Patent · US Expired

Inflator/deflator with molded housing

US4678014A · kind A · utility

54Cited by
6References
4Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 27, 1986
Grant dateJul 7, 1987
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 27, 2006

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF04D25/084
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A hand-holdable inflating/deflating device is disclosed which can be used for conveniently effecting inflation or deflation of an associated article. The inflator includes an electric motor which drives a centrifugal impeller, with the motor and impeller carried by a mounting frame. The device further includes a generally cylindrical housing within which the motor and impeller are positioned, whereby operation of the motor rotates the impeller to create axial airflow within the housing. Significantly, the housing of the device comprises a one-piece injection molding, with the housing specifically configured to promote highly efficient assembly with the other components of the device. Further, a detachable, reversibly positionable nozzle is provided which can be fitted to either end of the molded housing, thus facilitating use of the device for either inflation or deflation. The nozzle can be configured to include an integral projection which is engageable with a safety valve of an associated inflatable article for opening the safety valve.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.