U.S. patent application number 11/444796 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-06 for attachment nozzle for removal of residue.
Invention is credited to Jared Spann.
Application Number | 20070277345 11/444796 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38788444 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070277345 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Spann; Jared |
December 6, 2007 |
Attachment nozzle for removal of residue
Abstract
A nozzle for attachment with a vacuum for the purpose of
removing debris from holes drilled into a structure comprising: a
frontal piece an anterior piece, the frontal piece comprises a tip
end and a bottom end, the tip end comprises a collecting orifice,
perforated orifices, and bristles; the bottom end comprises an
interfacing orifice; the anterior piece comprises of a top end and
a bottom end, the top end interfaces with the frontal piece and the
bottom end interfaces with the vacuum cleaner; the bottom end
comprises of a release valve and a vacuum interface.
Inventors: |
Spann; Jared; (San Luis
Obispo, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW Y. SCHROEDER
500 SOUTH BROADWAY, SUITE 222
SANTA MARIA
CA
93454
US
|
Family ID: |
38788444 |
Appl. No.: |
11/444796 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/395 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/06 20130101; A47L
9/0673 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/395 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/06 20060101
A47L009/06 |
Claims
1. A nozzle for attachment with a vacuum for the purpose of
removing debris from holes drilled into a structure comprising: a
frontal piece an anterior piece, the frontal piece comprises a tip
end and a bottom end, the tip end comprises a collecting orifice,
perforated orifices, and bristles; the bottom end comprises an
interfacing orifice; the anterior piece comprises of a top end and
a bottom end, the top end interfaces with the frontal piece and the
bottom end interfaces with the vacuum cleaner; the bottom end
comprises of a release valve and a vacuum interface.
2. The nozzle of claim 1 further comprising a sleeve, the sleeve is
comprised of a plurality of bristles radiating outwards from the
sleeve.
3. The nozzle of claim 1 wherein the frontal piece and the anterior
piece is composed of plastic.
4. The nozzle of claim 1 wherein the frontal piece and the anterior
piece is composed of a metal.
5. The nozzle of claim 1 wherein the frontal piece and the anterior
piece is composed of a polycarbonate material.
6. The nozzle of claim 1 wherein the frontal piece is
telescoping.
7. The nozzle of claim 1 wherein the frontal piece further
comprises a button and the anterior piece further comprises a
mating orifice, the button is biased in an upwards position and
engages with the mating orifice.
8. A right angle nozzle for attachment with a vacuum for the
purpose of removing debris from holes drilled into concrete
comprising: a first piece and a second piece, the first piece is
comprised of bristles, perforated orifices, central orifice, and
attachment orifice; the second piece is comprised of a first
chamber and a second chamber; the first chamber and the second
chamber are perpendicular with each other; the first chamber is
affixed with the first piece and the second chamber is affixed with
the vacuum cleaner.
9. The right angle nozzle of claim 8 further comprising a release
valve, the release valve is incorporated into the second piece.
10. The right angle nozzle of claim 8 further comprising a sleeve,
the sleeve is comprised of a plurality of bristles radiating
outwards from the sleeve.
11. The right angle nozzle of claim 8 wherein the frontal piece and
the anterior piece is composed of plastic.
12. The right angle nozzle of claim 8 wherein the first piece is
telescoping.
13. The right angle nozzle of claim 8 the first piece further
comprises a button and the second piece further comprises a mating
orifice, the button is biased in an upwards position and engages
with the mating orifice.
14. A plastic nozzle for attachment with a vacuum for the purpose
of removing debris from holes drilled into concrete comprising: a
frontal piece an anterior piece, the frontal piece comprises a tip
end and a bottom end, the tip end comprises a collecting orifice,
perforated orifices, a sleeve and bristles; the sleeve is comprised
of a plurality of bristles radiating outwards from the sleeve; the
bottom end comprises an interfacing orifice; the anterior piece
comprises of a top end and a bottom end, the top end interfaces
with the frontal piece and the bottom end interfaces with the
vacuum cleaner; the bottom end comprises of a release valve and a
vacuum interface.
15. The plastic nozzle of claim 14 further comprising a button and
the anterior piece further comprises a mating orifice, the button
is biased in an upwards position and engages with the mating
orifice.
16. The plastic nozzle of claim 15 wherein the frontal piece is
telescoping.
17. The plastic nozzle of claim 16 wherein the second end further
comprises a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber
and the second chamber form a right angle with each other.
18. The plastic nozzle of claim 17 wherein the bristles are
composed of nylon.
19. The plastic nozzle of claim 18 wherein the bristles are
composed of polypropylene nylon.
20. The plastic nozzle of claim 19 wherein the sleeve is composed
of aluminum.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the construction industry,
and more particularly relates to accessories related with concrete,
masonry, and similar materials.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] One of the principal materials used in any construction
project is concrete. Concrete is cost effective, moldable to
virtually any shape desirable, scaleable, and simple to use and
implement. Moreover, its intrinsic compressive strength is
virtually unmatched.
[0003] However, whereas concrete can be compressed with great
force, its tensile strength is only negligible by comparison. For
this reason concrete must be compositely strengthened with steel
reinforcing bars (or "rebar") to resist tensile forces. The use of
rebar acts as an internal skeleton by which the concrete can
congeal around and bond with. Anchor bolts are generally used to
affix vertical walls with concrete slabs or foundations, or to
affix horizontal framing to vertical concrete or masonry walls;
whereas rebar is generally used to connect concrete slabs, walls or
foundations with other concrete elements.
[0004] The importance of anchor bolts may be most readily
illustrated in an earthquake. In the event of an earthquake the
vertical walls of a structure resisting the forces are swayed
horizontally in-plane. This movement, in turn, creates great
tension between the interface of the ends of the walls with the
concrete. Without the anchor bolts the wall would quickly detach
from the concrete slab and may potentially result in the collapse
of the structure.
[0005] In order to securely affix an anchor bolt (or "rod") between
a dry (existing) concrete slab and a wall, a hole is drilled into
the concrete slab. This hole is sized to fit with the anchor rod.
After the concrete slab is drilled, all of the residue must be
removed from the hole in order to enable an epoxy (or "adhesive")
material to adhere with both the concrete and the anchor rod. Once
the residue is removed an adhesive is injected into the hole to
glue the anchor in place permanently.
[0006] When there is residue within the hole when the anchor rod is
placed into the hole, the bond-strength between the epoxy and the
anchor rod/concrete is weakened. The residue limits the ability of
the epoxy to bond the anchor rod with the concrete.
[0007] Performance tests have shown that the anchorage load levels
between properly drilled and cleaned holes and holes with concrete
residue can decrease as much as 37%. Similar studies using
analogous materials without adhesives report similar findings.
[0008] These test results reveal profound implications. First, the
general strength between interconnected concrete slabs, foundations
or walls may be weakened by up to 37% if the hole is not thoroughly
cleaned. If these concrete elements were to detach from each other,
then their failure could result in unsafe conditions. Or, in an
alternative scenario, the general anchorage strength of an anchor
bolt and a wall of a structure may become more likely to separate
from each other if the holes are not thoroughly cleaned. This can
lead to the roof and/or floors collapsing under the weight of the
structure.
[0009] Unfortunately, the process of thoroughly cleaning a hole is
cumbersome and time consuming. According to the ACI and
manufacturers of epoxy adhesives, in order to thoroughly clean a
hole, one must blow the hole with compressed air, wash it with
water and a bristle brush, and then blow the hole until it is dry.
Depending upon the size of the hole and the type of surface of the
hole (the ACI recommends a rough surface as opposed to smooth
surface) this can be very labor intensive.
[0010] Furthermore, oftentimes when remodeling an existing
structure by adding a new wall or room, the process of blowing the
hole out is complicated by its surroundings. In the event that the
structure is an on-going business with customers, expensive
furniture, food, etc., all of the contents of the building must be
covered with a plastic tarp to prevent the concrete dust from being
deposited onto the items in the structure. Consequently, this may
require the whole business or residence to be vacated until the
process is complete. This may entail losing a substantial amount of
revenue as well as the significant inconvenience which will
inexorably entail.
[0011] Another problem which may also accrue as a result of this
process is the concomitant man hours which will add to the cost of
the project. Since more time may be spent upon covering the
interior of a structure with tarp and other cleanup duties than
actually drilling the hole this process appears very inefficient
and costly.
[0012] Another issue with the installation of anchor bolts or rebar
into concrete using epoxy is that use of its code-based design
strength is dependent upon the holes being cleaned of all residue.
Certain manufacturers may issue reduction values for unclean holes
based on testing, however by code, if the anchor is to be used,
then the hole must have been cleaned out. If a hole is not cleaned
out, then typically the anchor must be physically pull-tested to
ensure adequate strength, and subsequently adding significant cost.
Upon pull-testing, if the installation fails prior to reaching the
required strength, then the hole must be re-drilled and the
installation redone, however use of the original hole is not
guaranteed, depending upon any collateral damage from the testing.
Complete cleaning of the hole may in effect be considered
mandatory.
[0013] Another problem associated with the removal of concrete
residue is the deleterious effects which may arise from breathing
concrete dust. Concrete dust is a known carcinogen and may lead to
lung cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, and cancer of the
lip. For this reason, some manufacturers of concrete recommend the
use of OSHA, MSHA, or NIOSH approved respirators. In addition, it
is also recommended that users wear impervious gloves, boots, and
clothing to protect skin from contact with the concrete dust and
shower shortly thereafter.
[0014] Although most people who regularly work with concrete are
aware of the health hazards associated with breathing in concrete
dust, other people nearby may not be aware of these health risks
and may not take adequate precautions such as using a mask.
Moreover, the concrete dust particles are so fine that they may be
suspended in the air for a substantial amount of time.
[0015] Yet another problem associated with the removal of concrete
is the fact that the widely accepted procedures with which to
remove concrete dust from a hole are inadequate to completely
remove all of the concrete dust from the hole. The ACI recommends
that the hole be blown with compressed air, washed with water and a
bristle brush, and then blown until it is dry. However, no matter
how fastidious one approaches these procedures concrete residue
will invariably remain especially when the hole is in a vertical
orientation.
[0016] Therefore, what is clearly needed in the art is a method and
apparatus for cleaning a hole in concrete. Such a method and
apparatus should streamline this process by decreasing the amount
of time for thoroughly cleaning the hole while preserving the
anchorage strength of the rebar or the anchor bolts with the
concrete. This apparatus and method should also limit the amount of
exposure of dust particles with those who are tasked for the
removal of the same. Moreover, this apparatus and method should
also result in stronger buildings and homes due to a more solid
bond between concrete and their attendant reinforcement
structures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] It is an object of the present invention to streamline the
process of residue removal, primarily in concrete holes. This is
accomplished with a nozzle apparatus adaptable for use with a
vacuum cleaner. The nozzle apparatus incorporates bristles on the
anterior end.
[0018] The nozzle apparatus in some preferred embodiments may be
shaped in a right angle orientation. In other preferred
embodiments, various points of the nozzle apparatus may be made to
be telescoping thereby having a scaleable length.
[0019] The nozzle apparatus accumulates residue through the
collecting orifices and through the perforated orifices. The
collecting orifice is located on the distal end of the nozzle
apparatus whereas the perforated holes are located along the shaft
of the nozzle apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a unique apparatus and method is used to clean holes
which are drilled into concrete. These holes in concrete are formed
in order to insert either rebar, anchor bolts or other similar
articles. The apparatus is used in conjunction with any
garden-variety vacuum. However, in more industrial applications it
is recommended that the user accompany the present invention with a
wet/dry vacuum canister for best results. The present invention is
described in enabling detail below.
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. Nozzle apparatus 100 consists of a frontal piece 101 an
anterior piece 102, and a vacuum interface 126. The frontal piece
consists of a tip end 103 and a bottom end 104. The tip end
comprises a collecting orifice 105, perforated orifices 106, and
bristles 107. The bottom end comprises an interfacing orifice 125.
The Anterior piece comprises a top end 108 and bottom end 109, the
top end interfaces with the frontal piece and the bottom end
interfaces with the vacuum interface. The bottom end comprises a
vacuum interface 126.
[0027] The frontal piece and the anterior piece detach from each
other at the detachment point 112. This means of attachment and
detachment can embody practically any method with which one skilled
in the art will readily discern. An exemplary example may be
dovetailing pieces which fit with each other and create an
interference fit. Another means may be with a spring loaded button
which affixes with a cooperating orifice along the mating part. And
yet another exemplary means may be a tapped end and a cooperating
threaded end. The possibilities are endless. For this reason, the
scope of the present invention should not be construed as limiting
the means of joining the frontal piece with the anterior piece.
[0028] Bristles are used for the purpose of jarring debris within
the concrete hole which may adhesively stick to the walls of the
hole. In some preferred embodiments the bristles may be
incorporated directly into the structure of the frontal piece. And
in other preferred embodiments, the bristles may retrofit the
frontal piece through use of a sleeve. Sleeve is comprised
essentially of a cylinder of bristles which radiate from the
center. When a sleeve is used, the sleeve is simply placed over the
frontal piece. Sleeve may be sized such that an interference fit is
created by the friction between the frontal piece and the sleeve.
Sleeve may also be affixed with the frontal piece through an
infinite number of means which will readily be self-evident to one
skilled in the art.
[0029] Bristles in some preferred embodiments may be comprised of
nylon short trim or any other nylon compose bristle. Moreover,
practically any grade of bristle may be used with the present
invention. For example, a nylon short trim bristle with a fiber
diameter of 0.003 or 0.005 may be expedient for use with the
present invention. However, it is not intended to suggest that only
nylon short trim bristles are within the scope of the present
invention. There abound a vast array of different bristles of
various lengths and fiber diameters which may be equally expedient
for use with the present invention. For this reason, the present
invention is not limited to the type of bristles, fiber diameter,
or length of bristle.
[0030] Moreover, in some preferred embodiments the bristles may be
affixed with the frontal piece by way of Velcro.RTM., (a
Trademarked material). In this particular embodiment, bristles may
be directly affixed with a layer of hooks or loops material which
will hereafter be referred to as bristle layer. This layer is mated
onto another layer of hooks or loops material hereafter referred to
as frontal piece layer. On the opposite side of the frontal piece
layer is an adhesive layer. Adhesive layer is placed onto the
surface of the frontal piece. Therefore, after the frontal piece
layer is affixed with the frontal piece the bristle layer may be
detachably engaged with the frontal piece. And afterwards, if the
user desires to apply another grade of bristle to the hole, the
user may simply unwrap the bristle layer from the frontal piece and
wrap the frontal piece with the desired bristle grade. An example
of this product is manufactured by 3M Brushlon Products.RTM. (a
Trademarked product).
[0031] The frontal piece may be made of practically any material.
Plastic, metal, wood, etc. may all prove to be expedient for use
with the present invention. Moreover, in some preferred embodiments
the frontal piece may be telescoping. FIG. 5 illustrates a
preferred embodiment with a frontal piece 201' which is
telescoping. The purpose of a telescoping frontal piece would be
for deep holes and for easier packaging.
[0032] Perforated orifices are used in order to allow for debris to
enter into the chamber of the present invention and thereafter into
the vacuum cleaner. The perforated orifices need only be large
enough to accommodate concrete debris as well as other debris
typically encountered in these processes. It should be noted that
main orifice 114 is also another conduit for the debris as
well.
[0033] It should also be noted here that frontal piece in some
embodiments may be disposable. The reason for this is that over
time the bristles may wear thin and lose their natural rigidity.
Another reason is that the frontal end will be subjected to more
wear and tear than the anterior piece. However, it is not intended
to suggest that the present invention is circumscribed in scope
such that the frontal end is disposable. In some other preferred
embodiments the frontal end may not be disposable.
[0034] Moreover, it should also be noted that the present invention
may be accompanied with a panoply of various sized and shaped
frontal pieces. The purpose behind the use of different sized
frontal pieces is that one may encounter holes which are
idiosyncratic in their size, shape, and orientation. For instance,
a relatively shallow hole may require a similarly short frontal
piece. A relatively long hole may require a proportionally long
piece. Some pieces may incorporate a more durable, longer style of
bristle for the beginning of removing dust from the hole. And as
one progresses, a finer frontal piece may be used for the purpose
of removing trace residue around the shaft.
[0035] Release valve is used for the purpose of the possibility of
the present invention becoming clogged with debris. In this case,
the release valve will allow for ambient air to enter. This
allowance of ambient air may protect the vacuum from over-exertion
and also may help protect the present invention itself.
[0036] The release valve may be formed by a panoply of different
methods and structures. For this reason, the present invention
should not be construed as limiting its scope to a particular
release valve. Moreover, other preferred embodiments may not
necessarily require the use of release valve. Therefore, the
present invention should not be construed to be limiting to the
necessity of a release valve.
[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the
present invention. Right angle nozzle 200 consists of a first piece
201 and a second piece 202. The first piece is comprised of
bristles 203, perforated orifices 204, central orifice 205, and
attachment orifice 206. The second piece is comprised of a first
chamber 207 and a second chamber 208. The first piece and the
second piece are angled such that they are perpendicular with each
other. The first chamber is affixed with the first piece and the
second chamber is affixed with the vacuum cleaner. And in some
preferred embodiments the second chamber may further incorporate an
ambient valve.
[0038] The right angle nozzle is used primarily when one must
vacuum a hole which is in close proximity with a wall or column.
The angle of the right angle nozzle facilitates easier vacuuming
under these circumstances.
[0039] It will be apparent to the skilled artisan that there are
numerous changes that may be made in embodiments described herein
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As
such, the invention taught herein by specific examples is limited
only by the scope of the claims that follow.
* * * * *