Flexing Tool and Tool Head

Abstract

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.

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.