Patent Application
20060093489
The present invention relates to an air compressor assembly, and more particularly to an assembly including replaceable tanks and a rotating handle sub-assembly.
Air compressors have been adapted for use in various applications. Generally, air compressors provide pneumatic power which can be employed to create projecting, rotational or other forces. As such, air compressors have conventionally been used as a source of power in assembling or disassembling items or machines. Air compressors have also been utilized as a driving force in devices such as nail guns. Many other applications benefit from the power generating by air compressors.
Typically, air compressor assemblies include a motor for driving a compressor and a tank for storing compressed air. When air is compressed, there is associated therewith some level or degree of condensation within the tank storing the compressed air. Although some efforts have been made to select materials which resist corrosion and to provide valves for removing moisture, the condensation within a storage tank eventually causes corrosion. Such corrosion limits the useful life of the compressor.
As in most conventional air compressor assemblies, the air storage tanks are welded to the motor or otherwise form a non-removable structure. In conventional air compressor assemblies which include a plurality of storage tanks, such tanks are often welded or otherwise affixed to each other. Therefore, since it is critical to safety concerns that the structure of storage tanks not be compromised, once a storage tank has exhibited some degree of deterioration, the entire air compressor assembly becomes obsolete and must be discarded. Repair of the compressor assembly is often cost prohibitive or unwieldy.
Air compressor assemblies are often used in situations or environments which subject the assembly to a high degree of wear and tear. For example, objects such as tools can fall on the compressor assembly or transportation of the compressor assembly about a worksite invariably results in collisions with other structures. While compressor assemblies have been made to be portable, little attention has been given to protecting the apparatus from impact. This is particularly true with respect to valve stems and gauges of a compressor assembly.
Accordingly, what is needed and not previously provided is a compressor assembly that permits the replacement of storage tanks as well as provides structure for protecting the apparatus and aiding in its transportation. The present invention satisfies these and other needs.
Briefly and in general terms, the present invention is directed towards an air compressor assembly including removable parts and structure intended to protect the apparatus. In one aspect, the air compressor assembly is portable and includes a plurality of storage tanks.
In one embodiment, the air compressor assembly includes a frame housing having a motor assembly for driving a compressor. Also, contained within the frame is one or more tanks for storing compressed air. A driver assembly connects the motor assembly with the compressor and a supply line as provided to transport compressed air from the compressor to the storage tank.
In one particular embodiment, the air compressor assembly includes a pair of air storage tanks which are individually mounted within a frame assembly. Each of the storage tanks can be removable from the frame assembly and can be replaced once signs of deterioration are identified.
In another particular embodiment, the frame assembly includes a rotating handle sub-assembly. In a closed position, the handle assembly acts to protect the air compressor apparatus. In an open configuration, the handle assembly can be employed to facilitate transportation of the air compressor assembly. In that regard, the air compressor assembly is provided with a pair of wheels upon which the apparatus can be transported.
Other features and advantage of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, take in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which will illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
Referring now to the drawings, which are provided by way of example and not limitation, the present invention is embodied in an air compressor assembly which includes structure not contemplated in prior compressors. In particular, the air compressor assembly of the present invention provides protective structure which also facilitates transportation. The air compressor assembly additionally includes structure which provides the apparatus with means for enhancing the useful life thereof.
With reference to
In one embodiment, the frame assembly 110 includes a base or bottom portion 112 defined by a first U-shaped member 114. The first U-shaped member 114 includes a pair of spaced, generally parallel arms 116 each of which have a mid-section portion 118. Arranged generally perpendicularly to the first U-shaped member is a second generally U-shaped structure 120, which also includes a pair of spaced, generally parallel arms 122. When in an assembled form, each arm 122 of the second U-shaped structure 120 projects vertically from the mid-section 118 of a single arm 116 of the first generally U-shaped member 114. Also attached across arms 116 of the first U-shaped member 114 and affixed to lower terminal ends of arms 122 of the second U-shaped structure 120 is a horizontally extending component 124. Further, a horizontally extending plate 126 is attached at one end to the horizontally extending component 124 and at another end to a front portion 128 of the first U-shaped member 114 of the base 112.
Affixed to terminal ends 130 of each of arms 116 of the first U-shaped member 114 is a vertical component 132 which themselves terminate with a hinge and stay assembly 140. Also connected to the terminal ends 130 of the U-shaped base 112 is a second horizontally extending member 142.
The frame assembly 112 also includes an U-shaped tubular handle assembly 150 that includes a pair of spaced arms 152 which each have a curved portion 154 and terminal ends 156. Terminal ends 156 are configured to mate with and embody a portion of the hinge assemblies 140. The handle 150 can also be equipped with a grip (not shown) made from an elastomeric material and which is configured across a base portion 160 of the U-shaped sub-assembly.
Another generally U-shaped tubular member 170 is attached at its terminal ends 172 to the second generally U-shaped structure 120 which extends vertically from the base 112. In one aspect, this generally U-shaped tubular structure is configured in a parallel relationship with the base 112.
When assembled, the frame assembly 110 defines a number of compartments. Attached to plate 126 and configured near the base 112 of the frame assembly 110 and beneath the U-shaped tubular member 170 and configured parallel to the base 112 is a motor and compressor assembly 200. A motor assembly 210 includes four spaced feet or attaching structure 212 each of which are affixed to the plate 126 attached to the base 112. Configured atop the motor assembly 210 is a compressor assembly 220.
The frame assembly also defines a compartment for a plurality of compressed air tanks 300, 302. This compartment is located adjacent of the space provided for the motor and compressor assembly 200. A first air tank 300 is releasably mounted to the second horizontal member 142 by a pair of spaced clips or equivalent structure 310. A second air tank 302 is releasably mounted above the first air tank 300 by conventional means. One or more supply tubes (not shown) extend from the compressor to one or both of the air tubes 300, 302, respectively.
Configured and attached within and between the second generally U-shaped structure 120 and horizontal U-shaped member 170 is a control panel and valve assembly 450. The assembly includes a panel 452 which houses a pair of gauges 454, 456 as well as a control knob 458 and a pair of valves 460. In one aspect, the gauges can provide information concerning tank pressure and outlet pressure. Additional gauges can be included to provide information concerning each air tank individually as well as outlet pressure from each tank individually. The control knob 458 controls the outflow of air from the tanks 300, 302. The dials provide an outlet from the tanks 300, 302 and are configured to receive a conventional hose for various devices such as a nail gun. A tray 470 for holding or receiving tools and other work pieces is also provided in the space.
Also attached to the frame assembly 170 is a pressure ON/OFF switch 480 (See
Extending from one or both of the air tanks 300, 302 is an outlet tube (not shown). It is to be understood that the present invention contemplates both providing air from the compressor 220 to each air tank 300, 302 individually as well as to one air tank which is in communication with a second air tank. The present invention also contemplates a single outlet hose from one of the two tanks which are in communication with each other as well as a pair of separate outlet hoses, one for each tank.
Attached to a bottom 500 of the frame assembly 110 are two pairs of rubber feet 502. Such rubber feet 502 are contemplated to be affixed to an underside of the arms defining the first U-shaped member 114. Additionally, the present invention contemplates attaching a pair of spaced wheels 504 by conventional structure to vertical components 132 such that the wheels 504 only engage the ground when the air compressor 100 is tilted off of the rubber feet 502.
As can be understood from reviewing
Accordingly, the present invention provides an air compressor assembly adapted to address corrosion affecting compressed air tanks. The present invention also embodies structure both protecting the compressor assembly and facilitating its transportation. Moreover, it is contemplated that one or both of the air tanks can be employed to store compressed air and to be accessed either individually or in combination.
Thus, it will be apparent from the foregoing that, while particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made without parting from the spirit and scope of the invention.
