GB2351931A

GB2351931A - Dust cap removing device

Info

Publication number: GB2351931A
Application number: GB9907188A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew John Whurr
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-03-30
Filing date: 1999-03-30
Publication date: 2001-01-17
Also published as: GB9907188D0

Abstract

A dust cap removing device 2 made of a soft rubber material comprises an opening at one end for engagement with a dust cap 1. After unscrewing, the dust cap is retained in the device. Since the rubber is flexible, the device can be used for dust caps of various types and sizes. The device may include a hole 4 for attachment to a key ring.

Description

2351931 DUST CAP REMOVER This invention relates to a Dust Cap Remover for

cars / vehicles equipped with inflatable tyres.

An essential part of car / vehicle maintenance,;.s the periodic / weekly check on the tyre pressures. Having incorrect pressures in ones tyres can drastically affect the cars /vehicles performance. Too low a pressure can result in higher than necessary fuel consumption, can cause the tyres to overheat - leading to premature wear. Too high a pressure can result in poor contact with the road surface increasing the chance of a skid and again can cause premature wear to the tyres.

Most pneumatic tyres are fitted with a dust cap which keeps the pressure valve free from dirt and grime and also stops air 'leakage' from the valve. Because of the situation of the valves on most cars / vehicles, the dust caps are often very awkward to remove. In addition, more cars are being fitted with alloy wheels which o6en have a deeply recessed valve, making dust cap removal even more awkward. In this instance, removal often necessitates the use of pliers which could scratch the surface of the alloy wheel, All too often the dust cap will soon become very dirty and oily, and when removed, the users fingers / hands will become grubby with dirt and oil - this can often be transferred to ones clothes. Once removed, the dust cap is usually placed near to the tyre on the ground (because there is no other convenient place to keep them), often resulting in their subsequent loss.

The invention presented here allows much easier access to the dust caps. and once removed, provides a secure place to store until the v yre is at its correct pressure and the cap can then be returned. Ile use of the Dust Cap Remover provides more leverage to the dust cap and thus ensures that less strength and nimbleness is required to remove them. In the case of vehicles fitted with alloy wheels with deeply recessed valves, using the Dust Cap Remover instead of pliers, ensures that the alloy wheels will not be scratched or marked permanently when removing dust caps. It ensures the users fingers / hands are not in direct contact with the cap, and therefore protects them from becoming dirty.

Tle Dust Cap Remover will be manufactured from a pliable rubber compound. This serves 2 purposes:

1) it will locate easily on most types of valve dust caps.

2) it will be comfortable to use in all weather conditions.

The Dust Cap Remover will be manufactured with a hole in the top which gives the user the choice to attach to: for example, a key ring.

The Dust Cap Remover consists of 2 body parts. The base locates into the top which will enable the user to turn the body of the Dust Cap Remover whilst it is still attached to: for example, a key ring.ne Dust Cap Remover will be already assembled prior to despatch to customers.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings (figures 1 & 2) in which:

Figure 1 shows from a side elevation, the Dust Cap Remover directly in front of a dust cap, prior to removal of the dust cap. Ile main body 2 is affixed to the top 3 by means of an interlocking stub. Being constructed thus enables the body 2 to be rotated independently of top 3. A hole 4 is provided in the top 3 to enable users to attach the Dust Cap Remover to a key ring (for example).

Figure 2 illustrates the placement of the Dust Cap Remover onto a dust cap. Figure 2 is a cutaway drawing, which demonstrates the way in which dust caps (of varying sizes) are securely held. Figure 2 shows the dust cap 1 held securely by the Dust Cap Remover. Figure 2 illustrates the 2 independent parts: 2 the main body and 3 the top. The hole provided is shown as 4.

Figure 2 demonstrates the secure storing position of the dust cap (once removed) to enable tyre pressures to be checked / altered as necessary.

Figure 2 illustrates the pliability of the Dust Cap Remover to enable varying types I sizes of dust caps to be removed / stored.

Figure 2 also shows the 2 distinct parts of the Dust Cap Remover, which enables the main body 2 to be twisted whilst the top 3 remains attached to another object. This will prove useful if the user decides to affix the Dust Cap Remover to a key ring (for example) using the hole 4 provided.

The Dust Cap Remover, as described and illustrated, provides a means for easy removal of dust caps, to enable the essential checking of inflatable tyre pressures.

The Dust Cap Remover allows more leverage to be imparted on to dust caps, which enables people who arc not particularly nimble or who have arthritic conditions (for example), to affect more easy removal of the dust caps.

Because the design incorporates a hole in the top of the Dust Cap Remover, users can attach it in a place for easy location and storage. A typical use for the hole in the body of the Dust Cap Remover would be to attach it to ones key ring.

The body of the Dust Cap Remover is manufactured from 2 separate rubber parts. These are locked together prior to despatch. The split body design, allows the user to affect a twisting action on the Dust Cap Remover whilst the top is affixed to another object (eg. a key ring).

The Dust Cap Remover provides a secure place to store the dust cap, once removed, so that it is easily located and replaced once the relevant tyre pressure is checked / altered accordingly.

The Dust Cap Remover ensures the the users fingers / hands are kept clean because there is no need for direct contact with the dust caps.

The Dust Cap Remover allows easier removal of dust caps from vehicles fitted with alloy wheels whose valves are deeply recessed in the wheel.

The Dust Cap Remover is manufactured from a soft rubber compound giving a comfortable feel and grip in all weather conditions.

Claims

DUST CAP REMOVER 1 A valve dust cap remover comprising a body manufactured from a rubber compound called neoprene, shaped for comfort and ease of use, has a single cavity in one end which will locate easily over valve dust caps to ease their removal, being manufactured out of flexible rubber the cavity provides a firm grip over most types of valve dust caps.
2 A valve dust cap remover substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 - -3 of the accompanying drawing.