Patent ID: 7220273

Claim:
A combination for controlling airflow between an air hose and an inflatable thermal blanket, comprising: an end of the air hose having a diameter; at least one inlet port in the inflatable thermal blanket for being coupled with the end of the air hose; at least one planar hose card attached to the inflatable thermal blanket, the planar hose card including an aperture aligned with an inlet port for receiving and supporting the end of the air hose when the end is coupled with the inlet port; a valve with a flap having a diameter substantially the same as the end diameter and disposed in the air hose near the end for opening to enable airflow out of the end when the end is coupled with the aperture and the inlet port; and means near the end for opening the flap in response to the aperture and the inlet port coupling with the end; the means including a moveable hinge lever connected to the flap which moves from a first position away from the end to a second position against the end in response to the end being coupled with the aperture and the inlet port; the flap being prevented from blocking the flow of air when the hinge lever is in the second position.