MODULAR HOUSEHOLD BLOWER SYSTEM

Abstract

A blower system for drying a surface has an upright housing top that enables a user to maneuver the unit over various surfaces easily. A central feature of this system is a modular design for a unit that dries surfaces. This modular design enables a user to reconfigure the dryer as needed for a particular drying application. The modular capability and the upright standing design of the system allow a person to use this device and system for convenience. The blower of this device can be self-contained and detachable, which will enable a user to operate the drying function conveniently. The capability to detach a dryer module enables one to use this device for additional applications such as using the blower function to displace objects such as leaves.

Claims

1. A system for using a hand-controlled device for drying a surface area comprising: an upright housing with an upper end and a lower end, said upper end forming a handle enabling a user to maneuver said housing from a standing position, said upright housing also having internal channels that provide for airflow to travel through the upright housing; a blower module positioned in said upright housing for generating and supplying airflow to dry a surface, said blower module having a inlet port for receiving airflow and an exhaust port for dispending airflow from said blower module and an air channel through air travels in said blower module from said inlet port through said exhaust port; an exhaust module forming the lower end of said upright module through which airflow from said detachable blower module is dispended directly onto a surface for drying; and a power source in said blower module for providing power to dispense airflow to dry a surface.

2. The surface drying system as described in 1 wherein said blower module further comprises a heating element positioned in the air channel between said inlet port and said outlet port for heating air as air flows through the channel and out of said exhaust port and onto a surface area for drying.

3. The surface drying system as described in 2 wherein said blower module further comprises a heating element controller for controlling a heat intensity range of said heating element in order to heat air passing across said heating element at different temperatures.

4. The surface drying system as described in claim 2 wherein said blower module further comprises a fan element capable of operating at multiple speeds to vary air velocity of air passing through said blower module and across said heating element.

5. The surface drying system as described in claim 1 wherein said upright housing has: an internal air channel connected to said blower module intake port for intake of air into said blower module; and connections to a power source to supply power to said blower module.

6. The surface drying system as described in claim 5 wherein said exhaust module further comprises an air channel in connection with the air channel of said blower module, said air channel of said exhaust module directs air from said blower module onto a desired surface for drying.

7. The surface drying system as described in claim 2 wherein said blower module further comprises an additional power source for powering said blower module.

8. The surface drying system as described in claim 7 wherein said blower module is detachable from said upright housing.

9. The surface drying system as described in claim 2 wherein said blower module further comprises a tube element with a top end attached to blower module and a bottom end attached to said exhaust module, wherein said tube element is detachable from said exhaust module enabling said blower module to dispense air from said blower module through said tube element and onto a surface for drying.

10. The surface drying system as described in claim 9 further comprising blowing attachments capable of connecting to the bottom end of said tube element for directing air flow from said blowing element onto a specific area of a surface.

11. The surface drying system as described in claim 6 wherein said exhaust module further comprises a plurality of bristle position on an exhaust module bottom and air in contact with surface for drying, said bristles capable of assisting in removing water and moisture from a surface.

12. The surface drying system as described in claim 8 wherein said blower module is detached from said upright housing and functions as a separate blower device for drying surfaces.

13. A system for using a hand-controlled device for cleaning a surface area comprising: an upright housing with an upper end and a lower end, said upper end forming a handle enabling a user to maneuver said housing from a standing position, said upright housing also having internal channels that provide for airflow to travel through the upright housing; a detachable blower module positioned in said upright housing for generating and supplying airflow to dry a surface, said blower module having a inlet port for receiving airflow and an exhaust port for dispending airflow from said blower module and an air channel through air travels in said blower module from said inlet port through said exhaust port; a detachable suction module positioned in said upright housing for providing suction to remove dirt and particles from a surface, said vacuum module having a channel connected to a surface contact module through which dirt and particles would travel up to the vacuum module. surface contact module forming the lower end of said upright module through which airflow from said detachable blower module is dispended directly onto a surface for drying; and a power source for providing power to said blower module and said suction module.

14. The surface cleaning system as described in claim 13 wherein said detachable blower module and detachable suction module are simultaneously positioned in said upright module.

15. The surface cleaning system as described in claim 14 further comprising a switch capable of enabling and disabling said blower module and said suction modules.

16. The surface cleaning system as described in claim 13 wherein said detachable blower module and detachable suction module are interchangeably positioned in said upright module.

17. The surface cleaning system as described in claim 13 wherein said detachable suction module further comprises a collection element to receive and store contents received into said detachable suction module.

18. A system for using a hand-controlled device for cleaning a surface area comprising: an upright housing with an upper end and a lower end, said upper end forming a handle enabling a user to maneuver said housing from a standing position, said upright housing also having internal channels that provide for airflow to travel through the upright housing; a detachable cleaning module positioned in said upright housing, said module having a blower element capable of generating and supplying airflow to dry a surface, said blower element having a inlet port for receiving airflow and an exhaust port for dispending airflow from said blower element and an air channel through air travels in said blower module from said inlet port through said exhaust port, said detachable cleaning module further comprising a suction element for providing suction to remove dirt and particles from a surface, said suction element having a channel connected to a surface contact module through which dirt and particles would travel up to the suction element. surface contact module forming the lower end of said upright module through which airflow from said detachable blower element is dispended directly onto a surface for drying; and a power source for providing power to said blower element and said suction element.

19. The surface cleaning system as described in claim 18 further comprising a switch capable of enabling and disabling said blower element and said suction element.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the hand-controlled device for drying a surface area of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 shows accessory parts of the hand-controlled device for drying a surface area of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] This invention comprises an upright design for a floor blower/dryer product used to dry wet and damp floors. This product contains fan for generating air and a channel and outlet directed toward the floor through which air travels and exists the product and contacts the floor to provide drying. This product can also contain a heating element positioned between the fan and product outlet. This heating element has the capability to alter the air temperature as the air passes over the heating element. The product also has controls that permit the user to adjust the heating element such that the user can vary the temperature of the air used to dry the floor surface. In operation, the present invention intakes air such that the air travels through a channel and passes the heating element, which heats the air. As the air exits the channel of the present invention

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1 shows an assembly of the hand-controlled device for drying a surface area system of the present invention. In this system, the hand-held unit, the blower module 102 functions as a cooling or heating air blowing device. This module provides the air for drying water and moisture from a desired surface. This blower module 102 can comprise a power supply, a motor, a fan and controls. It can function as a stand-alone blower or can be positioned in the floor housing 114 with a handle and floor nozzle. Referring to the blower module 102, an intake port 104 functions to receive ambient air for intake into the fan unit where airflow is generated for blowing output air through an exhaust port and onto the surface for drying. A temperature selector 106 controls the temperature of air from normal ambient air temperature to a desired heated temperature of air blowing out to the drying surface. A trigger device 108 controls the velocity/force of the air being blown out. A floor unit nozzle 110 is used with the floor mount housing and handle. The air being blown out is directed from the nozzle onto the surface area for which drying is desired. The release button 112 releases the lock which secures the hand-held unit onto the upright housing unit 114.

[0015] The upright housing unit 114 supports operating with the hand-held blower module 102 and the floor unit nozzle 110 (also referred to as the exhaust module). The blower module can also have a power cord to connect to power source. The upright housing also has a power cord storage feature, LCD panel controls, a handle retract feature and strap hooks. An LED display 116 for the blower module control manages the operation of the blower module, the air flow speed and temperature features when the module 102 is positioned in the housing unit 114. D-ring hooks 118 are mounted in two places on the upright housing unit 114 for possible connection with a strap harness for possible shoulder carry. The hooks 120 are provided in two places on the upright housing unit for power cord storage. Button 122 locks and releases the handle from the housing unit 114 for position operation or retracted for storage positions. Handle 124 which is attached to the floor mount housing (or exhaust module) is also telescopic for different lengths.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 2, shown are accessory parts for the connection to the blower module 102. A 24 inch extension tube 202 can be used with the hand-held unit 102 to direct blowing of output air onto a surface area as part of the application. As mentioned, this extension tube is an optional part for this application. A 24 inch to 48 inch extension tube 204 can be attached and used with the hand-held unit to direct blowing, output air onto the surface area of the application. This tube can be retractable to allow the user to vary the length as needed or desired. A 6 inch to 10 inch wide nozzle 206 can be used with the hand-held unit to direct blowing output air onto the area of a surface for drying. This nozzle is also retractable and is optional function. The present invention can also have an alternate nozzle design. This alternate design has the capability to alter the dimensions of the outflow air from the nozzle for targeted applications. For example, air can be fanned out wide from the nozzle to simultaneously cover a wider surface area. The user can adjust the nozzle such that the outflow is narrow and targeted at a small surface area. This concept is similar in application to a water sprayer. The nozzle can be made of such material that the nozzle is flexible and bendable to facilitate reaching certain surface locations. In the present invention, one application for this nozzle application would be a shrink-wrap function.

[0017] In an alternate embodiment, this product can have a modular design in which the user can add or remove certain components as desired to facilitate specific product applications. This modular design can enable the user to produce another alternate embodiment of the invention in which the product has the capability to function as an upright floor dryer or as a conventional vacuum cleaner device.

[0018] The capabilities of the present invention provide certain advantages over current products with similar objectives to the present invention. These advantages include a more efficient means to dry a floor surface such as a hardwood floor or a carpet. With its upright handle design, this invention also provides more flexibility in maneuvering the device when drying a surface.

[0019] In another alternate embodiment, the modular capabilities of the present invention will enable one to use the invention in a hand held capacity. This invention has a modular configuration that allows it to function as a hand held blower. In this embodiment, the heating element is positioned in the hand held module. This flexibility provides multiple uses for the device.

[0020] The modular capabilities of this invention enable it to be reconfigured to operate as a vacuum cleaner or a blower. These features also enable one to use this invention as a heater/blower in outside applications. For example, an embodiment of this invention can function to melt snow or ice during inclement weather. The blower capabilities can enable the user to blow heated air on ice and snow to more rapidly melt the ice and snow. This use of the present invention can operate more efficiently than conventional uses of salt to melt snow. Once this invention melts the snow, salt can be applied to prevent the refreezing of melted snow and ice.

[0021] Another alternate embodiment of the present invention is a small auto dryer that operates as a robot. This embodiment can incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) to move around on a surface or floor of a room or building to perform drying functions.

[0022] While the present invention as been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in some detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the invention to such details. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.