U.S. patent application number 13/368899 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-18 for water works nail pic.
Invention is credited to Lorie Anne Kimble.
Application Number | 20120260930 13/368899 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47005462 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120260930 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kimble; Lorie Anne |
October 18, 2012 |
Water Works Nail Pic
Abstract
An architecture is presented that provides a nail cleaning
device designed for cleaning away debris or stains trapped in a
user's nail bed. The nail cleaning device comprises a liquid
retaining reservoir and a spray nozzle in fluid communication with
the reservoir for emitting a liquid stream under a user's
fingernails or toenails. The reservoir is typically a cylinder
shaped chamber with a hollow interior cavity, and a hose positioned
within the cavity to allow water to pass through the cavity from an
external water source. The water is emitted from the cavity via a
liquid stream from the spray nozzle. The nail cleaning device
further comprises a trigger positioned along the reservoir for
releasing the liquid stream from the spray nozzle, and a chamber
positioned within the reservoir for dispensing soap. The nail
cleaning device also comprises an external hose that connects the
reservoir to a pressurized water supply.
Inventors: |
Kimble; Lorie Anne; (Dover,
OH) |
Family ID: |
47005462 |
Appl. No.: |
13/368899 |
Filed: |
February 8, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61517020 |
Apr 13, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
132/73 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 29/17 20130101;
A45D 2200/057 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/73 |
International
Class: |
A45D 29/00 20060101
A45D029/00 |
Claims
1. A nail cleaning device, comprising: a liquid retaining
reservoir; a spray nozzle in fluid communication with the liquid
retaining reservoir; and a trigger positioned along the reservoir
for discharging contents of the liquid retaining reservoir through
the spray nozzle.
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a chamber within the
liquid retaining reservoir for retaining soap.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the chamber comprises a stain
removing liquid.
4. The device of claim 2, wherein the soap mixes with the liquid
retained in the liquid retaining reservoir and is discharged
through the spray nozzle.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein a hose is positioned within the
liquid retaining reservoir to allow water to pass through the
reservoir.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the liquid retaining reservoir
comprises an external hose to connect the liquid retaining
reservoir to a pressurized water supply.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the spray nozzle comprises more
than one discharge opening.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein one of said more than one
discharge openings discharges the liquid retaining reservoir
contents in a generally semi-circle spray to clean entire nail
bed.
9. The device of claim 7, wherein one of said more than one
discharge openings discharges the liquid retaining reservoir
contents in a single stream spray to target a specific area of the
nail.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the spray nozzle rotates when
the single stream spray is used.
11. The device of claim 7, wherein the spray nozzle turns to
alternate between the more than one discharge opening.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the spray nozzle comprises more
than one interchangeable heads wherein one of said more than one
interchangeable heads discharges the liquid retaining reservoir
contents in a generally semi-circle spray and wherein a second of
said more than one interchangeable heads discharges the liquid
retaining reservoir contents in a single stream spray.
13. The device of claim 1, further comprising a pressure valve, for
controlling pressure of the liquid retaining reservoir
contents.
14. The device of claim 1, further comprising a temperature gauge
for determining temperature of the liquid retaining reservoir
contents.
15. A nail cleaning device, comprising: a liquid retaining
reservoir; a chamber positioned within the reservoir for dispensing
a stain removing liquid; a spray nozzle in fluid communication with
the liquid retaining reservoir for discharging contents of the
liquid retaining reservoir; and a trigger positioned along the
liquid retaining reservoir for releasing the contents of the liquid
retaining reservoir; and wherein the stain removing liquid within
the chamber is released when the trigger is depressed.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein the spray nozzle comprises more
than one opening.
17. The device of claim 15, further comprising a pressure valve,
for controlling pressure of the liquid retaining reservoir
contents.
18. The device of claim 15, further comprising a temperature gauge
for determining temperature of the liquid retaining reservoir
contents.
19. The device of claim 15, wherein the liquid retaining reservoir
comprises an external hose to connect the liquid retaining
reservoir to a pressurized water supply.
20. A device for nail cleaning, comprising: a liquid retaining
reservoir, wherein the liquid retaining reservoir comprises: a
chamber positioned within the liquid retaining reservoir for
dispensing soap; and a trigger positioned along the liquid
retaining reservoir for discharging contents of the liquid
retaining reservoir and the soap; a spray nozzle in fluid
connection with the liquid retaining reservoir; and an external
hose connected to an end of the liquid retaining reservoir for
connecting the liquid retaining reservoir to a pressurized water
supply.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] This application claims priority from Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/517,020 filed Apr. 13, 2011.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Good hygiene is an important part of almost anyone's basic
necessities in life, and according to many, clean hands are the
most important place to start. Those who work with their hands such
as gardeners, mechanics, cooks, bakers, and many others, find it
hard to maintain clean nails. The harsh nail brushes, abrasive nail
scrubbers, and sharp pick instruments that can be used to clean
nails are often ineffective and painful to use. An effective
solution is necessary.
[0003] There is a need for a nail cleaning device that effectively
and painlessly cleans away debris or stains trapped in the
fingernail bed. The present invention discloses a nail cleaning
device or nail pic device that is easily attached to a faucet of a
sink or other pressurized water source and houses its own liquid
soap for easy application. The device could also have a separate
container for housing its own water supply. The device gently but
effectively washes away any dirt, food, or grime caught under the
fingernails or toenails using gentle water pressure.
SUMMARY
[0004] The following presents a simplified summary in order to
provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed
innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is
not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the
scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a
simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that
is presented later.
[0005] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one
aspect thereof, comprises a nail cleaning device designed for
cleaning away debris or stains trapped in a user's fingernail or
toenail bed. The nail cleaning device comprises a liquid retaining
reservoir and a spray nozzle in fluid communication with the
reservoir for discharging a liquid stream under a user's
fingernails or toenails to remove debris and stains. The reservoir
is preferably a cylindrically shaped chamber with a hollow interior
cavity comprising a hose, and is designed to allow an amount of
liquid, such as water, to pass through the cavity or chamber. The
water is discharged from the cavity via a liquid stream from the
spray nozzle. The water is pressurized by an external pressurized
water source (i.e., the faucet) or it can be pressurized
independently by the trigger mechanism.
[0006] Furthermore in the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the nail cleaning device further comprises a trigger
positioned along the reservoir for releasing the liquid stream from
the spray nozzle, and a chamber positioned within the reservoir for
dispensing a soap or stain removing liquid. The nail cleaning
device also comprises an external hose that connects the reservoir
to a faucet or other pressurized water source. Typically, water
from the faucet is directed through the external hose into the hose
of the cavity or chamber of the reservoir and discharged through
the spray nozzle, which is in fluid communication with the
reservoir.
[0007] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends,
certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are
described herein in connection with the following description and
the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but
a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein
can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and
their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become
apparent from the following detailed description when considered in
conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a nail cleaning
delivery device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
[0009] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of the internal
cavity of the nail cleaning delivery device in accordance with the
disclosed architecture.
[0010] FIG. 2A and B illustrate a perspective view of the spray
nozzle of the nail cleaning device in accordance with the disclosed
architecture.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the nail cleaning
device connected to a faucet in accordance with the disclosed
architecture.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0012] The innovation is now described with reference to the
drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like
elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident,
however, that the innovation can be practiced without these
specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and
devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a
description thereof.
[0013] The present invention discloses a nail cleaning device or
nail pic device that is easily attached to a faucet of a sink, or
other water supply, and houses its own liquid soap for easy
application. The device gently but effectively washes away any
dirt, food, or grime caught under the fingernails or toenails using
gentle water pressure and/or soap.
[0014] Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 1A
illustrate a nail cleaning device 100 designed for cleaning away
debris or stains trapped in a user's fingernail or toenail bed. The
nail cleaning device 100 comprises a reservoir 102 and a spray
nozzle 104 removably secured to, and in fluid communication with an
end of the reservoir 102, for emitting a liquid stream under a
user's fingernails or toenails to remove debris and stains. The
device 100 can also be used to clean other small, and/or hard to
reach objects. The reservoir 102 would generally be constructed of
plastic, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), though any other suitable material may be used to
manufacture the reservoir 102 as is known in the art without
affecting the overall concept of the invention. The reservoir 102
is approximately between 1/4 and 2 inches in diameter, and
approximately between 1 and 5 inches long.
[0015] Furthermore, the reservoir 102 is typically a cylinder
shaped chamber with a hollow interior cavity 110, but can be any
suitable shape or size as is known in the art without affecting the
overall concept of the invention, such as rectangular, oval, etc.
The hollow interior cavity 110 comprises a hose 112 which runs
through the cavity 110. The hose 112 is designed to accept water
from a water source and discharge water from the cavity 110 via a
liquid stream from the spray nozzle 104.
[0016] The spray nozzle 104 is removably secured to, and in fluid
communication with, an end of the reservoir 102 and hose 112, and
is typically circular in shape, but can be any suitable shape or
size as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept
of the invention provided that the same is capable of emitting a
liquid stream to the desired nail site in the manner described
herein. The spray nozzle 104 is approximately between 1/4 and 2
inches in diameter, and approximately between 1/4 and 1 inches
long. Furthermore, a trigger 106 is positioned along the reservoir
for discharging the liquid contents of the reservoir 102 through
the spray nozzle 104. The trigger 106 is typically a button that a
user depresses, but can be any other suitable trigger as is known
in the art such as a switch, toggle, etc., without affecting the
overall concept of the invention.
[0017] Furthermore, the nail cleaning device 100 comprises a
chamber 108 positioned within the reservoir 102 for retaining and
dispensing a liquid soap, stain removing liquid, or any other
cleaning liquid. The liquid soap can be an anti-bacterial soap or
any other soap as is known in the art without affecting the overall
concept of the invention. Typically, the liquid soap or stain
removing liquid within the chamber 108 is released in the liquid
stream when the trigger 106 is depressed. The hose 112 of the
cavity 110 retains the water, preventing the liquid soap or stain
removing liquid to mix with the water beforehand. Specifically,
once a user presses the trigger 106, liquid from the hose 112 is
combined with the liquid soap or stain removing liquid from the
chamber 108 and released as a liquid stream/soap mixture from the
spray nozzle 104, which is applied under the fingernails or
toenails of a user. However, the chamber 108 is not necessary and
the reservoir 102 can be used without the chamber 108. For example,
a user could pre-treat their nails, by dipping their nails into a
heavier, cream-like consistency soap and then apply the nail
cleaning device 100 under their nails to remove debris and/or
stains. Furthermore, the liquid soap and water can be premixed and
stored in a separate reservoir (not shown). A pump within the
reservoir would pump the contents of the reservoir to the spray
nozzle 104.
[0018] FIG. 2A and B illustrate the spray nozzle 104 of the nail
cleaning device, wherein the spray nozzle 104 comprises multiple
openings for discharging the contents of reservoir 102. As shown in
FIG. 2A, opening 200 of the spray nozzle 104 comprises a grouping
of smaller holes arranged in a half-moon shape to clean an entire
nail bed. Opening 208 of the spray nozzle 104 is a half-moon or arc
shaped opening to also clean the entire nail bed. Specifically, the
openings 200 and 208 comprise a plurality of jets or apertures
spaced in an arc shape and designed to be placed directly under the
tip of a user's nail to clean the entire nail bed. The jets of the
openings 200 and 208 expel water between 5 and 75 psi (pounds per
square inch) in a generally semi-circle spray. Opening 202
comprises a singular jet or aperture for discharging the contents
of reservoir 102. Opening 210 comprises a slotted aperture for
discharging the contents of reservoir 102. Openings 202 and 210 are
used to target one specific area on the nail bed at a higher
pressure. Specifically, the jet of openings 202 and 210 expels
water between 60 and 90 psi. The spray nozzle 104 can also rotate
when the singular jet spray is used for openings 202 or 210.
Typically, the spray nozzle 104 is turned by a user to alternate
between the openings 200, 202, 208 and 210. Specifically, the spray
nozzle 104 would have a dial on the end, enabling a user to turn
the spray nozzle 104 to the desired opening (200, 202, 208 and
210). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2B, the spray nozzle 104 can
comprise separate, interchangeable heads 206 A-D, wherein one head
206A comprises a plurality of jets or apertures spaced in an arc
shape and designed to be placed directly under the tip of a user's
nail. The jets expel water in a generally semi-circle spray to
clean the entire nail bed. And, a second head 206B comprises a
single stream jet spray opening used to target one specific area on
the nail bed at a higher pressure. A third head 206C comprises an
arc shaped opening for expelling water in a generally semi-circle
spray to clean the entire nail bed. And, a fourth head 206D
comprises a slotted opening used to target one specific area on the
nail bed at a higher pressure. The heads 206 A-D are removably
secured to the spray nozzle 104 by any securing means as is known
in the art without affecting the overall concept of the
invention.
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates the nail cleaning device 100 connected to
a faucet 300. The nail cleaning device 100 comprises a liquid
retaining reservoir 102 and a spray nozzle 104 removably secured
to, and in fluid communication with, an end of the reservoir 102
for emitting a pressurized liquid stream under a user's fingernails
or toenails to remove debris and stains. Furthermore, the reservoir
102 is typically a cylinder shaped chamber with a hollow interior
cavity or chamber comprising a hose 112, and is designed to allow
an amount of liquid, such as water or any other suitable liquid as
is known in the art, to pass through the cavity or chamber (not
shown). The water is emitted from the cavity via a liquid stream
from the spray nozzle 104.
[0020] A trigger 106 is positioned along the reservoir for
releasing the liquid stream from the spray nozzle 104.
Additionally, the nail cleaning device 100 comprises a chamber 108
positioned within the reservoir 102 for dispensing a soap or stain
removing liquid. Typically, the soap or stain removing liquid
within the chamber 108 is released in the liquid stream when the
trigger 106 is depressed. The nail cleaning device 100 also
comprises an external hose 302 that connects the reservoir 102 to a
faucet 300. The nail cleaning device 100 can be connected to a
kitchen or bathroom faucet 300, or any other suitable faucet as is
known in the art. The external hose 302 can be any suitable length
as is known in the art, such that the external hose 302 allows a
user ample length to maneuver while cleaning their nails.
Typically, water from the sink is directed through the external
hose 302 into the hose 112 of the cavity or chamber 110 of the
reservoir 102 and released at the end of the reservoir 102 through
the spray nozzle 104. However, external hose 302 and/or hose 112
are not needed and the cavity 110 of the reservoir 102 can be
pre-filled with water and/or soap and used without external hose
302 and/or hose 112. A pump (not shown) within the reservoir 102
would pump the contents of the reservoir to the spray nozzle 104. A
user would then re-fill the cavity of the reservoir 102 as needed
to continue nail cleaning.
[0021] Furthermore, the nail cleaning device 100 comprises a
pressure valve (not shown), for controlling pressure of the liquid
stream. The pressure valve can be any pressure valve known in the
art provided that it is of a size that can be positioned within the
reservoir 102. A user can adjust the pressure valve depending on
the amount of water pressure he or she wants or needs when cleaning
their nails. Additionally, the nail cleaning device 100 comprises a
temperature gauge (not shown) for determining temperature of the
water stream. The temperature gauge can be any temperature gauge
known in the art provided that it is of a size that can be
positioned within the reservoir 102. Typically, a user would
control the temperature of the water at the faucet, or other water
source. Or, a user can just add water already at the desired water
temperature to the cavity of the reservoir 102.
[0022] In use, a user secures an external hose to an end of the
reservoir and connects the reservoir to a faucet via the external
hose. The faucet can be a kitchen or bathroom faucet, or any other
pressurized water supply. Optionally, the user can then fill a
chamber in the reservoir with soap or stain removing liquid. Next,
the user rotates the spray nozzle to the desired opening, or
replaces the spray nozzle with an interchangeable spray head
comprising the desired opening and secures the head in place on the
spray nozzle. The user then turns the faucet on and allows water to
flow from the faucet through the external hose. The water is
directed through the external hose into the hose of the cavity or
chamber of the reservoir. The user then depresses the trigger which
releases water out the end of the reservoir through the spray
nozzle. If the user filled the chamber with soap or stain removing
liquid, then depression of the trigger would also cause the soap or
stain removing liquid to dispense from the chamber and combine with
the water. The water mixture would then be released at the end of
the reservoir through the spray nozzle. The nail cleaning device is
then placed under a user's nails to clean away debris and/or
stains. After use, the external hose at the end of the reservoir
can be removed and a cap (not shown) can placed to cover the inlet
to the reservoir. The external hose can then be drained of any
un-used water, cleaned and allowed to dry.
[0023] What has been described above includes examples of the
claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe
every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for
purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of
ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further
combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are
possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to
embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that
fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used in
either the detailed description or the claims, such term is
intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term
"comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a
transitional word in a claim.
* * * * *