Three way universal valve

摘要

A valve assembly for inflatable bladders (8), including beds, balls, toys and other inflatable objects includes a locking mechanism (30, 30', 32) within the valve for releasably holding the valve opened. The valve acts in three distinct ways. In a first way the valve is closed maintaining the bladder internal pressure. In a second way the valve may be incrementally opened by a user to release the internal pressure to suit the user. In a third way the valve may be opened and locked or latched to remain open allowing the deflation of the bladder (8). A spring (24) provides a return force to close the valve when the lock is not engaged. Air pressure from outside the bladder (8) supplied by a pump or the like will force the valve diaphragm (28) open against the spring (24) and allow air to enter. The diaphragm (28) is made of a resilient seal material. The locking mechanism (30, 30', 32) is engaged by pressing the diaphragm (28) open and twisting to engage a lock. When the lock is further twisted or twisted in the reverse direction the lock is disengaged allowing the spring (24) and internal air pressure to close the valve. The valve can be pressed from the exterior to open the valve, without engaging the lock, for a selectable time such that the pressure within the bladder can be adjusted. Adapters (72, 80) may be used with the valve assembly so that different air blowers can be used to inflate the bladder (8).