Method for limiting access to a valve for vehicle tires

Abstract

A theft resistant valve cap including a liner adapted for threaded engagement with a standard pneumatic tire stem valve, a sleeve rotatably mounted with the liner to shroud it and an interlocking feature to selectively prevent axial displacement between the liner and the sleeve. The liner includes a hollow body with first and second opposed ends that features shoulders positioned proximate to one of said opposed ends. The shoulders, when employed with the sleeve rotatably mounted with the liner to shroud it, facilitates restricting removal of the cap from the valve stem to authorized individuals, only. Specifically, an interlocking mechanism extends between the liner and the sleeve and limits axial movement therebetween, while allowing rotational movement. To remove the cap from the valve stem, a key is employed which forms an interference fit with the shoulders in the liner, once exposed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.