Improved pneumatic valve system and method of using the same

Abstract

To provide a pneumatic valve system for easily attaching and sealing a valve coupler to a valve stem for filling an inflatable vessel such as a tire, tube, or mattress.SOLUTION: The valve system may comprise the following main components: a valve stem; a valve cap with a pin passage and an attachment mechanism for attaching to a valve coupler; a sealing member; and a biasing member. The valve coupler comprises: a coupler housing; a pin seat; an inflation pin; a collar with ball bearings complementary to the attachment structure of the valve cap; and an elastic sleeve for providing inward force against the ball bearings. The valve system may allow easy, secured and sealed engagement between the valve coupler and valve stem by simply pushing down the valve coupler, and may be disengaged by pulling up the valve coupler with only two fingers.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to pneumatic valve systems for use with fluid pumps, and methods of making and using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to improved valve systems as replacements for Schrader®, Presta®, and Dunlop® valves, as well as other pneumatic valves. [Background technology]

[0002] Air pressure valve systems for connecting a pressurized air source (e.g., a pressurized tank or air pump) to a pneumatic tire, tube, or other structure have been in use for quite some time. While widely used, conventional devices devised and utilized to date continue to suffer from design drawbacks. These devices are cumbersome to install and maintain while filling the tube or tire, and often do not provide a reliable seal on the valve stem of the tire, tube, or other structure, leading to leaks. Furthermore, improper coupling between conventional air pressure valves and air pressure gauges can lead to inaccurate pressure readings and improper tire inflation, which can reduce fuel economy (or slow the bike), cause uneven tire wear, shorten the tire's lifespan, and void manufacturer warranties. While conventional devices fulfill their respective specific purposes and requirements (i.e., increasing air pressure within a tube or tire), they also have potentially frustrating functional drawbacks. For example, the use of valve couplings often requires a person to assume an awkward and uncomfortable position for extended periods of time while filling the tube or tire. In such situations, reliability in the valve connection is highly desirable to avoid as much physical discomfort and wasted time as possible.

[0003] Schrader valves have significant connection problems due to the manner in which the pump head is secured to the valve stem. Because the seal between the pump head and the valve is created on the outside of the valve stem, the shared internal surface area between the distal end of the valve stem and the valve cavity of the pump head is relatively large. As a result, the internal pressure of a tire or other container to which the valve is attached exerts a large force on the internal pump head surface, potentially blowing the pump head off the valve if there is no mechanism to hold it in place. To properly secure the pump head to the valve, a locking lever is included in the Schrader pump head design. The gripping jaws of Schrader pump heads exert considerable force to sufficiently compress the rubber to prevent the pump head from "popping off" due to high instantaneous output pressure from the pump, combined with an increase in internal pressure within the tire or other container. As a result, nearly all Schrader valve pump heads suffer from the same problem: they are difficult and cumbersome to lock, requiring two hands and considerable finger strength to engage and lock the pump head.

[0004] Presta valves have several drawbacks and are very difficult to use. They share the same problem as Schrader valves: the pump head is subjected to enough force to blow off the valve stem without a locking mechanism. The locking lever and chuck are difficult and cumbersome to use. Presta valves have additional difficulties and drawbacks, including the added inconvenience of removing the captive nut that forms part of the valve stem structure, the need for a specialized pump that fits the specialized Presta design, the delicate and easily damaged design of the Presta valve stem, and the common problem of the threaded core of a Presta valve stem being dislodged from the stem housing when engaged with the pump head.

[0005] Therefore, there continues to be a need for a pneumatic valve coupler that improves on the concept and design of previous devices. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention provides a novel 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 easy-to-use tire valve and valve coupler system and is presented as an alternative to long-standing tire valve systems. The new valve system allows the user to apply the valve coupler to the valve stem in a single linear motion, without the need to apply fasteners or latches to secure the valve coupler to the valve stem. The invention allows for smooth axial attachment of the valve coupler to the valve stem, preventing leakage between the valve coupler and the valve stem. Thus, the present invention offers a significant improvement over conventional valve systems, providing a more mechanically reliable, efficient, and ergonomic valve system for the user.

[0007] The present design uniquely incorporates a compact ball check valve mechanism combined with an expansion pin as an actuator and a ball-and-groove retention or locking mechanism for attaching the novel pump head to the novel valve structure. The present valve system provides equivalent flow rates with improved sealing stability and an easier method of actuation, eliminating the need for an external threaded connection or levered locking chuck to mate 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 exert a large downward force using a female pump head and actuator and use their other hand to engage the locking lever on the valve coupler, the present valve design requires minimal force to engage and secure the pump head's female coupler with the valve stem. Most users will likely need only one hand, and as few as two fingers, to complete the mating of the present valve. In relation to its application as a cycling valve, this detail is particularly important given the small space between wheel spokes, which is often a source of frustration for recreational and professional cyclists. The presently disclosed valves improve ease of use over conventional valves, allowing those with physical hand limitations due to injury or illness, or simply lack of finger strength or coordination (such as young children or the elderly) to more easily connect the pump head and therefore use a tire or other inflatable device.

[0008] Beyond improved ease of use, the present valve system offers considerable versatility, as it can be scaled or reconfigured to accommodate a wider range of flow rates, tire pressures, and sizes. By way of example, a very small diameter version of the present valve system can be created for use with performance bicycle tires without changing the basic mechanics of the present valve system. Additionally, the present invention includes an adapter system operable to be installed with tires or tire tubes having Schrader, Presta, or Dunlop tire valves to enable easy push-on and pull-off functionality, giving users the option to continue using their existing valve system with the valve stem adapter and female coupler of the present invention adapted for such use.

[0009] The presently disclosed valves can be manufactured using a variety of materials, allowing for adaptation to different environments and uses. For applications requiring corrosion resistance, such as automobile tires, non-ferrous metals such as stainless steel or brass can be used. For other applications, such as cycling valves, where economics dictate low-cost, mass-produced materials, aluminum can be used. Beyond metals, valves may also be suitable for partial or complete 3D printing of materials, including ABS, PETG, nylon, carbon fiber, ASA, or polycarbonate. 3D printed components can be produced to provide effective, low-cost valves for many applications beyond vehicle tires and tubes. For example, low-cost plastic versions of the valves could function effectively for use with inflatable devices such as inner tubes and air mattresses, as well as other similar devices. This application of the invention includes functional designs tailored to both metal and carbon / non-carbon plastic materials. Some applications may require several different material combinations, providing valves that can comprise metal, plastic, and other materials such as rubber or carbon fiber. Furthermore, the present design can be applied to high-pressure situations, such as valves for liquid systems, hazardous fluids, and other applications requiring a reliable leak-tight seal. Various design implementations have been demonstrated to support broad protection for design novelty across multiple applications.

[0010] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a pneumatic valve system for easily attaching and sealing a pump head to a valve stem through a novel mechanical connection. In some embodiments, the valve system may include the following major components: a valve cap having a pin passage and a mounting mechanism for attaching to the pump head's valve coupler, a sealing mechanism having a sealing member, a seat in which the sealing member can be positioned, and a biasing member for biasing the sealing mechanism to a sealing position, and a valve stem having a chamber through which an expansion pin passes when the pump head is engaged with the valve stem; and (2) a pump head including the following: a housing, a pin seat, an expansion pin, a collar having a ball bearing complementary to the mounting structure of the valve cap, and a bearing sleeve (e.g., an elastic sleeve) for providing an inward force against the ball bearing. The valve system may allow for easy secure and sealed engagement between the valve coupler and the valve stem by simply pushing the valve coupler downward in an axial path, and disengagement by pulling up on the valve coupler, without the need for levers, catches, or other cumbersome devices. When the valve coupler is pressed downward onto the valve stem, the inflation pin can displace the first sealing mechanism from the pin passage and pass into the first chamber, forming a passage for air to pass through the inflation pin and into the chamber. The displacement of the sealing mechanism and insertion of 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., a tube, a tire, a rubber 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.

[0011] In some embodiments, a valve system may include: (1) the following major components: a pin passage and a mounting mechanism for mounting to a valve coupler of a pump head, a first chamber having a first sealing mechanism therein, a biasing member for biasing the first sealing mechanism to a sealing 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: a housing, a pin seat, an expansion pin, a collar having a ball bearing complementary to the mounting mechanism of the valve cap, and a bearing sleeve (e.g., an elastic sleeve) for providing an inward force against the ball bearing. The valve system may allow for easy secure and sealed engagement between the valve coupler and the valve stem by simply pushing the valve coupler downward in an axial path, and disengagement by pulling up on the valve coupler, without the need for levers, catches, or other cumbersome devices. When the valve coupler is pressed downward onto the valve stem, the inflation pin displaces the first sealing mechanism from the pin passage and passes into the first chamber, creating a passage for air to pass through the inflation pin and into the first chamber. The displacement of the first sealing mechanism activates and displaces the second sealing mechanism, thereby opening a passage between the first and second chambers. Air from the pump head can pass from the inflation pin into the first chamber, then through the passage between the first and second chambers and into the second chamber. The second chamber is in open fluid communication with the interior of a pressurizable container (e.g., tube, tire, rubber boat, air mattress, inflatable chair, inflatable toy, etc.) to which the valve stem is connected, allowing the pressurizable container to be inflated.

[0012] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a valve conversion system for converting conventional pneumatic valves with a novel valve stem and pump head combination that easily attaches and seals the pump head to the valve stem through a novel mechanical connection. In some embodiments, the conversion system may include (1) a valve stem adapter having the following major components: a valve stem connector operable to attach to an existing conventional valve stem, a cap having a pin passage 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 against the sealing mechanism, and a chamber through which an expansion pin passes when the pump head is engaged with the valve stem; and (2) a pump head including the following: a housing, a pin seat, an expansion pin, a collar having a ball bearing complementary to the mounting structure of the valve cap, and a bearing sleeve (e.g., an elastomeric sleeve) for providing an inward force against the ball bearing. The valve conversion system may enable the conversion of a conventional valve to easily secure and sealed engagement between the valve coupler and valve stem adapter by simply pushing the valve coupler downward on the axial path, without the need for levers, catches, or other cumbersome devices, and disengagement by pulling up on the valve coupler. When the valve coupler is pushed downward onto the valve stem, the inflation pin can displace the sealing mechanism from the pin passage and pass into the chamber, creating a passage for air to enter the chamber through the inflation pin. The displacement of the sealing mechanism and insertion of 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, to improve valve performance, the valve core of a conventional valve (e.g., a Presta, Schrader, or Dunlap valve) may be removed, leaving behind a valve housing to which a valve stem adapter is attached. In other embodiments, the valve core of the conventional valve may remain intact, and the valve stem adapter may be attached to the valve housing. In such embodiments, the inflation pin may displace the 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 may include structure that displaces an existing valve actuator of a conventional valve and maintains it in an open position, leaving a valve mechanism within the valve stem adapter to control fluid flow through the valve stem. Actuation of the valve actuator may place a chamber in open fluid communication with the interior of a pressurizable container (e.g., tube, tire, rubber boat, air mattress, inflatable chair, inflatable toy, etc.) to which the conventional valve stem is connected, allowing the pressurizable container to be inflated.

[0013] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an adapter system for use with existing pneumatic valve systems (e.g., Schrader, Presta, and Dunlap valves) including a valve stem adapter operable to connect to an existing valve stem (e.g., for Schrader, Presta, or Dunlap valves) 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, a valve system may include the following major components: (1) a valve stem having a coupling mechanism (e.g., complementary threads) for attaching a valve stem adapter to an existing valve stem (e.g., a Schrader, Presta, or Dunlap valve stem), a pin passage 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 including a valve coupler including a housing, a collar with a ball bearing complementary to the second coupling mechanism of the valve stem adapter, and a bearing sleeve for providing an inward force against the ball bearing (e.g., an elastomeric sleeve), a pin seat, and an actuator pin. The actuator pin engages with a valve actuator of the existing valve stem, thereby utilizing existing valve mechanisms for inflating a pneumatic device in which the valve is installed. The valve adapter system may allow for easy secure and sealed engagement with the valve stem adapter by forcing the pump head coupler axially onto the valve stem adapter and disengagement by lifting the pump head, without the need for levers, catches, or other cumbersome devices.

[0014] In some embodiments, the valve stem adapter can replace the internal actuation structure of an existing valve (e.g., a Schrader, Presta, or Dunlap valve actuator) with a valve structure including a pin passage, a sealing member, and a biasing member. For example, the valve stem adapter can include an internal valve structure that seats within an existing valve stem housing after the internal valve mechanism of the existing valve stem is removed. The valve stem adapter can include a central channel through which air can pass when the valve mechanism is engaged, a sealing member such as a ball bearing, a sealing member seat against which the sealing member can form an airtight seal, and a biasing member for biasing the sealing member against the sealing member seat when the pin of the pump head is disengaged from the valve stem adapter.

[0015] Various embodiments and method features of the present invention are discussed in further detail below.

[0016] Valve stem base In some embodiments, the valve stem may be attached to and in fluid communication with a pressurizable container such as an inner tube, a tire, a rubber boat, an air mattress, an inflatable chair, and an inflatable toy. The valve stem may function as an inlet and an outlet for such a container and may allow for easy and secure connection with a valve coupler that may be in fluid communication with a pressurized air source (e.g., an air compressor) to pressurize the container.

[0017] The valve stem may include a valve structure and mechanism operable to maintain an airtight seal until a pump head is attached to the valve with a complementary valve coupler to inflate a tire or other fillable container through the valve stem. In some embodiments, the valve stem may include a tubular shape having a central passage, a base attached to the container, and a valve cap structure surrounding the valve mechanism. The valve cap may be attached to the base by a mounting structure for semi-permanently connecting to the stem base. In some embodiments, the mounting structure may include threads on the outer surface of the distal end of the base, the threads having a shape complementary to the shape of the threads on the valve cap. In other embodiments, the mounting structure may include a lip, and the valve cap may include a circumferential recess on its inner surface, or vice versa, the lip having a shape complementary to the circumferential recess. The valve stem base may be constructed of a rigid material (e.g., a non-corrosive metal such as brass, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), and the cap may include the same or a similar rigid material (e.g., metal, carbon fiber, rigid plastic, etc.). In some embodiments, the valve stem base may comprise a single rigid material (e.g., metal, carbon fiber, rigid plastic, etc.) or semi-rigid material (e.g., a polymeric material with limited flexure). In some embodiments, the valve cap may be integral with the valve stem and may comprise the same material.

[0018] Valve caps and operating mechanisms The valve cap may include a casing having a proximal end and a distal end. In some embodiments, the proximal end may include a substantially cylindrical shape and an inner surface having a mounting structure complementary to the mounting structure of the base, allowing the valve cap to be securely attached to the valve base in an airtight manner. In some embodiments, the mounting structure of the valve cap may include threads having a shape complementary to the shape of the threads on the outer surface of the base of the valve stem.

[0019] The second end of the valve cap may include an outer surface having a coupling neck for removably attaching to a valve coupler (pump head) and a valve pin passage substantially coaxial with the central passage of the valve stem. In some embodiments, the coupling neck at the distal end of the valve cap may include one or more recesses, such as a circumferential recess, 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 may include at least one ball bearing nested within the coupling collar of the valve coupler and biased inward by an elastomeric sleeve. In some embodiments, the pin passage may include a substantially cylindrical passage, the passage coaxial with the central passage of the valve stem and traverse the distal end of the valve cap. The pin passage may include a diameter for receiving an inflation pin of the valve coupler such that the inflation pin can pass through the pin passage and into the central passage of the valve stem.

[0020] The valve cap may include at least one valve mechanism, and the valve stem may include at least one sealing member and may be held in a sealed position by at least one biasing member until the pump head is coupled to the valve stem. The valve mechanism may be positioned between the valve base and the valve cap and fit snugly within the valve base and / or the valve cap. In some embodiments, the biasing member may include a spring having an overall substantially cylindrical shape (e.g., an open coil shape), with the spring having an outer diameter complementary to (e.g., substantially similar to but smaller than) the inner diameter of the valve cap. In some embodiments, the base of the valve stem may include an inner shoulder at or near the bottom of the chamber, the shoulder operable to provide a seat for the biasing member, and the biasing member provides a resilient force to bias the sealing member into the sealed position (e.g., against a sealing ring of the valve cap). The at least one sealing mechanism may be positioned at the upper end of the biasing member and may include a sealing member having a shape complementary to the pin passage in the valve stem, e.g., a spherical, elliptical, conical, or other shape operable to engage the biasing member and form a seal with a sealing ring in the pin passage of the valve cap. The air pressure behind the sealing member when the tire or other pneumatic container is inflated may be sufficient to securely seat and maintain the sealing member in a sealing position within the pin passage. Thus, the spring may be a light-duty spring, the force of which may be easily countered by the downward force of the inflation pin when the pump head is attached to the valve stem.

[0021] In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism may include a substantially spherically shaped sealing member (e.g., a ball bearing or other substantially spherical structure comprising a rigid or semi-rigid material such as a polymer, metal, or ceramic material, or a composite thereof), a sealing rod with a flared tip, or related structure, and the spring may have an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the sealing member so that the sealing member is operable to seat against the upper end of the spring. The outer diameter of the sealing member may be smaller than the inner diameter of the valve cap so that when the sealing member is in the open position (e.g., not seated against the sealing ring of the valve cap), the sealing member can move freely within the valve cap and air can pass around the sealing member. In some examples, the sealing member may be affixed to the upper end of the spring. The sealing member may engage and press against the lower surface of the sealing ring to close the pin passage and prevent air flow through the valve. In the case of a spherical or oblate spheroidal ball as the sealing member, a spring or other biasing member may be omitted because air pressure behind the ball bearing presses against the O-ring, covering the inner diameter. In such an example, a breathable mesh material or short spring attached to the lower portion of the chamber may be used as a standoff for the sealing ball so as not to impede air flow through the air passage at the bottom of the chamber during inflation.

[0022] The valve cap may include a pin passage and a concentric shoulder. The shoulder may provide a seat for the sealing ring. The sealing ring may be held in position between the shoulder of the valve cap and the circular upper tip of the valve base. The sealing ring is compressed between the shoulder and the tip of the valve base, thereby preventing air from flowing through the threaded region of the valve cap and restricting air flow outside the inflation pin. The sealing ring may have an outer diameter complementary to the inner diameter of the valve cap, and the sealing ring may have an inner diameter substantially smaller than the outer diameter of the sealing member. The sealing ring may provide a stop against which the sealing member is pressed by the biasing member when the valve stem is not engaged with the valve coupler. When the valve coupler is engaged with the valve cap, the inflation pin may pass through a central passage in the sealing ring. The inner diameter of the sealing ring may be substantially similar to (i.e., the same as or slightly smaller than) the outer diameter of the expansion pin so that the sealing ring can deform or stretch slightly to allow the expansion pin to pass through and form an airtight seal between the sealing ring and the expansion pin against air pressure inside the container.

[0023] The sealing ring may be a compressible structure that seals against a shoulder within the internal passage in the valve cap and has a central opening through which the valve needle can pass when the valve stem is coupled to the valve coupler. The sealing member is pressed against the sealing ring by a biasing member to form an airtight seal within the valve stem until the valve coupler is engaged with the valve stem and pressurized to expand the container. The sealing member (e.g., ball bearing, sealing rod, etc.) may have a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the sealing ring and may include a spherical, oblate spheroid, or other tapered shape that naturally fits within the inner diameter of the sealing ring due to its tapered shape. The sealing ring may be an O-ring-type gasket with a circular or elliptical cross-section complementary to the outer surface of the sealing member, allowing the sealing member to have a significant surface area interface with the sealing ring, thereby forming a reliable airtight seal. The sealing ring may be constructed of a semi-rigid but compressible material such as vulcanized rubber, silicone, fluorosilicone, ethylene-propylene (EPDM), polyurethane, or other suitable material.

[0024] In embodiments of the present invention, the sealing ring can be configured with an inner diameter just large enough to accommodate the inflation pin, providing a tight seal around the inflation pin when it is inserted through the pin passage and the sealing ring into the chamber. The engagement of the inflation pin with the sealing ring provides a narrow path for the movement of pressurized air from the pump head through the valve stem. Due to the sealing ring (or other sealing device), the pin passage is only large enough for the inflation pin to pass through. This is an improvement over conventional pump head valve stem engagements, such as Schrader valves. In Schrader valve designs, when the pump head engages the valve, a relatively large, ring-shaped passage is formed around the plunger within the valve. The pump head presses the plunger into a recessed position in the Schrader valve, allowing a ring-shaped stream of air to pass through the valve. This creates a significant amount of blowback pressure in the pump head of a Schrader valve. This is why Schrader valves include a cumbersome thumb lever, which must be locked in place before pumping with a Schrader system. The narrow, controlled air passages of the valves of the present invention reduce the pressure experienced by the pump head, allowing for a less rigid and cumbersome coupling mechanism that is easier to use. The pump head of the present invention can simply be pushed downward onto the valve stem until the ball bearing finds and seats in a mounting feature (e.g., a channel or collar) on the outer diameter of the valve stem, and the resilient bearing sleeve presses the bearing inward to seat and retain it in the mounting feature. The pump head may be easily removed by pulling it axially away from the valve stem. Thus, the present invention is operable to provide a pump head with a resilient quick-connect mechanism that is easily attached and removed. However, it should be understood that the present invention includes embodiments in which the quick-connect collar may be a sliding ridged collar that must be moved from a seated position by sliding the collar to an open position to release pressure on the ball bearing and allow it to either seat or unseat from the mounting feature of the valve collar.

[0025] In some embodiments, the valve system may include two independent sealing mechanisms that eliminate the pressure loss (e.g., up to 10 PSI) that occurs in conventional valve designs when the pump head is separated from the valve stem, which can be significant. In such embodiments, the valve stem may include two serial chambers, each sealed by a separate sealing mechanism. The upper chamber may include a first sealing ring against which a first sealing member presses when in the closed position, and the lower chamber may include a second sealing ring or sealing seat. In some embodiments, the first sealing member may be a sealing rod with a tapered stopper at its upper end that engages with the first sealing ring when in the closed position. A biasing member (e.g., a spring) may be positioned in the upper chamber and engaged with the sealing rod, biasing the sealing rod toward the first sealing member. In the case of a spring-biased member, the sealing rod may be engaged with the spring by having a portion nested within the spring or may be attached to the upper end of the spring. The bottom end of the spring may seat on a shoulder in the first chamber. In some embodiments, the upper chamber may include a filter structure operable to trap particulate matter and prevent its introduction into the valve stem or the inflatable container to which it is attached. Particulate matter can interfere with the valve mechanism, resulting in valve leakage and even valve failure. The particle filter may have a ring structure positioned around the shaft of the sealing rod between the stopcock and the spring, maintaining the particle filter adjacent to the stopcock. The particle filter may be a metal mesh material or a perforated metal disk (e.g., laser-drilled stainless steel, aluminum, or other rigid material). In other embodiments, the structure of the first chamber and the sealing mechanism therein may have a design similar to the chamber and sealing mechanism in the previously described embodiments.

[0026] The second chamber may include a second sealing mechanism including a sealing member that seats against a complementary seat, providing a relatively large surface area interface between the sealing member and the complementary seat. The sealing member may be a substantially spherical, rigid ball (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, or other non-corrosive material). The complementary seat may have a spherical cap shape constructed from flexible thermoplastic, Buna-N nitrile, rubber, Hypalon™, Neoprene™, polyurethane, SBR (red rubber), silicone, Viton™, fluorosilicone, ethylene propylene, butyl, or other materials. The material may be somewhat flexible so that the sealing member flexes when pressed against the seat by the internal pressure of the pressurized vessel. In other embodiments, the seat may be a three-point ball seat, which is highly effective when combined with a spherical sealing ball to provide an airtight seal even at relatively low pressures within the vessel to which the valve stem is attached. A three-point seat is constructed from two spherical cap sections of different diameters, which may be joined together to create a structure such as that shown in Figure 8. One of the spherical caps may have a cross-sectional area 10% to 15% larger than that of the sealing ball, while the other may have a cross-sectional area 10% to 15% smaller than that of the sealing ball. The two spherical cap portions may be integrally molded, fused together by welding or lapping techniques, or formed or joined together by other suitable methods. This contoured seat provides a perfectly circular land between the two spherical cap structures with no concentricity or squareness error, enabling a very tight seal with nearly zero leakage even under low pressure. The seat may be made of a high-tensile strength, high-hardness metal.

[0027] In such an embodiment, the second sealing member in the second chamber can be held in place in the seat by air pressure within the container. When the pump head is engaged with the valve stem, the inflation needle passes through the first sealing ring and engages the stopper on the sealing rod in the first chamber, displacing the sealing rod from the first sealing ring. The lower end of the sealing rod opposite the stopper then engages the second sealing member in the second chamber, displacing the second sealing member from the second sealing seat opening on 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. A 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.

[0028] Air or other gas can then flow through the inflation needle into the first chamber, then through the passage between the first and second chambers, and through the second chamber to inflate the container. The second chamber can include a washer that prevents the sealing ball from passing through the lower passage of the second chamber during inflation. The "standoff" washer can be a cage-like structure or have leaf-like protrusions that allow air or other inflation gas to pass through the washer when the sealing ball is in contact with the washer.

[0029] Pin seat The pin seat can hold an expansion pin attached to the valve coupler. The pin seat can be attached to a recess in the valve coupler by a connection mechanism that attaches to the coupler housing, the pin receiver, and the connecting passage. In some embodiments, the distal end can include a head (e.g., disk-shaped) having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the proximal end. In some embodiments, the head can include a groove, protrusion, or other grippable structure (mounting structure). The mounting structure can have a shape that complements the shape of a feature of a tool used to install the pin seat 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 or hex wrench, etc.), a drill bit, etc. In some embodiments, the mounting structure may be a slot that traverses the top surface of the distal end (e.g., head) of the pin seat, intersects its center point, and is positioned so that the longitudinal axis of the slot is parallel to the central axis of the connecting passage in the pin seat (which would not otherwise be visible when the pin seat is threaded into the coupler housing). Thus, a user may be able to determine the position (e.g., rotational or radial position) of the connecting passage by observing the position of the slot on the head of the pin seat. A user can further determine the position of the air inlet passage in the coupler housing by observing the position of the air source mounting member, and can align the connecting passage with the air inlet passage by aligning the slot with the air source mounting member. Thus, fluid communication may be achieved from the air source, through the air passage in the air source mounting member and the coupler housing, through the connecting passage in the pin seat, and to the central passage in the inflation pin (and subsequently to the valve stem when the valve coupler is engaged with the valve stem).

[0030] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the pin seat (i.e., the end closest to the valve stem when the valve coupler is engaged therewith) may include a pin receiver, which may include a passageway substantially coaxial with the central passageway of the valve coupler and the central passageway of the valve stem. The pin receiver may be operable to receive a first end of an inflation pin. The pin receiver may have an inner diameter complementary to an outer diameter of the inflation pin such that the inflation pin may 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 may be in fluid communication with the connecting passageway of the pin seat.

[0031] In some embodiments, the connecting passage of the pin seat may be positioned approximately midway between the first and second ends of the pin seat and may be oriented to align with the air inlet passage when the pin seat is attached (e.g., fully threaded) to the coupler housing. In some embodiments, the connecting passage may include multiple passages, each in fluid communication with a center point, each comprising an opening on the circumference of the pin seat that is operable to fluidly communicate with the air inlet passage when aligned therewith. In some embodiments, the multiple passages may include two passages, each traversing the pin seat, positioned perpendicular to each other and intersecting at a center point. The two passages may thus form an X-shape, with the center of the X positioned at the center point (e.g., a point on the central axis of the pin seat), which is in fluid communication with the central passage of the inflation pin. The end of each arm of the X may define an opening in the outer surface of the pin seat. Thus, the connecting passage may be operable to fluidly connect the air inlet passage of the coupler housing with the central passage of the inflation pin when the pin seat is in four different rotational positions (i.e., when any of the X-shaped arms is aligned with the air inlet passage).

[0032] If the mounting structure of the pin seat and the coupler housing include complementary threads, such an arrangement of the multiple connecting passages may allow the pin seat to be fully threaded (e.g., fully tightened) into the coupler housing within 90 degrees while still providing fluid communication between the inflation pin and the air inlet passage. In some embodiments, the multiple connecting passages may provide more than four openings evenly spaced circumferentially around the outer surface of the pin seat. In some embodiments, the multiple connecting passages may provide six openings or eight openings, respectively, so that the pin seat can be within 60 degrees or 45 degrees of being fully tightened while still providing fluid communication between the air inlet passage and the inflation pin.

[0033] Expansion Pin The inflation pin may comprise a conduit having any shape operable to provide airtight fluid communication between the pin seat and the valve stem. In some embodiments, the inflation pin may comprise a substantially cylindrical shape defining a central passageway, with 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 may be operable to be inserted into a pin receiving portion of the pin seat and to be in fluid communication with the connecting passage of the pin seat. In some embodiments, when the valve coupler is engaged with the valve stem, the second end of the inflation pin may be operable to be inserted into and pass through the pin passageway of the valve cap, thereby passing into the central passageway of the valve stem. In some embodiments, the outlet may be located on a lateral outer surface of the second end of the inflation pin rather than on the front surface of the second end. Thus, the front surface can freely contact and push away from the sealing ring of the sealing member of the valve stem as the inflation pin passes through the sealing ring without blocking airflow from the outlet of the inflation pin.

[0034] Valve coupler The coupler housing of the valve coupler may include an air source mounting member, a mounting structure for the pin seat, and a collar for mounting to the valve stem. In some embodiments, the coupler housing may include a rigid material (i.e., metal, metal alloy, plastic, carbon fiber, etc.) and a generally cylindrical shape with a central passage that is substantially coaxial with the central passage of the valve stem when the valve coupler is engaged with the valve stem. The central passage of the coupler housing may have an inner surface with a mounting structure for securing the pin seat in place in the central passage. In some embodiments, the mounting structure of the coupler housing may include threads having a shape complementary to threads on the outer surface of the pin seat so that the pin seat can be securely attached to the coupler housing by threading into the central passage of the coupler housing.

[0035] In some embodiments, the coupler housing may include at least one sealing ring positioned to form a hermetic seal between the pin seat and the coupler housing. In some embodiments, the coupler housing may include a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring. The first sealing ring is positioned to form a hermetic seal between the pin seat, the coupler housing, and an expansion pin at the proximal end of the pin seat (i.e., opposite the head of the pin seat). The first sealing ring of the coupler housing may have an inner diameter substantially similar to (i.e., the same as or slightly smaller than) the outer diameter of the expansion pin. Thus, when the expansion pin is engaged with the pin seat (i.e., inserted into the pin receiving portion of the pin seat), the expansion pin may pass through the central passage of the first sealing ring (which may deform or stretch slightly to allow passage of the expansion pin) and form a hermetic seal between the first sealing ring and the expansion pin. In some embodiments, the first sealing ring may have an outer diameter substantially similar to the inner diameter of the coupler housing and may be secured in place between the proximal end of the pin seat and a first shoulder of the coupler housing when the pin seat is threaded into the coupler housing. The second sealing ring may be positioned at the distal end of the pin seat (i.e., at the head of the pin seat) to form an airtight seal between the pin seat and the coupler housing and may be secured in place between a second shoulder of the coupler housing and the head of the pin seat when the pin seat is threaded into the coupler housing.

[0036] The central passage of the coupler housing may be in communication with the air inlet passage of the coupler housing. In some embodiments, a portion of the air inlet passage may be defined by the inner surface of the air source mounting member. In some embodiments, the air inlet passage may be perpendicular to the central axis of the central passage of the coupler housing. In some embodiments, when the pin seat is installed (e.g., threaded) into the coupler housing, the air inlet passage of the coupler housing may be in fluid communication with the central passage of the inflation pin through the connecting passage of the pin seat, providing the only fluid communication between the central passage of the coupler housing and the inlet passage.

[0037] The air source mounting member may have any shape or mechanism operable to securely attach to an air source (e.g., a pneumatic hose). The air source mounting member may include a central passageway in fluid communication with the air inlet passageway. In some embodiments, the air source mounting member may include a standard male connector for a pneumatic system, and the air source mounting member may be operable to securely attach to a standard female connector (e.g., a quick connector having a rigid sleeve that can be retracted from a set of ball bearings to attach to the male connector). In other embodiments, the air source mounting member may include a circumferential lip or circumferential barb and may be operable to be inserted into the central passageway of the pneumatic hose. In some embodiments, the pneumatic hose may include a central passageway defined by an inner surface, the inner surface including a circumferential recess complementary in shape to the lip or barb of the air source mounting member. In other embodiments, the central passageway of the pneumatic hose may be substantially resilient and operable to form an airtight connection with the air source mounting member without having a complementary circumferential recess on its inner surface.

[0038] The valve coupler may include a mounting member for securely mounting to the valve cap. In some embodiments, the mounting member may include at least one ball bearing nested in a bearing passage that traverses the wall of the collar of the valve coupler housing, the at least one ball bearing being biased inward by a resilient bearing sleeve that encompasses the collar. The bearing passage in the wall of the collar may include an outer end that defines an opening in the outer surface of the collar of the valve coupler and an inner end that defines an opening in the inner surface of the collar. The bearing passage may have a substantially cylindrical shape except that the inner end is narrowed compared to the remainder of the bearing passage (i.e., the inner end has a smaller diameter than the remainder of the bearing passage). The ball bearing may have an outer diameter that is 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 elastic sleeve encasing the collar contacts the portion of the ball bearing protruding from the outer end of the passage and elastically biases the ball bearing toward the inner end, so that when the valve coupler is engaged with the valve stem, the ball bearing extends into the circumferential recess in the second end of the valve cap and secures the valve coupler in place on the valve stem.

[0039] Coupler sleeve The coupler sleeve can be disposed around the collar of the coupler housing. In some embodiments, the coupler sleeve can have a substantially cylindrical shape with an inner diameter complementary to (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 against the ball bearings of the coupler housing. In some embodiments, when the valve coupler is engaged with the valve stem, the inward force exerted by the elastomeric coupler sleeve on the ball bearings is sufficient to withstand the outward pressure exerted on the ball bearings by the mounting structure of the valve cap when air passes into the container, and therefore the valve coupler will 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 on the ball bearings 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 a thumb and index finger or other finger. The elastomeric coupler sleeve can comprise any resilient material operable to provide an inward force against the attachment device 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, chloroprene rubber, and ethylene vinyl acetate.

[0040] Thus, 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 force against the valve coupler with one hand. This action may cause the collar to slide downward and engage the valve cap. The force applied against the valve coupler must be sufficient to: 1) move the collar's ball bearing outward against the inward force of the elastomeric sleeve to slide over the upper lip of the valve cap before returning into the valve cap's mounting member (e.g., a circumferential recess); and 2) insert the expansion pin through the center of the sealing ring and disengage it from the sealing ring against the bias of the biasing member, so that the outlet of the expansion pin moves through the sealing ring and is in fluid communication with the central passage of the valve stem. As discussed above, the sealing ring may have an inner diameter equal to or slightly narrower than the outer diameter of the expansion pin so that an airtight seal is created between the expansion pin and the sealing ring. The airtight engagement of the sealing ring and inflation pin results in restricting air flow between the pump head and valve stem past the inflation pin, which reduces the force exerted on the pump head by the pressurized air in the air pressure vessel to an insignificant amount, thereby allowing the pump head to be attached using an elastomeric coupler sleeve connection mechanism without the need for a cumbersome locking mechanism such as that of a Schrader valve design.

[0041] In some embodiments, the coupler sleeve can have a rigid sliding sleeve that holds the ball bearing seated in a receptacle in the valve stem cap. The sliding sleeve can have a first inner diameter that passes along the collar of the coupler housing and is sufficient to hold the ball bearing seated in the receptacle in the valve stem cap. The sliding sleeve can have a second inner diameter that is large enough to allow the ball bearing to be released from the receptacle in the valve stem cap and the pump head to be withdrawn from 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, aligning the second inner diameter with the ball bearing and disengaging them from the receptacle in the valve stem cap. The pump head can then be removed by pulling the pump head axially up or down from the valve stem. Embodiments that include a sliding sleeve also provide an easily operated engagement mechanism that can be installed and removed using one hand. The user can pull the sliding sleeve back to the retracted position, position the coupler sleeve on the valve stem so that the ball bearings align with the receptacles in the valve stem, and then release the sliding sleeve, causing the biased sleeve to move downward toward the valve stem, positioning the first inner diameter over the ball bearings and securing them in the receptacles, locking the pump head onto the valve stem. To release the pump head, the user simply grasps the sliding sleeve and pulls it upward away from the valve stem, which moves the second inner diameter over the ball bearings, releasing the ball bearings and pulling the pump head away from 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 the valve system is used to transport liquids, hazardous gases, or other high-pressure or hazardous fluids.

[0042] How to use A method for using the valve system of the present invention may include the steps of: 1) providing a valve coupler having an inflation pin and a collar having at least one ball bearing biased inward by a resilient sleeve for attachment to a valve stem; 2) providing a container having a valve stem, the valve stem having a sealing member biased against a sealing ring, and a valve cap having a pin passage for receiving the inflation pin and a recess for seating the at least one ball bearing of the collar; 3) engaging the valve coupler with the valve stem so that the inflation pin passes through the pin passage and the sealing ring; 4) passing a sufficient amount of air through the inflation pin and into the valve base to inflate the pressurized container; and 5) disengaging the valve coupler from the valve stem. In some embodiments, engaging the valve coupler with the valve stem may be performed by aligning the collar with the valve cap and applying a linear axial force to the coupler. In some embodiments, the force applied to the coupler must be in the direction of the valve stem and sufficient to move at least one ball bearing past the lip of the valve cap into the circular recess in the valve cap. In some embodiments, the force applied to the coupler must be sufficient to insert the expansion 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 coupler may be applied with one hand. In some embodiments, disengaging the coupler from the valve stem may be accomplished with two fingers.

[0043] A method for using the valve system of the present invention may include the steps of: 1) providing a valve coupler having an inflation pin and a collar having at least one ball bearing biased inwardly by a resilient sleeve for attachment to the valve stem; 2) providing a container having a valve stem, the valve stem having a first sealing member biased against a first seat forming a first seal, a second sealing member, and a second seat forming a second seal, and a bubble cap having a pin passage for receiving the inflation pin and a recess for seating the at least one ball bearing of the collar; 3) engaging the valve coupler with the valve stem such that the inflation pin passes through the pin passage and a central passage in the first seat to displace the first seal member to open the first seal, which in turn displaces the second seal member from the second seat to open the second seal; 4) passing a sufficient amount of air through the inflation pin and into the valve base to inflate the pressurized container; and 5) disengaging the valve coupler from the valve stem. In some embodiments, engaging the valve coupler with the valve stem may be performed by aligning the collar with the valve cap and applying a linear axial force to the coupler. In some embodiments, the force applied to the coupler must be in the direction of the valve stem and sufficient to move at least one ball bearing past the lip of the valve cap and into the circular recess in the valve cap.

[0044] A method for using the valve conversion system of the present invention may include the steps of: 1) coupling a valve stem adapter to an existing valve stem attached to an inflatable container, for example, by threading the valve stem coupler onto the external threads of the existing valve stem; 2) providing a valve coupler having an inflation pin and a collar having at least one ball bearing biased inwardly by a resilient sleeve for attachment to the valve stem adapter, the valve stem adapter including a pin passage 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 passage and a sealing ring and depresses a valve actuator of the existing valve stem; 4) passing a sufficient volume of air through the existing valve stem to inflate the pressurized container; and 5) disengaging the valve coupler from the valve stem.

[0045] In some embodiments, at least one of the elastic or semi-rigid elements of the present invention, which may be subject to wear, can be easily replaced by disengaging (e.g., unscrewing) at least one of the pin seat from the coupler housing or the valve cap from the valve stem. In some embodiments, a user can easily replace the sealing ring of the coupler housing by removing the pin seat 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 removing the valve cap from the valve stem. In some embodiments, a user can easily replace the elastic sleeve while the valve coupler is not engaged with the valve stem. The pin seat and inflation pin can also be replaced by simple removal and replacement of a replacement part.

[0046] Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and disclosure provided herein.

[0047] It is an object of the present invention to provide a valve system that can be easily engaged and disengaged with a container that needs to be filled with air.

[0048] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a valve system which is an improvement over conventional valve systems in that it can be fully engaged or disengaged from an air-filled container simply by pushing or pulling, respectively, the valve coupler.

[0049] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a valve adapter that can be connected to an existing valve stem and improve the performance, reliability, and ease of use of the existing valve stem.

[0050] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved valve system that forms 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.

[0051] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved valve system that allows for more accurate pressure readings in air-filled containers and prevents overfilling or underfilling of the container and the uneven wear caused thereby.

[0052] 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 using as few as two fingers.

[0053] 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 appropriate pressure.

[0054] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved valve system in which all parts that may wear, such as the elastic and / or semi-rigid parts of the valve system, are easily replaceable.

[0055] The above-mentioned objects, advantages, and features of the present invention, as well as its organization and mode of operation, will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements have the same numerals throughout the several drawings described herein. Further and other advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0056] [Figure 1A] 1 provides a cross-sectional side view of an improved pneumatic valve system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] 1 provides a cross-sectional side view of an improved pneumatic valve system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] 1 provides an exploded perspective view of a valve stem and valve cap of an improved pneumatic valve system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2C] 1 provides an exploded perspective view of a valve stem and valve cap of an improved pneumatic valve system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] 1A-1D provide cross-sectional side and perspective views of a pin seat of an improved pneumatic valve system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] 1A-1D provide cross-sectional side and perspective views of a pin seat of an improved pneumatic valve system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 provides a perspective view of an inflation pin of an improved pneumatic valve system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5A] 1 provides a cross-sectional side view of a valve coupler housing of an improved pneumatic valve system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] 1 provides a perspective view of a valve coupler housing of an improved pneumatic valve system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 provides an exploded view of an improved pneumatic valve system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A]1 provides a cross-sectional view of an improved pneumatic valve system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of valve mechanism components of an improved pneumatic valve system according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7C] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of valve mechanism components of an improved pneumatic valve system according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of an improved pneumatic valve system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 provides an exploded view of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1 provides a perspective view of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12A] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12B] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14A] 1A-1D provide elevation and cross-sectional views of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14B] 1A-1D provide elevation and cross-sectional views of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14C] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 1 provides a cross-sectional view of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0057] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described with reference to these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the invention. In the following disclosure, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without all of the specific details provided.

[0058] The present invention 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 may 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 seat 150, an expansion pin 160, and an elastic sleeve 170.

[0059] The valve stem 101 may be attached to and in fluid communication with a pressurizable container 199 (e.g., a bicycle tire tube, see FIG. 2 ). The valve stem 101 may function as an inlet and outlet for such a container and may allow for easy and secure connection with a valve coupler 130, which may be in fluid communication with a pressurized air source (e.g., an air compressor), to pressurize the container 199. The valve stem 101 may comprise an airtight passage between the pressurizable container 199 and the valve cap 110. The valve stem 101 may comprise a tubular shape having a central passage 102, a first end 103, and a second end 104, where the first end 103 may comprise a base attached to the container 199 and the second end 104 may comprise an open end having a threaded portion 105 having a shape complementary to the shape of the threaded portion 115 of the valve cap 110.

[0060] The second end 104 of the valve stem 101 may include a shoulder 106 on its inner surface, which is operable to provide a seat for supporting a biasing member 125 (e.g., a spring), which provides a resilient force to bias the sealing member 120 toward the sealed position (e.g., against the sealing ring 116 of the valve cap 110). The biasing member 125 may include a substantially cylindrical shape (e.g., an open coil shape) having an outer diameter complementary to the inner diameter of the second end 104 of the valve stem 101. The sealing member 120 may include a substantially spherical shape, with the biasing member 125 having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the sealing member 120, such that the sealing member 120 is operable to seat or partially nest on the distal end 126 of the biasing member 125. The outer diameter of the sealing member 120 may be substantially smaller than the inner diameter of the central passage 102 of the valve stem 101 so that the sealing member 120 can move freely within the central passage 102 and so that air can pass around the sealing member 120 when the sealing member 120 is in the open position (e.g., when not seated against the sealing ring 116 of the valve cap 110, see FIG. 1B).

[0061] The valve cap 110 may include a proximal end 111 and a distal end 112. The proximal end 111 may include a substantially cylindrical shape and an inner surface having threads 115 complementary to the threads 105 of the second end 104 of the valve stem 101, allowing the proximal end 111 of the valve cap 110 to securely attach to the distal end 104 of the valve stem 101 in an airtight manner. The distal end 112 of the valve cap 110 may include an outer surface having a rounded 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 may include a diameter complementary to that 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.

[0062] The sealing ring 116 of the valve cap 110 may have a circular shape and a substantially circular or oval cross-sectional shape and may comprise an elastomeric material. The sealing ring 116 may have an outer diameter complementary to the inner diameter of the valve cap 110, and the sealing ring 116 may have an inner diameter substantially smaller than the outer diameter of the sealing member 120, such that the sealing ring 116 provides a stop against which the sealing member 120 is biased by the biasing member 125. When the valve stem 101 is not engaged with the valve coupler 130, contact between the sealing member 120 and the sealing ring 116 forms an airtight seal against air pressure within the container 119. The inner diameter of the sealing ring 116 may be smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the expansion pin 160 so that the expansion pin 160 can pass through the sealing ring 116 (it may deform or stretch slightly to allow passage of the expansion pin 160), forming an airtight seal between the expansion pin 160 and the sealing ring 116 against air pressure within the container 119.

[0063] In other embodiments, the sealing member 120 may engage with a three-point ball seat 116a to seal the valve cap 110. The three-point seat 116a may be composed of two fused or integrally molded spherical caps, one of which may be 10% to 15% larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing member 120 and the other of which may be 10% to 15% smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing ball 221. The spherical caps may be axially aligned, with the smaller of the two caps positioned over the larger, providing a passage in the smaller spherical cap that allows fluid to pass through the valve cap. The three-point seat may be positioned within the valve cap 110 adjacent to and just below the sealing ring 116, as shown in FIGS. 2B-2C, and may be supported at its lower end by an inner shoulder formed by the upper rim of the threaded portion 105. The three-point seat 116a may be made of a high-tensile-strength, high-hardness metal.

[0064] 3A and 3B, pin seat 150 may include proximal and distal ends 151 and 152, a threaded portion 153 for attachment to coupler housing 131, a pin receiving portion 154, and a connecting passage 155. Distal end 152 may include a substantially disc-shaped head having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of proximal end 151 and a slot 156 having a substantially square cross-section. Slot 156 may traverse the top surface of distal end 152 and may be positioned such that the longitudinal axis of slot 156 is parallel to first branch 155a of connecting passage 155 and perpendicular to second branch 155b of connecting passage 155. Thus, by observing the position of slot 156, a user may be able to determine the respective positions of first branch 155a and second branch 155b when pin seat 150 is threaded into coupler housing 131. A user may further determine the position of the air inlet passage 135 of the coupler housing 131 by observing the position of the air source mounting member 132, and by aligning the slot 156 (parallel or orthogonal) with the air source mounting member 132, align at least one of the first branch 155a and the second branch 155b with the air inlet passage 135. Thus, fluid communication may be achieved from an air source (not shown), through the air source mounting member 132 and the air passage 135, through the connecting passage 155, and into the central passage 161 of the inflation pin 160 (and subsequently into the valve stem 101 when the valve coupler 130 is engaged therewith). In some embodiments, the coupler housing 131 may have space around the connecting passage such that each of the branches of the connecting passage is in fluid communication with the air inlet passage 135.

[0065] The proximal end 151 of the pin seat 150 may include a pin receiver 157 that includes a passageway substantially coaxial with the central axis of the coupler housing 131 and the central passageway 102 of the valve stem 101. The pin receiver 157 may be operable to receive a first end 162 of an expansion pin 160, the pin receiver 157 having an inner diameter complementary to an outer diameter of the expansion pin 160. Together with the sealing ring 133 of the coupler housing 131, the pin receiver 157 may be operable to retain the expansion pin 160 in a substantially static manner when the first end 162 thereof is engaged with (e.g., inserted within) the pin receiver 157.

[0066] As best seen in FIG. 4 , the inflation pin 160 may include a substantially cylindrical shape defining a central passage 161 having an inlet 164 at a proximal end 162 of the inflation pin 160 and an outlet 165 at a distal end 163 of the inflation pin 160. The proximal end 162 may be operable to be inserted into the pin receiver 157 of the pin seat 150 and may be in fluid communication with the connecting passage 155. When the valve coupler 130 is engaged with the valve stem 101, the second end 163 of the inflation pin 160 may be operable to be inserted into and pass through the pin passage 114 of the valve cap 110, thereby passing into the central passage 102 of the valve stem 101. The outlet 165 may be located on the lateral outer surface of the distal end 163 rather than on the front surface 166, so that the front surface 166 can freely contact and push the sealing member 120 away from the sealing ring 116 without blocking the flow of air from the outlet 165 when the inflation pin 160 enters the valve stem 101.

[0067] The coupler housing 131 of the valve coupler 130 may include an air source mounting member 132, a threaded portion 136 for mounting to the pin seat 150, and a collar 140 for mounting to the valve cap 110. The coupler housing 131 may include a rigid material (i.e., metal, metal alloy, plastic, carbon fiber, etc.) and a generally cylindrical shape (see FIG. 5B ) having a central passage 137 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 may have an inner surface with the threaded portion 136 for securing the pin seat 150 in place in the central passage 137. Coupler housing 131 may include first sealing ring 133 and second sealing ring 134, where first sealing ring 133 is positioned to form a hermetic seal between a distal end 151 of pin seat 150 and a first shoulder 138 of coupler housing 131 when pin seat 150 is threaded into coupler housing 131. Second sealing ring 134 may be positioned to create a hermetic seal between a proximal end 152 of pin seat 150 and a second shoulder 139 of coupler housing 131.

[0068] Air source attachment member 132 may include a plurality of circumferential barbs and may be operable to be inserted into a central passage of a pneumatic hose (not shown). The central passage of the pneumatic hose may be substantially resilient and operable to form an airtight connection with the plurality of barbs of air source attachment member 132.

[0069] The valve coupler 130 may include a plurality of ball bearings 141 nested in a plurality of passages 142 that traverse the wall of the collar 140, each of the plurality of ball bearings 141 being biased inward by a resilient bearing sleeve 170 that surrounds the collar 140. The plurality of passages 142 in the wall of the collar 140 may have an outer end that defines an opening in the outer surface of the collar 140 and an inner end that defines an opening in the inner surface of the collar 140 (see FIG. 5A). Each passage 142 may have a substantially cylindrical shape except that the inner end is narrowed relative to the remainder of the passage (i.e., the inner end has a smaller diameter than the remainder of the passage). Each ball bearing 141 may have an outer diameter that is substantially larger than the diameter of the inner end of the passage 142 and substantially larger than the wall thickness of the collar 140, such that the ball bearing 141 cannot pass completely through the passage 142 but a portion of the ball bearing 141 may protrude through the narrowed end of the passage 142 (see FIG. 1A). Because the ball bearing 141 is wider than the wall of the collar 140, the resilient sleeve 170 contacts the ball bearing 141 and resiliently biases the ball bearing 141 toward the inner end of the passage 142. Thus, the ball bearing 141 may extend into the circumferential recess 113 of the valve cap 110 and secure the valve coupler 130 in place on the valve stem 101 when the valve coupler 130 is engaged with the valve stem 101 (see FIG. 1B ).

[0070] The valve coupler 130 can be engaged with the valve stem 101 by simply aligning the collar 140 with the valve cap 110 and applying a linear force with one hand against the valve coupler (toward the valve stem). As seen in FIG. 1B, this action can slide the collar 140 downward and into engagement with the valve cap 110. The force applied to the valve coupler 130 must be sufficient to: 1) move the ball bearing 141 of the collar 140 outward against the inward force of the elastomeric sleeve 170 to slide over the upper lip 117 of the valve cap 110 before returning inward into the circumferential recess 113; and 2) insert the second end 163 of the expansion pin 160 through the center of the sealing ring 116, disengaging the sealing member 120 from the sealing ring 116 against the force of the biasing member 125, so that the outlet 165 of the expansion pin 160 moves through the sealing ring 116 and is in fluid communication with the central passage 102 of the valve stem 101.

[0071] 6-8 illustrate additional embodiments of a pneumatic valve system for easily attaching and sealing a valve coupler to a valve stem that includes two independent seals. As seen in FIG. 6, the valve system 200 may include the following major components: a valve stem 201, a valve cap 210, a first chamber 281 including a first sealing member 220 biased by a biasing member 225, a second chamber 282 including a second sealing member 221, a dual-seal valve core 285 defining a connection between the two chambers 281 and 282, and a valve coupler 130 as described above, including a coupler housing 131, a pin seat 150, an expansion pin 160, and an elastic sleeve 170. The two independent sealing mechanisms in the two separate chambers 281 and 282 eliminate the pressure loss that occurs in conventional valve designs when the pump head is disconnected from the valve stem, which can be significant (e.g., up to 10 PSI). The upper chamber 281 may include a sealing ring 216 against which the first sealing member 220 presses when in the closed position, and the lower chamber 282 may include a sealing seat 286 .

[0072] The first sealing member 220 may be a sealing rod having a tapered stop 220a at its upper end that engages the sealing ring 216 when in the closed position. A biasing spring 225 may be positioned within the upper chamber 281 and engaged with the sealing rod 220, biasing the sealing rod 220 toward the sealing member 216. The sealing rod 220 may be engaged with the biasing spring 225 by having a portion nested within the spring 225. A bottom end of the biasing spring 225 may seat on the shoulder 206 of the dual-seal valve core 285 at the lower end of the first chamber 281. A filter 228 may be included in the upper chamber 281 that is operable to catch particulate matter and prevent its introduction into the valve stem 201 or the inflatable vessel to which it is attached. The particle filter 228 may have a ring structure positioned around the shaft of the sealing rod 220 between the bung 220a and the biasing spring 225 such that the particle filter 228 is maintained in a position adjacent to the bung 220a. The particle filter 228 may be a metal mesh material or a perforated metal disk (e.g., laser-drilled stainless steel, aluminum, or other rigid material).

[0073] The valve cap 210 may have a lower end 211 and an upper end 212. The lower end 211 may have a substantially cylindrical shape and an inner surface having threads 215 complementary to the threads 205 of the upper end 204 of the double-seal valve core 285 positioned between the two chambers 281 and 282 and the stem 201, allowing the lower end 211 of the valve cap 210 to be securely attached to the upper end 204a of the double-seal valve core 285 in an airtight manner. The upper end 212 of the valve cap 210 may have an outer surface having a rounded circumferential recess 213 for removable attachment to the valve coupler 130 and a pin passage 214 substantially coaxial with the double-seal valve core 285 and the valve stem 201. The pin passage 214 may have a diameter complementary to that of the expansion pin 160 such that the expansion pin 160 may pass through the pin passage 214 and into the valve stem 201.

[0074] The sealing ring 216 of the valve cap 210 may have a circular shape and a substantially circular or oval cross-sectional shape and may comprise an elastomeric material. The sealing ring 216 may have an outer diameter complementary to the inner diameter of the valve cap 210, and the sealing ring 216 may have an inner diameter substantially smaller than the outer diameter of the sealing plug 220a, such that the sealing ring 216 provides a stop against which the sealing member 220 is biased by the biasing member 225. The sealing ring 216 may be positioned between the upper circumference of the double-seal valve core 285 and the shoulder 212 of the valve cap 210. When the valve coupler 130 is not engaged with the valve cap 210, contact between the sealing plug 220a and the sealing ring 216 forms an airtight seal against air pressure within the container. The inner diameter of the sealing ring 216 may be smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the expansion pin 160 so that the expansion pin 160 can pass through the sealing ring 116 (it can deform or stretch slightly to allow the expansion pin 160 to pass through), and form an airtight seal between the expansion pin 160 and the sealing ring 216 against the air pressure within the container.

[0075] The second chamber 282 may include a second sealing mechanism including a sealing member 221, which may be a substantially spherical, rigid ball (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, or other non-corrosive material) that engages with a complementary seat 218 to provide a relatively large surface area interface between the sealing member 221 and the complementary seat 218. The complementary seat 218 may have a spherical cap shape constructed from flexible thermoplastic, Buna-N nitrile, rubber, Hypalon™, Neoprene™, polyurethane, SBR (red rubber), silicone, Viton™, fluorosilicone, ethylene propylene, butyl, or other materials. The material may be somewhat flexible so that the sealing member 221 flexes against the seat 218 due to the internal pressure of the pressurized vessel. The second chamber 282 may or may not include a biasing member. The sealing member 221 in the second chamber 282 may be held in place in the seat 218 by air pressure in a container to which the valve stem 201 is connected.

[0076] In other embodiments, the seat 218 may be a three-point ball seat 218a. The three-point seat 218a may be composed of two fused or integrally molded spherical caps, one of which may have a cross-sectional area 10% to 15% larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing member 221 and the other of which may have a cross-sectional area 10% to 15% smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing ball 221. The spherical caps may be axially aligned with the smaller of the two positions above the larger, with the smaller spherical cap having a passage formed therein to allow the passage of air or other gases through the valve. The three-point seat 218a may be made of a high tensile strength, high hardness metal.

[0077] The seat 218 (or 218a) may be positioned within the second chamber 282 below the shoulder 206 of the dual-seal valve core 285. The dual-seal valve core 285 may be positioned between the lower portion of the valve cap 210 and the upper portion of the valve stem 201 by a threaded connection or other mechanical connection. The dual-seal valve core 285 may include a lower threaded portion 285b that connects to a threaded receiver 205 on the upper portion of the valve stem 201. The threaded receiver 205 may have a shape complementary to the shape of the lower threaded portion 285b. The valve stem 201 may be attached to and in fluid communication with a pressurizable container (e.g., a bicycle tire inner tube) and may function as an inlet and outlet for the container.

[0078] The gasket 283 may be positioned on the underside of the threaded receiver of the valve stem 201, between the lower threaded portion 285b and the shoulder 203. A washer 290 may be positioned on top of the gasket 283. The washer 290 may prevent the sealing member 221 from seating in the lower passage of the second chamber during inflation. This “standoff” washer 290 may be a cage-like structure or may have lobes that allow air or other inflation gas to pass around the washer 290 when the sealing member 221 is in contact with the washer 290. The washer 290 may have an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the lower threaded portion 285b of the dual-seal valve core 285 so that the washer may be maintained in position on the gasket 283.

[0079] The valve coupler 130 can be engaged with the valve stem 201 by simply aligning the collar 140 with the valve cap 210 and applying a linear force with one hand against the valve coupler (toward the valve stem). As seen in FIG. 8, this action can slide the collar 140 down and into engagement with the valve cap 210. The force applied to the valve coupler 130 must be sufficient to: 1) move the ball bearing 141 of the collar 140 outward against the inward force of the elastomeric sleeve 170 to slide over the upper lip 217 of the valve cap 210 before returning inward into the circumferential recess 213; 2) insert the second end 163 of the expansion pin 160 through the center of the sealing ring 216 and disengage the sealing rod 220 from the sealing ring 216 against the force of the biasing member 225 so that the outlet 265 of the expansion pin 160 moves beyond the sealing ring 216 and into fluid communication with the interior of the first chamber 281; and 3) engage the lower end of the sealing rod 220 with the second sealing member 221 in the second chamber 282, displacing the second sealing member 221 from the seat 218 and opening the second seal of the valve 200. Air or other gas can then flow through the inflation needle 160 into the first chamber 281, then through the passage between the first and second chambers, and through the second chamber 282, inflating the container.

[0080] 9-11 illustrate an additional embodiment of a pneumatic valve adapter system 300 for easily attaching and sealing a valve coupler 130 to an existing valve stem 301 having an adapter device 310 attached thereto. The valve adapter system 300 is operable for use with an existing pneumatic valve system (e.g., a Schrader valve). As can be seen in the drawings, the valve adapter system 300 may include the following major components: a valve stem adapter 310; a pin passage 314 for receiving an actuation pin from a pump head assembly; a sealing gasket 316; and a valve coupler 130 as described above having a coupler housing 131, a pin seat 150, an expansion pin 160, and an elastomeric sleeve 170.

[0081] A conventional Schrader valve includes an actuation pin that is depressed when a conventional pump head is attached to it. Movement of the actuation pin displaces a plug at the lower end of the actuation pin, opening the valve. As shown in FIGS. 10-11 , the adapter device 310 of the present invention has a threaded female receptacle 315 that is complementary to the external male threads 355 of a conventional Schrader valve 350 and is operable to tightly thread onto the Schrader valve stem 350 in an airtight manner. A sealing gasket 316 may be positioned between an internal shoulder 320 of the adapter device 310 and an upper rim 356 of the Schrader valve stem. The sealing gasket 316 may have a circular shape and may comprise an elastomeric material. The sealing gasket 316 has an outer diameter complementary to the inner diameter of the adapter device 310 and an inner diameter smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the expansion pin 160 such that the expansion pin 160 can pass through the sealing gasket 316 (it can deform or stretch slightly to allow the expansion pin 160 to pass through), and can form an airtight seal between the expansion pin 160 and the sealing gasket 316 against the air pressure in the air pressure vessel in which the Schrader valve 350 is attached.

[0082] The adapter device 310 may include an outer surface having a rounded circumferential recess 313 for removably mounting 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 may have a diameter complementary to the diameter of the expansion pin 160 such that the expansion pin 160 may pass through the pin passage 314 and contact the actuator pin 352 of the Schrader valve stem 350.

[0083] 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 with one hand to the valve coupler (toward the adapter device 310). As shown in FIG. 10 , this action can slide the collar 140 downward and into engagement with the adapter device 310. The force applied to the valve coupler 130 must be sufficient to 1) move the ball bearing 141 of the collar 140 outward against the inward force of the elastomeric sleeve 170 to slide over the upper lip 317 of the adapter device 310 before returning to the circumferential recess 313, and 2) insert the inflation pin 160 through the center of the gasket 316, displacing the actuator pin 352 and its lower sealing plug 352a and opening the Schrader valve 350. Air or other gas can then flow through the inflation needle 160 and then through the Schrader valve 350, inflating the container.

[0084] 12A-13 illustrate an additional embodiment of a pneumatic valve adapter system 401 for easily attaching and sealing a valve coupler 130 to an existing valve stem 450 having an adapter device 410 attached thereto. The valve adapter system 401 is operable for use with an existing pneumatic valve system (e.g., a Presta valve, a Dunlop valve, or a Schrader valve). As can be seen in the drawings, the valve adapter system 401 may include the following major components: 1) a valve stem adapter 410 having a pin passage 414 for receiving an inflation pin 160 from a pump head assembly 100 and a sealing gasket 416; and 2) a pump head 100 having a valve coupler 130 as described above, including a coupler housing 131, a pin seat 150, an inflation pin 160, and an elastomeric sleeve 170.

[0085] The valve core of a conventional valve (e.g., a Presta valve) can be removed, eliminating the valve actuation mechanism. An adapter device 410 may then be attached to the remaining stem of the conventional valve having a valve mechanism according to the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 12A-12B, the adapter device 410 of the present invention may have a stem connector 402 having a threaded female receptacle 403 that is complementary to the external male threads 455 of the conventional valve 450 and operable to tightly thread onto the valve stem 450a in an airtight manner. A sealing gasket 406 may be positioned between a recess 406a of the stem connector 402 and the outer diameter of the conventional valve stem 450a. The sealing gasket 406 may prevent compressed air from escaping the valve adapter 410 during inflation or otherwise. The stem connector 402 also includes an upper male connector 404 that may connect to the adapter cap 410.

[0086] The adapter cap 410 may include a proximal end 411 and a distal end 412. The lower end 411 may include a substantially cylindrical shape and an inner surface having threads 415 complementary to the threads of the upper male connector 404 of the stem connector 402, allowing the lower end 411 of the adapter cap 410 to securely attach to the upper male connector 404 of the stem connector 402 in an airtight manner.

[0087] The distal end 412 of the adapter cap 410 may include an outer surface having a rounded circumferential recess 413 for removably mounting to the valve coupler 130 and a pin passage 414 that is substantially coaxial with a conventional valve stem 450a. The pin passage 414 may include a diameter complementary to that of the inflation pin 160 so that the inflation pin 160 can pass through the pin passage 414 and into the interior of the adapter cap. A sealing mechanism may be positioned between the upper male connector 404 and the adapter cap 410. The stem connector 402 has a shoulder 405 on 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 with its lower end seated on the shoulder 405. The sealing member 420 may be positioned over the biasing member 425 such that the biasing member biases the sealing member toward the pin passage 414 in the adapter cap 410.

[0088] The sealing ring 416 of the valve cap 410 may have a circular shape and a substantially circular or oval cross-sectional shape and may comprise an elastomeric material. The sealing ring 416 may have an outer diameter complementary to the inner diameter of the adapter cap 410, and the sealing ring 416 may have an inner diameter substantially 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 cap 410 is not engaged with the valve coupler 130, the contact between the sealing member 420 and the sealing ring 416 forms an airtight seal against air pressure within a pneumatic vessel in which the valve stem 450a is mounted. The inner diameter of the sealing ring 416 may be smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the expansion pin 160 so that the expansion pin 160 can pass through the sealing ring 416 (it can deform or stretch slightly to allow the expansion pin 160 to pass through), and form an airtight seal between the expansion pin 160 and the sealing ring 416 against the air pressure in the air pressure vessel.

[0089] The valve coupler 130 can be engaged with the adapter device 410 by simply aligning the collar 140 with the adapter cap 410 and applying a linear force with one hand against the valve coupler (toward the adapter cap 410). As shown in FIG. 13 , this action can slide the collar 140 downward and into engagement with the adapter cap 410. The force applied to the valve coupler 130 must be sufficient to 1) move the ball bearing 141 of the collar 140 outward against the inward force of the elastomeric sleeve 170 to slide over the top lip 417 of the adapter cap 410 before returning to the circumferential recess 413, and 2) insert the inflation pin 160 through the center of the sealing ring 416, displacing the sealing member 420 and opening the valve mechanism. Air or other gas can then flow through the inflation needle 160 and then through the adapter device 410.

[0090] 14A-15 illustrate an additional embodiment of a pneumatic valve adapter system 501 for easily attaching and sealing a valve coupler 130 to an existing valve stem 550 having an adapter device 510 attached thereto. The valve adapter system 501 is operable for use with existing pneumatic valve systems (e.g., Schrader valves, Presta valves, etc.). As seen in FIG. 14B, the valve adapter system 501 may include the following major components: 1) a valve stem adapter 510 having a pin passage 514 for receiving an inflation pin 560 from a pump head assembly 100 and a sealing gasket 516; and 2) a pump head 100 having a valve coupler 130 as described above, including a coupler housing 131, a pin seat 150, an inflation pin 160, and an elastomeric sleeve 170.

[0091] The adapter device 510 may include an engagement member 519 for engaging an actuation pin 590 of a conventional valve stem 550a, which is operable to hold the conventional valve stem in an open position when the adapter device 510 is attached to the conventional valve stem 550a. The valve mechanism of the adapter device 510 may then exclusively control fluid flow from the adapter device 510 through the conventional valve stem 550a. The engagement member may include an engagement plate 519a substantially perpendicular to the path of fluid through the adapter device 510, which may have perforations 519b therein to allow fluid passage therethrough. The engagement plate 519a may also include a downwardly extending protrusion for actuating the actuation pin 590 of the conventional valve stem 550a. When the adapter device is attached to the existing valve stem 550a, the actuation pin 590 is displaced downward, thereby displacing a stopcock 591 and allowing fluid to pass through the existing valve stem 550a.

[0092] The adapter device 510 may be attached to a conventional valve stem of a conventional valve having a valve mechanism according to the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 14A-14B, the adapter device 510 of the present invention may have a stem connector 502 having a threaded female receptacle 503 that is complementary to the external male threads 555 of the conventional valve 550 and operable to be securely threaded onto the valve stem 550a in an airtight manner. A sealing gasket 506 may be positioned between a recess 506a of the stem connector 502 and the outer diameter of the conventional valve stem 550a. The sealing gasket 506 may prevent compressed air from escaping the valve adapter 510 during inflation or otherwise. The stem connector 502 also includes an upper male connector 504 that may connect to an adapter cap 510.

[0093] The adapter cap 510 may include a proximal end 511 and a distal end 512. The lower end 511 may include a substantially cylindrical shape and an inner surface having threads 515 complementary to the threads of the upper male connector 504 of the stem connector 502, allowing the lower end 511 of the adapter cap 510 to securely attach to the upper male connector 504 of the stem connector 502 in an airtight manner.

[0094] The distal end 512 of the adapter cap 510 may include an outer surface having a rounded circumferential recess 513 for removably mounting to the valve coupler 130 and a pin passage 514 that is substantially coaxial with a conventional valve stem 550a. The pin passage 514 may include a diameter complementary to that of the inflation pin 160 so that the inflation pin 160 can pass through the pin passage 514 and into the interior of the adapter cap 510. A sealing mechanism may be positioned between the upper male connector 504 and the adapter cap 510. The stem connector 502 has a shoulder 505 on the inner diameter of the upper male connector 504. A biasing member 525 (e.g., a spring) may be positioned within the male connector 504 with its lower end seated on the shoulder 505. The sealing member 520 may be positioned over the biasing member 525 such that the biasing member biases the sealing member toward the pin passage 514 in the adapter cap 510.

[0095] The sealing ring 516 of the valve cap 510 may have a circular shape and a substantially circular or oval cross-sectional shape and may comprise an elastomeric material. The sealing ring 516 may have an outer diameter complementary to the inner diameter of the adapter cap 510, and the sealing ring 516 may have an inner diameter substantially smaller than the outer diameter of the sealing member 520, such that the sealing ring 516 provides 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 airtight seal against air pressure within a pneumatic vessel in which the valve stem 550a is mounted. The inner diameter of the sealing ring 516 may be smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the expansion pin 160 so that the expansion pin 160 can pass through the sealing ring 516 (it can deform or stretch slightly to allow the expansion pin 160 to pass through), and form an airtight seal between the expansion pin 160 and the sealing ring 516 against the air pressure in the air pressure vessel.

[0096] 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 with one hand against the valve coupler (toward the adapter cap 510). As shown in FIG. 15 , this action slides the collar 140 down and into engagement with the adapter cap 510. The force applied to the valve coupler 130 must be sufficient to 1) move the ball bearing 141 of the collar 140 outward against the inward force of the elastomeric sleeve 170 to slide over the top lip 517 of the adapter cap 510 before returning to the circumferential recess 513, and 2) insert the inflation pin 160 through the center of the sealing ring 516, displacing the sealing member 520 and opening the valve mechanism. Air or other gas can then flow through the inflation needle 160 into the adapter device 510, through the perforations 519b in the engagement plate 519a, and then through the existing valve stem 550a.

[0097] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, so that those skilled in the art can best utilize the invention and various embodiments, with various modifications suited to the particular uses envisioned. [Additional note 1] 1. A pneumatic valve assembly comprising: a) a valve stem, a. a biasing member; b. sealing members, and c. a valve stem having a sealing mechanism including a seat against which the sealing member is biased to close the valve stem against the passage of fluid, the seat having a shape complementary to the sealing member and the central passage; b) a pump head having an inflation pin with a diameter equal to or greater than the central passage of the seat. [Additional note 2] 10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the pump head further comprises: a valve coupler including a ball lock coupling mechanism having at least one ball nested in a hole in an inner diameter of the valve coupler; and a sleeve operable to bias the at least one ball to protrude into the inner diameter of the valve coupler. [Additional note 3] The assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one ball is operable to engage with a receiver in an outer surface of the valve stem when the pump head is positioned on the valve stem. [Additional note 4] 4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the sleeve comprises a resilient material having sufficient strength to retain the at least one ball within the bore so that the at least one ball remains protruding within the inner diameter of the valve coupler and is engaged with the receiving portion of the valve stem during a pumping operation. [Additional note 5] 10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve cap includes a pin passage for receiving the inflation pin, and the inflation pin is operable to pass through the central passage of the seat when the pump head is engaged with the valve stem. [Additional note 6] 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the expansion pin forms an airtight seal with the central passage of the seat when the pump head is engaged with the valve stem. [Additional note 7] 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the expansion pin disengages the sealing member from the seat when the expansion pin passes through the central passage of the seat. [Additional note 8] 3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the expansion pin is the only passageway for fluid into the valve stem when the pump head is engaged with the valve stem. [Additional note 9] 10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the pump head comprises an intake passage and an air source mounting member. [Additional Note 10] 10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the pump head comprises a pin seat for the inflation pin and a connecting passage in fluid communication with the inflation pin and the air intake passage. [Additional Note 11] 3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the ball-lock coupling mechanism further comprises a plurality of ball bearings nested within a plurality of passages evenly spaced circumferentially around the valve coupler, each of the ball bearings being biased inwardly by the sleeve. [Additional Note 12] 4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the receiving portion of the valve cap comprises a circumferential recess complementary in shape to the at least one ball. [Additional Note 13] 10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the expansion pin is operable to be secured to the valve stem by positioning the valve coupler aligned over the valve stem so that the expansion pin is centered over the valve stem and applies a linear force to the valve coupler in line with the valve stem. [Additional Note 14] 14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the valve coupler is operable to disengage from the valve stem by pulling the valve coupler away from the valve stem with a substantially linear force substantially in line with the valve stem. [Additional Note 15] 10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve stem is in fluid communication with a pneumatic vessel. [Additional Note 16] The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second sealing mechanism within the valve stem. [Additional Note 17] The assembly of claim 16, wherein the second sealing mechanism includes a second sealing member and a second seat. [Additional Note 18] 17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the second sealing mechanism is positioned in an in-line arrangement with the sealing mechanism. [Additional Note 19] 18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the sealing member of the sealing mechanism is a sealing rod having a plug for engaging the seat and shaft. [Additional Note 20] 20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the shaft of the sealing rod is operable to contact the second sealing member of the second sealing mechanism. [Additional Note 21] 20. The assembly of claim 19, further comprising a particle filter positioned between the plug of the sealing rod and the biasing member. [Additional Note 22] 21. The assembly of claim 20, wherein the shaft of the sealing rod is operable to displace the second sealing member from the second seat when the expansion pin displaces the sealing members from the seats in a serial manner. [Additional note 23] 23. The assembly of claim 22, wherein the valve stem includes a first chamber that houses the first sealing mechanism and a second chamber that houses the second sealing mechanism, and wherein the first and second chambers are fluidly connected when the second sealing member is displaced from the second seat. [Additional note 24] 23. The assembly of claim 22, further comprising a washer operable to prevent the second sealing member from blocking a passage between the second chamber and a pneumatic vessel to which the valve stem is attached. [Additional note 25] 1. A pneumatic valve assembly comprising: a) a valve stem, the valve stem comprising: a. includes a first sealing mechanism; i. a biasing member; ii. a sealing member; and iii. a seat against which the sealing member is biased to close the valve stem to the passage of fluid, the seat having a central passageway having a shape complementary to the sealing member; b. A pneumatic valve assembly, wherein the second sealing mechanism comprises a second sealing member and a second seat. [Additional note 26] 27. The assembly of claim 26, wherein the pump head has an expansion pin having a diameter equal to or greater than the central passage of the seat. [Additional note 27] 26. The assembly of claim 25, wherein the second sealing mechanism is positioned in an in-line arrangement with the sealing mechanism. [Additional note 28] 27. The assembly of claim 26, wherein the sealing member of the sealing mechanism is a sealing rod having a plug for engaging the seat and shaft. [Additional note 29] 29. The assembly of claim 28, wherein the shaft of the sealing rod is operable to contact the second sealing member of the second sealing mechanism. [Additional note 30] 29. The assembly of claim 28, further comprising a particle filter positioned between the plug of the sealing rod and the biasing member. [Additional note 31] 30. The assembly of claim 29, wherein the shaft of the sealing rod is operable to displace the second sealing member from the second seat when the expansion pin displaces the sealing members from the seats in a serial manner. [Additional note 32] 26. The assembly of claim 25, wherein the valve stem includes a first chamber that houses the first sealing mechanism and a second chamber that houses the second sealing mechanism, and wherein the first and second chambers are fluidly connected when the second sealing member is displaced from the second seat. [Additional note 33] 33. The assembly of claim 32, further comprising a washer operable to prevent the second sealing member from blocking a passage between the second chamber and a pneumatic vessel to which the valve stem is attached. [Additional note 34] 27. The assembly of claim 26, wherein the pump head further comprises a valve coupler including a ball lock coupling mechanism having at least one ball nested in a hole in an inner diameter of the valve coupler, and a sleeve operable to bias the at least one ball to protrude into the inner diameter of the valve coupler. [Additional note 35] 35. The assembly of claim 34, wherein the at least one ball is operable to engage with a receiver in an outer surface of the valve stem when the pump head is positioned on the valve stem. [Additional note 36] 36. The assembly of claim 35, wherein the sleeve comprises a resilient material having sufficient strength to retain the at least one ball within the bore so that the at least one ball remains protruding within the inner diameter of the valve coupler and is engaged with the receiving portion of the valve stem during a pumping operation. [Additional note 37] 26. The assembly of claim 25, wherein the valve cap includes a pin passage for receiving the inflation pin, the inflation pin being operable to pass through the central passage of the seat when the pump head is engaged with the valve stem. [Additional note 38] 38. The assembly of claim 37, wherein the expansion pin forms an airtight seal with the central passage of the seat when the pump head is engaged with the valve stem. [Additional note 39] 38. The assembly of claim 37, wherein the expansion pin disengages the sealing member from the seat when the expansion pin passes through the central passage of the seat. [Additional note 40] 39. The assembly of claim 38, wherein the inflation pin is the only passageway for fluid into the valve stem when the pump head is engaged with the valve stem. [Additional note 41] 27. The assembly of claim 26, wherein the pump head comprises an intake passage and an air source mounting member. [Additional note 42] 42. The assembly of claim 41, wherein the pump head comprises a pin seat for the inflation pin and a connecting passage in fluid communication with the inflation pin and the air intake passage. [Additional note 43] 3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the ball-lock coupling mechanism further comprises a plurality of ball bearings nested within a plurality of passages evenly spaced circumferentially around the valve coupler, each of the ball bearings being biased inwardly by the sleeve. [Additional note 44] 4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the receiving portion of the valve cap comprises a circumferential recess complementary in shape to the at least one ball. [Additional note 45] 10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the expansion pin is operable to be secured to the valve stem by positioning the valve coupler aligned over the valve stem so that the expansion pin is centered over the valve stem and applies a linear force to the valve coupler in line with the valve stem. [Additional note 46] 14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the valve coupler is operable to disengage from the valve stem by pulling the valve coupler away from the valve stem with a substantially linear force substantially in line with the valve stem. [Additional note 47] 10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve stem is in fluid communication with a pneumatic vessel. [Additional note 48] 1. A pneumatic valve adapter, comprising: a) a valve stem adapter operable to attach to an existing valve stem, said valve stem adapter comprising: a. a receiver complementary to the external threads of the existing valve stem; b. a valve stem adapter comprising a sealing mechanism having a biasing member, a sealing member, and a seat against which the sealing member is biased to close the valve stem adapter against the passage of fluid; b) a pump head having an inflation pin with a diameter equal to or greater than the central passage of said seat. [Additional note 49] The adapter of claim 48, further comprising an actuator pin engagement mechanism for actuating a valve mechanism of the existing valve stem and holding the valve mechanism of the existing valve stem in an open position when the valve stem adapter is attached to the existing valve stem. [Additional Note 50] 49. The adapter of claim 48, wherein the actuator pin engagement mechanism is perforated to allow the passage of fluid between the valve stem adapter and the existing valve stem. [Additional Note 51] 49. The adapter of claim 48, wherein the pump head further comprises a valve coupler including a ball-lock coupling mechanism having at least one ball nested in a bore in an inner diameter of the valve coupler, and a sleeve operable to bias the at least one ball to protrude into the inner diameter of the valve coupler. [Additional note 52] The adapter of claim 51, wherein the at least one ball is operable to engage with a receiver in an outer surface of the valve stem adapter when the pump head is positioned on the valve stem adapter. [Additional note 53] 53. The adapter of claim 52, wherein the sleeve comprises a resilient material having sufficient strength to retain the at least one ball within the bore so that the at least one ball remains protruding within the inner diameter of the valve coupler and is engaged with the receiving portion of the valve stem adapter during a pumping operation. [Additional note 54] 49. The adapter of claim 48, wherein the valve stem adapter includes a pin passage for receiving the inflation pin, the inflation pin being operable to pass through the central passage of the seat when the pump head is engaged with the valve stem adapter. [Additional note 55] 55. The adapter of claim 54, wherein the expansion pin forms an airtight seal with the central passage of the seat when the pump head is engaged with the valve stem. [Additional note 56] 55. The adapter of claim 54, wherein the expansion pin disengages the sealing member from the seat when the expansion pin passes through the central passage of the seat. [Additional note 57] 49. The adapter of claim 48, wherein the inflation pin is the only passageway for fluid into the valve stem adapter when the pump head is engaged with the valve stem adapter. [Additional note 58] 49. The adapter of claim 48, wherein the pump head comprises an intake passage and an air source attachment member. [Additional note 59] 59. The adapter of claim 58, wherein the pump head comprises a pin seat for the inflation pin and a connecting passage in fluid communication with the inflation pin and the air intake passage. [Additional note 60] 52. The adapter of claim 51, wherein the ball lock coupling mechanism further comprises a plurality of ball bearings nested within a plurality of passages evenly spaced circumferentially around the valve coupler, each of the ball bearings being biased inwardly by the sleeve. [Additional note 61] 53. The adapter of claim 52, wherein the receiving portion of the valve stem adapter comprises a circumferential recess complementary in shape to the at least one ball. [Additional note 62] 49. The adapter of claim 48, wherein the adapter is operable to be secured to the valve stem adapter by positioning the valve coupler aligned over the valve stem adapter so that the expansion pin is centered on the valve stem adapter and applies a linear force to the valve coupler in line with the valve stem adapter. [Additional note 63] 63. The adapter of clause 62, wherein the valve coupler is operable to disengage from the valve stem adapter by pulling the valve coupler away from the valve stem adapter with a substantially linear force substantially in line with the valve stem adapter. [Additional note 64] 49. The adapter of claim 48, wherein the valve stem adapter is in fluid communication with a pneumatic vessel when attached to the existing valve stem. [Additional note 65] 65. The adapter of claim 64, further comprising a washer operable to prevent the sealing member from blocking a passage between the valve stem adapter and the existing valve stem to which the valve stem adapter is attached. [Additional note 66] 49. The adapter of claim 48, wherein the valve stem adapter is operable to be attached to the existing valve stem and controls the movement of fluid through the existing valve stem using a valve mechanism of the existing valve stem that was removed prior to attachment of the valve stem adapter. [Additional note 67] 49. The adapter of claim 48, wherein the sealing member is a sealing rod having a plug for engaging the seat and shaft. [Additional note 68] 66. The adapter of claim 65, wherein the shaft of the sealing rod is operable to contact an actuation pin of the existing valve. [Additional note 69] 67. The adapter of claim 66, wherein the shaft of the sealing rod is operable to displace the actuation pin of the existing valve when the expansion pin displaces the sealing member from the seat in a linear fashion. [Additional note 70] 20. The assembly of claim 19, further comprising a particle filter positioned between the plug of the sealing rod and the biasing member. [Additional note 71] 1. A pneumatic valve system for inflating a pressurizable container, the system comprising: a valve stem in fluid communication with the container; and a valve coupler in fluid communication with a source of pressurized air, the valve stem comprising a spring-loaded sealing member, a sealing ring, and a valve cap having a mounting structure; the valve coupler comprising an air inlet passage, a pin seat having a connecting passage and a pin receiver, an inflation pin, and a collar having a plurality of ball bearings nested in a plurality of passages and biased inwardly by a resilient sleeve, the collar being operable to easily and securely engage the valve cap by application of a force to the valve coupler. [Additional note 72] 1. A pneumatic valve adapter, comprising: a) a valve stem adapter operable to attach to an existing valve stem, said valve stem adapter comprising: a. a receiver complementary to the external threads of the existing valve stem; b. a pin passage; c. a gasket having a predetermined inner diameter; and b) a pump head having an inflation pin with a diameter equal to or greater than the predetermined inner diameter. [Additional note 73] The adapter of claim 72, wherein when the expansion pin passes through the inner diameter of the gasket and into the valve stem adapter, the expansion pin engages with an actuator pin of the existing valve stem, thereby opening a valve mechanism of the existing valve stem. [Additional note 74] 73. The adapter of claim 72, wherein the pump head further comprises a valve coupler including a ball lock coupling mechanism having at least one ball nested in a hole in an inner diameter of the valve coupler, and a sleeve operable to bias the at least one ball to protrude into the inner diameter of the valve coupler. [Additional note 75] The adapter of claim 74, wherein the at least one ball is operable to engage with a receiver in an outer surface of the valve stem adapter when the pump head is positioned on the valve stem adapter. [Additional note 76] 75. The adapter of claim 74, wherein the sleeve comprises a resilient material having sufficient strength to retain the at least one ball within the bore so that the at least one ball remains protruding within the inner diameter of the valve coupler and is engaged with the receiving portion of the valve stem adapter during a pumping operation. [Additional note 77] 73. The adapter of claim 72, wherein the expansion pin forms an airtight seal with the gasket when the expansion pin passes through the inner diameter of the gasket. [Additional note 78] 73. The adapter of claim 72, wherein the inflation pin is the only passageway for fluid into the valve stem adapter when the pump head is engaged with the valve stem adapter. [Additional note 79] 73. The adapter of claim 72, wherein the pump head comprises an intake passage and an air source attachment member. [Additional note 80] 80. The adapter of claim 79, wherein the pump head comprises a pin seat for the inflation pin and a connecting passage in fluid communication with the inflation pin and the air intake passage. [Additional note 81] 75. The adapter of claim 74, wherein the ball lock coupling mechanism further comprises a plurality of ball bearings nested within a plurality of passages evenly spaced circumferentially around the valve coupler, each of the ball bearings being biased inwardly by the sleeve. [Additional note 82] 82. The adapter of claim 81, wherein the receiving portion of the valve stem adapter comprises a circumferential recess complementary in shape to the at least one ball. [Additional note 83] 73. The adapter of claim 72, wherein the adapter is operable to be secured to the valve stem adapter by positioning the valve coupler aligned over the valve stem adapter so that the expansion pin is centered on the valve stem adapter and applies a linear force to the valve coupler in line with the valve stem adapter. [Additional note 84] 84. The adapter of clause 83, wherein the valve coupler is operable to disengage from the valve stem adapter by pulling the valve coupler away from the valve stem adapter with a substantially linear force substantially in line with the valve stem adapter. [Additional note 85] 73. The adapter of claim 72, wherein the valve stem adapter is in fluid communication with a pneumatic vessel when attached to the existing valve stem. [Additional note 86] 1. A method for using a pneumatic valve system, comprising: a) providing a pump head having a valve coupler including an expansion pin and a collar having at least one ball bearing for attachment to a valve stem, the at least one ball bearing being biased inwardly by a sleeve positioned on the exterior of the collar; b) providing a pressurizable container having a valve stem, the valve stem comprising a valve cap having a sealing member biased against a sealing seat, a pin passage for receiving the expansion pin, and a receiver for receiving the at least one ball bearing of the collar; c) engaging the valve coupler with the valve stem; d) passing a quantity of fluid from the valve coupler, through the valve stem, and into the pressurizable container; e) disengaging the valve coupler from the valve stem. [Additional note 87] 87. The method of claim 86, wherein the step of engaging the valve coupler with the valve stem includes aligning the valve coupler with the valve cap and pushing the valve coupler downwardly of the valve cap with a linear force substantially in line with the valve cap. [Additional note 88] 88. The method of claim 87, wherein the valve coupler is secured to the valve cap by moving the at least one ball over a lip of the valve cap and into the receptacle. [Additional note 89] 88. The method of claim 87, wherein engagement of the valve coupler with the valve cap also advances the expansion pin through a sealing ring and disengages the sealing member from the sealing seat against the bias of a biasing member. [Additional Note 90] 87. The method of claim 86, wherein the step of disengaging the valve coupler from the valve stem can be performed by pulling the valve coupler away from the valve cap in a linear path substantially in line with the valve stem. [Additional Note 91] 87. The method of claim 86, wherein the expansion pin has a diameter equal to or greater than the central passage of the sealing seat. [Additional note 92] 92. The method of claim 91, wherein the expansion pin forms an airtight seal with the central passage of the seat when the pump head is engaged with the valve stem. [Additional Note 93] 92. The method of claim 91, wherein the expansion pin disengages the sealing member from the seat when the expansion pin passes through the central passage of the seat. [Additional note 94] 92. The method of claim 91, wherein the expansion pin is the only passageway for fluid into the valve stem when the pump head is engaged with the valve stem. [Additional note 95] 90. The method of claim 89, wherein the valve stem includes a first chamber that houses a first sealing mechanism and a second chamber that houses a second sealing mechanism, and the first and second chambers are fluidly connected when the second sealing member is displaced from the second seat. [Additional note 96] 96. The method of claim 95, further comprising a washer operable to prevent the second sealing member from blocking a passage between the second chamber and a container to which the valve stem is attached. [Additional Note 97] 87. The method of claim 86, wherein the sleeve comprises a resilient material having sufficient strength to retain the at least one ball within the bore so that the at least one ball remains protruding within the inner diameter of the valve coupler and is engaged with the receiving portion of the valve stem during a pumping operation. [Additional note 98] 87. The method of claim 86, wherein the receiving portion of the valve cap comprises a circumferential recess complementary in shape to the at least one ball. [Additional Note 99] 1. A method for using a pneumatic valve system, comprising: a) providing a pump head having a valve coupler including an expansion pin and a collar having at least one ball bearing for attachment to a valve stem, the at least one ball bearing being biased inwardly by a sleeve positioned on the exterior of the collar; b) providing a pressurizable container having a valve stem; c) engaging the valve coupler with the valve stem; d) passing a quantity of fluid from the valve coupler, through the valve stem, and into the pressurizable container; e) disengaging the valve coupler from the valve stem. [Additional Note 100] 100. The method of claim 99, further comprising attaching a valve stem adapter to the valve stem. [Additional Note 101] 101. The method of claim 100, wherein the valve stem adapter comprises a sealing mechanism including a sealing member biased against a sealing seat. [Additional Note 102] 100. The method of claim 99, wherein the valve stem adapter has a pin passage for receiving the expansion pin and a receiving portion for receiving the at least one ball bearing of the collar. [Additional Note 103] 103. The method of claim 102, wherein the step of engaging the valve coupler with the valve stem includes aligning the valve coupler with a valve cap and pushing the valve coupler downwardly of the valve cap with a linear force substantially in line with the valve cap. [Additional Note 104] 105. The method of claim 104, wherein the valve coupler is secured to the valve stem adapter by moving the at least one ball over a lip of the valve cap and into the receiver. [Additional Note 105] 105. The method of claim 104, wherein engagement of the valve coupler to the valve stem also advances the expansion pin through a sealing ring and disengages the sealing member from the sealing seat against the bias of a biasing member. [Additional Note 106] 106. The method of claim 105, wherein the step of disengaging the valve coupler from the valve stem can be performed by pulling the valve coupler away from the valve cap in a linear path substantially in line with the valve stem. [Additional Note 107] 106. The method of claim 105, wherein the expansion pin has a diameter equal to or greater than the central passage of the sealing seat. [Additional Note 108] 108. The method of claim 107, wherein the expansion pin forms an airtight seal with the central passage of the seat when the pump head is engaged with the valve stem. [Additional Note 109] 108. The method of claim 107, wherein the expansion pin disengages the sealing member from the seat when the expansion pin passes through the central passage of the seat. [Additional Note 110] 108. The method of claim 107, wherein the expansion pin is the only passageway for fluid into the valve stem when the pump head is engaged with the valve stem. [Additional Note 111] The method of claim 105, wherein the valve stem includes a first chamber that houses the first sealing mechanism and a second chamber that houses a second sealing mechanism, and the first and second chambers are fluidly connected when the second sealing member is displaced from the second seat. [Additional Note 112] 99. The method of claim 99, wherein the sleeve comprises a resilient material having sufficient strength to retain the at least one ball within the bore so that the at least one ball remains protruding within the inner diameter of the valve coupler and is engaged with the receiving portion of the valve stem during a pumping operation. [Additional Note 113] 49. The device of any one of clauses 1, 25, and 48, wherein the seat is a three-point seat. [Additional Note 114] 26. The device of claim 17 or 25, wherein the second seat is a three-point seat.

Claims

1. 1. A pump head configured to be coupled with a bicycle inner tube valve stem or a tubeless valve stem, the pump head comprising: a housing having a mounting member configured to be coupled to an air source, the mounting member having an air inlet passageway, the housing further having a collar having a plurality of passageways disposed on an edge of the collar, the plurality of passageways extending from an outer diameter of the collar to an inner bore; a static inflation pin coupled to the housing and fluidly coupled to the air inlet passage, the static inflation pin having an end disposed within the bore; a plurality of members, each of the plurality of members associated with and at least partially disposed within the plurality of passages; a biasing member disposed on an edge of the plurality of members, the biasing member biasing each of the plurality of members toward the static expansion pin; The pump head further comprises a pin seat coupled to the housing, the static inflation pin being coupled to the pin seat, the pin seat including a pin receiving portion sized to receive the static inflation pin, and a connecting passage fluidly coupled to the pin receiving portion and the air inlet passage.

2. The pump head of claim 1 , wherein the static expansion pin includes a central passageway extending axially therethrough, the central passageway being fluidly coupled with the connecting passageway and the bore.

3. The pump head of claim 2 , wherein the static expansion pin further includes an outlet adjacent the end.

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 is a plurality of ball bearings.

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

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

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

9. The pump head of claim 1 , wherein the biasing member comprises a resilient sleeve surrounding the collar.

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

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

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

13. 1. A pump head configured to be coupled with a bicycle inner tube valve stem or a tubeless valve stem, the pump head comprising: a housing having a collar at one end, the collar having an internal bore, a first passageway extending perpendicular to an axis of the housing, and a second passageway extending between the internal bore and the first passageway; a mounting member having an air inlet passageway coupled to the first passageway, the mounting member configured to be coupled to an air source; an expansion pin coupled to the second passageway, the expansion pin having a central passageway fluidly coupled with the bore and the first passageway; a plurality of members, each of the plurality of members associated with and at least partially disposed within the plurality of passages; a biasing member disposed on an edge of the plurality of members, the biasing member biasing each of the plurality of members toward the expansion pin; The pump head, wherein the biasing member is an elastic sleeve surrounding the collar, and the pump head further comprises a member disposed around the housing and the elastic sleeve.

14. The pump head of claim 13, further comprising a sealing member disposed around the expansion pin to seal the second passage from the bore.

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

16. 16. The pump head of claim 15, wherein the plurality of passages each include a first portion in the bore having a first diameter and a second portion having a second diameter, the first diameter being smaller than the second diameter, and the second diameter being larger than the diameters of the plurality of ball bearings.

17. The pump head of claim 13 , wherein the static expansion pin further includes an outlet orthogonal to the central passage.

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