MX2015003794A - Button for attaching an abrasive article to a back-up pad. - Google Patents

Abstract

A button for attaching an abrasive article to a back-up pad can include a body having a lower plate, and a hub extending from the lower plate. The hub is configured to engage an abrasive article installed over the hub at least partially along the height of the hub to prevent the abrasive article from rotating relative to the hub. The body can also include a post extending from the hub. The post can include at least one helical thread extending outwardly along the post. Further, the post can include a height, HP, and the at least one helical thread includes a thread lead, L, that is ≥ 0.5 Hp.

Description

BUTTON TO JOIN ARTICLE ABRASIVE TO A PAD OF BACK FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure relates to an abrasive article and a button for attaching an abrasive article to a backing pad.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Abrasive articles can be very useful for smoothing surfaces, polishing surfaces, removing material from surfaces, for cleaning surfaces, etc. Certain types of abrasive articles are configured in the shape of a wheel. During use, these abrasive wheels are rotated to create a moving surface in the abrasive wheel that can be brought into contact with another surface to alter a characteristic of that surface. To rotate an abrasive wheel, the abrasive wheel is typically mechanically coupled to a shaft of a motor through a tool holder, for example, a chuck, which can be tightened to engage a part of the abrasive wheel.

In response to changes in the abrasive industry, new ways of connecting abrasive articles may be desirable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The modalities are illustrated by way of example and not REF .: 255618 they are limited in the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 includes a view of an assembly of abrasive article according to a particular embodiment.

FIG. 2 includes a partially exploded view of an abrasive article assembly according to a particular embodiment.

FIG. 3 includes a fully exploded view of an abrasive article assembly according to a particular embodiment.

FIG. 4 includes a view of a button for attaching an abrasive article to a backing pad according to a particular embodiment.

FIG. 5 includes a plan view of a button for attaching an abrasive article to a backing pad according to another particular embodiment.

FIG. 6 includes a view of a button for attaching an abrasive article to a backing pad according to another particular embodiment.

FIG. 7 includes a plan view of a button for attaching an abrasive article to a backing pad according to yet another particular embodiment.

FIG. 8 includes a view of a lower plate for a button for attaching an abrasive article to a backing pad according to a particular embodiment.

FIG. 9 includes a view of an abrasive article according to a particular embodiment.

FIG. 10 includes a view of an abrasive article according to a particular embodiment.

Experts in the field will appreciate that the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity, and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated with respect to other elements to help improve the understanding of the embodiments of the invention. The use of the same reference symbols in different figures indicates similar or identical elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The following description in combination with the figures is provided to aid in the understanding of the teachings described herein. The following discussion will focus on the implementations and specific modalities of the teachings. This approach is provided to assist in the description of the teachings and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope or applicability of the teachings.

As used herein, the terms "comprising", "comprising", "including", "including", "having", "having", or any other variation of the they are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article or apparatus comprising a list of characteristics is not necessarily limited only to the features, but may include other characteristics that are not expressly stated or other characteristics that are inherent to such a process, method, article or apparatus. . In addition, unless expressly stated otherwise, "or" refers to one or inclusive and not one or exclusive. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any of the following: A is true (or is present) and B is false (or is not present), A is false (or is not present) and B is true (or is present) and both A and B are true (or are present).

The use of "a" or "an" is used to describe elements and components described herein. This is done only for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the modalities of the description. This description must be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural, or vice versa, unless it is clear that the opposite is understood. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this description pertains. The materials, methods and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be limitations.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, an abrasive article assembly is illustrated and is generally designated 100. As illustrated, the abrasive article assembly 100 may include a back pad 102 and an abrasive article 104 attached to the back pad 102. The back pad 102 may include a housing 110 defining a proximal end 112 and a distal end 114. The housing 110 may include a threaded hole (not shown) extending in the housing 110 from the proximal end 112. The threaded hole may be dimensioned and shaped to receive a threaded post from a button, is described in detail below.

A rod 116 may extend from the distal end 114 of the housing 110. The rod 116 may be received and clamped within a chuck (not shown) or some other rotary tool. Therefore, as the chuck rotates, the rod 116 will rotate, and may cause the entire abrasive article assembly 100 to rotate. The rotary abrasive article assembly 100 can be moved through a surface that was finished to abrade the surface, smooth the surface, polish the surface, clean the surface, etc.

FIG.1 indicates that the abrasive article 104 can including an upper surface 120, a lower surface 122, and an outer peripheral surface 124. In a particular aspect, the abrasive article 104 may be a non-woven abrasive article 104.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the non-woven abrasive article 104 may include a backing, at least one polymeric binder, and abrasive particles. In one aspect, the support may include one or more non-woven layers. Each nonwoven layer may include a plurality of fibers. The fibers can be bonded together by a polymeric binder, such as one derived from a latex. The fibers may include natural fibers, inorganic fibers, such as glass fiber, synthetic fibers, such as polyester fibers, polyamide fibers or other suitable synthetic fibers, or any combination thereof.

The abrasive particles can have a Mohs hardness of at least about 8.0, such as at least about 8.5, even at least about 9.0. In particular, the abrasive particles 108 may include superabrasive particles, such as diamond, cubic boron nitride, boron carbide, silicon carbide, or any combination thereof. The abrasive particles can have a size between about 10 microns and about 1000 microns, such as between about 50 microns and about 500 microns, in particular between approximately 100 microns and approximately 200 microns.

The one or more polymeric binders may include a curable polymeric binder. The curable polymeric binder may include a polyurethane resin, a phenoxy resin, a polyester resin, or any combination thereof. In addition, the curable polymeric binder may include a blocked resin. The polymeric binder can be a strong and flexible polymeric binder to hold the support together during abrasion while allowing the support to be sufficiently flexible to adapt to the shape of the workpiece. In a particular embodiment, the polymeric binder may be located between the fibers and the abrasive particles.

In another aspect, the polymeric binder may include another polymeric binder, such as a phenolic resin, an epoxy resin, a formaldehyde-urea resin, or any combination thereof. The other polymeric binder may include a binder that bonds without significant cure and this binder may be used to bond the abrasive particles to the backing and further allow processing of the abrasive article.

In one embodiment, the one or more polymeric binders can be formed of binder formulations which may further include components such as dispersed filler, solvents, plasticizers chain transfer, catalysts, stabilizers, dispersants, curing agents, reaction mediators, or agents to influence the flowability of the dispersion. In addition to the above constituents, other components may also be added to the binder formulation, including, for example, anti-static agents, such as graphite, carbon black, and the like; suspending agents, such as fuming silica; anti-charge agents, such as metal stearate, including zinc, calcium or magnesium stearate; lubricants such as wax; wetting agents; dyes; fillers; viscosity modifiers; defoamers; or any combination thereof.

In a particular embodiment, the non-woven abrasive article 104 may have an open structure. Specifically, the open structure may include gaps located between the fibers. The open structure can be at least about 25% open volume, such as at least about 40% open volume, such as at least about 55% open volume. In addition, the open structure may be no greater than about 99% open volume, such as no greater than about 95% open volume, even no greater than about 90% open volume.

In one embodiment, the non-woven abrasive article 104 may have a hardness of 20 kgf / 25% compression at 90 kgf / 25% compression, such as 30 kgf / 25% compression at 80 kgf / 25% compression, including 40 kgf / 25% compression at 70 kgf / 25% compression as measured by applying a force with a probe 25.4 mm semi-spherical to compress the abrasive article to 25% along the thickness direction. In a particular embodiment, the hardness can be 50 to 60 kgf / 25% compression.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 indicate that the abrasive article 104 can be removed from the backing pad 102. Further, FIG.2 and FIG.3 indicate that the abrasive article 104 can include a central hole 126 extending through the abrasive article 104 to along a central axis 128. The abrasive article assembly 100 may include a button 130 that can be used to connect the abrasive article 104 to the backing pad 102. Specifically, a threaded post extending from the button 130, and described in detail below, it can fit into and engage the threaded hole (not shown) formed in the housing 110 of the backrest pad 102.

FIG. 4 illustrates details of button 130. As shown, one embodiment of button 130 may include a lower plate 132. Lower plate 132 may be generally flat and disc-shaped. Bottom plate 132 may include an outside diameter, OLP. The abrasive article 104 may include an O outer diameter OAA. The PLO can be £ 50% OAA, such as £ 45% OAA, £ 40% OAA, £ 35% OAA, or £ 30% OAA. In addition, the OLP can be ³ 10% OAA, such as ³ 15% OAA, ³ 20% OAA, or ³ 25% OAA. It will be appreciated that the PLO may be within a range between and including any of the percentages noted above with respect to the OAA.

For example, the PLO can be £ 50% OAA and ³ 10% OAA, such as £ 50% OAA and ³ 15% OAA, £ 50% OAA and ³ 20% OAA, or £ 50% OAA and ³ 25% OAA. In another aspect, the PLO can be £ 45% OAA and ³ 10% OAA, such as £ 45% OAA and ³ 15% OAA, £ 45% OAA and ³ 20% OAA, O £ 45% OAA and ³ 25% OAA. The PLO can be £ 40% OAA and ³ 10% OAA, such as < 40% OM and ³ 15% OAA, £ 40% OAA and ³ 20% OAA, or < 40% OAA and ³ 25% OAA. The PLO can be < 35% OAA and ³ 10% OAA, such as < 35% OAA and ³ 15% OAA, £ 35% OAA and ³ 20% OAA, O < 35% OAA and > 25% OAA. The 0Lp can be £ 30% OAA and ³ 10% OAA, such as £ 30% OAA and ³ 15% OAA, £ 30% OAA and ³ 20% OAA, O < 30% OAA and ³ 25% OAA A hub 134 may extend from the lower plate 132. The hub 134 may include a proximal end 136 and a distal end 138. In one aspect, the hub 134 is configured to engage and engage the abrasive article 104 when the abrasive article 104 is installed on the hub 134 in such a way that the hub 134 fits into the center hole of similar size and shape 126 of the abrasive article 104. The hub 134 is configured to engage the article abrasive 104, for example, the inner wall of the central hole 126, at least partially along a height of the hub 124 to engage the abrasive article 104 and prevent the abrasive article 104 from rotating with respect to the hub 134.

When the hub 134 is decoupled from the backing pad 102 and removed from the abrasive article 104, the hub 134 may include a height, HH, and the hole 126 within the abrasive article 104 may include a height, HB. In a particular aspect, HH £ 0.99 HB. In addition, HH £ 0.98 HB, such as < 0.97 HB, £ 0.96 HB, < 0.95 HB, < 0.94 HB, < 0.93 HB, £ 0.92 HB, £ 0.91 HB, or £ 0.90 HB. In another aspect, HH ³ 0. 80 HB, such as > 0.81 HB, ³ 0.82 HB, > 0.83 HB, ³ 0.84 HB, or > 0.85 HB. HH may be within a range between and including any of the values of ¾ described herein.

For example,% can be < 0.99 HB and ³ 0.80 HB, such as < 0.99 HB and - 0.81 HB, £ 0.99 HB and - 0.82 Ha, £ 0.99 HB and > 0.83 HB, £ 0.99 HB and > 0.84 HB, or < 0.99 HB and - 0.85 HB. HH can be £ 0.98 HB and ³ 0.80 HB, such as £ 0.98 HB and ³ 0.81 HB, £ 0.98 HB and ³ 0.82 HB, £ 0.98 HB and > 0.83 HB, < 0.98 HB and > 0. 84 HB, or < 0.98 HB and > 0.85 Ha.

In another aspect, HH can be £ 0.97 HB and > 0.80 HB, such as < 0.97 HB and > 0.81 HB, £ 0.97 HB and - 0.82 HB, £ 0.97 HB and ³ 0.83 HB, £ 0.97 HB and > 0.84 ¾, or < 0.97 HB and ³ 0.85 HB. HH can be £ 0.96 HB and ³ 0.80 HB, such as £ 0.96 HB and ³ 0. 81 HE, £ 0.96 HB and > 0.82 HB, < 0.96 HB and > 0.83 HB, < 0.96 HB and > 0.84 HB, or < 0.96 HB and > 0.85 HB. HH can be < 0.95 HB and ³ 0.80 HB, such as £ 0.95 HB and ³ 0.81 HB, £ 0.95 HB and ³ 0.82 HB, < 0.95 HB and > 0.83 HB, < 0.95 HB and > 0.84 HB, or < 0.95 HB and ³ 0.85 HB. HH can be £ 0.94 HB and ³ 0.80 HB, such as £ 0. 94 HB and ³ 0.81 HB, < 0.94 HB and > 0.82 HB, < 0.94 HB and > 0.83 HB, £ 0.94 HB and > 0.84 HB, or < 0.94 HB and > 0.85 HB.

HH can also be £ 0.93 HB and > 0.80 HB, such as < 0.93 HB and > 0.81 HB, < 0.93 HB and > 0.82 HB, < 0.93 HB and > 0.83 HB, < 0.93 HB and - 0.84 HB, or < 0.93 HB and ³ 0.85 Ha. HH can be £ 0.92 HB and ³ 0.80 HB, such as £ 0.92 HB and > 0.81 HB, < 0.92 HB and > 0.82 HB, < 0.92 HB and ³ 0.83 HB, < 0.92 HB and ³ 0. 84 HB, O £ 0.92 HB and ³ 0.85 HB. HH can be £ 0.91 HB and ³ 0.80 HB, such as < 0.91 HB and ³ 0.81 HB, £ 0.91 HB and ³ 0.82 HB, £ 0.91 HB and > 0.83 HB, £ 0.91 HB and ³ 0.84 HB, or < 0.91 HB and ³ 0. 85 HB. HH can be £ 0.90 HB and ³ 0.80 HB, such as £ 0.90 HB and > 0.81 HB, < 0.90 HB and ³ 0.82 HB, £ 0.90 HB and > 0.83 HB, £ 0. 90 HB and ³ 0.84 HB, O < 0.90 HB and > 0.85 H0.

Since the HH may be less than ¾ before the button 130 is installed through the abrasive article 104 and engages the backing pad 102, when the button 130 engages the backing pad 102 and the abrasive article 104 is captured between the lower plate 132 and the proximal end 112 of the backing pad 102, the abrasive article 104 can be compressed between the plate bottom 132 of button 130 and proximal end 112 of back pad 102 such that the height of the hole when engaged, HBE, is equal to HH.

In a particular aspect, the button 130 can be configured to apply a compressive force on the abrasive article, CF, where CF can be ³ 2.27 kg (5 lbs), such as ³ 2.72 kg (6 lbs), ³ 3.17 kg (7 lbs), ³ 3.63 kg (8 lbs), ³ 4.08 kg (9 lbs), or > 4.54 kg (10 lbs). Also, CF can be < 22.7 kg (50 lbs), such as £ 18.16 kg (40 lbs), < 13.62 kg (30 lbs), < 9.08 kg (20 lbs), or £ 6.81 kg (15 lbs). In addition, CF may be within a range between and including any of the CF values described herein.

For example, CF can be ³ 2.27 kg (5 lbs) and £ 22.7 kg (50 lbs), such as ³ 2.27 kg (5 lbs) and £ 18.16 kg (40 lbs), > 2.27 kg (5 lbs) and < 13.62 kg (30 lbs), > 2.27 kg (5 lbs) and £ 9.08 kg (20 lbs), or ³ 2.27 kg (5 lbs) and £ 6.81 kg (15 lbs). CF can also be ³ 2.72 kg (6 lbs) and £ 22.7 kg (50 lbs), such as ³ 2.72 kg (6 lbs) and £ 18.16 kg (40 lbs), ³ 2.72 kg (6 lbs) and £ 13.62 kg (30 lbs), ³ 2.72 kg (6 lbs) and £ 9. 08 kg (20 lbs), or > 2.72 kg (6 lbs) and < 6.81 kg (15 lbs).

CF can be > 3.17 kg (7 lbs) and < 22.7 kg (50 lbs), such as > 3.17 kg (7 lbs) and < 18.16 kg (40 lbs), > 3.17 kg (7 lbs) and < 13.62 kg (30 lbs), > 3.17 kg (7 lbs) and < 9.08 kg (20 lbs), or ³ 3.17 kg (7 lbs) and £ 6.81 kg (15 lbs). CF can be ³ 3.63 kg (8 lbs) and £ 22.7 kg (50 lbs), such as ³ 3.63 kg (8 lbs) and < 18.16 kg (40 lbs), > 3.63 kg (8 lbs) and < 13.62 kg (30 lbs), > 3.63 kg (8 lbs) and < 9.08 kg (20 lbs), or > 3.63 kg (8 lbs) and £ 6.81 kg (15 lbs). CF can be ³ 4.08 kg (9 lbs) and £ 22.7 kg (50 lbs), such as ³ 4.08 kg (9 lbs) and £ 18.16 kg (40 lbs), > 4.08 kg (9 lbs) and < 13.62 kg (30 lbs), > 4.08 kg (9 lbs) and £ 9.08 kg (20 lbs), or ³ 4.08 kg (9 lbs) and £ 6.81 kg (15 lbs). CF can be ³ 4.54 kg (10 lbs) and £ 22.7 kg (50 lbs), such as ³ 4.54 kg (10 lbs) and £ 18.16 kg (40 lbs), ³ 4.54 kg (10 lbs) and £ 13.62 kg (30 lbs). lbs), > 4.54 kg (10 lbs) and < 9.08 kg (20 lbs), or > 4.54 kg (10 lbs) and £ 6.81 kg (15 lbs).

The hub 134 may have a cross-sectional shape, or an end shape, perpendicular to the central axis 128 that includes a convex polygon having at least three vertices. For example, the cross section shape of the cube can be selected from the group of shapes including: triangle, square, pentagon, and hexagon. In another aspect, the cube 134 may have a cross-sectional shape, or end shape, perpendicular to the central axis 128 that includes a concave polygon having at least six vertices. In this aspect, the cross-sectional shape of the cube 134 can be selected from the group of shapes including: concave hexagon, concave octagon, concave decagon, and concave dodecagon. In yet another aspect, the cube 134 may have a cross-sectional shape, or end shape, perpendicular to the central axis 128 that includes a regular star polygon having at least ten vertices. At least the ten vertices can be selected from the group that includes: 10, 14, 18, 22, and 26 vertices.

In another aspect, the distal end 138 of the hub 134 includes a surface area, AHDE, and the top surface 120 of the abrasive article 104 may also include an AUSA surface area. In this aspect, AHDE can be £ 10.0% AUSA, such as £ 7.5% AUSA, £ 5.0% AUSA, £ 4.0% AUSA, OR £ 3.0% AUSA In addition, AHDE can be ³ 0.5% AUSA, such as ³ 0.75% AUSA, ³ 1.0% AUSA, - 1.25% AUSA, ³ 1.5% AUSA, - 1.75% AUSA, - 2.0% AUSA, or ³ 2.5% AUSA- AHDE can be within a range between and including any of the AHDE values described in the I presented.

For example, AHDE can be £ 10.0% AUSA and ³ 0.5% AUSA, such as £ 10.0% AUSA and ³ 0.75% AUSA, £ 10.0% AUSA and ³ 1.0% - 10. 0% AUSA and ³ 2.5% AUSA. AHDE can be £ 7.5% AUSA and ³ 0.5% AUSA, such as £ 7.5% AUSA and ³ 0.75% AUSA, £ 7.5% AUSA and ³ 1.0% AUSA, 7.5% AUSA and ^ 1.5% AUSA, 7.5% AUSA and - 2.0% AUSA, OR 7. 5% AUSA and - 2.5% AUSA. AHDE can be 5.0% AUSA and - 0.5% AUSA, such as £ 5.0% AUSA and ³ 0.75% AUSA, £ 5.0% AUSA and ³ 1.0% AUSA, £ 5.0% AUSA and - 1.5% AUSA, = 5.0% AUSA and - 2.0% AUSA, OR £ 5.0% AUSA and ³ 2.5% AUSA. AHDE can be £ 4.0% AUSA and ³ 0.5% AUSA, such as £ 4.0% AUSA and 0.75% AUSA, £ 4.0% AUSA and < ³ 1.0% AUSA, £ = 4.0% AUSA and * ³ 1.5% AUSA, - 4.0% AUSA and - 2.0% AUSA, or £ 4.0% AUSA and - 2.5% AUSA In addition, AHDE can be £ 3.0% AUSA and ³ 0.5% AUSA, such as £ = 3.0% AUSA and - 0.75% AUSA, - 3.0% AUSA and - 1.0% AUSA, ^ 3.0% AUSA - AUSA As further depicted in FIG. 4, the button 130 may also include a back pad mating post 150 that may extend from the hub 134 longitudinally along the center axis 128. The mating post 150 may include a height, HP. In addition, the coupling post 150 may include a proximal end 152 and a distal end 154 and at least one helical thread 156 may extend outwardly along HP from the proximal end 152 of the coupling post 150 to the distal end 154 of the post coupling 150. The helical thread 156 may include a thread pitch, L. In a particular aspect, L may be ³ 0.50 HP. L can also be ³ 0.57 HP, such as ³ 0.66 HP, ³ or ³ 0.80 HP. In another aspect, L can be £ 4.00 HP, such as £ 2.00 HP, £ 1.33 HP, or £ 1.00 HP. It can be seen that the thread pitch, L, defines the linear distance along a longitudinal axis of the coupling post 150 which is covered by a complete rotation of the post 150.

As such, if L = 0.50 HP, then 2 rotations of the coupling post 150 are required to fully engage the post 150 with the backing pad 102. L = 0.57 Hp corresponds to 1.75 rotations. L = 0.66 Hp corresponds to 1.5 rotations. L = 0.80 HP corresponds to 1.25 rotations. L = 4.00 HP corresponds to 0.25 rotations. L = 2. 00 HP corresponds to 0.50 rotations. L = 1.33 HP corresponds to 0.75 rotations. L = 1.00 HP corresponds to 1.00 rotations.

L may also be within a range between and including any of the values of L described above. For example, L can be ³ 0.50 HP and £ 4.00 HP, such as ³ 0.50 Hp and £ 2.00 HP, ³ 0.50 HP and £ 1.33 HP, or ³ 0.50 HP and £ 1.00 HP. L can be ³ 0.57 HP and £ 4.00 HP, such as > 0.57 Hp and < 2.00 HP, > 0.57 HP and < 1.33 HP, or > 0.57 HP and < 1.00 HP. L can be ³ 0.66 HP and < 4.00 HP, such as ³ 0. 66 HP and < 2.00 HP, > 0.66 HP and < 1.33 HP, or > 0.66 HP and < 1. 00 HP. L can also be ³ 0.80 HP and < 4.00 HP, such as ³ 0.80 Hp and < 2.00 Hp, > 0.80 HP and < 1.33 HP, or > 0.80 HP and < 1.00 HP.

In another aspect, L can be ³ 0.50 HP and < 0.80 HP, such as > 0.50 HP and < 0.66 HP, or > 0.5 HP and < 0.57 HP. In yet another aspect, L may be £ 4.00 HP and ³ 1.00 HP, such as < 4.00 HP and > 1.33 H ?, or < 4.00 HP and > 2.00 HP.

FIG. 4 also shows that the button 130 may include a guide post 160 extending from the end distal 154 of mating post 150. Guide post 160 may facilitate insertion of button 130 into backing pad 102 during assembly.

FIG.5 illustrates another aspect of a button 500 that can be used to attach an abrasive article to a backing pad. In this aspect, the button 500 may include a body having a generally disc-shaped bottom plate 502. A twisted hub 504 may extend from the disc-shaped bottom plate 502. The twisted hub 504 may include a proximal end 506 and a distal end 508. A threaded coupling post 510 may extend from the distal end of the hub 504.

In addition, a guide post 512 may extend from the mating post 510.

In this aspect, the twisted hub 504 is twisted along a height of the hub 504 so that the distal end 506 of the hub 504 is rotated with respect to a proximal end 506 of the hub at an angle, a. In a particular aspect, a can be ³ 5.0 °, such as ³ 6.0 °, ³ 7.0 °, ³ 8.0 °, ³ 9.0 °, or ³ 10.0 °. In addition, a can be £ 30 °, such as < 25 °, < 20 °, < 15 °, or < 12.5 °. In another aspect, a may be within a range between and including the values of a described herein.

For example, a can be ³ 5.0 ° and £ 30 °, such as ³ 5.0 ° and < 25 °, > 5.0 ° and < 20 °, > 5.0 ° and < 15 °, or ³ 5.0 ° and < 12. 5. a can be ³ 6.0 ° and £ 30 °, such as ³ 6.0 ° and < 25 °, > 6.0 ° and £ 20 °, ³ 6.0 ° and £ 15 °, or ³ 6.0 ° and £ 12.5 °. a can be > 7.0 ° and < 30 °, such as > 7.0 ° and < 25 °, > 7.0 ° and < 20 °, ³ 7.0 ° and £ 15 °, or > 7.0 ° and £ 12.5 °. a can be ³ 8.0 ° and £ 30 °, such as > 8.0 ° and < 25 °, > 8.0 ° and < 20 °, > 8.0 ° and < 15 °, or > 8.0 ° and £ 12.5 °. a can be ³ 9.0 ° and £ 30 °, such as ³ 9.0 ° and < 25 °, > 9.0 ° and < 20 °, > 9.0 ° and < 15 °, or > 9.0 ° and < 12.5 °. In addition, a can be ³ 10.0 ° and £ 30 °, such as > 10.0 ° and £ 25 °, > 10.0 ° and < 20 °, > 10.0 ° and £ 15 °, or > 10.0 ° and < 12.5 °.

Accordingly, the hub 504 is configured to impart a force, eg, a torsional or rotational force, on an abrasive article installed in the hub 504 during use to cause the abrasive article to rotate about an angle, A, with respect to to the hub 504 and move linearly to the lower plate 502. It can be seen that multiple abrasive articles can be installed on the hub 504 to create a stack of similar, or different, abrasive articles. The twisting of the abrasive articles and linear movement associated therewith, can cause the abrasive articles to be pressed against the lower plate.

In a particular aspect, the angle of rotation, A, can be £ 5 °, such as £ 4 °, £ 3 °, £ 2 °, or £ 1 °. In addition, A can be ³ 0.1 °, such as ³ 0.25 °, ³ 0.5 °, or ³ 0.75 °. A may also be within a range between and including any of the values of A described herein.

For example, A can be £ 5o and ³ 0.1 °, such as £ 5 ° and > 0.25 °, < 5 ° and ³ 0.5 °, or £ 5 ° and ³ 0.75 °. A can be £ 4 ° and ³ 0.1 °, such as < 4th and > 0.25 °, £ 4 ° and ³ 0.5 °, or £ 4 ° and ³ 0.75 °. A can be £ 3 ° and ³ 0.1 °, such as £ 3 ° and ³ 0.25 °, £ 3 ° and ³ 0.5 °, or £ 3 ° and ³ 0.75 °. A can be £ 2 ° and ³ 0.1 °, such as < 2nd and > 0.25 °, < 2nd and > 0.5 °, or < 2 ° and ³ 0.75 °. A may be £ 1 ° and ³ 0.1 °, such as £ 1 ° and ³ 0.25 °, £ 1 ° and ³ 0.5 °, or < 1st and > 0.75 °.

In a particular aspect, the button 504 may include a total height, HBA, and D may be ³ 0.25% HBA, such as ³ 0.5% HBA, 0.75% HBA, or 1.0% HBA. Also, D can be £ 5. 0% HBA, such as < 4.5% HBA, £ 4.0% HBA, £ 3.5% HBA, £ 3.0% HBA, £ 2.5% HBA, or £ 2.0% HBA. D may also be within a range between and including any of the values of D described herein.

For example, D can be ³ 0.25% HBA and £ 5.0% HBA, such as ³ 0.25% HBA and £ 4.5% HBA, ³ 0.25% HBA and £ 4.0% HBA, ³ 0. 25% HBA and £ 3.5% HBA, ³ 0.25% HBA and £ 3.0% HBA, ³ 0.25% HBA and £ 2.5% HBA, or ³ 0.25% HBA and £ 2.0% HBA. D can be > 0.5% HBA and £ 5.0% HBA, such as ³ 0.5% HBA and £ 4.5% HBA, ³ 0.5% HBA and £ - - - - 0. 5% HBA and £ 2.5% HBA, OR ³ 0.5% HBA and £ 2.0% HBA. D can be ³ 0. 75% HBA and £ 5.0% HBA, such as ³ 0.75% HBA and £ 4.5% HBA, ³ 0. 75% HBA and ^ 4.0% HBA, ^ 0.75% HBA and ^ 3.5% HBA, - 0.75% HBA and < 3.0% HBA, ³ 0.75% HBA and £ 2.5% HBA, OR ³ 0.75% HBA and £ 2.0% HBA D can be ³ 1.0% HBA and £ 5.0% HBA, such as ³ 1.0% HBA and ^ 4.5% HBA, - 1.0% HBA and - 4.0% HBA, - 1.0% HBA and - 3.5% HBA, - 1.0% HBA and < 3.0% HBA, > 1.0% HBA and £ 2.5% HBA, O > 1.0% HBA and £ 2.0% HBA.

Referring now to FIG. 6, another aspect of a button for attaching an abrasive article to a backing pad is illustrated and is generally designated 600. As indicated in FIG. 6, the button 600 may include a body 602. The body 602 may include a lower plate 604. A shaft 610 may extend from the lower plate 604. The hub 610 may include a central portion 612 and a plurality of fins 614 may extend radially outwardly from the central portion 612 of the hub 610. Each fin 614 may include a proximal end 616 and a distal end 618. The proximal end 616 of each fin 614 may extend from and be attached to (or integrally formed with) the plate lower 604. In this aspect, the fins 614 are configured to extend at least partially through an abrasive article installed in the hub 610 and to prevent the abrasive article from rotating with respect to the hub 610. Each fin 614 is integrally formed with, or rigidly connected to, the lower plate 604 and can transmit a torque from the lower plate directly to an abrasive article installed on the fins 614 so that as the lower plate 604 The abrasive article rotates with this one. As described below, an abrasive article can be formed with an opening at or near a center of the abrasive article and the opening can be sized and shaped to fit over the hub 610.

FIG. 6 further illustrates that a coupling post 620 may extend from hub 610, for example, from a distal end 618 of hub 610 and fins 614. Coupling post 620 may also include a proximal end to 622 and a distal end 624. The coupling post 620 may also include at least one helical thread 626 which may extend along a height of the post 620 from the proximal end 622 and the distal end 624. As illustrated, a guide post 630 may extend from the distal end 624 of coupling post 620.

FIG. 6 also indicates that each flap 614 may include at least one post 632 extending from the distal end 618 of each flap 614. The button 600 may also include a top plate 640 formed with a central hole 642 that is configured to fit over the guide post 630 and coupling post 620. Top plate 640 may also include a plurality of side holes (not shown) and the side hole may be configured to be aligned with respect to the post 632 on each tab 614. The top plate 640 is configured to be installed on the posts 632 in such a manner that each side hole receives and engages a respective post 632, for example, in a snap fit. In addition, the top plate 640 is configured to be installed between an abrasive article and a backing pad. The upper plate 640 is configured to compress the abrasive article against the lower plate 604 when the coupling post 620 is threadably engaged with the backing pad.

In a particular aspect, the hub 610 may include at least three fins, at least four fins, at least five fins, at least six fins, at least seven fins, or at least eight fins. In addition, as best illustrated in FIG. 7, each fin 614 can be twisted along a height of the fin 614 so that the distal end 618 of the fin is rotated with respect to the proximal end 616 of the fin at an angle, b, and b can be ³ 5.0 °, such as ³ 6.0 °, > 7.0 °, > 8.0 °, > 9.0 °, or ³ 10.0 °. In addition, b can be £ 30 °, such as £ 25 °, £ 20 °, £ 15 °, or £ 12.5 °. In another aspect, b may be within a range between and including the values of a described herein.

For example, b can be ³ 5.0 ° and £ 30 °, such as ³ 5.0 ° and < 25 °, > 5.0 ° and < 20 °, > 5.0 ° and < 15 °, or > 5.0 ° and < 12.5 °. b can be ³ 6.0 ° and £ 30 °, such as ³ 6.0 ° and £ 25 °, ³ 6. 0 ° and £ 20 °, ³ 6.0 ° and £ 15 °, or ³ 6.0 ° and £ 12.5 °. b can be > 7.0 ° and < 30 °, such as > 7.0 ° and < 25 °, > 7.0 ° and < 20 °, > 7.0 ° and £ 15 °, or ³ 7.0 ° and < 12.5 °. b can be > 8.0 ° and < 30 °, such as > 8.0 ° and < 25 °, > 8.0 ° and < 20 °, > 8.0 ° and < 15 °, or > 8.0 ° and £ 12.5 °. b can be ³ 9.0 ° and £ 30 °, such as ³ 9.0 ° and < 25 °, > 9.0 ° and < 20 °, > 9.0 ° and < 15 °, or > 9.0 ° and < 12.5 °. In addition, b can be ³ 10.0 ° and £ 30 °, such as ³ 10.0 ° and £ 25 °, > 10.0 ° and < 20 °, > 10.0 ° and £ 15 °, or > 10.0 ° and < 12.5 °.

FIG. 8 illustrates a particular aspect of a lower plate, designated 800, which can be used with any of the buttons described herein. As shown in FIG. 8, lower plate 800 may include a series of regularly spaced corrugations 802 extending from lower plate 800 in the same direction as a hub (not shown) would extend from lower plate 800 or the cube (not shown). Each corrugation 802 may include an arc shape having a peak 804 and a base 806. The peak 804 of each arc may be spaced from the base 806 of each arc at a distance, DP.

When used as part of a button that includes a total height, HBA, DP, and where DP can be ³ 0.25% HBA, such as ³ 0.5% HBA, 0.75% HBA, or 1.0% HBA. In addition, Dp can be £ 5.0% HBA, such as £ 4.5% HBA, £ 4.0% HBA, £ 3.5% HBA, £ 3.0% HBA, £ 2.5% HBA, OR <. 2.0% HBA. In another aspect, Dp may be within a range between and including any of the values associated with DP herein.

For example, DP can be ³ 0.25% HBA and £ 5.0% HBA, such as ³ 0.25% HBA and £ 4.5% HBA, ³ 0.25% HBA and £ 4.0% HBA, ³ 0. 25% HBA and £ 3.5% HBA, ³ 0.25% HBA and £ 3.0% HBA, ³ 0.25% HBA and £ 2.5% HBA, O > 0.25% HBA and £ 2.0% HBA. DP can be ³ 0.5% HBA and 5.0 5.0% HBA, such as ³ 0.5% HBA and 4.5 4.5% HBA, ³ 0.5% HBA and 4.0 4.0% HBA, > 0.5% HBA and < 3.5% HBA, > 0.5% HBA AND £ 3.0% HBA, ³ 0.5% HBA and £ 2.5% HBA, or ³ 0.5% HBA and £ 2.0% HBA. DP can be ³ 0.75% HBA and £ 5.0% HBA, such as ³ 0.75% HBA and £ 4.5% HBA, ³ 0.75% HBA and - 4.0% HBA, - 0.75% HBA and - 3.5% HBA, - 0.75% HBA and < 3.0% HBA, ³ 0.75% HBA and < 2.5% HBA, O > 0.75% HBA and £ 2.0% HBA. DP can be > 1.0% HBA and £ 5.0% HBA, such as ³ 1.0% HBA and £ 4.5% HBA, ³ 1.0% HBA and £ 4.0% HBA, ³ 1.0% HBA and £ 3.5% HBA, ³ 1. 0% HBA and - 3.0% HBA, - 1.0% HBA and 2.5% HBA, or = ³ 0.25% HBA and ^ 2.0% HBA · In a particular aspect, the corrugations 802 are configured to impart folds in at least one abrasive article installed in a hub extending from the lower plate 800 into a button when the button is engaged with a backing pad.

FIG. 9 illustrates another exemplary abrasive article 900. As illustrated, the abrasive article 900 includes a body 902 formed with a hole 904 at or near a center of the abrasive article 900. The hole 904 may be sized and shaped to fit over a hub that is shape with multiple fins, for example, the cube shown in FIG. 6 and FIG.7. As such, the hole 904 may include a central opening 906 with multiple branches 908 extending radially outwardly therefrom. Depending on the number of fins, hole 904 may include three branches, four branches, five branches, six branches, seven branches, eight branches, etc.

FIG. 10 still represents another exemplary abrasive article 1000. Instead of removing the body material 1002 from the abrasive article 1000 to form a passage for the fins to fit, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the body 1002 of the abrasive article 1000 can be cut with multiple grooves 1004 corresponding to the number of fins. Accordingly, when the fins fit through the slots, the material of the abrasive article 1000 can expand around the fins to accommodate the fins. Alternatively, the flaps 1006 created between the adjacent slots 1004 can be bent along a central axis in the same direction that a button having fins is inserted through the abrasive article 1000 (for example, on the page on which FIG. .10 is illustrated).

With the configuration described herein, the button for attaching an abrasive article to a backing pad provides a relatively easy way for the user to quickly attach an abrasive article to a backing pad. In addition, as easily as the abrasive article is attached, it can be easily separated as well. The button includes a coupling post having a thread pitch which allows the coupling post to be coupled with a back pad with less than 2 revolutions of the button and abrasive tool. An abrasive article (eg, a non-woven abrasive article) can be compressed between the button and the backing pad, to provide substantial gripping force in the abrasive article during use. The backrest pad can be coupled with a rotating tool holder, such as a chuck.

The button can be uncoupled from the backrest pad, removed from the abrasive article, installed in a new abrasive article, and re-docked with the backing pad for later use. Alternatively, the button can be removed from the abrasive article, the abrasive article can be flipped, the button can be reinstalled in the abrasive article, and the button can be re-coupled with the backing pad for later use of the abrasive article. As such, a previously unused side of an abrasive article can be used and full use of the abrasive article can be made - unlike abrasive articles having buttons that are glued or fixed in another way to them.

The hub of a button can be formed with a twist and during use the twist can cause the abrasive article to be installed therein to move a bottom plate and further increase the gripping force in the abrasive article. Multiple abrasive articles having the same or different abrasive characteristics can be installed in a single cube in any desired stacking order by a user. After use, abrasive articles can be re-stacked in any other order for later use. A lower plate of a button may be formed with corrugations and these corrugations may impart folds in the working surface of the abrasive article placed on the button.

The button may be formed with fins and the abrasive article may be formed with grooves corresponding to the number of fins in a relatively simple and efficient cutting operation that only cuts the abrasive article without removing something from the abrasive article.

Note that not all of the activities described above in the general description or examples, if provided, are necessary, that a part of a specific activity may not be necessary, and that one or more activities may be performed in addition to those described. Furthermore, the order in which the activities are listed does not it is necessarily the order in which they are made. Certain features which, for clarity, are described herein in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single mode. Conversely, various features that, for brevity, are described in the context of a single modality, can also be provided separately or in any sub-combination. In addition, the reference to values indicated in intervals includes each and every one of the values within that range.

The benefits, other advantages, and solutions to the problems have been described above with respect to the specific modalities. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any of the characteristics that may cause some benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced should not be interpreted as a critical, required, or essential characteristic of all or each of the claims. The description and illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The description and illustrations are not intended to serve as an exhaustive and comprehensive description of all the elements and characteristics of the devices and systems that use the structures or methods described in the present. The separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment, and conversely, the various features that, for brevity, are described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any sub-combination. In addition, the reference to values indicated in intervals includes each and every one of the values within that range. Many other modalities may be apparent to skilled artisans only after reading this description. Other embodiments may be used and derived from the description, such that a structural substitution, logical substitution, or other change may be made without departing from the scope of the description.

Therefore, the description will be considered as illustrative rather than restrictive.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (15)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. A button for attaching an abrasive article to a backing pad, characterized in that it comprises: a body, comprising: a lower plate; a hub extending from the bottom plate, wherein the hub is configured to engage an abrasive article installed on the hub at least partially along a height of the hub to prevent the abrasive article from rotating with respect to the hub; Y a post extending from the hub, wherein the post includes at least one helical thread extending outwardly along the post, wherein the post includes a height, HP, and at least one helical thread includes a pitch of thread, L, which is ³ 0.5 Hp.

2. A support assembly for an abrasive tool, characterized in that it comprises: a backing pad comprising a central hole having at least one thread internally extending inwardly from an inner wall of the central hole; Y a button that includes: a body, comprising: 5 a lower plate; a hub extending from the bottom plate, wherein the hub is configured to be coupled with a hole of similar size and shape in a 10 abrasive article to prevent the abrasive article from rotating with respect to the hub, wherein the hub includes a height, HH, and the hole in the abrasive article includes a height, HB, and HH £ 15 0.99 HB; Y a post extending from the hub, wherein the post includes at least one helical thread extending outwardly along the post, wherein the post 20 is configured to threadably couple the backing pad and wherein the button is configured to compress the abrasive article between the bottom plate and the backing pad. 25 backrest when the post engages with the backup pad.

3. An abrasive tool, characterized in that it comprises: a backing pad comprising a central hole having at least one internal thread extending inwardly from an inner wall of the central hole; at least one abrasive article formed with a central hole; Y a button for removably attaching the abrasive article to the backing pad, wherein the button comprises: a body, comprising: a lower plate; a hub extending from the lower plate, wherein the hub includes a central portion and a plurality of fins extending radially outwardly from the central portion, wherein the fins are configured to extend at least partially through the at least an abrasive article installed in the hub and preventing at least one abrasive article from rotating with respect to the hub; and a post that extends from the bucket, in wherein the post includes at least one helical thread extending outwardly along the post, wherein the post is configured to threadably couple the backing pad and wherein the button is configured to compress the abrasive article between the plate bottom and the button when the post engages with the backrest pad.

4. The device or support assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that HH < 0.98 HB.

5. The device or support assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that HH > 0.80 HB.

6. The button, device or support assembly according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the cube has a cross-sectional shape comprising a convex polygon having at least three vertices.

7. The button, device or support assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the cross sectional shape of the cube is selected from the group including: triangle, square, pentagon, and hexagon.

8. The button, device or mounting support according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the cube has a cross-sectional shape comprising a concave polygon having at least six vertices.

9. The button, device or support assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the cross sectional shape of the cube is selected from the group that includes: concave hexagon, concave octagon, concave decagon, and concave dodecagon.

10. The button, device or support assembly according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the cube has a cross-sectional shape comprising a regular star polygon having at least ten vertices.

11. The button, device, support assembly, or abrasive article according to any of claims 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that the lower plate is disc-shaped and comprises an outer diameter, OLP, and the abrasive article comprises a outer diameter OAA, and OLP is £ 50% OAA.

12. The button, device, support assembly, or abrasive article according to claim 11, characterized in that OLP is ³ 10% OAA.

13. The button, device, support assembly, or abrasive article in accordance with any of the claims 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that the hub is twisted along the height of the hub so that a distal end of the hub is rotated with respect to a proximal end of the hub at an angle, a, which is ³ 5.0 °.

14. The button, device, support assembly, or abrasive article according to any of claims 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that the lower plate is flat.

15. The button, device, support assembly, or abrasive article according to any of claims 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that the lower plate comprises a series of regularly spaced corrugations extending from the lower plate towards the hub.