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Mobile pneumatic compressor

Mobile pneumatic compressor description/claims

Embodiments of the present invention relate to pneumatic compressors. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to mobile pneumatic compressors that are capable of being borne by a user.

Portable pneumatic tools such as pneumatic tools each require a source of compressed air. Currently, almost all portable pneumatic tools rely upon external air compressors to deliver compressed air via a flexible compressed air hose. External air compressors are typically either shop models or so-called portable models.

Shop air compressors are large, heavy compressors that are often fixed in place and not designed to be frequently moved from one work site to another. An immovable shop air compressor and compressed air hose of finite length limit the ability to take the portable pneumatic tool to where the work is to be performed. The portable pneumatic tool is, in effect, tethered to the fixed shop air compressor and its portability is thereby reduced.

Known portable air compressors do have the ability to be transported from one work site to another. Still, many remain relatively immobile, being heavy or bulky and awkward to transport—requiring time and manpower to move between worksites. Once known portable air compressors are moved to the worksite, their relative lack of mobility means that they face many of the same limitations of shop air compressors, requiring long hoses to bring the compressed air from the compressor to the tool. Additionally, some areas of a worksite, such as upper floors, roofs, scaffolding, etc. may be inaccessible to portable compressors because of their weight, size and lack of real portability. When the portable air compressor cannot be easily moved around the worksite, the portability of the pneumatic tool tethered to the compressor is in turn limited.

The lightest and most portable of the portable air compressors are powered by an electric motor. However, many electric powered models then require access to an external electrical power source, which is an additional limitation to the portable compressor's portability. An example of such a prior art portable air compressor is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,066 for a High Pressure Portable Air Compressor, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The utility of a hand-held pneumatic fastening tool, one type of portable pneumatic tool, is particularly affected by its dependence upon relatively immobile air compressor. Hand-held pneumatic fastening tools are designed to be quickly carried by hand to where a fastener is to be driven into a workpiece. As explained above, an immobile external air compressor connected to the tool complicates moving the hand-held pneumatic fastening tool around the work site. Setup time can also be a problem, especially when only a few fasteners are to be driven. The time required to move, setup and connect an immobile air compressor to the hand-held pneumatic fastening tool is proportionately high compared to the actual working time of the tool. In some cases, it may take longer to move and setup the external air compressor than to drive the fastener by hand. In such cases, a user will naturally resort to manually driving the fastener with a hammer.

Relatively light-weight, portable inflators are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,762 discloses a battery powered inflator. Such inflators do not have control systems or air reservoirs suitable for use in powering pneumatic tools.

An embodiment of a mobile pneumatic compressor comprises: a compressor, an electric motor operatively connected with the compressor for driving the compressor, a compressor housing at least partially enclosing the compressor and electric motor, a battery selectively powering the electric motor, a port in fluid communication with the compressor, a compressed air line removably connected to the port for connecting the compressor with a pneumatic tool, a carrier attached to the compressor and comprising a storage compartment, and a support mechanism passively connecting the compressor with a user's body.

In further embodiments, the carrier may have one or more storage compartments formed from a non-rigid material such as leather, canvas, or nylon fabric. Additionally, a shoulder strap or belt may be used by the user to bear the compressor assembly, and the rechargeable battery may be a standardized battery that can be used in conjunction with the compressor assembly and with other electric power tools.

In another embodiment, a pneumatic compressor assembly for use with a portable, battery powered air compressor comprises: a compressor, an electric motor operatively connected with the compressor for driving the compressor, and a compressor housing at least partially enclosing the compressor and electric motor, a battery selectively powering the electric motor, a port in fluid communication with the compressor, a compressed air line removably connected to the port for connecting the compressor with a pneumatic tool, and a frame at least partially surrounding the compressor housing, wherein the frame comprises a sealed portion providing a compressed gas reserve.

In further embodiments, the pneumatic compressor may comprise a support mechanism passively connecting the compressor with a user's body. Additionally, the frame may be formed from a tubular member, and the tubular member may be sealed to form the gas reserve.

In another embodiment, a mobile pneumatic compressor comprises: a compressor, an electric motor operatively connected with the compressor for driving the compressor, a compressor housing at least partially enclosing the compressor and electric motor, a battery selectively powering the electric motor, a port in fluid communication with the compressor, a compressed air line removably connected to the port for connecting the compressor with a pneumatic tool, a frame at least partially surrounding the compressor housing, and a support mechanism passively connecting the compressor with a user's body.

In further embodiments, the frame may comprise a reservoir portion providing a compressed gas reserve, and the support mechanism may comprise a shoulder strap or a belt. Additionally, the pneumatic compressor may comprise a carrier attached to the compressor, and the frame may comprise a handle for lifting the compressor.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a mobile compressor borne by the user.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a compressor assembly adapted to be borne by the user where the compressor assembly includes protective elements.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a compressor assembly adapted to be borne by the user where the compressor assembly includes a frame.

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

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