Pump head configured to couple with bicycle inner tube valve stem or tubeless valve stem

Abstract

A pump head configured to couple with a bicycle inner tube stem or tubeless stem, the pump head comprising: a housing having an attachment member configured to couple with an air source, the attachment member having an air inlet passage, the housing further having a collar having a plurality of passages arranged around an outer circumference of the collar, a plurality of channels extending from the outer diameter of the collar to the inner bore; a fixed inflation pin coupled to the housing and fluidly coupled to the intake passage, the fixed inflation pin having an end disposed within the inner bore; there is provided a plurality of members, each member associated with and at least partially disposed in a channel; a biasing member disposed around an outer periphery of the plurality of members, the biasing member biasing each member toward the inflation pin; further included is a pin base coupled to the housing, the stationary inflation pin coupled to the pin base, the pin base including a pin receptacle sized to receive the stationary inflation pin and a connection channel fluidly coupled to the pin receptacle and the intake channel.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application number 202180017746.1 (International Application Number PCT / US2021 / 015338) filed on January 27, 2021, with the title “Improved Pneumatic Valve System and Methods of Use Thereof.” TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a pneumatic valve system for use with a fluid pump and methods of making and using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved valve system as a replacement for Schrader, Presta, and Dunlop valves and other pneumatic valves. BACKGROUND

[0003] Pneumatic valve systems for connecting a source of pressurized air (e.g., a pressurized canister or air pump) to an air-filled tire, tube, or other structure have been in use for quite some time. The conventional devices designed and used to date are widely used, but still have design flaws. These devices are difficult to attach and remain attached while filling a tube or tire, and often fail to provide a reliable seal on the valve stem of the tire, tube, or other structure, resulting in leaks. Further, poor coupling between the conventional pneumatic valve and a pressure gauge can result in inaccurate pressure readings and improper tire inflation, which can reduce gas mileage (or slow a bicycle) and cause uneven tire wear, reducing tire life and potentially voiding the manufacturer’s warranty. While the conventional devices meet their respective particular goals and requirements (i.e., increasing air pressure in a tube or tire), these conventional devices also have frustrating functional flaws. For example, it is often the case that using the valve coupling requires a person to be in an awkward and uncomfortable position for a long period of time while filling a tube or tire. In such situations, reliability of the valve connection is highly desirable to avoid physical discomfort and wasted time as much as possible.

[0004] Schrader valves suffer from serious attachment problems due to the way the pump head is secured to the valve stem. Because the seal between the pump head and the valve is placed on the outside of the valve stem, the internal surface area shared between the distal end of the valve stem and the pump head valve cavity is relatively large. Thus, the internal pressure of the tire or other vessel attached to the valve exerts a significant force on the internal surface of the pump head, which can cause the pump head to be blown off the valve without a mechanism to hold it in place. To properly secure the pump head to the valve, a locking lever is included in the design of the Schrader pump head. The grip nose of the Schrader pump head exerts a significant force to compress the rubber sufficiently to prevent the pump head from "popping out" due to high instantaneous output pressure from the pump and the gradual build-up of internal pressure in the tire or other vessel. Thus, almost all Schrader valves suffer from the same problem - they are difficult to lock, requiring two hands and considerable finger strength to engage and lock the pump head.

[0005] Presta valves suffer from several drawbacks and are notoriously difficult to use. They suffer from the same problem as Schrader valves, in that the forces experienced by the pump head are sufficient to blow it off the valve stem without a locking mechanism. The locking lever and chuck are difficult to operate. Presta valves also suffer from additional difficulties and drawbacks, including the added inconvenience of having to unscrew a captive nut that forms part of the valve stem structure; the need for a specialized pump that conforms to the specialized Presta design, the delicate and easily damaged design of the Presta valve stem; and the common problem of the threaded core of the Presta valve stem unscrewing from the valve stem housing when engaged with the pump head.

[0006] Thus, there remains a need for a pneumatic valve coupler that improves upon the concepts and designs of conventional devices. SUMMARY

[0007] The present invention provides a new valve and inflation system for pneumatic tires and related devices to improve ease of use. The invention described herein is designed to function as an easily used tire valve and valve coupler system, and presents an alternative to long-standing tire valve systems. The new valve system allows a user to apply the valve coupler to the valve stem in one linear motion, without the need to apply a snap or latch to secure the valve coupler to the valve stem. The present invention allows for smooth axial attachment of the valve coupler to the valve stem, and prevents leaks from occurring between the valve coupler and the valve stem. Thus, the present invention provides a significant improvement over conventional valve systems, providing a mechanically more reliable, efficient, and ergonomic valve system for the user.

[0008] The present design uniquely combines a micro-spherical check valve mechanism with an inflation pin as an actuator and a ball and groove retention or locking mechanism for attaching the new pump head to the new valve structure. The valve system provides equivalent flow rates with improved seal stability and a simpler actuation method without the need for external threading or lever locking chucks to mate the valve and secure the pump head to the valve. In contrast to previous valve systems, such as Schrader, Presta, and Dunlop valves, which require the user to apply a significant downward force using the female pump head and actuator and use the other hand to engage the locking lever on the valve coupler, the present valve design requires only minimal force to engage and secure the female coupler of the pump head to the valve stem. It is likely that most users will only need one hand and as few as two fingers to accomplish the mating of the present valve. This detail is especially important in the case where the valve is used as a cycle valve, given the tight spaces between the spokes of a wheel, which is often the source of frustration for both amateur and professional cyclists. The ease of use of the presently disclosed valve is improved over conventional valves and enables those with physical limitations in their hands due to injury or illness or simply due to lack of finger strength or coordination (e.g., for young children or the elderly) to more easily connect a pump head and, thus, use a tire or other inflatable device.

[0009] In addition to the improvement in ease of use, the present valve system also has considerable versatility in that it can be scaled or reconfigured in size to accommodate a wider range of flow rates, tire pressures, and sizes. As an example, a very small diameter version can be used for performance bicycle tires without changing the basic mechanism of the present valve system. Additionally, the present invention also includes an adapter system operable to be implemented with tires or inner tubes having Schrader, Presta, or Dunlop tire valves to achieve an easy push-in and pull-out function so that users can choose to continue using their existing valve system with the valve stem adapter and female coupler of the present invention adapted for such use.

[0010] The presently disclosed valve can be manufactured using a variety of materials, allowing for adaptation to different environments and different uses. For applications requiring corrosion resistance, such as automotive tires, stainless steel or non-ferrous metals such as brass can be used. In other applications where low cost, high volume production materials are economically desirable, such as in circulation valves, aluminum can be used. In addition to metals, the valve can also be adapted for partial or complete manufacture by 3D printing materials including: ABS, PETG, Nylon, Carbon Fiber, ASA, or Polycarbonate. 3D printed components can be produced to provide effective low cost valves for numerous applications beyond vehicle tires and inner tubes. For example, low cost plastic versions of the valve can be effectively used in inflatable devices such as inner tubes and air mattresses and other similar devices. This application of the invention includes functional designs tailored to two materials: metal and carbon / non-carbon plastic. Some applications can require a combination of several different materials, providing a valve that can include metal, plastic, and other materials such as rubber or carbon fiber. Additionally, the design can be applied to higher pressure situations, such as valves for liquid systems, hazardous fluids, and other applications requiring a reliable leak-proof seal. Various design embodiments are presented to support the novelty of the design in a wide range of applications.

[0011] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a pneumatic valve system for easily attaching and sealing a pump head to a valve stem with a novel mechanical connection. In some embodiments, the valve system can include (1) a valve stem having the following primary components: a valve cap having a pin channel and an attachment mechanism for attaching to a valve coupler of the pump head; a seal mechanism having a sealing member, a seat that the sealing member can be positioned against, and a biasing member for biasing the sealing mechanism into a sealing position; and a chamber that the inflation pin passes through when the pump head is engaged with the valve stem; and (2) a pump head including the following: a valve coupler including a housing, a pin seat, an inflation pin, a collar having a ball bearing that is complementary to the attachment structure of the valve cap, and a bearing sleeve (e.g., a resilient sleeve) for providing an inward force to the ball bearing. The valve system can achieve easy, secure, and sealed engagement between the valve coupler and the valve stem by simply pushing the valve coupler down an axial path, and disengagement between the valve coupler and the valve stem by pulling the valve coupler up, without the need for levers, clasp rings, or other cumbersome devices. Upon pushing the valve coupler down over the valve stem, the inflation pin can displace the first seal mechanism from the pin channel and into the first chamber, thereby creating an air passageway into the chamber through the inflation pin. Displacing the seal mechanism and inserting the distal end of the inflation pin into the chamber allows air from the pump head to flow from the inflation pin into the chamber. The chamber can be in open fluid communication with the interior of a pressurizable container (e.g., an inner tube, a tire, an air boat, an air mattress, an inflatable chair, an inflatable toy, etc.) to which the valve stem is connected, thereby allowing the pressurizable container to be inflated.

[0012] In some embodiments, the valve system can include (1) a valve stem having the following primary components: a valve cap having a pin channel and an attachment mechanism for attaching to a valve coupler of the pump head; a first chamber having a first sealing mechanism therein; a biasing member for biasing the first sealing mechanism to a sealed position; a second chamber having a second sealing mechanism therein; and a passage between the first and second chambers; and (2) a pump head including the following: a valve coupler including a housing, a pin seat, an inflation pin, a collar having a ball bearing complementary to the attachment mechanism of the valve cap, and a bearing sleeve (e.g., a resilient sleeve) for providing an inward force to the ball bearing. The valve system can enable easy, secure, and sealed engagement between the valve coupler and the valve stem by simply pushing the valve coupler down an axial path, and disengagement between the valve coupler and the valve stem by pulling the valve coupler up, without the need for levers, clasp rings, or other cumbersome devices. Upon pushing the valve coupler down over the valve stem, the inflation pin can displace the first sealing mechanism from the pin channel and into the first chamber, creating an air passage into the first chamber through the inflation pin. The displacement of the first sealing mechanism can cause actuation and displacement of the second sealing mechanism, opening a passage between the first and second chambers. Air from the pump head can enter the first chamber from the inflation pin, and then through the passage between the first and second chambers into the second chamber. The second chamber can be in open fluid communication with an interior of a pressurizable container (e.g., an inner tube, a tire, an air boat, an air mattress, an inflatable chair, an inflatable toy, etc.) to which the valve stem is connected, allowing the pressurizable container to be inflated.

[0013] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a valve conversion system for converting a conventional pneumatic valve with a new valve stem and pump head combination that easily attaches and seals the pump head to the valve stem with a new mechanical connection. In some embodiments, the conversion system can include (1) a valve stem adapter having the following main components: a valve stem connector operable to attach to a pre-existing conventional valve stem, a cap having a pin channel and an attachment mechanism for attaching to a valve coupler of the pump head, a sealing mechanism, a biasing member for biasing the sealing mechanism to a sealed position, and a chamber through which the inflation pin passes when the pump head is engaged with the valve stem; and (2) a pump head comprising the following: a valve coupler including a housing, a pin seat, an inflation pin, a collar having a ball bearing complementary to the attachment structure of the valve cap, and a bearing sleeve (e.g., a resilient sleeve) for providing an inward force to the ball bearing. The valve conversion system can enable conversion of a conventional valve to an easy, secure, and sealed engagement between the valve coupler and the valve stem adapter by simply pushing the valve coupler down an axial path, and disengagement between the valve coupler and the valve stem adapter by pulling the valve coupler up, without the need for levers, clasp rings, or other cumbersome devices. Upon pushing the valve coupler down over the valve stem, the inflation pin can displace the sealing mechanism from the pin channel and into the chamber, thereby creating an air passage into the chamber through the inflation pin. Displacing the sealing mechanism and inserting the distal end of the inflation pin into the chamber allows air from the pump head to flow from the inflation pin into the chamber. In some embodiments, the valve core of a conventional valve (e.g., a Presta valve, a Schrader valve, or a Dunlap valve) can be removed prior to attaching the valve stem adapter to improve the performance of the conventional valve, leaving the valve housing to which the valve stem adapter is attached. In other embodiments, the valve core of the conventional valve can remain intact, and the valve stem adapter can be attached to the valve housing. In such embodiments, the inflation pin can displace a pre-existing valve actuator of the conventional valve when the pump head is coupled to the valve stem adapter. In some embodiments, the valve stem adapter can include a structure that displaces and holds the pre-existing valve actuator of the conventional valve in an open position, thereby enabling a valve mechanism inside the valve stem adapter to control fluid flow through the valve stem. Actuation of the valve actuator enables the chamber to be in open fluid communication with the interior of a pressurizable container (e.g., an inner tube, a tire, an air boat, an air mattress, an inflatable chair, an inflatable toy, etc.) to which the conventional valve stem is connected, thereby allowing the pressurizable container to be inflated.

[0014] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an adapter system for use with existing pneumatic valve systems (e.g., Schrader valves, Presta valves, and Dunlap valves), the adapter system comprising: a valve stem adapter operable to connect to a pre-existing valve stem (e.g., of a Schrader valve, Presta valve, or Dunlap valve); and a pump head operable to securely connect to the valve stem by simply pressing the pump head onto the valve stem in an axial manner, without the need to manipulate any moving parts. In some embodiments, the valve system can include (1) a valve stem having the following primary components: a coupling mechanism (e.g., complementary threads) for attaching the valve stem adapter to the pre-existing valve stem (e.g., Schrader, Presta, or Dunlap valve stem), a pin channel for receiving an actuation pin from a pump head assembly, a sealing member, and a coupling mechanism for engaging the pump head; and (2) a pump head comprising the following: a valve coupler comprising a housing, a collar having ball bearings complementary to the second coupling mechanism of the valve stem adapter, and a bearing sleeve (e.g., a resilient sleeve) for providing an inward force to the ball bearings, a pin base, and an actuator pin. The actuator pin can engage with the valve actuator of the pre-existing valve stem, thereby inflating the pneumatic device in which the valve is installed, utilizing existing valve mechanisms. The valve adapter system can achieve easy, secure, and sealed engagement with the valve stem adapter by simply pressing the pump head coupler axially onto the valve stem adapter, and disengagement with the valve stem adapter by pulling the pump head upwards, without the need for levers, clasp rings, or other cumbersome devices.

[0015] In some embodiments, the valve stem adapter can replace the internal actuation structure of the pre-existing valve (e.g., Schrader, Presta, or Dunlap valve actuator) with a valve structure comprising a pin channel, a sealing member, and a biasing member. For example, the valve stem adapter can include an internal valve structure that fits into the pre-existing valve stem housing upon removal of the internal valve mechanism of the pre-existing valve stem. The valve stem adapter can include: a central passage through which air can pass when the valve mechanism is engaged; a sealing member, such as a ball bearing; a sealing member base against which the sealing member can form an air-tight seal; and a biasing member for biasing the sealing member against the sealing member base when the pin of the pump head is disengaged from the valve stem adapter.

[0016] The features of various embodiments and methods of the present invention are discussed in further detail below.

[0017] Valve stem base

[0018] In some embodiments, the valve stem can be attached to and in fluid communication with a pressurizable container, such as an inner tube, a tire, an air boat, an air mattress, an inflatable chair, an inflatable toy, etc. The valve stem can act as an inlet and outlet for such containers and allow for easy and secure connection with a valve coupler that can be in fluid communication with a source of pressurized air (e.g., an air compressor) in order to pressurize the container.

[0019] The valve stem can include valve structure and mechanisms operable to maintain an air tight seal until a pump head is attached to the valve by a complementary valve coupler to inject air into a tire or other fillable container through the valve stem. In some embodiments, the valve stem can include a tubular shape having a central passage, a base portion attached to the container, and a valve cap structure surrounding the valve mechanisms. The valve cap can be attached to the base portion by an attachment structure for semi-permanent connection to the base portion of the valve stem. In some embodiments, the attachment structure can include threads on an outer surface of a distal end of the base portion having a shape complementary to a shape of threads of the valve cap. In other embodiments, the attachment structure can include a lip having a shape complementary to a circumferential recess in an inner surface of the valve cap, or vice versa. The valve stem base portion can be constructed of a rigid material (e.g., a corrosion resistant metal such as brass, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.) and the valve cap can include the same or similar rigid material (e.g., metal, carbon fiber, rigid plastic, etc.). In some embodiments, the valve stem base portion can include a single rigid material (e.g., metal, carbon fiber, rigid plastic, etc.) or a semi-rigid material (e.g., a polymeric material having limited flexibility). In some embodiments, the valve cap can be integral with the valve stem and include the same material.

[0020] Valve cover and actuation mechanism

[0021] The valve cap can include a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. In some embodiments, the proximal end can include a substantially cylindrical shape and an inner surface having an attachment structure complementary to an attachment structure of the base portion, thereby allowing the valve cap to be securely attached to the valve base portion in an air tight manner. In some embodiments, the attachment structure of the valve cap can include threads having a shape complementary to a shape of threads on an outer surface of the base portion of the valve stem.

[0022] The second end of the bonnet can include an outer surface having a coupling neck for removably attaching to a valve coupler (pump head) and a valve pin channel substantially coaxial with the central channel of the valve stem. In some embodiments, the coupling neck of the distal end of the bonnet can include one or more concave surfaces, such as a circumferential concave surface having a shape complementary to the shape of the coupling collar of the valve coupler. In some embodiments, the coupling collar of the valve coupler can include at least one ball bearing nested in the coupling collar of the valve coupler and biased inward by a resilient sleeve. In some embodiments, the pin channel can include a substantially cylindrical channel coaxial with the central channel of the valve stem and traversing the distal end of the bonnet. The pin channel can include a diameter to receive the inflation pin of the valve coupler such that the inflation pin can pass through the pin channel into the central channel of the valve stem.

[0023] The bonnet can contain at least one valve mechanism, and the valve stem can contain at least one sealing member and can be held in a sealing position by at least one biasing member until the pump head is coupled to the valve stem. The valve mechanism can be positioned between the valve base and the bonnet and fit entirely within the valve base and / or the bonnet. In some embodiments, the biasing member can include a spring having a unitary substantially cylindrical shape (e.g., an open coil shape) with an outer diameter complementary to (e.g., substantially similar to but smaller than) the inner diameter of the bonnet. In some embodiments, the base of the valve stem can include a shoulder on an inner surface at or near the bottom of the chamber operable to provide a seat for the biasing member that provides a spring force to bias the sealing member toward a sealing position (e.g., against a sealing ring of the bonnet). The at least one sealing mechanism can include a sealing member positioned at an upper end of the biasing member and having a shape complementary to the pin channel in the valve stem, such as a spherical, ovoid, conical, pyramidal, or other shape operable to engage with the biasing member, and forms a seal with a sealing ring in the pin channel of the bonnet. The air pressure behind the sealing member when inflating a tire or other pneumatic vessel can be sufficient to seat and hold the sealing member in a sealing position in the pin channel reliably. Thus, the spring can be a light spring, and the force of the spring can be easily counteracted by the downward force of the inflation pin when the pump head is attached to the valve stem.

[0024] In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism can include a substantially spherical sealing member (e.g., a ball bearing or other substantially spherical structure including a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as a polymer, metal, or ceramic material or composite thereof), a sealing rod with a flared tip, or related structure, and the inner diameter of the spring can be smaller than the outer diameter of the sealing member, such that the sealing member is operable to sit on the upper end of the spring. The outer diameter of the sealing member can be smaller than the inner diameter of the valve cap, such that the sealing member can move freely within the valve cap, and air can pass around the sealing member when the sealing member is in the open position (e.g., not seated against the sealing ring of the valve cap). In some examples, the sealing member can be fixed to the upper end of the spring. The sealing member can engage and press against the lower surface of the sealing ring to close the pin passage and prevent air flow through the valve. In cases where a spherical or ellipsoidal ball is used as the sealing member, the spring or other biasing member can be omitted, as air pressure behind the ball bearing ensures that it is forced into the O-ring and covers the inner diameter. In such examples, an air-permeable mesh material or short spring attached to the lower portion of the chamber can serve as a seat for the sealing ball so that it does not obstruct air flow through the air passage at the bottom of the chamber during inflation.

[0025] The valve cap can include a shoulder concentric with the pin passage. The shoulder can provide a seat for the sealing ring. The sealing ring can be held in place between the shoulder of the valve cap and the rounded upper tip of the valve base. The sealing ring can be compressed between the shoulder and the tip of the valve base, preventing air flow through the threaded area of the valve cap and limiting air flow outside of the inflation pin. The outer diameter of the sealing ring can be complementary to the inner diameter of the valve cap, and the inner diameter of the sealing ring can be substantially smaller than the outer diameter of the sealing member. The sealing ring can provide a stop against which the sealing member is biased by the biasing member when the valve stem is not engaged with the valve coupler. The inflation pin can pass through the central passage of the sealing ring when the valve coupler is engaged with the valve cap. The inner diameter of the sealing ring can be substantially similar to (i.e., the same as or slightly smaller than) the outer diameter of the inflation pin, such that it can slightly deform or stretch to allow the inflation pin to pass, and form an air-tight seal between the sealing ring and the inflation pin that resists air pressure within the container.

[0026] The seal ring can be a compressible structure that seals against a shoulder in the internal passage in the bonnet and has a central opening through which the valve needle can pass when the valve stem is coupled to the valve coupler. A sealing member is biased by a biasing member against the seal ring to form an airtight seal in the valve stem until the valve coupler is engaged with the valve stem to inflate the pressurized container. The sealing member (e.g., a ball bearing, a sealing rod, etc.) can comprise a spherical, ellipsoidal, or other tapered shape that is larger in diameter than the inner diameter of the seal ring and, due to its tapered shape, can naturally find the inner diameter of the seal ring. The seal ring can be an O-ring type gasket having a circular or oval cross section that is complementary to the outer surface of the sealing member, allowing the sealing member to have a substantial surface area interface with the seal ring and, thus, form a reliable airtight seal. The seal ring can be constructed of a semi-rigid but compressible material, such as vulcanized rubber, silicone, fluorosilicone, ethylene-propylene (EPDM), polyurethane, or other suitable material.

[0027] In embodiments of the present invention, the seal ring can be configured such that its inner diameter is just large enough to accept the inflator pin, providing a tight seal around the inflator pin as it is inserted into the pin channel and seal ring and into the chamber. The engagement of the inflator pin with the seal ring provides a narrow path for pressurized air to travel from the pump head through the valve stem. Due to the seal ring (or other sealing means), the pin channel is only large enough for the inflator pin to pass through. This is an improvement over conventional pump head-valve stem engagement, such as the Schrader valve. In the Schrader valve design, a relatively large annular channel is formed around the plunger in the valve when the pump head is engaged with the valve. The pump head pushes the plunger into a recessed position in the Schrader valve, passing the annular column of air through the valve. This creates a considerable back blow pressure on the pump head of the Schrader valve. This is the reason the Schrader valve incorporates a clumsy thumb lever that needs to be locked into place before the Schrader system can be pumped. The narrow, controlled air passage of the valve of the present invention reduces the pressure experienced by the pump head, creating a rigid and reduced clumsiness coupling mechanism that is easy to use. The pump head of the present invention can simply be pushed down over the valve stem to a point where an attachment mechanism (e.g., channel or collar) on the outer diameter of the valve stem is found and seated in the attachment mechanism, where the elastomeric bearing sleeve exerts an inward pressure on the bearings to seat and hold them in the attachment mechanism. The pump head can be easily removed by pulling it axially away from the valve stem. Thus, the present invention is operable to provide a pump head with an easy to attach and remove elastomeric quick connect mechanism. However, it should be understood that the present invention includes embodiments in which the quick connect collar can be a sliding spined collar that must be moved from its seated position by sliding the collar to an open position to release the pressure on the ball bearings and allow them to be seated in or removed from the attachment mechanism of the valve collar.

[0028] In some embodiments, the valve system can include two independent sealing mechanisms that eliminate the potentially significant pressure loss (e.g., up to 10 PSI) that occurs in conventional valve designs when the pump head is decoupled from the valve stem. In such embodiments, the valve stem can include two chambers in series, each sealed by a separate sealing mechanism. The upper chamber can include a first sealing ring against which the first sealing member is pressed when in the closed position, and the lower chamber can include a second sealing ring or sealing seat. In some embodiments, the first sealing member can be a sealing rod having a tapered plug at its upper end that engages the first sealing ring when in the closed position. A biasing member (e.g., a spring) can be positioned in the upper chamber and engaged with the sealing rod, and can bias the sealing rod toward the first sealing member. In the case of a spring biasing member, the sealing rod can be engaged with the spring by nesting a portion within the spring, or can be attached to the upper end of the spring. The bottom end of the spring can rest on a shoulder of the first chamber. In some embodiments, a filter structure can be included in the upper chamber that is operable to capture particulate matter and prevent the introduction of particulates into the valve stem or the inflatable container to which it is attached. Particulate matter can clog the valve mechanism and cause valve leaks, and even valve failure. The particulate filter can have a ring structure positioned around the shaft of the sealing rod between the plug and the spring, such that it is held in place adjacent to the plug. The particulate filter can be a metal mesh material or a perforated metal disk (e.g., laser perforated stainless steel, aluminum, or other rigid material). In other embodiments, the structure of the first chamber and the sealing mechanism therein can have a similar design to the chamber and sealing mechanism in the above-described embodiments.

[0029] The second chamber can include a second sealing mechanism that includes a sealing member that seats against a complementary seat, which provides a relatively large surface area interface between the sealing member and the complementary seat. The sealing member can be a substantially spherical rigid ball (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, or other corrosion resistant material). The complementary seat can have a spherical cap shape that is formed from a flexible thermoplastic, Buna-N Nitrile, natural rubber, Hypalon TM , Neoprene TM , polyurethane, SBR (red rubber), silicone, Viton TM, fluorosilicone, ethylene propylene, butyl rubber, or other materials. The material can have some flexibility such that when the sealing member is pushed against the seat by the internal pressure of the pressurized container, the material will flex. In other embodiments, the seat can be a three-point ball seat that can be highly effective in combination with a spherical sealing ball to provide an airtight seal even at relatively low pressures in the container to which the valve stem is attached. The three-point seat is constructed of two portions of spherical caps of different diameters that can be joined together to form a structure similar Figure 8 The cross-sectional area of one of the spherical caps can be 10-15% larger than the cross-sectional area of the sealing ball, and the cross-sectional area of the other spherical cap can be 10-15% smaller than the cross-sectional area of the sealing ball. The two spherical cap portions can be formed by integral molding or joined together by welding or lap joint techniques or other suitable methods. A seat having this geometry forms a perfect circle between the two spherical cap structures with no concentricity or perpendicularity errors and can achieve a very tight seal with near zero leakage even at low pressures. The seat can be made of a high tensile strength, high hardness metal.

[0030] In such embodiments, the second sealing member in the second chamber can be held in place in the seat by pneumatic pressure in the container. When the pump head is engaged with the valve stem, the inflation needle passes through the first seal ring and engages the plug of the sealing rod in the first chamber and displaces the sealing rod from the first seal ring. The lower end of the sealing rod opposite the plug then engages the second sealing member in the second chamber and displaces the second sealing member from the seat, opening the second seal of the valve stem. The length of the sealing rod can provide a small gap between the distal end of the sealing rod and the second sealing member. The small gap (e.g., in the range of about 1 mm to about 5 mm) can allow the second sealing member to seal before the first sealing member when the pump head is removed from the valve stem, thereby helping to prevent leakage during disengagement of the pump head.

[0031] Air or other gas can then flow through the inflation needle into the first chamber and then through the passage between the first and second chambers and through the second chamber to inflate the container. The second chamber can contain a gasket that prevents the sealing ball from passing through the lower passage of the second chamber during inflation. The "isolating" gasket can be a cage-like structure or can have leaf-like protrusions that allow air or other inflation gas to pass through the gasket when the sealing ball is in contact with the gasket.

[0032] Pin base

[0033] The pin base can hold the inflation pin in attachment with the valve coupler. The pin base can be attached to the recess of the valve coupler by attachment mechanisms attached to the coupler housing, pin receiver, and connection channel. In some embodiments, the distal end can include a head (e.g., a disc shape) having an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the proximal end. In some embodiments, the head can include a groove, a protrusion, or other graspable structure (mounting structure). The mounting structure can have a shape complementary to a shape of a functional portion of a tool used to mount the pin base in the coupler housing. In some embodiments, the mounting structure can have a shape complementary to at least one of a screwdriver, a wrench (e.g., a fixed head wrench, a socket wrench, an Allen wrench, or a hex wrench, etc.), a drill bit, etc. In some embodiments, the mounting structure can be a slot, can traverse an upper surface of the distal end (e.g., the head) of the pin base, through a center point thereof, and can be positioned such that a longitudinal axis of the slot is parallel to a central axis of the connection channel of the pin base (which is not visible when the pin base is screwed into the coupler housing). Thus, a user can be able to determine a location (e.g., rotational or radial position) of the connection channel by observing a location of the slot on the head of the pin base. The user can further be able to determine a location of an air intake channel of the coupler housing by observing a location of the air source attachment member, and align the connection channel with the air intake channel by aligning the slot with the air source attachment member. Fluidic communication from the air source, through the air passage of the air source attachment member and the coupler housing, through the connection channel of the pin base, and into the central passage of the inflation pin (and subsequently into the valve stem when the valve coupler is engaged with the valve stem) can thus be achieved.

[0034] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the pin base (i.e., the end closest to the valve stem when the valve coupler is engaged with the valve stem) can include a pin receiver including a passage substantially coaxial with the central passage of the valve coupler and the central passage of the valve stem. The pin receiver can be operable to receive a first end of the inflation pin. An inner diameter of the pin receiver can be complementary to an outer diameter of the inflation pin such that the inflation pin can be held in a substantially static manner when the first end of the inflation pin is engaged with (e.g., inserted into) the pin receiver. The pin receiver can be in fluidic communication with the connection channel of the pin base.

[0035] In some embodiments, the connection channel of the pin base can be positioned substantially at a midpoint between the first end and the second end of the pin base, and can be oriented to align with the intake channel when the pin base is attached (e.g., fully screwed in) to the coupler housing. In some embodiments, the connection channel can comprise a plurality of channels, each channel in fluid communication with the center point, and each channel comprising an opening on a perimeter of the pin base that is operable to be in fluid communication with the intake channel if aligned therewith. In some embodiments, the plurality of channels can comprise two channels, each channel traversing the pin base and arranged orthogonal to one another, such that they cross at the center point. Thus, the two channels can form an X-shape, with a center of the X arranged at the center point (e.g., a point on a central axis of the pin base) that is in fluid communication with the center channel of the plenum pin. An end of each arm of the X-shape can define an opening in an outer surface of the pin base. Thus, the connection channel is operable to place the intake channel of the coupler housing in fluid communication with the center channel of the plenum pin when the pin base is in four different rotational positions (i.e., when any of the arms of the X-shape are aligned with the intake channel).

[0036] Such an arrangement of the plurality of connection channels can allow the pin base to be within 90 degrees of being fully screwed in (e.g., fully tightened) to the coupler housing while providing fluid communication between the plenum pin and the intake channel when the attachment structures of the pin base and the coupler housing comprise complementary threads. In some embodiments, the plurality of connection channels can provide more than four openings arranged evenly circumferentially around an outer surface of the pin base. In some embodiments, the plurality of connection channels can provide 6 openings or 8 openings, such that the pin base can be within 60 degrees or 45 degrees, respectively, of being fully tightened while still providing fluid communication between the intake channel and the plenum pin.

[0037] Inflating pin

[0038] The inflation pin can include a conduit of any shape operable to provide airtight fluid communication between the pin base and the valve stem. In some embodiments, the inflation pin can include a substantially cylindrical shape defining a central passage having an inlet at a first end of the inflation pin and an outlet at or near a second end of the inflation pin. In some embodiments, the first end is operable to be inserted into a pin receiver of the pin base and can be in fluid communication with a connection passage of the pin base. In some embodiments, the second end of the inflation pin is operable to be inserted into and pass through a pin passage of the bonnet when the valve coupler is engaged with the valve stem and, as a result, can enter a central passage of the valve stem. In some embodiments, the outlet can be disposed on a lateral outer surface of the second end of the inflation pin, rather than on a leading surface of the second end. As such, when the inflation pin passes through the seal ring, the leading surface can be free to contact and push away a sealing member of the valve stem from the seal ring of the valve stem without impeding the flow of air from the outlet of the inflation pin.

[0039] Valve coupling

[0040] The coupler housing of the valve coupler can include an air source attachment member, an attachment structure for the pin base, and a collar for attachment to the valve stem. In some embodiments, the coupler housing can include a rigid material (i.e., metal, metal alloy, plastic, carbon fiber, etc.) and a generally cylindrical shape having a central passage that is substantially coaxial with a central passage of the valve stem when the valve coupler is engaged with the valve stem. The central passage of the coupler housing can have an inner surface having an attachment structure for securing the pin base in place in the central passage. In some embodiments, the attachment structure of the coupler housing can include threads having a shape that is complementary to threads on an outer surface of the pin base such that the pin base can be securely attached to the coupler housing by screwing into the central passage of the coupler housing.

[0041] In some embodiments, the coupler housing can include at least one seal ring positioned to form an air-tight seal between the pin base and the coupler housing. In some embodiments, the coupler housing can include a first seal ring and a second seal ring. The first seal ring is positioned to form an air-tight seal between the pin base, the coupler housing, and the pneumatic pin at the proximal end of the pin base (i.e., opposite the head of the pin base). The inner diameter of the first seal ring of the coupler housing can be substantially similar (i.e., the same or slightly smaller than) the outer diameter of the pneumatic pin. Thus, when the pneumatic pin is engaged with the pin base (i.e., inserted into the pin receiver of the pin base), the pneumatic pin can pass through the central passage of the first seal ring (which can be slightly deformed or stretched to allow the pneumatic pin to pass), thereby forming an air-tight seal between the first seal ring and the pneumatic pin. In some embodiments, the first seal ring can include an outer diameter that is substantially similar to the inner diameter of the coupler housing, and can be secured in place between the proximal end of the pin base and the first shoulder of the coupler housing when the pin base is threaded into the coupler housing. The second seal ring can be positioned to form an air-tight seal between the pin base and the coupler housing at the distal end of the pin base (i.e., at the head of the pin base), and can be secured in place between the second shoulder of the coupler housing and the head of the pin base when the pin base is threaded into the coupler housing.

[0042] The central passage of the coupler housing can be in communication with the air intake passage of the coupler housing. In some embodiments, a portion of the air intake passage can be defined by the inner surface of the air source attachment member. In some embodiments, the air intake passage can be orthogonal with respect to the central axis of the central passage of the coupler housing. In some embodiments, when the pin base is installed in (e.g., threaded into) the coupler housing, the air intake passage of the coupler housing can be in fluid communication with the central passage of the pneumatic pin through the connection passage of the pin base, and provide the only fluid communication between the central passage of the coupler housing and the air intake passage.

[0043] The air source attachment member can include any shape or mechanism operable to securely attach to an air source (e.g., a pneumatic hose). The air source attachment member can include a central passage in fluid communication with the air intake passage. In some embodiments, the air source attachment member can include a standard male connector for a pneumatic system, the air source attachment member operable to securely attach to a standard female connector (e.g., a quick connector with a rigid sleeve that can be pulled back from a set of ball bearings to attach to the male connector). In other embodiments, the air source attachment member can include an outer circumferential lip or circumferential barb and be operable to be inserted into a central passage of a pneumatic hose. In some embodiments, the pneumatic hose can include a central passage defined by an inner surface that includes a circumferential recess that is complementary in shape to the lip or barb of the air source attachment member. In other embodiments, the central passage of the pneumatic hose can be substantially elastic and operable to form an airtight connection with the air source attachment member without having a complementary circumferential recess on its inner surface.

[0044] The valve coupling can include an attachment member for securely attaching to a valve bonnet. In some embodiments, the attachment member can include at least one ball bearing nested in a bearing passage in a wall of a collar that traverses a housing of the valve coupling, the at least one ball bearing biased inward by a resilient bearing sleeve that encircles the collar. The bearing passage in the wall of the collar can include an outer end that defines an opening in an outer surface of the collar of the valve coupling and an inner end that defines an opening in an inner surface of the collar. The bearing passage can include a substantially cylindrical shape except that the inner end is narrower compared to the rest of the bearing passage (i.e., the diameter of the inner end is smaller than the diameter of the rest of the bearing passage). The outer diameter of the ball bearing can be substantially larger than the diameter of the inner end of the bearing passage and substantially larger than the thickness of the wall of the collar such that the ball bearing cannot pass completely through the narrowed inner end, but a portion of the ball bearing can protrude through the narrowed end. Because the ball bearing is wider than the wall of the collar, the resilient sleeve that encircles the collar will contact the portion of the ball bearing that protrudes from the outer end of the passage and resiliently bias the ball bearing toward the inner end. Thus, when the valve coupling is engaged with the valve stem, the ball bearing can extend into the circumferential recess of the second end of the valve bonnet, thereby securing the valve coupling in place on the valve stem.

[0045] Coupling sleeve

[0046] A coupler sleeve can be disposed around the collar of the coupler housing. In some embodiments, the coupler sleeve can comprise a substantially cylindrical shape having an inner diameter that is complementary (e.g., substantially similar) to the outer diameter of the collar. In some embodiments, the coupler sleeve can be comprised of an elastomeric material operable to provide a resilient inward force to the ball bearing of the coupler housing. In some embodiments, the inward force exerted by the elastomeric coupler sleeve on the ball bearing is sufficient to withstand the outward pressure exerted on the ball bearing from the attachment structure of the valve cap when air is introduced into the container and, as a result, the valve coupler does not pop off the valve stem solely due to the outward pressure created by filling the container with air. At the same time, the elastomeric coupler sleeve can be designed to provide an inward force to the ball bearing that can be easily overcome by pulling the valve coupler away from the valve stem with one hand. In some embodiments, the inward force of the elastomeric coupler sleeve can be overcome by pulling the valve coupler away from the valve stem with the thumb and index finger or other fingers. The elastomeric coupler sleeve can comprise any resilient material operable to provide an inward force to the attachment means of the coupler housing collar. In some embodiments, the resilient sleeve can comprise at least one of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), natural rubber, synthetic rubber, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, urethane rubber, neoprene, and ethylene vinyl acetate.

[0047] Accordingly, the valve coupler can be engaged with the valve stem by simply aligning the collar of the valve coupler with the valve cap of the valve stem and applying a force to the valve coupler with one hand. This action can cause the collar to slide downward and engage with the valve cap. The force applied to the valve coupler must be sufficient to: 1) move the ball bearing of the collar outward against the inward force of the resilient sleeve in order to slide over the upper lip of the valve cap before moving inwardly back into the attachment member (e.g., circumferential recess) of the valve cap, and 2) insert the inflation pin through the center of the seal ring and disengage the seal member from the seal ring against the bias of the biasing member such that the outlet of the inflation pin moves past the seal ring and into fluid communication with the central passage of the valve stem. As discussed above, the inner diameter of the seal ring can be equal to or slightly narrower than the outer diameter of the inflation pin such that an air tight seal is formed between the inflation pin and the seal ring. The air tight engagement of the seal ring and the inflation pin restricts air flow between the pump head and the valve stem through the inflation pin. This reduces the force applied to the pump head by the pressurized air in the pneumatic container to a negligible amount, thereby allowing the pump head to be attached using the elastomeric coupler sleeve connection mechanism without the cumbersome locking mechanism of the Schrader valve design.

[0048] In some embodiments, the coupler sleeve can have a rigid sliding sleeve that holds a ball bearing seated in a receptacle in the valve stem cap. The sliding sleeve can have a first inner diameter sufficient to pass along the collar of the coupler housing and hold the ball bearing seated in the receptacle in the valve stem cap. The sliding sleeve can have a second inner diameter large enough to allow the ball bearing to be released from the receptacle in the valve stem cap and allow the pump head to be pulled off the valve stem. The sliding sleeve can be biased toward a closed position in which the first inner diameter is positioned over the ball bearing to lock the ball bearing in place in the receptacle in the valve stem cap. To release the pump head, the sliding sleeve can be pulled upward toward the pump head to align the second inner diameter with the ball bearing and move it out of the receptacle in the valve stem cap. The pump head can then be removed by pulling it axially upward and off the valve stem. Embodiments that include a sliding sleeve also provide an easy to operate engagement mechanism that can be attached and removed using one hand. A user can pull the sliding sleeve back to a retracted position, place the coupler sleeve on the valve stem so that the ball bearing is aligned with the receptacle in the valve stem, and then release the sliding sleeve to move the biased sleeve downward toward the valve stem to position the first inner diameter over the ball bearing to seat it in the receptacle and lock the pump head to the valve stem. To release the pump head, one can simply grab the sliding sleeve and pull it upward off the valve stem, which moves the second inner diameter to a position over the ball bearing to release it and pull the pump head off the valve stem in one motion. The sliding sleeve can be used in higher pressure situations where the fluid pressure acting on the valve system is higher, or where the valve system is used to deliver liquids, hazardous gases, or other high pressure or hazardous fluids.

[0049] Method of use

[0050] The method of use of the valve system of the present invention can include the following steps: 1) providing a valve coupling having an inflation pin and a collar, the collar having at least one ball bearing that is biased inward by a resilient sleeve for attachment to a valve stem; 2) providing a container having a valve stem with a sealing member that is biased against a sealing ring and a valve cap having a pin channel for receiving the inflation pin and a recess for seating the at least one ball bearing of the collar; 3) engaging the valve coupling with the valve stem such that the inflation pin passes through the pin channel and the sealing ring; 4) passing a sufficient volume of air through the inflation pin into the valve base to inflate the pressurizable container; and 5) disengaging the valve coupling from the valve stem. In some embodiments, the step of engaging the valve coupling with the valve stem can be performed by aligning the collar with the valve cap and applying a linear axial force to the coupling. In some embodiments, the force applied to the coupling must be in the direction of the valve stem and must be sufficient to move the at least one ball bearing past a lip of the valve cap and into a circular depression of the valve cap. In some embodiments, the force applied to the coupling must be sufficient to insert the inflation pin through the sealing ring and disengage the sealing member from the sealing ring against the bias of the biasing member. In some embodiments, the force applied to the coupling can be applied with one hand. In some embodiments, the step of disengaging the coupling from the valve stem can be accomplished with two fingers.

[0051] The method of use of the valve system of the present invention can include the following steps: 1) providing a valve coupling having an inflation pin and a collar, the collar having at least one ball bearing that is biased inward by a resilient sleeve for attachment to a valve stem; 2) providing a container having a valve stem with a first sealing member that is biased against a first seat to form a first seal and a second sealing member and a second seat to form a second seal and a valve cap having a pin channel for receiving the inflation pin and a recess for seating the at least one ball bearing of the collar; 3) engaging the valve coupling with the valve stem such that the inflation pin passes through the pin channel and a central passage in the first seat to displace the first sealing member, thereby opening the first seal, which in turn displaces the second sealing member from the second seat, thereby opening the second seal; 4) passing a sufficient volume of air through the inflation pin into the valve base to inflate the pressurizable container; and 5) disengaging the valve coupling from the valve stem. In some embodiments, the step of engaging the valve coupling with the valve stem can be performed by aligning the collar with the valve cap and applying a linear axial force to the coupling. In some embodiments, the force applied to the coupling must be in the direction of the valve stem and must be sufficient to move the at least one ball bearing past a lip of the valve cap and into a circular depression of the valve cap.

[0052] The method of use of the valve conversion system of the present invention can include the following steps: 1) coupling a valve stem adapter to a pre-existing valve stem attached to an inflatable container, for example, by screwing the valve stem coupler into the external threads of the pre-existing valve stem; 2) providing a valve coupler having an inflation pin and a collar having at least one ball bearing inwardly biased by a resilient sleeve for attachment to the valve stem adapter, the valve stem adapter containing a pin channel for receiving the inflation pin and a circular recess for seating the at least one ball bearing of the collar; 3) engaging the valve coupler with the valve stem adapter such that the inflation pin passes through the pin channel and the sealing ring and depresses the valve actuator of the pre-existing valve stem; 4) passing a sufficient volume of air through the inflation pin through the pre-existing valve stem to inflate the pressurizable container; and 5) disengaging the valve coupler from the valve stem.

[0053] In some embodiments, at least one of the resilient or semi-rigid elements of the present invention that can be subject to wear can be easily replaced by disengaging (e.g., unscrewing) at least one pin base from the coupler housing or disengaging the valve cap from the valve stem. In some embodiments, a user can easily replace the sealing ring of the coupler housing by unscrewing the pin base from the coupler housing. In some embodiments, a user can easily replace at least one of the sealing member, biasing member, and sealing ring in the valve stem by unscrewing the valve cap from the valve stem. In some embodiments, a user can easily replace the resilient sleeve when the valve coupler is not engaged with the valve stem. The pin base and inflation pin can also be replaced by simple removal and replacement with replacement parts.

[0054] Additional aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the description and disclosure provided herein.

[0055] It is an object of the present invention to provide a valve system that is easily engaged and disengaged from a container that needs to be filled with air.

[0056] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a valve system that improves upon conventional valve systems in that the valve system can be fully engaged or disengaged from a container to be filled with air by simply pushing or pulling the valve coupler, respectively.

[0057] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a valve adapter that can be connected to a pre-existing valve stem and improve the performance, reliability, and ease of use of the pre-existing valve stem.

[0058] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved valve system that creates a more reliable seal while filling a container with air without the need for a locking lever or threaded connection between the valve coupler and the valve stem.

[0059] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved valve system that allows for more accurate pressure readings in a container being filled with air, thereby preventing overfilling or underfilling of the container and the uneven wear that results therefrom.

[0060] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved valve system that allows a user to engage and disengage the valve system using one hand, and in some cases, as few as two fingers.

[0061] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved valve system that reduces the time required to fill a container to the proper pressure.

[0062] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved valve system in which all components that are likely to wear, such as the resilient and / or semi-rigid components of the valve system, are readily replaceable.

[0063] The above-described objects, advantages and features of the present invention, as well as others, will become apparent as the detailed description proceeds, in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0064] Figure 1A A cross-sectional side view of an improved pneumatic valve system according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0065] Figure 1B A cross-sectional side view of an improved pneumatic valve system according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0066] Figures 2A-2B An exploded perspective view of a valve stem and valve cap of an improved pneumatic valve system according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0067] Figure 3A A cross-sectional side view of a pin base of an improved pneumatic valve system according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0068] Figure 3B A perspective view of a pin base of an improved pneumatic valve system according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0069] Figure 4 A perspective view of an inflation pin of an improved pneumatic valve system according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0070] Figure 5A A cross-sectional side view of a valve coupler housing of an improved pneumatic valve system according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0071] Figure 5BA perspective view of a valve coupling housing of an improved pneumatic valve system according to embodiments of the present application is provided.

[0072] Figure 6 An exploded view of an improved pneumatic valve system according to embodiments of the present application is provided.

[0073] Figure 7A A cross-sectional view of an improved pneumatic valve system according to embodiments of the present application is provided.

[0074] Figure 7B A cross-sectional view of a valve mechanism assembly of an improved pneumatic valve system according to embodiments of the present application is provided.

[0075] Figure 7C A cross-sectional view of a valve mechanism assembly of an improved pneumatic valve system according to embodiments of the present application is provided.

[0076] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of an improved pneumatic valve system according to embodiments of the present application is provided.

[0077] Figure 9 An exploded view of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to embodiments of the present application is provided.

[0078] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to embodiments of the present application is provided.

[0079] Figure 11 A perspective view of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to embodiments of the present application is provided.

[0080] Figure 12A A cross-sectional view of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to embodiments of the present application is provided.

[0081] Figure 12B A cross-sectional view of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to embodiments of the present application is provided.

[0082] Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to embodiments of the present application is provided.

[0083] Figure 14A A front view of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to embodiments of the present application is provided.

[0084] Figure 14B A cross-sectional view of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to embodiments of the present application is provided.

[0085] Figure 14C A cross-sectional view of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to embodiments of the present application is provided.

[0086] Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to an embodiment of the present application is provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the application, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the application will be described in conjunction with these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the application. On the contrary, the application is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which can be included within the spirit and scope of the application. In the following disclosure, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the application. However, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the application.

[0088] The present application relates to a pneumatic valve system for easily attaching and sealing a valve coupler to a valve stem. As seen in Figures 1A-5B The valve system 100 can include the following main components: a valve stem 101, a valve cap 110, a sealing member 120 biased by a biasing member 125, and a valve coupler 130 including a coupler housing 131, a pin base 150, an inflation pin 160, and a resilient sleeve 170.

[0089] The valve stem 101 can be attached to a pressurizable container 199 (e.g., a bicycle inner tube, see Figure 2A ) and can be in fluid communication with the pressurizable container. The valve stem 101 can act as an inlet and an outlet for the container and allow for easy and secure connection with a valve coupler 130, which can be in fluid communication with a source of pressurized air (e.g., an air compressor, not shown) in order to pressurize the container 199. The valve stem 101 can include a gas-tight passage between the pressurizable container 199 and the valve cap 110. The valve stem 101 can include a tubular shape having a central passage 102, a first end 103 including a base portion attached to the container 199, and a second end 104 that can include an open end having a shape of threads 105 that is complementary to a shape of threads 115 of the valve cap 110.

[0090] The second end 104 of the valve stem 101 can include a shoulder 106 on an inner surface thereof, the shoulder 106 operable to provide a seat for supporting a biasing member 125 (e.g., a spring) that provides a spring force for biasing the sealing member 120 toward a sealing position (e.g., against the sealing ring 116 of the valve cap 110). The biasing member 125 can include a substantially cylindrical shape (e.g., a split ring shape) that is complementary in outer diameter to an inner diameter of the second end 104 of the valve stem 101. The sealing member 120 can include a substantially spherical shape, and an inner diameter of the biasing member 125 can be smaller than an outer diameter of the sealing member 120, such that the sealing member 120 is operable to sit on or partially nest within a distal end 126 of the biasing member 125. The outer diameter of the sealing member 120 can be substantially smaller than an inner diameter of the central passage 102 of the valve stem 101, such that the sealing member 120 can move freely within the central passage 102, and air can pass around the sealing member 120 when the sealing member 120 is in an open position (e.g., not seated against the sealing ring 116 of the valve cap 110, see Figure 1B ).

[0091] The valve cap 110 can include a proximal end 111 and a distal end 112. The proximal end 111 can include a substantially cylindrical shape and an inner surface having threads 115 that are complementary to the threads 105 of the second end 104 of the valve stem 101, thereby allowing the proximal end 111 of the valve cap 110 to be securely attached to the distal end 104 of the valve stem 101 in an air-tight manner. The distal end 112 of the valve cap 110 can include an outer surface having a circular circumferential recess 113 for removably attaching to the valve coupler 130, and a pin passage 114 that is substantially coaxial with the central passage 102 of the valve stem 101. The pin passage 114 can include a diameter that is complementary to a diameter of the inflation pin 160, such that the inflation pin 160 can pass through the pin passage 114 and into the central passage 102 of the valve stem 101.

[0092] The seal ring 116 of the bonnet 110 can have a circular shape and a substantially circular or oval cross-sectional shape, and can comprise an elastomeric material. The outer diameter of the seal ring 116 can be complementary to the inner diameter of the bonnet 110, and the inner diameter of the seal ring 116 can be substantially smaller than the outer diameter of the seal member 120, such that the seal ring 116 can provide a stop against which the seal member 120 is biased by the biasing member 125. The contact between the seal member 120 and the seal ring 116 forms an air-tight seal against the air pressure in the vessel 119 when the valve stem 104 is not engaged with the valve coupler 130. The inner diameter of the seal ring 116 can be less than or equal to the outer diameter of the inflation pin 160, such that the inflation pin 160 can pass through the seal ring 116 (which can be slightly deformed or stretched to allow the inflation pin 160 to pass), thereby forming an air-tight seal against the air pressure within the vessel 199 between the inflation pin 160 and the seal ring 116.

[0093] In other embodiments, the seal member 120 can engage with a three-point ball seat 116a to seal the bonnet 110. The three-point seat 116a is comprised of two fused or integrally molded portions of a spherical cap, one spherical cap having a cross-sectional area that is 10-15% larger than the cross-sectional area of the seal member 120, and the other spherical cap can have a cross-section that is 10-15% smaller than the cross-section of the seal ball 221. The spherical caps can be axially aligned with the smaller of the two caps positioned above the larger cap, with a passage in the smaller spherical cap to allow fluid to pass through the bonnet. As shown, the three-point seat can be positioned in the bonnet 110 adjacent to and just below the seal ring 116, and can be supported at its lower end by an internal shoulder formed by the upper edge of the threads 105. The three-point seat 116a can be made of a high tensile strength, high hardness metal. Figures 2A-2B

[0094] As shown in Figure 3A and 3B ​As best seen, the pin base 150 can include a proximal end 151 and a distal end 152, a thread 153 for attachment to the coupler housing 130, a pin receiver 154, and a connection channel 155. The distal end 152 can include a substantially disc-shaped head having an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the proximal end 151 and a slot 156 having a substantially square cross-section. The slot 156 can traverse an upper surface of the distal end 152 and can be positioned such that a longitudinal axis of the slot 152 is aligned parallel to a first branch 155a of the connection channel 155 and orthogonal to a second branch 155b of the connection channel 155. Thus, when the pin base 150 is threaded into the coupler housing 131, a user can be able to determine a position of each of the first branch 155a and the second branch 155b by observing a position of the slot 156. The user can further be able to determine a position of the air intake channel 135 of the coupler housing 131 by observing a position of the air source attachment member 132 and aligning at least one of the first branch 155a and the second branch 155b with the air intake channel 135 by aligning (parallel or orthogonal) the slot 156 with the air source attachment member 132. Fluid communication from an air source (not shown), through the air source attachment member 132 and the air channel 135, through the connection channel 155, and into a central channel 161 of the inflation pin 160 (and subsequently into the valve stem 101 when the valve coupler 131 is engaged with the valve stem) can thus be achieved. In some embodiments, the coupler housing 131 can have a space around the connection channel such that each of the branches of the connection channel is in fluid communication with the air intake channel 135.

[0095] The proximal end 151 of the pin base 150 can include a pin receiver 157 comprising a channel substantially coaxial with a central axis of the coupler housing 131 and the central channel 102 of the valve stem 101. The pin receiver 157 is operable to receive the first end 162 of the inflation pin 160, an inner diameter of the pin receiver 157 complementary to an outer diameter of the inflation pin 160. In conjunction with the sealing ring 133 of the coupler housing 131, the pin receiver 157 is operable to house the inflation pin 160 in a substantially static manner when the first end 162 of the inflation pin 160 is engaged with (e.g., inserted into) the pin receiver 157.

[0096] As in Figure 4As best seen, the inflation pin 160 can include a substantially cylindrical shape defining a central passage 161 having an entrance 164 at a proximal end 162 of the inflation pin 160 and an exit 165 at a distal end 163 of the inflation pin 160. The proximal end 162 is operable to be inserted into the pin receiver 157 of the pin base 150 and can be in fluid communication with the connection passage 155. The second end 163 of the inflation pin 160 is operable to be inserted into and through the pin passage 114 of the bonnet 110 and can thereby enter the central passage 102 of the valve stem 101 when the valve coupler 130 is engaged with the valve stem 101. The exit 165 can be disposed on a side outer surface of the distal end 163, rather than on a leading edge surface 166, which is thus free to contact and push the sealing member 120 away from the seal ring 116 when the inflation pin 160 enters the valve stem 101, without impeding the flow of air out of the exit 165.

[0097] The coupler housing 131 of the valve coupler 130 can include an air source attachment member 132, threads 136 for attachment to the pin base 150, and a collar 140 for attachment to the bonnet 110. The coupler housing 131 can include a rigid material (i.e., metal, metal alloy, plastic, carbon fiber, etc.) and a generally cylindrical shape with a central passage 137 (see Figure 5B ) that is substantially coaxial with the central passage 102 of the valve stem 101 when the valve coupler 130 is engaged with the valve stem 101. The central passage 137 of the coupler housing 131 can have an inner surface with threads 136 for securing the pin base 150 in place in the central passage 137. The coupler housing 131 can include a first seal ring 133 and a second seal ring 134, the first seal ring 133 being positioned to form an air-tight seal between the distal end 151 of the pin base 150 and a first shoulder 138 of the coupler housing 131 when the pin base 150 is threaded into the coupler housing 131. The second seal ring 134 can be positioned to form an air-tight seal between the proximal end 152 of the pin base 150 and a second shoulder 139 of the coupler housing 131.

[0098] The air source attachment member 132 can include a plurality of outer circumferential barbs and is operable to be inserted into a central passage of a pneumatic hose (not shown). The central passage of the pneumatic hose can be substantially elastic and operable to form an air-tight connection with the plurality of barbs of the air source attachment member 132.

[0099] Valve coupler 130 can include a plurality of ball bearings 141 nested in a plurality of channels 142 through the wall of collar 140, each of the plurality of ball bearings 141 biased inward by a resilient bearing sleeve 170 that encircles collar 140. The plurality of channels 142 in the wall of collar 140 can include an outer end that defines an opening in the outer surface of collar 140 and an inner end that defines an opening in the inner surface of collar 140 (see Figure 5A ). Each channel 142 can include a substantially cylindrical shape, except that the inner end is narrower than the rest of the channel (i.e., the diameter of the inner end is smaller than the diameter of the rest of the channel). The outer diameter of each ball bearing 141 can be substantially larger than the diameter of the inner end of channel 142, and substantially larger than the thickness of the wall of collar 140 (see Figure 1A ), such that the ball bearing 141 cannot pass completely through channel 142, but a portion of the ball bearing 141 can protrude through the narrower end of channel 142. Because ball bearing 141 is wider than the wall of collar 140, resilient sleeve 170 will contact ball bearing 141 and resiliently bias the ball bearing inward toward the inner end of channel 142. Thus, when valve coupler 130 is engaged with valve stem 101 (see Figure 1B ), ball bearing 142 can extend into circumferential recess 113 of bonnet 110, thereby securing valve coupler 130 in place on valve stem 101.

[0100] Valve coupler 130 can be engaged with valve stem 101 by simply aligning collar 140 with bonnet 110 and applying a linear force to the valve coupler (toward the valve stem) with one hand. As seen in Figure 1B , this action can cause collar 140 to slide down over bonnet 110 and into engagement with the bonnet. The force applied to valve coupler 130 must be sufficient to: 1) move ball bearings 141 of collar 140 outward against the inward force of resilient sleeve 170, so as to slide over upper lip 117 of bonnet 110 before moving inward back into circumferential recess 113, and 2) insert second end 163 of inflation pin 160 through the center of seal ring 116, and disengage seal member 120 from seal ring 116 against the force of biasing member 125, so that outlet 165 of inflation pin 160 moves past seal ring 116 and into fluid communication with central passage 102 of valve stem 101.

[0101] Figures 6-8 Additional embodiments of a pneumatic valve system for easily attaching and sealing a valve coupler to a valve stem that contains two independent seals are shown. As seen in Figure 6As seen in FIG. 2, the valve system 200 can include the following main components: a valve stem 201, a valve cap 210, a first chamber 281 containing a first sealing member 220 biased by a biasing member 225, a second chamber 282 containing a second sealing member 221, a dual seal spool 285 defining a connection between the two chambers 281 and 282, and a valve coupling 130 as described above having a coupling housing 131, a pin base 150, an inflation pin 160, and a resilient sleeve 170. The two independent sealing mechanisms in the two independent chambers 281 and 282 eliminate the potentially significant pressure loss (e.g., up to 10 PSI) that occurs in conventional valve designs when the pump head is uncoupled from the valve stem. The upper chamber 281 can contain a sealing ring 216 against which the first sealing member 220 is pressed when in the closed position, and the lower chamber 282 can contain a sealing base 286.

[0102] The first sealing member 220 can be a sealing rod having a tapered plug 220a at its upper end that engages the sealing ring 216 when in the closed position. A biasing spring 225 can be positioned in the upper chamber 281 and engaged with the sealing rod 220 and can bias the sealing rod 220 toward the sealing member 216. The sealing rod 220 can be engaged with the biasing spring 225 by nesting a portion within the spring 225. The bottom end of the biasing spring 225 can rest on a shoulder 206 of the dual seal spool 285 at the lower end of the first chamber 281. A filter 228 can be contained in the upper chamber 281 that is operable to capture particulate matter and prevent the introduction of particulates into the valve stem 201 or the inflatable container to which it is attached. The particulate filter 228 can have a ring-shaped structure positioned around the shaft of the sealing rod 220 between the plug 220a and the biasing spring 225 such that it is held in place adjacent to the plug 220a. The particulate filter 228 can be a metal mesh material or a perforated metal disk (e.g., laser perforated stainless steel, aluminum, or other rigid material).

[0103] The valve cap 210 can include a lower end 211 and an upper end 212. The lower end 211 can include a substantially cylindrical shape and an inner surface having threads 215 that are complementary to threads 205 of the upper end 204 of the dual seal spool positioned between the two chambers 281 and 282 of the valve stem 201, thereby allowing the upper end 211 of the valve cap 210 to be securely attached to the upper end 204a of the dual seal spool 285 in an air-tight manner. The upper end 212 of the valve cap 210 can include an outer surface having a circular circumferential recess 213 for removably attaching to the valve coupling 130, and a pin passage 214 that is substantially coaxial with the dual seal spool 285 and the valve stem 201. The pin passage 214 can include a diameter that is complementary to the diameter of the inflation pin 160 such that the inflation pin 160 can pass through the pin passage 214 into the valve stem 201.

[0104] The seal ring 216 of the bonnet 210 can have a circular shape and a substantially circular or oval cross-sectional shape, and can comprise an elastomeric material. The outer diameter of the seal ring 216 can be complementary to the inner diameter of the bonnet 210, and the inner diameter of the seal ring 216 can be substantially smaller than the outer diameter of the seal plug 220a, such that the seal ring 216 can provide a stop against which the seal member 220 is biased by the biasing member 225. The seal ring 216 can be positioned between the upper perimeter of the double seal spool 285 and the shoulder 212 of the bonnet 210. When the valve coupler 130 is not engaged with the bonnet 210, the contact between the seal plug 220a and the seal ring 216 forms an air-tight seal against the air pressure in the vessel. The inner diameter of the seal ring 216 can be less than or equal to the outer diameter of the charge pin 160, such that the charge pin 160 can pass through the seal ring 116 (which can be slightly deformed or stretched to allow the charge pin 160 to pass), thereby forming an air-tight seal between the charge pin 160 and the seal ring 216 against the air pressure within the vessel.

[0105] The second chamber 282 can contain a second sealing mechanism comprising a seal member 221, which can be a substantially spherical rigid ball (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, or other corrosion resistant material) that engages with a complementary seat 218, which provides a relatively large surface area interface between the seal member 221 and the complementary seat 218. The complementary seat 218 can have a spherical cap shape that is constructed of a flexible thermoplastic, nitrile rubber, natural rubber, Hypalon TM , Neoprene TM , polyurethane, SBR (red rubber), silicone, Viton TM , fluorosilicone, ethylene propylene, butyl rubber, or other material. The material can have some flexibility such that it will flex when the seal member 221 is pushed against the seat 218 by the internal pressure of the pressurized vessel. The second chamber 282 can or can not contain a biasing member. The seal member 221 in the second chamber 282 can be held in place in the seat 218 by the pneumatic pressure in the vessel to which the valve stem 201 is connected.

[0106] In other embodiments, the base 218 can be a three-point ball base 218a. The three-point base 218a is constructed of two fused or integrally molded portions of spherical caps, one spherical cap having a cross-sectional area that is 10-15% larger than the cross-sectional area of the sealing ball 221, and the other spherical cap having a cross-sectional area that can be 10-15% smaller than the cross-sectional area of the sealing ball 221. The spherical caps can be axially aligned with the smaller spherical cap of the two spherical caps positioned above the larger spherical cap, with a passage in the smaller spherical cap to allow air or other gas to pass through the valve. The three-point base 218a can be made of a high tensile strength, high hardness metal.

[0107] The base 218 (or 218a) can be positioned within the second chamber 282 below the shoulder 206 of the double seal spool 285. The double seal spool 285 can be positioned between the lower portion of the bonnet 210 and the upper portion of the stem 201 by threads or other mechanical connection. The double seal spool 285 can include a lower threaded portion 285b that connects to the threaded receiver 205 of the upper portion of the stem 201. The threaded receiver 205 can have a shape that is complementary to the shape of the lower threaded portion 285b. The stem 201 can be attached to and in fluid communication with a pressurizable container (e.g., a bicycle inner tube) and can act as an inlet and outlet for the container.

[0108] A grommet 283 can be positioned between the lower threaded portion 285b and the shoulder 203 at the lower portion of the threaded receiver of the stem 201. A shim 290 can be positioned above the grommet 283. The shim 290 can prevent the sealing member 221 from resting in the lower passage of the second chamber during inflation. This “isolating” shim 290 can be a cage-like structure or can have leaf-like protrusions that allow air or other inflation gas to pass around the shim 290 when the sealing member 221 is in contact with the shim 290. The outer diameter of the shim 290 can be substantially equal to the inner diameter of the lower threaded portion 285b of the double seal spool 285 so that the shim can remain in place above the grommet 283.

[0109] The valve coupling 130 can be engaged with the valve bonnet 210 by simply aligning the collar 140 with the valve bonnet 210 and applying a linear force to the valve coupling (toward the stem) with one hand. As in Figure 8As seen in FIG. 12, this action can cause the collar 140 to slide down over the bonnet 210 and engage with the bonnet. The force applied to the valve coupler 130 must be sufficient to: 1) move the ball bearings 141 of the collar 140 outward against the inward force of the resilient sleeve 170 to slide over the upper lip 217 of the bonnet 210 before moving inward to the circumferential recess 213, 2) insert the second end 163 of the inflation pin 160 through the center of the seal ring 216 and disengage the seal stem 220 from the seal ring 216 against the force of the biasing member 225 so that the outlet 265 of the inflation pin 160 moves past the seal ring 216 and is in fluid communication with the interior of the first chamber 281; and 3) engage the lower end of the seal stem 220 with the second seal member 221 in the second chamber 282 and displace the second seal member 221 from the base 218, thereby opening the second seal of the valve 200. Air or other gas can then flow through the inflation pin 160 into the first chamber 281 and then flow through the passage between the first and second chambers and through the second chamber 282 to inflate the container.

[0110] Figures 9-11 Another embodiment of a pneumatic valve adapter system 300 is shown for easily attaching and sealing a valve coupler 130 to a pre-existing valve stem 301, where an adapter device 310 is attached to the pre-existing valve stem. The valve adapter system 300 is operable for use with existing pneumatic valve systems (e.g., Schrader valves). As seen in FIG. 13, the valve adapter system 300 can include the following main components: a valve stem adapter 310, a pin channel 314 for receiving an actuation pin from a pump head assembly, a seal washer 316, and a valve coupler 130 as described above having a coupler housing 131, a pin base 150, an inflation pin 160, and a resilient sleeve 170.

[0111] A conventional Schrader valve includes an actuation pin that is pressed when a conventional pump head is attached to the actuation pin. Movement of the actuation pin displaces a plug at the lower end of the actuation pin to open the valve. As Figures 10-11As shown, the adapter device 310 of the present application has a female threaded receiver 315 that is complementary to the external male threads 355 of a conventional Schrader valve 350 and is operable to be securely threaded onto the Schrader valve stem 350 in an air-tight manner. A sealing grommet 316 can be positioned between the inner shoulder 320 of the adapter device 310 and the upper edge 356 of the Schrader valve stem. The sealing grommet 316 can have a circular shape and can comprise an elastomeric material. The outer diameter of the sealing grommet 316 can be complementary to the inner diameter of the adapter device 310, and the inner diameter of the sealing grommet can be less than or equal to the outer diameter of the inflator pin 160, such that the inflator pin 160 can pass through the sealing grommet 316 (which can be slightly deformed or stretched to allow the inflator pin 160 to pass), thereby creating an air-tight seal between the inflator pin 160 and the sealing grommet 316 against the air pressure within the pneumatic vessel to which the Schrader valve 350 is attached.

[0112] The adapter device 310 can include an outer surface having a circular circumferential recess 313 for removably attaching to the valve coupler 130, and a pin passage 314 that is substantially coaxial with the actuator pin 352 of the Schrader valve stem 350. The pin passage 314 can include a diameter that is complementary to the diameter of the inflator pin 160, such that the inflator pin 160 can pass through the pin passage 314 and contact the actuator pin 352 of the Schrader valve stem 350.

[0113] The valve coupler 130 can be engaged with the adapter device 310 by simply aligning the collar 140 with the adapter device 310 and applying a linear force to the valve coupler (toward the adapter device 310) with one hand. As shown, this action can cause the collar 140 to slide down over the adapter device 310 and engage with the adapter device. The force applied on the valve coupler 130 must be sufficient to 1) move the ball bearings 141 of the collar 140 outward against the inward force of the resilient sleeve 170 to slide over the upper lip 317 of the adapter device 310 before moving inward back into the circumferential recess 313, and 2) insert the inflator pin 160 through the center of the grommet 316 and displace the actuator pin 352 and the sealing plug 352a at its lower end to open the Schrader valve 350. Air or other gas can then flow through the inflator pin 160 and then through the Schrader valve 350 to inflate the vessel. Figure 10

[0114] Figures 12A-13 ​Another embodiment of a pneumatic valve adapter system 400 is shown for easily attaching and sealing a valve coupler 130 to a pre-existing valve stem 401, where an adapter device 410 is attached to the pre-existing valve stem. The valve adapter system 400 is operable for use with existing pneumatic valve systems (e.g., Presta valve, Dunlop valve, or Schrader valve). As seen in FIG., the valve adapter system 400 can include the following main components: 1) a valve stem adapter 410 having a pin channel 414 that receives the inflation pin 160 from the pump head assembly 100, a sealing washer 416; and 2) a pump head 100 having a valve coupler 130 as described above, with a coupler housing 131, a pin seat 150, an inflation pin 160, and a resilient sleeve 170.

[0115] The valve core of a conventional valve (e.g., Presta valve) can be removed, thereby eliminating the valve actuation mechanism. The adapter device 401 according to the present application can then be attached to the remaining valve stem of the conventional valve using a valve mechanism according to the present application. As shown in FIG., the adapter device 401 of the present application can have a valve stem connector 402 having a female thread receiver 403 that is complementary to the external male threads 455 of a conventional valve 450 and is operable to be securely threaded onto the valve stem 450a in an air-tight manner. A sealing washer 406 can be positioned between the recess 406a of the valve stem connector 402 and the outer diameter of the conventional valve stem 450a. The sealing washer 406 can prevent the escape of pressurized air from the valve adapter 401 during inflation or otherwise. The valve stem connector 402 also includes an upper male connector 404 that can be connected to the adapter cap 410. Figures 12A-12B

[0116] The adapter cap 410 can include a proximal end 411 and a distal end 412. The lower end 411 can include a substantially cylindrical shape and an inner surface having threads 415 that are complementary to the threads of the upper male connector 404 of the valve stem connector 402, thereby allowing the lower end 411 of the adapter cap 410 to be securely attached to the upper male connector 404 of the valve stem connector 401 in an air-tight manner.

[0117] ​The distal end 412 of the adapter cover 410 may include an outer surface having a circular circumferential concave surface 413 for removable attachment to the valve connector 130, and a pin channel 414 substantially coaxial with a conventional valve stem 450. The pin channel 414 may include a diameter complementary to the diameter of the inflation pin 160, such that the inflation pin 160 can pass through the pin channel 414 into the interior of the adapter cover. A sealing mechanism may be positioned between the upper male connector 404 and the adapter cover 410. The valve stem connector 401 has a shoulder 405 located within the inner diameter of the upper male connector 404. A biasing member 425 (e.g., a spring) may be positioned within the male connector 404, wherein the lower end of the biasing member rests on the shoulder 405. A sealing member 420 may be positioned above the biasing member 425 such that the biasing member biases the sealing member toward the pin channel 414 in the adapter cover 410.

[0118] The sealing ring 416 of the valve cover 410 may have a circular shape and a substantially circular or oval cross-sectional shape, and may comprise an elastomeric material. The outer diameter of the sealing ring 416 may be complementary to the inner diameter of the adapter cover 410, and the inner diameter of the sealing ring 416 may be significantly smaller than the outer diameter of the sealing member 420, such that the sealing ring 416 provides a stop against which the sealing member 420 is biased by the biasing member 425. When the adapter cover 410 is not engaged with the valve connector 130, the contact between the sealing member 420 and the sealing ring 416 forms an airtight seal against air pressure in the pneumatic container to which the valve stem 450 is attached. The inner diameter of the sealing ring 416 may be less than or equal to the outer diameter of the inflation pin 160, such that the inflation pin 160 can pass through the sealing ring 416 (the sealing ring may be slightly deformed or stretched to allow the inflation pin 160 to pass through), thereby forming an airtight seal against air pressure within the pneumatic container between the inflation pin 160 and the sealing ring 416.

[0119] The valve connector 130 can be engaged with the adapter 410 by simply aligning the collar 140 with the adapter cover 410 and applying linear force to the valve connector (towards the adapter cover 410) with one hand. Figure 13 As shown, this action allows the collar 140 to slide downwards over and engage with the adapter cover 410. The force applied to the valve connector 130 must be sufficient to 1) move the ball bearing 141 of the collar 140 outwards against the inward force of the resilient sleeve 170, so as to slide over the upper lip 417 of the adapter cover 410 before moving inwards back to the circumferential concave surface 413, and 2) insert the inflation pin 160 through the center of the sealing ring 416 and displace the sealing member 420 to open the valve mechanism. Air or other gas can then flow through the inflation pin 160 and then through the adapter assembly 401.

[0120] Figures 14A-15Another embodiment of a pneumatic valve adapter system 500 is shown for easily attaching and sealing a valve coupler 130 to a pre-existing valve stem 501, where an adapter device 510 is attached to the pre-existing valve stem. The valve adapter system 500 is operable for use with existing pneumatic valve systems (e.g., Schrader valves, Presta valves, and other valves). As seen in Figure 14B the valve adapter system 500 can include the following main components: 1) a valve stem adapter 501 having a pin channel 514 that receives an inflation pin 560 from the pump head assembly 100, a sealing washer 516; and 2) a pump head 100 having a valve coupler 130 as described above, with a coupler housing 131, a pin seat 150, an inflation pin 160, and a resilient sleeve 170.

[0121] The adapter device 501 can include an engagement member 519 for engaging an actuation pin 590 of a conventional valve stem 550, which is operable to hold the conventional valve stem in an open position when the adapter device 501 is attached to the conventional valve stem 550. The valve mechanism of the adapter device 501 can then exclusively control the flow of fluid from the adapter device 501 to the conventional valve stem 550. The engagement member can include an engagement plate 519a that is substantially perpendicular to the path of fluid through the adapter device 501, and can have a perforation 519b in the engagement plate 519a to allow fluid to pass therethrough. The engagement plate 519 can also include a lower protrusion that extends downward to engage the actuation pin 590 of the conventional valve stem 550. When the adapter device is attached to a pre-existing valve stem 550a, the actuation pin 590 is displaced downward, thereby displacing the plug 591 and allowing fluid to pass through the pre-existing valve stem 550.

[0122] The adapter device 501 can then be attached to a conventional valve stem of a conventional valve using a valve mechanism according to the present invention. As shown in Figures 14A-14B The adapter device 501 of the present invention can have a valve stem connector 502 with a female thread receiver 503 that is complementary to the external male threads 555 of a conventional valve 550 and is operable to be securely screwed onto the valve stem 550a in an air-tight manner. A sealing washer 506 can be positioned between a recess 506a of the valve stem connector 502 and the outer diameter of the conventional valve stem 550a. The sealing washer 506 can prevent pressure air from escaping from the valve adapter 501 during inflation or in other situations. The valve stem connector 502 also includes an upper male connector 504 that can be connected to the adapter cap 510.

[0123] The adapter cap 510 can include a proximal end 511 and a distal end 512. The proximal end 511 can include a substantially cylindrical shape and an inner surface having threads 515 that are complementary to the threads of the upper male connector 504 of the valve stem connector 502, thereby allowing the proximal end 511 of the adapter cap 510 to be securely attached to the upper male connector 504 of the valve stem connector 501 in an air-tight manner.

[0124] The distal end 512 of the adapter cap 510 can include an outer surface having a circular circumferential recess 513 for removably attaching to the valve coupler 130, and a pin passage 514 that is substantially coaxial with the regular valve stem 550. The pin passage 514 can include a diameter that is complementary to the diameter of the inflation pin 160, such that the inflation pin 160 can pass through the pin passage 514 into the interior of the adapter cap 510. A sealing mechanism can be positioned between the upper male connector 504 and the adapter cap 510. The valve stem connector 501 has a shoulder 505 located in the inner diameter of the upper male connector 504. A biasing member 525 (e.g., a spring) can be positioned within the male connector 504, with the lower end of the biasing member resting on the shoulder 505. A sealing member 520 can be positioned above the biasing member 525, such that the biasing member biases the sealing member against the pin passage 514 in the adapter cap 510.

[0125] The sealing ring 516 of the valve cap 510 can have a circular shape and a substantially circular or oval cross-sectional shape, and can include an elastomeric material. The outer diameter of the sealing ring 516 can be complementary to the inner diameter of the adapter cap 510, and the inner diameter of the sealing ring 516 can be substantially smaller than the outer diameter of the sealing member 520, such that the sealing ring 516 can provide a stop against which the sealing member 520 is biased by the biasing member 525. When the adapter cap 510 is not engaged with the valve coupler 130, the contact between the sealing member 520 and the sealing ring 516 forms an air-tight seal against the air pressure in the pneumatic vessel to which the valve stem 550 is attached. The inner diameter of the sealing ring 516 can be less than or equal to the outer diameter of the inflation pin 160, such that the inflation pin 160 can pass through the sealing ring 516 (which can be slightly deformed or stretched to allow the inflation pin 160 to pass), thereby forming an air-tight seal between the inflation pin 160 and the sealing ring 516 against the air pressure within the pneumatic vessel.

[0126] The valve coupler 130 can be engaged with the adapter device 510 by simply aligning the collar 140 with the adapter cap 510 and applying a linear force to the valve coupler (toward the adapter cap 510) with one hand. As the collar 140 is pushed toward the adapter cap 510, the sealing member 520 is pushed against the sealing ring 516, which is biased by the biasing member 525. The sealing ring 516 deforms slightly to allow the sealing member 520 to pass, and the sealing member 520 is biased against the pin passage 514 in the adapter cap 510. The inflation pin 160 is then inserted into the pin passage 514, and the collar 140 is removed from the adapter cap 510. Figure 15As shown, this action can cause the collar 140 to slide down over and engage the adapter cap 510. The force applied to the valve coupler 130 must be sufficient to 1) move the ball bearings 141 of the collar 140 outward against the inward force of the resilient sleeve 170 to slide over the upper lip 517 of the adapter cap 510 before moving inward to the circumferential recess 513, and 2) insert the inflation pin 160 through the center of the seal ring 516 and displace the seal member 520 to open the valve mechanism. Air or other gas can then flow through the inflation needle 160 into the adapter device 501, through the perforations 519a of the engagement plate 519, and then through the pre-existing valve stem 550a.

[0127] The foregoing description of specific embodiments of the application has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the application to the precise forms disclosed, and various modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the application and its practical application and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the application and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A pump head configured to couple with a bicycle inner tube valve stem or tubeless valve stem, the pump head comprising: a housing having an attachment member configured to couple with an air source, the attachment member having an air intake passage, the housing further having a collar having a plurality of passages disposed about an outer circumference of the collar, the plurality of passages extending from an outer diameter of the collar to an inner bore; a fixed inflation pin coupled to the housing and fluidly coupled to the air intake passage, the fixed inflation pin having an end disposed within the inner bore; a plurality of members disposed therein, wherein each member of the plurality of members is associated with and at least partially disposed in one of the plurality of passages; a biasing member disposed about an outer circumference of the plurality of members, the biasing member biasing each member of the plurality of members toward the inflation pin; further comprising a pin base coupled to the housing, the fixed inflation pin coupled to the pin base, wherein the pin base includes a pin receiver sized to receive the fixed inflation pin and a connection passage fluidly coupled to the pin receiver and the air intake passage.

2. The pump head of claim 1, wherein, the fixed inflation pin includes a central passage extending axially therethrough, the central passage fluidly coupled to the connection passage and the inner bore.

3. The pump head of claim 2, wherein, the fixed inflation pin further includes an outlet proximate the end, the outlet fluidly coupling the central passage to the inner bore.

4. The pump head of claim 3, wherein, the outlet is perpendicular to the central passage.

5. The pump head of claim 1, wherein, the plurality of members are a plurality of ball bearings.

6. The pump head of claim 5, wherein, each passage of the plurality of passages has a first portion at the inner bore having a first diameter and a second portion having a second diameter, the first diameter being less than the second diameter.

7. The pump head of claim 6, wherein, each ball bearing of the plurality of ball bearings has a third diameter that is greater than the first diameter.

8. The pump head of claim 7, wherein, the collar has a wall thickness, the third diameter being greater than the wall thickness.

9. The pump head of claim 1, wherein, the biasing member is an elastomeric sleeve that surrounds the collar.

10. The pump head of claim 1, wherein, the attachment member is integral with the housing.

11. The pump head of claim 1, wherein, the attachment member is removably coupled to the housing.

12. The pump head of claim 1, wherein, the attachment member extends generally perpendicular to a central axis of the housing.

13. A pump head configured to couple with a bicycle inner tube valve stem or tubeless valve stem, the pump head comprising: a housing having a collar on one end with an inner bore, a first passage extending perpendicular to an axis of the housing, and a second passage extending between the inner bore and the first passage; an attachment member having an air intake passage coupled to the first passage, the attachment member configured to couple with an air source; an inflation pin coupled to the second passage, the inflation pin having a central passage fluidly coupling the inner bore and the first passage; a plurality of members disposed therein, wherein each member of the plurality of members is associated with and at least partially disposed in one of the plurality of passages; and a biasing member disposed about an outer circumference of the plurality of members, the biasing member biasing each of the plurality of members toward the inflation pin, wherein the biasing member is an elastomeric sleeve that surrounds the collar, further comprising a member disposed about the housing and elastomeric sleeve.

14. The pump head of claim 13, further comprising a sealing member disposed about the inflation pin to seal the second passageway from the bore.

15. The pump head of claim 13, wherein, the plurality of members are a plurality of ball bearings.

16. The pump head of claim 15, wherein, each of the plurality of passageways includes a first portion at the bore having a first diameter and a second portion having a second diameter, the first diameter being less than the second diameter, and the second diameter being greater than a diameter of the plurality of ball bearings.

17. The pump head of claim 13, wherein, the fixed inflation pin further comprises an outlet that is perpendicular to the central passageway.

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