Valve
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a reusable valve in which a seal portion is co-molded with and overmolded to the valve stem to provide a secure mechanical bond therebetween. In one embodiment, the valve includes a snap fit between the valve stem and a retaining cap to provide easy assembly of the valve as well as an efficient and compact retention mechanism for a biasing spring and the valve stem in relation to the valve housing. In one embodiment, the valve includes an easy-to-use opening and closing mechanism that provides tactile feedback to the user when moving the valve stem to an open position and to a closed position to inflate, deflate, or maintain air or gas pressure in the inflatable article. The present disclosure also provides a dunnage bag with such valve.
1. A valve comprising:
a housing that includes: (1) an inner cylindrical wall that defines an opening; and (2) an annular wall that extends radially inward from the inner cylindrical wall and away from the opening; and
a stem that includes a shaft and a base, wherein the base extends radially outward from the shaft and away from the opening, wherein the stem is connected to the housing and movable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position.
2. The valve of claim 1 , further comprising a biasing element that biases the stem to the closed position.
3. The valve of claim 2 , further comprising a key attached to the stem, the key retaining the biasing element in place.
4. The valve of claim 1 , wherein the stem is lockable in the open position via rotation of the stem relative to the housing.
5. The valve of claim 1 , wherein the shaft of the stem defines a first slot and the housing includes a protrusion at least partly positioned within the first slot to slidably retain the stem relative to the housing and enable the stem to move relative to the housing between the open position and the closed position.
6. The valve of claim 5 , wherein the shaft of the stem also defines a second slot that extends transversely from the first slot.
7. The valve of claim 6 , wherein the second slot is approximately perpendicular to the first slot.
8. The valve of claim 6 , wherein the second slot is oriented so the stem is held in the open position when the protrusion is positioned within the second slot.
9. The valve of claim 1 , further comprising an annular valve seat, wherein when the stem is in the closed position, the base of the stem sealingly engages the valve seat.
10. The valve of claim 9 , wherein when the stem is in the open position, the base of the stem is spaced apart from the valve seat.
11. The valve of claim 10 , which includes an elastomeric seal on the base of the stem, the seal configured to sealingly engage the valve seat when the stem is in the closed position.
12. The valve of claim 9 , wherein the valve seat is connected to the annular wall.
13. A valve comprising:
a housing that includes: (1) an inner cylindrical wall that defines an opening; (2) an annular wall that extends radially inward from the inner cylindrical wall and away from the opening; and (3) a protrusion; and
a stem that includes a shaft and a base, the base extending radially outward from the shaft and away from the opening, the shaft of the stem defining a first slot and a second slot extending transversely from the first slot, the protrusion positioned in one of the slots to slidably retain the stem relative to the housing,
wherein the first slot enables axial movement of the stem relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position and the second slot enables rotation of the stem relative to the housing between a locked position and an unlocked position.
14. The valve of claim 13 , further comprising a biasing element that biases the stem to the closed position.
15. The valve of claim 14 , further comprising a key attached to the stem, the key retaining the biasing element in place.
16. The valve of claim 13 , wherein the second slot is oriented so the stem is in the unlocked position and held in the open position when the protrusion is positioned within the second slot.
17. The valve of claim 13 , further comprising an annular valve seat, wherein when the stem is in the closed position, the base of the stem sealingly engages the valve seat.
18. The valve of claim 17 , wherein when the stem is in the open position, the base of the stem is spaced apart from the valve seat.
19. The valve of claim 17 , wherein the valve seat is connected to the annular wall.
20. An inflatable article comprising:
an inflatable/deflatable body including one or more walls; and
an inflation/deflation valve mounted to the body, the valve including:
(a) a housing that includes: (1) an inner cylindrical wall that defines an opening; and (2) an annular wall that extends radially inward from the inner cylindrical wall and away from the opening; and
(b) a stem that includes a shaft and a base, wherein the base extends radially outward from the shaft and away from the opening, wherein the stem is connected to the housing and movable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position.