Patent Publication Number: US-6655925-B1

Title: Air compressor manifold assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/187,744, filed Mar. 8, 2000. Said U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/187,744 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to the field of air compressors, and more particularly to an air compressor having a removable manifold assembly capable of being remotely located from the air compressor for controlling and distributing compressed air from the air compressor to one or more air powered tools. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Air compressors are used to provide compressed air for operating air powered tools such as nailing tools, socket driving tools, material shaping tools, sanding tools, spray painting tools, inflation chucks, and the like. Frequently, it is desirable to operate several tools from air supplied by a single air compressor. In such instances, the air outlet port or “pressure manifold” of the air compressor is fitted with an adapter allowing the attachment and removal of multiple air hoses for providing air to operate several air powered tools at once. However, in many applications, the air compressor must be located remotely from the workers utilizing the tools for which it provides air. For instance, at a typical construction site, a single air compressor may be required to provide air to operate a plurality of tools, which, because of the physical layout of the site, are used at locations where the air compressor cannot be transported. For example, workers may be working in an upper story of an unfinished building while the air compressor is located on the first story. Similarly, wherein the air compressor is driven by an electric motor, it may be desirable to situate the air compressor near a source of electrical power such as an electrical outlet, an electrical generator, a vehicle, or the like. As a result, the amount of air hose required to couple the air compressor to each tool is greatly increased, in many cases becoming unwieldy to store and transport. Further, because workers are remotely located from the air compressor, they often cannot readily access the air compressor&#39;s pressure regulator and pressure gauges to control the amount of pressure being provided to their tools. 
     Consequently, it would be advantageous to provide an air compressor having a removable manifold assembly that can be remotely located from the air compressor and attached thereto via a single air hose for distributing compressed air from the air compressor to multiple air powered tools. Such a manifold assembly should provide means for adjusting the air pressure provided to the air powered tools and for indicating pressures within the compressed air storage tank and manifold outlet pressure remotely. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a manifold assembly for an air compressor that is capable of controlling and distributing compressed air from the air compressor to one or more air powered tools. The manifold assembly may be attached directly to the air compressor, or, alternately, removed from the air compressor and coupled thereto via a conduit such as an air hose or the like, so that the manifold assembly can be used at locations remote from the air compressor. In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the manifold assembly may include a pressure regulator assembly for regulating the pressure of air provided to the air powered tools and indicators for indicating the pressure of compressed air in the air compressor&#39;s compressed air storage tank and/or the manifold assembly&#39;s outlet pressure. 
    
    
     It is to be understood that both the forgoing 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 isometric view illustrating an air compressor having a removable manifold assembly suitable for use at locations remote to the air compressor in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is exploded isometric view illustrating the air compressor shown in FIG. 1 with the manifold assembly removed; 
     FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional top plan view illustrating the manifold assembly of the air compressor shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a partial side elevational cross-sectional of the air compressor shown in FIG. 1, further illustrating apparatus for securing the manifold assembly to the air compressor&#39;s compressed air storage tank; 
     FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an air compressor assembly having a removable manifold assembly suitable for use at locations remote to the air compressor in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention wherein the manifold assembly is mounted to the side of the air compressor&#39;s compressed air storage tank; 
     FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional side elevational view illustrating manifold assembly of the air compressor shown in FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a “pancake” type air compressor assembly having a removable manifold assembly suitable for use at locations remote to the air compressor in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional side elevational view illustrating manifold assembly of the air compressor shown in FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a “double hot-dog” type air compressor assembly having a removable manifold assembly suitable for use at locations remote to the air compressor in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional side elevational view illustrating manifold assembly of the air compressor shown in FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 11 is an isometric view illustrating an air compressor having a manifold assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention wherein the manifold assembly is used at a location remote from the air compressor being coupled to the air compressor by a air hose; 
     FIG. 12 is an isometric view illustrating a exemplary manifold assembly attached to a supporting structure at a site remote from the air compressor; and 
     FIG. 13 is an isometric view illustrating a plurality manifold assemblies utilized in tandem at a location remote from the air compressor being coupled to the air compressor by an air hose. 
    
    
     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 to FIGS. 1 through 4, an air compressor  100  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the air compressor  100  includes a compressor  102  mounted to a compressed air storage tank  104 . The compressed air storage tank  104  provides a reservoir or receiver for storing air under pressure. A port (often referred to as a “spud”) is provided in the compressed air storage tank  104  to which a pressure manifold or pipe  106  is fitted allowing compressed air to be drawn from the tank  104  for powering air powered tools such as nailing tools, socket driving tools, material shaping tools, sanding tools, spray painting tools, tire inflation chucks, and the like. 
     A pressure switch assembly  108  is mounted to the pressure manifold  106  for regulating pressure within the compressed air storage tank  104  by alternately starting and stopping the compressor  102  to periodically replenish the supply of air in the tank  104 . When pressure within the tank  104  reaches a preset low pressure point, or “kick-in pressure”, the pressure switch assembly  108  starts the compressor  102  to re-pressurize the tank  104 . As the pressure within the tank  104  reaches a preset high pressure point, or “kick-out pressure”, the pressure switch assembly  108  stops the compressor  102  to prevent over-pressurization of the tank  104 . In this manner, the pressure of the compressed air in the compressed air storage tank  104  is maintained within a range generally suitable for powering one or more air powered tools. The pressure manifold  106  may include a safety pressure relief valve for relieving pressure within the pressure manifold  106 . In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the pressure relief valve is opened by a user by pulling outward on an enlarged ring having a tab or “fob”  109  providing a label surface attached thereto. Preferably, the ring and fob  109  are sized to be easily gripped by users of the air compressor  100  to open the safety pressure relief valve. 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the air compressor  100  is provided with a manifold assembly  110  for controlling and distributing compressed air from the air compressor to one or more air powered tools. The manifold assembly  110  may be attached directly to the air compressor  100 , as shown in FIG. 1, or, alternately, removed from the air compressor  100 , as shown in FIG. 2, and coupled thereto via a single air hose allowing the manifold assembly to be utilized at locations remote from the air compressor  100  (see FIGS. 11,  12  and  13 ). The manifold assembly  110  is comprised of a pneumatic manifold  112  and pressure regulator assembly  114  supported in a housing or frame  116 . In FIGS. 1 through 4, the pneumatic manifold  112  and frame  116  are shown as separate components attached together by suitable fasteners. However, it should be appreciated that the pneumatic manifold  112  and frame may be of one-piece construction without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pneumatic manifold  112  includes an inlet port  118  coupled to one or more outlet ports (four outlet ports  120 ,  122 ,  124  &amp;  126  are shown) via an internal passage  127 . The outlet ports  120 ,  122 ,  124  &amp;  126  are fitted with suitable couplers or connectors  128 ,  130 ,  132  &amp;  134  which extend through apertures formed in the frame  116  allowing for attachment and removal of air hoses between the manifold assembly  110  and one or more air powered tools (see FIGS. 11,  12  and  13 ). For instance, in exemplary embodiments of the invention, couplers  128 ,  130 ,  132  &amp;  134  may be comprised of quick-connect coupler bodies for allowing attachment and removal of air hoses without the use of tools. Alternately, one or more of the outlet ports  120 ,  122 ,  124  &amp;  126  may be fitted with a quick-connect coupler plug or stud allowing attachment of air hoses equipped with a quick-connect coupler bodies, a threaded connector (male or female), or the like as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     The pressure regulator assembly  114  is coupled to the pneumatic manifold  112  via inlet port  118 . In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, the pressure regulator assembly  114  includes a single pressure regulator valve  136  that may be opened and closed by a user of the air compressor  100 , for example, by turning a knob  138  extending through an aperture  140  formed in the face  142  of frame  116 , to regulate the pressure of compressed air within the pneumatic manifold  112  and provided at outlet ports  120 ,  122 ,  124  &amp;  126 . Alternately, multiple pressure regulator valves may be provided for regulating the pressure provided at each outlet port  120 ,  122 ,  124  &amp;  126  independently, or at specific groups of the outlet ports  120 ,  122 ,  124  &amp;  126 . The pressure regulator assembly  114  may further include indicators for indicating pressures within the air compressor  100  and/or manifold assembly  110 . For instance, as shown in FIG. 3, the manifold assembly may include an indicator  144  for indicating the pressure of unregulated compressed air in the compressed air storage tank  104  and pressure manifold  106 , and an indicator  146  for indicating the regulated pressure of compressed air in the pneumatic manifold  112 . In exemplary embodiments, the indicators  144  &amp;  146  are comprised of high pressure gauges coupled to ports  148  &amp;  150  in the pressure regulator valve  136 , and oriented so that the dials of the gauges are viewable through apertures formed in the face  142  of the manifold assembly frame  116 . 
     The manifold assembly  110  is coupled to pressure manifold  106  via a suitable coupling device  152  allowing it to be quickly and easily removed from the air compressor  100 . In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the coupling device  152  is comprised of a quick-connect coupler body  154  fitted to the outlet port  156  of pressure manifold  106 . This quick-connect coupler body  154  mates with a corresponding quick-connect coupler plug or stud  158  fitted to the inlet port  160  of the manifold assembly&#39;s pressure regulator assembly  114  when the manifold assembly  110  is directly attached to the air compressor  100 , as shown in FIG.  1 . Preferably, when mated together, the quick-connect coupler plug  158  is retained within the quick-connect coupler body  154  until physically uncoupled by a user of the air compressor  100  to remove the manifold assembly  110 . The coupling device  152  thus provides both a pneumatic connection between the manifold assembly  110  and the pressure manifold  106 , and a mechanical connection between the manifold assembly  110  and the compressed air storage tank  104  for at least partially securing the manifold assembly  110  to the air compressor  100  and eliminating the need for separate latching or locking mechanisms to perform this function. However, it will be appreciated that supplementary latching or locking mechanisms may be provided to further secure the manifold assembly  110  to the air compressor  100  if desired. Further, when the manifold assembly  110  is removed from the air compressor  100 , as shown in FIG. 2, the quick-connect coupler body  154  may be mated to a quick connect coupler plug fitted to a first end of the air hose (not shown) providing a pneumatic connection between the pressure manifold  106  and air hose. Likewise, the quick connect coupler plug  158  may be mated to a quick connect coupler body fitted to a second end of the hose, pneumatically coupling the air hose to the manifold assembly  110  so that air may be provided to the manifold assembly  110 . 
     Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 4, the compressed air storage tank  104  may further be provided with a mounting bracket  162  for supporting the manifold assembly  110  while it is directly attached to the air compressor  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, the lower portion of the manifold assembly frame  116  includes one or more tabs  164  spaced so as to be generally aligned with notches or openings  166  formed in mounting bracket  162 . When the manifold assembly  110  is attached to the air compressor  100 , as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, these tabs  164  extend through the openings  166  so as to at least partially rest on supports  168  formed in the mounting bracket  162 . As the manifold assembly  110  is slid rearward, i.e., toward the pressure manifold  106 , so that the quick-connect coupler plug  158  fitted thereto may be mated with the quick-connect coupler body  154  fitted to the pressure manifold  106 , the tabs  164  engage the mounting bracket  162  by at least partially sliding under the bracket&#39;s upper face  170 , attaching the manifold assembly  110  to the compressed air storage tank  104 . As shown in FIG. 4, the bottom surface of each tab  164  may include small knob or foot  172  preferably formed of a non-marring, wear resistant material such as plastic, a composite, or the like. When the manifold assembly  110  is attached to the air compressor  100 , this foot  172  substantially fills any gap between the tab  164  and the support  168  to prevent excessive play between the manifold assembly  110  and mounting bracket  162 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, an air compressor  200  having a manifold assembly  202  in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described. The manifold assembly  202  includes a pneumatic manifold  204  and pressure regulator assembly  206  mounted to a frame  208  capable of being attached to the side wall  210  of the air compressor&#39;s compressed air storage tank  212 . Outlet ports  214  in the pneumatic manifold  204  are fitted with couplers or connectors  216  for allowing attachment and removal of air hoses (not shown) to provide compressed air to one or more air powered tools (see FIGS. 11,  12  and  13 ). In exemplary embodiments of the invention, these couplers  216  may be comprised of quick-connect coupler bodies for allowing attachment and removal of air hoses without the use of tools. Alternately, the couplers  216  may comprise quick-connect coupler plugs allowing attachment of air hoses equipped with a quick-connect coupler bodies, a threaded connector (male or female), or the like as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     The pressure regulator assembly  206  includes one or more pressure regulator valves  220  that may be opened and closed by a user of the air compressor  200  to regulate the pressure of compressed air provided at outlet ports  214 . Indicators may be provided for indicating various pressures within the air compressor/air hose/manifold assembly/air powered tool system. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the manifold assembly  202  includes a single pressure gauge  222  for indicating the regulated pressure of compressed air in the pneumatic manifold  204 . 
     The manifold assembly  202  is pneumatically coupled to the air compressor  200  via a short length of air hose  224  extending between the inlet port  226  of the manifold assembly&#39;s pressure regulator valve  220  and the outlet port  228  of a second pressure regulator assembly  230  mounted to the compressed air storage tank  212  and coupled to the compressed air storage tank&#39;s pressure manifold. As shown in FIG. 5, the second pressure regulator assembly  230  may include a pressure regulator valve  232  for regulating the pressure of compressed air provided at outlet port  228  and one or more indicators (pressure gauges  234  &amp;  236  are shown) for indicating pressures within the air compressor/manifold assembly system. In this manner, the pressure provided to manifold assembly  202  may be regulated at the air compressor  200  while the manifold assembly  202  is being used remotely. Further, the air compressor  200  may be used independently of manifold assembly  202  if desired. 
     Quick-connect coupler devices  240  &amp;  242  connect the air hose  224  to inlet port  226  and outlet port  228  allowing the air hose  224  to be easily disconnected from either port. In this manner, a longer length of air hose may be provided between the air compressor  200  and manifold assembly  202  when the manifold assembly  202  is removed from the compressed air storage tank  212 , for example, when being used at a remote location. Such a longer length of air hose may, for example, be coupled between the inlet port  226  and air hose  224 , between air hose  224  and outlet port  228 , or directly between inlet port  226  and outlet port  228 , air hose  224  being completely removed. 
     A latching assembly  244  may be provided for securing the manifold assembly  202  to the air storage tank  212 . In an exemplary embodiment, the latching assembly  244  is comprised of clamps  246  &amp;  248  which may be closed on a flanges  250  &amp;  252  formed in the manifold assembly&#39;s frame  208  to secure the manifold assembly to the side of the air tank  212 . When opened, the clamps  246  &amp;  248  release the flanges  250  &amp;  252  allowing the manifold assembly to be lifted from the side of the air storage tank  212  for use at a remote location. It will now be appreciated that the latching assembly  244  may utilize other latching mechanisms for securing the manifold assembly to compressed air storage tank and substitution of such alternative latching mechanisms for those specifically described herein by those of skill in the art is possible and such substitution would not depart from the scope and spirit of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. 
     In FIGS. 1 through 6, manifold assemblies in accordance with the present invention are shown configured for use with an air compressor having a single horizontally disposed, cylindrical compressed air storage tank, typically referred to informally in the art as a “hot-dog” style tank. However, it should be appreciated that air compressors utilizing manifold assemblies in accordance with the present invention may employ a wide variety of compressed air storage tank configurations. For example, instead of the generally horizontal compressed air storage tank shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, an air compressor employing the manifold assembly of the present invention may, for example, comprise a vertically disposed “hot-dog” style tank or a flattened oval tank, often referred to informally in the art as a “pancake” style tank. Similarly, instead of the single large tank shown, an air compressor employing a manifold assembly in accordance with the present invention may utilize two or more smaller air storage tanks. For example, such an air compressor may employ two horizontally disposed cylindrical compressed air storage tanks positioned side by side, a tank configuration often referred to informally in the art as a “double hot-dog” style tank. Use of such tank configurations would not depart from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 7 through 10, exemplary portable air compressors  300 ,  400  are shown wherein the air compressors  300 ,  400  are equipped with a roll cage  302 ,  402  to which a manifold assembly is mounted in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Each air compressor  300 ,  400 , respectively includes a roll cage  302 , 402  which supports the air compressor&#39;s compressed air storage tank or tanks  304 ,  404  and compressor  306 ,  406 . Preferably, the roll cage  302 ,  402  at least partially encloses the compressed air storage tanks  304 ,  404 , compressor  306 ,  406 , pressure switch assembly  308 ,  408 , and pressure manifold  310 ,  410  for protecting these components from damage due to contact with foreign objects. The roll cage  302 ,  402  may further provide grips or handles  312 ,  412  allowing a user or users to lift the air compressor  300 ,  400  for transport. 
     In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, the compressed air storage tank  304  of air compressor  300  may be comprised of a flattened oval or “pancake” style tank. In such an embodiment, the roll cage  302  may form a cradle substantially surrounding the tank  304  and compressor  306 . In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, the air compressor  400  may include two horizontally disposed cylindrical compressed air storage tanks  404  positioned side by side in a vertically oriented “double hot-dog” configuration. In this embodiment, the compressed air storage tanks  404  are mounted to, and form part of the back portion of the roll cage  402 , while only the compressor  406 , pressure switch assembly  408 , and pressure manifold  410  are substantially surrounded by the cage  402 . 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the air compressors  300 ,  400  shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 are provided with a manifold assembly  314 ,  414  for controlling and distributing compressed air from the air compressor  300 ,  400  to one or more air powered tools (see FIGS. 11,  12  and  13 ). The manifold assembly  314 ,  414  may be attached directly to the air compressor  300 ,  400 , or, alternately, removed from the air compressor  300 , 400  and coupled thereto via a single air hose so the manifold assembly  314 ,  414  may be utilized at locations remote from the air compressor  300 ,  400  (see FIGS. 11,  12  and  13 ). 
     As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the manifold assemblies  314 ,  414  include a pneumatic manifold (not shown) and at least one pressure regulator assembly  316 ,  416  coupled to a supporting frame  318 ,  418 . Outlet ports  320 ,  322 ,  420  &amp;  422  within the pneumatic manifold are fitted with suitable couplers or connectors  324 ,  326 ,  424  &amp;  426  which extend through apertures in the frame  318 ,  418  for allowing attachment and removal of air hoses to provide compressed air to one or more air powered tools (see FIGS. 11,  12  and  13 ). In exemplary embodiments of the invention, couplers  324 ,  326 ,  424  &amp;  426  may be comprised of quick-connect coupler bodies for allowing attachment and removal of air hoses without the use of tools. Alternately, one or more of the outlet ports  320 ,  322 ,  420  &amp;  422  may be fitted with a quick-connect coupler plug or stud allowing attachment of air hoses equipped with a quick-connect coupler bodies, a threaded connector (male or female), or the like as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     The pressure regulator assembly  316 ,  416  includes one or more pressure regulator valves  328 ,  330 , 428  that may be opened and closed by a user of the air compressor  300 , 400  to regulate the pressure of compressed air provided by the pneumatic manifold. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, a separate pressure regulator valve  328  &amp;  330  may be provided for independently regulating the pressure provided at each outlet port  320  &amp;  322  of manifold assembly  314 . Alternately, as shown in FIG. 9, a single pressure regulator valve  428  may be provided for regulating the pressure provided at all ports  422 ,  424 . Indicators may be provided for indicating various pressures within the air compressor/air hose/manifold assembly/air powered tool system. For example, indicators  332 ,  334  &amp;  432  may be provided to indicate the pressure of unregulated compressed air in the compressed air storage tank  304 ,  404 , and/or for indicating the regulated pressure of compressed air in the pneumatic manifold of the manifold assembly  300 ,  400 . In exemplary embodiments, the indicators  332 ,  334  &amp;  432  are comprised of high pressure gauges coupled to ports  336  &amp;  436  in the pressure regulator valve  328 ,  428  (FIGS.  8  and  10 ), and oriented so that the dials of the gauges are viewable through apertures formed in the face  338 , 438  of the manifold assembly frame  318 ,  418 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the manifold assembly  314 ,  414  is coupled to the pressure manifold  310 , 410  via a suitable coupling device  340 , 440  allowing it to be quickly and easily removed from the air compressor  100 . In the exemplary embodiments shown, the coupling device  340 ,  440  is comprised of a quick-connect coupler body  342 ,  442  fitted to the outlet port  344 ,  444  of the pressure manifold  310 ,  410 . This quick-connect coupler body  342 ,  442  mates with a corresponding quick-connect coupler plug or stud  346 ,  446  fitted to the inlet port  348 ,  448  of the manifold assembly&#39;s pressure regulator assembly  316 ,  416  when the manifold assembly  314 ,  414  is directly attached to the air compressor  300 ,  400 . In this manner, the coupling device  340 ,  440  provides a pneumatic connection between the manifold assembly  314 ,  414  and the pressure manifold  310 ,  410 . Further, when the manifold assembly  314 ,  414  is removed from the air compressor  300 ,  400 , the quick-connect coupler body  342 ,  442  may be mated to a quick connect coupler plug fitted to a first end of the air hose (not shown) providing a pneumatic connection between the pressure manifold  310 ,  410  and air hose. Likewise, the quick connect coupler plug  346 ,  446  may be mated to a quick connect coupler body fitted to a second end of the hose, pneumatically coupling the air hose to the manifold assembly  314 ,  414  thereby connecting the manifold assembly  314 ,  414  and air compressor  300 ,  400  so that air may be provided to the manifold assembly  314 ,  414 . 
     The manifold assembly  314 ,  414  may be supported by the air compressor&#39;s roll cage  302 ,  402  so that it may be pneumatically attached to the air compressor  100  via the coupling device  340 , 440 . As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the front portion of the roll cage  302 ,  402  may include distal upright cage members  350 ,  352 ,  450 , and  452 . Edge portions  354 ,  356 ,  454  &amp;  456  of the manifold assembly frame  314 ,  414  may be shaped to fit over these cage members  350 ,  352 ,  450  &amp;  452  so that the manifold assembly  314 ,  414  is suspended there between when mounted to the air compressor  100 . For instance, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 through 10, the roll cage  302 ,  402  may be formed of steel tubing having a generally circular cross-sectional shape. In such an embodiment, the edge portions  354 ,  356 ,  454  &amp;  456  of frame  318 ,  418  may be comprised of channels having a substantially semi-circular cross-section sized to fit over a corresponding cage member  350 ,  352 ,  450 , and  452 . 
     A latching assembly  358 ,  458  may be provided for securing the manifold assembly  314 ,  414  to the air compressor&#39;s roll cage  302 ,  402 . Preferably, the latching assembly  358 ,  458  allows the user to easily remove the manifold assembly  314 , 414  from the roll cage  302 ,  402  for remote use. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, an exemplary latching assembly  358  may be comprised of a spring loaded plunger  360  positioned in each cage member  350  &amp;  352  for engaging corresponding apertures  362  formed in edge portions  354  &amp;  356  of frame  318 . Similarly, a second exemplary latching assembly  458 , shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, may comprise one or more one-quarter turn fasteners  460  mounted to each cage member  450  &amp;  452  and positioned to extend through holes  462  formed in the edge portions  454  &amp;  456  of frame  418 . It will now be appreciated that the latching assembly  358 , 458  may utilize other latching mechanisms for securing the manifold assembly to the roll cage depending on the particular design requirements of the air compressor. Consequently, substitution of alternative latching mechanisms for those specifically described herein by those of skill in the art is anticipated, and such substitution would not depart from the scope and spirit of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. 
     Referring now to FIG. 11, use of an air compressor having a manifold assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described. In a typical work site  500 , such as a residential home construction site (shown), a worker  502  may utilize an air powered tool  504  (a nailing tool is shown) to perform a task or series of tasks. For example, in the construction of a residential structure  506 , a worker  502  may utilize air powered tools  504  for performing tasks such as framing walls within the structure  506 , hanging dry wall, installing windows or doors, installing roofing, installing flooring, providing interior finishing of the structure, and the like. 
     Because of constraints at the work site, it may be necessary that the air compressor  508 , providing a source of compressed air for operating the tool  504  be located remotely from the worker  502 . For example, when building a multiple level structure  506 , the air compressor  508  may be located in a lower level  510  of the structure  506 , while the worker  502  must perform a task in an upper level or floor  512  of the structure  506 . In such applications, the manifold assembly  514  may be detached from the air compressor  508  and coupled thereto via an air hose  516  allowing the manifold assembly  514  to be taken to the worker&#39;s location, e.g., in FIG. 11, the upper level  512  of the structure  506 . The worker  502  may then couple the air powered tool  504  to the manifold assembly  514  via a second air hose  518  to provide compressed air for powering the tool  504 . As discussed in the description of FIGS. 1 through 10, the manifold assembly may include a pressure regulator assembly and indicators for indicating various pressures within the air compressor  508  and manifold assembly  514  thereby allowing the user to monitor and control the pressure of the air provided to the tool  504  without returning to the air compressor&#39;s location, e.g., in FIG. 11, the lower level  510  of the structure  506 . 
     Turning now to FIG. 12, an exemplary manifold assembly is shown secured to a supporting structure at a work site. In a typical work site  600 , such as a construction site or the like, the manifold assembly  602  may be secured to a supporting structure  604 , such as a 2×4 framing member, a wall, a floor surface, a work table, or the like to provide a convenient means of locating the manifold assembly at the site  600 . In an exemplary embodiment, the manifold assembly&#39;s frame  606  may include a flange  608  having one or more holes formed therein. Fasteners  610  such as a nails (shown), screws, bolts, or the like may extend or be driven though these holes for attaching the manifold assembly to the supporting structure  604 . Alternately, one or more clamps may be provided for clamping the manifold assembly  602  to the supporting structure  604 , or, the manifold assembly may be provided with a stand or base suitable for supporting the manifold assembly on a generally horizontal surface such as a table top, a floor, or the ground (see FIG.  11 ). 
     Small knobs or feet  612  formed of a non-marring, wear resistant material such as plastic, a composite, or the like on the bottom surface of the frame  606  prevent direct contact with the frame  606  and supporting structure  604  for preventing unnecessary damage to the supporting structure  604  or manifold assembly  602  due to contact or rubbing during use. An air hose  614  is connected to inlet port  616  of the manifold assembly  602  for pneumatically coupling the manifold assembly  602  to an air compressor (not shown). Similarly, one or more air hoses  618 ,  620 ,  622  &amp;  624  may be connected to outlet ports  626 ,  628 ,  630  &amp;  632  for coupling one or more air powered tools (not shown) to the manifold assembly  602 . A pressure regulator assembly  634  and indicators such as pressure gauges  636  &amp;  638  allow users to monitor and control the pressure of air provided at the outlet ports  626 ,  628 ,  630  &amp;  632 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 13, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention multiple manifold assemblies may be chained together to provide compressed air to air powered tools at several locations in a work site. In a typical work site  700 , such as a construction site or the like, a first manifold assembly  702  may be pneumatically coupled to an air compressor via an air hose  706 . As shown in FIG. 13, the first manifold assembly  702  may be secured to a supporting structure, such as a 2×4 framing member (shown), a wall, a floor surface, a work table, or the like at a first location at the work site  700 . A second manifold assembly  704  is coupled to an outlet port of the first manifold assembly  702  via an air hose  708 . The second manifold assembly  704  may be secured to a supporting structure, such as a floor surface, a 2×4 framing member, a wall, a work table, or the like at a second location at the work site  700 . One or more air powered tools  710 ,  712 ,  714  &amp;  716  may by pneumatically coupled to either the first manifold assembly  702  or second manifold assembly  704  via air hoses  718 ,  720 ,  722  &amp;  724  for use at either the first location or the second location, respectively. In this manner, compressed air may be supplied to multiple locations within a work site from a single air compressor (not shown) for powering air powered tools at each location. Alternately, multiple manifold assemblies may be located within close proximity to each other so that compressed air may be supplied to a greater number of tools that would be possible with a single manifold assembly. 
     In FIGS. 1 through 13, the air compressor is illustrated as having a compressor of the type having a reciprocating piston pump driven by an electric motor. However, it should be appreciated that air compressors having manifold assemblies in accordance with the present invention may employ other compressor technologies. For instance, an air compressor might employ a reciprocating piston pump driven by a small internal combustion engine via a belt drive, a rotary or turbine pump driven by an electric motor or internal combustion engine, and the like. Use of such alternate compressor technologies would not depart from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     It will be appreciated that manifold assemblies in accordance with the present invention may at times be removed from the air compressor and used within the immediate vicinity of the air compressor. Consequently, the terms “remote”, “remotely located” and “remote location” utilized herein should not be limited by the distance separating the manifold assembly and air compressor. Instead, such terms should be construed as encompassing any use of the manifold assembly while detached from the air compressor regardless of the distance of separation between the manifold assembly and air compressor. 
     It is believed that the manifold assembly of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the forgoing description, and 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.