Nail-treatment device

Abstract

A nail-treatment device includes: an elongated body having a first end and a second end; a first soft gripping surface proximate the first end; a second soft gripping surface proximate the second end; a first tool extending from the first end; and a second tool extending from the second end.

Description

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “Nail-Treatment Device,” bearing Attorney Docket No. 79568/150, filed on the even date herewith, is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a nail-treatment device, e.g., a manicure and/or pedicure device.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

When treating fingernails and toenails it is important to use precise easily controlled instrumentation. Serious problems, such as tissue injury and nail damage, often occur when instrumentation is used that is imprecise, difficult to control and uncomfortable to handle. Such problems are often encountered when giving a manicure, pedicure and/or treating an ingrown nail.

For example, when giving a manicure, the technician normally softens the cuticle tissue, pushes it back toward the knuckle and then removes any excess tissue. Pushing the cuticle tissue effectively lifts it off the fingernail surface, thereby making it accessible for cutting and removal. Even if a cuticle-softening agent, such as hand lotion, is used, the delicate cuticle tissue is still susceptible to tearing, splitting or other such injury. Injury is particularly likely to occur if improper instrumentation is used and the cuticle is inadvertently lifted too far while being pushed. Lifting of the cuticle commonly causes tearing at the corners of the cuticle/nail interface, which leads to bleeding and painful ruptures. Such ruptures detract from the appearance of the fingernail or toenail and often lead to infection. There is also the possibility of slipping or sliding the instrument too far under the cuticle (especially with the use of lotions or other softening agents), which can cause injury.

Similar problems, including infection and painful irritation, also occur when treating ingrown nails, which are often difficult to access.

Thus, it is believed to be desirable to treat fingernails and toenails utilizing instrumentation that is comfortable to handle and easily and precisely controlled.

SUMMARY

According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a nail-treatment device includes: an elongated body having a first end and a second end; a first soft gripping surface proximate the first end; a second soft gripping surface proximate the second end; a first tool extending from the first end; and a second tool extending from the second end.

At least one of the gripping surfaces may be formed of a silicone material.

At least one of the gripping surfaces may be formed of a silicone rubber material.

The body may be formed of one of at least one of (a) stainless steel and (b) titanium.

The device may be sterilizable.

At least one of the tools may include a pusher.

The pusher may include a blade having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface and the second surface curving concavely to meet and form a flat edge having substantially rounded corners.

At least one of the tools may include a cleaner.

The cleaner may include a generally pointed blade having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface and the second surface curving concavely to meet and form a substantially pointed flat edge.

At least one of the tools may include an arched pusher.

The arched pusher may include a blade having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface having a generally concave shape, the second surface arching to meet the first surface to form a flat edge having substantially rounded corners.

The first tool may include a first pusher, the second tool may include a second pusher, and the first pusher may have a width greater than the second pusher.

Each of the first pusher and the second pusher may include a blade having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface having a concave inner area, the second surface curved and having a flat area angled such that it meets the first surface and forms a generally flat edge having generally rounded corners.

At least one of the tools may include a file.

The file may include an angled file member having a substantially flat area with serrations.

At least one of the tools may include an elongated cleaner.

The elongated cleaner may include a narrowing substantially cylindrical portion having a general hook shape with an end area including a flat curved surface.

The body may be substantially cylindrical.

The gripping surfaces may be substantially cylindrical.

Further details and aspects of example embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the appended Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a nail-treatment device having a pusher and cleaner.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the device illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the device illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is an end view of the pusher end of the device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 5 is an end view of the cleaner end of the device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a nail-treatment device having an arched pusher and cleaner.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the device illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the device illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 9 is an end view of the arched pusher end of the device illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8.

FIG. 10 is an end view of the cleaner end of the device illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a nail-treatment device having a first pusher and a second pusher.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the device illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the device illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 14 is an end view of the first pusher end of the device illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 13.

FIG. 15 is an end view of the second pusher end of the device illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 13.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a nail-treatment device having a file and elongated cleaner.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the device illustrated in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a top view of the device illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17.

FIG. 19 is an end view of the file end of the device illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 18.

FIG. 20 is an end view of the elongated cleaner end of the device illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 to 5 illustrate a nail-treatment device 10, e.g., a fingernail and/or toenail or manicure/pedicure device, featuring a pusher 12 and a cleaner 14.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device 10. Device 10 includes an elongated, e.g., cylindrical, body 16, a first end 20 and a second end 22. Pusher 12 extends from first end 20, and cleaner 14 extends from second end 22. Body 16 has two soft gripping surfaces 24, which may be cylindrical and which may have outer surfaces that are coextensive with the outer surface of the body 16. Soft gripping surfaces 24 are proximate to each of the first and second ends 20, 22. While body 16 is illustrated as having a generally cylindrical shape, body may have other shapes that are ergonomically suitable for safely and precisely utilizing pusher 12 and cleaner 14. For example, body 16 may have a triangular cross-sectional shape. Body 16, pusher 12 and cleaner 14 form a single piece with body 16 having recessed surfaces for receiving soft gripping surfaces 24, which are constructed of, e.g., a silicone material, e.g., silicone rubber, but may be constructed of other materials having generally soft properties, e.g., an area that is generally deflective to an applied pressure. Soft gripping surfaces 24 may be formed in the shape of a sleeve and slide over first and second ends 20, 22 and rest snuggly in the recessed areas of body 16. Soft gripping surfaces 24 may, however, be formed in other configurations such that they are securely attachable to body 16. Soft gripping surfaces 24 may be provided in the form of one single gripping surface extending the length of body 16. Although, body 16, pusher 12 and cleaner 14 are illustrated as being formed as a single piece, they may be formed of individual interconnected members that are interchangeable. Body 16 is formed of stainless steel but may be constructed of materials commonly utilized in fingernail and toenail treatment devices including alloys, thermoplastics and/or composite materials. Metals such as aluminum, titanium, etc., may be used. Device 10 may be sterilizable.

FIG. 2 is a side view of device 10. Pusher 12 includes a blade 26 having an upper surface 28 and a lower surface 30. Upper surface 28 and lower surface 30 curve concavely to meet and form a flat edge 32, which has substantially rounded corners (see, e.g., FIG. 3). Cleaner 14 includes a generally pointed blade 34, which has an upper surface 36 and a lower surface 38. Upper surface 36 and lower surface 38 curve concavely to meet and form a substantially pointed flat edge 40.

Pusher 12 and cleaner 14 have smooth buffed surfaces. The smooth buffed surfaces of pusher 12 are contoured to gently push back a cuticle without scratching the nail. Cleaner 14 is contoured such that it is multifunctional for cleaning under and around the nail.

FIG. 3 is a top view of device 10. Flat edge 32 is illustrated and has substantially rounded corners. Pointed blade 34 is also illustrated and has substantially pointed flat edge 40. FIG. 4 is an end view of pusher 12, and FIG. 5 is an end view of cleaner 14.

FIGS. 6 to 10 illustrate a device 50 featuring an arched pusher 50 and a cleaner 14. Except as set forth below regarding the features of first end 20 having arched pusher 52, the other features of device 50 are the same as device 10 as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of device 50 having arched pusher 52 extending from first end 20 and cleaner 14 extending from second end 22.

FIG. 7 is a side view of device 50. Arched pusher 52 has a blade 54 having an upper surface 56 and a lower surface 58. Upper surface 56 has a generally concave shape. Lower surface 58 arches to meet upper surface 56 to form a flat edge 60, which has substantially rounded corners (see, e.g., FIGS. 8 and 9).

Arched pusher 52 has smooth buffed surfaces. Arched pusher 52 is contoured for leverage when pushing back a cuticle without scratching the fingernail or toenail.

FIG. 8 is a top view of device 50. FIG. 9 is an end view of arched pusher 50. Flat edge 60 is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 and has substantially rounded corners. FIG. 10 is an end view of cleaner 14 of device 50.

FIGS. 11 to 15 illustrate a device 70 featuring a first pusher 72 and a second pusher 74. Except as set forth below regarding the features of first pusher 72 extending from first end 20 and second pusher 74 extending from second end 22, the other features of device 70 are the same as device 10, including the features of body 16 and gripping surfaces 24, as described above.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of device 70. First pusher 72 extends from first end 20, and second pusher 74 extends from second end 22. First pusher 72 has a width W that is greater than the width w of second pusher 74 (see, e.g., FIG. 13). Other than differences in general size, first pusher 72 and second pusher 74 have similar features, which are denoted by like reference characters.

FIG. 12 is a side view of device 70. First and second pushers 72, 74 include blades 76 having upper surfaces 78 and a lower surfaces 80. Upper surfaces 78 have concave inner areas 82 (see, e.g., FIG. 13). Lower surfaces 80 curve and have flat areas 84 angled such that they meet with upper surfaces 78 and form generally flat edges 86, which have generally rounded corners (see, e.g., FIG. 13).

First and second pushers 72, 74 have smooth buffed surfaces contoured for pushing back a cuticle without scratching the fingernail or toenail.

FIG. 13 is a top view of device 70. Flat edges 86 are illustrated and have substantially rounded corners. Additionally, concave inner areas 82 of upper surfaces 78 are illustrated. FIG. 14 is an end view of first pusher 72, and FIG. 15 is an end view of second pusher 74.

FIGS. 15 to 20 illustrate a device 100 featuring a file 102 and an elongated cleaner 104. Except as set forth below regarding the features of file 102 extending from first end 20 and elongated cleaner 104 extending from second end 22, the other features of device 70 are the same as device 10, including the features of body 16 and gripping surfaces 24, as described above.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of device 100. File 102 extends from first end 20 and elongated cleaner 104 extends from second end 22.

FIG. 17 is a side view of device 100. File 102 includes an angled file member 106, which has a substantially flat area 108 with serrations 110. Elongated cleaner 104 includes a narrowing cylindrical portion 112, which has a general hook shape with an end area including a flat curved surface 114 (see, e.g., FIGS. 18 and 20).

File 102 is shaped to fit under an ingrown nail such that filing surface 108 is capable of filing an ingrown nail thereby relieving pain and pressure. Elongated cleaner 104 has smooth buffed surfaces and is narrowly contoured such that it is able to fit under and around nails for thorough cleaning.

FIG. 18 is a top view of device 100. Flat curved surface 114 is illustrated. FIG. 19 is an end view of file 102, and FIG. 20 is an end view of elongated cleaner 104.

Devices 10, 50, 70 and 100 may be used individually, or in combination, for the treatment of fingernails and toenails. Furthermore, the various tools, e.g., a cleaner, a pusher, an arched pusher, a file, an elongated cleaner, etc., may be provided in the combinations described above or any other suitable combination.

Additionally, a general device including a body 16, a first end 20 and a second end 22 may be used for the treatment of nails. Body 16 may have two soft gripping surfaces 24 that are proximate to each of the first and second ends 20, 22. Body 16 may have a generally cylindrical shape but may also have any shape ergonomically suitable for safely and efficiently utilizing the device. Body 16 may include features such as pushers, cleaners, files, etc. extending from first and second ends 20, 22, which may be formed as a single unit with body 16 or as separate pieces that are interchangeable. Body 16 may include recessed surfaces for receiving soft gripping surfaces 24, which may be constructed of a silicone material, e.g., a silicone rubber material, but may be constructed of other materials having generally soft properties. Soft gripping surfaces 24 may be formed in the shape of a sleeve so they can be slid over first and second ends 20, 22 and rest snuggly in the recessed areas, e.g., reduced diameter areas, of body 16. Gripping surfaces 24 may, however, be formed in other configurations such that they are securely attachable to body 16. Additionally, gripping surfaces 24 may be provided in the form of one single gripping surface extending the length of body 16. Body 16 may be constructed of materials commonly utilized in fingernail and toenail treatment devices including alloys, thermoplastics and/or composite materials. Metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, etc., may be used. The device may be provided such that it is sterilizable.

Dimensionally, the body 16 may be, e.g., approximately 100 mm long as measured between its ends. A shoulder may be provided between the end of the body 16 and the gripping surface 24. The shoulder may have a length of, e.g., approximately 2 mm. The diameter of the body 16 may be, e.g., approximately 7.8 mm, and the diameter of the gripping surface 24 may be the same as the diameter of the body 16. The length of the gripping surface 24 may be, e.g., approximately 29 mm. Thus, the length of the body 16 between the gripping surfaces 24 may be, e.g., approximately 27 mm. A diameter of the recessed portion of the body 16 into which the gripping surface is provided may be, e.g., approximately 4.8 mm.

Claims

1. A nail-treatment device, comprising:

an elongated body having a first end and a second end;

a first soft gripping surface proximate the first end;

a second soft gripping surface proximate the second end;

a first tool extending from the first end; and

a second tool extending from the second end.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the gripping surfaces is formed of a silicone material.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the gripping surfaces is formed of a silicone rubber material.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the body is formed of one of at least one of (a) stainless steel and (b) titanium.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is sterilizable.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the tools includes a pusher.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the pusher includes a blade having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface and the second surface curving concavely to meet and form a flat edge having substantially rounded corners.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the tools includes a cleaner.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the cleaner includes a generally pointed blade having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface and the second surface curving concavely to meet and form a substantially pointed flat edge.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the tools includes an arched pusher.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the arched pusher includes a blade having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface having a generally concave shape, the second surface arching to meet the first surface to form a flat edge having substantially rounded corners.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the first tool includes a first pusher and the second tool includes a second pusher, the first pusher having a width greater than the second pusher.

13. The device according to claim 11, wherein each of the first pusher and the second pusher includes a blade having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface having a concave inner area, the second surface curved and having a flat area angled such that it meets the first surface and forms a generally flat edge having generally rounded corners.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the tools includes a file.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the file includes an angled file member having a substantially flat area with serrations.

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the tools includes an elongated cleaner.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein the elongated cleaner includes a narrowing substantially cylindrical portion having a general hook shape with an end area including a flat curved surface.

18. The device according to claim 1, wherein the body is substantially cylindrical.

19. The device according to claim 1, wherein the gripping surfaces are substantially cylindrical.