WO2015180750A1

WO2015180750A1 - Tube connection for blower/vacuum device

Info

Publication number: WO2015180750A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/060816
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johan Hallendorff; Lucas LUND; Anders Hansson; Joakim Persson
Original assignee: Husqvarna Ab
Priority date: 2014-05-26
Filing date: 2014-05-26
Publication date: 2015-12-03

Abstract

A blower and/or vacuum device (200) may include a housing (210), a motor disposed within a portion of the housing (210) to selectively operate a fan assembly, and a tube (250) through which air is forced responsive to operation of the motor. The tube may define a tube axis (252) and may include a base portion (260) and an extension portion (262). The base portion (260) and the extension portion (262) may be configured to be coupled together at a first fixation area (272), a second fixation area (274) and a third fixation area (276). The first fixation area (272) may be formed at a distal end of the base portion (260) relative to the housing (210). The second fixation area (274) may be formed at an end of the extension portion (262) that interfaces with the base portion (260). The third fixation area (276) may include interfacing structures on the base portion (260) and the extension portion (262). The interfacing structures may include at least a portion that is spaced apart from the distal end of the base portion (260) and the end of the extension portion (262). One of the first fixation area (272) or the second fixation area (274) may include an interface between a flexible annular member (290) and a substantially rigid annular surface when the base portion (260) is attached with the extension portion (262).

Description

TUBE CONNECTION FOR BLOWER/VACUUM DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001 ] Example embodiments generally relate to outdoor power equipment and, more particularly, relate to a structure for improving the connection between tube sections of power equipment such as a blower.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Outdoor power equipment includes such devices as mowers, trimmers, edgers, chainsaws, blowers and the like. These devices are often used to perform tasks that inherently require the devices to be mobile. Accordingly, these devices are typically made to be relatively robust and capable of handling difficult work in hostile environments, while balancing the requirement for mobility.

[0003] Although such devices are typically made with mobility in mind while the product is in use, the devices are also made with storage and transport prior to sale as design considerations. Accordingly, for devices such as blowers and vacuum devices, which may have a relatively long tube through which air is forced while in use, the configuration of the device prior to sale or while being stored, may be much more compact. As an example, the tube may be stored and/or packaged such that it is split into sections that can be easily assembled by the operator prior to using the device.

[0004] In a typical blower/vacuum tube configuration, the tube may include a male portion that is inserted into a female portion and then, for example, some fixing member may hold the two portions together. This may facilitate easy assembly and disassembly, but may also enable different attachment heads or tube configurations to be employed in some cases. In any case, the operator may be enabled to relatively easily construct the fully assembled tube prior to using the blower or vacuum device.

[0005] Although the connection of the blower/vacuum tube may be made or unmade with relative ease, the quality of the connection can often be too loose or too tight. This may occur due to part tolerances being somewhat difficult to control when, for example, plastic parts that are used to form the blower tube are molded. When these joints are too loose or too tight, there may be play or wiggle room created in the connection or the connection may be difficult to make and unmake. In some cases, operators will try to address a loose connection by using tape to fixate the tubes and then disassembly becomes a major hassle. Thus, it may be desirable to improve the connection between blower tube portions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

[0006] Some example embodiments may therefore provide structures that facilitate a blower tube connection that is not subject to being too loose or too tight based on even small production tolerances. Instead, the tube fixation components of an example embodiment may be enabled to provide a blower tube connection that has no play, and is also not capable of being too tight. In this regard, some example embodiments may provide a flexible fixation member that provides a connection with optimal tightness without requiring more rigid design tolerances. Operator satisfaction with outdoor power equipment may therefore be improved.

[0007] In accordance with an example embodiment, a blower and/or vacuum device may be provided. The device may include a housing, a motor disposed within a portion of the housing to selectively operate a fan assembly, and a tube through which air is forced responsive to operation of the motor. The tube may define a tube axis and may include a base portion and an extension portion held together by a connection assembly. The base portion and the extension portion may be configured to be coupled together at a first fixation area, a second fixation area and a third fixation area. The first fixation area may be formed at a distal end of the base portion relative to the housing. The second fixation area may be formed at an end of the extension portion that interfaces with the base portion. The third fixation area may include interfacing structures on the base portion and the extension portion. The interfacing structures may include at least a portion that is spaced apart from the distal end of the base portion and the end of the extension portion. One of the first fixation area or the second fixation area may include an interface between a flexible annular member and a substantially rigid annular surface when the base portion is attached with the extension portion.

[0008] In another example embodiment, a blower/vacuum tube connection assembly for a tube of a blower or vacuum device is provided. The tube may define a tube axis. The connection assembly may include interfacing structures formed at a first fixation area, a second fixation area and a third fixation area. The first fixation area may be formed at a distal end of a base portion of the tube relative to a housing of the device. The second fixation area may be formed at an end of an extension portion of the tube. The extension portion may interface with the base portion. The third fixation area may include a first interfacing structure formed at the base portion and a second interfacing structure formed at the extension portion. The first and second interfacing structures may include at least a portion that is spaced apart from the distal end of the base portion and the end of the extension portion. One of the first fixation area or the second fixation area may include an interface between a flexible annular member and a substantially rigid annular surface when the base portion is attached with the extension portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0009] Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates side view of a blower in accordance with an example

embodiment;

[0011 ] FIG. 2, which includes FIGS. 2A and 2B, illustrates a side view of a blower to show some structures for providing a tube connection assembly in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a flexible annular member in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 4, which includes FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D, illustrates a cross section view of various alternative ridge patterns that may be employed on the flexible annular member of FIG. 3 in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of components of the connection assembly in accordance with an example embodiment; and

[0015] FIG. 6, which includes FIGS. 6A and 6B, illustrates partially cutaway side views of alternative connection assembly designs in accordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure.

Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "or" is to be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, operable coupling should be understood to relate to direct or indirect connection that, in either case, enables functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other.

[0017] Some example embodiments described herein provide structures for providing a flexible annular member for use at one of the fixation areas that holds tube sections together on a blower and/or vacuum device. It should be appreciated that, although an example embodiment will be described in connection with a blower, many blowers include fan assemblies that are reversible in direction so that they can operate as a vacuum instead of as a blower. Thus, wherever the terms blower and/or blower tube are used herein, such terms could be replaced with vacuum and/or vacuum tube, respectively, and the concepts and structures described herein are equally applicable.

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a blower 100 in accordance with an example embodiment. It should be appreciated that the blower 100 of FIG. 1 merely represents one example of power equipment on which an example embodiment may be employed and other blower or vacuum designs may also practice example embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, the blower 100 may include a housing 110 inside which various components of the blower 100 are housed. The blower 100 may further include a motor housing portion 120 inside which a motor or power unit for providing the driving force to move air through the blower 100 is housed. In some embodiments, the power unit may be a three phase electric motor that is operated under the control of a control unit or control circuitry. In some cases, the motor may be powered by a battery 140 or battery adaptor.

[0019] The housing 110 may be formed of plastic, composite materials, metals or any other desirable materials. In an example embodiment, the housing 110 may be formed of two or more molded pieces that can be fit together. In some cases, the molded pieces may form half-shells (e.g., right and left half-shells) that can be affixed to each other via welding, adhesives, snap fittings, fixing members (e.g., screws), and/or the like. When molded pieces are fit together, they may form a seam at the location of joining between the molded pieces.

[0020] In some embodiments, the control unit may be housed in its own portion of the housing 110. The portion of the housing 110 in which the control unit is housed may be referred to as a control unit housing portion 132, and the control unit housing portion 132 may be an integral part of a half-shell (as described above) or may be a separate housing portion that is joined to other housing portions. The control unit housing portion 132 may be disposed proximate to a portion of the housing 110 near which the motor is provided.

[0021 ] In an example embodiment, the battery 140 may be housed in a battery compartment 142 that may be disposed at a rear portion of the housing 110, separated from the control unit housing portion 132 by a handle 144. The handle 144 may include a trigger 146 that may be operated by a finger of the operator while the operator holds the handle 144. Actuation of the trigger 146 may cause power from the battery 140 to be selectively applied to the motor to turn the motor based on control provided by the control unit. In some cases, the control unit may include interlocks, protective functions or other control mechanisms that may sense various conditions of the blower 100 via sensors, switches or other mechanisms in order to selectively control the application of power to the motor based on indications of user intent (e.g., via actuation of the trigger 146) and/or determinations regarding the state of the blower 100 as provided by the sensors, switches or other mechanisms.

[0022] It should be appreciated that although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the trigger 146 is used for selective powering of the motor, other example embodiments may employ a selector, switch, button or other such operative member in order to selectively control operation of the motor. Thus, for example, on/off, speed control or other operable functions for controlling the motor may be performed using an operative member of any desirable form, and the trigger 146 is just one example. Some embodiments could also use other power sources instead of the battery 140.

[0023] The blower 100 may further include a blower tube 150 that is attached to housing 110 (or is a part of the housing 110) and through which air may be expelled (or drawn when configured as a vacuum). The blower tube 150 may define a blower tube axis 152, which defines an axial centerline of the blower tube 150. The blower tube 150 may include an inlet portion and an outlet 156. The outlet 156 may be at a distal end of the blower tube 150 and the inlet portion may be at an opposite end of the blower tube 150 proximate to the motor and the battery 140. Of course, if the blower 100 were instead operated as a vacuum, it should be understood that the outlet and inlet would be reversed.

[0024] In an example embodiment, the inlet portion may be disposed proximate to an aperture array 158 including louvers, vanes, guide holes or other such apertures formed in the housing 110 to enable air to enter into the blower tube 150 responsive to operation of the motor to be expelled via the outlet 156. In this regard, the operation of the motor may cause an impeller or fan assembly to rotate so that a low pressure area is generated to draw air into the inlet portion through the aperture array 158 to be passed through the fan assembly and expelled from the blower tube 150 at the outlet 156 to blow leaves, debris, or any other material.

[0025] In some cases, the motor and the fan assembly may each be coaxial with the blower tube axis 152, so that air exiting the fan assembly is generally moved (although such flow may be turbulent) along a direction substantially parallel to the blower tube axis 152. In an example embodiment, the battery compartment 142 may be disposed at a rearward most end of the housing 110. Meanwhile, the control unit housing portion 132 may be disposed proximate to the motor outside of the blower tube 150. Thus, in reference to FIG. 1, the battery 140 is located at a rear of the blower 100 and the outlet 156 is at the front of the blower 100. The handle 144 is generally held by the operator in a manner that places the handle 144 at the top with the motor 120 suspended below the handle 144.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the blower 100 may be designed for balance and optimal ergonomics while being operated. As such, the handle 144 is generally designed to extend substantially horizontal to the ground plane while the operator holds the blower 100 in a natural or comfortable grip. Meanwhile, the blower tube axis 152 lies at an angle a relative to the ground plane. The angle a may be between 15 degrees and 35 degrees in some embodiments, and could be selected based on balancing the centers of mass of the various components of the blower 100, while also generating a natural downward cant angle that generally points the outlet 156 toward the ground when the blower 100 is held in its most comfortable and natural position by the operator. Accordingly, while the operator is standing normally and holding the blower 100 by the handle 144, the outlet 156 of the blower tube 150 may be proximate to the ground to enable the air expelled therefrom to perform the desired function of blowing leaves or other debris.

[0027] In order to place the outlet 156 of the blower tube 150 proximate to the ground, but still enable the blower 100 to be made more compact for storage or packaging, the blower tube 150 may be structured to include two portions that can be easily and removable coupled to each other. In this regard, a base portion 160 of the blower tube 150 may be provided to be fixed to the housing 110 at a proximal end thereof. Meanwhile, an extension portion 162 may be provided to be removably attachable to a distal end of the base portion 160. The extension portion 162 and the base portion 160 may be removably attachable to each other via a plurality of fixation areas at which contact between the extension portion 162 and the base portion 160 facilitates holding the extension portion 162 onto the base portion 160. This structure may also allow different extension portions 162, perhaps having different aperture shapes or having different lengths, to easily be mated with the base portion 160 when desired.

[0028] In an example embodiment, the base portion 160 and the extension portion 162 may overlap each other at a portion of the distal end of the base portion 160 and a portion of the proximal end (relative to the housing 110) of the extension portion 162. The overlap region may be formed by having one of the base portion 160 or the extension portion 162 configured as a male end and having the other of the base portion 160 or the extension portion configured as a female end into which the male end is inserted. In the example of FIG. 1, the base portion 160 is configured as the male end and the extension portion 162 is configured as the female end. However, the base portion 160 could be configured as the female end and the extension portion 162 could be configured as the male end in an alternative embodiment.

[0029] In some embodiments, the region of overlap of the base portion 160 and the extension portion 162 may define a plurality of fixation areas. The fixation areas may be locations that are defined at respective ends of the overlap region. However, one fixation area may extend at least partially into the region at or near the middle of the overlap region as well. The fixation areas may define points of contact between the base portion 160 and the extension portion 162 that facilitate fixation of the base portion 160 to the extension portion 162. Thus, while the fixation areas themselves may be regions, interfacing structures may be provided at and/or define the fixation areas.

[0030] In an example embodiment, a first fixation area 172 may be defined at (i.e., in the vicinity of) the proximal end of the extension portion 162, where the proximal end of the extension portion 162 contacts a portion of the base portion 160 that is spaced apart from the distal end of the base portion 160. A second fixation area 174 may be defined at (i.e., in the vicinity of) the distal end of the base portion 160, where the distal end of the base portion 160 contacts a portion of the extension portion 162 that is spaced apart from the proximal end of the extension portion 162. As such, the first fixation area 172 and the second fixation area 174 define extreme ends of the overlap region between the base portion 160 and the extension portion 162.

[0031 ] Some example embodiments may also define a third fixation area 176 that may be defined at a portion of the overlap region that is between the first and second fixation areas 172 and 174. Moreover, the third fixation area 176 may include a threaded connector 180 that extends from the first fixation area 172 toward the second fixation area 174. The threaded connector 180 may therefore be formed of interfacing structures on the base portion 160 and the extension portion 162. In particular, for example, a protrusion disposed on an external surface of the base portion 160 may ride in a channel formed in the extension portion 162. The channel may initially extend from the proximal end of the extension portion 162 in a direction substantially parallel to the tube axis 152, but the channel may turn to a direction substantially perpendicular to the tube axis 152 to form a locking region at which the protrusion may rest when the extension portion 162 is fixed to the base portion 160. [0032] In the example of FIG. 1, it may be appreciated that the base portion 160 and the extension portion 162 are substantially rigid plastic components. Thus, although the base portion 160 and the extension portion 162 may have some relatively small amount of flexibility inherently by virtue of the plastic material from which they are made, the distal end of the base portion 160 and the proximal end of the extension portion 162, along with the overlap regions thereof, are substantially rigid in nature. Accordingly, when production tolerances are such that, for example, the inside diameter of the extension portion 162 is different in size from the outside diameter of the base portion 160 when mating is conducted, a wobble may be perceived by the operator based on a loose connection formed between the extension portion 162 and the base portion 160. Alternatively, if the fit is too tight between the base portion 160 and the extension portion 162, it may be difficult to disassemble them. To address these potential problems, an example embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a flexible annular member being provided at one of the first fixation area 172 or the second fixation area 174. As such, for example, the flexible annular member may be provided at either the distal end of the base portion 160 or the proximal end of the extension portion 162. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the flexible annular member may be configured on either a female end or male end dependent upon the desired design of the blower 100.

[0033] FIG. 2, which includes FIGS. 2A and 2B, illustrates a side view of an example embodiment in which a blower 200 with a slightly different design is provided. FIG. 2A illustrates the blower 200 in a disassembled state and FIG. 2B shows the blower 200 in an assembled state. The blower 200 includes a housing 210, handle 244 and trigger 246 similar to the example of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the blower 200 also includes a tube 250 having a first or base portion 260 and a second or extension portion 262. The tube 250 defines a tube axis 252. The base portion 260 includes at least one protrusion 261 configured to interface with at least one channel 263 formed extending away from a proximal end of the extension portion 262 to a portion of the extension portion 262 that is spaced apart from the proximal end thereof to define interfacing structures for a third fixation area 276. The protrusion 261 may be inserted into the channel 263 linearly along the direction of extension of the tube 250 and then, when the channel 263 changes direction, the protrusion 261 may follow the direction change of the channel 263 to lock the extension portion 262 onto the base portion 260.

[0034] In an assembled state, a distal end of the base portion 260 may contact a portion of the extension portion 262 at which the diameter of the extension portion 262 decreases at the second fixation area 274. Meanwhile, a flexible annular member 290 disposed at a proximal end portion of the extension portion 262 may ride up the base portion 260 (which may have the same or a slightly increasing diameter extending away from the distal end thereof) to maintain a snug fit with the base portion 260 at the first fixation area 272. The flexible annular member 290 may be designed, as described below, to have a diameter that is expandable to accommodate design tolerances relative to the diameter of the base portion 260. As such, the flexible annular member 290 may have a minimum relaxed state diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the base portion 260 at the first fixation area 272 so that the flexible annular member 290 has to expand its diameter as it slides up the base portion 260. However, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments where male and female roles are switched (i.e., if the extension portion 260 were designed to be the male end instead of the female end), the diameter of the flexible annular member 290 may instead allow contraction instead of expansion.

[0035] The interfacing structures at each of the first fixation area 272, the second fixation area 274 and the third fixation area 276 may cooperate to form a connection assembly for coupling the base portion 260 with the extension portion 262. As such, the flexible annular member 290, the threaded portion (i.e., the protrusion 261 and the channel 263), and the respective ends of the base portion 260 and the extension portion 262 may each be components of the connection assembly.

[0036] Given that the flexible annular member 290 has a changeable diameter, the flexible annular member 290 can expand as necessary to accommodate any tolerance irregularities in relation to the diameter of the base portion 260 while interfacing structures of the second fixation area 274 and the third fixation area 276 are tightened relative to one another. Accordingly, for example, even if base portions on different models are generated with slightly different diameters due to production tolerances, relatively tight and consistent fits may be achieved at all of the first, second and third fixation areas 272, 274 and 276 because the first and second fixation areas 272 and 274 may not inhibit each other from getting a good fit based on an early tight fit occurring at one fixation area before a reasonably decent fit can be achieved at the other. Instead, the first fixation area 272 is flexible so that it can accommodate whatever design tolerance issues dictate for connection at the second fixation area 274.

[0037] FIG. 3 shows a close up perspective view of the flexible annular member 290 in accordance with an example embodiment. As can be appreciated from FIG. 3, the flexible annular member 290 may be defined by a plurality of ridges 292 that extend in a direction parallel to the tube axis of the tube 250. The ridges 292 are disposed around a periphery of the proximal end of the extension portion 262. The ridges 292 of this example are generally continuously formed around the periphery of the proximal end of the extension portion 262, but the continuity is interrupted in at least one place (two in this example) by the formation of the channel 263. In this example, at least a portion of a cross section of the ridges 292 has a sinusoidal pattern, which is evident from FIG. 3. However, other shapes could be provided in alternative embodiments. For example, the cross section of the ridges 292 could alternatively have triangular shapes or rectangular shapes.

[0038] The ridges 292 may define a plurality of spaced apart contact portions that engage the base portion 260. In some examples the contact portions may extend substantially parallel to the tube axis 252. However, it should be appreciated that the ridges 292 could alternatively form an angle relative to the tube axis 252 or could be wavy as they extend along a direction generally parallel to the tube axis 252. As the diameter of the base portion 260 increases, the spacing between the contact portions may increase slightly to

accommodate for the increased diameter of the base portion 260.

[0039] FIG. 4, which includes FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D, illustrates portions of cross section views of the ridges 292 (taken along a line substantially perpendicular to the tube axis) that may be employed in various alternative embodiments. In this regard, FIG. 4A shows a cross section view of ridges 292 in region 294 of FIG. 3, where the ridges 292 have a sinusoidal shape. FIG. 4B illustrates ridges 292 in the region 294 having a triangular shape. Meanwhile, in FIG. 4C the ridges 292 have a rectangular cross section shape, being formed as rectangular prism shapes extending along the direction parallel to the tube axis and in FIG. 4D, the triangularly shaped ridges 292 have rounded apexes. Any of these, or other shapes may provide flexibility so that the diameter of the flexible annular member 290 can expand or contract to enable the other fixation area (of the first fixation area of the second fixation area) to obtain a tight fit while the flexible annular member 290 maintains a substantially tight fit over a range of insertion depths of the base portion 260 into the extension portion 262. It should be appreciated that the region 294 shown in FIG. 4 includes ridges 292 that are relatively regularly patterned. However, in some cases, the patterns may be irregular such that, for example, different spacing or even other structures are provided between ridges 292 or between regularly patterned groups of ridges 292.

[0040] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the overlap region between the extension portion 262 and the base portion 260 in accordance with an example embodiment. In FIG. 5, portions of the base portion 260 that are obscured from view by virtue of their insertion into the extension portion 262 are shown in dashed lines. As can be appreciated from FIG. 5, the second fixation portion 274 is formed at an interface between the distal end 265 of the base portion 260 and a portion of the extension portion 262 at which the diameter tapers. Due to production tolerances, the diameter of the distal end of the base portion 260 could vary (e.g., as much as +/- 1mm on each tube). Some variation may also be experienced in the tapering portion 267 of the extension portion 262. Thus, for any given tube including a random extension portion and base portion, the exact portion at which the distal end of the base portion 260 will intersect with the tapering portion of the extension portion 262 cannot be known. To accommodate for this uncertainty, the channel 263 may extend far enough around the periphery of the extension portion 262 to enable the protrusion 261 to be drawn into the channel 263 over a variety of lengths. Thus, in various different cases, the protrusion 261 may be drawn a little farther or a little less far into the channel 263 when a tight fit is achieved between the distal end of the base portion 260 and the tapering portion of the extension portion 262.

[0041 ] Accordingly, the second fixation area 274 will likely have the interface structures that form the limiting components for determining how far the base portion 260 is insertable into the extension portion 262. The third fixation area 276 has interface structures that can accommodate a range of amounts of insertion. Meanwhile, the flexible annular member 290 can ride up the base portion 260 and expand (or contract in other embodiments) its diameter to accommodate a range of amounts of insertion as well. The end result is that only one fixation area (in this example, the second fixation area 274) includes interfacing structures that practically limit the amount of insertion of the base portion 260 into the extension portion 262, and the other two fixation areas (i.e., the first fixation area 272 and the third fixation area 276) are able to accommodate a range of insertion amounts while still achieving a tight fit. The tight fit may be preferable for preventing air leakage and for providing a quality feel for the product so that operators do not feel compelled to provide taping or other mitigation strategies to account for design deficiencies.

[0042] As mentioned above, the male end and female end could be reversed in alternative embodiments. Also, the flexible annular member and the channel may be arranged on the base portion instead of on the extension portion. Moreover, the fixation area or tube portion end at which the flexible annular member is provided may also be switched in various alternative embodiments. FIG. 6, which includes FIGS. 6A and 6B, illustrates partial cutaway views with half of the extension portion removed along a line parallel to the tube axis to show some example alternative structures. [0043] In the example of FIG. 6A, an overlap region of a first tube portion 300 (which could be either an extension portion or a base portion) and a second tube portion 310 (which would be the other of the extension portion or the base portion) is shown. The first tube portion 300 is the male end and includes an end 302 that is inserted into contact with a tapered portion 312 of the second tube portion 310. An end portion 314 of the second tube portion 310 also interfaces with a flexible annular member 320 that is disposed spaced apart from the end 302 of the first tube portion 300. The end portion 314 and flexible annular member 320 are interface structures at a first fixation area 330 and the end 302 and the tapered portion 312 are interface structures at a second fixation area 340. The third fixation area including a threaded interface structure may also exist, but is not shown here for the sake of simplicity. The flexible annular member 320 of this example may have a relaxed state maximum diameter that is greater than the diameter of the end portion 314. Thus, upon insertion of the first tube portion 300 into the second tube portion 310, the diameter of the flexible annular member 320 may contract to maintain a tight fit at the first fixation area 330 until a tight fit is achieved at the second fixation area 340.

[0044] In the example of FIG. 6B, an overlap region of a first tube portion 350 (which could be either an extension portion or a base portion) and a second tube portion 360 (which would be the other of the extension portion or the base portion) is shown. The first tube portion 350 is again the male end and includes a flexible annular member 370 that is inserted into contact with an internal portion 362 of the second tube portion 360. Of note, the internal portion 362 may define a gradually decreasing diameter, but it is not necessary. An end portion 364 of the second tube portion 360 interfaces with a tapered portion 352 of the first tube portion 350. The end portion 364 and tapered portion 352 are interface structures at a first fixation area 380 and the flexible annular member 370 and the internal portion 362 are interface structures at a second fixation area 390. A third fixation area may also be included. The flexible annular member 370 of this example may have a relaxed state maximum diameter that is greater than the diameter of the internal portion 362. Thus, upon insertion of the first tube portion 350 into the second tube portion 360, the diameter of the flexible annular member 370 may contract in sliding engagement with the internal portion 362 to maintain a tight fit at the second fixation area 390 until a tight fit is achieved at the first fixation area 380.

[0045] A blower and/or vacuum device of an example embodiment may therefore include a housing, a motor disposed within a portion of the housing to selectively operate a fan assembly, and tube through which air is forced responsive to operation of the motor. The tube may define a tube axis and may include a base portion and an extension portion held together by a connection assembly. The base portion and the extension portion may be configured to be coupled together at a first fixation area, a second fixation area and a third fixation area. The first fixation area may be formed at a distal end of the base portion relative to the housing. The second fixation area may be formed at an end of the extension portion that interfaces with the base portion. The third fixation area may include interfacing structures on the base portion and the extension portion. The interfacing structures may include at least a portion that is spaced apart from the distal end of the base portion and the end of the extension portion. One of the first fixation area or the second fixation area may include an interface between a flexible annular member and a substantially rigid annular surface when the base portion is attached with the extension portion.

[0046] The blower (or connection assembly) of some embodiments may include additional features that may be optionally added either alone or in combination with each other. For example, in some embodiments, (1) the flexible annular member may include a plurality of ridges disposed around a periphery of the distal end of the base portion or the proximal end of the extension portion. In some cases, (2) each of the ridges may extend substantially parallel to each other and to the tube axis. In an example embodiment, (3) at least a portion of a cross section of the ridges may define a pattern of sinusoidal shapes, triangular shapes or rectangular shapes.

[0047] In some embodiments, any or all of (1) to (3) may be employed in addition to the optional modifications or augmentations described below. For example, in some

embodiments, the flexible annular member may be disposed at the end of the extension portion, and the end of the extension portion may extend over a portion of the base portion. Additionally or alternatively, the flexible annular member arranged on one of the tube portions may have a relaxed state minimum diameter that is less than an outer diameter of the substantially rigid annular surface of the other tube portion, and the flexible annular member may be configured to expand in diameter responsive to contact with the substantially rigid annular surface. Additionally or alternatively, the flexible annular member arranged at one of the tube portions may have a relaxed state maximum diameter that is larger than an inner diameter of the substantially rigid annular surface of the other tube portion, and the flexible annular member may be configured to contract in diameter responsive to contact with the substantially rigid annular surface. Additionally or alternatively, the third fixation area may include a threaded portion that extends to an interior portion of the extension portion. Additionally or alternatively, the threaded portion may extend from the end of the extension portion through the flexible annular member to the interior portion.

[0048] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different

combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. In cases where advantages, benefits or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be appreciated that such advantages, benefits and/or solutions may be applicable to some example embodiments, but not necessarily all example embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits or solutions described herein should not be thought of as being critical, required or essential to all embodiments or to that which is claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED:

1. A blower and/or vacuum device (200) comprising:

a housing (210);

a motor disposed within a portion of the housing (210) to selectively operate a fan assembly; and

a tube (250) through which air is forced responsive to operation of the motor, the tube (250) defining a tube axis (252), and including a base portion (260) and an extension portion (262),

wherein the base portion (260) and the extension portion (262) are configured to be coupled together at a first fixation area (272), a second fixation area (274) and a third fixation area (276), the first fixation area (272) being formed at a distal end of the base portion (260) relative to the housing (210), the second fixation area (274) being formed at an end of the extension portion (262) that interfaces with the base portion (260), and the third fixation area (276) including interfacing structures on the base portion (260) and the extension portion (262), the interfacing structures including at least a portion that is spaced apart from the distal end of the base portion (260) and the end of the extension portion (262), and

wherein one of the first fixation area (272) or the second fixation area (274) comprises an interface between a flexible annular member (290) and a substantially rigid annular surface when the base portion (260) is attached with the extension portion (262).

2. The device (200) of claim 1, wherein the flexible annular member (290) comprises a plurality of ridges (292) disposed around a periphery of the distal end of the base portion (260) or the end of the extension portion (262).

3. The device (200) of claim 2, wherein each of the ridges (292) extends substantially parallel to each other and to the tube axis (252).

4. The device (200) of claim 3, wherein at least a portion of a cross section of the ridges (292) comprises a sinusoidal pattern.

5. The device (200) of claim 3, wherein at least a portion of a cross section of the ridges (292) comprises a pattern of adjacent substantially triangular shapes.

6. The device (200) of claim 3, wherein at least a portion of a cross section of the ridges (292) comprises a pattern of adjacent substantially rectangular shapes.

7. The device (200) of any preceding claim, wherein the flexible annular member (290) is disposed at the end of the extension portion (262), and the end of the extension portion (262) extends over a portion of the base portion (260).

8. The device (200) of any preceding claim, wherein the flexible annular member (290) has a relaxed state minimum diameter that is less than a diameter of the substantially rigid annular surface, and the flexible annular member (290) is configured to expand in diameter responsive to contact with the substantially rigid annular surface.

9. The device (200) of any preceding claim, wherein the flexible annular member (290) has a relaxed state maximum diameter that is larger than a diameter of the substantially rigid annular surface, and the flexible annular member (290) is configured to contract in diameter responsive to contact with the substantially rigid annular surface.

10. The device (200) of any preceding claim, wherein the third fixation area (276) comprises a threaded portion that extends to an interior portion of the extension portion (262).

11. The device (200) of claim 10, wherein the threaded portion extends from the end of the extension portion (262) through the flexible annular member (290) to the interior portion.

12. A blower/vacuum tube connection assembly for a tube (250) of a blower or vacuum device (200), the tube (250) defining a tube axis (252), the connection assembly comprising:

interfacing structures formed at a first fixation area (272), a second fixation area (274) and a third fixation area (276), the first fixation area (272) being formed at a distal end of a base portion (260) of the tube (250) relative to a housing (210) of the device (200), the second fixation area (274) being formed at an end of an extension portion (262) of the tube (250), where the extension portion (262) interfaces with the base portion (260), and the third fixation area (276) including a first interfacing structure (261/263) formed at the base portion (260) and a second interfacing structure (263/261) formed at the extension portion (262), the first and second interfacing structures (261/263) including at least a portion that is spaced apart from the distal end of the base portion (260) and the end of the extension portion (262), wherein one of the first fixation area (272) or the second fixation area (274) comprises an interface between a flexible annular member (290) and a substantially rigid annular surface when the base portion (260) is attached with the extension portion (262).

13. The connection assembly of claim 12, wherein the flexible annular member (290) comprises a plurality of ridges (292) disposed around a periphery of the distal end of the base portion (260) or the end of the extension portion (262).

14. The connection assembly of claim 13, wherein each of the ridges (292) extends substantially parallel to each other and to the tube axis (252).

15. The connection assembly of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of a cross section of the ridges (292) comprises a sinusoidal pattern.

16. The connection assembly of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of a cross section of the ridges (292) comprises a pattern of adjacent substantially triangular shapes.

17. The connection assembly of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of a cross section of the ridges (292) comprises a pattern of adjacent substantially rectangular shapes.

18. The connection assembly of any of claims 12-17, wherein the flexible annular member (290) is disposed at the end of the extension portion (262), and the end of the extension portion (262) extends over a portion of the base portion (260).

19. The connection assembly of any of claims 12-18, wherein the flexible annular member (290) has a relaxed state minimum diameter that is less than a diameter of the substantially rigid annular surface, and the flexible annular member (290) is configured to expand in diameter responsive to contact with the substantially rigid annular surface.

20. The connection assembly of any of claims 12-19, wherein the flexible annular member (290) has a relaxed state maximum diameter that is larger than a diameter of the substantially rigid annular surface, and the flexible annular member (290) is configured to contract in diameter responsive to contact with the substantially rigid annular surface.

21. The connection assembly of any of claims 12-20, wherein the third fixation area (276) comprises a threaded portion that extends to an interior portion of the extension portion (262).

22. The connection assembly of claim 21, wherein the threaded portion extends from the end of the extension portion (262) through the flexible annular member (290) to the interior portion.

23. A blower/vacuum device (200) having a connection assembly according to any of claims 12-22.