FRONT-MOUNTED-CENTRAL BLOWER DISCHARGE UNIT WITH MULTIDIRECTIONAL NOZZLE

Abstract

A blower is provided for removing debris from the ground where an air stream generator connect to a frame discharges a high velocity air stream downward and away from the blower, toward the working surface, through a nozzle rotatable three hundred sixty degrees continuously. The air stream has a generator axis substantially perpendicular to a frame center line, and is operably connected to a power source mounted to the frame. An actuator mechanically rotates the nozzle. The blower is connectable to a vehicle at the rear of the frame and has wheels at the front of the frame for movement across the ground.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority in U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/470,221, filed Mar. 31, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosed subject matter relates generally to debris blowers, and in particular to high velocity debris blowers mounted to vehicles for clearing debris from the ground.

Blower devices that create a high velocity air stream are used to clear debris from a working surface, such as the ground. An air stream is used to move the debris from the working surface, or in a particular direction toward an area for collection or removal. In applications requiring moving large debris items such as leaves, sticks, dirt plugs, or gravel, or removal of debris over a large area, a blower that is self-propelled or attached to a vehicle is used. Such blowers may use nozzles that are adjustable by an operator to direct the air stream.

The angle at which the air stream comes in contact with the ground and debris affects how efficiently the air stream moves the debris in a particular direction. Many high-powered blowers that are self-propelled or attached to a vehicle only allow the redirection of the air stream in a vertical plane. As such, the angle the air stream strikes the ground can be very steep thereby causing the air stream to scatter as it strikes the ground. Scattering of the air stream dissipates the energy created by the moving air and can scatter the debris to be cleared. However, many high-powered blowers are not capable of generating a high velocity air stream through an adjustable nozzle, discharging the air stream along the surface of the ground at a shallow angle, or allowing an operator to control, with precision, the direction the debris are moved.

SUMMARY

The presently disclosed subject matter provides a blower having a power source, connected to an air stream generator for generating an air stream, mounted to a frame. The frame has a front and rear defining a frame centerline. The air stream generator includes a generator axis substantially perpendicular to the frame centerline, and a nozzle operable to direct the air stream from a substantially downward direction to a substantially horizontal direction below the frame. The blower includes wheels mounted to the front of the frame, and is connectable at the back of the frame to a vehicle. The nozzle is rotatably mounted to the air stream generator providing continuous rotation of three hundred sixty degrees. An actuator may be provided and connected to the nozzle for mechanically rotating the nozzle while the blower is operating.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the blower discharge unit attached to a vehicle, which is partially shown.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the blower assembly and nozzle assembly embodying principles of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the blower assembly and nozzle assembly.

FIG. 4 is a left elevation view of the blower assembly and nozzle assembly.

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the blower assembly and nozzle assembly.

FIG. 6 is a right elevation view of the blower assembly and nozzle assembly.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view from below of the nozzle assembly.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary cross section view of the nozzle assembly taken generally along line 8-8 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 8A is an enlarged, fragmentary cross section view of the nozzle assembly taken generally within circle 8A in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the brackets connecting the blower discharge unit and vehicle.

FIG. 9A is an enlarged view of the brackets taken generally within circle 9A in FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 is an alternative embodiment mechanical contact interface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed aspects of the disclosed subject matter are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the disclosed subject matter, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the disclosed technology in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right, and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar meaning.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a blower discharge unit 101 embodying principles of the disclosed subject matter mounted to the front of a drive vehicle 190, partially shown. The vehicle 190 may include a zero-turn radius mower or tractor. The blower discharge unit 101 is shown connected to a mower deck, and the mower deck is usually connected to a vehicle 190, as shown in FIG. 9. In use, a power blower assembly 102 creates a high velocity air stream that exits from below the discharge unit 101 through a nozzle assembly 130 close to the working surface, such as the ground. The nozzle assembly 130 has a nozzle 132 that is capable of rotating three hundred sixty degrees (360°), in order to change the direction of the air stream. The air stream is created by an impeller (not shown) within air stream generator 118, operably connected to a power source 120. A throttle control 108 operably connected to the power source 120 is attached to an arm 109 extending from behind the blower discharge unit 101. The throttle control 108 is shown in a first position (FIGS. 1 and 9) extending behind the rear of the air stream generator 118 enabling an operator to control the speed of the power source 120, and thus the velocity of the air exiting the nozzle 132. Rotation of the nozzle 132 is controlled by an actuator 170 (FIGS. 4-6) operably connected to the nozzle 132 enabling continuous three hundred sixty degree (360°) rotation of the nozzle 132 when the blower discharge unit 101 is in use. The actuator 170 is operated by a switch (not shown) used by an operator. When in use, the blower discharge unit 101 is supported at the front by wheels 110 which may include caster wheels, and is supported at the rear of the frame 104 by the vehicle 190. The blower discharge unit 101 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 9 mounted to a vehicle 190 by a mount 192. A stand 112 is pivotally mounted to the rear of the frame 104 at a bracket 113 for supporting the rear of the blower discharge unit 101 when it is not attached to a vehicle 190. The stand 112 is shown in FIG. 1 in a first position rotated beneath the blower discharge unit 101. The stand 112 may be rotated into a second position beneath the blower discharge unit 101 when in use.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the blower discharge unit 101 is shown with the stand 112 rotated into the first position and engaging the ground for supporting the rear of the blower discharge unit 101. The stand 112 may be rotated from the second position into the first position when an operator is disconnecting the discharge unit 101 from a vehicle 190, or when storing the device when it is not in use. In FIGS. 2-6, the throttle control 108 is shown pivoted forward into a second position for storage. The arm 109 is pivotally connected to the rear of the frame assembly 103 by a bracket 122. A pin 123 is inserted into apertures in the bracket 122 to limit the forward and rearward travel of the arm 109.

The power blower assembly 102 generally comprises a frame assembly 103 mounting an air stream generator 118. The frame assembly 103 includes a frame 104 having a front end 105 disposed between opposite front corners 106, and an opposite back end 107. The frame 104 has a centerline 128 extending between the front end 105 and back end 107 that bisects the front end 105 and back end 107. The frame assembly 103 further includes a deck 114 mounted to the frame 104 that supports the power source 120 of the air stream generator 118. The power source 120 may include a gasoline powered engine, an electric motor, or a hydraulic motor. The power source 120 is operably connected to the impeller of the air stream generator 118. The air stream generator 118 is orientated whereby the impeller's rotational axis is perpendicular to the centerline 128, allowing the impeller to draw in air from the side of the blower discharge unit 101, and to enable the air stream to exit the blower discharge unit 101 through a downwardly-orientated discharge port 126. The discharge port 126 is located between the sides of the frame 104 adjacent the centerline 128 (FIGS. 1-2), thereby focusing the high velocity air stream close to the ground from beneath the frame 104. Moreover, configuring the blower assembly 102 to draw air from the side of the blower discharge unit 101, and positioning the discharge port 126 adjacent the center line 128 provides better balance of the blower discharge unit 101 during use and allows the operator to have a better view of the nozzle 132 and the ground during use.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, the nozzle assembly 130 comprises a nozzle 132 connected to a nozzle mount 152. The nozzle 132 may be manufactured from a resilient material including plastic, metal, or rubber. In general, the nozzle 132 is a curved tube that redirects the high velocity air stream from a vertical path as it exits the air stream generator 118 to a generally lateral path downward and away from the blower discharge unit 101. Altering the path of the air stream in only one direction, from a vertical path to a substantially horizontal path, minimizes the dissipation of the energy generated by the air stream thereby maximizing the energy created by the air stream to move debris. The body 134 of the nozzle 132 has a proximal inlet end 140 that is connected to the nozzle mount 152, and a distal outlet end 150 open to the atmosphere. The body 134 has a substantially vertical upper portion 141 extending between the proximal inlet end 140 and an elbow 135, and has a substantially horizontal lower portion 143 extending between the elbow 135 and the distal outlet end 150, wherein the distal outlet end 150 is open to the atmosphere. The air stream exits the nozzle 132 and strikes the working surface at a shallow angle thereby maximizing the energy of the air stream to loosen debris from the working surface and propel the debris a great distance away from the blower discharge unit 101. One or more ribs 136 extend the length of the body 134 between the proximal end 140 and the distal end 150, and provide support for the body 134 wall to resist deformation of the nozzle 132 caused by the high velocity air stream moving therethrough. In one embodiment, the nozzle 132 is capable of being deformed, for example, when coming into contact with an immovable object on the ground, and returning to its original shape thereby minimizing impact damage to the nozzle 132 and the nozzle mount 152.

A directional indicator 138 extends from the back of the nozzle 132 allowing the operator to determine the direction of the airflow from the nozzle 132 when operating the blower discharge unit 101 from the vehicle 190. The directional indicator 138 extends from a first end connected to the nozzle 132, and a second end disposed outside the nozzle 132. A sleeve 146 mounted to the second end may be brightly colored. The first end is mounted to the nozzle 132 by a mount 133. The mount 133 is an enlarged or reinforced portion of the nozzle 132 body 134. A fastener, including a nut 147 and washer 148 combination, secures the directional indicator 138 to the nozzle 132.

Referring to FIGS. 7-8A, the proximal inlet end 140 of the nozzle 132 has an integrally formed flange 142 for connecting the nozzle 132 to the nozzle mount 152. Distal from the flange 142 is a mechanical contact interface 144. The mechanical contact interface 144 allows for connection of an actuator 170 for rotating the nozzle 132 about the discharge port 126. In an embodiment, the belt 178 circumscribes the upper portion 141 and is operably connected to the actuator 170. In another embodiment, the mechanical contact interface 144 has an integrally-molded raised surface area, such as gear-shaped teeth, for engaging a toothed-gear or worm gear that is operably connected to the actuator 170.

The nozzle 132 attaches to the discharge port 126 of the housing 124 by a nozzle mount 152, using fasteners that may include a nut and bolt combination. The nozzle mount 152 permits secure attachment of the nozzle 132 to the air stream generator 118, three hundred sixty degree (360°) continuous rotation of the nozzle 132 about the discharge port 126, and passage of the high velocity air stream therethrough. Referring to FIG. 8A, the nozzle mount 152 comprises a first ring 154 with a circular race 156 that rotatably interfaces with a second ring 158 having a circular race 160. The races 156 and 160 align and contain a plurality of balls 157 permitting circular rotation of the first ring 154 about the second ring 158. Although only one race is shown, in alternative embodiments additional races are formed in the rings 154 and 158. Each of the first ring 154 and second ring 158 have an inward and an outward portion. The nozzle 132 flange 142 is secured to the top of the inward portion of the first ring 154 by a reinforcing ring 166 and suitable fasteners including rivets, bolts, or adhesive. A tubular sleeve 168, connected to the inward end of the reinforcing ring 166, extends into the interior of the nozzle 132 from the inlet end 140 toward the elbow 135 for providing support and reinforcement to the upper portion 141 of the nozzle 132. The reinforcing ring 166 and sleeve 168 can be formed from the same, structurally continuous piece of material or separately fabricated and connected. The outward portion of the second ring 158 is secured to a ring bracket 162 by suitable fasteners including a nut and bolt combination 163. The bracket 162 has a thicker outward portion and a thinner inward portion defining a notch 164. The top face of the bracket 162 is connected to the bottom of the air stream generator 118. The notch 164 in the inward bottom surface of the bracket 162 permits passage of the outward portion of the first ring 154 and any protruding fasteners, and allows the first ring 154 to bias and rotate against the inward portion of the bracket 162 in situations where the force of the high velocity air stream pushes down on the nozzle 132, and in turn down on the inward portion of the first ring 154.

In an alternative embodiment, the nozzle 132 does not include a flange 142, and the inward portion of the first ring 154 is connected to the tubular sleeve 168 whereby the upper portion 141 of the nozzle 132 is attached to the sleeve 168 using fasteners that may include a nut and bolt combination.

The actuator 170 is connected to the housing 124 by a support 172. The actuator 170 is adjacent to the nozzle 132 and orientated whereby engagement of the actuator 170 causes rotation of the nozzle 132 about the discharge port 126. The actuator 170 may include an electric motor, a hand-operated crank, or a hydraulic motor. The actuator 170 is operably connected to a switch and a suitable power supply including the electrical power system or hydraulic power system of the blower discharge unit 101 or the vehicle 190. The switch may be configured to be foot operated having a mechanism that is moved in a first direction to rotate the nozzle 132 in a first direction, and is moved in a second direction to rotate the nozzle 132 in a second direction. Such a switch may include, but is not limited to a pedal mechanism. The switch may be releasably secured to the vehicle 190 by a fastener including a magnet, providing for repositioning of the switch on the vehicle 190, or for attaching the switch to the blower assembly 102 during storage. In an embodiment, the actuator 170 is an electric motor with a drive pulley 176 mounted on a shaft. The pulley 176 is located adjacent the mechanical contact interface 144 of the nozzle 132. A belt 178 is attached to the mechanical contact interface 144 and the pulley 176 (FIG. 7). Engagement of the actuator 170 causes the pulley 176 to rotate, in turn rotating the nozzle 132 three hundred sixty degrees (360°) about the discharge port 126. Alternatively, the actuator 170 may use a toothed-gear instead of a pulley 176, and the toothed-gear engages the mechanical contact interface 144, or gear-shaped teeth located at the mechanical contact interface 144.

An attachment assembly 115 (FIGS. 9-9A) on the back end 107 of the frame 104 has brackets 116 that are used to connect the blower discharge unit 101 to the vehicle 190. A mount 192 on the front of the vehicle 190 has brackets 194 for receiving the brackets 116 on the blower discharge unit 101. A removable pin 196 passing through apertures in the brackets 116 and 194 allows the blower discharge unit 101 to be connected and disconnected from the vehicle 190.

Referring to FIG. 10, in an alternative embodiment, the mechanical contact interface 144 is a channel, bound by a first ring including a quoit-shaped annulet 180, and a second ring including quoit-shaped annulet 182, for receiving the belt 178.

In use, the blower discharge unit 101 is connected to a vehicle 190, and the power source 120 is energized. The high velocity air stream generated by the air stream generator 118 exits the nozzle 132. The nozzle 132 rotates either clockwise, or counter-clockwise by engagement of the actuator 170 to change the direction of the high velocity air stream. The central location of the nozzle 132 within the frame 104 allows the nozzle 132 to be the same distance from debris on either side of the blower discharge unit 101.

It will be appreciated that the components of the blower discharge unit 101 and 201 can be used for various other applications. Moreover, the blower discharge unit 101 and 201 can be fabricated in various sizes and from a wide range of suitable materials, using various manufacturing and fabrication techniques.

Although the invention has been disclosed with reference to various particular embodiments, it is understood that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims.

Claims

1. A blower assembly for use with a vehicle on a surface, the blower assembly comprising:

a frame having a front end and a back end;

a wheel mounted at the front end;

a bracket mounted at the back end for mounting the blower assembly to the front of the vehicle;

an air stream generator having a housing with a downwardly orientated discharge port, the housing enclosing a fan;

a power source operably connected to the fan for providing a high velocity air stream; and

a nozzle connected to the discharge port below the frame, the nozzle rotatable three hundred sixty degrees.

2. The blower assembly of claim 1, wherein:

the nozzle further comprises: a body extending between an inlet end and an outlet end; the inlet end including an upper portion having a mechanical contact interface, the upper portion connected to the discharge port; and the outlet end orientated generally perpendicular to the body inlet end whereby the air stream exiting the outlet end strikes the surface at a shallow angle.

3. The blower assembly of claim 2, further comprising an actuator operably connected to the mechanical contact interface for rotating the nozzle.

4. The blower assembly of claim 3, further including a belt operably connecting the mechanical contact interface and the actuator.

5. The blower assembly of claim 4, wherein the mechanical contact interface includes a channel bound by a first ring and a second ring.

6. The blower assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a nozzle mount connecting the nozzle to the discharge port permitting side-to-side rotation of the nozzle, the nozzle mount comprising: a bracket connected to the blower unit; a first ring rotatably connected to a second ring; the first ring connected to the nozzle; and the second ring connected to the bracket.

7. The blower assembly of claim 6, wherein the nozzle further comprises a flange connected to the first ring.

8. The blower assembly of claim 7, wherein the nozzle mount includes a reinforcing ring securing the flange to the first ring.

9. The blower assembly of claim 8, wherein the reinforcing ring includes a sleeve extending from an inward portion of the first ring into the nozzle.

10. The blower assembly of claim 6, wherein the bracket includes a notch at an inward portion for passing an outward portion of the first ring.

11. The blower assembly of claim 6, wherein:

the first ring further comprises a sleeve extending from an inward portion of the first ring into the nozzle; and

the nozzle is connected to the sleeve.

12. The blower assembly of claim 1, further comprising an actuator operably connected to the nozzle for rotating the nozzle.

13. The blower assembly of claim 1, wherein the nozzle is manufactured from a resilient material that is deformable upon impact and returns to its original shape.

14. A blower assembly for use with a vehicle on a surface, the blower assembly comprising:

a frame having a front end and a back end;

a wheel mounted at the front end;

a bracket mounted at the back end for mounting the blower assembly to the front of the vehicle;

an air stream generator having a housing with a downwardly orientated discharge port, the housing enclosing a fan;

a power source operably connected to the fan for providing a high velocity air stream;

a nozzle mount comprising: a bracket connected to the discharge port; a first ring rotatably connected to a second ring; and the second ring connected to the bracket;

a nozzle comprising: a tubular body extending between an inlet end and an outlet end; a mechanical contact interface circumscribing the inlet end; the inlet end connected to the first ring permitting three hundred and sixty degree rotation of the nozzle; and the outlet end orientated generally perpendicular to the body inlet end whereby the air stream exiting the outlet end strikes the surface at a shallow angle.

15. The blower assembly of claim 14, wherein the nozzle further comprises a flange connected to the first ring.

16. The blower assembly of claim 15, wherein the nozzle mount includes a reinforcing ring securing the flange to the first ring.

17. The blower assembly of claim 16, wherein the reinforcing ring includes a sleeve extending from an inward portion of the first ring into the nozzle.

18. The blower assembly of claim 14, wherein:

the first ring further comprises a sleeve extending from an inward portion of the first ring into the nozzle; and

the nozzle is connected to the sleeve.

19. The blower assembly of claim 14, further comprising an actuator operably connected to the nozzle for rotating the nozzle.