DOCUMENT ABRADING DEVICE

Abstract

The present invention provides a shredding device that has an elongated body that houses a motor. A brush may be rotatably secured to the body, at least partly outside of the body, and driven by the motor and configured to remove by abrasion at least a layer of a substrate having markings thereon. The shredding device may include a vacuum system for collecting particulate matter formed by abrading the substrate.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices useful for the destruction of sensitive information and, more particularly, to hand held devices that remove markings from a substrate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventionally, documents containing sensitive information, such as confidential or personal information, are shredded by a mechanical shredding machine or are otherwise destroyed in an attempt to prevent the information on the documents from being misused. Even when such documents are shredded, however, the possibility remains that a person could reassemble the pieces of the document and obtain the sensitive information. Further, such shredding machines are often bulky, large, heavy, or otherwise not conducive to portability.

The problem may not be solved if the sensitive information is masked by, for example, black marker, white out, or some other masking device, since the information may still be detected by sophisticated chemical or light-based image analysis devices or in some cases even by unsophisticated means (e.g., holding the document against a light source).

Thus, the most reliable way to ensure security of documents or objects having sensitive information or markings thereon is to completely remove the information or markings from the surface of the documents or objects and, preferably, to obliterate such information or markings in their entirety.

Power erasers are known, but they rotate elastomeric erasers that are not effective at removing permanent markings, such as permanent ink, particularly from durable surfaces like plastic.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, a method for removing markings from a substrate is provided. In the method, a brush is mounted in an elongated body and is rotatably driven. A substrate having markings thereon is contacted with the rotating brush and at least a superficial layer of the substrate is removed, the markings being removed along with the superficial layer. The markings may either be ink, toner, alphanumeric text, or graphical indicia and the substrate may be either a fiber-based material or plastic.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a shredding device is provided that has an elongated body and a motor located within the body. A brush is rotatably secured to the body, at least partly outside of the body, and a vacuum system and dust container are mounted to the body. The brush is driven by the motor and configured to remove by abrasion at least a layer of a substrate having markings thereon and the vacuum system is configured to collect dust, shavings, or other particulate matter created by abrading the substrate and to deposit the dust, shavings, or other particulate matter into the dust container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a document abrading device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a document abrading device removing markings from a surface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the elements of a document abrading device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a detail view of an embodiment of a brush used in the document abrading device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a detail view of another embodiment of a brush used in the document abrading device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a document abrading device having a protective cap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the removal of a brush from a document abrading device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a document abrading device and charger in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a document abrading device having a light in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a document abrading device having a storage compartment at one end in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic partial cutaway diagram of a document abrading device having a vacuum system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a document abrading device having a vacuum system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a document abrading device having a writing implement at one end in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

An embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The description as set out herein illustrates an arrangement of an embodiment of the present disclosure and is not to be construed as limiting its scope in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A document abrading device 10 in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The device 10 may be used for any of a variety of shredding or erasing purposes such as for removal of sensitive information from a surface (e.g., paper, plastic, cardboard, etc.) or for simply erasing marks from such a surface even when the marks are created by permanent ink. The document abrading device 10 may be configured to remove, or shred, only a superficial layer of a substrate 38 so that any information contained thereon is destroyed 39 while the remainder of the surface 38 is preserved, as shown in FIG. 2. The document abrading device 10 may also be configured to remove more than a superficial layer of a substrate 38 or to completely shred or abrade through the entire thickness of the substrate 38, if such capability is desired. The removal of at least a superficial layer of the substrate 38 is accomplished by rotatably driving a brush 24, preferably made of thin metal wires, and bringing the rotating brush 24 into contact with the surface of the substrate 38 having a marking that is to be removed. The abrading effect of the rotating brush 24 removes the marking and, in some cases, turns at least a superficial layer of the surface having the marking thereon into particulate matter, e.g., dust.

Such markings may include ink, toner, pencil marks (e.g., lead, graphite, etc.), alpha-numeric text, graphical indicia, or other such markings. Substrates containing markings may include fiber-based substrates, such as paper or cardboard, or plastic.

The document abrading device 10 has an elongated and generally cylindrical shape, generally similar to a thick pen such that it may be held in a user's hand as one holds a pen. Such a shape lends itself favorably to increased accuracy, comfort, and familiarity in use. The device 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, generally includes a body 12, a grip 14 disposed over a portion of the body 12, and a switch 16 positioned beneath the grip 14 and protruding through the grip 14 through an opening 15 in a location convenient to a user. The switch 16 may instead be located anywhere on the body 12, such as a top or middle portion, as is seen fit for convenience and/or practicality. Other shapes or configurations may be used for the body.

The body 12 forms a receptacle that houses various parts of the device 10 including batteries 18 (or some other power source), a motor 20, a motor spindle 21, and a brush support 22. The brush support 22 supports a brush 24 that is positioned at least partly outside of the body 12. The brush 24 may be made of thin metal wires, as shown in detail in FIGS. 4 and 5, and is configured to be driven to rotate to remove and obliterate markings from a surface of a substrate 38.

The brush 24 may have any configuration, such as the rounded one shown in FIG. 4, the square one shown in FIG. 5, or any other suitable shape to remove markings from a surface 38. In the rounded configuration shown in FIG. 4, the bristles have a larger axial length in the center (i.e., at the rotational axis) and the length of the bristles progressively decreases in the radial direction. Preferably, but not necessarily, the configuration is such that the bristle ends define a round, and preferably generally hemispherical, shape. This is advantageous because the device 10 can be held at an acute angle relative to the surface of the substrate 38—similarly to how a pen is held when writing. A conical or generally conical shape may also be used, with the side of the cone providing a larger surface for abrading, and the tip providing a point for more precision in abrading.

In the flat configuration shown in FIG. 5, the bristles all have essentially the same axial length. This provides an essentially flat axial end surface. While the user has to hold the device 10 generally perpendicular to the substrate 38 to take full advantage of all the bristles, the wider and flatter end surface provides more bristle contact with the substrate 38.

A removable cap 26, as shown in FIG. 6, may be mounted to the end of the body 12 to cover and protect the brush 24 and/or to prevent accidental movement of the switch 16 and activation of the device 10. The cap 26 may have structure that corresponds to structure on the body 12 or grip 14 so as to form a removable snap-on or twist-on fitting, thus securing the cap 26 to the device 10 when it is not in use.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a way in which a brush 24 may be removed for replacement or substitution. After extended use, a brush 24 may be worn such that replacement becomes necessary. Additionally, different types of brushes may be used to remove markings on a variety of surfaces. For example, a brush 24 having relatively softer wires or bristles may be used on a surface 38 such as paper (e.g., bills or bank statements), while a brush 24 having relatively stiffer wires or bristles may be used on a more abrasion-resistant surface 38, such as plastic (e.g., a credit card). Further, it may be desirable to use a brush 24 that is safe to touch while rotating. Such a brush 24 may be made of plastic or nylon bristles or may be of a relatively soft metal or of thin gauge metal wires. Thus, it may be desirable to change the brush 24 quickly and easily to adapt to different surfaces and uses.

In the manner of removing the brush 24 shown in FIG. 7, the brush 24 may be removed by rotating it in a direction 30 opposite to the direction of rotation 28 when driven by the motor 20. To provide for this type of removal, the brush support 22 may be configured to have threads at its brush supporting end to correspond with threads on the brush 24. The opposite end of the brush support 22 may be configured to engage with a motor spindle 21 to transfer rotational drive to the brush 24. The brush support 22 may include structure that interlocks or otherwise securely engages with structure on the spindle 21 in order to reduce slippage.

Additional methods of removing the brush are contemplated by the present invention. For example, the brush 24 may be removed upon pressing an ejection button or by a chuck or collet.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the power source may comprise a rechargeable battery instead of batteries 18. In such an embodiment, shown in FIG. 8, a battery charger 34 may be provided and may include a docking station 32 and AC outlet plug 33 so that the device 10 may be simultaneously stored and recharged. Alternatively, a docking station may be built into a traditional full size mechanical paper shredder (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,559, the entirety of which is incorporated herein, or any other shredder) so that the document abrading device 10 may be stored and recharged in proximity of the full size shredder. The device 10 would fit in a receptacle in the shredder, and have electroconductive contacts that communicate with a batter recharging circuit and engage electroconductive contacts in the shredder receptacle that communicate with the shredder's power supply, thereby recharging the device's 10 battery. As a further alternative, the document abrading device 10 may be powered directly by a wall electrical outlet via an AC adapter or permanent power cord.

As shown in FIG. 9, the document abrading device 10 in accordance with the present invention may be provided with a light 36, such as an LED (light-emitting diode) or a small bulb so that a user may better view the target portion of the surface 38 in operation. A light 36 may be advantageous when removing markings on surfaces in hard-to-reach areas or in a dimly light environment.

The body 12 may include a storage portion 44 at one end, covered by a removable cap 40, in order to store replacement or substitute objects, such as spare brushes 24, as shown in FIG. 10. The cap 40 may be threadedly attached to the body 12 and be removed upon rotation 42. The cap 40 may be removably attached to the body 12 by any other known means, such as by a snap-on fitting or by a locking groove.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the document abrading device 10 may include a vacuum system 46 and dust container 48, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The vacuum system 46 may be configured to collect any dust, shavings, or other particles formed by the brush 24 in removing markings from a substrate 38 and store the dust, shavings, or particles in the dust container 48. The dust container 48 may be configured to be removable from the device 10 so that it may periodically be emptied.

As shown in FIG. 11, the vacuum system 46 may include a fan 58 mounted over and coaxially with the motor spindle 21. The fan 58 may be integral with the brush support structure 22 or, in another embodiment, the fan 58 and the brush support 22 may be separate elements. The fan 58, due to its attachment to the motor spindle 21, is rotated during use and produces a low pressure zone or vacuum within the brush end of the housing 12. The low pressure zone draws paper fibers, dust, and/or other debris up through the shaft opening 56. The fibers, dust, and/or debris is then forced out of the housing 12 through hole 52 and into the removable container 48. The removable container 48 includes a filtered exhaust port 54 that is configured to allow air to pass through while retaining fibers, dust, and/or debris within the container 48. The container 48 may periodically be removed to empty its contents.

A document abrading device having a vacuum system 46 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 12. In this embodiment, the device 10 may include an off-axis vacuum system 46 located along a side of the housing 12. A small impeller, or other device known in the art to enable vacuum action, may be located within the system 46 to create the vacuum suction and may be powered by the power source 18 of the device 10. The vacuum 46 may alternatively include its own power source, such as a battery, rechargeable battery, or it may be powered by a wall outlet via an AC adapter or permanent power cord. In this embodiment, paper fibers, dust, or other debris are collected through an opening 47 that is adjacent to the brush 24 opening. Accordingly, debris is drawn into the removable container 48 and air may be exhausted at a distal end 49 or other location on the container 48 through a filtered exhaust port, as discussed above.

To further enhance the utility of the document abrading device 10, the end of the device 10 opposite the brush end may include a writing implement 50 having a cap 52, as shown in FIG. 13.

While specific embodiments have been described above, it will be appreciated that the subject of the present disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as described. The descriptions above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Thus, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims set out below.

Claims

1. A method for removing markings from a substrate comprising:

manually grasping a body having a rotatable brush;

rotatably driving the brush with a motor mounted to the body;

contacting the substrate having markings thereon with the rotating brush;

removing at least a superficial layer of the substrate, the markings being removed along with the superficial layer, wherein the markings are selected from the group consisting of ink, toner, alphanumeric text, and graphical indicia, and the substrate is selected from the group consisting of a fiber-based material and plastic.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the brush is formed of thin metal wires.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a cap removably attached at a brush end.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the brush has threads at a supported end thereof and the shredding device further comprises a brush support member having threads, the threads of the brush being removably received by the threads of the brush support member.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising supplying a power supply, the power supply comprising batteries.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the body receives power from an outside electrical source during operation.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising disposing a light element on the body, in proximity to the brush, configured to cast light onto the surface.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the body has a storage compartment in an end of the body, the storage compartment being covered by a removable cap.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising mounting a vacuum system and a dust container to the body, the vacuum system configured to collect dust, shavings, or particles of the surface created by the rotating brush and to deposit the dust, shavings, or particles into the dust container.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein a low pressure zone is induced by a fan that is driven by the motor.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein a low pressure zone is induced by an impeller that is off-axis from a spindle driven by the motor.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a writing implement at an end of the body.

13. A document abrading device comprising:

a body;

a motor located within the body;

a brush rotatably secured to the body and at least partly outside the body, and

a vacuum system and a dust container mounted to the body,

wherein the brush is driven by the motor and is configured to remove by abrasion at least a layer of a substrate having markings thereon and wherein the vacuum system is configured to collect dust, shavings, or other particulate matter created by abrading the substrate and to deposit the dust, shavings, or other particulate matter into the dust container.

14. The document abrading device of claim 13, wherein a low pressure zone is induced by a fan that is driven by the motor.

15. The document abrading device of claim 13, wherein a low pressure zone is induced by an impeller that is off-axis from a spindle driven by the motor.

16. The document abrading device of claim 13, wherein the brush is formed of thin metal wires.

17. The document abrading device of claim 13, further comprising a cap removably attached to the shredding device at a brush end.

18. The document abrading device of claim 13, wherein the brush has threads at a supported end thereof and the shredding device further comprises a brush support member having threads, the threads of the brush being removably received by the threads of the brush support member.

19. The document abrading device of claim 13, wherein the motor is powered by rechargeable batteries and the shredding device further comprises a charger to charge the rechargeable batteries.

20. The document abrading device of claim 13, wherein the motor is powered by an external electrical source during operation.

21. The document abrading device of claim 13, further comprising a light element disposed on the body, in proximity to the brush, configured to cast light onto the substrate.

22. The document abrading device of claim 13, further comprising a storage compartment in an end of the body, the storage compartment being covered by a removable cap.

23. The document abrading device of claim 13, further comprising a writing implement at an end of the body.

24. The document abrading device of claim 13, wherein the body is elongated and the brush is provided at one longitudinal end of the body.

25. The document abrading device of claim 24, wherein the body is generally cylindrical.