Abstract: A powered blower/vacuum unit includes a base portion having a housing and a power air-moving device within the base portion. A tube is provided that is formed by a first manufacturing operation, such as a blow molding process. The tube extends a relatively large distance away from the housing and air flows through the tube along a relatively large distance. A coupler is also included for coupling the tube to the housing. The coupler is separately formed by a second, different manufacturing operation, such as an injection molding process. The coupler includes a plurality of one-way snap-in features configured to engage a plurality of receiver features located on the tube to non-removably attach the coupler to the tube. The housing can also include at least one male component and the coupler can include at least one complementary female component for securing the coupler to the housing.

Abstract: A powered blower/vacuum unit includes a base portion having a housing and a power air-moving device for creating an air stream. A generally rigid, elongate tube is adapted to permit at least the air stream to flow through the tube. The tube includes a fluid inlet disposed at a first end, a fluid outlet disposed at a second end, and at least one accordion relief structure disposed generally between the first and second ends and adapted to act as a resilient shock absorber. In one example, the accordion relief structure includes at least one internal rib and at least one intermediate flexible section located adjacent to each internal rib. In another example, a coupler is adapted to be removably attached to the housing and non-removably attached to the tube. In another example, a portion of the accordion relief structure is adapted to act as a positive stop for the coupler.

Abstract: A powered blower/vacuum unit includes a base portion having a housing and a power air-moving device within the base portion. A tube is provided that is formed by a first manufacturing operation, such as a blow molding process. The tube extends a relatively large distance away from the housing and air flows through the tube along a relatively large distance. A coupler is also included for coupling the tube to the housing. The coupler is separately formed by a second, different manufacturing operation, such as an injection molding process. The coupler includes a plurality of one-way snap-in features configured to engage a plurality of receiver features located on the tube to non-removably attach the coupler to the tube. The housing can also include at least one male component and the coupler can include at least one complementary female component for securing the coupler to the housing.

Abstract: A powered unit for performing blower operations or vacuuming operations is provided. The powered unit includes a blower tube, a barrier for preventing unintentional contact with moving parts in the powered unit, and a retention feature. The retention feature is located within the blower tube and the retention feature is configured for securing the barrier within the blower tube. The retention feature is included of an annular groove in the blower tube. The barrier is secured in the blower tube by a snap engagement with the retention feature. The barrier can also be deformed as it is inserted into the blower tube. The barrier then returns to its non-deformed shape when the barrier is secured in the retention feature in the blower tube.

Abstract: The fixed-base router includes a base assembly and a cylindrical motor housing. The base assembly has a tubular member defining a vertically disposed inner cylindrical surface with two longitudinally extending support ribs. The tubular member has a longitudinal slot or opening between a pair of adjacent inner projections. Only the two ribs and the inner projections engage the cylindrical motor housing when the base tubular member is clamped to the cylindrical motor housing. The two support ribs and the slot are substantially equally spaced from each other. Another set of ribs prevents tilt when the tubular member is in an unclamped condition, and a deflection limitation rib is provided to prevent excessive deflection of the base tubular member when the clamping force is too high.

Abstract: A simple and quick manner for centering a sub-base of a fixed-base router. The sub-base is provided with two sets of peripheral holes and a large central opening. One set of holes is countersunk and receives flat-head screws; the other set of holes is counterbored and receives pan-head screws. The router is sent from the factory with the sub-base attached by the flat-head screws. To center the sub-base the flat-head screws are removed and the pan-head screws are inserted to loosely mount the sub-base. The counterbored openings are oversized to allow lateral movement of the sub-base. A cone element is installed in the collet and engaged with the sub-base through the central opening. The cone element fully abuts the opening to center the sub-base, the pan-head screws are tightened and the cone element is replaced by a router bit.

Abstract: The fixed-base router has an annular base member supporting a cylindrical base member. A cylindrical motor housing is telescopingly received within the cylindrical base member; the motor housing includes three vertically aligned notches. A vertically disposed rod is rotatably mounted by the cylindrical base member. The rod includes an external threaded area in threading engagement with a threaded bore in a lever. The lever includes a latch for engagement with a selected one of the notches for coarse vertical adjustment. Fine vertical adjustment is obtained by rotating the rod with the latch in engagement with one of the notches.

Abstract: The fixed-base router includes a base assembly and a cylindrical motor housing. The base assembly has a cylindrical member which is hollow defining a vertically disposed inner cylindrical surface with two axially extending ribs. The cylindrical member has an axial slot between a pair of adjacent inner projections. Only the two ribs and the inner projections engage the cylindrical motor housing when the base cylinder is clamped to the cylindrical motor housing. The two ribs and the slot are substantially equally spaced from each other.