WO2012063959A1

WO2012063959A1 - Air pump

Info

Publication number: WO2012063959A1
Application number: PCT/JP2011/076339
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ostrowiecki Morris
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-11-10
Filing date: 2011-11-09
Publication date: 2012-05-18
Anticipated expiration: 2013-05-10

Abstract

The present invention discloses an air pump which is very compact, light, simple to manufacture, and which has a hose which is either permanently attached or attachable/detachable. Furthermore, the hose used with the pump is poly-urethane and has an outer diameter of 4mm. Furthermore, a head portion includes a PISCO Co. Ltd. PPF4 connector as the attaching/detaching mechanism for the 4mm poly-urethane hose.

Description

-TITLB O F i

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many air pumps on the market today. The air pumps are either portable or non portable for home use. Some of the pumps have air hoses and some do not. The pumps with air hoses are rubber hoses which are thick, heavy, bulky, and expensive. Furthermore, these hoses are connected to the air pumps using multiple parts which further increases their weight, size and cost. Still further, these hoses are not detachable and make the whole pump bulky and difficult to store. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A major object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above.

A major object of the present invention is to provide an air pump having very few parts.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air pump having very few parts and which is extremely light.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air pump having very few parts and which is extremely light and extremely compact.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air pump having very few parts and which is extremely light, extremely compact and utilizes a very light, high pressure, thin, 4mm poly urethane hose.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air pump having very few parts and which is extremely light, extremely compact and has a 4mm poly urethane hose permanently attached to a head portion of the pump using a nipple.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air pump having very few parts and which is extremely light, extremely compact and has a 4mm poly urethane hose and means for attaching and detaching the hose to and from a head portion of said air pump.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air pump having very few parts and which is extremely light, extremely compact and has a 4mm poly urethane hose and means for attaching and detaching the hose to and from a head portion of said air pump and means for storing said air hose inside an inner pipe of said air pump.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple, effective one way air valve to optimize the efficiency of pumping.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air pump having very few parts and which is extremely light, extremely compact and has a 4mm poly urethane hose and means for attaching and detaching the hose to and from a head portion of said air pump and means for storing said air hose inside an inner pipe of said air pump, and has an INLINE AIR PRESSURE GAUGE coupled to said air hose along a central portion thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air valve connector coupled to one end of said air hose which is very compact, light, and which has very few parts.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air valve connector coupled to one end of said air hose which is very compact, light, and which has very few parts, and which fits all three air valves, namely, Presta, Schrader, and Dunlop.

These and other objectives will be disclosed in the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 A shows a front view of an air pump 10 in the storage state of operation according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. IB shows another side view of the air pump 10 in the storage state of operation;

Fig. 1C shows a side view of the air pump 10 in the air pumping state of operation;

Fig. ID shows a side view of an air valve connector 60 coupled to an air hose 23 used with the air pumps 10, 100 of the present invention according to the present invention;

Fig. IE shows a side view of an air valve connector 60 coupled to an air hose 23 used with the air pumps 10, 100 and an INLINE PRESSURE GAUGE 90 coupled to the air hose 23 along a central portion thereof according to the present invention;

Figs. 2A-2G show a perspective view, a side view, a front view, a top view, a bottom view and cross sectional view at lines II-II and III-III of a handle portion 11 according to the invention;

Figs. 3A-3E show a perspective view, a side view, a top view, a bottom view and a side cross sectional view at lines II-II of Fig. 3B of a handle support portion 12 according to the present invention;

Fig. 3F shows a cross sectional view of the handle portion 12 shown in Fig. 3E further having the handle 11 mounted thereon and the pipe 80 mounted therein;

Figs. 4A-4E show a perspective view, a side view, a top view, a bottom view and a side cross sectional view at lines II-II of Fig. 4B of a collar portion 13 according to the present invention;

Figs. 5A-5E show a perspective view, a side view, a top view, a bottom view and a side cross sectional view at lines II-II in Fig. 5B of a piston portion 14 of the air pump 10 according to the present invention;

Figs. 5F, 5G show side cross sectional views of the piston 14 with O rings mounted thereon in the air pumping mode and air intake mode of operation;

Figs. 6A-6E show a perspective view, a side view, a top view, a bottom view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II in Fig. 6B of a non-detachable air hose head portion 15 of the air pump 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6F shows a side cross sectional view of the head portion 15 shown in Fig. 6E, further having an air hose 23 and a nipple 21 mounted therein, as well as cap 16, a flap 17 and a spring 18 mounted therein according to the present invention:

Figs. 7A-7E show a perspective view, a front view, a top view, a bottom view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II in Fig. 7B of a detachable air hose head portion 150 of an air pump 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 7F shows a side cross sectional view at lines II-II of Fig. 7B with a PISCO connector 40, a cap 16, a flap 17 and a spring 18 mounted inside the head portion 150 according to the present invention;

Fig. 7G shows a front view of the head portion 150 with the PISCO connector 40 mounted therein;

Figs. 8A-8E show a perspective view, a front view, a top view, a bottom view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II in Fig. 8B of a second embodiment of a non-detachable air hose head portion 1 000 of an air pump 10 according to the invention;

Fig. 8F shows a side cross sectional view of the head portion 1 000 at lines II-II of Fig. 8B with a cap 16 and a flap 17 mounted therein.

Figs. 9A-9E show perspective view, a side view, a top view, a bottom view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II of Fig. 9B of a cap 16 according to the present invention;

Fig. 10A shows a front view of an air pump 100 in the storage state of operation according to another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 10B shows a side view of an air pump 100 in the air pumping state of operation;

Fig. 11 shows a side cross sectional view of a second embodiment of a detachable air hose head portion 1500 having the activation portion 40b 1 and an O ring 40b2 of a PISCO connector mounted therein;

Fig. 12A shows a side cross sectional view of the piston 14 pushed against the head portion

150;

Fig. 12B shows a side cross sectional view of the piston 14 pulled against the collar portion

13;

Figs. 13A-13E show a perspective view, a side view, a top view, a bottom view, and a side cross sectional view at line ΙΙ-Π in Fig. 13B of a adapter portion 82 according to the present invention;

Fig. 14A shows a side view of the adopter 82 mounted on the outer pipe 81 and the collar

130;

Fig. 14B shows a side cross sectional view of the adopter 82 at line II-II in Fig. 14A mounted on the outer pipe 81 and the collar 130; and

Figs. 15A-15C show a side view, a front view and a back view of a Pisco Co. Ltd. Part PPF4 used as a attachable/detachable air hose connector 40 of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 A shows a front view of an air pump 10 in the storage state of operation according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. IB shows side view of the air pump 10 in the storage state of operation. Fig. 1C shows a side view of the air pump 10 in the air pumping state of operation. Fig. ID shows a side view of an air valve connector 60 coupled to an air hose 23 used with the air pumps 10, 100 of the present invention according to the present invention. Fig. IE shows a side view of an air valve connector 60 coupled to an air hose 23 used with the air pumps 10, 100 and an INLINE PRESSURE GAUGE 90 coupled to the air hose 23 along a central portion thereof according to the present invention.

Referring to Figs. 1A-1E, numeral 10 generally designates an air pump according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The air pump 10 is of the fixed air hose type, namely, the air hose 23 cannot be disconnected from the air pump 10.

Numeral 11 generally designates a handle, numeral 12 designates a handle support portion for mounting the handle 11 on the top end of an inner cylindrical pipe 80, numeral 13 designates a collar portion mounted on the top end of an outer cylindrical pipe 81, numeral 15 designates a non- detachable air hose head portion 15 (hearinafter referred to as head portion 15) mounted on the bottom end of the outer pipe 81, numeral 23 designates an air hose one end 23a of which is permanently coupled to the head portion 15, and the other end of which has an air valve connector 60 coupled thereto.

The air hose 23 is preferably the an air hose made by PISCO Co. Ltd., and preferably is made of polyurethane and has an outer diameter of 4mm and an inner diameter of 2.5mm.

The air valve connector 60 is disclosed in patent application 12/855,857 titled "AIR PUMP FACILITATOR" filed on 08-13-2010 by Morris Ostrowiecki, the same inventor as the inventor of the present application, the subject matter of which is incorporated herewith. However, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the air valve connectors disclosed in the above mentioned patent application and any air valve connector and any air hose may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

The INLINE AIR PRESSURE INDICATOR 90 is disclosed in the patent application 12/855,857 mentioned above. The outer diameter of the INLINE AIR PRESSURE INDICATOR 90 is less than the inner diameter of the inner pipe 80, so that it can be stored therein.

In the air pump storage state, the handle portion 11 is in the upright position and locked in the collar portion 13 as will be explained more fully hereinafter and the air valve connector 60 is stored inside the handle portion 11. More specifically, the hose portion 23 near the connector 60 is squeezed through an opening in a flap 11 fin the handle 11 as will be explained more fully hereinafter.

Figs. 2A-2G show a perspective view, a side view, a front view, a top view, a bottom view and cross sectional view at lines Π-Π and ΙΠ-ΠΙ of a handle portion 11 according to the invention.

Referring to Figs. 2A-2E, the handle 11 comprises a semi-cylindrical portion 11c having a pair of holes 11 h formed on diagonally opposing sides of the handle 11 in the radial direction of the handle and at a substantially central position along the axial direction of the handle but slightly closer to the lower end 111 of the handle 11.

Numeral 1 If designates a radial flap integrally formed with the inner walls of the semi- cylindrical portion 1 lc in the radial direction thereof. The flap 1 If is formed between the holes 1 lh and the upper end 1 lu of the handle 11 when viewed from the axial direction of the handle.

Numeral 1 lh3 designates a round hole formed at a central portion of the flap 1 If and numeral 1 lr designates the extending ends of the flap 1 If. The space between the extending ends 1 lr of the flap 1 If define a V shaped opening (hereinafter referred to as a gap 1 lg) and is provided for allowing the hose 23 to be squeezed therethrough to allow the connector 60 to be stored in the top half of handle 11.

The flap 1 If serves three main purposes. The first purpose is to strengthen the handle 11 to forces applied to the handle 11 when pumping air through the pump 10. The second purpose is to prevent the handle 11 from swiveling past 100 degrees with respect to the inner pipe 80, i.e. the perpendicular position with respect to the pipe 80 when pumping air. And the third purpose is to act as a latch for snapping the hose 23 in the handle 11 when storing the connector 60 inside the handle 11. Specifically, the gap 11 g between the open ends of the flap 11 f is made to be 3mm at its narrowest point. Accordingly, to store the hose 23 and air valve connector 60 in the top half llu of the handle 11 , the hose 23, having an outer diameter of 4 mm., is manually pushed through the gap 1 lg in the handle 11 until the hose snaps into the hole 1 lh3 in the flap 1 If of the handle 11. To remove the connector 60 and the hose 23 from inside the handle 11 , the connector 60 is manually pulled outwards until the hose 23 snaps out of the flap 11 f in the handle 11.

Numeral lip designates three semi-spherical protrusions integrally formed with the inner wall of the semi-cylindrical portion 1 lc in the radial direction thereof and at the lower end 111 of the handle 11. The protrusions 1 lp are provided for locking snapping the handle 11 into the collar portion 13 and will be explained in more detail hereinafter.

The inner diameter of the semi-cylindrical portion 1 lc is larger than the outer diameter of the inner pipe 80. The outer diameter of the semi-cylindrical portion 1 lc is the same as the outer diameter of the outer pipe 8 lof the air pump 10.

The inner and outer pipes 80, 81 are preferably made of fiber glass or carbon fiber pipes and may be cut to any length according to the desired length for the air pump 10.

The linear distance between the radially extending ends 1 lx, 1 ly of the semi-cylindrical handle 1 lc is less than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 12c of the handle support 12, so that when the handle 11 is swiveled with respect to the inner pipe 80, the space between the ends 1 lx, 1 ly prevents the handle 11 from swiveling accidentally.

The handle 11 is formed of a resilient plastic material such as PVC, PP, Nylon or Polycarbonate, or any other suitable material using conventional injection molding techniques.

Referring to Figs. 3A-3E, numeral 12 generally designates a handle support. Numeral 12c designates a cylindrical portion the inner diameter 12h2 of which is the same as the outer diameter of the inner pipe 80. Numeral 12s designates spherical protrusions (hereinafter referred to as sphere 12s) integrally formed with the cylindrical portion 12c along an upper end 12u thereof. Numeral 12e designates a pair of round shafts integrally formed with the sphere 12s along diagonally opposing sides thereof and numeral 12hl designates a cylindrical hole formed in the sphere 12s. The hole 12hl extends from the upper end 12u of the sphere 12s to a central point therein. The hole 12h2 extends from the lower end 121 of the shaft 12c to the inner end of the hole 12hl. The holes 12h2 and 12hl are coaxial and perpendicular to the shafts 12e of the handle 12. Numeral 12g designates a pair of horizontal grooves formed in the upper part of the spherel2s. The grooves 12g are at a 81 degrees angle with respect to the shafts 12e, respectively, in the radial direction thereof. The grooves 12g are provided for allowing the handle 11 to be swiveled with respect pipe 80 while the air hose 23 is mounted inside the inner pipe 80 and the handle 11.

The inner diameter of the hole 12h2 is the same as the inner diameter of the pipe 80, and, accordingly, the pipe 80 can only be inserted into the shaft portion 12c and the sphere 12s up to a point central to the sphere 12s.

To assemble the handle 11, the handle support 12 and the pipe 80, first glue is applied to one end of the pipe 80 and then the pipe 80 is inserted into the hole 12h2 through the lower end 121 of the handle support 12 until the extending end of the pipe 80 buts up against the inner side of the hole 12hl in the support 12. The holes 12hl and 12h2 meet at a radial point central to the point where the shaft portions 12e are formed or higher, to provide a greater contact area between the pipe 80 and the handle support 12 as well as to minimize the stress forces between the handle support 12 and the pipe 80 while pumping air.

Furthermore, the spherical portion 12s of the support 12 has an outer diameter which is the same as the inner diameter of the semi-cylindrical handle 11c, thereby providing extra support and strength to the handle 11, thereby allowing the handle to be thinner and lighter while providing the same strength.

Next, the handle 11 is mounted on top of the sphere 12s of the handle support 12 with the shafts 12e facing in the axial direction of the semi-cylindrical portion 1 lc of the handle 11. Next, the handle 11 is manually twisted by 81 degrees with respect to the handle support 12 to cause the shafts 12e to snap into the holes llh in the handle 11 to permanently lock the two parts together while allowing the handle 12 to swivel around the handle support 12 and the pipe 80 from a vertical position (hereafter referred to as the air pump storage position) to a horizontal position (hereinafter referred to as air pumping position).

Figs. 4A-4E show a perspective view, a side view, a top view, a bottom view and a side cross sectional view at lines ΙΙ-Π of Fig. 4B of a collar portion 13 according to the present invention. Referring to the Figs., numeral 13 generally designates a collar portion, numeral 13c designates a cylindrical portion (hereinafter referred to as a sleeve 13c), numeral 13r designates a radial ring portion integrally formed with the sleeve 13c along a central portion thereof, numeral 13t designates a cone shaped protrusion formed on the outer surface of the sleeve 13c at an upper end 13u thereof, and numeral 13g designates a radial groove formed on the outer surface of the sleeve 13c. The groove 13g is formed between the ring 13r and the cone shaped protrusion 13t. The cone 13t linearly increases in diameter from the upper end 13u to the lower end 131 of the collar 13.

The sleeve 13c has a larger diameter inner hole 13hl formed in the lower portion 13u thereof and a smaller hole 13h2 extending from the upper end 13u of the sleeve 13c to a point below the ring portion 13r when viewed in the axial direction of the collar 13.

The hole 13h2 in the collar 13 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the inner pipe 80 and the hole 13hl has a diameter slightly larger than a cylindrical portion 14c of the piston 14, so that the cylindrical portion 14c of the piston 14 can fit inside the hole 13hl in the collar portion 13 when the pump 10 is in the fully extended state (as shown in Fig. 12B), thereby increasing the length of the pumping stroke of the pump 10 while at the same time allowing for a longer cylindrical portion 14c to maximizing the bonding surface area between the cylindrical portion 14c and the inner pipe 80 as well as strengthening the pipe 80.

The outer diameter of the cylindrical portions 13c is the same as the inner diameter of the outer pipe 81. The outer diameter of the ring 13r is the same as the outer diameter of the outer pipe 81. The cone shaped protrusion 13t has an outer diameter which is the same as the inner diameter of the handle 11.

The groove 13g in the collar 13 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the cone shaped protrusion 13t as well as long enough to accommodate the three protrusion lip formed on the inner surface of the handle 11.

Accordingly, the sleeve 13c can be fictionally inserted into the top end of the outer pipe 81 and adhered thereto using conventional bonding materials.

The three protrusions 1 lp in the handle 11 can be pushed over the cone shaped protrusion 13t to lock the handle 11 and collar 13 together, i.e. because the protrusions lip of the handle 11 fit in the groove 13g in the collar 13. Alternatively, the handle 11 can be pulled away from the pipe 81 causing to protrusions lip to snap out of the groove 13g, since the handle 11 is formed of a flexible resilient plastic material using conventional injection molding techniques.

Numeral 13h3 designates a hole formed in the sleeve portion 13c of the collar 13 in the axial direction thereof. The hole 13h3 is formed in the wall of the sleeve 13c from the upper surface of the ring 13r to a point inside the shaft 13c of the collar 13. The hole 13h3 is between 2.5-3.0mm in diameter and is provided for allowing a person to spray a lubricant into collar 13 and, accordingly, inside the outer pipe 81, to lubricate the inner walls of the pipe 8 las well as the O rings mounted on the piston 11.

Many spray type lubricants come with a flexible thin tube which has an outer diameter of 2.0mm. Accordingly, the thin tube (not shown) can be inserted through the hole 13h3 in the collar 13 and into the space inside the pipe 81thereby enabling a person to lubricate the inner walls of the pipe 8 las well as to lubricate the O rings mounted on the piston 14.

Figs. 5A-5E show a perspective view, a side view, a top view, a bottom view and a cross sectional view at line II-II in Fig. 5B of a piston 14 according to the present invention. Referring to the Figs., numeral 14 generally designates a piston, numeral 14c designates a cylindrical pipe (hereinafter referred to as a sleeve 14c) having three outwardly facing radial rings 14rl, 14r2 and 14r3 integrally formed therewith along the outer surface thereof. The first ring 14rl is formed at the front end of the sleeve 14c and the second and third rings 14r2, 14r3 are formed above the ring 14rl at fixed intervals therebetween. The distance between the rings 14rl, 14r2 and 14r3 is slightly greater than the thickness of the O rings 141, 142 inserted therebetween. The outer diameter of the sleeve 14c between the rings 14rl and 14r2 and between the rings 14r2 and 14r3is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the O rings 141, 142 mounted thereon. The outer diameter of the rings 14rl, 14r2, 14r3 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the outer pipe 81.

Numerals 14sl and 14s2 designate two pairs of slots formed on the inner surfaces of the rings 14rl and 14r2, respectively, each pair of slots 14sl, 14s2 formed on diagonally opposing sides of the respective rings 14rl 14r2.

The lower end 14f of the sleeve 14c has a wall 14w integrally formed therewith which hermetically seals the lower end of the sleeve 14c.

The piston 14 is formed of plastic using conventional injection molding techniques or by using a CNC machine.

Figs 5F and 5G show side cross sectional views of the piston 14 and the O rings 141, 142 in the piston pumping mode and the piston pulling mode of operation. The air flow between the O rings 141, 142 and the piston 14 is shown by the arrows Fl.

The hole 14h inside the piston 14 extends from the inner side 14i of the wall 14w to the upper end 14b of the sleeve 14c. Accordingly, the pipe 80 can be inserted substantially right through the piston 14, thereby providing a larger surface area to bond the piston 14 to the pipe 80. Furthermore, the inner end of the inner pipe 80 is made substantially stronger by having the sleeve 14c mounted on the outer surface thereof. This is made possible by choosing the inner pipe 80 to have a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the O rings mounted on the piston 14.

Figs. 6A-6E show a perspective view, a front view, a top view, a bottom view and a side cross sectional view of a non-detachable air hose head portion 15 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6F shows a side cross sectional view of the head 15 shown in Fig. 6E, further having the hose 23 and nipple 21 mounted therein, as well as having the cap 16, a rubber flap 17 and a spring 18 mounted therein according to the present invention. The cap 16, flap 17 and the spring 18 together perform the function of a one way air valve.

Referring to Figs 6A-6E, numeral 15 generally designates the non-detachable air hose head portion 15, numeral 15c designates a cylindrical portion having a round shaft portion 15b integrally formed therewith along a bottom end of the cylindrical portion 15c. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 15c is the same as the inner diameter of the outer pipe 81, so that the cylindrical portion 15c can be inserted into the bottom end of the outer pipe 81 and bonded thereto using conventional bonding materials.

Numeral 15s designates an oval shaped slot formed in the side of the shaft 15b. The slot 15s extends horizontally from the outer surface of the shaft 15b to a central point thereof. Numeral 15h2 designates a horizontal round hole formed in the shaft 15b in the radial direction thereof. Numeral 15v designates a vertical hole formed inside the shaft portion 15. The vertical hole 15v extends from the top surface of the shaft 15b to the back end of the round hole 15h2 and the front end of the hole 1 h2 extends to the inner end of the oval slot 15s.

The diameter of the hole 15h2 preferably is set to be 4mm, the hole 1 v greater than 5mm and the slot 15s being larger than 4mm. The length of the hole 15h2 preferably is 4mm. Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 6F, a hose 23 having an outer diameter of 4mm and a nipple 21 are used to permanently lock the hose 23 inside the shaft 15b.

To mount the hose 23 inside the head portion 15, first one end of the hose 23 is inserted into the slot 15s and manually pushed through the horizontal hole 15h2 and the vertical hole 15v until the end of the hose 21 protrudes out of the head 15. Next, a nipple 21 is inserted into extending end of the hose 23 until the ring portion 21r of the nipple 21 buts up against the extending end of the hose 21. Next, the hose 21 is pulled backwards out of the head 15 until the hose 21 having the sleeve portion 21s of the nipple 21 inserted therein locks inside the cylindrical hole 15h, thereby permanently locking the hose 23 in the head portion 15. The hose 23 can be bent upwards inside the slot 15s without causing any kinks to form in the hose 23. Accordingly, by using the nipple 21, the hose 23 can be permanently secured to the head portion 1 . This structure of joining a hose 23 to the head 15 using the nipple 21 is extremely small, compact, strong, cheap and light and requires only one part, the nipple 21. Furthermore, the joint using the nipple 21 requires very little space to install and can maneuver around tight corners very easily.

Referring to Fig. 6F, to assemble the one way air valve, first the cap 16 is placed on a flat surface like a table with the open end thereof facing up. Next, the flap 17 is dropped into the inside of the cap 16. Next, the spring 18 is inserted into the holel6hl in the cap 16. Next, the cap 16 having the flap 17 and the spring 18 mounted therein has some conventional adhesive material applied to the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 16c thereof, and then the cap 16 is inserted inside the hole 15h in the head 15 until the bottom of the cap 16 is flat with the top end of the cylindrical portion 15c of the head 15.

When pumping air, the compressed air inside the outer pipe 81 pushes through the hole 16h2 in the cap 16 to press down on the flap 17 which pushes on the spring 18 to allow air to pass around the flap 17 and though the head portion 15, the hose 23, the connector 60 and into the valve to which the connector 60 is connected to. However, when the pressure decreases inside the pipe 81, the flap 17 returns to it closed position, thereby preventing any air from flowing back into the outer pipe 81.

Figs. 9A-9E show a perspective view, a side view, a top view, a bottom view and a cross sectional view at line II-II in Fig. 9B of a cap for a one way air valve according to the

present invention.

Referring to Figs. 9A-9E, numeral 16 generally designates the cap, numeral 16c designates a cylindrical portion, numeral 16t designates a flat cover integrally formed with the cylindrical portion 16c at one end thereof. Numeral 16h2 designates a round hole formed through the center of the cover portion 16t. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 16c of the cap 16 is the same as 20H/076339 the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 15c of the head portion 15, so that the cylindrical portion 16c of the cap 16 can be inserted into the cylindrical portion 15c of the head portion 16 and adhered thereto using a conventional bonding material or using conventional ultrasonic welding techniques. The length of the cylindrical portion 16c of the cap 16 is the same as the length of the cylindrical portion 15c of the head 15, so that the cap 15 can be completely fit inside the cylindrical portion 15c of the head 15, so as to prevent damaging the cap 16 due to the piston 14 hitting the cap 16 when pumping air through the pump 10.

Figs. 10A shows a front view of an air pump 100 in the pump storage mode. Fig. 10B shows a side view of the air pump 100 in the air pump pumping mode. The air pump 100 is of the air hose attachable/detachable type of pump according to the present invention.

The major difference between the air pumps 10 and 100 that in the air pump 10 the hose 23 is not detachable from the head 15 and in the air pump 100, the air hose 23 is attachable and detachable.

To change from the air pump storage mode shown in Fig. 10A to the air pump pumping mode shown in Fig. 10B, first, the air hose 23 with the air valve connector 60 are removed from inside the inner pipe 80 and the handle 11. Next, the end 23a of the hose 23 is inserted into the connector 40 to become locked therein while at the same time providing an air tight seal

therebetween. Only by pressing the release cap 40a inwards towards the body 40b of the connector 40, can the end 23a of the hose 23 be pulled out of the connector 40.

Furthermore, in the air pump mode of operation shown in Fig. IB, the handle 11 is swiveled 81 degrees with respect to the inner pipe 80 to provide a better grip for a person to pump air.

Figs. 7A-7E show a perspective view, a front view, a top view, a bottom view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II in Fig. 7B of an attachable/detachable head portion 150 (hereinafter referred to as head portion 150) according to the present invention. The head portion 150 is similar to the head portion 1 and only the differences therebetween will be described herebelow. Similar parts will be designated by the same numerals.

Referring to Figs. 7A-7E, numeral 15c designates a cylindrical portion having a round shaft portion 15b integrally formed therewith along a bottom end of the cylindrical portion 15c. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 15c is the same as the inner diameter of the outer pipe 81, so that the cylindrical portion 15c can be inserted into the bottom end of the outer pipe 8 land bonded thereto using conventional bonding materials.

Numerals 150hl, 150h2 and 1 0h3 designate coaxial round hole formed in the side of the shaft 15b in the radial (hereinafter referred to as horizontal) direction thereof. The holel50hl extends from the front side of the shaft 150b for about 3 mm inwards to where the hole 150h2 starts. The hole 150h2 extends horizontally inwards into the shaft 15b for about 10mm to a point where the hole 150h3 starts. The hole 150h3 ends about 1mm from the back side of the shaft 15b.

Numeral 150v designates a hole formed in the shaft portion 150 in the axial direction thereof (hereafter referred to as the vertical direction). The hole 150v extends from the top surface of the shaft portion 15b to where the back end of the hole 150h3, so that air can flow from inside the cylindrical portion 15c through the shaft portion 15b and out the front of the hole 150hl.

The hole 150hl is larger than the hole 150h2 and the hole 150h2 is larger than the hole 150h3 in the head portion 150. The head portion 150 can be formed from any plastic, PVC, PP, nylon, poly-carbonate using conventional injection molding techniques.

Numeral 40 designates a pipe coupling portion made by PISCO Company Ltd., part number PPF4 standard type. Also, the polyurethane hose 23 is made by PISCO. The pipe connector 40 has only one entrance in which to insert a hose 23 and the other end is hermetically sealed.

According to the preferred embodiment, the PISCO hose 23 has an outer diameter of 4mm and inner diameter of 2.5mm. And the connector PPF4 is designed for supporting a 4mm Pisco air hose 23 therein and for hermetically sealing the end of the 4mm hose.

Furthermore, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer diameters of the head portion 150, the outer pipe 81, and the handle 11 are all 18mm. This size outer diameter provides for a thin, light and compact air pump. Also, this diameter air pump allows a user to pump up to 120 psi relatively easy.

Furthermore, this diameter air pump allows the connector 40 part number PPF4 to be completely inserted inside the head portion 150. Furthermore, this diameter air pump allows the air pump to be inserted inside the frame of the bicycle where the saddle post is inserted. First, a spring (not shown) is dropped into the frame of the bicycle and then, the air pump 100 is dropped into the frame on top of the spring. By choosing the proper diameter and length for the spring, the air pump will partially pop out of the bicycle frame when the saddle post is removed. This allows for a safe way to store the air pump 10.

The length of the pump 10 is determined by the length of the inner pipe 80 and the corresponding length of the outer pipe 81, so that the pumps 10, 100 can be made as long or as short as desired by only changing the length of the inner pipe 80 and outer pipe 81, while all the other parts remain exactly the same dimensions regardless of the length of the pumps 10, 100.

In the case of the air pump being made 300mm long the weight of the pump 10 or 100 including the air hose 23 and the air valve connector 60 is approximately 35 grams, which is lighter that any other air pump presently on the market, making this air pump very desirable for serious bikers. Furthermore, the air pump 100 being cylindrical in shape, allows the pump to be easily stored. Still further, having the air hose 23 mounted on the side of the head portion 150 allows the user to push the end of the head 150 against the ground while pumping air, thereby making it easier to pump. Still further, by using the air valve connector 60, it is possible to mount the air valve connector 60 on a Presta type air valve without getting the users hands dirty.

The hole 150h2 has the same diameter as the outer diameter of the connector PPF4 as well as the same length as the Pisco connector PPF4 , so that the connector PPF4 can be completely inserted into the hole 150h2 and bonded to the shaft portion 15b of the head 150.

To assemble the connector 40 (i.e. the Pisco connector PPF4) inside the shaft portion 1 b of the head portion 150, first an adhesive material is applied to the outer surface of the connector 40. Next, the connector 40 is inserted into the holes 150hl, 150h2 and 150h3 until the connector 40 is completely inside the head portion 150. Next a 3mm. drilling bit is inserted into the vertical hole 150v and a hole is drilled into the back end of the connector 40, thereby allowing air to flow through the head portion 150 and the connector 40.

By drilling the hole 40h4 into the back side of the connector 40 after the gluing step of the connector 40, no glue can penetrate the inside of the connector 40.

Since the back end of the connector PPF4 is hermetically sealed, the back part of the connector PPF4 having a smaller diameter can be cut off to allow air to flow therethrough.

Accordingly, compressed air in the air pump 10 can flow through connector 40. The conventional connector 40 made by Pisco Co. Ltd has a cylindrical body portion 40b and a round activation portion 40a. When the activation portion 40a is pressed inwards towards the body portion 40b, it releases the hose grip mechanism 40g inside the body 40b of the hose connector 40, thereby allowing a person to remove the hose 23 from the connector 40. To mount the hose 23 inside the connector 40, the extending end of the hose 23 need simply be pushed into the hole 40b in the connector 40 as far as the hose 23 will go in. The tooth like grabbers 40g in the connector 40 will automatically grab the hose 23 and prevent the hose 23 from coming back out. An O ring (40b2 shown in Fig. 11) inside the connector 40 provides an air seal for preventing air from escaping between the hose 23 and the connector 40.

The hole 150hl is formed to be larger than the hole 150h2 in the shaft portion 15c of the head portion 150 to allow a user easy access to the activation portion 40a of the connector 40.

The connector 40 is manufactured by Pisco Co. Ltd., part number PPF4, the subject matter of which is incorporated herewith. The combination of the connector 40, with the head portion 150, is considered new and novel according to the present invention.

Fig. 11 shows a side cross sectional view of a attachable/detachable head portion 1500 (hereinafter referred to as head portion 1500) according to another embodiment of the present invention. The head portion 1500 is the very similar to the head portion 150 and only the differences therebetween will be described herebelow. In the Figs., the same numerals will be used to describe the same or similar parts.

Referring to Fig. 11, numerals 1500h2 and 1500h3 designate round holes formed in the head portion 1500 in the horizontal direction thereof. The holes 1500h2 and 1500h3 in the head portion 1500 are smaller than the hole 150h2 and 150h3 in the head portion 150 because only the parts inside the case 40b of the Pisco connector 40 are stored inside the head portion 1500.

Numeral 40b 1 designates a conventional air hose attaching/releasing device found stored inside the case 40 of a Pisco type PPF4 connector and numeral 40b2 designates an O ring found inside the case of the Pisco type PPF4 connector. The outer diameter of the device 40b2 is 8mm and the outer diameter of the O ring 40b2 is also 8mm. Numeral 40t designates a cone shaped tooth like radial protrusion formed on the outer surface of the device 40b 1, which is provided for preventing the device 40b 1 from being pulled out of the hole 1500h2 in the head portion 1500.

To assemble the device 40b 1 and the O ring 40b2 in the head portion 1500, first the O ring 40b2 is inserted into the hole 1500h2 until the O ring buts up against the beginning of the hole 1500h3. The diameter of the hole 1500h3 is 3mm in diameter, so that the air hose 23, which has a 4mm outer diameter, cannot penetrate into the hole 1500h3, thereby ensuring the air can flow through the head 1500. Next, the back end of the device 40b 1 is inserted into the hole 1500h2 and then forced into the hole 1500h2 to cause the tooth like protrusion 40t to bite into the inner surface of the hole 1500h2, thereby preventing the device 40b 1 from being pulled out of the head portion 1500 during pumping of air.

The cap 16, rubber flap 17 and the spring 18 are assembled inside the head portion 1500 in the same way as in the head portions 15 and 150.

Figs. 8A-8E show a perspective view, a front view, a top view, a bottom view and a side cross sectional view at lines II-II in Fig. 8B of another embodiment of a non-detachable air hose head portion 15000 (hereinafter referred to as head portion 15000) according to another

embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8F shows the head portion 15000 shown in Fig. 8E further including a one way air valve mounted therein.

The head portion 15000 is of the air hose fixed type and is similar to the head 15. In the Figs., the same numerals and symbols will be used to designate the same or similar parts.

Referring to Figs. 8A-8F, numeral 15000p designates a round post integrally formed with the top surface of the shaft 15b. The height of the post 15000p is 0.8mm shorter than the height of the cylindrical portion 15c of the head 15000. Numeral 15000v designates a vertical hole formed in the shaft portion 15 s. The diameter of the hole 15000v is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the hose 23, and the outer diameter of the sleeve portion 21s of the nipple 21 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the hose 23, so that when the portion of the hose 23 having the sleeve portion 21s of the nipple 21 inserted therein is pulled or pushed into the hoe 15000v, the hose becomes permanently locked therein.

To mount the hose 23 in the head portionl5000, first one end of the hose 23 is inserted into the vertical hole 1500v and pushed through the head portion 15000. Next, a nipple 21 is inserted into the end of the hose 23. Next, the hose having the nipple inserted therein is either pulled or pushed into the vertical hole 1500v to permanently lock the hose in the head 15000.

The hole 150hl, 150h2 and 150h3 in the head portion 150 are formed to have the same size and shape as the body portion 40b of the connector 40 (i.e. Pisco part PPF4) and all the parts inside the body 40 used to manufacture the conventional Pisco connector PPF4. Accordingly, the Pisco connector PPF4 can be directly stored inside the hole 150h in the head 150. To assemble the Piscon connector in the head portion 150, first an adhesive material is applied to the cover portion of the Pisco connector 40, next, the pisco connector is inserted into the holes 150hl, 150h2 and 150h3 to bond with the connector 150, and then, a 3mm hole is drilled through the cover of the Pisco connector 40 by placing a drill bit into the vertical hole 150v and drilling into the center of the back portion of the Pisco connector 40. This enables air to flow through the head portion 150 and the connector 40. In this method of joining the Pisco connector 40 to the head portion 150, it is possible to prevent adhesive material from entering the inside of the case of the Pisco connector 40.

It should be noted that there are many companies make similar attachable/detachable air hose connectors and that the present invention is not intended to be limited to the Pisco connector 40.

Figs. 13A-13E show a perspective view, a side view, a top view, a bottom view, and a side cross sectional view at line II-II in Fig. 13B of an adapter portion 82 according to the present invention. Fig. 14A shows a side view of the adapter 82 mounted on the outer pipe 81 and the collar 130. Fig. 14B shows a side cross sectional view of the adapter 82 at line Π-ΙΙ in Fig. 14A mounted on the outer pipe 81 and the collar 130.

Referring to Figs. 13A-13E, numeral 82 generally designates ah adopter. Numeral 82s designates a round sleeve portion, the lower half of which has an inner diameter 82hl which is the same as the outer diameter of the outer pipe 81 and the upper half of which has an inner diameter 82h2 which is the same as the inner diameter of the outer pipe 81. The upper half of the nipple 82 has a thread 82t formed on the inner wall thereof.

To mount the adapter 82 on the outer pipe 81, an adhesive material is applied to the inner surface 81hl of the lower half of the adapter 82 and then the outer pipe 81 is inserted into the hole 82hl to permanently join the adapter 82 to the pipe 81.

Numeral 130 designates a collar portion. The collar portion 130 is similar to the collar 13 and only the differences therebetween will be described herebelow.

The sleeve 13c of the collar 13 has a male thread 130t formed on the outer surface thereof. Accordingly, the collar 130 can be mounted on the adapter 82 by simply screwing the male thread 130t into the female thread 82t. In this case the lubrication hole 13h3 is not required.

Claims

C LA I M S

1. An air pump which comprises:

means for generating air pressure;

means for coupling an air hose to said generating means; and

means for connecting said air hose to an air valve.

2. An air pump as recited in claim 1, wherein said air hose coupling means comprises: a nipple, said nipple being inserted into one end of said hose and said hose having said nipple inserted therein being inserted into a hole formed in said generating means, thereby permanently coupling said one end of said hose to said generating means.

3. An air pump as recited in claim 2, wherein said nipple comprises:

a sleeve portion having a plurality of cone shaped protrusion integrally formed therewith along the outer surface thereof;

an outwardly facing ring portion integrally formed with said sleeve portion along one end of said sleeve portion,

said sleeve portion being inserted into one end of said hose and said hose having said sleeve portion inserted therein being inserted in a hole formed in said air pressure generating means, thereby locking said hose in said hole in said air pressure generating means.

4. An air pump as recited in claim 1, wherein said air hose coupling means comprises: a connector portion (40) mounted inside a hole in said air pressure generating means.

5. An air pump as recited in claim 4, wherein said connector portion is made by Pisco Co. Ltd. part number PPF4 standard type, said connector portion having a hole formed through the back end thereof for allowing air to flow therethrough.

6. An air pump which comprises:

an inner pipe;

an outer pipe;

a piston mounted on one end of said inner pipe;

a handle;

means for mounting said handle to the other end of said inner pipe;

a head portion mounted on one end of said outer pipe; and

a collar portion mounted on the other end of said outer pipe;

said head portion comprising;

a cylindrical portion having a round shaft portion integrally formed therewith along a bottom end of said cylindrical portion, the outer diameter of said cylindrical portion being the same as the inner diameter of said outer pipe, so that said cylindrical portion 15c can be inserted into the bottom end of the outer pipe and bonded thereto using conventional bonding materials, and

means for coupling an air hose to said head portion, said air hose having an outer diameter of 4mm and an inner diameter of 2.5mm.

7. An air pump as recited in claim 6, wherein said means for coupling said air hose to said head portion comprises:

an oval shaped aperture 15s formed in the side of said shaft portion 15b, said aperture extending from the outer surface of the shaft 15b to a central point thereof in the radial direction of said shaft portion 15b,

a round horizontal hole 15h2 formed in said shaft portion 15b in the radial direction thereof, said round hole 15h2 extending from the back end of said oval shaped aperture 15s towards a back side of said shaft portion 15b, and

a vertical hole 15v extending from the top surface of said shaft portion 15b to the back end of the horizontal hole 15h2,

said horizontal hole 15h2 being 4mm in diameter, the vertical hole 15v being larger than 5mm and the slot 15s being larger than 4mm, and said air hose coupling means comprises;

a nipple,

said nipple comprising:

said sleeve portion being inserted into one end of said hose and said hose having said sleeve portion inserted therein being inserted in said horizontal hole formed in said head portion, thereby locking said hose in said horizontal hole in said head portion.

8. An air pump as recited in claim 6, wherein said means for connecting an air hose to said head portion comprises:

Pisco part number PPF4, said part being mounted in a round horizontal hole formed in said shaft portion of said head portion, said hole extending from front side of said head portion to a point near the back side of said head portion, the outer diameter of said hole being the same as the outer diameter of said part, said part having a hole formed through the back end thereof for allowing air to flow therethrough, and said shaft portion having a vertical hole formed from the top end thereof to the back end of said horizontal hole, so that air can flow from inside said outer pipe through said head portion and through said hole formed in the back of said part through said part, whereby, when said air hose is coupled to said part, air can be pumped through said hose to pump up a bicycle air tire, ball, air mattress or any other product.

9. An air pump as recited in claim 6, wherein said piston comprises:

a sleeve portion 14c having three radial rings 14rl, 14r2 and 14r3 integrally formed therewith along the outer surface thereof, the bottom end of said sleeve being hermetically sealed, said first ring being formed at the bottom end of said sleeve 14c and said second and third rings 14r2, 14r3 being formed above said first ring 14rl at fixed intervals therebetween,

the distance between said rings 14rl, 14r2 and 14r3 being slightly bigger than the thickness of the O ring mounted therebetween,

the outer diameter of the sleeve portion 14c between said rings 14rl and 14r2 and between the rings 14r2 and 14r3 being slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the O rings mounted thereon,

the outer diameter of the rings 14rl, 14r2, 14r3 being slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the outer pipe 81 ,

said first and second rings 14rl, 14r2 having a pair of radial slots 14sl and 14s2 formed on upper surfaces of said rings in the radial direction thereof,

the hole in said sleeve portion having an inner diameter the same as the outer diameter of said inner pipe, so that said inner pipe can be supported inside said sleeve portion 14c of said piston 14.

10. An air pump as recited in claim 6, wherein said handle comprises:

a semi-cylindrical portion 11c having a pair of holes llh formed on diagonally opposing sides of the handle 11 in the radial direction of the handle and at a substantially central position along the axial direction of the handle,

a radial flap 1 If integrally formed with the inner walls of the semi-cylindrical portion 11c in the radial direction thereof, the flap 1 If being formed between the holes llh and the upper end llu of the handle 11 in the axial direction of the handle, said flap having a central hole formed through the center thereof and a V shaped gap llg extending from the outer surface of the flap to the central hole therein along the radial direction thereof for allowing an air hose to be squeezed therethrough, to allow a connector 60 to be stored in the top half of handle 11,

three semi-spherical protrusions 1 lp integrally formed with the inner wall of the semi- cylindrical portion 11c in the radial direction thereof for locking/snapping the handle 11 into a neck portion 13,

the inner diameter of the semi-cylindrical portion 1 lc is larger than the outer diameter of the inner pipe 80, the outer diameter of the semi-cylindrical portion 11c being the same as the outer diameter of the outer pipe 81 of the air pump 10,

the linear distance between the radially extending ends 1 lx, 1 ly of the semi-cylindrical handle 11c being less than the outer diameter of a cylindrical portion 12c of a handle support 12, so that when the handle 11 is swiveled with respect to the inner pipe 80, the space between the ends llx, 1 ly prevents the handle 11 from swiveling accidentally.

11. An air pump as recited in claim 6, wherein said handle support comprises:

a cylindrical portion 12c the inner diameter 12h2 of which is the same as the outer diameter of the inner pipe 80,

a sphere 12s integrally formed with the cylindrical portion 12c along an upper end 12u thereof,

a pair of round shafts 12e integrally formed with the sphere 12s along diagonally opposing sides thereof, said sphere having a first cylindrical hole 12hl formed therein, said first hole 12hl being formed from an upper end of said sphere to a central point therein, said first hole and hole inside said cylindrical portion 12c being coaxial and joining at a central point to said sphere,

the inner diameter of the hole 12h2 is the same as the inner diameter of the pipe 80, and the outer diameter of said sphere being the same as the inner diameter of said cylindrical portion 11c of said handle portion.

12. An air pump as recited in claim 6, wherein said collar portion comprises:

a sleeve 13c having an outwardly facing radial ring portion integrally formed therewith along a central portion thereof,

a cone shaped protrusion 13t formed on the outer surface of the sleeve 13c at an upper end 13u thereof, and

a radial groove 13g formed on the outer surface of the sleeve 13c, the groove 13g being formed between the ring 13r and the cone shaped protrusion 13t,

the cone shaped protrusion 13t linearly increasing in diameter from the upper end 13u to the lower end 131 of the collar 13,

the sleeve 13c having a larger diameter inner hole 13hl formed in the lower portion 13u thereof and a smaller hole 13h2 extending from the upper end 13u of the sleeve 13c to a point below the ring portion 13r,

the hole 13hl having a diameter slightly larger than a cylindrical portion 14c of the piston 14, so that the cylindrical portion 14c of the piston 14 can fit inside the hole 13hl in the collar portion 13 when the pump 10 is in the fully extended state, thereby increasing the length of the pumping stroke of the pump 10 while at the same time allowing for a longer cylindrical portion 14c to maximizing the bonding surface area between the cylindrical portion 14c and the inner pipe 80 as well as strengthening the pipe 80,

the hole 13h2 in the cylindrical portions 13c being slightly larger than the outer diameter of the inner pipe 80,

the outer diameter of the ring 13r being the same as the outer diameter of the outer pipe 81, the cone shaped protrusion 13t having an outer diameter which is the same as the inner diameter of the handle 11,

the groove 13g in the collar 13 being slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the cone shaped protrusion 13t as well as long enough to accommodate the three protrusion 1 lp formed on the inner surface of the handle 11.

13. An air pump as recited in claim 6, wherein said air hose is a polyurethane pipe having an inner diameter of 2.5mm and an outer diameter of 4mm, the length of said air hose being the length of said inner pipe 81 plus the length of half of said handle portion, so that said pipe can be inserted inside said inner pipe and said handle, thereby optimizing the compactness of said air pump.

14. An air pump as recited in claim 6, wherein said air valve connecting means comprises: a PISCO Co. Ltd. Connector part number PPL4 mounted in a cylindrical hole is said head portion, said part having a hole formed through the back end thereof for allowing air to flow therethrough,

said head having a vertical hole formed therein, so that air passing in said vertical hole can flow through said part, whereby an air hose can be attached and detached to and from said part.

15. An air pump as recited in claim 6, further comprising a one way air valve, said one way air valve comprising:

a cap portion 16 said cap portion comprising:

a cylindrical portion 16c and a flat cover portion 16t integrally formed at one end of said cylindrical portion, said cap portion having an aperture 16h2 formed through the center thereof, the outer diameter of said cylindrical portion being the same as the inner diameter of said cylindrical portionsl 5c of said head portion 15000;

said head portion 15000 further comprising a round vertical post 15000p integrally formed with the top of the shaft portion 15b along an upper surface thereof, said post having substantially the same length as the length of said cylindrical portion 15c of said head portion 15000, and

a round rubber flap 17 the outer diameter of which is smaller than the inner diameter of said cylindrical portion 16c of said cap portion 16, said flap being inserted in said cap portion and said cap portion 16 being inserted into said cylindrical portion 15c of said head portion 15000, whereby said flap is pinned to the inner surface of cover portion 16t of said cap 16 by said post 15000p to prevent air from escaping backwards through said hole 16h2 in said cap portion, while allowing air inside the outer pipe 81 to flow through the hole 16h2 in the cover portion 16t of the cap 16, due to the elastic nature of the rubber flap 17.

16. An air pump as recited in claim 6, further comprising a one way air valve, said one way air valve comprising:

a cap portion 16 said cap portion comprising:

a cylindrical portion 16c and a flat cover portion 16t integrally formed at one end of said cylindrical portion, said cap portion having an aperture 16h2 formed through the center thereof, the outer diameter of said cylindrical portion being the same as the inner diameter of said cylindrical portionsl5c of said head portion 150;

a spring 18; and

a round rubber flap 17 the outer diameter of which is smaller than the inner diameter of said cylindrical portion 16c of said cap portion 16,

said flap 17 being inserted in said cap portion 16, and said spring 18 being inserted into said cap portion 16 on top of said flap 17 and said cap portion 16, having said flap 17 and said spring 18 inserted therein, being inserted into said cylindrical portion 15c of said head portion 150, whereby said flap is pinned to the inner surface of cover portion 16t of said cap 16 by said spring to prevent air from escaping backwards through said hole 16h2 in said cap portion, while allowing air inside the outer pipe 81 to flow through the hole 16h2 in the cover portion 16t of the cap 16, due to the elastic nature of the spring.