Deflator Tool

Abstract

This invention is a device designed to deflate rubber rafts, inner tubes, air mattresses and other inflatable objects equipped with cut-check valves or self-closing squeeze valves. The device is constructed of a rigid material, the body of which is comprised of a slender conical shape, terminating in a perpendicular T shaped handle. A tapered air gap runs through the core of the slender conical body along the vertical axis of the device. When inserted into said valves, the smooth rounded tip of the device safely penetrates the cut-check or flap portion of the valve, allowing air to flow from the inflatable object, through the device, and into the atmosphere. The tapered body is compatible with valves of various size diameters. When inserted into said valves, friction ensures the device will remain firmly seated inside said valves allowing hands free deflation.

Claims

1. A deflator device for use in conjunction with inflatable objects manufactured with cut-check valves or self-closing squeeze valves, said tool being constructed of a suitable rigid material, comprising a body which is tapered at a fixed rate, so as to be inserted into said valves, safely penetrating the cut-check or flap portion of said valves, allowing air to flow from the inflatable object, through said valves, and into the atmosphere.

2. The deflator device of claim further comprising a slender conical body having an overall length of 65 mm (2.56 inches), the tip of which is solid, rounded, and 2 mm (0.08 inches) in diameter, said conical body increasing at a fixed rate to 10 mm (0.39 inches) in diameter, said conical body having a tapered air gap running through its core along the vertical axis of the device, said air gap having an overall length of 50 mm (1.97 inches), said air gap starting 5 mm (0.20 inches) above said solid rounded tip, said air gap having a width starting at 0.5 mm (0.02 inches) and gradually increasing at a fixed rate to 7 mm (0.27 inches), the terminus of said conical body melding into a perpendicular T shaped handle, said handle being 45 mm (1.78 inches) in length, 10 mm (0.4 inches) wide and 10 mm (0.4 inches) thick, the center of said handle having a symmetrically tapered wedge 7 mm (0.27 inches) wide, tapering from its widest point at the top of said handle, terminating at the bottom of said handle and at widest point of said tapered air gap.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 contains a one dimensional profile view of the device, depicting the solid rounded tip (1); the slender conical body (2): the tapered air gap (3); the wedge at the center of the T shaped handle (4) and the T shaped handle (5).

[0017] FIG. 2 contains a two dimensional view of the invention depicting the slender conical body (1) and the wedge at the center of the T shaped handle which tappers down into the handle, terminating at the top of the tapered air gap (2).

[0018] FIG. 3 contains a two dimensional view of the invention looking directly through the tapered air gap (1) which passes completely through the core along the vertical axis of the slender conical body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] This invention is a device constructed of a rigid material, the body of which is slender and conical in shape, terminating in a T shaped handle. A tapered air gap runs through the core of the conical body along the vertical axis of the device. When inserted into said valves, the device safely penetrates the cut-check or flap portion of said valves, allowing air to flow from the inflatable object, through the tapered air gap, and into the atmosphere.

[0020] The smooth rounded tip of the device is 2 mm (0.08 inches) in diameter. From the rounded tip, the device increases in diameter at a fixed rate, in conical form, to a diameter of 10 mm (0.39 inches). At the terminus of the conical body, the device melds into a T shaped handle which is perpendicular to the conical body. The T handle is 45 mm (1.78 inches) in length, 10 mm (0.4 inches) wide, and 10 mm (0.4 inches) thick. The overall length of the device is 65 mm (2.56 inches).

[0021] The tapered air gap consists of a void which runs completely through the core of the conical body along the vertical axis of the device. The tapered air gap begins 5 mm (0.2 inches) above the solid rounded tip of the device. Said tapered air gap has a length of 50 mm (1.97 inches), a width starting at 0.5 mm (0.02 inches), gradually increasing at a fixed rate to a width of 7 mm (0.27 inches).

[0022] The center of the T shaped handle contains a symmetrically tapered wedge which is 7 mm (0.27 inches) wide. The wedge cut into both sides of the T handle is designed to ensure air continues to flow from the inflatable when the device is fully inserted into said valves, to the hilt of the T handle. Without the wedge the device would act as a plug rather than a deflator, when fully inserted into said valves. The T shaped handle permits easy insertion and extraction of the device.

[0023] With reference to the drawings FIG. 1 depicts the rounded tip (1); the slender conical body (2); the tapered air gap (3); the wedge at the center of the T handle (4); and the T handle (5) FIG. 2 depicts the slender conical body (1) and the symmetrical wedge at the base of the T handle (2). Although not depicted in FIG. 2, the wedge tapers down evenly into both sides of the T handle, and terminates at the top or widest point of the tapered air gap. FIG. 3 contains a view looking directly through the tapered air gap (1).

[0024] The slender conical body is designed to fit vales of various size diameters. Friction between the conical body and said cylindrical valves ensures that the device will remain firmly seated inside said valves during hands free deflation. The rounded tip of the device is smooth to ensure the internal components of the valve are never damaged during insertion or extraction.

[0025] This device and its preferred embodiment are apparent from the drawings, description and claims set forth below. Other manifestations of this invention will be obvious from these disclosures, which do not materially deviate from the invention herein claimed. This device can be manufactured by way of molding, or the plastic extrusion process.