Sanding Tool

Abstract

A sanding tool comprising: a handle with a first pivot point and a second pivot point; a flexible base having a bottom surface for attachment to an abrasive sheet; arms arranged to couple substantially each end of the base with respective first and second pivot points on the handle. Each end of the base is capable of moving relative to the first and second pivot points of the handle in a plane passing through the first and second pivot points of the handle. The sanding tool further comprises a flexible pad on the top surface of the flexible base. The flexible pad is formed with dust extraction inlet channels arranged to suck air from a perimeter of the base. The dust extraction inlet channels are fluidly connectable to a vacuum source.

1 . A sanding tool comprising:
 a handle with a first pivot point and a second pivot point distal from the first pivot point;   a flexible base having a bottom surface for attachment to an abrasive sheet on an opposite side to the handle;   arms arranged to couple the base with respective first and second pivot points on the handle, wherein the base is capable of moving relative to the first and second pivot points of the handle in a plane passing through the first and second pivot points of the handle; and   a flexible pad arranged on the top surface of the flexible base, wherein the flexible pad is formed with at least one dust extraction inlet channel arranged to suck air from a perimeter of the base and wherein the at least one dust extraction inlet channel is fluidly connectable to a vacuum source.   
     
     
         2 . The sanding tool as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the sanding tool comprises an intermediate guide arranged to guide displacement of an intermediate point of the base and wherein the intermediate point is displaceable in the plane. 
     
     
         3 . The sanding tool as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the sanding tool comprises biasing means arranged to bias the intermediate point of the flexible base away from a third point of the handle and wherein the third point is located between the first and the second pivot points of the handle and optionally wherein the third point is located in the plane. 
     
     
         4 . The sanding tool as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the intermediate guide comprises:
 a rod;   a fastener for connecting a first end of the rod to the intermediate point; and   a bearing for supporting the rod in displacement relative to the handle in a second direction passing through the intermediate point and contained in the plane and wherein the second direction makes a non-zero angle with respect to a straight line passing through the first and second pivot points of the handle.   
     
     
         5 . The sanding tool as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one dust extraction inlet channel is fluidly connectable to a vacuum source via a coupling arrangement. 
     
     
         6 . The sanding tool as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the coupling arrangement comprises a tubular coupling. 
     
     
         7 . The sanding tool as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the coupling arrangement comprises a tubular nozzle detachably coupled to the tubular coupling. 
     
     
         8 . The sanding tool as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the coupling arrangement comprises external serrations. 
     
     
         9 . The sanding tool as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one dust extraction inlet channel comprises a plurality of side inlet channels. 
     
     
         10 . The sanding tool as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the plurality of side inlet channels is fluidly connectable to a vacuum source via a central channel formed in the flexible pad. 
     
     
         11 . The sanding tool as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the central channel comprises the plane. 
     
     
         12 . The sanding tool as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the side inlet channels are each funneled into the central channel by a respective funnel and wherein the funnels taper inwardly in a direction towards a vacuum source. 
     
     
         13 . The sanding tool as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein each funnel comprises curved lips. 
     
     
         14 . The sanding tool as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein each side inlet channel spans a dimension of the flexible pad. 
     
     
         15 . The sanding tool as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the flexible pad is elongate and wherein side inlet channels are spaced at intervals along an elongate dimension of the flexible pad.