GB2256383A

GB2256383A - Abrading device with variable profile

Info

Publication number: GB2256383A
Application number: GB9111953A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Javier Claridge; Mark Steven Frederick Tuppen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-06-04
Filing date: 1991-06-04
Publication date: 1992-12-09
Also published as: GB9111953D0

Abstract

An abrading device whose cross-section can be selectively varied to compliment the profile of a surface to be sanded comprises a plurality of sheets 2 mounted face-to-face to define, in combination, a block, the sheets being individually edged with an abrasive and being selectively movable relative to one another whereby the sheet edges can be displaced to conform to the shape of a profiled workpiece 11. The block may form part of an electrically powered portable sanding tool. <IMAGE>

Description

ABRADING DEVICES The present invention relates to abrading devices for sanding down plane or profiled surfaces coated with paint, varnish, lacquer or like substances.

Abrading devices such as sanding blocks and electrically powered sanders are, of course, well known.

A typical sanding block comprises a block of wood or compound material coated with one or more layers of abrasive material. Electrically powered sanders typically include an orbital reciprocating flat surface to which a sheet of sand paper or the like can be attached.

Considerable difficulties are experienced in using a conventional sanding block or sander to sand down surfaces of articles whose profile is other than plane. Indeed, with many surfaces to be found in older buildings, for example, it is not possible to achieve the required overall finish using a conventional sanding block or sander.

The present invention provides an abrading device whose cross-section can be selectively varied to compliment the profile of a surface to be sanded.

The device preferably comprises a plurality of sheets mounted face-to-face to define, in combination, a block, the sheets being individually edged with an abrasive and being selectively moveable relative to one another whereby the sheet edges can be displaced to define a desired profile.

The sheets may be produced wholly from an abrasive material and their dimensions may be such that, either alone or in combination, they define a relatively rigid structure. The material may, for example, be a fibrous material impregnated with an abrasive medium, e.g. silicon carbide or aluminium oxide.

The sheets may be formed with one or more slots through which securing bolts can pass, the slots being dimensioned to enable the sheets to move one relative to the other along the longitudinal axes of the slots but not along the lateral axes of the slots.

The device may be hand held; may define an attachment to an electrical drill; or may form part of an electrically powered sander.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 is an exploded view of an abrading device in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the device illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows the device of Figure 1 in use with its cross section varied to match a particular profile; and Figure 4 shows an electrically powered abrading device in accordance with the invention.

The device illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, comprises a plurality (typically 30 to 40) of rectangular sheets 2, the dimensions of which are typically 93mm x 40mm.

Typically the thickness of each sheet is of the order of imam. However, sheet thickness less or greater than imm can be employed. Each sheet 2 is formed with a pair of slots 3 each extending in a direction normal to the leading edges 4 of the sheets.

The sheets 2 are mounted face-to-face and are urged together by means of bolts 5 (only one of which is shown) which pass through the slots 3. The end of each bolt 5 is formed with an angled groove 6 within which is trapped one of two apertures 7 of a quick release bar 8. The bar 8 has a raised central section 9 by which it can be moved from its locked position shown in Figure 1 in which it urges the sheets 2 into interfacial contact and a release position in which the central section 9 lies generally horizontal. Spacers 10 are positioned behind the head of each bolt 5 and the quick release bar 8. The bolts and release bar may be produced from a metal, e.g. steel or a plastics material, e.g. nylon. Each sheet is constructed from a fibrous material or the like impregnated with an abrasive medium such as silicon carbide, silica or aluminium oxide.Alternatively, each sheet 2 may be of a paper-based or fabric-based material again impregnated with a suitable abrasive medium. Thus, the leading edges of the group of sheets define, in combination, an abrasive surface. The width of each slot 3 closely matches that of the respective bolt 5. The elongate nature of the slots enables each sheet 2 to be moved forwardly and rearwardly relative to its neighbours to cause the profile of the abrasive surface to vary.

Methods of securing the sheets together other than that described may be employed, these including an external quick release mechanism or a simple nut and bolt arrangement.

In an alternative arrangement, the edges of the sheets are coated with an abrasive material. This coating of abrasive medium may be bonded to all surfaces of each sheet by, for example, a dipping or spraying technique or may be applied only to the leading edge of each sheet.

Alternatively, an abrasive cloth or sheet may be secured to each sheet, or to a number of sheets, or to all of the sheets possibly in the manner of a coated or covered lengthwise extending clip positioned over the leading edge of each sheet or a group of sheets. Alternatively, a sheet of, for example, emery or sand paper may be wrapped around the leading edge of the block of sheets.

Figure 3 shows the manner in which the abrading device is to be used. The quick release bar is operated to enable the sheets 2 to slide with respect to one another. The abrasive surface of the device is then placed in contact with a profiled surface to be sanded to cause the sheets to move whereby the abrasive surface takes up a shape which complements the shape of the profiled surface 11 to be sanded. The quick release bar is then locked to clamp the sheets in the position shown. The device is then ready to use either manually or by inserting in a drill attachment.

As will be seen from Figure 4, abrasive devices in accordance with the invention may form part of an electrically powered sanding tool. The tool (which may be powered from the mains or by rechargeable batteries) includes a handle 12 including an operating switch/trigger 14, a moulded body 15 and a holder 16 into which an abrading device as described above is retained as an interference fit. The lower edge of the holder is shaped to accommodate the spacers 10. The holder and abrading device which has been set to the required profile reciprocates in the required manner, i.e. forwards and rearwards.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing is merely exemplary of abrading devices in accordance with the invention and that modifications can readily be made thereto without departing from the true scope of the invention. Thus, the sheets may be replaced by a deformable material capable of adapting its shape to take up a required profile. Also, the sheets may be of a rubber-type material.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An abrading device whose cross-section can be selectively varied to compliment the profile of a surface to be sanded.

2. An abrading device as claimed in Claim 1 comprising a plurality of sheets mounted face-to-face to define. in combination. a block. the sheets being individually edged with an abrasive and being selectively moveable relative to one another whereby the sheet edges can be displaced to define a desired profile.

3. An abrading device as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the sheets are produced wholly from an abrasive material and their dimensions are such that. either alone or in combination ! they define a relatively rigid structure.

4. An abrading device as claimed in Claim 3 wherein the material is a fibrous material impregnated with an abrasive medium.

5. An abrading device as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the abrasive medium comprises silicon carbide or aluminium oxide.

6. An abrading device as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 5 wherein the sheets are formed with one or more slots through which securing bolts can pass, the slots being dimensioned to enable the sheets to move one relative to the other along the longitudinal axes of the slots but not along the lateral axes of the slots.

7. An abrading device substantially as herein described and as described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 or Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.