Rachel R Simon

US Patent:

40406555, Aug 9, 1977

Filed:

Oct 28, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/625925

Inventors:

Laurence James Garrick - Woodstock NY
Rachel Simon - Woodstock NY

International Classification:

B60N 102

US Classification:

296 63

Abstract:

This invention provides a stabilized firmly anchored inflatable article comprising a flexible member and a rigid member attached thereto. The flexible member is so designed that portions of its surface press against a rigid surface surrounding the rigid member when the flexible member is inflated. This invention also provides a pneumatic system connected with the inflatable article for providing fluid under pressure to the inflatable article and a motor vehicle including the pneumatic system. The pneumatic system comprises the inflatable article, a fluid pump, drive means for the fluid pump and a regulating valve for controlling the flow of fluid between the inflatable article and the pump. This invention further provides a multi-port valve for use as the regulating valve. The valve permits the fluid pump to continuously operate in a single flow direction by providing means to place the pump, sequentially, first, in an inflating condition in relation to the inflatable article, second, in a deflating condition in relation to the inflatable article and in an intermediate idle, or neutral, condition wherein the pump is closed off from the inflatable article.