CUTICLE TOOL SHARPENING SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

A system and method for sharpening a tool, such as a cuticle nipper, is provided. A first abrasive component has first abrasive surface and a second abrasive component has a second abrasive surface. A motor drives the first and second abrasive components. A securing device secures the tool. A positioning device receives the securing device and permits movement of the securing device relative to the first and second abrasive devices.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a system and method for sharpening a cuticle tool.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various tools are used in nail maintenance. Many of these tools are used to cut or trim various parts of the nail. Several other of these tools are used to remove parts of the nail itself and/or material on or around the nail such as, but not limited to, nail polish or gel. Some examples of these tools include, without limitation, nippers, clippers, cuticle nippers, acrylic nippers, cuticle pushers, gel polish tools, gel pushers, toe nail clippers, and the like. Many of these tools have one or more sharpened edges used to cut or trim of the nail and/or remove material deposited on or around the nail. These sharpened edges may become dulled or misshapen over many uses. Further, these sharpened edges may become dulled or misshapen if the tool is dropped or otherwise mishandled.

Such tools are relatively expensive. Sharpening or reshaping of such tools is often less expensive than purchasing a new tool. Manual sharpening or reshaping of such tools is known. However, such manual sharpening or reshaping requires an experienced, skilled operator. Furthermore, such manual sharpening or reshaping is often performed using tools adapted for general sharpening (e.g., files, grinders, sanders, etc.), but such generalist tools are not often conducive to the unique and specific needs of sharpening or reshaping nail related tools. Use of such tools, particularly by an unskilled operator, can lead to poor sharpening or reshaping. Furthermore, such manual sharpening or reshaping often requires a significant amount of time and effort. Therefore, what is needed is a cuticle tool sharpening system and apparatus.

The present invention is a cuticle tool sharpening system and apparatus. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a motor connected one or more abrasive devices. A first abrasive device may be shaped as a disk having a first and second thickness. An outer circumferential portion of the first abrasive device may have a first thickness, while an inner circumferential portion may have a second thickness that is less than the first thickness. The outer and front surfaces of the first abrasive device may be coated with an abrasive material. A second abrasive device may be shaped as a cylinder having a concave chamfered edge extending from a first point along the height of the cylinder to the distal end of the cylinder. In this way, the distal end of the second abrasive device may be shaped as a circle having a smaller diameter than the proximal end of the second abrasive device, which may also be shaped as a circle. The outer surface of the cylinder, the chamfered edge, and the distal end may be coated with an abrasive material. In another exemplary embodiment, the second abrasive device may be shaped as an hourglass. The outer surface of the hourglass shape may be coated with an abrasive material.

A positioning device may also be provided for positioning the tool for sharpening or reshaping relative to the one or more abrasive devices. The motor and the positioning device may be mounted to a common surface, though such is not required. The positioning device may be mounted to one or more tracks or slides on the common surface which permit vertical and horizontal movement of the positioning device. The positioning device may be configured to accept one or more securing devices and permit multi-axis movement and orientation of the attached securing device(s).

A first securing device may be configured to accommodate one or more nail tools. The first securing device may comprise a first block positioned above a second block. The first block may comprise a protruding lip that creates a gap between the bottom edge of the lip and the top surface of the second block when the first block is placed into contact with the second block. A first and second post may be located on the top surface of the second block. The tool may be secured in an opened position against a front surface of the first block, below the lip, and between the first and second posts, thereby securing the tool into the opened position. A fastener may extend through the first and second blocks to secure the first and second blocks to one another.

A second securing device may comprise a vertical fastener and a horizontal fastener. The second securing device may comprise a securing portion configured to receive the head of the tool in a closed position. The vertical and horizontal fasteners may be positioned such that the head of a tool may be secure therebetween in the closed position such that the head faces the motor. In exemplary embodiments, the second securing device may be mounted to the first securing device, however, such is not required. In such embodiments, the second securing device may be located on an elongated member. The elongated member may comprise a first and second aperture configured to be secured to the first and second posts of the first securing device.

A third securing device may comprise a clamp configured to secure the tool in an opened position. The clamp may comprise a first portion located above a second portion. The clamp may comprise one or more grooves located in the first and/or second portions, wherein said grooves are configured to accommodate the handle portion of the tool in a splayed open arrangement. A vertical fastener may extend through the clamp to secure the relative position of the first and second portions. The third securing device may further comprise a substantially C- or U-shaped securing portion configured to accommodate the head of a tool in a closed position. A horizontal fastener may extend through the securing portion to secure the tool therein.

The first, second, or third securing device may be selectively attached to the positioning device and the tool may be secured therein. The motor may be activated such that the first and/or second abrasive devices begin to rotate. The positioning device may be manipulated to place the appropriate surface of the tool in contact with the first or second abrasive device. Once the appropriate sharpening or reshaping is performed, the positioning device may be manipulated to remove the tool from contact with the first or second abrasive device. The process may be repeated as necessary with various surfaces of the tool to sharpen or reshape the tool. In other exemplary embodiments, the positioning and securing devices are not required and the tool may be sharpened or reshaped freehand.

Further features and advantages of the devices and systems disclosed herein, as well as the structure and operation of various aspects of the present disclosure, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In addition to the features mentioned above, other aspects of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following descriptions of the drawings and exemplary embodiments, wherein like reference numerals across the several views refer to identical or equivalent features, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary system;

FIG. 2A is a detailed side perspective view of an exemplary first abrasive device for use with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a top view of other exemplary embodiments of the first abrasive device;

FIG. 3A is a detailed front perspective view of an exemplary second abrasive device for use with the system of FIGS. 1;

FIG. 3B is a detailed front perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the second abrasive device.

FIG. 4 is side perspective view of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a detailed top perspective view of a first securing device for use with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a detailed top perspective view of a second securing device for use with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a detailed top perspective view of a third securing device for use with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a detailed side perspective view of the third securing device of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of another exemplary motor and abrasive devices;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the second abrasive device;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of another exemplary securing device;

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of other exemplary embodiments of the abrasive devices; and

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of exemplary attachments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, specific details such as detailed configuration and components are merely provided to assist the overall understanding of these embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary system 10. The system 10 may comprise a motor 12. One or more abrasive devices 14, 16 may be connected to the motor 12. In exemplary embodiments, a first abrasive device 14 and a second abrasive device 16 are mechanically connected to the motor 12 such that the first and second abrasive devices 16 are configured to rotate or otherwise move when the motor 12 is activated. The motor 12 may be in electrical connection with a controller 11 for controlling the power supplied to the motor 12. The controller 11 may be electrically connected to a power sources such as, without limitation, an electrical outlet or a battery. In exemplary embodiments, the motor 12 is a two-way motor such that the attached abrasive devices 14 and 16 may be rotated in either direction. The controller 11 may be configured to control the speed and direction of rotation of the abrasive devices 14 and 16. In other exemplary embodiments, the controller 11 may be integrated with the motor 12.

A positioning device 20 may be provided for positioning a tool 40 for sharpening or reshaping. The tool 40 may be nippers, clippers, cuticle nippers, acrylic nippers, cuticle pushers, gel polish tools, gel pushers, toe nail clippers, or any other tool used for nail maintenance. The motor 12 and the positioning device 20 may be mounted to a common surface 22, though such is not required. The positioning device 20 may be mounted to one or more tracks 24 or 26 located on the common surface 20, though such is not required. The tracks 24 and 26 may be configured to permit vertical and horizontal movement of the positioning device 20 along the track 24 and 26, though just vertical or just horizontal movement is also contemplated. The illustrated number and orientation of the tracks 24 and 26 is merely exemplary and is not intended to be limiting. Any number of tracks 24 and 26 in any orientation is contemplated. The positioning device 20 may comprise a receiver 27 configured to receive one or more securing devices 30, 50, or 60. Each of the securing devices 30, 50, or 60 may be configured to receive one or more tools 40.

The positioning device 20 may be configured to permit multi-axis movement and orientation of the securing devices 30, 50, and 60. Such movement may include, but is not limited to, movement in the x-, y-, and z-directions. In exemplary embodiments, the positioning device 20 may be configured for vertical and/or horizontal movement along the tracks 24 and 26. The positioning device 20 may be configured to tilt up and down along a y-axis (i.e., pitch), rotate clock-wise and counter-clockwise along an x-axis (i.e., roll), and/or rotate left or right along a z-axis (i.e., yaw), though such is not required. Various knobs and other fasteners may be used to temporality secure the positioning device 20 at various positions and orientations. Various movement control devices, such as but not limited to, one or more micrometers 23, or other measuring devices, may be used to track and control the position and movement of the positioning device 20. In exemplary embodiments, at least one micrometer 23 is used to control the movement of the positioning device 20 towards or away from the motor 12 such that the amount of abrasion performed on the tool 40 may be measured and controlled. This may permit detailed instructions to be provided to an unskilled operator. Additionally, this may permit an operator to track and thereby receive feedback regarding the appropriate amount of abrasion performed.

FIG. 2A is a detailed side perspective view of the first abrasive device 14. The first abrasive device 14 may be configured to provide a grinding surface for the tool 40 upon rotational movement of the first abrasive device 14. In exemplary embodiments, the first abrasive device 14 may be shaped as a disk and/or cylinder having a first and second circumferential portion 13 and 15. The first circumferential portion 13 may have a first thickness and the second circumferential portion 15 may have a second thickness, wherein the second thickness may be greater than the first thickness. In exemplary embodiments, the first circumferential portion 13 is shaped as a disk placed within the second circumferential portion 15 which is shaped as a hollow disk which circumscribes the first circumferential portion 13. The outer and front surfaces of the second circumferential portion 15 may be comprise an abrasive material. The inner portion of the second circumferential portion 15 extending to the front surface of the first circumferential portion 13 may likewise comprise an abrasive material, though such is not required. In exemplary embodiments, the abrasive material is provided as a coating to one or more surfaces of the second circumferential portion 15. The abrasive material may comprise metal, ceramics, diamonds, diamond dust, or the like. The grit of the abrasive material used may vary. In exemplary embodiments, the first abrasive device 14 may be configured to sharpen the blades 42 of the tool 40 when they are placed at an angle against the first abrasive device 14 and the first abrasive device 14 is rotated or otherwise moved relative to the tool 40.

FIG. 2B is a top view of other exemplary embodiments of the first abrasive device 14. In these exemplary embodiments, a series of holes 74 may be located on the first abrasive device 14. In exemplary embodiments, seven equal size holes 74 of the same or different sizes and shapes may be equally spaced apart in a circular pattern about the center of the first abrasive device. However, any number of holes 74 in any pattern is contemplated. The holes 74 may be of any size or shape. The holes 74 may reduce the weight of the first abrasive device 14. Additionally, the holes 74 may improve the aesthetics of the first abrasive device 14.

FIG. 3A is a detailed front perspective view of the second abrasive device 16. The second abrasive device 16 may be configured to provide a grinding surface for the tool 40 upon rotational movement of the second abrasive device 16. In exemplary embodiments, the second abrasive device 16 may be shaped as a cylinder 17 having a concave chamfered edge 19 extending from a first point along the height of the cylinder 17 to a distal end 21. In this way, the distal end 21 may be shaped as a circle having a smaller diameter as compared to a proximal end of the second abrasive device 16, which may also be shaped as a circle and which may be located proximate to the motor 12. The distal end 21 of the second abrasive device 16 is preferably flat and comprises an abrasive surface. The outer surface of the cylinder 17, the chamfered edge 19, and the distal end 21 may also comprise an abrasive material. The abrasive material may comprise metal, ceramics, diamonds, diamond dust, or the like. The grit of the abrasive material used may vary. In exemplary embodiments, the abrasive material is provided as a coating to one or more surfaces of the second abrasive device 16.

In exemplary embodiments, the second abrasive device 16 may be configured to thin the walls 44 of the tool 40 upon substantially flush application of the walls 44 to the cylinder 17 and/or the chamfered edge 19 the second abrasive device 16 and rotation or other movement of the second abrasive device 16 relative to the tool 40. The second abrasive device 16 may be further configured to level the outer edges 48 of the tool 40 upon substantially flush application of the outer edges 48 to the cylinder 17 and/or the chamfered edge 19 the second abrasive device 16. The second abrasive device 16 may be further configured to trim the inner block 46 of the tool 40 upon placement of the tool 40 in the opened position and substantially flush application of the inner block 46 to the distal end 21 of the second abrasive device 16.

FIG. 3B is a detailed front perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the second abrasive device 16. The second abrasive device 16 may further comprise a rounded edge 76 located between the chamfered edge 19 and the distal end 19. In exemplary embodiments, the rounded edge 76 may form a convex shape. The rounded edge 76 may comprise an abrasive material, which may be applied as a coating. The abrasive material may comprise metal, ceramics, diamonds, diamond dust, or the like. The grit of the abrasive material used may vary. The rounded edge 76 may permit the inside edge of the tool 40 to be sharpened on the rounded edge 76.

FIG. 4 is side perspective view of the system 10. The common surface 22 may comprise one or more adjustable legs 25 to control the tilt of the common surface 22. FIG. 4 illustrates the first securing device 30 mounted to the positioning device 20 with the tool 40 secured within the first securing device 30.

FIG. 5 is a detailed top perspective view of the first securing device 30. The first securing device 30 may be configured to accommodate one or more tools 40. In exemplary embodiments, the securing device 30 may comprise a first block 34 positioned above a second block 32. The first block 34 may comprise a protruding lip 36, which may create a gap between the bottom edge of the lip 36 and the top surface of the second block 32 when the first block 34 is secured to the second block 32. The lip 36, and thus the resulting gap, may be sized to accommodate some or all of the tool 40. A first and second post 38 may be located on the top surface of the second block 32. The first and second post 38 may be spaced apart on the second block 32 to accommodate some or all of the tool 40. In exemplary embodiments, the tool 40 may be secured in an opened position against the front surface of the first block 34, below the lip 36, and between the posts 38, thereby securing the tool 40 into the opened position. A fastener 39 may extend vertically through the first and second blocks 32 and 34 to secure the first and second blocks 32 and 34 to one another.

Once secured within the first securing device 30, the positioning device 20 may be manipulated to place the tool 40 in contact with the first or second abrasive device 14 or 16. In exemplary embodiments, the first securing device 30 may be rotated to a 5, 10, 15, or 45 degree position and the blades 42 of the tool 40 may be held against the first abrasive device 14 to sharpen the blades 42. However, this is merely exemplary and not intended to be limiting. Any rotation angle or positioning of the tool 40 is contemplated. Similarly, any surface of the tool 40 may be sharpened or reshaped using any of the abrasive devices 14 or 16.

FIG. 6 is a detailed top perspective view of the second securing device 50. The second securing device 50 may comprise a vertical fastener 52 and a horizontal fastener 54, one or more of which may extend into a securing section 51. The securing section 51 may be configured to receive the head of the tool 40 in a closed position. In exemplary embodiments, the second securing device 50 may form a substantially C-, U-, or G-shaped, though any shape is contemplated.

The vertical and horizontal fasteners 52 and 54 may extend into the securing section 51 to secure the tool 40 within the securing section 51. In exemplary embodiments, the vertical and horizontal fasteners may be positioned to secure the head of the tool 40 in the closed position such that the blades 42 face the one or more abrasive surfaces 14, 16. In exemplary embodiments, the second securing device 50 may be mounted to the first securing device 30, however, such is not required. In such embodiments, the second securing device 50 may be secured to an elongated member 56. The elongated member 56 may comprise a first and second aperture configured to be secured to the first and second posts 38 of the first securing device 30.

Once secured within the second securing device 50, the positioning device 20 may be manipulated to place the tool 40 in contact with the first or second abrasive device 14 or 16. In exemplary embodiments, the second securing device 50 may be rotated to a 0 degree position, but may be rotated to the left or right along a z-axis (i.e., yaw) to place the outer edges 48 of the tool 40 substantially flush with the first or second abrasive device 14 or 16 to sharpen the blades 42, though such is not required. However, this is merely exemplary and not intended to be limiting. Any angle or positioning of the tool 40 is contemplated. Similarly, any surface of the tool 40 may be sharpened or reshaped using any of the abrasive devices 14 or 16.

FIG. 7 is a detailed top perspective view of the third securing device 60, and FIG. 8 is a detailed side perspective view of the third securing device 60. The third securing device 60 may comprise a clamp configured to secure the tool 40 in an opened position. The third securing device 60 may comprise a first portion 62 located above a second portion 64. The third securing device 60 may comprise one or more grooves 68 located in the first and/or second portion(s) 62 and 64, wherein said grooves 68 are configured to accommodate some of all of the tool 40, preferably in a splayed open arrangement though such is not required. A vertical fastener 66 may extend through the first and second portions 62 and 64 to secure the relative position of the first and second portions 62 and 64. The third securing device 60 may further comprise a securing portion 70, preferably configured to accommodate the head of the tool 40 in a closed position though such is not required. The securing portion 70 may be substantially C- or U-shaped, though any shape is contemplated. A horizontal fastener 72 may extend through the securing portion 70 to secure the tool 40 therein.

Once secured within the third securing device 60, the positioning device 20 may be manipulated to place the tool 40 in contact with the first or second abrasive device 14 or 16. In exemplary embodiments, the third securing device 60 may be rotated to a 5, 10, 15, or 45 degree position and the blades 42 of the tool 40 may be held against the first abrasive device 14 to sharpen the blades 42 and/or thin the walls 44. However, this is merely exemplary and not intended to be limiting. Any rotation angle or positioning of the tool 40 is contemplated. Similarly, any surface of the tool 40 may be sharpened or reshaped using any of the abrasive devices 14 or 16.

In other exemplary embodiments, the third securing device 60 may be rotated to a 0 degree position and may be rotated to the left or right along a z-axis (i.e., yaw) to place the outer edges 48 of the tool 40 substantially flush with the first or second abrasive device 14 or 16 to sharpen the level the edges 48. However, this is merely exemplary and not intended to be limiting. Any angle or positioning of the tool 40 is contemplated. Similarly, any surface of the tool 40 may be sharpened or reshaped using any of the abrasive devices 14 or 16.

The first, second, or third securing device 30, 50, or 60 may be attached to the positioning device 20 and the tool 40 may be secured in the mounted securing device 30, 50, or 60. The motor 12 may be activated such that the first and second abrasive devices 14 and 16 begin to rotate. The positioning device 20 may be manipulated to place the tool 40 in contact with the first or second abrasive surface 14 or 16. Once the appropriate sharpening or reshaping of the tool 40 is performed, the positioning device 20 may be manipulated to remove the tool 40 from contact with the first or second abrasive device 14 or 16. The process may be repeated as necessary to sharpen or reshape the tool 40. For example, without limitation, this process may be used to sharpen the blades 42, thin the walls 44, level the edges 48, and/or trim the inner block 46. However, it is contemplated that any surface of the tool 40 may be sharpened or reshaped. In other exemplary embodiments, the positioning device 20 and securing devices 30, 50, or 60 are not required and any surface of the tool 40, including but not limited to the blades 42, the walls 44, the edges 48, and/or the inner block 46, may be sharpened or reshaped freehand.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of another exemplary system 100. Like items are numbered similarly but increased by 100 (i.e., 112 is similar to 12). A first and second abrasive device 114 and 116, respectively, may extend from either end of a motor 112. The second abrasive device 116 may be shaped as an hourglass to accommodate the sharpening or reshaping of various features of the tool 40. The outer surface and first and second abrasive devices 114 and 116 may be coated with an abrasive material. The abrasive material may comprise metal, ceramics, diamonds, diamond dust, or the like. The grit of the abrasive material used may vary. The system 100 may be used with a positioning device 20 and securing device 30, 50, and 60. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the system 100 may be used freehand.

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the second abrasive device 116. The second abrasive device 116 may further comprise a rounded edge 176 located on a distal end thereof. The rounded edge 176 may form a convex shape. The rounded edge 176 may also be coated with an abrasive material. The abrasive material may comprise metal, ceramics, diamonds, diamond dust, or the like. The grit of the abrasive material used may vary. The rounded edge 176 may permit the inside edge of the tool 40 to be sharpened on the rounded edge 176.

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the system of FIG. 1. The first and second abrasive devices 14 and 16 may extend from either side of the motor 12. The motor 12 may be mounted to the surface 22. The positioning device 27 may be mounted to horizontal 24 and/or vertical track 26. The securing device 30 may be mounted to the positioning device 27. The positioning device 27 may comprise one or more knobs configured to adjust the position of the positioning device 27 and/or secure the positioning device 27 in a particular position. The horizontal 24 and/or vertical track 26 may comprise one or more knobs configured to adjust the position of the positioning device 27 along the horizontal 24 and/or vertical track 26 and/or secure the positioning device 27 in a particular position along the horizontal 24 and/or vertical track 26.

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of another exemplary securing device 30. The securing device 30 may comprise the first block 34, the protruding lip 36, and the second block 32. The securing device 30 may further comprise the posts 38 and the fastener 39. The securing device 30 may further comprise a recess 31 located on a distal edge of the second block 32. The recess 31 may be configured to permit any tool 40 located within the securing device 30 to be positioned closer to the first and/or second abrasive devices 14 and 16 without contacting the first and/or second abrasive devices 14 and 16. In exemplary embodiments, the recess 31 may be shaped as a half circle. The recess 31, for example without limitation, may permit the inner edge of the blade 42, 44 to be positioned closer to the first and/or second abrasive devices 14 and 16 when the tool 40 is secured within the first block 34 in an opened position.

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the second abrasive device 16 and another exemplary embodiment of the first abrasive device 14. The second abrasive device 16 may comprise an adapter 204 and a chuck 202. The adapter 204 may be configured to connect the chuck 202 to the motor 12. The chuck 202 may be configured to receive one or more attachments 200.

The first abrasive device 14 may comprise an inner circumferential member 210. An outer edge 212 of the inner circumferential member 210 may comprise abrasive material. The inner circumferential member 210 may be shaped as a disk and/or cylinder, though such is not required. The inner circumferential member 210 may be configured to sharpen, shape, or otherwise abrade inner surfaces of the tool 40, for example without limitation. A funnel shaped section 214 may extend from an outer surface of the inner circumferential member 210. An outer edge of the funnel shaped section 214 may comprise an outer circumferential member 216, which may comprise an abrasive material. In exemplary embodiments, the outer circumferential member 216 may be annular in shape, though such is not required. In other exemplary embodiments, the outer circumferential member 216 may be a coating applied to the outer edge of the funnel shaped section 214. The funnel shaped section 214, for example without limitation, may facilitate placement of various surfaces of the tool 40 in contact with the outer edge 212 and/or the outer circumferential member 216. The outer circumferential member 216 may, for example without limitation, be configured to sharpen, shape, or otherwise abrade outer surfaces of the tool. The funnel shaped section 214 may further provided better balance when rapidly spinning the first abrasive device 14 as may be required to sharpen, shape, or otherwise abrade the tool 40. The outer circumferential member 216 may comprise a finer grit abrasive as compared to the inner circumferential member 210, though such is not required.

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of exemplary attachments 200. Any number or kind of attachments 200 are contemplated such as, but not limited to, abrasive surfaces, polishing surfaces, cutting surfaces, disks, cones, knobs, some combination thereof or the like. The attachments 200 may be configured to be interchangeably attached to the chuck 202. In other exemplary embodiments, the attachments 200 may be configured to be interchangeably attached to the motor 12, directly and/or through the use of one or more adapters. The adapter portion 204 of the second abrasive device 16 may be configured to receive the hourglass shaped abrasive device 116, such as but not limited to, as shown and described with respect to FIG. 10.

Any embodiment of the present invention may include any of the optional or preferred features of the other embodiments of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the present invention so that others skilled in the art may practice the invention. Having shown and described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to the described invention. Many of those variations and modifications will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention. It is the intention, therefore, to limit the invention only as indicated by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for sharpening a tool, the tool having blade and wall portions, the apparatus comprising: a first abrasive component comprising a first abrasive surface;a second abrasive component comprising a second abrasive surface;a motor for driving the first and second abrasive components;a securing device adapted to secure the tool; anda positioning device adapted to receive the securing device and permit movement of the securing device relative to the first and second abrasive devices.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the first abrasive component is adapted to sharpen the blade portion of the tool; andthe second abrasive component is adapted to thin the wall portion of the tool.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a surface; anda track located on the surface and comprising vertically extending portions and horizontally extending portions, wherein the track is adapted to permit movement of the positioning device between the first abrasive component and the second abrasive component.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: the first abrasive component comprises a first portion shaped as a disk and comprising an abrasive material located along an outer edge thereof, a funnel shaped portion extending from an outer surface of the first portion, and a third portion which is annular in shape and located on an outer surface of the funnel shaped portion, wherein said third portion comprises an abrasive material.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: the abrasive material located on the third portion has a finer grit as compared to the abrasive material located on the first portion.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the first and second abrasive components are coated with a diamond coating.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the positioning device is adapted to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise in the roll axis; andthe positioning device is adapted to rotate left and right in the yaw axis.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the tool is a cuticle nipper.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the securing device comprises: a first block;a second block located below the first block;a first and second post spaced apart from one another and extending from an upper surface of the second block; anda protruding lip located at the first block, wherein the protruding lip defines a gap between a lower surface of the protruding lip and the upper surface of the second block when the first bock is secured to the second block;wherein the gap, the first post, and the second post are configured to receive the tool in an opened position.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: an elongated member comprising a first and second aperture located at a proximal end, wherein said first and second aperture are configured to receive said first and second posts so as to secure the elongated member to the second block; anda securing section located at a distal end of the elongated member, wherein said securing section is configured to receive said tool in a closed position.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a recess located on a distal end of the second block.

12. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a vertical fastener comprising a knob and a threaded shaft;an aperture located in the first block configured to receive the threaded shaft; anda threaded aperture located in the second block and configured to receive the threaded shaft and permit the first block to be vertically positioned relative to the second block upon rotation of the knob.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the securing device comprises: a first portion;a second portion spaced apart from the first portion to define a gap configured to receive the tool;a vertical fastener comprising a knob and a threaded shaft;an aperture located in the first portion configured to receive the threaded shaft; anda threaded aperture located in the second portion and configured to receive the threaded shaft and permit the first portion to be vertically positioned relative to the second block upon rotation of the knob.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein: the securing device comprise a grove located in the first or second portion configured to receive a portion of the tool in an open position.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a chuck configured to interchangeably receive a number of abrasive devices including the second abrasive component; andan adapter configured to attach the chuck to the motor.

16. An apparatus for sharpening a tool, the tool having blade and wall portions, the apparatus comprising: a surface;a motor mounted to the surface;a first abrasive component coupled to a first end of the motor and comprising a first portion shaped as a disk and comprising an abrasive material located along an outer edge thereof, a funnel shaped portion extending from an outer surface of the first portion, and a third portion which is annual in shape and located on an outer surface of the funnel shaped portion, wherein said third portion is comprised of an abrasive material;an adapter configured to be coupled to a second end of said motor;a chuck configured to be received within said adapter and configured to receive one of a number of attachments;a controller configured to control the speed and direction of rotation of the motor;a securing device configured to secure the tool;a positioning device adapted to receive the securing device and move the securing device in at least two dimensions; anda track located on the surface and adapted to receive the positioning device and permit movement of the positioning device between the first abrasive component and the chuck, wherein said track is further configured to permit movement of the positioning device in the third dimension.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising: a second abrasive component shaped as an hourglass and comprising a rounded edge located on a distal end thereof, wherein said adapter is configured to receive said second abrasive device.

18. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein: the securing device comprises: a first block;a second block comprising a half-circle shaped recess located at a distal end thereof;a first and second post spaced apart from one another and extending from an upper surface of the second block; anda protruding lip located at the first block and defining a gap between a lower surface of the protruding lip and the upper surface of the second block when the first bock is secured to the second block;wherein the gap, the first post, and the second post are configured to receive the tool in an opened position.

19. An apparatus for sharpening a tool, the tool having blade and wall portions, the apparatus comprising: a surface;a motor mounted to the surface;a first abrasive component coupled to the motor and adapted to sharpen the blade portion of the tool, the first abrasive component having a disk shape and comprising an outer circumferential portion having a first thickness and an inner circumferential portion having a second thickness, wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness, and wherein the outer circumferential portion comprises a first abrasive surface;a second abrasive component coupled to the motor and adapted to thin the wall portion of the tool, the second abrasive component having a cylindrical shape and comprising a concave chamfered edge on a distal portion thereof, wherein an outer surface and a distal surface of second abrasive component comprise a second abrasive surface;a controller configured to control the speed and direction of rotation of the first and second abrasive devices;a securing device configured to secure the tool;a positioning device adapted to receive the securing device and move the securing device in three dimensions; anda track located on the surface and adapted to receive the positioning device and permit movement of the positioning device between the first abrasive component and the second abrasive component.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein: The tool is a cuticle nipper.