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EP-4735276-A1 - INFLATION VALVE COMPRISING A BALL VALVE FOR TUBELESS TYRE

EP4735276A1EP 4735276 A1EP4735276 A1EP 4735276A1EP-4735276-A1

Abstract

This invention relates to an inflation valve for use with a tubeless tyre, the inflation valve comprising a ball valve. The ball valve optionally comprises a housing within which is provided a ball, the ball being formed with a through-hole, the ball being rotatable between an open position in which air and/or sealant is allowed to flow through the through-hole, and a closed position in which air and/or sealant is substantially prevented from flowing through the through-hole.

Inventors

  • Trimnell, Alex

Assignees

  • Trimnell, Alex

Dates

Publication Date
20260506
Application Date
20240717

Claims (12)

  1. 1. An inflation valve for use with a tubeless tyre, the inflation valve comprising a ball valve.
  2. 2. An inflation valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ball valve comprises a housing within which is provided a ball, the ball being formed with a through-hole, the ball being rotatable between an open position in which air and/or sealant is allowed to flow through the through-hole, and a closed position in which air and/or sealant is substantially prevented from flowing through the through-hole.
  3. 3. An inflation valve as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2, the inflation valve having first and second ends, the first end comprising a valve head comprising the ball valve.
  4. 4. An inflation valve as claimed in claim 3, the second end comprising a valve base.
  5. 5. An inflation valve as claimed in claim 4, wherein the valve head and the valve base are connected by a valve stem.
  6. 6. An inflation valve as claimed in claim 5, wherein the valve stem has a substantially circular cross-section.
  7. 7. An inflation valve as claimed in claim 6, wherein the valve stem has an external surface on which is formed a screw thread.
  8. 8. An inflation valve as claimed in claim 7, wherein a locking nut is provided on the screw thread.
  9. 9. An inflation valve as claimed in any one of claims 5-8, wherein the valve base has a diameter which is larger than that of the valve stem.
  10. 10. An inflation valve as claimed in claim 9, wherein the valve base has a substantially circular or hexagonal cross-section.
  11. 11. An inflation valve as claimed in claim 10, wherein when the valve base has a substantially circular cross-section, it comprises one or more apertures which connect to a conduit in order to provide fluid communication between the first and second ends of the inflation valve.
  12. 12. An inflation valve as claimed in any one of claims 3-11, wherein the valve head comprises at its first end a valve upper which is adapted for connection to an inflation device.

Description

INFLATION VALVE COMPRISING A BALL VALVE FOR TUBELESS TYRE [001] This invention relates to an inflation valve comprising a ball valve for use with a tubeless tyre. [002] Background [003] Tyres for motor-driven (e.g. cars, motorcycles, scooters) or self-propelled vehicles (e.g. bicycles) generally comprise an annular component that surrounds a rim on the wheel of the vehicle. The annular component commonly comprises an outer body usually formed from rubber and which contacts the surface along which the vehicle is to travel. In pneumatic tyres, this outer body encloses an inflatable inner tube which surrounds and is attached to the rim. The inner tube thereby provides cushioning when the vehicle is travelling along uneven surfaces, improving the ride quality for the rider/driver/passenger. [004] A problem with pneumatic tyres is that the inner tube can often become damaged, particularly when they are used on uneven surfaces, resulting in inner tube deflating (i.e. a flat tyre). [005] One attempt at addressing this drawback with pneumatic tyres has been the development of tubeless tyres. Tubeless tyres have the same general structure as a pneumatic tyre, but without the inner tube. Instead, the outer body of the tyre is manufactured or treated such that it creates a substantially airtight seal between the outer body and the rim of the wheel. For example, a sealant may be applied to the inner surface of the inside of the tyre. [006] A leading valve type used with tubeless tyre setups is known as Presta valve. However, problems can be encountered during inflation of the tubeless tyre when using such Presta valves. These problems are set out in more detail below. [007] Inflation valves comprise a section known as the valve core, which is the part that controls the flow of air through the valve. When inflating a tubeless tyre, the valve core needs to allow sufficient airflow for efficient inflation. However, there are several factors that can restrict airflow through the valve, which can make it difficult to inflate the tyre properly. These include: (a) Valve core design: Some tubeless Presta valves have a narrow or restrictive valve core design. This can impede the airflow through the valve, resulting in longer inflation times, or even an inability to fully inflate the tyre. This can lead to the user having to remove the valve core so that they can correctly inflate the tyre. (b) Valve length: Inflation valves for tubeless tyres come in a variety of lengths in order to accommodate different tyre rim depths. For deep-section tyre rims, a longer valve may be reguired. However, such longer valves may have a higher chance of restricting airflow due to their extended length. This can again lead to slower or inadeguate tyre inflation. (c) Valve stem design: The overall design of the valve stem (i.e. the part of the valve into which the valve core is fitted) can also impact airflow. Some valve stems have narrower profiles or additional internal obstructions which can create resistance and reduce the air volume flowing through the valve during inflation. [008] As discussed above, a sealant can be applied to the inside of a tubeless tyre in order to provide an improved seal between the outer body and the rim of the wheel. Such sealants are usually inserted into the tubeless tyre through the inflation valve. In addition to problems of restricted airflow, tubeless Presta valves can also hinder the flow of this sealant through the valve. This can be due to either: (a) Valve core clogging: Over time, sealant can accumulate and dry in and around the valve core, causing it to stick or become clogged. This then reduces the flow of sealant through the valve, and can result in inadeguate sealing or difficulty in replenishing sealant levels. (b) Sealant build up: In some cases, the sealant can build up inside the valve, forming a barrier that restricts the flow of sealant through the valve. This build up can occur either due to the viscosity of the sealant, or its interaction with air and moisture. Reduced sealant flow can compromise the tyre's ability to self-seal punctures effectively. [009] To overcome these issues, it is often recommended to users that they should remove the valve core when inflating a tubeless tyre or adding sealant to the tyre. Removal of the valve core improves airflow, as well as allowing the sealant to flow freely through the valve. This helps to provide more efficient inflation and better sealant distribution within the tyre. However, it would be desirable if these objects could be achieved without the need to partially dismantle the inflation valve by removing the valve core. [0010] Improvements in inflation valves for tubeless tyres have been sought. [0011] Statement of invention [0012] This invention relates to an inflation valve for use with a tubeless tyre, the inflation valve comprising a ball valve. In particular, the inflation valve may comprise a housing within which is provided a ball, the ba