Abstract:
A nail trimmer apparatus as porvided by the present invention is a small handheld battery powered device that trims nails without damaging the surrounding skin. A trimming action is driven by a compact motor at a predefined speed and torque and a mechanism converts the rotation of a motor shaft to an oscillating action at a head. A cushioned abrasive surface attached to the head oscillates with a frequency and stoke that optimizes the trimming of the nail while not adversely affecting surrounding skin.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to trimming nails on fingers and toes. In particular, the invention provides a method and apparatus for trimming finger or toe nails for infants. More particularly, the invention provides an improved method for selectively applying a moving abrasive surface, which is coupled to a shock absorbing material, to both a finger or toe nail and any surrounding skin portion without causing physical damage (e.g., cuts, bleeding, bruising to such skin portion. Merely by way of example, the invention has been applied to delicate fingers and toes of infants. But it would be recognized that the invention has a much broader range of applicability including pets, adults, children, toddlers, the elderly and infirm, and other beings. 
     Newborns have soft and tender bodies, limbs, and fingers and toes that are often delicate and prone to injury. Yet thin flexible fingernails quickly protrude from such fingers and toes. Although such nails may appear harmless at first glance, they nonetheless cause injuries to the infant. That is, new born infants do not have adequate control of arm, hand, and finger movements and often inadvertently claw at their face. Nails that are ragged or extend beyond the tip of the finger often cause scratches to the face and eyes. Accordingly, such nails should be trimmed in a neat easy and safe manner. 
     One common way of trimming infant finger or toe nails is the use of conventional clipping devices. Such clipping devise often include a pair of razor sharp knife edges, which must come together to sheer a nail. Unfortunately, such devices are often dangerous and difficult to use on a moving infant. Given the small size of the infant&#39;s fingers and toes and softness of the nail, it is easy to accidentally clip the tip of the baby&#39;s finger or toe while trimming the nail, causing damage to such finger or toe including bleeding, nerve related injuries, and others. Often times, parents also become emotionally injured by harming their own children. Accordingly, some parents have used small scissors for more control. Such scissors often require a little more dexterity. Since children are often difficult to control, trimming of nails often occurs when the infant is asleep or feeding which makes the trimming process even more complex. 
     There have also been attempts to manufacture mechanical devices for trimming nails. An example of such a device is described in Vibrating Nail Trimming issued as U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,819, in the name of Everett L. Haas (the &#39;819 patent). The &#39;819 patent generally relates to a hand-held vibrating nail trimming which facilities the management of finger or toe nails. The hand-held nail trimming uses a blade connected to an elongated drive shaft for severing a nail as the blade moves back and forth. Unfortunately, as the blade severs the nail, other bodily parts such as limb and skin often sever as well. Additionally, such trimming appears unsafe for use with the thin delicate fingers and toes of an infant. Accordingly, such conventional devices have many limitations. 
     From the above, it is seen that an improved way of trimming nails is highly desirable. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to the present invention, techniques for trimming nails on fingers and toes are provided. In particular, the invention provides a method and apparatus for trimming finger or toe nails for infants. More particularly, the invention provides an improved method for selectively applying a moving abrasive surface, which is coupled to a shock absorbing material, to both a finger or toe nail and any surrounding skin portion without causing physical damage (e.g., cuts, bleeding, bruising) to such skin portion. Merely by way of example, the invention has been applied to delicate fingers and toes of infants. But it would be recognized that the invention has a much broader range of applicability including pets, adults, children, toddlers, the elderly and infirm, and other beings. 
     In a specific embodiment, the invention provides a method for trimming nails. The method includes applying an abrasive surface (e.g., emery board, sanding paper, or other abrasive compound) coupled to a moving member against both an extended nail portion and a surrounding epidermal tissue portion to cause a grinding action on the extended nail portion. The abrasive surface is coupled to the moving member (e.g., oscillating, rotating, vibrating, laterally moving) being driven by an electric drive device coupled to the moving member. The abrasive surface applied to both the extended nail portion and the surrounding epidermal tissue portion is characterized by a predetermined speed, a predetermined action, and a selected texture to remove the nail portion by the grinding action while maintaining the surrounding epidermal tissue substantially free from any physical damage. 
     In an alternative specific embodiment, the invention provides an alternative method for trimming nails. The method includes applying an abrasive surface coupled to a moving member against an extended nail portion to initiate a grinding action on the extended nail portion. The abrasive surface is coupled to the moving member being driven by an electric drive device coupled to the moving member. The method also includes protecting the surrounding epidermal tissue using a protective device, where the protective device exposes at least the extended nail portion. The abrasive surface applied to the extended nail portion is characterized by a predetermined speed, a predetermined action, and a selected texture to remove the nail portion by the grinding action while the protective device keeps the surrounding epidermal tissue substantially free from any physical damage. 
     In an alternative specific embodiment, the invention provides an apparatus for trimming nails. The apparatus has a mobile housing comprising an elongated body member. The apparatus also has an electric drive device within and coupled to the housing. The electric drive device has a transfer member. A movable head is coupled to the transfer member of the electric drive device. The movable head is adapted to receive mechanical energy from the electric drive device through the transfer member. An abrasive surface, which is capable of a grinding action, is coupled to the movable head. A shock absorbing member is coupled between the movable head and abrasive surface. The shock absorbing member is capable of allowing the abrasive member to conform to an irregular (or irregularly shaped) surface. Preferably, the shock absorbing member is a resilient, conforming mechanism (e.g., compliant mechanical means, open or close-celled foam, or other elastomer). 
     In a specific embodiment, the nail trimmer can be a small handheld battery powered device that safely trims people&#39;s nails by leveraging certain physical properties of the skin and nail tissue. A trimming action is driven by a compact motor of appropriate speed and torque and a mechanism that converts the rotation of the motor shaft to an oscillating action at the head. A cushioned abrasive surface attached to the head oscillates with a frequency and stroke that optimizes the trimming of the nail while not adversely affecting surrounding skin. Because of the soft and supple nature of the skin, the oscillating action vibrates the skin while the more rigid nail is trimmed. By selecting a desirable form factor and trimming properties, the device is particularly well suited to trimming infant&#39;s nails. Infant&#39;s nails are often difficult to trim due to the small size of the finger or toe and nail, the lack of cooperation by the infant and the precision required by existing nail trimming tools. The simple one-handed trimmer does not generally require significant dexterity and can be used whether the infant is asleep or awake. Preferable designs ensure smooth and quiet operation that does not scare the child, and the vibratory action elicits a tickling like feel to the infant&#39;s fingers and toes and a sense of calm and confidence for the parent. Thus, the infant&#39;s nail can easily be trimmed and smoothed without any chance of injury to the child. 
     Additionally, the device is also well suited for trimming adult&#39;s nails. The trimmer for a larger and thicker adult nail would include a more abrasive and less cushioned pad as well as a stronger motor and more aggressive trimming action. The device is easily used by adults to trim one&#39;s own nails or to assist in the trimming of another adult&#39;s nails in a care giver situation. Due to the overall form and trimming action, the device is particularly well suited for people with impaired vision as well as limited dexterity and strength in the hands. Of course, there can be other applications as well. 
     Numerous benefits are achieved using the present invention over conventional techniques. For example, the invention can be made using an ergonomic design that is easy to hold and control with one hand. In other embodiments, the invention allows an angled trimming head positioned for excellent visibility of a nail to be trimmed. Depending upon the type of nail, trimming action can be optimized for adults, infants, or other beings. The present design may be compact for ease of portability. In some embodiments, the invention includes a special cover for the cushioned abrasive pad when it is not in use. Additionally, the invention can provide a visual “target” pattern on the abrasive pad to indicate an optimal or desired cutting location. The pads can also be removable and/or replaced by a user once the pad has been worn out. Additional pads can be stored in the housing in other embodiments. The present invention can be implemented using conventional hardware and powered by conventional batteries, which are disposable or rechargeable, depending upon the application. The invention can also provide a housing, which is smooth and quiet. Depending upon the embodiment, one or more of these benefits or features can be achieved. These and other benefits are described throughout the present specification and more particularly below. 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1 through 3  are simplified diagrams of a trimming method according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are simplified diagrams of the trimming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention showing front and side views, respectively; 
         FIG. 5  is a system diagram of the trimming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are more detailed diagrams of a trimming head according to an embodiment of the present invention showing oblique and side views, respectively; 
       FIGS  7 A– 7 C are schematic elevation views of rotating patterns of the head according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 8  is a simplified diagram of an abrasive disk face according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     According to the present invention, techniques for trimming nails on fingers and toes are provided. In particular, the invention provides a method and apparatus for trimming finger or toe nails for infants. More particularly, the invention provides an improved method for selectively applying a moving abrasive surface, which is coupled to a shock absorbing material, to both a finger or toe nail and any surrounding skin portion without causing physical damage (e.g., cuts, bleeding, bruising) to such skin portion. Merely by way of example, the invention has been applied to delicate fingers and toes of infants. But it would be recognized that the invention has a much broader range of applicability including pets, adults, children, toddlers, the elderly and infirm, and other beings. 
       FIGS. 1 through 3  are simplified diagrams  100  of a trimming method according to an embodiment of the present invention. These diagrams are merely examples that should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many other variations, modifications, and alternatives. As shown the trimming method includes a trimming apparatus or device  101 , which includes a variety of features. Such features include an oscillating surface  103 . Such surface is mounted on a hand held member  105 . The hand held member directs the oscillating surface to a nail  107  of an Infant&#39;s finger, which is on the infant&#39;s hand. The infant&#39;s hand  109  and hand held member are held by a pair of adult hands  111 ,  113  such as those from the infant&#39;s mother or father. One hand holds and directs the hand held member while the other hand holds the infant&#39;s hand and finger. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the method of using a nail trimming device  200  includes applying an abrasive surface  1  coupled to a moving member  2  against both an extended nail portion  201  and a surrounding epidermal tissue portion  203  to cause a grinding action on the extended nail portion. The abrasive surface is coupled to the moving member being driven by an electric drive device coupled to the moving member. The abrasive surface applied to both the extended nail portion and the surrounding epidermal tissue portion is characterized by a predetermined speed, a predetermined action, and a selected texture to remove the nail portion by the grinding action while maintaining the surrounding epidermal tissue substantially free from any physical damage. Preferably, the surrounding epidermal tissue contacts an abrasive surface of the moving member and moves with an action of the abrasive surface, which does not cut or tear the tissue. Once the extended nail has been removed, the moving member is also moved away  300  from the finger, as Illustrated by way of  FIG. 3 . As shown, the moving member has generally been applied at an angle that is substantially normal to the protruding finger nail. In a specific embodiment, such angle may deviate to about 60 degrees from the normal position. As also shown, the moving member extends away  301  from the portion to be held by the hand. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  are simplified diagrams of a trimming apparatus  400  according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example and should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many other variations, modifications, and alternatives. The apparatus  400  is illustrated In a front-view portion  401  and a side view portion  451 . The apparatus has a mobile housing comprising an elongated body member  405 . An upper portion  407  of the elongated body is intended to be a site from a thumb as index fingers are used as a site on the front portion. A lower portion  409  of the elongated body member is tapered. As shown, the moving surface  403  and elongated body form an angle  411 , where the moving surface is not parallel to the elongated body. The angle allows an operator holding the elongated body to position the moving surface toward a finger nail. The angle θ ranges from about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees. Further details of the apparatus are provided below. 
       FIG. 5  Is a system diagram of the trimming apparatus  400  according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example and should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many other variations, modifications, and alternatives. The apparatus  400  has an electric drive device within and coupled to the housing  501  and coupled via a switch  503  to a power supply  502 . The electric drive device has a transfer member  505 , which causes rotational movement or other movement. A movable head  509 , which may be removable and replaceable, is coupled to the transfer member of the electric drive device. The movable head is adapted to receive mechanical energy from the electric drive device  504  through the transfer member. An abrasive surface  508 , which is capable of a grinding action, is coupled to the movable head. A shock absorbing member  507  is coupled between the movable head and the abrasive surface. The shock absorbing member is capable of allowing the abrasive member to conform onto a non-conformal surface. The shock absorbing member is coupled to moveable head member  506 , which connects to the drive device. Further details of the head are provided more fully below. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  are more detailed diagrams of a trimming head  600  according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example and should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many other variations, modifications, and alternatives. As shown, the trimming head includes abrasive surface  601 , which couples to shock absorbing material  602 . The shock absorbing material  602  couples to rigid substrate  603 . Depending upon the embodiment, there can also be other layers, which are sandwiched between any of these layers. Of course, such layers will depend highly upon the application. 
       FIGS. 7A–7C  are schematic elevational views of rotating patterns  700  of the head according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example and should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many other variations, modification, and alternatives. As shown, the rotating patterns include oscillation, which moves the abrasive member  701  about a fixed arc  707 . In the embodiment shown, abrasive member  701  has a circular abrasive surface  702  and fixed arc  707  is drawn about an axis A about which abrasive member  701  rotationally oscillates. It may be seen that axis A passes through the abrasive surface  702  at its center. The arc can range from about 5 degrees to about 180 degrees. The rotating pattern can also include lateral movement  709 , which moves the head  703  up to 3 times the width of the head. Alternatively, the rotating pattern can include orbital movement  705 ,  711 . Depending upon the embodiment, any of the above movements can be combined with each other or with others that have not been described. The movements can be variable or constant or any combination of these, depending upon the application. 
       FIG. 8  is a simplified diagram  800  of an abrasive disk face according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example and should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many other variations, modifications, and alternatives. As shown, the diagram  800  includes a pattern, which can be visually seen by a user of the trimming apparatus. Depending upon the embodiment, the pattern can be provided in a way where a user could direct the moving surface toward the nail. Of course, there can be many other ways of providing patterns. 
     While the invention is described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, this description is not intended in any way as a limitation to the scope of the invention. Modifications, changes, and variations, which are apparent to those skilled in the art can be made in the arrangement, operation and details of construction of the invention disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.