Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is based on U.S. Patent Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/473,788 as originally filed on Apr. 10, 2011, and is also filed as a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/021,727 filed Feb. 5, 2011; both applications being incorporated herein by reference, and having the same inventor as this application. 
     This invention relates to a valve core gripper device, and more particularly, to be valve core gripper device for removing a valve core from a tire valve or a refrigeration valve, or inserting a valve core into a tire valve or a refrigeration valve. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A valve core, also known as a Schrader valve insert, is commonly used to provide access to an item, a device or an apparatus containing gas under pressure. Most commonly, tires on a vehicle have a valve stem with a valve core therein. The valve core provides access for a gas to be put into or removed from a tire. In a refrigeration system, the valve core provides access to the refrigerant for the system for removal or insertion purposes relative to the refrigerant. 
     Commonly, a valve core can get stuck in either the tire valve or the refrigerant system. This sticking problem with the valve core interferes with maintenance of the tire or a refrigeration system. It is very desirable to be able to remove or insert the valve core without damaging the tire or the refrigeration system. Such a removal is difficult with the tools of the prior art. 
     With regard to refrigerant system, a typical valve core is a Schrader-type valve core. Any refrigerant system is a closed system to contain the refrigerant gas and provide the necessary cooling. The valve, together with the valve core, provides access to the refrigerant in the system. Through this valve, refrigerant may be added or removed from the system as desired. Great problems occur when the valve core requires replacement. Various problems can occur with the removal of the valve core, especially when it is highly desired not to damage the surrounding area of the valve core. 
     Various problems can lead to the valve core being stuck in the refrigerant system. Special tools are required to remove that valve core from refrigerant system in order to repair or service that system. Thus, the valve core can and does cause problems, if it becomes stuck in the system. Accordingly, a tool to remove that valve core without damaging the surrounding area can provide a great advantage. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Among the many objectives of the present invention is the provision of a valve core gripper device capable of gripping a valve core, in order to insert or remove the valve core from a housing, from a tire or a refrigerant system, without damaging the housing. 
     Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a valve core gripper device capable of serving a refrigerant system. 
     Yet another objective of the present invention is the provision of a valve core gripper device capable of servicing a tire. 
     Still another objective of the present invention is the provision of a valve core gripper device, which can be releasably secured to a valve core. 
     Also, an objective of the present invention is the provision of a valve core gripper device capable of removing the valve core from a tire valve without damaging the valve housing. 
     A further objective of the present invention is the provision of a valve core gripper device capable of inserting the valve core into a tire valve without damaging the valve housing. 
     A still further objective of the present invention is the provision of a valve core gripper device capable of removing the valve core from a refrigerant system without damaging the refrigerant system. 
     Yet a further objective of the present invention is the provision of a valve core gripper device capable of inserting the valve core into a refrigerant system without damaging the refrigerant system. 
     Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a valve core gripper device capable of servicing a high pressure tire. 
     These and other objectives of the invention (which other objectives become clear by consideration of the specification, claims and drawings as a whole) are met by providing a valve core gripper device capable of providing a gripping or a grasping collet, that extends out of the remover end and clips onto the small ball end of a valve core, to insert or remove that valve core. This device has many uses due to available modifications including, but not limited, a tire valve, a refrigerator line, and a high pressure tire valve. The device may permit the valve to receive or expel gas. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of tire valve wrench  100  of this invention. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of refrigerator valve wrench  200  of this invention. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of tire valve wrench  100  of this invention with a high-pressure tire valve core remover  300 . 
         FIG. 4  depicts a plan view of tire valve wrench  100  and refrigerator valve wrench  200  being used jointly on a refrigerator valve  106 . 
         FIG. 5  depicts  FIG. 4  modified with cutaway views to show the function of tire valve wrench  100  and refrigerator valve wrench  200 . 
         FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of tire valve wrench  100  of this invention. 
         FIG. 7  depicts a hand  102  gripping the tire valve wrench  100  of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  depicts a hand  102  gripping the tire valve wrench  100  of  FIG. 6  with tire valve  110 . 
         FIG. 9  depicts a hand  102  gripping the tire valve wrench  100  of  FIG. 6  with tire valve  110  mounted therein. 
         FIG. 10  depicts a hand  102  gripping the tire valve wrench  100  of  FIG. 6  with tire valve  110  mounted therein, along with the desired movement. 
         FIG. 11  depicts a hand  102  gripping the tire valve wrench  100  of  FIG. 6  with tire valve  110  being removed therefrom. 
         FIG. 12  depicts an exploded, perspective view of tire valve wrench  100  of this invention. 
         FIG. 13  depicts a partial, cross-sectioned view of tire valve wrench  100  of this invention. 
         FIG. 14  depicts a partial, cross-sectioned view of tire valve wrench  100  of this invention holding tire valve  110 . 
         FIG. 15  depicts a bottom plan view of tire valve wrench  100  of this invention showing wrench tip  160 . 
         FIG. 16  depicts a perspective view of refrigerator valve wrench  200  of this invention, as retracted. 
         FIG. 17  depicts a exploded view of refrigerator valve wrench  200  for use refrigerator valve  282  and high-pressure wrench  300  in use on a high pressure tire  320 . 
         FIG. 18  depicts a partially cross-sectioned view of wrench tip  160  in use. 
         FIG. 19  depicts a partially cross-sectioned view of wrench tip  160  in use and holding tire valve  110  within the tire valve wrench  100 . 
         FIG. 20  depicts a plan view of extractor  236  for refrigeration valve core puller  200 . 
         FIG. 21  depicts a plan view of extractor housing tube  230  for the refrigeration valve core puller  200 . 
         FIG. 22  depicts a perspective view of high-pressure tire valve core remover  300 . 
         FIG. 23  depicts a perspective view of high-pressure tire valve core remover  300  in use. 
         FIG. 24  depicts a perspective view of valve gauge tool  500 . 
         FIG. 25  depict a side, cross-sectioned view of valve gauge tool  500  based on  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 26  depicts a perspective view of housing  148 , with pushbutton  114 . 
         FIG. 27  depict a side, cross-sectioned view of housing  148 , with pushbutton  114  based on  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 28  depict a side, cross-sectioned view of assembly lock  526  based on  FIG. 27 . 
     
    
    
     Throughout the figures of the drawings, where the same part appears in more than one figure of the drawings, the same number is applied thereto. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, up, over, above, below, beneath, rear, and front, may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar to directional terms are not to be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The words attach, connect, couple, and similar terms with their inflectional morphemes do not necessarily denote direct or intermediate connections, but may also include connections through mediate elements or devices. 
     The valve core gripper device of this invention is useful in many ways. It is especially suitable for use with a refrigerant valve or tire valve. The valve core gripper device of this invention may also be used with high-pressure tire, after the appropriate modifications are made. From the valve core gripper device, a grasping, collet extends from one end or remover end of the gripper device and attaches to an end of the valve core. Typically, this gripper device can be applied to a Schrader valve core or a tire valve core. The valve core gripper device has a housing. The collet extends from the remover end of that housing to grip the valve core. At the other end or gripping end of the housing is an appropriate gripping device. That gripping device can be a ring, to facilitate handling of the valve core gripper device. 
     Within the housing is a bias spring, also known as a retractor spring, supported by set screws or other holding device, which permit the collet to extend from the housing and grasp the valve core. With such a strong grip on the valve core, it becomes easy to insert or remove the valve core without damaging the surrounding area. O-rings can be used for supporting pressure in the housing to hold the valve core as desired. 
     The bias spring may be inserted into the housing and the retractor assembly. The retractor assembly includes the key ring, the retractor hanger handle, the housing and the grasping surface on the outside of the housing. A set screw in cooperation with the retractor assembly holds the spring in the desired position. The screw is adjusted so that the retractor handle assembly may slide easily in the housing without falling apart. The retractor handle may have an angled recess, which permits the twisting thereof a full 360 degrees. 
     A user may slide fingers into the key ring for an over-the-top attack on the valve core, and operate the housing with the thumb and middle finger, while using the first finger to retract the handle and the cowling against the tension of the spring. This action extends the grasping collet to securely contact the valve core, and remove the valve core from the housing or insert the valve core. The user has the hollowed out end of the grasping collet to latch on to the valve core. 
     After releasing the retractor and spring tension, the user may fold the grasping collet back into the housing of the valve core remover, thereby locking the grasping collet securely around the valve core and holding valve core securely. A user may then twist housing until the notch at the remover end of the housing slides over the valve core. The valve core may be twisted out of the housing counterclockwise or inserted therein clockwise. 
     The valve core tool can be made of high impact plastic, metal, composite materials or combinations thereof. It may or may not need a typical metal spring. The plastic pieces can be snap fitted or snapped together. Thus, a fastener may not be needed to hold the valve core tool together. 
     The preferred material to construct the device is stainless steel because of the strength of that material and, more importantly, its anti friction properties. In the high areas of its use, strength is important. Anti friction properties are important to avoid undue heat and other possible dangers. 
     The valve core tool can easily be reconfigured into many shape and sizes For example, a screw driver size device for easier handling is available. Additionally, the valve core tool may also include a storage area for extra valve cores. Then a tire pressure gauge can also be included. 
     The valve core tool can be used to easily deflate tires of all sorts simply by placing the tip of the tool into the valve stem and pressing the button. While the valve core tool does not need to be attached to the valve core to accomplish this task, it can be attached as well. 
     The valve core tool can be constructed with less parts than shown and function similarly. For example, the gripper portion of the device may be constructed with less than 4 or more than 4 gripper fingers. 
     In  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 6 , the tire valve core wrench  100  is depicted. A pushbutton  114  is at a removal end of tire valve core wrench  100  in order to operate tire valve core wrench  100 . Within the pushbutton  114  is a holding ring  126 , which is received in ring aperture  128 . Knurled grip  144  on housing body  148  facilitate gripping of the tire valve core wrench  100 . Set screw  154  helps assemble the tire valve core wrench  100 . Oppositely disposed from the pushbutton  114  is the gripper canal  168  and the wrench slot  158  forming a remover end of the valve core wrench  100 . The remover end may also serve an insertion function if desired. Extending from the wrench slot  158  is the extender  400 , having valve engaging tip  420 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 16 , refrigeration valve core puller  200  is depicted. At one end of the refrigeration valve core puller  200  is extractor button  206 . Extractor button  206  contacts a retractor spring  140  mounted between the knurled grip  144  and the extractor button  206 . The retractor spring  140  facilitates the operation of this device. A slide adapter  210  is extends below the knurled grip  144 . The extractor housing tube  230  extends from the knurled grip  144  through the slide adapter  210  and terminates at the extractor tip  268 , which serves as a remover end or an insertion end for valve core  110 . The extractor  236  can grip and control the Schrader valve insert or valve core  110  in a refrigeration line  122  ( FIG. 4 ). 
     Now adding  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 22 , and  FIG. 23  to the consideration, modifications to provide a high-pressure valve core remover  300  are depicted. Extractor button  206  at one end of high-pressure valve core remover  300  operates retractor spring  140 . Knurled grip  144  indicates a position of the retractor spring  140  on the retracting shaft  236  adjacent to the extractor button  206 . Retaining collar  132  on retracting shaft  236  holds knurled grip  144  in the desired position. Slide aperture  280  in safety relief adapter  310  receives retracting shaft  236 , which serves as a remover end or an insertion end for valve core  110 . 
     Exhaust vents  316  are apertures in safety relief adapter  310 , which permit the escape flow  376  of air or gas from high-pressure tire  320  when attached to tire male coupling  380 . Such flow is better due to deflective edge  318  on exhaust vents  316 . Female coupling threads  246  being in safety relief adapter  310  are oppositely disposed from the slide aperture  280 . Safety relief adapter  310  combines with female coupling threads  246  for a positive grip on the high pressure tire  320 , in order to provide for inflating or deflating the high pressure tire  320 . 
     Now moving on to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 , shutoff valve  106  on refrigerant line  122  effectively uses both the tire valve core wrench  100  and the refrigerator valve wrench  200 . Each of tire valve core wrench  100  and refrigerator valve wrench  200  is operated by an arrow indicating straight push control action  108 . Working with straight push control action  108  and twist control  118  moves extractor  236  to valve core  110  or to refrigeration filler valve  292 , which serves as a remover end or an insertion end for valve core  110 . Bleeder valve  278  is also present on tire valve core wrench  100  or refrigerator valve wrench  200  in order to facilitate pressure reduction in the system. 
     Thus, it may be seen how tire valve core wrench  100  and refrigerator valve wrench  200  cooperate to provide service to a refrigerant line  122 . The twist control  118  along with the pushbutton  114  on them provide for good control of valve core  110  removal or insertion. 
     The workings of valve core wrench  100  are clarified in  FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 9 ,  FIG. 10 , and  FIG. 11 . Hand  102  operates extender  400  with the help of pushbutton  114 , twist control  118 , and holding ring  126 . Holding ring  126  directs the hand  102  over the pushbutton  114 . Extender  400  on the end of removal tool  440  protrudes or is retracted, depending on operation of pushbutton  114 . 
     In  FIG. 12 , retracting shaft  136  extends from retaining collar  132  and ends with gripper portion  162 . In gripper portion  162  is longitudinal slot  164 . Retractor spring  140  fits over retracting shaft  136  and within housing body  148 . Also, taper adjustment shaft  130 , retaining collar  132 , retracting shaft  136 , gripper portion  162  and longitudinal slot  164  fit within housing body  148 . 
     Knurled grip  144  on the exterior of housing body  148  adds an extra measure of control to the tire valve core wrench  100 . Above knurled grip  144  is threaded aperture  152 , which receives an adjustment screw in the form of set screw  154  in  FIG. 13 . Housing body  148  terminates in wrench slot  158 . Wrench slot  158  includes wrench tip  160  ( FIG. 13 ) with gripper canal  168 . Gripper canal  168  receives valve core  110 . 
     With clip on  410  ( FIG. 11 ), tire valve core puller  100  can receive valve core  110 . With reversible twisting device  430  ( FIG. 10 ), hand  102  may move the valve core  110  in or out of housing body  148 . 
       FIG. 12  combines with  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14  to further show the structure of tire valve core wrench  100 . Holding ring  126 , for items such as keys, fits through ring aperture  128  in pushbutton  114 . Pushbutton  114  leads to taper adjustment shaft  130 , which in turn leads to retaining collar  132 . The structure of gripper canal  168  fits around valve core  110  for removal or insertion thereof. Wrench slot  158  is formed by opposing U-shaped slots in wrench tip  160 . Gripper portion  162  includes longitudinal slot  164  of gripper canal  168 . Twist control  118  provides for the engaging tip  420  to have a twist in and out movement  430  thereby grip and thereby grip valve core  110  as desired. 
     Travel stop  134  is a taper on the pushbutton  114 , which cooperates with set screw  154  to limit the travel of pushbutton  114 . The retracted position  172  for gripper canal  168  ( FIG. 13 ) provides storage when tire valve wrench  100  is not in use. The extended position  174  permits use of the gripper canal  168  when use is desired for tire valve wrench  100 . 
     With the addition of  FIG. 15 , the structure of gripper canal  168  becomes even clearer. Again, wrench slot  158  is formed by opposing U-shaped slots in wrench tip  160 . Gripper portion  162  includes longitudinal slot  164  of gripper canal  168 . Spherical cavity  180  receives ball portion of valve core  110  and remains concealed in gripper portion  168  until use thereof is desired. When use of tire valve core wrench  100  is desired, pushbutton  114  activated to extend gripper portion  162 . 
     With  FIG. 16 , uses of refrigerator valve wrench  200  or high-pressure tire valve core remover  300  are depicted showing some common parts therebetween. As a part of knurled grip  144 , extractor button  206  is held in place when threaded aperture  212  receives set screw  214 . Retractor spring  140  is positioned between extractor button  206  and slide adapter  210 . Knurled grip  144  is on the outside of slide adapter  210 . Within slide adapter  210  are inner O-ring  220  and outer O-ring  224  for sealing purposes. 
     A threaded bushing end  132  is received in threaded relation with clockwise female threads  206 , which are positioned on an end of extractor housing tube  230 . Oppositely disposed from the threaded bushing end  132  on extractor housing tube  230  are counterclockwise male threads  232 . Extractor  236  fits within extractor housing tube  230 , with a screw flat  238  therein and a longitudinal slot  164  thereon and oppositely disposed from the screw flat  238 . 
     Slide aperture  280  in coupling collar  242  receives extractor housing tube  230 . Knurled grip  144  facilitates use of coupling collar  242 . Second O-ring  252  and third O-ring  254  support seal collar  256  within coupling collar  242 . First O-ring  250  also supports the seal collar  256  against threads  246  within coupling collar  242 . 
     Considering now the refrigeration line  290  of  FIG. 17 , valve wrench  268  includes counterclockwise female threads  260  for attachment to the extractor housing tube  230 . Female coupling threads  246  on refrigerant shut off valve  270  join with refrigerant male coupling  286 , thereby securing the refrigerant shut off valve  270  to the refrigerant line  290 . Male coupling threads  274  are also on an end of refrigerant shut off valve  270  and oppositely disposed from female coupling threads  246 . Valve wrench  268  can pass through the refrigerant shutoff valve  270  and contact valve core  110 , for insertion or removal thereof. 
     From coupling collar  242 , operation on the high pressure tire  320  is also possible with this assembly. The safety release sleeve  310  also has slide aperture  280 , with a knurled grip  144  on the outside thereof. Safety release sleeve  310  includes exhaust vents  316  to compensate for the high pressure tire  320  at the tire male coupling  380  thereof. Valve wrench  268  can only pass through the end of the safety release sleeve  310  at female coupling threads  246  and contact valve core  110 , for insertion or removal thereof, relative to the high pressure tire  320 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 18  and  FIG. 19 , the function of wrench tip  160  becomes even clearer. The stem head  112  of the valve core  110  is positioned within spherical cavity  180  gripper portion  162  of the longitudinal slot  164 . A camphor portion  166  interior gripper portion  162  facilitates contact with valve core  110 . A spherical cavity  180  within gripper portion  162  facilitates such a grip. Thus, the function of the wrench tip  160  is greatly facilitated when removing or inserting the valve core  110 . 
     To further clarify extractor  236 , one considers now  FIG. 20 . Screw flat  238  is at one end of extractor  236  and permits extractor  236  to be fastened to the second pushbutton  206  in  FIG. 17 . At the other end on extractor  236  is longitudinal slot  164 , which includes spherical cavity  180 , also with gripper portion  162  and grappling collet  178  at the end of extractor  236 . 
     With  FIG. 21 , the extractor housing tube  230  has an extractor canal  240  to receive the extractor  236  of  FIG. 20 . A threaded bushing end  216  positioned at the end housing tube  230  permits attachment thereof to the knurled collar  210 , in which O-ring seals  220  and  224  sit. Adjacent to the threaded bushing end  216  is coupling collar  242 . A counter clockwise male thread  232  is at the end of and oppositely disposed from the threaded bushing end  216 . Counter clockwise male thread  232  receives wrench tip  260 . 
     With  FIG. 24  and  FIG. 25 , valve gauge tool  500  is defined. Pressure gauge  502  fits into threaded relation with female threads  510  in pushbutton  114 . Air canal  514  communicates with pressure gauge  502  and cylinder  522 . the windowsill  518  surround tapered adjustment shaft  130  and facilitates the operation of pressure gauge  502 . To control air flow, a seal sleeve  504  is positioned around collet  178 . 
     With  FIG. 26 , the molded plastic gauge  600 , housing  148  can be formed with pushbutton  114  from molded plastic. The molded plastic parts can be glued, snap fitted, or assembled in another appropriate way. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 27  and  FIG. 28 , housing  148  cooperates with pushbutton  114 . Pushbutton  114  forms part of assembly lock  526  with lock collar  530  thereon. Then lock collar  530  cooperates with rim stop  536  on housing  148  to complete assembly lock  526 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 29 , the flexibility of valve core grip  550  is shown. Valve core grip  550  can be adapted to form valve core tool  100  ( FIG. 1 ), refrigerator valve wrench  200  ( FIG. 2 ), high-pressure tire valve core remover  300  ( FIG. 3 ), or other suitable configurations. 
     The valve core grip  550  can be made almost entirely out of high impact plastic or composite materials, as well as metal or combinations thereof. It includes housing structure  552 . It may or may not need a typical metal spring. The plastic pieces can be snap fitted or snapped together. Thus, a fastener may not be needed to hold it together. 
     The valve core grip  550  has an extending device  554  with core gripper  556  thereon. Core gripper  556  may be constructed with less than four or more than four gripper fingers. Core gripper  556  may continue with a cylindrical gripping area, a spherical gripping area or other desired shape. Other options include an optional tire gauge  558  or a storage compartment  560  cooperating with the valve core tool  100 . For example, storage compartment  560  may store additional valve cores  110 . 
     This application—taken as a whole with the abstract, specification, claims, and drawings—provides sufficient information for a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention disclosed and claimed herein. Any measures necessary to practice this invention are well within the skill of a person having ordinary skill in this art after that person has made a careful study of this disclosure. 
     Because of this disclosure and solely because of this disclosure, modification of this tool can become clear to a person having ordinary skill in this particular art. Such modifications are clearly covered by this disclosure.

Technology Category: 7