Patent ID: 12202093

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG.1is a rear, right, and top perspective view of a fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus1placed on a top surface104aof a blade104of a cutting tool100in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.2is a rear, left, and top perspective view of the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus1ofFIG.1.FIG.5is a right side elevational view of the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus1ofFIG.1.FIG.6is a left side elevational view of the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus1ofFIG.1.FIG.3is a front elevational view of the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus1ofFIG.1.FIG.4is a rear elevational view of the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus1ofFIG.1.FIG.7is a top plan view of the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus1ofFIG.1.FIG.8is a bottom plan view of the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus1ofFIG.1.

Referring toFIGS.1-8, The fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus1includes a spirit level vial2in which a bubble4moves. The fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus1further includes a spirit level vial harness6and a spirit level vial harness8, which are fixed to a member or projection10. The member or projection10is fixed to a base12. The member10may be substantially or exactly triangular in shape. There are projections or protrusions14and15which extend from base12, shown inFIG.3, which a user provided elastic band hooks on to attach the apparatus1to a non-ferrous or non-magnetic surface such as that of a cutting tool with a ceramic blade or a whetstone. A magnet16is fixed to the bottom of base12. The magnet16is used to detachably attach the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus1to the surface104aof the blade104of the cutting tool100as shown inFIG.1. The fixed level apparatus1is attached inFIG.1to the surface104a, and the surface104ais angled with respect to a surface202of a unpowered unguided sharpening implement200, so that the surface104amakes an angle of 20.0 degrees, for example, (depending on the unit) with respect to the surface202of the unpowered unguided sharpening implement200. This is a common angle to sharpen an edge104cof the blade104. The edge104cis opposite a non sharp edge or spine104bof the blade104.

As shown inFIG.5, the spirit level vial2, in which the bubble4moves, is at an angle of A1(the user desired sharpening angle) with respect to the surface of magnet16in base12. Therefore, when attached to cutting tool side surface104a(shown in dashed lines and parallel to line L1) the spirit level vial is at angle A1relative to surface104a. When the apparatus1is positioned on the surface104aof the cutting tool blade104with the lower end of the spirit level vial2facing the spine104b, raising the spine104bof the cutting tool blade104until the bubble4is centered in the spirit level vial2puts the cutting tool at the user desired angle A1relative to a level unpowered unguided sharpening implement200surface202. At this point the manual repetitive sharpening motions can begin with the user simultaneously raising or lowering the spine104bas needed to keep the bubble4centered in the spirit level vial2to maintain the desired sharpening angle.

FIG.9is a rear, right, and top perspective view of an adjustable angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus300placed on the top surface104aof the blade104of a cutting tool100in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.10is a rear, left, and top perspective view of the adjustable angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus300ofFIG.9.FIG.13is a right side elevational view of the adjustable angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus300ofFIG.9.FIG.14is a left side elevational view of the adjustable angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus300ofFIG.9.FIG.11is a front elevational view of the adjustable angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus300ofFIG.9.FIG.12is a rear elevational view of the adjustable angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus300ofFIG.9.FIG.15is a top plan view of the adjustable angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus300ofFIG.9.FIG.16is a bottom plan view of the adjustable angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus300ofFIG.9.

Referring toFIGS.9-16, The adjustable angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus300includes a spirit level vial302in which a bubble304moves. The adjustable angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus300further includes a spirit level vial harness306and a spirit level vial harness308, which are fixed to a member or projection310. The member or projection310is rotatably mounted with a knurled nut311aand thumbscrew311bto members or protrusions309aand309b, which the member310sandwiched between the members309aand309b, as shown for example inFIG.11.

The members309aand309bare fixed to base312. The member310may be substantially or exactly triangular in shape. There are projections or protrusions314and315which extend from base312, shown inFIG.11, which a user provided elastic band hooks on to attach the apparatus300to non-ferrous non-magnetic surfaces such as that of a cutting tool with a ceramic blade or a whetstone. A magnet316is fixed to the bottom of base312. The magnet316is used to detachably attach the adjustable angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus300to the surface104aof the blade104of the cutting tool100as shown inFIG.9. The adjustable angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus300is attached inFIG.9to the surface104a, and the surface104ais held at an angle with respect to the top surface202of a leveled unpowered unguided sharpening implement200, so that the surface104amakes the desired sharpening angle with respect to the surface202of the unpowered unguided sharpening implement200. This is the sharpening angle of edge104cof the blade104. The edge104cis opposite a non sharp edge or spine104bof the blade104.

As shown inFIG.13, the spirit level vial302, in which the bubble304moves, is at an angle of A2(the user desired sharpening angle) with respect to the surface of magnet316in base312. Therefore, when attached to cutting tool side surface104a(shown in dashed lines and parallel to line L2) the spirit level vial is at angle A2relative to surface104a. When the apparatus is positioned on the surface104aof the cutting tool blade104with the lower end of the spirit level vial302facing the spine104b, raising the spine104bof the cutting tool blade104until the bubble304is centered in the spirit level vial302puts the cutting tool at the user desired angle A2relative to a level unpowered unguided sharpening implement200surface202. At this point the manual repetitive sharpening motions can begin with the user simultaneously raising or lowering the spine104bas needed to keep the bubble304centered in the spirit level vial302to maintain the desired sharpening angle.

In at least one embodiment, one or both of the knurled nut311aand thumbscrew311bshown inFIG.11may be turned and loosened, in order to allow the orientation of the spirit level vial302, to be adjusted with respect to the fixed members309band309a, and the base magnet316. The desired angle of the spirit level vial302relative to the base magnet316is set by aligning the index line with value, on member310, to the nearest index grove317. After adjusting the orientation of the spirit level vial302, which results in adjusting the angle A2shown inFIG.13, the knurled nut311aand thumbscrew311bare tightened to temporarily fixed the orientation of the spirit level vial302with respect to the surface of base magnet316, and as a result to fix the angle A2with respect to the surface104aof the blade104, when the apparatus300is attached to the blade104as inFIG.9.

FIG.17is a rear right, and top perspective view of an adjustable angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus400placed on the top surface104aof the blade104of a cutting tool100in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.18is a rear, left, and top perspective view of the adjustable angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus400ofFIG.17.FIG.21is a right side elevational view of the adjustable angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus400ofFIG.17.FIG.22is a left side elevational view of the adjustable angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus400ofFIG.17.FIG.19is a front elevational view of the adjustable angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus400ofFIG.17. FIG. is a rear elevational view of the adjustable angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus400ofFIG.17.FIG.23is a top plan view of the adjustable angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus400ofFIG.17.FIG.24is a bottom plan view of the adjustable angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus400ofFIG.17.

Referring toFIGS.17-24, the adjustable angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus400includes a spirit level vial402in which a bubble404moves. The adjustable angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus400further includes a spirit level vial harness406and a spirit level vial harness408, which are fixed to members409aand409b. The members409aand409bare rotatably mounted through a pin to member or protrusion410, wherein the member410sandwiched between the members409aand409b, as shown for example inFIG.20.

The thumbscrew403and mating threads cut in the top of member410form a worm and worm gear mechanism for adjusting and securing the angle of the spirit level vial402relative to the surface of the base magnet416. Turning the thumbscrew403in one direction or the other increases or decreases the angle of the spirit level vial402relative to the surface of the base magnet416. The split index417with different values on each side of the apparatus400indicative of the angle of the spirit level vial402relative to the surface of the base magnet416.

The member410is fixed to the base412. The members409aand409bmay be substantially or exactly triangular in shape. There are projections or protrusions414and415which extend from base412, shown inFIG.21, which a user provided elastic band hooks on to attach the apparatus400to a non-ferrous non-magnetic surface such as that of a cutting tool with a ceramic blade or a whetstone. A magnet416is fixed to the bottom of base412. The magnet416is used to detachably attach the adjustable angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus400to the surface104aof the blade104of the cutting tool100as shown inFIG.17. The adjustable angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus400is attached inFIG.17to the surface104a, and the surface104ais at an angle with respect to the top surface202of the unpowered unguided sharpening implement200, so that the surface104amakes the angle as indicated by the index with respect to the surface202of the unpowered unguided sharpening implement200. This is the desired angle to sharpen the edge104cof the blade104. The edge104cis opposite a non sharp edge or spine104bof the blade104.

As shown inFIG.21, the spirit level vial402, in which the bubble404moves, is at an angle of A3(the user desired sharpening angle) with respect to the surface of magnet416in base412. Therefore, when attached to cutting tool side surface104a(shown in dashed lines and parallel to line L3) the spirit level vial is at angle A3relative to surface104a. When the apparatus400is positioned on the surface104aof the cutting tool blade104with the lower end of the spirit level vial402facing the spine104b, raising the spine104bof the cutting tool blade104until the bubble404is centered in the spirit level vial402puts the cutting tool at the user desired angle A3relative to a level unpowered unguided sharpening implement200surface202. At this point the manual repetitive sharpening motions can begin with the user simultaneously raising or lowering the spine104bas needed to keep the bubble404centered in the spirit level vial402to maintain the desired sharpening angle.

In at least one embodiment, screw403, such as a thumbscrew, shown inFIG.18may be turned in one direction or the other, in order to allow the orientation of the spirit level vial402, to be adjusted with respect to the fixed member410, and the base magnet416which results in adjusting the angle A3shown inFIG.21. The split index417with different values on each side of the apparatus400indicate the angle A3of the spirit level vial402relative to the surface of the base magnet416and therefore to the surface104aof the blade104, when the apparatus400is attached to the blade104as inFIG.17.

FIG.26is a rear, right, and top perspective view of a fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus600placed on the blade104of the cutting tool100in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.FIG.27is a rear, left, and top perspective view of the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus600ofFIG.26.FIG.31is a rear elevational view of the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus600ofFIG.26.FIG.30is a front elevational view of the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus600ofFIG.26.FIG.29is a right side elevational view of the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus600ofFIG.26.FIG.28is a left side elevational view of the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus600ofFIG.26.FIG.32is a top plan view of the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus600ofFIG.26.FIG.33is a bottom plan view of the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus600ofFIG.26.

Referring toFIGS.26-33, The fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus600includes a spirit level vial602in which a bubble604moves. The fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus600includes magnetic members616a,616b, and616c. The fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus further includes a central member610.

The fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus600further includes three spirit level vial harness pairs: spirit level vial harnesses606aand608a; spirit level vial harnesses606band608b; and spirit level vial harnesses606cand608c. The spirit level vial harnesses606a-cand608a-care fixed to the central member610. The central member610is preferably triangular in at least one embodiment. There are notches614a-cand615a-cin harnesses606a-cas seen isFIGS.28and29which a user provided elastic band hooks on to attach the apparatus to non-ferrous non-magnetic surfaces such as that of a cutting tool with a ceramic blade or a whetstone. The spirit level vial602can be held either by spirit level vial harnesses606aand608a, as shown inFIG.26, or similarly or identically by tube harnesses606band608bor similarly or identically by spirit level vial harnesses606cand608c. This allows the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus600to provide three fixed sharpening angles such as fifteen (15.0) degrees, twenty (20.0) degrees and twenty-five (25.0) degrees.

When the spirit level vial602is held by spirit level vial harnesses606aand608aas shown inFIG.28, the spirit level vial602is at an angle of twenty (20.0) degrees, with respect to surface104a, when the magnetic member616ais parallel and sits on a surface104a, shown by a dashed line, which is parallel to the line L4. The number “20” is printed on the member610, of the apparatus600, substantially centered under a gap between harnesses606aand608a, so “20” can be read when the magnetic member616a, is attached to the blade104, and “20” on the member610is in an upright, readable state as shown inFIG.26, when the blade104is at an angle of twenty (20.0) degrees for sharpening. The number “20 is closest to the gap between the harnesses606aand608aof the numbers “15”, “20”, and “25” printed on the member610. The numbers “15”, “20” and “25” are preferably printed on both sides of the member610.

Similarly, or identically, when the spirit level vial602is held by spirit level vial harnesses606band608b, the spirit level vial602is at an angle of fifteen (15.0) degrees, with respect to surface104a, when the magnetic member616bis parallel and sits on the surface104a. The number “15” is printed on a member610, of the apparatus600, substantially centered under a gap between harnesses606band608b, so “15” can be read when the magnetic member616b, is attached to the blade104, and “15” on the member610is in an upright, readable state, when the blade104is at an angle of fifteen (15.0) degrees for sharpening. The number “15” is closest to the gap between the harnesses606band608bof the numbers “15”, “20” and “25”.

Similarly, or identically, when the spirit level vial602is held by spirit level vial harnesses606cand608c, the spirit level vial602is at an angle of twenty-five (25.0) degrees, with respect to surface104a, when the magnetic member616cis parallel and sits on the surface104a. The number “25” is printed on a member610, of the apparatus600, substantially centered under a gap between harnesses606cand608c, so “25” can be read when the magnetic member616c, is attached to the blade104, and “25” on the member610is in an upright, readable state, when the blade104is at an angle of twenty-five (25.0) degrees for sharpening. The number “25” is closest to the gap between the harnesses606cand608cof the numbers “15”, “20” and “25”.

Each of the magnetic members616a-cis used to detachably attach the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus600to the surface104aof the blade104of the cutting tool100, such as for magnetic member616a, as shown inFIG.26. The fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus600is attached inFIG.26to the surface104a, so that the surface104amakes an angle of twenty (20.0) degrees with respect to the surface202of the unpowered unguided sharpening implement200when the spine104bis raised until the bubble604is centered in the spirit level vial602. In at least one embodiment, twenty (20.0) degrees may be considered to be a common angle to sharpen the edge104cof the blade104. The edge104cis opposite the non sharp edge or spine104bof the blade104.

As shown inFIG.28, the spirit level vial602, in which the bubble604moves, is at an angle of A4(the user desired sharpening angle) with respect to the surface of magnet616a. Therefore, when attached to cutting tool side surface104a(shown in dashed lines and parallel to line L4) the spirit level vial602is at angle A4relative to surface104a. When the apparatus600is positioned on the surface104aof the cutting tool blade104with the lower end of the spirit level vial602facing the spine104b, raising the spine104bof the cutting tool blade104until the bubble604is centered in the spirit level vial602puts the cutting tool at the user desired angle A4relative to a level unpowered unguided sharpening implement200surface202. At this point the manual repetitive sharpening motions can begin with the user simultaneously raising or lowering the spine104bas needed to keep the bubble604centered in the spirit level vial602to maintain the desired sharpening angle.

It may be determined that one of the other two angles such as fifteen (15) degrees or twenty-five (25.0) degrees is more desirable. In one or more embodiments, the spirit level vial602may be attached to harness pair606band608b(for fifteen (15.0) degrees) or harness pair606cand608c(for twenty-five (25.0) degrees), depending on what is desired by the user or for the particular purpose.

FIG.34is a rear, right, and top perspective view of a fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus700placed on the blade104of the cutting tool100in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.FIG.35is a rear, left, and top perspective view of the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus700ofFIG.34.FIG.38is a right side elevational view of the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus700ofFIG.34.FIG.39is a left side elevational view of the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus700ofFIG.34.FIG.36is a front elevational view of the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus700ofFIG.34.FIG.37is a rear elevational view of the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus700ofFIG.34.FIG.40is a top plan view of the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus700ofFIG.34.FIG.41is a bottom plan view of the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus700ofFIG.34.

Referring toFIGS.34-41, the fixed angle cutting tool sharpening aid apparatus700includes a spirit level vial702, a bubble704, a harness706, a harness708, a member710, a base712, a pivot pin713(partially shown inFIG.36), a member714a, a member714b, a member715a, a member715b, and a magnetic member or section716attached to a bottom of the base712(shown inFIG.36).

The harnesses706and708are fixed to the member710. The member710is pivotally or rotationally mounted by pivot pin713to the members715aand715b. The members715aand715bare fixed to and protrude from the base712.

In at least one embodiment, the member710can be rotated with respect to the members715aand715b, to thereby adjust the angle A5, shown inFIG.39, of the spirit level vial702with respect to the surface of base magnet716, the surface104a, and a parallel line L5. This allows this embodiment to be set within a range of common sharpening angles and then fixed in place with adhesive during a manufacturing or assembly operation thereby creating a fixed angle cutting tool sharpening angle aid apparatus700.

As shown inFIG.39, the spirit level vial702, in which the bubble704moves, is at an angle of A5(the user desired sharpening angle) with respect to the surface of magnet316in base312. Therefore, when attached to cutting tool side surface104a(shown in dashed lines and parallel to line L5) the spirit level vial702is at angle A5relative to surface104a. When the apparatus700is positioned on the surface104aof the cutting tool blade104with the lower end of the spirit level vial702facing the spine104b, raising the spine104bof the cutting tool blade104until the bubble704is centered in the spirit level vial702puts the cutting tool at the user desired angle A5relative to a level unpowered unguided sharpening implement200surface202. At this point the manual repetitive sharpening motions can begin with the user simultaneously raising or lowering the spine104bas needed to keep the bubble704centered in the spirit level vial702to maintain the desired sharpening angle.

One or more embodiments of the present invention provide an innovative new type of cutting tool sharpening angle aid, such as one or more of apparatus1(FIGS.1-8), apparatus300(FIGS.9-16), apparatus400(FIGS.17-24), apparatus600(FIGS.26-33), apparatus700(FIGS.34-41).

One or more of apparatuses1,300,400,600, and/or700are used with unpowered unguided sharpening implements such as whetstones200(water stones, oil stones, diamond stones), shown inFIG.1, and/or files during periodic maintenance sharpening of existing cutting tools such as knives, chisels, axes, shears, wood plane irons, etc.

One or more of the apparatuses1,300,400,600, and/or700attaches to the article being hand-held and manually moved during the periodic maintenance sharpening operation. This could be attachment to either, the cutting tool when the cutting tool is relatively small, such as a knife, chisel, wood plane iron, etc. and sharpening against a stationary unpowered unguided sharpening implement such as a whetstone and/or the unpowered unguided sharpening implement such as a whetstone200and/or a file when moving these sharpening implements against a relatively large cutting tool such as an axe which is clamped stationary. Attachment to a non-ferrous non-magnetic surface such as that of a whetstone or cutting tool with a ceramic blade is via integral hooks14and15,314and315,414and415,614a-cand615a-c,714aand714b, and a user provided elastic band or bands.

For example, the apparatus1may be attached and/or further secured to the blade104by elastic and/or rubber bands20aand20bas shown inFIG.1. Band20amay be in the form of a loop and/or closed curve which goes between member or protrusion14and member10and then loops about the blade104. Similarly, band20bmay be in the form of a loop and/or closed curved which goes between member or protrusion15and member10and then loops about the blade104.

Similarly or identically, the apparatus300may be attached and/or further secured to the blade104by elastic and/or rubber bands320aand320bas shown inFIG.9. Band320amay be in the form of a loop and/or closed curve which goes between member or protrusion314and member309aand then loops about the blade104. Similarly, band320bmay be in the form of a loop and/or closed curved which goes between member or protrusion315and member309band then loops about the blade104.

Similarly or identically, the apparatus400may be attached and/or further secured to the blade104by elastic and/or rubber bands420aand420bas shown inFIG.17. Band420amay be in the form of a loop and/or closed curve which goes between member or protrusion414and member409aand then loops about the blade104. Similarly, band420bmay be in the form of a loop and/or closed curved which goes between member or protrusion415and member409band then loops about the blade104.

Similarly or identically, the apparatus700may be attached and/or further secured to the blade104by elastic and/or rubber bands720aand720bas shown inFIG.34. Band720amay be in the form of a loop and/or closed curve which goes between member or protrusion714aand member715aand then loops about the blade104. Similarly, band720bmay be in the form of a loop and/or closed curved which goes between member or protrusion714band member715band then loops about the blade104.

Although the apparatuses1,300,400,600, and700are shown attached around the midpoint of the blade104, in at least one embodiment it is preferred that the apparatuses1,300,400,600, and700be attached close to the handle102when bands such as one or more of bands320a-b,420a-b, and/or720a-bare used. This prevents or substantially prevents the bands320a-b,420a-b, and/or720a-bgetting in the way of sharpening the edge104cof the cutting tool. The edge104cmay not extend all the way to the handle102along the blade104, but rather there may be a blunt or non sharp edge as part of the blade104near the handle102, which may be convenient for attaching one or more of bands20a-b,320a-b,420a-b, and/or720a-b.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a spirit level vial2,302,402,602, and/or702with a relatively small diameter (generally less than 8 mm) and/or filled with a higher than typical viscosity liquid is utilized and preferred in an least one embodiment of the present invention as this makes the indicating bubble, such as4,304,404,604, and/or704less sensitive to the acceleration and deceleration of the repetitive sharpening motion and movement of the cutting tool100against the stationary unpowered unguided sharpening implement or the unpowered unguided sharpening implement against the stationary cutting tool, while continuing to accurately indicate how the user is holding the desired sharpening angle.

One or more of the apparatuses1,300,400,600, and/or700helps the user to maintain the desired sharpening angle of, the cutting tool100blade104relative to the stationary unpowered unguided sharpening implement or the unpowered unguided sharpening implement relative to the stationary cutting tool blade, throughout the entire repetitive manual sharpening motion and movement.

One or more of the apparatuses1,300,400,600, and/or700provides clear and constant visual feedback as to how the user is holding the desired sharpening angle so minor angle corrections can be made at any point in the entire repetitive manual sharpening motion.

One or more of the apparatuses1,300,400,600, and/or700can be used with, and does not interfere with, most any manual sharpening motions or techniques.

One or more of the apparatuses1,300,400,600, and/or700works with most any type and size of common cutting tools such as knives, chisels, axes, wood plane irons, shears, etc. and unpowered unguided sharpening implements such as whetstones and files.

One or more of the apparatuses1,300,400,600, and/or700help a user to develop improved manual sharpening technique by immediately identifying where in the repetitive manual sharpening motion an angle change occurs such that they can become familiar with where their technique needs correction.

The fixed angle apparatuses1,600&700may be sold with additional similar fixed angle apparatuses, with the only difference being the angles A1, A4and A5respectively. For example, a set of fixed angle apparatuses may be provided similar or identical to that shown inFIGS.1-8,26-33and34-41except for a difference in angle A1, A4and A5respectively such as one with a seventeen (17.0) degree angle for angle A1, A4and A5, one with a twenty (20.0) degree angle for angle A1, A4and A5and one with a twenty-three (23.0) degree angle for angle A1A4and A5. A single spirit level vial2,602,702may be provided with a set of different apparatuses1,600and700, and then the single spirit level vial2,602, and702may be snapped into the appropriately angled apparatus to provide the appropriate angle A1, A4and A5for the desired sharpening angle.

In one or more embodiments, the spirit level vial harnesses6and8,306and308,406and408,606a-cand608a-c,706and708permit the apparatuses1,300,400,600, and/or700to stand upside down (magnetic base16,316,416,616a-c, and/or716up) on the unpowered unguided sharpening implement200or the cutting tool blade (as in the case of a large cutting tool) to verify that the one which will remain stationary is level. This is required, in one or more embodiments, since the indicated sharpening angle is relative to a level unpowered unguided sharpening implement or a level cutting tool blade.

The spirit level vial harnesses6and8,306and308,406and408,606a-cand608a-c,706and708permit the easy snap in and snap out of the spirit level vial2,302,402,602, and702, such that the spirit level vial2,302,402,602, and/or702is configured to be moved from one fixed angle unit to another, and/or be removed to be cleaned or replaced.

In at least one embodiment, the entire spirit level vial3,302,402,602, and/or702is visible from the top, as shown inFIG.7,FIG.15,FIG.23,FIG.32, and/orFIG.40, respectively, providing clear and continuous visual feedback on how the user is holding the desired sharpening angle throughout the entire repetitive manual sharpening motion. There are also viewing windows from the side permitting a view of the level indication when standing the present invention upside down on, the stationary unpowered unguided sharpening implement, such as whetstone200, or a stationary large cutting tool blade, to level it.

Integral hooks14and15,314and315,414and415,614a-cand615a-c,714aand714bpermit one or more embodiments of the present invention to be attached, with a user provided elastic band, to non-ferrous non-magnetic surfaces such as that of a ceramic knife blade or a typical whetstone.

The apparatuses1,300,400,602, and/or702are miniaturized, in at least one embodiment, to attach to even the smallest of common cutting tools without impeding manual sharpening motions and therefore compatible with most all manual sharpening techniques and motions such as back and forth, slicing, sawing, circular or combinations of two or more.

Light weight and low center of gravity with a super magnet (neodymium magnet)16,316,416,616a-c, and/or716in the base is preferrable and critical, in at least one embodiment, to not topple the apparatuses1,300,400,600, and/or700when one or more are attached to, the cutting tool100or unpowered unguided sharpening implement, being hand held and manually moved.

Adjustable embodiments, such as inFIGS.9-16andFIGS.17-24, incorporate a split index317and417providing one set of values on one side of the apparatus and another set of values on the other side of the apparatus. This increases the distance between the index lines improving the user ability to see minute (very small) angle adjustments and set points clearly. This eliminates the need for any type of wedge or calibration plate with a known angle to accurately set the desired sharpening angle.

The adjustable embodiment ofFIGS.17-24incorporates a worm gear mechanism which permits smooth, precise, and secure adjustments in the sharpening angle without the need to reclamp the pivoting element which could inadvertently change the angle.

The fixed angle embodiment ofFIGS.26-33is configured to provide three (3) different fixed sharpening angles in a single apparatus by moving the spirit level vial from one set of spirit level vial harnesses to another.

In at least one embodiment, water-proof and oil-proof construction is preferred and critical for one or more of apparatuses1,300,400,600and/or700to withstand the usual lubricating fluids used with unpowered unguided sharpening implements such as whetstones and files.

FIG.25Ais a first part500aof a flow chart of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; andFIG.25Bis a second part500bof the flow chart, continuing fromFIG.25A.

Referring toFIG.25A, it is decided at step502whether the individual person will have better technique and control, holding and moving the cutting tool100along the stationary unpowered unguided sharpening implement200or holding and moving the unpowered unguided sharpening implement200along the stationary cutting tool100.

At step504, it is determined whether, a fixed angle model, such as one or more of apparatuses1,600and/or700or an adjustable angle model, such as one or more of apparatuses300, and/or400, are to be used for a sharpening process.

If at step504, a fixed angle model, such as one of apparatuses1,600and/or700is to be used, then a particular model of apparatus1,600and/or700, with the desired sharpening angle, such as twenty (20.0) degrees, twenty-five (25.0) degrees, or thirty (30.0) degrees for angle A1, A4, and/or A5is selected at step506. The spirit level vial2,602, or702is then snapped into corresponding harnesses,6and8, one of606a-cand608a-c, or706and708of the particular fixed angle model to form the particular apparatus1,600and/or700with a particular angle A1, A4, and/or A5.

If at step504, an adjustable model, such as one of apparatuses300, and/or400, is to be used, then at step510, the angle, such as angle A2and/or A3of apparatuses300and400, respectively, is adjusted by rotating and aligning to the corresponding index lines.

Steps511512,514,516,518,520,522,524, and526are next executed for any of apparatuses1,300,400,600, and/or700.

At step511, turn apparatus1,300,400,600, or700over and stand on the article which will remain stationary—either surface202of the sharpening implement200or surface104aof the blade104of the cutting tool, with integral magnet16,316,416one of616a-c, or716side up to verify that the stationary article is level. Adjust and secure the stationary article as needed.

At step512, one or more of the apparatuses1,300,400,600, and/or700are attached, by integral magnet, or integral hooks and a user provided elastic band, to the article which will be handheld and repeatedly moved by hand. If the cutting tool, attach to the side or surface104aof the cutting tool100between the spine104band the cutting edge104c, with the lower end of the spirit level vial2,302,402,602and/or702facing the spine104bof the cutting tool blade104. If the sharpening implement, attach to the surface opposite and parallel to the sharpening surface with the lower end of the vial facing the handle of the sharpening implement.

At step514, if the apparatus is attached to the cutting tool then place the blade104flat on the surface202of the whetstone200and raise the spine104bof the cutting tool100upward until the bubble4,304,404,604, and/or704is centered in the tube or vial2,302,404,604, and/or704respectively, keeping the cutting edge104cin contact with the surface202of the sharpening implement200. The cutting tool blade is now at the desired angle relative to the sharpening implement. If the apparatus is attached to the sharpening implement, make contact between the sharpening surface and the cutting tool edge. Raise the handle of the sharpening implement until the bubble is centered in the spirit level vial. The sharpening implement is now at the desired angle relative to the cutting tool blade.

At step516, move the cutting tool blade104across the stationary sharpening implement surface202repeatedly or move the sharpening implement surface202across the stationary cutting tool blade104repeatedly using common sharpening motions such as back and forth, slicing, sawing and circular while raising/lowering, as needed, the spine104bof the cutting tool100or the handle of the sharpening implement, to keep the bubble4,304,404,604, and/or704centered in the spirit level vial2,302,402,602, and/or702.

Next at step518, continue moving, the cutting tool blade104across the surface202of the sharpening implement200or the sharpening implement across the edge of the cutting tool, until a burr forms on the cutting edge104cof the cutting tool100opposite the side that is being sharpened.

Next at step520, if the apparatus is attached to the cutting tool, remove the apparatus1,300,400,600, and/or700from the cutting tool100and turn the cutting tool100over so a surface opposite surface104afaces up, and surface104afaces down. If the apparatus is attached to the sharpening implement turn the cutting tool100over, reverify level and resecure the cutting tool as needed.

Next at step522it is determined by an individual person, if cutting tool blade reached the desired level of sharpness. If the answer is “Yes”, then the process is stopped at step526.

If the answer at step522is “No”, then at step524if the apparatus was attached to the cutting tool blade104, attach the apparatus1,300,400,600, and/or700to the opposite side and/or surface, i.e. to side opposite104aif apparatus1,300,400,600, and/or700was previously attached to104aand to104aif previously attached to side opposite104a, and continue process at step514shown inFIG.25A.

In at least one embodiment, a spirit level vial (or equivalent type of level indicator such as a ball in tube inclinometer), may be used for any of tubes or vials2,302,402,602, and/or702to provide continuous visual feedback on how the user is holding a desired sharpening angle during routine maintenance sharpening of cutting tools such as knives, axes, chisels, shears, wood plane irons, etc with unpowered unguided sharpening implements such as whetstones and files so corrections in the angle can be made as needed at any point in the repetitive manual sharping motion

Any of the apparatuses100,300,400,600, and/or700may be configured to attach to a cutting tool, such as100, or an unpowered unguided sharpening implement—whichever will be hand held and manually moved.

In one or more embodiments, attachment to magnetic surfaces (or appropriate metal surfaces) of a cutting tool100, may be done through an integral base magnet, such as through any of magnets16,316,416,616a-c, and/or716. Attachment to non-magnetic surfaces may be by integral base hooks, such as14and15;314and315;414and415;615a-c; and/or714aand714b; and user provided elastic bands.

In one or more embodiments, the spirit level vial harness or harnesses, such as6and8;306and308;406and408;606aand608a;606band608b; and606cand608c;706and708; are configured to permit the appropriate apparatus to stand upside down to level the article which is not being hand held and will not be manually moved.

In at least one embodiment, the harnesses, such as6and8;306and308;406and408;606aand608a;606band608b; and606cand608c;706and708are configured with side viewing windows for the leveling operation

In a least one embodiment, the harnesses, are configured to permit the viewing of the full length of the spirit level vial and bubble position from the top when in use for a better indication of how the desired angle is being held.

In at least one embodiment, the harnesses such as6and8;306and308;406and408;606aand608a;606band608b; and606cand608c;706and708are configured for easy snap in and snap out of the respective spirit level vials or tubes2,302,402,602, and702for moving from one fixed model to another or for cleaning or replacement.

In at least one embodiment, each of the apparatuses1,300,400,600, and700is very small (miniature) to attach to even the smallest of common cutting tools and function properly.

In at least one embodiment each of the apparatuses1,300,400,600, and700is lightweight with a low center of gravity to be stable when attached to the article which will be hand held and in motion

In one or more embodiments, “slow” spirit level vials are used, for one of tubes or vials2,302,402,602, and/or702—one with a relatively small diameter and/or filled with a liquid that is slightly more viscous that typical to make the indicating bubble less sensitive to the acceleration and deceleration of the manual sharpening motions

In at least one embodiment in a method of using one or more of apparatuses1,300,400,600, and/or700, a fixed model is typically selected with the desired sharpening angle and snapped in the spirit level vial or tube or the adjustable model is set to the desired sharpening angle. Then the appropriate apparatus of apparatuses1,300,400,600, and/or700is turned over and stands on the article which will remain stationary to verify that it is level. Then adjustment occurs as needed. The apparatus of one or more apparatuses1,300,400,600and/or700is then attached to the article to be handheld and manually moved.

The “triad” fixed apparatus600has three sets of harnesses (606aand608a;606band608b; and606cand608c) in a single apparatus permitting three fixed sharpening angles in a single apparatus.

The two adjustable models or apparatuses300and400, have a “split index” or one set of values printed or otherwise fixed on one side of the apparatus (i.e. “20” and “15 degrees on one side of member310; and “25” and “30” degrees on the other side of member310for apparatus300; and “30”, “20”, and “10” degrees on member409aand “15”, “25”, and “35” degrees on member409bon the other side of the apparatus. This increases the spacing between the index lines improving the visibility of the set points and minor angle adjustments within the small apparatus

The adjustable model with the worm/worm gear mechanism, apparatus400, permits very fine adjustments of the sharpening angle and securely holds the angle without any need to reclamp the rotating member.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus700has a separately molded base712which is connected to triangular member710with a temporary pivot action which is then fixed in place with adhesive during manufacturing thereby permitting fixed models set at any common sharpening angle with the single apparatus.

Although the invention has been described by reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to include within this patent all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of the present invention's contribution to the art.