Device for removing an abrasive disk from a sanding pad

Abstract

A device for removing an abrasive disk from a rotary sander of the type having a disk-shaped sanding pad with upper and lower surfaces that are parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The device includes a frame having a pair of elongated guide rails secured to the frame. Each guide rail has an elongated guide surface adapted to abut against the upper surface of the sanding pad on opposite sides of the sanding pad. At least one blade is secured to the frame so that the blade lies in a plane parallel to the guide surfaces and is spaced from the guide surfaces by the predetermined distance corresponding to the thickness of the sanding pad. In use, the sanding pad is moved along the guide rails by a robot so that the upper surface of the sanding pad slides along the guide surfaces. In doing so, the blade engages the sanding pad between its lower surface and its attached abrasive disk thus removing the abrasive disk from the sanding pad.

I claim:  
     
         1 . In combination with a rotary sander having a disk-shaped sanding pad with an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper and lower surfaces of said sanding pad lying in parallel planes and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, an abrasive disk detachably secured to said lower surface of said sanding pad, a device for removing the abrasive disk from the lower surface of the sanding pad comprising: 
 a frame;    a pair of elongated guide rails secured to said frame, each guide rail having an elongated guide surface adapted to abut against the upper surface of the sanding pad on opposite sides thereof; and    at least one blade secured to said frame so that said at least one blade lies in a plane parallel to said guide surfaces and is spaced from said guide surfaces by said predetermined distance.    
     
     
         2 . The invention as defined in  claim 1  wherein said at least one blade comprises a pair of coplanar and adjacent blades.  
     
     
         3 . The invention as defined in  claim 1  wherein an edge of said blade is angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of said guide surfaces.  
     
     
         4 . The invention as defined in  claim 2  wherein an edge of each blade is angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of said guide surfaces.  
     
     
         5 . The invention as defined in  claim 4  wherein said guide rails have an entry end and an exit end and wherein said edges of said blades angle from said guide rails and towards said exit end of said guide rails.  
     
     
         6 . The invention as defined in  claim 1  wherein said frame includes a chute adjacent one end of said guide rails.  
     
     
         7 . The invention as defined in  claim 1  wherein said abrasive disk is secured to said lower surface of said sanding pad by hook and pile fasteners.  
     
     
         8 . The invention as defined in  claim 1  wherein said abrasive disk is secured to said lower surface of said sanding pad by a pressure sensitive adhesive.  
     
     
         9 . The invention as defined in  claim 1  wherein each guide rail includes an elongated side, said elongated sides conforming in shape to a side periphery of the sanding pad and spaced apart from each other by a distance substantially the same as a diameter of the sanding pad.