U.S. patent application number 10/261792 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-01 for hand sander.
Invention is credited to Codd, Joseph Timothy.
Application Number | 20040063390 10/261792 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32030061 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040063390 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Codd, Joseph Timothy |
April 1, 2004 |
Hand sander
Abstract
The present invention is a hand sanding apparatus designed to
combine the best features of the prior art and improve upon their
limitations by providing an efficient hand sanding tool that is
versatile in design and implementation, practical for all
applications of sanding.
Inventors: |
Codd, Joseph Timothy;
(Venice, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Joseph T. Codd
9 1/2 19th Avenue
Venice
CA
90291
US
|
Family ID: |
32030061 |
Appl. No.: |
10/261792 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
451/523 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B24D 15/045
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
451/523 |
International
Class: |
B24B 023/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An apparatus for being worn on the hand of a user useful for
sanding a work piece, comprising: a) a glove, said glove being
disposed on the hand of the user, said glove attached either by
permanent or removable means to a platform; b) said platform,
semi-rigid in nature to which abrasive sheeting is attached by
removable means c) means for attaching said glove to said mounting
platform; c) means for plurality of abrasive sheeting disposed on
said mounting platform; and, d) means of attaching said abrasive
sheeting to said platform on said glove.
1. An apparatus for being worn on the hand of a user useful for
sanding a work piece, comprising: a) an encasement disposed on the
hand of the user, said encasement attached either permanent or
removable means to a platform; b) said platform, semi-rigid in
nature to which abrasive sheeting is attached by removable means c)
means for attaching said hand encasement to said mounting platform;
c) means for plurality of abrasive sheeting disposed on said
mounting platform; and, d) means of attaching said abrasive
sheeting to said platform on said hand encasement.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to sanding tools commonly utilized in
several fields including various aspects of carpentry, drywall, and
furniture and automobile restoration. More specifically, this
invention relates to a hand-sanding tool that combines the best
features of all the prior art, including the concept of gloves, and
improves upon their limitations to substantially improve the
efficiency and versatility of current sanding methods.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Sanding tools are essential for countless trades, from
woodworking to drywall to automobile restoration. Currently there
are several hand-sanding tools on the market including various hand
held tools and abrasive gloves. As illustrated in the description
of prior, these tools are limited in their ability to provide an
efficient, easily maneuvered hand sanding tool equipped to meet the
needs of various applications
[0003] Utilizing a sanding tool that is efficient, versatile, and
easily maneuverable is important for all fields that employ sanding
methods. A sanding tool that is comfortable to the user's hand,
inexpensively manufactured, and capable of completing small or
large projects can improve the overall field of sanding.
DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
[0004] Abrasive sanding tools are utilized in various applications,
which require smoothing, cleaning, feathering, or otherwise
finishing a surface. As a result several different sanding tools
have been developed in an attempt to provide maximum efficiency in
every application. Commonly, the design of hand sanding tools in
the prior art, including tools grasped directly in the users hand
or tools with handle attachments require the user to strain their
hand in order to simultaneously hold the tool and sand the intended
surface. Subsequently, the designs of such previous art lead to
discomfort and fatigue for the user.
[0005] A further limitation of the prior art is the lack of
versatility and flexibility in their design. Due to the wide range
of applications that utilize sanding methods, the development and
design of sanding tools over the years have focused on one specific
application requiring the use of different tools for different
projects or the use of various tools for one project.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,243, dated Jan. 26, 1999, Ali disclosed
a sanding block which has a first member having an intermediate
portion and a pair of relatively flexible 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 at least one retention open
surface therein and a second relatively rigid 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 extending therefrom at least one
complimentary retention protrusion which respectively seat in one
of the retention open surfaces and wherein the ends of the second
member have a chamfered edge extending about a periphery of the top
surface of each end of the second member.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,959, issued Sep. 23, 1998, Donald W.
Beaudry discloses a hand-held sanding sponge made from a cellular
foam material into a block having a top portion with a non-abrasive
surface to ensure a comfortable grip and a bottom portion with an
abrasive surface and acutely angled opposed edges, to allow the
sponge to be used for sanding the corners and angles of finished
drywall.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,998,012, issued Dec. 21, 1976 to Reuben
Ness, discloses a sanding sponge in the form of a cellular plastic
cylinder having a layer of abrasive material secured by removable
means to its bottom end with an adhesive substance. The bottom end
of the sanding sponge may have a variety of curved or angled,
contours and the top end of the sponge may have a layer of fibrous
material adhered thereto to act as a cushion for the users hand and
to be used to remove dust from the surface being treated.
[0009] Subsequent improvements upon the aforementioned prior art
included the implementation of handles or grips designed to
alleviate the discomfort caused by directly grasping a tool, such
as a sanding block or sanding pad.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,248, issued Oct. 8, 1991 to Donald R.
Thayer, discloses a hand-held sanding sponge molded from a flexible
cellular foam into a block having an easily gripped handle on its
top surface and an abrasive layer attached by removable means to
its bottom surface. One edge of the bottom surface is acutely
angled while the opposed edge is curved to allow the sanding sponge
to be used on a variety of surfaces including corners and curved
surfaces.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,885,876, issued Dec. 12, 1989 to David R.
Henke, discloses a sanding tool for sanding a flat surface, which
has a handgrip, which is interchangeable with a pole grip. The tool
is adapted to have sandpaper wrapped around a base member and
secured in place by attaching one of the grips to the top of the
base member.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,202,139, issued May 13, 1980 to In S. Hong
and Glen E. Roelofs, discloses a hand-held sanding tool comprising
a pad having a bottom surface adapted to have an adhesive coated
abrasive sheet attached thereto and a top surface having a handle
adapted to be wrapped around one or more of a users fingers to hold
the pad in place on the users hand. The sanding tool of Hong et al.
is intended to minimize the user's discomfort while sanding.
[0013] The inclusion of handles did not, however, enhance the
overall flexibility and versatility of the prior art necessary to
improve the efficiency of hand sanding tools.
[0014] The concept of implementing gloves in the design of hand
sanding tools was intended to relieve the strain of a user's hand
caused by having to grasp a tool or handle with their fingers. A
further objective in the design of sanding gloves was to utilize
the strength, mobility, and control exhibited by the human hand to
improve the efficiency and versatility of sanding methods.
[0015] In U.S. Pat. No. Des. 372,111, dated Jul. 30, 1996, Zeigler
disclosed the ornamental design for a combined glove and
sandpaper.
[0016] In U.S. Pat. No. Des, 310,012, dated Aug. 21, 1990, Henke,
et al., disclosed an ornamental design for a hand-held sander.
[0017] In U.S. Pat. No. 256,183 Kupperman, et al. discloses an
abrasive glove.
[0018] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,038,787 Bianchi discloses an abrasive
glove.
[0019] In U.S. Pat. No. 3,748,792 Lamb discloses a sanding
glove.
[0020] In U.S. Pat. No. 3,151,333 Scholz discloses an abrasive
surfaced glove.
[0021] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,527, dated Feb. 9, 1996, Savage
discloses a sanding glove that is formed of flexible material and
has sanding material disposed thereabout, and further providing
reinforced edges of the glove for allowing the user to sand within
crevices.
[0022] The basic design feature of sanding gloves illustrated in
the aforementioned prior art commonly consists of a glove worn on
the user's hand in which the glove is covered in part or entirely
in abrasive material.
[0023] The primary advantage of the sanding glove is the
utilization of the natural mobility of the user's hand to control
and maneuver the abrasive surface, including utilizing the fingers
to sand smaller, more detailed areas.
[0024] A major disadvantage is that the surface area a sanding
glove can complete quickly and efficiently is limited by the size
and span of the user's hand. Furthermore, an irregularly sanded
surface can occur as a result of the application of uneven pressure
caused by the variation of strength in the finger, palm, and wrist
of the user.
[0025] The current invention is designed to encompass the best
features of all the prior art, including the innovation of gloves,
to create a hand sanding apparatus that can meet the needs of
various sanding applications providing increased comfort,
versatility, and control for the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0026] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of hand sanding tools now present in the prior art, the
present invention is a hand sanding apparatus designed to combine
the best features of the prior art and improve upon their
limitations by providing an efficient hand sanding tool that is
versatile in design and implementation, practical for all
applications of sanding. The present invention is the most
innovative hand sanding apparatus ever proposed combining the
utilization of the natural mobility of the hand and an easily
maneuvered abrasive surface. The majority of hand sanding tools in
the prior art has been either a tool grasped in the user's hand,
either directly or by a handle, or a type of glove covered
partially or entirely in abrasive material.
[0027] In the most basic embodiment the present sanding apparatus
is comprised of a glove attached to a platform to which abrasive
sheeting is attached. The hand sander fits snuggly onto the user's
hand and is secured at the wrist to hold the apparatus in
place.
[0028] The preferred embodiment of the present hand sanding
apparatus is comprised of a glove, said glove made of a light
flexible material, wherein the user's hand lies flat and the
fingers are extended and separated with two fingers on either side.
There are holes on either side for the user's thumbs to extend
through, allowing the apparatus to be worn on either the right or
left hand, and providing increased control and maneuverability. The
end of the glove is open allowing the user's fingertips to extend
outside of the glove, accommodating various hand sizes. The glove
is secured to the user's hand by a strap, composed of flexible
material fastened at the wrist possibly with a hook and loop
fashion such as "Velcro".
[0029] In the preferred embodiment the aforementioned glove is
attached to a platform, rectangular in shape, beginning at the base
of the hand right above the wrist and extending beyond the reach of
the fingertips. The said platform is flat yet flexible for sanding
round or curved areas and is designed to accommodate the natural
flexibility of the hand. The said platform is semi-rigid in nature
comprised possibly of a "plastic" or "polyurethane" material.
[0030] The aforementioned platform is designed to have various
types of abrasive sheeting attached by removable means. The means
of attachment for the abrasive sheeting can include removable
adhesive, a hook and loop fashion, or other temporary means of
attachment.
[0031] Other possible embodiments include variously shaped
platforms, which can be either permanently or attached by removable
means to the glove, variations in the flexibility of said platform,
and variations in the types of abrasive sheeting.
[0032] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood and in
order that the present contribution to the art may be better
appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the
invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form
the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
[0033] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0034] A general object of the present invention is to provide a
hand sanding tool which encompasses the best features of all the
prior art, including the innovation of gloves, to create a hand
sanding apparatus that can meet the needs of various sanding
applications providing increased comfort, versatility, and control
for the user.
[0035] A general object of the present invention is to provide a
hand-sanding tool, which can be used on either hand allowing one
hand to be rested from time to time, and allowing one style for
both left and right handed users.
[0036] Another general object of the present invention is to
provide a hand-sanding tool wherein the user's hand is secured
against a semi-rigid platform that covers and extends beyond the
user's hand.
[0037] Another general object of the present invention is to
provide a hand-sanding tool intended to diminish the user's energy
output while improving the efficiency of sanding.
[0038] Another general object of the present invention is to
provide a hand sanding capable of meeting a multitude of sanding
requirements, including either small or large projects, reducing
the need for use of various tools to complete one project.
[0039] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
simple hand-sanding tool that can be easily and efficiently
manufactured and marketed.
[0040] An even further object of the present invention is to
provide a new and innovative hand-sanding tool which is susceptible
of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and
labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of
sale to the consuming public, thereby making such hand-sanding tool
economically available to the buying public.
[0041] It is further object of the present invention to provide a
new and innovative hand-sanding apparatus that is of durable and
reliable constructions.
[0042] A further general object of the invention is to provide an
apparatus in which the sandpaper is easily removed and replaced.
The designs of the current invention allow the user to pull the
abrasive sheeting from the platform and replace it in seconds.
[0043] A still further general object of the present invention is
to provide a hand-sanding tool that utilizes the power versatility,
and natural mobility of the human hand and wrist to sand as opposed
to the griping of a sanding tool. The object of the current
invention is to allow the user the same control and effectiveness
without requiring the user to grasp the sanding apparatus in their
hand. Therefore, alleviating the fatigue and cramping associated
with hand sanding.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the posterior of the
preferred embodiment of the hand sander constructed in accordance
with the principles of the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the anterior of the
preferred embodiment of the hand sander constructed in accordance
with the principles of the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention of FIG.
1.
[0047] FIG. 3 is an alternative perspective view of the hand sander
constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
invention.
[0048] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the wrist strap constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0049] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to
FIG. 1 thereof, the preferred embodiment of the new and improved
hand sander embodying the principles and concepts of the present
invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will
be described.
[0050] The present invention, the hand sander 10 is comprised of a
plurality of components. Such components in their broadest context
include a flat platform, a hand encasement attached to the back of
the platform wherein the user's hand can easily and comfortably fit
and lie flat against the said platform. The aforementioned hand
fitting is secured to the user's hand by a strap attached at the
wrist. Abrasive sheeting is attached to the front of the flat
platform by a plurality of means. Such components are individually
configured and correlated with respect to each other so as to
attain the desired objective.
[0051] Specifically, the present invention has a hand encasement 12
that has a top section 14 and a palm section 16, as shown in FIG.
2.
[0052] The top section 14 of the hand encasement 12 is formed of a
single layered, flexible, durable fabric. The top section 14 of the
hand encasement 12 has a proximal end 28 and a distal end 26. The
proximal end 28 has a rounded opening 76 (FIG. 1) reinforced by a
layer of fabric stitching that begins and ends at the proximal end
28 of the top section 14, allowing for greater mobility of the
user's wrist and an easier fit for various hand sizes. The stitched
reinforcement begins at the proximal end 28 of the hand encasement
12 just above the wrist strap and continues around the opening 76
ending at the proximal end 28 on the left side, creating a semi-
circle like opening.
[0053] The palm section 16 of the hand encasement 12 is formed of
similar flexible and durable material used to form the palm section
16 of the hand encasement 12.
[0054] The top section and palm section are attached on the right
and left sides by stitching that begins at the corner of each
distal end 28 and continues to the top of the thumbhole 24 on each
side and then continues from the bottom of the thumbhole 24 to the
proximal end 26 of the hand encasement 12 where the wrist strap 70
is attached. The pair of thumbholes are reinforced with an extra
layer of fabric 34 stitched around the opening, wherein the user
can allow either thumb to extend outside of the hand encasement
12.
[0055] As best illustrated in FIG. 1, the inner stitch 60 connects
the top section 14 and the palm section 16. The inner stitching 60,
of the glove, forms an interior area that is capable of encasing a
hand of a wearer.
[0056] Additionally, the inner stitching 60 allows the top section
14 and the palm section 16 to form openings at the proximal 28 and
distal ends 26 of the hand encasement 12. The interior area of the
hand encasement 12 is accessible to the hand of the wearer at the
opening at the proximal end 28.
[0057] Extra fabric 34 stitched around the entire opening 72
reinforces the opening 72 at the distal end 26 of the hand
encasement 12. This opening 72 allows the ends of the user's
fingers to extend out of the opening 72 and the fingertips to rest
directly against the platform. The fingers are divided, between the
third and fourth digits, by top stitching 68 that extends from the
distal end 26 of the top and palm sections to approximately 2
inches towards the proximal end.
[0058] As best illustrated in FIG. 1, a flexible closure strap 70
is provided. The closure strap 70 is by means of stitching attached
around the opening 76 at the proximal end of the hand encasement
12. The closure strap has two ends 76 and 77 that are at the
proximal end 28 of the top section 14. The left end 76 is stitched
into a reinforced layer of fabric stitched along its edge. The
right end 77 extends beyond the reinforcement stitching on the
right side and overlaps the left end 76 of the wrist strap. The
closure strap is capable of securing the hand encasement 12 over
the user's hand during the sanding activity.
[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the hand encasement 12 is attached
by double-layered top stitching 64 to a flat platform 18. The flat
platform 18 is rectangular in shape and in the preferred embodiment
is made of low-density polyethylene sheeting. Alternatives include
low-density plastics. The top stitching 64 begins on the left and
right side of the hand fitting 12 just below the reinforcement 34
of the finger opening 72 and extends to just above the
reinforcement 34 of the thumbholes 24.
[0060] As best seen in FIG. 1A, the platform 18 is further attached
by a third set of double layered top stitching 66 which extends
approximately 3 to 4 inches horizontally at the proximal end of the
hand fitting 12 above the wrist strap 70. As seen in FIG. 2, the
platform 18 extends from a few inches beyond the distal end of the
hand fitting 12 to the a few inches above the wrist strap 70 at the
proximal end.
[0061] As best illustrated in FIG. 1A abrasive sheeting is attached
to the front of the platform 18. The abrasive sheeting is attached
by removable means such as temporary adhesive, or hook and loop
fashion. The abrasive sheeting is the same size as the platform 18.
The abrasive sheeting may range from extra fine to extra
coarse.
[0062] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the hand
sander apparatus. In the alternative embodiment the hand fitting is
attached by removable means to the platform by means such as hook
and loop. FIG. 3 further illustrates the option of the hook and
loop means of attachment for the sandpaper.
[0063] Lastly, FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the wrist strap 70 and
the thumbholes 24 of the hand encasement 12.
[0064] The hand sander is simple in construction and use, enabling
the sanding jobs of a variety of materials quick and easy. The
present invention may be utilized in a variety of sanding
applications. The hand sander has a basic design that allows for
alternative means of construction in the attachment of the various
components. The hand fitting can be constructed of different light
and flexible fabric. The platform can vary in stiffness, thickness
and shapes.
[0065] With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and
all equivalent relationships of those illustrated in the drawings
and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed
by the present invention.
* * * * *