U.S. patent application number 12/135882 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-08 for compressor with rotating handle.
This patent application is currently assigned to ALLTRADE TOOLS LLC. Invention is credited to Hector R. Hernandez, Jaime W. Nash.
Application Number | 20090010770 12/135882 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36262144 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090010770 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hernandez; Hector R. ; et
al. |
January 8, 2009 |
Compressor With Rotating Handle
Abstract
An air compressor assembly including a rotatable handle that
provides protection and structure for transporting the apparatus.
The apparatus further includes a plurality of air tanks each of
which are configured to be removable and replaced when
necessary.
Inventors: |
Hernandez; Hector R.;
(Fullerton, CA) ; Nash; Jaime W.; (Rancho Santa
Margarita, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STEPTOE & JOHNSON LLP
2121 AVENUE OF THE STARS, SUITE 2800
LOS ANGELES
CA
90067
US
|
Assignee: |
ALLTRADE TOOLS LLC
Long Beach
CA
|
Family ID: |
36262144 |
Appl. No.: |
12/135882 |
Filed: |
June 9, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10978337 |
Nov 1, 2004 |
7384245 |
|
|
12135882 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
417/234 ;
417/321 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04B 35/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/234 ;
417/321 |
International
Class: |
F04B 53/00 20060101
F04B053/00; F04B 17/00 20060101 F04B017/00 |
Claims
1: An air compressor assembly, comprising: a frame assembly, the
frame assembly including an air tank storage compartment, a motor
and compressor storage compartment, and an air supply and control
mounting compartment; a first air storage tank, the first air
storage tank including structure for removing the storage tank from
the frame assembly, the first air storage tank being configured
within the air tank storage compartment; a second air storage tank,
the second air storage tank including structure for removing the
second air storage tank from the frame assembly, the second air
storage tank being configured within the air tank storage
compartment; a motor configured within the motor and compressor
storage compartment; a compressor configured within the motor
compressor storage compartment; and a driver assembly connecting
the motor to the compressor.
2: The air compressor assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame
assembly further includes a rotatable handle assembly.
3: The air compressor assembly of claim 2, wherein the rotatable
handle assembly has a closed position and an open position.
4: The air compressor assembly of claim 3, wherein the air
compressor assembly includes a top portion and the handle assembly
overlays the top portion when in a closed position.
5: The air compressor assembly of claim 3, wherein the frame
assembly further includes a stay that engages a handle portion of
the handle assembly when the handle assembly is in a fully open
configuration.
6: The air compressor assembly of claim 5, wherein the frame
assembly includes a bottom portion and further comprising a pair of
wheels mounted to the bottom portion of the frame assembly.
7: The air compressor assembly of claim 6, further comprising a
plurality of feet extending from the bottom portion of the frame
assembly.
8: The air compressor assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
first supply line connecting the compressor to the first air
storage tank.
9: The air compressor assembly of claim 8, further comprising a
second supply line connecting the compressor to the second air
storage tank.
10: The air compressor assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
first valve assembly operatively connected to the first air storage
tank, the first valve assembly including a first stem.
11: The air compressor assembly of claim 10, further comprising a
second valve assembly operatively connected to the second air
storage tank, the second valve assembly including a second
stem.
12: The air compressor assembly of claim 11, further comprising a
first gauge assembly configured to provide indicia relating to
stored air pressure.
13: The air compressor assembly of claim 12, further comprising a
second gauge assembly configured to provide indicia relating to
outlet air pressure.
14: The air compressor assembly of claim 13, further comprising an
air pressure controller knob that controls air emitted from the air
compressor assembly.
15: The air compressor assembly of claim 14, further comprising an
outlet hose, the outlet hose configured to be in communication with
one of the first and second air storage tanks.
16: The air compressor assembly of claim 1, wherein the first air
storage tank includes a first moisture bleed valve.
17: The air compressor assembly of claim 16, wherein the second air
storage tank includes a second moisture bleed valve.
18: The air compressor assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame
assembly includes a top portion and further comprising a storage
tray attached to the top portion of the frame.
19: An air compressor assembly, comprising: a frame assembly
manufactured from a tube and including a top portion and a bottom
portion, the tube being bent to define an air tank compartment, a
motor and compressor compartment and a control panel and outlet
mount, the frame assembly including a U-shaped handle assembly
formed from a tube, the handle assembly including first and second
terminal ends each being rotatably connected to spaced vertically
projecting tubular members; first and second air tanks arranged in
a vertical stack, the first and second air tanks being configured
within the air tank compartment and to be individually removable
therefrom; a motor assembly configured within the motor and
compressor compartment; a compressor assembly cooperating with the
motor assembly, the compressor assembly configured within the motor
and compressor compartment; an air supply assembly connecting the
compressor assembly to one of the first and second air tanks; a
control panel housing a control knob, first and second valves, and
a plurality of gauges; an outlet line extending from one of the
first and second air tanks to the control panel; at least four
rubber feet attached to the bottom portion of the frame assembly; a
pair of wheels rotatably attached to the bottom portion of the
frame assembly; and a tray configured on the top portion of the
frame assembly; wherein the handle assembly overlaps and protects
the tray assembly and control panel and includes a first closed
position and a second open position whereby the handle is placed
against a stay and held in a generally vertical position for
facilitating tilting the air compressor assembly on the pair of
wheels.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an air compressor assembly,
and more particularly to an assembly including replaceable tanks
and a rotating handle sub-assembly.
[0002] Air compressors have been adapted for use in various
applications. Generally, air compressors provide pneumatic power
which can be employed to create projecting, rotational or other
forces. As such, air compressors have conventionally been used as a
source of power in assembling or disassembling items or machines.
Air compressors have also been utilized as a driving force in
devices such as nail guns. Many other applications benefit from the
power generating by air compressors.
[0003] Typically, air compressor assemblies include a motor for
driving a compressor and a tank for storing compressed air. When
air is compressed, there is associated therewith some level or
degree of condensation within the tank storing the compressed air.
Although some efforts have been made to select materials which
resist corrosion and to provide valves for removing moisture, the
condensation within a storage tank eventually causes corrosion.
Such corrosion limits the useful life of the compressor.
[0004] As in most conventional air compressor assemblies, the air
storage tanks are welded to the motor or otherwise form a
non-removable structure. In conventional air compressor assemblies
which include a plurality of storage tanks, such tanks are often
welded or otherwise affixed to each other. Therefore, since it is
critical to safety concerns that the structure of storage tanks not
be compromised, once a storage tank has exhibited some degree of
deterioration, the entire air compressor assembly becomes obsolete
and must be discarded. Repair of the compressor assembly is often
cost prohibitive or unwieldy.
[0005] Air compressor assemblies are often used in situations or
environments which subject the assembly to a high degree of wear
and tear. For example, objects such as tools can fall on the
compressor assembly or transportation of the compressor assembly
about a worksite invariably results in collisions with other
structures. While compressor assemblies have been made to be
portable, little attention has been given to protecting the
apparatus from impact. This is particularly true with respect to
valve stems and gauges of a compressor assembly.
[0006] Accordingly, what is needed and not previously provided is a
compressor assembly that permits the replacement of storage tanks
as well as provides structure for protecting the apparatus and
aiding in its transportation. The present invention satisfies these
and other needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Briefly and in general terms, the present invention is
directed towards an air compressor assembly including removable
parts and structure intended to protect the apparatus. In one
aspect, the air compressor assembly is portable and includes a
plurality of storage tanks.
[0008] In one embodiment, the air compressor assembly includes a
frame housing having a motor assembly for driving a compressor.
Also, contained within the frame is one or more tanks for storing
compressed air. A driver assembly connects the motor assembly with
the compressor and a supply line as provided to transport
compressed air from the compressor to the storage tank.
[0009] In one particular embodiment, the air compressor assembly
includes a pair of air storage tanks which are individually mounted
within a frame assembly. Each of the storage tanks can be removable
from the frame assembly and can be replaced once signs of
deterioration are identified.
[0010] In another particular embodiment, the frame assembly
includes a rotating handle sub-assembly. In a closed position, the
handle assembly acts to protect the air compressor apparatus. In an
open configuration, the handle assembly can be employed to
facilitate transportation of the air compressor assembly. In that
regard, the air compressor assembly is provided with a pair of
wheels upon which the apparatus can be transported.
[0011] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by
way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view, depicting an air compressor
assembly of the present invention with a handle assembly in a
closed position;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view, depicting the air compressor
assembly of FIG. 1 turned approximately 90.degree. clockwise;
[0014] FIG. 3 is perspective view, depicting the air compressor of
FIG. 1 with the handle assembly in an open position; and
[0015] FIG. 4 is an exploded view, depicting various components of
the air compressor assembly of FIG. 1 in a disassembled form.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Referring now to the drawings, which are provided by way of
example and not limitation, the present invention is embodied in an
air compressor assembly which includes structure not contemplated
in prior compressors. In particular, the air compressor assembly of
the present invention provides protective structure which also
facilitates transportation. The air compressor assembly
additionally includes structure which provides the apparatus with
means for enhancing the useful life thereof.
[0017] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, there is shown an air
compressor assembly 100. The air compressor assembly 100 includes a
frame assembly 110 which houses and contains various sub-assemblies
of the air compressor apparatus 100. The frame assembly 110 can be
manufactured from 11/4 inch tubing which is bent to a desired
shape. Multiple sections of such tubing are welded together to form
the frame assembly 110.
[0018] In one embodiment, the frame assembly 110 includes a base or
bottom portion 112 defined by a first U-shaped member 114. The
first U-shaped member 114 includes a pair of spaced, generally
parallel arms 116 each of which have a mid-section portion 118.
Arranged generally perpendicularly to the first U-shaped member is
a second generally U-shaped structure 120, which also includes a
pair of spaced, generally parallel arms 122. When in an assembled
form, each arm 122 of the second U-shaped structure 120 projects
vertically from the mid-section 118 of a single arm 116 of the
first generally U-shaped member 114. Also attached across arms 116
of the first U-shaped member 114 and affixed to lower terminal ends
of arms 122 of the second U-shaped structure 120 is a horizontally
extending component 124. Further, a horizontally extending plate
126 is attached at one end to the horizontally extending component
124 and at another end to a front portion 128 of the first U-shaped
member 114 of the base 112.
[0019] Affixed to terminal ends 130 of each of arms 116 of the
first U-shaped member 114 is a vertical component 132 which
themselves terminate with a hinge and stay assembly 140. Also
connected to the terminal ends 130 of the U-shaped base 112 is a
second horizontally extending member 142.
[0020] The frame assembly 112 also includes an U-shaped tubular
handle assembly 150 that includes a pair of spaced arms 152 which
each have a curved portion 154 and terminal ends 156. Terminal ends
156 are configured to mate with and embody a portion of the hinge
assemblies 140. The handle 150 can also be equipped with a grip
(not shown) made from an elastomeric material and which is
configured across a base portion 160 of the U-shaped
sub-assembly.
[0021] Another generally U-shaped tubular member 170 is attached at
its terminal ends 172 to the second generally U-shaped structure
120 which extends vertically from the base 112. In one aspect, this
generally U-shaped tubular structure is configured in a parallel
relationship with the base 112.
[0022] When assembled, the frame assembly 110 defines a number of
compartments. Attached to plate 126 and configured near the base
112 of the frame assembly 110 and beneath the U-shaped tubular
member 170 and configured parallel to the base 112 is a motor and
compressor assembly 200. A motor assembly 210 includes four spaced
feet or attaching structure 212 each of which are affixed to the
plate 126 attached to the base 112. Configured atop the motor
assembly 210 is a compressor assembly 220.
[0023] The frame assembly also defines a compartment for a
plurality of compressed air tanks 300, 302. This compartment is
located adjacent of the space provided for the motor and compressor
assembly 200. A first air tank 300 is releasably mounted to the
second horizontal member 142 by a pair of spaced clips or
equivalent structure 310. A second air tank 302 is releasably
mounted above the first air tank 300 by conventional means. One or
more supply tubes (not shown) extend from the compressor to one or
both of the air tubes 300, 302, respectively.
[0024] Configured and attached within and between the second
generally U-shaped structure 120 and horizontal U-shaped member 170
is a control panel and valve assembly 450. The assembly includes a
panel 452 which houses a pair of gauges 454, 456 as well as a
control knob 458 and a pair of valves 460. In one aspect, the
gauges can provide information concerning tank pressure and outlet
pressure. Additional gauges can be included to provide information
concerning each air tank individually as well as outlet pressure
from each tank individually. The control knob 458 controls the
outflow of air from the tanks 300, 302. The dials provide an outlet
from the tanks 300, 302 and are configured to receive a
conventional hose for various devices such as a nail gun. A tray
470 for holding or receiving tools and other work pieces is also
provided in the space.
[0025] Also attached to the frame assembly 170 is a pressure ON/OFF
switch 480 (See FIG. 4). The power switch 480 is in electronic
communication with the motor and compressor assembly 200. Turning
the power switch to an on position starts the motor and compressor
assembly 200 so that air is withdrawn into the assembly and then
compressed and delivered to the air tanks 300, 302. Turning the
switch to an OFF position ceases this action.
[0026] Extending from one or both of the air tanks 300, 302 is an
outlet tube (not shown). It is to be understood that the present
invention contemplates both providing air from the compressor 220
to each air tank 300, 302 individually as well as to one air tank
which is in communication with a second air tank. The present
invention also contemplates a single outlet hose from one of the
two tanks which are in communication with each other as well as a
pair of separate outlet hoses, one for each tank.
[0027] Attached to a bottom 500 of the frame assembly 110 are two
pairs of rubber feet 502. Such rubber feet 502 are contemplated to
be affixed to an underside of the arms defining the first U-shaped
member 114. Additionally, the present invention contemplates
attaching a pair of spaced wheels 504 by conventional structure to
vertical components 132 such that the wheels 504 only engage the
ground when the air compressor 100 is tilted off of the rubber feet
502.
[0028] As can be understood from reviewing FIGS. 1 and 3 in
conjunction, the rotatable U-shaped handle assembly 150 can assume
a first closed position and a second open position. In its closed
position, the handle assembly 150 is generally parallel to the
floor, the arms 152 of which provide protection to an upper or top
side 510 of the air compressor assembly 100. When placed in its
opened configuration, the handle assembly 150 can assume a
generally vertical position as it is held in place by a stay
provided by the hinge assemblies 140. In the vertical position, the
handle assembly 150 can be employed to tilt the apparatus upon
wheels 504 for transporting the device to and from a worksite or
storage area.
[0029] Accordingly, the present invention provides an air
compressor assembly adapted to address corrosion affecting
compressed air tanks. The present invention also embodies structure
both protecting the compressor assembly and facilitating its
transportation. Moreover, it is contemplated that one or both of
the air tanks can be employed to store compressed air and to be
accessed either individually or in combination.
[0030] Thus, it will be apparent from the foregoing that, while
particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and
described, various modifications can be made without parting from
the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *