PUMP WITH IN-LINE VALVE AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF

Abstract

A pump comprises a body portion defining a hollow interior cavity, an inlet port, and an outlet port, and a plunger portion. A distal end of a first outlet hose is coupled to the outlet port, and a proximal end of the first outlet hose is coupled to an inlet port of a diverter valve. A first output assembly is coupled a first outlet port of the diverter valve, and a proximal end of the second outlet hose is coupled to a second outlet port of the diverter valve. A distal end of the second outlet hose is coupled to a second output assembly. A cover assembly is coupled to the diverter valve and configurable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the cover assembly prevents access to the first output assembly. In the second position, the cover assembly allows access to the first output assembly.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to pumps, and, more particularly, to a pump having an in-line valve and a rotatable cover assembly for an output assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, industry standards dictate that different types of output assemblies are needed to inflate tires (such as bicycle tires) and sporting implements (such as footballs or basketballs). Users often require the use of multiple pumps to inflate different objections, as pumps designed to inflate bicycle tires generally cannot be used to inflate sporting implements, and vice-versa. Further, pumps that are used to inflate sporting implements often use hollow needle-like projects that are inserted into the implements. These needles are generally fragile and can easily break or sustain damage.

The present disclosure is directed to an improved pump that solves the above and other needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Additional aspects of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of various embodiments, which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below.

An apparatus for pumping air comprises a body portion defining a hollow interior cavity, an inlet port, and an outlet port; a plunger portion being at least partially disposed within the hollow interior cavity of the body portion; a first outlet hose having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the first outlet hose being coupled to the outlet port such that the outlet hose is in fluid communication with the hollow interior cavity of the body portion; a diverter valve having an inlet port, a first outlet port, and a second outlet port, the inlet port of the diverter valve being coupled to the distal end of the outlet hose; a first output assembly coupled to the first outlet port of the diverter valve; a second outlet hose having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the second outlet hose being coupled to the second outlet port of the diverter valve; a second output assembly coupled to the distal end of the second outlet hose, wherein the hollow interior cavity of the body portion is in fluid communication with either the first output assembly or the second output assembly; and a cover assembly coupled to the diverter valve and being configurable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the cover assembly is configured to at least partially cover the first output assembly and thereby prevent access to the first output assembly, and wherein in the second position the cover assembly is configured to expose the first output assembly and thereby allow access to the first output assembly.

An apparatus for pumping air comprises a body portion defining a hollow interior cavity, an inlet port, and an outlet port; a plunger portion being at least partially disposed within the hollow interior cavity of the body portion; a diverter valve coupled to the body portion, the diverter valve including a first output assembly and a second output assembly coupled thereto such that the hollow interior cavity is in fluid communication with either the first output assembly or the second output assembly; and a cover assembly coupled to the diverter valve and being configurable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the cover assembly is configured to at least partially cover the first output assembly, and wherein in the second position the cover assembly is configured to expose the first output assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pump having an in-line valve and a cover assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an implementation of the pump of FIG. 1 in a first position, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the implementation of FIG. 2A in a second position, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2C is an exploded view of the pump of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an implementation of the pump of FIG. 1, according to aspects of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the pump of FIG. 3A, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. For purposes of the present detailed description, the singular includes the plural and vice versa (unless specifically disclaimed); the words “and” and “or” shall be both conjunctive and disjunctive; the word “all” means “any and all”; the word “any” means “any and all”; and the word “including” means “including without limitation.” Where a range of values is disclosed, the respective embodiments include each value between the upper and lower limits of the range.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a pump for pumping air is disclosed. The pump has an in-line valve capable of providing air to multiple outlets. The pump is generally capable of use with bicycle tires, inner tubes, pool toys, pool floats, bladder-based sporting implements (e.g. sports balls such as footballs, soccer balls, basketballs, volleyballs, rugby balls, etc.), or other inflatable objects.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a pump 10 for pumping air includes a main body portion 12, a base portion 14 including a plurality of feet 16, and a plunger portion 18. The plunger portion 18 generally includes plunger shaft 20 and a handle 22 disposed at one end thereof. The main body portion 12 has a hollow interior cavity defined therein, and plunger shaft 20 is configured to be slidably received within and at least partially disposed within the hollow interior cavity of the main body portion 12. The plunger shaft 20 is also configured to telescopically extend from the main body portion 12 and telescopically retract into the main body portion 12.

The main body portion also includes an inlet port and an outlet port defined in the main body portion 12 such that the hollow interior cavity is in fluid communication with the exterior of the pump 10, e.g. air can flow into and out of the hollow interior cavity of the main body portion 12 through the inlet port and the outlet port. However, the main body portion 12 also includes an inlet valve disposed in the inlet port and an outlet valve disposed in the outlet port. The inlet valve is configured to allow air or other fluids to flow into the hollow interior cavity from the outside of the main body portion 12 through the inlet port, and to prevent air or other fluids from flowing out of the hollow interior cavity to the outside of the main body portion 12 through the inlet port. Similarly, the outlet valve is configured to allow air or other fluids to flow out of the hollow interior cavity through the outlet port, and to prevent air or other fluids from flowing into the hollow interior cavity through the outlet port.

The pump 10 also includes a first outlet hose 24 having a proximal end that is coupled to the outlet port such that the first outlet hose 24 is in fluid communication with the hollow interior cavity of the main body portion 12 through the outlet port. The pump 10 may include one or more hose holders that are configured to releasably couple to the first outlet hose 24 when the pump 10 is not in use. The hose holders can include clips, clamps, friction fit channels, or the like, and may be integrally formed with the main body portion 12, the base portion 14, or the plunger portion 18. The hose holders may also comprise separate pieces that are permanently or releasably attached to the pump 10.

The pump 10 further includes a diverter valve 26 that is coupled to a distal end of the first outlet hose 24. The diverter valve 26 has a housing with a hollow interior defined therein. The housing also defines an inlet port, a first outlet port, and a second outlet port. The inlet port is coupled to the first outlet hose 24 to allow air to flow from the hollow interior cavity, through the first outlet hose 24, into the diverter valve. A first output assembly 28 is coupled to the first outlet port of the diverter valve 26, while a proximal end of a second outlet hose 30 can be coupled to the second outlet port of the diverter valve 26. Finally, a second output assembly 32 can be coupled to a distal end of the second outlet hose 30.

The diverter valve 26 is generally configurable between a first orientation and a second orientation such that the inlet port is in selective fluid communication with the first outlet port and the second outlet port through the main body. In some implementations, the first inlet port may be in fluid communication with both the first outlet port and the second outlet port. In the first orientation, the first outlet port is unblocked while the second outlet port is blocked. When a user operates the pump 10 by depressing the plunger portion 18 into the hollow interior cavity of the main body portion 12, air is forced out of the outlet port of the main body portion, through the first outlet hose 24, and into the diverter valve 26. Because the first outlet port of the diverter valve 26 is unblocked and the second outlet port of the diverter valve 26 is blocked, air flows through the first outlet port and the first outlet assembly. Conversely, when the diverter valve 26 is in the second orientation, the first outlet port is blocked while the second outlet port is unblocked, such that air can flow from the hollow interior cavity, through the first outlet hose 24, into the diverter valve, out of the second outlet port of the diverter valve 26, through the second outlet hose 30, and through the second output assembly 32. The diverter valve 26 can use any suitable mechanism or method to alternate between the first orientation and the second orientation, and to block or unblock the first and second outlet ports. For example, in some implementations, the diverter valve 26 may have an interior body partially disposed within the interior of the diverter valve 26 such that it occupies the space between the inlet port of the diverter valve 26 and the first and second outlet ports of the diverter valve 26. The interior body may have a number of channels defined therein that can alternatively block the path from the inlet port to either the first or second outlet port. A portion of the interior body can be disposed outside of the diverter valve 26 such that a user can rotate the interior body within the diverter valve 26. The interior body can be rotated between a (i) first orientation where the channels define a path between the inlet port and the first outlet port but block any air from flowing from the inlet port to the second outlet port, and (ii) a second orientation where the channels define a path between the inlet port and the second outlet port but block and air from flowing from the inlet port to the first outlet port. In other implementations, the diverter valve 26 may have a spherical body disposed therein that can selectively block air flow through either the first outlet port or the second outlet port based on the orientation of the diverter valve 26. In still additional implementations, the diverter valve 26 can be configured to block air flow through both the first outlet port and the second outlet port of the diverter valve 26.

In some implementations, the first output assembly 28 is a hollow needle-like projection that is commonly used to inflate sporting implements such as basketballs, soccer balls, footballs, volleyballs, or the like. The needle generally has an opening at an end opposite the diverter valve 26 to allow air to flow out of the needle into the object to be inflated. The first output assembly 28 generally projects outwardly away from the diverter valve. In some implementations, the inlet port and the second outlet port are generally aligned with each other on opposite ends of the diverter valve 26, while the first outlet assembly 28 projects in a direction perpendicular to an axis connecting the inlet port and the second outlet port. The second output assembly 32 in some implementations is an adaptor that is configured to couple to a tire, such as a bicycle tire or the like. The adaptor can be coupled to the tire using any suitable method or mechanism, such as a press fit, a screw fit, or the like. In still other implementations, both the first output assembly 28 and the second output assembly 32 are hollow needles, or are both adaptors for tires. In still other implementations, the first output assembly 28 is coupled to the diverter valve 26 via a third outlet hose. In additional implementations, the second output assembly 32 can be coupled directly the diverter valve 26.

The pump 10 can also include a cover assembly that is configurable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the cover assembly at least partially blocks or covers the first output assembly 28 to thereby prevent access to the first output assembly 28. When in the first position, the cover assembly prevents the first output assembly 28 from being used to inflate an object, and also can at least partially protect the first output assembly 28. In some implementations, the cover assembly prevents air from flowing out of the first output assembly 28 when in the first position. In other implementations, the cover assembly allows air to flow out of the first output assembly 28 when in the first positions. When the cover assembly is configured to be in the second position, the first output assembly 28 is generally entirely exposed to thereby allow access to the first output assembly 28.

An implementation of the cover assembly is illustrated in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. Cover assembly 134 is a generally U-shaped projection that is configured to cover the first output assembly 28 in at least two dimensions. Cover assembly 134 generally includes a first leg 136A and a second leg 136B. A proximal end of both the first leg 136A and the second leg 136B is coupled to the diverter valve 26. A curved cap portion 138 is coupled to a distal end of both the first leg 136A and the second leg 136B and extends therebetween. As shown in FIG. 2A, when the cover assembly 134 is in the first position, both the first leg 136A and the second leg 136B project outwardly from the diverter valve 26 in a direction that is generally parallel to the first output assembly 28. The curved cap portion 138 generally extends in a direction that is perpendicular to the first leg 136A and the second leg 136B. The curved cap portion 138 is generally aligned with the diverter valve 26 and the first output assembly 28 such that an axis that is coincident with the first output assembly 28 intersects both the diverter valve 26 and the cap portion 138. As is shown, the cover assembly 134 generally blocks access to the first output assembly 28 when it is in the first position, such that the first output assembly 28 cannot be used to inflate an object. In the illustrated implementation, the cover assembly 134 does not prevent air from flowing out of the first output assembly 28. In other implementations, the cover assembly 134 does prevent air from flowing out of the first output assembly 28 when in the first position.

FIG. 2B illustrates the cover assembly 134 in the second position. In this second position, the cover assembly 134 has been rotated out of the way to expose the first output assembly 28 and allow access to the first output assembly 28. The first output assembly 28 can thus be used to inflate an object when the cover assembly 134 is in the second position. In some implementations, the cover assembly 134 itself is rotated between the first position and the second position such that the cover assembly 134's position relative to both the diverter valve 26 and the first output assembly 28 changes. In other implementations, the first output assembly 28 is rotated such that the first output assembly 28's position relative to the diverter valve 26 and the cover assembly 134 changes, while the cover assembly 134's position relative to the diverter valve 26 is constant between the first position and the second position.

An exploded view of the implementation of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B is illustrated in FIG. 2C. A pair of caps 140A and 140B can be used to couple the first outlet hose 24 and the second outlet hose 30, respectively, to the diverter valve 26. The caps 140A and 140B may be screwed onto the diverter valve 26, or may be attached by any other suitable means. The first output assembly 28 can also be screwed onto the diverter valve 26 or attached by another other means. The cover assembly 134 can include base portions 142A and 142B that are generally half-circle shaped and are configured to hook around portions of the diverter valve 26. Additional base portions 144A and 144B, which are also half-circle shaped, are configured to couple to base portions 142A and 142B from the opposite side of the diverter valve 26 to thereby couple the cover assembly 134 to the diverter valve 26. Base portions 144A and 144B can couple to base portions 142A and 142B using any suitable mechanism, such as a snap fit, a tongue and groove system, an adhesive, a magnet system, or the like. The first leg 136A can extend from base portion 144A, while the second leg 136B can extend from base portion 144B. First and second legs 136A, 136B can be integral with base portions 144A, 144B or may be separate components that are coupled thereto.

In some implementations, moving the cover assembly 134 between the first position (FIG. 2A) and the second position (FIG. 2B) causes the diverter valve 26 to move between the first orientation and the second orientation. For example, when the cover assembly 134 is in the first position and is covering first output assembly 28, the diverter valve is configured to divert air past the first output assembly 28 to the second output assembly 32 (see FIG. 1). When the cover assembly 134 is moved to the second position to uncover the first output assembly 28, the diverter valve changes orientations so as to diver air to the first output assembly 28 and prevent air from flowing to the second output assembly 32. In other implementations, the diverter valve 26 is manually movable between orientations by other suitable mechanisms, and the movement of the cover assembly 124 does not affect the orientation of the diverter valve 26.

Another implementation of the cover assembly is illustrated in FIG. 3A. Here, cover assembly 234 includes a body portion 236 that projects outwardly from the diverter valve 26 in a direction that is generally parallel to the first output assembly 28 when the cover assembly 234 is in the first position. The body portion 236 includes a channel 238 defined therein, and the first output assembly 28 is configured to be disposed within the channel 238 when the first output assembly 28 is in the first position. The length of the channel 238 may be equal to or greater than the length of the first output assembly 28 such that no portion of the first output assembly 28 extends out of the channel 238 and beyond the cover assembly 234. The cover assembly 234 can be rotated from the first position to the second position such that the first output assembly 28 is no longer disposed within the channel 238 and can be used to inflate an object. Similar to cover assembly 134, the cover assembly 234 may itself rotate relative to the diverter valve 26 to expose the first output assembly 28, or the first output assembly 28 can rotate relative to the diverter valve 26.

An exploded view of the cover assembly 234 is illustrated in FIG. 3B. Similar to FIG. 2C, a pair of caps 140A and 140B can be used to couple the first outlet hose 24 and the second outlet hose 30, respectively, to the diverter valve 26. The caps 140A and 140B may be screwed onto the diverter valve 26, or may be attached by any other suitable means. The first output assembly 28 can be coupled to a mounting plate 146, which itself can then be coupled to the diverter valve 26. Cover assembly 234 can include a base portion 240 that attaches the cover assembly 234 to the diverter valve 26 and allows the cover assembly 234 to rotate relative to the diverter valve 26. The base portion 240 can be a generally circular-shaped piece that is configured to fit over a portion of the diverter valve 26. One of the caps 140A, 140B can then be screwed onto that portion of the diverter valve 26 over the base portion 240, thereby coupling the cover assembly 234 to the diverter valve 26 and allowing the cover assembly 234 to rotate.

To use the pump 10, a user can couple either the first output assembly 28 or the second output assembly 32 to the object to be inflated. If the first output assembly 28 is being used (e.g. if a sporting implement such as a ball is being inflated), the user can rotate or otherwise set the cover assembly 34 to the second position such that the first output assembly is exposed and can be used for inflation. The user also orients or otherwise configures the diverter valve 26 such that the desired output assembly is selected. Once the desired output assembly is attached to the object to be inflated, the user pulls up on the handle 22 of the plunger portion 18. The plunger shaft 20 retracts out of the hollow interior cavity of the main body portion 12 as air flows into the hollow interior cavity through the inlet port. The inlet valve allows air to flow in through the inlet port while the outlet valve prevents air from flowing in from the first outlet hose 24. The user then depresses the handle 22 such that the plunger shaft 20 begins to fill the hollow interior cavity. The outlet valve allows air to travel from the hollow interior cavity through the first outlet hose 24. The air then travels through the selected output assembly.

The diverter valve as described herein can be utilized with any apparatus that is capable of pumping air. In addition to the floor and bicycle pumps as discussed herein, the diverter valve could be used, for example, with built-in air pumping systems found in mechanic's shops, bicycle stores, car washes, etc. Generally, any type of output assembly can be coupled to either of the outlet ports of the diverter valve, either directly or indirectly through an object such as a hose.

Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims. Moreover, the present concepts expressly include any and all combinations and sub-combinations of the preceding elements and aspects.

Claims

1. An apparatus for pumping air, the apparatus comprising: a body portion defining a hollow interior cavity, an inlet port, and an outlet port;a plunger portion being at least partially disposed within the hollow interior cavity of the body portion;a first outlet hose having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the first outlet hose being coupled to the outlet port such that the outlet hose is in fluid communication with the hollow interior cavity of the body portion;a diverter valve having an inlet port, a first outlet port, and a second outlet port, the inlet port of the diverter valve being coupled to the distal end of the outlet hose;a first output assembly coupled to the first outlet port of the diverter valve;a second outlet hose having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the second outlet hose being coupled to the second outlet port of the diverter valve;a second output assembly coupled to the distal end of the second outlet hose, wherein the hollow interior cavity of the body portion is in fluid communication with either the first output assembly or the second output assembly; anda cover assembly coupled to the diverter valve and being configurable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the cover assembly is configured to at least partially cover the first output assembly and thereby prevent access to the first output assembly, and wherein in the second position the cover assembly is configured to expose the first output assembly and thereby allow access to the first output assembly.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first output assembly is different from the second output assembly.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first output assembly is a needle configured to be coupled to a sporting implement, and wherein the second output assembly is an adaptor configured to be coupled to a tire.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the sporting implement is a bladder-based sports ball.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the tire is a bicycle tire.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover assembly is rotatable between the first position and the second position.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover assembly includes a body portion that projects outwardly from the diverter valve in a first direction when the cover assembly is in the first position.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first output assembly is a needle projecting outwardly from the diverter valve in the first direction.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the body portion of the cover assembly includes a channel defined therein, and wherein the first output assembly is configured to be disposed within the channel defined in the body portion of the cover assembly responsive to the cover assembly being in the first position.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein a length of the channel defined in the body portion of the cover assembly is equal to or greater than a length of the first output assembly.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover assembly includes a first leg, a second leg, and a cap, the first leg and the second leg coupled to the diverter valve, the cap coupled to both the first leg and the second leg and extending therebetween.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein when the cover assembly is in the first position, the first leg and the second leg project outwardly from the diverter valve in a first direction and the cap extends in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first output assembly is a needle projecting outwardly from the diverter valve in the first direction.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein when the cover assembly is in the first position, an axis coincident with the needle intersects the diverter valve and the cap of the cover assembly.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a base portion coupled to the body portion, the base portion including one or more feet.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein responsive to the plunger portion being depressed, air is forced out of the hollow interior cavity of the body portion and exits either the first output assembly or the second output assembly.

17. An apparatus for pumping air, the apparatus comprising: a body portion defining a hollow interior cavity, an inlet port, and an outlet port;a plunger portion being at least partially disposed within the hollow interior cavity of the body portion;a diverter valve coupled to the body portion, the diverter valve including a first output assembly and a second output assembly coupled thereto such that the hollow interior cavity is in fluid communication with either the first output assembly or the second output assembly; anda cover assembly coupled to the diverter valve and being configurable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the cover assembly is configured to at least partially cover the first output assembly, and wherein in the second position the cover assembly is configured to expose the first output assembly.

18. A diverter valve, the diverter valve comprising: a housing having a hollow interior defined therein;an inlet port defined in the housing;an first outlet port and a second outlet port defined in the housing, the first inlet port being in selective fluid communication with the first outlet port and the second outlet port through the hollow interior of the housing;a first output assembly coupled to the first outlet port;a second output assembly coupled to the second outlet port; anda cover assembly coupled to the housing and being configurable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the cover assembly is configured to at least partially cover the first output assembly, and wherein in the second position the cover assembly is configured to expose the first output assembly.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first output assembly is different from the second output assembly.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the first output assembly is a needle configured to be coupled to a sporting implement, and wherein the second output assembly is an adaptor configured to be coupled to a tire.