NZ539035A

NZ539035A - Orbital sander with vertical handle

Info

Publication number: NZ539035A
Application number: NZ539035A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Vincent P Cooper; Wambeke Weston J Van
Original assignee: Black & Decker Inc
Priority date: 2004-04-06
Filing date: 2005-03-24
Publication date: 2006-11-30
Also published as: EP1584412A3; AU2005201235A1; CN1680075A; CA2499243A1; EP1584412A2; US20050221738A1

Abstract

An orbital sander (10) having a housing defining an axis (13). A motor (14) and output with a sanding element are aligned on said axis (13). The housing (12) includes a power source (28) as well as an activating member (30) to energize and de-energize the sander (10). A handle (26) is spaced from the housing (12) and is substantially parallel to the axis (13). Further, additional gripping members (22,24) may be positioned on the housing (12) to provide multiple gripping surfaces.

Description

1 - 53 9 0 3 5 NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After United States Patent 10/819248 filed on 6 April 2004 and United States Patent 10/929195 filed on 30 August 2004.

Davies Collison Cave Reference: 12583880 APPLICANT(S) Black & Decker Inc. 1207 Drummond Plaza, Newark, Delaware 19711, United States of America a Delaware Corporation of the United States of America My/Our contact address is: My/Our address for service is: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE 1 Nicholson Street G.P.O. Box 4387QQ Melbourne 3000 Victoria, AUSTRALIA Telephone: 61 3 9254 2777 Facsimile 61 3 9254 2770 Email: chodkinson@davies.com.au DAVIES COLLISON CAVE c/- James & Wells Level 9, James & Wells Tower 56 Cawley Street Private Bag 11907 DX CP 34005 Ellerslie Auckland NEW ZEALAND INVENTION TITLE: Orbital sander with vertical handle We/I, Black & Decker Inc. hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: INTELLECTUAL PR0P£flT-.' -u- nr- n.z '' "" 2 4 MAR 2005 £|ceivgo P \REOJMB9437 doc - 2J/.V05 intellectual property P:\OPER\SASVJan-Jun (K»\12583880 amend.doc-3l/0lAK> l office of n.z 1 3 FEB 2006 received - la- ORBITAL SANDER WITH VERTICAL HANDLE

[0001] The present invention relates to sanders and, more particularly, to random orbital sanders having multiple gripping members, including a spaced vertical handle.

The disclosure of US Patent Application Serial No. 10/819,248 filed 6 April 2004 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Orbital sanders generally include a vertically oriented housing having a 10 handle at an axial end of the housing. Thus, the handle is positioned above the orbital sanding element so that a workman applies force directly into the orbital sanding element. These handles have various types of designs in order to accommodate the workman's hand. Also, orbital sanders exist which include handles which extend from the housing substantially perpendicular to the orbital 15 sander housing. These types of handles are in a horizontal orientation. Thus, during use, for a significant period of time, vibration can cause the user's hand to become fatigue. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an orbital sander which enables the user various gripping orientations to overcome the shortcoming of previous proposals, or at least provides a useful alternative.

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sander having multiple gripping members, comprising: a housing having a top portion, a middle portion and a bottom portion, P \OPER\SAS\Jwi-Jun MAI25&58WJ amend. doc-M/01MS intellectual property office of n.z. 13 FEB 2006 reciived and the middle and the bottom portion having substantially the same central vertical axis; a sanding element located at a bottom portion of the housing; a first gripping member comprising a handle spaced apart from the 5 housing and extending in generally the same direction as the central vertical axis; a second gripping member located generally at the bottom portion of the housing, the second gripping member extending around the housing and having a smoothly outwardly curved shape.

[0004] Preferably, the middle portion of the housing is generally a cylindrical portion and the bottom portion of the housing is a truncated conical portion.

[0005] Preferably, the spacing of the handle from the housing allows a user's hand to easily fit through the space between the handle and the housing to grip the middle portion or the bottom portion of the housing, and the housing is shaped to allow for easy gripping with a single hand.

[0006] Preferably, the sander further comprises a third gripping member located at the top portion of the housing and having a gel-like material thereon for creating a comfortable gripping surface for the user. [0006a] The third gripping surface may be generally tear-drop shaped, for example.

P \OPERVS/\S\Jau-Juu (KAUSMKWJ amcnddoc-W/tttrtXi intellectual property office of n.z. 1 3 FEB 2006 RECEIVED

[0007] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sander having multiple gripping members, comprising: a housing having a cylindrical portion and a truncated conical portion, 5 the cylindrical portion and the truncated conical portion concentrically spaced around a vertical axis of the housing with a truncated conical portion extending downwardly from the cylindrical portion; the truncated conical portion including a skirt and a carrier element; a first gripping member including a handle spaced from the housing and extending in generally the same direction as the vertical axis of the housing, the first gripping member having first gripping surfaces thereon; and a second gripping member located substantially on the truncated conical portion and having a curved second gripping surface.

[0008] According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sander having multiple gripping members, comprising: a housing having a top portion, a middle portion and a bottom portion, and a vertical axis with at least the middle portion and the bottom portion having the same vertical axis; a handle gripping member spaced apart from the housing and extending in generally the same direction as the vertical axis; a housing gripping member located substantially on the bottom portion of the housing; and P \OPER\SAS\Jan-Jun H6\l2583880 amcnd.doc-31/OlAKi - 3a ■ intellectual property office of n.z. 1 3 FEB 2006 RECEIVED a top gripping member located substantially at the top portion of the housing and having a cushioning material thereon for creating a comfortable gripping surface.

[0009] A preferred form of the present invention provides the art with an orbital sander that provides multiple gripping positions. The orbital sander provides the user with a gripping surface spaced from the housing and extending in generally the same direction as a central vertical axis of the housing. Also, a preferred form of the present invention provides the user with a gripping portion which surrounds the housing to provide a 360 degree handle for various orientations of the orbital sander. Also, a preferred form of the present invention provides the user with a palm grip having a gel portion to reduce vibration in the tool. A preferred form of the present invention also enables the user to utilize both hands at various positions on the sander during operation.

[0010] The present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: F' -..OI'ER'.SA^\Ju:-Dco 2 5sT'SM.' airtondU doc-2 IPONZ 2 AUG 200$

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an orbital sander;

[0012] Figure 2a-2e are side perspective views of Figure 1 with hands shown in phantom for gripping the sander;

[0013] Figure 3a is a side view of the present orbital sander;

[0014] Figure 3b is a bottom view of the present orbital sander;

[0015] Figure 4a is a side view of an alternative orbital sander having a rectangular ^ sanding element; and

[0016] Figure 4b is a bottom view of the orbital sander of Figure 4a.

[0017] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0018] Turning to the figures, an orbital sander is illustrated and designated with the reference numeral 10. The orbital sander includes a housing 12, a motor 14 positioned within the housing, an output 16 driven by the motor 14, and a platen or carrier 18 that 20 is coupled to the output and oscillatingly driven. A sanding element (not shown) is attached to the carrier 18. It should be understood that a polishing or other similar 4 Attorney Docket No. 0275U-000877/CPA element, other than a sanding element, may be attached to carrier 18 and still be within the scope of the invention.

[0019] A dust collection system 20 is coupled with the housing 12. Also, a plurality of gripping members 22, 24, and 26 are coupled with the housing. An AC power cord 28 is coupled with the housing to provide power to the motor 14. An activation member 30 is coupled with the housing to energize and de-energize the motor 14, in turn, the output 16 which, in turn, rotates the carrier 18.

[0020] The housing 12 defines a central axis 13 and is normally used in a vertical orientation. The housing 12 includes a cylindrical portion 32 and a truncated conical portion 34 positioned on axis 13. The truncated conical portion 34 at its end includes a skirt 36. The skirt 36 provides durability and protects the work surface while sanding.

[0021] A housing gripping member 22 is positioned at the intersection of the cylindrical portion 32 and the truncated conical portion 34. The housing gripping member 22 includes an annular portion comprising a gripping surface 40 and a tail surface 42. The gripping surface 40 surrounds the housing providing a 360 degree grip on the housing. The gripping surface 40 is positioned at the other end of the truncated conical portion 34 wherein it intersects the cylindrical portion 32. The tail surface 42 extends from the gripping surface 40 towards the skirt 36. The housing gripping member 22 is an elastomeric member and may be over molded onto the housing 12. The elastomeric member provides a comfortable grip as well as increased feel to the user.

[0022] The other end of the housing 12 includes an upper gripping member 24. The extending end of the cylindrical portion 32 has a teardrop shaped head 44 with the upper gripping member 24 positioned on top of the head 44. The upper gripping intellectual property office of n.7. 1 3 FEB 2006 RECEIVED member 24 has a teardrop shape and is formed from a gel material that fbrms an upper gripping surface. Thus, the gel provides a top surface to absorb vibration of the sander to increase the duration of use by the user without fatigue.

[0023] Vertical axis 13 is located substantially centrally relative to the sander housing 12 throughout its entire extent. That is, axis 13 is centrally located with respect to all of upper gripping member 24, cylindrical portion 32 and conical portion 34. Further, as evident with reference to Figs. 3a and 3c, upper gripping member 24 defines an outer perimeter such that a downward projection of the outer perimeter defines a volume in which the housing 12 is substantially disposed within throughout its entire extent. In other words, the middle and lower parts of housing 12 do not extend outwardly of upper gripping member 24 for any substantial extent.

[0024] A handle gripping member 26 is spaced from the housing 12. The handle gripping member 26 extends in generally the same direction as the axis 13 of the housing 12, and has a vertical orientation enabling the user to grip handle gripping member 26 to provide different orientation for the user's hands. The gripping orientations are illustrated in Figures 2a-2e. Also, the user may use two hands when gripping the handle gripping member 26 with another one of the gripping members 22 or 24.

[0025] The handle gripping member 26 is ordinarily formed with the housing 12 to provide a clamshell type of housing member. The handle gripping member 26 includes gripping surface 46 and 48 on each of its sides. The gripping surfaces 46 and 48 are similar to gripping surface 40, and made of an elastomeric material to provide comfort and feel to the user. 6 P ••OPIiR\SASJu!-Dci: ->r, J25S3hh>: ju.criJ2 doc-2W.;r- IPOf\IZ * AUG 20Q$

[0026] An open space is formed between gripping surfaces 46. 48 arid housing 12 to allow for gripping of the gripping surfaces, with the user's hand oriented in a substantially vertical orientation, as explained below.

[0027] During operation, a user may grip the orbital sander at gripping member 5 22, 24 or 26. This allows the user to vary his hand positions to reduce fatigue during prolonged operation. Also, the user may use a plurality of the gripping members at one time. The user may use grips 22 and 26, 24 and 26, or 22 and 24 ^ at one time to add increased control to the sander during operation.

[0028] Although as discussed above, the sander may be gripped with two hands 10 utilizing various combinations of grips 22, 24 and 26, the preferred overall configurations and weight allow for the sander to be operated by the user with one hand by solely gripping upper grip 24. As shown in Fig. 2a, in this sole gripping position, the user's hand may extend substantially over the entire extent of the sander housing 12. In such a configuration, the user's palm rests substantially in a 15 horizontal plane. In addition to allowing for such overhanded gripping at the top of the sander, the user also can grip the sander with his second hand gripping spaced handle 26. In particular, as shown in Fig. 2b, the user grips gripping surfaces 46 and 48 of handle 26 such that the palm of the second hand is disposed ^ substantially vertically and therefore perpendicular to the palm of the first hand, to 20 provide increased control during operation.

[0029] With reference to Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b, according to one particularly preferred form of the sander 10, dimension 52 is about 111.97 millimetres, dimension 54 is about 116.23 millimetres, dimension 56 is about 164.14 millimetres, dimension 58 is about 35.90 millimetres, dimension 60 is about 122.00 millimetres and dimension 62 is about 65.99 millimetres, although it will be understood that these specific dimensions have been provided as non-limiting examples only. In a preferred example, the weight of the orbital sander may be approximately 3.5 pounds. 7 r ••UHliR'-SAS'-.'ui-Dtx ):v::5S.>«S':. uiiicr.d: aiK-2K-'i!7.t«. [0029a] As shown, the handle 26 need not be disposed preciseiy perpendicular to the gripping surface of upper grip 24, that is, it need not be disposed precisely vertical. For example, the handle 26 and thus gripping surfaces 46 and 48 may be disposed substantially vertically at an angle 50 that may be about 103.46° to the 5 horizontal gripping surface of upper grip 24, and thus at an angle of about 13.46° to the vertical axis of housing 12. Preferably, this angle may be varied within a range of 5°. £ [0030] Figures 4a and 4b show an alternative orbital sander, where the carrier 18, and consequently the sanding element (not shown), is rectangular shaped. The 10 orbital sander shown in Fiaures 4a and 4b is a % sheet sander, and accordina to w ' ^ one particularly preferred form, the angle 50 is about 103.46°, dimension 52 is about 111.97 millimetres, dimension 54 is about 116.23 millimetres, dimension 56 is about 164.14 millimetres, dimension 58 is about 35.90 millimetres, dimension 60 is about 110.8 millimetres and dimension 62 is about 65.99 millimetres, although it 15 will again be understood that these specific dimensions have been provided as non-limiting examples oniy.

[0031] The description of the invention, including the dimensions shown in the £ drawings, is merely exemplary in nature and, ihus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. 20 Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

^Ol\}^ 2 AUG 20Q6 8

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: OFFSt AbPROpeoty yJrrlCE of n.z. 1 3 FEB 2006 received J

1. A sander having multiple gripping members, comprising: a housing having a top portion, a middle portion and a bottom portion, and the middle portion and the bottom portion having substantially the same central vertical axis; a sanding element located at a bottom portion of the housing; a first gripping member comprising a handle spaced apart from the housing and extending in generally the same direction as the central vertical axis; a second gripping member located generally at the bottom portion of the housing, the second gripping member extending around the housing and having a smoothly outwardly curved shape.

2. The sander of claim 1, wherein: the middle portion of the housing is generally a cylindrical portion and the bottom portion of the housing is a truncated conical portion.

3. The sander of claim 1, wherein: the spacing of the handle from the housing allows a user's hand to easily fit through the space between the handle and the housing to grip the middle portion or the bottom portion of the housing, and the housing is shaped to allow for easy gripping with a single hand. intellectual property office of n.z. 1 3 FEB 2006 received

4. The sander of claim 1, further comprising: a third gripping member located at the top portion of the housing and having a gel-like material thereon for creating a comfortable gripping surface for the user.

5. The sander of claim 4, wherein: the third gripping surface is generally tear-drop shaped.

6. The sander of claim 1, further comprising: a dust collection system located at the bottom of the handle and a power cord located at the top of the handle.

7. A sander having multiple gripping members, comprising; a housing having a cylindrical portion and a truncated conical portion, the cylindrical portion and the truncated conical portion concentrically spaced around a vertical axis of the housing with the truncated conical portion extending downwardly ^ from the cylindrical portion; the truncated conical portion including a skirt and a carrier element; a first gripping member including a handle spaced from the housing and extending in generally the same direction as the vertical axis of the housing, the first gripping member having first gripping surfaces thereon; and a second gripping member located substantially on the truncated conical portion and having a curved second gripping surface. 10 Attorney Docket No. 0275U-000877/CPA

8. The sander of claim 7 wherein: the spacing of the handle from the housing allows a user's hand to easily fit through the space between the handle and the housing to grip the cylindrical portion or the truncated conical portion of the housing, and the housing is shaped to allow for easy gripping with a single hand.

9. The sander of claim 7, further comprising: a third gripping member extending above the cylindrical portion and having a gel-like material thereon creating a third gripping surface.

10. The sander of claim 9, wherein: the third gripping surface is generally tear-drop shaped.

11. The sander of claim 7, further comprising: a dust collection system located at the bottom of the handle and a power cord located at the top of the handle. 11 intellectual PROPtRTY office OF N.z. 1 3 FEB 2006 received

12. A sander having multiple gripping members, comprising: a housing having a top portion, a middle portion and a bottom portion, and a vertical axis with at least the middle portion and the bottom portion having the same vertical axis; a handle gripping member spaced apart from the housing and extending in generally the same direction as the vertical axis; a housing gripping member located substantially on the bottom portion of the housing; and a top gripping member located substantially at the top portion of the housing and having a cushioning material thereon for creating a comfortable gripping surface.

13. The sander of claim 12, wherein: the handle gripping member is spaced from the housing to allow a user's hand to easily fit through the space between the handle gripping member and the housing to grip the housing gripping member, and the housing gripping member is sized to allow for easy gripping with a single hand.

14. A sander substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings and/or Examples. Dated this 23rd day of January, 2006 Black & Decker, Inc. by DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Attorneys for the applicant(s)