HANDHELD BLOWING DEVICE AND METHOD OF THEREFOR

Abstract

A handheld blowing device has a pair of side body members. The pair of side body members forms an interior section when connected together. One end of the pair of side body members is closed and a second end of the pair of side body members form a tapered open end. A blowing fan is positioned in the interior section. A motor is coupled to the blowing fan and positioned in the interior section. A power supply is coupled to the motor and positioned in the interior section.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This invention claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. §120, to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/389,376 filed on Oct. 4, 2010, in the name of the same inventor and which application is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

[0002] This invention relates generally to a air blowing device, and more specifically, to a handheld blowing device which may be used to send a stream of air to clean different surface areas.

[0003] Presently, there are many different ways to clean dusty/dirty surfaces. For example, individuals may use feather dusters, dust cloths, vacuum cleaners and the like. Recently, some individuals have been using microfiber cloths as a way to clean dusty/dirty surfaces. The problem with all of the above devices is that all of the above devices are unable to get into and clean small tight defined areas. For example, the above devices are unable to clean the area between and under the keys of a keyboard and the like.

[0004] To clean keyboards and other electronic devices, many individuals have been using cans of compressed air. The cans generally have a straw nozzle which may allow one to direct the compressed air stored in the can to clean a dirty surface. Though using compressed air for electronics cleans the computer and electronics quickly and easily, it does have several disadvantages. Using this gas may leave a good amount of moisture inside the computer that may eventually corrode the delicate components. It may also lead to water build up in the circuit boards in the electronic equipments. Furthermore, using this compressed gas at high pressure for cleaning can damage the circuits of the electronic device.

[0005] In addition, using compress air for electronic devices also has some environmental concerns. Most of these cans use a GHG, that is greenhouse gas, as the propellant, referred to as HFC. They indirectly contribute to the stratospheric ozone layer depletion and are thus becoming a cause for global warming.

[0006] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a device and method that overcomes the above problems.

SUMMARY

[0007] A handheld blowing device has a pair of side body members. The pair of side body members forms an interior section when connected together. One end of the pair of side body members is closed and a second end of the pair of side body members form a tapered open end. A blowing fan is positioned in the interior section. A motor is coupled to the blowing fan and positioned in the interior section. A power supply is coupled to the motor and positioned in the interior section.

[0008] The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Embodiments of the disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the handheld blowing device according to one embodiment the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 2 is an elevated perspective view of a fan used in the handheld blowing device;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the fan used in the handheld blowing device;

[0013] FIG. 4 is an elevated perspective view of a motor used in the handheld blowing device;

[0014] FIG. 5 is an elevated perspective view of a motor holding unit used in the handheld blowing device;

[0015] FIG. 6 is an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of a switch used in the handheld blowing device;

[0016] FIG. 7 is an elevated perspective view of another embodiment of a switch used in the handheld blowing device;

[0017] FIG. 8 is an elevated perspective view of a battery pack used in the handheld blowing device;

[0018] FIG. 9 is an elevated perspective view of a charging socket used in the handheld blowing device;

[0019] FIG. 10 is an exploded magnified side view of the air chamber unit of the handheld blowing device;

[0020] FIG. 10 is an exploded magnified side view of the air chamber unit of the handheld blowing device;

[0021] FIG. 11 is an elevated perspective view of another embodiment of the handheld blowing device;

[0022] FIG. 12 is an elevated perspective view of another embodiment of the handheld blowing device;

[0023] FIG. 13 is a top view of the handheld blowing device of FIG. 12;

[0024] FIG. 14 is a rear view of the handheld blowing device of FIG. 12; and

[0025] FIG. 15 is a side view of the handheld blowing device of FIG. 12.

[0026] Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Referring to the Figure, a handheld blowing device 10 (hereinafter device 10) is shown. The device 10 may be used to clean different types of surfaces. For example, the device 10 may be used to clean hard to reach areas such as tight confined spaces, as well as delicate items such as electronics. The above is given as an example and should not be seen in a limiting manner.

[0028] The device 10 may have a pair of side body members 12. The side body members 12 may be mirror images of one another. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, each side body member 12 has a hollow interior section 12A. The side members 12 may fit together to form a hollow body which may be used to house components of the device 10 as well be described below.

[0029] Each side body member 12 may have a semi-circular tube section 12B located on one end. One end of the semi-circular tube section 12B has a closed end 12C. The other end semi-circular tube section 12B flows into an oval shaped sphere 12D. A distal end of the oval shaped sphere 12D may flow into a tapered funnel 12E. A distal end of the tapered funnel 12E remains open.

[0030] Located in a central area of the oval shaped sphere 12D may be one or more vents 13. The vents 13 may be used as an air intake area.

[0031] Along an outer perimeter of each of the side body members 12 are tube members 14. The tube members 14 on one of the side body members 12 may have a rod member 16 inserted therein. The rod member 16 may be inserted into a corresponding tube member 14 on the other side body members 12 when the side members 12 are fitted together.

[0032] One or more connectors 18 may be attached to the side members 12. The connectors may be used to secure the side members 12 together. The connectors 18 may be screws, latches, tabs, or the like. The listing of the above is given as an example and should not be seen in a limiting manner.

[0033] Located in the semi-circular tube section 12B may be a power supply 20. The power supply 20 may be used to supply power to different components of the device 10. In accordance with one embodiment, the power supply 20 may be comprised of one or more batteries 22. The batteries 22 may be held in a battery holder 24. A charging port 26 may be coupled to the batteries 22. The charging port 26 may be used to couple a battery charging adapter 28 to the batteries 22. The battery charging adapter 28 may be used to recharge the batteries 22. The charging adapter 28 may further be used to power the device 10 by plugging the charging adapter 28 to an outlet and turning on the device 10 if the batteries 22 are not charged.

[0034] Located in the oval shaped sphere 12D is a blowing mechanism 30. The blowing mechanism 30 may be coupled to the power supply 20 via a switching device 31. When the switching device 32 is in an "ON" position, energy from the power supply 20 is supplied to power the blowing mechanism 30. When the switching device 32 is in an "OFF" position, no energy from the power supply 20 is supplied to power the blowing mechanism 30.

[0035] In accordance with one embodiment, the blowing mechanism 30 may be comprised of a blowing fan 32 and a motor 34. The blowing fan 32 may be comprised of a circular disc member 32A. A plurality of blade members 32B runs from an outer perimeter of the circular disc member 32A towards a central area 32B. The blade members 32B may be curved blade members. In accordance with one embodiment, the blowing fan is a squirrel cage type fan/blower.

[0036] A central area 32C on one side of the circular disc member 32A may have an opening 32D. The opening 32C may be used to expose an axle member 36. The axle member 36 may be used as the rotation point of the circular disc member 32A.

[0037] The motor 34 may be used to rotate the blowing fan 32. The motor 34 may be positioned such that a portion of the motor 34 is placed in the opening 32D so that the motor 34 engages the axle member 36. This may allow the motor 34 to rotate the blowing fan 32.

[0038] A motor holding unit 38 may be used to secure the motor 34 to the blowing fan 32. In accordance with one embodiment, the motor holding unit 38 may be comprised of a circular body member 38A having a hollow interior. The circular body member 38A may be inserted into the opening 32C. The circular body member 38A may have a diameter approximately the same size as a diameter of the opening 32C to ensure a tight fit when the circular body member 38A is inserted into the opening 32C. The motor 34 may then be inserted into the hollow interior of the circular body member 38A such that the motor 34 engages the axle member 36.

[0039] One or more attachment devices 40 may be attached to the circular body member 38A. The attachment devices 40 may be used to secure the motor holding unit 38 and hence the motor 34 securely in the side body members 12. In accordance with one embodiment, the attachment devices are a pair of channels 40A. A screw 40B or other device may be used to secure the secure the motor holding unit 38 and hence the motor 34 securely in the side body members 12.

[0040] In operation, the user may activate the device 10 by using the switching device 32. Once the switching device 32 is placed in the "ON" position, energy from the power supply 20 is supplied to the motor 34. The motor 34 may be used to rotate the blowing fan 32 generating a stream of air. The stream of air flows in the oval shaped sphere 12D and out the distal end of the oval shaped sphere 12D. The tapered funnel 12E concentrates and directs the air out of the distal end of the tapered funnel 12E to clean a desired surface.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 11, another embodiment of the device 10' is shown. The device 10' is similar to the device 10. The device 10' may have a blowing mechanism 30. The blowing mechanism 30 may be coupled to the power supply 20 via a switching device 31. When the switching device 32 is in an "ON" position, energy from the power supply 20 is supplied to power the motor 34 coupled to the blowing mechanism 30. When the switching device 32 is in an "OFF" position, no energy from the power supply 20 is supplied to power the blowing mechanism 30.

[0042] The device 10' may have a canister housing 40. The canister housing 40 may have air intake vents 42 located on the canister housing 40. In the embodiment the air intake vents 41 are located on a top area of the canister housing 40.

[0043] The device 10' may have a nozzle section 42. The nozzle section 42 is for distributing the air generated by the blowing mechanism 30. The nozzle section 42 may be formed on an upper area of the canister housing 40. The nozzle section 42 may be in communication with the blowing mechanism 30 to allow one to divert the air from the blowing mechanism 30 out of nozzle section 42.

[0044] The nozzle section 42 may be kingly coupled to the canister housing 40. As shown in FIG. 11, a hinge mechanism 44 may be used to couple the nozzle section 42 to the canister housing 40. The hinge mechanism 44 may be used to move the nozzle section 42 to a desired position.

[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 12-15, another embodiment of the device 10'' is shown. The device 10'' is similar to the device 10'. The internal components of the device 10'' are the same and or similar to those of device 10 and device 10' and thus will not be discussed.

[0046] The device 10'' may also have a canister housing 40. In the present embodiment, the canister housing may have a body section 40A and a top section 40B. The canister housing 40 may have air intake vents 42 located on the canister housing 40. In the embodiment the air intake vents 41 are located on a top section 40B of the canister housing 40.

[0047] The device 10'' may have a nozzle section 42. The nozzle section 42 is for distributing the air generated by the blowing mechanism. In the present embodiment, the nozzle section 42 may be formed on the top section 40B of the canister housing 40. The nozzle section 42 may be in communication with the blowing mechanism to allow one to divert the air from the blowing mechanism out of nozzle section 42.

[0048] The nozzle section 42 may be hingly coupled to the canister housing 40. A hinge mechanism may be used to couple the nozzle section 42 to the canister housing 40. The hinge mechanism may be used to move the nozzle section 42 to a desired position.

[0049] While embodiments of the disclosure have been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments of the disclosure can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A handheld blowing device comprising: a pair of side body members, the pair of side body members forming an interior section when connected together, one end of the pair of side body members being closed, and a second end of the pair of side body members forming a tapered open end; a blowing fan positioned in the interior section; a motor coupled to the blowing fan and positioned in the interior section; and a power supply coupled to the motor and positioned in the interior section.

2. A handheld blowing device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the power supply is a rechargeable battery.

3. A handheld blowing device in accordance with claim 2, further comprising an adapter for charging the rechargeable battery.

4. A handheld blowing device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the blowing fan is an impeller blowing fan.

5. A handheld blowing device in accordance with claim 1, wherein each side member comprises: a semi-circular tube section located on a first end, wherein one end of the semi-circular tube section is a closed end; an oval shaped sphere section attached to a second end of the semi-circular tube section; and a tapered funnel attached to a distal end of the oval shaped sphere, a distal end of the tapered funnel remains open.

6. A handheld blowing device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a motor holding unit attached to the blowing fan to secure the motor and the blowing fan together.

7. A handheld blowing device in accordance with claim 6, wherein the motor holding unit comprises: a circular tube body member; and attachment devices attached to the circular tube body member.

8. A handheld blowing device comprising: a pair of side body members, the pair of side body members forming an interior section when connected together, one end of the pair of side body members being closed, and a second end of the pair of side body members forming a tapered open end; a blowing fan positioned in the interior section; a motor coupled to the blowing fan and positioned in the interior section; a power supply coupled to the motor and positioned in the interior section, wherein the power supply is a rechargeable power supply; and an adapter coupled to the power supply for changing the power supply and for powering the handheld blowing device when the power supply is discharged.

9. A handheld blowing device in accordance with claim 8, wherein the power supply is a rechargeable battery.

10. A handheld blowing device in accordance with claim 8, wherein the blowing fan is an impeller blowing fan.

11. A handheld blowing device in accordance with claim 8, wherein each side member comprises: a semi-circular tube section located on a first end, wherein one end of the semi-circular tube section is a closed end; an oval shaped sphere section attached to a second end of the semi-circular tube section; and a tapered funnel attached to a distal end of the oval shaped sphere, a distal end of the tapered funnel remains open.

12. A handheld blowing device in accordance with claim 8, further comprising a motor holding unit attached to the blowing fan to secure the motor and the blowing frame together.

13. A handheld blowing device in accordance with claim 12, wherein the motor holding unit comprises: a circular tube body member; and attachment devices attached to the circular tube body member.

14. A handheld blowing device comprising: a container; a nozzle member coupled to the container; a blowing fan positioned in an interior section of the container; a motor coupled to the blowing fan and positioned in the interior section; and a power supply coupled to the motor and positioned in the interior section.

15. A handheld blowing device in accordance with claim 14 comprising wherein the container is a canister.

16. A handheld blowing device in accordance with claim 14 comprising wherein the container comprises: a canister; and a lid member coupled to the canister, the nozzle member coupled to the lid member.

17. A handheld blowing device in accordance with claim 14 comprising wherein the container comprises: a pair of side body members, the pair of side body members forming an interior section when connected together, wherein each side member comprises: a semi-circular tube section located on a first end, wherein one end of the semi-circular tube section is a closed end; an oval shaped sphere section attached to a second end of the semi-circular tube section; and a tapered funnel attached to a distal end of the oval shaped sphere, a distal end of the tapered funnel remains open;

18. A handheld blowing device in accordance with claim 14, wherein the power supply is a rechargeable battery.

19. A handheld blowing device in accordance with claim 18, further comprising an adapter for charging the rechargeable battery.

20. A handheld blowing device in accordance with claim 14, further comprising: a circular tube body member for securing the motor within the container; and attachment devices attached to the circular tube body member.

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