DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(Section 10 and Rule 13)

“AN AIR VALVE ADAPTOR”

M/S. ALPHAMERS LTD

No.58, 4th Floor,
TP Venugopal Layout, Anand Nagar Main Road,
Bangalore 560024, India.

The following specification particularly describes the invention:

TITLE: AN AIR VALVE ADAPTOR

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to air valve adaptors, more specifically to an adaptor for inflatable articles, and that allows for the replacement of malfunctioning air valves.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Air valves, historically and in contemporary designs, are essential components for inflatable articles. Their purpose has been steadfast: to provide a controlled and regulated means of inflating or deflating the article. However, their design and integration into these articles have seen various iterations over time. A conventional approach has been to directly affix these valves to the fabric or material of the inflatable article. While the method might seem direct and straightforward, it has presented a myriad of challenges, many of which have grown more apparent with the increasing complexities of modern inflatable articles.
[0003] One of the prominent issues with the direct attachment of air valves is the challenge it presents when the valve encounters malfunctions or wear and tear. Given that the valve is intricately embedded onto the fabric, any malfunction often translates to a need to excise a portion of the fabric to which the valve is anchored. Such an approach isn't just tedious but also jeopardizes the structural integrity of the inflatable article. The resulting void or weak spot on the fabric then demands immediate attention, typically in the form of a repair or, in severe cases, replacement. These corrective measures are not only time-consuming but can also lead to significant financial expenditures.
[0004] The direct valve attachment considerably limits the ease and flexibility of maintenance. A malfunctioning valve often requires a comprehensive intervention, disrupting regular operations and prolonging downtimes. For industries or applications that rely heavily on these inflatable articles, any downtime can be detrimental, leading to operational inefficiencies and potential losses.
[0005] Furthermore, the pragmatic challenges of field repairs cannot be overlooked. Many inflatable articles find applications in remote or challenging terrains. In these situations, specialized equipment and expertise for repair, such as cold repair techniques or vulcanizing the rubber fabric, might be scarce or entirely unavailable. Should a valve malfunction in such contexts, the standard protocol involves transporting the equipment back to a specialized repair facility. This transportation not only adds to the operational costs but also extends the duration of repair, further amplifying the downtime.
[0006] Over the years, as the demands and expectations from inflatable articles have surged, so has the industry's quest for innovative solutions. While the core function of air valves remains consistent, their design and integration require a fresh perspective, one that mitigates the challenges of traditional designs. Recognizing this gap, for designs that not only ensure the smooth operation of air valves but also simplify their replacement and maintenance, all the while preserving the integrity of the inflatable article. The invention, therefore, seeks to bridge this gap, introducing a design paradigm that promises efficiency, durability, and ease of operation, ultimately revolutionizing the realm of inflatable articles.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an adaptable air valve that can be easily integrated into inflatable objects, eliminating the traditional challenges associated with direct valve attachment, and ensuring reduced maintenance needs.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to introduce a design that facilitates the effortless replacement of air valves without compromising the structural integrity of the inflatable article fabric.
[0009] A further object of the invention is to reduce downtime caused by valve malfunctions, thus ensuring inflatable articles remain functional for longer periods, especially in remote or challenging terrains.
[0010] Lastly, the invention aims to offer a comprehensive solution that bridges the existing gaps in the industry, setting a new benchmark in terms of functionality, adaptability, and user-friendliness in the realm of inflatable articles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an air valve adaptor, comprising a male adaptor and a female adaptor, both uniquely designed to interact with standard air valves and inflatable article fabrics. The male adaptor includes a top planar surface with a centralized orifice, which is encircled by female threads intended for engagement with corresponding male threads of standard air valves. The body of the male adaptor is hexagonal, enhancing grip and facilitating rotational movement during the installation or removal process.
[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the female adaptor is characterized by a cylindrical body with a central recess. This recess is defined by a raised annular seat and includes rectangular slot cut-outs symmetrically arranged on the adaptor's body. The said seat arrangement ensures the secure positioning of the female adaptor within the inflatable fabric, thus promoting an effective sealing interface.
[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air valve adaptor includes a spanner, which is essential for the manipulation of the adaptor. The spanner consists of an elongated handle and a head portion integrally formed at one end of the handle. The head portion is further defined by a semi-circular gripping structure with opposing jaws. The jaws are specifically adapted to engage with the female adaptor, allowing for precise control during the installation of the air valve adaptor apparatus.
[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air valve adaptor apparatus ensures a durable and damage-free interaction with the fabric of an inflatable article. The male adaptor is equipped with both male and female threading. The exterior male thread is tailored to engage with the female adaptor, while the interior female threading is constructed to couple with the male thread of the male adaptor. The dual threading mechanism is specially designed to prevent leakage or impressions on the opposite fabric side when the inflatable article is deflated.
[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the elongated handle portion of the spanner facilitates manual manipulation and torque application. The uniform cross-sectional profile of the handle ensures an even distribution of applied forces onto the female adaptor. Furthermore, the head portion’s inner curvature is complemented by symmetrical indentations that serve to enhance the gripping engagement, diminish slippage, and potentially interlock with the features of the female adaptor. The spanner aids in the efficient installation of the standard air valve and mitigates the rotation of the male adaptor during the screwing process.
[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air valve adaptor's dual male and female adaptors are specifically engineered to ensure the inflatable article’s fabric remains intact during the replacement of malfunctioning air valves. This particular design obviates the need for subsequent fabric repairs and contributes to the longevity of the inflatable article.
[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method of using the air valve adaptor apparatus involves several steps. Initially, the male and female adaptors are affixed onto the fabric of the inflatable article. The spanner is then employed to secure the male adaptor in place. Subsequently, a standard air valve is screwed into the female thread of the male adaptor. These steps result in a functional valve that is both secure and reliable, thus reinstating the operational integrity of the inflatable article.
[0019] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating the preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The other objects, features and advantages will occur to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings in which:
[0021] FIG.1 illustrates an exploded view of an air valve adaptor apparatus with a spanner assembly, according to the present invention.
[0022] FIG.2 illustrates an air valve adaptor apparatus with a spanner assembly, according to the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates an air valve adaptor apparatus with a spanner, according to the present invention.
[0024] FIG.4 illustrates an orthographic view of a spanner of an air valve adaptor apparatus, according to the present invention.
[0025] FIG.5 illustrates an orthographic view of a female adaptor of an air valve adaptor apparatus, according to the present invention.
[0026] FIG.6 illustrates an orthographic view of a male adaptor of an air valve adaptor apparatus, according to the present invention.
[0027] Although the specific features of the present invention are shown in some drawings and not in others. This is done for convenience only as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] In the following detailed description, a reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which the specific embodiments that may be practised are shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense. The various embodiments of the present invention constitute an air valve adaptor.
[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1, an air valve adaptor apparatus is disclosed, which includes a male adaptor and a female adaptor, configured for seamless integration with standard air valves and the fabric of an air chamber, respectively. The male adaptor as illustrated in Fig 6, is endowed with a top planar surface housing a centralized orifice surrounded by female threads, which are constructed to engage with the male threads of standard air valves. The said male adaptor further boasts a hexagonal body structure to facilitate an enhanced grip and rotational movement during its installation or removal, offering substantial ease in operational handling.
[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in Fig. 5, the female adaptor is a cylindrical body that is characterized by a central recess. The recess is bordered by a raised annular seat equipped with rectangular slot cut-outs symmetrically arranged on the body of the adaptor. The said seats are significant in that they facilitate the correct and secure placement of the adaptor on the inflatable article's fabric, and are a vital component in ensuring the structural integrity of the air valve adaptor's installation. One side is pasted to the fabric and the opposite side is flat which does not damage or form an impression when the air chamber is deflated and stacked with a lot of weight over it.
[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a spanner as illustrated in Fig 4, to work in conjunction with the female adaptor is also provided. The spanner comprises an elongated handle and a head portion that is integrally formed at one terminal end of the handle. The head portion features a semi-circular gripping structure with opposing jaws that are adapted to engage with the unique body of the female adaptor. The design allows for a secure grip and efficient transmission of torque from the spanner to the female adaptor.
[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the female adaptor is adapted to be affixed to the inner side of the inflatable fabric, ensuring a tight seal and preventing air leakage. The male adaptor is also uniquely designed with both male and female threading. The male exterior thread is meant to engage with the female adaptor, while the interior female threading is designed to accommodate the male thread of the standard air valve, thereby ensuring compatibility and interchangeability.
[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the spanner's elongated handle is optimized for manual manipulation and torque application. The handle’s uniform cross-sectional profile is engineered for the even distribution of applied forces onto the female adaptor. The head portion of the spanner is further enhanced with symmetrical indentations on its inner curvature, serving to improve the engagement grip, minimize slippage, and potentially interlock with the corresponding features of the female adaptor. The feature assists in the efficient installation of the standard air valve adaptor to the fabric of the air chamber, preventing any unintended rotation of the male adaptor during the installation process.
[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air valve adaptor apparatus ensures the fabric of the inflatable article is preserved during the replacement of malfunctioning air valves. The adaptors are designed such that the inflatable article’s fabric is neither cut nor damaged during the removal or re-installing of the standard air valve, which significantly reduces the necessity for subsequent fabric repair, thus extending the life of the inflatable article and maintaining its aesthetic appearance.
[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in Fig. 2, a method of using the air valve adaptor apparatus involves several procedural steps. Initially, the female adaptor seat is pasted on the inner side of the fabric of the air chamber fabric, the spanner is then employed to hold the female adaptor firmly in place and the female adaptor part has the female thread engage with the male thread of the Male adaptor and an incision is made on the air chamber for the incision of the male adaptor into the female adaptor inside the fabric for better concealment and bottom of the top planar surface housing a centralized orifice with female threads is also pasted on the outside of the fabric.
[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in Fig. 2, a method involves both adaptors affixed, and the fabric of the inflatable article is sandwiched between them in a precise and secure manner. Following this, a standard air valve is threaded into the female threading of the male adaptor. This process is meticulously designed to enable the efficient replacement of air valves, thereby rendering the valve operational and restoring the functionality of the inflatable article. This methodical approach to the use of the air valve adaptor apparatus ensures a high degree of reliability and ease of use in practical applications.
[0037] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such as specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments.
[0001] It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications. However, all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the claims.
,CLAIMS:I/We CLAIMS
1. An air valve adaptor, the apparatus comprising:
a male adaptor provided with a top planar surface with a centralized orifice with female threads designed to engage with the male threads of standard air valves and a hexagonal body, facilitating grip and rotational movement during installation or removal;
a female adaptor with a cylindrical body with a central recess, delineated by a raised annular seat with rectangular slot cut-outs positioned symmetrically on the body;
a spanner comprising an elongated handle, a head portion integrally formed at one terminal end of said handle portion, further delineated with a semi-circular gripping structure containing opposing jaws adapted to engage with the female adaptor;
further, the said seat of the female adaptor is pasted on the inner side of the fabric of the air chamber and the male adaptor, has both male and female threading, wherein the male exterior thread is designed to engage with a female adaptor and the said female adaptor having a seat affixed on the interior side of the inflatable fabric, possessing female threading to couple with the male thread of said male adaptor, and designed to prevent damage or impressions on the opposing fabric side when the inflatable article is deflated.
2. The air valve adaptor, the spanner apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongated handle portion of the spanner facilitates manual manipulation and torque application, by its uniform cross-sectional profile designed for even distribution of applied forces on the female adaptor; and
the said head portion's inner curvature is accentuated with symmetrical indentations designed to improve engagement grip, reduce slippage, and potentially interlock with corresponding features of the male adaptor aiding in the efficient installation of the air valve adaptor, thus preventing the rotation of the male adaptor during the screwing process.
3. The air valve adaptor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the both male and female adaptors are affixed in the fabric of the air chambers, ensures that the inflatable article's fabric is neither cut nor damaged during the process of malfunctioning air valves replacement, thereby eliminating the need for subsequent fabric repairs.
4. A method of using the air valve adaptor apparatus of claim 1, comprising the steps of:
a. affixing the male and female adaptors onto the fabric of the inflatable article;
b. utilizing the spanner to install the air valve adaptor in place;
c. screwing a standard air valve into the female thread of the male adaptor, rendering the valve operational.

Dated this 2nd day of November 2023.

Saravanan Gopalan
Applicant Agent (INPA – 3249)