GB2327899A - Sanding device - Google Patents

Abstract

A sanding device (1) comprises a pad (2) of deformable curable material which can be pressed against a moulding (8) and which will cure with an impression of the moulding (8) therein. The lower surface (7) of the pad (2) is provided with abrasive so that the impression will also have an abrasive surface.

Description

Sanding Device This invention relates to a sanding device for sanding mouldings.

Many traditional houses have skirting boards, daido rails, picture rails and built in furniture with long detailed mouldings. If such mouldings are not properly painted the spaces between the curves become filled with paint and unsightly runs. At the present time preparing such mouldings for repainting is a time consuming process often requiring stripping the paintwork completely using chemicals, a blow lamp or a hot air gun.

The present invention aims to enable mouldings which have been reasonably painted previously to be prepared for re-painting without the need for such measures.

According to the present invention there is provided a sanding device which comprises a pad of a deformable curable material with can be pressed against a moulding and which will cure with an impression of the moulding therein.

Preferably, the surface of the pad which is to be pressed against the moulding is provided with a layer of abrasive material so that the surface of the impression will have an abrasive surface thereon. However, it should be appreciated that this is not absolutely essential and that the impression could be subsequently lined with sandpaper or sprayed with adhesive and abrasive particles applied thereto.

Advantageously, the cured material is resilient, for example like a normal paper rubber.

The material may conveniently be one which cures a few minutes after being immersed in water. In such case the pad is preferably kept in a sealed container, for example an impervious plastic bag, prior to use.

Preferably, part of the pad is provided with a casing to facilitate the gripping thereof.

Advantageously, the casing is provided with mitre lines so that, when required1 the user can cut the pad to enable it to be used to the extremity of a Joint.

For a better understanding of the present invention reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawing, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a sanding device in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is an end view of the sanding device prior to making an impression; and Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the sanding device after the impression has been made.

Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings, there is shown a sanding device which is generally identified by the reference numeral 1.

The sanding device 1 comprises a pad 2 of a curable material which is typically 25 to 30mm in thickness.

The top of the pad 2 is covered with an outer casing 3 which is typically made of plastic or card and extends over the top 4 of the pad 2 and down part of the sides 5 and 6 thereof.

The pad 2 itself is typically 90mm long by 75mm wide.

The lower surface 7 of the pad 2 is coated with abrasive grit which is pressed therein.

Prior to use, the pad 2 is kept in an impervious plastic bag so that the pad 2 remains mouldable.

However, when it is ready to be used the pad 2 is removed from the plastic bag and plunged in a bucket of water. The pad 2 is then offered up to a moulding 8 as shown in Fig. 2, pressed thereagainst and held for a few seconds. The pad 2 is then removed from the moulding 8 and then allowed to cure for several minutes. Ideally, the pad 2 should be composed of a material which, when set, has the consistency of a paper rubber, i.e. a small amount of resilience.

Fig. 3 shows the pad 2 after curing. It will be noted that the lower surface 7 of the pad 2 contains an impression of the moulding 8 and that it is also abrasive due to the abrasive grit originally applied thereon.

The cured pad can be used to sand the mouldings 8.

In this connection it should be noted that if a moulding has been painted properly all that is required is for the pad to abrade the surface of the old paintwork to establish a key for the new paintwork. The resilience of the pad 2 allows the pad 2 to be used to remove occasional drips and runs without undue difficulty. It is also particularly helpful when the original woodwork is curved, for example around an arch or column.

Finally, the outer casing 3 may be marked with mitre lines so that, if desired, the pad 2 may be quickly cut so that the moulding may be prepared right up to a joint, for example an internal mitre.

Various modifications to the embodiment described are envisaged, for example the entire pad could be impregnated with abrasive material if desired.

The pad itself may be made of any desired size and, if necessary, several pads may be made to accommodate the entire width of a particularly wide moulding.

Whilst the curing of the curable material is preferably activated by immersion in water any other system could be used, for example the curing could be activated by immersion in a suitable chemical solution. Alternatively curing could be activated by bursting an ampoule of curing material embedded in the pad.

Claims (8)

1. A sanding device which comprises a pad of deformable curable material which can be pressed against a moulding and which will cure with an impression of the moulding therein.

2. A sanding device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the surface of the pad which is to be pressed against the moulding is provided with a layer of abrasive material so that the surface of the impression will have an abrasive surface thereon.

3. A sanding device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein said cured material is resilient.

4. A sanding device as claimed in Claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein said material cures a few minutes after being immersed in water.

5. A sanding device as claimed in Claim 4, wherein said pad is kept in a sealed container prior to use.

6. A sanding device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein part of said pad is provided with a casing to facilitate the gripping thereof.

7. A sanding device as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said casing is provided with mitre lines so that, when required, the user can cut the pad to enable it to be used to the extremity of a joint.

8. A sanding device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawing.