Patent ID: 7300484

Claim:
A blower comprising: a carrying frame provided with a base plate; a fan comprising a fan housing mounted on the carrying frame, wherein the fan housing has an intake opening that faces the base plate and is spaced from the base plate and wherein an intake gap is formed between the base plate and the fan housing; an internal combustion engine driving the fan in order to take in working air through the intake opening and to blow out the working air through a blower tube; a leaf shield for preventing leaves and debris from entering the fan housing, wherein the leaf shield covers the intake gap; a protection device preventing accidental insertion of a hand into the intake gap; wherein the leaf shield is comprised of a foam material having coarse pores; wherein the leaf shield is a monolithic foam material block having a central air chamber adjoining the intake opening of the fan housing, wherein the monolithic foam material block of the leaf shield forms the protection device; at least one fastening element arranged between the base plate and the fan housing and connecting the base plate and the fan housing; wherein the at least one fastening element penetrates the foam material of the monolithic foam material block and secures by positive fit the monolithic foam material block between the base plate and the fan housing.