EP1978252B1 - Tragbarer Luftkompressor - Google Patents

Tragbarer Luftkompressor Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1978252B1
EP1978252B1 EP07254794A EP07254794A EP1978252B1 EP 1978252 B1 EP1978252 B1 EP 1978252B1 EP 07254794 A EP07254794 A EP 07254794A EP 07254794 A EP07254794 A EP 07254794A EP 1978252 B1 EP1978252 B1 EP 1978252B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
reservoirs
compressor
handle
attached
air
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Revoked
Application number
EP07254794A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1978252A1 (de
Inventor
Douglas Kent Ritterling
Kenneth M. Brazell
Howard Eugene Sutter Iii
Richard L. Strack
Benjamin J. Thomas
Robert Difrenza
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Techtronic Industries Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Techtronic Industries Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=39471875&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP1978252(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Techtronic Industries Co Ltd filed Critical Techtronic Industries Co Ltd
Priority to EP11004255A priority Critical patent/EP2397692A1/de
Priority to EP10006906A priority patent/EP2306016B1/de
Publication of EP1978252A1 publication Critical patent/EP1978252A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1978252B1 publication Critical patent/EP1978252B1/de
Revoked legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B35/00—Piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids and characterised by the driving means to their working members, or by combination with, or adaptation to, specific driving engines or motors, not otherwise provided for
    • F04B35/06—Mobile combinations
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B41/00—Pumping installations or systems specially adapted for elastic fluids
    • F04B41/02—Pumping installations or systems specially adapted for elastic fluids having reservoirs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to compressor assemblies, and, in particular, relates to portable compressor assemblies.
  • Some prior-art air compressors 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 a 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 Figure 12 .
  • Another example of such a compressor is disclosed in US5087824 on which the preamble of patent claim 1 is based.
  • 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.
  • compressors may be difficult to package and store for, by way of example, shipping, warehousing or retail purposes.
  • the air compressors When packaged, the air compressors are often shipped, stored or displayed by being stacked atop one another on shelves.
  • Prior-art 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.
  • the height limits the number of units that can be packed into a container.
  • a greater amount of packaging materials may be necessary due to the high profile of the compressor.
  • US2006/024S937 discloses a hand carried compressor in which two reservoirs are attached to a pair of skid bars comprising a base. An air compressor mechanism is attached to a frame coupled to the top surfaces of the two reservoirs such that the air compressor mechanism extends partially into the space between the two reservoirs and is supported at approximately its midpoint by an intermediate support plate, the edges of which rest on upper portions of the two reservoirs.
  • the invention provides a wheelbarrow compressor comprising a base, a first reservoir and a second reservoir attached to the base, the first and second reservoirs having bottom portions located at opposite sides of the base, and wherein the base is located below an uppermost surface of the first and the second reservoirs when the wheelbarrow compressor is in a normal operating position; 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 a pump and a motor operatively connected with the reservoirs, the motor and pump mounted on a top surface of the base and between the reservoirs.
  • the wheelbarrow preferably has a centre of gravity no greater than the uppermost surface of the first and second reservoirs.
  • the base may include a recess that passes partially through the base.
  • a flywheel may be operatively connected to the motor, wherein the flywheel is partially received in the recess.
  • the at least one handle assembly may include a movable handle, which may be rotatable, in which case it may further comprise a rotating joint attached with the first portion of at least one of the first and second reservoirs and the rotating handle.
  • a first secondary handle may be attached to a top portion of at least one of the first and second reservoirs.
  • a second secondary handle may be attached to the top portion of at least one of the first and second reservoirs.
  • One of the first and second secondary handles may be located closer to the second portion of the first and second reservoirs with the secondary handles offset from each other such that the height of the first or second secondary handle located closer to the second portion of the first and second reservoirs is less than the height of the other first or second secondary handle.
  • the first secondary handle may be located at a horizontal distance that is closer to the center of gravity than the second secondary handle, with the first and second secondary handles offset from each other such that a vertical height of the first secondary handle is greater than a vertical height of the second secondary handle.
  • Skids may be further provided, attached with at least a portion of a bottom surface of the first and second reservoirs.
  • Two skids may be provided each attached with at least a portion of a bottom surface af the first and second reservoirs.
  • the skids may be made of an elastomeric maternal.
  • the base may comprise a plurality of tabs attached to the first and second reservoirs.
  • the handle assembly may further comprise a first sleeve each 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.
  • the invention provides a portable compressor comprising a base, first and second reservoirs spaced apart and located at the base, a handle assembly attached with a first portion of the at least one of the first and second reservoirs and a wheel assembly attached with a second portion of the least one of the first and second reservoirs, wherein the wheel assembly includes at least one wheel, and a plurality of air compressor components including a pump assembly and a motor assembly, wherein the plurality of the air compressor components is at least partially disposed on a top portion of the at least one of the first and second reservoirs, a flywheel rotatably connected to said motor assembly, the flywheel extending between the first and second reservoirs and below the top portion of at least one of the first and second reservoirs, and wherein at least one of the first and second reservoirs is angled with respect to a central axis defined by the orientation of the at least one wheel.
  • a wheelbarrow compressor comprising an air storage tank including first and second air reservoirs, a plurality of compressor components operatively connected to the air reservoirs, a handle assembly located at a first portion of the air reservoir, a wheel assembly located at a second portion of the air reservoir, and having a center of gravity whose height is no greater than an uppermost surface of the first and second reservoirs.
  • a wheelbarrow compressor comprising a first reservoir and a second reservoir, a pump and a motor operatively connected with the reservoirs and disposed between the reservoirs, wherein bottom-most portions of the pump and the motor are no higher than uppermost quadrants of the first and the second reservoirs.
  • the portable compressor may include movable handles that may rotate, fold, slide, telescope, retract or be removable and stored in a separate location on or near the compressor.
  • 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 and wherein the first and second secondary handles are offset from each other such that the height of the first or second secondary handle located closer to the second portion of the first and second reservoirs is less than the height of the other first or second secondary handle, and wherein the handle assembly is not either of the first and second secondary handles.
  • 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 first and second secondary handles are offset from each other such that the height of the first or second secondary handle located at the second portion of the first and second reservoirs is less than the height of the other first or second secondary handle located at the first
  • 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, wherein one of the first and second secondary handles is located at a horizontal distance that is closer to a center of gravity than the other of the first and second secondary handles, and wherein the first and second secondary handles are offset from each other such that a vertical height of the first or second secondary handle that is closer to the center of gravity is greater than a vertical height of the other of the first and second secondary handles, and wherein the handle assembly is not either of the first and second secondary handles.
  • Figure 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a compressor assembly.
  • Figure 2 is a top view of the compressor assembly of Figure 1 .
  • Figure 3 is a bottom view of the compressor assembly of Figure 1 .
  • Figure 3a is a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of a compressor assembly.
  • Figure 4 is a top view of an additional alternate embodiment of a compressor assembly.
  • Figure 5 is top view of the compressor assembly of Figure 4 .
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view of an additional alternate embodiment of the compressor assembly having a movable handle assembly.
  • Figure 7 is a top view of an additional alternate embodiment of the compressor assembly having a movable handle assembly.
  • Figure 7a is a partial view of the embodiment of Figure 7 , showing a handle inserted in a sleeve.
  • Figure 7b is a partial view of a handle having a plurality of nesting portions.
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view of a compressor assembly having skids and lifting handles.
  • Figure 9 is a front view of the embodiment of the compressor of Figure 1 .
  • Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an air reservoir.
  • Figure 11 is a view of a pump and motor.
  • Figure 12 is a view of a prior-art air compressor.
  • Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a compressor having secondary handles.
  • the novel 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.
  • 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.
  • the base may be a one-piece base, or, alternatively and as shown in Figure 3 , the base may be more than one piece.
  • the base may include a support 6a and a bracket 6b mounted to the bottom portion 8 of each air reservoirs 4.
  • the base need not include a support 6a, and instead may be comprised of a plurality of tabs 78.
  • the base may be comprised of brackets, weldments, tubes or the like.
  • the air reservoirs 4 and other compressor components are mounted or otherwise supported by the tabs, brackets, weldments, or tubes.
  • the compressor components may be attached to the inner side portions 21 of the air reservoirs 4.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 Figure 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.
  • the end portion 28 of the each handle includes a grip 30 for the ease of a user to grasp the handles 22.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the flywheel 12 is positioned so as to be at least partially within the recess.
  • the compressor components may be located anywhere in the space along the base.
  • the motor may be located in the space approximately four inches behind the wheel.
  • the pump may be located in the space immediately behind the wheel.
  • the air compressor having a center of gravity lower than prior-art air compressors, and more preferably, results in the novel air compressor having a center of gravity lower than an uppermost surface 27 of the air reservoirs.
  • 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.
  • the uppermost surface 27 generally will be identified by the tangent, indicated as T in Figures 9 and 10 , to the cross section that is the farthest distance from the ground during normal operating conditions.
  • 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.
  • Figure 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the reservoirs nonetheless may be similarly divided into quadrants.
  • prior-art air compressors such as the Campbell Hausfeld model number GP90135 compressor ( Figure 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.
  • 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.
  • the center of gravity is below the uppermost surface of the air reservoirs.
  • 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 Figure 1 .
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the lower height profile requires less packaging material.
  • the lower profile requires less storage space when being 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.
  • Figures 4 and 5 show an alternate embodiment of an air compressor, which is similar to the embodiments described in Figures 1-3 and with like components having like numerals.
  • the air compressor includes at least one air reservoir 4, and, more preferably, includes two air reservoirs 4.
  • the compressor components, the base, handle assembly and wheel assembly generally are the same as the embodiments described with respect to Figures 1-3 and use the same reference numbers.
  • 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.
  • the reservoir 4 will be positioned at an angle ⁇ , labeled in Figure 4 as 42, in a range of about one and one-half through five degrees, although in other embodiments the angle ⁇ 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.
  • 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 Figure 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.
  • 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.
  • the present embodiment preferably contemplates incorporating a flywheel larger than the flywheel disclosed in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1-3 .
  • the flywheel 12 may be covered by a housing 46.
  • the base may include the recess 10 for partially receiving the flywheel.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 Figures 4 and 5 , although the joint and handle may be mounted in such a way for any of the embodiments described herein.
  • 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 Figure 6 as 22a).
  • each handle may be modified to be slidably movable.
  • 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.
  • the lock 52 includes a hole 54 in the handle and a hole 56 in the sleeve 50.
  • a pin 58 may be inserted into the holes to prevent the handle from moving within the sleeve.
  • multiple holes may be provided along the handle so that the handle can be locked into multiple positions with respect to the sleeve.
  • 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 Figure 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.
  • 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 Figure 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.
  • such nested handles may be removable so that they do not project outwardly from the air reservoir as described above.
  • 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.
  • the handles may be readily adjusted to multiple positions so as to be more comfortable for a user.
  • the handles may be modified to both telescope and rotate as described above.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the skids may be used to slide the compressor once they have made point contact with the edge of the back of the vehicle.
  • 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.
  • the air compressor may include secondary handles 62, disposed on the air reservoirs 4.
  • the secondary handles 62 are helpful for lifting the compressor.
  • 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.
  • the secondary handles 62 may have other shapes as well, and may not provide both benefits depending on their shape.
  • 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.
  • at least one secondary handle may be disposed on each reservoir.
  • the secondary handles may be disposed on the outer side portion 24 of the air reservoir.
  • grips 64 may be disposed on the handles to further facilitate the lifting of the compressor.
  • 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.
  • the offset will be about 3.875 inches, although in other embodiments the offset may be more than or less than this number.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • loading the compressor e.g., loading the compressor into the back of a pick-up truck
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the compressor shown in Figure 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.
  • the air reservoirs may have a greater capacity.
  • 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.
  • the air compressor may include alternate embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • a wheel assembly may be attached to the first portion of each air reservoir.
  • the handle assembly may have other shapes, including a unitary, u-shaped handle, without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • 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 Figure 7 .
  • the compressor components may be enclosed within a housing or shroud and the shroud may be located in the space between the air reservoirs.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Compressors, Vaccum Pumps And Other Relevant Systems (AREA)
  • Handcart (AREA)
  • Compressor (AREA)

Claims (20)

  1. Schubkarrenkompressor (2), der aufweist:
    einen Unterbau (6; 78);
    einen ersten Behälter (4) und einen zweiten Behälter (4), am Unterbau (6; 78) befestigt, wobei der erste und der zweite Behälter (4) Bodenabschnitte (8) aufweisen, die an entgegengesetzten Seiten des Unterbaus (6; 78) angeordnet sind, und wobei der Unterbau (6; 78) unterhalb einer obersten Fläche (27) des ersten und des zweiten Behälters (4) angeordnet ist, wenn sich der Schubkarrenkompressor (2) in einer normalen Betriebsstellung befindet;
    eine Griffbaugruppe (16), die mit einem ersten Abschnitt (18) von mindestens einem von erstem und zweitem Behälter (4) verbunden ist, und eine Radbaugruppe (26), die mit einem zweiten Abschnitt (20) von mindestens einem von erstem und zweitem Behälter (4) verbunden ist; und
    eine Pumpe (36) und einen Motor (38), die funktionell mit den Behältern (4) verbunden sind, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Motor (38) und die Pumpe (36) auf einer oberen Fläche des Unterbaus (6; 78) und zwischen den Behältern (4) montiert sind.
  2. Schubkarrenkompressor (2) nach Anspruch 1, der einen Schwerpunkt aufweist, der nicht höher ist als die oberste Fläche (27) des ersten und des zweiten Behälters (4).
  3. Schubkarrenkompressor (2) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, bei dem der Unterbau (6) eine Vertiefung (10) umfasst, die teilweise durch den Unterbau hindurchgeht.
  4. Schubkarrenkompressor (2) nach Anspruch 3, der außerdem ein Schwungrad (12) aufweist, das funktionell mit dem Motor (38) verbunden ist, wobei das Schwungrad (12) teilweise in der Vertiefung (10) aufgenommen wird.
  5. Schubkarrenkompressor (2) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem die mindestens eine Griffbaugruppe (16) einen beweglichen Griff umfasst.
  6. Schubkarrenkompressor (2) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem die mindestens eine Griffbaugruppe einen Drehgriff (22) umfasst.
  7. Schubkarrenkompressor (2) nach Anspruch 6, bei dem die mindestens eine Griffbaugruppe (16) außerdem ein Drehgelenk (48) aufweist, das mit dem ersten Abschnitt (18) von mindestens einem von erstem und zweitem Behälter (4) und dem Drehgriff (22) verbunden ist.
  8. Schubkarrenkompressor (2) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, der außerdem einen ersten zusätzlichen Griff (62) aufweist, der an einem oberen Abschnitt (23) von mindestens einem von erstem und zweitem Behälter (4) befestigt ist.
  9. Schubkarrenkompressor (2) nach Anspruch 8, der außerdem einen zweiten zusätzlichen Griff (62) aufweist, der am oberen Abschnitt (23) von mindestens einem von erstem und zweitem Behälter (4) befestigt ist.
  10. Schubkarrenkompressor (2) nach Anspruch 9, bei dem der erste und der zweite zusätzliche Griff (62) an einem oberen Abschnitt (23) eines jeden von erstem und zweitem Behälter (4) befestigt sind.
  11. Schubkarrenkompressor (2) nach Anspruch 10, bei dem einer von erstem und zweitem zusätzlichem Griff (62) näher am zweiten Abschnitt (20) des ersten und des zweiten Behälters (4) angeordnet ist, und bei dem die zusätzlichen Griffe voneinander so versetzt sind, dass die Höhe des ersten oder zweiten zusätzlichen Griffes, der näher am zweiten Abschnitt des ersten und des zweiten Behälters angeordnet ist, geringer ist als die Höhe des anderen ersten oder zweiten zusätzlichen Griffes.
  12. Schubkarrenkompressor (2) nach Anspruch 10, der außerdem einen Schwerpunkt aufweist, wobei der erste zusätzliche Griff (62) in einem horizontalen Abstand angeordnet ist, der näher am Schwerpunkt ist als der zweite zusätzliche Griff, und bei dem der erste und der zweite zusätzliche Griff voneinander so versetzt sind, dass eine vertikale Höhe des ersten zusätzlichen Griffes größer ist als eine vertikale Höhe des zweiten zusätzlichen Griffes.
  13. Schubkarrenkompressor (2) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, der außerdem Kufen (60) aufweist, die mit mindestens einem Abschnitt einer Bodenfläche (25) des ersten und des zweiten Behälters (4) verbunden sind.
  14. Schubkarrenkompressor (2) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem die Griffbaugruppe (16) außerdem eine erste Hülse (50) aufweist, die jeweils mit dem ersten Abschnitt (18) von mindestens einem von erstem und zweitem Behälter (4) und einem Griff (22) verbunden ist, der so ausgebildet ist, dass er verschiebbar mit der Hülse in einer teleskopischen Weise in Eingriff kommt.
  15. Schubkarrenkompressor (2) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem der Unterbau eine Vielzahl von Vorsprüngen (78) aufweist, die am ersten und zweiten Behälter (4) befestigt sind.
  16. Schubkarrenkompressor nach Anspruch 13, bei dem die oder eine jede Kufe aus einem elastomeren Material besteht.
  17. Schubkarrenkompressor (2) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem die untersten Abschnitte der Pumpe (36) und des Motors (38) nicht höher sind als die obersten Quadranten (70) des ersten und des zweiten Behälters (4).
  18. Schubkarrenkompressor (2) nach Anspruch 17, der dem die untersten Abschnitte der Pumpe (36) und des Motors (38) nicht höher sind als die oberen mittleren Quadranten (72) des ersten und des zweiten Behälters (4).
  19. Schubkarrenkompressor (2) nach Anspruch 17, der dem die untersten Abschnitte der Pumpe (36) und des Motors (38) nicht höher sind als die unteren mittleren Quadranten (74) des ersten und des zweiten Behälters (4).
  20. Schubkarrenkompressor (2) nach Anspruch 17, der dem die untersten Abschnitte der Pumpe (36) und des Motors (38) nicht höher sind als die untersten Quadranten (76) des ersten und des zweiten Behälters (4).
EP07254794A 2007-04-02 2007-12-12 Tragbarer Luftkompressor Revoked EP1978252B1 (de)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP11004255A EP2397692A1 (de) 2007-04-02 2007-12-12 Tragbarer Luftkompressor
EP10006906A EP2306016B1 (de) 2007-04-02 2007-12-12 Tragbarer Luftkompressor

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/731,999 US20080240936A1 (en) 2007-04-02 2007-04-02 Portable air compressor

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1978252A1 EP1978252A1 (de) 2008-10-08
EP1978252B1 true EP1978252B1 (de) 2010-07-07

Family

ID=39471875

Family Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10006906A Not-in-force EP2306016B1 (de) 2007-04-02 2007-12-12 Tragbarer Luftkompressor
EP11004255A Withdrawn EP2397692A1 (de) 2007-04-02 2007-12-12 Tragbarer Luftkompressor
EP07254794A Revoked EP1978252B1 (de) 2007-04-02 2007-12-12 Tragbarer Luftkompressor

Family Applications Before (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10006906A Not-in-force EP2306016B1 (de) 2007-04-02 2007-12-12 Tragbarer Luftkompressor
EP11004255A Withdrawn EP2397692A1 (de) 2007-04-02 2007-12-12 Tragbarer Luftkompressor

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (2) US20080240936A1 (de)
EP (3) EP2306016B1 (de)
CN (2) CN101280774B (de)
AT (2) ATE473368T1 (de)
AU (1) AU2007231713A1 (de)
DE (1) DE602007007578D1 (de)
TW (1) TW200840941A (de)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120321488A1 (en) * 2007-04-02 2012-12-20 Ritterling Douglas K Portable air compressor
US8303261B1 (en) 2009-01-30 2012-11-06 Hawkins Bobby L Wheeled, manually moveable air compressor
IT1399547B1 (it) * 2010-04-22 2013-04-19 Paterlini S R L Generatore di aria compressa
JP5740789B2 (ja) * 2011-03-31 2015-07-01 日立工機株式会社 空気圧縮機
CA2853933A1 (en) * 2011-10-31 2013-05-10 Barracuda Systems, Llc Integrated multi-task metal working system
US20140093403A1 (en) * 2012-09-28 2014-04-03 Franklin Electric Company, Inc. Portable pumping system
USD788825S1 (en) * 2015-05-04 2017-06-06 American Fab, Inc. Frame for air compressor
CN111379929A (zh) * 2020-04-20 2020-07-07 陈谷珍 一种网络大数据分析装置

Family Cites Families (45)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US915950A (en) * 1908-09-25 1909-03-23 Ingersoll Rand Co Pulsator.
US1415047A (en) * 1921-03-31 1922-05-09 Ingersoll Rand Co Portable compressor unit
US1639959A (en) * 1922-10-03 1927-08-23 Bissell Carpet Sweeper Co Electric suction sweeper
US1756806A (en) * 1927-10-28 1930-04-29 Howard W Beach Portable air-compressing unit
US2122656A (en) * 1935-08-02 1938-07-05 Sullivan Machinery Corp Air compressor unit
US2434675A (en) * 1944-02-05 1948-01-20 Ernest H Simpson Governor for power driven air supply units
US2648133A (en) * 1952-04-25 1953-08-11 Bernard J Kosmoski Liquid depth and tank diameter measuring device
US2954253A (en) * 1957-05-07 1960-09-27 Macy O Teetor Magnetic catch
US3450121A (en) * 1967-02-13 1969-06-17 Hartford Machine Screw Co Internal-combustion engine and fuel injection system therefor
US3977815A (en) * 1974-04-24 1976-08-31 Stull James C Portable apparatus for compressing gases such as air
JPS55107087A (en) * 1979-02-09 1980-08-16 Hitachi Koki Co Ltd Compressor
US4902226A (en) * 1988-04-29 1990-02-20 Elliott Raymond D Dental air supply system
US5087824A (en) * 1990-04-09 1992-02-11 Bill Nelson Power plant for generation of electrical power and pneumatic pressure
US5378119A (en) * 1994-02-15 1995-01-03 Goertzen; Dennis D. Air compressor having ventilated housing and motor/compressor pulley adjustment
WO1996024639A1 (en) * 1995-02-07 1996-08-15 Engelhard Corporation Delaminated kaolin pigment, its preparation and use
JP3443219B2 (ja) * 1995-11-14 2003-09-02 株式会社日立製作所 半導体集積回路装置およびその製造方法
CN2270828Y (zh) * 1996-08-26 1997-12-17 陈启明 牵引移动式空压机底盘
US6364628B1 (en) * 1997-10-20 2002-04-02 David Potts Vertical shaft blower on trailer
WO2001012967A1 (en) * 1999-08-16 2001-02-22 Coleman Powermate, Inc. System that supplies electrical power and compressed air
US6468048B1 (en) * 2000-03-08 2002-10-22 Devilbiss Air Power Company Portable air compressor having stable base and tie-down points
US6742995B1 (en) * 2000-03-08 2004-06-01 Devilbiss Air Power Company Air compressor assembly
US6532990B1 (en) * 2000-03-08 2003-03-18 Devilbiss Air Power Company Air compressor assembly including a lifting handle
US6923627B1 (en) * 2000-03-08 2005-08-02 Devilbiss Air Power Company Air compressor with extensible handle bar assembly
US6532991B1 (en) * 2000-03-08 2003-03-18 Devilbiss Air Power Company Air compressor assembly including a handle capable of attaining a plurality of positions
US6406270B1 (en) * 2000-07-31 2002-06-18 Coleman Powermate, Inc. Fuel tank and belt guard arrangement for compressor
JP2002151665A (ja) * 2000-11-14 2002-05-24 Hitachi Ltd 半導体集積回路装置およびその製造方法
US6942464B2 (en) * 2001-02-08 2005-09-13 Black & Decker Inc. Air compressor with improved hand portability
US6991437B2 (en) * 2001-02-08 2006-01-31 Black & Decker Inc. Air compressor with improved hand portability
US20060245937A1 (en) 2001-02-08 2006-11-02 Goodwin Daniel U Air compressor
USD471919S1 (en) * 2001-12-19 2003-03-18 Black & Decker Inc. Hand portable air compressor
US6675562B2 (en) * 2002-02-19 2004-01-13 Robert C. Lawrence Portable modular implement system
KR100450671B1 (ko) * 2002-02-26 2004-10-01 삼성전자주식회사 스토리지 노드 콘택플러그를 갖는 반도체 소자의 제조방법
US6892914B2 (en) * 2002-03-14 2005-05-17 Aaron Girbert Carrier for battery powered tools
US7029240B2 (en) * 2002-10-10 2006-04-18 Black & Decker Inc. Support structure for a portable air compressor
US7077404B2 (en) * 2002-11-15 2006-07-18 Groskreutz Donald A Device to move heavy items
US7025573B1 (en) * 2003-04-09 2006-04-11 Black & Decker Inc. Storage container for air compressor
EP1616098A4 (de) * 2003-04-22 2011-04-27 Conrader R Co Luftverdichter mit einlasssteuermechanismus und automatischer einlasssteuermechanismus
USD500328S1 (en) * 2003-06-13 2004-12-28 F.I.A.C. S.P.A. Portable air compressor
JP2005109236A (ja) * 2003-09-30 2005-04-21 Toshiba Corp 不揮発性半導体記憶装置及びその製造方法
US20060104830A1 (en) * 2004-01-30 2006-05-18 Fields Stephen D Elastomeric base for pressure vessels
CA2580531A1 (en) * 2004-09-29 2006-04-13 Timothy C. Smith Air compressor assembly support structure
US7384245B2 (en) * 2004-11-01 2008-06-10 Alltrade Tools Llc Compressor with rotating handle
US7198081B2 (en) * 2005-01-04 2007-04-03 Eastway Fair Company Limited Log splitter
KR100753049B1 (ko) * 2005-11-28 2007-08-30 주식회사 하이닉스반도체 반도체소자의 스토리지노드콘택플러그 형성 방법
US20110182754A1 (en) * 2008-10-07 2011-07-28 Adam Gathers Portable air compressor

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2306016B1 (de) 2012-02-22
CN102220955A (zh) 2011-10-19
US20100047085A1 (en) 2010-02-25
ATE473368T1 (de) 2010-07-15
EP2306016A1 (de) 2011-04-06
CN101280774A (zh) 2008-10-08
AU2007231713A1 (en) 2008-10-16
EP1978252A1 (de) 2008-10-08
EP2397692A1 (de) 2011-12-21
US20080240936A1 (en) 2008-10-02
DE602007007578D1 (de) 2010-08-19
TW200840941A (en) 2008-10-16
ATE546649T1 (de) 2012-03-15
CN101280774B (zh) 2012-07-04

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1978252B1 (de) Tragbarer Luftkompressor
US7645108B2 (en) Stack loading and unloading cart
US7784613B2 (en) Reusable windshield pallet
US7029015B2 (en) Transporting device with panel truck
US20020131872A1 (en) Portable compressor
US5114164A (en) Case
US20080197592A1 (en) Hand truck
US9493295B2 (en) Reusable pallet container
US6857836B2 (en) Wheeled transports
US20060119060A1 (en) Transportable containers
US20070186827A1 (en) Pallet
US6848695B2 (en) Stackable yard cart
AU2017201039A1 (en) Lift and pallet
US20120321488A1 (en) Portable air compressor
US12012321B2 (en) Lift truck having advantageous design elements
US6540242B1 (en) Hand truck with intregal load clamp
US6532990B1 (en) Air compressor assembly including a lifting handle
US20140246837A1 (en) Hand truck for storing and movng multiple storage bins
US6293273B1 (en) Portable gas grill with removable LP gas cylinder dolly
US20240010256A1 (en) Lawnmower deck cart
US20050189733A1 (en) Multi-purpose combined ladder/cart assembly
US20090050586A1 (en) Storage rack
US20070182112A1 (en) Cart with cam-action handle
US20210046962A1 (en) Handcart
CN113845057A (zh) 一种大幅提升可降程度的升降台

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR MK RS

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20090327

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20090615

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAC Information related to communication of intention to grant a patent modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSCIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 602007007578

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20100819

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20100707

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100707

LTIE Lt: invalidation of european patent or patent extension

Effective date: 20100707

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100707

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100707

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100707

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100707

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101107

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101108

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100707

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101007

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100707

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101008

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100707

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100707

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100707

PLBI Opposition filed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100707

PLAX Notice of opposition and request to file observation + time limit sent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS2

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100707

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100707

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100707

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100707

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100707

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101018

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R026

Ref document number: 602007007578

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20110407

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20101231

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20110413

Year of fee payment: 4

PLBB Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition received

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS3

RIN2 Information on inventor provided after grant (corrected)

Inventor name: STRACK, RICHARD L.

Inventor name: THOMAS, BENJAMIN J.

Inventor name: RITTERLING, DOUGLAS KENT

Inventor name: SUTTER, HOWARD EUGENE III

Inventor name: BRAZELL, KENNETH M.

Inventor name: DIFRENZA, ROBERT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20101212

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100707

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20111219

Year of fee payment: 5

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110108

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20101212

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20111231

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100707

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20111231

RDAF Communication despatched that patent is revoked

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREV1

RDAG Patent revoked

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009271

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: PATENT REVOKED

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20121212

27W Patent revoked

Effective date: 20130313

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20130830

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602007007578

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20130702

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20121212

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130102