Pole sander

Abstract

A pole sander having a rectangular sander plate which removeably holds one or more sheets of sandpaper by a pair of clamp assemblies positioned at opposite ends of the sander plate. The sander plate is attached to the upper end of a pole by a universal joint having elements arranged to permit the pole to assume a position close to parallel with the drywall surface being sanded.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to sanders and more particularly to an improved pole sander of the type used for sanding joints in drywall constructed walls and the like. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Drywall constructed walls are used in the construction industry for constructing the interior walls and ceilings of houses and buildings. The drywall boards are nailed, screwed or otherwise fastened to studs to form such interior walls. This method of construction leaves intersecting joints and screw or nail holes which are filled with joint compound and require sanding to complete the installation process. [0003] The present invention relates to pole sanders for sanding drywall constructed walls. Prior art pole sanders usually employ some type of universal joint in order to permit the flat sandpaper surface, which is generally laid over a foam pad laminated to the flat back surface of the sander plate and secured by clamps on the top surface at opposit...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a drywall pole sander that overcomes the disadvantages of prior art drywall pole sanders. My pole sander of the present invention includes a sander plate that is connected to one end of a pole by means of a unique universal joint in a manner that permits smooth swiveling of the sander plate relative the pole. Additionally, the special relationship of the sander plate, the sandpaper clamp design and the pole permit the pole to assume a position close to parallel with the drywall surface being sanded when reaching for corners or the like during a drywall sanding operation. Another object of my drywall pole sander embodying the present invention is to provide a pair of clamp assemblies for removably securing a sandpaper sheet to the opposite ends of the sander plate thereby reducing the time required to change sandpaper sheets as compared certain prior art pole sanders. Also, such clamp assemblies can support a plurality of sandpaper sheets on the sander block whereby the sander operator does not need to leave his worksite to obtain replacement sandpaper sheets.

Problems solved by technology

Prior art pole sanders, although satisfactory, have several undesirable features which affect their function.

The universal joint of prior art pole sanders often do not swivel in an efficient manner, thereby requiring the operator to exert careful attention to obtain a satisfactory smoothing of the wallboard surface.

Another disadvantage of some prior art sanders is that they utilize wing nuts, threaded studs and stamped or cast clamps of varying designs located at opposite ends of the sander block to removably secure a sandpaper sheets to the sander block.

With this arrangement, considerable time can be required to change a worn sandpaper sheet.

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