US20220314387A1 - Blade sharpening assembly - Google Patents
Blade sharpening assembly Download PDFInfo
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- US20220314387A1 US20220314387A1 US17/217,134 US202117217134A US2022314387A1 US 20220314387 A1 US20220314387 A1 US 20220314387A1 US 202117217134 A US202117217134 A US 202117217134A US 2022314387 A1 US2022314387 A1 US 2022314387A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sharpening
- blade
- shuttle
- recited
- assembly
- 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.)
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
- B24B—MACHINES, DEVICES, OR PROCESSES FOR GRINDING OR POLISHING; DRESSING OR CONDITIONING OF ABRADING SURFACES; FEEDING OF GRINDING, POLISHING, OR LAPPING AGENTS
- B24B3/00—Sharpening cutting edges, e.g. of tools; Accessories therefor, e.g. for holding the tools
- B24B3/36—Sharpening cutting edges, e.g. of tools; Accessories therefor, e.g. for holding the tools of cutting blades
- B24B3/54—Sharpening cutting edges, e.g. of tools; Accessories therefor, e.g. for holding the tools of cutting blades of hand or table knives
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- 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
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to an assembly utilized for sharpening a blade, and more specifically an assembly for holding and guiding a blade during sharpening.
- Knives dull with use and age and require periodic sharpening to retain a desired sharpness. Sharpness of a knife is determined by the edge width and a radius of the edges of the knife. The angle of edges of the knife leading to the edge is also a factor that contributes to the durability and usefulness of a knife. Sharpening of a knife can be accomplished through the use of sharpening stones of different coarseness, grit size and material. There are many different stone configurations that may be utilized. However, with any stone, obtaining a precise and consistent angle is key to using and successfully obtaining a desired edge on any knife.
- a blade sharpening assembly includes, among other possible things, at least one track and a shuttle including a hold portion and a guide portion configured to hold a blade edge against the sharpening surface and a support portion configured to align the guide portion relative to the sharpening surface and guide movement of the shuttle.
- the guide portion and the hold portion orientate a blade at an angle relative to the sharpening surface.
- the guide portion comprises a surface guiding the blade at a consistent angle relative to the sharpening surface.
- the hold portion includes a contact point that is spaced apart from the guide portion to define a gap configured to receive a blade.
- the hold portion is movable relative to adjust a position of the contact point and is aligned on the shuttle by at least one vertical rib received within a corresponding at least one vertical slot, wherein the hold portion is moveable along the shuttle for adjusting the gap to receive blades with different thicknesses.
- the guide portion includes a guide mount and at least one guide plate that attaches to the guide mount, the at least one guide plate defining a sharpening angle of the blade relative to the sharpening surface.
- the track includes a recess with drain holes.
- the guide portion comprises a surface disposed within a plane angled relative to the sharpening surface.
- a position of the guide portion and the hold portion relative to the sharpening surface are adjustable to define a sharpening angle.
- the track comprises at least one peripheral channel with longitudinal portions, wherein the longitudinal portions are configured to receive portions of the support portion.
- the support portion includes at least one stop that contacts an abutment disposed on the at least one track for setting a position of the shuttle relative to the sharpening surface.
- the shuttle is rotatable relative to the track.
- the track includes a track width defined between an inner wall and an outer wall and the shuttle includes a curved outer surface that abuts the outer wall.
- the guide portion and the hold portion define a transverse axis disposed at a draw angle relative to a longitudinal axis.
- the draw angle is less than 90 degrees and greater than 0 degrees.
- the draw angle is a direction in which a blade is pulled through the guide portion and the hold portion.
- a method of sharpening a blade includes, among other things, placing a shuttle into a track such that a guide portion of the shuttle is supported above a sharpening surface, holding a blade against the sharpening surface between the guide portion and a hold portion of the shuttle, and moving the shuttle along the sharpening surface with an edge of the blade held against the sharpening surface between the hold portion and the guide portion.
- Another exemplary embodiment of the foregoing method includes guiding the blade longitudinally along the sharpening surface and drawing the blade transverse to the longitudinal movement of the shuttle.
- holding the blade includes pressing on a press surface to push a contact point against one side of the blade and supporting the blade on an opposite side with the guide portion.
- Another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing methods including rotating the shuttle relative to a longitudinal axis and drawing the blade along a draw axis transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the transverse axis is disposed at a draw angle less than 90 degrees and greater than 0 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example knife sharpening assembly.
- FIG. 2 is a front view of the example knife sharpening assembly.
- FIG. 3 is a side view of the example knife sharpening assembly.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example tray of the knife sharpening assembly.
- FIG. 5 is a top view of the example tray.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a rear side of an example shuttle.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a front side of the example shuttle.
- FIG. 8 is a top view of the example shuttle.
- FIG. 9 is a side view of the example shuttle.
- FIG. 10 is a side view of a knife disposed within an example shuttle of the knife sharpening assembly.
- FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of an example sharpening assembly.
- FIG. 12A is a top view of an initial position when sharpening a knife with the example knife sharpening assembly.
- FIG. 12B is a top view during a sharpening stroke of a knife within the knife sharpening assembly.
- FIG. 13 is a top view of another knife sharpening assembly.
- FIG. 14 is a top view of the knife sharpening assembly in another position.
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the knife sharpening assembly.
- FIG. 16 is another perspective view of the knife sharpening assembly.
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another shuttle assembly embodiment.
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the shuttle assembly embodiment with an adjustable holder assembly.
- FIG. 19 is a side view of the example shuttle assembly embodiment.
- FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an interface between an example shuttle assembly and track in an initial position.
- FIG. 21 is another perspective view of an example track assembly.
- a knife sharpening assembly 20 includes a shuttle 24 slidable within a track 22 .
- the track 22 holds a sharpening stone 26 utilized for sharpening an edge of a knife (not shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the shuttle 24 includes features that set a sharpening angle as the shuttle 24 is moved longitudinally and the knife is drawn across the sharpening stone 26 .
- the shuttle 24 provides a consistent and repeatable angle for each sharpening stroke to achieve a desired sharpness.
- each structure and feature of knife and blade sharpening assemblies are disclosed by way of example.
- Each structure and feature may be provided with integral or separable parts.
- Nothing in this disclosure should be understood as a disclaimer of either integral or separate embodiments of any of the features. Instead, it is explicitly within the contemplation and scope of this disclosure that any feature may be implemented as either separate parts or integrated into single structures and or portions.
- the track 22 includes a peripheral channel 32 that surrounds a center tray area 28 .
- the tray area 28 is sized and configured to hold the sharpening stone 26 in place.
- the peripheral channel 32 captures and contains any liquids utilized with the sharpening stone 26 during sharpening.
- the peripheral channel 32 includes longitudinal portions 30 disposed on each longitudinal side of the sharpening stone 26 .
- the longitudinal portions 30 provide a track to guide the shuttle 24 during a sharpening stroke.
- the longitudinal portions 30 are channels defined by an outer wall 34 and an inner wall 36 . A spacing between the outer wall 34 and the inner wall 36 is wide enough to accept the support portion 38 of the shuttle 24 .
- the shuttle 24 includes support portions 38 that support a guide portion 40 and a hold portion 42 relative to the sharpening stone 26 .
- the guide portion 40 and the hold portion 42 combine to hold and orientate a knife blade against the sharpening stone 26 at a desired angle as the shuttle 24 is moved during a sharpening stroke.
- the guide portion 40 sets the angle of the knife blade relative to the sharpening surface 25 of the sharpening stone to enable sharpening to a consistent edge angle.
- the guide portion 40 includes an angled surface 44 that is disposed at an angle 46 relative to the sharpening surface 25 of the sharpening stone 26 .
- the angle 46 is between 8° and 45°. In another disclosed example, the angle 46 is between 25° and 30°. In still another disclosed example, the angle 46 is between 15° and 20°. In another disclosed example, the angle 46 is between 10° and 15°. In another disclosed example, the angle 46 is one of 15°, 17° and 20°.
- the angle 46 corresponds to the desired angle of the knife edge and may be set to any to provide the desired knife edge.
- the guide portion 40 is spaced apart from the sharpening surface 25 of the sharpening stone 26 such that the only contact with the sharpening surface 25 is made by the knife to be sharpened.
- the hold portion 42 includes a point 48 that is spaced from the angled surface 44 by a gap 50 .
- An edge of a knife to be sharpened is inserted into the gap 50 and against the surface 25 of the sharpening stone 26 .
- the point 48 provides an upper point of contact on a top surface of the knife blade to hold the knife edge against the sharpening stone 26 .
- all surfaces of the shuttle 24 are spaced apart from the sharpening stone 26 such that only the knife to be sharpened makes direct contact with the sharpening stone 26 .
- the holder portion 42 further includes a guard 52 that protects a hand of a user during a sharpening stroke.
- the guard 52 extends upward in a direction transverse to the sharpening surface 25 of the sharpening stone.
- the example track 22 includes the center area 28 for the sharpening stone 26 .
- the center area 28 is bounded by the inner walls 36 .
- the inner walls 36 extend upward from a bottom surface a height sufficient to hold the sharpening stone 26 in place.
- the example track 22 is sized to hold a sharpening stone 26 of a common lengths and widths. The length and width defined by the inner walls 36 may be varied within the contemplation and scope of this disclosure.
- the outer walls 34 are spaced apart from the inner walls 36 to provide a channel for sliding and guiding of the shuttle 24 . In this example, the outer walls 34 are higher than the inner walls 36 .
- the disclosed example shuttle 24 is shown and includes the support portions 38 that supports the guide portion 40 and the holder portion 42 relative to the sharpening stone 26 .
- the shuttle 24 is a one-piece molded part.
- the shuttle 24 maybe formed in multiple parts and with different materials.
- the guide portion 40 includes the guide surface 44 .
- the guide surface 44 is shown by way of example as a flat planer surface, other configurations, such as points that define a plane at a desired angle are also within the contemplation of this disclosure.
- the guide surface 44 defines a plane at the angle 46 relative to a sharpening stone 26 .
- the angle 46 corresponds with the desired knife edge. Accordingly, the example shuttle 24 provides a set angle and other shuttles could be included to provide different available angles to a user.
- the support portion 38 of the example shuttle 24 includes a first leg 54 and a second leg 56 that each extend downward from the guide portion 40 and the holder portion 42 .
- a foot 58 At an end of the first leg 54 is a foot 58 that is of a width corresponding to the longitudinal portions 30 of the track 22 .
- the second leg 56 includes a second foot 60 that fits into another longitudinal portion 30 of the track 22 .
- the holder portion 42 includes the guard 52 and a press surface 62 for holding the shuttle 24 within the track 22 and a knife blade against the guide surface 44 and the sharpening stone 26 .
- the press surface 62 is disposed on an opposite side of the guard 52 from the contact point 48 . Pressing on the press surface 62 maintains the desired orientation of a knife on the shuttle 24 .
- the press surface 62 may be compliant to enable some bending of the holder portion 42 to provide for further application of pressure on a knife blade.
- a knife blade 70 is shown supported on the angled surface 44 and within the gap 50 .
- the knife blade 70 includes an edge 72 that is held against the sharpening surface 25 of the sharpening stone 26 .
- the contact point 48 abuts the knife blade 70 on a top side to force and hold the edge 72 against the sharpening stone 26 .
- the shuttle 24 does not contact the sharpening surface 25 of the sharpening stone 26 .
- the only contact is by the edge 72 of the knife.
- the entire blade 70 is held at the angle 46 to place the edge into contact with the sharpening stone 26 .
- the angle 46 sets the angle that will be created at the edge 72 by sharpening strokes over the sharpening surface 25 .
- the example sharpening assembly 20 is schematically shown.
- the assembly 20 includes the guide portion 40 and the hold portion 42 that are positioned relative to each other and to the sharpening surface 25 to set the sharpening angle 46 .
- the position of the guide portion 40 and the hold portion 42 are provided by the schematically shown support 38 .
- the support 38 is moveable longitudinally as indicated by arrow 128 forward and back along the sharpening surface 25 .
- the sharpening surface 25 is part of a sharpening stone 26 , however, it is within the contemplation of this disclosure that the sharpening surface 25 may be any surface utilized to sharpen a knife blade.
- the position of the guide portion 40 and the hold portion 42 may be varied to adjust the sharpening angle 46 .
- a position of one or both the guide portion 40 and the hold portion 42 can be altered to set the sharpening angle 46 .
- the guide portion 40 may be positioned at a location forward or back of the illustrated position in a direction indicated by arrow 122 .
- the guide portion 40 may also be positioned above or below the illustrated position in a direction indicated by arrow 120 and or some combination of the horizontal and vertical movement to adjust the sharpening angle 46 .
- the hold portion may be altered horizontally in the direction indicated by arrow 126 and/or vertically as indicated by arrow 124 to provide the desired sharpening angle 46 .
- a disclosed example guide portion 40 and hold portion 42 are shown as surfaces, each may be comprised of a point contact with the blade 70 or a series of points that are capable of supporting the blade 70 in the desired orientation.
- the blade 70 contacts the sharpening surface 25 at the angle set by the guide portion 40 and the hold portion 42 . Accordingly, three points of contact are utilized to orientated the blade 70 for sharpening.
- the three points include the sharpening surface 25 , the guide portion 40 and the hold portion 42 .
- the blade 70 is moved longitudinally along the sharpening surface 25 back and forth in the direction indicated by arrow 128 .
- the orientation of the guide portion 40 and the hold portion 42 provide for further movement transverse to the direction indicated by arrow 128 in order to engaged an entire length of the blade 70 during a sharpening stroke.
- an initial step in a sharpening process is shown.
- the blade 70 is inserted into the shuttle 24 as is shown in FIG. 10 .
- the user places the blade 70 such that one end is at an edge of the sharpening stone 26 .
- the user has placed the blade 70 with the end closest to the handle within the shuttle 24 .
- the user will then press down on the press surface 62 with a pressure sufficient to hold the shuttle 24 within the longitudinal channels 30 .
- the pressure applied by the user provides for holding the shuttle 24 in place and also for holding the knife blade 70 against the sharpening surface 25 .
- Pressure on the knife blade 70 is provided through the contact point 48 of the holder portion 42 (Best shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 ).
- the user draws the shuttle 24 longitudinally along the sharpening surface 25 , while drawing the knife blade 70 transverse across the sharpening surface 25 .
- the knife edge 72 is held in the orientation shown in FIG. 10 .
- the shuttle 24 and knife blade 70 are shown during a sharpening stroke that began at the initial position shown in FIG. 12A .
- the knife blade 70 is held against the sharpening stone surface 25 at all times by pressure applied by the user against the press surface 62 .
- the shuttle 24 is drawn toward the user in the direction indicated by arrow 74 .
- the user draws the knife blade 70 in the transverse direction indicated by arrow 76 across the sharpening surface 25 .
- the transverse movement of the knife blade 70 in the direction 76 draws the entire edge 72 of the knife along the sharpening surface 25 .
- the transverse movement 76 is concurrent with the longitudinal movement in the direction indicated by 74 in this example.
- the movement in the direction 74 can be for the entire length of the sharpening stone 26 , or for a partial length. Additionally, the transverse movement 76 may only be for part of the knife blade 70 . However, a smooth sharpening stroke along the entire length of the edge 72 provides the most efficient formation of a sharp edge 72 . The process is repeated until a desired sharpness to the knife is attained.
- the blade 70 is drawn across the sharpening surface in the direction indicated at 76 at angle substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal motion indicated by arrow 74 . It should be appreciated, that the blade 70 may be drawn across the sharpening surface at angles other than 90 degrees.
- the shuttle 24 is drawn toward the user.
- the sharpening stroke may also be performed by moving the shuttle 24 away from the user. In either direction, the user maintains pressure on the press surface 62 .
- An initial sharpening of a knife blade 70 may require repeated sharpening strokes.
- different grades and coarseness of the sharpening stone 26 may be switched as required to provide a desired sharpness.
- a course sharpening stone 26 may be initially utilized followed by sharpening stones of finer grades to generate a desired sharpness.
- several grades of compound may be utilized to further enhance the blade edge. Regardless of the grade of the sharpening stone or the use of compounds, the disclosed example sharpening stroke remains substantially the same. Additionally, because the shuttle 24 holds the edge 72 at a consistent, repeatable angle, the edge can be obtained quickly and efficiently.
- another disclosed example blade sharpening assembly is indicated at 80 and includes a shuttle 84 movable within a track 82 both longitudinally and rotationally to set an angle 110 of a transverse axis 114 relative to a longitudinal axis 112 .
- the angle 110 may be from 0 degrees to less than 90 degrees.
- the angle 110 is between 30° and 60°.
- the angle is around 45°. It should be understood that other angles are within the contemplation and scope of this disclosure.
- the shuttle 84 includes a support portion 100 with a foot 96 disposed on either side of a guide potion 102 and a hold portion 104 .
- the foot 96 is disposed within a guide channel 86 .
- the guide channel 86 includes a width 88 defined between an outer wall 90 and an 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 engages the inner surface 98 with the inner wall 92 and the outer curved surface 96 with the outer wall to set the desired angle 110 .
- Altering the width 88 and the radius of the outer curved surface 96 provides for changes to the angle 110 .
- the shuttle 84 may be held at any angle between that shown in FIG. 13 and that shown in FIG. 14 to tailor the angle 110 transverse to movement along the axis 112 .
- the outer curved wall 96 of each of the feet 94 abuts the outer wall 90 to set the rotational angle 110 .
- the guide portion 102 includes an angled surface 106 that defines the sharpening angle of the blade relative to the sharpening surface 25 .
- the hold portion 104 includes a hold point 108 that combined with the angled surface 106 set the sharpening angle. The angled surface 106 of the guide portion 102 and the hold point 108 of the hold portion 108 provide for a consistent and repeatable sharpening angle.
- Rotation of the shuttle 84 provides increased comfort for a user during a sharpening stroke and also provides a longer surface of the blade to ride across. Moreover, altering an angle of that the blade is drawn across a sharpening surface 25 can lengthen the life of the sharpening surface.
- another sharpening assembly 150 includes a shuttle assembly 152 is shown and includes an adjustable hold assembly 154 and a guide assembly 166 that provides an adjustable sharpening angle.
- the guide assembly 166 includes a plurality of selectable guide plates 168 A-C that are attachable to a guide mount portion 170 of the shuttle assembly 152 .
- the guide plates 168 A-C define the sharpening angle relative to a sharpening stone.
- the hold assembly 154 includes a movable hold slide 156 that provides for adjustment of a gap 160 to accommodate blades of different thicknesses.
- the hold slide 156 is moveably attached to the shuttle assembly 152 to enable adjustment.
- the hold slide 156 includes inner vertical slots 206 and outer vertical slots 204 .
- the shuttle includes inner vertical ribs 210 and outer vertical ribs 208 .
- the inner vertical ribs 210 are received within the inner vertical slots 206 and the outer vertical ribs 208 .
- the mating engagement between the vertical slots 204 , 206 and vertical ribs 208 , 210 aligns the hold slide 156 relative to the sharpening surface while providing for adjustment to accommodate blades of different thicknesses.
- threaded fasteners 158 are utilized to hold the hold slide 156 to the shuttle assembly 152 .
- the threaded fasteners are knobs, however, other fasteners could be utilized.
- the hold slide 156 includes a hold edge 160 that is spaced apart from the guide plate 168 to define a spacing of the gap 160 .
- the hold slide 156 also includes a handle portion 164 for grasping and moving the shuttle along the sharpening stone.
- the shuttle assembly 152 includes round openings 182 and the hold slide 156 includes slotted openings 180 .
- the slotted openings 180 provide for vertical adjustment of the hold slide 156 to define the spacing of the gap 160 .
- the fasteners 158 are tightened to secure the slide 156 in place.
- the spacing of the gap 160 may be adjusted to accommodate blades of different thicknesses.
- a blade may be placed on the guide plate 168 and the hold slide 156 abutted against the blade and then secured in place to set the gap 160 .
- the gap 160 is set to provide sufficient clearance for the blade to be pulled through the gap 160 while maintaining the blade abutment along the guide plate 168 to hold the desired sharpening angel.
- the example guide plates 168 A-C set the sharpening angle and are attached to the guide mount portion 170 by a forward and aft snap and tab fit.
- Each of the guide plates 168 A-C include a slot 176 that fits into a forward tab 184 formed as an integral part of the guide mount portion 170 .
- the guide mount portion 170 further includes an aft slot 186 that receives a catch 178 on each of the guide plates 168 A-C. Accordingly, each of the guide plates 168 A-C are secured at forward and aft locations to the guide mount portion 170 . It should be appreciated that although an example snap mount configuration is disclosed by way of example other securement configurations that enable switching of guide plates 168 A-C are within the contemplation and scope of this disclosure.
- the guide plates 168 A-C define different sharpening angles.
- the guide plate 168 A defines an angle of 19.5°
- the guide plate 168 B defines an angle of 20°
- the guide plate 168 C defines an angle of 20.5°.
- other angles could be provided by additional guide plates 168 .
- the number of guide plates 168 disclosed could vary to provide additional sharpening angles.
- a track 192 includes guide channels 194 on each longitudinal side of a sharpening stone 26 .
- the guide channel 194 includes a longitudinal slot with drain openings 196 . Any moisture or fluid from that seeps into the guide channels 194 will drain through the openings 196 so as to not obstruct motion of the shuttle assembly 152 .
- the guide channels 194 are open at each end and receives a foot portion 190 of the shuttle assembly 152 .
- a sharpening stone holder 202 is supported within the track 192 .
- the example foot 190 includes a stepped configuration to provide a clearance fit over the portions of the channel 194 including the drain openings 196 .
- the holder 202 is configured for the specific stone size and may be of different sizes to accommodate different sharpening stones.
- An initial start location of the shuttle assembly 152 is set by an abutment 200 that abuts a stop 198 .
- the abutment 200 is part of the shuttle assembly 152 and the stop 198 is part of the holder 202 .
- the abutment 200 abuts the stop 198 to align the gap 160 and a forward edge of the guide plate 168 with an end of the sharpening stone 26 .
- the abutting contact between the stop 198 and abutment 200 positions the shuttle assembly 152 relative to the stone 26 to prevent errant impact between a blade and a side of the stone 26 .
- the example stop 198 and abutment 200 may be integral parts on respective parts or be separate parts attached or otherwise secured to the respective parts.
- the disclosed example knife sharpening assemblies provide consistent and repeatable angles of sharpening strokes to enable novice and expert users alike to obtain desirable edge sharpness.
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Abstract
A disclosed blade sharpening assembly includes at least one track and a shuttle including a hold portion and a guide portion configured to hold a blade edge against the sharpening surface and a support portion configured to align the guide portion relative to the sharpening surface and guide movement of the shuttle.
Description
- The present disclosure relates to an assembly utilized for sharpening a blade, and more specifically an assembly for holding and guiding a blade during sharpening.
- Knives dull with use and age and require periodic sharpening to retain a desired sharpness. Sharpness of a knife is determined by the edge width and a radius of the edges of the knife. The angle of edges of the knife leading to the edge is also a factor that contributes to the durability and usefulness of a knife. Sharpening of a knife can be accomplished through the use of sharpening stones of different coarseness, grit size and material. There are many different stone configurations that may be utilized. However, with any stone, obtaining a precise and consistent angle is key to using and successfully obtaining a desired edge on any knife.
- The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting a context of this disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.
- A blade sharpening assembly according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment includes, among other possible things, at least one track and a shuttle including a hold portion and a guide portion configured to hold a blade edge against the sharpening surface and a support portion configured to align the guide portion relative to the sharpening surface and guide movement of the shuttle.
- In another exemplary embodiment of the foregoing blade sharpening assembly, the guide portion and the hold portion orientate a blade at an angle relative to the sharpening surface.
- In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, the guide portion comprises a surface guiding the blade at a consistent angle relative to the sharpening surface.
- In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, the hold portion includes a contact point that is spaced apart from the guide portion to define a gap configured to receive a blade.
- In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, the hold portion is movable relative to adjust a position of the contact point and is aligned on the shuttle by at least one vertical rib received within a corresponding at least one vertical slot, wherein the hold portion is moveable along the shuttle for adjusting the gap to receive blades with different thicknesses.
- In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, the guide portion includes a guide mount and at least one guide plate that attaches to the guide mount, the at least one guide plate defining a sharpening angle of the blade relative to the sharpening surface.
- In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, the track includes a recess with drain holes.
- In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, the guide portion comprises a surface disposed within a plane angled relative to the sharpening surface.
- In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, a position of the guide portion and the hold portion relative to the sharpening surface are adjustable to define a sharpening angle.
- In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, the track comprises at least one peripheral channel with longitudinal portions, wherein the longitudinal portions are configured to receive portions of the support portion.
- In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, the support portion includes at least one stop that contacts an abutment disposed on the at least one track for setting a position of the shuttle relative to the sharpening surface.
- In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, the shuttle is rotatable relative to the track.
- In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, the track includes a track width defined between an inner wall and an outer wall and the shuttle includes a curved outer surface that abuts the outer wall.
- In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, the guide portion and the hold portion define a transverse axis disposed at a draw angle relative to a longitudinal axis.
- In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, the draw angle is less than 90 degrees and greater than 0 degrees.
- In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing blade sharpening assemblies, the draw angle is a direction in which a blade is pulled through the guide portion and the hold portion.
- A method of sharpening a blade according to another exemplary disclosed embodiment includes, among other things, placing a shuttle into a track such that a guide portion of the shuttle is supported above a sharpening surface, holding a blade against the sharpening surface between the guide portion and a hold portion of the shuttle, and moving the shuttle along the sharpening surface with an edge of the blade held against the sharpening surface between the hold portion and the guide portion.
- Another exemplary embodiment of the foregoing method includes guiding the blade longitudinally along the sharpening surface and drawing the blade transverse to the longitudinal movement of the shuttle.
- In another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, holding the blade includes pressing on a press surface to push a contact point against one side of the blade and supporting the blade on an opposite side with the guide portion.
- Another exemplary embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, including rotating the shuttle relative to a longitudinal axis and drawing the blade along a draw axis transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the transverse axis is disposed at a draw angle less than 90 degrees and greater than 0 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis.
- Although the different examples have the specific components shown in the illustrations, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from one of the examples in combination with features or components from another one of the examples.
- These and other features disclosed herein can be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example knife sharpening assembly. -
FIG. 2 is a front view of the example knife sharpening assembly. -
FIG. 3 is a side view of the example knife sharpening assembly. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example tray of the knife sharpening assembly. -
FIG. 5 is a top view of the example tray. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a rear side of an example shuttle. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a front side of the example shuttle. -
FIG. 8 is a top view of the example shuttle. -
FIG. 9 is a side view of the example shuttle. -
FIG. 10 is a side view of a knife disposed within an example shuttle of the knife sharpening assembly. -
FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of an example sharpening assembly. -
FIG. 12A is a top view of an initial position when sharpening a knife with the example knife sharpening assembly. -
FIG. 12B is a top view during a sharpening stroke of a knife within the knife sharpening assembly. -
FIG. 13 is a top view of another knife sharpening assembly. -
FIG. 14 is a top view of the knife sharpening assembly in another position. -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the knife sharpening assembly. -
FIG. 16 is another perspective view of the knife sharpening assembly. -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another shuttle assembly embodiment. -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the shuttle assembly embodiment with an adjustable holder assembly. -
FIG. 19 is a side view of the example shuttle assembly embodiment. -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an interface between an example shuttle assembly and track in an initial position. -
FIG. 21 is another perspective view of an example track assembly. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , aknife sharpening assembly 20 includes ashuttle 24 slidable within atrack 22. Thetrack 22 holds a sharpeningstone 26 utilized for sharpening an edge of a knife (not shown inFIG. 1 ). Theshuttle 24 includes features that set a sharpening angle as theshuttle 24 is moved longitudinally and the knife is drawn across the sharpeningstone 26. Theshuttle 24 provides a consistent and repeatable angle for each sharpening stroke to achieve a desired sharpness. - Various examples of each structure and feature of knife and blade sharpening assemblies are disclosed by way of example. Each structure and feature may be provided with integral or separable parts. Nothing in this disclosure should be understood as a disclaimer of either integral or separate embodiments of any of the features. Instead, it is explicitly within the contemplation and scope of this disclosure that any feature may be implemented as either separate parts or integrated into single structures and or portions.
- Referring to
FIGS. 2 and 3 with continued reference toFIG. 1 , thetrack 22 includes aperipheral channel 32 that surrounds acenter tray area 28. Thetray area 28 is sized and configured to hold the sharpeningstone 26 in place. Theperipheral channel 32 captures and contains any liquids utilized with the sharpeningstone 26 during sharpening. Theperipheral channel 32 includeslongitudinal portions 30 disposed on each longitudinal side of the sharpeningstone 26. Thelongitudinal portions 30 provide a track to guide theshuttle 24 during a sharpening stroke. Thelongitudinal portions 30 are channels defined by anouter wall 34 and aninner wall 36. A spacing between theouter wall 34 and theinner wall 36 is wide enough to accept thesupport portion 38 of theshuttle 24. - The
shuttle 24 includessupport portions 38 that support aguide portion 40 and ahold portion 42 relative to the sharpeningstone 26. Theguide portion 40 and thehold portion 42 combine to hold and orientate a knife blade against the sharpeningstone 26 at a desired angle as theshuttle 24 is moved during a sharpening stroke. Theguide portion 40 sets the angle of the knife blade relative to the sharpeningsurface 25 of the sharpening stone to enable sharpening to a consistent edge angle. - The
guide portion 40 includes anangled surface 44 that is disposed at anangle 46 relative to the sharpeningsurface 25 of the sharpeningstone 26. In one disclosed example, theangle 46 is between 8° and 45°. In another disclosed example, theangle 46 is between 25° and 30°. In still another disclosed example, theangle 46 is between 15° and 20°. In another disclosed example, theangle 46 is between 10° and 15°. In another disclosed example, theangle 46 is one of 15°, 17° and 20°. Theangle 46 corresponds to the desired angle of the knife edge and may be set to any to provide the desired knife edge. Theguide portion 40 is spaced apart from the sharpeningsurface 25 of the sharpeningstone 26 such that the only contact with the sharpeningsurface 25 is made by the knife to be sharpened. - The
hold portion 42 includes apoint 48 that is spaced from theangled surface 44 by agap 50. An edge of a knife to be sharpened is inserted into thegap 50 and against thesurface 25 of the sharpeningstone 26. Thepoint 48 provides an upper point of contact on a top surface of the knife blade to hold the knife edge against the sharpeningstone 26. Moreover, all surfaces of theshuttle 24 are spaced apart from the sharpeningstone 26 such that only the knife to be sharpened makes direct contact with the sharpeningstone 26. - The
holder portion 42 further includes aguard 52 that protects a hand of a user during a sharpening stroke. Theguard 52 extends upward in a direction transverse to the sharpeningsurface 25 of the sharpening stone. - Referring to
FIGS. 4 and 5 , with continued reference toFIG. 1 , theexample track 22 includes thecenter area 28 for the sharpeningstone 26. Thecenter area 28 is bounded by theinner walls 36. Theinner walls 36 extend upward from a bottom surface a height sufficient to hold the sharpeningstone 26 in place. Theexample track 22 is sized to hold a sharpeningstone 26 of a common lengths and widths. The length and width defined by theinner walls 36 may be varied within the contemplation and scope of this disclosure. Theouter walls 34 are spaced apart from theinner walls 36 to provide a channel for sliding and guiding of theshuttle 24. In this example, theouter walls 34 are higher than theinner walls 36. - Referring to
FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9 with continued reference toFIG. 1 , the disclosedexample shuttle 24 is shown and includes thesupport portions 38 that supports theguide portion 40 and theholder portion 42 relative to the sharpeningstone 26. In this disclosed example, theshuttle 24 is a one-piece molded part. However, it is within the contemplation of this disclosure that theshuttle 24 maybe formed in multiple parts and with different materials. - The
guide portion 40 includes theguide surface 44. It should be appreciated, that although theguide surface 44 is shown by way of example as a flat planer surface, other configurations, such as points that define a plane at a desired angle are also within the contemplation of this disclosure. Theguide surface 44 defines a plane at theangle 46 relative to a sharpeningstone 26. Theangle 46 corresponds with the desired knife edge. Accordingly, theexample shuttle 24 provides a set angle and other shuttles could be included to provide different available angles to a user. - The
support portion 38 of theexample shuttle 24 includes afirst leg 54 and asecond leg 56 that each extend downward from theguide portion 40 and theholder portion 42. At an end of thefirst leg 54 is afoot 58 that is of a width corresponding to thelongitudinal portions 30 of thetrack 22. Thesecond leg 56 includes asecond foot 60 that fits into anotherlongitudinal portion 30 of thetrack 22. - The
holder portion 42 includes theguard 52 and apress surface 62 for holding theshuttle 24 within thetrack 22 and a knife blade against theguide surface 44 and the sharpeningstone 26. Thepress surface 62 is disposed on an opposite side of theguard 52 from thecontact point 48. Pressing on thepress surface 62 maintains the desired orientation of a knife on theshuttle 24. Thepress surface 62 may be compliant to enable some bending of theholder portion 42 to provide for further application of pressure on a knife blade. - Referring to
FIG. 10 , aknife blade 70 is shown supported on theangled surface 44 and within thegap 50. Theknife blade 70 includes anedge 72 that is held against the sharpeningsurface 25 of the sharpeningstone 26. Thecontact point 48 abuts theknife blade 70 on a top side to force and hold theedge 72 against the sharpeningstone 26. Theshuttle 24 does not contact the sharpeningsurface 25 of the sharpeningstone 26. The only contact is by theedge 72 of the knife. Theentire blade 70 is held at theangle 46 to place the edge into contact with the sharpeningstone 26. Theangle 46 sets the angle that will be created at theedge 72 by sharpening strokes over the sharpeningsurface 25. - Referring to
FIG. 11 with continued reference toFIG. 10 , theexample sharpening assembly 20 is schematically shown. Theassembly 20 includes theguide portion 40 and thehold portion 42 that are positioned relative to each other and to the sharpeningsurface 25 to set the sharpeningangle 46. The position of theguide portion 40 and thehold portion 42 are provided by the schematically shownsupport 38. Thesupport 38 is moveable longitudinally as indicated byarrow 128 forward and back along the sharpeningsurface 25. In this example, the sharpeningsurface 25 is part of a sharpeningstone 26, however, it is within the contemplation of this disclosure that the sharpeningsurface 25 may be any surface utilized to sharpen a knife blade. - The position of the
guide portion 40 and thehold portion 42 may be varied to adjust the sharpeningangle 46. A position of one or both theguide portion 40 and thehold portion 42 can be altered to set the sharpeningangle 46. Theguide portion 40 may be positioned at a location forward or back of the illustrated position in a direction indicated byarrow 122. Theguide portion 40 may also be positioned above or below the illustrated position in a direction indicated byarrow 120 and or some combination of the horizontal and vertical movement to adjust the sharpeningangle 46. Similarly, the hold portion may be altered horizontally in the direction indicated byarrow 126 and/or vertically as indicated byarrow 124 to provide the desired sharpeningangle 46. - Moreover, although a disclosed
example guide portion 40 and holdportion 42 are shown as surfaces, each may be comprised of a point contact with theblade 70 or a series of points that are capable of supporting theblade 70 in the desired orientation. - The
blade 70 contacts the sharpeningsurface 25 at the angle set by theguide portion 40 and thehold portion 42. Accordingly, three points of contact are utilized to orientated theblade 70 for sharpening. The three points include the sharpeningsurface 25, theguide portion 40 and thehold portion 42. Theblade 70 is moved longitudinally along the sharpeningsurface 25 back and forth in the direction indicated byarrow 128. The orientation of theguide portion 40 and thehold portion 42 provide for further movement transverse to the direction indicated byarrow 128 in order to engaged an entire length of theblade 70 during a sharpening stroke. - It should be understood, that the example disclosed features may be supported and oriented in many different ways within the scope and contemplation of this disclosure such that the form of the
guide portion 40,hold portion 42 and thesupport portion 38 provides the desired consistent and repeatable orientation of theblade 70 to the sharpeningsurface 25. - Referring to
FIG. 12A with continued reference toFIGS. 10 and 11 , an initial step in a sharpening process according to an example embodiment is shown. In the initial step, theblade 70 is inserted into theshuttle 24 as is shown inFIG. 10 . The user places theblade 70 such that one end is at an edge of the sharpeningstone 26. In this example, the user has placed theblade 70 with the end closest to the handle within theshuttle 24. The user will then press down on thepress surface 62 with a pressure sufficient to hold theshuttle 24 within thelongitudinal channels 30. - The pressure applied by the user provides for holding the
shuttle 24 in place and also for holding theknife blade 70 against the sharpeningsurface 25. Pressure on theknife blade 70 is provided through thecontact point 48 of the holder portion 42 (Best shown inFIGS. 10 and 11 ). The user draws theshuttle 24 longitudinally along the sharpeningsurface 25, while drawing theknife blade 70 transverse across the sharpeningsurface 25. During the sharpening stroke, theknife edge 72 is held in the orientation shown inFIG. 10 . - Referring to
FIG. 12B , theshuttle 24 andknife blade 70 are shown during a sharpening stroke that began at the initial position shown inFIG. 12A . Theknife blade 70 is held against the sharpeningstone surface 25 at all times by pressure applied by the user against thepress surface 62. Theshuttle 24 is drawn toward the user in the direction indicated byarrow 74. At the same time, the user draws theknife blade 70 in the transverse direction indicated byarrow 76 across the sharpeningsurface 25. The transverse movement of theknife blade 70 in thedirection 76 draws theentire edge 72 of the knife along the sharpeningsurface 25. Thetransverse movement 76 is concurrent with the longitudinal movement in the direction indicated by 74 in this example. - The movement in the
direction 74 can be for the entire length of the sharpeningstone 26, or for a partial length. Additionally, thetransverse movement 76 may only be for part of theknife blade 70. However, a smooth sharpening stroke along the entire length of theedge 72 provides the most efficient formation of asharp edge 72. The process is repeated until a desired sharpness to the knife is attained. In this disclosed example, theblade 70 is drawn across the sharpening surface in the direction indicated at 76 at angle substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal motion indicated byarrow 74. It should be appreciated, that theblade 70 may be drawn across the sharpening surface at angles other than 90 degrees. - In the disclosed example, the
shuttle 24 is drawn toward the user. However, the sharpening stroke may also be performed by moving theshuttle 24 away from the user. In either direction, the user maintains pressure on thepress surface 62. - An initial sharpening of a
knife blade 70 may require repeated sharpening strokes. Moreover, different grades and coarseness of the sharpeningstone 26 may be switched as required to provide a desired sharpness. As appreciated, acourse sharpening stone 26 may be initially utilized followed by sharpening stones of finer grades to generate a desired sharpness. Moreover, several grades of compound may be utilized to further enhance the blade edge. Regardless of the grade of the sharpening stone or the use of compounds, the disclosed example sharpening stroke remains substantially the same. Additionally, because theshuttle 24 holds theedge 72 at a consistent, repeatable angle, the edge can be obtained quickly and efficiently. - Referring to
FIGS. 13 and 14 , another disclosed example blade sharpening assembly is indicated at 80 and includes ashuttle 84 movable within atrack 82 both longitudinally and rotationally to set anangle 110 of atransverse axis 114 relative to alongitudinal axis 112. In one example embodiment, theangle 110 may be from 0 degrees to less than 90 degrees. In another example embodiment, theangle 110 is between 30° and 60°. In another example embodiment, the angle is around 45°. It should be understood that other angles are within the contemplation and scope of this disclosure. - The
shuttle 84 includes asupport portion 100 with afoot 96 disposed on either side of aguide potion 102 and ahold portion 104. Thefoot 96 is disposed within aguide channel 86. Theguide channel 86 includes awidth 88 defined between anouter wall 90 and aninner wall 92. Eachfoot 96 includes an outercurved surface 96 and aninner surface 98. Rotation of theshuttle 84 within theguide channel 86 engages theinner surface 98 with theinner wall 92 and the outercurved surface 96 with the outer wall to set the desiredangle 110. Altering thewidth 88 and the radius of the outercurved surface 96 provides for changes to theangle 110. Moreover, theshuttle 84 may be held at any angle between that shown inFIG. 13 and that shown inFIG. 14 to tailor theangle 110 transverse to movement along theaxis 112. - Referring to
FIGS. 15 and 16 , the outercurved wall 96 of each of thefeet 94 abuts theouter wall 90 to set therotational angle 110. During a sharpening stroke, a blade is drawn across theshuttle 84 along theaxis 114 at the same time theshuttle 84 is pushed or pulled along thelongitudinal axis 112. Theguide portion 102 includes anangled surface 106 that defines the sharpening angle of the blade relative to the sharpeningsurface 25. Thehold portion 104 includes ahold point 108 that combined with theangled surface 106 set the sharpening angle. Theangled surface 106 of theguide portion 102 and thehold point 108 of thehold portion 108 provide for a consistent and repeatable sharpening angle. Rotation of theshuttle 84 provides increased comfort for a user during a sharpening stroke and also provides a longer surface of the blade to ride across. Moreover, altering an angle of that the blade is drawn across a sharpeningsurface 25 can lengthen the life of the sharpening surface. - Referring to
FIG. 17 , another sharpening assembly 150 includes ashuttle assembly 152 is shown and includes anadjustable hold assembly 154 and aguide assembly 166 that provides an adjustable sharpening angle. Theguide assembly 166 includes a plurality ofselectable guide plates 168A-C that are attachable to aguide mount portion 170 of theshuttle assembly 152. Theguide plates 168A-C define the sharpening angle relative to a sharpening stone. Thehold assembly 154 includes amovable hold slide 156 that provides for adjustment of agap 160 to accommodate blades of different thicknesses. - Referring to
FIGS. 18 and 19 , with continued reference toFIG. 17 , thehold slide 156 is moveably attached to theshuttle assembly 152 to enable adjustment. Thehold slide 156 includes innervertical slots 206 and outervertical slots 204. The shuttle includes innervertical ribs 210 and outervertical ribs 208. The innervertical ribs 210 are received within the innervertical slots 206 and the outervertical ribs 208. The mating engagement between thevertical slots vertical ribs hold slide 156 relative to the sharpening surface while providing for adjustment to accommodate blades of different thicknesses. It should be appreciated, that although thevertical ribs shuttle 152 and thevertical slots hold slide 156, the features may be reversed within the scope and contemplation of this disclosure. Moreover, although two slots and ribs are disclosed by way of example, one or more mating slots and ribs could be utilized within the scope and contemplation of this disclosure. - In this example embodiment, threaded
fasteners 158 are utilized to hold thehold slide 156 to theshuttle assembly 152. In this example the threaded fasteners are knobs, however, other fasteners could be utilized. Thehold slide 156 includes ahold edge 160 that is spaced apart from the guide plate 168 to define a spacing of thegap 160. Thehold slide 156 also includes ahandle portion 164 for grasping and moving the shuttle along the sharpening stone. - In this example, the
shuttle assembly 152 includesround openings 182 and thehold slide 156 includes slottedopenings 180. The slottedopenings 180 provide for vertical adjustment of thehold slide 156 to define the spacing of thegap 160. Once thehold slide 156 is placed in a desired vertical position, thefasteners 158 are tightened to secure theslide 156 in place. The spacing of thegap 160 may be adjusted to accommodate blades of different thicknesses. A blade may be placed on the guide plate 168 and thehold slide 156 abutted against the blade and then secured in place to set thegap 160. Thegap 160 is set to provide sufficient clearance for the blade to be pulled through thegap 160 while maintaining the blade abutment along the guide plate 168 to hold the desired sharpening angel. - The
example guide plates 168A-C set the sharpening angle and are attached to theguide mount portion 170 by a forward and aft snap and tab fit. Each of theguide plates 168A-C include aslot 176 that fits into aforward tab 184 formed as an integral part of theguide mount portion 170. Theguide mount portion 170 further includes anaft slot 186 that receives acatch 178 on each of theguide plates 168A-C. Accordingly, each of theguide plates 168A-C are secured at forward and aft locations to theguide mount portion 170. It should be appreciated that although an example snap mount configuration is disclosed by way of example other securement configurations that enable switching ofguide plates 168A-C are within the contemplation and scope of this disclosure. - In this example, the
guide plates 168A-C define different sharpening angles. In one disclosed example, theguide plate 168A defines an angle of 19.5°, theguide plate 168B defines an angle of 20° and theguide plate 168C defines an angle of 20.5°. As appreciated other angles could be provided by additional guide plates 168. Moreover, the number of guide plates 168 disclosed could vary to provide additional sharpening angles. - Referring to
FIGS. 20 and 21 with continued reference toFIGS. 17-19 , atrack 192 includesguide channels 194 on each longitudinal side of a sharpeningstone 26. Theguide channel 194 includes a longitudinal slot withdrain openings 196. Any moisture or fluid from that seeps into theguide channels 194 will drain through theopenings 196 so as to not obstruct motion of theshuttle assembly 152. Theguide channels 194 are open at each end and receives afoot portion 190 of theshuttle assembly 152. A sharpeningstone holder 202 is supported within thetrack 192. Theexample foot 190 includes a stepped configuration to provide a clearance fit over the portions of thechannel 194 including thedrain openings 196. Theholder 202 is configured for the specific stone size and may be of different sizes to accommodate different sharpening stones. - An initial start location of the
shuttle assembly 152 is set by anabutment 200 that abuts astop 198. Theabutment 200 is part of theshuttle assembly 152 and thestop 198 is part of theholder 202. Theabutment 200 abuts thestop 198 to align thegap 160 and a forward edge of the guide plate 168 with an end of the sharpeningstone 26. The abutting contact between thestop 198 andabutment 200 positions theshuttle assembly 152 relative to thestone 26 to prevent errant impact between a blade and a side of thestone 26. Theexample stop 198 andabutment 200 may be integral parts on respective parts or be separate parts attached or otherwise secured to the respective parts. - Accordingly, the disclosed example knife sharpening assemblies provide consistent and repeatable angles of sharpening strokes to enable novice and expert users alike to obtain desirable edge sharpness.
- Although the different non-limiting embodiments are illustrated as having specific components or steps, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from any of the non-limiting embodiments in combination with features or components from any of the other non-limiting embodiments.
- It should be understood that like reference numerals identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several drawings. It should be understood that although a particular component arrangement is disclosed and illustrated in these exemplary embodiments, other arrangements could also benefit from the teachings of this disclosure.
- Although an example embodiment has been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this 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)
1. A blade sharpening assembly comprising:
at least one track; and
a shuttle including a hold portion and a guide portion configured to hold a blade edge against the sharpening surface and a support portion configured to align the guide portion relative to the sharpening surface and guide movement of the shuttle.
2. The blade sharpening assembly as recited in claim 1 , wherein the guide portion and the hold portion orientate a blade at an angle relative to the sharpening surface.
3. The blade sharpening assembly as recited in claim 2 , wherein the guide portion comprises a surface guiding the blade at a consistent angle relative to the sharpening surface.
4. The blade sharpening assembly as recited in claim 3 , wherein the hold portion includes a contact point that is spaced apart from the guide portion to define a gap configured to receive a blade.
5. The blade sharpening assembly as recited in claim 4 , wherein the hold portion is movable relative to adjust a position of the contact point and is aligned on the shuttle by at least one vertical rib received within a corresponding at least one vertical slot, wherein the hold portion is moveable along the shuttle for adjusting the gap to receive blades with different thicknesses.
6. The blade sharpening assembly as recited in claim 4 , wherein the guide portion includes a guide mount and at least one guide plate that attaches to the guide mount, the at least one guide plate defining a sharpening angle of the blade relative to the sharpening surface.
7. The blade sharpening assembly as recited in claim 4 , wherein the track includes a recess with drain holes.
8. The blade sharpening assembly as recited in claim 1 , wherein the guide portion comprises a surface disposed within a plane angled relative to the sharpening surface.
9. The blade sharpening assembly as recited in claim 1 , wherein a position of the guide portion and the hold portion relative to the sharpening surface are adjustable to define a sharpening angle.
10. The blade sharpening assembly as recited in claim 4 , wherein the track comprises at least one peripheral channel with longitudinal portions, wherein the longitudinal portions are configured to receive portions of the support portion.
11. The blade sharpening assembly as recited in claim 10 , wherein the support portion includes at least one stop that contacts an abutment disposed on the at least one track for setting a position of the shuttle relative to the sharpening surface.
12. The blade sharpening assembly as recited in claim 4 , wherein the shuttle is rotatable relative to the track.
13. The blade sharpening assembly as recited in claim 12 , wherein the track includes a track width defined between an inner wall and an outer wall and the shuttle includes a curved outer surface that abuts the outer wall.
14. The blade sharpening assembly as recited in claim 12 , wherein the guide portion and the hold portion define a transverse axis disposed at a draw angle relative to a longitudinal axis.
15. The blade sharpening assembly as recited in claim 14 , wherein the draw angle is less than 90 degrees and greater than 0 degrees.
16. The blade sharpening assembly as recited in claim 14 , wherein the draw angle is a direction in which a blade is pulled through the guide portion and the hold portion.
17. A method of sharpening a blade comprising:
placing a shuttle into a track such that a guide portion of the shuttle is supported above a sharpening surface;
holding a blade against the sharpening surface between the guide portion and a hold portion of the shuttle; and
moving the shuttle along the sharpening surface with an edge of the blade held against the sharpening surface between the hold portion and the guide portion.
18. The method as recited in claim 17 , including guiding the blade longitudinally along the sharpening surface and drawing the blade transverse to the longitudinal movement of the shuttle.
19. The method as recited in claim 18 , wherein holding the blade includes pressing on a press surface to push a contact point against one side of the blade and supporting the blade on an opposite side with the guide portion.
20. The method as recited in claim 19 , including rotating the shuttle relative to a longitudinal axis and drawing the blade along a draw axis transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the transverse axis is disposed at a draw angle less than 90 degrees and greater than 0 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis.
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/217,134 US20220314387A1 (en) | 2021-03-30 | 2021-03-30 | Blade sharpening assembly |
US29/786,469 USD990274S1 (en) | 2021-03-30 | 2021-06-01 | Blade sharpening device |
US29/786,473 USD990275S1 (en) | 2021-03-30 | 2021-06-01 | Blade sharpening device |
JP2021096287A JP2022155427A (en) | 2021-03-30 | 2021-06-09 | blade sharpening assembly |
US17/689,086 US20220314388A1 (en) | 2021-03-30 | 2022-03-08 | Blade sharpening assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US17/217,134 US20220314387A1 (en) | 2021-03-30 | 2021-03-30 | Blade sharpening assembly |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US29/786,469 Continuation-In-Part USD990274S1 (en) | 2021-03-30 | 2021-06-01 | Blade sharpening device |
US29/786,473 Continuation-In-Part USD990275S1 (en) | 2021-03-30 | 2021-06-01 | Blade sharpening device |
US17/689,086 Continuation-In-Part US20220314388A1 (en) | 2021-03-30 | 2022-03-08 | Blade sharpening assembly |
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US20220314387A1 true US20220314387A1 (en) | 2022-10-06 |
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US17/217,134 Pending US20220314387A1 (en) | 2021-03-30 | 2021-03-30 | Blade sharpening assembly |
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JP (1) | JP2022155427A (en) |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1130695A (en) * | 1914-09-08 | 1915-03-09 | Allen Novelty Company | Scissors-sharpener. |
US1213339A (en) * | 1913-07-19 | 1917-01-23 | Raphael D Amato | Honing-machine for safety-razor blades. |
US2644279A (en) * | 1950-08-24 | 1953-07-07 | Stankovich George Peter | Mounting apparatus for sharpening tools, blades, and the like |
US5643059A (en) * | 1995-04-13 | 1997-07-01 | American Machine & Tool Company, Inc. Of Pennsylvania | Reciprocating grinder |
US6030281A (en) * | 1997-09-10 | 2000-02-29 | Cozzini, Inc. | Sharpening apparatus |
US20090004956A1 (en) * | 2006-12-15 | 2009-01-01 | Jessem Tool Company | Honing jig |
US20090088053A1 (en) * | 2007-09-27 | 2009-04-02 | Woodpeckers, Inc. | Method and apparatus for sharpening a tool blade |
-
2021
- 2021-03-30 US US17/217,134 patent/US20220314387A1/en active Pending
- 2021-06-09 JP JP2021096287A patent/JP2022155427A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1213339A (en) * | 1913-07-19 | 1917-01-23 | Raphael D Amato | Honing-machine for safety-razor blades. |
US1130695A (en) * | 1914-09-08 | 1915-03-09 | Allen Novelty Company | Scissors-sharpener. |
US2644279A (en) * | 1950-08-24 | 1953-07-07 | Stankovich George Peter | Mounting apparatus for sharpening tools, blades, and the like |
US5643059A (en) * | 1995-04-13 | 1997-07-01 | American Machine & Tool Company, Inc. Of Pennsylvania | Reciprocating grinder |
US6030281A (en) * | 1997-09-10 | 2000-02-29 | Cozzini, Inc. | Sharpening apparatus |
US20090004956A1 (en) * | 2006-12-15 | 2009-01-01 | Jessem Tool Company | Honing jig |
US20090088053A1 (en) * | 2007-09-27 | 2009-04-02 | Woodpeckers, Inc. | Method and apparatus for sharpening a tool blade |
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