BLOWER ATTACHMENT FOR DRILL

Abstract

Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodology for providing a blower attachment for a handheld drill. The blower attachment is configured to be secured over the chuck end of a drill and provides a drive shaft driven blower that may be conveniently employed to provide additional combustion air to an incipient fire. The drive shaft is secured in the drill chuck in a manner identical to that employed to secure ordinary drill bits. The blower housing may be constructed at least in part of elastomeric material to assist in attachment of the housing to the drill and to provide flexibility for air direction. An air exit port for the blower housing may be formed of heat resistant material.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of previously filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled “BLOWER ATTACHMENT FOR DRILL,” assigned U.S. Ser. No. 61/119,445, filed Dec. 3, 2008, and which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates to power tool accessories. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to a blower attachment for a power tool, especially adapted for assisting with an increase in controlled fire combustion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Homeowners, outdoorsmen, and others at times have a need to light or otherwise tend to start-up of a fire. Such may be for heating (for example, as may be provided from a home fireplace) or for cooking (for example, as may be provided from an outdoor grill or pit). While in many instances certain individuals provide for such activities by way of propane or natural gas, there are many others who prefer (or must use due to availability) wood or charcoal as a fuel source. Such choice of fuel does give rise to certain potential difficulties in starting a fire. Some may resort to fire accelerants such as charcoal lighter fluid, or in the case of fireplaces, employing wood as a fuel source, for example, utilizing such items as small twigs or rolled paper.

In many instances of such fire starting circumstances and efforts, there often arises the need to “fan” the fire to provide additional oxygen to obtain proper ignition of the wood, charcoal, or other combustible fuel supply.

In order to address such need to improve the oxygen supply to the fire (whether existing or being built up), individuals have resorted to the use of bellows or other air moving devices and methodologies. Such have included the use of make-shift fans made from newspapers or other materials, or to just blowing on the flames as a means to move air generally. As anyone experienced with one or more of such known practices, such efforts may be rather tiring. Such may be particularly true if the one expending the effort has already been undertaking significant activities, such as hiking or other outdoor activities. It would be most advantageous if there were apparatus available that would be highly portable and easy to use under such circumstances.

While various implementations of fire starting systems and methods have been developed, no design has emerged that generally encompasses all of the desired characteristics as hereafter presented in accordance with the subject technology.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the recognized features encountered in the prior art and addressed by the present subject matter, an improved apparatus for increasing fire combustion has been developed.

In an exemplary configuration, a commonly available household tool as presently modified is employed as a power source for a combustion enhancing fan.

In one of its simpler forms, a handheld drill is presently employed as a power source for a blower.

Another positive aspect of such type of device is that a cordless or battery operated drill may be employed to provide improved portability.

In accordance with aspects of certain embodiments of the present subject matter, blower apparatus is provided that may be easily attached to a handheld drill using the drill chuck as both a coupling and drive mechanism.

In accordance with certain aspects of other embodiments of the present subject matter, methodologies have been developed to easily direct airflow from the blower device to specific locations to assist combustion at any stage of the subject fire or flame management.

In accordance with yet additional aspects of further embodiments of the present subject matter, apparatus has been developed to protect the blower from heat damage while permitting ease of air direction toward the incipient fire.

It should be further understood that the present subject matter may be advantageously practiced at various stages throughout the life of a fire, including initial start-up, incipient fire acceleration, or acceleration at any other time during later stages of the fire.

It should be understood that the present subject matter applies equally to the presently disclosed apparatus as well as to corresponding associated methodologies.

One exemplary present embodiment relates to a blower attachment for use with a drill, comprising a rotary driven blower; a drive shaft, and an air guide housing. Such drive shaft is preferably coupled with such blower for driving same, and adapted to be chucked into the output of a drill. Such air guide housing is preferably received around such rotary driven blower, and configured to be secured over the chuck end of the drill. Further, such air guide housing preferably has a first open end proximate to such drill, and a second open end distal to such drill, such first and second open ends providing for the passage of air relative to the interior of such housing.

In some alternative configurations of the foregoing exemplary embodiment, such blower attachment housing at least in part may comprise elastomeric material, to facilitate attachment thereof with a drill and to provide flexibility for air direction. Also, such distal end of such blower attachment housing may comprise heat resistant material. In other present variations, such blower attachment housing at least in part may comprise relatively rigid material.

In other present variations, such blower attachment housing may be elongated, and such blower attachment may be combined with a battery-operated handheld electric drill.

In another present exemplary embodiment, a blower attachment for a power tool may be provided, especially adapted for assisting with an increase in controlled fire combustion, to provide additional oxygen to promote ignition of a combustible fuel. Such an embodiment preferably may include a rotary driven blower adapted to be supported on and drivingly coupled to a chuck of a battery operated electric drill; and an elongated housing received over such blower and frictionally received on an associated electric drill. Further such elongated housing preferably has opposing first and second ends. Also, one of such ends preferably has an intake opening proximal to such associated electric drill, and the other of such ends has an exit opening distal thereto. With such arrangement, advantageously operation of such blower by such associated drill results in a directed flow of air through such housing and out such exit opening thereof, to be directed as needed by an operator in association with controlled fire combustion.

In variations of the foregoing embodiment, of a blower attachment for a power tool, at least a portion of such housing may comprise elastomeric material. In other variations, at least a portion of such housing may comprise relatively rigid material. In other present alternatives, the end of such housing having such exit opening thereof may comprise heat resistant material. In some instances, such heat resistant material may comprise one of metal and ceramic material.

In other present variations, such elongated housing end having an intake opening proximal to such associated electric drill may be configured to at least partially cover the chuck end of an associated drill. Further, the diameter of such exit opening may be relatively smaller than that of such intake opening.

In present exemplary methodology subject matter, methodology for assisting with an increase in controlled fire combustion by providing additional oxygen to promote ignition of a combustible fuel is achieved through use of a blower attachment for a power tool, comprising providing a rotary driven blower having a drive shaft; chucking such drive shaft into the chuck of a battery operated electric drill, so that such drive shaft is supported thereon and drivingly coupled thereto; providing an elongated housing having opposing first and second open ends, one of such ends comprising an intake opening, and the other of such ends comprising an exit opening, so that such open ends provide for the passage of air relative to the interior of such housing; receiving such elongated housing over such blower and receiving such housing intake opening on an associated electric drill; and selectively operating such blower by selectively operating the associated electric drill. Advantageously, operation of such blower by such associated drill results in a directed flow of air through such housing and out such exit opening thereof, to be directed as needed by an operator in association with controlled fire combustion.

In some alternatives of the foregoing methodology, at least a portion of such housing may comprise elastomeric material. In other alternatives, at least a portion of such housing may comprise relatively rigid material. In other present variations, the end of such housing having such exit opening thereof may comprise heat resistant material. Such heat resistant material in some instances may comprise one of metal and ceramic material.

In other present variations, receiving such housing intake opening on an associated electric drill may include at least partially covering the chuck end of an associated drill with such housing. Further, the diameter of such exit opening may be relatively smaller than that of such intake opening, to facilitate directing of air flow to a desired location. Still further, the associated electric drill may comprise a variable speed drill.

Additional objects and advantages of the present subject matter are set forth in, or will be apparent to, those of ordinary skill in the art from the detailed description herein. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referred and discussed features, elements, and steps hereof may be practiced in various embodiments and uses of the present subject matter without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter. Variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent means, features, or steps for those illustrated, referenced, or discussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal of various parts, features, steps, or the like.

Still further, it is to be understood that different embodiments, as well as different presently preferred embodiments, of the present subject matter may include various combinations or configurations of presently disclosed features, steps, or elements, or their equivalents (including combinations of features, parts, or steps or configurations thereof not expressly shown in the figures or stated in the detailed description of such figures). Additional embodiments of the present subject matter, not necessarily expressed in the summarized section, may include and incorporate various combinations of aspects of features, components, or steps referenced in the summarized objects above, and/or other features, components, or steps as otherwise discussed in such application. Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a cordless handheld drill illustrated in combination with a blower device in accordance with present disclosure (shown partially in phantom) attached thereto; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of a handheld drill having mounted thereon a blower in accordance with present subject matter.

Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specification and appended drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features, elements, or steps of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As discussed in the Summary of the Invention section, the present subject matter is particularly concerned with an improved apparatus for increasing fire combustion, and concerned with corresponding methodologies related to the use thereof.

Selected combinations of aspects of the disclosed technology correspond to a plurality of different embodiments of the present subject matter. It should be noted that each of the exemplary embodiments presented and discussed herein should not insinuate limitations of the present subject matter. Features or steps illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in combination with aspects of another embodiment to yield yet further embodiments. Additionally, certain features, as well as materials, may be interchanged with similar devices or features not expressly mentioned which perform the same or similar function.

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the subject drill blower attachment. Referring now to the drawings,

FIG. 1 illustrates and represents a typical cordless handheld electric drill generally 100 operable with rechargeable battery 110, all as generally well known in the art. Such subject matter is further illustrated (shown partially in phantom) in combination with a blower device 200, in accordance with present subject matter. Per such present disclosure, the blower device 200 is attached to the exemplary drill 100.

It should be appreciated that while the present disclosure is directed primarily to the use of a cordless or battery operated drill in association with the blower attachment of the present subject matter, such is not a limitation of the present disclosure as it should be readily apparent that a corded handheld drill may also be used as the drive source for the blower. For example, in such instance, power may be provided from either an electric socket (either directly or via an extension cord), or from a portable power source such as a generator, or as associated with electric output of an automobile routed through a power inverter for creating AC power. Of course, in other instances, a DC powered drill and direct DC power source may be utilized (either cordless or corded). All such variations are intended to come within the spirit and scope of the present subject matter.

With further reference to FIG. 1, it will be noticed that blower device 200 includes a rotary driven blower 202 preferably positioned within a generally elongated housing 204. Blower 202 is provided with a drive shaft 206 that is configured to be secured in, and driven by, drill chuck 102 in a manner identical to that normally used to operate a drill bit for its normal function.

Blower housing generally 204 provides an extended portion 210 that preferably at least partially covers the chuck end portion of drill 100. Blower housing 204 includes another extended portion 212 that may be smaller in diameter than extended portion 210, and that may be used to direct air flow to a desired location.

In an exemplary configuration, blower housing 204 may be constructed in whole or in part of elastomeric materials to impart a measure of elasticity to the housing. For example, extended portion 210 of blower housing 204 may be configured to provide a force fit retention (i.e., frictional engagement) over the chuck end portion 104 of drill 100 so as to prevent rotation of the housing 204 upon operation of drill 100.

An access hole (not illustrated) may be provided in the side of blower housing 204 to permit access by a chuck key to tighten chuck 102 around drive shaft 206. In an alternative configuration, at least extended portion 210 of blower housing 200 may be constructed of elastomeric material that is flexible enough to permit sufficient frictional force to be placed on the drill chuck to retain it in place while hand or otherwise tightening a keyless type chuck. Both of such chuck arrangements are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art without requiring additional disclosure herewith.

Similarly, extended portion 212 may be constructed of more flexible material so as to enable ease of air flow direction. Of course, in both instances, the entirety of the blower housing 204 may be formed of a more rigid material such that air flow direction is controlled by selectively repositioning the entire assembly of drill 100 and blower device 200.

As may be seen in FIG. 1, in operation, upon energization of drill 100, air flows through the interior of elongated blower housing 204 (as represented generally by arrows 230, 232, 234) by operation of blower 202, and exits opening 214 thereof, where it may be directed as desired to enhance combustion in, for example, a fireplace or charcoal grill. In instances where drill 100 is a variable speed drill, such may be used to good advantage to control the air speed from blower 200. Likewise, those of ordinary skill in the art will understood the variable speed and/or on/off operation of conventional electric drills without requiring additional disclosure herewith, and the details of which form no particular part of the present subject matter.

It should, of course, be apparent that blower 200 in accordance with the present subject matter may also be used in any instance where a relatively low, but potentially variable, air flow might be required. For example, the blower in accordance with present technology may be used to dry a paint sample or to dust a work bench or computer keyboard.

With reference now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a portion of a representative handheld drill generally 100 having mounted thereon a blower in accordance with present subject matter. As seen in FIG. 2, such a presently disclosed blower generally 300 may be secured to partially illustrated drill 100 in a manner similar to that as explained previously. Blower 300 may be generally similar to blower 200 as previously discussed but may include an extended portion 312 that functions similarly to extended portion 212 of FIG. 1 but which may be made of a heat resistant material such as a metal or ceramic material.

As referenced above, the present subject matter may be usefully applied at various stages of a fire. For example, the initial start-up phases and incipient phases of a fire may be readily apparent uses. However, it is not unusual for a fire to subside over time, at which point further use of the present subject matter may be particularly helpful. Accordingly, there is no intended particular limit on use of the present subject matter to only the start-up phase of a fire.

While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A blower attachment for use with a drill, comprising:

a rotary driven blower;

a drive shaft coupled with said blower for driving same, and adapted to be chucked into the output of a drill; and

an air guide housing, received around said rotary driven blower, and configured to be secured over the chuck end of the drill, said air guide housing having a first open end proximate to such drill, and a second open end distal to such drill, said first and second open ends providing for the passage of air relative to the interior of said housing.

2. A blower attachment as in claim 1, wherein said blower attachment housing at least in part comprises elastomeric material, to facilitate attachment thereof with a drill and to provide flexibility for air direction.

3. A blower attachment as in claim 2, wherein said distal end of said blower attachment housing comprises heat resistant material.

4. A blower attachment as in claim 1, wherein:

said blower attachment housing is elongated; and

said blower attachment is combined with a battery-operated handheld electric drill.

5. A blower attachment as in claim 1, wherein said blower attachment housing at least in part comprises relatively rigid material.

6. A blower attachment for a power tool, especially adapted for assisting with an increase in controlled fire combustion, to provide additional oxygen to promote ignition of a combustible fuel, comprising:

a rotary driven blower adapted to be supported on and drivingly coupled to a chuck of a battery operated electric drill; and

an elongated housing received over said blower and frictionally received on an associated electric drill;

wherein said elongated housing has opposing first and second ends, one of said ends having an intake opening proximal to such associated electric drill, and the other of said ends having an exit opening distal thereto, whereby operation of said blower by such associated drill results in a directed flow of air through said housing and out said exit opening thereof, to be directed as needed by an operator in association with controlled fire combustion.

7. A blower attachment for a power tool as in claim 6, wherein at least a portion of said housing comprises elastomeric material.

8. A blower attachment for a power tool as in claim 6, wherein at least a portion of said housing comprises relatively rigid material.

9. A blower attachment for a power tool as in claim 6, wherein the end of said housing having said exit opening thereof comprises heat resistant material.

10. A blower attachment for a power tool as in claim 9, wherein said heat resistant material comprises one of metal and ceramic material.

11. A blower attachment for a power tool as in claim 6, wherein said elongated housing end having an intake opening proximal to such associated electric drill is configured to at least partially cover the chuck end of an associated drill.

12. A blower attachment for a power tool as in claim 6, wherein the diameter of said exit opening is relatively smaller than that of said intake opening.

13. Methodology for assisting with an increase in controlled fire combustion by providing additional oxygen to promote ignition of a combustible fuel, through use of a blower attachment for a power tool, comprising:

providing a rotary driven blower having a drive shaft;

chucking said drive shaft into the chuck of a battery operated electric drill, so that said drive shaft is supported thereon and drivingly coupled thereto;

providing an elongated housing having opposing first and second open ends, one of said ends comprising an intake opening, and the other of said ends comprising an exit opening, so that such open ends provide for the passage of air relative to the interior of said housing;

receiving said elongated housing over said blower and receiving said housing intake opening on an associated electric drill; and

selectively operating said blower by selectively operating the associated electric drill, whereby operation of said blower by such associated drill results in a directed flow of air through said housing and out said exit opening thereof, to be directed as needed by an operator in association with controlled fire combustion.

14. Methodology as in claim 13, wherein at least a portion of said housing comprises elastomeric material.

15. Methodology as in claim 13, wherein at least a portion of said housing comprises relatively rigid material.

16. Methodology as in claim 13, wherein the end of said housing having said exit opening thereof comprises heat resistant material.

17. Methodology as in claim 16, wherein said heat resistant material comprises one of metal and ceramic material.

18. Methodology as in claim 13, wherein receiving said housing intake opening on an associated electric drill includes at least partially covering the chuck end of an associated drill with said housing.

19. Methodology as in claim 13, wherein the diameter of said exit opening is relatively smaller than that of said intake opening, to facilitate directing of air flow to a desired location.

20. Methodology as in claim 13, wherein the associated electric drill comprises a variable speed drill.