U.S. patent application number 11/196054 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-08 for flap-type rotary finishing device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Belanger Industrial Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Calvin, Douglas J., Wentworth, Robert J..
Application Number | 20050272358 11/196054 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34738977 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050272358 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wentworth, Robert J. ; et
al. |
December 8, 2005 |
Flap-type rotary finishing device
Abstract
A rotary finishing device including a generally circular hub
having an inner periphery and an outer periphery. The outer
periphery includes a plurality of slots formed thereabout, which
are defined by a pair of side portions. The plurality of slots are
generally uniformly spaced about the outer periphery of the hub.
Each of the slots has at least one finishing sheet secured therein
by an adhesive.
Inventors: |
Wentworth, Robert J.;
(Farmington Hills, MI) ; Calvin, Douglas J.;
(Livonia, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARTZ & ARTZ, P.C.
28333 TELEGRAPH RD.
SUITE 250
SOUTHFIELD
MI
48034
US
|
Assignee: |
Belanger Industrial Products,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
34738977 |
Appl. No.: |
11/196054 |
Filed: |
August 3, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11196054 |
Aug 3, 2005 |
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10707780 |
Jan 12, 2004 |
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6949019 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
451/455 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B24D 9/08 20130101; B24D
5/06 20130101; B24D 13/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
451/455 |
International
Class: |
B24B 055/04 |
Claims
1-14. (canceled)
15. A rotary finishing device comprising: a generally circular
metal hub having an inner periphery and an outer periphery; at
least one end cap in releasable communication with said inner
periphery of said generally circular hub to allow driving thereof
about an axis of rotation; a plurality of slots uniformly spaced
about said outer periphery of said generally circular hub; and at
least one sheet of a finishing media secured by an adhesive within
at least two of said plurality of slots, said finishing media being
disposed substantially along the entirely of at least one side of
said at least one sheet.
16. The rotary finishing device of claim 15, wherein each of said
at least two slots is defined by a pair of side portions.
17. The rotary finishing device of claim 16, wherein said pair of
side portions of each of said at least two slots are oriented
generally parallel to each other.
18. The rotary finishing device of claim 16, wherein each of said
pair of side portions extend from said outer periphery in a
generally parallel direction to a reference line extending from
said axis of rotation to a point between said side portions.
19. The rotary finishing device of claim 16, wherein said pair of
side portions extend from said outer periphery in a non-parallel
direction to a reference line extending from said axis of rotation
to a point between said side portions.
20. The rotary abrasive device of claim 15, wherein at least one of
said plurality of slots includes at least one serration formed
therein to provide increased adhering power to said adhesive.
21. The rotary abrasive device of claim 20, wherein said adhesive
is an epoxy.
22. (canceled)
23. The rotary abrasive device of claim 15, wherein said generally
cylindrical hub is constructed of aluminum.
24. The rotary abrasive device of claim 15, wherein said generally
cylindrical hub is formed by an extrusion process.
25. A rotary finishing device, comprising: a generally circular hub
having a centerline, an outer periphery, and an inner periphery
defining a throughhole; a plurality of slots spaced about said
outer periphery of said generally circular hub, said plurality of
slots positioned at approximately an equal number of degrees apart
from one another; at least one of said plurality of slots being
defined by a pair of side portions that extend from said outer
periphery of said generally circular hub in a direction not
parallel to a reference line extending from said centerline to a
point between said pair of side portions, said pair of side
portions being generally parallel to one another; and at least one
sheet of a finishing media secured by an epoxy within said at least
one slot, said finishing media being disposed substantially along
an entirety of at least one side of said at least one sheet.
26. The rotary finishing device of claim 25, said generally
cylindrical hub is formed of a metal material.
27. The rotary finishing device of claim 26, wherein said generally
cylindrical hub is constructed of aluminum.
28. The rotary finishing device of claim 25, wherein said generally
cylindrical hub is formed by an extrusion process.
29. The rotary finishing device of claim 25, wherein said epoxy
secures said finishing media within each of said slots by adhering
them to said outer periphery and at least a portion of each of said
pair of side portions.
30. The rotary finishing device of claim 25, wherein said finishing
media consists of at least one sheet of sandpaper.
31. The rotary finishing device of claim 25, further comprising: an
end cap in communication with said generally cylindrical hub such
that a portion of said end cap contacts said generally cylindrical
hub.
32. The rotary finishing device of claim 25, wherein said outer
periphery includes at least one serration formed in said at least
one slot to assist in adhering said finishing media to said
generally circular hub.
33-34. (canceled)
35. The rotary finishing device of claim 25, wherein each of said
pair of end portions extends generally outward from said outer
periphery of said generally circular hub.
36. The rotary finishing device of claim 25, wherein each of said
pair of end portions extends generally inward from said outer
periphery of said generally circular hub.
37. A rotary finishing device, comprising: a generally circular hub
having an inner periphery and an outer periphery, said inner
periphery defining a throughhole; an end cap that is intended to
engage said inner periphery of said generally circular hub; a
plurality of slots spaced about said outer periphery of said
generally circular hub, said plurality of slots defined by a pair
of side portions and wherein said plurality of slots are spaced
generally uniformly about said outer periphery of said generally
circular hubs said side portions extend generally outwardly from
said outer periphery and are oriented generally parallel to one
another; and at least one sheet of a finishing media secured by an
epoxy within at least two of said plurality of slots, said
finishing media being disposed substantially along an entirety of
at least one side of said at least one sheet.
38. The rotary finishing device of claim 37, wherein said generally
cylindrical hub is formed of a metal material.
39. The rotary finishing device of claim 38, wherein said generally
cylindrical hub is constructed of aluminum.
40. The rotary finishing device of claim 37, wherein said generally
cylindrical hub is formed by an extrusion process.
41-43. (canceled)
44. The rotary finishing device of claim 41, wherein said generally
circular hub includes a centerline defining a reference line that
extends from said centerline to a point between said side portions
wherein said pair of side portions extend from said outer periphery
in a direction generally parallel to said reference line.
45. The rotary finishing device of claim 41, wherein said generally
circular hub includes a centerline defining a line that extends
from said centerline to a point between said side portions and
wherein said pair of side portions extend from said outer periphery
in a direction not parallel to said reference line.
46. (canceled)
47. The rotary finishing device of claim 41, wherein said adhesive
secures said at least one finishing sheet within said slot by
adhering it to each of said pair of side portions.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a rotary
finishing device, and more particularly to a flap-type rotary
finishing device having an epoxy attachment of the finishing media
to a hub of the flap wheel.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Rotary finishing tools are well known and typically include
pieces or strips of a finishing medium. Such tools have proven to
be very effective in the finishing of a wide variety of components
such as those made from metal or the like. An exemplary rotary
finishing tool utilizes generally rectangular pieces of abrasive
paper, such as sandpaper, to provide a rotary abrasive device.
[0003] One of the more common rotary finishing tools or devices is
known in the art as a flap wheel. These flap wheels typically have
annular arrays of flexible finishing strips and are commonly used
in the finishing art. Most conventional rotary finishing devices
consist of flexible strips each comprising sheets of material for
finishing a surface of a piece. Many of these rotary finishing
devices have abrasive particles bonded on one face thereof. Such
rotary abrasive devices are useful for contoured polishing,
cutting, or surface abrading of a variety of metal surfaces.
[0004] Various fabrication methods for such a rotary device are
known. One such conventional method requires that the finishing
sheets have two notches in their opposite side edges near the base
end of each strip. As the strips are arranged in an annular array,
the notches form concentric circular depressions on opposite sides
of the annular array. Suitable circular reinforcement mechanisms,
such as two metallic end caps are mounted on opposite sides of the
array. Each end cap has an inwardly extending lip, which engages
the circular depressions to mechanically grip the inner ends of the
finishing strips. This method thus relies on friction created
between the two metallic end caps to maintain the base ends of the
strips in contact with a hub of the rotary device. Although a
rotary finishing device of this configuration performs suitably,
its manufacture is rather expensive and requires two notches to be
formed in each strip prior to assembly. The forming of these
notches is both time consuming and costly. Further, the notches
must be aligned properly with respect to each other to receive
accurate placement of the metal end caps.
[0005] Another known fabrication method for a rotary finishing
device involves attaching the strips to an aluminum clip, such as
by stapling. The metal clip with the attached strips is then loaded
into a metal hub. A plurality of pins are then used to secure the
hub to an end cap. These pins maintain the strips in communication
with the metal hub, such that it is relatively difficult the strips
to become disengaged from the hub during polishing. However, these
rotary devices are also relatively expensive and also require a
relatively cumbersome assembly process.
[0006] Yet another known fabrication process involves attaching the
finishing media through the use of a suitable adhesive. This
adhesive, such as an epoxy, is applied to the strips at their base
ends to bond them to one another to form a unitary structure. The
adhesive itself thus becomes the hub. Alternatively, a cardboard
center is utilized to control the flow of adhesive. While these
rotary devices are relatively inexpensive to produce, they are
prone to breakage issues after high use. This breakage typically
occurs due to failure of the epoxy; which is the weakest part of
the device, as a result of the application of significant force
during usage. When this breakage or failure of the rotary device
occurs, a portion of the epoxy, together with the adhered strips,
typically separates from the device. This results in an imbalanced
rotary device, which requires replacement. Additionally, when the
breakage occurs, because of the relatively high operating speeds of
these devices, the separated portion can become a projectile, which
can raise safety concerns or cause damage to the finishing device
or surrounding apparatus.
[0007] Therefore, a need exists for a rotary finishing device that
is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, but has sufficient
strength to withstand the high operating speeds to which these
devices are subjected.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] One advantage of the present invention is to provide a
rotary finishing device that is less expensive than prior rotary
finishing devices.
[0009] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a
rotary finishing device that decreases the assembly time of the
device without compromising its strength or integrity.
[0010] Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide
a rotary finishing device that can be more inexpensively
manufactured for a wide variety of different applications.
[0011] A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a
rotary finishing device that can be manufactured in a variety of
different widths and lengths.
[0012] In accordance with the above and the other advantages of the
present invention, a rotary finishing device is provided. The
rotary finishing device includes a generally circular hub having an
inner periphery and an outer periphery. The inner periphery defines
a passageway therethrough. The outer periphery of the hub has a
plurality of slots extending therefrom. Each of the plurality of
slots is defined by a pair of side portions. Additionally, the
plurality of slots are generally uniformly spaced around the outer
periphery. Each of the plurality of slots includes at least one
finishing sheet secured therein. The at least one finishing sheet
is secured within each of the plurality of slots by an
adhesive.
[0013] Other advantages of the present invention will become
apparent when viewed in light of the detailed description of the
preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the attached
drawings and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] For a more complete understanding of this invention,
reference should now be made to the embodiments illustrated in
greater detail in the accompanying drawings and described below by
way of examples of the invention:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flap wheel, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a front view of the flap wheel shown in FIG.
1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a front view of a generally cylindrical hub of the
flap wheel shown in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a flap wheel in accordance
with another embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a front view of the flap wheel shown in FIG.
4;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a front view of a generally cylindrical hub of the
flap wheel shown in FIG. 4;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a flap wheel in accordance
with yet another embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a generally cylindrical hub
of the flap wheel shown in FIG. 7;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a front view of the generally cylindrical hub
shown in FIG. 8 including an end cap engaging the hub;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the generally cylindrical
hub and end cap shown in FIG. 9;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an end cap for attachment
to a generally cylindrical hub of a flap wheel in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a generally cylindrical hub
for a flap wheel, in accordance with still another embodiment of
the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of the generally
cylindrical hub shown in FIG. 12; and
[0028] FIG. 14 is a front view of a cylindrical hub for a flap
wheel in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] Referring now to the Figures, which illustrate various
embodiments of a rotary finishing device in accordance with the
present invention. The rotary finishing devices can be utilized to
finish a surface, such as by polishing, abrading or the like.
However, it will be understood that the finishing devices disclosed
herein can be utilized for a variety of different purposes and can
be formed with a variety of different configurations. Moreover, the
finishing media utilized with the disclosed finishing devices can
also vary depending upon the application for which the finishing
devices will be used and can include cloth, sandpaper or the like.
It will also be understood that a variety of different finishing
media may be utilized.
[0030] Turning now to FIGS. 1 through 3, which illustrate one
embodiment of a rotary finishing device in accordance with the
present invention. The rotary finishing device 10 includes a
generally circular hub 12, having an outer peripheral surface or
outer periphery 14, and an inner peripheral surface or inner
periphery 16. The inner periphery 16 defines a passageway or
throughway 18 that is preferably open to either side of the device
10. The circular hub 12 is preferably formed from a metal, such as
aluminum. However, it will be understood that a variety of other
materials may also be utilized, including plastic. Further, the
circular hub 10 is preferably formed by an extrusion process.
However, again a variety of other processes may also be utilized to
form the circular hub 12. The hubs can be formed with a variety of
different diameters, widths, lengths and other configurations. This
flexibility is not present in current devices, i.e. the ability to
provide hubs of varying lengths.
[0031] The outer periphery 14 of the device 10 includes a plurality
of slots 20 formed thereabout. In this embodiment, the slots 20 are
defined by a pair of side portions 22, 24 that extend generally
outward from the outer periphery 14. It will be understood that the
side portions 22, 24 of each of the slots 20 can extend in a
variety of different directions, including inwardly. As shown best
in FIG. 3, each side portion 22, 24 includes a tip portion 26, a
base portion 28, and a side surface 30 extending between the base
portion 28 and the tip portion 26. In this embodiment, the tip
portions 26 have a greater width (w1) than the width (w2) of the
base portions 28. This orientation assists in maintaining the side
surfaces 30 generally parallel to one another such that each slot
20 is generally square or rectangular in shape.
[0032] Additionally, the circular hub 12 has a center point or
centerline 32, which corresponds to the axis of rotation of the
device 10. A reference line exists that extends from the center
point 32 to a point between the pair of side portions 22, 24, as is
identified by number 34. When the reference line 34 continues
outwardly it passes between each of the side portions 22, 24. Here,
the side surfaces 30 lie generally parallel to the reference line
34. This provides side portions 22, 24 that are oriented generally
perpendicular to the outer periphery 14 of the hub 12.
[0033] Each of the slots 20 includes a finishing media 40 disposed
therein. The finishing media 40 may be comprised of a single sheet
of material or a plurality of sheets of material. The finishing
media 40 is intended to contact a surface to be finished. The
finishing media is disposed between a pair of side portions 22, 24
and its innermost portion 42 is located adjacent the outer
periphery 14 of the device 10. In one embodiment, the finishing
media 40 is secured within each of the slots by an adhesive, such
as an epoxy. The adhesive is utilized to secure the finishing media
within each slot 20 by affixing it to the outer periphery 14 of the
hub 12 and the opposing side surfaces 30 of each of the side
portions 22, 24. Obviously, the finishing media can be secured
within each of the slots in a variety of suitable manners.
[0034] The inner periphery 18 of the device 10 also includes a
plurality of lugs 36 that extend generally inwardly therefrom. The
lugs 36 allow for easy machining of the device 10 to true up the
inside contact surface, by removing a certain portion of material
from the tip 38 of at least some of the lugs 36. This provides
significant material savings as well as a decrease in machining
cost as only the lugs 36 require machining instead of the entire
inner periphery 18 when that is used as the contact surface to
drive the finishing device. The lugs 36 also allow the hub 12 to
communicate with a shaft or end cap to allow easy driving thereof.
It will be understood that the inner periphery 18 may alternatively
be a generally smooth surface without any lugs 36. Moreover, any
number of lugs may be utilized. For example, FIG. 14 illustrates a
generally circular hub 52 having an outer periphery 54 and an inner
periphery 56. The inner periphery 56 does not have any lugs, but
instead is comprised of a smooth surface.
[0035] FIGS. 4 through 6 illustrate another embodiment of a rotary
finishing device in accordance with the present invention. The
rotary finishing device 50 also includes a generally circular hub
52, having an outer peripheral surface or outer periphery 54, and
an inner peripheral surface or inner periphery 56. The inner
periphery 56 defines a passageway or throughhole 58 that is
preferably open to either side of the device 50. Again, while the
circular hub 12 is preferably formed from a metal, such as aluminum
through an extrusion process, it can be formed form a variety of
different materials, through different processes, and in a variety
of different sizes and dimensions.
[0036] The outer periphery 54 of the device 10 includes a plurality
of slots 60 formed thereabout. In this embodiment, the slots 60 are
defined by a pair of side portions 62, 64 that extend generally
inward from the outer periphery 54. Again, it will be understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art that the side portions 62, 64 of
each of the slots 60 can extend in a variety of different
directions, including outwardly and can take on a variety of
different configurations. As shown best in FIG. 6, each side
portion 62, 64 includes a tip portion 66, a base portion 68, and a
side surface 70 extending between the base portion 68 and the tip
portion 66. Again, in this embodiment, the tip portions 66 have a
greater width (w1) than the width (w2) of the base portions 68.
This orientation assists in maintaining the side surfaces 70
generally parallel to one another such that each slot 60 is
generally, square or rectangular in shape.
[0037] Additionally, the circular hub 52 has a center point or
centerline 72, which corresponds to the axis of rotation of the
device 50. A reference line exists that extends from the center
point 72 to a point between the pair of side portions 62, 64, as is
identified by number 74. When the reference line 74 continues
outwardly, it passes between each of the side portions 62, 64.
Here, the side surfaces 70 are configured in a non-parallel
orientation with respect to the reference line 74. In other words,
the side portions 62, 64 are oriented at an angle with respect to
the outer periphery 54.
[0038] Each of the slots 60 includes a finishing media 76 disposed
therein. The finishing media 76 may be comprised of a single sheet
of material or a plurality of sheets of material. The finishing
media 76 is intended to contact a surface to be finished. The
finishing media 76 is disposed between a pair of side portions 62,
64 and its innermost portion 78 is located adjacent the outer
periphery 54 of the device 50. In one embodiment, the finishing
media 76 is secured within each of the slots 60 by an adhesive,
such as an epoxy. The adhesive secures the finishing media 76
within each slot 60 by affixing it to a bottom surface 80 that
extends between and connects the base portions 68 of a pair of
adjacent side portions 62, 64. Obviously, the finishing media 76
can be secured within each of the slots 60 in a variety of suitable
manners.
[0039] The inner periphery 56 of the device 50 also includes a
plurality of lugs 82 that extend generally inward therefrom. The
lugs 82 allow for easy machining of the device 50 to true up the
inside contact surface, by removing a certain portion of material
from the tip 84 of at least some of the lugs 82. This provides
significant material savings as well as a decrease in machining
cost as only the lugs 82 require machining instead of the entire
inner periphery 56 when that is used as the contact surface. The
lugs 82 also allow the hub 52 to communicate with a shaft or end
cap to allow easy driving thereof. It will be understood that the
inner periphery 56 may alternatively be a generally smooth surface
without any lugs. Moreover, any number of lugs may be utilized. For
example, FIG. 14 illustrates a generally circular hub 52 having an
outer periphery 54 and an inner periphery 56. The inner periphery
56 does not have any lugs, but instead is comprised of a smooth
surface for engagement with another structure to effectuate driving
of the device.
[0040] FIGS. 7 through 10 illustrate still another embodiment of a
rotary finishing device in accordance with the present invention.
The rotary finishing device 90 also includes a generally circular
hub 92, having an outer peripheral surface or outer periphery 94,
and an inner peripheral surface or inner periphery 96. The inner
periphery 56 defines a passageway or throughhole 98 that is
preferably open to either side of the device 90. Again, while the
circular hub 92 is preferably formed from a metal, such as aluminum
through an extrusion process, it can be formed form a variety of
different materials, through different processes, and in a variety
of different sizes.
[0041] The outer periphery 94 of the device 90 includes a plurality
of slots 100 formed thereabout. In this embodiment, the slots 100
are, defined by a pair of side portions 102, 104 that extend
generally inward from the outer periphery 94. Again, it will be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the side
portions 102, 104 of each of the slots 100 can extend in a variety
of different directions, including outwardly and can take on a
variety of different configurations. As shown best in FIG. 9, each
side portion 102, 104 includes a tip portion 106, a base portion
108, and a side surface 110 extending between the base portion 108
and the tip portion 106. In this embodiment, each of the slots 100
is generally rounded in shape.
[0042] Additionally, the circular hub 92 has a center point or
centerline 112, which corresponds to the axis of rotation of the
device 90. A reference line exists that extends from the center
point 112 to a point between the pair of side portions 102, 104, as
is identified by number 114. When the reference line 114 continues
outwardly, it passes between each of the side portions 102, 104.
The side surfaces 100 are oriented in a non-parallel relationship
to the reference line 114. However, the side portions 102, 104 lie
in a parallel plane to the reference plane 114 (or generally
parallel thereto) and extend from the outer periphery 94 in a
generally perpendicular direction. In this embodiment, the side
surfaces 100 are also not oriented generally parallel to one
another.
[0043] Each of the slots 100 includes a finishing media 116
disposed therein. The finishing media 116 may be comprised of a
single sheet of material or a plurality of sheets of material. The
finishing media 116 is intended to contact a surface to be
finished. The finishing media 116 is disposed between a pair of
side portions 102, 104 and its innermost portion 118 is located
adjacent the outer periphery 94 of the device 90. In one
embodiment, the finishing media 116 is secured within each of the
slots 100 by an adhesive, such as an epoxy. The adhesive secures
the finishing media 116 within each slot 100 by affixing it within
the rounded slot. Obviously, the finishing media 116 can be secured
within each of the slots 100 in a variety of suitable manners.
[0044] The inner periphery 96 of the device 90 also includes a
plurality of lugs 122 that extend generally inwardly therefrom. The
lugs 122 allow for easy machining of the device 90 to true up the
inside contact surface, by removing a certain portion of material
from the tip 124 of at least some of the lugs 122. This provides
significant material savings as well as a decrease in machining
cost as only the lugs 122 require machining instead of the entire
inner periphery 96 when that is used as the contact surface. The
lugs 122 also allow the hub 92 to communicate with a shaft or end
cap 126 to allow easy driving thereof. It will be understood that
the inner periphery 96 may alternatively be a generally smooth
surface without any lugs. Moreover, any number of lugs may be
utilized.
[0045] Turning to FIGS. 9 through 11, which illustrate an end cap
126 for engagement with a rotary finishing device in accordance
with the present invention. The end cap 126 is generally circular
in shape and includes an outer perimeter 128, an outer side 130, an
inner side 132, and an opening 134. The inner side 132 of the end
cap 126 has an inner step 136 that is intended to be received in
the throughhole 98 of the circular hub 92. In one embodiment, the
inner step 136 includes a plurality of grooves 138 that are spaced
about the periphery of the inner step 136. Each of the plurality of
grooves 138 is intended to engage a respective one of the lugs 122.
The end cap 126 is intended to receive a driving shaft through the
opening 134. As the driving shaft rotates, it causes the end cap
126 to rotate, which is in communication with the finishing device
through the lugs 122 causing it to rotate. It will be understood
that the end cap 126 can take on a variety of configurations and
can be configured to engage the circular hub 92 in a variety of
different manners. For example, the end cap 126 can engage the
circular hub 92 on the outer periphery 94. Alternatively, the inner
periphery of the circular hub may be a generally smooth surface
without lugs and the end cap may have a generally smooth inner step
outer periphery to effectuate engagement with the circular hub,
such as is exemplarily shown in FIG. 14.
[0046] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate another embodiment of a rotary
finishing device in accordance with the present invention. The
rotary finishing device 140 also includes a generally circular hub
142, having an outer peripheral surface or outer periphery 144, and
an inner peripheral surface or inner periphery 146. The inner
periphery 146 defines a passageway or throughhole 148 that is
preferably open to either side of the device 140. Again, while the
circular hub 142 is preferably formed from a metal, such as
aluminum through an extrusion process, it can be formed form a
variety of different materials, through different processes, and in
a variety of different sizes.
[0047] The outer periphery 144 of the device 140 includes a
plurality of slots 150 formed thereabout. In this embodiment, the
slots 150 are defined by a pair of side portions 152, 154 that
extend generally outward from the outer periphery 144. Again, it
will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the
side portions 152, 154 of each of the slots 150 can extend in a
variety of different directions, including inwardly and can take on
a variety of different configurations. Each of the slots 150 is
intended to receive a finishing media that is secured in each slot
150 in the same manner discussed above.
[0048] As shown best in FIG. 13, each side portion 152, 154
includes a tip portion 156, a base portion 158, and a side surface
160 extending between the base portion 158 and the tip portion 156.
Again, in this embodiment, the tip portions 156 have a greater
width (w1) than the width (w2) of the base portions 158. This
orientation assists in maintaining the side surfaces 160 generally
parallel to one another such that each slot 150 is generally square
or rectangular in shape. In this embodiment, the side surfaces 160
are shaped such that the distance between opposing tip portions 156
is less than the distance between opposing base portions 158. The
circular hub 142 also has a center point or centerline 162, which
corresponds to the axis of rotation of the device 140. A reference
line exists that extends from the center point 162 to a point
between the pair of side portions 152, 154. The configuration of
the reference line in this embodiment corresponds to the reference
line in FIG. 3. Here, the side portions 152, 154 are oriented
generally parallel to the reference line and thus are oriented
generally perpendicular to the outer periphery 144. This is despite
the fact that the side surfaces 160 are disposed at a slight angle
with respect to the reference line.
[0049] Between each of the side portions 152, 154, the outer
periphery 144 consists of a pair of inwardly sloping planar
surfaces 166, 168. Each of these slopes terminates at a point from
which a wedge 170 extends. Accordingly, each of the slots 150
includes a wedge 170 extending outwardly from the outer periphery
144. Each wedge 170 is generally pointed and acts to spread the
sheets of the finishing media apart so that they are wide at the
base and cannot be easily pulled from the slot. The wedge 170 thus
assists in retaining the finishing media within each of the slots
150.
[0050] Each of the slots 150 includes a finishing media (not shown)
disposed therein. The finishing media may be comprised of a single
sheet of material or a plurality of sheets of material. The
finishing media is intended to contact a surface to be finished.
The finishing media is disposed between a pair of side portions
152, 154 and its innermost portion is located adjacent the outer
periphery 144 of the device 140. In one embodiment, the finishing
media is secured within each of the slots 150 by an adhesive, such
as an epoxy. The adhesive secures the finishing media within each
slot 150 by affixing it within the rounded slot. Obviously, the
finishing media can be secured within each of the slots in a
variety of suitable manners.
[0051] The inner periphery 146 of the device 140 also includes a
plurality of lugs 164 that extend generally inwardly therefrom. The
lugs 164 allow for easy machining of the device 140 to true up the
inside contact surface, by removing a certain portion of material
from the tip 166 of at least some of the lugs 164. This provides
significant material savings as well as a decrease in machining
cost as only the lugs 164 require machining instead of the entire
inner periphery 146 when that is used as the contact surface. The
lugs 164 also allow the hub 142 to communicate with a shaft or end
cap to allow easy driving thereof. It will be understood that the
inner periphery may alternatively be a generally smooth surface
without any lugs. Moreover, any number of lugs may be utilized.
[0052] While particular embodiments of the invention have been,
shown and described, numerous variations and alternate embodiments
will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended
that the invention be limited only in terms of the appended
claims.
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