Inflation control valve

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-11318034-B2
Application number	US-201816198149-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Nov 21, 2018
Priority date	Aug 23, 2012
Publication date	May 3, 2022
Grant date	May 3, 2022

Abstract

Systems, methods, and devices are described for providing a fluid control for an inflation system. The control directs fluid flow from an inlet to one or more outlets of the control. The outlets are independently connected in fluid communication with the inlet by through the control. The control allows a user to create a fluid path between the inlet and a selected outlet by positioning the control in an orientation corresponding to the desired outlet. Each outlet is independently connected in fluid communication with the inlet in various orientations of the control.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A valve for use in an inflatable orthopedic device, comprising:
a fluid control means that is positionable in two or more orientations;
a fluid inlet port comprising an inlet flow channel having an outer opening and an inner opening, the fluid inlet port and the inlet flow channel extending at a downward angle from an exterior surface of the fluid control means; and
a plurality of fluid outlet ports, each comprising a respective outlet flow channel having a respective outer opening and a respective inner opening, the plurality of fluid outlet ports and the respective outlet flow channels extending at the downward angle from the exterior surface of the fluid control means;
wherein:
the inner openings of each of the fluid inlet port and the plurality of fluid outlet ports lie in a first common plane,
the outer opening of at least one of the fluid outlet ports lies in a second plane different from the first plane,
a first fluid path passing through the center of the fluid control means is created between the fluid inlet port and a first of the fluid outlet ports when the fluid control means is positioned in a first orientation, and
a second fluid path passing through the center of the fluid control means is created between the fluid inlet port and a second of the fluid outlet ports when the fluid control means is positioned in a second orientation.

2. The valve of claim 1 , wherein the valve comprises an outer housing and the fluid control means comprises an inner flow director, the outer housing comprising the fluid inlet port and the plurality of fluid outlet ports, each of the inlet flow channel and the plurality of outlet flow channels passing from the respective inner opening in an interior surface of the outer housing to the respective outer opening at a respective end of the fluid inlet port or of the outlet ports.

3. The valve of claim 2 , wherein the inner flow director comprises an interior flow channel, the interior flow channel having first and second openings in an outer surface of the inner flow director.

4. The valve of claim 3 , wherein the first opening of the interior flow channel is in fluid communication with the inner opening of the fluid inlet port in the interior surface of the outer housing when the fluid control means is positioned in each of the first and second orientations.

5. The valve of claim 3 , wherein the second opening of the interior flow channel is in fluid communication with the respective inner opening of a first of the plurality of fluid outlet ports in the interior surface of the outer housing when the control is position in the first orientation, and the second opening of the interior flow channel is in fluid communication with the respective inner opening of a second of the plurality of fluid outlet ports in the interior surface of the outer housing when the control is position in the second orientation.

6. The valve of claim 1 , wherein each of the outer openings of the fluid outlet ports lies in the second plane.

7. The valve of claim 1 , wherein the first fluid path passes from the outer opening of the fluid inlet port upward at an angle into the center of the control means, across the center of the control means, and downward at an angle through the outer opening of the first of the plurality of outlet ports.

8. The valve of claim 1 , wherein the second fluid path passes from the outer opening of the fluid inlet port upward at an angle into the center of the control means, across the center of the control means, and downward at an angle through the outer opening of the second of the plurality of outlet means.

9. A valve for use in an inflatable orthopedic device, comprising:
fluid inlet means;
a plurality of fluid outlet means; and
a fluid control means positionable in two or more orientations and comprising:
a rotatable dial having a rotatable dome-shaped body comprising a concave inner portion; and
a center of the fluid control means extending from the concave inner portion, the fluid inlet means and the plurality of fluid outlet means extending from the center,
wherein the center of the fluid control means is configured to provide:
a first fluid path between the fluid inlet means and a first of the fluid outlet means when the fluid control means is positioned in a first orientation, and
a second fluid path between the fluid inlet means and a second of the fluid outlet means when the fluid control means is positioned in a second orientation.

Assignees

• Djo Llc

Inventors

• Batterson Benjamin
• Sasidharan Manikandan
• Ketelhohn Robert

Classifications

• F16K11/0853

  having all the connecting conduits situated in a single plane perpendicular to the axis of the plug · CPC title

• A61F5/0102

  specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations · CPC title

• Y10T137/8158

  With indicator, register, recorder, alarm or inspection means · CPC title

• Y10T137/86501

  Sequential distributor or collector type · CPC title

• A61F5/32

  Adjustable pressure pads · CPC title