U.S. patent application number 16/595036 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-08 for method and apparatus for forming holes.
The applicant listed for this patent is Paul LUCCIA. Invention is credited to Paul LUCCIA.
Application Number | 20210101248 16/595036 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004428582 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-08 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210101248 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LUCCIA; Paul |
April 8, 2021 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING HOLES
Abstract
An apparatus, system, or method for forming holes and shapes in
surfaces may be disclosed. The apparatus may be a drain or
drain-shaped tool which may be affixed to a drilling device. The
apparatus may be fitted with an abrasive material, sharp edges, or
a serrated edge to increase the performance and efficiency of the
apparatus. The system and method may incorporate the use of a
drilling device, such as a handheld drill or a drill press. A first
step may involve affixing a drain to a drilling device. In a next
step, the user may contact the drain drilling device with a work
surface and may power on the drilling device. The hole created may
be recessed such that the surrounding area is incrementally deeper
closer to the hole in the center.
Inventors: |
LUCCIA; Paul; (Houston,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LUCCIA; Paul |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004428582 |
Appl. No.: |
16/595036 |
Filed: |
October 7, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B24B 27/0641 20130101;
B24B 27/0675 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B24B 27/06 20060101
B24B027/06 |
Claims
1. A method for forming holes and shapes in surfaces, comprising:
affixing a forming apparatus to a rotary tool, said forming
apparatus comprising a cylindrical outer edge and a hole defined
within the cylindrical outer edge; applying an adhesive material to
an outside portion of the forming apparatus; forming an abrasive
layer on the outside portion of the forming apparatus, wherein
forming the abrasive layer comprises applying an abrasive material
to the adhesive material; pressing the forming apparatus to a work
surface at a specified location; and forming a hole in the work
surface in the shape of the forming apparatus, wherein forming the
hole comprises activating the rotary tool and, after activating the
rotary tool, applying pressure to the work surface with the forming
apparatus.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the forming apparatus is a
drain.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the abrasive layer is one of the
set of: grit material directly adhered to the adhesive material,
and sandpaper having a backing adhered to the adhesive
material.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein forming the hole comprises
raising the work surface to meet the rotary tool prior to applying
pressure to the work surface.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the rotary tool is one of a
handheld drill, drill press, or angle grinder.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the rotary tool is operated at a
speed in the range between 200 rotations per minute to 900
rotations per minute.
7. A hole forming apparatus for forming holes or shapes in
surfaces, comprising: a rotary device with a rotating shaft; a
forming tool fixedly mounted on the rotating shaft of the rotary
device, said forming apparatus comprising a cylindrical outer edge
and a hole defined within the cylindrical outer edge, wherein the
cylindrical outer edge of the forming tool comprises a cutting edge
and an outside surface; and an abrasive affixed to an outside
portion of the forming tool.
8. The hole forming apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a dust
collection system surrounding the rotary device configured to
deflect or contain material displaced by the forming tool.
9. The hole forming apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a
vacuum tube connected to the dust collection system, said vacuum
tube having an orifice disposed under the forming tool and
configured to collect dust particles displaced by the operation of
the forming tool.
10. The hole forming apparatus of claim 7, wherein the forming tool
further comprises an abrasive lip disposed on an upper end of the
forming tool proximate the rotating shaft, the abrasive lip
configured to create a recessed hole in a work piece.
11. The hole forming apparatus of claim 7, wherein the rotary
device further comprises a centering bit disposed on the rotating
shaft of the rotary device and disposed within the cylindrical
outer edge, a bottom portion of said centering bit extending past a
bottom portion of the cylindrical outer edge of the forming
apparatus.
12. The hole forming apparatus of claim 7, wherein the forming tool
is a drain.
13. The hole forming apparatus of claim 7, wherein the cutting edge
is a serrated edge.
14. The hole forming apparatus of claim 7, wherein the forming tool
further comprises a heating element configured to provide heat to
the forming tool in addition to heat provided by a cutting
operation of the forming tool.
15. The hole forming apparatus of claim 7, wherein the forming tool
is welded to the rotary device.
16. The hole forming apparatus of claim 7, wherein the rotary
device is one of a handheld drill, drill press, or angle
grinder.
17. The hole forming apparatus of claim 7, wherein the cutting edge
of the forming tool is sharpened to a point.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] A method, system, and apparatus for forming holes and shapes
in surfaces is disclosed.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Forming large holes and shapes with conventional equipment
typically requires high speed computer numeric control (CNC)
machines which may require multiple different drill heads to
accomplish the task. Cutting holes and shapes with a plurality of
axes, such as a three-dimensional shape, often requires multiple
cutting attachments.
[0003] These additional attachments complicate the task and
increase the time required to complete the task, thus increasing
costs. Large holes and shapes might also take a considerable amount
of time to form using a CNC machine. Further, the high working
speed of a typical CNC machine limits the size of the forming heads
and tooling. Since the energy of a rotating part is a function of
its moment of inertia around the axis of rotation, and the moment
of inertia increases as the square of the radius of the part, a
slightly larger forming head can mean a substantially larger energy
requirement, which can overtax the machinery and present greater
safety risks.
[0004] Many prefabricated parts in which holes are intended to be
cut are formed from polymeric foam, such as polyurethane foam or
polystyrene foam. In many cases, it is suitable to make cuts or
other alterations to these foam structures by cutting the foam with
a heated wire which is formed to the cross section of the desired
shape. There are a number of problems with this method when forming
holes. First, the waste part of the hole being formed needs space
so that it can be removed and will not interfere with the cutting
process. Since gravity will pull the loose waste piece down and the
heating process can deform the foam, the loose waste piece will
interfere with the cutting operation. The waste section gets recut,
gums up the wire causing the heating aspect to be uneven, resulting
in poor quality hole formation. Second, the shape of the hole to be
formed may be of such complexity that a wire cannot be bent into
the desired shape and still maintain the ability to form an evenly
shaped hole while in operation. Third, the shape of the desired
hole combined with the varying density and dampness of the foam
causes the wire to have hot/cool spots causing uneven and poor hole
formation. Fourth, the size of the desired hole can be too large
for the wire to be able to maintain its desired shape during the
hole formation process.
SUMMARY
[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for forming a hole
or a shape in a surface, such as a polymeric foam shower base or
shower tray or any other suitable surface, may be disclosed.
According to an exemplary embodiment, a drilling device or other
forming apparatus, such as an overhead drill press, a fixed
overhead drill, an inverted drill press, or a handheld device, may
be provided with a forming tool affixed to the bottom portion of
the drilling device on the end of the drilling device which
contacts the surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the forming tool
may be equipped with one or more cutting or finishing surfaces,
such as cutting teeth or abrasive surfaces, which may facilitate
hole formation.
[0006] In another exemplary embodiment, a method for forming a hole
or a shape in a surface may be disclosed. In a first step, a drain
may be affixed to a piece of drilling equipment, which may be
provided with one or more cutting or finishing surfaces, such as
cutting teeth or abrasive surfaces. In some exemplary embodiments,
the drain may be a standard drain and may be provided with an
abrasive surface; for example, in a first exemplary embodiment, an
abrasive may be applied to the drain surface directly via an
adhesive, while in a second exemplary embodiment, a sandpaper
attachment may be applied to the drain surface, and in a third
exemplary embodiment, a cutting tool may be coupled to the drain.
Other variants may also be contemplated. In a next step, the user
may contact a work surface to be cut (or material otherwise to be
formed) with the end portion of the drill on which the drain is
provided. Finally, the drill (or other forming apparatus) is
powered, such that the abrasive surface or cutting surface applied
to the drain is applied to the material to be formed, causing the
force of the spinning of the drain as well as a force applied
toward the material to be formed to cut the material to be formed
in an even, round shape.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0007] Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be
apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary
embodiments thereof, which description should be considered in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals
indicate like elements, in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of a method of forming
holes.
[0009] FIG. 2 is an exemplary embodiment of a hole forming
apparatus.
[0010] FIG. 3a is an exemplary embodiment of a hole forming
apparatus affixed to a drill press.
[0011] FIG. 3b is an exemplary embodiment of a hole forming
apparatus affixed to a hand drill.
[0012] FIG. 4A is an exemplary embodiment of a hole forming
apparatus fitted with an abrasive material.
[0013] FIG. 4B is an exemplary embodiment of a hole forming
apparatus fitted with teeth.
[0014] FIG. 5 is an exemplary embodiment of a hole formed by a hole
forming apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Aspects of the invention are disclosed in the following
description and related drawings directed to specific embodiments
of the invention. Alternate embodiments may be devised without
departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention.
Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the
invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as
not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. Further, to
facilitate an understanding of the description discussion of
several terms used herein follows.
[0016] As used herein, the word "exemplary" means "serving as an
example, instance or illustration." The embodiments described
herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should
be understood that the described embodiments are not necessarily to
be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
Moreover, the terms "embodiments of the invention", "embodiments"
or "invention" do not require that all embodiments of the invention
include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.
[0017] A method and apparatus for forming holes and shapes in
surfaces may be disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, such a
method may operate at slower speeds, allowing the use of larger
diameter forming devices without the hazards of high-speed
equipment.
[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, a forming apparatus may be
disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment of a forming apparatus, a
drain, such as a standard off-the-shelf drain, may be affixed to a
drilling device or other forming device, such as a fixed overhead
drill, overhead drill press, inverted drill press, or a hand-held
drill device. In some exemplary embodiments, the drain may be, for
example, a standard PVC floor drain such as might be installed in
the base of a shower, with said drain being of a type available in
a typical hardware store. (Numerous custom variations on this part
may also be contemplated.) In an exemplary embodiment, the drain
may be affixed to a drill bit, hole saw bit, or any other
contemplated drill attachment through the use of an adhesive, such
as epoxy. Other methods of affixing the drain to the drill, such as
by a fastener, may also be contemplated.
[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment, various combinations
between forming devices and attachment methods may be contemplated.
For example, the use of a low speed drill press, as opposed to a
CNC machine which operates at a high speed, may allow a common and
conventional epoxy adhesive to be used, even if the same epoxy
adhesive may not hold at the high speeds of a CNC machine. Further,
the use of a low speed drill press may allow for a larger tool to
be fastened, since a large tool may be unstable at high speeds.
Other fastening mechanisms may be more suitable for higher-speed
devices and may be employed in combination with them, such as may
be desired. In certain exemplary embodiments, the drain may form
the body of the forming apparatus, though in other exemplary
embodiments a formed tool may be used.
[0020] A variety of different drains may be chosen, depending on
the application. In an exemplary embodiment, any manufacturer's
drain may be used in order to create a hole for that specific
drain. This may allow the device to be adapted such that any number
of differing drains may be used, allowing the device to be
well-suited to an application in which drain sizes and shapes may
change over time and may differ between manufacturers. A user may
prefer and utilize a certain type of drain which they are
accustomed to. For example, while (as noted above) a standard PVC
floor drain may be suitable in some circumstances, it may be
contemplated that some applications will require drains of
different sizes, shapes, or materials, including existing standard
drains or custom drains specifically intended for a particular
application.
[0021] The drain may be affixed to the drill in a number of ways.
In an exemplary embodiment, it may be contemplated that the
structure of the drain may form the outer flange of the tool, with
the center of the drain being hollowed out such that a hole cutter
may replace the center of the drain. It may alternatively be
contemplated to have the center of the drain be used in place of a
hole cutter, and with this structure being further sharpened or
serrated to increase cutting efficiency.
[0022] The use of a standard drain allows the forming apparatus to
be accessible in places where a CNC machine would not, allowing
easy production of finished workpieces. For example, the
contemplated technique may be particularly suitable to impoverished
or developing countries (or rural areas) which may not have ready
access to higher-end heavy machinery, but which may have access to
some form of drilling equipment and a drain piece to be used. Small
businesses who might not have the resources to obtain a CNC machine
may easily source a drain from a local hardware store. The drain
may be significantly less expensive than comparable hole forming
devices. Furthermore, cutting a hole without the use of specific
hole-cutting tools may result in an uneven hole with proportions
that cannot conform to the shape of the desired application, such
as a standard drain. By using a drain as the body of the forming
apparatus, it may be assured that the hole created by the apparatus
can support a standard drain.
[0023] The hole forming apparatus may be applied to any firm
material. In an exemplary embodiment, the work surface may be a
material such as foam, wood, or plastic. It may be contemplated
that the hole forming apparatus may form the hole in a foam or
plastic mold of a tub or a shower drain (or another structure such
as a pattern used to form the mold), and then a hardening material
such as acrylic or fiberglass may be poured into the mold to create
the tub or shower.
[0024] In a further exemplary embodiment, it may be contemplated to
use a variant of the hole forming apparatus to form holes in harder
materials, such as wood. In an exemplary embodiment of such a hole
forming apparatus, the flanges may be constructed from steel and
may be brazed, electroplated, stamped, or machined to a cutting
surface. The steel flanges may also have an abrasive material
affixed to the outer surface. Steel flanges may be capable of
directly shaping an already molded tub or shower.
[0025] Various exemplary alterations to the standard drain may be
contemplated in order to increase the efficiency and accuracy of
the hole forming. For example, in a first exemplary embodiment,
angled sharp edges may be cut into the drain at the bottommost
surfaces to create a sharper, more precise cut. The sharp edges may
more precisely pierce the work surface. Further, planes which are
parallel to the work surface could be cut into an angle, such that
they are no longer parallel to the work surface but rather may
contain an edge that may pierce the work surface. Certain portions
of the drain may be cut into a saw-tooth shape. The teeth of the
saw-tooth shaped drain pieces may pierce into the work surface as
well as grab or saw off portions of the surface, further
supplementing the cutting power of the apparatus. These alterations
made to the drain allow the hole forming apparatus to be
customizable and adaptable to a large variety of applications.
[0026] In another embodiment, a formed tool in the shape of a drain
may be used instead to form the body of the forming apparatus.
While in some exemplary embodiments it may be contemplated for a
drain to have a cylindrical shape that requires a simple, straight
hole to be formed, other holes may be constructed with additional
protuberances or depressions to create a unique shape that would
not be possible to create with a standard drain. In an exemplary
embodiment, the formed tool may be a hole saw, drill, or reamer
with an additional flange component affixed to a top portion of the
formed tool. Various assemblies of the formed tool may be
contemplated, such as a combination of an existing drain and a hole
saw, a combination of an altered existing drain with a hole saw, a
hole saw with other added elements duplicating a manufactured
drain, a hole saw with integral elements duplicating a manufactured
drain, or any other suitable assembly of parts. The goal of the
formed tool may be to produce a hole that may receive a
specifically shaped or sized drain or device.
[0027] The additional flange affixed to the formed tool may be
formed from wood (such as plywood), plastic, metal, or any other
rigid or semirigid material, and may further be fitted with an
abrasive material. (As noted, the additional flange may be integral
with the hole saw or other cutting device, if desired.
Alternatively, it may be desired to have the additional flange be
removable, which may allow the drain used as the base of the device
to be used to check the drain fit in the final formed holes, such
as may be desired.) The bottom portion of the formed tool may be a
large drill bit or hole saw, depending on the application. Further,
the bottom portion may also be another material, such as wood or
another such material as is described above, that may be shaped to
create a hole of a specific shape.
[0028] In a further embodiment, the apparatus may be fitted with an
abrasive along the surface to increase friction and cutting speed.
The attached abrasive may be applied in a variety of ways, such as
by welding, an adhesive, or by using a premanufactured abrasive
material, such as sandpaper. For example, in a first exemplary
embodiment, a standard drain may be dipped in adhesive and then
dipped in abrasive to apply the abrasive, while in a second
exemplary embodiment the abrasive may be welded to the substrate.
In an exemplary embodiment, a thick bodied epoxy adhesive may be
applied to the drain. The thick body epoxy may hold the abrasive
material without running down the sloped surface of the drain
flange. In another embodiment, the drain may be dipped in a liquid
adhesive. Other variants are also contemplated, such as sonic
attachment. An abrasive may increase cutting speed and precision
while also reducing cracks and splints in the work surface.
[0029] In certain exemplary embodiments, various grades of abrasive
may be used, alone or in combination. The use of abrasive, in
general, may create a smoother hole. In various exemplary
embodiments, an abrasive or combination of abrasives may be used in
order to provide a desired smoothness while achieving a desired
hole forming speed. A smoother hole may provide advantages such as
increased flow, improved aesthetics, and safety, though in some
circumstances a degree of roughness may be desired in order to
improve an adhesive connection between the drain flange and the
foam.
[0030] The forming apparatus may be fitted to a drilling device,
which may, for example, be a drilling device with a significant
amount of clearance under the cutting head for large sheets of
foam. (In an exemplary embodiment, this may be a ceiling-mounted
drill press, such as a standard portable overhead drill press
mounted to the ceiling instead of the floor by its base. Other
variations may also be contemplated; for example, a hand-held drill
may alternatively be used, or a drill press may simply be
modified.) The drilling device may be pressed into the work
surface, or the work surface may be raised to meet the forming
apparatus by means of a rising table or similar devices.
[0031] Referring now to exemplary FIG. 7, in a further embodiment,
a dust collection system may be contemplated to collect the waste
material that has been removed from the work surface. A closed dust
collection system may be powered and include a suction device. The
dust collection system may include a hose 702 or multiple hoses
directed at the work surface to receive the waste material. The
hose 702 may be connected to an aperture at the rear of the dust
collection system. A shield like device may be fitted to the dust
collection system to ensure that the waste material is directed
into the dust collection system. The shield may be one piece or may
contain multiple removable sections. Sections may be removed from
the shield depending on the size and shape of the work surface and
forming apparatus. The shield may have a cover in the front, open
end. The cover may be held in place during operation by a hinge,
magnets, or by any other means of attachment.
[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment, it may also be
contemplated to heat a forming tool to a greater degree than may be
accomplished through friction of the tool against the workpiece, in
order to improve the ability of the forming tool to cut foam. As
such, in some exemplary embodiments, the forming tool may include a
mechanical heater or other heater. (Various exemplary embodiments
of a forming tool heater may be contemplated. For example, in an
exemplary embodiment, the shaft of a forming tool may be held by a
bearing so as to be rotatable with respect to the flange and hole
saw structure, and may transfer torque to the flange and hole saw
structure via an imperfect connection such as a magnetic torque
coupler or rotary dashpot, such that additional heat is also
produced. In another exemplary embodiment, a cavity in the forming
tool may be filled with a material with a high thermal mass and
heated ahead of time. Chemical and electrical solutions may also be
contemplated, such as a battery-powered electric heater, if
desired.) Referring to exemplary FIG. 1, a method for forming holes
and shapes in surfaces may be shown. In a first step, a drain may
be affixed to a drilling device 102. A drain may be an
off-the-shelf drain from a hardware store or may be a specifically
formed tool that is formed specifically for cutting holes. The
drain may be affixed to the drill in a number of ways, such as by
welding, application of adhesive, or mechanical attachment. In
another exemplary optional step, an abrasive material may be
applied to the drain 104. The abrasive material may be adhered to
the device by first applying an adhesive, and then subsequently
applying an abrasive material that may be bonded to the device via
the adhesive. The abrasive may also be welded or sanded onto the
device. In a next step, the drain drilling device and the work
surface may be brought into contact 106. The drain drilling device
may be lowered onto the work surface or the work surface may be
raised to meet the drain. In a final step, the drilling device may
be activated and driven into the work surface 108. In an exemplary
embodiment, the drilling device may be configured to operate at a
lower speed so as to not cause damage to the drilling device,
material to be formed, or endanger the operator.
[0033] Referring now to exemplary FIG. 2, a hole forming apparatus
may be disclosed. The hole forming apparatus 200 may be a drain or
a similarly shaped tool. In an exemplary embodiment, the hole
forming apparatus 200 may incorporate a cutting edge 202. The
cutting edge 202 may be the surface which initially contacts the
work surface. In a further embodiment, the cutting edge 202 may be
sharpened to a point or angled so as to decrease the surface area
of the point of contact and may increase the cutting efficiency of
the apparatus. The apparatus may contain an upper flange 203. The
upper flange 203 may not require a sharp edge, however, it may
still contact the surface to create grooves and angles as depicted
in FIG. 5. The underside of upper portion 203 may incorporate an
abrasive which may smooth or level the work surface to an
appropriate height or angle, as shown in exemplary FIG. 6. The
apparatus may be affixed to a drilling device in the center of the
apparatus 204. The center of the upper portion 204 of the apparatus
may be directly bolted, welded, or otherwise affixed to a member of
a drilling device 206. A pilot bit or centering bit 209 may be
affixed to the center of the lower portion. The pilot bit 209 may
ensure that the hole formed from the apparatus is accurate by
reducing any lateral movement of the apparatus on the work
surface.
[0034] Referring now to exemplary FIG. 3A and 3B, a hole forming
apparatus may be affixed to a number of drilling devices. The
exemplary embodiment in FIG. 3A may illustrate a hole forming
apparatus 200 affixed to a drill press. In this exemplary
embodiment, the head of the drill press 206 may be lowered into the
cutting surface 208 via a lever 210. In another contemplated
embodiment, the cutting surface 208 may be raised to meet the hole
forming apparatus 200. Referring now to exemplary FIG. 3B, a hole
forming apparatus attached to a handheld drilling device may be
illustrated. Further, the handheld drilling device may be any
rotary device, such as a grinder. In an exemplary embodiment, a
handheld drilling device 212 may have a hole forming apparatus 200
attached. The hole forming apparatus 200 may be removably attached
via the drill head 206. The hole forming apparatus may be attached
or removed in a manner similar to changing drill bits, as is
commonly known in the field. The hole forming apparatus 200 as
illustrated in FIG. 3B may be used in applications where a drill
press would be inconvenient or impossible. The handheld drill 212
may be brought to a fixed work surface, whereas a drill press may
require that the work surface be movable.
[0035] Referring now to exemplary FIG. 4A and 4B, additional
embodiments of a hole forming apparatus may be illustrated. FIG. 4A
may disclose a hole forming apparatus 200 which may be covered in
an abrasive material 400. The abrasive material 400 may be adhered
to the hole forming apparatus 200 in a variety of ways, such as by
welding, sanding, or using an adhesive. The abrasive material 400
may be applied to the apparatus as a whole, or selectively applied
to portions of the apparatus which contact the work surface, such
as on and around the cutting edge 202.
[0036] Exemplary FIG. 4B may illustrate a further embodiment of a
hole forming apparatus. In this exemplary embodiment, the cutting
edge 202 may be shaped to be in a serrated configuration 402. The
serrated or saw-tooth configuration may be accomplished by cutting
notches into the hole forming apparatus or drain 200 along the
cutting edge 202. The serrated edge 402 may be further sharpened or
angled. The serrated edge 402 may increase cutting efficiency by
puncturing the outer edge of the cutting surface, allowing the rest
of the apparatus to follow through with greater ease. A serrated
edge 402 may be sharper and might not become dull as quick as
un-serrated edges. In an exemplary embodiment, it may be
contemplated that the serrated edge 402 may be incorporated on a
device which may also apply the abrasive material 400 as depicted
in FIG. 4A. The teeth of the serrated edge 402 may be spaced
closely or scarcely, depending on the level of precision and
strength required for the application.
[0037] Now referring to exemplary FIG. 5, an exemplary work surface
and hole as may be formed by the hole forming apparatus may be
shown. The work surface 208 may be a variety of materials or
shapes. Furthermore, the work surface 208 may not need to be a
movable piece as shown in FIG. 5, but rather may be a fixed portion
of a floor, wall, or ceiling. The hole forming apparatus may
initially contact the work surface at the center of hole 500. A
centering bit may be used to ensure that a steady and precise hole
500 is cut. After the centering bit has punctured the surface, the
hole forming apparatus may contact the work surface along the edges
of hole 500. Hole 500 may be the basis of the drain and may be
hollowed by the hole forming apparatus such that a pipe may be
fitted to the hole 500. Surrounding the hole 500 may be a number of
surfaces of varying depth at a plurality of axes. For example,
surface 502 may surround hole 500 and might not be hollowed but may
be reduced in height or angled towards hole 500. Surface 502 may be
surrounded by an additional surface 504 which may be of yet another
height, preferably higher than the surface 502 but still lower than
the outside surface of the work surface 208. The varying depths may
subsequently deepen as the distance from the hole decreases, which
may create a path for any liquid to follow the shape of the drain
to be used. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer surfaces 502 and
504 might not be grooved but may instead be conically angled such
that the height along the circumference of the outside surface 504
is larger than the height along the circumference of the hole 500.
A hole forming apparatus as depicted in FIG. 2-4 may be
contemplated such that the drain or tool is angled or grooved in a
manner capable of forming the hole and surface illustrated in FIG.
5.
[0038] Referring now to exemplary FIG. 6, a side view showing the
underside of a hole forming device may be illustrated. The
underside of the flange 203 may be ridged. The ridge areas may be
split into multiple segments of varying heights or depths. In
exemplary FIG. 6, two areas may be shown, area 205 and area 207. In
this exemplary embodiment, area 205 may be deeper than area 207.
The ridged areas may be formed by the drain that is used to create
the body of the hole forming apparatus. The areas may be ridged or
may smoothly connect to one another such that they create a
straight, angled surface. The drain may be originally fitted with
the ridged areas, or they may be installed by the user. Finally,
the ridged areas may be covered in an abrasive material, such as
sandpaper, such that when the ridged areas make contact with the
work surface they may wear down the work surface into a shape that
neatly fits a drain with the same or similar ridged areas. The
exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6 contains two ridged areas, but
any number of ridged areas may be contemplated, including zero.
[0039] Referring now to exemplary FIG. 7, a dust collection system
may be shown and described. The dust collection system may have a
rounded body 702 which may mimic the round body of a large drain.
The rounded body may be substantially closed with the exception of
a few apertures. The rear aperture may be sized to appropriately
receive a vacuum hose 704. This aperture may be sealed such that
the vacuum hose is flush with the body 702. The front aperture 706
may be located on the opposite side of the rear aperture 704. The
front aperture may be configured to receive the body the hole
forming device. The hole forming tool device may slide into or
under the dust collection system. The drill press or drill may be
connected from the top of the hole forming device and may enter the
dust collection system at top aperture 708. The top aperture may be
sized slightly larger than the head of the drill such that a
minimum amount of air or dust can escape from the dust collection
system. The dust collection system may incorporate an open bottom
portion so that the hole forming device may contact the work
surface through the open bottom portion. The shield may be one
piece or may contain multiple removable sections, depending on the
size and shape of the work surface and forming apparatus. The
shield may have a cover in the front, open end. The cover may be
held in place during operation by a hinge, magnets, or by any other
means of attachment.
[0040] The foregoing description and accompanying figures
illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of
operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be
construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed
above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0041] Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be
regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it
should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be
made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope
of the invention as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *