[001] This invention relates to an inflation valve assembly for use with a tubeless tyre insert, as well as to a tyre insert rim lock kit and a tyre insert wheel lock kit comprising the inflation valve assembly.

[002] Background

[003] Tyres for motor-driven (e.g. cars, motorcycles, scooters) or self-propelled vehicles (e.g. bicycles) generally comprise an annular component that surrounds a rim on the wheel of the vehicle. The annular component commonly comprises an outer body usually formed from rubber and which contacts the surface along which the vehicle is to travel. In pneumatic tyres, this outer body encloses an inflatable inner tube which surrounds and is attached to the rim. The inner tube thereby provides cushioning when the vehicle is travelling along uneven surfaces, improving the ride quality for the rider/driver/passenger.

[004] A problem with pneumatic tyres is that the inner tube can often become damaged, particularly when they are used on uneven surfaces, resulting in inner tube deflating (i.e. a flat tyre).

[005] One attempt at addressing this drawback with pneumatic tyres has been the development of tubeless tyres. Tubeless tyres have the same general structure as a pneumatic tyre, but without the inner tube. Instead, the outer body of the tyre is manufactured or treated such that it creates a substantially airtight seal between the outer body and the rim of the wheel. For example, a sealant may be applied to the inner surface of the outer body of the tyre.

[006] A further development in the field of tubeless tyres has been the used of annular foam tyre inserts. These inserts can provide several improvements including providing (i) protection against damage to the wheel rim by absorbing some of the impact when the tyre travels over rough terrain, (ii) reduction in pinch punctures, (iii) increased rigidity of the sidewalls of the tyre, (iv) an additional damping effect to the tyre, and (v) better attachment of the tyre to the wheel rim. Tubeless tyre inserts can also allow the use of lower tyre pressures.

[007] A problem with tubeless tyre inserts is that they can move relative to the wheel rim. This can affect ride quality, for example by causing wobbling and juddering under braking, as well as affecting the user's control of the vehicle.

[008] Improvements in tubeless tyres and tubeless tyre inserts have been sought.

[009] Statement of invention

[0010] This invention relates to an inflation valve assembly for use with a tyre insert, the inflation valve assembly having first and second ends, the first end comprising a valve head which is shaped to be accepted by a correspondingly shaped channel in a tyre insert. In particular, the inflation valve assembly may be for use in a tyre insert rim lock. A tyre insert rim lock is an apparatus for locking a tyre insert to a wheel rim in order to limit relative rotational movement between the tyre insert and the wheel rim.

[0011] In particular, the inflation valve assembly may comprise at its second end a valve body adapted for connection to an inflation device. More particularly, the inflation device may be a motorised or manual pump. In particular, the inflation valve assembly may comprise a conduit which provides fluid connection between the first and second ends of the inflation valve assembly.

[0012] In some embodiments, the inflation valve assembly may be formed as a single part. In other embodiments, the inflation valve assembly may comprise two parts which are adapted for connection to one another, (i) the valve head which is shaped to be accepted by a correspondingly shaped channel in a tyre insert, and (ii) the valve body adapted for connection to an inflation device.

[0013] More particularly, the valve head may have a substantially circular, triangular, rectangular, square, oval, diamond, pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal crosssection, even more particularly a substantially circular cross-section. [0014] In particular, the valve head may have an outer end face which is substantially circular, triangular, rectangular, pentagonal or hexagonal. More particularly, the valve head may have an outer end face which is substantially circular. In particular, the valve head may comprise at least one side wall which extends inwardly from the outer end face. More particularly, the outer end face may be substantially circular and the side wall may be in the form of a cylinder or a truncated conical surface. In particular, the valve head may taper towards the outer end face. More particularly, the outer end face may be substantially circular and the side wall may be in the form of a truncated conical surface.

[0015] More particularly, one or more of side walls of the valve head may comprise an aperture which connects to the conduit through the inflation valve assembly. This allows the flow of air and/or sealant fluid through the inflation valve assembly and into the tyre. Even more particularly, when the outer end face is substantially triangular, rectangular, square, oval, diamond, pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal, each side wall of the valve head may comprise an aperture which connects to a conduit which provides fluid connection between the first and second ends of the inflation valve assembly. Alternatively, when the outer end face is substantially circular, and the side wall is in the form of a cylindrical or truncated conical surface, the at least one aperture may be formed in the side wall. More particular, at least two apertures may be formed in the side wall. Even more particularly, at least four apertures may be formed in the side wall.

[0016] In particular, the outer end face of the valve head may comprise a triangular, rectangular, square, oval, diamond, pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal depression or aperture shaped to accept a tool with a correspondingly shaped head. More particularly, the valve head may comprise a hexagonal depression or aperture.

[0017] More particularly, the valve head may comprise a deformable material. In particular the valve head may substantially consist of a deformable material. More particularly, the deformable material may be rubber or a thermoplastic. This can help to make a seal between the valve head and the channel in the tyre insert into which it is inserted during use. It also allows the valve head to deform when the tyre impacts an uneven surface during use. In addition, the valve head can shear off under extreme force, thereby protecting the rest of the inflation valve assembly and maintaining inflation of the tyre.

[0018] In particular, the valve body may comprise a first, inner end, which comprises a valve which is adapted for connection to an inflation device. More particularly, the valve body may comprise a second, outer end. In particular, the valve body may comprise screw-threaded section between its first and second ends. More particularly, a locking nut may be provided on the screw-threaded section. In particular, the screw-threaded section may be cylindrical. The locking nut can assist in attaching the inflation valve assembly to a wheel rim.

[0019] More particularly, the valve head may comprise an inner end in which is formed an aperture. In particular, the aperture may be shaped to accept the valve and screw-threaded section of the valve body. More particularly, the valve body may comprise a foot at its second, outer end, the foot having a shape or diameter such that it is prevented from passing through the aperture at the inner end of the valve head. In this way, the valve body can be pushed through the aperture until further movement is prevented by the foot, thereby fitting the valve body to the valve head. Even more particularly, the valve head may comprise a stop which the foot abuts against when the valve body is pushed through the aperture. In particular, the foot may comprise one or more channels to allow the flow of air and/or sealant fluid through the inflation valve assembly.

[0020] In the context of the invention, the term "inner" is used to refer to the part of the tyre insert or inflation valve assembly that, in use, is closest to the rim or centre of the wheel to which it is attached. Similarly, the term "outer" is used to refer to the part of the tyre insert that, in use, is closest to the surface-contacting part of the tyre (and furthest from the rim or centre of the wheel).

[0021] This invention also relates to a tyre insert rim lock kit comprising:

(a) an inflation valve assembly as described above,

(b) a rim lock, the rim lock having first and second ends, the first end comprising a rim lock head which is shaped to be accepted by a correspondingly shaped channel in a tyre insert, and (c) a wheel rim comprising an aperture for accepting the inflation valve assembly and an aperture for accepting the rim lock.

[0022] In particular, the rim lock head may have a substantially circular, triangular, rectangular, square, pentagonal or hexagonal cross-section, more particularly a substantially circular cross-section.

[0023] More particularly, the rim lock head may have an outer end face which is substantially circular, triangular, rectangular, square, oval, diamond, pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal. More particularly, the outer end face may be substantially circular. In particular, the rim lock head may comprise at least one side wall which extends inwardly from the outer end face. More particularly, the outer end face may be substantially circular and the side wall may be in the form of a cylinder or a truncated conical surface. In particular, the rim lock head may taper towards the outer end face. More particularly, the outer end face may be substantially circular and the side wall may be in the form of a truncated conical surface.

[0024] In particular, the outer end face of the rim lock head may comprise a triangular, rectangular, square, oval, diamond, pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal depression or aperture shaped to accept a tool with a correspondingly shaped head. More particularly, the rim lock head may comprise a hexagonal depression or aperture.

[0025] More particularly, the aperture for accepting the inflation valve assembly and the aperture for accepting the rim lock may be substantially opposite one another on the wheel rim. In particular, the apertures may be substantially circular, triangular, rectangular, square, oval, diamond, pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal in shape, more particularly substantially circular.

[0026] In particular, the wheel rim may be for a vehicle tyre. In particular vehicle may be a bicycle, electric bicycle, motorcycle, electric motorcycle, scooter, car, lorry, truck or plane. More particularly, the bicycle may be a mountain bike.

[0027] This invention additionally relates to a tyre insert wheel lock kit comprising:

(a) tyre insert rim lock kit as described above, (b) a tyre insert comprising one or more channels extending radially from an inner side of the tyre insert to an outer side of the tyre insert which are shaped to accept either the valve head or the rim lock head, and

(c) a tyre.

[0028] In particular, the tyre insert may be provided with five or more channels, even more particularly ten or more channels, extending from an inner side of the tyre insert to an outer side of the tyre insert. In particular, the channels may have a substantially circular, triangular, square, oval, diamond, pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal cross-section. More particularly, the channels may have a substantially circular cross-section. In particular, the channels, and/or the valve head or rim lock head, may be shaped such that the valve head or rim lock head extends either wholly or partially through the channel into which it is inserted.

[0029] More particularly, the tyre may be a vehicle tyre. In particular vehicle may be a bicycle, electric bicycle, motorcycle, electric motorcycle, scooter, car, lorry, truck or plane. More particularly, the bicycle may be a mountain bike.

[0030] Brief description of the drawings

[0031] This invention will be further described by reference to the following Figures which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention claimed, in which:

Figure 1 A shows a perspective view from above of a valve head and a valve body of an inflation valve assembly of the invention prior to assembly,

Figure 1 B shows a perspective view from below of a valve head and a valve body of an inflation valve assembly of the invention prior to assembly,

Figure 1C shows a perspective view of an inflation valve assembly of Figures 1A and 1B once assembled,

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the inflation valve assembly of Figure 1C,

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the inflation valve assembly of Figure 1C when inserted into a wheel rim and tyre insert,

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a rim lock of the invention,

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the rim lock of Figure 4, and Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the inflation valve assembly, wheel rim, tyre insert and rim lock of Figures 1-5.

[0032] Detailed description

[0033] Figures 1A and 1 B show a perspective views of a valve head 5 and a valve body 10 of an inflation valve assembly 1 according to the invention prior to assembly. Figures 1C and 2 show perspective and cross-sectional views respectively of an inflation valve assembly 1 according to the invention once assembled.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1A-C and 2, inflation valve assembly 1 comprises valve head 5 at its first end and valve body 10 at its second end. The valve head 5 and valve body 10 can either be formed as a single unit or, as shown in the Figures, as two separate parts which are fitted together prior to use to form inflation valve assembly 1.

[0035] As depicted in Figures 1A and 1 B, valve body 10 comprises a first inner end 10A which comprises a valve and is adapted for connection to an inflation device. Extending outwardly (in use) from first inner end 10A is screw-threaded cylinder 15 on which is threaded locking nut 20. The screw-threaded cylinder 15 extends to second end 10B of valve body 10 which comprises a cylindrical section 110 which has at its outer end foot 115. Foot 115 has a larger diameter than screw-threaded cylinder 15 and cylindrical section 110. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, foot 115 has a hexagonal cross-section. However, other cross-sectional shapes can be utilised. Each of the six side faces (examples illustrated as 115A, 115B) of the hexagon is provided with a channel (examples illustrated as 120A, 120B).

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, there is a conduit 25 extending through the screw- threaded section 15 of valve body 10. Fluid connection is therefore provided through valve body 10 from first inner end 10A, through the conduit 25 in screw-threaded cylinder 15 to the channels 120A, 120B of foot 115 (see Figures 1A and 1 B).

[0037] Valve head 5 comprises circular outer end face 30 and side wall 35 which extends inwardly from the outer end face 30. As shown in Figures 1A-C and 2, side wall 35 tapers towards outer end face 30 such that side wall 35 is in the form of a truncated conical surface. Outer valve head aperture 30A is formed in outer end face 30. As shown in Figure 1 B, outer valve head aperture 30A can be shaped to mate with a correspondingly shaped tool and valve. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, outer valve head aperture 30A is hexagonal in shape. However, as is known in the art, other shapes can be utilised to achieve the same functionality.

[0038] Four approximately equally spaced apertures, one indicated by way of example as 40, are provided in side wall 35. The apertures 40 assist in providing fluid (e.g. air) connection through the valve head 5. The apertures 40 are approximately rectangular in shape, with the long side of each rectangle being parallel to the major axis of the inflation valve assembly 1.

[0039] At the inner end of side wall 35 is provided sloping section 45 which tapers towards inner end face 45A (see Figures 1A and 1B) such that sloping section 45 is also in the form of a truncated conical surface. In other embodiments, the sloping section can be replaced with a flat inwardly facing surface. Inner valve head aperture 45B (not visible in Figure 1 B) is formed in inner end face 45A.

[0040] Figures 1C and 2 show the inflation valve assembly 1 when valve head 5 and valve body 10 are connected. Connection is achieved by removing locking nut 20 from valve body 10. First inner end 10A of valve body 10 is the inserted into outer valve head aperture 30A of valve head 5. Valve body 10 is then pushed through valve head 5 such that the first inner end 10A exits the valve head 5 through inner valve head aperture 45B. Valve body 10 is pushed through until foot 115 abuts annular stop 125 (see Figure 2) formed in the interior of sloping section 45 of valve head 5. At this point, valve head 5 and valve body 10 are in the position shown in Figures 1C and 2.

[0041] Figure 3 then shows a cross-sectional view of inflation valve assembly 1 when inserted into a wheel rim 101 and a tubeless tyre insert 201.

[0042] The cross-section of wheel rim 101 of Figure 3 is substantially in the form of an upside down letter "A", although other wheel rim shapes could be used. A circular hole (not visible in Figure 3) is provided in both the horizontal bar 105 and at the peak 110 of the "A". The valve body 10 and screw-threaded cylinder 15 (without nut 20) has then been inserted inwardly through the circular holes. Locking nut 20 has then been screwed inwardly on screw-threaded cylinder 15 in order to secure the inflation valve assembly 1 onto wheel rim 101.

[0043] Tubeless tyre insert 201 is provided with a circular channel 225 which is shaped to accept valve head 5 of inflation valve assembly 1.

[0044] Figures 4 and 5 show perspective and cross-sectional views respectively of a rim lock 301 according to the invention.

[0045] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, rim lock 301 comprises rim lock head 305 at its first end and screw-threaded cylinder 315 at its second end. Locking nut 320 is threaded onto screw-threaded cylinder 315.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, in order to provide a fluid tight seal the screw-threaded cylinder 315 comprises solid central portion 325.

[0047] Rim lock head 305 comprises circular outer end face 330 and side wall 335 which extends inwardly from the outer end face 330. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, side wall 335 tapers towards outer end face 330 such that side wall 335 is in the form of a truncated conical surface. Thus, rim lock head 305 has a substantially identical shape to valve head 5.

[0048] Although not required to achieve its function, four approximately equally spaced apertures, one indicated by way of example as 340, are provided in side wall 335. The apertures 340 are approximately rectangular, with the long side of each rectangle being parallel to the major axis of the rim lock 301. In other embodiments, the apertures 340 can be circular or any other shape.

[0049] At the inner end of side wall 335 is provided sloping section 345 which connects the rim lock head 305 to screw-threaded cylinder 315.

[0050] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the inflation valve assembly 1 , wheel rim 101 , tubeless tyre insert 201 and rim lock 301 of Figures 1-5. Inflation valve assembly 1 is inserted through wheel rim 101 and into a circular channel (example indicated 225 in Figure 6) in the tubeless tyre insert 201. Rim lock 301 is similarly inserted through an wheel rim 101 and into a circular channel 225 in the tubeless tyre insert 201. This is done such that rim lock 301 is substantially opposite to inflation valve assembly 1. In this way, rotation of the tyre insert 201 relative to the wheel rim 101 can be substantially prevented.