AIR PUMP VALVE HEAD FOR BOTH SCHRADER AND PRESTA VALVES

摘要

The valve head (10) of the present invention is designed for engaging both a Schrader and a Presta valve. It includes a housing (14) having generally cylindrical sidewalls and a base wall. A collet (18) is disposed within the housing (14). The collet (18) has generally cylindrical sidewalls and a plurality of upwardly extending collet fingers (26). A generally cylindrical gasket member (22) is disposed within the collet. The gasket (22) is composed of a resilient material and has a valve insertion bore formed centrally therethrough. A camming lever (40) is operably engaged to the collet (18) and functions to pull the collet (18) downwardly into the housing. The downward movement of the collet (18) causes the collet fingers (26) to move inwardly, thereby creating an inwardly directed force upon the resilient gasket (22) such that the diameter of the gasket bore is reduced. When a Schrader valve is disposed within the gasket bore, the downward movement of the collet (18) causes the Schrader valve to move downwardly in frictional engagement with the gasket (22), and the downward motion of the Schrader valve upon a stationary actuator member (56) projecting from the base of the housing (14) opens the Schrader valve. A Presta valve disposed within the gasket bore is not drawn downwardly thus avoiding damage of the Presta valve.