Devices, systems, and methods for removing metallic burrs from ice skates

Abstract

A system (100) for removing metallic burrs from an ice skate blade can include a motor (302), a spindle shaft (306), and a disc (360). The motor (302) can include a motor shaft (386). The spindle shaft (306) can be coupled to the motor shaft (386). The disc (360) can be coupled to the spindle shaft (306). The motor (302) can be configured to rotate the disc (360) to remove the metallic burrs when engaged with the ice skate blade.

Description

DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR REMOVING METALLIC BURRS FROM ICE SKATESINCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

[0001] Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 796,983, filed April 29, 2025, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 662,867, filed June 21, 2024, the entire contents of both are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.BACKGROUNDField of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of metallic burr removal from ice skate blades.Description of the Related Art

[0004] Sharpening the skate blade of an ice skate generally involves using an abrasive disc to remove material, leaving a straight, sharp, and clean edge. Due to the nature of material removal, it is normal for one or more jagged edges to be present where the ground metal of the skate blade fails to fracture off during the sharpening process and remains attached at the edge of the skate blade. This jagged portion of metal is referred to as a “burr”. It is desirable to remove any burrs from the skate blade because the burr material creates an inconsistent edge, which tends to be duller, and has higher friction when in contact with the ice. Moreover, burrs present a safety risk, increasing the chance of cuts and injuries to an operator handling the skate blade due to the tendency for the burrs to catch and embed in soft tissue. As such, the removal of burrs is a typical step in sharpening a skate blade. Existing methods for burr removal commonly involve rubbing a stone across the skate blade to knock off the burrs. In other existing methods, a piece of material, such as rubber or leather, is pulled along the edge of the skate blade to remove any burrs. As these processes are manual, they lack consistency, which can result in some burrs remaining on the skate blade after the burrremoval process. These types of burr removal methods also require the operator’s hands to remain in close or direct contact with the surfaces of the skate blade, which can lead to injury.SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure relates to devices and methods which improve the current state of the art for removing metallic burrs from ice skate blades.

[0006] Various systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for removing metallic burrs from ice skate blades. The systems, methods, and devices of the disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes disclosed herein.

[0007] In some embodiments, a system for removing metallic burrs from an ice skate blade is disclosed. The system includes a motor, a spindle shaft, and a disc. The motor includes a motor shaft. The spindle shaft is coupled to the motor shaft. The disc is coupled to the spindle shaft. The motor is configured to rotate the disc to remove the metallic burrs when engaged with the ice skate blade.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this disclosure will become more readily appreciated in view of the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation. According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a deburring system.

[0010] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a top view and a side view respectively of the deburring system of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a top perspective view and a top view respectively of the deburring system of FIG. 1 with portions of the housing removed.

[0012] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate top perspective views of the deburring system of FIG. 1 with portions of the housing removed.

[0013] FIGS. 5 A and 5B illustrate a top view and a side view respectively of a first portion of the deburring system of FIG. 1 being removed from a second portion of the deburring system.

[0014] FIGS. 5C and 5D illustrate detailed views of portions of the housing of the deburring system of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the second housing portion of the deburring system of FIG. 1 once removed from the first housing portion.

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a partial exploded view of an adjustment assembly and a motor and spindle assembly of the deburring system of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a partial exploded view and an assembled view respectively of portions of the adjustment assembly of FIG. 7.

[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a detailed view of a chassis of the deburring system of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom view of a lower portion of the adjustment assembly of FIG. 7.

[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates a partial exploded view of a blade guide and the deburring system of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates a top detailed view of the deburring system of FIG. 1 with the blade guide removed.

[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional detailed view of a disc and blade guide of the deburring system of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 14 illustrates a view of the motor and spindle assembly, the chassis, and the disc of the deburring system of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 15A illustrates a view of the motor and spindle assembly and the disc of the deburring system of FIG. 1 with select components not shown.

[0025] FIGS. 15B and 15C illustrate partial exploded views of the motor and spindle assembly and the disc of the deburring system of FIG. 1 with select components not shown.

[0026] FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate a perspective view and an exploded view respectively of the spindle shaft and the disc of the deburring system of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 17A illustrates a perspective view of a disc for a deburring system.

[0028] FIGS. 17B-17G illustrate a front view, a back view, a first side view, a second side view, a top view, and a bottom view respectively of the disc of FIG. 17A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Various embodiments and aspects of the disclosures will be described with reference to details discussed below, and the accompanying drawings will illustrate the various embodiments. The following description and drawings are illustrative of the disclosure and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to provide a concise discussion of embodiments of the present disclosures.

[0030] Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “another embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

[0031] Embodiments of this disclosure include deburring systems configured to remove metallic burrs or other excess material from an ice skate blade. For example, the ice skate blade may include burrs following a skate sharpening process. The deburring system can include a rotating disc that is configured to engage the ice skate blade along its length to remove the burrs. During a deburring process, an operator can guide the skate blade along a blade groove and the rotating disc can remove burrs. The rotating disc can rotate in a fixed position relative to the blade groove and the skate blade.

[0032] The deburring system can provide for an improved burr removal process compared to conventional methods. The deburring system utilizes the rotating disc that can be guided along the length of the skate blade, providing separation between an operator’s hands and the burrs, and between the operator’s hands and the skate blade, which can reduce the risk of injury. The deburring system can provide for a repeatable burr removal process, which can eliminate or reduce the number of excess burrs left on the skate blade following a burr removal process. The deburring system can be electrically powered, which can allow for a repeatable and shorter deburring processes compared to conventional hand-removal methods.

[0033] FIGS. 1-2B illustrate a top perspective view, a top view, and a side view of an embodiment of a deburring system 100. The deburring system 100 includes a housing 102 and a deburring disc 360, generally referred to as a disc. The disc 360 is configured to rotate to remove burrs from skate blades. As shown in at least FIG. 3 A, deburring system 100 can include an adjustment assembly 200, and a motor and spindle assembly 300 that can be housed within the housing 102. As explained further herein, the disc 360 can be coupled to motor and spindle assembly 300 such that the disc 360 can be rotated. The adjustment assembly 200 can be used to change the position of the motor and spindle assembly 300 relative to the housing 102.

[0034] In the illustrated configuration, the housing 102 includes a first housing portion 104 and a second housing portion 106. The first housing portion 104 and the second housing portion 106 can be removably coupled together. As shown in FIG. 3 A, a first internal volume 182 can be defined within the first housing portion 104 and a second internal volume 184 can be defined within the second housing portion 106. The adjustment assembly 200 and / or the motor and spindle assembly 300 can be housed within the first internal volume 182 of the first housing portion 104. In some embodiments, the second internal volume 184 of the second housing portion 106 can be used to collect the removed burrs and / or other material from the skate blades after the deburring system 100 is used in a deburring process.

[0035] In the illustrated configuration, the first housing portion 104 includes a first top housing portion 110 and a first bottom housing portion 112. The first bottom housing portion 112 and the first top housing portion 110 can be removably coupled together. Removing the first top housing portion 110 from the first bottom housing portion 112 provides access to the first internal volume 182. In the illustrated configuration, the second housing portion 106 includes a second top housing portion 114 and a second bottom housing portion 116.

[0036] The deburring system 100 can include a blade guide 126. The blade guide 126 can be used to guide a skate blade along a defined path to engage the disc 360, as described further herein. The blade guide 126 can be coupled to the housing 102. For example, the blade guide 126 can be removably coupled to the second top housing portion 114. The second top housing portion 114 can include an opening 120 positioned adjacent the blade guide 126. Theopening 120 allows the disc 360 to extend partially through the housing 102 to allow for engagement with a skate blade.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the deburring system 100 can include a power switch 144. The power switch 144 can be used to control power supplied to the electrical components of the deburring system 100, including a controller 146 of the deburring system 100 (see e.g., FIG. 3A). When the deburring system 100 is powered on, an indicator 142 can display a visual indication to the operator. In the illustrated configuration, the indicator 142 is positioned on a top of the housing 102. Activating the power switch 144 can cause the disc 360 to begin rotating for a deburring process.

[0038] In some configurations, the deburring system 100 is configured for operation on a flat surface, such as a table or workbench. In such configurations, the housing 102 can include legs 140 for supporting the deburring system 100 above the flat surface. In other configurations, the deburring system 100 may be configured to be wall-mounted. In such configurations, the legs 140 may not be included. Instead, the deburring system 100 may include a bracket or other support portion on the bottom of the housing 102 to permit wall mounting.

[0039] FIGS. 3A and 3B show a top perspective view and a top view respectively of the deburring system 100 with the top housings portions 110, 114 removed. FIG. 4A shows a top perspective view of the deburring system 100 with the first top housing portion 110 removed and FIG. 4B shows another top perspective view of the deburring system 100 with both top housings portions 110, 114 removed. As shown, the housing 102 can include an internal wall 170. The internal wall 170 can form part of the first housing portion 104. The internal wall 170 can extend from the bottom to the top of the housing 102. The internal wall 170 can separate the first internal volume 182 of the first housing portion 104 from the second internal volume 184 of the second housing portion 106. It can be desirable for the internal volumes 182, 184 to be separated from each other to prevent the removed burrs from damaging the electrical and mechanical components (e.g., the controller 146, the adjustment assembly 200, the motor and spindle assembly 300, etc.) housed in the first internal volume 182.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3B, the internal wall 170 can include an opening 173. The opening 173 allows a portion of the motor and spindle assembly 300 (e.g., a spindle shaft 306) to extend through the internal wall 170.

[0041] With continued reference to FIGS. 3A-4B, the internal wall 170 can extend over a portion of the second housing portion 106. The first bottom housing portion 112 can include cutout portions 172a, 172b at the sides of the internal wall 170 that allow the second bottom housing portion 116 to partially overlap with the first bottom housing portion 112. For example, the cutout portions 172a, 172b can be rectangularly shaped indents of the first bottom housing portion 112 formed by the internal wall 170. As described below with reference to at least FIGS. 5A-5D, these cutout portions 172a, 172b can facilitate the removable coupling between the first housing portion 104 and the second housing portion 106.

[0042] FIGS. 5 A and 5B show a top view and a side view respectively of the second housing portion 106 being removed from the first housing portion 104. FIGS. 5C and 5D show detailed views of portions of the housing portions 104, 106 and an embodiment of lock assembly 150. As described above, the first housing portion 104 and the second housing portion 106 can be removably coupled to each other. The second housing portion 106 can be removed from the first housing portion 104 to access the second internal volume 184. For example, an operator may access the second internal volume 184 to remove the accumulated burrs after completing one or more deburring processes.

[0043] In the illustrated configuration, the second housing portion 106 is configured to pivot relative to the first housing portion 104 between a locked position and an unlocked position. A lock assembly 150 can be used to lock the second housing portion 106 to the first housing portion 104. Actuation of the lock assembly 150 can allow the second housing portion 106 to be removed from the first housing portion 104.

[0044] In the illustrated configuration, the first housing portion 104 and the second housing portion 106 can be coupled together using projections formed on both housing portions 104, 106. For example, the second bottom housing portion 116 can include a first projection 190 formed on a first side of the second bottom housing portion 116 and a second projection 186 formed on an opposite second side. As shown in FIG. 3B, on the second side, the second projection 186 can extend into the second cutout 172b. The second projection 186 can be positioned adjacent a projection 176 of the first housing portion 104. In a locked configuration, the second projection 186 of the second housing portion 106 and the projection 176 of the first housing portion 104 can be interlocked with each other.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, the lock assembly 150 can be positioned on the first side of the housing 102. The lock assembly 150 can include a movable projection 152 that can move between a locked position / configuration and an unlocked position / configuration. In the locked configuration, the movable projection 152 can extend from the first bottom housing portion 112 into the second internal volume 184 of the second bottom housing portion 116 via an opening 174 in the cutout portion 172a. The movable projection 152 can be positioned adjacent the first projection 190 of the second bottom housing portion 116. Accordingly, in the locked position, the movable projection 152 and the first projection 190 can be interlocked with each other, preventing lateral movement of the housing portions 104, 106 away from each other. Additionally, the second bottom housing portion 116 can include an extension portion 175 positioned below the movable projection 152 to prevent vertical movement of the second housing portion 106 relative to the first housing portion 104 in the locked position.

[0046] To allow the second housing portion 106 to be removed from the first housing portion 104, the lock assembly 150 can be actuated, causing the movable projection 152 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position. In the illustrated configuration, the movable projection 152 extends from an arm 154 that extends from a support portion 156. The support portion 156 can be coupled to or can form a portion of the first bottom housing portion 112. The arm 154 can be configured to deflect relative to the support portion 156. To move the movable projection 152 to the unlocked position, a button 160 coupled to or in contact with the arm 154 can be engaged. The button 160 can extend through an opening 162 in the housing 102. Engagement of the button 160 causes the arm 154 to deflect and the movable projection 152 to move to the unlocked position (e.g., where the movable projection 152 does not extend or extends minimally through the opening 174. In this unlocked position, the movable projection 152 does not contact the first projection 190 of the second bottom housing portion 116, such that lateral movement of the housing portions 104, 106 is possible on the second side. Further, in the unlocked position, the lateral movement of the second housing portion 106 relative to the first housing portion 104 does not cause contact between the extension portion 175 and the movable projection 152. Accordingly, when the lock assembly 150 is moved to the unlocked position, the second housing portion 106 can be rotatedand pivoted relative to the first housing portion 104, allowing the two housing portions 104, 106 to be separated from each other.

[0047] In the illustrated configuration, the lock assembly 150 includes a spring 164. The spring 164 can extend between a spring support 166 and the arm 154. The spring 164 is configured to bias the movable projection 152 to the locked position. For example, the spring 164 can bias the arm 154 away from the spring support 166. When the button 160 is engaged, the spring 164 can become compressed. When the button 160 is disengaged, the spring 164 can elongate, returning the movable projection 152 to the locked position.

[0048] The attachment between the first housing portion 104 and the second housing portion 106 provides a benefit of allowing the two components to be separated from each other in an simple manner without requiring fasteners. As such, the second housing portion 106 can be quickly removed from the first housing portion 104 and emptied before the deburring system 100 is reassembled for use. In other embodiments, conventional fastening methods can be used to removably couple the first housing portion 104 to the second housing portion 106.

[0049] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the second housing portion 106 once removed from the first housing portion 104. As described above, burrs from the deburring process can accumulate in second internal volume 184 of the second housing portion 106. The accumulated burrs may be removed from the second housing portion 106 before recoupling the second housing portion 106 to the first housing portion 104.

[0050] In some embodiments, collecting the burrs and other debris (e.g., worn portions of the disc 360) in the second housing portion 106 can provide a benefit of maintaining a clean work environment where the deburring system 100 is used. Additionally, collecting these byproducts of the deburring process also helps reduce any health risk to the operator. For example, this collection can reduce the chance of the operator ingesting, inhaling, or cutting themselves on the byproduct. The rotation of the disc 360 and gravity can help the debris and burrs fall into the second internal volume 184 of the deburring system 100. In some embodiments, a suction system can be housed within the second internal volume 184 to create a negative pressure to cause the debris and burrs to be pulled into the second internal volume 184.

[0051] FIG. 7 shows a partial exploded view of an embodiment of the adjustment assembly 200 and an embodiment of the motor and spindle assembly 300 of the deburring system 100. The disc 360 can be coupled to motor and spindle assembly 300 such that the disc 360 can be rotated to remove burrs from skate blades. The adjustment assembly 200 can be configured to change the position of the disc 360 relative to the blade guide 126. An operator may wish to change the position of the disc 360 relative to the blade guide 126 (and the received skate blade) as the disc 360 wears over time.

[0052] In some cases, positioning the disc 360 closer to the skate blade can increase the preload on the disc 360, allowing for faster burr removal or removal of a greater number of burrs compared to when the disc 360 is positioned further from the skate blade. In other embodiments, the position of the disc 360 can be fixed, and an adjustment system can be used to change the position of the blade guide 126 relative to the disc 360.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 7, the disc 360 can include an edge 362 that extends around its circumference (e.g., circumferentially about the disc 360). The edge 362 can be the portion of the disc 360 that contacts the skate blade to remove the burrs. Maximum contact between the disc 360 and the skate blade can occur when the edge 362 is aligned parallel to the blade guide 126. The disc 360 can be angled relative to the blade guide 126 so that the edge 362 is substantially parallel to the blade guide 126.

[0054] In some embodiments, the face of the disc 360 can be at an angle between 5 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the skate blade path defined by the blade guide 126. In some embodiments, the face of the disc 360 can be at an angle between 30 degrees and 45 degrees relative to the skate blade path defined by the blade guide 126. In some embodiments, the face of the disc 360 can be at an angle of approximately 37.5 degrees relative to the skate blade path defined by the blade guide 126 when new, and the angle can change as the disc wears over time to an angle of approximately 41 degrees. In some embodiments, the adjustment assembly 200 can be configured to adjust the position of the disc 360 relative to the blade guide 126 while maintaining parallel alignment between the edge 362 and the blade guide 126, which is desirable for repeatable deburring processes.

[0055] The edge 362 can be manufactured with a chamfer that matches the angle that the blade guide 126 makes with the skate blade. For example, this chamfer on the disc 360 can create a line contact between the disc 360 and the edge of the skate blade instead of a pointcontact. The rigidity of the disc 360 can help to engage the face of the skate blade without interfacing with the bottom edge of the skate blade. In this manner, the burrs can be removed without affecting the edges of the skate blade. In some embodiments, the composite structure of the disc 360 can be configured to have the rigidity necessary to keep the disc 360 engaged with the face of the skate blade.

[0056] The disc 360 can be made of an abrasive material to remove the burrs from the skate blades. Accordingly, the disc 360 may be referred to as an “abrasive disc”. The abrasive material of the disc 360 can have a hardness that is less than the hardness of typical skate blades, resulting in portions of the disc 360 being removed during use and the size of the disc 360 being reduced over time. For example, wearing down the disc 360 occurs as the abrasive material is shaved off during the deburring process. As the diameter of the disc 360 decreases, the distance between the edge 362 of the disc 360 and the blade guide 126 is increased. The position of the disc 360 can be adjusted closer to the blade guide 126 or vice versa to maintain the proper contact force between the skate blade and the disc 360 for burr removal.

[0057] In some embodiments, the disc 360 can be made of a composite of an abrasive material and a binder. In such embodiments, the ratio of abrasive material to binder and the abrasive grit size can both be modified to change the effectiveness of the disc 360 in removing burrs. These parameters, along with the chosen binder material, can also influence the wear rate of the deburring disc. In some embodiments, the percentage of grit in the composite can range from approximately 5% to 95%. In other embodiments, the disc 360 can be coated with an abrasive material.

[0058] In the illustrated configuration, the motor and spindle assembly 300 is coupled to a chassis 304. The chassis 304 can be coupled to the housing 102 (e.g., the first bottom housing portion 112) via a pivot assembly 310. The chassis 304 can be rotated relative to the housing 102 at the pivot assembly 310. The adjustment assembly 200 can be configured to move the chassis 304 about the pivot assembly 310.

[0059] With additional reference to FIG. 9, the chassis 304 can be coupled to the housing 102 at one or more locations, in addition to the pivot assembly 310. For example, the chassis 304 can include one or more openings for engaging guide bushings coupled to the housing 102. In the illustrated configuration, the chassis 304 includes a first opening 316 anda second opening 320. The openings 316, 320 can be shaped to mirror the rotational path of the chassis 304 about the pivot assembly 310. A first guide bushing 322 can extend through the first opening 316 and a second guide bushing 324 can extend through the second opening 320. The guide bushings 322, 324 can provide precise, low-friction guidance and alignment for the rotation of the chassis 304 about the pivot assembly 310.

[0060] The adjustment assembly 200 can be any assembly that can move the chassis 304 about the pivot assembly 310 to adjust the position of the disc 360 relative to the blade guide 126. The adjustment assembly 200 can move or rotate the chassis 304 about the pivot assembly 310 to adjust the position of the disc 360 relative to the blade guide 126 so that the edge 362 can maintain proper contact with any skate blades received within the blade guide 126. The adjustment assembly 200 can be configured to adjust the position of the disc 360 so that the edge 362 remains substantially parallel to the blade guide 126 at all rotational positions of the chassis 304.

[0061] In the illustrated configuration, the adjustment assembly 200 includes a handle or knob 202, an upper portion 204, a middle portion 206, and a lower portion 210. The lower portion 210 is shown as transparent with broken lines in FIGS. 7 and 9 for illustrative purposes. The lower portion can also be referred to as a guide member.

[0062] The knob 202 can be accessible to the operator outside of the housing 102 (see e.g., FIG. 1). The knob 202 can be rotatably coupled to the housing 102 (e.g., the first top housing portion 110). As the operator rotates the knob 202 in a first direction, the disc 360 can be moved closer to the blade guide 126. As the operator rotates the knob 202 in a second direction opposite the first direction, the disc 360 can move further away from the blade guide 126.

[0063] The chassis 304 and the lower portion 210 of the adjustment assembly 200 are shown in a detailed view in FIG. 9 with other components of the deburring system 100 removed. A bottom view of the lower portion 210 is shown in FIG. 10. The lower portion 210 of the adjustment assembly 200 can be rotatably coupled to the housing 102 (e.g., first bottom housing portion 112). The lower portion 210 can be configured to rotate about a pivot point 214. The pivot point 214 can define the rotational axis of the adjustment assembly 200. For example, the lower portion 210 can be coupled to a pivot assembly (not shown) at the pivot point 214.

[0064] The lower portion 210 of the adjustment assembly 200 can engage the chassis 304 to cause the chassis 304 to move about the pivot assembly 310. The chassis 304 can include a cam follower 234 that can be coupled to a top side of the chassis 304. The lower portion 210 can include a guide path 216 for receiving the cam follower 234. The guide path 216 can be spiral shaped. The spiral of the guide path 216 can have an increasing radius in one direction about the pivot point 214. Accordingly, engagement between the cam follower 234 and the guide path 216 causes the cam follower 234 to move closer to or further away from the lower portion 210 because of the increasing radius of the guide path 216. As the lower portion 210 is rotated about the pivot point 214, engagement between the spiral guide path 216 and the cam follower 234 causes the chassis 304 to pivot about the pivot assembly 310, moving the disc 360 closer to or further from the blade guide 126, depending on the direction of rotation.

[0065] The lower portion 210 of the adjustment assembly 200 can include a shaft 212. The axis of the shaft 212 is aligned with the pivot point 214. The knob 202 can be coupled to the shaft 212 such that rotation of the knob 202 causes corresponding rotation of the lower portion 210 and the chassis 304. In part due to the spiral guide path 216, the rotational distance of travel of the knob 202 may not be equal to the rotational travel of the chassis 304 about the pivot assembly 310.

[0066] The adjustment assembly 200 can include one or more components configured to provide audible and / or tactile feedback to the operator. In the illustrated configuration, the adjustment assembly 200 includes the upper portion 204 and the middle portion 206 which together can provide the audible and tractile feedback when moved relative to each other.

[0067] FIGS. 8A and 8B show a partial exploded view and an assembled view respectively of the knob 202, the upper portion 204, and the middle portion 206 of the adjustment assembly 200. The upper portion 204 can be coupled to the knob 202 and can be configured to rotate with the knob 202 relative to the housing 102. The upper portion 204 includes an opening 222 that allows the shaft 212 of the lower portion 210 to extend through the upper portion 204 to the knob 202. The upper portion 204 can include a first plurality of detents 226 on a lower surface thereof. The first plurality of detents 226 can be a plurality of teeth or projections radially disposed about the opening 222.

[0068] The middle portion 206 of the adjustment assembly 200 can be positioned between the upper portion 204 and the lower portion 210. The middle portion 206 can be rotationally fixed relative to the housing 102. In the illustrated configuration, the middle portion 206 can move vertically relative to the housing 102. For example, the middle portion 206 can include one or more projections 207 that extend radially from the middle portion 206. The projections 207 can be received within linear guides (not shown) of the housing 102 (e.g., the first top housing portion 110) such that rotation is restricted while vertical movement is permitted.

[0069] The middle portion 206 can include a second plurality of detents 230 on an upper surface thereof. The second plurality of detents 230 can be a plurality of teeth or projections radially disposed about an opening 224 of the middle portion 206. The opening 224 can allow the shaft 212 of the lower portion 210 to pass through the middle portion 206. When positioned on the shaft 212 via the opening 224, the middle portion 206 can be supported by a spring 232 disposed on the shaft 212. The spring 232 can bias the middle portion 206 away from the lower portion 210 and towards the upper portion 204.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 8B, in the assembled adjustment assembly 200, the middle portion 206 can be positioned against the upper portion 204 such that the first plurality of detents 226 engage and interlock with the second plurality of detents 230. The spring 232 on the shaft 212 can bias the middle portion 206 to this position. As the operator rotates the knob 202 relative to the housing 102, the first plurality of detents 226 can move relative to the second plurality of detents 230, which can produce an audible click noise as the detents 226, 230 disengage and reengage each other. Each click can correspond to one position adjustment of the disc 360 relative to the blade guide 126. Accordingly, the adjustment assembly 200 can provide the user with feedback when the position of the disc 360 has been adjusted. The force of the first plurality of detents 226 against the second plurality of detents 230 during rotation of the knob 202 can cause the middle portion 206 to move towards the lower portion 210. Once the operator stops rotating the knob 202, the spring 232 can bias the middle portion 206 towards the upper portion 204, causing the detents 226, 230 to reengage.

[0071] In the illustrated configuration, the adjustment assembly 200 is configured for manual adjustment of the position of the disc 360. In other configurations, the deburring system 100 can include an adjustment assembly configured to automatically change theposition of the disc 360 and / or the blade guide 126 relative to each other. For example, the deburring system 100 could include one or more sensors (e.g. IR sensors, capacitive sensors, hall effect sensors, and / or the like) configured to measure the gap between the edge 362 of the disc 360 and the blade guide 126. In this example, the one or more sensors could adjust the relative positions of the blade guide 126 and the disc 360 to maintain a threshold gap distance. For example, the one or more sensors could be configured to control an actuator (e.g. a stepper motor, a linear actuator, a DC motor, and / or the like) to move the one or both of the disc 360 or the blade guide 126 to maintain the threshold gap for proper deburring.

[0072] As described above, the adjustment assembly 200 can be used to adjust the position of the disc 360 relative to the blade guide 126 as the disc 360 wears over time. The disc 360 can be worn due to continued engagement with skate blades. After a certain amount of wear, the disc 360 should be replaced to prevent damage to the deburring system 100 and / or to prevent injury to the operator. Accordingly, it is desirable for the deburring system 100 to indicate to the user when the usable life of the disc 360 has expired.

[0073] In the illustrated configuration, the deburring system 100 can include a limit switch 326 configured to prevent operation of the deburring system 100 when the usable life of the disc 360 has expired. As shown in FIG. 9, the limit switch 326 can be positioned on the chassis 304 adjacent the lower portion 210 of the adjustment assembly 200. The limit switch 326 can include a projection 330. Engagement of the projection 330 can cause the power to a motor 302 of the motor and spindle assembly 300 to be interrupted such that the motor 302 can no longer drive the rotation of the disc 360.

[0074] As shown in at least FIG. 10, the lower portion 210 of the adjustment assembly 200 can include a switch trip protrusion 220. The switch trip protrusion 220 can be a projection extending from the lower portion 210. The lower portion 210 can be configured such that the switch trip protrusion 220 engages the projection 330 of the limit switch 326 when the disc 360 is expired. For example, the switch trip protrusion 220 may only engage the projection 330 of the limit switch 326 when the disc 360 has worn down to its expired size. The projection 330 can also define the maximum rotational position of the adjustment assembly 200, because the projection 330 prevents further rotation of the adjustment assembly 200 after engaging the switch trip protrusion 220. Advantageously, including the limit switch 326 can prevent the operator from attempting to extend the life of the disc 360 beyond amanufacturer's recommended useable life, which may cause damage to the deburring system 100, the skate blade being deburred, or cause injury to the user.

[0075] In other embodiments, the deburring system 100 can be configured to indicate to the operator when the usable life of the disc 360 has expired without a limit switch 326. In one example, the disc 360 can include a molded-in feature that indicates that the disc 360 is at or nearing the end of its functional life. For example, the molded-in feature can become exposed due to the wear of the disc 360. With this molded-in feature, the operator will know that it is time to discard and replace the disc 360 with a new disc 360. The molded feature can be painted on the disc 360 or an applied edge of a matching or distinct color. In an alternate embodiment, the end-of-life feature could be a different material and / or a different color. In an alternate embodiment, the end-of-life feature could have a series of holes or features in the disc 360 to introduce an unwanted vibration detectable by the operator or by the controller 146. In an alternate embodiment, the visible wear feature could be part of the hub substrate of the disc 360. In such an embodiment, this end-of-life feature on the hub could be captured in a molding process of the disc 360 and the end-of-life feature would be exposed only when the disc 360 is worn down in diameter to the point where the feature signals to the operator that the disc 360 needs to be replaced. In an alternate embodiment, the disc 360 can include a wear feature created with a material with different friction characteristics (or any characteristics that would affect motor load), so that the motor load is distinctly different, which could be felt by the operator or measured in the motor current by the controller 146. In an alternative embodiment, one or more sensors can be incorporated into the deburring system 100 to detect the wear of the disc 360.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 9, the deburring system 100 can optionally include a spring 356 that is coupled to both the chassis 304 and the housing 102. The spring 356 can be configured to prevent backlash on the chassis 304 when the operator engages the disc 360 with a skate blade so that the position of the disc 360 is precisely controlled.

[0077] Referring now to FIGS. 11-13, a partial exploded view of the deburring system 100, atop detailed view of the deburring system 100 with the blade guide 126 removed, and a cross-sectional detailed view of the disc 360 and blade guide 126 are shown respectively. The blade guide 126 can be configured to be removably coupled to the housing 102 (e.g., the second top housing 114). The blade guide 126 can include a blade groove 130. The bladegroove 130 can be a recessed portion of the blade guide 126. The blade groove 130 can have a U-shape. The blade groove 130 is configured to receive a skate blade for a deburring operation. The blade guide 126 can be made of a material that does not wear at an appreciable rate from continued engagement with skate blades. The width of the blade groove 130 can be sized to accommodate the skate blade.

[0078] The blade groove 130 defines a path for the skate blade along its length that allows the skate blade to engage the disc 360 to remove burrs. For example, the skate blade can be translated along the length of the blade groove 130 from right to left in the orientation of FIGS. 2 and 12A. During the deburring process, the operator can maintain contact with an outside edge 131 of the blade groove 130 to maintain a consistent distance between the disc 360 and the skate blade. The blade guide 126 can include an opening 132 to accommodate the disc 360 and to allow a portion of the disc 360 to extend into the blade groove 130. The opening 132 in the blade guide 126 can be aligned with the opening 120 of the housing 102 (see e.g., FIG. 12).

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the deburring system 100 can include an adjustment guide 134. The adjustment guide 134 is configured to engage the disc 360 when the disc 360 is at its closest position relative to the blade guide 126. For example, contact between the disc 360 and the adjustment guide 134 can define a maximum position for the disc 360. The adjustment guide 134 can extend closer to the disc 360 than the outside edge 131 of the blade groove 130. The adjustment guide 134 can also extend past the opening 132 in the blade groove 130. Accordingly, the disc 360 will contact the adjustment guide 134 before contacting the blade guide 126.

[0080] In use, the operator can adjust the position of the disc 360 (e.g., using the adjustment assembly 200) until the disc 360 contacts the adjustment guide 134. The operator can then move the disc 360 at least one position back (e.g., one audible click) from the closest position so that the disc 360 disengages the adjustment guide 134. In some embodiments, the adjustment guide 134 can be configured to produce a sound when in contact with the rotating disc 360. The blade guide 126 can be made of a material that does not wear at an appreciable rate if engaged with the disc 360. In one embodiment, the adjustment guide 134 is made of hardened stainless steel.

[0081] In the illustrated configuration, the adjustment guide 134 is positioned below the blade guide 126. For example, the blade guide 126 can be removed from the housing 102 to access the adjustment guide 134. The adjustment guide 134 can be removably coupled to the housing 102 (e.g., the second top housing 114) using a fastener 136 or another mechanical coupling. The deburring system 100 can include one or more locating pins 137 configured to be received by the adjustment guide 134 to ensure precise alignment when the adjustment guide 134 is removed or replaced. The operator may remove the adjustment guide 134 to replace it with a different sized adjustment guide 134. For example, an adjustment guide 134 with a smaller width allows the disc 360 to be positioned closer to the skate blade during the deburring process. This arrangement may be desirable to increase the preload on the disc 360, which can allow for faster deburring. Additionally, different sized adjustment guides 134 may be required when different discs 360 with different abrasive compounds are used that require different preloads. In some cases, different sized adjustments guides 134 can also be used to accommodate skate blades with different thicknesses.

[0082] With reference now to FIG. 14, an isolation view of the motor and spindle assembly 300, the chassis 304, and the disc 360 is shown. In the illustrated configuration, the motor and spindle assembly 300 includes a motor 302 and a spindle shaft 306. The disc 360 can be coupled to the spindle shaft 306. The spindle shaft 306 can be coupled to the motor 302 to drive rotation of the disc 360.

[0083] The motor and spindle assembly 300 can be coupled to and supported by the chassis 304. This arrangement allows the position of the motor and spindle assembly 300 to be adjusted relative to the housing 102 so that the position of the disc 360 can be adjusted relative to the blade guide 126. In the illustrated configuration, the chassis 304 includes an attachment portion 312 for coupling the motor 302 to the chassis 304. The attachment portion 312 can be a vertical extension of the chassis 304 relative to the housing 102. Fasteners 314 can be used to couple the motor 302 to the attachment portion 312.

[0084] With continued reference to FIG. 14, the motor and spindle assembly 300 can include a bearing assembly 390. The spindle shaft 306 can extend through and be supported by the bearing assembly 390. The bearing assembly 390 can house one or more bearings (not shown) that engage the spindle shaft 306 and provide for precise rotation with minimal eccentricity. For example, the bearing assembly 390 can rotatably support the spindle shaft 306to permit controlled rotation about the rotational axis of the spindle shaft 306, while constraining lateral and axial movement. This arrangement allows for smooth, low-friction rotation of the spindle shaft 306 about its rotational axis. This arrangement can also provide precise alignment of the spindle shaft 306, such that disc 360 only travels along the controlled path designed by the rotation of the chassis 304 relative to the housing 102.

[0085] Referring now to FIGS. 15A-15C, various isolation views and exploded views of the motor and spindle assembly 300 and the disc 360 are shown, with select components removed. In the illustrated configuration, the spindle shaft 306 is not directly coupled to a motor shaft 386 of the motor 302. Instead, a shaft lock assembly 332 is used as an intermediate connection between the motor shaft 386 and the spindle shaft 306. The shaft lock assembly 332 is configured to couple the spindle shaft 306 to the motor 302. This arrangement can allow for slight misalignment between the motor 302 and the spindle shaft 306, which is desirable to accommodate for. For example, the alignment of the spindle shaft 306 can be fixed using the bearing assembly 390, and minor deviation between the spindle shaft 306 and the motor shaft 386 can be accommodated by the shaft lock assembly 332.

[0086] The shaft lock assembly 332 can be made of an elastomeric material (e.g., rubber) to allow for the minor alignment deviations. The elastomeric shaft lock assembly 332 can also prevent or reduce motor vibrations from the motor 302 from being transferred to the disc 360, which is desirable. In other embodiments, the motor shaft 386 may be directly coupled to the spindle shaft 306.

[0087] In the illustrated configuration, the shaft lock assembly 332 includes a first inner portion 334, a second inner portion 336, and an outer portion 340. The first inner portion 334 can be coupled to the motor shaft 386. For example, the first inner portion 334 can include an opening 346 for receiving the motor shaft 386. The second inner portion 336 can be coupled to the spindle shaft 306. For example, the second inner portion 336 can include an opening 350 for receiving the spindle shaft 306. Both inner portions 334, 336 can be received within an aperture 352 of the outer portion 340. The aperture 352 can extend along the length of the outer portion 340 and can be substantially axially aligned with the spindle shaft 306 and the motor shaft 386. Once the inner portions 334, 336 are received within the aperture 352, the motor shaft 386 is rotatably coupled to the spindle shaft 306, and the motor 302 can drive the rotation of the disc 360.

[0088] The aperture 352 of the outer portion 340 can have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the inner portions 334, 336. Preferably, the shape of the aperture 352 allows for the rotational motion of the motor shaft 386 to be transferred to corresponding rotational motion of the spindle shaft 306 without slipping. For example, the inner portions 334, 336 can be rotatably coupled to the outer portion 340 to permit the transfer of rotational motion. In the illustrated configuration, the inner portions 334, 336 are star-shaped, having projections 342, 344 respectively. The aperture 352 has a corresponding star-shape to receive the projections 342, 344. In other embodiments, other shapes can be used for the inner portions 334, 336 and the aperture 352. For example, the inner portions 334, 336 can include splines and the aperture 352 can include spline guides, the inner portions 334, 336 could have a keyed connection to the outer portion 340, and / or the like.

[0089] In addition to rotatably coupling the motor 302 to the spindle shaft 306, the shaft lock assembly 332 can also allow the rotational position of the spindle shaft 306 to be locked. For example, the spindle shaft 306 may need to be rotationally fixed to allow the disc 360 to be removed from the spindle shaft 306, depending on how the disc 360 is coupled to the spindle shaft 306. For example, where the disc 360 needs to be rotated relative to the spindle shaft 306 to be removed from the spindle shaft 306, it can be desirable to lock the rotational position of the spindle shaft 306 to facilitate easier removal of the disc 360.

[0090] To lock the rotational position of the spindle shaft 306, the outer portion 340 of the shaft lock assembly 332 can have one or more grooves 354 on its outer surface. For example, the outer portion 340 can include a plurality of grooves 354. To prevent rotation of the outer portion 340, a shaft (not shown) of a lock button 192 (see e.g., FIG. 4A) can be inserted into one of the grooves 354. When the shaft of the lock button 192 extends into one of the grooves 354, the rotational position of the shaft lock assembly 332 and the spindle shaft 306 can be fixed, allowing the disc 360 to be removed and replaced.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 4A, the lock button 192 can be positioned on the housing 102 so that the lock button 192 can be accessible by removing the second top housing 114. Advantageously, this arrangement can allow the disc 360 to be replaced, without requiring the operator to access the first internal volume 182, where the majority of the electrical and mechanical components of the deburring system 100 are located. The lock button 192 can be positioned so that it is disposed above the shaft lock assembly 332 along itsentire path (e.g., via rotation of the motor 302), in some configurations. Depression of the lock button 192 causes engagement between the lock button 192 and the shaft lock assembly 332, preventing rotation of the spindle shaft 306.

[0092] Referring now to FIGS. 16A and 16B, a perspective view and an exploded view of the spindle shaft 306 and the disc 360 are shown respectively. The disc 360 can include a coupling portion 366 for coupling to the spindle shaft 306. The coupling portion 366 can be disposed on a back side of the disc 360. In some embodiments, the coupling portion 366 is coupled to the disc 360. In other embodiments, the coupling portion 366 and the disc 360 are integrally formed.

[0093] The disc 360 is configured to be removably coupled to the spindle shaft 306 by the coupling portion 366. The spindle shaft 306 can include one or more projections 380 to facilitate the removable coupling. In the illustrated configuration, the spindle shaft 306 includes two projections 380 that extend perpendicularly to the rotational axis of the spindle shaft 306 on opposite sides of the spindle shaft 306. The coupling portion 366 can include a back opening 370 for receiving a portion of the spindle shaft 306 and the projections 380. The back opening 370 can be sized to accommodate projections 380 when aligned with the back opening 370. The back opening 370 can be connected to side openings 372 of the coupling portion 366. The side openings 372 can be disposed on opposite sides of the coupling portion 366. Only one of the side openings 372 is shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B for illustrative purposes. The side openings 372 can each include an axial portion 374 and a radial portion 376. The axial portion 374 and the radial portion 376 are connected together to form an L- shape. The axial portion 374 can extend parallel to the rotational axis of the spindle shaft 306. The radial portion 376 can extend perpendicularly to the axial portion 374.

[0094] To couple the disc 360 to the spindle shaft 306, the distal end of the spindle shaft 306 can be inserted into the back opening 370 of the coupling portion 366 and advanced into an opening 364 in the disc 360 (see e.g., FIG. 15C). The disc 360 can then be rotated about the rotational axis of the spindle shaft 306 so that the projections 380 are positioned in the radial portions 376 of side openings 372. Further rotation of the disc 360 relative to the spindle shaft 306 allows the projections 380 to be aligned and partially disposed within the axial portions 374 of the side openings 372. To lock the disc 360 to the spindle shaft 306, the disc 360 can be moved distally away from the spindle shaft 306 until the projections 380 are fullypositioned at the bottoms of the axial portions 374 of the side openings 372, as shown in FIG. 16A.

[0095] In the illustrated configuration, the spindle shaft 306 includes a spring 382 positioned along a portion of its length. The spring 382 can be configured to bias the disc 360 to the locked position on the spindle shaft 306. The spring 382 can extend between a spring stopper 384 (see e.g., FIG. 15C) and the projections 380. As shown in FIG. 16A, the spring 382 can engage the coupling portion 366 when the disc 360 is coupled to the spindle shaft 306 to provide a force in the distal direction such that the projections 380 remain positioned within the axial portions 374 of the side openings 372.

[0096] To remove the disc 360 from the spindle shaft 306, the operator can apply a proximal force on the disc 360 to compress the spring 382 so that the projections 380 are positioned within the radial portions 376 of the side openings 372. The disc 360 can then be rotated until the projections 380 are aligned with the back opening 370, and the disc 360 can be removed from the spindle shaft 306. As described above, the lock button 192 can be engaged with the shaft lock assembly 332 when removing or securing the disc 360 to the spindle shaft 306 to prevent the spindle shaft 306 from rotating.

[0097] During a deburring process, power can be supplied to the motor 302 to cause the disc 360 to rotate. The skate blade can then be positioned in the blade groove 130 of the blade guide 126 and can advanced along the blade groove 130, causing the edge 362 of the disc 360 to contact the skate blade and remove burrs from the skate blade. The removed burrs can be collected within the second internal volume 184 of the housing 102.

[0098] When the skate blade is engaged with the disc 360, the spring 382 can continue to bias the disc 360 away from the motor 302 and towards the skate blade. In some embodiments, the spring 382 can be configured with a set amount of deflection when in contact with the skate blade, such that the force applied in the deburring process can be held constant. A constant force can be desirable to ensure that the burrs are removed while also preventing damage to the skate blade. For example, a common issue for manual deburring operations is a high variation in the amount of force a user applies to remove the burrs. If the force is too low, the burrs do not get removed. If the force is too high, the blade can be damaged. Too much force can also result in slippage of the manual tools, which is one of the most common causes of operator injury and damage to the fragile edge of the skate blade.

[0099] The two internal volumes 182, 184 of the housing 102 are connected together at the opening 173 in the internal wall 170 (see e.g., FIG. 3B), which allows the spindle shaft 306 to extend through the internal wall 170. It is desirable to prevent removed burrs from skate blades from entering the first internal volume 182, which houses the electrical components of the deburring system 100. Accordingly, the opening 173 can be sized to only accommodate the maximum positions of the spindle shaft 306 when the motor and spindle assembly 300 is rotated about the pivot assembly 310 of the chassis 304.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 14, in some embodiments, including the illustrated configuration, the motor and spindle assembly 300 can include a shield portion 392 to assist with preventing burrs and another debris from entering the first internal volume 182 via the opening 173. The shield portion 392 can be coupled to the bearing assembly 390 and can include an opening 396 that allows the spindle shaft 306 to extend through the shield portion 392. The opening 396 can extend along the length of an outer shaft 398 of the shield portion 392. The shield portion 392 can include a first shield 394a and a second shield 394b that can be positioned on opposite sides of the outer shaft 398. In the assembled deburring system 100, the first shield 394a can be positioned on one side of the opening 173 of the internal wall 170 in the first internal volume 182 and the second shield 394b can be positioned on the opposite side of the opening 173 in the second internal volume 184, with the outer shaft 398 extending through the opening 173. The shields 394a, 394b can have a greater length than the length of the opening 173. Accordingly, the shields 394a, 394b can protect the opening 173 and minimize the amount of burrs that enter the first internal volume 182.

[0101] In some embodiments, the motor 302 can be configured to rotate the disc 360 at speeds between 1000 rpm and 10,000 rpm. In some embodiments, a rotational speed of approximately 3500 rpm is desirable. In some embodiments, the deburring system 100 is configured so that the disc 360 applies a force between 0.25N to 10N on the skate blade as the operator directs the skate blade through the blade guide 126 to contact the disc 360. In some embodiments, a force of approximately 2.9N is preferable.

[0102] In the illustrated configuration, the deburring system 100 is configured so that the operator manually drives the skate blade along the length of the blade guide 126 to remove burrs. In other embodiments, the deburring system 100 may be configured to automatically advance the skate blade along the blade guide 126 to contact the disc 360.

[0103] In the illustrated configuration, the deburring system 100 includes a single disc 360. Accordingly, the operator can advance the skate blade along the blade guide 126 with one side in contact with the disc 360 and then rotate the skate blade so that the second side contacts the disc 360. In other embodiments, the deburring system 100 can include two discs 360, with one disposed on each side of the blade guide 126. In such embodiments, only a single pass of the skate blade along the blade guide 126 is required as one disc 360 contacts each side of the skate blade.

[0104] In some embodiments, the deburring system 100 can include a stall protection system configured to cut off power to the motor 302 if the disc 360 stalls. The disc 360 could stall due to contact with a skate lace, or any other foreign object that prevents rotation. By shutting off the motor 302, the stall protection system can prevent damage to the deburring system 100 and / or injury to the operator. In one example, the stall protection system can include an encoder on the motor 302 configured to detect stall conditions. For example, the stall condition could be detected based on monitoring the current passing through the motor 302.

[0105] In some embodiments, the controller 146 of the deburring system 100 is configured to monitor the current load of the motor 302 and cut off power to the motor 302 after a preset amount of time has elapsed where the controller 146 determines no deburring process is being performed. This configuration can be desirable to prevent wasting electricity, reduce excess wear on moving parts, and / or to prevent injury due to accidental contact with the disc 360. For example, if the current drops below a threshold amount for a threshold time, the controller 146 can cut off power to the motor 302. Any number of methods could be used to detect non-use of the deburring system 100, including an infrared emitt er / detect or pair, a hall effect sensor, a mechanical switch in blade groove 130 of the blade guide 126, and / or the like.

[0106] FIGS. 17A-17G illustrate various views of an embodiment of a disc for a deburring system. For example, the disc of FIGS. 17A-17G can be the disc 360 for the deburring system 100. In FIGS. 17A-17G, broken lines are used to illustrate portions of the DISC that form no part of the claimed design. In some embodiments, lines that are currently illustrated as broken may be redrawn as solid lines, and lines that are currently illustrated assolid may be redrawn as broken lines. The scope of the present disclosure encompasses all illustrated lines, whether broken or solid.Examples

[0107] Various example embodiments of the disclosure can be described by the following clauses:

[0108] Clause 1. A system for removing metallic burrs from an ice skate blade, the system comprising: a motor comprising a motor shaft; a spindle shaft coupled to the motor shaft; and a disc coupled to the spindle shaft, the motor configured to rotate the disc to remove the metallic burrs when engaged with the ice skate blade.

[0109] Clause 2. The system of clause 1, further comprising: a blade guide comprising a groove for receiving the ice skate blade, the groove defining a path of travel for the ice skate blade that causes the ice skate blade to engage the disc.

[0110] Clause 3. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the blade guide comprises an opening extending into the groove, the opening configured to allow at least a portion of the disc to extend into the groove.

[0111] Clause 4. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the disc comprises an edge extending circumferentially about the disc, wherein the edge is aligned parallel to the groove.

[0112] Clause 5. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the edge is at an angle relative to a face of the disc.

[0113] Clause 6. The system of any preceding clause, further comprising: an adjustment assembly configured to change a position of the blade guide relative to the disc.

[0114] Clause 7. The system of any preceding clause, further comprising: an adjustment assembly configured to change a position of the disc relative to the blade guide.

[0115] Clause 8. The system of any preceding clause, further comprising: a housing comprising an internal volume, the motor positioned within the internal volume.

[0116] Clause 9. The system of any preceding clause, further comprising: a chassis coupled to the housing by a pivot assembly within the internal volume, wherein the motor is coupled to the chassis, wherein the adjustment assembly if configured to rotate the chassis about the pivot assembly.

[0117] Clause 10. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the adjustment assembly comprises a knob disposed on an outer surface of the housing, wherein rotation of the knob causes the chassis to rotate about the pivot assembly.

[0118] Clause 11. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the adjustment assembly further comprises a lower portion comprising a spiral shaped guide and a shaft, the knob rotatably coupled to the shaft, the spiral shaped guide configured to receive a cam follower coupled to the chassis.

[0119] Clause 12. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the spiral shaped guide has an increasing radius about a rotational axis of the shaft.

[0120] Clause 13. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the adjustment assembly further comprises an upper portion comprising a first plurality of detents and a middle portion comprising a second plurality of detents, the first plurality of detents facing the second plurality of detents, wherein rotation of the upper portion relative to the middle portion causes the first plurality of detents and the second plurality of detents to engage to produce an audible click.

[0121] Clause 14. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the upper portion is rotationally coupled to the knob and the middle portion is rotationally fixed to the housing.

[0122] Clause 15. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the middle portion is configured to move vertically relative to the housing, the middle portion being supported by a spring disposed on the shaft of the lower portion.

[0123] Clause 16. The system of any preceding clause, further comprising: a limit switch electrically connected to the motor or a controller of the motor, the limit switch configured to cut power to the motor when engaged.

[0124] Clause 17. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the lower portion of the adjustment assembly further comprises a switch trip, wherein the switch trip engages the limit switch when the chassis is rotated to a maximum position.

[0125] Clause 18. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the switch trip engages the limit switch when a useable life of the disc has expired.

[0126] Clause 19. The system of any preceding clause, further comprising a spring extending between the chassis and the housing, the spring configured to reduce backlash due to engagement between the disc and the ice skate blade.

[0127] Clause 20. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the housing comprises a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the first housing portion comprising an internal wall separating the internal volume into a first internal volume defined within the first housing portion and a second internal volume defined within the second housing portion.

[0128] Clause 21. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the first internal volume houses the chassis and the motor.

[0129] Clause 22. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the second internal volume is configured to receive and collect the metallic burrs removed from the ice skate blade.

[0130] Clause 23. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the first housing portion is removably coupled to the second housing portion.

[0131] Clause 24. The system of any preceding clause, further comprising a lock assembly configured to move between a locked configuration in which the first housing portion is locked to the second housing portion and an unlocked configuration in which the second housing portion is removable from the first housing portion.

[0132] Clause 25. The system of any preceding clause, further comprising: an adjustment guide, the adjustment guide positioned to contact the disc when the disc is at a closest position relative to the blade guide.

[0133] Clause 26. The system of any preceding clause, wherein engagement between the adjustment guide and the disc while the disc is rotating produces audible feedback.

[0134] Clause 27. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the adjustment guide is positioned below the blade guide.

[0135] Clause 28. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the blade guide is removably coupled to the housing, wherein the blade guide is configured to be removed from the housing to access the adjustment guide.

[0136] Clause 29. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the spindle shaft is rotatably coupled to a bearing assembly.

[0137] Clause 30. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the bearing assembly is coupled to the chassis.

[0138] Clause 31. The system of any preceding clause, further comprising: a shaft lock assembly, the shaft lock assembly disposed between the motor shaft and the spindle shaft and configured to transfer rotational motion of the motor shaft to the spindle shaft.

[0139] Clause 32. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the shaft lock assembly comprises an elastomeric material.

[0140] Clause 33. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the shaft lock assembly comprises: a first inner portion configured to be coupled to the motor shaft; a second inner portion configured to be coupled to the spindle shaft; and an outer portion comprising an aperture configured to receive the first inner portion and the second inner portion.

[0141] Clause 34. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the first inner portion comprises one or more first projections and the second inner portion comprises one or more second projections, wherein the aperture of the outer portion is shaped to receive the one or more first projections and the one or more second projections.

[0142] Clause 35. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the shaft lock assembly is configured to prevent rotation of the spindle shaft when engaged be a lock button.

[0143] Clause 36. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the shaft lock assembly comprises one or more grooves disposed on an outer surface thereof, wherein the lock button is configured to extend into a groove of the one or more grooves to restrict rotation of the shaft lock assembly.

[0144] Clause 37. The system of any preceding clause, further comprising a spring disposed on the spindle shaft, the spring configured to bias the disc away from the motor.

[0145] Clause 38. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the disc comprises a coupling portion configured to removably couple the disc to the spindle shaft.

[0146] Clause 39. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the spindle shaft comprises one or more projections, the one or more projections configured to be secured within the coupling portion to couple the disc to the spindle shaft.

[0147] Clause 40. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the disc is configured to be rotated relative to the spindle shaft to remove the disc from the spindle shaft.

[0148] Clause 41. A method of removing metallic burrs from an ice skate blade, the method comprising: moving the ice skate blade along a path of travel of the system of anyof clauses 1 to 40 such that the ice skate blade engages the disc, the disc being rotated to remove the metallic burrs from the ice skate blade.

[0149] Clause 42. A method of removing metallic burrs from an ice skate blade, the method comprising: moving the ice skate blade along a blade guide of a deburring system; causing the ice skate blade to engage a rotating disc, wherein the rotating disc removes the metallic burrs from the ice skate blade.

[0150] Clause 43. The method of clause 42, further comprising any features of any of clauses 1 to 40.

[0151] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and / or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and / or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include these features, elements and / or states.

[0152] Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

[0153] While the above detailed description may have shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various embodiments, it may be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and / or changes in the form and details of any particular embodiment may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. As may be recognized, certain embodiments may be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features may be used or practiced separately from others.

[0154] Additionally, features described in connection with one embodiment can be incorporated into another of the disclosed embodiments, even if not expressly discussed herein, and embodiments having the combination of features still fall within the scope of the disclosure. For example, features described above in connection with one embodiment can beused with a different embodiment described herein and the combination still fall within the scope of the disclosure.

[0155] It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the embodiments of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the disclosure herein should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above. Accordingly, unless otherwise stated, or unless clearly incompatible, each embodiment of this disclosure may comprise, additional to its essential features described herein, one or more features as described herein from each other embodiment disclosed herein.

[0156] Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0157] Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0158] Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and / or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added.

[0159] Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0160] For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0161] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, 0.1 degree, or otherwise.

[0162] The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.

[0163] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

[0164] Reference to any prior art in this description is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor in any country in the world.

[0165] The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the description of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

[0166] Where, in the foregoing description, reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. In addition, where the term “substantially” or any of its variants have been used as a word of approximation adjacent to a numerical value or range, it is intended to provide sufficient flexibility in the adjacent numerical value or range that encompasses standard manufacturing tolerances and / or rounding to the next significant figure, whichever is greater.

[0167] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. For instance, various components may be repositioned as desired. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, not all of the features, aspects and advantages are necessarily required to practice the present invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for removing metallic burrs from an ice skate blade, the system comprising: a motor comprising a motor shaft; a spindle shaft coupled to the motor shaft; and a disc coupled to the spindle shaft, the motor configured to rotate the disc to remove the metallic burrs when engaged with the ice skate blade.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a blade guide comprising a groove for receiving the ice skate blade, the groove defining a path of travel for the ice skate blade that causes the ice skate blade to engage the disc.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the blade guide comprises an opening extending into the groove, the opening configured to allow at least a portion of the disc to extend into the groove.

4. The system of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the disc comprises an edge extending circumferentially about the disc, wherein the edge is aligned parallel to the groove.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the edge is at an angle relative to a face of the disc.

6. The system of any of claims 2 to 5, further comprising: an adjustment assembly configured to change a position of the blade guide relative to the disc.

7. The system of any of claims 2 to 5, further comprising: an adjustment assembly configured to change a position of the disc relative to the blade guide.

8. The system of claim 7, further comprising: a housing comprising an internal volume, the motor positioned within the internal volume.

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising: a chassis coupled to the housing by a pivot assembly within the internal volume, wherein the motor is coupled to the chassis, wherein the adjustment assembly if configured to rotate the chassis about the pivot assembly.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the adjustment assembly comprises a knob disposed on an outer surface of the housing, wherein rotation of the knob causes the chassis to rotate about the pivot assembly.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the adjustment assembly further comprises a lower portion comprising a spiral shaped guide and a shaft, the knob rotatably coupled to the shaft, the spiral shaped guide configured to receive a cam follower coupled to the chassis.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the spiral shaped guide has an increasing radius about a rotational axis of the shaft.

13. The system of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the adjustment assembly further comprises an upper portion comprising a first plurality of detents and a middle portion comprising a second plurality of detents, the first plurality of detents facing the second plurality of detents, wherein rotation of the upper portion relative to the middle portion causes the first plurality of detents and the second plurality of detents to engage to produce an audible click.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the upper portion is rotationally coupled to the knob and the middle portion is rotationally fixed to the housing.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the middle portion is configured to move vertically relative to the housing, the middle portion being supported by a spring disposed on the shaft of the lower portion.

16. The system of any of claims 1 to 15, further comprising: a limit switch electrically connected to the motor or a controller of the motor, the limit switch configured to cut power to the motor when engaged.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the lower portion of the adjustment assembly further comprises a switch trip, wherein the switch trip engages the limit switch when the chassis is rotated to a maximum position.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the switch trip engages the limit switch when a useable life of the disc has expired.

19. The system of any of claims 9 to 18, further comprising a spring extending between the chassis and the housing, the spring configured to reduce backlash due to engagement between the disc and the ice skate blade.

20. The system of any of claims 8 to 19, wherein the housing comprises a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the first housing portion comprising an internal wallseparating the internal volume into a first internal volume defined within the first housing portion and a second internal volume defined within the second housing portion.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the first internal volume houses the chassis and the motor.

22. The system of claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the second internal volume is configured to receive and collect the metallic burrs removed from the ice skate blade.

23. The system of any of claims 20 to 22, wherein the first housing portion is removably coupled to the second housing portion.

24. The system of claim 23, further comprising a lock assembly configured to move between a locked configuration in which the first housing portion is locked to the second housing portion and an unlocked configuration in which the second housing portion is removable from the first housing portion.

25. The system of any of claims 2 to 24, further comprising: an adjustment guide, the adjustment guide positioned to contact the disc when the disc is at a closest position relative to the blade guide.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein engagement between the adjustment guide and the disc while the disc is rotating produces audible feedback.

27. The system of claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the adjustment guide is positioned below the blade guide.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein the blade guide is removably coupled to the housing, wherein the blade guide is configured to be removed from the housing to access the adjustment guide.

29. The system of any of claims 1 to 28, wherein the spindle shaft is rotatably coupled to a bearing assembly.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the bearing assembly is coupled to the chassis.

31. The system of any of claims 1 to 30, further comprising: a shaft lock assembly, the shaft lock assembly disposed between the motor shaft and the spindle shaft and configured to transfer rotational motion of the motor shaft to the spindle shaft.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein the shaft lock assembly comprises an elastomeric material.

33. The system of claim 31 or claim 32, wherein the shaft lock assembly comprises: a first inner portion configured to be coupled to the motor shaft; a second inner portion configured to be coupled to the spindle shaft; and an outer portion comprising an aperture configured to receive the first inner portion and the second inner portion.

34. The system of claim 33, wherein the first inner portion comprises one or more first projections and the second inner portion comprises one or more second projections, wherein the aperture of the outer portion is shaped to receive the one or more first projections and the one or more second projections.

35. The system of any of claims 31 to 34, wherein the shaft lock assembly is configured to prevent rotation of the spindle shaft when engaged be a lock button.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein the shaft lock assembly comprises one or more grooves disposed on an outer surface thereof, wherein the lock button is configured to extend into a groove of the one or more grooves to restrict rotation of the shaft lock assembly.

37. The system of any of claims 1 to 36, further comprising a spring disposed on the spindle shaft, the spring configured to bias the disc away from the motor.

38. The system of any of claim 1 to 37, wherein the disc comprises a coupling portion configured to removably couple the disc to the spindle shaft.

39. The system of claim 38, wherein the spindle shaft comprises one or more projections, the one or more projections configured to be secured within the coupling portion to couple the disc to the spindle shaft.

40. The system of claim 38 or 39, wherein the disc is configured to be rotated relative to the spindle shaft to remove the disc from the spindle shaft.

41. The system of claim 1, further comprising any features of any of claims 2 to 40.

42. A method of removing metallic burrs from an ice skate blade, the method comprising: moving the ice skate blade along a path of travel of the system of any of claims 1 to 41 such that the ice skate blade engages the disc, the disc being rotated to remove the metallic burrs from the ice skate blade.

43. A method of removing metallic burrs from an ice skate blade, the method comprising:moving the ice skate blade along a blade guide of a deburring system; causing the ice skate blade to engage a rotating disc, wherein the rotating disc removes the metallic burrs from the ice skate blade.

44. The method of claim 43, further comprising any features of any of claims 1 to 40.

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