SLAB EDGE PREPARATION AND ALIGNMENT TOOL AND METHODS OF USE

Abstract

A slab edge preparation system to enable seam alignment between two slab edges abutted to each other with little visible seam therebetween, including a linear guide mechanism, a grinder mounting plate affixed to a depth adjustment base affixed to the linear guide mechanism, the grinder mounting plate configured to removably affix a hand tool grinder thereto one side of the grinder mounting plate proximate the grinder aperture, a grinder extension affixed at one end to the hand tool grinder, the grinder extension configured to extend therethrough the grinder aperture in the grinder mounting plate and affix to a cutting tool and position the cutting tool against the slab edge, and an alignment housing affixed to other side of the grinder mounting plate opposite the hand tool grinder, the cylindrical alignment housing configured to position grinder extension bearing therein the grinder aperture to maintain the grinder extension in alignment.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed to a rock slab machining tool. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus to machine a rock slab edge to create a straight edge.

BACKGROUND

There are various machines used in the stone industry to cut edge, and polish granite and slabs. The cutting process is typically done using a water jet saw, bridge saw or a diamond wire saw, the latter two are equipped with diamond blades to ensure precision and efficiency. Moreover, the latter two machines use water as a coolant to prevent overheating and maintain the quality of the cut.

For edging, machines like CNC routers or edge polishing machines are commonly used. CNC routers can create intricate designs and shapes on the edges of the slabs. Edge polishing machines use abrasive pads to give the edges a smooth and glossy finish.

Lastly, for polishing the surface of granite and marble slabs, polishing machines equipped with different grits of diamond abrasives are used. These machines create a uniform and mirror-like finish on the surfaces, bringing out the natural beauty and shine of the stone.

However, when cuts, edging and polishing are performed on the jobsite to customize the slab for the project operators will free hand cuts with a hand tool, such as a grinder fitted with a diamond cutting blade. A disadvantage with this conventional approach is that cuts made with a hand tool are neither uniform nor straight and leave a seam when slabs are abutted or joined edge to edge.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a recognizable unmet need for a slab edge preparation and alignment tool and methods of use that may be configured to address at least some aspects of the problems discussed above.

SUMMARY

Briefly described, in an example embodiment, the present disclosure may overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages and may meet the recognized need for a slab edge preparation and alignment tool and methods of use having a base slide assembly having at least frame, main plate, linear bearing slide having slide gliding rail and slide gliding rail bearing, wherein said frame is releasably affixed to the slab edge, a cutting tool cart assembly having at least a cutting tool, a base, a mounting plate, guide rail, manual guide rail block, a cart motor to linearly slide mounted on said base slide assembly, a ball screw, ball screw nut, and a knob to linearly adjust said cutting tool mount assembly, an angle grinder removably affixed to said mounting plate, an extension arm to extend rotational force therethrough an aperture therein said mounting plate, the extension arm affixed on one end to said angle grinder, an extension bearing collar is affixed around said aperture on an opposite side of the mounting plate, the bearing collar configured to house a bearing therein to reduce vibration of the extension arm that extends therethrough, a quick change cutting tool affixed to an other end of said extension arm.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present disclosure may provide a tracked cutting tool to cut or mill an edge of two rock slabs to enable abutment with little or no visible seam to make a continuous slab surface appearance.

Accordingly, in another aspect, the present disclosure may utilize a hand tool, such as a grinder, as the cutting tool to cut or mill an edge of two rock slabs to lower the cost of the cutting or milling tool.

Accordingly, in another aspect, the present disclosure may utilize a hand tool, such as a grinder, as the cutting tool to cut or mill an edge of two rock slabs to enable light weight and portability of this tool and to enable onsite milling.

In an exemplary embodiment of a slab edge preparation system to enable scam alignment between two slab edges abutted to each other with little visible seam therebetween, the system including a linear guide mechanism having a base, a pair of linear guide rails, a center rack gear positioned parallel and proximate the pair of linear guide rails, the center rack gear having limit switch bumpers, a set of slide rail bearings slidably engaged therein the pair of linear guide rails to support a main plate, a grinder assembly having a grinder base removably attached to the main plate, a linear drive system having a cart motor with a cart motor gear, the cart motor removably affixed to the grinder base, the cart motor gear to engage the center rack gear to propel the grinder base back and forth in a linear movement proximate the slab edge, a depth adjustment mechanism having a pair of rod slider base affixed to the grinder base, a plurality of rod sliders slidably affixed to the pair of rod slider base and supporting a depth adjustment base to enable linear adjustment of depth adjustment base proximate the slab edge, a grinder mounting plate having a grinder aperture therethrough, the grinder mounting plate affixed to the depth adjustment base, the grinder mounting plate configured to removably affix a hand tool grinder thereto one side of the grinder mounting plate proximate the grinder aperture, a grinder extension affixed at one end to the hand tool grinder, the grinder extension configured to extend therethrough the grinder aperture in the grinder mounting plate and affix to a cutting tool and position the cutting tool against the slab edge, and an alignment housing affixed to other side of the grinder mounting plate opposite the hand tool grinder, the cylindrical alignment housing configured to position grinder extension bearing therein the grinder aperture to maintain the grinder extension in alignment.

It is an object of the disclosure herein to create a straight edge on two rock slabs to enable joining or abutting the straight edges to one another to remove the appearance of a scam.

It is an object of the disclosure herein to provide a track or guide to upgrade from hand operation to achieve truly straight machined edge.

It is an object of the disclosure herein to provide a tracked cutting tool to cut or mill a straight edge that is easy to operate.

A feature of the present disclosure includes automatic operation of tool cutting back and forth once setup, aligned, and determined the amount of cut or shaving to make a straight edge.

A feature of the present disclosure includes utilizing a linear bearings slide to achieve very precise back and forth cutting to achieve a precise straight edge.

A feature of the present disclosure includes once the setup of the machine is accomplished and set to automatically operate the operator will have free time to do other task.

A feature of the present disclosure includes the ability to select and adjust the speed of the machine depending on what type of solid surface needs to be worked on.

A feature of the present disclosure includes providing a machine that can cut, edge, shave, or grind granite, quartz, quartzite, marble or any other surface with a precise straight edge, ensuring consistency in the finished products. This level of accuracy is difficult to achieve when cutting and edging by hand.

A feature of the present disclosure includes is to mill or cut an edge of two slabs to enable abutment with little or no visible seam to make a continuous slab surface appearance.

A feature of the present disclosure includes providing a machine that is capable of performing repetitive tasks quickly and efficiently, saving time and labor costs in the production process. This allows for higher productivity and faster turnaround times for projects.

A feature of the present disclosure includes providing a machine that can be equipped with a hand tool grinder vs. a custom built grinder and a combination of specialized subcomponents that can produce a precise straight edge to a slab, resulting in a professional and high-quality seamless finished alignment of two slabs.

A feature of the present disclosure includes using a machine to cut and edge stone slabs, and, thus reduces the risk of injuries associated with manual labor. Workers are not exposed to the physical strain and potential hazards of handling powerful tools, dusty environment, leading to a safer working environment.

A feature of the present disclosure includes providing a machine that can provide a seamless transition between a variety of designs, shapes, on rock, such as granite and marble slabs, allowing for customization and creativity in the fabrication process. This versatility enables manufacturers to meet the diverse needs and preferences of their clients. Also, seamless transitions enables use of additional smaller pieces of rock, granite, quartz, quartzite, marble or any other surface, that were discarded previously.

These and other features of the slab edge preparation and alignment tool and methods will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the prior Summary and following Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description of exemplary embodiments thereof, and Claims when read in light of the accompanying Drawings or Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure for a slab edge preparation and alignment tool and methods will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Selected Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing Figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a linear guide mechanism of the slab edge preparation and alignment tool according to select embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an assembled linear guide mechanism of the slab edge preparation and alignment tool according to select embodiments of the disclosure in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of a cart and hand held grinder assembly of the slab edge preparation and alignment tool according to select embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an assembled cart and hand held grinder assembly of the slab edge preparation and alignment tool according to select embodiments of the disclosure in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5.1 is a perspective front and side view of an exemplary embodiment of the alignment housing according to select embodiments of the disclosure in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5.2 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the alignment housing according to select embodiments of the disclosure in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5.3 is a back view of an exemplary embodiment of the alignment housing according to select embodiments of the disclosure in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5.4 is a perspective back and side view of an exemplary embodiment of the alignment housing according to select embodiments of the disclosure in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6.1 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the grinder extension according to select embodiments of the disclosure in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6.2 is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the grinder extension according to select embodiments of the disclosure in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6.3 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the grinder extension according to select embodiments of the disclosure in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6.4 is a back view of an exemplary embodiment of the grinder extension according to select embodiments of the disclosure in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7.1 is a bottom edge perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the grinder mounting plate according to select embodiments of the disclosure in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7.2 is a back view of an exemplary embodiment of the grinder mounting plate according to select embodiments of the disclosure in FIG. 3; and

FIG. 7.3 is a top edge perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the grinder mounting plate according to select embodiments of the disclosure in FIG. 3.

It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in the figures, specific terminology is employed for clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology selected; it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples, and are merely examples among other possible examples. It is recognized herein that the optimum dimensional relationships, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, position, connection, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the following description, which will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to further explain the disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 1, by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated an example embodiment of linear guide mechanism 10 having linear track, such as base or frame 1.1. Frame 1.1 provides the main frame of the machine. More specifically, frame 1.1 may include a pair or two linear guide rails 1.2 preferably sixty inches (60″) or ninety-four and half (94.5″) long. Linear guide rail 1.2 utilizes approximately twenty-six (26) screws 1.4 MS-12 for sixty inches (60″) and approximately forty (40) Screws 1.4 MS-12 or ninety-four and half (94.5″) along linear guide rail 1.2 to hold or removably affix linear guide rail 1.2 to outer elongated members of frame 1.1. Moreover, center rail or center rack gear 1.15 may be removably affixed to a centerline or middle of frame 1.1 and may include preferably a pair of end point bumpers, such as switch limit bumpers 1.23 positioned proximate end points of rail center rack gear 1.15 and removably affixed to proximate centerline or middle of end points of frame 1.1.

Preferably, four (4) slide bearing pads, such as slide rail bearing 1.3 may be configured to traverse back and forth linearly therein two linear guide rail 1.2 and be held therein side grooves of linear guide rail 1.2. Slide rail bearing 1.3 may support and be removably affixed to main plate 1.5 (upper part of the machine) using preferably four (4) M-10 screws to enable main plate 1.5 to traverse back and forth linearly therein two linear guide rail 1.2 via slide rail bearing 1.3. Moreover, main plate 1.5 preferably utilizes four (4) base block 1.6 to affix or position main plate 1.5 therebetween slide rail bearing 1.3 and base block 1.6 with approximately eight (8) M6-12 screws. Main plate 1.5 includes a first large horizontal plate and an elevated second smaller horizontal plate each capable of supporting and positioning other sub components and systems, such as hose carrier 1.9 that will house and enable traverse back and forth of linear guide rail 1.2 linearly with water/oil coolant hose assembly 1.16, 1.21 and likewise power cord for the machine. Water/oil coolant hose assembly 1.16, 1.21 may further include connectors such as nipple 1.13, elbow 1.14, and quick connect 1.12. Elevated second smaller horizontal plate of main plate 1.5 may include strain relief 1.18 and flanged outlet receptacle 1.19.

Referring now to FIG. 2, by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated an assembled example embodiment of a linear guide mechanism 10 having linear track, such as linear base frame 1.1, linear guide rail 1.2, center rack gear 1.15, switch limit bumpers 1.23, slide rail bearing 1.3, configured to enable main plate 1.5 to traverse back and forth linearly with water/oil coolant hose assembly 1.16, 1.21 and power cord for the machine affixed therein hose carrier 1.9.

Referring now to FIG. 3, by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated an example embodiment of cart and grinder assembly 20 having extension, collar, grinder mounting plate and hand held grinder tool. Moreover, cart and grinder assembly 20 may include base, such as grinder base 3.1. Grinder base 3.1 may hold all the upper parts or the subparts above the base block 1.6. Grinder base 3.1 may be connected to the lower part of the machine using 4 M10 screws with shoulder for hand gripping to enable easy attachment and reattachment of grinder base 3.1 to base block 1.6 of base plate 1.5.

Moreover, linear drive mechanism may include the following items affixed to grinder base 3.1 to move grinder base 3.1 back and forth linearly, such as cart motor bracket 3.18 to removably affix cart motor 3.19 (Adjustable Variable Gear Reducer Motor with Speed Controller and with Reversible Speed) thereto grinder base 3.1 and enable engagement of cart motor gear 3.39 therewith center rail gear 1.15 to drive grinder base 3.1 back and forth in a linear movement via linear guide rail 1.2 while grinding or shaving the solid surface of a slab. Furthermore, linear drive mechanism may include a pair of limit switches, such as left and right limit switch 3.40, 3.44 removably affixed to grinder base 3.1 via limit switch bracket 3.41, 3.42 and configured to support left and right limit switch 3.40, 3.44 to engage switch bumpers, such as left and right switch limit bumpers 1.23 (end point(s)) upon grinder base 3.1 moves back and forth linearly via linear guide rails 1.2 while grinding or shaving the solid surface and communicate such end points to motor controller 3.35 of cart motor 3.19.

It is contemplated herein that linear drive mechanism may include motor controller 3.35 housed in electrical box 3.31 with electrical box cover 3.32 to control grinder base 3.1 movement back and forth linearly via linear guide rail 1.2 between left and right limit switch 3.40, 3.44.

Furthermore, water/oil coolant hose assembly 1.16, 1.21 may further include nipple 3.36, elbow 3.37, ball valve 3.38, and lubricant dispensing device, such as water/oil coolant hose 3.50 to cool diamond tool 3.48.

Still furthermore, cart and hand held grinder assembly 20 may include grinding tool depth adjustment mechanism, which may include a pair of rod slider base 3.3 removably affixed in parallel to grinder base 3.1 and having preferably a plurality of rod sliders 3.4 pairs slidably, affixed to each of rod slider base 3.3 to enable depth adjustment base 3.2 to be mounted thereto four slidably affixed base members 3.4 and to enable back and forth linearly movement of depth adjustment base 3.2 via rod slider base 3.3 to adjust depth of grinding or shaving the solid surface. Moreover, grinding tool depth adjustment system may further include two brackets 3.12, 3.13 mounted to depth adjustment base 3.2 and lock base 3.24, 3.26 to hold depth adjustment mechanism. Depth adjustment mechanism may include ball screw nut 3.21, 3.23 mounted to depth adjustment base 3.2, ball screw 3.22 threaded therein ball screw nut 3.21, 3.23, base wheel ring 3.27, and base wheel 3.25 to contact solid surface edge and set/adjust cutting depth of diamond tool 3.48 to machine surface.

Still further, grinder assembly 20 may include mud protection, such as shroud 3.46 a affixed to depth adjustment base 3.2 and configured to linearly move back and forward to allow the operator to determine depth via grinding tool depth adjustment system and how much of the solid surface needs to be ground off or shaved. Depth adjustment base 3.2 may be configured to support grinder mounting plate 3.9 a mounting plate, via a pair of mounting brackets 3.11, positioned vertically and configured to hold or removably affix hand tool grinder 3.15 thereto via four (4) M6-19 screws and one (1) bearing R12-2RS 3.7.

It is contemplated herein that grinder mounting plate 3.9 may be customized to enable use of different hand tool grinder 3.15 from different manufactures, such as with brackets, U-shaped or D-shaped bolts, different hole configurations, and the like to mount hand tool grinder 3.15 thereto grinder mounting plate 3.9.

Still further, grinder assembly 20 may include alignment housing 3.5 affixed to other side of grinder mounting plate 3.9 opposite hand tool grinder 3.15. Alignment housing 3.5 may be utilized to align and removably affix hand tool grinder 3.15, such as MAKITA angled grinder 9464CV or 9465 CV (angled hand tool grinder) by using four (4) M4 stainless steel bolts 3.16 to the grinder mounting plate 3.9 using four (4) M6-16 screws. Moreover, alignment housing 3.5 may be configured to hold or position grinder extension bearing therein grinder aperture 3.8, such as one (1) bearing R12-2RS 3.7 to minimize vibration of hand tool grinder 3.15.

Still further, grinder assembly 20 may include Grinder extension 3.17 affixed to hand tool grinder 3.15 to extend therethrough a grinder aperture 3.8 in grinder mounting plate 3.9 and moreover extend therethrough bearing R12-2RS 3.7 held in position by alignment housing 3.5. Grinder extension 3.17 may be affixed thereto cutting tool, such as diamond tool 3.48, a diamond cup wheel or any other cutting tool that can be used to shave or grind granite, quartz, quartzite, marble or any other surface, removably affixed thereto grinder extension 3.17.

Referring now to FIG. 4, by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated an assembled example embodiment of an assembled cart and hand held grinder assembly 20 of the slab edge preparation and alignment tool according to select embodiments of the disclosure in FIG. 3. Moreover, assembled cart and hand held grinder assembly 20 may include grinder base 3.1, depth adjustment base 3.2, rod slide base 3.3; SB slidably affixed base members 3.4, hand tool grinder 3.15, Grinder extension 3.17, grinder mounting plate 3.9, shroud 3.46, alignment housing 3.5, and diamond tool 3.48.

Referring now to FIGS. 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4, by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of alignment housing 3.5, 500 according to select embodiments of the disclosure in FIG. 3. Grinder assembly 20 may include alignment housing 3.5, 500 affixed to other side of grinder mounting plate 3.9 opposite hand tool grinder 3.15. Alignment housing 3.5 may be utilized to align and removably affix hand tool grinder 3.15, such as Makita Angle Grinder 9464CV or 9465 CV by using four (4) M4 stainless steel bolts 3.16 to the grinder mounting plate 3.9 using four (4) M6-16 screws. Moreover, alignment housing 3.5, 500 may be configured to hold one (1) bearing R12-2RS 3.7 to minimize vibration of hand tool grinder 3.15.

Alignment housing 3.5, 500 may be configured as a tube or conduit with cylindrical outer surface 510 and cylindrical inner surface(s) 520 with front surface 531, which may be defined by outer diameter 541 and front middle diameter 543. Cylindrical outer surface 510 may include notch 512 proximate front surface 531. Stepped front surface, an inner machined surface, may be defined by front middle diameter 543 and passageway diameter 542 to create a recessed cylindrical space to house bearing R12-2RS 3.7 to minimize vibration of hand tool grinder 3.15. Moreover, rear surface 532 may be defined by outer diameter 541 and rear middle diameter 544. Stepped rear surface, an inner machined surface, may be defined by rear middle diameter 544 and passageway surface, such as passageway diameter 542 to create a recessed cylindrical space to house bearing of diamond tool 3.48 to minimize vibration of diamond tool 3.48. Passageway diameter 542 may be configured to enable grinder extension 3.17 to extend from hand tool grinder 3.15 and to extend therethrough an aperture in grinder mounting plate 3.9 and moreover extend therethrough bearing R12-2RS 3.7 held in position by alignment housing 3.5, and extend to diamond tool 3.48.

It is contemplated herein that alignment housing 3.5, 500 may be customized or reconfigured to enable use of different hand tool grinder 3.15 and/or bearing R12-2RS 3.7 and/or grinder extension 3.17 to minimize vibration of hand tool grinder 3.15.

Front surface 531 may disclose plurality of machined or formed slots therethrough lengthwise between cylindrical outer surface 510 and cylindrical inner surface(s) 520 and running from front surface 531 to rear surface 532, such as mounting apertures 550/551, 552, 553, 554. It is contemplate that one end of mounting apertures 550, such as the end proximate rear surface 532 may be machined to be flared or widened 555 to receive and hold from rotating therein bolt head of, such as four (4) M6-16 screws. Moreover, rear surface 532 may have machined or formed holes, such as machined and threaded apertures 560, 561, 562, 563, 564. Machined and threaded apertures 560 may be utilized to receive or thread therein, such as four (4) M6 screws to removably affix diamond tool 3.48 thereto rear surface 532.

Referring now to FIGS. 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, and 6.4, by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of grinder extension 3.17, 600 according to select embodiments of the disclosure in FIG. 3. Grinder assembly 20 may include grinder extension 3.17, 600 having first extension end 601 and second extension end 602. First extension end 601 of extension grinder extension 3.17, 600 may include first section 610 configured with a machined or formed inlet, such as attachment inlet 609 utilized to removably affix hand tool grinder 3.15 thereto extension grinder extension 3.17, 600 against first extension end abutment surface 604. Moreover, first section 610 may include first exterior surface 612 machined or formed to fit or seat thereto to cylindrical inner surface(s) 520 of alignment housing 3.5, 500.

It is contemplated herein that attachment inlet 609 may be configured as threaded, snap on, quick connect or the like to removably affix hand tool grinder 3.15 thereto grinder extension 3.17, 600 and prevent misalignment and minimize vibration of hand tool grinder 3.15.

Second extension end 602 may include sixth section 660 configured with a machined or formed exterior, such as attachment end 662 utilized to removably affix diamond tool 3.48 thereto extension grinder extension 3.17, 600.

It is contemplated herein that attachment end 662 which may be configured as threaded, snap on, quick connector or the like to removably affix diamond tool 3.48 thereto grinder extension 3.17, 600 and prevent misalignment and minimize vibration of hand tool grinder 3.15 and diamond tool 3.48.

Extension grinder extension 3.17, 600 may further include second section 620 extending therefrom first section 610. Second section 620 may include machined or formed bearing surface configured to fit or seat thereto bearing R12-2RS 3.7, 534 of alignment housing 3.5, 500 to enable second section 620 of extension grinder extension 3.17, 600 to rotate with minimal friction and prevent misalignment and minimize vibration of hand tool grinder 3.15.

Extension grinder extension 3.17, 600 may include one or more diameter changes, such as a step down in diameter in third section 630 an extension therefrom second section 620.

Extension grinder extension 3.17, 600 may include fourth section 640 which may be configured as threaded section 642 as shown to affix for example a washer against bearing R12-2RS 3.7, 534 via a nut tightened thereon threaded 642 to seat up against or secure bearing R12-2RS 3.7, 534 against bearing stop 614.

Grinder extension 3.17, 600 may include fifth section 650 which may be configured as wrench surface 652 which may be configured as a hex head to enable a wrench to hold grinder extension 3.17, 600 while affixing nut tightened thereon threaded 642, or to affix first extension end 601 thereto hand tool grinder 3.15, or affix second extension end 602 thereto diamond tool 3.48.

Grinder extension 3.17, 600 may include sixth section 660 which may be configured as threaded 662 as shown to affix for example diamond tool 3.48 thereto second extension end 602 of extension grinder extension 3.17, 600.

Referring now to FIGS. 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3, by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of grinder mounting plate 3.9, 700 according to select embodiments of the disclosure in FIG. 3. Grinder attachment plate 700 may be configured as a planar plate having front plate surface 701 and rear plate surface 702. Moreover, grinder attachment plate 700 may include grinder aperture 720 configured as a hole therethrough grinder attachment plate 700. Furthermore, grinder aperture 720 may include plurality of mounting apertures 731, 732, 733, and 734 positioned there around and proximate grinder aperture 720 to align and removably affix hand tool grinder 3.15 thereto grinder attachment plate 700 via four (4) M6-19 screws to prevent misalignment and minimize vibration of hand tool grinder 3.15.

It is contemplated herein that alignment housing 3.5, 500 may be removably affixed to rear plate surface 702 and aligned with grinder aperture 720 via plurality of mounting apertures 731, 732, 733, and 734.

Grinder aperture 720 may be configured with a stepped surface, an inner machined surface, may be defined by front diameter 721 and passageway diameter 723 to create a recessed cylindrical space to house hand tool grinder 3.15 mounting plate to minimize vibration of hand tool grinder 3.15. Moreover, passageway diameter 723 may be configured to enable first section 610 of extension grinder extension 3.17, 600 to extend therethrough grinder aperture 720.

It is contemplated herein that grinder mounting plate 3.9, 700 may be customized or reconfigured to enable use of different hand tool grinder 3.15 and/or extensions grinder extension 3.17 to prevent misalignment and minimize vibration of hand tool grinder 3.15.

Grinder mounting plate 3.9, 700 may include sides, such as first or top side 711, third or bottom side 713, second or right side 712, and fourth or left side 714. Second or right side 712 and fourth or left side 714 may include mounting apertures 715 to mount side brackets TSP CS 3.11, via four (4) M6-16 screws. Third or bottom side 713 may include mounting apertures 715 to mount support bracket TSP UB 3.2, via four (4) M6-16 screws.

It is contemplated herein that slab edge preparation and alignment tool according to select embodiments of the disclosure may preferably be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic, steel, metal, alloy, aluminum or composite material, or the like, capable of providing structure to slab edge preparation and alignment tool. Preferably, the suitable material includes other desirable characteristics, such as high durability, water, oil, and foam resistance, light weight, heat resistance, corrosion resistance, electrical insulation, case of workability, or other desirable characteristic, as understood by those ordinarily skilled in the art. However, it will be recognized that variations of this arrangement may still provide the same or similar functionality.

Concerning the description herein, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships, including variations in size, materials, shape, form, configuration, position, connection, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

It is further understood herein that the parts and elements of this disclosure may be located or positioned elsewhere based on one of ordinary skill in the art without deviating from the present disclosure.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments. Regarding the described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the disclosures within are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a particular order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind for one skilled in the art this disclosure pertains to, having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Moreover, the present disclosure has been described in detail; it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein but is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A slab edge preparation system to enable seam alignment between two slab edges abutted to each other with little visible seam therebetween, said system comprising: a linear guide mechanism having a base, a pair of linear guide rails, a center rack gear positioned parallel and proximate said pair of linear guide rails, said center rack gear having limit switch bumpers, a set of slide rail bearings slidably engaged therein said pair of linear guide rails to support a main plate;a grinder assembly having a grinder base removably attached to said main plate, a linear drive system having a cart motor with a cart motor gear, said cart motor removably affixed to said grinder base, said cart motor gear to engage said center rack gear to propel said grinder base back and forth in a linear movement proximate the slab edge, a depth adjustment mechanism having a pair of rod slider base affixed to said grinder base, a plurality of rod sliders slidably affixed to said pair of rod slider base and supporting a depth adjustment base to enable linear adjustment of said depth adjustment base proximate the slab edge;a grinder mounting plate having a grinder aperture therethrough, said grinder mounting plate affixed to said depth adjustment base, said grinder mounting plate configured to removably affix a hand tool grinder thereto one side of said grinder mounting plate proximate said grinder aperture;a grinder extension affixed at one end to said hand tool grinder, said grinder extension configured to extend therethrough said grinder aperture in said grinder mounting plate and affix to a cutting tool and position said cutting tool against the slab edge; andan alignment housing affixed to other side of said grinder mounting plate opposite said hand tool grinder, said cylindrical alignment housing configured to position grinder extension bearing therein said grinder aperture to maintain said grinder extension in alignment.

2. The slab edge preparation system of claim 1, wherein said center rack gear further comprising a pair of limit switches affixed to said grinder base, said pair of limit switches configured to contact said limit switch bumpers and communicate an end point to said cart motor upon contact of one of said pair of limit switches with one said switch bumpers.

3. The slab edge preparation system of claim 1, wherein said depth adjustment mechanism further comprising a ball screw nut, a ball screw threaded therein said ball screw nut, a knob to linearly adjust said cutting tool relative to the slab edge.

4. The slab edge preparation system of claim 1, wherein said grinder mounting plate further comprising a lubricant dispensing device.

5. The slab edge preparation system of claim 1, wherein said cutting tool further comprising a quick connector.

6. The slab edge preparation system of claim 1, wherein said hand tool grinder further comprising an angled hand tool grinder.

7. The slab edge preparation system of claim 1, wherein said alignment housing further comprising a tube with a cylindrical outer surface and passageway surface with a stepped front surface defined by a middle diameter and inner diameter and configured to hold said grinder extension bearing therein.

8. The slab edge preparation system of claim 1, wherein said grinder extension further comprising a machined surface to contact said grinder extension bearing and align said grinder extension.

9. The slab edge preparation system of claim 1, wherein said grinder extension further comprising a threaded section to affix a washer against said grinder extension bearing via a nut threaded thereon to secure said grinder extension bearing therein.

10. The slab edge preparation system of claim 9, wherein said grinder extension further comprising a hex head to hold said grinder extension while affixing said nut thereon said threaded section.