Abstract:
Disclosed is a filament cleaning tool for fingernails wherein a length of flexible cleaning filament connected at each end to a small rigid securing ring. Inserted beneath the fingernail, the cleaning filament contains a series of bristles, flays or scale-like protrusions, positioned along its length, that remove dirt, grease and grime from beneath the fingernail as it is drawn back and forth therein.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to devices used to clean the area beneath one&#39;s fingernails, and more specifically to a fingernail cleaning device that provides for enhanced cleaning by incorporating a special filament that is manually inserted beneath and drawn along the fingernail edge in order to remove highly concentrated, deeply impacted and difficult to remove dirt, grease and grime typically experienced by those such as mechanics, machinists, factory workers or others that work in extremely dirty and greasy environments. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Proper grooming and manicuring principles dictate that one must maintain a neat and clean appearance around and under one&#39;s fingernails. In particular, when referring to the cleaning and removal of dirt from underneath one&#39;s nails, a scraping instrument such as a knife, pointed end of a file or other like sharpened implement is used to accomplish the removal of the bulk of the dirt and debris deposited therein. This process may or may not be either preceded or followed by cleansing with soap and/or water. For the most part, when speaking in terms of the average person, this practice is sufficient to provide adequate cleansing of the area beneath the fingernail. However, in the case of mechanics, machinists, factory workers and others that work in extremely dirty and greasy environments on a hands-on basis require a more thorough and rigorous cleaning in order to clean their hands and, especially, beneath their fingernails. A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention. However, several references depicting fingernail cleaning devices were considered related. In general, these devices are far more complex in design than the present invention and many are directed toward automated, non-portable devices incorporating the use of a variety of electro-mechanical systems to complete the task. Lacking the simplicity transportability of the present invention, these devices neither anticipate nor disclose any embodiment that would preclude its novelty and the utilitarian functionality of its features. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,378, issued in the name of Smith, discloses an automated fingernail cleaning device in which the user&#39;s finger is enclosed in a protective shroud that houses a spray nozzle. The nozzle is connected to a base pumping unit that delivers pressurized water, cleaning the dirt and debris from under the nail. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,635,656, issued in the name of Daniel, discloses a fingernail cleaning device that attaches to a conventional sink spigot. The device includes an orifice disc for projecting a narrow, high velocity jet of water that is housed in a cylindrical, tubular housing. The user inserts his/her finger into the housing and the fingernail is cleaned by the water jet. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,137,929, issued in the name of Grossman, discloses a fingernail cleaning device consisting of an open receptacle capable of receiving a plurality of fingers. The device also consists of a plurality of jets whose source of water requires either a normal hydrant with sufficient pressure, or a pulsating pump motor. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,289,152, issued in the name of Fuhre, discloses a fingernail cleaning apparatus consisting of a large housing with a finger-sized aperture into which a finger is inserted. The apparatus utilizes an electric motor for operating a water-discharging pump which in turn projects pressurized water against the inside surface of the fingernail. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,742,836, issued in the name of Buehler, discloses a fingernail cleaning device whereby all the fingernails on the user&#39;s hand can be rapidly and effectively cleaned at one time. The device consists of an open-topped receptacle for enabling the fingers of one hand of the user to be placed therein. Positioned at an angle to the base of the receptacle is a small diameter fluid passageway. Such passageway directs water at a downward angle to the upper surface of the receptacle base thereby creating a high-velocity, fan-shaped stream of water which travels along the bottom of the receptacle in the direction of the fingernails of the user. 
     All of these devices depart substantially from the spirit, functionality and design of the present invention. Aside from the fact that they all incorporate a different cleansing medium to complete the desired purpose, they are all excessively large, bulky and lack the transportability of the present invention. Furthermore, these devices require connection to an electrical wall socket, to a water supply or both. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,979, issued in the name of Trenary, discloses an automated fingernail cleaning device which utilizes a rotating brush, actuated by an electric motor and housed within a protective shield into which the user&#39;s finger is placed. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,180,884, issued in the name of Hess et al., discloses an automated fingernail cleaning apparatus which utilizes a disc-shaped rotary brush to obtain effective cleaning action for the fingernails. The rotary brush, which is mounted inside a housing, is driven by an electric motor. The apparatus is capable of cleaning all of the fingers on one hand simultaneously. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,123,816, issued in the name of Lupo, discloses an automated fingernail cleaning apparatus which utilizes a rotating bristle brush for the cleaning of one&#39;s fingernails. The rotating bristle brush is connected to a drive shaft, which in turn is actuated by an electric motor. 
     These devices, as well, depart substantially from the spirit, functionality and design of the present invention. Aside from the fact that they all incorporate a different cleansing medium to complete the desired purpose, they are all excessively large, bulky and lack the transportability of the present invention. Furthermore, these devices require connection to an electrical wall socket or the incorporation of a battery pack in order to supply the required electrical energy. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,424,509, issued in the name of Singer, discloses a fingernail cleaning device which consists of a plurality of upwardly opened, rubber sockets into which a finger is inserted. By engaging in a rotary motion, the wall of each socket will impart a thorough scrubbing to the finger. The rotation of each socket can be actuated either by mechanical operation, via hand crank, or by the operation of a mountable electric motor. The device is limited in that it targets the finger and not the fingernail for cleansing and thus provides a little, if any, effective nail cleaning. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,427, issued in the name of Sherts, discloses a finger groomer attachment for a writing instrument. The apparatus performs a variety of manicure operations which are accomplished through the incorporation of various multi-functioning devices. One such device is a fingernail cleaner. Because the fingernail cleaner is thin and pointed, it enables a user to scrape underneath a fingernail to remove dirt and foreign matter. The apparatus is unlike the present invention in that it utilizes a solid, pointed scraping implement rather than a cleaning filament to clean underneath one&#39;s fingernails. 
     U.S. Pat. No. Des. 289,345, issued in the name of Fine, discloses an ornamental design for a fingernail cleaner brush. The device consists of a base portion with bristles embedded therein. Because the device utilizes the bristles of a brush rather than a cleaning it provides a very limited margin of effective cleaning under one&#39;s fingernails. 
     While several features exhibited within these references may be incorporated into this invention, alone and in combination with other elements, the present invention is sufficiently different so as to make it distinguishable over the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The filament cleaning tool for fingernails, according the preferred embodiment of the present invention, consists of a length of flexible cleaning filament connected at each end to a small rigid securing ring. Constructed of stainless steel, plastic, nylon or other like suitable materials, the cleaning filament is of a light gauge yet, due to the material construction, is strong, durable, waterproof and easy to clean. The construction of the cleaning filament is such that a series of bristles, flays or scale-like protrusions are positioned along its length. Used in conjunction with soap and water, the user first washes his or her hands thoroughly. Leaving the hands and fingers lathered, the user places one securing ring on the thumb and one on the forefinger of the same hand. Drawing the cleaning filament taut, the use then inserts the cleaning filament underneath the fingernail of a single finger on the hand opposite the hand used to support the tool and draws the filament in a back and forth motion along the nail, adjusting the depth so as to cover the entire surface area thereof. Intended primarily for use by those with large amounts of impacted dirt, grease and grime beneath their nails, the bristles, scales or flays, in conjunction with the soap lather will remove even the most stubborn deposits. The user repeats this procedure for each finger, switching hands in order to cover the fingers on both the right and left hand, and rinses the dirt and grime from the tool when finished. The simple design of the fingernail cleaning filament tool, in conjunction with its size, material construction and ease of use makes it the ideal method by which to clean one&#39;s nails. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a filament cleaning tool for fingernails that incorporates the use of a flexible cleaning filament to remove dirt, grease and grime from beneath one&#39;s fingernails. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a filament cleaning tool for fingernails wherein the cleaning filament includes a plurality of flays, bristles, scales or other like protrusions or configurations that will aid in the efficient removal of dirt, grease and grime from beneath one&#39;s fingernails. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a filament cleaning tool for fingernails wherein its use in conjunction with soap and lather will allow even the most stubborn or impacted dirt, grease and grime to be removed from beneath one&#39;s fingernails. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a filament cleaning tool for fingernails small, compact and easy to use. 
     Finally, It is an object of the present invention to provide a filament cleaning tool for fingernails that is simple in construction and makes use of materials that are strong, durable and cost-effective to manufacture. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a front view of the filament cleaning tool for fingernails, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a magnified view of a segment of a flayed cleaning filament for use in conjunction with the filament cleaning tool for fingernails, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a magnified view of a segment of a bristled cleaning filament for use in conjunction with the filament cleaning tool for fingernails, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a magnified view of a segment of a scaled cleaning filament for use in conjunction with the filament cleaning tool for fingernails, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the filament cleaning tool for fingernails depicting its use in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 6 is a front view of the filament cleaning tool for fingernails, according an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 
       10  Filament Cleaning Tool For Fingernails 
       11  Securing Rings 
       12  Cleaning Filament 
       13  Filament Securing Aperture 
       15  Flayed Cleaning Filament 
       16  Flayed Filament Body 
       17  Flays 
       20  Bristled Cleaning Filament 
       21  Bristled Filament Body 
       22  Bristles 
       25  Scaled Cleaning Filament 
       26  Scaled Filament Body 
       27  Scales 
       30  Hand 
       31  Thumb 
       32  Forefinger 
       33  Fingernail 
       35  Handle 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     1. Detailed Description of the Figures 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, depicted is a filament cleaning tool for fingernails, hereinafter cleaning tool  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The cleaning tool  10  consists of a pair of securing rings  11  with a cleaning filament  12  connected thereto and spanning therebetween. The securing rings  11  are rigid in nature, constructed of metal, plastic or other materials of like qualities and are waterproof so as to withstand prolonged use. Each securing ring  11  has a filament securing aperture  13 , protruding from the edge thereof, that is used to secure the cleaning filament  12  to the securing ring  11 . In the preferred embodiment, the filament securing aperture  13  consists of a nipple-type protrusion with a cylindrical aperture of a diameter slightly larger than that of the cleaning filament  12  bored therethrough. The cleaning filament  12  is passed through the filament securing aperture  13  and tied in a knot, thus securing it for use. It is envisioned, however, that a variety of methods exist that can be used to attach the cleaning filament  12  to the securing ring  11 . By way of example and not of limitation, the cleaning filament  12  could be secured by tying it directly around the securing ring  11  or a tangential slot could be cut into the body of the securing ring  11  itself, allowing the cleaning filament  12  to be inserted therein and held secured by a friction fit. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, a variety of designs and material constructions exist for the cleaning filament  12 . Stainless steel, nylon and plastic are all ideal materials with which to construct the cleaning filament  12 , both alone and in combination with one another, although it is envisioned that a variety of alternative materials available from the plastics and textile industries would be equally suited. 
     As shown in FIG. 2, a flayed cleaning filament  15  consists of a single strand of filament material having a flayed filament body  16  with a series of generally pointed flays  17  protruding longitudinally therefrom along its entire length, arranged 360 degrees about its circumference. The flays  17  are created by cutting into a solid strand of filament material (not shown) at an acute angle, such that a pointed contour results, at various locations along its length and about its circumference. 
     As shown in FIG. 3, a bristled cleaning filament  20  consists of a single strand of filament material having a bristled filament body  21  with a series of bristles  22 , protruding in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bristled filament body  21 , spaced along its entire length and arranged 360 degrees about its circumference. The bristled filament body  21  consists of twisted or braided stainless wires (not shown) with the stainless steel, plastic, or nylon bristles  22  interwoven at various positions along its length and oriented at varying angles with respect to one another while maintaining a generally perpendicular orientation with the longitudinal axis of the bristled filament body  21 . 
     As shown in FIG. 4, a scaled cleaning filament  25  consists of a single strand of filament material having a scaled filament body  26  with a series of generally rounded scales  27  protruding longitudinally therefrom along its entire length, arranged 360 degrees about its circumference. The scales  27  are created by cutting into a solid strand of filament material at an acute angle, such that a rounded contour results, at various locations along its length and about its circumference. 
     Referring now to FIG. 6, depicted is the cleaning tool  10 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the cleaning filament  12  is of a pulled taught between a handle  35  of a rigid nature such that it can be grasped by a handle  35  and used in a manner similar to that of a conventional nail file or other nail cleaning implement. The cleaning filament  12  incorporated into the alternate embodiment assumes the varying designs of those depicted in FIGS. 2-4. The differences of this alternate embodiment the replacement of the finger rings with an elongated, rigid handle with the filament being drawn across. In this manner the filament can be drawn back and forth with the opposing hand in a manner similar to that of the preferred embodiment. 
     The aforementioned cleaning filament designs are by way of example and not of limitation as it is envisioned that a variety of alternative cleaning filament designs could be equally as effective. For example, a braided or twisted filament alone could be used effectively, or a solid strand filament could be distorted along its length, using a rolling die or the like to create a wide variety of cleaning filament configurations. 
     2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
     In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention and as shown in FIG. 5, the cleaning tool  10  is used in the following manner to remove dirt, grease and grime from beneath the fingernails: 
     The user would first wash his or her hands  30 , applying a generous amount of soap and lather (not shown). Without rinsing the soap from the hands, the user would then secure the cleaning tool  10  to one hand  30  by placing a securing ring  11  over the thumb  31  and forefinger  32 , respectively. Drawing the cleaning filament  12  taut, the user then inserts the cleaning filament  12  underneath the fingernail  33  on the hand opposite that of the cleaning tool  10 , between the nail and the skin, and draws it along in a back and forth motion generally parallel to the edge of the fingernail  33 . The flays  17 , bristles  22  or scales  27 , depending on the particular cleaning filament  12  configuration, create an abrasive force that serves to remove the material impacted beneath the fingernail  33 . The soap lather enhances the effectiveness of the cleaning tool  10 . By altering slightly the depth at which the cleaning filament  12  is inserted, the entire area underneath the fingernail  33  can be cleansed. This procedure is carried out on all of the affected fingernails  33  and, when done, the user simply rinses the cleaning tool  10  clean and stores it for future use. 
     In the alternate embodiment, the follows the same basic procedures as that of the preferred embodiment, taking into account that the accommodations for a flexible cleaning filament  12  are not required. Grasping the cleaning tool  10  by the handle  35 , the user can insert the cleaning filament  12  beneath the nail, forcing it back and forth in order to remove dirt and grime. 
     While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown, illustrated, and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in this field that various modifications may be made in these embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is for this reason that the scope of the invention is set forth in and is to be limited only by the following claims.