Portable hybrid gas compressor

The present invention relates to the field of gas compression and distribution, and more specifically to the field of portable, hybrid gas compression and distribution systems.

Pneumatic tools require a source of pressurized gas; such tools include spray guns, air sanders, air wrenches, air hammers, disc grinders, brad nailers, chisels, hammers, drills, sanders, framing nailers, grease guns, hydraulic riveters, impact wrenches, die grinders, needle scalers, nibblers, ratchets, shears, speed saws, and many other tool varieties. Although tools relying on a pressurized source are not as widely used as tools relying on more conventional sources of power, e.g. gas, electric, and the like; gas-compressed tools are more powerful than traditional electric power tools and offer many advantages. Pneumatic tools allow more torque and RPM than electric tools, and as the individual tools do not generally include an electric motor, they tend to be lighter and therefore more easily managed. Pneumatic tools also tend to be less expensive, more versatile, and more rugged.

Although utilizing compressed gas is often associated with larger varieties of pneumatic equipment connected to fixed, gas compressors; more mobile versions of gas compressors are arriving in the market to power portable hand tools. Two prominent varieties of gas compressors exist currently: electrical gas compressors, and gasoline-powered gas compressors. Gasoline-powered gas compressors are more popular due to their greater power, reliability, and mobility. The chief limits to the gasoline-powered gas compressor are their fume exhaustion tendencies and noise generation. One can only use a traditional, portable electric gas compressor proximate to an electrical outlet. Use of an electric gas compressor, however, allows a user to operate the compressor in confined spaces where gas fumes would generally be unacceptable.

There is a need for a pressured gas supply device: capable of operating under multiple sources of power; capable of recharging a supply of gas either internally or externally; capable of offering multiple varieties of gas for distribution; that is relatively light; that is relatively balanced; capable of recharging its power supply; and capable of offering multiple sources of power to a tool.

The present invention is a portable, hybrid gas compressor. The hybrid characteristics of the present invention stem from the compressor\'s ability to offer a user: in one embodiment, multiple sources of power; in another embodiment, multiple varieties of compressed gas for distribution; and in yet another embodiment, the option to recharge the gas supply of the compressor internally.

The compressor includes a rigid body to protect the internal components. The body forms an air inlet that feeds air from the atmosphere to a pump within the body. A power source transmits energy to the pump, which is capable of propelling air to a gas reservoir at least partially housed within the body. The gas reservoir accepts and stores the pressurized gas derived from one of two sources: the pump, or through an external gas channel of the gas reservoir. It is preferred that the body shelters a substantial portion of the gas reservoir within the body. Some embodiments may include a gas reservoir entirely housed within the body, other embodiments may include a gas reservoir partially housed within the body, and still other embodiments may include a gas reservoir that is removable from the body. It is preferred that the gas reservoir be divided into two portions positioned at opposite ends of the body interior.

A hybrid valve occupies a position in the airflow from the pump that either allows air from the pump access to the gas reservoir, or seals the gas reservoir from the pump. A compressed gas outlet allows compressed gas from the gas reservoir access to a pneumatic tool. It is preferred that the means for channeling the various flows of gases/air within the present invention include a plenum with an inner air chamber, gas chamber, and release chamber. To this preferred plenum, the gas reservoir is connected to the gas chamber and the pump is connected to the air chamber; and the hybrid valve occupies one of multiple positions that either permit or deny gas from the air chamber into the gas chamber, or evacuate any gas within the gas reservoir through a bleeder valve connected to the release chamber. Affixed to the body is a means for transporting the compressor that may include, for example, an embedded handle, straps, a retractable handle, wheels, and combinations thereof. A preferred handle includes a handle body on the compressor body that includes a curvature that protects the sensitive, exposed gas release equipment, e.g. regulator, gauge, etc.

The body of the compressor includes a gas exhaust to expel gas from within the body into the atmosphere. This expelled gas can include the gas used in connection with the compressor, or the simply the heated air within the body. A preferred gas exhaust directs the expelled gas in a downward direction, such that in embodiments of the gas compressor utilizing shoulder straps, the exhausted air is directed away from the head of a user.

The power source of the present invention operates the pump. The preferred power source includes a battery. The battery may be coupled to a charger/transformer. Other power sources amenable to the present invention include an internal combustion engine coupled to a gas tank within the body; of fuel cells; solar; and combinations thereof.

Thermal insulating material may used within the body to assist in regulating internal temperatures. Noise dampening material may be affixed within the body, particularly along the interior surface of the body and upon the exterior of any motor within the body. Vibration dampening materials may be affixed within the body, particularly along the interior surface of the body and upon the exterior of any motor within the body.

Therefore, it is an aspect of the present invention to present a highly mobile gas compressor.

It is a further aspect of the present invention to present a gas compressor capable of using multiple types of gas.

It is a still further aspect of the present invention to present a gas compressor capable of using multiple sources of power.

It is a still further aspect of the present invention to present a gas compressor capable of sustained operation for substantial periods of time distant from a ready supply of compressed gas and a power outlet or source.

It is a still further aspect of the present invention to present a portable gas compressor capable of ergonomic back attachment.

It is a still further aspect of the present invention to present a portable gas compressor capable of balanced back attachment.

It is a still further aspect of the present invention to present a substantially safe gas compressor.

It is a still further aspect of the present invention to present a gas compressor possessing an air exhaust scheme amenable to back attachment.

It is a still further aspect of the present invention to increase the efficiency of pneumatic operations.

It is a still further aspect of the present invention to present a gas compressor capable of utilizing an interchangeable gas reservoir.