Field of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to a tool and in particular to a tyre valve tool.

[2] The invention has been developed primarily for use in the automotive industry and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background of the Invention

[3] The terms "wheel" and "rim" are often used interchangeably, as decorative mag wheels are often referred to as "rims". At the same time, "wheel" may refer to the entire rotating assembly, which includes the tyre. As used herein, the term "wheel" refers to a mag wheel, steel wheel, etc. to which a "tyre" is mounted. A "wheel rim" refers to the peripheral edge of the wheel where the tyre mounts. The wheel rim typically includes a flat mid-potion, an outer flange adjacent the front face and an inner flange adjacent an inner periphery thereof.

[4] Reverse mount wheels are becoming increasingly fashionable on vehicles. These wheels are specialist 'aftermarket' additions by car enthusiasts. They are expensive to purchase and sometimes extremely difficult to replace, as a result of the demand for unique, expensive looking wheels.

[5] Tyre changing machines for mounting and dismounting tyres from wheels are used by tyre retailers and vehicle repair shops. A tyre changing machine typically must engage and securely hold the wheel during servicing so that a tyre can be either removed from or mounted onto the wheel. If the wheel has a cosmetic front face, the manner in which the wheel is handled by a tyre fitter and engaged by the tyre changing machine should minimize the risk of damaging the cosmetic surface.

[6] In reverse mount wheels, the outer flange adjacent the (cosmetic) front face has a larger bead for locking the tyre than the bead adjacent the inner flange. The wheel is thus carefully placed cosmetic face down on a tyre changing machine and is held by mounting means such as jaws. The old tyre is then dismounted and the new or repaired tyre mounted onto the wheel via the smaller bead at the inner flange.

[7] The aperture through which the tyre valve passes through the wheel is typically provided at the front face of the wheel. Thus, with reverse mount wheels, the valve mount aperture faces towards the ground when the wheel is secured in the tyre changing machine. This can make it very difficult to access the tyre valve when changing a tyre.

[8] Currently, changing a tyre typically involves the following steps: the wheel is mounted onto the machine (cosmetic face down), after which the tyre can be removed and the old valve cut off and removed from the wheel. The wheel is then typically manually removed from the machine, (carefully) flipped over by the tyre fitter, then typically balanced on the machine (to save time) while the new tyre valve is mounted to the wheel using a conventional style valve puller. The tyre fitter must then again flip the wheel over in their hands, re-mount the wheel to the tyre changing machine (cosmetic face down) and then fit the new tyre to the wheel.

[9] The current valve puller is difficult to control when changing the tyre on a reverse mount wheel, which creates potential for damage to the cosmetic face of the wheel. The steps of having to remove the wheel from the wheel mount are dangerous to the worker and also risk damaging the wheel.

[10] The present invention seeks to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[11] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

[12] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a tyre valve tool comprising:

a housing;

a coupling means rotatably retained by the housing, the coupling means adapted to be couplable to a tyre valve; and

a rotation assembly mounted to the housing, the rotation assembly adapted to in use selectively rotate the coupling means in a first direction for coupling the coupling means to the tyre valve.

[13] The tyre valve tool of the present invention can more readily access and couple to the tyre valve of a wheel that is is secured in a tyre changing machine, thereby simplifying and making the process of changing a tyre on wheels such as reverse mount wheels safer and less likely to cause any damage to the wheel. [14] The rotation assembly may, in some embodiments, be adapted to in use selectively rotate the coupling means in a second opposite direction for uncoupling the coupling means from the tyre valve. In such embodiments, uncoupling the tyre valve tool from a tyre valve which has just been mounted onto a wheel can be a much simpler process that is the case for conventional style valve pullers.

[15] For example, in some embodiments, the tyre valve tool further comprises a biasing means engaging the rotation assembly, wherein the rotation assembly is actuatable against the biasing means to rotate the coupling means in the first direction, and the biasing means acts to rotate the coupling means in the second opposite direction.

[16] In some embodiments, the tyre valve tool further comprises a trigger for actuating the rotation assembly. '

[17] In some embodiments, the housing comprises a grip.

[18] In some embodiments, the housing comprises an open end and the coupling means is disposed at the open end. The housing may, for example, be generally elongate and the central axis of the open end is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the axis of the housing.

[19] In some embodiments, the housing includes a first section and a second section mounted to the first section.

[20] The second section may, for example, be rotatably mounted to the first section. At least a portion of the second section may, for example, extend generally perpendicularly to the first section.

[21 ] In some embodiments, the first section comprises a hollow tubular body.

[22] In some embodiments, the second section comprises a hollow tubular body having a first portion, a second portion and a bent portion between the first portion and the second portion such that the second portion is substantially perpendicular to the first portion. The first portion of the second section may, for example, be rotatably mounted within the first section. The second portion may, for example, comprise an open end and the coupling means is disposed at the open end.

[23] In some embodiments, the tool comprises a handle to which the housing is mounted. The handle may, in some embodiments, extend generally perpendicularly to the housing. For example, the housing may comprise an open end and the coupling means is disposed at the open end, and wherein the rotational orientation of the open end relative to the handle can be varied. [24] In some embodiments, the rotation assembly is disposed within the housing.

[25] In some embodiments, the rotation assembly comprises:

a rotation means; and

a connector extending between the rotation means and the coupling means.

[26] The rotation means may, for example, comprise a helical member rotatably mounted within the housing, wherein the helical member is actuatable for rotating the connector.

[27] The rotation assembly may, for example, comprise a trigger having a first end engaging the helical member and a second end extending outwardly from the housing, wherein movement of the trigger relative to the housing rotates the helical member. The rotation assembly may, for example, comprise a biasing means urging the trigger toward a first position relative to the housing, wherein the user in use applying a force to move the trigger relative to the housing rotates the helical member in the first direction and the user releasing the force on the trigger allows the biasing means to return the trigger to the first position and the helical member is rotated in the second opposite direction.

[28] The tool may, for example, comprise a handle to which the housing is mounted and the trigger is adapted to be movable along a general direction toward and away from the handle. The handle may, for example, extend generally perpendicularly to the housing and the trigger is generally perpendicular to the housing and spaced from the handle.

[29] The housing may, for example, comprise an elongated slot which allows the trigger to be moved by a user toward the handle whilst maintaining the trigger generally parallel to the handle.

[30] The trigger may, for example, be spaced from the handle such that a user can grip the tool with the handle in the user's palm and at least one of the user's fingers on the trigger.

[31] In alternate embodiments, the rotation means may comprise a rack and pinion assembly.

[32] In some embodiments, the connector may comprise a gear assembly for transferring rotation of the rotation means to the coupling means.

[33] In some embodiments, the connector includes a first end connected to the rotating means and a second end connected to the coupling means.

[34] In some embodiments, the connector is a laterally flexible and rotationally rigid member. The connector may, for example, be made from steel cable, nylon or flexible wire. [35] In some embodiments, the coupling means comprises an internally threaded cavity which is adapted to be threadably connected to a tyre valve.

[36] In some embodiments, the coupling means comprises a generally bell-shaped body having a first section received within the housing and a second section retained external to an open end of the housing.

[37] In some embodiments, the coupling means is oriented generally perpendicularly to the housing.

[38] In some embodiments, the tool comprises a handle and the coupling means is generally parallel to the handle.

[39] In some embodiments, the tool comprises a handle and the angular orientation of the coupling means is offset relative the handle.

[40] In another embodiment, the housing of the tyre valve tool comprises a generally elongated first section and a curved second section, wherein the second section has a generally C-shaped bend. The tyre valve tool may, for example, further comprise a pivot block disposed along an inner surface of the second section. The tyre valve tool may, for example, further comprise a second grip handle at the first section.

[41] In some embodiments, the housing may be attached to the handle via a bridge connector, the bridge connector comprising end tubes respectively attached to the handle and the housing, with at least two diametrically opposite lateral arms extending between the end tubes. The rotation assembly may, for example, comprise a rotation barrel for rotating an elongated connector to which the coupling means is attached, the rotation barrel being mounted within the bridge connector between the lateral arms.

[42] The effective length of the first section may be adjustable for extending the coupling means away from the housing if desired. The first section may, for example, comprise an inner tube and an outer tube rotatable relative to each other to effectively lengthen or shorten the first section.

[43] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of mounting a tyre valve to a wheel using the tool of the first aspect, the method comprising:

mounting the wheel to a wheel mount;

inserting the tyre valve through a tyre valve aperture of the wheel;

actuating the rotation assembly of the tool to couple the coupling means to the tyre valve; and

applying a force to the housing to mount the tyre valve to the wheel. [44] The method may, in some embodiments, further comprise actuating the rotation assembly to uncouple the coupling means from the tyre valve.

[45] According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a tyre valve tool comprising:

a housing;

a coupling means adapted to be couplable to a tyre valve, wherein the coupling means is oriented generally perpendicularly to the housing.

[46] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a tyre valve tool comprising:

a housing;

a coupling means adapted to be couplable to a tyre valve, wherein the angular orientation of the coupling means relative to the housing is adjustable.

[47] The tyre valve tool of the third and fourth aspects may, in some embodiments, further comprise a rotation assembly mounted to the housing, the rotation assembly adapted to in use selectively rotate the coupling means in a first direction for coupling the coupling means to the. tyre valve. In some embodiments, the rotation assembly may also be adapted to in use selectively rotate the coupling means in a second opposite direction for uncoupling the coupling means from the tyre valve.

[48] Particular features of the tyre valve tools of the third and fourth aspects of the present invention can be as described herein in relation to the tyre valve tool of the first aspect of the present invention.

[49] Embodiments of the tyre valve tool of the present invention can allow access to the tyre valve on reverse mount wheels without removing the wheel from the tyre fitting machine, thus simplifying the process by which tyre fitters can, fit new tyre valves to wheels, particularly 'reverse mount' wheels. This can make it safer for the tyre fitter because manual handling of the heavy wheel assembly is reduced, and can also reduce the risk of damage to the wheels. The inventor has also found that the time taken to change a tyre valve of a reverse mount wheel can be reduced by approximately 75 precent using tyre valves in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[50] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [51] Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a reverse mount wheel mounted in a wheel mount of a tyre changing machine;

[52] Fig. 2 is a side view of a tyre valve;

[53] Fig. 3 schematically shows removal of a tyre valve from a wheel;

[54] Fig. 4 schematically shows mounting of a tyre valve to a wheel;

[55] Fig. 5 shows a valve tool in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a side view and (b) is a top view;

[56] Fig. 6 shows schematically a valve tool in accordance with another specific embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a side view and (b) is a top view;

[57] Fig. 7 schematically shows a modified embodiment of the valve tool of Fig. 6; and

[58] Fig. 8 shows the valve tool of Fig. 6 or 7 in use.

Description of Embodiments

[59] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[60] Figure 1 shows a reverse mount wheel 100 mounted onto a wheel mount 200 of a tyre changing machine (not shown). The wheel 100 includes a body 102 having a wheel rim 104. The wheel rim 104 includes a mid-portion 105, an outer flange 106 and an inner flange 107. The outer flange 106 has a larger outer bead lock 108 compared to an inner bead lock 110. The wheel 100 includes a valve mount aperture 111 which is disposed adjacent the outer bead lock 108. Figure 1 also schematically shows where the valve mount aperture 111b would be if the wheel 100 is mounted face up in the wheel mount 200.

[61] The wheel mount 200 includes a base 202 and jaws 204 movably mounted to the base 202. The jaws 204 are movable toward each other for receiving portions of the wheel 100, and away from each other for engaging the wheel 100 adjacent the outer flange 106 and retaining the wheel 100 to the wheel mount 200. As shown in Figure 1 , when the reverse mount wheel 100 is retained by the jaws 204, there is limited space between the outer flange 06 and the base 202.

[62] A tyre valve 150 is shown in Figures 2 to 4, which comprises a brass tube 151 which is partly covered by a rubber sheath 158. The tube 151 comprises body 159 with a threaded first end 153. The rubber sheath 158 covers the body 159 but leaves the threaded first end 153 exposed. The rubber sheath 158 comprises a mid-portion 152 and a mount second end 154. The mount end 154 includes an enlarged bulbous portion 155 which is spaced from the mid-portion 152 by a reduced diameter stem .156, defining an annular recess 157 therebetween. The mid-portion 152 is generally tapered, increasing in cross-sectional diameter toward the bulbous portion 55.

[63] In mounting the tyre valve 150 (as shown in Figures 3 and 4), the threaded first end 153 and the tapered mid-portion 152 are inserted through the valve mount aperture 111 , from an internal surface 115 of the wheel 100. The tyre valve 150 is pulled until the wheel sections adjacent the valve mount aperture 111 are received in the annular recess 157. This lock mounts the tyre valve 150 to the wheel 100 with the threaded first end 153 and the tapered mid-portion 152 extending outwardly from an external surface 116 of the wheel 100. As is known, the tyre valve 150 can then be used to insert pressurised air into the space between the wheel rim 104 and the tyre (not shown). When the tyre valve 150 is required to be removed as required, the bulbous portion 155 is simply cut off using a knife 300 as shown in Figure 3, which allows the remainder of the tyre valve 150 to be removed from the wheel 100. However, when the wheel 100 is face down onto the wheel mount 200, it is difficult to access the tyre valve 150 for pulling same through the valve mount aperture 111.

[64] A tyre valve tool 10 according to a specific embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 5. The tool 10 includes a handle 60, a generally elongated housing 70, a rotation assembly 80 disposed within the housing 70 which is actuatable to rotate a coupling means 55.

[65] The housing 70 includes a first (mid) section 11 and a second (distal) section 30. The mid-section 11 includes a hollow tubular body 12 having a first end 13, a mid-portion 14 and a second end 15. The first end 11 is mounted to an end of the handle 60 with the handle 60 extending generally perpendicularly to the mid-section 11. The distal section 30 also comprises a hollow tubular body 34 having a first portion 31 , a second portion 32 and a bent portion 33 therebetween such that the second portion 32 is perpendicular to the first portion 31. The second portion 32 is thus generally parallel to the handle 60. The first portion 31 has a smaller external diameter to be rotatably mounted within the second end 15 of the mid-section 11. This allows the rotational orientation of the second portion 32 relative to the handle 60 to be varied as required, with the second portion 32 remaining generally parallel to the handle 60. As shown in Figure 5 for example, the second portion 32 is directed to the right of the handle 60. The mid-section 11 includes a grip 36 surrounding the second end 15 of the mid-section 11 and portions of the distal section 30 before the bent portion 33. The second portion 32 includes an open end 37 with an annular stop formation 38 disposed adjacent thereto.

[66] The rotation assembly 80 within the housing 70 comprises a rotation means 40 for rotating an elongated connector 50 to which the coupling means 55 is attached. The rotation means 40 comprises a helical member 41 rotatably mounted within the mid-section 11 of the^ housing 70. The helical member 41 comprises a central shaft 52 and helical turns 53 extending along the length of the shaft 52. The helical member 41 comprises two helical turns that are 180° out of phase with each other. A first seat 42 is mounted within the first end 13 and a second seat 43 is mounted within the mid-portion 14 adjacent the distal section 30. The helical member 41 is mounted between the first and second seats 42 and 43 to be rotatable within the housing 70. Bearings (not shown) can be used to provide smooth rotation of the helical member 41.

[67] The rotation assembly 80 includes a trigger 44 having a first end 45 mounted to the helical member 41 to engage the turns 53 thereof and a second end 46 extending outwardly from the housing 70 and generally perpendicular thereto. The trigger 44 is thus generally parallel to the handle 60. The first end 45 includes two spaced tabs 47 which engage the turns 53 with a gap 48 between the tabs 47 receiving the shaft 52. The mid-section 11 comprises an elongated slot 16 which allows the trigger 44 to be moved by a user toward the handle 60 whilst maintaining the trigger 44 generally parallel to the handle 60. A biasing means 63, such as a coil spring, is disposed between the first seat 42 and the trigger first end 45. The biasing means 63 extends around a portion of the helical member 41. The biasing means 63 urges the trigger 44 toward a first position as shown in Figure 5 away from the first seat 42 and thus away from the handle 60. In use, a user can grip the tool 10 with the handle 60 in his/her palm and at least one of his/her fingers on the trigger 44. The user can then apply a squeezing force to move the trigger 44 toward the handle 60. This rotates the helical member 41 in a first direction 58. When the user releases the trigger 44 or loosens his/her squeezing force on the trigger 44, the biasing means 63 returns the trigger 44 to its first position away from the handle 60 and thus the helical member is rotated in a second opposite direction 59.

[68] The connecting member 50 includes a first end 91 connected to the helical member 41 and a second end 92 connected to the coupling means 55. The connecting member 50 is a laterally flexible but rotationally rigid member made from steel cable, nylon or flexible wire. The connecting member 50 thus extends from the helical member 41 , through an aperture 54 in the second seat 43,.around the bent portion 33, and to the coupling means 55 at the open end 37 of the second portion 32. Rotation of the helical member 41 thus rotates the connecting member 50, which in turn rotates the coupling means 55.

[69] The coupling means 55 includes a generally bell-shaped body having a first section 56 to which the connecting member 50 is attached and a second section 57 having an internally threaded cavity 61 which is adapted to be threadably connected to a tyre valve 150. The first section 56 of the coupling means 55 is dimensioned to be received within the second portion 32 of the housing distal section 30, whilst the second section 57 has an external dimension similar to or larger than the open end 37 to retain the second section 57 externally but adjacent the open end 37. The first section 56 includes a retaining disc 69 mounted thereto which is adapted to engage the stop formation 38 for preventing the first section 56 from moving out of the second portion 32 of the housing distal section 30 in use, as further described below.

[70] In use, a tyre fitter can use the tool 10 for mounting a tyre valve 150 to a wheel 100 whist the wheel 100 is mounted to the wheel mount 200. The tyre fitter will hold the tool 10 with one hand and use the other hand to insert the threaded first end 153 of the tyre valve 150 through the valve mount aperture 111. The tyre fitter then positions the threaded cavity 61 of the coupling means 55 at the threaded first end 153 of the tyre valve 150. Referring to Figure 1 , the tyre fitter can do so at either of position (1) where the tool is placed within the wheel 100 or position (2) where the tool is inserted between the outer flange 106 and the base 202. The tyre fitter then squeezes the trigger 44 at which the tyre valve 150 is threadably coupled to the coupling means 55 as the coupling means 55 is rotated in the first direction 58. The tyre fitter then pushes the grip 36 in a generally downward direction (or a direction away from the valve mount aperture 111) to mount the tyre valve 150 to the wheel 100. For a face mount wheel where the tyre valve 150b faces upwardly, the tyre fitter positions the tool at position (3) and would pull the grip 36 in a generally upward direction to mount the tyre valve 150 to the wheel 100. The tyre fitter can then easily uncouple the tyre valve 150 from the threaded cavity 61 by releasing the trigger 44 which rotates the coupling means 55 in the second opposite direction 59. As would be appreciated, such uncoupling is achieved without having to rotate a relatively large and typically metallic body within the confines of the rim of the wheel, as is the case when using conventional style tyre valve pullers to perform this action. Thus, there is much less chance of accidentally scratching the rim when using the tool 10 instead of a conventional style tyre valve puller. When the tool 10 is pulled or pushed for mounting the tyre valve 150, the retaining disc 69 in the coupling means 55 engages the stop formation 38 which takes the pull/push force and thus protects the connecting member 50 and the rotation assembly 80.

[71] The distal section 30 can be rotationally pivoted relative to the handle 60 as required. For example, the distal section 30 can be pivoted to face the left side of the handle 60 for use by left handed tyre fitters. Once the tyre valve 150 is mounted to the wheel 100, a new tyre can be fitted to the wheel 100.

[72] It can be seen that modifications can be made to the present tool 10. For example, the housing 70 can be made as a single integral piece at which the second portion 32 is not rotatable relative to the handle 60. In another modification, the handle can be omitted and the trigger can be adapted to be pivotable relative to the housing to rotate the helical member. In this embodiment, the biasing means will urge the trigger to an angular position away from the housing. The angular orientation of the coupling means relative to the housing and/or the handle can also be varied from that shown and can be an acute or obtuse angle relative to the housing. Alternatively, this angular orientation can be made to be adjustable, such as by providing a flexible gooseneck portion of the housing to which the coupling means is mounted. The rotation assembly can also be replaced with an electric motor running from a battery. However, this will obviously increase the cost and weight of the tool.

[73] The connecting member 50 can also be replaced by a small gear box assembly to transfer the rotation of the rotation assembly through the bent section.

[74] Other rotation assemblies are also possible apart from the helical member shown. For example, a rack and pinion type assembly can be used, where the helical member is replaced by a toothed movable rack with the back and forth movement thereof converted into a rotation motion by a small pinion gear at the bent section.

[75] Figure 6 shows a tyre valve tool 10b according to another embodiment of the present invention. The tool 10b is similar to the tool 10 described above and includes a handle 60, a tubular housing 70, and a rotation assembly 80 which is actuatable to rotate a coupling means 55. The handle 60 in this embodiment is cylindrical.

[76] The housing 70 includes a straight elongated first (mid) section. 11 and a curved second (distal) section 30. The first section 11 defines a first end 13 of the housing 70 and the second section 30 defines a second end 32 of the housing 70. The second section 32 has a C-shaped bend such that the second end 32 is generally directed back towards the first section 11. A pivot block 162 is disposed along an inner surface of the second section 30. A second grip handle 160 is provided at the first section 11 , at a side of the housing 70 opposite to that of the pivot block 162.

[77] The first end 13 of the housing 70 is attached to an end of the handle 60 via a bridge connector 140. The bridge connector 140 comprises end tubes 141 and 142 respectively attached to the handle 60 and the first end 13, with diametrically opposite lateral arms 143 extending between the end tubes 141 and 142. The arms 143 form a space 144 therebetween, within which part of the rotation assembly 80 is disposed.

[78] The rotation assembly 80 comprises a rotation barrel 40 for rotating an elongated connector 50 to which the coupling means 55 is attached. The rotation barrel 40 comprises a first seat 42 rotatably mounted within the first end 13 and a second seat 43 rotatably mounted within an end portion of the handle 60. The rotation barrel 40 is thus mounted within the space 144 and is rotatable using the user's fingers. Bearings' can be used to provide smooth rotation of the rotation barrel 40.

[79] The connecting member 50 includes a first end 91 connected to the rotation barrel 40 and a second end 92 connected to the coupling means 55. The connecting member 50 is a laterally flexible but rotationally rigid member made from steel cable, nylon, flexible wire, rope or similar. Rotation of the rotation barrel 40 thus rotates the connecting member 50, which in turn rotates the coupling means 55.

[80] Figure 7 shows a tyre valve tool 10c according to a modified embodiment of the tool, 10b above. The tool 10c is similar to the tool 10b above and includes the handle 60, housing 70, bridge connector 140, rotation assembly 80 comprising the rotation barrel 40, the C-shaped second section 30 and the pivot block 162. ~

[81] The housing 70 in this embodiment is modified in that the first section 11 is divided into two parts, being an inner tube 170 and an outer tube 171. The inner tube 170 defines the first end 13 and comprises external threads 174. The outer tube 171 is essentially an extension of the curved second section 30 and comprises inner threads 175, and the second grip handle 160 is provided to an outer surface of the outer tube 171.

[82] Rotation of the inner and outer tubes 170 and 171 relative to each other thus effectively lengthens or shortens the length 181 of the first section 11. When the first section 11 is shortened, the coupling means 55 is forced outwardly of the second end 32 by the connecting member 50. The distance 182 of the coupling means 55 to the pivot block 162 can thus be increased.

[83] Use of the tyre valve tool 10b or 10c is similar to the tyre valve tool 10 above. As shown in Figure 8, a tyre fitter can use the tool 10b or 10c for mounting a tyre valve 150 to a wheel 100 whist the wheel 100 is mounted to the wheel mount 200. The tyre fitter positions the coupling means 55 at the threaded first end 153 of the tyre valve 150. The tyre fitter then rotates the barrel 40 at which the tyre valve 150 is threadably coupled to the coupling means 55.

[84] The tyre fitter then uses the pivot block 162 which engages the front rim 106 of the wheel 100 to provide a fulcrum for providing a pulling force to the tyre valve 150. The tyre fitter can then uncouple the tyre valve 150 from the coupling means 55 by rotating the barrel 40 in the opposite direction which uncouples the coupling means 55 from the tyre valve 150.

[85] If the valve mount aperture 111 is located deeper from the front rim 106, the tyre fitter can shorten the first section 11 as noted above to increase the distance of the coupling means 55 from the pivot block 162 and thus reach the valve 150. [86] It can be seen that the tools described above simplify the process by which tyre fitters can fit new tyre valves on all wheels, particularly 'reverse mount' wheels, where the tyre valve aperture is not as accessible as it is in other types of wheels. The present valve tool allows access to the tyre valve on reverse mount wheels without necessarily having to remove the wheel from the tyre fitting machine, which can make it safer for the tyre fitter because manual handling of the heavy wheel assembly is substantially reduced, and can also significantly reduce the risk of damage to the wheels. The present valve tool can also reduce the amount of time it takes to change the tyre valve of a reverse mount wheel by approximately 75 precent. The tyre fitter is able to mount the wheel in the tyre fitting machine, change the tyre valve and fit the new tyre without having to manually extract the wheel until the entire job is complete. The ability of the present valve tool to couple and uncouple from the valve (e.g. using the spring loaded trigger action of the rotation assembly 80) eliminates the manual screwing action required for current valve tools and which often causes damage to the wheel.

[87] Thus, the present tool has a size which is compact and easy to manage and handle, is easy to use, saves time, increases productivity of tyre fitters, reduces risk of damage to wheels, improves potential for profit for the tyre fitting company, and reduces the manual work required and possible risk of injury to the tyre fitter.

[88] The tool is ideally made from steel, aluminium or a high strength plastic. In the embodiments described above, the tool is about 210 mm long.

Interpretation

Embodiments:

[89] The particular features, structures or characteristics of the tyre valve tools described above may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure.

[90] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of specific embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Description of Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Description of Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. [91] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Specific Details

[92] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

[93] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[94] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[95] Whilst specific embodiments of the invention have been described above, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention.

Industrial Applicability

[96] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the automotive industries.