US20150034393A1

US20150034393A1 - Hole-vac

Info

Publication number: US20150034393A1
Application number: US13/959,229
Authority: US
Inventors: Heinz Otto Hutt; Gregory David Norman Janes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-08-05
Filing date: 2013-08-05
Publication date: 2015-02-05
Also published as: CA2857777A1

Abstract

An attachment used for digging and removing debris from a hole is connected to a flexible hose of a typical shop vacuum device, and includes a handle, a first tubular section, a second tubular section, a plurality of depth indicators, a bubble level, and a cutting head. This is a light-weight accessory that transforms the existing shop vacuum into an excavating and digging tool instantaneously. There is less energy expended and time spent digging holes.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to vacuum attachments which are implements for digging, and for removing debris from holes being dug.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is a problem in the art to remove debris from a hole being dug.
Also, it is a problem in the art to provide a relatively low cost and light-weight attachment for a vacuum cleaner for use as a digging implement.
It is a further problem in the art to produce vertical holes while manually digging a hole.
Further, it is a problem in the art to produce vertical holes at a specified depth while manually digging a hole.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

From the foregoing, it is seen that it is a problem in the art to provide a device meeting the above requirements. According to the present invention, a device is provided which meets the aforementioned requirements and needs in the prior art. Specifically, the device according to the present invention provides an attachment for a vacuum to remove debris from a hole being dug.
The device according to the present invention also provides a relatively low cost and light-weight attachment for a vacuum cleaner for use as a digging implement. It also includes depth indicators and a level, to enable a user to produce vertical holes of a specified depth while manually digging a hole.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an attachment (called a “hole-vac” hereunder) for digging and removing debris from a hole, connected to the rigid tube of a typical vacuum device, according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top elevational view of a handle for securement to the above-noted rigid tube, in the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the handle of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the handle of FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the handle of FIGS. 2-4 as viewed from the right hand side of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cutting head, in the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the cutting head of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a bottom elevational view of the cutting head of FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the hole-vac attachment of FIG. 1, showing connection of the handle, a first tubular section, a second tubular section, and the cutting head.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the hole-vac attachment of FIGS. 1 and 9, and showing depth indicators for use thereon.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the lowermost end of the hole-vac attachment of the present invention, showing use of the hole-vac attachment in digging soil-debris in ground and using suction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an attachment 100, called a “hole-vac” hereinafter, for digging and removing debris from a hole. In FIG. 1, the hole-vac attachment 100 is shown connected to the first tubular section of a typical shop vacuum device V having a hose T. The hole-vac attachment 100 includes a handle 10, a first tubular section 20, a second tubular section 30, a plurality of depth indicators 40, and a cutting head 50. This light-weight accessory 100 transforms the existing shop vacuum V into an excavating and digging tool instantaneously. There is less energy expended and time spent digging holes.
The handle 10 clamps onto an end of the first tubular section 20, and is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2-4. The tubular section 20, is typically of a 2.0 inch diameter, which is a common size. The present invention can be adapted for use with other hose and tube diameters as well, and all such variations are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. The invention is not limited to a specific vacuum device or specific type of hose T, and can be used with other types of vacuum devices and with other types of vacuum outlets, and all such variations are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.
The hole-vac attachment 100 makes holes quickly and easily with relatively very little physical exertion. It also makes vertical holes straighter with the bubble level feature shown in FIG. 2. It indicates depth of hole with measurement indicators 40 placed on the vacuum tube sections 20 and 30. And, there is relatively little or no disruption of surrounding area.
The hole-vac attachment 100 maneuvers easily into constricted places with relatively minimal impact. Holes can be made as small as 3 inch in diameter in the typical construction shown, and other sizes are possible by varying the size of the device. Holes can be made several feet deep. The hole-vac attachment 100 can be used horizontally for creating trenches, driveways for running water or electrical services, and underground city work/maintenance.
FIG. 2 is a top elevational view of the handle 10 for securement to the first tubular section 20, in the device of FIG. 1. As seen in FIG. 2, the handle 10 includes a bubble level 19 (schematically indicated). Bubble levels are well known, and any type can be used herein. The handle 10 also includes a pair of opposed wing portions 17 and 18, and a cylindrical portion 14 for encompassing the end of the first tubular section 20. The bubble level 19 can help guide and help consistently make holes straight (vertically).
The cylindrical portion 14 includes a free end 14 a having a projecting member 16 therein. The projecting member 16 has an opening or bore 16 a therethrough for receiving a threaded member such as a bolt or screw 12 (seen in FIG. 4). The wing portion 18 has a pair of bores 18 a and 18 b for receiving a bolt or a screw 12 as shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the handle 10 of FIG. 2. The parts are as discussed above. In additional, a bolt 12 is shown disposed through the bore 16 a and the bores 18 a and 18 b. When tightened using the elements shown in FIG. 4, the bolt 12 draws the free end 14 a of the cylindrical portion 14 tighter so that the cylindrical portion 14 can securely grip an end of the hose T.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the handle 10 of FIGS. 2 and 3. Here, the threaded bolt 12 is shown with an associated wing nut 12 a, together with a washer 12 b, shown in assembly view. In use, the threaded bolt is inserted through the bores 16 a, 18 a, and 18 b, and then the washer 12 b is applied as shown and the wing nut 12 a is screwed onto the end and hand-tightened until the handle 10 is secured to the hose T.
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the handle 10 of FIGS. 2-4 as viewed from the right hand side of FIG. 3. The parts are as described above. Here, the body of the bolt 12 is shown in dashed outline.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cutting head 50 for use in the device 100 of FIG. 1. The cutting head 50 has a hollow interior opening 56 and an interior sidewall 51. The interior sidewall 51 receives an end of the hollow section 30 therein and is sized so that it frictionally retains the end of the hollow section 30 therein. A plurality of teeth 52 are shown, which are used in digging. The cutting head 50 can be composed of any suitable material, such as strong plastic, steel or iron, tool steel, hardened alloy, or any other material known to any one having skill in the digging tool arts.
FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the cutting head 50 of FIG. 6, showing interior detail in dashed outline. The interior sidewall 51 is shown, and an internal rib portion 54 strengthens the cutting head 50. The opening 56 is also shown.
FIG. 8 is a bottom elevational view of the cutting head of FIGS. 6 and 7. Here, the shapes and details of the teeth 52 are shown.
FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the hole-vac attachment 100 of FIG. 1, showing connection of the handle 10, the first tubular section 20, the second tubular section 30, and the cutting head 50. As seen, the first and second tubular sections 20 and 30 are simply hollow cylindrical members, having ends that are in a friction fit with each other. The end of the section 30 carrying the cutting head 50 is in a friction fit, as mentioned hereinabove. The sections 20 and 30 are preferably composed of a lightweight material such as plastic. To extend the length, additional sections (not shown) could be added. Similarly, while not shown, longer lengths of hose T could be provided, and extension hoses could be provided. All such variations are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the hole-vac attachment 100 of FIGS. 1 and 9, showing the parts in exploded view. The parts are as described hereinabove. This view also shows the plurality of depth indicators 40 for use on the sides of the sections 20 and 30 to indicate depth.
The device 100 of FIGS. 1-10 is used as follows. First, the user places the cutting head 50 in contact with the ground. Then, by holding the handle 10 and simultaneously pressing down firmly, the user initiates a rotating action (clockwise and counter-clockwise). The ground is thereby loosened and the loose earth (debris) is sucked by a vacuum from the shop vacuum V out of the hole and into a container in the shop vacuum. The hole can be made wider by repeating the same action on the perimeters of the hole, and the hole can be made deeper by adding extra extensions to the vacuum tube sections 20 and 30 as noted above. The uses of the invention include making holes in the ground and simultaneously removing soil/debris. The hole-vac attachment 100 will remove surrounding soil without destroying plant roots.
Also there is no danger of electrical shocks if contacting live wires due to the insulating effect of the plastic vacuum tube members 20 and 30. The attachment 100 can dig horizontal holes under walkways and with extensions can even do under driveways.
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the lowermost end 50 of the hole-vac attachment 100 of the present invention, showing use of the hole-vac attachment 100 in digging soil-debris in the ground and using suction to remove debris.
In the foregoing, a vacuum V is mentioned having a hose T. In some standard shop vacuums, the hose T terminates in a rigid section, and in this case that rigid section serves as the first tubular section 20. However, where the vacuum V has a source of vacuum that is just a hose, such as the hose T, then the first tubular section is provided. Furthermore, the parts shown and described hereinabove are contemplated as being secured by being friction fit together or clamped in the manner discussed already hereinabove; however other securing means can also be used, such as (but not limited to): releasable bolts, pins, interlocking joints, adhesive, and the like.
The invention being thus described, it will be evident that the same may be varied in many ways by a routineer in the applicable arts. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An attachment for connection to a suction hose or tubular section of a vacuum, comprising:

a handle having an adjustable clamp;

a first tubular section connected to said handle;

a second tubular section having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is connected to said first tubular section;

a cutting head connected to said second end of said second tubular section.

2. The attachment as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of depth indicators disposed on said first tubular section and said second tubular section.

3. The attachment as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a bubble level indicator disposed in said handle.

4. The attachment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said adjustable clamp includes a threaded member and a wing nut.

5. The attachment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said handle includes a body portion which is in a generally a hollow tubular shape having an open end, and further comprising an extension arm extending from said body portion adjacent said open end; and wherein said extension portion has an opening therethrough for receiving a threaded member for use in adjusting said adjustable clamp.