Orbital sander with vertical handle

Abstract

An orbital sander having a housing defining an axis. A motor and output with a sanding element are aligned on said axis. The housing includes a power source as well as an activating member to energize and de-energize the sander. A handle is spaced from the housing and is substantially parallel to the axis. Further, additional gripping members may be positioned on the housing to provide multiple gripping surfaces.

1 . A orbital sander comprising: 
 a housing, said housing defining an axis, a motor in said housing;    an output member coupled with said motor, said output along said axis in said housing, said output member for receiving a sanding element;    a handle spaced from said housing, said handle having an overall parallel orientation to said axis.    
   
   
       2 . The orbital sander according to  claim 1 , wherein said housing has an axially aligned cylindrical portion and truncated conical portion adjacent said cylindrical portion and a gripping member positioned at the intersection of said cylindrical portion and said truncated conical portion.  
   
   
       3 . The orbital sander according to  claim 1 , wherein a gripping member surrounding a portion of said housing.  
   
   
       4 . The orbital sander according to  claim 1 , wherein a gripping member is positioned on an end of said housing opposing said output.  
   
   
       5 . The orbital sander according to  claim 3 , wherein a gripping member is positioned on an end of said housing opposing said output.  
   
   
       6 . The orbital sander according to  claim 4 , wherein said gripping member includes a gel portion.  
   
   
       7 . The orbital sander according to  claim 3 , wherein said gripping member being an elastomeric member providing a comfortable surface increasing feel.  
   
   
       8 . An orbital sander comprising: 
 a housing, said housing defining an axis with a pair of ends;    a motor positioned along said axis in said housing;    an output coupled with said motor for driving a sanding element;    a power source coupled with said motor;    an activation member coupled with said motor and said power source for energizing and de-energizing said motor which, in turn, drives said output; and    a gripping member surrounding said housing, said gripping member positioned between said ends of said housing.    
   
   
       9 . The sander according to  claim 8 , wherein said gripping member being an elastomeric member providing comfort and feel.  
   
   
       10 . The sander according to  claim 8 , wherein said gripping member being a continuous 360° around said housing.  
   
   
       11 . The sander according to  claim 8 , wherein said gripping member having an annular portion and an extending tail portion.  
   
   
       12 . The sander according to  claim 8 , wherein said housing having a cylindrical portion and a truncated conical portion with said gripping member at an intersection of said cylindrical and truncated conical portions.  
   
   
       13 . The sander according to  claim 12 , wherein said gripping member is positioned on said truncated conical portion.  
   
   
       14 . An orbital sander comprising: 
 a housing, said housing defining an axis with a pair of ends;    a motor positioned along said axis in said housing;    an output coupled with said motor for driving a sanding element;    a power source coupled with said motor;    an activation member coupled with said motor and said power source for energizing and de-energizing said motor which, in turn, drives said output; and    a plurality of gripping members coupled with said housing, at least one gripping member spaced from and positioned substantially parallel to said housing axis.    
   
   
       15 . The sander according to  claim 14 , wherein said one of said gripping members being a handle.  
   
   
       16 . The sander according to  claim 15 , wherein the others of said gripping members being on said housing.  
   
   
       17 . The orbital sander according to  claim 14 , wherein a gripping member surrounding a portion of said housing.  
   
   
       18 . The orbital sander according to  claim 14 , wherein a gripping member is positioned on an end of said housing opposing said output.