Tube barrier

Abstract

A powered unit for performing blower operations or vacuuming operations is provided. The powered unit includes a blower tube, a barrier for preventing unintentional contact with moving parts in the powered unit, and a retention feature. The retention feature is located within the blower tube and the retention feature is configured for securing the barrier within the blower tube. The retention feature is included of an annular groove in the blower tube. The barrier is secured in the blower tube by a snap engagement with the retention feature. The barrier can also be deformed as it is inserted into the blower tube. The barrier then returns to its non-deformed shape when the barrier is secured in the retention feature in the blower tube.

1 . A powered unit for performing blower operations or vacuuming operations including:
 a blower tube;   a barrier;   a retention feature located within the blower tube configured for securing the barrier within the blower tube;   the retention feature is included in an annular groove in the blower tube; and   the barrier is secured in the blower tube by a snap engagement with the retention feature.   
   
   
       2 . A powered unit for performing blower operations or vacuuming operations according to  claim 1 , wherein the retention feature has an exterior appearance of a cosmetic annular protrusion. 
   
   
       3 . A powered unit for performing blower operations or vacuuming operations according to  claim 1 , wherein the barrier is difficult to remove. 
   
   
       4 . A powered unit for performing blower operations or vacuuming operations according to  claim 1 , wherein the barrier includes a unitary body of a circular shape that includes an outer ring of material and at least one spar that protrudes from the outer ring of material to a central hub located at a center of the barrier. 
   
   
       5 . A powered unit for performing blower operations or vacuuming operations according to  claim 1 , wherein the barrier includes a unitary body of a circular shape that includes an outer ring of material and at least one spar that protrudes from a point on the outer ring of material. 
   
   
       6 . A powered unit for performing blower operations or vacuuming operations according to  claim 1 , wherein the annular groove in the blower tube has a diameter that is relatively larger than the inner diameter of the blower tube. 
   
   
       7 . A powered unit for performing blower operations or vacuuming operations according to  claim 1 , wherein the barrier is deformed as it is inserted into the blower tube and the barrier returns to its non-deformed shape when the barrier is secured in the retention feature in the blower tube. 
   
   
       8 . A powered unit for performing blower operations or vacuuming operations including:
 a blower tube;   a barrier;   a retention feature located within the blower tube is configured for securing the barrier within the blower tube;   and the barrier is secured in the blower tube by a snap engagement with the retention feature and the barrier is deformed as it is inserted into the blower tube and the barrier returns to its non-deformed shape when the barrier is secured in the retention feature in the blower tube.   
   
   
       9 . A powered unit for performing blower operations or vacuuming operations according to  claim 8 , wherein the retention feature has an exterior appearance of a cosmetic annular protrusion. 
   
   
       10 . A powered unit for performing blower operations or vacuuming operations according to  claim 8 , wherein the barrier is difficult to remove. 
   
   
       11 . A powered unit for performing blower operations or vacuuming operations according to  claim 8 , wherein the barrier includes a unitary body of a circular shape that includes an outer ring of material and at least one spar that protrudes from the outer ring of material to a central hub located at a center of the barrier. 
   
   
       12 . A powered unit for performing blower operations or vacuuming operations according to  claim 8 , wherein the barrier includes a unitary body of a circular shape that includes an outer ring of material and at least one spar that protrudes from a point on the outer ring of material. 
   
   
       13 . A powered unit for performing blower operations or vacuuming operations according to  claim 8 , wherein the retention feature includes a channel formed from at least one first ramp section and at least one second ramp section. 
   
   
       14 . A method of assembling a powered unit for performing blower operations or vacuuming operations including the steps of:
 pushing a barrier into the interior of a blower tube; wherein the barrier is deformed as it enters the interior of the blower tube and is pushed into the blower tube; and   securing the barrier within the blower tube in a secured position by allowing the barrier to return to its non-deformed shape as the barrier snaps into engagement with a retention feature located in the interior of the blower tube.   
   
   
       15 . A method of assembling a powered unit for performing blower operations or vacuuming operations according to  claim 14 , wherein a fixture is used to push the barrier into the secured position for the barrier to engage the retention feature. 
   
   
       16 . A method of assembling a powered unit for performing blower operations or vacuuming operations according to  claim 15 , wherein a second fixture is used while pushing the barrier to force the barrier to engage the retention feature.