[0001] The present invention relates to the field of power tools, and particularly, to a
dust collection system for use with a portable planer. Of course, the present invention
is not limited to any particular type of power tool.
[0002] Portable planers are useful tools for any workshop. However, like many power tools,
portable planers can generate significant amounts of dust and debris, such as wood
chips or shavings, during use. Therefore, a number of systems have been developed
for use with portable planers for collecting said dust and debris. Currently available
dust collection systems may indude a dust hood, which a user couples with the portable
planer, for capturing dust and debris. The dust hood will typically include a vacuum
attachment, such as for connecting a vacuum hose of a central vacuum system. These
systems rely on suction force provided by the vacuum to draw dust and debris from
the dust hood into a receptacle of the vacuum system. A drawback to this system is
that the dust hood and vacuum system may not be induded with the portable planer and
thus, may have to be purchased as separate accessories and connected with the portable
planer by the user. Further, such vacuum systems may take up a lot of space and may
be relatively expensive.
[0003] In attempting to address the problems associated with the dust collection systems
described above, a number of portable planers include built-in dust collection systems.
The built-in systems include a dust hood coupled to the planer for capturing dust
and debris generated during use of the planer. The dust hood typically includes a
blower, which is powered by the planer's motor, for directing dust/debris into an
attached bag or receptacle. Although these systems no longer require a user to purchase
separate components, such as a vacuum unit, to direct dust/debris from the dust hood,
they are not without problems. For instance, because they implement a blower that
is powered by the planer motor, these built-in systems may experience problems with
power draw. More specifically, many planer motors indude a thermal overload for detecting
when the motor becomes overheated. Upon detection of overheating, the thermal overload
will trip the circuit breaker, thereby causing the portable planer to shut down. With
the built-in dust collection systems, because the planer motor has to power both the
portable planer and the blower of the dust hood, it may be vulnerable to overload,
This may be especially true if, for example, the portable planer is set to a relatively
large depth of cut. Therefore, a user may have to limit the planer's depth of cut
in order to avoid overloading the planer motor and causing shut down. The end result
is that the user is not getting optimal performance from the portable planer because
the capabilities of the portable planer must be limited to avoid overloading the planer
motor.
[0004] Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a dust collection system integrated with
a portable planer. It would be further advantageous if the integrated dust collection
system included a power source, independent from the planer motor. thereby improving
performance over current systems by allowing a user to operate the portable planer
without limiting its functionality.
[0005] Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention is directed to an auxiliary
dust collection system including a housing, a blower assembly, and a motor. The housing
is configured for substantially directly coupling to a dust hood of a dust and debris-generating
power tool. The blower assembly is contained within the housing. Further, the blower
assembly is configured to both draw dust and debris generated by the power tool into
the housing and to vent the dust and debris from the housing. The motor is contained
within the housing and is operably coupled with the blower assembly. Further, the
motor is sized and dedicated for powering the blower assembly and is also capable
of electrically coupling to a standard electrical supply. The auxiliary dust collection
system is configured for venting solely the dust and debris-generating power tool.
[0006] An additional aspect of the present invention is directed to an auxiliary dust collection
system including a dust hood, a housing, a blower assembly, and a motor. The dust
hood is configured for substantially directly coupling to a dust and debris-generating
power tool. The housing is configured for substantially directly coupling to the dust
hood. The blower assembly is contained within the housing. Further, the blower assembly
is configured for venting solely the dust and debris-generating power tool by both
drawing dust and debris generated by the power tool into the housing and venting the
dust and debris from the housing. The motor is contained within the housing and is
operably coupled with the blower assembly. Further, the motor is sized and dedicated
for powering the blower assembly and is also capable of electrically coupling to a
standard electrical supply. Additionally, the blower assembly is coupled to a drive
shaft of the motor.
[0007] A further aspect of the present invention is directed to an auxiliary dust collection
system for a portable planer, the system including a dust hood, a housing. a blower
assembly, and a motor. The dust hood includes an inlet and an outlet formed therein.
The inlet of the dust hood is configured for substantially directly coupling to the
portable planer. The housing indudes an inlet and an outlet formed therein. The inlet
of the housing is configured for substantially directly coupling to the outlet of
the dust hood. The blower assembly is contained within the housing. Further, the blower
assembly is configured for venting solely the portable planer by drawing dust and
debris generated by the portable planer into the housing, via the housing inlet, and
venting the dust and debris from the housing, via the housing outlet. The motor is
contained within the housing and is operably coupled with the blower assembly. Further,
the motor is sized and dedicated for powering the blower assembly and is also capable
of electrically coupling to a standard electrical supply. Additionally, the blower
assembly is coupled to a drive shaft of the motor and is configured to draw dust and
debris into the housing in a first direction and to vent dust and debris from the
housing in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular
to the first direction.
[0008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following
detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not necessarily restrictive
of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in
and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention
and together with the general description, serve to explain the principles of the
invention.
[0009] The numerous advantages of the present invention are now described, with reference
to the accompanying figures in which:
FIG. 1 is a top right perspective illustration of a portable planer including a dust
collection system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a top left perspective illustration of a portable planer including a dust
collection system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is top plan view illustrating a blower assembly and motor assembly of the dust
collection system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is an isometric view illustrating a blower assembly and motor assembly of the
dust collection system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating an inlet aperture of a blower assembly of the dust
collection system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is front plan view illustrating an outlet aperture of a blower assembly of
the dust collection system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 7 is a perspective top plan view illustrating a blower assembly connected with
a dust and debris transfer assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention; and
FIG. 8 is a perspective bottom plan view illustrating a blower assembly connected
with a dust and debris transfer assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.
[0010] Reference will now be made In detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the
invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0011] Referring generally now to FIGS. 1 through 8, exemplary embodiments of the present
invention are shown.
[0012] In a first aspect of the present invention, an auxiliary dust collection system 100
includes a housing 102. The housing 102 is configured for substantially directly coupling
to a dust hood 200 of a dust and debris-generating power tool 300. In an exemplary
embodiment, the power tool 300 is a portable planer.
[0013] The auxiliary dust collection system 100 further includes a blower assembly 104.
The blower assembly 104 is contained within the housing 102 and is configured to draw
dust and debris generated by the portable planer 300 into the housing 102. Additionally,
the blower assembly 104 is configured to vent the dust and debris from the housing
102.
[0014] The auxiliary dust collection system 100 further includes an auxiliary motor 106.
The auxiliary motor 106 is contained within the housing 102 and is operably coupled
with the blower assembly 104. In a current embodiment, the auxiliary motor 106 powers
the blower assembly 104, thereby allowing the blower assembly to pull dust and debris
into an inlet 110 of the housing 102. The dust and debris is then directed through
the housing 102 by the auxiliary motor 106 and blower assembly 104 and is vented from
an outlet 122 of the housing 102. In a present embodiment, the inlet 110 and outlet
122 of the housing 102 are apertures formed by the housing. In an exemplary embodiment,
the auxiliary motor 106 is sized and dedicated for powering the blower assembly 104.
In further embodiments, the auxiliary motor 106 is also capable of electrically coupling
to a standard electrical supply.
[0015] The auxiliary dust collection system 100 of the present invention is connected with
the portable planer 300 to assist in providing increased dust collection capabilities
beyond that provided by dust collection systems currently employed with portable planers.
By implementing an auxiliary motor 106 to power the blower assembly 104, the auxiliary
dust collection system 100 of the present invention does not experience the power
draw problems associated with current built-in dust collection systems, which are
powered by the planer's motor. In an exemplary embodiment, the auxiliary dust collection
system 100 is configured for venting solely the portable planer 300.
[0016] In further embodiments, the auxiliary dust collection system 100 includes a ground
device 108, such as a ground wire coupled between the housing 102 and a metal component
of the power tool 300. The ground device 108 is configured for preventing static buildup
between the power tool 300 and the housing 102 of the auxiliary dust collection system
100.
[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the housing 102, the motor 106 and
the blower assembly 104 of the auxiliary dust collection system 100 are configured
for coupling with a dust hood 200 of a power tool 300, such that the dust hood 200,
the housing 102, the motor 106 and the blower assembly 104 are in a substantially
in-line orientation with respect to the power tool 300. This may allow for easier
connection of component features of the system 100.
[0018] In additional embodiments, the inlet 110 formed by the housing 102 includes a sleeve
112 configured for receiving and securing a correspondingly-shaped adapter 114 of
a dust hood 200 for substantially directly connecting the dust hood 200 with the inlet
110 of the housing 102.
[0019] In a current embodiment, the auxiliary dust collection system 100 further includes
a transfer adapter 116, the transfer adapter forming an inlet end 118 and an outlet
end 120. The inlet end 118 of the transfer adapter 116 is configured for coupling
with the outlet 122 formed by the housing 102. For example, the inlet end 118 of the
transfer adapter 116 and/or the housing outlet 122 may be variously contoured to correspond
with each other and to maximize flow through of dust and debris. In the current embodiment,
the transfer adapter 116 is connected with the housing 102 by a plurality of hex head
bolts. It is contemplated that various fasteners, such as pins, clips, screws, clamps,
and the like may be employed to securely affix the transfer adapter 116 with the housing
102 of the auxiliary dust collection system 100. Alternatively, various mechanical
connection mechanisms, such as a compression lock system, snap fit system, friction
fit system, latch lock system, and the like may be employed to connect the transfer
adapter 116 with the outlet 122 of the housing 102 without departing from the scope
and spirit of the present invention. It is further contemplated that various adhesives,
such as epoxy compounds, plastic cements, and the like may be used to connect the
transfer adapter 116 with the outlet 122 of the housing 102. It is further contemplated
that the housing outlet 122 includes a connection mechanism whereby the transfer adapter
116 is connected to the housing 102 in proximal relation to the housing outlet 122.
The outlet end 120 of the transfer adapter 116 is configured for coupling with a dust
transfer device 124.
[0020] In further embodiments, the auxiliary dust collection system 100 includes a dust
transfer device 124. Preferably, the dust transfer device 124 is a flexible hose member
configured for coupling with the transfer adapter 116. For example, the flexible hose
member 124 may be secured with the outlet end 120 of the transfer adapter 116 via
a clamping mechanism 132. The flexible hose member 124 directs dust and debris that
has been exhausted from the outlet end 120 of the transfer adapter 116, via the housing
outlet 122, away from the power tool 300. It is contemplated that various mechanical
connections systems, fasteners, and/or adhesives, as previously described, may be
utilized alone or in combination with one another to secure the connection of the
dust transfer device 124 with the transfer adapter 916 without departing from the
scope and spirit of the present invention.
[0021] In an additional aspect of the present invention, the auxiliary dust collection system
100 further includes a dust hood 200. The dust hood 200 is configured for substantially
directly coupling to a dust and debris-generating power tool 300, such as a portable
planer. Preferably, the dust hood 200 is a standard configuration, constructed to
be connected with the portable planer 300 in a manner which allows for full operation
of the portable planer. For example, the dust hood 200 may be connected to the frame
of the portable planer 300. Preferably, the dust hood 200 connects with the portable
planer 300 proximal to the planer's cutting device in order to maximize the dust collection
capabilities of the dust hood 200. In a current embodiment, the dust hood 200 forms
an inlet 130 which allows for the collection of the dust and debris generated by the
cutting device of the portable planer 300. In further embodiments, the dust hood 200
is contoured so that the collected dust and debris is funneled toward an outlet 128
formed by the dust hood 200. Preferably, the outlet 128 is an aperture formed by the
dust hood 200 from which dust and debris may be vented.
[0022] The auxiliary dust collection system 100 further includes a housing 102. The housing
102 is configured for substantially directly coupling to the dust hood 200. The dust
hood 200 may be variously configured as contemplated by those of ordinary skill in
the art. In the current embodiment, the dust hood 200 forms an enclosure, which as
mentioned above, is generally contoured to funnel collected dust and debris towards
the dust hood outlet 128. The dust hood outlet 128 is further constructed in a manner
which allows it to be connected with the inlet 110 of the housing 102. Preferably,
the dust hood outlet 128 indudes an adapter 114 which connects with the housing 102.
In further embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, the housing inlet 110 may utilize a clamping
mechanism 134 for securely affixing the housing inlet 110 to the dust hood outlet
128. Alternatively, the dust hood outlet 128 may include various mechanical connection
systems and/or employ various fasteners, adhesives and the like to securely affix
the dust hood outlet 128 to the housing 102. The configuration of the housing inlet
110 may also correspond with the configuration of the dust hood outlet 128. In a current
embodiment, the dust hood outlet 128 is a generally cylindrical aperture and therefore
the housing inlet 110 may be constructed as a generally cylindrical aperture to provide
for secure connection and flow through for the dust and debris from the dust hood
outlet 128 into and through the housing inlet 110.
[0023] The auxiliary dust collection system 100 further indudes a blower assembly 104 and
a motor 106 as discussed above. In an exemplary embodiment, the blower assembly is
coupled to a drive shaft 126 of the motor 106, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0024] In a further aspect of the present invention, an auxiliary dust collection system
100 for a portable planer 300 includes a dust hood 200. The dust hood 200 has an inlet
130 and an outlet 128 formed therein, the inlet 130 of the dust hood being configured
for substantially directly coupling to the portable planer 300. The auxiliary dust
collection system further includes a housing 102. The housing 102 has an inlet 110
and an outlet 122 formed therein, the inlet 110 of the housing 102 being configured
for substantially directly coupling to the outlet 128 of the dust hood 200. The auxiliary
dust collection system 100 further includes a blower assembly 104. The blower assembly
104 is contained within the housing 102 and is configured for venting solely the portable
planer 300 by drawing dust and debris generated by the portable planer 300 into the
housing 102, via the housing inlet 110. Further, the blower assembly 104 is configured
for venting the dust and debris from the housing 102, via the housing outlet 122.
The auxiliary dust collection system further includes a motor 106. The motor 106 is
contained within the housing 102 and is operably coupled with the blower assembly
104. Further, the motor 106 is sized and dedicated for powering the blower assembly
104. Additionally, the motor 106 is capable of electrically coupling to a standard
electrical supply. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the blower assembly
104 is coupled to a drive shaft 126 of the motor 106 and is configured to draw dust
and debris into the housing 102 in a first direction and to vent dust and debris from
the housing 102 in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular
to the first direction. This is advantageous in that dust and debris is vented away
from the portable planer 300 in a direction that does not interfere with user access
to the area of the planer where a workpiece exits.
[0025] It is contemplated that the auxiliary dust collection system 100 of the present invention
may be various modular constructions. For example, in one embodiment, the dust hood
200, the housing 102, the blower assembly 104, the auxiliary motor 106, the transfer
adapter 116, and the dust transfer device 124 may be provided as individual component
features which may be connected. Various other combinations of separate and/or combined
component features of the auxiliary dust collection system 100 may be utilized in
a modular system without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
For example, this modularity may enable the housing 102, the blower assembly 104 and
the auxiliary motor 106 of the present invention to be retro-fitted with existing
dust hoods of various portable planers. This may assist in increasing the useful lifespan
of the auxiliary dust collection system 100 for the portable planer 300 in that the
modular component features of the may be removed and the various component features
provided maintenance. Further, the auxiliary dust collection system of the present
invention may assist in increasing the useful lifespan of the portable planer as it
may be removed, maintained, and/or replaced without significant interference with
or disassembly of the portable planer.
[0026] In additional embodiments, the auxiliary dust collection system 100 is unitary. For
example, the auxiliary dust collection system 100 may be an integral system wherein
the dust hood 200, the housing 102, the blower assembly 104, the motor 106, the transfer
adapter 116 and the dust transfer device 124 are integrally connected with one another.
The integral system may reduce manufacturing costs and appeal to consumers. Further,
the integral system may also be specifically constructed for use with a particular
power tool.
[0027] It is believed that the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will
be understood by the forgoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent
that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the
components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or
without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described
being merely an explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following
claims to encompass and include such changes.
1. An auxiliary dust collection system, comprising:
a housing configured for directly coupling to a dust hood of a dust and debris-generating
power tool,
a blower assembly contained within the housing, the blower assembly being configured
to both draw dust and debris generated by the power tool into the housing and to vent
the dust and debris from the housing; and
a motor contained within the housing, the motor being operably coupled with the blower
assembly, the motor being sized and dedicated for powering the blower assembly, the
motor being capable of electrically coupling to a standard electrical supply,
wherein the auxiliary dust collection system is configured for venting solely the
dust and debris-generating power tool.
2. An auxiliary dust collection system, comprising:
a dust hood being configured for directly coupling to a dust and debris-generating
power tool;
a housing configured for directly coupling to the dust hood;
a blower assembly contained within the housing, the blower assembly being configured
for venting solely the dust and debris-generating power tool by both drawing dust
and debris generated by the power tool into the housing and venting the dust and debris
from the housing; and
a motor contained within the housing, the motor being operably coupled with the blower
assembly, the motor being sized and dedicated for powering the blower assembly, the
motor being capable of electrically coupling to a standard electrical supply,
wherein the blower assembly is coupled to a drive shaft of the motor.
3. An auxiliary dust collection system for a portable planer, comprising:
a dust hood having an inlet and an outlet formed therein, the inlet of the dust hood
being configured for substantially directly coupling to the portable planer;
a housing having an inlet and an outlet formed therein, the inlet of the housing being
configured for substantially directly coupling to the outlet of the dust hood;
a blower assembly contained within the housing, the blower assembly being configured
for venting solely the portable planer by drawing dust and debris generated by the
portable planer into the housing, via the housing inlet, and venting the dust and
debris from the housing via the housing outlet; and
a motor contained within the housing, the motor being operably coupled with the blower
assembly, the motor being sized and dedicated for powering the blower assembly, the
motor being capable of electrically coupling to a standard electrical supply,
wherein the blower assembly is coupled to a drive shaft of the motor and is configured
to draw dust and debris into the housing in a first direction and to vent dust and
debris from the housing in a second direction, the second direction being substantially
perpendicular to the first direction.
4. An auxiliary dust collection system as claimed in claim 1. 2 or 3 further comprising
a ground wire coupled between the housing and a metal component of the power tool.
5. An auxiliary dust collection system as daimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the housing,
the motor and the blower assembly are configured for coupling with a dust hood of
a power tool, such that the dust hood, the housing, the motor and the blower assembly
are in an in-line orientation with respect to the power tool.
6. An auxiliary dust collection system as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the housing
forms an inlet having a sleeve configured for receiving and securing a correspondingly-shaped
adapter of a dust hood for directly connecting the dust hood with the inlet of the
housing.
7. An auxiliary dust collection system as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 further comprising
a transfer adapter, the transfer adapter forming an inlet end and an outlet end, the
inlet end of the transfer adapter being configured for coupling with an outlet formed
by the housing, the outlet end of the transfer adapter being configured for coupling
with a flexible hose member.
8. An auxiliary dust collection system as claimed in daim 7, further comprising a flexible
hose member, the flexible hose member being configured for coupling with the transfer
adapter and for directing dust and debris exhausted from the transfer adapter via
the housing outlet away from the power tool.
9. An auxiliary dust collection system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the auxiliary dust
collection system is unitary.
10. An auxiliary dust collection system as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein an outlet
formed by the dust hood includes an adapter for directly connecting with an inlet
formed by the housing, the dust hood adapter being received and secured within a correspondingly-shaped
sleeve of the housing inlet.
11. An auxiliary dust collection system as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the outlet
of the dust hood includes an adapter for directly connecting with the inlet of the
housing, the dust hood adapter being received and secured within a correspondingly-shaped
sleeve of the housing inlet.
12. An auxiliary dust collection system as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a flexible
hose member for connecting with the housing outlet, the flexible hose member for directing
dust and debris exhausted from the housing outlet away from the power tool.