Sanding device and method

Abstract

A sanding device and associated methods are shown. Sanding devices shown include attached lighting devices and marking devices. In use, lighting devices attached to the sanding devices may be used to cast shadows on imperfections in a surface such as a wall. The marking devices may be optionally used to mark the imperfections for later attention.

1 . A sanding device, comprising:
 a sanding body, including at least one planar surface;   a light source attached to the sanding body and located above the at least one planar surface; and   an integrated marking device attached to the sanding body.   
     
     
         2 . The sanding device of  claim 1 , wherein the light source is an LED light source. 
     
     
         3 . The sanding device of  claim 1 , wherein the integrated marking device is optionally retractable within the sanding body. 
     
     
         4 . The sanding device of  claim 1 , wherein the integrated marking device includes a graphite marking material. 
     
     
         5 . The sanding device of  claim 1 , wherein the integrated marking device includes a chalk marking material. 
     
     
         6 . The sanding device of  claim 1 , wherein the light source is detachable from the sanding body. 
     
     
         7 . The sanding device of  claim 1 , further including a charging port for a light source battery. 
     
     
         8 . The sanding device of  claim 1 , wherein the integrated marking device also functions as an on/off switch for the light source. 
     
     
         9 . The sanding device of  claim 1 , wherein the sanding body includes a recess that houses the light source. 
     
     
         10 . The sanding device of  claim 9 , wherein the recess is a hole within an interior of the sanding body. 
     
     
         11 . The sanding device of  claim 9 , wherein the recess is a trench in a side of the sanding body. 
     
     
         12 . A sanding device, comprising:
 a sanding sponge body, including at least one planar surface;   a light source; and   at least one attachment pin coupled to the light source to penetrate the sanding sponge body and removably attach the light source to the sanding sponge body.   
     
     
         13 . The sanding device of  claim 12 , further including an integrated marking device attached to the sanding sponge body. 
     
     
         14 . The sanding device of  claim 12 , wherein the attachment pin includes at least one bayonet fitting. 
     
     
         15 . The sanding device of  claim 12 , wherein the sanding sponge body includes a recess that houses the light source. 
     
     
         16 . The sanding device of  claim 15 , wherein the recess is a hole within an interior of the sanding sponge body. 
     
     
         17 . The sanding device of  claim 15 , wherein the recess is a trench in a side of the sanding sponge body. 
     
     
         18 . A method, comprising:
 sanding a drywall surface using a sanding body;   checking a flatness of the drywall surface using a light source attached to the sanding body to cast a shadow on an imperfection in the drywall surface; and   marking the imperfection using an integrated marking device attached to the sanding body.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further including:
 extending a retractable marking device from within the sanding body;   marking the imperfection; and   retracting the marking device back within the sanding body.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , further including detaching the light source from the sanding body when a battery replacement is needed and re-attaching the light source once the battery has been replaced.