ACCORDION VACUUM TUBE RELIEF

Abstract

A powered blower/vacuum unit includes a base portion having a housing and a power air-moving device for creating an air stream. A generally rigid, elongate tube is adapted to permit at least the air stream to flow through the tube. The tube includes a fluid inlet disposed at a first end, a fluid outlet disposed at a second end, and at least one accordion relief structure disposed generally between the first and second ends and adapted to act as a resilient shock absorber. In one example, the accordion relief structure includes at least one internal rib and at least one intermediate flexible section located adjacent to each internal rib. In another example, a coupler is adapted to be removably attached to the housing and non-removably attached to the tube. In another example, a portion of the accordion relief structure is adapted to act as a positive stop for the coupler.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a blower or vacuum unit, for performing a blowing or vacuuming operation, and more particularly, to a tube configured for at least air flow that includes an accordion relief structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Existing blower designs use a single-piece blow molded tube with a bayonet-style attachment configuration info injection molded housings. Specifically, the designs include a twist-lock or bayonet-style retaining features. These types of designs require excessive assembly engagement to ensure a robust assembly and they do not facilitate a low profile housing when the tube is not installed. One solution can generally include a coupler that is retained in the tube in a positive manner to prevent accidental disassembly or breakage. However current designs for supporting the coupler could result in the coupler being pushed too far into the tube if greater forces are applied.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some example aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. Moreover, this summary is not intended to identify critical elements of the invention nor delineate the scope of the invention. The sole purpose of the summary is to present some concepts of the invention in simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a powered blower/vacuum unit is provided for performing a blowing/vacuuming operation. The powered unit includes a base portion having a housing and a power air-moving device disposed therein for creating an air stream, and a generally rigid, elongate tube extending a relatively large distance away from the housing and adapted to permit at least the air stream to flow through the tube along the relatively large distance. The tube further includes a fluid inlet disposed at a first end of the tube, a fluid outlet disposed at a second end of the tube, and at least one accordion relief structure disposed generally between the first end and the second end of the tube. The accordion relief structure is adapted to act as a resilient shock absorber responsive to forces applied to the tube.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a powered blower/Vacuum unit is provided for performing a blowing/vacuuming operation. The powered unit includes a base portion having a housing and a power air-moving device disposed therein for creating an air stream, and a coupler adapted to be removably attached to the housing. The powered unit further includes a generally rigid, elongate tube extending a relatively large distance away from the housing and adapted to permit at least the air stream to flow through the tube along the relatively large distance. The tube further includes a fluid inlet disposed at a first and of the tube, a fluid outlet disposed at a second end of the tube, and at least one accordion relief structure disposed generally between the first end and the second end of the tube. The accordion relief structure is adapted to act as a resilient shock absorber responsive to forces applied to the tube. The tube is non-removably attached to the coupler, and a portion of the accordion relief structure is adapted to act as a positive slop for the coupler.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a powered blower/Vacuum unit is provided for performing a blowing/vacuuming operation. The powered unit includes a base portion having a housing and a power air-moving device disposed therein for creating an air stream, and a coupler adapted to be removably attached to the housing. The powered unit further includes a generally rigid, elongate vacuum tube attached to the coupler and extending a relatively large distance away from the housing and adapted to ingest debris in addition to the air stream so as to flow through the tube along the relatively large distance. The tube further includes a fluid inlet disposed at a first end of the tube, a fluid outlet disposed at a second end of the tube, and at least one accordion relief structure disposed generally between the first end and the second end of the tube. The accordion relief structure includes at least one internal rib and at least one intermediate flexible section located adjacent to each internal rib. The accordion relief structure is adapted to collapse and expand to absorb forces applied to the tube so as to inhibit inadvertent detachment of the coupler born the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and oilier aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example powered blower/vacuum unit in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exploded assembly of an example powered unit and shows a tube fragment a coupler, and a housing before they are placed in engagement with one another;

FIG. 3 is a sectional side view along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 of the coupler and the tube during an assembly step;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the coupler in engagement with the tube fragment;

FIG. 5 is a sectional side view along line 5-5 of FIG. 4 of the coupler in engagement with the tube fragment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the coupler;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the coupler in engagement with the tube fragment; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the housing in engagement with the coupler, winch is in engagement with the tube.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Example embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the present invention are described and illustrated in the drawings. These illustrated examples are not intended to be a limitation or; the present invention. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of devices. Moreover, certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. Still further, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are employed for designating the same elements.

Turning to the shown example of FIG. 1, it is to be appreciated that a powered unit 10 is provided that performs a blowing or vacuuming operation, such as a blower, vacuum, and/or blower/vac unit. Many different embodiments and configurations are contemplated by the subject invention. The powered unit 10 can even be capable of a user selecting between a blowing or vacuuming operation (e.g., a blower/vac). The powered unit 10 includes a base portion 12, a tube 14, and a coupler 18. As seen in FIG. 2, an exploded assembly of the base portion 12, the coupler 18, and the tube 14 are shown. FIG. 1 also shows an example orientation of the tube 14, the coupler 18, and the base portion 12 before they are each placed in engagement with one another in the subject invention. The base portion 12 includes a housing 20 and a power air-moving device (not shown) that can include many different embodiments, such as axial or centrifugal fans, impellers, etc, for creating an air stream. As can be appreciated, the air-moving device can create an intake air stream (e.g., a vacuum air stream for suction) and/or an exhaust air stream (e.g., a pressured air stream for blowing). Thus, the housing 20 can include an intake opening 22 (see FIG. 3) and an exhaust opening 23, such as may be connected to a blower tube, debris collection bag, etc. (not shown). The air-moving device can be powered by an electric motor or a gasoline engine (not shown), and can adapted for use as a vacuum device and/or blower device. A handle 19 can be provided on the powered unit 10, and it is appreciated that many types of handle configurations are possible.

The housing 20 has the opening 22 and a structure that accommodates the power air-moving device. The air-moving device and the associated structure for accommodating the air-moving device are within the comprehension of the person of ordinary skill in the art and are not discussed in detail herein. The opening 22 in the housing 20 provides an airflow path between the powered air-moving device, the coupler 18, and the tube 14. In some embodiments, the housing 20 can be only part of the base portion 12 and the housing 20 can engage an additional housing portion (not shown). In other embodiments, the housing 20 can be the only structure that engages the power air-moving device. In the embodiment shown, the housing 20 includes one portion with a generally circular shape, though various other shapes can be used.

The tube 14 is generally rigid and elongate, and can extend a relatively large distance away from the housing 20. The tube 14 is substantially cylindrical, though other shapes can be used. As seen in FIGS. 1-4, the tube 14 has a tube opening 16 (e.g., a fluid outlet) and at least the air stream air flows to or from the housing 20 through the tube opening id ever a relatively large distance. As previously stated, the tube 14 can be a vacuum lube for ingesting debris in addition to air, and/or the lube 14 can also be a blower tube for ejecting air. In the shown example, the tube 14 is formed by a first manufacturing operation which can be a blow molding operation using a blow-molded material, though other operations can be used. In an example shown in FIGS. 1-5, the tube 14 includes a fluid inlet 29 located at a first end 26 of the tube 14, and a fluid outlet 16 located at a second end 27 of the tube 14. It is appreciated that different lengths and shapes of the tube 14 can be utilized. For example, the tube 14 can include a monolithic body, or it can also be formed by attaching two or more separate tubes together.

The tube 14 can be retained on the housing 20 in various manners. In one example, one end of the tube 14 can include locking structure, such as a bayonet connection, for direct engagement with corresponding structure on the housing 20. In another example, the tube 14 can be indirectly connected the housing 20 by way of an intermediate coupler 18. For example, as seen in FIGS. 6-8, the coupler 18 can have a substantially cylindrical shape, though various other shapes and dimensions can be used for the coupler 18. The coupler 18 is configured for coupling the tube 14 to the housing 20, and FIG. 3 shows the coupler 18 before it is placed in engagement with the tube 14. The coupler 18 can have a relatively short extent or dimension in relation to the tube 14 and the tube 14 can have a relatively longer extent or dimension, in one example, the tube 14 can have a length greater than 24 inches and the coupler 18 can have a length less than ½ inches. In another example, a portion 42 of the tube 14 can overlap the coupler 13 when the tube 14 and the coupler 18 are in engagement, as seen in FIG. 7, though other arrangements are possible depending on the type of non-removable attachment structure located on the coupler 18 and located on the tube 14. The portion 42 of the tubs 14 that overlaps the coupler 18 can have a length less than ½ inch. In another example, a portion of the coupler 18 can overlap a portion of the housing 20, as generally seen in FIG. 8. The portion of the coupler 18 that overlaps the portion of the housing 20 can have a length less than ½ inch. Of course, other overlapping arrangements can be achieved with the subject invention. The coupler 18 can also have a rigidity that is greater than a rigidity of the tube 14. The rigidity of the coupler 18 can be greater then the rigidity of the tube 14 by the selection of a different manufacturing operation.

In the shown example, the coupler 18 is made of an injection molded material separate from the tube 14 and the coupler 18 is formed by a second manufacturing operation, such as an injection molding operation. As another example, the coupler 18 may be stronger and/or thicker as compared to a blow molded tube of the prior art designs. The coupler 18 can be formed by a second, different manufacturing operation. The second manufacturing operation, in one embodiment, can be an injection molding process and include heating a material. As yet another example, the coupler 18 can have a rigidity that is greater than the rigidity of the tube 14.

In a second embodiment shown in FIG. 6 the coupler 18 includes a first portion 56 that engages the housing 20 and includes a second portion 58 that engages the tube 14. The first portion 56 of the coupler 18 is sized for insertion into the housing 20. The second portion 58 of the coupler 18 can be sized not to fit into the housing 20 and can act as a shoulder against the outside of the housing 20.

The coupler 18 can be non-removably attached to the tube 14. In one example of this non-removable attachment, the coupler 18 has a plurality of one-way snap-in features 30 located on an exterior surface 36 of the coupler 18, as seen in FIGS. 2-5. The one-way snap-in 30 features are configured for non-removably attaching the coupler 18 to the tube 14. In the shown example, the one-way snap-in features 30 on the coupler 18 includes protrusions 32 with angled front surfaces 34. The tube 14 has a plurality of receiver features 38. The receiver features 38 can include apertures 40 for receiving and securing the one-way snap-in features 30. For example, the protrusions 32 can slide into the receiver features 38 and the protrusions 32 then become engaged in the apertures 40. In this embodiment, the protrusions 32 not only engage the apertures 40 but the protrusions 32 also can extend through the apertures 40, as seen in FIG. 4. The receiver features 38 in this embodiment include angled openings that extend away from the structure of the lube 14 to facilitate assembly. Other types of receiver features can be utilized without having structures that are angled. The snap-in features 30 are configured to engage the plurality of receiver features 38 to non-removably attach the coupler 18 to the tube 14. Of course, the ampler 18 can also be adapted to be removable from the tube 14, such as by releasing the snap-in features 30 from the receiver features 38. For example, though the aforedescribed connection is generally non-removable, the snap-in features 30 can be forced backwards out of the receiver features 38 for releasing the coupler 18 from the tube 14.

In the example shown in FIGS. 2-4, the angled from surfaces 34 provide a means for the one-way snap-in features 30 to easily slide into engagement with the receiver features 38. The angled front surfaces 34 enable the one-way snap-in features 30 to slide into a secured position where each protrusion 32 is surrounded by a receiver feature 38. Other types of structures or protrusions, with varying shapes, dimensions, and orientations can be used to provide a snap-in engagement between the coupler 18 and the tube 14. In another example, non-removably attaching the coupler 18 to the tube 14 can include engaging the plurality of receiver features 38 to the one-way snap-in features 30 white the coupler 18 is still warm to permit the tube 14 to cool and form about the coupler 18.

In other embodiments, other structures can be used that are configured for non-removably attaching the tube 14 to the coupler 18. For example, the tube 14 can be attached to the coupler 18 by the use of various fasteners or adhesives. A fastener or adhesive structure can engage the tube 14 to non-removably attach the tube 14 to the coupler 18. Alternatively, the tube 14 can also be attached to the coupler 18 by the use of a material distortion operation, such as welding or staking. The tube 14 can also be configured for non-removable attachment with the coupler by the use of various combinations of different structures, such as using snap-in features 30. In combination with other fasteners, adhesives, or material distortion operations. In yet another example, the coupler 18 can be attached to the tube 14 at a time after the respective heated molding operations (e.g., the first and second manufacturing operations), though at a time before either or both of the tube 14 and coupler 18 have cooled. Thus, the tube 14 and coupler 18 can cool together as a joined assembly to provide an increased fit and/or joining strength.

The tube 14 can include various structures to inhibit inadvertent removal of the tribe 14 from the housing 20, such as might accidentally occur during operation of the power tool, in one example, at least one accordion relief structure 80 can be provided between the first end 25 and the second end 27 of the tube 14. The accordion relief structure 60 can be configured to act as a resilient shock absorber. The accordion relief structure 60 can include at least one internal rib 62A and at least one intermediate flexible section 66 located adjacent thereto. Of course, the accordion relief structure 60 can include a plurality of internal ribs 62A, 62B, 62C that can include various intermediate flexible sections 66 therebetween. Each internal rib 62A, 62B, 62C can be a structure, such as a protrusion, that is located inside the tube 14 along an internal surface of the tube 14. In other examples, each internal rib 62A, 028, 62C can include multiple structures, such as a plurality of protrusions that are located in the same plane along an internal surface of the tube 14. Each intermediate flexible section 66 can be manufactured from various materials that are flexible, even if the material is different than the material that the tube 14 is manufactured from. Of course, as shown, the internal ribs 62A, 82B, 62C and the intermediate flexible sections 66 can have a generally annular geometry consistent with the generally cylindrical geometry of the tube 14, can be formed of the same material as the tube 14, and/or can even be formed with the tube 14 during the first manufacturing process.

The accordion relief structure 60 acts as a resilient shock absorber for the tube 14 to absorb various forces applied to the tube 14 during use. For example, the accordion relief structure 60 can absorb forces applied along the longitudinal axis of the lube 14, such as might be encountered when the first end 25 of the tube 14 strikes the ground or ether object during a vacuuming operation, in other examples, the accordion relief structure 60 can absorb forces applied along a transverse axis of the tube 14 or even venous other compound angles relative to the tube 14.

To provide shock absorption, the first internal rib 62A can be generally rigid and remain in contact with the coupler 18 while the intermediate sections 86 are flexible, as seen in FIG. 4. In this manner, the accordion relief structure 60 provides some flexibility for the tube 14 and the powered unit 10. The accordion relief structure 60 enables the tube 14 to flex generally about the intermediate flexible sections 6b. Thus, the accordion relief structure 60 can compress and/or expand to reduce the stress from impacts and the like during use (e.g., Impacts with the ground or other objects) that are otherwise transferred to the features of the tube 14 that support the coupler 18 and the connection to the housing 20. As such, it is less likely that the coupler 16 and/or tube 14 will inadvertently break away from the housing 20.

As can be appreciated, the accordion relief structure 60 can be located at various positions, such as in the middle of the tube 14 or at an end of the tribe 14. In addition or alternatively, the tube 14 can include multiple accordion relief structures 60 (e.g. one located near an end and another located near the middle of the tube 14). Further, more or less internal ribs 62A, 62B, 62C can also be included, in other embodiments, the accordion relief structure 60 can include geometry where the intermediate sections 66 have a dimension that is equal to the diameter of the tribe 14 or even geometry that is larger than the diameter of the tube 14. In other embodiments, the dimensions of the ribs 62A, 628, 62C and the intermediate sections 06 can be varied in relation to each other and the ribs 62A, 628, 62C and the intermediate sections 68 can have different dimensions throughout the length of the tube 14. Alternatively, the intermediate flexible sections 66 can also include structure that is compressible and/or expandable upon application of a force.

In the shown embodiment, the intermediate flexible sections 66 are reactive to forces applied to the tube 14. In another example embodiment, a portion of the accordion relief structure 60 can be configured to act as a positive stop to prevent the coupler 18 from being inserted fee deeply into the tube 14 when the coupler 18 is assembled onto the tube 14. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the first infernal no 62A can be configured to act as a shelf to support an end face 31 of the coupler 18. Thus, in one example, the coupler 18 can be inserted into the tube opening 16 until the end face 31 abuts the first internal rib 62A so as to position the coupler 18 relative to the tube 14. Alternatively, a relatively small gap can be provided between the end face 31 and the first internal rib 62A.

The combination of the snap-in features 30 and the accordion relief structure 60 provides a system that permits relative movement of portions of the tube 14, while limiting movement of the coupler 18 relative to the tube 14. Thus, by providing the snap-in features 30 in combination with the accordion relief structure 60, the coupler 18 is prevented from movement in multiple axes to further reduce accidental disassembly or breakage from the coupler 18 being removed from the tube 14, and/or accidental removal of the coupler 18 from the housing 20.

To attach the tube 14 and coupler 18 to the housing 20, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 8, the opening 22 on the housing 20 can include at least one mate component 44 that can be located on an inner edge 48 of the opening 22 of the housing 20. The at least one male component 44 can be located in different locations and different orientations with respect to the opening 22. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the male components 44 can have a generally rectangular shape, though other shapes can be utilized. The number of male components 44 does not necessarily correspond with the number of one-way snap-in features 30 on the coupler 18. For example, there can be three male components 44 and four one-way snap-in features 30.

As seen in FIG. 6, the coupler 18 can have at least one complementary female component 46 located on the coupler 18. Each female component 48 is configured to engage the complementary male component 44 for securing the coupler 18 to the housing 20. Coupling can be performed by having male components 44, located on an opening 22 of the housing 20, which engage female components 46, located on the coupler 13. In this example, the first portion 56 of the coupler 18 also includes each female component 48 that is configured to engage the complementary male component 44 for securing the coupler 18 to the housing 20. The first portion 56 can be configured to engage the complementary male component 44 for securing the coupler 18 to the housing 20. The second portion 58 can include the one-way snap-in features 30 and the second portion 58 can be sized for engagement with the tube 14.

FIG. 8 shows one example of the assembly after the housing 20 is placed in engagement with the coupler 18, which is in engagement with the tube 14, FIG. 8 generally shows the coupler 13 and the tube 14 in a secured position 54 with the housing 20. In another embodiment, the coupling action can be performed by twisting the tube 14 into the secured position 54 due to a bayonet connection between the coupler 18 and the housing 20, in one example of the bayonet connection, each female component 46 can include an axially-extending insertion area 50 that is configured for insertion of the male component 44. A transversely-extending sliding area 52 can also be provided that is configured for each male component 44 to reach a secured position 54. FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of an example coupler 18 and shows specifically the axially-extending insertion area 50 and the transversely-extending sliding area 62. In an alternative embodiment the coupler 18 is non-removably attached to the tube 14, either by snap-in features, a material distortion operation, at least one fastener, or by the use of at least one adhesive. The housing 20 in this embodiment includes at least one male component 44 located at an opening 22 of the housing 20. Accordingly, once the tube 14 is in engagement with the coupler 18, the tube 14 is secured with the housing 20 by positioning the coupler 18 to receive the male components 44 from the housing 20. The male component 44 of the housing 20 can enter the axially-extending insertion area 50 and can be inserted as far as it can move in an axial direction. The tube 14 and the coupler 18 can then be twisted to move the male component 44 within the transversely-extending sliding area 62. The male component 44 is moved as tar as possible in the transversely-extending sliding area 52 by twisting the tube 14 to place the assembly in the secured position 54 (seen in FIG. 6). The male component 44 securely engages the coupler 18 to the tube 14 and the coupler 18 to the housing 20 when the assembly is in the secured position 54. In the secured position 54, the tube 14 end the coupler 18 are secured to the housing 20 because another twisting motion is needed to move the male component 44 to a position where the tube 14 and the coupler 18 can be removed from the housing 20. The length of the anally-extending insertion area 50 can be less than 1 inch in one embodiment. The coupler 18 in this example can also have sufficient rigidity to retain the coupler 18 with the attached tube 14 onto the housing 20. Many different shapes for the male component 44 and the female component 46 are possible for obtaining a bayonet connection between the coupler 18 and the tube 14. The female component 48 can also induce multiple segments of insertion areas and sliding areas as well as different shaped insertion areas and sliding areas.

In the example embodiment shown, the at least one male component 44 protrudes inwards towards a center of the opening 22 and the female components 46 can protrude inwards, as best seen in FIG. 2, to complement the male components 44 that protrude inwards. The overall size of the housing 20, which can be molded, can be reduced when compared to alternative and prior art tube attachment styles by having at least one male component that protrudes inwards as opposed to the male components protruding in a transverse direction.

The invention has been described with reference to the example embodiments described above. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. Example embodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A powered blower/vacuum unit for performing a blowing/vacuuming operation, the powered unit including: a base portion having a housing and a power air-moving device disposed therein for creating an air stream: anda generally rigid, elongate tube extending a relatively large distance away from the housing and adapted to permit at least the air stream to flow through the tube alone the relatively large distance, the tube further including: a fluid inlet disposed at a first end of the tube;a fluid outlet disposed at a second end of the tube; andat least one accordion relief structure disposed generally between the first end and the second end of the tube, and adapted to act as a resilient shock absorber responsive to forces applied to the tube.

2. A powered unit according to claim 1, wherein the accordion relief structure includes at least one internal rib and at least one intermediate flexible section located adjacent to each internal rib.

3. A powered unit according to claim 2, wherein each internal rib and each intermediate flexible section have a generally annular geometry.

4. A powered unit according to claim 2, wherein each internal rib is generally rigid, and each intermediate flexible section is generally flexible.

5. A powered unit according to claim 1, wherein the accordion relief structure collapses and expands to absorb forces applied to the tube.

6. A powered unit according to claim 1, wherein the tube is a vacuum tube adapted to ingest debris in addition to the air stream.

7. A powered unit according to claim 1, further including a coupler adapted to couple the time to the housing, wherein the tube is made of blow-molded material via a blow molding operation, and the coupler is made of injection molded material separate from the tube via an injection molding operation.

8. A powered unit according to claim 7, wherein the housing includes an opening and at least one male component located about the opening, and the coupler includes at least one complementary female component adapted to engage the at least one male component to form a bayonet connection for securing the coupler to the housing.

9. A powered blower/vacuum unit for performing a blowing/vacuuming operation, the powered unit including: a base portion having a housing and a power air-moving device disposed therein for creating an air stream;a coupler adapted to be removably attached to the housing; anda generally rigid, elongate tube extending a relatively large distance away from the housing and adapted to permit at least the air stream to flow through the tube along the relatively large distance, the tube further including: a fluid inlet disposed at a first end of the tube;a fluid outlet disposed at a second end of the tube; andat least one accordion relief structure disposed generally between the first end and die second end of the tube, and adapted to act as a resilient shock absorber responsive to forces applied to the tube, the tube being non-removably attached to the coupler, a portion of the accordion relief structure being adapted to act as a positive stop for the coupler.

10. A powered unit according to claim 9, wherein the accordion relief structure includes at least one internal rib and at least one intermediate flexible section located adjacent to each internal rib.

11. A powered unit according to claim 10, wherein each internal rib is generally rigid, and each intermediate flexible section is generally flexible.

12. A powered unit according to claim 10, wherein at least one internal rib is adapted to act as the positive stop for the coupler.

13. A powered unit according to claim 9, wherein the accordion relief structure collapses and expands to absorb forces applied to the tube.

14. A powered unit according to claim 8, wherein the tube is a vacuum tube adapted in ingest debris in addition to the air stream.

15. A powered unit according to claim 8, wherein the tube is made of blow-molded material via a blow molding operation, and the coupler is made of injection molded material separate from the tube via an injection molding operation.

16. A powered unit according to claim 9, wherein the housing includes an opening and at least one male component located about the opening, and the coupler includes at least one complementary female component adapted to engage the at least one male component to form a bayonet connection for securing the coupler to the housing.

17. A powered blower/vacuum unit for performing a blowing/vacuuming operation, the powered unit including: a base portion having a housing and a power air-moving device disposed therein for creating an air stream;a coupler adapted to be removably attached to the housing; anda generally rigid, elongate vacuum tube attached to the coupler and extending a relatively large distance away from the housing and adapted to ingest debris in addition to the air stream so as to flow through the tube along the relatively large distance the tube further including: a fluid inlet disposed at a first end of the tube;a fluid outlet disposed at a second end of the tube;at least one accordion relief structure disposed generally between the first end and the second end of the tube, and including at least one internal rib and at least one intermediate flexible section located adjacent to each internal rib, the accordion relief structure being adapted to collapse and expand to absorb forces applied to the tube so as to inhibit inadvertent detachment of the coupler from the housing.

18. A powered unit according to claim 17, wherein each internal rib is generally rigid, and each intermediate flexible section is generally flexible.

19. A powered unit according to claim 17, wherein the tube is made of blow-molded material via a blow molding operation, and the coupler is made of injection molded material separate from the tube via an injection molding operation.

20. A powered unit according to claim 19, wherein the coupler has a rigidity that is greater than a rigidity of the tube.

21. A powered unit according to claim 17, wherein the housing includes an opening and at least one male component located about the opening, and the coupler includes at least one complementary female component adapted to engage the at least one male component to form a bayonet connection for securing the coupler to the housing.

22. A powered unit according to claim 17, wherein the tube includes a plurality of receiver features and the coupler includes a plurality of one-way snap-in features adapted to engage the plurality of receiver features, the plurality of one-way snap-in features being engaged with the plurality of receiver features to non-removably attach the coupler to the tube.