Adjustable sanding block

Abstract

An adjustable sanding block that allows for expedited interchanging of sandpaper belts by removing a lateral tension on the belt and reducing the length of the sanding block. A spring loaded heel and a block make up the sanding block, forming a coplanar relationship with opposed inner ends. A rod and spring on the block create a lateral tension against a recess in the heel that retains the belt on the sanding block. The rod and the spring extend from a block inner end, engaging a recess in the heel. The rod passes through the recess, while the spring, having a larger circumference, compresses against a periphery of the recess. This compressive force creates an outward lateral force, which creates lateral tension on the belt for retaining the belt on the sanding block. Applying an inward pressure on the heel removes this tension for mounting and removing the belt.

I claim: 
     
         1 . An adjustable sanding block for mounting and removing a belt, the sanding block comprising:
 a block and a heel being disposed in a coplanar relationship and having opposed inner ends, the belt being configured to at least partially encompass the block and the heel simultaneously, the heel inner end comprising a recess,   the block inner end comprising a rod, the rod being disposed to extend from the block inner end and at least partially enter the recess, the rod comprising a spring, the spring being configured to have a greater circumference than a circumference of the recess,   wherein the rod at least partially entering the recess presses the spring against a periphery of the recess causing the spring to bias the block away from the heel for applying a tension to the belt,   wherein a lateral force applied inwardly to the heel compresses the spring for releasing the tension applied on the belt.   
     
     
         2 . The sanding block of  claim 1 , wherein the block has a substantially rectangular shape. 
     
     
         3 . The sanding block of  claim 1 , wherein the length of the block is greater than the length of the heel. 
     
     
         4 . The sanding block of  claim 1 , wherein the belt comprises a continuous grit belt for sanding. 
     
     
         5 . The sanding block of  claim 1 , wherein the spring is configured to form a substantially helix shape around the rod. 
     
     
         6 . The sanding block of  claim 1 , wherein the spring comprises a circumference greater than the circumference of the recess. 
     
     
         7 . The sanding block of  claim 1 , wherein the recess comprises a dowel pin seat. 
     
     
         8 . The sanding block of  claim 1 , wherein the rod comprises a dowel pin. 
     
     
         9 . The sanding block of  claim 1 , wherein the heel inner end comprises two recesses. 
     
     
         10 . The sanding block of  claim 1 , wherein the block inner end comprises two rods. 
     
     
         11 . An adjustable sanding block for mounting and removing a belt, the sanding block comprising:
 a pair of coplanar blocks disposed in a coplanar relationship and having opposed inner ends for selectively carrying a belt over one coplanar side of the coplanar blocks, the belt being removably attached thereto;   a spring mechanism in one of the block inner ends to urge one block into spaced apart relationship; and   a spring reception mechanism in the other block inner end to engage the spring mechanism;   wherein applying an inward lateral force to one of the blocks engages the spring mechanism with the spring reception mechanism to shorten the length of the sanding block for mounting and removing the continuous belt.   
     
     
         12 . The sanding block of  claim 11 , wherein the belt comprises a continuous grit belt for sanding. 
     
     
         13 . The sanding block of  claim 11 , wherein the pair of coplanar blocks has a substantially rectangular shape. 
     
     
         14 . A method for mounting and removing a belt on an adjustable sanding block, the method comprising:
 orienting a heel and a block in a coplanar relationship and opposing inner ends;   applying an inward lateral force on the heel;   passing a rod that extends from the block through a recess in the heel to compress a spring that forms a helix around the rod;   releasing a tension on the belt as a consequence of the compression of the spring;   removing the belt from the sanding block;   mounting a second belt onto the sanding block;   removing the inward lateral force on the heel; and   creating the tension on the belt for secure mounting to the sanding block.