U.S. patent application number 17/415797 was filed with the patent office on 2022-02-24 for endless abrasive belt dispenser.
The applicant listed for this patent is 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY. Invention is credited to Junting Li, James E. Olson.
Application Number | 20220055175 17/415797 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006009242 |
Filed Date | 2022-02-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220055175 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Li; Junting ; et
al. |
February 24, 2022 |
ENDLESS ABRASIVE BELT DISPENSER
Abstract
An endless abrasive belt dispenser (212) is disclosed and has a
housing (222), a retaining element (224) and an actuating element
(226). The housing (222) is configured to receive a plurality of
endless abrasive belts (14) therein with the plurality of endless
abrasive belts arranged as a stack. The retaining element (224) is
moveable relative to a wall (230) of the housing (222) and is
configured to hold the stack within the housing such that a first
of the plurality of endless abrasive belts of the stack selectively
contacts the first wall (230) and is generally aligned with an
opening (216) of the housing. The actuating element (226) is
moveable relative to the first wall (230) and retaining element
(224) and is configured to selectively contact and move the first
of the plurality of endless abrasive belts (14) relative to the
first wall (230) and to the opening (216).
Inventors: |
Li; Junting; (Woodbury,
MN) ; Olson; James E.; (Spring Valley, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY |
St. Paul |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006009242 |
Appl. No.: |
17/415797 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
December 17, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2019/060951 |
371 Date: |
June 18, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62781651 |
Dec 19, 2018 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B24B 21/18 20130101;
B65D 83/0817 20130101; B65D 83/0894 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B24B 21/18 20060101
B24B021/18; B65D 83/08 20060101 B65D083/08 |
Claims
1. An endless abrasive belt dispenser comprising: a housing
configured to receive a plurality of endless abrasive belts therein
with the plurality of endless abrasive belts arranged as a stack
with when so received, wherein the housing has a first wall and an
opening adjacent the first wall; a retaining element positioned
opposite the first wall within the housing and moveable relative
thereto, wherein the retaining element is configured to hold the
stack within the housing such that a first of the plurality of
endless abrasive belts of the stack selectively contacts the first
wall and is generally aligned with the opening; and an actuating
element moveable relative to the first wall and retaining element,
wherein the actuating element is configured to selectively contact
and move the first of the plurality of endless abrasive belts of
the stack relative to the first wall and move the first of the
plurality of endless abrasive belts to the opening.
2. The endless abrasive belt dispenser of claim 1, wherein the
actuating element moves the first of the plurality of endless
abrasive belts of the stack with a rolling linear movement relative
to a second of the of the plurality of endless abrasive belts of
the stack.
3. The endless abrasive belt dispenser of claim 1, wherein the
retaining element comprises a spring and follower, wherein the
follower has a platform configured to hold the stack by applying a
pressure at a middle portion thereof, and wherein the platform is
configured such that the plurality of endless abrasive belts of the
stack have first end portions and second end portions free of the
pressure applied by the platform such that the first end portions
and second end portions have a radii of curvature.
4. The endless abrasive belt dispenser of claim 1, wherein one or
more portions of the housing are removable to facilitate at least
one of loading of the plurality of endless abrasive belts to form
the stack, holding the stack with the retaining element and
contacting of the first of the plurality of endless abrasive belts
of the stack with the actuating element.
5. The endless abrasive belt dispenser of claim 1, wherein a
surface of the first wall of the housing that contacts the first of
the plurality of endless abrasive belts is formed of a relatively
smoother material than a surface of the actuating element that
contacts the first of the plurality of endless abrasive belts, and
wherein the surface of the actuating element is formed of a
relatively more textured and compliant material than the surface of
the first wall.
6. The endless abrasive belt dispenser of claim 1, wherein the
retaining element and housing are configured such that the
plurality of endless abrasive belts are retained in the stack due
to friction therebetween and pressure between the first wall and
the retaining element, and wherein the plurality of endless
abrasive belts are untethered relative to one another in the
stack.
7. A system comprising: a plurality of endless abrasive belts; a
housing configured to receive the plurality of endless abrasive
belts therein with the plurality of endless abrasive belts arranged
as a stack when so received, wherein the housing has a first wall
and an opening adjacent the first wall; a retaining element
configured to be positioned in the housing opposite the first wall
and moveable relative thereto, wherein the retaining element is
configured to hold the stack within the housing such that a first
of the plurality of endless abrasive belts of the stack selectively
contacts the first wall and is generally aligned with the opening;
and an actuating element configured to move relative to the first
wall and retaining element, wherein the actuating element is
configured to selectively contact and move the first of the
plurality of endless abrasive belts of the stack to the opening
such that the first of the plurality of endless abrasive belts at
least partially protrudes from the housing through the opening.
8. The system of claim 7, further comprising a member configured to
insert through an interior loop portion of the first of the
plurality of endless abrasive belts, wherein the member is moveable
to draw the first of the plurality of endless abrasive belts fully
from the opening.
9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a robotic device
configured to manipulate the member.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the retaining element is
configured such that upon withdraw of the first of the plurality of
endless abrasive belts fully from the opening the retaining element
displaces the stack toward the first wall and actuating element so
as to position a second of the plurality of endless abrasive belts
aligned with the opening.
11. The system of claim 7, wherein the actuating element is
configured to move the first of the plurality of endless abrasive
belts of the stack with a rolling linear movement relative to a
second of the of the plurality of endless abrasive belts of the
stack.
12. The system of claim 7, wherein the retaining element comprises
a spring and follower configured to bias the stack towards the
first wall such that the first of the plurality of endless abrasive
belts generally aligns with the opening.
13. The system of claim 7, wherein one or more portions of the
housing are removable to facilitate at least one of loading of the
plurality of endless abrasive belts to form the stack, holding the
stack with the retaining element and contacting of the first of the
plurality of endless abrasive belts of the stack with the actuating
element.
14. The system of claim 7, wherein a surface of the first wall of
the housing that contacts the first of the plurality of endless
abrasive belts is formed of a relatively smoother material than a
surface of the actuating element that contacts the first of the
plurality of endless abrasive belts, and wherein the surface of the
actuating element is formed of a relatively more textured and
compliant material than the surface of the first wall.
15. The system of claim 7, wherein the retaining element and
housing are configured such that the plurality of endless abrasive
belts are retained in the stack due to friction therebetween and
pressure between the first wall and the retaining element, and
wherein the plurality of endless abrasive belts are untethered
relative to one another in the stack.
16. A method of dispensing at least a first endless abrasive belt
from a dispenser comprising: inserting a plurality of endless
abrasive belts including the at least the first endless abrasive
belt within a housing of the dispenser so the plurality of endless
abrasive belts comprise a stack therein, wherein inserting includes
displacing a retaining element relative to a first wall of the
housing; moving the at least the first of the plurality of endless
abrasive belts to an opening of the housing adjacent the first
wall, the moving comprising a linear rolling movement of the at
least the first of the plurality of endless abrasive belts; and
removing the first of the plurality of endless abrasive belts from
the housing via the opening.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising biasing the stack
with the retaining element towards the first wall such that the
second of the plurality of endless abrasive belts generally aligns
with the opening.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising removing one or more
portions of the housing to facilitate at least one of inserting the
plurality of endless abrasive belts, holding the stack with the
retaining element and moving the at least the first of the
plurality of endless abrasive belts.
19. The method of claim 16, further comprising retaining the stack
within the housing by applying a pressure with the retaining
element and the first wall.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein retaining the stack with the
retaining element applies the pressure at a middle portion thereof,
and wherein the retaining element is configured such that the
plurality of endless abrasive belts of the stack have first end
portions and second end portions free of the pressure applied by
the retaining element such that the first end portions and second
end portions have radii of curvature.
21. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to abrasive products, and in
particular, to endless abrasive belts.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Abrading tools and associated abrasive products are used in
numerous industries. Abrasive products include endless abrasive
belts, which are used in the woodworking industries, marine
industries, automotive industries, construction industries, and so
on for various tasks including sanding, grinding, deburring,
polishing, blending and surface finishing. Abrasive products are
"consumable" in the sense that they can be consumed and replaced
much more frequently than the abrading tools with which they are
used.
[0003] Typically, endless abrasive belts are constructed of an
abrasive coated sheet material. The sheet material comprises a
backing, one surface of which is coated with abrasive grits bonded
to said backing sheet by an adhesive (make layer). On the top of
make layer and abrasive grits, a second resinous adhesive layer
(size layer), and optionally a third resinous adhesive layer
(supersize layer) are applied. The sheet material can be of woven
fabric such as cloth, a non-woven fabric such as spunlace or a
felted fabric such as paper or felt, but may be of any sheet
material, either fibrous or non-fibrous or combinations thereof
Examples of non-fibrous materials are films of cellulose material
such as cellulose acetate and regenerated cellulose, or may be
sheets of various other film forming materials such as rubber,
synthetic resins or derivatives or modifications thereof. The sheet
can be joined to itself at each of the longitudinal ends to form an
endless belt loop. Abrasive particles can be attached to the sheet
material by coating or impregnating with materials such as glue,
rubber or compositions or derivatives of rubber, natural or
synthetic resins, various drying oils, or combinations of the above
with each other, to impart various properties such as strength,
toughness, flexibility, stiffness, resistance to water or to oil,
or other properties which may be desirable for any particular use
or conditions.
[0004] Recently, abrading tasks including those using endless
abrasive belts have been subject to automation with robotic devices
with mixed results. In many industries, the use of endless abrasive
belts for sanding, grinding, deburring, polishing, blending and
surface finishing remains a manual endeavor for various reasons
including because such processes require an intuitive sense learned
through experience that is hard to replicate.
SUMMARY
[0005] This disclosure describes apparatuses, systems, methods and
techniques related to housing and reliably supplying endless
abrasive belts to operating devices (e.g., manual laborers, robotic
devices, etc.). As described herein, apparatuses such as the
dispensers can enhance repeatability of dispensing by providing a
single endless abrasive belt to a same position as desired. For
robotic devices, a same position is desirable in reducing the
potential for retrieval errors and for reducing the amount of
programing required for successful manipulation of the robotic
device to retrieve a new endless abrasive belt when the prior
endless abrasive belt has been consumed and must be replaced.
[0006] The details of one or more examples of the disclosure are
set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below.
Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be
apparent from the description, drawings, and claims.
[0007] The disclosure herein includes but is not limited to the
following illustrative Examples:
[0008] Example 1 is an endless abrasive belt dispenser that can
optionally include: a housing configured to receive a plurality of
endless abrasive belts therein with the plurality of endless
abrasive belts arranged as a stack with when so received, wherein
the housing has a first wall and an opening adjacent the first
wall; a retaining element positioned opposite the first wall within
the housing and moveable relative thereto, wherein the retaining
element is configured to hold the stack within the housing such
that a first of the plurality of endless abrasive belts of the
stack selectively contacts the first wall and is generally aligned
with the opening; and an actuating element moveable relative to the
first wall and retaining element, wherein the actuating element is
configured to selectively contact and move the first of the
plurality of endless abrasive belts of the stack relative to the
first wall and move the first of the plurality of endless abrasive
belts to the opening.
[0009] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 can optionally
include the actuating element moves the first of the plurality of
endless abrasive belts of the stack with a rolling linear movement
relative to a second of the of the plurality of endless abrasive
belts of the stack.
[0010] In Example 3, the subject matter of any one or more of
Examples 1-2 can optionally include the retaining element comprises
a spring and follower, wherein the follower has a platform
configured to hold the stack by applying a pressure at a middle
portion thereof, and wherein the platform is configured such that
the plurality of endless abrasive belts of the stack have first end
portions and second end portions free of the pressure applied by
the platform such that the first end portions and second end
portions have a radii of curvature.
[0011] In Example 4, the subject matter of any one or more of
Examples 1-3 can optionally include one or more portions of the
housing are removable to facilitate at least one of loading of the
plurality of endless abrasive belts to form the stack, holding the
stack with the retaining element and contacting of the first of the
plurality of endless abrasive belts of the stack with the actuating
element.
[0012] In Example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of
Examples 1-4 can optionally include a surface of the first wall of
the housing that contacts the first of the plurality of endless
abrasive belts is formed of a relatively smoother material than a
surface of the actuating element that contacts the first of the
plurality of endless abrasive belts, and wherein the surface of the
actuating element is formed of a relatively more textured and
compliant material than the surface of the first wall.
[0013] In Example 6, the subject matter of any one or more of
Examples 1-5 can optionally include the retaining element and
housing are configured such that the plurality of endless abrasive
belts are retained in the stack due to friction therebetween and
pressure between the first wall and the retaining element, and
wherein the plurality of endless abrasive belts are untethered
relative to one another in the stack.
[0014] Example 7 is a system that can optionally include: a
plurality of endless abrasive belts; a housing configured to
receive the plurality of endless abrasive belts therein with the
plurality of endless abrasive belts arranged as a stack when so
received, wherein the housing has a first wall and an opening
adjacent the first wall; a retaining element configured to be
positioned in the housing opposite the first wall and moveable
relative thereto, the retaining element is configured to hold the
stack within the housing such that a first of the plurality of
endless abrasive belts of the stack selectively contacts the first
wall and is generally aligned with the opening; and an actuating
element configured to move relative to the first wall and retaining
element, wherein the actuating element is configured to selectively
contact and move the first of the plurality of endless abrasive
belts of the stack to the opening such that the first of the
plurality of endless abrasive belts at least partially protrudes
from the housing through the opening.
[0015] In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 7 optionally can
include a member configured to insert through an interior loop
portion of the first of the plurality of endless abrasive belts,
wherein the member is moveable to draw the first of the plurality
of endless abrasive belts fully from the opening.
[0016] In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 8 can optionally
include a robotic device configured to manipulate the member.
[0017] In Example 10, the subject matter of any one or more of
Examples 8-9 can optionally include the retaining element is
configured such that upon withdraw of the first of the plurality of
endless abrasive belts fully from the opening the retaining element
displaces the stack toward the first wall and actuating element so
as to position a second of the plurality of endless abrasive belts
aligned with the opening
[0018] In Example 11, the subject matter of any one or more of
Examples 7-10 can optionally include the actuating element is
configured to move the first of the plurality of endless abrasive
belts of the stack with a rolling linear movement relative to a
second of the of the plurality of endless abrasive belts of the
stack.
[0019] In Example 12, the subject matter of any one or more of
Examples 7-11 can optionally include the retaining element
comprises a spring and follower configured to bias the stack
towards the first wall such that the first of the plurality of
endless abrasive belts generally aligns with the opening.
[0020] In Example 13, the subject matter of any one or more of
Examples 7-12 can optionally include one or more portions of the
housing are removable to facilitate at least one of loading of the
plurality of endless abrasive belts to form the stack, holding the
stack with the retaining element and contacting of the first of the
plurality of endless abrasive belts of the stack with the actuating
element.
[0021] In Example 14, the subject matter of any one or more of
Examples 7-13 can optionally include a surface of the first wall of
the housing that contacts the first of the plurality of endless
abrasive belts is formed of a relatively smoother material than a
surface of the actuating element that contacts the first of the
plurality of endless abrasive belts, and wherein the surface of the
actuating element is formed of a relatively more textured and
compliant material than the surface of the first wall.
[0022] In Example 15, the subject matter of any one or more of
Examples 7-14 can optionally include the retaining element and
housing are configured such that the plurality of endless abrasive
belts are retained in the stack due to friction therebetween and
pressure between the first wall and the retaining element, and
wherein the plurality of endless abrasive belts are untethered
relative to one another in the stack.
[0023] Example 16 is a method of dispensing at least a first
endless abrasive belt from a dispenser. The method can optionally
include: inserting a plurality of endless abrasive belts including
the at least the first endless abrasive belt within a housing of
the dispenser so the plurality of endless abrasive belts comprise a
stack therein, wherein inserting includes displacing a retaining
element relative to a first wall of the housing; moving the at
least the first of the plurality of endless abrasive belts to an
opening of the housing adjacent the first wall, the moving
comprising a linear rolling movement of the at least the first of
the plurality of endless abrasive belts; and removing the first of
the plurality of endless abrasive belts from the housing via the
opening.
[0024] In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 can
optionally include biasing the stack with the retaining element
towards the first wall such that the second of the plurality of
endless abrasive belts generally aligns with the opening.
[0025] In Example 18, the subject matter of any one or more of
Examples 16-17 can optionally include removing one or more portions
of the housing to facilitate at least one of inserting the
plurality of endless abrasive belts, holding the stack with the
retaining element and moving the at least the first of the
plurality of endless abrasive belts.
[0026] In Example 19, the subject matter of any one or more of
Examples 16-18 can optionally include retaining the stack within
the housing by applying a pressure with the retaining element and
the first wall.
[0027] In Example 20, the subject matter of Example 19 can
optionally include retaining the stack with the retaining element
applies the pressure at a middle portion thereof, and wherein the
retaining element is configured such that the plurality of endless
abrasive belts of the stack have first end portions and second end
portions free of the pressure applied by the retaining element such
that the first end portions and second end portions have radii of
curvature.
[0028] In Example 21, the subject matter of any one or more of
Examples 16-20 can optionally include fully removing the at least
the first abrasive from the opening by one of: manually,
semi-automatically or automatically.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1A is a schematic view illustrating an example system
including a dispenser for an endless abrasive belt and a robotic
device configured to manipulate the endless abrasive belt, in
accordance with one example of the present application.
[0030] FIG. 1B is the dispenser of FIG. 1A illustrating one or more
portions of a housing of the dispenser can be removed, in
accordance with one example of the present application.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dispenser
according to another example having a stack of endless abrasive
belts housed therein, in accordance with one example of the present
application.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dispenser
of FIG. 2 with an actuating element moving a first of the endless
abrasive belts of the stack toward and an partially through an
opening in the dispenser, in accordance with one example of the
present application.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dispenser
of FIGS. 2 and 3 with the first of the endless abrasive belts being
engaged by a member to fully remove the first endless abrasive belt
from the dispenser through the opening, in accordance with one
example of the present application.
[0034] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dispenser
of FIGS. 2-4 with a retaining element bringing a second endless
abrasive belt into contact with a wall of the dispenser so that the
second endless abrasive belt is positioned adjacent the opening
upon removal of the first endless abrasive belt, in accordance with
one example of the present application.
[0035] FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a method of dispensing
at least a first endless abrasive belt from a dispenser according
to one example of the present application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Consumable abrasive products such as endless abrasive belts
present various challenges for individuals and organizations. For
example, damaged or worn endless abrasive belts can damage
workpieces. As endless abrasive belts are consumed, accurate and
repeatable replacement is desirable. This is especially the case
with robotic devices where providing for a known and same position
can reduce the potential for retrieval errors and can reduce the
amount of programing required for manipulation of the robotic
device to retrieve a new endless abrasive belt.
[0037] FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration an example system 10, in
accordance with one or more techniques of this disclosure. In the
example of FIG. 1, the system 10 can include a dispenser 12, a
plurality of endless abrasive belts 14 (some of which are shown in
phantom and a first endless abrasive belt 14A of which is shown in
FIG. 1A protruding from an opening 16 in the dispenser 12), a
retrieval member 18 and a robotic device 20.
[0038] As shown in the example of FIG. 1A, the dispenser 12 can be
configured to house the plurality of endless abrasive belts 14. The
dispenser 12 can include a housing 22, a retaining element 24
(shown in phantom) and an actuating element 26. The housing 22 can
be configured to form the opening 16. The housing 22 can be
configured to receive the plurality of endless abrasive belts 14
therein with the plurality of endless abrasive belts 14 arranged as
a stack 28 when so received with abrasive surfaces of the plurality
of endless abrasive belts 14 facing outward so as to interface with
one another when in the stack 28. The stack 28 can be received on
the retaining element 24 within the housing 22.
[0039] The plurality of endless abrasive belts 14 can comprise the
endless abrasive belts as previously described herein and can be
constructed of an abrasive coated sheet material joined to itself
at each of the longitudinal ends to form an endless belt loop. As
noted above, when organized as the stack 28 and housed within the
dispenser 12 the plurality of endless abrasive belts 14 can have
the coated surfaces of the endless abrasive belts 14 facing outward
while non-abrasive coated portions of the sheet material within the
loop face inward (i.e. toward other non-abrasive coated portions of
the same one of the endless abrasive belt).
[0040] The housing 22 can be shaped with one or more walls,
members, retention elements, etc. configured to retain the
plurality of endless abrasive belts 14 arranged as the stack 28
such that one or more of the plurality of endless abrasive belts 14
do not slip out of the stack 28. The housing 22 can have a first
wall 30 generally arranged opposite from the retaining element 24.
The first wall 30 can be in proximity of and in some cases can be
coupled to the actuating element 26. The first wall 30 can be
disposed adjacent the opening 16 and in some examples can form at
least a portion of the opening 16. The opening 16 can be offset to
an edge and/or an interior surface of the first wall 30.
Furthermore, the opening 16 can be offset such as in a
substantially transverse direction relative to one or more
directions of movement(s) of the retaining element 24 and/or
actuating element 26. The opening 16 can be large enough to
accommodate at least the first endless abrasive belt 14A passing
therethrough.
[0041] The retaining element 24 can be configured to be positioned
in the housing 22 opposite the first wall 30. The retaining element
24 can be moveable relative to the first wall 30. This can allow
the retaining element 24 to be depressed away from the first wall
30 to accommodate the stack 28 when loaded and can allow the
retaining element 24 to move toward the first wall 30 when the
first endless abrasive belt 14A is withdrawn from the dispenser 12
via the opening 16. The movement toward the first wall 30 by the
retaining element 24 can load a second endless abrasive belt 14B
into the position vacated by the first endless abrasive belt 14A
upon withdrawal such that the second endless abrasive belt 14B
generally aligns with the opening 16. Thus, according to one
example, the retaining element 24 can comprise a spring and
follower configured to bias the stack 28 towards the first wall 30
such that the first endless abrasive belt 14A (and subsequent of
the plurality of endless abrasive belts 14) generally aligns with
the opening 16. The retaining element 24 can be configured to hold
the stack 28 within the housing 22 such that the first endless
abrasive belt 14A of the plurality of endless abrasive belts 14
that comprise the stack 28 can selectively contact the first wall
30. In this position, the first endless abrasive belt 14A can be
generally aligned with the opening 16 to facilitate retrieval by
the actuating element 26 and/or the retrieval member 18. As is
further discussed subsequently, the retaining element 24 and the
housing 22 can be configured such that the plurality of endless
abrasive belts 14 of the stack 28 are moveable (only retained by
friction therebetween) and untethered (non-coupled by
linkages/mechanisms) relative to one another in the stack 28.
[0042] At least one or more portions of the actuating element 26
can be configured to move relative to the first wall 30 and the
retaining element 24. The actuating element 26 can be configured to
selectively contact and move the first endless abrasive belt 14A
(and any subsequent of the plurality of endless abrasive belts 14
loaded into a same position as the first endless abrasive belt 14A
by the retaining element 24) of the stack 28 to the opening 16 such
that the first endless abrasive belt 14A (and subsequent of the
plurality of endless abrasive belts 14) at least partially
protrudes from the housing 22 through the opening 16 as shown in
FIG. 1A. The actuating element 26 can be configured to move the
first endless abrasive belt 14A of the stack 28 with a rolling
linear movement relative to the second endless abrasive belt 14B of
the stack 28 as is further illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0043] The actuating element 26 can comprise any device configured
to contact and move the plurality of endless abrasive belts 14 as
described above. Thus, the actuating element 26 can be actuated
manually or automated to accomplish movement. Thus, the actuating
element 26 in some examples can utilize a motor as a component
thereof, can have portions that can be motor driven, can be hand
driven (by a robotic device or individual), etc. The actuating
element 26 can be any known linear or rotatable actuator, and thus,
can variously utilize a pad, a wheel, a belt, a cam follower, a
crank mechanism, a pivot mechanism, a friction drive mechanism, or
the like. Indeed, in some examples, the actuating element 26 can
utilize an abrasive belt or track of similar construct to that of
the plurality of endless abrasive belts 14 that can be brought into
selective contact with one of the plurality of endless abrasive
belts 14 and can be driven to facilitate movement of the contacted
one of the plurality of endless abrasive belts 14.
[0044] It should be recognized that the dispenser 12 shown in FIG.
1A and indeed all the FIGURES of the present application are purely
exemplary in nature. The housing 22, for example, may not be
rectangular in shape as shown in FIG. 1A but can have any shape
(e.g., parallelogram, etc.) as desired. The housing 22 can be any
shape configured to house the plurality of endless abrasive belts
14 as the stack 28 one atop the other. The first wall 30 need not
be a top wall but can be a side wall or base, for example.
According to further examples, one or more walls 30A of the housing
22 may not be utilized. Indeed, in some examples the housing 22 can
comprise an open frame or the like and may only have the first wall
30. Openings such as those that would occur with the open frame
design for the housing 22 can facilitate loading of the plurality
of endless abrasive belts 14 on the retaining element 24 as the
stack 28, for example. The housing 22 can be formed of any desired
material, for example. Therefore, the housing 22 can be constructed
of paper products, plastics, composites, metals, composites, etc.
Thus, in some cases, one or more portions of the housing 22 such as
the one or more walls 30A can be formed by cardboard packaging such
as the cardboard packaging used to package and ship the plurality
of endless abrasive belts 14 to a job site where the system 10
would be utilized. Thus, the term "housing" as used herein should
be interpreted broadly and can include any suitable materials and
any structures that include at least the first wall 30 (which can
be of any shape and design) and the opening 16 (which can be formed
as part of an open frame, a slit or other passage in cardboard
packaging, etc.).
[0045] The retrieval member 18 can be configured to insert through
an interior loop portion of the first endless abrasive belt 14A.
However, in other examples the retrieval member 18 could clamp or
otherwise engage or grasp other portions of the first endless
abrasive belt 14A such as the abrading portion 34. Thus, the
retrieval member 18 can have any suitable configuration for
coupling with the first endless abrasive belt 14A. Therefore, the
retrieval member 18 can include a human hand, a robotic hand, a
portion of the robotic device 20 of any desired shape or construct,
a hook, a rod, a belt, a wheel, a portion of an abrading tool, etc.
The retrieval member 18 can be coupled to the robotic device 20 as
shown in FIG. 1A and can be moveable to engage and draw the first
endless abrasive belt 14A of the plurality of endless abrasive
belts 14 fully from the opening 16. The robotic device 20 can be
configured to manipulate the retrieval member 18 such as to draw
the first endless abrasive belt 14A from the dispenser 12 fully. As
discussed above, the retrieval member 18 can be part of the robotic
device 20 in some examples.
[0046] The system 10 can be used to retrieve a singular one (or
more as desired) of the plurality of endless abrasive belts 14 for
use in abrading with an abrading tool (not shown). This abrading
tool can be manipulated for abrading a workpiece by a robotic
device. According to some examples, the robotic device used in
abrading of the workpiece can be the robotic device 20. In other
examples, the robotic device 20 can act to retrieve and transfer
the first endless abrasive belt 14A to an individual for manual
loading or can act to retrieve and transfer the first endless
abrasive belt 14A to a second robot, which could then perform the
loading and/or abrading, etc.
[0047] FIG. 1B shows an example system 110 with the dispenser
having a housing 122. The housing 122 can have one or more frame
portions 123 and one or more portions 124A, 124B and/or 124C of the
housing 122 that are removable from a remainder of the housing 122
(e.g., from the frame portions 123) as illustrated in FIG. 1B.
These one or more portions 124A, 124B and/or 124C can comprise
walls, portions of walls, multiple walls of the housing 122, for
example. The one or more portions 124A, 124B and/or 124C can be
removable by removal of fasteners, tearing, cutting, etc. The one
or more portions 124A, 124B and/or 124C can comprise cardboard
packaging that is cut, torn or otherwise removed, for example. The
one or more portions 124A, 124B and/or 124C can be removable to
facilitate at least one of loading of the plurality of endless
abrasive belts 14 (FIG. 1A) to form the stack 28 (FIG. 1A), holding
the stack 28 with the retaining element 24 (FIG. 1A) (e.g.,
removing a portion of cardboard packaging so as to facilitate
engagement of the stack with the retaining element 24 of FIG. 1A)
and contacting of the first endless abrasive belt 14A of the
plurality of endless abrasive belts 14 of the stack 28 with the
actuating element 26 (FIG. 1A) (e.g., removing a portion of
cardboard packaging so as to facilitate engagement of the stack
with the actuating element 26 of FIG. 1A).
[0048] FIGS. 2-5 show a schematic cross-section of a dispenser 212
according to another example. The dispenser 212 can be constructed
in the manner of the dispensers 12 and 112 unless otherwise noted
herein. The dispenser 212 can include a housing 222, a retaining
element 224 and an actuating element 226. The housing 222 can
include a first wall 230 and an opening 216 similar to those
previously described in regard to the example of FIG. 1A.
[0049] The housing 222 can be configured to receive and house the
plurality of endless abrasive belts 14 therein with the plurality
of endless abrasive belts 14 arranged as the stack 28 when so
received as previously described. The retaining element 224 can be
positioned opposite the first wall 230 within the housing 222 and
can be moveable relative thereto as shown by arrows A1 in FIGS.
2-5. The retaining element 224 can be configured to hold the stack
28 within the housing 222 such that the first endless abrasive belt
14A of the stack 28 selectively contacts the first wall 230 and is
generally aligned with the opening 216. The actuating element 226
can be moveable relative to the first wall 230 and the retaining
element 224. The actuating element 226 can be configured to
selectively contact and move the first endless abrasive belt 14A
(as shown in FIG. 3) and subsequent of the plurality of endless
abrasive belts 14 of the stack 28 relative to the first wall 230
and can move the first endless abrasive belt 14 to the opening 216
as shown in FIG. 3.
[0050] In the example of FIGS. 2-5, and specifically shown in
reference to FIG. 2, the actuating element 226 can comprise a
linkage 250 configured as a button 252 attached to a pad 254. The
linkage 250 can be attached to and can drive the pad 254. The
linkage 250 can be depressible into an interior of the housing 222
and can be moveable in a slot 257 formed in the first wall 230 as
shown in FIG. 3.
[0051] An inner portion of the first wall 230 that forms an
interior surface 258 can comprise a first material that differs
from a second material that forms at least an engagement surface
260 of the pad 254. It can be desirable to have the second material
differ from the first material and from the abrasive material of
the plurality of endless abrasive belts 14. In this manner,
friction between the pad 254 and the abrasive material on a first
side 255A of the first endless abrasive belt 14A can be higher than
friction between a second side 255B of the first endless abrasive
belt 14A and the second endless abrasive belt 14B. Additionally,
the friction between the pad 254 and the abrasive material on a
first side 255A of the first endless abrasive belt 14A can be
higher than friction between the interior surface 258 of the first
wall 230 and the abrasive material on a first side 255 of the first
endless abrasive belt 14A.
[0052] According to one example, the first material can comprise a
ceramic (e.g., glass), metal or hard plastic and the second
material can comprise a rubber (e.g., polyurethane). In particular,
according to the example of FIG. 2, the interior surface 258 of the
first wall 230 that contacts the first endless abrasive belt 14A
can be formed of a relatively smoother material than the engagement
surface 260 that selectively contacts the first endless abrasive
belt (selective contact illustrated in FIG. 3). The engaging
surface 260 of the pad 254 can be formed of a relatively more
textured and compliant material than the interior surface 258 of
the first wall 230.
[0053] Again, in reference to FIG. 2, the retaining element 224 can
comprise a spring 262 and follower 264. The follower 264 can have a
platform 266 that can be configured to hold the stack 28 by
applying a pressure at a middle portion 267 thereof According to
one example, the platform 266 can include a surface 266A that
interfaces with the stack 28 that is configured to be formed of a
relatively more textured and compliant material than the interior
surface 258 of the first wall 230. The platform 266 can be
configured such that the plurality of endless abrasive belts 14 of
the stack 28 can have first end portions 268 and second end
portions 270 free of the pressure applied by the platform 266 such
that the first end portions 268 and second end portions 270 have a
radii of curvature. Described another way, the retaining element
224 and housing 222 can be configured such that the plurality of
endless abrasive belts 14 can be retained in the stack 28 by
friction therebetween and the plurality of endless abrasive belts
14 can be untethered (i.e. not mechanically coupled) relative to
one another in the stack 28. Thus, the configuration of the
dispenser 212 can effectively hold the plurality of endless
abrasive belts 14 as the stack 28 without the plurality of endless
abrasive belts 14 being crushed fully flat and/or coupled together
with dedicated mechanisms.
[0054] FIG. 3 shows actuation of the actuating element 226 by
depression of the linkage 250 into the housing 222 and linear
movement of the linkage 250 toward the opening 216 (movements
indicated with arrow A2). As the linkage 250 is coupled to the pad
254, the depression of the linkage 250 can move the pad 254
relative to the first wall 230 further into the interior of the
housing 222 to project past the first wall 230 and contact the
first endless abrasive belt 14A. The pad 254 can move linearly with
movement of the linkage 250 within the slot 257. As shown in FIG.
3, the actuating element 226 can move the first endless abrasive
belt 14A of the stack 28 with a rolling linear movement (indicated
by arrow A3) relative to the second endless abrasive belt 14B of
the stack 28. Movement facilitated by the actuating element 226 can
extend at least the first end portion 268 of the first endless
abrasive belt 14A from the opening 216. However, in other examples
other portions (e.g., the middle portion 267 and/or the second end
portion 270) of the first endless abrasive belt 14A can extend from
the opening 216. Thus, in some examples the first endless abrasive
belt 14A can fully exit the dispenser 212 via the opening 216 with
actuation of the actuating element 226.
[0055] FIG. 4 shows the dispenser 212 with an example where a
portion of a retrieval member 18 inserts through an interior loop
portion 280 of the first endless abrasive belt 14A. This portion
can comprise a rod 282 that can exert a pulling force (indicated
with arrow A4) that further and fully pulls the first endless
abrasive belt 14A from the dispenser 212 via the opening 216.
[0056] FIG. 5 shows movement (indicated by arrow A1) by the
retaining element 224 upon full removal of the first endless
abrasive belt 14A (not shown in FIG. 5). This movement can comprise
a bias movement of the retaining element 224 due to the spring 262
extending to bring the second endless abrasive belt 14B of the
stack 28 into contact with the first wall 230 and into general
alignment with the opening 216.
[0057] FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a method 300 of
dispensing at least a first endless abrasive belt from a dispenser
according to one example of the present application. The method 300
can include inserting 302 a plurality of endless abrasive belts
including the at least the first endless abrasive belt within a
housing of the dispenser so the plurality of endless abrasive belts
comprise a stack therein, wherein inserting includes displacing a
retaining element relative to a first wall of the housing, moving
304 the at least the first of the plurality of endless abrasive
belts to an opening of the housing adjacent the first wall, the
moving comprising a linear rolling movement of the at least the
first of the plurality of endless abrasive belts relative to a
second of the plurality of endless abrasive belts and removing 306
the first of the plurality of endless abrasive belts from the
housing via the opening.
[0058] According to one example the method 300 can optionally
further include biasing the stack with the retaining element
towards the first wall such that the second of the plurality of
endless abrasive belts generally aligns with the opening. The
method 300 can optionally further include removing one or more
portions of the housing to facilitate at least one of inserting the
plurality of endless abrasive belts, holding the stack with the
retaining element and moving the at least the first of the
plurality of endless abrasive belts. The method 300 can optionally
further include retaining the stack within the housing by applying
a pressure with the retaining element and the first wall. The
retaining the stack with the retaining element can apply the
pressure at a middle portion of the stack. The retaining element
can be configured such that the plurality of endless abrasive belts
of the stack have first end portions and second end portions free
of the pressure applied by the retaining element such that the
first end portions and second end portions have radii of curvature.
The method 300 can optionally further include fully removing the at
least the first abrasive from the opening with a robotic
device.
[0059] Various examples have been described. These and other
examples are within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *