Abstract:
A non-slip removable spacer for holding a workpiece in place relative to a work surface when interposed therebetween without permanent bonding therebetween. The spacer has a core with generally planar surfaces, with a pair elastomeric coverings applied to the surfaces. Further disclosed is a recessed attachment member in the spacer to receive a spindle element which permits spacers to be connected in a spaced part relationship. The spindle further includes a shelf. Also disclosed is cone adapter engagable atop a spacer. The cone has an apex for supporting a work surface with minimum surface contact.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     When using woodworking hand tools on a bench, a worker will often employ one or more clamps or a flexible non-skid pad or mat in an attempt to hold the workpiece in place while manipulating the workpiece with the tool (e.g., sanding, routing, etc.). A clamp can interfere with access to a workpiece and care must be taken not to mar the workpiece with the clamp. While such pads or mats may serve to constrain the workpiece from moving relative to the bench or tool, the workpiece rests on the pad or mat surface and therefore access to the workpiece by the tool from the sides, lower edges and workpiece bottom is inhibited. Using a simple interposing block will result in slippage since more friction is needed. Using adhesives is possible but that would damage the workpiece. Soft materials are likely to shred because of the lateral shear force applied to the workpiece when worked by a tool (such as a sander or plane). A solution must provide a high degree of resistance, not mar the workpiece and be durable. 
     Furthermore, one needs greater height than a single block for other reasons than raising the workpiece, it would be useful to have that option. 
     Finally, it would be useful to be able to create a workpiece support with the minimum contact area in order to apply finishes to the workpiece. 
     SUMMARY 
     A spacer system according to the present disclosure includes a spacer body having two planar, opposed major surfaces. The spacer body is configured for elevating a workpiece above a work surface to create a clearance between the workpiece and the work surface. Each of the two opposed major surfaces includes a continuous, non-slip layer. The opposed major surfaces of the spacer may be symmetrical or asymmetrical in shape (e.g., round, square, oval, rectangular, pie-piece shaped, etc.). 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a non-slip removable spacer for holding a workpiece in place relative to a work surface when interposed therebetween a generally rigid core body having upper and lower generally planar surfaces a peripheral edge to each of said surfaces; an elastomer layer applied to said upper and lower surfaces and spaced from said peripheral edge to expose a portion of the planar surface around the extent of the elastomer; said elastomer being unitary resiliently compressible and having an exposed surface which is textured; bonding between the surfaces and the elastomer layer so that the spacer is a sandwich of hard generally planar core between the elastomer layers with a peripheral edge of said core. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a method of constructing a non-slip spacer to prevent movement between a workpiece and a work surface without permanent affixation between the two comprising steps of creating a core block with upper and lower generally planar surfaces; bonding a resilient, high friction elastomeric material to the upper and lower core surfaces; limiting the coverage of the upper and lower surfaces by the elastomer so that a peripheral edge of the core surrounds the elastomer. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is an attachable (or stand alone) cone piece which is used to elevate a workpiece but with a pointed end so that the contact surface between the cone and the workpiece is minimized. The cone is preferably an adapter to the non-slip spacer so that the two cooperate to create a non-slip surface and a minimum-contact point of contact on the workpiece. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a modification of the non-slip spacer to include a threaded receiver and the addition of riser sections which preferably include threaded bolts on both ends, so that they can be interconnected between two spacers or other threaded elements. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is to use the above mentioned threaded receivers in the spaces to join spacers together by means of a double ended threaded bolt. 
     This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the disclosed subject matter, is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosed subject matter, and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the disclosed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The figures and the description that follow more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The disclosed subject matter will be further explained with reference to the attached figures, wherein like structure is referred to by like reference numerals throughout the several views. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art non-slip mat positioned on a work bench surface, having a workpiece disposed thereon with a router being positioned on the workpiece. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a plurality of exemplary non-slip spacers of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a plurality of spacers according to  FIG. 2 , positioned on a work bench surface, having a workpiece laid thereupon, with the workpiece being worked upon by a router. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a plurality of spacers according to  FIG. 2 , positioned on a work bench surface, having a transparent workpiece laid thereupon (so that the non-slip spacers may be more easily seen), with the workpiece being worked on by a rotary surface finishing tool. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a plurality of non-slip spacers of the present disclosure elevating a surface of a large workpiece above a floor surface. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a plurality of exemplary non-slip spacers of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged perspective view of one of the spacers according to  FIG. 6  positioned on a work bench surface, having a workpiece laid thereon, with the workpiece being worked on by a router. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a plurality of spacers according to  FIG. 6 , positioned on a work bench surface, having a workpiece laid thereon, with the workpiece being worked upon by a rotary sander. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a plurality of spacers according to  FIG. 6 , positioned on a work bench surface, having a workpiece laid thereon, with an upper surface of the workpiece being engaged by a manual carving tool. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a workpiece positioned on a work bench, supported by a plurality of spacers according to  FIG. 6  (only one of which is shown), with a coating of surface treatment material (e.g., wood stain) being applied manually to the workpiece. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a workpiece positioned on a work bench, supported by a plurality of spacers according to  FIG. 6  (only one of which is shown), with the workpiece being an upside down table top positioned for assembly of one of its legs thereto. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of one of the spacers according to  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 13  is a top plan view of one of the spacers according to  FIG. 6  (the bottom plan view is a mirror image of the top plan view). 
         FIG. 14  is a side elevation view of one of the spacers of  FIG. 6  (the view from the side is the same on all sides thereof). 
         FIG. 15  is a top plan view of an exemplary spacer body for a spacer according to  FIG. 6 , showing an exemplary diameter. 
         FIG. 16  is a side elevation view of an exemplary spacer body for a spacer according to  FIG. 6 , showing exemplary dimensions. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an exemplary spacer body for a spacer according to  FIG. 6 . 
         FIGS. 18-28  illustrate additional exemplary major surface shapes for a spacer (or, in the case of  FIGS. 19 and 20 , for coordinated groups of spacers) of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 29  illustrates a modified spacer with a central threaded receiver. 
         FIG. 30  is a view of  FIG. 29  with portions cut away. 
         FIG. 31  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a double ended threaded spacer element. 
         FIG. 32  illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a double ended threaded spacer element. 
         FIG. 33  illustrates a perspective view of several embodiments showing attachment options for non-slip spacer elements. 
         FIG. 34  illustrates a perspective view of several additional embodiments showing attachment options for non-slip spacer elements. 
         FIG. 35  illustrates a perspective view of several additional embodiments showing attachment options for non-slip spacer elements. 
         FIG. 36  illustrates a perspective view of several additional embodiments showing attachment options for non-slip spacer elements. 
         FIG. 37  illustrates a perspective view of several additional embodiments showing attachment options for non-slip spacer elements on a saw horse. 
         FIG. 38  illustrates a perspective view of several additional embodiments showing attachment options for non-slip spacer elements. 
         FIG. 39  is a perspective view of a cone. 
         FIG. 40  is a top plan view of the cone of  FIG. 39 . 
         FIG. 41  of a bottom view of the cone of  FIG. 39  showing a concave central portion shown by short shading lines. 
         FIG. 42  is a side plan view of the cone of  FIG. 39 . 
         FIG. 43  is another side plan view of the cone of  FIG. 39 . 
         FIG. 44  is a perspective view of the cone atop a spacer. 
         FIG. 45  is a side plan view of the subject in  FIG. 44 . 
         FIG. 46  is another side plan view of the subject in  FIG. 44 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the above-identified figures set forth one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the disclosure. In all cases, this disclosure presents the disclosed subject matter by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of this disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , workpiece  10  rests on prior art non-slip mat  12 , which in turn rests on work bench surface  14 . Typically, such non-slip mats have a uniform thickness, ranging from 0.125 to 0.25 inch. A hand tool such as a router  16  has limited access to the side edges and bottom surfaces of workpiece  10  in the illustrated arrangement, since the workpiece  10  is spaced from the work bench surface  14  only by the thickness of the non-slip mat  12 , and the mat  12  may extend out from the sides of the workpiece  10 . 
     The present disclosure is directed to a non-skid spacer arrangement and methods for its use. In an exemplary embodiment such as shown in  FIG. 2 , each of a plurality of spacers  18  comprises a spacer body  20  sandwiched between non-slip layers  22 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, spacer body  20  is made of a hard, incompressible and durable material such as wood or plastic. In one illustrated embodiments, each spacer body  20  is configured as a disc so its opposed major surfaces are circular, though other shapes for spacer major surfaces may also be used, as further discussed below. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, non-slip layer  22  is disposed on each of the two major surfaces of the spacer body  20 . Non-slip layer  22  may be composed of a durable, yet compressible, material such as rubber, silicone, a thermoplastic elastomer, or the like, with a nominal generally uniform thickness of 0.14 inch. An acceptable range for the non-slip layer thickness is 0.0625 to 0.50 inch. In one embodiment, the side of the non-slip layer  22  opposite the side that is attached to spacer body  20  is textured (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2 ,  6  or  12 - 14 ). Non-slip layers  22  may be attached to each of the two opposed major surfaces of spacer body  20  by an adhesive, though other attachment means and mechanisms can be used. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a workpiece  10  resting upon a plurality of non-slip spacers  18 , which in turn rest upon work bench surface  14 . The thickness of non-slip spacers  18  elevates workpiece  10  by a clearance distance  24  above work bench surface  14 . Thus, the user of a hand-held woodworking tool such as router  16  is able to access the side and bottom edges of workpiece  10  without contacting the work bench surface  14  with the router  16 . This is useful, for instance, when the depth of a tool (e.g., a router bit) is greater than the thickness of the workpiece, such as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 4  is a view similar to  FIG. 3 , but showing transparent workpiece  10 ′ and a different woodworking hand tool  26 , such as a sander, buffer or polisher. A plurality of non-slip spacers  18  is arranged under workpiece  10 ′ to support workpiece  10 ′ as it is worked upon by hand tool  26 . While four non-slip spacers  18  are shown in these illustrations, it is to be understood that more or fewer may be used, depending on the size and shape of the workpiece  10 ,  10 ′. In an exemplary method of use, each non-slip spacer  18  is positioned entirely between workpiece  10 ,  10 ′ and work bench surface  14 . However, such placement is not necessary and non-slip spacers  18  will adequately support workpiece  10 ,  10 ′ even if a portion of a non-slip spacer  18  projects beyond workpiece  10 ,  10 ′ (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 5 ,  8 ,  9  and  11 ). 
     The use of a plurality of non-slip spacers  18  allows for flexibility in the arrangement of non-slip spacers  18  relative to work bench surface  14  and workpiece  10 ,  10 ′. For example, more or fewer non-slip spacers  18  may be used under a particular workpiece  10 ,  10 ′. Moreover, the plurality of non-slip spacers  18  may be disposed in an arrangement that is symmetrical or asymmetrical with respect to workpiece  10 ,  10 ′ and/or the spacers  18  themselves, depending upon the particular application. Moreover, individual non-slip spacers  18  may be easily repositioned as needed while the worker works upon the workpiece  10 ,  10 ′. 
       FIG. 5  shows an alternative method of use of non-slip spacers  18 , in which they are positioned beneath a large workpiece  28  to elevate workpiece  28  above a floor surface  30 . The spacers are also useful for protecting a surface of a workpiece from being marred by contact with a floor or rough workpiece surface, as illustrated in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 11  (for example,  FIG. 11  illustrates a finished table top surface spaced from a rough workpiece surface by spacers). 
       FIGS. 15 ,  16  and  17 , respectively, are top, side elevation and perspective views of an exemplary spacer body  20 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , such a spacer body  20  has a round major surface with a diameter of about 3 inches. As shown in  FIG. 16 , spacer body  20  has a diameter at each major surface  32  of about 2.88 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, spacer body  20  has a thickness  34  of 0.75 inch. In the illustrated embodiment, outer radial wall  36  has a radius of curvature of about 1.13 inch. Based on the numbers provided above, the elastomer thickness is preferably about 5.7%, 18% or 37.5% of the core thickness. 
     As noted above, the major surfaces of a spacer can have a variety of shapes.  FIGS. 18-28  are merely some examples of the alternative shapes that can be used for the major surfaces of the non-slip spacers of the present disclosure.  FIG. 18  illustrates an exemplary rectangular shape.  FIG. 19  illustrates four spacers  118   a ,  118   b ,  118   c  and  118   d , each of which has major surfaces thereon shaped as a quarter of a circle (i.e., a pie-piece shape). The four quarters  118   a ,  118   b ,  118   c  and  118   d  can be joined to form a combined large circular horizontal spacer assembly S 1 . Another example of this type of horizontal spacer assembly is illustrated in  FIG. 20 .  FIG. 20  shows spacers  218   a ,  218   b ,  218   c  and  218   d , each with isosceles triangular major surface shapes. The spacers  218   a ,  218   b ,  218   c  and  218   d  can be joined into a spacer assembly S 2  which is rectilinear (in the illustrated example, square).  FIG. 21  illustrates a single spacer major surface formed in a square shape.  FIG. 22  illustrates a spacer major surface having an oval shape.  FIG. 23  illustrates a spacer major surface having a dog bone shape.  FIG. 24  illustrates a spacer major surface having a moon sliver shape.  FIG. 25  illustrates a spacer major surface having a Christmas tree shape.  FIG. 26  illustrates a round “cookie” shaped major surface shape with a bite out of it.  FIG. 27  illustrates an octagon shaped major surface for a spacer.  FIG. 28  illustrates a tear or paisley shaped major surface for a spacer. Again, the major surface shapes illustrated herein are exemplary. 
     In some applications, it may be desirable to have a spacer which is longer in one dimension than in another (such as illustrated, for example, by the spacer shapes of  FIGS. 18 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24 ,  25  and  28 ). This may provide additional stability and/or gripping surface and force along the elongated dimension of the spacer. 
     A rare earth magnet, such as illustrated by magnet  50  in  FIG. 26 , may be adhered to, embedded in or encased within a spacer. This magnet would then have a strong enough magnetic attraction along at least one major surface of that space to allow the spacer to be attached to a ferrous vertical surface, such as the side of a steel tool cabinet, steel work bench leg, or the like. This feature facilitates ease of storage and accessibility for the spacer of the present disclosure. 
     In some instances, it may be also be useful to stack spacers to further space a workpiece from a work surface. For example, eight spacers could be used to form four vertical spacer assemblies for use in spacing a workpiece from a work surface, with each vertical spacer assembly composed of two spacers stacked together (in the manner of the stacked spacers illustrated in  FIG. 6 ). 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the work bench environment is not always a clean one—there may be debris or dust or sawdust there. However, the non-slip spacer of the present disclosure still provides a relatively non-slip surface even if there is a layer of sawdust between the spacer and the work bench, or between the spacer and the workpiece. It is believed that this attribute is facilitated by the fact that the non-slip layers  22  are compressible and textured. 
     It is also believed, that providing a peripheral edge around the elastomer and by providing a smooth or sharp and continuous straight edge on the elastomer, as shown in the drawings is the preferred embodiment. The elastomer is preferably limited in its extent not overlying the entire core surface. This protects the elastomer from shearing when the lateral forces of the workpiece vs workbench/surfaces are applied. The elastomer will be driven toward the core but if it were to stretch beyond the core, it might shear away and disintegrate. Because the peripheral edge supplies support for the stretched elastomer, it stays intact. Further, if the edge of the elastomer forms a continuous unbroken straight edge, such as forming a straight line edge or sidewall, there is greater cohesion and the elastomer is less likely to “break up” into pieces. Such pieces then become a roller bearing surface which would reduce the gripping force. 
     The elastomer shown is unitary, ie made of a single material, not an elastomer with a web overlay. Such alternative will provide lower frictional engagement. 
     The non-slip spacer of the present disclosure lifts, grips and protects the workpiece while it is being worked on. Each major surface of the non-slip spacer of the present disclosure has a high-friction resilient surface. Each spacer also has a durable core. The spacers constrain workpieces from slipping while routing, sanding, carving and the like. The spacers raise up panels for edge work and finishing, and make assembly easier. Set up of the spacers on a work bench can be done quickly, and the spacers are quite versatile in terms of both horizontal and vertical configurations. Using the spacers of the present invention provides the ability to route, sand, cut and carve a workpiece without using clamps, allows a workpiece to be raised up for easy edge finishing, allows the support of a workpiece without leaving marks on the workpiece, allows the assembly of a workpiece or project on a stable, non-slip base, and allows for a quick setup for any application. 
       FIGS. 29-30  illustrate a further embodiment of the spacer  20 . In this embodiment, the spacer includes a recessed attachment point  100  which includes a threaded portion  102 .  FIG. 30  shows the attachment point on one side, but a preferred embodiment can have attachment points on both sides. It is desirable that the attachment point be at or below the surface  22 . The attachment point need not be threaded and other attachment means are contemplated by this disclosure including but not limited to snap fit, friction fit, hook and loop attachment or similar. 
     The purpose of the attachment point is to create additional ways to use spacers  18 .  FIGS. 33-38  illustrate a number of possibilities, but it is not an exclusive list. 
       FIGS. 31-32  illustrate an exemplary spindles  120  and  122  which are elongated longitudinal members having a body  124  and a pair of threaded ends  126   a - 126   b . In the preferred embodiment, the threaded ends are threaded with respect to each other, so that they are universally usable in all threaded recesses on spacers  18 . Alternatives to threaded members are protrusions which snap fit or friction fit engage the recesses and other types of attachment systems which mate with like systems on the spacers. The spindles  120 - 122  are intended to provide a fixed space between spacers  18  as shown in  FIG. 33 . The body length of the spindle can be zero (ie only end to end portions  126   a/b  as would be contemplated in the middle stack of spacers in  FIG. 33 ). This zero length spindle allows for an unlimited stack of spacers  18  without risk of separation and toppling. The body of spindle  128  may be sized to be received within an aperture such as in a workpiece, bench, table or saw horse as will be explained below. 
     Of course, it is then possible to join/stack spacers and spindles alternately to achieve very high stacks. Spindle  122  further includes a shelf portion  130  which is interposed between the spindle ends. Shelf  130  is a portion which extends generally orthogonally to the spindle axis which runs thru the attachment points  126 . This shelf or flange allows the spindle to be used in predefined apertures typically holes in a work bench, the workpiece itself or other structure such as a saw horse. The shelf or flange acts as a stop such as shown in  FIGS. 34-38 . In the preferred embodiment, the shelf is located toward one end of the spindle, ie not centered, so that the height of the spacer can be varied by using the spindle upsidedown such as shown in  FIG. 36 . It is also possible to have two stop on the spindle at different locations along the length for the same purpose. 
     It is also possible to have a plurality of shelves spaced along the spindle and the shelve can be broken off to get more or less the correct desired height. It is also possible to have the stop be moveable by providing a shelf as a flange with a set screw but slideable along the length of the spindle before locking by set screw. 
     The spindle also provides stability as shown in  FIG. 38 , where no shelf is used but the body  128  is received within a hole in a saw horse and thus the spacer  18  is secure against falling off. 
     For workpieces of differing heights/uneven workpieces etc. the system of different spacers and spindles can be used to obtain a solid work surface as shown in  FIGS. 35-36 . 
     A further embodiment of the disclosure is shown in  FIGS. 39-46 . It can be used as a stand alone device or in combination with a spacer  18 . 
     The add on cone element  200  is intended to support a workpiece with the minimum contact surface possible, which is typically desired for painting a workpiece but there are other uses. 
     Cone  200  has an apex  202  which rises above a base  204 , by three sloping supports  206 . The supports  206  may be free standing or supported by an underlying conical element  208  which helps distribute forces. The shape of supports  206  may include aesthetic elements. Supports  206  may provide a degree of elasticity to the apex to absorb shock on the workpiece. This is achieved as shown in  FIG. 39 , by attaching the supports a their distal ends (if not elsewhere) so that forces on the apex  202  will be spread three ways (or more if there are more supports) and applied to the outer edges of the element instead of just at the center which is inherently weaker. 
     Surrounding the base element  204  are a plurality of flanges  210  preferably equally spaced around and of spring like materials so as to apply a bias force against the peripheral edge of the spacer  18 . In this case the material is plastic and the flanges  210  apply a bias force by virtue of their connecting point with the base being of like material. The inside diameter of the flanges should be equal to or preferably less than the outer diameter of the spacer&#39;s peripheral edge, so that the cone will tend to snap on the spacer. As can be seen in  FIG. 36 , the peripheral edge of the spacer preferably has a slightly convex profile. It is also noted that the flanges when placed on the spacer, preferably extend more than beyond the (imaginary) midline between the upper and lower surfaces of the spacer. This provides an “overcenter” force which tends to retain the element on the spacer because the flanges must expand slightly to be removed therefrom. The flanges also may have a slight concavity with corresponds to the convex periphery, further enhancing this feature. 
     The bottom of the cone  200  as shown in  FIG. 41  may be concave or flat. 
       FIGS. 43-46  illustrate configurations where the cone is applied atop a spacer though it may be used alone. When used alone, it will not have as much structural support but will provide a more spring like support which may be advantageous in some cases. 
     It is also possible to provide a pointed threaded element, which screws into the threaded recess  100  in spacer  18 . By providing a pointed element the spacer performs a similar function to the cone. 
     Although the non-slip spacers disclosed herein have been described with respect to several embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the non-slip spacer disclosure.