The current application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) application of a U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 15/583,768 filed on May 1, 2017. The U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 15/583,768 claims a priority to a U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/329,316 filed on Apr. 29, 2016. The current application is filed on Apr. 22, 2019 while Apr. 20, 2019 was on a weekend.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the fields of automotive detailing and automotive paint and body shop tools. More specifically, the present invention is an apparatus that is used for paint restoration, paint refinishing and scratch removal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the automotive paint refinishing industry, few products have changed throughout the years. Most advancements have been in the areas of polishing machines, polishes and polishing pads, but few improvements have been made to address the sanding or “prepping” steps of the paint refinishing process. These procedures are daily occurrences in the automotive refinishing industry, and typical color sanding or final finishing has traditionally been done with bulky rubber or flexible devices. Some creative technicians may cut down dowels or other materials to bridge the gap when sanding tight transitions or areas, but no specialized product has been created for the majority of technicians.

Inconsistent and non-uniform sanding patterns are major issues that can lead to unfavorable results. Inconsistent and non-uniform sanding patterns require the area of concern to be sanded multiple times for improvement, which can result in damage to the surface that is being sanded. Therefore, an apparatus that can be used for achieving consistent results is clearly needed.

The present invention intends to address the aforementioned issues. To do so, the present invention introduces a multipurpose gripping tool that holds sand paper in a manner that facilitates achieving a consistent sanding pattern. Specifically, the present invention is a block that features a rigid core sandwiched between two contourable and/or semi-rigid layers. These two layers are then sandwiched between two mounting liners that facilitate retaining a piece of sand paper in a desired position while sanding. For different applications, the present invention is made available in different embodiments, materials, weights, and sizes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention, wherein the pair of opposing widthwise edges and the pair of opposing lengthwise edges of the first layer are beveled cut edges with a first mounting liner that is superimposed onto the outer surface of the first layer; and wherein the pair of opposing widthwise edges and the pair of opposing lengthwise edges of the second layer remain unchanged with a second mounting liner that is superimposed onto the outer surface of the second layer.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the present invention, wherein the pair of opposing widthwise edges and the pair of opposing lengthwise edges of the first layer are beveled cut edges with a first mounting liner that is superimposed onto the outer surface of the first layer; and wherein the pair of opposing widthwise edges and the pair of opposing lengthwise edges of the second layer remain unchanged with a second mounting liner that is superimposed onto the outer surface of the second layer.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention, wherein the pair of opposing widthwise edges and the pair of opposing lengthwise edges of the first layer are beveled cut edges, without the first mounting liner on the outer surface; and wherein the pair of opposing widthwise edges and the pair of opposing lengthwise edges of the second layer remain unchanged, without the second mounting liner on the outer surface.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the present invention, wherein the pair of opposing widthwise edges and the pair of opposing lengthwise edges of the first layer are beveled cut edges, without the first mounting liner on the outer surface; and wherein the pair of opposing widthwise edges and the pair of opposing lengthwise edges of the second layer remain unchanged, without the second mounting liner on the outer surface.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the present invention, wherein the pair of opposing widthwise edges and the pair of opposing lengthwise edges of the first layer and the second layer are beveled cut edges with mounting liners that are superimposed onto the outer surfaces of the first layer and the second layer.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the present invention, wherein the pair of opposing widthwise edges and the pair of opposing lengthwise edges of the first layer, the center layer, and the second layer are rounded.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the present invention, wherein the pair of opposing widthwise edges and the pair of opposing lengthwise edges of the first layer are rounded; and wherein the pair of opposing widthwise edges and the pair of opposing lengthwise edges of the second layer remain unchanged.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the present invention, wherein the pair of opposing widthwise edges and the pair of opposing lengthwise edges of the first layer are rounded; and wherein the pair of opposing widthwise edges and the pair of opposing lengthwise edges of the second layer are beveled cut edges.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the present invention, wherein the first layer, the center layer, and the second layer are trapezoidal; and wherein the pair of opposing widthwise edges and the pair of opposing lengthwise edges of the first layer, the center layer and the second layer are rounded.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the present invention, wherein the pair of opposing widthwise edges and the pair of opposing lengthwise edges of the first layer and the second layer are rounded.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is an apparatus that focuses on improving efficiency, profitability, comfort, and results for the daily challenges faced by the automotive detailing and body shop technicians. In particular, the present invention is specifically designed to aid in the improvement or removal of random isolated deeper scratches, texture and other imperfections that cannot be achieved from strictly compounding and polishing alone. In doing so, the present invention maximizes surface contact between the apparatus and the surface being sanded, so that more consistent and uniform sanding patterns can be obtained. The consistency and the uniformity of these sanding patterns assists a user to compound and polish the sanded surface to a more refined finish.

The present invention is designed as a block comprised of a multiple tier structure. In the preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a first layer 1, a second layer 2, a center layer 8, a first mounting liner 11, and a second mounting liner 12 as shown in FIG. 1 & FIG. 2. The first layer 1 comprises a pair of first opposing widthwise edges 3, a pair of first opposing lengthwise edges 4, a first outer surface 5, a first body 6, and a first inner surface 7. The second layer 2 comprises a pair of second opposing widthwise edges 31, a pair of second opposing lengthwise edges 41, a second outer surface 51, a second body 61, and a second inner surface 71. The first layer 1 and the second layer 2 are used in the process of sanding a preferred area. When in use, a piece of sand paper is wrapped around the first layer 1 or the second layer 2, so that the sand paper adjusts according to the shape of the first layer 1 or the second layer 2.

A distance determined by the pair of first opposing widthwise edges 3 determines the overall width of the first layer 1, the center layer 8, and the second layer 2. Similarly, a distance determined by the pair of first opposing lengthwise edges 4 determines the overall length of the first layer 1, the center layer 8, and the second layer 2. The overall width and overall length of the present invention can vary from one embodiment to another. A first distance between the first inner surface 7 and the first outer surface 5 determines the overall thickness of the first layer 1. Similarly, a second distance between the second inner surface 71 and the second outer surface 51 determines the overall thickness of the second layer 2. As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the overall thickness of the present invention can also vary from one embodiment to the other. The overall surface area of the first layer 1 and the second layer 2 is determined by the first body 6, and the second body 61, respectively. The first body 6 extends in between the pair of first opposing widthwise edges 3 and the pair of first opposing lengthwise edges 4. Likewise, the second body 61 extends in between the pair of second opposing widthwise edges 31 and the pair of second opposing lengthwise edges 41. To do so, the pair of first opposing lengthwise edges 4 is positioned in between the pair of first opposing widthwise edges 3, and the pair of second opposing lengthwise edges 41 is positioned in between the pair of second opposing widthwise edges 31. The inner surface 7 of the first layer 1 is connected to the center layer 8. Similarly, the inner surface 71 of the second layer 2 is connected to the center layer 8 opposite to the first layer 1.

The first mounting liner 11 and the second mounting liner 12 are layers of material that facilitate a disengageable connection between the present invention and the piece of sand paper. To achieve this functionality, the first mounting liner 11 is superimposed onto the outer surface 5 of the first layer 1, opposite to the center layer 8. Similarly, the second mounting liner 12 is superimposed onto the outer surface 51 of the second layer 2, opposite to the center layer 8. Thus positioned, the first mounting liner 11 and the second mounting liner 12 prevent the piece of sandpaper from slipping out of place while sanding. Preferably, the first mounting liner 11 and the second mounting liner 12 are rubberized coatings. The first mounting liner 11 and the second mounting liner 12 form an impermanent bond between the selected mounting liner and the piece of sand paper. This design feature assists in keeping the selected mounting liner and the piece of sand paper to be uniformly contoured when sanding. In alternative embodiments, the first mounting liner 11 and the second mounting liner 12 are designed to incorporate attachment systems that include, but are not limited to, magnetic couplers, hook and loop fasteners, and adhesives. This configuration enables a user to perform sanding operations with both the first layer 1 and the second layer 2. For example, if the first layer 1 becomes damaged, the user can flip the present invention over and perform sanding operations with the second layer 2. In a separate embodiment, the first mounting liner 11 and the second mounting liner 12 are not included in the design, and the piece of sand paper is placed directly onto the first outer surface 5 or the second outer surface 51. In a further alternative embodiment, the first mounting liner 11 and the second mounting liner 12 are protective coatings that prevent the first layer 1 and the second layer 2 from becoming scratched or marred. In yet another embodiment, the second layer 2 and the second mounting liner 12 form an ergonomic hand grip. In this embodiment, the second mounting liner 12 is a sweat-wicking material that enables the user to perform sanding operations for an extended period without slipping.

The thickness of the center layer 8 can also vary from one embodiment to another. Preferably, the center layer 8 has a thickness sufficient to provide rigidity to the present invention. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first layer 1, the center layer 8, and the second layer 2 are rectangular in shape. As illustrated in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, in other embodiments of the present invention the shape of the first layer 1, the center layer 8, and the second layer 2 can be trapezoidal or any other shape as long as the overall functionality of the present invention remains the same.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first layer 1 is connected to the center layer 8 with the use of a first adhesive layer 9. To do so, the first adhesive layer 9 is distributed along the first inner surface 7 of the first layer 1. Similar to the first adhesive layer 9, a second adhesive layer 10 is used to connect the second layer 2 to the center layer 8. To do so, the second adhesive layer 10 is distributed along the second inner surface 71 of the second layer 2. Even though the first adhesive layer 9 and the second adhesive layer 10 are used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a comparable method can be used in other embodiments of the present invention as long as the overall functionality of the present invention is not affected.

As discussed before, the first layer 1 and the second layer 2 are used alternatively per the need of the user. The first layer 1 and the second layer 2 are made of a material selected from the group consisting of foams, plastics, metals, or other composite materials. The type and density of the foams can also be varied, so that the present invention has more versatility. To further increase the usage of the present invention, the first layer 1 and the second layer 2 are designed to be of different weights, densities, shapes, and sizes. The varying weights and the densities allow the user to vary the force that is being applied to the sanded surface. The varying densities are beneficial in obtaining different sanding patterns. As an example, if the first layer 1 has a different density from the second layer 2, the user can promptly switch from one sanding pattern to another. The varying sizes and shapes allow the user to utilize the present invention on a wide variety of surfaces.

The center layer 8 allows the user to have more control and less impact absorption when the present invention is being used. Moreover, the center layer 8 allows the user to maintain a better grip on the present invention, so that uniform sanding patterns can be achieved with less effort. The center layer 8 can be comprised of different materials. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the center layer 8 is made of a material selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, aluminum, acrylic, and carbon fiber. However, in other embodiments of the present invention the center layer 8 can be comprised of other comparable composite materials.

As discussed before, the shape of the first layer 1 and the second layer 2 can vary from one embodiment to another. As illustrated in FIG. 8, in one embodiment of the present invention, the pair of first opposing widthwise edges 3 of the first layer 1 and the pair of second opposing widthwise edges 31 of the second layer 2 are rounded. To accommodate the pair of first opposing widthwise edges 3 of the first layer 1 and the pair of second opposing widthwise edges 31 of the second layer 2, a pair of opposing widthwise edges of the center layer 8 is also rounded. More specifically, the junctions between the first layer 1 and the center layer 8, and the junctions between the second layer 2 and the center layer 8 are congruent. As shown in FIG. 7, in another embodiment of the present invention, the pair of first opposing widthwise edges 3, the pair of second opposing widthwise edges 31, the pair of first opposing lengthwise edges 4 and the pair of second opposing lengthwise edges 41 are beveled cut edges. As illustrated in FIG. 5, to add even more versatility to the present invention, the pair of opposing widthwise edges 3 and the pair of opposing lengthwise edges 4 of the first layer 1 are beveled cut edges. On the other hand, the pair of second opposing widthwise edges 31 and the pair of second opposing lengthwise edges 41 of the second layer 2 are designed with no beveled cut edges. The beveled cut edge can be, but is not limited to, a top beveled cut edge, a top beveled with land cut or another comparable beveled cut.

When the present invention is being used, the following process is generally followed. Initially, the area to be sanded is determined. Next, the size and shape of the present invention is appropriately selected depending on the area that is to be sanded. Then, the type of sand paper is selected, which varies depending on the desired result of the area to be sanded. Then, the chosen sand paper is wrapped around the first layer 1 or the second layer 2 of the present invention. Now, the user can begin the sanding process on the determined area to be sanded.

As mentioned before, the center layer 8, which is made of a material selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, aluminum, acrylic, and carbon fiber, is sandwiched in between the first layer 1 and the second layer 2, to maximize surface contact between the block and the surface being sanded during the sanding process. The firm structural characteristics of the material used for manufacturing the center layer 8, allows for more control and less absorption in the block being used. The center layer 8, also enhances the response or “feedback” from the block into the user's hand. Due to the block's weight, it assists in allowing the first layer 1 or the second layer 2 to continuously have the maximum amount of surface contact with the sanded area throughout the entire sanding motion. Maximum surface contact during the sanding process results in the user obtaining more uniform and consistent sanding patterns. The consistency and the uniformity of these sanding patterns assists the user to compound and polish the sanded surface to a more refined finish.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.