U.S. patent application number 10/950191 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-18 for air compressor.
Invention is credited to Mark A. Etter, Jeremy D. Leasure, James Vintzel.
Application Number | 20060104825 10/950191 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36386515 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060104825 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Etter; Mark A. ; et
al. |
May 18, 2006 |
Air compressor
Abstract
An air compressor includes a frame connected with an air tank
connected with a compressor assembly. The frame is further
connected with a handle which is connected with a basket for the
storing of accessories used with the air compressor. The basket is
configured in relation to the dimensions of the handle to limit its
visual impact when viewed by a user of the air compressor.
Inventors: |
Etter; Mark A.; (Humboldt,
TN) ; Leasure; Jeremy D.; (Jackson, TN) ;
Vintzel; James; (Jackson, TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE BLACK & DECKER CORPORATION
701 EAST JOPPA ROAD, TW199
TOWSON
MD
21286
US
|
Family ID: |
36386515 |
Appl. No.: |
10/950191 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60505795 |
Sep 24, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
417/234 ;
417/410.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04B 35/06 20130101;
F04B 41/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/234 ;
417/410.1 |
International
Class: |
F04B 53/00 20060101
F04B053/00; F04B 35/04 20060101 F04B035/04 |
Claims
1. An air compressor, comprising: a handle connected to a first
vertical support and a second vertical support of a frame, the
handle being angularly displaced from a vertical plane of the first
and second vertical supports; a basket connected to the handle, the
basket defining a recessed area and providing an angular alignment
between the handle and the basket; and a compressor assembly
connected to the frame and a compressed air tank, the compressor
assembly for supplying compressed air.
2. The air compressor of claim 1, wherein the basket is removable
in its connection with the handle.
3. The air compressor of claim ,1 wherein the handle is reversible
in it position relative to the frame.
4. The air compressor of claim 1, wherein the handle includes a
grip.
5. The air compressor of claim 1, further comprising a
transportation assembly connected with the frame.
6. The air compressor of claim 5, wherein the transportation
assembly includes a first wheel and a second wheel connected by an
axle.
7. The air compressor of claim 1, wherein the handle is integral
with the frame.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
119(e) to the U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/505,795,
filed on Sep. 24, 2003, which is herein incorporated by reference
in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of
power tools, and particularly to an air compressor including an
accessory carrying apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Air compressors are a commonly employed device for working
in conjunction with various power tools, such as spray guns,
pneumatic fasteners, pneumatic pumps, and the like which utilize
compressed air to drive the operation of the tool. Air compressors
vary in size from large units which are located in fixed positions
to smaller units which are capable of being transported to and from
various work sites. As stated above the use of air compressors
typically involves the use of various other devices.
[0004] Unfortunately, many of the portable air compressors utilized
today do not provide assistance in carrying these various other
devices, to be used with the air compressor, to and from the work
site. This may result in limited functionality of the air
compressor at the work site. Further, it may result in decreased
productivity associated with the use of the air compressor if time
is being spent transporting various other devices, such as the
tools and other accessories, to and from the work site. Further,
user fatigue associated with the work site may be increased if time
and energy is being expelled to bring the other devices to the work
site.
[0005] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide for the
transportation of various devices, such as tools and accessories
which are used in conjunction with an air compressor, in
conjunction with the transportation of the air compressor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Accordingly, the present invention provides an accessory
carrying assembly connected to an air compressor which allows for
the transportation of various devices, such as tools and various
other accessories used with the air compressor, to and from a
worksite. The accessory carrying assembly includes a basket which
provides a defined recessed area for storing and carrying the
various devices and is dimensionally configured in relation to the
configuration of the air compressor. It is an object of the present
invention to provide an accessory carrying case which limits its
visual impact upon the air compressor when viewed by a user.
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
accessory carrying assembly which is removable from its connection
with the air compressor. The removable accessory carrying case
allowing for the transportation of various devices separate from
the transportation of the air compressor.
[0008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as
claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of
the invention and together with the general description, serve to
explain the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The numerous advantages of the present invention may be
better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the
accompanying figures in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an air compressor apparatus
including an accessory carrying assembly in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a second exemplary embodiment
of an accessory carrying assembly for use with an air compressor
apparatus;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view illustrating the second
exemplary embodiment of the accessory carrying assembly for use
with an air compressor apparatus; and
[0013] FIG. 4 is a rear-side view illustrating the second exemplary
embodiment of the accessory carrying assembly for use with an air
compressor apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0015] Referring generally now to FIGS. 1 through 4, exemplary
embodiments of the present invention are shown. The accessory
carrying assembly connected with the air compressor of the present
invention provides a storage facility which is limited in its
visual impact upon the air compressor. This limited visual impact
serves to maintain the overall appearance of the air compressor.
Such a limited visual impact may serve to provide an increase in
the aesthetic appeal of the air compressor. Further, the
functionality of the air compressor may be improved as the
dimensional characteristics of the air compressor are not
substantially altered by the connection of an accessory carrying
assembly, thereby, maintaining a generally similar functional unit
which may not require a user of the air compressor assembly to
compensate for the presence of the accessory carrying assembly.
[0016] An air compressor 100 includes an accessory carrying
assembly including a basket 205, as shown in FIG. 1. The air
compressor 100 is commonly referred to as a vertical pancake
compressor. The air compressor 100 includes a frame 102 connected
with a transportation assembly 130 and a compressor assembly 150.
The frame 102 further includes a handle 110 which may be engaged by
the operator of the air compressor 100.
[0017] In the current embodiment, the transportation assembly 130
includes a first wheel 132 and a second wheel 134 coupled, via an
axle 136, with the frame 102. The coupling of the first and second
wheel 132 and 134 enables their rotation about the axle 136 which
allows them to roll over a surface. It is contemplated that the
transportation assembly 130 utilize various devices, such as
casters, rollers, and the like to provide the transport
capability.
[0018] The compressor assembly 150 includes an air tank 152
connected with the frame 102. The configuration of the air tank 152
may vary as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art. In
the current embodiment, the air tank 152 is of a configuration
generally recognized as a "pancake" air tank. The holding capacity
of the air tank 152 may also vary significantly. The air tank 152
is capable of holding up to 4 gallons of air, however, greater or
lesser amounts may be stored in varying capacity air tanks. Coupled
with the air tank 152 is a motor 154 at least partially surrounded
by a casing 156. In a preferred embodiment, the motor 154 provides
2 horsepower. The motor 154 may be of various sizes providing
different horsepower without departing from the scope and spirit of
the present invention.
[0019] It is contemplated that the motor 154 and the air tank 152
are coupled with a manifold. The manifold may include a gauge for
providing a readout of information regarding the status of the air
compressor, such as the current air outlet pressure being provided,
tank pressure, and the like. Further, the manifold includes a
connector for coupling an air transfer device 160 with the
compressor assembly 150. In the current embodiment, the air
transfer device 160 is a hose. However, the use of other suitable
devices for the transfer of the compressed air may be implemented.
The connector may include various fastening devices which enable
the connection of the hose with the compressor assembly 150. In a
preferred embodiment, a quick connect assembly may be employed to
connect with the hose. For example, one end of the hose may include
a male quick connect assembly while the connector may include a
female quick connect assembly for mating with a corresponding male
connector. Alternatively, a threaded connection may be established
for the coupling of the hose and the connector.
[0020] The handle 110 is connected through a first fastener 112 and
second fastener (not shown) and allows the operator to adjust the
position of the frame 102 to allow the air compressor 100 to be
transported. The first and second fasteners, known as the handlebar
bolts, allow the handle 110 to be reversed in its position shown in
the current embodiment. In the current embodiment, the
transportation occurs in a manner similar to that for a hand dolly
and the like.
[0021] It is contemplated that the handle 110 includes a grip 111.
In a preferred embodiment, the grip 111 is a piece of material
connected with the handle 110. The grip 111 may be a section of the
handle 110 with which an operator of the air compressor 100 engages
with. The grip 111 may be configured in a similar manner as that of
the handle 110 providing the handle 110 with a standard
configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 through 4. Alternatively, the
grip 111 may be constructed to provide various configurations to
the section of the handle 110 which defines the grip 111. For
example, the grip 111 may be constructed to provide a vertical
"joystick" grip. In the alternative, the grip 111 may be a post
connected to the handle 110 extending in various directions away
from the contouring of the handle 110. It is further contemplated
that the grip 111 may be constructed in various shapes, such as
various polygonal shapes, a cylindrical shape, oval shape, and the
like which provide a point of engagement for the user with the air
compressor 100.
[0022] The grip 111 may be constructed to connect with the handle
110 in a removable manner. The connection of the grip 111 with the
handle 110 may be accomplished utilizing various mechanical
connection mechanisms, such as a quick connect mechanism,
compression lock mechanism, snap fit mechanism, friction fit
mechanism, and the like. The location of the connection of the grip
111 with the handle 110 may be varied. For instance, the grip 111
may be located on a right or left side of the handle 110.
Alternatively, the grip 111 may be connected with the frame 102 to
provide a separate engagement point for the user with the air
compressor 100 other than the handle 110. This may be advantageous,
for example, when items are being retrieved from the basket 205 and
the user finds it necessary to stabilize the position of the air
compressor 100.
[0023] Connected to the frame 102 of the air compressor 100 is the
accessory carrying assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the
accessory carrying assembly is configured as a basket 205. The
basket 205 is a wire form basket 205, defining a recessed area 210.
The wire form basket 205 allows air to pass freely through the
basket and may assist in avoiding the accumulation of unwanted
debris/waste within the basket 205. The wire form basket 205 may be
formed from a variety of materials, such as various metals,
plastics, composite materials, soft case materials, and the like,
which provide a recessed area and are of sufficient structural
integrity for the carrying of accessories for use with the air
compressor 100. Further, the basket 205 may be composed of various
combinations of material without departing from the scope and
spirit of the present invention.
[0024] The configuration of the basket 205 is constructed in
relation to the dimensional configuration of the frame 102 and/or
handle 110 with which the basket may be connected. In FIG. 1, the
basket 205 is shown to be connected between a first vertical
support 113 and a second vertical support (not shown) of the frame
102. The width of the basket 205 is defined along a first axis "A"
by the spacing of the first and second vertical supports,
respectively. Further, due to the connection of the basket 205 with
the vertical supports, the basket 205 is generally configured to
extend vertically. Thus, the longest dimension of the basket 205
and the defined recessed area is along a second axis "B" of the
basket 205. The depth of the basket 205, defined along a horizontal
axis "C" of the basket 205, is configured to protrude or extend
from the vertical plane while maintaining the structural lines
established by the first and second vertical supports.
[0025] The maintenance of the structural lines established by the
first and second vertical supports may be accomplished through a
basket depth dimension which does not substantially protrude from
the vertical plane. In effect, the basket 205 provides a sufficient
depth for the carrying of accessories, but does not interfere with
a perceived verticality of the frame 102 provided by the first and
second vertical supports. For example, the basket 205 may be
constructed to provide a depth wherein the depth of the basket 205
maintains the visually perceived verticality of the frame 102. In a
preferred embodiment, the depth of the basket 205 may range from
three to six inches, such depth being visually perceived as not
substantially protruding from and thereby interfering with the
verticality of the frame 102. It is contemplated that the depth of
the basket 205 may vary, providing greater depth than six inches or
less depth than three inches without departing from the scope and
spirit of the present invention while maintaining the perceived
verticality of the frame 102 at the location of the first and
second vertical supports 113 and 115.
[0026] The configuration of the basket 205 may vary to accommodate
the shape of the air compressor to which it is connected. The
various configurations may allow the basket to have contouring,
different polygonal designs, and the like which provide an
aesthetically pleasing appearance and maintain the overall shape of
the air compressor 100, including the frame 102.
[0027] In the current embodiment, the basket 205 is configured in a
generally rectangular box shape which extends between and connects
with the first and second vertical supports, extends at least
partially down the length of a section of the frame 102, and has a
depth. It is understood that the length of the basket 205 may vary
significantly. This variance allows the basket 205 to be
constructed in accordance with the needs of a consumer or
manufacturer. Further, the various lengths which may be constructed
for the basket 205 allows it to vary in how far the basket 205
extends down the frame 102. The width of the basket 205 may also
vary significantly. This variance in the width of the basket 205
provides different basket constructions which protrude out from the
frame 102 at various distances without departing from the scope and
spirit of the present invention.
[0028] The basket 205 of the accessory carrying assembly is enabled
to carry various items, such as attachments for the hose, nails,
nail guns, hammers, wrenches, and the like which may be utilized
with the air compressor 100. Further, as may be seen in FIG. 1, the
basket 205 may be used to carry the hose which connects with the
compressor assembly 150. It is contemplated that the accessory
carrying assembly may further include a hanger assembly for
carrying the hose of the air compressor 100. Other than tools,
items such as workpieces, folders, books, and the like, may be
transported within the basket 205 of the accessory carrying
assembly 200.
[0029] In an alternative embodiment, the basket 205 may be
configured as an enclosure with continuous surfaces joined together
to form a closed container. This may be advantageous in its ability
to store and carry items which may fall out of the wire form of the
basket 205. The closed basket may be formed of varying dimensions
such as those described above for the wire form basket. Further,
the basket may be configured to include various devices, such as a
connector assembly, and the like for increasing the utility and
ease of use of the basket.
[0030] It is contemplated that the basket 205 and hanger of the
accessory carrying assembly may be alternately used with other
power devices as well. For example, they may be employed with a
generator, portable generator, power washer, other hydraulic pump
assemblies, and the like. When used with various alternative
devices, the accessory carrying assembly may include additional
features than the basket and hanger. For example, disposed on a
generator, the accessory carrying assembly may include outlets for
providing power connections, fuses, and/or controls which are used
to determine the operation of the generator.
[0031] It is further contemplated that the basket 205, in either
the wire form or closed form, may include a cover connected with
the basket 205 by at least one fastener. The cover may completely
encompass one side of the basket 205 providing a closed assembly or
may partially encompass one side leaving access available without
having to move or remove the cover. The cover may be composed of
various materials, such as metal, plastic, composite, and the like.
Further, the cover may provide a transparent, translucent, and the
like, cover enabling an operator of the air compressor 100 to see
what is inside the basket 205 without having to move or remove the
cover. The cover may be enabled like a door to provide access to
the accessories stored within the basket 205. The cover/door may
open in various directions, for example if the cover is on a top
side of the basket 205 then it may open towards the back of the
basket 205 so as to assist in easy access to accessories stored
within. If the cover/door is on a long side of the basket 205 then
it may open towards one side of the basket 205 to allow access to
the accessories stored within.
[0032] The basket 205 is connected with the handle 110 through a
plurality of mounting members included on the basket 205 connecting
with a plurality of fastening points disposed with rubber grommets
included within the handle 110. The rubber grommets may assist in
reducing the wear between the handle 110 and the basket 205 caused
by various factors, such as frictional contact due to vibration.
The plurality of mounting members may be formed of metal, plastic,
or other rigid material, to securely engage the basket 205 with the
handle. The number, location, and configuration of the plurality of
mounting members may vary to accommodate the connection of the
basket 205 with the handle 110. The plurality of mounting members
allow for the handle 110 to be reversibly connected to the frame
102 without diminishing the ability to mount and store the basket
205 on the air compressor 100.
[0033] The number, location, and configuration of the plurality of
fastening points may vary to accommodate to the mounting members
being employed with the air compressor 100. The number, location,
and configuration of the plurality of rubber grommets may vary to
accommodate the number, location, and configuration of the
fastening points. Other fastening assemblies may be employed with
the present invention. For example, screws, bolts, clips, pins,
compression lock systems, and the like may be employed to fasten
the wire form basket with the frame assembly. It is contemplated
that the basket may be further coupled with the frame 102 through
the first and second handlebar bolts which couple the handle 110
with the frame 102.
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, an air compressor 300,
similar in every respect to that shown and described for FIG. 1,
includes an accessory carrying assembly including a basket 405
defining a recessed area 410, and a hanger 450. In the preferred
embodiment, the basket 405 is connected with the bars of a handle
310 and may be removed from the handle 310. The handle 310 includes
a grip 311, similar to grip 111 previously described. The basket
405 is a wire form basket configured and constructed in relation to
the spatial configuration of the frame 302, including the handle
310. In the current embodiment, the handle 310 is connected with
the frame 302 through a first fastener 350 and a second fastener
352. The handle 310 is capable of being connected with the frame
302 in a reversible manner. For example, in FIG. 2, the handle 310
is shown angling away from the compressor assembly of the air
compressor 300. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the handle 310 is connected with
the frame 302 in a reversed position, whereby, the handle 310 is
angling towards or over the compressor assembly of the air
compressor 300. In the current embodiment, the first and second
fasteners are a first handlebar bolt and a second handlebar bolt
which allow for the reversible coupling of the handle 310 with the
frame 302. It is contemplated that various other fastening
assemblies, such as clips, straps, compression lock systems, bolts,
screws, and the like, may be utilized to provide the reversible
positioning of the handle 310.
[0035] The basket 405 defines a recessed area 410 which may
encompass varying spatial dimensions due to the basket 405 having
one side shorter than another, the width being greater than the
length, and the like, without departing from the scope and spirit
of the present invention. The varying dimensional characteristics
of the basket 405 allow the basket 405 to maintain the general
structural lines established by the handle 310 connected with the
frame 302. In the current embodiment, the handle 310 is established
at an angle relative to a first vertical support 313 and a second
vertical support 315 of the frame 302. This angular presentation of
the handle 310 is accounted for in the configuration of the basket
405 which is constructed with a lower first end 407 and a higher
second end 409. The first end 407 and second end 409 are
constructed with a generally similar angular displacement as that
provided by the handle 310. Due to the angular displacement of the
first end 407 relative to the second end 409, the height of the
basket 405 is no longer uniform, as it was in FIG. 1. Thus, the
configuration of the basket 405 may avoid substantially interfering
with the visual perception of the structural lines of the frame 302
and handle 310 by substantially mimicking those structural lines.
In a preferred embodiment, it is seen that the width of the basket
405 has been substantially increased, compared with that of FIG. 1,
and defines a larger recessed area 410 capable of accommodating a
greater number of accessories stored within.
[0036] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the basket 405
includes a first mounting member 415 and a second mounting member
420 which connect with the handle 310 through a first 320 and
second fastening point 322, the first and second fastening point
320 and 322 being further connected with a first rubber grommet 321
and a second rubber grommet 323, respectively. Similar to the
mounting configuration described in FIG. 1, the rubber grommets
help reduce wear on the handle and the mounting members.
Additionally, the basket 405 includes a third mounting member 425
and fourth mounting member 430. The third and fourth mounting
members are integral with the wire form basket 405 and provide
extensions which engage with the handle 310. The extensions may be
disposed with buffers to prevent direct contact of the wire form
with the handle 310, thereby helping to reduce wear. Like the
grommets, the buffers may be made of rubber, or other semi-rigid
material which helps to avoid wear. The first, second, third, and
fourth mounting members may all be removed from their coupling with
the handle, thus enabling a removable basket 405 of the accessory
carrying assembly.
[0037] The handle 440 is configured with a first and a second wire
form extending and joining above the open recess 410 formed by the
basket 405. It is contemplated that the handle 440 may comprise a
single wire form extending above the basket 405. Further, the
handle 440 may be formed of various materials, such as various
metals, woods, plastics, composites, and the like. Additionally,
the handle 440 may be formed with a grip assembly coupled with that
portion of the handle extended above the basket recess. A user of
the present invention, by grasping the handle 440 and lifting may
remove the basket 405 of the accessory carrying assembly from the
air compressor 300. Thus, the basket 405 of the accessory carrying
assembly is a remotely transportable assembly relative to the air
compressor 300. This may be advantageous on work sites where the
air compressor is unable to be taken to the location the
accessories are needed.
[0038] The configuration of the basket 405 including the handle 440
is advantageously constructed to promote the ease of use of the
accessory carrying assembly, wherein, the connection and removal of
the basket 405 with the frame 302 is more easily accomplished. The
mounting members and extensions provide an increased ease of use by
making the connection of the basket 405 with the handle 310 of the
frame 302 simpler. The mounting members and extensions do not
require the use of additional fasteners or mechanical connectors in
order to securely seat the basket upon the handle 310. In addition,
the fastening points including the rubber grommets further promote
this ease of use by promoting the ease with which the mounting
members may be inserted and removed.
[0039] The configuration of the basket 405 further promotes the
stability of the connection between the basket 405 and the handle
310 of the frame 302. The basket 405, having dimensions which
enable it to fit between the bars of the handle 310, utilizes the
handle 310 as a support mechanism when connected together. Thus,
the basket 405 is provided lateral support not only by the mounting
members connection with the fastening points but by the
configuration of the bars of the handle 310 as well.
[0040] The hanger assembly 450 is a wire form assembly having a
first hanger 455 and a second hanger 460 integrally connected and
used to store items, such as the hose used with the air compressor.
The first and second hangers may be identical in configuration and
mounted adjacently on the frame assembly in a one hundred eighty
degree orientation relative to one another. It is understood that
the first and second hangers may be configured differently from one
another while maintaining the ability to perform the function of
the hanger assembly.
[0041] The first and second hangers are coupled with the frame 302
through the first fastener 350 and second fastener 352. It is
contemplated that the first and second hangers may be connected
with the frame 302 using other fastening assemblies, such as clips,
straps, compression lock systems, bolts, screws, and the like,
which are not a part of the first and second fastener assembly of
the air compressor.
[0042] The hanger assembly 450, similar to the basket 405, is
formed of wire formed first and second hangers. The hangers are
generally "U" shaped and are connected on the bottom by cross
supports to provide structural integrity. In operation, a hose or
other item may be wrapped around the bottom of the "U" and within
the arms of the "U". It is contemplated that other forms and
configurations may be employed for the hangers, such as a single
"T" bar form which may connect with one or both sides of the frame
assembly. It is further contemplated that the hanger assembly 450
may be operationally coupled with various other assemblies, such as
generators, other hydraulic pumps, and the like.
[0043] The hanger assembly 450 may be formed to include various
other devices and capabilities. For example, the hanger assembly
450 may be coupled with a generator including outlets, fuses, and
selectors which determine operation of the generator. Further, the
hanger assembly 450 may provide a recessed area for storing
accessories within.
[0044] It is believed that the present invention and many of its
attendant advantages will be understood by the forgoing
description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that
various changes may be made in the form, construction and
arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the
scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its
material advantages. The form herein before described being merely
an explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the
following claims to encompass and include such changes.
* * * * *