U.S. patent application number 15/956448 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-24 for system and method for a debris shield that attaches to a vacuum shroud for tile removal.
This patent application is currently assigned to Skitter & Squirt Adventures, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Skitter and Squirt Adventures, LLC. Invention is credited to Jack M. King, JR..
Application Number | 20190321940 15/956448 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68237247 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-24 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190321940 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
King, JR.; Jack M. |
October 24, 2019 |
System and method for a debris shield that attaches to a vacuum
shroud for tile removal
Abstract
A debris shield for use in conjunction with a vacuum shroud. The
vacuum shroud attachment ring is configured to couple to the vacuum
shroud and align its openings with the air intake openings of the
vacuum shroud. The interior structure of the invention is such that
a hook like structure extends from the opening closest to the
vacuum shrouds air intake opening and acts to trap and deflect
debris forcing it back into the vacuum shroud. Around the hook like
structure there is an air passage configured to provide a
continuous airway from the opening nearest where the air intake
opening of the vacuum shroud is around to the outer edge of the
vacuum shroud attachment ring.
Inventors: |
King, JR.; Jack M.;
(Phoenix, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Skitter and Squirt Adventures, LLC |
Missoula |
MT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Skitter & Squirt Adventures,
LLC
Missoula
MT
|
Family ID: |
68237247 |
Appl. No.: |
15/956448 |
Filed: |
April 18, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B28D 7/02 20130101; A47L
7/0095 20130101; B24B 55/10 20130101; B24B 55/102 20130101; B24B
23/005 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B24B 55/10 20060101
B24B055/10; B24B 23/00 20060101 B24B023/00 |
Claims
1. A vacuum shroud attachment comprising: an exterior air
passageway wall; an interior air passageway wall located beneath
the exterior air passageway wall such that an air passageway is
formed between the exterior air passageway wall and the interior
air passageway wall, the interior air passageway wall comprising; a
first vertical portion extending away from a base towards the
exterior air passage wall; an arched hook-shaped portion coupled to
a first end of the vertical portion and extending toward the base;
an air passageway configured to exist between the interior air
passageway wall and exterior air passageway wall configured to be
in fluid communication between a plurality of air intake openings
and a plurality of air exit openings dispersed along the base; a
plurality of vertical air passageway walls extending from the base
to the exterior air passageway wall configured to divide the air
passageway into a plurality of air passageway which are in fluid
communication from the air intake openings to the air exit
openings.
2. The vacuum shroud attachment of claim 1 wherein the exterior air
passageway wall further comprises: a vertical portion extending
away from the base; a arched portion coupled to a point distal from
the base of the vertical portion and extending from a first end of
the vertical portion to a horizontal section coupled to a first
second end of the arched portion on an opposing side of the vacuum
shroud attachment; and a horizontal section extending from the
second end of the arched section.
3. The vacuum shroud attachment of claim 1 wherein: the vacuum
shroud attachment is configured to detachably couple to a vacuum
shroud.
4. The vacuum shroud attachment of claim 1 wherein: the plurality
of vertical air passageway walls is coupled to a plurality of
teeth.
5. The vacuum shroud attachment of claim 4 wherein: the plurality
of teeth is configured to maintain a structure that narrows the air
intake openings.
6. The vacuum shroud attachment of claim 1 wherein: the vacuum
shroud attachment is comprised of at least one of a nylon, plastic,
metal, rubber, Styrofoam, wood, ceramic, stone, wax, paper, glass,
ice.
7. A vacuum shroud attachment comprising: an exterior air
passageway wall; an air passageway configured to exist between
beneath the exterior air passageway wall; and a plurality of
vertical air passageway walls extending from the base to the
exterior air passageway wall configured to divide the air
passageway into a plurality of air passageway which are in fluid
communication from the air intake openings to the air exit
openings.
8. The vacuum shroud attachment of claim 7 wherein: the exterior
air passageway wall further comprises: a vertical portion extending
away from the base; a flat portion that is parallel to the base and
coupled to a point of the vertical portion that is distal from the
base, the flat portion; a terminal portion affixed at a section of
the flat portion most distal to an area it coupled to the vertical
portion.
9. The vacuum shroud attachment of claim 7 wherein: the vacuum
shroud attachment is configured to detachably couple to a vacuum
shroud.
10. The vacuum shroud attachment of claim 7 wherein: the plurality
of vertical air passageway walls is coupled to a plurality of
teeth.
11. The vacuum shroud attachment of claim 10 wherein: the plurality
of teeth is configured to maintain a structure that narrows the air
intake openings.
12. The vacuum shroud attachment of claim 7 wherein: the vacuum
shroud attachment is comprised of at least one of a nylon, plastic,
metal, rubber, Styrofoam, wood, ceramic, stone, wax, paper, glass,
ice.
13. A vacuum shroud attachment comprising: an exterior air
passageway wall; an interior air passageway wall located beneath
the exterior air passageway wall such that an air passageway is
formed between the exterior air passageway wall and the interior
air passageway wall, the interior air passageway wall comprising; a
first vertical portion extending away from a base towards the
exterior air passage wall; an air passageway configured to exist
between the interior air passageway wall and exterior air
passageway wall configured to be in fluid communication between a
plurality of air intake openings and a plurality of air exit
openings dispersed along the base; a plurality of vertical air
passageway walls extending from the base to the exterior air
passageway wall configured to divide the air passageway into a
plurality of air passageway which are in fluid communication from
the air intake openings to the air exit openings.
14. The vacuum shroud attachment of claim 7 wherein: the exterior
air passageway wall further comprises: a vertical portion extending
away from the base; a quarter circular portion that starts parallel
to the base and coupled to a point of the vertical portion that is
distal from the base, the quarter circular portion bending around
towards the base and around the interior air passageway wall; a
terminal portion coupled at a section of the quarter circular
portion most distal to an area it coupled to the vertical
portion.
15. The vacuum shroud attachment of claim 13 wherein: the vacuum
shroud attachment is configured to detachably couple to a vacuum
shroud.
16. The vacuum shroud attachment of claim 13 wherein: the plurality
of vertical air passageway walls is coupled to a plurality of
teeth.
17. The vacuum shroud attachment of claim 15 wherein: the plurality
of teeth is configured to maintain a structure that narrows the air
intake openings.
18. The vacuum shroud attachment of claim 13 wherein: the vacuum
shroud attachment is comprised of at least one of a nylon, plastic,
metal, rubber, Styrofoam, wood, ceramic, stone, wax, paper, glass,
ice.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] NOT APPLICABLE
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] NOT APPLICABLE
NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] NOT APPLICABLE
REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, TABLE, OR COMPUTER PROGRAM
[0004] NOT APPLICABLE
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The device herein disclosed generally relates to the
shielding of debris that might escape through air intake openings
in a vacuum shroud during the use of power tools to remove
tiles.
2. Description of Related Art
[0006] Tile removal creates large amounts of dust and debris and is
often accomplished using power rotary tools which in turn tend to
create more dust and debris. Vacuum shrouds accomplish the task of
removing the dust from the air. However, a flaw with most vacuum
shrouds is that they require air intake holes in order to function
properly and this in turn creates an opportunity for debris to fly
out of these air intake holes.
[0007] Most prior art focuses upon vacuum shrouds that prevent
debris from escaping by making the air intake passages extend to
near the area the tool is in use or by drawing air in from under a
skirt surrounding the shroud.
[0008] So as to reduce the complexity and length of the Detailed
Specification, and to fully establish the state of the art in
certain areas of technology, Applicant(s) herein expressly
incorporate(s) by reference all of the following materials
identified in each numbered paragraph below.
[0009] McCutchen, U.S. Pat. No. 6,540,598 discloses a vacuum shroud
for a floor grinding machine. The vacuum shroud has a rigid cover
with a cylindrical skirt and a vacuum port. The cylindrical guard
has a plurality of vertical ribs protruding inwardly and these ribs
in conjunction with the skirt define a plurality of vertical air
inlet passages. The air flow through the air inlet passages is then
supposed to prevent dust and debris from escaping the device.
[0010] King, U.S. Publication No. 20140352106 discloses a system
and method for a shield for use with a rotary tool. The shield is
coupled to the rotary tool attachment in order to either partially
or fully enclose the rotary tool attachment. The shield has a
plurality of air intake inlets. The air intake inlets are however
not covered.
[0011] Romine, U.S. Pat. No. 4,697,389 discloses a dust confining
vacuum sander. This comprises a shroud with air intake opening, a
vacuum opening and a sander. This amounts to a vacuum shroud with a
sanding implement attached to it.
[0012] Azar, U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,207 discloses a dust collection
shroud for hand held power tools. This is comprised of a round lid
containing a vacuum hose connection and a dense skirt along the
sides. The air is drawn in through the skirt which is used to
prevent dust and debris from escaping.
[0013] Applicant(s) believe(s) that the material incorporated above
is "non-essential" in accordance with 37 CFR 1.57, because it is
referred to for purposes of indicating the background of the
invention or illustrating the state of the art. However, if the
Examiner believes that any of the above-incorporated material
constitutes "essential material" within the meaning of 37 CFR
1.57(c)(1)-(3), Applicant(s) will amend the specification to
expressly recite the essential material that is incorporated by
reference as allowed by the applicable rules.
SUMMARY
[0014] The present invention provides among other things a system
for preventing debris from flying out the air intake openings of
the vacuum shroud. In some implementations, this is accomplished by
aligning the air intake openings of the vacuum shroud with the air
passage way of the vacuum shroud attachment ring and coupling the
two devices. The vacuum shroud attachment ring has an internal
structure wherein, there is a curved hook like structure above the
lower opening of the vacuum shroud attachment ring that debris runs
into and is commensurately allowed to fall back into the vacuum
shroud. Around this structure, towards the inner area of the vacuum
shroud attachment ring, there is an offshoot of the air passageway
that curves around the upper extremities of the curved hook like
structure and through an opening on the outer side of the vacuum
shroud attachment ring. The vacuum shroud attachment ring may be
comprised of rubber, metal, plastics, wood, chitin, ceramic, glass,
wax, stone/cement, diamond, Styrofoam, ice, or paper to name a
nonlimiting few.
[0015] A vacuum shroud attachment may comprise an exterior air
passageway wall and an interior air passageway wall wherein the
interior air passageway wall is comprised of a vertical portion
extending away from a base towards the exterior air passageway
wall. The vertical portion may be coupled to an arched hook shaped
portion with the terminal end extending towards the base. The air
passageway may also comprise a plurality of vertical air passageway
walls extending from the base to the exterior air passageway walls
configured to divide the air passageway into a plurality of air
passageways which are configured to be in fluid communication
between a plurality of air intake openings and air exit
openings.
[0016] The exterior air passageway wall may comprise a vertical
portion extending away from the base which couples at the point
most distal from the base to an arched portion. On the opposing
end, the arched portion may be coupled to a horizontal section.
[0017] The vacuum shroud attachment may be configured to detachably
couple to a vacuum shroud.
[0018] The plurality of vertical air passageway walls may be
coupled to a plurality of teeth. The plurality of teeth may be
configured to narrow the air intake openings.
[0019] The vacuum shroud attachment may be comprised of at least
one of a nylon, plastic, metal, rubber, Styrofoam, wood, ceramic,
stone, wax, paper, glass, ice.
[0020] A vacuum shroud attachment may comprise an exterior air
passageway wall. The air passageway may comprise a plurality of
vertical air passageway walls extending from the base to the
exterior air passageway walls configured to divide the air
passageway into a plurality of air passageways which are configured
to be in fluid communication between a plurality of air intake
openings and air exit openings.
[0021] The exterior air passageway wall may be comprised of a
vertical portion extending away from the base which couples at the
point most distal from the base to a flat portion. On the opposing
end, the flat portion may be couple to a horizontal section.
[0022] The vacuum shroud attachment may be configured to detachably
couple to a vacuum shroud.
[0023] The plurality of vertical air passageway walls may be
coupled to a plurality of teeth. The plurality of teeth may be
configured to narrow the air intake openings.
[0024] The vacuum shroud attachment may be comprised of at least
one of a nylon, plastic, metal, rubber, Styrofoam, wood, ceramic,
stone, wax, paper, glass, ice.
[0025] A vacuum shroud attachment may comprise an exterior air
passageway wall and an interior air passageway wall wherein the
interior air passageway wall may be comprised of a vertical portion
extending away from a base towards the exterior air passageway
wall. The air passageway also may comprise a plurality of vertical
air passageway walls extending from the base to the exterior air
passageway walls configured to divide the air passageway into a
plurality of air passageways which are configured to be in fluid
communication between a plurality of air intake openings and air
exit openings.
[0026] The exterior air passageway wall may comprise a vertical
portion extending away from the base which couples at the point
most distal from the base to a quarter circle portion. On the
opposing end, the quarter circle portion may be couple to a
horizontal section.
[0027] The vacuum shroud attachment may be configured to detachably
couple to a vacuum shroud.
[0028] The plurality of vertical air passageway walls may be
coupled to a plurality of teeth. The plurality of teeth may be
configured to narrow the air intake openings.
[0029] The vacuum shroud attachment may be comprised of at least
one of a nylon, plastic, metal, rubber, Styrofoam, wood, ceramic,
stone, wax, paper, glass, ice.
[0030] Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are
described below in the drawings and detailed description of the
invention. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words
and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their
plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill
in the applicable arts. The inventor is fully aware that he can be
his own lexicographer if desired. The inventor expressly elects, as
his own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning
of terms in the specification and claims unless he clearly states
otherwise and then further, expressly sets forth the "special"
definition of that term and explains how it differs from the plain
and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to
apply a "special" definition, it is the inventor's intent and
desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be
applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.
[0031] The inventor is also aware of the normal precepts of English
grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further
characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun,
term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives,
descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal
precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives,
descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns,
terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English
meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth
above.
[0032] Further, the inventor is fully informed of the standards and
application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112(f).
Thus, the use of the words "function," "means" or "step" in the
Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is
not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special
provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112(f), to define the invention. To
the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112(f) are
sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will
specifically and expressly state the exact phrases "means for" or
"step for, and will also recite the word "function" (i.e., will
state "means for performing the function of [insert function]"),
without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or
act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a
"means for performing the function of . . . " or "step for
performing the function of . . . ," if the claims also recite any
structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or
that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention
of the inventor not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
112(f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112(f)
are invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that
the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure,
material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments,
but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts
that perform the claimed function as described in alternative
embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are well known
present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts
for performing the claimed function.
[0033] The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages
will be apparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art
from the DETAILED DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the
CLAIMS.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] A more complete understanding of the present invention may
be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered
in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the
figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts
throughout the figures.
[0035] FIGS. 1-2 depict an isometric view of an embodiment of a
vacuum shroud attachment coupled to a vacuum shroud
[0036] FIGS. 3-4 depict a side view of an embodiment of the vacuum
shroud attachment coupled to a vacuum shroud.
[0037] FIG. 5 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of the
vacuum shroud attachment with screws corresponding to holes on the
vacuum shroud for coupling to the vacuum shroud.
[0038] FIGS. 6-7 depict an exploded front view with screws shown
hovering over holes for coupling an embodiment of the vacuum shroud
attachment to the vacuum shroud.
[0039] FIG. 8 depicts a cutaway view of an embodiment of the vacuum
shroud attachment shown coupled to the vacuum shroud. Internal
structure is visible.
[0040] FIG. 9 depicts a front sectional view of the internal
structure of an embodiment of the vacuum shroud attachment.
[0041] FIG. 10 depicts a cutaway view of a segment of an embodiment
of the vacuum shroud attachment.
[0042] FIG. 11 depicts an isometric cutaway view of an embodiment
of the vacuum shroud attachment.
[0043] FIG. 12 depicts an isometric view from the top of an
embodiment of the vacuum shroud attachment not coupled to
anything.
[0044] FIG. 13 depicts an isometric view from the bottom of an
embodiment of the vacuum shroud attachment not coupled to
anything.
[0045] FIG. 14 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of the
vacuum shroud attachment from the top.
[0046] FIG. 15 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of the
vacuum shroud attachment from the bottom.
[0047] FIG. 16 depicts a top down exploded view of an embodiment of
the vacuum shroud attachment.
[0048] FIG. 17 depicts a bottom up exploded view of an embodiment
of the vacuum shroud attachment.
[0049] Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for
simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any
particular sequence or embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0050] In the following description, and for the purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the
invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the
relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without
these specific details. In other instances, known structures and
devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid
obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the
operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various
forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be
implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many
different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies
to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of
the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described
below.
[0051] The invention's embodiments usually include an exterior air
passageway wall. The exterior air passageway wall in most
embodiments comprises a vertical portion extending away from a
base, this vertical portion may be angled from the base and does
not need to extend perpendicularly from the base, although it may
if necessary. This vertical portion in most embodiments will couple
to another piece which may be arched, tented, triangular, flat,
circular, or any shape that leaves space for the presence of a
potential structure between the point of the vertical portion most
distant from the base and the base itself. This other piece will
then in some embodiments have a terminal piece on the side most
distant to the point at which it couples to the vertical
portion.
[0052] Underneath the exterior air passageway wall and in some
embodiments, there may exist an interior air passageway wall. In
some embodiments this may simply exist solely of a vertical portion
extending from the base. In other embodiments this vertical portion
may be coupled to an arched hook like portion, wherein the arched
hook like portion is above an air exit opening which itself is
nestled between the vertical portions of the exterior and interior
air passageway walls. The arched hook like portion need not follow
any particular curve, yet may be tented, triangular, flat to name a
few nonlimiting structures. The arched hook like portion will
extend towards the exterior air passageway walls vertical portion
and it will extend towards the base. It will however not block an
air passageway which is formed between the interior and exterior
air passageway wall and configured to be in fluid communication
between a series of air intake openings, located on the side
opposite of the vertical portion of the exterior air passageway
wall, and an air exit openings, located along the base between the
vertical portions of the interior air passageway wall and exterior
air passageway wall.
[0053] In other embodiments, the interior air passageway wall may
simply not exist. However the air intake openings still will remain
in fluid connection to the air exit openings.
[0054] Additionally, there are a plurality of vertical air
passageway walls configured to divide the air passageway into a
plurality of air passageways. These vertical air passageway walls
are configured to extend from the base to the exterior air
passageway walls. Where the vertical air passageway walls intersect
with the air intake openings they are coupled to a plurality of
teeth. These teeth are configured to narrow the air intake openings
and may take one of many forms. For example, the teeth may be
diamond shaped, square shaped, rectangular, circular, oval, to name
a nonlimiting few.
[0055] The device may be operated in environments comprised of
gases, liquids, or plasmas and the substances may flow in either
direction through the air passageway. Though in most embodiments a
gas will be drawn through the air intake openings and exit through
the air exit openings.
[0056] It is an objective of the invention to deflect debris and
through the use of environmental factors return the debris to the
vacuum shroud the vacuum shroud attachment is coupled to.
[0057] In some embodiments the air intake openings will be
dispersed around the outer perimeter of the device and in other
embodiments the air intake openings may be dispersed around the
interior perimeter of the device.
[0058] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 depict an isometric view of an embodiment
of the vacuum shroud attachment 100 coupled to a vacuum shroud. As
shown, in this embodiment, the exterior air passage wall 110
surrounds the outside of the vacuum shroud attachment 100. In this
embodiment, a plurality of air intake openings 120 are located
around the outside of the vacuum shroud attachment 100.
[0059] FIG. 3 & FIG. 4 depict a side view of an embodiment of
the vacuum shroud attachment 100 coupled to a vacuum shroud. Like
FIG. 1, the exterior air passageway wall 110 and a plurality of air
intake openings 120 are visible.
[0060] FIG. 5 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of the
vacuum shroud attachment 100 hovering above a vacuum shroud. A
plurality of air intake openings 120 is dispersed around the edge
of the device and keeps in fluid communication through the air
passageway 510 connected to a plurality of air exit openings 520.
In this embodiment there are a plurality of securing openings 530
and screws 540 configured to couple to a vacuum shroud. In other
embodiments the vacuum shroud attachment 100, may be coupled to the
vacuum shroud by way of pin, clip, hook and loop fastener, screw,
or magnet to name a few methods by which it may be coupled.
[0061] FIG. 6 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the vacuum
shroud attachment 100 positioned above a vacuum shroud. A plurality
of air intake openings are present 120 as is the exterior air
passageway wall 110 and a plurality of securing openings 530, in
addition to a plurality of screws 540 which may be used in some
embodiments to couple the vacuum shroud attachment 100 to the
vacuum shroud. In some embodiments, the vacuum shroud attachment
100 may be coupled by other methods or devices than the screws
540.
[0062] FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of the vacuum shroud attachment
100 where the vacuum shroud attachment 100 is configured to couple
to the vacuum shroud via a series of securing openings 530 which in
this case are secured using screws 540. Although in other
embodiments, the vacuum shroud attachment 100 may be coupled to the
vacuum shroud by other methods such as clips, hook and loop
fastener, pins, by being threaded on to a track, to name a few.
[0063] FIG. 8 depicts a cutaway view of an embodiment of the vacuum
shroud attachment 100 coupled to a vacuum shroud. On one side of
the embodiment the standard vacuum shroud attachment 100 with the
exterior air passageway wall 110 and the interior air passageway
wall 500 form an air passageway 510 between the air intake openings
120 and the air exit openings 520. On the other side of the
embodiment there is a version of the vacuum shroud attachment 100
which has been offset by the vacuum tube of the vacuum shroud and
as such has an alternative structure. The structure still retains
an exterior air passageway wall 110 and an interior air passageway
wall 500. Additionally, the air passageway 510 remains in fluid
communication between the air intake openings 120 and the air exit
openings 520. However in this embodiment, the two form a structure
which directs the air passageway 510 vertically up and then slopes
down towards the air intake openings 120 wherein the interior air
passageway wall is comprised of only a vertical portion which may
in some embodiments slope towards the air intake openings or in
other embodiments simply be a vertical piece with no slope.
[0064] FIG. 9 depicts a cross section of an embodiment of the
vacuum shroud attachment 100 coupled to a vacuum shroud. This
figure shows an embodiment of the internal structure of the vacuum
shroud attachment 100. In this figure, there is the exterior air
passageway wall 110 comprising on the inner side of the vacuum
shroud attachment 100, a vertical portion of the exterior
passageway wall 900. On one end of the vertical portion of the
exterior passageway wall 900 there is an arched hook like portion
of the exterior passageway wall 910 that connects via the first end
of the vertical portion of the exterior air passageway wall 904 to
the second end of arched portion of exterior air passageway wall
912. Though in other embodiments, this arched structure need not be
arched, it may instead be any shape, square, spiked, tented, etc.,
so long as the air passageway 510 is present. In this embodiment,
the arched portion of the exterior passageway wall 910 leads into a
horizontal portion of the exterior air passageway wall 920 by
coupling at the first end of the arched portion of the exterior air
passageway wall 914 to the second end of the terminal portion 922,
which ends with the first end of the terminal portion 924. In this
embodiment, inside the device exists an interior air passageway
wall 500. The interior air passageway wall 500 in this embodiment
is comprised of a first vertical portion of the interior air
passageway wall 930 which progresses to an arched hook like portion
of the interior air passageway wall 940, they connect at the first
end of the vertical portion of the internal air passageway wall
942. The arched hook like portion 940, curves back towards the base
and attaches to a terminal portion of the internal air passageway
wall 950 through the second end of the arched hook like portion 944
and this terminal portion ends at a first end of the terminal
portion 954. The arched hook like portion of the interior air
passageway wall 940 in this embodiment acts to catch debris coming
through the air exit openings 520 and allow a combination of
gravity and the flow of air to return the debris to the vacuum
shroud. Though in other embodiments, the air may enter either side
and emerge from either opening. The interior air passageway wall
500 and the exterior air passageway wall 110 form an air passageway
510 that allows air to flow into the coupled shroud. Additionally
in this embodiment, the air passageway 510 is intersected by a
plurality of vertical air passageway walls 140 that separate the
air passageway 510 into a plurality of air passageways 510 around
the device.
[0065] FIG. 10 depicts an alternative embodiment of the vacuum
shroud attachment's 100 inner structure. Here the exterior air
passageway wall substantially forms a semi circle above the
interior air passageway wall 500 and the interior air passageway
wall comprises a substantially vertical portion. The air passageway
510 is still in fluid communication between the air intake openings
120 and the air exit openings 520.
[0066] FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment of the vacuum shroud
attachment 100 as seen from an isometric cutaway view. Here,
extending from the base is the first vertical portion of the
exterior air passageway wall 900 which is then affixed to an arched
portion of the exterior air passageway wall 910 and ends in a
horizontal portion of the exterior air passageway wall 920. In
other embodiments, the exterior air passageway wall can be higher
or lower and may take other shapes so long as an air passageway 510
is formed. The air passageway 510 is formed inside the vacuum
shroud attachment 100 and keeps the air intake openings 120 in
fluid connection with the air exit openings 520. Inside the
structure can be seen the interior air passageway wall 500. The
interior air passageway wall 500 is formed of a first vertical
portion of the interior air passageway wall 930, which extends away
from the base underneath the exterior air passageway wall 110. The
first vertical portion of the interior air passageway wall 930 in
some embodiments may be on its own however it is shown here with an
arched hook like portion of the interior air passageway wall 940
which curves under the exterior air passageway wall 110 and
terminates with a terminal vertical portion of the interior air
passageway wall 950 that extends towards the base. In other
embodiments the structure of the arched portion of the interior air
passageway wall 940 may be higher or lower, flatter or sharper and
may take on other forms, so long as the air intake openings 120
remain in fluid connection with the air exit openings 520.
[0067] FIG. 12 depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of the
vacuum shroud attachment 100. Here it is unattached to a vacuum
shroud. Again, the exterior passageway wall 110 and a plurality of
air intake openings 120 are present.
[0068] FIG. 13 depicts an isometric view of the bottom of an
embodiment of the vacuum shroud attachment 100. Here the base 130
is present and need not be flat, in other embodiments it may be
grooved, curved, cut away at points or shaped unevenly to name a
few nonlimiting configurations. Additionally, a plurality of air
intake openings 120 in fluid connection to the air exit openings
520 are present. Flanking the air intake openings can be seen a
plurality of teeth 150. The teeth 150 serve to ensure that any
debris that finds itself in the air passageway does not make it
outside the vacuum shroud attachment 100. The teeth 150 do not need
to be square or rectangular and can take a plurality of other
shapes, to name a nonlimiting few options, the teeth 150 may be
oval, round, triangular, and so on. It can also be shown that there
is a plurality of vertical air passageway walls 140 that section
the air passageway off into segments. The walls allow the debris to
bounce around and end up back in the device the vacuum shroud
attachment 100 is coupled to. Additionally, an embodiment of the
vacuum shroud attachment 100 can be seen here, wherein there is a
component that lacks an interior air passageway wall 500 and
wherein the exterior air passageway wall is comprised of a flat
portion.
[0069] FIG. 14 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of the
vacuum shroud attachment 100 from above.
[0070] FIG. 15 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of the
vacuum shroud attachment 100 from below. Additionally, the base 130
which in most embodiments is flat however, may in some instances be
of a different shape in order to accommodate coupling it to a
shroud. i.e. it may be slanted, ridged, periodically cut away, to
name a few nonlimiting options, is present.
[0071] FIG. 16 depicts a top down view of an embodiment of the
vacuum shroud attachment 100.
[0072] FIG. 17 depicts a bottom up view of an embodiment of the
vacuum shroud attachment 100. A plurality of teeth 150 ring the air
intake openings 120 and then there are vertical air passageway
walls 140 which extend from the teeth 150 to the exterior air
passageway wall dividing the air passageway into segments.
[0073] In some embodiments, the entire structure may have no
interior air passageway wall whereas in other embodiments the
entire structure may be comprised solely of a structure where the
interior air passage wall has only the vertical segment or maybe it
can also have the hook like structure affixed to the vertical
segment. In yet other embodiments, the vacuum shroud attachment 100
may have any combination of these segments.
[0074] The vacuum shroud attachment in its many embodiments need
not all operate solely with air. In other embodiments, the vacuum
shroud may be used with liquids, gases, or plasmas.
[0075] Depending on the embodiment, there are a plurality of ways
to couple or affix the vacuum shroud attachment to other structures
such as a vacuum shroud to name a nonlimiting few. The vacuum
shroud attachment may be coupled through methods such as clamps,
hook and loop fastener, screws, clips, adhesive, being slid onto a
track or thread, to name a few nonlimiting options.
[0076] In places where the description above refers to particular
implementations of a vacuum shroud attachment, it should be readily
apparent that a number of modifications may be made without
departing from the spirit thereof and that these implementations
may be applied to other vacuum shroud attachments.
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