DUST COLLECTION APPARATUS FOR DEMOLITION TOOL

Abstract

A dust collection device for attaching to a demolition tool includes a hollow first body, a hollow second body, and a suction tube. The hollow first body can be configured to connect with an associated demolition tool. The hollow second body can connect with the first body and the two bodies can cooperate to define an internal space. The second body can be at least one of (i) selectively removable from and reattachable to the first body at or adjacent a distal end of the first body without damaging the first body or the second body and (ii) rotatable with respect to the first body. The suction tube can connect to at least one of the first body and the second body. The suction tube can define a passage in fluid communication with the internal space.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 61/063,730 filed Feb. 6, 2008, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application generally relates to a dust collecting apparatus. More particularly, this application is generally directed to a dust collecting apparatus for use with a demolition tool.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dust collection devices that attach to various types of tools are known. Typically, the dust collection device includes a shroud that surrounds a working member or bit of the tool. A demolition tool with a dust collection device is known. It is desirable to collect dust during building or other concrete or brick demolition operations to reduce the amount of airborne crystalline silica or quartz dust. The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has placed special emphasis on limiting worker exposure to airborne dust. Accordingly, there have been many attempts to control airborne dust.

One problem with previous attempts to control dust using a device connected to a demolition tool is that many dust collection devices obscure the working bit of the demolition tool, which makes it difficult for the operator of the tool to see the area that he is working with the bit. Another problem with prior attempts to control dust using a dust collection device that is attached to a demolition tool is that for known dust collection devices the entire dust collection device must be removed from the tool, e.g., the entire shroud must be removed, in order to remove the bit from the tool. If the working bit needs to be changed, for example, if the working bit has worn out or another size bit needs to replace the bit already attached to the tool, requiring the removal of the entire dust separation device from the tool can be time consuming.

Other known dust collection devices include very flexible shrouds. These known dust collection devices which are employed on machine tools and the like are very practical when used with a tool where the working member is vertically oriented during use. Because of the flexibility of the shroud, however, these dust collection devices are not amenable for use with a tool that is used where the bit is oriented diagonally or horizontally.

Other known dust collection devices include a shroud connected with the percussive working bit. These devices result in the shroud moving. Where the shroud connects with a vacuum hose, the movement of the shroud results in movement of one end of the hose. This can result in premature wear of the hose, as compared to a hose that would remain relatively stationary. Moreover, connecting the shroud directly to the bit can make removal of the shroud from the bit difficult. Where the shroud is permanently fixed to the bit a different shroud is required for each different bit that is to be used with the tool.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A dust collection device for attaching to a demolition tool that can overcome the aforementioned shortcomings, along with other shortcomings that may have not been mentioned, includes a hollow first body, a hollow second body, and a suction tube. The hollow first body can be configured to connect with an associated demolition tool. The hollow second body can connect with the first body and the two bodies can cooperate to define an internal space. The second body can be at least one of (i) selectively removable from and reattachable to the first body at or adjacent a distal end of the first body without damaging the first body or the second body and (ii) rotatable with respect to the first body. The suction tube can connect to at least one of the first body and the second body. The suction tube can define a passage in fluid communication with the internal space.

Another example of an assembly that can overcome the aforementioned shortcomings, along with other shortcomings that may not have been mentioned above, includes a demolition tool and a dust collection guard mounted to the demolition tool. The demolition tool includes a housing and a movable working bit connected with a locking sleeve. The working bit can be selectively removable from the locking sleeve for replacement thereof. The dust collection guard can mount to the housing of the demolition tool for removing at least a portion of dust generated when the movable working bit works on a work surface. The guard can comprise a hollow first body, a hollow second body, and a suction tube. The hollow first body can connect to the housing of the demolition tool. The hollow second body can connect at or adjacent a distal end of the first body to define an internal space. The second body can be either (i) selectively removable from and reattachable to the first body without damaging the first body or the second body or (ii) rotatable with respect to the first body. The suction tube can connect to the first body or the second body and can define a passage in fluid communication with the internal space.

Another example of a dust collection guard includes a hollow first body, a hollow second body and a suction tube. The hollow first body is configured to attach to an associated demolition tool. The hollow second body can rotatably connect to the first body at or adjacent a distal end of the first body. The first body and the second body together can define an enclosed space. The second body can be rotatable with respect to the first body about an axis. The suction tube can connect with the second body. The suction tube can define a passage in fluid communication with the enclosed space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a demolition tool having a dust collection device, shown in longitudinal cross section, attached to the demolition tool. A suction source is schematically depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dust collection device depicted in FIG. 1 and an adapter for the dust collection device.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a dust collection device similar to the device depicted in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4A-4D depict alternative manners in which a first body of a dust collection device can attach to a second body of a dust collection device.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a dust collection device. Components of the device are shown disconnected from one another.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of yet another embodiment of a dust collection device. Components of the device are shown disconnected from one another.

DETAILED DESRIPTION

With reference to FIG. 1, a demolition tool 10 and a dust collection device 12 are shown. The demolition tool 10 depicted in FIG. 1 is also known in the art as a demolition hammer. Even though a particular demolition tool is depicted in FIG. 1 with the dust collection device 12, the dust collection device can be used with other demolition tools. The particular demolition tool 10 shown in FIG. 1 can be used where the tool is used in what is referred to as a generally horizontal orientation, which will be described in more detail below. Nevertheless, the demolition tool 10 can be used diagonally as well as vertically and the dust collection device 12 is amenable for use in these orientations as well.

The demolition tool 10 in the depicted embodiment includes a housing 14 that houses internal components to drive a bit 16. These internal components can be conventional, therefore further description thereof is not provided. The bit 16 shown in the depicted embodiment generally reciprocates along an axis 20 such that a working (distal) end 18 of the bit contacts the structure that is to be demolished using the demolition tool 10. Other demolition tools may have the working bit rotate about a central axis, and the dust collection device 12 shown in FIG. 1 can also be used with these demolition tools. With reference back to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the bit 16 connects with a locking sleeve 22. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the working bit 16 is selectively removable from and reattachable with the locking sleeve for replacement of the bit 16. In other words, other bits having different distal ends can fit with the locking sleeve 22. The locking sleeve 22 extends from the housing 14. More particular to the design shown in FIG. 1, the locking sleeve 22 extends from a substantially cylindrical section 24 of the housing 14.

The demolition tool 10 also includes a handle 26, which in the depicted embodiment extends from a rear wall of the housing 14. The handle 26 shown in FIG. 1 is oriented generally perpendicular to the bit 16 and the axis 20 about which or along which the bit 16 generally moves.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the dust collection device 12, which can also be referred to as a dust collection guard, generally includes a hollow first body 30, a hollow second body 32, and a suction tube 34. The dust collection device 12 attaches to the housing 14 of the demolition tool 10 using a band clamp 36 in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1; however, the dust collection device can attach to the demolition tool in other conventional manners, e.g. other conventional connectors. The dust collection device 12 is made from a rigid enough material, e.g., metal, plastic or a composite material, such that when the demolition tool is used in a generally horizontal and/or diagonal configuration, the dust collection device 12 remains vertically spaced from the locking sleeve 22 and the bit 16 so that these components can move without contacting the dust collection device.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the hollow first body 30, which can also be referred to as a main body, includes a relatively rigid section 38 configured to be gripped by an operator of the demolition tool 10. Since the dust collection device 12, and more particularly, the main body 30, connects with the housing 14 of the demolition tool 12, the rigid section 38 does not move with the bit 16. More particular to the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 1, the entire hollow main body 30 can be relatively rigid; however, it can also be desirable for the main body to be flexible enough so that the band clamp 36 can compress the main body to attach the dust collection device 12 to the housing 14 of the demolition tool 10. The rigid section 38 of the main body 30 can provide a hand grip section 38 of the main body 30 so that an operator of the demolition tool 10 can grip the handle 26 of the demolition tool with one hand and the relatively rigid hand grip section 38 with the other hand to support the demolition tool during a demolition operation. Also, a portion of the section 38 can be indented or otherwise configured to better accommodate the fingers of the operator.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the hollow main body 30 includes a distal end 40, which is adjacent the bit 16 when the dust collection device 12 is attached to the demolition tool 10. The hollow main body 30 also includes a proximal end 42, which is adjacent the housing 14 of the demolition tool when the dust collection device 12 is attached to the demolition tool. The hollow main body 30 also includes an enlarged section 50 adjacent the proximal end 42 for receiving the demolition tool 10. A tapered (transition) section 52 extends forwardly from the enlarged section toward the proximal end 40 of the main body 30. A reduced section 54 extends forwardly from the tapered section 52 toward the proximal end 40. In the depicted embodiment, the reduced section 54 has a circular cross section taken normal to a central elongate axis, which is coaxial with the axis 20 along which the bit 16 generally reciprocates. The reduced section 54 can take other configurations in cross section, such as rectangular or elliptical. In the depicted embodiment, the enlarged section 50 has a rectangular (square) cross section taken normal to the axis 20 along which the bit 16 generally reciprocates. Where the housing 14 of the demolition tool 10 has an alternative configuration, the enlarged section 50 may have a complementary cross-sectional shape such that the dust collection device 12 fits snugly onto the housing 14. The enlarged section 50 needs to be limited in length in order that it not cover the air vents 48 on the housing of the demolition tool 14. The air vents 48 are provided to cool the drive mechanism (not shown) in the housing 14 of the tool. Thus, the length of the section 50 is generally around 1½ to 2 inches. The tapered section 52 transitions from the rectangular (square) cross-sectional shape of the enlarged section 50 into the circular cross-sectional shape of the reduced section 54.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, in the depicted embodiment the clearance between the reduced section 54 and the cylindrical housing portion 24 of the demolition tool 12 can be minimal, and if desired, an internal surface of the reduced section 54 can contact an outer surface of the cylindrical housing portion 24 of the demolition tool 10. In the depicted embodiment, the reduced section 54 is longer in axial length than the enlarged section 50. The distal end 40 of the main body 30 terminates near the locking sleeve 22 of the demolition tool 10 so that the locking sleeve of the demolition tool is accessible when the distal member 32 of the dust collection device 12 is removed from the main body 30, while the main body remains attached to the demolition tool. This allows the locking sleeve 22 to be maneuvered to remove the bit 16 from the demolition tool 10 while the main body 30 is still attached to the demolition tool. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the hollow main body 30 also includes an annular ridge 56 adjacent the distal end 40 that is contacted by the hollow distal member 32 when the hollow distal member is attached to the main body 30. As more clearly seen in FIG. 2, the main body 30 also includes a channel 58 near the proximal end 42 for receiving the band clamp 36 that attaches the main body 30 to the housing 14 of the demolition tool 10.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, an adapter 70 can be provided to allow the dust collection device 12 to be more easily accommodated on demolition tools having different configurations. With reference to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the adapter 70 can include a block-shaped body 72 having an opening 74 extending therethrough. The block-shaped body 72 is shaped to be snuggly received in the enlarged section 50 of the hollow main body 30 adjacent the proximal end. In view of this, if the enlarged section 50 of the hollow main body 30 were to take an alternative configuration, the body 72 of the adapter 70 would also take an alternative configuration. The opening 74 through the hollow main body 72 in the depicted embodiment is circular in cross section taken normal to an axial direction of the opening 74. Such a configuration would be desirable where the housing of the demolition tool to which the dust collection device is meant to be attached would have a similar cylindrical configuration. In view of this, the opening 74 can also take alternative configurations to match the configuration of the housing of the demolition tool to which the dust collection device 12 is to attach. Alternatively, the adapter 70 can connect with the main body 30 by another connection rather than being inserted into the main body. For example, the adapter could receive the main body or another conventional connector (not shown) could be used to attach the main body to the adapter.

With reference back to FIG. 1, the hollow second body 32, which can also be referred to as a boss or a hollow distal member, is selectively removable from and reattachable to the main body 30 at or adjacent the distal end 40 of the main body. In the depicted embodiment, the distal member 32 and the main body 30 together define an internal space 80. With continued reference to the depicted embodiment in FIG. 1, the distal member 32 has a shorter axial dimension than the main body 30. Because of this, the locking sleeve 22 of the demolition tool 10 is accessible when the distal member, or boss, 32 is removed from the main body 30 while the main body is still attached to the demolition tool. This allows the locking sleeve 22 to be maneuvered to remove the bit 16 from the demolition tool 10 when the distal member 32 is removed from the main body 30 while the main body is still attached to the demolition tool.

In the depicted embodiment, the distal member 32 is made from a more flexible material than the relatively rigid section 38 of the main body 30. The distal member 32, however, can still be rigid enough so that a clearance remains between the distal member and the working bit 16 when the working bit is held horizontal. The internal diameter of the distal member 32 is spaced further from the bit 16 (shown in FIG. 1) than the internal diameter of the main body 30 is spaced from the cylindrical housing portion 24. The distal member 32 is made from a more flexible material than the main body 30 so that when the demolition tool 10 is laid on the ground, the distal member 30 can bend or flex to contact the bit 16 without breaking. If the distal member 32 were made from a material as rigid as the main body 30, when the demolition tool 10 is laid on the ground with the dust collection device 12 attached thereto, the weight of the bit 16 and the tool 10 may result in the dust collection device coming loose from the demolition tool, which would be undesirable.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the distal member 32 has a circular configuration in a cross section taken normal to an axial dimension of the distal member 32. The configuration of the distal member 32 can also be altered so that the cross-sectional shape of the distal member is rectangular, elliptical or some or polygonal shape. The distal member includes a proximal end 82 adjacent where the distal member 32 connects with the main body 30 and a free (distal) end 84. A portion of the bit 16, which in the depicted embodiment is the distal end 18, extends past the distal end 84 of the distal member 32. A portion of the bit 16 is also disposed in the internal space 80 and is surrounded by the distal member 32. Since the distal end 18 of the bit 16 extends past the free end 84 of the distal member 32, the operator of the demolition tool 10 can see the distal end 18 of the bit 16, which is very advantageous for the operator. With the disclosed device, the operator of the demolition tool can see the area worked by the bit. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the proximal end 82 of the distal member 32 contacts the flange 56 of the main body 30 when the distal member 32 is attached to the main body. The distal member 32 can be attached to the main body 30 via a friction fit, as in FIG. 1. Alternative ways for attaching the distal member 32 to the main body 30 will be described in more detail below.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the suction tube 34 connects to at least one of the main body 30 and the distal member 32. More specific to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the suction tube 34 connects to and extends from the main body 30. The main body 30 includes a suction opening 88. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the suction tube 34 is integrally formed with the main body 30. In alternative embodiments, the suction tube can join or unite with the main body 30 using a conventional connector. As another example, the suction tube could be inserted into the suction opening 88 formed in the main body 30. The suction tube 34 extends from the main body 30 at a location spaced from the distal end 40 of the main body moving towards the proximal end 42. The suction tube 34 shown in FIG. 1 is made from a rigid material; however, the suction tube can also be made to be flexible.

The suction tube 34 in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 defines a passage 90 that is in fluid communication with the internal space 80 and is also in fluid communication with a suction source 92 via a hose 94 (depicted schematically in FIG. 1), which can be considered an extension of the suction tube. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the suction tube 34 is angled with respect to the main body 30 and the distal body 32 to form an obtuse angle measured from the distal end 40 of the main body to the suction tube 34. Of course, other angles of the suction tube in relation to the main body or the distal member are also contemplated.

In use, an operator operates the demolition tool 10 to demolish a structure, such as a concrete or block wall, whereby the distal end 18 of the bit 16 percussively hammers against the work surface. The suction source 92 draws airborne dust through an inlet 96 defined by the hollow distal member 32 and into the internal space 80. The airborne dust travels from the internal space 80 into the passage 90 defined by the suction tube 34 and through the hose 94 towards the suction source 92, where the dust is collected.

FIG. 3 depicts another embodiment of a dust collection device 112. Since most of the structure and function of the dust collection device 112 depicted in FIG. 3 is quite similar to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, only the differences between the embodiments will be discussed in detail. With reference to FIG. 3, the dust collection device 112 includes a hollow first body 130, which is similar to the hollow main body 30 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. The dust collection device 112 depicted in FIG. 3 also includes a hollow second body 132, which is similar to the hollow distal member 32 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. The dust collection device 112 in FIG. 3 also includes a suction tube 134 which is similar to the suction tube 34 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. If desired, the tube 134 can have a flexible section 136 so that its orientation can be adjusted. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 3 also differs from the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 because of a handle 138 that extends from and is connected with the main body 130. A similar handle configuration could be employed with the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The main body 130 in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3 includes a distal end 142. The main body 130 also includes a first annular ridge 144 spaced from a second annular ridge 146 to define a channel 148. The annular ridges 144 and 146 extend radially outward from an external surface of the main body 130 near the distal end 142 of the main body. The hollow distal member 132 also includes a proximal end 150.

Similar to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the hollow distal member 132 is selectively removable from and reattachable to the main body 130 at or adjacent the distal end 142 of the main body. The distal member 132 includes a radially inwardly extending flange 152, which is annular in the depicted embodiment. The flange 152 fits into the channel 148 to connect the hollow distal member 132 to the hollow main body 130. The proximal end 150 of the distal member 132 can be referred to as a relatively flexible section of the distal member and at least one of the first ridge 144 and the second ridge 146 can be referred to as a relatively rigid portion of the main body 130. The relatively flexible section of the hollow distal member engages the relatively rigid portion of the main body to attach the distal member 132 to the main body. More particular to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the distal member 132 is more flexible than the main body 130 (at least at the ends that engage one another) such that the flange 152 rides over the distal-most ridge 144 and seats in the channel 148 to connect the hollow distal member 132 to the main body 130.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the distal member 132 has an accordion configuration. An innermost (closest to the axial centerline of the distal member 132) internal diameter of the distal member is smaller than or about equal to the internal diameter of the main body 130. An outermost internal diameter of the distal member 132 is slightly larger than or about equal to the inner diameter of the main body 130.

Two manners of attaching and removing the distal member 32, 132 to the main body 30, 132 have been described. Other means for removing and reattaching the distal member (second body) to the main body (first body) without damaging the distal member or the main body are shown in FIGS. 4A-4D. Some of the means for removing and reattaching the distal member 32, 132 to the main body 30, 130 do not require the use of tools. This enables the operator of the demolition tool 10 to easily change the bit 16, which may be performed very frequently during a demolition operation, without requiring the operator to locate a tool to remove the distal member from the main body.

FIG. 4A depicts an example of a means for removing and reattaching the distal member 32 to the main body 30 without damaging the distal member or the main body. A connector 200, such as a band clamp, can be used to provide a means for removing and reattaching the distal member 32 to the main body 30.

FIG. 4B depicts an alternative means for removing and reattaching a distal member 232 to a main body 230. The distal member 232 is similar in construction and configuration to the distal member 32 shown in FIG. 1. The main body 230 shown in FIG. 4B is similar in construction and configuration to the main body 30 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4B shows an example of a connector such as a bayonet connection. In this example, the main body 230 includes L-shaped channels 236 that cooperate with protrusions 238 to connect the distal member 232 to the main body 230. Alternatively, the channels could be formed in the distal member 232 and the protrusions could be provided on the main body 230 to provide a means for removing and reattaching the distal member 232 to the main body 230 without damaging the distal member 232 or the main body 230.

FIG. 4C depicts yet another example of means for removing and reattaching a distal member 332 to a main body 330 without damaging the distal member or the main body. In this example, the main body includes external threads 336 that cooperate with internal threads 338 formed on an internal surface of the distal member 332. The distal member 332 is similar to the distal member 32 shown in FIG. 1 and the main body 330 is similar to the main body 30 shown in FIG. 1. If desired, external threads can be provided on the distal member 332 and internal threads can be provided on the main body 330.

FIG. 4D depicts yet another example of means for removing and reattaching a distal member 432 to a main body 430 without damaging the distal member or the main body. In this example, the distal member 432 includes a connector such as latches 434 that cooperate with an annular ridge 436 formed on the main body to connect the distal member to the main body. Alternatively, the main body could be provided with latches and the distal member could be provided with a ridge that cooperates with the latches. Other connectors that allow for removing and reattaching the distal member from the main body without damaging the distal member or the main body can also be provided.

FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment of a dust collection device 512. Since most of the structure and function of the dust collection device 512 depicted in FIG. 5 is quite similar to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, only the differences between the embodiments will be discussed in detail. With reference to FIG. 5, a dust collection device 512 includes a hollow first body 530, which is similar to the hollow main body 30 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. The dust collection device 512 depicted in FIG. 5 also includes a hollow second body 532, which is similar to the hollow distal member 32 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. More particular to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the second body can include a restriction 536 adjacent a distal portion 538, which can have a flexible accordion configuration. The dust collection device 512 in FIG. 5 also includes a suction tube 534, which is similar to the suction tube 34 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. More particular to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the suction tube 534 is joined to the second body 532.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the second body 532 connects to the first body to define an internal space 580. More specific to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the second body 532 connects with the first body 530 and the second body is rotatable with respect to the first body. One example of a rotatable-type connection is shown in FIG. 5; however other connections that would allow the second body to rotate with respect to the first body could be employed.

In FIG. 5, the first body 530 includes a channel 540 formed on an inner surface adjacent a distal end 542 of the first body 530. The first body 530 is configured to connect to a demolition tool, such as the demolition tool 10 shown in FIG. 1, adjacent a proximal end 544. The second body 532 includes an annular protuberance 546 (or plurality of protuberances) which fits into the channel 540 formed in the first body 530. The protuberance 546 fits in the channel 540 in such a manner to allow the second body 532 to rotate with respect to the first body. When the first body 530 is fixably attached to a demolition tool, i.e. the first body is unable to rotate with respect to the demolition tool, and the suction tube 534 is connected with a vacuum source, the second body 532 can rotate with respect to the first body 530 about an axis 548, which is generally a central axis for the dust suppression device 512 and the axis in which the working bit moves. Such a connection is desirable since the vacuum source will typically remain stationary during much of a demolition process while the operator of the demolition tool moves the demolition tool along a work surface. The rotatable portion of the dust collection device 512 being connected with the suction tube allows this portion to move so that the operator of the demolition tool is less likely to have to maneuver the demolition tool to avoid the long suction tube that is attached to the vacuum source. As mentioned above, other manners for providing a rotatable connection between the first body 530 and the second body 532 can also be utilized. Moreover, the first body 530 can be received in the second body 532 to make the connection between the two bodies while allowing the second body to rotate with respect to the first body about the axis.

FIG. 6 depicts another embodiment of a dust collection device 612. Since most of the structure and function of the dust collection device 612 depicted in FIG. 6 is quite similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, only the differences between the embodiments will be discussed in detail. With reference to FIG. 6, the dust collection device 612 includes a hollow first body 630, a hollow second body 632, a suction tube 634, and a hollow third body 636. The first body 630 includes a distal end 642 and a proximal end 644. The first body 630 also includes a channel 640, which is similar to the channel 540 shown in FIG. 5. The second body 632 includes a protuberance 646 disposed adjacent a proximal end 648. The protuberance 646 could be an annular ridge. Additionally, a plurality of protuberances could surround the circumference of the second body 632 adjacent the proximal end 648.

The suction tube 634 is depicted schematically in FIG. 6. The second body 632 can include a suction opening 652 and the suction tube 634 could be inserted into the suction opening 652. This configuration could also be used with the embodiments disclosed above.

The third body 636 can be selectively removable from and reattachable to the second body 632 at or adjacent the distal end 654 of the second body without damaging the second body or the third body. In the depicted embodiment, the third body 636 includes a counter bore 662 adjacent a proximal end 664 of the third body 636. When the dust collecting device 612 is attached to a demolition tool, the locking sleeve of the demolition tool can be situated near where the second body 632 connects with the third body 636. This is useful so that when the first body 630 and the second body 632 are connected with the demolition tool, and the operator wishes to change the bit connected with the demolition tool, the operator removes the third body 636 from the second body 632 and can maneuver the locking sleeve. The second body 632 and the third body 636 can rotate with respect to the first body 630 via the connection that is shown about an axis 648.

The disclosure is particularly adapted for a hand-held demolition tool which needs to be moved from place to place and oriented at various angles during use, and in which the tool bit needs to be replaced during use of the tool. However, the tip of the tool bit needs to be visible past the dust collection device so that the tool can be used as intended.

Several embodiments of a dust collection device and a dust collection guard have been described herein. Modifications and alterations will occur to those upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. Moreover, aspects of each embodiment could be employed or integrated into other embodiments. It is intended that the illustrated embodiments be construed as including all such modifications and alterations, in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A dust collection device for attaching to a demolition tool, the device comprising:

a hollow first body being configured to connect with the associated demolition tool;

a hollow second body connected with the first body, the two bodies cooperating to define an internal space, the second body being at least one of (i) selectively removable from and reattachable to the first body at or adjacent a distal end of the first body without damaging the first body or the second body and (ii) rotatable with respect to the first body; and

a suction tube connected to at least one of the first body and the second body, the suction tube defining a passage in fluid communication the internal space.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the second body is rotatable with respect to the first body and the suction tube is joined to the second body.

3. The device of claim 2, further comprising a third body, wherein the third body is selectively removable from and reattachable to the second body at or adjacent a distal end of the second body without damaging the second body or the third body.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the second body is selectively removable from and reattachable to the first body at or adjacent a distal end of the first body without damaging the first body or the second body, and the second body is more flexible than the first body.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the second body includes a flange and the first body includes a ridge, the flange engaging the ridge to selectively attach the first body to the second body.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the first body includes a section adjacent a proximal end for receiving the associated demolition tool.

7. The device of claim 6, further comprising an insert received in the section adjacent the proximal end of the first body, the insert including an opening for receiving the associated demolition tool.

8. In combination:

a demolition tool including a housing and a movable working bit connected with a locking sleeve, the working bit being selectively removable from the locking sleeve for replacement thereof; and

a dust collection guard mounted to the housing of the demolition tool for removing at least a portion of dust generated when the movable working bit works on a work surface, the guard comprising: a hollow first body connected to the housing of the demolition tool, a hollow second body connected at or adjacent a distal end of the first body to define an internal space, the second body being either (i) selectively removable from and reattachable to the first body without damaging the first body or the second body or (ii) rotatable with respect to the first body, and a suction tube connected to the first body or the second body and defining a passage in fluid communication with the internal space.

9. The combination of claim 8, wherein the second body is selectively removable from and reattachable to the first body at or adjacent a distal end of the first body without damaging the first body or the second body and the locking sleeve of the demolition tool is accessible when the second body is removed from the first body while the first body is still attached to the demolition tool, such that the locking sleeve can be maneuvered to remove the bit from the demolition tool.

10. The combination of claim 8, wherein the second body is (i) selectively removable from and reattachable to the first body without damaging the first body or the second body and (ii) rotatable with respect to the first body, and wherein the locking sleeve of the demolition tool is accessible when the second body is removed from the first body while the first body is still attached to the demolition tool, such that the locking sleeve can be maneuvered to remove the bit from the demolition tool.

11. The combination of claim 8, wherein the second body is rotatable with respect to the first body, and the combination further comprising a third body connected with a distal end of the second body.

12. The combination of claim 8, further comprising means for removing and attaching the second body to the first body.

13. The combination of claim 12, wherein the means for removing and attaching comprises at least one of a clamp, a bayonet connection, a screw connection, a latch, and a friction fit.

14. The combination of claim 8, wherein the means for removing and attaching comprises a connection that is made without the use of hand tools.

15. A dust collection guard comprising:

a hollow first body configured to attach to an associated demolition tool;

a hollow second body rotatably connected to the first body at or adjacent a distal end of the first body, the first body and the second body together defining an enclosed space, wherein the second body is rotatable with respect to the first body about an axis; and

a suction tube connected with the second body, the suction tube defining a passage in fluid communication with the enclosed space.

16. The guard of claim 15, wherein the second body is selectively removable from and reattachable to the first body without damaging the first body or the second body.

17. The guard of claim 15, wherein the second body defines an inlet opening at a distal end and a suction opening leading from the enclosed space to the passage, and the suction tube connects with an associated vacuum source, the suction tube having a mass which results in the second body rotating with respect to the first body as the associated demolition tool is moved.

18. The guard of claim 15, further comprising a third hollow body connected to a proximal end of the second body.

19. The guard of claim 18, wherein the third hollow body is more flexible than the second hollow body.

20. The guard of claim 15, further comprising an adapter connected at a proximal end of the first body, the adapter including a body having an opening for accommodating a housing of the associated demolition tool.