U.S. patent application number 12/729003 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-22 for powered hand held linear motion device for attaching nail file tools.
Invention is credited to Ben S. Farber, Edmond E. Routhier.
Application Number | 20110226269 12/729003 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44646223 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110226269 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Routhier; Edmond E. ; et
al. |
September 22, 2011 |
POWERED HAND HELD LINEAR MOTION DEVICE FOR ATTACHING NAIL FILE
TOOLS
Abstract
The present invention relates to enhancing abrasive, buffing,
filing, polishing, shaping and callus removing products for the
manicure and pedicure industry by use of a linear motion tool. In
particular, the invention provides a method and apparatus that uses
linear motion to quickly vibrate a detachable platen by which an
abrasive, buffing, polishing and or pumice device can be secured by
means of temporary or permanent adhesion.
Inventors: |
Routhier; Edmond E.;
(Sonoma, CA) ; Farber; Ben S.; (Sonoma,
CA) |
Family ID: |
44646223 |
Appl. No.: |
12/729003 |
Filed: |
March 22, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/73.6 ;
132/76.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 29/05 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/73.6 ;
132/76.4 |
International
Class: |
A45D 29/05 20060101
A45D029/05 |
Claims
1. An electric nail file comprising: a. a housing member having a
top side and a bottom side, said housing member comprising: i. an
internal electric motor, said internal electric motor capable of
rotating a motor shaft, wherein the rotating a motor shaft drives a
reciprocating linear drive plate, said internal electric motor
capable of controllably driving the reciprocating linear drive
plate in a back and forth motion; ii. two external openings at the
bottom side of the housing; and iii. a linear drive plate having a
top side and a bottom side, said linear drive plate comprising: 1.
two opposing and inwardly facing, generally U shaped, linear drive
plate clips located on the bottom side of the linear drive plate,
said clips attached to the linear drive plate and protruding
through the two external openings at the bottom side of the
housing; and b. a platen having a top side and a bottom side, said
platen configured to attach to the linear drive plate via the
linear drive plate clips.
2. The electric nail file of claim 1, further comprising one or
more gears generally located between the motor and the
reciprocating linear drive plate, said gear(s) converting
rotational movement from the motor shaft into reciprocating linear
motion.
3. The electric nail file of claim 2, further comprising one or
more cams generally located between, and in physical contact with,
the motor and the one or more gears.
4. The electric nail file of claim 1, wherein the platen is
configured to receive and retain an abrasive material on the bottom
side of the platen.
5. The electric nail file of claim 1, further comprising an
activation switch protruding from the top side of the housing,
configured to control the speed of the reciprocating drive
plate.
6. The electric nail file of claim 1, further comprising disposable
abrasive material attachable to the platen.
7. The electric nail file of claim 1, further comprising two clip
mounts located on the top side of the platen, configured to receive
and secure the linear drive plate clips.
8. The electric nail file of claim 1, further comprising a battery
compartment located within the housing.
9. The electric nail file of claim 1, further comprising an
integrated circuit board.
10. The electric nail file of claim 1, further comprising an
activation switch protruding through the top side of the
housing.
11. The electric nail file of claim 1, further comprising a ridge
located approximately at the midsection of the bottom side of the
housing, said ridge bisecting the front and rear sections of the
housing.
12. The electric nail file of claim 1, further comprising an
electrical power cord capable of supplying standard alternating
current to the motor.
13. The electric nail file of claim 1, further comprising batteries
capable of supplying direct current to the motor.
Description
A. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to electric tools and more
particularly to tools for shaping and polishing fingernails and
toenails. Electric nail files of various designs have been devised
but none have found widespread use in the consumer and professional
world. Typically, those who perform manicures or pedicures, either
on themselves or others, including professionally in nail shops,
must file, smooth and polish the nails using a back and forth
motion of a nail file, or other device to file, buff, polish, or
shape the nail. Such repetitive motion is time consuming, and has
been the cause of injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. It is
an object of the invention described herein to provide a device
that can assist a user of the device in performing faster and safer
(for both the user and the recipient) manicures, pedicures and
callus removal utilizing linear motion. The present invention
relates to a linear motion device that powers removable platens for
the professional and consumer manicure and pedicure industry.
[0002] Other inventions in this field of endeavor include U.S. Pat.
No. 2,880,737, which describes an abrasive member that attaches to
a reciprocating arm and is used for filing fingernails. However, on
this device the abrasive member is held on the reciprocating arm by
a pair of protruding clips which are exposed to the user when the
device is in motion, which could cause damage to the nails.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 2,935,072 shows a manicuring device which has
a metal abrasive file with an opening at the inner end thereof. The
metal file is permanently held within the device and thus the
device does not permit the changing of files for heavier or finer
filing or for polishing.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,759,093 shows a manicuring device which has
an abrasive file enclosed within a housing. The file is held by a
spring within the enclosure and the file is shaped to be snapped in
or pulled out of a support cavity held by a U-shaped spring
clip.
B. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to the present Invention, techniques for filing,
polishing, buffing and shaping nails and toenails and removing dead
skin and calluses is provided. In particular, the invention
provides a method and apparatus for utilizing a removable platen
which can be attached through a bayonet clipping method which uses
platens with permanently adhered abrasives or platens designed to
use disposable peel and stick abrasives as buffing, and smoothing
materials and tools for filing, buffing, shaping finger and toe
nails and for removing callused or dead skin.
[0006] The invention provides a method and apparatus for enhancing
the method and approach for manicures and pedicures. More
particularly, the invention provides an improved method for
selectively using platens with permanently adhered abrasives or
platens designed to use disposable peel and stick abrasives,
buffing, polishing, shaping materials than the traditional manner
of manual usage which is done by hand using file abrasives,
buffing, polishing, shaping materials.
[0007] It is an object of the present Invention to provide an
electric device which permits the easy application and removal of
peel and stick abrasives, buffing, shaping, and nail polish
removing materials to a removable platen which is attached to the
device by an attachment means, such as a linear drive plate clip,
or "bayonet clip".
[0008] In its preferred embodiment, a housing of a size and shape
to be easily held by a user's hand will enclose a motor and gear
assembly that can create linear back and forth motion in a linear
drive plate. This linear drive plate will attach, through apertures
in the housing, to a platen via attachment means, such as the
linear drive clips, or bayonet clips described herein. The platen
will be configured to accept and retain various materials on its
surface that are used in the manicure/pedicure field, such as
abrasives, and other polishing and shaping materials. Preferably,
these materials will be disposable.
[0009] The device utilizes linear, back and forth motion to abrade,
buff, polish, and shape nails. The housing includes a motor with a
drive shaft that spins or rotates. This rotational energy from the
motor is then converted into reciprocating linear motion through
the use of gears attached to the motor's drive shaft. A linear
drive plate is connected to the gears via a cam which causes the
platen to move in a back and forth motion. This linear drive plate
comprises clips (sometimes referred to herein as `bayonet clips`)
that protrude from the linear drive plate and through apertures in
the bottom side of the housing. These linear drive plate clips are
preferably in the shape of a U and are preferably facing in
opposite directions and open to each other. This configuration
allows the platen to be easily attached to the linear drive plate
simply by rotating the platen into the clips.
[0010] The present invention relates to enhancing abrasive,
buffing, filing, polishing, shaping and callus removing products
for the manicure and pedicure industry by use of a linear motion
tool. In particular, the invention provides a method and apparatus
that uses linear motion to quickly oscillate a detachable platen by
which an abrasive, buffing, polishing and or pumice device can be
secured by means of temporary or permanent adhesion. The means of
securing the removable platen to the mechanism is accomplished by a
circular motion "Bayonet Clipping Mechanism". The bayonet clips on
the underside of the linear drive plate hold the removable platen
on the bottom side of the device. The removable platen is
preferably moved clockwise in a circular motion and locked into
place by the opposing bayonet clips.
[0011] The power source for this invention is preferably by
batteries. However, as an alternative, a power cord can be attached
to the housing and motor, that utilizes a/c current from a standard
wall socket. The batteries are preferably located within the
housing for convenience and aesthetics.
[0012] Preferably the platen allows only peel and stick materials
that are designed specifically for the size and shape of the platen
to attach to it. The peel and stick materials are used for
filing/finishing, polishing, shaping nails and removing dead
skin/calluses.
[0013] Merely by way of example, the platen can attach via circular
motion via the Bayonet Clip into the Tool. Specific Peel and stick
removable materials, such as abrasives, buffing, and filing (tools
used for filing/finishing, polishing, shaping nails and removing
dead skin/calluses) can be attached to the platen. But it should be
recognized that the invention has a much broader range of
applicability beyond the professional salon market, including the
pet, consumer, and medical industries.
[0014] The current method of providing manicures and pedicures is
by hand use of an abrasive or buffing file. The file is used in a
back and forth motion until the desired results are achieved. The
device replicates and mechanizes the natural linear motion of the
manual version of manicures and pedicures without the stress
injuries. By motorizing the natural motion, this device eliminates
the stress and rigors and potential for repetitive stress injuries
when done by hand.
[0015] The linear motion produced by this device is orientated on a
parallel axis beneath the handle. This is consistent with the
intended use and design of the removable platen with disposable
abrasive pads allowing for the largest range of sizes and purpose.
This invention is unique in that it utilizes the linear motion of
the abrasive/buffing material underneath and parallel to the
device. This is also important as the device replicates the natural
motion of professional nail technicians. Additionally, the clip and
motor are designed to work independently of the handle which
significantly reduces vibration in the handle and on the nail.
[0016] The device will incorporate multiple speeds which are
designed to work in connection with different disposable peel and
stick abrasive, filing, buffing, polishing grits in order to
perform specific sanding or buffing tasks. The bayonet clip system
is designed to accept alternate attachments to allow for the use of
the base handle and motor as a platform for other tools, such as
personal massaging, buffing, polishing, shaping and pedicure callus
shaving files.
[0017] This electric nail file produces linear motion in several
varying speeds and torque to the device which mates to a removable
platen. The removable platen affixes itself to the device by means
of a circular motion and clipping into the device by means of a
bayonet clip. The removable platen uses a specific and proprietary
design that mates with a disposable adhesive configured to that
design. The devices produces high speed linear motion to replicate
the natural motion used by professional manicure/pedicure
technicians. An advantage to the technician is that they no longer
have to endure the repetitive motion required to file, buff,
polish, and shape while performing manicures and pedicures which
can lead to repetitive stress injuries.
[0018] 1. Operation of the Invention
[0019] The invention is used for manicures and pedicures. Holding
the device in the middle of the palm additionally reduces risk of
carpal tunnel as it reduces the amount of flex in the wrist and
associated forearm, tendons, and ligaments.
[0020] For manicures, different abrasives and polishing adhesives
are placed on a removable platen. The removable platen is clipped
onto the linear drive plate via the linear drive plate clips, or
bayonet clips. The device is activated by pressing the power speed
button until the desired speed is acquired. The device is used on
the nails as needed. Once the desired results are achieved, the
peel and stick adhesive is removed and disposed of. For pedicures,
different abrasives and polishing disposable peel and stick
adhesives can be used.
C. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 is an internal top view of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a bottom view demonstrating the bayonet clipping
mechanism attachment process and motion to attach the removable
platen.
[0024] FIG. 4 is the top view of the device.
[0025] FIG. 5 is the perspective view of the bottom of the
device.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a side view of the removable platen.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a top view of the platen and the platen clip
mounts.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the linear drive plate.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a perspective top view of the platen.
D. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the
device. The upper housing 1 of the device is shown. It is generally
intended that the device be sized in such a way as to be a hand
held device. The lower housing 2 of the device should include one
or more screw bosses 9 which guide the linear drive plate 4 which
performs the linear motion when the device is activated. The
integrated circuit board switch 8 should protrude through an
aperture on the upper housing 1 and allow the user to control the
speed of the device, as well as possibly acting as the on/off
switch. The switch cover 7 for the integrated circuit board is also
shown.
[0031] The motor 5 drives the gears 6, 11 which drive the linear
drive plate 4 in a linear back and forth motion. A drive gear 21
connects to the motor shaft (which protrudes from the motor 5). The
drive gear 21 then connects to the reduction gears 6, 11. These
reduction gears 6, 11 attach to the linear drive plate 4 via a cam
(not shown) and convert the rotational movement from the motor
shaft and drive gear 21 into reciprocating linear motion. The
linear drive plate 4 comprise through holes 20 for the screw bosses
9 which allows for the movement of the linear drive plate 4. The
linear drive plate clips 17, or bayonet clips 17, protrude from the
bottom side of the linear drive plate 4 and protrude through
openings 10 in the bottom side of the housing 2. Platen clip mounts
12 are located on the top side of the platen 3 that facilitate the
connection between the platen and the linear drive plate clips 17.
Generally in the middle of the top side of the platen 3 is located
a recess 13 for the locator pin. The platen 3 is preferably
centered by the locator pin prior to the rotational attachment
motion. The pin should act as a guide allowing the linear drive
clips 17 to easily clip into the platen clip mounts 12.
[0032] The housing contains a motor recess 18 that houses the motor
in the main bottom housing 2 of the device. A battery compartment
22 is shown located behind the motor 5. Preferably the batteries
used in this device are rechargeable, however that is not a
requirement. A power cord 24 is shown, as well as the power cord
jack 23. It is anticipated that the device can use either battery
or a/c standard power. Internal component housing 19 is shown which
secures the alignment of the gear train and the circuit board for
the motor. This internal component housing 19 can also secure
internal electronics.
[0033] FIG. 2 shows an internal top view of the invention. The
motor 5 is shown as an internal component within the housing. The
gears 6, 11 and cam convert the rotational motion from the motor
shaft 21 into reciprocating linear motion. This reciprocating
linear motion is transferred to the linear drive plate 4. The
linear drive plate 4 is also shown as an internal component within
the housing. Linear drive plate clips 17 protrude from the linear
drive plate and protrude through two apertures in the bottom side
of the housing. The platen 3 can then be attached to the linear
drive plate 4 and receive the linear drive plate's reciprocating
linear motion.
[0034] FIG. 3 shows a bottom view demonstrating the bayonet
clipping mechanism attachment process and motion to attach the
removable platen 3. The platen 3 is rotated 14 such that it can be
inserted into the bayonet or linear drive plate clips 12 and firmly
secured. This configuration allows for a quick and secure method of
attaching the platen 3. The rotation 14 of the platen 3 into the
linear drive plate clips 12 is shown here as a clockwise twisting
of the platen 3. The battery access panel 25 is shown on the bottom
of the housing 2, as well as the power cord 24.
[0035] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the device, including the
integrated circuit board switch 8 that is easily accessible to the
user. The platen 3 is shown and is located in this example in
generally the bottom front of the device. This is the preferred
location of the platen 3 as it is believed to be the most
ergonomic, however other locations for the platen 3 may be
used.
[0036] FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the device, including the
attached platen 3. The finger protection ridge 15 is configured to
protect the user's hand/fingers from the moving platen 3 during
use. Described herein, but not shown in this drawing, is a locator
pin. This locator pin is a small protrusion from the underside of
the device housing that acts as a guide when attaching the platen
3. The locator pin is generally located in the middle of the front
section on the underside of the housing. The platen 3 comprises a
small recess 13 that allows the user to center the pin and the
platen prior attachment via the rotational motion described
above.
[0037] FIG. 6 is a side view of the platen 3 and the platen clip
mounts 12. This side view illustrates the adhesive strip alignment
ridges 16. These adhesive strip alignment ridges 16 serve several
purposes, including facilitate the attachment of the adhesive
strips to the platen 3, as well as allow for proprietary adhesive
strips to used.
[0038] FIG. 7 is a top view of the platen 3 and the platen clip
mounts 12.
[0039] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the linear drive plate 4.
FIG. 9 illustrates the through holes 20 for the screw bosses that
facilitate linear motion. Also shown are the bayonet or linear
drive plate clips 17 located on the underside of the linear drive
plate 4.
[0040] FIG. 9 is a perspective top view of the platen 3. Here, the
locator pin recess 13 is shown, as well as the platen clip mounts
12. The platen clip mounts 12 allow for the attachment of the
platen 4 such that the linear drive plate clips 17 remain above the
bottom surface of the platen 4. As such, the bayonet clips 17 will
not be visible from the underside of the device once the platen 4
has been attached, and more importantly, will not interfere with
the nail filing process. This allows use of the device without the
risk of injury from contact with the linear drive plate clips
17.
[0041] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in
order that the present contribution to the art may be better
appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the
invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form
the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
[0042] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0043] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0044] Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and
especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art
who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to
determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence
of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is
neither intended to define the invention of the application, which
is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to
the scope of the invention in any way.
* * * * *