US20060005347A1 - Combination string trimmer and blower tool - Google Patents
Combination string trimmer and blower tool Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060005347A1 US20060005347A1 US11/228,097 US22809705A US2006005347A1 US 20060005347 A1 US20060005347 A1 US 20060005347A1 US 22809705 A US22809705 A US 22809705A US 2006005347 A1 US2006005347 A1 US 2006005347A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- blower
- housing
- purpose tool
- impeller
- trimmer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
- A01D34/00—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters
- A01D34/01—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus
- A01D34/412—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters
- A01D34/416—Flexible line cutters
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G20/00—Cultivation of turf, lawn or the like; Apparatus or methods therefor
- A01G20/40—Apparatus for cleaning the lawn or grass surface
- A01G20/43—Apparatus for cleaning the lawn or grass surface for sweeping, collecting or disintegrating lawn debris
- A01G20/47—Vacuum or blower devices
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01H—STREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
- E01H1/00—Removing undesirable matter from roads or like surfaces, with or without moistening of the surface
- E01H1/08—Pneumatically dislodging or taking-up undesirable matter or small objects; Drying by heat only or by streams of gas; Cleaning by projecting abrasive particles
- E01H1/0809—Loosening or dislodging by blowing ; Drying by means of gas streams
Definitions
- This invention relates to hand-held lawn and garden tools and more specifically to a combination hand held string trimmer/blower device for use in cutting vegetation and clearing sidewalks, driveways, and the like free from debris.
- the present invention provides methods and apparatuses for a new and improved combination blower/string trimmer device, which is simple in design, effective in use, and overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages.
- the invention is directed to a portable multi-purpose tool.
- the multi-purpose tool is powered by a power source for use as an air blower capable of delivering a high-velocity stream of air when the multi-purpose tool is in a blower mode of operation and also as a rotating string trimmer capable of trimming vegetation when in the multi-purpose tool is in a trimmer mode of operation.
- the multi-purpose tool includes a shaft boom and a blower housing positioned at a distal end of the shaft boom.
- the housing defines an enclosed chamber and has at least one vent leading to the chamber and a blower nozzle for directing air out of the chamber.
- the multi-purpose tool also has a drive shaft at least partially within the blower housing, the drive shaft being configured to be rotated by the power source.
- the multi-purpose tool also has an impeller located within the chamber, the impeller being operatively connected to the drive shaft so as to be rotatable within the chamber to deliver a high-velocity stream of air out of the blower nozzle.
- the multi-purpose tool also includes a trimmer head having at least one cutting line positioned below the blower housing, the trimmer head being operatively connected to the drive shaft so as to be selectively rotatable by the power source.
- the multi-purpose tool includes a shaft boom and a drive shaft operatively connected to a power source and configured to be rotated by the power source.
- the multi-purpose tool also includes an impeller operatively connected to the drive shaft so as to be rotated by the power source.
- a trimmer head is positioned below the impeller, the trimmer head being operatively connected to the drive shaft so as to be selectively rotatable by the power source.
- the multi-purpose tool also has a debris shield configured to protect the operator from flying vegetation clippings, the debris shield including a blower housing forming an enclosed chamber in which the impeller is located and an extension guard that extends from the blower housing.
- Another aspect of the invention is directed to a portable multi-purpose tool powered by an attached power source for use as an air blower capable of delivering a high-velocity stream of air when the multi-purpose tool is in a blower mode of operation and as a rotating string trimmer capable of trimming vegetation when in a trimmer mode of operation.
- the multi-purpose tool includes a tubular shaft boom and an internal drive shaft operatively connected to the power source and configured to be rotated by the power source.
- the multi-purpose tool also includes an impeller operatively connected to the internal drive shaft so as to be rotatable within the chamber and a trimmer head positioned below the impeller, the trimmer head operatively connected to the internal drive shaft so as to be selectively rotatable by the power source.
- the multi-purpose tool also has a blower housing positioned at a distal end of the shaft boom including an enclosed chamber, a plurality of vents leading to the chamber, and a blower nozzle for directing air from the chamber, wherein the impeller is rotatably mounted in the chamber such that the housing defines an air pathway between the vents and the impeller.
- the multi-purpose tool also includes means for blocking the flow of air between vents and the impeller when the multi-purpose tool is in the trimmer mode of operation and means for disengaging the trimmer head from the internal drive shaft when the multi-purpose tool is in the blower mode.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the upper side of a trimmer/blower tool
- FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the trimmer/blower tool of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the trimmer/blower tool of FIG. 1 with portions of the housing removed for clarity;
- FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the housing illustrating the chamber formed therein;
- FIG. 5 is a side view showing the trimmer/blower tool in the trimmer mode
- FIG. 6 is a side view showing the trimmer/blower tool in the blower mode
- FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the trimmer/blower tool.
- FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of the trimmer/blower tool.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 show a portable multi-purpose power tool 10 according to one embodiment of the invention that functions as both a string trimmer and an air blower.
- the power tool 10 is provided with an elongated protective tubular shaft boom 12 with a power source (not shown) positioned at one end of the shaft boom 12 and at least one handle (not shown) for manipulation of the tool 10 .
- the power source of the tool 10 can be either a gasoline engine or an electric motor, both of which are well known in the art and need not be discussed in further detail.
- the tool 10 has a blower/trimmer assembly 16 connected to a working end of the shaft boom 12 that is driven by the power source.
- the blower/trimmer assembly 16 permits the tool 10 to be used either as a hand-held blower capable of delivering a high-velocity stream of air from a blower housing or volute 18 useful for blowing debris off walkways and the like, or as a rotatable string trimmer useful for trimming and cutting vegetation. Desirably, the operator of the tool 10 can quickly and easily manipulate the blower/trimmer assembly 16 to select the desired mode of operation without the need of extra tools or without having to add or remove additional components.
- the blower housing 18 (only part of which is illustrated in FIG. 3 for clarity) contains a rotatable impeller 20 configured to impart energy to the high-velocity stream of air while in the blower mode of operation.
- the blower/trimmer assembly 16 also has a rotatable string trimmer head 22 used for cutting vegetation.
- the protective tubular shaft boom 12 houses a rotatable flexible drive shaft (not shown) that extends throughout the shaft boom 12 and operatively connects the power source to an internal drive shaft 26 located within the housing 18 .
- Flexible drive shafts in and of themselves are known in the art and need not be described in detail.
- the internal drive shaft 26 operatively connects the power source to the impeller 20 and to the string trimmer head 22 to provide the necessary rotating motion as will be set forth more fully below.
- the blower housing 18 forms an enclosed chamber 30 in which the impeller 20 is located.
- the chamber 30 leads to an outlet nozzle 32 for directing the high velocity stream of air created by the impeller 20 .
- the outlet nozzle 32 comprises an air outlet for directing air pressurized in the chamber 30 out of the blower housing 18 and is generally tangentially aligned with the outer periphery of impeller 20 .
- the nozzle 32 is generally cone shaped and can be threaded onto the blower housing 18 or attached with fasteners to form the air outlet. In operation, air is drawn into the chamber 30 by the impeller 20 and expelled at a relatively higher velocity through the nozzle 32 .
- the housing 18 has a shroud portion 34 that contains a plurality of vents or windows 35 therein.
- the vents 35 are designed to permit air to enter the enclosed chamber 30 and reach the impeller 20 when in the blower mode of operation.
- an enclosed chamber 30 it is meant that the chamber substantially surrounds the impeller 20 so that the impeller is able to pressurize the air drawn in through the vents 35 and expel the air out of the chamber through the nozzle 32 .
- the blower housing 18 is desirably fabricated as a two-piece housing 18 formed with mating housing shells 36 and 38 .
- the blower housing 18 may be made from a suitable polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other plastic material or the like and is desirably formed by plastic injection molding.
- the blower housing 18 comprises right and left housing shells 36 , 38 joined together at a flange connection 40 with screws, rivets or other suitable fasteners 42 (seen in FIG. 7 ).
- the blower housing 18 has a generally concave upper housing shell 36 (i.e., as shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8 ) and a generally concave lower housing shell 38 .
- the invention is not limited to any particular shape or method of fabrication of the blower housing 18 .
- the terms “right” and “left” and “upper” and “lower”, as used in describing the housing shells, and any other portion of the tool 10 are used to aid in describing the housing shells and should not be interpreted as limiting.
- Other dome or dish geometric shapes for the housing shells can also be used without departing from the scope of the invention.
- Bearings or bushings 44 permit rotation of the internal drive shaft 26 with respect to the blower housing 18 .
- the bearings 44 can be sleeve bearings or other conventional bearings chosen with sound engineering judgment.
- the housing 18 further acts as a debris shield to protect the operator from flying vegetation clippings cut by the trimmer head 22 when the tool 10 is operating in the trimmer mode of operation.
- the debris shield desirably includes the blower housing 18 and an extension guard 49 that extends from the blower housing 18 .
- the extension guard 49 may be manufactured as a single integrated part of the housing 18 or the extension guard 49 may consist of one or more separate pieces attached to the housing 18 . In such case, the extension guard 49 can be attached to the blower housing 18 by any mechanical means necessary chosen with sound engineering judgment.
- the extension guard 49 is positioned on the housing 18 on the side opposite blower nozzle 32 .
- a spiral partition 50 is formed within the blower housing 18 , so that when the housing shells 36 and 38 are joined, the spiral partition 50 forms the volute shaped chamber 30 having a center coaxial with the impeller 20 and a radius which varies circumferentially around the blower housing 18 .
- volute shape it is meant that the chamber 30 forms a curved funnel generally increasing in area to the air outlet nozzle 32 .
- the spiral partition 50 comprises a wall half formed in the lower shell 38 and half formed in the upper shell 36 so that when joined, the partition 50 extends between upper and lower portions of the housing 18 .
- the spiral partition 50 may be formed by other means using sound engineering judgment.
- the impeller 20 resides within the chamber 30 formed by the housing shells 36 , 38 .
- the impeller 20 consists of a substantially circular shaped plate 54 mountable on the internal drive shaft 26 so as to be rotatable within the chamber 30 .
- the impeller 20 desirably comprises a plurality of airfoils 58 that have an arc-like shape.
- the impeller 20 consists of seven airfoils 58 .
- the impeller 20 may consist of any number of airfoils 58 chosen with sound engineering judgment.
- the airfoils 58 can be connected to the plate 54 by any mechanical means necessary chosen with sound engineering judgment.
- the impeller 20 When rotated in the blower mode of operation, the impeller 20 is capable of delivering a high-velocity stream of air out of the nozzle 32 .
- the tubular shaft boom 12 of the multi-purpose power tool 10 has a bend 64 near its distal end 65 so that a central axis thereof extends generally coaxially through the blower housing 18 and is preferably aligned with the axis of rotation of the impeller 20 .
- the internal drive shaft 26 engages the impeller 20 and the string trimmer head 22 by any mechanical means chosen with sound engineering judgment.
- the internal drive shaft 26 has an engaging shape and is received within a receiving aperture in the impeller 20 having a corresponding female shape to enable the torque of the internal drive shaft 26 to be passed on to the impeller 20 .
- the shape of the internal drive shaft 26 may be any shape suitable such as square, star, triangular, octagonal and the like.
- a support collar 80 is positioned within the housing 18 above the impeller 20 .
- the support collar 80 includes a lower restrictor plate 82 and an upper hollow tube section 84 with a ring clamp 86 that affixes the support collar 80 to the distal end 65 of the shaft boom 12 .
- a handle assembly 88 broadly an actuator, attaches to the support collar 80 .
- the handle assembly 88 is used to selectively adjust the position of the housing 18 between a first and a second position relative the boom 12 and support collar 80 as indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 2 in order to shift the tool 10 between a blower mode of operation and a trimmer mode of operation. As best seen in FIG.
- the handle assembly 88 desirably has a catch 90 that must be pulled back before the handle assembly 88 can be repositioned.
- the catch 90 discourages inadvertent movement of the handle assembly 88 which could cause undesired engagement of the trimmer head 22 or air discharge from the blower nozzle 32 .
- the catch 90 locks into a groove (not shown) on the support collar 80 .
- the handle assembly 88 is pivotably attached to the support collar 80 with a pair of inwardly facing bosses 92 on arms 94 of the handle assembly 88 .
- the handle assembly 88 is further attached to the housing 18 with guides 93 that move the housing 18 up or down when the handle assembly 88 is pivoted about the bosses 92 .
- a biasing spring 95 biases the housing 18 into the trimmer mode position.
- the spring 95 may bias the housing 18 into the blower mode position without departing from the scope of the invention.
- the restrictor plate 82 fits within the shroud portion 34 of the housing 18 and has an outside diameter that is generally the same as the interior diameter of the shroud portion 34 .
- the housing 18 is selectively positioned into the trimmer position as illustrated in FIG. 5 by positioning the handle assembly 88 , the housing 18 is moved upward relative to the restrictor plate 82 such that the vents 35 become positioned above the restrictor plate 82 .
- the restrictor plate 82 forms an air blocking mechanism that blocks a substantial amount of the airflow between the vents 35 and the volute chamber 30 .
- the blower function of the tool 10 is essentially disabled as only a limited amount of air, if any, exits the blower nozzle 32 .
- the handle assembly 88 is selectively positioned into the blower mode position as shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6 by positioning the handle assembly 88 , the housing 18 moves downward relative the shaft boom 12 and support collar 80 such that the vents 35 are positioned below the restrictor plate 82 . In this orientation, air is free to enter the vents 35 and pass into the air inlet of the volute chamber 30 .
- movement of the handle assembly 88 into the blower mode position opens an air path between the air vents 35 and the impeller 20 to pull air into the housing 18 for operation of the tool 10 as an air blower.
- movement of the handle assembly 88 into the trimmer mode position restricts the air path between the air vents 35 and the impeller 20 so that air cannot be pulled into the housing 18 .
- the string trimmer head 22 is positioned below the blower housing 18 , and as is known in the art, comprises a spool (not shown) of cutting line 96 used to cut vegetation.
- the cutting line 96 extends from a plurality of apertures 98 located around the circumference of the string trimmer head 22 .
- the connection of the cutting line 96 within the string trimmer head 22 is commonly known in the art and will not be described herein.
- the trimmer head 22 could operate with one or more cutting lines 96 .
- the trimmer head 22 can receive one or more fixed length cutting lines 96 using means well understood in the art.
- the trimmer head 22 is operatively connected to the internal drive shaft 26 through a clutching mechanism 99 configured to selectively clutch the trimmer head 22 when the tool 10 is in the trimmer mode of operation and declutch the trimmer head 22 when in the blower mode of operation.
- the clutching mechanism 99 contains a clutch drum 100 affixed to an upper portion of the trimmer head 22 .
- the clutch drum 100 and trimmer head 22 are rotatably affixed to the housing 18 , so that the clutch drum 100 is raised and lowered through movement of the housing 18 by selective movement of the handle assembly 88 as described above.
- a centrifugal clutch 102 adapted to interact with the clutch drum 100 is affixed to the distal end of the internal drive shaft 26 and selectively engages or disengages the trimmer head 22 from the internal drive shaft 26 .
- the centrifugal clutch 102 includes a pair of clutch shoes 103 that expand outward when the internal drive shaft 26 is rotated to engage the clutch drum 100 to thereby transmit rotation of the internal drive shaft 26 to the cutting head 22 .
- the clutch drum 100 Because the clutch drum 100 is affixed to the housing 18 , the clutch drum 100 moves up and down relative to the internal drive shaft 26 and the centrifugal clutch 102 when the handle assembly 88 is operated to select the desired mode of operation as discussed above.
- the clutch drum 100 When the tool 10 is operating in the blower mode of operation, the clutch drum 100 is located in a lowered position relative to the centrifugal clutch 102 such that the centrifugal clutch 102 resides above a circumferential wall 105 of the clutch drum 100 .
- the centrifugal clutch 102 does not engage the clutch drum 100 in the blower mode and the trimmer head 22 is not rotated by the internal drive shaft 26 .
- the housing 18 When the handle assembly 88 is repositioned to the trimmer mode position, the housing 18 , and thus the clutch drum 100 , moves upward relative the internal drive shaft 26 and the centrifugal clutch 102 . In this orientation, the clutch drum 100 is raised so that the centrifugal clutch 102 nests within the clutch drum 100 , and when the internal drive shaft 26 is rotated, the clutch shoes 103 expand outward and engage the clutch drum 100 . Thus, the centrifugal clutch 102 only engages the clutch drum 100 in the trimmer mode of operation and the trimmer head 22 is only rotated by the internal drive shaft 26 in the trimmer mode.
- a clutch retainer 106 positioned adjacent the centrifugal clutch 102 limits the movement of the clutch shoes 103 away from the central axis when the centrifugal clutch 102 is not nested within the clutch drum 100 .
- the clutch retainer 106 prevents the clutch shoes 103 from continuing to expand outward when the clutch drum 100 is in the lowered position and is thus not in position to check such expansion.
- the clutch retainer 106 may be a plate that limits the travel of the clutch shoes 103 , or may be a molded feature in the underside of the impeller 20 , or other device chosen using sound engineering judgment.
- the handle assembly 88 is used to position the housing 18 between a first and second positions relative the shaft boom 12 and support collar 80 .
- the blower function is operable because air is free to enter the vents 35 and flow to the impeller 20 .
- the restrictor plate 82 is positioned so that it does not obstruct the flow of air from the vents 35 to the impeller 20 , thereby allowing air to flow into and through the chamber 30 and out the blower nozzle 32 .
- the trimmer head 22 is inoperable because the clutch mechanism 99 does not transmit rotation of the drive shaft 26 to the trimming head 22 .
- the operator moves the handle assembly 88 to position the housing 18 into the second position.
- the blower function is inoperable because the flow path for the air to the impeller 20 is substantially blocked.
- the restrictor plate 82 blocks the flow of air between the vents 35 and the impeller 20 .
- the trimmer head 22 is operable in the second position because the clutching mechanism 99 engages the trimmer head 22 with the drive shaft 26 .
- the clutch drum 100 is moved up so that the centrifugal clutch 102 engages the clutch drum 100 to enable powered rotation of the trimmer head 22 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the tool 10 in which the shaft boom 12 has an extension mechanism comprising an adjustable mount attaching the blower/trimmer assembly 16 to the distal end of the shaft boom 12 .
- the blower housing 18 contains a hub 120 that secures the blower/trimmer assembly 16 to the shaft boom 12 in one of two selectable positions.
- the drive shaft and thus the internal engagement shaft 124 is in a fixed position relative the shaft boom 12 .
- the hub 120 mounts the blower housing 18 on the distal end of the shaft boom 12 in a first position. In this position, the internal engagement shaft 124 engages the impeller 20 but does not engage the string trimmer head 22 .
- the hub 120 mounts the blower housing 18 in a position such that a portion of the distal end of the shaft boom 12 is received within a pocket in the blower housing 18 .
- Moving the blower housing 18 from the trimmer disengaged position to the trimmer engaged position therefore causes the internal engagement shaft 124 to move relative to the blower/trimmer assembly 16 such that the internal engagement shaft 124 engages the string trimmer head 22 .
- the internal engagement shaft 124 only engages the impeller 20 in the trimmer disengaged position and only engages the string trimmer head 22 in the trimmer engaged position.
- the internal engagement shaft 124 can engage both the impeller 20 and the string trimmer head 22 in the trimmer engaged position without departing from the scope on the invention.
- an air inlet cover 126 forms an air blocking mechanism.
- the inlet cover 126 is positioned to cover the vents 35 to block air from entering the chamber 30 , thereby preventing air from moved through the blower housing 18 so that high pressure air does not leave the nozzle 32 of the housing 18 .
- the act of moving the hub 120 from the disengaged position to the trimmer engaged position simultaneously positions the air inlet cover 126 to block the vents 35 .
- the hub 120 is rotatable between a first and a second position.
- the blower function is operable and the trimmer head 22 is inoperable.
- the hub 120 is in the second position the blower function is inoperable and the trimmer head 22 is operable.
- the air inlet cover 126 is in the first position the vents 35 are aligned with the air inlet cover 126 such that air is permitted to flow into and through the housing 18 and out the blower outlet 32 .
- the operator in order to use the blower function, the operator, prior to starting the power source (not shown), rotates the hub 120 to the first position. The operator then starts the power source and uses a typical control device (not shown) on the shaft boom 12 to operate the blower 10 .
- the operation of the power source and control device is commonly known in the art and will not be described herein.
- the operator turns off the power source and rotates the hub 120 to the second position so that the drive shaft 124 engages the trimmer head 22 .
- the power tool 10 has a boom extension mechanism, indicated generally at 130 , configured to move the internal engagement shaft 124 relative to the string trimmer head 22 and the impeller 20 to selectively operate the desired function of the tool 10 .
- the boom extension mechanism 130 comprises a boom extender 136 in the tubular shaft boom 12 located between the power source and the blower/trimmer assembly 16 . As the drive shaft located within the shaft boom 12 has a fixed length, changing the length of the shaft boom 12 with the boom extension mechanism 130 has the effect of changing how far the drive shaft 138 extends past the distal end 65 of the shaft boom 12 .
- the internal engagement shaft 124 at the end of the drive shaft 138 engages the impeller 20 , but is not long enough to reach the string trimmer head 22 .
- the power source causes the impeller 20 to rotate allowing the blower to operate, but the string trimmer head 22 does not rotate.
- the internal engagement shaft 124 extends further past the distal end 65 of the shaft boom 12 .
- the internal engagement shaft 124 engages the string trimmer head 22 so that operation of the power source causes the string trimmer head 22 to rotate.
- the internal engagement shaft 124 is configured to engage either the impeller 20 or the string trimmer head 22 , but not both.
- the impeller 20 is not engaged by the internal engagement shaft 124 and does not rotate during trimmer operations.
- the internal engagement shaft 124 is configured to engage both the string trimmer head 22 and the impeller 20 in the second configuration.
- the air inlet cover 126 is positioned to cover the vents 35 to block air from entering the air inlet, thereby preventing air from moved through the blower housing 18 so that high pressure air does not leave the nozzle 32 of the blower.
- the boom extender 136 is used to selectively lengthen or shorten the length of the tubular shaft boom 12 .
- the tubular shaft boom 12 comprises a lower shaft boom member 12 a and an upper shaft boom member 12 b telescopingly received into the lower shaft boom member 12 a.
- the lower shaft boom member 12 a has a pair of holes (not shown) and the upper shaft boom member 12 b has a spring biased push button 140 configured to be received by one of the holes to lock the upper shaft boom member 12 b within the lower shaft boom member 12 a at one of two selectable lengths.
- other adjustment/locking means to selectively adjust the length of the shaft boom 12 are also envisioned.
- a threaded member may be used to adjust the length of the shaft boom 12 as illustrated in FIG. 8 .
- a thumb screw (not shown) can be inserted through one of the holes and a cooperating hole (not shown) in the upper shaft boom member 12 b to adjust the length of the shaft boom 12 .
- Yet other means for adjusting the length of the shaft boom 12 can be used using sound engineering judgment without departing from the scope of the invention.
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Abstract
A multi-purpose tool powered by an attached power source is used as an air blower capable of delivering a high-velocity stream of air when the multi-purpose tool is in a blower mode of operation and as a rotating string trimmer capable of trimming vegetation when in a trimmer mode of operation. The tool includes a tubular shaft boom and an internal drive shaft configured to be rotated by the power source, and an impeller operatively connected to the internal drive shaft so as to be rotatable within the chamber and a trimmer head positioned below the impeller, the trimmer head operatively connected to the internal drive shaft so as to be selectively rotatable by the power source. The tool also has a blower housing positioned at a distal end of the shaft boom including an enclosed chamber, a plurality of vents leading to the chamber, and a blower nozzle for directing air from the chamber, wherein the impeller is rotatably mounted in the chamber such that the housing defines an air pathway between the vents and the impeller. The multi-purpose tool also includes means for blocking the flow of air between vents and the impeller when the multi-purpose tool is in the trimmer mode of operation and means for disengaging the trimmer head from the internal drive shaft when the multi-purpose tool is in the blower mode.
Description
- The present application is a continuation-in-part of presently pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/366,092 filed Feb. 12, 2003 and also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/696,738, filed Jul. 6, 2005.
- 1. Field of Invention
- This invention relates to hand-held lawn and garden tools and more specifically to a combination hand held string trimmer/blower device for use in cutting vegetation and clearing sidewalks, driveways, and the like free from debris.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- It is known in the art to provide a string trimmer with one or more cutting strings or cutting blades to be used to cut vegetation such as grass and the like. It is also known in the art to use a separate blower device to clear debris from sidewalks, driveways, and the like. There have been several attempts to combine a string trimmer with a blower by attaching a separate blower impeller to the string trimmer.
- Typically, in order to attach the impeller, the operator would have to remove a fastening device, and then remove the string trimmer head before attaching the blower impeller. This is a very tedious and time-consuming manner in which to convert a string trimmer to a blower. In addition, due to the configuration of the blower attachment, it is likely that the blower attachment will only fit on a limited number of line trimmers.
- The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for a new and improved combination blower/string trimmer device, which is simple in design, effective in use, and overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages.
- In one aspect, the invention is directed to a portable multi-purpose tool. The multi-purpose tool is powered by a power source for use as an air blower capable of delivering a high-velocity stream of air when the multi-purpose tool is in a blower mode of operation and also as a rotating string trimmer capable of trimming vegetation when in the multi-purpose tool is in a trimmer mode of operation. The multi-purpose tool includes a shaft boom and a blower housing positioned at a distal end of the shaft boom. The housing defines an enclosed chamber and has at least one vent leading to the chamber and a blower nozzle for directing air out of the chamber. The multi-purpose tool also has a drive shaft at least partially within the blower housing, the drive shaft being configured to be rotated by the power source. The multi-purpose tool also has an impeller located within the chamber, the impeller being operatively connected to the drive shaft so as to be rotatable within the chamber to deliver a high-velocity stream of air out of the blower nozzle. The multi-purpose tool also includes a trimmer head having at least one cutting line positioned below the blower housing, the trimmer head being operatively connected to the drive shaft so as to be selectively rotatable by the power source.
- Another aspect of the invention is directed to a portable multi-purpose tool powered by a power source for use as an air blower capable of delivering a high-velocity stream of air when the multi-purpose tool is in a blower mode of operation and also as a rotating string trimmer capable of trimming vegetation when in the multi-purpose tool is in a trimmer mode of operation. The multi-purpose tool includes a shaft boom and a drive shaft operatively connected to a power source and configured to be rotated by the power source. The multi-purpose tool also includes an impeller operatively connected to the drive shaft so as to be rotated by the power source. A trimmer head is positioned below the impeller, the trimmer head being operatively connected to the drive shaft so as to be selectively rotatable by the power source. The multi-purpose tool also has a debris shield configured to protect the operator from flying vegetation clippings, the debris shield including a blower housing forming an enclosed chamber in which the impeller is located and an extension guard that extends from the blower housing.
- Another aspect of the invention is directed to a portable multi-purpose tool powered by an attached power source for use as an air blower capable of delivering a high-velocity stream of air when the multi-purpose tool is in a blower mode of operation and as a rotating string trimmer capable of trimming vegetation when in a trimmer mode of operation. The multi-purpose tool includes a tubular shaft boom and an internal drive shaft operatively connected to the power source and configured to be rotated by the power source. The multi-purpose tool also includes an impeller operatively connected to the internal drive shaft so as to be rotatable within the chamber and a trimmer head positioned below the impeller, the trimmer head operatively connected to the internal drive shaft so as to be selectively rotatable by the power source. The multi-purpose tool also has a blower housing positioned at a distal end of the shaft boom including an enclosed chamber, a plurality of vents leading to the chamber, and a blower nozzle for directing air from the chamber, wherein the impeller is rotatably mounted in the chamber such that the housing defines an air pathway between the vents and the impeller. The multi-purpose tool also includes means for blocking the flow of air between vents and the impeller when the multi-purpose tool is in the trimmer mode of operation and means for disengaging the trimmer head from the internal drive shaft when the multi-purpose tool is in the blower mode.
- These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods according to this invention.
- The above mentioned and other features of this invention will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the upper side of a trimmer/blower tool; -
FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the trimmer/blower tool ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the trimmer/blower tool ofFIG. 1 with portions of the housing removed for clarity; -
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the housing illustrating the chamber formed therein; -
FIG. 5 is a side view showing the trimmer/blower tool in the trimmer mode; -
FIG. 6 is a side view showing the trimmer/blower tool in the blower mode; -
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the trimmer/blower tool; and -
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of the trimmer/blower tool. - Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the views of the drawings.
- The invention will now be described in the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein preferred embodiments are described in detail to enable practice of the invention. Although the invention is described with reference to these specific preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to these preferred embodiments. But to the contrary, the invention includes numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents as will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description.
- Referring now to the drawings,
FIGS. 1 and 2 show a portablemulti-purpose power tool 10 according to one embodiment of the invention that functions as both a string trimmer and an air blower. Thepower tool 10 is provided with an elongated protectivetubular shaft boom 12 with a power source (not shown) positioned at one end of theshaft boom 12 and at least one handle (not shown) for manipulation of thetool 10. The power source of thetool 10 can be either a gasoline engine or an electric motor, both of which are well known in the art and need not be discussed in further detail. According to the invention, thetool 10 has a blower/trimmer assembly 16 connected to a working end of theshaft boom 12 that is driven by the power source. The blower/trimmer assembly 16 permits thetool 10 to be used either as a hand-held blower capable of delivering a high-velocity stream of air from a blower housing or volute 18 useful for blowing debris off walkways and the like, or as a rotatable string trimmer useful for trimming and cutting vegetation. Desirably, the operator of thetool 10 can quickly and easily manipulate the blower/trimmer assembly 16 to select the desired mode of operation without the need of extra tools or without having to add or remove additional components. - Turning now to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , the blower housing 18 (only part of which is illustrated inFIG. 3 for clarity) contains arotatable impeller 20 configured to impart energy to the high-velocity stream of air while in the blower mode of operation. Below thehousing 18, the blower/trimmer assembly 16 also has a rotatablestring trimmer head 22 used for cutting vegetation. The protectivetubular shaft boom 12 houses a rotatable flexible drive shaft (not shown) that extends throughout theshaft boom 12 and operatively connects the power source to aninternal drive shaft 26 located within thehousing 18. Flexible drive shafts in and of themselves are known in the art and need not be described in detail. However, means for connecting the flexible drive shaft to selectively engage theimpeller 20 and/or thetrimmer head 22 so as to provide both blowing and cutting capabilities from thesame tool 10 will be described below. Theinternal drive shaft 26 operatively connects the power source to theimpeller 20 and to the string trimmerhead 22 to provide the necessary rotating motion as will be set forth more fully below. - As best seen in
FIG. 4 , theblower housing 18 forms an enclosedchamber 30 in which theimpeller 20 is located. Thechamber 30 leads to anoutlet nozzle 32 for directing the high velocity stream of air created by theimpeller 20. Theoutlet nozzle 32 comprises an air outlet for directing air pressurized in thechamber 30 out of theblower housing 18 and is generally tangentially aligned with the outer periphery ofimpeller 20. In one embodiment, thenozzle 32 is generally cone shaped and can be threaded onto theblower housing 18 or attached with fasteners to form the air outlet. In operation, air is drawn into thechamber 30 by theimpeller 20 and expelled at a relatively higher velocity through thenozzle 32. Thehousing 18 has ashroud portion 34 that contains a plurality of vents orwindows 35 therein. Thevents 35 are designed to permit air to enter theenclosed chamber 30 and reach theimpeller 20 when in the blower mode of operation. By anenclosed chamber 30 it is meant that the chamber substantially surrounds theimpeller 20 so that the impeller is able to pressurize the air drawn in through thevents 35 and expel the air out of the chamber through thenozzle 32. - The
blower housing 18 is desirably fabricated as a two-piece housing 18 formed withmating housing shells blower housing 18 may be made from a suitable polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other plastic material or the like and is desirably formed by plastic injection molding. Desirably, theblower housing 18 comprises right and lefthousing shells flange connection 40 with screws, rivets or other suitable fasteners 42 (seen inFIG. 7 ). Alternately, theblower housing 18 has a generally concave upper housing shell 36 (i.e., as shown in the embodiment depicted inFIG. 8 ) and a generally concavelower housing shell 38. Thus, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular shape or method of fabrication of theblower housing 18. As such, the terms “right” and “left” and “upper” and “lower”, as used in describing the housing shells, and any other portion of thetool 10, are used to aid in describing the housing shells and should not be interpreted as limiting. Other dome or dish geometric shapes for the housing shells can also be used without departing from the scope of the invention. - Bearings or
bushings 44 permit rotation of theinternal drive shaft 26 with respect to theblower housing 18. Thebearings 44 can be sleeve bearings or other conventional bearings chosen with sound engineering judgment. - The
housing 18 further acts as a debris shield to protect the operator from flying vegetation clippings cut by thetrimmer head 22 when thetool 10 is operating in the trimmer mode of operation. As best seen inFIG. 1 , the debris shield desirably includes theblower housing 18 and anextension guard 49 that extends from theblower housing 18. Theextension guard 49 may be manufactured as a single integrated part of thehousing 18 or theextension guard 49 may consist of one or more separate pieces attached to thehousing 18. In such case, theextension guard 49 can be attached to theblower housing 18 by any mechanical means necessary chosen with sound engineering judgment. Preferably, theextension guard 49 is positioned on thehousing 18 on the side oppositeblower nozzle 32. - As best seen in
FIG. 4 and in the alternate embodiments depicted inFIGS. 7 and 8 , aspiral partition 50 is formed within theblower housing 18, so that when thehousing shells spiral partition 50 forms the volute shapedchamber 30 having a center coaxial with theimpeller 20 and a radius which varies circumferentially around theblower housing 18. By volute shape, it is meant that thechamber 30 forms a curved funnel generally increasing in area to theair outlet nozzle 32. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 8 , thespiral partition 50 comprises a wall half formed in thelower shell 38 and half formed in theupper shell 36 so that when joined, thepartition 50 extends between upper and lower portions of thehousing 18. However, it is to be understood that thespiral partition 50 may be formed by other means using sound engineering judgment. - The
impeller 20 resides within thechamber 30 formed by thehousing shells impeller 20 consists of a substantially circular shapedplate 54 mountable on theinternal drive shaft 26 so as to be rotatable within thechamber 30. In one embodiment, theimpeller 20 desirably comprises a plurality ofairfoils 58 that have an arc-like shape. In the illustrated embodiment, theimpeller 20 consists of sevenairfoils 58. However, theimpeller 20 may consist of any number ofairfoils 58 chosen with sound engineering judgment. Theairfoils 58 can be connected to theplate 54 by any mechanical means necessary chosen with sound engineering judgment. When rotated in the blower mode of operation, theimpeller 20 is capable of delivering a high-velocity stream of air out of thenozzle 32. In one embodiment, thetubular shaft boom 12 of themulti-purpose power tool 10 has abend 64 near itsdistal end 65 so that a central axis thereof extends generally coaxially through theblower housing 18 and is preferably aligned with the axis of rotation of theimpeller 20. - The
internal drive shaft 26 engages theimpeller 20 and thestring trimmer head 22 by any mechanical means chosen with sound engineering judgment. In the illustrated embodiment, theinternal drive shaft 26 has an engaging shape and is received within a receiving aperture in theimpeller 20 having a corresponding female shape to enable the torque of theinternal drive shaft 26 to be passed on to theimpeller 20. The shape of theinternal drive shaft 26 may be any shape suitable such as square, star, triangular, octagonal and the like. - In one embodiment, a
support collar 80 is positioned within thehousing 18 above theimpeller 20. Thesupport collar 80 includes alower restrictor plate 82 and an upperhollow tube section 84 with aring clamp 86 that affixes thesupport collar 80 to thedistal end 65 of theshaft boom 12. Ahandle assembly 88, broadly an actuator, attaches to thesupport collar 80. Thehandle assembly 88 is used to selectively adjust the position of thehousing 18 between a first and a second position relative theboom 12 andsupport collar 80 as indicated by the arrow A inFIG. 2 in order to shift thetool 10 between a blower mode of operation and a trimmer mode of operation. As best seen inFIG. 3 , thehandle assembly 88 desirably has acatch 90 that must be pulled back before thehandle assembly 88 can be repositioned. Thecatch 90 discourages inadvertent movement of thehandle assembly 88 which could cause undesired engagement of thetrimmer head 22 or air discharge from theblower nozzle 32. Thecatch 90 locks into a groove (not shown) on thesupport collar 80. Thehandle assembly 88 is pivotably attached to thesupport collar 80 with a pair of inwardly facingbosses 92 onarms 94 of thehandle assembly 88. Thehandle assembly 88 is further attached to thehousing 18 withguides 93 that move thehousing 18 up or down when thehandle assembly 88 is pivoted about thebosses 92. In one embodiment, a biasingspring 95 biases thehousing 18 into the trimmer mode position. However, one will understand that thespring 95 may bias thehousing 18 into the blower mode position without departing from the scope of the invention. - With reference now to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , therestrictor plate 82 fits within theshroud portion 34 of thehousing 18 and has an outside diameter that is generally the same as the interior diameter of theshroud portion 34. When thehousing 18 is selectively positioned into the trimmer position as illustrated inFIG. 5 by positioning thehandle assembly 88, thehousing 18 is moved upward relative to therestrictor plate 82 such that thevents 35 become positioned above therestrictor plate 82. In this orientation, therestrictor plate 82 forms an air blocking mechanism that blocks a substantial amount of the airflow between thevents 35 and thevolute chamber 30. Although theimpeller 20 continues to rotate within thevolute chamber 30, the blower function of thetool 10 is essentially disabled as only a limited amount of air, if any, exits theblower nozzle 32. Alternately, when thehandle assembly 88 is selectively positioned into the blower mode position as shown in the embodiment depicted inFIG. 6 by positioning thehandle assembly 88, thehousing 18 moves downward relative theshaft boom 12 andsupport collar 80 such that thevents 35 are positioned below therestrictor plate 82. In this orientation, air is free to enter thevents 35 and pass into the air inlet of thevolute chamber 30. Thus, movement of thehandle assembly 88 into the blower mode position opens an air path between the air vents 35 and theimpeller 20 to pull air into thehousing 18 for operation of thetool 10 as an air blower. Conversely, movement of thehandle assembly 88 into the trimmer mode position restricts the air path between the air vents 35 and theimpeller 20 so that air cannot be pulled into thehousing 18. - The
string trimmer head 22 is positioned below theblower housing 18, and as is known in the art, comprises a spool (not shown) of cuttingline 96 used to cut vegetation. The cuttingline 96 extends from a plurality ofapertures 98 located around the circumference of thestring trimmer head 22. The connection of the cuttingline 96 within thestring trimmer head 22 is commonly known in the art and will not be described herein. In the illustrated embodiment there are twoapertures 98 on thestring trimmer head 22 to allow the use of two cuttinglines 96 to cut the vegetation. However, it should be noted that thetrimmer head 22 could operate with one or more cutting lines 96. Alternately, thetrimmer head 22 can receive one or more fixedlength cutting lines 96 using means well understood in the art. - In one embodiment, the
trimmer head 22 is operatively connected to theinternal drive shaft 26 through a clutchingmechanism 99 configured to selectively clutch thetrimmer head 22 when thetool 10 is in the trimmer mode of operation and declutch thetrimmer head 22 when in the blower mode of operation. The clutchingmechanism 99 contains aclutch drum 100 affixed to an upper portion of thetrimmer head 22. Desirably, theclutch drum 100 andtrimmer head 22 are rotatably affixed to thehousing 18, so that theclutch drum 100 is raised and lowered through movement of thehousing 18 by selective movement of thehandle assembly 88 as described above. Acentrifugal clutch 102 adapted to interact with theclutch drum 100 is affixed to the distal end of theinternal drive shaft 26 and selectively engages or disengages thetrimmer head 22 from theinternal drive shaft 26. In the illustrated embodiment, thecentrifugal clutch 102 includes a pair ofclutch shoes 103 that expand outward when theinternal drive shaft 26 is rotated to engage theclutch drum 100 to thereby transmit rotation of theinternal drive shaft 26 to the cuttinghead 22. - Because the
clutch drum 100 is affixed to thehousing 18, theclutch drum 100 moves up and down relative to theinternal drive shaft 26 and thecentrifugal clutch 102 when thehandle assembly 88 is operated to select the desired mode of operation as discussed above. When thetool 10 is operating in the blower mode of operation, theclutch drum 100 is located in a lowered position relative to thecentrifugal clutch 102 such that thecentrifugal clutch 102 resides above acircumferential wall 105 of theclutch drum 100. Thus, thecentrifugal clutch 102 does not engage theclutch drum 100 in the blower mode and thetrimmer head 22 is not rotated by theinternal drive shaft 26. When thehandle assembly 88 is repositioned to the trimmer mode position, thehousing 18, and thus theclutch drum 100, moves upward relative theinternal drive shaft 26 and thecentrifugal clutch 102. In this orientation, theclutch drum 100 is raised so that the centrifugal clutch 102 nests within theclutch drum 100, and when theinternal drive shaft 26 is rotated, theclutch shoes 103 expand outward and engage theclutch drum 100. Thus, thecentrifugal clutch 102 only engages theclutch drum 100 in the trimmer mode of operation and thetrimmer head 22 is only rotated by theinternal drive shaft 26 in the trimmer mode. - A
clutch retainer 106 positioned adjacent thecentrifugal clutch 102 limits the movement of theclutch shoes 103 away from the central axis when thecentrifugal clutch 102 is not nested within theclutch drum 100. Theclutch retainer 106 prevents theclutch shoes 103 from continuing to expand outward when theclutch drum 100 is in the lowered position and is thus not in position to check such expansion. Theclutch retainer 106 may be a plate that limits the travel of theclutch shoes 103, or may be a molded feature in the underside of theimpeller 20, or other device chosen using sound engineering judgment. - With the components of one embodiment described above, the operation of the combination blower/
trimmer assembly 16 will now be explained. As previously mentioned, thehandle assembly 88 is used to position thehousing 18 between a first and second positions relative theshaft boom 12 andsupport collar 80. When thehousing 18 is positioned in the first position as illustrated inFIG. 6 the blower function is operable because air is free to enter thevents 35 and flow to theimpeller 20. In the illustrated embodiment, when thehousing 18 is in the first position, therestrictor plate 82 is positioned so that it does not obstruct the flow of air from thevents 35 to theimpeller 20, thereby allowing air to flow into and through thechamber 30 and out theblower nozzle 32. Additionally, when the housing is in the first position, thetrimmer head 22 is inoperable because theclutch mechanism 99 does not transmit rotation of thedrive shaft 26 to the trimminghead 22. Conversely, when the operator wishes to use thetool 10 in the string trimmer mode, the operator moves thehandle assembly 88 to position thehousing 18 into the second position. When thehousing 18 is positioned in the second position as illustrated inFIG. 5 , the blower function is inoperable because the flow path for the air to theimpeller 20 is substantially blocked. Specifically, in this position therestrictor plate 82 blocks the flow of air between thevents 35 and theimpeller 20. Thetrimmer head 22 is operable in the second position because the clutchingmechanism 99 engages thetrimmer head 22 with thedrive shaft 26. In the illustrated embodiment, theclutch drum 100 is moved up so that thecentrifugal clutch 102 engages theclutch drum 100 to enable powered rotation of thetrimmer head 22. -
FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of thetool 10 in which theshaft boom 12 has an extension mechanism comprising an adjustable mount attaching the blower/trimmer assembly 16 to the distal end of theshaft boom 12. In this embodiment, theblower housing 18 contains ahub 120 that secures the blower/trimmer assembly 16 to theshaft boom 12 in one of two selectable positions. The drive shaft and thus theinternal engagement shaft 124 is in a fixed position relative theshaft boom 12. In a trimmer disengaged position, thehub 120 mounts theblower housing 18 on the distal end of theshaft boom 12 in a first position. In this position, theinternal engagement shaft 124 engages theimpeller 20 but does not engage thestring trimmer head 22. In a trimmer engaged position, thehub 120 mounts theblower housing 18 in a position such that a portion of the distal end of theshaft boom 12 is received within a pocket in theblower housing 18. Moving theblower housing 18 from the trimmer disengaged position to the trimmer engaged position therefore causes theinternal engagement shaft 124 to move relative to the blower/trimmer assembly 16 such that theinternal engagement shaft 124 engages thestring trimmer head 22. In one desired embodiment, theinternal engagement shaft 124 only engages theimpeller 20 in the trimmer disengaged position and only engages thestring trimmer head 22 in the trimmer engaged position. However, theinternal engagement shaft 124 can engage both theimpeller 20 and thestring trimmer head 22 in the trimmer engaged position without departing from the scope on the invention. In this later configuration, similar to the embodiment explained above, anair inlet cover 126 forms an air blocking mechanism. Theinlet cover 126 is positioned to cover thevents 35 to block air from entering thechamber 30, thereby preventing air from moved through theblower housing 18 so that high pressure air does not leave thenozzle 32 of thehousing 18. In one desirable configuration, the act of moving thehub 120 from the disengaged position to the trimmer engaged position simultaneously positions theair inlet cover 126 to block thevents 35. - With the components of this embodiment herein described, the operation of the combination blower/
trimmer assembly 16 will now be described. As previously mentioned thehub 120 is rotatable between a first and a second position. When thehub 120 is rotated to the first position, the blower function is operable and thetrimmer head 22 is inoperable. Conversely, when thehub 120 is in the second position the blower function is inoperable and thetrimmer head 22 is operable. Furthermore, when theair inlet cover 126 is in the first position thevents 35 are aligned with theair inlet cover 126 such that air is permitted to flow into and through thehousing 18 and out theblower outlet 32. Therefore, in order to use the blower function, the operator, prior to starting the power source (not shown), rotates thehub 120 to the first position. The operator then starts the power source and uses a typical control device (not shown) on theshaft boom 12 to operate theblower 10. The operation of the power source and control device is commonly known in the art and will not be described herein. When the operator wishes to use thetrimmer head 22, the operator turns off the power source and rotates thehub 120 to the second position so that thedrive shaft 124 engages thetrimmer head 22. - In an alternate embodiment, as illustrated in
FIG. 8 , thepower tool 10 has a boom extension mechanism, indicated generally at 130, configured to move theinternal engagement shaft 124 relative to thestring trimmer head 22 and theimpeller 20 to selectively operate the desired function of thetool 10. In one embodiment theboom extension mechanism 130 comprises aboom extender 136 in thetubular shaft boom 12 located between the power source and the blower/trimmer assembly 16. As the drive shaft located within theshaft boom 12 has a fixed length, changing the length of theshaft boom 12 with theboom extension mechanism 130 has the effect of changing how far thedrive shaft 138 extends past thedistal end 65 of theshaft boom 12. - When the length of the
shaft boom 12 is selected to the longer length, theinternal engagement shaft 124 at the end of thedrive shaft 138 engages theimpeller 20, but is not long enough to reach thestring trimmer head 22. Thus, in this configuration, the power source causes theimpeller 20 to rotate allowing the blower to operate, but thestring trimmer head 22 does not rotate. When the length of theshaft boom 12 is selected to the shorter length, theinternal engagement shaft 124 extends further past thedistal end 65 of theshaft boom 12. In this configuration, theinternal engagement shaft 124 engages thestring trimmer head 22 so that operation of the power source causes thestring trimmer head 22 to rotate. In one embodiment, theinternal engagement shaft 124 is configured to engage either theimpeller 20 or thestring trimmer head 22, but not both. Thus, in the second configuration, when theinternal engagement shaft 124 engages thestring trimmer head 22, theimpeller 20 is not engaged by theinternal engagement shaft 124 and does not rotate during trimmer operations. In another embodiment, theinternal engagement shaft 124 is configured to engage both thestring trimmer head 22 and theimpeller 20 in the second configuration. However, in this embodiment, theair inlet cover 126 is positioned to cover thevents 35 to block air from entering the air inlet, thereby preventing air from moved through theblower housing 18 so that high pressure air does not leave thenozzle 32 of the blower. - The
boom extender 136 is used to selectively lengthen or shorten the length of thetubular shaft boom 12. As illustrated, thetubular shaft boom 12 comprises a lower shaft boom member 12 a and an upper shaft boom member 12 b telescopingly received into the lower shaft boom member 12 a. The lower shaft boom member 12 a has a pair of holes (not shown) and the upper shaft boom member 12 b has a springbiased push button 140 configured to be received by one of the holes to lock the upper shaft boom member 12 b within the lower shaft boom member 12 a at one of two selectable lengths. However, other adjustment/locking means to selectively adjust the length of theshaft boom 12 are also envisioned. For example, a threaded member may be used to adjust the length of theshaft boom 12 as illustrated inFIG. 8 . Alternately, a thumb screw (not shown) can be inserted through one of the holes and a cooperating hole (not shown) in the upper shaft boom member 12 b to adjust the length of theshaft boom 12. Yet other means for adjusting the length of theshaft boom 12 can be used using sound engineering judgment without departing from the scope of the invention. - While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments described above, it is evident that many alternatives, combinations, modifications and variations are apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of this invention, as set forth above are intended to be illustrative only, and not in a limiting sense. Various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.
Claims (20)
1. A portable multi-purpose tool powered by a power source for use as an air blower capable of delivering a high-velocity stream of air when the multi-purpose tool is in a blower mode of operation and also as a rotating string trimmer capable of trimming vegetation when in the multi-purpose tool is in a trimmer mode of operation, the multi-purpose tool comprising:
a shaft boom;
a blower housing located at a distal end of said shaft boom, said housing defining an enclosed chamber and comprising at least one vent leading to said chamber and a blower nozzle for directing air out of said chamber;
a drive shaft positioned at least partially within the blower housing, the drive shaft being configured to be rotated by said power source;
an impeller located within said chamber, said impeller being operatively connected to the drive shaft so as to be rotatable within said chamber to deliver a high-velocity stream of air out of said blower nozzle; and
a trimmer head having at least one cutting line positioned below said blower housing, said trimmer head being operatively connected to the drive shaft so as to be selectively rotatable by said power source.
2. The multi-purpose tool according to claim 1 wherein the chamber is a volute shaped chamber having a center coaxial with an axis of rotation of the impeller and a radius which varies around the circumference of the blower housing.
3. The multi-purpose tool according to claim 1 further comprising a selectively positionable air blocking mechanism, wherein the blower housing defines an air pathway between the vents in the blower housing and the impeller, the pathway being open when the multi-purpose tool is in the blower mode of operation so that air flows through the at least one vent and to the impeller, and the pathway being substantially blocked by the air blocking mechanism when the multi-purpose tool is in the trimmer mode of operation so that air is substantially prevented from flowing between the at least one vent and the impeller.
4. The multi-purpose tool according to claim 3 wherein the blower housing is mounted at the distal end of the shaft boom such that the housing is movable between a first and a second position relative the shaft boom such that when the multi-purpose tool is in the blower mode of operation, the housing is in said first position, and when the multi-purpose tool is in the trimmer mode of operation, the housing is in said second position.
5. The multi-purpose tool according to claim 4 further comprising an actuator that moves the housing relative the distal end of the shaft boom between said first position and said second position.
6. The multi-purpose tool according to claim 5 further comprising a support collar positioned at least partially within said blower housing and affixed to a distal end of said shaft boom, said support collar having a restrictor plate forming the air blocking mechanism, wherein when the housing is positioned in the blower mode of operation, the vents in the housing are substantially positioned below the restrictor plate such that the restrictor plate is not between the vents and the impeller, and when the housing is positioned in the trimmer mode of operation, the vents in the housing are substantially positioned above the restrictor plate such that the restrictor plate is between the vents and the impeller and substantially blocks the flow of air from the vents to the impeller.
7. The multi-purpose tool according to claim 6 wherein the actuator is a handle assembly pivotably mounted on the support collar having guides that position the blower housing between the first and second positions.
8. The multi-purpose tool according to claim 1 wherein the trimmer head is operatively connected to the drive shaft through a clutching mechanism configured to selectively clutch the trimmer head when in the trimmer mode of operation and declutch the trimmer head when in the blower mode of operation.
9. The multi-purpose tool according to claim 8 wherein the clutching mechanism comprises a centrifugal clutch affixed to the drive shaft and a clutch drum affixed to the trimmer head, wherein the clutch drum is movable with the blower housing between first and second positions such that the centrifugal clutch nests within and engages the clutch drum when the housing is positioned in the trimmer mode of operation and the centrifugal clutch is positioned outside the clutch drum when the housing is positioned in the blower mode of operation so that the centrifugal clutch does not engage the clutch drum.
10. The multi-purpose tool according to claim 9 wherein the clutching mechanism comprises at least one clutch shoe that engages the clutch drum and a clutch retainer that limits the movement of the at least one clutch shoe when the centrifugal clutch is not nested within the clutch drum in the blower mode of operation.
11. A portable multi-purpose tool powered by a power source for use as an air blower capable of delivering a high-velocity stream of air when the multi-purpose tool is in a blower mode of operation and also as a rotating string trimmer capable of trimming vegetation when in the multi-purpose tool is in a trimmer mode of operation, the multi-purpose tool comprising:
a shaft boom;
a drive shaft operatively connected to a power source and configured to be rotated by said power source;
an impeller operatively connected to the drive shaft so as to be rotated by said power source;
a trimmer head positioned below said impeller, said trimmer head being operatively connected to the drive shaft so as to be selectively rotatable by said power source;
a debris shield configured to protect the operator from flying vegetation clippings, the debris shield comprising a blower housing forming an enclosed chamber in which the impeller is located and an extension guard that extends from the blower housing.
12. The multi-purpose tool according to claim 11 wherein the extension guard is manufactured as an integrated part of the housing.
13. The multi-purpose tool according to claim 11 wherein the extension guard is manufactured as a separate component from the housing and is attached to the housing with fasteners.
14. The multi-purpose tool according to claim 11 wherein the blower housing is located at a distal end of said shaft boom, said housing further comprising a plurality of vents leading to said chamber and a blower nozzle for directing air from said chamber.
15. The multi-purpose tool according to claim 14 wherein the extension guard is positioned on the housing on the side opposite blower nozzle.
16. The multi-purpose tool according to claim 14 further comprising a selectively positionable air blocking mechanism, wherein the blower housing defines an air pathway between the vents in the blower housing and the impeller, the pathway being open when the multi-purpose tool is in the blower mode of operation so that air flows through the vents and to the impeller, and the pathway being substantially blocked by the air blocking mechanism when the multi-purpose tool is in the trimmer mode of operation so that air is substantially prevented from flowing between the vents and the impeller.
17. The multi-purpose tool according to claim 16 wherein the blower housing is mounted at the distal end of the shaft boom such that the housing is movable between a first and a second position relative the distal end of the shaft boom such that when the multi-purpose tool is in the blower mode of operation, the housing is in said first position, and when the multi-purpose tool is in the trimmer mode of operation, the housing is in said second position.
18. The multi-purpose tool according to claim 17 further comprising a support collar positioned at least partially within said blower housing and affixed to a distal end of said shaft boom, said support collar having a restrictor plate forming the air blocking mechanism, wherein when the housing is positioned in the blower mode of operation, the vents in the housing are substantially positioned below the restrictor plate such that the restrictor plate is not between the vents and the impeller, and when the housing is positioned in the trimmer mode of operation, the vents in the housing are substantially positioned above the restrictor plate such that the restrictor plate is between the vents and the impeller and substantially blocks the flow of air from the vents to the impeller.
19. The multi-purpose tool according to claim 11 wherein the trimmer head is operatively connected to the drive shaft through a clutching mechanism configured to selectively clutch the trimmer head when in the trimmer mode of operation and declutch the trimmer head when in the blower mode of operation.
20. A portable multi-purpose tool powered by an attached power source for use as an air blower capable of delivering a high-velocity stream of air when the multi-purpose tool is in a blower mode of operation and as a rotating string trimmer capable of trimming vegetation when in a trimmer mode of operation, the multi-purpose tool comprising:
a tubular shaft boom;
an internal drive shaft operatively connected to the power source and configured to be rotated by said power source;
an impeller operatively connected to the internal drive shaft so as to be rotatable within said chamber;
a trimmer head positioned below said impeller, said trimmer head operatively connected to the internal drive shaft so as to be selectively rotatable by said power source;
a blower housing at a distal end of said shaft boom comprising an enclosed chamber, a plurality of vents leading to said chamber, and a blower nozzle for directing air from said chamber, wherein the impeller is rotatably mounted in said chamber such that the housing defines an air pathway between the vents and the impeller;
means for blocking the flow of air between vents and the impeller when the multi-purpose tool is in the trimmer mode of operation; and
means for disengaging the trimmer head from the internal drive shaft when the multi-purpose tool is in the blower mode.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/228,097 US20060005347A1 (en) | 2003-02-12 | 2005-09-16 | Combination string trimmer and blower tool |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/366,092 US7047592B2 (en) | 2003-02-12 | 2003-02-12 | Combination blower assembly and string trimmer |
US69673805P | 2005-07-06 | 2005-07-06 | |
US11/228,097 US20060005347A1 (en) | 2003-02-12 | 2005-09-16 | Combination string trimmer and blower tool |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/366,092 Continuation-In-Part US7047592B2 (en) | 2003-02-12 | 2003-02-12 | Combination blower assembly and string trimmer |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060005347A1 true US20060005347A1 (en) | 2006-01-12 |
Family
ID=35539757
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/228,097 Abandoned US20060005347A1 (en) | 2003-02-12 | 2005-09-16 | Combination string trimmer and blower tool |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20060005347A1 (en) |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080271325A1 (en) * | 2004-12-09 | 2008-11-06 | Edward Patrick Hurley | Barrier bracket assembly for a yard tool or the like |
US20090038283A1 (en) * | 2007-08-08 | 2009-02-12 | Hurley Edward P | Combination blower, edger and trimmer and method for tending vegetation |
US20090071115A1 (en) * | 2007-09-17 | 2009-03-19 | Freewalt James L | Air-powered rotary rake |
US20090090094A1 (en) * | 2007-10-05 | 2009-04-09 | Black & Decker Inc. | Vegetation trimmer having a blowing function |
US20090204445A1 (en) * | 2008-02-08 | 2009-08-13 | Premerus, Llc | Method and system for insurance companies contracting with and paying medical image reading professionals in a network |
US20110131815A1 (en) * | 2009-12-08 | 2011-06-09 | Hurley Edward P | Combination blower and trimmer assembly |
US20170079204A1 (en) * | 2014-10-23 | 2017-03-23 | Chervon (Hk) Limited | Rotating assembly for grass trimmer |
US10299642B2 (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2019-05-28 | Mtd Products Inc | Blower with intake closure |
EP3536138A1 (en) * | 2018-03-09 | 2019-09-11 | TTI (Macao Commercial Offshore) Limited | Blower attachment for a trimmer head |
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Cited By (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080271325A1 (en) * | 2004-12-09 | 2008-11-06 | Edward Patrick Hurley | Barrier bracket assembly for a yard tool or the like |
US20090038283A1 (en) * | 2007-08-08 | 2009-02-12 | Hurley Edward P | Combination blower, edger and trimmer and method for tending vegetation |
US8042223B2 (en) | 2007-09-17 | 2011-10-25 | Realtek Solutions, L.L.C. | Air-powered rotary rake |
US20090071115A1 (en) * | 2007-09-17 | 2009-03-19 | Freewalt James L | Air-powered rotary rake |
US20090090094A1 (en) * | 2007-10-05 | 2009-04-09 | Black & Decker Inc. | Vegetation trimmer having a blowing function |
US8256120B2 (en) * | 2007-10-05 | 2012-09-04 | Black & Decker Inc. | Vegetation trimmer having a blowing function |
US20090204445A1 (en) * | 2008-02-08 | 2009-08-13 | Premerus, Llc | Method and system for insurance companies contracting with and paying medical image reading professionals in a network |
US20090204426A1 (en) * | 2008-02-08 | 2009-08-13 | Premerus, Llc | Method and system for creating a network of medical image reading professionals |
US8214229B2 (en) | 2008-02-08 | 2012-07-03 | Premerus, Llc | Method and system for creating a network of medical image reading professionals |
US8224675B2 (en) * | 2008-02-08 | 2012-07-17 | Premerus, Llc | Method and system for insurance companies contracting with and paying medical image reading professionals in a network |
US20090204437A1 (en) * | 2008-02-08 | 2009-08-13 | Premerus, Llc | System and method for improving diagnoses of medical image reading |
US20110131815A1 (en) * | 2009-12-08 | 2011-06-09 | Hurley Edward P | Combination blower and trimmer assembly |
US20170079204A1 (en) * | 2014-10-23 | 2017-03-23 | Chervon (Hk) Limited | Rotating assembly for grass trimmer |
US9918428B2 (en) * | 2014-10-23 | 2018-03-20 | Chervon (Hk) Limited | Rotating assembly for grass trimmer |
US10299642B2 (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2019-05-28 | Mtd Products Inc | Blower with intake closure |
EP3536138A1 (en) * | 2018-03-09 | 2019-09-11 | TTI (Macao Commercial Offshore) Limited | Blower attachment for a trimmer head |
CN110235594A (en) * | 2018-03-09 | 2019-09-17 | 创科(澳门离岸商业服务)有限公司 | Air blast attachment for trimmer head |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MTD PRODUCTS INC, OHIO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:GRIFFIN, NEIL G;VIDAL, RAUL;SING, BARNEY;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:017060/0465;SIGNING DATES FROM 20050908 TO 20050910 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |