Tire stem protectors

3RRL · Sep 24, 2008

Wouldn't it be cool if the tire valves could be pushed down below rim height like on those blow up mattresses.

What about making a recessed tire valve for tubeless tires that sat sub-flush on the rim? To keep dirt and grit out of the recessed counter bore, you could have a snap in plastic cap or just hose them out if you wanted.

SPYDERLK · Sep 24, 2008

3RRL said:
Wouldn't it be cool if the tire valves could be pushed down below rim height like on those blow up mattresses. What about making a recessed tire valve for tubeless tires that sat sub-flush on the rim? To keep dirt and grit out of the recessed counter bore, you could have a snap in plastic cap or just hose them out if you wanted.

Actually thats a great idea and wouldnt be all that difficult to do. You of all people could develop a product based on that idea and patent it.
larry

Soundguy · Sep 25, 2008

First time you got a flat and rolled over the internal stem, it would very likely be ruined.

soundguy

3RRL · Sep 25, 2008

Soundguy said:
First time you got a flat and rolled over the internal stem, it would very likely be ruined.

soundguy

Not necessarily Chris, not if the counter bore was the same steel material as the rim.
The tire would have to get completely "smushed" into the rim to get to it. But even if it did, the rubber would give before the steel, I think.
In other words, if the counter bore was made of steel, just recessed on the rim, I think it would be just as strong as the rest of the rim. Use one of those low profile valves mentioned above and it could be pretty small. Picture a spray paint cap or WD-40 cap made out of steel with a hole in the center for the valve stem. Weld it into a hole in the rim so it is concave. I'll bet it would be pretty tough.
Of course this is only my opinion.

Soundguy · Sep 25, 2008

If the internal valve stem was made rigid and didn't give.. then I'd worry about the inside of the tire itself.

soundguy

GreenWannabe · Sep 25, 2008

Those air mattress and beach ball valves are made for very low pressure, basically what you can blow with your mouth. I can't see something like that working very well with the much higher pressures used in tires.

3RRL · Sep 25, 2008

Soundguy said:
If the internal valve stem was made rigid and didn't give.. then I'd worry about the inside of the tire itself.

soundguy

Huh? I don't get it?
The tire wall never touches the counter bore or valve.
Forgive the simple drawing, but this is something what I envision might work.
Anyway, it's just an idea...a concept. Maybe you can improve on it?
(Click to enlarge)

3RRL · Sep 25, 2008

GreenWannabe said:
Those air mattress and beach ball valves are made for very low pressure, basically what you can blow with your mouth. I can't see something like that working very well with the much higher pressures used in tires.

Forget the beach ball and air mattress type valve.
That was just and idea ... thinking out of the box to get the ball rolling.

On Edit:
Shees, you guys are tough!

Eagleview · Sep 25, 2008

How about a molded Urethane tapered hat that would follow the rim contour and create a ramp to guide sticks over the valve . The valve and nut would locate it and double sided tape or something like Sikaflex Urathane would hold it on , the valve would be recessed in the hat . If the ramp was gentle i think it would guide the sticks away . The thing we need to invent is something that can be attached while the wheel is inflated , it is an easy matter to weld a pipe end and cap on a bare rim .

Soundguy · Sep 25, 2008

3RRL said:
Huh? I don't get it?
The tire wall never touches the counter bore or valve.
Forgive the simple drawing, but this is something what I envision might work.
Anyway, it's just an idea...a concept. Maybe you can improve on it?
(Click to enlarge)

Improve on it? I'm no menchanical engineer.. now.. if you have a road question...

If you could make it where it was away from the bead, and was completely flush with the rim when the tire was flat it would probably work.. this way.. automatic tire equipment wouldn't have a problem installing tires to rims.. etc.. or breaking them down with those bead rake/brake bars ... seems like alot of work vs a external stem protector though.

soundguy