U.S. patent application number 11/839980 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-19 for sanding tool.
Invention is credited to Darlene K. Collins.
Application Number | 20090047882 11/839980 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40363343 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090047882 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Collins; Darlene K. |
February 19, 2009 |
Sanding Tool
Abstract
A sanding tool for sanding corners. This tool includes an
elongated V-shaped member structured to uniformly contact adjacent
corner positions; a sandpaper securing device configured to secure
the sandpaper thereon. The device includes: a pair of threaded
elongated members; a pair of adjustment mechanisms, having: a
clamping member sized to be substantially parallel with the
elongated V-shaped member, a first bracing member; and a securing
bolt in the form of wing nuts; and a user interface system,
configured to enable a user to operate the sanding tool. The user
interface further includes: a pair of bracing members inserted into
the elongated V-shaped member; a coupling mechanism, in the form of
a plate having a socket thereon; a gripping member in the form of a
handle, configured to enable a user to grasp the sanding tool.
Inventors: |
Collins; Darlene K.; (West
Lafayette, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ADVANTIA LAW GROUP
9035 SOUTH 1300 EAST, SUITE 200
SANDY
UT
84094
US
|
Family ID: |
40363343 |
Appl. No.: |
11/839980 |
Filed: |
August 16, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
451/524 ;
451/557 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B24D 15/02 20130101;
B24D 15/105 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
451/524 ;
451/557 |
International
Class: |
B24D 15/00 20060101
B24D015/00 |
Claims
1. A sanding tool for sanding corners, comprising: an elongated
V-shaped member, configured to uniformly contact adjacent corner
positions, including a contact side; and a support side; a
sandpaper securing device, configured to secure the sandpaper to
the contact side, including: a pair of elongated members coupled to
opposing medial ends of the support side and extending outwardly
therefrom; an pair of adjustment mechanisms each removably coupled
to one of the elongated members, each adjustment mechanism
including: a securing member comprising: a clamping member sized to
be substantially parallel with the elongated V-shaped member having
a hole disposed therein, sized to receive one of the elongated
members; a first bracing member having a hole disposed therein,
sized to receive one of the elongated members; and a securing bolt,
sized to encase the elongated members; wherein the first bracing
member is inserted into the clamping member and transversely
coupled to the clamping member at opposing ends of the first
bracing member; and a user interface system, configured to enable a
user to operate the sanding tool including: a pair of second
bracing members inserted into the elongated V-shaped member and
transversely coupled to the elongated V-shaped member at opposing
ends of the second bracing members; a coupling mechanism, removably
coupled to each of the second bracing members; and a gripping
member, configured to enable a user to grasp the sanding tool,
removably coupled to the coupling mechanism; wherein the gripping
member is a U-shaped handle.
2. (canceled)
3. The sanding tool of claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism is a
plate which includes a socket, configured to receive the gripping
member.
4. The sanding tool of claim 3, wherein the gripping member is a
pole.
5. The sanding tool of claim 4, wherein the elongated members are
threaded.
6. The sanding tool of claim 5, wherein the securing bolt is a wing
nut.
7. A sanding tool for sanding corners, consisting of: an elongated
V-shaped member, configured to uniformly contact adjacent corner
positions, including a contact side; and a support side; a
sandpaper securing device, configured to secure the sandpaper to
the contact side, including: a pair of elongated members coupled to
opposing medial ends of the support side and extending outwardly
therefrom; an pair of adjustment mechanisms each removably coupled
to each of the elongated members, each adjustment mechanism
including: a clamping member sized to be substantially parallel
with the elongated V-shaped member having a hole disposed therein,
sized to receive one of the elongated members; a first bracing
member having a hole disposed therein, sized to receive one of the
elongated members; and a securing bolt, sized to encase the
elongated members; wherein the first bracing member is inserted
into the clamping member and transversely coupled to the clamping
member at opposing ends of the first bracing member; and a user
interface device, configured to enable a user to operate the
sanding tool including: a pair of second bracing members inserted
into the elongated V-shaped member and transversely coupled to the
elongated V-shaped member at opposing ends of the second bracing
members; a coupling mechanism, removably coupled to each of the
second bracing members: and a gripping member, configured to enable
a user to grasp the sanding tool, removably coupled to the coupling
mechanism; wherein the gripping member is a U-shaped handle.
8. (canceled)
9. The sanding tool of claim 9, wherein the coupling mechanism is a
plate which includes a socket, configured to receive the gripping
member.
10. The sanding tool of claim 9, wherein the gripping member is a
pole.
11. The sanding tool of claim 10, wherein the elongated members are
threaded.
12. The sanding tool of claim 11, wherein the securing bolt is a
wing nut.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to sanding tools, specifically
sanding corners between adjoining structures.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] In the related art, it has been known to use sanding tools
to perform dry wall construction or the like. Many construction
workers typically place sheets of plaster-filled substances on wall
surfaces and the joints between the sheets are filled and taped in
order to conceal the joints. When finishing construction work,
users routinely sand joints to reduce the level of tape and the
plaster substance to similar levels as the sheets. Though there are
many sanding tools in the marketplace to adequately complete
construction work, the user still faces some difficulty in sanding
interfaces and corners between adjoining walls or structures in a
building. Some improvements have been made in the field. Examples
include but are not limited to the references described below,
which references are incorporated by reference herein:
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,597, issued to Matechuk, discloses a
hand sanding tool for sanding corner joints in dry wall
construction comprises a resilient foam block shaped to fit the
corner and faced with suitable abrasive grit. A carrier is provided
for demountably supporting the foam block and properly distributing
the force over the faces of the foam block. The carrier is mounted
on a handle by a simple universal joint and the handle is arranged
to receive an extension piece.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,708, issued to Miles, discloses a device
that is provided for sanding the drywall compound formed along a
drywall corner. The device includes a base and a pad holder, the
pad holder being adapted to receive and hold a drywall sanding pad.
More particularly, the pad holder is in the form of a generally
V-shaped plate that conforms to the shape of the drywall sanding
pad. The drywall sanding pad and the pad holder can be provided as
an integral component or in the alternative, the drywall sanding
pad can be detachably secure to the pad holder through a fastener
arrangement such as through an array of hook and loop
fasteners.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,279,130, issued to Nelson, discloses a
corner sander for finishing dry plaster wall corners after
application of taping thereto.
[0008] U.S. Design Pat. No. D373,715, issued to Fink, discloses an
ornamental design for a drywall angle sander.
[0009] The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of
disadvantages which include: being inconvenient, having limited
versatility to sand various areas; and/or being unable to
sufficiently retain sandpaper thereon.
[0010] What is needed is a sanding tool that solves one or more of
the problems described herein and/or one or more problems that may
come to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becoming
familiar with this specification.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention has been developed in response to the
present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the
problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved
by currently available sanding tools. Accordingly, the present
invention has been developed to provide a sanding tool for sanding
corners of structures.
[0012] There is one embodiment of a sanding tool for sanding
corners of structures that may have: an elongated V-shaped member
that may be configured to uniformly contact adjacent corner
positions, and/or may include a contact side and/or a support side;
a sandpaper securing device may be configured to secure the
sandpaper to the contact side.
[0013] According to one embodiment, there is a sandpaper securing
device may further include: a pair of elongated members that may be
coupled to opposing medial ends of the support side and may extend
outwardly therefrom; and/or a pair of adjustment mechanisms,
wherein each may be removably coupled to one of the elongated
members. In addition, each adjustment mechanism may include: a
clamping member that may be sized to be substantially parallel with
the elongated V-shaped member having a hole disposed therein,
and/or may be sized to receive one of the elongated members; and/or
a first bracing member that may have a hole disposed therein,
and/or may be sized to receive one of the elongated members; and/or
a securing bolt that may be sized to encase the elongated members,
wherein the first bracing member may be inserted into the clamping
member and/or may be transversely coupled to the clamping member at
opposing ends of the first bracing member.
[0014] There is also a user interface device that may be configured
to enable a user to operate the sanding tool that may include: a
pair of second bracing members that may be inserted into the
elongated V-shaped member and/or may be transversely coupled to the
elongated V-shaped member at opposing ends of the second bracing
members; and/or a coupling mechanism that may be removably coupled
to each of the second bracing members; and/or a gripping member
that may be configured to enable a user to grasp the sanding tool,
and/or may be removably coupled to the coupling mechanism.
[0015] According to one embodiment, the gripping member may be in
form of a handle and/or may be in the form of a pole.
[0016] In another embodiment, the coupling mechanism may be in the
form of a plate that may include a socket, wherein the socket may
be configured to receive the gripping member.
[0017] In yet another embodiment, the elongated members may be
threaded and the securing bolt may be in the form of a wing
nut.
[0018] In still yet another embodiment, there may be foamy material
or the like coupled to the contact side of the elongated V-shaped
member.
[0019] Reference throughout this specification to features,
advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the
features and advantages that may be realized with the present
invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the
invention. Rather, language referring to the features and
advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,
advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present
invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and
similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not
necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
[0020] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and
characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art
will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or
more of the specific features or advantages of a particular
embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages
may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in
all embodiments of the invention.
[0021] These features and advantages of the present invention will
become more fully apparent from the following description and
appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention
as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily
understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly
described above will be rendered by reference to specific
embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings.
Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments
of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be
limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sanding tool, according to
one embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a sanding tool taken
along line 2-2 illustrated in FIG. 1, according to one embodiment;
and
[0025] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a sandpaper securing device,
according to one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the
exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific
language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be
understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is
thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the
inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional
applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated
herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and
having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within
the scope of the invention.
[0027] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment,"
"an embodiment," or similar language means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "one
embodiment," "an embodiment," and similar language throughout this
specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same
embodiment, different embodiments, or component parts of the same
or different illustrated invention. Additionally, reference to the
wording "an embodiment," or the like, for two or more features,
elements, etc. does not mean that the features are related,
dissimilar, the same, etc. The use of the term "an embodiment," or
similar wording, is merely a convenient phrase to indicate optional
features, which may or may not be part of the invention as
claimed.
[0028] Each statement of an embodiment is to be considered
independent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use
of similar or identical language characterizing each embodiment.
Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as "another
embodiment," the identified embodiment is independent of any other
embodiments characterized by the language "another embodiment." The
independent embodiments are considered to be able to be combined in
whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or art may
direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or
explicitly.
[0029] Finally, the fact that the wording "an embodiment," or the
like, does not appear at the beginning of every sentence in the
specification, such as is the practice of some practitioners, is
merely a convenience for the reader's clarity. However, it is the
intention of this application to incorporate by reference the
phrasing "an embodiment," and the like, at the beginning of every
sentence herein where logically possible and appropriate.
[0030] As used herein, "comprising," "including," "containing,"
"is, are," "characterized by," and grammatical equivalents thereof
are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional
unrecited elements or method steps. "Comprising" is to be
interpreted as including the more restrictive terms "consisting of"
and "consisting essentially of."
[0031] Looking to the drawing figures, there is one embodiment of a
sanding tool 110 for sanding corners 44 between adjoining
structures 46. The tool 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, includes an
elongated V-shaped member 12 having a contact side 14 and support
side 16. Non-limiting examples of such structures may include
drywalls, wooden walls, etc. Also as shown in FIG. 1, the V-shaped
member is configured to uniformly contact corners 44 connecting
adjacent structures 46 such as building walls. A user may engage
the contact side of the V-shape member with the structure 46 in
order to smooth out rough protrusions, and/or edges in dry wall
plaster substances, paint, etc. thereon. Non-limiting examples of
such protrusions and/or rough edges may include: unevenly painted
areas, areas of excess plaster/paint, embedded particles such as
dust, dirt, etc. The support side 16 side of the V-shaped member
includes a plurality of members configured to help to retain the
rigidness of the of the V-shaped member, as well as a user
interface system 34 that enables the user to handle and manipulate
the tool as a means to apply sandpaper to corners of structures
46.
[0032] According to one embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, there is a
sandpaper securing device 18 configured to retain sandpaper 15 onto
the tool 10. The securing device includes: a pair of threaded
elongated members 20 fixedly coupled to the apex of the V-shaped
members 12 at opposing medial ends of the support side 16 and
extending outwardly therefrom; a pair of adjustment mechanisms 22
comprised of the elongated member 20, securing bolt 32, and
clamping members 26. Additionally, the adjustment mechanisms are
removably coupled to the elongated members 20 (also referred to as
threaded screws) via the rotatable securing bolts 32, as indicated
by arrow 48.
[0033] Moreover, the adjustment mechanisms 22 shown in FIGS. 2 and
3 further includes: a pair of clamping members 26 sized to be
substantially parallel with the elongated V-shaped member 20 having
a hole 28 disposed therein; a first bracing member 30 having a hole
28 disposed therein and sized to receive the elongated members 20;
and a securing bolt 32 that may be sized to encase the elongated
members. The hole 28 in the securing bolt 32 (also referred to as
wing nut) is sized to for the bolt be threadedly and rotatably
coupleable to the elongated members 20, thereby enabling the user
to adjustably move the adjustment mechanism toward or away from the
V-shaped member 12, as indicated by arrow 50 in FIG. 3. The bracing
member may coupled onto the elongated members through the hole 28
at the apex of the clamping members and transversely coupled to the
clamping member at opposing ends thereof.
[0034] According to one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 1, there
is a user interface device 34, configured to enable a user to
operate the sanding tool 10 having: a pair of second bracing
members 36 configured to be inserted into the elongated V-shaped
member 12 and transversely coupled to the elongated V-shaped member
at opposing ends thereof; and coupling mechanism 38, in the form of
a plate, that is removably coupled to each of the bracing members
36; and a gripping member 40, in the form of a U-shaped handle,
designed to enable a user to grasp the sanding tool, and removably
couple the handle 40 to the bracing members 36 via sockets 42.
[0035] In operation, a user desiring to sand corners 44 and
adjoining structures 46 simultaneously may removably couple
sandpaper 15 to the contact side 14 of the elongated V-shaped
member 12. The user can accomplish the task by folding the
sandpaper over the top and bottom edges of the V-shaped member as
shown in FIG. 1, such that the sandpaper is positioned between the
V-shaped member and clamping member 26 of the sandpaper securing
device in shown in FIG. 3. The user then may slidably move the
adjustment mechanism 22 about the threaded screw 20 toward the
V-shaped member, as indicated by arrow 50, until the clamping
member 26 contacts the sandpaper. The user then may rotate the wing
nut 32 clockwise, as indicated by arrow 48, in FIG. 1, to tighten
the nut in order for the adjustment mechanism to tightly contact
the sandpaper.
[0036] The user may then removably couple the U-shaped handle 40 to
bracing members 36 on the support side 16 of the tool 10 via the
sockets 42 disposed on the coupling mechanism 38. Afterwards, the
user can grab the handle with either hand an engage the sandpaper
15 on the contact side 14 with the corners 44 between adjoining
structures 46 and move the tool 10 up and down to complete a
sanding job.
[0037] Upon completion of a sanding job and/or when there is a need
to exchange sandpaper 15, the user may decouple the sandpaper from
the V-shaped member 12 by turning the wing nut 32 counterclockwise
to loosen the nut, as indicated by arrow 48 in FIG. 1. This will
enable the user to slidably move the adjustment mechanism 22 away
from the V-shaped member until there is a gap 24 between the
V-shaped member and clamping members 26 as shown in FIG. 3, thereby
allowing the user to remove sandpaper from the tool 10.
[0038] In other embodiments of the present invention, the user may
removably couple an extension pole to the bracing members 36 in
lieu of the handle 40 as a means to sand corners 44 between
adjoining structures 46 near hard to reach areas such as the
ceiling.
[0039] In yet another embodiment, there may be padding material
coupled to the contact side 14 of the V-shaped member 12. When a
user couples sandpaper 15 to the tool 10, the foamy material will
be positioned between the V-shaped member and the sandpaper,
thereby serving as a cushioning mechanism to soften the V-shaped
member surface in order to avoid potential to corners 44 and
adjoining structures 46 due to a user inadvertently applying
excessive force to the tool while sanding structures. Non-limiting
examples of such padding material may include foam, rubber,
etc.
[0040] The present invention fulfills the need for an easier and
faster method for the user to sand the interfaces between adjoining
structures 46 at any corners 44 simultaneously, instead of sanding
these surfaces individually.
[0041] It is understood that the above-described embodiments are
only illustrative of the application of the principles of the
present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other
specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claim rather
than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within
the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
[0042] Although FIG. 1 illustrates the gripping member 40 being in
the form of a handle, the gripping member may be in the form of a
extension pole, enabling the user to sand corners 44 between
adjoining structures 46 in hard to reach areas such as ceilings,
etc.
[0043] It is expected that there could be numerous variations of
the design of this invention. An example is that the V-shaped
member 12; securing device 18; screws 20; adjustment mechanisms 22;
clamping members 26; holes 28; bracing members 30, 36; wing nuts
32; coupling mechanism 38; handle 40; and/or socket 42 may vary in
width, length, size, diameter, design, shape, etc., according to
various embodiments.
[0044] Finally, it is envisioned that the components of the device
may be constructed of a variety of materials, such as metal, steel,
aluminum, metal alloys, etc.
[0045] Thus, while the present invention has been fully described
above with particularity and detail in connection with what is
presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment
of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to,
variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of
operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the
principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the
claims.
* * * * *