JP2022155427A - blade sharpening assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a blade sharpening assembly providing a repeatable angle with a constant sharpening stroke and enabling both of first-time users and experienced users to acquire desired degree of edge sharpening.SOLUTION: A knife sharpening assembly 20 includes: at least one track 22; and a shuttle 24 including a hold portion and a guide portion configured to hold a knife blade edge against a sharpening surface, and a support portion configured to align the guide portion relative to the sharpening surface, guide movement of the shuttle 24, and support the guide portion and the holding portion relative to the sharpening stone 26. The guide portion and the holding portion are combined to hold and orientate the knife blade against the sharpening stone 26 at a desired angle as the shuttle 24 is moved during a sharpening stroke. The guide portion sets the angle of the knife blade relative to the sharpening surface of the sharpening stone 26 to enable sharpening to a consistent edge angle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates to assemblies utilized for sharpening blades, and more particularly to assemblies for holding and guiding blades during sharpening.

Knives dull and deteriorate with use and require periodic sharpening to retain the desired sharpness. The sharpness of a knife is determined by the edge width and the radius of the knife edge. The angle of the knife edge leading to the edge is also a factor that contributes to the knife's durability and usefulness. Sharpening of knives can be done by using sharpening stones of different roughness, grain size and material. There are many types of stone compositions available. However, obtaining an accurate and consistent angle for any stone is the key to successfully using and obtaining the desired edge for any knife.

The background information provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. To the extent described in this background section, the work of the named inventors, as well as aspects of the description that do not qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are expressly and implicitly referred to as prior art to the present disclosure. is also not acceptable.

A blade sharpening assembly according to a disclosed exemplary embodiment includes, among other things, at least one track, a guide and a retainer configured to hold a blade edge against a sharpening surface, and a guide and retainer configured to hold the blade edge against the sharpening surface. a shuttle including a support configured to align with the surface and guide movement of the shuttle.

In another exemplary embodiment of the aforementioned blade sharpening assembly, the guide and retainer orient the blade at an angle to the sharpening surface.

In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, said guide comprises a surface that guides said blade at an angle to said sharpening surface.

In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, the retainer includes a contact point spaced from the guide to define a gap configured to receive a blade.

In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, the retainers are relatively moveable to adjust the position of the contact points and are aligned within corresponding at least one vertical slot. Aligned on the shuttle by at least one vertical rib received therein, the retainer is movable along the shuttle to adjust the gap to accommodate blades of different thicknesses.

In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, said guide includes a guide mount and at least one guide plate attached to said guide mount, said at least one guide plate comprising: defining a sharpening angle of the blade relative to the sharpening surface;

In another exemplary embodiment of any of the aforementioned blade sharpening assemblies, said track includes a recess with a drain hole.

In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, said guide includes a surface arranged in a plane that is oblique with respect to said sharpening surface.

In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, the positions of the guide and retainer relative to the sharpening surface are adjustable to define a sharpening angle.

In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, said track comprises at least one peripheral channel having a longitudinal portion, said longitudinal portion partially receiving said support. configured to

In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, the support includes an abutment disposed on the at least one track for setting the position of the shuttle relative to the sharpening surface. at least one stop for contacting the

In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, said shuttle is rotatable relative to said track.

In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, said track includes a track width defined between an inner wall and an outer wall, and said shuttle has a curved outer surface abutting said outer wall. include.

In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, said guide and said retainer define a transverse axis arranged at a pull angle with respect to a longitudinal axis.

In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, said pull angle is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

In another exemplary embodiment of any of the blade sharpening assemblies described above, said pull angle is the direction in which the blade is pulled through said guide and said retainer.

A method of sharpening a blade according to another disclosed exemplary embodiment comprises, among other things, placing a shuttle in a track such that a guide of the shuttle is supported on a sharpening surface; holding the blade against the polishing surface between a portion and a holding portion; and holding the edge of the blade against the polishing surface between the holding portion and the guide portion. and moving the shuttle along the polishing surface.

Another exemplary embodiment of the foregoing method comprises the steps of longitudinally guiding the blade along the polishing surface and pulling the blade laterally relative to the longitudinal movement of the shuttle. include.

In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the step of holding said blade comprises pressing a pressing surface to press a contact point against one side of said blade and pressing against said guide. supporting said blade on a side.

In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, rotating said shuttle about a longitudinal axis and pulling said blade along a pulling axis transverse to said longitudinal axis. and wherein the transverse axis is disposed at a pull angle of less than 90 degrees and greater than 0 degrees with respect to said longitudinal axis.

Although different examples have specific components shown, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these specific combinations. It is also possible to use some of the illustrated components or features in combination with other illustrated features or components.

These and other features disclosed herein can best be understood from the following specification and drawings. The following is a brief description of the drawings.

1 is a perspective view of an exemplary knife sharpening assembly; FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary knife sharpening assembly; FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary knife sharpening assembly; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary tray of a knife sharpening assembly; FIG. FIG. 4A is a top view of an exemplary tray; FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary shuttle; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the front side of an exemplary shuttle; FIG. 4 is a top view of an exemplary shuttle; FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary shuttle; FIG. 4 is a side view of a knife positioned within an exemplary shuttle of a knife sharpening assembly; 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary polishing assembly; FIG. FIG. 4 is a top view of an initial position for sharpening a knife with an exemplary knife sharpening assembly; FIG. 4 is a top view of a knife in the knife sharpening assembly during a sharpening stroke; Fig. 10 is a top view of another knife sharpening assembly; FIG. 10 is a top view of the knife sharpening assembly in another position; 1 is a perspective view of a knife sharpening assembly; FIG. Fig. 10 is another perspective view of the knife sharpening assembly; FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another shuttle assembly embodiment; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shuttle assembly having an adjustable holder assembly; FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary shuttle assembly embodiment; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an interface between an exemplary shuttle assembly and a track in an initial position; FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the track assembly;

Referring to FIG. 1, knife sharpening assembly 20 includes shuttle 24 slidable within track 22 . Track 22 holds a sharpening stone 26 that is utilized to sharpen the knife edge (not shown in FIG. 1). The shuttle 24 includes features that set the sharpening angle as the shuttle 24 moves longitudinally and the knife is pulled across the sharpening stone 26 . Shuttle 24 provides a constant, repeatable angle for each polishing stroke to achieve the desired sharpness.

Various examples of knife and blade sharpening assembly constructions and features are illustratively disclosed. Each structure and feature may comprise integral or separable parts. Nothing in this disclosure should be construed as a disclaimer of any integral or separate embodiment of any feature. Instead, it is expressly within the spirit and scope of this disclosure that any feature may be implemented as separate parts or integrated into a single structure and/or part.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 and also to FIGS. 2 and 3, track 22 includes a peripheral channel 32 surrounding central tray region 28 . Tray area 28 is sized and configured to hold polishing stones 26 in place. Peripheral channel 32 captures and retains any liquids utilized with polishing stone 26 during polishing. Peripheral channel 32 includes longitudinal portions 30 disposed on each longitudinal side of abrasive stone 26 . Longitudinal portion 30 provides a track that guides shuttle 24 during the polishing stroke. Longitudinal portion 30 is a channel defined by outer wall 34 and inner wall 36 . The distance between outer wall 34 and inner wall 36 is wide enough to receive support 38 of shuttle 24 .

Shuttle 24 includes a support portion 38 that supports guide portion 40 and retainer portion 42 against polishing stone 26 . The guide 40 and retainer 42 combine to retain and orient the knife blade at a desired angle relative to the sharpening stone 26 as the shuttle 24 moves during the sharpening stroke. The guide 40 sets the angle of the knife blade with respect to the sharpening surface 25 of the sharpening stone to a constant edge angle to enable sharpening.

The guide 40 includes an inclined surface 44 arranged at a predetermined angle 46 with respect to the grinding surface 25 of the grinding stone 26 . In one disclosed example, angle 46 is between 8° and 45°. In another example disclosed, angle 46 is between 25° and 30°. In yet another disclosed example, angle 46 is between 15° and 20°. In another disclosed example, angle 46 is between 10° and 15°. In other disclosed examples, angle 46 is one of 15°, 17° and 20°. Angle 46 corresponds to the desired angle of the knife edge and can be set at any angle to provide the desired knife edge. The guide 40 is spaced from the sharpening surface 25 of the sharpening stone 26 so that only the knife being sharpened contacts the sharpening surface 25 .

The retainer 42 includes a point 48 spaced from the angled surface 44 by a gap 50 . The edge of the knife to be sharpened is inserted into gap 50 against surface 25 of sharpening stone 26 . Point 48 provides an upper point that contacts the upper surface of the knife blade to hold the knife edge against sharpening stone 26 . Additionally, all surfaces of shuttle 24 are spaced from sharpening stone 26 so that only the knives being sharpened are in direct contact with sharpening stone 26 .

Holder portion 42 further includes a guard 52 that protects the user's hands during the polishing stroke. The guard 52 extends laterally upwardly with respect to the sharpening surface 25 of the sharpening stone.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 and to FIGS. 4 and 5 , the exemplary track 22 includes a central region 28 for an abrasive stone 26 . Central region 28 is surrounded by inner wall 36 . An inner wall 36 extends upwardly from the bottom surface sufficiently high to hold the sharpening stone 26 in place. The exemplary track 22 is sized to hold abrasive stones 26 of common length and width. The length and width defined by inner wall 36 may vary within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Outer wall 34 is spaced from inner wall 36 to provide a channel for sliding and guiding shuttle 24 . In this example, outer wall 34 is higher than inner wall 36 .

With continued reference to FIG. 1 and reference to FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9, the disclosed exemplary shuttle 24 is shown with supports supporting guide portion 40 and holder portion 42 relative to polishing stone 26. 38 is included. In the example of the present disclosure, shuttle 24 is a unitary molded piece. However, it is within the contemplation of this disclosure that it may be formed in multiple parts and of different materials.

Guide portion 40 includes a guide surface 44 . Guide surface 44 is shown as a flat plane by way of example, but it should be understood that other configurations, such as a plurality of points defining the plane at a desired angle, are within the contemplation of this disclosure. . The guide surface 44 defines a plane at an angle 46 with respect to the grinding stone 26 . Angle 46 corresponds to the desired knife edge. Thus, although the exemplary shuttle 24 provides a set angle, other shuttles may be included to provide different angles available to the user.

Support portion 38 of exemplary shuttle 24 includes first leg portion 54 and second leg portion 56 extending downwardly from guide portion 40 and holder portion 42, respectively. At the end of the first leg 54 is a foot 58 of width corresponding to the longitudinal portion 30 of the track 22 . The second leg 56 includes a second foot 60 that fits another longitudinal portion 30 of the track 22 .

The holder portion 42 includes a pressing surface 62 and a guard 52 for holding the knife blade against the sharpening stone 26 and guide surface 44 and the shuttle 24 within the track 22 . The pressing surface 62 is located on the opposite side of the guard 52 from the contact point 48 . The desired orientation of the knives on the shuttle 24 is maintained by pressing on the pressing surface 62 . The pressing surface 62 may be flexible to allow some degree of bending of the holder portion 42 to apply additional pressure to the knife blade.

Referring to FIG. 10, knife blade 70 is shown supported within gap 50 on ramp 44 . Knife blade 70 includes an edge 72 that is held against sharpening surface 25 of sharpening stone 26 . Contact point 48 abuts the upper side of knife blade 70 to hold edge 72 against sharpening stone 26 . Shuttle 24 does not contact polishing surface 25 of polishing stone 26 . The only contact is with the edge 72 of the knife. The entire blade 70 is held at an angle 46 to bring the edge into contact with the sharpening stone 26 . Angle 46 sets the angle that an abrasive stroke on abrasive surface 25 brings to edge 72 .

With continued reference to FIG. 10 and reference to FIG. 11, an exemplary polishing assembly 20 is shown schematically. Assembly 20 includes a guide 40 and a retainer 42 that are positioned relative to each other and relative to polishing surface 25 to set a polishing angle 46 . The location of guide 40 and retainer 42 is provided by support 38, which is shown schematically. Support 38 is longitudinally movable back and forth along polishing surface 25 , as indicated by arrow 128 . In this example, sharpening surface 25 is part of sharpening stone 26, but it is within the contemplation of this disclosure that sharpening surface 25 may be any surface utilized for sharpening knife blades. is within.

The polishing angle 46 may be adjusted by changing the positions of the guide portion 40 and the holding portion 42 . The position of one or both of the guide 40 and retainer 42 can be changed to set the sharpening angle 46 . Guide 40 may be positioned forward or rearward of the position shown in the direction indicated by arrow 122 . Guide 40 may also be positioned above or below the position shown in the direction indicated by arrow 120 and/or any combination of horizontal and vertical movement to adjust sharpening angle 46 . Similarly, the retainer may be varied horizontally as indicated by arrow 126 and/or vertically as indicated by arrow 124 to provide the desired sharpening angle 46 .

Further, although the disclosed exemplary guides 40 and retainers 42 are shown as surfaces, each is a series of surfaces capable of making point contact with the blade 70 or supporting the blade 70 in a desired orientation. It may consist of points.

Blade 70 contacts polishing surface 25 at an angle set by guide portion 40 and holding portion 42 . Thus, three point contact is utilized to orient the blade 70 to be sharpened. The three points include the polishing surface 25 , the guide portion 40 and the holding portion 42 . Blade 70 moves longitudinally back and forth along polishing surface 25 in the directions indicated by arrows 128 . The orientation of guides 40 and retainers 42 provides additional travel laterally to the direction indicated by arrow 128 to engage the entire length of blade 70 during the sharpening stroke.

The illustratively disclosed features of the present disclosure are such that the configuration of guides 40, retainers 42, and supports 38 provide a desired, consistent, and repeatable orientation of blade 70 relative to polishing surface 25. It should be understood that it can be supported and oriented in many different ways within the spirit and scope.

With continued reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 and to FIG. 12A, an initial step in the polishing process is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The initial step is to insert the blade 70 into the shuttle 24, as shown in FIG. The user positions blade 70 so that one end is on the edge of sharpening stone 26 . In this example, the user has positioned blade 70 with its end closest to the handle in shuttle 24 . The user then depresses pressing surface 62 with sufficient pressure to retain shuttle 24 within longitudinal channel 30 .

Pressure applied by the user may also hold the shuttle 24 in place and hold the knife blade 70 against the sharpening surface 25 . Pressure on knife blade 70 is provided via contact points 48 of holder portion 42 (best shown in FIGS. 10 and 11). The user pulls the shuttle 24 longitudinally along the sharpening surface 25 while pulling the knife blade 70 across the sharpening surface 25 . During the sharpening stroke, the knife edge 72 is held in the orientation shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 12B, the shuttle 24 and knife blade 70 are shown during a polishing stroke beginning in the initial position shown in FIG. 12A. The knife blade 70 is always held against the sharpening stone surface 25 by pressure applied by the user against the pressing surface 62 . Shuttle 24 is pulled toward the user in the direction indicated by arrow 74 . At the same time, the user pulls knife blade 70 laterally across sharpening surface 25 as indicated by arrow 76 . Lateral movement of the knife blade 70 in direction 76 draws the entire knife edge 72 along the sharpening surface 25 . Lateral movement 76 is simultaneous with vertical movement in the direction indicated at 74 in this example.

Movement in direction 74 may be for the full length or partial length of grinding stone 26 . Additionally, lateral movement 76 can only be performed on a portion of knife blade 70 . However, a smooth sanding stroke along the entire length of edge 72 most efficiently allows formation of sharp edge 72 . This process is repeated until the desired sharpness for the knife is obtained. In this disclosed example, the blade 70 is drawn across the polishing surface in the direction indicated at 76 at an angle substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal movement indicated by arrow 74 . It should be appreciated that the blade 70 may be drawn across the polishing surface at angles other than 90 degrees.

In the disclosed example, shuttle 24 is pulled toward the user. However, the polishing stroke can also be performed by moving the shuttle 24 away from the user. In either direction, the user maintains pressure on pressure surface 62 .

Initial sharpening of the knife blade 70 may require repeated sharpening strokes. Additionally, different grades and roughnesses of the abrasive stone 26 may be switched as needed to provide the desired sharpness. As will be appreciated, coarser abrasive stones 26 may be used first, followed by finer grades of abrasive stones to produce the desired sharpness. Additionally, some grades of compounds can be used to further strengthen the blade edge. Regardless of the abrasive stone grade or compound used, the polishing stroke of the disclosed examples remains substantially the same. Additionally, the shuttle 24 holds the edge 72 at a constant, repeatable angle so that the edge can be obtained quickly and efficiently.

13 and 14, another disclosed example blade sharpening assembly is shown at 80 and extends longitudinally within track 82 to set an angle 110 of lateral axis 114 with respect to longitudinal axis 112 . It includes a shuttle 84 that is movable both directionally and rotationally. In an exemplary embodiment, angle 110 may be from 0 degrees to less than 90 degrees. In another exemplary embodiment, angle 110 is between 30° and 60°. In another exemplary embodiment, the angle is approximately 45°. It should be understood that other angles are within the intent and scope of this disclosure.

The shuttle 84 includes a support portion 100 with feet 96 located on opposite sides of a guide portion 102 and a retainer portion 104 . A foot 96 is positioned within the guide channel 86 . Guide channel 86 includes a width 88 defined between outer wall 90 and inner wall 92 . Each foot 96 includes an outer curved surface 96 and an inner surface 98 . Rotation of the shuttle 84 within the guide channel 86 causes the inner surface 98 to engage the inner wall 92 and the outer curved surface 96 to engage the outer wall to set the desired angle 110 . By changing the width 88 and the radius of the outer curved surface 96, the angle 110 can be changed. Further, shuttle 84 can be held at any angle between that shown in FIG. 13 and that shown in FIG. 14 to adjust angle 110 laterally with respect to movement along axis 112. can.

15 and 16, the outer curved wall 96 of each foot 94 abuts the outer wall 90 to set an angle of rotation 110. As shown in FIG. During a polishing stroke, the blade is pulled across shuttle 84 along axis 114 at the same time shuttle 84 is pushed or pulled along longitudinal axis 112 . Guide 102 includes an angled surface 106 that defines the sharpening angle of the blade with respect to sharpening surface 25 . The holding portion 104 includes holding points 108 that mate with ramps 106 to set the polishing angle. The ramp 106 of the guide 102 and the retaining point 108 of the retainer 108 provide a constant and repeatable polishing angle. Rotation of the shuttle 84 improves user comfort and allows longer surfaces of the blade to pass through during the polishing stroke. Additionally, by varying the angle at which the blade is pulled across the abrasive surface 25, the life of the abrasive surface can be increased.

Referring to FIG. 17, another polishing assembly 150 includes a shuttle assembly 152 and includes a guide assembly 166 and an adjustable holding assembly 154 that provide adjustable polishing angles. Guide assembly 166 includes a plurality of selectable guide plates 168 A- 168 C attachable to guide mounts 170 of shuttle assembly 152 . Guide plates 168A-168C define the sharpening angle for the sharpening stone. Holding assembly 154 includes a movable holding slide 156 that allows adjustment of gap 160 to accommodate blades of different thicknesses.

With continued reference to Figure 17 and to Figures 18 and 19, a retention slide 156 is movably mounted to the shuttle assembly 152 to allow for adjustment. Retaining slide 156 includes inner vertical slot 206 and outer vertical slot 204 . The shuttle includes inner vertical ribs 210 and outer vertical ribs 208 . An inner vertical rib 210 is received within the inner vertical slot 206 and the outer vertical rib 208 . The mating engagement between vertical slots 204, 206 and vertical ribs 208, 210 aligns retaining slide 156 with respect to the polishing surface while allowing adjustment to accommodate blades of different thicknesses. Although vertical ribs 208, 210 are provided on shuttle 152 and vertical slots 204, 206 are provided on retaining slide 156, it is understood that the features may be reversed within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. sea bream. Further, although two slots and ribs are disclosed as examples, one or more mating slots and ribs may be utilized within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

In the exemplary embodiment, threaded fasteners 158 are used to retain retention slides 156 to shuttle assembly 152 . In this example, the threaded fasteners are knobs, but other fasteners could be used. Retaining slide 156 includes a retaining edge 160 spaced from guide plate 168 to define a gap 160 spacing. The holding slide 156 also includes a handle portion 164 for gripping and moving the shuttle along the polishing stone.

In this example, shuttle assembly 152 includes circular opening 182 and retaining slide 156 includes slotted opening 180 . Slotted openings 180 allow for vertical adjustment of retention slides 156 to define the spacing of gap 160 . Once retaining slide 156 is in the desired vertical position, fastener 158 is tightened to secure slide 156 in place. The spacing of gap 160 can be adjusted to accommodate blades of different thicknesses. The blade can be placed on the guide plate 168 and the retaining slide 156 abutted against the blade and then fixed in place to set the gap 160 . Gap 160 is set to provide sufficient clearance for the blade to be pulled through gap 160 while maintaining blade abutment along guide plate 168 to maintain the desired sharpening angle. be.

Exemplary guide plates 168A-168C set a grind angle and attach to guide mount 170 with forward and rearward snap and tab fits. Each of the guide plates 168A-168C includes a slot 176 that fits over a forward tab 184 formed as an integral part of the guide mount 170. As shown in FIG. Guide mount 170 further includes a rear slot 186 that receives a catch 178 on each guide plate 168A-168C. Accordingly, each guide plate 168A-168C is fixed relative to the guide mount 170 in forward and rearward positions. Although a snap mount configuration is disclosed as an example, it should be understood that other securing configurations that allow switching of the guide plates 168A-168C are within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

In this example, guide plates 168A-168C define different polishing angles. In one disclosed example, guide plate 168A defines an angle of 19.5°, guide plate 168B defines an angle of 20°, and guide plate 168C defines an angle of 20.5°. As will be appreciated, other angles may be provided by additional guide plates 168 as well. Additionally, the number of guide plates 168 disclosed may be varied to provide additional sharpening angles.

With continued reference to FIGS. 17-19 and to FIGS. 20 and 21, track 192 includes guide channels 194 on each longitudinal side of grinding stone 26 . Guiding channel 194 includes a longitudinal slot having a discharge opening 196 . Any moisture or fluid that drips into guide channel 194 is drained through opening 196 so as not to impede movement of shuttle assembly 152 . Guiding channels 194 are open at each end to receive feet 190 of shuttle assembly 152 . Abrasive stone holder 202 is supported within track 192 . Exemplary foot 190 includes a stepped configuration that provides a clearance fit over the portion of channel 194 that includes drainage opening 196 . The holder 202 is configured for a particular stone size, but may be of different sizes to accommodate different polishing stones.

The initial starting position of shuttle assembly 152 is set by abutment 200 abutting stop 198 . Abutment 200 is part of shuttle assembly 152 and stop 198 is part of holder 202 . The abutment 200 abuts the stop 198 to align the gap 160 and the leading edge of the guide plate 168 with the edge of the sharpening stone 26 . The abutment of stop 198 and abutment 200 positions shuttle assembly 152 against stone 26 and prevents accidental impact between the blade and the side of stone 26 . The exemplary stop 198 and abutment 200 may be integral parts of the respective parts or may be separate parts attached or otherwise secured to the respective parts. good too.

Accordingly, the disclosed exemplary knife sharpening assembly provides a consistent, repeatable angle of sharpening stroke, enabling novice and experienced users alike to obtain a desired degree of edge sharpening.

Although different non-limiting embodiments are illustrated as having specific components or steps, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these specific combinations. Some of the components or features from any non-limiting embodiment can be used in combination with features or components from any of the other non-limiting embodiments.

It should be understood that like reference numbers identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several drawings. Although specific component arrangements are disclosed and illustrated in these exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that other arrangements can also benefit from the teachings of this disclosure.

Although exemplary embodiments have been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this disclosure. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the scope and content of this disclosure.

Claims (20)

at least one track;
a guide and a retainer configured to hold the blade edge against the sharpening surface; and a support configured to align the guide against the sharpening surface to guide movement of the shuttle. A blade sharpening assembly comprising a shuttle and a . 2. The blade sharpening assembly of claim 1, wherein the guide and retainer direct the blade at an angle to the sharpening surface. 3. The blade sharpening assembly of claim 2, wherein the guide comprises a surface that guides the blade at an angle to the sharpening surface. 4. The blade sharpening assembly of claim 3, wherein the retainer includes contact points spaced from the guide to define a gap configured to receive a blade. The retainer is relatively moveable to adjust the position of the contact point and is aligned on the shuttle by at least one vertical rib received in a corresponding at least one vertical slot; 5. The blade sharpening assembly of claim 4, wherein a section is movable along the shuttle to adjust the gap to accommodate blades of different thicknesses. 5. The guide of claim 4, wherein the guide includes a guide mount and at least one guide plate attached to the guide mount, the at least one guide plate defining a sharpening angle of the blade with respect to the sharpening surface. blade sharpening assembly. 5. The blade sharpening assembly of claim 4, wherein the track includes a recess with a drain hole. 2. The blade sharpening assembly of claim 1, wherein the guide includes a surface disposed in a plane that is oblique with respect to the sharpening surface. 3. The blade sharpening assembly of claim 1, wherein the positions of the guide and retainer relative to the sharpening surface are adjustable to define a sharpening angle. 5. The blade sharpening assembly of claim 4, wherein the track comprises at least one peripheral channel having a longitudinal portion, the longitudinal portion configured to partially receive the support. 11. The blade of claim 10, wherein the support includes at least one stop contacting an abutment disposed on the at least one track to set the position of the shuttle relative to the sharpening surface. polishing assembly. 5. The blade sharpening assembly of claim 4, wherein said shuttle is rotatable relative to said track. 13. The blade sharpening assembly of claim 12, wherein the track includes a track width defined between an inner wall and an outer wall, and wherein the shuttle includes a curved outer surface abutting the outer wall. 13. The blade sharpening assembly of claim 12, wherein the guide and retainer define a lateral axis arranged at a pull angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. 15. The blade sharpening assembly of claim 14, wherein the pull angle is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. 15. The blade sharpening assembly of claim 14, wherein the pull angle is the direction in which the blade is pulled through the guide and retainer. positioning the shuttle in the track such that the guide of the shuttle rests on the abrasive surface;
holding a blade against the polishing surface between the guide portion and the holding portion of the shuttle;
and moving the shuttle along the sharpening surface while the edge of the blade is held against the sharpening surface between the holder and the guide. 18. The method of claim 17, comprising guiding the blade longitudinally along the polishing surface and pulling the blade transversely to the longitudinal movement of the shuttle. 19. The step of holding the blade comprises pressing a pressing surface to press a contact point against one side of the blade and supporting the blade on the side opposite the guide. the method of. rotating the shuttle about a longitudinal axis and pulling the blade along a pulling axis transverse to the longitudinal axis, the transverse axis being 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the tension angle is less than 90 degrees and greater than 0 degrees.

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