US 5,672,096 A · Inflatable tool

Abstract

An inflatable tool is used for abrading or finishing a surface of a workpiece. The inflatable tool includes an inflatable bladder clamped at first and second ends of a core having an elastomeric outer core portion. The inflatable bladder is inflated by a pressurized medium and forms a pocket or chamber around the elastomeric outer core portion. An abrasive sleeve is disposed around and secured by the inflatable bladder when inflated. The elastomeric outer core portion provides a resilient support surface for the inflatable bladder and the abrasive sleeve while abrading a workpiece. One example of the abrasive sleeve includes one or more bulging abrasive regions created by one or more slots in the abrasive sleeve. One example of a method of using the inflatable tool includes abrading a surface of a workpiece with one or more bulging abrasive regions, and chamfering both sides of a hole extending through a workpiece.

Claims23

Dependent claims

An inflatable tool, comprising:

a core having a first core end and a second core end, said core including an inner core portion and an elastomeric outer core portion disposed over said inner core portion;
and
an inflatable bladder disposed over said elastomeric outer core portion and sealably fixed to said core at said first core end and said second core end, said inflatable bladder forming a chamber between said inflatable bladder and said elastomeric outer core portion in an inflated state, wherein said elastomeric outer core portion provides a resilient support surface for said inflatable bladder.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Inflatable tool

Life of this patent

Inflatable tool

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23