Fluid provider assembly and portable fluid provider system including same

Abstract

A fluid provider assembly including a fluid provider housing having an intake end having a fluid intake vent and an opposed output end having a fluid output vent. A motor unit is positioned within the housing, and a fluid pressurization unit is interposed between the intake end and the motor unit for pressurizing fluid within the housing such that fluid expelled from the output vent has a higher pressure than fluid received through the intake vent. A portable sound damping case is also provided. The case has a base side, peripheral sidewalls, and a closeable top side. The base side has a fluid intake vent in a first position laterally spaced from a center point of the base. The intake end of the fluid provider assembly is positioned proximate the base of the case such that the fluid provider assembly intake vent is laterally offset from the first position.

1 . A fluid provider assembly, comprising: 
 a fluid provider housing having an intake end for receiving fluid into said housing and an opposed output end for expelling fluid out of said housing, said output end being substantially coaxial with said input end;    an intake faceplate having a fluid intake vent portion to allow fluid to be received into said housing;    a plurality of members extending from said intake faceplate in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, said members having a sufficient dimension to enable substantially uninhibited fluid flow access to said intake vent portion when said housing is oriented such that said intake end is positioned proximate a supporting surface on which the assembly is located;    a motor unit positioned within said housing; and    a fluid pressurization unit interposed between said intake end and said motor unit for pressurizing fluid within said housing such that fluid expelled from said output end has a higher pressure than fluid received through said intake end.    
   
   
       2 . The assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising an intake shield positioned within said housing, said intake shield being spaced a distance from said intake end and interposed between said intake end and said fluid pressurization unit.  
   
   
       3 . (canceled)  
   
   
       4 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said intake faceplate is removable, said intake faceplate having a contact surface configured to be detachably connected to said intake end.  
   
   
       5 . The assembly of  claim 4 , further comprising a coupling plate having a contact surface configured to be detachably connected to said intake end of fluid provider housing in substantially the same manner as said intake faceplate after said intake faceplate is removed from said intake end of said housing, said coupling plate having a coupling member adapted to connect said intake end to an output end of another fluid provider.  
   
   
       6 . A fluid provider, comprising: 
 a fluid provider housing having an intake end for receiving fluid into said housing and an opposed output end for expelling fluid out of said housing;    a power supply connection member positioned on said output end;    a fluid conduit coupler member positioned on said output end;    an operational control switch positioned on said output end;    a motor unit positioned within said housing; and    a fluid pressurization unit interposed between said intake end and said motor unit for pressurizing fluid within said housing such that fluid expelled from said output end has a higher pressure than fluid received through said intake end.    
   
   
       7 . The fluid provider of  claim 6 , further comprising a control switch cover positioned to substantially surround said operational control switch and adapted to allow access to said control switch for deliberate engaging or disengaging of an operational mode of said fluid provider while preventing unintentional engaging or disengaging of said operational mode.  
   
   
       8 . The fluid provider of  claim 6 , said fluid conduit coupler member further comprising a contact surface for providing a locking relationship with an end of a fluid conduit.  
   
   
       9 . The fluid provider of  claim 6 , further comprising an output shield positioned within said housing, said output shield being spaced a distance from said output end and interposed between said output end and said motor unit.  
   
   
       10 . A fluid provider, comprising: 
 a fluid provider housing having an intake end for receiving fluid into said housing and an opposed output end for expelling fluid out of said housing;    a fluid intake vent portion positioned on said intake end to allow fluid to be received into said housing;    a plurality of leg members extending from said intake end in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, said leg members having a sufficient dimension to enable substantially uninhibited fluid flow access to said fluid intake vent portion when said housing is oriented such that said intake end is positioned proximate a supporting surface on which said fluid provider is located;    a motor unit positioned within said housing; and    a fluid pressurization unit interposed between said intake end and said motor unit for pressurizing fluid within said housing such that fluid expelled from said output end has a higher pressure than fluid received through said intake end.    
   
   
       11 . The fluid provider of  claim 10 , further comprising an intake shield positioned within said housing, said intake shield being spaced a distance from said intake end and interposed between said intake end and said fluid pressurization unit.  
   
   
       12 . The fluid provider of  claim 11 , said intake end further comprising an access door.  
   
   
       13 . The fluid provider of  claim 12 , further comprising a fluid filter interposed between said intake end and said intake shield in a position corresponding to at least a portion of said filter access end.  
   
   
       14 . A portable fluid provider system, comprising: 
 a fluid provider assembly comprising 
 a fluid provider housing having an intake end having a fluid intake vent for receiving fluid into said housing and an opposed output end having a fluid output vent for expelling fluid out of said housing,  
   a motor unit positioned within said housing, and 
 a fluid pressurization unit interposed between said intake end and said motor unit for pressurizing fluid within said housing such that fluid expelled from said output vent has a higher pressure than fluid received through said intake vent, said fluid pressurization unit being spaced a distance from said intake end of said housing; and  
   a portable sound damping case in which said fluid provider assembly is positioned, said case having a base side, peripheral sidewalls, and a closeable top side, said base side having a fluid intake vent located at a first position laterally spaced a distance from a center point of said base side;    wherein said intake end of said fluid provider assembly is positioned proximate said base side of said case such that said fluid intake vent of said fluid provider assembly is located in a second position laterally offset from said first position.    
   
   
       15 . The portable fluid provider system of  claim 14 , wherein said intake end of said fluid provider housing further comprises an intake faceplate having a fluid intake vent portion to allow fluid to be received into said housing.  
   
   
       16 . The portable fluid provider system of  claim 15 , said intake faceplate further comprising a plurality of leg members extending therefrom in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, said leg members having a sufficient dimension to enable substantially uninhibited fluid flow access to said fluid intake vent portion when said housing is oriented such that said intake end is positioned proximate a supporting surface on which said fluid provider is located.  
   
   
       17 . The portable fluid provider system of  claim 15 , wherein said intake faceplate is removable and has a contact surface configured to be detachably connected to said intake end.  
   
   
       18 . The portable fluid provider system of  claim 14 , said output end further comprising a power supply connection member positioned thereon, a fluid conduit coupler member positioned thereon, and an operational control switch positioned thereon.  
   
   
       19 . The portable fluid provider system of  claim 18 , said output end further comprising a control switch cover positioned to substantially surround said operational control switch and adapted to allow access to said control switch for deliberate engaging or disengaging of an operational mode of said fluid provider while preventing unintentional engaging or disengaging of said operational mode.  
   
   
       20 . The portable fluid provider system of  claim 17 , said fluid provider assembly further comprising a coupling plate having a contact surface configured to be detachably connected to said intake end of fluid provider housing in substantially the same manner as said intake faceplate after said intake faceplate is removed from said intake end of said housing, said coupling plate having a coupling member adapted to connect said intake end to an output end of another fluid provider.  
   
   
       21 . The portable fluid provider system of  claim 15 , said intake faceplate further comprising an access door substantially centrally positioned thereon.  
   
   
       22 . The portable fluid provider system of  claim 21 , further comprising a fluid filter interposed between said intake end and said fluid pressurization unit in a position corresponding to at least a portion of said access door.  
   
   
       23 . The portable fluid provider system of  claim 18 , further comprising a detachable fluid conduit for conveying a pressurized fluid from said fluid provider to a port of a fluid receptacle adapted to mate with said fluid conduit coupler mechanism of said output end.  
   
   
       24 . The portable fluid provider system of  claim 18 , further comprising a detachable power cord adaptable to be connected to said power supply connection mechanism of said output end.  
   
   
       25 . The portable fluid provider system of  claim 14 , said peripheral sidewalls of said case further comprising a front sidewall, an opposed back sidewall, a first lateral sidewall and an opposed second lateral sidewall.  
   
   
       26 . The portable fluid provider system of  claim 25 , said case further comprising an external sidewall positioned on an outer surface of said back sidewall, said external sidewall being attached to said back sidewall along lateral and bottom peripheral edges of said back sidewall to form a pocket having an opening proximate said top side of said case.  
   
   
       27 . The portable fluid provider system of  claim 26 , further comprising an auxiliary pad positioned in said pocket.  
   
   
       28 . The portable fluid provider system of  claim 14 , said case further comprising a plurality of leg members extending from an outer surface of said base side in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, said leg members having a sufficient dimension to enable substantially uninhibited fluid flow access to said fluid intake vent of said case when said base side of said case is positioned proximate a surface on which said case is resting.  
   
   
       29 . The portable fluid provider system of  claim 14 , said case further comprising a closeable flap member positioned on a portion of said top side of said case in a location sufficient to provide direct access to said output end of said fluid provider positioned within said case when said top side of said case is in a closed position without opening said top side of said case.  
   
   
       30 . The portable fluid provider system of  claim 25 , said case further comprising a plurality of securing straps extending from an inner surface of said base side of said case.  
   
   
       31 . The portable fluid provider system of  claim 30 , said case further comprising at least one securing strap extending from an inner surface of at least one of said first and said second lateral sidewalls.  
   
   
       32 . The portable fluid provider system of  claim 30 , said case further comprising a plurality of securing straps extending from an inner surface of said back sidewall of said case.  
   
   
       33 . The portable fluid provider system of  claim 25 , further comprising at least one vent positioned on at least one of said first and said second lateral sidewalls.  
   
   
       34 . The portable fluid provider system of  claim 29 , said flap member further comprising a vent to facilitate fluid exchange between said case and the atmosphere surrounding said case to prevent overheating of said fluid provider assembly positioned within said case.  
   
   
       35 . A portable fluid provider system, comprising: 
 a fluid provider comprising 
 a fluid provider housing having an intake end having a fluid intake vent for receiving fluid into said housing and an opposed output end having a fluid output vent for expelling fluid out of said housing, a plurality of leg members extending from said intake end in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane thereof, said leg members having a sufficient dimension to enable substantially uninhibited fluid flow access to said fluid intake vent portion when said housing is oriented such that said intake end is positioned proximate a supporting surface on which said fluid provider is located, a power supply connection member positioned on said output end, a fluid conduit coupler member positioned on said output end, and an operational control switch positioned on said output end,  
 a motor unit positioned within said housing, and  
 a fluid pressurization unit interposed between said intake end and said motor unit for pressurizing fluid within said housing such that fluid expelled from said output vent has a higher pressure than fluid received through said intake vent, said fluid pressurization unit being spaced a distance from said intake end of said housing; and  
   a portable sound damping case in which said fluid provider assembly is positioned, said case having a base side, peripheral sidewalls, and a closeable top side, said base side having a fluid intake vent located at a first position laterally spaced a distance from a center point of said base side, a plurality of leg members extending from an outer surface of said base side in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, said leg members having a sufficient dimension to enable substantially uninhibited fluid flow access to said fluid intake vent of said case when said base side of said case is proximate a surface on which said case is resting, a closeable flap member positioned on a portion of said top side in a location sufficient to provide direct access to said output end of said fluid provider positioned within said case when said top side of said case is in a closed position without opening said top side of said case, and a plurality of securing straps extending from an inner surface of at least one of said base side and at least one of said peripheral sidewalls of said case;    wherein said intake end of said fluid provider assembly is positioned proximate said base side of said case such that said fluid intake vent of said fluid provider assembly is located in a second position laterally offset from said first position.    
   
   
       36 . A portable fluid provider system, comprising: 
 a fluid provider assembly comprising 
 a fluid provider housing comprising 
 an intake end having a fluid intake vent for receiving fluid into said housing, said intake end having a contact surface,  
 an intake faceplate having a contact surface configured to mate with said contact surface of said intake end,  
 an output end opposing said intake end and having a fluid output vent for expelling fluid out of said housing, said output end comprising a power supply connection member, a fluid conduit coupler member positioned to correspond to said fluid output vent, and an operational control switch,  
 said intake faceplate having a fluid intake vent to allow fluid to be received into said housing, said intake faceplate further comprising a plurality of leg members extending therefrom in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, said leg members having a sufficient dimension to enable substantially uninhibited fluid flow access to said fluid intake vent portion when said housing is oriented such that said intake end is positioned proximate a supporting surface on which said fluid provider is located,  
 a motor unit positioned within said housing, and  
 a fluid pressurization unit interposed between said intake end and said motor unit for pressurizing fluid within said housing such that fluid expelled from said output vent has a higher pressure than fluid received through said intake vent, said fluid pressurization unit being spaced a distance from said intake end of said housing; and  
 
 a portable sound damping case in which said fluid provider assembly is positioned, said case having a base side, peripheral sidewalls, and a closeable top side, said base side having a fluid intake vent located at a first position laterally spaced a distance from a center point of said base side, a plurality of leg members extending from an outer surface of said base side in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, said leg members having a sufficient dimension to enable substantially uninhibited fluid flow access to said fluid intake vent of said case when said base side of said case is proximate a surface on which said case is resting, a closeable flap member positioned on a portion of said top side in a location sufficient to provide direct access to said output end of said fluid provider positioned within said case when said top side of said case is in a closed position without opening said top side of said case, and a plurality of securing straps extending from an inner surface of at least one of said base side and at least one of said peripheral sidewalls of said case;  
 wherein said intake end of said fluid provider assembly is positioned proximate said base side of said case such that said fluid intake vent of said fluid provider assembly is located in a second position laterally offset from said first position.  
   
   
   
       37 . The portable fluid provider system of  claim 36 , wherein said contact surface of said intake faceplate is configured to be detachably connected to said intake end such that said intake faceplate is removable.  
   
   
       38 . The portable fluid provider system of  claim 37 , wherein said fluid provider assembly further comprises a coupling plate, said coupling plate having a contact surface configured to be detachably connected to said intake end of fluid provider housing in substantially the same manner as said intake faceplate in place thereof, said coupling plate further comprising a coupling member adapted to connect said intake end to an output end of another fluid provider.  
   
   
       39 . A fluid provider assembly, comprising: 
 a fluid provider housing having an intake end for receiving fluid into said housing and an opposed output end for expelling fluid out of said housing, said output end being substantially coaxial with said input end;    an intake faceplate having a fluid intake vent portion to allow fluid to be received into said housing;    a plurality of members extending from said intake faceplate in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, said members having a sufficient dimension to enable substantially uninhibited fluid flow access to said intake vent portion when said housing is oriented such that said intake end is positioned proximate a supporting surface on which the assembly is located;    a motor unit positioned within said housing; and    a fluid pressurization unit interposed between said intake end and said output end for pressurizing fluid within said housing such that fluid expelled from said output end has a higher pressure than fluid received through said intake end.    
   
   
       40 . A fluid provider, comprising: 
 a fluid provider housing having an intake end for receiving fluid into said housing and an opposed output end for expelling fluid out of said housing;    a power supply connection member positioned on said output end;    a fluid conduit coupler member positioned on said output end;    an operational control switch positioned on said output end;    a motor unit positioned within said housing; and    a fluid pressurization unit interposed between said intake end and said output end for pressurizing fluid within said housing such that fluid expelled from said output end has a higher pressure than fluid received through said intake end.    
   
   
       41 . A fluid provider, comprising: 
 a fluid provider housing having an intake end for receiving fluid into said housing and an opposed output end for expelling fluid out of said housing;    a fluid intake vent portion positioned on said intake end to allow fluid to be received into said housing;    a plurality of leg members extending from said intake end in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, said leg members having a sufficient dimension to enable substantially uninhibited fluid flow access to said fluid intake vent portion when said housing is oriented such that said intake end is positioned proximate a supporting surface on which said fluid provider is located;    a motor unit positioned within said housing; and    a fluid pressurization unit interposed between said intake end and said output end for pressurizing fluid within said housing such that fluid expelled from said output end has a higher pressure than fluid received through said intake end.    
   
   
       42 . A portable fluid provider system, comprising: 
 a fluid provider assembly comprising 
 a fluid provider housing having an intake end having a fluid intake vent for receiving fluid into said housing and an opposed output end having a fluid output vent for expelling fluid out of said housing,  
   a motor unit positioned within said housing, and 
 a fluid pressurization unit interposed between said intake end and said output end for pressurizing fluid within said housing such that fluid expelled from said output vent has a higher pressure than fluid received through said intake vent, said fluid pressurization unit being spaced a distance from said intake end of said housing; and  
   a portable sound damping case in which said fluid provider assembly is positioned, said case having a base side, peripheral sidewalls, and a closeable top side, said base side having a fluid intake vent located at a first position laterally spaced a distance from a center point of said base side;    wherein said intake end of said fluid provider assembly is positioned proximate said base side of said case such that said fluid intake vent of said fluid provider assembly is located in a second position laterally offset from said first position.    
   
   
       43 . A portable fluid provider system, comprising: 
 a fluid provider comprising 
 a fluid provider housing having an intake end having a fluid intake vent for receiving fluid into said housing and an opposed output end having a fluid output vent for expelling fluid out of said housing, a plurality of leg members extending from said intake end in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane thereof, said leg members having a sufficient dimension to enable substantially uninhibited fluid flow access to said fluid intake vent portion when said housing is oriented such that said intake end is positioned proximate a supporting surface on which said fluid provider is located, a power supply connection member positioned on said output end, a fluid conduit coupler member positioned on said output end, and an operational control switch positioned on said output end,  
 a motor unit positioned within said housing, and  
 a fluid pressurization unit interposed between said intake end and said output end for pressurizing fluid within said housing such that fluid expelled from said output vent has a higher pressure than fluid received through said intake vent, said fluid pressurization unit being spaced a distance from said intake end of said housing; and  
   a portable sound damping case in which said fluid provider assembly is positioned, said case having a base side, peripheral sidewalls, and a closeable top side, said base side having a fluid intake vent located at a first position laterally spaced a distance from a center point of said base side, a plurality of leg members extending from an outer surface of said base side in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, said leg members having a sufficient dimension to enable substantially uninhibited fluid flow access to said fluid intake vent of said case when said base side of said case is proximate a surface on which said case is resting, a closeable flap member positioned on a portion of said top side in a location sufficient to provide direct access to said output end of said fluid provider positioned within said case when said top side of said case is in a closed position without opening said top side of said case, and a plurality of securing straps extending from an inner surface of at least one of said base side and at least one of said peripheral sidewalls of said case;    wherein said intake end of said fluid provider assembly is positioned proximate said base side of said case such that said fluid intake vent of said fluid provider assembly is located in a second position laterally offset from said first position.    
   
   
       44 . A portable fluid provider system, comprising: 
 a fluid provider assembly comprising 
 a fluid provider housing comprising 
 an intake end having a fluid intake vent for receiving fluid into said housing, said intake end having a contact surface,  
 an intake faceplate having a contact surface configured to mate with said contact surface of said intake end,  
 an output end opposing said intake end and having a fluid output vent for expelling fluid out of said housing, said output end comprising a power supply connection member, a fluid conduit coupler member positioned to correspond to said fluid output vent, and an operational control switch,  
 said intake faceplate having a fluid intake vent to allow fluid to be received into said housing, said intake faceplate further comprising a plurality of leg members extending therefrom in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, said leg members having a sufficient dimension to enable substantially uninhibited fluid flow access to said fluid intake vent portion when said housing is oriented such that said intake end is positioned proximate a supporting surface on which said fluid provider is located,  
 a motor unit positioned within said housing, and  
 a fluid pressurization unit interposed between said intake end and said output end for pressurizing fluid within said housing such that fluid expelled from said output vent has a higher pressure than fluid received through said intake vent, said fluid pressurization unit being spaced a distance from said intake end of said housing; and  
 
 a portable sound damping case in which said fluid provider assembly is positioned, said case having a base side, peripheral sidewalls, and a closeable top side, said base side having a fluid intake vent located at a first position laterally spaced a distance from a center point of said base side, a plurality of leg members extending from an outer surface of said base side in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, said leg members having a sufficient dimension to enable substantially uninhibited fluid flow access to said fluid intake vent of said case when said base side of said case is proximate a surface on which said case is resting, a closeable flap member positioned on a portion of said top side in a location sufficient to provide direct access to said output end of said fluid provider positioned within said case when said top side of said case is in a closed position without opening said top side of said case, and a plurality of securing straps extending from an inner surface of at least one of said base side and at least one of said peripheral sidewalls of said case;  
 wherein said intake end of said fluid provider assembly is positioned proximate said base side of said case such that said fluid intake vent of said fluid provider assembly is located in a second position laterally offset from said first position.