Patent Description:
Blowers are typically utilized in outdoor activities, such as lawn maintenance and garden work. Blowers generally include an air biasing element that drives airflow through an exhaust port to generate directional force. By pointing the airflow from the exhaust port at a target object, an operator can bias the object in a desired direction. For lawn maintenance, for example, this may include targeting leaves and other debris with directional airflow to move the leaves and clean the ground surface.

Traditionally, blowers were designed with minimal attention to the orientation and placement of components relative to one another. As such, it was not uncommon to have blowers with eccentric weight distributions that required unnecessary force from an operator to properly maintain balance of the blower to keep the exhaust port pointing in the desired direction. The <CIT> discloses a handheld air blower for convenient transport comprising a telescopic assembly with a fixed guiding element disposed on a blower body and a telescopic element slidably received in the guiding element as well as a fan assembly with a housing disposed on the telescopic element. The <CIT> describes a portable cylindrical air circulator having a cylindrical body, and a pair of wheels mounted below the cylindrical body, wherein a motor, a motor driven fan and a battery are positioned within the cylindrical body, while a telescopic handle extends beyond the cylindrical body. The <CIT> refers to a handheld blower having a blower body with a motor driven fan and a battery pack attached to the rear end of the blower body, wherein the centre of gravity is positioned on the mid plane of the handle which is vertical towards the work ground as well as vertical with motor, fan, inlet section and blowing portion. The <CIT> is directed to a blower comprising a blower body, wherein the motor and fan are mounted on one end of the blower body and the handle is attached to the body near the air inlet and above of the battery pack received in the blower body.

Accordingly, a blower having improved design features is desired in order to reduce wasted operator effort and create a better user experience.

A blower according to the invention as defined in independent claim <NUM>.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the invention, which is solely defined by the appended claims.

As used herein, the terms "first," "second," and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and do not necessarily signify sequence or importance of the individual components. As used herein, terms of approximation, such as "generally," "substantially," "approximately," or "about" include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, "generally vertical" includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise.

Referring now to the Figures, the present disclosure is generally directed to a blower. The blower can be an electric blower including a battery.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary blower <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment described herein. The blower <NUM> includes a body <NUM> having one or more parts extending between a front end <NUM> and a rear end <NUM>. The front end <NUM> can be defined at least in part by an exhaust port <NUM> of an airflow outlet tube <NUM> of the blower <NUM>. The airflow outlet tube <NUM> may be selectively detachable from a second portion of the body <NUM>, such as a main housing of the body <NUM>. In an embodiment, the airflow outlet tube <NUM> may be interchangeable with airflow outlet tubes having different specifications and/or characteristics, e.g., different exhaust port shapes, different lengths, and/or different diameters. In an embodiment, the airflow outlet tube <NUM> can include two or more segments, each segment being selectively detachable and/or interchangeable.

The rear end <NUM> of the blower <NUM> is at least partially defined by an air inlet <NUM>, including, for example, a grate or cover through which airflow into the blower <NUM> can be received. In an embodiment, the grate or cover of the air inlet <NUM> can have a conical or frustoconical shape extending toward the rear end <NUM> of the blower <NUM>. In another embodiment, the grate or cover of the air inlet <NUM> can have a generally planar shape. In an embodiment, the grate or cover of the air inlet <NUM>, or a best fit plane associated therewith, can be substantially parallel with a plane defined by the exhaust port <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the blower <NUM> can define an axis <NUM> corresponding with a direction of airflow through the blower <NUM>. The axis <NUM> can extend from the air inlet <NUM> toward the exhaust port <NUM>. In an embodiment, the air inlet <NUM> and exhaust port <NUM> can be coaxial with one another along the axis <NUM>. For example, in an embodiment, the angular orientations of the air inlet <NUM>, or a best fit plane associated therewith, can be parallel, or substantially parallel, with the exhaust port <NUM>, or a best fit plane associated therewith. In another embodiment, the exhaust port <NUM> can be angularly offset from the axis <NUM>. That is, for example, the exhaust port <NUM> can be oriented along a plane, or a best fit plane, angularly offset from perpendicular with respect to the axis <NUM>. In yet a further embodiment, the air inlet <NUM>, or a best fit plane associated therewith, can be oriented at an angle perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the axis <NUM>.

The blower <NUM> further includes a handle <NUM> which can comprise a trigger <NUM> for controlling volumetric airflow of the blower <NUM>. The handle <NUM> includes a gripping surface <NUM> where an operator can hold the blower <NUM> during normal operation thereof. In certain instances described hereinafter, reference made with respect to the handle <NUM> may include the entirety of an opening <NUM> associated with the gripping surface <NUM> of the handle <NUM>. That is, in certain embodiments reference to the handle <NUM> may include other surfaces defined by the opening <NUM> in addition to the gripping surface <NUM>. The gripping surface <NUM> can have a sloped profile tapering toward the rear end <NUM> of the blower <NUM>.

A battery port <NUM> of the blower <NUM> is configured to selectively receive a battery B. The battery B can be selectively attachable with the battery port <NUM> through translation, rotation, another suitable movement, or any combination thereof. In an embodiment, the battery B may be removably coupled with the battery port <NUM> via one or more selective retaining members <NUM> (<FIG>). An operator can affect release of the battery B by adjusting a position or orientation of the one or more selective retaining members <NUM> and removing the battery B from the battery port <NUM>.

According to the present invention, the battery port <NUM> is disposed between the rear end <NUM> of the blower <NUM> and the handle <NUM>, i.e. the battery port <NUM> is disposed between the air inlet <NUM> and the handle <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the battery port <NUM> can be approximately equally spaced apart from the rear end <NUM> of the blower <NUM> and a generally center location <NUM> of the gripping surface <NUM> of the handle <NUM>.

The battery port <NUM> may define a battery interface <NUM> configured to mate against a surface of the battery B when the battery B is engaged with the battery port <NUM>. The battery interface <NUM> may define an operational area of contact between the battery and the battery port <NUM>. In certain instances, the battery interface <NUM> may comprise one surface of the battery port <NUM>. That is, for example, the interface between the battery B and the battery port <NUM> may occur primarily along a single surface. <FIG> illustrates a battery port <NUM> with a single surface defining the battery interface <NUM>. Side walls <NUM> act primarily as guides and alignment features when coupling the battery B with the battery port <NUM>. In non-illustrated embodiments, the battery interface <NUM> may include a plurality of surfaces of the battery port <NUM>. For example, the interface between the battery B and the battery port <NUM> may occur along two or more surfaces of the battery port <NUM> which collectively interface with the battery B to couple the battery B to the battery port <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the battery interface <NUM> can lie along a plane <NUM>, or a best fit plane (referred to collectively as the plane <NUM>), disposed at an angle, α, angularly offset from the axis <NUM> of the blower <NUM>. By way of example, the plane <NUM> can be angularly offset from the axis <NUM> by an angle, α, of at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°. In another embodiment, the plane <NUM> can be angularly offset from the axis <NUM> by an angle, , α, no greater than <NUM>°, such as no greater than <NUM>°, such as no greater than <NUM>°. In an embodiment, the plane <NUM> can be angularly offset from the axis <NUM> by an angle, α, in a range of <NUM>° and <NUM>°, such as <NUM>° and <NUM>°, such as <NUM>° and <NUM>°, such as <NUM>° and <NUM>°, such as <NUM>° and <NUM>°. In a particular embodiment, the plane <NUM> can be angularly offset from the axis <NUM> by approximately <NUM>°. The plane <NUM> can intersect the axis <NUM> of the blower <NUM> at an intersecting location. The rear end <NUM> of the blower can be disposed between the front end <NUM> of the blower <NUM> and the intersecting location. That is, the plane <NUM> can intersect the axis <NUM> at a location behind the rear end <NUM> of the blower <NUM>.

The battery port <NUM> lies between the front and rear ends <NUM> and <NUM> of the blower <NUM>, as measured along the axis <NUM> in the direction of airflow through the blower <NUM>. In an embodiment, the entire battery port <NUM> may lie between the front and rear ends <NUM> and <NUM> of the blower, as measured along the axis <NUM> in the direction of airflow through the blower <NUM>. When positioned in the battery port <NUM>, the battery B, or a portion thereof, can extend past from the battery port <NUM> to a location behind the rear end <NUM> of the blower <NUM>. Thus, when the battery B is connected to the battery port <NUM>, the rearmost end of the blower <NUM> can be defined by the battery B.

<FIG> illustrates a rear perspective view of the blower <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment. The battery port <NUM> includes one or more selective retaining members <NUM> configured to engage the battery B. In an embodiment, the one or more selective retaining members <NUM> can be selectively moved to an open position, whereby the battery B can be removed from the battery port <NUM>, by engaging a release <NUM>. In an embodiment, the release <NUM> may be moveable in a direction along a line extending parallel with the plane <NUM> of the battery interface <NUM>. The release <NUM> may be spring loaded to return to an undepressed position when application of force is terminated. Upon releasing the one or more selective retaining members <NUM>, the battery B can be removed from the battery port <NUM> in a lateral direction. Rails, channels or other guiding members may be contained in the battery port <NUM> to guide the battery B in and out of the battery port <NUM> to prevent damage to electrical connectors <NUM> of the battery port <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery B is insertable into the battery port <NUM> through a lateral side of the battery port <NUM>. In another embodiment, the battery B can be inserted into the battery port <NUM> through an axial end of the battery port <NUM>, such as from an end of the battery port <NUM> closer to the handle <NUM> or an end of the battery port <NUM> closer to the rear end <NUM> of the blower <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the blower <NUM> with the body <NUM> partially removed. The blower <NUM> can include a biasing element, such as a fan <NUM> configured to generate airflow through the blower <NUM>. The fan <NUM> can be disposed at least partially within the airflow outlet tube <NUM> of the blower <NUM>. For example, in an embodiment, at least <NUM>% of the fan <NUM> can be disposed within the airflow outlet tube <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>% of the fan <NUM> can be disposed within the airflow outlet tube <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>% of the fan <NUM> can be disposed within the airflow outlet tube <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>% of the fan <NUM> can be disposed within the airflow outlet tube <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>% of the fan <NUM> can be disposed within the airflow outlet tube <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>% of the fan <NUM> can be disposed within the airflow outlet tube <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>% of the fan <NUM> can be disposed within the airflow outlet tube <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>% of the fan <NUM> can be disposed within the airflow outlet tube <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>% of the fan <NUM> can be disposed within the airflow outlet tube <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>% of the fan <NUM> can be disposed within the airflow outlet tube <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>% of the fan <NUM> can be disposed within the airflow outlet tube <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>% of the fan <NUM> can be disposed within the airflow outlet tube <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>% of the fan <NUM> can be disposed within the airflow outlet tube <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>% of the fan <NUM> can be disposed within the airflow outlet tube <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the entire fan <NUM> can be disposed within the airflow outlet tube <NUM>. The fan <NUM> can be attached to the airflow outlet tube <NUM> or another part of the body <NUM> of the blower <NUM>. It is noted that the airflow outlet tube <NUM> may include multiple components. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an exemplary interior endpoint <NUM> of the airflow outlet tube <NUM>, however, in other embodiments, the airflow outlet tube <NUM> may extend more or less towards the rear end <NUM> of the blower <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the fan <NUM> includes a rotatable hub <NUM> and a plurality of blades <NUM> extending radially outward from the hub <NUM>. The hub <NUM> can have a conical shape, a frustoconical shape, a half-dome shape, another tapered profile, or any combination thereof. The plurality of blades <NUM> can extend outward from the hub <NUM> toward the airflow outlet tube <NUM>.

The fan <NUM> can be rotatably biased by a motor <NUM> so as to create airflow within the blower <NUM>. The motor <NUM> can be disposed on a downstream side of the fan <NUM>. That is, the motor <NUM> can be disposed closer to the front end <NUM> of the blower than the fan <NUM>. In an embodiment, a stator <NUM> can be disposed on a downstream side of the fan <NUM>. The stator <NUM> can be fixed with respect to the airflow outlet tube <NUM>. The stator <NUM> can reduce airflow swirl at the exhaust port <NUM>, creating a more desirable exhaust airflow pattern.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the blower <NUM>. As illustrated, the blower <NUM> has a length, L, as measured between the rear end <NUM> and front end <NUM> of the body <NUM>. According to the present invention, at least a portion of the fan <NUM> is spaced apart from the rear end <NUM> of the blower <NUM> by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>. According to the present invention, the blades <NUM> of the fan <NUM> are spaced apart from the rear end <NUM> of the blower <NUM> by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>. By way of a non-limiting example, if the blower <NUM> has a length, L, of approximately <NUM> inches, the blades <NUM> can be spaced apart from the rear end <NUM> of the blower <NUM> by at least approximately <NUM> inches (i.e., at least <NUM>). In an embodiment, the fan <NUM>, or more particularly the blades <NUM> associated therewith, can be disposed at a generally center point of the length, L, of the blower <NUM>, i.e., approximately <NUM>. Placement of the fan <NUM> at a generally midway point along the length, L, of the blower <NUM> may enhance balance without compromising airflow power. Moreover, placement of the fan <NUM> further away from the rear end <NUM> of the blower <NUM> may attenuate noise emissions and/or narrow the field of noise emissions.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic, cross-sectional top view of the blower <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment. <FIG> shows a fan <NUM> in accordance with embodiments described herein disposed near the midpoint M of the length of the blower <NUM>. <FIG> also shows a rear positioned fan 138R disposed near a rear location R of the blower <NUM> as seen in traditional blowers. Noise emanating from blowers typically originates at noise generating elements like fan units disposed within the blower. The noise travels through the blower and exits through openings within the body. The shape of the opening, size of the opening, and/or relative spatial distance and location of the opening relative to the noise generating element can all affect the angular transmission of the noise within the external environment.

One primary opening in the blower <NUM> is the air inlet <NUM> at the rear end <NUM> of the blower <NUM>. The air inlet <NUM> is one of the largest openings between the fan <NUM> and the external environment. Noise <NUM> generated by the fan <NUM> can pass through the air inlet <NUM> and disperse radially from the axis <NUM> by a radial factor, RFF, as measured by a radial component of an angular offset, αB, of the noise <NUM> relative to the axis <NUM>. Noise <NUM> generated by the rear positioned fan 138R of traditional blowers can similarly pass through the air inlet <NUM> and disperse radially from the axis <NUM>. The radial factor, RFFR, of the rear fan 138R, as measured by the radial component of an angular offset, αB, of the noise <NUM> relative to the axis <NUM>, can be different from RFF. More particularly, RFFR can be greater than RFF. For instance, in an embodiment, RFFR is at least <NUM> RFF, at least <NUM> RFF, at least <NUM> RFF, or at least <NUM> RFF. As such, the radial dispersion of sound from traditional blowers with rear positioned fans 138R transmits from the blower <NUM> along a wider angular range as compared to fans <NUM> of blowers <NUM> in accordance with embodiments described herein. In an embodiment, the angular range of noise <NUM> generated by blowers <NUM> in accordance with embodiments described herein can be at least <NUM>° less than an angular range of noise <NUM> generated by traditional blowers with rear positioned fans 138R, such as at least <NUM>° less than the angular range of noise <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>° less than the angular range of noise <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>° less than the angular range of noise <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>° less than the angular range of noise <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>° less than the angular range of noise <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the fan <NUM> is disposed downstream of the handle <NUM>, such as downstream of the opening <NUM> associated with the handle <NUM>. According to the present invention, the fan <NUM> is spaced apart from the handle <NUM>, as measured along the axis <NUM>, by at least <NUM>. Placement of the fan <NUM> downstream of the handle <NUM> can distribute weight of the blower <NUM> such that the operator can exert less force on the blower <NUM> to maintain a downward sloped blowing angle, suitable for many outdoor applications like leaf management, yard maintenance, etc..

According to the present invention, the battery port <NUM> is spaced apart from the fan <NUM> by at least <NUM>, as measured along the axis <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>. Since the weight of the fan and motor <NUM> and <NUM> assembly and battery B constitute a large portion of the total weight of the blower <NUM>, it is believed that spacing the two assemblies apart from one another may stabilize the blower <NUM> and create desirable weight distribution during operation.

According to the present invention, placement of the fan <NUM> entirely downstream of the handle <NUM> and the battery port <NUM> between the handle <NUM> and rear end <NUM> of the blower <NUM> better distributes weight of the blower <NUM> to maintain a downward sloped blowing angle. Moreover, after removing the battery from the battery port <NUM>, the blower <NUM> may be forward weighted, permitting an operator to more easily store the blower in a vertical, upright orientation.

The motor <NUM> can be spaced apart from the rear end <NUM> of the blower <NUM> by a distance greater than a distance between the rear end <NUM> of the blower <NUM> and the blades <NUM>. By way of example, the motor <NUM> can be spaced apart from the rear end <NUM> of the blower <NUM> by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>. In an embodiment, the motor <NUM> is disposed closer to the front end <NUM> of the blower <NUM> than the rear end <NUM>. Placement of the motor <NUM> and/or fan <NUM> at, or near, the center point of the blower <NUM> can distribute weight of the blower <NUM> such that the operator can exert less force on the blower <NUM> to maintain a downward sloped blowing angle.

Referring still to <FIG>, the battery port <NUM> can define a shadow <NUM>, as measured by a volume extending perpendicular to an area defined by the battery interface <NUM> toward the axis <NUM> of the blower <NUM>. For example, the shadow <NUM> can be defined by a volume extending perpendicular to an area defined between a first axial end <NUM> of the battery port <NUM>, a second axial end <NUM> of the battery port <NUM> and opposing lateral sides of the battery port <NUM>. The shadow <NUM> of the battery port <NUM> can intersect the axis <NUM> of the blower <NUM> at a location between the front and rear ends <NUM> and <NUM>. In an embodiment, the shadow <NUM> of the battery port <NUM> can intersect the axis <NUM> at a location between the rear end <NUM> of the blower <NUM> and the fan <NUM>. In a more particular embodiment, the shadow <NUM> of the battery port <NUM> can intersect the axis <NUM> at a location between the rear end <NUM> and the blades <NUM> of the fan <NUM>. In an embodiment, the shadow <NUM> can be spaced apart from a nearest portion of the fan <NUM> by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>, such as by at least <NUM>.

In one or more embodiments, the shadow <NUM> of the battery port <NUM> can be spaced apart from the fan <NUM> and the plane <NUM> of the battery port <NUM> can be disposed at an angle, α, in a range of <NUM>° and <NUM>°, such as <NUM>° and <NUM>°, such as <NUM>° and <NUM>°, such as <NUM>° and <NUM>°, such as <NUM>° and <NUM>°. Embodiments where the shadow <NUM> of the battery port <NUM> is spaced apart from the fan <NUM> and the plane <NUM> of the battery port <NUM> is disposed at an angle offset from the axis <NUM> may exhibit desirable weight distribution characteristics.

Referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the handle <NUM> can be coupled to the body <NUM> of the blower <NUM> at a single location. For instance, the handle <NUM> can include a generally L-shaped design coupled to the body <NUM> at only one end thereof. In a particular embodiment, the handle <NUM> can extend from the body <NUM> in a direction generally away from the air inlet <NUM>. A leading end of the handle <NUM> can be spaced apart from the body <NUM>.

In certain instances, the handle <NUM> can be coupled to the body <NUM> through an adjustable interface <NUM>. By way of non-limiting example, the adjustable interface <NUM> can include a selectively lockable hinge. The adjustable interface <NUM> can be selectively locked at a plurality of discrete angles associated with different rotational positions of the handle <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the handle <NUM> can be selectively positioned at two or more rotational positions, such as at least three rotational positions, such as at least four rotational positions, such as at least five rotational positions. The handle <NUM> may be rotatable in a range of <NUM>° and <NUM>°, such as in a range of <NUM>° and <NUM>°, such as in a range of <NUM>° and <NUM>°. In an embodiment, the rotational axis can be perpendicular to the axis <NUM> of the blower <NUM>. In another embodiment, the handle <NUM> can be fixed, i.e., not adjustable.

In the illustrated embodiment, the battery port <NUM> is disposed in front of the trailing end <NUM> of the handle <NUM>. The battery port <NUM> can define a battery interface <NUM> disposed along a plane generally parallel with the axis <NUM> of the blower <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the battery interface <NUM> of the illustrated battery port <NUM> can define a shadow <NUM> extending through the blower <NUM> in an area entirely behind the fan <NUM>, e.g., on an upstream side of the fan <NUM> between the fan <NUM> and the air inlet <NUM>. That is, the battery port <NUM> can be disposed behind the fan <NUM>. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that a battery port <NUM> disposed upstream of the fan <NUM>, i.e., behind the fan <NUM>, may result in reduction of noise generated by the blower <NUM>, better balance the blower for a desirable weight distribution characteristic, or both. In certain instances, the shadow <NUM> can be spaced apart from a nearest portion of the fan <NUM> by at least <NUM> millimeter (mm), such as at least <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the blower <NUM> can define a sound dampening material <NUM> disposed on an upstream side of the fan <NUM>. In an embodiment, the sound dampening material <NUM> can be disposed between the fan <NUM> and the air inlet <NUM>. In a more particular embodiment, the sound dampening material <NUM> extend an entire distance between the fan <NUM> and the air inlet <NUM>. The sound dampening material <NUM> can define a channel for airflow through the blower <NUM>. In an embodiment, the sound dampening material <NUM> can define an entire peripheral sidewall of the airflow channel. In an embodiment, the sound dampening material can also be included on a downstream side of the fan <NUM>. The downstream side sound dampening material can have a same, or similar, shape, size, and/or material characteristic or property as compared to the upstream sound dampening material <NUM> previously described. In an embodiment, the sound dampening material <NUM> can include a material configured to reduce noise of the fan <NUM>, e.g., decibels of the fan <NUM>. Exemplary sound dampening materials include foam, fiber-based composites and/or other materials, such as glass-fiber or natural-fiber (such as jute) based composite or other material. In exemplary embodiments, the dampening material may be an open cell material, such as an open cell foam. For example, the dampening material may be formed form a polyurethane foam, such as in exemplary embodiments, an open cell polyurethane. In exemplary embodiments, the dampening material can have a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM>, such as between <NUM> and <NUM>, such as between <NUM> and <NUM>. In a particular embodiment, the dampening material can have a thickness of approximately <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the sound dampening material <NUM> can include a reinforcing structure (not illustrated). In one or more embodiments, the reinforcing structure can be at least partially embedded within the sound dampening material <NUM>. In other embodiments, the reinforcing structure can be disposed adjacent to a surface of the sound dampening material <NUM>, e.g., an inner surface and/or an outer surface thereof.

Blowers in accordance with embodiments described herein can exhibit weight distributions that permit an operator to easily maintain a downward sloped blowing angle. Such downward sloped angles may be particularly advantageous when the operator desires to blow leaves, mulch, debris, and other ground-level objects. Natural downward sloped blowing angles can reduce impact on the operator's wrists, arms, and back while allowing smaller operators to handle larger blowers for longer durations of time without requiring rest.

According to the present invention, the blower has a center of gravity located in front of the handle, i.e., downstream of the handle. Thus, when the operator grips the handle, the blower naturally maintains a downward sloped blowing angle. Inclusion of a rear mounted battery may increase rotational inertia of the blower, thereby reducing resultant forces experienced by the operator during use and allowing smaller operators to handle larger blowers for longer durations of time without requiring rest.

Claim 1:
A blower (<NUM>) comprising:
a body (<NUM>) having a length (L), as measured between front end (<NUM>) and rear end (<NUM>) of the blower (<NUM>) in a direction of airflow through the blower (<NUM>), wherein the rear end (<NUM>) is defined by an air inlet (<NUM>) and the front end (<NUM>) is defined by an airflow outlet tube (<NUM>), and wherein the air inlet (<NUM>) is substantially coaxial with the airflow outlet tube (<NUM>),
a fan (<NUM>) including a plurality of blades (<NUM>) configured to generate airflow through the blower (<NUM>),
a handle (<NUM>), wherein the handle (<NUM>) includes a gripping surface (<NUM>), where an operator may hold the blower (<NUM>) during operation, and an opening (<NUM>) associated with the gripping surface (<NUM>) of the handle (<NUM>),
a battery port (<NUM>) configured to receive a battery (B), the battery port (<NUM>) being disposed between the rear end (<NUM>) of the blower (<NUM>) and the handle (<NUM>) of the blower (<NUM>), and
a center of gravity,
characterized in that the battery port (<NUM>) is spaced apart from the fan (<NUM>) by at least <NUM> length (L), as measured along the direction of airflow through the blower (<NUM>), the blades (<NUM>) are spaced apart from the rear end (<NUM>) of the blower (<NUM>) by at least <NUM> length (L),
the fan (<NUM>) is disposed downstream of the handle (<NUM>), and is spaced apart from the handle (<NUM>) by at least <NUM> length (L), as measured in the direction of airflow, and
the center of gravity is located downstream of the handle (<NUM>).