U.S. patent application number 10/947080 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-18 for air compressor shroud assembly.
Invention is credited to John Bezold, Eric Bondhus, Mark A. Etter, Robert Lee, James Vintzel, Gary D. White.
Application Number | 20060104837 10/947080 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36386523 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060104837 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Robert ; et
al. |
May 18, 2006 |
Air compressor shroud assembly
Abstract
The present invention generally relates to the field of air
compressors and particularly to a shroud assembly for use with air
compressors. An aspect of the present invention is directed to a
shroud assembly having an outfit shroud, including a top outfit
shroud coupled with a bottom outfit shroud; and, a pump shroud
including a top pump shroud coupled with a bottom pump shroud;
wherein the pump shroud at least partially encompasses a pump
assembly of an air compressor and the outfit shroud at least
partially encompasses the pump assembly, the pump shroud, a
manifold assembly and a pressure switch assembly of an air
compressor, the shroud assembly further configured for mounting to
an air tank of an air compressor, the shroud assembly allowing for
access to working parts of the air compressor and also allowing for
a cooling air flow through the interior of the outfit shroud.
Inventors: |
Lee; Robert; (Jackson,
TN) ; White; Gary D.; (Medina, TN) ; Bezold;
John; (Jackson, TN) ; Vintzel; James;
(Jackson, TN) ; Etter; Mark A.; (Humboldt, TN)
; Bondhus; Eric; (Big Lake, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE BLACK & DECKER CORPORATION
701 EAST JOPPA ROAD, TW199
TOWSON
MD
21286
US
|
Family ID: |
36386523 |
Appl. No.: |
10/947080 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60507560 |
Sep 30, 2003 |
|
|
|
60504788 |
Sep 22, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
417/415 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04B 41/02 20130101;
F04B 39/121 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/415 |
International
Class: |
F04B 35/04 20060101
F04B035/04; F04B 17/00 20060101 F04B017/00 |
Claims
1. A shroud assembly, comprising: an outfit shroud including a top
outfit shroud coupled with a bottom outfit shroud; and, a pump
shroud including a top pump shroud coupled with a bottom pump
shroud; wherein the pump shroud at least partially encompasses a
pump assembly of an air compressor and the outfit shroud at least
partially encompasses the pump assembly, the pump shroud, a
manifold assembly and a pressure switch assembly of an air
compressor, the shroud assembly further configured for mounting to
an air tank of an air compressor, the shroud assembly allowing for
access to working parts of the air compressor and also allowing for
a cooling air flow through the interior of the outfit shroud.
2. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first face of
the top outfit shroud includes one or more gauge receivers, a
switch receiver, and an adjustment knob receiver.
3. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first side of
the top outfit shroud includes an adapter receiver.
4. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein a second side
of the top outfit shroud includes a bleed-off valve receiver.
5. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein a back side of
the top outfit shroud includes a power cord receiver and a vent,
the vent allowing for air flow between an exterior environment and
the interior of the top outfit shroud.
6. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein a top side of
the top outfit shroud includes a storage assembly, the storage
assembly having a recessed area operationally engaged by a lid, the
lid coupled to the top side of the top outfit shroud and sized to
at least partially cover the recessed area, the recessed area
including a plurality of accessory holders.
7. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interior of
the top outfit shroud includes a baffling assembly, the baffling
assembly having a plurality of baffles disposed on the interior of
the top side of the top outfit shroud for assisting in cooling the
interior of the outfit shroud.
8. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein disposed within
the bottom outfit shroud is a mounting plate, the mounting plate
having a plurality of tank mounting assemblies disposed on its
surface, the tank mounting assemblies configured for assisting in
mounting the bottom outfit shroud and the pump shroud to an air
tank of an air compressor.
9. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom
outfit shroud includes an intake venting assembly allowing for the
entry of air into the interior of the shroud assembly and an
exhaust venting assembly allowing for the outlet of air from the
interior of the shroud assembly.
10. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom
outfit shroud is configured for coupling a pressure switch assembly
and a manifold assembly of an air compressor.
11. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top pump
shroud and bottom pump shroud are coupled via a plurality of
coupling assemblies.
12. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top pump
shroud and bottom pump shroud each have disposed upon their
respective exterior surfaces a stacking rib assembly.
13. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pump
shroud includes a plurality of pump shroud boss assemblies for
operationally engaging the pump shroud with the bottom outfit
shroud and assisting in coupling the pump shroud to the air tank of
an air compressor via the bottom outfit shroud.
14. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pump
shroud includes a strain relief assembly having a strain relief for
coupling a cord assembly of the pump assembly.
15. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pump
shroud includes a strain relief rib assembly configured for
securing a cord assembly of the pump assembly.
16. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pump
shroud includes an outlet tubing rib assembly for securing an
outlet tubing of the pump assembly.
17. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interior
of the pump shroud includes an internal pump shroud baffling
assembly having a plurality of baffles for assisting in cooling the
pump assembly.
18. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pump
shroud includes a plurality of vents.
19. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pump
shroud includes a plurality of windows for allowing visual
inspection of the interior of the pump shroud.
20. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pump
shroud includes a plurality of isolators for assisting in mounting
the pump assembly within the pump shroud.
21. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein a handle
assembly coupled with an air tank of an air compressor is
operationally engaged with the bottom outfit shroud.
22. A shroud assembly, comprising: an outfit shroud including a top
outfit shroud coupled with a bottom outfit shroud, the top outfit
shroud including one or more gauge receivers, a switch receiver, an
adjustment knob receiver, an adapter receiver, a bleed-off valve
receiver, a power cord receiver, a vent, a storage assembly and a
baffling assembly, the bottom outfit shroud including a mounting
plate, the mounting plate having a plurality of tank mounting
assemblies, the bottom outfit shroud further including an intake
venting assembly and an exhaust venting assembly; and, a pump
shroud including a top pump shroud coupled with a bottom pump
shroud via a plurality of coupling assemblies, the pump shroud
including a plurality of stacking assemblies, a plurality of pump
shroud boss assemblies, a strain relief assembly, a strain relief
rib assembly, an outlet tubing rib assembly, an internal pump
shroud baffling assembly, a plurality of vents, a plurality of
windows and a plurality of isolators; wherein the pump shroud at
least partially encompasses a pump assembly of an air compressor
and the outfit shroud at least partially encompasses the pump
assembly, the pump shroud, a manifold assembly and a pressure
switch assembly of an air compressor, the shroud assembly further
configured for mounting to an air tank of an air compressor, the
shroud assembly allowing for access to working parts of the air
compressor and also allowing for a cooling air flow through the
interior of the outfit shroud.
23. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 22, wherein the intake
venting assembly of the bottom outfit shroud allows for the entry
of air into the interior of the shroud assembly and the exhaust
venting assembly of the bottom outfit shroud allows for the outlet
of air from the interior of the shroud assembly.
24. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 22, wherein the baffling
assembly of the top outfit shroud includes a plurality of baffles
disposed on the interior of the outfit shroud which prevent exhaust
generated by the air compressor from re-circulating within the
outfit shroud, thereby assisting in cooling the outfit shroud.
25. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 22, wherein the internal
pump shroud baffling assembly includes a plurality of baffles
disposed on the interior of the pump shroud which direct a cool air
flow across and through the motor heads, the pump heads and the
motor windings of the pump assembly, thereby assisting in cooling
the pump assembly.
26. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 22, wherein one or more
of the plurality of vents located on the pump shroud are located
proximal to the outlet tubing rib assembly.
27. A shroud assembly, comprising: an outfit shroud including a top
outfit shroud coupled with a bottom outfit shroud, the top outfit
shroud including one or more gauge receivers, a switch receiver, an
adjustment knob receiver, an adapter receiver, a bleed-off valve
receiver, a power cord receiver, a vent, a storage assembly and a
baffling assembly, the bottom outfit shroud including a mounting
plate, the mounting plate having a plurality of tank mounting
assemblies, the bottom outfit shroud further including an intake
venting assembly and an exhaust venting assembly; and, a pump
shroud including a top pump shroud coupled with a bottom pump
shroud via a plurality of coupling assemblies, the pump shroud
including a plurality of stacking assemblies, a plurality of pump
shroud boss assemblies, a strain relief assembly, a strain relief
rib assembly, an outlet tubing rib assembly, an internal pump
shroud baffling assembly, a plurality of vents, a plurality of
windows and a plurality of isolators; wherein the intake venting
assembly is disposed within the bottom outfit shroud proximal to a
front side and the exhaust venting assembly is located within the
bottom outfit shroud proximal to a back side of the bottom outfit
shroud; wherein the pump shroud at least partially encompasses a
pump assembly of an air compressor and the outfit shroud at least
partially encompasses the pump assembly, the pump shroud, a
manifold assembly and a pressure switch assembly of an air
compressor, the shroud assembly further configured for mounting to
an air tank of an air compressor, the shroud assembly allowing for
access to working parts of the air compressor and also allowing for
a cooling air flow through the interior of the outfit shroud.
28. A shroud assembly as claimed in claim 27 wherein the shroud
assembly is configured so that the pump assembly causes cool air to
be drawn into the outfit shroud via the intake venting assembly,
across the manifold assembly and directed out of the outfit shroud
via the exhaust venting assembly.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/507,560
entitled: Air Compressor Shroud Assembly filed Sep. 30, 2003 and
Provisional Application No. 60/504,788 entitled: Air Compressor
Shroud Assembly filed Sep. 22, 2003 which are hereby incorporated
by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of air
compressors and particularly to a shroud assembly for use with air
compressors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The use of air compressors including a pump assembly, an air
tank, a manifold assembly and a pressure switch assembly, wherein
the pump assembly is contained within a casing is known in the art.
However, a pump assembly of an air compressor may tend to overheat
when contained within a casing due to inadequate air flow and
ventilation.
[0004] Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a shroud
assembly for use with an air compressor that provides ventilation
and air flow through the interior of the shroud assembly which
effectively assists in cooling the pump assembly and various other
air compressor parts which may be contained therein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is directed
to a shroud assembly comprising an outfit shroud, including a top
outfit shroud coupled with a bottom outfit shroud and also, a pump
shroud, including a top pump shroud coupled with a bottom pump
shroud. The pump shroud at least partially encompasses a pump
assembly of an air compressor and the outfit shroud at least
partially encompasses the pump assembly, the pump shroud, a
manifold assembly and a pressure switch assembly of an air
compressor. The shroud assembly is further configured for mounting
to an air tank of an air compressor, the shroud assembly allowing
for access to working parts of the air compressor and also allowing
for a cooling air flow through the interior of the outfit
shroud.
[0006] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not necessarily restrictive of the
invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are
incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification,
illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the
general description, serve to explain the principles of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] 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:
[0008] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an air compressor including a
shroud assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a rear view illustration of an air compressor
including a shroud assembly in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a first and a
second baffle disposed on the interior of a top outfit shroud of
the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 4 is an illustration of the bottom outfit shroud
coupled with an air tank;
[0012] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a tank mounting assembly of the
bottom outfit shroud of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a pump shroud including an
outlet tubing rib assembly;
[0014] FIG. 7 is an illustration of the pump shroud including a
strain relief assembly;
[0015] FIG. 8 is an illustration of the outlet tubing rib assembly
and a vent disposed proximal to a "U" shaped rib of the outlet
tubing rib assembly;
[0016] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a window providing a view of an
isolator used in the mounting of the pump assembly within the pump
shroud;
[0017] FIG. 10 is an illustration of the top pump shroud and the
bottom pump shroud of the pump shroud in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 11 is an illustration of a standpipe of the present
invention;
[0019] FIGS. 12A and 12B are illustrations exemplifying various
configurations of a shroud assembly of an air compressor assembly
contemplated by the present invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0021] Referring generally now to FIGS. 1 through 12B, exemplary
embodiments of the present invention are shown.
[0022] An air compressor including an air tank coupled with a pump
assembly, a manifold assembly, a pressure switch assembly, a handle
assembly, and a shroud assembly, is shown in FIGS. 1 through 12B.
In the current embodiment, the shroud assembly at least partially
encompasses the pump assembly, manifold assembly, pressure switch
assembly, and handle assembly.
[0023] The shroud assembly comprises an outfit shroud and a pump
shroud. The outfit shroud includes a bottom outfit shroud and a top
outfit shroud which couple together and provide the exterior
appearance of the shroud assembly. The top and bottom outfit
shrouds may couple via a variety of systems, for example an
interlocking flange assembly, dovetail assembly, compression lock
assembly, and the like. Further, a variety of fasteners may be
employed, such as screws, bolts, pins, clips, and the like. The
outfit shroud at least partially encompasses the pump shroud, the
pump assembly, the manifold assembly, the pressure switch assembly
and the handle assembly. The outfit shroud provides an
aesthetically pleasing appearance designed to provide
functionality, such as access to the working parts of the air
compressor engaged by an operator and also, to provide air flow
through the interior of the outfit shroud. It is understood that
the configuration of the outfit shroud assembly may vary without
departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For
example, the length and width of the outfit shroud assembly may be
varied to accommodate differently sized air tanks to which it may
be coupled. The height of the outfit shroud assembly may also vary,
for instance, the top outfit shroud may be made taller and/or the
bottom outfit shroud may be made taller. The sizing of the outfit
shroud assembly may vary between the top outfit shroud and the
bottom outfit shroud while retaining the ability to couple both
components together. Exemplary alternative embodiments of the
outfit shroud assembly may be seen in FIGS. 12A and 12B. However,
these exemplary embodiments provide examples and should not be read
as limiting.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1., an air
compressor including a shroud assembly is shown. The top outfit
shroud 102 of a shroud assembly 100 includes a first face which
includes a plurality of functional features. For example, the first
face includes a first gauge receiver 104 and a second gauge
receiver 106. These receivers allow the operator to visually
monitor the gauges through the top outfit shroud 102. The first
face further includes a switch receiver 108 which provides the
operator with access to a switch (described below) which controls
operation of the air compressor. An adjustment knob receiver 110 is
also disposed upon the first face. It is understood that the
location of the first face upon the top outfit shroud may vary to
accommodate various users and manufacturers of the present
invention. Further, the number, location, and configuration of
functional features disposed upon the first face may vary without
departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. It is
contemplated that the first face may further include one or more
indication areas. These indication areas may be contoured regions
of the first face or regions of the first face proximal to the
functional features. The indication areas may provide information
in a variety of formats and may do so through the use of labels,
adhesive materials, painted on information, engraved information,
or other methods of manufacture as contemplated. The formats may
include alphanumeric indication information, or other symbolic
indication information as may be contemplated. Further, these
indication areas may be used for product identification
information, warning labels, warranty information, and the
like.
[0025] On a first side of the top outfit shroud 102 an adapter
assembly 112 extends through an adapter receiver 114. The adapter
receiver 114, in the preferred embodiment, is established as a
contoured region including a through point, upon the first side of
the top outfit shroud 102. The configuration of the adapter
receiver 114 may vary as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in
the art. The first side may also include one or more indication
areas as described above. A second side of the top outfit shroud
may also include one or more indication areas, the adapter
receiver, and other features as may be contemplated by those of
ordinary skill.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a rear view illustration of an air compressor
including a shroud assembly 200 in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. On a back side of the top
outfit shroud 102, a power cord receiver 202 and vent 204 are
disposed. The power cord receiver 202 is generally disposed in an
area of the back side of the top outfit shroud 102 which enables
its operational engagement with the bottom outfit shroud 400
(described below). Alternatively, the power cord receiver 202 may
be disposed in various locations upon the back side of the top
outfit shroud or in various locations upon the top outfit shroud.
The vent 204 is generally located on the back side of the top
outfit shroud in proximal location to a pump head (described below)
of the pump assembly. The vent 204 comprises a region of the back
side of the top outfit shroud with a plurality of slotted openings
which allow for air to flow between an exterior environment and the
interior of the top outfit shroud. The configuration and location
of the vent, including the slotted openings, may vary as
contemplated by those of ordinary skill. It is further contemplated
that the back side of the top outfit shroud may also include one or
more indication areas and other features as described
previously.
[0027] The top outfit shroud 102 further comprises a top side
including a storage assembly, as shown in FIG. 2. In the preferred
embodiment, the storage assembly comprises a recessed area 208
operationally engaged by a lid 210. The lid 210 couples to the top
side through a hinged fastening assembly and is sized to at least
partially cover the recessed area 208 of the top side. It is
understood that the recessed area 208 may be configured in a
variety of sizes. For example, the depth of the recessed area 208
may be varied as well as the length and width. The recessed area
208 may further include features, such as accessory holders 212.
For instance, various nozzles which may be employed with an air
transfer device, such as an air hose, which couples with the air
compressor, may be stored in the accessory holders 212 of the
recessed area 208 of the top side. The number, location, and
configuration of the accessory holders 212 may vary as contemplated
by those of ordinary skill in the art. In alternative embodiments,
the recessed area 208 may further provide storage for items such as
an air hose.
[0028] The interior of the top outfit shroud, as shown in FIG. 3,
includes a baffling assembly 300. In this preferred embodiment, the
baffling assembly 300 includes a first baffle 302 and a second
baffle 304 disposed on the interior of the top side of the top
outfit shroud 102. The first and second baffles provide the top
outfit shroud with the functional capability to duct air flow,
within the interior of the outfit shroud, in a particular
direction. In the current embodiment, the first and second baffles
302 and 304 prevent exhaust from re-circulating within the outfit
shroud. The baffling assembly 300, by preventing re-circulation of
exhaust, assists temperature regulation of the pump assembly within
the outfit shroud. In particular, the baffle assembly 300 helps to
cool the interior of the outfit shroud, and thus the pump assembly,
by preventing the exhaust, which is typically hot, from
re-circulating. The number of baffles employed within the baffling
assembly 300 may vary to accommodate various shroud assemblies.
Further, as will be described below, the first and second baffles
302 and 304 may be operationally aligned with the pump shroud.
[0029] FIG. 4 is an illustration of the bottom outfit shroud 400
coupled with an air tank. The bottom outfit shroud includes a
front, a back, a right, and a left side. Further, disposed within
the bottom outfit shroud and between the sides is a mounting plate
402. Disposed within a region of the bottom outfit shroud, proximal
to the front side, is an intake venting assembly 404. The intake
venting assembly 404 comprises a plurality of slotted openings
which allow air to flow from an exterior environment through the
bottom outfit shroud 400 and into the interior of the shroud
assembly. Extending substantially from the front side to the
mounting plate 402, disposed within the bottom outfit shroud 400,
and from the right to the left side, the intake venting assembly
404 provides a significant area through which air may be drawn. As
is seen in FIG. 4, a manifold assembly 406 (described in greater
detail below) provides for the mounting of functional features in a
position over the plurality of slotted openings of the intake
venting assembly 404. Thus, the positioning of the intake venting
assembly 404 draws air up and over the functional features of the
manifold assembly 406 assisting in temperature regulation of those
features, specifically assisting in keeping these features cool.
Air drawn in through the intake venting assembly 404, flows in the
direction indicated by the arrows on FIG. 4 and is vented out from
the interior of the shroud assembly through the exhaust venting
assembly 408.
[0030] The exhaust venting assembly 408 comprises a plurality of
slotted openings which allow air to flow from the interior of the
shroud assembly through the bottom outfit shroud 400 and out into
the exterior environment. Extending substantially from the back
side to the mounting plate 402 and from the right to the left side,
the exhaust venting assembly 408 provides a significant area
through which air may be passed. It is understood that the
plurality of slotted openings of the intake venting assembly 404
and the exhaust venting assembly 408 may be variously configured.
For example, the size and number of the slotted openings may be
varied as well as the location of the slotted openings. An
advantage of the location of the intake and exhaust venting
assemblies 404 and 408, of the present invention, is that by
drawing and exhausting air through the bottom outfit shroud 400,
these assemblies provide a sound dampening functionality to the air
compressor. Further, the bottom venting reduces environmental
factors, such as water, dirt, and the like from entering the pump
assembly. Additionally, disposed upon the back side of the bottom
outfit shroud 400 is a power cord receiver 410. The power cord
receiver of the back side 410 of the bottom outfit shroud is
positioned for optimal engagement with the power cord receiver 202
of the top outfit shroud 102 (described previously). It is further
contemplated that the bottom outfit shroud 400 may not include a
power cord receiver or may be disposed with an entire power cord
receiving assembly and the top outfit shroud may not include the
power cord receiver.
[0031] The bottom outfit shroud 400, of the current embodiment,
mounts upon the air tank of the air compressor. This mounting is
enabled by a plurality of tank mounting assemblies 412 disposed on
the mounting plate 402 of the bottom outfit shroud 400 in locations
which allow fasteners to couple through the plurality of tank
mounting assemblies 412 of the bottom outfit shroud with a
plurality of couplers of the air tank. It is understood that the
location, configuration, and number of tank mounting assemblies 412
may vary to accommodate the location, configuration, and number of
air tank couplers. Further, as may be seen in FIG. 5, a pump shroud
boss assembly 502, for coupling the pump shroud with the air tank
and placing the pump shroud in operational engagement with the
bottom outfit shroud 400, may be engaged by a fastener enabled to
extend through the pump shroud boss assembly 502 and the tank
mounting assembly 412 and engage within the air tank coupler. Thus,
the plurality of tank mounting assemblies 412 provide an alignment
system which ensures the proper mounting position of the bottom
outfit shroud 400 and the pump shroud relative to the air tank of
the air compressor.
[0032] It is contemplated that the plurality of tank mounting
assemblies 412 may be disposed other than on the mounting plate
402, instead in close proximity to the mounting plate. Further, the
fasteners employed for mounting of the bottom outfit shroud 400 and
pump shroud boss assembly 502 with the air tank may vary, such as
screws, bolts, pins, clips, and the like, without departing from
the scope and spirit of the present invention. It is further
contemplated that the plurality of tank mounting assemblies 412 may
each include a receiver 504 for engagement with the pump shroud
boss assembly 502. In the current embodiment, the receiver 504 is a
semi-circular raised lip. In alternative embodiments, the receiver
may be a square shaped raised lip, and the like, or may be a flat
side, and the like, to provide operational engagement with the pump
shroud boss assembly 502.
[0033] The mounting plate 402 of the bottom outfit shroud 400
provides a region, disposed substantially between the intake
venting assembly 404 and the exhaust venting assembly 408, and the
right and left side of the bottom outfit shroud, configured for
operational engagement with the pump shroud. It is noted that the
pump orientation, provided by the engagement of the pump shroud
with the mounting plate 402, pulls cool air across gauges and a
regulator of the manifold assembly 406 and expels hot air from a
back side of the shroud assembly 200. In the preferred embodiment,
the mounting plate 402 is a substantially planar surface area,
however, it is understood that the mounting plate 402 may provide
variously configured surface areas for engagement with variously
configured pump shrouds or other assemblies. Coupled proximal to
the intersection of a front edge and right side of the mounting
plate is the pressure switch assembly 414 (described below).
Disposed within the front edge and proximal to a left side is a
first manifold receiver 416, proximal to the right side is a second
manifold receiver 418. These receivers at least partially encompass
first and second manifold couplers, disposed on the air tank, which
are configured to be engaged by a first regulator leg 420 and a
second regulator leg 422 of the manifold assembly 406. The first
and second regulator legs 420 and 422 engage with the first and
second manifold couplers through the use of fasteners, such as
screws, bolts, pins, clips, and the like. As seen in FIG. 4, the
mounting plate 402 includes first and second tank mounting
assemblies 412 disposed on the left side and a back edge of the
mounting plate 402 respectively. It is understood that other tank
mounting assemblies may be disposed on the mounting plate. Further,
it is understood that the mounting plate may include no tank
mounting assemblies.
[0034] FIGS. 6 and 7 are illustrations of a pump shroud. The pump
shroud 700 is comprised of a top pump shroud 702 and a bottom pump
shroud 704. The pump shroud at least partially encompasses the pump
assembly, with a pump head 602 of the pump assembly, shown
extending from a left side of the pump shroud, in FIG. 6. The
configuration of the pump shroud 700 may be varied to accommodate
differently designed pump assemblies. An advantage of the pump
shroud is that it allows for the reconfiguration of the outfit
shroud as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. Other configurations, than
those shown, of the outfit shroud may be enabled by use of the pump
shroud 700 of the present invention.
[0035] The top pump shroud 702 and the bottom pump shroud 704 are
coupled together via a plurality of coupling assemblies 706. The
coupling assemblies 706 provide receivers configured to receive
fasteners, such as screws, bolts, pins, clips, and the like, for
fastening the two components together. The location of the coupling
assemblies 706 may vary to accommodate different design
configurations. When joined together, as shown in the perspective
view provided by FIG. 7, the pump shroud 700 has a top side, a
bottom side, a right side, and a left side. The left side is where
the pump head 602 extends out from the pump shroud 700. The right
side is where a fan 604 of the pump assembly is located. The fan
draws air in through the intake venting assembly 404 disposed on
the bottom outfit shroud 400 described above.
[0036] The top pump shroud 702 and the bottom pump shroud 704
include first and second stacking rib assemblies respectively. The
stacking rib assemblies comprise a plurality of stacking ribs
disposed upon the exterior of the pump shroud which form a flat
surface to allow for the stacking of the exemplary pump shrouds for
shipment. This may be a significant advantage in reducing damage
done to the pump shrouds during shipment. The number and location
of the stacking ribs may vary as contemplated by one of ordinary
skill in the art. In the preferred embodiment, the first stacking
rib assembly of the top pump shroud includes a first stacking rib
712 and a second stacking rib 714 while the second stacking rib
assembly of the bottom pump shroud includes a first bottom stacking
rib 716 and a second bottom stacking rib 718. It is understood that
the configuration of the stacking ribs may vary to accommodate the
design of the pump shroud. In the preferred embodiment, the
coupling assemblies 706 for coupling the top pump shroud with the
bottom pump shroud are disposed in general relation to the stacking
rib assemblies. It is further contemplated that the baffles 302 and
304 disposed internally upon the top outfit shroud 102 may or may
not align with the stacking rib assemblies of the pump shroud.
[0037] The pump shroud 700 forms a generally cylindrical shape and
may be mounted to the air tank through a plurality of pump shroud
boss assemblies 502. As described previously, the pump shroud boss
assemblies 502 allow for the engagement of a fastener through them
and engage with the air tank, thereby affixing the location of the
pump shroud relative to the air tank. The pump shroud 700 has the
effect of mounting the pump assembly disposed within the pump
shroud directly with the air tank. This is an advantageous mounting
arrangement as the direct mounting of the pump assembly may help
reduce vibration from the pump assembly during operation. Mounting
the pump shroud 700 only to the bottom outfit shroud 400 may result
in increased vibration of the pump assembly during operation.
[0038] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the pump shroud 700
further comprises a strain relief assembly incorporated into the
pump shroud. This is advantageous over the prior art in the field
which typically incorporates the strain relief assembly onto an
outer shroud (or outfit shroud in the present invention
terminology). The strain relief assembly comprises a strain relief
720 which is integrated into the top and bottom pump shrouds 702
and 704 of the present embodiment. It is contemplated that the
strain relief 720 may be incorporated solely into either the top or
bottom shroud. The strain relief 720 couples a cord assembly 722 of
the pump assembly in a manner designed to reduce the amount of
strain placed on the cord assembly. In the embodiment shown, the
strain relief 720 is disposed proximally to the bottom side and
left side of the pump shroud 700.
[0039] The cord assembly 722 is shown to wrap, at least partially,
around the pump shroud 700 and is engaged with a strain relief rib
assembly of the strain relief assembly. The strain relief rib
assembly provides several features, all of which are designed to
help ensure that the cord assembly 722 is securely affixed along
the length of the pump shroud 700 and does not come loose during
operation of the air compressor. A loose cord assembly may cause
damage to the pump assembly or other components of the air
compressor. The strain relief rib assembly includes first and
second "U" shaped ribs 724 and 726, disposed on a left edge of the
top side of the pump shroud 700 and a right edge of the top side of
the pump shroud 700, respectively. The "U" shaped ribs 724 and 726
are preferably employed to hold the position of the cord assembly
722 for the pump assembly. Further, an upside down "J" shaped rib
728 is disposed between the first and second "U" shaped ribs 724
and 726. The upside down "J" shaped rib 728 engages with the cord
assembly 722 to keep the cord assembly from bowing out of position
and possibly causing damage. In the present embodiment, the strain
relief assembly also includes a comb feature 730, which is utilized
to fix and hold the position of multiple cords in situations where
multiple cords are required. The multiple cords may still engage
with the "U" and "J" shaped ribs while also being operationally
engaged by the comb feature 730.
[0040] An outlet tubing 606 of the pump assembly, is shown engaged
in an outlet tubing rib assembly disposed upon the top pump shroud
702 of the pump shroud 700 in FIG. 6. In the preferred embodiment,
the outlet tubing rib assembly comprises first and a second "U"
shaped outlet tubing ribs 608 and 610. It is understood that the
number of "U" shaped ribs may vary as contemplated by one of
ordinary skill. The ribs 608 and 610 fix the location of the outlet
tubing 606 relative to the pump shroud 700. The two "U" shaped ribs
608 and 610 of the present invention are operationally engaged with
first and second snap assemblies. The first and second snap
assemblies provide a compression lock system for holding the outlet
tubing 606 in place. Thus, the outlet tubing "snaps" into the
correct position when the two snap assemblies have locked into
place.
[0041] FIG. 10 is an interior view of the top pump shroud 702 and
the bottom pump shroud 704 of the pump shroud in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Internally, the pump
shroud 700 includes an internal pump shroud baffling assembly
comprising a plurality of baffles 150. Thus, the pump shroud
directs air flow along the motor and pump heads of the pump
assembly. The plurality of baffles 150 may optimally be disposed
proximal to the pump head, however, alternative embodiments are
contemplated with the baffles 150 variously located about the pump
shroud 700. The baffles 150 channel cool air across and through the
motor windings to assist in keeping the pump head cool. The pump
assembly includes a filter boss assembly. The filter boss assembly
may cover and operationally engage with an air filter, disposed
proximally to the pump head for the air entering the pump. In
operation, the filter boss assembly keeps the air moving across the
pump head. It is contemplated that the air filter may be an
inertial filter.
[0042] FIG. 8 is an illustration of the outlet tubing rib assembly
and a vent disposed proximal to a "U" shaped rib of the outlet
tubing rib assembly. Disposed upon the top and bottom pump shrouds
are a plurality of vents 802, which are rectangular slotted
apertures, for cooling of the outlet tube 606 and visual
identification within the pump shroud 700. The location of the
vents 802 may vary to accommodate the needs of the configuration of
the pump assembly. In the current embodiment, first and second
vents 802 are located proximally to the first and second "U" shaped
outlet tubing ribs 608 and 610. The first and second vents 802
operationally engage with the first and second snap assemblies. The
first and second snap assemblies being affixed at one end within
the interior of the pump shroud 700 proximal to the first and
second vents 802.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 7, 9 and 10 disposed in a plurality of
locations upon the pump shroud 700 are a plurality of windows.
These windows allow for an operator to visually inspect the
interior of the pump shroud 700. In the preferred embodiment, a
first set of rectangular windows 902, shown in FIG. 9, is located
beneath the pump head. This first set 902 comprises four separate
rectangular windows proximal to each other. A second set of windows
175, illustrated in FIG. 10, is disposed on the top and bottom pump
shroud 702 and 704, being generally positioned opposite of one
another. The second set of windows 175, includes a first circular
window disposed on the top side of the top pump shroud and a second
circular window disposed on the bottom side of the bottom pump
shroud. The third set of windows 732, illustrated in FIG. 7,
comprise rectangular windows disposed proximally to the coupling
assemblies 706 which provide for the coupling of the top and bottom
pump shroud 702 and 704.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 9, the pump assembly is mounted inside the
pump shroud 700 with isolators 904. In a preferred embodiment, the
isolators 904 are rectangular, rubber mounts which mount over an
intake boss of the pump assembly. One of the functions of the
aforementioned first set of windows 902 is to allow assemblers of
the present invention to see the isolators 904 when assembling the
present invention. This may reduce the number of mis-assembled air
compressors, of the present invention, coming from production and
assembly facilities.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 11, the pump assembly includes a standpipe
275, for directing air inlet to an air tank and outlet to a
regulator through a same port in the tank. An advantage of the
standpipe 275 of the present invention is the inclusion of a
protective lip assembly 280 disposed on the end of the standpipe
275 that is within the air tank for operation. The lip assembly 280
prevents the quick turn of air from inlet 285 to outlet 290. It is
commonly the case, with typical air compressor assemblies, that the
air tank must comprise multiple ports and an inlet port must be
physically separated from the outlet port in order to prevent the
quick turn of air from inlet to outlet. With the standpipe 275 of
the present invention, the air tank may use only one port to
accomplish both air intake and exhaust.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 4, the manifold assembly 406 comprises a
manifold which uses specific casting to control the location and
angle of presentation of the regulator and gauges. The manifold,
via first and second regulator legs 420 and 422 is bolted to the
air tank, independent of the pump assembly, to reduce vibration.
The manifold assembly 406 includes an adapter assembly 112
providing for the functional coupling of an air transfer device,
such as an air hose, with the air compressor. In the preferred
embodiment, the adapter assembly 112 includes a quick connect for
coupling with an air hose. It is contemplated that the adapter
assembly 112 may comprise a variety of fastening assemblies, such
as a threaded fastener, a compression fastener, and the like,
without departing from the scope and spirit of the present
invention. In the current embodiment, the adapter assembly extends
from a right side of the manifold assembly 406 out through the
outfit shroud for engagement by the operator of the air compressor.
In the preferred embodiment, the manifold assembly 406 further
includes first and second gauges 424 and 426 respectively. The two
gauges may be configured to monitor and provide readings on air
tank pressure and exhaust pressure. It is contemplated that the
gauges 424 and 426 may provide a variety of readouts, such as
needle, digital readouts, plasma readouts, and the like. Further
included on the manifold assembly 406 is an adjustment knob 428 for
adjusting pressures provided by the air compressor. This adjustment
mechanism may be enabled in alternative embodiments as a depression
switch, digital controller, and the like. A bleed off valve
assembly 430 is also disposed on the manifold assembly 406 and
extends through the second side of the outfit shroud.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, an on/off switch 116 is mounted within
the first face of the top outfit shroud 102 and operationally
couples with the pressure switch assembly 414. The on/off switch
116 is located remotely from a pressure switch of the pressure
switch assembly 414. The ability to remotely locate the on/off
switch provides greater flexibility and may increase the ease of
use of the air compressor of the present invention. It is
contemplated that the on/off switch 116 may be lighted to show when
a circuit providing electricity to the pressure switch 414 is
complete. For example, when the on/off switch 116 is lit the
operator knows that the pressure switch 414 is monitoring the
pressure within the air tank so that when the pressure passes a
threshold value the pressure switch 414 will activate or
de-activate the pump as indicated by the threshold value. In
operation, the air compressor may have 150 PSI of air within the
air tank and through use of the air compressor that may drop to 115
PSI. The pressure switch 414 may have a threshold value of 125 PSI,
whereupon the pressure switch activates the pump assembly when
pressure within the air tank drops below 125 PSI. When the on/off
switch 116 is not lit, the operator knows that the pressure switch
414 is not monitoring the air pressure within the tank, thus, by
the present example, the air pressure would continue to drop below
the 125 PSI value, without the pump assembly being activated to
increase the pressure. It is further contemplated that the on/off
switch 116 may include a protective covering, such as a plastic
boot for extreme environment operation. The on/off switch 116 may
be enabled as a two-position switch, however, it is contemplated
that a variety of switch assemblies may be employed with the
present invention.
[0048] The handle assembly 118 is coupled with the air tank and
operationally engaged by the bottom outfit shroud 400. In the
preferred embodiment, the handle 118 is a "U" shaped handle which
extends from the air tank and angles in front of the front face of
the top outfit shroud 102. The handle 118 is composed of a rigid
material, for example metal, plastic, composite, or other rigid
material. The configuration of the handle 118 may vary as
contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art. It is further
contemplated that the handle assembly 118 may include a wrap
assembly coupled with a gripping region of the handle assembly. The
wrap assembly may comprise a material which provides a comfortable
grip, such as rubber, foam, and the like. The wrap assembly may
encompass all or part of the gripping region without departing from
the scope and spirit of the present invention.
[0049] Various configurations of the shroud assembly, pump
assembly, air tank assembly, and handle assembly are shown in FIGS.
12A and 12B. It is understood that these embodiments are exemplary
and not limiting of the embodiments contemplated for the present
invention. Further, the design and configuration of the pump
assembly, pressure switch assembly, and manifold assembly which
have been shown and described are exemplary for the purposes of the
present embodiments and they too should not be read as limiting of
the configurations contemplated by the present invention.
[0050] 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.
* * * * *