Tire pressure monitoring apparatuses, systems and methods
First Claim
1. An adapter for attaching a valve stem to a tire pressure monitoring apparatus, the adapter comprising:
- a first structure and a second structure joined together by a biasing member, whereby the first and second structures are vertically aligned with respect to one another and spaced apart sufficiently to allow for a valve stem bracket of a tire pressure monitoring apparatus to slidingly engage the adapter; and
a receiving port comprising an opening sufficient for receiving a terminal end of a valve stem,whereby the adapter engages a tire pressure monitoring apparatus to attach a valve stem to the pressure monitoring apparatus.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Tire pressure monitoring apparatuses, systems and method for adapting a tire pressure monitoring apparatus to be used with a plurality of valve stem configurations. Tire pressure monitoring transducers and sensors designed for use with a single valve stem design can be modified to universally accept a plurality of valve stems when coupled with the presently disclosed adapter. Use of an adapter of the presently disclosed subject matter can adapt a tire pressure monitoring apparatus such that it is suitable for use with a wide range of existing valve stems, including valve stems not originally designed to be used with the tire pressure monitoring apparatus. The adapter is suitable for use with tire pressure monitoring transducers and sensors.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. An adapter for attaching a valve stem to a tire pressure monitoring apparatus, the adapter comprising:
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a first structure and a second structure joined together by a biasing member, whereby the first and second structures are vertically aligned with respect to one another and spaced apart sufficiently to allow for a valve stem bracket of a tire pressure monitoring apparatus to slidingly engage the adapter; and a receiving port comprising an opening sufficient for receiving a terminal end of a valve stem, whereby the adapter engages a tire pressure monitoring apparatus to attach a valve stem to the pressure monitoring apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A tire pressure monitoring apparatus adapter system, comprising:
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an adapter comprising a first planar structure and a second planar structure joined together by a biasing member, whereby the first and second planar structures are vertically aligned with respect to one another and spaced apart sufficiently to allow for a valve stem bracket of a tire pressure monitoring apparatus to slidingly engage the adapter, and a receiving port comprising a circular opening sufficient for receiving a terminal end of a valve stem, whereby the adapter is suitable for engaging a tire pressure monitoring apparatus to thereby provide for the attachment of a valve stem to the pressure monitoring apparatus; and a valve stem comprising a terminal end, wherein the adapter engages the valve stem to thereby engage the valve stem to the tire pressure monitoring apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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16. A method of adapting a tire pressure monitoring apparatus for attaching a valve stem, comprising;
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providing a tire pressure monitoring apparatus, the tire pressure monitoring apparatus comprising a transducer, wherein the transducer is configured for use with a first valve stem, wherein the transducer comprises a valve stem bracket for attaching the first valve stem; providing an adapter, wherein the adapter comprises a first planar structure and a second planar structure joined together by a biasing member, whereby the first and second planar structures are vertically aligned with respect to one another and spaced apart sufficiently to allow for a valve stem bracket of a tire pressure monitoring apparatus to slidingly engage the adapter, and a receiving port comprising a circular opening sufficient for receiving a terminal end of a second valve stem; providing a second valve stem comprising a terminal end, wherein the adapter engages the second valve stem; and engaging the adapter to the tire pressure monitoring apparatus, whereby the adapter provides for the attachment of the second valve stem to the pressure monitoring apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification