Abstract:
A disposable sanding device is fabricated as a continuous rope-like article which is adapted for selective segmentation and application as a plurality of serially arranged disposable hand sanding devices or ropes. Each hand sanding device is formed as a generally elongated rod shaped base portion formed of lightweight material such as closed cell foam having a relatively constant cross-section along its line of elongation. An abrasive surface is permanently applied to the external surface of the base portion via an intermediate adhesive layer. As constructed, the sanding device is operable to conform to curvilinear contours of a work piece to be sanded upon application of user induced loading against the work piece. A dispenser holds a rolled length of sanding rope and includes a cutter feature for severing pieces of sanding rope from the coil as required as well as a retainer for the free end of the coil. A tensioning hand tool holds a severed length of sanding rope for precise applications.

Description:
[0001]     The present invention relates generally to hand tools and particularly to sanding devices, especially for use in wood working. More particularly still, the present invention relates to a low cost hand-held disposable sanding device which can be easily manipulated by hand for sanding and finishing a wide variety of work piece surface shapes and configurations.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Small sanding jobs and sanding jobs calling for considerable detail work or access to small confined areas will usually require the direct hand application of sandpaper of one or more suitable grit sizes. The difficulty in hand-sanding is in applying firm pressure long enough to complete the job and in applying even pressure to obtain a desired smooth and even finish. A further difficulty is to obtain efficient use of the sandpaper by not wasting any substantial portion of its surface area.  
         [0003]     Common sanding jobs calling for considerable detail work or access to small confined areas, or for the sanding of contoured surfaces, will often require that the surfaces be hand sanded. Therefore, hand-held sanding devices devised for this purpose consist essentially of a sanding block for holding conventional sandpaper wrapped over the block. By using a sanding block as a sandpaper holder, hand-applied sanding forces on the sandpaper can be increased and more evenly distributed. One such device is disclosed in U.S. Patent Number  4 , 501 , 096  to Lukianoff, wherein a generally triangularly shaped sandpaper holding device provides three different sanding surfaces and corners for accommodating a variety of sanding conditions. The sandpaper wrapped around the faces of this device is held at its ends by means of an angled slot located in one of its faces.  
         [0004]     The difficulty with the above-mentioned prior sanding devices is the necessity of installing or wrapping a separate piece of sandpaper around the device. This installation or wrapping process presents some inconvenience to the user, and the paper, if improperly installed, is susceptible to falling off. Also, the device requires the purchase of separate sheets of sandpaper which is a further inconvenience in terms of the amount of supplies needed.  
         [0005]     Sanding blocks are presently available in a variety of forms in an attempt to meet the needs of those who must sand various surfaces. Perhaps the most common sandpaper support is a block of wood from which one may move through myriad supports and into complex electric sanders. In virtually all of these items, the general purpose of the sanding block is three fold.  
         [0006]     First, it allows the user to apply greater pressure to the area being sanded. Secondly, it moves the user&#39;s hand away from the work surface, usually by providing a handle for the user to grasp, in order to reduce the likelihood of injuries. Thirdly, when a sanding block having a flat sanding paper supporting surface is used to sand a flat surface, the block reduces points of excessive pressure by more evenly distributing the user&#39;s force over the sandpaper supporting surface. However, when non-flat surfaces need to be sanded, difficulties often arise. The standard sanding block has a relatively large, flat sandpaper supporting surface which does not satisfactorily meet the needs of one who is sanding an irregular surface. The use of such a sanding block on an irregular surface will generally result in the user angling the block or using it in a way in which it was not intended in an attempt to conform the sanding surface to the work surface. Even with such attempts, the resultant effect is uneven sanding as generally no portion of the block will conform exactly to the area being sanded and excessive areas of pressure which will result in over sanding.  
         [0007]     Excessive pressure points can also result in the quickened wearing of the sandpaper, such that the sanding block itself may become exposed, which, depending upon the fabrication of the sanding block, may damage the work surface. Similarly, as the user angles the sanding block in order to utilize a corner or edge of the sandpaper, a portion of the block not covered by the sandpaper may scratch the work surface.  
         [0008]     In an attempt to provide sanding blocks which are usable on irregular surfaces, a wide variety of devices have been developed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,557,496 to R. W. Martin discloses a metal strap to which a piece of sandpaper may be secured. The strap is then placed over a pipe or other circular type object so that a back and forth motion may be applied to sand the item. A circular piece of sandpaper is also secured over the handles which are particularly adapted for sanding the inner edges of the pipes. Other patents disclose devices such as special sandpaper holders for louver doors, U.S. Pat. No. 3,640,031 to Descant; sanding fittings, U.S. Pat. No. 3,722,150 to Pass; abrading corners and crevices as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,465,569 issued to Bates. While such devices may be suitable for their intended uses, they do not sufficiently meet the myriad surface irregularities often encountered when sanding a complex work piece.  
         [0009]     Thus, an individual faced with the task of sanding a variety of irregular surfaces, must either attempt to use different types of sanding blocks, many of which still will not conform to the actual intended use, or in the alternative, those experienced in this area will use their hand in order to conform and support the sandpaper to the work piece. Attempting to enhance this latter approach are devices which either secure the sandpaper directly to the users hand or to a specialized glove.  
         [0010]     It should be easily appreciated that these later approaches, while at times effective, are not reasonable alternatives when extreme precision or small detailed contours, such as in furniture finishing, are involved.  
         [0011]     The present invention overcomes the forgoing difficulties of hand-held sanding devices by providing a hand-sized sanding device which eliminates the need for a separate sheet of sandpaper. A sanding device is particularly provided which has its own integral abrasive surfaces and which can be manufactured at a sufficiently low cost to be disposable. The invention further provides a self-contained sanding device that can be conveniently used off-the-shelf to hand sand a variety of standard, contoured or shaped surfaces, such as trim or molding surfaces, and for projecting into restricted exactly defined areas.  
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     An object of the present invention is to develop a low cost (and thus disposable) hand held sanding device made of lightweight, resilient material capable of recovering its shape after being subjected to radial or axial pressures attendant its usage as a sanding device. The device has a contoured outer surface which can be deformed to match the small, intricate shapes of furniture balusters, moldings and trim. While shaped molding and trim are specifically identified as possible contoured shapes to which the sanding device of the invention can be applied, it shall be understood that the contoured surface of the device can be applied with almost any sandable surface and material.  
         [0013]     According to the present invention, a disposable hand sanding device includes an elongated, generally rod shaped base portion which is constructed of lightweight resilient material such as closed cell foam or rubber and is formed with a substantially constant cross-section along its characteristic line of elongation. An abrasive outer surface layer is permanently formed on the base portion by adhering abrasive material such as silicon carbide or aluminum oxide upon an intermediate adhesive layer. This arrangement results in a hand held device which, in application, conforms to curvilinear contours of a work piece to be sanded upon application of user induced loading against the workpiece. The device is light weight, easy to use and is extremely inexpensive to manufacture.  
         [0014]     As an additional feature, an elongated, non-resilient flexible cord is embedded within the base portion and extends substantially concentrically with the base portion to limit axial distension of the sanding device upon application of user induced loading. The cord, when exposed, also facilitates manual manipulation of the sanding device.  
         [0015]     In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a continuously formed rope-like article is provided which can be selectively cut to length for a specific sanding application. The rope-like article is maintained in a roll. Segments removed from the roll are used and then discarded. This arrangement has the advantage of continuously forming multiple “sanding ropes” in series or a succession such as by extrusion. An artisan can easily maintain the unused roll portion and sever just the length segment required for a specific sanding application.  
         [0016]     A dispenser can also be provided which maintains the continuously formed rope-like article in a rotating spool mounted on a frame member which includes a cutter and a loose end holder. This arrangement provides an extremely convenient package which facilitates removal of a length of sanding rope material from the storage roll without the necessity of using additional tools, such as a cutting device.  
         [0017]     An additional feature includes witness marks located on the outer surface of the rope-like material which are axially spaced from one another to serve as an indicator or measurement to the artisan in selecting an appropriate amount of length of material to sever. Furthermore, localized weakened areas such as perforations are provided to assist in the stripping off of a short length of base portion to expose an underlaying length of inner cord to aid in the manipulation of the severed piece.  
         [0018]     A severed length of sanding rope with its internal cord exposed at each end thereof can be employed with a hand held tool, similar to a key hole saw frame, which provides precisely controlled tensioning of the cord in application to a work piece.  
         [0019]     These and other features and advantages of this invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification which, along with the drawings, describes and discloses preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention in detail. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]      FIG. 1 , is a perspective view of a disposable hand sanding device in accordance with the invention with a portion broken away to reveal internal structural elements thereof;  
         [0021]      FIG. 2 , is a front plan view of the hand sanding device of  FIG. 1  in application of forming, sanding or shaping a work piece;  
         [0022]      FIG. 3A , is a cross-section, taken on lines II-II of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 3B , is a cross-section, taken on lines II-II of  FIG. 2 , with the sanding device in an alternate orientation with respect to the work piece and a portion of the work piece broken away;  
         [0024]      FIG. 3C , is a cross-section, taken on lines  11 - 11  of  FIG. 2 , with the sanding device in another alternate orientation with respect to the work piece and a portion of the work piece broken away;  
         [0025]      FIG. 4 , is a front plan view of the hand sanding device of  FIG. 1  in application of forming another work piece;  
         [0026]      FIG. 5 , is a broken perspective view of a continuous chain of disposable hand sanding devices;  
         [0027]      FIG. 6 , is a top plan view of a dispenser of the continuous chain of disposable hand sanding devices of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 7 , is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 8 , is a cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 9 , is a cross-sectional view of still another alternative embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 10 , is a cross-section view of yet still another alternative embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0032]      FIG. 11 , is a plan view of a tool for facilitating use of the hand sanding device of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0033]      FIG. 1  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A disposable sanding rope or device  10  is formed as a generally rod shaped base portion  12  elongated along an axis designated A-A. Base portion  12  is preferably formed from lightweight resilient material such as closed cell foam or rubber. It is contemplated that many other suitable materials such as urethane or neoprene could be substituted, however, based upon an understanding of the present invention and a given specific application.  
         [0034]     The outer circumferential surface of base portion  12  is substantially covered with an abrasive coating layer  14  suitably affixed to the underlying base portion  12  by an intermediate adhesive layer  16 . Adhesive layer  16  is spray applied to base portion  12  prior to application of a suitable aggregate abrasive  14  such as coarse aluminum oxide or silicon carbide. Such materials are commercially available from the Household and Hardware Products Division of the 3M Company under a number of product names. One type of spray adhesive that can be used is “Spray Mount” No. 6065 produced by 3M Adhesives Division of the 3M Company. This construction allows momentary resilient deformation of the sanding rope  10  as it engages a work piece. Upon completion of the sanding process, the sanding rope returns to its illustrated shape. Alternatively, abrasive layer  14  could be formed of traditional sand paper which is, in turn, adhered to base portion  12  by adhesive layer  16 .  
         [0035]     A reinforcing cord  18 , formed of woven fibrous material such as cotton or nylon, extends along axis A-A within base portion  12  of sanding rope  10 . Cord  18  is flexible in the radial direction and inflexible in the axial direction and thus serves to limit axial distension of sanding rope  10  when applied against a work piece. Furthermore, cord  18  also extends axially beyond the longitudinal ends  20  and  22  of base portion  12  to define grip handles  24  and  26 .  
         [0036]     Sanding rope  10  is intended for hand sanding complex curvilinear surfaces of work pieces such as wooden furniture or moldings. Rope  10  is employed by either grasping the abrasive layer by the user&#39;s finger tips or palm of the hand and applying force against a work piece. In this manner the tactile sense of the operator&#39;s hand allows continuous variation in force applied against the work piece and thus the rate and configuration of sanding. This is useful for non-symmetrical or custom surface features.  
         [0037]     Alternately, for work piece surfaces which are regular or symmetrical in at least one plane, grip handles  24  and  26  can be held by the fingertips of the user&#39;s respective right and left hands. Insodoing, the user tensions cord  18  along axis A-A. The user then positions the abrasive surface  14  of rope  10  against a specific feature of the work piece to be sanded and alternatively pulls grip handles  24  and  26  along axis A-A. This action will largely conform the local circumferential shape of the sanding rope  10  to the adjacent contour features of the work piece. As grip handles  24  and  26  are alternatively pulled in one direction and then another along axis A-A, the portion of abrasive layer  14  of sanding rope  10  contacting the work piece reshapes its surface. The amount of tension applied along the cord  18  will control the degree in which the abrasive layer will conform to the work piece. For example, if very little tension is applied to cord  18 , the sanding rope  10  will tend to increase its “wrap” or engagement with convex surface features of the work piece. Conversely, if the cord  18  is placed under high tension, sanding rope  10  will tend to decrease its “wrap” around convex surfaces. Accordingly, an amount of user experience and test sanding of material similar to that contained in an intended work piece will facilitate skilled use of the present invention.  
         [0038]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , sanding rope  10  is illustrated in application with a work piece  28 . The work piece  28  is of relatively simple geometric form for purposes of illustration only, it being contemplated that the present invention is best applied with extremely irregular contoured surfaces. The work piece  28  is configured as a generally rectangular block of wood having an upper surface  30  with a generally rounded configuration. Sanding rope  10  is applied by draping it over upper surface  30  with cord  18  extending generally from left to right. Grip handles  24  and  26  are alternatively pulled leftwardly, as illustrated by arrow  32 , and then rightwardly, as illustrated by arrow  34 . As described hereinabove, the user will maintain continuous tension in cord  16  throughout this process.  
         [0039]     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 A, sanding rope  10  is being employed to form a generally saddle or crescent shaped groove  36  in upper surface  30  of work piece  28 . When subjected to very low tension forces in the direction of arrows  32  and  34 , the base portion  12  of sanding rope  10  substantially maintains its nominal circular configuration. As such, only a small portion of the abrasive layer  14  adjacent the intersection of the uppermost portion of groove  36  and upper surface  30  conforms to the adjacent portion of the groove  36  at regions designated  38  and  40 . Therefore, axial manipulation of sanding rope  10  will result in removal of material at regions  38  and  40 .  
         [0040]     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 B, sanding rope  10  is illustrated as being subjected to intermediate tension forces in the direction of arrows  32  and  34 . As a result, sanding rope is displaced further within groove  36  and conforms thereto at adjacent regions designated  42  and  44 . Again, axial manipulation of sanding rope  10  will result in removal of material at regions  42  and  44 .  
         [0041]     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 C, sanding rope  10  is illustrated as being subjected to relatively high tension forces in the direction of arrows  32  and  34 . As a result, sanding rope  10  is displaced into the bottom of groove  36  and conforms thereto at a single adjacent region  46 . Axial manipulation of sanding rope  10  will result in removal of material at region  46 .  
         [0042]     The various positionings of sanding rope  10  in  FIGS. 3A, 3B  and  3 C serve to illustrate how an artisan using sanding rope  10  can skillfully and precisely remove material from a complex recess in a work piece by varying the tension applied to the cord  18  of sanding rope  10 . Varying the positioning of the sanding rope  10  vis-a-vis the groove  36  causes momentary localized deformation of the base portion  12  and the abrasive coating layer  14  as well as the intermediate adhesive layer  16 . Upon removal of the sanding rope  10  from engagement with the work piece  28 , the overall shape of the sanding rope  10  will return to the generally cylindrical configuration illustrated in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0043]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , an alternative application of the sanding rope  10  described in connection with  FIG. 1  is illustrated. Sanding rope  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 4  in application with a work piece  46 . As in the case of work piece  28  described in connection with  FIG. 2 , work piece  46  is of relatively simple geometric form for purposes of illustration only, it being contemplated that the present invention is best applied with extremely irregular contoured surfaces. The work piece  46  is configured as a generally rectangular block of wood having an upper surface  48  with a generally concave feature  50  formed therein. Sanding rope  10  is applied to work piece  46  by conforming it generally to the contours of concave feature  50  on upper surface  48  of work piece  46 . Sanding rope is maintained in its illustrated position by the artisan applying pressure, as indicated by arrow  52 , from one or more finger tips  54 . While holding sanding rope  10  in position, the artisan would apply his other hand to grasp either of the grip handles  24  or  26  and apply tension to cord  18 , as illustrated by arrows  56  and  58 , respectively. Increasing or decreasing pressure (arrow  52 ) will deform the base portion  12  of sanding rope  10  and thus increase or decrease the amount of abrasive layer that is bearing against the adjacent area  60  of concave feature  50 . This will result in precisely controlled removal of material at region  60  in response to axial manipulation of sanding rope  10 .  
         [0044]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , to facilitate economical large scale production of sanding rope  10  such as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , it would be formed in an endless or continuous stream  62  emerging from appropriate manufacturing equipment  64 , such as an extruder, along an axis B-B. The continuous stream  62  of sanding rope preferably has a typical cross section configuration substantially identical to that described with respect to the sanding rope  10  segment of  FIG. 1 . The continuous stream  62  comprises successive segments of sanding rope  66  joined end-to-end along axis B-B.  
         [0045]     The continuous stream  62  structure consists of concentrically arranged cord  68 , base portion  70 , adhesive layer  72  and abrasive coating layer  74 . Witness marks  76  are imprinted on the outer surface of abrasive coating layer  74  at axially spaced locations therealong. Weakened areas  78  such as perforations are formed at axially spaced locations as well. The witness marks are indicators of suggested locations for severing one specific sanding rope segment  66  from an immediately adjacent segment  66 . The applicant has discovered that spacing (designated “L”) between successive witness marks of eight (8″) to twelve (12″) inches results in sanding rope segments  66  of convenient length for many craft and hobby applications.  
         [0046]     Perforations  78  are provided at a location spaced from each end of each sanding rope segment  66 . The perforations extend inwardly through abrasive coating layer  74 , adhesive layer  72  and substantially all of base portion  70 . The cord  68  is not weakened, however. The portions of the abrasive layer  74 , adhesive layer  72  and base portion  70  intermediate the (severed) witness marks  76  and a related perforation  78  are optionally removable to expose a segment of the underlying cord  68 . The applicant has discovered that the exposed cord  68  portion, i.e. the spacing (designated “D”) between each witness mark  76  and its associated perforations  78  of one (1″) to two (2″) inches results in a convenient length of exposed cord  68  for finger grasping by the artisan in application of a given sanding rope segment  66  without undue waste of material.  
         [0047]     When constructed in a continuous stream  62 , the sanding rope segments  66  of the present invention can be easily packaged and marketed in bulk or rolls. Referring to  FIG. 6 , an example roll dispenser  80  for retail sales of a substantial length (such as 10′ to 25′) is illustrated. A spool  82  dimensioned to receive and hold an extended length of sanding rope  84  (shown in phantom) is mounted for rotation on an axle  86  extending concentrically through the hub  88  of spool  82 . The lower end of axle  86  is affixed to a stop member  90  which functions to prevent relative upward displacement of the axle  86  with respect to hub  88  but allow free relative rotation between the two. Axle  86  extends upwardly above spool  88  and through a frame member  92 , terminating in a second stop member  94 . Stop member  94  is affixed to both the uppermost end of axle  86  and frame member  92 , and prevents relative downward displacement of the axle  86  with respect to hub  88 . Thus, frame  92 , axle  86 , and stop members  90  and  94  comprise one rigid, fixed assembly. Spool  82  (and any sanding rope  84  carried thereon) is free to rotate about axle  86  but is restrained from relative axial displacement with respect to the remainder of roll dispenser  80 .  
         [0048]     Frame member  92  of roll dispenser  80  extends radially outwardly beyond spool  82  and terminates in a cutter/retainer portion  96 . Cutter/retainer portion  96  serves as an integrated tool for conveniently severing one or more sanding rope segments  66  (see  FIG. 5 ) as required. Subsequently, the free end  111  of the extended length of sanding rope  84  remaining on spool  82  ia retained in its illustrated position to prevent inadvertent uncoiling of the extended length of sanding rope  84  remaining on the spool  82 . Cutter/retainer portion defines a generally “V” shaped cutter  98  defining converging sharpened edges  100  and  102 . A pocket  104  formed in the cutter  98  adjacent the point of closest approach of edges  100  and  102  is dimensioned to receive the cord  68  of a sanding rope segment  66  being severed from the remaining length of sanding rope  84  remaining on the spool  82 . Thickened guide walls  106 ,  108  and  110  coact with cutting edges  100 ,  102  and pocket  104 , respectively, to precisely guide the segment of sanding rope  66  being severed to ensure a clean perpendicular cut occurs. Cutter/retainer portion  96  also defines a necked opening  112  dimensioned to enable the user to press fit the free end  111  of the extended length of sanding rope  84  remaining on the spool  82  during storage.  
         [0049]     Referring to  FIG. 7 , an alternative configuration of the sanding rope  10  described with reference to  FIG. 1 , is illustrated. A sanding rope  114 , illustrated in typical cross-section, comprises a base portion  116  formed in a generally square or rectangular configuration. The outer circumferential surface of base portion  116  is substantially covered by an abrasive coating layer  118  which is affixed to the base portion  116  by an intermediate adhesive layer  120 . A reinforcing cord  122 , formed of woven fibrous material extends axially through the base portion  116 . The sanding rope  114  provides multiple flat normally disposed surfaces and intermediate sharp corners suitable for certain sanding requirements.  
         [0050]     Referring to  FIG. 8 , another alternative configuration of the sanding rope described with reference to  FIG. 1 , is illustrated. A sanding rope  124 , illustrated in typical cross-section, comprises a base portion  126  formed in a generally triangular configuration. The outer circumferential surface of base portion  126  is substantially covered by an abrasive coating layer  128  which is fixed to the base portion  126  by an intermediate adhesive layer  130 . A reinforcing cord  132  formed of woven fibrous material extends axially through the base portion  126 . The sanding rope  126  provides three acutely angled flat surfaces  134 ,  136  and  138  intersected by intermediate corner edges  140 ,  142  and  144 . Each surface  134 ,  136  and  138  has a significantly different grit size or coarseness characteristic. Furthermore, each surface  134 ,  136  and  138  carries unique visible or tactile indicia indicative of its relative degree of coarseness.  
         [0051]     In the case of this embodiment of the invention, the indicia comprise single, dual and treble sets of axially extending brightly colored stripes  146 ,  148  and  150 . Alternatively, numerical grit or coarseness ratings could be provided on each side surface  134 ,  136  and  138  as an aid to the artisan.  
         [0052]     Referring to  FIG. 9 , still another alternative embodiment configuration of the sanding rope described with reference to  FIG. 1 , is illustrated. A sanding rope  152 , illustrated in typical cross-section, comprises a base portion  154  formed in a generally hour glass configuration. The outer circumferential surface of base portion  154  is substantially covered by an abrasive coating layer  156  which is fixed to the base portion  154  by an intermediate adhesive layer  158 . A reinforcing cord  160  formed of woven fibrous material extends axially through the base portion  154 . The top surface  162  of sanding rope  152  has an axially extending concave recess  164  formed therein. Recess  164  has a characteristic relatively constant radius designated by arrow “R 1 ”. Likewise, the bottom surface  166  of sanding rope  152  has an axially extending concave recess  168  formed therein. Recess  168  has a characteristic relatively constant radius designated by arrow “R 2 ”. It is contemplated that R 1  and R 2  may be dimensionally the same or, alternatively, substantially varied. Side walls  170  and  172  of sanding rope  152  are illustrated as being substantially flat. However, they could be formed as concave, convex or otherwise curvilinear surfaces to suit any number of varied sanding jobs.  
         [0053]     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a further alternative embodiment configuration of the sanding rope described with reference to  FIG. 1 , is illustrated. A sanding rope  174 , illustrated in typical cross-section, comprises a base portion  176  having an exterior surface which is continuously curvilinear in shape. The outer circumferential surface of base portion  176  is substantially covered by an abrasive coating layer  178  which is fixed to the base portion  176  by an intermediate adhesive layer  180 . Two reinforcing cords  182  and  184  formed of woven fibrous material extend axially through the base portion  176 . Cords  182  and  184  are parallel and fall upon an imaginary plane designated “P-P”. Sanding rope  174  is asymmetrical in overall shape to define convexly curved surfaces of varying radius. Specifically, the upper left hand portion of base portion  176  defines a region  186  of relatively small varying radius designated by arrow  188 . The upper right hand portion of base portion  176  defines a region  190  of intermediate varying radius designated by arrow  192 . The bottom portion of base portion  176  defines a region  194  of relatively large varying radius designated by arrow  196 . Cord  182  extends through the portion of base portion  176  adjacent region  186  and cord  184  extends through the portion of base portion  176  adjacent region  190 . Cords  182  and  184  provide enhanced control of sanding rope  174  when regions  186  and  190 , respectively, are being employed in a sanding operation.  
         [0054]     When both cords  182  and  184  are subjected to tensioning by an artisan in application, sanding rope becomes relatively inflexible within plane P-P, thus proving another measure of control.  
         [0055]     Referring to  FIG. 11 , a tensioning tool  198  suitable for use with the sanding rope  10  described in connection with  FIG. 1 , is illustrated. Tool  198  can be applied in circumstances where extremely precise control of sanding rope  10  is required to effect sanding of a workpiece with curvilinear features having section which is straight in at least one direction.  
         [0056]     Tensioning tool  198  is similar in some cosmetic respects to a conventional key-hole saw. Tool  198  is formed from relatively stiff drawn steel wire that is square or round in cross-section. The wire is bent to form a handle portion  200  integrally formed with a generally “U” shaped bow frame  202 . Bow frame  202  consists of a base portion  204  and two legs  206  and  208  extending therefrom in cantilever fashion. Legs  206  and  208  extend downwardly, terminating in sanding rope clamping assemblies  210  and  212 , respectively.  
         [0057]     Clamping assemblies  210  and  212  are substantially identical. Accordingly, the detailed structure of only one will be described herein for the sake of brevity. Clamp assembly  212  includes an annular ring  214  defining a through bore  216 . Through bore  216  of ring  214  registers with a similarly dimensioned and aligned through bore  218  formed in leg  208  near the free end thereof. Legs  206  and  208  are generally parallel and are spaced to receive the sanding rope  10  described in connection with  FIG. 1 . In application, grip handle or cord segment  26  of sanding rope  10  is threaded rightwardly through bores  218  and  216 , extending slightly therebeyond. A set screw  220  which is threadably engaged within a bore  222  in ring  214  normal to and communicating with bore  216 , is then tightened to secure grip handle  26  in its illustrated position. The process is then repeated wherein grip handle  24  is secured to leg  206  via clamp assembly  210 . As a final step, the free ends of legs  206  and  208  are momentarily forcibly sprung towards one another. Set screw  220  is loosened and grip handles  24  and  26  are pulled in opposed directions (tensioned). Finally, set screw  220  is retightened. This arrangement results in bow portion  202  of tool  198  acting to maintain a predetermined level of tension in sanding rope  10 . Thereafter, sanding rope is employed in its intended manner by the artisan grasping and manipulating the tool  198  by its handle  200 .  
         [0058]     It is to be understood that the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments and variations to provide the features and advantages previously described and that the embodiments are susceptible of modification as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, any number of characteristic cross-sectional configurations of the inventive sanding rope can be employed for various applications.  
         [0059]     Furthermore, it is contemplated that many alternative common inexpensive materials can be employed to construct the rope core, abrasive coating and string reinforcement. For example, abrasive coating can be applied in a powdered, granular or preformed sheet form. Accordingly, the forgoing is not to be construed in a limiting sense.  
         [0060]     The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.  
         [0061]     Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims wherein reference numerals are merely for convenience and are not to be in any way limiting, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.