U.S. patent application number 11/657768 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-31 for integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system.
Invention is credited to Patrick F. Carella, Richard L. Carella, Mark A. Clemente, Kyle C. Drevitson, Richard D. Johnson.
Application Number | 20070119016 11/657768 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37744885 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070119016 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Drevitson; Kyle C. ; et
al. |
May 31, 2007 |
Integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system
Abstract
An integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system is provided
with a wet and dry vacuuming section and a compressor section, each
of which is mounted on a easy to relocate trolley with at least
three wheels. The vacuum system has a separate motor from the
compressor and is independently operable with full capacity. A
filter in front of the vacuum suction prevents debris and moisture
from entering the vacuum-generating unit. The vacuum hose decreases
in diameter as a function of distance from the unit to increase
airflow velocity. Air pressure within a compressed air storage tank
in the compressor section is sensed and controlled. The integrated
shop vacuum and air compressor system provides dry vacuuming, wet
vacuuming, high pressure air delivery and air blowing capability
from a single, mobile unit.
Inventors: |
Drevitson; Kyle C.; (Sparta,
NJ) ; Carella; Patrick F.; (Morristown, NJ) ;
Carella; Richard L.; (Monroe Township, NJ) ;
Clemente; Mark A.; (Glen Ridge, NJ) ; Johnson;
Richard D.; (Bedminster, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Ernest D. Buff;Ernest D. Buff & Associates, LLC
231 Somerville Road
Bedminster
NJ
07921
US
|
Family ID: |
37744885 |
Appl. No.: |
11/657768 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11255397 |
Oct 21, 2005 |
7179062 |
|
|
11657768 |
Jan 25, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/339 ;
15/353 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 7/0095 20130101;
A47L 9/24 20130101; F04B 41/06 20130101; A47L 7/0085 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/339 ;
015/353 |
International
Class: |
A47L 5/00 20060101
A47L005/00 |
Claims
1. An integrated-shop vacuum and air compressor system, comprising:
a. a vacuum section comprising (i) vacuum generating means driven
by a second motor; (ii) a filter appointed to remove debris and
moisture from a vacuumed air stream; (iii) a debris and moisture
collection area; (iv) vacuum hose connecting means; and (v) a
vacuum hose appointed to receive various vacuuming tools; b. a
compressor section comprising; (i) compressed air generating means
driven by a first motor; (ii) an air tank appointed for receiving
compressed air produced by said compressed air generating means;
(iii) compressed air pressure regulating means; (iv) high pressure
air hose connecting means; (v) a high pressure hose appointed to
receive various high pressure hardware; and (vi) a lid or divider
for separating the vacuum section form the compressor section, to
thereby create two fully integrated, divisible units; c. each of
said vacuum section and said air compressor section having,
individually, a set of wheels that provide for mobility thereof;
whereby said integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system
provides functionalities of a dry vacuum, wet vacuum, high pressure
air delivery and air blower in a single unit.
2. An integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system as recited
by claim 1, wherein said compressor section is located directly
below said vacuum section and is mounted on at least three wheels
to provide easy mobility of the system to any desired location.
3. An integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system as recited
by claim 1, wherein said vacuum generating means comprises a
centrifugal fan.
4. An integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system as recited
by claim 1, wherein said compressed air generating means comprises
a centrifugal pump.
5. An integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system as recited
by claim 1, wherein said compressed air generating means comprises
a reciprocal pump.
6. An integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system as recited
by claim 1 wherein said vacuum motor has a horse power in the range
of 1/8 HP to 25 HP.
7. An integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system as recited
by claim 1 wherein said compressor motor has a horse power in the
range of 1/32 HP to 25 HP.
8. An integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system recited by
claim 1 wherein said compressed air pressure regulating means is
appointed to turn on said compressor motor when pressure falls
below a preset value, and to turn off said compressor motor when
pressure reaches a preset value.
9. An integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system as recited
by claim 1 wherein said vacuum hose has a diameter gradually
decreasing as a function of distance from a connection point to the
integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system towards the vacuum
nozzle.
10. An integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system as recited
by claim 9 wherein the vacuum hose diameter ranges from 3 to 5
inches at the connection point to the integrated shop vacuum and
air compressor system.
11. An integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system as recited
by claim 9 wherein the vacuum hose diameter ranges from 1-3 inches
at the vacuum nozzle.
12. An integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system as recited
by claim 1, wherein said vacuum section and said compressor section
fully separate to form two separate, fully functional mobile units.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to vacuum systems; and, more
particularly to a shop vacuum and air compressor system that is
integrated into a single unit and provides a plurality of
functionalities, including dry vacuum, wet vacuum, air compressor
functions, suitable for a wide variety of applications.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Many patents address issues related to proving vacuum
cleaning functionality and compressor functionality as separate
devices. Moreover, many of the vacuum cleaners do not provide
effective dry and wet vacuum functionality. The compressor devices
only provide very limited application scope.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 2,327,553 to R. A. Ponselle discloses a vacuum
cleaner having an internal bag constructed so that it is appointed
to house both wet and dry materials removed from a surface. This
vacuum cleaner does not comprise a unit having an air compressor,
wet vacuum, dry vacuum, and blower in a single housing.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 2,810,991 to W. H. Mead, et al. discloses an
abrasive blasting apparatus having particular applications in
treating surfaces by continuously impelling an abrasive against a
surface, removing the abrasive and waste material, and reusing the
abrasive. This abrasive blasting apparatus does not include
compressor capabilities, but is merely an abrasive blasting
apparatus. The abrasive grit is forced onto the surface by air for
polishing or cleaning a surface. The abrasive blasting apparatus
does not comprise a unit having an air compressor, wet vacuum, dry
vacuum, and blower in a single housing.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,931,662 to Nayfa, et al. discloses a
self-propelled floor-cleaning machine for scrubbing or shampooing
rugs or carpeted floor surfaces, or for waxing, polishing, or
scrubbing hard floor surfaces. The machine includes a vacuum pickup
system having a collection tank and an electric motor-vacuum pump
unit. Air for pressurizing the supply tank and for aerating and
foaming the solution within the tank is provided from an air
compressor-electric motor unit. In operation, the solution in the
tank is agitated by the motor-pump unit and aerated by the
compressor unit to produce foam, which is caused to flow from the
main tank chamber into the trough as a result of the pressurizing
of the tank. The compressor unit does not provide compressed air
that can be utilized as a forced air stream by the user, but rather
merely provides aeration for the generation of foam internally
within the tank. Therefore, the abrasive blasting apparatus
disclosed by the '662 patent does not suggest a unit having an air
compressor, wet vacuum, dry vacuum, and blower in a single unit,
but merely is a floor cleaning machine having wet/dry vacuum
capabilities.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,707 to Leblanc discloses a footwear
cleaning apparatus utilizing a combination of brushing and
recirculation of compressed air. Footwear is placed on top of the
footwear cleaning apparatus. Cleaning is accomplished by brushing
the lower sides of the shoes and by passing compressed air over the
upper sides of the shoes. The direction of the air and the brushing
is oriented to direct any debris dislodged from the shoes toward a
collection area in the central portion of the apparatus. The
dislodged debris is then directed into the apparatus by a
recirculation of the compressed air. The footwear cleaning
apparatus comprises brush means, air compressor means, storage tank
means, and a filter element. The footwear cleaning apparatus does
not integrate air compressor, wet vacuum, dry vacuum, and blower
functionalities into a single unit, but merely provides a footwear
cleaning apparatus having localized compressed air directed through
a pair of tubes and localized dry vacuum capabilities.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,300,261 to Woodward, et al. discloses a
vacuum cleaning apparatus having air compressor means. The vacuum
cleaning apparatus disclosed by the '261 patent provides an
attachable hood adapted for attachment to a traditional vacuum
cleaner. The vacuum cleaning apparatus disclosure is not an air
compressor, wet vacuum, dry vacuum, and blower in a single unit,
but merely is an attachment to a standard canister vacuum having a
dry vacuum, rotating brush, and a miniature air compressor
providing a jet of air adjacent to the brushing unit and suction
unit of the device. The '261 patent's cleaning apparatus is not an
independent, single unit, but represents, instead, an attachment
unit appointed for utilization with a traditional vacuum cleaner,
which provides the suction vacuum. Due to the absence of suction
capabilities, this vacuum cleaning attachment cannot be utilized as
a wet vacuum, or as a dry vacuum in its independent form. The
miniature air compressor provides a jet stream delivered to the
surface by way of a plurality of orifices. There is no provision
for an external air hose so that the consumer can utilize the
compressed air in a controlled manner for tasks other than cleaning
floor surfaces.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,723,971 to Caldas discloses an industrial
vacuum cleaner. The industrial vacuum cleaner comprises a structure
in the form of a trolley with a platform on wheels. On the platform
a base is placed to support an electric motor connected to a radial
compressor or vacuum pump. The industrial vacuum cleaner is fitted
with one or more radial compressors or vacuum pumps connected to
the drum to provide greater suction power. When the switch of the
industrial vacuum cleaner is pressed, the radial compressor or
vacuum pump starts up. Dirt or other particulate material is
suctioned through the device. The particulate material enters the
drum and settles at the bottom, while the suctioned air leaves
through a set of filters, and enters the atmosphere. Hence, the
radial compressor is used to provide suction, not compressed air.
The industrial vacuum cleaner disclosed by this patent does not
include an air compressor, wet vacuum, dry vacuum, and blower in a
single housing, but is merely an industrial vacuum cleaner
unit.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,739,535 to Schuld, et al. discloses a vacuum
cleaning machine having specific applications in cleaning
fireplaces and the like. The vacuum cleaning machine comprises a
cylindrical container shell with a closed bottom wall and an open
upper mouth defining an upper vacuum chamber within the housing. A
suction unit is mounted within the housing and comprises an
electric motor, a blower with an inlet positioned within the vacuum
chamber. The outlet of the blower discharges air into a lower
chamber open to atmosphere and is not a compressed air output. The
inlet of the blower is provided with a filter bag to trap dust
particles. There is no indication that the vacuum cleaning machine
can be utilized for both wet and dry vacuum functions; wet
vacuuming would destroy the filter. Moreover, the vacuum cleaning
machine does not include an air compressor function. Significantly,
the vacuum cleaning machine is designed for removal of dry debris
from a fireplace. It does not have an air compressor, wet vacuum,
dry vacuum, and blower capability integrated within a single
housing.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,829,625 to Wang discloses a portable vacuum
cleaner/air compressor having a light. This cylindrical vacuum
cleaner has a central impeller providing vacuum suction. The
exhaust of the impeller is provided as a low pressure air delivery.
The impeller is driven by a motor, the shaft of which is also
connected to an air compressor through a gear attachment. The
output of the compressor provides high pressure air delivery.
Significantly, the air compressor runs at all times when the vacuum
cleaner is used; and is driven by a single motor. Accordingly, the
power available for vacuum cleaning and generation of high pressure
air is limited, and both functions are compromised. The portable
vacuum cleaner/air compressor cannot provide the functionality of a
wet vacuum.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,134,748 to Lynn discloses a surface cleaning
device generally comprising a scrubber head, a cleaning element, a
supply of cleaning fluid, and means for removing the cleaning
fluid. The scrubber head is provided with pressurized cleaning
fluid and the debris, together with cleaning fluid, is sucked by
vacuum into a separation container. The cleaning device does not
provide a vacuum for cleaning or air pressure for use. The cleaning
fluid is delivered to the scrubber head. At best this is a wet
vacuum device. It may, alternatively, function as a dry vacuum
device, in which case the cleaning fluid is shut off. Since the
filter in the scrubbing head clogs readily, the surface cleaning
device disclosed by the '748 patent functions as an ineffective dry
vacuum cleaner.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,940 to London, et al. discloses a floor
dryer and warning device for removing liquid and small particulate
matter from various surfaces. A cylindrical floor surface drying
device has a cylindrical container with a lid that contains a
vacuum chamber and a air venting chamber. The vacuum is created by
a motor driven impeller. Water is sucked by a vacuum hose and
separated from the air, which is vented through the venting
chamber. The venting chamber has a second motor and a rotating fan
that dries the floor by passing outgoing air through a number of
louvers. This device is at best a wet vacuum. It cannot function as
a dry vacuum. There is no provision for delivering compressed
air.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,485,651 to Payeur discloses a vacuum
cleaning system utilizing a small-mouthed nozzle on a vacuum hose
member having an air outlet member disposed therein. A
high-pressure air stream is directed out of the nozzle onto the
surface to be cleaned while vacuuming proceeds. This is a canister
vacuum cleaner with a vacuum hose. The vacuum hose also carries a
separate air pressure hose that is connected to a compressed air
source such as a compressed air tank. Significantly, the air
compressor tank is not integrated into the vacuum cleaning unit,
but is located externally from the vacuum cleaning system. As a
result, the vacuum cleaning system necessitates a separate air
compressor tank, resulting in a bulky, cumbersome arrangement.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,075 to Jankowski discloses a wet or dry
vacuum with low center of gravity. This wet or dry vacuum is made
of polymeric material providing a low center of gravity. A motor
drives a blower fan, and the suction side of the impeller is
connected to a filter so as to draw clean air. Any debris or water
sucked by the vacuum hose is removed from the air stream by the
filter. This wet or dry vacuum does not provide compressed air, but
is merely a wet/dry vacuum cleaner unit and is appointed for
removal of wet/dry debris from a surface.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,606,769 to Tomasiak, et al. discloses a
wet/dry utility vacuum cleaner having a detachable blower. The
detachable blower is received within complementary shaped cavities
or openings on the lid of the wet/dry vacuum cleaner. The
detachable blower is also capable of being separated from the lid 7
for independent use, as desired. The wet/dry vacuum cleaner with
detachable blower does not include air compressor capabilities, but
is merely a wet/dry vacuum cleaner unit with a blower.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,197 to Alday discloses a mobile carpet
dryer having a vacuum unit and blower unit that forces heated air
onto the carpet. The mobile carpet dryer includes a blower unit
that forces heated air onto the carpet, and a vacuum unit having a
motor vacuums the carpet. Air is heated by a burner mounted on a
burner stand, and is supplied with fuel from a tank An outlet of
the vacuum unit is connected to a recovery tank that includes an
exhaust vent. The combination of forced heated air from the blower
and vacuum removal of moisture greatly speeds the carpet drying
process. The carpet dryer does not include air compressor
capabilities, but merely provides a blower and vacuum unit.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,086 to Ueno, et al. discloses a carpet
cleaner including a foam generation unit, roller brushes, and a
heated air-drying mechanism, and method of use thereof. The carpet
cleaner comprises a frame with wheels for mobility. An open
cleaning agent tank is attached on frame and contains chemical
cleaning agents. A check valve, a pressurizing pump, a foaming
space, and a spring valve are connected in sequence to the bottom
of the tank via a cleaning agent duct. The cleaning agent duct also
houses a metallic mesh and foam cleaning agent nozzle having a
foaming sponge. The tip of the foam cleaning agent nozzle opens
near the surface of a carpet. A pressurizing pump dispenses
liquid-foam cleaning agent from the bottom of cleaning agent tank.
The foam cleaning agent undergoes an initial foaming under pressure
(with a foam diameter of approximately 5-10 mm) as the pressurized
air is transferred to foaming space. When the pressure inside the
foaming space exceeds 1-2 kg/cm2, a spring valve opens, resulting
in the secondary foaming of a liquid foam cleaning agent. The
carpet cleaner does not provide compressed air that can be utilized
as a forced air stream by the user; nor does the carpet cleaner
disclose a blower function. The carpet cleaner cannot be used for
dry vacuum cleaning.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,118 to McIntyre, et al. discloses a
collection apparatus for use with blower/vacuum units adapted for
collecting and storing large amounts of debris. The collection
apparatus includes a large drum having an open top, a removable
lid, and a disposable and reusable liner. The collection apparatus
utilizes a blower/vacuum unit with a variety of intake hoses to
easily clean up large volumes of bulky debris while simultaneously
depositing the debris into the container. This collection apparatus
is appointed for attachment to a blower or vacuum unit, and at best
comprises a dry vacuum cleaning unit with large capacity. It cannot
function as a wet vacuum cleaner or provide compressed air.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 6,175,988 to White, et al. discloses a bypass
type vacuum cleaner apparatus having particular applications in
collecting wet/dry debris from a surface. The tank-type bypass
vacuum cleaner apparatus includes a debris collection tank and a
recess located in one sidewall of the tank for receiving a debris
pickup nozzle or tool. A motor housing and tank cover assembly is
releasably secured to tank by latch member. The vacuum cleaner
apparatus includes an elongated flexible debris pickup hose member,
which is suitably connected to an inlet port of the tank. The
carpet bypass vacuum cleaner does not include air compressor
capabilities, but merely provides a blower and vacuum unit. It
cannot function as a wet-vacuum.
[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 6,385,809 to Martin, et al. discloses a
gasket-less wet/dry vacuum with switch-able blowing and vacuum
modes. The wet/dry vacuum assembly includes a motor cover attached
to a lid, which in turn is releaseably attached to a drum by
latches. The drum houses any fluid or debris (wet or dry)
introduced into the vacuum during normal suction operations. The
lid isolates the motor from the drum and prevents the contamination
from liquid and debris entering the vacuum during normal operation.
A first air passageway defines an air path for the blower port,
which is receptive for a hose adapter. A closable door having an
open and closed position directs air flow from the main air
passageway to either the first or second diverging air passageways
to switch between vacuum and blowing modes. The blower port enables
the vacuum assembly to be operated as a blower unit. Significantly,
the wet/dry vacuum does not include air compressor capabilities,
but merely provides blower and vacuum functions.
[0023] U.S. Pat. No. 6,530,116 to Berfield, et al. discloses a
vacuum cleaner having a muffled detachable blower exhaust unit. The
vacuum cleaner includes a tank mounted on wheels. The tank has an
open end which is covered by a lid assembly comprising latches to
secure the lid to the tank. The vacuum cleaner also includes a
detachable blower, which may be detachably secured to the lid
assembly by additional latches. The lid also includes a lid passage
a lid passage inlet and lid passage outlets. The lid passage is
shaped such that air flowing in the lid passage must change
direction more than 90 degrees (preferably about 180 degrees) at
least once between the lid passage inlet and the lid passage
outlets. The lid passage also includes a chamber or plenum into
which the air entering through the lid passage inlet initially
enters and expands. Disposed into the side wall of the tank is a
nozzle, which may be attached to vacuum cleaner implements. Also
provided in the side wall of the tank is a drain opening, which is
closed by a plug, allowing removal of accumulated fluid when the
vacuum cleaner is used in the "wet vac" mode. The vacuum cleaner
unit does not include compressor capabilities, but is merely a
vacuum cleaner unit having a detachable blower exhaust.
[0024] U.S. Pat. No. 6,647,584 to Pileggi discloses a cleaning
apparatus using a vapor-mist spray. The cleaning apparatus includes
a housing containing an atomizer unit for transforming a cleaning
solution into an atomized mist. The apparatus also includes a
vacuum unit for removing the cleaning solution from an object
surface and a nozzle for delivering the mist to the object surface
to be cleaned. The apparatus further includes a dump valve for
emptying used liquid materials from the housing. The atomizer unit
generally includes a compressor so that the atomization of the
cleaning solution is achieved and the cleaning solution disperses
into minute particles by introducing a significant amount of air in
combination with the cleaning solution. The compressed air is
supplied to the holding tank by the compressor, which creates a
positive pressure within the tank, thereby forcing the cleaning
solution out of the tank into a cleaning solution supply conduit.
Thus, the compressor is utilized to both drive the cleaning
solution from the holding tank and to atomize the cleaning solution
and deliver it to the object surface to be cleaned. The hose
includes first and second conduits and a nozzle. The first conduit
is in fluid communication with the outlet for discharging the
atomized cleaning solution onto the object surface and the second
conduit is in fluid communication with the vacuum conduit for
vacuuming up the atomized cleaning solution from the object
surface. The unit disclosed by the '584 patent thus constitutes a
vacuum cleaner having a misted cleaning solution spray. The
compressor is used to atomize the cleaning solution, not to produce
a supply of compressed air.
[0025] U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2004/0098825 to Swift,
et al. discloses an improved vacuum cleaner having dual blower jet
capability. A conventional, upright vacuum cleaner comprises a
lower body assembly that houses the motor, blowers, controls,
wheels, floor brush, and various ducts. The upper body assembly of
the upright vacuum cleaner contains the refuse chamber, HEPA
filter, handle, and hand tool storage capability typically found in
conventional upright vacuum cleaners. A conventional floor brush
roller is contained within roller vacuum chamber. A duct leads from
chamber to an intake port on the vacuum blower in the blower stack
assembly, and on to the hand tool vacuum stack. The dual blower,
jet-assisted vacuum does not include compressor capabilities, but
is merely a vacuum cleaner with dual blower units. Significantly,
the dual blower, jet-assisted vacuum does not include an air
compressor, wet vacuum, dry vacuum, and blower in a single
housing.
[0026] There remains a need in the art for a shop vacuum having
both dry vacuuming and wet vacuuming functionalities, together with
compressed air delivery; all provided in a compact single unit. The
compressed air delivery must supply air at a high enough air
pressure for paint spraying, operation of pneumatic equipment or
sand blasting, as well as deliver air for simple blowing or
cleaning purposes. Moisture vacuumed during a wet vacuuming
operation should not contaminate air delivery.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The present invention provides a shop vacuum and air
compressor system that is integrated as a single unit, and provides
dry or wet vacuuming capability, as well delivery of high pressure
air suited for pneumatic tool operation, spray painting or sand
blasting as well as air blowing operations. The shop vacuum and air
compressor system comprises a vacuum section disposed above a
compressor section. Each of the sections is capable of independent
operation. The air compressor section and vacuum section are
powered by independent motors.
[0028] The air compressor section has a rotary or piston type
compressor driven by a first motor. Compressed air is pumped into a
compressed air holding tank. A pressure gage is provided to display
the pressure in the air holding tank. A sensor detects the air
pressure in the compressed air holding tank and turns the first
motor on when the detected air pressure below a value set by the
user. The sensor turns off the first motor when the pressure
reaches the user preset value. The compressed air holding tank is
connected to a compressed air hose through a connection means
provided on the side wall of the integrated shop vacuum and air
compressor system. The user may attach a number of devices to the
distal end of the air hose providing high pressure, compressed
air.
[0029] The vacuum section includes a rotary vacuum pump powered by
a second motor. The suction of the vacuum pump is attached to a
vacuum debris and moisture collection area. The vacuum debris and
moisture collection area has vacuum hose attachment means, which
pass through the side wall of the integrated shop vacuum and air
compressor system for attachment to a vacuum hose. A filter is
provided between the vacuum pump suction and the vacuum tank to
prevent any debris from entering the rotary moving parts of the
vacuum pump. The vacuum pump exhausts sucked air into the ambient
air.
[0030] Key features associated with the shop vacuum and compressor
system include, in combination, the means set forth below: [0031]
1. An integrated unit having a vacuum section on an upper area and
a compressor section housed in the lower area of the unit; [0032]
2. The compressor section having a first motor driving a rotary or
piston type compressor and a pressure gage and pressure regulator
provided to deliver compressed air at selected pressure through an
air delivery hose connected to the compressed outlet of the
compressor section; [0033] 3. The vacuum section comprising a
vacuum generating device powered by a second motor drive, the
suction end of the vacuum unit being connected to a filter and to a
debris and moisture collection area that traps incoming debris or
moisture during dry vacuuming or wet vacuuming; [0034] 4. The
vacuum section optionally being detachable from the integrated shop
vacuum and air compressor section, for handling remote air pressure
requirements; and [0035] 5. The debris and moisture collection area
being connected by vacuum connection means to a vacuum hose, the
diameter of which decreases as a function of distance from the
integral shop vacuum and air compressor system, thereby providing
increased suction capacity at the distal end of the vacuum hose
suited for collecting debris and moisture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0036] The invention will be more fully understood and further
advantages will become apparent when reference is had to the
following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the
invention and the accompanying drawing, in which:
[0037] FIG. 1 depicts the schematic view of the integrated shop
vacuum and air compressor system; and
[0038] FIG. 2 depicts the schematic view of the alternate
embodiment of the integrated shop vacuum and air compressor
system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] The present invention provides an integrated shop vacuum and
air compressor housed in a single mobile unit. The compartments for
the compressor and the vacuum sections are physically separated.
The vacuum section is placed above the compressor section and the
vacuum section can optionally be detached for bench use. A first
motor drives the compressor section and the air pressure is brought
to a selected value, at which point the motor is turned off. The
compressed air is stored in an air tank, the pressure of which is
indicated by a pressure gage. The compressor section may be
configured using differently sized components depending on user
application. The compressor air motor horsepower ranges from 1/32
HP to 25 HP. The compressed air tank may have a capacity ranging
from 0.5 to 25 gallons. The compressed air is connected to a
compressor hose which has a length ranging from 0.5 to 50 feet and
may have a diameter ranging from 1/32 inch to 3 inches
[0040] The vacuum section is driven by a second motor drive. The
suction side of the vacuum generating unit is provided with a
filter to prevent entry of debris or water into the vacuum
generating unit. In addition, the debris and water are removed from
the air stream by a debris and water collection area, which is
placed between the filter and the vacuum hose connecting port on
the side wall of the vacuum section. The airflow is reversed in the
debris and water collection area, causing separation of water and
debris from the air stream. A detachable lid on top of the vacuum
section allows the user to access debris collected in the debris
collection area of the vacuum section. The vacuum hose has a larger
diameter at the vacuum hose connecting port and narrows down to a
smaller diameter at the suction nozzle, thereby increasing the
suction velocity, providing effective suction of debris and water.
The vacuum section may be configured using differently sized
components depending on user application. The vacuum motor
horsepower ranges from 1/8 HP to 25 HP.
[0041] Generally stated, the integrated shop vacuum and air
compressor system is arranged as a single mobile unit, comprising:
(i) an air compressor; (ii) an air compressor motor region adapted
to house a first motor, for powering the air compressor; (iii) a
second motor for powering a shop vacuum, the shop vacuum having a
vacuum hose and a debris area for receiving and housing dirt and
other debris; and (iv) the vacuum hose having a first end and a
second end, the first end of the vacuum hose having a larger
diameter than the second end of the vacuum hose. The integrated
shop vacuum and air compressor system integrates a compressor unit
within a shop vacuum unit, thereby creating a versatile unit having
four separate functions, including, dry vacuum, wet vacuum, blower,
and compressor functions. The integrated shop vacuum and air
compressor system provides a shop vacuum system and an air
compressor system in a single, mobile unit that can be readily
utilized in a consumer's private garage.
[0042] The integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system
conveniently integrates a compressor unit into the interstices of a
shop vacuum unit, thereby uniquely providing the capability of
performing four functions with the use of a single unit. The dry
vacuum, wet vacuum, blower, and compressor functions are arranged
in a single unit that is space efficient and can be conveniently
stored by the consumer. Generally, consumers today must purchase a
shop vacuum system and an air compressor system separately, as two
discrete units.
[0043] Advantageously, the integrated shop vacuum and air
compressor system affords the convenience of combining the shop
vacuum and air compressor systems in a single, mobile, space saving
unit. The integration of a compressor dramatically alters the
capabilities of a traditional shop vacuum. Integration of the
compressor component results in a highly desirable, versatile
capability that is, at present, not available without the
amalgamation of separate, cumbersome units. The integrated shop
vacuum and air compressor system has particular application with
the detailing industry. This industry includes, but is not limited
to, the detailing of cars, motorcycles, boats, RV's and campers.
The integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system includes
additional outlets which, together with its compressor
capabilities, significantly increase its versatility. As such, the
integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system is particularly
appealing to consumers and business owners, ranging from the
do-it-yourselfers to large contractors. Conveniently, the
integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system comes in various
sizes so that the size and affordability can cover a wide range of
consumer needs.
[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of the integrated shop
vacuum and air compressor system, shown generally at 10. The
integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system is composed of
stainless steel (for high end shops) and injection-molded plastic
or "like" materials, for the general marketplace. The integrated
shop vacuum and air compressor system comprises a container having
a body portion 32 and a top portion 33 with a top lid 34. An air
compressor tank 11 is adapted for housing compressed air.
Optionally, air compressor tank 11 ranges from 0.5 to 25 gallons,
depending on the size of the integrated shop vacuum and air
compressor system unit. A pressure gauge 27 is provided to indicate
the pressure of the compressed air within air compressor tank 11.
Air hose 28 is received by the air compressor tank 11, and provides
delivery of the compressed air through nozzle 29. Air hose 28 may
range from 0.5 to 50 feet in length, depending on unit size. An air
compressor motor region 12 is adapted for housing a first motor 13
for powering the air compressor tank 11. Air compressor tank 11 is
provided with a vent for cooling. Alternatively, cooling is
achieved by way of a cooling fan 14. A pressure sensor and switch
36 is optionally integrated into an air pressure on-off switch so
that the compressor automatically turns on when lower PSI's are
detected, in order to mitigate the risk of compressor burn out. The
first motor 13 (i.e. for powering the air compressor) may range
from 1/32 to 25 horse power. The air compressor may be rotary or
piston type, or the like.
[0045] Wheels 26 are provided at the base of the integrated shop
vacuum and air compressor system. The wheels 26 are large rubber
wheels having omni-directional orientation. Preferably, the
integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system has at least three
wheels 26. The Integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system is
further provided with a second motor 18 housed in vacuum motor
region 17 and provided with filter 19. Second motor 18 is adapted
for powering the shop vacuum function of the integrated shop vacuum
and air compressor system. The second motor 18 ranges from 1/8 to
25 horsepower, depending on unit size.
[0046] An electric cord is connected to a power source within the
body portion 32 of the integrated shop vacuum and air compressor
system for powering the motors 13 and 18. Optionally, the electric
cord has a flush wrapping therearound, and may further be
retractable. The air hose 28 may have a flush wrapping therearound,
and may further be retractable. Alternatively, the integrated shop
vacuum and air compressor system has 1 or 2 floor cords depending
on unit requirements, and may be configured to run on 110/220
volts. Optionally, the integrated shop vacuum and air compressor
system unit has additional 110/220 water resistant outlets
integrated in the body portion 32 thereof. The power cord for the
compressor unit shall connect to the second motor 18 via internal
routing or more likely via an outside cord, allowing it to tap into
the previously mentioned power source or a separate external power
source. The short cord would allow the unit to be easily broken
out, and mounted on a surface (i.e. work bench) or create a rolling
compressor capability (less vacuum capability).
[0047] The integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system has a
vacuum hose 20 connected to the main body of the integrated shop
vacuum and air compressor system by way of connection means 21.
Vacuum hose 20 may range from 1 to 5 inches in width, depending on
the size of the integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system
unit. Moreover, the vacuum hose 20 ranges from 8 to 30 feet
depending on the size of the Integrated shop vacuum and air
compressor system unit. Optionally, the vacuum hose 20 is decreased
in width as it gets further from the body portion 32. In this
embodiment, the vacuum hose 20 has a first end 22 and a second end
23. In one embodiment, the first end 22 of vacuum hose 20 has a
larger diameter than second end 23. First end 22 has a diameter
ranging from 3-5 inches in diameter, preferably being 3 inches in
diameter. Second end 23 has a diameter ranging from 1-3 inches in
diameter, preferably being 2 inches in diameter when the first end
22 is 3 inches in diameter. In general, first end 22 is preferably
at least 1 inch larger in diameter than second end 23. This
difference in diameter provides a greater suction capability at
suction head 24. The vacuum hose 20 is connected by connection
means 21 to top portion 33 and leads into a debris area 15 adapted
for receiving and housing dirt and vacuumed moisture 16 that is
sucked up by vacuum hose 20. The debris area 15 may range form 1 to
25 gallons, depending on unit size. Top lid 34 is fixedly hinged to
top portion 33. Latches 35 are provided for opening top lid 34 so
that a user can access debris area 15 for removal of dirt and
vacuumed moisture 16 housed therein. Power switch 30 is provided
for activating the first and second motors, 13 and 18.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown at 20 an alternate
embodiment of the invention, wherein in place of the main body of
the integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system, individual
components are assembled on a trolley. In this figure, 30
represents the vacuum section and 40 represents the compressor
section; the sections 30 and 40 are attached to each other by a set
of clips 27. The vacuum section is made up of two disassemblable
parts, A and B. The vacuum pump and filter is located in part A,
while the debris and moisture collection area is located in part B.
The vacuum pump motor is shown at 21 turned on and off by switch
22. The impeller of the vacuum generating unit is shown at 23. The
vacuum pump discharges air to the ambient through port 25.
Restraining clips hold part A and Part B together with a vacuum
seal therebetween. A filter 28 is located at the vacuum inlet port
to the vacuum generating unit and filters any debris or moisture
brought in by the air stream. A connecting means 24 is provided
through the side wall of the vacuum section to which a vacuum hose
29 is attached. Since the airflow changes direction within the
debris and moisture collection area B as shown by the arrow, the
debris and moisture are removed from the air stream.
[0049] The compressor section is located directly below the vacuum
section, and held thereto by a set of clips 27. The compression
section has a compressor motor 37 turned on and off by switch 32.
The motor is attached to a centrifugal impeller 38 and the high
pressure air generated is stored in a tank 31. Even though a
centrifugal compressor is shown here, a piston type compressor may
also be used. The high pressure storage tank 31 has pressure gage
33, pressure adjusting means 34 and a high pressure connecting
means 36, to which a high pressure air hose is attached.
[0050] The compressor section, together with the vacuum section, is
placed on a reel holder pedestal 4. The vacuum hose, air hose and
connecting wires are wound on this cylindrical pedestal. The whole
assembly is placed on a trolley cart 42 with three omni-directional
wheels 43. The trolley can be pulled to another location using a
detachable handle 44.
[0051] The integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system broadly
comprises: an air compressor tank adapted for housing compressed
air and being adapted to receive an external compressed air hose;
an air compressor motor region adapted for housing a first motor
for powering said air compressor; and a second motor for powering a
shop vacuum and a blower, said shop vacuum and blower having an
external hose and a debris area for receiving and housing wet/dry
debris. Optionally, the four components of the integrated shop
vacuum and air compressor system can be taken apart from the unit
and placed on a work bench or the like. The wheels may be
removable, or a dolly may be provided. Potential inclusion of dolly
handles, and appropriate wheel assembly may be provided for
different handling of full water loads. The compressor section may
have the capability of being bench or wall mounted. Alternatively,
the unit may have storage integrated into it or available via
attachable included rack. Moreover, the unit may have multiple
attachments for the tip of the air hose, giving it air tool
capability similar to that of a grease gun, rivet gun, nail gun and
the like.
[0052] Having thus described the invention in rather full detail,
it will be understood that such detail need not be strictly adhered
to, but that additional changes and modifications may suggest
themselves to one skilled in the art, all falling within the scope
of the invention as defmed by the subjoined claims.
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