Abrasive article and method of making

Abstract

An abrasive sheet material comprising a first sheet having a first major suface and a second major surface and second sheets having first major surfaces and second major surfaces wherein the second major surfaces of the second sheets are affixed to the first major surface of the first sheet and spaces exist between the second sheets wherein said spaces form pathways that interweave between the second sheets wherein the pathways communicate with each other and form a network of pathways. At least one aperture extends from at least the first major surface of the first sheet to the second major surface of the first sheet and communicates with at least one of the pathways. Abrasive particles are coated onto at least the first major surface of the second sheets forming an abrasive first major surface. When air moves through the pathways by a vacuum source said pathways channel air across and parallel to the work surface while the air is in contact with the work surface thereby providing a sweeping movement of air across the work surface carrying dust with the air for the purpose of vacuuming dust from the work surface.

Description

[0001]This application claim benefit to provisional patent application 60 / 936,264 filed on Jun. 19, 2007 and also to provisional patent application 61 / 070,819 filed Mar. 26, 2008 and also to provisional patent application 61 / 126,254 filed May 2, 2008 all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to surface finishing tools. Particularly, the present invention relates to abrasive sheet materials. More particularly, the present invention relates to abrasive sheet materials that may be connected to tools that have a dust collection means wherein a vacuum may be directed to the abrasive sheet material for the purpose of collecting dust.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Dustless sanding tools and abrasive sheet material adapted to be used with dustless sanding tools are well known and widely used in the industry where sanding operations are common. Some commonly us...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]It is an object of the present invention to increase the efficiency of dust collection while using abrasive sheet materials. The present invention increases the efficiency of dust collection by providing an abrasive sheet material that has dust collection pathways in combination with and in communication with dust collection apertures or through holes. The abrasive sheet comprises at least one pathway and at least one aperture wherein said at least one aperture communicates with the at least one pathway; wherein a vacuum is directed into the at least on pathway and at least one aperture The vacuum while in contact with the work surface beneath the pathways sweeps across the work surface by the movement of air though the pathways, dust with the air is moved from the work surface into at least one aperture wherein a vacuum is applied to the at least one aperture and to the pathways in communication with the at least one aperture.

Problems solved by technology

Dust has long been a problem in sanding operations and the need to devise abrasive tools that address collection of dust while sanding is an ever present need.

Such devices are inefficient at collecting dust as one skilled in the art would recognize that by placing a flat abrasive disc with through holes in it on a flat surface it is very difficult do direct vacuum to the through holes and efficiently apply the vacuum to the surface on which the abrasive disc overlays or is abrading.

Herein lies the problem with the current technology of dust collection and abrasive tools.

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