Abstract:
A universal valve cap for pneumatic tire valve stems allows for quick and easy access to replenish air in tires. The bottom portion of the cap has an inner thread design, engagable with the threaded valve stem, and the top or crown part of the cap has a snap fastener fitting, allowing for inflation of the tire. The upper portion of the cap has a compression spring or memory plastic that offers resistance to a compressive force that will enable the upper section of the cap to be pressed down over the stationary bottom half of the cap when pressure is applied. The bottom portion of the cap can be pushed down and locked into an open position when inserting air or checking tire pressure. A twist of the cap releases the upper portion to its original position, allowing the top of the cap to be snapped closed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a Non-Provisional Application claiming the benefit of co-pending Provisional Application No. 61/523,128 filed Aug. 12, 2011. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    All pneumatic tire valve stems, whether for automobiles, bicycles, or any other vehicle utilizing pneumatic tires, are utilized whenever tires are replaced or for maintaining proper tire inflation pressure. Currently, a fairly generic cap, having, screw threads for engaging complementary threads on the tip of the valve stem, is used to cover and protect the stem portion of the valve. While this approach has been the standard for decades, there are problems that present themselves with these standard caps. One such problem is the inconvenience of having to remove all of the valve caps on tires before checking pressure and/or inflating the tires. This step can lead to the loss of individual valve stem caps, and having to either replace them or leave the valve stems exposed to all of the elements of the weather, such as water, mud, dirt, and any related problems associated with roadway surfaces. 
         [0005]    Also, in the present world of self-service fueling stations, where coin-operated air pumps are the norm, speed is of the essence, meaning that having to unscrew four valve stem caps and avoid losing them is one more frustration to deal with. Given the importance of fuel economy and our environment, to keep our tires properly inflated, there is a need to do everything reasonable to make the checking and inflating process as painless as possible. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, there is presently a need for a valve stem cap that will provide a fast and convenient way to address the above-noted problems. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    By way of brief summary, one form of the tire valve cap system of the present invention comprises a lower member having threads for engaging complementary threads on a tire valve stem and an upper member movable over the lower member between an upward orientation and a downward orientation relative to the lower member. In an alternate form of the invention, a tire valve system further comprises a biasing member for biasing the lower member toward its upward orientation. 
         [0008]    With the foregoing in mind, it is an object of the invention to provide a novel tire valve system that will permit the user to efficiently check tire pressure and appropriately inflate the tires on the vehicle without having to remove all of the valve caps on the tires. 
         [0009]    Another object of the invention is to provide a novel tire valve system that permits the user to check tire pressure and appropriately inflate the tires on the vehicle in a convenient manner that prevents the loss of individual valve stem caps and prevents having to either replace the valve stem caps or leave the valve stems exposed to the adverse elements of the weather. 
         [0010]    Another object of the invention is to provide a novel tire valve system of the aforementioned character that permits the user to check tire pressure and appropriately inflate the tires on the vehicle in a rapid and efficient manner. 
         [0011]    Another object of the invention is to provide a novel tire valve system of the character described in the preceding paragraphs that is easy to use, inexpensive to manufacture, and one that enables the user to keep the vehicle tires properly inflated to thereby achieve maximum fuel economy. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a generally perspective view of one embodiment of a tire valve stem cap constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention wherein the cap is in a closed configuration and wherein the device is in position over a tire valve stem. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a view similar to  FIG. 1 , showing the cap in an open configuration and showing the sleeve of the device in a downward position. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the device as depicted in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a generally perspective, exploded view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a generally perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a tire valve stem cap of the invention showing the cap in a closed configuration. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a generally perspective view similar to  FIG. 5 , showing the cap in an open configuration. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a generally perspective, exploded view of the alternate embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a generally perspective view of another embodiment of a tire valve stem cap of the invention showing the cap in an open configuration. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a view taken along lines  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a greatly enlarged cross-sectional view of the area designated in  FIG. 10  has  11 - 11 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 11A  is a fragmentary, generally perspective view partly broken away to show internal construction of the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 11B  is a fragmentary, generally perspective view similar to  FIG. 11A  showing the outer sleeve of the device in a downward configuration and rotated into a locking position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    Referring now to the drawings and particularly  FIGS. 1-4 , one form of the tire valve stem cap assembly of the invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral  14 . Cap assembly  14  here comprises a lower metal member  16  that is provided with threads  16   a  to facilitate attachment to the upper threaded portion of a tire valve stem “VS” of the character well known in the art. Lower member  16  includes a pair of diametrically opposed, radially outwardly extending guide tabs  18  and an upstanding, reduced diameter portion  20  that is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots  20   a.  Cap assembly  14  further comprises an upper member  22  that includes a skirt  24  having an upper portion  24   a  and a lower portion  24   b.  Skirt  24  has a pair of diametrically opposed, internal guide grooves  26  that each receive one of the pair of radially outwardly extending guide tabs  18  so as to guide the downward travel of the upper member  22  over the lower member  16  into the position shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  of the drawings, wherein the tire valve stem is exposed. For a purpose presently to be described, the upper portion  24   a  of skirt  24  is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially inwardly extending fingers  28 , each having a rounded projection  28   a.    
         [0026]    A snap-latch fastener cover  30  is hingedly connected to the upper portion  24   a  of skirt  24  by a living hinge  32 . In its closed position, cover  30  covers opening  34  (see  FIG. 4 ) provided in the top portion of skirt  24  and can be pivoted about the hinge  32  between a closed orientation wherein the opening is covered, (see  FIG. 1 ) and an open orientation wherein the opening  34  is uncovered (see  FIG. 2 ). A flange or other suitable catch mechanism  36  is employed to removably engage the top portion of skirt  24  to latch the cover  30  in its closed orientation as shown in  FIG. 1  of the drawings. 
         [0027]    In normal operation, the tire valve stem cap  14  of the present invention is disposed as shown in  FIG. 1  with the snap latch fastener cover  30  in a closed orientation and the upper member  24  in its natural upper orientation, covering the top of the valve stem “VS”. When it is desired to service the tire by checking the inflation pressure or adding air in accordance with one form of the method of the invention, the snap latch fastener cover  30  is pivoted about hinge  32 , to its open orientation as shown in  FIG. 2 . When cover  30  is pivoted to its open orientation, the sleeve  22  falls by force of gravity to the position shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  so that the tire valve stem is accessible. Then, the tire gauge or air insertion device is placed over the tire valve stem in the usual fashion to fill the tire. Thus, what is provided is a simple and convenient method and apparatus for maintaining proper inflation pressure in tires, using a cap that does not need to be removed from the valve stem. This inventive system is designed to help the general public maintain the proper inflation pressure needed for safety and tire longevity by providing a quick and easy way of inserting and replenishing air for pneumatic tires of all designs and for all vehicular purposes. 
         [0028]    The modified embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , which is designated by the numeral  40 , is similar in many respects to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-4  and operates in substantially the same manner. However, in this latest embodiment, the lower member  42  is constructed from a moldable plastic and is provided with threads  42   a  to facilitate attachment to the upper threaded portion of a tire valve stem “VS” (see  FIG. 7 ). Lower member  42  includes a pair of radially, outwardly extending guide tabs  44  and an upstanding, reduced diameter portion  46 . Cap assembly  40  further comprises an upper member  48  that includes a skirt  50  having an upper portion  50   a  and a lower portion  50   b.  Skirt  50  has a pair of guide grooves  52  that each receive one of the pair of radially, outwardly extending guide tabs  44 , so as to guide the downward travel by force of gravity of the upper member  48  over the lower member  42  in the same manner as was described in connection with the first embodiment of the invention. 
         [0029]    A snap-latch fastener cover  54  is hingedly connected to the upper portion of skirt  50  by a living hinge  56 . In its closed position, cover  54  covers opening  48   a  provided in the top portion of skirt  48  and can be pivoted about the hinge  56  between a closed orientation (see  FIG. 5 ), wherein the opening is covered, and an open orientation (see  FIG. 6 ), wherein the opening  48   a  is uncovered. As before, a flange or other suitable catch mechanism  58  is employed to latch the cover  54  in its closed orientation. 
         [0030]    In normal operation, the tire valve stem cap of the present invention is disposed as shown in  FIG. 5 , with the snap latch fastener cover  54  in a closed orientation and the upper member in its natural upper orientation, covering the top of the valve stem “VS”. When it is desired to service the tire, by checking the inflation pressure or adding air in accordance with one form of the method of the invention, the snap latch fastener cover  54  is pivoted about hinge  56  to its open orientation. When the cover  54  is pivoted to its open orientation, the skirt  48  falls by force of gravity to the downward position so that the tire valve stem is accessible. Then, the tire gauge or air insertion device is placed over the tire valve stem in the usual fashion to fill the tire. 
         [0031]    Turning next to  FIGS. 8- 11 ,  11 A, and  11 B, still another form of the cap assembly of the invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral  60 . This embodiment is also similar in some respects to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-4 , and as will presently be described, operates in a somewhat different manner. Cap assembly  60  here comprises an inner member  62  that is provided with threads  62   a  to facilitate attachment to the upper threaded portion of a tire valve stem “VS” ( FIG. 10 ). Inner member  62  here includes a skirt portion  64  having a shoulder  64   a  and a had portion  66  having a shoulder  66   a  ( FIG. 11 ). For a purpose presently to be described, skirt portion  64  also has three circumferentially spaced locking grooves  67 , each having an outwardly extending foot  67   a.    
         [0032]    Cap assembly  60  further comprises an outer member  68  that includes an upper portion  68   a,  a lower portion  68   b,  and three circumferentially spaced, inwardly extending locking protuberances  68   c  that ride within locking grooves  67  (see  FIG. 11 ). An important feature of this latest form of the invention is a coil spring  70  which is located within outer member  68 . Coil spring  70  has an upper extremity  70   a,  a lower extremity  70   b,  and a lower portion  70   c  that partially circumscribes member  60 . To appropriately locate the spring, the lower extremity of the spring is disposed in engagement with shoulder  64   a  of skid portion  64 . A conventional snap ring  74  positioned within the upper portion  68   a  of member  68  ( FIGS. 8 &amp; 11 ) functions to retain spring  70  in position within the outer member. 
         [0033]    A snap-latch fastener cover  76  is hingedly connected to the upper portion  68   a  of outer member  68  by a living hinge  78 . In its closed position, cover  76  covers opening  80  (see  FIG. 11 ), provided in the top portion of outer member  68 , and can be pivoted about the hinge  78  between a closed orientation, wherein the opening is covered, and an open orientation, wherein the opening is uncovered. A flange or other suitable catch mechanism  82  (see  FIG. 8 ) is employed to latch the cover in its closed orientation. 
         [0034]    In normal operation, the tire valve stem cap  60  of the present invention, is disposed as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11  with the snap latch fastener cover  76  in a closed orientation and the outer member  68  in its natural upper orientation, covering the top of the valve stem “VS”. 
         [0035]    When it is desired to service the tire in order to check the tire inflation pressure or to appropriately add air to the tire in accordance with an alternate form of the method of the invention, the snap latch fastener cover  76  is pivoted about hinge  78  to its open orientation as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , so that the opening  80  is accessible. Then, the tire gauge or air insertion device (not shown) is placed over the tire valve stem in the usual fashion. The downward pressing of the tire gauge/air insertion device will act to push the upper member  68  to its downward orientation as shown in  FIG. 11B , so that the tire valve stem is exposed and fully accessible to the tire gauge or compressor air valve. Alternatively, the user can manually push the upper member  68  to its downward orientation and rotate it relative to the inner member  62  in the manner shown in  FIG. 11B  so that the inwardly extending locking protuberances  68   c  will enter the foot portions  67   a  of the grooves, thereby locking the upper member  68  in its downward orientation during the entire servicing process. When the tire has been serviced, the upper member  68  is rotated relative to the inner member  62  to its starting position so that the inwardly extending locking protuberances  68   c  will exit the foot portions  67   a  of the grooves. This will release the upper member  68  from its downward orientation, thus permitting the biasing member  70  to return the outer member  68  to the upward orientation shown in  FIG. 11A . The snap latch fastener cover  76  is then closed, thus returning the tire valve stem to its encapsulated condition. 
         [0036]    Accordingly, although an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting and that many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.