Wet sanding sponge; system and method for storing and using same

Abstract

A wet sanding sponge comprises a portion of sponge or foam having sandpaper sewn thereto. Sponge or foam used in the invention may be natural or man-made. Applicant's wet sanding sponges may be selected to float in water or another lubricant by selecting a form or sponge of appropriate density. Man-made sponge preferably is an open-cell foam with a density lower than the density of water. The sandpaper should be sandpaper that may be used in water or lubricant without degrading, such as conventional water-resistant sandpaper. A method for storing and using the wet sanding sponge may include the use of a vessel containing lubricant along with one or more of the wet sanding sponges. The vessel may include a separator for reducing particulates in the lubricant.

1 . An article of manufacture comprising: 
 a base, said base being a portion of base material selected from the following materials: 
 natural sponge;  
 man-made sponge; and  
 open-cell foam;  
   a water-resistant sandpaper secured to said base; and    a piece of thread passing through said water-resistant sandpaper and through said pad in repeating fashion;    wherein said article of manufacture has a density less than the density of water.    
   
   
       2 . A system for sanding, comprising: 
 a wet sanding sponge, said wet sanding sponge being an article of manufacture according to  claim 1;     a lubricant for use in sanding a surface with said wet sanding sponge; and    a vessel capable of containing at least an amount of said lubricant sufficient to permit said wet sanding sponge to float therein.    
   
   
       3 . A method for sanding, comprising: 
 providing a system for sanding according to  claim 2;     placing said lubricant and said wet sanding sponge in said vessel; and then    removing said wet sanding sponge from said vessel; and then sanding a surface with said wet sanding sponge; and then    placing said wet sanding sponge into said vessel containing said lubricant a second time.    
   
   
       4 . A system for sanding according to  claim 2 , further comprising: 
 a separator placed within said vessel, said separator being an apparatus for separating particulate dispersed in a liquid from the major volume of the liquid by entrapping most of the particulate in the bottom of a receptacle for holding the liquid, comprising:    a substantially cylindrical member formed of a flexible material and having a top annulus and a bottom annulus, said cylindrical member adaptable for nesting in vertical disposition in a receptacle and conformable to the interior wall of the receptacle, said top annulus of said cylindrical member adaptable for being submerged below the surface of said liquid and having at least one opening; and a concave surface for substantially horizontal disposition depending from said cylindrical member and integrally formed therewith, said concave surface having at least one opening to allow for the passage of particulate therethrough.    
   
   
       5 . An article of manufacture according to  claim 1 , wherein said article of manufacture has a density less than the density of water.  
   
   
       6 . An article of manufacture according to  claim 5 , wherein said article of manufacture is able to float in water after being wetted with water.  
   
   
       7 . An article of manufacture according to  claim 1 , wherein said base material is polyurethane foam.  
   
   
       8 . An article of manufacture according to  claim 1 , wherein said article of manufacture comprises a lubricant concentrate, said lubricant concentrate being a material soluble in water.  
   
   
       9 . An article of manufacture according to  claim 8 , wherein said lubricant concentrate is comprising at least one of the following materials: detergent, soap, and surfactant.  
   
   
       10 . A system according to  claim 2 , wherein said wet sanding sponge has a density less than the density of water.  
   
   
       11 . A system according to  claim 2 , wherein said wet sanding sponge is able to float in water after being wetted with water.  
   
   
       12 . A system according to  claim 2 , wherein said base material of said wet sanding sponge is polyurethane foam.  
   
   
       13 . A system according to  claim 4 , wherein said base material of said wet sanding sponge is polyurethane foam.  
   
   
       14 . A system according to  claim 4 , wherein said base material of said wet sanding sponge is polyurethane foam.  
   
   
       15 . A system according to  claim 2 , wherein said lubricant is a water solution of a material comprising at least one of the following materials: detergent, soap, and surfactant.  
   
   
       16 . A system according to  claim 2 , wherein said article of manufacture comprises a lubricant concentrate, said lubricant concentrate being a material soluble in water.  
   
   
       17 . A system according to  claim 16 , wherein said article of manufacture comprises a lubricant concentrate, said lubricant concentrate comprising at least one of the following materials: detergent, soap, and surfactant.  
   
   
       18 . A method according to  claim 3 , wherein said base material of said wet sanding sponge of said system for sanding is polyurethane foam.  
   
   
       19 . A method according to  claim 3 , wherein said wet sanding sponge of said system for sanding has a density less than the density of water.  
   
   
       20 . A method according to  claim 3 , further comprising at least one additional repetition of the following steps: 
 removing said wet sanding sponge from said vessel; and then    sanding a surface with said wet sanding sponge; and then    placing said wet sanding sponge into said vessel containing said lubricant.