NZ545256A - Orbital sander with vertical handle - Google Patents

Abstract

A power driven oscillating tool 10, such as a random orbital sander, comprises a housing 12 having a longitudinal axis 13 situated centrally of the housing 12 for substantially its entire vertical extent. The housing 12 has an upper gripping surface 24, a motor 14 disposed in the housing 12, a carrier 18 disposed below the housing 12 which is driven to oscillate by the motor 14 and a side gripping surface 26 displaced from the housing 12 so as to form an open space between the gripping surface 26 and the housing 12. The side gripping surface 26 has a longitudinal axis which extends in generally the same direction as the longitudinal axis 13 of the housing 12. The tool 10 is configured to allow one-handed operation by gripping the upper or side gripping surface 24, 26.

Description

Sf5"2S4> PA0PER\MRF\I2721170.doc-16/03/2007 * The present invention relates to power driven oscillating tools and, more particularly, to random orbital sanders.

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

The disclosure of the complete specification of the parent application as originally is also incorporated herein by reference.

Orbital sanders generally include a vertically oriented housing having a 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 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 provides the user with various gripping orientations to overcome the shortcomings of previous proposals, or at least to provide a useful alternative.

The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is not an acknowledgment, admission or any form of suggestion that any of the material referred to forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this s P:\OPER\MRFM 2721 WO doc-16/03/2007 specification relates.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power driven oscillating tool comprising: a housing, said housing having a longitudinal axis which is situated substantially centrally of said housing for substantially the entire vertical extent of said housing, said housing having an upper gripping surface; a motor disposed in said housing; a carrier disposed below said housing and driven to oscillate by said motor; and a side gripping surface displaced from said housing so as to form an open space between said side gripping surface and said housing, the side gripping surface having a longitudinal axis which extends in generally the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the housing, the tool being configured so as to allow for one-handed operation in normal use by gripping either the upper gripping surface or the side gripping surface.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power driven oscillating tool comprising: a housing having an upper gripping member and a main body portion extending downwardly from said upper gripping member, said upper gripping member defining an outer perimeter, a downward projection of said outer perimeter defining a volume such that said housing is disposed throughout substantially the entire extent of iwituectual property ofrcei of N.2. ' 0 APR 2007 P \OPER\MRF\l 2721170 doc-16/03/2007 said housing substantially entirely within the defined volume, the housing having a longitudinal axis; a motor disposed in said housing; a carrier disposed below said housing and driven to oscillate by said motor; and a side gripping surface displaced from said housing so as to form an open space between said side gripping surface and said housing, the side gripping surface having a longitudinal axis which extends in generally the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the housing, the tool being configured so as to allow for one-handed operation in normal use by gripping either the upper gripping member or the side gripping surface.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power sander comprising: a housing having an upper gripping member, the housing having a longitudinal axis; a motor disposed in said housing; a platen disposed below said housing and driven to oscillate by said motor; and a side gripping surface displaced from said housing so as to form an open space between said side gripping surface and said housing, the side gripping surface having a longitudinal axis which extends in generally the same direction as the | '"'tLLECTUAL^operty OFFICE | 1 o APR 2007 V P\0PER\MRF\1272I|7<) doc-1 ft/03/2007 longitudinal axis of the housing, the sander being configured so as to allow for one-handed operation in normal use by gripping either the upper member or the side gripping surface.

Preferred embodiments of the invention provide a user with various gripping orientations.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides the art with an orbital sander that provides multiple gripping positions. The orbital sander may provide the user with a 10 gripping surface spaced from the housing and substantially parallel to the housing. A preferred embodiment of the 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 embodiment of the present invention provides the user with a palm grip having a gel portion to reduce vibration in the tool. A preferred 15 embodiment of the present invention enables the user to utilize both hands at various positions on the sander during operation.

IN THE DRAWINGS: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an orbital sander in accordance with a first 20 embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2a-2e are side perspective views of the orbital sander of Figure 1 with hands shown in phantom for gripping the sander; intellectual property office of n.z.

APR 2007 Received •■HCt ;< M7 P \0PER\MRF\I272I 170 doc-16/03/2007 Figure 3a is a side view of the present orbital sander of Figure 1; Figure 3b is a bottom view of the orbital sander of Figure 1; Figure 4a is a side view of an orbital sander in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, the orbital sander having a rectangular sanding element; and 5 Figure 4b is a bottom view of the orbital sander of Figure 4a.

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

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 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 element, other than 15 a sanding element, may be attached to carrier 18 and still be within the scope of the invention.

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 20 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. 1 o APR 2007 figCElVED V P \OPER\MRF\ 12721170 doc-16/03/2(X)7 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.

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 10 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.

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 member 24 has a teardrop shape and is formed from a gel material that forms an upper gripping surface. 20 Thus, the gel provides a top surface to absorb vibration of the sander to increase the duration of use by the user without fatigue.

Vertical axis 13 is located substantially centrally relative to the sander housing 12 intellectual property office" of n.z.

APR 2007 DC/^tiiirn P \OPER\MRF\l 2721170 doc-16/03/2007 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 5 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.

A handle gripping member 26 is spaced from the housing 12. The handle gripping 10 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 a 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.

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 20 the user.

An open space is formed between gripping surfaces 46, 48 and housing 12 to allow for gripping of the gripping surfaces, with the user's hand oriented in a substantially vertical [wtrlec1u«l property office of NZ I o APR 2007 RECFivcn P \OPER\MRF\ 12721170 doc-16/03/2007 8- orientation, as explained below.

During operation, a user may grip the orbital sander at gripping member 22, 24 or 26. This allows the user to vary his hand positions to reduce fatigue during prolonged 5 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.

Although as described above, the sander may be gripped with two hands utilizing 10 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 horizontal plane. One advantage 15 provided by this invention is that 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 provide increased 20 control during operation.

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 intellectual property office of n.z.

APR 2007 RCr>CJUc.n P \0PER\MRF\12721170.doc»l 6/03/2007 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 though it will be understood that these specific dimensions are merely exemplary. In a preferred embodiment, the weight of the orbital sander may be 5 approximately 3.5 pounds. As shown, the handle 26 need not be disposed precisely 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 angle 50, which may be 103.46° to the horizontal gripping surface of upper grip 24, and thus at an angle of 13.46° to the 10 vertical axis of housing 12. Preferably, this angle may be varied within a range of 5°.

Figures 4a and 4b show a second embodiment of the invention, where the carrier 18, and consequently the sanding element (not shown), is rectangular shaped. The orbital sander shown in Figures 4a and 4b is a % sheet sander, and, according to one 15 particularly preferred form, angle 50 is 103.46°, dimension 52 is 111.97 millimetres, dimension 54 is 116.23 millimetres, dimension 56 is 164.14 millimetres, dimension 58 is 35.90 millimetres, dimension 60 is 110.8 millimetres and dimension 62 is 65.99 millimetres, though it will again be understood that these specific dimensions are merely exemplary.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various intellectual property office of n.z.

APR 2007 RECPiucn. * * a + P \OPER\MHF\1272l 170 doc-3C>/05/2007

Claims (16)

CLAIMS:

1. A power driven oscillating tool comprising: a housing, said housing having a longitudinal axis which is situated substantially centrally of said housing for substantially the entire vertical extent of said housing, said housing having an upper gripping surface; a motor disposed in said housing; a carrier disposed below said housing and driven to oscillate by said motor; and a side gripping surface displaced from said housing so as to form an open space between said side gripping surface and said housing, the side gripping surface having a longitudinal axis which extends in generally the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the housing, the tool being configured so as to allow for one-handed operation in normal use by gripping either the upper gripping surface or the side gripping surface.

2. A power driven oscillating tool according to claim 1, further comprising a teardrop shaped head, on which the upper gripping surface is provided.

3. The tool of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis of the side gripping surface makes an angle with the longitudinal axis of the housing within a range of 8.46° to 18.46°. intellectual property office of N.Z. LRJECEIVED 31 MAY 2007 P \OPER\KJRF\ 12721170.doc-30A)5/2(X)7 - 12-

4. The tool of claim 3, wherein said angle is substantially equal to 13.46 degrees.

5 5. The tool of claim 1, wherein said carrier comprises a sanding platen and is driven in an orbiting motion by said motor.

6. The tool of claim 1, wherein said housing includes a cylindrical portion extending downwardly from said upper gripping surface and a truncated conical 10 portion extending downwardly from said cylindrical portion, said truncated conical portion providing a lower gripping surface of said housing.

7. A power driven oscillating tool comprising: a housing having an upper gripping member and a main body portion 15 extending downwardly from said upper gripping member, said upper gripping member defining an outer perimeter, a downward projection of said outer perimeter defining a volume such that said housing is disposed throughout substantially the entire extent of said housing substantially entirely within the defined volume, the housing having a longitudinal axis; 20 a motor disposed in said housing; a carrier disposed below said housing and driven to oscillate by said motor; and a side gripping surface displaced from said housing so as to form an 1'NTELLECTUALTOimYoK 31 MAY 2007 r e c p ix/dnt i P \OPER\MRF\l 2721170 doc-30A)5/2(X)7 - 13- open space between said side gripping surface and said housing, the side gripping surface having a longitudinal axis which extends in generally the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the housing, the tool being configured so as to allow for one-handed operation in normal 5 use by gripping either the upper gripping member or the side gripping surface.

8. A power driven oscillating tool according to claim 7, further comprising a teardrop shaped head, on which the upper gripping member is provided. 10

9. The tool recited in claim 7, wherein the longitudinal axis of said side gripping surface makes an angle with said longitudinal axis of said housing in a range of 8.46° to 18.46°.

10. The tool recited in claim 9, wherein said angle is substantially equal to 15 13.46°.

11. The tool recited in claim 7, wherein said housing includes a cylindrical portion extending downwardly from said upper gripping member and a truncated conical portion extending downwardly from said cylindrical portion, said truncated 20 conical portion having an outer perimeter which is substantially coincident with the outer perimeter of said upper gripping member. intellectual property office "7A,- 3* MAY 2007 ■fiJL£EjV£D P VQPER\yRF\l272l 170 doc-30X)S/2007 - 14-

12. The tool recited in claim 7, wherein said carrier comprises a sanding platen and is driven in an orbiting motion by said motor.

13. A power sander comprising: 5 a housing having an upper gripping member, the housing having a longitudinal axis; a motor disposed in said housing; a platen disposed below said housing and driven to oscillate by said motor; and 10 a side gripping surface displaced from said housing so as to form an open space between said side gripping surface and said housing, the side gripping surface having a longitudinal axis which extends in generally the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the housing, the sander being configured so as to allow for one-handed operation in 15 normal use by gripping either the upper gripping member or the side gripping surface.

14. A power sander according to claim 13, further comprising a teardrop shaped head, on which the upper gripping member is provided. 20

15. The sander recited in claim 13, wherein said platen is substantially circular and said outer perimeter of the housing below said upper gripping member INTELLECWM- PROPER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY^ 0fn.z. office of n.? 31 MAR 2007 BEcet»ig 3 1 MAY 200? q ? C F I v tr r> P \OJER\MRFM 2721170 doc-30A)5/2(X)7 - 15- has a substantially circular outer perimeter, wherein said housing has a maximum diameter which is no greater than 122 mm and said sander has a maximum weight of 3.5 pounds.

16. The sander recited in claim 13, wherein said platen is substantially rectangular and the outer perimeter of the housing below said upper gripping member has a substantially rectangular outer perimeter, wherein said housing has a maximum cross-sectional area which is no greater than 12,140mm2 and said sander has a maximum weight of 3.5 pounds. intellectual property office of n.z. 3 1 MAY 2007 -RECElVFn intellectual proper- offlfcf. of n.2 31 MAR 2807 R F ceived