HK1025374B - Valve for inflatable objects - Google Patents

Description

Valve for inflating objects

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a self-sealing valve and more particularly to any low pressure inflation device including a self-sealing valve.

Prior art of the invention

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,267,363 (hereinafter "the 363 patent") and 5,367,726 (hereinafter "the 726 patent") propose a valve and motor suitable for inflating and deflating inflatable objects. Fig. 62 and 63 are top and cross-sectional views, respectively, of an embodiment of a multiple valve assembly disclosed in the '363 and' 726 patents. The valve includes a flange 152 that can be mounted on the wall of the inflatable object and positioned adjacent to the air transfer port for inflation and deflation of the inflatable object. There is a throat 1521 in the flange 152 through which air passes in its entirety when transferring between the interior and exterior of the inflatable body. The throat 1521 is defined by an annular flange 1522. In addition, the cap assembly 153 including the cap 1533 is used to openably cover the throat 1521. An annular base 1531 is disposed outside the annular flange. The cover 1533 is attached to the base by a hinge assembly 1532. The cover may be locked in the closed position by a locking means consisting of a locking boss 1535 on the cover and a locking recess 1536 on the base. When the lid is closed, the gasket 1534 is pressed against the top surface 1523 of the flange 1522 so that the gasket is compressed, thereby sealing the dual valve assembly.

A valve assembly 154 is disposed within the double valve assembly 153. The valve assembly includes a diaphragm 1544 and a valve stem 1547. The stem and diaphragm are supported by a stem seat 1549 attached to the cover 1533. The double valve assembly also includes structure defined by inflation input 1542 and valve seat 1543 to allow the diaphragm to rest in the closed position to further form the double valve assembly seal. The diaphragm can be accessed solely at the inflation input and pushed axially downward to the open position by pressing button 1546 within the double valve assembly. When the button is released by means of a spring 1548 arranged in the stem to push against the stem seat part, the membrane again abuts in the closed position.

Thus, the '363 and' 726 patents disclose a valve that can be used to inflate and deflate an inflatable device, wherein the diaphragm moves axially away from the valve seat toward the interior of the inflatable device during inflation, and the diaphragm will move axially toward the valve seat for sealing the valve. However, the multiple valve assemblies disclosed in the '363 and' 726 patents are approximately 4 "by 5", and therefore require a significant amount of space for installation within an inflatable object. However, many inflatable objects do not accommodate valve assemblies of this size, and therefore smaller valve assemblies that can fit into smaller inflatable objects are desired. In addition, many inflatable objects have contoured surfaces, so valves capable of fitting over contoured surface areas are needed. The double valve disclosed in the '363 and' 726 patents requires 9 separate parts to be manufactured and assembled, and is therefore expensive and difficult to manufacture, assemble and maintain. Therefore, there is a need for a valve that has fewer parts, is inexpensive to manufacture and assemble, and is easy to maintain. Further, the valves disclosed in the '363 and' 726 patents have redundant parts for sealing the valves, thereby increasing costs. Therefore, there is a need for a valve that does not require redundant structure to achieve self-sealing to provide a proper seal. Also, since the valve is to be inserted within the inflatable device, there is a need for a valve that is easy to use, easy to clean, and easy to service.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a self-sealing valve assembly suitable for use in an inflatable device.

Summary of the invention

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a self-sealing valve includes a valve housing having a fluid inlet. The valve chamber is configured such that fluid transferred between the interior and exterior of the valve chamber passes through the fluid inlet. The self-sealing valve also includes a valve assembly that selectively covers the fluid inlet to provide a self-sealing pneumatic seal. The fluid inlet is defined by an inner wall of the valve chamber, and the valve chamber further comprises a valve seat substantially facing the interior of the valve chamber. The valve assembly includes a cantilever arm having a first end attached to the inner wall of the valve chamber by a hinge assembly disposed between the first end of the cantilever arm and the inner wall. The second end of the cantilever arm is movable about the hinge point of the hinge assembly in a first direction from the closed position toward the interior of the valve chamber to the open position and in a second direction opposite the first direction from the open position to the closed position about the hinge point. The valve assembly further includes a flexible diaphragm having an area greater than the fluid inlet area and having a first surface facing the interior of the valve chamber and a second surface facing the exterior of the valve chamber. The flexible diaphragm is mounted on the cantilever arm to allow at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm to move in a first direction toward the interior of the valve chamber away from the valve seat to an open position and to allow at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm to move in a second direction to seat the periphery of the flexible diaphragm against the valve seat in a closed position.

This embodiment of the self-sealing valve assembly may be removably attached to the inflatable body wall proximate to the fluid transfer port where fluid is transferred between the interior and exterior of the inflatable body such that fluid transferred between the interior and exterior of the inflatable body is passed through the fluid inlet of the self-sealing valve. With this arrangement, inflation of the inflatable body will cause at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible membrane and the second end of the cantilever arm to move in a first direction into the open position to allow fluid to flow into the inflatable body. In addition, in the absence of fluid flow, the fluid pressure established within the inflated object will be sufficient to move the at least a portion of the periphery and the cantilever of the flexible diaphragm in the second direction to the closed position. Further, with this design, the self-sealing valve assembly automatically opens to allow for increased pressure of the inflatable device, automatically closes to maintain the pressure of the inflatable device, and maintains the pneumatic seal of the inflatable device at low pressure. Such a self-sealing valve assembly is easy to use and maintain, and the floating diaphragm may be easily manipulated to deflate the inflatable object. In addition, the self-sealing valve assembly is relatively small and can be used on smaller inflatable objects and/or on contoured areas of inflatable objects. Moreover, the self-sealing valve only has few parts, so the manufacturing cost is low.

This embodiment of the self-sealing valve may also be provided with a locking means for locking the cantilever and the at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm in the locked open position. Further, this embodiment may have a release structure that will release the at least a portion of the perimeter of the cantilever and flexible membrane from the open position to allow the cantilever and flexible membrane to move toward the closed position.

This embodiment of the self-sealing valve assembly may also have structure to reduce flexing of the flexible diaphragm except for at least a portion of the perimeter of the flexible diaphragm that moves toward the open position.

This embodiment of the self-sealing valve assembly may also be provided with a barrier to movement of the cantilever arm and flexible diaphragm in a second direction beyond the closed position, such as out of the fluid inlet.

This embodiment of the self-sealing valve may also be provided with a detachable connection structure that allows the valve to be connected to any device that can be inflated or deflated.

This embodiment of the self-sealing valve may also have a cap that may be permanently affixed to the self-sealing valve to selectively protect and expose the fluid inlet of the self-sealing valve.

This embodiment of the self-sealing valve may also have a structure that facilitates easy removal and installation of the cantilever and flexible diaphragm from the self-sealing valve housing for easy securing and/or maintenance of the self-sealing valve.

Another embodiment of a self-sealing valve in accordance with the present invention includes a valve housing having a fluid inlet defined by an interior wall and a valve assembly selectively covering the fluid inlet to provide a pneumatic seal. The valve chamber includes a valve seat facing the interior of the valve chamber and the valve chamber is configured to require a degree of fluid transfer between the interior and exterior of the valve chamber through the fluid inlet. The valve assembly includes a support member suspending the flexible diaphragm in a floating position within the valve chamber to allow at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm to move in a first direction away from the valve seat to an open position and to allow at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm to move in a second direction opposite the first direction to bring the periphery of the flexible diaphragm against the valve seat in the closed position. The flexible diaphragm has a surface area greater than the fluid inlet area, a first surface facing the interior of the valve assembly and a second surface facing the exterior of the valve assembly. The second surface of the flexible diaphragm includes a periphery of the flexible diaphragm that provides a pneumatic seal against the valve seat. The valve assembly further includes structure for mounting the flexible diaphragm to the support member and for allowing manual movement of at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm in a first direction into the valve chamber for purging the self-sealing valve.

This embodiment of the self-sealing valve assembly is removably attachable to a wall of an inflatable object at a location proximate to a fluid transfer port that transfers fluid between the interior and the exterior of the inflatable object such that all fluid transferred between the interior and the exterior of the inflatable object passes through the fluid inlet of the self-sealing valve. With this design, the inflation of the inflatable object will move the at least a portion of the perimeter of the flexible membrane in the first direction into the open position to allow fluid to flow into the inflatable object. In addition, the pressure developed within the inflatable object in the absence of fluid flow will be sufficient to cause that at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible membrane to move in the second direction to the closed position. Further, with this design, the self-sealing valve assembly automatically opens to pressurize the inflatable device, automatically closes to maintain pressure within the inflatable device, and maintains a pneumatic seal within the inflatable device at low pressure. In addition, the self-sealing valve assembly is easy to use and maintain, while the floating diaphragm is easy to operate and deflate the inflatable object. Moreover, such a self-sealing valve assembly is compact and can be used on smaller inflatable devices and/or on contoured surfaces of inflatable devices. In addition, the self-sealing valve only has few parts, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

This embodiment of the self-sealing valve may include a hinge assembly disposed between one end of a cantilever arm suspending the flexible diaphragm in a floating position and an inner wall of the valve housing such that the cantilever arm and the flexible diaphragm may be pivoted downwardly into the valve housing for inflating and purging the inflatable device.

This embodiment of the self-sealing valve may also include a cantilever arm attached to the inner wall of the valve housing, the cantilever arm having a groove with an opening of increasing diameter at either end of the groove so as to allow the compressible stem of the flexible diaphragm to be retained within the opening of increasing diameter or to move laterally along the groove. This variation may also include a spring-loaded hinge disposed between one end of the cantilever arm and the inner wall of the valve chamber and a locking assembly disposed between the second end of the cantilever arm and the inner wall of the valve chamber. With this design, the cantilever arm and flexible diaphragm can move around the hinge point of the spring-loaded hinge in the direction of the exterior of the valve assembly when the diaphragm stem moves within the groove toward one of the increasing diameter openings, compressing the spring loaded hinge to swing the locking assembly out of lock.

This embodiment of the self-sealing valve may include a stop rib extending between the valve seats across the fluid inlet of the valve. The stop rib may comprise a vertical support post extending into the fluid inlet towards the exterior of the self-sealing valve. The flexible diaphragm may include a stem disposed on the second surface of the flexible diaphragm and a tapered groove disposed on the first surface of the flexible diaphragm. The tapered groove cooperates with the support post of the retaining rib so that the handle of the flexible diaphragm can be grasped and the periphery of the flexible diaphragm can be rotated down around the support post into the valve chamber to deflate the inflatable device.

This embodiment of the self-sealing valve may also include at least one rib attached to the inner wall of the valve component. The at least one rib may have a groove disposed thereon and the diaphragm may have a mating rib projecting from the second surface. The mating rib may have a narrowed section that mates with the groove and an expanded section that secures the flexible diaphragm to the rib. The diaphragm may also include a target region that pivots downward under pressure applied to the target region into the valve assembly to allow inflation or deflation of the inflatable device.

An embodiment of a method of installing a cantilever and a flexible diaphragm within a self-sealing valve chamber according to the present invention includes the steps of providing a cantilever having at least one boss at a first end thereof, including a support hole configured to engage a hinge pin, and having a flexible diaphragm mounted on the cantilever to allow at least a portion of a periphery of the flexible diaphragm to move without any movement of the cantilever. The cantilever arm and the flexible diaphragm are placed into the fluid inlet of the self-sealing valve chamber such that the support aperture engages a hinge pin mounted on a first surface of a bracket secured to an inner wall of the fluid inlet of the self-sealing valve chamber. The cantilever arm with the flexible diaphragm pivots downwardly into and through the fluid inlet port of the self-sealing valve chamber to a closed position. With this design, the self-sealing valve is easy to maintain and install new cantilever and flexible diaphragm in the existing self-sealing valve chamber.

A check valve according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a valve housing having a fluid inlet defined by an interior wall, the valve housing having a valve seat facing an interior of the valve housing and the valve housing being constructed to require fluid transferred between the interior and exterior of the valve housing to pass through the fluid inlet. The check valve also has a valve assembly that selectively covers the fluid inlet. The valve assembly includes a support member that suspends the flexible diaphragm in a floating position within the valve chamber such that at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm moves in a first direction away from the valve seat toward the open position and such that at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm is permitted to move in a second direction opposite the first direction such that the periphery of the flexible diaphragm rests on the valve seat in the closed position. The valve assembly further comprises a flexible diaphragm having an area greater than the area of the fluid inlet, a first surface of the diaphragm facing the interior of the valve chamber and a second surface facing the exterior of the valve chamber, the second surface comprising a periphery of the flexible diaphragm abutting the valve seat. In addition, the valve assembly includes a flexible diaphragm mounted to the support member and allowing manual operation to move the at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm in the first direction. With this design, the check valve can be used to seal the inflatable object and control the flow of fluid into the inflatable object.

Brief description of the drawings

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed descriptions considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the drawings are solely for purposes of illustration and are in no way intended to limit the invention.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages will be more fully understood from the following drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1-2 are side views of a first embodiment of a self-sealing valve according to the present invention attached to a pneumatic object with a diaphragm in a sealing position;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 1 illustrating an inflatable object being inflated;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are side and front views, respectively, of the valve of FIG. 1, illustrating the valve in a closed position under the internal pressure of the inflatable device;

FIGS. 6-7 are side and front views, respectively, of the valve of FIG. 1 illustrating the deflation process;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are top and side cross-sectional views, respectively, illustrating a second embodiment of a self-sealing valve according to the present invention;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are front and top cross-sectional views of a second embodiment, including a protective cover;

figures 12 to 16 illustrate various operating conditions of the second embodiment including a conforming condition, an unfixed condition, a resting condition and an inflated condition;

fig. 17 to 19 are cross-sectional views of a third embodiment of a self-sealing valve according to the present invention;

FIGS. 20 and 21 are top and side sectional views, respectively, of a third embodiment, in which no diaphragm is mounted;

FIGS. 22 and 23 are top and side views, respectively, of a diaphragm employed in the valve of FIG. 17;

FIGS. 24 and 25 are top and side cross-sectional views, respectively, of a valve housing of a fourth embodiment of a self-sealing valve according to the present invention;

figures 26 to 28 are top, end and side views respectively of a diaphragm hanger of a fourth embodiment;

FIGS. 29-32 are a pair of top and side sectional views illustrating the valve of FIG. 24 in two operative positions, a seated position and an unattached position;

FIGS. 33-36 are side sectional views illustrating the valve of FIG. 24 in four operational states, respectively, including an inflated state, a bonded state, a pressure controlled state, and a deflated state;

fig. 37-39 are end, top and side cross-sectional views, respectively, of a valve housing of a fifth embodiment of a self-sealing valve according to the present invention;

FIGS. 40 and 41 are top and side views of a diaphragm hanger of the valve of FIG. 37;

FIGS. 42 and 43 are top and side cross-sectional views of the valve of FIG. 37, illustrating the valve chamber, cantilever arm and diaphragm;

FIGS. 44-47 are side sectional views illustrating the valve of FIG. 37 in four operational states, respectively, including an inflated state, a bonded state, a pressure controlled state, and a deflated state;

FIGS. 48 and 49 illustrate a sixth embodiment of a self-sealing valve in accordance with the present invention in top and side cross-sectional views, respectively, with a side view showing the valve in a fitted state;

FIGS. 50 and 51 illustrate the valve of FIG. 48 in two operating states, an inflated state and a deflated state, respectively;

FIGS. 52-54 are cross-sectional side views illustrating a seventh preferred embodiment of a self-sealing valve in accordance with the present invention, with the cross-sectional side views showing the valve in three operational states, including a conforming state, a pressure-controlled state, and a deflated state;

FIGS. 55 and 56 are top views of the valve of FIG. 52, showing the valve without and with cantilevers, respectively;

FIGS. 57 and 58 illustrate portions of the inlet wall of the valve of FIG. 52 engaged and disengaged from the cantilever arms, respectively;

FIG. 59 illustrates the cantilever arm of the valve of FIG. 52 in an operational position;

FIG. 60 is a top view illustrating the cantilever arm of the valve of FIG. 52 in a locked open position;

FIG. 61 illustrates the cantilever arm of the valve of FIG. 52 being placed into the valve chamber during installation;

FIG. 62 is a top view of a prior art self-sealing valve;

FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional view of a self-sealing valve according to the prior art; and

fig. 64 illustrates an inflatable device that may employ any embodiment of the self-sealing valve of the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The self-sealing valve of the present invention may be installed in an inflatable object, such as the inflatable cushion 10 with the self-sealing valve 12 shown in FIG. 64. The inflatable cushion may be inflated and deflated and the pressure of the inflatable cushion may be controlled using any of the self-sealing valves of the present invention disclosed below. While the description of the various embodiments and examples of self-sealing valves described below refer to the use of air for inflation of an inflatable object, it should be understood that any suitable fluid may be used for inflation, such as water or nitrogen, and that such fluids are within the scope of the present invention for use with the self-sealing valves of the present invention. It should also be understood that while the inflatable cushion is illustrated as an inflatable object that may use any of the valves of the present invention, the self-sealing valves may be used with any inflatable object, such as inflatable furniture or sporting goods, such as inflatable chairs, inflatable cushions and inflatable pillows; inflatable safety devices such as life preservers, barriers, dampers and cushions; inflatable medical devices such as supporters, models and braces; inflatable luggage equipment, such as padding and padding materials for luggage; inflatable amusement materials such as swimming aids, floats, tubes and rings; inflatable vehicles and parts of vehicles, such as boats, inflatable rafts and tires; inflatable support structures such as buildings, portable luggage, inflatable platforms, inflatable slides, and the like.

It should be further understood that any of the valves disclosed below in accordance with the present invention may be used with motors such as those disclosed in U.S. patent No. 5,267,363 (hereinafter the 363 patent) and U.S. patent No. 5,367,726 (hereinafter the 726 patent), both of which are incorporated herein by reference. It should also be understood that the preferred working range for the self-sealing valve of the present invention is about 0-0.7kg/cm². According to the invention, about 0-0.07kg/cm²Is defined as the low pressure range, about 0.07-0.14kg/cm²Is defined as the medium pressure range, about 0.14-0.7kg/cm²Is defined as the relative high pressure range. It should be understood that a preferred working range has been specified to be no more than 0.7kg/cm²But at any rate of 0.7kg/cm²The above valves still providing self-sealingThe pressure of the seal is all within the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a valve 10 is seated in an inflatable body 12 having a housing 14 defining an interior space 16. The interior space is filled with a fluid or gas, typically air. The valve 10 has a molded plastic frame 20 that includes a circular flange outer periphery 22 that is generally coplanar with the housing 14. The valve is preferably constructed of PVC or polyurethane, and higher stiffness and strength materials may be used for higher pressure applications. The valve wall 24, which has a diameter less than the diameter of the outer periphery 22, defines a circular opening 26 for transferring air to or from the interior space. The outermost diameter of the opening is preferably 2.5cm or more. The valve wall 24 has a constant diameter section 25 and an outwardly flared cone section 28 with an opening diameter that gradually increases to a circular larger diameter section 30. An inner edge with an inverted circle is provided at the uppermost end of the upper edge of the valve wall 24 for comfort in case of inflating an object with a mouth.

The stop rib 36 extends across the enlarged diameter portion 30. A support post 38 extending vertically towards the circular opening 26 is positioned in the centre of the stop rib. The floating diaphragm 46 is supported on support posts. The diaphragm has a central locating tang 42 on its top surface and a tapered slot 44 on its bottom surface that mates with the support post 38. Thus, the ribs provide stability and limit the movement of the diaphragm to the interior space. Diaphragm 40 is generally circular, flexible, and very flexible, having a diameter slightly less than the inner diameter of large diameter section 30 and greater than the diameter of section 25. The conical section 28 has an inwardly facing wall 29 which acts as a shoulder against which the outer periphery 46 of the diaphragm contacts. The groove 44 and support posts 38 help keep the diaphragm centered.

The membrane 40 may optionally be connected to the frame 20 by a tether 48, which may not be such an optional tether at all but a cord or sling. It is preferred that the diaphragm is not connected to any part of the rest of the valve by other rigid means.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the valve during inflation is illustrated. Referring first to fig. 3, which is a view rotated 90 deg. relative to fig. 1 and 2, air is provided in the direction of arrow 50. The air may be supplied by a motor, as with a manual or foot-operated pump, or by mouth blowing, or by some other inflation device. The motor may move similar to that described in U.S. patent No. 5,267,363. Due to the flexibility of diaphragm 40, perimeter 46 bends relative to centering stem 42. Upon providing air into the object, the diaphragm automatically flexes inward, allowing air to flow into the object interior without additional user intervention.

Fig. 4 and 5 are views corresponding to fig. 2 and 3, respectively, when the inflatable body is pressurized with air pressure indicated by arrow 60. When the interior space is under pressure, when no more air is supplied, the pressure automatically pushes the diaphragm away from the support post 38 so that the periphery 46 is pressed against the inner wall 29 of the tapered section 28 of the frame. The membrane thus applied forms a pneumatic seal when the frame is compressed. For slightly higher pressures, or to more reliably reduce air loss, a cover 64, ribs or other rigid parts may further be provided. To prevent the cover from falling off, the cover may have a tether 65. The cover helps to form a pneumatic seal because the stem of the diaphragm contacts the cover when the object is under pressure, thus also helping to prevent the diaphragm from deforming. The cap may be of a snap-on type similar to those commonly used with plastic feeding bottles. For a longer seal, the cap may be combined with an "O" ring to provide a seal in combination with a diaphragm that acts as a check valve. Various other cap attachment methods may be used, such as a bayonet fit, and the like.

Fig. 6 and 7 are views of the valve 10 during deflation. To deflate, the user grasps handle 42 with two fingers and squeezes the flexible membrane to allow air to escape as indicated by arrow 62. This action lifts the membrane away from the support post. To reduce the pressure, the user may push directly on the diaphragm to allow some air to escape. In this way the user can completely remove the air, but it takes more time than removing the membrane. If a cover is used, it is first removed.

According to the invention, the valve opens automatically to accommodate automatic pressurization and closes automatically to maintain pressure. For decompression and deflation, the user can very easily grasp the membrane and remove it through the inlet. There is no need for an additional cap at low pressures, but a cap may be useful and may be necessary at higher pressures.

Fig. 8-16 illustrate another embodiment of the self-sealing valve 75 of the present invention suitable for use with any inflatable device from low to medium pressure. As with the previous embodiments, the valve is self-sealing, allowing for rapid inflation and deflation, and provides an easy way to adjust and control the pressure of the inflatable device.

Similar to the valve shown in fig. 1, the valve utilizes a valve housing 78 with a large mouth annular inlet defined by a flange 79, the inlet being centered within the valve housing. The inner wall 84 of the flange opens below the widened valve chamber to provide a valve seat 81 for a valve membrane 88. The outer edge 89 of the valve housing has a flanged perimeter adapted to attach to the bladder or membrane 77 of the inflatable device.

The valve membrane diaphragm 88 is deformable and has a centrally located and upwardly extending stem 96 with a flange 108, and contained within the opening of the air inlet is a membrane hanger 80 which is fixed at one end (point a) to the inlet wall 84 and at the other end (point B) to lock onto the opposite wall. The hanger spans the width of the inner wall 84 and secures the floating diaphragm 88 within the valve chamber. The hanger does not restrict motion at the periphery of the diaphragm. So that the outer perimeter 92 may flex downward during inflation, removal and reinsertion.

In which the diaphragm shank 96 snaps into the hook slot 100. The hook groove allows for a continuous change in position. The diaphragm has two positions, at both ends of the hook groove, where the diaphragm stem 96 seats in an opening of increased diameter (102 and 103). The diaphragm is relatively loosely captured in the opening 102 in the center of the chamber and, in the event that a relatively large volume and pressure needs to be inflated, the diaphragm automatically moves downward to maximize the flow of air (see fig. 16) and moves upward to a sealing position (see fig. 12) after inflation.

While the hanger allows the membrane to move vertically within the inlet to achieve proper inflation and sealing, it also prevents the membrane from rising vertically too much during the pressure rise within the inflatable device.

The action of the fingertip on the membrane handle 96 will push the membrane sheet to slide laterally inside the hook slot 100 to an opening 103 (see fig. 13) away from the center. This opening is positioned near the end of the hanger where the hanger is rigidly attached to the inner wall of the air inlet (point a). Adjacent this attachment point the hanger is coupled to a spring loaded hinge 112 which, in response to a higher pressure on the same side, unlocks the hanger when it is desired to move the diaphragm from the central position to a position away from the central position. When the hanger is unlocked, the membrane does not conform, thereby allowing the inflatable device to deflate (see fig. 14 and 15).

When the diaphragm is screwed out of the air inlet, it contacts the inlet wall and bends inwardly into a U-shape. The U-shaped cross-section returns the diaphragm to its original shape when screwed into the valve housing.

The stem 96 on the diaphragm has a raised annular surface 140 that limits the free movement of the floating diaphragm in the vertical direction. It prevents the diaphragm from sagging or bending downward under its own weight away from the valve seat and acts as a stop ring (or check valve) to hold the diaphragm in a sealed position even in the absence of air pressure within the device. This feature is particularly important during manual deflation, where bursts of air may be intermittent. This locked position (see fig. 12) prevents air loss between breaths or between strokes of the pump. Because the diaphragm cannot drop abruptly in this locked position, the diaphragm prevents sudden air loss even if the pressure within the inflatable device drops to a point where it cannot support the weight of the floating diaphragm.

Under certain conditions, placing the membrane in an unlocked (non-conforming) position prior to inflation (as shown in FIG. 16) may improve inflation efficiency. The unlocked position may increase airflow when a low pressure, high volume, steady state inflation source is used.

Since the area under the membrane is unobstructed, the bottom of the membrane can be accessed through the flexible membrane of the inflatable device, thereby providing a means to move the membrane from the unlocked to the locked position.

The locking end of the diaphragm may have an opening 144 to support a cylindrical plunger 148. Upon pressurization of the inflatable device, the plunger slides vertically within the bore and is forced upward as the diaphragm is raised to the sealing position. The plunger may be manually depressed (e.g., by a fingertip) to temporarily interrupt the seal. Thus, the user may release a small amount of air in order to adjust the pressure within the device. Furthermore, any other area in the air inlet which allows access to the membrane (for example by fingertips) can be used for this purpose, in which area the membrane can be temporarily freed from abutment by direct contact with fingertips.

Fig. 17-23 illustrate another embodiment of a self-sealing valve of the present invention suitable for use in any inflatable device from low to medium pressure. Similar to the embodiments described above, the valves are self-sealing, allowing for rapid inflation and deflation, and providing an easy way to adjust and control the pressurization of the inflatable device.

The valve employs a valve housing 200 with a large mouth annular inlet passage defined by a wall 204 centered within the housing. The wall 204 opens below the widened valve chamber to provide a valve seat 208 for a valve membrane diaphragm 212. The outer edge 216 of the valve housing is adapted to be attached to a membrane or diaphragm that comprises the inflatable device.

The valve combines a large port inlet with a fixed diaphragm hanger 220. The diaphragm hanger is formed in one piece with a plurality of inwardly extending ribs 228 attached to the inlet wall 224 to which the valve diaphragm is removably attached and from which the diaphragm is suspended within the valve chamber.

The overall configuration of the hanger ribs generally forms a Y-shaped hanger 228 wherein the ribs extend radially inward from the inner wall of the air intake to the center of the inlet passageway. Near the upper inlet, the single ribs extend at an angle, forming a third spoke in parallel juxtaposition. Depending on the orientation, these ribs form spaces between the ribs, i.e., grooves 232, into which mating ribs 236 projecting from the top surface of the diaphragm are inserted to position the diaphragm. At the point where the hanger ribs are juxtaposed, the ribs have an inverted "L" shaped profile, with the bottom of the groove 239 being narrower than the top of the groove. The widened portion 240 of the groove receives an enlarged area 244 of the diaphragm projecting atop the mating rib to form a "hanger" for suspending the diaphragm, thereby securing the vertical positioning of the valve diaphragm and valve chamber.

Horizontal positioning is achieved by locking valve membrane diaphragm 212 in hanger groove 232. A constriction 248 formed by a projection in the groove near the end of the groove catches the enlarged region 244 of the diaphragm mating rib and prevents the diaphragm from moving horizontally during operation.

Near the center of the valve diaphragm 212, an additional supplemental portion 252 at the diaphragm rib surface provides limited interference with the hanger groove 232 to hold the diaphragm in the closed (fully sealed) position and prevent the valve diaphragm from sagging or bending downward under its own weight away from the valve seat. This interference is easily overcome for inflation and deflation. External air pressure during inflation will force the diaphragm out of the closed position. Fingertip pressure acting on the target area 256 initiates deflation, which will also overcome the above-described interference.

The supplemental portion 252 near the center of the diaphragm rib has an additional function. This limited interference works in both directions. In addition to holding the valve membrane 212 in the closed position, it also holds the valve membrane in an open position 260 away from the valve seat during deflation. The supplemental portion provides an obstruction at the bottom of the diaphragm during deflation to prevent upward movement of the diaphragm and maintain the valve in the open position.

Fingertip pressure on the target area 256 may be used to temporarily break the seal and allow for controlled release of air, thereby providing an easy way to adjust and control the pressure of the inflatable device. The valve is automatically sealed after the pressure of the finger tip is cancelled.

To install and replace valve membrane diaphragm 212, the diaphragm is inserted or removed from diaphragm hanger 220 through the exterior of the air inlet.

The ribs are configured in a shape to securely position the diaphragm within the valve chamber and to provide maximum air flow through the air inlet. These ribs also need to be configured in a certain shape in order to temporarily interrupt the seal to allow for manual displacement of the membrane.

To release air in greater amounts (such as during deflation), the ribs and diaphragm form another configuration such that upon further manual squeezing of the diaphragm, the diaphragm will move to a point where it will remain in a partially open position to facilitate air release.

In the operating position, the diaphragm is fixed at point 264. This point acts in conjunction with the locking lip 268 on the diaphragm to secure the closed position regardless of the internal pressure of the inflatable device. To rapidly inflate with maximum airflow, the diaphragm can be manually pressed into the hole at point 256 to disengage the lock if the locking lip on the diaphragm is in the locked position. Upon pressurization, the diaphragm automatically moves to a locked position. During the temporary interruption of the sealing, the membrane will normally stay in the locked position. To most quickly release air during deflation, further deflection of the diaphragm will move it into the unlocked position 260.

In another valve chamber configuration, the external flange of the inlet port is a removable part and can be separated from the valve chamber. The removable flange itself will accommodate various internal configurations depending on the pressurization/performance requirements of the device in which the valve is used.

Fig. 24-36 illustrate another embodiment of a self-sealing valve of the present invention. The diaphragm (300) is positioned within the valve chamber (304) by means of a movable horizontal arm (312) that suspends the diaphragm centrally within the air inlet (308). The arm (i.e., a rotating diaphragm hanger (312)) is removably contained within the inlet port of the valve chamber with one end secured laterally adjacent to the inner wall (316) of the inlet port. This attachment point configuration allows the hanger to pivot downwardly into the valve chamber when it is desired to inflate and deflate the inflatable device, and provides for disengagement of the valve membrane diaphragm and opening of the vent passage into the bladder.

The hanger expands towards the inner wall of the air inlet to form a "paddle" surface (320) that is nearly full of the air inlet. The horizontally extending surfaces of the paddles enhance the stability of the flexible membrane surface as the flexible membrane (300) is rotated back and forth from the engaged position to the disengaged position. The paddle also facilitates fingertip manipulation of the hanger to achieve pressure control. The blade as shown has a continuous surface at its periphery. Alternative blade configurations that are being considered for use with more open blade structures (e.g., radial ribs) tend to be within the scope of this disclosure.

The pivot point (324) includes a "hinge pin" (328) suspended below the pivoting hanger (312) by a pair of ribs (329) and a surface with mating grooves (332) formed in the inner wall (336) of a pair of securing arms (340) extending horizontally inward from the inner air inlet wall (316).

The pivot point acts in conjunction with a surface projection extending from both the valve chamber and the cantilever arm to:

(A) restricting movement of the valve membrane diaphragm to prevent outward movement of the valve membrane diaphragm into the air inlet (as may occur during pressurization), or to prevent rotation of the diaphragm through the valve chamber into the inflatable device;

(B) securing the diaphragm in the open and closed positions in another manner;

(C) the hanger and diaphragm are suspended in an essentially closed position, allowing both to vibrate, respond to external or internal pressure changes, change from a partially open state to a sealed state.

To achieve (a), the vertical tail ends (356) of a pair of ribs (329) of the hanger hinge pin (328) are opposite to a point F (360) on the inner wall of the air inlet to prevent the hanger from rotating upward beyond the horizontal position. When a pair of retaining arms are directed against the underside of the top of the hanger (see fig. 32), the downward rotation of the hanger is limited by the pair of retaining arms (340).

In some applications, supplemental support may be necessary to achieve (a). Point L (364) may be added at various locations along the inner perimeter of the intake port. It includes an overhanging projection extending inwardly from the inner wall of the air inlet, opposite the perimeter of the blade surface of the rotary hanger.

To accomplish (B), a second pair of projections (368) extending from the inner wall of the swing hanger removably engage the tabs (372) of the securing arm (340). Once in the downward (open) orientation, the obstruction formed by this small tab and the mating protrusion prevents the hanger from freely reversing to the horizontal position, thus maintaining the valve in the open position to facilitate deflation. This obstacle can be easily overcome, either manually (by pressing down on the bottom of the abrasive sheet through the flexible membrane of the bladder) or by pressurization (internal air pressure from a full inflation or bladder pressure).

The protrusion and the opposing surface function in combination with the spring action of the securing arm (340). The spring action, which is a lateral bending caused by the elongated profile of the arm in the vertical direction, allows the arm to bend inwardly. The combined width of the arms compresses and overcomes the obstruction formed by the protrusion and the opposing surface when this occurs. The ability of the securing arm to flex laterally in this manner enables the hanger (and diaphragm) to be removably secured in either the open or closed position.

Fig. 32 depicts the above-described bending. As with the valve disclosed herein, it is believed that another source of flexure is that the flexure inside the swivel hanger can supplement or replace the spring action of the stationary arm.

To achieve (C), the protrusion 368 on the hanger inner wall has an inclined surface. When pressure is applied to rotate the hanger downward, the ramp forces the pair of stationary arms to compress (using the spring action of the arms). After the pressure is removed, the spring arm returns to its original position. On return it presses on the ramp to raise the hanger (and diaphragm) back to the horizontal (sealing) position. The ability of the valve to flex freely in this manner is advantageous:

(1) the efficiency of manual inflation is improved. When manual inflation involves pulsing the injection of air, it is important that the valve seal automatically between pulses (preventing air loss);

(2) conditions are created for adjusting (controlling) the charging pressure. In order to be able to control the release of air when using the device, it is important that the hanger is accessible and free to move in order to facilitate local opening of the membrane (action of the finger tips) and automatic sealing of the membrane thereafter.

The pair of ribs (329) contain segmented hinge pins that are bent downward from under the top of the hanger. The lateral bending of these ribs provides a means of attaching or removing the hanger from the valve chamber. When the hanger is in the working position (hinged and open), the lateral movement of the hanger top surface at point M causes the ribs to flex inward, allowing the hinge pin to move, disengaging the mating surface on the fixed arm and away from the hinge point. The inward bending occurs when the hinge pin slides with its curved outer edge over the mating surface of the pin at a point U. The rounding of the edges at point V combines with the curved outer edge of the hinge pin to reduce obstructions and allow removal and insertion of the hanger.

Reversing this lateral movement causes the hinge pin to snap. The ribs containing the hinge pins are again bent inwardly to allow the hinge pins to move to the hinged position.

Removal and insertion of the hanger (and valve diaphragm) is not part of the normal operation of the valve (it only occurs when a new hanger or diaphragm is installed into the valve chamber), or as a maintenance function.

1. Fig. 37 to 47 illustrate still another embodiment of the self-sealing valve of the present invention. In a simplified variant of the valve shown in fig. 24 to 36, the diaphragm is also positioned within the valve chamber (400) by means of a movable horizontal arm (404) which suspends the valve diaphragm in the centre of the valve chamber inlet. As with the valve shown in fig. 24-36, the arm (rotating diaphragm hanger) is removably located within the inlet port (408) of the valve chamber and has one end secured transversely to the inner wall (412) of the inlet port. As with the valve shown in fig. 24-36, when inflation or deflation of the inflatable device is desired, the configuration of the attachment points allows the hanger to pivot downwardly into the valve chamber, freeing the valve diaphragm from engagement and opening the vent passage into the bladder.

As with the valve shown in fig. 24-36, the rotary suspension of the diaphragm includes a paddle surface (416) concentric with and extending over a substantial portion of the inlet.

As a valve membrane (420), a disk made of a gas-impermeable flexible material is suspended in the center of the blade surface. The configuration of the aperture (422) allows a circular flange (423) protruding from the center of the top of the diaphragm to pass under the pivot arm and lock the diaphragm in a suspended position.

Two parallel ribs (424) extending from the blade surface to the channel section (428) on the air intake flange (432) include hinge pins (436) that mate with recessed areas (440) on the channel side walls (444), thereby defining a pivot point.

Between the ribs there are parallel to them leaf springs (448) extending from the blade surface to the air inlet wall surface. The leaf spring is configured to press against a sloped surface (452) recessed from the inner wall of the air inlet to maintain the pivot arm (and attached valve membrane diaphragm) in a horizontal position, yet allow both to pivot downwardly into the valve chamber during inflation and deflation.

Another rib (456) integral with the flange of the valve housing, perpendicular to and just above the parallel ribs of the pivot arm, acts as a barrier to prevent the pivot arm from pivoting upward beyond the horizontal position.

As the arm rotates, the leaf spring tip (460) moves in a recessed area (461) that includes a horn (452). This area and the leaf spring ends provide a configuration that:

(1) allowing the pivot arm to rotate inwardly when pressure is applied and return to a horizontal position when the pressure is removed (see fig. 44 and 45);

(2) removably engaging the ribs, the engagement causing the pivot arms to hold the valve in an open condition to facilitate deflation (see fig. 31);

(3) limiting the downward movement of the pivot arm into the valve chamber (see fig. 47).

It is envisaged that the valve in this configuration will operate in substantially the same manner as the valve shown in figures 24 to 36.

Further variations of the self-sealing valve of the present invention are illustrated in figures 48 to 51 which involve a flexible diaphragm supported in a fixed position within the valve housing, the diaphragm being positioned so that the outer diameter of the diaphragm engages a mating wall surface of the valve housing and provides a substantially airtight seal upon inflation, the seal resulting solely from the outward pressure generated by the pressurization within the inflatable bladder which forces the diaphragm to remain in the engaged position (see figure 49).

Likewise, the inward pressure during inflation disengages the flexible diaphragm from the valve seat, providing a vent to allow air to be injected into the device (see FIG. 50).

The position of the diaphragm further allows manual partial deflation of the diaphragm away from the valve seat to provide a passage for the discharge air for controlled release of air and for deflation (see FIG. 51).

This type of valve differs from the above-mentioned type in that the attachment point of the valve membrane diaphragm in the valve chamber is held in a fixed position relative to the valve seat. The valve membrane functions in dependence of the fixed position of the attachment point, while the flexibility of the unattached surface of the membrane is used to provide alternately a seal and an air passage.

A preferred embodiment of the self-sealing valve according to the present invention is described with reference to fig. 52 to 61. The diaphragm 602 is positioned within the valve chamber 606 by a movable suspension arm 610 that suspends the diaphragm from a mounting point 612 centered on an inlet 614. The hanger arm is a rotary diaphragm hanger which is removably received within the inlet port of the valve housing and is secured adjacent one end of the inner wall of the inlet port. The configuration of the attachment point at one end of the hanger arm relative to the inner wall allows the hanger arm to pivot downwardly into the valve chamber, a movement that moves the diaphragm away from the valve seat 620 (closed position) and opens the vent into the bladder of the inflatable device (open position) when it is desired to inflate and deflate the inflatable device.

Hanger arms 610 flare outwardly toward the inner wall of the air inlet to form a "paddle" surface 622 that almost fills air inlet 614. The paddle surface of the hanger arm provides stability to the flexible diaphragm as the flexible diaphragm rotates from the closed position to the open position with the hanger arm. The flared blade surface of the hanger arm also enhances the maneuverability of the hanger arm, such as by controlling the pressure of the inflatable device with the user's fingertip. The paddle surface projects outward to a point 626 extending the length of the hanger arm. This protrusion presses against the flexible diaphragm, thereby preventing it from flexing inwardly when the hanger arms are pressed downwardly to control pressure or to vent air.

Referring to fig. 58, the hanger arm incorporates a pair of bosses 630 extending in parallel juxtaposition from paddle surface 622 toward inner wall 618 of air inlet 614. The suspension arm may be secured within the air inlet by means of a bearing hole 633 on each boss that mates with a pair of hinge pins 634. The pair of hinge pins project as part of the inner wall of the air inlet from two legs 636 extending from the inner wall toward the center of the air inlet. A contoured section 648 is provided between the hinge pin on the inner wall of the at least one bracket and the inner wall of the air inlet port. This shaped section interfaces with the shaped end 650 of the boss, providing at least four different interaction possibilities. A first possibility is that the ledge surface 651 presses against the inner wall surface 652, limiting the rotation of the arm above the horizontal position, thereby securing the valve membrane diaphragm in an essentially closed position and preventing the hanger arm and diaphragm from moving outside the valve chamber.

A second possibility is that the sloping surfaces 655 of the bosses bear against the inverted ramps 656 on the wall surfaces. The angle of inclination of this reverse slope causes the boss to be progressively squeezed inwardly as the hanger arm is pressed downwardly into the valve chamber. This can occur during inflation (by air pressure) and deflation (by moving the hanger arm by hand to move the valve away from the valve seat). Squeezing the boss also causes the opposite effect, such that the boss "springs back" to its original position as the downward pressure is removed and forces the hanger arm and diaphragm back to the closed position.

Referring to fig. 60, a third possibility is that the suspension arm is fully compressed and the boss is rotated slightly beyond the angled surface 656 (see fig. 57) on the inner wall to a position where the recess 660 is formed in the contoured inner wall, which configuration allows the boss to extend slightly and lock the pivot arm in the locked open position.

This locked open position maximizes airflow through the valve chamber and will, under certain conditions, improve the efficiency of both inflation and deflation. This locked open position has an easily overridable protrusion that will react to internal pressure such as finger tip manipulation (e.g., applying pressure on the raised point 664 of the boss) or inflatable device.

The swivel arm bosses may also extend through channels 666 in the hanger arms to enhance lateral bending of the hanger arms. The bending of the suspension arm can be used in both situations, i.e. the above-mentioned operation of the arm and the mounting or dismounting of the arm to or from the service position in the valve chamber (see fig. 59). It is useful that the swivel arm can be removed and installed by the user on site, so that the user will install and/or remove the suspension arm and diaphragm by "squeezing" the boss with the flexure of the boss holding the suspension arm with the diaphragm attached. The shaped end 650 of the boss engages the shaped section 648 of the inner wall to allow the hanger arm to be inserted into the valve seat from above the horizontal position (as shown in FIG. 61), thereby improving the ease of maintenance and installation of the hanger arm. During installation, the "squeezed" hanger arm may be inserted vertically into the air inlet with the boss facing the hinge pin 634. When the bearing hole and the hinge pin are aligned, the user will release the compressive force on the boss, whereby the boss will spring outwardly into engagement with the hinge pin. The hanger arm and diaphragm are then rotated downwardly past the horizontal position into the valve chamber and the boss will extend further to bring the hanger arm into the operating position where the contoured end 650 and contoured inner wall 648 of the hanger arm prevent movement of the hanger arm above the horizontal position.

It will also be appreciated that the contoured ends and contoured sections of the inner wall of the diaphragm boss will engage in order to mount the hanger arm so as to automatically compress the boss as the hanger arm is pushed into place by the user, thereby eliminating any requirement to "compress" the hanger arm, at least for partial mounting.

It is further supplemented that the combination of the profiled end of the boss and the profiled section of the inner wall will position the bearing hole and the hinge pin when positioned without requiring the user to visually move the suspension arm to the positioning point.

The pivot point and the shaped end of the suspension arm boss thus act in combination with the shaped section of the inner wall to stabilize the movement of the valve diaphragm in the valve chamber so that:

(A) restricting movement of the diaphragm, thereby preventing outward movement of the diaphragm into or through the air inlet (as may occur during charging) and inward movement of the diaphragm into the inflatable device through the valve chamber;

(B) alternately securing the diaphragm in the open and closed positions;

(C) suspending the diaphragm in a fully closed position and allowing the diaphragm to flutter from a partially open state to a sealed state in response to external or internal pressure;

(D) the installation and the disassembly of the rotating arm and the diaphragm are facilitated for a user.

Another variation of this embodiment of the self-sealing valve would be a partial rib 670 protruding from the bottom surface of the valve chamber adjacent to and concentric with the edge portion of the flexible diaphragm. When the diaphragm is flexed downwardly (i.e. inwardly), the edge of the diaphragm presses against the rib, providing a resistance which acts in conjunction with the resilience of the diaphragm to assist in urging the diaphragm back into the horizontal (sealing) position.

Another variation of this embodiment includes a structure that couples the valve chamber 606 to any inflation device, such as a manual pump, a foot pump, an electric pump, and an extended air line from a remote pump station. Referring to fig. 55 and 56, the perimeter of the valve chamber is formed by a flange 674 that serves as an attachment point for the inflation subject port. Adjacent the inside of the flange is an outer edge 676. The flange includes a boss 680 (or threads, etc.) to removably couple the valve to the inflation source. These bosses or threads engage mating bosses or threads which may be part of any pump, reducer, or air line connection. The flange 684 of the air inlet (see fig. 60) compressively snaps (contacts) with a mating flange on the pump sub or air line fitting to provide an adequate sealing connection when snapped. It is further contemplated that as an alternative to connecting the valve chamber to the inflation apparatus, the outer wall 688 (see fig. 60) of the air inlet port may incorporate threads or other structure suitable for direct or indirect attachment or mounting to any inflation/deflation source known to those skilled in the art. It is further contemplated that the self-sealing valve embodiments described above may provide a cap that will provide additional protection/protection for the hanger arm and diaphragm exposed in the valve. Referring to fig. 55, this self-sealing valve embodiment may include a cavity 692 located near the perimeter of the valve chamber to attach a removable cap to the inflatable device (to cover and protect the air inlet). This cap may include a mating plug which will function when inserted into the aperture and will be gripped by the device whether or not the cap is in use.

It will be appreciated that for each of the self-sealing valve embodiments of the invention described above, the flange of the valve housing may be removable, in other words not integral with the valve housing, so that the air inlet of the valve may be either permanently or removably attached to the valve housing.

It should be understood that each of the self-sealing valves described above are simple to operate, inexpensive, valves that support inflation, deflation, and pressure control in any low, medium, or higher pressure inflatable device. In addition, each of the self-sealing valves described above does not require mechanical structures to seal the inflatable device, nor does it require manual sealing of the inflatable device. In other words, the sealing of the inflatable device is automatic and is accomplished under the internal pressure of the inflatable device, and therefore, each of the valves described above is self-sealing.

Each of the self-sealing valves described above does not have any structure under the flexible diaphragm, in other words, each of the self-sealing valves described above uses structural features to suspend the flexible diaphragm in a floating position. An advantage of each of the self-sealing valves described above is that the valve allows the diaphragm to flex freely during inflation, thereby increasing airflow.

Each of the self-sealing valves described above is also easy to use because they open automatically, seal automatically and normally bias to the closed position as air flows in, and can be biased to the closed position under the pressure inside the object to be inflated. In addition, the flexible diaphragm of each of the self-sealing valves described above is easily manipulated so that the inflatable object may be deflated or the pressure within the inflatable object may be controlled.

Having described several embodiments of the self-sealing valve of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other variations, features, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the size of the opening may be varied to accommodate the size of the object to be inflated. As another example, to provide air to an inflatable structure (such as the dome of a tennis court), the opening may be very large compared to valves such as those used for inflatable pillows. The valve may also be provided with an extension tube connected to the opening 26 to facilitate manual or mouth inflation.

Claims (32)

1. A self-sealing valve, comprising:

a valve housing having a fluid inlet including an inner wall, the valve housing further having a valve seat facing the interior of the valve housing;

a valve assembly selectively covering a fluid inlet to provide self-sealing, the assembly comprising:

a flexible diaphragm having an area greater than the fluid inlet area and having a first surface facing the interior of the valve chamber and a second surface facing the exterior of the valve chamber, the second surface comprising a periphery of the flexible diaphragm engaged with the valve seat; and the number of the first and second groups,

a support member suspending the flexible diaphragm in a suspended position in the valve chamber to allow at least a portion of a periphery of the flexible diaphragm to move away from the valve seat in a first direction toward the interior of the valve chamber to an open position and to allow at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm to move in a second direction opposite the first direction such that the periphery of the flexible diaphragm engages the valve seat in a closed position; and

a housing having an interior, an exterior, a port for transferring fluid between the interior and the exterior, and a wall separating the interior from the exterior, wherein the valve chamber is attached to the wall adjacent the port of the housing such that fluid is transferred between the interior and the exterior of the housing through the fluid inlet of the valve chamber;

wherein the support features and the flexible diaphragm are constructed and arranged such that the injection of fluid into the tank at a pressure of no greater than 10 pounds per square inch is sufficient to cause at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm to move in a first direction into an open position to allow fluid to flow into the tank.

2. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible diaphragm is suspended by a support member such that there is no structure beneath the flexible diaphragm.

3. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, further comprising means for securing the flexible diaphragm to the support member and means for allowing at least a portion of the perimeter of the flexible diaphragm to be manually moved in the first direction while the self-sealing valve is in the sealed condition to facilitate cleaning of the self-sealing valve.

4. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support member comprises a cantilever arm attached at a first end thereof to the inner wall of the valve housing by a hinge assembly disposed between the first end of the cantilever arm and the inner wall;

the flexible diaphragm is configured on the cantilever arm to allow at least a portion of a periphery of the flexible diaphragm to move in a first direction away from the valve seat toward the interior of the valve housing to an open position and to allow at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm to move in a second direction toward the exterior of the valve housing such that the periphery of the flexible diaphragm engages the valve seat in a closed position to provide self-sealing.

5. The self-sealing valve of claim 4, further comprising: a bracket rigidly secured to an inner wall of the fluid inlet, the bracket having a hinge pin located on a first surface of the bracket;

a boss located at the first end of the cantilever and having a bearing hole to be fitted with the hinge pin; and

a surface disposed on the bracket that engages the ledge of the boom to limit movement of the boom above a horizontal position.

6. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 5, further comprising an angled surface projecting from the first surface of the bracket, the angled surface engaging the cantilevered tab to progressively move the cantilevered tab as the second end of the cantilevered arm and the at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm are progressively urged in the first direction toward the interior of the valve housing into the open position, the angled surface and the tab interacting to urge the second end of the cantilevered arm and the at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm in the first direction into the closed position.

7. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a groove disposed in the first surface of the bracket, the groove engaging the ledge of the cantilever arm when the second end of the cantilever arm and at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm move in the first direction to the locked open position and maintaining the cantilever arm and at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm in the locked open position.

8. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a rib projecting from the valve seat of the valve housing, the rib engaging at least a portion of the outer periphery of the flexible diaphragm such that when the flexible diaphragm is urged in the first direction, the rib provides resistance to the cantilever arm and the at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm moving in the first direction and urges the cantilever arm and the flexible diaphragm in the second direction to the closed position.

9. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 4, further comprising means for preventing movement of the cantilever and the flexible diaphragm in the second direction through the fluid inlet past the closed position.

10. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 4, wherein the self-sealing valve assembly comprises two parts, a cantilever and a flexible diaphragm.

11. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a locking means adapted to lock the cantilever and at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm in a locked open position.

12. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a release mechanism for releasing the cantilever and at least a portion of the flexible diaphragm periphery from the locked open position to allow the cantilever and at least a portion of the flexible diaphragm periphery to move in the second direction to the closed position.

13. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support member and the flexible diaphragm are constructed and arranged such that fluid pressure established within the housing is sufficient to cause at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm to move in the second direction to the closed position absent fluid injection to engage the outer periphery of the flexible diaphragm with the valve seat such that the valve assembly provides a seal.

14. The self-sealing valve of claim 1, further comprising: means adapted to maintain the flexible diaphragm in a closed position when there is no fluid pressure within the tank or when no fluid is being injected into the tank.

15. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve housing is mounted flush with a wall of the housing such that the outer surface of the valve housing and the valve assembly are substantially in the same plane as or below the wall of the housing.

16. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve housing is a separate member having a first portion including a flange at a periphery of the valve housing so as to be directly attachable to a wall of the housing, and a second portion including the valve seat and the fluid inlet.

17. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve assembly and the valve chamber are constructed and arranged to move at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm non-axially in the first and second directions.

18. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, further comprising means adapted to connect and disconnect the valve housing to a fluid injection, release or pressure control device.

19. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, further comprising means adapted to retain the flexible diaphragm within the valve housing during one of the operational phases of the valve, including the fluid injection, release, pressure control and self-sealing phases.

20. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the liquid inlet and the valve assembly enable the transfer of a large volume of fluid in a low pressure region defined between the interior and the exterior of the valve housing.

21. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve is constructed and arranged such that any portion of the valve assembly may be controlled to regulate fluid transfer between the interior and exterior of the self-sealing valve.

22. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluid inlet has a diameter of up to 2.5cm to allow a substantial amount of fluid in a low pressure range to pass between the interior and exterior of the valve housing.

23. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve component is exposed, any portion of the valve component being accessible to regulate fluid transfer between the interior and the exterior of the self-sealing valve.

24. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a protective cover assembly that selectively covers and uncovers the fluid inlet of the valve housing.

25. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support member includes a cantilever arm attached to the inner wall of the valve housing, the cantilever arm having a groove with openings of increasing diameter at both ends to allow the compressible stem of the flexible diaphragm to be retained in any one of the openings of increasing diameter and to move laterally along the groove; and

a spring disposed between one end of the cantilever arm and the inner wall of the valve housing and a latch assembly disposed between a second end of the cantilever arm and the inner wall of the valve housing, such that the cantilever arm and the flexible diaphragm are movable about the hinge point of the hinge in a direction outward of the valve assembly when the diaphragm handle is moved laterally within the slot toward the increasing diameter opening to compress the spring mounted in the hinge and the latch assembly is unlocked.

26. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support member includes a stop rib extending across the fluid inlet of the valve housing between the valve seats, the stop rib including a vertical support post extending outwardly into the fluid inlet; and is

The flexible diaphragm includes a handle disposed on the second surface of the flexible diaphragm and a tapered groove disposed on the first surface of the flexible diaphragm that cooperates with the support post of the retaining rib so that the handle of the flexible diaphragm can be grasped and the periphery of the flexible diaphragm can be pivoted downward into the valve chamber around the support post.

27. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support member includes at least one rib rigidly attached to the inner wall of the valve component, at least one such rib having a groove disposed therein, and the diaphragm has a mating rib projecting from the second surface, the mating rib having a narrowed portion for engaging the groove and an expanded portion for securing the diaphragm to the at least one rib, the diaphragm further including a target area that pivots downwardly into the valve component under pressure applied to the target area.

28. The self-sealing valve assembly as claimed in claim 27, further comprising a locking device that locks the target region of the flexible diaphragm in a locked open position to further enhance purging of the self-sealing valve.

29. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve is a check valve.

30. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve assembly and valve housing are constructed and arranged such that the valve assembly may be removed or replaced with another valve assembly.

31. A method of installing a cantilever and a flexible diaphragm within a self-sealing valve chamber, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a cantilever having at least one boss at a first end of the cantilever, the boss including a support hole therein designed to cooperate with the hinge pin, and a flexible diaphragm mounted on the cantilever to allow movement of at least a portion of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm without any movement of the cantilever;

placing the cantilever arm and the flexible diaphragm into the fluid inlet of the self-sealing valve chamber such that the support aperture engages a hinge pin mounted on a first surface of a bracket secured to an inner wall of the fluid inlet of the self-sealing valve chamber; and

the cantilever arms with the flexible diaphragm are pivoted downwardly so that they enter and pass through the fluid inlet of the self-sealing valve chamber to a closed position.

32. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support member comprises a cantilever arm including at least one boss at a first end thereof, the boss having a support hole therein, the support hole being adapted to engage a hinge pin provided on an inner wall of the valve housing, the valve assembly being removable and replaceable with another valve assembly.