Abstract:
A tire valve-gauge combination utilized to inflate and deflate conventional tubed or tubeless tires while giving the user an indication of the amount of air pressure within the tire&#39;s chamber. The accessory device of the present invention comprises; a flexible rim-attaching base having a larger lower body portion than the rim perforation of a conventional tire and a central neck portion having an outside diameter equal or lesser than said rim perforation, a rigid gauge portion having a transparent molded tube-like form imprinted with markings identifying the location of a moveable luminescent indicator adapted to travel longitudinally within said gauge portion, a cap base portion adapted to securedly attach to the upper portion of the gauge portion and slidably communicating with a cap portion. Therefore, when a tire is under pressure, the inner air pressure exerts positive pressure against the under side of the piston, which in turn, displaces the location of said indicator, indicating the tire&#39;s air pressure.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to an accessory device utilized to inflate and deflate conventional tubed or tubeless tires while giving the user an indication of the amount of air pressure within the tire&#39;s chamber. The accessory device of the present invention comprises; a flexible rim-attaching base having a larger lower body portion than the rim perforation of a conventional tire and a central neck portion having an outside diameter equal or lesser than said rim perforation, a rigid gauge portion having a transparent molded tube-like form imprinted with markings identifying the location of a moveable luminescent indicator adapted to travel longitudinally within said gauge portion, a cap base portion adapted to securedly attach to the upper portion of the gauge portion and slidably communicating with a cap portion. Therefore, when a tire is under pressure, the inner air pressure exerts positive pressure against the under side of the piston, which in turn, displaces the location of said indicator, indicating the tire&#39;s air pressure.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     For many years, inventors have attempted to adapt tire valve stems with an air pressure gauge. However, some of these inventions either did not work or failed to have the flexibility necessary for the abuse taken by valve stems. It is common for drivers to utilize an accessory tire gauge, which requires the removal of the valve stem cover, thereby soiling the driver&#39;s fingers in doing so.  
         [0003]     Accordingly, it is desirable for drivers to be aware of their vehicle tires&#39; air pressure at a glance, as it is desirable to have this function available in a manner that boasts safety.  
         [0004]     Furthermore, owners of these devices desire that the device be permanently installed from within the tire rim to the outside rather than from the outside so as to prevent the theft of these devices. Additionally, in a worst-case event, if a combination valve becomes severely damaged, the combination valve would be required to maintain tire pressure at any cost.  
         [0005]     The applicant is aware of several attempts in prior art to provide means of combining a valve stem and a tire gauge. For example, reference may be had to U.S. Pat. No. 1,423,447 of Noe, issued Jul. 18, 1922, which describes a rigid valve stem with a pressure gauge primarily designed to adapt to bicycles. However, this device fails to provide the required flexibility to resist breakage from the day to day abuse imposed onto the device.  
         [0006]     Another example of prior art may be had in referring to U.S. Pat. No. 3,230,968 of Struby, issued Jan. 25, 1966, which depicts a permanently installed valve having a color code indicator. However, this valve is very short, making it difficult to view a reading. Additionally, its rigidity may pose a problem in abusive conditions. Furthermore, the telescopic portion is subjected to the elements of dirt and granular material which would therefore render the gauge inaccurate.  
         [0007]     Another example of prior art may be had in referring to U.S. Pat. No. 3,906,988 of Mottram, issued Sep. 23, 1975, which illustrates a rigid valve and gauge combination. Again, this valve is rigid and fails to have the ability to flex if stricken.  
         [0008]     While many prior art inventions have succeeded in providing vehicle operators with a combination air pressure gauge and valve stem, none have succeeded in offering flexibility with accuracy, safety and durability in such valve stems.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     It is thus the object of the present invention to provide vehicle operators with a combination air pressure gauge and valve stem having flexibility, accuracy and durability all in one affordable unit.  
         [0010]     In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a daylight chargeable luminescent gauge indicator, which illuminates in darkness.  
         [0011]     In another aspect of the invention, the valve/gauge combination may be calibrated to suit various ranges in pressure by altering the back-load spring and visual markings.  
         [0012]     In another aspect of the invention, the valve stem of the present invention may be adapted to form an integral part of a tubed tire by providing a flanged rubber extension to the base so as to allow fixed adhesion to a perforation in a tire tube.  
         [0013]     Accordingly, the tire valve-gauge combination of the present invention allows not only the gauging of pneumatic air pressure and safety features, but also provide structural flexibility of the unit while having a luminescent gauge indicator.  
         [0014]     The utility of this accessory device includes but is not limited to conventional pneumatic tires.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     These and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon referring to the drawings in which:— 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of the tire valve-gauge combination of the present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is a cross-section view taken from  FIG. 1  of the tire valve-gauge combination of the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIGS. 3 through 13  are cross-section views taken from  FIG. 2  of the tire valve-gauge combination of the present invention  
         [0019]      FIG. 14  is a cross-section view taken from  FIG. 2  of the base portion of the tire valve-gauge combination of the present invention  
         [0020]      FIG. 15  is a cross-section view of the tire valve-gauge combination of the present invention illustrated in an inert, deflated arrangement.  
         [0021]      FIG. 16  is a cross-section view of the tire valve-gauge combination of the present invention illustrated in the inflating arrangement.  
         [0022]      FIG. 17  is a cross-section view of the tire valve-gauge combination of the present invention illustrated in a pressurized arrangement.  
         [0023]      FIG. 18  is a cross-section view of the tire valve-gauge combination of the present invention illustrating the arrangement while deflating. 
     
    
       [0024]     While the invention will be described in conjunction with illustrated embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0025]     In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been given similar reference numerals.  
         [0026]     Turning to  FIG. 1 , which illustrates the arrangement of the various components forming part of the present invention comprising generally: a base portion  30 , a gauge portion  20 , a cap base portion  10  and a cap  2  wherein the base  30  is fabricated of a resilient rubber-like material having a lower body portion larger than the valve perforation of a conventional tire rim and a central neck portion having an outside diameter equal or lesser than said rim perforation, the gauge portion  20  fabricated of a clear rigid material having imprinted markings identifying the location of a longitudinally moveable indicator adapted to travel within said gauge portion, the cap base portion  10  is adapted to securedly attach to the upper portion of the gauge portion  20  and slidably communicating with a cap portion  2 .  
         [0027]     Turning to  FIG. 2 , illustrating a cross-section view taken from  FIG. 1  of the present invention depicting the arrangement of the various components forming part of the invention wherein, the base portion  30  further comprises: a rim-attaching portion  31  having a lower body portion larger than the valve perforation of a conventional tire rim and a central neck portion having an outside diameter equal or lesser than said rim perforation to form a seal with said tire rim, a rigid tubular inner sleeve  32  moldedly integrated within the mid and upper inner cylindrical portion of the base  30 , and a plurality of inwardly and upwardly protruding ridges  35  adapted to prevent full descent of a piton  36 . Said inner sleeve  32  is adapted with flow ridges  33  near the lowermost inner portion of said inner sleeve  32 , and a necked portion  34  integral with said inner sleeve  32  preventing the piston  36  from traversing outside the upper portion of said base  30  thereby ensuring that the valve of the present invention is never susceptible to leakage. A piston  36  is fixedly attached to a stem  37  where, said piston is flexibly resilient and is adapted with a concave shape  39  at its very bottom surface thereby promoting a durable continuous seal to the inner wall surface of the inner sleeve  32  unless said piston  36  is placed at or near the bottom area of said inner sleeve  32 , which at such a time the flow channels  33  would thereby allow said seal to be broken in order to deflate a tire. The gauge portion  20  further comprises: a tubular transparent rigid material onto which markings are disposed so as to allow user to view the pressure at the valve, a lower base attaching portion  22  fixedly attached to said base  30 , an upper cap base attaching portion also fixedly attached to the lower portion of said cap base  10 , an indicator  23  frictionally attached to the upper end of the piston stem  37  of the base portion  30 , a lower spring  21  frictionally engaged to the upper portion of the indicator  23  and restedly engaged to a divider disk  11  located between the joint where the cap base portion  10  and gauge portion. A cap base  10  made from a rigid material having a generally tubular form and an array of circular and semi-circular inwardly protruding rings integral with the inner surface of said tubular cap base  10  wherein the upper ring  12  is fully circular, the upper stop ring  13  is a pair of quarter rings, the lower stop ring  14  is also a pair of quarter rings, and the lower ring  15  is also fully circular. The cap  2  is a rigid generally tubular form having a lower lip  6  a body portion having a mid to lower portion with an outer diameter generally equal to that of the opening at the top of the cap base and an upper portion having a diameter slightly reduced than that of the cap&#39;s mid to lower portion, an opening at the very top of said cap is provided and comprises a narrow top portion extending only slightly then beveled outwardly in two stages. A plunger  8  is provided as an extension to the cap  2  which said plunger extends through the cap base  10  and into the upper portion of the gauge  20 . A dust cap  4 , frictionally attached to said plunger  8  is adapted to auto center to the opening at the top of the cap  2 , where the upper portion of the dust cap  4  has an upper sealing portion of equal or slightly smaller diameter than that of the cap opening with which it mates. An upper spring  5  is slidably engaged around the outside of the plunger  8 . Said upper spring  8  is restedly engaged with the under side of the dust cap and also restedly engaged to the divider disk  11  thereby compressing said spring when the cap is depressed downwardly to the end of its travel distance.  
         [0028]     Turning now to  FIGS. 3 through 13 , all cross-sectional views taken from  FIG. 2  illustrating the important details of the configuration and arrangement of the various portions of the present invention wherein,  
         [0029]      FIG. 3  depicts a section of the cap  2  mating with the upper end of the dust cap  4 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 4  depicts a section of the cap  2  and cap base  10  portions illustrating an equal fit between said cap  2  and cap base  10 , and the plunger  8  surrounded by the upper spring  5 .  
         [0031]      FIG. 5  depicts a section of the cap  2  and cap base  10  portions illustrating in particular, the cap quarter rings  6  seated below the retainer  12  at the uppermost portion of the cap base  10 , and again the plunger  8  surrounded by the upper spring  5 .  
         [0032]      FIG. 6  depicts a section of the cap base  10  illustrating the cap  2  shown behind the upper quarter rings  13  and yet again the plunger  8  surrounded by the upper spring  5 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 7  depicts a section of the cap base  10  having a pair of lower quarter rings  14  extending inwardly from the inner wall surfaces of said cap base  10 , and the plunger still surrounded by the upper spring  5 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 8  depicts a section of the cap base  10  further illustrating the lower quarter rings  14 , and the plunger and upper spring  5 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 9  depicts a section of the cap base  10  having a full lower ring  15  surrounding the plunger  8  and upper spring  5  assembly.  
         [0036]      FIG. 10  depicts a section of the cap base  10  having a divider disk  11  adapted with a perforation having an inner diameter slightly greater than the outer diameter of the plunger  8 . Said divider disk is compressedly engaged between the lower full ring  15  and the upper portion of the gauge portion.  
         [0037]      FIG. 11  depicts a section of the base portion  30  further illustrating the base  30  upper body integrally attached to the inner sleeve  32 , through which the piston stem  37  traverses. Clearance  38  is provided so as to allow airflow between the inner sleeve&#39;s  32  necked portion  34  and the piston stem  37 . Additionally this figure illustrates the placement of the indicator  23  onto the upper end of said piston stem  37 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 12  depicts a section of the base portion  30  illustrating the base  30  integrally adapted with an inner sleeve  32 , which said inner sleeve  32  is further adapted with a plurality of flow channels  33 . The piston  36  is of generally the same outer diameter as the inner diameter of the inner sleeve  32  thus creating a positive seal therebetween unless said piston is displaced at the area in the inner sleeve  32  has flow ridges  33 , then the air would be allowed to flow around the piston  36  through said ridges  33 .  
         [0039]      FIG. 13  depicts a section of the base  30  wherein a plurality of inwardly and upwardly protruding ridges  35  is adapted to prevent full descent of the piton  36  while preventing a seal when said piston  36  is lowered.  
         [0040]     Turning now to  FIG. 14 , depicting a cross-sectional view of the base portion  30  of the tire valve-gauge combination of the present invention further illustrating sections of the piston  36 , the piston stem  37  and the indicator  23  wherein, the indicator is frictionally attached to the upper end of the piston stem  37 , and said piston stem is fixedly and centeredly attached to the piston  36 . Therefore, as pressurized air pushes upward to the underside of the concaved piston  36 , the outer peripheral edges of said piston  36  would be forced against the inner sleeve&#39;s  32  inner wall surface. A lower spring  21  is provided, which is frictionally engaged to the indicator  23 . Said spring  21  is the calibrating factor in that, the stronger the spring, the more pressure the valve-gauge can measure. The piston  36 , now shown in a deflate or unpressurized mode, frictionally and longitudinally engages within the smoothed inner wall surface of the inner sleeve  32  and maintains a seal when traveling the mid to upper portion of said sleeve unless the piston is displaced to the lower portion of the inner sleeve  32  where at such time airflow would be allowed through the plurality of flow channels  33  thereby depressurizing the vessel on which the valve is installed. The valve installs exactly as a conventional valve stem wherein the valve is put in place from the inside of the tire rim, then the tire is applied to said rim. This prevents the valve from accidentally coming out thus fully irreparably depressurizing the tire. Furthermore, like conventional tire valve stems, this valve would be subjected to obstacle, which could damage the valve if the valve were installed rigidly, and for this, the inner rigid sleeve  32  of the present invention terminated only near the area  31  where the valve protrudes from the tire rim. Additionally, the piston  36  is adapted with a concaved lower surface  39  whereby air pressure from the vessel or tire would place additional outward force to the piston&#39;s  36  lower periphery therefore guaranteeing a positive seal.  
         [0041]     Now let&#39;s turn to  FIGS. 15 through 18 , all cross-sections of the tire valve-gauge of the present invention wherein  FIG. 15  illustrates the valve in a fully deflated state,  FIG. 16  illustrates said valve in an inflating state,  FIG. 17  illustrates the valve in a pressurized state, and  FIG. 18  illustrating said valve in a deflating state.  
         [0042]     In  FIG. 15 , the lower spring  21  applies a slight downward force on the indicator  23 , which is frictionally engaged to the upper end of the piston stem  37 , which is in turn fixedly attached to the piston  36 . Airflow is thereby allowed from the vessel or tire to the upper portion of the valve.  
         [0043]     In  FIG. 16 , while inflating the vessel or tire, the dust cap, frictionally attached to the plunger  8  is lowered, allowing airflow around said dust cap  4 , down through the cap  2 , the cap base  10 , the gauge  20 , around the indicator  23 , through the opening  38  around the piston stem  37 , around the piston  36 , through the flow channels  33 , then through the valve lower opening  40  and into the vessel or tire. When the fill valve is remove from the cap  2 , the upper spring  5  pushes the dust cap  4  back to its sealed position.  
         [0044]      FIG. 17  now illustrates the arrangement of the components of the present valve while under pressure. Note that the air pressure within the vessel places an upward force below the piston  36  concaved bottom surface thereby displacing the piston  36 , piston stem  37  and indicator  23  upwardly, making a positive seal between the inner wall surface of the inner sleeve  32  and the outer periphery of the piston  36 . The lower spring  21  counteracts this force downwardly to a point of equilibrium where the spring  21  force and the air pressure are equal, thus stabilizing the piston  36  and indicator  23 . The higher the air pressure, the higher the piston  36  and indicator  23  would travel, thus giving a user a good indication, at a glance, of the vessel or tire&#39;s air pressure.  
         [0045]      FIG. 18  illustrates the arrangement of the valve components in a deflating state wherein; reference should be made once again to  FIGS. 3 through 14  for clarity. The cap  2  is rotationally and longitudinally engaged within the cap base  10 , and is adapted with two quarter rings  6  better seen in  FIG. 5 , and the cap base  10  is adapted with inwardly protruding upper  13  and lower  14  quarter rings, where in order to move the cap  2  downwardly into the cap base  10 , the cap  2  must be rotated to match the quarter rings  6  and  13  as like a pair of puzzle pieces so as to allow the cap  2  to get past the cap base&#39;s  10  inner quarter rings  13  and  14 . The upper inner quarter rings  13  serve to lock the cap  2  in an extended position, and the lower inner quarter rings  14  serve to lock the cap  2  in a deflate position if desired. Therefore, to deflate the vessel, user simply rotates cap  2  until it matches the upper inner quarter ring  13  profile and presses downwardly past the upper and lower inner quarter rings  13  and  14 . The cap  2  would bring with it the dust cap  4  attached to the plunger  8  through the divider disk  11 , and compress an upper spring  5  thereby returning cap  2  to its erect position when released, unless user rotates cap  2  past the lower inner quarter rings  14  thereby locking said cap  2  in a deflating mode. When the plunger  8  is lowered as described above, said plunger  8 , having a rounded hemispherically convexed lower end, pushed down on the upper end of the indicator  23 , where said indicator has a similar hemispherically but concaved upper end as seen in  FIG. 14 . Thus the descent of the plunger  8  would also lower the indicator  23 , the piston stem  37  and the piston  36  to a point where airflow would be possible through the flow channels  33 . Air from the vessel would therefore travel upwardly through the flow channels  33 , over the piston  36 , along the piston stem  37 , through the stem opening  38 , around the indicator  23 , along the plunger  8 , through the dividing disk  11  opening, into the cap base  10 , around the cap  2 , and through a now created ringed space between the upper opening of the cap base  10  and the upper narrowed portion of the cap  2 .  
         [0046]     Therefore, it is now possible, through the use of the valve-gauge combination of the present invention, to securely install a tire valve-gauge combination where a user simply glances down at said valve to get an indication of tire pressure without the messy hassle common to this task. Furthermore the valve of the present invention cannot be removed or stolen from the tire when installed, and will not accidentally deflate said tire even if the upper portions of the valve are damaged or destroyed.