Angle grinder dust shroud with slideable access hatch

#The present invention relates to dust shrouds. More specifically, the present invention relates to a dust shroud for an angle grinder with contains a slideable access hatch to allow for grinding with the edge of the grinding disc.

#Angle grinders are commonly used for grinding cement or other similar tasks. Without a dust shroud, debris is scattered over a wide area. It is desirable to contain the dust which is created for several reasons. It is desirable to contain the dust and debris to keep the workplace cleaner and to minimize the time necessary to clean up afterwards. While grinding cement, for example, fine dust is often created which spreads a large distance and can be quite difficult to clean up afterwards. It is also desirable to contain the dust and debris to keep the same from getting into the tool itself, causing premature failure of the bearings, motor, etc. Additionally, debris such as concrete dust poses a health risk to the machine operator and others who may breathe it. It is thus desirable to collect the dust to minimize any exposure to the dust.

#Dust shrouds are often used to both contain grinding dust and prevent a mess as well as to protect an operator from debris and dust. Additionally, the dust shroud should protect the operator from contact with the grinding disc. These shrouds generally attach to an angle grinder between the grinder body and the grinding disc, typically to a cylindrical collar formed around the grinder output shaft. The shroud then forms a barrier between the operator and the grinding disc. The shroud often extends around the edges of the grinding disc, leaving the bottom grinding portion open for use. Thus, the dust shroud provides a dust and debris barrier and a safety barrier.

#Various embodiments of the present invention are shown and described in reference to the numbered drawings wherein:

#FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a shroud of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 shows a bottom perspective view of the shroud of FIG. 1;

#It will be appreciated that the drawings are illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims. The embodiments shown accomplish various aspects and objects of the invention. It is appreciated that it is not possible to clearly show each element and aspect of the invention in a single figure, and as such, multiple figures are presented to separately illustrate the various details of the invention in greater clarity. Similarly, not every embodiment need accomplish all advantages of the present invention. For clarity, not all figures show all reference numerals.

#The invention and accompanying drawings will now be discussed in reference to the numerals provided therein so as to enable one skilled in the art to practice the present invention. The drawings and descriptions are exemplary of various aspects of the invention and are not intended to narrow the scope of the appended claims.

#Turning now to FIG. 1, a dust shroud 10 for an angle grinder is shown. The dust shroud 10 includes a generally flat upper surface 14 and a skirt 18 that enclose a grinding disc. A vacuum port 22 is attached to the shroud 10 and is open to the interior of the shroud. The vacuum port 22 preferably connects to a standard vacuum hose. The dust shroud 10 includes a mounting collar 26 which surrounds an opening 30 and which is designed to attach to the collar surrounding the output shaft of an angle grinder. The collar 26 may be a universal fit collar or may be designed to work specifically with a single angle grinder. The output shaft of an angle grinder is passed through the opening 30, allowing the collar 26 to be attached to the angle grinder. A grinding disc is then attached to the angle grinder and the grinding disc is generally enclosed within the shroud 10.