Pneumatic valve system and method of using same

Abstract

A pneumatic valve for a tire is provided having a stem fluidly connected to a pressure vessel. The pneumatic valve includes a core body portion coupled to the stem, the core body portion having an internal passageway. A cap is coupled to the core body portion, the cap having a concave surface on an outer diameter and a bore hole extending from one end, the bore hole being in selective fluid communication with the internal passageway. The cap further has an internal portion, the core body portion being at least partially disposed within the internal portion. A valve seat is disposed within the internal portion between the core body portion and the cap member. A sealing plug is movably disposed at least partially within the internal passageway and at least partially within the bore hole. A biasing member is disposed within the internal passageway and is arranged to bias the sealing plug against the valve seat.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 328,746, filed April 8, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to pneumatic valve systems for use with fluid pumps and methods of making and using same. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to improved valve systems as alternatives to Schrader, Presta, and Dunlop valves, and other pneumatic valves. [Background technology]

[0003] Pneumatic 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. Although widely used, conventional devices that have been devised and utilized thus far continue to have design shortcomings. These devices are cumbersome to install and maintain installed while filling the tube or tire, and often do not provide a reliable seal against the valve stem of the tire, tube, or other structure, leading to leakage. Furthermore, a poor connection between a conventional pneumatic valve and an air pressure gauge can lead to inaccurate pressure readings and improperly inflated tires, which can reduce gas mileage (or slow the bike), cause uneven tire wear, reduce the tire's lifespan, and potentially void the manufacturer's warranty. Although conventional devices fulfill their respective specific purposes and requirements (i.e., increasing air pressure within a tube or tire), they also have functional shortcomings that can be frustrating. For example, in many cases, the use of a valve connection requires a person to be awkwardly and uncomfortably positioned for extended periods of time while filling the tube or tire. In such situations, reliability in the valve connections is highly desirable to avoid as much physical discomfort and wasted time as possible.

[0004] 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 made on the outside of the valve stem, the internal surface area shared between the distal end of the valve stem and the pump head valve cavity is relatively large. As a result, the internal pressure of the tire or other vessel in which the valve is mounted exerts very large forces on the internal pump head surface, which can result in the pump head being blown off the valve if there is no mechanism to hold the pump head in place. To properly secure the pump head to the valve, a locking lever is included in the Schrader pump head design. The gripping mouthpiece of the Schrader pump head exerts very large forces to compress the rubber enough to keep the pump head from "popping off" due to the high instantaneous output pressure from the pump combined with the rise in internal pressure in the tire or other vessel. As a result, virtually 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 mate and lock the pump head.

[0005] The Presta valve has several disadvantages and is notoriously difficult to use. It has the same problems as the Schrader valve, namely, the pump head is subjected to enough force to blow it off the valve stem without the locking mechanism. The locking lever and chuck are difficult and cumbersome to handle. The Presta valve has additional difficulties and drawbacks, including the added inconvenience of having to unscrew a captive nut that forms part of the valve stem structure, the need for a special pump to fit the special Presta design, the delicate and easily damaged design of the Presta valve stem, and the common problem of the threaded core of the Presta valve stem becoming dislodged from the stem housing when engaged with the pump head. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Thus, while existing pneumatic valves are adequate for their intended purposes, there remains a need for improvement, particularly in providing pneumatic valves having the features described herein. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a pneumatic valve for a tire having a stem fluidly coupled to a pressure vessel is provided. The pneumatic valve includes a core body configured to removably couple to the stem, the core body having an internal passage in fluid communication with the stem. A cap member is coupled to the core body, the cap member having a concave surface on an outer diameter and a bore hole extending from one end, the bore hole being in selective fluid communication with the internal passage, the cap member having an internal portion, the core body at least partially disposed within the internal portion. A valve seat is disposed within the internal portion between the core body and the cap member. A sealing plug is movably disposed at least partially within the internal passage and at least partially within the bore hole. A biasing member is disposed within the internal passage and is arranged to bias the sealing plug against the valve seat.

[0008] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the pneumatic valve can include a cap member coupled to the core body portion by a press fit.

[0009] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the pneumatic valve can include a cap member having a wall disposed about a core body, the core body having a channel, and the wall disposed at least partially within the channel.

[0010] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the pneumatic valve can include a cap member coupled to the core body portion by a fastener element.

[0011] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the pneumatic valve can include a cap member having a wall portion disposed at least partially about a core body portion, the wall portion having an outer diameter with surface roughness elements formed on the outer diameter.

[0012] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the pneumatic valve can include surface roughness elements including a plurality of ring protrusions or thread elements.

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the pneumatic valve may include a sealing plug having a pin portion that extends through the bore hole with the pin portion end offset from the end of the cap member when the sealing plug is in the closed position.

[0014] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a bicycle tire is provided having a pressure vessel and a valve stem sealingly coupled to the pressure vessel, the valve stem having a central passage in fluid communication with the pressure vessel. A pneumatic valve is provided, the pneumatic valve including a core body removably coupled to the valve stem, the core body having an internal passage in fluid communication with the central passage. A cap member is coupled to the core body, the cap member having a concave surface on an outer diameter and a bore hole extending from one end, the bore hole being in selective fluid communication with the internal passage, the cap member having an internal portion, the core body at least partially disposed within the internal portion. A valve seat is disposed within the internal portion between the core body and the cap member. A sealing plug is movably disposed at least partially within the internal passage and at least partially within the bore hole. A biasing member is disposed within the internal passage and is positioned to bias the sealing plug against the valve seat.

[0015] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the bicycle tire can include a cap member coupled to the core body portion by a press fit.

[0016] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of bicycle tires can include a cap member having a wall portion disposed about a core body portion, the core body portion having a channel, and the wall portion being at least partially disposed within the channel.

[0017] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the bicycle tire can include a cap member connected to the core body portion by a fastener element.

[0018] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the bicycle tire can include a cap member having a wall portion disposed at least partially about the core body portion, the wall portion having an outer diameter with surface roughness elements formed on the outer diameter.

[0019] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the bicycle tire can include a surface roughness element including a plurality of ring protrusions.

[0020] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of bicycle tires can include surface roughness elements that are thread elements.

[0021] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the bicycle tire can include a sealing plug having a pin portion that extends through the bore hole with an end of the pin portion offset from an end of the cap member when the sealing plug is in a closed position.

[0022] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the bicycle tire can include a valve stem that is in one of a Presta-type, Schrader-type, or Dunlop-type configuration.

[0023] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the bicycle tire may include a pressure vessel that is one of a tubeless tire or an inner tube coupled to a rim.

[0024] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a pneumatic valve for a tire having a pressure vessel is provided. The pneumatic valve includes a valve stem configured to couple with the pressure vessel, the valve stem having a central passage configured to fluidly couple with the pressure vessel. A core body is removably coupled to the valve stem, the core body having an internal passage in fluid communication with the valve stem. A cap member is coupled to the core body, the cap member having a concave surface on an outer diameter and a bore hole extending from one end, the bore hole being in selective fluid communication with the internal passage, the cap member having an internal portion, the core body at least partially disposed within the internal portion. A valve seat is disposed within the internal portion between the core body and the cap member. A sealing plug is movably disposed at least partially within the internal passage and at least partially within the bore hole. A biasing member is disposed within the internal passage and is arranged to bias the sealing plug against the valve seat.

[0025] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the pneumatic valve can include a rim gasket coupled to an end of the valve stem opposite the cap member, the rim gasket configured to seal against at least a portion of the tire.

[0026] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the pneumatic valve may include a cap member coupled to the core body by a press fit, the cap member further including a wall disposed about the core body. The core body further includes a channel, the wall disposed at least partially within the channel. The wall further includes an outer diameter with a surface roughness element formed on the outer diameter.

[0027] The above-described objects, advantages, and features of the present invention, together with 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 bear like numerals throughout the several figures described herein. Further and other benefits of the present invention will be readily apparent from the detailed description of the embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an improved pneumatic valve system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an improved pneumatic valve system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a valve stem and a valve cap of an improved pneumatic valve system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 2B] 2B is a partial cross-sectional view of a cap member, a valve seat, and a sealing member for the pneumatic valve system of FIG. 2A according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a pin seat of an improved pneumatic valve system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pin seat of an improved pneumatic valve system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inflation pin of an improved pneumatic valve system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a valve coupler housing of an improved pneumatic valve system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a valve coupler housing of an improved pneumatic valve system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of an improved pneumatic valve system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an improved pneumatic valve system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 7B] 1 is a cross-sectional view of valve mechanism components of an improved pneumatic valve system according to one embodiment. [Figure 7C] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of valve mechanism components of an improved pneumatic valve system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an improved pneumatic valve system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a pneumatic valve adapter system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pneumatic valve adapter system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a pneumatic valve adapter system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 12A] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pneumatic valve adapter system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 12B] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pneumatic valve adapter system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pneumatic valve adapter system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 14A] FIG. 1 illustrates an elevation view of a pneumatic valve adapter system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 14B] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pneumatic valve adapter system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 14C] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pneumatic valve adapter system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pneumatic valve adapter system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 16A] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 16B] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 16C] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 17A]A diagram of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to one embodiment. [Figure 17B] A diagram of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to one embodiment. [Figure 17C] A diagram of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to one embodiment. [Figure 18A] A diagram of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to one embodiment. [Figure 18B] A diagram of a pneumatic valve adapter system according to one embodiment. [Figure 18C] A diagram of a bicycle tire incorporating the pneumatic valve adapter system of FIGS. 18A - 18B according to one embodiment. [Figure 18D] A diagram of a bicycle tire incorporating the pneumatic valve adapter system of FIGS. 18A - 18B according to one embodiment. [Figure 19A] A diagram of a pneumatic valve adapter system, a pump head, and an inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 19B] A diagram of a pneumatic valve adapter system, a pump head, and an inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 19C] A diagram of a pneumatic valve adapter system, a pump head, and an inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 19D] A diagram of a pneumatic valve adapter system, a pump head, and an inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 19E] A diagram of a pneumatic valve adapter system, a pump head, and an inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 19F] A diagram of a pneumatic valve adapter system, a pump head, and an inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 19G] A diagram of a pneumatic valve adapter system, a pump head, and an inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 19H]FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 19I] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 20A] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 20B] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 20C] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 20D] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 20E] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 20F] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 20G] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 20H] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 21A] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 21B] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 21C] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 21D] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 21E] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 21F] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 21G] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 22A] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 22B] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 22C] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 22D] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 22E] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 22F] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 22G] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Fig. 22H] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 23A]FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 23B] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 23C] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 23D] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 23E] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 23F] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 23G] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 23H] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 24A] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 24B] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 24C] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 24D] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 24E] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 24F] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Figure 24G] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. [Fig. 24H] FIG. 1 illustrates a pneumatic valve adapter system, pump head, and inner tube tire according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be appreciated that the embodiments herein are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that are included within the spirit and scope of the teachings herein. In the following disclosure, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without all of the specific details provided.

[0030] The embodiments disclosed herein provide a valve and inflation system for pneumatic tires and related devices for improved ease of use. The embodiments described herein are designed to serve as an easy-to-use tire valve and valve coupler system and are presented as an alternative to long-standing tire valve systems. This new valve system allows the user to apply the valve coupler to the valve stem in one linear motion without the need to apply a fastener or latch to secure the valve coupler to the valve stem. This embodiment allows for smooth axial attachment of the valve coupler to the valve stem and prevents leakage between the valve coupler and the valve stem. Thus, the disclosed embodiments provide a significant improvement over conventional valve systems, providing a valve system that is mechanically more reliable, efficient, and ergonomic for the user.

[0031] According to some embodiments, a miniature ball check valve mechanism is provided in combination with an expansion pin as an actuator and a ball and groove retaining or locking mechanism for mounting the novel pump head to the novel valve structure. The valve system embodiments provide comparable flow rates with improved sealing stability and an easier method of actuation that eliminates the need for an external threaded connection or lever locking chuck to mate and secure the pump head to the valve. In contrast to previous valve systems (e.g., Schrader, Presta, and Dunlop valves), which required the user to exert a very large downward force through the female pump head and actuator and use the other hand to engage the locking lever on the valve coupler, the present valve design uses reduced or minimal force to mate and secure the female coupler of the pump head with the valve stem. It is likely that most users will need only one hand (and only slightly more than two fingers) to complete the mating of the valve of this embodiment. In relation to its application as a cycling valve, this detail is particularly important given the small spaces between wheel spokes, which are often a source of frustration for recreational and professional cyclists alike. The presently disclosed valve improves upon prior valves in ease of use, and also enables individuals with physical limitations in their hands, whether due to injury or illness, or simply due to lack of finger strength or coordination (e.g., young children or the elderly), to more easily connect the pump head and, consequently, use a tire or other inflatable device.

[0032] Besides improved ease of use, the valve system offers considerable versatility because it can be scaled and reconfigured in size to accommodate a wider range of flow rates, tire pressures, and sizes. As an example, a very small diameter version can be made for use in performance bicycle tires without changing the basic mechanism of the valve system. Additionally, embodiments include an adapter system operable to be implemented with tires or tire tubes having Schrader, Presta, or Dunlop tire valves to allow easy push-on and pull-off functionality, giving users the option to continue using their existing valve systems with valve stem adapters and female couplers adapted for such use. For clarity, the terms Sclaverand valves and Presta valves may be used interchangeably herein.

[0033] The presently disclosed valves can be manufactured using a variety of materials, allowing for adaptation to different environments and different applications. For applications requiring corrosion resistance (e.g., automobile tires, etc.), stainless steel or non-ferrous metals (e.g., brass, etc.) can be used. For other applications (e.g., cycling valves, where economics require low-cost mass-produced materials), aluminum can be used. Looking beyond metals, the valves may also be suitable for partial or complete fabrication by additive manufacturing using 3D printing materials, including ABS, PETG, nylon, carbon fiber, ASA, or polycarbonate. 3D printed components can be produced to provide effective low-cost valves for use in numerous applications other than vehicle tires and tubes. For example, low-cost plastic versions of the valves can effectively serve the role of using inflatable equipment such as inner tubes and air mattresses, as well as other similar devices. Included in the application of this invention are functional designs that are tailored to both materials (metal and carbon / non-carbon plastic). Some applications may require a combination of several different materials, providing a valve that can include metal, plastic, and other materials (e.g., rubber or carbon fiber, etc.). In addition, the present embodiments can be applied to higher pressure situations (e.g., valves for liquid systems, hazardous fluids, and other applications where a reliable leak-proof seal is required). The various design implementations have been demonstrated to support broad protection for design novelty across multiple applications.

[0034] In one embodiment, the pneumatic valve is for use with bicycle tires having an operating air pressure of 50 psi to 150 psi (3.4 bar to 10.3 bar).

[0035] In one aspect, an embodiment relates to a pneumatic valve system for easily attaching and sealing a pump head to a valve stem by a mechanical connection. In some embodiments, the valve system can include: (1) a valve stem; and (2) a pump head, where the (1) valve stem includes the following major components: a valve cap, a sealing mechanism, and a chamber, where the valve cap includes a pin passage and an attachment mechanism for attachment to a valve coupler of the pump head, where the sealing mechanism has a sealing member, a seat against which the sealing member can be positioned, and a biasing member for biasing the sealing mechanism to a sealing position, where the expansion pin enters into the chamber when the pump head is engaged with the valve stem; and (2) the pump head includes a valve coupler including the following: a housing, a pin seat, an expansion pin, a collar with a ball bearing complementary to the attachment structure of the valve cap, and a bearing sleeve (e.g., a resilient sleeve) for providing an inward force against the ball bearing. The valve system can allow for easy fixed and sealed engagement between the valve coupler and the valve stem by simply depressing the valve coupler in an axial path, without the need for levers, fasteners, or other cumbersome devices, and disengagement by pulling the valve coupler up. The inflation pin can displace a first sealing mechanism from the pin passage and into a first chamber when the valve coupler is depressed onto the valve stem, creating a passage of air through the inflation pin and into the chamber. The displacement of the sealing mechanism and insertion of a 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 vessel (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 vessel to inflate.

[0036] In some embodiments, the valve system can include (1) a valve stem and (2) a pump head, the (1) valve stem including the following major components: a valve cap with a pin passage and a mounting mechanism for mounting to a valve coupler of the pump head, a first chamber having a first sealing mechanism therein, a biasing member for biasing the first sealing mechanism to a sealed position, a second chamber having a second sealing mechanism therein, and a passage between the first and second chambers, and (2) the pump head including a valve coupler including a housing, a pin seat, an expansion pin, a collar with a ball bearing complementary to the mounting mechanism of the valve cap, and a bearing sleeve (e.g., a resilient sleeve) for providing an inward force against the ball bearing. The valve system can allow for easy fixed and sealed engagement between the valve coupler and the valve stem by simply pushing down on the valve coupler in an axial path, and disengagement by pulling up on the valve coupler, without the need for levers, fasteners, or other cumbersome devices. The inflation pin can displace a first sealing mechanism from the pin passage and into the first chamber when the valve coupler is depressed onto the valve stem, creating a passage for air through the inflation pin into the first chamber. Displacement of the first sealing mechanism can result in activation and displacement of a 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 and then through the passage between the first and second chambers into the second chamber. The second chamber can be in open fluid communication with the interior of a pressurizable vessel (e.g., tube, tire, rubber boat, air mattress, inflatable chair, inflatable toy, etc.) to which the valve stem is connected, allowing the pressurizable vessel to be inflated.

[0037] In another aspect, the invention relates to a valve conversion system for replacing a conventional pneumatic valve with a valve stem and pump head combination that easily attaches and seals the pump head to the valve stem by a mechanical connection. In some embodiments, the valve system can include (1) a valve stem and (2) a pump head, where (1) the valve stem includes the following major components: a valve stem connector operable to attach to an existing conventional valve stem, a cap with 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 to a sealing position, and a chamber, into which an expansion pin enters when the pump head is engaged with the valve stem; and (2) the pump head includes a valve coupler including a housing, a pin seat, an expansion pin, a collar with a ball bearing complementary to the attachment structure of the valve cap, and a bearing sleeve (e.g., a resilient sleeve) for providing an inward force against the ball bearing. The valve conversion system converts conventional valves without the need for levers, fasteners, or other cumbersome devices, allowing for easy fixed and sealed engagement between the valve coupler and the valve stem adapter by simply depressing the valve coupler in the axial path, and disengagement by pulling the valve coupler up. The inflation pin is capable of displacing a sealing mechanism from the pin passage and into the chamber as the valve coupler is depressed onto the valve stem, creating a passage for air 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.In some embodiments, the valve core of a conventional valve (e.g., a Presta, Schrader, or Dunlop valve) can be removed before the valve stem adapter is attached to improve valve performance, leaving a valve housing to which the valve stem adapter is attached. In other embodiments, the valve core of the conventional valve can remain intact, and the valve stem adapter can be attached to the valve housing. In such embodiments, the inflation pin can displace an existing valve actuator of the conventional valve when the pump head is coupled to the valve stem adapter. In some embodiments, the valve stem adapter can include structure that displaces and maintains an existing valve actuator of the conventional valve in an open position, leaving a valve mechanism inside the valve stem adapter to control the flow of fluid through the valve stem. Actuation of the valve actuator results in a chamber in open fluid communication with the interior of a pressurizable vessel (e.g., tube, tire, rubber boat, air mattress, inflatable chair, inflatable toy, etc.) to which the conventional valve stem is connected, allowing the pressurizable vessel to be inflated.

[0038] In another aspect, embodiments relate to an adapter system for use with existing pneumatic valve systems (e.g., for Schrader, Presta, and Dunlop valves) that includes a valve stem adapter operable to connect to an existing valve stem (e.g., for Schrader, Presta, or Dunlop 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 manipulating any moving parts. In some embodiments, the valve system can include (1) a valve stem and (2) a pump head, where the (1) valve stem includes the following major components: a coupling mechanism (e.g., complementary threads) for attaching a valve stem adapter to an existing valve stem (e.g., Schrader, Presta, or Dunlop 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) the pump head includes a valve coupler including a housing, a collar with a ball bearing complementary to the second coupling mechanism of the valve stem adapter, a bearing sleeve for providing an inward force against the ball bearing (e.g., a resilient sleeve), a pin seat, and an actuator pin. The actuator pin can engage a valve actuator of an existing valve stem, thereby utilizing the existing valve mechanism to inflate a pneumatic device in which the valve is installed. The valve adapter system can allow for easy fixed and sealed engagement with the valve stem adapter by simply pressing the pump head coupler axially onto the valve stem adapter, without the need for levers, fasteners, or other cumbersome devices, and can allow for disengagement by pulling up on the pump head.

[0039] In some embodiments, the valve stem adapter can replace the internal actuation structure of an existing valve (e.g., Schrader, Presta, or Dunlop 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 is seated into 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.

[0040] Valve stem base In some embodiments, the valve stem can be attached to and in fluid communication with a pressurizable vessel (e.g., bicycle tire, inner tube, tire, rubber boat, air mattress, inflatable chair, inflatable toy, etc.) The valve stem can act as an inlet and outlet for such a vessel and can allow for easy and reliable connection with a valve coupler, which can be in fluid communication with a source of pressurized air (e.g., an air compressor), to pressurize the vessel.

[0041] The valve stem can include a valve structure and mechanism operable to maintain an airtight seal until a pump head is attached to the valve by a complementary valve coupler to inject air through the valve stem into a tire or other fillable vessel. In some embodiments, the valve stem can include a tubular shape having a central passage, a base that is attached to the vessel, and a valve cap structure that surrounds the valve mechanism. The valve cap can be attached to the base by a mounting structure for semi-permanent connection of the stem to the base. In some embodiments, the mounting structure can include threads on an outer surface of the distal end of the base, the threads having a shape complementary to the shape of the threads of the valve cap. In other embodiments, the mounting structure can include a lip and the valve cap can include a circumferential concave surface on its inner surface, or vice versa, the lip having a shape complementary to the circumferential concave surface. The valve stem base can be constructed of a rigid material (e.g., a non-corrosive metal such as brass, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.) and the cap can comprise the same or a similar rigid material (e.g., metal, carbon fiber, rigid plastic, etc.). In some embodiments, the valve stem base can comprise a single rigid material (e.g., metal, carbon fiber, rigid plastic, etc.) or a semi-rigid material (e.g., a polymeric material with limited flexure). In some embodiments, the valve cap can be integral with the valve stem and comprise the same material.

[0042] Valve Caps and Actuating Mechanisms The valve cap can include a casing having a proximal end and a distal end. In some embodiments, the proximal end can include a substantially cylindrical shape and can include 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 can include threads having a shape complementary to the shape of the threads on the outer surface of the base of the valve stem.

[0043] The second end of the valve cap can include an outer surface having a coupling neck for removable attachment 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 of the distal end of the valve cap can include one or more concave surfaces (e.g., a circumferential concave surface having a shape complementary to the shape of the coupling collar of the valve coupler). In some embodiments, the coupling collar of the valve coupler can include at least one ball bearing, the ball bearing nested within the coupling collar of the valve coupler and biased inwardly by a resilient sleeve. In some embodiments, the pin passage can include a substantially cylindrical passage, the passage coaxial with the central passage of the valve stem and traverses the distal end of the valve cap. The pin passage can include a diameter for receiving an expansion pin of the valve coupler such that the expansion pin can pass through the pin passage and into the central passage of the valve stem.

[0044] The valve cap can include at least one valve mechanism, and the valve stem can include at least one sealing member and can be held in a sealed position by at least one biasing member until the pump head is coupled with the valve stem. The valve mechanism can be positioned between the valve base and the valve cap and can fit snugly within the valve base and / or the valve cap. In some embodiments, the biasing member can include a spring having a generally substantially cylindrical shape (e.g., an open coil shape), the spring having an outer diameter complementary to (e.g., substantially similar to, but smaller than) an inner diameter of the valve cap. In some embodiments, the base of the valve stem can include a shoulder on an inner surface at or near the bottom of the chamber, the shoulder operable to provide a seat for the biasing member, the biasing member providing a resilient force to bias the sealing member toward the sealed position (e.g., against a sealing ring of the valve cap). The at least one sealing mechanism may include a sealing member positioned at an upper end of the biasing member and having a shape complementary to the pin passage in the valve stem (e.g., a spherical shape, an egg shape, a conical pyramid shape, 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 vessel is inflated may be sufficient to reliably seat and maintain the sealing member in a sealed position in the pin passage. Thus, the spring may be a light duty spring, and the force of the spring may be easily countered by the downward force of the inflation pin when the pump head is attached to the valve stem.

[0045] In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism may include a substantially spherically shaped sealing member (e.g., a ball bearing or other substantially spherical structure including a rigid or semi-rigid material (e.g., a polymeric, metallic, 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 an outer diameter of the sealing member such that the sealing member is operable to seat on an upper end of the spring. The outer diameter of the sealing member may be smaller than an inner diameter of the valve cap such that the sealing member is free to move within the valve cap and air may pass around the sealing member when the sealing member is in an open position (e.g., not seated against a sealing ring of the valve cap). In some examples, the sealing member may be secured to an upper end of the spring. The sealing member may engage and press against a 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 spheroidal ball as the sealing member, the spring or other biasing member can be omitted because the air pressure behind the ball bearing ensures that the ball bearing is pressed into the O-ring and covers the inner diameter. In such an example, an air-permeable mesh material or a short spring attached to the lower part of the chamber can be used as a stand-off for the sealing ball so that it does not clog the air flow through the air passage at the bottom of the chamber during inflation.

[0046] The valve cap may include a shoulder concentric with the pin passage. The shoulder may provide a seat for the sealing ring. The sealing ring may be held in place between the shoulder of the valve cap and a circular upper tip of the valve base. The sealing ring may be compressed between the shoulder and the tip of the valve base, thereby preventing air from flowing through the threaded area of ​​the valve cap and restricting air flow outside the expansion pin. The sealing ring may have an outer diameter complementary to an inner diameter of the valve cap, and the sealing ring may have an inner diameter substantially smaller than an outer diameter of the sealing member. The sealing ring may provide a stop, against which the sealing member is urged by a biasing member when the valve stem is not engaged with the valve coupler. When the valve coupler is engaged with the valve cap, the expansion pin may pass through a central passage of the sealing ring. The inner diameter of the sealing ring can be substantially similar to (i.e., the same as or slightly smaller than) the outer diameter of the expansion pin such that it can deform or stretch slightly to allow for the passage of the expansion pin and to form an air-tight seal between the sealing ring and the expansion pin against the air pressure inside the vessel.

[0047] The sealing ring can be a compressible structure that seals against a shoulder in the inner passage in the valve cap and has a central opening through which the valve needle can be passed when the valve stem is coupled to the valve coupler. The sealing member is pressed against the sealing ring by a biasing member to create an airtight seal in the valve stem until the valve coupler is engaged with the valve stem to expand the pressurized vessel. The sealing member (e.g., ball bearing, sealing rod, etc.) can include a spherical, spheroidal, or other tapered shape that has a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the sealing ring and naturally finds itself in the inner diameter of the sealing ring due to its tapered shape. The sealing ring can be an O-ring type gasket with a circular or egg cross section complementary to the outer surface of the sealing member, allowing the sealing member to have a very large surface area interface with the sealing ring, thereby creating a reliable airtight seal. The sealing ring may be constructed from a semi-rigid, yet compressible material such as, for example, vulcanized rubber, silicone, fluorosilicone, ethylene propylene diene (EPDM), polyurethane, or other suitable material.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing ring can be configured to have an internal diameter large enough for it to receive the inflation pin, providing a tight seal around the inflation pin when the pin is inserted into the chamber through the pin passage and the sealing ring. 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 engagement (such as, for example, Schrader valves). In the Schrader valve design, when the pump head is engaged with the valve, a relatively large ring-shaped passage is formed around the plunger in the valve. The pump head forces the plunger into a recessed position in the Schrader valve, allowing a ring-shaped column of air to pass through the valve. This causes the pump head of the Schrader valve to generate a significant amount of blowback pressure. This is why the Schrader valve includes a cumbersome thumb lever that must be locked into place before pumping with the Schrader system. The narrow and 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 connection mechanism that is easier to use. The pump head of the present invention can simply be pushed down onto the valve stem to the point where the ball bearings reach and seat into the mounting mechanism (e.g., a channel or collar) on the outer diameter of the valve stem, and the resilient bearing sleeve applies inward pressure to the bearings, holding them seated in the mounting mechanism. The pump head can be removed just as easily by pulling it axially away from the valve stem. Thus, some embodiments are operable to provide a pump head with a resilient quick connect mechanism that is easily attached and removed.However, it should be understood that embodiments are provided in which the quick connect collar can be a sliding ridged collar which must be moved from a seated position by sliding the collar to an open position to relieve pressure on the ball bearings and allow the ball bearings to be either seated or unseatable from the mounting mechanism of the valve collar.

[0049] In some embodiments, the valve system can include two independent sealing mechanisms that eliminate the pressure loss that occurs in conventional valve designs when the pump head is decoupled from the valve stem, which can be significant (e.g., up to 10 PSI). In such embodiments, the valve stem can include two serial chambers, each sealed by a separate sealing mechanism. The upper chamber can include a first sealing ring against which the first sealing member presses when in the closed position, and the lower chamber can include a second sealing ring or sealing seat. In some embodiments, the first sealing member can be a sealing rod having a tapered plug at its upper end that engages with the first sealing ring when in the closed position. A biasing member (e.g., a spring) can be positioned in the upper chamber and engaged with the sealing rod to bias the sealing rod toward the first sealing member. In the case of a spring biased member, the sealing rod can be engaged with the spring by having a portion nested within the spring, or it can be attached to the upper end of the spring. The bottom end of the spring can be seated on a shoulder of the first chamber. In some embodiments, a filter structure can be included in the upper chamber, which is operable to trap particulate matter and prevent the introduction of particulate matter into the valve stem or the expandable vessel to which it is attached. Particulate matter can interfere with the valve mechanism, resulting in valve leakage and even valve failure. The particulate filter can have a ring structure positioned around the shaft of the sealing rod between the plug and the spring such that it is maintained in a position adjacent to the plug.The particulate filter can 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 can have a similar design to the chamber and sealing mechanism in the embodiments described above.

[0050] The second chamber can include a second sealing mechanism, which includes a sealing member that seats against the complementary sheet providing a relatively large surface area interface between the sealing member and the complementary sheet. The sealing member can be a substantially spherical rigid ball (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, or other non-corrosive material). The complementary sheet can have a spherical cap shape constructed from flexible thermoplastic, Buna-N Nitrile, gum rubber, Hypalon™, Neoprene™, polyurethane, SBR (red rubber), silicone, Viton™, fluorosilicone, ethylene propylene, butyl, or other material. The material can be somewhat flexible such that it flexes when the internal pressure of the pressurized vessel causes the sealing member to compress against the sheet. In another embodiment, the seat can be a tri-point ball seat, which is very effective in combination with a spherical sealing ball to provide an airtight seal even at relatively low pressures in the vessel to which the valve stem is attached. The tri-point seat is composed of two spherical cap sections of different diameters that can be joined together to create a figure-eight shaped structure. One of the spherical caps can have a cross-sectional area that is 10% to 15% larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing ball, and the other spherical cap can have a cross-sectional area that is 10% to 15% smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing ball. The two spherical cap sections can be formed or joined together by being integrally molded, by being fused together by welding or lapping techniques, or by other suitable methods. A seat with this geometry results in a perfectly circular land between the two spherical cap structures with no concentricity or squareness errors, allowing for a very tight seal with nearly zero leakage even under low pressures. The seat can be made of a high tensile strength, high hardness metal.

[0051] In such an embodiment, the second sealing member in the second chamber can be held in place in the seat by air pressure in the vessel. When the pump head is engaged with the valve stem, the inflation needle passes through the first sealing ring and engages the plug of 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 plug then engages the second sealing member in the second chamber, displacing the second sealing member from the seat and opening the second seal of the valve stem. The length of the sealing rod can provide a small gap between the distal end of the sealing rod and the second sealing member. This 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.

[0052] Air or other gas can then flow through the expansion needle into the first chamber, then through the passage between the first and second chambers, and through the second chamber to inflate the vessel. The second chamber can include a washer that prevents the sealing ball from passing through the lower passage of the second chamber during expansion. The "standoff" washer can be a cage-like structure or can have leaf-like projections that allow the passage of air or other inflation gas past the washer when the sealing ball is in contact with the washer.

[0053] Pin Sheet The pin seat can hold the 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 graspable structure (mounting structure). The mounting structure can have a shape complementary to the shape of a functional part of a tool used to mount 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, and an Allen or hex wrench, etc.), a drill bit, etc. In some embodiments, the mounting structure can be a slot that can traverse the upper surface of the distal end (e.g., head) of the pin seat, intersecting through its center point, and can be positioned such that the longitudinal axis of the slot is parallel to the central axis of the connecting passage of the pin seat (which is not otherwise visible when the pin seat is screwed into the coupler housing). Thus, a user can 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 of the coupler housing by observing the position of the air supply mounting member, and can align the connecting passage with the air inlet passage by aligning the slot with the air supply mounting member.Thus, fluid communication can be achieved from the air source, through the air supply mounting member and air passage of the coupler housing, through the connecting passage of the pin seat, into the central passage of the expansion pin (and then into the valve stem when the valve coupler is engaged with the valve stem).

[0054] 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 with the valve stem) can include a pin receiver, the pin receiver including a passage substantially coaxial with the central passage of the valve coupler and with the central passage of the valve stem. The pin receiver can be operable to receive a first end of an expansion pin. The pin receiver can have an inner diameter complementary to an outer diameter of the expansion pin such that when the first end of the expansion pin is engaged with (e.g., inserted into) the pin receiver, the expansion pin can be held in a substantially static manner. The pin receiver can be in fluid communication with the connecting passage of the pin seat.

[0055] In some embodiments, the connecting passage of the pin seat can be positioned approximately midway between the first and second ends of the pin seat and can be oriented to align with the air inlet passage when the pin seat is attached to the coupler housing (e.g., fully screwed into the coupler housing). In some embodiments, the connecting passage can include a plurality of passages, each in fluid communication with a central point and each including an opening on the periphery of the pin seat, which is operable to fluidly communicate with the air inlet passage when aligned with the air inlet passage. In some embodiments, the plurality of passages can include two passages, each disposed orthogonally to one another across the pin seat and intersecting at a central point. Thus, the two passages can form an X-shape, with the center of the X being disposed at the central point (e.g., a point above the central axis of the pin seat), which is in fluid communication with the central passage of the expansion pin. The end of each arm of the X-shape can define an opening in the outer surface of the pin seat. The connecting passage may thus be operable to place the air inlet passage of the coupler housing in fluid communication with the central passage of the expansion pin when the pin seat is in four different rotational positions (i.e., when any of the X-shaped arms are aligned with the air inlet passage).

[0056] When the mounting structure of the pin seat and the coupler housing include complementary threads, such an arrangement of the multiple connecting passages can allow the pin seat to be within 90 degrees of being fully threaded (e.g., fully tightened) into the coupler housing while still providing fluid communication between the expansion pin and the air inlet passage. In some embodiments, the multiple connecting passages can provide five or more openings evenly spaced circumferentially around the outer surface of the pin seat. In some embodiments, the multiple connecting passages can provide six openings or eight openings, such that the pin seat can be within 60 degrees or 45 degrees, respectively, of being fully tightened while still providing fluid communication between the air inlet passage and the expansion pin.

[0057] Expansion Pin The expansion pin can include a conduit having any shape operable to provide airtight fluid communication between the pin seat and the valve stem. In some embodiments, the expansion pin can include a substantially cylindrical shape defining a central passageway, the central passageway having an inlet at a first end of the expansion pin and an outlet at or near a second end of the expansion pin. In some embodiments, the first end can be operable to be inserted into a pin receiver of the pin seat and can be in fluid communication with the connecting passage of the pin seat. In some embodiments, the second end of the expansion pin can be operable to be inserted into and pass through the pin passageway of the valve cap, thereby entering the central passageway of the valve stem, when the valve coupler is engaged with the valve stem. In some embodiments, the outlet can be located on a lateral outer surface of the second end of the expansion pin, rather than on a leading surface of the second end. As such, the leading surface is free to contact the sealing member of the valve stem and push it away from the sealing ring of the valve stem as the expansion pin passes through the sealing ring without impeding the flow of air out of the outlet of the expansion pin.

[0058] Valve Coupler The coupler housing of the valve coupler can include an air supply attachment member, a mounting structure for the pin seat, and a collar for attachment to the valve stem. In some embodiments, the coupler housing can include a rigid material (i.e., metal, metal alloy, plastic, carbon fiber, etc.) and can include 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 can have an inner surface with a mounting structure for fixing the pin seat in place within the central passage. In some embodiments, the mounting structure of the coupler housing can include a thread having a shape complementary to the thread on the outer surface of the pin seat such that the pin seat can be securely attached to the coupler housing by threading into the central passage of the coupler housing.

[0059] In some embodiments, the coupler housing can include at least one sealing ring positioned to create an airtight seal between the pin seat and the coupler housing. In some embodiments, the coupler housing can include a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring. The first sealing ring is positioned to create an airtight seal between the pin seat, the coupler housing, and the 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 can 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 receiver of the pin seat), the expansion pin can pass through the central passage of the first sealing ring (which can be slightly deformed or stretched to allow the expansion pin to pass through), forming an airtight seal between the first sealing ring and the expansion pin. In some embodiments, the first sealing ring can include an outer diameter substantially similar to the inner diameter of the coupler housing and can be secured in place between a proximal end of the pin seat and a first shoulder of the coupler housing when the pin seat is threaded into the coupler housing, and the second sealing ring can be positioned at a distal end of the pin seat (i.e., at the head of the pin seat) to create an airtight seal between the pin seat and the coupler housing and can 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.

[0060] The central passage of the coupler housing can be in communication with the air inlet passage of the coupler housing. In some embodiments, a portion of the air inlet passage can be defined by an inner surface of the air supply mounting member. In some embodiments, the air inlet passage can be perpendicular to a central axis of the central passage of the coupler housing. In some embodiments, when the pin seat is installed in the coupler housing (e.g., screwed into the coupler housing), the air inlet passage of the coupler housing can be in fluid communication with the central passage of the expansion pin via the connecting passage of the pin seat, providing the only fluid communication between the central passage of the coupler housing and the inlet passage.

[0061] The air source mounting member can include any shape or mechanism operable to securely attach to an air source (e.g., a pneumatic hose). The air source mounting member can include a central passageway in fluid communication with the air inlet passageway. In some embodiments, the air source mounting member can include a standard male connector for a pneumatic system, and the air source mounting member is operable to securely attach to a standard female connector (e.g., a quick connector having a rigid sleeve that can be pulled back from a set of ball bearings to attach to the male connector). In other embodiments, the air source mounting member can include an outer circumferential lip or barb and can be operable to be inserted into the central passageway of the pneumatic hose. In some embodiments, the pneumatic hose can include a central passageway defined by an inner surface, the inner surface including a circumferential concave surface complementary in shape to the lip or barb of the air source mounting member. In other embodiments, the central passage of the pneumatic hose may be substantially elastic and operable to create an airtight connection with the air supply mounting member without having a complementary circumferential concave surface on its inner surface.

[0062] 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 a wall of a collar of the valve coupler housing, the at least one ball bearing being biased inwardly 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 an outer surface of the collar of the valve coupler and an inner end that defines an opening in an inner surface of the collar. The bearing passage may include 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 that is 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 may protrude through the narrowed end. Because the ball bearing is wider than the walls of the collar, a resilient sleeve encasing the collar contacts the portion of the ball bearing that protrudes from the outer end of the passage and resiliently biases the ball bearing toward the inner end, so that the ball bearing extends into the circumferential concave surface of the second end of the valve cap when the valve coupler is engaged with the valve stem, thereby enabling the valve coupler to secure in place on the valve stem.

[0063] Coupler Sleeve The coupler sleeve can be disposed around the collar of the coupler housing. In some embodiments, the coupler sleeve can include a substantially cylindrical shape having an inner diameter that is complementary (e.g., substantially similar) to the outer diameter of the collar. In some embodiments, the coupler sleeve can be constructed from an elastomeric material operable to provide a resilient inward force against the ball bearings of the coupler housing. In some embodiments, the inward force exerted by the elastomeric coupler sleeve on the ball bearings when the valve coupler is engaged with the valve stem is sufficient to withstand the outward pressure exerted on the ball bearings from the mounting structure of the valve cap when air is forced into the vessel, so that the valve coupler does not pop off the valve stem due solely to the outward pressure generated by filling the vessel 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 include any resilient material operable to provide an inward force against the mounting device of the coupler housing collar. In some embodiments, the resilient sleeve can include at least one of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), natural rubber, synthetic rubber, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, urethane rubber, chloroprene rubber, and ethylene vinyl acetate.

[0064] 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 a force to the valve coupler with one hand. This action can cause the collar to slide down over the valve cap and engage with the valve cap. The force applied to the valve coupler must be sufficient to: 1) cause the ball bearings of the collar to move outwardly against the inward force of the resilient sleeve to slide over the upper lip of the valve cap before moving inwardly back into the mounting member (e.g., circumferential concave surface) of the valve cap, and 2) cause the expansion pin to insert through the center of the sealing ring and disengage the sealing member from the sealing ring against the bias of the biasing member such that the outlet portion of the expansion pin moves past the sealing ring and into fluid communication with the central passage of the valve stem. As discussed above, the sealing ring can have an inner diameter equal to or slightly narrower than the outer diameter of the expansion pin such that an airtight seal is created between the expansion pin and the sealing ring. The airtight engagement of the sealing ring and the expansion pin results in restricting the flow of air between the pump head and the valve stem to a passage through the expansion pin, which reduces the force applied to the pump head by the pressurized air in the pneumatic vessel to a negligible amount, thereby allowing the pump head to be attached using an elastomeric coupler sleeve connection mechanism without the need for cumbersome locking mechanisms such as those in Schrader valve designs.

[0065] In some embodiments, the coupler sleeve can include a rigid sliding sleeve that holds a ball bearing seated in a receiver in the valve stem cap. The sliding sleeve can have a first inner diameter sufficient to pass over a collar of the coupler housing and hold a ball bearing seated in a receiver in the valve stem cap. The sliding sleeve can have a second inner diameter large enough to allow the ball bearing to release from the receiver in the valve stem cap and to allow the pump head to be pulled off the valve stem. The sliding sleeve can be biased toward a closed position in which the first inner diameter is positioned over the ball bearing to lock the ball bearing in place in the receiver 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 allowing the ball bearing to unseat from the receiver in the valve stem cap. The pump head can then be removed by pulling it axially up and off the valve stem. Also, embodiments including a sliding sleeve 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, place the coupler sleeve over the valve stem so that the ball bearing is aligned with the receiver in the valve stem, and then release the sliding sleeve, allowing the biased sleeve to move downward toward the valve stem, positioning the first inner diameter over the ball bearing, seating the ball bearing in the receiver and locking the pump head onto the valve stem.To release the pump head, the user can simply grasp the sliding sleeve and pull it upward and away from the valve stem, which moves the second inner diameter into position over the ball bearing, releasing the ball bearing and pulling the pump head off the valve stem in one motion. The sliding sleeve can be utilized in higher pressure situations where there is higher fluid pressure acting on the valve system, or in situations where the valve system is used to transfer liquids, hazardous gases, or other high pressure or hazardous fluids.

[0066] How to use A method for using the valve system of the present disclosure can include the steps of: 1) providing a valve coupler having an expansion pin and a collar, the collar having at least one ball bearing biased inwardly by a resilient sleeve for mounting on a valve stem; 2) providing a vessel having a valve stem, the valve stem having a sealing member biased against a sealing ring, and a valve cap, the valve cap having a pin passage for receiving the expansion pin and a concave surface for seating the at least one ball bearing of the collar; 3) engaging the valve coupler with the valve stem such that the expansion pin is forced through the pin passage and the sealing ring; 4) admitting a sufficient volume of air through the expansion pin and into the valve base to inflate the pressurizable vessel; and 5) disengaging the valve coupler from the valve stem. In some embodiments, engaging the valve coupler with the valve stem can 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 must be sufficient to move at least one ball bearing past the lip of the valve cap into the circular recess of the valve cap. In some embodiments, the force applied to the coupler must be sufficient to cause the expansion pin to insert 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 can be applied with one hand. In some embodiments, disengaging the coupler from the valve stem can be accomplished with two fingers.

[0067] A method for using the valve system of the present disclosure includes the steps of: 1) providing a valve coupler having an expansion pin and a collar, the collar having at least one ball bearing biased inwardly by a resilient sleeve for mounting on a valve stem; and 2) providing a vessel having a valve stem having a first sealing member biased against a first seat to create a first seal, a second sealing member and a second seat to create a second seal, and a valve cap, the valve cap having a pin passage for receiving the expansion pin and a collar. The valve base may include a concave surface for seating at least one ball bearing of the valve base; 3) engaging the valve coupler with the valve stem, where an expansion pin is passed through a central passage in the pin passage and the first seat to displace the first sealing member and open the first seal, which displaces the second sealing member from the second seat and open the second seal; 4) forcing a sufficient volume of air through the expansion pin into the valve base to inflate the pressurizable vessel; 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 a 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 of the valve cap.

[0068] 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 expandable vessel, for example by threading the valve stem coupler onto the external threads of the existing valve stem; 2) providing a valve coupler having an expansion pin and a collar, the collar having at least one ball bearing biased inwardly by a resilient sleeve for mounting on the valve stem adapter, the valve stem adapter having a pin passage for receiving the expansion 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 such that the expansion pin is forced through the pin passage and a sealing ring to depress a valve actuator of the existing valve stem; 4) passing a sufficient volume of air through the existing valve stem through the expansion pin to inflate the pressurizable vessel; and 5) disengaging the valve coupler from the valve stem.

[0069] In some embodiments, at least one of the resilient or semi-rigid elements of the present invention (which may be subject to wear) can be easily replaced by disengaging (e.g., unscrewing) the pin seat from the coupler housing or at least one of disengaging the valve cap from the valve stem. In some embodiments, a user can easily replace the sealing ring of the coupler housing by unscrewing the pin 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 unscrewing the valve cap from the valve stem. In some embodiments, a user can easily replace the resilient sleeve while the valve coupler is not engaged with the valve stem. Also, the pin seat and expansion pin can be replaced by simple removal and replacement with a replacement part.

[0070] 1A-5B, the valve system 100 can include the following main components: a valve stem 101, a valve cap 110, a sealing member 120 biased by a biasing member 125, and a valve coupler 130 including a coupler housing 131, a pin seat 150, an expansion pin 160, and a resilient sleeve 170.

[0071] The valve stem 101 may be attached to and in fluid communication with a pressurizable vessel 199 (e.g., a bicycle inner tube or a tubeless tire, see FIG. 18C). The valve stem 101 may act as an inlet and outlet for the vessel and may allow for an easy and reliable connection with a valve coupler 130, which may be in fluid communication with a source of pressurized air (e.g., an air compressor (not shown)) to pressurize the vessel 199. The valve stem 101 may include an airtight passage between the pressurizable vessel 199 and the valve cap 110. The valve stem 101 may include a tubular shape having a central passage 102, a first end 103, and a second end 104, where the first end 103 includes a base that is attached to the vessel 199 and the second end 104 may include 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.

[0072] The second end 104 of the valve stem 101 may include a shoulder 106 on its inner surface, operable to provide a seat for supporting a biasing member 125 (e.g., a spring) that provides a resilient force to bias the sealing member 120 toward a 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 an inner diameter of the second end 104 of the valve stem 101. The sealing member 120 may include a substantially spherical shape, and the biasing member 125 may have an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the sealing member 120 such that the sealing member 120 is operable to seat on or partially nest within a distal end 126 of the biasing member 125. The outer diameter of the sealing member 120 can be substantially smaller than the inner diameter of the central passage 102 of the valve stem 101, allowing the sealing member 120 to move freely within the central passage 102 and allowing air to pass around the sealing member 120 when the sealing member 120 is in an open position (e.g., when not seated against the sealing ring 116 of the valve cap 110, see FIG. 1B).

[0073] The valve cap 110 can include a proximal end 111 and a distal end 112. The proximal end 111 can include a substantially cylindrical shape and can include 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 be securely attached to the distal end 104 of the valve stem 101 in an airtight manner. The distal end 112 of the valve cap 110 can include an outer surface having a rounded circumferential concave surface 113 for removable attachment to the valve coupler 130 and a pin passage 114 substantially coaxial with the central passage 102 of the valve stem 101. The pin passage 114 may include a diameter complementary to the diameter of the expansion pin 160 such that the expansion pin 160 can pass through the pin passage 114 and into the central passage 102 of the valve stem 101.

[0074] 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 an 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 may provide a stop against which the sealing member 120 is biased by the biasing member 125. When the valve stem 104 is not engaged with the valve coupler 130, the contact between the sealing member 120 and the sealing ring 116 forms an airtight seal against air pressure in the vessel 199. The inner diameter of the sealing ring 116 can be smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the expansion pin 160, allowing the expansion pin 160 to pass through the sealing ring 116 (which can deform or stretch slightly to allow the expansion pin 160 to pass through), forming an airtight seal between the expansion pin 160 and the sealing ring 116 against the air pressure inside the vessel 199.

[0075] In another embodiment, the sealing member 120 can engage the tri-point ball seat 116a to seal the valve cap 110. The tri-point seat 116a can be composed of fused or integrally molded portions of two spherical caps, one of which has a cross-sectional area 10%-15% larger than that of the sealing member 120 and the other of which has a cross-sectional area 10%-15% smaller than that of the sealing ball 221. The spherical caps can be axially aligned, with the smaller of the two caps located above the larger, and a passageway in the smaller spherical cap is provided to allow the passage of fluid through the valve cap. The tri-point seat can be positioned in the valve cap 110 adjacent to and just below the sealing ring 116 and can be supported at its lower end by an internal shoulder created by the upper rim of the threaded portion 105, as shown in Figures 2B-2C. The tri-point sheet 116a can be made from a high tensile strength, high hardness metal.

[0076] As best seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B , the pin seat 150 can include a proximal end 151 and a distal end 152, a threaded portion 153 for attachment to the coupler housing 130, a pin receiver 154, and a connecting passage 155. The distal end 152 can include a substantially disk-shaped head having an outer diameter larger than an outer diameter of the proximal end 151, and a slot 156 having a substantially square cross-section. The slot 156 can traverse an upper surface of the distal end 152 and can be positioned such that a longitudinal axis of the slot 156 is aligned parallel to the first branch 155a of the connecting passage 155 and perpendicular to the second branch 155b of the connecting passage 155. Thus, by observing the position of the slot 156, a user can determine the respective positions of the first branch 155a and the second branch 155b when the pin seat 150 is screwed into the coupler housing 131. The user can 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 align at least one of the first branch 155a and the second branch 155b with the air inlet passage 135 by aligning the slot 156 with the air source mounting member 132 (either parallel to the air source mounting member 132 or perpendicular to the air source mounting member 132). Thus, fluid communication can 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, into the central passage 161 of the inflation pin 160 (and thereafter into the valve stem 101 when the valve coupler 131 is engaged with the valve stem 101). In some embodiments, the coupler housing 131 can have a 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.

[0077] The proximal end 151 of the pin seat 150 can include a pin receiver 157 that includes a passage substantially coaxial with a central axis of the coupler housing 131 and with the central passage 102 of the valve stem 101. The pin receiver 157 can 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 can be operable to hold the expansion pin 160 in a substantially static manner when the first end 162 of the expansion pin 160 is engaged with (e.g., inserted into) the pin receiver 157.

[0078] 4, the expansion pin 160 may include a substantially cylindrical shape defining a central passage 161 having an inlet portion 164 at a proximal end 162 of the expansion pin 160 and an outlet portion 165 at a distal end 163 of the expansion 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 expansion pin 160 may be operable to be inserted into and pass through the pin passage 114 of the valve cap 110, thereby entering the central passage 102 of the valve stem 101. The outlet portion 165 can be located on the lateral outer surface of the distal end 163 rather than on the leading surface 166 so that the leading surface 166 can contact the sealing member 120 and push the sealing member 120 away from the sealing ring 116 without impeding the air flow exiting the outlet portion 165 as the expansion pin 160 enters the valve stem 101.

[0079] The coupler housing 131 of the valve coupler 130 can include an air supply 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 can include a rigid material (i.e., metal, metal alloy, plastic, carbon fiber, etc.) and can include 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 can have an inner surface with the threaded portion 136 for securing the pin seat 150 in an appropriate location within the central passage 137. The coupler housing 131 can include a first sealing ring 133 and a second sealing ring 134, with the first sealing ring 133 positioned to create an airtight seal between a distal end 151 of the pin seat 150 and a first shoulder 138 of the coupler housing 131 when the pin seat 150 is threaded into the coupler housing 131. The second sealing ring 134 can be positioned to create an airtight seal between a proximal end 152 of the pin seat 150 and a second shoulder 139 of the coupler housing 131.

[0080] The air source mounting member 132 may include a plurality of outer 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 may be operable to create an airtight connection with the plurality of barbs of the air source mounting member 132.

[0081] The valve coupler 130 may include a plurality of ball bearings 141 nested within a plurality of passages 142 that traverse the wall of the collar 140, with each of the plurality of ball bearings 141 biased inwardly by a resilient bearing sleeve 170 that surrounds the collar 140. The plurality of passages 142 in the wall of the collar 140 may include an outer end that defines an opening in an outer surface of the collar 140 and an inner end that defines an opening in an inner surface of the collar 140 (see FIG. 5A). Each passage 142 may include a substantially cylindrical shape, except that the inner end is narrowed as compared 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 thickness of the wall of the collar 140 (see FIG. 1A ) such that the ball bearings 141 cannot pass completely through the passage 142, but a portion of the ball bearings 141 may protrude through the narrowed end of the passage 142. Because the ball bearings 141 are wider than the wall of the collar 140, the elastic sleeve 170 contacts the ball bearings 141 and elastically biases the ball bearings 141 toward the inner end of the passage 142. The ball bearings 142 may thus extend into the circumferential concave surface 113 of the valve cap 110 when the valve coupler 130 is engaged with the valve stem 101 (see FIG. 1B ) to secure the valve coupler 130 in place on the valve stem 101.

[0082] 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 to the valve coupler (towards the valve stem) with one hand. As seen in FIG. 1B, this action can cause the collar 140 to slide down over and engage the valve cap 110. The force applied to the valve coupler 130 must be sufficient to: 1) cause the ball bearings 141 of the collar 140 to move outward against the inward force of the resilient sleeve 170 to slide over the upper lip 117 of the valve cap 110 before moving inward back into the circumferential concave surface 113, and 2) cause the second end 163 of the expansion pin 160 to insert through the center of the sealing ring 116 and disengage the sealing member 120 from the sealing ring 116 against the force of the biasing member 125 so that the outlet portion 165 of the expansion pin 160 moves past the sealing ring 116 and into fluid communication with the central passage 102 of the valve stem 101.

[0083] 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 can include the following main 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 having 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 decoupled 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 .

[0084] The first sealing member 220 can be a sealing rod having a tapered plug 220a at its upper end that engages the sealing ring 216 when in the closed position. A biasing spring 225 can be positioned in the upper chamber 281 and engaged with the sealing rod 220 to bias the sealing rod 220 toward the sealing member 216. The sealing rod 220 can be engaged with the biasing spring 225 by having a portion nested within the spring 225. A bottom end of the biasing spring 225 can be seated on the shoulder 206 of the dual seal valve core 285 at the lower end of the first chamber 281. A filter 228 can be included in the upper chamber 281 that is operable to trap particulate matter and prevent the introduction of particulates into the valve stem 201 or the expandable vessel to which it is attached. The particulate filter 228 may have a ring structure positioned around the shaft of the sealing rod 220 between the plug 220a and the biasing spring 225 such that it is maintained in a position adjacent to the plug 220a. The particulate filter 228 may be a metal mesh material or a perforated metal disk (e.g., laser drilled stainless steel, aluminum, or other rigid material).

[0085] The valve cap 210 may include a lower end 211 and an upper end 212. The lower end 211 may include a substantially cylindrical shape and an inner surface having threads 215 complementary to the threads 205 of the upper end 204 of the dual seal valve core positioned between the two chambers 281 and 282, allowing the upper end 211 of the valve cap 210 to be securely attached in an airtight manner to the upper end 204a of the dual seal valve core 285. The upper end 212 of the valve cap 210 may include an outer surface having a rounded circumferential concave surface 213 for removable attachment to the valve coupler 130, and a pin passage 214 substantially coaxial with the dual seal valve core 285 and the valve stem 201. The pin passage 214 may include a diameter complementary to the diameter of the expansion pin 160 such that the expansion pin 160 can pass through the pin passage 214 and into the valve stem 201 .

[0086] 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 an inner diameter of the valve cap 210, and the sealing ring 216 may have an inner diameter substantially smaller than an outer diameter of the sealing plug 220a such that the sealing ring 216 may provide a stop against which the sealing member 220 is biased by the biasing member 225. The sealing ring 216 may be positioned between an upper periphery of the dual 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, the contact between the sealing plug 220a and the sealing ring 216 forms an airtight seal against air pressure in the vessel. The inner diameter of the sealing ring 216 can be smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the expansion pin 160, allowing the expansion pin 160 to pass through the sealing ring 116 (which can deform or stretch slightly to allow the expansion pin 160 to pass through), forming an airtight seal between the expansion pin 160 and the sealing ring 216 against the air pressure inside the vessel.

[0087] The second chamber 282 can include a second sealing mechanism including a sealing member 221, which can be a substantially spherical rigid ball (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, or other non-corrosive material) that engages with the complementary sheet 218 providing a relatively large surface area interface between the sealing member 221 and the complementary sheet 218. The complementary sheet 218 can have a spherical cap shape constructed from flexible thermoplastic, Buna-N Nitrile, gum rubber, Hypalon™, Neoprene™, polyurethane, SBR (red rubber), silicone, Viton™, fluorosilicone, ethylene propylene, butyl, or other material. The material can be somewhat flexible such that it flexes when the internal pressure of the pressurized vessel causes the sealing member 221 to bend against the sheet 218. 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 the vessel to which the valve stem 201 is connected.

[0088] In another embodiment, the seat 218 can be a tri-point ball seat 218a. The tri-point seat 218a is composed of fused or integrally molded parts of two spherical caps, one of which has a cross-sectional area 10%-15% larger than that of the sealing ball 221 and the other of which has a cross-sectional area 10%-15% smaller than that of the sealing ball 221. The spherical caps can be axially aligned, with the smaller of the two located above the larger, and a passage in the smaller spherical cap is provided to allow the passage of air or other gases through the valve. The tri-point seat 218a can be made of a high tensile strength and high hardness metal.

[0089] The seat 218 (or 218a) can be positioned in the second chamber 282 on a lower side of the shoulder 206 of the dual seal valve core 285. The dual seal valve core 285 can be positioned between a lower portion of the valve cap 210 and an upper portion of the valve stem 201 by a threaded or other mechanical connection. The dual seal valve core 285 can include a lower threaded portion 285b that connects to a threaded receiver 205 in the upper portion of the valve stem 201. The threaded receiver 205 can have a shape complementary to the shape of the lower threaded portion 285b. The valve stem 201 can be attached to and in fluid communication with a pressurizable vessel (e.g., a bicycle tire tube) and can act as an inlet and an outlet for the vessel.

[0090] A gasket 283 can be positioned on the lower side of the threaded receiver of the valve stem 201 between the lower threaded portion 285b and the shoulder 203. A washer 290 can be positioned on top of the gasket 283. The washer 290 can prevent the sealing member 221 from seating in the lower passage of the second chamber during inflation. This "standoff" washer 290 can be a cage-like structure or can have leaf-like projections that allow the passage of air or other inflation gas around the washer 290 when the sealing member 221 is in contact with the washer 290. The washer 290 can have an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the lower threaded portion 285b of the dual seal valve core 285 such that the washer can be maintained in place on the gasket 283.

[0091] The valve coupler 130 can be engaged with the valve cap 210 by simply aligning the collar 140 with the valve cap 210 and applying a linear force (towards the valve stem) to the valve coupler with one hand. As seen in Figure 8, this action can cause the collar 140 to slide down over and engage the valve cap 210. The force applied to the valve coupler 130 must be sufficient to: 1) cause the ball bearings 141 of the collar 140 to move outward against the inward force of the resilient sleeve 170 to slide over the upper lip 217 of the valve cap 210 before moving inwardly back into the circumferential concave surface 213; 2) cause the second end 163 of the expansion pin 160 to insert 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 portion 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) cause the lower end of the sealing rod 220 to engage the second sealing member 221 in the second chamber 282 and displace the second sealing member 221 from the seat 218 to open 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, causing the vessel to expand.

[0092] 9-11 illustrate additional embodiments of a pneumatic valve adapter system 300 for easily attaching and sealing a valve coupler 130 to an existing valve stem 301 by means of an adapter device 310 attached to the existing valve stem 301. The valve adapter system 300 is operable for use with an existing pneumatic valve system (e.g., a Schrader valve). As seen in FIG. 10, the valve adapter system 300 can include the following main 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 a resilient sleeve 170.

[0093] A conventional Schrader valve includes an actuation pin that is pressed when a conventional pump head is attached thereto. Movement of the actuation pin displaces a plug at a 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 receiver 315 that is complementary to an external male thread 355 of a conventional Schrader valve 350 and is operable to be securely threaded onto the Schrader valve stem 350 in an airtight manner. A sealing gasket 316 can 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 can have a circular shape and can include an elastomeric material. The sealing gasket 316 may have an outer diameter complementary to the inner diameter of the adapter device 310 and may have an inner diameter less than or equal to the outer diameter of the expansion pin 160, allowing the expansion pin 160 to pass through the sealing gasket 316 (which may be slightly deformed or stretched to allow the expansion pin 160 to pass therethrough) and to form an airtight seal between the expansion pin 160 and the sealing gasket 316 against the air pressure inside the pneumatic vessel in which the Schrader valve 350 is attached.

[0094] The adapter device 310 can include an outer surface having a rounded circumferential concave surface 313 for removable attachment to the valve coupler 130 and a pin passage 314 substantially coaxial with the actuator pin 352 of the Schrader valve stem 350. The pin passage 314 can include a diameter complementary to a diameter of the expansion pin 160 such that the expansion pin 160 can pass through the pin passage 314 and contact the actuator pin 352 of the Schrader valve stem 350.

[0095] The valve coupler 130 can be engaged with the adapter device 310 by simply aligning the collar 140 with the adapter device 310 and applying a linear force to the valve coupler (towards the adapter device 310) with one hand. As shown in FIG. 10, this action can cause the collar 140 to slide down over the adapter device 310 and engage with the adapter device 310. The force applied to the valve coupler 130 must be sufficient to: 1) cause the ball bearings 141 of the collar 140 to move outward against the inward force of the elastic sleeve 170 to slide over the upper lip 317 of the adapter device 310 before moving back inward into the circumferential concave surface 313, and 2) cause the expansion pin 160 to be inserted through the center of the gasket 316 and displace the actuator pin 352 and the sealing plug 352a at its lower end to open the Schrader valve 350. Air or other gas can then flow through the inflation needle 160 and then through the Schrader valve 350 to inflate the vessel.

[0096] 12A-13 illustrate additional embodiments of a pneumatic valve adapter system 400 for easily attaching and sealing a valve coupler 130 to an existing valve stem 401 by an adapter device 410 attached to the existing valve stem 401. The valve adapter system 400 is operable for use with an existing pneumatic valve system (e.g., a Presta valve, a Dunlop valve, or a Schrader valve). As seen in FIG. 12A, the valve adapter system 400 can include the following main components: 1) a valve stem adapter 410 having a pin passage 414 for receiving an expansion 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 with a coupler housing 131, a pin seat 150, an expansion pin 160, and a resilient sleeve 170.

[0097] The valve core of a conventional valve (e.g., a Presta valve) can be removed, eliminating the valve actuation mechanism. The adapter device 401 can then be attached to the remaining stem of the conventional valve with the valve mechanism according to the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 12A-12B, the adapter device 401 of the present invention can have a stem connector 402 having a threaded female receiver 403 that is complementary to the external male threads 455 of the conventional valve 450 and is operable to be securely screwed onto the valve stem 450a in an airtight manner. A sealing gasket 406 can be positioned between the recess 406a of the stem connector 402 and the outer diameter of the conventional valve stem 450a. The sealing gasket 406 can prevent pressurized air from escaping the valve adapter 401 during inflation or otherwise. The stem connector 402 also includes an upper male connector 404 that can be connected to an adapter cap 410.

[0098] The adapter cap 410 can include a proximal end 411 and a distal end 412. The lower end 411 can include a substantially cylindrical shape and can include 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 be securely attached to the upper male connector 404 of the stem connector 401 in an airtight manner.

[0099] The distal end 412 of the adapter cap 410 can include an outer surface having a rounded circumferential concave surface 413 for removable attachment to the valve coupler 130 and a pin passage 414 substantially coaxial with a conventional valve stem 450. The pin passage 414 can include a diameter complementary to that of the expansion pin 160 such that the expansion pin 160 can pass through the pin passage 414 and into the interior of the adapter cap. A sealing mechanism can be positioned between the upper male connector 404 and the adapter cap 410. The stem connector 401 has a shoulder 405 within the interior diameter of the upper male connector 404. A biasing member 425 (e.g., a spring) can 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 .

[0100] 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 an 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 may provide 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 in a pneumatic vessel in which the valve stem 450 is attached. The inner diameter of the sealing ring 416 can be smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the expansion pin 160, allowing the expansion pin 160 to pass through the sealing ring 416 (which can deform or stretch slightly to allow the expansion pin 160 to pass through), forming an airtight seal between the expansion pin 160 and the sealing ring 416 against the air pressure inside the pneumatic vessel.

[0101] 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 to the valve coupler (towards the adapter cap 410) with one hand. As shown in FIG. 13, this action can cause the collar 140 to slide down over and engage with the adapter cap 410. The force applied to the valve coupler 130 must be sufficient to: 1) cause the ball bearings 141 of the collar 140 to move outward against the inward force of the elastic sleeve 170 to slide over the upper lip 417 of the adapter cap 410 before moving back inward into the circumferential concave surface 413, and 2) cause the inflation pin 160 to be inserted through the center of the sealing ring 416 and displace the sealing member 420 to open the valve mechanism. Air or other gas can then flow through the inflation needle 160 and then through the adapter device 401.

[0102] 14A-15 illustrate additional embodiments of a pneumatic valve adapter system 500 for easily attaching and sealing a valve coupler 130 to an existing valve stem by an adapter device 501 attached to the existing valve stem. The valve adapter system 500 is operable for use with existing pneumatic valve systems (e.g., Schrader valves, Presta valves, and others). As seen in FIG. 14B, the valve adapter system 500 can include the following main components: 1) a valve stem adapter 501 having a pin passage 514 for receiving an expansion 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 with a coupler housing 131, a pin seat 150, an expansion pin 160, and a resilient sleeve 170.

[0103] The adapter device 501 can include an engagement member 519 for engaging an actuation pin 590 of the conventional valve stem 550, which is operable to hold the conventional valve stem in an open position when the adapter device 501 is attached to the conventional valve stem 550. The valve mechanism of the adapter device 501 can then exclusively control the flow of fluid from the adapter device 501 through the conventional valve stem 550. The engagement member can include an engagement plate 519a that is substantially perpendicular to the path of fluid through the adapter device 501, and the engagement plate 519a can have perforations 519b therein to allow passage of fluid therethrough. The engagement plate 519a can also include a lower protrusion that extends downwardly to meet and actuate the actuation pin 590 of the conventional valve stem 550. When the adapter device is attached to the existing valve stem 550 a, the actuation pin 590 is displaced downwardly, thereby displacing the plug 591 and allowing fluid to pass through the existing valve stem 550 .

[0104] The adapter device 501 can be attached to a conventional valve stem of a conventional valve with a valve mechanism according to the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 14A-14B, the adapter device 501 of the present invention can have a stem connector 502 having a threaded female receiver 503 that is complementary to the external male threads 555 of the conventional valve 550 and operable to be securely screwed onto the valve stem 550a in an airtight manner. A sealing gasket 506 can be positioned between the recess 506a of the stem connector 502 and the outer diameter of the conventional valve stem 550a. The sealing gasket 506 can prevent pressurized air from escaping the valve adapter 501 during inflation or otherwise. The stem connector 502 also includes an upper male connector 504 that can be connected to an adapter cap 510.

[0105] The adapter cap 510 can include a proximal end 511 and a distal end 512. The lower end 511 can include a substantially cylindrical shape and can include 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 be securely attached to the upper male connector 504 of the stem connector 501 in an airtight manner.

[0106] The distal end 512 of the adapter cap 510 can include an outer surface having a rounded circumferential concave surface 513 for removable attachment to the valve coupler 130 and a pin passage 514 substantially coaxial with a conventional valve stem 550. The pin passage 514 can include a diameter complementary to that of the expansion pin 160 such that the expansion pin 160 can pass through the pin passage 514 and into the interior of the adapter cap 510. A sealing mechanism can be positioned between the upper male connector 504 and the adapter cap 510. The stem connector 501 has a shoulder 505 within the interior diameter of the upper male connector 504. A biasing member 525 (e.g., a spring) can be positioned in 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 .

[0107] The sealing ring 516 of the valve cap 510 can have a circular shape and a substantially circular or oval cross-sectional shape and can comprise an elastomeric material. The sealing ring 516 can have an outer diameter complementary to an inner diameter of the adapter cap 510, and the sealing ring 516 can have an inner diameter substantially smaller than the outer diameter of the sealing member 520 such that the sealing ring 516 can provide a stop against which the sealing member 520 is biased by a 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 in a pneumatic vessel in which the valve stem 550 is attached. The inner diameter of the sealing ring 516 can be smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the expansion pin 160, allowing the expansion pin 160 to pass through the sealing ring 516 (which can deform or stretch slightly to allow the expansion pin 160 to pass through), forming an airtight seal between the expansion pin 160 and the sealing ring 516 against the air pressure inside the pneumatic vessel.

[0108] The valve coupler 130 can be engaged with the adapter device 501 by simply aligning the collar 140 with the adapter cap 510 and applying a linear force to the valve coupler (towards the adapter cap 510) with one hand. As shown in FIG. 15, this action can cause the collar 140 to slide down over and engage with the adapter cap 510. The force applied to the valve coupler 130 must be sufficient to: 1) cause the ball bearings 141 of the collar 140 to move outward against the inward force of the elastic sleeve 170 to slide over the upper lip 517 of the adapter cap 510 before moving back inward into the circumferential concave surface 513, and 2) cause the expansion pin 160 to be inserted through the center of the sealing ring 516 and displace the sealing member 520 to open the valve mechanism. Air or other gas can then flow through the inflation needle 160, into the adapter device 501, through the perforations 519b in the engagement plate 519a, and then through the existing valve stem 550a.

[0109] 16A-16C illustrate additional embodiments of a pneumatic valve adapter system 600 operable to replace the valve core of an existing valve stem 601 with a replacement core 610 that may be inserted into a conventional valve stem (e.g., a Schrader valve stem) after the core valve structure of the conventional valve stem 601 has been removed. A sealing gasket can prevent pressurized air from escaping the valve adapter connection with the valve stem 601 during inflation or otherwise. The valve adapter system 600 is operable for use with an existing pneumatic valve system (e.g., a Schrader valve, etc.). As can be seen in FIG. 16A , the valve adapter system 600 can include the following major components: 1) a valve stem adapter 600 having an exchange core 610 that can be inserted and secured in an airtight manner into the valve stem 601 (e.g., by a threaded connection), a valve cap 611 connected to the exchange core 610 and having a pin passage 614 for receiving the expansion pin 160 from the pump head assembly 100, and a sealing gasket 616; and 2) a pump head 100 having a valve coupler 130 as described above, with a coupler housing 131, a pin seat 150, an expansion pin 160, and an elastic sleeve 170, as discussed above.

[0110] The replacement core 610 can include a distal male connector 625 for engaging the valve cap 611 and a proximal male connector 620 for engaging the valve stem 601. The proximal lower end 620 can include a substantially cylindrical shape and can include an outer surface having threads 621 complementary to threads in the valve stem 601, allowing the proximal end 620 to reversibly engage the valve stem 601. The distal upper end 625 has a male insertion end for engagement with an internal female receiver of the valve cap 611.

[0111] The valve mechanism of the valve stem adapter 600 can then exclusively control the flow of fluid from the valve stem adapter 600 through the conventional valve stem 601. The pin passage 614 can include a diameter complementary to that of the expansion pin 160, allowing the expansion pin 160 to pass through the pin passage 614 and into the interior of the adapter cap 611. The sealing mechanism can be positioned between the exchange core 610 and the cap 611. A biasing member 615 (e.g., a spring) can be positioned within the exchange core 610 with its lower end seated within the exchange core 610. A sealing member 617 can be positioned above the biasing member 615 such that the biasing member biases the sealing member 617 toward the pin passage 614 in the cap 611.

[0112] The sealing ring 616 of the valve cap 611 can have a circular shape and a substantially circular or oval cross-sectional shape and can include an elastomeric material. The sealing ring 616 can have an outer diameter complementary to an inner diameter of the cap 611, and the sealing ring 616 can assist in creating an airtight seal between the replacement plug 610 and the cap 611. The sealing ring 616 can also have an inner diameter substantially smaller than an outer diameter of the sealing member 617, such that the sealing ring 616 can provide a stop against which the sealing member 617 is biased by the biasing member 615. When the cap 611 is not engaged with the valve coupler 130, the contact between the sealing member 617 and the sealing ring 616 forms an airtight seal against air pressure in a pneumatic vessel in which the valve stem 601 is attached. The inner diameter of the sealing ring 616 can be smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the expansion pin 160, allowing the expansion pin 160 to pass through the sealing ring 616 (which can deform or stretch slightly to allow the expansion pin 160 to pass through), forming an airtight seal between the expansion pin 160 and the sealing ring 616 against the air pressure inside the pneumatic vessel.

[0113] The adapter 600 of Figures 16A-16C provides an airtight passageway to the central passageway of the valve adapter through the use of a sealing gasket seal between the inner wall of the valve stem and the outer wall of the adapter, and through the sealing mechanism, it provides a sealing system for a tire, bicycle tire, vessel, gas-tight chamber, or bladder.

[0114] The adapter of Figure 16a can alternatively have a sealing pin structure 617A nested within the biasing member 615 instead of the ball sealing member, as shown in Figures 17A-17C.

[0115] The adapter of Figure 16A can also be fitted with an adapter 800 configured to couple with a Presta style valve 801 with the valve core removed, as shown in Figures 18A-18B. This embodiment has a similar structure to the adapter system 600, with dimensions adjusted to fit a conventional Presta valve stem. The valve 801 can be installed into the rim 802 of a bicycle tire 804, as shown in Figures 18C and 18D.

[0116] 19A-19I, an embodiment of a valve 900 is shown. In this embodiment, the valve 900 includes a stem 902 having a rim gasket 904 disposed at one end. The stem 902 includes a fastener element (e.g., threads 903, etc.) that cooperates with, for example, a fastener 906. It should be appreciated that the valve 900 shown in FIGS. 19A-19G illustrates a valve for a tubeless tire, where the fastener 906 engages the tire rim, compressing the gasket 904 and sealing the valve to the rim. In the embodiment of FIGS. 19H and 19I, the valve 900 is adapted to couple with an inner tube 908.

[0117] In the embodiment of Figures 19A-19I, the valve stem 902 is a Presta type valve with the core removed. This type of valve has a central passage 910 that extends the length of the stem 902. As will be discussed in more detail, the central passage 910 fluidly connects a pressure vessel (e.g., an inner tube 908 or a tubeless tire) to the pump head when the valve is open. The Presta type valve stem 902 includes internal threads 912 at an end distal from the gasket 904. The valve stem 902 further includes a sealing surface 914 adjacent the threads 912 opposite an end 915 of the valve stem 902.

[0118] Coupled to the valve stem 902 is a valve core assembly 916 that allows the pump head (such as, for example, pump head 100) to be used with, for example, a Presta-type valve stem. The valve core assembly 916 includes a core body portion 918 having a sealing portion 920, a stem connecting portion 922, an intermediate portion 924, and a valve portion 926. The sealing portion 920 is positioned within the central passageway 910 adjacent the sealing surface 914. The sealing portion 920 includes a slot sized to receive a seal 928 (such as, for example, a gasket made from PTFE). The seal 928 is disposed between the sealing portion 920 and the sealing surface 914 to form an airtight seal between the central passageway 910 and the external environment. The sealing portion 920 includes an opening at an end to a passage 921 that provides fluid communication between the central passage 910 and an end opening 917 of the valve core assembly 916 .

[0119] The stem coupling portion 922 includes fastener features such as threads 930 that cooperate with the internal threads 912 to couple the core body portion 918 to the valve stem 902. At the transition between the stem coupling portion 922 and the intermediate portion 924 is a shoulder that engages the end portion 915 when the core body portion 918 is coupled to the valve stem 902. The intermediate portion 924 includes an outer diameter 932. In one embodiment, the outer diameter 932 is substantially the same size as the diameter of the end of the valve stem 902. In one embodiment, the outer diameter 932 includes knurled surface features that facilitate a user's coupling and rotation of the valve core assembly 916 to the valve stem 902.

[0120] It should be appreciated that the passageway 921 extends through the valve connecting portion 922 and the intermediate portion 924. In some embodiments, the diameter of the passageway 921 can vary along the length of the core body portion 918. For example, the diameter can be reduced in the area of ​​the threads 930 to provide an increased wall thickness. In some embodiments, the diameter of the passageway 921 is enlarged adjacent the transition from the valve connecting portion 922 and the intermediate portion 924 to define a shoulder 934. The shoulder 934 can support a biasing member such as, for example, a spring 936. In some embodiments, the spring 936 can be a conical compression spring. In some embodiments, it has been found that a conical compression spring provides an advantage in centering the sealing member 938.

[0121] In one embodiment, the passageway 921 includes a portion 940 in the valve portion 926 that includes a larger diameter relative to the end opening 927 of the core body portion 918. It has been found that the enlargement of the diameter of the portion 940 provides an advantage in increasing air flow through the valve. As will be discussed in more detail herein, the enlargement of the portion 940 can be facilitated by the use of a press fit connection between the cap member 942 and the valve portion 926.

[0122] The cap member 942 is a generally cylindrical body that couples to the valve portion 926. In one embodiment, the cap member includes a thin-walled portion 944 having an internal bore that fits over the valve portion 926. In one embodiment, the internal bore is sized to provide a press-fit connection of the cap member 942 to the valve portion 926. In one embodiment, a channel 945 is formed on the core body on the outer diameter of the valve portion 926 adjacent the middle portion 924. In one embodiment, the wall 944 of the cap member 942 can be pressed into the channel 945. In another embodiment, the wall 944 can include a ridge that passes over the press-fit area and then into the channel. In one embodiment, the channel 945 is disposed perpendicular to the axis of the core body.

[0123] In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the thin-walled portion 944 includes an optional plurality of concentric ring projections 946 or similar features (e.g., knurling or screw threads). It has been found that the formation of elements (e.g., concentric rings, etc.) that increase the surface roughness of this portion of the valve core assembly 916 provides advantages in helping to maintain backward compatibility with prior art style pump heads (e.g., those designed to work with Presta (Scrubland) valves). The additional concentric projections enable and help to maintain a better seal with legacy pump heads (e.g., pump head-) on the valve core assembly 916, avoiding the "pop-off" problem previously described herein with respect to prior art pump head designs in response to pressure levels within the pressure vessel. In another embodiment, the concentric projections or threads can be found on the valve core body portion 918 at or above the knurling points, but not on the valve cap. When positioned over the valve core body, the valve cap may be shorter in length to allow the concentric projection to be closer to the distal end of the valve core assembly.

[0124] The cap member 942 further includes a bore hole 948 extending between the internal bore and the end opening 917. In some embodiments, the bore hole 948 can include a feature 950 for interfacing with a tool (e.g., a hex or allen wrench). The cap member 942 further includes a circumferential concave surface 952 (similar to concave surface 113) or slot that facilitates interfacing of the valve core assembly 916 to the pump head. In some embodiments, the circumferential concave surface can be rounded. In other embodiments, the concave surface can have angled walls or can have a square shape.

[0125] Disposed between the end of the core body portion and the end of the internal bore of the cap member 942 is a valve seat 954. The valve seat 954 has an inner diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the bore hole 948 and the opening 927. The valve seat cooperates with a sealing plug 938 to selectively allow fluid communication between the central passage 910 and the end opening 917. The sealing plug 938 is biased against the valve seat 954 by a spring 936. In one embodiment, the sealing plug 938 includes a lower portion 956, a middle portion 958, and a pin portion 960. The lower portion 956 is sized to fit within the spring 936 which assists in maintaining axial alignment of the sealing plug within the portion 940 and the bore hole 948. The middle portion 958 can include a conical surface 962 that selectively engages the valve seat 954 under the biasing force of the spring 936.

[0126] The pin portion 960 has a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the valve seat 954. In one embodiment, when the sealing plug 938 is in the closed position, an end 964 (FIG. 19C) of the pin portion extends beyond or above the end of the cap member 942. Having the end 964 flush with or extending beyond the end of the cap member 942 provides an advantage in allowing a user to selectively release pressure from the pressure vessel, such as with a fingernail.

[0127] 19D-19G, an embodiment for operating the valve 900 is shown. When a user desires to add pressurized air to the pressure vessel (e.g., inner tube 908), a pump head 970 is placed over the cap member 942. It should be appreciated that the pump head 970 is constructed and operates in a substantially similar manner to the pump head 100 described herein. In the embodiment of FIGS. 19D-19G, the pump head 970 has an air supply tube 972 disposed to extend axially therewith. The pump head 970 includes a body portion supporting a bearing 974, which is inwardly biased by a resilient sheath 976 in the same manner as described herein with respect to the pump heads 100, 300, for example.

[0128] With the pump head 970 aligned with the valve 900, the user simply presses the pump head 970 onto the cap member 942, causing the bearing 974 to retract until it is aligned with the concave surface 952, at which point the bearing 974 moves back into engagement with the cap member under the biasing force of the elastic sheath 976 (FIG. 19G). As the pump head 970 is pressed onto the cap member 942, the expansion pin 978 engages the pin portion 960 of the sealing plug 938, causing the sealing plug 938 to move axially and separate the conical surface 962 from the valve seat 954. With the sealing plug 938 separated from the valve seat 954, pressurized air can flow from the supply tube 972, through the valve core assembly 916, through the central passage 910, and into the pressurized vessel.

[0129] 20A-20H, an embodiment of a valve 1000 for use with a Schrader type valve stem is shown. Valve 1000 is constructed similarly to valve 900, with a core body portion 1018 adapted to the configuration of a Schrader type valve stem 1002. For the sake of brevity, only the differences between valve 900 and valve 1000 will be described. In this embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 20D, the valve stem 1002 includes a central passage 1010 that allows for fluid communication with a pressure vessel, such as a tubeless tire or inner tube 1008 (FIGS. 20G, 20H), for example.

[0130] In this embodiment, the valve stem 1002 includes an internal fastener element (such as, for example, threads 1012) adjacent the end opposite the rim gasket 904. A tapered surface 1014 is adjacent the threads. In this embodiment, the core body 1018 includes a complementary slot that receives a conical seal 1028. The core body 1018 includes a fastening element, such as threads 1030, that cooperates with the threads 1012 to couple the core body 1018 to the valve stem 1002. The remainder of the core body 1018 is constructed in the same manner as the core body 918. It should be appreciated that the core body 1018 may be dimensionally different than the core body 918 to accommodate a Schrader configuration.

[0131] 21A-20G, an embodiment of a valve 1100 for use with a Dunlop type valve stem is shown. Valve 1200 is constructed similarly to valve 900, with a core body portion 1018 adapted to the configuration of a Dunlop type valve stem 1102. For the sake of brevity, only the differences between valve 900 and valve 1100 will be described. In this embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 21D, the valve stem 1102 includes a central passage 1110 that allows for fluid communication with a pressure vessel, such as a tubeless tire or inner tube 1108 (FIGS. 21F, 20G), for example.

[0132] In this embodiment, the valve stem 1102 includes only an external fastening element 1103 (e.g., threads, etc.). Within the central passage 1110, a conical surface 1114 is provided adjacent an opposite end of the rim gasket 904. In this embodiment, the core body 1018 includes a complementary slot that receives a conical seal 1128. The surface 1114 cooperates with the seal 1128 to provide an airtight seal between the central passage 1110 and the environment. It should be appreciated that in this embodiment, there are no internal fastening elements, so the core body 1118 simply rests within the central passage 1110. In this embodiment, a collar 1119 is provided to secure the core body 1118 to the valve stem 1102. The collar 1119 includes a hollow interior with a fastening element 1121 that engages and cooperates with the fastening element 1103. The collar 1119 further includes a coaxial opening through which the core body 1118 extends. The bottom of the inner portion engages a flange 1123 on the core body 1118 to hold the core body 1118 captured on the valve stem 1102.

[0133] The remainder of the core body 1018 is constructed in the same manner as the core body 918. It should be appreciated that the core body 1018 may be dimensionally different from the core body 918 to accommodate the Dunlop configuration. It should be appreciated that the valve 1100 can be used with a tubeless tire or inner tube 1108 (FIGS. 21F, 21G).

[0134] 22A-22H, an embodiment of a valve 1200 for a Presta-type valve stem is shown that is similar to valve 900. For the sake of brevity, only the differences between valve 900 and valve 1200 will be described. In this embodiment, the difference between valve 900 and valve 1200 is that a valve core assembly 1216 includes a cap member 1246 and a core body portion 1218 that are connected by fastening elements (e.g., screw threads 1280, 1282 on wall portion 1244 and valve portion 1226, respectively).

[0135] The remainder of the core body 1218 is constructed in the same manner as the core body 918. Additionally, other components remain the same, such as the sealing plug 938, the valve seat 954, and the biasing member 936. It should be appreciated that the valve 1200 can be used with a tubeless tire or inner tube 1208 (FIGS. 22G, 22H).

[0136] 23A-23H, an embodiment of a valve 1300 for a Schrader type valve stem is shown that is similar to valve 1000. For the sake of brevity, only the differences between valve 1000 and valve 1300 will be described. In this embodiment, the difference between valve 1000 and valve 1300 is that a valve core assembly 1316 includes a cap member 1346 and a core body portion 1318 that are connected by fastening elements (e.g., screw threads 1380, 1382 on wall portion 1344 and valve portion 1326, respectively).

[0137] The remainder of the core body 1318 is constructed in the same manner as the core body 1018. Additionally, other components also remain the same, such as the sealing plug 938, the valve seat 954, and the biasing member 936. It should be appreciated that the valve 1300 can be used with a tubeless tire or inner tube 1308 (FIGS. 23G, 23H).

[0138] 24A-24H, an embodiment of a valve 1400 for a Dunlop type valve stem is shown, which is similar to valve 1000. For the sake of brevity, only the differences between valve 1100 and valve 1400 will be described. In this embodiment, the difference between valve 1100 and valve 1400 is that a valve core assembly 1416 includes a cap member 1446 and a core body portion 1418 that are connected by fastening elements (e.g., screw threads 1480, 1482 on wall portion 1444 and valve portion 1426, respectively).

[0139] The remainder of the core body 1418 is constructed in the same manner as the core body 1118. Additionally, other components also remain the same, such as the sealing plug 938, the valve seat 954, and the biasing member 936. It should be appreciated that the valve 1400 can be used with a tubeless tire or inner tube 1408 (FIGS. 24G, 24H).

[0140] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be noted that terms such as "first", "second", "third", "upper" and "lower" may be used herein to modify various elements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated.

[0141] Various embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the associated drawings. Alternative embodiments of the present invention may be devised without departing from the scope of the present invention. Various connections and relationships (e.g., above, below, adjacent to, etc.) are described between elements in the following description and drawings. These connections and / or relationships may be direct or indirect unless otherwise specified, and the present invention is not intended to be limited in this respect. Thus, connections of entities may refer to either direct connections or indirect connections, and relationships between entities may be direct or indirect. Moreover, various tasks and process steps described herein may be combined into a more comprehensive procedure or process having additional steps or functionality not described in detail herein.

[0142] The following definitions and abbreviations will be used for interpreting the claims and the specification. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having," "contains," or "containing," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a composition, mixture, process, method, article, or device that includes a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such composition, mixture, process, method, article, or device.

[0143] Additionally, the term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. The terms "at least one" and "one or more" can be understood to include any integer number greater than or equal to one, i.e., 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. The term "plurality" can be understood to include any integer number greater than or equal to two, i.e., 2, 3, 4, 5, etc. The term "connected" can include both indirect and direct "connections."

[0144] The terms "about," "substantially," "approximately," and variations thereof are intended to include the degree of error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time of filing this application. For example, "about" can include a range of ±8%, 5%, or 2% of a given value.

[0145] The description of various embodiments of the present invention has been presented for illustrative purposes, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein has been chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications or technical improvements to the technology found in the market, or to enable those skilled in the art to understand the embodiments described herein.

[0146] Although the present disclosure is provided in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the present disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements not previously described but commensurate with the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it should be understood that an exemplary embodiment can include only some of the exemplary aspects described. Thus, the present disclosure should not be viewed as limited by the foregoing description, but only by the scope of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 100 Valve System 101 Valve stem 102 Central aisle 103 First end 104 Second end 105 Threaded part 106 Shoulder section 110 Valve Cap 111 Proximal end 112 Distal end 113 Circumferential concave surface 114 Pin Passage 115 Threaded part 116 Sealing Ring 116a Tri-point ball seat 117 Upper lip 120 Sealing material 125 Pressing member 126 Distal end 130 Valve Coupler 131 Coupler housing 132 Air supply source mounting member 133 First sealing ring 134 Second sealing ring 135 Air inlet passage 136 Threaded section 137 Central aisle 138 First Shoulder 139 Second Shoulder 140 Color 141 Ball bearings 142 Passage 150 pin sheet 151 Proximal end 152 Distal end 153 Thread cutting section 154 pin receiver 155 Connecting Passage 155a First Branch 155b Second Branch 156 Slots 157 pin receiver 160 Expansion Pin 161 Central aisle 162 First end 163 Second End 164 Entrance 165 Exit section 166 Leading Surface 170 Elastic Sleeve 199 Pressurizable Vessel 200 Valve System 201 Valve stem 203 Shoulder section 204 Upper end 205 threaded section, threaded receiver 206 Shoulder section 210 Valve cap 211 Lower end 212 Upper end 213 Circumferential concave surface 214 Pin Passage 215 Thread cutting section 216 Sealing Ring 217 Upper lip 218 seats 218a Tri-point seat 220 First sealing member, sealing rod 220a Tapered Plug 221 Second sealing member 225 Pressing member 228 Particulate Filter 265 Exit section 281 First Chamber 282 Second Chamber 283 Gasket 285 Dual Seal Valve Core 285b Lower Threaded Part 286 Ceiling Sheet 290 Washer 300 Valve Adapter System 301 Existing valve stem 310 Adapter Device 313 Circumferential concave surface 314 Pin Passage 315 threaded female receiver 316 Sealing Gasket 317 Upper lip 320 Internal shoulder 350 Schrader valve 352 Actuator pin 352a sealing plug 355 External Male Thread 356 Upper Rim 400 Valve Adapter System 401 Existing valve stem 402 Stem Connector 403 threaded female receiver 404 Upper Male Connector 405 Shoulder 406 Sealing Gasket 406a Recess 410 Adapter Device 411 Lower end 412 Distal end 413 Circumferential concave 414 Pin Passage 415 Threaded part 416 Sealing Ring 417 Upper lip 420 Sealing materials 425 Pressing member 450 conventional valve 450a conventional valve stem 455 external male thread 500 Valve Adapter System 501 valve stem adapter 502 stem connector 503 threaded female receiver 504 Upper Male Connector 505 Shoulder 506 Sealing Gasket 506a Recess 510 Adapter Cap 511 Proximal end 512 Distal end 513 Circumferential concave surface 514 Pin Passage 515 Thread cutting section 516 Sealing Ring 517 Upper lip 519 Engagement member 519a Engagement plate 519b Perforation 520 Sealing materials 525 Pressing member 550 Conventional Valve 550a conventional valve stem 555 External Male Thread 560 Expansion Pin 590 Operating pin 591 Plug 600 Valve Adapter System 601 Valve stem 610 Replacement Core 611 Valve Cap 614 Pin Passage 615 Pressing member 616 Sealing Ring 617 Sealing materials 617A Sealing pin structure 620 Proximal Male Connector, Proximal Lower End 621 Thread cutting section 625 Distal Male Connector, Distal Upper End 800 Adapter 801 Valve 802 Rim 804 Bicycle Tires 900 Valve 902 Stem 903 Thread 904 Rim Gasket 906 Fasteners 908 Inner Tube 910 Central aisle 912 Internal Thread 914 Sealing Surface 915 End 916 Valve core assembly 917 End opening 918 Core body 920 Sealing part 921 Aisle 922 Stem connection part 924 Middle part 926 Valve part 927 End opening 928 Seal 930 thread 932 Outer diameter 934 Shoulder 936 Spring 938 Sealing material 940 parts 942 Cap material 944 Thin wall section 945 Channels 946 Ring protrusion 948 Bore hole Features that link with 950 tools 952 Circumferential concave 954 Valve seat 956 lower part 958 Middle part 960 Pin part 962 Conical Surface 964 End 970 Pump Head 972 Air Supply Tube 974 Bearing 976 Elastic Sheath 978 Expansion Pin 1000 Valve 1002 Valve stem 1008 Tubeless tires, inner tubes 1010 Central aisle 1012 thread 1014 Tapered Surface 1018 Core body 1028 Cone Seal 1030 thread 1100 Valve 1102 Valve stem 1103 External fastening elements 1108 Tubeless tires, inner tubes 1110 Central aisle 1114 Conical Surface 1118 Core body 1119 Color 1121 Fastening elements 1123 Flange 1128 Cone Seal 1200 Valve 1208 Tubeless tires, inner tubes 1216 Valve core assembly 1218 Core body 1226 Valve part 1244 Wall 1246 Cap material 1280 screw thread 1282 screw thread 1300 Valve 1308 Tubeless tires, inner tubes 1316 Valve core assembly 1318 Core body 1326 Valve part 1344 Wall 1346 Cap member 1380 screw thread 1382 screw thread 1400 Valve 1408 Tubeless tires, inner tubes 1416 Valve core assembly 1418 Core body 1426 Valve part 1444 Wall 1446 Cap member 1480 screw thread 1482 screw thread

Claims

1. 1. A pneumatic valve for a tire having a stem fluidly connected to a pressure vessel, comprising: a core body configured to removably couple to the stem, the core body having an internal passageway in fluid communication with the stem; a cap member coupled to the core body, the cap member having a concave surface on an outer diameter and a bore hole extending from one end, the bore hole being in selective fluid communication with the internal passage, the cap member having an interior portion, the core body being at least partially disposed within the interior portion; a valve seat disposed within the inner portion between the core body and the cap member; a sealing plug movably disposed at least partially within the interior passage and at least partially within the bore hole; a biasing member disposed within the internal passage and configured to bias the sealing plug against the valve seat; pneumatic valves.

2. The pneumatic valve of claim 1 , wherein the cap member is connected to the core body portion by a press fit.

3. 3. The pneumatic valve of claim 2, wherein the cap member includes a wall disposed about the core body, the core body having a channel, the wall being at least partially disposed within the channel.

4. The pneumatic valve of claim 1 , wherein the cap member is connected to the core body portion by a fastener element.

5. 2. The pneumatic valve of claim 1, wherein the cap member includes a wall disposed at least partially around the core body, the wall having an outer diameter with surface roughness elements formed on the outer diameter.

6. The pneumatic valve of claim 5 , wherein the surface roughness elements include a plurality of ring protrusions or thread elements.

7. 2. The pneumatic valve of claim 1, wherein the sealing plug includes a pin portion that extends through the bore hole with a pin portion end offset from the end of the cap member when the sealing plug is in a closed position.

8. A bicycle tire, A pressure vessel; a valve stem sealingly connected to the pressure vessel, the valve stem having a central passage in fluid communication with the pressure vessel; A pneumatic valve; Including, The pneumatic valve is a core body removably coupled to the valve stem, the core body having an internal passageway in fluid communication with the central passageway; a cap member coupled to the core body, the cap member having a concave surface on an outer diameter and a bore hole extending from one end, the bore hole being in selective fluid communication with the internal passage, the cap member having an interior portion, the core body being at least partially disposed within the interior portion; a valve seat disposed within the inner portion between the core body and the cap member; a sealing plug movably disposed at least partially within the interior passage and at least partially within the bore hole; a biasing member disposed within the internal passage and configured to bias the sealing plug against the valve seat; Including bicycle tires.

9. 9. The bicycle tire according to claim 8, wherein said cap member is connected to said core body portion by press fitting.

10. 10. The bicycle tire of claim 9, wherein the cap member includes a wall disposed about the core body portion, the core body portion having a channel, the wall portion being at least partially disposed within the channel.

11. 9. The bicycle tire of claim 8, wherein said cap member is connected to said core body portion by a fastener element.

12. 9. The bicycle tire of claim 8, wherein the cap member includes a wall portion disposed at least partially about the core body portion, the wall portion having an outer diameter with surface roughness elements formed on the outer diameter.

13. The bicycle tire of claim 5 , wherein the surface roughness elements include a plurality of ring projections.

14. 6. The bicycle tire of claim 5, wherein said surface roughness elements are thread elements.

15. 9. The bicycle tire of claim 8, wherein the sealing plug includes a pin portion that extends through the bore hole with a pin portion end offset from the end of the cap member when the sealing plug is in a closed position.

16. 9. The bicycle tire of claim 8, wherein said valve stem is one of a Presta-type, a Schrader-type, or a Dunlop-type configuration.

17. 9. The bicycle tire of claim 8, wherein the pressure vessel is one of a tubeless tire or an inner tube connected to a rim.

18. 1. A pneumatic valve for a tire having a pressure vessel, comprising: a valve stem configured to couple to the pressure vessel, the valve stem having a central passage configured to be in fluid communication with the pressure vessel; a core body removably coupled to the valve stem, the core body having an internal passage in fluid communication with the valve stem; a cap member coupled to the core body, the cap member having a concave surface on an outer diameter and a bore hole extending from one end, the bore hole being in selective fluid communication with the internal passage, the cap member having an interior portion, the core body being at least partially disposed within the interior portion; a valve seat disposed within the inner portion between the core body and the cap member; a sealing plug movably disposed at least partially within the interior passage and at least partially within the bore hole; a biasing member disposed within the internal passage and configured to bias the sealing plug against the valve seat; pneumatic valves.

19. 10. The pneumatic valve of claim 1, further comprising a rim gasket coupled to an end of the valve stem opposite the cap member, the rim gasket configured to seal against at least a portion of the tire.

20. the cap member is connected to the core body by press fitting, the cap member further including a wall portion disposed around the core body; the core body further includes a channel, the wall being at least partially disposed within the channel; 20. The pneumatic valve of claim 18, wherein the wall further includes an outer diameter with surface roughness elements formed thereon.

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