Automatic Edge Tuner

Abstract

The present invention comprises a tuning device for providing a desired operative edge of a tool or any item wherein a certain operative edge surface is desired. Whether for a new snowboard or ski, or for situations where these items no longer possess the operative edge surface desired, the present invention restores or creates a desired edge quickly with minimal effort. The present invention may include a base, a motor with attached tuning bit and at least one magnetic member designed to achieve a desired distance between the tuning bit and the tool or item being sharpened. By means of the attractive forces created by the magnetic member, the device of the present invention may travel in the same axial direction as that achieved by the rotation of the tuning bit. Although it is preferable for an operator to maintain control of the device at all times during operation, the magnetic forces utilized would ostensibly allow for substantially hands-free operation of the device as desired.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 766,409.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to the field of edge tuning devices and more particularly to an automatic edge tuner.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Many of today's common tools and equipment include operative edges. Not surprisingly, these edges are used and operated in ways that cause them to degrade over time or with use. It is often the case that the best performance of the aforementioned tools and equipment can only be achieved by providing the most optimum operative edge possible. Therefore, operators will often alter the operative edges, or portions thereof, such that a desired surface of the operative edge is obtained. This procedure is sometimes referred to as “sharpening” or “tuning” the edge. Sharpening does not always imply that the edge is “sharp” in the sense ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for altering the operative edge of tools and equipment, as well as a device that removes the inconsistencies caused by an operator.

[0013]In operation, the device of the present invention may be placed alongside the operative edge of a tool that an operator wishes to tune or sharpen. The device may be held in place with a hand of the operator, but this is not entirely necessary in a preferred embodiment. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes at least one magnetic member located within the base. The magnetic member is located within the base such that when the device of the present invention is applied to the operative edge of the tool to be sharpened, a magnetic force occurs strong enough to hold the device at an appropriate distance from the tool, as well as at a predetermined, desired frictional level. This in turn allows the device to provide a consistent tuning result that prevents operator error.

Problems solved by technology

Not surprisingly, these edges are used and operated in ways that cause them to degrade over time or with use.

It is often the case that the best performance of the aforementioned tools and equipment can only be achieved by providing the most optimum operative edge possible.

This manner of tuning or sharpening almost invariably results in inconsistencies with regard to the degree of tuning that would take place.

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