WO2023050451A1

WO2023050451A1 - Sander including sheet guide and clamp

Info

Publication number: WO2023050451A1
Application number: PCT/CN2021/122495
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ling Yan ZHU; Isiah Daniel Smith; Mason A. MATLOCK; Jacob S. WATROUS; Robert A. Patterson; Garrett K. LONG
Original assignee: Techtronic Cordless Gp
Priority date: 2021-10-01
Filing date: 2021-10-01
Publication date: 2023-04-06
Also published as: EP4182117A4; CN218363903U; EP4182117A1

Abstract

A base (25) for a sheet sander (10) including a baseplate (30) and a guide (60, 65). The baseplate (30) has an upper side and a lower side opposite the upper side, and the upper side defines a guide mount (40, 45). The guide (60, 65) is coupled to the guide mount (40, 45) adjacent an edge of the baseplate (30), and the upper side of the baseplate (30) and the guide (60, 65) cooperatively define a space that receives and temporarily holds an end of a sanding sheet (26). The base (25) also includes a clamp (53, 55) that is coupled to the baseplate (30) and that is movable between an unclamped position to permit attachment of the sanding sheet (26) to the baseplate (30) via the guide (60, 65), and a clamped position to secure the sanding sheet (26) to the baseplate (30). The clamp (53,55) is in the clamped position after the sanding sheet (26) is positioned in the space.

Description

SANDER INCLUDING SHEET GUIDE AND CLAMP

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to power tools, and more particularly to battery-powered sanders.

Abrading machines generally include a housing, a motor supported by the housing coupled to a drive shaft driven for rotation about a drive axis, and an assembly or base for mounting a pad or sandpaper for abrading a work surface. Depending on the nature of the pad, sandpaper, and machine, such an abrading machine can be used for coarse abrading work or for fine abrading work.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the invention provides a base for a sheet sander including a baseplate and a guide. The baseplate has an upper side and a lower side opposite the upper side, and the upper side defines a guide mount. The guide is coupled to the guide mount adjacent an edge of the baseplate, and the upper side of the baseplate and the guide cooperatively define a space that receives and temporarily holds an end of a sanding sheet. The base also includes a clamp that is coupled to the baseplate and that is movable between an unclamped position to permit attachment of the sanding sheet to the baseplate via the guide, and a clamped position to secure the sanding sheet to the baseplate. The clamp is in the clamped position after the sanding sheet is positioned in the space.

In one aspect, the guide includes a base portion that is coupled to the baseplate and a flange that extends from the base portion. The base portion lies in a plane and the flange is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the base portion.

In one aspect, the guide mount defines a post and the base portion is attached to the baseplate via the post, and an end of the base portion defines a hook extending below an uppermost portion of the post. The hook defines a clamp pivot that permits the clamp to move between the unclamped position and the clamped position.

In one aspect, the guide includes a transition disposed between the base portion and the flange and extending below the plane of the base portion. The flange controls movement of the end of the sander sheet toward the transition, and the transition frictionally retains the sander sheet between the guide mount and the guide.

In one aspect, the space between the guide and the upper side of the baseplate tapers narrower from an end of the flange toward the base portion.

In another aspect, the invention provides a base for a sheet sander including a baseplate that has an upper side defining a first guide mount located adjacent a first corner of the baseplate, and a second guide mount located adjacent a second corner of the baseplate. Each of the first corner and the second corner sharing an edge of the baseplate. The base also includes a first guide, a second guide, and a clamp. The first guide is coupled to the first guide mount adjacent the edge of the baseplate, and the upper side of the baseplate and the first guide cooperatively define a first tapered space, and the first guide receives and temporarily holds an end of the sanding sheet in the first tapered space. The second guide is coupled to the second guide mount adjacent the edge of the baseplate, and the upper side of the baseplate and the second guide cooperatively define a second tapered space. The second guide receives and temporarily holds an end of the sanding sheet in the second tapered space. The clamp is coupled to the baseplate and has an unclamped position and a clamped position. The unclamped position permits attachment of the sanding sheet to the baseplate via the first guide and the second guide, and the clamped position secures the sanding sheet to the baseplate.

In one aspect, the first guide includes a first base portion that is coupled to the baseplate and that lies in a plane, and a first flange that extends from the first base portion and is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the first base portion. The second guide includes a second base portion that is coupled to the baseplate and that lies in a plane, and a second flange that extends from the second base portion and is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the second base portion.

In one aspect, the first guide mount defines a post and the first base portion is attached to the post, and an end of the first base portion defines a hook extending below an uppermost portion of the post. The hook defines a clamp pivot that permits the clamp to move between the unclamped position and the clamped position.

In one aspect, the first guide includes a first transition disposed between the first base portion and the first flange and extending below the plane of the first base portion, and the second guide includes a second transition disposed between the second base portion and the second flange and extending below the plane of the second base portion. Each of the first flange and the second flange controls movement of the end of the sander sheet toward the first transition and the second transition, respectively, and each of the first transition and the second transition is configured to frictionally retain the sander sheet between the first and second guide mounts and the first and second guides, respectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the disclosure are shown. However, this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sheet sander embodying the invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the sheet sander including a housing and a base assembly.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the base assembly including a baseplate, clamps, and sheet guides.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the base assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an end view of the base assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6A is a side view of the base assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6B is another side view of the base assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the base assembly including the clamps, the guides, and a sander sheet held by the guides prior to clamping.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of one guide.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the other guide.

FIG. 9A is a side view of the guide of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9B is a side view of the guide of FIG. 8B.

FIG. 10A is a rear view of the guide of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 10B is a rear view of the guide of FIG. 8B.

FIG. 11A is a top view of the guide of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 11B is a top view of the guide of FIG. 8B.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the present disclosure is described by referring mainly to an exemplary embodiment thereof. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without limitation to these specific details.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary sander 10 embodying the invention and including a housing 15, a battery pack 20, and a base 25 that supports a sander sheet 26 (FIG. 7) . The housing 15 includes a handle portion 27 that is shaped to be grasped by a hand of a user. The sander 10 may include a wired power source instead of the battery pack 20. Although not shown, it will be appreciated that the sander 10 includes an electric motor that rotates a drive shaft that extends along a rotational axis and that rotates in response to torque from the electric motor to cause the base 25 to move rapidly in an abrading motion by transferring power through the output shaft (not shown) . The battery pack 20 is removably attached to the housing 15 via a battery receptacle 28 to electrically power the motor. A dust collection portion may be integrated with the housing 15 to facilitate collection of dust during operation. With reference to FIG. 1, the sander 10 also includes a pushbutton switch 29 to power the sander 10 on and off.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the base 25 is attached to an underside of the housing 15 and is operatively coupled to the drive shaft. As illustrated, the base 25 includes an upper baseplate 30 and a lower baseplate 35 that is attached to the upper baseplate 30. In some embodiments, the upper baseplate 30 and the lower baseplate 35 may be a monolithic structure such that the base has a single baseplate. The upper baseplate 30 defines an upper side of the base 25, and the lower baseplate 35 defines a lower side of the base 25. The upper and

lower baseplates

30, 35 cooperatively support the sander sheet 26 (FIG. 7) , and the lower side faces a workpiece (not shown) during operation of the sander 10.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the upper baseplate 30 and the lower baseplate 35 cooperatively define corners 36 with two

end edges

37a, 37b, and two

side edges

38a, 38b. The upper baseplate 30 has a lip 39 extending along each of the

end edges

37a, 37b. The upper baseplate 30 also includes a first guide mount that is located adjacent a first corner 36a, and a second guide mount 45 is located adjacent a second corner 36b that shares the end edge 37a with the first corner 36a. It will be appreciated that the upper baseplate 30 may also include guide mounts on the corners at the end edge 37b. Referring to FIGS. 3, 6A, and 6B, the first guide mount 40 is defined by a post 46 and the second guide mount 45 is defined by a post 47. As shown in FIGS. 2, 6A, 6B, each

post

46, 47 extends upward from the upper baseplate 30. Each illustrated

guide mount

40, 45 also has a sloped

portion

48a, 48b facing the end edge 37a, and a

hole

49a, 49b. Clamp channels 53a, 53b extend adjacent the lips 39 along

respective end edges

37a, 37b.

Referring to FIGS. 2-7, the base 25 also includes a first clamp 53, a second clamp 55, a first guide 60, and a second guide 65. As shown, the first clamp 53 extends along one end edge 37a and one side edge 38a, and the second clamp 55 extends along the other end edge 37b and the other side edge 38b to semi-permanently clamp or secure ends of the sander sheet 26 to the base 25 for sanding operation (e.g., until the sander sheet 26 needs to be replaced) . The clamps 53, 55 have the same shape and include a clamp connector end 57 that pivotably couples to the upper baseplate 30 (e.g., the clamp 53 pivotably couples to the post 46) . The clamps 53, 55 also include a clamp arm 58 that is disposed in the clamp channel 50a or 50b, and a clamp grip 59 on an end distal to the clamp connector end 57.

As shown in FIGS. 3-7 the first guide 60 is coupled to the post 46 adjacent the end edge 37a at the corner 36, and the second guide 65 is coupled to the post 47 adjacent the end edge 37a at the adjacent corner 36. Each illustrated

guide

60, 65 is attached to the

respective posts

46, 47 by a fastener 67 (e.g., rivet, screw, bolt, etc. ) that extends through respective guide holes 68, 69 in the

guides

60, 65. It will be appreciated that the

guides

60, 65 may be welded to the upper baseplate 30 or otherwise monolithically formed with the upper baseplate 30.

Referring to FIGS. 8A-11B, the first guide 60 includes a first base portion 70 that is coupled to the post 46 and lies in a plane 72, and a first flange 75 that extends from the first base portion 70 and that is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the first base portion 70 (i.e. relative to the plane 72) . A first transition 77 is disposed between the first base portion 70 and the first flange 75, and the transition 77 extends from the first base portion 70 below the plane 72. An end of the first base portion 70 has a hook 78 to assist with maintaining alignment of the first guide 60 on the post 46 so that the first guide 60 can receive an end of the sander sheet 26.

The second guide 65 includes a second base portion 80 that is coupled to the post 47 and lies in a plane 82, and a second flange 85 that extends from the second base portion 80 and that is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the second base portion 80 (i.e. relative to the plane 82) . A second transition 87 is disposed between the second base portion 80 and the second flange 85, and the transition 87 extends from the second base portion 80 below the plane 82. An end of the second base portion 80 has a hook 90 defining a clamp pivot that complements the pivotal movement of the clamp 53 provided by the post 46. With reference to FIGS. 8A and 11A, the second guide 65 may include a support pin recess 95 that is engaged by a support pin 100 on the upper baseplate 30 to inhibit rotation or twisting of the second guide 65.

As best shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the first guide 60 and the upper side of the baseplate 30 (e.g., the first guide mount 40) cooperatively define a first space 105 that receives the end of the sander sheet 26. Likewise, the second guide 65 and the upper side of the baseplate 30 (e.g., the second guide mount 45) cooperatively define a second space 110. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, due to the

sloped portions

48a, 48b on the guide mounts 40, 45, respectively, each

space

105, 110 is defined as a tapered space.

The first guide 60 and the second guide 65 cooperatively receive and temporarily hold the end of the sanding sheet in place on the base 25 so that the

clamps

53, 55 can thereafter be actuated from an unclamped position (shown in FIGS. 3-7) to a clamped position (shown in FIG. 1) to secure the sander sheet 26 to the base 25. For example, to attach a sander sheet 26 to the base 25, a user slides an end of the sander sheet 26 into the

spaces

105, 110 while the clamp arms 58 (and the

clamps

53, 55 generally) are in the unclamped position. That is, the end of the sander sheet 26 is slid below the clamp arms 58. In some embodiments, the second clamp 55 may secure one end of the sander sheet 26 before aligning the other end of the sander sheet 26 relative to the

guides

60, 65. When the end of the sander sheet 26 that is adjacent the first and

second guides

60, 65 is inserted into the first and

second spaces

105, 110, each of the first flange 75 and the second flange 85 controls movement of the end of the sander sheet 26 toward the first transition 77 and the second transition 87, respectively. Each of the first transition 77 and the second transition 87 frictionally retains the sander sheet between the first and second guide mounts 40, 45 and the first and

second guides

60, 65, respectively.

After the end of the sander sheet 26 is retained by the

guides

60, 65 in the first and

second spaces

105, 110, the first clamp 53 can be maneuvered from the unclamped position to the clamped position to secure the sander sheet 26 to at the end edge 37a. If the second clamp 55 has not been secured in the clamped position, the user may also maneuver the second clamp 55 to secure the other end of the sheet 26 along the end edge 37b. The lips 39 facilitate retention and tightening of the sheet 26 so that the sheet 26 is tightly held against the lower side of the lower baseplate 35. Securing the

clamps

53, 55 in the clamped position semi-permanently locks the sheet 26 in place. Movement of the

clamps

53, 55 back to the unclamped position allows a user to replace the sander sheet 26. In general, the

guides

60, 65 and the

clamps

53, 55 provide a two-step sheet installation process that facilitates i) alignment of and holding the sheet 26 on the base 25, and ii) secure attachment of the sheet 26 to the base 25 so that the sander 10 can be used on a workpiece.

The previous detailed description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, or the application and uses of the present disclosure. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding field of use, background, summary, or detailed description. Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described.

Claims

A base for a sheet sander, the base comprising:

a baseplate including an upper side and a lower side opposite the upper side, the upper side defining a guide mount;

a guide coupled to the guide mount adjacent an edge of the baseplate, the upper side of the baseplate and the guide cooperatively defining a space, the guide configured to receive and temporarily hold an end of a sanding sheet in the space; and

a clamp coupled to the baseplate and movable between an unclamped position configured to permit attachment of the sanding sheet to the baseplate via the guide, and a clamped position configured to secure the sanding sheet to the baseplate,

wherein the clamp is in the clamped position after the sanding sheet is positioned in the space.
[Rectified under Rule 91, 28.12.2021]
The base of claim 1, wherein the guide includes a base portion that is coupled to the baseplate and a flange that extends from the base portion, and wherein the base portion lies in a plane and the flange is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the base portion.
[Rectified under Rule 91, 28.12.2021]
The base of claim 2, wherein the guide mount defines a post and the base portion is attached to the baseplate via the post, wherein an end of the base portion defines a hook extending below an uppermost portion of the post, and wherein the hook defines a clamp pivot that is configured to permit the clamp to move between the unclamped position and the clamped position.
[Rectified under Rule 91, 28.12.2021]
The base of claim 2, wherein the guide includes a transition disposed between the base portion and the flange and extending below the plane of the base portion.
[Rectified under Rule 91, 28.12.2021]
The base of claim 4, wherein the flange is configured control movement of the end of the sander sheet toward the transition, and wherein the transition is configured to frictionally retain the sander sheet between the guide mount and the guide.
[Rectified under Rule 91, 28.12.2021]
The base of claim 5, wherein the space between the guide and the upper side of the baseplate tapers narrower from an end of the flange toward the base portion.
[Rectified under Rule 91, 28.12.2021]
The base of claim 1, wherein the baseplate includes a lip extending upward from the upper side, and wherein the lip cooperates with the clamp to secure the sander sheet on the baseplate.
[Rectified under Rule 91, 28.12.2021]
The base of claim 1, wherein the guide includes a hole and a fastener extends through the hole to attach the guide to the guide mount.
[Rectified under Rule 91, 28.12.2021]
A base for a sheet sander, the base comprising:

a baseplate including an upper side and a lower side opposite the upper side, the upper side defining a first guide mount located adjacent a first corner of the baseplate and a second guide mount located adjacent a second corner of the baseplate, each of the first corner and the second corner sharing an edge of the baseplate;

a first guide coupled to the first guide mount adjacent the edge of the baseplate, the upper side of the baseplate and the first guide cooperatively defining a first tapered space, the first guide configured to receive and temporarily hold an end of the sanding sheet in the first tapered space;

a second guide coupled to the second guide mount adjacent the edge of the baseplate, the upper side of the baseplate and the second guide cooperatively defining a second tapered space, the second guide configured to receive and temporarily hold an end of the sanding sheet in the second tapered space; and

a clamp coupled to the baseplate and having an unclamped position and a clamped position,

wherein the unclamped position is configured to permit attachment of the sanding sheet to the baseplate via the first guide and the second guide, and the clamped position is configured to secure the sanding sheet to the baseplate.
[Rectified under Rule 91, 28.12.2021]
The base of claim 9, wherein the first guide includes a first base portion that is coupled to the baseplate and lies in a plane, and a first flange that extends from the first base portion and is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the first base portion, and wherein the second guide includes a second base portion that is coupled to the baseplate and lies in a plane, and a second flange that extends from the second base portion and is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the second base portion.
[Rectified under Rule 91, 28.12.2021]
The base of claim 10, wherein the first guide mount defines a post and the first base portion is attached to the post, wherein an end of the first base portion defines a hook extending below an uppermost portion of the post, and wherein the hook defines a clamp pivot that is configured to permit the clamp to move between the unclamped position and the clamped position.
[Rectified under Rule 91, 28.12.2021]
The base of claim 10, wherein the first guide includes a first transition disposed between the first base portion and the first flange and extending below the plane of the first base portion, and wherein the second guide includes a second transition disposed between the second base portion and the second flange and extending below the plane of the second base portion.
[Rectified under Rule 91, 28.12.2021]
The base of claim 12, wherein each of the first flange and the second flange is configured control movement of the end of the sander sheet toward the first transition and the second transition, respectively, and wherein each of the first transition and the second transition is configured to frictionally retain the sander sheet between the first and second guide mounts and the first and second guides, respectively.
[Rectified under Rule 91, 28.12.2021]
The base of claim 9, wherein the baseplate includes a lip extending upward from the upper side, and wherein the lip cooperates with the clamp to secure the sander sheet on the baseplate.