WO2009052576A1

WO2009052576A1 - Apparatus for sealing inflatable articles

Info

Publication number: WO2009052576A1
Application number: PCT/AU2008/001575
Authority: WO
Inventors: Terence Dowel
Original assignee: Trydel Research Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-10-26
Filing date: 2008-10-24
Publication date: 2009-04-30

Abstract

An apparatus for the sealing and/or repair of an inflatable article, such as a vehicle tyre, includes a container (10) which contains a supply of sealant compound or composition, that container (10) including at least one inlet means which is releasably attachable to a source of pressurized air/gas; an extraction assembly (20, 30) to be associated with said container (10) that assembly including an extraction unit (30) including at least one outlet means (32) to be releasably coupled with or connected to the article to be sealed and/or repaired, and means disposed within said container (10) and actuatable, upon supply of pressurized air/fluid/gas, to allow for controlled dispensing of the sealant compound or composition from the container (10) to said article to be sealed or repaired.

Description

APPARATUS FOR SEALING INFLATABLE ARTICLES FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates, in general terms, to a method and apparatus for use in the sealing, or more correctly re-sealing after damage, and/or deflation of an inflatable article. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for use in the sealing of an inflatable tyre, of the type utilized in any form of wheeled vehicle, as for example an automobile, truck, lorry, van or the like, as well as in motor-cycles, bicycles, etc.

Whilst throughout the ensuing description reference will be made to a particular and preferred context of usage of the method and apparatus in accordance with the present invention, for the sealing or re-sealing of a punctured inflatable tyre for a wheeled vehicle, it should be understood that the invention is not to be considered to be limited to such a preferred context of usage. Indeed the method and apparatus in accordance with the present invention could be employed to allow for sealing, or re-sealing after damage or deflation, of any form of inflatable article. THE PRIOR ART

With any wheeled vehicle or means for travel, there exists the possibility of damage being sustained by any one or more inflatable tyres or the like associated therewith. Such damage can be in the more catastrophic form of the sustaining of a puncture, which can be expected to give rise to instantaneous deflation of the relevant tyre, or in the alternative can be in the form of the existence of a slow leak, which will give rise to a gradual deflation of the tyre. In the past there have been employed a number of methods and means for the sealing of a leak and/or a puncture in an inflatable article, such as a vehicle tyre. In one known method a sealant mixture or compound may be introduced into a deflated tyre, as for example via a conventional tyre valve associated therewith, such sealant compound functioning to seal any puncture (or punctures) existing in the tyre itself, whereby to allow for such tyre to be subsequently re-inflated to a pressure at which it will be possible to again move the relevant vehicle, as by the driving thereof. The use of such sealant compounds has been found to allow for at least a temporary repair for a thus damaged tyre or (tyres), whereby to allow the vehicle to be transported or moved to a location where a more permanent repair, or actual replacement, if necessary can be effected.

In accordance with known practices a suitable sealant compound (of any known type), as housed within a suitable container therefor, may be dispensed from that container under pressure and then directed into the tyre, via a tyre valve (again of any known type) invariably associated therewith. This may be achieved either with, or more preferably without, removal of the valve insert. To bring about such a result, the practice is to provide an apparatus wherein means are included to allow for connection of the container to a source of air or other gas under pressure, as for example a compressor or even a gas bottle. The principle of operation is that, by increasing the air pressure within the container, for the sealing compound the contents thereof can be dispensed therefrom and injected into the tyre, itself to perform a sealing action.

The prior art methods and apparatus have all suffered in terms of their exhibiting an unfortunate inability to avoid, let alone prevent altogether, the possibility or risk of back-flow of the sealant compound, in the instance of the process of transfer of such compound from its container to the tyre to be re-inflated being interrupted for any reason, especially prior to the container being emptied of all its content. As a consequence, there exists a tendency with the known and in use apparatus for ineffective, inefficient operation.

The present invention seeks to address the problems associated with the prior art by providing an apparatus wherein there is substantially no possibility of back- flow occurring, in the instance of the dispensing of sealing compound being interrupted in any way. With such an apparatus the integrity of any means employed for pressurising the container of sealing compound, whereby to allow for egress of such compound therefrom, is maintained at all times. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide, preferably in kit form, a sealing apparatus which may include both a compressor or source of air, or other suitable gas or propellant as well as a container of tyre puncture sealant compound or composition, such that the container and its contents, as well as the compressor, are securely packaged for handling, storage and shipment, and yet are readily accessible for use as and where necessary.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved apparatus, for use in the repair/re-sealing of a damaged inflatable article, which is operated by gas/air pressure but which, upon relaxation of such pressure, is substantially proof against unwanted back-flow of residual sealant compound remaining in a container for said compound.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for the sealing and/or repair of an inflatable article, as for example a vehicle tyre or the like, said apparatus including: a container adapted to contain a sealant compound or composition, said container including at least one inlet means adapted to be releasably attachable to a source of pressurised air/gas; an extraction assembly adapted to be associated with said container, said extraction assembly including an extraction unit including at least one outlet means adapted to be releasably coupled or connected to said article to be sealed and/or repaired; and means adapted to be disposed within said container and actuatable, upon supply of pressurised air/fluid/gas to said container, to allow for controlled transfer/egress of said sealant compound or composition from said container to said article to be sealed or repaired. In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for the sealing or re-sealing of a damaged inflatable article, as for example a tyre or the like, employing the apparatus as set out in the preceding paragraph, said method including the steps of: connecting the container to a source of pressurised air/fluid/gas; pressurising said container whereby to allow for controlled egress of said sealant compound or composition therefrom; transporting said sealant compound or compound to said inflatable article; and re-inflating said inflatable article as required.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an extraction assembly, for use with a container of sealant compound or composition, for the sealing/repair of a damaged inflatable article, said assembly including: an extraction unit which is adapted, in use, to be releasably associated with or connected to a container of said sealant compound or composition, said extraction unit including at least one outlet means which is adapted, in use, to be releasably connected to said inflatable article whereby to allow for flow of said sealant compound or composition from said container, via said extraction unit, into said inflatable article; and means adapted to be disposed within said container, in flow connection with said extraction unit, which is actuatable upon supply of pressurised air/fluid/gas to said container to allow for controlled dispensing of said sealant compound or composition therefrom.

With regard to the apparatus the at least one inlet means may be in the form of a tyre valve or the equivalent. In an especially preferred embodiment such may be adapted to be appropriately disposed in a recess sited at or in the vicinity of a shoulder of the container, and remote from the extraction assembly, with the container itself being in the form of a bottle. It should be realised, however, that such at least one inlet means could, in alternative embodiments, be located at other places on the container or bottle, remote from the extraction assembly. The extraction assembly is adapted to be releasably attachable to the container, as for example by interaction between mating threaded sections. The at least one outlet means provided in the extraction assembly is preferably in the form of a duct adapted to protrude laterally of the extraction assembly itself to at least some extent, said duct preferably having, at or in the vicinity of the outer free end thereof, means allowing for ready connection with or to further ducting or tubing, to allow for passage of sealant compound to said article to be sealed. In an especially preferred embodiment one or more barbs or the like projections may be formed on the outer periphery of the outlet duct, at or in the vicinity of the outer free end thereof, whereby to facilitate connection with a length of tubing or ducting. Alternatively, both the outlet duct and the tube or ducting can have threaded means adapted to be associated therewith. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to preferred embodiments of an apparatus in accordance with the invention. The ensuing description is given by way of non-limitative example only and is with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. Ia is a perspective view of an overall apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, disposed in its upright or storage configuration;

FIG. Ib is a view, similar to FIG. Ia, but with the apparatus in its preferred "use" position or configuration (lying on its side);

FIG. 2 is a sectional view, from the side, of a bottle with sealant in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, when not connected to a source of air or other gas;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a closure means or cap for the bottle of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a view, similar to FIG. 2, of a first embodiment of a bottle in accordance with the invention when connected to a source of air or other gas, illustrating the principle of operation of the overall apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 a is a perspective view showing how a dispensing apparatus for sealant, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4, can be inserted into the bottle/container, whereby to allow for re-filling of the bottle/container when and if desired;

FIG. 5b is a perspective view showing the dispensing apparatus in place in a bottle in accordance with the invention; and FIGS. 5c and 5d are sectional views showing the dispensing apparatus and associated cap, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 4, being located and actually located respectively within the container/bottle in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6a is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention, including a dispensing apparatus and dip-tube having a sealing means associated therewith;

FIG. 6b is an exploded view of the free end of a dip-tube assembly in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 6a;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a further embodiment of the present invention, intended to be used in an upright configuration as shown;

FIG. 8a is a sectional view of yet another embodiment of a container in accordance with the invention; and FIG. 8b is an exploded view of an alternative arrangement of a dispensing apparatus, for use in the apparatus of FIG. 8a.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS There are shown a number of different and preferred embodiments of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention. More preferably the apparatus functions as a repair kit or set which can be carried, or in some way housed, within a vehicle for ready use in the instance of damage — as by a puncture — being sustained by a tyre of that vehicle. The apparatus generally and preferably includes, as principal components and as shown in FIGS. Ia and Ib₅ a receptacle generally designated 1, which is adapted to receive and releasably retain a pressure-tight container 10 for a suitable sealant compound, such container 10 being adapted in use to be releasably connectable to a source of pressurised air/gas or suitable propellant (as and when required). In a preferred embodiment such source of pressurized air/gas or suitable propellant may be in the form of a compressor or the like (not shown) to be housed within the receptacle 1. Alternatively the container 10 may be free-standing, for connection to a remote or separate supply of air or other gas. The container 10 includes a dispensing or extraction assembly, and an associated closure means preferably to be releasably or removably associated therewith, including means allowing for controlled dispensing of sealant compound from the container 10 into a damaged tyre as and when necessary. Preferably, although not necessarily, the container 10 is such that, for use, it is disposed in a substantially horizontal position as shown in FIG. Ib (for example).

The receptacle 1 includes, extending transversely thereof, an aperture 2 of a shape substantially complementary to that of the container 10 for receiving and releasably retaining that container 10. The receptacle 1 further has associated therewith one or more gauges 3 for measuring/displaying air pressure and other desirable parameters, as well as a plurality of push-buttons 4 for activation and control of operation of a compressor or the like. In practice the container 10 may be refillable as and when desired or, more preferably, will be replaceable by a fresh container 10 as and when required. The container 10 is preferably in the form of a bottle or the like constructed from any suitable material, as for example a plastics material (preferably a recyclable plastics material) that will be capable of withstanding at least 8 bar internal pressure. It should be noted that the actual shape or configuration of the container 10, and the material of construction thereof, are not of the essence of the connection.

The container 10 has a substantially cylindrical neck 11 extending therefrom and formed integrally therewith which, as illustrated, is provided with external threads as at 12. With particular regard to the embodiment of FIGS. 2 to 6, the neck 11 includes an internal shoulder 13. In this preferred embodiment the container 10 further includes an air or gas inlet means 14, having associated therewith a suitable cap means 15 of any known type. The air inlet means 14, which preferably is in the form of a "conventional" threaded connection (with or without a valve means therein), allows for ready connection of the container 10 to a source of pressurised air or suitable gas or fluid, whether such be in the form of a bottle or the like container holding the air/gas or other fluid at an elevated pressure, or more preferably in the form of a compressor or the like (not shown), which may be either installed as part of the overall vehicle or stored separately for use as and when required. The actual location of the air inlet means 14 on the container 10 is not of the essence of the invention. However, the inlet means 14 should be above the level of the liquid in order to protect against the possibility of unwanted discharge of liquid.

As shown in more detail in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the neck 11 of the container 10 further includes opposed, spaced-apart grooves 16 extending substantially longitudinally thereof, these grooves 16 being for a purpose to be explained later in the specification. Preferably (see FIGS Ia and Ib), the receptacle 1 also includes means which can facilitate transport and/or handling thereof. Such may include a handle 5, constructed preferably of a suitable plastics material, which may be releasably attachable to the receptacle 1 or formed as an integral part thereof.

As to the actual contents of the container 10, such does not constitute part of the invention. Any suitable compound having known sealing properties may be utilised. In an especially preferred embodiment, however, preferably the sealing compound will not be latex-based. U2008/001575

- 8 -

The apparatus further includes an extraction assembly which is adapted, in use, to be releasably associated with/connected to the neck 11 of the container 10. The extraction assembly includes components adapted in use to co-operate with one another and to be releasably connectable one to the other, as described hereafter in more detail. The components of the extraction assembly may also be preferably formed from a suitable plastics material, as for example of a polypropylene copolymer, as by moulding. It should be realised, however, that neither the material of construction nor the method of formation of both the container 10 and the extraction assembly constitutes part of the invention. The extraction assembly itself includes, in the embodiment of FIGS. 2 to 5d for example, a first member 20 which is adapted, in use, to be releasably associated with the neck 11 of the container 10. That member 20 includes, at one end thereof, a first section 21 having a series or plurality of internal threads 22 at or in the vicinity of the free end thereof, such threads 22 being of a size and shape complementary to those provided on the exterior of the neck 11 of the container 10, to allow for engagement of the first member 20 with the neck 11 of the container 10. Preferably the neck 11 of the container 10 and the first section 21 of the first member 20 of the extraction assembly are of substantially the same length.

The first member 20 of the extraction assembly further includes, at the free end thereof remote from said first internally threaded section 21, a second substantially cylindrical section 23 having an outside or external diameter which is less than that of the said internally threaded section 21. That second section 23, as illustrated, includes a plurality of external screw-threads 24. Extending transversely of the first member 20 of the extraction assembly, at or in the vicinity of the junction of the said first and second sections 21 and 23, is a plate or wall 25 which has, disposed substantially centrally thereof and extending normally therefrom in the direction of the first section 21, a substantially hollow tubular member 26. Preferably the hollow tubular member 26 will be of a length sufficient to project beyond the outermost extremity of the first section 21 of the first member 20 of the extraction assembly and into the main body of the container 10. The plate or wall 25 further includes a plurality of circumferential, spaced-apart protrusions or the like 27, functioning to facilitate location of the first member 20 of the extraction assembly relative to the internal shoulder 13 of threaded neck 11 of the container 10 as shown, for example, in FIG. 4.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated the second section 23 includes, disposed across the free end thereof, a frangible diaphragm 29. The material of construction of such diaphragm 29 is not of the essence of the invention. Preferably, however, such may be formed from aluminium and may be attached/appended/ associated with the second section 23 in any known manner and using any known means.

The extraction assembly further includes a second member or outlet means 30, which also acts as a cap or closure means for the container 10. This second member 30 allows for controlled dispensing of content from the container 10 to a damaged tyre or the like. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, as shown for example in FIGS. 2 and 4, the second member or outlet means 30 has a cross- sectional shape which is substantially complementary to that of second section 23 of the first member 20 and includes internal threads 31 , at or in the vicinity of the free end thereof, and merges into an outlet duct 32 which, in a manner to be explained later, allows for passage of sealant compound from the container 10 to the article to be sealed, the tyre, as and when desired. Preferably the outlet duct 32 will have, at its outermost free end which projects outwardly from the extraction assembly as shown, means allowing for connection to a length of hose or tubing (not shown) via which the overall apparatus can be connected as and when required to an article to be sealed. Preferably the free end of the outlet duct 32 is provided with a portion of greater or enlarged external diameter, with one or more barbs or the like means 33 being formed on and extending at least partially around the external surface thereof, to assist in releasably retaining a length of hose or tubing thereon. In an alternative arrangement (not shown) the free end of the outlet duct 32 may be threaded, to allow for releasable connection to a complementary configured length of hose or tube, in turn to be connected to the article to be sealed. As shown in FIG. 3 the outlet means 30 includes one or more shaped prongs/tines or the like means 34 depending rearwardly thereof, for a purpose to be described later.

To allow for controlled dispensing of sealant compound from the container 10, the apparatus in accordance with this preferred embodiment of the invention further includes a dip-tube, generally designated 40, which is adapted to be housed or located within the container 10 and to be in flow connection with the outlet duct 32 of the extraction assembly. In an especially preferred embodiment - see for example Fig. 4 - the dip-tube 40 takes the form of a shaped length of tubing adapted, in use, to have one end thereof disposed over the tubular member 26, in a preferably pressure-type fit and with or without the use of additional sealing means, as for example an O-ring seal or the like, and to have the other free end thereof extending into the container (and its contents) as shown. Preferably the dip tube 40 will have the substantial right-angled shape as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. In the especially preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5 the dip-tube 40 optionally further includes, releasably associated therewith in any known manner, a Venturi-tube 41 which is adapted, in use, to extend into the air space 42 existing at or in the vicinity of the uppermost portion of the container 10 when that container 10 is in its use configuration of FIGS. 2, 4 and 5. With particular regard to FIGS. 5a to 5d, the preferred embodiment of the dip-tube 40 shown therein includes, at that free end which is to be located over the tubular member 26 of the extraction assembly, a substantially circular flange 43. Preferably, opposed shaped wedge-shaped gussets 43 a extend as shown from the flange 43, being formed integrally with the dip-tube 40. In use, and as shown in FIG. 4, the flange 43 will be seated against transverse plate or wall 25 and be in contact with protrusion 27 thereof, to provide a sealing effect. More significantly, when the dip-tube assembly is being located within the container 10, as in FIG 5b for example, the opposed wedge-shaped gussets 43a will be located within grooves 16 of the neck 11 , to prevent unwanted rotation of the air-tube. Again in that preferred embodiment the dip-tube 40 will include means 44 for releasable association with a Venturi-tube 41 as and if desired.

The principle of operation of the overall apparatus of FIGS. 1 to 5b will now be explained in more detail.

When it is desired to re-seal a punctured tyre the receptacle 1 with associated container 10 is accessed, and laid on its side as shown in FIG. Ib. The container 10 (with sealant compound resident therein) is then connected to a source of pressurized air/gas/fluid, via inlet means 14 and appropriate tubing. Further tubing is then connected to the outlet duct 32 of the extraction assembly and, from there, to the tyre itself. When air or other gas under pressure is injected into the container 10, as represented diagrammatically by the full arrows (^) at the top of the container shown in FIG. 4, the pressure within the container 10 increases and acts to force the sealant compound to flow from the container 10 into the dip-tube 40, along the dip- tube length and then through member 26 into the extraction assembly. That sealant then causes deflection/distortion/bending of the diaphragm 29 to such an extent that it comes into contact with the prongs/tines 34 of the second section 23 of the extraction assembly, in turn and eventually resulting in breaking/fracture of that diaphragm 29. The sealant can then flow freely, under pressure, from the container 10, via the outlet duct 32, into the tyre.

The Venturi tube 41 associated with the dip-tube 40, in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4 for example, allows for aeration of sealant flowing through the dip-tube 40. This can assist in passage of the sealant and minimize the possibility of unwanted blockage of valve core.

In the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 6a and 6b a different extraction assembly and associated dip-tube arrangement is employed.

The extraction assembly in this embodiment involves a unitary member 120 which is adapted, in use, to be releasably connectable to the neck 11 of the container 10. That member 120, in like manner to the first member 20 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5, includes a first section 121 having internal threads as at 122, which is adapted to be releasably associated with the neck 11 of the container 10. That first section 121 terminates in a transverse wall or plate 123, which includes a hollow tubular member 124 extending normally and rearwardly therefrom, into the container 10 as shown. Extending normally from the opposite side of wall or plate 123 is an outlet member 125 which, in like manner to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5d, will include at its free end a portion of greater or enlarged outside diameter, with one or more barbs or the like 126 being formed thereon to assist in retention of hose or tubing thereon. That plate or wall also includes a plurality of protrusions or the like 127 which serve to assist in accurate positioning of the dip-tube 140.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 6a and 6b there is associated with the free end of the dip-tube 140, remote from the tubular member 124, a separate sealing assembly, to be associated with/connected to the dip-tube 140 in any suitable manner and using any suitable means. As with the earlier embodiment, the dip-tube 140 includes end- flange 143 and opposed wedge-shaped gussets 143 a.

Preferably the sealing assembly includes a cap or the like member 50 adapted to be releasably associated with or attachable to a peripheral flange 51 provided at or in the vicinity of the free end of the dip-tube 140. The cap 50 may take the form of a substantially cylindrical member having a substantially flat base 52 and a peripheral skirt 53 depending normally therefrom. The base 52 includes, disposed substantially centrally thereof, a spigot 54, which is substantially cylindrical in shape but with adjacent or contiguous sections of different external diameter, with a shoulder 55 formed therebetween. The base 52 further includes one or more apertures 56, preferably disposed symmetrically relative to the spigot 54. The sealing assembly preferably further includes an O-ring seal or the like sealing member 57, of any suitable material as for example rubber, which is adapted in use to be disposed within the sealing assembly, to "sit" against the shoulder 55, as shown in FIG. 6b.

The principle of operation of this embodiment of the apparatus will now be explained in more detail.

When it is desired to re-seal a punctured tyre the container 1 (with sealant compound resident therein) is first connected to a source of pressurized air/gas/fluid, via the valve and appropriate tubing, as in the earlier embodiment. Further tubing is then connected to the outlet member 125 of the extraction assembly, and from there to the tyre itself. When air or other gas, under pressure, is injected into the container 10, as represented diagrammatically by the full arrows (^) at the top of the container in FIG. 6a, the pressure within the container 10 increases and acts to force the O-ring seal 57 to slide off the spigot 54, away from the shoulder 55 and along the tube 140, thereby allowing the sealant compound, as represented diagrammatically by the arrows within the dip-tube 140, to flow from the container 10, through the apertures 56 provided in the base 52 of cap 50, into the dip-tube 140, along the dip-tube length and then through into outlet member 125 of the extractor assembly, for subsequent injection into the tyre itself.

The sealing mechanism may, in practice, be placed on the end of the dip-tube 140, or, in an alternative arrangement (not shown), may be located directly into the first section of the extraction member. This will mean that the container may be capable of being emptied even in the inverted position.

Turning now to FIG. 7, there is shown therein yet another variation of the apparatus in accordance with the invention, hi this embodiment the container 10 may be used when in its upright position. It may be seen, this embodiment includes an extraction or dispensing assembly substantially similar to that in the embodiment of FIGS. 2 to 5d inclusive. For that reason, like numerals refer to like components.

With reference now to FIGS. 8a and 8b, such show yet another possible embodiment of the apparatus in accordance with the invention. Herein an extraction assembly, to be releasably attachable to the neck 11 of a container 10, is so configured as to constitute a platform or stand for that container 10. The assembly includes a first section 221 having internal threads 222, to allow for releasable connection to the neck 11.

The extraction assembly includes, at the free end thereof opposite to the first section 221, a second substantially cylindrical section 223 which, in use, provides a support base or pedestal and thereby allows for the overall apparatus to be supported on any given surface, in the configuration or disposition shown in FIG. 8a. Extending transversely of the extraction assembly, at or in the vicinity of the junction of sections 221 and 223, is a transverse plate or wall 224 which has, disposed substantially centrally thereof and extending upwardly therefrom in the direction of the first section 221, a substantially hollow tubular member 225. The plate or wall 224 further includes circumferential beads or the like 226 functioning to facilitate location of the extraction assembly relative to threaded neck 11 of the container 10. In the preferred embodiment illustrated the member 225 extends downwardly into a hollowed-out lower section of the extraction assembly, merging into an outlet member 226 which allows for passage of sealant compound from the container 10 to the article to be sealed, as and when desired. Preferably the outlet member 226 will have, at its outermost free end which projects outwardly from the extraction assembly as shown, means allowing for connection to a length of hose or tubing (not shown) via which the overall apparatus (container 10 and associated extraction assembly) can be connected as and when required to an article to be sealed. Preferably the free end of the outlet member 226 is provided with a portion of greater or enlarged outside diameter, with one or more barbs or the like elements 227 being formed on and extending at least partially around the external surface thereof, to assist in releasably retaining a length of hose or tubing thereon. In an alternative arrangement the free end of the outlet member 226 may be threaded, to allow for releasable connection to a complementary configured length of hose or tube, in turn to be connected to the article to be sealed.

In this embodiment the tubular member 226 has associated therewith, at the free end thereof to be located within the neck 11 of the container 10, a sealing assembly 50 of the type associated with the dip-tube 140 in the embodiment of FIGS. 6a and 6b.

The sealing mechanism may, in practice, be placed on the end of the dip-tube or, in an alternative arrangement, may be located directly into the first section 11 of the extraction assembly. This will mean that the container 10 may be capable of being emptied even in the inverted position. The present applicant' s arrangement, with the embodiment of FIGS . 8a and

8b in particular, allows for the container 10 to be used, in an inverted position, and yet still be emptied. Further, the present arrangement functions to substantially remove the risk of back-flow of sealant compound into the source of pressurized air or other gas. The invention further provides a kit, which may be housed or located within a vehicle for use as and when necessary, that kit including:

(i) a receptacle, preferably with an associated handle or carrying means; (ii) an air compressor or the equivalent, of any known type, to be housed within said receptacle; (iii) a container, preferably in the form of a bottle, containing a supply of a sealant compound, said container preferably having an extraction assembly/dispensing means releasably and replaceably housed therein; and

(iv) suitable hosing/tubing or the like which allows for the container to be in flow connection firstly with the compressor and secondly with a tyre or the like which needs re-sealing or repair. The arrangement is such that, when a puncture is detected, the aforementioned kit can be removed from its storage location, the tubing connected as desired, the compressor activated and the contents of the container injected into the damaged tyre, through the tyre valve. The present applicant's arrangement allows for a damaged - as by puncture - tyre to be re-sealed, for re-inflation, whereby to allow for at least temporary re-use. The arrangement is such that the desired result can be achieved with little, if any, need to clean up excess sealing compound. Further, the container can be removed from the receptacle, when emptied, for re-filling or, in the alternative, an empty container can simply be replaced with another.

Finally, it is to be understood that the foregoing description refers merely to preferred embodiments of the invention, and that variations and modifications will be possible thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the ambit of which is to be determined from the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1) An apparatus for the sealing and/or repair of an inflatable article, as for example a vehicle tyre or the like, said apparatus including: a container adapted to contain a sealant compound or composition, said container including at least one inlet means adapted to be releasably attachable to a source of pressurized air/gas; an extraction assembly adapted to be associated with said container, said extraction assembly including an extraction unit including at least one outlet means adapted to be releasably coupled or connected to said article to be sealed and/or repaired; and means adapted to be disposed within said container and actuatable, upon supply of pressurized air/fluid/gas to said container, to allow for controlled dispensing of said sealant compound or composition from said container to said article to be sealed or repaired.

2) The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said source of pressurized air/gas is an air compressor with which air under pressure can be introduced into the container via said at least one inlet means.

3) The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said source of pressurized air/gas is at least one bottle or the like container of pressurized air/gas, adapted to be releasably connectable to said container via said at least one inlet means.

4) The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said container is a bottle or the like which includes a neck portion extending substantially normally from the top thereof, said neck portion being disposed substantially centrally of said top of said container and including a plurality of external threads extending along at least part of the length dimension thereof.

5) The apparatus as claimed in Claim 4 wherein said extraction unit is of a unitary construction and includes, at a position intermediate the free ends thereof, a wall or closure means extending laterally thereof, said wall or closure means dividing said extraction unit into two sections, a first section which is adapted, in use, to be disposed within said neck portion of said container, and a second section which is adapted, in use, to extend or project from the neck portion of said container. 6) The apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said first section includes, disposed substantially centrally thereof and in flow connection with an aperture extending through said wall or closure means, a hollow cylindrical protrusion of a length at least the equivalent of the length of said first section, said protrusion being adapted, in use, to extend into said container.

7) The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said second section includes an outlet duct or means, in flow connection with said aperture of said wall or closure means, projecting transversely of said extraction unit, said outlet duct or means including means allowing for releasable connection with tubing, hosing or the like to allow for passage therethrough of the contents of said container.

8) The apparatus as claimed in Claim 7 wherein said dispensing means is adapted in use to be disposed within said container and to be in flow connection with said hollow protrusion of said first section of said extraction unit, said dispensing means being in the form of a length of tubing having a flow control assembly associated with the free end thereof remote from said extraction unit.

9) The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said flow control assembly includes a substantially cylindrical cap-like member adapted to be mounted on/associated with said free end of said tubing, said cap-like member including a base having a peripheral skirt extending therefrom, said base including a spigot disposed substantially centrally thereof, and a sealing means adapted, in use, to be associated with said spigot, and wherein said base includes opposed apertures extending therethrough to allow for directional flow of said sealant compound or composition.

10) The apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein said spigot, projecting normally of said base of said cap-like member, includes juxtaposed lengths of different diameter, with a shoulder at the line of juncture thereof, and wherein a sealing means, preferably in the form of an O-ring, is movable under pressure into and out of engagement with said shoulder, whereby to control flow of sealant compound into said tubing.

H) A method for the sealing or re-sealing of a damaged inflatable article, as for example a tyre or the like, employing the apparatus as set out in Claim 1, said method including the steps of: connecting the said container to a source of pressurized air/fluid/gas; pressurizing said container whereby to allow for controlled egress of said sealant compound or composition therefrom; transporting said sealant compound or composition to said inflatable article; and re-inflating said inflatable article as required.

12) An extraction assembly, for use with a container of sealant compound or composition, for the sealing/repair of a damaged inflatable article, said assembly including: an extraction unit which is adapted, in use, to be releasably associated with or connected to said container of said sealant compound or composition, said extraction unit including at least one outlet means which is adapted, in use, to be releasably connected to said inflatable article whereby to allow for controlled flow of said sealant compound or composition from said container, via said extraction unit, into said inflatable article; and means adapted to be disposed within said container, in flow connection with said extraction unit, which is actuatable upon supply of pressurized air/fluid/gas to said container to allow for controlled dispensing of said sealant compound or composition therefrom.