Patent Application
20240238931
The present disclosure relates generally to a sharpening apparatus. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a hand-held sharpening apparatus with magnetically attached sharpening wheels that can be used to sharpen a cutting or spreading implement, such as a kitchen knife or other similar type of implement. This sharpening apparatus enables a user to roll the sharpening apparatus to sharpen a cutting implement, such as, for example, while the cutting implement is removably engaged to a magnetic holder.
A cutting implement like a kitchen knife can become dull or not sharp over a period of use. Typically, to sharpen such a dull knife, a whetstone, sharpening stick, Bavarian sharpener, electric sharpener, or sharpening stone may be used to sharpen and refine the blade of a knife by stroking the knife's blade repeatedly over a surface of the sharpening apparatus.
This process of grinding and honing can present certain challenges. For example, some sharpening stones require certain maintenance or treatment such as by way of a wetting or lubricating process with the addition of based honing oil or petroleum based honing oil or other substances. In addition, the traditional sharpening stone can be large and awkward and may not be easy to store, so that many types of sharpening stones are cut and positioned on a knife sharpener base for convenient use.
However, the conventional knife sharpener has certain disadvantages. When using a conventional knife sharpener, a user typically needs to use one hand to hold the knife sharpener base and, meanwhile, use the other hand to hold the knife. This other hand must then slide the knife to be sharpened back and forth along the sharpening stone. This can sometimes present a potentially dangerous situation, especially for inexperienced users of such sharpening devices. Additionally, some existing sharpeners have permanent or otherwise fixed sharpening surfaces that are difficult to remove and do not enable the changing of sharpening or polishing grits or surfaces. Other drawbacks, disadvantages, and issues also exist in current systems and methods. Therefore, there remains a need for a new and improved design for a knife sharpener to overcome these types of potential problems and situations.
Accordingly, disclosed embodiments address the above-noted, and other, drawbacks, disadvantages, and issues that exist in current systems and methods. According to an exemplary arrangement, a sharpening apparatus comprises a body having a first body end and a second body end, and a first magnetic portion operably coupled to the first body end of the body. A second magnetic portion is operably coupled to the second body end of the body and a first wheel magnetically coupled to the first magnetic portion. A second wheel magnetically coupled to the second magnetic portion. In one arrangement, the first wheel comprises a metallic wheel.
According to another arrangement, the first body end of the body comprises a first stem extending from a first surface of the first body end of the body. In one arrangement, the first magnetic portion is operably coupled to the first stem extending from the first surface of the first body end of the body. In one arrangement, the first stem of the first body end of the body frictionally engages a first stem recess defined by the first magnetic portion. In one arrangement, the first stem of the first body end of the body removably, frictionally engages a first stem recess defined by the first magnetic portion. In one arrangement, the first stem of the first body end of the body threadedly engages a first stem recess defined by the first magnetic portion. In one arrangement, the body comprises stainless steel.
In one arrangement, the first magnetic portion comprises a permanent magnet. In one arrangement, the permanent magnetic comprises a neodymium magnet.
According to another arrangement, a cylindrical bearing is configured to operably couple the first stem of the first body to a first stem recess defined by the first magnetic portion.
According to another arrangement, the first wheel comprises a first protrusion and a second protrusion, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion extend away from a first surface of the first wheel.
In one arrangement, the first magnetic portion defines a first protrusion receiving recess and a second protrusion receiving recess, wherein the first protrusion receiving recess of the first magnetic portion is configured to operatively receive the first protrusion of the first wheel and wherein the second protrusion receiving recess of the first magnetic portion is configured to operatively receive the second protrusion of the first wheel. In one arrangement, the first protrusion receiving recess of the first magnetic portion is configured to receive a first magnet. In one arrangement, the second protrusion receiving recess of the first magnetic portion is configured to receive a second magnet. The first and/or the second magnets may be fixedly or removably contained within these respective protrusion receiving recesses.
In one arrangement, the first wheel comprises a second surface, the second surface comprises a grinding surface. In one arrangement, the first wheel comprises a second surface, the second surface comprises a polishing surface. In one arrangement, the first wheel comprises a second surface, this second surface comprises an abrasive diamond coated layer. In one arrangement, the first wheel comprises a second surface, wherein this second surface comprises a Corundum surface. In one arrangement, the first wheel comprises a second surface, wherein this second surface comprises a ceramics surface.
In one arrangement, the body comprises a uniform body such as a cylindrical body. Alternatively, in one arrangement, the body comprises a non-uniform body. In one arrangement, the non-uniform body comprises a multi-sided body. In one arrangement, the body comprises a hexagonal body.
In one arrangement, an outer diameter of the body is not equivalent to an outer diameter of the first wheel. In one arrangement, an outer diameter of the body is equivalent to an outer diameter of the first wheel.
In one arrangement, the first wheel comprises a metallic material, such as a stainless steel.
In one arrangement, the first magnetic portion rotates simultaneously with the first wheel.
In one arrangement, the first wheel comprises a concave recess along a radially extending portion of the first wheel. In one arrangement, an elastic member is placed within the concave recess.
In one arrangement, the first wheel comprises a spiral raceway provided along a second surface of the first wheel.
In one arrangement, the spiral raceway is milled into the second surface of the second wheel at approximately a 90-degree angle.
In one arrangement, the first wheel comprises a second surface wherein a circular recess is milled along the second surface of the first wheel. In one arrangement, the circular recess milled along the second surface of the first wheel comprises a first recess diameter.
Other embodiments also exist. The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments in which further details can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.
The novel features believed characteristic of the illustrative embodiments are set forth in the appended claims. The illustrative embodiments, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and descriptions thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
The following detailed description describes various features and functions of the disclosed systems and methods with reference to the accompanying figures. The illustrative system and method embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. It may be readily understood that certain aspects of the disclosed systems and methods can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.
Further, unless context suggests otherwise, the features illustrated in each of the figures may be used in combination with one another. Thus, the figures should be generally viewed as component aspects of one or more overall implementations, with the understanding that not all illustrated features are necessary for each implementation.
Additionally, any enumeration of elements, blocks, or steps in this specification or the claims is for purposes of clarity. Thus, such enumeration should not be interpreted to require or imply that these elements, blocks, or steps adhere to a particular arrangement or are carried out in a particular order.
By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.
Referring now to both
One of the wheels, for example the first wheel 400, may be used for sharpening whereas the second wheel 500 may be used as a finishing step for polishing or refining the sharpened blade. As those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will recognize, alternative wheel sharpening and polishing arrangements and configurations may also be utilized.
With such a sharpening apparatus 10, each wheel or disc 400, 500 is configured to rotate or roll on a surface and rotate along with the body or handle 100. Rotation of both wheels 400, 500 and, therefore, blade sharpening occurs when the user places this sharpening apparatus 10 on a generally planar surface. Then, the user grips the body or handle 100 and, therefore, moves the sharpening apparatus 10 back and forth on this surface. To position the knife and, therefore, blade of the knife properly and at a correct angle so as to engage an outer grinding, polishing or finishing surface of either the first wheel 400 or the second wheel 500, the knife is removably attached to a mounting block (not shown here, but examples are disclosed in related U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/199,544, filed May 19., 2023, titled “Sharpening Apparatus” and which is hereby incorporated by reference). In one preferred configuration, such a mounding block is preferably a magnetized knife mounting block. In this manner, the blade of the cutting tool or knife will magnetically and non-permanently reside at a desired angle with respect to the engaging outer surface of either the first 400 or second 500 wheel In this manner, the rotating wheels 400, 500 can therefore rotatably engage and, therefore, grind, sharpen, and/or polish the blade.
As noted, the sharpening apparatus 10 comprises a first wheel 400 and a second wheel 500. In a preferred arrangement, each wheel will have a grinding or a polishing surface. In one arrangement, the first wheel 400 may be configured as a sharpening wheel or disc, for example an abrasive disc. In one arrangement, the second wheel 500 may be configured as a polishing or finishing disc.
In one preferred arrangement, the first wheel 400 and/or the second wheel 500 is magnetically coupled to the body 100. In one preferred arrangement, the first wheel 400 and/or the second wheel 500 is both magnetically coupled and mechanically coupled to the body 100. As just one example, the first wheel 400 may be magnetically coupled to a first magnetic portion 600 wherein this first magnetic portion 600 is operably coupled to the first body end 110 of the handle body 100. Similarly, in one preferred arrangement, the second wheel 500 is magnetically coupled to the handle body 100. As just one example, the second wheel 500 may be magnetically coupled to a second magnetic portion 700 wherein this second magnetic portion 700 is operably coupled to the second body end 120 of the handle body 100.
In one preferred arrangement, the first wheel 400 is provided with an outer diameter while the second wheel 500 is also provided with an outer diameter. In a preferred arrangement, this diameter of second wheel 500 is substantially similar to the outer diameter of the first wheel 400, so that the sharpening device 10 is stable and can roll on a flat surface After the knife to be sharpened or polished is clamped or magnetically held in a desired sharpening or polishing position with respect to the flat surface, the sharpening apparatus 10 is rolled back and forth on the surface with the end face or outer surface of either the first wheel 400 or the second wheel 500 so as to have the sharpening disc resting on the cutting edge of the knife to be sharpened and this cutting edge at an angle suitable for cutting is sharpened.
If the sharpening apparatus 10 is rolled along a surface, then the first and second wheels 400, 500 will rotate simultaneously and will also rotate relative to the apparatus body 10 If a cutting edge of the cutting tool is applied to the first wheel 400 and the device body 100 is pulled over the surface in particular by hand, then the grinding surface of the first rotating wheel 400 will grind the cutting tool edge.
The sharpening apparatus 10 comprises a hand-operated device for grinding and/or polishing a knife edge. Overall, such a design is provided that both the first wheel 400 and the second wheel 500 can roll on a flat surface and rotate with respect to the body 100 when the user has placed this roller grinder 10 on this surface and grips the body 100 and, therefore, moves the roller grinder 10 back and forth on this surface which holds the knife to be treated in a defined arrangement, and one of the rotating disk 400, 500 surfaces contacts the cutting edge and grinds or polishes.
In one preferred arrangement, a sharpening apparatus and positioning body or flat base is provided as a set or as a kit. In a disclosed roller grinder set according to the present disclosure, in addition to the roller grinder or sharpening apparatus, a positioning body to be arranged on the flat base may be provided. In one preferred arrangement, this positioning body is configured so that a releasably attached knife to be treated can be held in a defined orientation so that a rotating disc on this base can optimally grind or polish the knife edge.
As noted,
Referring now to
The handle body 100 may comprise either a single, homogenous material or alternatively, may comprise a collection of different types of materials. As just one example, the body may comprise a material such as a dark brown colored beech wood, walnut wood, oak wood, solid wood, surface treated, and may also have a matte finish. As those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will recognize, alternative materials may also be used. Preferably, the outer surface of the handle body 100 comprises an outer surface 105 that is smooth.
In one preferred arrangement, the first end 110 of the handle body 100 and the second end 120 of the handle body 100 are substantially smooth and planar. As will be described herein, both the first end 110 and the second end 120 are configured to guide or support a first wheel 400 and a second wheel 500, respectively. More specifically, both the first end 110 and the second end 120 of the handle body 100 are configured to guide or support the first magnetic portion 600 and the second magnetic portion 700, respectively.
In one preferred arrangement, a symbol, trademark, or company logo is screen printed in a color onto the handle body 100, or elsewhere. In one exemplary arrangement, the handle body 100 comprises a non-cylindrical or non-tubular shape having a size having outer diameter of approximately less than about 50 mm. As just one example, the outer diameter of the handle body 100 is less than an outer diameter of the first wheel 400 or the second wheel 500 of the sharpening apparatus 10. In an alternative preferred arrangement, the outer diameter of the handle body 100 is substantially the same size as the outer diameter of the first wheel 400 and the second wheel 500.
In addition, the body 100 has a length of approximately between about 50 to about 85 mm. As those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will recognize, alternative cylindrical handle body 100 sizes may also be utilized.
In one preferred arrangement, an outer diameter of the handle body 100 is generally equivalent to an outer diameter of the first wheel 400 and the second wheel 500 (without elastic members 950a, 950b). In this manner, so that the outer surface 105 of the handle body 100 and the outer surfaces of the first wheel 400 and the second wheel 500 are substantially even with each other in the assembled configuration.
The handle body 100 further comprises a first stem 130 and a second stem 140 (not visible in
As just one example, in one arrangement, the first stem 130, the second stem 140, and the handle body 100 are all uniform structures, integral with one another. However, in one alternative body configuration, either the first stem 130, the second stem 140, or both the first 130 and second 140 stems may be separate structures. Such separate structures may comprise unitary structures or multi-component structures. As just one example, the first stem 130 and the second stem 140 may be separate structures that are configured to rotate separately and independently from the main body 100.
As illustrated, the handle body 100 may comprise a non-uniform body structure. That is, in this illustrated arrangement, the handle body 100 comprises a multi-sided contoured body surface such as a six-sided structure or a hexagon shape. As those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will recognize, alternative handle body 100 geometrical configurations and shapes may be used as well. For example, alternative handle body 100 shapes may include other types of ergonomically configured structures. Such ergonomic structures can be configured to make manipulation of the handle body 100 feel comfortable to a user's hand such as by the use of cushioning, textured, nonconductive, compressible and/or non-slip materials.
The handle body 100 further comprises an outer surface 105 which in one embodiment comprises a smooth outer surface. In one arrangement, the outer surface 105 of the handle body 100 comprises a matte finish.
For the sharpening of a knife edge, a stable and straightforward motion of the rolling sharpener 10 is advantageous. The grinding wheels 400, 500 are connected via the handle body 100 and can therefore be rotated together, albeit separately, relative to the handle body 100. On the one hand, this makes it easier to guide the sharpening apparatus 10 in a straight line along the knife edge that is being sharpened. On the other hand, the first and second grinding or polishing wheels 400, 500 are stabilized relative to the handle body 100, so that tilting of the first and second wheels 400, 500 can be reduced and, therefore, avoided.
As can be seen from the illustrations provided in
As illustrated, the sharpening apparatus 10 further comprises a first bearing 800 and a second bearing 900. In one arrangement, first cylindrical bearing 800 is configured as a cylindrical structure having a constant outer diameter and a constant inner diameter. Similarly, the second cylindrical bearing 900 is configured as a cylindrical structure having a constant outer diameter and a constant inner diameter. In one preferred arrangement, both the first and the second cylindrical bearings 800, 900 have a similar geometrical construct. However, as those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will recognize, alternative cylindrical bearings structures and configurations may also be utilized.
As illustrated in
Similarly, a second cylindrical bearing 900 is positioned in between the second body end 140 and the second magnetic portion 700. The second cylindrical bearing 900 is configured to operably couple the second stem 140 of the first body 100 to a second stem recess 730 defined by the second magnetic portion 700. More particularly, the second cylindrical bearing 900 comprises an aperture 910 comprising an inner diameter and it is this inner diameter that is configured to operably couple and receive the second stem 140 of the handle body 100. As illustrated, the inner diameter of the second cylindrical bearing 900 is substantially equivalent to an outer diameter of the second stem 140.
In one preferred arrangement, the first cylindrical bearing 800 mechanical operation and geometrical construct is substantially similar to the second first cylindrical bearing 900. The first and second cylindrical bearings 800, 900 may comprise a number of different materials, preferably a material such as a low friction plastic. In one arrangement, the first and second cylindrical bearings 800, 900 may comprise an outer surface which in one embodiment comprises a smooth outer surface. In one arrangement, the outer surfaces of the first cylindrical bearings 800 and the second cylindrical bearing 900 comprise a matte finish. Alternative finishes may be utilized as well.
The first and second cylindrical bearings 800, 900 act as a bearing that constrains relative motion to a desired motion. In addition, the first and second cylindrical bearings 800, 900 reduce friction between certain rotating and non-rotating components of the sharpening apparatus 10, such as the wheels 400, 500 and the body 100. In one preferred arrangement, the first and second cylindrical bearings 800, 900 comprise a self-lubricating, grease free plastic material such as those provided by igus motion plastics of Rumford, RI under the name of Iglide® (https://www.igus.com/info/plain-plastic-bearings), although other materials may also be used.
As illustrated in
As illustrated, the first magnetic portion 600 comprises a generally disk shaped structure with both a first surface 610 and a second surface 620. In one preferred arrangement, the first magnetic portion 600 defines at least one recess extending between the first surface 610 and the second surface 620. For example, in one preferred arrangement, the first magnetic portion 600 defines a first stem recess 630 and this first stem recess is configured to extend between the first surface 610 and the second surface 620.
In one preferred arrangement, the first stem 130 extends from the first surface 115 of the first body end 110 of the handle body 100 and is configured to engage the first stem recess 630 defined by the first magnetic portion 600. In one preferred arrangement, this engagement between this first stem 130 and the first stem recess 630 comprises a frictional engagement. As just one example, in one preferred arrangement, this first stem 130 and the stem recess 630 engagement comprises a removable frictional engagement. In one preferred arrangement, first stem 130 and first stem recess 630 engagement comprises a non-removable engagement, such as a non-removeable frictional or press fit engagement. As those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will recognize, alternative engagement or coupling mechanisms may also be utilized. For example, an outer surface of the first stem 130 may comprise a thread 135 for engaging corresponding receiving threaded connection 635 provided by the inner diameter of the first cylindrical bearing 600. The second stem 140 and the second cylindrical bearing 700 may be configured in a similar fashion.
As illustrated, the first magnetic portion 600 further comprises a concave recess 660 that is provided along a radially extending portion of the disk of the magnetic portion 600. In one preferred arrangement, this concave recess 660 is machined along an outer surface 680 of this radially extending portion of the first magnetic portion 600. This concave recess 660 extends along the entire circumference of the first magnetic portion 600.
This concave recess 660 is configured to operatively engage an elastic member, such as the first elastic ring 950a illustrated in
In one preferred arrangement, the second magnetic portion 700 may be similarly configured as the first magnetic portion 600. For example, the second stem 140 extends from the second surface 125 of the second body end 120 of the handle body 100 and is configured to engage the second stem recess 730 defined by the second magnetic portion 700. In one preferred arrangement, this engagement between this second stem 140 and the second stem recess 730 comprises a threaded engagement or, perhaps, a frictional engagement. As just one example, in one preferred arrangement, this second stem 140 and the second stem recess 730 engagement comprises a removable frictional engagement. In one preferred arrangement, second stem 140 and second stem recess 730 engagement comprises a non-removable engagement, such as a non-removable frictional or press fit engagement. As those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will recognize, alternative engagement mechanisms may also be utilized.
As illustrated, the second magnetic portion 700 further comprises a concave recess 760 that is provided along a radially extending portion of the disk of the second magnetic portion 700. In one preferred arrangement, this concave recess 760 is machined along an outer surface 780 of this radially extending portion of the second magnetic portion 700. This concave recess 760 extends along the entire circumference of the second magnetic portion 700.
This concave recess 760 is configured to operatively engage an elastic member, such as the second elastic ring 950b illustrated in
As configured in the sharpening apparatus 10 as assembled, the first wheel 400 rotates simultaneously with the second wheel 500 as a user rotates the sharpening apparatus 10 over a surface. For example, to rotate both first and second wheels 400, 500 of the sharpening apparatus 10, a user places his or her hand on the cylindrical handle body 100. As the user rolls the cylindrical handle body 100 and the apparatus 10 along a surface, the elastic members 600 a, b will frictionally engage the surface and this engagement will allow the first 400 and second 500 wheels to rotate. And since both the first wheel 400 and the second wheel 500 are operatively coupled to the cylindrical shaft 200, both the first wheel 400 and the second wheel 500 operate simultaneously as the cylindrical shaft 200 rotates. And then both the cylindrical handle body 100, the first wheel 400 and the second wheel 500 rotate in unison.
The two outer surfaces 405, 505, respectively, of the wheels 400, 500 are used to restore a sharp cutting edge. To achieve an optimum result, both grinding wheels 400, 500 have different functions. As described herein, one side 405 of the first wheel 400 is provided with a coarse diamond layer, which, for example, has a grit size of D91. This layer is used for rough regrinding of the blunt blade. The diamond (D91) is harder than stainless steel (knife blade) which results in a slight material removal and makes the cutting edge sharper.
After the rough pre-grinding with diamond, an outer surface 505 of the second wheel 500 is applied in the same process. This surface 505 is made, for example, of stainless steel and may comprise a spiral-grained raceway (not visible in the Figures, but examples are disclosed in related U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/199,544, filed May 19, 2023, titled “Sharpening Apparatus” and which is hereby incorporated by reference). In one arrangement, this spiral-grained raceway is milled into the surface at a 90% angle. This pattern allows the already pre-sharpened knife cutting edge to be honed even more effectively. When rolling, the spiral raceway has the effect that the milled out circular areas touch the cutting edge and allow an even finer removal of the blade material. This makes the cutting edge finely ground and even sharper.
As noted, the sharpening apparatus 10 comprises a first wheel 400 and this first wheel 400 is magnetically coupled to the first magnetic portion 600. The sharpening apparatus 10 further comprises a second wheel 500 that is magnetically coupled to the second magnetic portion 700.
As illustrated, the first wheel 400 comprises a disk shaped geometrical structure. The first wheel 400 comprises both a first surface 410 and a second surface 420. In one arrangement, both the first and second surfaces 410, 420 comprise generally planar surfaces that are generally parallel to one another.
In one arrangement, the second surface 420 comprises a grinding surface. In an alternative arrangement, the first wheel 400 comprises a second surface 420 that comprises a polishing surface. In yet another alternative arrangement, the first wheel 400 comprises a second surface 420 that comprises an abrasive diamond coated layer. In a preferred arrangement, the second surface 420 of the first wheel 400 comprises an abrasive diamond coated layer. For example, the diamond coated layer may comprise at least a grit size of D91. Other grit sizes may also be used.
In yet an alternative arrangement, the first wheel 400 comprises a second surface 420 that comprises a ceramic surface. In yet an alternative arrangement, the first wheel 400 comprises a second surface 420, wherein this second surface 420 comprises a Corundum surface. In yet another alternative arrangement, the first wheel 400 comprises a second surface 420, this second surface 420 comprises an abrasive diamond coated layer. In yet another alternative arrangement, the first wheel 400 comprises a second surface 420, wherein this second surface comprises a ceramics surface. As those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, the second surface 520 of the second wheel 500 may be similarly configured as the second surface 420 of the first wheel 400 to comprise any of a grinding surface, a diamond coated layer, a ceramic surface, a Corundum surface, or the like. In general, it is possible to provide one grinding surface, one polishing surface, different grit grinding or polishing surfaces, or combinations thereof, on the second surfaces 420, 520 of the first and second wheels 400, 500.
As illustrated, the first wheel 400 comprises a first wheel protrusion 430 (not visible, but analogous to first wheel protrusion 530 discussed below) and a second wheel protrusion 440. Both the first wheel protrusion 430 and the second wheel protrusion 440 extend away from the second surface 410 of the first wheel 400. Both the first wheel protrusion 430 and the second wheel protrusion 440 may be similarly offset in a distance away from the center of the wheel 400. These protrusions may be utilized to magnetically and/or mechanically couple the first wheel 400 to the first magnetic portion 600.
As shown, the first magnetic portion 600 defines a first protrusion receiving recess 640 and a second protrusion receiving recess 650. In one arrangement, the first protrusion receiving recess 640 of the first magnetic portion 600 is configured to receive at least a first magnet which may comprise first wheel protrusion 430. As just one example, the first protrusion receiving recess 640 of the first magnetic portion 600 is configured to releasably receive a first magnet. As another example, the first protrusion receiving recess 640 of the first magnetic portion 600 is configured to non-releasably receive a first magnet. As just one example, the first magnet may be press fit or friction fit or glued into the first protrusion receiving recess 640. As those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will recognize, alternative magnet couplings and/or configurations may also be utilized. For example, first wheel protrusion 430 and second wheel protrusion 440 may comprise magnets of opposite polarity than that of the respective receiving recesses 640, 650, or first and second wheel protrusions 430, 440 may comprise a ferromagnetic material (e.g., iron) and the respective receiving recesses 630, 650 may comprise magnets, or first and second wheel protrusions 430, 440 may comprise magnets and the respective receiving recesses 630, 650 may comprise a ferromagnetic material (e.g., iron), or other combinations of the above may be implemented. In a similar manner, the second magnetic portion 700 may be configured to receive one or more magnets as well.
In one arrangement, the second protrusion receiving recess 650 of the first magnetic portion 600 is configured to receive a second magnet (e.g., protrusion 440). As just one example, the second protrusion receiving recess 650 of the first magnetic portion 600 is configured to releasably receive a second magnet. As another example, the second protrusion receiving recess 650 of the first magnetic portion 600 is configured to non-releasably receive a second magnet. In a similar manner, and as discussed below, the second magnetic portion 700 may be configured to receive one or more magnets as well.
The first protrusion receiving recess 640 of the first magnetic portion 600 is configured to operatively receive the first protrusion 430 of the first metallic wheel 400. Similarly, the second protrusion receiving recess 650 of the first magnetic portion 600 is configured to operatively receive the second protrusion 440 of the first metallic wheel 400. In such a configuration, the first magnetic portion 600 is operably coupled to the first wheel 400 and therefor is configured to rotate simultaneously with the first wheel 400.
In an arrangement, the second wheel 500 is generally similar in construction to the first wheel 400. As noted, the sharpening apparatus 10 comprises a second wheel 500 and this second wheel 500 is magnetically coupled to the second magnetic portion 700. The sharpening apparatus 10 further comprises a second wheel 500 that is magnetically coupled to the second magnetic portion 700.
As illustrated, similar to the first wheel 400, the second wheel 500 comprises a substantially circular disk comprising a first surface or outer surface 520. The circular disk further comprises a second surface or inner surface 510. As illustrated, similar to the first wheel 400, the second wheel 500 comprises a disk shaped geometrical structure. The first wheel 500 comprises both a first surface 510 and a second surface 520. In one arrangement, both the first and second surfaces 510, 520 are generally planar surfaces that are generally parallel to one another.
In one arrangement, the second wheel 500 comprises both a first surface 510 and a second surface 520. In one arrangement, the second surface 520 comprises a grinding surface. In an alternative arrangement, the second wheel 500 comprises a second surface 520 that comprises a polishing surface. In yet another alternative arrangement, the second wheel 500 comprises a second surface 520 that comprises an abrasive diamond coated layer. In a preferred arrangement, the second surface 520 of the second wheel 500 comprises an abrasive diamond coated layer. For example, the diamond coated layer may comprise at least a grit size of D91. Other grit sizes may also be used.
In yet an alternative arrangement, the second wheel 500 comprises a second surface 520 that comprises a ceramics surface. In yet an alternative arrangement, the second wheel 500 comprises a second surface 520, wherein this second surface 520 comprises a Corundum surface. In yet another alternative arrangement, the second wheel 500 comprises a second surface 520, this second surface 520 comprises an abrasive diamond coated layer. In yet another alternative arrangement, the second wheel 500 comprises a second surface 520, wherein this second surface comprises a ceramics surface. As those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will recognize, the second surface 520 of the second wheel 500 may comprise any of a grinding surface, a diamond coated layer, a ceramic surface, a Corundum surface, or the like and may be substantially similar to the second surface 420 of the first wheel 400. In general, it is possible to provide one grinding surface, one polishing surface, different grit grinding or polishing surfaces, or combinations thereof, on the second surfaces 420, 520 of the first and second wheels 400, 500.
As illustrated in
As noted, the second magnetic portion 700 defines a first protrusion receiving recess 740 and a second protrusion receiving recess 750. The first protrusion receiving recess 740 of the second magnetic portion 700 is configured to operatively receive the first protrusion 530 of the second wheel 500. Similarly, the second protrusion receiving recess 750 of the second magnetic portion 700 is configured to operatively receive the second protrusion 740 of the second wheel 500. For example, first wheel protrusion 530 and second wheel protrusion 540 may comprise magnets of opposite polarity than that of the respective receiving recesses 740, 750, or first and second wheel protrusions 530, 540 may comprise a ferromagnetic material (e.g., iron) and the respective receiving recesses 730, 750 may comprise magnets, or first and second wheel protrusions 530, 540 may comprise magnets and the respective receiving recesses 730, 750 may comprise a ferromagnetic material (e.g., iron), or other combinations of the above may be implemented. In such a configuration, the second magnetic portion 700 is operably coupled to the second wheel 500 and therefor is configured to rotate simultaneously with the second wheel 500.
In one arrangement, the first and second wheels 400, 500 comprise a substantially similar material. For example, such a material may comprise stainless steel, such as corrosion resistant stainless steel. Other materials may also be used, such as Aluminum, Copper, Steel, Brass, Titanium, Sterling Silver, Bronze, etc. In addition, hard plastics and other materials such as Nylon, Acetal, Polycarbonate, Polystyrene, Acrylic, Fiberglass, Carbon fiber, PTFE., ABS, and PVC may also be utilized. In an arrangement, both wheels 400, 500 comprise a corrosion-resistant stainless steel. For example, wheels 400, 500 made of stainless steel are low-wear and can generally be manufactured with high precision and low manufacturing tolerances.
The overall size and geometrical configuration of the first wheel 400 may be substantially similar to the size of the second wheel 500. For example, the outer diameter, the thickness, and the geometrical shape of the first wheel, and the first and second wheel stems may be substantially similar to the second wheel 500. As just one example, the size of the first wheel 400 may be approximately about 50 to about 60 mm in diameter. Similarly, the size of the second wheel 500 may be approximately about 50 to about 60 mm in diameter.
The description of the different advantageous embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, different advantageous embodiments may provide different advantages as compared to other advantageous embodiments. The embodiment or embodiments selected are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
Although various embodiments have been shown and described, the present disclosure is not so limited and will be understood to include all such modifications and variations would be apparent to one skilled in the art.
This application, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/439,627 filed on Jan. 18, 2023, and entitled “Sharpening Apparatus,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63439627 | Jan 2023 | US |
