Sander device with vacuum functionality

Abstract

A sander including a sander assembly having a sander motor mounted to a sander plate and a body including a vacuum motor, a dust collection bin, and motor controls, the vacuum motor oscillating a sanding pad. A hollow extension rod has a first end configured to be pivotally attached to the sander assembly and a second end configured to be attached to the body and configured to provide fluid communication between an outlet of the sander plate and the dust collection bin. A controller is configured to control power from a power source and provide it to at least one of the sander motor and the vacuum motor according to operation of the motor controls. The vacuum motor can create a vacuum in the body that draws dust at a sanding surface of the sanding pad, moves the dust through the extension rod, and draws the dust into the dust collection bin.

Description

Relevant application data

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 547,224, filed November 3, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Generally speaking, the present invention relates to an electric rod sand mill assembly, and more particularly to a cordless electric rod sand mill having a vacuum function for collecting dust. Background Technology

[0003] Rod sanders are used to smooth and finish drywall or drywall. Rod sanders typically include at least a sanding head attached to a rod to allow the user to reach areas such as the top of a wall or ceiling. Some rod sanders are powered. These motorized rod sanders typically have a circular, rotating sanding disc mounted to the end of the rod that removes material from the drywall surface. Due to the shape of the sanding disc and the housing surrounding it, the circular sanding head cannot reach the corners of the wall. Because sanding drywall generates a significant amount of dust, a dust collection system is used in conjunction with the rod sander. Typically, a workshop vacuum unit or other vacuum system is connected to the rod sander using a vacuum hose to collect dust and minimize dust remaining in the air or on the surface after the sanding process. For the user, positioning and controlling the rod sander while simultaneously dragging the workshop vacuum unit can be quite cumbersome. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a sanding apparatus may include: a sanding mill assembly having a sanding mill motor mounted to a sanding plate; and a body including a vacuum motor, a dust collection box, and motor controls. The sanding apparatus may include a hollow extension rod having a first end configured to be pivotally attached to the sanding mill assembly and a second end configured to be attached to the body, and configured to provide fluid communication between the outlet of the sanding mill plate and the dust collection box. The sanding apparatus may include: a power supply; and a controller configured to control power from the power supply and provide it to at least one of the sanding mill motor and the vacuum motor according to operation of the motor controls. The vacuum motor may be configured to generate a vacuum in the body that draws in dust at the sanding surface of the sanding pad, causing the dust to move through the extension rod and be drawn into the dust collection box.

[0005] In another embodiment, a sanding apparatus may include a sanding pad comprising a sanding surface and a mounting surface opposite the sanding surface. The sanding apparatus may include a sanding mill assembly including a sanding mill motor connected to a sanding plate. The sanding plate may be removably connected to the mounting surface of the sanding pad. The sanding apparatus may include a body comprising a vacuum motor, a dust collection box, and motor controls. A hollow extension rod may have a first end configured to be pivotally attached to the body of the sanding mill assembly and a second end configured to be attached to the body, and is configured to provide fluid communication between the outlet of the sanding mill plate and the dust collection box. The sanding apparatus may include a power source; and a controller configured to control power from the power source and provide it to at least one of the sanding mill motor and the vacuum motor based on operation of the motor controls. The vacuum motor may be configured to create a vacuum in the body that draws in dust at the sanding surface of the sanding pad, moves the dust through the extension rod, and draws the dust into the dust collection box.

[0006] In another embodiment, a sanding apparatus may include a sanding pad comprising a sanding surface configured to hold a piece of sandpaper and a mounting surface opposite the sanding surface. The sanding pad may include: at least one corner; a vacuum port extending from the sanding surface to the mounting surface; and a plurality of grooves extending partially from the sanding surface into the sanding pad and extending outwardly from at least one vacuum port on the sanding surface. The sanding apparatus may include a sander assembly including a sander motor within a sander body. The sander motor may be mounted to the mounting surface of the sanding pad. The sander motor may be configured to oscillate the sanding pad along at least one of a first linear axis or a second linear axis perpendicular to the first linear axis. The sanding apparatus may include a body comprising a vacuum motor, a selectively removable dust collection box, and motor controls. The hollow extension rod may have a first end configured to be pivotally attached to at least one of the mounting surface of the sanding pad or a sanding mill assembly, and a second end configured to be attached to the sanding mill body, and configured to provide fluid communication between the sanding mill plate and the dust collection box. The sanding device may include: a rechargeable power supply; and a controller configured to control power from the power supply and provide it to at least one of a sanding mill motor or a vacuum motor based on operation of motor controls. The vacuum motor may be configured to generate a vacuum in the body that draws in dust from the sanding surface of the sanding pad through a plurality of grooves, causing the dust to move through the extension rod and be drawn into a dust collection box that can be selectively removed.

[0007] These and other objects of the invention will become apparent when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, detailed description, and appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The present invention may take the physical form of certain parts and arrangements of parts, the preferred embodiments of which will be described in detail in the specification and shown in the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification, and wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an exemplary sand mill apparatus with vacuum functionality.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a side view of an exemplary sander assembly positioned against a wall.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a front view of an exemplary sand mill apparatus.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a top perspective view of an exemplary sander head attached to an extension rod.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a top perspective view of an exemplary sander head attached to an extension rod.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a side perspective view of an exemplary sand mill apparatus.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a top perspective view of an exemplary sanding pad.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a top view of an exemplary sanding pad.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a bottom view of an exemplary sanding pad.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a top perspective view of an exemplary sanding pad.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a top view of an exemplary sanding pad.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a bottom view of an exemplary sanding pad. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems associated with a sanding apparatus having vacuum functionality. The sanding apparatus may have a sanding head attached to the body of the sanding apparatus via a hollow extension rod. The sanding head includes a square or rectangular sanding pad, which allows the sanding head to reach corners of walls. The body of the sanding apparatus includes a vacuum assembly, integrating the dust collection system and the sanding apparatus into a single device. Therefore, when using a stick sander, the user of the sanding apparatus will no longer be hindered by a separate dust collection vacuum device. Additionally, the sanding apparatus may be powered by a replaceable and rechargeable battery that powers both the sanding head on the sanding head and the vacuum assembly in the body. Thus, the sanding apparatus is cordless and does not rely on a separate workshop vacuum system. The disclosed sander minimizes the impact of the weight of the sanding head at the end of the extension rod by providing a more balanced design and improves the user's ability to hold and position the sander.

[0022] Referring to the accompanying drawings, in several views, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts. However, including the same element in different views does not mean that a given embodiment must include such an element, or that all embodiments of the invention include such an element. The examples and drawings are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the invention, which is to be measured by the scope and spirit of the claims.

[0023] Now go to Figures 1 to 2 The following discussion will focus on a sand mill 10. The sand mill 10 has a sand mill head 12 connected to a body 14 via an extension rod 20. The sand mill head 12 has a sand mill assembly 16, which includes a sand mill motor 52 and a sand mill plate 52, described in further detail below. The body 14 has a vacuum assembly 18, which includes a vacuum motor 80 and a vacuum chamber 82, described in further detail below. The body 14 may also include a controller 64 configured to operate the vacuum motor 80 and the sand mill motor 52, as described in further detail below. In one embodiment, the controller 64 may be a simple control circuit. In other embodiments, the controller 64 may be implemented using a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The controller 64 may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the controller 64 may be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The controller 64 can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, a multi-core processor, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0024] The extension rod 20 has a first end 22 configured to attach to the mill head 12 and a second end 24 configured to attach to the body 14. In some embodiments, the extension rod 20 may be hollow to minimize weight and allow fluid communication between the mill assembly 16 and the vacuum assembly 18. Figure 2 As illustrated, the extension rod 20 may have a length that allows a user to reach multiple areas of the wall. For example, the extension rod 20 may be long enough to allow a user to reach the top of the wall, the bottom of the wall, and the ceiling from the same standing position. In some embodiments, the extension rod 20 may have a fixed length. In other embodiments, the extension rod 20 may be telescopic or extendable to allow different ranges of access. Alternatively, the extension rod 20 may be configured to be selectively removable to allow multiple extension rods 20 of different lengths to be used with the sander 10. Additionally, the selectively removable extension rod 20 allows the sander 10 to be easily disassembled and transported when not in use. To provide more control when moving and positioning the sander 10, the extension rod 20 may have one or more handles 26a, 26b disposed between the first end 22 and the second end 24. The extension rod 20 may be made of metal (such as aluminum), composite material, polymer, or any other suitable material.

[0025] The sander head 12 has a sanding pad 30 with a sanding surface 32 and a mounting surface 34 opposite the sanding surface 32. The sanding pad 30 may be rectangular to allow the sander head 12 to sand in the corners of walls. Alternatively, the sanding pad 30 may be circular, triangular, teardrop-shaped, irregular pentagonal (e.g., house-shaped), or any other suitable shape. Thus, it will be understood that the sanding pad 30 may have at least one corner to allow the sander head 12 to reach the inner corners of walls. The rectangular sanding pad 30 may have a width of 9 inches and a length of 11 inches to allow it to receive a standard piece of sandpaper. The sandpaper may be attached to the sanding surface 32 of the sanding pad 30 by clamps, hook-and-loop fasteners, adhesives, or any other suitable fastening components.

[0026] Now go to Figures 3 to 6 The grinding head 12 may also have a connector 36 configured to connect the grinding head 12 to the first end 22 of the extension rod 20. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5As illustrated, the connector 36 can be configured to pivotally attach to the mounting surface 34 of the sanding pad 30. Alternatively, the connector 36 can be pivotally attached to the sander assembly 16. The connector 36 can be attached to the mounting surface 34 at the center or center of mass of the sander head 12, thus ensuring adequate balance of the sander head 12 at the end of the extension rod 20 to aid in positioning the sander head 12 during operation of the sander. The connector 36 can be fork-shaped, arc-shaped, semi-circular, or rib-shaped, such that it attaches to two points on the mounting surface 34 of the sanding pad 30. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 36 includes an arcuate mounting portion and a corresponding receptacle directly or indirectly connected to the first end 22 of the extension rod 20. The arcuate mounting portion may be configured to be fixed within the receptacle, or alternatively, the arcuate mounting portion may slide within the receptacle, allowing the sanding pad 30 to pivot about the receptacle. It should be understood that the connector 36 may have any number of mounting arms selected using reasonable engineering judgment, and each mounting arm may be mounted at a corresponding position on the mounting surface 34 or on the sander assembly 16. Alternatively, the connector 36 may be a universal mount attached to the mounting surface 34 or the sander assembly 16.

[0027] The sand mill assembly 16 has a sand mill housing 50 and a sand mill motor 52 disposed within the sand mill housing 50. The sand mill assembly 16 also includes a sand mill plate 54 coupled to the output of the sand mill motor 52. The sand mill motor 52 is configured to cause the sand mill plate 54 to oscillate rapidly. This oscillating motion, unlike a rotating sanding head, allows the sand mill head 12 to contact a corner of a wall. For example, the sand mill motor 52 may be configured to cause the sand mill plate 54 to oscillate along a first linear axis, along a second linear axis perpendicular to the first linear axis, or alternately along both the first and second linear axes. The sand mill plate 54 is also configured to be coupled to a sand mill assembly mount 38 on a sanding pad 30. The sand mill motor 52 may be a brushless motor or a brushed motor. The sand mill housing 50 may include ventilation holes to prevent the sand mill motor from overheating. The sand mill housing 50 can be configured to be pivotally coupled to the connector 36 to attach the sand mill head 12 to the first end 22 of the extension rod 20. In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As illustrated, the sand mill assembly 16 may have integrated dust collection functionality provided by an orifice extending through the sand mill plate 54 and corresponding to a vacuum port 44 in the sand mill pad 30, and communicating with a hose mount 46 disposed on the sand mill housing 50. A hose 48 provides communication from the hose mount 46 on the sand mill housing 50 to a first end 22 of the extension rod 20. In another embodiment, the sand mill assembly 16 may not have a sand mill plate 54, and the sand mill pad 30 may be directly coupled to the output of the sand mill motor 52 using at least one sand mill assembly mount 38 of the sand mill pad 30.

[0028] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the main body 14 has a main body housing 60 with a body grip 62. The body grip 62 can be configured to provide ergonomic operation of the sander 10. The user can control the sander 10 with both hands by holding the body grip 62 with one hand and the handle 26 on the extension rod 20 with the other. Figure 1 As shown, the vacuum assembly 18 and the controller 64 are housed within the main housing 60. The power supply 66 is configured to provide power to the controller 64.

[0029] The housing 60 may also include a vacuum control 68 and a sander control 70 disposed on or near the body grip 62. When actuated, the vacuum control 68 and the sander control 70 provide power to the vacuum assembly 18 and the sander assembly 16, respectively, via the controller 64. The vacuum control 68 and the sander control 70 may be buttons, sliders, triggers, or any other suitable switching mechanism. The vacuum control 68 and the sander control 70 may be simple on / off switches. Alternatively, they may be switches with multiple power levels or modes or switches with variable power levels or modes. The vacuum control 68 and the sander control 70 may be coupled to a trigger. The trigger may be configured such that when the trigger is pressed, the controller 64 operates the vacuum motor 80 and the sander motor 52. The controller 64 may be configured to provide variable power to the vacuum motor 80 and the sander motor 52 according to the depth to which the trigger is pressed. Alternatively, the vacuum control 68 and the sander control 70 may be actuated individually and independently of each other. For example, in one operating mode, only the vacuum control 68 can be in the ON position, and only the vacuum assembly 18 can be energized. In another operating mode, only the mill control 70 can be in the ON position, and only the mill assembly 16 can be energized. In yet another operating mode, both the vacuum control 68 and the mill control 70 can be in the ON position, and both the vacuum assembly 18 and the mill assembly 16 can be energized. Alternatively, both the vacuum assembly and the mill assembly can be energized and de-energized by a single control element (e.g., a single switch, slider, knob, button, etc.). In yet another embodiment, the mill control 70 may include a control for switching between an oscillating milling mode and a track-type milling mode.

[0030] To supply power to the components of the sand mill 10, the controller 64 receives power from the power supply 66 and receives control signals as input from the vacuum control 68 and the sand mill control 70, such as... Figure 1 As illustrated, based on the positions of the vacuum control and the sand mill control, the controller is configured to output power and / or control signals to the sand mill motor 52 and / or the vacuum motor 80 to place the sand mill 10 into one of the operating modes described above.

[0031] To simplify the operation of the sand mill 10, it can be cordless, such as... Figure 6 As shown in the embodiment, the power source 66 may be a rechargeable battery configured to be selectively removable from the main body housing 60. The rechargeable battery may be a lithium-ion battery or any other suitable battery commonly used with cordless power tools. Alternatively, the sander 10 may include a power cord that receives power from a standard wall socket. The removable battery may be positioned on the main body housing such that it effectively serves as a counterweight for the sander head 12 on the first end 22 of the extension rod 20. The battery effectively positions the center of mass of the sander 10 such that it is located in a position that balances the sander 10 and improves the ease of operation of the sander 10. It will be understood that the location of the power source 66 can be determined and optimized through reasonable engineering judgment. The power source 66 may provide power to both the vacuum assembly 18 in the main body 14 and the sander assembly 16 on the sander head 12. In this configuration, the sander head 12 does not require a battery, and therefore the weight of the sander head 12 can be effectively minimized, thereby improving the handling and operation of the sander 10. To supply power from the power supply 66 and / or controller 64 in the main body 14 to the sand mill assembly 16, the extension rod 20 may include internal wiring, integrated wiring, or wiring connected to the outside of the extension rod 20, extending from the second end 24 of the extension rod 20 to the first end 22 of the extension rod 20. The location and routing of any wiring on or within the extension rod 20 can be determined by reasonable engineering judgment. Alternatively, the sand mill assembly 16 may have its own power supply 66. For example, both the vacuum assembly 18 and the sand mill assembly 16 may have their own independent batteries. In this configuration, it is not necessary to run or connect wires to the extension rod 20. The sand mill head 12 may also include an LED light (not shown), which is also powered by the power supply 66 via the controller 64, to illuminate the working area when the sand mill 10 is in use.

[0032] To provide vacuum suction for collecting dust from the sand mill, a vacuum assembly 18 is disposed within the main housing 60, such as... Figure 1As shown. Vacuum assembly 18 includes a vacuum motor 80 configured to communicate with vacuum chamber 82. For example, vacuum motor 80 may have a fan disposed in or communicate with vacuum chamber 82, which generates vacuum suction in vacuum chamber 82. In some embodiments, vacuum motor may be a brushless motor or a brushed motor. Vacuum chamber 82 has an inlet 84 extending through body housing 60 and configured to be coupled to and communicate with a second end 24 of extension rod 20. Vacuum chamber 82 also includes an air discharge section 86 for discharging air from body housing 60 and a particle discharge section 88 for discharging physical particles into a dust collection box 90 attached to body housing 60. Dust collection box 90 may be selectively removable from body housing 60 to allow a user to dispose of dust in dust collection box 90 when it is full. Particle separator 92 in vacuum chamber 82 removes physical particles from the airflow generated by vacuum suction in vacuum chamber 82, and particle discharge section 88 guides physical particles into dust collection box 90. Particle separators can be filters such as HEPA, filter cloth, cartridge or foam filters, cyclone separators or any other suitable particle separator that can remove small particles such as dust from an airflow.

[0033] Now go to Figures 7 to 12 The mounting surface 34 of the sanding pad 30 has one or more sander assembly mounts 38 for attaching a sander assembly 16 to the sanding pad 30. The sander assembly mounts 38 may include bolt patterns configured to correspond to bolt patterns on the sander assembly 16. To provide rigidity to the sanding pad 30, a plurality of support ribs 40 may extend upward from the mounting surface 34. The support ribs 40 may extend around the periphery of the sanding pad 30 and may be evenly distributed on the mounting surface 34 of the sanding pad 30. The support ribs 40 keep the sanding pad 30 sufficiently flat and prevent the sanding pad 30 from deflecting to maintain maximum surface contact with the wall during operation of the sander 10. In one embodiment, the support ribs 40 may include one or more circular or partially circular ribs with an increased diameter. In another embodiment, the support ribs 40 may include one or more linear ribs extending outward from a point on the mounting surface 34 toward the periphery of the mounting surface 34. In some embodiments, the support rib 40 may include one or more of a combination of circular ribs, partially circular ribs, or linear ribs, such as... Figures 7 to 8 and Figures 10 to 11 exemplified.

[0034] To facilitate dust collection, the abrasive pad 30 has multiple dust channels 42 in the abrasive surface 32, such as... Figure 9 and Figure 12As illustrated. The abrasive pad 30 may also include at least one vacuum port 44 extending from the abrasive surface 32 through the abrasive pad 30 to the mounting surface 34. At least one hose mount 46 may extend from the mounting surface 34, aligned with and communicating with the vacuum port 44 corresponding to the hose mount 46. Each of a plurality of dust channels 42 communicates with at least one vacuum port 44. Additionally, the dust channels 42 may extend from at least one vacuum port 44 and be uniformly distributed on the abrasive surface 32 to maximize dust collection over the entire surface area of ​​the abrasive surface 32. In one embodiment, as... Figure 9 As shown, the abrasive surface 32 may include at least two vacuum ports 44 arranged on opposite halves of the abrasive pad 30. Linearly arranged dust channels 42 in the abrasive surface 32 may extend outward from each vacuum port 44 in a star or asterisk shape, such that each dust channel 42 leads to its corresponding vacuum port 44. Figure 9 As shown, multiple dust channels 42 are in fluid communication with a common vacuum port 44. In other words, the dust channels 42 can share the vacuum port 44. In another embodiment, as... Figure 12 As shown, each dust channel 42 can lead to its own vacuum port 44. In such embodiments, each vacuum port 44 specific to each dust channel 42 can be connected to the same hose mount 46. Alternatively, each vacuum port 44 can correspond to its own hose mount 46. Although the linear dust channels 42 are shown in a star or asterisk shape, it should be understood that the dust channels 42 can also be arranged non-linearly and in other shapes. By way of example and not limitation, the dust channels 42 can be arranged in spiral patterns, spiral patterns, zigzag patterns, curved patterns, random patterns, etc. To further maximize dust collection on the surface area of ​​the sanding surface 32, secondary dust channels (not shown) can branch off from the main dust channel 42 communicating with at least one vacuum port 44. To allow dust to enter the dust channels 42, the sandpaper can be made to include holes or slots aligned with the dust channels 42. Alternatively, a perforated plate (not shown) can be punched in a standard sandpaper sheet to create holes aligned with the dust channels 42. The hose 48 is configured to be attached to at least one hose mount 46 at one end and to a first end 22 of the extension rod 20 at the other end. The hose 48 provides fluid communication from a vacuum port 44 at one end to the extension rod 20 at the other end. Figure 4 As illustrated, in an embodiment having more than one vacuum port 44 and more than one hose mount 46, the hose 48 may include fittings 49 for connecting multiple hose sections connected to more than one hose mount 46.

[0035] The sander 10 typically operates by placing both sets of controls in the ON position, thereby energizing the sander assembly 16 and the vacuum assembly 18 using the sander control 70 and vacuum control 68, respectively. It should be understood that in some embodiments, a single control can be used to control both the sander motor 52 and the vacuum motor 80. Power 66 supplies power to the sander motor 52 via the controller 64, causing the sander plate 54 and the sanding pad 30 to oscillate. The user can place the sanding surface 32, with a piece of sandpaper attached, against a wall, such as... Figure 2 As shown. The oscillating motion of the sanding pad 30 will cause the sandpaper to remove material from the wall, which will generate dust. The power supply 66 will also supply power to the vacuum motor 80, thereby creating a vacuum in the vacuum chamber 82. The resulting airflow will flow from the sander head 12 through the extension rod 20 to the vacuum chamber 82 and out of the air exhaust section 86. Specifically, the dust generated by the oscillation of the sanding pad 30 will be drawn into the dust channel 42 (e.g., through the vacuum port 44 of the sanding pad 30 and the hose mounting part 46) by the suction airflow. Figure 9 and Figure 12 (As shown). The dust-laden airflow continues through the hose 48, which communicates with the hose fitting 46, to the first end 22 of the extension rod 20. The dust-laden airflow moves from the first end 22 of the extension rod 20 to the second end 24 of the extension rod 20, where the extension rod communicates with the vacuum inlet 84. The dust-laden airflow passes through the particle separator 92. Dust particles are removed from the airflow and collected in the dust collection box 90, and clean air is discharged from the air exhaust section 86. In some embodiments, the vacuum motor 80 may be configured to generate sufficient suction at the sander head 12 such that when the sanding surface 32 is placed against the wall, the sander head 12 is sucked tightly against the wall. In these embodiments, the suction force of the sander head 12 against the wall reduces the weight of the sander 10 felt by the user holding the sander 10, thus reducing the likelihood of muscle fatigue for the user.

[0036] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a sanding apparatus may include: a sanding mill assembly having a sanding mill motor mounted to a sanding plate; and a body including a vacuum motor, a dust collection box, and motor controls. The sanding apparatus may include a hollow extension rod having a first end configured to be pivotally attached to the sanding mill assembly and a second end configured to be attached to the body, and configured to provide fluid communication between an outlet of the sanding mill plate and the dust collection box. The sanding apparatus may include: a power supply; and a controller configured to control power from the power supply and provide it to at least one of the sanding mill motor and the vacuum motor based on operation of the motor controls. The vacuum motor may be configured to generate a vacuum in the body that draws in dust at the sanding surface of the sanding pad, moves the dust through the extension rod, and draws the dust into the dust collection box.

[0037] In the example, the sanding device may also include a sanding pad having a sanding surface and a mounting surface opposite the sanding surface, wherein the mounting surface is configured to be removably attached to the sanding plate.

[0038] In another example, the sanding pad is rectangular.

[0039] In another example, the sanding pad is 9 inches by 11 inches.

[0040] In another example, the power source is a selectively removable and rechargeable battery.

[0041] In another example, the sander pad also includes at least one vacuum port extending from the sanding surface through the sander pad to the mounting surface, wherein the vacuum port is in fluid communication with a first end of the extension rod.

[0042] In another example, the sand mill pad also includes a plurality of grooves that extend outward from at least one vacuum port and partially extend from the sand mill surface into the sand mill pad.

[0043] In another example, the first portion of the multiple grooves is linear and extends outward from the center of the abrasive pad, and the second portion of the multiple grooves is circular.

[0044] In another example, the dustbin is selectively removable.

[0045] In another example, the extension rod is selectively removable, and the outlet of the sand mill plate is in direct fluid communication with the dust collection box.

[0046] In another example, the extension rod is telescopic.

[0047] In another example, the extension rod includes wiring within it to provide electrical communication between the body and the main body and the sand mill assembly.

[0048] In another example, the first end of the extension rod is pivotally connected to the mounting surface of the sanding pad.

[0049] In another example, the first end of the extension rod is pivotally connected to the body of the sand mill assembly.

[0050] In another example, the sand milling apparatus also includes a sand mill control, wherein the motor control is configured to change the operation of the vacuum motor, and the sand mill control is configured to change the operation of the sand mill motor.

[0051] In another example, the mounting surface also includes support ribs extending upward from the mounting surface, wherein the support ribs extend around the periphery of the mounting surface and are evenly distributed around the mounting surface.

[0052] According to another aspect, a sanding apparatus may include a sanding pad comprising a sanding surface and a mounting surface opposite the sanding surface. The sanding apparatus may include a sanding mill assembly including a sanding mill motor connected to a sanding plate. The sanding plate may be removably connected to the mounting surface of the sanding pad. The sanding apparatus may include a body comprising a vacuum motor, a dust collection box, and motor controls. A hollow extension rod may have a first end configured to be pivotally attached to the body of the sanding mill assembly and a second end configured to be attached to the body, and configured to provide fluid communication between the outlet of the sanding mill plate and the dust collection box. The sanding apparatus may include a power source; and a controller configured to control power from the power source and provide it to at least one of the sanding mill motor and the vacuum motor based on operation of the motor controls. The vacuum motor may be configured to generate a vacuum in the body that draws in dust at the sanding surface of the sanding pad, moves the dust through the extension rod, and draws the dust into the dust collection box.

[0053] In another example, the sanding pad is rectangular.

[0054] In another example, the sander pad further includes: at least one vacuum port extending from the sander surface through the sander pad to the mounting surface; and a plurality of grooves extending partially from the sander surface into the sander pad and extending outward from the at least one vacuum port on the sander surface, wherein the vacuum port is in fluid communication with a first end of the extension rod.

[0055] In another aspect, a sanding apparatus may include a sanding pad comprising a sanding surface configured to hold a piece of sandpaper and a mounting surface opposite the sanding surface. The sanding pad may include: at least one corner; a vacuum port extending from the sanding surface to the mounting surface; and a plurality of grooves extending partially from the sanding surface into the sanding pad and extending outwardly from at least one vacuum port on the sanding surface. The sanding apparatus may include a sander assembly including a sander motor within a sander body. The sander motor may be mounted to the mounting surface of the sanding pad. The sander motor may be configured to oscillate the sanding pad along at least one of a first linear axis or a second linear axis perpendicular to the first linear axis. The sanding apparatus may include a body comprising a vacuum motor, a selectively removable dust collection box, and motor controls. The hollow extension rod may have a first end configured to be pivotally attached to at least one of the mounting surface of the sanding pad or a sanding mill assembly, and a second end configured to be attached to the sanding mill body, and configured to provide fluid communication between the sanding mill plate and the dust collection box. The sanding device may include: a rechargeable power supply; and a controller configured to control power from the power supply and provide it to at least one of a sanding mill motor or a vacuum motor based on operation of motor controls. The vacuum motor may be configured to generate a vacuum in the body that draws in dust from the sanding surface of the sanding pad through a plurality of grooves, causing the dust to move through the extension rod and be drawn into a dust collection box that can be selectively removed.

[0056] The aforementioned systems, components (e.g., motors, hoses, housings, etc.) have been described with respect to the interactions between several parts and / or elements. It should be understood that such devices and elements may include those elements or sub-elements specified herein, some of the specified elements or sub-elements, and / or additional elements. Furthermore, one or more elements and / or sub-elements may be combined into a single component to provide aggregate functionality. These elements may also interact with one or more other elements not specifically described herein.

[0057] While the implementations discussed herein are related to the devices, systems and methods discussed above, these implementations are intended to be exemplary and are not intended to limit the applicability of these implementations to those discussed only herein.

[0058] The examples above illustrate only a few possible embodiments of various aspects of the invention, and equivalent changes and / or modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification and the drawings. In particular, with respect to the various functions performed by the aforementioned components (components, devices, systems, circuits, etc.), unless otherwise specified, the terminology used to describe such components (including references to “component”) is intended to correspond to any component, such as hardware, software, or combinations thereof, that performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., functionally equivalent), even if it is not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure that performs the function shown in the specific embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, while specific features of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such features may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Moreover, to the extent to which the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “with,” or variations thereof are used in the specific embodiments and / or claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

[0059] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also enables those skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any combination of methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they comprise equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

[0060] In the specification and claims, reference will be made to several terms having the following meanings. The singular forms “an,” “a,” and “the” include multiple referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used throughout the specification and claims, approximate language may be applied to modify quantitative expressions that can be permissibly varied without causing a change in the essential function associated with them. Thus, values ​​modified by terms such as “about” are not limited to the specified precise values. In some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically stated, the use of the terms “first,” “second,” etc., does not indicate order or importance, but rather the terms “first,” “second,” etc., are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0061] As used herein, the terms “may” and “may” indicate a possibility of occurring within a set of circumstances; possessing the specified property, characteristic, or function; and / or defining one verb by expressing one or more of the properties, capabilities, or possibilities associated with the verb being defined. Thus, the use of “may” and “may” indicates that the modified term is clearly appropriate, capable, or suitable for the indicated capability, function, or use, while taking into account that in some cases the modified term may sometimes be inappropriate, incapable, or unsuitable. For example, in some cases an event or capability may be anticipated, while in others it may not occur—this distinction is captured by the terms “may” and “may”.

[0062] The best mode for carrying out the invention has been described, intended to illustrate the best mode known to the applicant at the time and to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using the apparatus or system and performing the combined methods. These examples are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the invention as measured by the scope and advantages of the claims. The invention has been described with respect to preferred and alternative embodiments. It is obvious that others will conceive of modifications and alterations upon reading and understanding the specification. All such modifications and alterations are intended to be included, provided they fall within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples conceived by those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not distinguishable from the literal language of the claims, or if they comprise equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A sanding apparatus, the sanding apparatus comprising: A sand mill assembly, the sand mill assembly including a sand mill motor mounted to a sand mill plate; The main body includes a vacuum motor, a dust collection box, and motor control components; A hollow extension rod having a first end configured to be pivotally attached to the sand mill assembly and a second end configured to be attached to the body, and configured to provide fluid communication between the outlet of the sand mill plate and the dust collection box; power supply; and A controller configured to control power from the power source and supply it to at least one of the sand mill motor and the vacuum motor based on the operation of the motor control. The vacuum motor is configured to generate a vacuum in the body, which draws in dust on the abrasive surface of the abrasive pad, moves the dust through the extension rod, and draws the dust into the dust collection box.

2. The sanding apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a sanding pad, the sanding pad including a sanding surface and a mounting surface opposite the sanding surface, wherein the mounting surface is configured to be removably attached to the sanding plate.

3. The sanding apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the sanding pad is rectangular.

4. The sanding apparatus of claim 3, wherein the sanding pad is 9 inches × 11 inches.

5. The sanding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power source is a selectively removable and rechargeable battery.

6. The sanding apparatus of claim 2, wherein the sanding pad further comprises at least one vacuum port extending from the sanding surface through the sanding pad to the mounting surface, wherein the vacuum port is in fluid communication with the first end of the extension rod.

7. The sand milling apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the sand mill pad further comprises a plurality of grooves extending outward from the at least one vacuum port and partially extending from the sand milling surface into the sand milling pad.

8. The sanding apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first portion of the plurality of grooves is linear and extends outward from the center of the sanding pad, and the second portion of the plurality of grooves is circular.

9. The sanding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dust collection box is selectively removable.

10. The sand milling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the extension rod is selectively removable, and the outlet of the sand mill plate is in direct fluid communication with the dust collection box.

11. The sanding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the extension rod is telescopic.

12. The sanding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the extension rod includes wiring within the extension rod to provide electrical communication between the body and the main body and the sanding mill assembly.

13. The sanding apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first end of the extension rod is pivotally connected to the mounting surface of the sanding pad.

14. The sand milling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first end of the extension rod is pivotally connected to the body of the sand mill assembly.

15. The sand milling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sand mill control, wherein the motor control is configured to change the operation of the vacuum motor, and the sand mill control is configured to change the operation of the sand mill motor.

16. The sanding apparatus of claim 2, wherein the mounting surface further includes support ribs extending upward from the mounting surface, wherein the support ribs extend around the periphery of the mounting surface and are evenly distributed around the mounting surface.

17. A sanding apparatus, the sanding apparatus comprising: A sanding pad, the sanding pad including a sanding surface and a mounting surface opposite to the sanding surface; A sand mill assembly, the sand mill assembly including a sand mill motor connected to a sand mill plate, the sand mill plate being removably connected to the mounting surface of the sand mill pad; The main body includes a vacuum motor, a dust collection box, and motor control components; A hollow extension rod having a first end configured to be pivotally attached to the body of the sand mill assembly and a second end configured to be attached to the body, and configured to provide fluid communication between the outlet of the sand mill plate and the dust collection box; power supply; and A controller configured to control power from the power source and supply it to at least one of the sand mill motor and the vacuum motor based on the operation of the motor control. The vacuum motor is configured to generate a vacuum in the body, which draws in dust from the abrasive surface of the abrasive pad, moves the dust through the extension rod, and draws the dust into the dust collection box.

18. The sanding apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the sanding pad is rectangular.

19. The sand milling apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the sand mill pad further comprises: At least one vacuum port extends from the sanding surface through the sanding pad to the mounting surface; and a plurality of grooves, the plurality of grooves extending partially from the abrasive surface into the abrasive pad and extending outward from the at least one vacuum port on the abrasive surface, wherein the vacuum port is in fluid communication with the first end of the extension rod.

20. A sanding apparatus, the sanding apparatus comprising: A sanding pad, the sanding pad including a sanding surface configured to hold a piece of sandpaper and a mounting surface opposite the sanding surface, the sanding pad having at least one corner; A vacuum port extending from the sanded surface to the mounting surface; and multiple grooves, the multiple grooves extending partially from the abrasive surface into the abrasive pad, and extending outward from at least one vacuum port on the abrasive surface; A sand mill assembly, the sand mill assembly including a sand mill motor within a sand mill body, the sand mill motor being mounted to the mounting surface of the sand mill pad, the sand mill motor being configured to cause the sand mill pad to oscillate along at least one of a first linear axis or a second linear axis perpendicular to the first linear axis; The main body includes a vacuum motor, a selectively removable dust collection box, and motor controls; A hollow extension rod having a first end configured to be pivotally attached to at least one of the mounting surface of the sanding pad or the sand mill assembly and a second end configured to be attached to the sand mill body, and configured to provide fluid communication between the sand mill plate and the dust collection box; Rechargeable power supply; and A controller configured to control and supply power from the power source to at least one of the sand mill motor or the vacuum motor based on the operation of the motor control. The vacuum motor is configured to generate a vacuum in the body, which draws in dust from the abrasive surface of the abrasive pad through the plurality of grooves, moves the dust through the extension rod, and draws the dust into the selectively removable dust collection box.

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