GB2577739A

GB2577739A - Puncture repair

Info

Publication number: GB2577739A
Application number: GB1816248.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kevin Mccarthy Martin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-10-05
Filing date: 2018-10-05
Publication date: 2020-04-08

Abstract

An apparatus 201 for repairing a puncture comprising: a first elongate portion 202 comprising an aperture 205; a second elongate portion 203 comprising a protrusion 211; a clamping means 204 configured to removably secure said first and second elongate portions together; said protrusion aligns with said aperture to extend through said aperture when said first and second elongate portions are secured together. A method of repairing a puncture comprising: locating a puncture hole in an inner tube (fig.6B, 302); aligning a first elongate portion of an apparatus with said puncture hole on a first side of said inner tube; aligning a second elongate portion with said first elongate portion on a second side of said inner tube; clamping said first and second elongate portions together around said inner tube such that a protrusion of said second elongate portion pushes said inner tube through an aperture of said first elongate portion; repairing said puncture hole; removing said first and second elongate portions by unsecuring said clamping means. The puncture hole may be located using a puncture detection device (fig.8, 801) including a floatation element which moves in response to a flow of air.

Description

Puncture Repair

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application represents the first application for a patent directed towards the invention and the subject matter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for repairing a puncture and a method of repairing a puncture.

When riding a bicycle, a source of frustration for many riders is when a puncture occurs while on a ride. Often this means that riders are either forced io to repair the puncture themselves while out by means of a suitable teol kit which they carry with them. Alternatively, in the absence of such a tool kit, they may find themselves walking home with their bicycle.

A bicycle tyre comprises an inner tube which holds the air which keeps the tyre inflated. Inner tubes often suffer punctures which are commonly in the form of small pin-prick sized holes. These tiny holes are often difficult to detect and, once found, as they are so tiny, it is easy for the location of the puncture hole to be lost. This means that repairing an inner tube can be difficult and frustrating, as several attempts may be needed to ensure the puncture hole has been located.

Once located, the location is usually identified by a simple chalk or pencil-mark or by use of the repairer's thumb. In the case of the repairer's thumb, during repairs, the thumb can slip or move slightly and the accurate position of the puncture hole can be easily lost. Furthermore, even when a chalk or pencil-mark is made, these often rub off, particularly once the repair commences, as repairing typically involves a step of abrading and cleaning the surface in order to apply a suitable repair patch.

Thus, current repair kits available present two main problems. Firstly, the puncture hole is difficult to locate accurately due to its size, and secondly, once found, the puncture hole's position is often lost during the repairing process. Thus, when the repair patch is applied, it can easily be positioned off-centre if it is unclear where the puncture hole is, and this leads to poor repair which is less durable and/or effective.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for repairing a puncture, comprising: a first elongate portion and a second elongate portion; a clamping means configured to removably secure said first elongate portion and said second elongate portion together; said first elongate portion comprises an aperture; and said second elongate portion comprises a protrusion; wherein, in use, said protrusion aligns with said aperture such that said protrusion extends through said aperture when said first elongate portion and said second elongate portion are secured together. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of repairing a puncture, comprising the steps of: locating a puncture hole in an inner tube; aligning a first elongate portion of an apparatus with said puncture hole on a first side of said inner tube; aligning a second elongate portion of an apparatus with said first elongate portion on a second side of said inner tube; securing, by a clamping means, said first elongate portion and said second elongate portion together around said inner tube such that a protrusion of said second elongate portion pushes said inner tube through an aperture of said first elongate portion; repairing said puncture hole; and removing said first elongate portion and said second elongate portion by unsecuring said clamping means.

Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed embodiments show the best mode known to the inventor and provide support for the invention as claimed. However, they are only exemplary and should not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims. Their purpose is to provide a teaching to those skilled in the art. Components and processes distinguished by ordinal phrases such as "first" and 'second" do not necessarily define an order or ranking of any sort.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a typical scenario involving a cyclist riding a bicycle; Figure 2 shows an apparatus for repairing a puncture; Figure 3 shows the apparatus of Figure 2 being utilised to remove the inner tube of a bicycle tyre from a bicycle wheel rim; Figure 4 shows an example method of locating a puncture hole in an inner tube of a bicycle tyre; Figure 5 shows the alignment of first and second elongate portions around the inner tube; Figures 6A, 6B and 6C show cross-sectional views of the first and second elongate portions being aligned and secured around the inner tube; Figure 7 shows the securing of the first and second elongate portions together; Figure 8 shows an apparatus for detecting or locating a puncture hole; Figure 9 shows a plan view of the housing of an apparatus for detecting a puncture; Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for detecting a puncture hole; Figure 11 shows a method of detecting a puncture hole; Figure 12 shows a further step in the method of detecting a puncture hole; Figures 13A and 13B show schematic cross-sectional views of a method of detecting a puncture hole; Figure 14 shows a diagrammatic cross-section of the combination of an apparatus for repairing a puncture and an apparatus for detecting a puncture; and Figure 15 shows the repair of the puncture hole once located.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 A cyclist 101 is shown riding a bicycle in a typical scenario in Figure 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the front tyre 102 of bicycle 103 has experienced a puncture 104 which includes damage to the inner tube of the tyre.

Thus, cyclist 101 must either repair puncture 104 or otherwise find means to get home without riding bicycle 103. This is problematic for the aforementioned reasons and the present invention provides a suitable means by which to repair and/or detect the puncture on the inner tube.

In the embodiment, apparatus in accordance with the present invention is configured to be portable and lightweight, and in the embodiment, the apparatus is easily transportable by cyclist 101 and may be carried on their person, for example, in pocket 105. Thus, the apparatus as described herein may comprise part of a portable tool kit to enable repair of a puncture on a bicycle.

Figure 2 Apparatus 201 for repairing a puncture is shown in Figure 2. Apparatus 201 comprises a first elongate portion 202 and a second elongate portion 203. In respect of Figure 2, apparatus 201 is shown in exploded form whereby first elongate portion 202 and second elongate portion 203 are shown separate to each other. However, apparatus 201 further comprises a clamping means 204 which is configured to removably secure the first and second elongate portions 202 and 203 together as necessary.

First elongate portion 202 comprises an aperture 205 which comprises a central circular cross section through first elongate portion 202. First elongate portion 202 further comprises a first end 206 which comprises a hooking means 207 which is suitable for securing first elongate portion 202 to a bicycle wheel spoke. In the embodiment, first elongate portion 202 comprises a second end 208, substantially opposite to first end 206 which comprises a lever 209 which is suitable for removing a bicycle tyre from a bicycle wheel rim.

In the embodiment, aperture 205 is positioned between first end 206 and second end 208 and first elongate portion 202 comprises a visual indicator 210 to indicate a puncture site in use. In this example, visual indicator 210 comprises a plurality of arrow-shaped indicators situated around the circumference of aperture 205, although in alternative embodiments, it is appreciated that alternative visual indicators may be present.

Referring now to second elongate portion 203, it is appreciated that second elongate portion 203 is substantially similar in length and outer width to first elongate portion 202 and this assists in securing the first and second elongate portions together in use. Second elongate portion 203 differs from first elongate portion 202 in particular by comprising a protrusion 211 as opposed to an aperture. Protrusion 211 comprises a central circular cross section that is substantially similar in size and diameter to the central circular cross section of aperture 205. In this way, protrusion 211 is configured to align with aperture 205 in use such that protrusion 211 extends through aperture 205 when first elongate portion 202 and second elongate portion 203 are secured together. This will be explained in further detail in particular with respect to Figures 5 to 7.

Similar to first elongate portion 202, second elongate portion 203 further comprises a first end 212 which comprises a hooking means 213 which is suitable for securing second elongate portion 203 to a bicycle wheel spoke. Second elongate portion 203 also comprises a second end 214, substantially opposite to first end 212 which comprises a lever 215 which is suitable for removing a bicycle tyre from a bicycle wheel rim. It is appreciated that, in the embodiment, the respective hooking means and levers of each of the first and second elongate portions are substantially similar to each other. It is further appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, only one of the first and second elongate portions may comprise one or either of the hooking means and/or lever.

In the embodiment, clamping means 204 comprises a clip which comprises at least one plug and at least one socket. First elongate portion 202 comprises two sockets positioned on an under-surface of first elongate portion 202 as best shown in Figure 6. Second elongate portion 203 therefore comprises two corresponding plugs 216 and together the plugs and sockets mutually co-operate to secure first elongate portion 202 to second elongate portion 203 in use.

In the embodiment, first and second elongate portions 202 and 203 comprise a plastic material which has been injection-moulded. The plastic material may be any suitable thermoplastic material and, in specific embodiments, may be polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polyethylene (PE). It is appreciated that apparatus 201 may, in alternative embodiments, be comprised of an alternative material. The material is preferably lightweight however so as to enable apparatus 201 to be carried around by a cyclist when riding the bicycle in the manner shown in Figure 1.

In some embodiments, apparatus 201 is provided in alternative colours or with suitable branding thereon depending on retailer requirements. In particular, branding may be applied to the protrusion or the top surface of either elongate portions.

Figure 3 Apparatus 201 can be effectively utilised to repair a bicycle wheel puncture, as will now be described.

In Figure 3, first elongate portion 201 is secured to a bicycle wheel spoke 301 by hooking means 207 while lever 209 is utilised to assist in removing the inner tube 302 from the bicycle wheel 303. Second elongate portion 203 and its respective lever 215 is also used in the manner of a conventional lever to remove inner tube 302 from the bicycle wheel 303.

Figure 4 Once inner tube 302 has been removed from bicycle wheel 303, the puncture hole in inner tube 302 needing repair can be located by a suitable means. In the embodiment of Figure 4, this is achieved by a conventional manner of immersing the inner tube in a body of water 401 so as to identify the location of the puncture hole. As previously noted, many puncture holes are pin-prick in nature, and this can make them difficult to identify. By placing inner tube 302 in a water 401, bubbles 402 are identified emanating from the puncture hole and this provides an indication of where the puncture hole is.

Alternatively, the puncture hole can be located by an alternative method described herein and this will be described further with respect to Figures 11 to 13 in particular. It is appreciated that alternative methods of locating the puncture hole may be used, such as by visual identification or running a finger along the inner tube 302 for example.

Figure 5 Once the puncture hole has been located, first elongate portion 202 can be aligned with the puncture hole on the top side 501 of inner tube 302. Visual indicators 210 can be utilised to ensure alignment is made and that the puncture hole is substantially central in respect to aperture 205.

Either separately, or at a substantially simultaneous instant, second elongate portion 203 is aligned with first elongate portion 202 on the underside 502 of inner tube 302. Thus, in this way, and as will be shown further in Figure 6, first elongate portion 202 and second elongate portion 203 sandwich inner tube 302 with the puncture hole positioned centrally to aperture 205. Once positioned, first elongate portion 202 and second elongate portion 203 can be secured.

Figures 6A, 6B and 6C Figures 6A, 6B and 6C show cross-sectional views of the first and second elongate portions 202 and 203 being aligned and secured around inner tube 302.

In Figure 6A, first elongate portion 202 is separate to second elongate portion 203. Once the position of the puncture hole has been located as described with respect to Figure 4, in Figure 6B, first elongate portion 202 is aligned with the puncture hole on top side 501 of inner tube 302. Second elongate portion 203 is also aligned with inner tube 302 on underside 502.

In Figure 6C, first elongate portion 202 is secured to second elongate portion 203 by clamping means 204 around inner tube 302. This is achieved by an operative, such as cyclist 101, pushing first elongate portion 202 and second elongate portion 203 together so that clamping means connects the two elongate portions while inner tube 302 fits between the two elongate portions. In this way, protrusion 211 pushes inner tube 302 through aperture 205. Protrusion 211 also extends through aperture 205 so as to raise inner tube 302 and its respective puncture hole through and above aperture 205 so as to assist in repairing the puncture hole.

Figure 6 also illustrates how sockets 601 and corresponding plugs 216 of clamping means 204 secure first and second elongate portions 202 and 203 together. In Figure 6A, first elongate portion 202 and second elongate portion 203 are positioned apart and are unsecured. In the step shown in Figure 6C, as first elongate portion 202 and second elongate portion 203 are brought together, plugs 216 fit into sockets 601 and are secured by means of a tolerance fit. Thus, elongate portions 202 and 203 are removably secured. In use, once repair has been completed, however, a force can be applied to the two elongate portions and the clamping means 204 can be forced apart such that apparatus 201 can be reused in future repairs as necessary.

Figure 7 The securing of first elongate portion 202 to second elongate portion 203 is shown further in respect of Figure 7. In the embodiment, a force is applied by operative 101 to each end of the elongate portions simultaneously to temporarily secure apparatus 201 around inner tube 302. Raised portion 701 of inner tube 302 can be seen and it is appreciated that this raised portion 701 is supported by protrusion 211.

Thus, inner tube 302 and its respective puncture hole is now in a position where it can be repaired. This will be described further with respect to Figure 15.

Figure 8 An alternative method to that described in Figure 4 of locating a puncture hole in an inner tube will now be described with respect to Figures 8 to 14. In this embodiment, the method of locating or detecting a puncture comprises using a puncture detection device to locate the puncture hole.

Apparatus for detecting a puncture 801, also known as a puncture detection device is shown in an exploded form in Figure 8. Apparatus for repairing a puncture 201, also referred to as a repair device, is also shown in Figure 8. Thus, it is appreciated that apparatus 201 and apparatus 801 are io suitable for using in combination with each other, and in a preferred embodiment, are supplied as part of a tool kit in which both apparatus 201 and 801 are provided.

Apparatus 801 comprises a housing 802. Housing 802 comprises a plurality of compartments which will be described further in respect of Figure 9. Apparatus 801 further comprises at least one floatation element 803, and in the embodiment, a plurality of floatation elements is included in the apparatus. Each of the floatation elements 802 is substantially spherical and comprises a spherical ball. In an embodiment, each said floatation element comprises polystyrene material. It is appreciated that any number of floatation elements may be utilised, and this may be dependent on the size of housing 802 or the compartments therein.

Apparatus 801 further comprises a cover 804. Cover 804, in use, fits over housing 802 ensuring that floatation elements 803 are retained in housing 802 and their respective compartments. In the embodiment, cover 804 is substantially transparent and this allows floatation elements 803 to be viewed in use, as will be described further in respect of Figures 12 and 13.

In the embodiment, housing 802 comprises a plastic material which may be any suitable plastic material. In an embodiment, the plastic material comprises polypropylene and may be injection-moulded. Thus, housing 802 may comprise a similar material and method of manufacture to apparatus 201.

Figure 9 A plan view of housing 802 in isolation is shown in Figure 9. As noted above, housing 802 comprises a plurality of compartments 901. Each of the compartments are configured to contain at least one floatation element 803 (not shown in this Figure). In the embodiment, as shown, the plurality of compartments 901 are arranged in concentric circles. Thus, compartments 901A, 901B, 901C and 901D are arranged in an outer concentric circle. Compartments 901A, 901B, 901C and 901D are arranged in an inner circle of compartments and compartment 901J comprises a single centre compartment.

It is appreciated that housing 802 in this embodiment is substantially circular in cross section, and the compartments are arranged as such in respect of this. In alternative embodiments, however, it is appreciated that apparatus 801 may function in a substantially similar manner if housing 802 is an alternative shape, such as a square, with divided compartments therein.

Thus, any other suitable shape for housing may be utilised.

Each compartment 901 comprises an opening for receiving a flow of air into the compartment. In this illustrated example, the outer compartments, 901A, 901B, 901C and 901D, comprise four openings and it is appreciated that a corresponding floatation element is included in each of these compartments for each opening. Thus, each outer compartment typically comprises four floatation elements. The inner compartments, 901A, 901B, 901C and 901D, each comprise two openings, and again, two corresponding floatation elements will therefore be included in each of these inner compartments.

Centre compartment 901J comprises a single opening, and it is appreciated that a single floatation element is intended to be included in this centre compartment.

The varied number of floatation elements allows for increased precision in locating a puncture hole by means of the method described in Figures 11 to 14 in particular, and this will be described further.

Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of apparatus 801 is shown in Figure 10 highlighting additional features of apparatus 801.

Apparatus 801 is now shown in non-exploded form with cover 804 secured in housing 802 such that each of the plurality of floatation elements are contained within their respective compartments of housing 802. As described, each compartment comprises an opening, and, in this illustrated example, compartment 901D comprises opening 1001. It is appreciated that opening 1001 is substantially similar to the other openings in any of the other compartments in housing 802.

Opening 1001 is shown in further detail at the left of Figure 10, in a zoomed-in view. Opening 1001 comprises a channel 1002 in housing 802 which comprises a venturi arrangement. In the embodiment, the venturi comprises a thirty-degree (30°) inlet channel 1003 and a five-degree (5°) outlet channel 1004. The venturi is configured to control the air flow from outside the housing 802 and into the compartment 901D so as to move the floatation elements 804 therein. This will be described further with respect to Figure 13.

Figure 11 A method of detecting a puncture hole utilising apparatus 801 will be described with respect to Figures 11 to 14. An operative, such as cyclist 101, receives apparatus 801 and positions apparatus 801 into aperture 205 of first elongate portion 202 of apparatus 201. In this way, it is appreciated that housing 802 of apparatus 801 is suitably dimensioned to co-operate with aperture 205 such that apparatus 801 can removably fit into aperture 205.

Figure 12 Once apparatus 801 is positioned into aperture 205 of apparatus 201 as shown in Figure 12, the combined apparatus can be placed onto inner tube 302 so as to ascertain the location of the puncture hole in inner tube 302.

First elongate portion 202 is therefore positioned onto the inner tube 302 such that the underside of housing 802 contacts inner tube 302. In use, therefore, operative 101 moves apparatus 801 and apparatus 201 in combination along the surface 501 of inner tube 302 in the direction of arrow 1201 to identify the location of the puncture hole.

While the illustrated embodiment illustrates the use of apparatus 801 in combination with apparatus 201, it is appreciated that the location of a puncture hole using device 801 can be achieved without the use of device 201. However, it is further appreciated that combining the two apparatus together can provide a number of additional advantages in terms of locating and retaining the location of the puncture hole once it has been effectively found.

Figure 13A and Figure 13B By moving apparatus 801 along surface 501 of inner tube 302, puncture hole 1301 can be identified. As illustrated in respect of Figures 13A and 13B, housing 802 is positioned in contact with surface 501 and moved across the area in which puncture hole 1301 is located.

In Figure 13A, housing 802 is present over puncture hole 1301 such that puncture hole 1301 is substantially aligned with the opening of compartment 901A. Emphasised by the venturi effect, as puncture hole 1301 coincides with the opening, floatation elements inside compartment 901A are agitated and move as the flow of air from inside inner tube 302 passes through the opening as the opening passes over the puncture hole.

By viewing through cover 804, the operative can easily see that the floatation elements in compartment 901A are moving therefore indicating the location of the puncture hole 1301.

The operative can then move the apparatus 801 further along inner tube 302 to find a more precise location of the puncture hole and ensure that the centre of the puncture hole has been identified. Referring now to Figure 13B, movement of apparatus 801 has aligned the opening of central compartment 901J with puncture hole 1301. In a similar manner, the air flow ensures that the single floatation element in compartment 901J moves around to confirm that the puncture hole 1301 resides underneath compartment 901J. Thus, in the position of apparatus 801 in Figure 13B, the operative can determine that the puncture hole is directly centred in line with apparatus 801.

When used in combination with apparatus 201, apparatus 201 can then be clamped as described previously to ensure the location of puncture hole 1301 is retained.

Figure 14 Figure 14 shows a diagrammatic cross-section of apparatus 201 in combination with apparatus 801 in exploded form. In use, apparatus 801 is positioned in aperture 205 of first elongate portion 202 while being moved across the surface of inner tube 302. Once the puncture hole has been lo identified in the manner described in Figure 13, second elongate portion 203 can be introduced in a substantially similar manner to that as described previously such that the repair device, apparatus 201, can be secured around the inner tube 302 at the location of the puncture hole. Due to the nature of apparatus 801, an operative can also be certain that aperture 205 is positioned centrally with respect to the puncture hole, such that, in this embodiment, the puncture hole resides in the centre of the housing 802 and corresponding the centre of aperture 205.

Thus, operative 101 can secure apparatus 201 by securing second elongate portion 203 to first elongate portion 202. Due to protrusion 211, apparatus 801 is then pushed out of first elongate portion 202 such that inner tube 302 is exposed for repair.

Figure 15 Repair of the puncture hole is shown in Figure 15. In an embodiment, a kit of parts is provided, preferably in the form of a portable tool kit, comprising apparatus 201 and apparatus 801 in combination with a puncture repair patch and an abrasive material suitable for sanding or abrading a puncture site. With apparatus 801 now removed from the puncture site to provide access, apparatus 201 is retained in position around inner tube 302. Thus, operative 101 can now repair the puncture hole. The process of repairing the puncture hole requires sanding using the abrasive material 1501, and once suitably abraded, the puncture site is cleaned and a repair patch can be positioned over the puncture hole.

Due to protrusion 211, the puncture hole and the surrounding repair site are raised for this procedure. This advantageously makes the abrasive process easier for the operative due to the raised nature. Further, the raising also avoids abrasive damage to the elongate portions.

Once the repair is completed, the first and second elongate portions are removed by unsecuring the clamping means. This is achieved by pulling the two elongate portions apart. Apparatus 201 can then be reused along with apparatus 801 if chosen.

The invention provides a number of advantages. Firstly, the apparatus provides a means of identifying and maintaining the exact location of a puncture during the repair process. It also provides a means in which to repair the puncture more easily and use both hands because the repairer is no longer required to maintain their thumb or finger in place to ensure the location of the puncture is not lost. The system also provides a means in which to identify punctures which are pin-prick in nature easily and accurately.

Claims

CLAIMSThe invention claimed is: 1. Apparatus for repairing a puncture, comprising: a first elongate portion and a second elongate portion; a clamping means configured to removably secure said first elongate portion and said second elongate portion together; said first elongate portion comprises an aperture; and said second elongate portion comprises a protrusion; wherein, in use, said protrusion aligns with said aperture such that said protrusion extends through said aperture when said first elongate portion and said second elongate portion are secured together.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said first elongate portion and said second elongate portion comprises a first end comprising a hooking means for securing said apparatus to a bicycle wheel spoke.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least one of said first elongate portion and said second elongate portion comprises a second end comprising a lever for removing a bicycle tyre from a bicycle wheel rim.
4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein said clamping means comprises a clip.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said clip comprises at least one plug on said first elongate portion and at least one corresponding socket on said second elongate portion.
6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said first elongate portion comprises a visual indicator for indicating a puncture site.
7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said first elongate portion and said second elongate portion are injection-moulded.
8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said first elongate portion and said second elongate portion comprise a plastic material.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said plastic material comprises any one of the following: a thermoplastic; polypropylene; acrylonitrile butadiene styrene; polyethylene.
10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said apparatus comprises part of a portable tool kit.
11. A kit of parts comprising: an apparatus according to any preceding claim; a puncture repair patch; and an abrasive material for sanding a puncture site.
12. A method of repairing a puncture, comprising the steps of: locating a puncture hole in an inner tube; aligning a first elongate portion of an apparatus with said puncture hole on a first side of said inner tube; aligning a second elongate portion of an apparatus with said first elongate portion on a second side of said inner tube; securing, by a clamping means, said first elongate portion and said second elongate portion together around said inner tube such that a protrusion of said second elongate portion pushes said inner tube through an aperture of said first elongate portion; repairing said puncture hole; and removing said first elongate portion and said second elongate portion by unsecuring said clamping means.
13. A method of repairing a puncture according to claim 12, wherein said step of repairing said puncture hole comprises the steps of: sanding a puncture site; cleaning said puncture site; and attaching a puncture repair patch over said puncture hole.
14. A method of repairing a puncture according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein said step of locating a puncture hole comprises immersing said inner tube in water.
15. A method of repairing a puncture according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein said step of locating a puncture hole comprises using a puncture detection device to locate said puncture hole.
16. A method of repairing a puncture according to claim 15, wherein said puncture detection device comprises: a housing comprising a plurality of compartments; wherein each said compartment contains at least one floatation element; and each said compartment further comprises an opening for receiving a flow of air into said compartment, such that, when a flow of air passes through said opening into said compartment, said floatation element is configured to move in response to said flow of air.
17. A method of repairing a puncture according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein said steps of aligning said first and second elongate portions are substantially simultaneous.
18. A method of repairing a puncture according to any one of claims 12 to 17, further comprising the step of: removing a bicycle tyre from a bicycle wheel rim by utilising a lever of one of said first elongate portion or said second elongate portion.