Enhanced airflow valve stem adapter with wide bore and replaceable tire sealant filter

Abstract

A valve adapter for enhanced airflow is provided. The valve adapter including a body having a hollow passage extending there through, the hollow passage having a first diameter. The valve adapter also including a valve extension extending from a first end of the hollow passage, the valve extension being sized and dimensioned to couple a valve, the valve extension being hollow having a second diameter. The valve adapter further including a stem extension extending from a second end of the hollow passage opposition the valve extension, the stem extension being sized and dimensioned to couple with a stem, the stem extension being hollow having a third diameter. The first diameter of the hollow passage being greater than the second diameter of the valve extension and the third diameter of the stem extension.

Description

ENHANCED AIRFLOW VALVE STEM ADAPTER WITH WIDE BORE AND REPLACEABLE TIRE SEALANT FILTERRELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 677,866 filed on July 31, 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 design / system which has a wide bore for enhanced air flow there through. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to improvements in pneumatic valve systems which can be adapted for use with preexisting valve systems to provide enhanced airflow for use with a tire sealant filter. The adaptable wide bore valve stem may be used with tube and tubeless tires.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Various pneumatic values have been long used to regulate pressurized air in tires, tubes, and other pressurized structures. Pneumatic values known in the art include the Schrader (also referred to as an American valve), Presta (also referred to as a French or Sclaverland valve), and Dunlop (also referred to as a Woods, English, or Blitz valve) valves, among others. These valves have been widely adopted in various industries notably tires, including, tube and tubeless tires in bicycle and automotive applications.

[0004] These values are used with standard sized stems leading to the tire or pressurized volume being inflated. The standardized size stems offer advantage in compatibility with different types of valves but due to their narrow bore restrict airflow during inflation. This can lead to increased inflation times which can be particularly detrimental in race scenarios, e.g., bicycle racing, and is exacerbated when inflating. With the rise of electric bicycles, thicker tires are becoming more prevalent which require more air, and consequently more time, to inflate.

[0005] Furthermore in the context of tubeless tires, an initial threshold pressure is require to adhere the tire to the rim during inflation. Until this threshold pressure is reached the tire creates an imperfect seal allowing air to escape - again increasing inflation time. If a user is unable to inflate their tubeless tire fast enough, due to physical limitations or fatigue, the tire may not seal to the rim preventing the user from being able to inflate the tire at all.

[0006] Additionally, tubeless tires often utilize tire sealant to help create a seal between the tubeless tire and the rim. This sealant may flow back up the valve stem and become lodged in the valve reducing the air flow through the valve or even sealing the valve shut. To counter act this a filter may be used to catch tire sealant before it becomes lodged in the valve; however, such filters add a further restriction to the airflow to the tire and may become clogged or fouled with the sealant over time.

[0007] Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved pneumatic valves and pneumatic valve adapters which enhance airflow and include the features described herein.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to an aspect of the disclosure a valve adapter for enhanced airflow is provided. The valve adapter including a body having a hollow passage extending therethrough, the hollow passage having a first diameter. The valve adapter also including a valve extension extending from a first end of the hollow passage, the valve extension being sized and dimensioned to couple a valve, the valve extension being hollow having a second diameter. The valve adapter further including a stem extension extending from a second end of the hollow passage opposition the valve extension, the stem extension being sized and dimensioned to couple with a stem, the stem extension being hollow having a third diameter. The first diameter of the hollow passage being greater than the second diameter of the valve extension and the third diameter of the stem extension.

[0009] According to another aspect of the disclosure a valve adapter for enhanced airflow is provided. The valve adapter including a body having a hollow passage extending therethrough, the hollow passage having a first diameter. The valve adapter also including a valve extension extending from a first end of the hollow passage, the valve extension being sized and dimensioned to couple a valve, the valve extension being hollow having a seconddiameter. The valve adapter further including a stem extension extending from a second end of the hollow passage opposition the valve extension, the stem extension being sized and dimensioned to couple with a stem, the stem extension being hollow having a third diameter. The first diameter of the hollow passage being greater than the second diameter of the valve extension. The body, the valve extension, and the stem extension are a unitary piece.

[0010] According to further aspect of the disclosure a pneumatic valve system is provided. The pneumatic valve system includes a valve having valve body with a passage therethrough. The passage having a first portion of a constant diameter from a proximal end, the first portion extending substantially the length of the valve body, and a second portion extending from the first portion to a distal end of the valve body. The valve also has a plug disposed through the passage and extending out of the proximal end of the valve body and the distal end of the valve body and a circumferential seal attached to a portion of the plug extending out of the distal end of the valve body. The valve further includes a spring disposed in the passage and around at least part of the plug, the spring biasing the plug into a first position. When the plug is in the first position the circumferential seal seals the distal end of the valve body. When the plug is in a second position the distal end of the valve body is unsealed. The pneumatic valve system also includes a valve stem and a valve adapter coupled to the valve and the valve stem. The valve adapter includes a body having a hollow passage extending therethrough. The hollow passage having a first diameter. A valve extension extends from a first end of the hollow passage, and is sized and dimensioned to couple to a valve. The valve extension being hollow having a second diameter. A stem extension extends from a second end of the hollow passage opposition the valve extension. The stem extension is sized and dimensioned to couple with a stem, the stem extension being hollow having a third diameter. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter and the third diameter.

[0011] 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

[0012] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein.

[0013] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a pneumatic valve in a first position in accordance with an embodiment;

[0014] FIGS. 1B-1G show various views of FIG. 1 A;

[0015] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a pneumatic valve in a first position in accordance with an alternant embodiment;

[0016] FIGS. 2B-2E show various views of FIG. 2A;

[0017] FIGS. 3A-3B are a cross section views of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter having a filter, a dual seal, and an internal stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0018] FIGS. 4A-4C are front, side, and perspective views of a wide bore adapter having a filter, a dual seal, and an internal stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0019] FIGS. 5A-5C are front, side, and perspective views of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter having a filter, a dual seal, and an internal stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross section view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter having a filter, a dual seal, and an internal stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0021] FIGS. 7A-7C are front, side, and perspective views of a wide bore adapter having a filter, a dual seal, and an internal stem connection connected to a valve in accordance with an embodiment;

[0022] FIGS. 8A-8B are front and side views of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter having a filter, a dual seal, and an internal stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0023] FIGS. 9A-9B are front and side views of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter having a filter, a dual seal, and an internal stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0024] FIGS. 10A-10B are a front and a cross section view of a wide bore adapter with a unitary body and an internal stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0025] FIGS. 11A-11B are a front and top down views of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter with a unitary body and an internal stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0026] FIGS. 12A-12B are front and bottom up views of a wide bore adapter with a unitary body and an internal stem connection connected to a valve in accordance with an embodiment;

[0027] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a wide bore adapter with a unitary body and an internal stem connection connected to a valve detached from the stem in accordance with an embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 14 is a cross section view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter having a unitary body and an internal stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 15 is a disassembled view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter having a unitary body and an internal stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0030] FIGS. 16A-16B are a front and top down views of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter having a unitary body and an external stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0031] FIGS. 17A-17B are front and bottom up views of a wide bore adapter having a unitary body and an external stem connection connected to a valve in accordance with an embodiment;

[0032] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a wide bore adapter having a unitary body and an external stem connection connected to a valve detached from the stem in accordance with an embodiment;

[0033] FIG. 19 is a cross section view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter having a unitary body and an external stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0034] FIG. 20 is a disassembled view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter having a unitary body and an external stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0035] FIGS. 21A-21B are a front and top down views of a pneumatic valve system with a filter, a single seal, and an internal stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0036] FIGS. 22A-22B are front and bottom up views of a wide bore adapter having a filter, a single seal, and an internal stem connection connected to a valve in accordance with an embodiment;

[0037] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a wide bore adapter having a filter, a single seal, and an internal stem connection connected to a valve detached from the stem in accordance with an embodiment;

[0038] FIG. 24 is a cross section view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter having a filter, a single seal, and an internal stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0039] FIG. 25 is a disassembled view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter having a filter, a single seal, and an internal stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0040] FIGS. 26A-26B are a front and top down views of a pneumatic valve system with a filter, a single seal, and an external stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0041] FIGS. 27A-27B are front and bottom up views of a wide bore adapter having a filter, a single seal, and an external stem connection connected to a valve in accordance with an embodiment;

[0042] FIG. 28 is a cross section view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter having a filter, a single seal, and an external stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0043] FIG. 29 is a disassembled view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter having a filter, a single seal, and an external stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0044] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a filter for use with a wide bore adapter in accordance with an embodiment;

[0045] FIGS. 31A-31B are a front and top down views of a pneumatic valve system with a filter, a dual seal, and an internal stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0046] FIGS. 32A-32B are front and bottom up views of a wide bore adapter having a filter, a dual seal, and an internal stem connection connected to a valve in accordance with an embodiment;

[0047] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a wide bore adapter having a filter, a dual seal, and an internal stem connection connected to a valve detached from the stem in accordance with an embodiment;

[0048] FIG. 34 is a cross section view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter having a filter, a dual seal, and an internal stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0049] FIG. 35 is a disassembled view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter having a filter, a dual seal, and an internal stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0050] FIGS. 36A-36B are a front and top down views of a pneumatic valve system with a filter, a dual seal, and an external stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0051] FIGS. 37A-37B are front and bottom up views of a wide bore adapter having a filter, a dual seal, and an external stem connection connected to a valve in accordance with an embodiment;

[0052] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a wide bore adapter having a filter, a dual seal, and an external stem connection connected to a valve detached from the stem in accordance with an embodiment;

[0053] FIG. 39 is a cross section view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter having a filter, a dual seal, and an external stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0054] FIG. 40 is a disassembled view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter having a filter, a dual seal, and an external stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0055] FIGS. 41A-41B are a front and top down views of a pneumatic valve system with a filter, a single seal, and an external stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0056] FIGS. 42A-42B are front and bottom up views of a wide bore adapter having a filter, a single seal, and an external stem connection connected to a valve in accordance with an embodiment;

[0057] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a wide bore adapter having a filter, a single seal, and an external stem connection connected to a valve detached from the stem in accordance with an embodiment;

[0058] FIG. 44 is a cross section view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter having a filter, a single seal, and an external stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0059] FIG. 45 is a disassembled view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter having a filter, a single seal, and an external stem connection in accordance with an embodiment;

[0060] FIGS. 46A-46B are a front and cross section views of a wide bore adapter with a Presta valve in accordance with an embodiment.

[0061] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. Although specific features of various examples may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. Any feature of any drawing may be referenced or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] The following detailed description and examples set forth preferred materials, components, and procedures used in accordance with the present disclosure. This description and these examples, however, are provided by way of illustration only, and nothing therein shall be deemed to be a limitation upon the overall scope of the present disclosure, like .

[0063] The present disclosure provides exemplary embodiments of a pneumatic valve system including a valve, a wide bore adapter and valve stem. The described valve system serves as an improved alternative to conventional pneumatic valves known and used in the artfor both tube and tubeless tires. The disclosed valve system and adapter are designed to have backwards compatibility with existing valves and pump heads. Accordingly, it is appreciated that variations in the size, scale, or dimensions of the disclosed valve may vary to comport with known pneumatic valves and pump heads, e.g., Schrader, Presta, or Dunlop valves and pump heads, are contemplated herein. Accordingly, it is expressly within the scope of the present disclosure that the embodiments and teachings described herein are applicable to and may be adapted for use as or with any known pneumatic valves and pump heads, including but not limited to Schrader, Presta, and Dunlop valves and pump heads. Any dimensions provided in the figures or the specification are for illustration purposes, are non-limiting, and are to be construed as exemplary embodiments.

[0064] Additionally, the wide bore adapter design disclosed herein provides for enhanced airflow which facilitates use with a tire sealant filter or tubeless tires. The wide bore allows for enhanced airflow which may blow / flow sealant which has traveled up the valve stem and is caught in the filter back into the tire. Further, the increased airflow facilitates the tire to become locked into place in the rim of a tubeless tire creating an air tight seal during an installation or repair process. It should be appreciated that if sufficient air pressure and volume in the tire is not achieved in the initial inflation stage, a seal between the tire and the rim may not be formed, as a result either the tire will not hold pressure or the air will gradually leak out of the tire. Therefore, the present disclosure provides significant improvements in functionality over known valves.

[0065] The following discussion of FIGS. 1A-1F and 2A-2E relate to a pneumatic valve which may be used with a wide bore enhanced airflow adapter discussed herein.

[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1F, shown is a pneumatic valve 100 according to an embodiment. The valve 100 may have a generally cylindrical and hollow body 101 with varying diameter geometry along the length of the body 101 having an inlet or first end 126 and an outlet or second end 130. The first end 126 may receive at least a portion of a pump head and the second end 130 may be disposed in a valve stem or adapter for discharging air into an inflatable structure. In an embodiment one or both of the first end 126 and the second end 130 may be beveled, chamfered, or otherwise angled. The body 101 may include a groove 102, knurling 104, flat grip 106, and threading 108 on the body 101 and a valve gasket 110 disposed around the body 101 near or adjacent to the second end 130. The groove102 may be a concave grove about the circumference of the body 101 and may be adapted to receive an O-ring. The knurling 104 and flat grip 106 may provide the user superior handling of the valve when attaching / securing the pump head or the valve stem.

[0067] The valve 100 may also have an passage 124 disposed though the body 101 between the first end 126 and the second end 130. The passage 124 may include an outlet portion 128 near or adjacent to the second end 130. The outlet portion 128 may have a smaller diameter than the passage 124 defining a first shoulder 120 where the passage 124 and outlet portion 128 meet. The passage 124 may also include an O-ring 132 therein, whereby the passage 124 has a grove in the inner diameter of the passage 124 which receives at least a part of the O-ring 132.

[0068] A plug 112 may be disposed through the passage 124 and portions of the plug 112 may extend out of the body 101 through the first end 126 and the second end 130. The plug 112 may have a head 115 having a generally T-shape defining a second shoulder 122. As illustrated in FIGS. IE and 1G, the length of the head 115 may be generally equal to the diameter of the passage 124 with spaces 134 on either side of the head 115 allowing for air to pass into the passage 124. The plug 112 may have a pin 116 extending out from the head 115. In an embodiment the head 115 is located below the O-ring 132 opposite the first end 126 and the pin 116 extends though the O-ring 132 and is partially exposed out of the first end 126. The plug 112 may include a plug gasket 114 disposed around a portion or end of the plug 112 opposite the head 115 and the pin 116. The plug gasket 114 may be sized to, in combination with the plug 112, have a diameter greater than the diameter of the outlet portion 128.

[0069] The passage 124 may also house a constant force spring 118 therein. In an embodiment, the spring 118 is a compression spring. Opposing ends of the spring 118 may rest on the shoulders 120, 122 and apply a biasing force on the plug 112 via the second should 122. The spring 118 may bias the valve 100 and plug 112 into a first position (also referred to as a closed or disengaged position). In an embodiment it may be desirable to use a spring 118 with similar load values to known valves when in the first position and the second position (also referred to as an open or engaged position). This may in turn provide a user a similar feel when engaging and disengaging the pump and provide greater backwards compatibility with preexisting systems.

[0070] In an exemplary non-limiting embodiment the spring 118 exerts a load of 0.27 lbs (1.2 Ns) when in the first position and a load of 0.53 lbs (2.4 Ns) when in the second position. In a further exemplary embodiment the spring 118 exerts a load of 0.28 lbs (1.2 Ns) when in the first position and a load of 0.51 lbs (2.3 Ns) when in the second position. In yet a further exemplary embodiment the spring 118 exerts a load of between 0.22 and 0.32 lbs when in the first position and a load of 0.48 and 0.58 lbs when in the second position.

[0071] In the exemplary non-limiting embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1C, shown is the valve 100 in the closed or first position. The spring 118 biases the plug 112 toward the first end 126 whereby the plug gasket 114 is wedged into the second end 130 and outlet portion 128 creating an air tight seal and the pin 116 extends through the O-ring 132 and partially out of the first end 126. The outlet portion 128 is sized to prevent the plug gasket 114 from passing through the outlet portion 128 even when then plug gasket 114 is compressed due to the force of the spring 118 and pressure forces. Further, the second end 130 is angled and sized to receive the plug gasket 114, thereby creating a tighter seal as the plug gasket 114 experiences higher compression forces.

[0072] As further illustrated in FIG. ID, in an exemplary embodiment, the valve 100 in shown in the open or second position. A force compresses the spring 118 and moves the plug 112 through the second end 130 whereby the end of the pin 116 is below the first end 126 and fully inside the passage 124. The plug gasket 114 is disengaged from the outlet portion 128 and the second end 130 thereby opening the valve 100 to allow air to pass through the first end 126, the spaces 134, the passage 124, the outlet portion 128 and the second end 130.

[0073] FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate a valve 200 according to an alternate embodiment. Valve 200 may be substantially similar to or the same as valve 100, except that O-ring 132 may be positioned closer to the first end 126 than groove 102 such that the O-right 132 and groove 102 are swapped positional on valve 200 compared to valve 100.

[0074] Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3B shown is a cross section of pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 300 having a filter, dual sealing, and an internal stem connection according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The wide bore adapter 300 may have a generally cylindrical and hollow body including an inner body 301 and anouter body 303. In some embodiments, the inner body 301 and the outer body 303 are coupled by a press fit seal. In other embodiments, the inner body 301 slots into the outer body 303 via respective external threads 305 (shown in FIG. 6) on the inner body 301 and internal threads 307 (shown in FIG. 6) on the outer body 303. An O-ring 315 is positioned in a circumferential slot 317 in the inner body 301 forming an air tight seal between the inner body 301 and the outer body 303.

[0075] In some embodiments, a filter 309 may be positioned between a bottom end 311 of the inner body 301 and an internal shoulder of 313 of the outer body 303. The filter 309 may be made of silicon and have a plurality of holes to allow air to pass through, the plurality of holes in the filter may be sized and dimension as to reduce, prevent, or substantially prevent tire sealant from passing through, for example via surface tension of the sealant. In some embodiments, the silicon filter 309 may be replaced with steel wool or another porous material which is capable of allow air to pass through while being able to capture tire sealant. In some embodiments, the seal between the inner body 301, the filter 309, and the outer body 303 is air tight and may replace or supplement the seal formed by the O-ring 315. In some embodiments, the filter 309 has an outer dimeter of 7 mm and is 1 mm thick.

[0076] The inner body 301 includes a valve extension 319 opposite the bottom end 311 for receiving a valve 100. It is appreciated that while discussion of specific embodiments make reference to use with the valve 100, the valve 200 may be used interchangeably with the valve 100. The valve extension 319 may have internal threading 321 corresponding to threads 108 on the valve 100. When the valve 100 is slotted into the valve extension 319 the respective threads 108, 321 cooperate to wedge the valve gasket 110 into an internal tapered portion 323 of the valve extension 319 to create an air tight seal between the valve 100 and the wide bore adapter 300.

[0077] The outer body 303 includes a stem extension 325 which extends away from the inner body 301 for connecting the wide bore adapter 300 to a valve stem 350. It is appreciated that while discussion of specific embodiments make reference to and depict a tubeless tire stem, the wide bore adapter 300 may be used with a tube tire stem. The stem extension 325 may have external threading 327 corresponding to threads 351 on the valve stem 350. When the outer body 303 and the stem extension 325 are slotted into the valvestem 350 the respective threads 327, 351 cooperate to wedge a stem gasket 329 into an internal tapered portion 353 of the valve stem 350 to create an air tight seal between the wide bore adapter 300 and the valve stem 350.

[0078] The inner body 301 has an internal chamber 331 having a diameter d defining the wide bore passage for airflow there through. The inner body 301 may have a diametric clearance 333 relative to the plug 112 and the plug gasket 114. The diametric clearance 333 being greater than a standard pneumatic valve to provide enhance airflow there through relative to a standard pneumatic valve. In some embodiments, the diametric clearance 333 is 1.2 mm greater than a standard pneumatic valve. In some embodiments, the diametric clearance 333 is .45 mm greater than a standard pneumatic valve. The internal chamber 331 may be sized and dimension such that there is sufficient valve stroke clearance 335 and clearance 337 to prevent contact between an end of the plug 112 and the filter 309. In this way the plug 112 cannot be over depressed to cause contact with the filter 309. In some embodiments, the valve stroke clearance 335 may be 3.5 mm and the clearance 337 may be .5 mm; however, it is appreciated that the specific valve stroke clearance 335 and clearance 337 of a particular wide bore adapter 300 will depend on the valve being used. The wide bore adapter 300 has an outer diameter D and a height H. The height H and outer dimeter D will vary based on the wall thickness of the inner body 301 and the outer body 303 as well as the desired diametric clearance 333, valve stroke clearance 335, and clearance 337. In some embodiments, the outer diameter D may be 9.5 mm and the height H may be 10.12 mm.

[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4C, shown are front, side, and perspective views of a wide bore adapter 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the outer body 303 may have knurling 339 and the valve extension 319 may have a flat grip 341. The knurling 339 and flat grip 341 may provide a user enhanced grip when tightening the various components of the pneumatic valve system together, including the inner body 301, the outer body 303, the valve 100, 200, and the valve stem 350.

[0080] Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5C, shown are perspective, front, and side views of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the flat grip 341 on the valve extension 319 and the flat grip 106 on the valve 100 may be aligned when the valve 100 is secured to the wide bore adapter 300. In this way the user is provided a visual cue that the valve 100 is secured.

[0081] Referring now to FIG. 6, shown is a cross section view of a wide bore adapter 600 with thinned walls, a filter, dual sealing, and an internal stem connection according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The wide bore adapter 600 may be similar to or the same as the wide bore adapter 300, except that the walls of the inner body 301 and the outer body 303 are thinner allowing for the profile or diameter of the wide bore adapter 600 to more closely resemble a standard pneumatic valve. Additionally, the wide bore adapter 600 has respective external threads 305 on the inner body 301 and internal threads 307 on the outer body 303.

[0082] Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7C shown are perspective, front, and side view of the wide bore adapter 600 connected to a valve 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8B shown are front and side views of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the wide bore adapter 300 may have a wider inner diameter d and outer diameter D to accommodate a greater diametric clearance 333 to provide enhanced airflow there through.

[0083] Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9B shown are front and side views of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 600 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the wide bore adapter may have a taller height H to provide a greater valve stroke clearance 335 and clearance 337 to accommodate a valve with a longer plug 112.

[0084] Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10B, shown are front and cross section views of a wide bore adapter 1000 with no filter, a unitary body, and an internal stem connection according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The wide bore adapter 1000 has a body 1001 formed from a unitary piece. In this way the an additional O-ring seal is not used to create a seal between an inner body and outer body portion. The body 1001 includes a valve extension 1019 extending from an end of the body 1001 for receiving a valve 100. The valve extension 1019 may include internal threading 1021 to mate with the threading 108 of a valve 100. The body 1001 also includes a stem extension 1025 extending from an end of the body 100 opposite the valve extension 1019 for coupling to a stem 1050 (shown in FIG. 11 A). The stem extension 1025 may include threading 1027 to mate with corresponding threads in the stem 1050. The stem extension 1025 may have a slot 1029 on a distal end ofthe stem extension 1025 for receiving gasket to form an air tight seal when the wide bore adapter 1000 is coupled to the stem 1050.

[0085] In some embodiments, the valve extension 1019 may include a tapered portion 1023 inside the valve extension 1019 proximal to the body 1001. The tapered portion 1023 may be sized and dimensioned to receive a gasket 110 on a valve 100 to form an air tight seal between the wide bore adapter 1000 and the valve 100. The body 1001 also has an internal chamber 1031 having a diameter d. The diameter d of the internal chamber 1031 being greater than the diameter of a standard pneumatic valve to provide enhanced airflow there through. The diameter d of the internal chamber 1031 may be sized and dimensioned to accommodate diametric clearance 1033 having, for example, an additional or enhanced clearance of between .45 mm to 1.2 mm relative to a standard pneumatic valve, although not limited thereto.

[0086] In some embodiments, the unitary body 1001 of the wide bore adapter 1000 may allow for a greater inner diameter d and diametric clearance 1033 while maintaining a similar outer diameter D as compared to the wide bore adapter 300, 600, since the unitary body 1001 does not have an inner body and an outer body wall. Inversely, in some embodiments, the unitary body 1001 may allow for a smaller outer diameter D while maintaining a similar inner diameter d and diametric clearance 1033 as compared to the wide bore adapter 300, 600.

[0087] Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11B, shown are front and top down views of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 1000 connected to a valve 100 according to some embodiments. Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12B, shown are front and bottom up views of a wide bore adapter 1000 connected to a valve 100 according to some embodiments. Referring now to FIG. 13, shown is a perspective view of a wide bore adapter 1000 connected to a valve 100 detached from the stem 1050 according to some embodiments. Referring now to FIG. 14, shown is a cross section view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 1000 according to some embodiments. Referring now to FIG. 15, shown is a disassembled view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 1000 according to some embodiments.

[0088] Referring now to FIGS. 16A-16B, shown are front and top down views of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 1600 with no filter, a unitary body, and an external stem connection according to some embodiments. The wide bore adapter 1600 may be similar to the wide bore adapter 1000 except the wide bore adapter 1600 may have a body 1601 which connects eternally to the stem 1650. The structure of the body 1601 is discussed in greater detail in relation to FIG. 19. Referring now to FIGS. 17A-17B, shown are front and bottom up views of a wide bore adapter 1600 connected to a valve 100 according to some embodiments. Referring now to FIG. 18, shown is a perspective view of a wide bore adapter 1600 connected to a valve 100 detached from the stem 1650 according to some embodiments.

[0089] Referring now to FIG. 19, shown is a cross section view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 1600 according to some embodiments. The body 1601 has a stem extension 1625 which is sized and dimension to position over the stem 1650. Threads 1627 on the inside of the stem extension 1625 mate with thread 1651 on the outside of the stem 1650. An O-Ring seal or rubber washer 1615 is position between the end of the stem 1650 and an internal shoulder 1643 of the body 1601 to create an air tight seal between the wide bore adapter 1600 and the stem 1650.

[0090] Referring now to FIG. 20, shown is a disassembled view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 1600 and a valve 100 according to some embodiments.

[0091] Referring now to FIGS. 21A-21B, shown are front and top down views of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 2100 with a filter, a single seal, and an internal stem connection according to some embodiments. The wide bore adapter 2100 may be similar to the wide bore adapter 300, 600 except the wide bore adapter 2100 may have exclude the O-ring seal 315 (shown in FIG. 3A). In this embodiment, the filter 2109 (shown in FIG. 24) includes a rim portion that functions as an O-ring or washer to create an air tight seal between the inner body 2101 and the outer body 2103. The position of the filter 2109 is discussed in greater detail in relation to FIG. 24.

[0092] Referring now to FIGS. 22A-22B, shown are front and bottom up views of a wide bore adapter 2100 connected to a valve 100 according to some embodiments.

[0093] Referring now to FIG. 23, shown is a perspective view of a wide bore adapter 2100 connected to a valve 100 detached from the stem 2150 according to some embodiments.

[0094] Referring now to FIG. 24, shown is a cross section view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 2100 according to some embodiments. The inner body 2101 slots into the outer body 2103 of the wide bore adapter 2100 via respective threads 2105, 2107 on the inner body 2101 and the outer body 2103. The rim portion of filter 2109 is positioned between the end of the inner body 2101 inserted into the outer body 2103 and an internal shoulder 2113 of the outer body. In this way the filter acts as an O-ring or washer compressed between the inner body 2101 and the outer body 2103 to create an air tight seal.

[0095] Referring now to FIG. 25, shown is a disassembled view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 2100 according to some embodiments.

[0096] Referring now to FIGS. 26A-26B, shown are front and top views of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 2600 with a filter, a single seal, and an external stem connection according to some embodiments. The wide bore adapter 2600 may be similar to the wide bore adapter 2100 except the wide bore adapter 2600 may an outer body 2603 which connects eternally to the stem 2650 in a similar manner to the wide bore adapter 1600.

[0097] Referring now to FIGS. 27A-27B, shown are front and bottom up views of a wide bore adapter 2600 connected to a valve 100 according to some embodiments.

[0098] Referring now to FIG. 28, shown is a cross section view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 2600 according to some embodiments.

[0099] Referring now to FIG. 29, shown is a disassembled view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 2600 according to some embodiments.

[0100] Referring now to FIG. 30, shown is a perspective view of the filter 2609 according to some embodiments. The filter 2609 may include a plurality of holes 2645 therein, the plurality of holes 2645 may be sized and dimension to capture liquid, tire sealant, or other debris that may migrate from the tire into the valve. The filter 2609 may also includea solid outer perimeter 2647 or rim where no holes 2645 are located. The perimeter 2647 may be captured between the inner should 2613 of the outer body 2603 and an end of the inner body 2601 opposite the valve extension 2619. In an embodiment, the filter 2609 is made from a silicone material. It is appreciated that although the filter 2609 is discussed with respect to a specific embodiment, the other filters discussed herein may be the same as or similar to the filter 2609.

[0101] Referring now to FIGS. 31A-31B, shown are front and top views of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 300, 600 with a filter, a dual seal, and an internal stem connection according to some embodiments. Referring now to FIGS. 32A-32B, shown are front and bottom views of a wide bore adapter 300, 600 connected to a valve 100 according to some embodiments. Referring now to FIG. 33, shown is a perspective view of a wide bore adapter 300, 600 connected to a valve 100 detached from the valve stem 350 according to some embodiments. Referring now to FIG. 34, shown is a cross section view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 300, 600 according to some embodiments. Referring now to FIG. 35, shown is a disassembled view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 300, 600 according to some embodiments.

[0102] Referring now to FIGS. 36A-36B, shown are front and top views of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 3600 with a filter, a dual seal, and an external stem connection according to some embodiments. Referring now to FIGS. 37A-37B, shown are front and bottom views of a wide bore adapter 3600 connected to a valve 100 according to some embodiments. Referring now to FIG. 38, shown is a perspective view of a wide bore adapter 3600 connected to a valve 100 detached from the stem 3650 according to some embodiments.

[0103] Referring now to FIG. 39, shown is a cross section view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 3600 according to some embodiments. The wide bore adapter 3600 includes a dual seal whereby the O-ring 3615 is positioned between the inner body 3601 and the outer body 3603 proximally to the valve extension 3619 and the filter 3609 is positioned between an end of the inner body 3601 opposite the valve extension 3619 and a first shoulder 3613 of the outer body 3603. The wide bore adapter 3600 also includes an external stem connection whereby, a rubber washer 3616 is positioned between an end of the stem 3650 and a second shoulder 3643 of the outer body 3603. The second shoulder 3643is proximal to the stem extension 3625 and the adjacent to the first shoulder 3613, i.e., first shoulder 3613 and the second shoulder 3643 are formed on opposite sides of the same projection in the interior of the outer body 3603. Referring now to FIG. 40, shown is a disassembled view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 3600 according to some embodiments.

[0104] Referring now to FIGS. 41A-41B, shown are front and top down views of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 4100 with a filter, a single seal, and an external stem connection according to some embodiments. Referring now to FIGS. 42A-42B, shown are front and bottom up views of a wide bore adapter 4100 connected to a valve 100 according to some embodiments. Referring now to FIG. 43, shown is a perspective view of a wide bore adapter 4100 connected to a valve 100 detached from the stem 3650 according to some embodiments.

[0105] Referring now to FIG. 44, shown is a cross section view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 4100 according to some embodiments. The wide bore adapter 4100 includes a single seal whereby the filter 4109 is positioned between an end of the inner body 4101 opposite the valve extension 4119 and a first shoulder 4113 of the outer body 4103. The wide bore adapter 4100 also includes an external stem connection whereby, a rubber washer 4116 is positioned between an end of the stem 4150 and a second shoulder 4143 of the outer body 4103. The second shoulder 4143 is proximal to the stem extension 4125 and the adjacent to the first shoulder 4113, i.e., first shoulder 4113 and the second shoulder 4143 are formed on opposite sides of the same projection in the interior of the outer body 4103. Referring now to FIG. 45, shown is a disassembled view of a pneumatic valve system with a wide bore adapter 4100 according to some embodiments.

[0106] Referring now to FIGS. 46A-46B, shown is a front and cross section view of a wide bore adapter 1000 fitted with a Presta valve 4600 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments the valve 100, 200 may be substituted for a Presta valve 4600 as shown. The Presta valve 4600 may be inserted into the valve extension 1019 of the wide bore adapter 1000, with external threading 4608 of the Presta valve 4600 coupling to the internal threading 1021 of the wide bore adapter 1000. As the Presta valve 4600 is secured to the wide bore adapter 1000 via the respective external and internal threading 4608, 1021, an end of the Presta valve 4600 is pressed against the tapered portion 1023 inside the valve extension 1019to form an air tight seal. In some embodiments, a gasket, for example gasket 110, may be affixed to an end of the Presta valve 4600 that coupled to the tapered portion 1023 inside the valve extension 1019 to provide a tighter seal.

[0107] It is appreciated that although specific embodiments of the wide bore adapter are illustrated and described in relation to various Shrader and Presta valves, the wide bore adapter is intended to be used with any valve, including but not limited to Shrader, Dunlop, and Presta valves.

[0108] While the embodiments described herein utilized combinations of unitary and dual body adapters, single and dual seals, internal and external stem connections, and Shrader and Presta valves, it is understood that any combination of the aforementioned and other features disclosed herein is contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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

What is claimed is:

1. A valve adapter comprising: a body having a hollow passage extending therethrough, the hollow passage having a first diameter; a valve extension extending from a first end of the body, the valve extension being sized and dimensioned to receive a valve therein, the valve extension being hollow having a second diameter; a stem extension extending from a second end of the body opposite the valve extension, the stem extension being sized and dimensioned to couple with a valve stem, the stem extension being hollow having a third diameter; wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter and the third diameter.

2. The valve adapter of claim 1, wherein the body comprises: an inner body having a first end and a second end; and an outer body having a first end and a second end; wherein the first end of the inner body is the first end of the body and the second end of the outer body is the second end of the body; wherein the second end of the inner body is received into the first end of the outer body when the inner body and the outer body are coupled together.

3. The valve adapter of claim 2, further comprising a filter disposed between the second end of the inner body and an internal shoulder of the outer body.

4. The valve adapter of claim 3, further comprising an O-ring disposed around the inner body and between the inner body and the outer body.

5. The valve adapter of claim 4, wherein the O-ring is disposed in a circumferential notch in the inner body, the circumferential slot of the inner body.

6. The valve adapter of claim 1, wherein the valve comprises: a valve body having a passage therethrough and a circumferential groove about a proximal end of the valve body, the passage having a first portion of a constant diameter from a proximal end, the first portion extending substantially the length of the valve body, and a second portion extending from the first portion to a distal end of the valve body; a plug disposed through the passage and extending out of the proximal end of the valve body and the distal end of the valve body; a circumferential seal attached to a portion of the plug extending out of the distal end of the valve body; and a spring disposed in the passage and around at least part of the plug, the spring biasing the plug into a first position; wherein when the plug is in the first position the circumferential seal seals the distal end of the valve body; wherein when the plug is in a second position the distal end of the valve body is unsealed.

7. The valve adapter of claim 6, wherein the valve further comprises an O-ring disposed in the passage between the spring and the proximal end of the body, the plug extending through the O-ring.

8. The valve adapter of claim 6, wherein the valve further comprises a valve seal disposed around the distal end of the valve body.

9. The valve adapter of claim 1, wherein the valve extension has an internal threading to couple with a corresponding threading of the valve.

10. The valve adapter of claim 1, wherein the valve extension has an internal tapered surface.

11. The valve adapter of claim 1, further comprising a gasket disposed around a distal end of the stem extension.

12. A valve adapter compri sing :a body having a hollow passage extending therethrough, the hollow passage having a first diameter; a valve extension extending from a first end of the body, the valve extension being sized and dimensioned to receive a valve therein, the valve extension being hollow having a second diameter; a stem extension extending from a second end of the body opposite the valve extension, the stem extension being sized and dimensioned to couple with a valve stem, the stem extension being hollow having a third diameter; wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter; wherein the body, the valve extension, and the stem extension are a unitary piece.

13. The valve adapter of claim 12, wherein the first diameter is greater than the third diameter.

14. The valve adapter of claim 12, wherein the valve stem is received into the stem extension when the valve stem is coupled with the valve stem.

15. The valve adapter of claim 14, further comprising an O-ring disposed between an internal shoulder of the body and an end of the valve stem.

16. The valve adapter of claim 14, further comprising a filter disposed between an internal shoulder of the body and an end of the valve stem.

17. A pneumatic valve system comprising: a valve comprising: a valve body having a passage therethrough, the passage having a first portion of a constant diameter from a proximal end, the first portion extending substantially the length of the valve body, and a second portion extending from the first portion to a distal end of the valve body; a plug disposed through the passage and extending out of the proximal end of the valve body and the distal end of the valve body; a circumferential seal attached to a portion of the plug extending out of the distal end of the valve body; anda spring disposed in the passage and around at least part of the plug, the spring biasing the plug into a first position; wherein when the plug is in the first position the circumferential seal seals the distal end of the valve body; wherein when the plug is in a second position the distal end of the valve body is unsealed; a valve stem; and a valve adapter coupled to the valve and the valve stem, the valve adapter comprising: a body having a hollow passage extending therethrough, the hollow passage having a first diameter; a valve extension extending from a first end of the hollow passage, the valve extension being sized and dimensioned to couple to a valve, the valve extension being hollow having a second diameter; a stem extension extending from a second end of the hollow passage opposition the valve extension, the stem extension being sized and dimensioned to couple with a stem, the stem extension being hollow having a third diameter; wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter and the third diameter.

18. The pneumatic valve system of claim 17, wherein the valve body of the valve has a circumferential groove about the proximal end.

19. The pneumatic valve system of claim 17, wherein the valve further comprises an Ciring disposed in the passage between the spring and the proximal end of the body, the plug extending through the O-ring.

20. The pneumatic valve system of claim 17, wherein the valve further comprises a valve seal disposed around the distal end of the valve body.

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