Sanding block

Details Sanding block Sanding block

1999-08-18

2001-07-31

Banks, Derris H. (Department: 3723)

Abrading

Tool support for flexible-member tool

Manually manipulated

C451S524000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06267658

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Filed of the Invention
The invention relates generally to the field of sanding devices. More particularly, but not way of limitation, the present invention relates to improvements in sanding blocks.
2. Related Art
There presently exists a variety of styles of sanding blocks. These sanding blocks are generally integrally formed of rubber and typically include a first member having an intermediate portion and a pair of ends wherein a top surface of the first member is configured to be hand held and a bottom surface of each of the ends has retention surfaces therein and a second member having an intermediate portion and a pair of ends wherein a top surface of the first member is configured to be hand held and a bottom surface of each of the ends has retention surfaces therein and a second member having an intermediate portion connected to the intermediate portion of the first member and a pair of ends wherein a top surface of each end of the second member has a plurality of nails complimentary formed to respectively seat in one of the retention open surfaces. The respective first ends must be pried apart such that the nails are removed from the retention surfaces so that an end of a piece of sandpaper to hold the same in place. The second ends are likewise manipulated to retain the other end of the sandpaper.
Present sanding blocks have not, however, evolved to meet the needs of the user. For instance, it is desirable to minimize fatigue to the user while maintaining the effectiveness of the sanding block. Such sanding blocks are presently formed with a smooth surface. Also, the rubber material employed in these blocks is relatively rigid, dense and heavy and difficult for the user to pry apart. This is particularly true for woman which are increasingly entering into the do-it-yourself market. Also, women find it difficult to use the present sanding block without breaking their finger nails.
The present invention overcomes these deficiencies of present sanding blocks. The present invention also meets the needs of present day consumer.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide an ergonomically improved sanding block.
It is another object of the invention to enhance the ease of use of a sanding block while maintaining effectiveness of the same.
In accordance with the present invention a sanding block comprises
a base, said base comprising a top surface, a bottom surface having a substantially flat surface for receiving and retaining a sheet of sandpaper, and four sides which represent the perimeter of the base; and
a handle which protrudes, preferably centrally, from the top surface of the base. The handle has a front end and a disproportionate back end and is generally of a pear shape which conforms to the palm of a user's hand. The handle is ergonomically designed, being symmetrically oriented along a longitudinal axis which aligns with diametrically opposed corners of the base. The shape of the handle and the orientation of the handle, with respect to the base of the present sanding block, are designed such that the sanding block and the user can interact most efficiently and safely. Furthermore, the act of sanding causes less fatigue to the person doing the sanding and the sanding operation is performed in a more consistent and uniform manner.
Other objects and advantages will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the drawings and the detailed description which follows:


REFERENCES:
patent: 4221084 (1980-09-01), Frantzen
patent: 4484419 (1984-11-01), Freerks
patent: 4922665 (1990-05-01), Wanatowicz
patent: 5054248 (1991-10-01), Thayer
patent: 5313746 (1994-05-01), Zarriello
patent: 5662519 (1997-09-01), Arnold
patent: 5902176 (1999-05-01), Chen

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