Abstract:
A protective enclosure ( 100 ) for a nail file machine includes wall portions defining an enclosure suitable for the base portion ( 30 ) of the machine. The base portion ( 30 ) of the nail file machine is inserted into and removed from the enclosure ( 100 ) through an access door ( 104 ). The enclosure ( 100 ) also includes apertures ( 134, 136 ) that afford a manicurist access to the operating controls ( 32, 34, 36 ) of the nail file machine. Further, the enclosure ( 100 ) incorporates external receptacles ( 114, 116 ) that serve to neatly and conveniently store the hand portion ( 40 ) of the nail file machine as well as the nail file bits ( 44, 46, 48, 50, 52 ) and other manicure accessories.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates to a protective enclosure, more particularly to an enclosure adapted to enclose a manicurist&#39;s nail file machine so as to shield the base portion of the machine from dust and debris generated during a manicure or pedicure, and to compactly and conveniently arrange and store ancillary components of the machine.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Manicures and pedicures are common and frequently requested beauty treatments. When performing a manicure or pedicure, a manicurist will often utilize an electrically powered nail file machine. Such machines facilitate rapid and thorough nail filing, particularly when a manicurist is removing previously attached artificial fingernails. Artificial nails are typically attached by means that render them difficult to remove with a manual file. For instance, acrylic nail tips may be attached to the natural nail by a strong adhesive. Another technique consists of forming a nail tip from an ultraviolet-curable gel brushed onto the natural nail. Additionally, nails are often strengthened by the application of a fiberglass or silk cloth to the nail, secured by an adhesive. Nail file machines significantly reduce the time and effort needed to remove various fingernail attachments. However, these machines produce considerable dust and debris that often falls onto them, resulting in an untidy appearance. Besides giving rise to a generally dusty and untidy work area, the dust can enter the vents of a nail file machine, thus fouling and causing accelerated wear of the machine&#39;s internal components. Furthermore, a dust-covered machine and work area give clients a negative impression of the manicurist and the establishment.  
           [0003]    A typical nail file machine consists of a base portion, a hand portion, and various tool bits required to perform particular manicure or pedicure operations. The hand portion incorporates a rotary drive mechanism and tool chuck, and is connected to the base portion via a cable with an attached connector plug. The base portion often incorporates a control to vary the speed of the tool and another control to reverse the direction. A jack in the base portion receives the hand portion connector plug. Furthermore, the tool chuck facilitates quick interchangeability of the various tool bits, as required by the manicure or pedicure operation at hand. The hand portion and tool bits are typically loose, ancillary components for which the nail file machine ordinarily has no storage provisions. Furthermore, these components can easily be lost and can clutter a workspace if stored near the machine where a manicurist works.  
           [0004]    It would be advantageous for a manicurist to be able to protect the nail file machine from dust and debris, particularly in a way that does not hinder a manicurist&#39;s access to the machine and its operating controls. It would be further advantageous to store the machine and its ancillary components in a convenient and easily accessible fashion.  
           [0005]    Additionally, the hand portion is prone to falling off a manicurist&#39;s table. The hand portion is a delicate instrument and a fall may damage the hand portion. The repair and/or replacement of the damaged hand portion is expensive. Thus, it would be advantageous to be able to secure the hand portion near the base portion, thus preventing it from being damaged due to a fall.  
           [0006]    Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following description and upon reference to the drawings.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The protective enclosure for the nail file machine encloses the base portion of the machine so as to protect the machine from dust and debris. Further, it secures the hand portion of the machine to keep it from falling off of a manicurist&#39;s table. The front portion of the enclosure includes an aperture for the manicurist to access the controls of the nail file machine. The front portion also includes an opening aligned with a jack on the face of the base portion that receives the connector plug on the end of the hand portion attachment cable. The enclosure includes a sliding access panel through which the base portion of the nail file machine is inserted into the enclosure. This sliding panel includes apertures for various configurations of power cords to pass through. Further, holders attached to the exterior of the enclosure receive the hand piece and various filing bits such that all components of the nail file are neatly organized and readily accessible to a manicurist. In one embodiment, the protective enclosure, which is preferably constructed of a plastic material, includes a clear face as part of a mainly opaque assembly so as to substantially conceal the base portion of the nail file machine. In other embodiments, the enclosure is entirely clear, thus rendering the base portion fully visible. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]    [0008]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the base portion of the nail file machine within the enclosure, and the hand portion and file bits inserted into their respective holders.  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 2 is a rear view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the sliding access panel in the open position.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 5 is a detail view of a slot that receives the sliding access panel of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 and all of the embodiments illustrated herein.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 6.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 8.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 10. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0019]    As shown in FIG. 1, a typical nail file machine includes a base portion  30  with controls  32 ,  34 ,  36  located on a front face  38 . Such a machine also typically includes file bits  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 ,  52 , and a hand portion  40 , connected to the base portion  30  via a cable  41  with an attached connector plug  42 . FIG. 1 further illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of the nail file enclosure  100 . The enclosure  100  includes a front face  102 , a rear sliding face  104 , two side panels  106 ,  108 , a top panel  110 , and a bottom panel  112 . The base portion  30  of the nail file machine is received within the enclosure  100  such that the base portion  30  is protected from dust and other debris generated during the course of a manicure.  
         [0020]    In this embodiment, receptacles  114  and  116 , which receive the hand portion  40 , file bits  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 , and other manicure tools, are disposed on the side panel  106  and the top panel  110 , respectively. More specifically, the hand portion  40  of the nail file machine is received within a holder  118  of the attached receptacle  114  for storage during non-use, and is retained therein by force of gravity. This receptacle  114  also includes holders  120 ,  122 ,  124  that are used for storage or arrangement of additional miscellaneous manicure tools such as brushes or cuticle trimmers. In another embodiment of the invention, the receptacle  114  may be configured with only the hand portion holder  118 ; that is, without the additional tool holders  120 ,  122 ,  124 . The file bits  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50  of the nail file machine are received within holders  126 ,  128 ,  130 ,  132  of the attached receptacle  116 , and are retained therein by force of gravity when not in use.  
         [0021]    Of course, this description and associated illustrations are not meant to limit the configuration and placement of the tool receptacles  114 ,  116 , as the receptacles  114 ,  116  be can positioned on any or all of the faces, in various orientations, as is known to those of skill in the art. Furthermore, the configurations of various holders and holder sizes as described are not meant to limit the scope of the invention.  
         [0022]    The front face  102  of the enclosure  100  further includes an aperture  134  for access to the operational controls  32 ,  34 ,  36  on the front face  38  of the base portion  30 . The front face  102  also contains a second aperture  136 , aligned with a hand portion connector jack such that the jack can receive the hand portion connector plug  42 .  
         [0023]    Referring to FIG. 2, the rear face  104  slideably engages channels  138 ,  140  formed in the side panels  106 ,  108 . The rear face  104  can be slideably opened and closed, which facilitates insertion and removal of the base portion  30 . In the embodiment shown, the rear face  104  also includes an aperture  142  that accommodates external power cords and affords access to controls and other features located on the rear panel of base portion  30 .  
         [0024]    [0024]FIGS. 3, 4 and  5  illustrate another embodiment of the enclosure  200 . The enclosure  200  is configured for access to the controls and connector jack on another model of nail file machine. Furthermore, the enclosure  200 , in contrast to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, affords an alternative storage configuration for the nail file machine accessories.  
         [0025]    As in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the enclosure  200  is generally horizontally oriented and is designed to rest on a manicurist&#39;s worktable or other flat surface. The enclosure  200  includes a front face  202 , a rear sliding face  204 , two side panels  206 ,  208 , a top panel  210 , and a bottom panel  212 . The base portion of the nail file machine is received within the enclosure  200  such that the base portion is protected from dust and other debris generated during the course of a manicure. In this embodiment, receptacles  214  and  216 , which receive the hand portion, file bits, and other manicure tools, are disposed on the side panel  208  and the top panel  210 , respectively. More specifically, the hand portion of the nail file machine is received within a holder  218  of the attached receptacle  214  for storage during non-use, and is retained therein by force of gravity. This receptacle  214  also includes holders  220 ,  222 ,  224  that are used for storage or arrangement of additional miscellaneous manicure tools such as brushes or cuticle trimmers. In another embodiment of the invention, the receptacle  214  may be configured with only the hand portion holder  218 ; that is, without the additional tool holders  220 ,  222 ,  224 . Furthermore, the file bits of the nail file machine are received within holders  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232  of the other attached receptacle  216 , and are retained therein by force of gravity when not in use.  
         [0026]    Of course, this description and associated illustrations are not meant to limit the configuration and placement of the tool receptacles  214 ,  216 , as the receptacles  214 ,  216  be can positioned on any or all of the faces, in various orientations, as is known to those of skill in the art. Furthermore, the configurations of various holders and holder sizes as described are not meant to limit the scope of the invention.  
         [0027]    The front face  202  of the enclosure  200  further includes an aperture  234  for access to the operational controls on the front face of the base portion. The front face  202  also contains a second aperture  236 , aligned with a hand portion connector jack, located on the front face of the base portion, such that the jack can receive the hand portion connector plug.  
         [0028]    As is better seen in FIG. 4 and close-up FIG. 5, the rear face  204  is slideably received within channels  238 ,  240  on the inside rear edges of the side panels  206 ,  208 , respectively. As in the first embodiment, the rear face  204  may be slidably opened and closed, which facilitates insertion and removal of the base portion. The rear face  204  also includes an aperture  242  for base portion power cords to pass through and to facilitate operator access to the base portion rear panel controls.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate another embodiment of the invention. The enclosure  300  provides alternate accommodation for the nail file machine accessories and external power cords.  
         [0030]    As in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, the enclosure  300  of this embodiment is generally horizontally oriented and is designed to rest on a manicurist&#39;s worktable or other flat surface. The enclosure  300  includes a front face  302 , a rear sliding face  304 , two side panels  306 ,  308 , a top panel  310 , and a bottom panel  312 . The base portion of the nail file machine is received within the enclosure  300  such that the base portion is protected from dust and other debris generated during the course of a manicure. In this embodiment, receptacles  314  and  316 , which receive the hand portion, file bits, and other manicure tools, are disposed on the side panel  308  and the top panel  310 , respectively. More specifically, the hand portion of the nail file machine is received within a holder  318  of the attached receptacle  314  for storage during non-use, and is retained therein by force of gravity. This receptacle  314  also includes holders  320 ,  322 ,  324  that are used for storage or arrangement of additional miscellaneous manicure tools such as brushes or cuticle trimmers. In another embodiment of the invention, the receptacle  314  may be configured with only the hand portion holder  318 ; that is, without the additional tool holders  320 ,  322 ,  324 . Furthermore, the file bits of the nail file machine are received within holders  326 ,  328 ,  330 ,  332  of the other attached receptacle  316 , and are retained therein by force of gravity when not in use.  
         [0031]    Of course, this description and associated illustrations are not meant to limit the configuration and placement of the tool receptacles  314 ,  316 , as the receptacles  314 ,  316  be can positioned on any or all of the faces, in various orientations, as is known to those of skill in the art. Furthermore, the configurations of various holders and holder sizes as described are not meant to limit the scope of the invention.  
         [0032]    The front face  302  of the enclosure  300  further includes an aperture  334  for access to the operational controls on the front face of the base portion. The front face  302  also contains a second aperture  336 , aligned with a hand portion connector jack, located on the front face of the base portion, such that the jack can receive the hand portion connector plug.  
         [0033]    As is better seen in FIG. 7, the rear face  304  is slideably received by channels  338 ,  340  on the inside rear edges of the side panels  306 ,  308 . As in the first embodiment, this allows the rear face  304  to be slideably opened and closed, thus facilitating insertion and removal of the base portion. The rear face  304  also includes apertures  342 ,  344  for base portion power cords to pass through and to facilitate operator access to the base portion rear panel controls.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention that is configured to be vertically mounted to the side of a manicurist&#39;s table or any other vertical surface. This arrangement contrasts the horizontal orientation of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 through 7.  
         [0035]    As shown in FIG. 8, the enclosure  400  of this embodiment thus orients the base portion of the nail file machine generally vertically, with the nail file controls facing upwards. The enclosure  400  includes a front face  402 , a rear sliding face  404 , two side panels  406 ,  408 , a top panel  410 , and a bottom panel  412 . The base portion of the nail file machine is received within the enclosure  400  such that the base portion is protected from dust and other debris generated during the course of a manicure. In this embodiment, receptacles  414 ,  416 , which receive the hand portion, file bits and other manicure tools, are disposed on the side panels  406 ,  408 , respectively. More specifically, the hand portion of the nail file machine is received within a holder  418  of the attached receptacle  414  for storage during non-use, and is retained therein by force of gravity. This receptacle  414  also includes holders  420 ,  422 ,  424  that receive the file bits and retain them therein by force of gravity when not in use. As is more clearly seen in FIG. 9, the receptacle  416  includes two holders  426 ,  428  of a first diameter and an additional two holders  430 ,  432  of a second diameter, configured to receive manicurists&#39; brushes and cuticle trimmers of various sizes and retain them therein by force of gravity.  
         [0036]    Of course, this description and associated illustrations are not meant to limit the configuration and placement of the tool receptacles  414 ,  416 , as the receptacles  414 ,  416  be can positioned on any or all of the faces, in various orientations, as is known to those of skill in the art. Furthermore, the configurations of various holders and holder sizes as described are not meant to limit the scope of the invention.  
         [0037]    Referring again to FIG. 8, the front face  402  of the enclosure  400  further includes an aperture  434  for access to the operational controls on the front face of the base portion. The front face  402  also contains a second aperture  436 , aligned with a hand portion connector jack, located on the front face of the base portion, such that the jack can receive the hand portion connector plug.  
         [0038]    Referring to FIG. 9, the rear face  404  slideably engages channels  438 ,  440  formed in the side walls  406 ,  408 . Thus, the rear face  404  can be slideably opened and closed, which facilitates insertion and removal of the base portion. In the embodiment shown, the rear face  404  also includes an aperture  442  that accommodates external power cords and affords access to controls and other features located on the rear panel of the base portion.  
         [0039]    This embodiment orients the base portion of the nail file machine generally vertically, with the nail file controls facing upwards. As seen in FIG. 9, the top panel  412  of the enclosure includes key-shaped holes  446 ,  448  that receive screws or other support means that project outwardly from the side of a manicurist&#39;s table. Of course, this description and associated illustrations are not meant to limit the configuration of mounting holes, as the holes can be shaped or positioned to receive the various types of support means known by those of ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate another embodiment of the invention in which the enclosure  500  is oriented vertically, in the manner of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11 is configured to receive a model of nail file machine with a different configuration of the operational controls and connector jack than the nail file machine received by the enclosure  400  shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Furthermore, this embodiment is configured to accommodate an arrangement of external power cords different from that described in the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9.  
         [0041]    The enclosure  500  includes a front face  502 , a rear sliding face  504 , two side panels  506 ,  508 , a top panel  510 , and a bottom panel  512 . The base portion of the nail file machine is received within the enclosure  500  such that the base portion is protected from dust and other debris generated during the course of a manicure. In this embodiment, receptacles  514  and  516 , which receive the hand portion, file bits, and other manicure tools, are disposed on the side panels  506  and  508 . More specifically, the hand portion of the nail file machine is received within a holder  518  of the attached receptacle  514  for storage during non-use, and is retained therein by force of gravity. This receptacle  514  also includes holders  520 ,  522 ,  524  that receive file bits and retain them therein by force of gravity when not in use. As is more clearly shown in FIG. 11, the receptacle  516  includes two holders  526 ,  528  of a first diameter and an additional two holders  530 ,  532  of a second diameter, configured to receive manicurists&#39; brushes and cuticle trimmers of various sizes and retain them therein by force of gravity.  
         [0042]    Of course, this description and associated illustrations are not meant to limit the configuration and placement of the tool receptacles  514 ,  516 , as the receptacles  514 ,  516  be can positioned on any or all of the faces, in various orientations, as is known to those of skill in the art. Furthermore, the configurations of various holders and holder sizes as described are not meant to limit the scope of the invention.  
         [0043]    Referring again to FIG. 10, the front face  502  of the enclosure  500  further includes an aperture  534  for access to the operational controls on the front face of the base portion. The front face  502  also contains a second aperture  536 , aligned with a hand portion connector jack, located on the front face of the base portion, such that the jack can receive hand portion connector plug.  
         [0044]    Referring to FIG. 11, the rear face  504  slideably engages channels  538 ,  540  formed in the side panels  506 ,  508 . Thus, the rear face  504  can be slideably opened and closed, which facilitates insertion and removal of the base portion. In the embodiment shown, the rear face  504  also includes apertures  542 ,  544  that accommodates external power cords and affords access to controls and other features located on the rear panel of base portion.  
         [0045]    As in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, this embodiment orients the base portion of the nail file machine generally vertically, with the nail file controls facing upwards. As seen in FIG. 11, the top panel  512  of the enclosure includes key-shaped holes  546 ,  548  that receive screws or other support means that project outwardly from the side of a manicurist&#39;s table. Of course, this description and associated illustrations are not meant to limit the configuration of mounting holes, as the holes can be shaped or positioned to receive the various types of support means known by those of ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0046]    Thus, the invention provides a protective enclosure for a manicurists&#39; nail file machine. The invention shields the base portion of the nail file machine from dust and debris, and provides compact and convenient storage receptacles for the associated components of the machine.  
         [0047]    While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown, it will be understood, of course, that the invention is not limited thereto. On the contrary, we intend to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the scope and spirit of the invention.