WO2012162648A2 - Dispositif de ponçage abrasif profilé à faces multiples - Google Patents

Dispositif de ponçage abrasif profilé à faces multiples Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2012162648A2
WO2012162648A2 PCT/US2012/039674 US2012039674W WO2012162648A2 WO 2012162648 A2 WO2012162648 A2 WO 2012162648A2 US 2012039674 W US2012039674 W US 2012039674W WO 2012162648 A2 WO2012162648 A2 WO 2012162648A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hand tool
inch
base member
length
handle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2012/039674
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2012162648A3 (fr
Inventor
Mervyn Chung-Fat
Fanny KRATZ
Original Assignee
Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Inc.
Saint-Gobain Abrasifs
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Inc., Saint-Gobain Abrasifs filed Critical Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Inc.
Priority to EP12790311.0A priority Critical patent/EP2714335A4/fr
Publication of WO2012162648A2 publication Critical patent/WO2012162648A2/fr
Publication of WO2012162648A3 publication Critical patent/WO2012162648A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24D—TOOLS FOR GRINDING, BUFFING OR SHARPENING
    • B24D15/00—Hand tools or other devices for non-rotary grinding, polishing, or stropping
    • B24D15/02—Hand tools or other devices for non-rotary grinding, polishing, or stropping rigid; with rigidly-supported operative surface
    • B24D15/023—Hand tools or other devices for non-rotary grinding, polishing, or stropping rigid; with rigidly-supported operative surface using in exchangeable arrangement a layer of flexible material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24D—TOOLS FOR GRINDING, BUFFING OR SHARPENING
    • B24D15/00—Hand tools or other devices for non-rotary grinding, polishing, or stropping
    • B24D15/04—Hand tools or other devices for non-rotary grinding, polishing, or stropping resilient; with resiliently-mounted operative surface

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to hand tools and methods of using them.
  • a backup pad or sanding block is commonly used with a coated abrasive.
  • Sanding blocks have been shaped in order to sand particularly shaped workpieces or workpiece surfaces, such as corners.
  • current methods of attaching abrasives to sanding blocks such as by the use of clips positioned on the top of a sanding block, result in problems, including issues with maintaining the proper tension of the abrasive to the block.
  • the method and position of most current attachment systems contributes to a bulkiness of the sanding block that prohibits efficient and easy sanding in narrow spaces and thin openings. .
  • abrasive when sanding by conventional methods, in order to obtain a desired surface smoothness, more than one type of abrasive must be used. For example, initial rough sanding is accomplished with a large grit size abrasive, which is then followed by successive sanding with a fine grit size abrasive. Thus conventional blocks and sanding methods usually stopping work to switch types of abrasive media. Further, the need to switch abrasives can be compounded when faced with the challenge of sanding surfaces composed of more than one type of material, or that have various types of coatings and finishes. Even further, there may be concerns that some portions of a work piece surface can be contaminated by being exposed to the swarf produced during the sanding of another portion of the workpiece.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand tool in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 2a is a top view of an embodiment of a hand tool in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 2b is a bottom view of an embodiment of a hand tool in accordance with the invention illustrating the perimeter shapes of portions of the bottom surface of the hand tool.
  • FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of hand tool in accordance with the invention that illustrates angles alpha (a) and beta ( ⁇ ). is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of hand tool in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 4a is a side view of an embodiment of a hand tool in accordance with the invention with a first portion of the bottom surface of a base member in contact with a work surface.
  • FIG. 4b is a side view of an embodiment of a hand tool in accordance with the invention with a second portion of a bottom surface of a base member in contact with a work surface.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a hand tool in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand tool in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 7a is a top view of an embodiment of a hand tool in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 7b is a bottom view of an embodiment of a hand tool in accordance with the invention illustrating the perimeter shapes of portions of the bottom surface of the hand tool.
  • FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of hand tool in accordance with the invention that illustrates angles alpha (a) and beta ( ⁇ ). is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of hand tool in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 9a is a side view of an embodiment of a hand tool in accordance with the invention with a first portion of the bottom surface of a base member in contact with a work surface.
  • FIG. 9b is a side view of an embodiment of a hand tool in accordance with the invention with a second portion of a bottom surface of a base member in contact with a work surface.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a hand tool in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a front view of an embodiment of a hand tool in accordance with the invention tilted so that the forward portion is in a horizontal position.
  • FIG. 12a to FIG. 12d are perspective views of embodiments of hand tools in accordance with the invention that have varying types of handles.
  • FIG. 13a is a side view of an embodiment of a hand tool in accordance with the invention with abrasive media attached to the bottom surface of the tool.
  • FIG. 13b is a side view of an embodiment of a hand tool in accordance with the invention with abrasive media attached to the bottom surface of the tool and to the top surface of the forward portion of the base member.
  • FIG. 14a and FIG. 14b illustrate of an embodiment of a hand tool in accordance with the invention in use.
  • FIG. 15a and FIG. 15b illustrate of an embodiment of a hand tool in accordance with the invention in a second use.
  • the use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.
  • a hand tool for aiding in sanding or grinding operations includes a base member and a fastener system to adhere an abrasive media to the bottom surface of the base member.
  • the base member comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, a forward end, a back end, and opposing side edges.
  • the bottom surface includes a first portion and a second portion adjoining the first portion such that when the first portion is horizontal, the second portion is bent upwards from horizontal at an angle.
  • a hand tool in another embodiment, includes a first member, a second member, and a fastener system to adhere an abrasive media to the underside of the first member and the second member.
  • Each member includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The first member and second member are joined such that when the first member is horizontal, the second member extends from the first member at an exterior angle between 180° and 225° measured from the bottom surface of each member.
  • a hand tool for aiding in sanding or grinding operations includes manually-operated hand tools and powered hand tools.
  • a hand tool 100 comprises a base member 103.
  • the base member 103 may have a top surface, a bottom surface, a forward end, a back end, and opposing side edges.
  • the bottom surface may comprise a first portion 107 and a second portion 105.
  • the first portion 107 may have an irregularly shaped or a regularly shaped perimeter, including a geometrically shaped perimeter. Suitable geometric perimeter shapes may include triangular, trapezoidal, circular, ovoid, elliptical, rectangular, or square shapes.
  • the first portion 107 has a rectangular perimeter shape, pi.
  • first portion 107 may have a width Wi.
  • the width may be selected depending on the particular application of the hand tool, while still taking into account that the tool should not be so large or bulky that the tool becomes unwieldy for a user.
  • the width Wi may be at least about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm), such as at least about 1 inch (25.4 mm), at least about 1.8 inch (45 mm), at least about 2 inch (50.8 mm), or even at least about 2.8 inch (70 mm).
  • the width Wi may be not greater than about 12 inch (304.8 mm), such as not greater than about 10 inch (254 mm), such as not greater than 8 inch (203.2 mm), such as not greater than about 6 inch (152.4 mm), such as not greater than about 5 inch (127 mm), such as not greater than about 4.5 inch (114.3 mm), or even not greater than about 3 inch (76.2 mm).
  • Wi may be at least about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) and not greater than about 12 inch (304.8 mm), such as at least about 1 inch (25.4 mm) and not greater than about 10 inch (254 mm). It will be appreciated that the width Wi of the first portion 107 may be within a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits. As shown in FIG.
  • the first portion 107 has a width WI in the range of about 1.57 inch (40 mm) and about 3.94 inch (100 mm).
  • the second portion 105 may have an irregularly shaped or a regularly shaped perimeter, including a geometrically shaped perimeter.
  • the shape of the perimeter of the second portion 105 may be the same as the shape of the perimeter of the first portion 107.
  • the shape of the perimeter of the second portion may be different from the shape of the perimeter of the first portion.
  • Suitable geometric perimeter shapes for the second portion 105 may include triangular, trapezoidal, circular, ovoid, elliptical, rectangular, or square shapes.
  • the second portion 105 may have a substantially triangular perimeter shape, such as an isosceles triangle perimeter shape.
  • the sides of the triangular perimeter shape may be substantially straight.
  • the sides of the triangular perimeter shape may be curved.
  • the sides of the triangular perimeter shape may be convex.
  • the sides of the triangular perimeter shape may be concave.
  • one side of the triangular perimeter may be concave and a second side may be convex, forming a partial arc shape.
  • the perimeter shape p 2 of the second portion 105 is triangular with two convex sides.
  • second portion 105 may have a width W 2 .
  • the width W 2 may be substantially the same as the width Wi of the first portion 107.
  • the width W 2 of the second portion 105 may be at least about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm), such as at least about 1 inch (25.4 mm), at least about 1.8 inch (45 mm), at least about 2 inch (50.8 mm), or even at least about 2.8 inch (70 mm).
  • the width W 2 may be not greater than about 12 inch (304.8 mm), such as not greater than about 10 inch (254 mm), such as not greater than 8 inch (203.2 mm), such as not greater than about 6 inch (152.4 mm), such as not greater than about 5 inch (127 mm), such as not greater than about 4.5 inch (114.3 mm), or even not greater than about 3 inch (76.2 mm). It will be appreciated that the width W 2 of the second portion 105 may be within a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits.
  • the shape of the second portion 105 may have a tapering shape, such that one end of the second portion has a width W 2 , while the end of the second portion opposite width W 2 has a width W3, which may be substantially smaller than W 2 .
  • width W 3 may be at least about 0.04inch (1 mm), such as at least about 0.12 inch (3 mm), at least about 0.2 inch (5 mm), or even at least about 0.28 inch (7 mm).
  • W 3 may be not greater than about 0.6 inch (15 mm), such as not greater than about 0.47 inch (12 mm), not greater than about 0.4 inch (10 mm), or even not greater than about 0.3 inch (8 mm).
  • W3 may be at least about 0.12 inch (3 mm) and not greater than about 0.6 inch (15 mm), such as at least about 0.2 inch (5 mm) and not greater than about 0.3 inch (8 mm).
  • width W 3 of the second portion 105 may be within a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits. It will also be appreciated that width W 3 may be so small as to be less than 0.04inch (1 mm) in width, i.e., the perimeter shape of the second portion 105 tapers to a point. As shown in FIG. 2a, in a preferred embodiment, the second portion 105 has a width W 2 in the range of about 1.57 inch (40 mm) and about 3.94 inch (100 mm) and has a width W 3 that comes to a point (is less than 1mm).
  • first portion 107 and the second portion 105 may be joined to form a base member 103 such that the first portion and the second portion are contiguous.
  • the method of joining the first portion and the second portion may be selected based upon the material of composition of the first portion and the second portion and the intended use of the hand tool, and may include, but is not limited to, welding, soldering, brazing, fusion bonding, solvent bonding, adhesive bonding, such as with an epoxy, a glue, or a cement, and mechanical fastening, such as with screws, bolts, nails, dowels, rivets, pins, and any combination thereof.
  • welding soldering
  • brazing fusion bonding
  • solvent bonding such as with an epoxy, a glue, or a cement
  • mechanical fastening such as with screws, bolts, nails, dowels, rivets, pins, and any combination thereof.
  • the base member may be a unitary piece. It will be appreciated that the term unitary refers to a single, undivided element or part which does not require joining between pieces to form a whole.
  • the base member is a unitary piece.
  • a preferred method of forming a unitary base member is injection molding.
  • the second portion 105 may be joined relative to the first portion 107 such that the shape of the perimeter of the second portion tapers as it extends away from the first portion. As shown in FIGs. 2a and 2b, in a preferred embodiment, the first portion 107 and second portion 105 are joined together and the shape of the second portion tapers as it extends away from the first portion.
  • the second portion 105 and the first portion 107 of the base member 103 are joined such that when the first portion is level with horizontal 301, the second portion is bent upwards from horizontal at an angle a, as measured from the horizontal up to the second portion 105 of the bottom surface of the base member.
  • the angle a may be selected such that when the tool is tilted so that the second portion is horizontal, as illustrated in FIGs. 4b and FIG.7, the wrist of the operator is positioned at a comfortable angle.
  • the angle a may be at least about 1°, such as at least about 10°, at least about 13°, at least about 17°, or even at least about 25°.
  • the angle a may be not greater than about 45°, such as not greater than about 40°, not greater than about 35°, not greater than about 30°, or even not greater than about 28°. In a further example, the angle a may be at least about 1° and not greater than about 45°, such as at least about 10° and not greater than about 35°, or even at least about 13° and not greater than about 30°. It will be appreciated that the angle a may be within a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits. In a preferred embodiment, the angle a is in a range of 10° to 17°.
  • the second portion 105 may be joined to the first portion 107 such that when the first portion is horizontal, the bottom surface of the second portion forms an exterior angle ⁇ with the bottom surface of the first portion.
  • the angle ⁇ may be at least about 181°, such as at least about 185°, such as at least about 187°, such as at least about 190°, or even at least about 193°.
  • the angle ⁇ may be not greater than about 230°, such as not greater than about 225°, not greater than about 210°, or even not greater than about 200°.
  • Angle ⁇ may be at least about 181° and not greater than about 230°, such as at least about 185° and not greater than about 225°. It will be appreciated that angle ⁇ may be within a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits. In a preferred embodiment, the angle ⁇ is in the range of 185° to 195°.
  • base member 103 may have a planar cross-sectional shape with a thickness tiand a length Li that correspond with the first portion 107.
  • the cross-sectional shape may be irregular or regular, including rectangular shapes, square shapes, or trapezoidal shapes.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the base member corresponding with the first portion has a regular rectangular shape.
  • the first portion length Li may be selected according to the desired application of the hand tool, while still taking into account that the tool should not be so large or bulky that the tool becomes unwieldy for a user.
  • the length Li may be at least about 1 inch (25.4 mm), such as at least about 2 inch (50.8 mm), such as at least about 3 inch (76.2 mm), at least about 4 inch (101.6 mm), at least about 4.5 inch (114.3 mm), or even at least about 5 inch (127 mm).
  • the length Li may be not greater than about 12 inch (304.8 mm), such as not greater than about 10 inch (254 mm), such as not greater than about 8 inch (203.2 mm), such as not greater than about 7.5 inch (190.5 mm), not greater than about 6.5 inch (165.1 mm), or even not greater than about 6 inch (152.4 mm).
  • the length Li may be at least about 1 inch (25.4 mm) and not greater than 12 inch (304.8 mm), such as at least about 3 inch (76.2 mm) and not greater than about 8 inch (203.2 mm), such as at least about 5 inch (127mm) and not greater than about 10 inch (254 mm). It will be appreciated that the length Li may be within a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits. In a preferred embodiment, the length Li is in the range of 4 inch (101.6 mm) to 5 inch (127mm).
  • the thickness ti of the base member corresponding to first portion 107 may be a uniform thickness selected in accordance with the desired application of the hand tool, while still taking into account that the tool should not be so large or bulky that the tool becomes unwieldy for a user.
  • the thickness ti may be at least about 0.04 inch (1 mm), at least about 0.47 inch (12 mm), or even at least about 0.79 inch (20 mm).
  • the thickness ti may be not greater than about 5 inch (127 mm), such as not greater than about 4.5 inch (114.3 mm), or even not greater than about 3.54 inch (90 mm).
  • the thickness tiinay be at least about 0.04inch (1 mm) and not greater than about 5 inch (127 mm), such as at least about 0.47 inch (12 mm) and not greater than about 4.5 inch (114 mm). It will be appreciated that the thickness t] may be within a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness t] of the base member is substantially uniform across the length Li corresponding to the first portion 107 and in the range of about 0.20 inch (5 mm) to about 0.79 inch (20 mm).
  • the thickness t] may be non-uniform, such that the first portion has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape or a tapering cross sectional shape.
  • base member 103 may have a planar cross-sectional shape with a thickness t 2 and a length L 2 that correspond with the second portion 105.
  • the cross-sectional shape may be irregular or regular, including rectangular, square, triangular, or trapezoidal shapes.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the second portion may be a truncated circular, truncated ovoid, or truncated elliptical shape.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the base member corresponding with the second portion has a rectangular shape.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the base member corresponding with the second portion has a triangular shape.
  • the length L 2 may be selected based upon the intended application of the hand tool, while still taking into account that the tool should not be so large or bulky that the tool becomes unwieldy for a user.
  • length L 2 may be at least about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm), such as at least 0.79 inch (20 mm), at least about 1.57 inch (40 mm), at least about 2 inch (50.8 mm), or even at least about 2.48 inch (63 mm).
  • length L 2 may be not greater than about 12 inch (304.8 mm), such as not greater than 8 inch (203.2 mm), such as not greater than 6 inch (152.4 mm), such as not greater than 4.5 inch (114.3 mm), such as not greater than about 4 inch (101.6 mm), not greater than about 3.5 inch (88.9 mm), or even not greater than about 3 inch (76.2 mm).
  • length L 2 may be at least about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) and not greater than about 12 inch (304.8 mm), such as at least about 0.79 inch (20 mm) and not greater than about 8 inch (203.2 mm), such as at least about 1.18 inch (30 mm) and not greater than 6 inch (152.4 mm). It will be appreciated that L 2 may be within a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits. In a preferred embodiment, the length L 2 is in the range of about 1.18 inch (30 mm) to about 6 inch (152.4 mm).
  • the cross-sectional thickness t 2 of base member 103 that corresponds with the second portion 105 may be uniform.
  • the thickness t 2 may be at least about 0.04inch (1 mm), such as at least about 0.2 inch (5 mm), at least about 0.28 inch (7 mm), at least about 0.47 inch (12 mm), or even at least about 0.79 inch (20 mm).
  • the thickness t 2 may be not greater than about 5 inch (127 mm), such as not greater than about 4.5 inch (114 mm), not greater than about 3.54 inch (90 mm), not greater than about 2.56 inch (65 mm), or even not greater than about 1.97 inch (50mm).
  • the thickness t 2 may be at least about 0.04inch (1 mm) and not greater than about 5 inch (127 mm). It will be appreciated that t 2 may be within a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits. In an example, thickness t 2 may be equal to thickness t ⁇ . In another example, thickness t 2 may not be equal to thickness t ⁇ , such that thickness t 2 may be less than thickness ti or such that thickness t 2 may be greater than thickness t ⁇ . In a preferred embodiment, thickness t 2 of the base member is substantially equal to ti and in the range of about 0.20 inch (5 mm) to about 0.79 inch (20 mm).
  • the base member may have a non-uniform thickness along the length corresponding to the second portion 105, such that the cross-section of the second portion may have a trapezoidal, triangular, truncated circular, truncated oval, or truncated elliptical shape.
  • the thickness of the base member corresponding to the second portion tapers along the length L 2 toward the front of the tool (i.e., the terminus of the second portion of the base member farthest away from the first portion of the base member), which has a thickness t3.
  • Thickness t 3 may be at least about 0.04inch (1 mm), such as at least about 0.12 inch (3 mm), at least about 0.2 inch (5 mm), or even at least about 0.28 inch (7 mm).
  • Thickness t 3 may be not greater than about 1 inch (25.4 mm), such as not greater than about 0.79 inch (20 mm), such as not greater than about 0.39 inch (10 mm), such as not greater than about 0.2 inch (5 mm), or even not greater than about 0.04 inch (1 mm). Thickness 1 may be at least about 0.04inch (1 mm) and not greater than about 1 inch (25.4 mm), such as at least about 0.2 inch (5 mm) and not greater than about 0.79 inch (20 mm). It will be appreciated that thickness t3 may be within a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits. In an embodiment, thickness 1 is greater than t 2 . In a preferred embodiment, thickness 1 is less than thickness t 2 and is in the range of at least about 0.08 inch (2 mm) to not greater than about 0.39 inch (10 mm).
  • Embodiments of the tool may be described and understood in relation to ratios or percentages of the lengths and thicknesses of the portions of the base member to each other.
  • the length L] of the first portion of the base member may be in a ratio to the length L 2 of the second portion of the base member.
  • the ratio of L] to L 2 may be at least about 1:1, such as at least about 2:1, or even at least about 3:1.
  • the ratio of Li to L 2 is about 2.1:1.
  • the second portion of the base member may have a thickness t 2 which is at least about 0.5% of length L 2 .
  • thickness t 2 may be at least about 1% of length L 2 , such as at least about 5% of length L 2 .
  • thickness t 2 may be not greater than about 20% of length L 2 , such as not greater than about 15% of length L 2 , or even not greater than about 10% of length L 2 .
  • thickness t 2 may be 0.5-20% of length L 2 , such as 5-15% of length L 2 . It will be appreciated that thickness t 2 may be within a range of a percentage of length L 2 comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness t 2 is in a range of 0.5-20% of length L 2
  • the base member 103 may have a length LT, which is equal to the sum of Li plus L 2 .
  • length LT will range in length from at least about 1.5 inch (38.1 mm) to not greater than about 24 inch (609.6 mm), from at least about 3 inch (76.2 mm) to not greater than about 12 inch (304.8 mm), from at least about 4 inch (101.6 mm) to not greater than about 10 inch (254 mm). It will be appreciated that length LT may be within a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits.
  • length Lri S at least about 4 inch (101.6 mm) to not greater than about 8 inch (103.2 mm).
  • the second portion 105 of base member 103 may have a thickness t 2 which is at least about 0.5% of total length L T of the base member.
  • t 2 may be at least about 1.0% of L T , at least about 5.0% of L T , or even at least about 7.0% of L T -
  • t 2 may be not greater than about 20.0% of L T , such as not greater than about 14.0% of L T , not greater than about 13.0% of L T , or even not greater than about 10.0 % of L T .
  • t 2 may be 0.5-20% of L T , such as 0.5-14% of L T . It will be appreciated that t 2 may be within a range of a percentage of the length L T comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits.
  • a hand tool 600 may comprise a first member 607 and a second base member 605.
  • the base members 607 and 605 may each have a top surface, a bottom surface, a forward end, a back end, and opposing side edges.
  • the first member 607 may have a geometric perimeter shape. Suitable geometric perimeter shapes may include triangular, trapezoidal, circular, ovoid, elliptical, rectangular, or square shapes. As shown in FIG. 7b, in a particular embodiment, the first member may have a rectangular perimeter shape, p m i.
  • First member 607 may have a width W ml .
  • the width may be selected depending on the particular application of the hand tool, while still taking into account that the tool should not be so large or bulky that the tool becomes unwieldy for a user.
  • the width W ml may be at least about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm), such as at least about 1 inch (25.4 mm), at least about 1.8 inch (45 mm), at least about 2 inch (50.8 mm), or even at least about 2.8 inch (70 mm).
  • the width W ml may be not greater than about 12 inch (304.8 mm), such as not greater than about 10 inch (254 mm), such as not greater than 8 inch (203.2 mm), such as not greater than about 6 inch (152.4 mm), such as not greater than about 5 inch (127 mm), such as not greater than about 4.5 inch (114.3 mm), or even not greater than about 3 inch (76.2 mm).
  • W m iinay be at least about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) and not greater than about 12 inch (304.8 mm), such as at least about 1 inch (25.4 mm) and not greater than about 10 inch (254 mm).
  • the width W ml of the first portion 107 may be within a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits. As shown in FIG. 7a, in a preferred embodiment, the first portion 107 has a width W ml in the range of about 1.57 inch (40 mm) and about 3.94 inch (100 mm).
  • the second member 605 may an irregularly shaped or a regularly shaped perimeter p m2 , including a geometrically shaped perimeter. In an embodiment, the shape of the perimeter of the second member may be the same as the shape of the perimeter of the first member. In another embodiment, the shape of the perimeter of the second member may be different from the shape of the perimeter of the first member.
  • Suitable geometric perimeter shapes may include triangular, trapezoidal, circular, ovoid, elliptical, rectangular, or square shapes.
  • the second member 605 may have a substantially triangular perimeter shape.
  • the side of the triangular perimeter shape may be substantially straight.
  • the sides of the triangular perimeter shape may be curved.
  • the sides of the triangular perimeter shape may have a convex shape such that the second member 605 has a shape substantially that of a shovel.
  • the sides of the triangular perimeter shape may have a concave shape.
  • the sides of the triangular perimeter shape may be curved, such that one side has a concave shape and a second side has a convex shape, forming a partial arc shape.
  • the perimeter p m2 of the second member is triangular with two convex sides.
  • the second member 605 may have a width W m2 at one end.
  • the width W m2 may be substantially the same as the width Wmi of the first member 607.
  • the width W m2 of the second member 605 may be at least about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm), such as at least about 1 inch (25.4 mm), at least about 1.8 inch (45 mm), at least about 2 inch (50.8 mm), or even at least about 2.8 inch (70 mm).
  • the width W m2 may be not greater than about 12 inch (304.8 mm), such as not greater than about 10 inch (254 mm), such as not greater than 8 inch (203.2 mm), such as not greater than about 6 inch (152.4 mm), such as not greater than about 5 inch (127 mm), such as not greater than about 4.5 inch (114.3 mm), or even not greater than about 3 inch (76.2 mm). It will be appreciated that the width W m2 of the second member 605 may be within a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits.
  • the shape of the second member 605 may have a tapering shape, such that the second member has a width W m2 at one end, while at the opposite end has a width W m 3 , which may be substantially the same as, or substantially smaller than W m2 .
  • width W m 3 may be at least about 0.04inch (1 mm), such as at least about 0.12 inch (3 mm), at least about 0.2 inch (5 mm), or even at least about 0.28 inch (7 mm).
  • W 3 may be not greater than about 0.6 inch (15 mm), such as not greater than about 0.47 inch (12 mm), not greater than about 0.4 inch (10 mm), or even not greater than about 0.3 inch (8 mm).
  • W m 3 may be at least about 0.12 inch (3 mm) and not greater than about 0.6 inch (15 mm), such as at least about 0.2 inch (5 mm) and not greater than about 0.3 inch (8 mm). It will be appreciated that the width W m 3 of the second member 605 may be within a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits. It will also be appreciated that width may be so small as to be less than 0.04inch (1 mm) in width, i.e., the perimeter shape of the second member 605 tapers to a point. As shown in FTG.
  • the second member 605 has a width W m2 in the range of about 1.57 inch (40 mm) and about 3.94 inch (100 mm) and has a width W m 3 that comes to a point (is less than 1mm).
  • first member 607 and the second member 605 may be joined.
  • the method of joining the first member and the second member may be selected based on the material composition of the first member and the second member, which may be composed of the same or different materials, and the intended use of the hand tool and may include, but is not limited to, welding, soldering, brazing, fusion bonding, solvent bonding, adhesive bonding, such as with an epoxy, a glue, or a cement, and mechanical fastening, such as with hinges, latches, detents, joining plates, brackets, screws, bolts, nails, dowels, rivets, pins, and any combination thereof.
  • the second member 605 may be joined relative to the first member 607 such that the shape of the perimeter p m2 of the second member tapers as it extends away from the first member. As shown in FIG. 7b, in a preferred embodiment, the first member 607 and second member 605 are joined together and the shape of the second member tapers as it extends away from the first member.
  • the second member 605 may be joined to the first member 605 such that when the first member is horizontal, the second member may be bent upwards from horizontal at an angle a.
  • the angle a may be selected such that when the tool is tilted such that the second member is horizontal, the wrist of the operator is positioned at a comfortable angle.
  • the angle a may be at least about 1°, such as at least about 10°, at least about 13°, at least about 17°, or even at least about 25°.
  • the angle a may be not greater than about 45°, such as not greater than about 40°, not greater than about 35°, not greater than about 30°, or even not greater than about 28°.
  • the angle a may be at least about 1° and not greater than about 45°, such as at least about 10° and not greater than about 35°, or even at least about 13° and not greater than about 30°. It will be appreciated that the angle a may be within a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits. In a preferred embodiment, the angle a is in a range of 10° to 17°.
  • the second member 605 may be joined to the first member 607 such that when the first member is horizontal, the bottom surface of the second member forms an exterior angle ⁇ with the bottom surface of the first member.
  • the angle ⁇ may be at least about 175°, such as at least about 180°, at least about 187°, or even at least about 195°.
  • the angle ⁇ may be not greater than about 230°, such as not greater than about 225°, not greater than about 210°, or even not greater than about 200°.
  • Angle ⁇ may be at least about 175° and not greater than about 230°, such as at least about 180° and not greater than about 225°. It will be appreciated that angle ⁇ may be within a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits. In a preferred embodiment, the angle ⁇ is in the range of 185° to 195°.
  • the first member 607 may have a planar cross- sectional shape.
  • the cross-sectional shape may be a rectangular shape, a square shape, or a trapezoidal shape.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the first member is a regular rectangular shape.
  • the first member may have a length L m i that may be selected according to the desired application of the hand tool, while still taking into account that the tool should not be so large or bulky that the tool becomes unwieldy for a user.
  • the length L ml may be at least about 1 inch (25.4 mm), such as at least about 2 inch (50.8 mm), such as at least about 3 inch (76.2 mm), at least about 4 inch (101.6 mm), at least about 4.5 inch (114.3 mm), or even at least about 5 inch (127 mm).
  • the length Li may be not greater than about 12 inch (304.8 mm), such as not greater than about 10 inch (254 mm), such as not greater than about 8 inch (203.2 mm), such as not greater than about 7.5 inch (190.5 mm), not greater than about 6.5 inch (165.1 mm), or even not greater than about 6 inch (152.4 mm).
  • the length Li may be at least about 1 inch (25.4 mm) and not greater than 12 inch (304.8 mm), such as at least about 3 inch (76.2 mm) and not greater than about 8 inch (203.2 mm), such as at least about 5 inch (127mm) and not greater than about 10 inch (254 mm). It will be appreciated that the length Li may be within a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits.
  • the length L m i is in the range of 4 inch (101.6 mm) to 5 inch (127mm).
  • the first member 607 may have a uniform thickness t ml , which may be selected in accordance with the desired application of the hand tool, while still taking into account that the tool should not be so large or bulky that the tool becomes unwieldy for a user.
  • the thickness t ml may be at least about 0.04 inch (1 mm), at least about 0.47 inch (12 mm), or even at least about 0.79 inch (20 mm).
  • the thickness t] may be not greater than about 5 inch (127 mm), such as not greater than about 4.5 inch (114.3 mm), or even not greater than about 3.54 inch (90 mm).
  • the thickness t m iinay be at least about 0.04inch (1 mm) and not greater than about 5 inch (127 mm), such as at least about 0.47 inch (12 mm) and not greater than about 4.5 inch (114 mm). It will be appreciated that the thickness t ml may be within a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness t ml of the first member is substantially uniform across the length L m i of first member 607 and is in the range of about 0.20 inch (5 mm) to about 0.79 inch (20 mm).
  • the thickness t ml may be non-uniform, such that the first member has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape.
  • the second member 605 may have a cross-sectional shape with a thickness tncha and a length L m2 .
  • the cross-sectional shape of the second member may be a planar shape, such as a rectangular, square, triangular, or trapezoidal shape.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the second member may be a truncated circular, truncated oval, or truncated elliptical shape.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the second member is a rectangular shape.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the second member is a triangular shape.
  • the second member may have a length L m2 , which may be selected based upon the intended application of the hand tool, while still taking into account that the tool should not be so large or bulky that the tool becomes unwieldy for a user.
  • length L m2 may be at least about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm), such as at least 0.79 inch (20 mm), at least about 1.57 inch (40 mm), at least about 2 inch (50.8 mm), or even at least about 2.48 inch (63 mm).
  • length L 2 may be not greater than about 12 inch (304.8 mm), such as not greater than 8 inch (203.2 mm), such as not greater than 6 inch (152.4 mm), such as not greater than 4.5 inch (114.3 mm), such as not greater than about 4 inch (101.6 mm), not greater than about 3.5 inch (88.9 mm), or even not greater than about 3 inch (76.2 mm).
  • length L m2 may be at least about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) and not greater than about 12 inch (304.8 mm), such as at least about 0.79 inch (20 mm) and not greater than about 8 inch (203.2 mm), such as at least about 1.18 inch (30 mm) and not greater than 6 inch (152.4 mm). It will be appreciated that L 2 may be within a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits.
  • the length L m2 is in the range of about 1.18 inch (30 mm) to about 6 inch (152.4 mm).
  • the second member 605 may have a uniform thickness t m2 .
  • the thickness t m2 may be at least about 0.04inch (1 mm), such as at least about 0.2 inch (5 mm), at least about 0.28 inch (7 mm), at least about 0.47 inch (12 mm), or even at least about 0.79 inch (20 mm).
  • the thickness t m2 may be not greater than about 5 inch (127 mm), such as not greater than about 4.5 inch (114 mm), such as not greater than about 3.54 inch (90 mm), such as not greater than about 2.56 inch (65 mm), or even not greater than about 1.97 inch (50mm).
  • the thickness t ⁇ may be at least about 0.04inch (1 mm) and not greater than about 5 inch (127 mm). It will be appreciated that t 2 may be within a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits.
  • thickness t m2 may be equal to thickness t ml .
  • thickness t m2 may not be equal to thickness t ml , such that thickness t sweetnessa may be less than thickness t ml or such that thickness tstorya may be greater than thickness t ml .
  • thickness t m2 of the base member is substantially equal to t ml and in the range of about 0.20 inch (5 mm) to about 0.79 inch (20 mm).
  • the second member 605 may have a non-uniform thickness, selected in accordance with the desired application of the hand tool, such that the second member has a trapezoidal, triangular, truncated circular, truncated oval, or truncated elliptical shape.
  • the thickness of the second member tapers toward the front of the tool (i.e., the end of the second member that is farthest away from the first member).
  • the second member adjoins the first member may have a thickness t ⁇ which may be substantially the same, or different than, thickness t m i
  • the end of the second member opposite the first member may have a thickness t ⁇ , which may be the same or differ from the thickness t m2 .
  • the thickness t m 3 may be less than the thickness t m2 .
  • Thickness t m 3 may be at least about 0.04inch (1 mm), such as at least about 0.12 inch (3 mm), at least about 0.2 inch (5 mm), or even at least about 0.28 inch (7 mm). Thickness t m 3 may be not greater than about 1 inch (25.4 mm), such as not greater than about 0.79 inch (20 mm), such not greater than about 0.39 inch (10 mm), such not greater than about 0.2 inch (5 mm), or even not greater than about 0.04 inch (1 mm). The thickness t ⁇ may be at least about 0.04inch (1 mm) and not greater than about 1 inch (25.4 mm), such as at least about 0.2 inch (5 mm) and not greater than about 0.79 inch (20 mm).
  • thickness t m 3 may be within a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits. In a preferred embodiment, thickness t m 3 is less than thickness t m2 and is in the range of at least about 0.08 inch (2 mm) to not greater than about 0.39 inch (10 mm).
  • Embodiments of the tool may be described and understood in relation to ratios or percentages of the lengths and thicknesses of the members to each other.
  • length L m i of the first member may be in a ratio to the length L m2 of the second member.
  • the ratio of L m i to L m2 may be at least 1:1, such as at least 2: 1, or even at least 3: 1.
  • the ratio of L m i to L m2 is about 2.1:1.
  • the second member may have a thickness t m2 which is at least about 0.5% of length L m2 .
  • thickness t m2 may be at least about 1% of length L m2 , such as at least about 5% of length L m2 .
  • thickness t ⁇ may be not greater than about 20% of length L m2 , such as not greater than about 15% of length L m2 , or even not greater than about 10% of length L ⁇ .
  • thickness t m2 may be 0.5-20% of length L m2 , such as 5-15% of length L m2 .
  • thickness t m2 may be within a range of a percentage of length L m2 comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness t m2 is in a range of 0.5-20% of length L m2. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the total horizontal length L m x ot of the tool, as measured when the first member is horizontal, is equal to the sum of the length L m i plus L m2 .
  • length L m x ot will range in length from at least about 1.5 inch (38.1 mm) to not greater than about 24 inch (609.6 mm), from at least about 3 inch (76.2 mm) to not greater than about 12 inch (304.8 mm), from at least about 4 inch (101.6 mm) to not greater than about 10 inch (254 mm). It will be appreciated that length L mTot may be within a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits. In a preferred embodiment, length L m cT is at least about 4 inch (101.6 mm) to not greater than about 8 inch (103.2 mm).
  • the second member 605 may have a thickness t m2 which is at least about 0.5% of length L m x ot .
  • t sua may be at least about 1.0% of L m x ot , at least about 5.0% of LmT ot , or even at least about 7.0% of L m x ot .
  • t m2 may be not greater than about 20.0% of L m cx, such as not greater than about 14.0% of L m x ot , not greater than about 13.0% of L m x ot , or even not greater than about 10.0 % of L m x ot .
  • t m2 may be 0.5-20% of L m cx, such as 0.5-14% of L m x ot . It will be appreciated that t mountaina may be within a range of a percentage of length L m x ot comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits.
  • the hand tool may include a third member (not shown).
  • the optional third member may be joined to the first member at the end opposite the second member.
  • the optional third member may comprise the same features already described herein as relating to the second member.
  • the hand tool may include a handle.
  • the handle 101 may be attached to the top surface of base member 103.
  • the handle 601 is attached to the top surface of first member 607 and second member 605.
  • the handle 155 may be designed to attach to the top surface of a base member 103 at a single attachment point 151 and extend upward at an angle from the attachment along an elongated portion that defines a gripping portion 153.
  • the attachment point of the handle may be placed anywhere along the top surface, for example, such as at the center of the top surface of the first portion (not shown).
  • the handle 155 may attach to the base member 103 at a point where the first portion 107 and second portion 105 of the base member are contiguous.
  • the handle may attach to the top surface of a base member at more than one point, such as at least two points, and the handle may include a gripping portion that extends between the attachment points.
  • the handle 101 may attach at two attachment points 151 on the top surface of the first portion 107 of the base member 103, such as at either end of the first portion.
  • the handle 159 may attach to the top surface of base member 103 at two attachment points, each located on the first portion 107 and the second portion 105, such as at the center of the top surface of the first portion and the center of the top surface of the second portion.
  • the second portion 105 of the base member 103 may extend forward fully or partly beyond the attachment point of the handle 101 that is located closest to the second portion of the base member.
  • at least about 35% of the length L 2 of the second portion may extend beyond the attachment point of the handle, such as at least about 50% of the length of the second portion, or even at least about 56% of the length of the second portion.
  • not greater than aboutl00% of the length L 2 of the second portion may extend beyond the attachment point of the handle, such as not greater than about 75% of the length of the second portion, or even not greater than about 63% of the length of the second portion.
  • At least about 35% to not greater than about 100% of the length L 2 of the second portion may extend forward beyond the attachment point of the handle that is closest to the second portion.
  • 100% of the length L 2 of the second portion extends forward beyond the attachment point of the handle closest to the second portion.
  • the distance that the second portion 105 extends forward horizontally beyond attachment point 151 of the handle that is closest to the second portion, as measured along a horizontal axis when the first portion 107 is horizontal may be identified as a length E.
  • length E may be at least about 0.79 inch (20 mm), such as at least about 1.18 inch (30 mm), such as at least about 2.44 inch (62 mm), or even at least about 2.95 inch (75 mm). In another example, length E may be not greater than about 5.91 inch (150 mm), such as not greater than about 4.72 inch (120 mm), such as not greater than about 3.86 (98 mm), or even not greater than about 3.15 inch (80mm). In a further example, length E may be at least about 1.18 inch (30 mm) and not greater than about 5.91 inch (150 mm), such as at least about 2.44 inch (62 mm) and not greater than about 4.72 inch
  • length E may be within a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits. In a preferred embodiment, the length E is in the range of about 1.18 inch (30 mm) to about 6 inch (152.4 mm).
  • the handle may be removably coupled to the base member such that the handle may be removed from the base member. In another embodiment, the handle may be fixedly attached to the base member such that the handle may not be removed from the base member.
  • the handle may be attached to the base member by welding, soldering, brazing, fusion bonding, solvent bonding, the use of adhesives, by mechanical fastening, such as with hinges, latches, detents, joining plates, brackets, screws, bolts, nails, dowels, rivets, pins, and any combination thereof.
  • the handle may be unitary with the base member.
  • the handle is unitary with the base member.
  • the gripping portion of the handle may be smooth (not shown).
  • the gripping portion 153 of the handle may be contoured to the shape of a human hand in order to increase operator comfort.
  • the gripping portion of the handle may extend parallel to the top surface of the base member.
  • the gripping portion of the handle may extend at an angle relative to the top surface of the base member.
  • the handle may extend such that the front of the gripping portion of the handle is positioned at a height above the top surface of the base member that is less than the height at which the back end of the gripping portion of the handle is positioned relative to the top surface of the base member.
  • the handle may be a block, such as a curved block.
  • the handle may include indentations for finger placement in order to improve the handle grippability.
  • the handle may include a groove extending around the handle in order to improve handle grippability.
  • the handle may be formed of a compressible material and include no indentations for finger placement.
  • the gripping portion of the handle is contoured to the shape of a human hand and extends parallel to the top of the base member.
  • the bottom surface of the gripping portion of the handle may extend at a height h 2 above the top surface of a base member 103.
  • the height h 2 may be at least about 0.59 inch (15 mm), such as at least about 0.79 inch (20 mm), or even at least about 1.06 (27 mm).
  • the height h 2 may be not greater than about 3.94 inch (100 mm), such as not greater than about 3.54 inch (90 mm), such as not greater than about 2.95 inch (75 mm), or even not greater than about 2.09 inch (53mm).
  • the height h may be at least about 0.59 inch (15 mm) and not greater than about 3.94 inch (100 mm), such as at least about 1.06 inch (27 mm) and not greater than about 2.09 (53 mm). It will be appreciated that h may be in a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits. In a preferred embodiment, h 2 is in the range of 0.79 inch (20 mm) to 1.18 inch (30 mm).
  • the hand tool may have a height hi measured from the bottom surface of the hand tool to the top of the gripping portion of the handle.
  • the height hi may be at least about 1.89 inch (48 mm), such as at least about 2.32 inch (59 mm), or even at least about 3.15 inch (80mm).
  • the height hi may be not greater than about 10.83 inch (275 mm), such as not greater than about 7.83 inch (199 mm), or even not greater than about 5.91 inch (150 mm).
  • Height hi may be at least about 1.89 inch (48 mm) and not greater than about 10.83 inch (275 mm), such as at least about 2.32 inch (59 mm) and not greater than about 5.91 inch (150 mm). It will be appreciated that hi may be in a range comprising any pair of the previous upper and lower limits. In a preferred embodiment, hi is in the range of 1.18 inch (30 mm) to 3.54 inch (90 mm).
  • the hand tool may include a fastener system for fastening an abrasive media to the hand tool.
  • the fastener system may be positioned or disposed on a base member such that the abrasive media is attached only to the bottom surface of the hand tool.
  • the fastener system may be positioned so that the attached abrasive media does not overlap the sides of the hand tool or overlap onto the top surface of the hand tool.
  • the fastener system may be positioned such that the abrasive media attaches to only the bottom surface of the hand tool as well as the top surface of the second portion of the base member. As shown in FIG.
  • the abrasive media 161 is attached to the first 107 and second 105 portions of the bottom surface of base member 103, and the abrasive media does not overlap onto the sides or top portion of the base member. As shown in FIG. 13 a, in an alternate preferred embodiment, the abrasive media 161 is attached to the first 107 and second 105 portions of the bottom surface of base member 103, and also to the top surface of the second portion of the base member, but does not overlap onto the sides of the base member.
  • Acceptable fastener systems may include hook and loop, releasable film, adhesive, clips, screws, pins, flanges, suction, magnetics, electrical surface charge, and a combination thereof.
  • the fastener system may extend across the entire bottom surface of the hand tool, or the fastener system may be positioned in discrete locations on the bottom surface of the hand tool.
  • the fastener system is a hook and loop system or a releasable film.
  • a layer of resilient material may be disposed at the interface between the bottom surface of the hand tool and the attachment surface of the abrasive media.
  • the resilient material may be disposed between the bottom surface of the hand tool and the fastener system, in an embodiment.
  • the resilient layer may be disposed between the fastener system and the abrasive media.
  • the resilient material is a foam material. The resilient material can be selected to have a desired resilience by changing the type of material, the density of the material, the size of the foam cells, and whether the foam cells are open or closed.
  • This resilient layer is not limited to foam material and can be other materials which would essentially cause a modification in the pressure exerted by the tool onto the abrasive.
  • Materials suitable for use as a resilient layer include synthetic or natural materials, woven, non-woven, bonded or formed materials which can be used to change resiliency including foam, rubber, felt, and combinations thereof.
  • Abrasive media attachable by a fastener system may include coated abrasives, bonded abrasives, woven abrasives, or non-woven abrasives.
  • the abrasive media may include coated abrasives, such as flexible sheets of abrasive.
  • the abrasive media may be applied to a resilient layer.
  • the abrasive media may include a matrix composed of a resilient material.
  • the abrasive media may have a standard shape, such as a rectangular shape.
  • the abrasive media may be shaped to match the perimeter shape of the bottom surface of the base member.
  • the abrasive media may further include a fastener system on the surface opposite the grinding surface of the abrasive media.
  • the abrasive media may include part of a hook and loop fastener or an adhesive on the surface opposite the grinding surface of the abrasive media.
  • the abrasive media 161 may comprise a single piece of abrasive media.
  • the abrasive media may extend across the entire bottom surface of the base member.
  • the abrasive media may be positioned only on the first portion of the base member or only on the second portion of the base member.
  • the abrasive media may comprise more than one piece of abrasive media, such as at least two pieces of abrasive media.
  • the abrasive media may comprise one piece of abrasive media shaped to match and attached to the first portion of the base member and a second piece of abrasive media shaped to match and attached to the second portion of the base member.
  • the abrasive media may comprise one piece of abrasive media having a standard shape, such as a rectangle, attached to the first portion of the base member and a second piece of abrasive media having a standard shape, such as a triangle, attached to the second portion of the base member.
  • the abrasive media may include one piece of abrasive media attached to the first portion of the base member and a second piece of abrasive media attached to the second portion of the base member, each piece of abrasive media having a standard shape, such as a square or a rectangle.
  • the abrasive media is matched to the shape of the portion of the base member to which it is attached.
  • the abrasive media 171 may comprise two pieces of abrasive media.
  • one piece of abrasive media may be attached to the first portion of the base member and may have a first grit size of abrasive particles and a second piece of abrasive media may be attached to the second portion of the base member and have a second grit size of abrasive particles.
  • the first piece of abrasive media may have a grit size which is equal to the grit size of the second piece of abrasive media.
  • the first piece of abrasive media may have a grit size which is larger than the grit size of the second piece of abrasive media.
  • the first piece of abrasive media may have a grit size which is smaller than the grit size of the second piece of abrasive media.
  • both the first and second portions of the bottom surface of the base member have a piece of an abrasive media attached and the grit size of the piece attached to the first portion is larger (i.e., the abrasive media is rougher) than the grit size of the abrasive media attached to the second portion.
  • the abrasive media may include abrasive particles and a bonding material.
  • Abrasive particles can include inorganic materials, such as oxides, carbides, nitrides, borides, oxynitrides, oxycarbides, and a combination thereof.
  • abrasive particles can include alumina, silica carbide, silica, ceria, and a combination thereof.
  • the abrasive particles may include a
  • Suitable conventional abrasives include, but are not limited to, aluminum oxide, microcrystalline alumina (MCA), silicon carbide, emery, pumice, sand, steel abrasive, and combinations thereof.
  • the abrasive particles can include a superabrasive material.
  • Suitable abrasives may include diamond, cubic boron nitride (cBN), and a combination thereof.
  • the bonding material may include an inorganic material.
  • Suitable inorganic materials may include ceramics, such as vitreous materials, metals, metal alloys, and a combination thereof.
  • the bonding material may include an organic material. Suitable organic materials may include polymers such as glycol, resin, dextrin, glue, polyethylene, ethylene, propylene, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof.
  • the bonding material may comprise a composite material, such as a combination of organic and inorganic materials.
  • the abrasive media may comprise a first piece of abrasive media attached to the first portion of the base member and a second piece of abrasive media attached to the second portion of the base member.
  • the type of abrasive particles of the first piece of abrasive media may be the same as the type of abrasive particles of the second piece of abrasive media.
  • the abrasive particles of the first piece of abrasive media and of the second piece of abrasive media may be conventional abrasives or may be superabrasive materials.
  • the type of abrasive particles of the first piece of abrasive media may be different from the type of abrasive particles of the second piece of abrasive media.
  • the first piece of abrasive media may include conventional abrasives and the second piece of abrasive media may include superabrasive particles, or vice versa.
  • the type of abrasive particles of the first piece of abrasive media may be the same as the second piece of abrasive media, but the abrasive particles of the first piece of abrasive media may be different from the abrasive particles of the second piece of abrasive media, within the same type of abrasive particles.
  • the first piece of abrasive media may include silicon carbide abrasive particles and the second piece of abrasive media may include microcrystalline alumina (MCA) abrasive particles.
  • MCA microcrystalline alumina
  • the abrasive particles of the first piece of abrasive media may be the same as the second piece of abrasive media.
  • the first piece of abrasive media and second piece of abrasive media may both comprise diamond abrasive particles.
  • a hand tool may be formed of a flexible material, a rigid material, or a combination thereof.
  • Suitable rigid materials may include metals, metal alloys, ceramics, wood, and combinations thereof.
  • Suitable flexible materials may include polymers, such as elastomers, rubbers, plasticized PVC, polystyrene, and a combination thereof.
  • the base material and the handle may be made of the same material.
  • the base material and the handle may be made of different materials.
  • the base material may be made of a rigid material and the handle may be made of a flexible material.
  • the base material and the handle may be made of the same material, such as a rigid material, and the handle may then be coated with another material, such as a flexible material, in order to increase comfort for the operator.
  • a hand tool may be formed by conventional forming processes, in accordance with the composition of the hand tool. Suitable forming processes may include molding, such as injection molding, stamping, die cutting, and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the hand tool is formed by injection molding.
  • a hand tool may be formed as a single, unitary piece. For example, a hand tool may be formed by injection molding a mold shaped to the final hand tool shape with a polymer.
  • the base member and handle may be formed separately and then coupled together.
  • the first and second portions of the base member and the handle may all be formed separately and then joined together.
  • a hand tool may be used with an abrasive media in conventional manual grinding processes.
  • the hand tool may be gripped by an operator and the surface of the grinding media attached to the hand tool placed against the surface to be ground. Force may then be applied by the operator to move the sanding block back and forth, side to side, in circles, and any combination thereof in order to grind the surface to be ground.
  • Hand tools 170 as described herein are particularly suited for grinding traditionally hard to sand areas, such as narrow spaces, as illustrated in FIGs. 14a-b and corners, as illustrated in FIG. 15a-b.
  • Exemplary, narrow spaces suitable for grinding by the hand tools described herein include, but are not limited to, the space between louvers 171 of window shutters 170 and shades (not shown) and the spaces beneath built-in furniture such as cabinets and radiators.
  • operators may use the hand tool to grind both easy to reach surfaces and difficult to reach surfaces, simply by tilting the wrist.
  • an operator may grind a floor with the first portion of the base member held horizontal to the floor and then grind a corner with the second portion of the base member simply by tilting the wrist such that the second portion is then horizontal to the floor and the first portion of the base member extends upward at an angle from horizontal.
  • Hand tools as described herein are also particularly suited for grinding two different surfaces without cross-contaminating said surfaces with swarf, or other waste produced by the abrading process, and without having to stop and change abrasives between surfaces. Hand tools as described herein also allow for grinding a surface with different abrasive grits without having to stop and change abrasives. For example, an operator may rough finish a surface and then fine finish a surface simply by tilting the wrist.
  • the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “has”, “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion.
  • a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.
  • “or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Polishing Bodies And Polishing Tools (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un outil à main comprenant au moins un élément individuel présentant une surface supérieure, une surface inférieure et des bords opposés ; et un système de fixation qui est disposé sur la face inférieure dudit élément et sur lequel vient adhérer un moyen abrasif, ledit élément étant courbé vers le haut de manière à former un angle par rapport à l'horizontale.
PCT/US2012/039674 2011-05-25 2012-05-25 Dispositif de ponçage abrasif profilé à faces multiples WO2012162648A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP12790311.0A EP2714335A4 (fr) 2011-05-25 2012-05-25 Dispositif de ponçage abrasif profilé à faces multiples

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201161489924P 2011-05-25 2011-05-25
US61/489,924 2011-05-25

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012162648A2 true WO2012162648A2 (fr) 2012-11-29
WO2012162648A3 WO2012162648A3 (fr) 2013-04-04

Family

ID=47218124

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2012/039674 WO2012162648A2 (fr) 2011-05-25 2012-05-25 Dispositif de ponçage abrasif profilé à faces multiples

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20130045668A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2714335A4 (fr)
WO (1) WO2012162648A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105922135A (zh) * 2016-06-15 2016-09-07 镇江市大兴机械制造有限公司 一种砂轮打磨装置
US20190210179A1 (en) * 2018-01-11 2019-07-11 Michael Yager Tool for sanding and buffing and method of use

Family Cites Families (27)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2402069A (en) * 1945-10-19 1946-06-11 Charles H Minnick Abrading and polishing tool
US2577498A (en) * 1949-01-05 1951-12-04 Earl C Applegate Sanding and buffing tool
US2643413A (en) * 1949-11-28 1953-06-30 Buccasio Nicholas Angelo Suction cleaning tool
US2575117A (en) * 1950-02-25 1951-11-13 Naken William Sanding device
US2742744A (en) * 1954-03-19 1956-04-24 Earl C Applegate Hand tools
US4071983A (en) * 1977-01-21 1978-02-07 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Griddle cleaning pad holder
JPS58151477A (ja) * 1982-03-02 1983-09-08 Nippon Tenshiyashi Kk 金属製研磨体の製造方法
US5131193A (en) * 1989-03-07 1992-07-21 Demers Michael J Contour sanding device
US5054248A (en) * 1989-09-03 1991-10-08 Thayer Donald R Four-way hand sander
US5179807A (en) * 1991-11-18 1993-01-19 Gupton Donald W Floor sanding device
JP2772473B2 (ja) * 1995-10-20 1998-07-02 株式会社精研 研磨具
US6227959B1 (en) * 1997-06-16 2001-05-08 Donald W. Beaudry Sanding sponge
US6524175B2 (en) * 1997-06-16 2003-02-25 Donald W. Beaudry Sanding sponge
US5947803A (en) * 1997-09-15 1999-09-07 Gruner; Glen A. Sander having a planar surface convertible to a right angular surface
US6283843B1 (en) * 1999-03-02 2001-09-04 Brian A. Romagnoli Abrading blade
JP4301350B2 (ja) * 1999-06-02 2009-07-22 上垣 健男 研磨具
KR20030048047A (ko) * 2000-09-28 2003-06-18 우에가키 타테오 연마 도구
US7011570B1 (en) * 2001-07-20 2006-03-14 Earl John Mac Leod Set of profiled sanding pads
NZ519162A (en) * 2002-08-27 2004-10-29 Stephen Ross Hope Abrasive holder
US7516508B2 (en) * 2003-09-03 2009-04-14 The Procter & Gamble Company Motorized cleaning implement
US6960125B2 (en) * 2003-11-03 2005-11-01 Jerry Mick Sanding block
US7220172B2 (en) * 2005-04-29 2007-05-22 3M Innovative Properties Company Detail sanding block
US7485031B1 (en) * 2005-07-27 2009-02-03 Drywall Ideas, Llc Angle sander
US7264541B1 (en) * 2006-10-20 2007-09-04 Drywall Ideas, Llc Drywall corner sander
US20080207099A1 (en) * 2007-02-28 2008-08-28 Brown John E Resilient abrasive article and method of manufacture
US8100744B2 (en) * 2008-04-01 2012-01-24 John Lamers Corner sander
US8210910B2 (en) * 2008-11-18 2012-07-03 Lake Country Manufacturing, Inc. Multi-faceted sanding/finishing tool

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of EP2714335A4 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2714335A2 (fr) 2014-04-09
EP2714335A4 (fr) 2014-10-08
WO2012162648A3 (fr) 2013-04-04
US20130045668A1 (en) 2013-02-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2647637C (fr) Article abrasif elastique souple lamine
US7497768B2 (en) Flexible abrasive article and method of making
US7285146B2 (en) Resilient abrasive article
US8758089B2 (en) Abrasive articles, rotationally reciprocating tools, and methods
US20080233837A1 (en) Methods of removing defects in surfaces
WO2002045905A1 (fr) Eponge de ponçage
WO2013181582A1 (fr) Tampon à polir imprégné de diamant comportant des rondelles en diamant
WO2007038204A1 (fr) Articles abrasifs conformables et procedes de fabrication et d'utilisation de ceux-ci
US20070243804A1 (en) Abrasive article with a resilient dusting surface
EP3022015A2 (fr) Abrasif flexible pour le polissage de surfaces
US20130045668A1 (en) Multi-sided shaped abrasive sanding aid
US7014550B2 (en) Sanding system
US20070184765A1 (en) Tool for working on a surface
CN217317281U (zh) 一种手动阴角打磨器
US20070190917A1 (en) Contoured interface pad for an abrasive finishing device
JP2009148871A (ja) 研磨具
GB2398260A (en) Hand held sanding device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 12790311

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

REEP Request for entry into the european phase

Ref document number: 2012790311

Country of ref document: EP

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2012790311

Country of ref document: EP