U.S. patent application number 12/258901 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-14 for conversion assemblage adaptable for use in combination with a surface modifying apparatus and method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to 3M Innovative Properties Company. Invention is credited to David R. Dow, Galen A. Fitzel, John G. Petersen, Allen J. Rivard.
Application Number | 20100009607 12/258901 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41505564 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100009607 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rivard; Allen J. ; et
al. |
January 14, 2010 |
CONVERSION ASSEMBLAGE ADAPTABLE FOR USE IN COMBINATION WITH A
SURFACE MODIFYING APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREOF
Abstract
The disclosure is directed to a conversion assemblage adapted
for use in converting a surface modifying mechanism, such as a pole
sander, having an attaching member. The surface modifying
assemblage and method facilitate converting the pole sander with
anyone of several different surface treating assemblages in an easy
and reliable manner as well as provides for enhanced surface
modifying efficiencies and improvements.
Inventors: |
Rivard; Allen J.; (White
Bear Lake, MN) ; Dow; David R.; (West Lakeland,
MN) ; Fitzel; Galen A.; (St.Paul, MN) ;
Petersen; John G.; (Center City, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
PO BOX 33427
ST. PAUL
MN
55133-3427
US
|
Assignee: |
3M Innovative Properties
Company
|
Family ID: |
41505564 |
Appl. No.: |
12/258901 |
Filed: |
October 27, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12170949 |
Jul 10, 2008 |
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12258901 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
451/356 ;
451/354 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B24B 7/184 20130101;
B24D 15/023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
451/356 ;
451/354 |
International
Class: |
B24B 23/00 20060101
B24B023/00; B24B 41/047 20060101 B24B041/047 |
Claims
1. A conversion assemblage adapted for use in converting a surface
modifying mechanism having an attaching member, the conversion
assemblage comprising: a substantially rigid body assembly
including first and second major surfaces opposing each other, the
first major surface is attachable to a supporting member of a
surface modifying mechanism; the second major surface is attachable
to a surface modifying member.
2. A conversion assemblage adapted for converting an abrading
apparatus having a supporting member, the assemblage comprising: a
substantially rigid body assembly including first and second major
surfaces opposing each other, the first major surface is adapted
for receiving the supporting member, and the second major surface
is attachable to a surface modifying member.
3. The conversion assemblage of claim 2, the body assembly includes
a molded member made of a relatively lightweight material.
4. The conversion assemblage of claim 2, wherein the body assembly
includes a recess therein for removably receiving therein at least
a portion of the supporting member.
5. The conversion assemblage of claim 2, further including a first
attachment assemblage on the body assembly that includes the first
major surface, and a second attachment assemblage on the body
assembly that includes the second major surface.
6. The conversion assemblage of claim 5, wherein the first
attachment assemblage includes a mechanical attachment system.
7. The conversion assemblage of claim 5, wherein the second
attachment assemblage includes a mechanical attachment system.
8. The conversion assemblage of claim 5, wherein the first
attachment assemblage on the body assembly and the second
attachment assemblage are formed on a single attaching member,
wherein the first attachment assemblage is comprised of opposing
end portions of the single attaching member that extends over
corresponding end portions of the body assembly and are securable
to clamping portions thereof, and the second attachment assemblage
is formed by an intermediate portion of the single attaching member
that is intermediate the end portions of the single attaching
member and which intermediate portion has a first major surface
that is securable to a surface modifying member.
9. The conversion assemblage of claim 7, wherein the intermediate
portion has a second major surface opposing the first major surface
and is secured to bottom surface of the body assembly.
10. The conversion assemblage of claim 2, wherein the first
attachment assemblage is comprised of at least a pair of straps
wherein each strap element is releasable securable to the other for
releasably securing the abrading apparatus to the body assembly. an
attaching member that is securable to a surface of the body
assembly and has end portions extending over corresponding end
portions of the body assembly so that each of the end portions of
the attaching member is securable to securing members on the
abrading apparatus.
11. The conversion assemblage of claim 2, wherein the body assembly
is made of a material from a group consisting of: polymeric foams,
polystyrene foams, polyurethane foams, polyolefin foams, polyester
foams, acrylic foams, and combinations thereof.
12. The conversion assemblage of claim 4, wherein the recess is
sized and shaped to receive the supporting member whereby flipping
over of the body assembly during use is inhibited.
13. The conversion assemblage of claim 2, wherein the body assembly
has a peripheral edge dimension that exceeds a peripheral edge
dimension of a supporting member.
14. The conversion assemblage of claim 2, further including a
surface modifying article having a first surface attached to the
second major surface of the body assembly, wherein the surface
modifying article has an abrasive material on a second major
surface thereof.
15. The conversion assemblage of claim 14, wherein the surface
modifying article includes a foam backed element defining a first
major surface thereof, and an abrasive article on a second major
surface of the foam backed.
16. The conversion assemblage of claim 2, wherein the body assembly
has a density in a range of about 2.50 pounds/ft..sup.3 to about
6.00 pounds/ft..sup.3.
17. A method adapted for utilizing a conversion assemblage for
converting a surface modifying mechanism having a supporting
member, the method comprising: providing a conversion assemblage
including a substantially rigid body assembly including first and
second major surfaces opposing each other, the first major surface
is attachable to the supporting member; and the second major
surface is attachable to a surface modifying member; and securing
an attaching member to the supporting member for attaching to the
first major surface.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising attaching the first
major surface to the attaching member secured on the supporting
member.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the providing of the
substantially rigid body assembly also includes providing a
lightweight material.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the providing includes
selecting at least one of a material from a group consisting of:
polymeric foams, polystyrene foams, polyurethane foams, polyolefin
foams, polyester foams, acrylic foams, and combinations thereof.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of
copending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application entitled
"Conversion Assemblage Adaptable For Use In Combination With A
Surface Modifying Apparatus And Method There" filed in the United
States Patent and Trademark Office on Jul. 10, 2008, and having
U.S. Ser. No. 12/170,949, which is incorporated herein and made a
part hereof.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present description is directed to providing a surface
modifying assemblage for use in combination with a surface
modifying apparatus. More particularly, the present description is
directed to providing a surface modifying assemblage and method
that facilitates converting a surface modifying apparatus, such as
a pole sander, with anyone of several different surface treating
assemblages in an easy and reliable manner. Surface modifying
devices, such as hand held tools, have been used for working or
modifying a wide variety of surfaces. For example, when fabricating
a structure, such as a wall or ceiling, it is sometimes necessary
to utilize a sanding device to smooth the surface of the structure.
For example, interior walls of office buildings and houses
typically use drywall panels. The drywall panels may be attached to
wood or metal frames to form interior walls and ceilings. Joints or
seams are formed along edges where the different dry wall panels
are juxtaposed to each other. Typically, the seams are covered with
a compound and smoothed. This is to give the appearance that the
seams do not exist and provide a wall that is otherwise seamless,
smooth, and flat and for increased fire protection. Screw or nail
holes are also filled with compound and sanded smooth. In some
remodeling, the entire wall is coated to smooth the surface (often
referred to as skim coating) and sanded.
[0003] Treating compounds are applied wet to the drywall to fill in
the seams and any gaps between the drywall panels. Once dry, the
compounds are typically sanded smooth. One known type of hand held
tool assembly for sanding includes a pole sanding tool that
comprises a generally rectangular sanding attachment head attached
to a handle or pole through a pivoting structure. Pole sander
attachment heads have a fixed size. An elongate sheet of sanding
paper for treating the surface is attached to the fixed sized
attachment head and usually some effort is required to properly
secure the sanding paper to the attachment head due to attaching
mechanisms of the latter. Usually the sanding paper is changed due
to wear or tearing of paper. Accordingly repeated efforts are
required to replace these sanding papers during a typical drywall
finishing operation. Sometimes replacement may take place because
different sanding grades may be used.
[0004] Moreover, sanding steps generally are repeated several times
until seams and gaps appear unnoticeable. The requirements for a
smooth and flat finish are quite demanding. Even minor blemishes
are usually found to be unacceptable. As such, repetitions of
sanding tend to add to user fatigue as well as material and labor
costs. Accordingly, the process is labor intensive and time
consuming. As a consequence, there is an interest in making the
sanding operations more efficient from a labor and time standpoint
and less fatiguing in practice.
[0005] Moreover, some pole sanding tools when manipulated have a
tendency for their attachment head to flip onto its elongate side
and thereby gouge or otherwise damage the surface being treated.
Clearly, the damage caused by flipping of pole sanders requires
additional expenditures of time and labor.
[0006] In addition, some drywall finishing operations may require
other surface modifying applications besides sanding, such as,
cleaning, painting, and the like. Accordingly, costs for treating
drywall increases due to different specialty tools and surface
modifying assemblages being required before a wall may be
wallpapered or painted. As a consequence, there is an interest in
making such operations less expensive and time consuming. As such
there is continuing interest in seeking improvements in addressing
the foregoing issues in an expeditious and cost effective
manner.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present description is directed to a conversion
assemblage for use in converting a surface modifying mechanism
having an attaching member. The conversion assemblage comprises: a
substantially rigid body assembly including first and second major
surfaces opposing each other, the first major surface is attachable
to a supporting member of a surface modifying mechanism; the second
surface is attachable to a surface modifying member.
[0008] The present description is directed to a conversion
assemblage for converting a pole sander apparatus having a
pivotally connected supporting member. The assemblage comprises: a
substantially rigid body assembly including first and second major
surfaces opposing each other, the first major surface is adapted
for receiving the supporting member, and the second major surface
is attachable to a surface modifying member.
[0009] The present description is directed to a method of
converting a surface modifying mechanism having an attaching
member. The method comprises: providing a conversion assemblage
including a body assembly made of a relatively stiff material
configured with at least a first major surface and a second major
surface opposing the first major surface; an attaching layer
connected to the second major surface; and a surface modifying
layer releasably connected to the attaching layer; and securing the
surface treating assemblage to the attaching member.
[0010] One aspect of the present description is for facilitating
the conversion of a surface modifying mechanism, such as a pole
sander or similar hand sander, with one or more conversion
assemblages that enhance versatility of the pole sander through use
of several different kinds of surface modifying articles.
[0011] Another aspect of the present description is for
accomplishing the above in a manner that improves surface modifying
efficiency and ease of worker manipulation of the surface modifying
mechanism.
[0012] Another aspect of the present description is to accomplish
the above by improving the efficiency of surface modification,
through the use of relatively large and lightweight surface
modifying assemblies in a manner that reduces user fatigue.
[0013] Another aspect of the present description is to minimize
damage to surfaces, such as gouging or otherwise marring the
surface finishes, when using surface modifying tools, such as pole
sanders and other similar devices.
[0014] Another aspect of the present description is to accomplish
the above by minimizing flipping of a pole sander during use.
[0015] Another aspect of the present description is to accomplish
the above by minimizing the tearing of surface modifying sheets,
such as abrasive sanding sheets during surface treating.
[0016] Another aspect of the present description is to facilitate
conversions of surface modifying devices, such as pole sanders,
using conversion assemblages of the kinds noted above that include
restraining devices that enable secure, reliable, and quick
couplings and decouplings.
[0017] Another aspect of the present description is to accomplish
the above in a manner that is cost effective to manufacture,
assemble, and use.
[0018] The aspects described herein are merely a few of the several
that can be achieved by using the present description. The
foregoing descriptions thereof do not suggest that the present
description must only be utilized in a specific manner to attain
the foregoing aspects.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of
a conversion assemblage being mounted on a pole sander
attachment;
[0020] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the conversion
assemblage of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment
of a conversion assemblage being mounted on a pole sander
attachment;
[0022] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the conversion
assemblage of FIG. 3.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment
of a conversion assemblage having an improved restraining
arrangement.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary
embodiment of a conversion assemblage having an improved
restraining arrangement.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 6, but
illustrating a hand sander instead of a pole sander.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The present description is directed to a conversion
assemblage and method that facilitates converting a surface
modifying apparatus or tool so as to make the latter more
versatile, especially in a manner for improving surface modifying
efficiency as well as minimizing damage to the surface being
treated and any surface modifying article being utilized.
[0027] The words "an," and "the" are used interchangeably with "at
least one" to mean one or more of the elements being described. By
using words of orientation, such as "top," "bottom," "overlying,"
"front," and "back" and the like for the location of various
elements in the disclosed articles, we refer to the relative
position of an element with respect to a horizontally-disposed body
portion.
[0028] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one exemplary embodiment of a
surface modifying mechanism 10, such as a pole sanding device 10
for treating a generally planar working surface, such as a wall,
ceiling or other similar structures. While one embodiment of a pole
sander device is described and illustrated, it will be appreciated
that other versions may be used, such as those that include wing
nut and attaching clamps. Also, while a pole sanding device 10 is
described, the present description envisions that a variety of hand
tools may be used within the spirit and scope of the present
description. In addition, while abrading a surface as by sanding is
described hereinafter; the present description envisions other
surface treating methods, such as cleaning, painting and the like.
While a pole sanding hand tool is described as being non-motorized,
it will be appreciated that the hand tool may be motorized and/or
provided with additional devices, such as a vacuum device and the
like.
[0029] FIGS. 1 & 2 illustrate one exemplary embodiment of a
conversion assemblage 12 of present description that is adapted for
converting the pole sander device 10 having a pole sander head 14,
supporting member 14, or attachment member 14. In the illustrated
exemplary embodiment, the conversion assemblage 12 is adapted for
use in conversion of a surface modifying mechanism 10, such as a
manually powered pole sander device 10. Pole sanders are typically
used to reach areas, such as drywall areas, that are beyond arms
reach of a user.
[0030] In FIG. 1, the pole sander head 14 or attachment member 14
is to be coupled to an extension pole 16 or handle 16, a portion of
which is illustrated. Pole sander devices that may be used in the
exemplary embodiments are commercially available. The extension
pole 16 is to be manually operated by a user interested in treating
a wall surface (not shown). The pole sander head 14 or attachment
member 14 includes a pivoting or universal joint 18 mounted on a
generally flat and elongated rectangular plate 20 having a bottom
surface 21. The plate 20 may be made of a relatively rigid plastic
or metal. The pivoting or universal joint 18 on the top surface of
the plate 20, includes a sleeve 24 rotatably mounted on a pin 26
extending between two bearings 28 for rotation parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the plate 20. A pole mounting fixture 30 is
pivotally mounted to the sleeve 24 for rotation transverse to the
longitudinal axis of the plate 20 about a pin 32. The pole mounting
fixture 30 has an internal threaded fitting (not shown) for
receiving an extension pole 16 in a known manner. It will be
understood, however, that the scope of the present application
extends to other forms of attaching a pole to the plate 20 which
permit the pole to pivot longitudinally and laterally with respect
to the plate 20, e.g., a ball and socket joint.
[0031] In some sanding situations, the bottom surface 21 of the
pole sander head 14 may be without any material added thereto. In
the illustrated embodiment, the pole sander head 14 may have a
backup pad 36, such as made of Neoprene.TM. or a foam secured to
the bottom of the plate 20. Typically, with most pole sanders an
abrasive sanding paper (not shown) is added to conform to the size
and shape of the backup pad 36. During usage of known sanding pole
sanders, as noted above, sanding papers tend to become easily
damaged, such as when striking edges or the like. In addition, the
relatively small size of the backup pad and thereby the surface
area being sanded tends to limit the efficiency of the sanding
operation. In addition, there is very little versatility with known
pole sanders since they are primarily used as sanding devices and
are not generally capable of performing other surface treating
applications.
[0032] According to the present description, conversion of a pole
sander head 14 to accommodate the conversion assemblage 12 may
commence with adding an attaching member 42. This may be done prior
to adding the conversion assemblage 12 to the pole sander device
10. The attaching member 42 may be shaped and sized to generally
match the size and shape of the pole sander head 14. The attaching
member 42 may be provided with opposing first and second major
surfaces 43, 44, respectively. The major surface 43 may be attached
to the bottom surface 21 permanently as by an adhesive.
Alternatively, the major surface 43 may be releasably attached to
the bottom surface 21 by a pressure sensitive adhesive. While not
illustrated, the present description envisions that the surfaces 21
and 43 may be joined by a releasable mechanical fastening device.
In this exemplary embodiment, the attaching member 42 may be at
least one strip that encompasses the surface area of the backup pad
36. The major surface 44 may include one or more strips of a hook
and loop system element 46, such as hook members 46.
[0033] The conversion assemblage 12 in the illustrated exemplary
embodiment is defined as a relatively rigid and lightweight body
assembly 50. The body assembly 50 defines a first and second major
surface 52, 54, respectively. It will be appreciated that the body
assembly 50 may have a variety of shapes and sizes. To facilitate
the sanding operation, the second major surface 54 has an area that
is significantly larger than the area of the attachment head 14. In
the exemplary embodiment, the body assembly 50 has a generally
rectangular shape that is significantly larger than the attachment
head, such as in the order of about 50% to about 150% larger. Of
course, the present description is not limited to any such
increases in size. A recess 56 in the body assembly 50 that, in
part, defines the first major surface is sized to accommodate
therein the pole sander head 14 including the attaching member 42,
much in the manner that is illustrated in the drawings. The recess
may be sized and shaped to receive the supporting member so that
its center of gravity is close to a center of gravity of the body
assembly, whereby flipping over of the body assembly during use is
inhibited. Because the attachment makes the surface modifying
mechanism wider, it tends to flatten the angle between the pivot
point 32 and the edge of the surface modifying mechanism.
[0034] The body assembly 50 is made of a molded lightweight, low
density, relatively strong, and stiff thermoplastic, thermosetting,
or cast metal material. The rigidity is useful from a standpoint of
enabling a user to apply pressure more uniformly to a surface
modifying article being carried thereby. A rigid backing for
abrasives tends to make for a flatter finish provided by the
abrasives. The low density and generally lightweight construction
allows the molded body assembly 50 to be relatively easily handled
by a user. This tends to lower fatigue during use. In addition, the
rigid and lightweight construction enables formation of relatively
larger surface abrading areas without drawbacks of additional
weight. Also, the low density and relatively rigid construction
enables formation of a relatively stiff raised edge, compared to
conventional pole sander attachment head backup pad. This is
particularly useful for abrading in corners, such as between
ceilings and wall surfaces. The raised edge of the attachment
provides stiffness thereby keeping the surface modifying mechanism
generally flat. The relatively raised edge tends to lessen the
likelihood of abrasive surfaces, such as paper type abrasives
articles, being torn or otherwise damaged. Also, the material of
the present description is intended to be reusable, thereby
enhancing overall versatility of the conversion assembly, since
many different surface modifying articles may be added thereto.
Accordingly, the body assembly 50 may dispense with the need for
requiring different tools that carried different surface modifying
articles.
[0035] In the exemplary embodiment, the present description
envisions use of a molded polystyrene foam material that has a
relatively low density. For example, the density may be in the
order of about 2.50 pounds/ft..sup.3 to about 6.00 pounds/ft..sup.3
The molded polystyrene foam may be open or closed cell although in
the exemplary embodiment it is a closed cell type. Other suitable
materials may be used, such as but not limited to polymeric foams,
such as, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, polyolefins, polyesters, and
combinations thereof.
[0036] Referring back to the recess 56, it includes an attachment
assemblage that may include a plurality of pads 60 having exposed
loop type fastening elements (not shown) that are adapted to
releasably and engage and attach to the hook elements on the
attaching member 42. While a plurality of pads 60 are disclosed, a
single pad may be used instead. In addition, the present
description envisions use of other releasable attachment mechanisms
including a smooth surface that could cooperate with a pressure
sensitive adhesive attaching member.
[0037] Connected to the second major surface is an attachment
assemblage or layer 70 for use in releasable connection to a
surface modifying member 80. In the exemplary embodiment, the
attachment layer 70 may be a pad 72 having openings 73 that reduce
weight and have projecting hooks 74 on a bottom major surface
thereof, whereas the upper major surface may have a pressure
sensitive adhesive layer 76 for releasable attachment to the second
major surface 54. The hooks 74 are adapted to releasably engage the
surface modifying member 80. In the exemplary embodiment, the
surface modifying member 80 may be a foam backed abrasive article
80. The foam backed abrasive article 80 includes a foam back
attachment layer 82 that has a working surface 84 which includes
abrasive particles 84 coated thereto. The foam attachment layer 82
may be made of a relatively thin and lightweight material. The
abrasives may be made of any suitable material. Because of the
versatility of the present description, different abrasive grades
for sanding may be used, such as 100, 120 and 150. These examples
are merely illustrative and are not considered limiting. In one
exemplary embodiment, the foam back attachment layer 82 may be
lightweight polyurethane, such as molded open cell polyurethane. In
other embodiments, synthetic polymer foams, such as, polyurethanes,
Neoprene.TM., styrenebutadiene rubber, polyethylenes, acrylic
foams, and combinations thereof may be used. The thickness of the
foam back attachment layer 82 may be in the order of about 1-5 mm.
Other exemplary examples may include sanding pads that are
commercially available from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minn. and
typically have thickness of about 5 mm (or 0.127 inches or 127
mils). Another example includes an abrasive foam backup of about
2-3 mm or 50 to 75 mils up to the about 5 mm. Backup pads on pole
sander may have a thickness in a range of about 1/8 inch to about
1/4 inch. It will be appreciated that if the foam back attachment
layer 82 extends beyond the edges of the body assembly 50, there
will be less of a likelihood of damage ( e.g., grooves) occurring
to a wall at a corner that is engaged by the surface modifying
apparatus because of initial engagement by the relatively soft foam
against such a wall. Similarly, if one or more edges of the body
assembly 50 is offset relative to the foam back attachment layer or
sanding paper layer, the body assembly will not cause damage to a
wall at a corner wall.
[0038] In another one exemplary embodiment, such a foam backed
attachment layer may be commercially available from 3M Company, St.
Paul, Minn. under the trade name Sandblaster.TM.. While foam backed
abrasive article may be used, other coupling mechanisms for
coupling a surface modifying abrasive mechanisms may be used. For
example, the present description envisions all kinds of releasable
attachment mechanisms, including, but not limited, to a wide
variety of hook and loop fastening elements or mechanisms or the
like. Some fastening elements include solid protrusions including a
stem and an expanded region or head that may take a variety of
shapes. Exemplary patents describing this latter type of a fastener
include: U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,192,589 and 5,097,570. Another type of
fastening element including a multiplicity of intermeshing solid
protrusions is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,259. An example of
a suitable hook and loop mechanism is commercially available from
3M Company, St. Paul, Minn. under the trade name designations
Hookit.TM. and Hookit.TM. II. Other suitable configurations of hook
and loop attachments are within the scope of the present
disclosure. Also, any suitable adhesive system including any kind
of pressure-sensitive adhesive may be used instead of the hook and
loop arrangements.
[0039] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3 & 4 for illustrating
another exemplary embodiment of the present description which is
similar to FIGS. 1 & 2. Accordingly, similar structure is
represented by similar reference numerals with the addition,
however of the prefix "1". Differences of this embodiment to the
foregoing include the body assembly 150 may be a two-piece upper
and lower 150a and 150b, respectively, construction made of
suitable plastic, such as expanded polystyrene, polyethylene, ABS,
and Neoprene.TM., and combination thereof. In addition, the foam
backed surface modifying article 180 may be provided with openings
185 therein for reducing weight of the overall conversion
assemblage.
[0040] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment
of a conversion assemblage 512 including a body assembly 550 having
a first attachment assemblage 551 or restraining assembly 551 for
use in easily, releaseably, and securely holding the surface
modifying tool (not shown), such as a pole sander of the type
depicted in FIG. 1. The body assembly 550 is made of a molded
lightweight, low density, relatively strong, and stiff
thermoplastic material of the kinds noted above. The rigidity is
useful from a standpoint of enabling a user to apply pressure more
uniformly to a surface modifying article being carried thereby. A
rigid backing for abrasives tends to make for a flatter finish
provided by the abrasives. The low density and generally
lightweight construction allows the molded body assembly 550 to be
relatively easily handled by a user. In the illustrated embodiment,
the restraining assembly 551 may include one or more pairs of
flexible restraining straps 552 and 554. In the illustrated
embodiment, two pairs of restraining straps 552 and 554 are
depicted for purposes of illustration. Each pair of straps may be
secured together by a releaseable securing mechanism 556. The
straps 552 and 554 may be comprised of elongated and generally
flexible bodies having generally planar opposing sides. The straps
552 and 554 are in a recess for receiving the attachment head of
the pole sander. In the illustrated embodiment, the releasable
securing mechanism 556 may include a hook-and-loop fastener
arrangement for providing a releasable fastener arrangement. In
this regard, the end portions of the restraining straps 552 and 554
may have corresponding and mating hook 558 and loop 560 portions
that selectively couple and decouple them together. It will be
appreciated that the restraining assembly 551, as arranged, is
adapted to fit over the attachment head (not shown) of the pole
sander ( not shown) to secure it to the conversion assemblage 512.
As such, the restraining assembly 551 is intended to allow a quick
connect and disconnect of the pole sander from the conversion
assemblage of the present description, but at the same time
restrain the two together to prevent relative movement during
surface modification procedures. The restraining straps 552 and 554
may be made of any suitable materials, such as cloth plastic,
leather, and combinations thereof. While a hook-and-loop releasable
fastener arrangement is illustrated as a releasable securing
mechanism 556, the present description envisions that any other
suitable approaches may be used. These other approaches include,
but are not limited to, buckle arrangements, sliding engaging
fasteners, locking pawls, latches, snap-fitting devices, pressure
sensitive adhesive tapes, magnetic devices, slidable or pivoting
members on the conversion assemblage that slide or pivot over the
attachment head to restrain the latter to the former. Also, the
present description envisions that the restraining assembly may be
made of any of a wide variety of structures and materials to
achieve a secure coupling of the conversion assemblage and the
surface modifying apparatus. The restraining assembly 551 may
include, but not be limited to, the following materials including,
but not limited to cloth, plastic, leather, and suitable materials
as well as combinations thereof. Also, the restraining assembly may
include, but are not limited to, buckle arrangements, sliding
engaging fasteners, locking pawls, latches, snap-fitting devices,
pressure sensitive adhesive tapes, magnetic devices, slidable or
pivoting members on the conversion assemblage that slide or pivot
over the attachment head to restrain the latter to the former.
[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of the
present description. In this exemplary embodiment, a surface
modifying tool 610, such as a known type of pole sander 610 is
adapted to be used in combination with a conversion assemblage 612.
In this exemplary embodiment, the pole sander 610 includes an
attachment head 614 that may be quickly and easily coupled together
with the conversion assemblage 612 as will be described. In this
exemplary embodiment, the pole sander attachment head 614 includes
a typical pair of clamps 616 at opposite ends thereof that are
threadedly secured thereto as by wing nuts or the like so as to be
appropriately raised and lowered for securing purposes as will be
described. Typically, such clamps, as noted above, act to secure
ends of abrasive sheets to the attachment head. The attachment head
614 typically includes a resilient element 618 made of Neoprene.TM.
or other suitable material and is disposed on a bottom surface
thereof
[0042] In this exemplary embodiment, the conversion assemblage 612
provides for side loading of the pole sander attachment head 614.
The conversion assemblage 612 includes a body assembly 620 similar
to that described above in FIGS. 1 & 2. As such, the body
assembly 620 maybe made of a molded lightweight, low density,
relatively strong, and stiff thermoplastic, thermosetting or cast
materials of the kinds noted above. The rigidity is useful from a
standpoint of enabling a user to apply pressure more uniformly to a
surface modifying article being carried thereby. A rigid backing
for abrasives tends to make for a flatter finish provided by the
abrasives. The low density and generally lightweight construction
allows the molded body assembly 620 to be relatively easily handled
by a user. However, one difference of this embodiment from the
previous embodiment is provision of a lateral opening 622 that
allows sliding insertion and removal of the pole sander attachment
head so that it may be accommodated as by nesting in a recess 624
as illustrated. Alternatively, just a lower edge may work well to
slide the tool into a shallow cavity. As in the previous
embodiment, the body assembly 620 may also have a variety of shapes
and sizes. To facilitate a sanding operation, a major surface 626
on the bottom has an area that is significantly larger than the
area of the attachment head 614. In the exemplary embodiment, the
body assembly 620 may also have a generally rectangular shape that
is significantly larger than the attachment head, such as in the
order of about 50% to about 150% larger. Of course, the present
description is not limited to any such increases in size. The
recess 624 may be sized and shaped to receive the supporting member
so that its center of gravity is close to a center of gravity of
the body assembly, whereby flipping over of the body assembly
during use is inhibited.
[0043] In this exemplary embodiment, provision is made for a
versatile attaching member 642 that may be a single member and acts
to not only secure the conversions assemblage 612 to the pole
sander 610, but also serves to secure a surface modifying
member(not shown), such as an abrasive pad (not shown). The surface
modifying member may be similar to that described in the embodiment
depicted in FIGS. 1-2. In this embodiment, the attaching member 642
includes both a first attachment assemblage and a second attachment
assemblage. The first attachment assemblage thereof is adapted to
secure the conversion assemblage 612 to the pole sander 610 and the
second attachment assemblage is adapted to secure the conversion
assemblage to surface modifying member. As such, the attaching
member 642 may be an elongated strip that has opposing longitudinal
end portions 644 and 646 with wings 644a, 646a that form part of
the first attachment mechanism and are to be clamped by the clamps
616. The attaching member 642 may be shaped and sized to generally
match the size and shape of the body assembly 620. The attaching
member 642 may be provided with opposing first and second major
surfaces 648, 650, respectively. In the present illustrated
exemplary embodiment, the first major surface 648, intermediate the
end portions may form the second attachment assemblage and may be
attached permanently to a bottom surface 626 of the body assembly
620 by any suitable approach that includes, but is not limited to
adhesives, clamps or the like. Additionally, the attaching member
642 may be a separate part that is releasably secured to a bottom
surface of the body assembly 620. Any suitable mechanism for
releasably securing the attaching member 642 to the body assembly
620 is contemplated and may include, but not be limited to,
pressure sensitive adhesives, mechanical hook-and-loop fastener
arrangements, or the like and combinations thereof. The second
major surface 650 may include one or more strip portions of a hook
and loop system element 652, such as hook members 652 or
alternatively loop members. The hook members 652 are adapted to
engage an appropriate surface of a corresponding surface modifying
article, such as of the types noted above. As in the other
embodiments, the present exemplary embodiment envisions other
releasable attachment mechanisms. The hook members 652 enable quick
and reliable securing of a surface modifying article thereto. FIG.
7 illustrates a surface modifying mechanism similar to FIG. 6 and
the same reference numerals are used to designate the same
structure with, however, a handle 670 being used instead of a pole
sander attachment.
[0044] This present description may take on various modifications
and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope.
Accordingly, this present description is not limited to the
above-described embodiments, but is to be controlled by limitations
set forth in the following claims and any equivalents thereof. This
present description also may be suitably practiced in the absence
of any element not specifically disclosed herein. All patents and
publications noted above, including any in the Background section
are incorporated by reference into this document in total.
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