APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR BURNISHING A REPLICA TAPE

Abstract

A tool for applying consistent pressure on a flat surface includes a housing, the housing including an exterior portion and an interior hollow portion; a contact member contained within the interior hollow portion; a spring arranged in the interior hollow portion and configured so as to apply a biasing force on the spherical contact member so that a portion of the spherical contact member protrudes from the interior hollow portion; the exterior portion comprising a flat portion having an opening therein, such that the spherical contact member protrudes from the interior hollow portion through the opening; the opening including a first area; the flat portion comprising a second area; wherein a ratio of the second area over the first area is at least two.

Claims

1. A tool for applying consistent pressure on a flat surface, the tool comprising: a housing, the housing comprising an exterior portion and an interior hollow portion; a contact member contained within the interior hollow portion; a spring arranged in the interior hollow portion and configured so as to apply a biasing force on the spherical contact member so that a portion of the spherical contact member protrudes from the interior hollow portion; the exterior portion comprising a flat portion having an opening therein, such that the spherical contact member protrudes from the interior hollow portion through the opening; the opening comprising a first area; the flat portion comprising a second area; wherein a ratio of the second area over the first area is at least two.

2. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the contact member is spherical.

3. The tool according to claim 2, wherein a lip is formed at the portion of the flat portion adjacent the interior hollow portion so as to retain the spherical contact member within the interior hollow portion.

4. The tool according to claim 1, wherein a member is provided between the spring and the contact member to transmit force from the spring to the spherical contact member.

5. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the spring is configured to apply a force of about 450 grams on the contact member.

6. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the second area over the first area is at least four.

7. A method of burnishing a replica tape with consistent pressure with a tool having a flat surface with an opening in it, and a spring-loaded contact member protrudes from the opening, wherein the method comprises: applying the flat portion of the tool on the replica tape; and moving the tool over the replica tape so that the spring-loaded contact member applies a substantially consistent pressure on the replica tape.

8. A tool for applying consistent pressure on a flat surface, the tool comprising: a first elongated portion having a first end and a second, rounded end; a holder; and a flexible cylinder, wherein a first end of the flexible cylinder is attached to the holder and the first end of the first elongated portion is connected to a second end of the flexible cylinder.

9. The tool according to claim 8, wherein the flexible cylinder is a coiled spring.

10. A method of burnishing a replica tape with consistent pressure with a tool according to claim 8, the method comprising: applying the rounded end of the tool on the replica tape; and applying pressure on the replica tape with the rounded end while holding the holder.

11. A tool for applying consistent pressure on a flat surface, the tool comprising: a long arm having a torsion spring mounted at one end thereof; a short arm having a first end that is rounded and capable of burnishing a replica tape; a second end of the short arm includes a protrusion that is configured to engage with the torsion spring such that that the short arm can pivot with respect to the long arm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Additional refinements, advantages and features of the present disclosure are described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, in which:

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for applying consistent pressure on a flat surface according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 2 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 for applying consistent pressure on a flat surface according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 for applying consistent pressure on a flat surface according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 4 shows an example of a method of burnishing a replica tape with consistent pressure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an apparatus for applying consistent pressure on a flat surface according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 6 shows an example of a method of burnishing a replica tape with consistent pressure according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 7 shows an example of a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0035] FIGS. 8A and 8B show an example of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] In the drawings, identical or similarly functioning parts are denoted with the same reference symbols, unless otherwise noted. It is to be noted that components illustrated in the drawings are not always shown to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure solve the drawbacks noted above by providing an apparatus which applies consistent pressure when used to burnish a replica tape, as well as a method for burnishing a replica tape with consistent pressure. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus and method which can be used to burnish a replica tape with consistent pressure by using force-limiting means to regulate the pressure applied to the replica tape, mitigating the sources of error that occur when insufficient or excessive burnishing force is applied to a burnishing tool by an operator.

[0038] In the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an apparatus and method for burnishing a replica tape with consistent pressure are described. Hereinafter, the term replica tape means a medium or film that may be embossed, compressed or cast on a surface of a material in order to replicate that surface. Any medium or film that has a characteristic intensity versus thickness function can be utilized with the features of the present disclosure as described herein and is intended to be encompassed within the definition of a replica tape as used herein. For example, a cast methacrylate replica embedded with a pigment can be used. A commonly known example of replica tape includes a polyester backing and a compressible foam surface. This is an example of a replica tape which may be utilized in the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a replica tape may be composed of a backing that is made of a material other than polyester (e.g., nylon), and the compressible surface may be constituted by a material other than foam, where such material may be rigid. Alternatively, the replica tape may have only a compressible surface without any backing. For the sake of brevity, the term replica tape hereinafter refers to a replica tape which may be embossed, compressed or cast on a surface of a material to replicate that surface, unless otherwise noted.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus 100 for applying consistent pressure on a flat surface according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises a housing 1. In the example of FIG. 1, a perspective view of the housing 1 is shown.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a front view of an apparatus 100 for applying consistent pressure on a flat surface according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises a housing 1 and a contact member 2. In FIG. 2, the contact member 2 is partially contained in and protrudes from the housing 1. A cross-section A-A is shown to pass through the center of the apparatus 100.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus 100 for applying consistent pressure on a flat surface according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The cross-sectional view shown is the cross-section A-A of FIG. 2. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises a housing 1, comprising an exterior portion 11 and an interior hollow portion 12. In FIG. 3, the exterior portion 11 forms the outside of the housing 1 and the interior hollow portion 12 forms a hollow opening in the housing 1 within which further components of the apparatus 100 are disposed.

[0042] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, a contact member 2 is contained within the interior hollow portion 12. In FIG. 3, the contact member 2 is a sphere partially contained within the interior hollow portion 12. The contact member 2 is not limited to a sphere and may be a hemisphere or any other shape wherein the part of the contact member contacting the surface has a spherical or rounded shape. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the contact member 2 is between about 0.125-about 1 in., more preferably between 0.2-0.9 in., between 0.3-0.8 in., between 0.3-0.7 in., between 0.3-0.6 in., between 0.3-0.5 in., between 0.3-0.4 in., or about 0.25 in.

[0043] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, a spring 3 is arranged in the interior hollow portion 12 and is configured so as to apply a biasing force on the contact member 2 so that a portion of the contact member 2 protrudes from the interior hollow portion 12. In the example of FIG. 3, the spring 3 extends within a portion of the length of the interior hollow portion 12. The length of the interior hollow portion 12 varies based on the length of the spring 3 when not in use. The length and stiffness of the spring 3 when not in use varies based on the preferred force which it is configured to apply to the contact member 2.

[0044] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the spring 3 is configured to apply a force of about 450 grams on the contact member 2. The force which the spring 3 is configured to apply is related to and varies with the diameter of the contact member 2 and the nature of the replica tape. For a contact member 2 with a preferred diameter of about 0.3 in., the spring 3 may be configured to apply a force preferably between 400-500 grams, 425-475 grams, or about 450 grams. The spring 3 may be configured to apply the appropriate force which corresponds to any of the preferable diameters of the contact member 2.

[0045] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, a member 4 is provided between the spring 3 and the contact member 2 to transmit force from the spring 3 to the contact member 2. In FIG. 3, the member 4 is arranged in the interior hollow portion 12 between the spring 3 and the contact member 2. The force from the spring 3 may be transmitted to the contact member 2 by the member 4, which has a larger surface area than the spring 3 at a surface adjacent to the contact member 2 and contacts a larger surface area of the contact member 2, for a more uniform and even distribution of the force to be transmitted by the spring 3.

[0046] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the contact member 2 is free to rotate. However, the contact member 2 may be glued or fixed to the member 4 to prevent rotation. Preventing rotation prevents the gummy, removable adhesive from the edges of the replica tape from migrating into the interior of the burnishing tool, binding it up, and reducing the precision of the force being applied. Second, fixing the contact member 2 may give the user a slightly better feel for when they are at the edge of the hole in the replica tape, and shouldn't burnish any further. The rotating member may roll right over the edge of the hole in the replica tape and away from the area that needed burnishing, without giving the operator much feedback.

[0047] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the exterior portion 11 comprises a flat portion 13 having an opening 14 therein, such that the contact member 2 protrudes from the interior hollow portion 12 through the opening 14. In FIG. 3, the flat portion 13 is the portion of the exterior portion 11 which is to be in contact with the flat surface, e.g., the replica tape, when the apparatus 100 is used to apply consistent pressure on the flat surface. In FIG. 3, contact member 2 is a sphere partially contained within the interior hollow portion 12. The contact member 2 is not limited to a sphere and may be a hemisphere or any other shape wherein the part of the contact member contacting the surface has a rounded shape. The opening 14 may have a circular shape such that the contact member, wherein the part of the contact member contacting the surface has a spherical shape, may be configured to protrude from the circular opening 14. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the opening 14 is about the same as, but slightly less than, the diameter of the contact member 2, such that the contact member 2 is prevented from falling out. The diameter of the opening 14 may be between about 0.125-about 1 in., between 0.2-0.9 in., between 0.3-0.8 in., between 0.3-0.7 in., between 0.3-0.6 in., between 0.3-0.5 in., between 0.3-0.4 in., or about 0.3 in.

[0048] In the example of FIG. 3, the flat portion 13 is circular in shape and borders the opening 14 and the portion of the contact member 2 which protrudes from the opening 14. The outer diameter of the flat portion 13 may be between about 0.2 to about 2 in., between about 0.3-1.9 in., between 0.4-1.8 in., between 0.5-1.7 in., between 0.6-1.6 in., between 0.7-1.5 in., between 0.7-1.4 in., between 0.7-1.3 in., between 0.7-1.2 in., between 0.7-1.1 in., between 0.7-1.0 in., between 0.7-0.9 in., or between 0.7-0.8 in. The outer surface of the flat portion 13 which contacts the flat surface may have a slightly rounded edge.

[0049] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the opening 14 comprises a first area. The flat portion 13, minus the first area, comprises a second area. A ratio of the second area over the first area helps to define the relative distribution of the contact between the flat area and the contact member 2. The ratio of the second area over the first area is preferably at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, or at least five.

[0050] However, the actual contact of the contact member 2 with the replica tape is difficult to calculate because of the roundness of the contact member and the compressibility of the replica tape. For success, the flat portion 13 should have a greater contact area than the area of the contact member 2 which contacts the flat surface, which, being a spherical surface, is quite small.

[0051] Accordingly, a more important ratio is the ratio of the second area over the area of contact portion of the contact member 2, which should be at least 1.0 or greater, such as 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0. 3.5 or greater. It is important that there is adequate surface area of the flat portion 13 to contact the flat surface which the apparatus 100 is applying a consistent pressure onto. The flat portion 13 may be composed of a material which makes it easy to contact and move over the flat surface which the apparatus 100 is applying a consistent pressure onto.

[0052] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a lip 15 is formed at the portion of the flat portion 13 adjacent the interior hollow portion 12 so as to retain the spherical contact member 2 within the interior hollow portion 12. In FIG. 3, the lip 15 extends slightly farther into the interior hollow portion 12 than the adjacent sections of the exterior portion 11.

[0053] FIG. 4 shows an example of a method of burnishing a replica tape 300 with a consistent pressure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the method of burnishing a replica tape with a consistent pressure with an apparatus 100 having a flat surface 13 with an opening 14 in it and a spring-loaded contact member 2 protruding from the opening 14, comprises applying the flat portion 13 of the apparatus 100 on the replica tape 300 and moving the apparatus 100 over the replica tape 300 so that the spring-loaded contact member 2 applies a substantially consistent pressure on the replica tape 300. In the example of FIG. 4, a user is holding the exterior portion 11 of the apparatus 100 and applying sufficient force such that the flat portion 13 is applied on the replica tape 300. It is understood that the spring-loaded contact member 2 which protrudes from the opening 14 is applying a substantially consistent pressure on the replica tape 300.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an apparatus 200 for applying consistent pressure on a flat surface according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In accordance with a second exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 200 comprises a first elongated portion 5 having a first end 51 and a second, rounded end 52, a holder 6, and a flexible cylinder 7, wherein a first end of the flexible cylinder 71 is attached to the holder 6, and the first end of the first elongated portion 51 is connected to a second end of the flexible cylinder 72. In the example of FIG. 5, the flexible cylinder is a coiled spring. The flexible cylinder 7 is not limited to a coiled spring and may be any elongated member that is flexible and can be used as a force-limiting means.

[0055] FIG. 6 shows an example of a method of burnishing a replica tape with a consistent pressure according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In accordance with a second exemplary embodiment, the method comprises applying the rounded end 52 of the apparatus 200 on the replica tape 300 and applying pressure on the replica tape 300 with the rounded end 52 while holding the holder 6. In the example of FIG. 6, the rounded end 52 of the apparatus 200 is applied on the replica tape and a user is holding the holder 6 and applying force to the apparatus 200 such that a portion of the flexible cylinder 7 is in contact with the replica tape 300.

[0056] FIG. 7 discloses another embodiment of the invention. This embodiment includes a long arm 102 having a torsion spring 104 mounted at one end thereof. A short arm 106 has a first end 108 that is rounded and capable of burnishing a replica tape. A second end 110 of the short arm includes a protrusion that is configured to engage with the torsion spring such that that the short arm can pivot with respect to the long arm.

[0057] The first rounded end 108 has a rounded portion having a diameter in the range of about 0.2 to 1.0 inches, or 0.3 to 0.9 inches, or 0.4 to 0.8 inches, or 0.5 to 0.7 inches.

[0058] Other embodiments of the present invention may include a structure such that the holder of the contact member is sufficiently spaced from the contact member such that the holder does not contact the replica tape during burnishing. If the flat portion is sufficiently distant from the contact member such that it always contacts the flat surface at a location away from the replica tape, the area ratio does not matter. Consider an embodiment where the opening comprising a first area is several inches in diameter, with the contact member suspended inside, such that the replica tape always remains inside that first area (and therefore never contacts the second/flat area) during burnishing. The flat portion/second area could be as small as a point, since it would be sitting on the blasted metal, and the force applied by that second surface wouldn't affect the measurement. One could imagine some sort of tripod-style device, where the contact member is suspended in the middle, such that the contact member is the only part of the apparatus making any contact with the replica tape. The feet of the tripod would rest away from the replica tape on the blasted surface (if the contact member was configured to allow some lateral movement versus the tripod), or those feet could be configured to slide on the blasted surface, such that the contact member moves laterally in concert with the entire tripod.

[0059] Yet another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0060] One of ordinary skill in the art would be able to determine an appropriate stiffness of the torsion spring appropriate for burnishing a replica tape. For example, the arms and torsion spring of this embodiment are configured to apply a force of between 200-1000 gf, 200-900 gf, 300-800 gf, 400-700 gf, 500-600 gf, or about 450 gf on the burnishing tape.

[0061] The disclosed preferred embodiments are representative of the invention, and the claims are not limited to the preferred disclosed embodiments.