Bike Tire Pump Chuck

Abstract

A pump chuck for connection with a valve stem of a tire valve is disclosed. The pump chuck comprises a body having a first bore, a second bore, a third bore and a passageway connecting the first bore and the third bore therethrough, a pivot clip pivotally mounted on the body and having a plurality of threads on one end and a depression on a bottom surface, a compression spring compressed between the pivot clip and the body, a pneumatic piston and a washer housed inside the first bore of the body, an end cap mounted on the top surface of the body above the first bore, and a connector housed inside the third bore of the body to connect a hose from a tire pump. The pneumatic piston utilizes air pressure from the tire pump to push the washer against the valve stem to affect an air tight seal.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Technical Field of the Disclosure

The present embodiment is related in general to chucks for use in connection with pumps for inflating bicycle tires or other inflatable objects, and in particular to a pump chuck that uses air pressure from the tire pump to push a seal against the valve stem of a tire valve to produce an air tight seal.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is well known that for inflating the tires of vehicles, particularly two-wheel vehicles such as bicycles, motorcycles, or motor-assisted cycles, a flexible connector is generally used having one end coupled and sealed to a source of air under pressure such as a bicycle pump or hand air pump, the other end is sealed onto the valve stem of the tire valve. Tire inflation devices typically have a chuck for attaching to and substantially sealing at the valve stem of the tire valve (or other inflatable article). In order to properly inflate the article, the chuck must seal at the valve and limit or preclude leakage of air at the chuck-valve connection. Often, such a seal is not readily made with conventional chucks and leakage occurs, often leading to improperly inflated tires or articles.

Conventional chucks on bicycle tire pumps are difficult to use as they use a cam and lever to compress a rubber seal against the valve stem. The rubber seal must prevent air leaks at pressures up to 125 PSI as well as retain the chuck on the stem at pressures up to 125 PSI. This requires a significant lever force to compress the rubber seal making it hard to attach the chuck to the valve stem. Further, it is difficult to insert the chuck on to the valve stem due to tight seal clearance and it is difficult to actuate the cam lever due to the large force required to compress the seal on to the valve stem. Moreover, it is also difficult to hold the stem tightly to insert the chuck on to the valve stem when tire is flat or has little air.

Recent advancements in the art disclose a chuck for connecting a pressure device to a valve stem of a pressurized vessel including a body portion having a first passageway that is configured to receive an outer tube portion of a valve stem of a pressurized vessel therein. The body portion has a guide portion at an inner end of the first passageway. A pin element is movably disposed within a second passageway of the body portion and is movable along the coaxial passageways. The guide portion includes an alignment element at least partially around the second passageway and extending longitudinally toward an engaging end of the body portion and at least partially around the pin element for engaging and supporting an interior portion of the end of the outer tube portion of the valve stem. However, external pressure has to be applied to form an air tight seal.

One of the existing pump chucks comprises a main body defining a chamber and having a top end and a bottom end; a force transmitting member positioned in the chamber adjacent to the top end of the main body; a resilient collar positioned in the chamber adjacent to the bottom end of the main body and in engagement with the force transmitting member; and a camming device mounted at the top end of the main body. The collar defines an axial cavity having an inner wall and an inside diameter. Compression of the collar decreases the inner diameter of the collar, and thus causes the collar to engage and seal the valve stem positioned in the axial cavity. However, the user will have to exert significant force to compress the collar to engage and seal the valve stem.

Another existing device discloses an air chuck that provides a manual press-fitted connection to the valve stem of an automobile tire or the like, consisting of a tubular body member attachable to the hose end and having a pressure-seated plunger valve therein. The plunger valve has a plunger extension which, when pressed over the valve stem of an automobile tire, opens both the plunger valve and the air valve of the stem to admit air to the stem. The invention is characterized by the construction of the body member, hose and plunger valve assembly, wherein a single assembly member performs the functions of providing a sealed connection of the hose to the body member, limiting and controlling the motion of the plunger valve, and providing for air passage from the hose to the plunger valve. However, the connection has to be made manually by pressing the plunger.

Various other pump chucks exist that are used in tire inflating devices. One such device includes an air chuck for tire valves having a plurality of teeth which positively lock the chuck to the valve stem by a plurality of closely spaced, radially inwardly projecting fingers which are moved into engagement with the valve stem by sliding a sleeve member over the fingers. The chuck includes a means for depressing the tire valve pin and a means for sealing the outer end of the valve when the chuck is engaged. Another device includes a quick-coupling connector that comprises a tubular body with a piston actuator which may be formed in one or two parts between an operating lever and a sealing ring which in response to the displacement is compressed and tightly squeezed against the inflation valve conforming to its threaded outer surface and forming an air-tight connection. However, such devices require significant lever force to compress the rubber around the valve stem.

Based on the foregoing there is a demonstrable need for a pump chuck that easily attaches to the valve stem of a tire valve. Such a needed pump chuck would use a pneumatic piston and air pressure from the tire pump to form a seal against the valve stem enabling an air tight seal. The pump chuck would comprise a pivot clip that secures the valve stem in the pump chuck. Further, the pump chuck would be easy to hold over the valve stem when the tire is flat. The pump chuck would also comprise an optional adjustable pressure relief valve to set the desired pressure. Finally, the fastening device would be economical, reliable and easy to use. The present invention overcomes prior art shortcomings by accomplishing these critical objectives.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations found in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon the reading of the specifications, the preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a pump chuck that uses air pressure from the tire pump to push a seal against the valve stem of a tire valve to affect an air tight seal.

The present invention discloses a pump chuck that easily attaches to the valve stem. The pump chuck automatically forms an air tight seal with the first stroke of the tire pump.

The preferred embodiment of the pump chuck comprises a body, a pivot clip, and a pneumatic piston. The body has a first bore to receive the pneumatic piston and a rubber flat washer and a second bore to receive a compression spring. The body has a third bore to receive the connector for the hose from the tire pump. The pivot clip is pivotally mounted on the body by means of a pivot screw. The pivot clip compresses the compression spring against the body. The pump chuck further comprises an end cap mounted on the body above the first bore that houses the piston and the washer. The end cap has a smooth bore just slightly bigger than the valve stem diameter. The pivot clip has a plurality of threads that match the threads on the valve stem to secure the stem to the chuck. The bottom side of the end cap retains the rubber washer in the first bore with the piston.

For the purpose of attaching the pump chuck to the valve stem, the pivot clip is pushed down and the valve stem is inserted into the bore in the end cap. The pivot clip must move far enough so the threads in the pivot clip clear the valve stem. The pivot clip is then released causing the compression spring to push the pivot clip against the valve stem thereby holding the valve stem tightly between the pivot clip and the end cap. When the tire pump increases the air pressure, the valve stem is pushed in the top direction by the pneumatic piston. The pivot point is located close to the outside diameter of the valve stem to hold the stem in place as the piston pushes against the stem. The pressure holding the seal against the stem increases as the tire pressure increases.

The pump chuck may further comprise an optional adjustable pressure relief valve. The adjustable pressure relief valve does not let the pump exceed pre-set pressure thereby eliminating the need for a pressure gauge on the tire pump. The adjustable pressure relief valve has an adjustment knob which can be turned to set desired pressure.

The present invention easily slips over the valve stem and the pivot clip opens like a clothes pin to secure the pump chuck to valve stem. It is easy to hold the valve stem when inserting the pump chuck when the tire is flat because the pump chuck easily attaches to the valve stem. Further, the pump chuck may be used with two types of valve stems—Schrader Valve and Presta Valve.

A first objective of the present invention is to provide a pump chuck that is easily attaches to the valve stem.

A second objective of the present invention is to provide a pump chuck that requires no external pressure to form an air tight attachment to the valve stem.

A third objective of the present invention is to provide a pump chuck that automatically forms an air tight seal with the first stroke of the tire pump.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a pump chuck that is compatible with Schrader Valve and Presta Valve.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide a pump chuck that is easy to use, economical and reliable.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention, thus the drawings are generalized in form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a pump chuck;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the pump chuck connected to a valve stem;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the pump chuck connected to the valve stem;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a body of the pump chuck;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pivot clip of the pump chuck;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an end cap of the pump chuck;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the pump chuck;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a washer of the pump chuck;

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate perspective views of a pneumatic piston of the pump chuck;

FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate perspective views of the pump chuck in various configurations; and

FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate sectional views of alternate embodiments of the pump chuck with an adjustable pressure relief valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. However, any single inventive feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or only address one of the problems discussed above. Further, one or more of the problems discussed above may not be fully addressed by any of the features described below.

FIGS. 1-2 illustrate front perspective views of a preferred embodiment of a pump chuck 10. The pump chuck 10 comprises a body 12, a pivot clip 14 pivotally mounted on the body 12, a compression spring 16 compressed between the pivot clip 14 and the body 12, an end cap 18 mounted on the body 12, and a connector 20 mounted on the body 12 to connect a hose 28 (See FIG. 3) from a tire pump (not shown). The pump chuck 10 uses air pressure from the tire pump (not shown) to push a seal against the valve stem 22 of a tire valve to affect an air tight seal.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the pump chuck 10 connected to the valve stem 22. The pump chuck 10 further comprises a pneumatic piston 24 housed inside the body 12 and a washer 26 housed inside the body 12 above the pneumatic piston 24. The pneumatic piston 24 utilizes air pressure from the tire pump (not shown) to push the washer 26 against the valve stem 22 to affect an air tight seal. The hose 28 from the tire pump (not shown) is clamped to the connector 20.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the body 12 of the pump chuck 10. Referring to FIGS. 3-4, the body 12 has a first bore 30 and a second bore 32 on a top surface 34, a third bore 36 on a side surface and a passageway 38 connecting the first bore 30 and the third bore 36 therethrough. The pneumatic piston 24 is housed inside the first bore 30 of the body 12. The washer 26 is housed inside the first bore 30 of the body above the pneumatic piston 24. The connector 20 is housed inside the third bore 36 of the body 12 to connect a hose 28 from a tire pump (not shown).

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the pivot clip 14 of the pump chuck 10. The pivot clip 14 has an elongated portion 40 and a pair of wings 42 extending perpendicularly from the sides of the elongated portion 40. Each of the pair of wings 42 has a hole 44 on one end to insert a pivot screw 46 (See FIG. 3) for mounting on the body 12. The pivot clip 14 has a plurality of threads 48 on one end of the elongated portion 40 for engaging with a plurality of matching threads 50 (See FIG. 2) on the valve stem 22. The pivot clip 14 also has a depression 52 (See FIG. 7) on a bottom surface to hold the compression spring 16 in place.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the end cap 18 of the pump chuck 10. The end cap 18 has a smooth bore 54 therethrough to receive the valve stem 22. The end cap 18 also has a pair of holes 56 on either side of the bore 54 for inserting a pair of screws 58 (See FIG. 7) for mounting on the body 12. The diameter of the bore 54 is slightly bigger than the diameter of the valve stem 22. The end cap 18 retains the washer 26 in the first bore 30 of the body 12 with the pneumatic piston 24.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the pump chuck 10. The pivot clip 14 is mounted on the body 12 by means of a pivot screw 46 which is inserted into the body 12 at a pivot point 60 located on the body 12 adjacent the outside diameter of the valve stem 22. The pivot screw 46 is inserted through at least one of a plurality of holes 62 in the body 12. The compression spring 16 is compressed between the pivot clip 14 and the body 12 when the pivot clip 14 is mounted on the body 12. A first end 64 of the compression spring 16 rests in a depression 52 on a bottom surface of the pivot clip 14 and a second end 66 of the compression spring 16 rests in the second bore 32 of the body 12. The end cap 18 is mounted on the top surface 34 of the body 12 by means of a pair of screws 58 which is inserted through at least one of the plurality of holes 62 in the body 12. The end cap 18 is mounted in such a way that the bore 54 of the end cap 18 is aligned with the first bore 30 of the body 12.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the washer 26 of the pump chuck 10. The washer 26 is a rubber flat washer that helps to form an air tight seal when it is pushed against the valve stem 22 by the pneumatic piston 24.

For attaching the pump chuck 10 to the valve stem 22, the pivot clip 14 is pushed down and the valve stem 22 is inserted into the bore 54 in the end cap 18. The pivot clip 14 must be moved far enough so that the plurality of threads 48 in the pivot clip 14 clear the valve stem 22. The pivot clip 14 is then released causing the compression spring 16 to push the pivot clip 14 against the valve stem 22 thereby holding the valve stem 22 tightly between the pivot clip 14 and the end cap 18. When the tire pump (not shown) increases the air pressure, the valve stem 22 is pushed in the upward direction by the pneumatic piston 24. The pivot point 60 is located close to the outside diameter of the valve stem 22 (See FIG. 3) to hold the valve stem 22 in place as the pneumatic piston 24 pushes against the valve stem 22. The pneumatic piston 24 uses air pressure to push the washer 26 against the valve stem 22 to make the seal. The pressure holding the seal against the valve stem 22 increases as the tire pressure increases.

The pump chuck 10 is compatible with two types of valve stems—Schrader Valve and Presta Valve. The various components of the pump chuck 10 change slightly in dimensions for the two types of valve stems. The pivot clip 14 has M8 X.75P threads for Schrader Valve and M6 X.75P threads for Presta Valve. The end cap 18 has a bore 54 with 7.8 mm diameter for Schrader Valve and a bore 54 with 6.1 mm diameter for Presta Valve. The distance between the central axis of the valve stem 22 and the pivot point 60 (See FIG. 3) is 0.150 inches for Schrader Valve and 0.115 inches for Presta Valve. The washer 26 has an inside diameter of approximately 0.125 inch in the case of Schrader Valve and 0.200 inch in the case of Presta Valve.

FIG. 9A illustrates a pneumatic piston 24 for a Schrader Valve. The pneumatic piston 24 for the Schrader Valve has a bore 70 of diameter 0.063 inch and a 1/16 inch diameter roll pin 72 is inserted through the bore 70. FIG. 9B illustrates a pneumatic piston 74 for a Presta Valve. The pneumatic piston 74 for the Presta Valve has a bore 76 of diameter 0.063 inch and a counter bore (not shown) of diameter 0.206 inch inside the bore 76. An O-ring 78 is placed around the pneumatic pistons 24, 74.

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate various configurations of the pump chuck 10 of the present invention. The pump chuck 10 may be a single unit compatible with either Schrader Valve or Presta Valve or the pump chuck 10 may be a double unit compatible with both Schrader Valve and Presta Valve. FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of a pump chuck 80 which is a single unit compatible with either Schrader Valve or Presta Valve. FIG. 10B is a top perspective view of a pump chuck 82 which is a double unit with side-by-side configuration, compatible with both Schrader Valve and Presta Valve. In side-by-side configuration, both Schrader Valve and Presta Valve are attached on the same side of the pump chuck 82. FIG. 10C is a sectional view of a pump chuck 84 which is a double unit with in-line configuration, compatible with both Schrader Valve and Presta Valve. In in-line configuration, both Schrader Valve and Presta Valve are attached on opposite sides of the pump chuck 84.

FIG. 11A illustrates a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a pump chuck 90 with an adjustable pressure relief valve 92 on top thereof. The adjustable pressure relief valve 92 enables a user to set desired pressure in the pump chuck 90. The adjustable pressure relief valve 92 does not let the tire pump (not shown) exceed pre-set pressure and hence eliminates the need for a pressure gauge on the tire pump (not shown). The adjustable pressure relief valve 92 comprises an adjustment knob 94 having a plurality of threads 96 at a bottom portion 98. The bottom portion 98 has a cylindrical hole 100 therein. A spring 102 is placed inside the cylindrical hole 100 and a poppet 104 with a rubber seal 106 is engaged with the spring 102. The bottom portion 98 of the adjustment knob 94 is inserted through a threaded hole 108 in a pivot clip 110 of the pump chuck 90. The poppet 104 is placed inside a bore 112 in a body 114 of the pump chuck 90. When the adjustment knob 94 is turned the spring 102 pushes the poppet 104 into the bore 112 which alters the pressure inside the pump chuck 90.

FIG. 11B illustrates a sectional view of another embodiment of a pump chuck 120 with an adjustable pressure relief valve 122 on bottom thereof The adjustable pressure relief valve 122 comprises an adjustment knob 124 having a plurality of threads 126 at a bottom portion 128. The bottom portion 128 has a cylindrical hole 130 therein. A spring 132 is placed inside the cylindrical hole 130 and a poppet 134 with a rubber seal 136 is engaged with the spring 132. The bottom portion 128 of the adjustment knob 124, with the spring 132 and the poppet 134, is inserted through a threaded bore 138 in a body 140 of the pump chuck 120. Unlike the adjustable pressure relief valve 92 located on the top of the pump chuck 90, this embodiment requires extra material to be added to the body 140 of the pump chuck 120.

The presently disclosed pump chuck 10 is advantageous because it provides it easily slips over the valve stem 22 and the pivot clip 14 opens like a clothes pin to secure the pump chuck 10 to the valve stem 22. There is no need to apply external pressure to the pump chuck 10 in order to produce an air tight seal. Further, it is easy to hold the valve stem 22 when inserting the pump chuck 10 when the tire is flat because the pump chuck 10 may be easily engaged with the valve stem 22. Further, the pump chuck 10 is compatible to use with both Schrader Valve and Presta Valve.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is intended that the scope of the present invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A pump chuck for connection with a valve stem of a tire valve, the pump chuck comprising: a body having a first bore and a second bore on a top surface, a third bore on a side surface and a passageway connecting the first bore and the third bore therethrough;a pivot clip pivotally mounted on the top surface of the body, the pivot clip having a plurality of threads on at least one end for engaging with a plurality of matching threads on the valve stem and a depression on a bottom surface;a compression spring compressed between the pivot clip and the body, wherein a first end of the compression spring rests in the depression of the pivot clip and a second end of the compression spring rests in the second bore of the body;a pneumatic piston housed inside the first bore of the body;a washer housed inside the first bore of the body above the pneumatic piston;an end cap mounted on the top surface of the body above the first bore, the end cap having a bore therethrough, aligned with the first bore, to receive the valve stem; anda connector housed inside the third bore of the body to connect a hose from a tire pump;whereby, the pneumatic piston utilizes air pressure from the tire pump to push the washer against the valve stem to affect an air tight seal.

2. The pump chuck of claim 1 wherein the pivot clip is mounted on the body at a pivot point located thereon adjacent the outside diameter of the valve stem.

3. The pump chuck of claim 1 wherein the plurality of threads on the pivot clip engages with the plurality of matching threads on the valve stem thereby securing the valve stem to the pump chuck.

4. The pump chuck of claim 1 wherein the pneumatic piston pushes the washer and the valve stem in an upward direction utilizing air pressure from the tire pump forming an air tight seal.

5. The pump chuck of claim 1 wherein the end cap retains the washer and the pneumatic piston in the first bore of the body.

6. The pump chuck of claim 1 wherein the compression spring pushes the pivot clip against the valve stem thereby holding the valve stem inside the bore of the end cap.

7. The pump chuck of claim 1 may further comprise an adjustable pressure relief valve to set desired pressure.

8. The pump chuck of claim 1 is compatible with Schrader Valve and Presta Valve.

9. An adjustable pressure relief valve in conjunction with a pump chuck, the adjustable pressure relief valve comprising: an adjustment knob having a plurality of threads at a bottom portion, the bottom portion having a cylindrical hole within;a spring placed inside the cylindrical hole of the adjustment knob; anda poppet with rubber seal engaged with the spring;whereby, the adjustment knob being configured to be turned to set desired pressure in the pump chuck.

10. The adjustable pressure relief valve of claim 9 wherein the bottom portion of the adjustment knob is inserted through a threaded hole in a pivot clip of the pump chuck.

11. The adjustable pressure relief valve of claim 9 wherein the poppet is placed inside a bore in a body of the pump chuck.

12. The adjustable pressure relief valve of claim 11 wherein the adjustment knob pushes the spring and the poppet into the bore of the pump chuck thereby altering the pressure inside the pump chuck.

13. A pump chuck for connection with a valve stem of a tire valve, the pump chuck comprising: a body having a first bore and a second bore on a top surface, a third bore on a side surface, a passageway connecting the first bore and the third bore therethrough, and a fourth bore on the top surface connected internally with the third bore;a pivot clip pivotally mounted on the top surface of the body, the pivot clip having a plurality of threads on at least one end for engaging with a plurality of matching threads on the valve stem, a depression on a bottom surface, and a threaded hole therethrough;a compression spring compressed between the pivot clip and the body, wherein a first end of the compression spring rests in the depression of the pivot clip and a second end of the compression spring rests in the second bore of the body;a pneumatic piston housed inside the first bore of the body;a washer housed inside the first bore of the body above the pneumatic piston;an end cap mounted on the top surface of the body above the first bore, the end cap having a bore therethrough, aligned with the first bore, to receive the valve stem;a connector housed inside the third bore of the body to connect a hose from a tire pump; andan adjustable pressure relief valve housed in the fourth bore of the body and through the threaded hole in the pivot clip;whereby, the pneumatic piston utilizes air pressure from the tire pump to push the washer against the valve stem to affect an air tight seal.

14. The pump chuck of claim 13 wherein the pivot clip is mounted on the body at a pivot point located thereon adjacent the outside diameter of the valve stem.

15. The pump chuck of claim 13 wherein the plurality of threads on the pivot clip engages with the plurality of matching threads on the valve stem thereby securing the valve stem to the pump chuck.

16. The pump chuck of claim 13 wherein the pneumatic piston pushes the washer and the valve stem in an upward direction utilizing air pressure from the tire pump forming an air tight seal.

17. The pump chuck of claim 13 wherein the end cap retains the washer and the pneumatic piston in the first bore of the body.

18. The pump chuck of claim 13 wherein the compression spring pushes the pivot clip against the valve stem thereby holding the valve stem inside the bore of the end cap.

19. The pump chuck of claim 13 wherein the adjustable pressure relief valve further comprises: an adjustment knob having a plurality of threads at a bottom portion, the bottom portion having a cylindrical hole within;a spring placed inside the cylindrical hole of the adjustment knob; anda poppet with rubber seal engaged with the spring.

20. The pump chuck of claim 13 wherein the adjustable pressure relief valve is configured to be turned to set desired pressure in the pump chuck.

21. The pump chuck of claim 13 is compatible with Schrader Valve and Presta Valve.