Cord wrap system and portable blower incorporating same

A portable blower comprising:

• a housing defining an air outlet, wherein a portion of the housing comprises a first cord winding surface;
• an extension tube configured to removably attach to the housing at the air outlet, the extension tube comprising an upstream end having a first external dimension in cross section, and a downstream end having a second external dimension in cross section that is smaller than the first external dimension;
• and
• a cord retainer configured to attach to the extension tube, the cord retainer comprising a sleeve defined by an internal cross sectional dimension that is intermediate the first and second external dimensions of the extension tube, wherein the sleeve is configured to slide over the downstream end of the extension tube and toward the upstream end until it reaches a retainer location defined by an interference fit relationship between the sleeve and the extension tube, the cord retainer comprising a second cord winding surface, wherein the first and second cord winding surfaces are configured to receive and support windings of an elongate cord.

A portable blower comprising:

• a housing defining an air outlet;
• a tapered extension tube configured to attach to the housing at the air outlet, the extension tube comprising an upstream end having a first external dimension in cross section, and a downstream end having a second external dimension in cross section that is smaller than the first external dimension;
• and
• a cord retainer configured to attach to the extension tube, the cord retainer comprising a sleeve defined by an internal surface that corresponds in size and shape to at least a portion of an external surface of the extension tube when the retainer is located at a retainer location along the extension tube between the upstream and downstream ends, wherein the sleeve, when slid over the downstream end of the extension tube and toward the upstream end, is configured to slide until it reaches the retainer location.

A method for storing an elongate cord with a portable blower, the method comprising:

• placing a sleeve of a cord retainer over a downstream end of an extension tube attached to a housing of the blower, the tube comprising an external surface that tapers in cross section from an upstream end proximate the housing to the downstream end distal to the housing, wherein the downstream end is smaller than the upstream end;
• sliding the cord retainer towards the upstream end of the extension tube until the sleeve reaches a position wherein an internal surface of the sleeve engages the external surface of the extension tube with interference;
• and
• wrapping an elongate cord about:
• a first cord winding surface located on the housing of the blower;
• and a second cord winding surface formed by the cord retainer.