Self-sealing valve

Abstract

A fluid-filled or inflatable article having an integral self-sealing valve formed from a pair of extensions which are sealed together along their peripheral side edges leaving an open top or mouth. One or both of the extensions is folded back upon itself to form a flap or pair of juxtaposed flaps whose free edge or edges depend inwardly from the open top or mouth of the valve. Disposed between the flaps, or between the flap and the adjacent inner surface of the opposed valve wall if a single flap is employed, is a biasing means preferably in the form of a thin layer of a tacky, grease-like substance which causes the flaps to adhere to each other or to the inner side wall of the adjacent opposed valve wall thereby biasing the flap into sealing engagement with each other or the adjacent inner wall surface interiorly of the valve. This action enhanced by the back pressure of the fluid inside the inflated article causes the flap to be maintained in a fluid-tight sealing engagement against the other flap or against the confronting inner surface of the valve wall thus sealing the mouth of the valve in a leak-proof manner.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.