Patent Publication Number: US-2012037244-A1

Title: Air pump facilitator

Description:
The present invention relates to a facilitator for facilitating the pumping of air into the tire of a bicycle, motor cycle or car tire. The facilitator basically comprises a flexible nylon pipe (or urethane or teflon pipe) or any flexible pipe or hose, one end of which is connected to an air pump connecting means and the other end of which is connected to a valve connecting means (Schrader, Presta or Dunlop). The facilitator further comprises an “INLINE air pressure indicator” coupled to said air hose along a central portion of said flexible air hose for constantly measuring the pressure in the tire while pumping air into the tire. 
     The present invention further comprises means for coupling an air hose, gas hose, or hydraulic hose to any other part using only one extra part. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many portable air pumps presently on the market do not have an air hose for connecting to the air valve of a bicycle, motorcycle or a car tire. Having an air hose allows air to be pumped into a tire much more easily and stably than without an air hose. Furthermore, many conventional air pumps do not have an air pressure gauge which makes it impossible to know how much air is in the tire. 
     Still further, presently, conventional floor type air pumps as well as some portable air pumps have a rubber air hose for facilitating the pumping of air into a tire. However, these rubber air hoses are relatively large in diameter and have thick walls not only to be able to withstand high air pressure (120 psi) but also to be able to physically connect the air hoses to the air pump, making them heavy and bulky. Further, each end of the air hose is coupled to the air pump and to the air valve connector using multiple parts making the air pump more expansive, bulkier as well as heavier. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     A major object of the present invention is to provide an air pump facilitator which overcomes the drawbacks mentioned above. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an air pump facilitator which facilitates the pumping of air into an air tire, by making it easier to pump air into the tire. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an air pump facilitator which can be easily connected to most air pumps presently available on the market; 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an air pump facilitator having an “INLINE” pressure indicator; 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an air pump facilitator which has a very thin, strong, light flexible air hose which has an inner diameter just big enough to allow a sufficient air flow rate during normal air pumping using conventional bicycle air pumps; 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an air pump facilitator which has a hose made of thin nylon or urethane having an inner diameter of between 1-3 mm and an outer diameter of between 2-4 mm, respectively, and preferably an inner diameter (ID) of 2.5 mm and an outer diameter (OD) of 4 mm such as made by Pisco Co. Ltd. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an air pump facilitator comprising a very thin light air hose having an air pump connecting portion coupled to one end of said hose and an air valve connecting portion coupled to the other end of said hose, said connecting portions respectively being coupled to said respective ends of said air hose by means of glue which adheres both to vinyl and metal, such as manufactured by Semedine super glue product no. AX-023. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an air pump facilitator comprising a very thin light air hose having an air pump connecting portion coupled to one end of said hose and an air valve connecting portion coupled to the other end of said hose, said connecting portions being coupled to said respective ends of said air hose by means of a cylindrically shaped nipple frictionally inserted inside the respective ends of said hose and the respective ends of said hose being frictionally inserted inside cylindrical holes in said portions. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an air pump facilitator comprising a very thin light air hose having an air pump connecting portion coupled to one end of said hose and an air valve connecting portion coupled to the other end of said hose, said connecting portions respectively being coupled to said respective ends of said air hose by means of a cylindrically shaped nipple, said nipple having an outer diameter which is slightly larger than the inner diameter of said hose and each of said nipples being inserted into respective ends of said air hose so as to lock said connecting portions to said ends of said air hose, each of said nipples having a through hole formed through the center thereof; 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide a nipple portion for coupling any conventional part to any conventional air hose, gas hose, or hydraulic hose, the nipple comprising a round sleeve portion and a round outwardly facing radial ring portion integrally formed with said sleeve portion, the sleeve portion having an outer diameter which is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the hole in the hose, and the ring portion having an outer diameter which is greater than a hole in said conventional part through which the conventional air hose is to be inserted, the ring portion preventing the sleeve from being pulled through said conventional part, and the sleeve portion having at least one outwardly facing cylindrical cone shaped protrusion along the outer surface thereof for gripping the hose. This nipple can be used for coupling any conventional hose to any conventional part. 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide an American type (Schrader) air valve connector having one part thereof which is a conventional part of a British (Dunlop) type air valve, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the Schrader connector; 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide a French (Presta) type air valve connector having two cylindrical parts for allowing one part to swivel with respect to the other part. 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide a INLINE air pressure gauge coupled to a central portion of an air hose according to the present invention; 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide a INLINE air pressure gauge coupled to a central portion of an air hose of the air pump facilitator according to the present invention; 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide an INLINE air pressure gauge having very few parts; and 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide a digital INLINE air pressure gauge coupled to a central portion of said air hose. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A-1D  shows a side view, a front view, a back view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II of  FIG. 1A  of a nipple  21  used for connecting any part to any hose according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows a side cross sectional view of a conventional part  22  having a conventional type hose  23  coupled thereto using the nipple  21  according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an air pump facilitator  44  according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of an air pump facilitator  45  according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of an air pump facilitator  46  according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 6A-6D  show a side view, front view, a back view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II of  FIG. 2A  of an air pump connecting portion  40  of the facilitator  45  and  46  according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 7A  shows a side cross sectional view of the air pump connecting portion  40  having the air hose  23  and the nipple  21  mounted therein; 
         FIG. 7B  shows a side cross sectional view of an air pump connecting portion  4000  according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8A-8E  show a perspective view, a side view, a front view, a back view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II in  FIG. 8B  of a first part  51  of the American Schrader type air valve connector  50  according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 9A-9D  show a side view, a front view, a back view and a cross sectional view at line II-II in  FIG. 9A  of a second part  52  of the American Schrader type air valve connector  50  according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 10A-10E  show a perspective view, a side view, a front view, a back view and a cross sectional view at line II-II in  FIG. 9B  of a third part  53  of the American Schrader type valve connector  50  according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 11A-11B  show a front view and a side view of a one way air valve diaphragm  54  of the American Schrader type valve connector  50  according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 12A  shows a side cross sectional view of all the parts of the Schrader air valve  50  assembled together according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 12B  shows a side cross sectional view of all the parts of the Schrader air valve  50  assembled together and having a Schrader air valve  17  mounted therein; 
         FIG. 13A-13D  show a side view, a front view, a back view and a cross sectional view at line II-II in  FIG. 13A  of a first part  61  of the French type Presta air valve connecting portion  60  according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 14A-14D  show a side view, a front view, a back view and a cross sectional view at line II-II in  FIG. 14A  of a second part  62  of the French type Presta air valve connecting portion  60  according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 15A  shows a side cross sectional view of the Presta air valve connecting portion  60  with all the parts assembled therein before the extending end  61   e  of the first part  61  is folded according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 15B  shows a side cross sectional view of the Presta air valve connecting portion  60  with all the parts assembled therein after the extending end  61   e  of first part  61  is folded according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 15C  shows a side cross sectional view of the Presta air valve connecting portion  60  shown in  FIG. 15B  further having a Presta type air valve  18  mounted therein; 
         FIGS. 16A-16D  show a side view, a front view, a back view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II of  FIG. 16A  of a first part  71  of a REVERSIBLE air valve connecting portion  70  according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 17A-17D  show a side view, a front view, a back view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II of  FIG. 17A  of a second part  72  of a REVERSIBLE air valve connecting portion  70  according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 18A-18D  show a side view, a front view, a back view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II of  FIG. 18A  of a third part  73  of a REVERSIBLE air valve connecting portion  70  according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 19A-19D  show a side view, a front view, a back view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II of  FIG. 19A  of a fourth part  74  of a REVERSIBLE air valve connecting portion  70  according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 20A-20E  show a perspective view, a side view, a front view, a back view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II of  FIG. 20B  of a fifth part  75  of a REVERSIBLE air valve connecting portion  70  according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  shows a side cross sectional view of the first, second and fourth parts of the REVERABLE air valve connecting portion  70  in the assemble form; 
         FIG. 22  shows a side cross sectional view of the REVERABLE air valve connecting portion  70  in the assemble form with the third part  73  mounted in the second part  72  in the Presta valve mounting direction and with a Presta type air valve  18  mounted therein; 
         FIG. 23  shows a side cross sectional view of the REVERABLE air valve connecting portion  70  in the assembled form with the third part  73  mounted in the second part  72  in the Schrader air valve mounting direction with a Schrader type air valve  17  mounted therein; 
         FIG. 24A-24E  show a perspective view, a side view, a front view, a back view, and a side cross sectional view at line II-II of  FIG. 24B  of an outer cylindrical portion  81  of an INLINE air pressure gauge  80  according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 25A-25E  show a perspective view, a side view, a front view, a back view, and a side cross sectional view at line II-II of  FIG. 25B  of a cap portion  82  of an INLINE air pressure gauge  80  according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 26A-26E  show a perspective view, a side view, a front view, a back view, and a side cross sectional view at line II-II of  FIG. 26B  of an inner cylindrical portion  83  of an INLINE air pressure gauge  80  according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 27A-27E  show a perspective view, a side view, a front view, a back view, and a side cross sectional view at line II-II of  FIG. 27B  of a piston  12  of an INLINE air pressure gauge  80  according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 28A  shows a side cross sectional view of an INLINE air pressure gauge  80  according to the present invention with the piston  12  in the zero air pressure position; 
         FIG. 28B  shows a side cross sectional view of an INLINE air pressure gauge  80  according to the present invention with the piston  12  in the full air pressure position; 
         FIG. 28C  shows a side cross sectional view of a digital INLINE air pressure gauge  90  according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 29  shows a side cross sectional view of the air pump connecting portion  40  of  FIG. 7A  further having a one way air valve mounted therein; 
         FIGS. 30A-30D  shows a side view, a front view, a back view and a side cross sectional view of a second part  41  of the air pump connecting portion  400  according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 31A  shows a side cross sectional view of a Schrader air valve connecting portion  500  according to another embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 31B  shows a side cross sectional view of a Schrader air valve connecting portion  500  of  FIG. 31A  having a Schrader air valve  17  mouted therein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS; 
       FIG. 1A-1D  shows a side view, a front view, a back view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II of  FIG. 1A  of a nipple  21  used for connecting any conventional part to any conventional hose according to the present invention. Referring to the Figs., numeral  21  generally designates a nipple having a cylindrical sleeve portion  21   s  and an outwardly facing radial ring portion  21   r  integrally formed with the sleeve portion  21   s  in the radial direction of the sleeve portion  21   s  and along one end thereof Numeral  21   p  designates three radial cone shaped protrusion integrally formed with the sleeve portion  21   s  along the outer surface thereof The larger diameters of the cone shaped protrusions  21   p  face towards the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21 . With the larger diameters of the cone shaped portions  21   p  facing towards the ring portion  21   r,  two objectives are accomplished. The first being that it is much easier to push the nipple  21  into the end of the hose  23  and the other objective is that once the end of the hose  23  is mounted onto the sleeve portion  21   s  of the nipple  21 , the protrusions  21   p  “bite” into (dig into) the skin of the hose  23 , grabbing the hose and preventing the nipple  21  from being pulled out of the end of the hose  23 . Numeral  21   h  designates a hole through the centre of the nipple  21  in the axial direction thereof. The outer diameter of the ring portion  21   r  is larger than the outer diameter of the protrusions  21   p  and the protrusions  21   p  have a larger diameter than the sleeve portion  21   s.    
       FIG. 2  shows a side cross sectional view of a conventional part  22  connected to a conventional flexible hose  23  using the nipple  21  according to the present invention. Referring to the Fig., numeral  23  designates a flexible hose made from polyurethane, polypropylene, nylon, etc., numeral  22  designates a conventional part which may be a part of a bigger part in any air pump, hydraulic system, pneumatic system, air conditioning system, pneumatic drill in a dentist office, air conditioning system in a car, etc., numeral  21  designates a nipple portion used for coupling the part  22  with the hose  23  according to the present invention. 
     Numeral  22   h  designates a through hole formed through the conventional part  22 . The inner diameter of the hole  22   h  is the same as or larger than the outer diameter of the hose  23 . The inner diameter of the hole  22   h  is larger than the outer diameters of the sleeve portion  21   s  and protrusions  21   p  of the nipple  21 . The outer diameter of the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21  is larger than the inner diameter of the hole  22   h  in the part  22 . The outer diameter of the sleeve portion  21   s  of the nipple  21  and the protrusions  21   p  are larger than the inner diameter of the hole  23   h  in the hose  23 . 
     The other end of the sleeve portion  21   s  of the nipple  21  is tapered  21   t  for facilitating the insertion of the nipple  21  into the hose  23 . 
     Preferably, the length of the hole  22   h  in the part  22  should be at least as long as the length of the sleeve portion  21   s  of the nipple  21 . Also, preferably the inner diameter of the hole  21   h  through the sleeve portion  21   s  of the nipple  21  is substantially the same as the hole in the hose  23 . 
     The first coned protrusion  21   p  is formed at the extending end of the nipple  21 , the cone  21   p  provides a tapered surface for also facilitating the insertion of the nipple  21  into the hose  23 . 
     To mount the hose  23  in the part  22 , first one end of the hose  23  is fed through the hole  22   h  in the part  22  until the front end of the hose  23  protrudes out of the other end of the hole  22   h.  Next, the extending front end of the sleeve portion  21   s  of the nipple  21  is pushed into the hole  23   h  in the end of the hose  23  until the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21  butts up against the extending end of the hose  23 , thereby causing the hose portion of the hose  23  in which the sleeve portion  21   s  is inserted into to stretch outwards and become larger than the inner diameter of the hole  22   h  in the part  22 . At this time, the cone shaped protrusions  21   p  dig into a portion of the inner walls of the hose  23  making it difficult to pull the nipple  21  back out of the hose  23 . Next, the hose  23  is pulled back through the part  22  by pulling backwards on the other end of the hose  23  to cause the one end of the hose  23  having the sleeve portion  21   s  inserted therein to be pulled into the hole  22   h  in the part  22 , whereby the hose portion of the hose  23  having the sleeve portion  21   s  of the nipple portion  21  inserted therein gets squeezed inside the hole  22   h  in the part  22 , as well as further squeezing the cone shaped protrusions into the skin of the hose to better grip the hose  23  by the sleeve portion  21   s  of the nipple  21 . Furthermore, since the outer diameter of the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21  is larger than the hole  22   h  in the part  22 , it becomes impossible to pull the nipple  21  through the hole  22   h  in the part  22 , thereby permanently locking the hose  23  in the part  22 . Furthermore, the hose  23 , the part  22  and nipple  21  are hermetically sealed with each other. 
     It should be noted that the nipple  21  can be used to hermetically couple any conventional hose to any conventional part where gas pressure, oil pressure, water, etc., is present. For example, in the automotive industry, the nipple  21  can be used to connect hoses in the vehicles power steering system, the hydraulic brake system, the air conditioning system, etc. Similarly for commercial airplanes, boats, etc. 
     Furthermore, that the cone shaped protrusions  21   p  need not be cone shaped, and can be any other shape such as semi-cylindrical, square, etc. 
       FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the air pump facilitator  44  according to the present invention. Referring to the Fig., numeral  23  designates a high pressure flexible air hose made of nylon, urethane, Teflon, rubber, plastic, polypropylene, polyethylene, or any other material suitable for high pressures, numeral  50  designates a American Schrader type air valve connecting portion which is mounted on one end of the air hose  23  and the other end  23   a  of the air hose  23  is used for mounting the facilitator  44  to a conventional air pump. 
     One such high pressure hose is made by Pisco Co. Ltd. The preferred inner diameter of the air hose is 2.5 mm and the outer diameter is approximately 4 mm (i.e. Pisco catalogue part number polyurethane tube UB0425(5/32) or nylon NA0425(5/32)). The outer diameter of the air hose  23  (i.e. 4 mm) is smaller than the outer diameter of the French (Presta) type air valve (i.e. 5.12 mm). This hose is relatively thin and has a much smaller outer diameter than air hoses presently used with conventional air pumps and, accordingly, is much lighter, as well as being stronger and cheaper. This size hose of 2.5×4.0 mm also allows the use of one part normally used in British type air valves to be used for an American Schrader type of air connecting portion valve as will be explained hereafter, as well as minimizing the weight and reducing the number of parts required. Furthermore, it allows for a very simple construction of a French type air valve connector having few parts and which can swivel with respect to the air hose  23  by using only 4 parts. Still further, the hose  23  has an outer diameter of approximately 4 mm which is just the right size to fit into the air pump connector commonly found in conventional air pumps for mounting the conventional air pump on a French type air valve. Accordingly, with this diameter hose, one end of the hose  23   a  can itself become the connecting portion for the facilitator  50 , thereby minimizing the number of parts used with the facilitator  44 . 
     The inner diameter of 2.5 mm for the air hose  23  allows for a sufficient air flow rate to pass therethrough when pumping up a bicycle air tire using conventional bicycle air pumps. Namely the molecular friction between air particles is not substantial to hamper air flow in the air hose  23  during pumping. 
       FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of an air pump facilitator  45  comprising a high pressure air hose  23  having a Schrader air valve connecting portion  50  mounted on one end thereof and an air pump connecting portion  40  mounted on the other end thereof. 
       FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of an air pump facilitator  46  comprising a high pressure air hose  23  having a Presta air valve connecting portion  60  mounted on one end thereof and a air pump connecting portion  40  mounted on the other end thereof according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 6A-6D  show a side view, front view, a back view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II of  FIG. 6A  of an air pump connecting portion  40  for connecting the facilitator  45  or the facilitator  46  to a conventional air pump according to the present invention. Referring to the Figs., the air pump connecting portion  40  is cylindrical in shape and comprises a first, second and third concentric cylindrical portion  40   a,    40   b  and  40   c  integrally formed with each other. The second cylindrical portion  40   b  has an inner diameter  40   h   2  which is smaller than the inner diameter  40   h   1  of the first cylindrical portion  40   a  and the third cylindrical portion  40   c  has a larger inner diameter  40   h   3  than the inner diameter  40   h   2  of the second cylindrical portion  40   b.  The wall thickness of the three cylindrical portions is the same. Accordingly, the second cylindrical portion  40   b  has an outer diameter which is larger than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion  40   a  and the third cylindrical portion  40   c  has a larger outer diameter than the second cylindrical portion  40   b.    
     The third cylindrical portion  40   c  has an outer diameter which is 7.3 mm, which is the same as the outer diameter of a Schrader American type of air valve. Furthermore, the third cylindrical portion  40   c  has a length of 4.5 mm which is shorter than the length of the length of the hole in a rubber sleeve portion commonly found in a conventional air pump (not shown) used for clamping the American Schrader type of air valve. Accordingly, when the third portion  40   c  (hereinafter referred to as air pump mounting portion  40   c  or mounting portion  40   c ) is placed inside the hole in a rubber portion of a conventional air pump connector (not shown) for the Schrader type air valve, when the rubber portion (which is usually 10 mm long) inside a conventional air pump is clamped (i.e. squeezed by a conventional thumb lever), it will squeeze the mounting portion  40   c  in a way that the mounting portion  40   c  will never come out of the conventional air pump under normal bicycle pumping pressure. More specifically, the rubber sleeve inside a conventional air pump will not only frictionally grab the outer walls of the cylindrical portion  40   c , but, more importantly, also clamp around the point  40   p  where the outer diameter of the wall changes from a larger diameter of the third cylindrical portion  40   c  to a smaller outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion  40   b . 
     The first and second cylindrical portions  40   a,    40   b  are provided for connecting the air hose  23  to the air pump connecting portion  40  by using the nipple  21  according to the present invention. 
     In the case of using the Pisco urethane tube model no. UB0425(5/32), which has an OD=4 mm and ID=2.5 mm, the inner diameters of the first and second cylindrical portions  40   a,    40   b  (hereinafter collectively referred to as air hose attaching means  100 ) of the air pump portion  40  are made 4.0 mm and 4.2 mm, respectively. The length of the first and second cylindrical portions  40   a,    40   b  is 5 mm each. 
     The outer diameter of the cone shaped protrusions  21   p  on the sleeve portion  21   s  and the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21  are made 3.2 mm and 4.5 mm, respectively. The length of the ring portion  21   r  and sleeve portion  21   s  is 0.5 mm and 5.0 mm, respectively. The outer diameter of the sleeve portion  40   s  is 3 mm and the through hole in the nipple  21  is 2.5 mm, which is the same as the size of the hole inside the air hose  23 . 
     Accordingly, the outer diameter of the hose  23  is the same as the inner diameter of the hole  40   h   1  in the first cylindrical portion  40   a  and the inner diameter of the hole  40   h   2  in the second cylindrical portion  40   b  in the air pump connecting portion  40  is larger than the outer diameter of the hose  23 . However, the hole  40   h   2  in the second cylindrical portion  40   b  is smaller than the outer diameter of the hose  23  when the sleeve portion  21   s  of the nipple  21  is inserted therein. 
       FIG. 7A  shows a side cross sectional view of the air pump connecting portion  40  having the air hose  23  and the nipple  21  mounted therein. Referring to  FIG. 7A , to join the air pump connecting portion  40  to the hose  23  using the nipple  21  of the present invention, first the one end of hose  23  is inserted through the hole inside the first cylindrical portion  40   a  until it extends out of the front end of the third cylindrical portion  40   c  of the air pump connecting portion  40 . Then, the nipple  21  is pushed into the extending end of the hose  23  until the sleeve portion  21   s  is completely inserted inside the hose  23  and the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21  butts up against the end of the hose  23 , Next, the hose  21  is pulled back through the air pump connecting portion  40  until the one end of the hose  23  is inside only the first and second portions  40   a,    40   b  of the air pump connecting portion  40  and the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21  butts up against the inner wall  40   w  joining the second and third cylindrical portions  40   b,    40   c.  thereby preventing the hose, and the nipple from being pulled out any further out of the pump connecting portion  40 . At this time, the portion of the hose  23  inside the cylindrical portion  40   b  is squeezed, and due to the elastic nature of the hose  23 , the hose conforms to the space between the inner walls of the hole  40   h   2  in cylindrical portion  40   b  and the protrusions  21   p  formed on the sleeve portion  21   s  and the outer walls of the sleeve portion  21   s  of the nipple  21 , thereby permanently locking the hose  23  in the air pump connecting portion  40  as well as providing an airtight seal therebetween. 
     The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion  40   a  of the air pump connecting portion  40  is the same as the outer diameter of the hose  23  and is provided to decrease stress on the hose portion inside the cylindrical portion  40   b  in which the nipple  21  is inserted due to the user of the facilitator pulling and twisting on the air hose  23  while pumping air into a bicycle air tire. 
     It should be noted that the cylindrical portion  40   a  of the air pump connecting portion  40  is not essential for the air hose attaching means  100 . 
     The first and second cylindrical portion  40   a,    40   b  of the air pump connecting portion  40  in conjunction with the nipple  21  hereinafter will be referred to as air hose attaching means  100 , and the same structure will be used for connecting the air hose  23  to any other parts of the present invention, according to the present invention. 
     The air pump connecting portion  40  preferably is formed of stainless steel using a conventional CNC controlled lathe machine, and, has a wall thickness of 0.1-0.5 mm. Alternatively, the connecting portion  40  can be formed of brass, aluminium, or any other metal or from plastic using conventional plastic injection molding techniques. 
     It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the size or type air hose disclosed above (i.e. PISCO-UB0425(5/32), and that any other size or type of hoses can be used, as long as the dimensions of the corresponding nipples and air hose attaching means  100  of the connectors used therewith are chosen accordingly. 
       FIG. 7B  shows a side cross sectional view of an air pump connecting portion  4000  according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the Fig., the same numerals will be used to describe the same or similar parts as the parts of the air pump connecting portion  40  shown in  FIG. 7A . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7B , Numeral  4000  an air pump connecting portion which comprises two cylindrical portion  40   a,    40   b  integrally formed with each other. Numeral  40   p  designates two cone shaped radial protrusions integrally formed with the cylindrical portions  40   a,    40   b  along the outer surface thereof The radial cone shaped protrusions  40   p  face the back end  4000   b  of the cylindrical portion  40   b.  Namely, the bigger diameter of the cone shaped protrusions  40   p  are facing the back end  4000   b  of the cylindrical portion  40   b.  The inner diameters of the hole in the cylindrical portions  40   a ,  40   b  is the same as and slightly bigger than the outer diameter of the hose  23 , respectively. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portions  40   a,    40   b  is 5.0 mm and the outer diameter of the protrusions  40   p  is 5.2 mm. The inner and outer diameters of the hose  23  are 2.5 mm and 4.0 mm, respectively. The inner and outer diameters of the sleeve portion  21   s  of the nipple  21  are 2.5 mm and 3.0 mm, respectively. The outer diameter of the cone shaped protrusions  21   p  is 3.2 mm. The outer diameter of the ring portion  21   r  is 4.5 mm. 
     To assemble the air pump connecting portion  4000 , first one end of the air hose  23  is inserted into the hole  40   h   1  from the back end  4000   b  of the cylindrical portion  40   b  until the hose protrudes out of the front end  4000   f  of the cylindrical portion  40   b . Next, the sleeve portion  21   s  of the nipple  21  is inserted into the extending end of the hose  23  until the ring portion  21   r  butts up against the extending end of the hose  23 . Next, the hose  23  is pulled backwards through the cylindrical portion  40   a  until the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21  butts up against the front end  4000   f  of the cylindrical portion  40   b,  thereby permanently locking the hose  23  in the cylindrical portion  40   b.    
     Accordingly, since the outer diameter of the cylindrical portions  40   a ,  40   b  is 5.0 mm and the cone shaped protrusions 5.2 mm, the air pump connecting portion  4000  can be inserted into any conventional air pump having a conventional rubber portion having a 5 mm hole therein for mounting a conventional French Presta type air valve therein. Namely, since the outer diameter of the thread  18   t  of a conventional Schrader air valve  18  is 5.0 mm, the air pump connecting portion  4000  can be inserted into the hole in a conventional rubber portion in a conventional air pump where the Presta air valve would normally be inserted when pumping up a tire having a Presta type air valve. 
     It should be noted that the protrusions  40   p  need not be limited to a cone shape, and can be semi-cylindrical, or any other shape. 
     The air pump connecting portion  4000  can be used instead of the air pump connecting portion  40  in any of the air pump facilitators of the present invention. 
       FIG. 29  shows a side cross sectional view of the air pump connecting portion  400  which is similar to the air pump connecting portion  40  shown in  FIG. 7A  but further having a one way air valve mounted therein. 
       FIG. 30  shows a side view, a front view, a back view and a side cross sectional view of a second part  41  of the air pump connecting portion  400  according to the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 29  and  FIGS. 30A-30D , numeral  400  generally designates an air pump connecting portion which is the same as the air pump connecting portion  40  but further having a disc like diaphragm  54  (shown in  FIG. 11A and 11B ) mounted therein, as well as a round cap portion  41  frictionally inserted into the centre of the cylindrical portion. 
     The cap  41  comprises a cylindrical portion  41   c  and an inwardly facing radial ring portion  41   r  integrally formed with said cylinder portion  41   c  along one end thereof Numeral  41   h  designates a round hole formed in the centre of the ring portion  41   r.  The length of the cylindrical portion  41   c  of the cap portion  41  is 2 mm shorter than the length of the cylindrical portion  40   c  of the air pump connecting portion  40 . The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion  41   c  is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the third cylindrical portion  40   c  of the air pump connecting portion  40 . To assemble the air pump connecting portion  400 , first the air hose  23  and a nipple  210  are mounted therein as described above with respect to the air pump connecting portion  40 . 
     The nipple  210  is the same as the nipple  21  except that the ring portion  21   r  has a pair of radial grooves  21   g  formed along the front surface thereof 
     Next, the diaphragm  54  is inserted into the third cylindrical portion  40   c  of the cylindrical air connecting portion  40 . Next the cap  41  is pressure fitted inside the third cylindrical portion  40   c  of the air pump connecting portion  40  using a conventional press machine (not shown). The ring portion  41   r  of the cap  41  faces inwards towards the nipple  210  and the front end  40   f,    41   f  of the air pump connecting portion  40  and the cap  41  are aligned with each other. The space inside the cap  41  facing the outer end is necessary for fitting the air pump connecting portion  400  inside a conventional air pump Schrader connecting mounting position. 
     Numeral  21   g  designates radial grooves formed on the front surface of the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  210  to allow air to flow between the diaphragm  54  and the front side of the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  210 , so that air can flow through the air pump connecting portion  400  when pumping air therethrough in one direction but not allowing air to flow through in the other direction. 
     The Schrader air valve connecting portion  50  comprises a first part  51 , a second part  52 , third part  53  and a fourth parts  54  and will be described hereinafter. 
       FIGS. 8A-8E  show a perspective view, a side view, a front view, a back view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II of  FIG. 8B  of a first part  51  of the Schrader type air valve connecting portion  50  according to the present invention. 
       FIGS. 9A-9D  show a side view, front view, back view and a side cross sectional view of a second part  52  of the Schrader type air valve connecting portion  50  according to the present invention. 
       FIGS. 10A-10E  show a perspective view, a side view, front view, back view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II of  FIG. 10B  of a third part  53  of the Schrader type air valve connecting portion  50  according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 11A and 11B  show a front and side view of a disc like diaphragm  54  used for allowing air to flow in one direction and stopping air from flowing in the other direction inside the Schrader air valve connecting portion  50  according to the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8A-8E  the first part  51  is identical in size and shape to a conventional part which is used in British (Dunlop) type air valves. There are millions of these manufactured yearly and are the most prevalent type of air valve in Japan. Although the British type valve is no longer used in Canada or the U.S., it is still manufactured by the millions in the far east and accordingly, is very cheap to buy, very light simple and strong. 
     For some strange reason this part  51  fits perfectly on the American type air valve. It seems to be too much of a coincidence that the diameter and thread pitch of this part  51  from a British type air valve fits exactly the diameter and thread pitch of a conventional type of American/Schrader type air valve, especially in view that the thread pitch is not a standard pitch found on conventional nuts and bolts. It is the inventors opinion that the inventor of the American/Schrader type air valve had used old discarded British valves while inventing the American/Schrader type of air valve, and that that inventor simply adapted the same diameter and pitch (not that it matters to anyone except to the inventor of this invention) of the British Dunlop type air valve for the American/Schrader type air valve. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8A-8E , the first part  51  comprises a cylindrical portion  51   c  having a thread  51   t  formed along the inner wall thereof and an inwardly facing radial ring portion  51   r  integrally formed with the cylindrical portion  51   c  along one end thereof. The ring portion  51   r  has a through hole  51   h  formed therethrough at the center thereof. The exact shape and size part as the first part  51  is found in every British type air valve, and accordingly, need not be manufactured specifically for this Schrader type connecting portion  50  of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9A-9D , numeral  52  generally designates the second part of the Schrader type air valve. The second part  52  is cylindrically in shape and comprises a first, second and third concentric cylindrical portion  52   a,    52   b  and  52   c  integrally formed with each other. The second cylindrical portion  52   b  has a larger diameter than the first cylindrical portion  52   a  and the third cylindrical portion  52   c  has a larger diameter than the second cylindrical portion  52   b.  The wall thickness of the first, second and third cylindrical portions  52   a,    52   b  and  52   c  is the same and preferably is 0.1-0.5 mm thick when formed of stainless steel, brass or aluminium, so as to minimize the weight thereof. 
     The first and second cylindrical portions  52   a  and  52   b  of the second part  52  are identical to the first and second cylindrical portions  40   a,    40   b  of the air pump connecting portion  40 , and accordingly, in conjunction with the nipple  21  provide the function of air hose attaching means  100 . 
     The third cylindrical portion  52   c  of the second part  52  has an outer diameter which is 5.3 mm, which is slightly smaller than the size of the hole  51   h  in the ring  51   r  of the first part  51  of the Schrader type connecting portion  50 . Namely, slightly smaller than the hole  51   h  in the conventional part found in all Dunlop/British type air valves. 
     The third cylindrical portion  52   c  has an outwardly facing ring portion  52   r  integrally formed therewith along the extending end thereof. The through hole inside the cylindrical portions  52   a,    52   b,    52   c,  and ring portion  52   r  are  52   d   1 ,  52   d   2 ,  52   d   3  and  52   d   4 , where  52   d   1 &lt; 52   d   2 &lt; 52   d   3 &lt; 52   d   4 , the smallest diameter d 1  being 4 mm, d 2  being 4.2 mm, d 3  being approximately 4.8 mm and d 4  being larger than 4.8. 
     The outer diameters of the ring  52   r  and the cylindrical portion  52   c  of the second part  52  are slightly smaller than the inner diameters of the cylindrical portion  51   c  and the hole  51   h  of the first part  51 , respectively, so that the second part  52  can partly slide into the first part  51 . The outer diameter of the ring  52   r  of the second part  52  is larger than hole  51   h  in the first part  51 , so that the second part  52  cannot slide right through the first part 
     Although it would normally not be important to mention dimensions in patent applications, there are a number of constraints that are present (i.e. the size of the hole in the rubber connector (not shown) in an air pump (not shown) to connect to a Presta type of air valves (which is approximately 5 mm in diameter) defines the size of the air hose  23  to be substantially 4-5 mm as well. Furthermore, the size of the hole in a conventional rubber connector in conventional air pumps for mounting an American Schrader type air valve limits the size of the third cylindrical portion  40   c  of the air pump connecting portion  40  to be 7 mm and, accordingly, to use the nipple of the present invention to connect the hose  23  to the air pump connecting portion, the hose is limited to be less than 7 mm and preferably 4 mm. Accordingly, all the dimensions of all the parts must be formed based on the hose being substantially 4 mm and the conventional part  51 . 
     Although this invention is not limited to these dimensions and parts, it is convenient to use the conventional part  51  from a cost point of view. Since the part  51  is already manufactured in large quantities, it can be bought at a very low cost. 
     A preferred hose is a high pressure hose made by PISCO-UB0425(5/32), the outer diameter (OD) being 4 mm and the inner diameter (ID) being 2.5 mm. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10A-10E , numeral  53  generally designates a third part of the Schrader air pump connecting portion  50 . The third part  53  comprises a round shaft  53   a  having two axial slots  53   s  formed therein in the axial direction thereof The shaft  53   a  further has a round groove  53   g  formed therein in the radial direction thereof for mounting a conventional rubber O ring  151  therein. 
     Numeral  53   r  designates a radial ring integrally formed with the shaft  53   a  along the outer surface thereof on one side of the radial groove  53   g.    
     The shaft  53   a  on one side of the radial groove  53   g  (hereinafter referred to as the back end  53   b  of the shaft  53   a ) has an outer diameter which is slightly larger than the inner diameter  52   d   3  in the second part  52  of the Schrader valve connecting portion  52 , so that it may be pressure fitted therein. The back end  53   b  of the shaft  53   a  is tapered  53   t,  so that it may facilitate the pressure insertion of the shaft  53   a  into the third cylindrical portion  52   c  of the second part  52 , as well as to allow for better air flow through the Schrader air valve connecting portion  50  during the pumping of air therethrough. The shaft  53   a  on the other side of the radial groove  53   g  (hereinafter referred to as the front end  53   f  of the shaft  53   a ) has an outer diameter which is smaller than the hole inside a Schrader air valve  17 , so that it can slide thereinto to press on the air release pin  17   p  inside the Schrader air valve  17 . 
     The front end  53   f  of the shaft  53   a  has a round hole  53   h  formed at the center thereof, the hole  53   h  extending from the front end  53   f  of the shaft  53   a  to where the groove  53   g  is formed. This hole  53   h  is provided for allowing the front end of the activation pin  17   p  inside the Schrader air valve  17  to fit therein, so that the activation pin  17   p  is only pressed when the extending end of the Schrader air valve  17  presses against the O ring  151  mounted in the groove  53   g,  thereby ensuring that no air escapes prematurely when mounting the Schrader air connecting portion  50  on a Schrader air valve  17 . 
       FIG. 12A  shows a side cross sectional view of the Schrader connecting portion  50  in the assembled form. 
       FIG. 12B  shows a side cross sectional view of the Schrader connecting portion  50  in the assembled form with a Schrader type air valve  17  mounted therein. 
     To assemble the Schrader air valve connecting portion  50 , first the first part  51  is mounted on the second part  52  of the Schrader connecting portion  50  with the cylindrical portion  51   c  of the first part  51  facing towards the front end  52   f  of the second part  52 . Next, one end of the air hose  23  is inserted into the part  52  from the back end  52   x  of the second part  52 , until the end of the hose  23  extends out of the front end  52   f  of the second part  52 . Next, the sleeve portion  21   s  of the nipple  21  is pressed into the extending end of the hose  23  until the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21  butts up against the extending end of the hose  23 . Next, the hose  23  is pulled backwards from the back end  52   x  of the second part  52  until the hose  23  and the nipple  21  are inside the cylindrical portion  52   b,    52   a  and the ring portion  21   r  is adjacent to the wall between the cylindrical portions  52   b  and  52   c  of the second part  52 , thereby permanently locking the hose  23  and the nipple  21  inside the second part  52  of the Schrader air valve connecting portion  50 , so that the hose  23  is hermetically sealed and locked inside the part  52 . 
     Next, the rubber diaphragm  54  is inserted inside the cylindrical portion  52   c  of the part  52 . Next, the third part  53  is mounted in the part  52 . Namely, the back end  53   b  of the shaft  53   a  is pressed to slide into the third cylindrical portion  52   c  of the second part  52 , until the ridge  53   r  fits inside the hole  52   d   4  in the ring  52   r  of the second part  52 . Preferably, the thickness of the diaphragm is 1 mm and the distance between the inner back end  53   b  of the shaft  53  and the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21  inside the second part  52  should be 2 mm, so that the diaphragm  54  has a 1 mm space to move back and fourth to allow air to flow therearound. 
     Next the O ring  151  is mounted inside the groove  53   g  of the third part  53 . 
     The outer diameter of the diaphram  54  is smaller than the inner diameter  52   d   3  in the third cylindrical portion  52   c  of the second part  52 , so that air can flow around it in one direction, i.e. through the hose  23 , the nipple  21 , into the cylindrical portion  52   c  in the second part  52 , through the slots  53   s  in the third part  53  and into the Schrader air valve  17 . When air tries to flow in the other direction through the connecting portion  50 , the diaphragm  54  is pressed against the front surface of the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21  to prevent air coming out of the air tire. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12B , the first part  51  is screwed onto the Schrader type air valve  17  by swivelling the first part  51  clock wise until the front end of the valve  17  presses against the O ring  151  to hermetically seal the Schrader air valve  17  in the connecting portion  50 . Namely, the thread  17   t  of the Schrader valve  17  is screwed into the thread  51   t  of the first part  51  when the first part  51  is turned clock wise with respect to the thread on the Schrader valve  17 . The first part  51  is free to rotate with respect to the second part  52  until the Schrader valve  17  is completely screwed into the connecting portion  50 . At this time the front end  53   f  of the third part  53  pushes the activation pin  17   p  of the Schrader valve slightly in to allow air to flow in and out of the air tire (not shown) to which the Schrader air valve  17  is mounted on. At this time the diaphragm  54  is pushed backwards against the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21  to seal the Schrader valve connecting portion  50  and to prevent air from escaping out of the tire. On the other hand, when the air pressure in the hose  23  is greater than the air pressure in the tire, the diaphragm moves towards the third part  53  and allows air to flow from the air pump (not shown) connected to the facilitator  45  through the slots  53   s  into the air tire. 
       FIG. 13A-13D  show a side view, a front view, a back view and a cross sectional view at line II-II in  FIG. 13A  of a first part  61  of the French type Presta air valve connecting portion  60  according to the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13A-13D , the first part  61  is cylindrical in shape and has a front hole  61   h   1  formed at the front end  61   f  thereof and a back hole  61   h   2  formed through the back end  61   b  thereof. Numeral  61   t  designates a thread portion formed in the inner surface of the central portion of the cylindrical part  61  and numeral  61   g  designates a groove formed on the inside walls of the part  61  between the front hole  61   h  and the thread portion  61   t . The front hole  61   f  is slightly larger than the shaft portion  18   s  of the Presta air valve  18 , the thread portion  61   t  has the same diameter and pitch as the thread  18   t  on the front end of a conventional Presta type air valve  18 . The groove  61   g  is provided for housing an O ring  152  therein for hermetically sealing the Presta type air valve  18  inside the first part  61  of the Presta air valve connecting portion  60 . Numeral  61   h   2  designates a cylindrically shaped hole formed through the back end  61   b  of the first part  61  which extends from the back end  61   b  of the part  61  to the back end of the thread portion  61   t.  The inner diameter of the hole  61   h   2  is larger than the inner diameters of the thread portion  61   t.    
       FIG. 14A-14D  show a side view, a front view, a back view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II in  FIG. 14A  of a second part  62  of the French type Presta air valve connecting portion  60  according to the present invention, 
     Referring to  FIG. 14A-14D , numeral  62  generally designates a second part of the Presta air valve connecting portion, numeral  62   a,    62   b,    62   c  designate a first, second and third cylindrical portions coaxially formed with each other, the cylindrical portion  62   b  is larger than the cylindrical portion  62   a  and the cylindrical portion  62   c  is larger than the cylindrical portion  62   b . The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion  62   a  and  62   b  are 4.0 mm and 4.2 mm, respectively, and together provide the function of, in conjunction with the nipple  21 , air hose attaching means  100 , similar to the cylindrical portions  52   a,    52   b  of the second part  52  of the Schrader type air valve connecting portion  50 . 
     The inner diameter of the hole  62   d   3  in the cylindrical portion  62   c  is larger than the outer diameter of the release nut  18   n  of the Schrader type air valve  18 , so that the release nut  18   n  can fit therein. The length of the cylindrical portion  62   c  of the second part  62  is slightly longer than the pin  18   p  of the Presta air valve, so that the pin  18   p  and the nut  18   n  can fit therein. 
     Numerals  62   r   1  and  62   r   2  designate a first and second outwardly extending radial rings integrally formed with the third cylindrical portion  62   c  along the outer surface thereof The first ring  62   r   1  is formed on the extending end of the cylindrical portion  62   c  and the second ring  62   r   2  is formed along a central portion of the cylindrical portion  62   c.  The rings  62   r   1 ,  62   r   2  and the portion of the third cylindrical portion  62   c  between the rings  62   r   1  and  62   r   2  serve to house an O ring  153 . 
       FIG. 15A  shows a side cross sectional view of the Presta air valve connecting portion  60  with all the parts assembled therein before the extending end  61   e  of first part  61  is folded according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 15B  shows a side cross sectional view of the Presta air valve connecting portion  60  with all the parts assembled therein after the extending end  61   e  of first part  61  is folded according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 15C  shows a side cross sectional view of the Presta air valve connecting portion  60  with all the parts assembled therein after the extending end  61   e  of first part  61  is folded and with a Presta air valve  18  mounted therein. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15A-15B , to assemble the Presta air valve connecting portion  60 , first an O ring  152  is inserted in the groove  61   g  in the first part  61 . Next, an O ring  153  is mounted between the rings  62   r   1 - 62   r   2  formed on the cylindrical portion  62   c  of the second part  62 . 
     Next, the cylindrical portion  62   c  having the O ring  153  mounted thereon is inserted into the hole  61   h  in the back end of the first part  61  until both rings  62   r   1  and  62   r   2  are inside the hole  61   h  in the part  61 . The inner diameter of the hole  61   h  is larger than the inner diameter of the hole in the thread portion  61   t.  The outer diameter of the rings  62   r   1  and  62   r   2  is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the hole  61   h  in the first part  61 . 
     The inner diameter ID of the O ring  153  should be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion  62   c  and the outer diameter of the O ring  153  should be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the hole  61   h  in the first part  61 . The axial distance between the rings  62   r   1  and  62   r   2  should be slightly larger than the thickness of the O ring  153 . 
     Accordingly, since the inner diameter of the O ring  153  is larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion  62   c  and since the thickness of the O ring  153  is less than the distance between the inner surfaces of the radial rings  62   r   1  and  62   r   2 , the O ring  153  is free to ‘float’ around on the cylindrical portion  62   c  (i.e. when the O ring  153  is rotated with respect to the part  62 , almost no friction exists between the O ring  153  and the part  62 ). However, since the outer diameter of the O ring  153  is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the hole  61   h  in the first part  61 , a hermetic air seal is formed therebetween, thereby preventing pressurized air from escaping between the first and second parts  61 ,  62  when pumping air through the Schrader connecting portion  60 , while at the same time allowing the part  61  to freely swivel with respect to the part  62  when screwing the Presta air valve connecting portion  60  onto a Presta type air valve  18 . The length of the hole  61   h  is longer than the axial distance between the outer surfaces of the two radial rings  62   r   1  and  62   r   2 . 
     Next, the front end of the part  62  is inserted into the hole  61   h  in the back end  61   b  of the part  61 . Namely, the ring  62   r   1  of the second part  62  is inserted into the hole  61   h  of the first part  61  until the ring  62   r   1  butts up against the inner end of the thread portion  61   t.  At this time, the extending end  61   e  of the part  61  extends past the second ring  62   r   2  of the second part  62 . Next, the extending end  61   e  of the first part  61  is folded inwards (using a press machine or using a rolet and a lathe) to lock the part  62  inside the part  61 . 
     Next, one end of the hose  23  is inserted into the hole  62   d   1  in the back  62   b  of the part  62  and pushed through the part  62  until the end of the hose  23  extends out of the front end  61   f  of the first part  61 . Next, the nipple  21  is inserted into the extending end of the hose  23  until the end of the hose portion  23  butts up against the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21 . Next, the hose  23  is pulled back through the parts  61 ,  62  until the nipple  21  and the hose portion  23  having the sleeve portion  21   s  of the nipple  21  inserted therein lock inside the cylindrical portion  62   b  of the part  62 . 
     Since the outer diameter of the ring portion  21   r  is 4.5 mm and since the inner diameter of the thread portion  61   t  is 6.2 mm, the hose  23  and the nipple  21  can easily pass through the part  61  and into the part  62 , allowing for easy assembly of the French type connecting portion  60 . Furthermore, since the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple has an outer diameter of 4.5 mm, the ring portion  21   r  cannot slide into the hole  62   d   2  in the second cylindrical portion  62   b  of the second part  62 , and accordingly, permanently hermetically locks the hose  23  in the second part  62  of the Presta type air valve  60 . Accordingly the cylindrical portions  62   a,    62   b  provide the function of air hose attaching means  100 . 
     Accordingly, the Presta valve connecting portion  60  has only 4 parts, namely the first part  61 , the second part  62  and the O rings  152  and  153 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 15C , which shows a Presta air valve  18  mounted inside the Presta air valve connecting portion  60 , the conventional Presta air valve comprises a shaft  18   s,  a thread portion  18   t,  a pin  18   p  and a release nut  18   n.  The release nut  18   n  must first be partly unscrewed to allow air to flow in and out of the Presta air valve  18 . The thread  18   t  of the Presta valve  18  is screwed into the thread  61   t  in the first part  61  until the front end of the shaft portion  18   s  presses against the O ring  152  to provide an air tight seal therebetween. At this time, air can be pumped into the Presta air valve and no air will escape between the parts  61 ,  62 , due to the O ring  153 . 
     The Presta air valve connecting portion  60  can also be used to pump up an air tire having a British type Dunlop air valve, since the thread size and the thread pitch of the Dunlop and Presta air valves is substantially the same. 
       FIGS. 16A-16D  show a side view, a front view, a back view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II of  FIG. 16A  of a first part  71  of a REVERSIBLE air valve connecting portion  70  according to the present invention. Referring to the Figs., numeral  71  generally designates a first part which is substantially cylindrical in shape. Numerals  71   a,    71   b  and  71   c  designate a first, second and third coaxial cylindrical portions integrally formed with each other. The first cylindrical portion  71   a  has a smaller inner diameter than the second cylindrical portion  71   b  and the second cylindrical portion  71   b  has a smaller inner diameter than the third cylindrical portion  71   c.  Numeral  71   r   1  and  71   r   2  designate two radial outwardly facing rings integrally formed with the third cylindrical portion  71  c along the outer surface thereof. The ring  71   r   1  is formed at the extending end of the third cylindrical portion  71   c  and the ring  71   r   2  is formed along a central part of the cylindrical portion  71   c.    
     The first and second cylindrical portion  71   a  and  71   b  have an inner diameter of 4.0 and 4.2 mm, respectively, and, in conjunction with the nipple  21  provide the same function of air hose attaching means  100 , similar to the cylindrical portions  40   h   1  and  40   h   2  of the air pump connecting portion  40 . 
       FIGS. 17A-17D  show a side view, a front view, a back view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II of  FIG. 17A  of a second part  72  of a REVERSIBLE air valve connecting portion  70  according to the present invention. Referring to the Figs, numeral  72   c  designates a cylindrical portion having a round inner radial ring  72   r  integrally formed therewith along the inner central surface thereof Numeral  72   t  designates a thread portion formed at one end  72   f  (hereinafter referred to as the front end  720  of the cylindrical portion  72   c  and numeral  72   g  designates a radial groove formed in the inner wall of the cylindrical portion  72   c  between the inner end of the thread portion  72   t  and the front side of the ring  72   r  and is provided for receiving an O ring  155  therein. The cylindrical portion  72   c  on the other end (hereinafter referred to as the back end  72   b ) of the ring  72   r  has a round hole  72   h   1  the inner surface of which is smooth. 
     The outer diameter of the rings  71   r   1  and  71   r   2  of the first part  71  are slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the hole  72   h   1  in the back end  72   b  of the second part  72  so that the rings  71   r   1  and  71   r   2  can be inserted into the hole  72   h   1  up to the point where the ring  71   r   1  of the first part  71  is adjacent to the back side of the ring portion  72   r.  The length of the hole  72   h  in the cylindrical portion  72   c  is longer than the axial distance between the rings  71   r   1  and  71   r   2  of the first part  71 , so that the rings can be completely inserted inside the hole  72   h  in the second part second part  72  and so that the extending ends  72   e  of the cylindrical portion  72   c  in the back end  72   b  of the second part  72  extending past the rings  71   r   2  and  71   r   1  can be folded to permanently couple the parts  71  and  72  to each other while allowing them to rotate with respect to each other. 
       FIGS. 19A-19D  show a side view, a front view, a back view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II of  FIG. 19A  of a fourth part  74  of the REVERSIBLE air valve connecting portion  70  according to the present invention. Referring to the Figs., numeral  74  generally designates a fourth part which comprises a round shaft portion  74   a  having two axial grooves  74   s  formed along the outer surface thereof in the axial direction thereof on opposing sides thereof Numeral  74   r  designates a round outwardly facing radial ring portion which is integrally formed with the shaft  74   a  along one end  74   f  thereof (hereinafter referred to as the front end  740 . Numeral  74   t  designates a taper formed on other end  74   b  (hereinafter referred to as the back end  74   b ) of the shaft portion  74   a  and is provided for facilitating the insertion of the shaft portion  74   a  into the third cylindrical portion  71   c  of the first part  71 . Namely, the extending end of the tapered portion  74   t  has a smaller diameter than the inner diameter of the third cylindrical portion  71   c  of the first part  71 . 
     The outer diameter of the shaft  74   a  of the part  74  is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the hole  71   d   3  in third cylindrical portion  71   c  of the first part  71 , so that it may be frictionally inserted therein. The ring portion  74   r  prevents the shaft portion  74   a  from being inserted therebeond into the cylindrical portion  71   c  of the first part  71 . The outer diameter of the ring portion  74   r  in the part  74  is smaller than the inner diameter of the hole  72   h   2  in the ring portion  72   r  in the second part  72 . 
       FIG. 21  shows a side cross sectional view of the first, second and fourth parts of the REVERABLE air valve connecting portion  70  in the assemble form. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 21 , numeral  154  designates an  0  ring mounted between the rings  71   r   1  and  71   r   2  on the cylindrical portion  71   c  of the first part  71  of the reversible connecting portion  70  and is provided for blocking air from escaping between the first part  71  and the second part  72  when pumping air therethrough. 
     The distance between the inner walls of the rings  71   r   1  and  71   r   2  is slightly greater than the thickness of the O ring  154  and the inner diameter of O ring  154  is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the third cylindrical portion  71   c  of the first part  71 , so that the O ring  154  is free to float around the first part  71 , (i.e. almost no friction exist between the O ring  154  and the part  71  when one is rotated with respect to the other). The outer diameter of the O ring  154  is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the hole  72   h   1  in the second part  72 , so that an air tight seal is provided therebetween while the first part  71  can be easily be rotated with respect to the second part  72 . 
     To assemble the parts  71  and  72  together, first one end of the air hose  23  is inserted into the back end  71   b  of the first part  71  until the hose  23  protrudes out of the front end  71   f  of the part  71 . Next, the nipple  23  is pushed into the extending end of the hose  23  until the ring  21   r  of the nipple  21  butts up against the extending end of the hose  23 . Next, the hose  23  is pulled backwards from the back end  71   b  of the first part  71  until the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21  is against the inner end of the third cylindrical portion  71   c  in the first part  71 . Namely, the outer diameter of the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21  is larger than the hole  71   d   2  in the second cylindrical portion  71   b  of the part  71  and smaller than the hole  71   d   3  in the third cylindrical portion  71 . Accordingly, the hose  23  having the nipple  21  inserted therein can be pulled back through the third cylindrical portion  71   c  of the first part  71  until the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21  hits the inner wall of the first part  71  between the second and third cylindrical portion  71   b ,  71   c  of the first part  71 , so that the hose  23  having the sleeve portion  21   s  of the nipple  21  inserted therein is permanently locked in the second and first cylindrical portion  71   b ,  71   a  of the first part  71 . Accordingly, the first and second cylindrical portions  71   a,    71   b,  in conjunction with the nipple  21  provide the function of air hose attaching means  100 . 
     Next the diaphragm portion  54  (shown in  FIGS. 11A ,  11 B) is inserted through the front end  72   f  of the second part  72  until the diaphragm  54  is adjacent to the ring  21   r  of the nipple  21 . Next, the back end  74   b  of the shaft  74   a  of the fourth part  74  of the REVERSIBLE air valve connecting portion  70  is inserted into the central hole in the second part  72 . Next, the shaft  74   a  of the fourth part  74  is pressure fitted into the front end  71   f  of the first part  71  until the ring portion  74   r  of the fourth part  74  is adjacent to the surface of the front end  71   f  of the first part  71 . Namely, the shaft portion  74   a  of the part  74  is slightly larger than the hole  71   d   3  in the third cylindrical portion  71   c  of the first part, and must be pressure inserted therein using a conventional press machine. When the fourth part  74  is completely inserted in the first part  71 , the back end  74   b  of the fourth part  74  is about 2 mm away from the front end of the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21 , and accordingly, the diaphragm  54  can move back and fourth (i.e. The thickness of the diaphragm is 1 mm) to allow air to flow through the parts  71 ,  72 ,  74  thus assembled. 
     Next, the front end  71   f  of the first part  71  having the O ring  154  mounted thereon between the rings  71   r   1  and  71   r   2  is inserted into the hole  72   h  in the back end  72   b  of the second part. Next, the extending ends  72   e  of the second part  72  are folded over the back side of the ring  71   r   2  using a press machine or using a rolet on a lathe using conventional folding techniques well know in the art. 
     The thickness of the walls of the extending portion  72   e  is less than the thickness of the walls of the portion  72   c  of the part  72 , so that the extending portion  72   e  is easier to bend inwards towards the centre of the part  72 . 
     Next the O ring  155  is inserted into the groove  72   g  in the second part  72 . The thus assembled parts  71 ,  72 ,  74  and O rings  154 ,  155  and the diaphragm  54  will together be called REVERSIBLE air valve support portion means. 
     Next, the REVERSIBLE air valve mounting means will be described. 
       FIGS. 18A-18D  show a side view, a front view, a back view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II of  FIG. 18A  of a third part  73  of the REVERSIBLE air valve connecting portion  70  according to the present invention. Referring to the Figs., numeral  73  generally designates a third part which comprises a cylindrical portion  73   c  having thread  73   t   1  and  73   t   2  formed on the outer surface thereof The thread portion  73   t   1  extends from one end  73   p  (hereinafter referred to as the Presta end  73   p ) of the cylindrical portion  73  partly towards the centre of the cylindrical portion  73   c  and the thread  73   t   2  extends from the other end  73   s  (hereinafter referred to as the Schrader end  73   s ) of the cylindrical portion  73   c  partly towards the centre of the cylindrical portion  73   c  for about 5 mm length. 
     Numeral  73   t   3  designates a thread portion (hereinafter referred to as the presta thread  73   t   3 ) formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion  73   c  and numeral  73   g  designates a radial groove formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion  73   c.  The groove  73   g  is formed about 0.5 mm from the opening of the Presta end  73   p  of the cylindrical portion  73   c  and the presta thread portion  73   t   3  is formed adjacent to the groove  73   g.  The Presta thread  73   t   3  is about 5 mm long and extends from the inner side of the groove  73   g  into the centre of the cylindrical portion  73   c.    
     Numeral  73   t   4  designates a thread portion (hereafter referred to as Schrader thread portion  73   t   4 ) formed on the inner walls of the cylindrical portion  73  along the Schrader end  73   s  thereof. The Schrader thread portion  73   t   4  extends from the Schrader end  73   s  for about 10 mm into the center of the cylindrical portion  73   c.    
     Numeral  73   h   2  designates a cylindrical hole formed inside the central portion of the cylindrical portion  73   c  and extends from the inner side of the Presta thread portion  73   t   3  to the inner side of the Schrader thread portion  73   t   4 . The diameter of the hole  73   h   2  is larger than the inner diameter of the Presta thread portion  73   t   3 . The diameter of the hole  73   h   2  is smaller than the inner diameter of the Schrader thread portion  73   t   4 . 
     The Presta thread portion  73   t   3  is provided for receiving the thread portion  18   t  of a Presta type air valve  18  therein and the Schrader thread portion  73   t   4  is provided for receiving the thread portion  17   t  of a Schrader type air valve  17  therein. 
       FIGS. 20A-20E  show a perspective view, a side view, a front view, a back view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II of  FIG. 20B  of a fifth part  75  of the REVERSIBLE air valve connecting portion  70  according to the present invention. Referring to the Figs., the fifth part  75  is substantially the same shape as the third part  53  of the American Schrader type valve connecting portion  50 . 
     The fifth part  75  comprises a round shaft  75   a  having two axial slots  75   s  formed therein in the axial direction thereof. The slots  75   s  extend from the front end  75   f  to the back end  75   b  of the shaft  75   a.    
     The shaft  75   a  further has a radial groove  75   g  formed along a central portion thereof and in the radial direction thereof for mounting a conventional rubber O ring  151  therein. 
     Numeral  75   r  designates an outwardly extending radial ring integrally formed with the shaft  75   a  along the outer surface thereof and on one side (hereinafter referred to as the back end  75   b ) of the radial groove  75   g.    
     The shaft  75   a  on the back end  75   b  of the radial groove  75   g  has an outer diameter which is slightly larger than the the diameter of the hole  73   h   2  in the third part  73  of the REVERSIBLE air valve connecting portion  70 , so that it may be frictionally inserted therein using a conventional press machine (not show). 
     The shaft  75   a  and the ring  75   r  on the back end  75   b  of the radial groove  75   g  has an outer diameter which is smaller than the the diameter of the Schrader thread  73   t   4  in the third part  73  of the REVERSIBLE air valve connecting portion  70 , so that it fits therein. 
     The back end  75   b  of the shaft  75  is tapered  75   t,  so that it may facilitate the pressure insertion of the shaft  75   a  into the hole  73   h   2  in the third cylindrical portion  73   c  of the third part  73 . 
     The shaft  75   a  on the front end  75   f  of the radial groove  75   g  has an outer diameter which is smaller than the hole inside a Schrader air valve  17 , so that it can slide thereinto to press on the air release pin  17   p  inside the Schrader air valve  17 . 
     The front end  75   f  of the shaft  75   a  has a central round hole  75   h  formed therein extending backwards from the centre of the front end  75   f  to where the groove  75   g  is formed. This hole  75   h  is provided for allowing the activation pin  17   p  inside the Schrader air valve  17  to fit therein, so that the activation pin  17   p  is only pressed when the extending end of the Schrader air valve  17  presses against the O ring  151  mounted in the groove  75   g,  thereby ensuring that no air escapes prematurely when mounting the REVERSIBLE air connecting portion  70  on a Schrader air valve  17 . 
     To assemble the fifth part  75  in the third part  73 , first an O ring  151  is mounted in the groove  75   g.  Next the back end  75   b  of the shaft  75   a  of the fifth part  75  is inserted into the third part  73  from the Schrader end  73   s  thereof and then a press machine (not shown) presses the back end  75   b  of the shaft  75   a  to frictionally slide into the hole  73   h  in the third part  73 . The ring portion  75   r  ensures that the part  75  is pressed exactly the same distance into the hole  73   h  every time. Namely, the ring portion  75   r  is larger than the hole  73   h  and stops the part  75  from being pressed into the hole  73   h  beyond the ring  75   r.    
     One end of the hose  23  can be coupled to the air pump connecting portion  40  or  400  and the other end of the hose  23  can be coupled to the REVERSIBLE air valve connecting portion  70 , thereby providing an air pump facilitator utilizing the REVERSIBLE air valve connecting portion  70  of the present invention. 
     To use the facilitator with the REVERSIBLE air valve connecting portion  70  to pump up a tire having a Presta type air valve  18 , the thread  73   t   2  at the Schrader end  73   s  of the third part  73  is screwed into the thread  72   t  of the second part  72  until the front end  73   s  of the third part  73  presses against the O ring  155  to form a hermetic seal therebetween. Next, the REVERSIBLE air valve  70  is manually turned clockwise to cause the thread  18   t  of the Presta valve  18  to screw into the thread  73   t   3  in the third part  73  of the REVERSIBLE air valve  70  until the extending end of the shaft portion  18   s  of the Presta valve  18  presses against the O ring  156  in the groove  73   g  to create a hermetic seal therebetween. At this time, the third part  73  and the second part  72  are free to rotate clockwise or counter clockwise with respect to the first part  71  while all parts are hermetically sealed with respect to each other while allowing pressurized air to flow therethrough into the tire. When no air is being pumped through the REVERSIBLE air valve  70 , the diaphragm  54  prevents pressurized air from flowing backwards through the REVERSIBLE air valve  70 . 
     The REVERSIBLE air valve connecting portion  70  can also be used to pump up an air tire having a British type Dunlop air valve, since the thread size and the thread pitch of the Dunlop and Presta air valves is substantially the same. 
     To use the facilitator with the REVERSIBLE air valve connecting portion  70  of the present invention, to pump up a tire having a Schrader type air valve  17 , as shown in  FIG. 23 , the thread  73   t   1  at the Presta end  73   p  of the third part  73  is screwed into the thread  72   t  of the second part  72  until the front end  73   p  of the third part  73  presses against the O ring  155  to form a hermetic seal therebetween. Next, the REVERSIBLE air valve  70  is manually turned clockwise to cause the thread  17   t  of the Schrader air valve  17  to screw into the thread  73   t   3  in the third part  73  of the REVERSIBLE air valve  70  until the extending end of the Schrader valve  17  presses against the O ring  151  in the groove  75   g  of the fifth part  75  to create a hermetic seal therebetween. At this time, the pin  17   p  inside the Schrader valve  17  is pressed by the front portion  75   f  of the fifth part  75  to allow air to flow into and out of the Schrader valve  17 . However, the diaphragm  54  inside the REVERSIBLE air valve  70  prevents air from flowing out of the Schrader air valve  17  (i.e. The diaphragm  54  provides the function of a one way air valve). 
     The male thread portions  73   t   1  and  73   t   2  on the outer surface of the third part  73  have the same size and pitch thread and fit perfectly into the female thread portion  72   t  in the second part  72 . Furthermore, the length of the thread portions  73   t   1  and  73   t   2  is just long enough to allow the Schrader end  73   s  and the Presta end  73   p  to be screwed into the second part  72  far enough to squeeze the O ring  155  just enough to create an air tight seal therebetween but not too much to damage the O ring  155 . 
       FIGS. 24A-24E  show a perspective view, a side view, a front view, a back view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II of  FIG. 24B  of an outer transparent cylindrical portion  81  of the INLINE air pressure gauge according to the present invention. The cylindrical portion  81  is formed from transparent plastic such as acryl or polycarbonate using conventional injection molding techniques. 
     Referring to the  FIGS. 24A-24D , the outer cylindrical portion  81   c  is cylindrical in shape and has three coaxially formed cylindrical holes  81   h   1 ,  81   h   2 ,  81   h   3  formed through the center thereof. 
     The first cylindrical hole  81   h   1  is larger than the second cylindrical hole  81   h   2  and the second cylindrical hole is larger than the third cylindrical hole  81   h   3 . The first cylindrical hole  81   h   1  extends from the front end  81   f  of the cylindrical portion  81  to the front end of the second cylindrical hole  81   h   2 . The third cylindrical hole  81   h   3  extends from the back end  81   b  of the cylindrical portion  81   c  to the back end of the second cylindrical hole  81   h   2 . 
     The first hole  81   h   1  extends substantially through most of the cylindrical portion  81   c.    
     The hole  81   h   3  has the same diameter as the outer diameter of the hose  23 . The hole  81   h   2  is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the air hose  23  but smaller than the diameter of the air hose  23  when the sleeve portion  21   s  of the nipple  21  is inserted thereinto. 
     The outer diameter of the sleeve portion  21   s  and the protrusions  21   p  of the nipple  21  have a smaller outer diameter than the inner diameters of the holes  81   h   2  and  81   h   1  in the outer cylindrical portion  81 . The outer diameter of the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21  is larger than the hole  81   h   2  and smaller than the hole  81   h   1  in the cylindrical portion  81 . 
     To mount the hose  23  inside the outer cylindrical portion  81 , first one end of the hose  23  is inserted through the hole  81   h   3  in the back end  81   b  of the outer cylindrical portion  81  until the end of the hose  23  protrudes beyond the front end  81   f  of the outer cylindrical portion  81 . Next, the sleeve portion  21   s  of the nipple  21  is inserted into the extending end of the hose  23  until the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21  butts up against the extending end of the hose  23 . Next, the hose  23  is pulled back from the back end  81   b  of the outer cylindrical portion  81  until the end of the hose  23  is pulled into the hole  81   h   2  and the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21  butts up against the inner wall  81   w  surrounding the hole  81   h   2 , thereby permanently locking the hose  23  in the holes  81   h   2 ,  81   h   3  in the outer cylindrical transparent portion  81 . 
     The holes  81   h   2  and  81   h   3  in the back end of the outer cylindrical portion  81  together with the nipple  21  provide the function of air hose attaching means  100 , similar to the air hose attaching means  100  in the air pump connecting portions  40  and air valve connecting portion  50 ,  60  and  70 . 
     Preferably, the cylindrical portion  81   c  is 60-100 mm long, the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion  81   c  is 7-10 mm, the inner diameter of the hole  81   h   1  is 5-8 mm. 
     Preferably, the diameters of the holes  81   h   2 ,  81   h   3  is 4.2 mm and 4.0 mm, respectively. The outer and inner diameters (i.e. OD, ID) of the hose  23  are 4.0 and 2.5 mm, respectively. The length of the holes  81   h   2  and  81   h   3  are 5 mm each. The length of the nipple  21  used to connect the hose  23  to the outer cylindrical portion  81  is 4 mm. The outer diameter of the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21  is 4.5 mm, the outer diameter of the shaft portion  21   s  and protrusions  21   p  of the nipple  21  are 3.0 mm and 3.2 mm, respectively. The diameter of the hole  21   h  inside the nipple  21  is 2.5 mm. 
       FIGS. 25A-25E  show a perspective view, a side view, a front view, a back view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II of  FIG. 25B  of a cap portion  82  of the INLINE air pressure gauge  80  according to the present invention. Referring to the Figs., numeral  82   s  designates a round sleeve portion having a outwardly facing radial ring portion  82   r  integrally formed therewith along one end  82   b  thereof (hereinafter referred to as the back end  82   b ). The outer diameter of the sleeve portion  81   s  of the cap portion  82  is the same as the inner diameter of the hole  81   h   1  in the outer cylindrical portion  81 . The outer diameter of the ring portion  82   r  of the cap portion  82  is the same as the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion  81 . 
     Numerals  82   h   2  and  82   h   3  designate coaxial cylindrical holes formed through the center of the cylindrical sleeve  82 . The diameters of the holes  82   h   2  and  82   h   3  in the cap portion  82  is the same as the diameters of the holes  81   h   2  and  81   h   3  in the outer cylindrical portion  81 , respectively, and, in conjunction with the nipple  21 , surve as the air hose attaching means  100 . 
     To assemble the air hose  23  in the cap portion  82 , first one end of the air hose  23  is pushed into the holes  82   h   2  and  82   h   3  until the end of the hose stick out of the front end  82   f  of the sleeve portion  82   s.  Next, the sleeve portion  21   s  of the nipple  21  is inserted into the extending end of the hose  23  until the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21  butts up against the extending end of the hose  23 . Next, the hose  23  is pulled back from the back end  82   b  of the cap portion  82  until the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21  butts up against front end  82   f  of the sleeve portion  82   s,  thereby permanantly locking the hose  23  in the holes  82   h   2 ,  82   h   3  in the cap portion  82 . 
       FIGS. 26A-26E  show a perspective view, a side view, a front view, a back view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II of  FIG. 26B  of a transparent inner cylindrical portion  83  of the INLINE pressure gauge  80  according to the present invention. Referring to the Figs., numeral  83   c  designates a cylindrical portion having one open end  83   f  (hereinafter referred to as the front end  83   f ) and the other end  83   b  (hereinafter referred to as the back end  83   b ) of which is closed. 
     The outer diameter of the inner cylindrical portion  83  is smaller than the inner diameter of the hole  81   h   1  in the outer cylindrical portion  81 , so that the inner cylindrical portion  83  can be inserted into the outer cylindrical portion  81  as well as allow air to flow therebetween. 
     Numeral  83   p  designates a pair of round protrusions formed on the extending end of the closed end  83   b  of the inner cylindrical portion  83 . The protrusions  83   p  are provided for making sure that the closed end  83   b  of the inner cylindrical portion does not butt up against the inner end of the back end  81   b  of the outer cylindrical portion  81 , thereby ensuring that air can flow therebetween. 
     The length of the inner cylindrical portion  83  is shorter than the length of the hole  83   h   1  inside the outer cylindrical portion  81  when the sleeve portion  82   s  of the cap portion  82  is inserted into the front end  81   f  of the outer cylindrical portion  81 . 
       FIGS. 27A-27E  show a perspective view, a side view, a front view a back view and a side cross sectional view at line II-II in  FIG. 27B  of a piston  12  of the INLINE air pressure gauge  80  according to the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 27A-27E  numeral  12  generally designates a piston formed of a resilient type material such as rubber or silicone. Numeral  12   s  designates a round shaft portion having a cylindrical shaped opening  12   h  formed therein extending from the front end  12   f  of the shaft portion  12   s  partially therethrough to the back end  12   b  thereof. The back end  12   b  of the piston  12  is closed providing a hermetic seal. Numeral  12   r   1  and  12   r   2  designate a pair of round outwardly facing radial rings integrally formed with the shaft portion  12   s  along the outer surface thereof. 
     The shaft  12   s  has an outer diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the hole  83   h  in the inner cylindrical portion  83 . The outer diameters of the rings  12   r  is the same as or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole  83   h  of the inner cylindrical portion  83 , so that the rings  12   r  of the piston  12  frictionally slide inside the cylindrical portion  83  while not allowing air to pass between the rings  12   r   1  and  12   r   2  of the piston  12  and the inner walls  83   h  of the inner cylindrical portion  83 . Numeral  12   t  designates a second round shaft portion (hereinafter referred to as a tail portion  12   t ) integrally formed with the back end  12   b  of the shaft portion  12   a.  The tail portion  12   t  has an outer diameter which is smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft portion  12   a,  so that one end of a spring  20  can be mounted around the tail portion  12   t,  while not touching the inner walls of the inner cylindrical portion  83 , as well as allow the end of the spring  20  mounted on the tail portion  12   t  to push against the back end  12   b  of the shaft  12   s  of the piston  12 . The spring  20  has an outer diameter which is smaller than the inner diameter of the hole  83   h  of the inner cylindrical portion  83  even when the spring  20  is in the compressed state during high air pressure measurements. 
     Accordingly, when the piston  12  is inserted into the inner cylindrical portion  83 , only the rings  12   r   1 ,  12   r   2  come into contact with the inner walls  83   h  of the inner cylindrical portion  83 . The tail portion  12   t  should be facing inwards towards the closed end  83   b  of the inner cylindrical portion  83 . The tail portion  12   t  is only necessary in the case where a spring  20  is included inside the cylindrical portion  83 . Otherwise, the tail portion  12   t  is not necessary. 
     Since one end of the inner cylindrical portion  83  is closed, and since the air pressure between the inner end of the piston  12  and the closed end  83   b  of the inner cylindrical portion  83  is at 1 atmosphere (i.e. the piston  11  is inserted into the open end of the inner cylindrical portion  83  at 1 atmosphere during assembly of INLINE air pressure gauge  80 ), as the pressure goes up at the open end  83   f  of the inner cylindrical portion  83 , the piston  12  slides into the inner cylindrical portion  83  to a point where the pressure at both ends of the piston  12  are the same. Namely, as the piston gets pushed towards the closed end  83   b  of the inner cylindrical portion  83 , due to the air pressure at the open end  83   f  of the inner cylindrical portion  83  increasing, the piston  12  slides into the inner cylindrical portion  83  compressing the air between the inner end  12   b  of the piston  12  and the closed end  83   b  of the inner cylindrical portion  83  to a point where the pressure at both ends of the piston  12  is the same (i.e. according to the well known law of physics p1v1=p2v2). Since air has a given coefficient of compression, a conventional transparent film made of polypropylene, etc., having numerals printed thereon representative of pressure present inside the INLINE pressure gauge (i.e. 10, 20 30 psi) can be glued to the outside of the inner cylindrical portion  83 , whereby the pressure inside a tire to which the facilitator  50 ,  60  or  70  having an INLINE pressure gauge mounted along a central portion of the hose  23  is mounted on can be viewed at a glance (i.e. the position of the piston  12  inside the transparent inner cylindrical portion  83  lining up with a number representative of air pressure number marked on the transparent film mounted on the outer surface of the inner cylindrical portion  83 ). 
     In another embodiment, the numerals such as 10 psi, 20 psi are also printed in yellow, the numerals 30 psi, 40 psi and 50 psi are printed in green and the numerals 60 psi, 70 psi, etc., are printed in red on the transparent film. Alternatively, the film is painted with semi transparent colours yellow, green and red and the numerals 10-80 psi in dark black, the yellow colour indicating not enough air, the green painted area indicating just the right amount of air and the red painted numerals/area indicating to much air pressure, respectively. 
     Most mountain type bicycles require about 30-60 psi. Accordingly, the film portion indicating those pressures should be painted in green on the inner cylindrical portion  83  of the INLINE pressure indicator  80 . However, in the case of racing bikes, the 60 psi-90 psi should be painted in green. Accordingly, by simply applying differently painted films to the inner cylindrical portion  83 , any person can easily discern at a glance if they have enough air in their tire by just looking at the colour at which the piston  12  is resting at. Furthermore, the numbers 10 psi, 20 psi, etc., can be directly embossed on the outer surface of the inner cylindrical portion  83 , thereby eliminating the need for a film. 
     The two rings  12   a,    12   b  provide for minimal sliding friction between the outer surface of the rings  12   a,    12   b  and the inner walls  83   h  of the inner cylindrical portion  83 , as well as ensure that the piston  12  is aligned co-axially with the inner walls  83   h  of the inner cylindrical portion  83 , thereby ensuring for smooth sliding of the piston  12  with respect to the inner walls  83   h  of the inner cylindrical portion  83  as the air pressure changes therein. 
     Furthermore the hole  12   f  inside the piston  12  allows the walls of the piston  12  around the hole  12   f  to expand outwardly when the pressure suddenly increases due to the attachment of the facilitator  50 ,  60  or  70  having the INLINE pressure gauge  80  mounted along a central portion of the air hose  23  to a bicycle air tire, thereby causing the rings  12   a,    12   b  to press harder against the inner walls  83   h  of the inner cylindrical portion  83 , to prevent the high pressure air from going around the rings  12   a,    12   b.    
     When the pressure at the open end of the inner cylindrical portion  83  returns to 1 atmosphere, the piston  12  returns to its original position, namely, to the open end  83   f  of the inner cylindrical portion  83 , as shown in  FIG. 28A . 
     It should be noted that the piston  12  can be inserted into the inner cylindrical portion  83  in a controlled environment such as a transparent box full of argon, freon, or any other non volatile gas which is heavier than air. The nipple  12  can be inserted into the inner cylindrical portion  83  by using a pair of rubber gloves installed in the side of the transparent box. Namely, hundreds of inner cylindrical portion  83  and hundreds of nipples  12  can be housed in a transparent box. Argon or Freon gas can be pumped into the hermetically sealed box and then using the gloves hermetically mounted in round holes in the side of the box a person can physically insert the pistons  12  into the argon or freon filled inner cylindrical portions  13 . Then, the box can be opened and the inner cylindrical portions  83  having the nipples  12  inserted therein can be taken out of the box. 
     It should be noted that a lubricant such as made by Toray silicone should be applied to the ring  12   a,    12   b,  and the inner walls  83   h  of the inner cylindrical portion  83 , so that the piston slides smoothly inside the inner cylindrical portion  83 . Alternatively, the inner walls of the inner cylindrical portion  83  and/or the piston  12 , may be coated with a Teflon like material to ensure a slippery surface for the piston  12  to slide in. 
     At the same time air can flow inside the outer cylindrical portion  81 , around the inner cylindrical portion  83  and flow from the air pump connecting portion  40  to the air valve connecting portion  50 ,  60  or  70 . 
     The diaphragm  54  is 1 mm thick and slightly smaller in diameter than the inner diameter of the outer cylindrical portion  81 . Furthermore, there is a 2 mm space between the front end  82   f  of the cap portion  82  and the front end of the inner cylindrical portion  81 , so that the diaphragm  54  can move back and fourth to allow air to flow in only one direction, namely from the air pump connecting portion  40  to the air valve connecting portion  50  or  60 . 
       FIG. 28  shows a side cross sectional view of an INLINE air pressure gauge  80  according to the present invention in the assembled state. 
     To assemble the INLINE air pressure gauge  80 , first a first air hose  23   b  is passed through the hole  81   h   3 ,  81   h   2  and  81   h   1  in the outer cylindrical portion  81 . Next, the end of the hose  23   b  sticking out of the open front end  81   f  of the outer cylindrical portion  81  has the sleeve portion  21   s  of the nipple  21  inserted therein until the ring portion  21   r  butts up against the extending end of the air hose portion  23   b.  Next, the hose  23  is pulled back from the back end  81   b  of the outer cylindrical portion  81  until the ring portion  21   r  butts up against the wall  81   w  at the front side of the hole  81   h   2 , and the end of the hose  23  having the shaft portion  21   s  inserted therein is locked in the holes  81   h   2 ,  81   h   3  of the outer cylindrical portion  81 , forming a hermetic seal therebetween. 
     Next, one end of the hose  23   a  is inserted through the holes  82   h   3 ,  82   h   2  in the cap portion  82  until the end of the hose is completely out of the cap portion  82 . Next, the shaft portion  21   s  of the nipple  21  is inserted into the extending end of the hose  23   a  until the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21  butts up against the extending end of the hose  23   a.  Next, the hose  23   a  is pulled back through the cap portion  82  until the ring portion  21   r  of the nipple  21  is adjacent to the front end  82   f  of the cap portion  82  and the end of the hose  23   a  is locked in the holes  82   h   2 ,  82   h   3  in the cap portion  82 . 
     Next, a spring  20  is inserted inside the inner cylindrical portion  83 . The length of the spring  20  is about 5 mm shorter than the length of the hole  83   h  inside the inner cylindrical portion  83 , so that sufficient room is provided for inserting the piston  12  inside the front end  83   f  of the inner cylindrical portion  83 . 
     The spring constant k should be chosen according to the pressures most desired to be measured by the INLINE pressure gauge  80 . Specifically, the higher the air pressure desired to be measured, the stiffer the spring should be (i.e. Higher spring constant, k). Accordingly, for mountain bikes requiring pressures of between 30-60 psi, a lower spring constant spring would be chosen and for racing bikes having thin tires requiring pressures between 60-120 psi a higher spring constant spring would be chosen. 
     Next, the piston  12  is dipped in a lubricant. Next, the thus lubricated piston  12  is inserted into the open front end  83   f  of the inner cylindrical portion  83  with the tail end facing the back closed end  83   b  of the inner cylindrical portion  83 . At this time, the tail portion  12   t  should be inside the front portion of the spring  20 . 
     Next, the inner cylindrical portion  83  is inserted into the outer cylindrical portion  81  until the back end  83   b  of the inner cylindrical portion  83  is next to the back end  81   b  of the outer cylindrical portion  81 . 
     Next, an adhesive material is applied to the outer surface of the sleeve portion  82   s  of the cap portion  82 . Next, the front end of the sleeve portion  82   s  having the adhesive on the outer surface thereof is inserted into the front end  81   f  of the outer cylindrical portion  81  until the ring portion  82   r  of the cap portion  82  butts up against the front end of the outer cylindrical portion  81 . This completes the assembly of the INLINE air pressure gauge  80 . 
     Next, the air pump connecting portion  40  is mounted on the other end of the first air hose portion  23   a,  as described above. Next, an air valve connecting portion  50 ,  60  or  70  is mounted on the other end of the second air hose portion  23   b  in the manner described above. This completes the assembly of the facilitator  45 ,  46  or  47 . 
     The INLINE air pressure gauge can be mounted on any conventional air pump hose presently on the market by simply cutting the conventional air hose attached to any conventional air pump at any point along the hose that the user want to install the INLINE air pressure gauge, then assembling the INLINE air pressure gauge using the same method as described above. 
       FIG. 28C  shows a side cross sectional view of a digital INLINE air pressure gauge  90  according to the present invention. The digital INLINE pressure gauge  90  is similar to the INLINE pressure gauge  80  and only the differences therebetween will be described herebelow. 
     Numeral  91  designates a cylindrical digital air pressure gauge inserted inside the outer cylindrical portion  81 . The cylindrical digital air pressure gauge  91  has the same shape and same physical dimensions as the inner cylindrical portion  83 . Namely, when assembling the INLINE air pressure gauge  90 , instead of inserting the inner cylindrical portion  81  and the piston  12 , the digital air pressure gauge  91  is inserted into the outer cylindrical portion  81 . 
     Numeral  91   d  designates a digital display which displays the air pressure inside the outer cylindrical portion  81 . For example, the display shows a pressure of 35.1 psi. 
     The electronic and mechanical parts needed to construct the digital pressure gauge  91  are well know in the art of air pressure measuring devices. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,109 titled “indicator of air pressure based on capacitive coupling” discloses one such device the subject matter of which is incorporated herewith. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,606,123 titled “tire pressure monitoring device . . . ” discloses one more device the subject matter of which is incorporated herewith. 
     An air pressure indicating device by the name of TIREMINDER available for sale on the market incorporates all the parts required for the digital air pressure gauge  91  of the present invention with the exception of the shape not being round. To change the shape of the product made by TIREMINDER from its present shape to a cylindrical shape is very simple to do for anyone familiar with the art of injection molding techniques. 
       FIG. 31A  shows a side cross sectional view of a Schrader air valve connecting portion  500  according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 31B  shows a side cross sectional view of a Schrader air valve connecting portion  500  of  FIG. 31A  having a Schrader air valve  17  mounted therein. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 31A-31B , numeral  500  generally designates a Schrader air valve connecting portion. Similar parts will be designated by the same numbers or symbols used in the other embodiments of the present invention. 
     Specifically the parts  71 ,  72 ,  75 ,  74 , diaphragm  54  and O rings  151 , and  154  are used for the embodiment of the Schrader valve  500 . 
     To assemble the Schrader air valve connector  500 , first the O ring  154  is mounted on the cylindrical portion  71  between the rings  71   r   1  and  71   r   2 . Next, the rings  71   r   1 ,  71   r   2  are inserted into the hole  72   h   1  in the back end of the part  72 . Next, the extending ends  72   e  are folded over to lock the parts  71  and  72  together while allowing the part  71  to swivel respect to the part  72 . Next, the diaphragm  54  is inserted into the third cylindrical portion  71   c  of the part  71 . Next, the O ring  151  is mounted in the groove  75   g  in the part  75 . Next, the back end  75   b  of the part  75  is frictionally inserted into the front end  71   f  of the cylindrical portion  71   c  of the part  71 . 
     The dimensions of the thread  72   t  in the part  72  must be adjusted to be the same as the thread  17   t  of the Schrader air valve  17 . 
     It should be noted that the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments disclosed and many variations can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.