U.S. patent application number 11/212162 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-06 for nail care system with improved nail clipper.
Invention is credited to Eric Blair, Tristan M. Christianson, Mark H. Duncan.
Application Number | 20060143923 11/212162 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35940954 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060143923 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Blair; Eric ; et
al. |
July 6, 2006 |
Nail care system with improved nail clipper
Abstract
Nail care systems in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention can include a housing and a nail clipper associated with
the housing, the nail clipper having an upper member and a lower
member banded by an upper lever and a lower lever. Cutting blades
associated with the members can be pinched together by actuating
the levers. A container formed between the members can receive nail
clippings ejected away from the nail. A nail filer associated with
the housing includes a rotatable file that can be used to file
nails. This description is not intended to be a complete
description of, or limit the scope of, the invention.
Inventors: |
Blair; Eric; (San Rafael,
CA) ; Christianson; Tristan M.; (San Francisco,
CA) ; Duncan; Mark H.; (San Francisco, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Bell, Boyd & Lloyd LLC
P.O. Box 1135
Chicago
IL
60690-1135
US
|
Family ID: |
35940954 |
Appl. No.: |
11/212162 |
Filed: |
August 26, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60604985 |
Aug 27, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
30/28 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 29/05 20130101;
A45D 29/02 20130101; A45D 29/023 20130101; A45D 29/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
030/028 |
International
Class: |
A45D 29/00 20060101
A45D029/00 |
Claims
1. A nail clipper, comprising: a first member; a first cutting
blade associated with said first member; a second member; a second
cutting blade associated with said second member and positioned
such that said second cutting blade opposes said first cutting
blade; and an actuation mechanism, including: a first lever; a
second lever; a first cam extending from at least one of said first
lever and said first member; and a second cam extending from at
least one of said second lever and said second member; wherein said
first member and said second member are positioned between said
first lever and said second lever of said actuation mechanism.
2. A nail care system, comprising: a housing; a clipper mechanism
at least partially disposed within said housing, including: a first
member; a first cutting blade associated with said first member; a
second member; and a second cutting blade associated with said
second member and positioned such that said second cutting blade
opposes said first cutting blade; and an actuation mechanism,
including: a first lever having a first cam; and a second lever
having a second cam; wherein said first member and said second
member are positioned between said first lever and said second
lever of said actuation mechanism; and wherein said clipper
mechanism can be removed from said housing.
3. The nail clipper of claim 1, wherein said first lever and said
second lever of said actuation mechanism are pivotally connected to
a side structure.
4. The nail clipper of claim 3, wherein said first link plate and
said second link plate extend substantially the length of said
first member and said second member such that a container is formed
between said first link plate and said second link plate.
5. The nail clipper of claim 1, wherein said first cutting blade
and said second cutting blade have an arced shape and are arranged
such that a chord formed across said arced shape is at an obtuse
angle relative to an axis of symmetry of said first member and said
second member.
6. The nail clipper of claim 1, wherein at least one of said first
lever and said second lever includes a bent portion.
7. The nail clipper of claim 3, wherein: said first lever further
includes a first flange pivotally connected with said first link
plate and a second flange pivotally connected with said second link
plate; and said second lever further includes a first flange
pivotally connected with said first link plate and a second flange
pivotally connected with said second link plate.
8. The nail clipper of claim 6, wherein one of said first link
plate and said second link plate includes a cut-out.
9. The nail care system of claim 7, wherein said nail filer
includes a rotatable file; and further comprising: an activation
mechanism disposed on said housing to rotate said rotatable
file.
10. The nail clipper of claim 3, wherein said first link plate and
said second link plate extend substantially the length of said
first member and said second member such that a container is formed
between said first link plate and said second link plate.
11. The nail care system of claim 3, wherein one of said first link
plate and said second link plate includes a cut-out.
12. The nail care system of claim 11, further comprising a release
mechanism to allow said nail clipper to be removed from said
housing.
13. (canceled)
14. The nail care system of claim 9, wherein said activation
mechanism can rotate said rotatable file in a clockwise or a
counter-clockwise direction.
15. The nail care system of claim 14, wherein said activation
mechanism is a two-way switch.
16. The nail care system of claim 14, wherein said activation
mechanism includes a clockwise button and a counter-clockwise
button.
17. The nail care system of claim 14, wherein said nail filer
further includes a motor to rotate said rotatable file, said motor
being disposed within said housing.
18. The nail care system of claim 9, wherein said nail filer
further includes a motor to rotate said rotatable file, said motor
being disposed within said housing.
19. The nail care system of claim 9, wherein said nail filer
further includes a removable cap.
20. A nail care system, comprising: a housing having a proximal end
and a distal end; a nail clipper at least partially disposed within
said housing and extending from said proximal end of said housing,
said nail clipper including: a first member; a first cutting blade
connected with said first member; a second member; and a second
cutting blade connected with said second member and positioned such
that said second cutting blade opposes said first cutting blade; an
actuation mechanism, including: a first lever; a second lever; a
first link plate pivotally connected between said first lever and
said second lever; and a second link plate pivotally connected
between said first lever and said second lever; a first cam
extending from at least one of said first lever and said first
member; and a second cam extending from at least one of said second
lever and said second member; wherein said first member and said
second member are positioned between said first lever and said
second lever of said actuation mechanism; and a nail filer
connected with said distal end of said housing.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to nail clippers and nail care
accessories.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Nail care products, particularly those for use in trimming
and filing fingernails and toenails, are varied and ubiquitous.
Nail clippers and emery boards can be found in millions of filing
cabinets and purses. A common design of nail clippers includes a
single lever attached to a post extending from a bottom plate and
through a top plate. The lever includes a protrusion for urging the
top plate toward the bottom plate as the top plate slides along the
post. Such nail clippers often include a swing-out metal nail file
for nail filing. There have been countless variations on this basic
design with varying results. While the design is simple and
effective at trimming nails, debris from such trimming often ends
up bouncing off a bathroom wall or sliding across the floor.
Further, for cutting thick nails the design can prove vexing, with
the user having too little leverage to achieve satisfactory
results.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] Further details of the present invention are explained with
the help of the attached drawings in which:
[0004] FIG. 1A is a side view of a nail clipper in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0005] FIG. 1B is a front view of the nail clipper of FIG. 1A;
[0006] FIG. 1C is a cross-section of an actuation mechanism of the
nail clipper of FIG. 1A;
[0007] FIG. 1D is a cross-section of an alternative embodiment of
the actuation mechanism of the nail clipper of FIG. 1A;
[0008] FIG. 1E is a cross-section of still another embodiment of
the actuation mechanism of the nail clipper of FIG. 1A;
[0009] FIG. 1F is a cross-section of still another embodiment of
the actuation mechanism of the nail clipper of FIG. 1A;
[0010] FIG. 2A is top view of a nail clipper in accordance with an
alternative embodiment of the present invention having angled
cutting blades;
[0011] FIG. 2B is a top view of the nail clipper of FIG. 2A in
use;
[0012] FIG. 2C is a top view of a nail clipper having non-angled
cutting blades in use;
[0013] FIG. 3A is a side view of a nail clipper in accordance with
still another embodiment of the present invention having an
actuation mechanism without a link plate;
[0014] FIG. 3B is a side view of a nail clipper in accordance with
still another embodiment of the present invention having levers
with fingerloops;
[0015] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a nail clipper in
accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention
having extended link plates to limit shifting of cutting blades and
to retain clippings;
[0016] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the nail clipper of FIG. 4A
illustrating a cut-out formed in one of the link plates through
which nail clippings can be discarded;
[0017] FIG. 5A is a partially exploded perspective view of a nail
care system in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention including the nail clipper of FIG. 4 partially disposed
within a housing, in which is further disposed a nail buffer;
[0018] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the nail care system of
FIG. 5A as assembled;
[0019] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a nail care system of FIG.
5A wherein the nail clipper is removed from the housing; and
[0020] FIG. 5D is a partial cut-away perspective view of the nail
care system of FIG. 5A showing an embodiment of a latch mechanism
for retaining a nail clipper within the housing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] FIG. 1A is a side view of a nail clipper in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention. The nail clipper 101
includes an upper member 106 and a lower member 108 positioned
between an upper lever 102 and a lower lever 104. Some components
of the nail clipper are referred to herein as "upper" and "lower"
components; however, positional modifiers are attached merely to
distinguish between similar components and are not meant to limit
use of the invention. As should be apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art, nail clippers in accordance with embodiments of
the present invention can be operated by a user in any position
that the user desires, so that the upper member can be physically
positioned below the lower member when operated, for example. Upper
and lower components can alternatively be referred to as first and
second components.
[0022] A proximal end of the upper member 106 forms or is connected
with an upper cutting blade 110. Likewise, a proximal end of the
lower member 108 forms or is connected with a lower cutting blade
112. The upper and lower cutting blades 110,112 are arranged in
opposition to one another so that when the upper and lower members
106,108 are urged together, the upper and lower cutting blades
110,112 pinch together, cutting a fingernail or toenail when placed
between the cutting blades 110,112. In the embodiment shown, the
upper member 106 and the lower member 108 comprise a single leaf
spring placed in tension by bending the leaf spring over itself.
However, the upper member 106 and the lower member 108 need not be
formed as shown. In other embodiments, the upper member 106 and the
lower member 108 can comprise two separate leaf springs connected
with one another at distal ends opposite the cutting blades
110,112. The members 106,108 and cutting blades 110,112 can be made
from chrome-plated steel, stainless steel, or some other material
having similar properties.
[0023] As can be seen in FIGS. 1A-1C, the upper member 106 and the
lower member 108 are held under tension by banding the upper member
106 and the lower member 108 with an actuation mechanism 103. The
actuation mechanism 103 includes the upper lever 102 pivotally
connected with a first link plate 122 and a second link plate 123,
and the lower lever 104 likewise pivotally connected with the first
link plate 122 and the second link plate 123. As shown in the
frontal view of FIG. 1B and the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1C
(taken through the actuation mechanism 103 of FIG. 1A), the upper
lever 102 includes a first upper flange 124 and a second upper
flange 125, each flange protruding from the upper lever 102 so that
the upper flanges 124,125 straddle the upper member 106. Likewise,
the lower lever 104 includes a first lower flange 126 and a second
lower flange 127, each lower flange 126,127 protruding from the
lower lever 104 so that the lower flanges 126,127 straddle the
lower member 108. As shown, the flanges 124-127 are positioned
between the first link plate 122 and the second link plate 123. The
link plates 122,123 can be arranged in such fashion so that the
motion of the upper member 106 and the lower member 108 is
unimpeded during actuation. Where the link plates 122,123 of FIG.
1C are alternatively positioned between the flanges 124-127, the
actuated member 106,108 can contact the edge of the link plate
122,123, impeding movement of the members 106,108.
[0024] Each flange 124-127 is pivotally connected with the
respective link plate 122,123 by a pin 114-117, or alternatively
some other fastener. As shown, the pins 114-117 protrude slightly
inward from the inner surface of the flange 124-127 and can limit
the range of motion of the member 106,108 when actuated. The
required range of motion of the members 106,108 during actuation is
dependent on a gap between the upper cutting blade 110 and the
lower cutting blade 112 when at rest. Where a greater range of
motion is desired, the flanges 124-127 can be countersunk so that
the pins 114-117 do not significantly extend or protrude from the
inner surfaces of the flanges 124-127. Alternatively, the pins
124-127 can be integrally formed or fixedly connected with
corresponding flanges 124-127, as shown in FIG. 1D. In still other
embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1E, the link plate 122,123 can be
connected with an inner surface of the respective flanges 124-127
where the flanges 124-127 are cut to receive the link plate 122,123
so that an inner surface of each of the link plates 122,123 is
substantially flush with an inner surface of the flanges 124-127.
In still further embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1F, a first flange
124,126 and a corresponding second flange 125,127 can be connected
with the first link plate 122 and the second link plate 123 by a
single pin 118,120 where the required range of motion of the first
and second members 106,108 is sufficiently small (i.e., where the
gap between the first cutting blade 110 and second cutting blade
112 is less than 2.times.d). Many different designs for pivotally
fixing an upper and lower lever 102,104 with a first and second
link plate 122,123 can be employed, for example with an eye towards
aesthetics, and/or an emphasis on reducing manufacturing costs. The
examples provided in FIGS. 1C-1F are meant to demonstrate a small
sample of such varying solutions and are not intended to be
limiting. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the
myriad different ways of pivotally connecting the upper lever 102
and the lower lever 104 with a first link plate 122 and a second
link plate 123 so that the upper member 106 and lower member 108
are banded by the actuation mechanism 103.
[0025] Referring again to FIG. 1A, the upper lever 102 also
includes an upper cam 132 integrally formed or connected with the
upper lever 102 and abutting the upper member 106. Likewise, the
lower lever 104 also includes a lower cam 134 integrally formed or
connected with the lower lever 104 and abutting the lower member
108. When the levers 102,104 are actuated, the levers 102,104 pivot
about the pivot points associated with the first and second link
plates 122,123 and the consequent pivoting of the upper and lower
cams 132,134 urges the members 106,108 together, and by extension
causes the cutting blades 110,112 to pinch together. As used
herein, a cam can include a curved wedge or other protrusion,
movable about an axis, used for forcing or clamping two pieces
together. In other embodiments, the upper cam 132 and lower cam 134
need not be integrally formed or connected with the upper lever 102
and lower lever 104, respectively. Alternatively, the upper cam 132
and lower cam 134 can be integrally formed or connected with the
upper member 106 and lower member 108, respectively. In such
embodiments, when the levers 102,104 are actuated the levers
102,104 pivot about the pivot points associated with the first and
second link plates 122,123 and slidably push against the upper and
lower cams 132,134 of the upper and lower member 106,108 to urge
the members 106,108 together, and by extension cause the cutting
blades 110,112 to pinch together.
[0026] As shown, the upper and lower levers 102,104 extend away
from the upper and lower members 106,108 respectively, each at a
roughly thirty degree angle relative to the plane of symmetry of
the nail clipper 101 so that the levers 102,104 fan out away from
the cutting blades 110,112. This arrangement of the upper and lower
levers 102,104 provides leverage when a user actuates the levers
102,104, although in other embodiments the levers 102,104 need not
extend away from the plane of symmetry at a roughly thirty degree
angle. Each lever 102,104 can optionally include a bent portion
170,172 to ease grasping of the levers 102,104 by a user. A thumb
or finger can be positioned at the bent portion 170,172, making
grasping and actuating the levers 102,104 less awkward. Further, a
portion of the levers 102,104 can be knurled or otherwise textured,
or the levers 102,104 can include a coating or sleeve made from
rubber, latex, foam, or some other material for reducing slippage,
and thereby easing handling and use of the nail clipper 101. The
levers 102,104 can be shaped as desired, for example, to suit
aesthetic tastes or alternatively to suit ergonomic considerations,
or to suit a combination of desired qualities. It should be noted
that the levers 102,104, and indeed other components of the nail
clipper 101, need not be symmetrical in shape. An axis of symmetry
160 of the nail clipper 101 provides a reference for describing
embodiments of the invention and its use is not meant to imply that
embodiments need necessarily be symmetrical.
[0027] Referring again to FIG. 1B, in one embodiment the cutting
blades 110,112 can have an arced shape along the plane of symmetry
160, for example similar to a shape of the end of a finger or a
toe. The arced shape can cut a fingernail or toenail so that the
nail conforms more closely to a contour of the finger or toe. Such
a shape can be advantageous in that it can reduce a time required
to trim nails to a shape conforming to that of the end of the
finger or toe. In other embodiments, nail clippers in accordance
with the present invention can have cutting blades 110,112 having
some other shape. For example, where the nail clipper 101 is
intended to be used to trim the claws of an animal, such as a dog
or cat, the cutting blades 110,112 can be shaped to conform to the
general shape of the claw, or a portion of the claw. Alternatively,
where some other shape is desired, or more useful, such a shape can
be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the cutting blades
210,212 can be shaped such that the cutting blades 210,212 are
substantially symmetrical about, or bisected by, a blade axis 262
that forms an oblique angle to the axis of symmetry 160 of the nail
clipper 201, so that the nail clipper 201 can be used at an angle
more comfortable to the user (i.e., requiring less severe
positioning of a user's hand relative to the fingernail to be cut,
as shown in FIG. 2B, as opposed to FIG. 2C). A substantially
symmetrical design of the actuation mechanism 103 allows a nail
clipper 201 having such a cutting blade design to be used with
either hand simply by flipping the nail clipper 201. One of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the myriad shapes with
which the cutting blades 210,212 can be formed.
[0028] As mentioned above, while nail clippers have been described
in detail in FIGS. 1A-2A, embodiments of nail clippers in
accordance with the present invention can include many different
component shapes and arrangements. For example, as shown in FIG.
3A, the actuation mechanism 303 can comprise an upper lever 302
pivotally connected with the lower lever 304, rather than pivotally
connected with a link plate. In still other embodiments, the upper
and lower levers 302,304 can have a shape other than as described
in the figures above. For example, in FIG. 3B the upper lever 302
and lower lever 304 include finger-loops 374,376 to reduce slippage
when using the nail clipper 301. In still further embodiments, the
levers can include a hinge or other feature for collapsing the
levers to minimize the size of the nail clipper for easy storage.
One of ordinary skill in the arts will appreciate the myriad shapes
with which the levers 302,304 can be formed.
[0029] As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 4A, a nail clipper
401 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present
invention for use with nail care systems in accordance with the
present invention can include an upper member 406 and a lower
member 408 positioned between an actuation mechanism 403, the upper
and lower member 406,408 comprising individual leaf springs
connected at a distal end. As above, the actuation mechanism 403
can include an upper lever 102 and a lower lever 104, each
pivotally connected with a first link plate 422 and a second link
plate 423. However, the first link plate 422 and second link plate
423 extend a substantial portion of the length of the upper and
lower members 406,408. Further, the first link plate 422 and second
link plate 423 can include a bend 464 corresponding to a narrow
portion of the upper and lower members 406,408. During actuation an
actuation force is applied to the upper and lower members 406,408
urging the upper and lower members 406,408 together. A portion of
the actuation force can be transferred laterally, causing the upper
and lower members 406,408 to shift along the axis of symmetry 160.
The bend 464, and a narrow portion of the link plates 422,423
located distally of the bend 464 block the upper and lower members
406,408 so that backward movement of the upper and lower members
406,408 relative to the link plates 422,423 (and the actuation
mechanism 403) along the axis of symmetry 160 is limited. Still
further, the upper and lower members 406,408 can include slots 409
for receiving the flanges 124-127 of the upper and lower levers
102,104. Thus the flanges 124-127 of the upper and lower levers
102,104 are recessed relative to the lateral edges of the upper and
lower members 406,408. Consequently, the first and second link
plates 422,423 abut the upper and lower members 406,408. The nail
clipper 401 thereby forms a container for receiving nail clippings
ejected away from the finger or toe. Nail clippers in accordance
with the prior art typically connect an arm to a clipper body by a
post positioned perpendicular to the cutting blades. The post can
deflect ejected nails out of the nail clipper, leaving debris
sometimes unaccounted for (until found with much embarrassment by
someone other than the user). As can be seen in FIG. 1A-4B, the
upper and lower members 406,408 can include significant curvature
and a narrow gap between cutting blades 110,112 so that nail
clippings are prevented from falling out of the nail clipper 401,
even when tilted at a slight angle. The inside surface of the upper
and lower member 406,408 can further be textured so that nail
clippings tend to not slide within the container unless shaken
and/or tilted at a severe angle.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 4B, the second link plate 423 (or
alternatively the first link plate 422) can include a cut-out 411
or other opening for emptying nail clippings captured in the
container. As will be described in detail below, the nail clippings
are prevented from ejecting out of the cut-out 411 by the wall of a
housing in which the nail clipper 401 can be disposed.
Alternatively, the second link plate 423 can include a removable
cover (not shown), the cover being removably attachable via myriad
different arrangements. For example, such a cover can include one
or more magnets along a periphery of the cover, the cover being
magnetically attachable to the second link plate 423 (where at
least the second link plate 423 is made from magnetic material) so
that the cut-out is sealed. Alternatively, an arrangement can
comprise a second link plate 423 having a groove along the upper
and lower edge of the second link plate 423 for slidably receiving
a cover having a corresponding lip along the upper and lower edges
of the cover. Myriad different cover designs can be employed where
a cover is desired.
[0031] As can be seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a first catch 460 and a
second catch 462 can be connected with the nail clipper 401. For
example, in one embodiment the first and second catch 460,462 can
be connected with the first and second link plate 422,423,
respectively. The first and second catch 460,462 can be received by
a latch mechanism 570 (shown in FIG. 5D) within a housing of a nail
care system (described below) so that the nail clipper 401 can be
selectably fixed in position, disposed within the housing. As
shown, the catches 460,462 protrude from the distal end of the nail
clipper 401. In other embodiments, the nail clipper 401 can include
some other device for selectably fixing a nail clipper 401 within
the housing of a nail care system. For example, the distal end of
the first and second members 406,408 can include a notch for
receiving a latch mechanism 570 associated with the housing. Myriad
different arrangements can be employed to selectably fix a nail
clipper 401 within a housing.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 5A-5D, a nail care system in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention can include a housing
540, a nail clipper 401 disposed within a portion of the housing
540, and a nail filer 541 connected with the housing 540. The nail
clipper 401 can be removably connected with the housing 540 by
sliding the nail clipper 401 into a cavity 560 within the housing
540 accessible through an opening at a proximal end of the housing
540. The cutting blades 110,112 protrude from the proximal end of
the housing 540, and the cutting blades 110,112 and the levers
102,104 are accessible to the user. In the embodiment shown, the
walls of the housing 540 cover the container of the nail clipper
401 formed by the link plates 422,423, and can further extend a
small distance such that when the cutting blades 110,112 are
pinched together, the container is substantially (though not
necessarily completely) sealed, so that ejected nail clipping are
directed into the container. As described above, the cut-out 411
formed in one of the first and second link plates 422,423 can be
blocked by the housing 540. When the user desires to empty nail
clippings from the container, the user can tilt the housing 540 so
that the nail clippings shift away from the cut-out, remove the
nail clipper 401 from the housing 540, and shake the nail clippings
out through the cut-out 411 and into a trash bin, for example.
[0033] As mentioned above, the nail clipper 401 can be selectably
fixed in position, disposed within the housing 540 by a latch
mechanism 570. When the nail clipper 401 is slid into a desired
position within the housing 540 the latch mechanism 570 can engage
the nail clipper 401, holding the nail clipper 401 in place. The
nail clipper 401 can be subsequently released by pressing a release
mechanism 552 associated with the latch mechanism 570 and
accessible (or actuatable) from outside of the housing 540. The
release mechanism 552 can be mechanically or electrically connected
with the latch mechanism 570 such that when the release mechanism
552 is activated, the latch mechanism 570 releases the nail clipper
401. The release mechanism 552 as shown is a button positioned
along the side of the housing 540. As can be seen in the partial
cut-away perspective view of FIG. 5D, the latch mechanism 570 in an
embodiment can be a spring biased device having a pair of ramped
latches 572 for capturing the first and second catches 460,462 of
the nail clipper 401. As shown, two springs 574 are each associated
with respective posts 576. When the nail clipper 401 is loaded into
the housing 540, the catches 460,462 contact the ramps of the
latches 572 and can overcome the force of the springs 574 to travel
up the ramps and into position, captured by the latches 572. When
the catches 460,462 clear the latches 572, the springs 574 force
the latch mechanism 570 back into a biased position, and the travel
of the catches 460,462 in the direction of removal is blocked by
the latches 572. Further travel of the nail clipper 401 along the
direction of insertion can be blocked by the housing 540. As shown
in FIGS. 5C and 5D, when the button 552 is pressed by a user the
springs 574 are again overcome and the latches 572 are repositioned
so that the latches 572 no longer block the catches 460,462
allowing the nail clipper 401 to be removed from the cavity 560
disposed within the housing 540. Once the nail clipper 401 has been
separated from the housing 540, any nail clippings 562 collected
within the chamber 411 can be disposed of. While the latch
mechanism 570 and release mechanism 552 have been described in
detail, in other embodiments, some other mechanism for retaining
and/or releasing the nail clipper 401 within the housing 540 can be
used. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the myriad
different devices for selectably retaining a nail clipper 401 at
least partially within a housing 540.
[0034] The housing 540 can be fabricated from any number of
materials or combinations of materials, including but not limited
to metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel) and thermoformable
plastic (e.g., high density polyethylene). As such, the housing 540
can be formed by extrusion, casting, molding, machining, etc., or
some combination of manufacturing processes. As can be further seen
in FIG. 5A, in one embodiment the housing 540 can be shaped to
conform with a shape of the levers 102,104. A bend associated with
the levers 102,104 can fit with a curve of the housing 540 when the
levers 102,104 are actuated. In other embodiments, the housing 540
can have some other shape. For example, the housing 540 can be
whimsically shaped, shaped to resemble a pop-culture icon, or
shaped to resemble a product trademark, for example. The housing
540 can be formed in any number of shapes, provided that a shape of
the housing 540 does not interfere with the use of the nail clipper
401. The shape of the housing 540 can be based on a number of
factors including (but not limited to) aesthetics, manufacturing
cost, or intended market. Further, the shape of the housing 540 can
be chosen based on the size of the nail clipper 401, and the size
of the cutting blades 110,112 of the nail clipper 401 (which can
vary based on application), and/or on the application itself. For
example, where the nail care system 500 is intended for use in
grooming dogs, the housing 540 can be shaped like a dog bone or a
popular cartoon beagle. As mentioned above, the levers 102,104 can
likewise have some other shape, so that, for example, an overall
shape of the nail care system 500 invokes a desired image to a
viewer. In the example where the housing 540 is a popular cartoon
beagle, the levers can be shaped to resemble the beagle's floppy
ears. Likewise, the release mechanism can be incorporated into the
shape of the housing 540.
[0035] As mentioned, the nail care system 500 can further include a
nail filer 541 comprising a nail filer housing 542 and a motorized,
rotatable file 546. The rotatable file 546 can include a surface
having a roughness and/or texture so that a portion of the
rotatable file 546 provides a surface for filing nails, or multiple
roughnesses and/or textures so that a portion of the rotatable file
546 provides a surface for filing nails while a portion of the
rotatable file 546 provides a surface for buffing nails. For
example, in one embodiment the rotatable file 546 can have a first
portion near a proximal end of the rotatable file 546 including a
coarse surface texture for filing a nail, and a second portion near
a distal end of the rotatable file 546 including a fine surface
texture for buffing the nail (or vice-versa). In other embodiments,
the rotatable file 546 can be supplanted by, or interchangeable
with, a rotatable buffer having a surface suitable for nail
buffing. For example, the nail care system 500 can include both a
rotatable file 546 and a rotatable buffer (not shown),
interchangeable by removing one and replacing with the other. One
of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the myriad different
arrangements of a rotatable device for treating nails. The
rotatable file 546 can extend from a distal end of the nail filer
housing 542. A cap 538 can fit over the rotatable file 546 when the
nail filer 541 is not in use. The cap 538 can be fitted by, for
example, snapping the cap 538 over a portion of the nail filer
housing 542 in an interference fit, or by mating threads of the cap
538 with threads of the nail filer housing 542 and screwing the cap
538 together with the nail filer housing 542, or by some other
method. A motor 543 extends from the proximal end of the nail filer
housing 542. The motor 543 can be encased in a motor housing 544 so
that the motor 543 is inaccessible when the nail filer 541 is
detached from the housing 540. Where a motor housing 544 is used,
the motor housing 544 can be connected with, or integrally formed
with the nail filer housing 542.
[0036] In some embodiments, the motor housing 544 (or motor 543)
can include a notch 548 corresponding to a notch in the housing 540
(not shown). In an alternative embodiment, the motor housing 544
(or motor 543) can include threads for mating with corresponding
threads of the housing 540. When the nail filer 541 is connected
with the housing 540, the motor 543 is disposed within a cavity of
the housing 540. The nail filer 541 is fixedly connected with the
housing 540 by sliding the motor housing 544 into the cavity so
that the notches are aligned (where notches are used). Once the
motor housing 544 is seated, the nail filer 541 can be rotated to
lock the nail filer 541 in position. Where the motor housing 544 is
threaded, the motor housing 544 can be inserted into the cavity
until the threads of the motor housing 544 contact threads of the
housing 540. Thereafter, the nail filer 541 is rotated until the
motor housing 544 is fully seated. One or more batteries (not
shown) for powering the motor 543 can be disposed within a cavity
connected with the cavity for receiving the motor housing 544. The
one or more batteries are placed, replaced, or removed from the
cavity by first detaching or removing the nail filer 541 from the
housing 540, placing the one or more batteries into the cavities,
orienting the batteries so that the proper contacts are aligned,
and then resealing the cavity with the nail filer 541.
[0037] An activation mechanism can be connected with the housing
540, or alternatively with the nail filer housing 542 to activate
the rotatable file 546. As shown in FIG. 5A, the activation
mechanism is a two-way switch 550, allowing the user to activate
the motor 543 to rotate the rotatable file 546 in either rotational
direction (i.e., clockwise and counter-clockwise). The user can
rotate the rotatable file 546 in the appropriate rotational
direction so that the file rotates with the grain of the nail,
rather than against the grain of the nail. Such an arrangement can
provide for a superior grooming result, used properly, when
compared with a file applied against the grain of the nail. The
two-way switch 550 rocks forward and backward to rotate the
rotatable file 546 as shown by arrows on the two-way switch 550
illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In other embodiments, two distinct
buttons can be used--one button for selecting each direction of
rotation. In still other embodiments, a single button can be used
for rotating the rotatable file 546 in a single direction. In still
further embodiments, some other activation mechanism can be used,
such as a slide, a knob, or a wheel, for example. The rotation
direction and rotation speed of the rotatable file 546 can be
controlled, or alternatively the rotation direction alone, or
rotation speed alone of the rotatable file 546 can be controlled.
One of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate the myriad
different ways in which a rotatable file 546 can be activated and
the myriad ways in which the activation mechanism can be
incorporated into a nail care system 500 having a nail clipper 401.
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention are not
intended to be limited in scope to those examples provided.
[0038] The foregoing description of the present invention has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise
forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent
to practitioners skilled in this art. The embodiments were chosen
and described in order to best explain the principles of the
invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others
skilled in the art to understand the invention for various
embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the
invention be defined by the following claims and their
equivalents.
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