Patent Description:
The blades of sharp tools call for regular maintenance in order to preserve the ability to continue cutting.

Such maintenance consists of regular sharpening operations during which the cutting edge of the sharp tool is corrected using a suitable surface by removing at least some of the surface of the cutting edge of the sharp tool. However, the need to sharpen the cutting edge can be delayed by steeling the sharp tool, wherein a steeling component aligns the cutting edge instead of removal of the cutting edge surface as required with sharpening.

However, conventional steels are not properly adapted for use with rotary knifes. Accordingly, rotary knife blades often must be replaced instead of being maintained.

<CIT> discloses a steeling tool comprising the features of the preamble of claim <NUM>.

<CIT> discloses a steeling tool having two wide support members, and a narrow slot therebetween. Steeling members are not pivotally attached to the support members, and are associated with a first pair of stops in an initial position and with a shared central stop in a terminal position. Leaf springs bias the steeling members.

<CIT> discloses a steeling tool having two wide, open frame-like support members with a narrow slot therebetween. Steeling members are attached via a linkage system and are biased by elastic links (i.e., springs). The steeling members make initial contact with two stops, whereas terminal contact takes place against a shared central stop.

<CIT> describes a steeling tool having two wide support member assemblies flanking a narrow slot. Steeling members are pivotally attached to the support member assemblies, and are in initial contact with two stops. Termination of downward movement of the tool blade is achieved by V-shaped, tapering slot walls which limit downward movement of the tool blade without use of an additional stop for the steeling members.

<CIT> discloses a stationary sharpener including two large support members defining a narrow slot in which steeling members are internally housed.

A tool for steeling a rotary knife according to the present invention comprises the features of claim <NUM>.

Advantages of these and other embodiments will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the exemplary embodiments which have been shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the present embodiments described herein may be capable of other and different embodiments, and their details are capable of modification in various respects. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

The Figures described below depict various aspects of apparatuses and methods disclosed therein. It should be understood that each Figure depicts an embodiment of a particular aspect of the disclosed apparatuses and methods, and that each of the Figures is intended to accord with a possible embodiment thereof. Further, wherever possible, the following description refers to the reference numerals included in the following Figures, in which features depicted in multiple Figures are designated with consistent reference numerals.

While the drawings do not necessarily provide exact dimensions or tolerances for the illustrated components or structures, the drawings are to scale with respect to the relationships between the components of the structures illustrated in the drawings.

Throughout the following description, like elements will be referred to using the same reference numbers whenever possible. Additionally, certain phrases may be used interchangeably. For example, a person having ordinary skill in the art will understand that the terms "steel," "tool," and "steeling tool" may be used interchangeably. Similarly, the terms "knife," "rotary knife," "blade," "rotary knife blade," "cutting edge of a rotary knife," and "cutting edge" may also (but necessarily) be used interchangeably in this description.

<FIG> depict an exemplary steeling tool <NUM> according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The steeling tool <NUM> is preferably used to steel a rotary knife <NUM>. The rotary knife is suitable for use in animal slaughterhouse operation for dressing an animal carcass. However, according to certain aspects of the present invention, the steeling tool <NUM> may be used to steel other powered tools, knives (such as straight blade knives), or other tools having blades and/or a cutting edge requiring routine steeling.

In one embodiment, the rotary knife <NUM> preferably includes an annular rotatable blade <NUM>, a knife handle <NUM>, and a blade housing <NUM> (see particularly <FIG>). The housing <NUM> rotatably supports the blade <NUM> on the main knife body <NUM>. The blade <NUM> includes a ring of teeth <NUM> drivingly intermeshed with a pinion gear (not shown), such that rotation of the pinion gear causes rotation of the blade <NUM>. The pinion gear is drivingly connected to a suitable power source. In the illustrated embodiment, the power source includes an electric motor (not shown) and cable or flex-shaft (not shown) contained in a casing <NUM>, although other suitable power sources (e.g., a pneumatic drive) are within the ambit of the present invention. Axially opposite the toothed ring <NUM> is an annular cutting edge <NUM>. Those ordinarily skilled in the art will appreciate that the cutting edge <NUM> requires maintenance (e.g., steeling and sharpening) to ensure efficient knife operation.

The blade <NUM> is circular in shape, with the cutting edge <NUM> defining a central opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> customarily presents a diameter ranging between about <NUM> (one inch (<NUM>")) and <NUM> (six inches (<NUM>")), although other blade dimensions are encompassed by certain principles of the present invention. As previously noted, the steel <NUM> is not limited to use with the illustrated rotary knife <NUM>. For example, a straight blade knife (not shown) may also be maintained with the steel <NUM>, according to certain aspects of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the steeling tool <NUM> broadly includes a frame <NUM>, a pair of steeling component assemblies <NUM>,<NUM> supported on the frame <NUM>, and a pair of spaced apart stops <NUM> that serve to limit operational positioning of the assemblies <NUM>,<NUM>.

Turning initially to the frame <NUM>, an integrally formed body preferably defines the various elements of the frame. Such preferred integral fabrication may be accomplished in any suitable manner, such as molding, casting, machining, etc. The frame <NUM> is preferably formed of a suitable synthetic resin material, such as plastic (including but not limited to polyethylene terephthalate, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, etc.). However, those ordinarily skilled in the art will appreciate that certain aspects of the present invention contemplate a frame having discretely manufactured components that are then suitably assembled (e.g., using fasteners, adhesive, welding, etc.). The illustrated frame <NUM> broadly includes a first support member <NUM>, a second support member <NUM>, a base <NUM>, and a handle <NUM>, all of which are preferably integrally formed as noted.

The base <NUM> preferably presents a central, circular-shaped, flat top portion <NUM> and a circumferential tapered portion <NUM> that extends continuously around the top portion <NUM>. The tapered portion angles in a direction toward the handle <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the support members <NUM>, <NUM> project perpendicularly from the top portion of the base <NUM>, although certain aspects of the present invention contemplate support members that project together at a different angle than ninety degrees (<NUM>), project at different obtuse angles relative to the top portion, etc. Moreover, according to some aspects of the present invention, the base may be alternatively configured. For example, the base may alternatively present a top face that is entirely flat or angled, a tapered portion that is discontinuous (e.g., to form arcuately spaced segments), or the base may be removed altogether.

The preferred handle <NUM> projects from the underside of the base <NUM> in a direction that is generally opposite of the support members <NUM>, <NUM>. The handle <NUM> presents a curvilinear outer face <NUM> that is configured to be grasped by a user. The preferred handle <NUM> presents an overall axial length A (measured from the base to the distal tip of the handle) of about <NUM> to <NUM> (four (<NUM>) to eight (<NUM>) inches) and, more preferably, about <NUM> (six (<NUM>) inches). One skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the certain aspects of the present invention encompass a frame having alternative handle designs or lacking a handle entirely.

In the illustrated embodiment, a hook <NUM> projects from the distal end of the handle <NUM>. The illustrated hook <NUM> is threadably secured to the distal end of the handle, although the hook may alternatively be integrally formed with the handle or otherwise fixed in place (e.g., with adhesive, welding, snap-fit, etc.). The hook <NUM> is preferably provided to facilitate hanging of the tool on a belt loop, another similar user element (e.g., a pant pocket), or another supporting structure, when the tool <NUM> is not actively in use.

As noted, the support members <NUM>, <NUM> project from the top portion <NUM> of the base <NUM>, in a direction opposite the handle <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the support members <NUM>, <NUM> are identically shaped and equal in dimension. That is to say, the preferred first and second support members <NUM>, <NUM> have the same length and, because the top portion <NUM> of the base <NUM> is flat, present outer ends <NUM> that are spaced the same distance from the base. Furthermore, the support members <NUM>, <NUM> have the same cross-sectional shape. Except for the outer rounded end <NUM>, each support member <NUM>, <NUM> has a continuous cross-sectional dimension, which in the illustrated embodiment is rectangular in shape. The support members <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced equally from the center of the top portion <NUM> of the base <NUM>, and the tapered portion of the base <NUM> projects radially outward from the support members <NUM>, <NUM>. Moreover, the support members <NUM>, <NUM> define a knife-receiving slot <NUM> that extends lengthwise along a slot axis B (which generally corresponds and is aligned with an axis of the tool).

Because of the preferred construction of the support members <NUM>, <NUM>, the knife-receiving slot <NUM> has a constant width (or cross-sectional dimension) measured between the support members <NUM>, <NUM> in a direction that is perpendicular to the slot length. However, according to certain aspects of the present invention, the support members may be alternatively configured (e.g., present other orthogonal, polygonal, or curvilinear shapes, present different shapes between the members, present shapes and/or cross-sectional dimensions that vary along the length of each support member, extend obtusely from the base, etc.), and the slot may consequently vary in configuration.

As perhaps best shown in <FIG>, each illustrated support member <NUM>, <NUM> has an aperture <NUM> adjacent the outer rounded end <NUM>. (For the brake brevity, the apertures <NUM> are similarly numbered in the drawings. ) The aperture <NUM> extends entirely through the support member <NUM>, <NUM> (between the front and back faces of the member). The aperture <NUM> is preferably defined by a stepped surface <NUM> that presents a front shoulder <NUM>, an intermediate shoulder <NUM>, and a back shoulder <NUM>. The purposes of the apertures and shoulders will be explained further below.

Each of the illustrated steeling component assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> is supported on a respective one of the support members <NUM>, <NUM>. The steeling component assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> include steeling components <NUM> which engage the cutting edge <NUM> of the knife <NUM> during steeling operations. (For the brake brevity, the steeling components <NUM> are similarly numbered in the drawings. ) In the preferred embodiment, the steeling components <NUM> are each slightly curved along their length and present a circular cross-sectional shape. Each steeling component <NUM> is preferably formed of a wire-like metal material, although other shapes, sizes, configurations (e.g., each or one of the components comprising a double-wire construction), and material types are within the ambit of certain aspects of the present invention. Other than the steeling components <NUM> being slightly offset in a fore-and-aft direction to accommodate overlapping, the steeling component assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> are essentially mirror images of one another. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the description of each steeling component assembly <NUM>, <NUM> (particularly with respect to the connection to the corresponding support member) will be limited to the assembly shown in <FIG>, with the understanding that the other assembly is similarly constructed.

The preferred steeling component assembly <NUM>, <NUM> includes a post <NUM> to which the steeling component <NUM> is secured. As will be explained, the post <NUM> is rotatably supported on the respective support member <NUM>, <NUM>. The steeling component <NUM> is secured to the post <NUM> in any suitable manner (e.g., friction-fit, adhered, integrally formed, etc.) so that rotation of the post <NUM> corresponds with swinging movement of the component <NUM>. The post <NUM> is preferably formed of the same material as the frame <NUM>, although alternative post materials are within the scope of certain aspects of the present invention. The preferred post <NUM> is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a base portion <NUM> (defining the outermost cylindrical surface of the post <NUM>) and a central flanged portion <NUM> projecting beyond the base portion. The base portion <NUM> and flanged portion <NUM> are spaced apart so as to define an annular recess <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> of the post <NUM> is rotatably received in the aperture <NUM>, with the inner end of the base portion <NUM> slidably engaging the front shoulder <NUM> to thereby limit (in the axial direction of the aperture) positioning of the post <NUM> within the aperture <NUM>. The flanged portion <NUM> extends beyond the intermediate shoulder <NUM> and preferably also rotatably engages an aperture-defining surface <NUM> between the intermediate shoulder <NUM> and the back shoulder <NUM>. The inner end of the flanged portion <NUM> preferably aligns (at least substantially) with the back shoulder <NUM>. A threaded fastener <NUM> (preferably including a washer <NUM>) is received in the flanged portion of the post <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> engages the back shoulder <NUM> to secure the post <NUM> within the aperture <NUM>.

The steeling component assembly <NUM>, <NUM> preferably also includes a spring <NUM> for resiliently biasing the corresponding post <NUM>, and thereby the corresponding steeling component <NUM>, in a desired direction, as will be described. The illustrated spring <NUM> is located within the aperture <NUM> between the post <NUM> and support member <NUM>, <NUM>. More particularly, the preferred spring <NUM> includes a coil <NUM> extending between first and second spring ends <NUM>, <NUM>. The first spring end <NUM> is secured to the post <NUM> and the second spring end <NUM> is secured to the support member <NUM>, <NUM>, with the coil <NUM> preferably encircling the flanged portion <NUM>. According to certain aspects of the present invention, the spring may be alternatively constructed (e.g., comprise a leaf spring, be integrated into the steeling component, etc.).

When viewing the front of the tool (e.g., <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>), the springs <NUM> are arranged so that the steeling components <NUM> are biased toward one another. (In other words, when viewing the tool <NUM> from the front, the left post <NUM> is yieldably urged in a counterclockwise direction and the right post <NUM> is yieldably urged in a clockwise direction. ) Again, the steeling components <NUM> are offset in a fore-and-aft direction so as to overlap one another and avoid any interference of relative swinging therebetween.

As noted, the illustrated stops <NUM> are provided to limit operational positioning of the steeling component assemblies <NUM>,<NUM>. More particularly, each preferred stop <NUM> is configured to engage both of the steeling components <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, each of the steeling components <NUM> has been biased into a first position <NUM>, wherein the component contacts the stop <NUM> on the other support member <NUM>, <NUM>. Each steeling component <NUM> may be shifted against the bias of the corresponding spring <NUM> into a second position <NUM>, in which the steeling component <NUM> contacts the stop <NUM> on corresponding support member <NUM>, <NUM> (see <FIG>). Therefore, the stops <NUM> cooperate to limit swinging of each steeling component <NUM> between the first and second positions <NUM>, <NUM>.

The preferred stops <NUM> are fixed to respective support members <NUM>, <NUM> to project forwardly therefrom. Most preferably, each stop <NUM> is integrally formed with the corresponding support member <NUM>, <NUM>, although certain aspects of the present invention contemplate separately formed stops that are suitably secured to the respective support members (e.g., using adhesive, welding, fasteners, etc.).

In the illustrated embodiment, each stop <NUM> is a mirror image of the other, and the same reference numbers will be used to describe the features of each stop <NUM>. Each illustrated stop <NUM> includes a pair of component-engaging surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. The first component-engaging surface <NUM> faces generally downward toward the base <NUM> and contacts the opposite steeling component <NUM> when in the first position <NUM> (see <FIG>). The second component-engaging surface <NUM> faces generally toward the other stop <NUM> and contacts the steeling component <NUM> mounted on the same support member <NUM>, <NUM> when in the second position <NUM> (see <FIG>). Because of the generally arcuate shape of the steeling components <NUM>, the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> preferably have a complemental arcuate shape so that components <NUM> rest flush against the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. Except for this slight curvature, it may be said that the component-engaging surfaces of each stop <NUM> are angled relative to one another. The angle <NUM> defined between the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> is preferably between zero and one hundred eight degrees (<NUM>-<NUM>) and, more preferably, between ninety and one hundred eighty degrees (<NUM>-<NUM>). However, alternative stop configurations are with certain aspects of the present invention. For example, the stops may alternatively be shaped (e.g., have a simply pin or cylindrical shape) or may be located alternatively on the respective support member. Furthermore, according to some aspects of the invention, the stops may be alternatively shaped and/or located so as to vary the location of the first and second positions of on one or both of the steeling components or to engage only the steeling component supported on the same support member (rather than have each stop engage the steeling component supported on the opposite support member, as shown). Yet further, certain aspects of the present invention contemplate altogether eliminating the stops (or at least not restricting swinging movement of one or both of the steeling components in one direction).

The steeling components cooperatively define a knife interface <NUM> at the location at which the steeling components overlap, with the knife-interface <NUM> consequently being located within the knife-receiving slot <NUM>. The interface <NUM> is designed to engage the cutting edge <NUM> and thereby steel (otherwise known as revive or align) the edge <NUM>. Those ordinarily skilled in the art will appreciate that the interface <NUM> moves as the steeling components <NUM> shift between the first and second positions <NUM>, <NUM> (compare <FIG> and <FIG>). It may be said that the knife interface <NUM> is in a disengaged position ready to be contacted by the cutting edge when the steeling components are in the first position <NUM> (see <FIG>), and the knife interface is in a relatively inwardly spaced terminal position when the steeling components are in the second position <NUM> (see <FIG>). Shifting of the knife interface <NUM> along the knife-receiving slot <NUM> between the disengaged and terminal positions is effected by movement of the knife <NUM> and the bias of the springs <NUM>. As perhaps best shown in <FIG>, the knife interface <NUM> is shifted from the disengaged position toward the terminal position by bringing the cutting edge <NUM> into contact with the interface <NUM> and moving the cutting edge <NUM> progressively inward into the knife-receiving slot <NUM>. The springs <NUM> serve to maintain contact between the steeling components <NUM> and cutting edge <NUM>. Eventually, sufficient inward movement of the blade <NUM> within the knife-receiving slot <NUM> will cause the knife interface <NUM> to "bottom out" at the terminal position, once the steeling components <NUM> contact the respective second component-engaging surfaces of the stops <NUM>. Once the blade <NUM> is moved outwardly along the knife-receiving slot <NUM>, the springs <NUM> continue to urge the steeling components <NUM> against the cutting edge <NUM> and back toward the first position <NUM>. If desired, during a steeling operation, the blade <NUM> may be reciprocated back and forth along the slot <NUM> while engaging one or both of the steeling components <NUM>. It will also be understood that the steeling components <NUM> may not move symmetrically between their respective first and second positions <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, if the user positions the blade <NUM> closer to one support member <NUM>, <NUM> than the other, the steeling component <NUM> supported on the one support member <NUM>, <NUM> might move more than (and even bottom out in the second position <NUM> before) the other steeling component <NUM>. Eventually, once the blade <NUM> is removed from the knife-receiving slot <NUM> and disengaged from the interface <NUM>, each steeling component <NUM> is returned to the first position <NUM>. It shall be understood that the location of the disengaged and terminal positions is dictated by the interaction of the steeling components <NUM> and stops <NUM>, and the locations of the disengaged and terminal positions may consequently be varied by altering such interaction, as previously described.

In the illustrated embodiment, inward blade movement within the knife-receiving slot <NUM> is limited by the location of the terminal interface position. More particularly, because the knife interface <NUM> bottoms out at the terminal position, the blade <NUM> is not permitted to move inwardly any further. (Again, according to some aspects of the present invention, such limiting of blade movement within the slot <NUM> is not required. ) It may consequently be said that each support member <NUM>, <NUM> defines an outer portion <NUM> that extends outwardly relative to the terminal interface position. In particular regard to the illustrated embodiment, the outer portion <NUM> of the support member <NUM>, <NUM> extends from a point that is aligned (along the slot axis) with the terminal interface position to the distal end of the member.

It has been determined that, with respect to steeling of rotary knives, the dimensions of the outer portion <NUM> of at least one of the support members <NUM>, <NUM> is important. More particularly, in order to permit steeling of rotary knives <NUM>, the relative sizing of the knife-receiving slot <NUM> and the outer portion <NUM> of at least one of the support members <NUM>, <NUM> has been determined to provide a tool <NUM> capable of steeling rotary knives <NUM>- a function unavailable to conventional steel designs. The knife-receiving slot <NUM> defines a cross-sectional dimension C measured between the support members <NUM>, <NUM>. (Although the slot <NUM> also has a fore-and-aft dimension measured between the aligned front and back faces of the support members <NUM>, <NUM>, the greater dimension is defined between the support members <NUM>, <NUM> and will consequently be referred to herein as the cross-sectional dimension C. However, according to some aspects of the present invention, the slot cross-sectional dimension [at least in terms of a "maximum"] may be measured in a fore-and-aft or other direction). The outer portion <NUM> of each support member <NUM>, <NUM> defines a cross-sectional dimension D that is perpendicular to the slot length. In the illustrated embodiment, because the support members <NUM>, <NUM> are identical in shape, extend perpendicularly from the base <NUM>, and are spaced apart equally along their length, the slot cross-section dimension C (measured at a right angle relative to the slot axis) is constant, and the cross-sectional dimension D of the outer portion <NUM> (apart from the rounded end) is similarly constant. However, as previously noted, certain aspects of the present invention contemplate different slot and support member shapes and configurations and therefore variable cross-sectional dimensions. It has specifically been determined that the maximum cross-sectional dimension D of the outer portion <NUM> of the at least one support member <NUM>, <NUM> be less than about two (<NUM>) times the maximum cross-sectional dimension C of the of the slot <NUM>. With the constant spacing between the support members <NUM>, <NUM>, the slot width C (and therefore the maximum cross-sectional dimension) is about <NUM> (three-quarter inch (¾")) to about <NUM> (one and one-quarter inches (<NUM>¼")). Each outer portion <NUM> of the support member <NUM>, <NUM> is rectangular in shape (with the lateral (width) dimension being greater than the fore-and-aft dimension (thickness)), and the maximum cross-sectional dimension (width) is about between <NUM> and <NUM> (one-quarter inch (¼") and three-quarter inch (¾")). Most preferably, the widths of the slot <NUM> and the outer portion <NUM> of the support member are no more than about <NUM> (three-quarter inch (¾")).

It is further noted that the illustrated post <NUM> adds to the overall cross-sectional dimension of each assembled support member <NUM>, <NUM> and steeling component assembly <NUM>, <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the post <NUM> has a diameter (width) that generally corresponds to the lateral (width) dimension of the outer portion <NUM> of the support member <NUM>, <NUM>. However, the thickness of the post <NUM> (measured in a fore-and-aft direction) cooperates with the thickness of the outer portion <NUM> of the support member <NUM>, <NUM> to define a combined post-support member cross-sectional dimension E that is greater than the width of the outer portion <NUM> of the support member <NUM>, <NUM>. It has been determined that the maximum post-support cross-sectional dimension E be less than about three (<NUM>) times the maximum slot cross-sectional dimension C. As previously noted, certain aspects of the present invention contemplate alternative (or entirely removed) post configurations, and the relationship between any combined post-support maximum cross-sectional dimension and the maximum slot cross-sectional dimension is preferably maintained. Along these lines, if in an alternative embodiment the fastener was not recessed within the support member but rather projected outwardly beyond the back face of the support member, this additional thickness (added to the overall cross-sectional dimension) would still satisfy the inventive relationship.

Each support member <NUM>, <NUM> defines an inner portion <NUM> extending inwardly from the outer portion <NUM> (or the terminal position of the knife interface <NUM>) to the base <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, because the knife <NUM> is prevented from moving inwardly past the terminal interface position, the inner portion of the base <NUM> need not be limited to the dimensions noted above. For example, the principles of the present invention contemplate the inner portion <NUM> of each support member <NUM>, <NUM> having a maximum cross-sectional dimension that is more than two (<NUM>) times greater than the maximum slot cross-sectional dimension C. In some embodiments, the inner portion <NUM> of each support member <NUM>, <NUM> may be altogether eliminated.

In regard to use of the tool <NUM> to steel rotary knives <NUM>, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the blade <NUM> must be received over only one of the support members <NUM>, <NUM>. Therefore, certain aspects contemplate a tool having only one of the support members dimensioned in the manner described above. That is to say, according to some principles of the present invention, it is only necessary for one of the steeling component assemblies to be supported on a support member configured to be received within the central blade opening of the rotary knife. The use of the tool <NUM> shall be apparent from the foregoing description. Suffice it to say, the illustrated tool <NUM> is grasped by a user, and a knife (such as the rotary knife <NUM>) is brought into operable engagement with the tool <NUM>. If the knife <NUM> is held in one hand and the tool in another, this may be accomplished by moving both the knife <NUM> and tool <NUM> toward one another. Of course, it is also possible to hold one of the items stationary (e.g., the tool <NUM>), and move the other (e.g., the knife <NUM>) relative thereto. With the knife interface <NUM> in the disengaged position, the cutting edge <NUM> is initially brought into engagement with the interface <NUM>. To ensure steeling contact between the cutting edge <NUM> and steeling components <NUM>, the cutting edge <NUM> is shifted progressively into the knife-receiving slot <NUM>. At some point, if the cutting edge <NUM> has been moved far enough into the knife-receiving slot <NUM>, one or both of the steeling components <NUM> will engage the respective stop(s) <NUM>. As previously noted, the cutting edge <NUM> may be moved inwardly and outwardly relative to the slot <NUM> multiple times during the steeling operation. Once the cutting edge <NUM> has been adequately steeled, the blade <NUM> is removed from the slot <NUM>, and the steeling components <NUM> are biased back into the first position <NUM> (corresponding to the disengaged position of the knife interface <NUM>). When steeling the illustrated rotary knife <NUM>, one of the support members <NUM>, <NUM> is received into the blade opening <NUM>. While the blade <NUM> is rotating, the cutting edge <NUM> engages the knife interface <NUM> as described above. Preferably, a plane defined by the blade <NUM> (the plane being perpendicular to the blade rotational axis) is maintained generally perpendicular to the slot axis B, although an obtuse angular relationship is within the scope of certain aspects of the present invention. During steeling operations, the base <NUM> serves to protect the user's hand from inadvertent contact with the cutting edge <NUM>.

Features of one or more embodiments described above may be used in various combinations with each other and/or may be used independently of one another. For instance, although a single disclosed embodiment may include a preferred combination of features, it is within the scope of certain aspects of the present invention for the embodiment to include only one (<NUM>) or less than all of the disclosed features, unless the specification expressly states otherwise or as might be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily limited to the combination(s) of features described above.

Claim 1:
A tool (<NUM>) for steeling a rotary knife, the tool comprising:
a frame (<NUM>),
said frame (<NUM>) including first and second support members (<NUM>, <NUM>),
said support members (<NUM>, <NUM>) defining an elongated knife-receiving slot (<NUM>); and
a first steeling component (<NUM>) and a second steeling component (<NUM>) supported on the first and second support members (<NUM>, <NUM>), respectively,
said first and second steeling components (<NUM>) being resiliently biased toward one another to define a knife interface (<NUM>) configured to engage and thereby steel the knife,
said knife interface (<NUM>) moving inwardly along the length of the knife-receiving slot (<NUM>) to a terminal interface position, as the knife engages the interface and is shifted inwardly through the knife-receiving slot (<NUM>),
said knife-receiving slot (<NUM>) having a maximum slot cross-sectional dimension defined between the support members (<NUM>, <NUM>),
at least one of said support members (<NUM>, <NUM>) presenting an outer portion (<NUM>) extending along the knife-receiving slot and disposed outward of the terminal interface position,
said outer portion (<NUM>) having a maximum member cross-sectional dimension (D) defined generally perpendicular to the length of the knife-receiving slot (<NUM>),
characterized in that said maximum member cross-sectional dimension (D) is less than two times the maximum slot cross-sectional dimension (C).