Vacuum dust shroud system and methods

Abstract

This disclosure relates generally to vacuum shrouds, systems, and methods of use thereof. A vacuum shroud system of the present disclosure may include a shroud body defining a plurality of air holes through the shroud body. The plurality of air holes may be for directing air from a top to a bottom of the shroud body. Additionally, the plurality of air holes may be defined at an angle, such that air entering the air holes has a cyclonic or vortex flow pattern (e.g., a tornado-like flow pattern, etc.). The vacuum shroud system may further include a grinder collar in connection with the shroud body, with the grinder collar for attaching a portion of the grinder to the vacuum shroud system. The vacuum shroud system may also include a vacuum attachment adjacent the grinder mount, the vacuum attachment for attaching a portion of a vacuum to the vacuum shroud system.

Description

[0001] VACUUM DUST SHROUD SYSTEM AND METHODS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] This disclosure relates generally to shrouds having grinder and vacuum hose attachments and angled air inlet holes for directing dust and debris into a body of the shroud with a cyclonic or rotating flow pattern.

[0004] SUMMARY

[0005] Disclosed are systems, devices, and / or methods of use thereof regarding shrouds having grinder and vacuum hose attachments. In various aspects, an adjustable collar for connecting a grinder to a vacuum shroud system can include a mount having a first half joinable to a second half. Each of the first half and the second half define a cut-out, where when the first half is joined to the second half, the cut-outs of the first half and the second half of the mount define an opening to receive a portion of the grinder. Each of the first half and the second half of the mount are connectable to a grinder plate of the vacuum shroud, with the grinder plate defining a through-hole that aligns with the opening of the mount to receive a portion of the grinder. Each of the first half and the second half of the mount are receivable within a slot defined by a suction plate, where the suction plate is attachable to the grinder plate.

[0006] In other aspects, a vacuum shroud system of the present disclosure may include a shroud body defining a plurality of air holes through the shroud body. The plurality of air holes may be for directing air from a top to a bottom of the shroud body. Additionally, the plurality of air holes may be defined at an angle, such that air entering the plurality of holes has a cyclonic flow pattern (e.g., a tornado-like flow pattern, etc.). The vacuum shroud system may further include a grinder collar in connection with the shroud body, with the grinder collar for attaching a portion of the grinder to the vacuum shroud system. The vacuum shroud system may also include a vacuum attachment adjacent the grinder mount, the vacuum attachment for attaching a portion of a vacuum to the vacuum shroud system.

[0007] In various aspects, a collar for attaching a grinder to a vacuum shroud may include a first retaining ring for attachment to a head of the grinder. The collar may also include at least one gasket positioned between the first retaining ring and the head of the grinder. Further, the collar may include a second retaining ring positioned over the first retaining ring. Both the first retaining ring and the second retaining ring may be securable to a shroudbody of the vacuum shroud. Additionally, one of the first retaining ring or the second retaining ring includes a groove for gripping the head of the grinder, such that no bearings of the head of the grinder are pressurized

[0008] Also disclosed are methods of using a vacuum shroud. A method of using a vacuum shroud may include connecting a head of a grinder to a collar, a portion of the collar defining an internal groove for gripping the head of the grinder. The method may also include mounting the collar and the head of the grinder to a shroud body, with the shroud body defining a plurality of air holes through the shroud body. The plurality of air holes are for directing air from a top to a bottom of the shroud body and are defined at an angle, such that air entering the plurality of holes has a cyclonic flow pattern (e.g., a swirling pattern, a tornado-like pattern, etc.). Additionally, the method may include attaching a vacuum hose to the shroud body adjacent to the collar and the grinder head, where the vacuum hose extends from the shroud body at an angle less than 90°. Further, the method may include suctioning air, dust, and debris generated during a grinding process into a vacuum bag through the vacuum hose. The angle of the plurality of air holes causes the air, dust, and debris to enter the shroud body with the cyclonic flow pattern.

[0009] Other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as features and advantages of various aspects of the disclosed subject matter, should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In the drawings:

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a vacuum shroud system according to the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the shroud body from the vacuum shroud system of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the shroud body;

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the shroud body, taken through the line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the collar from the vacuum shroud system of FIG. 1;FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of a vacuum shroud system according the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of the shroud body from the vacuum shroud system of FIG. 6;

[0018] FIG. 8A illustrates a top perspective view of the top of the shroud body and FIG.

[0019] 8B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the top of the shroud body;

[0020] FIGS. 9A illustrates a top perspective view of the bottom of the shroud body and FIG. 9B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the bottom of the shroud body;

[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the top of the shroud body joined to the bottom of the shroud body;

[0022] FIG. 11 A illustrates the adjustable collar from the vacuum shroud system of FIG. 6 and FIG. 1 IB illustrate an exploded view of FIG. 11 A;

[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded view of another embodiment of a collar for attaching a grinder to a vacuum shroud system;

[0024] FIG. 13 illustrates a side, partially exploded view of the collar of FIG. 12 attached to a grinder;

[0025] FIG. 14 illustrates a front, perspective partially exploded view of the collar of FIG.

[0026] 12 facilitating attachment of the grinder to the vacuum shroud system of FIGS. 6 through 10; and

[0027] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an example method of using a vacuum shroud system of the present disclosure.

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Tile removal and other grinding processes create large amounts of dust and debris and are often accomplished using power rotary tools which, in turn, tend to create more dust and debris. Vacuum shrouds accomplish the task of removing the dust from the air. However, most vacuum shrouds require air intake holes in order to function properly and this in turn creates an opportunity for debris to fly out of these air intake holes. Typically, the air intake holes are located on outer and exterior portions of the vacuum shrouds, meaning the air intake holes are fully exposed to dust and debris produced during the tile removal and other grinding processes. This can lead to the air intake holes becoming quickly clogged with the produced dust and debris, which can negatively impact the efficiency and effectiveness of the vacuum shrouds.U.S. Patent Number 12,011,804 issued on June 18, 2024 and titled “VACUUM DUST SHROUD SYSTEM AND METHODS,” illustrates and describes vacuum shroud systems and methods of use thereof. The entire contents of the foregoing are herein incorporated by reference.

[0030] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate one embodiment of a vacuum shroud system 100 according to the present disclosure. As illustrated, the system 100 includes a vacuum hose 10, a vacuum shroud or shroud 20, and a collar or mount 40 (referred to herein as “the collar 40” and / or “the mount 40”). As described more fully below, the vacuum hose 10 is received within a vacuum opening 30 that is configured to place the vacuum hose 10 at an angle of less than about 90° as the vacuum hose 10 exits the vacuum opening 30. Placing the vacuum hose 10 at such an angle ensures that a flow of air through the system 100 and through the hose 10 does not have to take a sharp turn (e.g., a 90° turn) to enter a vacuum bag attached to the hose 10. This decreases a rate of degradation for parts of the system 100 while also improving air flow and / or suction through the system 100 by about 25% (e.g., about 15%, 20%, 30%, or 35%).

[0031] The collar or mount 40 is for attaching a grinder to the vacuum shroud system 100. The collar 40 may be attached or secured to the top surface 22 of the shroud body 21 at a mounting area 43. The collar 40 may define a grinder opening 27 for receiving a head of the grinder. As described more fully below, a size (e.g., diameter, etc.) of the grinder opening 27 can be adjustable to accommodate a variety of different sized grinders. The size of grinder chosen may be appropriate for a particular grinding process (e.g., tile floor, tile walls, concrete floors, etc.).

[0032] As seen in FIGS. 2-4, the shroud 20 includes a shroud body 21 having a top surface 22 and a bottom surface 23 opposite the top surface 22. In some embodiments, the shroud body 21 is a single piece defining various cavities, voids, holes, etc. The vacuum opening 30 is defined by the shroud body 21 and extends from the top surface 22 to the bottom surface 23. The collar 40 attaches to or otherwise interfaces with shroud body 21 and the top surface 22 through a mounting area 43 and one or more fastening mechanisms, which may include one or more washer, screws, bolts, etc.

[0033] The shroud body 21 includes a wall 25 that extends from the top surface 22 and past the bottom surface 23. The wall 25 may extend from the circumferential edge 29. The wall 25, together with the bottom surface 23, defines a hollow space 26 for receiving a bladeattached to a grinder. The hollow space 26 is sized such that the blade may spin or rotate within the hollow space 26 during a grinding process.

[0034] Defined about the circumferential edge 29 are a plurality of air holes 24. The plurality of air holes 24 extend from the top surface 22 to the bottom surface 23 of the shroud body 21. As seen in FIGS. 3-4, the plurality of air holes 24 may be defined at an angle (e.g., an angle ranging from about 15° to about 25°), such that air, dust, debris, etc. entering the shroud body 21 enters with a cyclonic flow pattern. A cyclonic flow pattern may resemble a tornado, having a swirl or rotation as the air, dust, debris, etc. enters the shroud body 21. Dust-laden air enters the shroud body 21 tangentially at the top through the plurality of air holes 24 and the flow assumes a vortex pattern as it travels into the hollow space 26. Centrifugal force from the air’s tangential velocity causes the heavier dust particles to move radially outward toward the wall and the vacuum opening 30. This air, dust, debris, etc. may then be suctioned through the vacuum opening 30, into the vacuum hose 10, and into a bag or other receptacle attached to the vacuum hose 10.

[0035] As seen best in FIG. 4, the plurality of air holes 24 extend from the circumferential edge 29 at the top surface 22 through the shroud body 21, and to the bottom surface 23. In this way, the plurality of air holes 24 direct air, dust, and debris from the top of the shroud body 21 (e.g., the top surface 22) to the bottom of the shroud body 21 (e.g., the bottom surface 23).

[0036] During a grinding process, dust and debris will be generated from action of the grinder blade against, for example, tile (or another material to be removed). The generated dust and debris will be directed into the shroud body through the plurality of air holes 24. The plurality of air holes 24 will direct the dust and debris through the shroud body 21 from the top to the bottom. The circular action of the grinder blade (e.g., rotational action of the blade) combined with the angular definition of the plurality of air holes 24 causes the dust and debris to enter into the shroud body 21 with a vortex pattern. The dust and debris will then be suctioned into a vacuum bag through the vacuum hose 10 attached to the shroud body 21. The vortex flow pattern in conjunction with the suction by the vacuum hose 10 allows at least as much volume of flow (e.g., volume of air / dust / debris flow, etc.) into the shroud body 21 as is being suctioned into the vacuum bag. That is, there is no bottleneck effect of the shroud body 21 and the volume of flow into the shroud body 21 may match (or exceed) the volume of flow into the vacuum bag.The top surface 22 of the shroud body 21 defines the vacuum opening 30; the top surface 22 and the mounting area 43 define the grinder opening 27. The vacuum opening 30 extends from the top surface 22 to the bottom surface 23 and includes a wall 31. In some embodiments, the wall 31 and the vacuum opening 30 extend through the shroud body 21 at an angle that is less than about 90°, such as 25°, 30°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 75°, 80°, or an angle within a range defined by any two of the foregoing values.

[0037] The angle of the wall 31 is less than about 90° to position the vacuum hose 10 at an angle of less than about 90° as the hose 10 exits the vacuum opening 30. Positioning the vacuum hose 10 at an angle of less than about 90° improves the overall suctioning capacity and efficiency of the vacuum system 100 as a flow of suctioned air is not required to make a sharp 90° turn in order to exit the system 100 and into a vacuum bag. In some embodiments, positioning the vacuum hose 10 at an angle of less than about 90° improves the overall suctioning capacity and efficiency of the vacuum system 100 by about 25%, such as 15%, 20%, 30%, 35%, or a percentage within a range defined by any two of the foregoing values.

[0038] The top surface of the shroud body 21 also defines the grinder opening 27, which extends from the top surface 22 to the bottom surface 23. The mounting area 43 may additionally define the grinder opening 27. In some embodiments, the mounting area 43 is a separate component attached to the top surface 22 of the shroud body 21. In other embodiments, the mounting area 43 may be an upward extension, raised portion, or projection of the top surface 22 of the shroud body 21. The mounting area 43 may define or include one or more holes 49 for receiving screws or other fasteners in order to attach the collar 40 to the mounting area 43.

[0039] The plurality of air holes 24 are disposed about a bottom circumferential edge 21b of the bottom surface 23. Similar to the position of the plurality of air holes 24 at the top surface 22, the plurality of air holes 24 are disposed inwardly of the bottom circumferential edge 21b of the bottom surface 23.

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the collar or mount 40 for attaching a grinder to the vacuum shroud 20. The collar 40 includes a first retaining ring 41 for grasping a head of the grinder, one or more gaskets 48, and a second retaining ring 42. The first retaining ring 41 may include an internal groove 45 for grasping the head of the grinder without squeezing or applying undesirable pressure to bearings of the head of the grinder. Thegaskets 48 facilitate a tight connection between the head of the grinder, the first retaining ring 41, and the second retaining ring 42. The second retaining ring 42 may be secured to the first retaining ring 41 through a plurality of fasteners. Additionally, the first retaining ring 41 may be secured to the shroud body 21 (e.g., the top surface 22, etc.) through a plurality of fasteners. The first retaining ring 41 may define internal through-holes for securing the first retaining ring 41 to the shroud body 21.

[0041] The collar 40 defines an opening 46 for receiving a portion of the grinder (e.g., a head of the grinder). When the collar 40 is attached to the shroud body 21, the opening 46 may align with the grinder opening 27 defined by the shroud body 21. This allows a portion of the grinder to be grasped by the collar 40 while a portion of the grinder extends through the grinder opening 27. A blade may be attached to the portion of the grinder extending through the grinder opening 27 through the hollow space 26 of the shroud body 21.

[0042] FIGS. 6-10 illustrates another embodiment of a vacuum shroud system 100’ according to the present disclosure. The discussion of the vacuum shroud system 100’ of FIGS. 1-5 is relevant to the discussion of the vacuum shroud system 100’ of FIGS. 6-1 IB, so like elements will be labelled with like reference numerals.

[0043] As before, the vacuum shroud system 100’ includes a vacuum hose 10’, a shroud 20’, and a collar or mount 40’. The vacuum hose 10’ is positioned within a vacuum opening 30’ and extends from the shroud 20’ at an angle of less than 90°. As illustrated, the shroud 20’ includes a flat front edge 35’ that allows the shroud 20’ and / or the vacuum shroud system 100’ to be brought or positioned in close proximity to a wall or other vertically planar surface. This allows the system 100’ to engage in a grinding process close to or even up against walls or vertically planar surfaces. In contrast, the system 100 of FIG. 1 has a rounded shroud 20 and would not be able to come into as close proximity to a wall or vertically planar surface.

[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 7-9B, the shroud 20’ or shroud body 21’ includes a top portion 22’ and a bottom portion 23’ secured to the top portion 22’ (e.g., via fasteners). In this embodiment, the shroud 20’ is not a single, unitary element, though the top portion 22’ and the bottom portion 23’ may be constructed from the same material.

[0045] As seen in FIGS. 8A-8B, the top portion 22’ has a top surface 22a’ and a circumferential edge 22c’ that extends slightly upward from the top surface 22a’ . The top surface 22a’ and / or the circumferential edge 22c’ define a plurality of air holes 24’. Theplurality of air holes 24’ may be partially defined by the top surface 22a’ and partially defined by the circumferential edge 22c’. The plurality of air holes 24’ may extend from the top surface 22a’ to the bottom surface 22b’. The bottom surface 22b’ of the top portion 22’ defines a slot or channel 26a’ into which the plurality of air holes 24’ extend.

[0046] The top portion 22’ defines a mounting area 43a’, which may be a slot or other opening, for receiving the collar or mount 40’. The mounting area 43a’ may be sized and shaped to accommodate any sized grinder (e.g., small outer diameters, medium outer diameters, large outer diameters, etc.) through adjustment to the size of the collar 40’. Additionally, the top portion 22’ includes the vacuum opening wall 31’ which at least partially defines the vacuum opening 30’. As before, the wall 31’ at least partially determines the angle of less than 90° at which the vacuum hose 10’ extends from the shroud 20’. The vacuum opening 30’ and / or the wall 31’ may be adjacent to the mounting area 43a’.

[0047] FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate the bottom portion 23’ of the shroud 20’. Similar to the top portion 22’, the bottom portion 23’ includes a top surface 23a’ and a bottom surface 23b’ opposite the top surface. Also similar to the top portion 22’, the bottom portion 23’ includes a circumferential edge 23c’, which at least partially defines a plurality of air holes 24’. The plurality of air holes 24’ of the bottom portion 23’ are in fluid communication with the plurality of air holes 24’ of the top portion 22’. The circumferential edge 23c’ may define a slot or channel 26b’ into which the plurality of air holes 24’ extend. The slot or channel 26b’ is aligned with the slot 26a’ of the top portion 22’, such that the plurality of air holes 24’ of the bottom portion 23 ’ are aligned with and in fluid communication with the plurality of air holes 24’ of the top portion 22’.

[0048] Still similarly, the bottom portion 23’ defines a vacuum opening 30’ that aligns with the vacuum opening 30’ of the top portion 22’ and a mounting area 43b’ that aligns with the mounting area 43a’ of the top portion 22’ . The mounting area 43b’ of the bottom portion 23’ defines the grinder opening 27’ for receiving at least a portion of the grinder. The mounting area 43b’ of the bottom portion 23’ is accessible through the mounting area 43a’ of the top portion 22’ . The collar 40’ may be received within the mounting area 43a’ of the top portion 22’ and may be secured (e.g., through fasteners) to the top surface 23a’ of the bottom portion 23’.The botom portion 23’ defines a hollow space 26’ for receiving a blade of the grinder. As before, the hollow space 26’ is sized and shaped to allow rotation and spinning of the blade within the hollow space 26’ during a grinding operation.

[0049] FIG. 10 illustrates the shroud 20’, where the top portion 22’ is secured to the bottom portion 23 ’ . The plurality of air holes 24’ of the top portion 22’ are aligned with the plurality of air holes 24’ of the bottom portion 23’. As before, each of the plurality of air holes 24’ of the top portion 22’ and the plurality of air holes 24’ of the bottom portion 23’ are defined at an angle, such as at an angle between 15° and 25° (e.g., 18°, 20°, 22°, etc.). This allows air, dust, debris, etc. entering the shroud 20’ through the plurality of air holes 24’ to do so with a cyclonic or vortex flow pattern.

[0050] FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate perspective views of one embodiment of an adjustable collar 40’ for attaching a grinder to the vacuum shroud system 100’ of FIG. 6. The adjustable collar 40 may include a first half 41’ and a second half 42’ connectable and / or securable to the first half 41’. Either of the first half 41’ or the second half 42’ of the adjustable collar 40’ may include an internal groove 45’ for grasping a head of the grinder.

[0051] When the first half 41’ and the second half 42’ are joined together, they define an opening 46’ for alignment with the grinder opening 27’. A size of the opening 46’ is adjustable based on a position or configuration of the first half 41’ and the second half 42’ . A position of the one or more fasteners in and through the first half 41’ and the second half 42’ may determine or correspond to the size of the opening 46’. In this way, the collar 40’ may accommodate grinders having any sized outer diameter.

[0052] The slotted nature of the mounting area 43a’ of the top portion 22’ allows for positioning of the collar 40’ closer to or further back from the flat front edge 35’. By positioning the collar 40’ closer to the flat front edge 35’, the grinder and the blade (attached to the shroud 20’ via the collar 40’) will also be positioned closer to the flat front edge 35’. In this way, the grinder and the blade may be utilized against a vertically planar surface, such as when grinding tiles (or other materials) at the edge of a vertical wall. The mounting area 43b’ at the botom surface 23b’ of the bottom portion 23’ includes slotted openings 49’. The slotted openings 49’ allow the collar 40’ to be anchored to the bottom portion 23’ closer to or further back from the flat front edge 35’, allowing the grinder and the blade to be utilized against a vertically planar surface.FIGS. 12 through 14 illustrate another embodiment of a collar or mount 40” for attaching a grinder 150 to a vacuum shroud system, such as the vacuum shroud system 100 of FIGS. 1 through 4 or the vacuum shroud system 100’ of FIGS. 6 through 10. The collar or mount 40” is similar to the collar 40 of FIG. 5. Specifically, the collar 40” includes a first retaining structure 41’ ’ for grasping a head 155 of the grinder 150, one or more gaskets 48”, and a second retaining structure 42”. The first retaining structure 41” may include an internal groove 45” for grasping the head 155 of the grinder 150 without squeezing or applying undesirable pressure to bearings of the head 155 of the grinder 150. The gaskets 48” facilitate a tight connection between the head 155 of the grinder 150, the first retaining structure 41”, and the second retaining structure 42”. The second retaining structure 42” may be secured to the first retaining structure 41” through a plurality of fasteners. Additionally, the first retaining structure 41” may be secured to the shroud 20’ (e.g., the top surface 22, the top portion 22’, etc.) through a plurality of fasteners. The first retaining structure 41” may define internal through-holes for securing the first retaining structure 41 ” to the shroud 20’ .

[0053] The collar 40” defines an opening 46” for receiving a portion of the grinder 150 (e.g., the head 155, a portion of the head 155, etc.). When the collar 40” is attached to the shroud 20’, the opening 46” may align with the grinder opening 27’ defined by the shroud 20’ . This allows a portion of the grinder 150 to be grasped by the collar 40” while a portion of the grinder 150 extends through the grinder opening 27’ . A blade may be attached to the portion of the grinder 150 extending through the grinder opening 27’ through the hollow space 26’ of the shroud 20’. Additionally, the collar 40” may be moveable along the top portion 22’ of the shroud 20’, such that the grinder 150 may be positioned closer to the flat front edge 35’ of the shroud 20’. Specifically, as seen in FIG. 14, when the collar 40” attaches a grinder 150 to the vacuum shroud system 100’, the collar 40” is receivable within the mounting area 43a’ of the shroud 20’. The slotted nature of the mounting area 43a’ allows the collar 40” to be positioned closer to the flat front edge 35’ or further from the flat front edge 35’ as desired. This allows the grinder 150 to similarly be positioned closer to the flat front edge 35’ or further from the flat front edge 35’ as desired.

[0054] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an example method 300 of using a vacuum shroud system, such as either vacuum shroud system 100 or vacuum shroud system 100’ illustrated and described herein. The method 300 may include connecting a head of a grinder to a collar,a portion of the collar defining an internal groove for gripping the head of the grinder, at 305. The method 300 may also include mounting the collar and the head of the grinder to a shroud body, the shroud body defining a plurality of air holes through the shroud body, at 310. The plurality of air holes may be for directing air from a top to a bottom of the shroud body and may be defined at an angle, such that air entering the plurality of holes has a cyclonic or vortex airflow pattern (e.g., a flow pattern resembling a tornado, a rotating or swirling pattern, an airflow with a swirling, circulation motion, etc.). Further, the method 300 may include attaching a vacuum hose to the shroud body adjacent to the collar and the grinder head, the vacuum hose extending from the shroud body at an angle less than 90°, at 315. Still further, the method 300 may include suctioning air, dust, and debris generated during a grinding process into a vacuum bag through the vacuum hose, the angle of the plurality of air holes causing the air, dust, and debris to enter the shroud body with the cyclonic or vortex flow pattern, at 320.

[0055] Mounting the collar and the grinder head to a shroud body may include fastening each of the first half and the second half of the collar to a grinding plate of the shroud body. Suctioning air, dust, and debris generated during a grinding process into a vacuum bag through the vacuum hose may include suctioning air, dust, and debris through the plurality of air holes from the top to the bottom of the shroud body, the air, dust, and debris entering the shroud body with the cyclonic or vortex flow pattern and suctioning the air, dust, and debris through the vacuum hose, the air, dust, and debris flowing through the vacuum hose at an angle less than 90°.

[0056] Connecting a head of the grinder to a collar may include positioning a first retaining ring of the collar about the head of the grinder, the first retaining ring defining the internal groove for gripping the head of the grinder; positioning a first gasket over the first retaining ring; positioning a second retaining ring over the first gasket; and securing the first retaining ring to the second retaining ring, thereby securing the head of the grinder within the collar. Additional Terms and Definitions

[0057] While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It should also be noted that some of the embodiments disclosed herein mayhave been disclosed in relation to a particular grinding operation (e.g., tile floors grinding); however, other grinding operations (e.g., wood floors, tiled walls, concrete, etc.) are also contemplated.

[0058] In one embodiment, the terms “about” and “approximately” refer to numerical parameters within 10% of the indicated range. The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and similar referents used in the context of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments of the present disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0059] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0060] Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the author(s) of this disclosure for carrying out the embodiments disclosed herein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The author(s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the author(s) intends for the embodiments of the present disclosure to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matterrecited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0061] Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in the claims using consisting of or consisting essentially of language. When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the transition term “consisting of’ excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claims. The transition term “consisting essentially of’ limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s). Embodiments of this disclosure so claimed are inherently or expressly described and enabled herein.

[0062] Although this disclosure provides many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of any of the claims that follow, but merely as providing illustrations of some embodiments of elements and features of the disclosed subject matter. Other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, and of their elements and features, may be devised which do not depart from the spirit or scope of any of the claims. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. Accordingly, the scope of each claim is limited only by its plain language and the legal equivalents thereto.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed:

1. An adjustable collar for connecting a grinder to a vacuum shroud, the adjustable collar comprising:a mount having a first half joinable to a second half, each of the first half and the second half defining a cut-out,wherein when the first half is joined to the second half, the cut-outs of the first half and the second half of the mount define an opening to receive a portion of the grinder,wherein each of the first half and the second half of the mount are connectable to a grinder plate of the vacuum shroud, the grinder plate defining a through-hole that aligns with the opening of the mount to receive a portion of the grinder, and wherein each of the first half and the second half of the mount are receivable within a slot defined by a suction plate, the suction plate attachable to the grinder plate.

2. The adjustable collar of claim 1, wherein the first half defines a first plurality of holes for receiving a plurality of fasteners to join the first half to the second half and a second plurality of holes for connecting the first half to the grinder plate.

3. The adjustable collar of claim 1, wherein the first half is substantially identical to the second half.

4. The adjustable collar of claim 1, wherein the first half and the second half are movable within the slot defined by the suction plate.

5. The adjustable collar of claim 1, wherein a size of the opening to receive the grinder is adjustable through a position of a plurality of fasteners joining the first half to the second half.

6. A vacuum shroud system for attachment to a grinder, the vacuum shroud system comprising:a shroud body defining a plurality of air holes through the shroud body, the plurality of air holes for directing air from a top to a bottom of the shroud body, andthe plurality of air holes defined at an angle, such that air entering the plurality of air holes has a vortex airflow pattern;a grinder collar in connection with the shroud body, the grinder collar for attaching a portion of the grinder to the vacuum shroud system; anda vacuum attachment adjacent the grinder collar, the vacuum attachment for attaching a portion of a vacuum to the vacuum shroud system.

7. The vacuum shroud system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of air holes are defined at an angle ranging from about 15° to about 25°.

8. The vacuum shroud system of claim 6, wherein the vacuum attachment receives the vacuum at an angle of less than 90°.

9. The vacuum shroud system of claim 6, wherein the top of the shroud body comprises a suction plate and the bottom of the shroud body comprises a grinder plate attachable to the suction plate, the plurality of air holes defined through the suction plate and through the grinder plate.

10. The vacuum shroud system of claim 9, wherein the shroud body comprises a flat front edge allowing the shroud body to abut a vertically planar surface during a grinding operation.

11. The vacuum shroud system of claim 6, wherein the shroud body comprises:the top, the plurality of air holes defined about a perimeter of the top through to a perimeter of the bottom opposite the top; anda skirt extending from the perimeter of the top and past the bottom, the skirt defining a hollow space adjacent to the bottom, the hollow space for receiving a blade of the grinder and collecting debris generated by the blade.

12. The vacuum shroud system of claim 6, wherein the grinder collar is an adjustable grinder collar, allowing grinders of differing outer diameters to be attached to the shroud body.

13. The vacuum shroud system of claim 6, wherein the grinder collar comprises:a first retaining ring for attachment to a head of the grinder;at least one gasket positioned between the first retaining ring and the head of the grinder; anda second retaining ring positioned over the first retaining ring, wherein both of the first retaining ring and the second retaining ring are securable to the shroud body.

14. A collar for attaching a grinder to a vacuum shroud, the collar comprising: a first retaining ring for attachment to a head of the grinder;at least one gasket positioned between the first retaining ring and the head of the grinder; anda second retaining ring positioned over the first retaining ring,wherein both of the first retaining ring and the second retaining ring are securable to a shroud body of the vacuum shroud, andwherein one of the first retaining ring or the second retaining ring comprise a groove for gripping the head of the grinder, such that no bearings of the head of the grinder are pressurized.

15. A method of using a vacuum shroud, the method comprising: connecting a head of a grinder to a collar, a portion of the collar defining an internal groove for gripping the head of the grinder;mounting the collar and the head of the grinder to a shroud body, the shroud body defining a plurality of air holes through the shroud body,the plurality of air holes for directing air from a top to a bottom of the shroud body, andthe plurality of air holes defined at an angle, such that air entering the plurality of air holes has a vortex airflow pattern;attaching a vacuum hose to the shroud body adjacent to the collar and the head of the grinder, the vacuum hose extending from the shroud body at an angle less than 90°; andsuctioning air, dust, and debris generated during a grinding process into a vacuum bag through the vacuum hose,the angle of the plurality of air holes causing the air, dust, and debris to enter the shroud body with the vortex airflow pattern.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein connecting a head of the grinder to a collar comprises:adjusting a size of the collar to accommodate an outer diameter of the head of the grinder, the size of the collar adjustable through a position of a plurality of fasteners joining a first half of the collar to a second half of the collar,each of the first half and the second half of the collar defining the internal groove for gripping the head of the grinder;positioning the head of the grinder within the collar; andfastening the first half of the collar to the second half of the collar, thereby securing the head of the grinder within the collar.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein mounting the collar and the head of the grinder to a shroud body comprises fastening each of the first half and the second half of the collar to a grinding plate of the shroud body.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein connecting a head of the grinder to a collar comprises:positioning a first retaining ring of the collar about the head of the grinder, the first retaining ring defining the internal groove for gripping the head of the grinder;positioning a first gasket over the first retaining ring;positioning a second retaining ring over the first gasket; andsecuring the first retaining ring to the second retaining ring, thereby securing the head of the grinder within the collar.

19. The method of claim 18, where mounting the collar and the head of the grinder to a shroud body comprises securing the first retaining ring to the shroud body.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein suctioning air, dust, and debris generated during a grinding process into a vacuum bag through the vacuum hose comprises:suctioning air, dust, and debris through the plurality of air holes from the top to the bottom of the shroud body, the air, dust, and debris entering the shroud body with the vortex airflow pattern; andsuctioning the air, dust, and debris through the vacuum hose, the air, dust, and debris flowing through the vacuum hose at an angle less than 90°.

Images