US20060104825A1

US20060104825A1 - Air compressor

Info

Publication number: US20060104825A1
Application number: US10/950,191
Authority: US
Inventors: Mark Etter; Jeremy Leasure; James Vintzel
Original assignee: Black and Decker Corp
Current assignee: Black and Decker Corp
Priority date: 2003-09-24
Filing date: 2004-09-24
Publication date: 2006-05-18

Abstract

An air compressor includes a frame connected with an air tank connected with a compressor assembly. The frame is further connected with a handle which is connected with a basket for the storing of accessories used with the air compressor. The basket is configured in relation to the dimensions of the handle to limit its visual impact when viewed by a user of the air compressor.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to the U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/505,795, filed on Sep. 24, 2003, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of power tools, and particularly to an air compressor including an accessory carrying apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Air compressors are a commonly employed device for working in conjunction with various power tools, such as spray guns, pneumatic fasteners, pneumatic pumps, and the like which utilize compressed air to drive the operation of the tool. Air compressors vary in size from large units which are located in fixed positions to smaller units which are capable of being transported to and from various work sites. As stated above the use of air compressors typically involves the use of various other devices.
Unfortunately, many of the portable air compressors utilized today do not provide assistance in carrying these various other devices, to be used with the air compressor, to and from the work site. This may result in limited functionality of the air compressor at the work site. Further, it may result in decreased productivity associated with the use of the air compressor if time is being spent transporting various other devices, such as the tools and other accessories, to and from the work site. Further, user fatigue associated with the work site may be increased if time and energy is being expelled to bring the other devices to the work site.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide for the transportation of various devices, such as tools and accessories which are used in conjunction with an air compressor, in conjunction with the transportation of the air compressor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides an accessory carrying assembly connected to an air compressor which allows for the transportation of various devices, such as tools and various other accessories used with the air compressor, to and from a worksite. The accessory carrying assembly includes a basket which provides a defined recessed area for storing and carrying the various devices and is dimensionally configured in relation to the configuration of the air compressor. It is an object of the present invention to provide an accessory carrying case which limits its visual impact upon the air compressor when viewed by a user.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an accessory carrying assembly which is removable from its connection with the air compressor. The removable accessory carrying case allowing for the transportation of various devices separate from the transportation of the air compressor.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the general description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The numerous advantages of the present invention may be better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying figures in which:
FIG. 1 is an illustration of an air compressor apparatus including an accessory carrying assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a second exemplary embodiment of an accessory carrying assembly for use with an air compressor apparatus;
FIG. 3 is a side elevation view illustrating the second exemplary embodiment of the accessory carrying assembly for use with an air compressor apparatus; and
FIG. 4 is a rear-side view illustrating the second exemplary embodiment of the accessory carrying assembly for use with an air compressor apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Referring generally now to FIGS. 1 through 4, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown. The accessory carrying assembly connected with the air compressor of the present invention provides a storage facility which is limited in its visual impact upon the air compressor. This limited visual impact serves to maintain the overall appearance of the air compressor. Such a limited visual impact may serve to provide an increase in the aesthetic appeal of the air compressor. Further, the functionality of the air compressor may be improved as the dimensional characteristics of the air compressor are not substantially altered by the connection of an accessory carrying assembly, thereby, maintaining a generally similar functional unit which may not require a user of the air compressor assembly to compensate for the presence of the accessory carrying assembly.
An air compressor 100 includes an accessory carrying assembly including a basket 205, as shown in FIG. 1. The air compressor 100 is commonly referred to as a vertical pancake compressor. The air compressor 100 includes a frame 102 connected with a transportation assembly 130 and a compressor assembly 150. The frame 102 further includes a handle 110 which may be engaged by the operator of the air compressor 100.
In the current embodiment, the transportation assembly 130 includes a first wheel 132 and a second wheel 134 coupled, via an axle 136, with the frame 102. The coupling of the first and second wheel 132 and 134 enables their rotation about the axle 136 which allows them to roll over a surface. It is contemplated that the transportation assembly 130 utilize various devices, such as casters, rollers, and the like to provide the transport capability.
The compressor assembly 150 includes an air tank 152 connected with the frame 102. The configuration of the air tank 152 may vary as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art. In the current embodiment, the air tank 152 is of a configuration generally recognized as a “pancake” air tank. The holding capacity of the air tank 152 may also vary significantly. The air tank 152 is capable of holding up to 4 gallons of air, however, greater or lesser amounts may be stored in varying capacity air tanks. Coupled with the air tank 152 is a motor 154 at least partially surrounded by a casing 156. In a preferred embodiment, the motor 154 provides 2 horsepower. The motor 154 may be of various sizes providing different horsepower without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
It is contemplated that the motor 154 and the air tank 152 are coupled with a manifold. The manifold may include a gauge for providing a readout of information regarding the status of the air compressor, such as the current air outlet pressure being provided, tank pressure, and the like. Further, the manifold includes a connector for coupling an air transfer device 160 with the compressor assembly 150. In the current embodiment, the air transfer device 160 is a hose. However, the use of other suitable devices for the transfer of the compressed air may be implemented. The connector may include various fastening devices which enable the connection of the hose with the compressor assembly 150. In a preferred embodiment, a quick connect assembly may be employed to connect with the hose. For example, one end of the hose may include a male quick connect assembly while the connector may include a female quick connect assembly for mating with a corresponding male connector. Alternatively, a threaded connection may be established for the coupling of the hose and the connector.
The handle 110 is connected through a first fastener 112 and second fastener (not shown) and allows the operator to adjust the position of the frame 102 to allow the air compressor 100 to be transported. The first and second fasteners, known as the handlebar bolts, allow the handle 110 to be reversed in its position shown in the current embodiment. In the current embodiment, the transportation occurs in a manner similar to that for a hand dolly and the like.
It is contemplated that the handle 110 includes a grip 111. In a preferred embodiment, the grip 111 is a piece of material connected with the handle 110. The grip 111 may be a section of the handle 110 with which an operator of the air compressor 100 engages with. The grip 111 may be configured in a similar manner as that of the handle 110 providing the handle 110 with a standard configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 through 4. Alternatively, the grip 111 may be constructed to provide various configurations to the section of the handle 110 which defines the grip 111. For example, the grip 111 may be constructed to provide a vertical “joystick” grip. In the alternative, the grip 111 may be a post connected to the handle 110 extending in various directions away from the contouring of the handle 110. It is further contemplated that the grip 111 may be constructed in various shapes, such as various polygonal shapes, a cylindrical shape, oval shape, and the like which provide a point of engagement for the user with the air compressor 100.
The grip 111 may be constructed to connect with the handle 110 in a removable manner. The connection of the grip 111 with the handle 110 may be accomplished utilizing various mechanical connection mechanisms, such as a quick connect mechanism, compression lock mechanism, snap fit mechanism, friction fit mechanism, and the like. The location of the connection of the grip 111 with the handle 110 may be varied. For instance, the grip 111 may be located on a right or left side of the handle 110. Alternatively, the grip 111 may be connected with the frame 102 to provide a separate engagement point for the user with the air compressor 100 other than the handle 110. This may be advantageous, for example, when items are being retrieved from the basket 205 and the user finds it necessary to stabilize the position of the air compressor 100.
Connected to the frame 102 of the air compressor 100 is the accessory carrying assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the accessory carrying assembly is configured as a basket 205. The basket 205 is a wire form basket 205, defining a recessed area 210. The wire form basket 205 allows air to pass freely through the basket and may assist in avoiding the accumulation of unwanted debris/waste within the basket 205. The wire form basket 205 may be formed from a variety of materials, such as various metals, plastics, composite materials, soft case materials, and the like, which provide a recessed area and are of sufficient structural integrity for the carrying of accessories for use with the air compressor 100. Further, the basket 205 may be composed of various combinations of material without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
The configuration of the basket 205 is constructed in relation to the dimensional configuration of the frame 102 and/or handle 110 with which the basket may be connected. In FIG. 1, the basket 205 is shown to be connected between a first vertical support 113 and a second vertical support (not shown) of the frame 102. The width of the basket 205 is defined along a first axis “A” by the spacing of the first and second vertical supports, respectively. Further, due to the connection of the basket 205 with the vertical supports, the basket 205 is generally configured to extend vertically. Thus, the longest dimension of the basket 205 and the defined recessed area is along a second axis “B” of the basket 205. The depth of the basket 205, defined along a horizontal axis “C” of the basket 205, is configured to protrude or extend from the vertical plane while maintaining the structural lines established by the first and second vertical supports.
The maintenance of the structural lines established by the first and second vertical supports may be accomplished through a basket depth dimension which does not substantially protrude from the vertical plane. In effect, the basket 205 provides a sufficient depth for the carrying of accessories, but does not interfere with a perceived verticality of the frame 102 provided by the first and second vertical supports. For example, the basket 205 may be constructed to provide a depth wherein the depth of the basket 205 maintains the visually perceived verticality of the frame 102. In a preferred embodiment, the depth of the basket 205 may range from three to six inches, such depth being visually perceived as not substantially protruding from and thereby interfering with the verticality of the frame 102. It is contemplated that the depth of the basket 205 may vary, providing greater depth than six inches or less depth than three inches without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention while maintaining the perceived verticality of the frame 102 at the location of the first and second vertical supports 113 and 115.
The configuration of the basket 205 may vary to accommodate the shape of the air compressor to which it is connected. The various configurations may allow the basket to have contouring, different polygonal designs, and the like which provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance and maintain the overall shape of the air compressor 100, including the frame 102.
In the current embodiment, the basket 205 is configured in a generally rectangular box shape which extends between and connects with the first and second vertical supports, extends at least partially down the length of a section of the frame 102, and has a depth. It is understood that the length of the basket 205 may vary significantly. This variance allows the basket 205 to be constructed in accordance with the needs of a consumer or manufacturer. Further, the various lengths which may be constructed for the basket 205 allows it to vary in how far the basket 205 extends down the frame 102. The width of the basket 205 may also vary significantly. This variance in the width of the basket 205 provides different basket constructions which protrude out from the frame 102 at various distances without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
The basket 205 of the accessory carrying assembly is enabled to carry various items, such as attachments for the hose, nails, nail guns, hammers, wrenches, and the like which may be utilized with the air compressor 100. Further, as may be seen in FIG. 1, the basket 205 may be used to carry the hose which connects with the compressor assembly 150. It is contemplated that the accessory carrying assembly may further include a hanger assembly for carrying the hose of the air compressor 100. Other than tools, items such as workpieces, folders, books, and the like, may be transported within the basket 205 of the accessory carrying assembly 200.
In an alternative embodiment, the basket 205 may be configured as an enclosure with continuous surfaces joined together to form a closed container. This may be advantageous in its ability to store and carry items which may fall out of the wire form of the basket 205. The closed basket may be formed of varying dimensions such as those described above for the wire form basket. Further, the basket may be configured to include various devices, such as a connector assembly, and the like for increasing the utility and ease of use of the basket.
It is contemplated that the basket 205 and hanger of the accessory carrying assembly may be alternately used with other power devices as well. For example, they may be employed with a generator, portable generator, power washer, other hydraulic pump assemblies, and the like. When used with various alternative devices, the accessory carrying assembly may include additional features than the basket and hanger. For example, disposed on a generator, the accessory carrying assembly may include outlets for providing power connections, fuses, and/or controls which are used to determine the operation of the generator.
It is further contemplated that the basket 205, in either the wire form or closed form, may include a cover connected with the basket 205 by at least one fastener. The cover may completely encompass one side of the basket 205 providing a closed assembly or may partially encompass one side leaving access available without having to move or remove the cover. The cover may be composed of various materials, such as metal, plastic, composite, and the like. Further, the cover may provide a transparent, translucent, and the like, cover enabling an operator of the air compressor 100 to see what is inside the basket 205 without having to move or remove the cover. The cover may be enabled like a door to provide access to the accessories stored within the basket 205. The cover/door may open in various directions, for example if the cover is on a top side of the basket 205 then it may open towards the back of the basket 205 so as to assist in easy access to accessories stored within. If the cover/door is on a long side of the basket 205 then it may open towards one side of the basket 205 to allow access to the accessories stored within.
The basket 205 is connected with the handle 110 through a plurality of mounting members included on the basket 205 connecting with a plurality of fastening points disposed with rubber grommets included within the handle 110. The rubber grommets may assist in reducing the wear between the handle 110 and the basket 205 caused by various factors, such as frictional contact due to vibration. The plurality of mounting members may be formed of metal, plastic, or other rigid material, to securely engage the basket 205 with the handle. The number, location, and configuration of the plurality of mounting members may vary to accommodate the connection of the basket 205 with the handle 110. The plurality of mounting members allow for the handle 110 to be reversibly connected to the frame 102 without diminishing the ability to mount and store the basket 205 on the air compressor 100.
The number, location, and configuration of the plurality of fastening points may vary to accommodate to the mounting members being employed with the air compressor 100. The number, location, and configuration of the plurality of rubber grommets may vary to accommodate the number, location, and configuration of the fastening points. Other fastening assemblies may be employed with the present invention. For example, screws, bolts, clips, pins, compression lock systems, and the like may be employed to fasten the wire form basket with the frame assembly. It is contemplated that the basket may be further coupled with the frame 102 through the first and second handlebar bolts which couple the handle 110 with the frame 102.
Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, an air compressor 300, similar in every respect to that shown and described for FIG. 1, includes an accessory carrying assembly including a basket 405 defining a recessed area 410, and a hanger 450. In the preferred embodiment, the basket 405 is connected with the bars of a handle 310 and may be removed from the handle 310. The handle 310 includes a grip 311, similar to grip 111 previously described. The basket 405 is a wire form basket configured and constructed in relation to the spatial configuration of the frame 302, including the handle 310. In the current embodiment, the handle 310 is connected with the frame 302 through a first fastener 350 and a second fastener 352. The handle 310 is capable of being connected with the frame 302 in a reversible manner. For example, in FIG. 2, the handle 310 is shown angling away from the compressor assembly of the air compressor 300. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the handle 310 is connected with the frame 302 in a reversed position, whereby, the handle 310 is angling towards or over the compressor assembly of the air compressor 300. In the current embodiment, the first and second fasteners are a first handlebar bolt and a second handlebar bolt which allow for the reversible coupling of the handle 310 with the frame 302. It is contemplated that various other fastening assemblies, such as clips, straps, compression lock systems, bolts, screws, and the like, may be utilized to provide the reversible positioning of the handle 310.
The basket 405 defines a recessed area 410 which may encompass varying spatial dimensions due to the basket 405 having one side shorter than another, the width being greater than the length, and the like, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The varying dimensional characteristics of the basket 405 allow the basket 405 to maintain the general structural lines established by the handle 310 connected with the frame 302. In the current embodiment, the handle 310 is established at an angle relative to a first vertical support 313 and a second vertical support 315 of the frame 302. This angular presentation of the handle 310 is accounted for in the configuration of the basket 405 which is constructed with a lower first end 407 and a higher second end 409. The first end 407 and second end 409 are constructed with a generally similar angular displacement as that provided by the handle 310. Due to the angular displacement of the first end 407 relative to the second end 409, the height of the basket 405 is no longer uniform, as it was in FIG. 1. Thus, the configuration of the basket 405 may avoid substantially interfering with the visual perception of the structural lines of the frame 302 and handle 310 by substantially mimicking those structural lines. In a preferred embodiment, it is seen that the width of the basket 405 has been substantially increased, compared with that of FIG. 1, and defines a larger recessed area 410 capable of accommodating a greater number of accessories stored within.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the basket 405 includes a first mounting member 415 and a second mounting member 420 which connect with the handle 310 through a first 320 and second fastening point 322, the first and second fastening point 320 and 322 being further connected with a first rubber grommet 321 and a second rubber grommet 323, respectively. Similar to the mounting configuration described in FIG. 1, the rubber grommets help reduce wear on the handle and the mounting members. Additionally, the basket 405 includes a third mounting member 425 and fourth mounting member 430. The third and fourth mounting members are integral with the wire form basket 405 and provide extensions which engage with the handle 310. The extensions may be disposed with buffers to prevent direct contact of the wire form with the handle 310, thereby helping to reduce wear. Like the grommets, the buffers may be made of rubber, or other semi-rigid material which helps to avoid wear. The first, second, third, and fourth mounting members may all be removed from their coupling with the handle, thus enabling a removable basket 405 of the accessory carrying assembly.
The handle 440 is configured with a first and a second wire form extending and joining above the open recess 410 formed by the basket 405. It is contemplated that the handle 440 may comprise a single wire form extending above the basket 405. Further, the handle 440 may be formed of various materials, such as various metals, woods, plastics, composites, and the like. Additionally, the handle 440 may be formed with a grip assembly coupled with that portion of the handle extended above the basket recess. A user of the present invention, by grasping the handle 440 and lifting may remove the basket 405 of the accessory carrying assembly from the air compressor 300. Thus, the basket 405 of the accessory carrying assembly is a remotely transportable assembly relative to the air compressor 300. This may be advantageous on work sites where the air compressor is unable to be taken to the location the accessories are needed.
The configuration of the basket 405 including the handle 440 is advantageously constructed to promote the ease of use of the accessory carrying assembly, wherein, the connection and removal of the basket 405 with the frame 302 is more easily accomplished. The mounting members and extensions provide an increased ease of use by making the connection of the basket 405 with the handle 310 of the frame 302 simpler. The mounting members and extensions do not require the use of additional fasteners or mechanical connectors in order to securely seat the basket upon the handle 310. In addition, the fastening points including the rubber grommets further promote this ease of use by promoting the ease with which the mounting members may be inserted and removed.
The configuration of the basket 405 further promotes the stability of the connection between the basket 405 and the handle 310 of the frame 302. The basket 405, having dimensions which enable it to fit between the bars of the handle 310, utilizes the handle 310 as a support mechanism when connected together. Thus, the basket 405 is provided lateral support not only by the mounting members connection with the fastening points but by the configuration of the bars of the handle 310 as well.
The hanger assembly 450 is a wire form assembly having a first hanger 455 and a second hanger 460 integrally connected and used to store items, such as the hose used with the air compressor. The first and second hangers may be identical in configuration and mounted adjacently on the frame assembly in a one hundred eighty degree orientation relative to one another. It is understood that the first and second hangers may be configured differently from one another while maintaining the ability to perform the function of the hanger assembly.
The first and second hangers are coupled with the frame 302 through the first fastener 350 and second fastener 352. It is contemplated that the first and second hangers may be connected with the frame 302 using other fastening assemblies, such as clips, straps, compression lock systems, bolts, screws, and the like, which are not a part of the first and second fastener assembly of the air compressor.
The hanger assembly 450, similar to the basket 405, is formed of wire formed first and second hangers. The hangers are generally “U” shaped and are connected on the bottom by cross supports to provide structural integrity. In operation, a hose or other item may be wrapped around the bottom of the “U” and within the arms of the “U”. It is contemplated that other forms and configurations may be employed for the hangers, such as a single “T” bar form which may connect with one or both sides of the frame assembly. It is further contemplated that the hanger assembly 450 may be operationally coupled with various other assemblies, such as generators, other hydraulic pumps, and the like.
The hanger assembly 450 may be formed to include various other devices and capabilities. For example, the hanger assembly 450 may be coupled with a generator including outlets, fuses, and selectors which determine operation of the generator. Further, the hanger assembly 450 may provide a recessed area for storing accessories within.
It is believed that the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the forgoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely an explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.

Claims

1. An air compressor, comprising:

a handle connected to a first vertical support and a second vertical support of a frame, the handle being angularly displaced from a vertical plane of the first and second vertical supports;

a basket connected to the handle, the basket defining a recessed area and providing an angular alignment between the handle and the basket; and

a compressor assembly connected to the frame and a compressed air tank, the compressor assembly for supplying compressed air.

2. The air compressor of claim 1, wherein the basket is removable in its connection with the handle.

3. The air compressor of claim ,1 wherein the handle is reversible in it position relative to the frame.

4. The air compressor of claim 1, wherein the handle includes a grip.

5. The air compressor of claim 1, further comprising a transportation assembly connected with the frame.

6. The air compressor of claim 5, wherein the transportation assembly includes a first wheel and a second wheel connected by an axle.

7. The air compressor of claim 1, wherein the handle is integral with the frame.