U.S. patent application number 17/007663 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-17 for nipper device with carbide cutting edges.
This patent application is currently assigned to MEGATOOL, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is MEGATOOL, INC.. Invention is credited to Elvis Ho, Peter Phuc Ho, Tammy Tran.
Application Number | 20200390220 17/007663 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005062780 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200390220 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ho; Peter Phuc ; et
al. |
December 17, 2020 |
NIPPER DEVICE WITH CARBIDE CUTTING EDGES
Abstract
A nipper device that is useful in the care and grooming of nails
of the hands and feet. The nipper device provides cutting blades
where are sharper, more durable, and more hygienic. The handles of
the device may be magnetized to provide magnetic therapy benefits
to a user of the device.
Inventors: |
Ho; Peter Phuc;
(Westminster, CA) ; Tran; Tammy; (Santa Ana,
CA) ; Ho; Elvis; (Santa Ana, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MEGATOOL, INC. |
Santa Ana |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
MEGATOOL, INC.
Santa Ana
CA
|
Family ID: |
1000005062780 |
Appl. No.: |
17/007663 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16775127 |
Jan 28, 2020 |
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17007663 |
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15453837 |
Mar 8, 2017 |
10582752 |
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16775127 |
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62307299 |
Mar 11, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 29/02 20130101;
B25G 1/102 20130101; A61N 2/06 20130101; A45D 2029/026
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 29/02 20060101
A45D029/02; B25G 1/10 20060101 B25G001/10; A61N 2/06 20060101
A61N002/06 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A nipper comprising: a first member and a second member
pivotally interconnected; the first member having a first region
having a blade portion comprising a cutting edge and a second
region having a pivot portion and handle portion; the second member
having a first region having blade portion comprising a cutting
edge and a second region having a pivot portion and handle portion;
the first regions of the first and second members are formed, at
least in part, of a carbide material, wherein the entire cutting
edge of blade portions of the first regions of the first and second
members are formed of a carbide material; wherein the carbide
material of first regions of the first and second members are
interconnected via brazing to the pivot portions of the first and
second members; and the first and second members being configured
such that pivotable movement of the first member to the second
member causes pivotal movement of the cutting edge of the first
member relative to the cutting edge of the second member.
22. The nipper recited in claim 21, further comprising a spring
operatively engaged to the handle portions of the first and second
members, the spring being adapted to impart a biasing force on the
handle portions of the first and second members so as to urge the
handle portion of the first member and the handle portion of the
and the second member to pivot away from each other.
23. The nipper recited in claim 21, further comprising a pivot pin
coupled to the pivot portion of the first member and the pivot
portion of the second member, the first member and the second
member being pivotable about the pivot pin.
24. The nipper recited in claim 21, wherein the cutting edge of the
first member and the cutting edge of the second member are linear
blade edges.
25. The nipper recited in claim 21, wherein carbide material is
tungsten carbide.
26. The nipper recited in claim 21, wherein the handle portions of
first and second members are arcuate.
27. The nipper recited in claim 21, wherein the handle portions of
first and second members are formed from stainless steel.
28. The nipper recited in claim 21, wherein the pivot portions of
the first and second members are formed from stainless steel.
29. The nipper recited in claim 21, wherein first regions of the
first and second members that are formed of a carbide material are
visually discernable from the pivot portions of the first and
second members.
30. A nipper comprising: a cutting portion formed, at least in
part, from a carbide material, the cutting portion including a
first cutting edge and a second cutting edge, the first and second
cutting edges being pivotable relative to each other to effectuate
cutting of an object; and a handle portion coupled to the cutting
portion, the handle portion including a pair of handle arms each
having a handle surface, at least a portion of the handle surface
being curved, the pair of handle arms being pivotable relative to
each other; the carbide material of the cutting portions being
interconnected to the handled portions via brazing, the handle
portion being formed of a non-carbide material.
31. The nipper recited in claim 30, wherein the first cutting edge
and the second cutting edge are linear blade edges.
32. The nipper recited in claim 30, further comprising a spring
operatively engaged to the pair of handle arms, the spring being
adapted to impart a biasing force on the pair of handle arms and to
urge the pair of handle arms to pivot away from each other.
33. The nipper recited in claim 30, further comprising a pivot pin
coupled to the pair of handle arms, the pair of handle arms being
pivotable about the pivot pin.
34. The nipper recited in claim 30, wherein the handle portions
include raised surfaces for gripping.
35. The nipper recited in claim 30, wherein carbide material is
tungsten carbide.
36. The nipper recited in claim 30, wherein the handle portions are
formed from stainless steel.
37. A method of forming a nipper, the method comprising the steps
of: providing a pair of cutting portions at least partially
comprised of carbide material; providing a pair of handle portions,
each handle portion having a curved outer surface, the handle
portion being comprised of a non-carbide material; interconnecting
each cutting portion to a handle portion via a brazing process to
form a pair of nipper arms; and connecting the pair of nipper arms
such that the pair of nipper arms are pivotally connected to each
other.
38. The method recited in claim 37, wherein the step of connecting
the pair of nipper arms includes connecting the pair of nipper arms
via a pivot pin.
39. The method recited in claim 37 further comprising the step of
affixing a biasing member between the pair of nipper arms.
40. The method recited in claim 37 wherein the step of
interconnecting the cutting portions to the handle portions is such
that the carbide material is visually discernable from the handle
portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/775,127, filed Jan. 28, 2020, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/453,837, filed
Mar. 8, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,582,752, issued Mar. 10, 2020,
which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
62/307,299, filed Mar. 11, 2016, the contents of which are
expressly incorporated herein by reference.
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
A. Technical Field
[0003] This disclosure relates to nipper devices for use during
manicures and pedicures. More specifically, this disclosure relates
to a nipper device with Tungsten Carbide cutting jaws and
magnetized handles.
B. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Nipper devices which are typically constructed of durable
stainless steel, are used by commercial spas, salons, and other
commercial ventures which offer manicures and pedicures are well
known. These nipper devices need to stand up to commercial use, and
thus must be durable and effective for their intended purpose.
Nipper devices typically include a pair of opposed handles and a
pair of opposed blades, and are configured such that by squeezing
the handles, the blades are moved to cut a finger nail or toe nail.
When used in a spa, salon or other commercial venture, the nipper
device is typically operated by an esthetician or other care
specialist, and is used to cut the finger nails or toe nails of a
customer.
[0005] The conventional design of nipper devices has been primarily
focused on improving the effects of the nipper device for the
customer, i.e., the person whose nails are being cut. However, what
is less recognized in conventional nipper device design is the use
of the device by the operator of the tool. In this regard,
conventional nipper device design suffers from several
deficiencies, particularly when viewed from the perspective of the
individual operating the nipper device.
[0006] For instance, the repetitive motion of the nipper device,
particularly when used repeatedly in a professional setting, may
lead to injury. Repetitive motion injuries are well documented in
other endeavors, including sports such as running and golf, and
types of work, such as carpentry and office work which requires
continuous or nearly continuous typing on a keyboard. However, the
potential for such injuries is less recognized in nail care. Nail
care specialists, in addition to clipping nails using a nipper
device, may also be required to operate other hand-held devices,
such as brushes, nail files, and mandrels. The nail care providers
also use their hands for the massaging of hands and feet. The
foregoing manual activities of the nail care specialist increase
the likelihood of fatigue and potential injury.
[0007] Furthermore, another deficiency associated with conventional
nipper devices is that the blades on the nipper device may become
dull over time. When the blades become dull, the nipper device may
become more dangerous to use, as the operator of the tool may be
required to squeeze the handles with more force to cut the nail.
The additional force may lead to an inadvertent loss of control of
the nipper device, which may cause injury to the customer and/or
the operator of the nipper device. Therefore, when the blades
become dull, the blades may require sharpening, which may be time
consuming, and thus, undesirable to the operator of the nipper
device.
[0008] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a nipper device
which is safe and easy to use, and which also provides therapeutic
benefits to the individual operating the tool. Various aspects of
the present disclosure are directed to this need, as will be
discussed in more detail below.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0009] According to one embodiment, there is provided a nipper
device, including a jaw with a first blade and a second blade, a
pivot section, including a lower pivot portion including a first
aperture therethrough, an upper pivot portion including a second
aperture therethrough. The nipper device further includes a pin and
a handle section, with a first handle, a second handle with an
attachment point. A spring, which has a straight end and a curved
end, is attached to the second handle at an attachment point with a
retention element. The first aperture and second aperture combine
to form a continuous bore with the pin resting therein. At least a
portion of the first blade and the second blade are made from
tungsten carbide. The curved end of the spring rests against the
first handle.
[0010] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there
is provided a nipper comprising a jaw including a first blade and a
second blade pivotable relative to the first blade, with the jaw
being formed from a carbide material. The nipper further includes a
handle coupled to the jaw. The handle includes a first arm coupled
to the first blade and a second arm coupled to the second blade,
with the first arm being pivotable relative to the second arm. The
jaw and handle are configured such that pivotable movement of the
first arm relative to the second arm causes pivotal movement of the
first blade relative to the second blade. The first and second arm
are magnetized so as to emit a magnetic force therefrom.
[0011] The nipper may additionally include at least one first
magnet coupled to the first arm. The at least one first magnet may
include a plurality of first magnets coupled to the first arm. The
first arm may include a plurality of recesses formed therein, with
the plurality of first magnets being located in respective ones of
the plurality of recesses. The at least one first magnet may
comprise a sleeve extending over at least a portion of the first
arm. The nipper may additionally include at least one second magnet
coupled to the second arm.
[0012] The nipper may include a spring operatively engaged to the
first arm and the second arm, with the spring being adapted to
impart a biasing force on the first arm and the second arm which
urges the first arm and the second arm to pivot away from each
other.
[0013] The nipper may comprise a pivot pin coupled to the first arm
and the second arm, with the first arm and the second arm being
pivotable about the pivot pin.
[0014] The first blade and the second blade may include respective
linear blade edges.
[0015] According to another embodiment, there is provided a nipper
comprising a cutting portion including a first cutting edge and a
second cutting edge, with the first and second cutting edges being
pivotable relative to each other to effectuate cutting of an
object. The nipper further includes a handle portion coupled to the
cutting portion. The handle portion includes a pair of handle arms
coupled to respective ones of the first cutting edge and the second
cutting edge, with the pair of handle arms being pivotable relative
to each other. The nipper additionally comprises a plurality of
magnetized massaging elements. Each massaging element is coupled to
a respective handle arm to and configured to emit a magnetic field
and provide a massaging effect on a user gripping the handle
portion.
[0016] According to yet another embodiment, there is provided a
method of forming a nipper. The method includes forming a pair of
nipper arms. Each nipper arm has a cutting portion and a handle
portion, with the cutting portion being at least partially
comprised of a carbide material. The method further includes
magnetizing the handle portion, and connecting the pair of nipper
arms such that the pair of nipper arms are pivotally connected to
each other.
[0017] The forming step may include brazing each nipper arm to join
the carbide material to the corresponding handle portion.
[0018] The magnetizing step may include connecting at least one
magnet to each nipper arm. The step of connecting at least one
magnet to each nipper arm may include placing each magnet in a
corresponding recess formed in the nipper arm.
[0019] The connecting step may include connecting the pair of
nipper arms via a pivot pin.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] These and other features and advantages of the various
embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect
to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers
refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a first embodiment of a nipper
device;
[0022] FIG. 1A shows a cross section view a pivot joint of the
nipper device;
[0023] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the nipper device;
[0024] FIG. 3 shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of the
nipper device;
[0025] FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the handle of the embodiment
of FIG. 3;
[0026] FIG. 5 shows a top view of another alternative embodiment of
the nipper device;
[0027] FIG. 6 shows a cross section of the handle of the embodiment
of FIG. 5;
[0028] FIG. 7 shows a top view of yet another embodiment of the
nipper device;
[0029] FIG. 8 shows a side view of an end portion of the nipper
device depicted in FIG. 7;
[0030] FIG. 9 shows a lower perspective view of the end portion of
the nipper device depicted in FIG. 8;
[0031] FIG. 10 shows a bottom view of the end portion of the nipper
device depicted in FIG. 8; and
[0032] FIG. 11 shows a cross sectional view of a handle arm having
a magnetic element coupled thereto.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] Embodiments of the disclosed device provide a tool useful in
care and grooming of nails of the hands and feet. The detailed
description set forth below in connection with the appended
drawings is intended as a description of aspects of the presently
preferred embodiments of the nipper device is not intended to
represent the only forms in which the present disclosure may be
constructed or utilized. It is to be understood, however, that the
same or equivalent functions and structures may be accomplished by
different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed
within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. As denoted elsewhere
herein, like element numbers are intended to indicate like or
similar elements or features.
[0034] FIG. 1 shows a top view of the nipper device 10 constructed
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, with
the nipper device 10 being adapted for use as a grooming tool for
the nails of a user's hands and/or feet. In general, the nipper
device 10 includes a jaw 12, a pivot section 14, and a handle
section 16. As will be discussed in more detail below, the jaw 12
is preferably formed of a Carbide material, thereby allowing the
jaw 12 to be sharp and easy to use. The Carbide material is also
recyclable, and thus, the nipper device 10 is environmentally
friendly. Furthermore, the handle section 16 may be specifically
configured and adapted to be magnetized to provide a therapeutic
benefit to a user, and may also enhance the grippability
thereof.
[0035] In more detail, the jaw 12 includes a first blade 22 and an
opposing second blade 24 pivotable relative to the first blade 22.
The first and second blades 22, 24 include respective linear blade
edges, which pivotally reciprocate relative to each other to
effectuate trimming of a nail on a hand and/or a foot.
[0036] The handle section 16 includes a first handle 26, a second
handle 28, a spring 18, and a retention element 20. According to
one embodiment, the first handle 26 is a continuous extension of
the first blade 22, while the second handle 28 is a continuous
extension of the second blade 24. Each handle 26, 28 includes an
arcuate section to facilitate gripping of the handle section 16.
The first and second handles 26, 28 are pivotally coupled to each
other, and are pivotable between a first position and a second
position. The first position is shown in FIG. 1, and corresponds to
the first and second blades 22, 24 being spaced apart from each
other. The first and second handles 26, 28 are moved toward each
other as they transition from the first position to the second
position, with the second position being associated with the first
and second blades 22, 24 in contact with each other. Thus, the
handles 26, 28 and blades 22, 24 are configured such that as the
handles 26, 28 are moved toward each other, the blades 22, 24 are
also moved toward each other, and conversely, as the handles 26, 28
are moved away from each other, the blades 22, 24 are also moved
away from each other. The spring 18 is in operative communication
with the first and second handles 26, 28 and applies a biasing
force on the handles 26, 28 which biases the handles 26, 28 toward
the first position.
[0037] As noted above, the nipper device 10 of FIG. 1 is in the
first, or ready, position. The spring 18 is attached by the
retention element 20 to the second handle 28. When attached, a
portion of the spring 18 is spaced apart from the second handle 28.
A first end 32 of the spring 18 is slightly curved and biases
against the first handle 26. A second, or opposite end 34 of the
spring 18 is straight and biases against the second handle 28. The
biasing of the spring 18 urges the handles 26, 28 toward the first
position, and thus, the first blade 22 and the second blade 24 are
in an open or spaced-apart position. To transition the handles 26,
28 from the first position toward the second position, the biasing
force of the spring 18 is overcome by the gripping force applied by
a user's hand. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily
recognize that the positioning of the attachment point 30, spring
18 and retention element 20 may be reversed. That is, the
attachment point may be on the first handle 26, with the curved end
of the spring 18 biasing against the second handle 28.
[0038] FIG. 1A shows a cross section view of the pivot section 14
on a plane indicated by the line 1A-1A in FIG. 1. Shown are a pivot
section upper pivot portion 36 extending between the second blade
24 and the second handle 28, a pivot section lower pivot portion 38
extending between the first blade 22 and the first handle 26, and a
pin 40. The upper pivot portion 36 and lower pivot portion 38
include generally flat inner surfaces that reside against one
another, while also including respective, arcuate or curved outer
surfaces. A first aperture 44 is formed through the lower pivot
portion 38 and a second aperture 42 is formed through the upper
pivot portion 36. The first aperture 44 and the second aperture 42
are correspondingly aligned to form a common bore. The pin 40,
around which the upper pivot portion and the lower pivot portion
rotate, rests in the bore. In this regard, the pin 40 defines a
pivot axis about which the blades 22, 24 and handles 26, 28
pivot.
[0039] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the nipper device 10. In
the exemplary embodiment, the first blade 22, lower pivot portion
38, and first handle 26 form a first integrated piece 46 (i.e., a
first arm), while the second blade 24, upper pivot portion 36, and
second handle 28 form a second integrated piece 48 (i.e., a second
arm). In this embodiment, the portion of the first blade 22 and the
second blade 24 indicated by the bracket 25 are entirely made from
Tungsten Carbide, and are brazed to the lower pivot portion 38 and
upper pivot portions 36, respectively. The Tungsten Carbide
material is represented throughout the Figures as a shaded region
of the nipper device. The Carbide material allows the blades 22, 24
to maintain their sharpness, and thus, the nipper device 10 may
have a longer lifespan than conventional stainless steel blades.
Furthermore, the enhanced sharpness of the blades 22, 24 allows the
operator of the nipper device 10 to effectuate the cutting of a
finger nail or toe nail with minimal effort, which mitigates
inadvertent mistakes and enhances overall safety to the operator of
the device 10, as well as the customer. The enhanced sharpness also
allows for quicker manicuring of finger nails or toe nails, and
thus, the nipper device 10 may be more profitable for salons, as
less time may be required for each customer. The Carbide tip 12 may
also provide a visual aid for the individual using the nipper
device 10, since the Carbide material may visually contrast with
the material (e.g., stainless steel) used to form the remainder of
the nipper device 10. Thus, the visual aid may allow the individual
to quickly and easily align the tip 12 with the nail that is to be
cut. The Carbide portion is also recyclable, and thus, provides
environmental benefits over non-recyclable materials. Given the
relatively high cost of the Carbide material relative to other
commonly used materials, such as stainless steel, it is
contemplated that the Carbide material from an old nipper device
may be re-used when making a new nipper device.
[0040] As noted above, the Carbide portions of the blades 22, 24
may be brazed to the lower and upper pivot portions, 38, 36,
respectively. Brazing is a metal joining process in which two or
more metal items are joined together by melting and flowing a
filler metal into the joint, the filler metal having a lower
melting point than the adjoining metal. Typical filler metals which
work well for brazing tungsten carbide to stainless steel have a
melting point around 645 degrees Celsius. Brazing differs from
welding in that it does not involve melting the work pieces and
from soldering in using higher temperatures for a similar process,
while also requiring much more closely fitted parts than when
soldering. The filler metal flows into the gap between
close-fitting parts by capillary action. The filler metal is
brought slightly above its melting (liquid) temperature while
protected by a suitable atmosphere, usually a flux. It then flows
over the base metal (known as wetting) and is then cooled to join
the work pieces together. It is similar to soldering, except the
temperatures used to melt the filler metal are typically higher for
brazing. A major advantage of brazing is the ability to join the
same or different metals with considerable strength.
[0041] Although the bracketed portion 25 of the blades 22, 24 shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2 are formed from Tungsten Carbide, in other
embodiments only a smaller portion of the first and second blades
22, 24 may be made from Tungsten Carbide, for example only the
cutting edge of the blades 22, 24 may be made from Tungsten
Carbide. In other embodiments, the entirety of the first and second
blades 22, 24 may be made from Tungsten Carbide.
[0042] Tungsten Carbide is an extremely durable material. Tungsten
Carbide is also a relatively expensive material when compared with
other relatively durable materials that are acceptable for even
medical use, such as stainless steel. Thus, making a portion of a
tool that requires sharpness, durability, and does not harbor
bacteria offers a blend of performance and cost, when contrasted
with the expense of making an entire tool from tungsten
carbide.
[0043] Beyond durability, Tungsten Carbide provides additional
advantages over stainless steel. The Tungsten Carbide matrix is
much more dense, and thus necessarily less porous than the
stainless steel alloy. Thus, not only is it more durable, capable
of holding a sharp edge for longer periods of time, but due to its
low porosity, it is also much less likely to harbor bacteria or to
rust. This property means that the tool may be sanitized and
sharpened less often, and thus is more available for use. It also
is more hygienic, as the anti-bacterial nature of the lower
porosity means that the tool is less likely to cause infection in a
client. Tungsten Carbide may also be recycled, and thus, as noted
above, provides an environmental benefit. In this regard, a first
portion of the nipper device may be formed of a first recyclable
material (e.g., Tungsten Carbide), while a second portion of the
device may be formed from a second recyclable material (e.g.,
stainless steel).
[0044] Although a preferred material for the blades 22, 24 is
Tungsten Carbide, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate
that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
Indeed, other materials known by those skilled in the art may also
be used.
[0045] It is contemplated that the lower pivot portion 38 and first
handle 26 are cast, stamped, molded or forged as a single piece and
are made from stainless steel, or any material suitable for brazing
to attach the first blade 22. Likewise, the upper pivot portion 36
and second handle 28 are cast, molded, stamped, or forged as a
single piece and are made from stainless steel, or any material
suitable for brazing to attach the second blade 24. In other
embodiments, the lower pivot portion 38 and first handle 26, and
the upper pivot portion 36 and the second handle 28 may be made
from separate pieces and assembled to form an integrated piece. In
still other embodiments, the first blade 22 is attached to the
lower pivot portion 38 and the second blade 24 is attached to the
upper pivot portion 36 by welding, or via an adhesive, or any
method or device known in the art which provides sufficient
durability for long term commercial use of the nipper device
10.
[0046] One skilled in the art will recognize that the pieces of the
pivot section 14 may be reversed, such that the upper pivot portion
may be attached to the first blade and the first handle, and the
lower pivot portion may be attached to the second blade and the
second handle.
[0047] As discussed in reference to FIG. 1A, and as shown by the
dashed line in FIG. 2, the first aperture 44 is formed through the
lower pivot portion 38 and the second aperture 42 is formed through
the upper pivot portion 36. The first aperture 44 and the second
aperture 42 are correspondingly aligned to form a common bore. The
pin 40, which has an outer circumference smaller than an inner
circumference of the common bore, rests in the common bore.
[0048] FIG. 2 also depicts an exemplary attachment of the spring 18
to the second handle 28. In particular, the retention element 20
used to connect the spring 18 to the second handle 28 passes
through an opening 50 in the spring 18. The opening outer diameter
is less than the outer diameter of a head 52 on one end of the
retention element 20, and thus, when the retention element 20 is
secured to the second handle 28, the retention element 20 holds the
spring 18 in place, attaching it to the second handle 28 at the
attachment point 30. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the
attachment point 30 is a recess in the second handle 28. The recess
is threaded to accommodate a threaded retention element 20.
However, in other embodiments, the attachment point is not a recess
but simply a point at which the retention element 20 attaches. The
retention element 20, when surface mounted, may be welded or
attached with an adhesive, or any method secure enough to withstand
commercial use of the nipper device 10. In other embodiments the
attachment point 30 may be recessed, but not threaded, in order to
add more stability to the retention element 20, which also is not
threaded, and may be welded into the recess or attached with an
adhesive, or any method of attachment which will withstand
commercial use of the nipper device 10.
[0049] FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the nipper device
300. In this embodiment, both the first handle 326 and the second
handle 328 are magnetized. From a first end 354 of the first handle
326 opposite the jaw 312, the magnetization extends along the
length of the handle 326 and terminates at a point short of the
pivot section 314. According to one embodiment, the magnetization
should terminate at a distance sufficiently spaced from the pivot
section 314 so that the magnetization does not interfere with the
operation of the nipper device 300. The magnetization of the second
handle 328 mirrors that of the first handle 326. Further, the
magnetic fields generated by the magnetization of the first handle
326 and the second handle 328 do not interact in a way
counterproductive to the biasing of the first handle 326 and the
second handle 328 caused by the spring 318.
[0050] In this embodiment, the first handle 326 and the second
handle 328 are magnetized by placing a first sleeve 356 of magnetic
material over the first handle 326 and a second sleeve 358 of
magnetic material over the second handle 328. The first sleeve 356
of magnetic material and the second sleeve 358 of magnetic material
have respective open ends 360, 362 and respective closed ends 364,
366. The sleeves 356, 358 slide over their respective handle 326,
328 until the handle end opposite the jaw 312 comes into contact
with the closed end of the sleeve 356, 358. Because of the closed
end of the sleeve 356, 358 of magnetic material, the portion of the
first handle 326 and the second handle 328 which is magnetized may
be controlled by the length of the sleeve 356, 358 of magnetic
material. The length of the first sleeve 356 of magnetic material
and the second sleeve 358 of magnetic material will partly
determine where the location of the magnetic field produced by each
sleeve 356, 358 in relation to the first and second handles 326,
328. The exact magnet material chosen and the amount of that
material in the sleeves 356, 358 will also affect the strength, and
thus, the location of the magnetic field. Ideally, the magnetic
field will cover the entirety of the area a user will likely grip
the handles 326, 328, thus maximizing magnetic therapy benefits.
Further, proper positioning of the sleeves 356, 358 and controlling
the magnetic field generated by controlling the amount of magnetic
material and magnetization of the magnetic material of the sleeves
356, 358 will serve to prevent interference with the operation of
the pivot section 314 or the biasing of the spring 318.
[0051] It is recognized that the magnetic field associated with the
magnetic material provides several therapeutic benefits to the
individual gripping the nipper device 300. For instance, the
magnetic field may increase the flow of blood. It is also believed
that the magnetic field may improve the functioning of the
automatic nervous system, which may also stimulate blood flow to
the affected area. Magnetic therapy may also diminish pain,
particularly arthritic pain. Thus, for a manually operated tool,
the ability to diminish arthritic pain may be particularly
advantageous. Magnetic therapy is also believed to improve one's
ability to heal from injury. For more information regarding
magnetic therapy, please refer to U.S. Pat. No. 6,344,021, entitled
Magnetic Therapy Patch, the contents of which are expressly
incorporated herein by reference.
[0052] By incorporating the magnets into the handle of the nipper
device 300, the magnets are available to the user upon use of the
device 300. Magnets incorporated in the handle have advantages over
other therapeutic magnet devices, which can interfere with the
manual activities commonly associated with nail care.
[0053] In addition to therapeutic benefits, the magnets
incorporated into the nipper device 300 may provide utilitarian
benefits. For instance, the magnets may allow the nipper device 300
to be stored on an outer surface of a metallic structure, such as a
counter, wall, cabinet, etc. Thus, the nipper device 300 may be
conveniently stored on the outer surface of the metallic structure,
and easily accessed when needed.
[0054] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the second sleeve 358
of magnetic material covering the second handle 328 has a cutout
368 in the sleeve to accommodate the passage of the retention
element 320 through the sleeve 358 and attaching the retention
element 320 to the second handle 328.
[0055] The same style of magnetic sleeve used in this embodiment
may be retrofitted to prior art nipper devices in order to
magnetize the handles. In addition to the added benefits of
magnetic therapy provided by the sleeves, the sleeves may also
provide a further benefit of increased friction and therefore, ease
of grip for a user.
[0056] FIG. 4 shows a cross section of handle 326 of the nipper
device 300 on a plane indicated by the line 4-4 in FIG. 3. The
handle 326 has a cross section with a curved or arcuate exterior
portion 370 and a relatively flat interior portion 372. The curved
exterior portion 370 provides an easier grip for a user. The sleeve
356 of magnetic material may be of any shape and magnetic material
which is malleable enough to conform to the cross section of the
handle once the sleeve 356 of magnetic material is place over the
handle 326. In other embodiments, the nipper device might have
handle cross sections which are more crescent shaped, or round, or
with the exterior surface varied or textured, such that a user's
grip may be improved or less material may be used or both.
[0057] FIG. 5 shows another alternative embodiment of the nipper
device 510, with the first handle 526 and the second handle 528
being magnetized. In this embodiment, the magnetization is achieved
by surface mounting, or mounting in a corresponding recess, a first
plurality of magnetized slugs 574 to the first handle 526 and
surface mounting, or mounting in a corresponding recess, a second
plurality of magnetized slugs 578 to the second handle 528. When
surface mounted, the magnetized slugs may be attached by welding,
adhesives, or any method capable of durably attaching the slugs to
the first handle 526 and the second handle 528 such that the slugs
remain in place on the corresponding handle 526, 528. Similar to
the previous embodiment, relative to the pivot section 514, the
adjacent one of the first plurality of magnetized slugs 574 on the
first handle 526 and the adjacent one of the second plurality of
magnetized slugs 578 on the second handle 528 are positioned on
their respective handles 526, 528 sufficiently far from the pivot
section 514 so as not to interfere with the operation of the pivot
section 514. The first and second plurality of slugs 574, 578 are
also placed along the first and second handle 526, 528,
respectively, such that they do not interfere with the biasing of
the spring 518. In other embodiments, all of the magnetized slugs
may be mounted in recesses in the handles, or all may be surface
mounted. Recess mounted slugs 574, 578 will be discussed in further
detail below.
[0058] Portions of the magnetized slugs 574, 578 extending beyond
the outer surface 570 of the first handle 526 and the outer surface
of the second handle 528 are rounded off to a domed shape. This
shape aids the user in gripping the respective handle 526, 528, as
well as improving comfort for the user gripping the handle 526,
528. The user may be further aided in gripping the first handle 526
and the second handle 528 by the spacing of the magnetized slugs
574, 578 on the handle 526, 528. The slugs 574, 578 may be evenly
spaced or variably spaced along the respective handle 526, 528, or
a combination of some evenly spaced slugs 574, 578 with some
variably spaced slugs 574, 578.
[0059] As further shown, a magnetized slug 578 is positioned on the
second handle 528 adjacent a recessed attachment point 530. The
recess for mounting the magnetized slug 578, and the recessed
attachment point 530 terminate at a common end 584. The magnetized
slug 578 is positioned to correspond with the recessed attachment
point 530 performs the dual purpose of helping retain the retention
element 520 in the recess, and to provide magnetic therapy effects
for the user of the nipper device 510.
[0060] FIG. 6 shows a cross section of the first handle 526 of the
embodiment of FIG. 5, taken along a plane indicated by the line 6-6
in FIG. 5. The magnetized slug 574 in FIG. 6 is recess mounted,
with the recess extending completely through the cross section of
the handle 526. In other embodiments, the recess may extend only
partially through the handle. Varying the depth of the recess
allows for varying the size of the magnetized slugs used in the
device, or the same size slugs may be used in combination with
recesses of varying depth to cause one or more of the magnetized
slugs to extend different distances beyond the exterior surface of
the handle. In combination with the spacing of the slugs in the
first handle 526 and second handle 528, varying the size of the
magnetized slug allows for the optimization of the size and shape
of the magnetic field.
[0061] As noted above, the shape, specifically the length, of the
magnetized slug itself may also vary. In some embodiments, all the
slugs are of a uniform length, and thus, in combination with
recesses of equivalent depth or surface mounting, extend from the
handle a uniform distance. In other embodiments, each magnetized
slug may be of a different length, extending from the handle a
different amount. In still other embodiments, some of the
magnetized slugs may be of the same length, and others may be of
varying lengths. The length of the portion of the magnetic slug
extending form the exterior surface of the handle affects the ease
of griping the handle, by preventing the slippage of the fingers or
thumb of a user forward or backward along the first handle or
second handle.
[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, there is depicted yet another
embodiment of a nipper device 710. The general structure of the
nipper device 710 is similar to that shown in FIG. 5, with the
primary distinction being the size of the magnets, as will be
described in more detail below.
[0063] The nipper device 710 generally includes a jaw 712, a pivot
section 714, and a handle section 716 including a first handle 726
and a second handle 728. Spring 718 is operatively coupled to the
handles 726, 728 and provides the biasing force thereto, as
discussed above. A first set of magnets 774 is coupled to the first
handle 726 and a second set of magnets 778 is coupled to the second
handle 728. The sizes of the magnets in each set of magnets 774,
778 may vary. For instance, each set of magnets 774, 778 may
include a small magnet, an intermediate magnet, and a large magnet.
Furthermore, the magnets 774, 778 may be mounted to the respective
handle 726, 728 in a manner wherein the distance by which each
magnet 774, 778 protrudes beyond the outer surface of the
respective handle 726, 728 may vary. In other words, some magnets
774, 778 may protrude from the corresponding handle 726, 728 more
than others. The difference in size and projection of the magnets
774, 778 may enhance the massaging effect provided by the magnets
774, 778, as well as mitigating slippage of the individual gripping
the nipper device 710.
[0064] According to one embodiment, each handle 726, 728 includes a
plurality of recesses formed therein, with each recess being
configured to receive a single magnet. Each recess extends from an
outer surface of the handle toward an opposing inner surface, with
the recess terminating before reaching the inner surface. In this
regard, each recess extends only partially through the
corresponding handle. In the example depicted in FIG. 11, recess
725 extends partially through the handle 726 from outer surface 770
toward the inner surface 772.
[0065] The pivot section 714 of the nipper device 710 includes
opposing outer surfaces 715, 717 which are generally planar, and
parallel to each other. Surface 715 is integrally formed with the
first handle 726, while surface 717 is integrally formed with the
second handle 728. The pivot section may additionally include pivot
pin 740, which may extend within a bore formed within the pivot
section 714. The bore may extend between the outer surfaces 715,
717. In the exemplary embodiment, the bore extends only partially
between the outer surfaces 715, 717, with the bore extending from
outer surface 717 and terminating before reaching outer surface
715. In this regard, the pivot pin 740 may be concealed from one
side of the nipper device 710.
[0066] The above description is given by way of example, and not
limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art
could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the
present disclosure, including various shapes and sizes of the first
blade and second blade. Further, the various features of the
embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying
combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to
the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the
claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.
* * * * *