WO1998043779A1

WO1998043779A1 - A surface treating article and method and system for retaining such article

Info

Publication number: WO1998043779A1
Application number: PCT/US1997/013173
Authority: WO
Inventors: David C. Roeker
Original assignee: Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company
Priority date: 1997-03-28
Filing date: 1997-07-28
Publication date: 1998-10-08
Also published as: AU3964997A

Abstract

A surface treating article and a system for retaining the article on a back-up pad using a retainer. The retainer and surface treating article are configured to allow the surface treating article to be conveniently removed without use of any tools and replaced without removing the retainer from the back-up pad. A method for mounting a surface treating article on a back-up pad and removing such article is also disclosed.

Description

A SURFACE TREATING ARTICLE AND METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR

RETAINING SUCH ARTICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a surface treating article and a system for retaining the article on a back up pad.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are several methods known for retaining a surface treating article on a back up pad. One way uses a threaded shaft extending from the center of a back up pad and a corresponding nut and washer. The surface treating article has a hole located in the center of the surface treating article and is placed over the shaft and positioned against the back up pad. The washer and nut are then engaged with the shaft. The washer overlaps the outer circumference of the hole in the surface treating article. Wrenches or similar tools are used to tighten the nut and washer against the back up pad. The surface treating article is then held between the washer and the back up pad. and holds it in place against the back up pad. In one version, the center hole has slits emanating from the hole, as illustrated in Figure 13, which is a plan view of a 3M Regalite™ edger disc. In another version illustrated in Figure 14, the slits emanating from the hole have a small perceptible width to allow for a radius at the end of the slits to provide a reduction in stress concentration. Both versions of surface treating articles, as illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, have such slits to provide flexibility to the surface treating article to allow it to conform to the back up pad while using a nut and washer. The nut and washer may comprise one single piece. Both of these methods require separate tools to loosen and tighten the nut and washer to remove and replace the surface treating article from the back up pad. Additionally, the nut and washer, or combination thereof, must be completely removed in order to replace the used surface treating article with a new one.

A further method for attaching a surface treating article to a back up pad is illustrated in the published German application DE 44 30 229 Al. This application discloses a laminated grinding disk, in which a bayonet catch is used for a detachable connection between a carrying plate on the laminated grinding disc and a mounting device. Attached around the carrying plate are abrasive lamellas, which are individual abrasive sections arranged to overlap like scales. The carrying plate has a central opening with teeth that catch corresponding locking elements provided in the mounting device. The bayonet catch includes two oval recesses located opposite each other which are provided in the carrying plate so that, after rotation of the carrying plate, the carrying plate and the mounting device are engaged.

A further method for attaching a surface treating article to a back up pad is illustrated in US Patent number 2,685,155. This patent discloses an arrangement for allowing a plurality of different sized, circular adapter nuts or screws or other cylindrical holding members to pierce the center of the disc when the disc is mounted on the back-up pad.

What is desired is a system that enables a user to easily replace a surface treating article without using additional tools and without requiring the nut and washer to be completely removed from the back up pad. Additionally, it is desired to enable a user to replace surface treating articles of different thicknesses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a retainer and a surface treating article that is held onto a back up pad by the retainer. The retainer and surface treating article are configured to allow the surface treating article to be conveniently removed and replaced without removing the retainer from the back up pad. In the preferred embodiment, the retainer is threaded on a shaft, thereby allowing the retainer to move axially up and down the shaft to engage with surface treating articles of different thicknesses. Additionally, the opening in the surface treating article can be easily and economically stamped or die-cut out of the surface treating article. This invention allows surface treating articles to be replaced in a more efficient manner, particularly for uses where surface treating articles are replaced frequently.

In one aspect, the invention provides a retainer for retaining a surface treating article on a back up pad. The body includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, an outer surface extending from the first end to the second end, an inner surface, and a longitudinal axis. The inner surface is configured to be operatively connected to a drive means. Extending from the outer surface of the body are one or more flanges having a first flange surface that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The flange extends from a first portion of the periphery of the body outer surface, leaving a second portion of the periphery exposed. The body also includes a protrusion extending from the outer surface of the body. The protrusion includes a first engaging surface which is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis.

In one preferred embodiment, the retainer includes a plurality of the flanges leaving an equal number of exposed portions of the periphery between the flanges. In another embodiment, each of the flanges includes a base adjacent the body outer surface and each of the bases is approximately the same circumferential width as each of the exposed portions of the periphery of the outer surface of the body. The retainer may include three flanges and three exposed portions of the periphery, wherein each of the exposed portions is located between two adjacent flanges.

In another preferred embodiment, the first engaging surface faces a first circumferential direction relative to the body outer surface and the protrusion includes a second engaging surface facing a second direction opposite the first direction. The protrusion may include a body protrusion which extends to the first end of the body, wherein the first and second surfaces extend along the body protrusion. The protrusion may include a flange protrusion which extends along the first flange surface; wherein the first and second surfaces extend along the flange protrusion. The flange may include an outer edge opposite the outer surface of the body, wherein the protrusion extends from the first end of the body to the outer edge of the flange. In another preferred embodiment, the inner surface is cylindrical and threaded. In another embodiment, the body inner surface is configured to cause the retainer to move axially relative to a drive means in response to being rotated relative to the drive means about the longitudinal axis.

In another aspect, the invention provides a surface treating article. The surface treating article includes a generally planar body having an opening therein for mounting the article on a drive means. The body includes a working surface for treating the surface of a workpiece. The article also includes a tab extending from the body into the opening thereby forming a recessed portion adjacent the tab. The tab includes a first tab edge extending generally radially relative to the center of the opening, a second tab edge opposite the first tab edge and extending generally radially relative to the center of the opening. The recessed portion has a circumferential width of at least 25% of the circumferential width of the tab. The tab is generally parallel to the body.

In one preferred embodiment, the surface treating article includes a plurality of the tabs thereby forming a plurality of recessed portions between the tabs, wherein each of the recesses is bounded by the first tab edge of one of the tabs and a second tab edge of an adjacent one of the tabs. In another preferred embodiment, the tabs and the recessed portions are approximately the same circumferential width. The surface treating article may include three of the tabs thereby forming three recessed portions between the tabs. The surface treating article may include the working surface extending to the opening. In another embodiment, the working surface is coextensive with the planar body. Preferably, the opening is generally in the center of the surface treating article and the surface treating article is generally circular. Preferred embodiments of the surface treating article include a coated abrasive disc, an abrasive fibre disc or an integrally molded bristle brush.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a second preferred embodiment of a surface treating article. The surface treating article comprises a generally planar body having an opening therein for mounting the article on a drive means. The body includes an abrasive working surface for treating the surface of a workpiece and wherein the working surface extends to the opening. The surface treating article also includes a tab extending from the body into the opening thereby forming a recessed portion adjacent the tab, wherein the tab is generally parallel to the body. The recessed portion has a circumferential width of at least 25% of the circumferential width of the tab.

In one preferred embodiment, the tab includes a first tab surface and a second tab surface, and the working surface extends to the surface of the tab. The surface treating article may include a plurality of the tabs thereby forming a plurality of recessed portions. The surface treating article may include the working surface being coextensive with the planar body. In a preferred embodiment, the opening in the surface treating article is generally in the center of the surface treating article and the surface treating article is generally circular. Preferred embodiments of the surface treating article include a coated abrasive disc and an abrasive fibre disc.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a method for mounting a first surface treating article on a back-up pad, comprising the steps of: a) providing a back- up pad with a shaft extending therefrom with a retainer operatively engaged with the shaft such that relative rotation between the retainer and the shaft causes the retainer to traverse axially along the shaft. The retainer comprises a body and a flange extending from the outer surface of the body. The flange includes a first flange surface generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The flange extends from a first portion of the periphery of the body surface, leaving a second portion of the periphery exposed. The body also includes a protrusion extending from the outer surface of the body and including a first engaging surface generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The steps for mounting a first surface treating article continue by: b) aligning a recessed portion of an opening in a first surface treating article with the flange of the retainer, wherein the recessed portion is configured to receive the flange therethrough. The surface treating article includes a tab having a first thickness extending into the opening adjacent the recessed portion, and wherein the tab includes a first tab edge bounding the recessed portion; c) moving the surface treating article towards the backup pad so that the retainer passes through the opening in the surface treating article; d) rotating the surface treating article in a first direction relative to the retainer thereby contacting the first tab edge with the first engaging surface on the protrusion of the retainer and at least partially overlapping the flange and the tab; and e) additionally rotating the surface treating article in the first direction relative to the shaft thereby causing the retainer to rotate relative to the shaft until the retainer traverses axially along the shaft towards the back-up pad to a first axial location to engage the tab of the surface treating article between the back-up pad and the flange.

In one preferred embodiment, the method comprises the further steps of: f) rotating the first surface treating article in a second direction relative to the retainer thereby contacting a second tab edge with a second engaging surface of the protrusion and aligning the recessed portion of the surface treating article with the flange; g) removing the first surface treating article from the back-up pad so that the retainer passes through the opening in the surface treating article.

In another preferred embodiment, the method includes: h) aligning a recessed portion of an opening in a second surface treating article with the flange of the retainer, i) moving the second surface treating article towards the back-up pad so that the retainer passes through the opening in the second surface treating article; j) rotating the second surface treating article in a first direction relative to the retainer thereby contacting the first tab edge with the first engaging surface on the protrusion of the retainer and at least partially overlapping the flange and the tab; and k) additionally rotating the second surface treating article in the first direction relative to the shaft thereby causing the retainer to rotate relative to the shaft until the retainer traverses axially along the shaft towards the back-up pad to a second axial location to engage the tab of the second surface treating article between the back-up pad and the flange. The above method may comprise the further steps of: 1) rotating the second surface treating article in a second direction relative to the retainer thereby contacting a second tab edge with a second engaging surface of the protrusion and aligning the recessed portion of the second surface treating article with the flange; and m) removing the second surface treating article from the back-up pad so that the retainer passes through the opening in the second surface treating article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be further explained with reference to the appended

Figures, wherein like structure is referred to by like numerals throughout the several views, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a retainer of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an isometric view of the retainer of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a surface treating article of the present invention;

Figure 4 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the disc retaining system of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a plan view of a working surface of the surface treating article of Figure 3 with the retainer of Figure 1 aligned to fit through the opening;

Figure 6 is a view like Figure 5 with the surface treating article rotated to overlap the flanges and tabs; Figure 7 is a view like Figure 6 seen from the back side of the surface treating article (with the back up pad removed);

Figure 8a is a cross-sectional view of the disc retaining system taken along line 8-8 of Figure 6 partially tightened;

Figure 8b is a view like Figure 8a of the disc retaining system completely tightened; Figure 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the surface treating article of the present invention;

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the surface treating article taken along line 10-lO ofFigure; Figure 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the surface treating article of the present invention;

Figure 12 is a side view of the surface treating article of Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a plan view of a prior art surface treating article; and

Figure 14 is a plan view of another prior art surface treating article.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a retainer 10 and a surface treating article 50 that is held onto a back up pad 80 by the retainer 10. The retainer 10 and surface treating article 50 are configured to allow the surface treating article to be conveniently removed and replaced without removing the retainer 10 from the back up pad 80.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate one preferred embodiment of retainer 10 of the present invention. Figure 1 is a plan view of retainer 10 and Figure 2 is an isometric view of the retainer 10. Retainer 10 has a generally cylindrical body 12 with outer surface 14 and inner surface 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner surface 16 is threaded. The body 12 also includes a first end 18 and a second end 20 opposite the first end 18. Longitudinal axis 13 is illustrated as being through the center of the cylindrical opening formed by inner surface 16. Retainer 10 includes flanges 22 which extend from the body 12 and are generally perpendicular to the outer surface 14. In the illustrated embodiment, retainer 10 includes three flanges 22 which are evenly spaced around the outer surface 14, thereby leaving three separate portions 25 of the periphery of body 12 exposed. Each flange 22 includes a flange base 23 adjacent the outer surface 14 of body 12. Between adjacent flanges bases 23 are the exposed portions 25 of the periphery of the body 12. In a preferred embodiment, the bases 23 of each flange 22 have the same width (measured as a circumferential arc). It is also preferred that the circumferential width of each exposed portion 25 is the same surfaces and is approximately equal to the width of each flange base 23. Preferably, the inner and outer surfaces 14, 16 are generally cylindrical, however, other configurations may be used.

Figure 2 is an isometric view of the retainer, which is convenient for describing a preferred embodiment of the flanges 22. Each flange 22 has a first flange surface 24 facing the direction of the first end 18, and a second flange surface 26 opposite the first flange surface 24. The first and second flange surfaces 24, 26 are preferably peφendicular to the longitudinal axis 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the flanges 22 are flush with second end 20 of retainer 10. Flange edge 28 bounds the first flange surface 24 and second flange surface 26. Flange edge 28 includes first flange edge 30 extending generally radially from the outer surface 14, and a second flange edge 32 opposite the first flange edge 30 also extending generally radially. A flange outer edge 34 extends between the first flange edge 30 and second flange edge 32. The flange outer edge 34 is preferably a convex circular arc portion. In the preferred embodiment, flange edge 28 is described as having three continuous elements: first flange edge 30, second flange edge 32, and flange outer edge 34. However, it is understood that flange edge 28 could have one continuous edge without discrete portions. For example, flanges 22 could have a semi-circular in shape. While a preferred embodiment of retainer 10 has three flanges 22, it is understood that retainer 10 alternatively could have one, two, four or more flanges 22.

Retainer 10 also includes a protrusion 35 which is comprised of a body protrusion 35a extending along the outer surface 14 of the body 12 and a flange protrusion 35b extending from first flange surface 24. As will be described in greater detail below, the protrusion 35 engages with the surface treating article 50, such that rotating the surface treating article 50 in a first direction will tighten the retainer 10, and rotating the surface treating article 50 in a second direction will loosen the retainer 10. The protrusion 35 includes a first engaging surface 36 and a second engaging surface 37. The engaging surfaces face in opposite circumferential directions relative to the retainer body outer surface 14. The body protrusion 35a is parallel to the longitudinal axis 13 and extends from the first end 18 of the body 12 to the flange 22. The flange protrusion 35b is peφendicular to the longitudinal axis and extends radially along the first flange surface 22 from the body 12 to the flange edge 28. The flange protrusion 35b is flush with the first side flange edge 30. The body protrusion 35a includes a first body protrusion engaging surface 36a and a second body protrusion engaging surface 37a. The flange protrusion 35b includes a first flange protrusion engaging surface 36b and a second flange protrusion engaging surface 37b.

Retainer 10 is can be any suitable material, preferably a cast material, such as zinc, aluminum, steel or other metal, ceramic or molded plastic. The retainer 10 may also be machined out of metal or plastic.

Figure 3 illustrates one preferred embodiment of surface treating article 50 of the present invention. Surface treating article 50 has a generally planar body 55 which includes a working surface 52 for treating the surface of a workpiece and a back surface 51 opposite the working surface 52. An outer edge 53 bounds the back surface 51 and the working surface 52. Generally in the center of the generally planar body 55 is an opening 56 for mounting the surface treating article 50 on a drive means. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface treating article 50 has three tabs 57 which are spaced equidistant around the opening 56. Tabs 57 extend from the body 55 into the opening thereby forming recesses 61 on either side of tabs 57. Tabs 57 are preferably parallel with the body 55. Each tab 57 includes a first tab surface 58, which faces the same direction as the working surface 52, and a second tab surface 60, which faces the same direction as the back surface 51. Tabs 57 also include a tab edge 62 extending between the first tab surface 58 and the second tab surface 60. Tab edge 62 includes a first tab edge 64 extending generally radially towards the center of the opening 56, and a second tab edge 66 opposite the first tab edge 64 and also extending generally radially into the opening. In the preferred embodiment, the comers of the recesses 61, where first and second tab edges 64, 66 intersect, have a radius to provide a reduction in stress concentration. Outer tab edge 68 extends from the first tab edge 64 to the second tab edge 66. Preferably, the outer tab edge 68 is a concave circular arc portion. In addition, the bottom of the recessed portion 61 is a concave circular arc portion. In the preferred embodiment, tab edge 62 is described as having three continuous elements: first tab edge 64, second tab edge 66, and outer tab edge 68. However, it is understood that the tab 57 could have one continuous edge without discrete portions. As with retainer 10, it is understood that the surface treating article 50 could have any number of tabs 57. In addition, it is understood that the surface treating article 50 could be any desired shape, for instance, semi-circular, octagonal, or triangular.

The recessed portion 61, adjacent to tabs 57, is bordered by a first tab edge 64 and the second tab edge 66 of an adjacent tab 57. The recessed portion 61 is of significant width so that a flange 22 of a retainer 10 can fit through easily. The recessed portions 61 are preferably at least 25% of the width of the tabs so to allow a retainer 10 with flanges 22 of the same width of the recessed portions to overlap significantly with tabs 57 for securely holding the surface treating article. More preferably, recessed portions 61 are the same width as the tabs 57, to maximize the amount of overlap of the flanges 22 and tabs 57. This preferred configuration optimizes the overlap between the tabs 57 and flanges 22, thereby holding the surface treating article 50 securely in place against the back up pad 80. If the circumferential width of tabs 57 is significantly less than the circumferential width of the flanges 22, the amount of overlap between the tabs 57 and flanges 22 are significantly reduced thereby increasing the opportunity for the surface treating article 50 to separate from the back up pad 80 during operation.

In the preferred embodiment, the surface treating article 50, including specifically tabs 57, should be stiff enough to sufficiently engage with the protrusion 35 on the retainer 10 and when the surface treating article is rotated about the shaft 88 so does the retainer 10. Additionally, the tabs 57 should be stiff enough to adequately hold the surface treating article 50 securely between the retainer 10 and the back up pad 80. The tabs 57 should be preferably the same circumferential width as the flanges 22. Three tabs 57 are preferred, however one tab 57, two tabs 57, and four or more tabs 57 will hold the surface treating article 50 in place against the back up pad 80. It should be kept in mind when selecting the numbers of tabs 57, that fewer tabs (one or two), may allow the surface treating article 50 to partially lift from the back up pad 80. Additionally, as the number of tabs 57 increases beyond three, the tabs may become too narrow.

In one preferred embodiment, surface treating article 50 is a coated abrasive disc, as is well known in the art, including the inventive tabs and recesses described herein. A coated abrasive disc generally includes a suitable backing having abrasive grains held on the working surface 52 by a binder. Another preferred surface treating article is a fibre abrasive disc. A common material used for the backings of fibre abrasive discs is vulcanized fibre. Vulcanized fibre backings are typically heat resistant and strong, which are advantageous characteristics when the coated abrasive is used in a grinding operations that imposes severe conditions of heat and pressure. For example, vulcanized fibre abrasive discs are useful for certain grinding operations, such as weld grinding, contour grinding, and edge grinding, wherein the coated abrasive can be exposed to temperatures greater than 140° C. (See United States Patent No. 5,316,812, by inventors Stout et al., assigned to Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company.) Preferably, the working surface 52, as defined by the abrasive grains in the embodiment, extends to the edge of the opening 56, thus covering this first tab surfaces 58. It is also preferred that the working surface 52 be coextensive with the body 55 of the surface treating article 50.

In the preferred embodiment, the working surface extends from the article outer edge 53 to the tab edge 62. This configuration allows for the opening 56 to be easily stamped or die-cut out of the surface treating article 50, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.

Figure 4 is an exploded view of one preferred embodiment of a surface treating assembly of the present invention. The surface treating article 50 is held in place on the back up pad 80 by the retainer 10. The first end 18 of the retainer 10 extends through the opening 56 in the surface treating article 50 and faces the back up pad. The retainer 10 is aligned such that the flanges 22 overlap the tabs 57 of the surface treating article 50 to hold the surface treating article 50 on the back up pad 80. Back up pad 80 includes a support surface 82, which faces the back surface 51 of the surface treating article 50. It is understood that the back up pad 80 can comprise several components, or can be a one-piece back up pad of any suitable configuration. As illustrated, back up pad 80 includes first and second mating components 81 and 83. First component 81 is interchangeable and is available in various stiffnesses. Such a back up pad is available from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, in St. Paul, Minnesota as 3M disc pad face plates and 3M disc pad hubs. Preferably, the back up pad 80 is smaller in diameter than the surface treating article 50 to protect the workpiece from the back up pad 80. However, the it is understood that the diameter of the back up pad 80 could also be larger or significantly smaller than the diameter of the surface treating article 50. Shaft 88 extends from the support surface 82. In the general center of support surface 82 is a cylindrical surface 84 that defines a cavity 84 for receiving the retainer 10 as discussed below. (See Figures 4, 8a, and 8b.) Threaded hole 86 extends through the back up pad 80 for receiving the shaft 88. Shaft 88 has a first end 90 and a threaded outer surface 92 for engagement with the back up pad 80 and the retainer 10. The opposite end of shaft 88 is configured for mounting on a desired power tool, or is integral with the power tool. Suitable power tools include commercially available angle grinders, vertical sanders, polishers, disc sanders, floor sanders, edgers, and right angle grinders.

The method for assembling the disc retaining system is described with reference to Figures 5-9. Figure 5 is a plan view of the working surface 52 of the surface treating article 50 of Figure 3 with the retainer 10 of Figure 1 aligned to fit through the opening 56 of the surface treating article 50. Initially, the shaft 88 extends from the back up pad 80. Retainer 10 is threaded onto the shaft 88 with the first end 18 of the retainer 10 facing the back up pad 80. In a preferred embodiment, the opening of the surface treating article is shaped to closely fit over the flanges 22 and body 12 of retainer 10. Each flange 22 of the retainer 10 fits through a corresponding recessed portion 61 formed between the tabs 57 of the surface treating article 50. Concurrently, the tabs 57 of the surface treating article 50 fit between adjacent flanges 22 at the exposed portions 25 of the periphery of the body 12. The body protrusion 35a of the protrusion 35 is adjacent to the second tab edge 66. After the surface treating article 50 is placed over the retainer 10, the assembly can then be tightened as described below.

Figure 6 is a view like Figure 5 with the surface treating article 50 rotated in direction A a sufficient amount to overlap the flanges 22 of the retainer 10 and the tabs 57 of the surface treating article 50. In one preferred embodiment, each of the three flanges 22 overlap a respective one of the three tabs 57 of the surface treating article 50. A small portion of the first tab surface 58 near the second tab edge 64 may not be covered by the flange 22. Sufficient rotation in direction A causes the first tab edge 64 to engage with the first engaging surface 36 of the retainer protrusion 35. Typically, the first tab edge 64 will at first engage the first body protrusion engaging surface 36a. However, the first tab edge 64 may instead engage the first flange protrusion engaging surface 36b if the surface treating article 50 is held away from the back up pad 80 and adjacent the flanges 22 of the retainer 10. Continued rotation of the surface treating article 50 in direction A will cause the retainer to rotate on the threaded shaft 88, and traverse axially along shaft 88 towards the back up pad 80 thereby securing the surface treating article 50 against the back up pad 80.

Figure 7 is a view like Figure 6 seen from the back surface 51 of the surface treating article 50 with the back up pad removed for clarity. The first end 18 of the retainer 10 is facing in the same direction as the back surface 51 of the surface treating article 50. The majority of each second tab surface 60 overlaps with a respective one of the flanges 22. Extending from the body 12 is the body protrusion 35a and extending from each flange 22 is the flange protrusion 35b of the protrusion 35. The flange protrusion 35b is peφendicular to the longitudinal axis and extends radially along flange 22 from the body 12 to the flange edge 28. At least the body protrusion 35a is engaged with the first tab edge 64, which allows the retainer 10 to be tightened by rotating the surface treating article 50 in direction A.

Figure 8a and 8b are cross sectional views of the disc retaining system shown in Figure 4. Figure 8a shows the disc retaining system in Figure 4 partially tightened. The surface treating article 50 has been rotated in direction A relative to the retainer 10 so that the first tab edge 64 becomes engaged with the first body protrusion engaging surface 36a thereby overlapping each of the three flanges 22 with a respective one of the three tabs 57 as explained with respect to Figure 6. Continued rotation of the surface treating article in direction A rotates the retainer 10 and caused the retainer 10 to move axially along the shaft 88 towards the back up pad. As this happens, the first tab edge 64 will engage the body protrusion 35a progressively closer to the flanges 22. To facilitate this progression, the body protrusion 35a is preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis 13 and extends from the first end 18 of the body 12 to the flange 22. However, the body protrusion 35a need not extend for the full length of the body 12 and may be inclined relative to the longitudinal axis 13. The first flange protrusion engaging surface 36b of the protrusion 35 then becomes engaged with the first tab edge 64. Finally, continued rotation of the surface treating article will cause the tabs 57 to be held tightly between the back up pad 80 and the first surfaces 24 of the flanges 22. Figure 8b shows the disc retaining system in Figure 4 completely tightened. The retainer 10 and shaft 88 are configured such that the retainer system is self tightening when the back up pad 80 and surface treating article 50 are rotated to treat a surface.

Preferably the flanges 22 are flush with the second end 20 such that the second end will be located very close to the working surface 52 of the surface treating article 50 when it is securely held in place next to the back up pad 80. However, flanges 22 could be located anywhere along the outer surface 14 peφendicular to the longitudinal axis 13. To disassemble the disc retaining system, the surface treating article 50 is rotated in direction B to disengage the first tab edge 64 from the flange protrusion 35b of the protrusion 35. Depending on the friction between flange 22 of retainer 10 and the tabs 57 of surface treating article 50, the initial rotation in direction B of the surface treating article 50 may also cause the retainer 10 to rotate in direction B. This action will loosen the retainer away from back up pad 80. Continued rotation of the surface treating article 50 in direction B causes the second tab edge 66 to become engaged with the second flange protrusion engaging surface 37b of the adjacent protrusion 35. This engagement allows the user to loosen the retainer 10 by rotating the surface treating article 50 in direction B. This also aligns the tabs 57 of the surface treating article 50 to fit through the portions 25 of the exposed periphery of the body 12 between the flanges 22, and allows the flanges to fit through the recesses 61 formed between the tabs 57. Preferably, the second flange protrusion engaging surface 37b is flush with the first flange edge 30 to conveniently align the flanges and the tabs for disassembly. However, it is understood that in alternative embodiments the flange protrusion 35b could be located anywhere along the first flange surface 24. Disassembly of the disc retaining system is completed by removing the surface treating article 50 from the back up pad 80.

It is preferred that the retainer 10 inner surface 16 and the shaft 88 are threaded. One of the advantages of having the inner surface 16 threaded is ease in removing and replacing surface treating articles of different thicknesses. However, other engaging means may be used, provided that rotation of the retainer 10 causes the retainer to traverse axially along the shaft 88. It does not matter if the retainer 10 is rotated several times or turned a quarter of one rotation, just so long as there is a enough space between the retainer 10 and the back up pad 80 to sufficiently remove and replace a surface treating article.

Some further embodiments of the surface treating article 50 of Figure 3 are shown in Figures 9-12. Figures 9 and 10 show the surface treating article 150 as a molded bristle brush as disclosed in WIPO International Patent Application Publication Number WO 96/33638. Integrally molded brush 150 preferably comprises a generally planar flexible body or base 155 and a plurality of bristles 152 extending generally normal from the body. The bristles 152 may optionally contain abrasive particles for increasing their abrasiveness. The ends 154 of the bristles 152 collectively define the working surface 152 for treating the surface of a workpiece. Body 155 includes a back surface 151 opposite the working the bristles 152. An outer edge 153 bounds the back surface 151 and the working surface 152. Generally in the center of the surface treating article 150 is an opening 156 for mounting the surface treating article 150 on a drive means. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface treating article 150 has three tabs 157 which are spaced equidistant around the opening 156. Tabs 157 extend from the body 155 into the opening thereby forming recesses 161 on either side of tabs 157. Tabs 157 extend into the opening in a direction parallel with the body 155. Each tab 157 includes a first tab surface 158, which faces the same direction as the bristles 152, and a second tab surface 160, which faces the same direction as the back surface 151. Tabs 157 also include a tab edge 162 extending between the first tab surface 158 and the second tab surface 160. Tab edge 162 includes a first tab edge 164 extending generally radially into the opening 156, and a second tab edge 166 opposite the first tab edge 164 and also extending radially into the opening 156. Outer tab edge 168 extends from the first tab edge 164 to the second tab edge 166. Preferably, the outer tab edge 168 is preferably a concave circular arc portion. In the preferred embodiment, tab edge 162 is described as having three continuous elements: first tab edge 164, second tab edge 166, and outer tab edge 168. However, it is understood that the tab 157 could have one continuous edge without discrete portions. As with the other surface treating article 50, it is understood that the surface treating article 150 could have any number of tabs 157. In addition, it is understood that the body 155 of the surface treating article 150 could be any desired shape, for instance, semicircular, octagonal, or triangular.

Figure 11 shows a plan view and Figure 12 shows a side view of a surface treating article 250 which is a molded brush segment as disclosed in WIPO

International Patent Application Publication Number WO 96/33638. A molded brush segment preferably comprises a center portion and bristles. The molded brush segments are capable of being used alone or in combination with two or more segments. Surface treating article 250 has bristles 252 extending out radially from a body or center portion 255. Each bristle 252 has a bristle end 254 which is used for treating the surface of a workpiece. The bristles collectively define the working surface of this embodiment. Generally in the center of the surface treating article 250 is an opening 256 for mounting the surface treating article 250 on a drive means. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface treating article 250 has three tabs 257 which are spaced equidistant around the opening 256. Tabs 257 extend from the body 255 into the opening 256 thereby forming recesses 261 on either side of tabs 257. Tabs 257 extend into the opening in a direction parallel with center portion 255. Each tab 257 includes a first tab surface 258 and a second tab surface 260. Tabs 257 also include a tab edge 262 extending between the first tab surface 258 and the second tab surface 260. Tab edge 262 includes a first tab edge 264 extending generally radially into the opening 256, and a second tab edge 266 opposite the first tab edge 264 and also extending radially into the opening. Outer tab edge 268 extends from the first tab edge 264 to the second tab edge 266. Preferably, the outer tab edge 268 is preferably a concave circular arc portion. In the preferred embodiment, tab edge 262 is described as having three continuous elements: first tab edge 264, second tab edge 266, and outer tab edge 268. However, it is understood that the tab 257 could have one continuous edge without discrete portions. As with the other surface treating articles described herein, it is understood that the surface treating article 250 could have any number of tabs 257. In addition, it is understood that the center portion or base 255 could be any desired shape, for instance, semi-circular, octagonal, or triangular.

The present invention has now been described with reference to several embodiments thereof. The foregoing detailed description and examples have been given for clarity of understanding only. No unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes can be made in the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, it would apparent to those skilled in the art to provide some other structure to support the back surface of the tabs instead of providing a back up pad. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the exact details and structures described herein, but rather by the structures described by the language of the claims, and the equivalents of those structures.

The operation of the present invention will be further described with regard to the following detailed examples. These examples are offered to further illustrate the various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. It should be understood, however, that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS;

1. A retainer, comprising: a) a body including a first end and a second end opposite said first end, an outer surface extending from said first end to said second end, and an inner surface, wherein said body has a longitudinal axis, and wherein said inner surface is configured to be operatively connected to a drive means; b) a flange extending radially from said outer surface, wherein said flange includes a first flange surface generally pe╧åendicular to said longitudinal axis, and wherein said flange extends from a first portion of the periphery of said body surface, leaving a second portion of the periphery exposed; and c) a protrusion extending from said outer surface of said body, said protrusion including a first engaging surface generally parallel to said longitudinal axis.

2. The retainer of claim 1, wherein said retainer includes a plurality of said flanges and an equal number of exposed portions of the periphery between said flanges.

3. The retainer of claim 2, wherein each of said flanges includes a base adjacent said body outer surface, and wherein each of said bases is approximately the same circumferential width as each of said exposed portions of the periphery of said outer surface of said body.

4. The retainer of claim 3, including three of said flanges and three of said exposed portions of the periphery.

5. The retainer of claim 1, wherein said first engaging surface faces a first circumferential direction relative to said body outer surface and wherein said protrusion includes a second engaging surface facing a second direction opposite said first direction.

6. The retainer of claim 5, wherein said protrusion includes a body protrusion which extends to said first end of said body, and wherein said first and second engaging surfaces extend along said body protrusion.

7. The retainer of claim 5, wherein said protrusion includes a flange protrusion which extends along said first flange surface, and wherein said first and second engaging surfaces extend along said flange protrusion.

8. The retainer of claim 7, wherein said flange includes an outer edge opposite said outer surface of said body, and wherein said protrusion extends from said first end of said body to said outer edge of said flange.

9. The retainer of claim 1, wherein said first flange surface is planar.

10. The retainer of claim 1, wherein said flange includes a second flange surface opposite said first flange surface, and wherein said second flange surface is continuous with said second end of said body.

11. The retainer of claim 1, wherein said inner surface is cylindrical and threaded.

12. The retainer of claim 1, wherein said body inner surface is configured to cause said retainer to move axially relative to a drive means in response to being rotated relative to the drive means about said longitudinal axis.

13. A surface treating article for mounting said article on a drive means, comprising: a) a generally planar body having an opening wherein said body includes a working surface for treating the surface of a workpiece; and b) a tab extending from said body into said opening thereby forming a recessed portion adjacent said tab, wherein said tab includes a first tab edge extending generally radially relative to the center of said opening, a second tab edge opposite said first tab edge and extending generally radially relative to the center of said opening, wherein said recessed portion has a circumferential width of at least 25% of the circumferential width of said tab, and wherein said tab is generally parallel to said body c) wherein said surface treating article is an integrally molded bristle brush.

14. The surface treating article of claim 13, including a plurality of said tabs thereby forming a plurality of recessed portions between said tabs, wherein each of said recessed portions is bounded by said first tab edge of one of said tabs and a second tab edge of an adjacent one of said tabs.

15. The surface treating article of claim 14, wherein said tabs and said recessed portions are approximately the same circumferential width.

16. The surface treating article of claim 15, including three of said tabs and three recessed portions.

17. The surface treating article of claim 16, wherein said opening is generally in the center of said surface treating article.

18. The surface treating article of claim 17, wherein said surface treating article is generally circular.

19. A method for mounting a first surface treating article on a back-up pad with the retainer of claim 1, comprising the steps of: a) providing a back-up pad with a shaft extending therefrom with the retainer of claim 1 operatively engaged with the shaft such that relative rotation between the retainer and the shaft causes the retainer to traverse axially along the shaft; b) aligning a recessed portion of an opening in a first surface treating article with the flange of the retainer, wherein the recessed portion is configured to receive the flange therethrough; wherein the surface treating article includes a tab having a first thickness extending into the opening adjacent the recessed portion, and wherein the tab includes a first tab edge bounding the recessed portion; c) moving the surface treating article towards the back-up pad so that the retainer passes through the opening in the surface treating article; d) rotating the surface treating article in a first direction relative to the retainer thereby contacting the first tab edge with the first engaging surface on the protrusion of the retainer and at least partially overlapping the flange and the tab; e) additionally rotating the surface treating article in the first direction relative to the shaft thereby causing the retainer to rotate relative to the shaft until the retainer traverses axially along the shaft towards the back-up pad to a first axial location to engage the tab of the surface treating article between the back-up pad and the flange.

20. The method of claim 19, comprising the further steps of: f) rotating the first surface treating article in a second direction relative to the retainer thereby contacting a second tab edge with a second engaging surface of the protrusion and aligning the recessed portion of the surface treating article with the flange; g) removing the first surface treating article from the back-up pad so that the retainer passes through the opening in the surface treating article.

21. The method of claim 20, comprising the further steps of: h) aligning a recessed portion of an opening in a second surface treating article with the flange of the retainer, wherein the recessed portion is configured to receive the flange therethrough; wherein the second surface treating article includes a tab having a second thickness extending into the opening adjacent the recessed portion, and wherein the tab includes a first tab edge bounding the recessed portion; i) moving the second surface treating article towards the back-up pad so that the retainer passes through the opening in the second surface treating article; j) rotating the second surface treating article in a first direction relative to the retainer thereby contacting the first tab edge with the first engaging surface on the protrusion of the retainer and at least partially overlapping the flange and the tab; k) additionally rotating the second surface treating article in the first direction relative to the shaft thereby causing the retainer to rotate relative to the shaft until the retainer traverses axially along the shaft towards the back-up pad to a second axial location to engage the tab of the second surface treating article between the back-up pad and the flange.

22. The method of claim 21, comprising the further steps of:

1) rotating the second surface treating article in a second direction relative to the retainer thereby contacting a second tab edge with a second engaging surface of the protrusion and aligning the recessed portion of the second surface treating article with the flange; m) removing the second surface treating article from the back-up pad so that the retainer passes through the opening in the second surface treating article.