US20090064822A1 - Pocket sharpener for knives - Google Patents
Pocket sharpener for knives Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090064822A1 US20090064822A1 US11/852,242 US85224207A US2009064822A1 US 20090064822 A1 US20090064822 A1 US 20090064822A1 US 85224207 A US85224207 A US 85224207A US 2009064822 A1 US2009064822 A1 US 2009064822A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bit
- bits
- mating housing
- housing component
- fastening elements
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
- B24D—TOOLS FOR GRINDING, BUFFING OR SHARPENING
- B24D15/00—Hand tools or other devices for non-rotary grinding, polishing, or stropping
- B24D15/06—Hand tools or other devices for non-rotary grinding, polishing, or stropping specially designed for sharpening cutting edges
- B24D15/08—Hand tools or other devices for non-rotary grinding, polishing, or stropping specially designed for sharpening cutting edges of knives; of razors
- B24D15/081—Hand tools or other devices for non-rotary grinding, polishing, or stropping specially designed for sharpening cutting edges of knives; of razors with sharpening elements in interengaging or in mutual contact
Definitions
- the present invention relates to hand-held knife sharpeners and more particularly to a device for sharpening cutlery, particularly cutlery having a blade that tapers to a thin edge.
- Strip sharpeners such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,157 “Pocket Sharpener for Knives” can operate longitudinally along the edge of a blade and can simultaneously shave both sides of a tapered blade edge. Relative to other devices and methods, the use of a strip sharpener can provide a specified optimum angle of taper to a blade edge. The requirements of a strip sharpening process allow for a compact tool design, and, for hand-held use.
- FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a blade-sharpening tool.
- FIG. 2 depicts a sharpening process employing a blade-sharpening tool.
- FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a blade-sharpening tool in an exploded axonometric view.
- FIGS. 4A , 4 B, 4 C depict an exemplary cantilever beam design for snap-fit connection.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a blade sharpening tool 100 .
- the tool comprises a first bit 101 , a second bit 102 , a first mating housing component 103 , and a second mating housing component 104 .
- the bits 101 102 can extend into and can be secured, within the assembly. In some embodiments, the bits 101 , 102 can be fixed. In alternate embodiments, the bits can be pivotably, rotatably and/or rotatably coupled with the first and/or second mating housing components 103 , 104 .
- Each bit 101 102 can be essentially box-shaped, that is, essentially a cuboid or rectangular prism. In some embodiments, the bits can be ovoid or elliptical and/or have any other known and/or convenient geometric properties such that at a prescribed location the intersection of at least two surfaces of the bits can form a predetermined gap angle 105 .
- a gap angle 105 can be specified, corresponding to a converging and overlapping arrangement of the bits 101 102 .
- the gap angle 105 is the angle between planes that essentially include the designated faces 107 108 .
- the gap angle can be specified as about 40 degrees
- the bits 101 102 can be geometrically configured to form a gap angle 105 that can have any predetermined angle or a variable angle based upon the geometry of the individual bits 101 102 .
- FIG. 2 illustrates a sharpening process employing an embodiment of the tool 100 .
- a tapered or to-be-tapered blade edge can be positioned against the bits 101 102 and drawn along the designated path 201 in the indicated direction. As the blade edge remains in contact with and moves across the bits 101 102 , blade material can be reshaped and/or removed by the action of the bits upon the blade. Blade material can be removed in strips due to this action, hence the designation of “strip sharpener” for such an embodiment.
- the bits 101 102 can be fabricated of tungsten carbide material and/or other known and/or convenient material having properties suitable for sharpening a blade comprised of a known material.
- tungsten carbide bits having a predetermined relative hardness, can be effective in sharpening a variety of blades fabricated of steel and/or other materials and that span a prescribed range of relative hardnesses from 1-10 on the Mohs scale or an absolute hardness in any prescribed range between 1 and 1500 on the absolute hardness scale.
- FIG. 3 is an exploded axonometric view of an embodiment of a blade sharpening tool 100 .
- the tool comprises a first bit 101 , a second bit 102 , a first mating housing component 103 , and a second mating housing component 104 .
- the first mating housing component 103 can comprise a plurality of integrated first fastening elements 301 .
- the second mating housing component 104 can comprise a plurality of integrated second fastening elements 302 .
- the first and second mating housing components 103 104 can be secured together by the interengagement of the first fastening elements 301 with the second fastening elements 302 .
- the fastening elements can be of a snap-fit type design.
- the fastening elements can comprise members of a cantilever beam snap-fit design.
- the first fastening elements 301 can be cantilever beam members
- the second fastening elements 302 can be cantilever beam-receiving members, of a snap-fit design.
- the first housing component 103 and the second housing component 104 can have any known and or convenient shape and can be selectively coupled using any known and/or convenient mechanism.
- the housings 103 104 can be configured such that the housing can be selectively coupled and de-coupled, such that one or more of the bits 101 102 can be replaced.
- the housings can be configured such that once coupled they cannot be de-coupled without damage to one or more of the housings 103 104 .
- the first mating housing component 103 comprises a first channel 303 , which can be integrally formed.
- a first bit-alignment post 305 is integrated with a first mating housing component 103 .
- the first bit-alignment post 305 extends vertically as depicted in FIG. 3 from the floor 307 of the first channel 303 , along an axis essentially orthogonal to a horizontal plane essentially of that floor.
- the first bit-alignment post 305 can be of cylindrical shape.
- the alignment post 305 can have any known and/or convenient geometric properties and/or in some configurations may not be present.
- the first channel 303 has a geometry sufficient to accept a first bit 101 .
- a first hole 309 in the first bit 101 has a geometry sufficient to accept the first bit-alignment post 305 .
- the vertical depth of the first channel 303 can be essentially equal to the vertical depth of the first bit 101 as depicted in FIG. 3 .
- a complimentary second mating housing component 104 comprises a second channel 304 , which can be integrally formed.
- a second bit-alignment post 306 is integrated with a second mating housing component 104 .
- the second bit-alignment post 306 extends vertically as depicted in FIG. 3 from the floor 308 of the second channel 304 , along an axis essentially orthogonal to a horizontal plane essentially of that floor.
- the second bit-alignment post 306 can be of cylindrical shape.
- the alignment post 306 can have any known and/or convenient geometric properties and/or in some configurations may not be present.
- the second channel 304 has a geometry sufficient to accept a second bit 102 .
- a second hole 310 in the second bit 102 has a geometry sufficient to accept the second bit-alignment post 306 .
- the vertical depth of the second channel 304 can be essentially equal to the vertical extent of the second bit 102 as depicted in FIG. 3 .
- the first channel 303 and/or second channel 304 can be comprised of one or more guide points, and/or any other convenient mechanism or mechanisms, located within the housing 103 104 such that bit 101 and/or bit 102 are/is substantially restrained from movement in at least one plane.
- Each of the bits 101 102 can be essentially box-shaped, that is, essentially a cuboid or rectangular prism. Walls and/or other restraining mechanism bounding each channel 303 304 can constrain position of the each of the respective bits 101 102 within a horizontal plane by closely surrounding some surfaces of the respective bits 101 102 within that plane, as depicted in FIG. 3 . Position of each bit 101 102 in a horizontal plane can also be constrained by the respective interlocking holes 309 310 and bit-alignment posts 305 306 .
- each bit-alignment post 305 306 can be of alternative shape.
- a horizontal cross-section of a bit-alignment post 305 306 can comprise essentially a triangle, quadrilateral, or other polygon.
- the horizontal cross-section can alternatively comprise a closed shape comprising essentially non-polygonal features including by way of non-limiting example arcs.
- An ellipse is an example of a non-polygonal closed shape.
- a horizontal cross-section that is not circular can beneficially constrain rotational position of a bit 101 102 in a horizontal plane.
- a first bit-alignment post 305 can be essentially square in horizontal cross-section.
- a first hole 309 in the first bit 101 can have a geometry sufficient to accept the square-aspect bit-alignment post.
- the accepting geometry can comprise a hole with square cross-section configured to engage the post 305 .
- bit-alignment posts 305 306 can comprise extending edges that are essentially orthogonal to a horizontal plane essentially of a respective channel floor 307 308 .
- bit-alignment post shapes that are essentially right prisms can be employed to facilitate manufacture.
- tooling such as drilling in order to form an accepting geometry of a bit-alignment post 305 306 can be performed in an advantageous direction orthogonal to a surface of a bit 101 102 .
- the second bit 102 can be constrained in position along a vertical axis as depicted in FIG. 3 .
- the position of the second bit 102 can be constrained vertically by the floor 308 of the second channel 304 and a surface of the first mating housing component 103 .
- essentially zero vertical clearance remains after the vertical extent of the second bit 102 between the surrounding channel floor 308 and the first mating housing component 103 .
- the first bit-alignment post 305 can extend from the floor 307 of the first channel 303 entirely entirely through the first hole 309 of the first bit 101 , and into a third hole 311 within the second mating housing component 104 .
- the third hole 311 can have a geometry sufficient to accept the first bit-alignment post 305 .
- the second bit-alignment post 306 can extend from the floor 308 of the second channel 304 through the second hole 310 of the second bit 102 and into a fourth hole 312 within the first mating housing component 103 .
- the fourth hole 312 can have a geometry sufficient to accept the second bit-alignment post 306 .
- a housing alignment post 315 can extend vertically from the second mating housing component 104 , as depicted in FIG. 3 .
- the housing alignment post 315 can be integrally formed and/or otherwise integrated with the second mating housing component 104 .
- a housing alignment post receiver 316 can be integrally formed and/or otherwise integrated with the first mating housing component 103 .
- the housing alignment post receiver 316 can have a geometry sufficient to accept the housing alignment post 315 .
- the interlocking alignment post 315 and receiver 316 can aid in guiding the mating housing components together by constraining relative (planar) translation of the first and second mating housing components 103 104 .
- the interlocking structure of post 315 and receiver 316 can also aid in maintaining beneficial relative positions of the mating housing components 103 104 in an assembled tool 100 .
- FIGS. 4A 4 B 4 C illustrate an exemplary cantilever design for a snap-fit connection, in cross-section.
- a cantilever beam design can have a cantilever beam member 401 and a cantilever beam-receiving member 402 .
- FIG. 4A depicts beam 401 and beam-receiving member 402 prior to assembly.
- FIG. 4B depicts beam 401 undergoing deformation as it travels into assembled position.
- FIG. 4C depicts beam 401 and beam-receiving member 402 in assembled position.
- the cantilever beam member 401 can undergo elastic and/or elasto-plastic deformations as the cantilever beam member 401 and receiving member 402 are forced together into an assembled position.
- a cantilever beam and/or other members of a design may return to an essentially undeformed state upon interengaging assembly.
- assembled members may remain in a deformed state and thereby provide forces advantageous to the function and/or performance of an assembled tool.
- a tool assembly wherein members are held in non-zero tension and/or compression resulting from deformation may thereby have advantageous reduction in vibration and/or relative movement of members and/or other components of the assembled tool, when the tool is used.
- the cantilever beam-receiving member and/or other associated components of a tool can also undergo deformations. These deformations can occur in combination with deformation of the cantilever beam. Such deformations can be considered in design.
- each mating housing component can comprise an edge of each housing that remains essentially exposed in an assembled tool 100 .
- each outer perimeter can comprise a right angle.
- one or both of the outer perimeters can comprise an alternative shape in cross-section.
- alternative shapes can include bevels, arcs and/or any known and/or convenient geometry.
- the mating housing components 103 104 and/or bits 101 102 and/or any other parts of the tool can be further secured together by additional means.
- these additional means can comprise screws, rivets, adhesives, bands, clamps, sonic welds and/or any other known and/or convenient means of securing an assembly.
- the interengagment of the housings 103 104 can fixedly secure the housings and/or the bits 101 102 relative to one another. In alternate embodiments, the interengagement of the housing 103 104 can restrict one or more degrees of freedom of the bits 101 102 .
- typical outer dimensions of an assembled blade-sharpening tool can be approximately 2.9 inches by approximately 0.75 inches by approximately 0.28 inches. In some embodiments typical outer dimensions of bits can be approximately 0.50 inches by approximately 0.25 inches by approximately 0.63 inches. In some embodiments typical dimensions of each of the mating housing components 103 104 can include a typical wall thickness of 0.075 inches. However, in alternate embodiment the blade-sharpening tool can have any convenient dimensions and/or geometric properties.
Abstract
A blade sharpening tool adapted for hand-held use, comprising two mating housing components and two bits wherein the bits can be of tungsten carbide material. Each mating housing component can comprise a plurality of integrated fastening elements. The mating housing components can be secured together by engaging integrated fastening elements, thereby securing the bits. The bits can thereby form a specified gap angle favorable for a blade-sharpening process. The integrated fastening elements can be of a snap fit cantilever beam design. Alignment posts can extend into and/or through the bits.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to hand-held knife sharpeners and more particularly to a device for sharpening cutlery, particularly cutlery having a blade that tapers to a thin edge.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- There are a variety of devices for sharpening cutlery, including: grinding wheels, sharpening stones, files, and specialized edge stripping devices for blades having a tapered edge. Strip sharpeners such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,157 “Pocket Sharpener for Knives” can operate longitudinally along the edge of a blade and can simultaneously shave both sides of a tapered blade edge. Relative to other devices and methods, the use of a strip sharpener can provide a specified optimum angle of taper to a blade edge. The requirements of a strip sharpening process allow for a compact tool design, and, for hand-held use.
- Many extant strip-sharpening tool designs provide for fixedly securing a pair of bits, thereby forming a specified gap angle. In some tools the bits are secured by screws engaged with a common supporting structure which can be a simple cylindrical rod. Screws can become loose over time. In other tools the bits are fixedly secured within one or more housing components and the housing components and/or bits themselves secured together in a variety of ways. The housing components and/or bits are typically secured together by means of screws, rivets, and/or adhesives. In some cases, plastic housing components can be joined by sonic welds. Although such exemplary approaches to securing an assembly together can be effective, they also add cost and/or complication in manufacturing. Such approaches require additional parts and/or additional assembly operations and/or additional material and/or the use of specialized materials.
- What is needed is a strip-sharpening tool that can be easily assembled from a relatively small number of parts, and with a minimum of assembly operations and/or other costs of manufacture.
-
FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a blade-sharpening tool. -
FIG. 2 depicts a sharpening process employing a blade-sharpening tool. -
FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a blade-sharpening tool in an exploded axonometric view. -
FIGS. 4A , 4B, 4C depict an exemplary cantilever beam design for snap-fit connection. -
FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of ablade sharpening tool 100. The tool comprises afirst bit 101, asecond bit 102, a firstmating housing component 103, and a secondmating housing component 104. Thebits 101 102 can extend into and can be secured, within the assembly. In some embodiments, thebits mating housing components bit 101 102 can be essentially box-shaped, that is, essentially a cuboid or rectangular prism. In some embodiments, the bits can be ovoid or elliptical and/or have any other known and/or convenient geometric properties such that at a prescribed location the intersection of at least two surfaces of the bits can form apredetermined gap angle 105. - A
gap angle 105 can be specified, corresponding to a converging and overlapping arrangement of thebits 101 102. Thegap angle 105 is the angle between planes that essentially include the designatedfaces 107 108. In some embodiments the gap angle can be specified as about 40 degrees However, in alternate embodiments thebits 101 102 can be geometrically configured to form agap angle 105 that can have any predetermined angle or a variable angle based upon the geometry of theindividual bits 101 102. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a sharpening process employing an embodiment of thetool 100. A tapered or to-be-tapered blade edge can be positioned against thebits 101 102 and drawn along the designatedpath 201 in the indicated direction. As the blade edge remains in contact with and moves across thebits 101 102, blade material can be reshaped and/or removed by the action of the bits upon the blade. Blade material can be removed in strips due to this action, hence the designation of “strip sharpener” for such an embodiment. - The
bits 101 102 can be fabricated of tungsten carbide material and/or other known and/or convenient material having properties suitable for sharpening a blade comprised of a known material. In some embodiments tungsten carbide bits, having a predetermined relative hardness, can be effective in sharpening a variety of blades fabricated of steel and/or other materials and that span a prescribed range of relative hardnesses from 1-10 on the Mohs scale or an absolute hardness in any prescribed range between 1 and 1500 on the absolute hardness scale. - In the orientation shown, a
tool embodiment 100 can be conveniently held and/or stabilized by an operator's left hand while the operator's right hand holds the knife or other cutlery and draws its blade along the designatedpath 201 in contact with the bits. The operator's left hand can be positioned at some distance from the blade and bits due to the length of the tool, enhancing safety of operation. It can be appreciated that a simple inversion of tool position results in a convenient complementary orientation wherein an operator's left hand can similarly hold and move the knife or other cutlery while the operator's right hand holds and/or stabilizes thetool 100. -
FIG. 3 is an exploded axonometric view of an embodiment of ablade sharpening tool 100. The tool comprises afirst bit 101, asecond bit 102, a firstmating housing component 103, and a secondmating housing component 104. - The first
mating housing component 103 can comprise a plurality of integratedfirst fastening elements 301. The secondmating housing component 104 can comprise a plurality of integratedsecond fastening elements 302. In assembly of thetool 100, the first and secondmating housing components 103 104 can be secured together by the interengagement of thefirst fastening elements 301 with thesecond fastening elements 302. The fastening elements can be of a snap-fit type design. In some embodiments the fastening elements can comprise members of a cantilever beam snap-fit design. In an illustratedembodiment 100 thefirst fastening elements 301 can be cantilever beam members, and thesecond fastening elements 302 can be cantilever beam-receiving members, of a snap-fit design. In alternate embodiments, thefirst housing component 103 and thesecond housing component 104 can have any known and or convenient shape and can be selectively coupled using any known and/or convenient mechanism. In some embodiments, thehousings 103 104 can be configured such that the housing can be selectively coupled and de-coupled, such that one or more of thebits 101 102 can be replaced. However, in alternate embodiments, the housings can be configured such that once coupled they cannot be de-coupled without damage to one or more of thehousings 103 104. - In some embodiments the
mating housing components 103 104 and/or other integrated design features can be fabricated of molded plastic and/or fabricated in an injection-molding process and/or fabricated of high-impact polystyrene, and/or any other known and/or convenient material - The first
mating housing component 103 comprises afirst channel 303, which can be integrally formed. A first bit-alignment post 305 is integrated with a firstmating housing component 103. The first bit-alignment post 305 extends vertically as depicted inFIG. 3 from thefloor 307 of thefirst channel 303, along an axis essentially orthogonal to a horizontal plane essentially of that floor. In some embodiments the first bit-alignment post 305 can be of cylindrical shape. However, in alternate embodiments thealignment post 305 can have any known and/or convenient geometric properties and/or in some configurations may not be present. Thefirst channel 303 has a geometry sufficient to accept afirst bit 101. Afirst hole 309 in thefirst bit 101 has a geometry sufficient to accept the first bit-alignment post 305. The vertical depth of thefirst channel 303 can be essentially equal to the vertical depth of thefirst bit 101 as depicted inFIG. 3 . - A complimentary second
mating housing component 104 comprises asecond channel 304, which can be integrally formed. A second bit-alignment post 306 is integrated with a secondmating housing component 104. The second bit-alignment post 306 extends vertically as depicted inFIG. 3 from thefloor 308 of thesecond channel 304, along an axis essentially orthogonal to a horizontal plane essentially of that floor. In some embodiments the second bit-alignment post 306 can be of cylindrical shape. However, in alternate embodiments thealignment post 306 can have any known and/or convenient geometric properties and/or in some configurations may not be present. Thesecond channel 304 has a geometry sufficient to accept asecond bit 102. Asecond hole 310 in thesecond bit 102 has a geometry sufficient to accept the second bit-alignment post 306. The vertical depth of thesecond channel 304 can be essentially equal to the vertical extent of thesecond bit 102 as depicted inFIG. 3 . In some embodiments, thefirst channel 303 and/orsecond channel 304 can be comprised of one or more guide points, and/or any other convenient mechanism or mechanisms, located within thehousing 103 104 such thatbit 101 and/orbit 102 are/is substantially restrained from movement in at least one plane. - Each of the
bits 101 102 can be essentially box-shaped, that is, essentially a cuboid or rectangular prism. Walls and/or other restraining mechanism bounding eachchannel 303 304 can constrain position of the each of therespective bits 101 102 within a horizontal plane by closely surrounding some surfaces of therespective bits 101 102 within that plane, as depicted inFIG. 3 . Position of eachbit 101 102 in a horizontal plane can also be constrained by the respective interlockingholes 309 310 and bit-alignment posts 305 306. - In alternative embodiments each bit-
alignment post 305 306 can be of alternative shape. In some embodiments, a horizontal cross-section of a bit-alignment post 305 306 can comprise essentially a triangle, quadrilateral, or other polygon. The horizontal cross-section can alternatively comprise a closed shape comprising essentially non-polygonal features including by way of non-limiting example arcs. An ellipse is an example of a non-polygonal closed shape. A horizontal cross-section that is not circular can beneficially constrain rotational position of abit 101 102 in a horizontal plane. - In some embodiments a first bit-
alignment post 305 can be essentially square in horizontal cross-section. Afirst hole 309 in thefirst bit 101 can have a geometry sufficient to accept the square-aspect bit-alignment post. The accepting geometry can comprise a hole with square cross-section configured to engage thepost 305. When assembled with the first bit-alignment post 305 interlocked with thefirst hole 309, rotation and translation of the bit in a horizontal plane can be constrained by interference between the bit-alignment post 305 and the surroundinghole 309. - In some embodiments one or both bit-
alignment posts 305 306 can comprise extending edges that are essentially orthogonal to a horizontal plane essentially of arespective channel floor 307 308. In some embodiments, bit-alignment post shapes that are essentially right prisms can be employed to facilitate manufacture. In some embodiments, tooling such as drilling in order to form an accepting geometry of a bit-alignment post 305 306 can be performed in an advantageous direction orthogonal to a surface of abit 101 102. - In some embodiments of an assembled
tool 100, thefirst bit 101 can be constrained in position along a vertical axis as depicted inFIG. 3 . The position of thefirst bit 101 can be constrained vertically by thefloor 307 of thefirst channel 303 and a surface of the secondmating housing component 104. In some embodiments of an assembled tool essentially zero vertical clearance remains after the vertical extent of thefirst bit 101 between the surroundingchannel floor 307 and the secondmating housing component 104. - Similarly, in some embodiments of an assembled
tool 100, thesecond bit 102 can be constrained in position along a vertical axis as depicted inFIG. 3 . The position of thesecond bit 102 can be constrained vertically by thefloor 308 of thesecond channel 304 and a surface of the firstmating housing component 103. In some embodiments of an assembled tool essentially zero vertical clearance remains after the vertical extent of thesecond bit 102 between the surroundingchannel floor 308 and the firstmating housing component 103. - In some embodiments of an assembled
tool 100, the first bit-alignment post 305 can extend from thefloor 307 of thefirst channel 303 entirely entirely through thefirst hole 309 of thefirst bit 101, and into athird hole 311 within the secondmating housing component 104. Thethird hole 311 can have a geometry sufficient to accept the first bit-alignment post 305. - Similarly, in some embodiments of an assembled
tool 100, the second bit-alignment post 306 can extend from thefloor 308 of thesecond channel 304 through thesecond hole 310 of thesecond bit 102 and into afourth hole 312 within the firstmating housing component 103. Thefourth hole 312 can have a geometry sufficient to accept the second bit-alignment post 306. - In some embodiments a
housing alignment post 315 can extend vertically from the secondmating housing component 104, as depicted inFIG. 3 . Thehousing alignment post 315 can be integrally formed and/or otherwise integrated with the secondmating housing component 104. In some embodiments a housingalignment post receiver 316 can be integrally formed and/or otherwise integrated with the firstmating housing component 103. The housingalignment post receiver 316 can have a geometry sufficient to accept thehousing alignment post 315. During assembly of thetool 100, the interlockingalignment post 315 andreceiver 316 can aid in guiding the mating housing components together by constraining relative (planar) translation of the first and secondmating housing components 103 104. The interlocking structure ofpost 315 andreceiver 316 can also aid in maintaining beneficial relative positions of themating housing components 103 104 in an assembledtool 100. -
FIGS. 4A 4B 4C illustrate an exemplary cantilever design for a snap-fit connection, in cross-section. By way of example and not limitation, such a design can be used in embodiments of theintegrated fastening elements 301 302. A cantilever beam design can have acantilever beam member 401 and a cantilever beam-receivingmember 402.FIG. 4A depictsbeam 401 and beam-receivingmember 402 prior to assembly.FIG. 4B depictsbeam 401 undergoing deformation as it travels into assembled position.FIG. 4C depictsbeam 401 and beam-receivingmember 402 in assembled position. - In an assembly process, the
cantilever beam member 401 can undergo elastic and/or elasto-plastic deformations as thecantilever beam member 401 and receivingmember 402 are forced together into an assembled position. In some embodiments, a cantilever beam and/or other members of a design may return to an essentially undeformed state upon interengaging assembly. In some embodiments, assembled members may remain in a deformed state and thereby provide forces advantageous to the function and/or performance of an assembled tool. By way of example and not limitation, a tool assembly wherein members are held in non-zero tension and/or compression resulting from deformation may thereby have advantageous reduction in vibration and/or relative movement of members and/or other components of the assembled tool, when the tool is used. - It can be appreciated that in some embodiments during assembly and/or thereafter the cantilever beam-receiving member and/or other associated components of a tool can also undergo deformations. These deformations can occur in combination with deformation of the cantilever beam. Such deformations can be considered in design.
- For components of a tool that incorporates snap-fit-assembled components, many considerations can contribute to selection and/or specification of dimensions and/or materials and/or assembly and/or manufacturing processes. In the present apparatus, any known and/or convenient mechanism can be employed.
- The outer perimeter of each mating housing component can comprise an edge of each housing that remains essentially exposed in an assembled
tool 100. In cross-sections 313 314 as depicted inFIG. 3 , each outer perimeter can comprise a right angle. In some alternative embodiments, one or both of the outer perimeters can comprise an alternative shape in cross-section. By way of non-limiting examples alternative shapes can include bevels, arcs and/or any known and/or convenient geometry. - In addition to securing by interengagement of the
integrated fastener elements 301 302, in some embodiments of the assembled blade-sharpeningtool 100 themating housing components 103 104 and/orbits 101 102 and/or any other parts of the tool can be further secured together by additional means. In some embodiments, these additional means can comprise screws, rivets, adhesives, bands, clamps, sonic welds and/or any other known and/or convenient means of securing an assembly. In some embodiments the interengagment of thehousings 103 104 can fixedly secure the housings and/or thebits 101 102 relative to one another. In alternate embodiments, the interengagement of thehousing 103 104 can restrict one or more degrees of freedom of thebits 101 102. - In some embodiments typical outer dimensions of an assembled blade-sharpening tool can be approximately 2.9 inches by approximately 0.75 inches by approximately 0.28 inches. In some embodiments typical outer dimensions of bits can be approximately 0.50 inches by approximately 0.25 inches by approximately 0.63 inches. In some embodiments typical dimensions of each of the
mating housing components 103 104 can include a typical wall thickness of 0.075 inches. However, in alternate embodiment the blade-sharpening tool can have any convenient dimensions and/or geometric properties. - In the foregoing specification, the embodiments have been described with reference to specific elements thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the embodiments. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.
Claims (7)
1. A blade sharpening tool comprising:
a first and a second mating housing component;
a first and a second bit;
a plurality of first fastening elements integrated with the first mating housing component;
a plurality of second fastening elements integrated with the second mating housing component;
wherein the first and second mating housing components are secured together by engagement of the plurality of first fastening elements with the plurality of second fastening elements, thereby securing the first and second bits.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:
a first channel in the first mating housing component;
a second channel in the second mating housing component;
a first bit-alignment post integrated with the first mating housing component and located within the first channel;
a second bit-alignment post integrated with the second mating housing component and located within the second channel;
wherein a first hole extends into the first bit, the first hole having a first geometry sufficient to accept the first bit-alignment post;
wherein a second hole extends into the second bit, the second hole having a second geometry sufficient to accept the second bit-alignment post; and
wherein the first bit is located constrained within the first channel and the second bit is located constrained within the second channel, the bits thereby forming a specified gap angle.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first and second bits are of tungsten carbide material.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a first fastening element of the first plurality of fastening elements and a second fastening element of the second plurality of fastening elements are of a cantilever beam design, and are interengaged.
5. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the first and second bits are of tungsten carbide material.
6. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein a first fastening element of the first plurality of fastening elements and a second fastening element of the second plurality of fastening elements are of a cantilever beam design, and are interengaged.
7. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein:
the first hole extends through the first bit; and
a third hole extends into the second mating housing component, the third hole having a third geometry sufficient to accept the first bit-alignment post.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/852,242 US20090064822A1 (en) | 2007-09-07 | 2007-09-07 | Pocket sharpener for knives |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/852,242 US20090064822A1 (en) | 2007-09-07 | 2007-09-07 | Pocket sharpener for knives |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090064822A1 true US20090064822A1 (en) | 2009-03-12 |
Family
ID=40430441
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/852,242 Abandoned US20090064822A1 (en) | 2007-09-07 | 2007-09-07 | Pocket sharpener for knives |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20090064822A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8864554B2 (en) | 2011-09-01 | 2014-10-21 | Fiskars Brands Finland Oy Ab | Sharpener |
USD745819S1 (en) * | 2014-10-31 | 2015-12-22 | Outdoor Edge Cutlery Corporation | Knife sharpener |
WO2016086150A1 (en) * | 2014-11-25 | 2016-06-02 | Outdoor Edge Cutlery Corporation | Knife sharpening device |
USD860752S1 (en) | 2018-04-10 | 2019-09-24 | Outdoor Edge Cutlery Corporation | Knife sharpener |
US11000141B2 (en) * | 2014-06-30 | 2021-05-11 | Calphalon Corporation | Knife block with storage slot blade sharpeners and cutlery set using same |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4494339A (en) * | 1981-11-26 | 1985-01-22 | Wilkinson Sword Limited | Knife sharpeners |
US5121659A (en) * | 1990-09-17 | 1992-06-16 | Mcpherson's Limited | Blade sharpener |
US6393946B1 (en) * | 1998-10-17 | 2002-05-28 | Theodore Kenesky | Sharpener for single and double-sided blades |
US20060111030A1 (en) * | 2004-11-23 | 2006-05-25 | Kathleen Harden | Quad rod jr knife sharpener |
US20070123155A1 (en) * | 2005-11-25 | 2007-05-31 | Smith Richard S | Sharpening system having multiple abrasive components |
US7374475B2 (en) * | 2005-02-09 | 2008-05-20 | Locan Properties, Llc | Hand-held sharpener device |
-
2007
- 2007-09-07 US US11/852,242 patent/US20090064822A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4494339A (en) * | 1981-11-26 | 1985-01-22 | Wilkinson Sword Limited | Knife sharpeners |
US5121659A (en) * | 1990-09-17 | 1992-06-16 | Mcpherson's Limited | Blade sharpener |
US6393946B1 (en) * | 1998-10-17 | 2002-05-28 | Theodore Kenesky | Sharpener for single and double-sided blades |
US20060111030A1 (en) * | 2004-11-23 | 2006-05-25 | Kathleen Harden | Quad rod jr knife sharpener |
US7374475B2 (en) * | 2005-02-09 | 2008-05-20 | Locan Properties, Llc | Hand-held sharpener device |
US20070123155A1 (en) * | 2005-11-25 | 2007-05-31 | Smith Richard S | Sharpening system having multiple abrasive components |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8864554B2 (en) | 2011-09-01 | 2014-10-21 | Fiskars Brands Finland Oy Ab | Sharpener |
US11000141B2 (en) * | 2014-06-30 | 2021-05-11 | Calphalon Corporation | Knife block with storage slot blade sharpeners and cutlery set using same |
USD745819S1 (en) * | 2014-10-31 | 2015-12-22 | Outdoor Edge Cutlery Corporation | Knife sharpener |
WO2016086150A1 (en) * | 2014-11-25 | 2016-06-02 | Outdoor Edge Cutlery Corporation | Knife sharpening device |
US10035243B2 (en) | 2014-11-25 | 2018-07-31 | Outdoor Edge Cutlery Corporation | Knife sharpening device |
USD860752S1 (en) | 2018-04-10 | 2019-09-24 | Outdoor Edge Cutlery Corporation | Knife sharpener |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20090064822A1 (en) | Pocket sharpener for knives | |
US7854650B2 (en) | Knife sharpener | |
EP3141352B1 (en) | Combination of work table and fence assembly and table cutting machine with combination | |
WO2011161786A1 (en) | Cutter for sheet-like member | |
US8740520B2 (en) | Multi-purpose beveller | |
US8951098B2 (en) | Rotatable hand-held blade-sharpening apparatus | |
US10766163B2 (en) | Blade attachment for an oscillating tool | |
US9358623B2 (en) | Hole cutting system | |
US10549435B2 (en) | Oscillating tool with modified mounting interface for increasing cut depth | |
US20100099338A1 (en) | Knife Sharpener | |
US20200368938A1 (en) | Power Tool for Forming a Channel in a Work Surface and Accessories Therefor | |
CN201604136U (en) | Guiding device for electric tool | |
US6725549B2 (en) | Sliding sharpening device for pencil with non-circular cross section | |
US10512978B2 (en) | Blade and blade attachment system for an oscillating tool | |
JP2005144568A (en) | Drilling tool | |
JP5180028B2 (en) | Tool ruler | |
JP2014004723A (en) | Portable circular saw | |
WO2019047951A1 (en) | Electric saw | |
US11607819B2 (en) | Anti-clogging razor | |
JP6975622B2 (en) | Attachment for cutter knife and cutter knife with attachment for cutter knife | |
JP4586979B2 (en) | Cutting tool | |
JP2022091656A (en) | Positioning jig | |
JP4492929B2 (en) | Reciprocating electric razor inner blade manufacturing method | |
JP4858257B2 (en) | Eaves cutting jig | |
US9469044B2 (en) | Router attachment assembly |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |