Fluid handling – Inflatable article
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-13
2001-08-21
Buiz, Michael Powell (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Inflatable article
C137S231000, C285S354000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06276391
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a valve coupler for a quick inflation device for bicycles, and more particularly to a valve coupler for a quick inflation device for preventing damage to a sealing member in the valve coupler.
2. Description of the Related Art
Bicycle tire valves include two typical types: American valves (AV) and French valves (FV). The tire valve is coupled with a valve coupler of an inflation device, e.g., a hand air pump or a quick inflation device using a high-pressure container containing high-pressure carbon dioxide. The high-pressure carbon dioxide is rapidly released to inflate the tire once the container is pierced by a sharp tool.
FIG. 1
of the drawings illustrates engagement between a valve coupler
70
and an American valve AV, wherein inner threading
72
of the valve coupler
70
is directly threadedly engaged with the American valve AV. The sealing member
71
in the valve coupler
70
is also rotated during rotation of the valve coupler
70
and thus wears after a term of use, resulting in leakage of gas. As a result, the inflation effect is adversely affected.
FIG. 2
of the drawings illustrates engagement between the valve coupler
70
and a French valve FV, wherein the French valve FV is directly inserted into the valve coupler
70
without threading engagement. Nevertheless, the sealing member
71
is still pushed by inward force of the French valve FV. As a result, the sealing member
71
is squeezed and damaged (by cutting). Serious leakage occurs after a term of use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved valve coupler to avoid damage of the sealing member during inflation.
In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, a valve coupler for a quick inflation device comprises:
a sleeve including a sealing member mounted in an end thereof, the sleeve including a passage therein; and
an operative means rotatably mounted around the valve coupler;
whereby the sleeve is not moved when the valve coupler is engaged with a tire valve for inflation, thereby preventing damage to the sealing member.
The operative means includes a first jacket and a second jacket.
In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, a valve coupler for a quick inflation device comprises:
a sleeve including a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal passage, a sealing member being mounted in the first end of the sleeve;
a first jacket mounted around the first end of the sleeve, the first jacket including an end extended beyond the first end of the sleeve; and
a second jacket including an end fixed to the end of the first jacket, the end of the second jacket including an end face that encloses the sealing member;
whereby the sleeve is not moved when the valve coupler is engaged with a tire valve for inflation, thereby preventing damage to the sealing member.
The second jacket further includes an inner threading extended along a length thereof for engaging with an American valve.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a valve coupler for a quick inflation device comprises:
a sleeve including a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal passage, a sealing member being mounted in the first end of the sleeve, the first end of the sleeve further including a shoulder formed on an outer periphery thereof;
a first jacket mounted around the first end of the sleeve, the first jacket including a first end bearing against the shoulder of the sleeve, the first jacket further including a second end extended beyond the first end of the sleeve, the second end of the first jacket including an inner threading; and
a second jacket including an outer threading on an end thereof for engaging with the inner threading of the first jacket, the inner threading of the first jacket and the outer threading of the second jacket being fixed together, the end of the second jacket including an end face that encloses the sealing member;
whereby the sleeve is not moved when the valve coupler is engaged with a tire valve for inflation, thereby preventing damage to the sealing member.
Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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Buiz Michael Powell
Kamrath Alan
Rider Bennett Egan & Arundel LLP
Schoenfeld Meredith H.
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