Wireless accessibility fingernail and toenail trimmer

A fingernail and toenail trimmer is presented herein. The trimmer includes a stable, traction-providing base disposed on the bottom of a housing defining an interior portion. A nail cutting device with at least one blade is disposed at least partially within the housing and accessible through an opening in the housing. A high-torque drive mechanism drivingly engages the cutting device to effectively cut any fingernail or toenail. At least one camera, sensor and artificial intelligence module provides assistance with the accurate operation of the trimmer. The camera captures the environment surrounding the blades and transmits the images captured therefrom to the user device and artificial intelligence module for processing.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to a fingernail and toenail trimmer, and more specifically to a wireless accessibility finger and toenail trimmer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cutting and trimming fingernails and toenails in humans and in animals (e.g., canines, felines, etc.) is a standard practice in maintaining good hygiene, cleanliness and appearance. For example, oftentimes, short, well-trimmed and clean nails (including fingernails and toenails) is a sign of good hygiene and can help prevent the development of infections and the spread of diseases by preventing or restricting the accumulation of dirt and bacteria from under, on or around the nails.

Commonly, fingernails and toenails are trimmed by the individual, e.g., without assistance from another, using handheld or manually-operated clippers. When trimming fingernails, the user or individual must operate the clippers with one hand to trim the fingernails on the other hand. This can be difficult in many cases, including for example, when using the non-dominant hand to operate the clippers to trim the nails on the dominant hand. Similarly, when trimming one's own toenails, the user must be able to physically reach his or her toenails by bending over and reaching to the toes. This can be difficult for many individuals, particularly elderly or older individuals, or those that may be overweight or otherwise unable to physically reach his or her own toes or toenails.

In some cases, the user or individual may have a physical ailment, disability or condition that may limit the ability or prevent the user from effectively or safely trimming his or her fingernails or toenails. As just an example, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that can cause weakness in the individual's hands and can prevent the user from effectively or safely trimming his or her own fingernails or toenails. Of course other conditions or ailments in addition to or instead of CTS can also contribute to the inability to reach or effectively or safely trim one's own fingernails or toenails.

In this manner, as exemplified above, there are several accessibility and performance issues with existing formats of manual execution with devices in this field.

Accordingly, there is a demonstrated need to improve and automate this activity in whole or in part.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to a fingernail and toenail trimmer that is designed to help people who have difficulty using standard fingernail and toenail trimmers. The trimmer of at least one embodiment includes a stable, traction-providing base disposed on the bottom of a waterproof or water-resistant housing. A nail cutting device disposed within the housing and at least partially protruding from or accessible through an opening includes one or more blades operated by a high-torque drive mechanism to effectively cut any fingernail or toenail, as desired. Some embodiments include multiple trimming modes, safety features to prevent injury, and the ability to trim nails through an application accessible on a user device that controls the trimmer.

In use, the trimmer is first placed on the floor, table, counter or other supporting or level surface. The user then lines up his or her fingernail or toenail with the one or more blades of the cutting device protruding from or accessible through a corresponding opening in the housing. The cutting device can be activated by selecting a button on an application on an electronic device, or by pushing or selecting a button provided on the side of the trimmer. Some embodiments include one or more wireless or wired batteries that can be charged in between uses.

One or more cameras, sensors and artificial intelligence modules can be used in some embodiments to provide more accurate cuts and to avoid or prevent injuries during use. More specifically, a camera can be mounted at or near the opening in the housing to capture the environment surrounding the blade(s). A sensor can be attached to or communicative with the cutting device or drive mechanism to measure and/or control the amount of force exerted to the cutting device. Images and/or live video feeds captured by the camera can be transmitted to the user device and/or to the AI module for processing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in the accompanying drawings, and with particular reference toFIG.1, at least one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a nail trimmer, generally shown as10. It should be noted that the term nail, as used herein, refers to one or more fingernails or toenails of a human or animal, unless otherwise specifically stated.

More in particular, in at least one embodiment, the trimmer10includes a housing12that is formed to define an interior portion15thereof. The housing12of at least one exemplary embodiment includes a width W of approximately four inches, a depth D of approximately four inches, and a height H of approximately one and one-quarter inches. However, other dimensions of the housing12, including the width W, depth D and height H are contemplated within the full spirit and scope of the present invention.

With reference to the exploded view shown inFIG.2, the housing12of at least one embodiment includes a top section12aand a bottom base12b. One or more fasteners may be used to secure the base12bto the top section12a, although other connection or attachment structures, including, for example, clips, snaps, grooves, protrusions, friction-fit components, etc. can be implemented.

In some cases, such as in the embodiment illustrated inFIG.2, an internal tray12cmay also be included and disposed at least partially within the interior portion15between the top section12aand base12b. The tray12cmay be used to support or otherwise provide an attachment base for several components of the trimmer10, as disclosed herein. It should be noted, however, that in other embodiments some or all of the components may be attached to or supported by the base12bor other structures.

In some cases, one or more batteries or rechargeable power cells14amay be disposed within the interior portion15of the housing12to operate or provide power to several components as described herein. The battery or power cell14aof the various embodiments can be recharged through the use of a wireless charging pad or component14bthrough wireless communication with an external wireless charger (not shown). In other embodiments, the battery14acan be recharged through wired capabilities, for example, by connecting a cable between the battery14aand an external charger (not shown). In this manner, also provided in the interior portion15of at least one embodiment of the housing12is a power management unit14cor a DC power management unit. The management unit14cmay be communicative with the battery14aand in some cases with the wireless charging component14b, and/or a processor40, as described in more detail below.

In other embodiments, it is also contemplated that the trimmer10may include one or more replaceable batteries disposed within a waterproof or water-restricting compartment. In yet another embodiment, the trimmer10may be connected to a constant external power source for operation such that internal batteries may not be needed.

Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the nail trimmer10, and in particular the housing12thereof, is water proof or water resistant allowing the trimmer10to be used and/or otherwise operated in its intended manner in water or wet environments, including, but not limited to a shower or bath. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, the housing12may form a water-tight seal that prevents or restricts water from entering the interior portion15thereof. In some cases, some or all of the internal components, for example, those supported by tray12c, may either be capable of getting wet without impeding its performance or may include internal water-proof or water-restricting encasements or protections.

Additionally, still referring to the exploded view ofFIG.2, at least one embodiment of the present invention includes at least one bottom traction foot or pad, generally shown as16. The bottom traction foot or pad16provides traction or movement-restricting capabilities to the trimmer10such that when the trimmer10is placed on a surface, such as a counter, a floor, a shower floor, a bath tub, etc. the bottom traction foot or pad16prevents or otherwise restricts movement of the trimmer10along the surface, particularly during use. In this manner, the bottom traction foot or pad16of at least one embodiment may be constructed of a rubber or other like material configured to provide traction as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Moreover, the present invention also includes a nail cutting device20that has at least one blade22a,22b, for example, on opposing jaws or arms24a,24b, for cutting or trimming a fingernail or toenail. The blade(s)22a,22bof at least one embodiment is/are accessible from a position external to the housing12, and in some cases, extend at least partially through an opening18formed om the housing12. In the embodiment shown, the nail cutting device20includes two arms24a,24beach defining operational ends that form an opening within which the user will place his or her nail. On at least one of the operational ends, or proximate to at least one of the operations ends, is a blade for cutting the nail. For example, in some cases, the top or first arm24amay include a blade, whereas the bottom or second end may not and may instead form a flat or receiving portion upon which the blade engages when the cutting device is clamped or closed. In other cases, both of the arms24a,24bmay each include a blade22a,22bat or proximate to the operational end.

In this manner, as described herein, a user can align a nail (e.g., a fingernail or toenail) with the one or more blade(s)22a,22bof the cutting device20to cut or trim the nail using the trimmer10of the present invention. In some cases, the housing12may include a water-restricting material or gasket formed around the opening18where the blade(s)22a,22bare exposed. The water-restricting material or gasket can prevent or restrict water from entering the housing12. In some cases, the water-restricting material or gasket can also be used to restrict or prevent nail clippings from entering the trimmer10, for example, immediately after being cut or trimmed from the nail.

Moreover, the housing12of at least one embodiment includes a front wall13through which the opening18is formed. In some cases, the front wall13may include a curvature or bend, such as an inward or concave curvature extending laterally along the front wall13. In this manner, the opposing lateral sides13a,13bof the front wall13extend outward further than a center point of the front wall13or curvature thereof. Accordingly, the opening18may be disposed in the center or the concave curvature of the front wall13, thereby providing an easy surface upon which to align the user's fingernails or toenails for cutting.

Furthermore, and still referring to the exploded view ofFIG.2, at least one embodiment of the present invention also includes a drive mechanism30disposed within the interior portion15of the housing12and in a driving relation with the nail cutting device20. More specifically, the drive mechanism30is configured to dispose the nail cutting device20into a nail cutting or clamped position. In some cases, the drive mechanism30is also configured to position the nail cutting device20out of the clamped position.

More specifically, in at least one embodiment, and as mentioned briefly above, the nail cutting device20includes at least two arms24a,24b. On a distal or operational end of at least one of the arms24a,24bis a corresponding blade22a,22b. For example, a blade22amay be disposed on an exposed, distal or operational end of arm24a. In some cases, another blade22bmay be disposed on an exposed, distal or operational end of arm24b. It should be noted, however, that in some cases, only one blade may be included, for example, blade22aon the end of arm24a. In such a case, the distal, exposed or operational end of arm24bmay not be sharpened or otherwise may not operate as a blade but may provide a surface upon which blade22aengages when the nail cutting device20is disposed in the clamped position.

Particularly, in at least one embodiment, when the nail cutting device20is disposed in the clamped position, the distal, exposed or operational ends of the arms24a,24bmeet one another or are otherwise drawn toward one another. If a nail is disposed within the nail cutting device20and between the distal, exposed or operational ends of the arms24a,24b, disposing the nail cutting device20into the clamped position will cut or trim the nail, for example, via the one or more blades22a,22bthereof.

There are several different embodiments in which the drive mechanism30can be used to operate the nail cutting device20. In one such embodiment or example, the drive mechanism30may include a nut-and-bolt style mechanism that includes a threaded bolt31arotatingly attached to or engaged by a motor31b. The clipping device20may include a fused nut or threaded portion, for example, fixed to the first or upper arm24a, through which the threaded bolt31amoves. As the threaded bolt31arotates (e.g., via the motor31b), the nut or other like threaded component of the nail cutting device20does not rotate. This allows the nut or other threaded portion of the nail cutting device20to travel along the threaded bolt31a, thereby causing the arm24ato move between the open position (e.g., as shown inFIG.2) and the clamped position where the ends of the arms24a,24bmeet or engage with one another.

More specifically, as the nut or other threaded portion of the nail clipping device20travels up and down, or along the length of the bolt31a, the blade(s) of the clipping device are forced together and apart. In this manner, the motor may be programmed or operational to spin in one direction a certain distance to close the blade(s) or arms, and in another direction for the same distance to open the blade(s) or arms. This action is repeated for each cut, for example, each time the user or device activates the trimmer10, as disclosed herein. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, the top or first arm24aof the cutting device20may pivot or move relative to a bottom or second arm24bin order to dispose the cutting device20into and out of the clamped position. In some cases, only one of the arms (e.g., the top or first arm24a,) moves, while the other arm (e.g., the second or bottom arm24b) remains stationary. In other cases, however, both arms24a,24bmay move or pivot.

It should be noted that other embodiments or implementations of the trimmer10of the present invention may include other drive mechanisms30disposed in a driving relation with the nail cutting device20. In other words, the nut-and-bolt style drive mechanism disclosed in accordance with one embodiment should not be considered limiting and other drive mechanisms are contemplated within the full spirit and scope of the present invention.

Furthermore, at least one embodiment of the present invention also includes an activator or activation button35, which in at least one embodiment is accessible from a position external to the housing12. Activation of the button35may, in some cases, be accomplished by pressing, depressing or pushing the button35. In other cases, the button35may be activated through motion, touch, voice, etc., such that the button35may not be or need to be physically pressed or moved to activate. In any case, activation of the button35in at least one embodiment activates the drive mechanism30to drive the cutting device20into the cutting or clamping position, as described herein.

In this manner, operation of the trimmer10of at least one embodiment can be accomplished by a user aligning a fingernail or toenail with the one or more blades22a,22bof the cutting device20and activating the drive mechanism30, e.g., though activation of the button35. Doing so will cause the cutting device to clamp down onto and thereby cut the fingernail or toenail. This process can then be repeated for other fingernails or toenails, as desired.

With reference now toFIG.3, the trimmer10of at least one embodiment of the present invention may include, among other components and devices structured to facilitate implementation of the present invention in the intended manner, a processor40, memory42, one or more data storage devices44, and one or more communication or network device(s)46.

Specifically, as used herein, the processor40of at least one embodiment may include any device cooperatively structured to execute or implement computer instructions, software, etc., including, for example, the various features and components as described in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention and configured to implement or facilitate the implementation of the method100herein. Further, the memory device42, as used herein, may include but is not limited to random access memory (RAM) or other like device(s) configured to implement the present invention in the intended manner, for example, by storing and assisting with the execution of one or more applications, modules, or components capable of implementing the systems and methods described herein. It should be noted that non-transitory computer readable media includes all computer-readable media except for a transitory, propagating signal. The data storage device(s)44, as used herein, may include a hard disk drive, solid state drive, virtual drive, cloud-based storage drive, or other types of volatile or non-volatile memory. Moreover, the communication device46may include a network communication hardware/software component, including but not limited to a Bluetooth wireless transceiver, structured to facilitate communication between the trimmer10of the present invention and the various user devices, as described herein.

Moreover, in at least one embodiment, the processor40is communicatively connected with various other components of the present invention, including, for example, the drive mechanism30, the activator or button35and the wireless communication device46. In this manner, activation of the button35, in some cases, will cause the processor or processing unit40to activate the drive mechanism30to dispose the nail cutting device20into the clamped position, as described herein.

Furthermore, with reference now toFIG.4, in at least one embodiment, the trimmer10is communicative with a user device50, for example, via a wired or wireless communication network or protocol, as generally shown by arrow17. As an example, the network or wireless connection between the trimmer10and the one or more user devices may include virtually any computer, communication or data network such as a Bluetooth wireless network, Zigbee network, local area network, private area network, the World Wide Web, Internet, Intranet, Wide Area Network(s), Telecommunication Network(s) (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE), etc.

Furthermore, the user device50, as disclosed herein, may include virtually any computer-based device configured to or capable of implementing various aspects of the present invention. In this manner, the user device50may include, but is not limited to, a mobile device or mobile terminal such as, for example, a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet computer, etc., as well as a laptop or mobile computer, desktop computer, video game console, mobile video game device, etc. Accordingly, in some embodiments or implementations, the user or mobile device50may include, for example, an APPLE® iPHONE®, APPLE® iPAD®, ANDROID® based or GOOGLE® based phone or tablet, etc.

Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, the user device50is capable of accessing one or more of mobile application52as described herein. For example, the mobile application52may be downloaded and installed on the user device50, accessed through a webpage or website, etc.

More in particular, the mobile application52of at least one embodiment includes one or more options or modules that are capable of facilitating implementation of the present invention in the intended manner by controlling or operating one or more aspects of the trimmer10. In some cases, the application52may include a one-cut or manual mode, a rotating or continuous mode, and/or an automatic mode. The one-cut or manual mode, when selected or activated (e.g., via controls53), allows the user to manually select or determine when the cut is to be made, or otherwise when the blade(s) is/are closed and/or opened. The rotating or continuous mode, when selected or activated, will cause the cutting device20to open and close in a predetermined or preset rhythm or pulse. The automatic mode, when selected or activated (e.g., via control54), uses a smart module or artificial intelligence (AI) module, as described in more detail below, to determine various cutting features, such as when to cut, where to cut and how much force to use to cut the nail.

For example, in at least one embodiment, the application50includes an activation module or control(s), generally referenced as53inFIG.5A, which, when selected causes the device50to communicate a signal to the trimmer10for the processing unit40to activate the drive mechanism30to dispose the cutting device20into the cutting or clamping position, or into an open position.

Specifically, the application50of at least one embodiment may include a button or selection53areferenced as “open” or other like button, that when activated causes the trimmer10to separate or open the blade(s)22a,22bor arm(s)24a,24bof the cutting device, or otherwise ensure that that blade(s) or arm(s) of the cutting device are open. More specifically, if the blade(s) or arm(s) of the cutting device20are closed or clamped, activating the “open” selection53awill cause the blade(s) or arm(s) to separate. Conversely, if the blade(s) or arm(s) of the cutting device20are open, activating the “open” selection53awill either do nothing or ensure that the blade(s) or arm(s) are open or remain open and separated. It should also be noted that in some cases or embodiments, the cutting device20may automatically retract to the open position, such that a user may not need to specifically select an “open” option to open the blade(s) or arms.

Similarly, the application50of at least one embodiment may include a button or selection53breferenced as “close” or other like button, that when activated causes the trimmer10to close or clamp the blade(s)22a,22bor arm(s)24a,24bof the cutting device. More specifically, if the blade(s)22a,22bor arm(s)24a,24bof the cutting device20are closed or clamped, activating the “close” selection53bmay do nothing or ensure that the blade(s)22a,22bor arm(s)24a,24bare closed. Conversely, if the blade(s)22a,22bor arm(s)24a,24bof the cutting device20are open, activating the “close” selection53bwill cause the blade(s)22a,22bor arm(s)24bto close and thereby dispose the cutting device20into the clamped or cutting position.

Moreover, with reference toFIG.4, for example, in at least one embodiment at least one camera, generally shown as60, may be included on the trimmer10, and in particular, at or near the opening18, through which the cutting device20is accessed. The camera60is positioned to capture still or moving images (e.g., video) of the environment at or near the blade(s)22a,22bof the cutting device20. AlthoughFIG.4shows the camera60positioned above the opening18, other positions including to one or both sides of the opening18, below the opening18, etc. are contemplated.

In this manner, the trimmer10of at least one embodiment is structured and configured to transmit the image(s) and/or video(s) to the user device50, as generally shown inFIG.5B, for example. More in particular, in at least one embodiment, through the processor40and/or communication device46of the trimmer10, images and/or video can be transmitted through the network17to the user device50, where the image(s) and/or video(s) can be displayed to the user, e.g., on the display screen and application52thereof. As just an example, the application52may include a button or selection, generally referenced as55inFIG.5A, which the user can select to open the camera feed or display, as shown inFIG.5B.

In some cases, the image(s) and/or video(s) captured by the camera60and transmitted from the trimmer10to the user device50can be a live video feed or a live visual feed showing the environment at the opening18and blade(s)22a,22bof the cutting device20in real-time or near real-time. This can be helpful to a user who may have difficulty bending over and reaching his or her toenails, thereby allowing the user to place the trimmer10on the ground or other surface and align his or her toenails with the blade(s)22a,22bof the cutting device20using the live video feed displayed on the user device50. In some cases, the user may be able to zoom into or enlarge the video displayed on the user device50further assisting in the proper or desired alignment of the user's nails with the cutting device20. Of course, other benefits and uses of the camera and live feed may be contemplated.

It should also be noted that, in some cases, the trimmer10of at least one embodiment may include, use or implement machine learning, large language model(s) (LLM) and/or other types of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, techniques or methods, whether integral with the trimmer10or external to the trimmer10, to predict outcomes, determine when and where to cut the nail, determine how much force or pressure to apply to the cutting device20, to stop or prevent a cutting motion of the cutting device (e.g., to prevent injury), etc.

In this manner, at least one embodiment of the present invention may include an artificial intelligence or smart module, generally referenced as70inFIG.3, configured to provide assistance with the operation of the nail trimmer. The smart module or AI module70of at least one embodiment may be stored locally on the storage device44or remotely, for example, in a cloud-based or remote storage device, and/or operate wholly or at least partially through a third-party AI engine.

Moreover, the smart module or AI module70of at least one embodiment is communicative, directly or indirectly, with the camera(s)60to receive and process the image(s), video(s), etc. from the camera. Using at least one input, for example, the image(s), video(s), neural networks and predictive algorithms, the smart module70of at least one embodiment is able to or is configured to determine a cutting feature for achieving a desired or predicable and accurate cut of a nail (e.g., a fingernail or toenail). The cutting feature, as used herein, can include virtually any feature, parameter or control of the cutting device20, such as, but in no way limited to, an angle of a cut, a location of a nail/skin boundary, a force to be exerted on the nail cutting device20via the drive mechanism30, etc.

For example, the smart module or AI module70of at least one embodiment is capable of receiving an image or visual/video feed from the camera(s)70, and based thereupon, determine which particular nail is shown in the environment of the image or video feed. For example, if a user places his or her right pointer finger into the environment captured by the camera60(e.g., at or near the cutting device20), the smart module or AI module70of at least one embodiment is able to identify and determine that the finger shown is the user's right pointer finger. Similarly, if the user places his or her left pinky toe into the environment captured by the camera60(e.g., at or near the cutting device20), the smart module or AI module70of at least one embodiment is able to identify and determine that the toe shown in the user's left pinky toc. This identification or determination of the particular finger, toe or nail shown in the environment can help the smart module70of at least one embodiment determine the cutting feature to be applied to the cut.

Specifically, using the image(s), video(s) and/or other input, the smart or AI module70is able to determine a desired or ideal location of the cut while avoiding cutting skin or anything other than the nail. For example, with reference toFIGS.6A and6B, the smart or AI module70of at least one embodiment is able to identify the location of the nail102relative to the location of the user's finger or flesh represented by100. In this example or illustration, the smart or AI module has determined that the best cut would be along line105cutting the nail top103off while avoiding contact with or any laceration to the finger or flesh100.

In some cases, if the user moves his or her finger relative to the cutting device20of the trimmer10in a manner that would cause injury or laceration to the finger or flesh100, the smart module or AI module of at least one embodiment is able to stop the operation of the drive mechanism30or otherwise not allow the cutting device20to clamp into the cutting position. This can be used as a safety feature that will restrict or prevent injury from occurring during use of the trimmer10.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in the exploded view ofFIG.7, the present invention may also include one or more sensors80provided on, connected directly or indirectly to, or otherwise communicative with the cutting device20to measure a cutting force being exerted upon the cutting device20by the drive mechanism30. More specifically, different fingernails and toenails often require different amount of force by the cutting device20to effectively make a clean and accurate cut. Several other factors can also impact the amount of force that is required or desired to make a clean and accurate cut, including, for example, the particular user (e.g., the same fingernail on different people may require difference forces), the age of the user, environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, whether the trimmer is being used in a dry or wet environment, etc. Too little force and too much force can cause the nail to break, shard, or otherwise not cut in a clean manner, each of which can lead to injury to the user. For this, and other reasons, achieving an optimal force exerted by the cutting device20upon the nail for each nail, is desired.

Accordingly, using one or more sensor(s)80, the amount of force exerted upon the cutting device20by the drive mechanism30, and consequently exerted upon the nail by the cutting device20, can be measured and controlled. In some cases, the user may be able to manually select a particular amount of force or range of force through the application52or other selection provided on the trimmer10itself.

However, in some embodiments, the force may be determined automatically by the smart module or AI module70. For example, using the image(s), video(s) and/or other inputs provided by the camera(s)60or the user, the smart module or AI module70of at least one embodiment is able to determine which fingernail or toenail is shown in the environment captured by the camera, as described above. Using this information, the smart module or AI module70of at least one embodiment is then able to control or set the amount of force needed to provide a desired cut. The amount of force may vary depending on several factors, including, for example, which fingernail or toenail is to be cut, which user is using the trimmer, the age of the user, the ambient or other temperature of the room, the humidity of the room, when the trimmer is being used in a dry or wet environment, etc.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention. This written description provides an illustrative explanation and/or account of the present invention. It may be possible to deliver equivalent benefits using variations of the specific embodiments, without departing from the inventive concept. This description and these drawings, therefore, are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive.