Battery-powered towable blower

Abstract

A towable blower system includes a platform defining a front end and a rear end and including a mounting surface, a battery pack supported on the mounting surface and arranged adjacent to the front end, a fan supported on the mounting surface and arranged adjacent to the rear end, an electric motor supported on the mounting surface and coupled to the fan, and a motor controller supported on the mounting surface. The motor controller is supplied with power from the battery pack and is configured to supply power to and control the electric motor.

Description

BATTERY-POWERED TOWABLE BLOWERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 707,059, filed October 14, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 707,746, filed October 15, 2024, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Blowers typically generate a flow of air or gas that may be used to move debris.SUMMARY

[0003] In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to a towable blower system, including: a platform defining a front end and a rear end and including a mounting surface; a battery pack supported on the mounting surface and arranged adjacent to the front end; a fan supported on the mounting surface and arranged adjacent to the rear end; an electric motor supported on the mounting surface and coupled to the fan; and a motor controller supported on the mounting surface, wherein the motor controller is supplied with power from the battery pack and is configured to supply power to and control the electric motor.

[0004] In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to a towable blower system, including: a platform including a mounting surface; a first battery pack supported on the mounting surface; a second battery pack supported on the mounting surface; a motor controller arranged laterally between the first battery pack and the second battery pack, wherein the motor controller is supplied with power from the first battery pack the second battery pack; a fan supported on the mounting surface; and an electric motor supported on the mounting surface by a motor bracket assembly and coupled to the fan, wherein the electric motor receives electrical power from the motor controller and the motor controller controls a speed of the electric motor.

[0005] In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to a towable blower system, including: a platform including a mounting surface; a battery pack supported on the mounting surface; a motor controller supported on the mounting surface, wherein the motor controller is supplied with power-1-4918-2609-5983from the battery pack; a fan supported on the mounting surface; and an electric motor supported on the mounting surface by a motor bracket assembly and coupled to the fan, wherein the motor bracket assembly includes a first base plate, a second base plate, and a plurality of feet that are each coupled to a respective one of the first base plate or the second base plate, each of the first base plate, the second base plate, and the plurality of feet includes a tab that extends outwardly from a bottom surface thereof, and wherein each of the tabs are received within a corresponding slot formed in the mounting surface.

[0006] In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to a battery power system for a towable blower, the towable blower including a platform defining a front end and a rear end and having a mounting surface, and a fan supported on the mounting surface and arranged adjacent to the rear end, the battery power system including: a battery pack supportable on the mounting surface and arranged adjacent to the front end; an electric motor supportable on the mounting surface and coupled to the fan; and a motor controller supportable on the mounting surface, wherein the motor controller is supplied with power from the battery pack and is configured to supply power to and control the electric motor.

[0007] In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to a method for retrofitting a towable blower with a battery power system, the method including: providing a towable blower including a platform defining a front end and a rear end and having a mounting surface, a fan supported on the mounting surface and arranged adjacent to the rear end, and an engine supported on the mounting surface and coupled to and operable to power the fan; disconnecting the engine from the fan; supporting a battery pack on the mounting surface and arranged adjacent to the front end; supporting an electric motor on the mounting surface; coupling the electric motor to the fan; and supporting a motor controller on the mounting surface, wherein the motor controller is supplied with power from the battery pack and is configured to supply power to and control the electric motor to power the fan.

[0008] This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.-2-4918-2609-5983BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0009] The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a top, right perspective view of a towable blower system, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a top, left perspective view of the towable blower system of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of the towable blower system of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a top view of the towable blower system of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the towable blower system of FIG. 3 taken along line 5-5;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the towable blower system of FIG. 4 taken along line 6-6;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an electric motor and a motor bracket assembly of the towable blower system of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 8 is a partially-exploded top, left perspective view of the towable blower system of FIG. 1, with the battery packs and motor controller hidden; and

[0018] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a control system of the towable blower system of FIG. 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.-3-4918-2609-5983

[0020] The use herein of the term “axial” and variations thereof refers to a direction that extends generally along an axis of symmetry, a central axis, or an elongate direction of a particular component or system. For example, axially extending features of a component may be features that extend generally along a direction that is parallel to an axis of symmetry or an elongate direction of that component. Similarly, the use herein of the term “radial” and variations thereof refers to directions that are generally perpendicular to a corresponding axial direction. For example, a radially extending structure of a component may generally extend at least partly along a direction that is perpendicular to a longitudinal or central axis of that component. The use herein of the term “circumferential” and variations thereof refers to a direction that extends generally around a circumference or periphery of an object, around an axis of symmetry, around a central axis, or around an elongate direction of a particular component or system.

[0021] FIGS. 1-9 show an exemplary embodiment of a towable blower system 100 that is fully electric and battery powered. The towable blower system 100 includes a platform 102 (e.g., trailer platform, base, etc.) that is configured to be towed by a vehicle (e.g., a tractor, a golf cart, a car, an ATV, a UTV, etc.). The platform 102 defines a front end 104 and a rear end 106 arranged opposite to the front end 104, and includes a mounting surface 108 and a trailer hitch receiver 110 that is arranged at the front end 104. The trailer hitch receiver 110 is configured to couple to a trailer hitch 112 (see, e.g., FIG. 1) that facilitates coupling the platform 102, and the components supported thereon, to the vehicle. In some embodiments, the platform 102 is coupled to one or more wheels 114 (see, e.g., FIG. 1) so that the platform 102, and the components supported thereon, travel with and follow the vehicle as it travels. For example, each lateral side of the platform 102 may be rotatably coupled to a wheel 114.

[0022] The mounting surface 108 supports various components of the towable blower system 100, so that the components move with the platform 102 during towing and operation. Specifically, the towable blower system 100 includes a first battery pack 116, a second battery pack 118, a fan 120, an electric motor 122, and a motor controller 124. In some embodiments, the first battery pack 116, the second battery pack 118, the electric motor 122, and the motor controller 124 comprise a battery power system for the towable blower system 100 that is used to retrofit an engine-based towable blower to a battery-powered towable blower. The first battery pack 116 is supported on the mounting surface 108 and is arranged adjacent to the front end 104. The second-4-4918-2609-5983battery pack 118 is supported on the mounting surface 108 and is arranged adjacent to the front end 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the first battery pack 116 is laterally separated from the second battery pack 118 (e.g., along a lateral direction 126 from the perspective of FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the towable blower system 100 includes less than two battery packs, for example, the towable blower system 100 may include either the first battery pack 116 or the second battery pack 118. In some embodiments, the towable blower system 100 may include more than two battery packs.

[0023] The fan 120 is supported on the mounting surface 108 and is arranged adjacent to the rear end 106. In some embodiments, the fan 120 is a centrifugal fan. In some embodiments, the fan 120 is a turbine fan. In some embodiments, the fan 120 is an electric fan. Regardless of the particular configuration of the fan 120, the fan 120 is configured to received rotational energy from the electric motor 122 and generate a flow of air or gas that is directed through an outlet chute 128 (see, e.g., FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the flow generated by the fan 120 directed through the outlet chute 128 is used to clear debris or other material as the towable blower system 100 is towed by the vehicle.

[0024] The electric motor 122 is supported on the mounting surface 108 by a motor bracket assembly 130 and is rotatably coupled to the fan 120, so that the rotational energy generated by the electric motor 122 is consumed by the fan 120 and the fan 120 generates rotational mechanical energy to induce the flow that is output from the outlet chute 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the electric motor 122 is arranged between the motor controller 124 and the fan 120 along a longitudinal direction 132 (see, e.g., FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the electric motor 122 is arranged at least partially between the first battery pack 116 and the second battery pack 118 relative to the lateral direction 126 (see, e.g., FIG. 4).

[0025] The motor controller 124 is supported on the mounting surface 108 by a controller bracket 134. The motor controller 124 is arranged laterally between the first battery pack 116 and the second battery pack 118 along the lateral direction 126 (see, e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5). In the illustrated embodiment, the motor controller 124 is arranged adjacent to the front end 104. In general, the electric motor 122 is electrically coupled to the motor controller 124, and the motor controller 124 is electrically coupled to both the first battery pack 116 and the second battery pack 118 (see, e.g., FIG. 9). The electrical power supplied by both the first battery pack 116 and the second battery-5-4918-2609-5983pack 118 is supplied to the motor controller 124 and the motor controller 124 supplies the electrical power (e.g., inverts the power from DC to AC or converts the power from a first DC voltage to a second DC voltage) to the electric motor 122.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiments, the towable blower system 100 includes a cage housing 136 that is supported on the mounting surface 108. The cage housing 136 is arranged longitudinally between the electric motor 122 and the fan 120 along the longitudinal direction 132 (see, e.g., FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the cage housing 136 includes a plurality of holes or perforations (see, e.g., FIG. 1). In general, the cage housing 136 at least partially encloses one or more rotating components of the towable blower system 100. For example, the cage housing 136 at least partially encloses a drive shaft of at least one of the electric motor 122 or the fan 120. Specifically, the electric motor 122 includes a motor drive shaft 138 that is rotationally coupled to a fan drive shaft 140 of the fan 120 by a rotary coupler 142 (see, e.g., FIG. 6). At least a portion of the motor drive shaft 138 and the fan drive shaft 140 are enclosed within the cage housing 136, and the rotary coupler 142 is arranged within the cage housing 136.

[0027] In some embodiments, a communication interface 144 is supported on the mounting surface 108 adjacent to the rear end 106 and is laterally offset from the fan 120 (see, e.g., FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the battery power system that is used to retrofit an engine-based towable blower to a battery-powered towable blower includes the communication interface 144. The communication interface 144 includes one or more components (e.g., wireless receivers, wireless transceivers, a controller having a processor and memory, etc.) that facilitate wireless communication with components of the towable blower system 100 and / or one or more remote components. For example, the communication interface 144 is in communication with an input device 146, the motor controller 124, and a chute motor 190 (see, e.g., FIG. 9). In some embodiments, the input device 146 may be in the form of a wireless remote that includes one or more buttons, dials, etc. that send control signals to the communication interface 144. In some embodiments, the communication interface 144 is included in the battery power system that is used to facilitate retrofitting an engine-powered towable blower into a battery-powered towable blower.

[0028] With specific reference to FIGS. 6-8, the motor bracket assembly 130 elevates the electric motor 122 above the mounting surface 108 so that the motor drive shaft 138 axially aligns with-6-4918-2609-5983the fan drive shaft 140. That is, the motor bracket assembly 130 may facilitate retrofitting an engine-driven blower system with the electric motor 122 by orienting the motor drive shaft 138 in a position that corresponds with the PTO or crankshaft of the engine in the engine-driven blower system. In this way, for example, existing engine-driven blower systems may be quickly and efficiently electrified by installing the electric motor 122 and the motor bracket assembly 130 in a predetermined location that coaxially arranges the motor drive shaft 138 and the fan drive shaft 140.

[0029] The motor bracket assembly 130 includes a first base plate 148, a second base plate 150, a plurality of feet 152, a first elevated bracket 154, a second elevated bracket 156, and a face mounting bracket 158. The first base plate 148 and the second base plate 150 are separated from one another (e.g., along the longitudinal direction 132) and are both in engagement with the mounting surface 108. The first base plate 148 and the second base plate 150 extend in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the mounting surface 108. In some embodiments, the first base plate 148 and the second base plate 150 define a generally rectangular shape.

[0030] In general, at least one of the plurality of feet 152 is coupled to and extends perpendicularly outwardly from each of the first base plate 148 and the second base plate 150. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, two of the plurality of feet 152 extend perpendicularly outwardly from each of the first base plate 148 and the second base plate 150. Each of the plurality of feet 152 defines a generally triangular shape and includes two tabs 160 that extend outwardly from separate surfaces (e.g., two different surfaces that are perpendicular to one another). For example, at least one of the tabs 160 on each of the plurality of feet 152 extends outwardly from a bottom surface of the tab 160 (e.g., a surface facing the mounting surface 108), and another tab extends outwardly from a surface that is generally perpendicular to the bottom surface. At least one of the tabs 160 on each of the plurality of feet 152 is received within a slot 162 on the first base plate 148 or the second base plate 150 (see, e.g., FIGS. 7 and 8). The other tabs 160 that are not received within the first base plate 148 or the second base plate 150 are received within one of a plurality of feet slots 164 formed in the mounting surface 108. Additionally, each of the first base plate 148 and the second base plate 150 include tabs 166 that extend outwardly from a bottom surface thereof. The tabs 166 are each received one of a plurality of base slots 168 formed in the mounting surface 108. In some embodiments, the plurality of feet slots 164 are each rotationally-7-4918-2609-5983offset relative to the plurality of base slots 168 by approximately ninety degrees. In other words, the plurality of feet slots 164 are arranged approximately perpendicularly relative to the plurality of base slots 168. In general, the arrangement and location of the plurality of feet slots 164 and the plurality of base slots 168 on the mounting surface 108 constrains the location of the motor bracket assembly 130 and the electric motor 122 mounted thereon. That is, by inserting the tabs 160 within the plurality of feet slots 164 and inserting the tabs 166 within the plurality of base slots 168, the base of the motor bracket assembly 130 is fixed in a predetermined location on the mounting surface 108, and the remainder of the motor bracket assembly 130 is built upon the base so that the electric motor 122 is arranged in a location that aligns the motor drive shaft 138 with the fan drive shaft 140.

[0031] The first elevated bracket 154 is coupled to the first base plate 148, and the second elevated bracket 156 is coupled to the second base plate 150. In general, both of the first elevated bracket 154 and the second elevated bracket 156 define a generally L-shaped cross-section (see, e.g., FIG. 6). The first elevated bracket 154 and the second elevated bracket 156 both include a first wall 170 and a second wall 172 that extends generally perpendicularly from the first wall 170. The first wall 170 of the first elevated bracket 154 is coupled to and extends generally parallel to the first base plate 148, and the first wall 170 of the second elevated bracket 156 is coupled to and extends generally parallel to the second base plate 150. The second wall 172 on the first base plate 148 and the second wall 172 on the second base plate 150 extend in a direction toward one another so that the first base plate 148 and the second base plate 150 form a platform or base upon which the face mounting bracket 158 is supported. In the illustrated embodiment, the first walls 170 of both of the first elevated bracket 154 and the second elevated bracket 156 each include a heightadjustment slot 171 that extends in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the mounting surface 108 (see, e.g., FIG. 7). In general, a fastening element (e.g., a bolt, a screw, etc.) may be received within the height-adjustment slot 171 and selectively tightened to lock the vertical position of the first elevated bracket 154 and the second elevated bracket 156. Because the heightadjustment slot 171 extends perpendicular to the mounting surface 108, the first elevated bracket 154 and the second elevated bracket 156 may be adjusted vertically to set a height of the face mounting bracket 158, and thereby, a height of the electric motor 122.-8-4918-2609-5983

[0032] The face mounting bracket 158 includes a base wall 174 that is supported on the second wall 172 of both the first base plate 148 and the second base plate 150, and a face mounting wall 176 that extends perpendicularly upwardly from the base wall 174. The mounting wall 176 includes a plurality of apertures 178 that extend through the mounting wall 176. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 178 are arranged in a circumferential or circular pattern (see, e.g., FIG. 7), so that each of the plurality of apertures 178 is spaced circumferentially from an adjacent one of the plurality of apertures 178. In some embodiments, the pattern defined by the plurality of apertures 178 on the mounting wall 176 conforms to a mounting hole pattern on a mounting face of the electric motor 122. For example, each of the plurality of apertures 178 is configured to receive a fastening element 180 (e.g., a screw, a bolt, etc.) that extends through the aperture 178 and into the electric motor 122, which couples the electric motor 122 to the motor bracket assembly 130. In some embodiments, the electric motor 122 may be supported on and / or coupled to the base wall 174 of the face mounting bracket 158. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting wall 176 engages or faces a front wall of the cage housing 136 (see, e.g., FIG. 6). In this way, for example, the rotating components of the towable blower system 100 are enclosed within the cage housing 136 and / or arranged within the fan 120.

[0033] With specific reference to FIGS. 2-5, the controller bracket 134 elevates the motor controller 124 above the mounting surface 108 so that cooling air is allowed to flow (e.g., as the towable blower system 100 is being towed by the vehicle) through the controller bracket 134 and under the motor controller 124, which improves the efficiency of the motor controller 124. In addition, with the first battery pack 116, the second battery pack 118, and the motor controller 124 all being arranged adjacent to the front end 104, cooling air also flows along and between the first battery pack 116 and the second battery pack 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor controller 124 defines a generally U-shaped cross section. For example, the controller bracket 134 includes a pair of sidewalls 182 that extend perpendicularly upwardly from the mounting surface 108, and a base wall 184 that is arranged approximately perpendicular to the sidewalls 182. At a lower end of each of the sidewalls 182, the controller bracket 134 includes an end wall 183 that extends generally perpendicularly from a distal end of the of the sidewalls 182. In the illustrated embodiment, the end walls 183 extend in a direction toward one another, and are both in engagement with the mounting surface 108. The controller bracket 134 includes a passageway or-9-4918-2609-5983channel formed between the sidewalls 182 and under the base wall 184 so that air is allowed to flow through the controller bracket 134 and under the motor controller 124. The motor controller 124 is mounted on the base wall 184, and one or more bus bars 186 are also supported on the base wall 184. In some embodiments, two bus bars 186 are mounted on the base wall 184. In general, the bus bars 186 are configured to electrically connect to both the first battery pack 116 and the second battery pack 118 so that the power from both the first battery pack 116 and the second battery pack 118 is combined onto a common bus and then supplied to the motor controller 124 (see, e.g., FIG. 9). In the illustrated embodiment, a controller cover 188 is coupled to the controller bracket 134 that encloses the motor controller 124 and the bus bars 186.

[0034] As described herein, the fan 120 may be controlled by the input device 146 based on the control signals are received at the communication interface 144 from the input device 146. As shown in FIG. 9, the communication interface 144 is configured to relay the control signals to the motor controller 124, which then controls the electric motor 122, and thereby the fan 120, based on the control signals (e.g., controls a speed of the fan 120). Specifically, the input device 146 sends a control signal to the communication interface 144 that is received, and the communication interface 144 then sends a control signal (e.g., a 5V analog signal) to the motor controller 124. The motor controller 124 then controls a speed of the electric motor 122, and thereby a speed of the fan 120, based on the control signal from the communication interface 144, which originated at from the input device 146. In this way, for example, the fan 120 may be wirelessly controlled and powered by the first battery pack 116 and the second battery pack 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the towable blower system 100 includes a DC-DC converter 192 that is electrically coupled to the bus bars 186. The DC-DC converter 192 is configured to step down the voltage from the first battery pack 116 and the second battery pack 118 that is supplied to the bus bars 186 (e.g., stepping down the battery voltage from about 48V to about 12V). The electrical power from the DC-DC converter 192 is supplied to the low-voltage components of the towable blower system 100. For example, the DC-DC converter 192 may be electrically coupled to the communication interface 144 and the communication interface 144 may be configured to supply the power from the DC-DC converter 192 to the chute motor 190. In some embodiments, the chute motor 190 is coupled to the outlet chute 128 so that rotation of the chute motor 190 results in rotation of the outlet chute 128. The communication interface 144 is configured to receive a wireless control-10-4918-2609-5983signal from the input device 146 and, in response, supply the electrical power from the DC-DC converter 192 to the chute motor 190, which results in rotation of the outlet chute 128.

[0035] In some embodiments, the battery power system of the towable blower system 100, which includes at least one battery pack (e.g., the first battery pack 116 and / or the second battery pack 118, the electric motor 122, the motor controller 124, and the communication interface 144), is a retrofit kit for retrofitting an engine-powered towable blower to a battery-powered towable blower. For example, a method or process for retrofitting a towable blower with the battery power system includes providing a towable blower including a platform (e.g., the platform 102) defining a front end and a rear end and having a mounting surface (e.g., the mounting surface 108), a fan (e.g., the fan 120) supported on a mounting surface and arranged adjacent to the rear end, and an engine supported on the mounting surface and coupled to and operable to power the fan. The engine is disconnected from the fan, and a battery pack (e.g., the first battery pack 116 and or the second battery pack 118) is supported on the mounting surface adjacent to the front end. An electric motor (e g., the electric motor 122) is supported on the mounting surface and coupled to the fan. A motor controller (e.g., the motor controller 124) is supported on the mounting surface. The motor controller is supplied with power from the battery pack and is configured to supply power to and control the electric motor to power the fan. In this way, for example, battery power. The method further includes supporting the electric motor on a motor bracket assembly (e.g., the motor bracket assembly 130) so that the electric motor is elevated above the mounting surface and a drive shaft (e g., the motor drive shaft 138) of the electric motor axially aligns with a fan drive shaft (e.g., the fan drive shaft 140) of the fan. In this way, for example, the components of the battery power system may be efficiently installed on an engine-powered towable blower to retrofit the equipment to be battery powered.

[0036] As utilized herein with respect to numerical ranges, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms generally mean + / - 10% of the disclosed values. When the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are applied to a structural feature (e.g., to describe its shape, size, orientation, direction, etc.), these terms are meant to cover minor variations in structure that may result from, for example, the manufacturing or assembly process and are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains.-11-4918-2609-5983Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

[0037] It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[0038] The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

[0039] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0040] The hardware and data processing components used to implement the various processes, operations, illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose single- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a-12-4918-2609-5983microprocessor, or, any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor also may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, particular processes and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given function. The memory (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and / or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory, and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory is communicably connected to the processor via a processing circuit and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by the processing circuit or the processor) the one or more processes described herein.

[0041] The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer,-13-4918-2609-5983special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.

[0042] Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

[0043] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the towable blower system 100 as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein.-14-4918-2609-5983

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A towable blower system, comprising: a platform defining a front end and a rear end and including a mounting surface; a battery pack supported on the mounting surface and arranged adjacent to the front end; a fan supported on the mounting surface and arranged adjacent to the rear end; an electric motor supported on the mounting surface and coupled to the fan; and a motor controller supported on the mounting surface, wherein the motor controller is supplied with power from the battery pack and is configured to supply power to and control the electric motor.

2. The towable blower system of claim 1, wherein each lateral side of the platform is coupled to a wheel, and wherein the platform includes a trailer hitch receiver arranged at the front end.

3. The towable blower system of claim 1, wherein the battery pack is a first battery pack and the towable blower system further includes a second battery pack supported on the mounting surface and arranged adjacent to the front end.

4. The towable blower system of claim 3, wherein the first battery pack is laterally separated from the second battery pack.

5. The towable blower system of claim 3, wherein the motor controller is arranged laterally between the first battery pack and the second battery pack.

6. The towable blower system of claim 1, wherein the motor controller is supported on the mounting surface by a controller bracket.-15-4918-2609-59837. The towable blower system of claim 6, wherein the controller bracket elevates the motor controller above the mounting surface so that cooling air is allowed to flow through the controller bracket and under the motor controller.

8. The towable blower system of claim 6, wherein a bus bar is mounted on the controller bracket.

9. The towable blower system of claim 8, wherein a controller cover is coupled to the controller bracket that encloses the motor controller and the bus bar.

10. The towable blower system of claim 1, wherein the electric motor is supported on the mounting surface by a motor bracket assembly.

11. The towable blower system of claim 10, wherein the motor bracket assembly elevates the electric motor above the mounting surface so that a drive shaft of the electric motor axially aligns with a fan drive shaft of the fan.

12. The towable blower system of claim 10, wherein the motor bracket assembly includes a first base plate, a second base plate that is separated from the first base plate, a plurality of feet, a first elevated bracket, a second elevated bracket, and a face mounting bracket, wherein the face mounting bracket is supported on the first elevated bracket and the second elevated bracket.

13. The towable blower system of claim 12, wherein at least one of the plurality of feet extend perpendicularly outwardly from each of the first base plate and the second base plate.-16-4918-2609-598314. The towable blower system of claim 12, wherein each of the first base plate, the second base plate, and the plurality of feet includes a tab that extends outwardly from a bottom surface thereof, and wherein each of the tabs are received within a corresponding slot formed in the mounting surface.

15. The towable blower system of claim 1, further comprising a cage housing that at least partially encloses a fan drive shaft of the fan.

16. The towable blower system of claim 1, further comprising a communication interface supported on the mounting surface, wherein the communication interface is in communication with the motor controller and an input device, and wherein the input device is configured to wirelessly send control signals to the communication interface and the communication interface relays the control signals to the motor controller to enable wireless control of the fan.-17-4918-2609-598317. A towable blower system, comprising: a platform including a mounting surface; a first battery pack supported on the mounting surface; a second battery pack supported on the mounting surface; a motor controller arranged laterally between the first battery pack and the second battery pack, wherein the motor controller is supplied with power from the first battery pack the second battery pack; a fan supported on the mounting surface; and an electric motor supported on the mounting surface by a motor bracket assembly and coupled to the fan, wherein the electric motor receives electrical power from the motor controller and the motor controller controls a speed of the electric motor.

18. The towable blower system of claim 17, wherein the motor controller is supported on the mounting surface by a controller bracket, wherein the controller bracket elevates the motor controller above the mounting surface so that cooling air is allowed to flow through the controller bracket and under the motor controller, and wherein a bus bar is mounted on the controller bracket.-18-4918-2609-598319. A towable blower system, comprising: a platform including a mounting surface; a battery pack supported on the mounting surface; a motor controller supported on the mounting surface, wherein the motor controller is supplied with power from the battery pack; a fan supported on the mounting surface; and an electric motor supported on the mounting surface by a motor bracket assembly and coupled to the fan, wherein the motor bracket assembly includes a first base plate, a second base plate, and a plurality of feet that are each coupled to a respective one of the first base plate or the second base plate, each of the first base plate, the second base plate, and the plurality of feet includes a tab that extends outwardly from a bottom surface thereof, and wherein each of the tabs are received within a corresponding slot formed in the mounting surface.

20. The towable blower system of claim 19, wherein the motor controller is supported on the mounting surface by a controller bracket, wherein the controller bracket elevates the motor controller above the mounting surface so that cooling air is allowed to flow through the controller bracket and under the motor controller, and wherein a bus bar is mounted on the controller bracket.-19-4918-2609-598321. A battery power system for a towable blower, the towable blower including a platform defining a front end and a rear end and having a mounting surface, and a fan supported on the mounting surface and arranged adjacent to the rear end, the battery power system comprising: a battery pack supportable on the mounting surface and arranged adjacent to the front end; an electric motor supportable on the mounting surface and coupled to the fan; and a motor controller supportable on the mounting surface, wherein the motor controller is supplied with power from the battery pack and is configured to supply power to and control the electric motor.

22. The battery power system of claim 21, further comprising a communication interface supported on the mounting surface, wherein the communication interface is in communication with the motor controller and an input device, and wherein the input device is configured to wirelessly send control signals to the communication interface and the communication interface relays the control signals to the motor controller to enable wireless control of the fan.

23. The battery power system of claim 21, wherein the electric motor is supported on the mounting surface by a motor bracket assembly.

24. The battery power system of claim 23, wherein the motor bracket assembly elevates the electric motor above the mounting surface so that a drive shaft of the electric motor axially aligns with a fan drive shaft of the fan.-20-4918-2609-598325. The battery power system of claim 23, wherein the motor bracket assembly includes a first base plate, a second base plate that is separated from the first base plate, a plurality of feet, a first elevated bracket, a second elevated bracket, and a face mounting bracket, wherein the face mounting bracket is supported on the first elevated bracket and the second elevated bracket.

26. The battery power system of claim 25, wherein at least one of the plurality of feet extend perpendicularly outwardly from each of the first base plate and the second base plate.

27. The battery power system of claim 25, wherein each of the first base plate, the second base plate, and the plurality of feet includes a tab that extends outwardly from a bottom surface thereof, and wherein each of the tabs are received within a corresponding slot formed in the mounting surface.-21-4918-2609-598328. A method for retrofitting a towable blower with a battery power system, the method comprising: providing a towable blower including a platform defining a front end and a rear end and having a mounting surface, a fan supported on the mounting surface and arranged adjacent to the rear end, and an engine supported on the mounting surface and coupled to and operable to power the fan; disconnecting the engine from the fan; supporting a battery pack on the mounting surface and arranged adjacent to the front end; supporting an electric motor on the mounting surface; coupling the electric motor to the fan; and supporting a motor controller on the mounting surface, wherein the motor controller is supplied with power from the battery pack and is configured to supply power to and control the electric motor to power the fan.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein supporting the electric motor on the mounting surface comprises: supporting the electric motor on a motor bracket assembly so that the electric motor is elevated above the mounting surface and a drive shaft of the electric motor axially aligns with a fan drive shaft of the fan.-22-4918-2609-5983

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