TOOL DUST CONTROL ATTACHMENT

Abstract

A tool accessory is disclosed comprising a tube and capable of attachment to the body of a tool (for example, a rotary grinder) by means of a mounting tab. The tube has a first end with an opening positioned proximate to the source of dust created by the tool. The second end of the tube is adapted for connection to a vacuum source. The opening collects substantially all of the dust from the tool, but does not obstruct the view of the grinding bit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/922,966, filed Jan. 2, 2014, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to hand held tool accessories, specifically to accessories that collect air born particles created when abrasive stones or bits are used to grind softer materials.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hand held tools create dust and debris. Rotary grinders, in particular, create large amounts of fine dust. The dust is inhaled and deposited in the eyes and on the skin of people and animals in the immediate area of the grinding operation. The dust created can be a health hazard.

In recent years the use of rotary grinders has become a preferred method of trimming and buffing nails. Particularly in the pet grooming industry, groomers are using rotary grinders in increasing numbers. There is a concern about the consequences of breathing the particles that are created when the nails are ground. The dust created is irritating to the lungs and eyes of people and animals and can trigger asthma attacks. Operators can also be exposed to biohazards such as bacteria and protozoa contained in the dust.

When using a rotary grinder on people and animals, it is also important to have a clear sight of the grinding bit and its contact point as contact with soft tissue would cause injury. It would therefore be advantageous to develop an apparatus for reducing the dangers of using rotary grinders by collecting the grinding dust while allowing the operator a clear view of the object being grinded.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to collect the dust created when using a rotary grinding tool and evacuate it by positioning a properly proportioned nozzle and vacuum source near the grinding bit, cutting wheel, sander, or other source of the dust.

Another object of the present invention is to allow the operator full visibility of the grinding bit. This is achieved by not employing a shroud around the bit. This also allows the bit of the grinder to be replaced without detaching the dust collection attachment from the grinder.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide uniform airflow around the full girth of the grinding bit by utilizing a minimally restrictive air flow path.

Briefly stated, yet another aspect of the present invention provides a device that is easily attached to a portable handheld rotary grinder. Dust removal is accomplished by operably connecting the device to a vacuum source. The device is comprised of a singular tube that is positioned along a portion of the length of the grinder body, extending towards the rear of the grinder where it connects to the vacuum source. In one embodiment, the tube conforms to the general shape of the grinder's body, sweeping gradually toward the end positioned adjacent to the grinding bit. The end proximate the grinding bit is terminated in such a way that the side walls of the opening of the tube are parallel to the grinding surface of the grinding bit. In one embodiment, the size of the opening is substantially the size of the grinding bit. Preferably, the opening is slightly longer and wider than the bit. The path of the rotating bit can extend slightly into the plane created by the opening at the end of the tube near the grinding bit. Alternatively, the path of the bit can be adjacent to the plane of the opening. The tube is attached to the grinder utilizing a thin plate with a hole that is adapted to engage the body of the grinder. A band strap can be added to steady the end of the tube connected to the vacuum source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1A is a side view of a first embodiment of the present invention attached to a typical rotary grinder.

FIG. 1B is a view of an exemplary vacuum system adaptable to the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention not attached to the grinder.

FIG. 3 is close view of one end of the tool attached to a typical grinder.

FIG. 4 is a view looking into the opening of one end of the tool.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The tool dust control attachment 1 is comprised of a tube 10 having a first end 15 and a second end 20. There are openings 18 and 19 at each end of tube 10 to allow passage of dust through the tube. The attachment 1 further has a mounting tab 7, which is used to secure the too dust control attachment 1 to grinder 2. At the first end 15 of the attachment 1 is an opening 18 adapted to collect dust dispersed by the grinding bit 5 of the rotary tool 2. The second end 20 of the tube 10 is adapted to connect to a source of vacuum, embodied as an electric vacuum cleaner 3 as shown in FIG. 1B. As seen in FIG. 1A, hose 4 fluidly connects the tool dust control device 1 to the vacuum cleaner 3 at vacuum connection 21.

Though the invention is described being assembled to a rotary grinder 2, it is not to be limited to only being compatible with a rotary grinder 2. The tool dust control attachment can be adapted to routers, oscillating multi-tools, or any other tool that creates dust. In addition, the tool dust control attachment 1 can be constructed of metal, plastic, or any material capable of retaining its shape under vacuum pressure.

The grinder 2 shown in FIGS. 1-3 can be one of many commercially available rotary grinders, such as a DREMEL® rotary tool, and can be purchased from a variety of venders and retail outlets. Such grinders operate between 10000-15000 rpm and are capable of spreading fine particles of dust at these speeds. The vacuum source 3 can be of the type generally described as a shop vacuum or any other vacuum source with a hose extension. The grinder 2 is typically fitted with a grinding bit 5 such as an abrasive stone, sanding disk, or rotary file by means of a collet 6 or chuck.

Tool dust control attachment 1 is capable of being attached to the body of the grinder 2 by a mounting tab 7. As shown in FIG. 2, mounting tab 7 is a flat plate that can be secured under the retaining nut 8 of the grinder 2. The mounting tab 7 can be of varied thickness, but should not be so thick that it interferes with the operation of retaining nut 8 on the threaded end 13 of grinder 2. FIG. 1 depicts this preferred embodiment, with the tab 7 under retaining nut 8. As further shown in FIG. 2, mounting tab 7 has an opening 12 large enough to receive the threaded end 13 of the rotary grinder 2. Retaining nut 8, which is part of the grinder 2, is tightened on threaded end 13 with thin mounting plate 7 interposed between the retaining nut contact surface 14—which is typically part of the body of grinder 2—and retaining nut 8, thereby retaining thin mounting tab 7 and securing rotary grinder dust control attachment 1 to grinder 2. The mounting tab 7 extends laterally from tube 10. In alternative embodiments, mounting tab 7 can be a clamp-like device or a ring, as shown in FIG. 3, that engages the body of grinder 2.

In one embodiment, end 15 of tube 10 is bent at an angle β towards the grinding bit 5 when assembled to grinder 2. As shown in FIG. 2, angle β is the angle between a surface of the tube 10 along the main body and a surface of the tube 10 at the first end 15 proximate the grinding bit 5. In the preferred embodiment, the bend begins at longitudinal point P1 along tube 10 adjacent mounting plate 7 and continues along a length L2 of tube 10, thereby directing nozzle 11 near the grinding bit 5.

Angle β is about 25 to 35 degrees in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. However, as a person having skill in the art will appreciate, angle β is dependent on the length of end 15 and the shape of grinder 2. If the length of end 15 is longer, angle β will be less steep than if end 15 is shorter. In the preferred embodiment, the bend of the tube 10 is gradual—meaning it does not have sharp creases in tube 10—to maintain optimum airflow.

The radial distance L1 from the center of hole 12 in the mounting plate 7 to the outer wall of the tube 10 is dependent on the size of the body of grinder 2, and is nearly equal to the radius of the body of grinder 2 at its largest point when the tube 10 runs parallel along the length of the grinder 2, as shown in FIG. 1A. Alternatively, the distance L1 is less than the radius of the largest point as long as the distance is sufficient to allow end 15 to clear the collet 6, and retaining nut 8. An additional band 9 or strap can be added near the center or end of the body of the grinder 2 to stabilize the tool dust control attachment 1 with respect to grinder 2. A similar band 9 can be used to stabilize the hose 4 to the grinder 2.

Tube 10 has an opening 18, forming nozzle 11, at the end 15 adjacent to the grinding bit 5. At the opposite end, or distal end 20, is a vacuum tube connection 21. In the preferred embodiment, the vacuum connection 21 is an area at the end of the tube 10 that receives a hose 4 from the vacuum source 3. The hose 4 can be held to the tube 10 by a friction fit, gasket, set screw, or other means typically used for securing a vacuum to an attachment. For example, a common connection means is providing the attachment with an outer diameter that is substantially the inside diameter of the hose, so that the hose 4 slides over the attachment. A taper on either the hose 4 or attachment secures the connection. Alternatively, FIG. 5 shows as set screw 22.

Referring again to FIG. 1A, tool dust control attachment 1 has tube body 10 that can be substantially straight and follows along the body of the grinder 2. In this embodiment, tube 10 extends beyond the rear of the grinder body. Alternatively, tube body 10 of the grinder can extend to a point along the body of the grinder.

Now turning to FIG. 3, the end 15 of tube 10 is cut near the intersection point of the grinding bit 5 to form opening 18 on nozzle 11. Angle θ is the angle between the plane of opening 18 and the sidewall of tube 10 at end 15. This angle is partially dependent on the sweep of end 15 and the proximity to collet 6. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the plane of opening 18 (identified as P2 in FIG. 3) is substantially parallel to the side 16 of the cylindrical bit 5, which is represented by angle α. The plane of opening 18 is also substantially parallel to rotating axis X. As further shown in FIG. 3, rotating axis X is co-axial with a center line of hole 12 in mounting tab 7. The nozzle opening 18 can be flared to an oval shape to form a nozzle 11 and is larger than the length D of the grinding bit 5. Alternatively, opening 11 can be formed to other shapes than an oval. For example, for a flat grinding stone, the shape of opening 18 could be flattened as well.

Referring again to FIG. 3, it can be seen that the end 15 of tube 10 does not obstruct the view of the grinding bit 5. In addition, the position of the tool attachment 1 does not inhibit the operator from accessing the collet 6. This allows the operator to replace the grinding bit 5 without removing attachment 1. In the preferred embodiment, the side 16 of the grinding bit 5 just contacts or breaks the plane P2 of the opening 18, which is defined by the walls 17 of tube 10 forming opening 18. FIG. 4 shows an alternative view with walls 17 clearly defining the opening 18. Alternatively, the plane of opening 18 is positioned adjacent to the outer circumference of grinding bit 5.

Although FIG. 3 depicts plane P2 nearly parallel, it can be oriented at an angle a relative to axis X ranging from −30 degrees to 30 degrees or any acceptable angle appropriate of a desired tool. Angle α can be varied depending on the shape of the grinding bit 5. For example, the angle can be negative for a pyramid-shaped bit 5. The configuration of opening 18 on nozzle 11 allows fluid flow around the grinding bit 5 to modify the spray pattern towards the opening 18 in the nozzle 11 such that substantially all of the dust and debris enters opening 10. Opening 18 can also be adapted to other shapes than a flat plane to more closely match the shape of grinding bit 5. However, the shape of nozzle 11 should not obstruct the view of an operator or prevent removal of the bit.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the body of the tool dust control attachment is substantially straight. That is, angle β is around zero. To position the tip close to the grinding bit 5, the tube 10 as a whole is angled relative to the body of grinder 2. Stated differently, the axis of the tube 10 is not parallel to a line extending along the length of the rotary tool 2. The angle of the tube 10 is set by attaching the mounting tab 7 at an angle relative to the tube 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the angle of tab 7 will result in a similar angle between tube 10 and the body of rotary grinder 2 because the center of the mounting tab 7, when attached, aligns with the centerline of the rotary grinder 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the angle is around 40 degrees. In this embodiment, the first end 15 is positioned relative to grinding bit 5 in a similar manner to the previously described embodiment. For example, the side walls 17 of the nozzle 11 are parallel to the grinding bit 5 and the bit 5 extends into a plane defined by the opening 18 of the nozzle 11. Alternatively, the bit 5 can be adjacent to the plane.

While the disclosure has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An attachment for collecting dust from a tool having a body and a source of dust, wherein the attachment comprises:

a tube having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has an opening and the second end is adapted to connect to a vacuum source;

a mounting tab connected to the tube between the first end and the second end, wherein the mounting tab has a hole sized to receive the tool; and

wherein a plane defined by the opening of the first end is oriented at angle α relative to a line extending along the length of the tool.

2. The attachment of claim 1:

wherein the first end of the tube is bent at an angle β relative to the axis of the tube; and

wherein the mounting tab is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the tube.

3. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the mounting tab is connected at an angle φ relative to the axis of the tube.

4. The attachment of claim 1, further comprising a strap capable of stabilizing the tube relative to the body of the tool.

5. The attachment of claim 2, wherein the angle β is about 25 to 35 degrees.

6. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the angle a ranges from −30 degrees to +30 degrees.

7. The attachment of claim 6, wherein the angle a is substantially 0 degrees.

8. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the center of the hole aligns with the axis of rotation of the tool when attached to the tool.

9. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the mounting tab is a flat plate.

10. The attachment of claim 1, wherein an area of the opening of the first end is greater than an area of the source of dust.

11. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the source of dust is adjacent to the opening.

12. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the source of dust penetrates the plane defined by the opening.

13. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the opening is oval-shaped.

14. An attachment for collecting dust from a tool having a body, a collet, a collet retaining nut, and a source of dust, wherein the attachment comprises:

a tube having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has an opening and the second end is adapted to connect to a vacuum source;

a mounting tab connected to the tube between the first end and the second end, wherein the mounting tab is adapted to be retained on the tool near the collet by the collet retaining nut; and

wherein a plane defined by the opening of the first end is oriented at angle α relative to a line extending along the length of the tool.