U.S. patent application number 14/184200 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-20 for air compressor having a removable air tank.
This patent application is currently assigned to Techtronic Power Tools Technology Limited. The applicant listed for this patent is Techtronic Power Tools Technology Limited. Invention is credited to Charles John Luby.
Application Number | 20150233364 14/184200 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53746778 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150233364 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Luby; Charles John |
August 20, 2015 |
AIR COMPRESSOR HAVING A REMOVABLE AIR TANK
Abstract
A portable air compressor assembly includes a compressor
component unit and a tank unit removably coupled to the compressor
component unit. The compressor component unit includes a prime
mover, a pump operably coupled to the prime mover, and a first tank
fluidly connected to the pump to receive pressurized air from the
pump when operated by the prime mover. The tank unit includes a
second tank fluidly connected to the pump to receive pressurized
air, and a manifold assembly fluidly and mechanically coupled to
the second tank such that the second tank and the manifold assembly
are removable from the compressor component unit together.
Inventors: |
Luby; Charles John; (Hardy,
VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Techtronic Power Tools Technology Limited |
Tortola |
|
VG |
|
|
Assignee: |
Techtronic Power Tools Technology
Limited
Tortola
VG
|
Family ID: |
53746778 |
Appl. No.: |
14/184200 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/899 ;
137/557; 137/565.17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 137/86035 20150401;
Y10T 137/8326 20150401; F04B 35/06 20130101; Y10T 137/6855
20150401; F04B 41/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F04B 41/02 20060101
F04B041/02 |
Claims
1. A portable air compressor assembly comprising: a compressor
component unit including a prime mover, a pump operably coupled to
the prime mover, and a first tank fluidly connected to the pump to
receive pressurized air from the pump when operated by the prime
mover; and a tank unit removably coupled to the compressor
component unit, the tank unit including a second tank fluidly
connected to the pump to receive pressurized air, and a manifold
assembly fluidly and mechanically coupled to the second tank such
that the second tank and the manifold assembly are removable from
the compressor component unit together.
2. The portable air compressor of claim 1, further comprising a
rigid structure configured to support the compressor component unit
and the tank unit.
3. The portable air compressor of claim 2, wherein the rigid
structure includes at least one wheel, a frame, and a rotatable
handle member rotatably coupled to the frame.
4. The portable air compressor of claim 1, further comprising at
least one retainer configured to removably secure the second tank
with respect to the compressor component unit.
5. The portable air compressor of claim 4, wherein the at least one
retainer is configured as a compressive retainer for applying a
compressive force to secure the second tank to the compressor
component unit.
6. The portable air compressor of claim 5, wherein the at least one
retainer is substantially semicircular.
7. The portable air compressor of claim 4, wherein the first tank
defines a first longitudinal axis, wherein the second tank defines
a second longitudinal axis, wherein the at least one retainer is
coupled to the first tank such that the second tank is removably
coupled the first tank, and wherein the first longitudinal axis is
substantially parallel to the second longitudinal axis when the
second tank is coupled to the first tank.
8. The portable air compressor of claim 1, wherein the manifold
assembly further comprises: at least one pressure gauge for
displaying a pressure of at least one of the first tank and the
second tank, and a pressure regulator.
9. The portable air compressor of claim 8, further comprising of a
pressure relief valve fluidly coupled between the manifold assembly
and the second tank.
10. The portable air compressor of claim 8, wherein the at least
one pressure gauge is a first pressure gauge, and wherein the
manifold assembly further includes a second pressure gauge, wherein
the first pressure gauge is configured to display a pressure of the
first tank, and wherein the second pressure gauge is configured to
display a supply pressure of air supplied by the pressure
regulator.
11. The portable air compressor of claim 1, further comprising a
handle coupled to the tank unit.
12. The portable air compressor of claim 11, wherein the handle is
rotatably coupled to the second tank.
13. The portable air compressor of claim 11, further comprising a
grip coupled to the handle.
14. The portable air compressor of claim 1, wherein the tank unit
further comprises at least one support foot for supporting the tank
unit on a support surface when the tank unit is removed from the
compressor component unit.
15. The portable air compressor of claim 14, wherein the at least
one support foot is coupled to the manifold assembly.
16. The portable air compressor of claim 15, wherein the at least
one support foot is a first support foot, and wherein the portable
air compressor further comprises a second support foot coupled to
the second tank.
17. The portable air compressor of claim 1, wherein the first tank
defines a first longitudinal axis and the second tank defines a
second longitudinal axis, wherein the first longitudinal axis is
substantially parallel to the second longitudinal axis when the
tank unit is coupled to the compressor component unit.
18. A portable air tank unit comprising: an air tank for storing
compressed air; an inlet fluidly coupled to the air tank; a
quick-disconnect fitting fluidly coupled to the inlet; an outlet
fluidly coupled to the air tank; and a manifold assembly fixedly
coupled to the air tank and fluidly coupled to the outlet of the
air tank, the manifold assembly including a pressure gauge operably
coupled to the air tank for displaying a pressure of the compressed
air in the air tank, and a pressure regulator for regulating a
supply pressure of air released from the air tank.
19. The portable air tank unit of claim 18, further comprising a
second pressure gauge configured to display the supply pressure
regulated by the pressure regulator.
20. The portable air tank unit of claim 18, further comprising a
handle coupled to the air tank for transporting the portable air
tank unit.
21. The portable air tank unit of claim 20, wherein the handle is
rotatably coupled to the air tank.
22. The portable air tank unit of claim 21, wherein the handle
further includes a grip.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to air compressors and, more
particularly, to portable air compressors.
[0002] Conventional portable air compressors include a movable
structure fixed to the air compressor having a multiple wheels and
supports that allows a user to easily transfer the entire air
compressor around a worksite. However, an air compressor is used
with a wide range of pneumatic tools and the location around a
worksite can change dramatically depending on the pneumatic tool
used. For example, a pneumatic nail gun used on a rooftop and a
pneumatic paint spray gun used in a lower level of a house are
presented with completely different space limitations.
[0003] In current portable air compressors, all or most components
(e.g., air tank(s), pump, frame, etc.) are typically fixed together
as one air compressor unit. This causes the air compressor to be
cumbersome and difficult to move around the worksite. It is
advantageous to position the air compressor proximate to the
worksite to minimize pressure loss as a result of excess air hose
line connecting an air storage tank to the pneumatic tool.
Therefore, returning to the example, the user must position the air
compressor near the roof top to optimally use the pneumatic nail
gun, and the user must transport the air compressor throughout
floor levels to optimally use the pneumatic paint spray gun.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one aspect, the invention provides a portable air
compressor assembly. The portable air compressor assembly includes
a compressor component unit and a tank unit removably coupled to
the compressor component unit. The compressor component unit
includes a prime mover, a pump operably coupled to the prime mover,
and a first tank fluidly connected to the pump to receive
pressurized air from the pump when operated by the prime mover. The
tank unit includes a second tank fluidly connected to the pump to
receive pressurized air, and a manifold assembly fluidly and
mechanically coupled to the second tank such that the second tank
and the manifold assembly are removable from the compressor
component unit together.
[0005] In another aspect, the invention provides a portable air
tank unit. The portable air tank unit includes an air tank for
storing compressed air, an inlet fluidly coupled to the air tank, a
quick-disconnect fitting fluidly coupled to the inlet, an outlet
fluidly coupled to the air tank, and a manifold assembly fixedly
coupled to the air tank and fluidly coupled to the outlet of the
air tank. The manifold assembly includes a pressure gauge operably
coupled to the air tank for displaying a pressure of the compressed
air in the air tank, and a pressure regulator for regulating a
supply pressure of air released from the air tank.
[0006] Other features and aspects of the invention will become
apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is an isometric front view of a portable air
compressor assembly having a removable tank unit according to one
construction of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the air compressor assembly of
FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the air compressor assembly
of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the air compressor assembly of
FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the air compressor assembly of FIG.
1.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a top view of the air compressor assembly of FIG.
1.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a front view of the removable tank unit of FIG.
1.
[0014] FIG. 8 is an isometric rear view showing the tank unit
removed from the air compressor unit of FIG. 1.
[0015] Before any constructions of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other
constructions and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a portable air compressor assembly 10
according to one construction of the invention. The portable air
compressor assembly 10 includes compressor component unit 12, a
tank unit 14, and a rigid structure 16 that houses the compressor
unit 12 and the tank unit 14 (FIG. 8). The compressor component
unit 12 includes a prime mover 18, a pump 20, and a first or fixed
air tank 22. In the illustrated construction, the prime mover 18 is
an internal combustion engine, such as a four-stroke engine. In
other constructions, other prime movers may be employed, such as
motors, specifically electric motors, other internal combustions
engines, turbines, etc. The prime mover 18 provides rotary power
and is positioned adjacent to the pump 20. In the illustrated
construction, the pump 20 is an air compressor pump that provides a
pressurized airflow as a result of rotational movement of a pump
flywheel 24. In other constructions, other types of air compressor
pumps may be employed. The prime mover 18 and the pump flywheel 24
are aligned such that the prime mover 18 is rotationally coupled to
the pump flywheel 24 by a drive belt (not shown).
[0017] The rigid structure 16 includes a frame 26, wheels 28, and
support members 30. The frame 26 is preferably constructed from a
tubular metallic material able to provide sufficient strength and
rigidity to the rigid structure 16. In other constructions, the
frame 26 may be constructed from other suitable materials, such as
polymeric or ceramic material and may be tubular, non-tubular,
solid, hollow, etc. The wheels 28 are rotationally coupled to the
frame 26 by an axle 32 defining a rotational axis A (FIG. 2). In
the illustrated construction, two wheels are employed. In other
constructions, one wheel may be employed (e.g., a wheelbarrow-style
compressor), or three or more wheels may be employed. The frame 26
is in contact with a support surface or support plane 34 (e.g., the
ground) (FIG. 5) via the wheels 28 and the support members 30 that
are coupled to the frame 26 and positioned at a distance from the
wheels 28. The wheels 28 are disposed near a first end 36 of the
frame 26, and the support members 30 are disposed near a second end
38 of the frame generally opposite the first end 36. The wheels 28
and the support members 30 are tangentially aligned substantially
in a plane, e.g., the support plane 34.
[0018] The rigid structure 16 also includes a rotatable handle
member 40 fixed to at least two brackets 42, 44, the rotatable
handle member 40 having a substantially elongated section 46
transitioning into a bent section 48 defining a transport handle
50. The substantially elongated section 46 extends generally in a
direction between the first and second ends 36, 38 of the frame 26,
the direction being substantially perpendicular to the axis A. In
the illustrated construction, the rotatable handle member 40 is
formed from one continuous tubular metallic material generally
formed in a U-shaped configuration, but in other constructions, the
rotatable handle member 40 includes two or more components attached
together. The brackets 42, 44 are fixed to the rotatable handle
member 40 proximate to a pivoting end 52 by a standard welding
process or the like and also include a radial aperture 54, 55
having an arc length. In the illustrated construction, the arc
length is about 90 degrees such that the rotatable handle member 40
is rotatable by about 90 degrees with respect to the frame 26. In
other constructions, the arc length may be less than or greater
than 90 degrees such that the rotatable handle member 40 is
rotatable by a different desired amount. Each distal end of the
radial apertures 54, 55 includes a substantially larger diameter
hole 56 (FIG. 5). In other constructions, the brackets 42, 44 are
fixed to the rotatable handle member 40 by fasteners, a brazing
process, or the like.
[0019] The brackets 42, 44 are pivotably coupled to the frame 26 at
the pivoting end 52 of the rotatable handle member 40. The
rotatable handle member 40 is movable between at least two
orientations relative to the frame 26 and lockable in the two
orientations by way of a spring loaded pin 58 and a removable pull
pin 60 (FIG. 3), as will be described in greater detail below. In
the illustrated construction, the spring loaded pin 58 is disposed
partially within the frame 26 and projects through the radial
aperture 54. The removable pull pin 60 is similarly disposed
partially within the frame 26 and through the other radial aperture
55. The spring loaded pin 58 relies on a translating spring (not
shown) providing a bias to automatically lock the bracket 42 in
position relative to the frame 26 in one orientation. The removable
pull pin 60 is manually operated by the user to engage or disengage
the bracket 44. In other constructions, the spring loaded pin 58
and the removable pull pin 60 are configured oppositely. In yet
other constructions, other mechanisms for locking the rotatable
handle member 40 with respect to the frame 26 may be employed.
[0020] In a storage orientation 66, the rotatable handle member 40
is substantially parallel with the elongated section 46 of the
frame 26 and is locked in place by the spring loaded pin 58 and the
removable pull pin 60 engaging the respective brackets 42, 44. In
this orientation 66, the portable air compressor assembly 10 is
more compact and better suited for temporary storage or compactness
during operation. From the storage orientation 66, the spring
loaded pin 58 and the removable pull pin 60 are disengaged from the
frame 26 enabling the rotatable handle member 40 to rotate about 90
degrees to a mobile orientation 70 (shown in phantom in FIG. 1). In
the mobile orientation 70, the rotatable handle member 40 is
positioned for the user to easily manipulate the portable air
compressor assembly 10 around a worksite. In the illustrated
construction, in the mobile orientation 70 the rotatable handle
member 40 is substantially perpendicular to the elongated section
46 of the frame 26. The spring loaded pin 58 is biased to engage
the hole 56 of the radial aperture 54 of the bracket 42, locking
the rotatable handle member 40 in the mobile orientation 70 when
the radial aperture 54 is aligned with the frame 26 in the mobile
orientation. The removable pull pin 60 engages the frame 26 and the
bracket 44 to lock the rotatable handle member 40 in the mobile
orientation 70.
[0021] With reference to FIG. 1, protective strips 62 are
positioned on the rotatable handle member 40 primarily along the
elongated section 46 of the rotatable handle member 40 and along
the frame 26 near the wheels 28 to protect the portable air
compressor assembly 10 and other surfaces from damage when
maneuvered around a worksite and from worksite to worksite. The
protective strips 62 are configured from a wear-resistant polymer
and are attached to the portable air compressor assembly elongated
section 46 by fasteners. In other constructions, the protective
strips 62 may be attached by adhesives or the like to the portable
air compressor assembly 10 and positioned in different locations
and orientations on the rigid structure 16.
[0022] The rotatable handle member 40 further includes a protective
mesh 64. The protective mesh 64 includes relatively small gauge
wire configured in a grid pattern to protect a top region of the
portable air compressor assembly 10 from damage. In the illustrated
construction, the protective mesh 64 primarily covers the elongated
section 46 of the rotatable handle member 40, but in other
constructions, the protective mesh 64 transitions into the bent
section 48 of the rotatable handle member 40.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates the bottom of the portable air compressor
assembly 10. At least two cross frames 72, 74 connect two parallel
members of the frame 26 adding structural rigidity to the rigid
structure 16. In addition, a mount plate 76 is coupled to the cross
frames 72, 74, disposed substantially perpendicular to the cross
frames 72, 74, and is positioned below the prime mover 18 and the
pump 20 to support and mount the prime mover 18 and the pump 20 to
the rigid structure 16.
[0024] With reference to FIG. 3, the compressor component unit 12
includes the fixed air tank 22 oriented below a second or portable
air tank 78 and adjacent the prime mover 18 and the pump 20. The
fixed air tank 22 is fixedly coupled to the rigid structure 16 and
further secured to the cross frames 72, 74. The fixed air tank 22
defines a longitudinal axis B disposed generally perpendicular to
the cross frames 72, 74 (FIG. 2) and aligned substantially parallel
with the substantially elongated section 46 of the frame 26. In
addition, the portable air tank 78 defines a longitudinal axis C
disposed generally perpendicular to the cross frames 72, 74 (FIG.
6) and aligned substantially parallel with the substantially
elongated section 46 of the frame 26. The longitudinal axis B and
the longitudinal axis C are substantially parallel with respect to
each other when the portable air tank 78 is mechanically coupled to
the fixed air tank 22. Furthermore, the fixed air tank 22 and the
portable air tank 78 are stacked such that the longitudinal axes B
and C lie in a plane (e.g., a vertical plane) that is substantially
perpendicular to the support plane 34 (e.g., a horizontal plane).
That is, the fixed air tank 22 is substantially between the
portable air tank 78 and the supports 30. In other constructions,
the longitudinal axis B and the longitudinal axis C are offset from
each other with respect to the support plane 34.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a left side view of the portable air
compressor assembly 10 including a left side profile of the fixed
air tank 22. A pressure gauge 82 and a relief valve 84 are fluidly
coupled to the fixed air tank 22. The pressure gauge 82 measures
the pressure within the fixed air tank 22 and displays the pressure
measurement on an analog dial 86 that faces outwardly from the
fixed air tank 22. The analog dial 86 displays pressure in English
units (e.g., p.s.i.) and/or International units (e.g., Pascal). In
other constructions, the pressure gauge 82 includes a digital
display. In addition, the relief valve 84 is calibrated to open
when pressure within the fixed air tank 22 reaches a predetermined
level.
[0026] The pump 20 and the fixed air tank 22 are in fluid
communication via an inlet conduit 80 disposed between the pump 20
and the fixed air tank 22 for conveying compressed air from the
pump 20 to the fixed air tank 22. Furthermore, the fixed air tank
22 is in fluid communication with the portable air tank 78 by way
of an outlet conduit 88 coupled between the fixed air tank 22 and
the portable air tank 78 (FIG. 3). The outlet conduit 88 includes a
control valve 90 disposed therein to provide the user selective
control to allow pressurized air to communicate between the fixed
air tank 22 and the portable air tank 78 or to isolate the fixed
air tank 22 from the portable air tank 78. In the illustrated
construction, the control valve 90 is a ball valve, but in other
constructions, the control valve 90 is configured as a globe valve,
a gate valve, or the like.
[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the portable air compressor
assembly 10 with the protective mesh 64 removed to better
illustrate components of the portable air compressor assembly 10.
The outlet conduit 88 is fluidly coupled to the portable air tank
78 via a quick-disconnect fitting 106. In addition, the
quick-disconnect fitting 106 functions as a check valve to allow
air into the portable air tank 78 and prevent air from escaping
from the portable air tank 78 by way of the outlet conduit 88. The
quick-disconnect fitting 106 provides an easy detachment mechanism
for fluidly disconnecting the outlet conduit 88 and the portable
air tank 78, e.g., when the portable air tank 78 is removed.
[0028] With reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 8, the fixed air tank 22
also includes mounting brackets 92, 94 disposed between the air
tanks 22, 78. The brackets 92, 94 are fixed to the fixed air tank
22 by a standard welding process or the like near a top
circumferential side surface of the fixed air tank 22.
[0029] With reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 8, the portable air tank
22 is removably coupled by way of a retainer 96, such as a
compression retainer. In the illustrated construction, two
retainers 96 are employed; however, in other constructions, one,
three, or more retainers may be employed. In the illustrated
construction, the compression retainers 96 are formed as a
continuous elastic metal strip primarily formed in a substantially
semicircular shape in cross section perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis B of the fixed air tank 22. The compression
retainers 96 define a substantially semicircular opening 98. The
compression retainers 96 have a radius slightly smaller than a
radius of the portable air tank 78, thereby providing a compressive
force for holding the portable air tank 78 when the portable air
tank 78 is pressed into the semicircular opening 98. The
compression retainers 96 are coupled to the fixed air tank 22 by
way of mounting brackets 92, 94 and each includes a retainer
bracket portion 100, 102 adjacent the fixed air tank 22 and located
away from the semicircular opening 98. Each retainer bracket
portion 100, 102 is coupled to the corresponding mounting bracket
92, 94 fixed to the fixed air tank 22. In addition, each
compression retainer 96 includes a compression retainer lip portion
104 that changes in contour proximate a distal end of the
semicircular opening 98. In other constructions, other types of
retainers may be employed. For example, the retainer may include
another type of clip or snap-fit mechanism, a fastener, a detent
mechanism, a latch mechanism, etc. In yet other constructions, the
portable air tank 78 may be removably coupled to another portion of
the compressor component unit 12, such as the prime mover 18 or the
pump 20. In yet other constructions, the portable air tank 78 may
be removably coupled to other portions of the portable air
compressor assembly 10, such as the rigid structure 16, etc.
[0030] With reference to FIG. 6, the tank unit 14 includes a
manifold assembly 107 fixed to the portable air tank 78 and
positioned between the portable air tank 78 and the prime mover 18
when the portable air tank 78 is secured to the fixed air tank 22
by the compression retainers 96. The manifold assembly 107 includes
a manifold body 108 having a regulator knob 110 and pressure
gauges. In the illustrated construction, the manifold body 108
includes a tank pressure gauge 112 and an output pressure gauge
114. A supply conduit 116 fluidly couples a first side of the
manifold body 108 to the portable air tank 78. The tank pressure
gauge 112 measures the air pressure within the portable air tank 78
fluidly between the quick-disconnect fitting 106 and the regulator
knob 110. The output pressure gauge 114 measures the air pressure
fluidly between the regulator knob 110 and a pneumatic tool that is
fluidly connected to the manifold assembly 107 by a
quick-disconnect manifold outlet 118. The regulator knob 110 is
rotatably coupled to the manifold body 108 and includes a regulator
valve for altering the air pressure supplied from the portable air
tank 78 to the pneumatic tool. In addition, the supply conduit 116
includes a relief valve 120 similar to the relief valve 84 (FIG. 4)
for relieving pressure within the portable air tank 78 when the
pressure reaches the predetermined level. The quick-disconnect
manifold outlet 118 includes dual quick-disconnects 122 (e.g., two
quick-disconnects) configured to supply a plurality of pneumatic
tools with compressed air. In other constructions, the dual
disconnects 122 include a single or more than two connections to
supply pneumatic tool(s).
[0031] With reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the tank unit 14 also
includes a tank handle 124 rotatably coupled to the portable air
tank 78 by way of handle brackets 126 and pins 128. The tank handle
includes a grip 130 formed from a polymeric material or the like
and designed to ergonomically suit the hand of a user. The location
of the tank handle 124 with respect to the portable air tank 78 and
the manifold assembly 107 is such that the portable air tank 78 is
balanced and easily movable by a user from the compressor component
unit 12 to a desired location away from the compressor component
unit 12. In the illustrated construction, the tank handle 124 is
configured from tubular metal. In other constructions, the tank
handle 124 and the grip 130 may be formed from other suitable
materials. Support feet 132 are coupled to the tank unit 14 and
provide a support base that contacts the support surface 34 (e.g.,
the ground), as shown in FIG. 7. The support feet 132 are
substantially aligned in a plane, e.g., the support plane 34. In
the illustrated construction, two support feet 132 are coupled to
the manifold body 108 and two support feet 132 are coupled to the
portable air tank 78 (FIG. 4) to provide a sturdy base when the
tank unit 14 is removed. In other constructions, the support feet
132 are only coupled to the portable air tank 78, only coupled to
the manifold assembly 107, or various combinations thereof, e.g.,
two support feet 132 are coupled to the manifold assembly 107 and
one support foot 132 is coupled to the portable air tank 78,
vice-versa, etc.
[0032] The manifold body 108 is substantially planar and is
disposed at an angle D with respect to the support plane 34 (e.g.,
with respect to the support feet 132 substantially aligned in the
support plane 34). In the illustrated construction, the angle D is
about 45 degrees (FIG. 8). Preferably, the angle D is 45
degrees+/-2 degrees. In other constructions, the angle D may be
between about 30 and about 60 degrees. In yet other constructions,
the angle D may be greater than 0 degrees and less than about 90
degrees. This allows the gauges 112, 114 and the regulator knob 110
to be easily viewed when the tank unit 14 is used while resting on
the support feet 132.
[0033] In operation, the portable air compressor assembly 10 is
transported to a worksite (e.g., via a truck). The user uses the
protective strips 62 to orientate and safely move the portable air
compressor assembly 10 to not damage the portable air compressor
assembly 10 or the truck. The user rotates the rotatable handle
member 40 from the storage orientation 66 to the mobile orientation
70 by disengaging the spring loaded pin 58 and the removable pull
pin 60, rotating the rotatable handle member 40 upwards, and
reengaging the spring loaded pin 58 and the removable pull pin 60
to lock the rotatable handle member 40 in the mobile orientation
70. The user manipulates the transport handle 50 to move the
portable air compressor assembly 10 to a desired location, e.g., by
grasping the transport handle 50, pivoting the portable air
compressor assembly 10 about the axis A such that the supports 30
disengage the support surface 34, and pulling or pushing the
transport handle 50.
[0034] To start filling both air tanks 22, 78 with compressed air
from the pump 20, the user opens the control valve 90 to fluidly
connect the compressor component unit 12 to the tank unit 14. Once
the user starts the prime mover 18, rotational power is supplied to
the pump 20 by the flywheel 24. Compressed air then moves from the
pump 20 through the inlet conduit 80 and the outlet conduit 88 into
the fixed air tank 22 and the portable air tank 78. The pump 20
supplies both air tanks 22, 78 with compressed air in a parallel
relationship until the air tanks 22, 78 reach a maximum pressure
threshold. If the compressor component unit 12 is activated while
the control valve 90 is closed, then only the fixed air tank 22
will fill with compressed air.
[0035] To remove the tank unit 14 from the compressor component
unit 12, the user closes the control valve 90 and disconnects the
outlet conduit 88 from the quick-disconnect fitting 106, causing
the tank unit 14 to be fluidly separated from the compressor
component unit 12. Then, the user grasps the handle 124 to pull the
tank unit 14 up and away from the compressor component unit 12 to
overcome the elastic compression forces of the compression
retainers 96 that secure the portable air tank 78 to the fixed air
tank 22. With the tank unit 14 positioned away from the compressor
component unit 12, the tank unit 14 rests on and is supported by
the support feet 132.
[0036] To replace the tank unit 14 on the compressor component unit
12 (FIG. 1), the user orientates the tank unit 14 above the lip
portion 104 such that the longitudinal axes B and C are
substantially parallel and moves the tank unit 14 down towards the
semicircular opening 98. The lip portion 104 initially receives the
portable air tank 78 to align the portable air tank 78 with the
compression retainers 96. The user applies a further force upon the
portable air tank 78 (if the force of gravity is not sufficient)
such that the compression retainers 96 expand over the portable air
tank 78 and secure the tank unit 14 to the compressor component
unit 12. Then, the user may fluidly reconnect the tank unit 14 to
the compressor component unit 12 by connecting the outlet conduit
88 to the quick-disconnect fitting 106.
[0037] The user may use the portable air compressor assembly 10 in
three distinct configurations.
[0038] With reference to FIG. 1, the portable air compressor
assembly 10 may be maintained as one unit with the air tanks 22, 78
attached together via the compression retainers 96. In this
configuration, the full functionality of the portable air
compressor assembly 10 is maintained, and the total air pressure
from both air tanks 22, 78 may be monitored and regulated by the
manifold assembly 107. The pressure gauge 86 may also be used to
monitor the pressure in the fixed air tank 22.
[0039] With reference to FIG. 8, a second configuration is
illustrated with the tank unit 14 removed and positioned away from
the compressor component unit 12 with an air hose 68 fluidly
connecting the air tanks 22, 78. The user may choose any length of
air hose suitable for the desired distance between the tank unit 14
and the compressor component unit 12. The air hose 68 may be any
quick-connect hose. From the first configuration, the user
disconnects and removes the tank unit 14 as described above. The
user may position the tank unit 14 away from the compressor
component unit 12 and fluidly connect the air hose 68 to the
quick-disconnect fitting 106 and to the outlet conduit 88, thereby
fluidly reconnecting the tank unit 14 to the compressor component
unit 12 at a longer distance. The second configuration is
advantageous when the user does not want the entire portable air
compressor assembly 10 to be in one location. Rather, the tank unit
14 may be positioned proximate to the work area, and the compressor
component unit 12 with the rigid structure 16 may be positioned
away from the work area to reduce unwanted noise and vibrations
from the prime mover 18 around the work area as well as to increase
to portability of the portable air compressor assembly 10. In this
configuration, the total air pressure from both tanks 22, 78 is
monitored and regulated by the manifold assembly 107. The pressure
gauge 86 may also be used to monitor the pressure in the fixed air
tank 22.
[0040] With reference to FIG. 7, a third configuration is
illustrated with the tank unit 14 independent from the compressor
component unit 12. From the first configuration, the user
disconnects and removes the tank unit 14 as described above. The
user may then position the tank unit 14 away from the compressor
component unit 12 at any distance and use the tank unit 14
independently from the compressor component unit 12. The third
configuration is advantageous when the user requires maximum
portability of the portable air compressor assembly 10 or the
worksite requires a relatively small amount of compressed air. In
this configuration, the air pressure within the tank unit 14 can be
monitored and regulated by the manifold assembly 107.
[0041] The user may use the tank unit 14 in any of these
configurations by connecting a pneumatic tool(s) to at least one of
the dual quick-disconnects 122 by way of an air hose (not shown)
and controlling the regulator knob 110 to provide a desired supply
pressure to the pneumatic tool(s).
[0042] Various features of the invention are set forth in the
following claims.
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