Dust shroud

A dust shroud having a shroud body with a vacuum port and a tool connection, the shroud body including a top wall and at least one side wall extending downwardly from about a perimeter of the top wall that defines a dust receiving opening, the shroud body having a top wall opening and the tool connection including a flexible fitting with a flexible fitting base joined to the top wall and extending within the top wall opening, the flexible fitting including a plurality of flexible fingers with a base finger portion and an outer finger portion that extends away from top wall and is selectively with a mounting point of the hand held tool and the flexible fingers allowing selective controlled relative movement between the dust shroud and the hand held tool, the fingers having a finger spacing between adjacent flexible fingers and the outwardly extending flexible fingers having a finger length between the top wall and the distal finger end that is greater than 0.75 inches allowing for selective adjustment and relative movement between the dust shroud and the associated hand held grinder.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The invention of this application relates to dust shroud. Patent Publication No. US2009/0181606 to Loveless et al. discloses a shroud for use with drilling tools and is incorporated by reference for showing the same and forms part of the specification of this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention of this application relates to dust shrouds, which have been known and used for many years in a wide range of fields to reduce dust emissions. However, it has been found that these dust shrouds do not perform well with many grinders wherein there is a need in the industry for an improved dust shroud.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention of this application relates to dust shrouds and has been found to work particularly well with hand held grinders and, more particularly, to a dust shroud that can be used for grinders and the like.

More particularly, the dust shroud of this application includes a shroud body having a vacuum port or connection along with a tool connection wherein the vacuum port is selectively connectable to a vacuum hose and the tool connection is selectively connectable to a hand held tool, such as a hand held grinder.

A dust shroud according to one aspect of the invention of this application includes a tool connection that allows the dust shroud to be used with a wide range of grinders.

According to certain aspects of the present invention, the tool connection includes an adaptive overmolded rubber flexible fitting to allow for the use on a wide range of grinders.

According to certain other aspects of the present invention, the adaptive overmolded rubber flexible fitting also allows for flexibility while in use and allows the user to control height of the shroud to accommodate different types of grinding and/or different shapes in a work piece.

According to yet other aspects of the present invention, the tool connection further includes a clamp arrangement to allow the overmolded flexible fitting to be quickly fixed relative to the wide range of grinders and without changing out clamps designed for each grinder type.

According to further aspects of the present invention, the clamp arrangement can include a hose clamp or worm clamp to provide an inward clamping force to quickly secure the flexible fitting relative to the grinder.

According to certain other aspects of the present invention, the vacuum port or connection can include a first port section and a second port section wherein the first port section is shaped to receive a first size vacuum hose and the second port section is shaped to receive a second size vacuum hose so that the dust shroud can also be used in connection with a wide range of vacuum hoses.

According to yet other aspects of the present invention, the shroud body can include one or more removable wall sections.

According to certain aspects of the present invention, the one or more removable wall sections can be a removable side wall section.

According to certain other aspects of the present invention, the shroud body can include a front side and a rear side and the one or more removable wall sections can be a removable side wall section on the front side.

According to yet other aspects of the present invention, the shroud body can be a generally round body having a top wall with a dust receiving opening opposite of the top wall. Yet further, the tool connection can be positioned in the top wall. According to one set of aspects, the tool connection can be generally centered in the top wall.

According to even yet other aspects of the present invention, the shroud body can be dish shaped wherein the top wall is generally round and the shroud body further includes one or more downwardly extending side walls wherein the bottom edge of the one or more side walls can form the dust receiving opening opposite the top wall.

According to yet further aspects of the present invention, the shroud body can include one or more air vent or intake holes positioned in the shroud body to produce a desired airflow within an inner space of the dust shroud.

According to yet other aspects of the present invention, the shroud body includes a first side and a second side wherein the first and second sides generally extend between the front side and a rear side. Further, the shroud body can be configured such that the vacuum port or connection extends from the first side and the air vent holes are generally in the second side to produce an airflow within the inner space that flows past the tool connection portion of the shroud.

According to further aspects of the present invention, the shroud body can further include one or more flexible extensions that extend downwardly or away from the bottom edge of the one or more side walls to help seal the bottom edge relative to the work piece thereby improving the desired airflow within the inner space.

According to yet further aspects of the present invention, the one or more flexible extensions can include one or more brush extensions.

According to even yet further aspects of the present invention, the one or more removable wall sections can include a flexible extensions and the flexible extension can include one or more brush extensions.

These and other objects, aspects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the Detailed Description of the invention set forth below taken together with the drawings which will be described in the next section.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting the same,FIGS. 1-9show several embodiments of a dust shroud10. Moreover, the dust shroud of this invention can have a wide range of sizes wherein the invention of this application is not to be limited to a specific size and/or not to be limited to a specific size hand held tool or grinder.

In greater detail, the dust shroud10includes a shroud body20having a vacuum port or connection22and a tool connection24wherein the vacuum port is selectively connectable to a vacuum hose VH and the tool connection is selectively connectable to a hand held tool HT, such as a hand held grinder GR. As will be discussed more below, tool connection24is configured to allow dust shroud10to be used with a wide range of grinders GR.

More particularly, tool connection24includes an adaptive overmolded rubber flexible fitting30to allow for this use on a wide range of grinders. Flexible fitting30includes a base32that is configured to be fixed relative to a top opening40in a top wall42of shroud body20. Base32can include a base grove34that can allow fitting30to interengage with top opening40, which can be formed by the overmolding process that will be discussed more below. In greater detail, top opening40is defined by a perimeter edge41and the edge can include a flange portion37extending about top opening40. Edge41and thus top opening40can be circular and can be generally centered in top wall42. Flange portion37can be a central flange, as is shown, that is formed by a top recess38and a bottom recess39wherein the recess and flange arrangement can be utilized to improve the overmolded joint. As is shown, recesses38and39can be flat recesses, but this is not required. Flange37can further include one or more flange openings35circumferentially spaced about the flange. By including a flange recesses38and39, the overmolded connection between fitting30and top wall42can be flush. In this respect, fitting30includes an inner surface44and an outer surface46and top wall42includes an inner surface50and an outer surface52wherein fitting inner surface44can be flush, or generally flush, with top wall inner surface50and fitting outer surface46can be flush, or generally flush, with top wall outer surface52. By including the overmolded connection between fitting30and top wall42, along with flange openings35, the joint between these two components can be both robust and unobtrusive.

Flexible fitting30further includes a plurality of outwardly extending flexible fingers60that extend from a finger base62attached to base32to distal finger ends64. Flexible fingers60have a finger length66between outer surface52and distal finger ends64, which allow flexible fingers60to have multiple function. This include, but is not limited to, allowing dust shroud10to be mounted relative to a wide range of hand tools HT, allowing the end user to fine tune the connection between the hand tool and the dust shroud, allowing relative movement between the dust shroud and the hand tool and allowing the dust shroud to automatically return to the set position wherein the user can easily direct the grinding wheel within the dust shroud during operation. In one set of embodiments, finger length66is greater than 0.5 inches. In another set of embodiments, finger length66is greater than 0.75 inches. In a further embodiment finger length66is between 0.75 inches and 2 inches. In yet another set of embodiments, finger length66is between 0.75 inches and 1.75 inches. Each of fingers60can include a base finger portion70that extends inwardly toward a top opening axis72and an outer finger portion73that extends away from top wall42and base finger portion to distal finger end64wherein outer finger portions73can be generally parallel to axis72. One or more of fingers60can include a distal end flange74, which can extend away from opening axis72. Further, each finger60can be spaced from one another by a finger spacing76. As will be discussed more below, finger spacing76can allow connection24to work on an even wider range of hand tools HT. Moreover, finger spacings76can allow increased flexible motion of the dust shroud relative to the hand tools to allow a greater range of motion of the grinding wheel or implement GW relative to the dust shield. As is known, a fastener or nut N can be used to join the grinding wheel or implement to tool HT after dust shield10is secured relative to the hand tool. In one set of embodiments, finger spacings76is greater than 0.050 inches. In another set of embodiments, finger spacings76is greater than 0.075 inches. In a further embodiment finger length66is greater than 0.100. In yet another set of embodiments, finger spacings76is between 0.075 inches and 0.200 inches.

In order to further increase the range of relative motion between the dust shield and the grinding wheel, finger spacings76can also include an angled configuration. In this respect, fingers flexible fingers60can include an angled portion78. In the embodiment shown, base finger portion70can include the angled portion wherein a longitudinal axis of each finger spacing extends at a finger spacing angle80from the flexible fitting base inwardly such that an extension of the longitudinal axis does not intersect top opening center axis72and the finger spacing angle is defined between the longitudinal axis of the finger spacing and a radial line from top opening axis72to an inner end of the finger spacing near the flexible fitting base. In one set of embodiments, finger angle80is less than 90 degrees. In another set of embodiments, finger angle80is greater than 45 degrees. As a result, finger spacings76can be angled wherein the spacings and the fingers extend at finger angle80. And, this can be used to further increase the range of opening sizes for connecting portion24and the range of motion of the grinder relative to the dust shroud. Yet even further, fingers60can further include a center portion82that connects and/or transitions base finger portion70into outer finger portion73that can be at a different angle and/or be curved. Again, this can be used to increase the range of opening sizes for connecting portion24. Again, and as will be discussed more below, these features can also increase the flexing range of connecting portion24to further improve the relative movement of the dust shroud relative to the grinding wheel or implement.

To further increase the range of the connecting portion, the edges of the finger can have a shaped and/or mating configuration. In this respect, each finger includes a first side edge84and an opposite second side85. Some or all of the side edges can have a mating configuration. As is best shown inFIG. 9, the side edges includes a chiseled edge portion to allow mating engagement when they are clamped together to further increase the range of motion and adjustability of dust shield.

Tool connection24further includes a clamp arrangement90that can be configure to allow flexible fitting30to be quickly fixed relative to the wide range of grinders GR. In greater detail, clamp arrangement90can include a hose clamp or worm clamp92to provide an inward clamping force toward axis72to secure the flexible fitting relative to a portion of the grinder. This configuration has been found to allow shroud10to be used with a wide range of grinders GR and to be securely fixed relative to these grinders for use by the end user. In this respect, fingers60are flexible wherein they can bend such that they can fit over a wide range of grinder head flanges GHF (mount point). In this respect, flexible fingers60of flexible fitting30have a relaxed or un-flexed configuration or diameter94as is best shown inFIG. 8. However, flexible fingers60of flexible fitting30can flex both outwardly and inwardly from the un-flexed condition shown inFIG. 8to allow use in connection with a wide range of tools. With reference toFIG. 9, which shows flexible fingers60of flexible fitting30in a fully compressed condition or diameter96wherein flexible fingers60of flexible fitting30according to the invention of this application have a wide range of motion and; therefore, can be used with a wide range of tools. According to one set of embodiments, fully compressed condition 96 can be down to a 1.5″ diameter. Clamp arrangement90can extend about outer finger portions73of fingers60and urge these finger portions into engagement with a portion of grinder GR, such as grinder head flanges GHF. Flange74can be configured to help maintain the engagement between clamp arrangement90and outer finger portions73.

Yet even further, tool connection24of the invention of this application allows dust shroud10to flex relative to grinder GR to allow for a better seal between dust shroud10and the work piece. In this respect, flexible fingers60not only allow tool connection24to be connected to a wide range of grinders, but also allow controlled relative movement between the grinder and the dust shroud with an automatic return to the natural position, as is shown in the figures. This allows for controlled movement between the shroud and uneven grinding surfaces and for changes in the tool angle between the grinder and the work piece. Thus, the rubber overmolded configuration of connecting portion24allows the shroud to be attached to most angle grinders quickly and easily without changing out clamps designed for each angle grinder type. Moreover, the rubber overmolded configuration of connecting portion24allows for flexibility while in use and allows the user to control height of the shroud to accommodate different types of grinding wheels, different spacing between the grinder and the opening in the dust shroud and different angles between the grinder and the dust shroud.

Vacuum port22can also be configured to work in connection with a wide range of vacuum hoses. In this respect, vacuum port22includes a port base100that is in fluid connection with shroud body20. In the embodiment shown, port base100can be connected to top wall42and can be adjacent to top wall opening40. Vacuum port22extends from port base100to a port distal end102and can extend away from body20at a port angle104. In one set of embodiments port angle104is between 20 degrees and 60 degrees. In another set of embodiments port angle104is between 20 degrees and 45 degrees. In the embodiment shown, vacuum port22can also extend rearwardly away from body20. Further, vacuum port22can include a first port section110near port base100and a second port section112near port distal end102. In one set of embodiments, first port section110can be shaped to receive a first size vacuum hose size and second port section112can be shaped to receive a second size vacuum hose size so that dust shroud10can also be used in connection with a wide range of vacuum hoses. In the embodiments shown, first port section110is smaller than second port section112. Moreover, vacuum port22further include a transition port section116between first port section110and second port section112to connect these sections and/or create smoother air flow between these sections.

Shroud body20of dust shroud10can further include one or more removable wall sections120, which can be used to allow better access to the grinding wheel of grinder. In greater detail, shroud body20can include a front side130, a rear side132, a first side134and a second side136wherein the sides can extend between the front and rear of the body. Further, shroud body can include one or more side walls140that can extend from top wall42and can at least partially define a dust receiving opening142that can be opposite of top wall42. Wall140and/or top wall42can include an arcuate or transition region144therebetween. In the embodiments shown, shroud body20can be a generally round body having a generally round top wall42and a generally round dust receiving opening142opposite of the top wall, but this is not required. And, according to one set of embodiments, tool connection24can be generally centered in top wall42. Yet further, shroud body20can be dish shaped wherein one or more downwardly extending side walls140can be a single side wall excluding any wall portion formed in the one or more removable wall sections. One or more downwardly extending side walls140can extend from top wall42and extend to a side wall extent or bottom edge150that can at least partially define dust receiving opening142opposite the top wall42.

According to the embodiments shown, removable wall section120can be a removable side wall section to create a side opening151. Yet further, removable side wall section can include a removable section top152generally in line with a section of top wall42and a removable section side wall154generally in line with side wall140. In the embodiment shown, removable section120can be a removable front side section. Removable side wall section120can include any fastening system to selectively secure the removable section to body20without detracting from the invention of this application. This can include, but is not limited to, locking tabs, fasteners, hinges, bands, clips, resistance hinges, clasps, mating locking arrangements, and the like. In the embodiments shown, removable wall section120includes tabs155and shroud body20includes channels156that are shaped to received tabs155for vertical sliding motion between wall section120and shroud body20, with reference to the orientation in the drawings. Further, wall section120can include one or more locking tabs157and shroud body can include one or more locking detents158shaped to receive the locking tabs and selectively secure the removable wall section relative to shroud body. Yet further, the wall section can be a flexible wall section wherein the section remains connected but which flexes out of the way when pressure is applied by tool operator, but will return to a closed condition when the pressure is removed.

Shroud body20can further include one or more air vent or intake holes or ports160to produce a desired airflow F within an inner space162of dust shroud10. As is shown, body20includes a plurality of elongated air holes or vents160, but the number shown is not required. Also shown in the described embodiments, the vents are positioned to produce desired airflow F that has been found to increase the efficiency of the dust shroud system to maximize the dust removal abilities of the dust shroud of this application. In greater detail, vacuum port22extends from second side136and air vent160can be positioned in first side134and/or near rear side132to produce airflow F within the inner space that flows past tool connection24of shroud10. Yet even further, vents160can include vents160in a vent pattern that extend toward rear side132and/or include vents in rear side132. This can be used to produce the desired airflow, which factors in the rotation of the grinding wheel. Yet further, the vent pattern can be an arcuate vent pattern of vents160that can follow the general location of the side edge of the grinding wheel to further improve airflow and dust removal.

Dust shroud10can further include shroud body20that includes one or more flexible extensions170that extend downwardly or away from bottom edge(s)150of the one or more side walls to help seal the bottom edge relative to the work piece thereby improving the desired airflow within the inner space. Yet further, one or more removable wall sections120can include flexible extension172. According to once set of embodiments, flexible extensions170and/or172can include one or more brush extensions. Even yet further, side walls can be formed by flexible extensions and/or the side walls can be flexible wherein the side walls can form the flexible extensions. In order to retain the flexible extensions relative to body20, body20can include a downwardly facing, relative to the drawings, locking channel180, which is best shown inFIG. 5. Locking channel180can include an outer wall section182defining an inner channel opening186shaped to receive a brush clip190. Locking channel180can further include a clip tab192to lock brush clip190, and thus flexible extension170, relative to the locking channel.

In operation, dust shroud10is fixed relative to hand tool HT by first removing grinding wheel GW. Once the grinding wheel is removed, shroud body20can be flexibly fixed relative to hand tool HT by way of tool connection24. This is done by first positioning clamp arrangement90about tool connection24and then positioning tool connection24over grinder head flange GHF of hand tool HT. Clamp arrangement90and grinder head flange GHF can be moved relative to fingers60, as is shown by arrow200, to allow the user to control height of the shroud to accommodate different types of grinding wheels, desired spacing between the grinder and the shroud opening or any other desired custom fit between the grinder and the dust shroud. Once tool connection24is in the desired position over grinder head flange GHF, clamp arrangement90can be tightened about the grinder head flange to flexibly secure the dust shield relative to the hand tool. In addition, vacuum hose VH can be positioned in vacuum port22. A vacuum (not shown), can then be turned on to remove dust that is created by the grinder during grinding. Once the vacuum is on, the tool is used to grind a surface to be ground. In that tool connection24is flexible, the user can simply apply pressure to the hand tool and the grinding wheel will be easily urged toward opening150to allow engagement between the grinding wheel and the surface to be ground. Once the pressure is removed, the grinding wheel will automatically move back inwardly within the dust shroud. If the user needs to use the edge of the grinding wheel, removable wall section120can be removed to open side opening. Again, pressure can be applied to the hand tool to urge the grinding wheel toward opening150to allow engagement between the grinding wheel and the surface to be ground.

While considerable emphasis has been placed on the preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated that other embodiments, and equivalences thereof, can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be combined to form yet other embodiments of the invention of this application. Accordingly, it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.