Apparatus for connecting an inflatable article to a compressor

摘要

An apparatus includes an elongated tube having an air outlet end adapted to be connected to an inflatable article and an air inlet end adapted to be connected to a compressor for supplying compressed air to the inflatable article. The tube has a surrounding wall formed with a radial hole. A flexible bidirectional valve unit is disposed fittingly in the tube and includes a cup-like first check valve member located adjacent to the radial hole. The first valve member opens downwardly and has a base end and an opposite flaring end which contacts tightly and normally an inner surface of the surrounding wall so as to prevent air flow from the inlet end to the outlet end of the tube. The valve unit further includes a cup-like second check valve member which opens upwardly and which is connected integrally to the base end of the first valve member for preventing air flow from the outlet end to the inlet end of the tube. An actuating rod extends into the radial hole and is operable so as to push the flaring end of the first valve member to disengage the inner surface of the surrounding wall in order to permit air flow from the inlet end to the outlet end of the tube. An automatic relief valve unit is mounted to the tube between the valve unit and the air outlet end of the tube and releases air in the tube when pressure therein exceeds a predetermined value.