Air pump assembly with switching pipe

[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/886,030, filed Jun. 22, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,990,700.

[0002] The present invention relates in general to an inflatable product provided with an electric air pump.

[0003] Referring to FIG. 11, prior art provides a conventional air mattress for two people with a top fabric cover 100, a layer of foam 200, two inflatable chambers 300, 400, a frame 500 and a bottom fabric cover 600. The inflatable chambers 300, 400 are inflated by an electric air pump (not shown), which is separately provided, requiring users to carry two items, the air mattress itself, and an electric air pump. Inconvenience results, especially for outdoor use.

[0004] The present invention provides a modified air mattress, which has a built-in electric air pump eliminating the need for an external pump. Furthermore, operation of the air mattress of the present invention is easy.

[0005] An air pump assembly suitable for inflating an inflatable product is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, an inflatable product is provided including an inflatable body, a switching pipe and a fan and motor. The switching pipe is movable between a first position and a second position. The fan and motor inflates the inflatable body when the switching pipe is switched to the first position. The fan and motor deflates the inflatable body via the switching pipe when the switching pipe is switched to the second position.

[0006] In a first embodiment of the present invention, an air pump assembly is provided including a housing having a first air intake, a first air outlet, a second air intake and a second air outlet, a switching pipe, and a fan and motor for pumping air from the first air intake to the second air outlet when the switching pipe is switched to a first position, and for pumping air from the second air intake to the first air outlet via the switching pipe when the switching pipe is switched to a second position. Air may be pumped from the second air intake through the first air intake to the first air outlet when the switching pipe is switched to the second position. In a preferred embodiment, the air pump assembly further includes a switching member extending from the switching pipe, wherein the switching member is moved with the switching pipe, so as to alternatively close or open the second air outlet. The switching member may be a flap firmly fixed to the switching pipe, so as to close the second air outlet when the switching pipe is switched to connect the first air intake and the second air intake.

[0007] In a second embodiment of the invention, an air pump assembly is provided comprising a fan and motor for pumping air, and a switching pipe movable between a first position and a second position, and configured such that air is pumped in a first direction through the switching pipe when the switching pipe is in the first position, and air is pumped in a second direction through the switching pipe when the switching pipe is in the second position. In a preferred embodiment, the air pump assembly further includes a housing having an air intake and an air outlet, and wherein the switching pipe includes a first end and a second end, wherein the switching pipe is arranged such that the first end of the switching pipe communicates with the air outlet when the switching pipe is in the first position, and the first end of the switching pipe communicates with the air intake when the switching pipe is in the second position. In this embodiment, air may be pumped from the air intake to the air outlet and through the switching pipe from the first end to the second end when the switching pipe is in the first position, and air may be pumped from the second end to the first end of the switching pipe and through the air intake to the air outlet when the switching pipe is in the second position.

[0008] In a third embodiment of the invention, an inflatable product is provided including an inflatable body, a fan and motor for pumping air, and a switching pipe movable between a first position and a second position, the fan and motor inflating the inflatable body when the switching pipe is in the first position, and deflating the inflatable body when the switching pipe is in the second position. The inflatable body may be inflated via the switching pipe when the switching pipe is in the first position. Furthermore, the inflatable body may be deflated via the switching pipe when the switching pipe is in the second position. In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable product further includes a housing, wherein the housing comprises a first air intake, a first air outlet, and a second air intake, and the fan and motor pump air from the first air intake to the second air intake via the switching pipe when the switching pipe is switched to the first position, and pump air from the second air intake to the first air intake via the switching pipe when the switching pipe is switched to the second position. In this embodiment, the housing further may include a second air outlet. In addition, a switching member may be provided extending from and movable with the switching pipe so as to selectively open and close the second air outlet when the switching pipe is moved between positions.

[0009] In a fourth embodiment of the invention, an inflatable product is provided including an inflatable body, a fan and motor for pumping air, a housing having an opening communicating with the inflatable body and allowing air to flow between the housing and the inflatable body during inflation and deflation, and a switching pipe, movable between a first position and a second position, the fan and motor inflating the inflatable body when the switching pipe is in the first position, and deflating the inflatable body when the switching pipe is in the second position. Preferably, a switching member is provided extending from the switching pipe, wherein the switching member is moved with the switching pipe, so as to selectively open and close the opening when the switching pipe is moved between positions.

[0010] In a fifth embodiment of the invention, an air pump assembly is provided including a housing having an air intake and a first air outlet, a fan and motor configured to pump air from the air intake to the first air outlet, and a switching pipe having a first end and a second end, the switching pipe movable between a first position and a second position, the switching pipe arranged such that the first end of the switching pipe communicates with the first air outlet when the switching pipe is in the first position, and the first end of the switching pipe communicates with the air intake when the switching pipe is in the second position. On activation of the fan, air is pumped from the air intake to the first air outlet and through the switching pipe from the first end to the second end when the switching pipe is in a first position, and air is pumped from the second end to the first end of the switching pipe and through the air intake to the first air outlet when the switching pipe is in the second position. The fan and motor are preferably mounted in the housing. The housing may include a second air outlet. In this embodiment, a switching member movable with the switching pipe may be provided, the switching member opening the second air outlet when the switching pipe is in the first position. The switching member may also close the second air outlet when the switching pipe is in the second position

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an inflatable product of a first embodiment of the present invention has an inflatable chamber 10, a pump seat 11 mounted on the chamber 10, an air pump 12 carried by the pump seat 11, two holding elements 13, 13′ to hold the air pump 12, and two covers 14, 14′ for covering the vents 131, 131′ provided on the holding elements 13. Referring to FIG. 1C, the seat 11 has two holes 111, 112 on its bottom, through which air enters the chamber 10. The air pump 12 has a substantially rolling-pin-shaped housing with a fan and motor (not shown) inside. An air intake 121 and an air outlet 122 are provided at opposite ends of the housing. The housing of the air pump 12 has a rib 123 on its outer surface, wherein the rib 123 extends in the axial direction of the housing. Referring to FIG. 1D, the air pump 12 is carried by the seat 11 with the rib 123 resting on the seat 11. Then, the holding elements 13 are screwed to the seat 11 for holding the air pump 12.

[0059] During inflation, the air pump 12 pumps air into the inflatable product. Air flows through the vent 131 of the holding element 13, the air intake 121 and air outlet 122 of the air pump 12, and the hole 112 on the bottom of the seat 11. Air then flows into the inflatable product via the hole 112 on the bottom of the seat 112.

[0060] During deflation, the air pump 12 is rotated in direction X until the rib 123 rests on the seat 11 at another side. As shown in FIG. 1E, the air intake 121 faces down and the air outlet 122 faces up so that the air pump 12 can pump air out of the inflatable product. Air flows through the hole 111 of the seat 11, the air intake 121 and air outlet 122 of the air pump 12, and then out from the vent 131′ of the holding element 13′.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 2A, an inflatable product of a second embodiment of the present invention is provided with a rotatable switch 21, an air pump 22, a piping system 23 and a cover 24. On the top surface of the switch 21, “INFLATE”, “STOP” and “DEFLATE” settings appear. The air pump 22 is firmly connected to the switch 21. The air pump 22 thus follows the switch 21′s rotation when twisted. Referring to FIG. 2B, the air pump 22 has a substantially rolling-pin-shaped housing 225 with a fan and motor 223 inside. An air intake 221 and an air outlet 222 are provided at opposite ends of the housing. The piping system 23 includes a main pipe 238, two side pipes 236, 237 and a vent 239. The main pipe 238 is connected to the outside via the vent 239 and connected to the air pump 22 in the housing 225 via the side pipes 236, 237. The cover 24 is used to close the vent 239.

[0062] During inflation, the switch 21 is rotated to “INFLATE”. The air intake 221 is switched to connect the side pipe 236, while the side pipe 237 is closed by the housing 225 of the air pump 22. The air pump 22 pumps air into the inflatable product in accordance with a path as indicated by the arrows. In detail, air flows through the vent 239, main pipe 238, side pipe 236 and air intake 221, and out from the air outlet 222.

[0063] When inflation is finished, the user rotates the switch 21 to “STOP”. The air pump 22 stops. Also, the air intake 221 and air outlet 222 are closed by the housing 225 of the air pump 22.

[0064] During deflation, the switch 21 is rotated to “DEFLATE”. As shown in FIG. 2C, the air outlet 222 is switched to connect the side pipe 237, while the side pipe 236 is closed by the housing 225 of the air pump 22. The air pump 22 evacuates air from the inflatable product in accordance with a path as indicated by arrows. In detail, air flows through the air intake 221, air outlet 222, side pipe 237 and main pipe 238, and out from the vent 239.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, an inflatable product of a third embodiment of the present invention is provided with a housing 31, a fan and motor 33, a switching pipe 32, a flap 36 and a cover 35. The fan and motor 33 is received in the housing 31. The flap 36 is firmly connected to the switching pipe 32. Therefore, when the switching pipe 32 is rotated, the flap 36 follows. An air intake 311 and an air outlet 312 are provided on the top surface of the housing 31, while another air intake 314 and air outlet 313 are provided on the bottom surface of the housing 31. During inflation, a first end of the switching pipe 32 is connected to the air outlet 312 on the top surface of the housing 31. The cover 35 is removed from the air intake 311. The inflatable product (not shown) is inflated by the fan and motor 33. As indicated by the arrows in FIGS. 3A and 3B, air flows through air intake 311 into the housing, through air outlet 312 to the first end of switching pipe 32, and exits air intake 314 into the inflatable product. In addition, air flows through the air intake 311 to the air outlet 313, and into the inflatable product.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 3C and 3D, during deflation, the switching pipe 32 is switched from the air outlet 312 to the air intake 311 on the top surface of the housing 31. Also, the flap 36 follows the switching pipe 32 to rotate to close the air outlet 313 on the bottom surface of the housing 31. The air in the inflatable product is evacuated by the fan and motor 33. The path of the airflow is indicated by arrows. Air flows through the air intake 314, the switching pipe 32 and the air intake 311, and into the housing 31. Then, air flows out from the air outlet 312. As shown in FIGS. 3A–3D, air intake 314 is an opening at the second end of the switching pipe 32 selectively brought into communication with either air intake 311 or air outlet 312 via the switching pipe, and serves both as an air intake and air outlet according to the position of the switching pipe 32.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 4A, an inflatable product of a fourth embodiment of the present invention is an air mattress which includes a mattress pad 41, a back support 42 and an air pump assembly 43 built into the mattress pad 41 to inflate the mattress pad 41 and the back support 42. The back support 42 is inflated to raise the backrest of the mattress pad 41. Referring to FIGS. 4B and 4C, the air pump assembly 43 has a pack 430, a fan and motor 435 received in the pack 430, a motor switch 433 mounted on the pack 430 to activate the fan and motor 435, two valves 436, 436′ disposed in the pack 430, and two valve switches 431, 431′ for opening/closing the valves 436, 436′. The pack 430 has an air intake 4301, a first air outlet 4302 connected to the back support 42, and a second air outlet 4302′ connected to the mattress pad 41. The valve switches 431, 431′ have the same structure. Therefore, only the valve switch 431 is introduced and the description of the valve switch 431′ is omitted. The valve switch 431 has a cap 4311, a cam element 4312, a bar 4313 and a spring 4314. The cam element 4312 is firmly connected to the cap 4311. When the cap 4311 is twisted, the cam element 4312 follows the cap 4311′s rotation. Referring to FIG. 4D, the cam element 4312 has a recess 4314 on its bottom, via which the cam element 4312 sits on the bar 4313.

[0068] To inflate the back support 42, the user turns on the motor switch 433 to activate the fan and motor 435. In addition, the user turns on the valve switch 431 by twisting the cap 4311. The cam element 4312 follows the cap 4311′s rotation as shown in FIG. 4D. Then, the bar 4313 is depressed by the cam element 4312 as shown in FIG. 4E. Referring to FIG. 4F, the spring 4314 is compressed by the bar 4313 and the valve 461 is opened. Then, outside air is pumped into the back support 42 through the air intake 4301 and air outlet 4302 of the air pump assembly 43. Arrows indicate the path of airflow.

[0069] If the user further turns on the valve switch 431′, then the mattress pad 41 is inflated.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 4G, the back support 42 is inflated to raise the backrest of the mattress pad 41. Referring to FIG. 4H, the backrest of the mattress pad 41 is lowered when the back support 42 is deflated. It is noted that the cross section of the back support 42 is V-shaped. By such an arrangement, the mattress pad 41 is flat enough that a user cannot detect the presence of the deflated back support 42.

[0071] FIGS. 4I and 4J depict a modified example of the back support of the air mattress, wherein the back support 44 has a flexible chamber 442 of a triangular cross section and an elastic string 441 binding the chamber 442. When the chamber 442 is filled with the air, the elastic string 44 is stretched. When the chamber 442 is deflated, the elastic string 44 automatically contracts to collapse the chamber 442.

[0072] FIGS. 4K and 4L depict another modified example of the back support of the air mattress, wherein the back support 46 has a flexible chamber 464, a frame 463 pivoted to the mattress pad 47 and connected to the chamber 464, an elastic string 461 fixed to the frame 463 for binding the chamber 464, and round slider 462 mounted on the bottom of the frame 463. When the chamber 464 is filled with air, the elastic string 461 is stretched. When the chamber 464 is deflated, the elastic string 461 automatically contracts to collapse the chamber 464. Then, the chamber 464 pulls the frame 463. The frame 463 slides on the ground via the round sliders 462 and rotates toward the mattress pad 47 to collapse the chamber 464.

[0073] FIGS. 4M and 4N depict another modified example of the back support of the air mattress, wherein the back support 48 has a flexible chamber 481, a first frame 483, a second frame 484 hinged to the first frame 483, and an elastic string 482 fixed to the frames 483, 484 to bind the chamber 481. The flexible chamber 481 is sandwiched between the frames 483, 484. When the chamber 464 is filled with air, the elastic string 461 is stretched and the frames 483, 484 are spread. When the chamber 464 is deflated, the elastic string 461 automatically contracts to collapse the chamber 464. Also, the frames 483, 484 are closed to collapse the chamber 481.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 5A, an inflatable product of a fifth embodiment of the present invention includes two inflatable chambers 51, 52, an airpump assembly 53 and a two-way valve device 54. The air pump assembly 43 is used to inflate the chambers 51 and 52 via the two-way valve device 54, wherein the two-way valve device 54 is connected to the chamber 52 via a pipe 55. Also referring to FIGS. 5B and 5C, the air pump assembly 53 has a motor switch 533 and an air intake 531 on its front surface, and an air outlet 532 on its rear surface. The two-way valve device 54 has a valve switch 543 on its front surface, an air intake 541 and an air outlet 542 on its rear surface. During inflation, the user turns on the motor switch 533 to pump air into the chamber 51 through the air intake 531 and air outlet 532. To further inflate the chamber 52, the valve switch 54 is turned on so that air in the chamber 51 flows into the chamber 52 through the two-way valve device 54.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 6, an inflatable product of a sixth embodiment of the present invention includes two inflatable chambers 61, 62 and an air pump assembly 63. The air pump assembly 63 inflates the chambers 61, 62 via two check valves 64, 65, respectively. The air pump assembly 63 has a fan and motor 633, a valve switch 631 and a cantilever arm 632 connected to the valve switch 631. To inflate the chamber 61, the user twists the valve switch 631 so that the cantilever arm 632 depresses the valve 64. The valve 64 is thus opened. Arrows indicate the path of airflow. Similarly, the user twists the valve switch 631 to open the valve 65 by the cantilever arm 632, when the chamber 62 is inflated.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 7A, an inflatable product of a seventh embodiment of the present invention includes four inflatable chambers 711, 712, 713, 714, an air pump 72, a first control pack 73 for controlling the air pump 72 to inflate the chambers 711, 712, and a second control pack 74 for controlling the air pump 72 to inflate the chambers 713, 714. Referring to FIG. 7B, the first control pack 73 has a pack body 730, two switches 731, 732, an air intake 733 connected to the air pump 72 and two air outlets 734, 735 respectively connected to the chambers 712, 711. Referring to FIG. 7C, the second control pack 74 has the same structure as the first control pack 73. The second control pack 74 has a pack body 740, two switches 741, 742, an air intake 743 connected to the air pump 72 and two air outlets 744, 745 respectively connected to the chambers 713, 714. Referring to FIGS. 7D, the switch 731 is connected to a valve 7311 while a micro switch 7312 is provided beside the switch 731. When the switch 731 is rotated to the “INFLATE” position, the valve 7311 is opened and the micro switch 7312 is turned on as shown in FIG. 7E. Other switches 732, 741, 742 have the same structure as the switch 731, thereby having micro switches beside. Further referring to FIG. 7F, when any of the micro switches 7312, 7322, 7412, 7422 is turned on, a relay 75 is activated and turned on. Then, the air pump 72 is supplied with power to inflate the corresponding chambers 711, 712, 713, 714.

[0077] FIG. 7G depicts a modified control circuit of FIG. 7F, wherein reference numerals 7312′, 7322′, 7412′, 7422′ represent air bulbs instead of micro switches. When any of the air bulbs 7312′, 7322′, 7412′, 7422′ is pressed, a pressure switch 75′ is turned on. Then, the air pump 72 is supplied with power to inflate the corresponding chambers 711, 712, 713, 714.

[0078] FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C show an air pump assembly in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 8A is the front view of the operating panel of the air pump assembly, FIG. 8B is the front view of the air pump with the operating panel removed, and FIG. 8D is a bottom view of FIG. 8C. The air pump assembly includes a pack 81 with a vent 811 on its top and two vents 812, 813 on its bottom, a fan and motor 82 received in the pack 81, two valves 83, 84 for opening/closing the vents 812 and 813, two switches 85, 86 and an elongated slider 87 provided beside the switches 85, 86. The elongated slider 87 has two slots 876, 877 with pins 872, 873 received inside, while the pins 872, 873 are firmly fixed in the pack 81. By the arrangement, the slider 87 is slideable with respect to the pins 872, 873. Furthermore, the fan and motor 82 have two pairs of electrodes 824, 824′ and 825, 825′. The electrodes 824′, 825 are fixed to the pack 81, while the electrodes 824, 825′ are firmly connected to the slider 87. When the slider 87 is moved to the right, the pair of electrodes 824, 824′ physically contact each other. Then, the fan and motor 82 is activated to rotate in a normal direction. When the slider 87 is moved to the left, the pair of electrodes 825, 825′ physically contact each other. Then, the fan and motor 82 is activated to rotate in a reverse direction. Furthermore, the switches 85, 86 have ears 851, 852, 861, 862 to push the slider 87 in different directions.

[0079] During inflation, the switch 85, for example, is rotated to “INFLATE”. The valve 83 connected to the switch 85 is opened. Meanwhile, the ear 851 of the switch 85 pushes against the slider 87 so that the pair of electrodes 824, 824′ physically contact each other. Thus, the fan and motor 82 is activated to pump air from the top vent 811 to the bottom vent 812. When the switch 85 is rotated to “DEFLATE”, the valve 83 is opened. The ear 852 of the switch 85 pushes against the lever 871 so that the pair of electrodes 825, 825′ contact each other and the pair of electrodes 824, 824′ separate. Then, the fan and motor 82 operates in reverse to pump air from the bottom vent 812 to the top vent 811. Similarly, air is pumped from the top vent 811 to the bottom vent 813 when the switch 86 is rotated to “INFLATE”. On the other hand, air is pumped from the bottom vent 813 to the top vent 811 when the switch 86 is rotated to “DEFLATE”.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 9A, an inflatable product of a ninth embodiment of the present invention is an umbrella. The umbrella has a stiff handle 91 and an inflatable (flexible) shank 92. An air pump is arranged in the handle 91 to pump the inflatable shank 92. The air pump has a nozzle 95, bellows 94 for supplying the shank 92 with air via the nozzle 95, and a motor 93 for operating the bellows 94 via gears 901 and a link 902. Furthermore, a ring switch 99 is provided around the handle 91 to activate the motor 93. In addition, three check valves 96, 97, 98 are provided to control the airflow. The first check valve 97 for controlling the entrance of air into the bellows 94 is provided under the ring switch 99. The second check valve 96 for controlling the exit of air from the inflatable shank 92 is provided over the ring switch 99. The third check valve 98 is provided between the bellows 94 and the nozzle 95 for controlling the airflow from the bellows 94 to the shank 92.

[0081] On the top and bottom of the ring switch 99 are provided a plurality of recesses. Referring to FIG. 9B, During inflation, the ring switch 99 is rotated to such a position that a top recess 991 of the ring switch 99 is positioned under the check valve 96, allowing the check valve 96 to be closed. Meanwhile, the check valve 97 is opened by the bottom of the ring switch 99. Also, a bottom recess 992 of the ring switch 99 is positioned over the button 931 of the motor 93 to release the button 931. Then, the motor 93 operates the bellows 94 via the gears 901 and link 902. Outside air is pumped into the shank 92 through the check valves 97, 98. The path of airflow is indicated by arrows.

[0082] To stop the inflating operation, the user rotates the ring switch 99 to the position shown in FIG. 9C, wherein the top recess 991 of the ring switch 99 is still positioned under the check valve 96 so that the check valve 96 is closed. Another bottom recess 994 of the ring switch 99 is positioned over the check valve 97 so that the check valve 97 is closed. Also, the bottom of the ring switch 99 pushes the button 931 to stop the motor 93.

[0083] To deflate the umbrella, the user rotates the ring switch 99 to the position shown in FIG. 9D, wherein the bottom recess 994 of the ring switch 99 is still positioned over the check valve 97 so that the check valve 97 is closed. The bottom of the ring switch 99 continues pushing the button 931 so that the motor 93 is still at rest. The top of the ring switch 99 pushes the check valve 96 so that the check valve 96 is opened. Then, air in the shank 92 of the umbrella automatically flows out through the check valve 96.

[0084] FIGS. 10A and 10B show a modified inflatable umbrella, wherein the air pump of the ninth embodiment including the bellows 94, link 902, gears 901 and motor 93 are replaced with another kind of air pump 150. The air pump 150 includes a cylindrical reservoir 151, a fan (air pressure rotator) 155 eccentrically received in the reservoir 151, and a motor 154 provided outside the reservoir 151 to rotate the fan 155. The reservoir 151 has an air intake 152 connected to the first check valve 97 and an air outlet 153 connected to the third check valve 98. During operation, air is pumped into the reservoir 151 through the air intake 152 and then pumped out through the air outlet 153. Furthermore, it is noted that the fan 155 is eccentrically arranged in the reservoir 151. This fan assembly generates sufficient air pressure to inflate the umbrella.

[0085] While the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of the preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art). Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements.