamber5085, which is in communication with the main body chamber5090(FIG.36).

Still referring toFIG.35, the lower translating vane5080further includes a transmission member in the form of an actuator arm5084that extends vertically from a sidewall5087of the lower translating vane5080, where the sidewall5087is comprised collectively of a sidewall of the inlet vent5081, a sidewall of the outlet vent5082, and a sidewall of the baffle5083. The actuator arm5084is generally S-shaped to accommodate the motor5021(FIG.32). An upper end of the actuator arm5084extends through a clearance hole in the panel5013and through the groove5122of the control panel5012to couple with actuator button5123, so that a user may change the position of the lower translating vane5080via the actuator button5123and the actuator arm5084(FIG.33). The actuator arm5084also includes two sensed protrusions5342a-blocated at a position above the panel5013(FIG.32), so that the protrusions5342a-bcan touch the microswitch5015supported by the panel5013to operate the motor5021at direction of the user (FIG.32).

The actuator arm5084further includes a first, lower opening5841disposed at a lower portion of the actuator arm5084and the adjacent sidewall5087and in communication with the first chamber5085so that first chamber5085is in communication with the main body chamber5090(FIG.36) via the opening5841. The actuator arm5084also includes a second, upper opening5842disposed at the lower portion of the actuator arm5084and in communication with the opening5715on the third sidewall5713of the inlet vent5071of the upper vane5070(FIG.34) so that the first chamber5085is in communication with the main body chamber5090(FIG.36) via the opening5842and the opening5715on the third sidewall5713of the inlet vent5071of the upper vane5070(FIG.34).

Continuing to refer toFIG.35, the lower translating vane5080further includes a guide arm5086, coupled to the sidewall of the inlet vent5081opposite from the actuator arm5084. When the inlet vent5081of the lower translating vane5080is in selective communication with the inlet vent5071of the upper vane5070(FIGS.34and38), the guide arm5086can close the opening5716on the fourth sidewall5714of the inlet vent5071of the upper vane5070(FIG.34). At the same time, the actuator arm5084seals the opening5715on the third sidewall5713of the inlet vent5071of the upper vane5070to ensure the air tightness of the inlet vent5071of the upper vane5070(FIG.34). Additionally, the guide arm5086may cooperate with the actuator arm5084to clamp the upper vane5070(FIG.34) to effectively guide the movement of the lower translating vane5080.

Now referring toFIG.33, the actuator button5123allows the user to adjust the air assembly5000between an inflation state, a deflation state, and a closed state. Illustratively, the closed state is located between the inflation state and the deflation state. When the air assembly5000is not in use, the actuator button5123remains in a closed state (FIG.36) so that the inflation/deflation port5111of the main body5011is closed, with the gasket5092(FIG.32) creating an air-tight seal between the lower translating vane5080and the inflation/deflation port5111.

Referring specifically toFIG.37, the user may begin the inflation state by moving the actuator button5123to the left. When the actuator button5123is moved, the actuator arm5084moves in the same direction, driving the lower translating vane5080to also move in the same direction so that the first chamber5085on the lower translating vane5080is placed into communication with the inlet vent5071of the upper vane5070, an upper end of the outlet vent5082of the lower translating vane5080is in selective communication with the outlet vent5072of the upper vane5070, and a lower end of the outlet vent5082of the lower translating vane5080is in selective communication with the inflation/deflation port5111of the main body5011. Additionally, when the actuator arm5084moves, protrusion5342a(FIG.35) touches the microswitch5015(FIG.32) to start the motor5021. The motor5021drives the impeller5023to rotate, drawing ambient air from outside of the air assembly5000into the main body chamber5090through the vent5121on the control panel5012. Next, the air moves through the first chamber5085, the inlet vent5071of the upper vane5070, and the air inlet5241of the pump cover5024into the impeller chamber5091. The air then moves through the air outlet5242of the pump cover5024, the outlet vent5072of the upper vane5070, and the outlet vent5082of the lower translating vane5080. The air is then free to pass through the inflation/deflation port5111and enter inflatable product P (FIG.32A), thus inflating the inflatable product P. When the inflatable product P (FIG.32A) has been inflated to a desired pressure, the user may return the actuator button5123to the closed state (FIG.36), thereby closing the inflation/deflation port5111of the main body5011, and the motor4021stops operating as described above.

Now referring specifically toFIG.38, the user may begin the deflation state by moving the actuator button5123to the right. When the actuator button5123is moved, the actuator arm5084moves in the same direction, driving the lower translating vane5080to also move in the same direction so that the lower end of the inlet vent5081of the lower translating vane5080is in selective communication with the inflation/deflation port5111of the main body5011, an upper end of the inlet vent5081of the lower translating vane5080is in selective communication with the inlet vent5071of the upper vane5070, and the first chamber5085on the lower translating vane5080is in selective communication with the outlet vent5072of the upper vane5070. Additionally, when the actuator arm5084moves, the protrusion5342b(FIG.35) touches the microswitch5015(FIG.32) to start the motor5021. The motor5021drives the impeller5023to rotate, drawing air from the inflatable product P (FIG.32A) through the inflation/deflation port5111through the inlet vent5081of the lower translating vane5080, the inlet vent5071of the upper vane5070, and the air inlet5241of the pump cover5024into the impeller chamber5091. Next, the air moves through air outlet5242of the pump cover5024through the outlet vent5072of the upper vane5070into the first chamber5085, where the air is free to enter the main body chamber5090and finally exit through the vent5121of the control panel5012into the surrounding environment, thus deflating the inflatable product P. When the inflatable product P (FIG.32A) has been deflated entirely or to a desired pressure, the user may return the actuator button5123to the closed state (FIG.36), thereby closing the inflation/deflation port5111of the main body5011and turning off the motor5021as described above.

Various features of the above-described air assemblies1000-5000may be selectively combined. For example, air assembly5000may include multiple ports in addition to inflation/deflation port5111, such as air assembly1000having an air inlet1111and an air outlet1112.

Although the above-described directional control valves1033,2043,3033,4033,5001move by operating the corresponding manual actuators1031,2031,3031,4031,5123, it is also within the scope of the present disclosure that the directional control valves1033,2043,3033,4033,5001may be moved by operating electronic actuators.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.