Patent Publication Number: US-2011061668-A1

Title: Nail Trimming System

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Nail trimmers are common tools for personal hygiene and grooming. Typical nail trimmers include nail scissors and nail clippers.  FIG. 1  is a representation of a conventional nail clipper  100 , which includes a lower arm  110 , an upper arm  120 , a fulcrum  130  and a lever  140 . The lower arm  110  includes a proximal end  112  and a distal end  114 , where the proximal end includes a first blade  116 . The upper arm  120  includes a proximal end  122  and a distal end  124 , where the proximal end includes a second blade  126 . The distal end  114  of the lower arm and the distal end  124  of the upper arm are attached. The fulcrum  130  is attached to the lower arm  110  distally from the proximal end  112 , and passes through the upper arm  120  distally from the proximal end  122 . The lever  140  includes a first end  142  and a second end  144 , and the first end  142  is attached to the fulcrum  130 . 
     First and second blades  116  and  126  may be curved as shown in  FIG. 1 , or they may be straight. The nail clipper  100  may be symmetrical as shown, or the blades  116  and  126  may extend farther in the proximal direction on one side of the clipper than on the other side of the clipper. 
     A toenail or fingernail may be trimmed by positioning the distal edge of the nail between the first and second blades  116  and  126 , and squeezing the second end  144  of the lever and the lower arm  110 . This moves the proximal end  122  of the upper arm and the proximal end  112  of the lower arm together, causing the first and second blades to compress the distal edge of the nail, severing it from the main nail plate and forming a nail trimming. 
     One concern with the use of a nail clipper is the debris associated with the nail trimmings. To reduce the amount of cleaning required after a trimming, a nail clipper may be used over an open receptacle such as a trash can, or they may be used over a disposable sheet such as a tissue. These techniques, however, do not prevent nail trimmings from being projected away from the receptacle or sheet due to the force required to cut the nail. Some users may prefer to use a nail clipper outside, leaving the trimmings on the ground. This technique, however, may be unsuitable for certain climates throughout the year. 
     One approach to solving the problem of nail debris has been to combine a conventional nail clipper with a case for retaining clippings. For example,  FIG. 2  is a representation of a nail clipper  200 , which includes a lower arm (not shown), an upper arm  220 , a fulcrum  230 , a lever  240 , a clippings case  250  and a retaining space  260 . The lower arm includes a proximal end  212  and a distal end (not shown), where the proximal end includes a first blade  216 . The upper arm  220  includes a proximal end  222  and a distal end (not shown), where the proximal end includes a second blade  226 . The distal end of the lower arm and the distal end of the upper arm are attached. The fulcrum  230  is attached to the lower arm distally from the proximal end  212 , and passes through the upper arm  220  distally from the proximal end  222 . The lever  240  includes a first end  242  and a second end  244 , and the first end  242  of the lever is attached to the fulcrum. In some configurations, the second end  244  of the lever is covered with a material that matches or coordinates with a material present in the case  250 . The case  250  is below the lower arm, and extends from the lower arm to the upper arm  220 , spanning the gap between the two arms. The retaining space  260  is enclosed by the lower arm, the upper arm  220  and the case  250 . The case does not extend past the first and second blades  216  and  226 . The case  250  may at least partially cover the upper arm  220 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a toenail or fingernail may be trimmed by positioning the distal edge of the nail between the first and second blades  216  and  226 , and squeezing the second end  244  of the lever and the lower arm. This causes the first and second blades to compress the distal edge of the nail, severing it from the main nail plate and forming a nail trimming. The nail trimming can then be trapped in the retaining space  260 . Nail trimmings can be removed from the retaining space  260  by positioning the proximal ends  212  and  222  of the upper and lower arms below the distal ends of the upper and lower arms, and shaking the clipper  200 . 
     One drawback to nail clippers having an integrated case for retaining nail trimmings, such as the clipper  200  depicted in  FIG. 2 , is that the trimmings are only retained when they fall into the retaining space  260 . It is not uncommon for nail trimmings to be projected away from the retaining space, due to the relative positioning of the blades and the nail and/or due to the force required to cut the nail. If these trimmings are not captured in some other manner, then the resulting nail debris is still a problem. Another drawback to a nail clipper such as  200  is that the retaining space may become clogged with nail trimmings before ten fingernails or ten toenails have been trimmed. Thus, a user may have to stop and empty the trimmings out of the nail clipper frequently, resulting in an undesirably long process of nail trimming. 
     It is desirable to provide a nail trimming system in which a higher proportion of nail trimming debris is retained for easy disposal. Preferably such a system will be as convenient and easy to use as a conventional nail clipper. Ideally, such a system is amenable to use with an existing nail clipper already owned by a user. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, the invention provides a nail trimming system that includes a nail clipper and a receptacle attached to the nail clipper. The nail clipper includes a lower arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end including a first blade; an upper arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end including a second blade, where the distal end of the lower arm is attached to the distal end of the upper arm; a fulcrum attached to the lower arm distally from the proximal end of the lower arm, and passing through the upper arm distally from the proximal end of the upper arm; and a lever having a first end and a second end, where the first end of the lever is attached to the fulcrum. The receptacle includes a blade portion and an arm portion. The blade portion includes a wall circumscribing the first and second blades, and extends proximally past the first and second blades by at least 0.5 cm to an opening. The wall includes a transparent region above the first and second blades. The arm portion is in contact with the nail clipper at a region distal from the fulcrum. 
     In another aspect of the invention, there is a receptacle for a nail clipper, where the nail clipper includes a first blade and a second blade at a proximal end of the nail clipper. The receptacle includes a blade portion including a wall, and an arm portion attached to the blade portion. The wall has a length of at least 0.5 cm, and includes a transparent region and an opening having a longest cross-section of from 2 cm to 4 cm. The arm portion has a length of at least 1 cm. When the receptacle is attached to the nail clipper, the first and second blades of the nail clipper are circumscribed by the wall. 
     In another aspect of the invention, there is a nail trimming system that includes a means for forming a nail trimming, and a means for retaining the nail trimming near the forming means. 
     In another aspect of the invention, there is a method of trimming a nail that includes inserting a distal edge of a nail into an opening of a receptacle, where the receptacle attached to a nail clipper including a lower blade and an upper blade; positioning the distal edge of the nail between the lower blade and the upper blade, forming a nail trimming by compressing the distal edge of the nail between the lower and upper blades and severing the distal edge from a main nail plate, and retaining the nail trimming in the receptacle. The lower and upper blades are circumscribed by the receptacle, and the receptacle extends proximally from the blades for a distance of at least 0.5 cm to the opening. 
     To provide a clear and more consistent understanding of the specification and claims of this application, the following definitions are provided. 
     The term “proximal” with respect to a nail trimming system, or a component of a nail trimming system, means a direction toward the body of the patient whose nail is being trimmed, if the nail trimming system were in use. 
     The term “distal” with respect to a nail trimming system, or a component of a nail trimming system, means a direction away from the body of the patient whose nail is being trimmed, if the nail trimming system were in use. 
     The scope of the present invention is defined solely by the appended claims and is not affected by the statements within this summary. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  depicts a conventional nail clipper. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a conventional nail clipper having an integrated case for retaining clippings. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  depict a nail trimming system that includes a nail clipper and a receptacle. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a nail trimming system including a nail clipper and a receptacle, where the distal end of the nail clipper is enclosed by the receptacle, and the blade portion of the receptacle includes a concave portion. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a nail trimming system including a nail clipper and a receptacle, where the receptacle is transparent and spans the distance between the lower arm and the upper arm of the nail clipper. 
         FIG. 6  depicts a nail trimming system including a nail clipper and a receptacle, where receptacle has a rectangular cross-section. 
         FIG. 7  depicts a nail trimming system including a nail clipper and a receptacle, where the receptacle includes a concave portion that extends from the blade portion to the arm portion. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A nail trimming system provides for retention of nail trimmings. The system includes a nail clipper and a receptacle attached to the nail clipper. The nail clipper may be a conventional nail clipper such as clipper  100  in  FIG. 1 . The receptacle extends past the blades of the nail clipper and has an opening for insertion of a finger or toe. The receptacle may have a transparent region, allowing a user to view the nail trimming site. 
     A method of trimming a nail that provides for retention of nail trimmings includes inserting a distal edge of a nail into an opening of a receptacle, positioning the distal edge between a lower blade and an upper blade while in the receptacle, forming a nail trimming by compressing the distal edge between the lower and upper blades and severing the distal edge from a main nail plate, and retaining the nail trimming in the receptacle. The lower and upper blades are circumscribed by the receptacle, and the receptacle extends from the blades to the opening for a distance of at least 0.5 cm. The method may further include disposing of the nail trimming. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  represent a nail trimming system  300  that includes a nail clipper  310  and a receptacle  380 . The nail clipper  310  includes a lower arm  320  including a proximal end  322  and a distal end  324 , the proximal end including a first blade  326 ; an upper arm  330  including a proximal end  332  and a distal end  334 , the proximal end including a second blade  336 , where the distal end  324  of the lower arm and the distal end  334  of the upper arm are attached; a fulcrum  340  attached to the lower arm  320  distally from the proximal end  322 , and passing through the upper arm  330  distally from the proximal end  332 ; and a lever  350  including a first end  352  and a second end  354 , the first end of the lever attached to the fulcrum  340 . 
     The receptacle  380  is attached to the nail clipper  310  and includes a blade portion  382 , an arm portion  384 , and a slot  386  through which the lever contacts the fulcrum  340 . The blade portion  382  of the receptacle includes a wall  390  that circumscribes the first and second blades  326  and  336 , and extends past the blades by a distance  392  of at least 0.5 centimeter (cm) to an opening  394 . The opening  394  has a longest cross-section  396  of at least 2 cm. The term “longest cross-section” means the longest straight cross-section distance across the opening  394 . The wall  390  includes a transparent region  398  above the first and second blades  326  and  336 . The arm portion  384  of the receptacle is in contact with the lower and upper arms  320  and  330 , and extends distally by a distance  388  from the fulcrum  340 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a toenail or fingernail may be trimmed by inserting a distal edge of a nail into the opening  394 , positioning the distal edge of the nail between the first and second blades  326  and  336 , and forming a nail trimming by compressing the distal edge between the first and second blades  326  and  336  and severing the distal edge from the main nail plate. The nail may be a fingernail or a toenail. Compressing the distal edge between the first and second blades  326  and  336  may include squeezing the second end  354  of the lever and the lower arm  320 . This causes the first and second blades to compress the nail, severing the distal edge from the main nail plate. The resulting nail trimming is retained in the receptacle  380 . The nail trimming retained in the receptacle  380  may then be disposed of. Disposal of the nail trimming may be accomplished by placing the nail trimming system  300  over a waste container, positioning the proximal ends  322  and  332  of the upper and lower arms below the distal ends  324  and  334  of the upper and lower arms, and shaking the system. 
     The nail clipper  310  may have a variety of dimensions, which may vary depending on the intended use of the nail clipper. The upper and lower arms  320  and  330  may have lengths from 4 to 7 cm, which may be useful as a fingernail clipper or as a compact clipper (i.e. “travel-size”). The upper and lower arms may have lengths from 7 to 10 cm, which may be useful as a toenail clipper or as a fingernail clipper for patients having large hands. The upper and lower arms may have lengths from 10 to 12 cm, which may be useful as a toenail clipper for patients having large feet. Preferably the upper and lower arms have a length from 5 to 6 cm or from 8 to 9 cm. 
     The first and second blades  326  and  336  may be curved, or they may be straight. The nail clipper  310  may be symmetrical as shown, or the blades  326  and  336  may extend farther in the proximal direction on one side of the clipper than on the other side of the clipper. The nail clipper  310  may be made of any rigid material. Examples of rigid materials include metal, plastic, ceramic, and mixtures of these materials. Preferably the nail clipper is made of stainless steel. In some configurations, at least a portion of the lever  350  may be covered with a material that matches or coordinates with a material present in the receptacle  380 . 
     The blade portion  382  and the arm portion  384  of the receptacle  380  may be attached, or they may be separate. In one example, the blade portion  382  and the arm portion  384  may be separate. In this example, the two portions may include the same or different materials. The two portions may be attached to the nail clipper  310  separately, or the two portions may attach to the nail clipper only when they are combined as the receptacle  380 . In another example, the blade portion  382  and the arm portion  384  may be formed separately and then combined to form the receptacle  380 . In this example, the two portions again may include the same or different materials. In another example, the receptacle may be formed as a monolithic object, where the blade portion  382  and the arm portion  384  are integral and include the same material. 
     The receptacle  380  may have a variety of shapes and dimensions. The blade portion may have a length of at least 0.5 cm, and more preferably has a length of at least 1 cm, at least 1.2 cm, or at least 1.5 cm. For example, the blade portion may have a length of from 0.5 to 1.5 cm, from 1 to 1.2 cm, from 1.2 to 4 cm, or from 1.5 to 3.5 cm. The arm portion may have a length of at least 1 cm, and preferably has a length of at least 2 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 4 cm, at least 6 cm, or at least 7 cm. 
     Preferably the distance  392  is large enough that nail trimmings are not projected out of the receptacle  380 . Preferably the distance  392  is at least 1 cm, at least 1.2 cm, or at least 1.5 cm. Preferably the distance  392  is small enough that the end of a finger or toe can be easily inserted into the receptacle and brought into contact with the blades  326  and  336 . The distance  392  may be from 0.5 to 4 cm, and preferably is from 1 to 3.5 cm. If nail trimming system  300  is intended for use as a fingernail clipper or as a compact clipper, the distance  392  preferably is from 0.5 to 1.5 cm, and more preferably is from 1 to 1.2 cm. If nail trimming system  300  is intended for use as a toenail clipper or as a fingernail clipper for patients having large hands, the distance  392  preferably is from 1.2 to 4 cm, and more preferably is from 1.5 to 3.5 cm. 
     Preferably the longest cross-section  396  of the opening  394  also is large enough that nail trimmings are not projected out of the receptacle  380 , but small enough that the end of a finger or toe can be easily inserted into the receptacle and brought into contact with the blades  326  and  336 . The longest cross-section  396  may be from 2 to 4 cm, and preferably is from 2.5 to 3.5 cm. If nail trimming system  300  is intended for use as a fingernail clipper or as a compact clipper, the longest cross-section  396  preferably is from 2 to 3 cm, and more preferably is from 2.25 to 2.75 cm. If nail trimming system  300  is intended for use as a toenail clipper or as a fingernail clipper for patients having large hands, the longest cross-section  396  preferably is from 2.5 to 4 cm, and more preferably is from 2.75 to 3.5 cm. 
     The opening  394  may be circular, in which case the longest cross-section  396  is the diameter of the opening. The opening  394  may be a non-circular shape, including rectangular, square, trapezoid and oval, and including rectangular, square or trapezoid shapes having rounded corners. If opening  394  is non-circular, it has both a longest cross-section  396  and a shortest cross-section. The shortest cross-section is the shortest straight cross-section distance across the opening  394 . Preferably the shortest cross-section of a non-circular opening  394  is at least 1.7 cm for a nail trimming system  300  that is intended for use as a fingernail clipper or as a compact clipper. Preferably the shortest cross-section of a non-circular opening  394  is at least 3 cm for a nail trimming system  300  that is intended for use as a toenail clipper or as a fingernail clipper for patients having large hands. 
     The opening  394  may be configured to be sealed before, during and/or after use. In one example, a cap or plug (not shown) may fit the opening  394 . In this example, nail trimmings may be retained in the receptacle until the user chooses to dispose of the trimmings. In another example, the opening may include an elastic material or a drawstring (not shown) around the perimeter. In this example, the opening may be at least partially closed around a finger or toe when trimming the nail of that finger or toe. In another example, the opening may include a penetrable material (not shown) at least partially spanning the opening. Examples of penetrable materials include a flexible material including one or more slits, and a flexible material including an orifice. In this example, a finger or toe may be inserted through the penetrable material into the receptacle, allowing the penetrable material to at least partially close around the finger or toe. In these latter two examples, enclosing the nail in the receptacle  380  may provide an increased likelihood of retaining the trimmings in the receptacle. 
     The wall  390  may have a variety of shapes and dimensions. The wall  390  may have a cross-section that is identical to that of the opening and that extends from the opening  394  to a region distal from the blades  326  and  336 . For example, the wall may be shaped as a cylinder, an oval cylinder, a square prism, a rectangular prism or a trapezoidal prism. The wall  390  may have a cross-section that changes as the wall extends from the opening  394  to a region distal from the blades  326  and  336 . For example, the wall may be shaped as the frustum of a cone or a pyramid, in which the longest cross-section gradually reduces in size as the wall extends from the opening  394  to a region distal from the blades  326  and  336 . In another example, the wall may change shape in an uneven way as the wall extends from the opening  394  to a region distal from the blades  326  and  336 . 
     Preferably the distance  388  over which the receptacle  380  extends distally from the fulcrum  340  toward the distal end  384  of the receptacle is long enough that nail trimmings cannot fall out of an opening between the distal ends of the lower and upper arms  320  and  330  and the receptacle  380 . The distance  388  may be at least 1 cm, and preferably is at least 2 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 4 cm, at least 6 cm or at least 7 cm. The distal end  384  of the receptacle may enclose the distal ends of the lower and upper arms  320  and  330 , in which case the distance  388  is at least the distance from the fulcrum to the distal ends of the lower and upper arms. 
     The receptacle  380  may contain any of a variety of materials. Preferably the receptacle is both flexible and durable. The wall  390  and/or other portions of the receptacle  380  may be solid materials, or they may include one or more pores or holes. For example, the receptacle  380  may contain a fabric or a mesh material. The interior surface of receptacle  380  may have a low level of adhesiveness or surface tack, to further facilitate retention of nail trimmings in the nail trimming system, and subsequent disposal of the nail trimmings. 
     Examples of materials for receptacle  380  include elastomers, such as elastomeric polyolefins, polysiloxanes, polychloroprenes, polysulfides, acrylonitrile block copolymers, polystyrene block copolymers, polyolefin block copolymers, polyester block copolymers, polyamide block copolymers, polyurethane block copolymers. Examples of materials for receptacle  380  include mixtures of these elastomers with each other or with elastomeric or non-elastomeric polyolefins, polyacrylates, polyesters, polyamides or poly(vinyl chloride). Preferably the receptacle  380  includes a polysiloxane elastomer or a polyurethane elastomer. Examples of materials for receptacle  380  include SMOOTH-SIL 940 (polysiloxane elastomer; SMOOTH-ON INC., Easton, Pa.), CLEAR FLEX 50 (polyurethane elastomer; SMOOTH-ON INC.), and CRYSTAL CLEAR (polyurethane elastomer; SMOOTH-ON INC.). 
     The wall  390  of the receptacle  380  includes a transparent region  398  above the first and second blades  326  and  336 . The transparent region  398  allows for a user to view a fingernail or toenail while using the nail trimming system  300 . The transparent region  398  and the rest of the wall  390  may be different materials, or they may be the same material. The transparent region may provide for magnification of the blades  326  and  336  and/or of a nail that has been inserted into the receptacle. In one example, the transparent region  398  includes a magnifying lens. The transparent region  398  may be attached to the wall  390  by any of a variety of attachments, such as an adhesive, a mechanical fastening system, or an elastic fit. If the transparent region  398  and the wall  390  are the same material, then they may be integral. Preferably the transparent region  398  and the wall  390  are the same material, and more preferably are integral. 
     The outside and/or inside of the receptacle  380  may include decorative and/or informative features. These features may be on a portion of the receptacle, or they may on the entire receptacle, provided that the wall  390  still includes the transparent region  398 . Examples of decorative features include colors, pictures, designs and logos. Examples of informative features include instructions for using the nail trimming system, quotations, maxims and advertisements. Decorative and/or informative features may be permanently attached to or embedded in the receptacle, or they may be temporarily adhered to the receptacle. 
     The nail clipper  310  and the receptacle  380  may be permanently attached. For example, the receptacle  380  may be bonded to at least a portion of the lower arm  320  and/or at least a portion of the upper arm  330 , such as with an adhesive. In another example, the receptacle  380  may be formed around the nail clipper  310 , such as by casting or extruding the material for the receptacle around at least a portion of the nail clipper  310 . 
     The nail clipper  310  and the receptacle  380  may be attached in such a way that they can be separated. The receptacle  380  then may be reattached to the nail clipper  310 , or the receptacle may be disposable. For example, the receptacle  380  may include a slot  386 , and the nail clipper  310  may be attached to the receptacle  380  by inserting the distal ends of the clippers into the arm portion  384  of the receptacle while inserting the lever  350  through the slot  386 . In another example, the nail clipper and the receptacle may be attached with a friction fit, an elastic fit or with a mechanical fastener. These attachments may be better suited for a receptacle having a configuration other than that shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
     Configurations other than that shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  are possible for a nail trimming system that includes a nail clipper and a receptacle attached to the nail clipper, where the receptacle extends past the blades of the nail clipper, has an opening for insertion of a finger or toe, and includes a transparent region. A variety of shapes, dimensions and materials can be used for the blade portion of the receptacle. In addition, a variety of shapes, dimensions and materials can be used for the arm portion of the receptacle. One of a variety of blade portions and one of a variety of arm portions may be combined to form a receptacle. 
       FIGS. 4-7  provide additional examples of receptacles, including interchangeable blade portions and arm portions, which may be included in a nail trimming system. The variations in shapes, dimensions, materials and/or other aspects of the receptacle and components of  FIG. 3  described above may be applicable to the receptacles and components of  FIGS. 4-7 . 
       FIG. 4  represents a nail trimming system  400  that includes a nail clipper  410  and a receptacle  480 . The nail clipper  410  may be as described for nail clipper  310  in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , and includes a lower arm (not shown) including a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end including a first blade; an upper arm including a proximal end  432  and a distal end (not shown), the proximal end including a second blade, where the distal end of the lower arm and the distal end of the upper arm are attached; a fulcrum  440  and a lever  450  attached to the fulcrum. The receptacle  480  is attached to the nail clipper  410  and includes a blade portion  482 , an arm portion  484 , and a slot  486  through which the lever contacts the fulcrum. The blade portion  482  of the receptacle includes a wall  490  that circumscribes the blades of the nail clipper, and extends proximally past the blades by a distance of at least 0.5 cm to an opening  494 . The wall  490  includes a transparent region  498  above the blades. The wall  490  also includes a concave portion  492  below the blades, which provides additional space for retaining nail trimmings. The arm portion  484  encloses the distal end of the nail clipper. 
       FIG. 5  represents a nail trimming system  500  that includes a nail clipper  510  and a receptacle  580 . The nail clipper  510  may be as described for nail clipper  310  in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , and includes a lower arm  520  including a proximal end  522  and a distal end  524 , the proximal end including a first blade  526 ; an upper arm  530  including a proximal end  532  and a distal end  534 , the proximal end including a second blade  536 , where the distal end  524  of the lower arm and the distal end  534  of the upper arm are attached; a fulcrum  540  attached to the lower arm and passing through the upper arm  530 ; and a lever  550  in contact with the fulcrum  540 . The receptacle  580  is attached to the nail clipper  510  and includes a blade portion  582  and an arm portion  584 . The blade portion  582  of the receptacle includes a wall  590  that circumscribes the blades  526  and  536 , and extends proximally past the blades by a distance of at least 0.5 cm to an opening  594 . The wall  590  is made of a transparent material, and thus the region above the blades is transparent. The arm portion  584  of the receptacle spans the distance between the lower arm  520  and the upper arm  530 , and extends distally by a distance  588  from the fulcrum  540 , and may enclose the distal ends of the lower and upper arms  520  and  530 . The nail clipper  510  and the receptacle  580  may be attached, for example, with a friction fit or with an elastic fit. 
       FIG. 6  represents a nail trimming system  600  that includes a nail clipper  610  and a receptacle  680 . The nail clipper  610  may be as described for nail clipper  310  in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , and includes a lower arm  620  including a proximal end (not shown) and a distal end  624 , the proximal end including a first blade (not shown); an upper arm  630  including a proximal end  632  and a distal end  634 , the proximal end including a second blade  636 , where the distal end  624  of the lower arm and the distal end  634  of the upper arm are attached; a fulcrum  640 ; and a lever  650  in contact with the fulcrum  640 . The receptacle  680  is attached to the nail clipper  610  and includes a blade portion  682 , an arm portion  684 , and a slot  686  through which the lever contacts the fulcrum. The blade portion  682  includes a rectangular wall  690  that circumscribes the blades of the nail clipper, and extends proximally past the blades by a distance of at least 0.5 cm to a rectangular opening  694 . The wall  690  includes a transparent region  698  above the blades of the nail clipper. The arm portion  684  of the receptacle extends distally along the lower and upper arms  620  and  630  by a distance  688  from the fulcrum  640 . The shape of the arm portion  684  of the receptacle is rectangular and does not conform to the shape of the clippers  610 , instead possibly providing additional space for retaining nail trimmings. 
       FIG. 7  represents a nail trimming system  700  that includes a nail clipper  710  and a receptacle  780 . The nail clipper  710  includes a lower arm  720  including a proximal end (not shown) and a distal end  724 , the proximal end including a first blade; an upper arm  730  including a proximal end  732  and a distal end  734 , the proximal end including a second blade, where the distal end  724  of the lower arm and the distal end  734  of the upper arm are attached; a fulcrum  740 ; and a lever  750  in contact with the fulcrum  740 . The receptacle  780  is attached to the nail clipper  710  and includes a blade portion  782 , an arm portion  784 , and a concave portion  792 . The blade portion  782  of the receptacle includes a wall  790  that circumscribes the blades of the nail clipper, and extends past the blades by a distance of at least 0.5 cm to an opening  794 . The wall  790  includes a transparent region  798  above the blades of the nail clipper. The arm portion  784  of the receptacle spans the distance between the lower and upper arms  720  and  730 , extends distally by a distance  788  from the fulcrum  740 , and may enclose the distal ends of the lower and upper arms  720  and  730 . The concave portion  792  below the nail clipper  710  provides additional space for retaining nail trimmings. 
     A nail trimming system may include a means for forming a nail trimming, and a means for retaining the nail trimming near the forming means. The means for forming a nail trimming may include a nail clipper, such as nail clipper  100  of  FIG. 1 , nail clipper  310  of  FIG. 3 , nail clipper  410  of  FIG. 4 , nail clipper  510  of  FIG. 5 , nail clipper  610  of  FIG. 6 , or nail clipper  710  of  FIG. 7 . The means for retaining the nail trimming may include a receptacle, such as receptacle  380  of  FIG. 3 , receptacle  480  of  FIG. 4 , receptacle  580  of  FIG. 5 , receptacle  680  of  FIG. 6 , or receptacle  780  of  FIG. 7 . The means for retaining the nail trimming may include a receptacle that includes a combination of a blade portion and an arm portion. The blade portion may be as described for blade portion  382  of  FIG. 3 , blade portion  482  of  FIG. 4 , blade portion  582  of  FIG. 5 , blade portion  682  of  FIG. 6 , or blade portion  782  of  FIG. 7 . The arm portion may be as described for arm portion  384  of  FIG. 3 , arm portion  484  of  FIG. 4 , arm portion  584  of  FIG. 5 , arm portion  684  of  FIG. 6 , or arm portion  784  of  FIG. 7 . 
     While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.