U.S. patent application number 12/606801 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-25 for portable air compressor.
Invention is credited to Kenneth M. Brazell, Robert Difrenza, Douglas Kent Ritterling, Richard L. Strack, Howard E. Sutter, III, Benjamin J. Thomas.
Application Number | 20100047085 12/606801 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39471875 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100047085 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ritterling; Douglas Kent ;
et al. |
February 25, 2010 |
PORTABLE AIR COMPRESSOR
Abstract
A wheelbarrow compressor is disclosed that includes first and
second reservoirs having first and second portions, a handle
assembly attached with the first portion and a wheel assembly
attached with the second portion, and at least one first secondary
handle and at least one second secondary handle. The at least one
first secondary handle is attached to at least one of the
reservoirs. The at least one second secondary handle is attached to
at least one of the reservoirs. One of the secondary handles is
located closer to the second portion than the other of the
secondary handles. The handle assembly is not either of the
secondary handles.
Inventors: |
Ritterling; Douglas Kent;
(Anderson, SC) ; Brazell; Kenneth M.; (Piedmont,
SC) ; Sutter, III; Howard E.; (Fountain Inn, SC)
; Strack; Richard L.; (Anderson, SC) ; Thomas;
Benjamin J.; (Anderson, SC) ; Difrenza; Robert;
(Greenville, SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL, BEST & FRIEDRICH LLP
100 EAST WISCONSIN AVENUE, SUITE 3300
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Family ID: |
39471875 |
Appl. No.: |
12/606801 |
Filed: |
October 27, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11731999 |
Apr 2, 2007 |
|
|
|
12606801 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
417/234 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04B 35/06 20130101;
F04B 41/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/234 |
International
Class: |
F04B 53/00 20060101
F04B053/00 |
Claims
1. A wheelbarrow compressor comprising: a first reservoir and a
second reservoir; a handle assembly attached with a first portion
of at least one of the first and second reservoirs and a wheel
assembly attached with a second portion of at least one of the
first and second reservoirs; at least one first secondary handle
attached to one of a top portion and a side portion of at least one
of the first and second reservoirs; at least one second secondary
handle attached to one of a top portion and a side portion of at
least one of the first and second reservoirs; and wherein one of
the first and second secondary handles is located closer to the
second portion of the first and second reservoirs than the other of
the first and second secondary handles, and wherein the handle
assembly is not either of the first and second secondary
handles.
2. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 1, wherein the first and
second secondary handles are offset from each other such that a
height of the first or second secondary handle located closer to
the second portion of the first and second reservoirs is less than
a height of the other first or second secondary handle.
3. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 1, wherein the first and
second secondary handles are attached to a top portion of each of
the first and second reservoirs.
4. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 1, further comprising skids
attached with at least a portion of a bottom surface of the first
and second reservoirs.
5. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 4, where the skids are made
of an elastomeric material.
6. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 1, wherein the handle
assembly further comprises a first sleeve attached with the first
portion of at least one of the first and second reservoirs and a
handle configured to slidably engage the sleeve in a telescoping
manner.
7. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 1, wherein at least one of
the first and second reservoirs is angled with respect to a central
axis defined by the orientation of the wheel assembly.
8. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 1 having a center of gravity
whose height is no greater than an uppermost surface of the first
and second reservoirs.
9. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 1, further comprising: a
base; and a pump and a motor operatively connected with the
reservoirs, wherein the first and second reservoirs include bottom
portions located at opposite sides of the base, wherein the base is
located below an uppermost surface of the first and the second
reservoirs, and wherein the motor and pump are disposed on the base
and between the reservoirs.
10. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 9, wherein bottom-most
portions of the pump and the motor are no higher than uppermost
quadrants of the first and the second reservoirs.
11. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 10, wherein the bottom-most
portions of the pump and the motor are no higher than upper-mid
quadrants of the first and the second reservoirs.
12. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 10, wherein the bottom-most
portions of the pump and the motor are no higher than lower-mid
quadrants of the first and the second reservoirs.
13. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 10, wherein the bottom-most
portions of the pump and the motor are no higher than lower-most
quadrants of the first and the second reservoirs.
14. A wheelbarrow compressor comprising: a first reservoir and a
second reservoir; a handle assembly attached with a first portion
of at least one of the first and second reservoirs and a wheel
assembly attached with a second portion of at least one of the
first and second reservoirs; a first secondary handle attached to
one of a top portion and a side portion of the first reservoir and
to one of a top portion and a side portion of the second reservoir;
a second secondary handle attached to one of a top portion and a
side portion of the first reservoir and to one of a top portion and
a side portion of the second reservoir; and wherein one of the
first and second secondary handles is located at the second portion
of the first and second reservoirs and the other of the first and
second secondary handles is located at the first portion of the
first and second reservoirs, and wherein the handle assembly is not
either of the first and second secondary handles.
15. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 14, wherein the first and
second secondary handles are attached to the top portion of each of
the first and second reservoirs.
16. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 14, further comprising a
center of gravity, wherein the first secondary handle is located at
a horizontal distance that is closer to the center of gravity than
the second secondary handle, and wherein the first and second
secondary handles are offset from each other such that the height
of the first secondary handle is greater than the height of the
second secondary handle.
17. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 14, further comprising
skids attached with at least a portion of a bottom surface of the
first and second reservoirs.
18. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 17, where the skids are
made of an elastomeric material.
19. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 14 having a center of
gravity with a height no greater than an uppermost surface of the
first and second reservoirs.
20. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 14, further comprising: a
base; and a pump and a motor operatively connected with the
reservoirs, wherein the first and second reservoirs include bottom
portions located at opposite sides of the base, wherein the base is
located below an uppermost surface of the first and the second
reservoirs, and wherein the motor and pump are disposed on the base
and between the reservoirs.
21. A wheelbarrow compressor comprising: a bottom facing a support
surface upon which the wheelbarrow compressor rests in a normal
operating position; a top located opposite the bottom; a first
reservoir and a second reservoir; a handle assembly attached with a
first portion of at least one of the first and second reservoirs
and a wheel assembly attached with a second portion of at least one
of the first and second reservoirs; a first secondary handle
attached to one of a top portion and a side portion of at least one
of the first and second reservoirs; a second secondary handle
attached to one of a top portion and a side portion of at least one
of the first and second reservoirs; wherein the first secondary
handle is located at a distance that is closer to a center of
gravity of the wheelbarrow compressor than a distance of the second
secondary handle relative to the center of gravity, wherein the
distances are measured substantially parallel to the support
surface when the wheelbarrow compressor is resting in the normal
operating position, and wherein the handle assembly is not either
of the first and second secondary handles.
22. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 21, wherein the first and
second secondary handles are offset from each other such that a
height of the first secondary handle is greater than a height of
the second secondary handle, wherein the heights are measured
substantially perpendicular to the support surface when the
wheelbarrow compressor is resting in the normal operating
position.
23. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 21, wherein one of the
first and second secondary handles is located closer to the second
portion of the first and second reservoirs, and wherein the first
and second secondary handles are offset from each other such that a
height of the first or second secondary handle located closer to
the second portion of the first and second reservoirs is less than
a height of the other first or second secondary handle when the
wheelbarrow compressor is resting in the normal operating
position.
24. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 21, wherein the first and
second secondary handles are attached to the top portion of each of
the first and second reservoirs.
25. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 21, further comprising
skids attached with at least a portion of a bottom surface of the
first and second reservoirs.
26. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 25, where the skids are
made of an elastomeric material.
27. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 21, wherein the handle
assembly further comprises a first sleeve attached with the first
portion of at least one of the first and second reservoirs and a
handle configured to slidably engage the sleeve in a telescoping
manner.
28. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 21, wherein at least one of
the first and second reservoirs is angled with respect to a central
axis defined by the orientation of the wheel assembly.
29. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 21, wherein the center of
gravity has a height that is no greater than an uppermost surface
of the first and second reservoirs when the wheelbarrow compressor
is resting in the normal operating position.
30. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 21, further comprising: a
base; and a pump and a motor operatively connected with the
reservoirs, wherein the first and second reservoirs include bottom
portions located at opposite sides of the base, wherein the base is
located below an uppermost surface of the first and the second
reservoirs, and wherein the motor and pump are disposed on the base
and between the reservoirs.
31. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 30, wherein bottom-most
portions of the pump and the motor are no higher than uppermost
quadrants of the first and the second reservoirs.
32. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 31, wherein the bottom-most
portions of the pump and the motor are no higher than upper-mid
quadrants of the first and the second reservoirs.
33. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 31, wherein the bottom-most
portions of the pump and the motor are no higher than lower-mid
quadrants of the first and the second reservoirs.
34. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 31, wherein the bottom-most
portions of the pump and the motor are no higher than lower-most
quadrants of the first and the second reservoirs.
35. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 31, wherein the base
includes a recess that passes partially through the base.
36. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 35, further comprising a
flywheel operatively connected to the motor, wherein the flywheel
is partially received in the recess.
37. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 21, wherein the handle
assembly includes a movable handle.
38. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 21, wherein the handle
assembly includes a rotating handle.
39. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 38, wherein the at least
one handle assembly further comprises a rotating joint attached
with the first portion of at least one of the first and second
reservoirs and the rotating handle.
40. A wheelbarrow compressor comprising: a bottom facing a support
surface upon which the wheelbarrow compressor rests in a normal
operating position; a top located opposite the bottom; a motor; a
pump operatively connected to the motor; a first reservoir for
storing a fluid, the first reservoir in fluid communication with
the pump to deliver the fluid thereto; a second reservoir for
storing a fluid, the second reservoir in fluid communication with
the pump to deliver the fluid thereto; at least one primary handle
located proximate a first end of at least one of the first and
second reservoirs; a wheel assembly located proximate a second end
of at least one of the first and second reservoirs, wherein the
second end is generally opposite the first end, and wherein the at
least one primary handle is for lifting the first end of the
wheelbarrow compressor such that only the wheel assembly engages
the support surface; a first secondary handle coupled to the
wheelbarrow compressor at a first distance from a center of gravity
of the wheelbarrow compressor measured in a direction substantially
parallel to the support surface when the wheelbarrow compressor is
resting in the normal operating position; and a second secondary
handle coupled to the wheelbarrow compressor at a second distance
from the center of gravity measured in a direction substantially
parallel to the support surface when the wheelbarrow compressor is
resting in the normal operating position, wherein the first
distance is less than the second distance, and wherein the at least
one primary handle is not either of the first and second secondary
handles.
41. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 40, wherein the first
secondary handle has a first height above the support surface
measured substantially perpendicular to the support surface when
the wheelbarrow compressor is resting in the normal operating
position, the second secondary handle has a second height above the
support surface measured substantially perpendicular to the support
surface when the wheelbarrow compressor is resting in the normal
operating position, and the first height is greater than the second
height.
42. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 40, wherein the first
secondary handle is located closer to the first end than the second
secondary handle.
43. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 40, wherein the first and
second secondary handles are attached to a top portion of each of
the first and second reservoirs.
44. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 40, further comprising
skids attached with at least a portion of a bottom surface of the
first and second reservoirs.
45. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 44, where the skids are
made of an elastomeric material.
46. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 40, wherein the at least
one primary handle further comprises a first sleeve attached
proximate the first end of at least one of the first and second
reservoirs and a handle configured to slidably engage the sleeve in
a telescoping manner.
47. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 40, wherein at least one of
the first and second reservoirs is angled with respect to a central
axis defined by the orientation of the wheel assembly.
48. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 40, wherein the center of
gravity has a height that is no greater than an uppermost surface
of the first and second reservoirs when the wheelbarrow compressor
is resting in the normal operating position.
49. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 40, further comprising a
base, wherein the first and second reservoirs include bottom
portions located at opposite sides of the base, wherein the base is
located below an uppermost surface of the first and the second
reservoirs, and wherein the motor and pump are disposed on the base
and between the reservoirs.
50. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 49, wherein bottom-most
portions of the pump and the motor are no higher than uppermost
quadrants of the first and the second reservoirs.
51. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 49, wherein the bottom-most
portions of the pump and the motor are no higher than upper-mid
quadrants of the first and the second reservoirs.
52. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 49, wherein the bottom-most
portions of the pump and the motor are no higher than lower-mid
quadrants of the first and the second reservoirs.
53. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 49, wherein the bottom-most
portions of the pump and the motor are no higher than lower-most
quadrants of the first and the second reservoirs.
54. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 49, wherein the base
includes a recess that passes partially through the base.
55. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 54, further comprising a
flywheel operatively connected to the motor, wherein the flywheel
is partially received in the recess.
56. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 40, wherein the handle
assembly includes a movable handle.
57. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 40, wherein the handle
assembly includes a rotating handle.
58. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 57, wherein the at least
one handle assembly further comprises a rotating joint attached
with the first portion of at least one of the first and second
reservoirs and the rotating handle.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/731,999, filed Apr. 2, 2007, which is incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to compressor assemblies, and,
in particular, relates to portable compressor assemblies.
[0003] Several types of compressors currently exist, some of which
are portable and often include an air storage tank that normally
includes either one or two air reservoirs for storing compressed
air and, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tank, a wheel
located at one end of the air tank and a handle at the opposite end
of the tank. The compressors with two air reservoirs generally
utilize one wheel while the single reservoir compressors of this
type generally utilize two wheels. These single and double
reservoir types of compressors are often referred to as wheelbarrow
compressors. The compressor will also include components to
compress the air. These components generally include a motor
assembly and a pump assembly. Due to space constraints, these
components typically are mounted on top of the air tanks. One
example of such a compressor is made by Campbell Hausfeld, model
number GP90135, which is shown in FIG. 12.
[0004] Mounting the components on top of the air tanks results in
several disadvantages. One disadvantage is the high center of
gravity that results from mounting the components on top of the air
tanks. The high center of gravity is particularly inconvenient for
a user manually transporting the compressor and may result in a
user losing control of the compressor. This is particularly the
case in the two-reservoir wheelbarrow-style compressors used at
worksites that are often transported in a wheelbarrow type manner
up and down narrow wooden ramps. Additionally, the high center of
gravity may cause the air compressor to be unstable and prone to
tipping or tilting when being used.
[0005] Moreover, such compressors may be difficult to package and
store for, by way of example, shipping, warehousing or retail
purposes. When packaged, the air compressors are often shipped,
stored or displayed by being stacked atop one another on shelves.
Existing compressors tend to have high profiles (i.e., are of a
taller height). Thus, when packaged, a large amount of storage
space may be necessary. Likewise, if the compressors are shipped in
large shipping containers, the compressor height limits the number
of units that can be packed into a container. Moreover, a greater
amount of packaging materials may be necessary due to the high
profile of the compressor.
[0006] Additionally, the handles on such tanks also can cause
difficulties when storing the compressors. The handles on such
compressors often project outwardly and upwardly from the
compressor. Such a configuration again results in an increased
height and length and the need for a greater amount of storage
space and packaging material.
SUMMARY
[0007] In one construction, the invention provides a wheelbarrow
compressor. The wheelbarrow compressor includes a first reservoir
and a second reservoir, a handle assembly attached with a first
portion of at least one of the first and second reservoirs and a
wheel assembly attached with a second portion of at least one of
the first and second reservoirs, and at least one first secondary
handle and at least one second secondary handle. The at least one
first secondary handle is attached to one of a top portion and a
side portion of at least one of the first and second reservoirs.
The at least one second secondary handle is attached to one of a
top portion and a side portion of at least one of the first and
second reservoirs. One of the first and second secondary handles is
located closer to the second portion of the first and second
reservoirs, and the handle assembly is not either of the first and
second secondary handles.
[0008] In another construction, the invention provides a
wheelbarrow compressor. The wheelbarrow compressor includes a first
reservoir and a second reservoir, a handle assembly attached with a
first portion of at least one of the first and second reservoirs
and a wheel assembly attached with a second portion of at least one
of the first and second reservoirs, and first and second secondary
handles. The first secondary handle is attached to one of a top
portion and a side portion of the first reservoir and to one of a
top portion and a side portion of the second reservoir. The second
secondary handle attached to one of a top portion and a side
portion of the first reservoir and to one of a top portion and a
side portion of the second reservoir. One of the first and second
secondary handles is located at the second portion of the first and
second reservoirs and the other of the first and second secondary
handles is located at the first portion of the first and second
reservoirs, and the handle assembly is not either of the first and
second secondary handles.
[0009] In yet another construction, the invention provides a
wheelbarrow compressor. The wheelbarrow compressor includes a
bottom facing a support surface upon which the wheelbarrow
compressor rests in a normal operating position, a top located
opposite the bottom, a first reservoir and a second reservoir, a
handle assembly, a wheel assembly, and first and second secondary
handles. The handle assembly is attached with a first portion of at
least one of the first and second reservoirs, and the wheel
assembly is attached with a second portion of at least one of the
first and second reservoirs. The first secondary handle is attached
to one of a top portion and a side portion of at least one of the
first and second reservoirs. The second secondary handle is
attached to one of a top portion and a side portion of at least one
of the first and second reservoirs. The first secondary handle is
located at a distance that is closer to a center of gravity of the
wheelbarrow compressor than a distance of the second secondary
handle relative to the center of gravity, and the distances are
measured substantially parallel to the support surface when the
wheelbarrow compressor is resting in the normal operating position.
The handle assembly is not either of the first and second secondary
handles.
[0010] In yet another construction, the invention provides a
wheelbarrow compressor. The wheelbarrow compressor includes a
bottom facing a support surface upon which the wheelbarrow
compressor rests in a normal operating position, a top located
opposite the bottom, a motor, a pump operatively connected to the
motor, first and second reservoirs for storing a fluid, at least
one primary handle, a wheel assembly, and first and second
secondary handles. The first reservoir is in fluid communication
with the pump to deliver the fluid thereto, and the second
reservoir is in fluid communication with the pump to deliver the
fluid thereto. The at least one primary handle is located proximate
a first end of at least one of the first and second reservoirs. The
wheel assembly is located proximate a second end of at least one of
the first and second reservoirs, and the second end is generally
opposite the first end, and the at least one primary handle is for
lifting the first end of the wheelbarrow compressor such that only
the wheel assembly engages the support surface. The first secondary
handle is coupled to the wheelbarrow compressor at a first distance
from a center of gravity of the wheelbarrow compressor measured in
a direction substantially parallel to the support surface when the
wheelbarrow compressor is resting in the normal operating position.
The second secondary handle is coupled to the wheelbarrow
compressor at a second distance from the center of gravity measured
in a direction substantially parallel to the support surface when
the wheelbarrow compressor is resting in the normal operating
position. The first distance is less than the second distance, and
the at least one primary handle is not either of the first and
second secondary handles.
[0011] Before turning to the drawings and the detailed description,
it should be noted that although the detailed description describes
an air compressor, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
novel compressor disclosed herein may be used with other types of
compressed gas.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a compressor
assembly.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a top view of the compressor assembly of FIG.
1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the compressor assembly of FIG.
1.
[0015] FIG. 3a is a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of a
compressor assembly.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a top view of an additional alternate embodiment
of a compressor assembly.
[0017] FIG. 5 is top view of the compressor assembly of FIG. 4.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an additional alternate
embodiment of the compressor assembly having a movable handle
assembly.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a top view of an additional alternate embodiment
of the compressor assembly having a movable handle assembly.
[0020] FIG. 7a is a partial view of the embodiment of FIG. 7,
showing a handle inserted in a sleeve.
[0021] FIG. 7b is a partial view of a handle having a plurality of
nesting portions.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a compressor assembly having
skids and lifting handles.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a front view of the embodiment of the compressor
of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an air reservoir.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a view of a pump and motor.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a view of a prior-art air compressor.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a compressor having
secondary handles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Turning now to FIGS. 1-3, a novel air compressor 2 is
disclosed. The air compressor has an air storage tank that includes
at least one air reservoir 4 for storing a pressurized gas, with
there preferably being two air reservoirs 4 included. With
reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the air reservoirs each include a top
portion 23, two side portions, i.e., an outer side portion 24, an
inner side portion 21 and a bottom portion 8. The air reservoirs 4
are attached to a base 6 and are oriented such that a longitudinal
axis 7 of each reservoir is substantially parallel to a horizontal
plane 9 upon which the air compressor rests. The reservoirs 4
preferably are located at opposite sides of the base 6.
[0029] The base may be a one-piece base, or, alternatively and as
shown in FIG. 3, the base may be more than one piece. As shown in
one preferred embodiment, the base may include a support 6a and a
bracket 6b mounted to the bottom portion 8 of each air reservoirs
4. In an alternate embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 3a, the base
need not include a support 6a, and instead may be comprised of a
plurality of tabs 78. In additional alternate embodiments, the base
may be comprised of brackets, weldments, tubes or the like. In such
embodiments, the air reservoirs 4 and other compressor components
are mounted or otherwise supported by the tabs, brackets,
weldments, or tubes. Alternatively, the compressor components may
be attached to the inner side portions 21 of the air reservoirs
4.
[0030] The base also includes a recess 10, which, in a preferred
embodiment, is a through-hole in the base. The recess 10
accommodates a flywheel 12 so that the compressor can be mounted in
an ultra-low profile manner on the base. That is, a portion of the
flywheel 12 may pass through the recess 10. The air reservoirs 4
are positioned on the base 6 such that there is a space 14 between
them. As explained further below, additional components of the air
compressor are supported in the space 14 and on the portion of the
base between the reservoirs.
[0031] A handle assembly 16 is attached to a first portion 18 of at
least one of the air reservoirs 4 and a wheel assembly 26 attached
to a second portion 20 of at least one of the air reservoirs 4. The
first and second portions 18, 20 are the portions to the left and
right of the reservoir 4 length midpoint indicated by the line M in
FIG. 1, respectively.
[0032] Although FIGS. 1-3 show the handle assembly and wheel
assembly directly mounted to the air reservoirs 4, in alternate
embodiments they need not be directly attached to an air reservoir.
Preferably, the handle assembly includes two handles 22, each of
which projects outwardly from the first portion 18 of the air
reservoir 4 and is attached to the outer side portion 24 of each
air reservoir 4. More preferably, and as shown in FIG. 1, the
handles 22 are substantially horizontal with respect to the
horizontal plane 9, with the exception of an end portion 28 of each
handle 22, which, for ergonomic purposes, may angle towards the
horizontal plane 9. Optionally, the end portion 28 of the each
handle includes a grip 30 for the ease of a user to grasp the
handles 22.
[0033] The wheel assembly 26 includes a wheel 28 that is mounted to
a pair of brackets 32, each of which connects the wheel 28 to the
air reservoir 4. As with the handle assembly, the wheel assembly
need not be directly mounted to the air reservoirs. As disclosed
above, the wheel assembly is attached to the second portion 20 of
the air reservoirs 4, opposite the first portion 18, such that a
user may grasp the handles and transport the air compressor, such
that the air compressor rolls on the wheel. The configuration of
such an air compressor is known as a "wheelbarrow" style air
compressor.
[0034] Compressor components 34 to compress gas to be stored within
the air reservoirs are operatively connected with the air reservoir
and generally are located in the space 14 between the air tanks and
supported by the base. The components may include a pump assembly
36 and a motor assembly 38. The motor assembly 38 may include an
electric motor or a gas engine 38a, and, furthermore, embodiments
that include a gas engine may also include a fuel tank 40,
depending on the design of the motor assembly. A flywheel 12 is
attached to the motor assembly. The pump assembly 36 includes a
pump 36a. The pump assembly 36 is fluidly connected to the air
reservoirs 4 and the motor assembly 38 is operatively connected to
the pump assembly 36. In addition, and as described above, the
flywheel 12 is positioned so as to be at least partially within the
recess.
[0035] The compressor components may be located anywhere in the
space along the base. In one preferred example, the motor may be
located in the space approximately four inches behind the wheel. In
another embodiment, the pump may be located in the space
immediately behind the wheel.
[0036] Having the compressor components 34 disposed on the base 6
between the air reservoirs 4 results in the air compressor having a
center of gravity lower than prior-art air compressors, and more
preferably, results in the air compressor having a center of
gravity lower than an uppermost surface 27 of the air reservoirs.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 9 and 10, the uppermost surface 27 of the air
reservoirs is part of the top portion 23 and is the highest part of
the reservoir from the ground when measured in its normal operating
position. For the air reservoirs 4, which are generally cylindrical
reservoirs having a generally circular cross section, the uppermost
surface 27 generally will be identified by the tangent, indicated
as T in FIGS. 9 and 10, to the cross section that is the farthest
distance from the ground during normal operating conditions.
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, in alternate embodiments, the
benefits of the present invention may be realized based on the
position of bottom-most portions 37, 39 of the pump 36a and the
motor 38a with respect to the air reservoirs 4. The bottom-most
portions are the lowest portions of the pump and motor from the
ground when measured in their normal operating positions. With
reference to FIG. 10, which shows a cross-section of a circular air
reservoir 4, the reservoir may be divided into quadrants: an
uppermost quadrant 70, an upper-mid quadrant 72, a lower-mid
quadrant 74 and a lower-most quadrant 76. Preferably, the
bottom-most portions 37, 39 of the pump 36a and the motor 38a,
respectively, are no higher than the uppermost quadrant 70 of the
air reservoirs 4. Even more preferably, in order of ascending
preference: the bottom-most portions 37, 39 of the pump 36a and the
motor 38a are no higher than the upper-mid quadrant 72; the
bottom-most portions 37, 39 of the pump 36a and the motor 38a are
no higher than the lower-mid quadrant 74; and most preferably, the
bottom-most portions 37, 39 of the pump 36a and the motor 38a are
no higher than the lower-most quadrant 76. In alternate embodiments
that do not include air reservoirs with circular cross-section, the
reservoirs nonetheless may be similarly divided into quadrants.
[0038] Unlike the embodiments described herein, prior-art air
compressors such as the Campbell Hausfeld model number GP90135
compressor (FIG. 12) typically mount air compressor components on
an upper portion of an air reservoir, resulting in air compressors
that have a higher center of gravity. This results in a higher
center of gravity that contributes to the instability of the air
compressor and makes it more prone to tipping or tilting,
especially when being transported, resulting in an inconvenience to
a user transporting the compressor.
[0039] In contrast, having the pump and motor assemblies of the
present air compressor on the base 6 between the air reservoirs 4,
as opposed to an upper portion of the air reservoir, lowers
vertical height of the compressor and, in turn, the center of
gravity. Lowering the vertical height of the compressor adds
stability to the compressor and further discourages tipping or
tilting. Preferably, and as described above, the center of gravity
is below the uppermost surface of the air reservoirs. In an
alternate embodiment, and as also been described above, it also is
preferable to have the bottom-most portions of the pump and the
motor be no higher than the uppermost quadrant of the air
reservoirs. Such embodiments highly reduce the likelihood of having
the air compressor tip or tilt while being transported and make
transporting the compressor much easier.
[0040] Optionally, and to add further stability to the air
compressor, the wheel 28 of the compressor may be enlarged to a
size approximately equal to or greater than the air compressor
profile, as shown in FIG. 1. As compared to compressors with
smaller wheels, the enlarged wheel 28 reduces the amount of
pivoting about the central axis of the wheel needs to be pivoted in
order to lift the compressor with the handle assembly.
Advantageously, the smaller amount of pivoting results in less
force being exerted on a user's arms and makes the compressor
easier to transport with the wheel over a rough terrain.
[0041] Moreover, having the air compressor components disposed on
the base results in an air compressor having a height or profile,
measured with respect to the horizontal plane, lower than the
profile of prior art compressors. This provides benefits with
respect to the shipping and packaging of the air compressor. The
lower height profile requires less packaging material. Also, the
lower profile requires less storage space when being packaged. When
packaged, the air compressors are often stored or displayed by
being stacked atop one another on shelves. With the lower profile,
more units may be stacked on top of one another within the same
space. This is particularly advantageous when shipping the
compressors. Shipping often is done by using large containers that
are transported on boats, trains, or trucks. The low profile allows
for more compressors to be packed into a container, thereby
reducing the shipping costs.
[0042] FIGS. 4 and 5 show an alternate embodiment of an air
compressor, which is similar to the embodiments described in FIGS.
1-3 and with like components having like numerals. As with the
embodiments described with respect to FIGS. 1-3, the air compressor
includes at least one air reservoir 4, and, more preferably,
includes two air reservoirs 4. Moreover, the compressor components,
the base, handle assembly and wheel assembly generally are the same
as the embodiments described with respect to FIGS. 1-3 and use the
same reference numbers.
[0043] However, with respect to the air reservoir longitudinal axis
7, at least one air reservoir is oriented on the base so that it is
angled with respect to a central axis 44 that passes through the
wheel 26, with the central axis thus being defined as being
generally perpendicular to the rotational axis of the wheel.
Preferably, the reservoir 4 will be positioned at an angle a,
labeled in FIG. 4 as 42, in a range of about one and one-half
through five degrees, although in other embodiments the angle a may
have a lesser or greater value depending on design specifications.
Because the air reservoirs are angled, the width of the compressor
2 near the wheel assembly 26 will be less then the width of the
remainder of the air compressor in the direction toward the handle
assembly 16, with the width increasing towards handle assembly
16.
[0044] The pump assembly 36 and motor assembly 38 are at least
partially disposed on the top portion 23 of one of the air
reservoirs 4 and are positioned so that the profile P of these air
compressor components, when viewing FIG. 4, is substantially
parallel to the longitudinal axis 7 of the air reservoir. Having
the profile P substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of
the air reservoir leaves room for a flywheel 12 to be disposed in
the space 14 and attached to the base 6. The space 14 is large
enough to accommodate flywheels of a variety of sizes, so that a
flywheel of a larger size does not need to be disposed on the
reservoir. Thus, and advantageously, a larger flywheel will not
greatly increase the height of the compressor, so that the
disadvantages described above associated with compressors having
high profiles may be avoided. Although not required, the present
embodiment preferably contemplates incorporating a flywheel larger
than the flywheel disclosed in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS.
1-3. As shown in FIG. 5, the flywheel 12 may be covered by a
housing 46. Optionally, and as described above, the base may
include the recess 10 for partially receiving the flywheel.
[0045] As with the embodiments described above, the present
embodiment of the air compressor results in a compressor having a
lower-center of gravity than prior-art compressors. This is because
prior-art air compressors typically mount the flywheel on an upper
portion of the reservoir, thus raising the center of gravity.
Moreover, angling at least one air reservoir results in the air
compressor having a lower profile than prior-art compressors due to
the flywheel being lower, thus providing the additional packaging
benefits described above.
[0046] The embodiments described above may incorporate additional
features without departing from the scope of the invention. One
such feature includes movable handles 22 that may ergonomically
accommodate a user transporting the compressor with the handle
assembly and wheel assembly. Additionally, the movable handles 22
may be storable so that they facilitate the convenient storage of
the handles. The movable handles may rotate, fold, slide,
telescope, or retract in order to facilitate ergonomic adjustments
or storability. Additionally, the movable handles may be removable.
Handles that are removable may be stored in a separate location on
or near the compressor.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, each handle 22 of the handle
assembly may be attached to the air reservoir with a joint 48 so
that the handle may be rotated. The joint 48 may be of the type to
allow movement about a horizontal axis H and/or a vertical axis V,
or alternatively, may include be a U-joint that allows an unlimited
degree of freedom of movement. The joint preferably is attached to
the outer side portion 24 or the top portion 23 of the air
reservoir. Alternatively, the joint 48 and handle 22 may be mounted
to the inner side portion 21 of the reservoir. Such an alternate
embodiment may be particularly desirable for the embodiments of
FIGS. 4 and 5, although the joint and handle may be mounted in such
a way for any of the embodiments described herein. In yet alternate
embodiments, the joint and handle may be attached to the bottom
portion 8. The handle 22 may be rotated as shown by the dashed line
R so that it stores in a position parallel and adjacent to the
reservoir 4 (shown in phantom in FIG. 6 as 22a).
[0048] In yet alternate embodiments, each handle may be modified to
be slidably movable. Referring to FIG. 7, a sleeve 50 is mounted to
the first portion 18 of the air reservoir, and may be mounted on
either of the outer side portion 24, the top portion 23, the bottom
portion 8 or the inner side portion 21 of the air reservoir. The
handle 22 is slidably engaged with the sleeve 50. The handle 22,
upon the release of a lock 52, may move freely within the sleeve
50, thus facilitating a telescoping action of the handle. In one
preferred embodiment, the lock 52 includes a hole 54 in the handle
and a hole 56 in the sleeve 50. When the holes are aligned, a pin
58 may be inserted into the holes to prevent the handle from moving
within the sleeve. Advantageously, multiple holes may be provided
along the handle so that the handle can be locked into multiple
positions with respect to the sleeve.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 7, the handle 22b may be removed from a
first end 66 of the sleeve 50 and inserted into a second end 68 of
the sleeve so that the handle 22b does not project outwardly from
the air reservoir. Additionally, and as shown in FIG. 7a, the
handles 22b may be fully inserted into the sleeves 50.
Advantageously, both of these positions reduce the amount of space
required to store the compressor and the amount of packaging
required for prepurchase shipping and storage. Alternatively, stops
on the handle may prevent the handle from separating from the
sleeve. Additionally, the sleeves 50 may be incorporated into the
joint 48 so that the handles may be both rotated and
telescoped.
[0050] In another alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 7b, each
handle 22c may include a plurality of nesting portions 80 that
allow telescopic movement by collapsing or nesting within each
other, as compared to FIG. 7a, where the handle 22b is able to
slide in and out of the sleeve 50. The nesting portions 80 may be
partially nested so that less than all of the nesting portions are
collapsed or entirely nested. Detents or other commonly known
release mechanisms may be incorporated to selectively retain the
nesting portions 80 in a nested or partially-nested position.
Moreover, such nested handles may be removable so that they do not
project outwardly from the air reservoir as described above.
[0051] The movable handles provide several benefits. The handles
may be rotated or telescoped so that they do not project outwardly
from the first portion of the compressor, resulting in a compact
air compressor, which provides further benefits with respect to
shipping, storage and packaging as described above. Moreover, the
handles may be readily adjusted to multiple positions so as to be
more comfortable for a user. In fact, as those skilled in the art
will recognize, the handles may be modified to both telescope and
rotate as described above.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 8, each reservoir 4 may include a skid 60
attached to the bottom portion 8 of the reservoir 4. The skids 60
facilitate the sliding of the air compressor that under certain
circumstances may be useful. For example, the skids may be used
when loading the compressor into the back of a vehicle, or other
situations where it may not be desirable to use the wheel assembly
to transport the compressor. Specifically, when the compressor is
lifted off the ground to be loaded into the back of the vehicle
(e.g., the bed of a pick-up truck), the skids may be used to slide
the compressor once they have made point contact with the edge of
the back of the vehicle.
[0053] The skids preferably are of a material conducive to sliding,
such as an elastomeric material. While the skids preferably extend
across nearly the entire bottom portion 8, in alternate
embodiments, the skids may extend across less than nearly the
entire length of the bottom portion. Moreover, in yet alternate
embodiments, a skid may be made up of several pieces of material,
which may be either continuous or not continuous, attached across
the bottom portion 8 of the air reservoir.
[0054] Optionally, the air compressor may include secondary handles
62, disposed on the air reservoirs 4. The secondary handles 62 are
helpful for lifting the compressor. Preferably, the secondary
handles are rollbar-style handles as shown in FIG. 8, and may
additionally serve to protect compressor components in the event
the compressor tips over. However, in alternate embodiments, the
secondary handles 62 may have other shapes as well, and may not
provide both benefits depending on their shape. Preferably, each
secondary handle is partially disposed on the top portion 23 of
each air reservoir, although in other embodiments the secondary
handles may be otherwise disposed. For example, at least one
secondary handle may be disposed on each reservoir. Moreover, the
secondary handles may be disposed on the outer side portion 24 of
the air reservoir. Optionally, grips 64 may be disposed on the
handles to further facilitate the lifting of the compressor.
[0055] Preferably, the secondary handles will be offset from each
other such that the handle 62a disposed on the second portion 20 is
shorter than the handle 62b disposed on the first portion 18. In a
preferred embodiment, the offset will be about 3.875 inches,
although in other embodiments the offset may be more than or less
than this number. However, handles that differ in height as a
result of manufacturing tolerances, i.e., handles that are not
meant to be offset, are not secondary handles. Manufacturing
tolerances for such handles are most often less than 3/4 inch and
usually are closer to 1/4 inch.
[0056] As a result, if each secondary handle is used to lift the
air compressor, the second portion 20 is raised higher than the
first portion 18, which usually will aid in the loading of the air
compressor into the back of a truck or other vehicle. When the
offset handles and skids are both used, loading the compressor
(e.g., loading the compressor into the back of a pick-up truck) is
particularly facilitated. Specifically, when lifted, the second
portion 20 will be higher than the first portion 18. The operator
may then easily rest the skids 60, which are on the bottom surface
25 of the second portion 20, on the truck bed and easily slide the
compressor into the truck.
[0057] In another preferred embodiment, and referring to FIG. 13,
the secondary handles 62a, 62b are arranged relative to the
compressor's center of gravity, depicted as CG. The secondary
handles 62a, 62b may be disposed on the air reservoirs as described
in the above embodiments. The first secondary handle 62a is located
at horizontal distance Y1 from the center of gravity CG and second
secondary handle 62b is located at a distance Y2 from the center of
gravity CG. If the first distance Y1 is less than the second
distance Y2, then a vertical height Z1 of the first secondary
handle 62a should be greater than a vertical height Z2 of the
second secondary handle 62b so that the secondary handles 62a, 62b
are offset as described above. Arranging the secondary handles in
such a fashion will provide the benefits associated with lifting
the compressor described above.
[0058] The compressor shown in FIG. 8 is particularly advantageous
when it is used in a compressor having reservoirs with a capacity
less than two and one-half gallons each, which capacity allows the
compressor to be easily transported and lifted by a single user. In
other embodiments, however, the air reservoirs may have a greater
capacity. For example, in an alternate preferred embodiment the air
reservoirs may have a capacity in a range of four to four and
one-half gallons each, although the air reservoirs are not required
to be limited to such a capacity.
[0059] The air compressor may include alternate embodiments without
departing from the scope of the present invention. For example,
rather than a single wheel assembly, a wheel assembly may be
attached to the first portion of each air reservoir. Moreover, the
handle assembly may have other shapes, including a unitary,
u-shaped handle, without departing from the scope of the invention.
Also, referring to FIG. 8, the handles 22 may rotate and/or
telescope and/or lock, and may use the skids 60 as sleeves, in the
manner described above with respect to FIG. 7. Furthermore, the
compressor components may be enclosed within a housing or shroud
and the shroud may be located in the space between the air
reservoirs.
[0060] It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed
description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and
that it be understood that it is the following claims, including
all equivalents, that are intended to define the spirit and scope
of this invention.
* * * * *