Flexible Tool Holder

Abstract

A flexible abrasive hand tool is herein described, comprising a generally planar sheet of a high density, flexible plastic material. The sheet may be formed with opposing end and side edges and transversely extending slots may be presented intermediate the edges for the engagement of a surface treating paper. A resilient band member may be disposed transversely entirely about the sheet of flexible plastic and may be held against movement relative to the plastic sheet by means of notches presented in the side edges thereof. In one embodiment, the slots may be disposed between the band member and one end edge of the plastic sheet which may be folded along a transverse line extending intermediate at least two of the slots.

Parent Case Text

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part application of a copending U.S. Utility Patent application, Ser. No. 205,999 filed on Dec. 8, 1971, and entitled, FLEXIBLE TOOL HOLDER now abandoned.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to abrasive hand tools and, more specifically, relates to flexible tools for operatively mounting surface treating paper, and the like, for manual surface treating operations.

For years, devices have been proposed for mounting sheet materials, such as polishing paper or sand paper, which mounting is intended to facilitate the manual treatment of surfaces.

Although the problems associated with finishing surfaces, using various types of sheet materials, have been approached from several directions; such approaches have generally been associated with fairly expensive and complex tools.

Although these tools may be satisfactory with respect to protecting a workmen's hand against injury, during a manual surface treating operation, such devices have been undesirably expensive in manufacture. These devices have been particularly expensive when designed to finish arcuate or irregular surfaces. An example of one such device is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,123,947, issued in 1964.

In recent years, flexible hand tools have been provided which are entirely satisfactory for accomplishing the functions of such tools but, which are more expensive to mass produce than is desirable. Examples of such devices are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,540,160, issued in 1970, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,129,540, issued in 1964.

Accordingly, it would be especially advantageous if a flexible hand tool were provided for mounting polishing paper, and the like, to finish arcuate or irregular surfaces which tool is more simple and less expensive to mass produce than existing such tools.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved, flexible hand tool for mounting surface treating paper, and the like, for use in manual surface treating operations.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a flexible hand tool for mounting surface treating paper, and the like, which tool is less expensive than existing such tools.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a flexible hand tool for mounting surface finishing paper, and the like, which tool is uniquely uncomplicated and is more simple in design than existing such tools.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a flexible hand tool for mounting surface treating paper, and the like, witout requiring the use of auxiliary fastening devices for such mounting.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a flexible hand tool for operatively mounting surface finishing paper, and the like, which tool may be comfortably gripped in the hand of a worker, during manual surface treating operations.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a flexible hand tool for mounting surface treating paper, and the like, which tool protects the hand of a worker during manual surface treating operations.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a flexible hand tool for operatively mounting surface treating paper, and the like, which tool may be used for finishing irregular surfaces.

It is still yet a further object of the present invention to provide an improved flexible hand tool for operatively mounting surface treating paper, and the like, which tool is especially adaptable to mass manufacturing techniques.

It is a major object of the present invention to provide a flexible, abrasive hand tool which obviates many of the problems currently confronting industry and home craftsmen, alike.

At least some of the above cited objects are achieved by the provision of a hand held, flexible, tool for operatively mounting sheets of surface treating material for manual surface finishing operations.

The tool may include a planar body of flexible material and may have a hand gripping means mounted thereon. At least two slots may be formed in the body for engagement with a portion of a sheet of surface treating material.

In one feature of the present invention, a blank of flexible material is provided having opposing end and side edges. First and second spaced slots are formed generally transversely of the blank. The slots may be mutually parallel and, additionally, notches may be formed in the opposing side edges of the blank to receive a resilient band member, operating as a hand grip. The notches may be disposed, in another feature of the invention, intermediate the transversely extending slots. In still another feature of the invention, the notches may be disposed between one end edge of the blank and the first immediately adjacent slot, in the direction extending toward the other end of the blank. In the last mentioned feature of the present invention, the blank may be folded along a line extending generally transversely of the blank and disposed intermediate at least two of the slots.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in a concluding portion of the specification, several embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the following detailed description which may be best understood when read in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment, according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a blank which may be used to form the embodiment set forth in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one alternative embodiment, according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a blank which may be used to form the embodiment set forth in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment, according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a blank of sheet material which may be used to form the embodiment set forth in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third alternative embodiment, according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a blank of sheet material which may be used to form the embodiment set forth in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fourth alternative embodiment, according to the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a blank of sheet material which may be used to form the embodiment set forth in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, in which corresponding numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts thoughout the various views thereof, FIG. 1 illustrates, in perspective view, one embodiment of the present invention.

A planar body 10 is provided having mutually opposing side edges, 12 and 14, and opposing end edges, 16 and 18.

A first, transversely extending, slot 20 may be formed in spaced relationship with a second slot 22, extending generally, mutually parallel to slot 20.

In operation, a sheet of polishing paper, sanding paper, or the like, may be folded over double so as to present a surface treating texture on both exposed surfaces thereof. The paper may then be folded at its corners indicated at 24, 26, and 28.

The end edges of the surface treating paper 23 may then be engaged within the slots 20 and 22 so as to mount the paper on the flexible planar body 10. An additional slot 30 may be formed adjacent to and parallel with the slot 22 to permit the positioning of the terminal end 32, of the surface treating paper, on the upper side of the body 10 so as to prevent any bulging of the operative surfaces presented by the surface treating paper 23. It will be noted, that the strap-like portion 34, of the body 10 as defined by the two slots 22 and 30, may be flexed upwardly by the surface treating paper 23 so that the paper is maintained entirely on the upper side of the body 10, while being operatively secure thereto by the portion 34.

Notches, 36 and 38, may be formed in the opposed side edges of the body 10 for receiving a resilient band member 40 which may be positioned transversely, entirely about the body 10.

The body 10 may comprise a flexible material such as a polyurethane or a high density polyethylene plastic having a thickness of approximately 1/16th inch and being foldable along a line 42 extending generally transversely of the body 10 and disposed intermediate the slots 20 and 30.

An arcuate slot 44 may be formed to extend generally transversely of the body 10 and may be disposed generally intermediate the longitudinal position of the notches 36 and 38 and the end edge 16 of the body 10. The material 46 adjacent the arcuate slot 44 may be folded away from the slot to extend generally upwardly from the planar surface 48 of the flexible body 10.

In operation, a worker inserts his hand through the resilient hand gripping band member 40 and engages the upwardly extending portion 46 of the body 10 with his fingers as he moves the overall tool holder and surface treating paper configuration back and forth over a surface to be treated. The portion 46 of the body 10 serves as a finger grip to prevent the worker's hand from slipping out from within the resilient band member 40.

Although it is not necessary, it has been found advisable to fold the surface treating paper 23 in the above discussed manner, for obtaining the best results.

FIG. 2 sets forth a blank of sheet material which may be utilized in forming the tool, set forth in FIG. 1. Since corresponding numbers have been utilized to indicate corresponding features and parts among the various Figures, the significance and identification of the parts set forth in FIG. 2 may be ascertained by reference to the description, set forth in connection with FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIG. 3, one alternative embodiment of the present invention is set forth in perspective view.

A planar body 110 is formed with mutually opposing side edges 112 and 114 and opposing end edges 116 and 118.

Notches 136 and 138 may be formed in the side edges 112 and 114 to receive an elastomeric, hand gripping, band member 140.

A surface treating paper 123 may be mounted on the flexible body 110 by the engagement thereof with spaced and mutually parallel slots 120 and 122. The paper 123 may be folded over at its edges as indicated at 124, 126, 128 and 130. The paper may be inserted through the single slot structure as shown in FIG. 3 or a second pair of slots (not shown) may be provided, one adjacent to and parallel with each of the slots, 120 and 122, to provide strap-like portions, similar to strap-like portion 34, shown in FIG. 1. Through such an arrangement, the terminal edges of the paper 123 may be disposed on the upper side 148 of the work holder shown in FIG. 3, so as to avoid any uneveness in the article treating surface of the paper 123, which surface faces downwardly.

An arcuate slot (not shown), such as the slot 44 set forth in FIG. 1, may be provided in the body 110 of FIG. 3, so as to present an upwardly extending fingergripping portion such as 46, also set forth in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 sets forth a blank, comprising flexible sheet material which blank may be utilized to form the tool set forth in FIG. 3. Since corresponding numbers have been utilized to indicate corresponding parts, the purposes and functioning of the various features and parts of the blank set forth in FIG. 4 may be readily ascertained by reference to the numbers and description set forth in connection with FIG. 3.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 5, a second alternative embodiment, of the present invention, is shown in perspective view.

A planar body 210 may be formed with opposing side edges 212 and 214 and opposing end edges 216 and 218. Generally transversely extending slots 220 and 222 may be formed in the planar body for engagement with portions of a sheet of surface treating material 223, such as sand paper.

The generally transversely extending slots 220 and 222 may be arcuate in configuration and may be disposed to open in mutually opposed relationship.

The planar body 210 may be formed with notches 236 and 238 formed in the side edges 212 and 214 and may be disposed intermediate the transversely extending slots 220 and 222. A hand gripping member 240, which may comprise a continuous resilient band, may be disposed entirely about the planar body 210 and engaged within the notches 236 and 238 to prevent relative movement between the band 240 and the planar body 210 when the overall device is utilized in surface treating operations.

An additional set of transversely extending slots may be formed in the planar body 210 so that slot 250 co-operates with slot 222 to form one pair of co-operating slots and slot 252 co-operates with slot 220 to form a second co-operating pair of slots.

The two slots 250 and 252 may be of an arcuate configuration, disposed to open in mutually opposed relationship with respect to each other and may be aligned in spaced relationship with the first set of slots 218 and 220, respectively.

Accordingly, strap-like portions 254 and 256 may be defined by the slots 220, 222, 250, and 252. It can be seen, by a perusal of FIG. 5, that the straps 254 and 256, so formed, co-operate with an upper surface 258 of the planar body 210 to impinge portions 260 and 262 of the sheet of surface treating material 223, therebetween. Of course, when a worker inserts his hand through the resilient band member 240 and applies pressure to the overall device, in a surface treating operation, the frictional engagement of the sheet 223 within the slots 220, 222, 250 and 252, is greatly increased.

Referring briefly to FIG. 6, it can be seen that the additional set of slots 250 and 252 are operable to define semi-circular portions 264 and 266 which are especially effective, in co-operation with the underside of the straps 254 and 256 to tightly engage, by impingement, the surface treating material 223. Of course, when the surface treating material presents an abrasive surface, the frictional engagement of the sheet of material within the slots 220, 222, 250, and 252 is further enhanced.

Once again, the various features of the blank shown in FIG. 6 may be easily ascertained by reference to FIG. 5 and the detailed description associated therewith.

FIG. 7 sets forth a third alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Since corresponding numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts with respect to FIGS. 5 and 7, the various features of FIG. 7 may be ascertained by reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 and the detailed description presented in association therewith.

Additionally, however, FIG. 7 presents a modification of the device shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 which modification provides additional gripping power between the sheet of surface treating material and the slots formed for engagement therewith.

More specifically, arcuate slots 320, 322, 350, and 352 are configured as broken line curves. Accordingly, corners are presented for additional frictional effect between and under surface of the straps 354 and 356 with the ends 360 and 362 of the surface treating sheet of material. The remaining features of the third alternative embodiment set forth in FIGS. 7 and 8 correspond with the features of the second alternative embodiment set forth in FIGS. 5 and 7 and may be ascertained by reference thereto.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a forth alternative embodiment is shown to include pairs of arcuate slots 422, 450, 420, and 452 which slots are paired in side by side relationship.

The slots 420, 422, 450, and 452 are operable to form strap-like tab members 470, 472, 474, and 476. These tab members co-operate with an upper surface 458 of the planar body 410 to impinge portions 460 and 462 of a surface treating sheet of material 423, therebetween.

Since, when a worker inserts his hand through the resilient band member 440 and commences a surface treating operation, his fingers would generally align over one pair of the tabs 470-476, the configuration of the fourth alternative embodiment takes advantage of the high pressure area under the fingers to provide additional frictional engagement between the transversely extending slots of the planar body of the tool and the surface treating sheet of material.

Of course, additional slots (not shown) may be formed adjacent the slots 420, 422, 450, and 452 so as to transform the tabs 470-476 into strap members similar to members 254 and 256 of FIGS. 5 and 6 or members 354 and 356 of FIGS. 7 and 8.

Other and additional embodiments of the present invention (not shown) may be provided using the various features set forth herein taken either singularly or in combination with each other.

It can thus be seen that a flexible, abrasive hand tool has been herein provided which solves many of the problems mentioned in the foregoing portions of this specification. The tool, according to the present invention, is more economical and less complex than existing such flexible tools. No fastening devices are required for operatively mounting a surface treating paper to the tool. The device, according to the present invention, may be formed to present a comfortable hand grip and is especially adapted to prevent the relative movement of the device, with respect to a user's hand, while providing protection against a worker's hand slipping away from the tool and being injured on the surface, which is being treated.

The tool, according to the present invention, is flexible along lines extending generally transversely thereof and may be so flexed by an operator, having his hand properly positioned within the band hand grip, that arcuate, or irregular, surfaces may be uniformly finished by rubbing the treating paper thereover, while flexing the tool holder.

The unique simplicity of the blanks, of the present invention, consisting of flexible sheet material, facilitates the mass production of tool holders to a magnitude heretofore unknown.

SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

While several embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the preceding specification, it is of course understood that various modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the invention. For example, although the invention is discussed in association with sheets of polishing material; sheets of leather, sand paper, and the like, may also be operatively mounted on devices according to the present invention. It is therefore intended to cover, in the following claims, all such modifications and changes as may fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

What I claim is:

1. A hand tool adapted to operatively present sheets of surface treating material comprising:

a planar body of flexible material; hand gripping means mounted on said body; and

at least two slots formed entirely through said body, for engagement with a portion of a sheet of surface treating material.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

said body is formed with opposing end and side edges; and

said hand gripping means comprises a continuous resilient band member extending entirely about said body from one of said edges to the other.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said side edges are formed with mutually opposing notches for receiving said band member and for holding said band member against relative movement with respect to said body, when said tool is in use.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said planar body comprises a sheet of high density polyethylene plastic material having a thickness of about 1/16th of an inch.

5. A blank for forming an abrasive hand tool, comprising a sheet of flexible material having opposing end and side edges;

first and second slots being formed in said blank to extend entirely therethrough and being spaced apart and disposed generally adjacent corresponding first and second end edges of said blank; said slots extending generally transversely of the longitudinal extension of said blank there being opposing notches formed in said side edges of said blank disposed intermediate said spaced slots, along the longitudinal extension of said blank.

6. A blank according to claim 5, wherein a third slot is formed adjacent to and extending generally parallel with said first slot.

7. A blank according to claim 6, wherein said notches formed in said side edges of said blank are disposed generally intermediate said second slot and said second end edge of said blank along the longitudinal extension of said blank.

8. A blank according to claim 5, wherein said sheet of flexible material comprises a sheet of high density polyethylene plastic, having a thickness of about 1/16th inch.

9. A blank according to claim 6, wherein an arcuate slot is formed to extend generally transversely of said blank and is disposed between said second end edge and that portion of said blank extending between said opposing notches formed in the side edges of said blank.

10. A hand tool, according to claim 1, wherein:

said at least two slots present generally arcuate configurations opening in mutually opposed relationship.

11. A hand tool according to claim 10, wherein:

a second set of slots is formed in said planar body with one slot of said second set of slots being disposed adjacent each of said at least two slots to form at least two strap portions; and

said strap portions being operable to frictionally engage a portion of a sheet of surface treating material by impinging a lower surface of said strap portion and an upper surface of said planar body on a portion of said sheet of surface treating material in response to the normal using of said tool.

12. A hand tool according to claim 11, wherein:

each of said at least two slots is disposed in spaced relationship with respect to each associated one of said second set of slots.

13. A hand tool according to claim 10, wherein:

said generally arcuate configurations comprise broken line curves.

14. A hand tool according to claim 10, wherein:

said at least two slots comprises at least four slots including two pairs of slots, each slot of each pair of slots being in side by side relationship with the other slot of each said pair of slots and disposed to open in mutual opposed relationship with corresponding ones of the slot of said other pair of slots.

15. A blank for forming an abrasive hand tool comprising:

a sheet of flexible material having opposing end and side edges;

slots being formed entirely through said sheet of material, adjacent said end edges, and extending generally transversely of said sheet;

at least two transversely extending strapped portions being formed by said slots; and

each of said at least two strapped portions presenting an arcuate configuration with an open portion of each arcuate configuration opening in mutually opposed relationship with respect to the other arcuate configuration.

16. A blank according to claim 15, wherein at least one of said slots presents a broken line arcuate configuration.