Abstract: A rotary buffing and finishing system includes a polymeric foam cushioning layer that has a graded compression load deflection which is interposed between a backing plate and a relatively thin performance layer that is removably attached to the foam cushioning layer. The backing plate is flexible but has a compression load deflection greater than the cushioning layer, and the cushioning layer includes two foam layers of graded compression load deflection that decreases from a rear face to a front face. The system provides improved performance over thicker and more expensive performance layers while reducing operator fatigue.

Abstract: A buffing ball is made from two layers of tufted wool or synthetics cut to identical FIG. 8 shape and secured to the outer surface of a spherical member, preferably by stitching.

Abstract: Selected surfaces of a cellular polymeric foam surface finishing pad are heated to cause the surface cells to partially collapse or to fully collapse and glaze over. The selected surfaces may be the planar pad faces or may be formed in one or more depressions formed in the planar faces. The areas of partially collapsed cell structures in the operating face of the pad provide a slow down in the rate of polish or compound absorption, increasing the effectiveness of the finishing process. The fully collapsed cell glazed surface on the rear attachment face of the pad prevents the migration of moisture through the pad to the pad attachment mechanism.

Abstract: A buffing and polishing ball made of a compressible polymeric foam material is formed by slitting a body of foam material in a substantially uncompressed state (1) from an outside surface of the body in a direction generally perpendicular to the rotational axis and (2) on circumferentially spaced planes that extend generally radially from the outside surface of the body to define a plurality of foam fingers. A fastening system is used to compress and hold a center portion of the foam body in a direction along the rotational axis such that the uncompressed outer ends of the finger assume a generally spherical ball.

Abstract: A rotary foam buffing pad is provided with a concave working face which allows the operator to provide true graduated surface contact in applying polish, buffing or glazing compounds, while containing the polishing compound against centrifugal force which would otherwise result in splattering of the compound. The manner in which the concave working face is formed and in which the edge face is formed and dressed results in dynamic balancing of the pad and reducing vibration and operator fatigue. The working surface forming and pad finishing operations further provide a velvetized texture to the pad working surfaces which further enhances the polishing or finishing process.

Abstract: A polymeric foam finishing pad is made by attaching an array of foam fingers to a suitable support substrate. The foam fingers are attached to the substrate in a continuous strip of interconnected fingers or may be individually inserted into a support substrate and attached to the substrate by an adhesive layer. Each of the foam members is preferably formed in and cut from an advancing foam strip and folded and inserted into a preformed opening contained in the support substrate, such that each foam member forms a pair of fingers that extend from the front face of the support substrate. The outer tip of each foam finger may include a pair of slits extending into the foam member from the outer tip to divide each outer tip into a plurality of contact tips, thereby increasing the amount of surface contact between the finishing pad and the surface being finished. The tips of the fingers may also be provided with abrasive particles to provide a more aggressive pad finishing surface.

Abstract: A rotary foam buffing pad is provided with a concave working face which allows the operator to provide true graduated surface contact in applying polish, buffing or glazing compounds, while containing the polishing compound against centrifugal force which would otherwise result in splattering of the compound. The manner in which the concave working face is formed and in which the edge face is formed and dressed results in dynamic balancing of the pad and reducing vibration and operator fatigue. The working surface forming and pad finishing operations further provide a velvetized texture to the pad working surfaces which further enhances the polishing or finishing process.

Abstract: A polymeric foam finishing pad is made by attaching a dense array of individual foam members to a suitable support substrate. The foam members are individually inserted into a support substrate and attached to the substrate by an adhesive layer. When making the foam pad, each of the foam members is preferably folded and inserted into a preformed opening contained in the support substrate, such that each foam member forms a pair of fingers that extend from the front face of the support substrate. The outer tip of each foam finger may include a pair of slits extending into the foam member from the outer tip.

Abstract: A polymeric foam finishing pad is made by attaching a dense array of individual foam fingers to a suitable backing substrate. The fingers may be individually attached to the substrate or attached to the substrate by an intermediate foam strip to which the fingers are integrally joined. When making a circular rotary buffing pad, the foam strip is preferably attached to the substrate in a spiral pattern.

Abstract: A supporting base material for a tufted rotary finishing pad utilizes a three-layer laminate including an outer face layer of a crosslinked ionomer resin of ethylene and methacrylic acid copolymers reacted with a metal salt, an intermediate layer of an open polyester mesh, and an inner face layer of a non-woven polyester fiber. The tufted fiber finishing media is attached to the crosslinked ionomer resin face of the laminated base which is preferably heat formed to provide a curved pad edge. The base is extremely tough and durable, provides excellent shape retention, resistance to moisture, and resistance to fiber tear-out.

Abstract: This invention is a new water-powered random orbital power cleaner in which the orbital head rotates in a completely random orbit on which it spins. In addition, this invention involves a foam or bristled shroud which fits around the plastic shell of this invention in order to buff and protect the item being washed, buffed, polished or cleaned with the orbital head.

Abstract: A hand-held cleaning and dressing tool for foam buffing pads includes a series of toothed cleaning wheels mounted for independent rotation on a common shaft attached to the end of a pistol grip handle. The cleaning wheels are shrouded to help capture caked material picked up from the surface of the rotating pad. The tool also includes an abrasive dressing surface to reshape the buffing pad as a result of wear. Both the cleaning and dressing tools are operated by holding the same in operative contact with the rotatably driven pad.