CN1993549B - Portable Air Compressor Unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a hand held air compressor assembly having an extensible handle bar assembly and a wheel assembly. When the extensible handle bar assembly is fully extended, the suitcase style air compressor assembly may be transported by utilizing the extensible handle bar assembly and the wheel assembly. When the portable air compressor assembly reaches a worksite, the extensible handle bar assembly may be retracted so that the portable air compressor assembly does not occupy a significant amount of space.

Description

Portable Air Compressor Unit

technical field

The present invention generally relates to the field of air compressors, in particular to a suitcase air compressor device.

Pursuant to all applicable provisions of Title 35, United States Code, including, but not limited to, sections 119, 120, 363, 365(c), this application claims U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 filed June 1, 2004 /575907 and priority of US Application No. 11/123417, filed May 6, 2005. Both of the aforementioned patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Background technique

Air compressor units are used to provide compressed air for operating pneumatic tools such as nailing tools, socket driving tools, material forming tools, sanding tools, painting tools, air-filled chucks, and the like.

For portable applications, air compressor units have traditionally been designed like a cart with a hand lever assembly and a wheel assembly. An operator typically transports a conventional hand-held air compressor unit by pushing or pulling on a handle bar assembly so that the air compressor unit can be moved forward on a wheel assembly. However, conventional portable air compressor devices are bulky and take up a lot of space because the handlebar assembly is usually very long. This leads to operational difficulties. For example, an air compressor unit is required on the job site. A conventional portable air compressor unit is then transported to the job site on a wheel assembly. However, because the hand bar assembly was too long, it was later discovered that there was not enough room on the job site to accommodate the air compressor unit. Therefore, the operator cannot operate the air compressor unit on the job site. This often results in greater hindrance for the operator.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide an air compressor unit that is easy to transport yet is still quite compact with a one-hand lever assembly and wheel assembly so that the air compressor unit does not take up a lot of space.

Contents of the invention

Accordingly, the present invention seeks to provide a portable air compressor assembly having a retractable handle assembly and wheel assembly. When the extensible handle bar assembly is extended, the portable air compressor unit can be transported by utilizing the extensible handle bar assembly (extensible handle bar assembly) and the wheel assembly. When the portable air compressor device arrives at a construction site, the telescoping handle assembly can be retracted, so that the portable air compressor device is more compact and does not require a lot of space to operate.

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 this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Description of drawings

Those skilled in the art may better understand the numerous advantages of the present invention by referring to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an air compressor apparatus having a telescoping handle bar assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of the air compressor device shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an end view of the air compressor assembly shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an isometric view of the air compressor unit shown in Figure 1 with the manifold assembly removed from the roller holder of the air compressor unit and the retractable handle bar assembly partially extended;

Figure 5 is an isometric view of the air compressor assembly shown in Figure 1 showing an exemplary embodiment of the fully extended telescoping handle bar assembly;

Figure 6 is a bottom view of the air compressor assembly shown in Figure 1, showing another exemplary embodiment of the retractable handle bar assembly;

7 is a bottom view of an air compressor device with a retractable handle bar assembly according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

8 is a bottom view of an air compressor assembly with a retractable handle bar assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an air compressor assembly with a retractable handle bar assembly according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 is another isometric view of the air compressor assembly shown in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a side view of the air compressor device shown in Figure 9;

12 is an isometric view of an air compressor assembly having a retractable handle bar assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

13 is an isometric view of an air compressor assembly with a retractable handle bar assembly according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings.

Referring to Figures 1 and 6, there is shown an air compressor assembly 100 having a retractable handle bar assembly 114 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The air compressor device 100 includes: an air tank 106 for storing compressed air; an air compressor 108 for supplying compressed air to the gas tank 106; 100 to control and distribute compressed air supplied to one or more air tools.

The air compressor unit 100 is provided with a roller retainer assembly 102 comprising a roller retainer 103 which substantially encloses an air tank 106 and an air compressor 108 to protect these components from damage due to contact with foreign objects. damage caused. The gas tank 106 may be fixed (eg, welded or the like) to the drum holder 103 .

The roller cage assembly 102 may include a support member 120 secured to the roller cage 103 . In one embodiment, the support element 120 is welded to the roller cage 103 . Optionally, the support member 120 is fixed to the roller cage 103 by some fasteners such as screws, bolts and the like. The support element 120 may have channels 122 defined therein. In one embodiment, a support member 120 is positioned beneath the air tank 106 to help support the weight of the air tank 106 . Optionally, a support member 120 is positioned beneath the air compressor 108 to help support the weight of the air compressor 108 .

A cover member 130 may be provided on top of the roller holder 103 to protect the air compressor 108 from contact with foreign objects. A handle assembly 160 may be secured to the roller holder 103 for lifting the air compressor unit 100 . For example, handle assembly 160 may be welded to roller cage 103 . The handle assembly 160 may include a handle 170 for easy handling.

The air compressor unit 100 may have a wheel assembly 110 mounted to the roller cage assembly 102 so that the air compressor unit 100 may be transported on the wheels. Upholstered elements 116 may be secured to the roller holder 103 so that they are supported together with the wheel assembly 110 when the air compressor unit 100 is stopped, such as when placed on the ground (see FIGS. 2 and 3 ). Depending on the weight of the air compressor unit 100. A cord drop assembly 112 may be secured to the drum cage 103 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 , the manifold assembly 104 may include a pneumatic manifold (not shown) and at least one pressure regulating assembly 150 coupled to the support frame 140 . The outlets 134, 138 located within the pneumatic manifold are fitted with suitable connections or connectors 132, 136 which extend through holes in the frame 140 to allow connection and detachment of air hoses to enable connection to one or more A pneumatic tool provides compressed air. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connectors 132, 136 may consist of quick connect connector bodies to allow the air hose to be connected and removed without the use of tools. Optionally, one or more of the outlets 134, 138 may be provided with a quick connect connector plug or bolt allowing connection of an air hose equipped with a quick connect connector body, threaded connector (external thread or internal thread), or similar elements that can be imagined by those of ordinary skill in the art.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the manifold assembly 104 may be secured to the roller cage 103 by fasteners 118 such as screws, bolts, and the like. Alternatively, the manifold assembly 104 can be removed from the drum holder 103 and connected to it by a single air hose 142, so that the manifold assembly 104 can be used at a remote location from the air compressor unit 100, As shown in Figure 4.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of the telescopic handle bar assembly 114 shown in Figures 1-4 in accordance with the present invention. The retractable handle bar assembly 114 may include a substantially U-shaped handle bar 178 and a handle 172 connected to the handle bar 178 for easy grasping. Handle bar 178 may be made of metal, plastic or similar material. A telescoping handle bar assembly 114 is mounted to the roller cage assembly 102 and is capable of telescopic movement. For example, the telescoping handle bar assembly 114 can be mounted to the roller cage assembly 102 by inserting the legs of the hand bar 178 into the channels 122 of the support member 120, and the telescoping handle bar assembly 114 is capable of telescopic movement (i.e. , the hand lever 178 can move along the longitudinal direction of the channel 122).

The handle bar 178 may have some stops at the ends of the legs to prevent the retractable handle bar assembly 114 from being pulled out of the channel 122 . As such, the retractable handle assembly 114 cooperates with the wheel assembly 110 when fully extended to transport the portable air compressor unit 100 . In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 , after the handle bar 178 is inserted into the channel 122 , stops may be secured to the ends 174 , 176 of the handle bar 178 such that the ends 174 , 176 wider than the channel 122, so that the telescopic handle bar assembly 114 can be prevented from being pulled out from the channel 122. In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the retractable handle bar assembly 114 may include pins 184, 186 that extend from the outside of the leg ends of the handle bar 178 when the pins 184, 186 are not squeezed. The surface protrudes so as to prevent the retractable handle bar assembly 114 from being pulled out of the channel 122. Pins 184, 186 may be made of metal, plastic or similar material. When the pins 184 , 186 are squeezed, they are pushed into the handle bar 178 so that the handle bar 178 can be inserted into the channel 122 . It should be understood that the stops at the ends of the legs may have other embodiments that may occur to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the telescopic handle assembly 114 is capable of telescopic movement. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the retractable handle bar assembly 114 may be retracted or extended along line 124 . When the retractable handle bar assembly 114 is fully retracted (see, for example, FIG. 1 ), the air compressor unit 100 takes up very little space and the air compressor assembly 100 can be lifted by holding the handle assembly 160 and/or the roller cage assembly 102. Device device 100. When the retractable handle assembly 114 is fully extended (see, eg, FIG. 5 ), the extendable handle assembly 114 can cooperate with the wheel assembly 110 to facilitate transport of the air compressor unit 100 . When the air compressor device 100 arrives at its destination, the retractable handle bar assembly 114 can rest on a tripod (see, for example, FIG. Upholstered element 116 is shown resting on the ground.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an air compressor assembly 200 with a retractable handle bar assembly 114 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The air compressor device 200 may have a similar structure to the air compressor device 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 . However, the roller cage assembly 102 shown in FIG. 7 does not include the support member 120 shown in FIGS. 1-6. Alternatively, the roller cage assembly 102 includes brackets 190 secured to the roller cage 103 . Bracket 190 may be made of metal, plastic or similar material. The legs of the handlebar 178 may be inserted into the bracket 190 for telescopic movement (ie, the handlebar 178 may move longitudinally along the legs of the handlebar 178).

8 is a bottom view of an air compressor assembly with a retractable handle bar assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The air compressor device 300 may have a similar structure to the air compressor device 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 . However, the roller cage assembly 102 shown in FIG. 8 does not include the support member 120 shown in FIGS. 1-6. Alternatively, the roller cage assembly 102 includes hollow tubes or cylindrical through-tubes 192 secured to the roller cage 103 . Hollow tube 192 may be made of metal, plastic or similar material. The legs of handle bar 178 may be inserted into tube 192 for telescoping movement (ie, hand bar 178 may move longitudinally along tube 192). It should be understood that a non-cylindrical tube may be used in place of hollow tube 192 without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

It should be understood that the retractable handle bar assembly 114 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 includes some stops located at the handle bar 178 that would occur to those of ordinary skill in the art to prevent the hand bar 178 from being released from the roller holder. Component 102 is completely pulled out.

9 to 11, there is shown a portable air compressor device 900 having a retractable handle bar assembly 920 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The portable air compressor device 900 includes: a shield 902 covering an air storage tank (not shown) storing compressed air; a supply of compressed air; and a manifold assembly (not shown) for controlling and distributing the compressed air supplied from the air compressor assembly 900 to one or more air tools. A shroud 902 made of plastic, metal or similar material includes a handle 904 for an operator to lift the portable air compressor unit 900 , and a control panel 906 for controlling the portable air compressor unit 900 . The control panel 906 may include an on/off switch 908 , a pressure regulator 910 , a pressure gauge 912 and a pressure relief valve 914 . It should be understood, however, that other controls may be provided by the preference control panel 906 depending on the design. Preferably, the shroud 902 may also include a storage compartment 931 (see FIG. 10 ) for storing air compressor accessories such as fittings, nozzles, and the like, and/or for storing tools such as wrenches or the like. The air compressor device 900 includes an air outlet 916 connected to an air hose 918 through which the air compressor device 900 can supply compressed air to the pneumatic tool.

Although the traditional portable air compressor device can be carried by hand, it is still very bulky. In addition, it is not convenient for long-distance handling. To address these issues, the air compressor unit 900 includes a retractable handle bar assembly 920 to help the operator transport the air compressor unit 900 conveniently. Telescopic handle bar assembly 920 includes a substantially U-shaped handle bar 924 and is capable of telescopic movement along direction 922 (see FIG. 9 ). Preferably, the direction 922 is at least substantially perpendicular to the ground when the air compressor unit 900 is placed on the ground. In this way, the operator does not need to bend his/her body toward the ground when using the telescopic handle bar assembly 920, thereby making the telescopic handle bar assembly 920 easy to grasp. The telescoping handle bar assembly 920 may be mounted to the shroud 902 via a first support member 926 and a second support member 928 . A first support element 926 may be secured to the middle of the back of the shield 902 and a second support element 928 may be secured to the bottom of the back of the shield 902 . The first support member 926 has channels defined therein through which the telescoping handle bar assembly 920 is capable of telescopic movement. The first support member 926 and the second support member 928 provide support for the telescopic handle bar assembly 920 . The wheel assembly 930 is rotatably mounted to the second support member 928 . Wheel assembly 930 preferably includes two wheels. However, a single wheel or more than two wheels may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

The air compressor unit 900 can be easily transported by utilizing the retractable handle assembly 920 and the wheel assembly 930 when the extendable handle assembly 920 is fully extended (see FIG. 11 ). When the retractable handle bar assembly 920 is fully retracted (when the handle bar 924 is moved along direction 932 to a point 934, see FIG. 11), the air compressor assembly 900 is more compact and does not require a lot of space to operate.

Figure 12 illustrates an air compressor assembly 1200 having a retractable handle bar assembly 1220 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the portable air compressor device 1200 includes: a shield 1202 covering an air storage tank (not shown) storing compressed air; an air compressor (not shown) for Compressed air is supplied to the air tank; a manifold assembly (not shown) for controlling and distributing the compressed air supplied from the air compressor unit 1200 to one or more air tools. The shroud 1202, preferably made of plastic, may include a carrying handle 1204 for an operator to lift the portable air compressor unit 1200, and a control panel 1206 for controlling the portable air compressor unit 1200. The control panel 1206 may include a pressure regulator 1210 , a pressure gauge 1212 and a pressure relief valve 1214 . It should be understood, however, that other controls may be provided by the preference control panel 1206 depending on the design. The shroud 1202 may include an on/off switch 1208 for turning on/off the air compressor device 1200 . The air compressor device 1200 includes an air outlet 1216 through which the air compressor device 1200 can supply compressed air to the air tool. The air compressor unit 1200 includes a retractable handle bar assembly 1220 for assisting an operator in transporting the air compressor unit 1200 conveniently. The telescopic handle bar assembly 1220 is mounted directly to the shield 1202 or by other means as will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Telescopic handle bar assembly 1220 includes a substantially U-shaped handle bar 1224 and is capable of telescopic movement. When the telescoping handle assembly 1220 is fully extended (see FIG. 12 ), the air compressor unit 1200 can be conveniently provided by utilizing the telescoping handle assembly 1220 and the wheel assembly (not shown) mounted on the shroud 1202. to transport. When the retractable handle bar assembly 1220 is fully retracted (not shown), the air compressor device 1200 is more compact and does not require a lot of space to operate.

FIG. 13 illustrates an air compressor assembly 1300 having a retractable handle bar assembly 1320 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the portable air compressor device 1300 includes: a shield 1302 covering an air storage tank (not shown) storing compressed air; an air compressor (not shown) for supplying compressed air to an air tank; and a manifold assembly (not shown) for controlling and distributing compressed air supplied from the air compressor unit 1300 to one or more air tools. The shroud 1302, preferably made of plastic, may include a carrying handle 1304 for an operator to lift the portable air compressor unit 1300, and a control panel 1306 for controlling the portable air compressor unit 1300. The control panel 1306 may include an on/off switch 1308 , a pressure regulator 1310 , a pressure gauge 1312 and a pressure relief valve 1314 . It should be understood, however, that other controls may be provided by the control panel 1306 according to design preferences. The air compressor device 1300 includes an air outlet 1316 through which the air compressor device 1300 can supply compressed air to the air tool. The air compressor unit 1300 includes a retractable handle bar assembly 1320 for assisting an operator in transporting the air compressor unit 1300 conveniently. The telescoping handlebar assembly 1320 is mounted directly to the shield 1302 or by other means as will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Telescopic handle bar assembly 1320 includes a substantially U-shaped handle bar 1324 and is capable of telescopic movement. When the retractable handle bar assembly 1320 is fully retracted (see FIG. 13), the air compressor device 1300 is more compact and does not require a lot of space to operate. When the telescoping handle assembly 1320 is fully extended along the direction 1322, the air compressor device 1300 can be conveniently provided by utilizing the telescoping handle assembly 1320 and the wheel assembly (not shown) mounted on the shield 1302. transport.

It should be appreciated that although the handle bars shown in Figures 1 to 13 are generally U-shaped, any other shape of handle bars may be substituted without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, in alternative embodiments, a substantially L-shaped or T-shaped single-legged handlebar may be used instead of a substantially U-shaped double-legged handlebar.

The portable air compressor device according to the present invention has the following advantages. First, the air compressor unit can be easily transported by utilizing the retractable handle assembly and wheel assembly when the extendable handle assembly is fully extended. Second, the air compressor can also be lifted by grabbing the handle and/or the roller cage assembly. Furthermore, after reaching the job site, the telescoping handle bar assembly can be fully retracted so that the air compressor unit does not require a lot of space to operate. Additionally, the retractable handle bar feature of the present invention provides protection for the handle bar when on the job site or in storage. When the air compressor is on the jobsite, the non-retractable handle bar cannot be removed and is vulnerable to falling or passing objects. However, the retractable handle bar of the present invention can be retracted and is less susceptible to damage.

It is believed that the portable air compressor device of the present invention and its many advantages can be understood through the foregoing description. Obviously, various modifications can be made to the form, structure and arrangement of some parts of the portable air compressor device of the present invention. without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages. Here, the forms described above are merely exemplary embodiments thereof, and the appended claims are intended to cover and embrace such modifications.

Claims (11)

1. air compressor assembly comprises:

The gas holder that is used for storing compressed air;

Be used for supplying with compressed-air actuated air compressor to gas holder;

Be used to cover the guard shield of gas holder and air compressor;

Be installed to first supporting member and second supporting member on the guard shield;

Be installed to the wheel assembly on second supporting member; With

Be installed to the extensible handle assembly on the guard shield through first supporting member and second supporting member,

Wherein, the extensible handle assembly is cooperated with wheel assembly mutually, is used to transport air compressor assembly;

Said guard shield comprises: handle is used to make operator to mention said air compressor assembly; And control panel, be used to control said air compressor assembly.

2. air compressor assembly according to claim 1, wherein, said extensible handle assembly comprises hand lever.

3. air compressor assembly according to claim 2, wherein, said hand lever takes the shape of the letter U basically.

4. air compressor assembly according to claim 2, wherein, said hand lever is L-shaped basically or T-shaped basically.

5. air compressor assembly according to claim 1, wherein, said first supporting member has the passage that is limited to wherein, and the extensible handle assembly can carry out telescopic moving through passage.

6. air compressor assembly according to claim 1, wherein, said guard shield is processed by plastics or metal.

7. air compressor assembly according to claim 1, wherein, said guard shield comprises the holding compartment that is used for the stored air compressor accessories.

8. air compressor assembly according to claim 1, wherein, said first supporting member is installed to the centre at the guard shield back side, and second supporting member is installed to the bottom at the guard shield back side.

9. air compressor assembly comprises:

The gas holder that is used for storing compressed air;

Be used for supplying with compressed-air actuated air compressor to gas holder;

Be used to cover the guard shield of gas holder and air compressor;

Be installed to first supporting member and second supporting member on the guard shield, first supporting member has the passage that is limited to wherein;

Be installed to the wheel assembly on second supporting member; With

Be installed to the extensible handle assembly on the guard shield through first supporting member and second supporting member, the extensible handle assembly comprises the hand lever that takes the shape of the letter U basically and can carry out telescopic moving through passage,

Wherein, the extensible handle assembly is cooperated with wheel assembly mutually, is used to transport air compressor assembly;

Said guard shield comprises: handle is used to make operator to mention said air compressor assembly; And control panel, be used to control said air compressor assembly.

10. air compressor assembly according to claim 9, wherein, said first supporting member is installed to the centre at the guard shield back side, and second supporting member is installed to the bottom at the guard shield back side.

11. air compressor assembly according to claim 9, wherein, said guard shield comprises the holding compartment that is used for the stored air compressor accessories.

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