U.S. patent application number 12/137943 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-02 for metal sanding devices.
Invention is credited to Daniel I. DUERR, Christopher R. GRACE, Richard L. GRACE.
Application Number | 20080242204 12/137943 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39795261 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080242204 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GRACE; Christopher R. ; et
al. |
October 2, 2008 |
METAL SANDING DEVICES
Abstract
A multi-tasking disk which in one form is used primarily with a
powered hand tool to remove measured amounts of material from the
surface of a work piece, and, in another form, serving as a buffing
tool for removing minute amounts of skin from feet, elbows and the
like on a human, or removal of like minute amounts from vegetables.
Each disk is formed with an array of either abrading or buffing
elements in which each element involves a series of projections
having sharpened edges raised above the surface of the disk to
accomplish removal of material from the surface upon which it is
engaged.
Inventors: |
GRACE; Christopher R.;
(Russellville, AR) ; GRACE; Richard L.; (Dover,
AR) ; DUERR; Daniel I.; (Russellville, AR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LADAS & PARRY LLP
224 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1600
CHICAGO
IL
60604
US
|
Family ID: |
39795261 |
Appl. No.: |
12/137943 |
Filed: |
June 12, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12064260 |
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PCT/US2005/024747 |
Jul 12, 2005 |
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12137943 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
451/553 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/54 20130101;
B23D 71/005 20130101; B23D 67/06 20130101; B24D 11/003 20130101;
B23D 73/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
451/553 |
International
Class: |
B24B 7/28 20060101
B24B007/28 |
Claims
1. An omnidirectional metallic sanding device for use with a hand
power tool to remove material from a workpiece comprising a
metallic disk, said disk having an array of abrading elements
formed thereon; each said abrading element being formed with a
series of teeth; said teeth being positioned within said abrader
element so as to provide removal of material from a workpiece
regardless of the direction of movement of said disk; each said
tooth of said abrader element being offset outwardly from the plane
of said disk to cause each tooth so as to engage a workpiece and
remove material therefrom as said disk is moved there across.
2. The omnidirectional metallic sanding device of claim 1, wherein
said abrading elements are formed by a photo chemical etching
process.
3. The omnidirectional metallic sanding device of claim 1, wherein
said metallic disk is circular.
4. The omnidirectional metallic sanding device of claim 1, wherein
said metallic disk is rectangular.
5. The omnidirectional metallic sanding device of claim 1, wherein
said abrader elements are arranged in a series of concentric
rings.
6. The omnidirectional metallic sanding device of claim 5, wherein
said abrader elements are proportionateley spaced on each said
ring.
7. The omnidirectional metallic sanding device of claim 1, wherein
each tooth terminates in a rounded tip.
8. The omnidirectional metallic sanding device of claim 5, wherein
said adjacent abrader elements on adjacent concentric circles
define an arc.
9. The omnidirectional metallic sanding device of claim 3, wherein
a string of adjacent abrader elements is defined in the corners of
said rectangular disk.
10. The omnidirectional metallic sanding device of claim 5, wherein
a series of vents are formed on said disk, said vents are arranged
in a ring, between rings of said abrader elements.
11. The omnidirectional metallic sanding device of claim 10,
wherein each of said vents is formed with transverse bars.
12. An omnidirectional metallic sanding device for use with a hand
power tool for removal of material from a work piece, said sanding
device comprising a metallic disk, said disk having teeth formed
thereon, each such tooth having at least one sharpened edge; said
teeth on said disk positioned so that movement of said metallic
disk in any direction will result in removal of material from the
workpiece; each said tooth being offset outwardly from the plane of
said disk in order that each tooth is positioned to engage a
workpiece and remove material omnidirectionally therefrom as said
disk is moved there across.
13. An omnidirectional abrader element formed on a metallic sanding
device, each said abrader element formed with a series of inwardly
oriented teeth; each said tooth terminating in a sharpened cutting
edge, said cutting edge having a bevel formed thereon; each said
tooth being bent outwardly from the plane of said metallic sanding
device so that said sharpened edge thereof extends above the
surface of said metallic sanding disk; said teeth comprising each
said abrader element being so arranged as to thereby provide
omnidirectional removal of material from a work piece when said
abrader element is moved across the surface of the workpiece.
14. The omnidirectional abrader element of claim 13, wherein the
terminus of each tooth comprises an arcuate segment.
15. The omnidirectional abrader element of claim 13, wherein said
abrader element having an array to teeth formed therein, and said
abrader element being circular in profile.
16. The omnidirectional abrader element of claim 13, wherein each
said abrader element is oval in profile.
17. The omnidirectional abrader element of claim 13, wherein said
tooth is generally rectangular in configuration and having an edge
thereabout defining a bevel.
18. The omnidirectional abrader element of claim 13, wherein said
abrader element is formed by a photo chemical etching process.
19. An omnidirectional metallic sanding device for removal of
material from a work piece; said sanding device having at least one
abrader element, said abrader element being formed by first
creating at least one opening in said disk; said opening have an
interior wall; thereafter sharpening edges about at least a portion
of said interior wall; and offsetting said sharpened edges from the
plane of said disk such that said sharpened edges cause removal of
material from the workpiece irrespective of the direction of
movement of said abrader element.
20. The omnidirectional metallic sanding device of claim 19,
wherein projections are formed along said interior wall of said
opening; said projections having sharpened edges, said sharpened
edges being beveled.
21. The omnidirectional metallic sanding device of claim 19,
wherein said opening is formed and sharpening of said interior wall
of said opening is accomplished in a single step.
22. The omnidirectional metallic sanding device of claim 21,
wherein the creation of said opening and the sharpening process are
accomplished by photo chemical etching.
23. An omnidirectional metallic sanding device for removal of
material from a workpiece; said metallic sanding device comprising
a metallic disk; at least one abrader element formed on said disk;
each abrader element having an interior wall, at least a part of
said interior wall being sharpened to form a cutting edge, and said
part of said wall defining said cutting edge raised above the metal
plane surface in order that material may be removed irrespective of
the direction of the movement thereon.
24. The omnidirectional metallic device of claim 23, wherein said
wall of said abrader element contains at least one inwardly facing
protrusion; said protrusion defining a tooth.
25. The omnidirectional metallic device of claim 23, wherein said
abrader element is formed by the process of photo chemical
etching.
26. An omnidirectional metallic device for use in removing material
from the surface comprising a metallic disk, said disk having an
array of buffing elements formed thereon; each said buffing element
being formed with a series of sharpened edges; said edges being
positioned within said buffing element so as to provide removal of
material from a surface regardless of the direction of movement of
said disk; each said edge of said buffing element being offset
outwardly from the plane of said disk to cause each edge so as to
engage a surface and remove material therefrom as said disk is
moved there across.
27. The omnidirectional metallic device of claim 26, wherein each
said buffing element comprises intersecting legs, said legs having
opposed edges, said edges being sharpened and raised above the
surface of said disk.
28. The omnidirectional metallic device of claim 26, wherein each
buffing element comprises legs, said legs meeting at the center of
said buffing element in the shape of a star, said legs being raised
above said disk and having opposed edges on each, said edges being
sharpened.
29. The omnidirectional metallic device of claim 26, wherein said
buffing elements comprising a selection of legs, respectively in
the shape of a cross and in the shape of a star.
Description
[0001] This application is filed as a continued prosecution,
pursuant Section 1.53(b)(2) C.F.R., in the form of a
continuation-in-part of International Application for Patent
Designating the U.S. application serial number PCT/US2005/024747,
filed Jul. 12, 2005 and U.S. application Ser. No. 12/064,260, filed
Feb. 20, 2008.
[0002] The present invention relates both to wood finishing
materials and, in particular, to metallic devices for providing
varying grades of finishes on wood and like materials and to
personal grooming devices having similar physical construction.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] This application is about the tools to create a finish on a
wood product by removing any roughness therefrom. Since the
smoothness of a wood surface became important, minuscule particles
of wood have been removed from such surfaces by such abrasive
devices as rasps, files and, the ever popular, sandpaper.
[0005] Sandpaper is available in several grit sizes and is selected
according to the smoothness desired. In some instances, where the
surface to be worked is rough, a wood worker might start out with a
larger grit and work the surface down to a smaller grit.
[0006] Sandpaper has some inherent deficiencies, among them, the
loss of grit, which is secured to a paper backing by an appropriate
adhesive. Once adequate grit has been lost, the paper is no longer
useful and must be replaced. This can happen several times on a
single workpiece. Also, if and when the paper backing becomes damp
or wet, the tendency is to ball up, and/or fall apart.
[0007] Finally, all of the aforementioned tools tend to load up.
That is, removed particulate matter tends to fill grooves and
spaces between teeth, grit and the like, rendering the tool useless
for the purpose intended. A worker may stop and take the time to
clean the teeth in a rasp or file, but a piece of sandpaper becomes
rather useless.
[0008] 2. Overview of the Prior Art
[0009] While the intrinsic value of sandpaper products is almost
universally recognized, so too are the deficiencies. Among early
patented efforts to eliminate the paper backing used in
conventional sandpapers is Lambert U.S. Pat. No. 1,729,881, issued
in 1929. Lambert teaches a rotary disk having a series of uniformly
spaced punched cutting teeth. Lambert was primarily concerned with
the positioning and rigidity of the disk, which was intended for
use with a hand power tool, to avoid imbalance and the dangers of
flying debris. Schwartz, in his U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,181 offers a
slightly different shaped disk with teeth formed by drilling holes
and then upsetting an edge of the opening.
[0010] While Lambert focused on a sanding device for a rotary tool,
Benis et al. applied his thinking to a vibratory device in his U.S.
Pat. No. 3,583,107 for a flexible sheet metal speed file. A uniform
pattern of punched teeth were formed on a rectangular piece of
malleable metal. The thrust of the patent was, however, directed to
the flaps 29, 31 which were used to hold the device to the hand
tool. Konrad U.S. Pat. No. 4,028,781 is a similar type device, and
Young U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,292 is yet another abrading device with
rows of upstanding, similarly oriented, teeth having angles of 45
to 135 degrees.
[0011] Having found devices for use with both rotary and vibratory
power tools, Konrad U.S. Pat. No. 4,377,081 addresses the use of a
metal belt surfacing tool which has been perforated to form
teeth.
[0012] The shape of the teeth is a function of the punching device
used to form them, as evidenced by the several patents discussed,
together with Amsen U.S. Pat. No. 2,820,281, which teaches an
abrasive device in which the teeth are formed by a punch which
causes the upward tearing of the material so as to have five
upstanding points. Kaufman, on the other hand, in his U.S. Pat. No.
3,468,079, creates a star-like tooth. Kaufman envisions his device
as a callous remover.
[0013] It will be appreciated that when a punch, or stamping
device, is used, the punch penetrated the metal material at a
center point, and the material is literally torn, as the punch
advances, from that central point to the root, or perimeter, of the
tooth, which is determined by the depth of the punch. Each segment
of torn material will define a sharp point which is intended to
contact the material, e.g., wood, plastic or metal, and remove
particles thereof.
[0014] Yet another inventor, Rickey Newmayer, has yet another
device in the form of a rotary disk (U.S. Pat. No. 4,137,617)
having square and/or circular teeth for the cutting of plastics.
The formation of the Newmayer teeth is attributable, in the
Newmayer specification, to two other patents, and both of those
patents talk of punch and die methods.
[0015] There are several other patents found in the abrading art,
all of which have one or more variations on essentially the same
theme.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention comprises a multi-faceted abrading
device, the basic design of which makes it compatible with both
rotary, orbital and vibratory power hand tools to effect a finish
of desired smoothness on a work piece of wooden material.
[0017] With the foregoing in mind, it is a primary objective to
provide such a device that is capable of performing like sandpaper,
while having none of the deficiencies of sandpaper as chronicled
above.
[0018] Another objective of the present invention is to create a
metallic abrading device that has the efficacy of sandpaper, in
that it is capable of removing controlled amounts of material,
irrespective of the direction in which it is moved, while having
excellent durability and useful life.
[0019] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
provide an abrading device which is usable either with a rotary
hand tool or a vibratory hand tool, and which starts exceptionally
sharp and stays sharp for extended periods of use. An objective
related to the foregoing is that the device of the present
invention will not clog or load up in a way which adversely effects
its performance.
[0020] The foregoing, as well as other objects and advantages of
the abrading device of the present invention, will become more
evident from a reading of the following Detailed Description of a
Preferred Embodiment, taken in concert with the drawings,
wherein:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a side elevation of the working surface of the
circular version of the abrading device of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the working surface of the
rectangular version of the abrading device of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway view, in perspective, of an
abrading element, in profile, constructed in accordance with the
present invention, illustrating in considerable detail a relatively
coarse abrading element used in such a device, upset so as to
project upwardly from the surface of the disk upon which it is
formed;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cutaway of FIG. 3;
[0025] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cutaway view of a portion of FIG. 4,
taken along lines 5-5 in order to show a typical tooth profile;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a side elevation of a view similar to FIG. 3,
except that it represents a medium abrading element used in devices
such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a side elevation similar to FIG. 6, except that it
illustrates a more fine abrading element;
[0028] FIG. 8 is an alternative form of an abrader element in which
cutting teeth are arranged in other than circular orientation;
[0029] FIG. 9 is yet another alternative abrading element, having a
generally rectangular tooth configuration, useable in devices such
as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a form of the abrading element of FIG. 9, except
with an additional tooth;
[0031] FIG. 11 is an abrading element similar in configuration to
FIGS. 4, 6 and 7, with a modified cutting tooth form;
[0032] FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial view of a disk similar in
nature to FIGS. 1 and 2, except cutting teeth are formed in a
random pattern;
[0033] FIG. 13 is a view of an abrading element similar in
operation to those of FIGS. 8 through 12, but illustrating an
abrading element having an especially fine cutting edge form of the
present invention;
[0034] FIG. 14 is an end view of the abrading element of FIG.
13;
[0035] FIG. 15 is a partial sectional view of the abrading element
of FIG. 13;
[0036] FIG. 16 illustrates a buffing element constructed in
accordance with the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 17 is a side elevation of the buffing element of FIG.
16 as viewed in the plane of a buffing disk constructed in
accordance with the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 18 is a partial section taken along line 18-18 of FIG.
16;
[0039] FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 16, but illustrating a
buffing element having a somewhat modified structure;
[0040] FIG. 20 is a side elevation of the buffing element of FIG.
19 as viewed in the plane of a buffing disk constructed in
accordance with the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 21 is a partial sectional view of the buffing element
as taken along lines 21-21 of FIG. 19;
[0042] FIG. 22 illustrates a six spoke buffing element constructed
in accordance with the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 23 is a side elevation of the buffing element of FIG.
22 as viewed in the plane of a buffing disk constructed in
accordance with the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 24 is a partial section taken along line 24-24 of FIG.
22;
[0045] FIG. 25 illustrates a modified six spoke buffing element
constructed in accordance with the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 26 is a side elevation of the buffing element of FIG.
25 as viewed in the plane of a buffing disk constructed in
accordance with the present invention; and
[0047] FIG. 27 is a partial section taken along line 27-27 of FIG.
25.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0048] With reference now to the drawings, an omnidirectional
device is shown and described. With initial focus on FIGS. 1 and 2,
there is shown, respectively, a flat circular metal disk 10 and, in
FIG. 2, a flat rectangular metal disk 12, capable of use with a
powered hand held device, which is either rotary, orbital or
vibratory in operation and usable to remove material from a
workpiece as the disk is moved across the surface of the
workpiece.
[0049] First with respect to the disk 10, an array of abrader
elements 14 are formed thereon. Each of the abrader elements
comprises an opening defined by an inner wall which may have an
inner edge or edges. Projections may be formed along all, or a
portion, of the edge or edges in the nature of teeth that are so
disposed as to assure that material is removed from a workpiece
irrespective of the direction of the movement of the disk by the
hand tool to which it is affixed.
[0050] The abraders 14 are preferably, although not necessarily,
arranged in concentric circles 15. Three such circles are toward
the outer edge 16, while two additional circles are formed near the
center aperture 18. The precise number of concentric circles of
abrader elements may vary with the diameter of the disk.
[0051] As shown, the disk 10 is sized to be compatible with
currently marketed rotary hand tools, but larger or smaller disks
may be made without departure from the invention.
[0052] Returning to FIG. 1, the three outer rings 15 of abrader
elements 14 and the two inner rings of abrader elements 14 are
segregated on the disk 10 by a ring 21 of openings, or vents, 23.
As illustrated, there are eight such vents 23, although the precise
number may vary with the dimensions of the disk.
[0053] Each of the vents 23 are of an elongated, generally
elliptical, configuration with a series of transverse, radially
extending bars 25 segmenting the vents 23, adding stability to the
disk and some protection against inadvertent cuts during handling.
The vents 23 provide an element of air movement, permitting some
cooling, and an exit for dust and other particulate matter which
might pass behind the disk.
[0054] Still referring to FIG. 1, it is a feature of the present
invention that the abrader elements 14 are spaced equidistant about
each diameter, and the outer three rings of abrader elements are so
aligned that each tooth in a ring is so aligned with a tooth in an
adjacent ring of abrader elements, so as to form a series of arcs
27 with abrader elements on adjacent rings. This pattern has shown
to have very effective benefits in the uniform removal of material
from a workpiece.
[0055] Although the exterior shape is rectangular, the disk 12 of
FIG. 2 has attributes similar to those discussed with respect to
the circular embodiment of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2, an array of
abrader elements 14 are situate in a series of concentric rings,
the outer one of which has been denominated as 30. Three additional
concentric rings are found within the ring 30. The abrader elements
of each ring are proportionally spaced about the ring and, in the
ring 30, there are several vents 32. Each vent includes cross bars
34 and provides some limited increase in air flow, as is the case
with the disk 12.
[0056] By virtue of its rectangular configuration, coupled with the
circular distribution of the abrader elements 14, the corner areas
of the disk are relatively unproductive. In order to remedy this
potential inefficiency, the present invention provides a line of
abrader elements 14 about each of the four corners of the disk 12.
Still referring to FIG. 2, a generally "L" shaped string 36 of
abrader elements is formed in each corner of the disk 14. Thus,
when the disk is attached, as it is intended, to a vibratory hand
tool, the entire surface of the disk will be engaged with, and able
to dress, the workpiece to provide a coarse, medium or fine finish
thereon.
[0057] With reference now to FIGS. 4 through 7, the tooth
configuration of the present invention offers a novel and effective
approach to the efficient surfacing of a workpiece.
[0058] In keeping with the objectives of the present invention, a
variety of abrader elements of varying cutting ability are provided
in order to give the user options similar to those which are
available to those who customarily use sandpaper. FIGS. 3, 4 and 5
are representative of an abrader element 14C which provides a more
coarse finish to the surface of the workpiece.
[0059] A disk, e.g., disks 10 or 12, are preferably formed by a
chemical etching process as taught in Sturtevant U.S. Pat. No.
5,100,506, although other methods may be employed without departure
from the invention. The use of such a process removes the
appropriate amount of metal, while simultaneously forming
exceptionally sharp, yet stable, edges.
[0060] In the manufacturing process which results in the formation
of disks of the present invention, there are simple steps which are
to be undertaken, at least some of which can be accomplished
simultaneously. An initial step is to form one or more voids,
openings or holes in a disk, the precise shape of which may vary.
Having formed one or more such voids, all or a portion of the edges
of the holes, which may or may not include projections in the
nature of teeth, are sharpened. Finally, those sharpened portions,
or edges, are offset outwardly from the plane of the disk upon
which they are formed.
[0061] Still referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the abrader element 14C
is formed, or otherwise provided, with a series of seven teeth 38,
arranged in a circle and separated by cutouts 41, the cutouts
providing ample space between the teeth 38 to avoid clogging of the
abraders 14.
[0062] Once the disk, with abrader elements, has been formed by,
e.g., the photo chemical process previously identified, the
individual teeth 38 are offset, such as by bending outwardly along
a bend line 43 so as to protrude at an appropriate acute angle from
the otherwise flat surface of the disk, as best seen in FIG. 5.
[0063] Each tooth 38 is formed with cutting edges 45 that face
inwardly, and, in the case of FIG. 3, converge from the root of the
tooth to a sharpened edge, or terminus, 47. All of the termini face
generally inwardly in the FIG. 3 embodiment and converge from the
root thereof toward the center of the abrading element, thereby
permitting the removal of material from the workpiece, no matter
which direction the disk is moved across the surface of the
workpiece. It will be seen in keeping with the objective of
creating a durable abrader element, the root of each tooth is
slightly rounded in order to relieve stresses which might otherwise
occur at that location while in use.
[0064] It will be observed in FIG. 5 that a bevel 49 is formed
along the cutting edges of the tooth when the photo chemical
process is used, which creates a sharp, yet strong, outer cutting
edge 52 on each tooth, making the abrader elements very effective
in the removal of minute amounts of material from the workpiece
with each pass.
[0065] It is one of the objectives of the present invention to
provide the versatility of sandpaper by offering disks with a more
refined abrader element than that just described. To this end, an
abrader element of medium cutting capability is shown at 14M in
FIG. 6.
[0066] Each abrader element 14M is formed with a series of teeth
38M, again arranged in a circle and separated by cutouts 41M. Each
tooth 38M, so defined has a semicircular configuration, as
distinguished from a tooth 38C. Each of the teeth 381M has a
similar profile, however, to that illustrated in FIG. 5 as to the
formation of the bevel which provides the sharp edge for each
tooth. Again, the teeth are bent outwardly along the bend line
43M.
[0067] A yet more refined version of the abrader element 14F is
offered in FIG. 7. Each tooth 38F is similar in profile to the
teeth 38M of FIG. 6, except that there are several more such teeth
and they are of a lesser dimension than those of the medium abrader
element. The formation process remains essentially the same, with
teeth 38F being defined by cutouts 41F, and each tooth having a
rounded, essentially arcuate configuration. In similar fashion, the
teeth 38F are bent outwardly along a bend line 43F.
[0068] With reference now to FIGS. 13, 14 and 15, a further
refinement is offered to the woodworker by means of another tooth
configuration. FIG. 13 illustrates a super fine abrader element
14SF which is preferably, and most efficiently, formed by a
photochemical etching process in which metal is removed to form an
inner edge, or wall, 65, defining an opening. Once the opening is
formed, which may be uniform or non uniform, at least a portion the
edge is sharpened to define an inner cutting edge 38SF. The portion
of the edge which is sharpened is then upset along bend line 43SF
in a uniform fashion, to move the edge outwardly from the plane of
the disk upon which the abrader element is formed.
[0069] As seen in FIG. 15, the edge is beveled, as at 49SF by the
etching process to create a sharp and stable edge. The edge 14SF is
continuous and able to remove small amounts of material from a
workpiece in all directions of movement of a hand tool to which the
disk is attached. The abrader element 14SF is capable of creating a
finish on a wood workpiece which is comparable to the finest of
sandpapers.
[0070] It is of particular interest to note that tests have been
run on the disks of the present invention and, in particular, the
coarse abrader version. It has been demonstrated that when compared
to the leading brand of sandpaper, 60 grit, on a walnut workpiece,
that the disk of the present invention demonstrated the capacity to
remove more than four times the weight of particulate material in a
given unit of time than the sandpaper and, further, was effective
more than five times longer than the same sandpaper. With
outstanding performance fully chronicled, the disks of the present
invention stand alone in the field.
[0071] It will be further understood that by following the
teachings of the present invention, devices of several different
removal capacities, as distinguished from the three sizes, coarse,
medium and fine, discussed may be made to compare to sandpaper, or
the like, of various grit sizes. It will be further appreciated
that while some abrader elements are shown as having a circular
profile while others are non circular, it is by way of example only
and varying grades of abrader elements may come in any one of
several profiles.
[0072] With reference now to FIGS. 8 through 12, it is shown that
the specific configuration of an abrader element may be effective
in several configurations. For example, an abrader element 55 is
illustrated in FIG. 8 as having an oval profile. The teeth 57, as
in the case of other abraders, face inwardly and are offset in the
manner previously described.
[0073] In FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, the profile of the abrader element is
generally circular. However, the teeth 59 are more rectangular in
profile, and, as the Figures indicate, the number of teeth may vary
according to the intended use. Each tooth, as is the case in all
variations in abrading elements, are formed with bevels along the
cutting edges defined on the periphery of each tooth.
[0074] As a means of emphasizing the objective of the present
invention to provide an omnidirectional tool, FIG. 12 graphically
illustrates that teeth 62, in this instance, teeth, like teeth 59,
may be formed in a random, non uniform, array. While not in some
uniform or symmetric pattern, the teeth are nonetheless so arrayed
that the cutting edges on a sanding device, so that when the
sanding device is moved in any direction, material will be removed
from a workpiece. It will be understood that the teeth may be
clustered on the disk in any reasonable fashion, and, in fact,
several different abrader elements may be arranged on the same disk
with individual teeth such as 59 and 62, and in different profiles
having the same rating in accordance with their ability to remove
material and create a finish.
[0075] While a discussion thus far has been with respect to an
abrading tool having special, although not exclusive, significance
for those in the wood working trade, it has been determined that
with small modifications to the disk and the various elements
thereon so as to remove only minute amounts of material, the disk
of the present invention has unexpected, yet excellent,
significance in the field of personal grooming.
[0076] Accordingly, and with reference to FIGS. 16 through 27,
several exemplary buffing element configurations, constructed in
accordance with the present invention are illustrated with some
specificity.
[0077] Referring first to FIGS. 16 and 19, a four spoke and five
spoke version is shown. A buffing element 70, is illustrative of an
essentially circular buffing element in which elongate spokes or
legs 72 and 74 define voids 76. The legs 72 and 74, as see in FIG.
17, are raised slightly from the surface of the disk 10 and the
edges thereof, 80 and 82, on legs 72, and 84 and 86 on legs 74 are
sharpened and, perhaps, honed, to create a buffing edge raised only
slightly by a predetermined amount, which, when pressed against the
surface, with modest pressure, for example, a vegetable or even a
human being, and moved across that skin, removes minute amounts of
skin resulting in the creation of a smooth surface on the vegetable
or human against which the tool is being employed. The tool is
especially effective in removing dead skin on feet, elbows and
hands where accumulations of dead skin might be present.
[0078] In a similar fashion, and with reference to FIG. 19, an
exemplary buffing element 90 is shown in which a star-shaped
configuration is present. Thus, legs 92, 93, 94, 95 and 96 meet in
the center 97 as shown, creating voids 99. The legs 92 through 96,
as shown in FIG. 20, are raised slightly above the disk 10 and the
edges 102, 103, 104, 105 and 106, are sharpened and, as needed,
honed, to create a sharp edge, as may be seen in FIGS. 18 and
21.
[0079] Next, and referring to FIGS. 22 and 25, two versions of a
six spoke buffing element are illustrated and provide a unit which
accomplishes six passes per rotation. Now referring to FIG. 22, one
such six spoke element is depicted at 110. The buffing element 110
is formed on the disk 10 in essentially the same manner attributed
to and previously discussed with respect to buffing elements 70 and
90. Accordingly, and still referring to FIG. 22, the buffing
element 110 comprises six legs or spokes 112-122, all of which meet
at the center 124 of the element. Each of the legs 112-122 are
sharpened along opposed edges 130, 131 of each, in the same manner
as the legs of FIGS. 16 and 19.
[0080] Referring to FIGS. 25 through 27, a minor variation of a six
spoked buffing element is illustrated as at 133. The buffing
element 133 comprises legs 112' through 122', all of which meet at
the center 124' of the element 133. Each of the legs 112' through
122' are sharpened on the remote edges 130' and 131'. The principal
difference between buffing elements 110 and 133 is an opening 135
at the center of the element, which serves as a locator when the
photochemical etching process is employed in the creation of the
buffing element. In every major respect, the construction of the
buffing elements 110 and 133 is, or may be, substantially identical
to the buffing elements shown in FIGS. 16 and 19.
[0081] It will be appreciated that, as in the case of the abrading
elements previously discussed, photochemical etching of the buffing
elements is a particularly effective, although not the only, means
of forming the edges of those elements on a disk, e.g., disk 10 or
similar surface. An array of buffing elements may be arranged as
described with respect to the abrading elements, or in any other
arrangement which may be appropriate, such that movement of the
disk will result in either rotation or movement of the disk in a
straight or elliptical path will, likewise, result in the effective
removal of the surface of either vegetables or dead skin, all in a
manner similar to that described with respect to the abrading
elements previously detailed.
[0082] It will be appreciated that some differences in design may
be undertaken without departure from the invention, which is
defined by the accompanying claims, wherein:
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