Snap-in grommet for a valve stem assembly
First Claim
1. For use in a vehicle wheel rim, a grommet and valve stem assembly, the assembly comprising:
- a grommet having;
a nose section at a first end of the grommet, the nose having a substantially conical shape configured for insertion into an inflation hole in the vehicle wheel rim;
a cylindrical section sized to match the inflation hole and having a first end adjoined to the nose section;
a flange section projecting radially outward from a second end of the cylindrical section, the flange section having a substantially flat surface opposite to the cylindrical section, wherein at least one interface seal is formed on the flat surface as a hemispherical projection located concentrically about a center axis of the grommet; and
an axial bore passing centrally through the grommet body; and
a valve stem configured to be inserted through the bore of the grommet, the valve stem comprising a threaded portion configured to receive a retaining nut and a flange having a substantially flat surface that is configured to form at least one sealing interface with the at least one interface seal when the retaining nut is tightened to the valve stem.
21 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention includes a grommet and valve stem assembly. The assembly includes a grommet having a body, a nose section at a grommet first end, a cylindrical section having a first end adjoined to the nose section and a second end from which a flange section projects radially. The flange section has a substantially flat surface opposite to the cylindrical section. At least one interface seal is formed on the flat surface as a hemispherical projection located concentrically about a grommet center axis. An axial bore passes centrally through the body, and a valve stem is configured for insertion through the grommet bore. The valve stem includes a threaded portion configured to receive a retaining nut and a flange having a substantially flat surface configured to form at least one sealing interface with the at least one interface seal when the nut is tightened to the valve stem.
40 Citations
20 Claims
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1. For use in a vehicle wheel rim, a grommet and valve stem assembly, the assembly comprising:
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a grommet having; a nose section at a first end of the grommet, the nose having a substantially conical shape configured for insertion into an inflation hole in the vehicle wheel rim; a cylindrical section sized to match the inflation hole and having a first end adjoined to the nose section; a flange section projecting radially outward from a second end of the cylindrical section, the flange section having a substantially flat surface opposite to the cylindrical section, wherein at least one interface seal is formed on the flat surface as a hemispherical projection located concentrically about a center axis of the grommet; and an axial bore passing centrally through the grommet body; and a valve stem configured to be inserted through the bore of the grommet, the valve stem comprising a threaded portion configured to receive a retaining nut and a flange having a substantially flat surface that is configured to form at least one sealing interface with the at least one interface seal when the retaining nut is tightened to the valve stem. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of reducing air leakage at a vehicle tire valve stem and grommet assembly, the method comprising:
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inserting a grommet into an inflation hole, the grommet comprising; a nose section at a first end of the grommet, the nose having a substantially conical shape configured for insertion into an inflation hole in the vehicle wheel rim; a cylindrical section sized to match the inflation hole and having a first end adjoined to the nose section; a flange section projecting radially outward from a second end of the cylindrical section, the flange section having a substantially flat surface opposite to the cylindrical section, wherein at least one interface seal is formed on the flat surface as a hemispherical projection located concentrically about a center axis of the grommet; and an axial bore passing centrally through the grommet body; and inserting a valve stem through the bore, the valve stem comprising; a threaded portion configured to receive a retaining nut; and a flange having a substantially flat surface that is configured to form at least one sealing interface with the at least one interface seal when the retaining nut is tightened to the valve stem; and tightening the retaining nut on the valve stem. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A grommet for use in a wheel rim inflation hole, the grommet comprising:
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a nose section at a first end of the grommet, the nose having a substantially conical shape configured to be inserted into the inflation hole; an annular section at a base of the nose section, the annular section projecting radially outward from the base of the nose section; a cylindrical section sized to match the inflation hole and having a first end adjoined to the annular section; a flange section projecting radially outward from a second end of the cylindrical section, the flange section having a substantially flat surface opposite to the cylindrical section, wherein at least one interface seal is formed on the flat surface as a hemispherical projection; and a bore passing axially through the grommet body, the bore configured to receive a valve stem assembly. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification