Abstract:
This invention is a product used in the delivery of a sanitization agent for sanitizing the under-the-fingernail (UTF) region. This product allows for: the keeping of a sanitization agent to be applied through the use of a nib; access to disposable nibs and a digger to remove objects in the UTF region. The sanitizing agent is applied through the nib for sanitization and disinfection of bacteria, viruses, common germs and other bodily-infecting agents.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 61/909,120, entitled NAIL SANITIZER TOOL filed Nov. 26, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to the field of sanitizers, and more specifically sanitizers for the underside of finger and toe nails. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The most common method used to eradicate potential germs, bacteria, viruses and other biological agents, so far, is hand washing. However it has been shown in Center for Disease Control (CDC) studies that this does little to make contact and to kill bacteria lodged in the under the fingernail (UTF) region. Another popular method is that of rubber latex gloves; however gloves are tedious to use and from preliminary research, are not used at all times and instances where bacteria may come in contact with the UTF region. They are also extremely expensive and not practical to be worn by everyone at all times. 
         [0004]    Sanitizers, and hand sanitizing in particular, have become increasingly popular in the last decade. Hand sanitizers are present in hospitals around the world, carried in people&#39;s bags, used before meals, etc. The increased focus on sanitation and keeping hands clean has led to a boom in the market and the release of a plethora of products that deal with said type of sanitation. 
         [0005]    Most products in the market today involve an alcoholic liquid or foam that is extracted from a container and applied to one&#39;s hands. Application consists of lathering the alcoholic liquid on the external surface of the hand. Indeed, products such as these eliminate potential germs, bacteria, viruses and other biological agents from the surface of the hands. They have little impact on germs, bacteria, viruses and other biological agents in regions of the hand that are not readily accessible by surface cleaning, like the UTF. Such areas will maintain high germ, bacteria, virus, and biological agent cultures after application of today&#39;s products. 
         [0006]    As such, there is a need for a device that can overcome the problems as enumerated above, while providing a quick, easy mechanism to sanitize the hands. 
         [0007]    This product contains a quick and efficient method for delivering a sanitizing agent to the UTF; a product related to effective bacteria termination and UTF infections; decreases the number and power of bacteria in the UTF region that can infect and create health issues. One of the “value propositions” of this product is that water, an intermediary agent that dissolves soap or cleaning agents, must not be used. The germs and bacteria will be killed by sanitizing agents and dissipated from the UTF region by process of evaporation upon the application of this product&#39;s sanitizing agent (held for release) and the method of swabbing with its applicator. 
         [0008]    This new product also comes at an excellent juncture in time, for a health and clinical standpoint, as hospitals around the world and particularly in North America are demanding stringent sanitization methods because of bacterial disease spreading. The lack of hand-sanitization, as corroborated by CDC document research, can lead to minor issues such as absenteeism, and possible major issues, such as severe respiratory illness and severe sickness. 
         [0009]    Based on hand-sanitation industry analysis, the need for an “under-the-fingernail sanitization applicator and method” is an excellent step to achieving and meeting world-wide health agency&#39;s goals of hand-sanitation levels. 
         [0010]    This product addresses a healthcare issue. There can be an accumulation of foreign particles and bacteria under the fingernail that when transmitted, can result in illness and disease. This residue actively enters the body by way of using the under-the-fingernail (UTF) cavity as a holding reservoir. These infective agents then penetrate into the body through orifices such as the eye, mouth, ear, nasal cavities and open wounds. These infective agents must be eliminated through an applicator and method that can reach the under-the-fingernail region and sanitize this region. This is a problem especially for those who work in, but not limited to, the healthcare, childcare, and food services industries. 
         [0011]    There is currently no product or method in use that targets the specific sanitization and disinfection of the under-the-fingernail area. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0012]    The following invention is for a nail sanitizing tool comprising a main body housing a wadding section, a nib, and a digger directly opposed to the nib wherein the nib and digger are able to penetrate a region under a fingernail. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    It will now be convenient to describe the invention with particular reference to one embodiment of the present invention. It will be appreciated that the drawings relate to one embodiment of the present invention only and are not to be taken as limiting the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a nail sanitizer tool, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of a nail sanitizer tool, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a digger as used in nail sanitizer tool, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a profile view of a digger, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4   a  is a profile view of the digger protrusion, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a frontal view of the digger, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5   a  is an enlarged frontal view of a triangular zone on the pointed top of the digger, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a perspective face view of the pointed tip of the digger, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a perspective back view of the digger, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8   a  is a perspective view of a nib as used in nail sanitizer tool, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8   b  is a perspective view of the nib, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8   c  is a perspective profile view of the nib, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a nail penetrating device (digger coupled to the nib) as used in nail sanitizer tool, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a perspective underside view of the nail penetrating device (digger coupled to the nib), according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11   a  is perspective view of a nib holder as used in nail sanitizer tool, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11   b  is a perspective view of the nib holder, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is a perspective rear view of the nib holder shown in  FIG. 11   a,  according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the nail penetrating device fastened to the nib holder, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is a perspective lower view of the nail penetrating device fastened to the nib holder, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a wadding section as used in nail sanitizer tool, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the nail penetrating device mounted to the wadding section, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the wadding section set within the nib holder, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a main body as used in nail sanitizer tool, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 19  is a perspective aerial view of the main body housing the wadding section, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the main body latched to the nib holder, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 20   a  is a perspective cross-sectional view of a nib holder latching onto the main body, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a cup as used in nail sanitizer tool, according to one embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0041]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the body, nib holder, and the cup, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0042]    The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred and other embodiments of the invention are shown. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that are not described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. The applicants, inventors or owners reserve all rights that they may have in any invention claimed in this document, for example the right to claim such an invention in a continuing application and do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document. 
         [0043]    With reference to  FIG. 1  and according to one embodiment of the present invention, the nail sanitizer tool  5  is shown in greater detail. The nail sanitizer tool  5  is primarily comprised of a main body  20  housing a wadding section (not shown) to store alcohol, a cap  10 , a nib holder  15 , a digger  25  and a nib  28  interconnected to the main body  20 . The digger  25  and the nib  28  are operatively coupled to one another and are collectively called the nail penetrating device  29 . The digger  25  and nib  28  are directly opposed to one another. The purpose of the nail sanitizer tool  5  is to clean and sanitize the UTF region in a two-step process. Firstly, the nail sanitizer tool  5  removes debris from the UTF with the digger  25 . Secondly, nail sanitizer tool  5  sanitizes the UTF with sanitization saturated nib  28 . In a continuous motion the digger  25  is passed through the UTF. The digger  25  penetrates the UTF at one corner of the nail and is run along the opening to the other corner of the nail. Upon reaching the opposite corner, the nail penetrating device  29  is rotated while maintaining contact with the UTF. As a result of the rotation, the nib  28  is now in the region defined as UTF. The nail sanitizer tool  5  is run along the finger nail once more, passing the nib  28  through the UTF, and returning the nail sanitizer tool  5  to the initial point of contact on the nail and UTF. The nib  28  is specifically contoured to fit the under the fingernail region. It has been designed, developed, tried and tested to be angled, contoured and chiseled perfectly to fit and penetrate this region. 
         [0044]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , and according to one embodiment of the present invention the components of the nail sanitizer tool  5  are described in greater detail. Nail sanitizer tool  5  is shown in an exploded view. The nail sanitizer tool  5  consists of, the main body  20 , cap  10 , nib holder  15 , digger  25  and nib  28 , and wadding section  140 . The wadding section  140  is housed within the main body  20 . The digger  25  is coupled onto the nib  28  and together attach to the nib holder  15 . The nib holder  15  is securely fastened onto the main body  20 . The cap  10  is secured onto the nib holder  15 . 
         [0045]    With reference to  FIG. 3  and according to one embodiment of the present invention the digger  25  is shown in greater detail. The digger  25  is comprised of a body  26  and first and second arms,  65  and  70 . Said body  26  of the digger  25  attenuates to a rounded edge  45 . The triangular zone  55  contains a concave cavity  30  on the face of the body  31 . The first and second arm,  65  and  70 , contain extruding latch  60 . In one embodiment, the digger is composed of plastic. In another embodiment the digger is composed of plastic and sponge. In a further embodiment, the digger is composed of sponge materials only. 
         [0046]    With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5  and according to one embodiment of the present invention the triangular zone  55  of the digger  25  is shown in greater detail. The triangular zone  55  contains a point that is rounded both in width and in length. The front facing point of the triangular zone  55  extends outwards, generating the protrusion  50 . With specific reference to  FIG. 4 , the profile of the digger  25  is shown in greater detail. The protrusion  50  projects from the face  31  of the digger  25 . As clearly shown in  FIG. 4   a,  the first circular plane  40  contains a slight curve. The nub  35  connects the first circular plane  40  with the angle protrusion  50 . With specific reference to  FIG. 5 , the face  31  of the digger  25  is shown in greater detail. The body of the digger  25  attenuates to a triangular zone  55 . The triangular zone  55  contains a rounded edge  45  at the very point. As clearly shown in  FIG. 5   a,  the triangular zone  55  is shown in greater detail. The tip of the triangular zone  55  contains rounded edges  45 . The nub  35  connects the face of the triangular zone  55  with the rounded edge  45 . The body of the triangular zone  55  contains a concave cavity. The cavity is present to lock the digger  25  with the nub  35 . The close proximity of the digger  25  and nub  35  allows for a combination of these two elements which allows the cleaning of particles from under the fingernail region. 
         [0047]    With reference to  FIG. 6  and according to one embodiment of the present invention the protrusion  50  is shown in greater detail. The protrusion contains a concave cavity  30  within its face. The concave cavity  30  extends to the tip of the protrusion  50 , and interacts with the nub  35 . The tip of the concave cavity  30  penetrates the nub  35  and is flush with the external surface of the nub  35 . 
         [0048]    With reference to  FIG. 7  and according to one embodiment of the present invention the back  32  of the digger  25  is shown in greater detail. The back of the digger  25  contains a trough  75  framed by an open ended platform lip  80 . The trough  75  extends out past the platform lip  80  to form the first and second arms,  65  and  70 . 
         [0049]    With reference to  FIGS. 8   a,    8   b  and  8   c  and according to an embodiment of the present invention the nib  28  is shown in greater detail. The nib  28  consists of: a T-shaped anchor  95 ; a connecting member extension  100 ; and an external member  105 . The external member  105  contains a swooping curve. The triangular zone  55  is shown along the swooping curve of the nib  28 . The triangular zone  55  tapers to a rounded edge  45  throughout the swooping curve. With specific reference to  FIG. 8   b,  another embodiment of the nib  28  is shown. The connecting member extension  100  is triangularly shaped with a general width being slightly thinner than the external member  105 . A worker skilled in the relevant art can appreciate the fact that the connecting member extension can be of any shape but must maintain a certain minimum length. The member extension must be of a minimum length in order to keep contact with other components of the nail sanitizer  5 . With specific reference to  FIG. 8   c,  another embodiment of the nib  28  is shown. The external member  105  contains a second circular plane  110  initiated at the curved slot  91 . The nib  28  can be made of various materials as would be known by a worker skilled in the relevant art. In one embodiment, the nib is composed of polypropylene which allows for passive saturation or capillary action as would be known to a worker skilled in the relevant art. The connecting member extension  100  through its contact with the wadding section (not shown) which wadding section (not shown) has alcohol, allows for the alcohol to travel from the wadding section (not shown) to the nib  28  through capillary action. 
         [0050]    With reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10  and according to one embodiment of the present invention the nail penetrating device  29  is shown in greater detail. The nail penetrating device  29  is comprised of the digger  25  and a directly opposed nib  28 . In another embodiment, the nail penetrating device  29  is composed on a single piece of material, having the digger  25  and the nib  28  directly opposed. When coupled together, the digger  25  and the nib  28  form a singular tool with a circular plane  41 . The triangular zones  55  match to form a uniform continuous planar edge that is able to penetrate the UTF. In another embodiment, the circular plane  41  can also be a concave plane, or any other pattern which permits the user to insert the nail penetrating device  29  into the UTF and quickly and easily pass through the region. The connecting member extension  100  extends beyond the internal first and second arms  65  and  70 . With specific reference to  FIG. 10 , the mating mechanism is shown in greater detail. The T-shaped anchor  95  is fastened within the hollow trough  75  (not shown) which is secured through the interaction with the open ended platform lip  80 . 
         [0051]    With reference to  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  and according the present invention the nib holder  15  is shown in greater detail. First and second apertures  115  and  120  are positioned on an upper surface of the nib holder  15 . The upper surface of the nib holder  15  is enclosed by the nib lip  122 . The nib lip  122  functions to capture the falling debris the digger expels from the users UTF. First and second O-ring ribs  130  adorn the central region of nib holder  15 . The lower region of the nib holder  15  extends out in a platform like manner forming the linking sleeve  125 . With specific reference to  FIG. 11   b  and according to another embodiment of the present invention the nib holder  15  is shown in greater detail. Only a portion of the upper surface of the nib holder  15  is enclosed by the nib lip  122 . The nib lip  122  moulds into the body of the nib holder exposing the upper surface at the first aperture  115 . 
         [0052]    With reference to  FIG. 12  and according to one embodiment of the present invention the inner region of the nib holder  15  is shown in greater detail. The first and second apertures  115  and  120  penetrate through the upper surface (not shown) and connect to the inner cavity of the nib holder  15 . The inner region of the linking sleeve  125  contains a mounting bores  135 . 
         [0053]    With reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14  and according to one embodiment of the present invention the nail penetrating device  29  is shown attached to the nib holder  15 . The nail penetrating device  29  is positioned on the upper surface of the nib holder  15 . The upper surface of the nib holder is enclosed by the nib lip  122 . With specific reference to  FIG. 14  the interaction between the nail penetrating device  29  and the nib  28  is shown within the cavity of the nib holder  15 . The connecting member extension  100  of the nib  28  and the first and second arms  65  and  70  of the digger pass through the first and second apertures  115 ,  120  of the nib holder  15 , respectively. The nail penetrating device  29  is fastened to the nib holder  15  through the interaction of the first and second arms  65  and  70  of the digger  25  with aperture  120 . The extruding latches  60  of the first and second arms  65  and  70  mount onto the inner cavity edge of the aperture  120 . A worker skilled in the relevant art would appreciate the various mounting methods that can be used to fasten the nail penetrating device  29  to the nib holder. In another embodiment of the present invention, the nail penetrating device  29  and the nib  28  is constructed from a single piece of material. 
         [0054]    With reference to  FIG. 15  and according to one embodiment of the present invention the wadding section  140  is shown in greater detail. The wadding section  140  shape is dependent on the shape and size of the nail sanitizer main body  20  (not shown). The wadding section  140  can be composed of various materials such as sponge material, cotton or any alcohol conducive material as would be known by a worker skilled in the relevant art. The wadding section can also be comprised on the sanitizing solution only, wherein the operation of the nail sanitizer tool  5 , requires inversion. 
         [0055]    With reference to  FIG. 16  and according to one embodiment of the present invention the nail penetrating device  29  is shown in fluid communication with the wadding section  140 . The connecting member extension  100  of nib  28  penetrates the top surface of the wadding section  140 . The minimal length ensures the required interaction between the nib  28  and the wadding section  140 . 
         [0056]    With reference to  FIG. 17  and according to one embodiment of the present invention the wadding section  140  is shown fitted within the nib holder  15 . The wadding section  140  rests within the cavity of the nib holder  15 . 
         [0057]    With reference to  FIG. 18  and according to one embodiment of the present invention the main body  20  is shown in greater detail. A plurality of latches  150  adorns the upper neck  21  of the main body  20 . A number of the latches  150  contain clip protrusions  155  extending out from the surface of the main body  20 . An O-ring seal  145  wraps around the lower portion of main body neck  21 . 
         [0058]    With reference to  FIG. 19  and according to one embodiment of the present invention the wadding section  140  is shown fitted within main body  20 . The wadding section  140  shape and size is dependent upon fitting within the main body  20 . The wadding section  140  is shown as transparent for illustrative purposes. The ribs  158  on the interior floor of the main body  20  accurately position the wadding section  140 . 
         [0059]    With reference to  FIGS. 20 and 20   a  and according to one embodiment of the present invention the nib holder  15  is shown connected to the main body  20 . The nib holder  15  fits over the neck  21  region of the main body  20 . With specific reference to  FIG. 20   a  the connection mechanism is shown in greater detail. A cross-sectional view of the nib holder connected to the body is shown in order to illustrate the connecting mechanism. The O-ring seal  145  fastens the nib holder  15  to the main body  20 . The clip protrusions  155  hook into the mounting bore  135  within the inner surface of the linking sleeve  125 . A worker skilled in the relevant art would appreciate the various mounting mechanisms that can be employed to connect the nib holder  15  to the main body  20 . 
         [0060]    With respect to  FIG. 21  and according to one embodiment of the present invention the cap  10  is shown in greater detail. The cap  10  contains two inner surface O-ring grooves  160  positioned near the cap opening. 
         [0061]    With respect to  FIG. 22  and according to one embodiment of the present invention the nail sanitizer tool  5  is shown in greater detail. The nail sanitizer tool  5  is primarily comprised of: the main body  20 ; cap  10 ; nib holder  15 ; digger  25 ; nib  28 ; and wadding section (not shown). The cap is secured onto the nib holder  15  through the interaction of its O-ring grooves  160  with the O-ring ribs  130  of the nib holder  15 . The nib holder  15  connects the main body  20  with the nail penetrating device  29 , consisting of the digger  25  and the nib  28 . 
         [0062]    Although the invention has been described above by reference to certain embodiments of the invention, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Modifications and variations of the embodiments described above will occur to those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. Moreover, with respect to the above description, it is to be repulsed that the optimum dimensional relationships for the component members of the present invention may include variations in size, material, shape, form, funding and manner of operation. 
         [0063]    Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed: