Cuticle tool sharpening system and method

Abstract

A system and method for sharpening a tool, such as a cuticle nipper, is provided. A first abrasive component has first abrasive surface and a second abrasive component has a second abrasive surface. A motor drives the first and second abrasive components. A securing device secures the tool. A positioning device receives the securing device and permits movement of the securing device relative to the first and second abrasive devices.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for sharpening a tool, the tool having blade and wall portions, the apparatus comprising:
 a first abrasive component comprising a first abrasive surface;   a second abrasive component comprising a second abrasive surface;   a motor for driving the first and second abrasive components;   a securing device adapted to secure the tool; and   a positioning device adapted to receive the securing device and permit movement of the securing device relative to the first and second abrasive devices.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first abrasive component is adapted to sharpen the blade portion of the tool; and   the second abrasive component is adapted to thin the wall portion of the tool.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a surface; and   a track located on the surface and comprising vertically extending portions and horizontally extending portions, wherein the track is adapted to permit movement of the positioning device between the first abrasive component and the second abrasive component.   
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein:
 the first abrasive component comprises a first portion shaped as a disk and comprising an abrasive material located along an outer edge thereof, a funnel shaped portion extending from an outer surface of the first portion, and a third portion which is annular in shape and located on an outer surface of the funnel shaped portion, wherein said third portion comprises an abrasive material.   
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein:
 the abrasive material located on the third portion has a finer grit as compared to the abrasive material located on the first portion.   
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first and second abrasive components are coated with a diamond coating.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the positioning device is adapted to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise in the roll axis; and   the positioning device is adapted to rotate left and right in the yaw axis.   
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the tool is a cuticle nipper.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the securing device comprises:
 a first block; 
 a second block located below the first block; 
 a first and second post spaced apart from one another and extending from an upper surface of the second block; and 
 a protruding lip located at the first block, wherein the protruding lip defines a gap between a lower surface of the protruding lip and the upper surface of the second block when the first bock is secured to the second block; 
   wherein the gap, the first post, and the second post are configured to receive the tool in an opened position.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , further comprising:
 an elongated member comprising a first and second aperture located at a proximal end, wherein said first and second aperture are configured to receive said first and second posts so as to secure the elongated member to the second block; and   a securing section located at a distal end of the elongated member, wherein said securing section is configured to receive said tool in a closed position.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a recess located on a distal end of the second block.   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a vertical fastener comprising a knob and a threaded shaft;   an aperture located in the first block configured to receive the threaded shaft; and   a threaded aperture located in the second block and configured to receive the threaded shaft and permit the first block to be vertically positioned relative to the second block upon rotation of the knob.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the securing device comprises:
 a first portion; 
 a second portion spaced apart from the first portion to define a gap configured to receive the tool; 
 a vertical fastener comprising a knob and a threaded shaft; 
 an aperture located in the first portion configured to receive the threaded shaft; and 
 a threaded aperture located in the second portion and configured to receive the threaded shaft and permit the first portion to be vertically positioned relative to the second block upon rotation of the knob. 
   
     
     
         14 . The apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein:
 the securing device comprise a grove located in the first or second portion configured to receive a portion of the tool in an open position.   
     
     
         15 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a chuck configured to interchangeably receive a number of abrasive devices including the second abrasive component; and   an adapter configured to attach the chuck to the motor.   
     
     
         16 . An apparatus for sharpening a tool, the tool having blade and wall portions, the apparatus comprising:
 a surface;   a motor mounted to the surface;   a first abrasive component coupled to a first end of the motor and comprising a first portion shaped as a disk and comprising an abrasive material located along an outer edge thereof, a funnel shaped portion extending from an outer surface of the first portion, and a third portion which is annual in shape and located on an outer surface of the funnel shaped portion, wherein said third portion is comprised of an abrasive material;   an adapter configured to be coupled to a second end of said motor;   a chuck configured to be received within said adapter and configured to receive one of a number of attachments;   a controller configured to control the speed and direction of rotation of the motor;   a securing device configured to secure the tool;   a positioning device adapted to receive the securing device and move the securing device in at least two dimensions; and   a track located on the surface and adapted to receive the positioning device and permit movement of the positioning device between the first abrasive component and the chuck, wherein said track is further configured to permit movement of the positioning device in the third dimension.   
     
     
         17 . The apparatus according to  claim 16 , further comprising:
 a second abrasive component shaped as an hourglass and comprising a rounded edge located on a distal end thereof, wherein said adapter is configured to receive said second abrasive device.   
     
     
         18 . The apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein:
 the securing device comprises:
 a first block; 
 a second block comprising a half-circle shaped recess located at a distal end thereof; 
 a first and second post spaced apart from one another and extending from an upper surface of the second block; and 
 a protruding lip located at the first block and defining a gap between a lower surface of the protruding lip and the upper surface of the second block when the first bock is secured to the second block; 
   wherein the gap, the first post, and the second post are configured to receive the tool in an opened position.   
     
     
         19 . An apparatus for sharpening a tool, the tool having blade and wall portions, the apparatus comprising:
 a surface;   a motor mounted to the surface;   a first abrasive component coupled to the motor and adapted to sharpen the blade portion of the tool, the first abrasive component having a disk shape and comprising an outer circumferential portion having a first thickness and an inner circumferential portion having a second thickness, wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness, and wherein the outer circumferential portion comprises a first abrasive surface;   a second abrasive component coupled to the motor and adapted to thin the wall portion of the tool, the second abrasive component having a cylindrical shape and comprising a concave chamfered edge on a distal portion thereof, wherein an outer surface and a distal surface of second abrasive component comprise a second abrasive surface;   a controller configured to control the speed and direction of rotation of the first and second abrasive devices;   a securing device configured to secure the tool;   a positioning device adapted to receive the securing device and move the securing device in three dimensions; and   a track located on the surface and adapted to receive the positioning device and permit movement of the positioning device between the first abrasive component and the second abrasive component.   
     
     
         20 . The apparatus according to  claim 19 , wherein:
 The tool is a cuticle nipper.