VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR INFLATABLE BLADDER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME

摘要

The present invention relates to inflatable bodies or systems with bounding walls or bladder structures and at least one valve assembly thermally bonded thereto. More particularly, the present invention provides a valve assembly for inflatable bodies typically made from a thermoplastic rubber material or the like, which will exhibit significantly increased strength and durability during inflation and while inflated, especially at and around the interface between the air valve assembly and the bounding wall of the inflatable body because of the enhanced strength of the interface through thermal sealing.

主权项

1. An air valve assembly for an inflatable body, said air valve assembly comprising:
a generally flexible body member having an inner and an outer surface, and a generally cylindraceous projection extending from said inner surface of said body member; wherein said outer surface is substantially smooth, wherein said projection is generally positioned proximate a central region of the central region of said body member, and has a self sealing opening extending longitudinally therethrough for the passage of air from said outer surface to said inner surface upon inflation by an external inflating device positioned within said projection during a use thereof, and wherein a generally radially region of said of said body member distal said cylinddraceous projection is thermally bonded to a surface of said inflatable body proximate an opening in said inflatable body.