U.S. patent application number 14/750759 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-31 for finger-mounted filing device.
The applicant listed for this patent is James A. Ankrum. Invention is credited to James A. Ankrum.
Application Number | 20150374093 14/750759 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54929165 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150374093 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ankrum; James A. |
December 31, 2015 |
FINGER-MOUNTED FILING DEVICE
Abstract
A finger-mounted filing device can include an abrasive surface
that can include a plurality of cutting edges in fixed relation.
The abrasive surface can be used for grinding a work surface, such
as a fingernail of an infant, child, or adult. The abrasive surface
can include a finger surface located on an opposing face of the
abrasive surface. The finger surface can be shaped to receive an
operator's finger. The abrasive surface can be coupled to a finger
clamp. The finger clamp can include the finger surface and at least
one jaw, such as for griping an operator's finger. The finger
surface can include a fingertip insertion stop. The fingertip
insertion stop can include a barrier to retain the finger on the
finger surface.
Inventors: |
Ankrum; James A.; (Iowa
City, IA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ankrum; James A. |
Iowa City |
IA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54929165 |
Appl. No.: |
14/750759 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62018054 |
Jun 27, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/73.5 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 29/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 29/04 20060101
A45D029/04 |
Claims
1. A device comprising: an abrasive surface, wherein the abrasive
surface includes a plurality of cutting edges in fixed relation; a
finger surface on an opposing face of the abrasive surface; and a
finger clamp coupled to the abrasive surface, the finger clamp
including the finger surface and a jaw.
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a fingertip insertion
stop located at an end of the finger surface opposite to an
aperture end of the finger surface.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the abrasive surface includes at
least one facet.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein at least two facets are aligned
at an angle between fifteen degrees to forty-five degrees.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the jaw includes a cantilevered
beam.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the jaw includes an elongate
member, the elongate member aligned between the jaw and the
fingertip insertion stop.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the finger surface has a length
of less than five-centimeters.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the finger surface has a concave
shape.
9. A method comprising: forming a plurality of cutting edges on an
abrasive surface in fixed relation; providing a finger surface on
an opposing surface of the abrasive surface; and coupling a finger
clamp to the abrasive surface, the finger clamp including the
finger surface and a jaw.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising forming a fingertip
insertion stop located at an end of the finger surface opposite to
an aperture end of the finger surface.
11. The method of claim 9, further comprising providing at least
one facet on the abrasive surface.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising aligning at least
two facets at an angle between fifteen degrees to forty-five
degrees.
13. The method of claim 9, further comprising forming a
cantilevered beam on the jaw.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising forming an elongate
member on the jaw, the elongate member aligned between the jaw and
the fingertip insertion stop.
15. The method of claim 9, further comprising configuring the
finger surface to have a length less than five-centimeters.
16. The method of claim 9, further comprising contouring the finger
surface to have a concave shape.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/018,054 filed on
Jun. 27, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in
its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Infants can produce self-inflicted injury as a result of
their un-trimmed fingernails. Existing devices for trimming infant
fingernails require one hand to hold the finger of the infant and
the other hand to grip and control the trimming device. Some
existing trimming devices employ clippers that can produce
unintended cuts on the infant's finger, whereas others require
batteries for operation. In addition, members of the general
public, including amputees and those with impaired dexterity, can
find it difficult to manipulate traditional manicuring nail
files.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a finger-mounted
filing device worn by an operator, according an example.
[0004] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a finger-mounted
filing device according to an example.
[0005] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an abrasive surface
including facets coupled to a finger-mounted filing device
according to an example.
[0006] FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view of cutting edges
including abrasive granulate according to an example.
[0007] FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed view of cutting edges
including teeth according to an example.
[0008] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a perspective view and a side
view, respectively, of a finger-mounted filing device with a
two-section jaw configuration according to an example.
[0009] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a finger-mounted filing
device with an unfaceted abrasive surface according to an
example.
[0010] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a finger-mounted
filing device including a two jaws and a semispherical fingertip
insertion stop according to an example.
[0011] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a finger-mounted
filing device with a single jaw according to an example.
[0012] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart of an example of a method
for making a finger-mounted filing device according to an
example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Described herein are various configurations and designs for
a filing device, such as a finger-mounted filing device for, in
some instances, trimming fingernails. The following description and
drawings sufficiently illustrate specific examples to enable those
skilled in the art to practice them. Other examples may incorporate
structural and other changes. Portions and features of some
examples may be included in, or substituted for, those of other
examples.
[0014] A finger-mounted filing device can include an abrasive
surface, a finger surface, and a finger clamp. In one example, the
finger-mounted filing device can include a fingertip insertion
stop. The abrasive surface (e.g., described with regards to FIG. 1)
can include a plurality of cutting edges in fixed relation. The
abrasive surface can be used for grinding a work surface, such as
fingernails. The abrasive surface can include a finger surface
located on an opposing face. The finger surface can be shaped to
receive an operator's finger. In addition, the finger surface can
include an aperture end and a fingertip insertion stop end. The
fingertip insertion stop can provide resistance to further
insertion of a finger, such as to maintain a position of the finger
on the finger surface. The abrasive surface can be coupled to a
finger clamp, such as at the aperture end of the finger surface.
The finger clamp can include the finger surface and at least one
jaw for griping an operator's finger.
[0015] In an example, the abrasive surface can include at least one
facet thereon. The at least one facet can provide a filing surface
oriented in a plane that facilitates translation of the abrasion
surface by the movement of the operator's finger, such as to grind
the fingernail or other work piece with the abrasion surface. The
at least one jaw can include an elongate member aligned between the
jaw and the fingertip insertion stop. The elongate member can be
coupled to the jaw. The jaw and the finger surface can provide a
clamping force to a finger positioned there between. The finger
surface can be sized to permit flexure of at least one of the
operator's knuckles when worn by the operator.
[0016] In an example, the abrasive surface can be formed as an
unfaceted surface. The abrasive surface can include a convex
surface (convex when viewed from the abrasive surface side), such
as a conical shape that is substantially symmetrical about the axis
of the operator's finger. In a further example, two jaws can be
coupled to the aperture end of the finger surface. The two jaws can
clamp the operator's finger when the operator's finger is inserted
into the finger-mounted filing device. In an example, the clamping
force is generated by the deflection of the jaws, such as
deflection caused by the insertion of the operator's finger.
[0017] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate an example of a device 100A
worn by an operator depicted in a perspective view and a
perspective view of the device 100A respectively. The device 100A
can include an abrasive surface 102A-B (references with prefix 102
are collectively referred to in this disclosure as abrasive surface
102), a finger surface 104 (see FIG. 2) on the opposing face of the
abrasive surface, a finger clamp (including jaw 106A and elongate
member 110), and a fingertip insertion stop 108A. The finger clamp
can include opposing elements: such as a finger surface 104 and at
least one jaw 106A. The opposing elements can grip an operator's
finger 112, such as the jaw 106A can be deflected by the insertion
of a finger 112 into the device 100A thereby producing a reaction
force that clamps the finger 112 between the opposing finger
surface 104 and the jaw 106A. The clamp can include an elongate
member 110. The elongate member can be aligned between an aperture
end 114 of the finger surface 104 and the fingertip insertion stop
108A. At least one end of the elongate member 110 can be supported
by the jaw 106A. The elongate member 110 can grip the finger 112
along the length of the elongate member 110, such as to clamp the
finger 112 between the finger surface 104 and the jaw 106A. The
fingertip insertion stop 108A can be located on one end of the
finger surface.
[0018] The abrasive surface 102 can include a plurality of cutting
edges. The cutting edges can be arranged in fixed relation on the
abrasive surface 102, such that the cutting edges maintain their
location and orientation on the cutting surface. In one example,
the cutting edges are formed on a rigid, abrasive surface 102. The
operator can move the abrasive surface 102 against the work piece
(e.g., a fingernail, tooth, animal's nail, wood), such as to remove
material from the work piece by rubbing the cutting edges against
the work piece. The abrasive surface can be sized and shaped to fit
between the fingers of an infant, such as to file the fingernail of
the infant without cutting the surrounding fingers (e.g., a finger
surface 104 that is less than 5 centimeters in length projected
along the direction of axis 116 and less than 3 centimeters wide in
a direction projected along axis 118). The abrasive surface 102
optionally includes at least one facet. The facet can be a planar
surface or a plurality of planar surfaces. The at least one facet
can be oriented tangential to the operator's finger, such as
tangential to the operator's finger pad. In an example, the
abrasive surface can include a plurality of facets (e.g., 102A and
102B). The plurality of facets can intersect one another at one or
more edges, such that the plurality of facets can be oriented in
different planes, giving the operator multiple filing surfaces to
grind the work piece. The plurality of facets can be used by the
operator to grind a work piece that is located near the operator's
fingertip (e.g., 102A), along the pad of the operator's finger 112,
or along the side of the operator's finger 112 (e.g., 102B). The
facets can be aligned at an angle 602 (see FIG. 6B) between fifteen
degrees to forty-five degrees between adjacent facets. In an
example, the abrasive surface 102 can include a channel. The
channel can be located on the abrasive surface with one end near
the fingertip insertion stop 108A and the other end near the
aperture end 114 of the abrasive surface 102, such as primarily
along the direction of axis 116. The channel can include a profile
shape, such as a slightly concave shape (concave when viewed from
the abrasive surface side) of the abrasive surface 102 or a
semi-circular shape. In a further example, the abrasive surface 102
can include a ridge, such a raised surface on the abrasive surface
102 in a direction substantially perpendicular from the abrasive
surface 102 (e.g., along axis 120).
[0019] The abrasive surface 102 can be fabricated from a polymer,
such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), polycarbonate,
polyamide; or from materials, such as aluminum, steel, ceramic, or
glass. The abrasive surface 102 can include cutting edges formed
thereon. The cutting edges may be formed from a hard material, such
as a material that is harder than the material of the work piece.
In an example, the cutting edges include teeth that can be formed
from aluminum, steel, ceramic, glass, carbide, or a polymer. In a
further example, the cutting edges can include abrasive granulate,
such as aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, alumina-zirconia, ceramic
aluminum oxide, garnet, corundum, or other abrasives. The abrasive
granulate can be bonded or sintered together or coated to a backing
material (e.g., paper, cloth, or the substrate), such as emery
paper. The abrasive granulate can be integrated into the abrasive
surface 102, such as by adhesive, insert molding, or heat welding.
The abrasive granulate or teeth can be sized and shaped for
removing material (e.g., grinding, polishing, filing, or lapping),
such as granulate or teeth with cutting edges ranging from five
micrometers to two millimeters.
[0020] The finger surface 104 provides a distributed contact face
for applying force to the abrasive surface 102, such as for rubbing
the abrasive surface 102 against the work piece. The finger surface
104 can be located on the opposing face of the abrasive surface
102. The finger surface 104 can be generally concave, such as to
position the finger 112 in a desired location on the finger surface
104 (e.g., the center of the finger surface 104). In an example,
the finger surface 104 can have a semi-circular cross-section when
cut normal to axis 116. Maintaining the finger 112 on or near the
center of the finger surface 104 can improve the function of the
clamp, such as by preventing the finger 112 from sliding out from
between the jaw 106, elongate member 110 and the opposing finger
surface 104.
[0021] The shape of the finger surface 104 (e.g., the concave
shape) can allow finger pressure to be applied to the angled facets
on the abrasive surface 102 (e.g., abrasive surface 102B, located
alongside the finger 112). In a further example, the finger surface
104 can be shaped and sized to fit the contour of the operator's
finger 112. The contoured shape can further prevent the finger 112
from sliding on the finger surface 104. Reducing the amount of
sliding of the finger 112 on the finger surface 104 can allow the
operator to transfer more force and energy from the motion of the
finger 112 to the work piece. In an example, the finger surface 104
can be textured, such as to include a non-slip surface. The finger
surface 104 can include an adhesive to inhibit the finger 112 from
slipping on the finger surface 104. In an example, the finger
surface 104 can be less than five-centimeters long to permit
articulation of at least one of the operator's knuckles.
[0022] The finger clamp can include the finger surface 104 and a
jaw 106A. The finger surface 104 and jaw 106A can be positioned on
opposing sides of an operator's finger 112. The jaw 106A can be a
cantilevered beam, such as having one end supported by the abrasive
surface 102 and the other end unsupported. In an example, the jaw
106A can have one end supported by the abrasive surface 102 and the
other end can be coupled to an elongate member. The clamp can be
configured such that the jaw 106A is expandable (e.g., can deflect
in a plurality of directions), such as along axis 120, along axis
118, or both. In an example, the elongate member can couple the
free ends of a first and second jaw 106A, such as to form a single
jaw 106A. In another example, the jaw 106A can be coupled to the
abrasive surface 102 and the finger surface 104, such as formed
from a single integrated component (e.g., an injection molded part)
as shown in FIG. 1. The clamp can be fabricated from a polymer
material, such as ABS, polycarbonate, polyamide; or from other
materials, such as aluminum, steel, ceramic, or other. In an
example, the jaw 106A can be fabricated from a different material
than the finger surface 104, such as steel, aluminum, an elastomer,
or polymer. The finger surface 104 can be mechanically attached to
the jaw 106A, such as by insert molding or secured by a fastener,
latch, or snap-fit. In an example, the finger surface 104 can be
bonded to the jaw 106A, such as by adhesive. The operator can rub
the abrasive surface 102 against the work piece by moving their
finger 112 as a result of the filing device 100A being retained to
the finger 112 by the clamp. An aperture 122 can be formed between
the finger surface 104 and the jaw 106A. The operator can insert a
finger 112 through the aperture 122, wherein the finger 112 can be
retained to the filing device 100A by force applied to the finger
112 by the opposing finger surface 104 and the jaw 106A. The force
applied to the finger 112 by the clamp can be produced by
configuring the size of the aperture 122 between the finger surface
104 and the jaw 106A, such as by sizing the aperture 122 to be
smaller than the size of the finger 112. For example, a finger 112
having a diameter of 1.5 centimeters would be suitably clamped by
an ABS structure having an aperture size of 1.4 centimeters. The
clamping force can be generated by the deflection of the jaw 106A
produced by inserting the finger 112 through the aperture 122. The
deflection can produce a reaction force that pinches the finger 112
between the finger surface 104 and the opposing jaw 106A. The size
of the aperture 122 can be configured to permit the insertion of a
variety of finger 112 sizes, while still generating a force for
retaining the finger 112.
[0023] The fingertip insertion stop 108A can provide a means for
retaining the finger 112 to the device 100. The fingertip insertion
stop 108A can be configured to maintain the finger 112 on the
finger surface 104. The fingertip insertion stop 108A can include a
barrier that prevents the fingertip of the finger 112 from being
inserted through the aperture end 114 of the finger surface 104 and
beyond the opposite end of the finger surface 104 when thrust in a
forward stroke. In an example, the fingertip insertion stop 108 can
be a ridge, a cup, a post, or an edge. The fingertip insertion stop
108 can be configured to receive a fingertip, such as engage with
the fingertip while permitting the fingernail of the operator to
lay free from contact with the fingertip insertion stop 108.
[0024] The elongate member 110 can be included in the clamp. The
elongate member 110 can be aligned between the jaw 106A and the
fingertip insertion stop 108. The jaw 106A and the elongate member
110 can be positioned on one side of a finger 112, and the finger
surface 104 can be positioned on the opposing side of the finger
112. The elongate member 110 can include a cantilevered beam shape
with one end coupled to the jaw 106A and the other end unsupported
and located near the fingertip insertion stop 108A. In an example,
the elongate member 110 can include a serpentine shape, such as
both ends of the elongate member are coupled to the jaw 106A and
the middle of the elongate member 110 is located near the fingertip
insertion stop 108A. A force is exerted on the finger 112 along the
length of the elongate member 110, such as primarily along the
trajectory of axis 120 towards the finger surface 104. The force
can be exerted on the finger 112 at a location between the aperture
end 114 and the fingertip insertion stop 108A (e.g., the force can
be exerted by the elongate member 110 at a location of the elongate
member nearest to the fingertip insertion stop 108A). In an
example, the elongate member 110 can retain the tip of the finger
112 to the finger surface 104. The elongate member 110 can be sized
and shaped to include a length of one to three centimeters and a
height and width of 0.1-3.0 millimeters, such as to function as a
flexible hinge. The elongate member can be deflected by finger 112.
When the elongate member 110 is fixed in a deflected position, a
strain in the elongate member 110 is produced. In an example, the
strain on the elongate member 110 can be reduced by increasing the
length of the elongate member 110. Permanent deformation of the
elongate member 110 can be used to custom-size the device 100 to a
finger 112. In an example, permanent deformation of the elongate
member 110 can be avoided by reducing the strain on the elongate
member 112. Reduced strain can also increase the number of cycles
in which a finger can be inserted into the device 100A or permit
larger deflections of the elongate member 110, such as to
accommodate a large finger 112 size.
[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a view of the device 100A having an
abrasive surfaces 102A-D, each of which is faceted. The abrasive
surface 102 can include a plurality of cutting edges in fixed
relation. Each abrasive surface 102 can include cutting edges of
the same or of different type, such as abrasive granulate 402 or
filing teeth 502.
[0026] In an example, a facet (e.g., abrasive surface 102C) can
include cutting edges formed from an abrasive granulate 402, such
as emery, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, garnet, corundum, or
other abrasives as shown in FIG. 4. The abrasive granulate 402 can
be bonded or sintered together or coated to a backing material
(e.g., paper, cloth), such as emery paper. The cutting edges can be
integrated into to the abrasive surface 102, such as by adhesive,
insert molding, heat welding, or ultrasonic welding. In an example,
the abrasive granulate 402 can be integrated into the abrasive
surface 102 in a substantially uniform thickness. The abrasive
granulate 402 can be located uniformly on the abrasive surface 102,
selectively located on portions of the abrasive surface 102, or on
selective facets (e.g., 102 A-D). In an example, the abrasive
granulate 402 can be arranged in a randomized pattern.
[0027] In a further example, a facet (e.g., 102D) of the abrasive
surface 102 can include cutting edges, such as teeth 502 (as shown
in FIG. 5) that can be formed on the facet from aluminum, steel,
ceramic, glass, carbide, or a polymer. The teeth 502 can be
arranged in a linear pattern on the abrasive surface 102, such as
to be configured to remove material from a work piece when rubbed
against the work piece in a particular direction. The teeth 502 can
be oriented in different directions. In an example, each facet can
include teeth 502 configured to remove material from a work piece
when rubbed against the work piece in a different direction.
[0028] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrate a perspective view and a side
view, respectively, of a device 100B with a jaw 106B configuration
according to an example. The jaw 106B can be coupled to the
abrasive surface 102 (e.g., 102A and 102B) in a location between
the aperture 122 and the fingertip insertion stop 108A. The length
L (e.g., the combined length of L1 and L2 collectively referred to
as L) of the jaw 106B can be extended by selecting the location at
which the jaw 106B is coupled to the abrasive surface 102. An
extended length L of the jaw 106B can reduce the strain on the jaw
106B (e.g., strain applied to the jaw 106B as a result of the
deflection of the jaw 106B when a finger 112 is inserted into the
aperture 122), such as to lower the force applied to the finger 112
by the jaw 106B
[0029] In an example, the jaw 106B can include a cantilevered beam
configured to deflect in more than one direction, such that a jaw
106B that can deflect in a direction away from the finger surface
104 (e.g., along axis 120 shown in FIG. 2.) and additionally
outwards along axis 118 (shown in FIG. 2), for example, when a
finger 112 is inserted through the aperture 122. The jaw 106B can
include one or more sections, such as two sections as shown in
FIGS. 6A and 6B. A first section (e.g., with length L1) aligned
substantially along the direction of axis 116 and a second section
(e.g., with length L2) aligned substantially along the direction of
axis 120 as shown in FIG. 6B. The length L of the jaw 106B can be
increased, without increasing the aperture 122 size, by coupling
the jaw 106B to the abrasive surface 102 in a location between the
aperture end 114 and the fingertip insertion stop 108A.
[0030] The abrasive surface 102 optionally includes at least one
facet. The facet can be a planar surface or a plurality of planar
surfaces. The at least one facet can be oriented tangential to the
operator's finger, such as tangential to the operator's finger pad
(e.g., abrasive surface 102B). In an example, the abrasive surface
can include a plurality of facets (e.g., 102A and 102B). The
plurality of facets can intersect one another at one or more edges,
such that the plurality of facets can be oriented in different
planes, giving the operator multiple filing surfaces to grind the
work piece. The facets can be aligned at an angle 602 between
fifteen degrees to forty-five degrees between adjacent facets
(e.g., abrasive surfaces 102A and 102B).
[0031] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a device 100C with an
abrasive surface 102E without facets according to an example. The
abrasive surface 102 can include a convex shape, such as abrasive
surface 102E. The convex shape of abrasive surface 102E can include
cutting edges positioned on the exterior of the abrasive surface
102, such as cutting edges oriented in a plurality of directions.
The operator can remove material from a work piece by rubbing the
abrasive surface 102 against the work piece in a plurality of
directions as described in other examples.
[0032] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a device 100D that
includes an abrasive surface 102F, a first jaw 106C, second jaw
106D, a finger surface 104, and a fingertip insertion stop 108B.
The first jaw 106C and the second jaw 106D are coupled to the
abrasive surface 102F at one end, such as at the aperture end 114
of the abrasive surface 102F. In an example, the first jaw 106C and
the second jaw 106D can be cantilevered, such that an end of the
first jaw 106C and an end of the second jaw 106D are unconstrained.
The first jaw 106C and the second jaw 106D can be deflected by the
insertion of a finger 112 into the aperture 122. The first jaw 106C
and the second jaw 106D can apply a reaction force to the finger
112 when deflected.
[0033] The abrasive surface 102F can be substantially convex on the
exterior surface. The abrasive surface 102F can include abrasive
granulate or cutting teeth (as described in relation to other
examples) that are located on the abrasive surface 102F, the first
jaw 106C, the second jaw 106D, or the fingertip insertion stop
108B. The abrasive surface can include a semi-circular
cross-section cut normal to axis 116.
[0034] The device 100D can include a fingertip insertion stop 108B,
such as a fingertip insertion stop with a semispherical shape. The
fingertip insertion stop 108B can be concave on the interior finger
surface 104, such as to inhibit a finger 112 from sliding on the
finger surface 104 beyond the fingertip insertion stop 108B.
[0035] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a device 100E with
one jaw 106E according to an example. The device 100E can include a
jaw 106E and an abrasive surface 102F, finger surface 104, and
fingertip insertion stop 108B as previously described in FIG. 8.
The jaw 106E can include a semi-circular shape. The first end and
the second end of the jaw 106E can be coupled to the abrasive
surface 102F. In an example, the jaw 106E can be coupled to the
abrasive surface at an aperture end 114 of the finger surface
104.
[0036] The jaw 106E can be configured to deflect when a finger 112
is inserted into the aperture end 114. In an example, the
operator's finger 112 can compress so the finger 112 can be
inserted into the aperture 122. The jaw 106E can optionally be
formed from an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material can
be natural or synthetic rubber, or a thermoplastic elastomer. The
elastomeric jaw 106E can be coupled to the abrasive surface 102F by
a fastener or can be retained to the abrasive surface 102F by
weaving the elastomer through one or more eyelets included in the
abrasive surface 102F.
[0037] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart of an example of a method
1000 for making a device 100A according to an example.
[0038] At 1002, the method 1000 can include forming a plurality of
cutting edges on an abrasive surface 102 in fixed relation. The
cutting edges can be formed on a rigid surface, such as fixing the
relation of the cutting edges. The abrasive surface 102 can include
cutting edges formed from a harder material than the work piece
material. In an example, the abrasive surface 102 can be fabricated
from a polymer, such as ABS, polycarbonate, polyamide; or from
other materials, such as aluminum, steel, ceramic, or glass. The
cutting edges can include abrasive granulate 402, such as emery,
aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, garnet, corundum, or other
abrasives. The abrasive granulate 402 can be bonded or sintered
together or coated to a backing material (e.g., paper, cloth, or
the substrate), such as emery paper. The Abrasive granulate 402 can
be integrated into the abrasive surface 102, such as by adhesive,
insert molding, or heat welding. The abrasive granulate 402 can be
integrated into the abrasive surface 102 in a substantially uniform
thickness. In a further example, the abrasive granulate 402 can be
arranged in a randomized pattern. The abrasive granulate 402 can be
located uniformly on the abrasive surface 102, selectively located
on portions of the abrasive surface 102, or on selective facets
(e.g., 102 A-D).
[0039] In another example, the abrasive surface 102 can include
cutting edges, such as teeth 502 that can be formed from aluminum,
steel, ceramic, glass, carbide, or a polymer. The cutting edges can
be formed on the abrasive surface 102. In an example, the cutting
edges can be located uniformly on the abrasive surface 102,
selectively located on portions of the abrasive surface 102, or on
selective facets (e.g., 102 A-D).
[0040] At 1004, the method 1000 can include providing a finger
surface 104 on an opposing surface of the abrasive surface 102. The
finger surface 104 can be configured to have a distributed contact
face for applying force to the abrasive surface 102. The finger
surface 104 can be generally concave from the internal side (finger
112 side), such as to position the finger 112 in a desired location
on the finger surface 104 (e.g., the center of the finger surface
104). In an example, the finger surface 104 can have a
semi-circular cross-section when cut normal to axis 116. The finger
surface 104 can be less than five-centimeters long to permit
articulation of at least one of the operator's knuckles. In an
example, the finger surface 104 can be shaped and sized to fit the
contour of the operator's finger 112. In a further example, the
finger surface 104 can be textured, such as to include a non-slip
surface. The finger surface 104 can include an adhesive to inhibit
the finger 112 from slipping on the finger surface 104.
[0041] At 1006, the method 1000 can further include coupling a
finger clamp to the abrasive surface 102, the finger clamp
including the finger surface 104 and a jaw 106(e.g., 106A-E). The
finger surface 104 and jaw 106 can be positioned on opposing sides
of the aperture 122. The size of the aperture 122 between the
finger surface 104 and the jaw 106 can be configured to be smaller
than the size of a finger 112. In an example, the size of the
aperture 122 can be configured to permit the insertion of a variety
of finger 112 sizes, while still generating a force for retaining
the finger 112. The jaw 106 can be formed as a cantilevered beam,
such as having one end supported by the abrasive surface 102 and
the other unsupported. In an example, the jaw 106 can have one end
supported by the abrasive surface 102 and the other end can be
coupled to an elongate member 110. The jaw 106 can be coupled to
the abrasive surface 102 and the finger surface 104, such as formed
from a single integrated component as shown in FIG. 1. The clamp
can be fabricated from a polymer material, such as ABS,
polycarbonate, polyamide; or from other materials, such as
aluminum, steel, ceramic, or other. In an example, the jaw 106 can
be fabricated from a different material than the finger surface
104, such as steel, aluminum, an elastomer, or polymer.
Alternatively, the abrasive surface 102 and the finger surface 104
can be mechanically attached to the jaw106, such as by insert
molding or secured by a fastener, latch, or snap-fit. In an
example, the abrasive surface 102 and the finger surface 104 can be
bonded to the jaw 106, such as by adhesive.
[0042] An elongate member 110 can be coupled to the jaw 106, such
as formed thereon. The elongate member can be aligned between the
jaw 106 and the fingertip insertion stop 108. The elongate member
110 can include a cantilevered beam shape with one end coupled to
the jaw 106A and the other end unsupported and located near the
fingertip insertion stop 108A. In an example, the elongate member
110 can include a serpentine shape, such as both ends of the
elongate member are coupled to the jaw 106A and the middle of the
elongate member 110 is located near the fingertip insertion stop
108A. A force is exerted on the finger 112 along the length of the
elongate member 110, such as primarily along the trajectory of axis
120 towards the finger surface 104. The force can be exerted on the
finger 112 at a location between the aperture end 114 and the
fingertip insertion stop 108A (e.g., the force can be exerted by
the elongate member 110 at a location of the elongate member
nearest to the fingertip insertion stop 108A). In an example, the
elongate member 110 can retain the tip of the finger 112 to the
finger surface 104. The elongate member 110 can be sized and shaped
to include a length of one to three centimeters and a height and
width of 0.1-3.0 millimeters, such as to function as a flexible
hinge. In an example, the strain on the elongate member 110 can be
reduced by increasing the length of the elongate member 110. In an
example, permanent deformation of the elongate member 110 can be
used to custom-size the device 100 to a finger 112. In an example,
permanent deformation of the elongate member 110 can be avoided by
reducing the strain on the elongate member 112. Reduced strain can
also increase the number of cycles in which a finger can be
inserted into the device 100A or permit larger deflections of the
elongate member 110, such as to accommodate a large finger 112
size.
[0043] The method 1000 can optionally further include: forming a
fingertip insertion stop 108 located at an end of the finger
surface 104 opposite to an aperture end 114 of the finger surface
104. The fingertip insertion stop 108 (e.g., 108A or 108B) can
include a barrier that prevents the fingertip of the finger 112
from being inserted through the aperture end 114 of the finger
surface 104 and beyond the opposite end of the finger surface 104.
In an example, the fingertip insertion stop 108 can be a ridge, a
cup, a post, or an edge. The fingertip insertion stop 108 can be
configured to receive a fingertip, such as engage with the
fingertip while permitting the fingernail of the operator to lay
free from contact with the fingertip insertion stop 108.
[0044] The above detailed description includes references to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed
description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These
embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples." Such
examples can include elements in addition to those shown or
described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples
in which only those elements shown or described are provided.
Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any
combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or
one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular
example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other
examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described
herein. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document
and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this
document controls.
[0045] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is
common in patent documents, to include one or more than one,
independent of any other instances or usages of "at least one" or
"one or more." In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to
a nonexclusive or, such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B
but not A," and "A and B," unless otherwise indicated. In this
document, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the
plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and
"wherein." Also, in the following claims, the terms "including" and
"comprising" are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article,
composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in
addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still
deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the
following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc.
are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical
requirements on their objects.
[0046] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and
not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one
or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each
other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary
skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract
is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of
the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding
that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning
of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various
features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This
should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed
feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter
may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed
embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into
the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each
claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is
contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other
in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention
should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along
with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are
entitled.
* * * * *