A pump head for a pneumatic valve system

Abstract

A pump head for a pneumatic system is provided. The pump head including a head portion and an adapter with a main bore designed to receive a valve, the main bore providing alignment for the valve. The adapter is sealingly and removably coupled to the head portion. The pump also includes a plurality of holes in the adapter component circumscribing the main bore, each hole containing a spherical element biased inward by a biasing member. The spherical elements are configured to engage with a complementary groove on the valve to lock the valve in place. The pump head further includes an inflation pin coaxial with the main bore and sealingly fixed to the adapter. At least a portion of the plug is configured to be received into the inflation pin when the valve is received by the adapter.

Description

A PUMP HEAD FOR A PNEUMATIC VALVE SYSTEMRELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 651,477 filed on May 24, 2024, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a pneumatic valve system, such as those used with tube and tubeless bicycle tires, and methods of making and using the same. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to improvements to the pump head used in such systems, including improvements to the inflation pin of the pump head and the means for securing the pump head to a pneumatic valve.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Various pneumatic valves have been long used with pressurized tires, tubes, and other pressurized vessels. These pneumatic valves maintain an air tight seal with the pressurized vessel to regulate the air pressure therein. Additionally, these pneumatic valves operate under high pressure, increasing the risk that a seal is blown off, leaks, loosens, or is otherwise weakened. This is especially true when the pneumatic valve is connected to a pump head whereby the pressurized vessel is unsealed and resealed to be in fluid connection with an air source for further inflation.

[0004] During inflation, to prevent pressure loss, the pump head is quickly secured to the pneumatic valve, unsealing and resealing the pneumatic valve simultaneously or in quick succession. Additionally, the pump head is firmly secured to the pneumatic valve to prevent the pump head from becoming dislodged due to back pressure. Traditionally this is achieved by a friction grip which is engaged by actuating a lever on the pump head.

[0005] However, it can be difficult or awkward to attach the pump head to the pneumatic valve and actuate the securing lever while maintaining a reliable, airtight seal during inflation of the pressurized vessel. An improper seal may lead to leaks, drops in air pressure,or unreliable pressure readings which may in turn increase the time required to achieve the desired air pressure in the device.

[0006] In the context of bicycle and automotive tires this is especially problematic since a user will often need to be bent or hunched over near the tire to secure and monitor the connection with the pump head for prolonged periods of time.

[0007] Further, the pump head will be attached and released from a pneumatic valve hundreds, if not thousands, of times over the usable lifespan of a given pump head. Unlike legacy pump heads, this invention features an inflation pin that is inserted through an O-ring to create an airtight fluid seal. Traditional pump heads do not typically have inflation pins, which is a novelty of this invention. Traditional Schrader and Presta pump heads typically use a rubber gasket that grips the valve stem. When the lever at the back of the pump head is actuated, it pushes the rubber gasket forward, creating an airtight seal around the valve stem. Inside the pump head, a solid mechanism depresses the Schrader valve's spring-loaded pin or opens the Presta valve by pressing down on the valve stem, allowing air to flow into the tire. Releasing the lever allows the gasket to relax, breaking the seal and allowing the pump head to be removed from the valve stem.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to an aspect of the disclosure a pump head for a pneumatic system is provided. The pump head includes a head portion and an adapter with a main bore designed to receive a valve, the main bore providing alignment for the valve, the adapter is sealingly and removably coupled to the head portion. The pump head also includes a plurality of holes in the adapter component circumscribing the main bore, each hole containing a spherical element biased inward by a biasing member, wherein the spherical elements are configured to protrude into the main bore but are retained within the holes, the spherical elements designed to engage with a complementary groove on the valve to lock the valve in place. The pump head further includes an inflation pin coaxial with the main bore and sealingly fixed to the adapter, wherein the inflation pin includes an opening at its end and a crosshole positioned proximal to the opening to allow air flow around a plug of the valve. At least a portion of the plug is configured to be received into the inflation pin when the valve is received by the adapter.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure a pump head for a pneumatic system is provided. The pump head including a head portion and an adapter with a main bore designed to receive a valve, the main bore providing alignment for the valve, the adapter is sealingly and removably coupled to the head portion. The pump head further includes an inflation pin coaxial with the main bore and sealingly fixed to the adapter, wherein the inflation pin includes an opening at its end and a crosshole positioned proximal to the opening to allow air flow around a plug of the valve and a plurality of movable cantilevers integral with the adapter, each cantilever including a hemispherical protrusion that protrudes into the main bore, the hemispherical protrusions designed to engage with a complementary groove on the valve to lock the valve in place. The cantilevers resist outward movement and flexing to allow the valve to be received into the adapter. At least a portion of the plug is configured to be received into the inflation pin when the valve is received by the adapter

[0010] The above-described objects, advantages and features of the invention, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the several drawings described herein. Further benefits and other advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. l is a front view of an air source and pump head attached to a pneumatic valve of a pressure vessel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of a pump head and a disengaged adapter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pump head and a disengaged adapter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIGS. 4A-4C are perspective, front, and side views of an inflation pin according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a close up cross section view of an inflation pin according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross section view of a pump head with a ball bearing design and an overmolded inflation pin according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a cross section view of a pump head with a ball bearing design and a screw secured inflation pin according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 8 is a front cross section view of a pump head adapter with a ball bearing design and a screw secured inflation pin according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective cross section view of a pump head adapter with a ball bearing design and a screw secured inflation pin according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective cross section view of a pump head and detached adapter with a ball bearing design and a screw secured inflation pin according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 11 is a cross section view of a pump head with a ball bearing design attached to a pneumatic valve according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 12 is a cross section view of a pump head with a cantilever design and an overmolded inflation pin according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 13 is a cross section view of a pump head with a cantilever design and a screw secured inflation pin according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 14 is a cross section view of a pump head with a cantilever design and a back sealing screw according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a pump head adapter with a cantilever design without a biasing member according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 16 is a front view of a pump head adapter with a cantilever design without a biasing member removed according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 17 is a cross section view of a pump head adapter with a cantilever design without a biasing member removed according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of a pump head adapter with a cantilever design without a biasing member according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 19 is a cross section view of a pump head adapter with an overmolded inflation pin according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 20 is a cross section view of a pump head adapter with a thermal staked inflation pin according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 21 is a cross section view of a pump head adapter with a face sealed inflation pin according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 22 is a cross section view of a pump head adapter with an O-ring sealed inflation pin according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 23 is a cross section view of a pump head adapter with a compression fit inflation pin according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0034] FIG. 24 is a cross section view of a pump head adapter with a flare fitted inflation pin according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The present disclosure provides exemplary embodiments of a pump head and a pump head adapter and related methods of use thereof. The described pump head serves as an improved alternative to conventional pump heads known and used in the art for use with various types of pneumatic valves. The disclosed pump head and pump head adapter is designed to have backwards compatibility with existing valves and pump heads and various pump and pressurized gas source accessories. Accordingly, it is appreciated that variations inthe size, scale, or dimensions of the disclosed pump head to comport with known pneumatic valves and pump heads, e.g., Schrader, Presta, or Dunlap valves and pump heads, are contemplated herein and do not depart from the spirit of the disclosure.

[0036] Additionally, the valve design disclosed herein provides for ease of use and attachment to a pneumatic valve without the need for a clasp, latch, or other locking mechanism while maintaining a seal which reduces or prevents air leaks. Therefore, the present disclosure provides significant improvements in ease of use, reliability, and universal compatibility over known valves.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 1, shown is a pump head and pneumatic valve system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. A pump head 100 can be in fluid connection with an air source 200. The air source 200 may be a pump, a hand-pump, a compressor, an air tank, or another device capable of supplying pressurized air. The pump head 100 can be coupled to a pneumatic valve 300 which is in turn connected to a pressurized vessel 400. The pressurized vessel 400 may be a tire, a tube, or another container capable of receiving and retaining pressurized air.

[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 2-3, shown are views of the pump head 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the pump head 100 may include a head portion 101 and an adapter portion 103, with the head portion 101 being configured to be fluidly connected to the air source 200 and the adapter 103 being configured to be fluidly connected to the pneumatic valve 300. In some embodiments, an adapter O-ring 105 is disposed between the connection point of the adapter 103 and the head portion 101 to create an air tight seal when the adapter 103 is coupled to the head 101. In some embodiments, the adapter 103 is removable and replaceable and is sized and dimensioned to be coupled to pre-existing head portions 101. In some embodiments, a particular adapter 103 is configured for use with a given valve 300, for example, a Schrader, Presta, or Dunlap valve, and the adapter 103 can be switch out depending on the valve 300. In this way the same base head portion 101 of the pump head 100 may be used / adapted for used with various valve 300 configurations.

[0039] The pump head 100 may also include a clamp 104 or other means for securing a hose from the air source 200 to the pump head 100. The clamp 104 may be coupled, for example using a screw or press to fit type connection, to the head portion 101 to clamp orsecure a hose of the air source 200 to the pump head 100. The pump head 100 is configured to be easily disassembled and reassembled by an end used to be able to easily repair and replace or substitute a parts for a given application. For example, as discussed herein the adapter 103 can be substituted for use with different valves and the pump head 100 can be disconnected and reconnected to different air sources 200. In this way, a pump head 100 with different attachments can be used in wider range of applications and select parts can be replaced if damaged without having to replace the entire pump head 100 and / or the air source 200.

[0040] In some embodiments, the pump head 100 is a single unitary piece (shown in FIG. 14). In such embodiments, there may not be an adapter O-ring 105 since the head portion 101 and the adapter portion 103 are a unitary part.

[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-C and 5, shown are views of an inflation pin 500 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the inflation pin 500 is disposed in the pump head 100 or the adapter portion 103 (shown for example in FIGS. 6-11). The inflation pin 500 can have a body 501, an inlet 503 for receiving a gas, such as air, for example from the gas / air source 200, and an outlet 505 for supplying air, for example to the pneumatic valve 300 and the pressurized vessel 400. The inlet 503 and the outlet 505 being on opposite ends of the body 501. In some embodiments, the inflation pin 500 may also include one or more relief holes 507 adjacent or otherwise proximal to the outlet 505. The relief holes 507 may provide a supplemental fluid path for air to be delivered to the pneumatic valve 300 and the pressurized vessel 400. In some embodiments, the inflation pin 500 has two relief hole 507, the relief holes 507 being symmetrical opposing circles. It is appreciated that the size, shape, orientation, and number of relief holes 507 may vary as desired for a particular use case, provided the relief holes 507 are within the air tight seal created between the pump head 100, pneumatic valve 300, and pressurized vessel 400. In some embodiments, the relief holes 507 and the outlet 505 have rounded, beveled, or chamfered edges. The rounded, beveled, or chamfered edges of the relief holes 507 and the outlet 505 may prevent damage to an O-ring which the inflation pin 500 in inserted through, for example a sealing O-ring in the pneumatic valve, and may increase or facilitate air flow into the pneumatic valve 300 and the pressurized vessel 400.

[0042] In some embodiments, the radius of the outlet 505 may be between 0.100 mm to 0.310 mm. In some embodiments, the relief holes 507 may have a radius of between 0.100mm and 0.200 mm. In some embodiments, the relief holes 507 may have polished edges having no radius. In some embodiments, the relief holes 507 may be countersunk into the outer diameter of the body 501.

[0043] In some embodiments, the outlet 505 may be partially or fully blocked by a pin in the pneumatic valve 300. In such embodiments, most or all of the air being delivered to the pneumatic valve 300 and the pressurized vessel will flow through the relief holes 507. In this way the pump head 100 may be adapted for used with various types of pneumatic valve without the need to modification.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 6, shown is a pump head 100 with a ball bearing design and an overmolded inflation pin 500 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the inflation pin 500 has a lip 509 extending from the body 501 around the inlet 503. In some embodiments, the inflation pin 500 may be secured to the pump head 100 via an overmolded slot 107 in the adapter 103. In this way the inflation pin 500 may be permanently affixed to the adapter 103 with an air tight seal . During manufacturing the inflation pin 500 is inserted into the adapter 103, a portion of the adapter is then molded over the lip 509 creating overmolded slot 107 which secures the inflation pin 500 preventing the inflation pin 500 from moving. In some embodiments, the inflation pin 500 may be installed via alternative processes such as thermally staking, ultrasonic, or press fit, glue, adhesive, snap fit, or a nonthreaded backing ring. In some embodiments, the inflation pin 500 extends into the main bore 110 of the adapter 103.

[0045] In some embodiments, the pump head 100 may use a ball bearing locking mechanism. The adapter 103 may include one or more ball bearings 109 arranged around an inner circumference of the adapter 103 with a biasing member 111 biasing the ball bearings 109 toward the center of the adapter 103. The biasing member 111 may be an elastic band. The ball bearing 109 are seated in a respective bore in the adapter 103. The bore is sized and dimensioned to receive the ball bearing 109 in an outer diameter and hold the ball bearing 109 at least partially in the cavity adjacent to the inflation pin, as referred to as the main bore 110, but prevent the ball bearing 109 from passing through the bore. When the pump head 100 is coupled to the pneumatic valve 300 the ball bearings 109 are slotted into a circumferential groove in the outer circumference of the pneumatic valve 300 (shown in FIG. 11). The biasing member 111 creates a press fit friction hold between the ball bearings 109 and thecircumferential groove of the pneumatic valve to counter act back pressure from the pressurized vessel 400 and prevent the pump head 100 from being dislodged or blown off. The biasing member 111 provided tactile feedback to a user when being attached, whereby the ball bearing 109 are pressed against the biasing member when slotted over the lip of the valve into the circumferential groove (shown in FIG. 11). This configuration may also allow a user to quickly and reliable connect and disconnect the pump head 100 using one hand.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 6, the clamp 104 is coupled to the head portion 101 by a screw connection, although not limited thereto, around an inlet 106 of the head portion 101. In some embodiments the inlet 106 may have a flared configuration. A hose, tube, or other connection from the air source 200 may be fitted over the inlet 106. The clamp 104 is then coupled to the head portion 101 to secure the hose, tube, or other connection from the air source 200 to the inlet 106 and the therefore the pump head 100 with an air tight connection. In some embodiments a gasket 108 may be disposed in an interior portion of the clamp 104 to further secure the air tight connection between the hose, tube, or other connection from the air source 200 to the inlet 106. In this way, the pump head 100 can be removed and replaced, attached to another air source 200, or the hose, tube, or other connection may be replaced.

[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, shown are various view of a pump head 100 with a ball bearing design and a screw secured inflation pin 500 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the lip 509 of the inflation pin 500 may rest on an internal shoulder in the adapter 103. A hollow set screw 113 may then be tighten over the lip 509 securing the lip 509 between the hollow set screw 113 and the internal shoulder of the adapter 103. In some embodiments, the connection between the inflation pin 500 and the hollow set screw 113 does not need to be air tight. This is because the connection between the inflation pin 500 and the hollow set screw 113 is internal to the adapter 103 and the air tight connection between the adapter 103 and the head portion 101 prevent air from leaking out of the system. In some embodiments, the hollow set screw 113 holds the inflation pin 500 in place when biased against a sealing pin of the valve 300 (shown in FIG. 11). In the some embodiments, the ball bearing locking mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 7-10 may operate in the same or similar matter to the ball bearing locking mechanism discussed with reference to FIG. 6.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 11, shown is a pump head 100 with a ball bearing locking mechanism connected to a pneumatic valve 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiment, the pneumatic valve 300 may have a circumferential groove 301 near an inlet of the pneumatic valve 300, the circumferential groove 301 being sized and dimensioned to receive the locking mechanism of a given pump head 100, for example ball bearings 109. The pneumatic valve 300 may also include a valve O-ring 303, a pin 305, and a spring 307. The spring 307 may bias the sealing pin 305 against the valve O-ring 303 to create an air tight seal. In some embodiments, when the pump head 100 engages the pneumatic valve 300, the inflation pin 500 is inserted into the pneumatic valve 300, engaging and depressing the pin 305 against the spring 307, and passing through the valve O-ring 303. As the pump head 100 is pressed over the pneumatic valve 300, the ball bearings 109 are biased against the biasing member 111, eventually snapping into the circumferential groove 301.

[0049] In some embodiments, a portion of the pin 305 may be inserted into the outlet 505 when the pump head 100 is connected to the pneumatic valve 300. In this way the sealing pin 305 may be biased against the spring 307 with increased stability. However, at the same time the ping 305 may obstruct air flow through the outlet 505 and the majority of the air moving from the air source 200 to the pressurized vessel 400 may flow through the relief holes 507. In some embodiments, the outlet 505 and the relief holes 507 may have rounded edges to prevent or reduce damage and wear to the valve O-ring 303.

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 12, shown is a pump head 100 with a cantilever locking mechanism with an overmolded inflation pin according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the pump head 100 may use a cantilever locking mechanism including one or more cantilevers 115. Each cantilever having a movable end 117 and a fixed end 119. The movable end 117 of the cantilever 115 may be slotted into a circumferential groove in the pneumatic valve 300 when the pump head 100 is connected to the pneumatic valve 300, forming a press fit friction hold between the movable end 117 and the circumferential groove. In some embodiments, the movable end 117 is sized and dimensioned to snap or click into the circumferential groove of the pneumatic valve 300. In some embodiments, the movable end 117 is a hemisphere protruding into the main bore 110 and configured to couple with the circumferential groove of the calve 300. The material and length of the cantilever 115, i.e., the distance from the fixed end 119 to the movable end 117, may be adjusted to control the biasing force of the cantilever 115. For example, increasing the lengthof the cantilever 115 will make the movable end 117 more pliable reducing the biasing force at the movable end 117, while decreasing the length of the cantilever 115 will make the movable end more rigid and increase the biasing force at the movable end 117. Similarly, changing the material of the cantilever 115 to be more flexible, for example some plastics, will make the cantilever 115 more pliable and reduce the biasing force, while using a more rigid material, for example metal, will result in the cantilever 115 being less pliable / flexible and increase the biasing force.

[0051] In some embodiments, the cantilever 115 may be supplemented by a biasing member 111 to provide an additional biasing force. In such embodiments, it may be desirable for the movable end 117 to have a protrusion adjacent to the biasing member 111 to increase the biasing force imparted by the biasing member 111. In the some embodiments, inflation pin 500 illustrated in FIG. 12 may be secured to the adapter 103 in the same or similar matter as the inflation pin 500 discussed with reference to FIG. 6.

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 13, shown is a pump head 100 with a cantilever locking mechanism with a screw set inflation pin according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the cantilever locking mechanism illustrated in FIG. 13 may operate in the same or similar matter to the cantilever locking mechanism discussed with reference to FIG. 12. In the some embodiments, inflation pin 500 illustrated in FIG. 13 may be secured to the adapter 103 in the same or similar matter as the inflation pin 500 discussed with reference to FIG. 7.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 14, shown is a pump head 100 with a back sealing screw according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the pump head 100 may have on open back. In such embodiments, the pump head 100 may include a back sealing screw 121 with a sealing screw O-ring 123. The open back of the pump head 100 may provide an additional or alternate access to the interior of the pump head 100 and the inflation pin 500.

[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 15-18, shown are various views of the adapter 103 with a cantilever locking mechanism according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the adapter 103 may utilize four cantilevers 115 equally spaced about the circumference of the adapter 103. However, it is appreciated that there may be as many or asfew cantilevers 115 as necessary to achieve the desired strength of the press fit friction hold between the movable end 117 and the circumferential groove of the pneumatic valve 300. For example, pneumatic valves 300 used with higher pressure vessels 400 may involve including a stronger holding force between the pump head 100 and the pneumatic valve 300 to prevent the pump head from being dislodged or blown off.

[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 19-24, shown are various methods of securing the inflation pin 500 to the pump head 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, methods of securing the inflation pin 500 to the pump head 100 include, but are not limited to, overmolding, thermal staking, using a hollow set screw, using a modified hollow set screw with an O-ring, a compression fitting with a ferrule, and a flared tube fitting. Additionally, further methods of securing the inflation pin 500 to the pump head 100 are contemplated such as ultrasonic installation, press fit, glue, adhesive, snap fit, and nonthreaded backing ring.

[0056] FIG. 19 shows an overmolded inflation pin 500. As discussed herein, the inflation pin 500 is overmolded and formed integrally with the adapter 103 during the manufacturing process.

[0057] FIG. 20 shows a thermal staked or ultrasonic installed inflation pin 500. Once the inflation pin 500 is inserted into the adapter 103, a piece of melted plastic 510 or another material is applied over the lip 509 to secure the inflation pin to the adapter 103.

[0058] FIG. 21 shows an inflation pin 500 secured with a hollow set screw 113. As discussed herein, the inflation pin 500 is secured to the adapter 103 using a hollow set screw 113 pinning the lip 509 against an interior surface of the adapter 103. In some embodiments, a sealant may be applied to the threads of the hollow set screw 113 to provide a tighter or more permanent seal between the inflation pin 500, the adapter 103 and the hollow set screw 113.

[0059] FIG. 22 shows an inflation pin 500 secured with a hollow set screw 113 and an O-ring 512. In some embodiments, the hollow set screw 113 may have an angled surface adjacent or proximal to the lip 509. An O-ring 512 may be positioned between or partially between the hollow set screw 113 and the inflation pin 500. In such embodiments, the connection between the inflation pin 500, the adapter 103 and the hollow set screw 113 maybe air tight. In some embodiments, the O-ring 512 may act as a pliable biasing force to hold the inflation pin 500 in place even as the hollow set screw 113 is loosened over time as the pump head 100 is attached and detached from a valve 300.

[0060] FIG. 23 shows a compression fit inflation pin 500. A ferrule 514 may be fit around inflation pin 500 under the lip 509 opposite the hollow set screw 113. As the hollow set screw 113 is tightened against the lip 509 the ferrule 514 creates a compression tight fitting between the inflation pin 500, the adapter 103 and the hollow set screw 113.

[0061] FIG. 24 shows a compression fit inflation pin 500 with an angled ferrule. In some embodiments the lip 509, the ferrule 514, and the hollow set screw 113 may be complimentarily angled. In this way, when the hollow set screw 113 is compressed against the inflation pin 500, the lip 509 is form pressed between the ferrule 514 and the hollow set screw 113 which may create a tighter and / or more secure seal.

[0062] As discussed herein, the disclosed embodiments of the pump head may be incorporated into a system for providing a gas, such as air for example, to a pressure vessel, such as a pneumatic tire. In embodiments, the system may include a gas source that is configured to provide a pressurized gas to the pump head. The gas source may include a motorized pump, a hand or manually activated pump, a cylinder / tank of compressed gas, or a conduit through which a pressurized gas flows. In some embodiments, the pump head may be connected to the gas source by a flexible conduit or hose.

[0063] It should be appreciated that while embodiments herein may refer to the various components as being made from a metal material or another material, this is for exemplary purposes and the disclosure should not be so limited. In other embodiment, the various components disclosed herein may be fabricated by injection molding or additive manufacturing with a plastic and / or composite material, or a combination thereof.

[0064] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the 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 will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features,integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and / or groups thereof.

[0065] The terms “exemplary” and “alternate” are used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” or “alternate” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. The term “connection” can include an indirect “connection” and a direct “connection.” It should also be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, “upper”, “lower”, and the like 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.

[0066] While the disclosure is provided in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that the exemplary embodiment(s) may include only some of the described exemplary aspects. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 1 December 2025 (01.12.205)1. A pump head for a pneumatic system, comprising: a head portion; an adapter with a main bore designed to receive a valve, the main bore providing alignment for the valve, the adapter is sealingly and removably coupled to the head portion; a plurality of holes in the adapter component circumscribing the main bore, each hole containing a spherical element biased inward by a biasing member, wherein the spherical elements are configured to protrude into the main bore but are retained within the holes, the spherical elements designed to engage with a complementary groove on the valve to lock the valve in place; and an inflation pin coaxial with the main bore and sealingly fixed to the adapter, wherein the inflation pin includes an opening at its end and a crosshole positioned proximal to the opening to allow air flow around a plug of the valve; wherein at least a portion of the plug is configured to be received into the inflation pin when the valve is received by the adapter.

2. The pump head of claim 1, wherein the inflation pin is fixed to the adapter component by overmolding.

3. The pump head of claim 1, wherein the inflation pin is fixed to the adapter component by a set screw.

4. The pump head of claim 1, wherein the inflation pin is fixed to the adapter component by thermal staking.

5. The pump head of claim 1, wherein the inflation pin is fixed to the adapter component by press fitting.

6. The pump head of claim 1, wherein the head portion is coupled to a pump hose perpendicular to the adapter.

7. The pump head of claim 1, wherein the head portion is coupled to a pump hose perpendicular in line with the adapter8. The pump head of claim 1, wherein the adapter includes a Schrader thread, allowing the adapter to work with Schrader accessories such as mini pumps, CO2 injectors, or legacy pump heads.9: A pump head for a pneumatic system, comprising: a head portion; an adapter with a main bore designed to receive a valve, the main bore providing alignment for the valve, the adapter is sealingly and removably coupled to the head portion; an inflation pin coaxial with the main bore and sealingly fixed to the adapter, wherein the inflation pin includes an opening at its end and a crosshole positioned proximal to the opening to allow air flow around a plug of the valve; one or more movable cantilevers integral with the adapter, each cantilever including a movable end and a fixed end, the movable end is designed to engage with a complementary groove on the valve to lock the valve in place; wherein the cantilevers resist outward movement and flexing to allow the valve to be received into the adapter; wherein at least a portion of the plug is configured to be received into the inflation pin when the valve is received by the adapter10. The pump head of claim 9, wherein the cantilevers are biased inward by biasing member.

11. The pump head of claim 9, wherein the movable end of each cantilever defines a hemispherical protrusion that is configured to engage with the complementary groove on the valve.

12. The pump head of claim 9, wherein the inflation pin is fixed to the adapter by overmolding.

13. The pump head of claim 9, wherein the inflation pin is fixed to the adapter by a set screw.

14. The pump head of claim 9, wherein the inflation pin is fixed to the adapter by thermal staking.

15. The pump head of claim 9, wherein the inflation pin is fixed to the adapter by press fitting.

16. The pump head of claim 9, wherein the head portion is coupled to a pump hose perpendicular to the adapter.

17. The pump head of claim 9, wherein the head portion is coupled to a pump hose perpendicular in line with the adapter18. The pump head of claim 9, wherein the adapter includes a Schrader thread, allowing the adapter to work with Schrader accessories such as mini pumps, CO2 injectors, or legacy pump heads.

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