Automatic Edge Tuner

Abstract

The present invention comprises a tuning device for providing a desired operative edge of a tool or any item wherein a certain operative edge surface is desired. Whether for a new snowboard or ski, or for situations where these items no longer possess the operative edge surface desired, the present invention restores or creates a desired edge quickly with minimal effort. The present invention may include a base, a motor with attached tuning bit and at least one magnetic member designed to achieve a desired distance between the tuning bit and the tool or item being sharpened. By means of the attractive forces created by the magnetic member, the device of the present invention may travel in the same axial direction as that achieved by the rotation of the tuning bit. Although it is preferable for an operator to maintain control of the device at all times during operation, the magnetic forces utilized would ostensibly allow for substantially hands-free operation of the device as desired.

1 . A device for altering the operative edge of a tool, said device comprising:
 a base, comprising a top side and an operative side and a base length;   a motor operating with said base;   a tuning bit, said tuning bit attached to an operative end of said motor;   a first magnetic member attached to said base; and   a guide member, wherein said guide member at least partially extends downwardly from said operative side of said base.   
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said first magnetic member is located on the base such that an attractive force is realized between the first magnetic member and said tool. 
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said attractive force is sufficiently strong to secure the device to said tool. 
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said guide member further comprises a ball bearing, and wherein said ball bearing is capable of rotation. 
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a guide magnetic member, and wherein said guide comprises a magnetizable material, and wherein said guide magnetic member is located such that said guide may become magnetized. 
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein said guide member further comprises a ball bearing, wherein said ball bearing is capable of rotation. 
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein said first magnet, said motor, and said guide are located within the base in a substantially linear fashion. 
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein said first magnet and said guide are located substantially on either side of said motor. 
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein said first magnet, said motor and said guide are located in a substantially parallel fashion relative to said tool. 
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said motor is angularly adjustable relative to said base. 
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 10 , further comprising a swing arm, wherein said swing arm operates in conjunction with said motor. 
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 11 , further comprising an angle adjusting screw located within said base, whereby a desired motor angle may be achieved by manipulation of said angle adjusting screw. 
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein said motor is angularly adjustable relative to said base. 
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein said motor is height adjustable relative to said base. 
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 14 , further comprising a swing arm, wherein said swing arm operates in conjunction with said motor. 
   
   
       16 . The device of  claim 15 , further comprising an angle adjusting screw, whereby a desired motor angle may be achieved by manipulation of said angle adjusting screw. 
   
   
       17 . The device of  claim 16 , further comprising a height adjusting screw, whereby a desired motor height may be achieved by manipulation of said height adjusting screw. 
   
   
       18 . A device for altering the operative edge of a tool, said device comprising:
 a base;   a motor operating with said base;   a tuning bit, said tuning bit attached to an operative end of said motor;   a first magnetic member attached to said base, wherein said first magnetic member is located on the base such that a first attractive force is realized between the first magnetic member and said tool;   a guide member comprising a ball bearing capable of rotation, wherein said guide comprises a magnetizable material, wherein said guide member is located substantially on an operative side of said base; and   a second magnetic member, wherein said second magnetic member is located such that said guide member may become magnetized, and wherein a second attractive force is realized between said guide member and said tool.   
   
   
       19 . The device of  claim 18 , further comprising a swing arm, wherein said swing arm operates in conjunction with said motor, and wherein said device further comprises an angle adjusting screw located within said base, whereby a desired bit angle may be achieved by manipulation of said angle adjusting screw. 
   
   
       20 . The device of  claim 19 , further comprising a height adjusting screw located within said base, whereby a desired bit height may be achieved by manipulation of said height adjusting screw, and wherein said device further comprises a debris shield, and wherein said device further comprises friction reducing areas located on the operative side of said base.