U.S. patent application number 11/029970 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-02 for concrete polishing system.
Invention is credited to Gueorgui D. Gueorguiev, Georgi M. Popov.
Application Number | 20060025059 11/029970 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35732958 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060025059 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gueorguiev; Gueorgui D. ; et
al. |
February 2, 2006 |
Concrete polishing system
Abstract
A grinding machine abrasive unit holder with the use of springs,
gases or fluids allows each abrasive unit to be in contact with the
floor, independently at all times. This action allows the finishing
of the high and low spots of the floor in the same operation.
Inventors: |
Gueorguiev; Gueorgui D.;
(Braselton, GA) ; Popov; Georgi M.; (Braselton,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Joseph T. Guy, Ph.D.;NEXEN PRUET ADAMS KLEEMEIER LLC
P.O.Box 10107, Fed. Sta.
Greenville
SC
29603-0107
US
|
Family ID: |
35732958 |
Appl. No.: |
11/029970 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10900786 |
Jul 28, 2004 |
|
|
|
11029970 |
Jan 5, 2005 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
451/350 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B24B 7/186 20130101;
B24B 41/047 20130101; B24D 7/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
451/350 |
International
Class: |
B24B 23/00 20060101
B24B023/00 |
Claims
1. A floor polisher comprising: a rotating plate; a multiplicity of
variable vertical displacement mounting devices attached to said
plate; and an abrasive unit attached to each vertical displacement
mounting device of said vertical displacement mounting devices
wherein said vertical displacement mounting device comprises a leaf
spring and said abrasive unit trails said spring.
2. The floor polisher of claim 1 wherein each said abrasive unit
can move vertically independent of each other said abrasive
unit.
3. (canceled)
4. The floor polisher of claim 1 wherein said vertical displacement
mounting device comprises a holder.
5. The floor polisher of claim 4 wherein said holder comprises a
void for receiving said abrasive unit.
6. The floor polisher of claim 5 wherein said void is
frustoconical.
7. The floor polisher of claim 6 wherein said abrasive unit
comprises a cylindrical abrasive head and a frustoconical mounting
head.
8. (canceled)
9. The floor polisher of claim 1 wherein said plate comprises three
variable vertical displacement devices.
10. The floor polisher of claim 1 wherein said vertical
displacement mounting device comprises a coil spring.
11. The floor polisher of claim 10 wherein said abrasive unit
comprises a ledge and said variable vertical displacement mounting
device comprises a mating ledge wherein said ledge and said mating
ledge restrict extension of said coil spring.
12. The floor polisher of claim 1 wherein said vertical
displacement mounting devices comprises a common reservoir between
each said vertical displacement mounting device.
13. The floor polisher of claim 1 wherein said abrasive unit
comprises: a cylindrical abrasive head; and a frustoconical
mounting head.
14. An abrasive unit particularly adaptable for use with a floor
polisher comprising: a cylindrical abrasive head; and a
frustoconical mounting head and a leaf spring between said abrasive
head and said mounting head.
15. (canceled)
16. A floor polisher comprising: a rotating plate; a multiplicity
of leaf springs attached to said plate; and an abrasive unit
attached to each leaf spring of said leaf springs wherein said
abrasive unit trails said spring.
17. The floor polisher of claim 16 wherein each said leaf spring
comprises a holder.
18. The floor polisher of claim 17 wherein said holder comprises a
void for receiving said abrasive unit.
19. The floor polisher of claim 18 wherein said void is
frustoconical.
20. The floor polisher of claim 19 wherein said abrasive unit
comprises a cylindrical abrasive head and a frustoconical mounting
head.
21. The floor polisher of claim 20 wherein said frustoconical
mounting head is received by said frustoconical void.
22. (canceled)
23. The floor polisher of claim 16 wherein said plate comprises
three leaf springs.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation in part
application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/900,786 filed
Jul. 28, 2004 which is pending.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is related to a system for polishing
concrete. More particularly, the present invention is related to a
system, and method, for polishing concrete without the typical
problems of uneven polishing in the valleys and hills of poured
concrete.
[0003] Polishing concrete has been known for some time. The
abrasive units of floor grinding machines are typically rigidly
attached to the drive mechanism of the machine thus allowing the
abrasive units to operate in a single plane. Despite the most
skilled of floor finishers concrete floors are not perfectly flat.
A typical technique for polishing concrete will be described with
reference to FIG. 1.
[0004] In FIG. 1, the concrete floor, 1, is uneven with valleys, 2,
and hills, 3. The concrete floor, 1, is polished by rotating and
translating a plate, 5, with abrasive units, 4, rigidly attached
thereto. As the plate is rotated and translated the abrasive units
grind away concrete to remove rough portions. As can be seen from
the illustration of FIG. 1, the valleys, 2, do not readily come
into contact with the abrasive unit and therefore are not polished.
This leaves an unsightly floor with portions polished and other
portions rough. To avoid this, the operator typically starts with a
very course abrasive unit with the desire being to decrease the
height of the hills, 3, till they are even with the valleys, 2.
Less course abrasive units are then used to finish polish the
floor. This method has several disadvantages.
[0005] Course abrasive units remove a substantial amount of
concrete to eliminate any hills. Often this exposes aggregate, or
rock filler, in the concrete. As the polishing continues those
areas that were originally in a valley are not polished or grinded
to the same degree and the aggregate is therefore not exposed. The
end result is a floor with some portions having exposed aggregate
and other portions not having exposed aggregate. This is
unsightly.
[0006] Yet another problem with the prior art is the high cost
associated with time and material for the polishing or grinding
process. Multiple polishing operations are required with each using
successively less course abrasive units. The multiple operations
are time consuming. The course abrasive units typically create
scratches, or gouges, in the concrete which must be removed with
the less course abrasive unit. In many instances the final floor
still has scratches and gouges since it is very difficult to remove
them all with the time and resources typically allotted for such an
operation.
[0007] Yet another problem is the loss of abrasive units due to
breakage. As the abrasive unit crosses a valley and reengages with
a hill it is not uncommon for parts of the abrasive unit to become
dislodged or broken. This damage greatly decreases the useful
lifetime of abrasive units.
[0008] There has been a long felt desire for a floor polishing
system which can effectively polish a floor without regard for
hills and valleys and the differential grinding required to polish
both.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
flexible mounting of the abrasive unit that will allow for
finishing of concrete floors without the need to grind the high
spots to a lower level.
[0010] It is another object to provide an abrasive unit, and
holder, which can be attached to a conventional plate. The method
of attachment allows the holder to "float" or move in a vertical
direction thereby allowing the abrasive unit to contact the floor
at all times and everywhere.
[0011] A particular feature of the present invention is that the
high spots, or hills, do not have to be ground down to the level of
the low spots, or valleys, thereby achieving a uniform appearance
which is aesthetically pleasing.
[0012] Another particular advantage is a substantial savings in
time and labor. Larger floor areas can be completed in a given time
period.
[0013] Yet another advantage is the increased longevity of the
improved abrasive units.
[0014] Yet another advantage is the elimination of multiple passes
with successively decreasing coarseness. This advantage is due to
the elimination of the necessity to decrease the height variations
in the floor. A concrete floor can be rendered smooth and
aesthetically pleasing in a single pass with a low coarseness
abrasive unit.
[0015] These and other advantages, as will be realized, are
provided in a floor polisher with a rotating plate, a multiplicity
of variable vertical displacement mounting devices attached to and
plate, and an abrasive unit attached to each vertical displacement
mounting device.
[0016] Yet another embodiment is provided in an abrasive unit
particularly adaptable for use with a floor polisher. The abrasive
unit has a cylindrical abrasive head and a frustoconical mounting
head.
[0017] Yet another embodiment is provided in a floor polisher with
a rotating plate, a multiplicity of variable vertical displacement
mounting devices attached to the plate and an abrasive unit
attached to each vertical displacement mounting device. In the
improvement the abrasive unit has a cylindrical abrasive head and a
frustoconical mounting head.
[0018] Yet another embodiment is provided in a floor polished with
a rotating plate, a multiplicity of leaf springs attached to the
plate and an abrasive unit attached to each leaf spring.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is an illustration of the prior art with fixed
abrasive units.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway view of a floor polisher.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 3
[0023] FIG. 5 is a partial cutaway view of an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an abrasive unit of the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a partial cutaway side view of an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a partial cutaway side view of an embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The invention will be described with reference to the
various figures. The figures represent part of the present
disclosure but are not intended to limit the scope of the
invention. Within the various figures similar elements will be
numbered accordingly.
[0030] A floor polisher is illustrated in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, the
floor polisher, 10, comprises abrasive units, 4, mounted on a
plate, 5. A motor, 6, rotates the plate, 5. An operator then moves
the floor polisher, 10, across the floor by grasping the handle, 8.
The combination of the rotating plate and movement of the floor
polisher allows the entire surface area to be polished. An optional
shroud, 7, assists in decreasing the dust emanating from under the
floor polisher. An optional vacuum dust collection system, 11, can
be employed as known in the art.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a partial side view of the present invention. In
FIG. 3, the plate, 5, has mounted thereon a multiplicity of
variable vertical displacement mounting devices for the abrasive
units, 4. In FIG. 3, the variable vertical displacement mounting
device comprises a spring, 9, preferably a leaf spring, which is
secured between the plate, 5, and abrasive unit, 4. Each abrasive
unit can move vertically independent of each other abrasive unit.
As a particular abrasive unit encounters a valley the downward
force of the leaf spring is sufficient to force the abrasive unit
into the valley. As a hill is encountered the abrasive unit can
rise in opposition to the spring thereby eliminating any sudden
impact with the hill.
[0032] It is preferably that the abrasive unit, 4, be received by
an abrasive holder, 12, which will be described further herein. A
mounting bracket, 13, is preferred for securing the leaf spring, 9,
to the plate, 5. A mounting bracket, 14, is also preferred for
securing the abrasive holder, 12, to the spring.
[0033] A plate with three abrasive assembly units is shown from
bottom view in FIG. 4. The three abrasive assembly units each
comprise an abrasive element, 4, and a variable vertical
displacement mounting device in the form of a leaf spring, 9. A
holder, 12, secures the abrasive unit to the spring. The variable
vertical displacement mounting device is preferably secured to the
plate by fasteners, 18, such as threaded members, studs, welds and
the like.
[0034] In a particularly preferred embodiment the abrasive unit
trails the location of the mounting of the spring to the plate. For
example, with the device illustrated in FIG. 4, the direction of
rotation is given by arrow, 15. The abrasive unit, 4, is in a
trailing position relative to the spring, 9. This configuration is
preferred based on the realization that an obstruction is more
easily overcome than if the abrasive unit leads the spring.
[0035] The leaf spring strength is selected to be sufficiently
strong to support the weight of the floor polisher at a sufficient
height that the abrasive unit end of the spring does not contact
the plate in normal use. It is also important that the spring be
sufficiently displaced by the weight of the floor polisher to
maintain the abrasive unit in a substantially planar relationship
with the floor. It would be apparent from the description that as
the abrasive unit moves vertically in response height variations in
the floor the angle of the abrasive unit is slightly altered.
Within the range of travel typically employed in the present
invention the deviation from planarity is acceptable.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a partial view of the variable vertical
displacement mounting device of FIGS. 3 and 4. The abrasive unit is
illustrated separately in FIG. 6. The abrasive unit, 4, comprises
an abrasion head, 16, with a frustoconical base, 17. The
frustoconical base, 17, is received by a mating frustoconical void,
19, in the holder, 12. The frustoconical base allows the abrasive
unit to be easily placed in the holder and yet, due to surface
resistance, prohibits the abrasive unit from being easily
dislodged. The combination of a frustoconical base and a mating
frustoconical void allows ease of replacement and eliminates the
possibility of dust settling between the pieces. Dust between two
moving pieces is preferably avoided since this renders the parts
difficult to separate. By inserting and twisting the abrasive unit
is sufficiently secured in the void to eliminate displacement. The
abrasive unit can be removed by twisting and withdrawing the
abrasive unit from the void. Fasteners, 18, secure the optional
bracket, 14, through the spring, 9, to the abrasive holder, 12.
[0037] An alternate embodiment is shown in bottom view in FIG. 7
and partial cutaway side view in FIG. 8. The device comprises a
plate, 5. Mounted to the plate is the variable vertical
displacement mounting device. The variable vertical displacement
mounting device comprises a abrasive unit retainer, 21. The
abrasive unit retainer, 21, allows the abrasive unit, 4, to move
vertically with a coil spring, 22, biased to force the abrasive
unit outward to the furthest extent allowed. Contact between a
retainer shoulder, 23, and an abrasive shoulder 24, limit the
furthest extent of the abrasive holder. Fasteners, 25, secure the
abrasive unit retainer, 21, to the plate, 5. The abrasive unit
retainer allows independent vertical movement of the abrasive units
with the coil spring, 22, biased to extend the abrasive unit into a
valley when encountered while the abrasive unit compresses the coil
spring when encountering a hill.
[0038] The coil spring is selected to be sufficiently compressed by
the weight of the floor polisher such that the abrasive unit can
travel downward the length of standard valleys without the ledges
restricting further movement. The coil spring is also sufficiently
strong that the abrasive unit does not contact the plate or any
structure which limits the upward movement when the full weight of
the floor polisher is placed upon the multiplicity of abrasive
units. With properly chosen coil springs each abrasive unit is in
contact with the floor and the floor polisher is suspended by the
coil spring.
[0039] Another alternate abrasive unit mounting is shown in bottom
view in FIG. 9 and partial cutaway cross-sectional view in FIG. 10.
The embodiment comprises a plate, 5. Mounted to the plate is the
abrasive unit holder, 21. The abrasive unit 4 moves vertically
within the holder, 21. Shoulders, 31, within the holder, 21, and
shoulders, 32, on the abrasive unit, 4, control the distance the
abrasive unit 4 is allowed to travel. The force of fluid, 33,
allows for the independent movement of the abrasive unit holder. An
o-ring seal, 34, and a piston seal, 35, on the abrasive unit 4 seal
the fluid, 33, within the holder, 21. All of the holders, 21, on
the plate, 5, are interconnected via tubing, 36, which allows the
fluid to flow between them, maintaining equal pressure on all
abrasive units, 4, at all times. At rest the fluid insures that an
equal pressure is placed on all four abrasive units. If a valley is
encountered by one abrasive unit the increased weight on the three
remaining abrasive units forces fluid toward the abrasive unit
encountering the valley which automatically extends the abrasive
unit into the valley. An abrasive unit encountering a hill would
have increased pressure and the fluid flow is towards the three
remaining abrasive units.
[0040] The abrasive units typically comprise an abrasive material
in a binder and a base. The abrasive material is preferably
selected from diamond, silicon carbide, aluminum oxide and E.C.
Diamond is the most preferred abrasive.
[0041] The binder material is chosen, in part, based on the size of
the abrasive particles. Particularly preferred binders include
sintered bond, electroplate bond, vacuum brazed bond, epoxi bond,
resin bond, phenolic bond and E.C. The most preferred binder
materials are sintered bond, vacuum brazed bond, phenolic bond and
resin bond.
[0042] The abrasive units are typically classified by courseness
with the higher number representing a finer abrasive material and a
lower number representing a larger abrasive material. As would be
realized, the larger the abrasive material the more aggressive the
abrasive unit will be with regards to concrete removal. A
particular feature of the present invention elimination of the
necessity for aggressive abrasive units. In the prior art the
aggressive abrasive units are necessary to decrease the variation
described herein as hills and valleys. With the present invention a
fine particle abrasive unit can be employed initially thereby
greatly reducing the effort and greatly decreasing the time and
cost of obtaining a smooth floor which is also more aesthetically
pleasing.
[0043] Yet another advantage with the present invention is the long
life of the abrasive unit. Eliminating the collision between the
abrasive unit and a hill, as described previously, increases the
lifetime of the abrasive unit. Larger particle, more aggressive,
abrasive units are also more fragile due to the decrease in the
ratio of binder to abrasive material and they are therefore also
more likely to encounter hills since it is at the early stage that
these abrasive units are used. Therefore, the present invention
provides a substantial cost benefit which is not otherwise
achievable in the art.
[0044] The invention has been described with particular emphasis on
the preferred embodiments. It would be apparent from the
description, discussion and ability of one with ordinary skill in
the art to provide alternate embodiments and uses without departing
from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims appended
hereto. It is contemplated that the invention could be used with
other surfaces such as walls, ceilings, tiles, etc.
* * * * *