U.S. patent application number 10/259876 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-01 for universal suction attachment for pneumatic power tools.
Invention is credited to Wiborg, Lance W..
Application Number | 20040060719 10/259876 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32029575 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040060719 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wiborg, Lance W. |
April 1, 2004 |
Universal suction attachment for pneumatic power tools
Abstract
A universal suction attachment for pneumatic power tools
includes a housing having a tool coupling portion, a duct portion,
and a focused outflow portion. The tool coupling portion is capable
of connection to an exhaust port of the pneumatic power tool such
that exhaust air from the tool is captured therewithin. The focused
outflow portion is capable of connection to a vacuum conduit and to
a collection tube. A duct is provided throughout the duct portion,
providing flow between the tool coupling portion and the focused
outflow portion. In use, exhaust air from the power tool that is
captured within the tool coupling portion is ducted through the
duct portion and into the focused outflow portion. A resulting flow
of the exhaust air creates a vacuum in the vacuum conduit to
transport debris to the collection tube.
Inventors: |
Wiborg, Lance W.; (Gibbon,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WALTER K. ROLOFF
490 HARBOR COURT
SHOREVIEW
MN
55126
US
|
Family ID: |
32029575 |
Appl. No.: |
10/259876 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
173/218 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 5/18 20130101; B23D
59/006 20130101; B24B 23/005 20130101; B08B 15/04 20130101; B23Q
11/0046 20130101; B24B 55/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
173/218 |
International
Class: |
E21B 023/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A universal suction attachment for pneumatic power tools,
comprising: a housing, said housing including (i) a tool coupling
portion capable of connection to an exhaust port of the pneumatic
power tool such that exhaust air from the tool is captured
therewithin, (ii) a duct portion, and (iii) a focused outflow
portion, said focused outflow portion being capable of connection
to a vacuum conduit and to a collection tube; and a duct provided
throughout said duct portion, said duct providing flow between said
tool coupling portion and said focused outflow portion, wherein in
use, exhaust air from the power tool captured within said tool
coupling portion is ducted through said duct and into said focused
outflow portion, such that a resulting flow of exhaust air creates
a vacuum in the vacuum conduit to transport debris resulting from
operation of the tool, to the collection tube.
2. The universal suction attachment for pneumatic power tools of
claim 1, wherein said tool coupling portion further includes a
telescoping seal cap and a seal spring provided there within, such
that a substantially airtight connection may be provided between
said housing and various pneumatic power tools.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to power tools. The
invention relates specifically to a universal suction attachment
for pneumatic power tools.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Pneumatic power tools are well known, and have enjoyed wide
commercial success. These power tools are commonly used for light
industrial operations, such as grinding, drilling, "nibbling",
shaving, sawing, hammering, and the like.
[0003] Operation of pneumatic power tools creates dust and other
debris, which can be bothersome or even extremely harmful to an
operator of the tool and to other nearby persons and machines.
Commonly, vacuum devices are employed around a work area where a
pneumatic power tool is in use. The vacuum devices typically
comprise a "shop vac" type of powered vacuum collection system,
which requires separate manipulation by the user. In order to
alleviate the requirement of separation manipulation of a power
tool and a powered vacuum system, several means have been proposed
to combine the functions of the tool operation and the vacuum
system in one device.
[0004] For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,638,737 issued to Moates, a
pneumatic drill or "jackhammer" includes a conduit attachment
enclosed by a tube of sound absorbing material, that channels
exhaust air therethrough to dampen noise produced by the exhaust
air. The exhaust air flow creates a vacuum effect, which may be
used to draw dust and small debris out through a discharge opening.
A separate source of compressed air may be employed, to create an
increased vacuum effect.
[0005] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,192,390 issued to Wanner, et al., a power
tool includes a blower mounted on an output shaft of a motor
driving the tool. The blower acts to collect particulate matter
resulting from operation of the tool.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,281,457 issued to Walton, II, discloses a
vacuum-operated tool for cutting plaster casts. The tool employs a
turbine impeller mechanism that rotates in response to a
vacuum-induced flow. A saw blade is coupled to the impeller
mechanism and is driven thereby. Ambient air drawn into the tool by
the vacuum-induced flow entrains and removes particulates resulting
from operation of the tool on a cast.
[0007] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,361,957 issued to Krotz, et al., a
pneumatic hand tool has an exhaust port that is connected to an
exhaust fitting, including a venturi and a vacuum chamber. The
vacuum chamber is connected, in turn, to a removable suction
pick-up nozzle. In operation, air exhausted from the tool at the
exhaust port creates a vacuum by way of the exhaust fitting. The
vacuum acts through the suction pick-up nozzle to collect debris
created by the tool. The exhaust fitting, or injection nozzle,
together with the venturi, can be in the form of an attachment
arranged for screw connection to the exhaust port of the tool.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,364 issued to Belanger discloses a tool
for cutting a protruding pintail of a set fastener. The tool
includes a vacuum system for collecting severed pintails. The
vacuum system comprises an impeller connected to an output shaft of
the tool, to create a partial vacuum for collecting the
pintails.
[0009] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,244 issued to Chu, a pneumatic tool
includes a venturi tube portion formed in a side portion of the
tool for directing an exhaust air stream from the tool. The
directed exhaust air stream from the venturi acts to remove dust
produced by the tool.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,367 issued to Daniel discloses an
attachment for a rotating tool bit. The attachment provides air
flow in a vicinity of a work area without need for separate vacuum
or compressed air supplies.
[0011] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,049,941 issued to Vollenweider, II, a
portable vacuum system is powered by a pressurized air supply,
which is also used to power a connected tool. A venturi device
generates a vacuum from the pressurized air supply. By way of
selectable valves, an operator can separately control the supply of
pressurized air to the vacuum system and the tool.
[0012] Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,758 issued to Lee discloses a
multi-functional air gun that uses a single compressed air supply
to selectively perform a vacuum operation, a blowing operation, or
both operations simultaneously.
[0013] The aforementioned patents and other devices known in the
art generally provide means for harnessing energy from a power tool
to drive an accessory. However, such devices have been problematic
in that, for example, elaborate and specifically constructed
mechanisms must be employed to provide means therefor.
[0014] Therefore, there exists a need for a universal suction
attachment for pneumatic power tools which overcomes the drawbacks
of the known devices, and which provides versatility and
interchangeability in application and use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] An object of the present invention is to provide a universal
suction attachment for pneumatic power tools that harnesses energy
from a power tool that would otherwise be expended.
[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
universal suction attachment for pneumatic power tools that does
not require the use of elaborate and specifically constructed
mechanisms.
[0017] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
universal suction attachment for pneumatic power tools which
overcomes the drawbacks of known devices, and which provides
versatility and interchangeability in application and use.
[0018] In accordance with the present invention, a universal
suction attachment for pneumatic power tools includes a housing
having a tool coupling portion, a duct portion, and a focused
outflow portion. The tool coupling portion is capable of connection
to an exhaust port of a pneumatic power tool such that exhaust air
from the tool is captured therewithin. The focused outflow portion
is capable of connection to a vacuum conduit and to a collection
tube. A duct is provided throughout the duct portion, providing
flow between the tool coupling portion and the focused outflow
portion. In use, exhaust air from the power tool that is captured
within the tool coupling portion is ducted through the duct portion
and into the focused outflow portion. A resulting flow of the
exhaust air creates a vacuum in the vacuum conduit to transport
debris to the collection tube.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a universal suction
attachment for pneumatic power tools, constructed in accordance
with the present invention and shown as being coupled to a
pneumatic power tool.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a magnified and partially transparent illustration
of the invention as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a front view illustration of a housing component
of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional illustration of the invention,
taken along line A-A in FIG. 3.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional illustration of the
invention as depicted in FIG. 1, shown as being coupled to a
pneumatic tool in operation thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, there shown is an exemplary embodiment
of a universal suction attachment for pneumatic power tools 10
("attachment 10"). As depicted, attachment 10 is coupled to an
exemplary pneumatic power tool (herein, a conventional grinding
wheel G). With additional reference to FIG. 2, attachment 10
comprises a housing 100 having several portions: a tool coupling
portion 110 including a telescoping seal cap 112 (acting in
cooperation with a seal spring 115 as will be further described), a
duct portion 120, and a focused outflow portion 130. As will be
described more fully in operation of attachment 10 with a pneumatic
power tool, coupling portion 110 is capable of connection to an
exhaust port of the power tool such that exhaust air from the tool
is captured therewithin. Coupling portion 110 also provides access
to a conventional air supply coupling C of the pneumatic power
tool. Likewise, focused outflow portion 130 of housing 100 is
capable of connection to a vacuum conduit V and a collection tube
T.
[0025] Housing 100 including its aforementioned several portions is
preferably fabricated from a stock plastic-like material such as,
for example, Makroblend UT 403 from Bayer Polymers. Such stock
material may be a polycarbonate/polyethylene blend that is UV
stabilized. It has been found in the instant invention that such
material provides suitable impact resistance and chemical/oil
resistance. Further, the UV stability of this preferred material
inhibits fading and degradation of housing 100 over time.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, housing 100 has an overall length
of about 4.25 in. Correspondingly, tool coupling portion 110 has
dimensions of about 2.0 in. by 0.75 in., duct portion 120 is about
1.0 in. by 0.75 in., and focused outflow portion 130 is about 1.25
in. by 1.50 in.
[0027] Upon close examination of FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, it may be
understood that duct portion 120 of housing 100 includes a duct 125
having two components, 125a and 125b. Duct 125 forms a continuous
venturi-like flow conduit through duct portion 120, and provides
flow from coupling portion 110 to outflow portion 130. Preferably,
duct component 125a is vertically oriented through duct portion
120, while duct component 125b is provided at an angle of about
20.degree. above horizontal. Further, component 125a has a
preferred diameter of about 0.1875 in., while the diameter of
component 125b is about 0.125 in.
[0028] Referring, now, to FIG. 5, attachment 10 is depicted as
being in use with a conventional pneumatic power tool.
Specifically, tool coupling portion 110 of housing 100 is connected
to the exhaust port of the power tool, by way of telescoping seal
cap 112 acting in cooperation with seal spring 115. In this
arrangement, spring 115 acts with seal cap 112 to "universally"
accommodate use of attachment 10 with various models of pneumatic
air tools. Specifically in FIG. 5, it may be seen that upon
connection of air line A to coupling C in a conventional manner,
air line A forcibly abuts telescoping seal cap 112. In turn, seal
cap 112 compresses spring 115, which effectively acts to secure
coupling portion 110 to the tool. It is to be particularly
understood that tool coupling portion 110, in concentric
cooperation with spring 115 and telescoping seal cap 112, together
provide a universal and substantially airtight connection between
housing 100 of attachment 10 among pneumatic power tools having
couplings C of various lengths and other dimensions.
[0029] Seal spring 115 may be any suitable wire spring that is
operable within, preferably, a 1.5 in. bore, and having a linear
working range of about 0.1875 in. to 0.75 in. Spring 115 also
preferably has a wire diameter range of about 0.08-0.09 in.
[0030] As exhaust air from the tool in operation flows from its
exhaust port, coupling portion 110 acts to collect and confine the
exhaust air, whereupon sufficient pressure builds to force the
exhaust air into duct component 125a. The effectively pressurized
exhaust air is then conducted through duct component 125b in a
highly focused fashion, and is thereby forcibly ejected into
focused outflow portion 130. Upon reaching portion 130, the highly
focused exhaust air rushes outwardly and into tube T that is
connected, for example, to a collection bag for disposal. It is to
be appreciated that this highly focused flow of exhaust air creates
a vacuum upstream in portion 130 and consequently in vacuum conduit
V. This vacuum through conduit V, toward the collection bag,
removes debris that is generated by the pneumatic power tool, and
transports the debris through tube T to the collection bag.
[0031] It is to be particularly appreciated and understood,
therefore, that attachment 10 provides debris removal by way of
capturing and focusing otherwise expended and dissipated exhaust
air from a pneumatic power tool.
[0032] While the present invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to the accompanying figures, it will be
understood, however, that other modifications thereto are of course
possible, all of which are intended to be within the true spirit
and scope of the present invention. It should be appreciated that
components of the invention aforedescribed may be substituted for
other suitable components for achieving desired results, or that
various accessories may be added thereto.
[0033] Of course, although shown and described in exemplary use
with a grinding wheel, the present invention may be readily
utilized with virtually any pneumatic power tool.
[0034] It is also to be understood in general that any suitable
alternatives may be employed to provide the universal suction
attachment for pneumatic power tools of the present invention.
[0035] Lastly, the choice, of course, of compositions, sizes, and
strengths of various aforementioned components of the present
invention are all a matter of design choice depending upon intended
uses thereof.
[0036] Accordingly, these and other various changes or
modifications in form and detail of the present invention may also
be made therein, again without departing from the true spirit and
scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
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