GB2279604A

GB2279604A - Tyre valve cap removing device

Info

Publication number: GB2279604A
Application number: GB9313449A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Derek John Preece
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-06-30
Filing date: 1993-06-30
Publication date: 1995-01-11
Also published as: GB2303903A; GB2303903B; GB9313449D0; GB9617539D0

Abstract

A tyre valve cap removing device 1 has a cup-shaped box portion 1a joined to a smaller cup-shaped portion 1b having an axial stem 1c. Serrations 1d are provided to enable the stem 1c to be gripped between finger and thumb so that the cap C can be spun on and off the tyre valve V, once cup-shaped portion 1a has been firmly engaged onto the exterior of cap C. The device may include a mounting member (2 Fig 4) which is affixed to a surface and on which the removing device can be stored when not in use. A tyre valve cap 101 may include an integral closure member 108 which is hinged to the main cap body 102. <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO TYRE VALVES This invention relates to improvements in or relating to tyre valves and is more particularly concerned with the cap or closure member utilised with the valve.

The form of plastics or metal valve cap associated with vehicle tyre valves is very well known and has been in operation for quite some time. However, it is believed that there tend to be inherent disadvantages in this cap design or at least that the design or manner of removing and/or applying the cap could be improved in at least some respect. Since the cap itself is exposed to the elements there is a tendency for soil deposits to build up on the cap so that when the time comes for removal, for example to access the valve for delivery of air into the tyre using a standard air delivery nozzle, a person removing the cap would invariably pick up the soil deposits on their fingers.Whilst it may be true that a cloth or tissue could be used to handle the cap, thus avoiding soil deposits spreading onto the fingers, it is believed that this does not offer a complete solution to the problem.

Additionally, removing and reapplying the cap can be time consuming and often the cap can become cross-threaded with the thread on the valve stem. This may cause stress on the cap leading to cracking and breaking and at the least is a nuisance requiring the cap to be unscrewed and reapplied correctly. Upon reapplication, in any event, the amount of torque required to unscrew the cap may sometimes be quite high and, perhaps, offer some problem, more particularly for female or disabled drivers. Once again, there is also a tendency for the cap to become lost or broken whilst removed from the valve.

It is an object of the present invention to at least alleviate one or more of the aforementioned, or other, problems associated with tyre valves.

According to the present invention there is provided a device adapted for removing a cap from a tyre valve and preferably for applying the cap on said valve, said device preferably comprising a gripping or positive engagement cup or member introducible generally axially onto said cap in order to grip or engage onto the cap, in use, and to maintain said grip or engagement on angular movement of said device.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a method of removing a cap from a tyre valve, or applying the cap, using a device, said device preferably comprising a gripping or positive engagement cup or member and said method preferably comprising introducing the device generally axially onto said cap to grip or engage onto the cap and maintaining said grip or engagement on the cap during angular movement of said device to unscrew or screw up the cap.

The cap removing device preferably has a portion of (substantially) larger external diameter than the cap and thus a greater turning force may be applied (in particular to remove very tightly engaged caps from the valve stem) by gripping said portion between the fingers. Said portion is preferably a base portion of the device which may be cupshaped.

Said device may also incorporate a portion of lesser diameter (preferably similar to that of the cap), so if preferred by the user, a turning force can be applied which may be similar to that applied when gripping the cap directly. Said second portion may be cup-shaped.

Additionally or alternatively, a tapered or conical (part-conical) diameter portion or portions may be incorporated into the cap removing device to allow a variable torque to be applied depending upon where the device is gripped by the user.

Preferably, the cap removing device has a stem (which may be tapered), preferably extending axially of said cup or member, and preferably integral therewith. In use of the device, the stem may be gripped between forefinger and thumb and quickly rotated to allow the user to "spin" the device and cap to enable the cap to be unscrewed or screwed on the valve more quickly or more easily than would otherwise be the case.

Where the stem is provided it could be suitably dimensioned to provide the secondary function of being a valve core extractor.

The device is, preferably, of plastics and is preferably integrally moulded and in one embodiment is provided with a plurality of internal (preferably axial) gripping ribs which, in use, engage grooves in the serrated surface of the cap. Where a first cup-shaped portion is provided as aforesaid these ribs are preferably provided internally of said cup-shaped portion.

Additionally or alternatively a rubber ring, tube, or similar item may be provided inside the device for the purpose of gripping the cap. Any suitable gripping means could be provided between the device and the cap and this may or may not be integrally formed with the device.

Preferably, a purpose made mounting member may be provided for storing the device in a convenient place when not in use. The mounting member may take any convenient form and may, for example, comprise a panel member with a self-adhesive backing to be attached to, for example the dashboard of a vehicle, and may have a projecting stem engageable with the device.

Further advantageous features of the device and mounting member will be apparent from the following description and drawings. In particular, the device may be provided with apertures leading from the outside to the inside of the device, in order to aid ease of manufacture of gripping characteristics of said device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a valve cap for a tyre valve, said cap having a closure member that can be moved to an open position, in order to access the valve, whilst remaining attached to the cap.

Preferably, the closure member is hinged to the cap conveniently by means of an integral hinge. In one embodiment the closure member is rotatable about the hinge through a maximum of 1800 or less (e.g. 90 ) and can be snap-locked over an end of the cap through which the tyre valve can be accessed. The closure member may have a tab which is designed to allow the end of an air nozzle to actuate opening and closing movement of the closure member.

The cap may be provided with an actuating pin or member (preferably aligned axially of the cap) which is displaceable longitudinally, when an air nozzle or pressure gauge is applied thereto, once the end of the cap has been exposed by opening the closure member. The actuating pin or member is arranged, in use, to actuate or depress the tyre valve core in order to provide a free passage of air to enable inflation or deflation of the tyre or a tyre pressure reading to be taken. Additionally, the actuating pin or member may carry a seal (for example in the form of a rubber O-ring) which may or may not be urged by spring means against a radial seat provided in the cap surrounding a bore in which the pin/member is located.In the event of air pressure leakage through the tyre valve core, the seal and actuating pin or member may be urged against the seat by escaping air pressure (and by spring means if incorporated) and thus any egress of air through the cap should be prevented. Once the air delivery nozzle is placed over the exposed end of the cap the arrangement may be such that the air delivery nozzle forces the seal from the seat and actuates the valve core to open the valve.

The valve cap may have a cup-shaped or frusto-conical base with a threaded interior that may be screwed onto the threaded end of tyre valve. Alternatively, a thread profile may be formed or cut into said base as it is engaged on a threaded valve stem of the valve i.e. the base may not incorporate a threaded interior but a profile of such a shape as to readily self-engage and grip about the tyre valve thread in a self tapping manner. Preferably, said cap has a longitudinal axial extension housing said pin, the end of which extension engages with the closure member.

In an alternative embodiment, the cap and closure member are produced as part of the tyre valve itself so that there is no separate cap. Therefore, further according to the present invention there is provided a tyre valve for a vehicle, said valve having a movable closure member that can be moved to an open position, in order to access the valve, whilst remaining attached to the valve.

Many other advantageous features of this aspect of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and drawings.

Two embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying simplified drawings in which: FIGURE 1 shows a perspective exploded view of a device for removing a valve cap in accordance with the present invention, a valve cap and cut-away portion of a tyre valve; FIGURE 2 shows (to a different scale) a longitudinal sectional view of the device engaged on the valve cap; FIGURE 3 shows an end view of said device when viewed from an open end; FIGURE 4 shows a member (drawn to a different scale) upon which said device may be mounted when not in use; FIGURE 5 shows a second embodiment of the present invention comprising a cap with a valve closure member shown in an open raised position; FIGURE 6 shows the cap shown in FIGURE 5 with the closure member located in the closed position; and FIGURE 7 shows (to a different scale) a longitudinal sectional view of the cap with the closure member in the open position, said cap being threadably engaged on the tyre valve, the closed position of the closure member being shown in chain dotted lines.

FIGURES 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of the present invention comprising a cap removing device 1 which can be mounted on a purpose made mounting member 2 (see FIGURE 4) when not in use. The mounting member 2 could be located within the interior of a vehicle (for example on the dashboard in a manner to be described). The device 1 may be used to remove the threaded cap C from a tyre valve V.

The general form of the device 1 should be evident from FIGURES 1 to 3. The device 1 comprises a generally cup shaped or frusto-conical base portion la joined to a central smaller cup shaped portion lb having a relatively long, axial, tapered stem ic. The free end of the tapered stem lc is rounded and has longitudinal serrations ld to enable a good grip to be achieved on the stem by the fingers of a user. The device 1 could be made of any suitable material (e.g. rubber or any composite material or metal alloy) but in this instance is of plastics or nylon and is integrally made.

In this instance, the annular wall le of the base la is of generally uniform thickness except for the provision of four equi-angularly spaced tapered gripping ribs if as shown more particularly in FIGURE 3. The gripping ribs if are designed to grip onto the serrated surface S, in this instance, by engaging in grooves G between the serrations of the valve cap C, which cap threadably engages onto the end E of tyre valve V. Any suitable form of gripping arrangement may be provided between the cap removing device 1 and the cap C and the ribs could, alternatively, grip onto the outside of the serrations. For example, a separate rubber ring could additionally or alternatively be provided which is insertable into the base portion la of the device 1 and this ring (not shown) could be utilised to grip onto the exterior serrated surface S of the cap C.

The base la, itself, need not be a complete ring as long as it is able to grip sufficiently onto the cap C. The base la may be provided with flexible arms (not shown) to retain the cap. Both cup-shaped portions la and ib are provided with external serrations ig and lh respectively. Four equi-angularly spaced, concentric, axially extending apertures li are provided on the angular radial rim lj of the base portion la and these apertures li extend through to the interior of base la (equally on either side of associated rib if as shown in arc-like fashion) in order to aid the manufacture of said gripping characteristics of the device 1 as it is introduced axially onto cap C.

It is believed that the stepped cup-shaped structure provided by base la and portion lb optimises the gripping characteristics of the device 1 and the tapered stem ic, advantageously, provides an extension which can be readily grasped between the fingers allowing the user to "spin" the device 1 and thus the cap C onto or off the threaded end E of the valve V in a manner which should be readily apparent.

It is also possible that the tapered stem ic could be suitably dimensioned to provide a secondary function, namely it could be utilised to remove the central valve member or core M of the tyre valve (a tool for this purpose already being known per se).

FIGURE 4 shows a member 2 in the general form of a panel provided with a central raised stem 2a generally Tshaped in cross section and the head 2c of stem 2a having dimensions to yield a friction fit with the interior of the base la of the device 1. The member 2 may be mounted, for example, on the dashboard of a vehicle, for example by a self-adhesive rear surface 2b. Thus the device 1 may be stored in a convenient location, for example within the vehicle, on the mounting member 2, when not in use.

The operation of the device 1 should be self-evident.

When it is desired to remove the cap C from the valve V, in order to access the valve core M, for example when checking tyre pressure or when delivering air into the tyre, the device 1 can be utilised to remove the cap C. The device 1 may simply be pulled from the T-shaped stem 2a and introduced in the direction of arrow X axially onto the cap C once the ribs if have been aligned with the grooves G on cap C. The ribs if are dimensioned to be a tight fit in grooves G. The device 1 is pushed onto the cap as far as it will go with the radial faces lc' of the ribs if engaging the curved radial faces G' on the grooves G. Once the device 1 has been pushed onto the cap C as far as it will go the device 1 can then be rotated anti-clockwise in order to release the cap from the valve V. Once the cap C is loosened on the valve V, spinning the device 1 by the stem id by means of forefinger and thumb enables swift removal of cap from the valve. The cup-shaped portion ib of the device is similar in diameter to that of cap C to give a similar turning force to initially loosen the threaded engagement by gripping and turning the portion ib.

Should the threaded engagement remain difficult to loosen, the larger diameter portion la of the device can be gripped and turned to provide a greater mechanical advantage so that a greater torque can be administered. The use of the device 1 in itself prevents contact between the cap C and the fingers of the user, preventing soil deposits being transferred from the cap C to the user's fingers. Once the cap C has been removed the device 1 and cap C can be placed in an appropriate place whilst the valve V is accessed and, since the cap C is retained within the device 1, there is less risk of the cap becoming lost or damaged. Once it is desired to replace the cap C on the valve V it is a simple matter to introduce the cap C onto the end E of the valve using the device 1 and rotating said device and cap clockwise to screw the cap onto the end E.Once the cap C has been secured, the device may be removed from the cap (simply by pulling axially on the device) and can then be taken and stored on the mounting member 2 in convenient fashion until required again.

Any appropriate modification may be made to the device 1 and for example it could be of different external shape for example more akin to a wing nut or comprise a number of gripping arms, although such design needs to take into account the proximity of any hub cap on the wheel on which the tyre is mounted. The colour of the device 1 may be such so as to be easily seen in a dark environment.

Also, the cap removing device may be a power operated device (e.g. battery powered) or it may be comparable with a special purpose power tool. The cap removing device may include a torque limiting device to ensure that the cap is not overtightened; this could be provided by a simple ratchet mechanism in the device. The device may be designed to be universal to fit any range of caps or be suited to particular caps.

A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGURES 5 to 7 of the drawings.

A valve cap 101 is provided with a cup shaped base portion 102 having a threaded interior 103 that may be screwed directly onto the threaded end E of a tyre valve V (shown in chain dotted lines in FIGURE 7). When it is desired to access the valve core M of the valve V the cap 101 remains suitably engaged on the valve V. However, the device 101 includes an integral, hinged closure member 104 which can be rotated (generally about 90 ) about hinge axis 105 in the direction of arrow Y to be snap locked over the cap end 106 by means of annular or part-annular locating rib 107 which preferably seals completely around end 106.

Closure member 104 carries an outward or upturned tab 108 which is designed to allow the end of an air nozzle (not shown) to actuate movement of the closure member 104 about the hinge 105 to expose and cover the end 106 respectively, when required. Hinge 105 is an integral or "living" hinge and the design of the closure member 104 eliminates the need for a valve cap which has to be detached from the valve (prior to checking the tyre pressure or administering air through the valve into the tyre). Eliminating the need for a valve cap which requires detachment before administering air into the tyre, advantageously, also eliminates the possibility that the cap could be lost or misplaced during such an operation.Once again, the manner of opening and closing the closure member is advantageous since the fingers need not directly contact the closure member and it should be much easier to open and close than a threaded cap. The actual form of hinge 105 employed could be varied to suit and should be durable and is preferably integrally formed with the cap 101.

The cap 101 is provided with an axial longitudinally displaceable pin 109 or actuating member in axial bore B, said pin being utilised to directly actuate valve core M of the tyre valve in a manner which should be generally evident from FIGURE 7. Pin 109 has a head 109a at the free end 106 of cap 101 and a flange 109b at the other, inner, end, which flange supports an annular rubber seal 109c in a manner which should be evident from FIGURE 7. The ring detail shows the cap 101 being provided with a radial seat having a raised, annular lip 110 against which the seal 109c seats in normal conditions providing a seal against egress of air from the tyre valve, through the valve cap 101, in the event that there is some leakage around the valve core M.Once the closure member 104 has been moved to the raised position as in FIGURE 7 pin 109 can be accessed by an air delivery nozzle which pushes the pin 109 inwardly in the direction of arrow Z, thereby lifting the seal 109c from the seat 110 whilst simultaneously depressing the valve core M thereby allowing air to be delivered into the tyre. As will be apparent from FIGURE 7 the head 109a retains the pin 109 within the cap 101 and only allows the pin 109 to be depressed until the head engages the angular rim 111. On release of the air delivery nozzle the pin 109 is moved axially towards the end of the cap by the spring means s of the valve core M inside valve V. The pin 109 is then free to 'float' longitudinally in bore B.Should air escape from around valve core M the resulting pressure would return pin 109 to the position as shown in FIGURE 7 with the seal 109c against the raised lip 110. Alternatively, a spring means (not shown) may be provided about pin 109 to ensure seal 109c remains in contact with seat 110 unless an air delivery nozzle is applied.

In either of the embodiments described the threaded engagement of the valve and valve cap may be modified to be of any easier release type. For example, the "thread" may be only one turn or even a quarter turn lock and release design or similar.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the cap 101 may be produced as part of the tyre valve itself rather than being a separate cap. Thus the wall V' of valve V may be integrally moulded with the cap 101.

It is to be understood that the scope of the present invention is not to be unduly limited by the particular choice of terminology and that a specific term may be replaced by any equivalent ordinary term. Further it is to be understood that the original features, methods or functions relating to the cap removing device and/or cap design with hinge closure member might be individually patentably inventive. The singular may include the plural or vice versa. It is possible the invention may be utilised where the valve is not a tyre valve.

Claims

1. A device adapted for removing a cap from a tyre valve and preferably for applying the cap on said valve, said device preferably comprising a gripping or positive engagement cup or member introducible generally axially onto said cap in order to grip or engage onto the cap, in use, and to maintain said grip or engagement on angular movement of said device.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1 having a portion of larger external diameter than the cap.

3. A device as claimed in Claim 2 in which said portion is a base portion of the device.

4. A device as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3 in which said portion is cup-shaped.

5. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 4 incorporating a portion of lesser diameter.

6. A device as claimed in Claim 5 in which the lesser diameter portion has a diameter similar to that of the cap.

7. A device as claimed in Claim 5 or 6 in which said second portion is cup-shaped.

8. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims having a tapered or part-conical diameter portion or portions to allow a variable torque to be applied depending upon where the device is gripped by the user.

9. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims having a stem.

10. A device as claimed in Claim 9 in which the stem is tapered.

11. A device as claimed in Claim 9 or 10 in which said stem extends axially of said cup or member.

12. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 9 to 12 in which the stem is integral therewith.

13. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 9 to 12 in which the stem is suitably dimensioned to provide the secondary function of being a valve core extractor.

14. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which is of plastics.

15. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which is integrally moulded.

16. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims provided with a plurality of internal gripping ribs which, in use, engage grooves in the serrated surface of the cap.

17. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the ribs are axial.

18. A device as claimed in Claim 16 or 17 when dependent from Claim 4 in which said ribs are provided internally of said cup-shaped portion.

19. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a rubber ring, tube, or similar item inside the device for the purpose of gripping the cap.

20. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a purpose made mounting member provided for storing the device when not in use.

21. A device as claimed in Claim 20 comprising a panel member with a self-adhesive backing to be attached to, for example the dashboard of a vehicle.

22. A device as claimed in Claim 20 or Claim 21 having a projecting stem engageable with the mounting member.

23. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims provided with apertures leading from the outside to the inside of the device.

24. A device adapted for removing a cap from a tyre valve substantially as herein described with reference to FIGURES 1 to 3, or 5 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.

25. A device as claimed in Claim 1 and including a member substantially as shown in FIGURE 4 of the accompanying drawings.

26. A method of removing a cap from a tyre valve, or applying the cap, using a device, said device preferably -comprising a gripping or positive engagement cup or member and said method preferably comprising introducing the device generally axially onto said cap to grip or engage onto the cap and maintaining said grip or engagement on the cap during angular movement of said device to unscrew or screw up the cap.

27. A method as claimed in Claim 26 in which a turning force can be applied which may be similar to that applied with gripping the cap directly.

28. A method as claimed in Claim 26 or 27 in which a variable torque can be applied depending upon where the device is gripped by the user.

29. A method as claimed in any one of Claims 26 to 29 in which a stem of the device is gripped between forefinger and thumb and quickly rotated to "spin" the device and cap to enable the cap to be unscrewed or screwed.

30. A method as claimed in Claim 29 in which the stem is used to extract the valve core.

31. A method as claimed in Claim 26 and substantially as herein described.

32. A valve cap for a tyre valve, said cap having a closure member that can be moved to an open position, in order to access the valve, whilst remaining attached to the cap.

33. A cap as claimed in Claim 32 in which the closure member is hinged to the cap by means of an integral hinge.

34. A cap as claimed in Claim 32 or 33 in which the closure member is rotatable about the hinge through a maximum of 180C or less (e.g. 90 ) and can be snap-locked over an end of the cap through which the tyre valve can be accessed.

35. A cap as claimed in Claim 34 in which the closure member has a tab which is designed to allow the end of an air nozzle to actuate opening and closing movement of the closure member.

36. A cap as claimed in any one of Claims 32 to 36 provided with an actuating pin or member.

37. A cap as claimed in Claim 36 in which the actuating pin is aligned axially of the cap.

38. A cap as claimed in Claim 36 or 37 in which the actuating pin or member is arranged, in use, to actuate or depress the tyre valve core.

39. A cap as claimed in any one of Claims 36 to 38 in which the actuating pin or member carries a seal.

40. A cap as claimed in Claim 39 in which the seal is a rubber O-ring.

41. A cap as claimed in Claim 39 or Claim 40 in which the seal is urged by spring means against a radial seat provided in the cap surrounding a bore in which the pin/member is located.

42. A cap as claimed in any one of Claims 39 to 41 in which once an air delivery nozzle is placed over an exposed end of the cap the arrangement is such that the air delivery nozzle forces the seal from the seat and actuates the valve core to open the valve.

43. A cap as claimed in any one of Claims 32 to 42 having a cup-shaped or frusto-conical base with a threaded interior that can be screwed onto the threaded end of the tyre valve.

44. A cap as claimed in any one of Claims 32 to 42 in which a thread profile is formed or cut into said base as it is engaged on a threaded valve stem of the valve.

45. A cap as claimed in any one of Claims 36 to 44 having a longitudinal axial extension housing said pin, the end of which extension engages with the closure member.

46. A tyre valve for a vehicle, said valve having a movable closure member that can be moved to an open position, in order to access the valve, whilst remaining attached to the valve.