TECHNICAL FIELD

Example embodiments generally relate to hand held power equipment and, more particularly, relate to equipment for sharpening a chainsaw chain.

BACKGROUND

Chainsaws are commonly used in both commercial and private settings to cut timber or perform other rigorous cutting operations. Because chainsaws are typically employed in outdoor environments, and the work they are employed to perform often inherently has high demands of the chainsaw, it is important that the chain is kept in ideal working condition to allow for the most efficient operation of the chainsaw. The chain includes cutting teeth that engage lumber or another medium in order to cut the medium as the teeth are passed over a surface of the medium at high speed.

Given that the chainsaw may be employed to cut media of various sizes and types, it should be appreciated that the chain itself may have an impact on the effectiveness of the cutting operations. In particular, cutter edges of the chain may wear over time. This wear occurs based on the edges being grinded or abraded by the material that the chain is cutting. As the chain is worn, it is undesirable for the efficiency of the chain to be excessively impacted by the wearing process. Thus, an operator of the chainsaw will often take the time to file the chain in order to keep the chainsaw cutting smoothly.

As such, it may be desirable to have a tool that makes the process of filing the chain on a chainsaw less time intensive, less labor intensive, and more intuitive for an operator.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

Some example embodiments may provide for a filing tool for sharpening a chain of a chainsaw. The filing tool may include a first handle assembly disposed at a first end of the filing tool, a second handle assembly disposed a fixed distance away from the first handle assembly at a second end of the filing tool, a first guide rail operably coupling the first handle assembly to the second handle assembly, a second guide rail operably coupling the first handle assembly to the second handle assembly, the second guide rail being parallel to the first guide rail, a depth gauge file disposed between the first guide rail and the second guide rail, and a cutter file disposed between the first guide rail and the depth gauge file. The cutter file may be movable between a first position configured for sharpening first cutter links of the chain in a first orientation and a second position configured for sharpening second cutter links of the chain in a second orientation.

Some example embodiments may provide for a filing tool for sharpening a chain for a chainsaw. The filing tool may include a first handle assembly that may be disposed at a first end of the filing tool, a second handle assembly that may be disposed a fixed distance away from the first handle assembly at a second end of the filing tool, a first guide rail that may operably couple the first handle assembly to the second handle assembly, a second guide rail that may operably couple the first handle assembly to the second handle assembly, the second guide rail being parallel to the first guide rail, a depth gauge file that may be disposed between the first guide rail and the second guide rail, a first cutter file that may be disposed between the first guide rail and the depth gauge file, and a second cutter file that may be disposed between the first guide rail and the depth gauge file. The first cutter file and the second cutter file may be disposed on opposing sides of a plane containing the first guide rail and the second guide rail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described some example embodiments in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a chainsaw chain according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 represents a block diagram schematic plan view of a filing tool according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3 depicts a cross section view taken along line 3-3 of the filing tool in FIG. 2 according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 4 depicts a cross section view taken along line 3-3 of the filing tool in FIG. 2 according to an example embodiment; FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the cross section taken along line 3-3 of the filing tool in FIG. 2 according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6 depicts a three dimensional top view of a filing tool according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 7 depicts a three dimensional top view of the filing tool of FIG. 6 according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the filing tool of FIG. 6 according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 9 depicts a section view of the filing tool of FIG. 3 according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 10 depicts a section view of the filing tool of FIG. 4 according to an example embodiment; and

FIG. 11 depicts a section view of the filing tool of FIG. 2 according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” is to be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, operable coupling should be understood to relate to direct or indirect connection that, in either case, enables functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other.

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical chainsaw chain 100 disposed on a guide bar 110. The chain 100 includes a plurality of center drive links 120 that each include a portion thereof that rides in a channel of the guide bar 110. Each center drive link 120 is attached to an adjacent pair of side links 130 by rivets 140 that extend perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the links. A rivet 140 is provided at the front portion of each center drive link 120 to attach the center drive link 120 to the rear portion of a preceding side links 130 and another rivet 140 is provided at the rear portion of each center drive link 120 to attach the center drive link 120 to the front portion of a subsequent side links 130. As such, each pair of side links 130 connects to opposing sides of the center drive links 120, and the connections are repeated in alternating fashion to complete a circular or endless chain.

For some pairs of side links 130 of the chain 100 one of the side links 130 may be formed as a cutter link 150. Meanwhile, pairs of side links that do not include a cutter link 150 may be referred to as tie links 160. The cutter links 150 may be provided with two portions including a depth gauge portion 170 and a cutting portion 180. The cutting portion 180 may generally engage material that extends beyond the depth of the depth gauge portion 170 when the chain 100 is rotated. In some embodiments, cutting portions 180 may be altematingly oriented in different manners. In this regard, there may be at least one left hand cutting portion 180 and at least one right hand cutting portion 180. In some cases, the cutting portions 180 may alternate between left and right hand orientations all the way around the chain 100 such that no two consecutive cutting portions 180 are the same orientation. Meanwhile, the tie links 160 may not include cutting portions or depth gauge portions and may be provided to simply extend the length of the chain 100 while providing a space between portions of the chain 100 that will create friction during cutting operations. If every side link 130 was a cutter link 150, the friction on the chain 100 would be very high, and it would be difficult to provide sufficient power to turn the chain, and control of the chainsaw could also become difficult. Additionally, if the cutter links 150 were merely allowed to engage large portions of the media to be cut without a restriction on the cutting depth for each cycle, the friction would be high and the run of the chain 100 would be less smooth. Accordingly, the depth gauge portion 170 allows a limit to be placed on the cutting depth or amount of material to be cut with each pass of the cutter link 150.

As mentioned above, the cutting portion 180 may engage with any material that extends beyond the depth of the depth gauge portion 170 as the chain 100 moves around the guide bar 110 when the chainsaw is in use. Therefore, the depth gauge portion 170 and the cutting portion 180 may be the portions of the chain 100 that are subject to wear down the fastest with the continued normal operation of the chainsaw. As such, filing the cutting portions 180 and the depth gauge portions 170 may be an essential part of chain 100 maintenance for any chainsaw operator. Accordingly, a tool for filing the chain 100 should be efficient and intuitive to operate. FIG. 2 represents a block diagram schematic plan view of a filing tool 200 according to an example embodiment. The filing tool 200 may include a first handle assembly 210, a second handle assembly 220, a first guide rail 230, a second guide rail 240, a depth gauge file 250 and a cutter file 260. The first handle assembly 210 may be operably coupled to the second handle assembly 220 via the first guide rail 230 and the second guide rail 240. In some embodiments, the first guide rail 230 and the second guide rail 240 may be fixed in place with respect to the first handle assembly 210 and the second handle assembly 220. In some cases, the first guide rail 230 and the second guide rail 240 may have rectangular cross sections. However, since the cutting portions 180 of the chain 100 may be angled slightly, the first and second guide rails 230 and 240 of some embodiments may not be rectangular, and may instead be shaped to accommodate or match the angle of the cutting portions 180 in each direction of sharpening. The guide rails (230, 240) may be spaced apart from each other such that the first guide rail 230 and the second guide rail 240 each rest on an outermost face of consecutive cutting portions 180 of the chain 100 when the filing tool 200 is in use. In some other embodiments, the distance between consecutive cutting portions 180 may vary. In this regard, the distance between every other rivet 140 divided by two is referred to as the pitch of a chain 100. The filing tool 200 may be constructed to match the dimensions of any standardized pitch such as, for example, those with a pitch greater than or equal to 3.2 mm and less than or equal to 5.5 mm. A single filing tool 200 may be associated with one pitch, which may be determined by the distance between the first guide rail 230 and the second guide rail 240. The first guide rail 230 and the second guide rail 240 may be configured to not perform any filing action on the cutting portions 180 when the filing tool 200 is in use, but instead ride over a top surface of the cutting portions 180 to position the cutter file 260 properly for filing at a leading edge (or cutting edge) of the cutting portion 180 that is between the first and second guide rails 230 and 240.

In some embodiments, the first handle assembly 210 and the second handle assembly 220 may be substantially trapezoidal in shape when viewed in plan view or from above (as shown in FIG. 2). In this regard, the first handle assembly 210 may comprise a first inner face 215 and the second handle assembly 220 may comprise a second inner face 225. The first and second inner faces (215, 225) may be angled such that the first and second guide rails (230, 240) are not perpendicular with the first and second inner faces (215, 225). In some embodiments, the first inner face 215 may be formed at an angle parallel to a guide bar of the chainsaw when the filing tool 200 is configured to file the left hand oriented cutting portions 180 of the chain 100. On the contrary, the second inner face 225 may be formed at an angle parallel to a guide bar of the chainsaw when the filing tool 200 is configured to file the right hand oriented cutting portions 180 of the chain 100. In other words, the angled first and second inner faces (215, 225) may help indicate the proper orientation of the filing tool 200 when filing the chain 100 in both the left and right hand orientations.

The depth gauge file 250 and the cutter file 260 may be disposed in between the first guide rail 230 and the second guide rail 240. In some embodiments, the depth gauge file 250 may include at least one planar filing surface configured to contact a depth gauge portion 170 of the chain 100 when the filing tool 200 is in use. In some cases, the depth gauge file 250 may have a rectangular cross section, and in some other embodiments the depth gauge file 250 may have a trapezoidal cross section or other shapes. Additionally, the depth gauge file 250 may be fixed in place in the first handle assembly 210 at one end and the second handle assembly 220 at the other end. In some other embodiments, the depth gauge file 250 may also be movable within the first and second handle assemblies 210 and 220. In this regard, the depth gauge file 250 may be adjusted to a preferred orientation setting based on the filing needs of the particular chain 100. The depth gauge file 250 may also be removable in order to facilitate replacing the file 250 in the event that it is old or worn out. The cutter file 260 may be disposed between the depth gauge file 250 and the first guide rail 230. In this regard, the cutter file 260 may be configured to contact an edge (i.e., the leading or cutting edge) of the cutting portion 180 when the filing tool 200 is in use. In some embodiments, the cutter file 260 may comprise a rounded or hexagonal cross section among other possible shapes. This may allow for the cutter file 260 to assume an ideal filing position relative to the cutting portion 180 of the chain 100. Accordingly, the cutter file 260 may be positioned deeper in the chain 100 than the depth gauge file 250 so as to be below the outermost face of the cutting portion 180 and between the cutting portion 180 and the depth gauge portion 170.

In some embodiments the first handle assembly 210 and the second handle assembly 220 may comprise a cutter file retention assembly 270. In some embodiments, the cutter file retention assembly 270 may be formed as a channel in each of the first inner face 215 and the second inner face 225 of the filing tool 200. The cutter file retention assembly 270 may be configured to movably retain the cutter file 260 in the first handle assembly 210 and the second handle assembly 220. In this regard, the cutter file retention assembly 270 may be embodied as a channel or groove or other structure of the like in the first and second inner faces (215, 225). As such, the cutter file retention assembly 270 may be configured to enable the cutter file 260 to move between a first position and a second position. More details about the cutter file 260 and the cutter file retention assembly 270 will be discussed below in reference to later figures.

In some embodiments the first handle assembly 210 or the second handle assembly 220 may comprise an opening assembly 280. The opening assembly 280 may include a door disposed on the first handle assembly 210 or the second handle assembly 220 that an operator may open in order to access the depth gauge file 250 or the cutter file 260. In this regard, the opening assembly 280 may allow access to the files (250, 260) in the event that the depth gauge file 250 or the cutter file 260 must be repaired or replaced. In some embodiments, the opening assembly 280 may be embodied as a door with a hinge. In this regard, the depth gauge file 250 and the cutter file 260 may be removable from the filing tool 200 via a plurality of actions. In some embodiments, the depth gauge file 250 and the cutter file 260 may be removed via a sliding motion in which the files (250, 260) come out of the first handle assembly 210 by sliding in a direction parallel to the first and second guide rails 230 and 240. In other cases, where the opening assembly 280 permits appropriate access, the files (250, 260) may be removable via a lifting motion in which the files (250, 260) lift out of the first handle assembly 210 in a direction coming out of the page as depicted in FIG. 2. The opening assembly 280 may be configured as a removable cap that may separate from the first handle assembly 210 in a direction parallel to the first guide rail 230 and the second guide rail 240 and away from the second handle assembly 220 in order to provide access to the depth gauge file 250 and the cutter file 260. In some other embodiments, the opening assembly 280 may include other structures of the like that may be configured to permit removal of the depth gauge file 250 and the cutter file 260.

FIG. 3 depicts a cross section view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2 of the filing tool 200 according to an example embodiment. FIG. 3 shows the first inner face 215, the first guide rail 230, a cutter file 360, the depth gauge file 250 and the second guide rail 240. In the embodiment of FIG. 3 the cutter file 360 may have a hexagonally shaped cross section, and in this regard, a shaped channel 370 is shown as an example of the cutter file retention assembly 270. FIG. 3 depicts the cutter file 360 in a first position 372. The shaped channel 370 may therefore be configured to enable the cutter file 360 to move from the first position 372 into a second position 374. In this regard, the operator or user may push the cutter file 360 through the shaped channel 370 manually (e.g., using a finger). The cutter file 360 may be secured into either of the first position 372 or the second position 374 before the filing tool 200 is operable based on a friction or interference fit due to the corresponding shapes of the cutter file 360 and the shaped channel 370. In some embodiments, the first position 372 may be on an opposite side of a plane 390 from the second position 374. The plane 390 may otherwise contain the first guide rail 230, the second guide rail 240, and the depth gauge file 250. In this regard, the cutter file 360 may not be in the plane 390 when the filing tool 200 is in use. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the shaped channel 370 may be configured with a hexagonal pocket at each of the first position 372 and the second position 374 in order to secure the cutter file 360 in place for proper operation of the filing tool 200.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross section view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2 of the filing tool 200 according to an example embodiment. FIG. 4 shows the first inner face 215, the first guide rail 230, a cutter file 460, the depth gauge file 250 and the second guide rail 240. In the embodiment of FIG. 4 the cutter file 460 may have a double bevel, circular or oval cross section. In some other embodiments, the cutter file 460 may have a Goofy cross section, which may be characterized by having to straight surfaces parallel to each other with rounded edges connecting the straight parallel surfaces. In either case, the cutter file 460 may be rounded, and accordingly, a shaped channel 470 is shown as an example of the cutter file retention assembly 270. FIG. 4 depicts the cutter file 460 in a first position 472. The shaped channel 470 may therefore be configured to enable the cutter file 460 to move from the first position 472 into a second position 474. The cutter file 460 may be secured into either of the first position 472 or the second position 474 before the filing tool 200 is operable. In some embodiments, the first position 472 may be on an opposite side of the plane 390 from the second position 474. The plane 390 may otherwise contain the first guide rail 230, the second guide rail 240, and the depth gauge file 250. In this regard, the cutter file 460 may not be in the plane 390 when the filing tool 200 is in use. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the shaped channel 470 may be configured with a rounded pocket at each of the first position 472 and the second position 474 in order to secure the cutter file 460 in place for proper operation of the filing tool 200. In addition to the rounded pocket at each of the first position 472 and the second position 474, the cutter file retention assembly may comprise a protuberance 476 that may aid in securing the cutter file 460 into the first position 472 or the second position 474. In some embodiments, the protuberance 476 may be a projection of the side wall of the shaped channel 470 that extends into the shaped channel 470. In some cases, the protuberance 476 may be fixed in place, and the cutter file 460 may rely solely on force to get by the protuberance 476 and into the first position 472 or the second position 474. In other cases, the protuberance 476 may be spring loaded or biased into the shaped channel 470. In this regard, the protuberance 476 may be capable of moving out of the shaped channel 470 so that the cutter file 460 may experience less resistance in moving, yet may still be held in place by the protuberance 476 when in the first position 472 or the second position 474.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the cross section taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2 which shows the first handle assembly 210 according to an example embodiment. FIG. 5 shows the first inner face 215, the first guide rail 230, a cutter file 560, the depth gauge file 250 and the second guide rail 240. Similar to FIGS. 3 and 4, a shaped channel 570 is shown as an example of the cutter file retention assembly 270. From this view, a carrier assembly 580 is also visible disposed at an end of the cutter file 560. In some embodiments, the first handle assembly 210 and the second handle assembly 220 may each include a carrier assembly 580 for applying a force to an end of the cutter file 560. In this regard, the carrier assembly 580 may extend out from a top surface perpendicular to the first inner face 215 of the first handle assembly 210. The carrier assembly 580 may further be configured to slide in the directions as indicated by arrow 585, and in doing so, the carrier assembly 580 may move the cutter file 560 in either direction through the shaped channel 570. In other words, when the cutter file 560 is in a second position 574, as shown in FIG. 5, the carrier assembly 580 may be protruding from a first or top side of the first handle assembly 510 such that a force applied to the carrier assembly 580 may move the cutter file 560 through the shaped channel 570 into the first position 572. Thus, when the cutter file 560 is in the first position 572, the carrier assembly 580 may be protruding from the first handle assembly 210 on an opposite side of the first handle assembly 210 such that a force applied to the carrier assembly 580 may move the cutter file 560 back into the second position 574. In some embodiments of the filing tool 200, the carrier assembly 580 may be configured to move the cutter file 560 regardless of the particular structure of the cutter file retention assembly 270. In other words, the carrier assembly 580 may not be limited to a rounded cross section cutter file 560. In some cases, the carrier assembly 580 may be embodied as a sliding pin as depicted in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 depicts a three dimensional top view of a filing tool 600 according to an example embodiment. The filing tool 600 shown in FIG. 6 may be displayed in an orientation suitable for filing left hand cutting portions 180. FIG. 6 helps depict the visibility of the chain 100 through the spaces between each of the first guide rail 630, the second guide rail 640, the depth gauge file 650 and the cutter file 660. Seeing the chain through these components may enhance the speed and precision of the operator using the filing tool 600. FIG. 6 also shows the proper alignment of the angle on the first handle assembly 610 and the second handle assembly 620 with the chainsaw guide bar.

FIG. 7 depicts a three dimensional top view of the filing tool 600 according to an example embodiment. The filing tool 600 shown in FIG. 7 may be displayed in an orientation suitable for filing right hand cutting portions 180. FIG. 7 helps depict the visibility of the chain 100 through the spaces between each of the first guide rail 630, the second guide rail 640, the depth gauge file 650 and the cutter file 660. Seeing the chain through these components may enhance the speed and precision of the operator using the filing tool 600. FIG. 7 also shows the proper alignment of the angle on the first handle assembly 610 and the second handle assembly 620 with the chainsaw guide bar.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the filing tool 600 according to an example embodiment. FIG. 8 helps depict the visibility of the chain 100 through the spaces between each of the first guide rail 630, the second guide rail 640, the depth gauge file 650 and the cutter file 660. Seeing the chain through these components may enhance the speed and precision of the operator using the filing tool 600. FIG. 8 also shows the proper alignment of the angle on the first handle assembly 610 and the second handle assembly 620 with the chainsaw guide bar.

FIG. 9 depicts a section view of the filing tool 200 based on the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 9 shows a clearer look at the alignment of the first guide rail 230, second guide rail 240, depth gauge file 250, and cutter file 360 with respect to the chain 100. FIG. 9 also depicts the shaped channel 370 and shows how the first position 372 may be on an opposite side of the plane 390 from the second position 374.

FIG. 10 depicts a section view of the filing tool 200 based on the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 10 shows a clearer look at the alignment of the first guide rail 230, second guide rail 240, depth gauge file 250, and cutter file 460 with respect to the chain 100. FIG. 10 also depicts the shaped channel 470 and shows how the first position 472 may be on an opposite side of the plane 390 from the second position 474.

FIG. 11 depicts a section view of the filing tool 200 according to an example embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, there may be a first cutter file 1162 and a second cutter file 1164 and each cutter file (1162, 1164) may be disposed adjacent to the other. The first and second cutter files (1162, 1164) may be fixed on opposing sides of a plane 390. The plane 390 may contain the first guide rail 230, the second guide rail 240, and the depth gauge file 250. FIG. 11 also shows a clearer look at the alignment of the first guide rail 230, second guide rail 240 and depth gauge file 250 with respect to the chain 100. In some cases, the depth gauge file 250 may be fixed in the plane 390. However, in other cases, the depth gauge file 250 may also have an option of being moved out of the plane 390 so that a different depth for the depth gauge on the chain may be set.

Some example embodiments may provide for a filing tool for sharpening a chain of a chainsaw. The filing tool may include a first handle assembly disposed at a first end of the filing tool, a second handle assembly disposed a fixed distance away from the first handle assembly at a second end of the filing tool, a first guide rail operably coupling the first handle assembly to the second handle assembly, a second guide rail operably coupling the first handle assembly to the second handle assembly, the second guide rail being parallel to the first guide rail, a depth gauge file disposed between the first guide rail and the second guide rail, and a cutter file disposed between the first guide rail and the depth gauge file. The cutter file may be movable between a first position configured for sharpening first cutter links of the chain in a first orientation and a second position configured for sharpening second cutter links of the chain in a second orientation.

The filing tool of some embodiments may include additional features, modifications, augmentations and/or the like to achieve further objectives or enhance the performance of the filing tool. The additional features, modifications, augmentations and/or the like may be added in any combination with each other. Below is a list of various additional features, modifications, and augmentations that can each be added individually or in any combination with each other. For example, the depth gauge file may be disposed in a plane containing the first guide rail and the second guide rail. In an example embodiment, the first position of the cutter file may be on a first side of the plane and the second position of the cutter file may be on a second side of the plane opposite from the first side. In some cases, the depth gauge file may be movable out of the plane to file a depth gauge of the chain to a different level. In an example embodiment, the first and second handle assemblies may include a cutter file retention assembly operably coupled to the cutter file. In some cases, the cutter file may be movable within a shaped channel that may form the cutter file retention assembly between the first position and the second position. In an example embodiment, a cross section of the cutter file may be hexagonal. In some cases, the shaped channel may include hexagonally shaped pockets that may be configured to retain the cutter file in the first position or the second position. In an example embodiment, a cross section of the cutter file may be circular or oval. In some cases, the cutter file retention assembly may include a protuberance that may be configured to retain the cutter file in the first position or the second position. In an example embodiment, the protuberance may be spring loaded. In some cases, the protuberance may protrude into the shaped channel responsive to the cutter file entering the first position or the second position. In an example embodiment, the protuberance may be manually fixed in place after the cutter file may move past the protuberance in order to enter the first position or the second position. In some cases, the first and second handle assemblies may further comprise a carrier assembly that may be configured to enable an operator to move the cutter file between the first position and the second position by applying a force to the carrier assembly. In an example embodiment, the carrier assembly may include a sliding pin on each of the first handle assembly and the second handle assembly. In some cases, the sliding pin may be operably coupled to the cutter file. In an example embodiment, the sliding pin may be pushed by the operator in order to move the cutter file between the first position and the second position. In some cases, the depth gauge file may have a planar filing surface. In an example embodiment, the depth gauge file may have a trapezoidal cross section. In some cases, the cutter file may be spaced apart from the first guide rail and the depth gauge file in each of the first and second positions. In an example embodiment, the first and second handle assemblies may be fixed at an angle. In some cases, the angle may be a guide angle for proper use of the filing tool. In an example embodiment, at least one of the first and second handle assemblies may include an opening assembly that may be configured to allow the depth gauge file and the cutter file to slide in a direction parallel to the first and second guide rails in order to allow for the replacement of the cutter file or the depth gauge file. In some cases, at least one of the first and second handle assemblies may include an opening assembly that may be configured to allow the depth gauge file and the cutter file to lift in a direction normal to the first and second guide rails in order to allow for the replacement of the cutter file or the depth gauge file. In an example embodiment, the cutter file may be movable within the cutter file retention assembly between the first position and the second position responsive to a force applied directly on the cutter file by an operator.

Some example embodiments may provide for a filing tool for sharpening a chain for a chainsaw. The filing tool may include a first handle assembly that may be disposed at a first end of the filing tool, a second handle assembly that may be disposed a fixed distance away from the first handle assembly at a second end of the filing tool, a first guide rail that may operably couple the first handle assembly to the second handle assembly, a second guide rail that may operably couple the first handle assembly to the second handle assembly, the second guide rail being parallel to the first guide rail, a depth gauge file that may be disposed between the first guide rail and the second guide rail, a first cutter file that may be disposed between the first guide rail and the depth gauge file, and a second cutter file that may be disposed between the first guide rail and the depth gauge file. The first cutter file and the second cutter file may be disposed on opposing sides of a plane containing the first guide rail and the second guide rail.

The filing tool of some embodiments may include additional features, modifications, augmentations and/or the like to achieve further objectives or enhance the performance of the filing tool. The additional features, modifications, augmentations and/or the like may be added in any combination with each other. Below is a list of various additional features, modifications, and augmentations that can each be added individually or in any combination with each other. For example, the depth gauge file may be adjustable and may be secured in the plane or out of the plane.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. In cases where advantages, benefits or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be appreciated that such advantages, benefits and/or solutions may be applicable to some example embodiments, but not necessarily all example embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits or solutions described herein should not be thought of as being critical, required or essential to all embodiments or to that which is claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.