A pump head for a pneumatic valve system

Abstract

A pump head for a. pneumatic system and a. system for providing compressed gas is provided. The pump head includes an adapter portion with a first opening sized to receive a valve having a. semi-circular slot, the adapter portion having a slot. An inflation pin is provided that is, coaxial with the first opening and is sealingly fixed to the adapter component, wherein the inflation pin includes a second opening at its end and one of either a crosshole or a plurality of cuts, allowing air flow through the inflation pin. An O-ring member is disposed in the slot and arranged to engage the semi-circular slot when the adapter portion is position on the valve.

Description

A PUMP HEAD FOR A PNEUMATIC VALVE SYSTEM CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is related to commonly owned United States Provisional Application 63 / 665309 entitled “A pump head for a pneumatic valve” filed on June 28, 2024, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. 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.

[0008] Accordingly, while existing pump heads are suitable for their intended purposes the need for improvement remains, particularly having a pump head with the features described herein. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to an aspect of the disclosure a pump head for a pneumatic system is provided. The pump head includes an adapter portion with a first opening sized to receive a valve having a semi-circular slot, the adapter portion having a slot. An inflation pin is provided that is, coaxial with the first opening and is sealingly fixed to the adapter component, wherein the inflation pin includes a second opening at its end and one of either a crosshole or a plurality of cuts, allowing air flow through the inflation pin. An O-ring member is disposed in the slot and arranged to engage the semi-circular slot when the adapter portion is position on the valve.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the pump head may include the slot being arranged in the first opening.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the pump head may include the O-ring member being disposed internal to the first opening.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the pump head may include the slot extending about an outer periphery of the adapter portion.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the pump head may include the slot intersecting the first opening to define at least one third opening therebetween.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the pump head may include a portion of the O-ring extends through the at least one third opening.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the pump head may include the opening having a racetrack shape in a plane perpendicular to a central axis of the first opening.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the pump head may include a head portion operably coupled to the adapter portion.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the pump head may include the adapter portion being removably coupled to the head portion.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the pump head may include the adapter portion and head portion being formed from a single unitary member.

[0019] According to an aspect of the disclosure a system for providing a compressed gas is provided. The system includes one or more of the elements described herein above an a gas source fluidly coupled to the pump head, the gas source being configured to provide a pressurized gas.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include the gas source being one of an electrically power pump, a hand pump, a manual pump, a cylinder of compressed gas, or a tank of compressed gas.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include a pressure vessel and the valve fluidly coupled to the pressure vessel.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include the pressure vessel being one of an inner tube or a tubeless tire.

[0023] 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

[0024] FIG.1 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;

[0025] FIG. 2 is a side view of a pump head and an adapter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG.3 is a perspective view of a pump head and an adapter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG.4 is a perspective, front and side view of an inflation pin according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG.5 is a perspective disassembled view of the pump head of FIG.2 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG.6A – 6D are various views of an inflation pin for use with the pump head of FIG.2 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG.7 is a size sectional view of the pump head of FIG.2 coupled to a valve member according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 8A is a side sectional view of a pump head having a banded locking member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG.8B is a front sectional view of a pump head of FIG.8A according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 9 is a perspective disassembled view of the pump head of FIG. 8A according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG.10 is a bottom sectional view of the pump head of FIG. 8A according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0035] FIG.11A and FIG.11B are sectional views of pump head of FIG.8A coupled to a valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] 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. Accordingly, it is appreciated that variations in the size, scale, or dimensions of the disclosed pump head to comport with known pneumatic valves andpump heads, e.g., Schrader, Presta, or Dunlap valves and pump heads, are contemplated herein and do not depart from the spirit of the disclosure.

[0037] 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 in some embodiments universal compatibility over known valves.

[0038] 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.

[0039] In an embodiment, the pneumatic valve 300 may be similar or the same as the pneumatic valve shown and described in commonly owned United States Patent Publications 2023 / 0184346, 2023 / 0243435, 2023 / 0211637, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0040] Referring now to FIGS.2-5, 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 and used with pre-existing head portions 101. In some embodiments, the pump head 100 is a single unitary piece. 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] In an embodiment, the adapter portion 103 includes a central bore 110 that is sized to receive an inflation pin 112. The configuration of the inflation pin 112 will be discussed in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 6A-6D. The inflation pin 112 may be coupled to the adapter portion 103 using any known coupling, such as but not limited to a press fit, adhesive bonding, mechanical fasteners, or a combination of the foregoing for example. The adapter portion further includes an opening 114 that is sized to receive the pneumatic valve 300. Within the opening 114 is a slot 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the inflation pin 112 extends into the opening 114 and the slot 116 is positioned about the inflation pin 112.

[0042] Disposed within the slot 116 is an O-ring 118. As shown in FIG. 7, when inserted onto the pneumatic valve 300, the O-ring 118 expands into the locking channel 120 of the valve. The O-ring 118 is positioned within the groove, undercut, or slot 116 within the opening 114. When the valve 300 is inserted into the opening 114, the O-ring 118 initially compresses as the valve passes through it. As the valve 300 reaches its final position, the O- ring expands outward into the radial groove 120 on the valve. The slot 116 provides a defined space for the O-ring 118, allowing the O-ring 118 to flex and expand into the slot 116, ensuring a desired level of pressure and a reliable seal around the valve 300.

[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6D, show 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. 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 pin500 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.

[0044] 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 0.100 mm 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 8A – 10, another embodiment of a pump head 800 is shown. In this embodiment, the pump head 800 includes a head portion 801 and an adapter portion 803. An O-ring or seal 805 may be disposed between the head portion 801 and the adapter portion 803 In this embodiment, the adapter portion 803 includes an central bore 810 that is fluidly connected to an opening 814 by the inflation pin 500 in a similar manner as described above with respect to FIGS. 2-5. In this embodiment, the adapter portion 803 includes a slot 822 that extends about an outer periphery of the adapter portion 803. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 822 at least partially intersects with the opening 814 along two opposing sides (FIG.8B). The intersection of the slot 822 with the opening 814 provides an opening 823 therebetween.

[0047] Disposed within the slot 822 is an elastic member or O-ring 824. In this embodiment, the O-ring 824 is installed in the slot 822 about outside of the adapter portion 803. In an embodiment, when the O-ring 824 is in a relaxed or unassembled state, the O-ring used is shaped with a standard circular cross-section ring. However, when installed on the adapter portion 803, it is stretched to form an elongated loop with parallel sides and rounded ends, resembling a racetrack. The O-ring is positioned such that its parallel sides align with the slotted openings in the bore. It should be appreciated that when the O-ring 824 is installed onthe adapter portion 803, a portion of the O-ring extends through the openings 823 into the opening 814.

[0048] As shown in FIG.11A and FIG.11B, in operation when the valve 300 is inserted into the pump head 800, initially the parallel sides of the O-ring 824 are compressed inward through the openings 823. As the valve 300 progresses further into the bore, the portions of the O-ring 824 that are positioned within the opening 814 are pushed out of the openings 823 and then move back under the elasticity of the material the O-ring is made from and into the radial groove 820 on the valve 300.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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 14 November 2025 (14.11.2025)1. A pump head for a pneumatic system, comprising: an adapter portion with a first opening sized to receive a valve having a semicircular slot; an inflation pin, coaxial with the first opening and operably coupled to the adapter component, wherein the inflation pin includes a second opening at its end and one of either a crosshole or a plurality of cuts, allowing air flow through the inflation pin; and an O-ring member disposed in the first opening and arranged to engage the semi-circular slot when the adapter portion is position on the valve.

2. The pump head of claim 1, wherein the adapter portion includes a slot, the slot is arranged in the first opening.

4. The pump head of claim 2, wherein the slot extends about an outer periphery of the adapter portion.

5. The pump head of claim 4, wherein the slot intersects the first opening to define at least one third opening therebetween.

6. The pump head of claim 5, wherein a portion of the O-ring extends through the at least one third opening.

7. The pump head of claim 2, wherein the slot has a racetrack shape in a plane perpendicular to a central axis of the first opening.

8. The pump head of claim 1, further comprising a head portion operably coupled to the adapter portion.

9. The pump head of claim 8, wherein the adapter portion is removably coupled to the head portion10. The pump head of claim 8, wherein the adapter portion and head portion are formed from a single unitary member.

11. A system for providing a compressed gas comprising: a pump head as described in one of claims 1-2 and 4-10; and a gas source fluidly coupled to the pump head, the gas source being configured to provide a pressurized gas.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the gas source is one of an electrically power pump, a hand pump, a manual pump, a cylinder of compressed gas, or a tank of compressed gas.

13. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a pressure vessel; and the valve fluidly coupled to the pressure vessel.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the pressure vessel is one of an inner tube or a tubeless tire.

15. The pump head of claim 1, wherein the O ring member is positioned within a groove, undercut, or slot in the first opening, the groove, undercut, or slot defining a space that allows the O-ring to flex to expand into the semi-circular slot in a final position coupled to the valve.

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