US20120222230A1

US20120222230A1 - Flexing Tool and Tool Head

Info

Publication number: US20120222230A1
Application number: US13/411,229
Authority: US
Inventors: Conor McNamara
Original assignee: 25 Point 4 LLC
Current assignee: 25 Point 4 LLC
Priority date: 2011-03-02
Filing date: 2012-03-02
Publication date: 2012-09-06

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.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

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 INVENTION

The 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 INVENTION

Generally 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 INVENTION

Generally 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE 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.

FIGS. 1-7 are various side views showing a general form of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a partial close up showing one form of a flexible hinge used in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 9-12 are various views of embodiments for attaching rigid struts;

FIGS. 13-33 are various views of embodiments of a vacuum attachment in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 34-40 are various views of another embodiment of a vacuum attachment in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 41 a-b illustrate an embodiment of a pad attachment feature which may be used on any of the various vacuum attachments;

FIGS. 42 a-b illustrate an embodiment of the vacuum attachment having a steaming feature for deep cleaning purposes;

FIGS. 43-52 are various views of an embodiment of a sander attachment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 53-58 are various views of an embodiment of a sander tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 59-60 are side views of an embodiment of a fabric tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 61-62 are side views of an embodiment of a painting tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 63-64 are side views of an embodiment of a painting tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a universal tool with a sleeve covering;

FIGS. 66-69 are various views of an embodiment of a hand rasping tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 70-74 are various views of an embodiment of a hand sanding tool in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 75-78 are various views of another embodiment of a hand rasping tool in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

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 FIGS. 1-78, there is illustrated embodiments of a tool, tool head, or tool attachment (hereafter “tool”) generally designated by x10, where “x” is a number 1-11 helping to distinguish several of the representative embodiments. Other components of the tool x10 are similarly consistently numbered in the following detailed discussion and in the appended drawing figures.
With reference to FIGS. 1-8, general aspects of the tool 10 are illustrated. The tool 10 has a flexible frame 12 comprised of two side members 14 connected at a first end 16 and diverging toward a second end 18 where a rigid frame member 20 bridges the two side members 14. A plurality of rigid struts 22 of various lengths also bridge the two flexible side members 14 attaching via multi-piece pivoting joints 26. A handle 24 (or connector 30) of most any particular design may be attached to the rigid frame member 20 to allow gripping by a user (or attachment to a tool).
As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the rigid struts 22 are connected to the two flexible side members 14 by pivoting joints 26 using, for example, hinge pins or the like. The rigid frame member 20 may be fixed at both ends (FIGS. 1-2), fixed at one end (FIGS. 3-4), or pivoted at both ends (FIGS. 5-6). Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, small flexible joints 27 can be used for the tool 10 in place of the multi-piece pivoting joints 26. These joints 27 may be readily formed from thin regions of material. This configuration allows for a low cost tool 10 that can be molded as a single component from a suitable flexible plastic such as polypropylene or nylon. If necessary, structural reinforcement (not shown) can be applied to the rigid struts 22 and rigid member 20. Though not shown, the rigid frame member 20 may also be connected by a flexible joint 27 at one or both ends.
FIGS. 2, 4 and 6 illustrate the flexing of tool 10 across a curved surface. Clearly, the use of a free joint (i.e., not fixed) at the lower end of the rigid frame member 20 (FIGS. 4 and 6) allows greater curvature of the tool 10 at the endpoint over the fixed joint embodiment (FIG. 2). The use of a free joint at the upper end of the rigid frame member 20 (FIG. 6) is only slightly more flexing than the fixed upper end (FIG. 4). Other factors which may affect the curve of the flexible side members 14 include the length of the members 14, the flexibility of the members 14, and the length of the rigid struts 22.
FIGS. 9-12 illustrate alternate embodiments for securing the rigid struts 22. In FIG. 9 the struts 22 resemble small two-rung ladders which snap into clips 23 in the inside surfaces of flexible members 14. FIG. 10 illustrates struts 22 which have alternately bent ends fixed to the inside surfaces of the flexible members 14. The embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12 utilize a thin connection 27 for each end of the struts 22. Further, this embodiment is also a single molded part, where the handle 24, flexible members 14, and struts 22 are all unitary. The flexibility and rigidity of the components can be controlled by the use of structural ribs, material thickness, reinforcement of features, or other known techniques.
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 FIGS. 13-42, embodiments of a vacuum head attachment are illustrated. FIGS. 13-31 illustrate embodiments of a tool 110 and 210 having a pivoting connector 130, while the tool 310 of FIGS. 34-40 has a fixed connector. In each embodiment, the tool 110, 210 and 310 attaches to a vacuum hose (not shown) via the connector 130, and directs the suction to the base 36 which is able to flex as previously described. The vacuum source may include most any type of household vacuum, but may also include a wet vac, a shop vac, a steam cleaner (see FIGS. 42 a-b), carpet/upholstery cleaner, and the like.
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. FIGS. 42 a-b also illustrate general features of a discharge-type device (a steamer, as shown) which one of skill in the art would be able to easily modify with greater structural integrity which would allow the head to be used in sand-blasting operations. Similar to the steamer attachment, a sand-blasting attachment would follow contours of a work-piece during blasting. Likewise, a material handling head (not shown) made with the “fin ray” mechanism would allow a handler to suction grip a flat or contoured surface without changing heads.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 13-21, 32 and 33, the vacuum attachment 110 is comprised of the pivoting connector 130 and a flexible head 132. The connector 130 is a tube suitable for attachment at one end to a vacuum hose and connects to the head 32 by a connector joint 34 at the other end. A locking mechanism (not shown) may be provided on the connector joint 34 to prevent pivoting during use, if desired.
The flexible head 132 is a substantially hollow form closed on three sides by an elastomeric frame 112 and open on the bottom (FIG. 15) to provide a suction opening. The elastomeric frame 112 is preferably made from a molded thermoplastic elastomer material, but other flexible materials may also be suitable. The sides 38 of the flexible head 132 extend from the top frame member 114 a to the bottom frame member 114 b and include recess details 40 which allow the elastomer to flex more easily. The flexible head 132 also has pivoting rigid struts 122 connected at each end, via pins 42, to bridge between the top frame member 114 a and the bottom frame members 114 b. The end of the connector 130 is open within the hollow of the flexible head 132 near the connector pivot 34 to create a fluid pathway from the open bottom, through the connector 130, and into the vacuum hose (not shown).
In FIGS. 22-31 the vacuum attachment 210 is very similar to that of FIGS. 13-21. For example, the vacuum attachment 210 has a pivoting connector 230 attached to the flexible head 232, which is comprised of an elastomeric frame 112. However, instead of pivoting rigid struts, the attachment 210 includes struts 222 molded into the flexible elastomer. Further, the struts 222 have a thin flexible region 223 (see FIG. 31) at the attachment point to the two frame members 214 to allow flexibility. Recess detail 40 in the elastomeric material also facilitates flexibility.
As illustrated in FIGS. 41 a-b, the vacuum attachment 110 (or 210, 310) may allow addition of a separate device such as, for example, a bristle pad 39. The bristle pad 39 is comprised of numerous bristles, plastic, metal or elastomer, to help loosen material to be taken up by the vacuum. The bristle pad 39 would be useful on, for example, deeper carpet piles, pet grooming, car interiors, and similar applications. Other possible pad types might include (not shown) a dusting pad, a hardwood floor pad, an applicator pad for leathers, metals, or other material, and a scrubbing/scouring pad for wet-vac use. These pads may be temporarily adhered to the vacuum attachment 110 by use of clips, snaps, VELCRO®, or the like.
Referring now to FIGS. 34-40, a third embodiment of the tool, vacuum attachment tool 310, can be more readily understood. The connector 330 is fixed at an angle to an outer structure 312 having an opened base portion 314 and a spine 316. The angle of the connector 330 may vary on different tools based on the intended use of the attachment 310. A hollow elastomeric inner structure 313 having an open base fits within the outer structure 312, as shown, to cover the opening in the base portion 314 and allow transfer of suction from the vacuum hose (not shown) through the connector 330. A second opening 315 in the inner structure 313 aligns with the connector 330 to provide the necessary fluid pathway. Rigid rib-like struts 322 attach at pivot points 323 on the base 314 and to the flexible spine 316 of the outer structure 312. Finally, a flexible contact surface 348 may be adhered to the bottom of the base 314.
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 FIGS. 43-52. Detail sanders come with a wide range of attachments for sanding different shapes and areas. When sanding a small curved surface, a balusters on a stair railing, for example, it is very difficult to use a detail sander to effectively remove material. This difficulty is due, in part, to the limited space available to allow suitable placement of the sanding head component and, in part, to the curved profile of the surface.
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 FIGS. 43-52, the sanding attachment 410 is comprised of the rigid connector 430 coupled to a flexible head 432. The head 432 has a flexible frame 412 having a top member 414 a and a bottom member 414 b with rigid struts 422 bridging between the members. Joint pins 442 are used to connect the struts 422 and the rigid connector 430. Sandpaper of the desired grit can be adhered in some known manner to the surface of the bottom member 414 b.
Another sanding tool 510 is shown in FIGS. 53-58. In this embodiment, the sanding tool 510 has the ability to sand a surface from either side of the attachment 510. A number of different sander configurations can be used on different types of sanding power tools. The type of tool and head used depends on the type of surface being sanded and the degree of curvature of the surface. Presently, the tool power source is shown to be an electric sander 550 (AC or DC powered) with a rotatable neck 551. A reciprocating rod 553 extends from the neck 551 to attach to a rigid end 520 of the sanding attachment 510.
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.
FIG. 58 illustrates an advantage to having a sanding tool 510 capable of flexing in two directions.
FIGS. 59-78 illustrate multiple embodiments of a hand-tool employing the “fin ray” mechanism. The hand-tools described and illustrated are comprised of a handle 24 directly attached to the flexible head 32. The hand-tools are distinguished from one another based on the composition of the attached flexing work surface—e.g., foam, bristles, sandpaper, etc.—and whether it is a one-sided or two-sided tool.
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 FIGS. 59-60 is comprised of a flexible frame 612 forming a substantially acute triangle. The frame 612 may be formed from a single, continuous sidewall, as shown, connected to the rigid end 620, or it may be formed of two separate sides connected to one another and to the rigid end 620. In either case, a plurality of rigid struts 622 span the interior of the frame 612 with pivoting joints 626 connecting each strut 622 to the frame 612. The fabric brush 610 is double-sided and will deform to the shape of the surface being brushed. This allows for a much higher degree of efficiency in removing lint, thereby reducing the number of brush strokes needed.
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 FIGS. 61 and 62, the double-sided painting tool 710 uses the “fin ray” mechanism to allow the brush to deform in either direction and in a manner which matches the shape of the surface being painted. This allows the user to more efficiently paint curved surfaces in tight spaces and hard to reach areas.
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 FIGS. 63 and 64, the sanding tool 810 is double-sided and uses the “fin ray” mechanism to allow the working surface to deform to the shape of the surface being sanded. This feature allows the sanding tool 810 to be used for sanding curved surfaces in tight spaces and hard to reach areas.
A “universal” tool 810 a is illustrated in FIG. 65. In this embodiment, the tool 810 a is over-fitted with a sleeve 11 of working material, such as sandpaper, lint brush cloth, painting foam, or the like. Such sleeves 11 could be disposable and/or machine washable. A single tool could be used for many applications by merely changing the outer sleeve 11.
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, FIGS. 66-69 illustrate a double-sided rasp tool 910 using the “fin ray” mechanism to deform the rasping surface more closely to the curved surface, thereby allowing for more efficient removal of material. Unlike prior embodiments where the material of the working surface (e.g., foam, sandpaper, etc.) is adhered to the flexing tool surface, the rasp uses a flexing metal rasp 912 as the frame of the tool head 910.
FIGS. 70-74 show different views of a large hand sanding tool 1010 that can be used for sanding larger curved surfaces, such as the hull of a small boat. The single-sided tool 1010 can also be used with a drywall screen material in place of sandpaper for sanding surfaces such as curved plaster on a column. The tool 1010 is comprised of a rigid handle 1024 which attaches to or extends from a rigid end 1020, and a flexible head 1032. The flexible head 1032 includes a large base surface 1014 with an attached flexible spine 1016 and a plurality of rigid struts 1022 and pins 1042 to keep the desired spacing. Separate pins 1043 are used to connect the flexible head 1032 to the rigid end 1020.
Finally, a large single-sided rasping tool 1110 is illustrated in FIGS. 75-78. The rasping tool 1110 is comprised of a handle 1124 attached to a flexible tool head 1132. The tool head 1132 is comprised of a flexible plastic side 1114 and a flexible metal rasp side 1116 (a material similar to that of the smaller two-sided rasp 910 described above). Due to the greater relative length of this tool 1110 compared to other tools of this invention, the number of rigid struts 1122 used to bridge the two frame members 1114 may be increased.
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 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

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 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,

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.