Abrading – Flexible-member tool – per se – Interrupted or composite work face
Reexamination Certificate
2001-06-07
2003-07-22
Nguyen, George (Department: 3723)
Abrading
Flexible-member tool, per se
Interrupted or composite work face
C451S531000, C451S533000, C451S537000, C015S230140
Reexamination Certificate
active
06595842
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to abrasive articles and, more particularly, to an abrasive pad comprising a plurality of overlapping abrasive strips. Also disclosed is a related method of making such an abrasive pad.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Abrasive pads are generally well known in the art and are typically driven in rotation by the output shaft of a rotary or orbital tool to abrade material from a workpiece. One common type of abrasive pad, often called a square or cross pad, includes a pair of abrasive members disposed in a perpendicular relationship to each other. Each abrasive member in such a square or cross pad comprises at least one strip of coated abrasive cloth formed into a loop. A connector is disposed centrally within the abrasive pad and is attachable to a driven rotating shaft. Such abrasive pads are readily available on the market, for example, from Arc Abrasives Inc. of Troy, Ohio.
The above described abrasive pads are often used to abrade surfaces within tight corners or proximate joints of workpieces, and are widely used to abrade welds positioned in the corners of steel tanks. Such traditional square or cross pads suffer from the disadvantage of having sharp corners that often impact the surface being abraded when rotated. Such contact with the corners of the abrasive pad often makes the rotary or orbital supporting tool difficult to operate and reduces the efficiency of the abrading operation. Additionally, such impact typically accelerates wear and reduces the life expectancy of the abrasive pad. Contact between the corners and the workpiece also may cause discomfort or even repetitive stress injuries to a user.
A further disadvantage with traditional cross pads is that they provide a relatively limited abrasive edge surface for abrading a workpiece. As may be appreciated, the operator must therefore devote more time to remove material from the workpiece.
Accordingly, there remains a need for an abrasive pad having an extended abrasive edge surface and that also eliminates sharp corners from impacting the surface of the workpiece to be abraded.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an abrasive pad of simple and inexpensive design.
It is another object of the invention to provide an abrasive pad that may be easily and removably mounted on a powered rotary member to rotate against a workpiece and provide an abrading action against the workpiece.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an abrasive pad having a long life.
It is a farther object of the invention to provide an abrasive pad that is disposable when the individual abrasive strips become worn.
It is still another object of the invention to provide an abrasive pad having no sharp corners and that may be readily used in tight corners and other confined areas.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an abrasive pad that prevents or reduces operator discomfort and injury.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an abrasive pad having an extended abrasive edge surface and that also eliminates sharp corners from impacting the surface of the workpiece to be abraded.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing such an abrasive pad that is simple and efficient.
These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent from the description that follows, the appended claims, and the drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an abrasive pad that is removably attachable to a driven rotatable shaft for abrading a workpiece and a method of making such an abrasive pad. A preferred embodiment of the abrasive pad includes first, second, third, and fourth abrasive members each including an outwardly facing surface with a plurality of abrasive particles supported thereon. The first abrasive member is secured substantially perpendicular to the second abrasive member. The third abrasive member is positioned angularly intermediate the first and second abrasive members and secured to the second abrasive member. The fourth abrasive member is positioned substantially perpendicular to the third abrasive member and angularly intermediate the first and second abrasive members and is secured to the third abrasive member. Each of the abrasive members may be offset angularly from radially adjacent abrasive members by approximately 45°. Each of the abrasive members also may comprise a plurality of abrasive strips aligned in an overlapping relationship.
In another preferred embodiment, the abrasive pad includes a first abrasive member including an outwardly facing surface with a plurality of abrasive particles supported thereon and a second abrasive member defining a loop including an outwardly facing surface with a plurality of abrasive particles supported thereon. The first abrasive member is positioned substantially perpendicular to the second abrasive member and a central portion of the first abrasive member is received within the loop of the second abrasive member. A third abrasive member defining a loop including an outwardly facing surface with a plurality of abrasive particles supported thereon is positioned angularly intermediate the first and second abrasive members and a central portion of the second abrasive member is received within the loop of the third abrasive member. A fourth abrasive member defining a loop including an outwardly facing surface with a plurality of abrasive particles supported thereon is positioned substantially perpendicular to the third abrasive member and angularly intermediate the first and second abrasive members and a central portion of the third abrasive member is received within the loop of the fourth abrasive member. Each of the abrasive members may be offset angularly from radially adjacent abrasive members by approximately 45°. Each of the abrasive members also may comprise a plurality of abrasive strips aligned in an overlapping relationship.
In yet another preferred embodiment, the abrasive pad includes a first abrasive member including opposing ends and a pair of side edges extending between the opposing ends, the first abrasive member further including an outwardly facing surface and a plurality of abrasive particles supported on the outwardly facing surface. A second abrasive member includes a loop having upper and lower portions and opposing ends connecting the upper and lower portions, with each of the upper and lower portions having a pair of side edges extending between the opposing ends. The second abrasive member further includes an outwardly facing surface and a plurality of abrasive particles supported on the outwardly facing surface. The second abrasive member is positioned substantially perpendicular to and in partial overlapping relationship with the first abrasive member. A third abrasive member includes a loop having upper and lower portions and opposing ends connecting the upper and lower portions, with each of the upper and lower portions having a pair of side edges extending between the opposing ends. The third abrasive member further includes an outwardly facing surface and a plurality of abrasive particles supported on the outwardly facing surface. The third abrasive member is positioned angularly intermediate the first and second abrasive members and in partial overlapping relationship with at least one of the first and second abrasive members. A fourth abrasive member includes a loop having upper and lower portions and opposing ends connecting the upper and lower portions, with each of the upper and lower portions having a pair of side edges extending between the opposing ends. The fourth abrasive member further includes an outwardly facing surface and a plurality of abrasive particles supported on the outwardly facing surface. The fourth abrasive member is positioned substantially perpendicular to the third abrasive member and angularly intermediate the first and second abrasive members. The fourth abrasive member also is positioned in partial overl
Nguyen George
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
LandOfFree
Abrasive pad and method of making same does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Abrasive pad and method of making same, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Abrasive pad and method of making same will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3043222