CA1170922A - Vehicle tire deflation signalling system - Google Patents
Vehicle tire deflation signalling systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1170922A CA1170922A CA000384850A CA384850A CA1170922A CA 1170922 A CA1170922 A CA 1170922A CA 000384850 A CA000384850 A CA 000384850A CA 384850 A CA384850 A CA 384850A CA 1170922 A CA1170922 A CA 1170922A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- container
- piston
- poppet
- housing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
- B60C23/00—Devices for measuring, signalling, controlling, or distributing tyre pressure or temperature, specially adapted for mounting on vehicles; Arrangement of tyre inflating devices on vehicles, e.g. of pumps or of tanks; Tyre cooling arrangements
- B60C23/02—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure
- B60C23/04—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure mounted on the wheel or tyre
- B60C23/0491—Constructional details of means for attaching the control device
- B60C23/0496—Valve stem attachments positioned outside of the tyre chamber
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The invention is directed to means adapted for connection to a gaseous fluid container for visually signalling a reduct-ion of pressure in the container, for example a vehicle tire, to indicate a decline or diminution of fluid in the container, to enable an observer to initiate steps for restoring the desired pressure when the presseure of the gaseous fluid in the container is diminished for any reason below a predetermined minimum desired pressure.
The invention is directed to means adapted for connection to a gaseous fluid container for visually signalling a reduct-ion of pressure in the container, for example a vehicle tire, to indicate a decline or diminution of fluid in the container, to enable an observer to initiate steps for restoring the desired pressure when the presseure of the gaseous fluid in the container is diminished for any reason below a predetermined minimum desired pressure.
Description
I ~ 70922 BACKGROUND OF THE INYENTION
The signalling means of the present invention utilizes some of the underlying principles employed by apparatus as disclosed in my prior U.S. Letters Patents 3,717,845, 3,827,393 and 3,828,149. The present invention includes differences over said prior apparatus. In the present invention, the gaseous fluid under pressure released from the container is utilized to actuate visual signalling means and only so much thereof as is essential for that purpose is permitted to escape from the container. When the signalling means has been actuated to display a signal indicating a diminution of pressure, further discharge of gaseous fluid from the container is prevented, thereby retaining the gaseous fluid in the con-tainer to the greatest extent possible under the circumstances.
Basically, the apparatus of the invention is preferably used as a composite replacement for standard known tire valve structures, functionally incorporating the operational features thereof while additionally serving as a pressure loss indicator for the tire.
The apparatus of this invention therefore consists of a valve for normally confining a gaseous fluid in a container comprising a tubular housing, a substantially annular valve seat in the ~ousing coaxial therewith, a valve poppet in the housing biased by the gaseous fluid in the container into sealing engagement with the valve seat, piston plunger means movably contained in said housing, an end of said plunger extending through an open end of said housing remote from said valve seat, seal means on said plunger end operatively coact-ible with said housing proximate said open end, said valve poppet and said seat constituting a first seal to prevent gas escape from said container, said plunger end and seal means constituting a secondary gas escape prevention means.
$3~'' i J 7~22 THE PREFER~ED EMBODIMENT OF THE IN~ENTION
A presently preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing in which:
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a typical vehicle wheel on which is mounted a pneumatic tire having associated therewith apparatus embodying the present invention;
Figure 2 is an enlarged axial sectional view, and partly in elevation, of the invention illustrating the mecha-nical elements thereof in relation to each other while fluid pressure in the tire is at or above the desired pressure, but below which the signalling means will be actuated to indicate a lower than desired pressure in the tire;
Figure 3 is a corresponding view but showing the changed relationship of the components which occur upon a diminution of pressure in the tire below a desired value; and Figure 4 is a corresponding view showing application of a tire gauge, inflation hose fitting or the like utilized for determining the pressure in the tire or reinflating it, respectively.
More specifically, the invention includes a hollow, substantially cylindrical housing generally designated 1, which is shown as attached on a vehicle whee~ 2, on which is mounted a pneumatic tire 3. The housing 1 is attached to the wheel 2 by insertion through a hole in the wheel rim, from which it projects inwardly toward the wheel axis and communicates with the interior of the tire. Appropriate means including a gasket 4, and nut 5, threaded on the housing 1, assure an air-tight connection between the exterior of the housing 1 and the wheel rim 2', about the hole through which the housing 1 projects, a shoulder 6 on the housing 1 providing a seat for the gasket 4.
~ 1 7~9~2 Internally, the housing bore is divided into two axially spaced chambers by a spacing washer 10 engaging and operatively connected with an annular shoulder 11 in the bore.
Chamber 12, adjacent the wheel 2, contains pressure retaining valve elements normally effective for maintaining the fluid pressure in the tire, while a second chamber 13 contains signalling means which are actuated when the pressure in the tire declines below a predetermined value.
The chamber 12, considered progressively in the direc-tion away from the inner end of the housing which projects into and is in communication with the interior of the tire 3, has an annular groove 14 in which is seated a resilient split retaining ring 15 which serves as retaining means for a circular poppet member 16, carrying an annular gasket 17 engageable with an annular valve seat 18 formed within the housing, and normally cooperative with the poppet member to prevent escape of air from the tire. In a preferred embodiment, the upper surface of the poppet means can be cup shaped as at 16' to more positively retain gasket 17.
Interposed between the poppet 16 and the spacing washer 10 there is a calibrating compression spring 19, or other appropriate yielding means, bearing at one end upon the washer, and biasing the poppet member toward the retaining ring 15. This spring has a strength selected in accordance with the pressure it is desired to maintain in the tire, and functions to unseat and displace the poppet member 16 and gasket 17 from seat 18 when the pressure in the tire, in relation to external ambient pressure, declines below a predetermined selected value.
The spring and poppet thus cons~itute components of a differ-ential-pressure-responsive valve operating to function as described.
~ l7~g22 The second chamber 13 contains the signalling means and actuating means therefor, being axially aligned in the housing bore with the valve-containing chamber 12. Disposed within chamber 13, and movable therein axially with relation to the housing, and having an indicator head 20 normally projecting slightly beyond the adjacent end of the housing, is a low tire pressure signalling piston 21 preferably distinctively colored for ready visual recognition when projected to its extreme posi-tion (Figure 3). The piston carries, in appropriate annular grooves, resilient, preferably elastomeric, upper and lower O-rings 23, 24. The grooves are intermediate axially spaced piston zones of progressively increasing diameter from head 20, through an intermediate zone 25 to spindle 27, projecting axially from the piston into chamber 12, as will hereinafter more fully appear.
The interior wall of chamber 13 proximate its upper end smoothly merges into a chamber 13' of lesser diameter. The merging section is indicated at 29. The chamber 13' merges at shoulder 30 into an upper chamber like outlet opening 31. The interior walls of the chambers are finished smoothly to insure a seal against intrusion of dust or other foreign matter at points where engaged by O-rings 23, 24. The merging section at 30 provides an annular seat spaced axially inwardly from open-ing 31, and when the piston is projected outwardly of the housing, then O-ring 24 is brought into sealing engagement therewith. The wall of the chamber 13' axially inwardly of seat 30 engages O-ring 24 in such a sealing relation as to inhibit free escape of air from the tire during the projection of the piston caused by release of air from the tire into the housing upon unseating of poppet member 16.
The piston is normally held in a non-projected position 1 ~ 70922 (Figure 2) by a return spring 28 interposed between it and spacing washer 10. Chamber 13 is of somewhat enlarged diameter inwardly from chamber 13', which is normally engaged by O-ring 24, to afford a path for air escape or inlet when the piston 20 is depressed from its normal position, such as by application of a tire gauge G, or the like, (Figure 4) at the end of housing 1, or to introduce air into the tire in a known manner from a source of presurized air.
As will be evident from the foregoing, the signalling means in accordance with the invention, as embodied in means for low pressure signalling in a pneumatic vehicle tire, can replace known types of valve means, such as those normally provided to enable the tire to be inflated, performs all the functions of the latter, and additionally providing low tire pressure signal-ling means.
Under normal conditions (Figure 2), assuming the tire is properly inflated, the engagement of O-ring 23 with its seat in opening 31 at the end of housing 1 excludes intrusion of foreign matter into the housing, while the internal pressure in the tire holds poppet member 16 and gasket 17 against valve seat 18 to prevent escape of air from the tire.
However, on loss of pressure in the tire for any reason, the pressure against poppet member 16 declines correspondingly and when it has declined to a value less than that being asserted against the poppet member 16 by compression spring 19, the latter unseats the poppet member (Figure 3), allowing pres-sure from within the tire to be exerted against the piston 26.
This air pressure, in addition to, or in combination with, force of return spring 28, causes the piston to pop-up into the position of Figure 3. Since the O-ring 24 engages the wall of chamber 13' in sealing relation, inhibiting escape of air from ~ 1 70~22 the interior of the housing, the pressure exerted against the piston, in conjunction with force of spring 28, forces it to move axially outward in chamber 13'. The piston is moved axially outwardly until O-ring 24, carried by the piston, engages seat 30 (Figure 3), preventing further escape of air and, at the same time, exposing for ready observation the pre-ferably distinctively colored zone 25 of the piston, thus con-veying to an observer an indication that the tire is under-inflated.
As noted, the piston carries a guide spindle 27 extend-ing axially in the housing toward the poppet member 16, and it is so positioned and of a length to engage the latter (Figure 4) to facilitate normal servicing of the associated tire. Thus, when, for example, it is desired to ascertain the pressure in the tire, the usual valve depressing boss of a pressure gauge G
may be applied to the exposed piston head 20 to depress the latter against the bias of return spring 28, and on engagement of the free end of spindle 27 with poppet member 16, unseating the latter and releasing air from the tire to activate the pressure gauge G.
Similarly, any other appropriate tool may be applied to the piston head to either release pressure from the tire to deflate it, or ~o introduce air under predetermined pressure into the tire to inflate the same as desired. It will be evident the spindle 27 may be secured to either the poppet member 16, or to the piston 26 although not to both.
In effect, what the present invention provides is very significant, and a very substantial contribution to the art.
The apparatus provides a tire low pressure visual indicator, which as a composite entity can replace a tire valve as currently known and used. It is of a construction adaptable for 1 1 70~22 mounting to a wheel rim by clamping mechanisms, or by a snap-in type resilient base as known in the art.
Fewer parts are required to provide both valving and low pressure indication, than of the type where the indicator is ]oined to a usually known valve body.
The structure provides improved servicing air flow due to the arrangement and cooperation of the plural chambers, and coaction with the O-rings on the piston~
The device has greatly improved safety in use. This is due in large part to the use of two seals, a primary seal P, inside the rim, constituted by intercoacting engagement of the gasket 17 on the poppet means 16, with its seat 18 with normal tire air pressure present, and a secondary or back-up seal, BU, constituted by the warning pin mechanism through interengagement between O-ring 24 and merging portion 30 of chamber 13' proxi-mate opening 31. The merging portion 30 is a sealing seat for O-ring 24 under low tire pressure conditions, when the signall-ing means has moved into the extended condition.
The invention is readily adaptable to on-board indica-tion systems as well as the in place visual form as described.Positive movement of the indicator head to the extended posi-tion could readily be transmitted to a system of a known type for triggering an on-board system.
The device is also susceptible of use in applications other than as tire pressure indicators. It could be used in any situation where a fluid medium valving is needed, and the features as above delineated would be highly desireable.
The signalling means of the present invention utilizes some of the underlying principles employed by apparatus as disclosed in my prior U.S. Letters Patents 3,717,845, 3,827,393 and 3,828,149. The present invention includes differences over said prior apparatus. In the present invention, the gaseous fluid under pressure released from the container is utilized to actuate visual signalling means and only so much thereof as is essential for that purpose is permitted to escape from the container. When the signalling means has been actuated to display a signal indicating a diminution of pressure, further discharge of gaseous fluid from the container is prevented, thereby retaining the gaseous fluid in the con-tainer to the greatest extent possible under the circumstances.
Basically, the apparatus of the invention is preferably used as a composite replacement for standard known tire valve structures, functionally incorporating the operational features thereof while additionally serving as a pressure loss indicator for the tire.
The apparatus of this invention therefore consists of a valve for normally confining a gaseous fluid in a container comprising a tubular housing, a substantially annular valve seat in the ~ousing coaxial therewith, a valve poppet in the housing biased by the gaseous fluid in the container into sealing engagement with the valve seat, piston plunger means movably contained in said housing, an end of said plunger extending through an open end of said housing remote from said valve seat, seal means on said plunger end operatively coact-ible with said housing proximate said open end, said valve poppet and said seat constituting a first seal to prevent gas escape from said container, said plunger end and seal means constituting a secondary gas escape prevention means.
$3~'' i J 7~22 THE PREFER~ED EMBODIMENT OF THE IN~ENTION
A presently preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing in which:
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a typical vehicle wheel on which is mounted a pneumatic tire having associated therewith apparatus embodying the present invention;
Figure 2 is an enlarged axial sectional view, and partly in elevation, of the invention illustrating the mecha-nical elements thereof in relation to each other while fluid pressure in the tire is at or above the desired pressure, but below which the signalling means will be actuated to indicate a lower than desired pressure in the tire;
Figure 3 is a corresponding view but showing the changed relationship of the components which occur upon a diminution of pressure in the tire below a desired value; and Figure 4 is a corresponding view showing application of a tire gauge, inflation hose fitting or the like utilized for determining the pressure in the tire or reinflating it, respectively.
More specifically, the invention includes a hollow, substantially cylindrical housing generally designated 1, which is shown as attached on a vehicle whee~ 2, on which is mounted a pneumatic tire 3. The housing 1 is attached to the wheel 2 by insertion through a hole in the wheel rim, from which it projects inwardly toward the wheel axis and communicates with the interior of the tire. Appropriate means including a gasket 4, and nut 5, threaded on the housing 1, assure an air-tight connection between the exterior of the housing 1 and the wheel rim 2', about the hole through which the housing 1 projects, a shoulder 6 on the housing 1 providing a seat for the gasket 4.
~ 1 7~9~2 Internally, the housing bore is divided into two axially spaced chambers by a spacing washer 10 engaging and operatively connected with an annular shoulder 11 in the bore.
Chamber 12, adjacent the wheel 2, contains pressure retaining valve elements normally effective for maintaining the fluid pressure in the tire, while a second chamber 13 contains signalling means which are actuated when the pressure in the tire declines below a predetermined value.
The chamber 12, considered progressively in the direc-tion away from the inner end of the housing which projects into and is in communication with the interior of the tire 3, has an annular groove 14 in which is seated a resilient split retaining ring 15 which serves as retaining means for a circular poppet member 16, carrying an annular gasket 17 engageable with an annular valve seat 18 formed within the housing, and normally cooperative with the poppet member to prevent escape of air from the tire. In a preferred embodiment, the upper surface of the poppet means can be cup shaped as at 16' to more positively retain gasket 17.
Interposed between the poppet 16 and the spacing washer 10 there is a calibrating compression spring 19, or other appropriate yielding means, bearing at one end upon the washer, and biasing the poppet member toward the retaining ring 15. This spring has a strength selected in accordance with the pressure it is desired to maintain in the tire, and functions to unseat and displace the poppet member 16 and gasket 17 from seat 18 when the pressure in the tire, in relation to external ambient pressure, declines below a predetermined selected value.
The spring and poppet thus cons~itute components of a differ-ential-pressure-responsive valve operating to function as described.
~ l7~g22 The second chamber 13 contains the signalling means and actuating means therefor, being axially aligned in the housing bore with the valve-containing chamber 12. Disposed within chamber 13, and movable therein axially with relation to the housing, and having an indicator head 20 normally projecting slightly beyond the adjacent end of the housing, is a low tire pressure signalling piston 21 preferably distinctively colored for ready visual recognition when projected to its extreme posi-tion (Figure 3). The piston carries, in appropriate annular grooves, resilient, preferably elastomeric, upper and lower O-rings 23, 24. The grooves are intermediate axially spaced piston zones of progressively increasing diameter from head 20, through an intermediate zone 25 to spindle 27, projecting axially from the piston into chamber 12, as will hereinafter more fully appear.
The interior wall of chamber 13 proximate its upper end smoothly merges into a chamber 13' of lesser diameter. The merging section is indicated at 29. The chamber 13' merges at shoulder 30 into an upper chamber like outlet opening 31. The interior walls of the chambers are finished smoothly to insure a seal against intrusion of dust or other foreign matter at points where engaged by O-rings 23, 24. The merging section at 30 provides an annular seat spaced axially inwardly from open-ing 31, and when the piston is projected outwardly of the housing, then O-ring 24 is brought into sealing engagement therewith. The wall of the chamber 13' axially inwardly of seat 30 engages O-ring 24 in such a sealing relation as to inhibit free escape of air from the tire during the projection of the piston caused by release of air from the tire into the housing upon unseating of poppet member 16.
The piston is normally held in a non-projected position 1 ~ 70922 (Figure 2) by a return spring 28 interposed between it and spacing washer 10. Chamber 13 is of somewhat enlarged diameter inwardly from chamber 13', which is normally engaged by O-ring 24, to afford a path for air escape or inlet when the piston 20 is depressed from its normal position, such as by application of a tire gauge G, or the like, (Figure 4) at the end of housing 1, or to introduce air into the tire in a known manner from a source of presurized air.
As will be evident from the foregoing, the signalling means in accordance with the invention, as embodied in means for low pressure signalling in a pneumatic vehicle tire, can replace known types of valve means, such as those normally provided to enable the tire to be inflated, performs all the functions of the latter, and additionally providing low tire pressure signal-ling means.
Under normal conditions (Figure 2), assuming the tire is properly inflated, the engagement of O-ring 23 with its seat in opening 31 at the end of housing 1 excludes intrusion of foreign matter into the housing, while the internal pressure in the tire holds poppet member 16 and gasket 17 against valve seat 18 to prevent escape of air from the tire.
However, on loss of pressure in the tire for any reason, the pressure against poppet member 16 declines correspondingly and when it has declined to a value less than that being asserted against the poppet member 16 by compression spring 19, the latter unseats the poppet member (Figure 3), allowing pres-sure from within the tire to be exerted against the piston 26.
This air pressure, in addition to, or in combination with, force of return spring 28, causes the piston to pop-up into the position of Figure 3. Since the O-ring 24 engages the wall of chamber 13' in sealing relation, inhibiting escape of air from ~ 1 70~22 the interior of the housing, the pressure exerted against the piston, in conjunction with force of spring 28, forces it to move axially outward in chamber 13'. The piston is moved axially outwardly until O-ring 24, carried by the piston, engages seat 30 (Figure 3), preventing further escape of air and, at the same time, exposing for ready observation the pre-ferably distinctively colored zone 25 of the piston, thus con-veying to an observer an indication that the tire is under-inflated.
As noted, the piston carries a guide spindle 27 extend-ing axially in the housing toward the poppet member 16, and it is so positioned and of a length to engage the latter (Figure 4) to facilitate normal servicing of the associated tire. Thus, when, for example, it is desired to ascertain the pressure in the tire, the usual valve depressing boss of a pressure gauge G
may be applied to the exposed piston head 20 to depress the latter against the bias of return spring 28, and on engagement of the free end of spindle 27 with poppet member 16, unseating the latter and releasing air from the tire to activate the pressure gauge G.
Similarly, any other appropriate tool may be applied to the piston head to either release pressure from the tire to deflate it, or ~o introduce air under predetermined pressure into the tire to inflate the same as desired. It will be evident the spindle 27 may be secured to either the poppet member 16, or to the piston 26 although not to both.
In effect, what the present invention provides is very significant, and a very substantial contribution to the art.
The apparatus provides a tire low pressure visual indicator, which as a composite entity can replace a tire valve as currently known and used. It is of a construction adaptable for 1 1 70~22 mounting to a wheel rim by clamping mechanisms, or by a snap-in type resilient base as known in the art.
Fewer parts are required to provide both valving and low pressure indication, than of the type where the indicator is ]oined to a usually known valve body.
The structure provides improved servicing air flow due to the arrangement and cooperation of the plural chambers, and coaction with the O-rings on the piston~
The device has greatly improved safety in use. This is due in large part to the use of two seals, a primary seal P, inside the rim, constituted by intercoacting engagement of the gasket 17 on the poppet means 16, with its seat 18 with normal tire air pressure present, and a secondary or back-up seal, BU, constituted by the warning pin mechanism through interengagement between O-ring 24 and merging portion 30 of chamber 13' proxi-mate opening 31. The merging portion 30 is a sealing seat for O-ring 24 under low tire pressure conditions, when the signall-ing means has moved into the extended condition.
The invention is readily adaptable to on-board indica-tion systems as well as the in place visual form as described.Positive movement of the indicator head to the extended posi-tion could readily be transmitted to a system of a known type for triggering an on-board system.
The device is also susceptible of use in applications other than as tire pressure indicators. It could be used in any situation where a fluid medium valving is needed, and the features as above delineated would be highly desireable.
Claims (30)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Vehicle tire deflation signalling system comprising a substantially cylindrical housing having an axial bore and adapted for securement to the tire with one end of said bore in communication with the interior of the tire, said housing pre-senting an annular valve seat facing toward said end of the bore, an annular shoulder facing toward said end more remote therefrom than said valve seat, and an annular sealing surface converging toward the opposite end of the bore more remote from the first end thereof than said shoulder, a valve poppet in the bore engageable with said annular seat and adapted to be biased thereagainst by fluid under pressure in the tire, yielding means disposed in the bore in engagement with said shoulder and said poppet biasing the poppet toward the tire and away from said annular seat, a substantially cylindrical indicating unit disposed in the bore adapted to be projected beyond the end thereof remote from the tire upon release of gaseous fluid from the tire by said poppet, resilient annular sealing means sur-rounding said indicating unit and engageable with said converg-ing annular sealing surface to confine within the bore gaseous fluid released thereinto by movement of the poppet away from its seat under bias of said gaseous fluid under pressure in the tire, and yielding means biasing the indicating unit in the bore in the direction to maintain said sealing means in engage-ment with said sealing surface.
2. A signalling system as defined in Claim 1 in which a spindle is carried by said indicating unit extending there-from axially in the housing toward the poppet and engageable therewith to displace the poppet from its seat.
3. A signalling system as defined in Claim 1 in which a spindle is interposed between the indicating unit and the poppet and is movable axially in the housing to unseat the poppet in response to axial movement of said unit toward the poppet.
4. A valve for normally confining a gaseous fluid in a container comprising a tubular housing, a substantially annular valve seat in the housing coaxial therewith, a valve poppet in the housing biased by the gaseous fluid in the container into sealing engagement with the valve seat, piston plunger means movably contained in said housing, an end of said plunger extend-ing through an open end of said housing remote from said valve seat, seal means on said plunger end operatively coactible with said housing proximate said open end, said valve poppet and said seat constituting a first seal to prevent gas escape from said container, said plunger end and seal means constituting a secondary gas escape prevention means.
5. A valve for normally confining a gaseous fluid in a container comprising an elongated tubular housing, a sub-stantially annular valve seat in the housing, coaxial there-with, said valve seat is proximate an end of said tubular hous-ing operatively connected to said container, a valve poppet in the housing biased by the gaseous fluid into the container into sealing engagement with the valve seat and constituting there-with primary seal means for prevention of escape of said gaseous fluid from said container, a piston assembly movably contained in said tubular housing and disposed therein beyond said valve seat toward an opposite, open end of said tubular housing, said piston assembly being operable upon a decrease of the bias on said valve poppet to sealingly engage in said open end and constituting therewith secondary seal means for prevention of gaseous fluid escape from said container.
6. A valve as claimed in Claim 5, including first spring means in said housing operatively engaged with said poppet valve and operable upon a decrease of pressure of the gaseous fluid in the container to overcome bias of the valve poppet by the gaseous fluid in the container to disengage said valve poppet from said valve seat whereupon gaseous fluid under pressure will engage a portion of said piston assembly and move the same outwardly with respect to said opposite open end of said housing and thereby operatively activate said secondary seal means in said housing.
7. A valve as claimed in Claim 6, said spring compris-ing a compression spring and having a strength for movement of said poppet upon decrease of pressure of the gaseous fluid in said container below a predetermined value.
8. A valve as claimed in Claim 7, a spacing washer disposed within said tubular housing intermediate the ends thereof, an end of said compression spring opposite an end thereof engageable with said poppet valve being operatively engageable with said spacing washer.
9. A valve as claimed in Claim 8 and including a return spring in said tubular housing disposed intermediate said spacing washer and said piston assembly, said return spring being operable to return said piston assembly to a closed sealing engagement with said open end following an operative depression of said piston assembly with respect to said opening, for the purpose of gauging gaseous fluid pressure in said container, and for venting or adding to the gaseous medium in said container.
10. A valve as claimed in Claim 9, said tubular housing having internal chambers therein of decreasing diameter from said spacing washer to said open end, the smaller diameter chamber terminating proximate to said open end and including an annular seat disposed therebetween, said piston assembly including an annular low pressure indicator head extendable through said open end and a signalling piston axially spaced therebelow, an annular groove between said indicator head and said signalling piston, an O-ring seal in said groove, said O-ring being sealingly engageable in said opening with said piston assembly in retracted position wherein said signalling piston is contained within the smaller diameter chamber, said O-ring pre-venting entrance of contaminants into said tubular housing under normal operating pressures of gaseous fluid in said container.
11. A valve as claimed in Claim 10, said piston assembly including an annular piston spaced from said signalling piston and having an annular groove therebetween, an O-ring seal in said latter groove, said latter O-ring being engageable with a valve seat formed by the merging area between said smaller internal chamber and said opening and constituting said secondary seal means.
12. A valve as claimed in Claim 11, a guide spindle connected to the second larger said piston and extending within said tubular housing, through said return spring, said spacing washer and into said compression spring, said guide spindle being operable to contact said poppet upon depression of said piston assembly to disengage the poppet from its seat and creating an air flow passage through said tubular housing from said container to said open end thereof, said return spring being operatively engageable between said larger piston and said spacing washer in the depressed position of said piston assembly.
13. A valve as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the internal diameter of the outer of said chambers and the exterior dimensions of said O-ring disposed intermediate said pistons being substantially equal and in slidable sealing engagement upon movement of said O-ring therethrough to the closing sealing position constituting said secondary seal means.
14. A valve as claimed in Claims 4, 5 and 13, said valve constituting a vehicle tire deflation signalling system, said valve being operatively attached to a vehicle tire rim of a vehicle wheel, the lowermost end of said tubular housing extending through the rim and the bottom thereof being in open communication with the interior of a said vehicle tire, the means constituting the first seal being disposed within the tire, the upper portion of the housing extending outwardly above the rim and containing the means constituting the secondary seal to prevent gas escape upon a decrease of air pressure with-in the tire.
15. A composite valve and visual fluid pressure loss indicator device for a container having a fluid medium under pressure therein, said device including a housing having a bore therethrough, said bore terminating in open ends, a first of said open ends being operatively and openly engageable with the interior of said container, said bore being formed as a plura-lity of interconnecting chambers of decreased diameter from said first open end toward a second said open end, moveable closing and sealing means in said bore, a poppet chamber at said first said end in communication with said bore, said sealing means including a spring biased closing poppet member opera-tively contained in said poppet chamber, and engageable with an end of said bore to close and seal said bore against fluid passage therethrough with a predetermined pressure in said container, and constituting a first sealing closure, said move-able means further including piston means in said bore, said piston means mounting an O-ring thereon, one said bore chamber proximate said first open end, having a restricted outlet open-ing and constituting, in conjunction with said O-ring, a second sealing closure operable upon a decrease of fluid pressure in said container to release the spring biasing of said poppet member and permit movement of said moveable means to a closure sealing position with an interengageable seat proximate said second said open end.
16. A composite valve as claimed in Claim 15, said container comprising a vehicle tire, a rim mounting said tire, said rim having an opening therethrough, the lower end of said housing extending through said opening into the interior of said tire, said housing being operably secured to said rim, the means comprising said first sealing closure being disposed interiorally of said tire and the upper portion of said housing extending above said rim and said second sealing closure being disposed above said rim, said moveable means being extendable through said second said open end of said housing at said pre-determined pressure and constituting a visual indicator extend-ing above said housing.
17. A valve for normally confining a gaseous fluid in a container comprising an elongated tubular housing, a spacing washer disposed within said tubular housing intermediate the ends thereof, said tubular housing having internal chambers therein of decreasing diameter from said spacing washer to said open end, the smaller diameter chamber terminating proximate to said open end and including an annular seat disposed there-between, said valve seat being proximate an end of said tubular housing operatively connected to said container, a valve poppet in the housing biased by the gaseous fluid in the container into sealing engagement with the valve seat and constituting therewith primary seal means for prevention of escape of said gaseous fluid from said container, a compression spring in said housing operatively engaged with said valve poppet and operable upon a decrease of pressure of the gaseous fluid in the container to overcome bias of the valve poppet by the gaseous fluid in the container to disengage said valve poppet from said valve seat, a piston assembly movably contained in said tubular housing and disposed therein beyond said valve seat toward an opposite open end of said tubular housing, said piston assembly including an annular low pressure indicator head extendable through said open end and a signalling piston axially spaced therebelow, an annular piston spaced from said signalling piston and having an annular groove therebetween, an O-ring seal in said annular groove, said O-ring being engageable with a valve seat formed by the merging area between said smaller internal chamber and said opening and constituting said secondary seal means, said piston assembly being operable upon a decrease of the bias on said valve poppet to sealingly engage in said open end and constituting therewith said secondary seal means for prevention of gaseous fluid escape from said container, an end of said compression spring opposite the end thereof operatively engaged with said poppet valve being operatively engageable with said spacing washer, a return spring in said tubular housing disposed intermediate said spacing washer and said piston assembly, said return spring being operable to return said piston assembly to a closed sealing engagement with said open end following an operative depression of said piston assembly with respect to said opening, for the purpose of gauging gaseous fluid pressure in said container, and for venting or adding to the gaseous medium in said container.
18. A valve for normally confining a gaseous fluid in a container comprising an elongated tubular housing, a spacing washer disposed within said tubular housing intermediate the ends thereof, said tubular housing having internal chambers therein of decreasing diameter from said spacing washer to said open end, the smaller diameter chamber terminating proxi-mate to said open end and including an annular seat disposed therebetween, said valve seat being proximate an end of said tubular housing operatively connected to said container, a valve poppet in the housing biased by the gaseous fluid in the container into sealing engagement with the valve seat and constituting therewith primary seal means for prevention of escape of said gaseous fluid from said container, a compression spring in said housing operatively engaged with said valve poppet and operable upon a decrease of pressure of the gaseous fluid in the container to overcome bias of the valve poppet by the gaseous fluid in the container to disengage said valve poppet from said valve seat, a piston assembly movably contain-ed in said tubular housing and disposed therein beyond said valve seat toward an opposite open end of said tubular housing, said piston assembly including an annular low pressure indicat-or head extendable through said open end and a signalling (claim 18 continued) piston axially spaced therebelow, seal means sealing the open end of said tubular housing preventing entrance of contamin-ants into said tubular housing under normal operating pressures of gaseous fluid in said container, said piston assembly being operable upon a decrease of the bias on said valve poppet to sealingly engage in said open end and con-stituting therewith said secondary seal means for prevention of gaseous fluid escape from said container, an end of said compression spring opposite the end thereof operatively engaged with said poppet valve being operatively engageable with said spacing washer, a return spring in said tubular housing disposed intermediate said spacing washer and said piston assembly, said return spring being operable to return said piston assembly to a closed sealing engagement with said open end following an operative depression of said piston assembly with respect to said opening, for the purpose of gauging gaseous fluid pressure in said container, and for venting or adding to the gaseous medium in said container.
19. A valve for normally confining a gaseous fluid in a container comprising A unitary elongated tubular housing having an open end, a spacing washer disposed within said tubular housing intermediate the ends thereof, said tubular housing having internal chambers therein of decreasing diameter from said spacing washer to said open end, the smaller diameter chamber terminating proximate to said open end and including an upper chamber seat disposed therebetween, a substantially annular valve seat being proximate an end of said tubular housing operatively connected to said container, a valve poppet in the housing biased by the gaseous fluid in the container into sealing engagement with said valve seat and constituting therewith primary seal means for prevention of escape of said gaseous fluid from said container, a compression spring in said housing operatively engaged with said valve poppet and operable upon a decrease of pressure of the gaseous fluid in the container to overcome bias of the valve poppet by the gaseous fluid in the container to disengage said valve poppet from said valve seat, a piston assembly movably contained in said tubular housing and disposed therein beyond said valve seat toward an opposite open and of said tubular housing, said piston assembly including an annular low pressure indicator head extendable through said open end and a signalling piston axially spaced therebelow, an annular groove between said indicator head and said signalling piston, a first 0-ring seal in said groove, said first 0-ring seal being sealingly engageable in said open end with said piston assembly in retracted position wherein said signalling piston is contained within the smaller diameter chamber, said first 0-ring seal preventing entrance of contaminants into said tubular housing under normal operating pressures of gaseous fluid in said container, said piston assembly being operable upon a decrease of the bias on said valve poppet to sealingly engage in said open end and constituting therewith secondary seal means for prevention of gaseous fluid escape from said container, an end of said compression spring opposite the end thereof operatively engaged with said poppet valve being operatively engageable with said spacing washer, a return spring in said tubular housing disposed intermediate said spacing washer and said piston assembly, said return spring being operable to return said piston assembly to a closed sealing engagement with said upper chamber seat following an operative depression of said piston assembly with respect to said opening, for the purpose of gauging gaseous fluid pressure in said container, and for venting or adding to the gaseous medium in said container.
20. A valve as claimed in claim 19, said piston assembly including an annular piston spaced from said signalling piston and having an annular groove therebetween, a second O-ring seal in said latter groove, said second 0-ring being engageable with said upper chamber seat formed by the merging area between said smaller internal chamber and said opening and constituting said secondary seal means.
21. A valve as claimed in claim 20, a guide spindle connected to said piston assembly and extending within said tubular housing through said return spring, said spacing washer and into said compression spring, said guide spindle being operable to contact said poppet upon depression of said piston assembly to disengage the poppet from its seat and creating an air flow passage through said tubular housing from said container to said open end thereof, said return spring being operatively engageable between said piston and said spacing washer in the depressed position of said piston assembly.
22. A valve as claimed in claim 20, wherein the internal diameter of the outer of said chambers and the exterior dimensions of said second O-ring seal disposed intermediate said pistons being substantially equal and in slidable sealing engagement upon movement of said second 0-ring seal therethrough to the closing sealing position constituting said secondary seal means.
23. A valve and low-pressure indicator assembly for a pressurized container comprising:
(a) a tubular housing having a downwardly-facing seat:
(b) a valve poppet cooperating with the seat;
(c) spring means biasing the valve poppet away from the seat, the spring means being overcomeable by air pressure within the tire above a preestablished pressure;
(d) mounting means intermediate the level of the seat and the upper end of the housing for mounting the valve assembly to the pressurized container;
(e) said poppet and seat being located and protected inside the pressurized container;
(f) an indicator piston reciprocable in the housing and having an upper portion adapted to be seen and indicate low pressure, the piston having an upper position for indicating, a lower position for venting and B normal position intermediate the two, the piston having a downward extension adapted to engage the poppet and forcibly open it when the piston is moved manually down to the lower position, the piston sealingly engaging the wall of the housing except in the venting position;
whereby when the pressure in the container drops, the poppet opens and the piston is driven to indicating position and whereby from the upper end of the housing the container may be vented by pressing down the piston to open the poppet, and gauged or filled by placing a gauge or filling chuck over the top of the housing and pressing the piston down to open the poppet.
(a) a tubular housing having a downwardly-facing seat:
(b) a valve poppet cooperating with the seat;
(c) spring means biasing the valve poppet away from the seat, the spring means being overcomeable by air pressure within the tire above a preestablished pressure;
(d) mounting means intermediate the level of the seat and the upper end of the housing for mounting the valve assembly to the pressurized container;
(e) said poppet and seat being located and protected inside the pressurized container;
(f) an indicator piston reciprocable in the housing and having an upper portion adapted to be seen and indicate low pressure, the piston having an upper position for indicating, a lower position for venting and B normal position intermediate the two, the piston having a downward extension adapted to engage the poppet and forcibly open it when the piston is moved manually down to the lower position, the piston sealingly engaging the wall of the housing except in the venting position;
whereby when the pressure in the container drops, the poppet opens and the piston is driven to indicating position and whereby from the upper end of the housing the container may be vented by pressing down the piston to open the poppet, and gauged or filled by placing a gauge or filling chuck over the top of the housing and pressing the piston down to open the poppet.
24. A valve and low-pressure indicator as claimed in claim 23 including sealing means sealing the piston to the wall of the housing except when the piston is lowered to the venting position.
25. A valve and low-pressure indicator as claimed in claim 23 wherein second spring means bias the piston toward its normal position.
26. A valve and low-pressure indicator assembly for a pressurized container comprising:
(a) a one-piece tubular housing having mounting means intermediate its ends for mounting said housing in an opening in a wall of the container;
(b) a valve seat in the lower end of said housing below the mounting means;
(c) a valve poppet disposed closer to the lower end than the seat and movable between a closed position engaging said seat when the pressure in the container is at least a preestablished pressure to prevent flow through the housing and an open position permitting flow through the seat;
(d) said poppet and seat being located and protected inside the pressurized container;
(e) an indicator piston axially movable in said tubular housing above the valve poppet;
(f) inward shoulder means inside the housing between the valve poppet and piston;
(g) biasing means in said housing compressively disposed between the valve poppet and the inward shoulder means and operable upon the existence of pressure of the fluid in the container below said preestablished pressure to move said valve poppet to said open position so that pressure enters the housing and drives said indicator piston from its normal position axially toward the upper end of said housing to a position wherein a portion of the indicator piston protects upward to indicate visually said lower pressure condition;
(h) sealing means surrounding the piston to sealingly engage the wall of said housing and normally prevent leakage of fluid through the housing, the wall of the housing being configured to permit passage of air around the sealing means when the piston is below the normal operating position of the piston, said piston being manually movable toward said valve poppet and having a downward extension adapted to engage and open the valve poppet at a position below the normal operating position of the piston; and (i) second biasing means biasing the piston up to its normal position following a manual depression and release of said piston whereby when the assembly is mounted in the container, the seat and poppet are disposed inside the container protected from damage, and whereby because of the downward extension of the indicator piston, the poppet may be opened for gauging venting and filling the container.
(a) a one-piece tubular housing having mounting means intermediate its ends for mounting said housing in an opening in a wall of the container;
(b) a valve seat in the lower end of said housing below the mounting means;
(c) a valve poppet disposed closer to the lower end than the seat and movable between a closed position engaging said seat when the pressure in the container is at least a preestablished pressure to prevent flow through the housing and an open position permitting flow through the seat;
(d) said poppet and seat being located and protected inside the pressurized container;
(e) an indicator piston axially movable in said tubular housing above the valve poppet;
(f) inward shoulder means inside the housing between the valve poppet and piston;
(g) biasing means in said housing compressively disposed between the valve poppet and the inward shoulder means and operable upon the existence of pressure of the fluid in the container below said preestablished pressure to move said valve poppet to said open position so that pressure enters the housing and drives said indicator piston from its normal position axially toward the upper end of said housing to a position wherein a portion of the indicator piston protects upward to indicate visually said lower pressure condition;
(h) sealing means surrounding the piston to sealingly engage the wall of said housing and normally prevent leakage of fluid through the housing, the wall of the housing being configured to permit passage of air around the sealing means when the piston is below the normal operating position of the piston, said piston being manually movable toward said valve poppet and having a downward extension adapted to engage and open the valve poppet at a position below the normal operating position of the piston; and (i) second biasing means biasing the piston up to its normal position following a manual depression and release of said piston whereby when the assembly is mounted in the container, the seat and poppet are disposed inside the container protected from damage, and whereby because of the downward extension of the indicator piston, the poppet may be opened for gauging venting and filling the container.
27. A valve and low-pressure indicator assembly as claimed in claim 26 wherein the sealing means is an O-ring disposed about the piston.
28. A valve and low-pressure indicator assembly as claimed in claim 26 wherein the container is a vehicle tire.
29. A valve and low-pressure indicator assembly as claimed in claim 26 wherein the configuration of the housing wall is an outward flaring below the normal operating position of the piston.
30. A valve and low-pressure indicator assembly as claimed in claim 26 wherein the second biasing means is an axial spring which surrounds the downward extension and extends upward from the shoulder means to the piston.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US18260680A | 1980-08-29 | 1980-08-29 | |
| US182,606 | 1980-08-29 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1170922A true CA1170922A (en) | 1984-07-17 |
Family
ID=22669211
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000384850A Expired CA1170922A (en) | 1980-08-29 | 1981-08-28 | Vehicle tire deflation signalling system |
Country Status (12)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS5773279A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU550703B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR8105510A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1170922A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3133071A1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES8205662A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2489514A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2082734B (en) |
| HK (1) | HK12585A (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1209893B (en) |
| SE (1) | SE8104740L (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA814946B (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU2300083A (en) * | 1983-01-17 | 1984-07-19 | Scovill Inc. | Tyre valve and low pressure indicator |
| JPH0246131U (en) * | 1988-09-22 | 1990-03-29 | ||
| WO1991014120A1 (en) * | 1990-03-06 | 1991-09-19 | Michael Gray | Tyre valve assemblies |
| DE10309476A1 (en) * | 2003-03-05 | 2005-01-20 | Horn, Andreas, Dr. | Safety valve system, e.g. for medical use, comprises non-return valve in transparent case with scale which displays pressure in system being monitored, according to position of top of membrane or spring |
| CN100381737C (en) * | 2005-08-26 | 2008-04-16 | 黄腾文 | Bidirectional non-return valve |
| FR3066437B1 (en) * | 2017-05-16 | 2021-04-09 | Schrader | IMPROVED TIRE INFLATION VALVE |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR563945A (en) * | 1922-07-04 | 1923-12-17 | App J E Malivert Sa Des | Improvements to tire pressure controllers |
| CA1036242A (en) * | 1973-02-15 | 1978-08-08 | Winther, Walter J. | Low tire pressure signalling system |
| DE2611525A1 (en) * | 1976-03-18 | 1977-09-22 | Hans Dietl | Fine control tyre pressure valve - has closing spring lifted when test button pressed to expand indicator membrane |
| US4072048A (en) * | 1976-04-01 | 1978-02-07 | John Arvan | Indicating apparatus for measuring the pressure of a fluid within a container |
| US4079691A (en) * | 1976-12-06 | 1978-03-21 | Trw Inc. | Pressure indicators |
-
1981
- 1981-07-20 ZA ZA814946A patent/ZA814946B/en unknown
- 1981-08-07 SE SE8104740A patent/SE8104740L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1981-08-20 AU AU74362/81A patent/AU550703B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1981-08-21 DE DE19813133071 patent/DE3133071A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1981-08-28 ES ES505029A patent/ES8205662A1/en not_active Expired
- 1981-08-28 CA CA000384850A patent/CA1170922A/en not_active Expired
- 1981-08-28 BR BR8105510A patent/BR8105510A/en unknown
- 1981-08-28 JP JP56134346A patent/JPS5773279A/en active Granted
- 1981-08-28 IT IT49200/81A patent/IT1209893B/en active
- 1981-08-28 GB GB8126362A patent/GB2082734B/en not_active Expired
- 1981-08-31 FR FR8116548A patent/FR2489514A1/en active Pending
-
1985
- 1985-02-12 HK HK125/85A patent/HK12585A/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2082734B (en) | 1984-09-05 |
| AU7436281A (en) | 1982-03-04 |
| BR8105510A (en) | 1982-05-11 |
| JPS5773279A (en) | 1982-05-07 |
| JPS6244150B2 (en) | 1987-09-18 |
| ES505029A0 (en) | 1982-07-01 |
| SE8104740L (en) | 1982-03-01 |
| IT1209893B (en) | 1989-08-30 |
| AU550703B2 (en) | 1986-04-10 |
| HK12585A (en) | 1985-02-19 |
| DE3133071A1 (en) | 1982-04-08 |
| FR2489514A1 (en) | 1982-03-05 |
| ES8205662A1 (en) | 1982-07-01 |
| GB2082734A (en) | 1982-03-10 |
| ZA814946B (en) | 1982-07-28 |
| IT8149200A0 (en) | 1981-08-28 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEC | Expiry (correction) | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |