Portable air pump and inflator system with vibration damping base

Abstract

Systems and methods disclosed herein include a portable air pump and inflator system including an electric air compressor, a compressor housing surrounding the electric air compressor, an air hose attached or attachable to an air outlet of the electric air compressor, and a housing base attached to the compressor housing. The housing base includes a rigid base portion attached to the compressor housing and a plurality of flexible foot extensions extending from the rigid base portion. The flexible foot extension is configured to support the portable air pump and inflator system on a surface and attenuate vibrations caused by operation of the electric air compressor.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 593,678, filed October 27, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to portable air pumps (e.g., air compressors), and more specifically to vibration damping bases for attenuating the vibrations of portable air pumps. Background Technology

[0004] Vehicles such as cars, trucks, and buses need air pumps to provide compressed air, for example, to inflate vehicle tires. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The systems and methods disclosed herein include a portable air pump and inflator system comprising an electric air compressor, a compressor housing surrounding the electric air compressor, an air hose attached to or potentially attachable to an outlet of the electric air compressor, and a housing base attached to the compressor housing. The housing base includes a rigid base portion attached to the compressor housing and a plurality of flexible foot extensions extending from the rigid base portion. The flexible foot extensions are configured to support the portable air pump and inflator system on a surface and to dampen vibrations caused by the operation of the electric air compressor.

[0006] As another example, the housing base for a portable air pump and inflator system includes a rigid base portion attached to or attachable to a compressor housing. A plurality of flexible foot extensions extend from the rigid base portion and are configured to support the portable air pump and inflator system on a surface. The flexible foot extensions define grooves into which the air hoses of the portable air pump and inflator system can be inserted. The flexible foot extensions dampen vibrations caused by the operation of the portable air pump and inflator system. Attached Figure Description

[0007] A better understanding will be gained by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For illustrative purposes, certain embodiments of this disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and tools shown. The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrating embodiments of systems and apparatus conforming to the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention.

[0008] Figure 1 A perspective view of a portable air pump and inflator system according to some embodiments is shown.

[0009] Figure 2A front view of a portable air pump and inflator system according to some embodiments is shown.

[0010] Figure 3 A rear view of a portable air pump and inflator system according to some embodiments is shown.

[0011] Figure 4 A left view of a portable air pump and inflator system according to some embodiments is shown.

[0012] Figure 5A A right view of a portable air pump and inflator system according to some embodiments is shown.

[0013] Figure 5B A right view of a portable air pump and inflator system connected to an air hose and a power cord, according to some embodiments, is shown.

[0014] Figure 6 A top view of a portable air pump and inflator system according to some embodiments is shown.

[0015] Figure 7 A bottom view of a portable air pump and inflator system according to some embodiments is shown.

[0016] Figure 8 A perspective view of a portable air pump and inflator system, according to some embodiments, shows an air hose wound around a base portion.

[0017] Figure 9 A perspective view of a housing base for a portable air pump and inflator system is shown according to some embodiments.

[0018] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a housing base for a portable air pump and inflator system is shown according to some embodiments.

[0019] Figure 11 A portable air pump and inflator system with a housing base is shown according to some embodiments.

[0020] Figure 12 A bottom view of a housing base for a portable air pump and inflator system is shown according to some embodiments.

[0021] Figure 13A A cross-sectional view of a pressure relief system for a portable air pump and inflator system according to some embodiments is shown.

[0022] Figure 13B A cross-sectional view of a piston with a pressure relief passage according to some embodiments is shown.

[0023] Figure 13CAnother view showing a cross-sectional view of a piston with a pressure relief passage according to some embodiments is shown.

[0024] Figure 14A A perspective view of a display for a portable air pump and inflator system according to some embodiments is shown.

[0025] Figure 14B An exploded view of a display for a portable air pump and inflator system according to some embodiments is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following detailed embodiments are provided to help the reader fully understand the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. Therefore, those skilled in the art will conceive of various changes, modifications, and equivalents to the systems, apparatus, and / or methods described herein. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted.

[0027] It should be understood that the phrases and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. For example, the use of singular terms (e.g., "a") is not intended to limit the number of items. Furthermore, the use of relational terms (e.g., but not limited to "top," "bottom," "left side," "right side," "upper part," "lower part," "downward," "upward," "side") in the specification for clarity is not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the appended claims. Moreover, it should be understood that any feature may be used alone or in combination with other features. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent or become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this specification, fall within the scope of the invention, and are protected by the appended claims.

[0028] Portable air pumps and inflator systems can be used to inflate inflatable objects such as tires, sports balls, and rafts. Some portable air pumps and inflator systems include an air compressor that generates vibration during operation. This vibration can cause the air pump and inflator system to move or may interfere with the inflation of the inflatable object. The systems and methods disclosed herein include a vibration-damping base that reduces vibration during operation of the air pump and inflator system and facilitates the convenient storage of certain accessories of the air pump and inflator system, such as air hoses.

[0029] Figures 1 to 8 A view is shown of an exemplary portable air pump and inflator system according to some embodiments. Specifically, Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the portable air pump and inflator system 100. Figure 2 This is its front view. Figure 3 This is its rear view. Figure 4 This is its left view. Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is its right view. Figure 6 This is its top view. Figure 7 It is its bottom view, and Figure 8 This is another perspective view showing an embodiment of a portable air pump and inflator system in which the air hose is wound around the base portion of the portable air pump. (See image) Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the portable air pump and inflator system 100 includes a compressor housing 110 surrounding an electric air compressor and a housing base 112 attached to the compressor housing 110. The housing base 112 includes a plurality of flexible leg extensions 114 for supporting the portable air pump and inflator system 100 on a surface. The housing base 112 may also define a groove for securely winding an air hose around the portable air pump (e.g., Figure 8 As shown). Figure 4 As shown, the compressor housing 110 may include a circular bottom housed within the housing base 112.

[0030] The portable air pump and inflator system 100 may also include a user interface 116 (such as...). Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown), radiator 118 (as shown) Figure 1 and Figure 4 (as shown), attached or attachable air hose 120 (such as) Figures 6 to 8 (as shown) and power cord 122 (as shown) Figure 6 and Figure 7 (As shown). The user interface 116 can be coupled to a processing unit (not shown) installed within the compressor housing 110, the processing unit being configured to control the operation of the portable air pump and inflator system 100. The user interface 116 may include multiple buttons for controlling the operation of the portable air pump and inflator system 100. For example, a power button within the user interface 116 may be configured to turn the portable air pump and inflator system 100 on and off, and other buttons may control parameters of the portable air pump and inflator system 100 (e.g., the pressure at which the portable air pump and inflator system 100 inflates an inflatable object). The radiator 118 may be configured to dissipate heat from the electric air compressor and depressurization system 200 (hereinafter referred to as...). Figures 13A to 13C (Description) The heat generated.

[0031] like Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the air hose 120 and / or power cord 122 can be detached from the compressor housing (e.g., for easy storage and replacement). Figure 5A An example of an air outlet 124 and a power port 126 is shown. An air hose 120 can be connected to the air outlet 124, and a power cord 122 can be connected to the power port 126. Figure 5B An example is shown where the air hose 120 and power cord 122 are connected to the corresponding ports 124 and 126. The air outlet 124 and power port 126 can be adjacent to each other to facilitate an orderly and convenient arrangement of the power cords to and from the portable air pump and inflator system 100. Figure 6 As shown, the compressor housing 110 may include a recessed portion where an air hose 120 and a power cord 122 may be attached. The recessed portion provides space to accommodate the attachment of plugs for the air hose 120 and the power cord 122.

[0032] Vibration damping base

[0033] Figures 9 to 12 A view of a housing base for a portable air pump and inflator system is shown according to some embodiments. The housing base 112 shown can be used, for example, for... Figures 1 to 8 The portable air pump and inflator system 100 shown provides vibration damping, hose storage, and / or accessory storage. For example, many known portable compressors move on the surface on which they are placed while the compressor is running (e.g., "slippage"), which may require the user to constantly reposition the device during use. Figures 9 to 12 The illustrated housing base 112 embodiment can be used to dampen vibrations and prevent this undesirable "slippage" phenomenon. The illustrated housing base 112 comprises rubber-coated molded plastic, with the base material removed in the area where the base contacts the ground. This allows the rubber to act as a damping element and absorb vibrations that would otherwise cause the device to "slippage."

[0034] like Figure 9 As shown, the housing base 112 includes a rigid base portion 400, which is attached to the base of the portable air pump and inflator system 100, for example as... Figures 1 to 8 As shown. The rigid base portion 400 may be made of a rigid material (e.g., plastic), overmolded with a less rigid material 410 (e.g., rubber). The housing base 112 may also include a receiving portion configured to receive the bottom of the compressor housing 110. Figure 10 In the example shown, the receiving portion is arc-shaped to accommodate the circular bottom of the compressor housing 110. However, in some examples, other shapes may be used for the receiving portion of the housing base 112 and the bottom of the compressor housing 110.

[0035] In addition, the housing base 112 includes a plurality of flexible foot extensions 114 that extend from the rigid base portion and are configured to support the portable air pump and inflator system 100 on the surface to dampen vibrations caused by the operation of the electric air compressor. Figure 11As shown, the flexible leg extension 114 may be generally U-shaped and extends laterally from the compressor housing 110 when the compressor housing 110 is attached to the housing base 112. Furthermore, the flexible leg extension 114 may include an internal portion having one or more protruding ridges.

[0036] Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the housing base 112 is shown, illustrating that multiple flexible leg extensions 114 can be formed by removing a plastic base from the portion of the overmolded housing base 112 that will contact the ground. Removing the plastic base from these portions of the housing base 112 ensures that a lower-rigidity material (e.g., rubber) contacts the surface on which it is mounted, thereby attenuating vibrations generated by the portable air pump and inflator system 100 during operation. Furthermore, the bottom of the flexible leg extensions 114 may include multiple (e.g., four) vibration-damping legs 128 that contact the surface during operation of the portable air pump and inflator system 100. The vibration-damping legs 128 provide space between the housing base 112 and the surface on which the portable air pump and inflator system 100 is mounted, preventing damage to the housing base 112, for example, by scratches caused by vibration.

[0037] The housing base 112 also provides an area for winding the air hose 120 for storage (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 8 As shown, the rigid base portion of the housing base 112 and the flexible support leg extension 114 can be configured as defining grooves into which air hoses can be inserted to wrap around the portable air pump and inflator system. Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the edge of the inner portion of the flexible leg extension 114 can hold the air hose 120 during storage to prevent the air hose 120 from accidentally coming loose. Figure 12 As shown, embodiments of the base 112 may also include a snap-fit ​​structure for storing nozzle accessories, such as French nozzle adapter 412, ball inflation adapter 414 and / or inflatable raft / toy adapter 416.

[0038] pressure relief system

[0039] Figure 13A A cross-sectional view of a pressure relief system for a portable air pump and inflator system, according to some embodiments, is shown. An exemplary pressure relief system 200 may, for example, be included in... Figures 1 to 8 The portable air pump and inflator system 100 shown is an example. Figure 13AAs shown, the portable air pump depressurization system 200 includes a motor 210, a piston cylinder 212, a piston 214, and a reed valve 216. The piston 214 includes a piston head 215, which is driven by a piston rod 217 attached to the motor 210. The piston head 215 includes a piston valve 218, configured to allow air to enter the piston cylinder 212 during the downward stroke of the piston 214. During the upward stroke of the piston 214, the reed valve 216 is configured to allow air compressed by the piston head 215 to flow from the piston cylinder 212 to an outlet 220 for inflating inflatable objects such as tires, balls, etc.

[0040] Figure 13B and Figure 13C A cross-sectional view of a piston with a pressure relief channel according to some embodiments is shown. When the portable air pump and inflator system 100 finishes inflating an inflatable object and the motor 210 is turned off, a problem arises where the reed valve 216 does not close quickly enough to prevent back pressure from filling the cylinder 212 between the reed valve 216 and the piston valve 218. If the pressure is high enough (e.g., greater than a predetermined level), the next time the portable air pump and inflator system 100 is started, a large current surge may occur due to the motor 210 being almost stalled, potentially blowing the fuse. To prevent this, a small pressure relief channel 222 can be added to the piston 214 below the piston valve 218, such as... Figure 13B and Figure 13C As shown. The pressure relief passage 222 defines an opening through the piston head 215 to allow air to escape from inside the piston cylinder 212, thereby reducing the air pressure inside the piston cylinder 212.

[0041] Therefore, even if the reed valve 216 does not close quickly enough, the pressure relief passage 222 can prevent the piston cylinder 212 from being pressurized. Furthermore, even if the electronics within the portable air pump and inflator system 100 malfunction, the pressure relief passage 222 can effectively release pressure from inside the piston cylinder 212. Figure 13B As shown, the pressure relief passage 222 may protrude slightly from below the piston valve 218. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure relief passage 222 may, for example, connect two piston holes below the piston valve 218 to the outside of the valve to allow air to escape.

[0042] monitor

[0043] Figure 14A and Figure 14B An exemplary display 116 for a portable air pump and inflator system is shown. The display 116 can be used, for example, in... Figures 1 to 8 The portable air pump embodiment shown. The display 116 shown is designed so that the LED area is completely black when the unit is off, and only the necessary sections are visible when the unit is powered on. Figure 14BAs shown in the exploded view, the display 116 may include a cover label 500 having a translucent display window 510 covering a plastic housing 512. The display may include a plurality of user input buttons 514, such as silicone buttons compression-molded into the plastic housing 512. A display printed circuit board 516 with an LED display may be mounted in the plastic housing 512, the LED display having an LED light guide 518 and a light diffuser 520 to provide a user interface display.

[0044] Those skilled in the art will understand that changes can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concept. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention disclosed herein is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A portable air pump and inflator system, including: Electric air compressor; Compressor housing, surrounding the electric air compressor; An air hose, which is attached to or can be attached to the air outlet of the electric air compressor; as well as Housing base, attached to the compressor housing, the housing base comprising: The rigid base portion is attached to the compressor housing; and Multiple flexible leg extensions extend from the rigid base portion and are configured to support the portable air pump and inflator system on a surface, wherein the flexible leg extensions dampen vibrations caused by the operation of the electric air compressor.

2. The portable air pump and inflator system according to claim 1, wherein, The multiple flexible support leg extensions are made of rubber.

3. The portable air pump and inflator system according to claim 2, wherein, The rigid base portion is made of rubber-coated molded plastic.

4. The portable air pump and inflator system according to claim 3, wherein, The housing base comprises rubber-coated molded plastic, and the flexible support leg extension is the portion of the housing base that does not have a plastic base.

5. The portable air pump and inflator system according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible leg extension includes a plurality of vibration-damping legs configured to contact the surface during operation of the portable air pump and inflator system.

6. The portable air pump and inflator system according to claim 5, wherein, The plurality of vibration-damping feet are also configured to provide space between the surface and the housing base.

7. The portable air pump and inflator system according to claim 1, wherein, The rigid base portion and the flexible support leg extension are configured as defining grooves into which the air hose can be inserted to wrap around the portable air pump and inflator system.

8. The portable air pump and inflator system according to claim 1, wherein, The interior portion of the flexible support leg extension includes one or more components configured to hold the edge of the air hose.

9. The portable air pump and inflator system according to claim 1, wherein, The housing base includes a receiving portion configured to accommodate the bottom of the compressor housing.

10. The portable air pump and inflator system according to claim 1, wherein, The housing base includes one or more snap-fit ​​structures configured to house nozzle accessories.

11. The portable air pump and inflator system according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of flexible support leg extensions are generally U-shaped and extend laterally from the compressor housing.

12. A housing base for a portable air pump and inflator system, the housing base comprising: The rigid base portion is attached to or can be attached to the compressor housing; as well as Multiple flexible leg extensions extend from the rigid base portion and are configured to support the portable air pump and inflator system on a surface. The flexible leg extensions define slots into which the air hoses of the portable air pump and inflator system can be inserted. The flexible leg extensions dampen vibrations caused by the operation of the portable air pump and inflator system.

13. The portable air pump and inflator system according to claim 1, wherein, The multiple flexible support leg extensions are made of rubber.

14. The portable air pump and inflator system according to claim 13, wherein, The rigid base portion is made of rubber-coated molded plastic.

15. The portable air pump and inflator system according to claim 14, wherein, The housing base comprises rubber-coated molded plastic, and the flexible support leg extension is the portion of the housing base that does not have a plastic base.

16. The portable air pump and inflator system according to claim 12, wherein, The flexible leg extension includes a plurality of vibration-damping legs configured to contact the surface during operation of the portable air pump and inflator system.

17. The portable air pump and inflator system according to claim 16, wherein, The plurality of vibration-damping feet are also configured to provide space between the surface and the housing base.

18. The portable air pump and inflator system according to claim 12, wherein, The interior portion of the flexible support leg extension includes one or more components configured to hold the edge of the air hose.

19. The portable air pump and inflator system according to claim 12, wherein, The housing base includes one or more snap-fit ​​structures configured to house nozzle accessories.

20. The portable air pump and inflator system according to claim 12, wherein, The plurality of flexible support leg extensions are generally U-shaped and extend laterally from the compressor housing.

Images