ATTACHMENT FOR AIR BLOWER

An attachment for an air blower that enables a nozzle portion to be configured at various angles is provided. The attachment includes a rigid, elongated cylindrical portion having a first end and a second end, the rigid, elongated cylindrical portion having a longitudinal axis running therethrough; a connector portion disposed at the first end and configured to couple the cylindrical portion to an airflow outlet of an air blower; a nozzle portion disposed at the second end of the cylindrical portion, the nozzle portion configured to direct airflow out of the cylindrical portion; and an actuating member coupled to the nozzle portion, the actuating portion configured to adjust the nozzle portion at various angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion.

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Description
PRIORITY

This application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 61/645,817, filed May 11, 2012, entitled “ATTACHMENT FOR AIR BLOWER”, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure relates generally to air blowers and debris moving apparatuses, and more particularly, an attachment for an air blower that enables a nozzle portion to be configured at various angles.

2. Description of the Related Art

Air blowers are known in art for using high pressure airflow to move debris in the direction of the airflow, e.g., blowing leaves. Conventional air blowers includes portable types, e.g., hand-held or backpack types, and stand-behind push types. Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional backpack air blower 10 is illustrated. The backpack air blower 10 generally includes a housing 12 which contains a motor and fan for generating the high pressure airflow. The high pressure airflow is ducted via an outlet 14 to a flexible tube member 16. The flexible tube member 16 is then further coupled to a releasable attachment 18 for directing the airflow via a nozzle portion 20. A handle 21 is coupled to the flexible tube member 16 to facilitate the directing of the attachment 18 and nozzle portion 20. The handle 21 may further include controls for the air mover to start and stop the fan, to vary the speed of the fan, etc.

Different attachments are configured for different tasks. For example, a linear or straight attachment 18 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is employed for general use, for example, when directing large debris to a predetermined location. However, when trying to direct airflow under an object, for example, a bush, a flower bed, a vehicle, etc., the user must position the attachment 18 to be close to and parallel to the ground, requiring frequent bending. To avoid the frequent bending, FIG. 3 illustrates an attachment 22 with a nozzle portion 24 arranged at a fixed predetermined angle a, for example, about 45 degrees. The attachment 22 enables the user to direct the airflow parallel to the ground without having to bend. Unfortunately, this requires the user to carry at least two different attachments in addition to the backpack air blower. Furthermore, frequent changing of attachments will extend the time required to complete a task, which in a commercial application will increase labor costs.

Therefore, a need exists for an air blower attachment that can complete the above tasks without the need for carrying multiple attachments requiring multiple attachment changes.

SUMMARY

An attachment for an air blower that enables a nozzle portion of the attachment to be configured at various angles is provided. The attachment of the present disclosure includes a nozzle portion that is configurable to various angles to accomplish various tasks.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an attachment for an air blower includes a rigid, elongated cylindrical portion having a first end and a second end, the rigid, elongated cylindrical portion having a longitudinal axis running therethrough; a connector portion disposed at the first end and configured to couple the cylindrical portion to an airflow outlet of an air blower; a nozzle portion disposed at the second end of the cylindrical portion, the nozzle portion configured to direct airflow out of the cylindrical portion; and an actuating member coupled to the nozzle portion, the actuating portion configured to adjust the nozzle portion at various angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion.

In one aspect, the actuating member is a cylindrical sleeve disposed at the second end of the cylindrical portion, the cylindrical sleeve configured to adjust the nozzle portion when twisted about the cylindrical portion.

In another aspect, the cylindrical portion further includes an angled channel disposed at the second end adjacent the nozzle portion to enable the nozzle portion to be adjusted relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion.

In a further aspect, a predetermined range of the angle of the nozzle portion is about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees. It is to be appreciated that this predetermined range is exemplary and not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any manner. A range including any angle from about 0 degrees to about 360 degrees is contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

In yet another aspect, the actuating member is a cylindrical sleeve disposed at the second end of the cylindrical portion, the cylindrical sleeve configured to adjust the nozzle portion when slid toward the first end of the cylindrical portion. In one aspect, a trigger member is disposed on the cylindrical sleeve adjacent the first end of the cylindrical portion, the trigger member configured to actuate the cylindrical sleeve. In another aspect, a handle is disposed on first end of the cylindrical portion adjacent the trigger member, wherein the handle and trigger member are simultaneously grasped to actuate the cylindrical sleeve.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the actuating member of the attachment includes a deflecting member disposed at the second end of the cylindrical portion, the deflecting member configured to direct airflow leaving the nozzle portion at various angles.

In a further aspect, at least one tube disposed along a length of the cylindrical portion configured to provide a fluid into the airflow leaving the nozzle portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air blower according to the prior art;

FIG. 2 illustrates an attachment for an air blower according to the prior art;

FIG. 3 illustrates another attachment for an air blower according to the prior art;

FIG. 4 illustrates an attachment for an air blower in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates the attachment for an air blower shown in FIG. 4 where a nozzle portion is configured at an adjustable angle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the attachment for an air blower shown in FIG.

4;

FIG. 7 illustrates an attachment for an air blower in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates the attachment for an air blower shown in FIG. 7 where a nozzle portion is configured at an adjustable angle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates an attachment for an air blower in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates an attachment for an air blower in accordance with a further embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates the attachment for an air blower shown in FIG. 10 where a nozzle portion is configured at an adjustable angle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a partial view of the attachment for an air blower shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 illustrates an attachment for an air blower in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 14 illustrates an attachment for an air blower in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail.

Referring to FIGS. 4-6, an attachment 100 for an air blower in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The attachment 100 includes a connector portion 102 for connecting the attachment 100 to an airflow outlet of an air blower, a rigid, elongated cylindrical portion 104 for conducting airflow and a nozzle portion 106 for directing airflow out of the attachment 100. The attachment 100 further includes an actuating sleeve or member 108 for configuring the nozzle portion 106 at various angles, as will be described in more detail below.

It is to be appreciated that the connector portion 102 may be adapted for connecting the attachment 100 to any various known or to be developed types of air blowers. For example, the connector portion 102 may include a fitting, a snap-fit type connection, an elastic member, etc.

As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 6, an angled channel 110 is formed in the lower section of the rigid cylindrical portion 104 adjacent the nozzle portion 106. The actuating sleeve 108 is disposed over the lower section of the rigid cylindrical portion 104 and coupled to the rigid cylindrical portion 104 adjacent the angled channel 110 via a connector 112. It is to be appreciated that the connector may be coupled to the rigid cylindrical portion 104 via any known means, for example, a fastener, rivet, bolt, etc.

By providing the angled channel 110 in the lower section of the rigid cylindrical portion 104, the nozzle portion 106 can be configured at various angles (relative to the longitudinal axis 111 of the cylindrical portion 104) by twisting the actuating sleeve 108 in the direction of arrow b. As can be seen in FIG. 5, upon twisting the actuating sleeve 108, the connector 112 and angled channel 110 are actuated to configure the nozzle portion 106 at angle c. It is to be appreciated that angle c is adjustable and can be configured from about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees. It is to be appreciated that this predetermined range is exemplary and not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any manner. A range including any angle from about 0 degrees to about 360 degrees is contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

It is further to be appreciated that angled channel 110 may be configured to completely encircle the lower section of the rigid cylindrical portion 104 (i.e., form a complete circle) or may be formed in just a portion of the cylindrical portion. For example, the angled channel may be formed in approximately 50 percent of the circumference of the cylindrical portion 104, i.e., the angled channel does not go all the way around the circumference of the cylindrical portion 104. It is to be appreciated that the angled channel is formed to allow the nozzle portion to be flexed relative to the rigid cylindrical portion.

The actuating sleeve 108 is held on the rigid cylindrical portion 104 by a retaining mechanism 114. In one embodiment, the retaining mechanism 114 includes a tongue and groove arrangement which allows the actuating sleeve 108 to be retained on the rigid cylindrical portion 104 while being twisted. Referring to FIG. 6, the retaining mechanism 114 is constructed by forming a tongue portion 116 on one end of the actuating sleeve 108. A complementary groove portion 118 is formed on the rigid cylindrical portion 104 to receive the tongue portion 116. It is to be appreciated that the tongue and groove portions may be reversed where the tongue portion is on the rigid cylindrical portion 104 and the groove portion is on the actuating sleeve 108. It is further to be appreciated that other retaining mechanism can be employed and are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the retaining mechanism may include a depressed channel on the rigid cylindrical portion 104 with at least one complementary protrusion on the actuating sleeve 108 configured to ride within the channel. In another example, the rigid cylindrical portion 104 may include a slot with the actuating sleeve 108 including a finger or other rigid member configured to slide in the slot.

Additionally, the retaining mechanism 114 may include stops to maintain the angle of actuation of the actuating sleeve 108 within a predetermined angle, e.g., from about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees. Using the examples above, the tongue portion 116 and groove portion 118 may be of a predetermined length to limit movement. In the depressed channel and at least one complementary protrusion embodiment, the depressed channel may be of a predetermined length to limit movement of the protrusion riding therein. Similarly, the slot may be of a predetermined length to limit movement of the finger or rigid member riding therein. Other implementation are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the retaining mechanisms may include at least one detent to set the nozzle portion at a particular angle. The at least one detent provides tactile feedback to a user to indicate the nozzle portion has been set at the particular angle.

In certain embodiments, a handle 120 is provided on an upper end of the rigid cylindrical portion 104 to enable a user to maneuver the attachment 100 when in use. The handle 100 may be coupled to the rigid cylindrical portion 104 via any known means 122 or technique including, but not limited to, a clamp, a bolt, a plastic welding process, etc. It is to be appreciated that the handle can take many forms and shapes.

For example, the handle 120 may be configured as a cylindrical member, a curved member, a rectangular prism, etc. or any other shape that would facilitate gripping by a hand of a user.

In use, a user attaches the attachment 100 via the connection portion 102 to the flexible tube member of an air blower. The attachment 100 is then employed as in FIG. 4 to direct air in a linear direction via the nozzle portion 106. As needed, the user can direct airflow in a direction parallel to the ground by simply twisting the actuating sleeve 108 as indicated by arrow b, resulting in the configuration shown in FIG. 5. The user can return the attachment 100 to the configuration shown in FIG. 4 by simply twisting the actuating sleeve 108 in the reversed direction.

In one embodiment, the connector portion 102, the rigid cylindrical portion 104 and the nozzle portion 106 may be configured as a unitary structure from a similar material. For example, the rigid cylindrical portion 104 and the nozzle portion 106 with the angled channel 110 may be integrally formed from an injection molding process or configured from a single piece of sheet metal. Likewise, the actuating sleeve may be constructed from a similar material as the connector portion 102, the rigid cylindrical portion 104 and the nozzle portion 106. In other embodiment, at least one of the components is constructed from a dissimilar material. In one embodiment, the various components of the attachment 100 made be constructed from plastic, a resin, metal or any other known material that is flexible enough to achieve the techniques described above. Furthermore, the retaining mechanism may be molded, stamped or constructed from various known techniques.

In another embodiment, the connector portion 102, the rigid cylindrical portion 104 and the nozzle portion 106 may be separate parts assembled to form the attachment 100. In one embodiment, the nozzle portion 106 is coupled to the rigid cylindrical portion 104 by the angled channel 110, for example, by crimping, welding or any other known method.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, an attachment 200 for an air blower in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The attachment 200 includes a connector portion 202 for connecting the attachment 200 to the flexible tube member of an air blower, a rigid cylindrical portion 204 for conducting airflow and a nozzle portion 206 for directing airflow out of the attachment 200. As described above, a handle 220 is provided on an upper end of the rigid cylindrical portion 204 to enable a user to maneuver the attachment 200 when in use. The attachment 200 further includes an actuating sleeve 208 for configuring the nozzle portion 206 at various angles.

An angled channel 210 is formed in the lower section of the rigid cylindrical portion 204 adjacent the nozzle portion 206. The actuating sleeve 208 is disposed over the lower section of the rigid cylindrical portion 204 and coupled to the rigid cylindrical portion 204 adjacent the angled channel 210 via a connector 212. It is to be appreciated that the connector 212 may take the form of a rod, flat rectangular member, etc. It is further to be appreciated that the connector may be coupled to the rigid cylindrical portion 204 and nozzle portion 206 via any known means, for example, a fastener, rivet, bolt, etc. The actuating sleeve 208 is held on the rigid cylindrical portion 204 by a connector 212.

By providing the angled channel 210 in the lower section of the rigid cylindrical portion 204, the nozzle portion 206 can be configured at various angles by sliding the actuating sleeve 208 in the direction of arrow d. As can be seen in FIG. 8, upon sliding the actuating sleeve 208, the connector 212 and angled channel 210 are actuated to configure the nozzle portion 206 at angle e. It is to be appreciated that angle e is adjustable and can be configured from about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees. It is to be appreciated that other angles are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 9, another embodiment of an attachment 250 for an air blower is illustrated. Similar to the attachment 200 shown in FIG. 8, the attachment 250 includes actuating sleeve 252. In this embodiment, the actuating sleeve 252 is of a greater length than sleeve 208, e.g., the actuating sleeve 252 is approximately ⅔ the size of the cylindrical portion 204, while other sizes are contemplated. An upper end 254 of the actuating sleeve 252 extends to an area adjacent handle 220 to facilitate actuation and directing of the nozzle portion 206. Optionally, a trigger member 256 is provided at the upper end 254 of the actuating sleeve 252. In use, a user may simultaneously grasp the handle 220 and trigger member 256 causing the trigger member 256 to move in the direction of arrow f towards the handle 220 and actuating the sleeve 252 in direction of arrow d. Upon actuation of the trigger member 256, the nozzle portion 206 is configured in various angles. It is to be appreciated that the actuating sleeve 256 may be spring biased to return the nozzle portion to its normal state (i.e., angle e of 0 degrees or linear flow) upon release of the trigger member.

Referring to FIGS. 10-12, an attachment 300 for an air blower in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The attachment 300 includes a connector portion 302 for connecting the attachment 300 to the flexible tube member of an air blower, a rigid cylindrical portion 304 for conducting airflow and a nozzle portion 306 for directing airflow out of the attachment 300. As described above, a handle 320 is provided on an upper end of the rigid cylindrical portion 304 to enable a user to maneuver the attachment 300 when in use. The attachment 300 further includes deflecting member 360 for directing airflow leaving the nozzle portion 306 at various angles.

The deflecting member 360 is coupled to an actuating mechanism 308 for moving the deflecting member 360 in the airflow leaving the nozzle portion 306. In one position, the deflecting member 360 does not interfere with the airflow leaving the nozzle portion as shown in FIG. 10. After actuation, the deflecting member 360 is moved into the airflow causing the airflow to be directed an angle relative to the cylindrical portion 304. The deflecting member 360 may take various forms and shapes. In one embodiment, the deflecting member is planar, rectangular member. In another embodiment, the deflecting member 360 has an arcuate shape to conform to the shape of the cylindrical member 304 when not in use.

The actuating mechanism 308 includes a trigger member 362 coupled to an upper portion 354 of the cylindrical portion 304 via a rotatable connector 364. The trigger member 362 is coupled to the deflecting member 360 by a rod member or other suitable means 366. The deflecting member 360 is further coupled to the nozzle portion 306 via a bracket 368 and connector 370. Upon moving the trigger member 362 in the direction of arrow g, the rod member 366 causes the deflecting member 360 to rotate about connector 370 in the direction of arrow h. In this manner, the deflecting member 360 moves in the airflow leaving the nozzle portion 306 and directs the airflow at an angle determined by the position of the deflecting member 360. It is to be appreciated that the deflecting member 360 may be spring biased to return the deflecting member 360 to its normal state (i.e., retracted from the airflow leaving the nozzle portion 306) upon release of the trigger member.

In a further embodiment, the attachment of the present disclosure may be configured for applying a fluid with the high pressure air generated by the air blower, e.g., for applying a pesticide. It is to be appreciated that a fluid can be any substance, such as a liquid, gas, powder, etc., that is capable of flowing and that changes its shape at a steady rate when acted upon by a force tending to change its shape. In this embodiment, a tube or channel is provided along the length of the cylindrical portion having an input disposed at the upper end of the cylindrical portion and an output disposed at the lower end of the cylindrical portion adjacent the nozzle portion.

Referring to FIG. 13, an attachment 400 for an air blower configured to apply a fluid is illustrated. Attachment 400 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6, and therefore, redundant details will not be repeated and similar reference numerals will be employed. Attachment 400 includes a tube or flow channel 180 disposed along the length of cylindrical portion 104. The tube 180 includes an input 182 for receiving a fluid. It is to be appreciated that the input 182 of the tube 180 may be extended to be coupled to a fluid container attached to the air blower. The tube 180 further includes an output 184 disposed adjacent the nozzle portion 106. In this configuration, as fluid is provided to tube 180, the fluid will be dispensed at output 184 into the airflow leaving the nozzle portion 106. It is to be appreciated that the tube 180 is flexible to move with the nozzle portion 106 as it is adjusted. In one embodiment, the tube 180 is integrally formed with the cylindrical portion 104 and nozzle portion 106, e.g., in a molding process.

Referring to FIG. 14, an attachment 500 for an air blower configured to apply a fluid is illustrated. Attachment 500 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-11, and therefore, redundant details will not be repeated and similar reference numerals will be employed. Attachment 500 includes a tube or flow channel 380 disposed along the length of cylindrical portion 304. The tube 380 includes an input 382 for receiving a fluid. It is to be appreciated that the input 382 of the tube 380 may be extended to be coupled to a fluid container attached to the air blower. The tube 380 further includes an output 384 disposed adjacent the nozzle portion 306. In this configuration, as fluid is provided to tube 380, the fluid will be dispensed at output 184 into the airflow leaving the nozzle portion 306. In one embodiment, the tube 180 is integrally formed with the cylindrical portion 104 and nozzle portion 106, e.g., in a molding process.

It is to be appreciated that the various features shown and described are interchangeable, that is a feature shown in one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Furthermore, although the foregoing text sets forth a detailed description of numerous embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the invention is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment, as describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. One could implement numerous alternate embodiments, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.

It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this patent using the sentence “As used herein, the term ‘_____’ is hereby defined to mean . . . ” or a similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term be limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word “means” and a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph.

Claims

1. An attachment for an air blower comprising:

a rigid, elongated cylindrical portion having a first end and a second end, the rigid, elongated cylindrical portion having a longitudinal axis running therethrough;
a connector portion disposed at the first end and configured to couple the cylindrical portion to an airflow outlet of an air blower;
a handle coupled near the first end of the cylindrical portion, the handle configured to enable a user to maneuver the attachment;
a nozzle portion disposed at the second end of the cylindrical portion, the nozzle portion configured to direct airflow out of the cylindrical portion; and
an actuating cylindrical sleeve member rotatably retained on the second end of the cylindrical portion and coupled to the nozzle portion, wherein an outer surface of the actuating cylindrical sleeve member includes a gripping surface, wherein the actuating portion cylindrical sleeve member is configured to adjust the nozzle portion at various angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion when the actuating cylindrical sleeve member is rotated about the second end of the cylindrical portion, and wherein the gripping surface of the actuating cylindrical sleeve member enables the user to rotate the actuating cylindrical sleeve member about the second end of the cylindrical portion to adjust the nozzle portion at various angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion;
wherein the actuating cylindrical sleeve member is rotatably retained on the second end of the cylindrical portion by a retaining mechanism, the retaining mechanism comprising a tongue portion on one end of the actuating cylindrical sleeve member and a complementary groove portion formed in the cylindrical portion, and wherein the tongue portion is configured to slide in the complementary groove portion when the cylindrical sleeve member is rotated about the second end of the cylindrical portion.

2. The attachment for an air blower of claim 1, wherein the actuating member is a cylindrical sleeve disposed at the second end of the cylindrical portion, the cylindrical sleeve configured to adjust the nozzle portion when twisted about the cylindrical portion.

3. The attachment for an air blower of claim 2, wherein the cylindrical portion further includes an angled channel disposed at the second end adjacent the nozzle portion to enable the nozzle portion to be adjusted relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion.

4. The attachment for an air blower of claim 2, wherein the cylindrical sleeve is further coupled to the second end of the cylindrical portion by a retaining mechanism.

5. The attachment for an air blower of claim 4, wherein the retaining mechanism is a tongue and groove arrangement configured to retain the cylindrical sleeve on the cylindrical portion while being twisted.

6. The attachment for an air blower of claim 4, wherein the retaining mechanism includes at least one stop to limit the movement of the cylindrical sleeve to limit the angle of the nozzle portion to be within a predetermined range.

7. The attachment for an air blower of claim 6, wherein the predetermined range of the angle of the nozzle portion is about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees.

8-18. (canceled)

19. The attachment for an air blower of claim 3, wherein the cylindrical portion, nozzle portion and angled channel are integrally formed from a single material.

20. (canceled)

21. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the retaining mechanism further comprises at least one detent configured to provide tactile feedback to the user.

22. A backpack-type air blower assembly comprising:

a backpack air blower including a motor and fan configured for generating high pressure airflow, the motor and fan disposed in a portable housing having an airflow outlet, the backpack air blower further including at least one strap configured to enable a user to carry the portable housing on the back of the user;
a flexible tube member coupled to the airflow outlet;
a rigid, elongated cylindrical portion having a first end and a second end, the rigid, elongated cylindrical portion having a longitudinal axis running therethrough and a connector portion disposed at the first end configured to couple the cylindrical portion to the flexible tube member;
a handle coupled near the first end of the cylindrical portion, the handle configured to enable a user to maneuver the cylindrical portion;
a nozzle portion configured to direct the airflow out of the cylindrical portion, the nozzle portion being coupled to the second end of the cylindrical portion by an angled channel to enable an angle of the nozzle portion to be adjusted relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion; and
an actuating sleeve member concentrically disposed on the second end of the cylindrical portion and coupled to the nozzle portion, the actuating sleeve member configured to adjust the nozzle portion at various angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion when twisted about the cylindrical portion.

23. An attachment for an air blower comprising:

an elongated cylindrical portion having a first end and a second end, the elongated cylindrical portion having a longitudinal axis running therethrough;
a connector portion disposed at the first end and configured to couple the cylindrical portion to an airflow outlet of an air blower;
a nozzle portion integrally formed with the elongated cylindrical portion and disposed at the second end of the cylindrical portion, the nozzle portion configured to direct airflow out of the cylindrical portion;
an angled channel integrally formed with the elongated cylindrical portion and disposed at the second end of the cylindrical portion adjacent to the nozzle portion, the angled channel configured to enable an angle of the nozzle portion to be adjusted relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion; and
an actuating cylindrical sleeve member rotatably retained on the second end of the cylindrical portion and coupled to the nozzle portion, wherein the actuating cylindrical sleeve member is configured to flex the nozzle portion about the angled channel when the actuating cylindrical sleeve member is rotated about the second end of the cylindrical portion;
wherein the actuating cylindrical sleeve member flexes the nozzle portion to adjust the nozzle portion at various angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion.
Patent History
Publication number: 20130298345
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 13, 2012
Publication Date: Nov 14, 2013
Inventor: Franco Romito (Whitestone, NY)
Application Number: 13/613,148
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Attachments (15/246)
International Classification: A47L 25/00 (20060101);