Abstract:
An attachment for an air blower that enables a nozzle portion to be configured at various angles is provided. The attachment includes a rigid, elongated cylindrical portion having a first end and a second end, the rigid, elongated cylindrical portion having a longitudinal axis running therethrough; a connector portion disposed at the first end and configured to couple the cylindrical portion to an airflow outlet of an air blower; a nozzle portion disposed at the second end of the cylindrical portion, the nozzle portion configured to direct airflow out of the cylindrical portion; and an actuating member coupled to the nozzle portion, the actuating portion configured to adjust the nozzle portion at various angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion.

Description:
PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 61/645,817, filed May 11, 2012, entitled “ATTACHMENT FOR AIR BLOWER”, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates generally to air blowers and debris moving apparatuses, and more particularly, an attachment for an air blower that enables a nozzle portion to be configured at various angles. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Air blowers are known in art for using high pressure airflow to move debris in the direction of the airflow, e.g., blowing leaves. Conventional air blowers includes portable types, e.g., hand-held or backpack types, and stand-behind push types. Referring to  FIG. 1 , a conventional backpack air blower  10  is illustrated. The backpack air blower  10  generally includes a housing  12  which contains a motor and fan for generating the high pressure airflow. The high pressure airflow is ducted via an outlet  14  to a flexible tube member  16 . The flexible tube member  16  is then further coupled to a releasable attachment  18  for directing the airflow via a nozzle portion  20 . A handle  21  is coupled to the flexible tube member  16  to facilitate the directing of the attachment  18  and nozzle portion  20 . The handle  21  may further include controls for the air mover to start and stop the fan, to vary the speed of the fan, etc. 
         [0006]    Different attachments are configured for different tasks. For example, a linear or straight attachment  18  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is employed for general use, for example, when directing large debris to a predetermined location. However, when trying to direct airflow under an object, for example, a bush, a flower bed, a vehicle, etc., the user must position the attachment  18  to be close to and parallel to the ground, requiring frequent bending. To avoid the frequent bending,  FIG. 3  illustrates an attachment  22  with a nozzle portion  24  arranged at a fixed predetermined angle a, for example, about  45  degrees. The attachment  22  enables the user to direct the airflow parallel to the ground without having to bend. Unfortunately, this requires the user to carry at least two different attachments in addition to the backpack air blower. Furthermore, frequent changing of attachments will extend the time required to complete a task, which in a commercial application will increase labor costs. 
         [0007]    Therefore, a need exists for an air blower attachment that can complete the above tasks without the need for carrying multiple attachments requiring multiple attachment changes. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    An attachment for an air blower that enables a nozzle portion of the attachment to be configured at various angles is provided. The attachment of the present disclosure includes a nozzle portion that is configurable to various angles to accomplish various tasks. 
         [0009]    According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an attachment for an air blower includes a rigid, elongated cylindrical portion having a first end and a second end, the rigid, elongated cylindrical portion having a longitudinal axis running therethrough; a connector portion disposed at the first end and configured to couple the cylindrical portion to an airflow outlet of an air blower; a nozzle portion disposed at the second end of the cylindrical portion, the nozzle portion configured to direct airflow out of the cylindrical portion; and an actuating member coupled to the nozzle portion, the actuating portion configured to adjust the nozzle portion at various angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion. 
         [0010]    In one aspect, the actuating member is a cylindrical sleeve disposed at the second end of the cylindrical portion, the cylindrical sleeve configured to adjust the nozzle portion when twisted about the cylindrical portion. 
         [0011]    In another aspect, the cylindrical portion further includes an angled channel disposed at the second end adjacent the nozzle portion to enable the nozzle portion to be adjusted relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion. 
         [0012]    In a further aspect, a predetermined range of the angle of the nozzle portion is about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees. It is to be appreciated that this predetermined range is exemplary and not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any manner. A range including any angle from about 0 degrees to about 360 degrees is contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0013]    In yet another aspect, the actuating member is a cylindrical sleeve disposed at the second end of the cylindrical portion, the cylindrical sleeve configured to adjust the nozzle portion when slid toward the first end of the cylindrical portion. In one aspect, a trigger member is disposed on the cylindrical sleeve adjacent the first end of the cylindrical portion, the trigger member configured to actuate the cylindrical sleeve. In another aspect, a handle is disposed on first end of the cylindrical portion adjacent the trigger member, wherein the handle and trigger member are simultaneously grasped to actuate the cylindrical sleeve. 
         [0014]    According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the actuating member of the attachment includes a deflecting member disposed at the second end of the cylindrical portion, the deflecting member configured to direct airflow leaving the nozzle portion at various angles. 
         [0015]    In a further aspect, at least one tube disposed along a length of the cylindrical portion configured to provide a fluid into the airflow leaving the nozzle portion. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an air blower according to the prior art; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  illustrates an attachment for an air blower according to the prior art; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  illustrates another attachment for an air blower according to the prior art; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  illustrates an attachment for an air blower in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  illustrates the attachment for an air blower shown in  FIG. 4  where a nozzle portion is configured at an adjustable angle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the attachment for an air blower shown in FIG. 
           [0023]      4 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  illustrates an attachment for an air blower in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  illustrates the attachment for an air blower shown in  FIG. 7  where a nozzle portion is configured at an adjustable angle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  illustrates an attachment for an air blower in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  illustrates an attachment for an air blower in accordance with a further embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  illustrates the attachment for an air blower shown in  FIG. 10  where a nozzle portion is configured at an adjustable angle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is a partial view of the attachment for an air blower shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  illustrates an attachment for an air blower in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  illustrates an attachment for an air blower in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIGS. 4-6 , an attachment  100  for an air blower in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The attachment  100  includes a connector portion  102  for connecting the attachment  100  to an airflow outlet of an air blower, a rigid, elongated cylindrical portion  104  for conducting airflow and a nozzle portion  106  for directing airflow out of the attachment  100 . The attachment  100  further includes an actuating sleeve or member  108  for configuring the nozzle portion  106  at various angles, as will be described in more detail below. 
         [0034]    It is to be appreciated that the connector portion  102  may be adapted for connecting the attachment  100  to any various known or to be developed types of air blowers. For example, the connector portion  102  may include a fitting, a snap-fit type connection, an elastic member, etc. 
         [0035]    As can be seen most clearly in  FIG. 6 , an angled channel  110  is formed in the lower section of the rigid cylindrical portion  104  adjacent the nozzle portion  106 . The actuating sleeve  108  is disposed over the lower section of the rigid cylindrical portion  104  and coupled to the rigid cylindrical portion  104  adjacent the angled channel  110  via a connector  112 . It is to be appreciated that the connector may be coupled to the rigid cylindrical portion  104  via any known means, for example, a fastener, rivet, bolt, etc. 
         [0036]    By providing the angled channel  110  in the lower section of the rigid cylindrical portion  104 , the nozzle portion  106  can be configured at various angles (relative to the longitudinal axis  111  of the cylindrical portion  104 ) by twisting the actuating sleeve  108  in the direction of arrow b. As can be seen in  FIG. 5 , upon twisting the actuating sleeve  108 , the connector  112  and angled channel  110  are actuated to configure the nozzle portion  106  at angle c. It is to be appreciated that angle c is adjustable and can be configured from about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees. It is to be appreciated that this predetermined range is exemplary and not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any manner. A range including any angle from about 0 degrees to about 360 degrees is contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0037]    It is further to be appreciated that angled channel  110  may be configured to completely encircle the lower section of the rigid cylindrical portion  104  (i.e., form a complete circle) or may be formed in just a portion of the cylindrical portion. For example, the angled channel may be formed in approximately 50 percent of the circumference of the cylindrical portion  104 , i.e., the angled channel does not go all the way around the circumference of the cylindrical portion  104 . It is to be appreciated that the angled channel is formed to allow the nozzle portion to be flexed relative to the rigid cylindrical portion. 
         [0038]    The actuating sleeve  108  is held on the rigid cylindrical portion  104  by a retaining mechanism  114 . In one embodiment, the retaining mechanism  114  includes a tongue and groove arrangement which allows the actuating sleeve  108  to be retained on the rigid cylindrical portion  104  while being twisted. Referring to  FIG. 6 , the retaining mechanism  114  is constructed by forming a tongue portion  116  on one end of the actuating sleeve  108 . A complementary groove portion  118  is formed on the rigid cylindrical portion  104  to receive the tongue portion  116 . It is to be appreciated that the tongue and groove portions may be reversed where the tongue portion is on the rigid cylindrical portion  104  and the groove portion is on the actuating sleeve  108 . It is further to be appreciated that other retaining mechanism can be employed and are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the retaining mechanism may include a depressed channel on the rigid cylindrical portion  104  with at least one complementary protrusion on the actuating sleeve  108  configured to ride within the channel. In another example, the rigid cylindrical portion  104  may include a slot with the actuating sleeve  108  including a finger or other rigid member configured to slide in the slot. 
         [0039]    Additionally, the retaining mechanism  114  may include stops to maintain the angle of actuation of the actuating sleeve  108  within a predetermined angle, e.g., from about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees. Using the examples above, the tongue portion  116  and groove portion  118  may be of a predetermined length to limit movement. In the depressed channel and at least one complementary protrusion embodiment, the depressed channel may be of a predetermined length to limit movement of the protrusion riding therein. Similarly, the slot may be of a predetermined length to limit movement of the finger or rigid member riding therein. Other implementation are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the retaining mechanisms may include at least one detent to set the nozzle portion at a particular angle. The at least one detent provides tactile feedback to a user to indicate the nozzle portion has been set at the particular angle. 
         [0040]    In certain embodiments, a handle  120  is provided on an upper end of the rigid cylindrical portion  104  to enable a user to maneuver the attachment  100  when in use. The handle  100  may be coupled to the rigid cylindrical portion  104  via any known means  122  or technique including, but not limited to, a clamp, a bolt, a plastic welding process, etc. It is to be appreciated that the handle can take many forms and shapes. 
         [0041]    For example, the handle  120  may be configured as a cylindrical member, a curved member, a rectangular prism, etc. or any other shape that would facilitate gripping by a hand of a user. 
         [0042]    In use, a user attaches the attachment  100  via the connection portion  102  to the flexible tube member of an air blower. The attachment  100  is then employed as in  FIG. 4  to direct air in a linear direction via the nozzle portion  106 . As needed, the user can direct airflow in a direction parallel to the ground by simply twisting the actuating sleeve  108  as indicated by arrow b, resulting in the configuration shown in  FIG. 5 . The user can return the attachment  100  to the configuration shown in  FIG. 4  by simply twisting the actuating sleeve  108  in the reversed direction. 
         [0043]    In one embodiment, the connector portion  102 , the rigid cylindrical portion  104  and the nozzle portion  106  may be configured as a unitary structure from a similar material. For example, the rigid cylindrical portion  104  and the nozzle portion  106  with the angled channel  110  may be integrally formed from an injection molding process or configured from a single piece of sheet metal. Likewise, the actuating sleeve may be constructed from a similar material as the connector portion  102 , the rigid cylindrical portion  104  and the nozzle portion  106 . In other embodiment, at least one of the components is constructed from a dissimilar material. In one embodiment, the various components of the attachment  100  made be constructed from plastic, a resin, metal or any other known material that is flexible enough to achieve the techniques described above. Furthermore, the retaining mechanism may be molded, stamped or constructed from various known techniques. 
         [0044]    In another embodiment, the connector portion  102 , the rigid cylindrical portion  104  and the nozzle portion  106  may be separate parts assembled to form the attachment  100 . In one embodiment, the nozzle portion  106  is coupled to the rigid cylindrical portion  104  by the angled channel  110 , for example, by crimping, welding or any other known method. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIGS. 7-9 , an attachment  200  for an air blower in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The attachment  200  includes a connector portion  202  for connecting the attachment  200  to the flexible tube member of an air blower, a rigid cylindrical portion  204  for conducting airflow and a nozzle portion  206  for directing airflow out of the attachment  200 . As described above, a handle  220  is provided on an upper end of the rigid cylindrical portion  204  to enable a user to maneuver the attachment  200  when in use. The attachment  200  further includes an actuating sleeve  208  for configuring the nozzle portion  206  at various angles. 
         [0046]    An angled channel  210  is formed in the lower section of the rigid cylindrical portion  204  adjacent the nozzle portion  206 . The actuating sleeve  208  is disposed over the lower section of the rigid cylindrical portion  204  and coupled to the rigid cylindrical portion  204  adjacent the angled channel  210  via a connector  212 . It is to be appreciated that the connector  212  may take the form of a rod, flat rectangular member, etc. It is further to be appreciated that the connector may be coupled to the rigid cylindrical portion  204  and nozzle portion  206  via any known means, for example, a fastener, rivet, bolt, etc. The actuating sleeve  208  is held on the rigid cylindrical portion  204  by a connector  212 . 
         [0047]    By providing the angled channel  210  in the lower section of the rigid cylindrical portion  204 , the nozzle portion  206  can be configured at various angles by sliding the actuating sleeve  208  in the direction of arrow d. As can be seen in  FIG. 8 , upon sliding the actuating sleeve  208 , the connector  212  and angled channel  210  are actuated to configure the nozzle portion  206  at angle e. It is to be appreciated that angle e is adjustable and can be configured from about  0  degrees to about  90  degrees. It is to be appreciated that other angles are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , another embodiment of an attachment  250  for an air blower is illustrated. Similar to the attachment  200  shown in  FIG. 8 , the attachment  250  includes actuating sleeve  252 . In this embodiment, the actuating sleeve  252  is of a greater length than sleeve  208 , e.g., the actuating sleeve  252  is approximately ⅔ the size of the cylindrical portion  204 , while other sizes are contemplated. An upper end  254  of the actuating sleeve  252  extends to an area adjacent handle  220  to facilitate actuation and directing of the nozzle portion  206 . Optionally, a trigger member  256  is provided at the upper end  254  of the actuating sleeve  252 . In use, a user may simultaneously grasp the handle  220  and trigger member  256  causing the trigger member  256  to move in the direction of arrow f towards the handle  220  and actuating the sleeve  252  in direction of arrow d. Upon actuation of the trigger member  256 , the nozzle portion  206  is configured in various angles. It is to be appreciated that the actuating sleeve  256  may be spring biased to return the nozzle portion to its normal state (i.e., angle e of 0 degrees or linear flow) upon release of the trigger member. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIGS. 10-12 , an attachment  300  for an air blower in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The attachment  300  includes a connector portion  302  for connecting the attachment  300  to the flexible tube member of an air blower, a rigid cylindrical portion  304  for conducting airflow and a nozzle portion  306  for directing airflow out of the attachment  300 . As described above, a handle  320  is provided on an upper end of the rigid cylindrical portion  304  to enable a user to maneuver the attachment  300  when in use. The attachment  300  further includes deflecting member  360  for directing airflow leaving the nozzle portion  306  at various angles. 
         [0050]    The deflecting member  360  is coupled to an actuating mechanism  308  for moving the deflecting member  360  in the airflow leaving the nozzle portion  306 . In one position, the deflecting member  360  does not interfere with the airflow leaving the nozzle portion as shown in  FIG. 10 . After actuation, the deflecting member  360  is moved into the airflow causing the airflow to be directed an angle relative to the cylindrical portion  304 . The deflecting member  360  may take various forms and shapes. In one embodiment, the deflecting member is planar, rectangular member. In another embodiment, the deflecting member  360  has an arcuate shape to conform to the shape of the cylindrical member  304  when not in use. 
         [0051]    The actuating mechanism  308  includes a trigger member  362  coupled to an upper portion  354  of the cylindrical portion  304  via a rotatable connector  364 . The trigger member  362  is coupled to the deflecting member  360  by a rod member or other suitable means  366 . The deflecting member  360  is further coupled to the nozzle portion  306  via a bracket  368  and connector  370 . Upon moving the trigger member  362  in the direction of arrow g, the rod member  366  causes the deflecting member  360  to rotate about connector  370  in the direction of arrow h. In this manner, the deflecting member  360  moves in the airflow leaving the nozzle portion  306  and directs the airflow at an angle determined by the position of the deflecting member  360 . It is to be appreciated that the deflecting member  360  may be spring biased to return the deflecting member  360  to its normal state (i.e., retracted from the airflow leaving the nozzle portion  306 ) upon release of the trigger member. 
         [0052]    In a further embodiment, the attachment of the present disclosure may be configured for applying a fluid with the high pressure air generated by the air blower, e.g., for applying a pesticide. It is to be appreciated that a fluid can be any substance, such as a liquid, gas, powder, etc., that is capable of flowing and that changes its shape at a steady rate when acted upon by a force tending to change its shape. In this embodiment, a tube or channel is provided along the length of the cylindrical portion having an input disposed at the upper end of the cylindrical portion and an output disposed at the lower end of the cylindrical portion adjacent the nozzle portion. 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , an attachment  400  for an air blower configured to apply a fluid is illustrated. Attachment  400  is similar to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , and therefore, redundant details will not be repeated and similar reference numerals will be employed. Attachment  400  includes a tube or flow channel  180  disposed along the length of cylindrical portion  104 . The tube  180  includes an input  182  for receiving a fluid. It is to be appreciated that the input  182  of the tube  180  may be extended to be coupled to a fluid container attached to the air blower. The tube  180  further includes an output  184  disposed adjacent the nozzle portion  106 . In this configuration, as fluid is provided to tube  180 , the fluid will be dispensed at output  184  into the airflow leaving the nozzle portion  106 . It is to be appreciated that the tube  180  is flexible to move with the nozzle portion  106  as it is adjusted. In one embodiment, the tube  180  is integrally formed with the cylindrical portion  104  and nozzle portion  106 , e.g., in a molding process. 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIG. 14 , an attachment  500  for an air blower configured to apply a fluid is illustrated. Attachment  500  is similar to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 10-11 , and therefore, redundant details will not be repeated and similar reference numerals will be employed. Attachment  500  includes a tube or flow channel  380  disposed along the length of cylindrical portion  304 . The tube  380  includes an input  382  for receiving a fluid. It is to be appreciated that the input  382  of the tube  380  may be extended to be coupled to a fluid container attached to the air blower. The tube  380  further includes an output  384  disposed adjacent the nozzle portion  306 . In this configuration, as fluid is provided to tube  380 , the fluid will be dispensed at output  184  into the airflow leaving the nozzle portion  306 . In one embodiment, the tube  180  is integrally formed with the cylindrical portion  104  and nozzle portion  106 , e.g., in a molding process. 
         [0055]    It is to be appreciated that the various features shown and described are interchangeable, that is a feature shown in one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment. 
         [0056]    While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
         [0057]    Furthermore, although the foregoing text sets forth a detailed description of numerous embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the invention is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment, as describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. One could implement numerous alternate embodiments, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. 
         [0058]    It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this patent using the sentence “As used herein, the term ‘_____’ is hereby defined to mean . . . ” or a similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term be limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word “means” and a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph.