Concrete polishing system

Abstract

A grinding machine abrasive unit holder with the use of springs, gases or fluids allows each abrasive unit to be in contact with the floor, independently at all times. This action allows the finishing of the high and low spots of the floor in the same operation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a continuation in part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 900,786 filed Jul. 28, 2004 which is pending.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is related to a system for polishing concrete. More particularly, the present invention is related to a system, and method, for polishing concrete without the typical problems of uneven polishing in the valleys and hills of poured concrete. [0003] Polishing concrete has been known for some time. The abrasive units of floor grinding machines are typically rigidly attached to the drive mechanism of the machine thus allowing the abrasive units to operate in a single plane. Despite the most skilled of floor finishers concrete floors are not perfectly flat. A typical technique for polishing concrete will be described with reference to FIG. 1. [0004] In FIG. 1, the concrete floor, 1, is uneven with valleys, 2, and hills, 3. The concrete floor,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a flexible mounting of the abrasive unit that will allow for finishing of concrete floors without the need to grind the high spots to a lower level.

[0010] It is another object to provide an abrasive unit, and holder, which can be attached to a conventional plate. The method of attachment allows the holder to “float” or move in a vertical direction thereby allowing the abrasive unit to contact the floor at all times and everywhere.

[0011] A particular feature of the present invention is that the high spots, or hills, do not have to be ground down to the level of the low spots, or valleys, thereby achieving a uniform appearance which is aesthetically pleasing.

[0012] Another particular advantage is a substantial savings in time and labor. Larger floor areas can be completed in a given time period.

[0013] Yet another advantage is the increased longevity of the improved abrasive units.

[0014] Yet another advantage is the elimination of multiple passes with successively decreasing coarseness. This advantage is due to the elimination of the necessity to decrease the height variations in the floor. A concrete floor can be rendered smooth and aesthetically pleasing in a single pass with a low coarseness abrasive unit.

Problems solved by technology

Despite the most skilled of floor finishers concrete floors are not perfectly flat.

This leaves an unsightly floor with portions polished and other portions rough.

Often this exposes aggregate, or rock filler, in the concrete.

Yet another problem with the prior art is the high cost associated with time and material for the polishing or grinding process.

The multiple operations are time consuming.

The course abrasive units typically create scratches, or gouges, in the concrete which must be removed with the less course abrasive unit.

In many instances the final floor still has scratches and gouges since it is very difficult to remove them all with the time and resources typically allotted for such an operation.

Yet another problem is the loss of abrasive units due to breakage.

This damage greatly decreases the useful lifetime of abrasive units.

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