Claims:STATEMENT OF CLAIMS
We claim,
1. A snap in valve 100 adapted for mounting in a rim opening O of a tire and rim assembly, said valve 100 comprising:
an outer cover 101 having a central bore 109 extending axially from a first end 105 to a second end 107; and
an insert 103 adapted to be received in the central bore 109;
wherein
the insert 103 is received within the central bore 109 of the outer cover 101 at the first end 105 of the outer cover 101.
the outer cover 101 of the snap-in valve 100 further includes:
a first tapered portion A at the first end 105 of the outer cover 101;
a second tapered portion B that increases as it merges into a second end 107;
a cylindrical portion C connected to the tapered portion B; and
an enlarged head portion D connected to the cylindrical portion C;
wherein
the tapered portion A having a diameter D1 includes a lesser
diameter than a diameter d1 of the rim opening O;
the tapered portion B having a diameter D2 includes a greater
diameter than a diameter d1 of the rim opening O;
the cylindrical portion C having a diameter D3 includes a greater diameter than the diameter d1 of the rim opening O;
the diameter D3 is configured to seal the rim opening O;
the enlarged head portion D having a diameter D4 includes a greater diameter than the diameter D3 of the cylindrical portion C.

2. The snap in valve 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer cover 101 includes the diameter D1 at the first end 105 that increases as it merges into a second end 107.

3. The snap in valve 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the diameter d1 of the valve stem opening O in the rim ranges between 8mm to 11mm.

4. The snap in valve 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first end 105 having the diameter D1 is configured to pass through the opening O.

5. The snap in valve 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insert 103 includes an outer body surface 111 extending from the first end 105 of the outer cover 101 above the outer cover 101.

6. The snap in valve 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insert 103 includes an interior body surface 113 adapted to receive a valve core 123.
7. The snap in valve 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insert 103 includes the interior body surface 113 terminating within the cylindrical portion C of the outer cover 101.

8. The snap in valve 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insert 103 comprises a stepped external diameter.

9. The snap in valve 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insert 103 comprises an outer threaded portion 115 at the outer body surface 111 which extends above the outer cover 101 and configured to receive a valve cap 117.

10. A method of assembling a snap in valve 100 for mounting in a rim opening O of a tire and rim assembly, said method comprising steps of:
providing an outer cover 101 having a central bore 109 extending axially from a first end 105 to a second end 107; and
inserting an insert 103 in the central bore 109;
wherein
the insert 103 is received within the central bore 109 of the outer cover 101 at the first end 105 of the outer cover 101.
the outer cover 101 of the snap-in valve 100 further includes:
a first tapered portion A at the first end 105 of the outer cover 101;
a second tapered portion B that increases as it merges into a second end 107;
a cylindrical portion C connected to the tapered portion B; and
an enlarged head portion D connected to the cylindrical portion C;
wherein
the tapered portion A having a diameter D1 includes a lesser diameter than a diameter d1 of the rim opening O;
the tapered portion B having a diameter D2 includes a greater diameter than a diameter d1 of the rim opening O;
the cylindrical portion C having a diameter D3 includes a greater diameter than the diameter d1 of the rim opening O;
the diameter D3 is configured to seal the rim opening O;
the enlarged head portion D having a diameter D4 includes a greater diameter than the diameter D3 of the cylindrical portion C.

11. A method 400 of installing a snap in valve 100 in an opening O of a tire and rim assembly, said method comprising steps of:
inserting the snap-in valve 100 through the rim opening O,
wherein the snap-in valve 100 includes:
a first tapered portion A at the first end 105 of the outer cover 101;
a second tapered portion B that increases as it merges into a second end 107;
a cylindrical portion C connected to the tapered portion B; and
an enlarged head portion D connected to the cylindrical portion C;
pushing the snap-in valve 100 through the rim opening O to using a valve pusher;
wherein
the valve pusher is attached to the enlarged head portion D;
the snap-in valve 100 is pushed until the cylindrical portion C seats in the rim opening O;
the cylindrical portion C is configured to form sealing interface between the snap-in valve 100 and the rim opening O
retracting the valve pusher; and
checking the correctness of the sealing between the snap-in valve 100 and the rim opening O.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to a valve for vehicle tires, and more particularly, but not exclusively to a hybrid snap-in tire valve adapted to fit a tubeless tire assembly and a tube tire assembly.
BACKGROUND
[002] One of the problems that users tend to suffer while driving on roads is damage of rim assembly of a wheel or alloy wheel, due to poor roads. The problem with rim damage is mainly on a tubeless type of tire. It affects the sealing area of the bead coupled to the rim. This causes frequent leaks of air to atmosphere through the bead. Due to this, the users are compelled to replace their wheel along with the tire. This turns out to be an expensive affair.
[003] To avoid frequent changing of wheels along with the tires, many users have installed a tube inside a tubeless tire to prolong the life of the tire. This is inherently unsafe because the tire is not designed for operating with the tube type tire. There will be friction between the tube and the tubeless tire which can cause blowouts at high speed.
[004] Generally, tubeless tires are manufactured from thick gauge rubber and often contain additional material inside the tire to insure an airtight seam with the tire rim. Tubeless tires also require special rims which are designed to provide an airtight seal with the tire. Further, the conventional valves are made-up of metal clamp in valves which are expensive and complex to manufacture.
[005] Therefore, there exists a need for a hybrid snap-in tire valve adapted to fit a tubeless tire assembly, and a tube tire assembly. Further, there exists a need for a hybrid snap-in valve which eliminates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
[006] The principle object of an embodiment herein is to provide a hybrid snap-in tire valve adapted to fit a tubeless tire assembly, and a tube tire assembly.
[007] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide a snap-in valve which could be easily affixed to and removed from outer side or inner side of a tire and rim assembly.
[008] Yet another object of an embodiment herein is to provide a self-sealing and a self-retaining snap-in valve for a tire and rim assembly.
[009] Still another object of an embodiment herein is to provide a snap-in valve which retains a seal against the leakage of air through a rim hole provided on the rim assembly.
[0010] Also another object of an embodiment herein is to provide a snap-in valve which snaps into the rim opening to anchor and prevent sliding of a valve stem within a tire casing.
[0011] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide a snap-in valve which is inexpensive and easy to manufacture.
[0012] The objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] This invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which
[0014] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a snap-in valve, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 2a depicts a front view of a snap-in valve for a two wheeler, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0016] FIG. 2b depicts a front view of a snap-in valve for a passenger car, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0017] FIG. 3a depicts a cross-sectional view of a snap-in valve stem, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[0018] FIG. 3b depicts a cross-sectional view of a valve stem showing a valve cap, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.
[0019] FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart depicting a method of installing a hybrid snap-in valve for a tire and rim assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of known components are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0021] The embodiments herein achieve a hybrid snap-in tire valve adapted to fit a tubeless tire assembly, and a tube tire assembly. Further, the embodiments herein achieve a self-sealing and a self-retaining snap-in valve for use with a tire and rim assembly. Furthermore, the embodiments herein achieve a snap-in valve which retains a seal against the leakage of air through a rim opening provided on the rim assembly. Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through FIGS. 4 where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0022] The embodiments herein allow a user to convert a tube type standard valve (for example. TR29/TR4) into a snap in tubeless valve 100. Further, the embodiments herein allow the user to convert a clamp in standard valve (for example. JS430) to the snap-in tubeless valve 100.
[0023] Further, the embodiments herein allow the user to convert a tubeless clamp in standard valve (for example. TR412 or PVR 70) to a tube type snap-in valve 100.
[0024] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a snap-in valve, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the snap-in valve 100 includes an outer cover 101 (here after a cover or a rubber cover). The outer cover 101 is made of an elastomeric material like rubber or other resilient thermoplastic material. In an embodiment, the outer cover 101 includes an axial central bore 109 (not shown) extending there through, and includes a first end 105 with an external diameter that increases as it merges into a second end 107.
[0025] In an embodiment, the first end 105 of the outer cover 101 of the snap-in valve 100 is sized to pass into and through a valve opening O (also referred as valve stem opening O or rim opening O) of the tire and rim assembly. In an embodiment, the first end 105 includes a first taper portion “A” which is substantially cylindrical or slightly taper in an outward direction. In an embodiment, the first end 105 of the outer cover 101 further includes a second taper portion “B” which includes an increasing external diameter merging into the second end 107. In an embodiment, the second end 107 of the outer cover 101 includes a cylindrical portion “C” and an enlarged base portion “D” as indicated in FIG. 2a and 2b.
[0026] In an embodiment, the snap-in valve 100 is configured to be installed in the valve stem opening O (not shown) of the rim assembly (not shown). In an embodiment, the snap-in valve 100 is inserted through the valve stem opening O (not shown) from inside of the rim assembly (not shown) until the snap-in valve 100 seats in the rim opening O at the cylindrical portion “C” (i.e. the snap-in valve 100 is inserted internally in the rim assembly). In an embodiment, the enlarged base portion “D” snaps against the rim from inside of the rim. In an embodiment, the snap-in valve is inserted using a valve pusher (not shown) which is a simple tool used for pushing the snap-in valve 100 through the rim opening O. In an alternate embodiment, the snap-in valve 100 is assembled to the rim opening from outside using a valve inserter (not shown).
[0027] In an embodiment, the cylindrical portion “C” is engaged with the rim R, at the valve stem opening O under compression to provide sealing of the valve opening O. In an embodiment, periphery of the outer cover 101 at the cylindrical portion “C” tightly engages with a circumferential wall of the opening O and provides a rugged, airtight seal. In an embodiment, a diameter d1 of the valve stem opening O in the rim ranges between 8mm to 11mm based on the type of the vehicle, for example, a diameter d1 in a two wheeler is 8.3 + 0.3/0mm while the diameter d1 in a passenger vehicle is 10.2+0.3/0 mm.
[0028] In an embodiment, the snap-in valve 100 includes an insert 103 made up of metal (here after referred as metal insert), for example, brass or brass plated metal, or other suitable rigid material. In an embodiment, the metal insert 103 is disposed in the central bore 109 of the outer cover 101. The outer cover 101 is bonded to the metal insert 103 by molding and vulcanizing. In an embodiment, the cover 101 is effectively bonded to the metal insert 103 to ensure against any leakage of air between the metal insert 103 and the rubber cover 101 which surrounds it.
[0029] In an embodiment, the outer cover 101 is bonded or vulcanized directly to the metal insert 103 in a manner such that the elastomeric material surrounding the central bore provides a positive adhesion so that in effect the metal insert 103 becomes an integral part with the outer cover 101 of the snap-in valve 100. In an embodiment, the metal insert 103 is received in the central bore 109 (not shown) at the first end 105 of the outer cover 101. In an embodiment, the metal insert 103 includes an outer body surface 111 and an inner body surface 113 which extends to a predetermined distance in the cover 101.
[0030] In an embodiment, the metal insert 103 terminates in the cylindrical portion “C” of the cover 101 as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b. In an embodiment, the metal insert 103 includes an outer threaded portion 115 at the outer body surface111 which extends above the outer cover 101. In an embodiment, the outer threaded portion 115 is configured to receive a valve cap 117. The metal insert 103 includes a stepped external diameter beginning at its outer body surface 111 and includes a flange 119 and gradually decreases in diameter from the first end 105 to the cylindrical portion “C”. In an embodiment, the inner body surface 113 of the metal insert 103 further includes a threaded interior surface 121 for receiving a valve core 123 as is known in this art for a valve stem.
[0031] In an embodiment, the flange 119 is provided on the metal insert 103 adjacent to the threaded portion 115 to engage with a portion of the cover 101 to prevent flow of cover 101 onto the threaded portion 109 of the insert 103.
[0032] In an embodiment, the outer cover 101 of the valve at the first end includes a diameter D1 (not shown) which is of lesser diameter than the diameter d1 (not shown) of the valve stem opening O (not shown) in the rim. Further diameter D2 (not shown) of the cylindrical portion “C” is of greater diameter than the diameter D1 (not shown) of the valve stem opening O (not shown) in the rim and the diameter D3 of the portion “D” of the enlarged base portion, is of greater diameter than the diameter D2 of the cylindrical portion “C” of the valve stem.
[0033] In an embodiment, a method of assembling a snap-in valve 100 for mounting in a rim opening O of a tire and rim assembly is provided in the embodiments. The method includes steps of providing an outer cover 101 having a central bore 109 extending axially from a first end 105 to a second end 107. Further, the method includes, inserting an insert 103 in the central bore 109.
[0034] In an embodiment, a method of installing a snap in valve 100 in a rim opening O of a tire and rim assembly is shown in FIG. 4. The method includes steps of inserting the snap-in valve 100 through the rim opening O (step 401). The snap-in valve 100 includes, a first tapered portion A at the first end 105 of the outer cover 101, a second tapered portion B that increases as it merges into a second end 107, a cylindrical portion C connected to the tapered portion B, and an enlarged head portion D connected to the cylindrical portion C. Further, the method includes, pushing the snap-in valve 100 through the rim opening O to using a valve pusher (step 403). In an embodiment, the valve pusher (not shown) is attached to the enlarged head portion D. In an embodiment, the snap-in valve 100 is pushed until the cylindrical portion C seats in the rim opening O. In an embodiment, the cylindrical portion C is configured to form sealing interface between the snap-in valve 100 and the rim opening O. Furthermore, the method includes, retracting the valve pusher (step 405). In addition, the method includes, checking the correctness of the sealing between the snap-in valve 100 and the rim opening O (step 407). In an embodiment, the tire and rim assembly after installing the snap-in valve 100 is checked for the correctness of sealing to prevent air leakage.
[0035] The snap-in valve proposed herein provides advantages of the easier installation to the tire, avoids usage of calibrated torque wrenches, prevents damaging of the washer and leakage from tire, inexpensive, and quick to service.
[0036] Unlike the conventional valve mechanisms, the snap-in valve 100 provides extended life of the tire despite of excessive heat generation in the tire. Further, facilitates in quick fixation especially in rural areas where access to tubeless fixing equipment is difficult. Furthermore, provides better safety, better fuel efficiency, less chance of damage in case of flat running, better heat dissipation and are the like.
[0037] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Referral Numerals:
Snap-in Valve 100
Outer cover 101
Tubular insert 103
First end 105
Second end 107
central bore 109
Outer body surface 111
Inner body surface 113
Threaded portion 115
Valve cap 117
Flange 119
Threaded interior portion 121
Valve core 123
Diameter of rim opening d1
Diameter of outer cover at first end D1
Diameter of enlarged tapered portion D2
Diameter of cylindrical portion D3
Diameter of enlarged head portion D4