Patent ID: 7290970

Claim:
A multi-channel flat valve assembly for use within an inflatable structure in order to control the inflation and deflation of a single internal space defined within the inflatable structure, comprising: a pair of members disposed in surface-to-surface contact with respect to each other, wherein each one of said pair of members has a predetermined lateral width dimension, a predetermined longitudinal length dimension, oppositely disposed side edge portions, and oppositely disposed end edge portions; means for sealing together said oppositely disposed side edge portions of said pair of members such that said multi-channel flat valve assembly has an open upstream entrance end portion which is adapted to be accessible externally of the inflatable structure for receiving a supply of a pressurized fluid to be conducted into the inflatable structure, and an open downstream exit end portion which is adapted to be disposed within the inflatable structure so as to conduct the pressurized fluid into the inflatable structure; and a plurality of longitudinally extending, laterally spaced, fluidically separated fluid channels, connected together along their longitudinal extents, defined between said pair of members disposed in surface-to-surface contact with respect to each other, wherein said plurality of longitudinally extending, laterally spaced, fluidically separated fluid channels have downstream open end portions which are all adapted to fluidically communicate together with the single internal space defined within the inflatable structure so as to enable the inflation of the inflatable structure, and upstream open end portions which are located downstream from said open upstream entrance end portion of said multi-channel flat valve assembly so as to prevent the propagation of forces, attendant the inflation of the inflatable structure and tending to undesirably open said multi-channel flat valve assembly, toward said open downstream exit end portion of said multi-channel flat valve assembly whereby said multi-channel flat valve assembly will not be undesirably opened once the inflatable structure has been inflated.