Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6296558
-
Patent Number
6,296,558
-
Date Filed
Thursday, May 13, 199925 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, October 2, 200122 years ago
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Inventors
-
-
Examiners
- Hail, III; Joseph J.
- Nguyen; George
Agents
- Parsons & Goltry
- Parsons; Robert A.
- Goltry; Michael W.
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CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 451 557
- 451 515
- 451 525
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International Classifications
-
Abstract
A sanding device for sanding substantially planar surfaces and substantially non-planar surfaces including a first section and a second section releasably coupled thereto. The second section for supporting a piece of sandpaper having ends captured between the engagement of the first and second sections. The first section also capable of being used for retaining sandpaper absent the second section.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to sanding devices.
More particularly, the present invention relates to devices for retaining sandpaper during sanding procedures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Sandpaper is used in a wide variety of activities and on many materials. Woodworkers, auto body workers, painters etc. are among those who use sandpaper on wood, metal, wallboard and filler compounds to list a few. Small, curved or irregular shaped surfaces are typically sanded by holding the sandpaper in the hand. A human hand is capable of forming itself to the desired shape, or forcing the sandpaper into small areas. The problem is that the human hand does not provide a uniform and unvarying force because of a tendency to change shape due to its highly articulate nature. Also, it is often very difficult to adequately maintain a secure hold on a piece of sandpaper.
To overcome these problems, sanding blocks are commonly used. A sanding block generally has a planar surface over which the sandpaper is placed. An individual gripping the block also grips the edges of the sandpaper thereby holding the sandpaper in place. While generally effective for sanding planar surfaces, irregular, contoured or curved surfaces are still commonly sanded by hand, as a sanding block is ineffectual. Thus, the problem of applying a uniform and consistent force is still a problem.
It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the foregoing and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a sanding device for securely holding sandpaper while sanding.
Another object of the present invention to provide a sanding device which is capable of uniformly and consistently sanding surfaces.
And another object of the present invention to provide a sanding device which can be employed to sand planar surfaces, curved surfaces, contoured surfaces, corners, etc.
Still another object of the present invention to provide a sanding device in which sandpaper is easily installed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, to achieve the desired objects of the present invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, provided is a sanding device for retaining a piece of sand paper including a first section having the general shape of a channel including spaced apart sidewalls in a generally outwardly divergent and outwardly biased relationship. The sidewalls each terminate in an end and are movable between an inwardly compressed position and an outwardly biased position. A second section includes a base having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and spaced apart engagement members extending upwardly and inwardly convergent from the first surface for receiving the ends of the first section therebetween with the sidewalls in the inwardly compressed position and retaining the ends with the sidewalls in the outwardly biased position. Ends of the piece of sandpaper are receivable between respective ends of the first section and the engagement members and retained thereby with the sidewalls in the outwardly biased position.
In accordance with another embodiment, the ends of the sidewalls of the first section each include a sandpaper engagement element for receiving the ends of a piece of sandpaper in the inwardly compressed position and tautly retaining the sandpaper therebetween in the outwardly biased position in the absence of the second section. The sandpaper engagement elements are generally hook shaped to form an upwardly directed slot for receiving the end of the piece of sandpaper.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and further and more specific objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1
is an exploded perspective view of a sanding device in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2
is a perspective view of a first sanding section of the device of
FIG. 1
as it would appear being employed to sand a non-planar surface;
FIG. 3
is a perspective view of the device of
FIG. 1
as it would appear being employed to sand a planar surface;
FIG. 4
is a sectional end view of the sanding device of
FIG. 1
as it would appear retaining a sheet of sandpaper;
FIG. 5
is a sectional end view of another embodiment of a second sanding section;
FIG. 6
is a sectional end view of yet another embodiment of a second sanding section;
FIG. 7
is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a sanding device in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 8
is a sectional end view of the first section of the sanding device of
FIG. 7
;
FIG. 9
is a sectional end view illustrating the first section engaging another embodiment of a second section and retaining sand paper thereon;
FIG. 10
is a section end view of the first section received by the second section of the sanding device of
FIG. 7
; and
FIG. 11
is a sectional end view similar to
FIG. 10
, illustrating the flexibility of the second section.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is first directed to
FIG. 1
which illustrates a first embodiment of the instant invention comprising a sanding apparatus, being generally designated by the reference character
20
, for sanding substantially planar surfaces and substantially non-planar surfaces. Sanding apparatus
20
is a modular apparatus generally comprised of a first sanding section
21
and a second sanding section
22
detachably engagable to said first sanding section
21
. First sanding section
21
is operative for sanding irregular or substantially non-planar surfaces, and second sanding section
22
is operative for sanding substantially planar surfaces.
With continuing reference to
FIG. 1
, first sanding section
21
is preferably formed generally in the shape of a barrel vault or channel including a substantially elongate configuration having a pair of spaced-apart upstanding sidewalls,
30
and
31
, interconnecting and supporting proximate upper ends thereof a substantially planar section
32
. It will be understood that section
32
may be flat, curved, concave or substantially any other shape to coupled sidewalls
30
and
31
. Sidewalls,
30
and
31
, are flared or sloped somewhat outwardly in relation to each other in a generally outwardly divergent and biased relation and terminate with lower ends,
40
and
41
, respectively, each having an engagement element,
42
and
43
, respectively formed generally in the shape of a hook to form an upwardly directed slot for receiving the end of the piece of sandpaper. As can be seen in
FIG. 1
, lower ends,
40
and
41
, are disposed in spaced-apart relation and define substantially parallel planes.
First sanding section
21
is preferably constructed of extruded plastic, stainless steel, or other suitable material having springy and shape memory characteristics providing for the outward bias. Apart from the general shape as described, first sanding section
21
may have various indentation and curves to fit more easily and comfortably in a users hand. With attention directed to
FIG. 2
, engagement elements,
42
and
43
are operative for detachably engaging a piece of sandpaper
45
for supporting the sandpaper
45
therebetween. In particular, a first edge of the sandpaper
45
can be placed within, and thereby detachably affixed thereto, engagement element
42
along substantially its entire length. Because first sanding element is constructed of a material having springy and shape memory characteristics, lower ends,
40
and
41
, may be urged inwardly by a user after which a user may place a second edge of sandpaper
45
into engagement element
43
thereby detachably engaging the second edge of sandpaper
45
within engagement element
43
. Upon release of first sanding section
21
, sidewalls,
30
and
31
, urge outwardly back to their original orientation whereby the sandpaper
45
is carried between the lower ends,
40
and
41
, in a substantially taut configuration.
As can be seen in
FIG. 2
, first sanding section
21
having sandpaper
45
detachably coupled thereto is suitably operative for sanding a substantially non-planar surface. In particular, a piece
50
of wood is shown having a substantially arcuate outer surface
51
. To sand arcuate outer surface
51
with first sanding section
21
, a user need only grasp first sanding section
21
and urge sandpaper
45
against the substantially arcuate outer surface
51
. Upon application of pressure against first sanding section
21
, sidewalls,
30
and
31
, urge inwardly toward each other as sandpaper
45
wraps around and engages substantially arcuate outer surface
51
, whereby one may then sand substantially arcuate outer surface
51
by urging first sanding section
21
in a selected direction along the length of the piece
50
of wood. Because first sanding section
21
is flexible, sandpaper
45
will be free to conform itself to substantially non-planar surface including not only substantially arcuate surfaces but also other substantially irregular or contoured surfaces.
With attention directed back to FIG.
1
and with additional reference to
FIG. 4
, second sanding section
22
is generally comprised of a base
60
having a width somewhat less than the distance between the lower ends,
40
and
41
, in which they normally reside. Base
60
, preferably constructed of extruded plastic, wood, steel, or other selected material, includes a substantially planar lower surface (not shown), an upper surface
61
having spaced apart sloping surfaces,
62
and
63
, terminating with side edges,
64
and
65
, having upwardly and somewhat inwardly extending engagement members,
66
and
67
, terminating with upper edges,
68
and
69
.
Sidewalls,
30
and
31
, may be urged somewhat inwardly and the lower ends,
40
and
41
, inserted into engagement members,
66
and
67
, respectively. Release of sidewalls,
30
and
31
, will frictionally engage lower ends,
40
and
41
, to engagement elements,
66
and
67
, as sidewalls,
30
and
31
, spring outwardly. The lower surface of base
60
can be covered with sandpaper
45
with opposing ends thereof curled over engagement elements
66
and
67
. When lower ends
40
and
41
are inserted between engagement elements
66
and
67
as described previously, the ends of sandpaper
45
will be securely retained. In this manner, a substantially flat surface
81
(
FIG. 3
) may then be sanded. A sponge-like substance
80
may be provided on the substantially planar lower surface of base
60
if desired for facilitating ease and uniformity of sanding operations, but this is not essential.
Spaced-apart sloping surfaces,
62
and
63
, are provided for keeping lower ends,
40
and
41
, engaged to engagement members,
66
and
67
, respectively during use thereof. In particular, as a user grasps first sanding section
21
and applies pressure to it for sanding a surface, sloping surfaces,
62
and
63
, function to keep lower ends,
40
and
41
, from being urged toward one another thereby becoming detached from base
60
.
Attention is now directed to FIG.
5
and
FIG. 6
, illustrating two alternate embodiments of a second sanding section being generally designated by the reference characters
90
and
92
, respectively. Having the same elements as second sanding section
22
previously discussed, second sanding section
90
includes instead of a substantially planar lower surface like second sanding section
22
, a substantially arcuate lower surface
91
. As a result, second sanding section
90
may be used for sanding substantially concave surfaces or other similar surfaces suitable for sanding with substantially arcuate lower surface
91
. In like manner, having the same elements as second sanding section
22
previously discussed, second sanding section
92
includes an substantially outwardly angled surface
93
. As a result, second sanding section
92
may be used for sanding substantially inwardly angled surfaces or other similar surfaces suitable for sanding with substantially arcuate lower surface
91
. It will be understood that arcuate lower surface
91
can be formed having substantially any desired radius. This is also the same for angled surface
93
which can be formed with any desired angle. Furthermore, other shapes can be employed as desired.
Turning now to
FIG. 7
, illustrated is another embodiment of the instant invention comprising sanding apparatus, being generally designated by the reference character
110
, for sanding substantially planar surfaces and substantially non-planar surfaces. Sanding apparatus
110
is a modular apparatus generally comprised of a first section
112
and a second section
114
detachably engaged to said first section
112
. First section
112
is operative as a gripping and sandpaper retaining member, while second section
114
receives and supports a sheet of sand paper (not shown).
With continuing reference to FIG.
7
and additional reference to
FIG. 8
, first section
112
is preferably formed generally in the shape of a barrel vault or channel including a substantially elongate configuration having a pair of spaced-apart upstanding sidewalls
116
and
118
, interconnecting and supporting proximate upper ends thereof a substantially planar section
120
. Sidewalls,
116
and
118
, are flared or sloped somewhat outwardly in relation to each other in a generally outwardly divergent relation and terminate with lower ends
122
and
124
. As can be seen in
FIG. 7 and 8
, lower ends
122
and
124
terminate in outwardly directed bulges having curved outer surfaces
130
and
132
. First section
112
is preferably constructed of extruded plastic, stainless steel, or other suitable material having springy and shape memory characteristics. Thus, ends
122
and
124
are biased outwardly but can be compressed toward each other.
With attention directed back to
FIG. 7
, second section
114
is generally comprised of a base
134
having a width somewhat less than the distance between the lower ends
122
and
124
which are normally received therein. Base
134
, preferably constructed of extruded plastic, wood, steel, or other selected material, includes a substantially planar lower surface (not shown), and an upper surface
136
terminating in outer edges
138
and
140
. Engagement members
142
and
144
extend generally upwardly and somewhat inwardly from edges
138
and
140
respectively, terminating with upper edges
146
and
148
.
Referring now to
FIG. 10
, a sheet of sandpaper
150
(shown as broken line) is wrapped around second section
114
, overlying the lower surface of base
134
with edges of the sandpaper folded over upper edges
146
and
148
and terminating proximate upper surface
136
. Sandpaper
150
is retained in position on second section
114
by first section
112
. Ends
122
and
124
of first section
112
are forced slightly inwardly against their outward bias to permit their receipt between engagement members
142
and
144
of second section
114
. When release, sidewalls
116
and
118
will flex outwardly forcing outer surfaces
130
and
132
outward against engagement members
142
and
144
and thereby catching and securely retaining the ends of sandpaper
150
therebetween.
Turning to
FIG. 11
, base
134
of second section
114
can be formed of a flexible material, permitting deformation around an object having a shape such as a radius. As second section
114
is deformed into a curve, engagement members
142
and
144
pivot around on outer surfaces
130
and
132
. However, due to the curved shape of outer surfaces
130
and
132
, pressure is always maintained against engagement members
142
and
144
and sandpaper
150
. In this manner, sandpaper
150
is securely retained in position even when second section
114
is fully flexed.
Referring now to
FIG. 9
, another embodiment of a second section generally designated
154
is illustrated engaged with first section
112
. Second section
154
is substantially identical to second section
114
including a base
156
having a width somewhat less than the distance between lower ends
122
and
124
which are normally received therein. Base
156
, preferably constructed of extruded plastic, wood, steel, or other selected material, includes a substantially planar lower surface (not shown), and an upper surface
158
and terminates in outer edges
160
and
162
. Engagement members
164
and
166
extend generally upwardly and somewhat inwardly from edges
160
and
162
respectively, terminating with upper edges
168
and
170
. Second section
154
differs from second section
114
in that base
156
is substantially thicker and is substantially rigid in construction to prevent flexing and provide a planar surface and has a raised central portion of surface
158
to form abutments
172
and
174
. Ends
122
and
124
engage abutments
172
and
174
to prevent sidewalls
116
and
118
from being inadvertently compressed during sanding procedures. Also, a pad
176
is attached to the planar lower surface of second section
154
, although this can be omitted. It will be understood that a pad can also be affixed to second section
114
. Various changes and modifications to the embodiments herein chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art. To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof which is assessed only by a fair interpretation of the following claims:
Claims
- 1. A sanding device for retaining a piece of sand paper comprising:a first section having the general shape of a channel including spaced apart sidewalls in a generally outwardly divergent and outwardly biased relationship, the sidewalls each terminating in an end and movable between an inwardly compressed position and an outwardly biased position; and a second section including a base having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and spaced apart engagement members extending upwardly and inwardly convergent from the first surface for receiving the ends of the first section therebetween with the sidewalls in the inwardly compressed position and retaining the ends with the sidewalls in the outwardly biased position, ends of the piece of sandpaper being receivable between respective ends of the first section and the engagement members and retained thereby with the sidewalls in the outwardly biased position, the base of the second section being substantially rigid and the first surface including abutments inwardly adjacent engagement members for receiving the ends of the sidewalls there against to prevent movement of the sidewalls to the inwardly compressed position during sanding procedures.
- 2. A sanding device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the ends of the sidewalls of the first section each include a sandpaper engagement element for receiving the edges of a piece of sandpaper in the inwardly compressed position and tautly retaining the sandpaper therebetween in the outwardly biased position in the absence of the second section.
- 3. A sanding device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the sandpaper engagement elements are generally hook shaped to form upwardly directed slots for receiving the edges of the piece of sandpaper.
- 4. A sanding device for sanding substantially planar surfaces and substantially non-planar surfaces comprising:a first section having the general shape of a channel including spaced apart sidewalls in a generally outwardly divergent and outwardly biased relationship, the sidewalls each terminating in an end and movable between an inwardly compressed position and an outwardly biased position; a second section including a base having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and spaced apart engagement members extending upwardly and inwardly convergent from the first surface for receiving the ends of the first section therebetween with the sidewalls in the inwardly compressed position and retaining the ends with the sidewalls in the outwardly biased position, the base of the second section being substantially rigid and the first surface including abutments inwardly adjacent engagement members for receiving the ends of the sidewalls there against to prevent movement of the sidewalls to the inwardly compressed position during sanding procedures; and a piece of sandpaper having opposing edges, the piece of sandpaper traversing the second surface of the base with the edges of the piece of sandpaper being received between respective ends of the first section and the engagement members and retained thereby with the sidewalls in the outwardly biased position.
- 5. A sanding device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the ends of the sidewalls of the first section each include a sandpaper engagement element receiving the edges of the piece of sandpaper in the inwardly compressed position and tautly retaining the sandpaper therebetween in the outwardly biased position in the absence of the second section.
- 6. A sanding device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the sandpaper engagement elements are generally hook shaped to form upwardly directed slots receiving the edges of the piece of sandpaper.
US Referenced Citations (10)