Abstract:
A pedicure tool is disclosed which comprises a generally elliptical housing having at least three openings extending therethrough. Each of the at least three openings is adapted to releasably receive a concave insert panel therein. Further, each insert panel has an abrasive surface on the exterior thereof.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates in general to pedicure tools, and, more particularly, to pedicure tools having replaceable sandpaper inserts. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There are a number of pedicure tools on the market today. Such devices includes, in addition to nail clippers, rasps, files and massage tools for use on the feet. However, such rasps and files generally have only one grit fineness available though there are some two sided rasps present in the market. Thus, the ability to quickly switch from one grit fineness to another is limited. Further, it is desirable to provide the ability to quickly and easily change abrasive surfaces either between clients for sanitary reasons or when the abrasive surface is worn and needs changing. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,210 entitled “Nail Tool Having Multiples Surface” which issued on May 4, 1999 to Letherby et al. shows a nail tool having three planar surfaces having an abrasive thereon. However, Letherby et al. do not show a device whose abrasive surfaces can be changed quickly or easily. 
     Another desirable feature is the incorporation of a massage tool with the file or rasp tool. Further, the abrasive surface is preferably concave for functionality and ease of use. 
     None of the devices of the prior art meet this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a pedicure tool adapted to provide three rasping concave surfaces thereon. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide a pedicure tool having a massager integrated therewith. 
     Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds and the features of novelty which characterize this invention will be pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention may be more readily described by reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 taken along line  4 — 4 ; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a body panel of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the body panel of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 7 is a top view of an insert panel of the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the insert panel of FIG. 6; and 
     FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the insert panel of FIG. 6 taken along line  8 — 8 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In the presently preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-9, a pedicure device  10  of the present invention comprises three identical snap together body panels  12 , each body panel  12  having an oval opening  14 , each oval opening  14  adapted to receive an insert panel  16 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that the use of three identical panels is preferred because of the economies of production. However, the present invention is not limited to the example described herein. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, oval openings  14  and corresponding insert panels  16  are elongated outwardly concave oval shapes as best seen in FIGS. 7-9. Those skilled in the are will recognize that the principles of the invention are not limited to the particular shapes of the illustrated embodiment. 
     As best seen in FIG. 7, an exterior face  18  includes a grit  20  made of aluminum oxide or silicon carbide materials or any other material suitable for pedicure abrading applications. In the preferred embodiment, each concave insert panel  16  has one of three differing sandpaper grits, preferably classified as a fine, a medium and a coarse grit. The outwardly concave geometry of insert panel  16  is most preferred as it strongly enhances functionality and ease of use by easing access to exterior face  18 . 
     As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, each insert panel  16  is detachably retained in oval opening  14 . In the presently preferred embodiment, such retention is accomplished by body panel clip members  22   a  which abut corresponding oval opening  14  mating with corresponding insert panel clip members  22   b  positioned about the periphery of insert panel  16 . A finger opening  24  is provided along one side of oval opening  14  which allows a user to engage insert panel  16  with a digit to easily remove same to replace, for example, worn sandpaper or for sanitary purposes. 
     Each body panel  12  forms a generally oval periphery  26  which mates with the corresponding a periphery of an abutting body panel  12 . As best seen in FIGS. 2-4, when viewed from one end, peripheries  26  form an angle A which is one hundred twenty degrees (120°). Snap elements  28   a  along one side of body panel  12  mate with corresponding snap elements  28   b  on the opposite mating periphery  26  of an abutting body panel  12  to releasably hold the three body panels  12  together, forming, in combination, an ellipsoidal hollow housing  30 . To provide additional structural integrity, as best seen in FIG. 4, peripheries  26  are further provided with interlocking teeth  38  when viewed in profile. 
     In the presently preferred embodiment, a plurality of massager bumps  32  are provided at one end of each body panel  12  to form, in combination, a massager tool  34  along one side of housing  30 . 
     To use, an individual simply grasps the exterior of housing  30  to manipulate same. Alternatively, two of insert panels  16  can be removed whereby the portion of body panels  12  between the removed insert panels  16  form a handle  36  adapted to be grasped by a user as best seen in FIG.  1 . 
     Although only certain embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims.