Method and apparatus for abrading irregular surfaces

Abstract

A system for abrading irregular surfaces includes a bracket that can be attached to a shop aid. The bracket carries two motors to which abrasive pads are attached, and the positions of the motors are controlled to move abrasive elements over the surface to be abraded. The abrasive pads are attached to abrasive-pad backing of different configurations. Disclosed configurations are generally flat, triangular, and U-shaped.

We claim: 
     
         1 . Apparatus for abrading an irregular surface comprising a bracket supporting two spaced motors, an abrasive-pad backing on each motor, and means for moving said motors toward and away from each other. 
     
     
         2 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said spaced motors are orbital motors. 
     
     
         3 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a connector for connecting said bracket to a shop aid. 
     
     
         4 . Apparatus according to  claim 3  wherein one of said spaced motors is mounted to said bracket and another of said two spaced motors is mounted to a movable plate that is movably attached to said bracket. 
     
     
         5 . Apparatus according to  claim 4  wherein said means for moving said motors toward an away from each other comprises a pneumatic cylinder connected to said bracket and to said movable plate. 
     
     
         6 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said abrasive-pad backing is triangular in cross section. 
     
     
         7 . Apparatus according to  claim 6  wherein said abrasive-pad backing further comprises a flat ridge between two adjacent generally flat surfaces. 
     
     
         8 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein each said abrasive-pad is are generally flat. 
     
     
         9 . Apparatus according to  claim 8  wherein said spaced motors are supported on mounting shafts to allow said spaced motors to move toward and away from each other. 
     
     
         10 . A method for abrading irregular surfaces comprising the use of the apparatus of  claim 1  to move abrasive elements across said irregular surfaces. 
     
     
         11 . An abrasive-pad backing comprising a generally flat part between first and second curved parts at respective opposed ends of said generally flat part.