Apparatus and method for testing an edge of a workpiece for sharpness

Abstract

An apparatus for testing an edge of a workpiece for sharpness includes a body, a probe extending outwardly and pivotably mounted from the body, the probe is biased in a direction for placement against an edge of a workpiece with a predetermined force, a test head on a distal end of the probe for mounting test tape for physical contact with an edge as a test medium, a test point for mounting to the workpiece, and a continuity circuit mounted to the body in electrical communication with the test head and the test point for providing a predetermined electrical current between the test head and the test point through the workpiece when the test tape is cut sufficiently by the workpiece to allow the test head to touch the workpiece to form a complete circuit.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates broadly to apparatus and methods for the nondestructive testing of workpieces, equipment, and other industrial items. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for testing the sharpness of edges of workpieces comprised in household appliances and other consumer goods.[0002]Various hardware and equipment such as appliances and other such consumer goods often comprise workpieces formed from metal. Such metal workpieces are configured into shapes having edges that may be considered sharp and, for example, when such workpieces with sharp edges are comprised in a household appliance, the sharp edges may snag the clothing of a person using the household appliance. Thus, it is known to use a sharp edge test apparatus to assess the degree of sharpness of sharp edges associated with household appliances or other equipment.[0003]Underwriters Laboratories, which is an independent, not-for-profit product safet...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a new edge test apparatus that provides an instant response to edge testing. It is simple and objective, meeting the standards set forth in UL 1439. Overall, the invention allows for faster and more accurate edge testing.

Problems solved by technology

Such metal workpieces are configured into shapes having edges that may be considered sharp and, for example, when such workpieces with sharp edges are comprised in a household appliance, the sharp edges may snag the clothing of a person using the household appliance.

While a test for testing edge sharpness such as the test just described may yield useful results, tests of this type involving a visual observation by a test performer that the sensing tape has been cut disadvantageously bring with them an element of subjective interpretation—namely, a subjective interpretation by the test performer as whether a sensing tape has, in fact, been cut or has not been cut.

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