US20120321488A1 - Portable air compressor - Google Patents
Portable air compressor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120321488A1 US20120321488A1 US13/597,388 US201213597388A US2012321488A1 US 20120321488 A1 US20120321488 A1 US 20120321488A1 US 201213597388 A US201213597388 A US 201213597388A US 2012321488 A1 US2012321488 A1 US 2012321488A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- compressor
- reservoir
- wheelbarrow
- pump
- wheelbarrow compressor
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- 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
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- 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
- F04B35/002—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 driven by internal combustion engines
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- 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.
- 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.
- wheelbarrow compressors These single and double reservoir types of compressors are often referred to as wheelbarrow compressors.
- the compressor will also include components to compress the air. These components generally include a motor assembly and a pump assembly. Due to space constraints, these components typically are mounted on top of the air tanks.
- One 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.
- Existing compressors tend to have high profiles (i.e., are of a taller height). Thus, when packaged, a large amount of storage space may be necessary.
- the compressor 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.
- handles on such tanks also can cause difficulties when storing the compressors.
- the handles on such compressors often project outwardly and upwardly from the compressor. Such a configuration again results in an increased height and length and the need for a greater amount of storage space and packaging material.
- the invention provides a wheelbarrow compressor having a resting position and a transport position, the wheelbarrow compressor including first and second air reservoirs, a handle assembly, a wheel assembly, a pump and a motor.
- the first reservoir is for containing a compressed fluid
- the second reservoir is fluidly separate from the first reservoir and is for containing a compressed fluid.
- the second reservoir is positioned above the first reservoir in a generally vertical direction when the wheelbarrow compressor is in the resting position.
- the handle assembly attached at a rear end of the wheelbarrow compressor, and the wheel assembly attached at a front end of the wheelbarrow compressor generally opposite the rear end.
- the pump is fluidly connected to the first and second reservoirs for providing the compressed fluid thereto
- the motor is operatively connected to the pump to drive the pump.
- the pump and motor are positioned adjacent the first and second reservoirs in a generally horizontal direction when the wheelbarrow compressor is in the resting position.
- the invention provides a wheelbarrow compressor having a resting position and a transport position, the wheelbarrow compressor including first and second reservoirs, a handle assembly, a wheel assembly, a pump, a motor and a flywheel.
- the first reservoir is for containing a compressed fluid
- the second reservoir is fluidly separate from the first reservoir and is for containing a compressed fluid.
- the handle assembly is attached at a rear end of the wheelbarrow compressor, and the wheel assembly is attached at a front end of the wheelbarrow compressor generally opposite the rear end.
- the pump is fluidly connected to the first and second reservoirs for providing the compressed fluid thereto.
- the motor is operatively connected to the pump to drive the pump.
- the flywheel is coupled to one of the motor and the pump.
- the one of the motor and the pump are positioned between the flywheel and the first and second reservoirs such that the flywheel is on a first side of the one of the motor and the pump, and the first and second reservoirs are on a second side of the one of the motor and the pump, wherein the second side is generally opposite the first side.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a compressor assembly.
- FIG. 2 is a left side view of the compressor assembly of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a right side view of the compressor assembly of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a top view of the compressor assembly of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the compressor assembly of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 is a front view of the compressor assembly of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 7 is a rear view of the compressor assembly of FIG. 1 .
- FIGS. 1-7 illustrate an air compressor assembly 10 , particularly, a wheelbarrow-style air compressor assembly.
- the air compressor assembly 10 rests upon a support surface 12 in a resting position, which will be described in greater detail below.
- the air compressor assembly 10 has an air storage tank that includes at least one air reservoir for storing a pressurized gas, with there preferably being two air reservoirs 14 a, 14 b included, as shown.
- a handle assembly 18 is attached to a rear portion 22 of the air compressor assembly 10 and a wheel assembly 26 is attached to a front portion 30 of the air compressor assembly 10 .
- one of the handles 34 in the handle assembly 18 is attached to a base 28 and the other of the handles 34 is attached to the air reservoir 14 a.
- the wheel assembly 26 is attached directly to the base 28 .
- the handle assembly 18 and wheel assembly 26 may be attached to any component of the air compressor assembly 10 .
- the air compressor assembly 10 also includes compressor components 32 supported by the base 28 adjacent the air reservoirs 14 a, 14 b, as will be described in greater detail below.
- the handle assembly 18 includes two handles 34 , each of which projects rearward from the assembly 10 .
- the end portion of each handle 34 includes a grip 38 for the ease of a user to grasp the handles 34 .
- the handles 34 are removable for reducing the packaging volume of the air compressor assembly 10 .
- the handles 34 may be moveable, rotatable, foldable, slideable, retractable, telescoping, or otherwise adjustable for reducing the packaging volume of the air compressor assembly 10 .
- the handles may be removed, rotated or telescoped so that they do not project outwardly from the rear portion of the air compressor assembly 10 , resulting in a compact air compressor assembly 10 , which provides further benefits with respect to shipping, storage and packaging as described above.
- the handles 34 may be readily adjusted to multiple positions so as to be more comfortable for a user.
- the wheel assembly 26 includes a wheel 42 that is mounted to a wheel support frame 46 at an axle 50 .
- the wheel support frame 46 is mounted to a support plate 74 of the base 28 .
- the wheel 42 has a diameter of about 14 inches.
- a larger wheel reduces the amount of pivoting about the central axis of the wheel needs to be pivoted in order to lift the compressor assembly 10 with the handle assembly 18 .
- the smaller amount of pivoting results in less force being exerted on a user's arms and makes the compressor assembly 10 easier to transport with the wheel 42 over a rough terrain.
- the vertical height C of the axle 50 is about 6.9 inches (see FIG. 2 ).
- the wheel assembly 26 is attached to the front 30 of the air compressor assembly 10 , generally opposite the handle assembly 18 at the rear 22 , such that a user may grasp the handles 34 and transport the air compressor in a transport position. In the transport position, the base 28 , and specifically support feet 82 , do not contact the support surface 12 and the air compressor 10 rolls on the wheel 42 .
- the configuration of such an air compressor assembly 10 is known as a “wheelbarrow” style air compressor.
- the wheel assembly 26 is removable for reducing the packaging volume of the air compressor assembly 10 .
- the wheel 42 rotates in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the plane also defining a longitudinal direction, or longitudinal axis A ( FIG. 4 ), in which the air compressor assembly 10 moves when transported on the wheel 42 .
- the air reservoirs 14 a, 14 b each include a top portion 58 a, 58 b and a bottom portion 62 a, 62 b.
- the bottom portion 62 a of the first air reservoir 14 a is supported fully by the base 28
- the bottom portion 62 b of the second air reservoir 14 b is supported by the top portion 58 a of the first air reservoir 14 a via a support member 66 or, in other constructions, by direct contact.
- the second air reservoir 14 b is fully supported by the first air reservoir 14 a.
- the second air reservoir 14 b is located above the first air reservoir 14 a and is at least partially supported by the first air reservoir 14 a.
- the second air reservoir 14 b is located above the first air reservoir 14 a and is supported independently from the first air reservoir 14 a, such as by a frame member.
- Each air reservoir 14 a, 14 b is oriented such that a longitudinal axis 70 a, 70 b of each reservoir is substantially parallel to the support surface 12 upon which the air compressor assembly 10 rests.
- the axes 70 a and 70 b are parallel to one another.
- the base 28 may be a one-piece base, or, as shown in the illustrated construction, the base 28 may be more than one piece.
- the base 28 includes support bars 74 , a support plate 78 , support feet 82 and support brackets 86 .
- the support bars 74 are elongate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes 70 a, 70 b of the air reservoirs 14 a, 14 b.
- the support plate 78 is coupled to and supported by the support bars 74 , as is best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 .
- the support brackets 86 are mounted to the bottom portion 62 a of the first air reservoir 14 a and coupled to the respective support bars 74 by a fastener, such as a screw, a bolt (as can be seen in FIG. 3 ), or the like.
- the support feet 82 contact the support surface 12 upon which the air compressor assembly 10 rests when the compressor assembly 10 is in a resting position, or normal operating position, as shown. In a transport position, the support feet 82 do not engage the support surface 12 , as is well understood by those having ordinary skill in the art.
- the base 28 may be comprised of other configurations of brackets, weldments, tubes, plates or the like.
- the air reservoirs 14 a, 14 b and other compressor components 32 are mounted or otherwise supported by the tabs, brackets, weldments, tubes or plates.
- the compressor components 32 may be attached to inner side portions of the air reservoirs 14 a, 14 b and one of either the compressor components 32 or the air reservoirs 14 a, 14 b may be supported by the base 28 .
- the base 28 and specifically the support plate 78 , includes a first portion 90 for supporting the compressor components 62 and wheel assembly 26 and a second portion 94 that is lower than the first portion 90 , or closer to the support feet 82 or support surface 12 , providing a recess for accommodating a flywheel 98 .
- the wheel support frame 46 is mounted to the bottom of the first portion 90 of the support plate 74 .
- the first portion 90 is positioned at a height B of about 4 . 1 inches vertically with respect to the support surface 12 , or with respect to the bottom of the support feet 82 .
- the support plate 78 is contoured to accommodate the flywheel 98 such that a portion of the flywheel 98 is located below the first portion 90 of the support plate 78 , i.e., such that a plane defined by the first portion 90 of the support plate 78 intersects the flywheel 98 .
- a flywheel cage 102 is supported by the second portion 94 of the support plate 78 and surrounds the flywheel 98 on three sides with a frame 106 and mesh 110 .
- the air reservoirs 14 a, 14 b are positioned on the base 28 generally opposite the flywheel 98 with respect to the longitudinal axis A such that there is a space between the air reservoirs 14 a, 14 b and the flywheel 98 .
- additional components of the air compressor assembly 10 are supported in the space and on the first portion 90 of the support plate 78 between the flywheel 98 and the reservoirs 14 a, 14 b.
- Compressor components 32 for compressing gas to be stored within the air reservoirs 14 a, 14 b are operatively connected with the air reservoirs 14 a, 14 b and generally are located in the space between the flywheel 98 and the air reservoirs 14 a, 14 b.
- the compressor components 32 are supported by the base 28 , specifically the support plate 78 .
- the components 32 include a pump assembly 114 and a motor assembly 118 .
- the motor assembly 118 may include an electric motor or a gas engine. In the illustrated construction, the motor assembly 118 includes a gas engine 120 having a fuel tank 122 .
- the flywheel 98 is coupled with the pump assembly 114 ; however, in other constructions, the flywheel 98 may be coupled with the motor assembly 118 .
- a drive assembly 126 includes a belt 130 coupled between the pump assembly 118 , specifically the flywheel 98 , and a drive wheel 134 of the motor assembly 118 .
- the motor assembly 118 is operatively connected to the pump assembly 114 to drive the pump assembly 114 .
- the drive assembly 126 is positioned opposite the air reservoirs 14 a, 14 b such that the compressor components 32 are positioned between the air reservoirs 14 a, 14 b and the drive assembly 126 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the air compressor assembly 10 . This arrangement assists with balance of the air compressor assembly 10 .
- the motor assembly 118 is positioned in front of the pump assembly 114 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A, i.e., the motor assembly 118 is positioned between the wheel 42 and the pump assembly 114 .
- the pump assembly 114 includes a pump 138 and is fluidly connected to the air reservoirs 14 a, 14 b to deliver pressurized air thereto.
- the compressor components 32 may be located anywhere in the space along the base 28 between the air reservoirs 14 a, 14 b and the drive assembly 126 .
- the compressor components 32 are disposed on the first portion 90 of the support plate 78 , and the air reservoirs 14 a, 14 b are stacked and disposed on the first portion 90 of the support plate 78 adjacent the compressor components.
- the flywheel 98 is positioned at least partially below the first portion 90 of the base 28 . This results in the air compressor assembly 10 having a center of gravity lower than prior-art air compressors, and more preferably, results in the air compressor assembly 10 having a center of gravity closer to the axle 50 of the wheel 42 . In the illustrated construction, the center of gravity is approximately 8.5 inches (21.6 cm) in height relative to the support surface 12 , or similarly, relative to a bottom of the wheel 42 and support feet 82 configured to engage the support surface 12 .
- the overall width W of the air compressor assembly 10 in the normal resting position is 20 inches or less, and the overall height H of the air compressor assembly 10 is no greater than the overall width W (see FIG. 6 ). In the illustrated construction, the overall width W is about 19.3 inches and the overall height H is about 18.3 inches.
- the height-to-width ratio of the air compressor assembly 10 is 1:1 or less.
- the overall width W extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the air compressor assembly 10 and parallel to the support surface 12 , in the resting position, between an outermost side of the air reservoirs 14 a, 14 b and an outermost side of the flywheel cage 102 .
- the overall height H extends normal to the support surface 12 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, in a resting position, between the bottom of the support feet 82 and wheel 42 , which are configured to contact the support surface 12 , and an opposite upper surface of the air compressor assembly 10 .
- a typical truck bed rail tool box is approximately 20 inches wide; therefore, the present invention fits in a typical truck bed rail tool box.
- an air compressor assembly 10 having a height H lower than the height of prior art compressors.
- the lower height profile requires less packaging material.
- the lower height requires less storage space when being packaged.
- the air compressor assemblies 10 are often stored or displayed by being stacked atop one another on shelves. With the lower height, more units may be stacked on top of one another within the same space. This is particularly advantageous when shipping the compressor assemblies 10 . Shipping often is done by using large containers that are transported on boats, trains, or trucks. The low height allows for more compressor assemblies 10 to be packed into a container, thereby reducing the shipping costs.
- the invention provides, among other things, a low-profile wheelbarrow compressor having compressor components positioned adjacent the air reservoirs Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
Abstract
A wheelbarrow compressor has a resting position and a transport position. First and second reservoirs contain a compressed fluid, and the second reservoir is fluidly separate from the first reservoir. The second reservoir is positioned above the first reservoir in a generally vertical direction when the wheelbarrow compressor is in the resting position. A handle assembly is attached at a rear end of the wheelbarrow compressor, and a wheel assembly attached at a front end of the wheelbarrow compressor generally opposite the rear end. A pump is fluidly connected to the first and second reservoirs for providing the compressed fluid thereto, and a motor is operatively connected to the pump to drive the pump. The pump and motor are positioned adjacent the first and second reservoirs in a generally horizontal direction when the wheelbarrow compressor is in the resting position.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/606,801, filed Oct. 27, 2009, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/731,999 filed Apr. 2, 2007, now abandoned. These applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- The present invention relates to compressor assemblies, and, in particular, relates to portable compressor assemblies.
- Several types of compressors currently exist, some of which are portable and often include an air storage tank that normally includes either one or two air reservoirs for storing compressed air and, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tank, a wheel located at one end of the air tank and a handle at the opposite end of the tank. The compressors with two air reservoirs generally utilize one wheel while the single reservoir compressors of this type generally utilize two wheels. These single and double reservoir types of compressors are often referred to as wheelbarrow compressors. The compressor will also include components to compress the air. These components generally include a motor assembly and a pump assembly. Due to space constraints, these components typically are mounted on top of the air tanks.
- Mounting the components on top of the air tanks results in several disadvantages. One disadvantage is the high center of gravity that results from mounting the components on top of the air tanks The high center of gravity is particularly inconvenient for a user manually transporting the compressor and may result in a user losing control of the compressor. This is particularly the case in the two-reservoir wheelbarrow-style compressors used at worksites that are often transported in a wheelbarrow type manner up and down narrow wooden ramps. Additionally, the high center of gravity may cause the air compressor to be unstable and prone to tipping or tilting when being used.
- Moreover, such compressors may be difficult to package and store for, by way of example, shipping, warehousing or retail purposes. When packaged, the air compressors are often shipped, stored or displayed by being stacked atop one another on shelves. Existing compressors tend to have high profiles (i.e., are of a taller height). Thus, when packaged, a large amount of storage space may be necessary. Likewise, if the compressors are shipped in large shipping containers, the compressor height limits the number of units that can be packed into a container. Moreover, a greater amount of packaging materials may be necessary due to the high profile of the compressor.
- Additionally, the handles on such tanks also can cause difficulties when storing the compressors. The handles on such compressors often project outwardly and upwardly from the compressor. Such a configuration again results in an increased height and length and the need for a greater amount of storage space and packaging material.
- The invention provides a wheelbarrow compressor having a resting position and a transport position, the wheelbarrow compressor including first and second air reservoirs, a handle assembly, a wheel assembly, a pump and a motor. The first reservoir is for containing a compressed fluid, and the second reservoir is fluidly separate from the first reservoir and is for containing a compressed fluid. The second reservoir is positioned above the first reservoir in a generally vertical direction when the wheelbarrow compressor is in the resting position. The handle assembly attached at a rear end of the wheelbarrow compressor, and the wheel assembly attached at a front end of the wheelbarrow compressor generally opposite the rear end. The pump is fluidly connected to the first and second reservoirs for providing the compressed fluid thereto, and the motor is operatively connected to the pump to drive the pump. The pump and motor are positioned adjacent the first and second reservoirs in a generally horizontal direction when the wheelbarrow compressor is in the resting position.
- In another aspect, the invention provides a wheelbarrow compressor having a resting position and a transport position, the wheelbarrow compressor including first and second reservoirs, a handle assembly, a wheel assembly, a pump, a motor and a flywheel. The first reservoir is for containing a compressed fluid, and the second reservoir is fluidly separate from the first reservoir and is for containing a compressed fluid. The handle assembly is attached at a rear end of the wheelbarrow compressor, and the wheel assembly is attached at a front end of the wheelbarrow compressor generally opposite the rear end. The pump is fluidly connected to the first and second reservoirs for providing the compressed fluid thereto. The motor is operatively connected to the pump to drive the pump. The flywheel is coupled to one of the motor and the pump. The one of the motor and the pump are positioned between the flywheel and the first and second reservoirs such that the flywheel is on a first side of the one of the motor and the pump, and the first and second reservoirs are on a second side of the one of the motor and the pump, wherein the second side is generally opposite the first side.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a compressor assembly. -
FIG. 2 is a left side view of the compressor assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a right side view of the compressor assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a top view of the compressor assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the compressor assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a front view of the compressor assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 7 is a rear view of the compressor assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIGS. 1-7 illustrate anair compressor assembly 10, particularly, a wheelbarrow-style air compressor assembly. Theair compressor assembly 10 rests upon asupport surface 12 in a resting position, which will be described in greater detail below. Theair compressor assembly 10 has an air storage tank that includes at least one air reservoir for storing a pressurized gas, with there preferably being twoair reservoirs handle assembly 18 is attached to arear portion 22 of theair compressor assembly 10 and awheel assembly 26 is attached to afront portion 30 of theair compressor assembly 10. In the illustrated construction, one of thehandles 34 in thehandle assembly 18 is attached to abase 28 and the other of thehandles 34 is attached to theair reservoir 14 a. Thewheel assembly 26 is attached directly to thebase 28. However, in other constructions, thehandle assembly 18 andwheel assembly 26 may be attached to any component of theair compressor assembly 10. Theair compressor assembly 10 also includescompressor components 32 supported by thebase 28 adjacent theair reservoirs - Preferably, and as illustrated, the
handle assembly 18 includes twohandles 34, each of which projects rearward from theassembly 10. Optionally, the end portion of eachhandle 34 includes agrip 38 for the ease of a user to grasp thehandles 34. Thehandles 34 are removable for reducing the packaging volume of theair compressor assembly 10. In other constructions, thehandles 34 may be moveable, rotatable, foldable, slideable, retractable, telescoping, or otherwise adjustable for reducing the packaging volume of theair compressor assembly 10. The handles may be removed, rotated or telescoped so that they do not project outwardly from the rear portion of theair compressor assembly 10, resulting in a compactair compressor assembly 10, which provides further benefits with respect to shipping, storage and packaging as described above. In some constructions, thehandles 34 may be readily adjusted to multiple positions so as to be more comfortable for a user. - The
wheel assembly 26 includes awheel 42 that is mounted to awheel support frame 46 at anaxle 50. Thewheel support frame 46 is mounted to asupport plate 74 of thebase 28. Thewheel 42 has a diameter of about 14 inches. As compared to compressors with smaller wheels, a larger wheel reduces the amount of pivoting about the central axis of the wheel needs to be pivoted in order to lift thecompressor assembly 10 with thehandle assembly 18. Advantageously, the smaller amount of pivoting results in less force being exerted on a user's arms and makes thecompressor assembly 10 easier to transport with thewheel 42 over a rough terrain. In the illustrated construction, the vertical height C of theaxle 50 is about 6.9 inches (seeFIG. 2 ). - The
wheel assembly 26 is attached to thefront 30 of theair compressor assembly 10, generally opposite thehandle assembly 18 at the rear 22, such that a user may grasp thehandles 34 and transport the air compressor in a transport position. In the transport position, thebase 28, and specifically supportfeet 82, do not contact thesupport surface 12 and theair compressor 10 rolls on thewheel 42. The configuration of such anair compressor assembly 10 is known as a “wheelbarrow” style air compressor. Like thehandles 34, thewheel assembly 26 is removable for reducing the packaging volume of theair compressor assembly 10. Thewheel 42 rotates in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the plane also defining a longitudinal direction, or longitudinal axis A (FIG. 4 ), in which theair compressor assembly 10 moves when transported on thewheel 42. - With reference to
FIGS. 3 , 6 and 7, theair reservoirs top portion bottom portion bottom portion 62 a of thefirst air reservoir 14 a is supported fully by thebase 28, and thebottom portion 62 b of thesecond air reservoir 14 b is supported by thetop portion 58 a of thefirst air reservoir 14 a via asupport member 66 or, in other constructions, by direct contact. Thesecond air reservoir 14 b is fully supported by thefirst air reservoir 14 a. In other constructions, thesecond air reservoir 14 b is located above thefirst air reservoir 14 a and is at least partially supported by thefirst air reservoir 14 a. In yet other constructions, thesecond air reservoir 14 b is located above thefirst air reservoir 14 a and is supported independently from thefirst air reservoir 14 a, such as by a frame member. - Each
air reservoir longitudinal axis support surface 12 upon which theair compressor assembly 10 rests. Preferably, and as illustrated, theaxes - The base 28 may be a one-piece base, or, as shown in the illustrated construction, the
base 28 may be more than one piece. As shown in the illustrated construction, thebase 28 includes support bars 74, asupport plate 78,support feet 82 andsupport brackets 86. The support bars 74 are elongate in a direction substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axes air reservoirs support plate 78 is coupled to and supported by the support bars 74, as is best shown inFIGS. 6 and 7 . Thesupport brackets 86 are mounted to thebottom portion 62 a of thefirst air reservoir 14 a and coupled to the respective support bars 74 by a fastener, such as a screw, a bolt (as can be seen inFIG. 3 ), or the like. Thesupport feet 82 contact thesupport surface 12 upon which theair compressor assembly 10 rests when thecompressor assembly 10 is in a resting position, or normal operating position, as shown. In a transport position, thesupport feet 82 do not engage thesupport surface 12, as is well understood by those having ordinary skill in the art. In alternate constructions, thebase 28 may be comprised of other configurations of brackets, weldments, tubes, plates or the like. In such constructions, theair reservoirs other compressor components 32 are mounted or otherwise supported by the tabs, brackets, weldments, tubes or plates. Alternatively, thecompressor components 32 may be attached to inner side portions of theair reservoirs compressor components 32 or theair reservoirs base 28. - The
base 28, and specifically thesupport plate 78, includes afirst portion 90 for supporting the compressor components 62 andwheel assembly 26 and asecond portion 94 that is lower than thefirst portion 90, or closer to thesupport feet 82 orsupport surface 12, providing a recess for accommodating aflywheel 98. Thewheel support frame 46 is mounted to the bottom of thefirst portion 90 of thesupport plate 74. Thefirst portion 90 is positioned at a height B of about 4.1 inches vertically with respect to thesupport surface 12, or with respect to the bottom of thesupport feet 82. Thesupport plate 78 is contoured to accommodate theflywheel 98 such that a portion of theflywheel 98 is located below thefirst portion 90 of thesupport plate 78, i.e., such that a plane defined by thefirst portion 90 of thesupport plate 78 intersects theflywheel 98. Aflywheel cage 102 is supported by thesecond portion 94 of thesupport plate 78 and surrounds theflywheel 98 on three sides with aframe 106 andmesh 110. Theair reservoirs flywheel 98 with respect to the longitudinal axis A such that there is a space between theair reservoirs flywheel 98. As explained further below, additional components of theair compressor assembly 10 are supported in the space and on thefirst portion 90 of thesupport plate 78 between theflywheel 98 and thereservoirs -
Compressor components 32 for compressing gas to be stored within theair reservoirs air reservoirs flywheel 98 and theair reservoirs compressor components 32 are supported by thebase 28, specifically thesupport plate 78. Thecomponents 32 include apump assembly 114 and amotor assembly 118. Themotor assembly 118 may include an electric motor or a gas engine. In the illustrated construction, themotor assembly 118 includes agas engine 120 having afuel tank 122. Theflywheel 98 is coupled with thepump assembly 114; however, in other constructions, theflywheel 98 may be coupled with themotor assembly 118. Adrive assembly 126 includes abelt 130 coupled between thepump assembly 118, specifically theflywheel 98, and adrive wheel 134 of themotor assembly 118. Thus, themotor assembly 118 is operatively connected to thepump assembly 114 to drive thepump assembly 114. Thedrive assembly 126 is positioned opposite theair reservoirs compressor components 32 are positioned between theair reservoirs drive assembly 126 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of theair compressor assembly 10. This arrangement assists with balance of theair compressor assembly 10. Furthermore, themotor assembly 118 is positioned in front of thepump assembly 114 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A, i.e., themotor assembly 118 is positioned between thewheel 42 and thepump assembly 114. Thepump assembly 114 includes apump 138 and is fluidly connected to theair reservoirs - The
compressor components 32 may be located anywhere in the space along the base 28 between theair reservoirs drive assembly 126. Thecompressor components 32 are disposed on thefirst portion 90 of thesupport plate 78, and theair reservoirs first portion 90 of thesupport plate 78 adjacent the compressor components. Furthermore, theflywheel 98 is positioned at least partially below thefirst portion 90 of thebase 28. This results in theair compressor assembly 10 having a center of gravity lower than prior-art air compressors, and more preferably, results in theair compressor assembly 10 having a center of gravity closer to theaxle 50 of thewheel 42. In the illustrated construction, the center of gravity is approximately 8.5 inches (21.6 cm) in height relative to thesupport surface 12, or similarly, relative to a bottom of thewheel 42 andsupport feet 82 configured to engage thesupport surface 12. - Having the
compressor components 32 andair reservoirs air reservoirs compressor assembly 10 and, in turn, the center of gravity. Lowering the vertical height of thecompressor assembly 10 adds stability to thecompressor assembly 10 and further discourages tipping or tilting. Such embodiments highly reduce the likelihood of having theair compressor assembly 10 tip or tilt while being transported and make transporting thecompressor assembly 10 much easier. Furthermore, the overall width W of theair compressor assembly 10 in the normal resting position is 20 inches or less, and the overall height H of theair compressor assembly 10 is no greater than the overall width W (seeFIG. 6 ). In the illustrated construction, the overall width W is about 19.3 inches and the overall height H is about 18.3 inches. In other words, the height-to-width ratio of theair compressor assembly 10 is 1:1 or less. The overall width W extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of theair compressor assembly 10 and parallel to thesupport surface 12, in the resting position, between an outermost side of theair reservoirs flywheel cage 102. The overall height H extends normal to thesupport surface 12 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, in a resting position, between the bottom of thesupport feet 82 andwheel 42, which are configured to contact thesupport surface 12, and an opposite upper surface of theair compressor assembly 10. A typical truck bed rail tool box is approximately 20 inches wide; therefore, the present invention fits in a typical truck bed rail tool box. - Moreover, having the
air compressor components 32 disposed adjacent thestacked air reservoirs air compressor assembly 10 having a height H lower than the height of prior art compressors. This provides benefits with respect to the shipping and packaging of the air compressor. The lower height profile requires less packaging material. Also, the lower height requires less storage space when being packaged. When packaged, theair compressor assemblies 10 are often stored or displayed by being stacked atop one another on shelves. With the lower height, more units may be stacked on top of one another within the same space. This is particularly advantageous when shipping thecompressor assemblies 10. Shipping often is done by using large containers that are transported on boats, trains, or trucks. The low height allows formore compressor assemblies 10 to be packed into a container, thereby reducing the shipping costs. - Thus, the invention provides, among other things, a low-profile wheelbarrow compressor having compressor components positioned adjacent the air reservoirs Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
Claims (22)
1. A wheelbarrow compressor having a resting position and a transport position, the wheelbarrow compressor comprising:
a first reservoir for containing a compressed fluid;
a second reservoir fluidly separate from the first reservoir for containing a compressed fluid, wherein the second reservoir is positioned above the first reservoir in a generally vertical direction when the wheelbarrow compressor is in the resting position;
a handle assembly attached at a rear end of the wheelbarrow compressor;
a wheel assembly attached at a front end of the wheelbarrow compressor generally opposite the rear end;
a pump fluidly connected to the first and second reservoirs for providing the compressed fluid thereto; and
a motor operatively connected to the pump to drive the pump;
wherein the pump and motor are positioned adjacent the first and second reservoirs in a generally horizontal direction when the wheelbarrow compressor is in the resting position.
2. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 1 , wherein the second reservoir is completely above the first reservoir when the wheelbarrow assembly is in the resting position.
3. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 1 , further comprising:
a flywheel coupled to one of the motor and the pump;
a base including a first portion for supporting the motor and the pump, the first portion having a first height in the normal resting position, and a second portion having a second height lower than the first height and forming a recess, wherein the flywheel is accommodated in the recess.
4. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 3 , wherein the first portion defines a plane, and wherein the plane intersects the flywheel.
5. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 1 , further comprising a flywheel coupled to one of the motor and the pump, wherein the motor and the pump are positioned between the flywheel and the first and second reservoirs in the horizontal direction when the wheelbarrow compressor is in the resting position.
6. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 1 , wherein the wheelbarrow compressor has a height and a width, and wherein the height is less than or equal to the width.
7. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 1 , wherein the wheelbarrow compressor has a width less than 20 inches.
8. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 7 , wherein the wheelbarrow compressor has a height that is less than or equal to the width.
9. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 1 , wherein the second reservoir is fully supported by the first reservoir.
10. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 1 , further comprising a base for supporting the first reservoir, the pump and the motor.
11. A wheelbarrow compressor having a resting position and a transport position, the wheelbarrow compressor comprising:
a first reservoir for containing a compressed fluid;
a second reservoir fluidly separate from the first reservoir for containing a compressed fluid;
a handle assembly attached at a rear end of the wheelbarrow compressor;
a wheel assembly attached at a front end of the wheelbarrow compressor generally opposite the rear end;
a pump fluidly connected to the first and second reservoirs for providing the compressed fluid thereto;
a motor operatively connected to the pump to drive the pump; and
a flywheel coupled to one of the motor and the pump;
wherein the one of the motor and the pump are positioned between the flywheel and the first and second reservoirs such that the flywheel is on a first side of the one of the motor and the pump, and the first and second reservoirs are on a second side of the one of the motor and the pump, wherein the second side is generally opposite the first side.
12. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 11 , wherein the one of the motor and the pump is adjacent the first and second reservoirs in a generally horizontal direction when the wheelbarrow compressor is in the resting position.
13. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 11 , wherein the second reservoir is positioned above the first reservoir in a generally vertical direction when the wheelbarrow compressor is in the resting position.
14. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 13 , wherein the second reservoir is completely above the first reservoir when the wheelbarrow assembly is in the resting position.
15. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 11 , further comprising:
a base including a first portion for supporting the motor and the pump, the first portion having a first height in the normal resting position, and a second portion having a second height lower than the first height and forming a recess, wherein the flywheel is accommodated in the recess.
16. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 15 , wherein the first portion defines a plane, and wherein the plane intersects the flywheel.
17. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 11 , wherein the motor and the pump are positioned between the flywheel and the first and second reservoirs in the horizontal direction when the wheelbarrow compressor is in the resting position.
18. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 11 , wherein the wheelbarrow compressor has a height and a width, and wherein the height is less than or equal to the width.
19. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 11 , wherein the wheelbarrow compressor has a width less than 20 inches.
20. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 19 , wherein the wheelbarrow compressor has a height that is less than or equal to the width.
21. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 11 , wherein the second reservoir is fully supported by the first reservoir.
22. The wheelbarrow compressor of claim 11 , further comprising a base for supporting the first reservoir, the pump and the motor.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/597,388 US20120321488A1 (en) | 2007-04-02 | 2012-08-29 | Portable air compressor |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/731,999 US20080240936A1 (en) | 2007-04-02 | 2007-04-02 | Portable air compressor |
US12/606,801 US20100047085A1 (en) | 2007-04-02 | 2009-10-27 | Portable air compressor |
US13/597,388 US20120321488A1 (en) | 2007-04-02 | 2012-08-29 | Portable air compressor |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/606,801 Continuation-In-Part US20100047085A1 (en) | 2007-04-02 | 2009-10-27 | Portable air compressor |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20120321488A1 true US20120321488A1 (en) | 2012-12-20 |
Family
ID=47353820
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/597,388 Abandoned US20120321488A1 (en) | 2007-04-02 | 2012-08-29 | Portable air compressor |
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US (1) | US20120321488A1 (en) |
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Owner name: TECHTRONIC POWER TOOLS TECHNOLOGY LIMITED, VIRGIN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:RITTERLING, DOUGLAS K.;BRAZELL, KENNETH M.;STRACK, RICHARD L.;SIGNING DATES FROM 20110901 TO 20110902;REEL/FRAME:028867/0035 |
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