Patent Abstract:
A power tool that includes a tool body housing, a drive system, a tool head and a connection system. The drive system is housed in the tool body housing. The tool head, which is configured to perform work on a work piece, includes a tool head housing and an input member that is driven by the drive system when the tool head is coupled to the tool body housing. The tool head can be engaged to the tool body housing in at least two pre-defined and distinct orientations. The connection system secures the tool head to the tool body housing in each of the at least two pre-defined and distinct orientations.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/254,440 filed Apr. 16, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/037,462 filed Sep. 26, 2013, (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,821,220 issued Sep. 2, 2014) which is a continuation of United States patent application Ser. No. 13/804,222 filed Mar. 14, 2013 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,613,644 issued Dec. 24, 2013), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/465,631 filed May 7, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,398,457 issued Mar. 19, 2013), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/540,189 filed on Aug. 12, 2009 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,172,642 issued May 8, 2012), which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/090,417, filed on Aug. 20, 2008. The entire disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     INTRODUCTION 
       [0002]    The present disclosure generally relates to a sander having multiple platens that can be selectively attached to a common sander base without the use of a hand tool. 
         [0003]    Sanders typically have a platen to which an abrasive media, such as sandpaper, is attached. Sanders with removable, differently shaped platens (e.g., rectangular, square, round) are available to permit the user of the sander to change the platen to one with a shape that is best suited for a given sander task. Such removable platens typically are secured to the sander by way of one or more threaded fasteners (e.g., socket head cap screws). These threaded fasteners require the use of tools (e.g., Allen wrenches) to remove them from the sander to thereby decouple the platen from the sander. 
         [0004]    Various tool-less coupling systems have been developed for coupling a platen to the rotating output member of a rotary grinder. Such coupling systems, however are relatively large and costly and do not support an abrasive media in an area where one element of the coupling system is received against the platen. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features. 
         [0006]    A tool for moving an abrasive media can include a tool body and a drive system housed in the tool body. The drive system can include an output member. A retaining member can be disposed on the tool body. A first platen having a first attachment hub can be selectively coupled with the retaining member in an installed position. The first platen can have a first rotatable member that selectively attaches to the output member in a first mode of operation. A second platen having a second attachment hub can selectively couple with the retaining member in an installed position. The second platen can have a second rotatable member that selectively attaches to the output member in a second mode of operation. 
         [0007]    A mode selector can be disposed on the tool body. The mode selector can have a movable member and a key. The movable member can be movable between at least a first position that corresponds to a first output member speed and a second position that corresponds to a second output member speed. The movable member can be substantially aligned with a first zone on the key that corresponds to the first platen in the first position and second zone on the key that corresponds to the second platen in the second position. 
         [0008]    According to other features, the first rotatable member of the first platen can be mounted for an orbit having a first offset relative to the output member. The second rotatable member of the second platen can be mounted for an orbit having a second offset relative to the output member. The first and second offsets can be distinct. The first rotatable member can include a first fan having a first counterbalance disposed thereon. The second rotatable member can comprise a second fan having a second counterbalance disposed thereon. The first and second counterbalances can have distinct masses. In one example, the first platen can be an orbital platen configured for orbital sander in the installed position and the second platen can be a random orbit platen configured for random orbit sander in the installed position. The first platen can comprise a plurality of flexible columns having first ends coupled to the first platen and second ends that are selectively retained by the tool body in the installed position. 
         [0009]    According to additional features, the retaining member can comprise a wireframe that selectively nests in respective grooves defined around each of the first and second attachment hubs respectively in the installed position. A button can be disposed on the tool body. The button can cooperate with the wireframe and be movable to a release position to spread the wireframe and release the wireframe from the respective grooves to exchange between the first and second platens. According to one example, a chamfered annular leading edge is defined on each of the first and second attachment hubs respectively. Movement of a respective first or second platen to the installed position can cause the annular leading edge to spread the wireframe until continued movement toward the installed position causes the wireframe to nest in the respective grooves. 
         [0010]    According to still other features, the tool can include a third platen having a third attachment hub that selectively couples with the retaining member in an installed position. The third platen can have a third rotatable member that selectively attaches to the output member in a third mode of operation. The first platen can define an iron-shaped profile having a substantially flat first end and a substantially pointed second end. The first platen can comprise a dust chute arranged proximate to the substantially pointed second end. The third platen can define an iron-shaped profile having a substantially pointed first end and a substantially flat second end. The third platen can comprise a dust chute arranged proximate to the substantially flat second end. The substantially flat first end of the first platen is aligned with a forward end of the tool in the installed position and the substantially pointed first end of a third platen is aligned with a forward end of the tool in the installed position. 
         [0011]    According to still other features, the tool can comprise a speed control switch that communicates with the mode selector. The mode selector can define a rib that cams across an input of the speed control switch upon movement of the mode selector to toggle between the first output member speed and the second output member speed. 
         [0012]    A method according to the present teachings can include providing a tool with a tool body, a drive system and a first and second platen. The tool body can have a mode selector including a movable member and a key. The drive system can have an output member. The method further includes, moving the movable member to one of a first position or a second position. The first position can correspond to the first platen and associated with a first output member speed and the second position corresponding to the second platen and associated with a second output member speed. The method can further include, mounting one of the first or second platen to the tool body according to the selected first or second position. 
         [0013]    According to additional features, the method can include rotating a dial causing a rib defined on the dial to cam across an input of a speed control switch and change the speed of the output member between a first and second output member speed. According to one example of the method, mounting one of the first or second platens to the tool body can include urging an attachment hub associated with a respective first or second platen into engagement with a wireframe retaining member disposed on the tool body. The method further includes, urging the attachment hub into engagement with the wireframe retaining member, such that the wireframe retaining member rides over a chamfered annular leading edge defined on the attachment hub and spreads outwardly until the wireframe retaining member nests at least partially around the selected attachment hub in a groove defined on the selected attachment hub. 
         [0014]    In another form, the present teachings provide a power tool that includes a tool body housing, a drive system, a tool head and a connection system. The tool body housing is at least partly formed by a pair of clam shell housing members and defines a cavity. The drive system is housed in the cavity and has an output member. The tool head, which is configured to perform work on a work piece, includes a tool head housing and an input member. The input member is matingly engagable to the output member to drivingly couple the output member of the drive system to the input member of the tool head when the tool head is coupled to the tool body. The connection system has at least one recess and a retainer. The at least one recess is formed in one of the tool head housing and the tool body housing. The retainer is movably coupled to the other one of the tool head housing and the tool body housing. The retainer is received into the at least one recess to fixedly but removably couple the tool head to the tool body. The tool head can be engaged to the tool body housing in at least two pre-defined and distinct orientations and the connection system secures the tool head to the tool body housing in each of the at least two pre-defined and distinct orientations. 
         [0015]    In yet another form, the present teachings provide a power tool that includes a tool body, a tool head and a connection system. The tool body has a tool body housing and a drive system that includes a motor and an output member driven by the motor. The tool head, which is configured to perform work on a work piece, includes a tool head housing and an input member that is engagable to the output member such that the input and output members co-rotate about a rotational axis. One of the tool body housing and the tool head housing defines a hub cavity and a plurality of rail cavities, and the other one of the tool body housing and the tool head housing defines a cylindrical hub and a plurality of rails. The cylindrical hub extends longitudinally along the rotational axis and is configured to be received into the hub cavity. The rails are disposed about the cylindrical hub and extend parallel to the rotational axis. The rails are configured to be received into the rail cavities. The input member is matingly engaged to the output member to drivingly couple the drive system to the tool head when the cylindrical hub is received into the hub cavity and the rails are received into the rail cavities. The connection system has at least one recess and a retainer. The at least one recess is formed in one of the tool head housing and the tool body housing. The retainer is movably coupled to the other one of the tool head housing and the tool body housing. The retainer is received into the at least one recess to fixedly but removably couple the tool head to the tool body. 
         [0016]    In a further form, the present teachings provide a power tool that includes a tool body, a tool head and a connection system. The tool body has a tool body housing and a drive system. The tool body housing defines a cavity and has a first handle with a portion that is configured to be gripped by a hand of a user of the power tool. The drive system includes a motor and an output member that is driven by the motor and rotatable about a rotational axis. The first handle has a first longitudinal axis that is aligned to a predetermined angle relative to the rotational axis. The predetermined angle is sized so that the longitudinal axis is closer to being parallel to the rotational axis than being perpendicular to the rotational axis. The tool head, which is configured to perform work on a work piece, includes a tool head housing and an input member. One of the tool body and the tool housing defines a mount, and the other one of the tool body and the tool housing defines a mating mount with a mount aperture that receives the mount. The input member is matingly engagable to the output member to drivingly couple the drive system to the tool head when the mount is inserted into the mount aperture. The connection system has at least one recess and a retainer. The at least one recess is formed in one of the mount and the mating mount. The retainer is movably coupled to the other one of the mount and the mating mount. The retainer is received into the at least one recess to fixedly but removably couple the tool head to the tool body. 
         [0017]    In still another form, the present teachings provide a power tool system that includes a tool body and a tool head. The tool body has a body housing, a motor, an intermediate output member and a coupler. The body housing defines a tool head aperture and a pocket that is spaced apart from the tool head aperture. The motor is received in the body housing and drives the intermediate output member for rotation about an axis. The coupler includes a wire member and a push button. The wire member is housed in the body housing and has a pair of opposite engagement arms that extend into the tool head aperture. The push button is coupled to the wire member and is slidable between a first position and a second position. The tool head has a head housing, an intermediate input member, an output member. The head housing includes an attachment hub and a tongue that is spaced apart from and fixedly coupled to the attachment hub. The attachment hub has a generally cylindrical projection with at least one recess formed thereon. The attachment hub is received into the tool head aperture and the tongue being received in the pocket. Both the attachment hub and the tongue are non-rotatably engaged directly to the body housing. The engagement arms are received into the at least one recess to inhibit movement of the head housing along the axis in a direction away from the body housing. The intermediate input member is coupled to the intermediate output member for rotation therewith. The output member is drivingly coupled to the intermediate input member. The wire member biases the push button into the first position. Movement of the push button into the second position spreads the engagement arms apart from one another to permit the head housing to be withdrawn from the body housing along the axis. 
         [0018]    In yet another form, the present teachings provide a power tool that includes a tool body housing, a drive system, and a tool head. The tool body housing is at least partly formed by a pair of clam shell housing members and defines a cavity. The drive system is housed in the cavity and includes a pneumatic motor and an output member that is driven by the pneumatic motor. The tool head, which is configured to perform work on a workpiece, has a tool head housing and an input member. One of the tool body and the tool housing defines a mount, and the other one of the tool body and the tool housing defines a mount aperture that receives the mount. The tool head is selectively interlocked to the tool body when the mount is inserted into the mount aperture. The input member is matingly engaged with the output member when the tool head is interlocked to the tool body. 
         [0019]    Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an exemplary sander constructed in accordance to the present teachings and shown operatively associated with a series of sander platens that can be interchangeably secured to the sander,  FIG. 1  also including an enlarged plan view of an exemplary mode selector provided on the sander; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of an exemplary finishing sander platen; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of an exemplary random orbit sander platen; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a partial cut-away view of the sander and shown with the detail sander platen aligned prior to engagement with the tool body of the sander; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a partial cut-away view of the sander of  FIG. 4  and shown with the detail sander platen selectively coupled to the tool body of the sander; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is an exemplary plan view of a rotatable member having a fan and a counterweight and constructed in accordance to one example of the present teachings; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a plan view of another rotatable member including a fan and a counterweight constructed in accordance to additional features of the present disclosure; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of an exemplary random orbit sander platen and shown with a dual-outlet shroud according to one example of the present disclosure; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a partial cut-away view of the tool body of the sander and shown prior to engagement with a platen having the dual shroud; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is an assembled view of an exemplary sander platen having the dual-outlet shroud and connected to the tool body of the sander, wherein one of the outlets is aligned for coupling with a plug and the other outlet is aligned for communicating air through a dust extraction port formed in the tool body; 
           [0031]      FIGS. 11-14  illustrate an exemplary assembly sequence wherein an attachment assembly selectively couples with an attachment hub provided on an exemplary sander platen; 
           [0032]      FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate an exemplary sequence of releasing a sander platen from the tool body wherein a button of the attachment assembly is actuated causing a wireframe to spread and therefore release from engagement with a groove defined on the attachment hub; 
           [0033]      FIGS. 17-19  illustrate an exemplary sequence of releasing a sander platen from the tool body wherein the button is actuated causing release of the wireframe from the groove defined in the attachment hub; 
           [0034]      FIG. 20  is an exploded perspective view of the mode selector of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 21  is a rear perspective view of a control panel of the mode selector of  FIG. 20  and shown cooperating with a speed control switch; 
           [0036]      FIG. 22  is a rear perspective view of the control panel of  FIG. 21  and shown with the speed control switch and electrical communication with an on/off switch; 
           [0037]      FIG. 23  is a side perspective view of a sander constructed in accordance to additional features of the present teachings; 
           [0038]      FIG. 24  is a front perspective view of a pair of exemplary sander platens that include nubs that selectively communicate with a first and second plurality of notches provided on the sander for coupling a desired platen to the tool body of the sander; 
           [0039]      FIG. 25  is a front perspective view of a sander constructed in accordance to additional features of the present teachings and shown operatively associated with a series of exemplary sander platens; 
           [0040]      FIG. 26  is a bottom perspective view of the sander of  FIG. 25  and shown with an exemplary key for selectively attaching a desired platen to the tool body; 
           [0041]      FIG. 27  is a front perspective view of a sander constructed in accordance to additional features of the present teachings and including a dust collection canister; 
           [0042]      FIGS. 28-30  are front perspective views of sanders constructed in accordance to additional features of the present disclosure and including elastomeric bellows; 
           [0043]      FIG. 31  is a side perspective view of the exemplary sander platen of  FIG. 28  and shown cooperating with elastomeric bellows for coupling the sander platen to the tool body; 
           [0044]      FIG. 32  is a side perspective exploded view of the bellows associated with the sander platen of  FIG. 31 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 33  is a front perspective view of a tool body and mode selector constructed in accordance to additional features of the present teachings; 
           [0046]      FIG. 34  is a front exploded view of the mode selector of  FIG. 33  including a central hub, a knob, a control panel and a wheel; 
           [0047]      FIG. 35  is a rear perspective view of the mode selector of  FIG. 34 ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 36  is a front view of the mode selector shown with the knob located in a fourth position revealing a fourth image of the wheel through a window formed in the control panel; and 
           [0049]      FIG. 37  is a front view of the mode selector illustrating the knob in a second position corresponding to the second image of the wheel being viewable through the window in the control panel. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0050]    Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
         [0051]    With initial reference to  FIGS. 1-5 , an exemplary abrasive material removal tool is generally indicated by reference numeral  10 . The abrasive material removal tool, hereinafter sander  10 , can include a tool body or housing  12  having a pair of clam shell portions  14  and  16 . The sander  10  can further include a drive system  18  that is housed in a cavity defined by the clam shell portions  14  and  16 . The tool body  12  and the drive system  18  can be conventional in their construction and operation, and as such, need not be discussed in significant detail herein. The tool body  12  can further define a dust extraction port  20  ( FIG. 4 ) to which dust can be extracted to a dust chamber  21 . The drive system  18  can selectively couple with a plurality of platens, collectively referred at reference numeral  22  as will be described in greater detail herein. 
         [0052]    A mode selector  24  can be arranged on a forward portion of the tool body  12 . The mode selector  24  can include a movable member or dial  26  and a pictorial key  28 . A base release button  30  can be provided proximate to the mode selector  24 . A power cord  32  can extend from the tool body  12  to supply electrical current to the sander  10 . It is appreciated that while the sander  10  is shown operatively associated with a power cord  32  for alternating current (AC) operation, the sander  10  can also be configured for operation with other power sources, such as direct current (DC) or a pneumatic input. 
         [0053]    The sander  10  will be further described. The drive system  18  can include an electric motor  36  ( FIG. 4 ) mounted within the tool body  12  and having an output member  38 . In the exemplary configuration, the output member  38  can define a male spline  40 . A fan (not shown) can be mounted on the output member  38  for rotation therewith. The fan can include a plurality of upwardly projecting blades generally arranged to direct air toward the motor  36 . In this manner, the upwardly projecting fan blades can operate to generate a cooling air flow when the motor  36  is turned on to help cool the motor  36  during operation of the sander  10 . A bearing  44  can radially support the output member  38 . 
         [0054]    With specific reference now to  FIGS. 1-7 , the exemplary platens  22  will be described in greater detail. According to the present teachings, each of the plurality of platens  22  can be releasably connected to the tool body  12  without the use of a hand tool (such as a screwdriver, Allen wrench, etc.). The exemplary platens  22  can include a finishing sander platen  50 , a detail sander platen  52 , and a random orbit sander platen  54 . The detail sander platen  52  can include a releasable finger attachment  56  for detail sander. As will be described, the finishing sander platen  50  and detail sander platen  52  are configured for orbital motion while the random orbit sander platen  54  is configured for random orbit motion. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,132,300 and 5,885,146 provide examples of abrading tools that provide orbital and random orbit motion. These patents are hereby incorporated by reference as is fully set forth in detail herein. 
         [0055]    The finishing sander platen  50  can define a substantially flat bottom surface  62 , a curved upper surface  64 , and a peripheral edge with a point  66  that provides the finishing sander platen  50  with an iron-shape. The point  66  can be used for sander corners or other areas. In one example, an abrasive sheet (not shown) can be applied to the flat bottom surface  62  by way of a hook and loop fabric fastener. An underside of the abrasive sheet can have a first hook and/or loop surface, which can be attachable to a second hook and/or loop surface (not shown) provided on the flat bottom surface  62  of the finishing sander platen  50 . 
         [0056]    According to one example, a portion  68  of the finishing sander platen  50 , adjacent to the point  66  of the peripheral edge, can be detachable from the remainder of the finishing sander platen  50 . The detachable portion  68  can be loosened or completely detached from the finishing sander platen  50  and rotated through 180°, or even replaced, as the edges on either side of the point become worn. Further details of the detachable portion  68  can be found in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,949, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth in detail herein. As can be appreciated, the finger attachment portion  56  of the detail sander platen  52  can occupy the space of an otherwise located point  66  (i.e., see finishing sander platen  50 ). Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the shape and configuration of the finishing sander platen  50  and detail sander platen  52  are substantially equivalent, the finishing sander platen  50  being configured for mounting to the tool body  12  with a flat forward end  70  facing toward the front of the sander  10 , whereas the detail sander platen  52 , having the finger attachment  56 , can be secured to the tool body  12  having the finger attachment  56  being oriented toward the forward end of the sander  10 . Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the detail sander platen  52  can also be mounted to the sander  10  without the finger attachment  56 . 
         [0057]    With specific reference to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the finishing sander platen  50  can further define a plurality of elastomeric legs  72 . In the example shown, four elastomeric legs  72  are used, one pair toward the front of the sander  10  and another pair disposed toward the rear of the sander  10 . First ends  76  of the elastomeric legs  72  can be selectively received by mounting hubs  78  defined in the front and rear clam shell portions  14 ,  16 . Second ends  80  of the elastomeric legs  72  can be fixedly secured to the finishing sander platen  50  by mounting bosses  79 . Other configurations may be employed for securing the elastomeric legs  72  between the tool body  12  and the finishing sander platen  50 . 
         [0058]    The finishing sander platen  50  can further define a centrally located attachment hub  82  and a chute  84 . The attachment hub  82  can generally house a rotatable member  88  ( FIG. 6 ). The rotatable member  88  can generally be in the form of a fan  90  having a counterweight  92 . The fan  90  can be configured to direct air through the chute  84  and into the dust extraction port  20 . The rotatable member  88  can define a mounting hub  93  that aligns for rotation with a female spline  94  that cooperatively receives the male spline  40  of the output member  38  in an installed position. The mounting hub  93  can be offset from a central axis  98  of the rotatable member  88 . As can be appreciated, the offset can be any suitable distance to provide an orbital motion of the finishing sander platen  50  during operation. In one example, the offset can be 2 mm. Other configurations are contemplated. For example, other finishing sander platens may be provided having other offsets. 
         [0059]    With reference again to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the attachment hub  82  can define a chamfered annular leading edge  100 . The attachment hub  82  can further define a groove  102  defined around a cylindrical outboard surface  104 . A shroud  106  can be defined on the finishing sander platen  50 . The shroud  106  can generally surround the rotatable member  88 . In one example, the attachment hub  82 , the chute  84  and the shroud  106  can be monolithic or integrally formed. 
         [0060]    As can be appreciated, the detail sander platen  52  can be constructed similarly to the finishing sander platen  50 . Therefore, a detailed description of the detail sander platen  52  will not be repeated. As illustrated, however, a chute  84 ′ ( FIG. 1 ) can be arranged proximate to its rearward end (i.e., its flat end  70 ′) for cooperatively aligning with the dust extraction port  20  provided in the tool body  12 . An attachment hub  82 ′ can house a rotatable member  88 ′ ( FIG. 1 ). 
         [0061]    With specific attention now to  FIGS. 3 and 7 , the random orbit sander platen  54  can generally define a circular platen body  114  having an attachment hub  116 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that the random orbit sander platen  54  is not constrained outboard of the attachment hub  116  (i.e., such as with elastomeric legs) allowing a random orbit sander  54  to move in a motion during use. The attachment hub  116  can be formed generally equivalent to the attachment hub  82  described above with respect to the finishing sander platen  50 . Housed within the attachment hub  116  is a rotatable member  120  ( FIG. 7 ). The rotatable member  120  can define a similar mounting hub  93 ′, fan  90 ′ and counterweight  92 ′ arrangement as described above with respect to the fan  90 , counterweight  92  and mounting hub  93 . The rotatable member  120 , however, can define a distinct offset (e.g. the mounting hub can be offset from its central axis) as compared to the orbit sander platens  50  and  52 , described above. In one example, the offset can be about 4 mm. In another example, the offset can be 2 mm and the orbit can be 4 mm. It is appreciated, however, that each of the platens  22  can define mounting hubs (i.e.,  93 ) that have an offset relative to a central axis of the rotatable member (i.e.,  88 ) for providing a desired offset according to a given application. It is also appreciated that each of the counterweights (i.e.,  92 ) can be provided with a mass that is specific to a given platen (i.e.,  50 ,  52  or  54 ). 
         [0062]    Turning now to  FIGS. 8-10 , a shroud  130  constructed in accordance to another example is shown. The shroud  130  includes a first chute  132  and a second chute  134  formed thereon. The shroud  130  can be integrally formed with an attachment hub  136 . The attachment hub  136  can be formed equivalently to the attachment hubs  82  and  116  described above. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the shroud  130 , having first and second chutes  132  and  134 , can operatively align with the dust extraction port  20  in either a forward mounted position (i.e., the pointed end aligned with the front of the sander  10  for an iron-shaped platen) or a rearward mounted position (i.e., the flat end arranged toward the front of the sander  10 ). In one example, a plug  140  can be provided in the tool body  12  for aligning with an unused chute  132 ,  134 . In one example, the plug  140  can be formed of a compliant material and be generally captured by one of, or both of the clam shell housings  14 ,  16 . According to one example, a dust chute connector  144  can be interposed between the functioning chute  132  or  134  and the dust extraction port  20 . It is appreciated that the shroud  130  can be adapted for use with any of the platens  22  disclosed herein. For example, the shroud  130  is shown in  FIG. 8  operatively associated with a circular random orbit sander platen, whereas the shroud  130  is shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  cooperatively with an iron-shaped finishing sander platen. 
         [0063]    With renewed reference now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the sander  10  can include an attachment assembly  150  for releasably coupling the respective sander platens  22  to the tool body  12 . The attachment assembly  150  can generally include the button  30 , a retaining member or wireframe  152  and a spreader block  154 . In the exemplary embodiment, the retaining member  152  is in the form of a wireframe. However, other configurations are contemplated. In general, the wireframe  152  can selectively nest with the groove (i.e., groove  102 ) of a respective attachment hub (i.e., attachment hub  82 ). 
         [0064]    As mentioned above, the attachment assembly  150  can selectively couple with an identified sander platen  22  without the use of a hand tool (such as a screwdriver or Allen key, etc.). An exemplary method of attaching the finishing sander platen  50  according to one example of the present teachings will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 4, 5 and 11-19 . It is appreciated that attaching (and removing) other platens (i.e.,  52  or  54 ) will be carried out similarly. At the outset, a user can generally align the female spline  94  of the rotatable member  88  with the male spline  40  of the output member  38  ( FIG. 4 ). Concurrently, a user can align the first ends  76  of the legs  72  with the respective hubs  78  defined in the tool body  12 . The user can then urge the tool body  12  downwardly (and/or the finishing sander platen  50  in a direction upward) as viewed in  FIG. 11 . During such motion, the wireframe  152  can slidably urge over the chamfered annular leading edge  100  of the attachment hub  82  causing the wireframe  152  to generally spread outwardly until the wireframe  152  “snaps” into the groove  102  (see sequence of  FIGS. 11-14 ). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the wireframe  152  can have spring-like characteristics, such that in its relaxed state, the wireframe  152  can occupy a nested position within the groove  102  and therefore retain a respective sander platen  22 . In one example, the wireframe  152  can be formed of a metallic material. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the attachment assembly  150  and/or the wireframe  152  can be configured differently. During the advancement of the attachment hub  82  toward the tool body  12 , the first ends  76  of the legs  72  can nest into the respective hubs  78  defined in the tool body  12 . 
         [0065]    An exemplary method of releasing the finishing sander platen  50  according to the present teachings will now be described. Again, it is appreciated that releasing other platens (i.e.,  52  or  54 ) will be carried out similarly. A user can push the base release button  30  inwardly (i.e., in a direction leftward as viewed in  FIG. 16 ). Movement of the base release button  30  in a direction leftward (i.e., into the tool body  12 ) can cause the button to slide along the wireframe  152  and therefore urge an intermediate portion of the wireframe  152  to spread radially out of engagement with the groove  102 . With the wireframe  152  in a position clear from the groove  102  ( FIGS. 16 and 19 ), a user can then pull the finishing sander platen  50  in a direction downward (i.e., in a direction along an axis defined by the female spline  94 ) and away from the tool body  12 . 
         [0066]    With reference now to  FIGS. 1 and 20-22 , the mode selector  24  will be described in greater detail. The mode selector  24  can generally define a control panel  160  that rotatably supports the movable member  26  to a backing plate  162  by way of a threaded fastener  164  and washer  166 . A rear face  170  of the control panel  160  can define a pair of supports  172  that mount a pair of detent springs  176 , respectively. The backing plate  162  can define a plurality of depressions  180  formed around its annular surface. As will be described, the detent springs  176  can selectively nest within an aligned pair of depressions  180  to positively locate the movable member  26  at a desired operating location. The backing plate  162  can further define a rib  182 . The rib  182  can be aligned with a toggle bar  184  associated with a speed control switch  188 . According to one example, the toggle bar  184  can toggle between a first and second position upon movement of the rib  182  across the toggle bar  184 . As will be described, the first and second position can correspond to a first and second speed of the motor  36  (and therefore the output member  38 ). 
         [0067]    An exemplary circuit associated with the mode selector  24  will be described briefly. The speed control switch  188  can include a diode  192 . The speed control switch  188  can be electrically connected to an on/off switch  194  of the sander  10 . In one example, when the speed control switch  188  is moved to the first or “on” position, current bypasses the diode  192  and the sander  10  runs at full speed. When the speed control switch  188  is turned to the second or “off” position, the current is forced through the diode  192  and the voltage is dropped causing the motor  36  (and, as a result, the output member  38  to rotate at a reduced speed). 
         [0068]    With reference again to  FIG. 1 , the pictorial key  28  of the mode selector  24  will be described in greater detail. As shown, the pictorial key  28  can have a first outer zone  200 , a second outer zone  202 , and a third outer zone  204 . In one example, each of the first, second and third outer zones  200 ,  202 , and  204  can include graphical information, such as photos and/or sketches that correspond to a given sander task. As illustrated, the first outer zone  200  can include a graphic with a pictorial representation of the detail sander platen  52 . The second outer zone  202  can have a graphical representation of the finishing sander platen  50 . The third outer zone  204  can have a graphical representation of the random orbit sander platen  54 . In one example, each of the outer zones can be color-coded with a distinct color. In addition, a picture of a turtle can be provided on the first outer zone  200  and a picture of a rabbit can be provided on the third outer zone  204 . As can be appreciated, a rotational orientation of the movable member  26  pointing toward the third outer zone  204  can correspond with the first speed and with the toggle bar  184  in the first position, such that the speed control switch  188  is in the “on” position. Likewise, when the movable member  26  rotated to be pointed toward the first outer zone  200 , the toggle bar  184  is toggled to the second position (via movement of the rib  182  across the toggle bar  184 ) corresponding to the speed control switch  188  in the “off” position. It is appreciated that additional speed settings may be provided according to the outer zones and/or the inner zones (described below). It is contemplated that a potentiometer could be implemented to control speed. 
         [0069]    According to other examples, indicia can be arranged around the pictorial key  28  that correspond to a grit value of sand paper optimized for a given task. Additionally or alternatively, the pictorial key  28  can have a graphic (e.g. picture, sketch, photograph, etc.) that corresponds to an exemplary article for sander (i.e., a door, a table, a pedestal, etc.). The grit value and picture of the article to be sanded can be arranged as a first inner zone  205 , a second inner zone  206 , a third inner zone  207 , a fourth inner zone  208  and a fifth inner zone  209 . It can be appreciated that while the mode selector  24  has been shown and described above in connection to a movable member  26  that rotates around an axis in the form of a dial or pointer, the mode selector can take alternate forms. For example, the mode selector  24  can alternatively comprise a lever configured for linear movement or other configurations. 
         [0070]    With reference now to  FIGS. 23 and 24 , a sander  210  constructed in accordance to another example of the present teachings is shown. Except as otherwise described, the sander  210  can comprise the features as discussed herein with respect to other sanders. The sander  210  can generally include a tool body or housing  212  having a pair of clam shell portions  214  and  216 . The sander  210  can further include a drive system  218  that is housed in a cavity defined by the clam shell portions  214  and  216 . The tool body  212  and the drive system  218  can be conventional in their construction and operation, and as such, need not be discussed in significant detail herein. A mode selector  224  can be rotatably coupled to the tool body  212 . As with the tool  10  described above, the sander  210  can be configured for selectively mating with a plurality of platens  222 . An underside of the mode selector  224  can define a first plurality of notches  225  formed around an annular ring  226 . The first plurality of notches  225  can cooperatively align with a second plurality of notches  227  defined in the tool body  212 . The mode selector  224  can further define a pictorial key  228  arranged therearound. The pictorial key  228  can define similar graphical representations as described above with respect to the pictorial key  28 . In the mode selector  224 , according to this example, however, the pictorial key  228  of the mode selector  224  is rotated to align with an arrow  230  provided on the tool body  212 . 
         [0071]    The plurality of platens  222  can define a finishing sander platen  250  and a random orbit sander platen  254 . Other platens may be provided. The detail sander platen  252  can define an attachment hub  260  that includes a series of nubs  262  extending outwardly around a shroud  264  thereof. A female spline  268  can be provided on the finishing sander platen  250  and be configured for meshingly engaging a male spline  270  provided on an electric motor  272  of the drive system  218 . The nubs  262  are configured for slidably aligning and inserting into corresponding first and second notches  225  and  227  defined on the ring  226  of the mode selector  224  and the tool body  212 , respectively. As can be appreciated, the first plurality of notches  225  will be rotationally aligned with specific second plurality of notches  227  for accepting the correct platen  222  that corresponds with a given graphic provided on the pictorial key  228  aligning with the arrow  230 . 
         [0072]    The random orbit sander platen  254  can include nubs  274  arranged around an attachment hub  276 . A tongue  280  can extend outwardly adjacent from the attachment hub  276 . The tongue  280  can be configured to cooperatively nest in a pocket  282  formed on the tool body  212 . As illustrated, the nubs  274  are located at a radially distinct location around the attachment of  276  as compared to the nubs  262  arranged around the attachment hub  260 . As can be appreciated, once a user rotates the mode selector  224  to a location in which a graphic of the pictorial key  228  that illustrates the random orbit sander platen  254  is aligned with the arrow  230 , the nubs  274  cooperatively align with predetermined notches  225  (of the ring  226  of the mode selector  224 ) and notches  227  (of the tool body  212 ). As can be appreciated, the rotational orientation of the notches  225 ,  227  will permit attachment with only the sander platen  222  identified in the pictorial key  228  aligned with the arrow  230 . Therefore, attachment of other sander platens  222  is precluded. 
         [0073]    It is appreciated that while the above embodiment has been described in association with “notches” and “nubs” other geometries may be provided for selectively keying specific platens to the tool body  212 . 
         [0074]    While not specifically shown, a rotatable member can be provided in the respective attachment hubs  260  and  276  that can be configured to provide a desired offset and/or counterbalance mass according to a given task. Also, while not specifically shown, the platens  222  can be selectively coupled to the sander  210 , such as by way of an attachment assembly (see attachment assembly  150  described above), or other methods of attachment. 
         [0075]    Turning now to  FIGS. 25 and 26 , a sander  310  according to another example, of the present teachings is shown. Except as otherwise described, the sander  310  can comprise the features as described in herein with respect to other sanders. The sander  310  can include a tool body or housing  312  having a pair of clam shell portions  314  and  316 . The sander  310  can further include a drive system  318  that is housed in a cavity defined by the clam shell portions  314  and  316 . The tool body  312  and the drive system  318  can be conventional in their construction and operation, and as such, need not be discussed in significant detail herein. The drive system  318  can selectively couple with a plurality of platens, collectively referred to a reference  322 . The sander  310  can include a window  324  that provides viewing access to a wheel  326 . In one configuration, the wheel  326  can define a pictorial key  328 . The pictorial key  328  can include a first zone  330 , a second zone  332 , and a third zone  334 . The respective zones  330 ,  332  and  334  can correspond to a graphic (i.e., picture, sketch) that illustrates the shape of a given platen  322  as well as a directional path that such given platen  322  will operate in. 
         [0076]    The platens  322  can include a finishing sander platen  350 , a random orbit sander platen  354 , and a square footprint detail sander platen  356 . According to one example, a finger, or other structure  360 , such as shown on the detail sander platen  356  can be provided for rotating the wheels  326  into a rotational position that corresponds to the zone (i.e.,  330 ,  332 , or  334 ) associated with the attached platen  322  being viewed through the window  324 . In one example, a flip key  366  can extend from the output member  338  of the sander  310 . The flip key  366  can pass through the corresponding opening  370 , shown on the finishing sander platen  350  and rotated to a secured position to lock a given platen  322  relative to the tool body  312 . While not specifically shown, a similar opening is defined on the other platens  354  and  356 . The flip key  366  can also be provided on other sanders disclosed herein for securing other platens described herein. 
         [0077]    Turning now to  FIG. 27 , a sander  410  according to additional features of the present teachings is shown. Except as otherwise described, the sander  410  can comprise the features as described herein with respect to other sanders. The sander  410  can be constructed similar to the sanders  10 ,  210  and  310  described above and also include a dust extraction fan  411  provided in a canister  413  of the tool body  412 . Because a dust extraction fan  411  is provided in a canister  413 , a plurality of platens (i.e., such as  350 ,  354  and  356 ,  FIG. 25 ) can include rotatable members tuned for each platen. As such, each rotatable member can define a counterweight mass and offset, but without a fan (i.e., the fan  90  described above in relation with the sander  10 ). 
         [0078]    Turning now to  FIGS. 28-30 , a sander  510  constructed in accordance with additional features of the present teachings is shown. Except as otherwise described, the sander  510  can comprise the features as described herein with respect to other sanders. The sander  510  can include a tool body or housing  512  having a pair of clam shell portions  514  and  516 . The sander  510  can further include a drive system  518  that is housed in a cavity defined by the clam shell portions  514  and  516 . The tool body  512  and the drive system  518  can be conventional in their construction and operation, and as such, need not be discussed in significant detail. The drive system  518  can selectively couple with a plurality of platens. The platens are shown as a finishing sander platen  520  ( FIG. 28 ), a random orbit sander platen  522  ( FIG. 29 ) and a square finishing sander platen  524  ( FIG. 32 ). The sander  510  provides elastomeric bellows  528  for securing a respective platen  520 ,  522 ,  524  to the tool body  512 . 
         [0079]    As shown in  FIG. 29 , the elastomeric bellows  528  is shown coupled between a plate  530  having a fan shroud  532  and an exemplary finishing sander platen  520 . The fan shroud  532  can generally bound a fan  534  adapted for cooling the motor. The plate  530  can further define a dust chute  536  that is configured to exhaust air through a dust extraction chute (such as dust extraction chute  20 ). Referring to  FIG. 30 , the elastomeric bellows  528  can couple between a pair of hose clips  560 . The hose clips  560  can couple on opposite ends to the plate  530  and a securing plate  562 . In one example, the securing plate  562  can define bosses  566  for selectively receiving pegs  568  formed on the finishing sander platen  520 . The elastomeric bellows  528  provides an enclosure for effective dust extraction. 
         [0080]    Turning now to  FIGS. 33-37 , a mode selector  624  constructed in accordance to additional features of the present teachings will be described. The mode selector  624  can be operably disposed on a tool body  612  and can include a movable member  630 , a control panel  632 , a wheel  634  ( FIG. 34 ) and a central hub  636 . The movable member  630  can be in the form of a dial or knob. The movable member  630  can have an indicator  640  formed thereon. The control panel  632  can include a pictorial key  642  that includes graphics in a first zone  644   a,  a second zone  644   b,  a third zone  644   c  and a fourth zone  644   d.  As will become appreciated, the movable member can be configured to rotate, such that the indicator  640  is aligned with a preferred graphic on the pictorial key  642  according to the desired sanding task. The control panel  632  can also define an opening  648 , a window  650  and a button passage  652 . The control panel  632  can also define recesses  654  adjacent to the opening  648  for selectively receiving a cap  658  that is biased by a spring  660  in a nested position. The biased cap  658  can give a user positive tactile feedback that the movable member  630  is located at the desired position aligned with a respective zone  644   a - 644   d  of the pictorial key  642 . In an assembled position, a stem  661  of the central hub  636  locates through an opening  662  formed in the movable member  630 , through the opening  648  in the control panel  632  and couples with a hub  663  on the wheel  634 . The movable member  630 , the central hub  636  and the wheel  634  can then collectively rotate relative to the opening  648  of the control panel  632 . 
         [0081]    The wheel  634  can include a first image  664   a,  a second image  664   b , a third image  664   c,  and a fourth image  664   d.  The wheel  634  is fixed for rotation with the movable member  630 , such that one of the first through fourth images  664   a - 664   d  can be viewable through the window  650 . The images  664   a - 664   d  correspond with the appropriate graphic  644   a - 644   d  on the pictorial key  642  according to the desired task identified by the user. Explained further, and as illustrated in  FIGS. 36-37 , a user can rotate the movable member  630  from the location shown in  FIG. 36  to the location shown in  FIG. 37  when it is desired to change the sanding task. While not expressly described here, rotation of the movable member  630  can cooperate with a speed control switch, such as the speed control switch  188  to correspond with first and second speeds of the motor as described above in relation to  FIGS. 20-22 . 
         [0082]    As illustrated in  FIG. 36 , the movable member  630  is shown rotated to a location, such that the indicator  640  is pointing at the fourth zone  644   d.  Also shown in  FIGS. 36 and 37 , a button  653  constructed similar to the button  30  described above is shown extending through the button passage  652 . Because the movable member  630  is rotatably fixed with the wheel  634 , this position corresponds to the fourth image  664   d  of the wheel  634  to be viewable through the window  650  of the control panel  632 . In the example shown in  FIG. 37 , the user can rotate the movable member, such as in a counterclockwise direction until the indicator  640  is pointing at the second zone  644   b  of the pictorial key  642 . In this position, the second image  664   b  is viewable through the window  650  of the control panel  632 . 
         [0083]    While not specifically shown, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the first image  664   a  of the wheel  634  will be viewable through the window  650  when the indicator  640  is pointing at the first zone  644   a  of the pictorial key  642 . Similarly, the third image  644   c  of the wheel  634  will be viewable through the window  650  of the control panel  632  when the indicator  640  is pointing at the third zone  644   c  of the pictorial key  642 . According to additional examples, the respective images  664   a - 664   d  can be provided with different colors indicating that some of the selected modes of sanding can include a change in motor speed. It is also appreciated that the mode selector  624  and related features can be configured for operation with any of the sanders described herein. 
         [0084]    Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. 
         [0085]    The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
         [0086]    When an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to”, “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
         [0087]    Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. 
         [0088]    Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
         [0089]    The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1