APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR UNIVERSALLY MOUNTING AN INFLATOR, EXHAUST VALVE OR RELIEF VALVE INTERIORLY OF AN INFLATABLE ARTICLE

摘要

An apparatus and method for mounting an inflator, exhaust valve or relief valve interiorly of an inflatable article, comprising a receiver having an integral mounting flange formed about its upper periphery that is heat sealed interiorly about an opening in the fabric of an inflatable article to be substantially flush with the contour of the inflatable article once inflated. The receiver comprises a generally circular cylindrical bore for removably receiving a corresponding generally circular cylindrical portion of the inflator, exhaust valve or relief valve therein. A locking key removably engages into corresponding detents in the mounting flange to removably secure the inflator, exhaust valve or relief valve in the bore. An O-ring is provided about the generally circular cylindrical portion of the inflator, exhaust valve or relief valve to form a seal with the bore and prevent any leakage of gas from the interior of the inflatable article.