Universal suction attachment for pneumatic power tools

Abstract

A universal suction attachment for pneumatic power tools includes a housing having a tool coupling portion, a duct portion, and a focused outflow portion. The tool coupling portion is capable of connection to an exhaust port of the pneumatic power tool such that exhaust air from the tool is captured therewithin. The focused outflow portion is capable of connection to a vacuum conduit and to a collection tube. A duct is provided throughout the duct portion, providing flow between the tool coupling portion and the focused outflow portion. In use, exhaust air from the power tool that is captured within the tool coupling portion is ducted through the duct portion and into the focused outflow portion. A resulting flow of the exhaust air creates a vacuum in the vacuum conduit to transport debris to the collection tube.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to power tools. The invention relates specifically to a universal suction attachment for pneumatic power tools.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Pneumatic power tools are well known, and have enjoyed wide commercial success. These power tools are commonly used for light industrial operations, such as grinding, drilling, “nibbling”, shaving, sawing, hammering, and the like.

[0003] Operation of pneumatic power tools creates dust and other debris, which can be bothersome or even extremely harmful to an operator of the tool and to other nearby persons and machines. Commonly, vacuum devices are employed around a work area where a pneumatic power tool is in use. The vacuum devices typically comprise a “shop vac” type of powered vacuum collection system, which requires separate manipulation by the user. In order to alleviate the requirement of separation manipulation of a power tool and a powered vacuum system, several means have been proposed to combine the functions of the tool operation and the vacuum system in one device.

[0004] For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,638,737 issued to Moates, a pneumatic drill or “jackhammer” includes a conduit attachment enclosed by a tube of sound absorbing material, that channels exhaust air therethrough to dampen noise produced by the exhaust air. The exhaust air flow creates a vacuum effect, which may be used to draw dust and small debris out through a discharge opening. A separate source of compressed air may be employed, to create an increased vacuum effect.

[0005] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,192,390 issued to Wanner, et al., a power tool includes a blower mounted on an output shaft of a motor driving the tool. The blower acts to collect particulate matter resulting from operation of the tool.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,281,457 issued to Walton, II, discloses a vacuum-operated tool for cutting plaster casts. The tool employs a turbine impeller mechanism that rotates in response to a vacuum-induced flow. A saw blade is coupled to the impeller mechanism and is driven thereby. Ambient air drawn into the tool by the vacuum-induced flow entrains and removes particulates resulting from operation of the tool on a cast.

[0007] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,361,957 issued to Krotz, et al., a pneumatic hand tool has an exhaust port that is connected to an exhaust fitting, including a venturi and a vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber is connected, in turn, to a removable suction pick-up nozzle. In operation, air exhausted from the tool at the exhaust port creates a vacuum by way of the exhaust fitting. The vacuum acts through the suction pick-up nozzle to collect debris created by the tool. The exhaust fitting, or injection nozzle, together with the venturi, can be in the form of an attachment arranged for screw connection to the exhaust port of the tool.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,364 issued to Belanger discloses a tool for cutting a protruding pintail of a set fastener. The tool includes a vacuum system for collecting severed pintails. The vacuum system comprises an impeller connected to an output shaft of the tool, to create a partial vacuum for collecting the pintails.

[0009] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,244 issued to Chu, a pneumatic tool includes a venturi tube portion formed in a side portion of the tool for directing an exhaust air stream from the tool. The directed exhaust air stream from the venturi acts to remove dust produced by the tool.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,367 issued to Daniel discloses an attachment for a rotating tool bit. The attachment provides air flow in a vicinity of a work area without need for separate vacuum or compressed air supplies.

[0011] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,049,941 issued to Vollenweider, II, a portable vacuum system is powered by a pressurized air supply, which is also used to power a connected tool. A venturi device generates a vacuum from the pressurized air supply. By way of selectable valves, an operator can separately control the supply of pressurized air to the vacuum system and the tool.

[0012] Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,758 issued to Lee discloses a multi-functional air gun that uses a single compressed air supply to selectively perform a vacuum operation, a blowing operation, or both operations simultaneously.

[0013] The aforementioned patents and other devices known in the art generally provide means for harnessing energy from a power tool to drive an accessory. However, such devices have been problematic in that, for example, elaborate and specifically constructed mechanisms must be employed to provide means therefor.

[0014] Therefore, there exists a need for a universal suction attachment for pneumatic power tools which overcomes the drawbacks of the known devices, and which provides versatility and interchangeability in application and use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] An object of the present invention is to provide a universal suction attachment for pneumatic power tools that harnesses energy from a power tool that would otherwise be expended.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a universal suction attachment for pneumatic power tools that does not require the use of elaborate and specifically constructed mechanisms.

[0017] A further object of the present invention is to provide a universal suction attachment for pneumatic power tools which overcomes the drawbacks of known devices, and which provides versatility and interchangeability in application and use.

[0018] In accordance with the present invention, a universal suction attachment for pneumatic power tools includes a housing having a tool coupling portion, a duct portion, and a focused outflow portion. The tool coupling portion is capable of connection to an exhaust port of a pneumatic power tool such that exhaust air from the tool is captured therewithin. The focused outflow portion is capable of connection to a vacuum conduit and to a collection tube. A duct is provided throughout the duct portion, providing flow between the tool coupling portion and the focused outflow portion. In use, exhaust air from the power tool that is captured within the tool coupling portion is ducted through the duct portion and into the focused outflow portion. A resulting flow of the exhaust air creates a vacuum in the vacuum conduit to transport debris to the collection tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a universal suction attachment for pneumatic power tools, constructed in accordance with the present invention and shown as being coupled to a pneumatic power tool.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a magnified and partially transparent illustration of the invention as depicted in FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a front view illustration of a housing component of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional illustration of the invention, taken along line A-A in FIG. 3.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional illustration of the invention as depicted in FIG. 1, shown as being coupled to a pneumatic tool in operation thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, there shown is an exemplary embodiment of a universal suction attachment for pneumatic power tools 10 (“attachment 10”). As depicted, attachment 10 is coupled to an exemplary pneumatic power tool (herein, a conventional grinding wheel G). With additional reference to FIG. 2, attachment 10 comprises a housing 100 having several portions: a tool coupling portion 110 including a telescoping seal cap 112 (acting in cooperation with a seal spring 115 as will be further described), a duct portion 120, and a focused outflow portion 130. As will be described more fully in operation of attachment 10 with a pneumatic power tool, coupling portion 110 is capable of connection to an exhaust port of the power tool such that exhaust air from the tool is captured therewithin. Coupling portion 110 also provides access to a conventional air supply coupling C of the pneumatic power tool. Likewise, focused outflow portion 130 of housing 100 is capable of connection to a vacuum conduit V and a collection tube T.

[0025] Housing 100 including its aforementioned several portions is preferably fabricated from a stock plastic-like material such as, for example, Makroblend UT 403 from Bayer Polymers. Such stock material may be a polycarbonate/polyethylene blend that is UV stabilized. It has been found in the instant invention that such material provides suitable impact resistance and chemical/oil resistance. Further, the UV stability of this preferred material inhibits fading and degradation of housing 100 over time.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, housing 100 has an overall length of about 4.25 in. Correspondingly, tool coupling portion 110 has dimensions of about 2.0 in. by 0.75 in., duct portion 120 is about 1.0 in. by 0.75 in., and focused outflow portion 130 is about 1.25 in. by 1.50 in.

[0027] Upon close examination of FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, it may be understood that duct portion 120 of housing 100 includes a duct 125 having two components, 125a and 125b. Duct 125 forms a continuous venturi-like flow conduit through duct portion 120, and provides flow from coupling portion 110 to outflow portion 130. Preferably, duct component 125a is vertically oriented through duct portion 120, while duct component 125b is provided at an angle of about 20° above horizontal. Further, component 125a has a preferred diameter of about 0.1875 in., while the diameter of component 125b is about 0.125 in.

[0028] Referring, now, to FIG. 5, attachment 10 is depicted as being in use with a conventional pneumatic power tool. Specifically, tool coupling portion 110 of housing 100 is connected to the exhaust port of the power tool, by way of telescoping seal cap 112 acting in cooperation with seal spring 115. In this arrangement, spring 115 acts with seal cap 112 to “universally” accommodate use of attachment 10 with various models of pneumatic air tools. Specifically in FIG. 5, it may be seen that upon connection of air line A to coupling C in a conventional manner, air line A forcibly abuts telescoping seal cap 112. In turn, seal cap 112 compresses spring 115, which effectively acts to secure coupling portion 110 to the tool. It is to be particularly understood that tool coupling portion 110, in concentric cooperation with spring 115 and telescoping seal cap 112, together provide a universal and substantially airtight connection between housing 100 of attachment 10 among pneumatic power tools having couplings C of various lengths and other dimensions.

[0029] Seal spring 115 may be any suitable wire spring that is operable within, preferably, a 1.5 in. bore, and having a linear working range of about 0.1875 in. to 0.75 in. Spring 115 also preferably has a wire diameter range of about 0.08-0.09 in.

[0030] As exhaust air from the tool in operation flows from its exhaust port, coupling portion 110 acts to collect and confine the exhaust air, whereupon sufficient pressure builds to force the exhaust air into duct component 125a. The effectively pressurized exhaust air is then conducted through duct component 125b in a highly focused fashion, and is thereby forcibly ejected into focused outflow portion 130. Upon reaching portion 130, the highly focused exhaust air rushes outwardly and into tube T that is connected, for example, to a collection bag for disposal. It is to be appreciated that this highly focused flow of exhaust air creates a vacuum upstream in portion 130 and consequently in vacuum conduit V. This vacuum through conduit V, toward the collection bag, removes debris that is generated by the pneumatic power tool, and transports the debris through tube T to the collection bag.

[0031] It is to be particularly appreciated and understood, therefore, that attachment 10 provides debris removal by way of capturing and focusing otherwise expended and dissipated exhaust air from a pneumatic power tool.

[0032] While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the accompanying figures, it will be understood, however, that other modifications thereto are of course possible, all of which are intended to be within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. It should be appreciated that components of the invention aforedescribed may be substituted for other suitable components for achieving desired results, or that various accessories may be added thereto.

[0033] Of course, although shown and described in exemplary use with a grinding wheel, the present invention may be readily utilized with virtually any pneumatic power tool.

[0034] It is also to be understood in general that any suitable alternatives may be employed to provide the universal suction attachment for pneumatic power tools of the present invention.

[0035] Lastly, the choice, of course, of compositions, sizes, and strengths of various aforementioned components of the present invention are all a matter of design choice depending upon intended uses thereof.

[0036] Accordingly, these and other various changes or modifications in form and detail of the present invention may also be made therein, again without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A universal suction attachment for pneumatic power tools, comprising:

a housing, said housing including (i) a tool coupling portion capable of connection to an exhaust port of the pneumatic power tool such that exhaust air from the tool is captured therewithin, (ii) a duct portion, and (iii) a focused outflow portion, said focused outflow portion being capable of connection to a vacuum conduit and to a collection tube; and

a duct provided throughout said duct portion, said duct providing flow between said tool coupling portion and said focused outflow portion,

wherein in use, exhaust air from the power tool captured within said tool coupling portion is ducted through said duct and into said focused outflow portion, such that a resulting flow of exhaust air creates a vacuum in the vacuum conduit to transport debris resulting from operation of the tool, to the collection tube.

2. The universal suction attachment for pneumatic power tools of claim 1, wherein said tool coupling portion further includes a telescoping seal cap and a seal spring provided there within, such that a substantially airtight connection may be provided between said housing and various pneumatic power tools.