Patent ID: 8117709
Filing Date: 2012-02-21
Classification: B24D

Abstract:
1. A surface buffing and finishing apparatus of the type providing flexible cushioned support for a high performance surface contacting face, said apparatus comprising a flexible plastic backing plate having a high compression load deflection and having molded thereto a polymeric foam cushioning layer made from two foam layers of different densities, said cushioning layer having a lower compression load deflection than the plastic backing plate and providing a graded compression load deflection that decreases from a rear face to a front face, said backing plate and cushioning layer together providing the flexible cushioned support, and a relatively thin disposable performance layer having a thickness not greater than about 0.5 inch and providing the entire high performance surface contact for buffing, polishing or finishing to provide a desired surface finish, comparable to that provided by a conventional full thickness pad having a typical thickness of about 1.25 inches, when said performance layer is attached to said cushioning layer, and, when so attached, said apparatus has a maximum initial vertical compressive load when compressed 0.5 inch of not more than about 75 pounds, and a change between said maximum initial load and a minimum relaxed load after repeated cycles of 0.5 inch compression held for one minute in the range of about 20% to 40%, the foam cushioning layer defined by an outer edge that is generally circular in cross section, and the performance layer having a rounded outer edge with an inner surface that abuts and conforms to the outer edge of the cushioning layer, said performance layer removably attached to the foam cushioning layer with a demountable fastener, whereby the entire apparatus except the performance layer is preserved for multiple re-use.