Patent Application
20240286241
This disclosure is directed to a woodworking tool for ergonomically sanding a workpiece with a handheld sander.
Handheld sanders and similar sanding power tools have been used in various woodworking projects for smoothing surfaces by abrasive means. These handheld sanders are versatile tools in smoothing and sanding down various types of wood workpiece at a fraction of the time as compared to manually smoothing or sanding down these types of wood workpiece with a simple sanding block. In one instance, these handheld sanders are versatile in smoothing a large wood workpiece through rapid and continuous motion applied by these handheld sanders. In one instance, these handheld sanders are versatile in smoothing a small and/or handheld-sized wood workpiece through rapid and continuous motion applied by these handheld sanders. However, such smoothing of a handheld-sized wood workpiece is rather difficult given the woodworker must hold and grip both the handheld sander and the handheld-sized workpiece simultaneously. Such issue may lead to improper smoothing of the handheld-sized workpiece, damaging or marring the handheld-sized workpiece, or fatigue due to holding and gripping both the handheld sander and the handheld-sized workpiece simultaneously.
To combat against this issue, a woodworker may utilize various assisting devices and/or tools for smoothing and sanding down a handheld-sized wood workpiece with a handheld sander. In one instance, a woodworker may utilize a vice or similar gripping device to grip and hold either the handheld sander or the handheld-sized workpiece. In this instance, however, such use of a vice or similar gripping device may create additional issues when holding or gripping either the handheld sander or the handheld-sized workpiece, such as marring or damaging the workpiece or handheld sander, additional labor or time to adjust either the handheld sander or the handheld-sized workpiece inside of the vice, and other various detrimental reasons of the like. In another instance, a woodworker may utilize a belt sander or similar tool of the like for smoothing and sanding down a handheld-sized wood workpiece. In this instance, however, such use of a belt sander requires additional space and costs for the woodworker rather than simply using his/her current handheld sander.
The presently disclosed adjustable mount enables a woodworker to adjust his/her current handheld sander to at least one desired ergonomic position for smoothing and sanding down a handheld-sized workpiece. The presently disclosed adjustable mount includes a pivot table that is selectively pivotably engagable with a base of the adjustable mount. The presently disclosed adjustable mount also includes a clamping assembly that is configured to clamp and hold various types of handheld sanders with the adjustable mount at the at least one desired ergonomic position. The presently disclosed adjustable mount also enables the handheld sander to be pivotable between zero degrees up to about 90 degrees relative to the base of the adjustable mount. The following description of the presently disclosed adjustable mount addresses some of the inadequacies provided in conventional sander mounts or clamps.
In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide an adjustable mount for a handheld sander. The adjustable mount includes a base adapted to engage with a work table. The adjustable mount also includes a pivot table pivotably engaged with the base. The adjustable mount also includes a clamping assembly operably engaged with the pivot table for securing the handheld sander with the adjustable mount. The pivot table, the clamping assembly, and the handheld sander are collectively rotatable relative to the base for providing the handheld sander at at least one ergonomic position.
This exemplary embodiment or additional exemplary embodiment may further include that the pivot table is releasably secured with the base to collectively maintain the pivot table, the clamping assembly, and the handheld sander at at least one angle from a range of angles relative to the base. This exemplary embodiment or additional exemplary embodiment may further include that the base comprises: an upright member; a first foot operably engaged with a first end of the upright member; and a second foot operably engaged with a second end of the upright member longitudinally opposite to the first end. This exemplary embodiment or additional exemplary embodiment may further include at least one pivot pin pivotably engaging the pivot table with the upright member; wherein the pivot table, the clamping assembly, and the handheld sander are configured to collectively rotate about the at least one pivot pin. This exemplary embodiment or additional exemplary embodiment may further include at least one locking member releasably securing the pivot table with the upright member to collectively maintain the pivot table, the clamping assembly, and the handheld sander at at least one angle from a range of angles relative to the base. This exemplary embodiment or additional exemplary embodiment may further include that the base further comprises: at least one slot defined in the upright member vertically above one of the first foot and the second foot; wherein the at least one locking member rides inside of the at least one slot for collectively maintaining the pivot table, the clamping assembly, and the handheld sander at at least one angle from a range of angles relative to the base. This exemplary embodiment or additional exemplary embodiment may further include that each of the first foot and the second foot are adapted to be mounted to the work table via a clamping tool. This exemplary embodiment or additional exemplary embodiment may further include at least one attachment mechanism operably engaging one of the first foot and the second foot with the work table via at least one hole defined in the work table. This exemplary embodiment or additional exemplary embodiment may further include that the clamping assembly comprises: a clamping plate operably engaged with the pivot table; at least one adjustment assembly operably engaged with the clamping plate; and a clamping strap operably engaged with the at least one adjustment assembly; wherein the clamping plate, the at least one adjustment assembly, and the clamping strap are adapted to secure the handheld sander between the clamping plate and the clamping strap. This exemplary embodiment or additional exemplary embodiment may further include that the clamping strap is moveably adjustable relative to the clamping strap via the at least one adjustment assembly. This exemplary embodiment or additional exemplary embodiment may further include that the at least one adjustment assembly comprises: a knuckle pivotably engaged with the clamping plate; a threaded rod operably engaged with the knuckle and the clamping strap; and a locking knob threadably engaged with the threaded rod opposite to the knuckle and operably engageagble with the clamping strap; wherein the locking knob is configured to linearly move the clamping strap at a first position along the threaded rod relative to the clamping strap for securing the handheld sander between the clamping plate and the clamping strap. This exemplary embodiment or additional exemplary embodiment may further include at least another adjustment assembly operably engaged with the clamping plate and adjacent to the at least one adjustment assembly; wherein the at least another adjustment assembly is configured to linearly move the clamping strap relative to the clamping strap for securing the handheld sander between the clamping plate and the clamping strap. This exemplary embodiment or additional exemplary embodiment may further include that the at least another adjustment assembly comprises: a knuckle pivotably engaged with the clamping plate; a threaded rod pivotally engaged with the knuckle and the clamping strap; and a locking knob threadably engaged with the threaded rod opposite to the knuckle and operably engageagble with the clamping strap; wherein the locking knob is configured to linearly move the clamping strap at a second position along the threaded rod relative to the clamping strap to secure the handheld sander between the clamping plate and the clamping strap.
In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a method of sanding a workpiece at least one ergonomic position. The method comprises steps of: introducing an adjustable mount to a work table; adjusting a clamping assembly of the adjustable mount to an unlocked position; introducing a handheld sander into the clamping assembly; adjusting the clamping assembly of the adjustable mount to a locked position; collectively rotating a pivot table of the adjustable mount, the clamping assembly, and the handheld sander to the at least one ergonomic position; securing a base of the adjustable mount to the work table; and sanding the workpiece at the at least one ergonomic position.
This exemplary embodiment or additional exemplary embodiment may further include that the step of collectively adjusting the pivot table, the clamping assembly, and the handheld sander to the at least one ergonomic position further comprises: loosening a locking knob of at least one locking assembly from the base and the pivot table; collectively rotating the pivot table, the clamping assembly, and the handheld sander to the at least one ergonomic position; and tightening the locking knob of the at least one locking assembly with the base and the pivot table at the at least one ergonomic position. This exemplary embodiment or additional exemplary embodiment may further include that the step of adjusting the clamping assembly of the adjustable mount to the unlocked position further comprises: loosening at least one adjustment assembly of the clamping assembly from a clamping strap of the clamping assembly; and pivoting the at least one adjustment assembly away from the clamping strap until the at least one adjustment assembly is spaced apart from the clamping strap. This exemplary embodiment or additional exemplary embodiment may further include that the step of adjusting the clamping assembly of the adjustable mount to the locked position further comprises: pivoting the at least one adjustment assembly towards the clamping strap until the at least one adjustment assembly operably engages with the clamping strap; tightening the at least one adjustment assembly towards the clamping strap until the handheld sander is clamped between a clamping plate of the clamping assembly and the clamping strap; and tightening at least another adjustment assembly towards the clamping strap until the handheld sander is clamped between the clamping plate and the clamping strap. This exemplary embodiment or additional exemplary embodiment may further include that the step of securing the base of the adjustable mount to the work table further comprises: clamping at least one foot of the base, via a first clamping tool, to the work table. This exemplary embodiment or additional exemplary embodiment may further include that the step of securing the base of the adjustable mount to the work table further comprises: introducing at least one attachment mechanism of adjustable mount through a first foot of the base and through at least one hole defined in the work table; introducing at least another attachment mechanism of adjustable mount through a second foot of the base and through at least another hole defined in the work table; securing the base, via the at least one attachment mechanism, with the work table; and securing the base, via the at least another attachment mechanism, with the work table. This exemplary embodiment or additional exemplary embodiment may further include steps of loosening at least one locking knob from the base and the pivot table; collectively rotating the pivot table, the clamping assembly, and the handheld sander to at least another ergonomic position different than the at least one ergonomic position; tightening the at least one locking knob with the base and the pivot table at the at least one ergonomic position; and sanding the workpiece at the at least another ergonomic position.
Sample embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in the following description, are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.
Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.
In the illustrated embodiment, a random orbit sander is retained and held by the adjustable mount 1 for sanding small or handheld-sized work pieces not conventionally sanded by handheld sanders (see
Adjustable mount 1 may include a base 10 that is configured to rest on a work table or router work table. As described in greater detail below, base 10 may be secured with or mounted to a work table or router work table to maintain the adjustable mount 1 and the handheld sander at a desired position when sanding handheld-sized work pieces. Such components and features of base 10 are described in greater detail below.
Base 10 includes an upright member 12. As best seen in
The upright member 12 includes a top end or edge 12D that extends along the entire length of the upright member 12 in which the first upright support 12A, the second upright support 12B, and the third upright support 12C collectively share the top edge 12D. As best seen in
The upright member 12 defines an exterior surface 12F that extends along the entire length of the upright member 12 in which the first upright support 12A, the second upright support 12B, and the third upright support 12C collectively define the exterior surface 12F (see
The upright member 12 also defines a notch 12H that extends vertically downward into the upright member 12 from the top edge 12D towards the bottom edge 12E. As best seen in
The upright member 12 also defines a first opening 12I1 and a second opening 12I2 that extend entirely through the upright member 12 in which the exterior surface 12F and the interior surface 12G are in fluid communication with one another via the first opening 12I1 and the second opening 12I2. As best seen in
The upright member 12 also defines a first slot 12J1 and a second slot 12J2 that extend entirely through the upright member 12 in which the exterior surface 12F and the interior surface 12G are in fluid communication with one another via the first slot 12J1 and the second slot 12J2. As best seen in
Base 10 may also include a first foot 14 that operably engages with the upright member 12. More particularly, first foot 14 operably engages with the first upright support 12A in which the first upright support 12A and the first foot 14 are continuous with one another. As best seen in
It should be understood that set of first apertures 14E of the first foot 14 may define any suitable size, shape, or configuration dictated by the implementation of the set of first apertures 14E. In one example, each aperture of the set of first apertures 14E may define a substantially-circular shape when viewed from a plan view (see
Base 10 may also include a second foot 16 that operably engages with the upright member 12 and positioned longitudinally opposite to the first foot 14 relative to the upright member 12. More particularly, second foot 16 operably engages with the second upright support 12B in which the second upright support 12B and the second foot 16 are continuous with one another. As best seen in
It should be understood that set of second apertures 16E of the second foot 16 may define any suitable size, shape, or configuration dictated by the implementation of the set of second apertures 16E. In one example, each aperture of the set of second apertures 16E may define a substantially-circular shape when viewed from a plan view (see
Base 10 may be a unibody that is integrally extruded, molded, printed, or additively manufactured, removably machined, or formed as a unitary, monolithic member substantially fabricated from a rigid, manmade, material. In one example, metal or metal alloys, such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy, may form a substantial majority of the components or elements used to fabricate the base 10 and the various components integrally formed, molded, or extruded therewith. The rigid base 10 should withstand typical woodworking handling from an operator pressing the base 10 against a piece of wood to be marked and then cut without damaging the tool body. While it is contemplated that the base 10 and its additional components described herein are uniformly and integrally extruded, molded, or formed, it is entirely possible that the components of the base 10 be formed separately from alternative materials as one having routine skill in the art would understand. In another example, the base 10 may be formed from an elastomeric material or rubber material configured to withstand deformation upon impact or bending by the operator (i.e., a woodworker). Furthermore, while the components of the base 10 are discussed above individually, it is to be clearly understood that the components and their corresponding reference elements of the base 10 are portions, regions, or surfaces of the base 10 and all form a respective element or component of the unitary base 10. Thus, while the components may be discussed individually and identified relative to other elements or components of the base 10, in this exemplary embodiment, there is a base 10 having the above described portions, regions, or surfaces.
Adjustable mount 1 may also include a pivot table 30 that operably engages with the base 10. More particularly, pivot table 30 is selectively pivotally engaged with the base 10 for enabling a woodworker to adjust the handheld sander to a desired ergonomic position with the adjustable mount 1; such pivot adjustment via the pivot table 30 is described in greater detail below. Such features of pivot table 30 are now discussed in greater detail below.
As best seen in
The pivot table 30 defines an outer surface 30F that extends along the entire length of the pivot table 30 in which the first portion 30C, the second portion 30D, and the third portion 30E collectively define the outer surface 30F (see
The pivot table 30 also defines a first pivot opening 30H1 and a second pivot opening 30H2 that extend entirely through the pivot table 30 in which the outer surface 30F and the inner surface 30G are in fluid communication with one another via the first pivot opening 30H1 and the second pivot opening 30H2. As best seen in
The pivot table 30 also defines a first securement opening 30I1 and a second securement opening 30I2 that extend entirely through the pivot table 30 in which the outer surface 30F and the inner surface 30G are in fluid communication with one another via the first securement opening 30I1 and the second securement opening 30I2. As best seen in
Pivot table 30 also defines at least one indentation 30J that extends transversely into the third portion 30E of pivot table 30. As best seen in
Pivot table 30 also defines a notch 30K that extends transversely into the third portion from the rear end 1B towards the front end 1A. As best seen in
Pivot table 30 also defines a first locking opening 30L1 and a second locking opening 30L2 that extend entirely through the pivot table 30 in which the outer surface 30F and the inner surface 30G are in fluid communication with one another via the first locking opening 30L1 and the second locking opening 30L2. As best seen in
Pivot table 30 may be a unibody that is integrally extruded, molded, printed, or additively manufactured, removably machined, or formed as a unitary, monolithic member substantially fabricated from a rigid, manmade, material. In one example, metal or metal alloys, such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy, may form a substantial majority of the components or elements used to fabricate the pivot table 30 and the various components integrally formed, molded, or extruded therewith. The pivot table 30 should withstand typical woodworking handling from an operator pressing the pivot table 30 against a piece of wood to be marked and then cut without damaging the tool body. While it is contemplated that the pivot table 30 and its additional components described herein are uniformly and integrally extruded, molded, or formed, it is entirely possible that the components of the pivot table 30 be formed separately from alternative materials as one having routine skill in the art would understand. In another example, the pivot table 30 may be formed from an elastomeric material or rubber material configured to withstand deformation upon impact or bending by the operator (i.e., a woodworker). Furthermore, while the components of the pivot table 30 are discussed above individually, it is to be clearly understood that the components and their corresponding reference elements of the pivot table 30 are portions, regions, or surfaces of the pivot table 30 and all form a respective element or component of the unitary pivot table 30. Thus, while the components may be discussed individually and identified relative to other elements or components of the pivot table 30, in this exemplary embodiment, there is a pivot table 30 having the above described portions, regions, or surfaces.
Adjustable mount 1 may also include at least one pivot mounting assembly 40 that pivotally engages the pivot table 30 with the base 10. In the illustrated embodiment, adjustable mount 1 includes a first pivot mounting assembly 40A and a second pivot mounting assembly 40B that pivotally engages the pivot table 30 with the base 10 in a substantially similar configuration and directly oppose one another. Inasmuch as the first pivot mounting assembly 40A and second pivot mounting assembly 40B are substantially similar to one another, the following description will relate to the first pivot mounting assembly 40A for brevity. It should be understood, however, that while the first pivot mounting assembly 40A is described herein, the description of the first pivot mounting assembly 40A applies equally to the second pivot mounting assembly 40B.
First pivot mounting assembly 40A includes a pivot pin 42 that pivotably engages the pivot table 30 with the base 10. As best seen in
It should be appreciated that such features of the first pivot mounting assembly 40A applies substantially equally to the second pivot mounting assembly 40B.
Adjustable mount 1 may also include at least one locking assembly 50 that selectively operatively engages the pivot table 30 with the base 10. In the illustrated embodiment, adjustable mount 1 includes a first locking assembly 50A and a second locking assembly 50B that selectively operatively engages the pivot table 30 with the base 10 in a substantially similar configuration and directly oppose one another. Inasmuch as the first locking assembly 50A and second locking assembly 50B are substantially similar to one another, the following description will relate to the first locking assembly 50A for brevity. It should be understood, however, that while the first locking assembly 50A is described herein, the description of the first locking assembly 50A applies equally to the second locking assembly 50B.
First locking assembly 50A includes a fastener 52 that engages the pivot table 30 with the base 10. As best seen in
First locking assembly 50A also includes a first washer 46A that operably engages with and is positioned between base 10 and pivot table 30 (see
It should be understood that such component and features of the first locking assembly 50A applies substantially equally to the second locking assembly 50B.
Adjustable base 1 may also include a clamping assembly 60 that operably engages with the pivot table 30. As described in greater detail below, the clamping assembly 60 is configured to releasably secure and/or engage a handheld sander with the adjustable mount 1 for sanding small or handheld-sized work pieces not conventionally sanded by handheld sanders at various ergonomic positions. Such components and parts of the clamping assembly 60 are described in greater detail below.
Clamping assembly 60 includes a clamping plate 62 that operably engages with the pivot table 30. More particularly, the clamping plate 62 operably engages with the third portion 30E of the pivot table 30 in which the clamping plate 62 interfaces with the outer surface 30F of the third portion 30E. As best seen in
Referring to
Referring to
Clamping assembly 60 also includes at least one adjustment assembly 64 that operably engages with the clamping plate 62 via one of the first recess 62E and the second recess 62F. As best seen in
Referring to
First adjustment assembly 64A also includes a threaded rod 65B that operably engages with the knuckle 65A. As best seen in
First adjustment assembly 64A also includes a locking knob 65C that operably engages with the threaded rod 65B. As best seen in
Still referring to
It should be appreciated that the parts and components of the first adjustment assembly 64A applies equally to the second adjustment assembly 64B. In this embodiment, the second adjustment assembly 64B remains engaged with a clamping strap of clamping assembly 60 in which the second adjustment assembly 64B is free from pivoting. In other exemplary embodiments, a second adjustment assembly may be removable from a clamping strap of clamping assembly in which the second adjustment assembly is pivotable via a knuckle of the second adjustment assembly.
Clamping assembly 60 also includes a clamping strap 66 that operably engages with one or both of the first adjustment assembly 64A and the second adjustment assembly 64B. As best seen in
As best seen in
During operation, the threaded rod 65B of the first adjustment assembly 64A is also selectively removeable from the clamping strap 66, via the slot 66E, when securing a handheld sander with the clamping assembly 60. Prior to clamping and securing a handheld sander, the threaded rod 65B of the first adjustment assembly 64A is enabled to be removed from the clamping strap 66, via the slot 66E, when the locking knob 65C is disengaged from the clamping strap 66. The knuckle 65A of the first adjustment assembly 64A enables the first end 65B1 of the threaded rod 65B to be pivoted while still being engaged with the clamping plate 62. Such removal of the threaded rod 65B enables a woodworker to introduce a handheld sander into the clamping assembly 60 with ease, particularly between the clamping plate 62 and the clamping strap 66. Once the handheld sander is provided inside the clamping assembly 60, the threaded rod 65B may be pivoted back towards the clamping strap 66 and releasably secured with the clamping strap 66 to releasably secure the handheld sander with the clamping assembly 60.
The clamping strap 66 also defines an opening 66F that extends transversely through the clamping strap 66 between the front end 66A and the rear end 66B. The opening 66F also extends entirely through the clamping strap 66 such that the front end 66A and the rear end 66B are in fluid communication with one another via the opening 66F. As best seen in
The clamping strap 66 also defines a central opening 66G that extends transversely through the clamping strap 66 between the front end 66A and the rear end 66B. The central opening 66G also extends entirely through the clamping strap 66 such that the front end 66A and the rear end 66B are in fluid communication with one another via the central opening 66G. As best seen in
Clamping assembly 60 may also include attachment mechanisms 68 that operably engage the clamping plate 62 with the pivot table 30. As best seen in
Adjustable mount 1 may also include at least set of mounting mechanism 70 that releasably secure the adjustable mount 1 with a work table, particularly a router work table. As best seen in
In one instance, a set of markings or indicia may be placed on the base 10 in order to indicate to a woodworker at which angle the pivot table 30, the clamping assembly 60, and a handheld sander is collectively pivoted to relative to the base 10. In this instance, the fasteners 52 and the locking knob 54 may be used as pointers and/or indicators to denote the angle of the pivot table 30, the clamping assembly 60, and a handheld sander to the woodworker.
Having now described the assemblies and components of the adjustable mount 1, methods of using and sanding at least one handheld workpiece at at least one ergonomic position via the adjustable mount are described in greater detail below.
Prior to sanding a handheld workpiece, a woodworker may clamp or secure a desired handheld sander or sanding tool of the like with the adjustable mount 1 for sanding the handheld workpiece at at least one ergonomic position. In the illustrated embodiment, handheld sander 80 used herein depicts a conventional random orbit sander. As discussed previously, any suitable handheld sander or handheld sanding tool of the like may be used with adjustable mount 1 for sanding at least one handheld workpiece at at least one ergonomic position.
Once the handheld sander 80 has been picked by woodworker, woodworker may then prepare the adjustable mount by providing the clamping assembly 60 in an unlocked position. First, woodworker loosens the locking knob 65C of the first adjustment assembly 64A from the threaded rod 65B until the locking knob 65C is disengaged from the clamping strap 66; such loosening of the locking knob 65C of the first adjustment assembly 64A is denoted by an arrow labeled “R1” in
Once the clamping strap 66 is provided in the receiving position, woodworker may then introduce the handheld sander 80 into the clamping assembly 60. The woodworker may first engage a body or housing 82 of the handheld sander 80 with the clamping plate 62 inside of the V-shaped groove 62G. Once the housing 82 of the handheld sander 80 engages with the clamping plate 62, woodworker may then provide the clamping assembly 60 in a clamping position by reintroducing the first adjustment assembly 64A into the slot 66E of the clamping strap 66 and reengaging the first adjustment assembly 64A with the clamping strap 66 to clamp and maintain the handheld sander 80 with the clamping plate 62 and the clamping strap 66 (see
Once engaged, a portion of the housing 82 is positioned inside of the clamping assembly 60 (see
Once the handheld sander 80 is engaged with the adjustable mount 1, via the clamping assembly 60, woodworker may then selectively pivot the handheld sander 80 to a desired ergonomic position for sanding at least one handheld-sized workpiece. First, woodworker may loosen the first locking assembly 50A and the second locking assembly 50B from the base 10 and the pivot table 30 until the locking knobs 54 of the first locking assembly 50A and the second locking assembly 50B are disengaged from the base 10 to enable rotation of the pivot table 30. Such loosening of the first locking assembly 50A and the second locking assembly 50B are denoted by an arrow labeled “R3” in
It should be appreciated that the pivot table 30, the clamping assembly 60, and the handheld sander 80 may be collectively pivoted and/or rotated within a range of angles relative to the base 10. As best seen in
It should be appreciated that while the locking knobs 54 of the first locking assembly 50A and the second locking assembly 50B are disengaged from the base 10, the first locking assembly 50A and the second locking assembly 50B may enable the woodworker to collectively pivot the pivot table 30, the clamping assembly 60, and the handheld sander 80 to a precise, desired ergonomic position while preventing the pivot table 30, the clamping assembly 60, and the handheld sander 80 from slipping downward along the base 10. In this instance, first locking assembly 50A and the second locking assembly 50B remain engaged with the base 10 and the pivot table 30 to hold the pivot table 30 at a desired angle while still allowing the woodworker to collectively pivot the pivot table 30, the clamping assembly 60, and the handheld sander 80 to a precise, desired ergonomic position.
Once the adjustable mount 1 and the handheld sander 80 are provided in the desired ergonomic position, woodworker may then mount or clamp the adjustable mount 1 to a desired work table. In one instance, woodworker may clamp the adjustable mount 1 with a work table 90 via at least one clamp 92. As best seen in
Once the adjustable mount 1 is secured with a work table (e.g., work table 90, 100), woodworker may then introduce a handheld-sized workpiece 110 to the handheld sander 80 where the handheld sander 80 is provided at the desired ergonomic position via the adjustable mount 1 (see
While not illustrated herein, woodworker may repeat the steps described above if the woodworker desires to reposition the handheld sander 80 at another ergonomic position based on various considerations, including the size of sanding another handheld-sized workpiece. While not illustrated herein, woodworker may also repeat the steps described above if the woodworker desires to reposition the adjustable mount 1 and the handheld sander 80 at another position on the work table 90, 100 based on various considerations, including the size of the handheld-sized workpiece, the size, shape, and configuration of the work table, and other relevant considerations of the like.
In other exemplary embodiments, method 200 may include optional steps or additional steps of sanding a workpiece at the at least one ergonomic position. Optional steps may further include that the step of collectively adjusting the pivot table, the clamping assembly, and the handheld sander to the at least one ergonomic position further comprises: loosening a locking knob of at least one locking assembly from the base and the pivot table; collectively rotating the pivot table, the clamping assembly, and the handheld sander to the at least one ergonomic position; and tightening the locking knob of the at least one locking assembly with the base and the pivot table at the at least one ergonomic position. Optional steps may further include that the step of adjusting the clamping assembly of the adjustable mount to the unlocked position further comprises: loosening at least one adjustment assembly of the clamping assembly from a clamping strap of the clamping assembly; and pivoting the at least one adjustment assembly away from the clamping strap until the at least one adjustment assembly is spaced apart from the clamping strap. Optional steps may further include that the step of adjusting the clamping assembly of the adjustable mount to the locked position further comprises: pivoting the at least one adjustment assembly towards the clamping strap until the at least one adjustment assembly operably engages with the clamping strap; tightening the at least one adjustment assembly towards the clamping strap until the handheld sander is clamped between a clamping plate of the clamping assembly and the clamping strap; and tightening at least another adjustment assembly towards the clamping strap until the handheld sander is clamped between the clamping plate and the clamping strap. Optional steps may further include that the step of securing the base of the adjustable mount to the work table further comprises: clamping at least one foot of the base, via a first clamping tool, to the work table. Optional steps may further include that the step of securing the base of the adjustable mount to the work table further comprises: introducing at least one attachment mechanism of adjustable mount through a first foot of the base and through at least one hole defined in the work table; introducing at least another attachment mechanism of adjustable mount through a second foot of the base and through at least another hole defined in the work table; securing the base, via the at least one attachment mechanism, with the work table; and securing the base, via the at least another attachment mechanism, with the work table. Optional steps may further include that loosening at least one locking knob from the base and the pivot table; collectively rotating the pivot table, the clamping assembly, and the handheld sander to at least another ergonomic position different than the at least one ergonomic position; tightening the at least one locking knob with the base and the pivot table at the at least one ergonomic position; and sanding the workpiece at the at least another ergonomic position.
Various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.
While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.
The articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims (if at all), should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc. As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.
As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.
While components of the present disclosure are described herein in relation to each other, it is possible for one of the components disclosed herein to include inventive subject matter, if claimed alone or used alone. In keeping with the above example, if the disclosed embodiments teach the features of A and B, then there may be inventive subject matter in the combination of A and B, A alone, or B alone, unless otherwise stated herein.
As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the term “effecting” or a phrase or claim element beginning with the term “effecting” should be understood to mean to cause something to happen or to bring something about. For example, effecting an event to occur may be caused by actions of a first party even though a second party actually performed the event or had the event occur to the second party. Stated otherwise, effecting refers to one party giving another party the tools, objects, or resources to cause an event to occur. Thus, in this example a claim element of “effecting an event to occur” would mean that a first party is giving a second party the tools or resources needed for the second party to perform the event, however the affirmative single action is the responsibility of the first party to provide the tools or resources to cause said event to occur.
When a feature or element is herein referred to as being “on” another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown can apply to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.
Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, “above”, “behind”, “in front of”, and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “lateral”, “transverse”, “longitudinal”, and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.
Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various features/elements, these features/elements should not be limited by these terms, unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature/element from another feature/element. Thus, a first feature/element discussed herein could be termed a second feature/element, and similarly, a second feature/element discussed herein could be termed a first feature/element without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
An embodiment is an implementation or example of the present disclosure. Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or “other embodiments,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the invention. The various appearances “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or “other embodiments,” or the like, are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments.
If this specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.
As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if the term does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately” may be used when describing magnitude and/or position to indicate that the value and/or position described is within a reasonable expected range of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value that is +/−0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−2% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein.
Additionally, the method of performing the present disclosure may occur in a sequence different than those described herein. Accordingly, no sequence of the method should be read as a limitation unless explicitly stated. It is recognizable that performing some of the steps of the method in a different order could achieve a similar result.
In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.
To the extent that the present disclosure has utilized the term “invention” in various titles or sections of this specification, this term was included as required by the formatting requirements of word document submissions pursuant the guidelines/requirements of the United States Patent and Trademark Office and shall not, in any manner, be considered a disavowal of any subject matter.
In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
Moreover, the description and illustration of various embodiments of the disclosure are examples and the disclosure is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
