Wool Buffing and Finishing Ball

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.

1 . A buffing and polishing ball comprising:
 a center spherical member;   a pair of flexible backing layers, each carrying a covering of buffing fibers on an outer surface;   the backing layers having a shape generally of a  FIG. 8  such that the layers, when applied to the surface of the spherical member, having abutting edges;   means for securing the inner surface of the backing layers t the surface of the spherical member; and,   a driving connection attached to the spherical member.   
   
   
       2 . The buffing and polishing ball as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the securing means comprises abutting edge stitching. 
   
   
       3 . The buffing and polishing ball as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the securing means comprises adhesive bonding. 
   
   
       4 . The buffing and polishing ball as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the buffing fibers are selected from the group consisting of natural wool, synthetic fibers, and a blend of wool and synthetic fibers. 
   
   
       5 . The buffing and polishing ball as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the backing layer material is selected from the group consisting of woven, cotton and synthetics, and sheepskin. 
   
   
       6 . The buffing and polishing ball as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the material for the spherical members is selected from the group consisting of metal, plastics and synthetic foam. 
   
   
       7 . The buffing and polishing ball as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the driving connection comprises a short drive shaft. 
   
   
       8 . A buffing and polishing ball comprises a hollow plastic spherical member having attached to the outer surface a short radially extending drive shaft;
 a pair of flexible backing layers of a scrim-supported tufted fiber material having a  FIG. 8  shape covering the spherical member; and,   edge stitching securing the backing layers to the spherical member.   
   
   
       9 . The buffing and polishing ball as set forth in  claim 8  wherein the scrim-supported fiber material comprises wool fiber on a jute backing. 
   
   
       10 . A method for making a buffing and polishing ball comprising the steps of:
 (1) forming a pair of  FIG. 8  backing layers carrying an outer surface covering of buffing fibers;   (2) covering a spherical center member with said layers such that the edges of the layers abut; and,   (3) stitching the abutting edges together.   
   
   
       11 . The method as set forth in  claim 10  wherein the forming step is performed using a tufted wool material. 
   
   
       12 . The method as set forth in  claim 10  wherein the stitching step comprises:
 (1) initially stitching the edges to define an edge opening larger than the diameter of the spherical member;   (2) inserting the spherical member through the edge opening; and,   (3) completing the stitching to substantially enclose the spherical member.   
   
   
       13 . The method as set forth in  claim 10  including the step of attaching a driving connection to the spherical member.