US20150233364A1

US20150233364A1 - Air compressor having a removable air tank

Info

Publication number: US20150233364A1
Application number: US14/184,200
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles John Luby
Original assignee: Techtronic Power Tools Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Techtronic Power Tools Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2014-02-19
Filing date: 2014-02-19
Publication date: 2015-08-20
Also published as: CA2880065A1; CN204532769U

Abstract

A portable air compressor assembly includes a compressor component unit and a tank unit removably coupled to the compressor component unit. The compressor component unit includes a prime mover, a pump operably coupled to the prime mover, and a first tank fluidly connected to the pump to receive pressurized air from the pump when operated by the prime mover. The tank unit includes a second tank fluidly connected to the pump to receive pressurized air, and a manifold assembly fluidly and mechanically coupled to the second tank such that the second tank and the manifold assembly are removable from the compressor component unit together.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to air compressors and, more particularly, to portable air compressors.
Conventional portable air compressors include a movable structure fixed to the air compressor having a multiple wheels and supports that allows a user to easily transfer the entire air compressor around a worksite. However, an air compressor is used with a wide range of pneumatic tools and the location around a worksite can change dramatically depending on the pneumatic tool used. For example, a pneumatic nail gun used on a rooftop and a pneumatic paint spray gun used in a lower level of a house are presented with completely different space limitations.
In current portable air compressors, all or most components (e.g., air tank(s), pump, frame, etc.) are typically fixed together as one air compressor unit. This causes the air compressor to be cumbersome and difficult to move around the worksite. It is advantageous to position the air compressor proximate to the worksite to minimize pressure loss as a result of excess air hose line connecting an air storage tank to the pneumatic tool. Therefore, returning to the example, the user must position the air compressor near the roof top to optimally use the pneumatic nail gun, and the user must transport the air compressor throughout floor levels to optimally use the pneumatic paint spray gun.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides a portable air compressor assembly. The portable air compressor assembly includes a compressor component unit and a tank unit removably coupled to the compressor component unit. The compressor component unit includes a prime mover, a pump operably coupled to the prime mover, and a first tank fluidly connected to the pump to receive pressurized air from the pump when operated by the prime mover. The tank unit includes a second tank fluidly connected to the pump to receive pressurized air, and a manifold assembly fluidly and mechanically coupled to the second tank such that the second tank and the manifold assembly are removable from the compressor component unit together.
In another aspect, the invention provides a portable air tank unit. The portable air tank unit includes an air tank for storing compressed air, an inlet fluidly coupled to the air tank, a quick-disconnect fitting fluidly coupled to the inlet, an outlet fluidly coupled to the air tank, and a manifold assembly fixedly coupled to the air tank and fluidly coupled to the outlet of the air tank. The manifold assembly includes a pressure gauge operably coupled to the air tank for displaying a pressure of the compressed air in the air tank, and a pressure regulator for regulating a supply pressure of air released from the air tank.
Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric front view of a portable air compressor assembly having a removable tank unit according to one construction of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the air compressor assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the air compressor assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the air compressor assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the air compressor assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the air compressor assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the removable tank unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is an isometric rear view showing the tank unit removed from the air compressor unit of FIG. 1.

Before any constructions of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other constructions and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a portable air compressor assembly 10 according to one construction of the invention. The portable air compressor assembly 10 includes compressor component unit 12, a tank unit 14, and a rigid structure 16 that houses the compressor unit 12 and the tank unit 14 (FIG. 8). The compressor component unit 12 includes a prime mover 18, a pump 20, and a first or fixed air tank 22. In the illustrated construction, the prime mover 18 is an internal combustion engine, such as a four-stroke engine. In other constructions, other prime movers may be employed, such as motors, specifically electric motors, other internal combustions engines, turbines, etc. The prime mover 18 provides rotary power and is positioned adjacent to the pump 20. In the illustrated construction, the pump 20 is an air compressor pump that provides a pressurized airflow as a result of rotational movement of a pump flywheel 24. In other constructions, other types of air compressor pumps may be employed. The prime mover 18 and the pump flywheel 24 are aligned such that the prime mover 18 is rotationally coupled to the pump flywheel 24 by a drive belt (not shown).
The rigid structure 16 includes a frame 26, wheels 28, and support members 30. The frame 26 is preferably constructed from a tubular metallic material able to provide sufficient strength and rigidity to the rigid structure 16. In other constructions, the frame 26 may be constructed from other suitable materials, such as polymeric or ceramic material and may be tubular, non-tubular, solid, hollow, etc. The wheels 28 are rotationally coupled to the frame 26 by an axle 32 defining a rotational axis A (FIG. 2). In the illustrated construction, two wheels are employed. In other constructions, one wheel may be employed (e.g., a wheelbarrow-style compressor), or three or more wheels may be employed. The frame 26 is in contact with a support surface or support plane 34 (e.g., the ground) (FIG. 5) via the wheels 28 and the support members 30 that are coupled to the frame 26 and positioned at a distance from the wheels 28. The wheels 28 are disposed near a first end 36 of the frame 26, and the support members 30 are disposed near a second end 38 of the frame generally opposite the first end 36. The wheels 28 and the support members 30 are tangentially aligned substantially in a plane, e.g., the support plane 34.
The rigid structure 16 also includes a rotatable handle member 40 fixed to at least two brackets 42, 44, the rotatable handle member 40 having a substantially elongated section 46 transitioning into a bent section 48 defining a transport handle 50. The substantially elongated section 46 extends generally in a direction between the first and second ends 36, 38 of the frame 26, the direction being substantially perpendicular to the axis A. In the illustrated construction, the rotatable handle member 40 is formed from one continuous tubular metallic material generally formed in a U-shaped configuration, but in other constructions, the rotatable handle member 40 includes two or more components attached together. The brackets 42, 44 are fixed to the rotatable handle member 40 proximate to a pivoting end 52 by a standard welding process or the like and also include a radial aperture 54, 55 having an arc length. In the illustrated construction, the arc length is about 90 degrees such that the rotatable handle member 40 is rotatable by about 90 degrees with respect to the frame 26. In other constructions, the arc length may be less than or greater than 90 degrees such that the rotatable handle member 40 is rotatable by a different desired amount. Each distal end of the radial apertures 54, 55 includes a substantially larger diameter hole 56 (FIG. 5). In other constructions, the brackets 42, 44 are fixed to the rotatable handle member 40 by fasteners, a brazing process, or the like.
The brackets 42, 44 are pivotably coupled to the frame 26 at the pivoting end 52 of the rotatable handle member 40. The rotatable handle member 40 is movable between at least two orientations relative to the frame 26 and lockable in the two orientations by way of a spring loaded pin 58 and a removable pull pin 60 (FIG. 3), as will be described in greater detail below. In the illustrated construction, the spring loaded pin 58 is disposed partially within the frame 26 and projects through the radial aperture 54. The removable pull pin 60 is similarly disposed partially within the frame 26 and through the other radial aperture 55. The spring loaded pin 58 relies on a translating spring (not shown) providing a bias to automatically lock the bracket 42 in position relative to the frame 26 in one orientation. The removable pull pin 60 is manually operated by the user to engage or disengage the bracket 44. In other constructions, the spring loaded pin 58 and the removable pull pin 60 are configured oppositely. In yet other constructions, other mechanisms for locking the rotatable handle member 40 with respect to the frame 26 may be employed.
In a storage orientation 66, the rotatable handle member 40 is substantially parallel with the elongated section 46 of the frame 26 and is locked in place by the spring loaded pin 58 and the removable pull pin 60 engaging the respective brackets 42, 44. In this orientation 66, the portable air compressor assembly 10 is more compact and better suited for temporary storage or compactness during operation. From the storage orientation 66, the spring loaded pin 58 and the removable pull pin 60 are disengaged from the frame 26 enabling the rotatable handle member 40 to rotate about 90 degrees to a mobile orientation 70 (shown in phantom in FIG. 1). In the mobile orientation 70, the rotatable handle member 40 is positioned for the user to easily manipulate the portable air compressor assembly 10 around a worksite. In the illustrated construction, in the mobile orientation 70 the rotatable handle member 40 is substantially perpendicular to the elongated section 46 of the frame 26. The spring loaded pin 58 is biased to engage the hole 56 of the radial aperture 54 of the bracket 42, locking the rotatable handle member 40 in the mobile orientation 70 when the radial aperture 54 is aligned with the frame 26 in the mobile orientation. The removable pull pin 60 engages the frame 26 and the bracket 44 to lock the rotatable handle member 40 in the mobile orientation 70.
With reference to FIG. 1, protective strips 62 are positioned on the rotatable handle member 40 primarily along the elongated section 46 of the rotatable handle member 40 and along the frame 26 near the wheels 28 to protect the portable air compressor assembly 10 and other surfaces from damage when maneuvered around a worksite and from worksite to worksite. The protective strips 62 are configured from a wear-resistant polymer and are attached to the portable air compressor assembly elongated section 46 by fasteners. In other constructions, the protective strips 62 may be attached by adhesives or the like to the portable air compressor assembly 10 and positioned in different locations and orientations on the rigid structure 16.
The rotatable handle member 40 further includes a protective mesh 64. The protective mesh 64 includes relatively small gauge wire configured in a grid pattern to protect a top region of the portable air compressor assembly 10 from damage. In the illustrated construction, the protective mesh 64 primarily covers the elongated section 46 of the rotatable handle member 40, but in other constructions, the protective mesh 64 transitions into the bent section 48 of the rotatable handle member 40.
FIG. 2 illustrates the bottom of the portable air compressor assembly 10. At least two cross frames 72, 74 connect two parallel members of the frame 26 adding structural rigidity to the rigid structure 16. In addition, a mount plate 76 is coupled to the cross frames 72, 74, disposed substantially perpendicular to the cross frames 72, 74, and is positioned below the prime mover 18 and the pump 20 to support and mount the prime mover 18 and the pump 20 to the rigid structure 16.
With reference to FIG. 3, the compressor component unit 12 includes the fixed air tank 22 oriented below a second or portable air tank 78 and adjacent the prime mover 18 and the pump 20. The fixed air tank 22 is fixedly coupled to the rigid structure 16 and further secured to the cross frames 72, 74. The fixed air tank 22 defines a longitudinal axis B disposed generally perpendicular to the cross frames 72, 74 (FIG. 2) and aligned substantially parallel with the substantially elongated section 46 of the frame 26. In addition, the portable air tank 78 defines a longitudinal axis C disposed generally perpendicular to the cross frames 72, 74 (FIG. 6) and aligned substantially parallel with the substantially elongated section 46 of the frame 26. The longitudinal axis B and the longitudinal axis C are substantially parallel with respect to each other when the portable air tank 78 is mechanically coupled to the fixed air tank 22. Furthermore, the fixed air tank 22 and the portable air tank 78 are stacked such that the longitudinal axes B and C lie in a plane (e.g., a vertical plane) that is substantially perpendicular to the support plane 34 (e.g., a horizontal plane). That is, the fixed air tank 22 is substantially between the portable air tank 78 and the supports 30. In other constructions, the longitudinal axis B and the longitudinal axis C are offset from each other with respect to the support plane 34.
FIG. 4 illustrates a left side view of the portable air compressor assembly 10 including a left side profile of the fixed air tank 22. A pressure gauge 82 and a relief valve 84 are fluidly coupled to the fixed air tank 22. The pressure gauge 82 measures the pressure within the fixed air tank 22 and displays the pressure measurement on an analog dial 86 that faces outwardly from the fixed air tank 22. The analog dial 86 displays pressure in English units (e.g., p.s.i.) and/or International units (e.g., Pascal). In other constructions, the pressure gauge 82 includes a digital display. In addition, the relief valve 84 is calibrated to open when pressure within the fixed air tank 22 reaches a predetermined level.
The pump 20 and the fixed air tank 22 are in fluid communication via an inlet conduit 80 disposed between the pump 20 and the fixed air tank 22 for conveying compressed air from the pump 20 to the fixed air tank 22. Furthermore, the fixed air tank 22 is in fluid communication with the portable air tank 78 by way of an outlet conduit 88 coupled between the fixed air tank 22 and the portable air tank 78 (FIG. 3). The outlet conduit 88 includes a control valve 90 disposed therein to provide the user selective control to allow pressurized air to communicate between the fixed air tank 22 and the portable air tank 78 or to isolate the fixed air tank 22 from the portable air tank 78. In the illustrated construction, the control valve 90 is a ball valve, but in other constructions, the control valve 90 is configured as a globe valve, a gate valve, or the like.
FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the portable air compressor assembly 10 with the protective mesh 64 removed to better illustrate components of the portable air compressor assembly 10. The outlet conduit 88 is fluidly coupled to the portable air tank 78 via a quick-disconnect fitting 106. In addition, the quick-disconnect fitting 106 functions as a check valve to allow air into the portable air tank 78 and prevent air from escaping from the portable air tank 78 by way of the outlet conduit 88. The quick-disconnect fitting 106 provides an easy detachment mechanism for fluidly disconnecting the outlet conduit 88 and the portable air tank 78, e.g., when the portable air tank 78 is removed.
With reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 8, the fixed air tank 22 also includes mounting brackets 92, 94 disposed between the air tanks 22, 78. The brackets 92, 94 are fixed to the fixed air tank 22 by a standard welding process or the like near a top circumferential side surface of the fixed air tank 22.
With reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 8, the portable air tank 22 is removably coupled by way of a retainer 96, such as a compression retainer. In the illustrated construction, two retainers 96 are employed; however, in other constructions, one, three, or more retainers may be employed. In the illustrated construction, the compression retainers 96 are formed as a continuous elastic metal strip primarily formed in a substantially semicircular shape in cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis B of the fixed air tank 22. The compression retainers 96 define a substantially semicircular opening 98. The compression retainers 96 have a radius slightly smaller than a radius of the portable air tank 78, thereby providing a compressive force for holding the portable air tank 78 when the portable air tank 78 is pressed into the semicircular opening 98. The compression retainers 96 are coupled to the fixed air tank 22 by way of mounting brackets 92, 94 and each includes a retainer bracket portion 100, 102 adjacent the fixed air tank 22 and located away from the semicircular opening 98. Each retainer bracket portion 100, 102 is coupled to the corresponding mounting bracket 92, 94 fixed to the fixed air tank 22. In addition, each compression retainer 96 includes a compression retainer lip portion 104 that changes in contour proximate a distal end of the semicircular opening 98. In other constructions, other types of retainers may be employed. For example, the retainer may include another type of clip or snap-fit mechanism, a fastener, a detent mechanism, a latch mechanism, etc. In yet other constructions, the portable air tank 78 may be removably coupled to another portion of the compressor component unit 12, such as the prime mover 18 or the pump 20. In yet other constructions, the portable air tank 78 may be removably coupled to other portions of the portable air compressor assembly 10, such as the rigid structure 16, etc.
With reference to FIG. 6, the tank unit 14 includes a manifold assembly 107 fixed to the portable air tank 78 and positioned between the portable air tank 78 and the prime mover 18 when the portable air tank 78 is secured to the fixed air tank 22 by the compression retainers 96. The manifold assembly 107 includes a manifold body 108 having a regulator knob 110 and pressure gauges. In the illustrated construction, the manifold body 108 includes a tank pressure gauge 112 and an output pressure gauge 114. A supply conduit 116 fluidly couples a first side of the manifold body 108 to the portable air tank 78. The tank pressure gauge 112 measures the air pressure within the portable air tank 78 fluidly between the quick-disconnect fitting 106 and the regulator knob 110. The output pressure gauge 114 measures the air pressure fluidly between the regulator knob 110 and a pneumatic tool that is fluidly connected to the manifold assembly 107 by a quick-disconnect manifold outlet 118. The regulator knob 110 is rotatably coupled to the manifold body 108 and includes a regulator valve for altering the air pressure supplied from the portable air tank 78 to the pneumatic tool. In addition, the supply conduit 116 includes a relief valve 120 similar to the relief valve 84 (FIG. 4) for relieving pressure within the portable air tank 78 when the pressure reaches the predetermined level. The quick-disconnect manifold outlet 118 includes dual quick-disconnects 122 (e.g., two quick-disconnects) configured to supply a plurality of pneumatic tools with compressed air. In other constructions, the dual disconnects 122 include a single or more than two connections to supply pneumatic tool(s).
With reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the tank unit 14 also includes a tank handle 124 rotatably coupled to the portable air tank 78 by way of handle brackets 126 and pins 128. The tank handle includes a grip 130 formed from a polymeric material or the like and designed to ergonomically suit the hand of a user. The location of the tank handle 124 with respect to the portable air tank 78 and the manifold assembly 107 is such that the portable air tank 78 is balanced and easily movable by a user from the compressor component unit 12 to a desired location away from the compressor component unit 12. In the illustrated construction, the tank handle 124 is configured from tubular metal. In other constructions, the tank handle 124 and the grip 130 may be formed from other suitable materials. Support feet 132 are coupled to the tank unit 14 and provide a support base that contacts the support surface 34 (e.g., the ground), as shown in FIG. 7. The support feet 132 are substantially aligned in a plane, e.g., the support plane 34. In the illustrated construction, two support feet 132 are coupled to the manifold body 108 and two support feet 132 are coupled to the portable air tank 78 (FIG. 4) to provide a sturdy base when the tank unit 14 is removed. In other constructions, the support feet 132 are only coupled to the portable air tank 78, only coupled to the manifold assembly 107, or various combinations thereof, e.g., two support feet 132 are coupled to the manifold assembly 107 and one support foot 132 is coupled to the portable air tank 78, vice-versa, etc.
The manifold body 108 is substantially planar and is disposed at an angle D with respect to the support plane 34 (e.g., with respect to the support feet 132 substantially aligned in the support plane 34). In the illustrated construction, the angle D is about 45 degrees (FIG. 8). Preferably, the angle D is 45 degrees+/−2 degrees. In other constructions, the angle D may be between about 30 and about 60 degrees. In yet other constructions, the angle D may be greater than 0 degrees and less than about 90 degrees. This allows the gauges 112, 114 and the regulator knob 110 to be easily viewed when the tank unit 14 is used while resting on the support feet 132.
In operation, the portable air compressor assembly 10 is transported to a worksite (e.g., via a truck). The user uses the protective strips 62 to orientate and safely move the portable air compressor assembly 10 to not damage the portable air compressor assembly 10 or the truck. The user rotates the rotatable handle member 40 from the storage orientation 66 to the mobile orientation 70 by disengaging the spring loaded pin 58 and the removable pull pin 60, rotating the rotatable handle member 40 upwards, and reengaging the spring loaded pin 58 and the removable pull pin 60 to lock the rotatable handle member 40 in the mobile orientation 70. The user manipulates the transport handle 50 to move the portable air compressor assembly 10 to a desired location, e.g., by grasping the transport handle 50, pivoting the portable air compressor assembly 10 about the axis A such that the supports 30 disengage the support surface 34, and pulling or pushing the transport handle 50.
To start filling both air tanks 22, 78 with compressed air from the pump 20, the user opens the control valve 90 to fluidly connect the compressor component unit 12 to the tank unit 14. Once the user starts the prime mover 18, rotational power is supplied to the pump 20 by the flywheel 24. Compressed air then moves from the pump 20 through the inlet conduit 80 and the outlet conduit 88 into the fixed air tank 22 and the portable air tank 78. The pump 20 supplies both air tanks 22, 78 with compressed air in a parallel relationship until the air tanks 22, 78 reach a maximum pressure threshold. If the compressor component unit 12 is activated while the control valve 90 is closed, then only the fixed air tank 22 will fill with compressed air.
To remove the tank unit 14 from the compressor component unit 12, the user closes the control valve 90 and disconnects the outlet conduit 88 from the quick-disconnect fitting 106, causing the tank unit 14 to be fluidly separated from the compressor component unit 12. Then, the user grasps the handle 124 to pull the tank unit 14 up and away from the compressor component unit 12 to overcome the elastic compression forces of the compression retainers 96 that secure the portable air tank 78 to the fixed air tank 22. With the tank unit 14 positioned away from the compressor component unit 12, the tank unit 14 rests on and is supported by the support feet 132.
To replace the tank unit 14 on the compressor component unit 12 (FIG. 1), the user orientates the tank unit 14 above the lip portion 104 such that the longitudinal axes B and C are substantially parallel and moves the tank unit 14 down towards the semicircular opening 98. The lip portion 104 initially receives the portable air tank 78 to align the portable air tank 78 with the compression retainers 96. The user applies a further force upon the portable air tank 78 (if the force of gravity is not sufficient) such that the compression retainers 96 expand over the portable air tank 78 and secure the tank unit 14 to the compressor component unit 12. Then, the user may fluidly reconnect the tank unit 14 to the compressor component unit 12 by connecting the outlet conduit 88 to the quick-disconnect fitting 106.
The user may use the portable air compressor assembly 10 in three distinct configurations.
With reference to FIG. 1, the portable air compressor assembly 10 may be maintained as one unit with the air tanks 22, 78 attached together via the compression retainers 96. In this configuration, the full functionality of the portable air compressor assembly 10 is maintained, and the total air pressure from both air tanks 22, 78 may be monitored and regulated by the manifold assembly 107. The pressure gauge 86 may also be used to monitor the pressure in the fixed air tank 22.
With reference to FIG. 8, a second configuration is illustrated with the tank unit 14 removed and positioned away from the compressor component unit 12 with an air hose 68 fluidly connecting the air tanks 22, 78. The user may choose any length of air hose suitable for the desired distance between the tank unit 14 and the compressor component unit 12. The air hose 68 may be any quick-connect hose. From the first configuration, the user disconnects and removes the tank unit 14 as described above. The user may position the tank unit 14 away from the compressor component unit 12 and fluidly connect the air hose 68 to the quick-disconnect fitting 106 and to the outlet conduit 88, thereby fluidly reconnecting the tank unit 14 to the compressor component unit 12 at a longer distance. The second configuration is advantageous when the user does not want the entire portable air compressor assembly 10 to be in one location. Rather, the tank unit 14 may be positioned proximate to the work area, and the compressor component unit 12 with the rigid structure 16 may be positioned away from the work area to reduce unwanted noise and vibrations from the prime mover 18 around the work area as well as to increase to portability of the portable air compressor assembly 10. In this configuration, the total air pressure from both tanks 22, 78 is monitored and regulated by the manifold assembly 107. The pressure gauge 86 may also be used to monitor the pressure in the fixed air tank 22.
With reference to FIG. 7, a third configuration is illustrated with the tank unit 14 independent from the compressor component unit 12. From the first configuration, the user disconnects and removes the tank unit 14 as described above. The user may then position the tank unit 14 away from the compressor component unit 12 at any distance and use the tank unit 14 independently from the compressor component unit 12. The third configuration is advantageous when the user requires maximum portability of the portable air compressor assembly 10 or the worksite requires a relatively small amount of compressed air. In this configuration, the air pressure within the tank unit 14 can be monitored and regulated by the manifold assembly 107.
The user may use the tank unit 14 in any of these configurations by connecting a pneumatic tool(s) to at least one of the dual quick-disconnects 122 by way of an air hose (not shown) and controlling the regulator knob 110 to provide a desired supply pressure to the pneumatic tool(s).
Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A portable air compressor assembly comprising:

a compressor component unit including

a prime mover,

a pump operably coupled to the prime mover, and

a first tank fluidly connected to the pump to receive pressurized air from the pump when operated by the prime mover; and

a tank unit removably coupled to the compressor component unit, the tank unit including

a second tank fluidly connected to the pump to receive pressurized air, and

a manifold assembly fluidly and mechanically coupled to the second tank such that the second tank and the manifold assembly are removable from the compressor component unit together.

2. The portable air compressor of claim 1, further comprising a rigid structure configured to support the compressor component unit and the tank unit.

3. The portable air compressor of claim 2, wherein the rigid structure includes at least one wheel, a frame, and a rotatable handle member rotatably coupled to the frame.

4. The portable air compressor of claim 1, further comprising at least one retainer configured to removably secure the second tank with respect to the compressor component unit.

5. The portable air compressor of claim 4, wherein the at least one retainer is configured as a compressive retainer for applying a compressive force to secure the second tank to the compressor component unit.

6. The portable air compressor of claim 5, wherein the at least one retainer is substantially semicircular.

7. The portable air compressor of claim 4, wherein the first tank defines a first longitudinal axis, wherein the second tank defines a second longitudinal axis, wherein the at least one retainer is coupled to the first tank such that the second tank is removably coupled the first tank, and wherein the first longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the second longitudinal axis when the second tank is coupled to the first tank.

8. The portable air compressor of claim 1, wherein the manifold assembly further comprises:

at least one pressure gauge for displaying a pressure of at least one of the first tank and the second tank, and

a pressure regulator.

9. The portable air compressor of claim 8, further comprising of a pressure relief valve fluidly coupled between the manifold assembly and the second tank.

10. The portable air compressor of claim 8, wherein the at least one pressure gauge is a first pressure gauge, and wherein the manifold assembly further includes a second pressure gauge, wherein the first pressure gauge is configured to display a pressure of the first tank, and wherein the second pressure gauge is configured to display a supply pressure of air supplied by the pressure regulator.

11. The portable air compressor of claim 1, further comprising a handle coupled to the tank unit.

12. The portable air compressor of claim 11, wherein the handle is rotatably coupled to the second tank.

13. The portable air compressor of claim 11, further comprising a grip coupled to the handle.

14. The portable air compressor of claim 1, wherein the tank unit further comprises at least one support foot for supporting the tank unit on a support surface when the tank unit is removed from the compressor component unit.

15. The portable air compressor of claim 14, wherein the at least one support foot is coupled to the manifold assembly.

16. The portable air compressor of claim 15, wherein the at least one support foot is a first support foot, and wherein the portable air compressor further comprises a second support foot coupled to the second tank.

17. The portable air compressor of claim 1, wherein the first tank defines a first longitudinal axis and the second tank defines a second longitudinal axis, wherein the first longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the second longitudinal axis when the tank unit is coupled to the compressor component unit.

18. A portable air tank unit comprising:

an air tank for storing compressed air;

an inlet fluidly coupled to the air tank;

a quick-disconnect fitting fluidly coupled to the inlet;

an outlet fluidly coupled to the air tank; and

a manifold assembly fixedly coupled to the air tank and fluidly coupled to the outlet of the air tank, the manifold assembly including

a pressure gauge operably coupled to the air tank for displaying a pressure of the compressed air in the air tank, and

a pressure regulator for regulating a supply pressure of air released from the air tank.

19. The portable air tank unit of claim 18, further comprising a second pressure gauge configured to display the supply pressure regulated by the pressure regulator.

20. The portable air tank unit of claim 18, further comprising a handle coupled to the air tank for transporting the portable air tank unit.

21. The portable air tank unit of claim 20, wherein the handle is rotatably coupled to the air tank.

22. The portable air tank unit of claim 21, wherein the handle further includes a grip.