CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to power tools, and more particularly to concrete vibrators.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Concrete vibrators are typically used to spread poured concrete around a framework,
such as rebar, in a construction operation. Such concrete vibrators are typically
powered by an internal combustion engine, which can be difficult to carry by an operator
using the concrete vibrator while on a worksite.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The invention provides, in one aspect, a concrete vibrator including a housing, a
strap, an electric motor, a flexible saft, a vibrator head, and a battery pack. The
strap is coupled to the housing. The electric motor is coupled to the housing. The
flexible shaft has a first end coupled to the motor and an opposite, second end. The
vibrator head is coupled to the second end of the shaft. The vibrator head is configured
to receive torque from the motor to cause the vibrator head to vibrate. The battery
pack is coupled to a battery receptacle defined on the housing. The battery pack is
configured to provide electric current to the electric motor to drive the motor and
the shaft. The concrete vibrator is operable in a messenger bag configuration in which
the strap is used to carry the concrete vibrator with the housing in a horizontal
orientation.
[0005] The invention provides, in another independent aspect, a concrete vibrator including
a housing, an electric motor, a flexible shaft, a vibrator head, a battery pack, and
a tether. The housing has a front surface, an opposite rear surface, and a plurality
of side surfaces spanning the front surface and the rear surface. The electric motor
is coupled to the housing. The flexible shaft has a first end coupled to the motor
and projecting from the front surface of the housing. The flexible shaft has an opposite
second end. The vibrator head is coupled to the second end of the shaft and is configured
to receive torque from the motor and the shaft to cause the vibrator head to vibrate.
The battery pack is coupled to a battery receptacle defined on the housing. The battery
pack is configured to provide electric current to the electric motor to drive the
motor and the shaft. The tether is coupled to the housing and is configured to be
engaged by an external structure.
[0006] The invention provides, in another independent aspect, a concrete vibrator including
a housing, an electric motor, a flexible shaft, a vibrator head, a battery pack, and
at least one means. The housing defines an interior volume. The electric motor is
coupled to the housing. The flexible shaft has a first end coupled to the motor and
project from the housing. The flexible shaft has an opposite, second end. The vibrator
head is coupled to the second end of the shaft. The vibrator head is configured to
receive torque from the motor and the shaft to cause the vibrator head to vibrate.
The battery pack is coupled to a battery receptacle defined on the housing. The battery
pack is configured to provide electric current to the electric motor to drive the
motor and the shaft. The at least one means prevents ingress of matter into the interior
volume of the housing.
[0007] The invention provides, in another independent aspect, a concrete vibrator comprising:
a housing;
a strap coupled to the housing;
an electric motor coupled to the housing;
a flexible shaft having a first end coupled to the motor and an opposite, second end;
a vibrator head coupled to the second end of the shaft, the vibrator head configured
to receive torque from the motor and the shaft to cause the vibrator head to vibrate;
and
a battery pack coupled to a battery receptacle defined on the housing, the battery
pack configured to provide electric current to the electric motor to drive the motor
and the shaft;
wherein the concrete vibrator is operable in a messenger bag configuration in which
the strap is used to carry the concrete vibrator with the housing in a horizontal
orientation.
[0008] The concrete vibrator may further comprise a handle extending from the housing.
[0009] The handle may include a first end having a first attachment feature and a second
end having a second attachment feature, the strap having a first strap end configured
to be coupled to the first attachment feature and a second strap end configured to
be coupled to the second attachment feature.
[0010] The first end of the handle may be bifurcated at the first end to define a first
arm and a second arm spaced from the first arm, and the first attachment feature may
be a post extending between the first arm and the second arm.
[0011] The concrete vibrator may further comprise a handle extending from the housing, wherein
the concrete vibrator may be operable in a briefcase configuration in which the housing
is supportable in the horizontal orientation with the handle providing the support
for the concrete vibrator.
[0012] The housing may include a front surface from which the first end of the flexible
shaft protrudes, an opposite rear surface, and a plurality of side surfaces spanning
the front surface and the rear surface.
[0013] The concrete vibrator may further comprise a handle extending from one of the side
surfaces.
[0014] The strap may be configured to be coupled to one of the side surfaces.
[0015] The invention provides, in another independent aspect, a concrete vibrator comprising:
a housing having a front surface, an opposite rear surface, and a plurality of side
surfaces spanning the front surface and the rear surface;
an electric motor coupled to the housing;
a flexible shaft having a first end coupled to the motor and projecting from the front
surface of the housing, the flexible shaft having an opposite, second end;
a vibrator head coupled to the second end of the shaft, the vibrator head configured
to receive torque from the motor and the shaft to cause the vibrator head to vibrate;
a battery pack coupled to a battery receptacle defined on the housing, the battery
pack configured to provide electric current to the electric motor to drive the motor
and the shaft; and
a tether coupled to the housing, the tether being configured to be engaged by an external
structure.
[0016] The housing may have a stepped surface positioned between the front surface and the
rear surface thereof, the tether being coupled to the stepped surface.
[0017] The concrete vibrator may further comprise a shroud surrounding the first end of
the flexible shaft and coupled to the housing.
[0018] The tether may be coupled to the shroud.
[0019] The tether may include a tether mount removably coupled to the housing by a fastener
and a tether ring which may be secured to the housing by the tether plate.
[0020] The tether mount may be removably coupled to a shroud which surrounds the first end
of the flexible shaft and may be coupled to the housing.
[0021] The invention provides, in another independent aspect, a concrete vibrator comprising:
a housing defining an interior volume;
an electric motor coupled to the housing;
a flexible shaft having a first end coupled to the motor and projecting from the housing,
the flexible shaft having an opposite, second end;
a vibrator head coupled to the second end of the shaft, the vibrator head configured
to receive torque from the motor and the shaft to cause the vibrator head to vibrate;
a battery pack coupled to a battery receptacle defined on the housing, the battery
pack configured to provide electric current to the electric motor to drive the motor
and the shaft; and
at least one means for preventing ingress of matter into the interior volume of the
housing.
[0022] The means may be a battery latch cover which may be movable between a protection
position in which ingress of matter into the interior volume of the housing is prevented
by the battery latch cover and a battery engaging position in which the battery may
engage the battery receptacle, and the battery and the battery latch cover together
may prevent ingress of matter into the interior volume.
[0023] The concrete vibrator may further comprise a spring configured to bias the battery
latch cover to the protection position.
[0024] The housing may include a fastener recess on an outer profile thereof, the fastener
recess being configured to receive a fastener, and the means may be a plug engaged
with the fastener recess to prevent ingress of debris or fluid into the fastener recess
and thus the interior of the housing via the fastener recess.
[0025] The concrete vibrator may further comprise a switch configured to control operation
of the electric motor, wherein the means may be a switch cover surrounding the switch.
[0026] The switch cover may be deformable to permit operation of the switch while the switch
cover surrounds the switch.
[0027] Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration
of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a concrete vibrator in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention in a backpack configuration.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the concrete vibrator of FIG. 1 in a briefcase configuration.
FIG. 3 is a section view of a vibrator head of the concrete vibrator taken along section
line 3-3 in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view the vibrator head taken along section line 4-4 of FIG.
3.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a remote control unit for use with the concrete vibrator
of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the remote control unit of FIG. 5 communicating with
the concrete vibrator of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a concrete vibrator in accordance with another embodiment
of the invention in a backpack configuration with a portion of the motor housing hidden.
FIG. 8 is a plan view of the concrete vibrator of FIG. 7 in a briefcase configuration.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a concrete vibrator in accordance with another embodiment
of the invention.
FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the concrete vibrator of FIG. 9.
FIG. 11 is a side view of the concrete vibrator of FIG. 9.
FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the concrete vibrator of FIG. 9.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the concrete vibrator of FIG. 9 taken through
the housing thereof.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the concrete vibrator of FIG. 9 taken through
an interface between a battery receptacle a battery coupled to the battery receptacle.
FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of section 15-15 in FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an outer surface of the housing of the concrete vibrator
of FIG. 9.
[0029] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood
that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction
and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being
practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a concrete vibrator 10 including a housing 14, a power unit
(e.g., a brushless direct current electric motor 18) positioned within the housing
14, and a battery pack 22 carried onboard the housing 14 for providing power to the
electric motor 18. In some embodiments, the battery pack 22 and the motor 18 can be
configured as an 80 Volt high power battery pack and motor, such as the 80 Volt battery
pack and motor disclosed in
U.S. Patent Application No. 16/025,491 filed on July 2, 2018 (now
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0006980), the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. In such a battery pack
22, the battery cells within the battery pack 22 have a nominal voltage of up to about
80 V. In some embodiments, the battery cells are operable to output a sustained operating
discharge current of between about 40 A and about 60 A. In some embodiments, each
of the battery cells has a capacity of between about 3.0 Ah and about 5.0 Ah. And,
in some embodiments of the motor 18 when used with the 80 Volt battery pack 22, the
motor 18 has a power output of at least about 2760 W and a nominal outer diameter
(measured at the stator) of up to about 80 mm.
[0031] The concrete vibrator 10 also includes a flexible shaft 26 extending from the housing
14 and a vibrator head 30 connected to an end of the shaft 26. As explained in further
detail below, the shaft 26 receives torque from the motor 18. The torque is transmitted
to the vibrating head 30, causing it to vibrate. With reference to FIG. 1, the concrete
vibrator 10 also includes a pair of straps 34 that permit the concrete vibrator 10
to be carried in a "backpack configuration" in which the housing 14 is vertically
oriented (i.e., with the length dimension of the housing 14 extending parallel with
the height dimension of the user). The concrete vibrator 10 may optionally include
a hip band 38 in addition to the straps 34 to further secure the concrete vibrator
10 to the user.
[0032] When the concrete vibrator 10 is carried by a user in the backpack configuration
shown in FIG. 1, the flexible shaft 26 extends from a top surface 42 of the housing
14. In this manner, the flexible shaft 26 extends from the housing 14 in a direction
away from the ground G when the concrete vibrator 10 is being carried in the backpack
configuration. In this configuration, the straps 34 wrap around the user's shoulders
and the hip band 38 wraps around the user's hips or waist. In the backpack configuration,
a user can easily maneuver the flexible shaft 26 and vibrating head 30 with a single
hand while supporting the vibrator 10 with their body and through the straps 34. In
addition, because the flexible shaft 26 extends from the top surface 42 of the housing
14 in the backpack configuration of the vibrator 10, the user may carry the vibrating
head 30 with either their right hand or left hand without requiring the shaft 26 to
cross sideways in front or in back of the user, as it would if the shaft 26 were to
extend from one of the side-facing surfaces 46 of the housing 14 when the vibrator
10 is carried in the backpack configuration.
[0033] In the illustrated embodiment of the concrete vibrator 10, the shaft 26 extends upward
from the top surface 42 of the housing 14, is bent into a "U" shape, and redirected
downward for the vibrating head 30 to be grasped by the user. In other embodiments,
the flexible shaft 26 may protrude from a downward-inclined surface (embodiment of
FIGS. 7-9) of the housing 14 adjacent the top surface 42, such that the shaft 26 may
extend from the housing 14 and downward towards the ground G, without requiring the
shaft 26 to be initially bent into a "U" shape, when the user carries the vibrator
10 in the backpack configuration.
[0034] In yet another embodiment, the flexible shaft 26 may extend from a bottom surface
50 of the housing 14 when the vibrator 10 is carried in the backpack configuration.
In this embodiment, the flexible shaft 26 protrudes from the bottom surface 50 of
the housing 14 in a direction towards the ground when a user supports the vibrator
with the straps 34. Notably, in this embodiment, as well as the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1, the vibrating head 30 may be held with either the user's left or right hand
without the flexible shaft 26 crossing sideways in front or in back of the user. If
the shaft 26 were to extend from one of the side-facing surfaces of the housing 14
when the vibrator 10 is carried in the backpack configuration, the shaft 26 would
cross sideways in front or in back of the user.
[0035] With reference to FIG. 2, in addition to the straps, the concrete vibrator 10 includes
a handle 54 extending from one of the side-facing surfaces 46 of the housing 14 extending
between the top and bottom surfaces 42, 50 of the housing 14. The handle 54 permits
the concrete vibrator 10 to be alternatively carried in a "briefcase configuration"
in which the housing 14 is horizontally oriented (i.e., with the length dimension
of the housing 14 extending perpendicular to the height dimension of the user). In
the briefcase configuration, the flexible shaft 26 protrudes from the housing 14 in
a direction that is substantially parallel with the ground G, allowing the user to
easily maneuver the flexible shaft 26 and the vibrating head 30 with one hand, while
supporting the vibrator 10 with the other hand. If desired by the operator, the straps
34 and/or hip band 38 may be detached from the housing 14. The operator may decide
to remove the straps 34, for example, to reduce the weight of the vibrator 10. When
it is desired to again carry the vibrator 10 in the backpack configuration, the straps
34 and hip band 38 may be reattached to the housing 14. Alternatively, the concrete
vibrator 10 may include more than one handle 54 on different portions of the housing
14, respectively, to permit carrying the vibrator 10 in multiple different configurations
or orientations.
[0036] Optionally, the concrete vibrator 10 may include one or more hooks 56 extending from
one of the side-facing surfaces 46 of the housing 14. FIG. 2 illustrates two hooks
56 extending from one of the side-facing surfaces 46 extending between top and bottom
surfaces 42, 50 of the housing 14. The hooks 56 are dimensioned to engage and disengage
a corresponding railing (not shown) found on a worksite as a part of a wall form,
or found within a vehicle for transporting the concrete vibrator 10 between worksites.
The hooks 56 support the weight of the concrete vibrator 10 on the railing. The hooks
56 may be selectively removable from the concrete vibrator 10 if not needed.
[0037] FIGS. 3-4 illustrate the vibrator head 30 in detail. Specifically, the vibrator head
30 includes an outer housing having a connection portion 58 on one side of a body
portion 62, and a tip portion 66 on the opposite side of the body portion 62. The
tip portion 66 and the connection portion 58 are press-fit or otherwise mechanically
connected to the body portion 62. The vibrator head 30 also includes an eccentric
shaft 70 rotatably supported at opposite ends by respective pairs of radial bearings
74, 78, 82, 86 positioned within the body portion 62. The eccentric shaft 70 receives
torque from the flexible shaft 26, causing the eccentric shaft 70 to rotate. The eccentric
shaft 70 is configured to vibrate the vibrator head 30 upon receiving torque from
the flexible shaft 26.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, the vibrator head 30 includes a coupling 90 interconnecting the
eccentric shaft 70 and the flexible shaft 26. The vibrator head 30 further includes
a lip seal 94 located between the coupling 90 and the bearings 74, 78 to prevent (e.g.,
inhibit) infiltration of wet concrete or other fluids into the body portion 62. A
seal retainer 98 is radially disposed between the lip seal 94 and the body portion
62 to retain the radial and longitudinal position of the lip seal 94 relative to the
eccentric shaft 70.
[0039] With reference to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the concrete vibrator 10 includes
a remote control unit 102 in communication with a controller 103. The controller 103
may transmit and receive signals to from the remote control unit 102 to control operation
of the motor 18 . The controller 103 is in electrical communication with the motor
18. The remote control unit 102 is operable to communicate with the controller 103
via a communications link to adjust the vibration frequency of the vibrator head 30.
The remote control unit 102 is operable to receive a signal from the controller 103
indicating a running state of the motor 18.
[0040] The remote control unit 102 is more clearly shown in FIG. 5. The remote control unit
102 is capable of wirelessly transmitting a signal to the controller 103 in response
to a user depressing a power button 106 on the remote control unit 102. The signal
is wirelessly transmitted to the motor control unit of the concrete vibrator 10 to
activate and deactivate the motor 18. In some embodiments, the concrete vibrator 10
may include feedback control capable of detecting physical properties of wet concrete
in which the vibrator head 30 is submerged and then adjusting the speed of the motor
18 to optimize the frequency of vibration of the concrete vibrator 10. Such feedback
control may be continuously active as long as the motor 18 remains activated, allowing
the frequency of vibration of the vibrator 30 to be adjusted contemporaneously with
movement of the vibrator 30 throughout the wet concrete.
[0041] Additionally or alternatively, the remote control unit 102 is capable of controlling
the speed of the motor 18 with a joystick 110 on the remote control unit 102. Input
from the joystick 110 may be transmitted wirelessly to the motor control unit of the
concrete vibrator 10 to adjust the speed of the motor 18. In some embodiments, the
joystick 110 may be toggled in a first direction (e.g., toward the right from the
frame of reference of FIG. 5) to increase the speed of the motor 18, and toggling
the joystick 110 in an opposite, second direction (e.g., toward the left from the
frame of reference of FIG. 5) may decrease the speed of the motor 18. Similarly, the
joystick 110 may be toggled in a vertical direction (i.e., up or down from the frame
of reference of FIG. 5) to adjust the motor 18 between a forward rotational direction
and a reverse rotational direction, respectively. Also, in some embodiments, depressing
or clicking the joystick 110 (i.e., into the page from the frame of reference of FIG.
5) may adjust the motor 18 between a fast-operating mode and a slow-operating mode,
with the speed setting in each mode being preselected from the manufacturer or being
user-configurable. Additionally or alternatively, the remote control unit 102 may
utilize a dial potentiometer (not shown) to set or adjust the speed of the motor 18.
In the illustrated embodiment, the forward/reverse control and speed control of the
motor 18 is integrated using the single joystick 110. However, in alternate embodiments,
the forward/reverse control and speed control of the motor 18 may be performed by
separate switches or buttons. The remote control unit 102 is configured to receive
user input and transmit the user input to the controller 103. The controller 103 is
configured to receive the user input and adjust the operation of the motor based on
the user input.
[0042] The concrete vibrator 10 may be provided with one or more work lights 104 (shown
schematically in FIG. 6) to illuminate an area of wet concrete in which the vibrator
30 is immersed. The lights 104 may be capable of changing between a spot illumination
mode, in which the light generated by the concrete vibrator 10 is cast about a relatively
small area, and a flood illumination mode, in which the light generated by the concrete
vibrator 10 is cast about a relatively large area. The work lights 104 may also be
deactivated if not needed. In the illustrated embodiment, the remote control unit
102 includes a light mode selection button 118 that allows a user to switch between
the spot illumination mode, the flood illumination mode, and an "off" mode in which
the lights are deactivated. The remote control unit 102 also includes a brightness
control button 122 that allows a user to adjust the brightness of the work lights
104 between multiple different levels. For example, the brightness control button
122 may be depressed by a user to sequentially adjust the work lights between two
or more brightness levels.
[0043] The remote control unit 102 includes an onboard rechargeable power source (i.e.,
a battery, not shown). As such, the remote control unit 102 may be charged by connection
with a receptacle onboard the concrete vibrator 10 or another tool with which the
battery pack 22 is interchangeable. Alternatively, the remote control unit 102 may
be charged via a USB cable, through an inductive charger, or through another charging
means with the battery remaining onboard the remote control unit 102. As a further
alternative, the remote control unit 102 may contain a removable battery capable of
being charged with a separate charger.
[0044] The remote control unit 102 may utilize one of many methods to communicate with the
concrete vibrator 10. For example, at least BTLE, standard Bluetooth, radio frequency
communication such as 433 MHz, Wi-Fi, infrared, or standard cellular communication
frequencies (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, or LTE services) provide adequate communication methods
between the remote control unit 102 and the concrete vibrator 10. The remote control
unit 102 may include a transmitter 126 configured to send messages to a receiver 130
on the concrete vibrator 10 (FIG. 6). A communications link between the transmitter
126 of the remote control unit 102 and the receiver 130 of the concrete vibrator 10
may be established via a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter), SPI (Serial
Peripheral Interface), or a RS485 communications link. Other such communications links
may be used. One such other communications link may be a hardware link where a signal
generated by one of the concrete vibrator 10 or remote control unit 102 activates
a physical switch on the other of the concrete vibrator 10 and the remote control
unit 102. The remote control unit 102 is paired with the concrete vibrator 10 through
known methods and using the communications method and communications link. The communications
link between the remote control unit 102 and the concrete vibrator 10 is shown schematically
in FIG. 6. In other embodiments, the remote control unit 102 may be a wired communication
device receiving power and communicating through a wired connection with the concrete
vibrator 10.
[0045] Additionally or alternatively, a signal may be generated by the controller 103 of
the concrete vibrator 10 to indicate the running state (i.e., on/off status, direction,
and speed) of the motor 18. This signal may be sent by a transmitter 134 of the concrete
vibrator 10 and may be received by a receiver 138 of the remote control unit 102 for
communicating the signal to the user via an indicator 142 on the remote control unit
102. Thus, the indicator 142 may communicate to a user of the concrete vibrator 10
the running state of the motor 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the indicator 142
is an LED configured to illuminate, for example, when the motor 18 is activated. Alternatively
or additionally, the indicator 142 may provide an audible or tactile signal to the
user.
[0046] When using the remote control unit 102, a first user carrying the concrete vibrator
10 may be responsible for submerging and moving the head 30 throughout a region of
wet concrete, while a second user may hold the remote control unit 102 and be responsible
for adjusting the frequency of vibration of the head 30 to account for variations
in the consistency of the wet concrete, or to adjust the vibrator head 30 for use
with wet concrete in different stages of dryness. In this manner, the user carrying
the vibrator 10 needs only to concentrate on placement of the head 30 within the wet
concrete. Alternatively, the same user responsible for submerging and moving the head
30 may also hold the remote control unit 102 and be responsible for adjusting the
frequency of vibration of the head 30. This allows a single user to adjust the frequency
of vibration of the head 30 based on tactile feedback from the vibrating head due
to the consistency of the wet concrete. Additionally or alternatively, a single user
can operate the concrete vibrator 10 by submerging the head 30 in wet concrete and
controlling the frequency of vibration of the head 30 using the remote control unit
102, all while carrying the concrete vibrator 10 with the straps 34.
[0047] In operation, the vibrator head 30 can be submerged in wet concrete and the remote
control unit 102 can allow a user or users of the concrete vibrator 10 to adjust the
frequency of vibration of the vibrator head 30 without requiring a user to carry the
concrete vibrator 10. Optionally, during operation, a user can hold the concrete vibrator
10 with the straps 34, 38 in a backpack configuration (see e.g., FIG. 1), with the
handle 54 in a briefcase configuration (see e.g., FIG. 2), or the user can rest a
side-facing surface 46 or bottom surface 50 of the concrete vibrator 10 on the ground
G. These options for operating the concrete vibrator 10 provide first, second, and
third operating possibilities, respectively, wherein each operating possibility provides
a single user the ability to adjust the operation of the concrete vibrator 10 while
the user simultaneously controls the location of the vibrator head 30 within wet concrete.
At least the third operating possibility is made possible by the remote control unit
102.
[0048] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate another embodiment of a concrete vibrator 210, with like
features as the concrete vibrator 10 being labeled with reference numerals plus "200."
In the concrete vibrator 210, the housing 214 receives the battery pack 222, and is
mounted on a frame 254. The frame 254 is a tubular structure on which the housing
214 is mounted and functions as a handle to facilitate carrying the vibrator 210 in
a briefcase configuration. With reference to FIG. 7, the vibrator 210 also includes
a back plate 346 attached to the frame 254 that is ergonomically contoured to rest
upon a user's back when the vibrator 210 is carried in a backpack configuration. Dual
straps 234 are tethered to the back plate 346 and may be slung over a user's shoulders
to hold the vibrator 210 in a generally vertical orientation when the vibrator 210
is carried with the straps 234 in the backpack configuration.
[0049] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the motor 218 of the concrete vibrator 210 is positioned
within a motor housing 219. The motor housing 219 is pivotably coupled to the main
housing 214 to orient and/or reorient the shaft 226 relative to the frame 254 and
the main housing 214. The motor housing 219 is pivotable relative to the main housing
214 about a connection axis 350 (FIG. 8), which is obliquely oriented relative to
a motor axis 354 defined by the motor 218. For example, an angle between the connection
axis 350 and the motor axis 354 is in the range of 20 degrees to 60 degrees. In the
illustrated embodiment of the vibrator, an angle between the connection axis 350 and
motor axis 354 is 45 degrees. As such, when the vibrator 210 is carried with the frame
254 in a vertical orientation in the backpack configuration illustrated in FIG. 7,
the flexible shaft 226 of the concrete vibrator 210 can be directed towards the ground
without being bent into a "U" shape.
[0050] With reference to FIG. 8, the concrete vibrator 210 may also be carried with the
frame 254 in a horizontal orientation in the briefcase configuration, with the back
plate 346 and straps 234 (shown in broken lines) removed. In this manner, a user or
multiple users of the concrete vibrator 210 may carry the frame 254 while directing
the vibrator head 230.
[0051] The frame 254 is shaped such that a user or multiple users can hold the frame 254
at opposite sides of the frame 254 adjacent to the housing 214 and the motor 218,
respectively. The frame 254 includes a base portion 255 to which the main housing
214 is coupled. The frame 254 further includes a first handle portion 256A extending
from one end of the base portion 255 and configured to be grasped by a user while
transporting the concrete vibrator 210 in the briefcase configuration. The frame 254
further includes a second handle portion 256B extending from an end of the base portion
255 opposite the first handle portion 256B. The second handle portion 256B is alternately
graspable by a user while transporting the concrete vibrator 210 in the briefcase
configuration. The back plate 346 is fastened to the base portion 255 of the frame
254. With reference to FIG. 8, a portion of the back plate 346 proximate the handle
portion 256A includes a convex contour 257 on a surface 258 thereof facing away from
the base portion 255.
[0052] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the frame 254 can rest upon the ground G
with an end of the flexible shaft 226 extending along the motor axis 354 away from
the ground G. The flexible shaft 226 can then be bent in the "U" shape towards the
ground G. In this orientation, the user or multiple users do not need to hold the
concrete vibrator 210. While utilizing the strap 234 for carrying the concrete vibrator
in a backpack configuration, the user's hands are freed to operate the vibrator head
230 and/or the remote control unit 302. As such, a single user can fully operate the
concrete vibrator 210.
[0053] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the concrete vibrator 210 includes an actuator 358
operable to releasably attach the flexible shaft 226 to the motor 218. The actuator
358 is movable between a disengaged position in which the flexible shaft 226 is separated
from the motor 218 and an engaged position in which the flexible shaft is secured
to and receives torque from the motor 218. The actuator 358 is operable to be adjusted
between the disengaged position and the engaged position without disassembly of the
motor 218.
[0054] With continued reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, a pivot joint 361 pivotably couples the
motor housing 219 and the main housing 214. The pivot joint 361 defines a passageway
362 (FIG. 7) extending between the housing 214 and the motor housing 219. The passageway
362 extends generally along the connection axis 350. The passageway 362 provides a
location for routing electrical wires, which transmit power and electrical signals,
between the controller 103 within the main housing 214 and the motor 218 within the
motor housing 219.
[0055] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the battery pack 222 is coupled to a battery
receptacle 215 defined on the main housing 214. The battery pack 222 is attachable
to the battery receptacle 215 along a battery insertion axis 366, which is oriented
perpendicular to the connection axis 350. The battery insertion axis 223 extends into
and out of the page from the frame of reference of FIG. 8.
[0056] Finally, the housing 214 of the concrete vibrator 210 has a storage receptacle 370
in which the remote control unit 302 can be stored when not in use (FIG. 8). In the
illustrated embodiment, the remote control unit 302 is removably attached to the exterior
of the housing 214 for storage. More specifically, the storage receptacle 370 is located
on a lower surface 374 of the housing 214 closest to the ground G when in the backpack
configuration. Other such attachment locations are possible. The illustrated storage
receptacle 370 is also proximate the battery receptacle 215, and may include access
to power from the battery pack 222 for charging the remote control unit 302 when it
is attached to the housing 214.
[0057] In an alternative embodiment, the vibrating head 30 houses the motor 18 within the
head 30. This alternative embodiment may be applied to either the concrete vibrator
10 or the concrete vibrator 210. In this embodiment, a power cord runs from the housing
14 through or along the shaft 26 (which, in this alternative embodiment, is merely
configured as an outer jacket for protecting the power cord) to the motor 18. In the
previously discussed embodiments, the flexible shaft 26 transmits torque from the
motor 18 to the head 30. However, in this alternative embodiment, the motor 18 is
located in the head 30, and the shaft 26 provides protection for the power cord connecting
the housing 14 and the motor 18.
[0058] In another alternative embodiment, the motor 18 is located in the middle region of
the shaft 26. In other words, the motor 18 may be located in-line with the shaft 26,
with the motor 18 receiving electrical power at one end and transmitting torque at
the other end. This alternative embodiment may be applied to either the concrete vibrator
10 or the concrete vibrator 210. The motor 18 may receive power from a power cord
extending from the housing 14 to the middle region of the shaft 26 (which, in this
alternative embodiment, is partially configured as an outer jacket for protecting
the power cord). Then, a flexible shaft may extend within the shaft 26 between the
motor 18 and the head 30 to rotate the eccentric shaft 70. Such a configuration may
be beneficial during use of the concrete vibrator 10 in the briefcase configuration
as the in-line configuration provides a lighter and more flexible section between
the middle region of the shaft 26 and the housing 14. This lighter and more flexible
section may induce less fatigue to a user during use. The lighter and more flexible
section of the shaft 26 may be more maneuverable when compared to the previously discussed
embodiments having a torque transmitting shaft extending the entire length of the
shaft 26.
[0059] FIGS. 9-16 illustrate another concrete vibrator 410. The concrete vibrator 410 includes
many components similar to the concrete vibrator 10 and the concrete vibrator 210,
but having reference numerals in the '400' series. The concrete vibrator 410 includes
a housing 414 having a front surface 442 and a rear surface 450. A plurality of side
surfaces 452 span the front surface 442 and the rear surface 450. A stepped surface
453 is positioned between the front surface 442 and the rear surface 450. The housing
414 has an exterior surface 414a which defines an interior volume 414b. The housing
414 defines an outer profile 414c which is mainly defined by the exterior surface
414a.
[0060] The concrete vibrator 410 operates in a manner like the concrete vibrator 10 and
the concrete vibrator 210. The concrete vibrator 410 includes a flexible shaft 426
with a first end 426a coupled to a motor 418 (FIG. 13) and an opposite, second end
426b which is coupled to a vibrator head 430 (FIG. 9). The vibrator head 430 is configured
to receive torque from the motor 418 (FIG. 13) to cause the vibrator head 430 to vibrate.
[0061] As with the above-described concrete vibrators 10, 210, the concrete vibrator 410
includes a battery receptacle 415 defined on the housing 414 thereof. A battery pack
422 is coupled to the battery receptacle 415. The battery pack 422 is attachable to
the battery receptacle 415 along a battery insertion axis 466, which is oriented parallel
to a shaft axis 454 defined by the first end 426a of the flexible shaft 426.
[0062] The concrete vibrator 410 includes a remote control unit 402 (FIG. 10) similar to
the remote control units 102, 302. The remote control unit 402 is removably attached
to the exterior surface 414a of the housing 414. More specifically, the concrete vibrator
410 includes a storage receptacle 470 located adjacent the rear surface 450 and one
of the side surfaces 452. The illustrated storage receptacle 470 is also proximate
the battery receptacle 415 which receives the battery pack 422. The remote control
unit 402 may be configured to control operation of the motor 418 (FIG. 13) and ultimately,
the vibration of the vibrating head 430. The concrete vibrator 410 further includes
a user interface 403 (FIG. 10) coupled to the housing 414. The user interface 403
may indicate the operation status of the concrete vibrator 410 to the user. The user
interface 403 and the remote control unit 402 may each be configured to control operation
of the motor 418 (FIG. 13) and ultimately, the vibration of the vibrating head 430.
[0063] With reference to FIG. 9, the concrete vibrator 410 includes an actuator 458 operable
to releasably attach the flexible shaft 426 to the motor 428 (FIG. 13). The actuator
458 operates in a similar fashion to the actuator 358 of the concrete vibrator 210.
[0064] The concrete vibrator 410 includes a handle 456 extending from the housing 414. More
particularly, the handle 456 extends from one of the side surfaces 452 of the housing
414. The handle 456 has a first end 456a adjacent the front surface 442 and a second
end 456b adjacent the rear surface 450. In the illustrated embodiment, both the first
end 456a and the second end 456b are coupled to the same side surface 452. However,
other arrangements may be possible.
[0065] An attachment feature 457 is coupled to the housing 414. The attachment feature 457
is configured to selectively secure a strap 438 to the housing 414. The illustrated
housing 414 includes two attachment features 457. The illustrated housing 414 includes
one attachment feature 457 positioned on the side surface 452 and adjacent the front
surface 442 and another attachment feature 457 positioned on the same side surface
452 and adjacent the rear surface 450. More specifically, the illustrated embodiment
includes one attachment feature 457 provided at the first end 456a of the handle 456
and another attachment feature 457 provided at the second end 456b of the handle 456.
[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 456 is bifurcated at the first end 456a
thereof to include a first arm 457a and a second arm 457b which is spaced from the
first arm 457a by a space 457d. The attachment feature 457 in the illustrated embodiment
is a post 457c which extends between the first arm 457a and the second arm 457b. A
similar attachment feature 457 is provide adjacent the second end 456b of the handle
456.
[0067] The strap 438 may be removably coupled to the housing 414. The strap 438 includes
a first strap end 438a coupled to a first clip 434a and an opposite second strap end
438b coupled to a second clip 434b. Other straps 438 may be removably coupled to the
housing 414 by the strap ends 438a, 438b themselves, or another connection component
such as the clips 434a, 434b. In the illustrated embodiment, the first clip 434a is
configured to couple the first strap end 438a to the attachment feature 457 adjacent
the first end 456a. the second clip 434b is configured to couple the second strap
end 438b to the attachment feature 457 adjacent the second end 456b.
[0068] FIG. 10 illustrates the strap 438 coupled to the handle 456 via the clips 434a, 434b,
permitting the concrete vibrator 410 to be carried in a messenger bag configuration
in which the strap 438 is used to carry the concrete vibrator 410 with the housing
414 in a horizontal orientation relative to the ground G. In the horizontal orientation,
the shaft axis 454 adjacent the housing 414 is generally parallel to the ground G.
The second end 426b of the shaft 426 is maneuverable to submerge the vibrator head
430 into wet concrete. The strap 438 may be supported by either or both of a user's
shoulders such that the user can support the concrete vibrator 410 and carry the concrete
vibrator 410 to different locations on a jobsite while operating the motor 418 and
thus the vibrator head 430. Optionally, the user may grasp the handle 456 during use
of the concrete vibrator 410 and/or while transitioning between use of the concrete
vibrator 410 in the messenger bag configuration utilizing the strap 438 or the above-described
briefcase configuration utilizing the handle 456. Accordingly, the concrete vibrator
410 may be used in either the messenger bag configuration or the above-described briefcase
configuration. The strap 438 may further include a slide 439 configured to permit
the user to adjust a length of the strap 438 to a desired length, thus permitting
the concrete vibrator 410 to be carried at a desired height relative to the ground
G.
[0069] The illustrated concrete vibrator 410 includes a shroud 500 surrounding the first
end 426a of the shaft 426. The shroud 500 is coupled to the housing 414. More specifically,
the shroud 500 is coupled to the stepped surface 453 of the housing 414. In the illustrated
embodiment, the actuator 458 is provided both within the interior of the shroud 500
to engage the first end 426a of the shaft 426 and beyond the exterior of the shroud
500 such that a user may operate the actuator 458.
[0070] With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the concrete vibrator 410 includes a tether 504
coupled to the housing 414. The tether 504 may be coupled to the housing 414 at various
locations of the housing 414. For example, the tether 504 may be coupled to the housing
414 adjacent the front surface 442, the rear surface 450, or any of the side surface
452 thereof. The tether 504 may be coupled to the stepped surface 453. In the illustrated
embodiment, the tether 504 is coupled to the shroud 500 adjacent the stepped surface
453.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 12, the tether 504 includes a tether mount 508, which is removably
coupled to the housing 414 by a fastener 512. In the illustrated embodiment, the tether
mount 508 is removably coupled to the shroud 500 by a plurality of fasteners 512.
A tether ring 516 is coupled to the tether mount 508. A carabiner 520 is removably
coupled to the tether ring 516. The carabiner may be a locking carabiner 520 configured
to lock in a closed position. The carabiner 520 is movable to an open position to
couple to both the tether ring 516 and another external structure such as a user's
belt, a support, and the like. In the open position, the carabiner 520 may be removed
from the tether ring 516. The tether mount 508 and the tether ring 516 may remain
coupled to the shroud 500 when the carabiner 520 is removed from the tether ring 516.
[0072] FIGS. 13-16 illustrate various means for preventing undesired ingress of debris and/or
fluid from the surroundings of the concrete vibrator 410 and into the interior volume
414b defined by the housing 414. FIG. 13 illustrates a switch 524 configured to control
operation of the electric motor 418. A switch cover 528 surrounds the switch 524.
In the illustrated embodiment, the switch cover 528 functions as a seal to prevent
ingress of undesired matter (e.g., debris and/or fluid) from the surroundings of the
concrete vibrator 410 and into the outer profile 414c and, in some cases, the interior
volume 414b. The illustrated switch cover 528 is deformable such that a user may press
on an outer surface thereof to operate the switch 524. In other words, the switch
524 remains operable while the switch cover 528 surrounds the switch 524. In other
embodiments, the switch cover 528 may be movable and/or removable relative to the
housing 414 such that the switch cover 528 may be moved to uncover the switch 524
for operation of the switch 524. The switch cover 528 may be transparent such that
the user may visually see the switch 524 itself to determine the position of the switch
524.
[0073] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate an interface I between the battery pack 422 and the battery
receptacle 415. With reference to FIG. 15, the battery pack 422 is inserted along
the battery insertion axis 466. Upon insertion of the battery pack 422, a terminal
422a of the battery pack 422 is connected with a corresponding terminal (not shown)
of the battery receptacle 415. During insertion of the battery pack 422, the battery
pack 422 presses upon a battery latch cover 532. The battery latch cover 532 includes
a protruding arm 540 having a surface 544. The battery receptacle 415 defines a support
surface 548. The battery latch cover 532 further includes a spring engagement surface
552 configured to secure a spring 556 between the spring engagement surface 552 of
the battery latch cover 532 and a corresponding spring engagement surface 560 of the
battery receptacle 415. In the illustrated embodiment, at least two springs 556 are
provided between at least two spring engagement surfaces 552 and at least two corresponding
spring engagement surfaces 560. In other embodiments, other numbers of springs 556
(e.g., one spring, four springs, etc.) are possible.
[0074] The battery latch cover 532 is movable between a protection position in which ingress
of debris or fluid into the outer profile 414c and ultimately the interior volume
414b of the housing 414 is prevented by the battery latch cover 532 and a battery
engaging position (illustrated in FIG. 15) in which the battery 422 engages the battery
receptacle 415, and the battery 422 and the battery latch cover 532 together prevent
ingress of debris or fluid into the outer profile 414c and ultimately the interior
volume 414b. In the protection position, the protruding arm 540 is pressed against
the support surface 548 such that the protruding arm 540 and the support surface 548
function as a seal to prevent ingress into the outer profile 414c of the housing 414.
[0075] FIG. 15 illustrates the battery engaging position of the battery latch cover 532
in solid lines. As illustrated, the surface 544 of the arm 540 is spaced from the
support surface 548 of the battery receptacle 415. A gap G1 is measured between the
surface 544 of the arm 540 and the support surface 548 of the battery receptacle 415.
The gap G1 is measured parallel to the battery insertion axis 466. In the battery
engaging position, the gap G1 is a non-zero value, and the battery 422 and the battery
latch cover 532 together prevent ingress of debris and/or fluid into the outer profile
414c and ultimately the interior volume 414b. FIG. 15 illustrates the protection position
of the battery latch cover 532 in dashed lines as a battery latch cover 532a. In this
position, the surface 544 of the arm 540 abuts the support surface 548 of the battery
receptacle 415. Accordingly, the gap G1 is non-existent in the protection position.
The spring 556 is configured to bias the battery latch cover 532 to the protection
position. Accordingly, when the battery 422 is removed from the battery receptacle
415 in a reverse direction along the battery insertion axis 466, the spring 556 biases
the battery latch cover 532 to maintain the prevention of ingress of debris and/or
fluid into the outer profile 414c and ultimately the interior volume 414b even when
the battery 422 is removed.
[0076] As illustrated in FIG. 16, the housing 414 further includes a plurality of fastener
recesses 564. The fastener recesses 564 are formed on the exterior surface 414a of
the housing 414. The fastener recesses 564 are provided within the outer profile 414c
of the housing 414. The fastener recesses 564 extend inwardly towards the interior
volume 414b of the housing 414. Fasteners 568 are positioned in alignment with the
fastener recesses 564 to secure the housing 414 together. In the illustrated embodiment,
the fastener recesses 564 are cylindrical in shape. A plug 572 is configured to engage
(e.g., abut, press against) at least the fastener recess 564 and optionally the exterior
surface 414a. When the plug 572 engages the fastener recess 564 (and/or the exterior
surface 414a), the plug 572 functions as a seal to prevent ingress of matter (e.g.,
debris and/or fluid) into the outer profile 414c (e.g., the volume defined by the
fastener recess 564) and ultimately the interior volume 414b of the housing 414. Each
fastener recess 564 may be engaged by a corresponding plug 572. The plugs 572 are
removable from the fastener recesses 564 in order to access the fasteners 568. While
attached to the fastener recesses 564, the plugs 572 may keep the fasteners 568 clean
and free from undesired debris.
[0077] Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims. When used
in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations
thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms
are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.
REPRESENTATIVE FEATURES
[0078] Representative features are set out in the following clauses, which stand alone or
may be combined, in any combination, with one or more features disclosed in the text
and/or drawings of the specification.
- 1. A concrete vibrator comprising:
a housing;
a strap coupled to the housing;
an electric motor coupled to the housing;
a flexible shaft having a first end coupled to the motor and an opposite, second end;
a vibrator head coupled to the second end of the shaft, the vibrator head configured
to receive torque from the motor and the shaft to cause the vibrator head to vibrate;
and
a battery pack coupled to a battery receptacle defined on the housing, the battery
pack configured to provide electric current to the electric motor to drive the motor
and the shaft;
wherein the concrete vibrator is operable in a messenger bag configuration in which
the strap is used to carry the concrete vibrator with the housing in a horizontal
orientation.
- 2. The concrete vibrator of clause 1, further comprising a handle extending from the
housing.
- 3. The concrete vibrator of clause 2, wherein the handle includes a first end having
a first attachment feature and a second end having a second attachment feature, the
strap having a first strap end configured to be coupled to the first attachment feature
and a second strap end configured to be coupled to the second attachment feature.
- 4. The concrete vibrator of clause 3, wherein the first end of the handle is bifurcated
at the first end to define a first arm and a second arm spaced from the first arm,
and the first attachment feature is a post extending between the first arm and the
second arm.
- 5. The concrete vibrator of clause 1, further comprising a handle extending from the
housing, wherein the concrete vibrator is operable in a briefcase configuration in
which the housing is supportable in the horizontal orientation with the handle providing
the support for the concrete vibrator.
- 6. The concrete vibrator of clause 1, wherein the housing includes a front surface
from which the first end of the flexible shaft protrudes, an opposite rear surface,
and a plurality of side surfaces spanning the front surface and the rear surface.
- 7. The concrete vibrator of clause 6, further comprising a handle extending from one
of the side surfaces.
- 8. The concrete vibrator of clause 6, wherein the strap is configured to be coupled
to one of the side surfaces.
- 9. A concrete vibrator comprising:
a housing having a front surface, an opposite rear surface, and a plurality of side
surfaces spanning the front surface and the rear surface;
an electric motor coupled to the housing;
a flexible shaft having a first end coupled to the motor and projecting from the front
surface of the housing, the flexible shaft having an opposite, second end;
a vibrator head coupled to the second end of the shaft, the vibrator head configured
to receive torque from the motor and the shaft to cause the vibrator head to vibrate;
a battery pack coupled to a battery receptacle defined on the housing, the battery
pack configured to provide electric current to the electric motor to drive the motor
and the shaft; and
a tether coupled to the housing, the tether being configured to be engaged by an external
structure.
- 10. The concrete vibrator of clause 9 wherein the housing has a stepped surface positioned
between the front surface and the rear surface thereof, the tether being coupled to
the stepped surface.
- 11. The concrete vibrator of clause 9, further comprising a shroud surrounding the
first end of the flexible shaft and coupled to the housing.
- 12. The concrete vibrator of clause 11, wherein the tether is coupled to the shroud.
- 13. The concrete vibrator of clause 9, wherein the tether includes a tether mount
removably coupled to the housing by a fastener and a tether ring which is secured
to the housing by the tether plate.
- 14. The concrete vibrator of clause 13, wherein the tether mount is removably coupled
to a shroud which surrounds the first end of the flexible shaft and is coupled to
the housing.
- 15. A concrete vibrator comprising:
a housing defining an interior volume;
an electric motor coupled to the housing;
a flexible shaft having a first end coupled to the motor and projecting from the housing,
the flexible shaft having an opposite, second end;
a vibrator head coupled to the second end of the shaft, the vibrator head configured
to receive torque from the motor and the shaft to cause the vibrator head to vibrate;
a battery pack coupled to a battery receptacle defined on the housing, the battery
pack configured to provide electric current to the electric motor to drive the motor
and the shaft; and
at least one means for preventing ingress of matter into the interior volume of the
housing.
- 16. The concrete vibrator of clause 15, wherein the means is a battery latch cover
which is movable between a protection position in which ingress of matter into the
interior volume of the housing is prevented by the battery latch cover and a battery
engaging position in which the battery engages the battery receptacle, and the battery
and the battery latch cover together prevent ingress of matter into the interior volume.
- 17. The concrete vibrator of clause 16, further comprising a spring configured to
bias the battery latch cover to the protection position.
- 18. The concrete vibrator of clause 15, wherein the housing includes a fastener recess
on an outer profile thereof, the fastener recess being configured to receive a fastener,
and the means is a plug engaged with the fastener recess to prevent ingress of debris
or fluid into the fastener recess and thus the interior of the housing via the fastener
recess.
- 19. The concrete vibrator of clause 15, further comprising a switch configured to
control operation of the electric motor, wherein the means is a switch cover surrounding
the switch.
- 20. The concrete vibrator of clause 19, wherein the switch cover is deformable to
permit operation of the switch while the switch cover surrounds the switch.
1. A concrete vibrator comprising:
a housing;
a strap coupled to the housing;
an electric motor coupled to the housing;
a flexible shaft having a first end coupled to the motor and an opposite, second end;
a vibrator head coupled to the second end of the shaft, the vibrator head configured
to receive torque from the motor and the shaft to cause the vibrator head to vibrate;
and
a battery pack coupled to a battery receptacle defined on the housing, the battery
pack configured to provide electric current to the electric motor to drive the motor
and the shaft;
wherein the concrete vibrator is operable in a messenger bag configuration in which
the strap is used to carry the concrete vibrator with the housing in a horizontal
orientation.
2. The concrete vibrator of claim 1, further comprising a handle extending from the housing,
preferably wherein the handle includes a first end having a first attachment feature
and a second end having a second attachment feature, the strap having a first strap
end configured to be coupled to the first attachment feature and a second strap end
configured to be coupled to the second attachment feature.
3. The concrete vibrator of claim 2, wherein the first end of the handle is bifurcated
at the first end to define a first arm and a second arm spaced from the first arm,
and the first attachment feature is a post extending between the first arm and the
second arm.
4. The concrete vibrator of claim 1, further comprising a handle extending from the housing,
wherein the concrete vibrator is operable in a briefcase configuration in which the
housing is supportable in the horizontal orientation with the handle providing the
support for the concrete vibrator.
5. The concrete vibrator of any preceding claim, wherein the housing includes a front
surface from which the first end of the flexible shaft protrudes, an opposite rear
surface, and a plurality of side surfaces spanning the front surface and the rear
surface.
6. The concrete vibrator of claim 5, further comprising a handle extending from one of
the side surfaces and/or wherein the strap is configured to be coupled to one of the
side surfaces.
7. A concrete vibrator comprising:
a housing having a front surface, an opposite rear surface, and a plurality of side
surfaces spanning the front surface and the rear surface;
an electric motor coupled to the housing;
a flexible shaft having a first end coupled to the motor and projecting from the front
surface of the housing, the flexible shaft having an opposite, second end;
a vibrator head coupled to the second end of the shaft, the vibrator head configured
to receive torque from the motor and the shaft to cause the vibrator head to vibrate;
a battery pack coupled to a battery receptacle defined on the housing, the battery
pack configured to provide electric current to the electric motor to drive the motor
and the shaft; and
a tether coupled to the housing, the tether being configured to be engaged by an external
structure.
8. The concrete vibrator of claim 7 wherein the housing has a stepped surface positioned
between the front surface and the rear surface thereof, the tether being coupled to
the stepped surface, and/or further comprising a shroud surrounding the first end
of the flexible shaft and coupled to the housing.
9. The concrete vibrator of claim 7 or 8, wherein the tether is coupled to the shroud,
preferably wherein the tether includes a tether mount removably coupled to the housing
by a fastener and a tether ring which is secured to the housing by the tether plate,
preferably wherein the tether mount is removably coupled to a shroud which surrounds
the first end of the flexible shaft and is coupled to the housing.
10. A concrete vibrator comprising:
a housing defining an interior volume;
an electric motor coupled to the housing;
a flexible shaft having a first end coupled to the motor and projecting from the housing,
the flexible shaft having an opposite, second end;
a vibrator head coupled to the second end of the shaft, the vibrator head configured
to receive torque from the motor and the shaft to cause the vibrator head to vibrate;
a battery pack coupled to a battery receptacle defined on the housing, the battery
pack configured to provide electric current to the electric motor to drive the motor
and the shaft; and
at least one means for preventing ingress of matter into the interior volume of the
housing.
11. The concrete vibrator of claim 10, wherein the means is a battery latch cover which
is movable between a protection position in which ingress of matter into the interior
volume of the housing is prevented by the battery latch cover and a battery engaging
position in which the battery engages the battery receptacle, and the battery and
the battery latch cover together prevent ingress of matter into the interior volume.
12. The concrete vibrator of claim 11, further comprising a spring configured to bias
the battery latch cover to the protection position.
13. The concrete vibrator of claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein the housing includes a fastener
recess on an outer profile thereof, the fastener recess being configured to receive
a fastener, and the means is a plug engaged with the fastener recess to prevent ingress
of debris or fluid into the fastener recess and thus the interior of the housing via
the fastener recess.
14. The concrete vibrator of any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising a switch configured
to control operation of the electric motor, wherein the means is a switch cover surrounding
the switch.
15. The concrete vibrator of claim 14, wherein the switch cover is deformable to permit
operation of the switch while the switch cover surrounds the switch.