Tool sharpening apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to apparatus for use in the sharpening of tools and in particular to apparatus for the sharpening of selected ones of a plurality of different tools, said apparatus including a grinding wheel and a plurality of tool holders. At least one of the tool holders is connected to the apparatus so as to be movable between out-of-use and in-use positions thereby allowing the cool holder to be positioned accurately. In one embodiment the housing is provided on a base which is provided with storage means for other sharpening implements and/or accessories.

1 . Apparatus for the sharpening of a blade or cutting edge of a tool, said apparatus including a rotatable grinding wheel, a motor connected to said grinding wheel, and a plurality of tool holders, at least one of which is movable between an out of use position and an in-use position with respect to the grinding wheel and, in the in-use position, the said at least one tool holder provides a location for a tool to be in the appropriate position such that an edge or point of said tool can be sharpened in contact with said grinding wheel and wherein said at least one tool holder is attached to a base and/or housing in which the motor and grinding wheel are provided, said connection retained in both in-use and out-of-use positions, and when moved between said positions.  
   
   
       2 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the said tool holder is pivotally movable between said in-use and out-of-use positions.  
   
   
       3 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein securing means are mounted on the housing to secure the tool holder in the in-use position with respect to the housing.  
   
   
       4 . Apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein when the said at least one tool holder is moved to the in-use position, it moves over centre of the pivotal connection of the tool holder thereby aiding the ability of the tool holder to be kept in a fixed position with respect to the housing in the in-use position.  
   
   
       5 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein a plurality of the tool holders are provided in a hinged pivotally movable relationship with the housing.  
   
   
       6 . Apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein each of the tool holders is mounted with respect to a different face of said housing.  
   
   
       7 . Apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein each of said tool holders can be selectively moved independently between in-use and out of use positions with respect to the grinding wheel.  
   
   
       8 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein at least one tool holder is provided in the form of an access port are provided on the housing to allow a tool to be sharpened by to the grinding wheel by placing the tool through said port.  
   
   
       9 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein each tool holder is provided with location means for supporting a particular tool in the correct orientation with respect to the grinding wheel.  
   
   
       10 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein adjustment means are provided to allow the grinding wheel to be adjusted in height with respect to the housing.  
   
   
       11 . Apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein the adjustment means are located to adjust the height of the motor within the housing and thereby adjust the height of the grinding wheel connected to the said motor.  
   
   
       12 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the housing is secured to a base, said base provided with storage means for storing any or any combination of tool holders and/or accessories for use with the apparatus.  
   
   
       13 . Apparatus according to  claim 12  wherein the base includes an area for the collection of liquid to be used during the sharpening process.  
   
   
       14 . Apparatus according to  claim 12  wherein the base includes storage for additional grinding wheels.  
   
   
       15 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the apparatus includes a carborundum finishing stone.  
   
   
       16 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the grinding wheel can be reversibly mounted with respect to a shaft leading from the motor.  
   
   
       17 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the grinding wheel is mounted with respect to the motor so as to have a substantially vertical axis of rotation.  
   
   
       18 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the housing includes a notched section to allow for the passage of a drill bit therethrough to be applied to the grinding wheel.  
   
   
       19 . Apparatus according to  claim 18  wherein the drill bit is held in a chuck which is positionable with respect to the housing.  
   
   
       20 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein retention means are provided to allow the tool holders to be retained in an out of use position.  
   
   
       21 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the apparatus includes a base on which the housing is mounted, and a lid which is engageable with the base and movable between a closed storage position and a partially open guard position to protect the user of the apparatus from sparks or other debris from the grinding process.