US20080132154A1

US20080132154A1 - Instrument sharpener system

Info

Publication number: US20080132154A1
Application number: US11/774,076
Authority: US
Inventors: Tony C. Jewett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-12-05
Filing date: 2007-07-06
Publication date: 2008-06-05

Abstract

An instrument sharpener system for efficiently sharpening dental tools, such as but not limited to dental explorers. The instrument sharpener system generally includes a body including a motor and a drive member, wherein the drive member is mechanically connected to the motor and the motor rotates the drive member about a first axis. A sharpening unit including a pinion gear and a sharpening member positioned within the pinion gear, wherein the sharpening unit extends from the drive member and rotates about a second axis offset from the first axis. A head including an opening and a ring gear extends from the body, wherein the ring gear and the sharpening unit are positioned within the head. The pinion gear rotates around the ring gear and along the second axis, wherein the sharpening member of the outer member receives a tip of a dental explorer via the opening.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

I hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/566,991 filed Dec. 5, 2006. This application is a continuation in-part of the Ser. No. 11/566,991 application. The Ser. No. 11/566,991 application is currently pending. The Ser. No. 11/566,991 application is hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to tools including a sharp tip and more specifically it relates to an instrument sharpener system for efficiently sharpening various tools (i.e. dental tools, darts, etc.).
2. Description of the Related Art
Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.
Tools that include sharp tips (i.e. dental tools, darts, etc.) have been in use for years and are utilized for many various applications. Typically, dental professionals utilize various dental tools for various different dental procedures. The dental tools include devices, such as but not limited to dental explorers and dental picks. Each of these dental tools generally includes a sharp tip utilized for various activities, such as but not limited to checking for cavities (i.e. dental explorer).
The effectiveness of the dental tool (i.e. dental explorer, etc.) is generally determined by the sharpness of the tip. Over time and use the tips of these dental tools can become dull and thus less effective. To maintain sharpness of the tip the dental professional generally utilizes a sharpening stone by manually sliding the tip across the stone or vice versa. However, it is generally difficult to maintain a consistent sharp edge while manually sharpening the tip. Also this method of sharpening the tip of the dental tool can be very time consuming. This method of utilizing a sharpening stone to maintain the sharpness of the tip is also generally utilized with metal tipped darts. The same problems are generally associated with sharpening the darts with the sharpening stone, such as but not limited to time consuming and inconsistency.
Another solution to the dull tips of the dental tools is to simply throw the old dental tools away and purchase new dental tools since the dental tools are generally not very expensive. However, over time even an inexpensive item can add up in cost when throwing multiple inexpensive items away. Because of the general lack of efficiency and practicality in the prior art there is the need for a new and improved instrument sharpener system for efficiently sharpening various tools (i.e. dental tools, darts, etc.).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The general purpose of the present invention is to provide an instrument sharpener system that has many of the advantages of the tools including a sharp tip mentioned heretofore. The invention generally relates to tools including a sharp tip which includes a sharpener including a body including a motor and a drive member, wherein the drive member is mechanically connected to the motor and the motor rotates the drive member about a first axis. A sharpening unit including a pinion gear and a sharpening member positioned within the pinion gear, wherein the sharpening unit extends from the drive member and rotates about a second axis offset from the first axis. A head including an opening and a ring gear extends from the body, wherein the ring gear and the sharpening unit are positioned within the head. The pinion gear rotates around the ring gear and along the second axis, wherein the sharpening member of the outer member receives a tip of a dental explorer via the opening.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
An object is to provide an instrument sharpener system for efficiently sharpening various tools.
Another object is to provide an instrument sharpener system that is handheld.
An additional object is to provide an instrument sharpener system that is utilized with sharpening various dental tools (i.e. dental explorer, etc.).
A further object is to provide an instrument sharpener system that is utilized with sharpening metal tipped darts.
A further object is to provide an instrument sharpener system that is quiet.
A further object is to provide an instrument sharpener system that includes rubber gears to reduce vibration.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention. To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present invention with the tip of a dental tool inserted within the sharpening member.

FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the present invention in use.

FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of the present invention with the tip of a dart inserted within the sharpening member.

FIG. 4 is an exploded upper perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the present invention in use and the tip half-way sharpened.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the present invention in use and the tip fully sharpened.

FIG. 7 is an exploded upper perspective view of a new embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a top view illustrating the connection between the gears of the new embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view illustrating the connection between the gears of the new embodiment of the present invention with the inner gear rotating around the inner perimeter of the outer gear.

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the new embodiment of the present invention in use and the tip half-way sharpened.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the new embodiment of the present invention in use and the tip fully sharpened.

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the sharpening member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A. Overview

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 12 illustrate an instrument sharpener system 10, which comprises a body 20 including a motor 25 and a drive member 29, wherein the motor 25 is mechanically connected to the drive member 29 and wherein the motor 25 rotates the drive member 29. A head 40 also extends from the body 20, wherein the drive member 29 extends within the head 40. A sharpening unit 30 including a sharpening member 38 is attached to the drive member 29.
The drive member 29 rotates about a first axis and the sharpening unit 30 rotates about a second axis, wherein the second axis is offset from the first axis. The sharpening member 38 is further preferably positioned within an outer member 34, wherein the outer member 34 is comprised of a gear configuration. The outer member 34 rotates around a ring gear 47 of the within the head 40. An apparatus 12 including a tip 16 (i.e. dental tool, dart) is sharpened by the sharpening member 38 as the user engages the tip 16 of the apparatus 12 to the rotating sharpening member 38.

B. Body

The body 20 is preferably comprised of a handheld configuration. The body 20 is further easily held and utilized by a user, wherein the body 20 is comprised of an ergonomic configuration. The body 20 is also preferably comprised of a lightweight material, such as but not limited to plastic. The body 20 is further preferably comprised of a cylindrical shape structure as shown in FIGS. 1 through 3. The front end of the body 20 preferably includes a first attachment portion 28. The first attachment portion 28 is preferably substantially recessed as shown in FIGS. 4 through 6. The first attachment portion 28 receives the head 40, wherein the head 40 preferably removably attaches to the first attachment portion 28 of the body 20.
The body 20 includes a motor 25 preferably positioned within the body 20 as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. The motor 25 is preferably comprised of any small electric motor 25 common in the art. The present invention also includes a power source 22 to supply an electric current to the motor 25, wherein the motor 25 is electrically connected to the power source 22. The power source 22 is preferably self-contained within the body 20 as shown in FIGS. 4 through 6. The power source 22 is further preferably comprised of at least one battery. It is appreciated that various types of batteries may be utilized with the present invention all which provide adequate power to the motor 25. It is also appreciated that the present invention may utilize other power sources 22 rather than the preferred embodiment, such as but not limited to a power cord plugged into an electric outlet.
The battery is preferably positionable within a compartment 21 of the body 20 as shown in FIGS. 4 through 6. A cover 23 preferably encompasses an upper side of the battery as shown in FIG. 1 through 6. The cover 23 may attach to the compartment 21 in several manners, such as but not limited to slidably attach or any manner that secures the cover 23 to the compartment 21. The cover 23 includes at least one grasping member 24. The grasping member 24 serves as a member for the user to grip while removing the cover 23 from the compartment 21.
The present invention also preferably includes a switch 26 to turn the motor 25 on and off. The switch 26 is mechanically connected to the motor 25, wherein activation of the switch 26 turns the motor 25 on providing the motor 25 is receiving an adequate electrical current from the power source 22. The switch 26 is preferably positioned upon the body 20 as shown in FIGS. 1 through 6. The switch 26 also preferably slidably adjusts to an on and an off position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The switch 26 is also preferably positioned near a front end of the body 20, wherein the user may easily adjust the switch 26 while holding the present invention.
The drive member 29 preferably extends outwardly from the motor 25 opposite the power source 22 as shown in FIGS. 4 through 6. The drive member 29 is preferably comprised of a cylindrical configuration. The drive member 29 is rotated by the motor 25, wherein the drive member 29 is concentric with a first axis and rotates about the first axis. The first axis is concentric with the body 20. The drive member 29 is further preferably parallel with a longitudinal axis of the body 20 as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.
In the new embodiment of the present invention, the motor 25 is configured to operate at a reduced speed (i.e. 10,000 revolutions per minute). The reduced rpms (revolutions per minute) allow the user of the present invention to have more control while utilizing the present invention and also to reduce the noise produced by the motor 25 and operation of the present invention.

C. Sharpening Unit

The sharpening unit 30 is preferably directly utilized to sharpen the tip 16 of the apparatus 12 (i.e. dental tool, dart, etc.). The sharpening unit 30 rotates along with the drive member 29. The sharpening unit 30 preferably includes a shaft member 32. The shaft member 32 is preferably attached to an outer end of the drive member 29. The shaft member 32 preferably extends outwardly from the drive member 29, wherein a longitudinal axis of the shaft member 32 is preferably substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the drive member 29. The shaft member 32 is also preferably concentric with a second axis, wherein the second axis of the shaft member 32 is offset from the first axis of the drive member 29.
The shaft member 32 is preferably comprised of a cylindrical configuration. A first diameter of the shaft member 32 is preferably substantially less than a second diameter of the drive member 29 as shown in FIGS. 1 through 6. The shaft member 32 is further preferably comprised of a strong material, such as but not limited to metal. The shaft member 32 and the drive member 29 are preferably comprised of separate structures; however it is appreciated that the shaft member 32 and the drive member 29 may be comprised of an integrally formed structure.
The sharpening unit 30 also preferably includes an outer member 34. The outer member 34 preferably extends outwardly from the shaft member 32, wherein a longitudinal axis of the outer member 34 is preferably substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the shaft member 32. The outer member 34 is also preferably concentric with the second axis as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. The outer member 34 and the shaft member 32 are preferably comprised of separate structures; however it is appreciated that the outer member 34 and the shaft member 32 may be comprised of an integrally formed structure.
The outer member 34 preferably includes a cavity 36 positioned near an outer end of the outer member 34 as shown in FIGS. 4 through 6. The cavity 36 preferably extends inwardly within the outer member 34 from the outer end of the outer member 34 as shown in FIGS. 4 through 6. The cavity 36 receives the sharpening member 38, wherein the sharpening member 38 is positioned within the cavity 36. The sharpening member 38 is preferably comprised of a sharpening stone; however it is appreciated that the sharpening member 38 may be comprised of various configurations rather than the preferred embodiment all which function in a similar manner to a sharpening stone. It is appreciated that the sharpening member 38 is replaceable, wherein the sharpening member 38 may wear down over time with significant usage.
An outer configuration of the sharpening member 38 is preferably substantially similar to an inner configuration of the cavity 36 to provide a secure fit of the sharpening member 38 within the cavity 36. A longitudinal axis of the sharpening member 38 is preferably substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the outer member 34. The sharpening member 38 is also preferably concentric with the second axis as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.
The sharpening member 38 preferably includes a recessed portion 39. The recessed portion 39 preferably extends inwardly within the sharpening member 38 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The recessed portion 39 is further preferably comprised of a conical configuration. When the present invention is in an upright position the recessed portion 39 is preferably comprised of an inverted conical configuration. The sharpening unit 30 along with the sharpening member 38 rotates with the drive member 29, wherein the sharpening unit 30 rotates in an offset manner.
In the new embodiment of the present invention, the recessed portion 39 of the sharpening member 38 is comprised of a configuration to sharpen the tip 16 of the dental explorer 12 to a fine point. In the preferred embodiment the recessed portion 39 is comprised of an inverted conical shaped configuration, wherein the outer walls further preferably form a 70 degree angle with the inner end of the sharpening member 38 as illustrated in FIG. 12.
The sharpening member 38 also preferably includes dimensions of 7.0 millimeters in length and 5.0 millimeters in width; however it is appreciated that the sharpening member 38 may be comprised of various dimensions. The preferred dimensions listed ensure that the recessed portion 39 is able to extend within the sharpening member 38 at a 70 degree angle, wherein the outer walls of the recessed portion 39 are able to extend a sufficient distance to meet and form a point within the sharpening member 38. The sharpening member 38 is further preferably comprised of a 400 grit finish to sharpen the tip 16 of the dental explorer 12 to a fine point.
In the new embodiment of the present invention, the outer member 34 is preferably comprised of a gear configuration as shown in FIGS. 7 through 9, wherein the outer member 34 includes a plurality of first engaging members 35 circumscribing the outer member 34. The outer member 34 rotates around a ring gear 47 of the head 40 in a planetary motion as illustrated in FIGS. 8 through 12. The first engaging members 35 of the outer member 34 is preferably comprised of a hard rubber material to reduce vibration and lessen noise as the outer member 34 rotates around the ring gear 47. The hard rubber material is such that is able to withstand the rotation of pinion gear 34 (i.e. outer member) upon ring gear 47 over time yet maintain a slightly resilient configuration to reduce noise and vibration between the gears 34, 47.

D. Head

The present invention preferably includes a head 40 to encompass the sharpening unit 30 and drive member 29, thus substantially protecting the user from the moving parts of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 1 through 3. The head 40 is preferably comprised of a substantially cylindrical configuration. The head 40 is also substantially hollow to receive the sharpening unit 30 and the drive member 29. The head 40 preferably includes a second attachment portion 42 to removably attach to the first attachment portion 28 of the body 20, a flange portion 44 extending outwardly from the second attachment portion 42 and an extended portion 46 substantially extending longitudinally from the flange portion 44.
An outer diameter of the second attachment portion 42 is preferably substantially similar to an inner diameter of the first attachment portion 28 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The second attachment portion 42 of the head 40 further preferably slidably attaches within the first attachment portion 28 of the body 20. It is appreciated that various connecting manners may be utilized when removably attaching the second attachment portion 42 to the first attachment portion 28.
The flange portion 44 of the head 40 preferably radiates outwardly from an outer end of the second attachment portion 42. An outer diameter of the flange portion 44 is preferably substantially similar to an outer diameter of the body 20. The flange portion 44 further preferably curves inwardly thus providing a flush transition from the body 20 to the head 40 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
The extended portion 46 extends longitudinally outward from the flange portion 44 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The extended portion 46 extends along a longitudinal axis of the sharpening unit 30 and further extends past the sharpening unit 30. A cap portion 41 is preferably positioned at an outer end of the extended portion 46 and serves as an outermost end of the present invention. The cap portion 41 includes an opening 48 extending through the cap portion 41.
The opening 48 is positioned concentrically with the cap portion 41 and is further positioned concentric with the first axis thus concentric with the body 20 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6. The cap portion 41 is preferably positioned in a substantially close proximity to the outer end of the sharpening member 38 to allow sharpening of short tips 16 of apparatus 12 es. The opening 48 is further comprised of a substantially large enough diameter to receive a standard tip 16 of an apparatus 12 (i.e. dental explorer 12, dart, etc.).
The diameter of the opening 48 is further preferably sized to accommodate a tip 16 of the dental explorer 12, wherein the tip 16 extends through the opening 48 and does not have a significant amount of “play” within the opening 48 so as to increase the consistency of the position of the tip 16 within the opening 48 throughout multiple sharpenings of the tip 16 (i.e. diameter of opening 48 substantially similar to diameter of the tip 16 of the dental explorer 12). The diameter of the opening 48 is subsequently too small to accommodate various larger tips 16 (e.g. standard fish hook tip, etc.).
In the new embodiment of the present invention, the head 40 also includes a ring gear 47 as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. The ring gear 47 is comprised of an internal ring gear 47 and is preferably positioned adjacent the cap portion 41 within the head 40, wherein the ring gear 47 includes a plurality of second engaging members 49 extending along an inner perimeter of the ring gear 47. The internal ring gear 47 is comprised of a configuration common in the art, wherein the teeth of the ring gear 47 extend along an inner perimeter of the ring gear 47. The outer member 34 rotates around the inner perimeter of the ring gear 47 in a planetary motion. The second engaging members 49 of the ring gear 47 are preferably comprised of a hard rubber material to reduce noise and vibration while utilizing the present invention.

E. In Use

In use, the battery is first inserted properly within the compartment 21 and the cover 23 is removably attached to the compartment 21. The body 20 is now grasped by the user and the switch 26 is adjusted to an on position thus engaging the motor 25 and rotating the drive member 29 and sharpening unit 30. The tip 16 of the apparatus 12 (i.e. dental explorer 12, etc.) is now extended through the opening 48 and within the recessed portion 39 of the sharpening member 38 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The sharpening member 38 rotates about the offset second axis and thus engages the tip 16 along the outer walls of the recessed portion 39 as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.
The tip 16 may be removed from the present invention periodically to check for desired sharpness. Once the tip 16 has reached a desired sharpness and the user is done utilizing the present invention the switch 26 may be adjusted to the off position. If the user desires to sharpen another apparatus 12 the above sharpening process is simply repeated.
What has been described and illustrated herein is a preferred embodiment of the invention along with some of its variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, which is intended to be defined by the following claims (and their equivalents) in which all terms are meant in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

Claims

1. An instrument sharpener system, comprising:

a body including a motor and a drive member, wherein said drive member is mechanically connected to said motor and wherein said motor rotates said drive member;

wherein said drive member rotates about a first axis;

a sharpening unit including an outer member and a sharpening member, wherein said outer member of said sharpening unit extends from said drive member;

wherein said sharpening unit rotates about a second axis, wherein said second axis is offset from said first axis;

wherein said outer member is comprised of a gear configuration and wherein said sharpening member is positioned within said outer member; and

a head including an opening and a ring gear, wherein said head extends from said body, wherein said ring gear is positioned within said head and wherein said sharpening unit is positioned within said head;

wherein said outer member rotates around said ring gear and along said second axis and wherein said sharpening member of said outer member receives a tip of a dental explorer via said opening.

2. The instrument sharpener system of claim 1, wherein a plurality of first engaging members of said outer member and a plurality of second engaging members of said ring gear are comprised of a hard rubber material.

3. The instrument sharpener system of claim 1, wherein said ring gear is comprised of an internal ring gear.

4. The instrument sharpener system of claim 1, wherein said motor operates at approximately 10,000 revolutions per minute.

5. The instrument sharpener system of claim 1, wherein a first diameter of said opening is substantially similar to a second diameter of said tip of said dental explorer.

6. The instrument sharpener system of claim 1, wherein said sharpening member includes a recessed portion extending within said sharpening member, wherein said recessed portion is comprised of an inverted conical shaped configuration and wherein an outer wall of said recessed portion defines a 70 degree angle with an inner end of said sharpening member.

7. The instrument sharpener system of claim 1, wherein said sharpening member is comprised of a 400 grit sharpening stone.

8. An instrument sharpener system, comprising:

wherein said drive member rotates about a first axis;

wherein said outer member rotates around said ring gear and along said second axis and wherein said sharpening member of said outer member receives a tip of a dental explorer via said opening;

wherein a plurality of first engaging members of said outer member and a plurality of second engaging members of said ring gear are comprised of a hard rubber material;

wherein said ring gear is comprised of an internal ring gear;

wherein said motor operates at approximately 10,000 revolutions per minute;

wherein a first diameter of said opening is substantially similar to a second diameter of said tip of said dental explorer;

wherein said sharpening member includes a recessed portion extending within said sharpening member, wherein said recessed portion is comprised of an inverted conical shaped configuration and wherein an outer wall of said recessed portion defines a 70 degree angle with an inner end of said sharpening member.

9. The instrument sharpener system of claim 8, wherein said first axis is concentric with said body.

10. The instrument sharpener system of claim 8, wherein said sharpening member is substantially concentric with said second axis.

11. The instrument sharpener system of claim 8, wherein said head substantially encompasses said sharpening unit.

12. The instrument sharpener system of claim 8, wherein said opening extends through an outer end of said head.

13. The instrument sharpener system of claim 8, wherein said opening is substantially concentric with said first axis.

14. The instrument sharpener system of claim 8, wherein said sharpening unit is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of said body.

15. The instrument sharpener system of claim 8, wherein said body is comprised of a handheld tool configuration.

16. The instrument sharpener system of claim 8, wherein said sharpening unit is attached to said drive member opposite said body.

17. The instrument sharpener system of claim 8, wherein a first longitudinal axis of said drive member is substantially parallel to a second longitudinal axis of said sharpening unit.

18. The instrument sharpener system of claim 8, wherein said sharpening member is comprised of a sharpening stone.

19. The instrument sharpener system of claim 18, wherein said sharpening member is comprised of a 400 grit sharpening stone.

20. An instrument sharpener system, comprising:

wherein said drive member rotates about a first axis;

wherein said ring gear is comprised of an internal ring gear;

wherein said motor operates at approximately 10,000 revolutions per minute;

wherein said sharpening member includes a recessed portion extending within said sharpening member, wherein said recessed portion is comprised of an inverted conical shaped configuration and wherein an outer wall of said recessed portion defines a 70 degree angle with an inner end of said sharpening member;

wherein said first axis is concentric with said body and wherein said sharpening member is substantially concentric with said second axis;

wherein said head substantially encompasses said sharpening unit and wherein said opening extends through an outer end of said head;

wherein said opening is substantially concentric with said first axis;

wherein said sharpening unit is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of said body;

wherein said body is comprised of a handheld tool configuration;

wherein said sharpening unit is attached to said drive member opposite said body;

wherein a first longitudinal axis of said drive member is substantially parallel to a second longitudinal axis of said sharpening unit;

wherein said sharpening member is comprised of a 400 grit sharpening stone.