Backup pad construction and use thereof

Abstract

A backup pad assembly is presented that includes a backup pad with a cavity and a centerpost that is coupleable to the backup pad. The backup pad is configured to couple to a tool in a first configuration, without the centerpost, and in a second configuration, with the centerpost.

1 . A backup pad assembly comprising:
 a backup pad with a cavity;   a centerpost that is coupleable to the backup pad; and   wherein the backup pad is configured to couple to a tool in a first configuration, without the centerpost, and in a second configuration, with the centerpost.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1 , and further comprising a fastener that fits within the cavity. 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the backup pad comprises a centerpost receiving feature that receives a corresponding backup pad mating feature of the centerpost. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the backup pad of the centerpost comprises a driveshaft attachment mechanism. 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the centerpost receiving feature is a cavity, and the backup pad mating feature comprises a protrusion. 
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the centerpost receiving feature is a protrusion and the backup pad mating feature comprises a cavity. 
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the centerpost is removeably coupleable to the backup pad. 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 9 , and further comprising a wedge component configured to be fastened in place such that, on a first side, the wedge contacts the centerpost and, on a second side, the wedge contacts the backup pad. 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A method of converting a backup pad assembly from a centerpost-free configuration to a centerpost configuration, the method comprising:
 coupling a centerpost to a backup pad, wherein the centerpost has a backup pad connecting feature that couples to a centerpost receiving feature of the backup pad;   applying an abrasive article to an attachment surface of the backup pad; and   wherein the backup pad is coupled to a drive shaft of a powered tool, and wherein the backup pad is operable, coupled to the powered tool, in both the centerpost configuration and the centerpost-free configuration.   
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the backup pad comprises a centerpost receiving feature that receives a corresponding backup pad mating feature of the centerpost, and wherein uncoupling the centerpost comprises uncoupling the backup pad mating feature from the centerpost receiving feature. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the centerpost comprises a feature, and wherein the feature is angled with respect to a planar surface of the centerpost. 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the feature is at an acute angle with respect to the planar surface such that an effective diameter of the centerpost at an end of the feature opposite the planar surface is wider than a centerpost diameter at the planar surface. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 13 , and further comprising a wedge component configured to be fastened in place such that, on a first side, the wedge contacts the centerpost and, on a second side, the wedge contacts the backup pad. 
     
     
         21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . A backup pad kit comprising:
 a backup pad comprising a drive shaft receiving feature configured to mount the backup pad on a drive shaft of a tool, an abrasive article connector configured to couple an abrasive article to the backup pad;   a centerpost comprising a backup pad connecting feature configured to couple the centerpost to the backup pad; and   wherein the backup pad is configured to operate in a centerpost configuration, such that the backup pad is coupled to both the drive shaft and the centerpost, as well as in a centerpost-free configuration, wherein the backup pad is free of a coupling to the centerpost.   
     
     
         23 . The kit of  claim 22 , and further comprising a fastener that fits within a cavity of the backup pad. 
     
     
         24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . The kit of claim  21 , wherein the centerpost or the fastener comprises a driveshaft attachment mechanism. 
     
     
         27 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . The kit of claim  21 , wherein the centerpost is removeably coupleable to the backup pad. 
     
     
         31 . The kit of  claim 30 , wherein the coupling comprises a snap, a latch, a key and keyhole, a wedge or a spring latch. 
     
     
         32 - 35 . (canceled) 
     
     
         36 . The kit of  claim 30 , wherein the coupling is a toolless coupling. 
     
     
         37 . The kit of  claim 30 , wherein the coupling is adhesive free. 
     
     
         38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . (canceled)