Nail clippers
A nail clipper includes a pincer forming multiple opposed sections. A first opposed section includes a first jaw spaced from a second jaw of a second opposed section. The nail clipper also includes a transverse assembling pin mounted between the opposed sections of the pincer. At least one handle is provided. The at least one handle includes a short portion and a long portion. The short portion is mounted to the transverse assembling pin such that a fulcrum point of the handle on the transverse assembling pin remains at substantially a cross-sectional center of the transverse assembling pin when the at least one handle is rotated relative to the pincer.
This application claims the benefits, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/651,213, filed Feb. 10, 2005, the subject matter of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure relates to nail clippers. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to nail clippers that distribute cutting force at cutting edges.
2. Background Information
U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,497 is directed to a nail clipper which includes a central symmetrical resilient pincer member with cutting edges at an open end. The nail clipper also includes a transverse pin with hooked ends that pass through opposed and aligned bores on the jaws of the pincer member near the open end. Twin lateral handles are connected at the hooked end of the transverse pin, and remain aligned at all positions. The configuration of U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,497 allows a user to change a relative angle between the pincer member and the twin lateral handles. A cutting stroke can be performed at practically any angle between the pincer member and the lateral handles.
The configuration of U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,497 provides both an increased mechanical advantage and improved ergonomic characteristics for the nail clippers disclosed therein. However, according to the configuration of U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,497, when the handles are angled with respect to a pincer member, e.g., at 90 degrees, a resistance point is positioned near the lateral edge of the pincer members. As a result, an opposed pressing force is applied to the handles during the cutting stroke, and the cutting stroke is not evenly distributed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe present disclosure is further described in the detailed description that follows, by reference to the noted drawings by way of non-limiting examples of embodiments of the present disclosure, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout several views of the drawing, and in which:
In view of the foregoing, the present disclosure, through one or more of its various aspects, embodiments and/or specific features or sub-components, is thus intended to bring out one or more of the advantages as specifically noted below.
In order to improve the distribution of cutting force along cutting edges, nail clippers as disclosed in exemplary embodiments herein are provided with a resistance point positioned at or near the longitudinal center of the handles.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a nail clipper includes a pincer forming multiple opposed sections, a first opposed section including a first jaw spaced from a second jaw of a second opposed section. The nail clipper also includes a transverse assembling pin mounted between the opposed sections of the pincer. The nail clipper further includes at least one handle including a short portion and a long portion. The short portion is mounted to the transverse assembling pin such that a fulcrum point of the handle on the transverse assembling pin remains at substantially a cross-sectional center of the transverse assembling pin when the at least one handle is rotated relative to the pincer.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a profile of the opposed sections of the pincer substantially forms a generally U-shape and the jaws partially enclose an open end of the U-shape.
According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a profile of the opposed sections of the pincer substantially forms a generally V-shape and the jaws partially enclose an open end of the V-shape.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the short portion of each at least one handle includes at least one cam-like protrusion which contacts the pincer.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cam-like protrusion is semi-spherical.
According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one cam-like protrusion of the short portion of each at least one handle includes two cam-like protrusions.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the short portion of each at least one handle substantially forms a generally U-shape that is fitted around the transverse assembling pin.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a nail clipper includes a pincer forming a plurality of opposed sections, a first opposed section including a first jaw spaced from a second jaw of a second opposed section. The nail clipper also includes a transverse assembling pin mounted between the opposed sections of the pincer. The nail clipper further includes two handles, each including a short portion and a long portion, and each handle being mounted to the transverse assembling pin such that contact between each handle and the transverse assembling pin remains at substantially a cross-sectional center of the transverse assembling pin when the at least one handle is rotated relative to the pincer.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the contact between each handle and the transverse assembling pin occurs at a line of intersection between the short portion and the long portion.
According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the opposed sections of the pincer comprise two equal and opposed jaw members which are rigidly connected at a closed end.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the opposed sections are rigidly connected by welding.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the opposed sections are rigidly connected by riveting.
According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the short portion of each at least one handle includes at least two cam-like protrusions which contact the pincer and upon which each handle pivots when operated to move one of the first jaw and the second jaw towards the other of the first jaw and the second jaw to exert a cutting force.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the short portion of each handle forms a generally U-shape that is fitted around the transverse assembling pin, and the assembling pin rotates with a rotation of the two handles:
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a nail clipper includes a pincer forming a plurality of opposed sections, a first opposed section including a first jaw spaced from a second jaw of a second opposed section. The nail clipper also includes a transverse assembling pin mounted between the opposed sections of the pincer. The nail clipper further includes two handles, each mounted to the transverse assembling pin by at least one connector passed through at least one bore of each handle and at least one bore of the transverse assembling pin.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the transverse assembling pin comprises symmetrical bores at opposed ends through which connectors are respectively passed through to mount the handles to the transverse assembling pin.
According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the short portion of each handle forms a generally U-shape and two opposing sections of the U-shape comprise symmetrical bores through which a connector is respectively passed to mount the handles to the transverse assembling pin.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the transverse assembling pin comprises symmetrical bores at opposed ends through which connectors are respectively passed. The short portion of each handle forms a generally U-shape and two opposing sections of the U-shape comprise symmetrical bores through which a connector is respectively passed. The bore at a respective end of the transverse assembling pin is aligned with the symmetrical bores of a respective section of the U-shaped short portion of the handle.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a connector is passed through the aligned bore at an end of the transverse assembling pin and the symmetrical bores of a section of the U-shaped short portion of the handle, the wire serving as an axle for mounting the handle to the transverse assembling pin.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the connector comprises one of a wire and a rod.
Cam-like protrusions 20, 21 provide fulcrum points on which the handles 12, 13 are squeezed towards each other in order to exert a cutting force between the cutting edges 5, 6. The cam-like protrusions 20, 21 are provided on the short portions of the handles 12, 13, shown as the uppermost portion of the handles 12, 13 in
Although the fulcrum points are shown as single (individual) protrusions 20, 21 on each handle 12, 13 in
As shown in
The set of small diameter bores 11, 16, 17 are also shown in
Handles 12, 13 are further provided in the inner part of the short portion at the non-gripping end with cam-like protrusions 20, 21. In an embodiment, the cam-like protrusions 20, 21 are generally semi-spherical. If a single cam-like protrusion is provided for each handle, the fulcrum for the handle is at the cam-like protrusion. However, if two cam-like protrusions 20, 21 are provided for each handle, the fulcrum point is along a line segment connecting centers of the cam-like protrusions 20, 21. As explained below with respect to
The exemplary embodiment shown in
In an embodiment, the improved nail clippers are manufactured using any suitable material, for example high quality templated stainless steel.
As described above, a nail clipper as disclosed herein includes a handle that is mounted to a transverse assembling pin such that a fulcrum point of the handle on the transverse assembling pin remains at or near (substantially at) a cross-sectional center of the transverse assembling pin when the handle is rotated relative to a pincer of the nail clipper. This permits an even application of a cutting force compared to when a fulcrum point of the handle on the transverse assembling pin is positioned near the edge of a pincer member, such as when the handles and a transverse assembling pin are rotated relative to the pincer member.
The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.
One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.
The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter.
The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.
Although the disclosure has been described with reference to several exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the words that have been used are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure in its aspects. Although the disclosure has been described with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed; rather, the invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses such as are within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A nail clipper, comprising:
- a pincer forming a plurality of opposed sections, a first opposed section including a first jaw spaced from a second jaw of a second opposed section;
- a transverse assembling pin mounted between the opposed sections of the pincer; and
- at least one handle including a short portion and a long portion, the short portion being mounted to the transverse assembling pin such that a fulcrum point of the handle on the transverse assembling pin remains at substantially a cross-sectional center of the transverse assembling pin when the at least one handle is rotated relative to the pincer.
2. The nail clipper of claim 1, wherein a profile of the opposed sections of the pincer substantially forms a generally U-shape and the jaws partially enclose an open end of the U-shape.
3. The nail clipper of claim 1, wherein a profile of the opposed sections of the pincer substantially forms a generally V-shape and the jaws partially enclose an open end of the V-shape.
4. The nail clipper of claim 1, the short portion of each at least one handle comprising at least one cam-like protrusion which contacts the pincer.
5. The nail clipper of claim 1, wherein the cam-like protrusion is semi-spherical.
6. The nail clipper of claim 4, wherein the at least one cam-like protrusion of the short portion of each at least one handle comprises two cam-like protrusions.
7. The nail clipper of claim 1, the short portion of each at least one handle forming a generally U-shape that is fitted around the transverse assembling pin.
8. A nail clipper, comprising:
- a pincer forming a plurality of opposed sections, a first opposed section including a first jaw spaced from a second jaw of a second opposed section;
- a transverse assembling pin mounted between the opposed sections of the pincer; and
- two handles, each including a short portion and a long portion, and each handle being mounted to the transverse assembling pin such that contact between each handle and the transverse assembling pin remains at substantially a cross-sectional center of the transverse assembling pin when the at least one handle is rotated relative to the pincer.
9. The nail clipper of claim 8, wherein the contact between each handle and the transverse assembling pin occurs at a line of intersection between the short portion and the long portion.
10. The nail clipper of claim 8, wherein the opposed sections of the pincer comprise two equal and opposed jaw members which are rigidly connected at a closed end.
11. The nail clipper of claim 8, wherein the opposed sections are rigidly connected by welding.
12. The nail clipper of claim 8, wherein the opposed sections are rigidly connected by riveting.
13. The nail clipper of claim 8, the short portion of each at least one handle comprising at least two cam-like protrusions which contact the pincer and upon which each handle pivots when operated to move one of said first jaw and said second jaw towards the other of said first jaw and said second jaw to exert a cutting force.
14. The nail clipper of claim 8, the short portion of each handle forming a generally U-shape that is fitted around the transverse assembling pin, and the assembling pin rotating with a rotation of the two handles:
15. A nail clipper, comprising:
- a pincer forming a plurality of opposed sections, a first opposed section including a first jaw spaced from a second jaw of a second opposed section;
- a transverse assembling pin mounted between the opposed sections of the pincer; and
- two handles, each mounted to the transverse assembling pin by at least one connector passed through at least one bore of each handle and at least one bore of said transverse assembling pin.
16. The nail clipper of claim 15, wherein said transverse assembling pin comprises symmetrical bores at opposed ends through which connectors are respectively passed through to mount said handles to said transverse assembling pin.
17. The nail clipper of claim 15, wherein the short portion of each handle forms a generally U-shape and two opposing sections of the U-shape comprise symmetrical bores through which a connector is respectively passed to mount said handles to said transverse assembling pin.
18. The nail clipper of claim 15,
- wherein said transverse assembling pin comprises symmetrical bores at opposed ends through which connectors are respectively passed;
- wherein the short portion of each handle forms a generally U-shape and two opposing sections of the U-shape comprise symmetrical bores through which a connector is respectively passed; and
- wherein the bore at a respective end of said transverse assembling pin is aligned with the symmetrical bores of a respective section of the U-shaped short portion of the handle.
19. The nail clipper of claim 15, wherein a connector is passed through the aligned bore at an end of said transverse assembling pin and the symmetrical bores of a section of the U-shaped short portion of the handle, the wire serving as an axle for mounting the handle to the transverse assembling pin.
20. The nail clipper of claim 15, wherein the connector comprises one of a wire and a rod.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 10, 2006
Publication Date: Aug 10, 2006
Inventor: Alberto Domenge (Tecamachalco)
Application Number: 11/350,876
International Classification: A45D 29/00 (20060101);