Flexible abrasive article and methods of making
First Claim
1. An abrasive article comprising:
- an abrasive layer having a working surface and a back surface opposite the working surface, wherein the abrasive layer comprises a backing and an abrasive laminated to the backing;
a plurality of elongated channels extending across the working surface; and
an attachment layer coupled to at least a portion of the back surface, the attachment layer being sufficiently flexible for the article to be acutely bendable along the channels, wherein the channels have a depth that is at least 75% of the overall thickness of the abrasive layer.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Provided are abrasive articles having a plurality of elongated channels extending across its working surface and intersecting with each other. These channels provide hinge points that enhance flexibility of the article along two or more directions. Optionally, the abrasive article includes a flexible attachment layer, along with apertures that penetrate through the attachment layer located at the intersection points of the channels. The enhanced flexibility allows the abrasive article to easily access recessed areas of the workpiece and facilitates applying even pressure across convex and concave surfaces. The channels assist in segregating dust particles from the abrading operation, and the optional apertures can be advantageously connected to a vacuum source for evacuation of the dust particles from the channels.
17 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An abrasive article comprising:
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an abrasive layer having a working surface and a back surface opposite the working surface, wherein the abrasive layer comprises a backing and an abrasive laminated to the backing; a plurality of elongated channels extending across the working surface; and an attachment layer coupled to at least a portion of the back surface, the attachment layer being sufficiently flexible for the article to be acutely bendable along the channels, wherein the channels have a depth that is at least 75% of the overall thickness of the abrasive layer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of making an abrasive article comprising:
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mounting a flexible abrasive layer having a working surface and a back surface onto a converting apparatus; and engraving a pattern of channels into the working surface of the abrasive layer to enhance the flexibility of the article, wherein the at least some of the channels intersect at intersection points and the act of engraving creates a plurality of apertures that fully penetrate through the article. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification