Flexing Tool and Tool Head
A tool, an attachment head and a power tool system, each for working on contoured surfaces, are disclosed. The numerous embodiments of the designs are made possible through the use of flexible structures that exhibit a phenomenon known as the “fin ray” mechanism because it was first observed when studying the motion of fish. Similar to the fish fin, the working surface of the disclosed tools behave unexpectedly when a lateral force is applied: they do not bend away, but curve toward the applied force. Generally, each “fin ray” tool includes at two flexing sidewalls or members joined at their tips to form an acute triangle. A plurality of struts hold the members apart while allowing elastic movement. The curve of the working surface allows the tools to provide greater contact on contoured surfaces.
The present application incorporates by reference and claims the filing priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/448,407, filed on Mar. 2, 2011.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present devices relate to hand tools and power tool attachments. Particularly, the present devices relate to such hand tools, including and power tool attachments which are used, for example, to brush, sand, clean, paint, cut, and otherwise work on contoured surfaces.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONGenerally speaking, tools have been credited with making human's lives easier. Mundane everyday-type tasks such as cooking, cutting, eating, cleaning, fixing, and the like have become simpler because of the tools now made available for such tasks. However, few tools account for the fact that many work surfaces are curved to some degree.
For example, a normal vacuum cleaner attachment is great for floors, but not as useful for couches and chairs. And, a sanding block works wonders on a flat piece of pine, but extra care would be needed using the same block on a wooden cornice. Specially designed attachments could be made for these tasks, but as all curves are not uniform, multiple attachments would be required.
What is needed is a tool and tool attachment which has the ability to be used on flat surfaces as well as contoured surfaces. Further, the tool and tool attachment should be capable of use on many differently contoured surfaces to avoid the need for multiple devices. The present device provides such a tool using a fin-ray structure.
A “fin ray” structure describes a mechanism which consists of a wedge-shape formed from an acute triangle. The two longer sides of the acute triangle are flexible members while the short side is relatively rigid. A plurality of rigid struts positioned within the triangle are pivotably connected to the flexible members. With the application of force to a mid-portion of either of the flexible members causes the ends of that flexible member to deform—i.e., curve in the direction of the applied force. When the object causing the load is a curved surface, the structure will respond by deforming to substantially match the shape of this curved surface. This allows the structure to be used in a number of novel applications.
The present invention, using a fin ray structure, solves the problem of tools and tool attachments being unusable on flat and curved surfaces. By providing tool heads and tool attachments which are able to flex around a contoured surface, the disclosed invention affords operating advantages over existing tools.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONGenerally speaking, the disclosed tool and tool attachment comprise a flexible frame formed into an acute triangle with rigid struts to maintain spacing between two flexible sidewalls and a rigid member attached at the triangle base.
In one embodiment of the attachment, a vacuum head comprises a substantially triangular-shaped frame having first and second flexible sidewalls, the second flexible sidewall having an opening defined therein, a base sidewall either pivotably or flexibly connected to a second end of the first flexible sidewall and a second end of the second flexible sidewall, and elastomeric sidewalls extending between the first and second flexible sidewalls to enclose a volume. A vacuum hose connector is attached by one end to the base sidewall and includes a passage defined there through which is aligned with the opening of the second flexible sidewall. A plurality of rigid struts pivotably or flexibly connect by their respective ends to each of the first and second flexible sidewalls. A force applied on either of the flexible sidewalls causes the ends of such sidewalls to deflect toward the force.
In other embodiments, a connector pivot joint may be used to allow the connector to pivot in the range of about 10 to about 90 degrees. Also, a dispensing tube may be attached to the frame of the vacuum attachment and, being in communication with a fluid source, dispense a cleaning solution onto a surface before scrubbing and/or vacuuming the surface to facilitate stain and odor removal, for example.
In another embodiment of the disclosed form, a two-sided hand tool for use on contoured surfaces is described. Generally speaking, the tool comprises a first flexible member, a second flexible member connected at one end to a first end of the first flexible member, a base member attached at a second end of each the first and second flexible members, and a plurality of rigid struts either pivotably or flexibly connected by their respective ends to each of the first and second flexible members, wherein the first and second members form a triangle with each of the rigid struts. As with previous embodiments, the application of a force on either of the flexible members causes the ends of such members to deflect toward the force.
The tool may comprise a handle connected to the base member to facilitate use. While the components are separate for most contemplated manufactures, it may be desirable to mold the first and second flexible members, the base member, the rigid struts and the handle as a single piece. As such flexibility could be controlled by reinforcing desired rigid components, or through narrowing desired flexible components. The use of multiple materials may also be effective for flexibility and rigidity control.
The hand tool may be made for a specific purpose, e.g., sanding, rasping, painting, or the like, or alternatively, the tool may be made universal with an ability to be customized for a specific purpose. Accordingly, the tool may comprise a sanding surface, a lint brush surface, a painting surface, or the like attached to at least one of either the first flexible member and the second flexible member.
In still other embodiments, the tool may comprise a connector fixed to the base member for attachment to a powered system. The powered system may include, for example, an electric sander, a vacuum source, or an air source for discharging material through the attached tool.
In another embodiment, a vacuum system is described comprising a vacuum source having an inlet for suction and an outlet for blowing, a vacuum hose attachable to one of either the inlet and the outlet, and a vacuum head attached to a free end of the vacuum hose. The vacuum head is preferably comprised of a first flexible sidewall, a second flexible sidewall connected at one end to the first flexible sidewall and forming a substantially acute angle there between, the second flexible sidewall having an opening defined therein, a base sidewall connected to a second end of the first flexible sidewall and a second end of the second flexible sidewall, elastomeric sidewalls extending between the first and second flexible sidewalls to enclose a volume, and a vacuum hose connector attached by one end to the base sidewall and having a passage defined there through which is aligned with the opening of the second flexible sidewall, and a plurality of rigid struts pivotably or flexibly connected by their respective ends to each of the first and second flexible sidewalls, wherein the first and second sidewalls form a triangle with each of the rigid struts. Again, application of a force on at least one of either of the flexible sidewalls causes the ends of such sidewalls to deflect toward the force.
These and other aspects of the invention may be understood more readily from the following description and the appended drawings.
For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanying drawings embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.
While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to embodiments illustrated.
Specifically, numerical descriptions (e.g., as to size, quantity, etc.) and material compositions (e.g., plastics, wood, metals, etc.) are not to be taken in any way as fixed limitations on the scope of the invention unless clearly stated as such. The invention is primarily described in the following text and drawings with regard to embodiment as a flexible tool or flexible attachment head for a tool. However, the disclosed devices can be implemented in innumerable ways and forms, including varying sizes, shapes, dimensions, and materials. Those skilled in the art would certainly understand and realize that such alternative features, dimensions and configurations, though not specifically set forth, are captured within the scope of the present disclosure.
Referring to
With reference to
As shown in
Modern vacuum heads are traditionally rigid plastic components made of injection molded polypropylene or ABS plastic. These heads are very suitable for use on floor carpet, which is flat, but are not as suitable for use on upholstery or any other surface which has varying degrees of curvature. The following embodiments of a vacuum attachment tool 10 use the “fin ray” mechanism so that the vacuum head will deform in response to pressure applied by the vacuum user. As a result, the contact surface of the head will self-adjust to the profile of the piece being vacuumed. This flexing allows the head to retain a high-degree of suction while covering a greater portion of the fabric compared to a similar sized rigid vacuum head attachment.
Referring now to
With modifications, the vacuum heads 110, 210 and 310 could be used for ejecting a spray of cleaning solution onto the surface to be cleaned. Also, other modifications would allow the vacuum heads 110, 210 and 310 to be used with, for example, sand-blasting machines, material handling devices and similar devices.
In the embodiment of
The flexible head 132 is a substantially hollow form closed on three sides by an elastomeric frame 112 and open on the bottom (
In
As illustrated in
Referring now to
In an alternate design not shown, the elastomeric material of the inner structure 313 can be over-molded or bonded onto the flexible frame of the outer structure 312. Ideally, the elastomeric material would be constructed from a flexible plastic material such as polypropylene, ABS or Nylon.
Another flexing tool head attachment, the detail sander tool attachment 410, is shown in
The sander 50 used with the present invention may be corded or battery-operated, and preferably has an attachment slot (not shown) on the underside surface 52 for securing sanding heads attachments. In the present design, a T-bar 54 on the rigid connector 430 connects the attachment 410 to a corresponding opening on the sander 50.
As shown in
Another sanding tool 510 is shown in
The sanding tool attachment 510 is comprised of a flexible frame 512 forming a substantially acute triangle. The frame 512 may be formed from a single, continuous wall, as shown, connected to the rigid end 520, or it may be formed of two separate sides connected to one another and to the rigid end 520. In either case, a plurality of rigid struts 522 span the interior of the frame 512 with pivoting joints 526 connecting each strut 522 to the frame 512.
Current fabric brushes that are used to remove lint, pet hair, and the like are typically rigid brushes where one or both sides are covered with a velvet like material containing many short bristles that flatten when used in one direction and raise when used in the opposite direction. These miniature bristles catch the lint and allow for its effective removal. Such brushes work well on planar surfaces but are not very efficient on curved surfaces, such as the sleeve of a coat or the arm of cloth-covered furniture.
The fabric brush 610 of
Foam paint brushes are typically made from a handle attached to a piece of flexible material with foam material bonded to its surface. In use, the standard foam brush will deflect away from the object being brushed. However, as shown in
When hand-sanding curved surfaces, users typically use flexible foam sanding blocks which can be tiring to use for an extended period. Sanding tools with ergonomic handles are typically flat or have a predefined fixed curvature. As shown in
A “universal” tool 810a is illustrated in
Rasps are commonly used to remove material on curved surfaces of wood, foam, body filler, and the like. Because a rasp is typically a long rigid tool, the material removal only occurs at the point where the flat rasping surface makes contact with the curved surface. However,
Finally, a large single-sided rasping tool 1110 is illustrated in
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are possible examples of implementations merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles for the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the invention without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention, and protected by the following claims.
Claims
1. A vacuum head or attachment comprising:
- a substantially triangular-shaped frame having: a first flexible sidewall, a second flexible sidewall connected at one end to the first flexible sidewall and forming a substantially acute angle there between, the second flexible sidewall having an opening defined therein, a base sidewall connected to a second end of the first flexible sidewall and a second end of the second flexible sidewall, elastomeric sidewalls extending between the first and second flexible sidewalls to enclose a volume, and
- a vacuum hose connector attached by one end to the base sidewall and having a passage defined there through which is aligned with the opening of the second flexible sidewall,
- a plurality of rigid struts pivotably or flexibly connected by their respective ends to each of the first and second flexible sidewalls, wherein the first and second sidewalls form a triangle with each of the rigid struts;
- wherein application of a force on at least one of either of the flexible sidewalls causes the ends of such sidewalls to deflect toward the force.
2. The vacuum head or attachment of claim 1, wherein the base sidewall is pivotably connected to at least one of either the first flexible sidewall and the second flexible sidewall.
3. The vacuum head or attachment of claim 1, wherein the base sidewall is flexibly connected to at least one of either the first flexible sidewall and the second flexible sidewall.
4. The vacuum head or attachment of claim 1, further comprising a connector pivot joint which allows the connector to pivot in the range of about 10 to about 90 degrees.
5. The vacuum head or attachment of claim 1, further comprising a dispensing tube attached to the frame and having an end for communicating with a fluid source.
6. A vacuum system comprising:
- a vacuum source having an inlet for suction and an outlet for blowing;
- a vacuum hose attachable to one of either the inlet and the outlet; and
- a vacuum head attached to a free end of the vacuum hose and comprising: a first flexible sidewall, a second flexible sidewall connected at one end to the first flexible sidewall and forming a substantially acute angle there between, the second flexible sidewall having an opening defined therein, a base sidewall connected to a second end of the first flexible sidewall and a second end of the second flexible sidewall, elastomeric sidewalls extending between the first and second flexible sidewalls to enclose a volume, and a vacuum hose connector attached by one end to the base sidewall and having a passage defined there through which is aligned with the opening of the second flexible sidewall, and a plurality of rigid struts pivotably or flexibly connected by their respective ends to each of the first and second flexible sidewalls, wherein the first and second sidewalls form a triangle with each of the rigid struts;
- wherein application of a force on at least one of either of the flexible sidewalls causes the ends of such sidewalls to deflect toward the force.
7. The vacuum head or attachment of claim 1, wherein the base sidewall is pivotably connected to at least one of either the first flexible sidewall and the second flexible sidewall.
8. The vacuum head or attachment of claim 1, wherein the base sidewall is flexibly connected to at least one of either the first flexible sidewall and the second flexible sidewall.
9. The vacuum head or attachment of claim 1, further comprising a connector pivot joint which allows the connector to pivot in the range of about 10 to about 90 degrees.
10. A hand tool for use on contoured surfaces, the tool comprising:
- a first flexible member;
- a second flexible member connected at one end to a first end of the first flexible member;
- a base member attached at a second end of each the first and second flexible members; and
- a plurality of rigid struts either pivotably or flexibly connected by their respective ends to each of the first and second flexible members, wherein the first and second members form a triangle with each of the rigid struts;
- wherein application of a force on either of the flexible members causes the ends of such members to deflect toward the force.
11. The tool of claim 10, further comprising a handle connected to the base member.
12. The tool of claim 11, wherein the first and second flexible members, the base member, the rigid struts and the handle are molded as a single piece.
13. The tool of claim 10, wherein the rigid struts are pivotably connected to each of the flexible members.
14. The tool of claim 13, wherein the rigid struts snap connect to the flexible members.
15. The tool of claim 13, wherein the rigid struts are connected by hinge pins to the flexible members.
16. The tool of claim 10, wherein the rigid struts are flexibly connected to the flexible members via a living hinge.
17. The tool of claim 10, further comprising a sanding surface attached to at least one of either the first flexible member and the second flexible member.
18. The tool of claim 10, further comprising a lint brush surface attached to at least one of either the first flexible member and the second flexible member.
19. The tool of claim 10, further comprising a painting surface attached to at least one of either the first flexible member and the second flexible member.
20. The tool of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first and second flexible members is comprised of a rasping surface.
21. The tool of claim 10, further comprising a connector fixed to the base member for attachment to a powered system.
22. The tool of claim 21, wherein the powered system is an electric sander.
23. The tool of claim 21, wherein the powered system is a vacuum source.
24. The tool of claim 21, wherein the powered system is an air source for discharging material through the attached tool.
25. A discharging head or attachment comprising:
- a substantially triangular-shaped frame having: a first flexible sidewall, a second flexible sidewall connected at one end to the first flexible sidewall and forming a substantially acute angle there between, the second flexible sidewall having an opening defined therein, a base sidewall connected to a second end of the first flexible sidewall and a second end of the second flexible sidewall, elastomeric sidewalls extending between the first and second flexible sidewalls to enclose a volume, and
- a hose connector attached by one end to the base sidewall and having a passage defined there through which is aligned with the opening of the second flexible sidewall,
- a plurality of rigid struts pivotably or flexibly connected by their respective ends to each of the first and second flexible sidewalls, wherein the first and second sidewalls form a triangle with each of the rigid struts;
- wherein application of a force on at least one of either of the flexible sidewalls causes the ends of such sidewalls to deflect toward the force.
26. The discharging head of claim 25, wherein the head is for sand-blasting.
27. The discharging head of claim 25, wherein the head is for emitting a vapor.
28. The discharging head of claim 25, wherein the head is for discharging steam.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 2, 2012
Publication Date: Sep 6, 2012
Applicant: 25 Point 4, LLC (Montclair, NJ)
Inventor: Conor McNamara (Montclair, NJ)
Application Number: 13/411,229
International Classification: A47L 9/00 (20060101);