Tyre valves

Abstract

A coreless tyre valve assembly for a valve stem of a tubeless tyre, or inner tube, comprises a valve housing 101 mountable to external threads of a valve stem 108 and a valve body 103 having a valve r

Description

Technical Field The present disclosure relates to tyre valves, being valves for inflating tyres mounted on a wheel. More specifically, aspects of the disclosure relate to a valve assembly for inflating tyres, particularly with reference to tubeless tyres. Background Tubeless bicycle tyres are pneumatic tyres that do not require an inner tube to retain inflation air. Tubeless tyres work by forming an airtight seal against the rim of the bicycle wheel. The popularity thereof has increased significantly in recent years due to the advantages they offer over traditional inner tube systems. Notably, tubeless tyres provide increased grip of the tyre to the wheel, the ability to instantly seal out tyre punctures, decreased weight, and increased speed. On the other hand, tubeless tyres tend to be more expensive than traditional tyres, require more maintenance and are more difficult to install. Tyre sealant can be injected into the tyre either through the valve, or poured directly into the tyre. Typically, the former method is preferred, as it is less messy than the latter. In case of a puncture, the air escaping from the tyre pushes sealant into the hole, thereby plugging the hole. Presta and / or Schrader valves are commonly used to facilitate inflating tubeless tyres and are formed integrally with tyre inner tubes. Terminology relating to tyre valves is used somewhat inconsistently. For clarity, we will define a conventional Presta tyre valve, for example, as including a valve stem and a valve core. The valve stem is that portion of the Presta valve which is securable at a proximal end thereof to the rim of a wheel and includes a through-bore allowing a fluidic connection between an inside of the wheel or an inside of an inner-tube with a tyre pump or other inflation device for inflation of the tyre. A valve stem includes a distal external threaded portion for attachment to a pump for inflation of the tyre. The external threaded portion is threaded in accordance with the requirements of ISO 4570:2002, to provide a universal fitment to the inflation device. In some variants of a Presta valve, the valve core includes an elongate valve rod which is retained within at least a portion of a length of the valve stem and which has a frustoconical surface carrying a washer which bears against a corresponding shoulder formed within the through-bore of the valve stem. A distal end of the valve rod includes a threaded portion fitting with an adjustment nut which allows the frustoconical surface of the valve rod to be adjusted with respect to the shoulder of the valve stem. In these variants, the valve rod of the valve core must be inserted into the valve stem from the proximal (wheel / tyre) end, as the frustoconical surface of the core must bear against the shoulder of the stem. Once installed, the core is not removable from the valve stem other than by removing the tyre from the wheel, in the case of a tubeless tyre. In the case of an inner-tube, the core remains in place throughout the lifetime of the inner-tube. In other variants, the valve core and valve stem are modified such the valve core is removable from the valve stem. The valve stem includes an internal threaded portion for receipt of a correspondingly externally-threaded valve core body. The valve core body includes an internal shoulder against which the frustoconical surface of the valve rod bears to seal the valve. In tyre valves having removable cores, the valve core can be removed without having to remove the tyre from the wheel rim. The valve stem of a removable-core Presta valve is of uniform diameter along at least that portion of its length in which the valve core body is received. Schrader valves have a similar construction, with a removable valve core. Such valves are very familiar to the skilled person and will not be described in further detail. However, the presence of a valve rod within the valve stem reduces the internal diameter and volume of the valve stem. This typically results in these valves having poor air flow, and causes them to be easily clogged by sealant due to their reduced diameter. Consequently, administration of sealant, or addition of sufficient sealant, to repair a puncture is compromised. Due to the small internal diameter of the valve, sealant often clogs the valve, preventing the rider from being able to inflate the tyre and / or from being able to release the air to remove the tyre following application of the sealant. As such, as a precaution in case clogging should occur on a ride, cyclists are required to carry spare valves in order to replace clogged valves. A tubeless tyre must be initially seated in a bicycle rim, a process which requires constant pressure. Furthermore, the sealant must be present in order to maintain a seal between the tyre and the rim. In order to install a tubeless tyre on a bicycle rim, a high flow rate of air is required. The inflation can be done through the use of a compressor or a CO2 cannister. However, due to the issues with the air flow of the valves, the tyre often cannot be inflated fast enough to correctly sit it within the rim. The present invention seeks to address these problems. In particular, the present invention seeks to provide a solution which is compatible with a pre-existing valve stem for a tyre. The present invention also seeks to provide a valve assembly which allows a high fluid flow rate through the valve. The foregoing and other objectives are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementation forms are apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the Figures. Summary of the invention In its broadest sense, the present invention provides a core-less tyre valve, in the sense that the valve does not include a valve rod which resides within a portion of the length of the valve stem. As described above, the valve stem of a tyre valve includes a proximal end, secured to the rim of the wheel and a distal portion for attachment of the inflation device. The distal portion of the valve stem includes an annular surface against which, during inflation of the tyre, a washer in the inflation device bears to form a seal between the valve stem and the inflation device. The present invention makes further use of this annular surface to provide a tyre valve which does not require a core or other component having a valve rod within the valve stem. Consequently, the valve stem maintains its full volume under all configurations of the valve, both inflation, deflation and introduction of tyre sealant. Furthermore, full volume of the valve stem is maintained in respect of valve stems for both removable-core valves, having no internal shoulder, and non-removable-core valves, having an internal shoulder. Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a tyre valve comprising: i) an externally-threaded elongate valve stem having a proximal end and a distal end and being mountable to a rim of a wheel and having an axial through-bore comprising, at the distal end thereof, an annular bearing surface; and ii) a valve assembly for the valve stem, the valve assembly comprising a valve body housing comprising a valve collar mountable to the external threads of the valve stem, a valve body having a distal valve rod and a valve adjuster; wherein the valve collar includes a proximal valve body cavity for receipt of the valve body and an axial valve rod port for receipt and axial orientation of the valve rod; wherein the valve body comprises a valve body bearing surface to bear, in a first configuration, against the annular bearing surface of the valve stem, and a sealing member to seal, in a second configuration, against a shoulder formed between the valve body housing and the valve rod port; and wherein the valve adjuster is coupled to a distal end of the valve rod, the valve adjuster adjustable to, in use, cause the valve body to move between the first configuration and the second configuration; and wherein the valve body bearing surface includes a plurality of apertures to allow fluidic communication between the valve stem and the valve body cavity. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a valve assembly for a valve stem of a tubeless tyre or of a tyre inner tube; wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve body housing comprising a valve collar mountable to the external threads of the valve stem, a valve body having a distal valve rod and a valve adjuster; wherein the valve collar includes a proximal valve body cavity for receipt of the valve body and an axial valve rod port for receipt and axial orientation of the valve rod; wherein the valve body comprises a valve body bearing surface to bear, in a first configuration, against the annular bearing surface of the valve stem, and a sealing member to bear, in a second configuration against a shoulder formed between the valve body housing and the valve rod port; and wherein the valve adjuster is coupled to a distal end of the valve rod, the valve adjuster adjustable to, in use, cause the valve to move between the first configuration and the second configuration; and wherein the valve body bearing surface includes a plurality of apertures to allow fluidic communication between the valve stem and the valve body cavity. In certain embodiments, the tyre is a tubeless tyre and the valve body is mountable to the wheel. In other embodiments, the tyre is a tyre requiring an inner tube and the valve body is mounted to or formed as an integral part of the inner tube. Accordingly, a high flow rate valve can be provided. The valve can be used with any standard pump system without the need to employ adapters. Furthermore, the valve can be retrofitted onto an existing bicycle tubeless tyre and has particular advantages as a replacement valve for a replaceable core tyre valve. In certain examples, the valve rod includes external valve rod threads and the valve adjuster comprises a nut rotationally adjustable along the valve rod threads to adjust the valve body between the first and second configurations. In certain embodiments, the valve body includes rotation-prevention means to prevent the valve body from rotating within the valve housing. In some examples, the rotation-prevention means comprises a pin or projections on the valve body cooperative with corresponding channels on an inner surface of the valve housing. In certain examples, the rotation-prevention means comprises forming or providing the valve body with a plurality of longitudinal paddles or wings formed integrally with valve and projecting therefrom, slidable along corresponding channels formed in an inner surface of valve housing. Optionally, the valve body comprises two, three or four paddles moveable axially within a corresponding number of channels formed in the inner surface of valve housing. A third aspect of the present invention provides a wheel comprising a tubeless tyre, and tyre valve as defined above. The present invention also provides a wheeled conveyance comprising a tubeless tyre and a tyre valve as defined above. Adjusting the valve adjuster may comprise tightening the valve adjuster, wherein tightening the valve adjuster causes the valve to move in a direction distally with respect to the valve stem, closing the aperture at the proximal end of the valve body and creating a seal between the valve stem and the valve body. Adjusting the valve adjuster may comprise loosening the valve adjuster, wherein loosening the valve adjuster causes the valve body to move proximally with respect to the valve stem, such that the aperture at the proximal end of the valve body is maintained in an open configuration and the distal end of the valve abuts the valve stem, thereby enabling fluid flow through the valve stem via the valve body. Brief Description of the Drawings The above and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in further detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a bicycle wheel fitted with a tyre and valve; Figure 2 is a front view of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a valve in accordance with the present invention, in an open configuration; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 4, in a closed configuration; Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5; and Figure 7 shows side and cross-sectional side views of a second embodiment of a valve in accordance with the present invention, in open and closed configurations. Detailed Description Example embodiments are described below in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Accordingly, while embodiments can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate. The terminology used herein to describe embodiments is not intended to limit the scope. The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are singular in that they have a single referent, however the use of the singular form in the present document should not preclude the presence of more than one referent. In other words, elements referred to in the singular can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, items, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, items, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. In the following discussion, the term proximal is used to indicate a part of a component having two ends which is closer to the rim of a wheel and the term distal is used to indicate a part of a component having two ends which is closer to the hub of the wheel. Figures 1 to 3 illustrate an embodiment of a tyred wheel 10 in accordance with the present invention, comprising a wheel rim 11 having a tyre 12 fitted thereto and having a valve 13 for admission of air to a cavity 14 formed within the tyre. The mounting of the tyre and the valve to the wheel rim are conventional and will not be described in further detail here, except where useful to aid description of aspects of the invention. Figures 4, 5 and 6 illustrate an embodiment of a valve according to the first aspect of the present invention. The valve 100 comprises a generally cylindrical valve stem 108 which is hollow, defining an axial through-bore therethrough. The valve stem 108 has a proximal end adjacent, in use, the wheel rim 11 and a distal end, representing an inflation end to the valve, the end to which a pump is fitted for inflation or to which a source of sealant is attached for repair of a puncture. The distal end and the proximal end define a length therebetween. The valve stem 108 may be the stem of a conventional Presta valve, in particular the valve stem of a Presta valve having a removable core. The present invention enables the user to remove their Presta valve core and replace it with the valve assembly. As such, the user does not need to remove their tyres in order to use the product for the first time, as the user can use an existing valve stem already present in their setup. Accordingly, the dimensions of the valve assembly are substantially the same as those of a standard Presta valve, in order to fit the universal hole size in the bicycle rim. As discussed above, tyre valves have thread sizes specified in accordance with ISO 4570:2002 and the outer surface of valve stem 108 is so threaded. The threads are omitted for clarity. Valve stem 108 is mounted to the wheel rim (omitted for clarity in Figures 4,5 and 6) in a conventional manner. Valve stem 108 includes an enlarged head 120 and is fitted with a generally frusto-conical washer 111. The valve stem is passed through the conventional valve aperture of the wheel rim 11 from the tyre side of the rim until washer 111 bears and seals against the inner surface of the wheel rim. A washer 112 and nut 113 are applied from the opposite face of the wheel rim to secure the valve stem in position. Distal end of valve stem 108 includes an annular surface 121. The valve assembly 100 comprises a valve body 103 having a valve rod 102 extending distally therefrom. Valve body 103 includes a plurality of apertures to allow fluid flow over the valve body. Valve body 103 is received within a valve housing 101 which includes a valve body housing 122 and a valve rod port 123, of narrower diameter to the valve body housing 122, and arranged axially thereto, to receive the valve rod 102 and orientate valve rod 102 axially with respect to the valve stem 108. A transition between internal surfaces of valve body housing 122 and valve rod port 123 defines a shoulder 130. In preferred examples, as shown, shoulder 130 has a generally frusto-conical form. A first gasket in the form of an O-ring seal 106 is provided on valve rod 102. Seal 106 bears against shoulder 130 in a closed configuration of the valve (Figure 5). In the open configuration (Figure 4), seal 106 is spaced from shoulder 130. Valve body housing 122 includes a collar 124 having internal threads corresponding with the external threads of the valve stem 108 such that the collar 124 may be screwed into position on valve stem 108. The valve assembly 100 also comprises a valve adjuster 104 coupled to a distal end of the valve rod 102. The valve adjuster 104 is adjustable to, in use, cause the valve 103 to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The valve adjuster 104 is threadedly mounted to external threads of valve rod 102 (omitted for clarity) such that adjustment is effected by screwing / tightening and / or unscrewing / loosening the valve adjuster 104. The valve adjuster 104 may comprise, for example, a nut having a lateral dimension sufficient to bear against a bearing surface 110 of valve rod port 123 of valve housing 101. The valve adjuster 104 may be screwable onto the proximal end of the valve 102, similar to a conventional Presta valve nipple. As is conventional, the valve includes a cap 109 to provide a cover to valve adjuster 104. In the embodiment shown, an internal surface of valve housing 101 includes a second gasket 105, such as an O-ring seal or a ring seal, which provides, in use, a seal between the valve stem 108 and the valve housing 101. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a valve assembly in a closed configuration according to an example. Elements in Figures 4 and 5 which are the same are denoted using the same reference numerals and function likewise. In the closed configuration, the valve adjuster 104 has caused the valve 103 to move in a direction axially with respect to the valve stem 108 away from the valve stem, causing seal 106 to bear against shoulder 130, thereby closing the aperture formed by valve rod port 123. Valve adjuster 104 continues to move along the threads of valve rod 102 until it bears against bearing surface 110 at the distal end of the valve housing 101, and creating a seal between the valve stem and the valve body 101 and preventing passage of fluid through the valve. Referring back to Figure 4, in the open configuration, unscrewing of the valve adjuster 104 allows the valve rod 102 to move proximally with respect to the valve stem 108 (i.e., towards the valve stem) such that a gap opens between the valve adjuster 104 and bearing surface 110 at the distal end of the valve housing and the proximal end of valve body 103 abuts annular surface 121 of the valve stem 108, thereby enabling fluidic flow through the valve stem via the apertures of the valve body 103. The fluid may be air, carbon dioxide or nitrogen, to inflate the tyre, or may be a sealant material, to effect a repair to a puncture. In the embodiment shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6, valve body 103 also includes a valve body pin 107, insertable through the valve body 103 to prevent, in use, valve body 103 from rotating within the valve body 101. During assembly, each end of pin 107 is received within a respective longitudinal channel 125 provided on an inner surface of valve housing 101. In alternative embodiments, pin 107 is omitted and prevention of rotation is achieved by alternative means, such as by forming a projection, or plurality of spaced projections, as part of valve body 103. An example embodiment is shown in Figure 7, which shows a valve substantially as described above, with reference numerals corresponding to those of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 6, but in which the rotation-prevention function of pin 107 is achieved by forming the apertures of valve body 103 described above as projecting longitudinal paddles or wings 140 formed integrally with valve 103, slidable similarly along corresponding channels 125 formed in an inner surface of valve housing 101. In some embodiments, the valve body is formed with two, three or four paddles 140 moveable axially within a corresponding number of channels 125 formed in the inner surface of valve housing 101. The provision of paddles 140 simplifies assembly of the valve and increases the cross-sectional area in the region of the valve body, thereby increasing airflow / sealant flow. In Figure 7(b), a cross-sectional view through the valve along line A-A of Figure 7(a), in an open configuration, it can be seen that valve 101 bears against annular surface 121 of valve stem 108. Figure 7(d) shows the valve in a closed configuration, in which O-ring seal 106 carried by valve 101 bears against shoulder 130 to seal fluid flow through the valve. The reader will note the different axial positions of adjuster 104 in figures 7(a) and 7(c). The preceding description has been provided to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize various aspects of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. This exemplary description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined herein. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. Reference should be made to the appended claims and their equivalents in determining the scope of the disclosure. The skilled reader will understand that our developments are equally suitable for tyres requiring an inner tube as they are for tubeless tyres. The valve assembly of present invention is particularly useful as a replacement valve assembly for a tyre valve having a removable core as the valve stem of such valves has a substantially uniform diameter along its length.

Claims

1. A tyre valve (100) com prising:i) an externally-threaded elongate valve stem (108) having a proximal end and a distal end and being mountable to a rim (11) of a wheel and having an axial through-bore comprising, at the distal end thereof, an annular bearing surface (121); andii) a valve assembly (101) for the valve stem (108), the valve assembly (101) comprising a valve body housing (122) comprising a valve collar (124) mountable to the external threads of the valve stem (108), a valve body (103) having a distal valve rod (102), and a valve adjuster (104);wherein the valve collar (124) includes a proximal valve body cavity for receipt of the valve body (103) and an axial valve rod port (123) for receipt and axial orientation of the valve rod (102); wherein the valve body (103) comprises a valve body bearing surface to bear, in a first configuration, against the annular bearing surface (125) of the valve stem (108), and a sealing member (106) to seal, in a second configuration, against a shoulder (130) formed between the valve body housing (122) and the valve rod port (123); andwherein the valve adjuster (104) is coupled to a distal end of the valve rod (102), the valve adjuster (104) being adjustable to cause, in use, the valve body (103) to move between the first configuration and the second configuration; andwherein the valve body bearing surface includes a plurality of apertures to allow fluidic communication between the valve stem (108) and the valve body cavity.

2. A valve assembly for an externally-threaded valve stem (108) of a tubeless tyre (12) or of a tyre inner tube; wherein the valve assembly (101) comprises a valve body housing (122) comprising a valve collar (124) mountable to thethreads of the valve stem (108), a valve body (103) having a distal valve rod (102) and a valve adjuster (104);wherein the valve collar (124) includes a proximal valve body cavity for receipt of the valve body (103) and an axial valve rod port (123) for receipt and axial orientation of the valve rod (102); wherein the valve body (103) comprises a valve body bearing surface to bear, in a first configuration, against an annular bearing surface of the valve stem (108), and a sealing member (106) to bear, in a second configuration against a shoulder (130) formed between the valve body housing (122) and the valve rod port (123); andwherein the valve adjuster (104) is coupled to a distal end of the valve rod (102), the valve adjuster (104) being adjustable to, in use, cause the valve body (103) to move between the first configuration and the second configuration; andwherein the valve body bearing surface includes a plurality of apertures to allow fluidic communication between the valve stem (102) and the valve body cavity.

3. A valve as claimed in claim 1 or a valve assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the valve rod includes external valve rod threads and the valve adjuster comprises a nut rotationally adjustable along the valve rod threads to adjust the valve body between the first and second configurations.

4. A valve as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3 or a valve assembly as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the valve body includes rotation-prevention means to prevent the valve body from rotating within the valve housing.

5. A valve or valve assembly as claimed in claim 4 wherein the rotationprevention means comprises a pin (107) or projections on the valve bodycooperative with corresponding channels on an inner surface of the valve housing.

6. A valve or valve assembly as claimed in claim 4 wherein the rotation-prevention means comprises forming or providing the valve body (103) with a plurality of longitudinal paddles or wings (140) formed integrally with valve (103) and projecting therefrom, slidable along corresponding channels (125) formed in an inner surface of valve housing (101).

7. A valve or valve assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein the valve body comprises two, three or four paddles (140) moveable axially within a corresponding number of channels (125) formed in the inner surface of valve housing (101).

8. A valve as claimed in any one of claim 1 or any one of claims 3 to 7 wherein the valve is a coreless valve, or a valve assembly as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein the valve assembly is a coreless valve assembly.

9. A valve system for a tubeless tyre, the valve system comprising a valve assembly as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7 and a valve stem (108).

10. A valve system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the valve stem (108) is generally elongate and cylindrical comprising an axial through-bore therethrough.

11. A wheel comprising a tyre and a tyre valve (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 or 3 to 7 or a valve system as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10.

12. A wheel as claimed in claim 11 wherein the tyre is i) a tubeless tyre; or ii) a tyre further comprising an inner tube having a valve stem, wherein the valve stem is mounted to or formed with the inner tube.

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