Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
i~6761
1 PRESSURE GAUGE
2 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
3 Field of the Invention
4 This invention is directed to pressure gauges
generally, but more particularly to a pressure gauge which can
6 be screwed on to a valve stem or contilluously mountcd tllcrcto.
7 DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
8 Maintenance of gas pressure within an inflated device
9 is a desirable effect particularly in tires used on motor
vehicles. Through maintenance of proper tire pressure levels,
11 the operator of the vehicle is assured of an optimum situation
12 with regard to tire wear and good gas mileage, and conse~uently
13 therefore, is further assured of operating his vehicle in a
14 safer condition. An added benefit of improved tire wear and gas
mileage through proper inflation is a reduction in the demand on
16 our precious oil reserves - a fact of major significance in this
17 day of energy conservation consciousness.
18 The need for maintenance of correct tire yressure
19 prompted the development of a host of various tirc pressure
gauges with their peculiar advantages and disadvantages. All of
21 us are familiar with the gauge associated with the tire pump
22 found at the local gas station. The desired pressure is first
23 located on the pump meter by a rather crude needle-indicator
24 scheme and then the air hose is applied to the tire. The pump
then forces air into the tire until the pressure therein
26 counterbalances the pressure of the air supply for the
27 particular setting. Recognizing the inaccuracies of such a
28 coarse approach, the hand-held gauge was developed. The gas
29 station attendant would place the gauge on the tire valve stem,
1. ~
note the pressure, add air to the tire with the station pump,
2 recheck the pressure, etc. Quite frequently the operator would
3 repeat this operation three or four times for each tire before
4 arriving at the correct level.
In response to the desirability of continuous
6 monitoring of the tire pressure in these situations, attachable
7 or direct mounted gauges were developed. These, typically,
8 provide for a continuous monitoring of the tire pressure but,
9 with the exception of a few devices recently developed, they
preclude the inflating of the tire when required without first
11 removing the gauge from the valve stem. More recently, however,
12 gauges- have been developed which are directly mounted to the
13 tire and which also allow for the pressurization of the tire
14 while it is in place. Such gauges are described in U.S. patent
Nos. 3,451,418 and 3,592,218.
16 The particular device described in the former patent,
17 however, is a rather complex apparatus. This can be concluded
18 from a casual glance at the various Figures of the drawings. In
19 particular, from a detailed reading of the patent, the mcchanism
for preventing leakage from the inflated tire upon a malfunction
21 of any part of the tire gauge, involves a complex spring -
22 "operating member" arrangement, items 45 and 26 respectively in
23 Figure 2, which typifies the overall complexity of the gauge.
24 The device described in the '218 patent, reauires the
operator to hold the body of the gauge with his thumb and
26 forefinger, twist it and then observe the extended gauge portion
27 which protrudes into the cup formed by his hand such that it is
28 partially obscured thereby. Further, this gauge is inordinately
~6761
1 long. Lastly, when one is filling a tire through such a gauge,
2 the operator is required to remove the air hose, grasp the body
3 as above, note the pressure, reapply the air hose, etc., until
4 the desired pressure is achieved - a relatively lengthy process.
It is a primary object of this invention to provide a
6 pressure gauge which in line with the simplicity of the overall
7 gauge, provides a simple means for inflating the inflatable
8 device when the gauge is in place and which includes means for
9 sensing the pressure of the device without removing the gauge.
It is an object of one adaptation of this invention to
11 provide a pressure gauge for an inflatable device which is
12 detachably mounted to the device and which is simple in
13 construction and consequently, inexpensive to fabricate.
14 It is an object of one adaptation of this invention to
provide a simple means for "sealing" the gauge upon rupture of
16 its elastomeric part, thereby preventing further leakage from
17 the inflated device.
18 It is another object of one adaptation of this
19 invention to provide a gauge which continually monitors the
pressure of the tire and which allows the operator of the
21 vehicle to tell from afar, whether or not the device pressure
22 has deviated from a previously set pressure.
23 It is a primary object of still yet another adaptation
24 of the invention hereof which provides for the doubling back of
the pressure monitoring portion of the gauge to reduce its
26 length, thus avoiding interference problems.
27 It is a further object of the adaptation of this
28 invention which includes the doubling back feature, to provide a
29 gauge which utilizes standard valve and other related parts, for
simplicity of design and economy of manufacture.
'~t~ ; 3.
~6761
1 SUMMARY OF TH~ INVENTION
I
2 The invention claimed herein pertains to a gauge for
3 measuring the pressure of an inflatable device. The gauge
4 includes a valve stem assembly centrally disposed within the
gauge and means for forming a first enclosure, which is
6 concentrically disposed outwardly of the valve stem. Mcalls
7 forming a second enclosure of variable volume within the first
8 enclosure are provided for affixing the gauge to the inflatable
9 device. The gauge also has first channel means for directing
gas released from within the inflatable device via the valve
11 stem axially away from the inflatable device. Second channel
12 means, communicating with the first channel means, are provided
13 for directing the released gas radially outward from the first
14 channel means and into the second enclosure, the second
enclosure increasing in volume in an axial direction toward the
16 inflatable device for increasing gas pressure. Means are
17 provided for controlling the variation of the volume of the
18 second enclosure such that the variation is proportional to the
19 pressure of the gas, and means are provided for indicating the
variation in response to the pressurized gas to thereby give a
21 measure of the pressure of the gas.
22 More particularly there is described a pressure
23 gauge for measuring the pressure of an inflatable
24 device which comprises means defining a first enclosure
including, in part, a transparent section upon which
26 is located in predetermined axial location along the
27 body of the first enclosure, psi indicia which
lQ467~
1 correspond to the anticipated range of pressure within the
2 inflated device. Internal to the first enclosure means is an
3 expandable, diaphragm-like material which is bonded in a
4 suitable fashion to the first enclosure to thereby form an
"airtight" secondary enclosure internal to the first. Inlet
6 ports in the first enclosure allow for entry of pressurized gas
7 from the inflatable device into the airtight enclosure internal
8 to the gauge. Positioned on the longitudinal axis of the gauge
9 is a shaft-like member, including a flanged end adapted to
operate the valve in the valve stem of the inflatable device,
11 when the gauge is in place on the valve stem, to thereby release
12 the pressurized gas from the inflatable device illtO the inlet
13 ports as previously mentioned. The shaft extends the length of
14 the gauge and has positioned on the end opposite the flange end,
a bushing. The axial length of the bushing is such that when
16 inflating means such as an air pump is applied to the bushing
17 end of the gauge, the shaft or rather the bushing cooperating
18 with the in1ating pump moves the shaft axially towards the
19 inflatable device. This enables the higher pressure gas in the
inflating means to run the length of the gauge and enter the
21 inflatable device. Returning to the monitoring aspect of the
22 gauge of this invention, when the pressurized gas is released
23 into the airtight enclosure, the elastomeric diaphragm expands
24 in response thereto. It is "thrown" against a piston-like
member axially positioned outward of the diaphragm. Normally,
10~6761
1 the piston would respond uncontrollably, to the force e~erted
2 thereon through the diaphragm by the pressurized gas but the
3 latter force in this case is counteracted by a calibrated spring
4 means which resists the actual movement of the piston in a
predictable fashion. The piston, consequently, moves in a
6 proportional relationship to the pressure of the gas in the
7 inflatable device. The piston is suitably marked, for example,
8 with a colored circumferential band which is located at a
9 prescribed position along its axial length. Its location is
coordinated with the previously mentioned indicia on the first
11 enclosure forming means such that it aligns itself with the
12 appropriate number signifying the pressure of the gas then
13 internal to the inflatable device.
14 The piston, spring and diaphragm are designed such
that they cooperate with each other by sealing off the airtight
16 enclosure, if the diaphragm ruptures, thereby preventing leakage
17 of the pressurized gas to the "outside world" through the gauge.
18 Alternate embodiments of the invention call for
19 replacing the diaphragm as described above with a hollow
flexible tube or bellows or an "O-ring"-sealed, piston
21 arrangement, all of which implement the basic principles of the
22 invention.
23 Still another embodiment provides for use of the basic
24 gauge described above as originally supplied equipment
incorporated with the inflatable device, such as a tire, when
1~6761
1 the tire is first supplied by the manufacturer. I
.!
2 Still other embodiments described provide for the
3 doubling back of the airtight enclosure on the barrel of the
4 gauge. These embodiments include a design which is affixed to a
standard valve stem as the latter is already in place on a tire
6 rim. A second design of this embodiment includes a standard
7 valve core assembly as part of the gauge itself with the
8 composite inserted in a tire rim as a single gauge-valve unit.
9 In both of these designs, air is released into the gauge proper
only when the pressure reading stem is actuated, as opposed to
11 the continuous monitoring feature of the aforementioned
12 embodiments. The released air is directed axially away from the
13 valve stem initially by a first channel, and into a second
14 channel, disposed transversely to the first channel. The latter
directs the air radially outward from said first channel and
16 into an airtight enclosure of variable volume. The latter is
17 formed by a piston-like member disposed in a cylindrically
18 shaped enclosure positioned concentrically out~ard of the valve
19 stem. It increases in volume in response to increasing gas
pressure, in an axial direction, toward the inflatable device.
21 In the gauge-valve design, the valve core assembly is
22 removable using presently available tools and standard
23 procedures.
24 These and other aspects and advantages
of the invention will become more
~ 6(a).
":s,
i~G761
1. apparent from the following detailed description and appended
2. claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
3. which:
4. Figure 1 is an elevational view of the basic invention.
5. Figure 2 is an end view of the gauge as shown in figure 3 as
6. viewed in the direction of lines marked 2-2.
7. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the gauge of figure 1.
8. ' Figure 4 is an end view taken of the gauge of figure 3 as
9. viewed in the direction of lines 4-4.
10. Figure 5 is an elevational view of the gauge of fig ~ 1 sh~n in
11. place on an inflatable device.
12. Figure 6 is an elevational view in section showing the gauge
13. of figure 1 in cooperation with gas pumping means to inflate the
14. inflatable device.
15. Figures 7 and 8 depict an improvement in one aspect of the
16. invention of figure 1.
17. Figures 9, 10 and 11 shown in elevational, sectional views,
18. alternate embodiments of the subject invention.
19. Figures 12 and 13 show in elevational, sectional views, an
20. application of the basic invention in situations wherein the gauge
21. is supplied as part of the original equipment.
22. Figure 14 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of
23. the subject invention.
24. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional, elevational view taken along
25. lines 15-15 of figure 14.
26. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 16-16
27. of figure 15.
28. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 17-17
29. of figure 15.
30. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 18-18
31. of figure 15.
32. Figure 19 is an elevational view of the gauge of figure 15
33. being used in one mode of operation.
34. Figure 20 is an elevational view of the gauge of figure 15
35. being used in a second mode of operation.
36. Figure 21 is an elevational view of a variation, in part,
37. of the gauge of figure 15.
6(b)
- 1~"6761
~¦ Figure 22 is an eleva~ional view o~ a varia~ian, in par~, a~ the galJge af figure 15.
2 Figure 23 is an elevational view of a variation, in part, of the gauge of figure 15.
3 Figure 24 is an elevational vlew of still another embodiment of the sub ject inventio .
4 Figure 25 is a partial, cross-sectional, elevational view of the embodiment of
figure 24.
6 Figure 26 is a cross-sectional, elevational view of a part of the embodiment of
7 figure 24.
8 Figure 27 is a plan view taken along lines 27-27 in figure 26.
9 Figure 28 is a perspective view of a standard valve core assembly.
~1) Figure 29 is a cross-sectional, elevational view of the embodiment of figure 24
11 being used in the reading mode.
1~ Figure 30 is a cross-sectional, elevational view of the embodiment of figure 24
13 being used in the inflating mode.
14 Figure 31 is a cross-sectional, elevational view of a modified version of the
embodiment of figure 24.
16 j Figure 32 is a partial, cross-sectional view of one type of seal which can be used
17 in the embodiment of figure 24, àppearing with Figures 26, 27 and 28.
18 Figures 33, 34 and 35 are elevational views of various adaptations of the embodi-
19 ment of figure 24, Figures 34 and 35 appearing with Figures 29 and 3û.
2~ Figure 36 is an elevational view of still another embodiment of the invention.
21 Figure 37 is a plan view taken along lines 37-37 in figure 36.
22 Figure 38 is a perspective view of the seal employed in the embodiment of
23 figure 36.
24 ¦ Figure 39 is a perspective, sectional view taken along lines 39-39 in figure 38.
Figures 40 and 41 are partial, sectional views of an aspect of the design of the -
26 ¦ embodiment of figure 36.
27 ¦ Figures 42, 43 and 44 are various alternative caps which can be employed with
2~3 j thc various embodiments depicted.
29 ¦ DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
i -6(c)~
1. In ~he following discus1on It w711fibe assumed tba~ the device ta be inflated is
2. 1~ the automo ile tire. This certainly is nat ta be canstrued as a limitatian an the versatility
~ ic~ el~
//
232
30.
-6(d)-
1~1
1 Referring to Figure 1, there is depicted a hasic
2 design which implements the principles of the subject invention.
3 The device as shown includes, first of all, housing means 10 which
4 form a first enclosure. The housing means 10 comprises a lower
housing portion 12 which preferably, is fabricated from an opaque
6 plastic or similar material. Th~ lower housing in the preferred
7 embodiment shown is, typically, cylindrical in shape. It includes
8 a lower end 14 which has an internal thread 16, enabling the gauge
g to be screwed on to a tire valve stem. The lower housing 12,
includes an outer cylindrical wall 18 which extends approximately
11 1/2 the length of the overall gauge. Internal to the cylindrical
12 wall 18 and coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the gauge is an
13 inner cylindrical wall,20. The inner cylindrical wall is connect- -
14 ed to the outer cylindrical wall by a cylindrical disc-like section
22, which lies in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
16 of the gauge. This disc-like portion includes a plurality of
17 cylindrical, inlet ports 24 which run parallel to the longitudinal
18 axis of the gauge. The inlet ports 24 provide a means whereby
19 the chamber 26, defined by the lower end 14 of the housing 12 and
the cylindrical disc 22, communicates with the annular chamber 28
21 formed above the cylindrical disc 22, between the inner cylindrical
22 wall 20 and the outer cylindrical wall 18.
23 Sandwiched between the internal thread 16 and the under
24 side of cylindrical disc is a standard "O-ring" 30 constructed
from an elastomeric material such as rubber.
26 Additionally, integral with and protruding from the
27 bottom side of the cylindrical disc 22 in an axial direction, is a
28 knife-like annular edge, 32.
29 The upper end 34 of the inner cylindrical wall 20 is
formed in a U-shaped fashion. Similarly, the outer cylindrical
1~"676~
1 wall includes a U-shape ridge 36, internal of the wall 18 which
2 also extends the full perimeter of the wall 18.
3 The first enclosure means, 10, also includes an upper
4 housing 40 which is of the same general cylindrical shape as the
lower housing 12. Whereas the lower housing can be made of an
6 opaque plastic material for reasons soon to become obvious, the
7 upper housing 40 is made, of a transparent plastic material.
8 Embossed on the outer surface of the upper housing, is a suitable
9 arrangement of numbers 42 in figure 3 positioned sequentially
along the axial length of the upper housing wall beginning with
11 the lower number towards the bottom of the gauge, as viewed in
12 Figure 3, ascending to a higher number at the top of the gauge.
13 These numbers represent the pressure range of a gauge given its
14 particular application - e.g. when used to measure tire pressure
lS the range would be that shown in Figure 3. To improve the visi-
16 bility aspect of the pressure gauge of this invention, these
17 numerals are displayed in identical groupings, spaced 120 apart,
18 about the perimeter of the upper housing wall. One of the other
19 arrangement of numbers can be seen located at 43 in figure 3.
Interposed between each grouping of numerals just
21 described, at 120 spacing, are three groups of axially positioned
22 serrations 44. These cooperate with another "O-ring" 46 and the
23 indicating band 48, whose function and location are described
24 later on to provide a ready indication of the deviations of the
tire pressure from the previously set level.
26 The upper housing 40 includes an outer cylindrical wall
27 50 which has an outside diameter virtually the same as the inside
28 diameter of outer cylindrical wall 18 of the lower housing 12.
29 When finally assembled the outer wall 50 nests within the outer
wall 18. The bottom end of the outer cylindrical wall 50 as viewed
1~67S~
1 in Figure 2, is U-shaped and together with the U-shaped ridge
2 36 forms substantially, a circular groove into which the dia-
3 phragm ring 54 is positioned as soon to be described.
4 Coaxial with the outer cylindrical wall 50 and extend-
ing, axially, approximately the same length as the outer wall 15
6 is an inner cylindrical wall 56. soth walls are connected to
7 each other by a disc like member 58 which lies in a plane sub-
8 stantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the gauge
9 and which, again, is integral both with the outer cylindrical
wall 50 and the inner cylindrical wall 56. The inner cylindrical
11 wall 56 also includes at its bottom end, a U-shaped ridge 60
12 which extends the perimeter of the inner cylindrical wall 56 and
13 whichj together with the ridge formed at the upper end 34 of the
14 inner cylindrical wall 20 provides a circular groove into which -
the inner ring 62 of the previously mentioned diaphragm is posit-
16 ioned. Both inner walls, 20 and 56, are hollow so that when
17 they c~ aligned in final assembly they form a cylindrical pass-
18 ageway 65, wllich runs the length of the gauge, connecting cham-
19 ber 26 to chamber 71, the latter being formed as described below.
An annular chamber 64 is formed between the outer wall
21 50 and the inner wall 56. Communicating between this annular
22 chamber 64 and the environment outside the gauge, for reasons
23 soon to become obvious, there exists a vent hole 66 which passes
24 through the disc-like member 58.
Extending axially upward from the disc like member 58
26 is a cylindrical protrusion 68 which is adapted in a known
27 fashion to fit a pump inflating hose. The protrusion, 68, forms
28 a third annular chamber 71. The protrusion 68 is threaded to
29 accept a standard protective cup (not shown).
When completely assembled there is interposed between
31 the U-shaped ridges of the inner and outer walls 20 and 18 of
~ . !
1~96761
1 the lower housing 12 and the inner and outer walls 56 and 50,
2 respectively, of the upper housing 40, a diaphragm assembly 70
3 made of a highly flexible, low friction material such as rubber.
4 It includes an inner ring section 62, sandwiched between opposing
U-shaped ridge in the inner walls 56 and 20 and an outer ring 54
6 interposed between the U-shaped ridges of outer wall 50 and ridge
7 36. The diaphragm rings are inter-connected by an annular piece
8 Of flexible rubber material which for purposes of the particular
9 configuration illustrated in Figure 1, is essentially U-shaped.
When finally assembled, rings 54 and 62 are bonded to the ridge
11 sections of the inner and outer walls of both housings. This
12 insures an airtight enclosure into which the pressurized air with-
13 in the tire is released.
14 As part of the gauge, means are provided for releasing
the pressurized air in the tire into the gauge. Further the
16 releasing means is adapted to provide for inflating the tire when
17 the gauge indicates that the pressure has dropped below a desired
18 minimum. The pressure releasing means preferably includes a steel
19 cylindrical shaft 72 which extends the length of the gauge and
which is located at the axial center of the gauge within the
21 passageway 65 formed by the inner wall 20 and the inner wall 56.
22 The shaft 72 terminates in a flange 74 at the lower end 14 of the
23 gauge. The flange lies in a plane perpendicular to the axis of
24 the shaft 72, and includes an annular recess into which is placed a
sealing gasket 76 which cooperates with knife edge 32 to form a
26 seal for purposes soon to be described. Press fitted onto the
27 opposite end of the shaft 72 is a bushing 78 generally made of
28 steel.
29 Positioned substantially in the upper annular chamber
3n 64 is located means, 80, for both controlling the variation of the
10 .
~6761
1 volume of annular chamber 28 and for giving to the observer
2 an indication of the pressure in the tire.
3 In the preferred embodiment, means 80 includes a piston
4 like member 82 of cylindrical shape which has an outside dia-
meter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the outer
6 wall 50. The piston m ~ er is made of a smooth, plastic-like
7 material which minimizes friction between the surfaces, enhanc-
8 ing the sensitivity and accuracy of the gauge.
9 The piston like member 82 includes an axially extending
cylindrical wall 84 which barely contacts the inner surface of
11 outer wall 50 and a section 86, integral with the cylindrical
12 wall portion 84 and perpendicular thereto. The inner axially ex-
13 tending surface 83 of the horizontal section is in substantial
14 contact with the outer surface of inner wall 56. The underside
88, of the horizontal section 86 has generally, a U-shaped con-
16 figuration. The inner and outer extremities, 90 and 92 respec-
17 tively, of the U-shaped underside are contoured to take the
18 shape of the inner and outer diaphragm rings 62 and 54 respec-
19 tively. This provides an "airtight" seal in a manner soon to be
described if and when the diaphragm 70 ruptures. The arcuate
21 contour of the extremities 90 and 92 is better seen in Figures
22 5 and 6.
23 Cylindrically shaped piston member 82 defines a cavity
24 94 between the inside surface of wall 84 and the outside surface
of wall 56. Nested in this cavity and extending the axial length
26 of the gauge between horizontal section 86 and disc like member
27 58 is a calibrated coil spring, 96. Spring 96 is preferably
28 made from a suitable spring steel selected to have the necessary
29 spring constant to counteract the force exerted on the piston
like member 82 by the pressurized gas in chamber 28 acting
31 through diaphragm 70.
1QI"6761
1 Depicted in Figure 1 is a cylindrical, cup-shapedt
2 covering device 98 of suitable opaque material, such as plastic
3 which hides the "exposed" end of the spring 96 for the purpose
4 of enhancing the appearance of the gauge. Where employed, the
covering device includes a vent hole 99 to enable air otherwise
6 under compression in chamber 94, to escape.
7 The indicating feature of means 80 is provided, in
8 combination, by an annular colored band 48 which preferably is
9 painted in a suitable annular recess in cylindrical wall 84.
This insures that the band is not rubbed from the outer surface
11 of the cylindrical wall 84 due to the constant axial movement
12 of the piston member 82 within the chamber 64 when the gauge is
13 in place.
14 ASSEMBLY
The unit is assembled by first positioning the opaque
16 cover 98 in the upper housing portion 40. The coil spring 96 is
17 next placed within the cover 98 followed by the piston member 82.
18 The diaphragm is positioned in the lower housing such
19 that rings 54 and 62 rest in grooves 36 and 34 respectively. The
rings 54 and 62 are secured thereto by a suitable bonding material.
21 The outer wall 18 and the lower housing 12 are then
22 either slipped over the outer cylindrical wall 50 of the upper
23 housing 40 and bonded thereto or, alternately, it is threaded on-
24 to the upper housing with suitable bonding cement calking the
threads to insure an airtight seal between the contacting surfaces
26 of the two outer walls. Prior to mating the upper and lower
27 housings, bonding material is added to ridges 52 and 60 to there-
28 by provide an airtight seal between those surfaces and the top
29 portion of diaphragm rings 54 and 62.
The means for releasing or suoplyi.~ air to the tire is
31 next positioned in the gauge. The flange-shaft unit 74-72 is
~q676~
1 inserted in the passageway 65. The steel bushing 78 is then
2 press fitted over the top end of the shaft 72 thereby retaining
3 the latter in place in the gauge. As can be best appreciated
4 from figure 5, although not depicted therein, a coiled spring
member can be interposed between the bottom of the bushing 78 and
6 the top of the disc like member 58 within the chamber 71 to mini-
7 mize any rattling of the shaft when the gauge is disconnected
8 from the tire stem, and improve the seal between gasket 76 and
9 edge 32.
Figures 5 and 6, are useful in understanding the oper~-
11 tion of the gauge. The gauge is screwed on to the tire valve
12 stem 100 until the top of the valve stem 102 contacts the O-ring
13 30, compressing it as shown. Considering the design of the
14 standard tire valve stem, the height of the flange member 74 of
the gauge is such that when the gauge is threaded on the standard
16 valve stem 100 the underside 104 of the flange 74 contacts the
17 valve actuating rod 106 depressing it a sufficient amount, typi-
18 cally on the order of .025 to .032 inches, to enable a sampling
19 of the pressurized gas within the tire to enter the annular cham-
ber 28 through inlet ports 24.
21 The pressurized gas contacts the diaphragm 70 forcing
22 it upward as viewed in Figure 5 and eventually to the point where
23 it assumes the contour as depicted in Figure 5 which includes
24 conforming itself to the U-shaped underside section 88 of piston
82. The piston member 82 is forced upward in response to the
26 pressure exerted by the gas through the diaphragm 70. Coil spring
27 96 as a conse~uence is compressed between the section 86 and the
28 disc like end cap 58. Because the diaphragm 70 forms an air-
29 tight barrier between chambers 28 and 64, the air in compression
in chamber 64 is forced out of chamber 64 through vents 99 and 66.
31 As noted earlier the spring constant for spring 96 is chosen so
13.
:
~!C'6761
1 that the force exerted by the spring in opposition to the force
2 exerted by the pressurized gas on the piston like member 82, is
3 such that when the annular band 48 is opposite the appropriate
4 pressure reading on the numerical display 42, the spring force
exactly balances the force exerted by the pressurized gas.
6 If it is desired to further inflate the tire, an air
7 pump hose 108, as shown is Figure 6, may be pressed on to the
8 protrusion 68. The valve stem rod 110 positioned in the head of
9 the pump hose 108 contacts the bushing 78. The bushing 78 is
depressed and in turn forces a downward movement of shaft 72 and
11 flange 74. The seal formed between gasket 76 and the knife-like
12 annular ridge 32 is "broken" enabling pressurized gas supplied
13 from a compressor (not shown) to pass along the length of the
14 gauge through the passageway 65 past ridge 32 and into the valve
stem 100 located on the device to be inflated. The axial length
16 of the bushing 78 is such that the bottom side of bushing 78 as
17 viewed in Figure 6 will not contact the top of the disc like
18 member 58 when the inflating hose 108 is in place. This insures
19 that the seal formed between the gasket 76 and the knife-like
ridge 32 is "broken", enabling the tire to be inflated.
21 As the pressure of the gas in the inflated device
22 increases the piston member 82 rises further in chamber 64.
23 The person inflating the device will remove the inflating hose
24 108 when the annular band 48 has reached the desired pressure
level. At this time the operator would remove the hose 108 and
26 slip O-ring 46 to a new position on the gauge opposite the band
27 48. A convenient reference is established which subsequently
28 enables the operator to determine whether or not the tire has
29 lost pressure.
Alternately, it may be desirable to release a certain
31 amount of pressurized gas from the tire. In this case, the
14.
1~:3"67~1
1 operator would depress the shaft 72 by pressing down on the
2 bushing 78, thus breaking the seal between the gasket 76 and the
3 edge 32. Downward movement of the shaft will cause the valve
4 actuating rod 106 to further depress resulting in the venting of
pressurized gas from the tire, via the passageway 65. The
6 bushing is kept depressed until the annular band drops to a
7 position opposite the desired pressure.
8 Figures 7 and 8 depict in a partial, sectional view,
9 an improved version of the underside surface of the piston member
10 82 which is employed where it is important to have a more sensitive ^~
11 gauge. The improvement calls for providdng a cylindrical append-
12 age 112, ending axially from sec~ion 86. The cylindrical append-
13 age improves the sensitivity and thus the accuracy of the gauge
14 by reducing the frictional forces occurring between the surface
of the diaphragm and the walls which the diaphragm contacts, viz.,
16 the inner surface of wall 50 and the outer surface of wall 56.
17 Whereas in the previously discussed U-shaped design, the counter-
18 acting force exerted on the piston member 82 by the spring 96 had
19 to overcome a shearing or frictional force at the interface be-
tween the diaphragm and the two cylindrical walls as well as
21 compressive forces in the diaphragm, the improvement of Figure
22 7 need only overcome a relatively low adhesive force between
23 the diaphragm and the wall. In effect the diaphragm is "peeled"
24 from the two wall surfaces. Thus the calculations determina-
tive of the spring constant can assume, more correctly, "zero"
26 frictional forces with the result that a more sensitive and
27 accurate gauge is developed.
28 Figure 8 illustrates an aspect of the invention, common
29 to the design previously described, i.e., Figures 1, 5 & 6, but
which is better pictorialized in Figure 8. This feature might be
~ ~0~67~1
1 called a "fail safe" capability. In effect, this "fail safe"
2 capability prevents the gauge from becoming a device for deflating
3 the tire when the former malfunctions, particularly through rupture
4 of the diaphragm 70. The possibility of diaphragm rupture is a
practical consideration after the gauge has been utilized for
6 extended periods of time. This is due in part to the continual
7 up-down movement of the piston in response to pressure fluctuations
8 in the tire. This pressure fluctuation is a continuing thing due
g in part to the rough road conditions to which the tire may be
subjected, the increase in pressure due to tire heating and similar
11 other disturbances. A ruptured condition is demonstrated in Figure
12 8 by opening 114. Absenttlle "fail safe" design the air passing
13 from the chamber 28 through opening 114 would pass between the side
14 of the piston 82 and the wall 50. However, when the diaphragm
ruptures causing a reduction in the force supporting the piston 82
16 in an elevated position, spring 96 forces the piston 82 downward
17 as viewed in Figure 8 until the inner and outer extremities 90 and
18 92 of the underside of the piston contact the diaphragm rings 62
19 and 54 respectively. Sufficient contact area is provided between
the rings and the contacting portion of the grooved extremities
21 so that the piston 82 is prevented from any further downward
22 movement. At worst, the pressure in the tire is reduced to an
23 amount such that the force exerted on the piston 82 by the remain-
24 ing pressurized gas is just balanced by the spring force exerted
by spring 96 at the point of contact between the grooved extremi-
26 ties and the diaphragm rings. Further deflation is prevented.
27 The person inflating the tire can detect the fact that
28 the diaphragm in the gauge is ruptured when he goes to inflate the
29 tire. The tire would expand in response to the increasing air
pressure but the gauge will fail to respond due to the exiting
16.
lOg6761
1 of the gas through the ruptured diaphragm. Also the piston 82
2 would rise up ever so slightly causing a passing of the air
3 through the vent hole 66 giving use to a hissing sound. Noting
4 this, the operator ]~nows he has a defective gauge.
Figures 9, 10 and 11 are particular variations of the
6 previously discussed design where alternate means for forming the
7 airtight enclosure of variable volume are depicted. For the
8 purposes of discussion with regard to figures 9, 10 and 11, the
9 means for releasing the pressurized gas from the inflated tire,
viz., the shaft-flange-bushing arrangement, 72, 74 and 78 respec-
11 tively, will not be discussed. Suffice it to say that the operation
12 of this aspect of the particular embodiments of Figures 9, 10 and
13 11 is essentially identical to that previously described.
14 Referring to Figure 9, the chamber 26 vents through
inlet ports 24 into an air-tight volume 28 of variable volume which
16 is maintained air-tight by two O-rings one 16 and one 18 which forms
17 a suitable airtight seal between piston 120 and housing walls 122
18 and 124. The overall design of the embodiment of Figure 9 as far
19 as the housing construction is concerned is somewhat simplified
in that a gauge consists of a basic cylindrical housing 126 of
21 clear plastic with an end cap 128 either bonded or threaded into
22 the cylindrical opening at the top 130 of the gauge.
23 Two additional O-rings 138 and 140 are positioned in
24 the bottom of the chamber 28, each of the O-rings having a diameter
substantially equal to the diameter of housing walls 124 and 122,
26 respectively. When the O-rings 116 and/or 118 wear to a point
27 that they no longer provide an airtight seal between the piston
28 120 and the surfaces of the housing walls 122 and 124, the spring
29 96 will force the piston downward as viewed in Figure 9 until the
30 chamfered edges 134 and 136 contact the O-rings 138 and 140
96761
1 respectively. Through this technique, the l'fail safe" capability
2 described in the earlier embodiment is provided in this configura-
3 tion.
4 Suitable pressure indicia would be located on the outer
surface of wall 122 as well as serrations for locating the O-ring
6 46. The indicating aspect of the gauge is essentially the same
7 as the one previously described with regard to the embodiment of
8 Figure 1. ;
9 Figure 10 discloses an embodiment wherein the chamber
of variable volume 28 is formed by an annularly shaped bellows,
11 142. One end of the bellows 142 is bonded to the bottom of the
12 chamber 44 such that it encompasses the inlet ports 24, thus pro-
13 viding an airtight enclosure. The opposite end 146 of the bellows
14 is "capped off" by a lightweight plastic, disc-like member 148,
which is bonded in place to the end 146 of the bellows. The
16 disc like member 148 would have the indicator band 48 annularly
17 disposed about its perimeter with corresponding pressure markings
18 again positioned axially along the outer surface of the housing
19 wall. The housing construction is similar to that shown in
Figure 9 with the exception that the venting hole 66 is not
21 required. This is so because of sufficient clearance between the
22 member 148 and the inside walls of the housing. In this con-
23 figuration provided the seam 150 between the end cap 152 and
24 inner cylindrical housing 154 is bonded, there is no need for the
"fail safe" additions of the previously discussed designs.
26 Figure 11 shows yet another embodiment, similar to
27 those just described but where the airtight volume is provided
28 by a flexible, helically-shaped, hollow tube 156 which communicates
29 with chamber 26 through port 158. In this configuration upon
release of the pressurized gas of the inflated tire, the gas
31 enters the helical coil 156 at end 157 which is bonded to the inner
18.
q6761
1. surface loO of the bottom portton 162 of the houslng 164. The cotl In response thereto
2. extends itself in an axially upward direction as vtewed In Flgure 11 much In the mannor of th
3. well known BolJrdon tube. Thls conversion of pressure to axlal disp1acement 15 transmltted
4. to piston member 166 whtch i5 made of opoque plast1c and which includes the famtliar r
5. Indicator band 48. The design of the tube and the sprlng constant of the spring 96 are
6. selected so thot the annular band 48 Is posit;oned opposite th~ corresponding pressure
7. Indicat;on on the surface of the housing 164. AgaTn, as was the case wlth tho device of
8. Fiç1ure 10, there is no requirement for a vent hole such as that shown at 60 in Figures 1 anJ 9
~. Because of the construct;on of the flex1ble tube 15b, which typically could be a lightwetght
10. plasttc or metal the devke is inherently ~fail safe 50 as to preclude the necesslty of pro-
11. viding a scheme similar to that Incorporated In the previously described embodtments. In
12. thls destgn the hellcal coil Is wound around the center stem conserving axial length.
13. In another variation of this deslgn, the coil Itself is calibrated such that its
14. ax;al movement is proporttonal to the a;r pressure w;th;n. Th1s eliminates the need for
15. spring 9o, furthcr slmplifylng the design.
16. Finally, a variatton of the basic design of Figure I is shown in Flgures 12 and 13
17. The ba~ic design of Figwe I is Incorporated in thls embodtment which Is Intended to be
18. supplled as part of the arig;nal tire when delivered by the tlre manufacturor or new car
19. dealer. The maln dlfference between the design of Flgures 12 and 13, and those prev;ously
20. descrtbed, is tho requiremsnt that a coil spring 170 bo disposed between the bushlng 78 and
21. the top slde of disc like member 58. Thk spr1ng, 170, In effect replaces or serves the bame
22. function as the spr;ng formally found In the tire valve stem. Sprlng 170 exerts a sufflclent
23. 1 upward pressure as vtewed In Ftguro 12 to maTnhtn a sufflctent seal between the ~asket 76
24. and the knlfe edge 32 to prevent leakoge from the gauge at that polnt.
25. As shown, the outslde surface of outer wall 18 Is bonded to a rubberlzed, tlrc
26 valve structure 172 which Is secured In the
28.
2~.
~0.
19.
10~6761
1 tire side wall 174 in a known manner. The tire would be
2 inflated in the same manner as described earlier.
3 Figures 12 and 13 show a modification of the design
4 previously described which may be a desirable adaptation of the
basic design. It includes the provisioning of a filler tube 176
6 which is bonded, in place in the vent hole 66. The filler tube
7 176 would be fabricated from copper or similar material which
8 could be readily cut and then crimped or soldered to provide an
9 airtight termination as shown in Figure 13 at 178.
Employing this variation on the basic design, the
11 gauge manufacturer would be able to preset a given lot of gauges
12 for use at a particular pressure - the one most suitable for a
13 given tire. A range of these type gauges would be provided which
14 covered existing and anticipated recommended pressures as set
by the tire manufacturers.
16 During the manufacture of the gauge and after it is
17 assembled, the gauge would be positioned on a suitable tire
18 simulating device which could be inflated to the desired pressure
19 for that gauge. Initially, piston 180 would be forced upward
until the top thereof, 182, contacted the underside, 184, of the
21 end cover. (Spring 186 in this application would not be the
22 calibrated type disclosed earlier. Its main function in this
23 application would be to insure that the piston 180 is thrust
24 downward if the diaphragm ruptures to give an indication that the
gauge has failed).
26 After inflating the tire simulating device, pressurized
27 gas would be introduced into chamber 64 through filler tube 176.
28 The gas in chamber 64 would exert a downward force on piston 180.
29 The piston would move down and the pressure of the gas supplied
through filler tube 176 would be varied until the piston assumed
- 20 -
~"6761
1 an intermediate axial position. The annular band 48, of course,
2 would position itself in a corresponding axial position. A
3 permanent annular, masking band 196 would then be painted on
4 or otherwise permanently affixed to the outer surface of housing
198 at the same axial location as the band 48. The filler tube
6 176 would be crimped and/or soldered or sealed in some other
7 suitable way to prevent the pressurized gas from escaping from
8 chamber 64. The gauge could then be removed from the simulating
9 device and prepared for delivery. The gauge just described
would be delivered to tire suppliers or others whose job it is
11 to mount tires. The gauge would be supplied with instructions
12 which would note its particular operating pressure. The supplier
13 would install the gauge-valve device in a tire whose recommended
14 pressure would be that of the gauge. The tire would then be
inflated until the annular band 48 positioned itself behind the
16 masking band 196. At this point, the supplier would know that
17 the tire is inflated at the correct pressure for that tire.
18 Subsequently, the motor vehicle operator could tell if
19 the tire was not at the right pressure by noting that band 48
was no longer positioned at the same axial position as indicator
21 band 196. He could then take the necessary corrective action in
22 order to re-establish the proper operating pressure.
23 The approach just described as noted earlier eliminates
24 the need for a calibrated spring and thus provides a less
costlier gauge. Further, motor vehicle operators with no idea
26 of the right pressure required by their tires need only know to
27 align the bands 48 and 196 to achieve the proper pressure and
28 thus insure proper operating conditions.
29 It is to be noted in the embodiment depicted in Figure
12, that the previously described means for inflating the tire-
6761
1 bushing, shaft and flanges 78, 72 and 76 respectively, could be
2 replaced by a standard valve stem which would be fitted in the
3 disc like end 58 in a suitable fashion.
4 Referring now to flgures 14 thru 18, inclusive, there
is shown another variation of the basic invention described herein
6 which requires that the operator o~ the gauge depress the body
7 portion of the gauge in order to obtain a pressure reading.
8 Figure 15 describes a preferred embodiment of such a
9 gauge. It includes a first enclosure 200, formed between an inner
housing 202 and an outer housing 204. The two housings are bonded
11 toge~her at annular seams 206 and 208 to form the annular cavity
12 identified as the first enclosure 200.
13 The outer housing 204, is an inverted cylindrical cup
14 made from a transparent material such as clear plastic. As viewed
in figure 14, the exterior of the outer housing, 210, has embossed
16 or imprinted thereon a range of numerals 212 corresponding to the
17 range of pressures expected during t~e use of the gauge. As
18 noted with respect to figures 1 to 13, the range of pressures
19 can be positioned at annular increments around the outer perimeter
of the housing so that the gauge provides the operator with a
21 360 readout capability. ~urther, groups of serrations (not shown
22 may be interposed between each grouping of numerals to accomodate
23 an "0-ring" indicating band (also, not shown, in the embodiment).
24 m e outer housing is cutout at point 214 to accomodate an annular
ring portion 216 of the inner housing.
26 The inner housing, 202, includes a main, hollowed-out
27 cylindrical portion 218. The housing includes a cup-shaped portio
28 defined by annular ~idewall 220. The sidewall terminates at the
29 one end by flanged portion 222. At the opposite end of the inner
3o housing is located the previously ldentified annular ridge 216.
q6~6i
1 As noted earlier the main portion 218 is hollowed-out to form a
2 cylindrical opening 224 which is threaded to accept other parts of
3 the gauge as well as the standard tire valve. Thru holes 226 and
4 228 run through the main portion of the inner housing 218, trans-
verse to the longitudinal axis of that member, near the annular
6 ridge end. The circular flanged portion 222, includes an opening
7 230 which is best seen in figure 18. Although not discernible
8 from figure 15, the outside wall 232 of the ;nner housing can have
9 a slight taper to it, being inclined towards the longitudinal axis
of the gauge in the downward direction as vie~ed in figure 15. Thi
11 reduces frictional forces asthe "0-ring" is deformed under increas
12 ing pressures
13 A second enclosure, of variable volume is formed within
14 the first enclosure 200. The second enclosure 234 (best seen in
figures 19 and 20) is formed by an "0-ring" 236, which is bonded
16 to a piston-like, spacer member 238 by a suitable adhesive.
17 The "0-ring" is a standard catalog item having a thickne s
18 in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the gauge,
19 which is slightly larger than the radial thickness of the first
enclosure at its widest point, which beca~se of the taper mentione
21 earlier, would be at the bottom of the first enclosure 200, as
22 viewed in figure 15. The "0-ring" exerts sufficient pressure on
23 walls defining the first enclosure such that the leakage of
24 pressurized gas thereby is eliminated.
The piston-like member 238, is an annular ring of suitab e
26 material which has a first surface 240 of concave shape to which
27 the '~ring" is bonded. The axially opposite face or surface of th
28 ring 242 is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of t
29 first enclosure but includes an interrupted,annular ridge 244 whic
3o spaces the member 238 off from the inside surface 246 of the
31 outer housing. As noted, the
23.
6761.
1 ridge 244 is interrupted at various locations around its
2 circumference, such at points 248, 250, 252 and 254 in figure 17,
3 to insure that the pressurized gas can contact the maximum area
on the surface 242.
Although the "O-ring" and piston-like member are
6 illustrated as separate pieces, to take advantage of the ready
7 avallab~lity of standard sized "O-ring", it is understood that
8 the piston-like member and "O-ring" can be molded from rubber or
9 suitable elastomeric material and formed in one pieces with the
profile shown in figure 15.
11 Located in the central portion of the gauge is the valve
12 stem actuating mechanism which allows the operator to either ~
13 take a reading of the pressure in the tire or to inflate same if
14 so desired.
The gas releasing and inflating mechanism includes a
16 cap portion 256, which includes a cylindrical cup portion 258
17 disposed axially from a flanged portion 260. ~xtending axially
18 from the opposite side of the flanged portion 260 is a threaded
19 cylindrical portion 262 which has an outside diameter correspond-
20 ing to the inside diameter of cylindrical opening 224 in the main
21 portion 218 of the inner housing. On the inside wall of
22 cylindrical cup portion 258, there ls an annular groove 264.
231 The annular groove 264 has a slanted lower edge 265 disposed
24 axially inward from the upper end of the gauge. The cylindrical
cup portion terminates at the uppermost axial end thereof, as
26 viewed in figure 15, in a flanged portion 266 which slightly
27 overhangs the cylindrical opening formed by the main portion of
28 cup 258.
29 The flanged portion 260 of the cap 256 has an outside
3o diameter (O.D ) equal to the O.D. of the outer hou~ing 204.
~ 67~1
1 The under surface 270 of the flange can be bonded to the upper
2 surface of the inner and outer housing by a suitable adhesi~e.
3 This provides an additional airtight seal to eliminate a potential
4 leakage path.
The threaded cylindrical portion or stem 262 is only
6 threaded at the end thereof which meets with the threaded opening
7 224. The portion of the threaded stem 262 nearer the flange 260
8 has the threads removed This provides an annular channel 272
9 which is contiguous with the openings 226 and 228. Further, the
threaded stem 262 includes slots 274 and 276 running parallel
11 to the longitudinal axis thereof which provide a channel for
12 directing gas released from the inflatable device to the annular
13 cutout 272 and thence, through the opènings 226 and 228, into the
14 second enclosure 234.
The valve actuator member 278 is a cylindrical member
16 having a U-shaped profile with an axially extending pin member
17 280. At the axially upper portion of the actuator member,
18 there is located a circular flange 282 having an O.D. substantiall
19 equal to the inner diameter of cup member 258. Located in the
sidewall 284 are thru holes 286 and 288. These form part of the
21 channel for directing gas into the inflatable device.
22 A hose contacting member 290 includes a cylindrical disc
23 292 and an axially extending, rod-like member 294 which makes
24 contact with the valve stem in the air hose.
Positioned at the axial upper end of the gauge is a
26 retainer cup 296 including a main cylindrical portion 298 having
27 a cylindrical opening 300 at the center thereof opening ~nto a
28 larger cylindrical opening 302 defined by ~idewall 304. The
29 main portion 298 includes an annular groove 306 in which there
3o is disposed a suitable "0-rlng" 308. me main portion 298 of
Il . 109676i
1 ¦ the retainer cup is of appropriate diameter such that the flange
2 ¦ 266 restricts the upward axial movement of the cup 296.
3 ¦ Interposed between the upper surface of the disc 292
4 ¦ and the under surface.of main portion 298 is a sealing gasket.
5 ¦ 310 which has an inside diameter substantially equal to the
6 ¦ diameter of rod member 294 and is thick enough in the horizontal
7 ¦plane, as viewed in figure 15, to seal off the cylindrical opening
8 1 300. .
9 ¦ Positioned in the opening defined by sidewall 284 is
10 ¦ a spring member 312 which contacts surface 314 of valve actuator
11 ¦ member 278 on the one end and the sur~ace 316 o~ disc member
12 1 292.
13 l Surrounding the sidewall 284 is a second spring 318
14 ¦ which on the one end contacts the under surface of flange 282
15 l and on the other end the top surface of a spanner nut 320.
16 : The spanner nut has a threaded outside perimeter whose
17 diameter is equivalent to that of the cylindrical opening 224.
18 The nut includes an interior opening 322 through which the pin
19 member 280 passes in the assembled position. Notches 324 and .
326 allow for the use of a spanner wrench in the assembly of the
21 gauge~
22 Positioned in the first enclosure 200 is a third spring
23 328 which contacts the upper surface of flange 222 at the one
24 end and at the other end, a retainer spacer 330, which is bonded
to the "0-ring" 236, at the opposite end. This third spring is
26 calibrated to control the movement of the piston-"0-ring"-retainer
27 ring combination, in response to air pressure, such that the
28 last mentioned combination settles at a posltion opposite the
29 marking indicative o~ the pressure of the gas within the inflated
3o device.
1 1~967~1
1 Although Identified in the drawings ^s a separate piece,
2 it is to be realized that the retainer ring 330, may be molded
3 to together with the piston-"0-ring" combination mentioned earlier
4 to form a one-piece unit.
Painted on the radially ou~ward wall of the combination
6 formed by member 238, "0-ring" 236 and the retainer spacer 330,
7 would be a suitably colored annular ring 332 which, of course,
8 moves with those combined pieces to position itself opposite
9 the pressure indication in the range 212 to reflect the pressure
of the gas in the inflated device. The "0-ring", 236, itself can
11 provide the necessary indication without the need for an
12 additional painted band.
13 Assembl~
14 The gauge shown at figure 15 is assembled by first
positioning the spring 328 around the main portion 218 of inner
16 housing 302 and positioning above that, the "0-ring"-piston
17 member-retainer ring combination 236-238-330. The first enclosure
18 is then formed by cementing the outer housing 204 to the inner
19 housing 202 at the seams 206 and 208.
The cap portion 256 is threaded into the circular opening
21 224 until the flange 260 contacts the top surface of the inner
22 and outer housing~ As noted earlier the under surface 270 can
23 be bonded to the upper surface of the inner and outer housing
24 if desired.
Next the retainer cup 296, with "0-ring" 308 in place,
26 is inserted into the opening defined by cylindrical portion 258.
27 Then the hose contacting member 290, with gasket 310
28 in place is inserted through opening 300. The valve actuating
29 member 278 with spring 312 positioned within the opening formed
3o by sidewall 284 is inserted into the opening defined by
ll 10967~1 l
1 Isidewall 258. Spring 318 collars ~idewall 284 and the spanner
2 ¦nut 320 is- inserted into the opening 224.
3 ¦ The nut is threaded up into the opening until the.bottom
4 ¦surface thereof, 334, is flush with the bottom surface 336 of
5 ¦pin member 280. The length of springs 312 and 318 are selected
6 ¦such that when, surfaces 334 and 336 are flush, spring 318 is
7 lexerting an upward force on flange 282 while spring 312 is
8 ¦exerting a~ upward force on disc 292.
9 ¦ Space between the end 338 of threaded stem 262 and
10 ¦the top surface of ~he spanner nut is provided to allow for
11 ¦ adjustment of the spanner nut to compensate for that situation
12 ¦ l~here the valve stem 340 is not flush with the top surface of
13 ¦ the valve wall 342.
14 1 O~eration
.
The gauge is threaded onto.the valve wall 342. me
16 disposition of the first enclosure relative to the threaded
17 opening 262 and the valve is such that the second enclosure 234
i8 increases in volume in the direction of the inflatable device
19 as the pressure inside the device increases. This variation
20 of the basic principles of the invention allows for a doubling
21 back of the first enclosure thereby reducing the overall length
22 of the gauge and thus, avoiding breaking the gauge by contact
23 with the curb if in fact it is maintained in place on the
24 tire valve.
Referring particularly to figure 19, there is shown the
26 use of the gauge described in figures 14 thru 18, as it.is
27 employed to read the pressure in a tire. -
20 With the gauge in place on the valve wall 342, the .
29 operator places on of his fingers over the opening 302, depressing
3o the retainer cup 296 by downward pressure of his finger. Since
1 106761
1 ¦ flange member 282 is kept in contact with the under surface of2 ¦ portion 298 of the retainer cup by spring 318, the valve actuator
3 member 278 responds to the depressing force exerted by the
4 operator and moves downward as well. Pin member 280 contacts
the valve stem 340 forcing it downward also. After approximately
6 1/32 inches travel, air is released from the inflated device
7 traveling upward therefrom in the direction of the arrows. Air
8 first travels through opening 322, into the portion of cylindrical
9 opening 224 immediately between the top surface of the spanner
nut 320 and the surface 338 of the stem 262, and then upward
11 through the slots 274 and 276 into the annular cutout 272.
12 ~rom there it travels into the second enclosure 234 via the
13 circular openings 226 and 228. The force of the pressurized gas
14 working on the surface 242 drives the piston-"0-ring"-retainer
disc combination downward until the annular band 332 is positioned
16 opposite the air pressure of the device.
17 Air is prevented from leaking out of the gauge during
18 this operation, along paths 344 and 346 due to the sealing action
19 of the "0-ring" 308 against the slanted lower edge~ 268, of the
annular groove 264 and by the sealing action of gasket 310,
21 respectively.
22 When the operator removes his finger from the cup 296,
23 the spring 318 having been compressed further by the action of
2~ the operator taking a reading, exerts a force upward as viewed
in figure 19 on the flange 282 such that the retainer cup is
26 restored to the at-rest position sho~m in figure 15. Air
27 trapped in the enclosure 234 slowly leaks out therefrom by
28 passing between the flange 282 and the cylindrical wall 258 and
29 out through the groove 264 and the space between the flange 266
3o and the sidewall 304.
1~"6761
1 ¦ The inflating operation can be best understood by
.2 ¦ referring to figure 20. mis shows an air hose 348 connected to
3 ¦ the gauge with the hose valve member 350 contacting the rod
4 ¦ member 294 sO as to drive it downward relative to the retainer
5 ¦ cup member 296. By depressing the air hose contacter 290, the
6 ¦ seal formed by gasket 310 over the opening 300 is broken. Air
7 ¦ released from the hose 348 moves along the path of the arrows
8 in figure 20 into the opening 302, down through the opening
9 300, into the opening 352 and then into the opening 354 by way
of the thru holes 286 and 288.
11 The air continues downward through the opening 322 and
12 then into the cavity defined by the valve wall 342.
13 Simultaneously the valve stem 340 has been depressed
14 sufficiently by the cont .cting action of the air hose valve
gasket 356 contacting the sidewall 304 of retainer cup 296. As
16 explained with respect to figure l9,.the downward force applied
17 by the valve gasket 356 is transmitted through the retainer cup
18 and the actuator member 278 to the valve stem. The sealing
19 action formed by the cooperation between the "O-ring" 308 and
20 the slanted lower edge 265 of the groove 264 prevents the
21 entering air from exiting from the gauge. Also, as the air hose
22 is pressed down onto the gauge, gasket 356 contacts the top
23 surface 357 of flange 266. This provides an additional seal. I
24 It is to be noted that in addition to inflating the
25 tire, pressurized air entering from the air hose 348 is also
26 directed into the enclosure 234 via the openings 226 and 228.
27 This provides a continuous monitor of the tire pressure while
28 it is being inflated.
29 Upon removal of the air hose from the gauge, the
3o restoring spring 318 forces the actuator member 278 upwaFds until
ll 10~6~51
1 the main portion 298 of the cup con~acts flange 266 of the retaine~
2 cup 296. The ~0-ring~ 308 is then positioned in the annular
3 grooVe 264. P~n number 280 moveS upward so that its lower end
4 336 ~ s again flush with the surface 324, whereupon the valve
stem 340 closes. Air trapped in enclosure 234 leaks oUt of the
6 gauge in the same manner as described with respect to figure 19.
7 Referring now to figure 21, there is shown a gauge
8 Which is basically similar in all respect to that shown in figure
9 15 except that the means which coacts with the valve stem to eithe~
release pressurized gas from the tire or responds to device
11 inflating means to thus inflate the tire is simplified. In this
12 adaptation the retainer cup 296, actuator member 278 and hose
13 contact 290 are replaced by a single actUating mechanism 358.
14 The member 358 inclvdes a hose contacting button 360 a main
15 cylindrical portion 362 and a valve actuating pin 364.
16 The member 358 is positioned ~n cavity 366 formed by
17 somewhat simplified cap portion 368.
18 ~ me member 358 is captured ~n the cavity 366 and forced
19 upward therein by the action of spring 370 interposed between
the under surface of cylindrical portion 362 and the top of the
21 spanner nut 320. `
22 The operation of this embodiment with respect to taking
23 a reading and, as well~ inflating a tire is identical to that
24 disclosed With respect to figures 19 and 20. The main difference
here is that the sealing action when taking a reading is
26 performed by the operatorts finger alone. Likewise, when used
27 in the inflating mode, the only seal preventing escape of
28 entering air from the gauge is the one formed by the air hose
29 gasket 356 and the top surface 371 of the cap.
3o Referring now to ~igure 22 there is shown a variation
ll lOg6761
1 of the means employed for forming the variable volume enclosure.
2 Again, the details of the construction of the remainder of the
3 gauge are substantially identical to those associated with the
4 gauge of figure 15 or 21. Here, the means forming the variable
volume enciosure comprise an annular piston-like member 372
6 which has embeded in its radially inward and outward walls,
7 "0-rings" 374 and 376 of suitable diameter. As air enters the
8 chamber 378 in either the pressure reading or inflating mode,
9 the piston 372 travels within the valume 378 until there is
equilibrium between the force exerted by the calibrated spring
11 380 and the pressurized gas working on the surface 382 of the
12 piston. An extension art 384 running axially along a part of
13 the length of the gauge includes a flanged portion 386. On the
14 radially outward wall of the flanged portion 386 is painted a
suitable annular band which would locate itself opposite the
16 particular number on the pressure range located on the outer
17 housing, corresponding to the pressure of the gas in the inflated
18 device. Of course, the presence of the arm 384 is not necessary
19 to the operation Or the particular embodiment illustrated, and
it is obvious that the "0-ring" 376 itself could perform the
21 necessary indication given a properly calibrated spring 380.
22 The walls 388 and 390 are again tapered relative to
23 each other such that they move away from each other towards the
24 bottom of the gauge as viewed in figure 22.
Referring to figure 23, there is shown yet another
26 embodiment of the gauge which employs yet another means for
27 forming the enclosure of variable volume. The remainder of the
28 gauge is identical to either the embodiment of figure 15 or
29 figure 21. Here, the "piston" member 392 is a cup shaped,
3o annular member, which has flexibly inner and outer edges 3g~
9676~
1. and 396. The edges 394 and 39b are designed 50 C5 to be blased against the walls 398 and
2. 400 respectively, effecting the necessary seal to prevent olr leakage around the member
3. 392. Agaln, the operat70n of the E3auge tn both the reading and tnflatlng modes is tdentlcal
4. to that previously described w;th respect to figures 19 and 20.
5. OF course, modifications to the various embodiments described above can be
6. made by those sk111ed in the art. One such modifTcation would be an elongated verslon of
7. the above descr7bed gauge havtng a more extensive pressure range. Thl5 could replace
~. today s gauge used by gas shtion attendants. It would be screwed onto the tire valve stem
9. when the car is driven into the station, the pressure checked and the tire inflated or deflote- I
10. while the aau~e was In place.
Il. Further, where two or more pTeces have been tdentified, such as the tnner and
12. outer housing of figures 14 to 23, as formtng vartous portions of the gauges described, tho
13. combined piece can be molded as a stng1e piece and obviou~ vartations in the details of the
14. embodiment made to accomodate the molded piece.
15. Re~ferrinEI now to f;gures 24 throu~h 35, there is shown yet another embodiment
16. of the present invention. In this embodiment, gauge, 402, is designed to ut;ltze standcrd
17. vatve cores whlch have been prc>ved through many years of successful use, thu- avoidlng the
1~. need to design a valve core compatible wlth the earller descrlbed embodiment. The gauge
19. shown in figures 24 through 35 also employ an tnterconnectTng arrangement between the 5 . . .
20. standard valve core and the end of the gauge which tnterfaces with the atr pump, which
21. arrangement enables the gas station attendant to ut;l;ze presently ava;lable valve core
22. removal and ;rlsertion tools. He ;s thus able to follow the procedures he presently employs
23. to change or repa;r a flat tire w;thout the need of any speclal tool;ng.
24. The embodiment to be described employs the dou~l;ng back feature of tho
25. ~auge deptcted in flgures 15-23. Howover, the present embod;ment is mounted as an
26. integral part of the rim and tire assembly (llke the embodiment of figures 12 and 13) with the
27. attendant adv~ntages of that arran~ement.
28. One variation of the present em~odiment includes a stem portion whtch 1~
2~. adapted to accept a plwollty of r,pacer washers to achie~e o suff;clent distancln3 from tho
30. l ¦ ri ollow tho indicoting portlon of thl ~0U~ to o posltioned ~uhvrlrd of tho wh el
1096761
1. cover for easy ~t1ewing. The stcm includes a threaded end portion for mounting the gauge
2. to th~ whe~l rim. ~y movin~ the spocers from one rlde of the rim ta the other, vartations In
3. the distance the gauge pratrudes beyond the wheel cover can be achieved, thus4. accomodating vorious wheel desi~ns.
5. The second variation of the present embodiment has the stem portion of the
6. acuge embedded in a standord rubber mountin3 rnember which is pressed into the rim much
7. like today's valve stem arrangements. This affordj a fixed spocinS for the gauge and it is
8. rr~ost suitoble for particular wheel designs.
9. ~he gauge of this embodiment lends Ttself to being bent at the stern portion to
10. ollow the upper part of the gauge to fold into the profile of the wheel elim;nating curb
Il. tnterference problems.
12. The present embodiment also employs improved indicating means resulting in
13. more accurate readings by the user.
14. Referring now particularly to figure 24 there ts shown one variation of the
15. present embodiment, 402, whlch includes an inflating and reading activat;n3 end 404,
lo. contoured as in the eorlier erlbodirnent, to interface with stcndard otr pump equ1p nent and
17. to facilitote pressure reading by allow;ng use of the operator's finger to obtain a pressure
13. r~adin~.
19. The indicatin~ portion of thc gauge, 406, Is disposed in the mid portion o~ the
20. gauge while ths mounting thereof is effccted by the spacer and nut arrangement shown at 40 3.
21. Thc indlcating means 406 con include the number indicta reflectin3 the pressuro
22. range of the parttcular gau~e and serrations disposed o~out the perimeter of the gouge for
23. purposes of securina an 0-rtng at a desired pressure level. tlowever, since the matn
24. purpcse of this e~Tbodiment is to be used as factory installed equipment or, at least, with
25. porticular tire ossem~lies, more often than not, the pressure for that tire will be constant an~
20. set at a particular psT. Thus, a pointed ring, 410, would be positioned on the indicatin3 1
27. portion of the housing at a precalibrated pressure level. This ring would work in conjunc-
28. ¦ tion wlth an indicator bant 412, internal to the outer hausin3, which would move in respons
2?. ¦ to octuation of th~ pressure readin3 mechanism, 404. The indicator bond, 412, axially
3C. ¦ aligns itself with the painted band, 410 when the tire ir properly inflated.
1 34.
1 Mounting means, 408, for securing the gauge to rim, 414,
2 includes a plurality of spacer washers, 416, which are interposed
3 between a shoulder on the upper portion of the gauge and the rim.
4 The gauge with the spacers on the mounting stem thereof is
placed in the accommodating hole in the tire rim and a sealing
6 ring, 418, and back up washer, 420, placed on the stem and drawn
7 up tightly to the rim by the double locking nut arrangement,
8 422, and 424.
9 The plurality of spacer washers, 416, space the upper
portion of the gauge from the rim so that the distance, 426,
11 between the rim and the wheel cover, 428, is sufficient to enable
12 ready viewing of the gauge. The spacing, 430, is a function of
13 the number of spacer washers employed and will vary depending
14 on the particular wheel design.
lS 432 shows the wheel rim in phantom for that arrangement
16 when the wheel cover, 428, is somewhat closer than that just
17 described. Here the sealing ring, 434, is behind the rim with
18 the spacers, 416, (although not shown in phantom) positioned on
19 the gauge stem between the backup washer, 436, and the two nuts,
422 and 424.
21 For a particular stem length, all of the spacer washers,
22 416, must be employed, together with the sealing rim, backup
23 washer and double locking nut arrangement in order that the end
24 of the stem 438 is flush with the exposed surface of the nut, 424.
In a typical design, the spacers can provide 0.700 inches
26 of adjustment in the length of the gauge protruding outward from
27 the tire rim. By placing combinations of the spacers on either
28 side of the rim the position of the gauge outward from the tire
29 assembly can be varied accordingly.
The mid portion of the gauge is preferably covered by
31 rubber sleeve, 440, eliminating "chatter" which might otherwise
32 occur with the banging of the gauge body against the wheel
33 cover, 428.
34 Referring now to figure 25 there is shown a cutaway,
sectional view of this embodiment of the pressure gauge.
36 The gauge is seen to comprise an inner housing member
37 442 which includes a first centrally disposed cavity 444
38 extending a substantial part of the length of the gauge
39 through the stem thereof at one end so as to be able to
communicate with the inside of the tire. On the other end of
41 cavity 444 is a second cavity 446 which is threaded in part and
676~
1. contoured to occept a ttandard valve aore assembly. The Inner housin~ further ;ncludes a
2. third cavlty 448 in whlch is disposed the InFlating and pressure reading connectlng assembly
3. 404.
4. Throu3h th 9 woll of the inner housing surrounding the third cavity 448 there Is
5. provlded at least one radially extending thru hole 450.
. The outstde of the upper portion of the inner houstn3 wall def;nln~ the third
7. cavity can be threoded as shown at 452 in order to accept a valve stem cap for purposes of
8. protectlng the inner workin3s of the gauge from the elements and as a l seal" agalnst any
9. leaka~e wh;ch mi~ht result if the core assembly malfunctioned.
10. The outsTde circular wall 454 of the inner housing ;5 a ttghtly toleranced surface
Il. for purposes of the tnvention. The surface 4~4 extends o substantial part of the length o~ th~
12. Inner hous;ng term;nattng in a first annular ledge 456 which extends radially a distance untl
13. it is terminoted by a second circular wall 458 having a diameter whlch is substantially con-
14. centric with the diametcr of the ftrst wall 454. The second outer wall 45~ extends an
15. additTonal axlal length untll termtnated in a second annular ledge ~oO. The latter termlnat~ s
16. in an outer wall, 4b2, of the ;nner housing.
17. The Inner housing extends further to form a r;m mountin3 portton 466 which has
18. a smooth section 408 extend;n~ a distance comparable to that hken up by the spacer washer~
1~. 416 and the sealin3 ring and back up washer, 418 and 420. This insures an optimum seal by
20. ¦ the seal;ng r;ng 418 and the mountin~ stem of the cauae to avold leakage therebetween. The
21. mounting portion 460 terminates in a threaded section 470 for receiving the double nut
22. arrangement 422 and 424 whtch cooperate to ~ecure the aauge to the tire r;m.
23. The Indiccting means for this embodiment is shown at 474. It comprises an
24. annular collar 476 whlch has an inside diameter substantially equal to the diameter of tho
25. surface 4!;4 of the inner housin~. The collar includes an annular groo~ e 478 which hos a
26. painted 6and 480 on the radtally Inward surfoce thereof.
27. rhe indicating means further includes a cyltndrically shaped extension arm 482
28. wh;ch terminates in an annular flonge ~ection 484.
2~. Posltioned on the top surface 48~ of the collar 47b is an annular, channel
30. shaped portton 486 which may oe formed as an integral portion of the indicating means
~6.
67161
1. member 474 or be a separate piece whTch i5 cemented to thc top surface thereof.
2. The reoson tor the cyllndrically shaped indicatin~ means havlng a flanged end
3. section 484, is to eliminate the tendency for such a conft3uration to cock due to the
4. unsymmetrical force exerted on the under surface 487 of the onnular collcr 476 by the top
5. co71 488 of the spring 472. The flange section i5 designed such that It w111 contact the
6. inner wall of the out~r housing before any significant tiltin~ of the collar part10n can take
7. ploce. The len3th of the extendecl arm 482 takes into considerotion the qmount of tllt that
8. mi3ht be expected due to th;s unsyrnmetrical fcrce ond the clecronces and manufactur7ng t
9. tolerQnces of thc involved pieces sa as to eliminate ony s1c~nificant tiltin~. This deslgn
10. feature also eliminates scorin~ of the inside surface of the outer housing by the annular
Il. collar 476. ThTs insures continued vtsibil1ty of the band 480 over the life of the gau e.
12. Positioncd in the channel 486 is a V-shaped seal 490. Its mating surfac with
13. the channel is shaped and contoured to odapt thereto rec;dily. The open portion of the V-
14. shape~ is directed away fro-n the chc~nnel.
IS. Surrounding the inner housing, th~ calibrated sprin3, and the Indicating meqn~,
16. is an outer hous;ng rnember 492. It tncludes an annular collar 4~4 which hqs an Tnner
17. dtameter sub~tan:;al!y cqual h the diameter of the outer wall 454. Extendin3 axially down-
18. ward from the collar as viewed 1n figure 25 i an annular protrusion 496 which includes at
19. least one rqdially extending thru hole 498 or slit cut into the protrusion. The hole 498
20. communicates wtth the thru holes 450 via the qnnular cavity, 499. The protrusion at 496
21. Includes an annular rid3e portion 500 whlch stabltzes the seal 4O tn the at-rest pos7tion to
22. thus elimtnate btndin3 o~ the seal agairlst the mating surfoces of the tnner and outer hous1ng.
23. The houstng further includes a cyl;ndrical wall 502 which extends o substantial
24. part of the gauge, resting on ledge 460. The inside surface 504 of the wall is likewise a
25. tightly toleranced su~ace qnd i~ concentrlc with the surface 454 of the inner housing -1n
26. a typical situation ta within a .001 Inches. Radial hole 505 ;s c!rilled thru the wall 502 and
27. 51eeve 440 to reduce the back pr2ssure behind the indi_ating meons during operation.
28. A collqr ring 506 Is threaded on to ths upper end of the inner housing and
29. cemented to the top surfqce of the collar 494 of the outer housin~ to k~ep the assembly inhc
30. and qirtight.
37.
~09676~
1 Referring now to figures 26, 27 and 28, there follows
2 a detailed discussion of the assembly and interconnection of
3 the standard valve core assembly 508 and the inflating-
4 pressure reading interconnecting assembly 404.
The inflating and pressure reading interconnecting
6 assembly, 404, comprises an extension shaft 510 which includes
7 a cap portion 512 connected to a cylindrical portion 514. The
8 latter is joined to a square or rectangular section 516 which
9 terminates in a cylindrical cup portion 518.
The cap portion of the shaft includes an arcuate section
11 520 including, as is seen in figure 27, flattened surfaces 522
12 and 524 which facilitate use of a standard valve core removal
13 tool to extract the interconnecting assembly from the gauge.
14 The cap, 512, further includes a cylindrical disk portion 526
which is disposed between the arcuate section 512 and the
16 cylindrical portion of the shaft 514.
17 A bleeder hole arrangement including hole 528 along the
18 longitudinal axis of the shaft 514 and a hole 530 transverse
19 thereto are drilled in the shaft and connect the top of the
arcuate section with the cavity 532 surrounding the shaft 514.
21 The end, 534, of the cylindrical cup section 518 is
22 rolled over the raised portion 535 of the valve stem 536.
23 This makes the extension shaft an integral part of the valve
24 core assembly.
The interconnecting assembly 404 further comprises a
26 coupling collar 538, which locks the extension shaft 514 to the
27 valve core assembly, to enable the integral unit to turn as if
28 it were one assembly. The collar in the embodiment described
29 is basically cylindrically shaped with appropriately contoured
cutouts which fit over coacting portions of the shaft extension
31 and valve core assembly. E.G., the upper portion 540 of the
32 collar is either square or rectangle or can be keyed, whatever
33 is appropriate, to be compatible with the corresponding portion
34 516 of the shaft. The lower portion of the collar, includes a
cutout 542 which bridges the flats, 544 and 546, of the standard
36 valve core assembly, normally used with an appropriate tool to
37 remove that assembly from the tire.
38 Thus it can be seen that the collar 538, locked
39 by the upper cutout 540 to the extension shaft and to
the valve assembly 508 by the cutout 542, provides
41 for unison movement of the shaft extension and valve
42 core assembly when rotated. Thus by connecting a
- 38 -
1~- 10~6761.
standard valvc removal tool to the flats 522 and 524 of the cap 512 and rohting sarne, this
2. rotational rnovement is transm7tted via the sh~t 514 to the standard core assembly 508 thus
3. enabling lts removal from the gauge. ~his embodlment is thus seen to utillze tools that ~re
4. presently readily avotloble and not of special design.
5. U/hile the standard core assembly outlin_d Is seen to be th~ type where the
6. sealina spring is internal to the core body, it should be cpparent that this c,nbodiment is
7. reodily adopted to utilize that typ~ of core assembly where the sealing spring Is external to
ô. the valvs body.
. The interconnecting assembly 40~ further includes a butterfly valve 5~8 which
10. has an 0.1:~. somewhat larger than the 1. D. of the Inner surface 550 of the inner housing
11. and an inside diometer substantially equal to the O.D. of the cylindrical portton 514 of the
12. shaft 510. The valve 548 Is made of an elastomer;c material which can withstand air
13. pressures during the tire filling operation in excess of the pressure range of the ~auge so that
14. it is able to allow for the passage of air into the tire but prevent the leakaae of air there6y
15. during the reading mode.
16. The asscmbly 404 further includes a backup washer 552 which holds the butter-
17. fly valve ~ agatnst the disk portlon 526 of the cap through the force of spring 55~',. The
18. latter spring has an l.D. approximately equal to the diameter of the cylindrical portion 514.
1~. The spring sits on the top of collar 53â and i5 biased against the flat washer 552 in the at-
2t). rest mode. The sprlng through its exertion of an axially dtrected upward force on the shaft,
21. provides a pos;tive force on the valve stom 536 insuring th~t ;t is mointained in a closed
22. position. It also thrusts the butterfly valvc upword to provlde a tighter seal at the
23. extremtttes thereof wTth the surfoce 550. Thls Inherently forces the operator to ploce his
24. flnger over the bleeder hole 528 ond to exert sufficient force, when taktng a reading as to
25. Insure sealing thereof.
26~ To osssmble the Interconnecting assembly 404 wlth the standard valve assembly
27. ~08 before inscrtion into the aouge unit, the valve 54~ and flat washor 552 are first placed
28. over the shaft 514. ~he spring and coupling collar are then set in ploce with the coupling
25'. collar forced up the shaft (as viewed in figuro 26) until thc bottorr~ thereof cleors the cup
3C. Slû he end of thc cup 534 It then rolled over the rid3e 535 thlls maklng thc iwo piecct
10~'~67~;~
1. inte~3ral, whereupon the collar is released.
2. Referrlng now to ftgures 2~ and 30, what follows is a déscription of the rcad;ng
3. ond filling operations rr!lploying the embodTment of the sauge presently under discusslon.
4. Referring initially to flQure 29, the user in attempting to cletermlne the tire pressure places
5. a finger on the top of the gauge housing covering the hole 528 ond forcTng ~he shoFt 514
6. d~wnward. ~he bottom of portion 516 of the shaft moving axially contacts ~he valve stem
7. 536, depressing it into the core assembly thus releasing the air from tho tire. The releascd
8. air follows the path of the arrows 555, tnTtially upword in the first channel ~56 then trans-
9. verse to that ckann_l through a second channel for~,ed by the radially disposed holes 558
10. and 560. The rele~sed air passes int:7 th- enclosures on e;ther side of the axially extending
Il. ?rotrusion ~ and exerts itself symetrically on t'ne upper surface of the seal 4Q0. Thc
12. resulting force on tl~_ seal drives the extre nities thereaf against the maiing walls of the
13. inner and outer housing and forces the tndicating ~eans 474 down~ard. The clibrated
1~. sprir.g 472 resists this motion and when its displacement results in a force equal to that .
15. exerted by the air pressure, the indicatin, means assumes an equilibrium posltton.
lo. At tl-at point, the painted band in gro~ve 47S is d;sposed opposite
i7. the appropric,te indicia on the outstde of the outer houslng 4~2 correspond;n3 to the pressure
18. within the tlre.
19. The groove 478 ls cut deeply enough into annular collar 470 50 that user must
20. view the band in the groove almost perpendicular thereto. Thus the distance 560 betwecn
21. thc actual psl reading and the apparent ~p5t reading" is mini~nized to reduce the parallax
22. error in gQu3e reading.
23. During the reading cperation, while thc finger is still Tn place on top of the
24. gauge, the released prcssurized air is prohibited frolll venting from the gauge via holes 530
25. and 528. Also, the r-leasod air cannot escape post the butterfly valve 548 because of Ih
26. inherent resistance h the forces exerted by the pressures onticipated within a tire for a giver
27. gauge cj>plt c ation.
2~. After the reoding the Fingsr is removed and the shaFt 514 is returned to the at-
2~. rest p~sttion by the force exert~d by the sprir.g 55~ and th~ ss~rin3 ln tl:e core assernbly.
30. Valve stem 536 closDs prohibiting further reiease of the pressuri~ed air. The air trappod In
1 the channels 556, 558 and 560 as well as the enclosure of
2 varying volume above the seal 490 , bled off from the gauge
3 through the holes 530 and 528.
4 Figure 30 depicts the filling operation. The air pump
nozzle 568 is placed over the gauge as is normally done with
6 present valve core assemblies. The pressure of the air in the
7 pump, is sufficient to force the perimeter of the butterfly
8 valve 548 downward allowing for the entry of the pressurized air
9 into the gauge. For a typical design, this pressure requirement
might be in the vicinity of 40 psi or greater.
11 The nozzle 568 contacts the button portion of the stem
12 510 forcing the shaft downward such that it depresses the valve
13 stem 536. The pressurized air from the pump proceeds down the
14 channel 556 into the core assembly 508 and into the cavity 444
whereupon it enters the tire. When the tire is at the antici-
16 pated pressurized level, the nozzle can be removed and the actual
17 pressure checked according to the procedure set forth with
18 respect to figure 29. If more air is needed the nozzle can be
19 replaced in position or, if in the first instance too great a
pressure had been applied, the air can be released by success-
21 ively depressing the interconnecting assembly allowing the air
22 to vent through the bleeder holes 530 and 528.
23 Referring now to figure 31 there is shown an alternate
24 sealing arrangement to use in lieu of the butterfly valve just
described. The sealing valve assembly 570 comprises a modified
26 cap portion 572 including an extended disk portion 574 having an
27 annular groove 576 cut therein. Positioned in the groove is an
28 O-ring of appropriate elastomeric material.
29 The inner housing 442 is modified from that described
in figure 25 so as to now include a cutaway portion 582.
31 The distance between the location of the O-ring and the
32 top of the cutaway portion is such that when the stem 584 is
33 depressed for purposes of taking a reading, the O-ring does not
34 reach the cutaway portion 582. This prevents leakage of the
released air past the stem and insures that it is directed into
36 the area of the seal 490 which reacts as described with respect
37 to figure 29. However, when the tire is being filled the air
38 pump nozzle depresses the stem 584 deeper into the body of the
39 gauge such that the O-ring now is disposed in the cutaway
area 582. The dimensions of the O-ring are such
41 with respect to the diameter of the cutaway section 582,
42 that the pressurized air from the air pump nozzle
- 41 -
10~
1 can pass therebetween and thus fill the tire.
2 Figure 31 also depicts an adaptation of the presently
3 described embodiment of the invention which allows for its
4 utilization as a gauge to be screwed on to a standard valve
stem already in place in a tire.
6 Referring now to figure 32 there is shown an alternate
7 to the "V" shaped seal 490, described in figure 25. The annular
8 ring seal 586 comprises a central portion 588 which is sub-
g stantially rectangle in profile but includes a groove cut therein
at 590 which mates with the annular ridge 500 of the axially
11 extended protrusion 496.
12 The annular ring 586 further includes angled wing sections
13 592 and 594 which extend radially outward and inward, respec-
14 tively, from the rectangular portion 588 to provide a seal
against the corresponding surfaces of the inner and outer
16 housing. When the gauge employing the type seal shown in figure
17 32 is activated for purposes of obtaining a reading, the
18 released gas enters the enclosures 596 and 598 as with the "V"
19 seal so as to exert an equal force on each of the two annular
wing sections. This insures that a symmetrical force is
21 exerted on each of these sections so that there isn't a
22 "sticking" of the seal to one surface or the other due to an
23 unbalanced force.
24 The seal may be bonded or cemented to the annular collar
476 of the indicating means although this is not necessary, and
26 drives the latter downward in response to the force in the
27 identical manner described with respect to the "V" seal.
28 The dimensions of the seal, particuarly the annular wing
29 sections and the material thereof are selected to provide an
adequate seal against a blow-by of the pressurized gas but, at
31 the same time, afford a minimum resistance to the force exerted
32 by that gas in order that the seal not hang up.
33 Figure 33 shows an adaptation of the gauge of the
34 presently described embodiment which employs two painted bands
600 and 602 on the outer surface of the outer housing. This
36 accommodates a typical situation found with respect to the
37 pressure differential between tires located on the front wheels
38 and tires located on rear wheels. Original equipment
39 manufacturers can use this simple technique to preset the
tire pressures for the front and rear tires for a particular
41 tire size and vehicle. The tires to be used on the front
42 of the vehicle would be pressurized until the indicator
43 band 604 aligns itself with the upper band
- 42 -
1~9~76~
1 as viewed in figure 31 - representing the recommended tire
2 pressure for front tires. The same would be done with respect
3 to the rear tires except that now the tires would be pressurized
4 until the band 604 lined up behind the painted band 600 set at
the recommended pressure for the rear tires.
6 Thereafter, in use, an operator would only have to check
7 the pressures in each of the tires to make sure that the band
8 604 was aligned behind either one of the two painted bands 600
9 or 602 - depending on whether it was the front or rear tires.
This convenience would eliminate the operator's need to refer
11 to an owner's manual or the like to check the recommended
12 pressure.
13 Figure 34 depicts a modification of the present embodiment
14 where the mounting stem 606 is bent to accommodate these
applications where an upright adaptation for the gauge might
16 result in curb clearance problems. The bent stem folds the
17 gauge body into the profile of the wheel thus avoiding these
18 problems. Since only the stem is bent, the operation of the
19 gauge is unimpeded and is identical to that described above.
Figure 35 depicts yet another adaptation of the basic
21 gauge design of this embodiment wherein the method for mounting
22 the gauge body to the rim employs a standard valve seat 608
23 which is cemented or otherwise affixed to the gauge body 610.
24 This is a suitable means for securing the gauge to the rim in
those circumstances where the wheel design is fixed and there
26 is no need for the mounting adjustment feature described above.
27 This is most appropriate again as part of the original supplied
28 equipment for a car where the design and profile of the wheel
29 is known and can be accommodated.
Referring now to figure 36, there is shown still
31 another embodiment of the present invention. The version of
32 the invention depicted, as with the previous embodiment,
33 utilizes standard valve cores but is a somewhat simpler and
34 less complex version.
It, too, employs the doubling back feature of the
36 embodiment shown in 15, but like the embodiment shown in
37 figures 24 through 25, it is mounted as an integral part of
38 the rim and tire assembly either employing the threaded stem-
39 nut connecting arrangement or the molded rubber adaptation.
It is readily seen from the drawings and the
41 accompanying discussion that practically all of the modifi-
42 cations and variations described with respect to the earlier
lQq~67~1
1. I embodiments are likewise applicable to this adaptation as well.
2. The design shown in figure 36, gauge 700, includes an inner housing member
3. 702 having a first centrally disposed cavity 704 communicating axially with a second cavity
4. 706 which is threaded and contoured, as at 708, to accept a standard core unit (see figure
5. 28), such as 710.
6. Cut into the inside threaded wall of the second cavity 706, is an axially .-
7. extending cutout 712. This is better seen from the plan view in figure 37. This runs
8. parallel to the longitudinal axis of the gauge and provides a passageway whereby the cavity
9. 706 is able to communicate with an angled thru hole, 714, which in turn communicates with
10. the enclosure 715.
Il. As before, the outside wall of the second cavity is threaded as at 716 to accept
12. a standard valve cap or the dual purpose cap to be described hereinafter.
13. The outside circular wall 718 of the inner housing extends a substantial length.
14. At the tire end, an end piece 720 is press fitted thereon. The latter includes a first
15. annular ledge 722 which is terminated by circular wall 724. Typically, the circular wall
16. ¦ 724 is concentric to within .001 inches of the surface 718 of the inner housing. The circular
17. ¦ wall 724 extends from the ledge 722 to a second annular ledge 726 which provides a flange
18. ¦ surface against which abuts grommet 728 which is interposed before the flange and the tire
19. ¦ rim, 730, and the threaded end, 732, of end piece 720. Nut 734 is used to secure the
20. ¦ unit to the rim.
21. ¦ The upper end, 736, of the inner housing includes an annular collar, 738. This
22. ¦ provides a ledge 740.
23. ¦ Indicating means, 742Jsimilar to the design previously described with respect
24. ¦ to the embodiment in figures 24 and following. It includes an annular collar 744 having an
25. ¦ annular groove 746 with suitable painting or other marking disposed therein. Although not
26. ¦ shown as pronounced as in figure 25, it is understood, of course, that the groove 746 may be
27. ¦ cut as deeply as the earlier described embodiment.
28. I The indicating means further includes a cylindrically shaped extension arm 748
29. connected to the annular collar 744 and directed longitudinally towards the tire. This
30. exten on terminates in an annlllar flange section 750.
~1 lag~7~
1 . Disposed on the top side of the annular collar 744 is an annular elastomeric seal
2. 752 which is cemented or otherwise secured to the top surface 754 of the collar 744. Biased
3. against the undersurface 756 of the collar, is the top coil 758 of calibrated spring 760.
4. The bottom coil of the latter, 762, rests on the ledge 722.
5. A cylindrically shaped, clear plastic housing, 764, forms the outer housing
6. member and is disposed between the ledge 740 of the inner housing member and the ledge,
7. 726, associated with the end piece 720. The housing is bonded to the ledge at 740 to ..
8. provide an airtight seal. The inside surface 766 of this outer housing member is relatively
9. tight toleranced and typically~ concentric with the surface 718, again, to within .001 inche s.
10. Further, for purposes described with respect to the earlier embodiments, the cylindrical
Il. wall includes a vent hold 768.
12. ¦ Because of the manner in which air is introduced into the expanding enclosure,
13. ¦ and the particulars with respect to the design of the elastomeric seal 752, it, typically,
14. ¦ will require means for keeping the seal from closing off the thru hole 714. This is
15. ¦ accomplished with the use of a snap ring 770 disposed in an appropriate groove in the inside
16. ¦ wall 766 of the outer housing member. The ring limits the upward movement of the indicat-
17. ¦ ing means so as to prevent the constant spring force exerted by spring 760 from deforming
18. and causing cold flow of the seal, 752, which, otherwise, would cause a wedging effect
19. making the gauge inoperative.
20. As before, the gauge of the present embodiment can include an "anti-rattle"
21. protective covering 771 to eliminate noise between the gauge and the wheel cover.
22. Referring now to figures 38 and 39, there is shown an elastomeric seal which is
23. considered to be of suitable design for this embodiment. It includes a semi-circular ridge
24. ~ 772 which extends to angled wing sections 774 and 776. The latter are then juxtaposed to
25. the relatively rectangular section 777. The seal rests on surface 754 of the collar 744 and
26. may be cemented thereto if found necessary.
27. The ridge section 772 of the seal includes a plurality of slits 778 which affords
28. appropriate passageways for the air entering the enclosure 715 to contact and coact with
29. ¦ the winged sections 774 and 776. This allows for a balanced force to be exerted by the air
30. ~ entering the enclosure on the seal, which in turn, minimizes the cocking of the indicating
- 45 -
1 ~I means. I
2. ! The ridge 772 rests in groove 779 when the gauge is not being used. The
3. durometer of the elastomeric seal 752 is chosen so as to avoid a closing down of the air
4. passageways. This,plus the effect of the snap ring 770,allows for the air to pass to either
5. side of the ridge ~
1~ lQ~6761
1. 1 when the indicating means is in the at-rest position.
2. ¦ Referring to figures 40 and 41, alternatives to the snap ring approach of figure 36
3. are shown. In figure 40 an annular ridge 780 is molded on to the inside wall 766 of the
4. outer houiing member 764. This ridge engages the flange 750 and provides the necessary
5. effect to keep the ridge portion 772 of the seal from closing off the thru hole 7140 In figure
6. 41, a ledge, 782, is molded in the inside wall which coacts with the flange 750 to achieve
7. the same end.
8. Figures 42, 43 and 44 depict various cap designs which provide a normal closure for
9. the gauge and which include on their opposite end, a means for actuating the valve in the
10. embodiment shown in figure 36, to thus allow the taking of a pressure reading. The cap to
Il. be described would also have application to the embodiments shown in figures 14 through 22.
12. Particularly referring to figure 42, the cap 784 includes a centerpost portion, 786,
13. ¦ and a circular side wall portion 788. These define an annular cavity into which is placed a
14. gasket 790D The width of the cavity is such that the cap may be placed over the end of the
15. gauge just described without there being significant lateral movement. This insures that the
16. centerpost 786 will contact the actuated portion 792 of the valve core assembly. The gasket
17. 790 is disposed in the cavity and cooperates with the end of the gauge to seal that point to
18. thus prevent the escape of air when the reading is being taken.
19. When the cap is employed to take a reading, air flows out of the
20. tire, up through the standard core assembly 710 and into enclosure 715 via the cutout 712, an~
21. angled thru hole 714. The direction of air flow is shown by the arrow 794, in figure 36. The
22. air entering the enclosure 715, is directed onto the winged sections, 774 and 776, of the
23. seal and exerts a force thereon to drive the indicating means downilard until the painted
24. groove 746 aligns itself with the corresponding pressure marking.
25. The cap further includes a knurled section 796 for ease of removal. The internal
26. portion of the cap which is normally disposed on the end of the gauge includes a cutout
27. section 798 of appropriate design so as not to actuate the end 792 of the valve stem in the
28. at-rest position. The internal portion of that end of the cap is threaded at 800 so it may be
29. screwed on to the gauge. It may further include a gasket 802 to eliminate leakage.
30. Figure 43 shows another adaptation of the dual function cap where the portion which
-46-
j~` lQ~S761
,- I
1. interfaces with the gauge during the pressure reading mode includes a threaded inner wall
2. 804 which screws on to the end of the gauge until centerpost 806 contacts the valve
3. actuator. Again, gasket 808 seals the end of the gauge to prevent leakage. Figure 44 show
4, a threaded centerpost 810 which scre~s into the gauge until the gasket 812 seals off the end.
5. Although the various caps shown are metal and employ gaskets to seal the gauge, it
6. is understood that the cap can be made from a suitable elastomeric material which provides
7. the means for sealing in and of itself.
8. The gauge depicted in figure 36 is a lighter weight adaptation of the present
9. invention which has less of an impact on the balance of the tire and results in less stress on
10. the rubberized mounting when such is used to secure the gauge to the tire rim. Further, the
Il. adaptation just described is smaller in diameter which enables it to be utilized with standard
wheel covers.
13. Other variations of the specific constructions disclosed will be apparent to those
14. skilled in the art and must be considered to be within the breadth of the invention as defined
15. in the appended claims.- . ~- ~---
16. - . ` ' . . ~ .
7 ` - ; ~ . -- - -`
, ',.' ',' . `,' ' ' ''~' ''. '" , .' ;. ':
20. ~ .
. ~ . . . ...
21. - .. . . .: .
22.
23. ... ..
24.
,
..
.
