Patents Examined by Elieen P. Morgan
  • Patent number: 6261164
    Abstract: An abrasive article is formed from a lofty nonwoven abrasive pad and one or more abrasive sheets. In one embodiment, each sheet has an abrasive layer on its front side and a plurality of engagement stems on its back side. Enough of the engagement stems engage fibers on the surface of the nonwoven pad to affix the two components together for workpiece surface treatment. In another embodiment, the nonwoven pad has a slit therein, and each abrasive sheet has a portion thereof inserted into its respective slit to anchor the sheet to the pad. In this embodiment, each sheet has an abrasive layer on its front side but may have no stems on its back side. In either embodiment, the sheets are readily replaceable on the nonwoven pad, thus creating a very simple and versatile arrangement for varying the abrasive characteristics presented to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Allen J. Rivard, Galen A. Fitzel, Chris A. Minick