Conversion pad with moisture barrier

Abstract

A conversion pad for attaching an abrasive article to a sanding tool includes a supporting layer comprising a backing material and a moisture barrier arranged on at least a portion of the supporting layer, thereby to protect the backing material from moisture, and a layer of attachment material affixed to the supporting layer for attaching the abrasive article to the conversion pad.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to sanding tools and, more particularly, to a conversion pad for a sanding tool, such as an edger sander or random orbit sander, that resists warping. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] When using a power sanding tool, such as an edger sander or random orbit sander, an abrasive article, such as an abrasive disc or sheet, is attached to the back-up pad of the tool. During sanding, the operator may be required to frequently replace a worn abrasive article or change from one abrasive article to another depending on the finishing step. In the past, to change from an abrasive article having one attachment system to an abrasive article having another attachment system (e.g. changing from an abrasive article having a hook and loop attachment system to one having a PSA attachment system), it was necessary to change the back-up pad itself because a back- up pad designed for one attachment system generally does not securely...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] As a result, the needs exists for an affordable conversion pad with improved sanding characteristics. In particular, the need exists for a conversion pad that resists warping in either high moisture (i.e. wet or high humidity environments) and in low moisture (i.e. low humidity) environments. It would therefore be desirable to provide a conversion pad that is easy to manufacture and has improved warp resistance in both high and low moisture environments.

[0011]“Moisture resistant” refers to the ability to create a barrier that reduces the amount of moisture that can pass through the barrier to a sufficiently low level to prevent the underlying material from being adversely affected by an increase or decrease in moisture for a given set of environmental conditions typically encountered during the shipping and storage of a product.

[0013] Generally, the moisture resistant and moisture proof layers adequately protect the conversion pad backing to prevent the backing, and consequently, the conversion pad itself, from warping to the point where the warping would interfere with the sanding operation. In other words, the moisture resistant and moisture proof layers protect against warping that can be caused by increases or decreases in moisture. This is accomplished by preventing the backing from being exposed to an increase or decrease in moisture that could cause warping to the point where the sanding performance of the conversion pad is adversely affected by the warping.

[0014] An advantage of certain embodiments of the present invention is that it minimizes the effect that moisture can have on the conversion pad, and more particularly, the conversion pad resists warping that may be caused by exposure to high or low levels of humidity. Another advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is that the use of nylon materials and hot melt adhesive adds resistance to heat generated during the sanding operation of wood floors and coatings applied thereto. An advantage of other embodiments is that the use of a conversion pad including a 30 mil vulcanized fiber backing improves the fatigue strength of the conversion pad, and thereby provides resistance to rotational spin induced failure during the sanding operation.

Problems solved by technology

In the past, to change from an abrasive article having one attachment system to an abrasive article having another attachment system (e.g. changing from an abrasive article having a hook and loop attachment system to one having a PSA attachment system), it was necessary to change the back-up pad itself because a back- up pad designed for one attachment system generally does not securely attach an abrasive article designed for a different attachment system.

Many materials used for conversion pads, however, are susceptible to warping in wet or high humidity environments, or in low humidity environments.

A warped conversion pad can interfere with the sanding operation by producing inconsistent or uneven sanding of the work surface.

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