NAIL CLIPPINGS CATCHER

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to devices, apparatuses and, containers to capture clippings of cut nails and more specifically to nail clippings catchers.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent application may contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.

Certain marks referenced herein may be common law or registered trademarks of third parties affiliated or unaffiliated with the applicant or the assignee. Use of these marks is by way of example and should not be construed as descriptive or to limit the scope of this invention to material associated only with such marks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Unless some accessory device is used, typically when nails (e.g., fingernails and/or toenails) are clipped (e.g., cut or trimmed) by use of a nail clipper, the nail clippings launch and/or fall in a chaotic and generally unpredictable manner, that may result in unfound nail clippings remaining in an environment, and even after cleanup efforts. Such nail clipping efforts also generate the added and extra step of having to search and clean up the cutting environment. Such nail clipping efforts are also unsanitary, as nail clippings may often harbor undesirable bacteria and fungal organisms. Such nail clipping efforts may also be dangerous, in that some nail clippings may be sharp and may pose a puncture risk to unprotected skin regions that accidently stumble upon loose nail clippings. And due at least in part to the foregoing, many people find loose nail clippings unpleasant and would rather not have to encounter such loose nail clippings.

Because of the foregoing, the art has responded with various efforts at devices and apparatuses for capturing and/or containing cut nail clippings. Some such devices have focused on modifying the nail clippers used, so as to capture some nail clippings within a handle region or the like of the given modified nail clipper. However, a problem with such art is that cut nail clippings do not always necessarily fall or launch towards such a reservoir region in the modified handle, i.e., such art may not capture nail clippings that fall or launch in other directions. Additionally, cleaning, sanitizing, and/or sterilizing such devices may be difficult to impossible, due to materials of construction, excessively complex surface geometry, and/or hard to reach regions.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,956,915 to Anderson teaches an enclosure with two opposing openings. The two opposing openings to the enclosure's interior do not teach any unique structures/geometry that helps to removably mate/seal with the inserted article (e.g., a digit or a nail clipper) being inserted into the given hole, and this provides regions where cut nail clippings may escape the device. Anderson also teaches a region of VELCRO within the enclosure to attach to complimentary VELCRO on the inserted nail clipper. This VELCRO within the enclosure poses two problems. First, this creates a region that is likely to retain cut nail clippings, including nail dust, and thus poses a contamination risk. Second, minimizing movement of the nail clipper within the enclosure is added undesirable complexity to the device and is unnecessary if the overall device enclosure and its openings are sized properly. Additionally, there are no explicit teachings for any structures, geometries, or features that would facilitate cleaning, sanitation, and/or sterilization of the device.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,606 to Morelli teaches an enclosure with at least two opposing openings. At least one of such openings in Morelli may comprise a flexible grommet 30 which includes a center opening 31 having slits 33 which extend radially outward from opening 31. Whether this flexible grommet structure is used to seal around an inserted digit or an inserted nail clipper, this flexible grommet is problematic as it provides excessive “nooks and crannies” (i.e., surface geometry in close proximity to other surface geometry that may be close enough to trap nail dust and cut nail clippings) that may be readily contaminated and colonized by bacteria and fungi common to nails. Other embodiments of Morelli teach a pair of slots 320 (or e.g., 70A and 70B in FIG. 13) for openings to receive nail clipper handles. This arrangement is undesirable as it adds unnecessary complexity because now, instead of inserting the nail clipper into one opening, the nail clipper must be inserted into two openings. This also means that such nail clipper insertion must be done from the inside of the enclosure, and thus not only is the nail clipper being inserted into two openings, but also a lid of the enclosure must be opened to receive the nail clipper; and thus such embodiments create additional steps in using the enclosure. Some embodiments of Morelli are also undesirably bulky or cumbersome. Some embodiments of Morelli accept more than one digit into the enclosure at a given time, which may unnecessarily expose too much skin to bacterial and/or fungal contamination. Additionally, there is no explicit teachings for any structures, geometries, or features that would facilitate cleaning, sanitation, and/or sterilization of the enclosure devices.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,459,926 to Perea teaches a sphere with two opposing openings and an elongated rigid rod 56; wherein this elongated rigid rod 56 traps the given nail clipper within a volume of the sphere. Addition of this elongated rigid rod 56 is undesirable and its inclusion is unnecessary and simply adds complexity to the overall device. Additionally, inclusion of this rod also makes cleaning, sanitizing, and/or sterilizing interior surfaces of the sphere more difficult and challenging. Additionally, the two opposing openings to the sphere's interior do not teach any unique structures/geometry that help to removably mate with the inserted article (e.g., a digit or a nail clipper) being inserted into the given hole and this provides regions where cut nail clippings may escape the device.

U.S. published patent application, publication number 2008/0178896, to Rivero teaches essentially a highly flexible and pliable plastic bag with two opposing holes. This device suffers from several problems. First, the device is designed to accept the entire hand into the bag, which then exposes the entire hand to contamination. Second, the device is too flexible, i.e., excessively flexible with no supporting structure, and this makes using the device more difficult than it should be as extra steps are needed to arrive at correct positioning to cut nails and to see what one is doing.

U.S. published patent application, publication number 2011/0061668, to Saenin teaches some device embodiments (see e.g., FIG. 3A through FIG. 7) that may fit over a portion of nail clippers and potentially catch some cut nail clippings. However, these devices suffer from being too cumbersome and too bulky. Additionally, there are cleaning, sanitizing, and/or sterilization problems. Separating the nail clippers from such devices may entail extra steps and extra effort and may be difficult, which may be important as nail clippers are often constructed from different materials (e.g., metals) than the catching device, which may create problems for cleaning, sanitizing, and/or sterilization as different types of materials may utilize different methods of cleaning, sanitizing, and/or sterilization. For example, microwaving the metallic nail clippers would be problematic, which necessitates removal of such nail clippers from the catching device when microwave sterilization may be employed.

Additionally, there appears to be a commercially available nail clippings receiving container known as the “CUTHUT,” presently available from http://www.cuthut4nails.com/contact.html, last visited on Apr. 27, 2016. This product also suffers from a number of problems. First, the product only has one top located window, located in an otherwise top opaque surface and all other major surrounding surfaces of the container are also opaque, which results in a working space of inside the container being relatively dark, which has resulted in the product including a LED light source, which adds complexity, weight, and cost to the overall product. Such presence of electronics complicates cleaning, sanitizing, and/or sterilizing options. Additionally, end caps of the container, which house the digit opening and a nail clipper opening may be removed, and upon removal, this reveals complicated geometry, such as tabs with holes and a rail system to accept the top surface, wherein the tabs with holes and the rails provided complicated geometry for allowing nail clippings and nail dust to get stuck and/or accumulate and thus provide additional surfaces areas, that are difficult to clean, for buildup of undesirable microbial contamination. Further, the nail clipper opening comprises a series or plurality of closely spaced membranes, that appear to be about parallel with each other, wherein this arrangement provides increased surface area to accumulate nail dust and undesirable microbial contaminants. Additionally, because of the closeness of such closely spaced membranes, cleaning, sanitizing, and/or sterilizing this region is unnecessarily difficult.

None of the above noted prior art teaches a nail clippings catcher device that comprises a clipper hole with a unique geometry that is both easy to use and still mitigates against escape of cut nail clippings from the given nail clippings catcher device. Additionally, none of the above noted prior art were designed specifically to ease cleaning, sanitation, and/or sterilization of the given nail clippings catcher device.

There is a need in the art for nail clippings catchers with unique clipper hole geometry that are both easy to use and still mitigate against cut nail clippings from escaping the given nail clippings catcher that are further designed to facilitate cleaning, sanitation, and/or sterilization.

It is to these ends that the present invention has been developed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention describes various nail clippings catchers. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, a given nail clippings catcher may comprise a container with two substantially opposing holes, a digit-hole and a clipper-hole. The digit-hole may be sized to removably receive a distal portion of a digit (e.g., either a finger with fingernail or a toe with toenail) and the clipper-hole may be sized to removably receive a cutting end of a nail clipper. The clipper-hole may be formed in a clipper-disk. The clipper-disk may be an annular disk. The clipper-disk may be part of the container. The clipper-hole may outline a shape that comprises a pair of opposing major tabs, followed by a pair of opposing pockets, followed by a pair of opposing minor tabs, and then followed by another pair of opposing pockets. The pair of opposing minor tabs may protrude into a gap between two squeeze ends of the nail clipper when the cutting end is removably inserted into the clipper-hole. The pair of opposing minor tabs may act as a barrier to minimize at least some of cut nail clippings from escaping the container.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a container that may catch and temporarily contain substantially all nail clippings from fingernails and/or toenails while such nail clippings are being generated from use of a nail clipper.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a nail clippings container that may be openable to remove temporarily contained nail clippings.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a nail clippings container that may be openable to provide access for cleaning, sanitizing, and/or sterilizing of interior surfaces of the given nail clippings container.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a nail clippings container that may be sanitary to use.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a nail clippings container that may be easily cleaned, sanitized, and/or sterilized.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a nail clippings container that may be simple to manufacture.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a nail clippings container that may be manufactured in a cost effective manner, without excessive parts and/or without excessive assembly.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a nail clippings container that may comprise one or more regions of substantial transparency to facilitate ease of use.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described herein with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art, both with respect to how to practice the present invention and how to make the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1A may depict a nail clippings catcher where a portion of a digit (e.g., a finger) is about to be inserted into the shown nail clippings catcher; and where a portion of a nail clipper is also about to be inserted into the shown nail clippings catcher, shown from a side perspective view.

FIG. 1B may depict the nail clippings catcher, the digit, and the nail clipper of FIG. 1A, but now shown in use with the portion of the digit and the portion of the nail clipper both inserted oppositely into the nail clippings catcher.

FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a nail clippings catcher.

FIG. 2B depicts a perspective exploded view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C depicts a left side view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D depicts a right side view, at a slight perspective, of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2E depicts a front view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2F depicts a back view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a nail clippings catcher.

FIG. 3B depicts a perspective exploded view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C depicts a right side view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 3A. (Note: this right side view may be equivalent to top and bottom views due to radial symmetries.)

FIG. 3D depicts a front view, at a slight perspective, of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3E depicts a back view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a nail clippings catcher.

FIG. 4B depicts a perspective exploded view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C depicts a right side view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 4A. (Note: this right side view may be equivalent to top and bottom views due to radial symmetries.)

FIG. 4D depicts a front view, at a slight perspective, of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4E depicts a back view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a nail clippings catcher.

FIG. 5B depicts a perspective exploded view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C depicts a left side view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5D depicts a right side view, at a slight perspective, of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5E depicts a front view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5F depicts a back view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a nail clippings catcher.

FIG. 6B depicts a perspective exploded view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C depicts a left side view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6D depicts a right side view, at a slight perspective, of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6E depicts a front view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6F depicts a back view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a nail clippings catcher.

FIG. 7B depicts a perspective exploded view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C depicts a right side view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 7A. (Note: this right side view may be similar to top and bottom views due to radial symmetries.)

FIG. 7D depicts a front view, at a slight perspective, of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7E depicts a back view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a nail clippings catcher.

FIG. 8B depicts a perspective exploded view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C depicts a right side view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 8A. (Note: this right side view may be similar to top and bottom views due to radial symmetries.)

FIG. 8D depicts a front view, at a slight perspective, of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8E depicts a back view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a nail clippings catcher.

FIG. 9B depicts a perspective exploded view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9C depicts a right side view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 9A. (Note: this right side view may be similar to top and bottom views due to radial symmetries.)

FIG. 9D depicts a front view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9E depicts a back view of the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9F depicts the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 9A where an iris-opening is partially closed, shown from a front view.

FIG. 9G depicts the nail clippings catcher of FIG. 9A where the iris-opening is partially open, shown from a front view.

FIG. 10A depicts a nail clippings catcher in use with a nail clipper shown from a back view, with a portion of the nail clipper inserted into a clipper-hole of a clipper-disk.

FIG. 10B depicts a nail clippings catcher in use with a nail clipper shown from a right back perspective view, with a portion of the nail clipper inserted into a clipper-hole of a clipper-disk.

REFERENCE NUMERAL SCHEDULE

200 nail clippings catcher 200

201 container 201

203 digit-hole 203

205 digit-disk 205

207 clipper-hole 207

209 clipper-disk 209

211 major tab 211

213 pocket 213

215 minor tab 215

221 first-hemisphere 221

223 second-hemisphere 223

225 common-seam-line 225

227 half-digit-disk-cutout 227

229 half-clipper-disk-cutout 229

231 second-half-digit-disk-cutout 231

233 second-half-clipper-disk-cutout 233

241 slit 241

261 interior surfaces 261

300 nail clippings catcher 300

301 container 301

321 first-hemisphere 321

323 second-hemisphere 323

325 common-seam-line 325

327 digit-disk-cutout 327

329 clipper-disk-cutout 329

361 interior surfaces 361

400 nail clippings catcher 400

401 container 401

421 first-hemisphere 421

423 second-hemisphere 423

461 interior surfaces 461

500 nail clippings catcher 500

501 container 501

521 first-hemisphere 521

523 second-hemisphere 523

561 interior surfaces 561

600 nail clippings catcher 600

601 container 601

621 first-hemisphere 621

623 second-hemisphere 623

661 interior surfaces 661

700 nail clippings catcher 700

701 container 701

721 first-hemisphere 721

723 second-hemisphere 723

725 common-seam-line 725

751 hinge 751

761 interior surfaces 761

800 nail clippings catcher 800

801 container 801

821 first-hemisphere 821

823 second-hemisphere 823

825 common-seam-line 825

851 hinge 851

861 interior surfaces 861

900 nail clippings catcher 900

901 container 901

903 digit-hole 903

961 interior surfaces 961

971 collar 971

973 iris-opening 973

975 blade 975

977 union 977

979 first-side 979

981 second-side 981

983 hemisphere-housing 983

9001 nail clipper 9001

9003 squeeze end 9003

9005 cutting end 9005

9007 gap 9007

9051 digit 9051

9053 distal portion 9053

9055 nail 9055

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Nail clippings catchers are described and disclosed. A given nail clippings catcher may comprise a container with two substantially opposing holes, a digit-hole and a clipper-hole. The digit-hole may be sized to removably receive a distal portion of a digit (e.g., either a finger with fingernail or a toe with toenail) and the clipper-hole may be sized to removably receive a cutting end of a nail clipper. The clipper-hole may be formed in a clipper-disk. The clipper-disk may be an annular disk. The clipper-disk may be part of the container. The clipper-hole may outline a shape that comprises a pair of opposing major tabs, followed by a pair of opposing pockets, followed by a pair of opposing minor tabs, and then followed by another pair of opposing pockets. The pair of opposing minor tabs may protrude into a gap between two squeeze ends of the nail clipper when the cutting end is removably inserted into the clipper-hole. The pair of opposing minor tabs may act as a barrier to minimize at least some of cut nail clippings from escaping the container.

In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, where depictions are made, by way of illustration, of specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1A may depict a nail clippings catcher 200 where a portion 9053 of a digit 9051 (e.g., a finger) is about to be inserted into the shown nail clippings catcher 200; and where a portion (e.g., a cutting end 9005) of a nail clipper 9001 is also about to be inserted into the shown nail clippings catcher 200, shown from a side perspective view.

FIG. 1B may depict nail clippings catcher 200, digit 9051, and nail clipper 9001 of FIG. 1A, but now shown in use with portion 9053 of digit 9051 and the portion (e.g., cutting end 9005) of nail clipper 9001 both inserted oppositely into nail clippings catcher 200. Cut nail clippings from fingernails (or from toenails) may be substantially retained within nail clipping catcher 200.

In some embodiments, nail clipper 9001 may comprise cutting end 9005 and disposed opposite of cutting end 9005, a pair of lever members, squeeze ends 9003. In some embodiments, squeeze ends 9003 may be separated from each other by gap 9007. Gap 9007 may vary in dimension from a maximum distance when squeeze ends 9003 are not being squeezed together by a user, to a minimum distance when squeeze ends 9003 are squeezed together. Each digit 9051, towards distal portion 9053, may comprise nail 9055. See e.g., FIG. 1A. Cutting end 9005 may cutoff (i.e., trim) a portion of nail 9055 to form a given nail clipping. Note, particular nail clippings are not shown in the accompanying drawings, but are obvious given the context and prior art.

Note, in some embodiments, nail clippings catcher 200 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1n FIG. 1B, may be replaced with other nail clippings catchers disclosed herein, such as, but not limited to: nail clippings catcher 300, nail clippings catcher 400, nail clippings catcher 500, nail clippings catcher 600, nail clippings catcher 700, nail clippings catcher 800, and/or nail clippings catcher 900.

A FIG. 2 series of figures may show various views of nail clippings catcher 200. The FIG. 2 series of figures may comprise FIG. 2A through and including FIG. 2F. FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of nail clippings catcher 200. FIG. 2B depicts a perspective exploded view of nail clippings catcher 200. FIG. 2C depicts a left side view of nail clippings catcher 200. FIG. 2D depicts a right side view, at a slight perspective, of nail clippings catcher 200. FIG. 2E depicts a front view of nail clippings catcher 200. FIG. 2F depicts a back view of nail clippings catcher 200.

As shown in FIG. 2B, nail clippings catcher 200 may be assembled from four separate parts: first-hemisphere 221, second-hemisphere 223, digit-disk 205, and clipper-disk 209. In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 221, second-hemisphere 223, digit-disk 205, and clipper-disk 209 may be assembled together forming container 201, e.g., as shown in FIG. 2A.

In some embodiments, nail clippings catcher 200 may comprise container 201. See e.g., FIG. 2A. In some embodiments, container 201 may be for receiving at least one distal portion 9053 of digit 9051 (see e.g., FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B), for receiving cutting end 9005 of nail clipper 9001 (see e.g., FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B), and for receiving a plurality of cut nail clippings (i.e., a portion cutoff from nail 9055). In some embodiments, container 201 may be substantially hollow and may substantially circumscribe a volume. This volume may be the space within container 201, i.e., this volume may be the space substantially defined and bounded by interior surfaces 261 (see e.g., FIG. 2B for interior surfaces 261).

In some embodiments, container 201 may be one or more of: elastomeric, flexible, semi-flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. In some embodiments, container 201 may be elastomeric, flexible, semi-flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. In some embodiments, at least a quarter of container 201 may be substantially transparent. In some embodiments, container 201 may be substantially transparent.

In some embodiments, nail clippings catcher 200 may comprise two substantially opposing use holes, a digit-hole 203 and a clipper-hole 207. In some embodiments, these two substantially opposing use holes may be located as part of container 201. In some embodiments, these two substantially opposing use holes may provide access to the volume of the container 201. In some embodiments, digit-hole 203 may be sized to removably receive at least one distal portion 9053 of digit 9051. In some embodiments, clipper-hole 207 may be sized to removably receive cutting end 9005 of nail clipper 9001.

In some embodiments, clipper-hole 207 may be formed in clipper-disk 209. See e.g., FIG. 2B. In some embodiments, clipper-disk 209 may be an annular disk. In some embodiments, clipper-hole 207 (that is within clipper-disk 209) may outline a shape that may comprise a pair of opposing major tabs 211, followed by a pair of opposing pockets 213, followed by a pair of opposing minor tabs 215, and then followed by another pair of opposing pockets 213. See e.g., FIG. 2B. In some embodiments, the pair of opposing minor tabs 215 may protrude into gap 9007 between two squeeze ends 9003 of nail clipper 9001 when cutting end 9005 may be removably inserted into clipper-hole 207. These pair of opposing minor tabs 215 may act as a barrier to minimize at least some of the cut nail clippings from escaping the volume or from escaping container 201 or from escaping nail clippings catcher 200. See e.g., FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 10A, and FIG. 10B. In some embodiments, clipper disk 209 may be one or more of: elastomeric, flexible, semi-flexible, or semi-rigid. In some embodiments, clipper disk 209 may be elastomeric, flexible, semi-flexible, or semi-rigid. In some embodiments, clipper-disk 209 may be substantially transparent.

In some embodiments, container 201 may comprise digit-disk 205. In some embodiments, digit-hole 203 may be formed in digit-disk 205. See e.g., FIG. 2B. In some embodiments, clipper-disk 205 may be an annular disk (different from the annual disk of clipper-disk 209). In some embodiments, digit-hole 203 may outline an opening to the volume of container 201 or of nail clippings catcher 200. In some embodiments, digit-hole 203 may outline the opening to an inside of container 201 or of nail clippings catcher 200. See e.g., FIG. 2B and FIG. 2A. In some embodiments, the opening of digit-hole 203 may comprise two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten substantially equally spaced slits 241 that slit into digit-disk 205. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, in FIG. 2B, four such slits 241 may be depicted. In some embodiments, digit-disk 205 may be one or more of: elastomeric, flexible, semi-flexible, or semi-rigid. In some embodiments, digit-disk 205 may be elastomeric, flexible, semi-flexible, or semi-rigid. In some embodiments, digit-disk 205 may be substantially transparent.

In some embodiments, container 201 may comprise two hemispheres joined together, first-hemisphere 221 and second-hemisphere 223. In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 221 and second-hemisphere 223 may be joined together at a common-seam-line 225. See e.g., FIG. 2B and FIG. 2A.

In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 221 may comprise two opposing cutouts, a half-digit-disk-cutout 227 and a half-clipper-disk-cutout 229. See e.g., FIG. 2B. In some embodiments, second-hemisphere 223 may comprise two different opposing cutouts, a second-half-digit-disk-cutout 231 and a second-half-clipper-disk-cutout 233. See e.g., FIG. 2B. In some embodiments, when the first-hemisphere 221 may be joined to second-hemisphere 223 along common-seam-line 225, half-digit-disk-cutout 227 and second-half-digit-disk-cutout 231 may form a ring hole that captures digit-disk 205. See e.g., FIG. 2B and FIG. 2A. In some embodiments, when first-hemisphere 221 may be joined to second-hemisphere 223 along common-seam-line 225, half-clipper-disk-cutout 229 and second-half-clipper-disk-cutout 233 may form another ring hole that captures clipper-disk 209. See e.g., FIG. 2B.

In some embodiments of nail clippings catcher 200, common-seam-line 225 may be substantially perpendicular to: half-digit-disk-cutout 227, half-clipper-disk-cutout 229, second-half-digit-disk-cutout 231, second-half-clipper-disk-cutout 233, to major surfaces of digit-disk 205, and/or to major surfaces of clipper-disk 209. See e.g., FIG. 2B and FIG. 2A.

In some embodiments, digit-disk 205 may be joined to first-hemisphere 221 and to second-hemisphere 223 at half-digit-disk-cutout 227 and at second-half-digit-disk-cutout 231 by one or more of: a friction fit, a snap fit, a threaded fit, an ultrasonic weld, a heat weld, a solvent bond, or a chemical adhesive bond.

In some embodiments, clipper-disk 209 may be joined to first-hemisphere 221 and to second-hemisphere 223 at half-clipper-disk-cutout 229 and at second-half-clipper-disk-cutout 233 by one or more of: a friction fit, a snap fit, a threaded fit, an ultrasonic weld, a heat weld, a solvent bond, or a chemical adhesive bond.

In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 221 may be joined to second-hemisphere 223 along the common-seam-line 225 by one or more of: a friction fit, a snap fit, a threaded fit, an ultrasonic weld, a heat weld, a solvent bond, or a chemical adhesive bond.

In some embodiments, joining of the first-hemisphere (e.g., 221, 321, 421, 521, and/or 621) to the second-hemisphere (e.g., 223, 323, 423, 523, and/or 623) along the common-seam-line (e.g., 225 and/or 325) may be permanent. In some embodiments, joining of the first-hemisphere (e.g., 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721, and/or 821) to the second-hemisphere (e.g., 223, 323, 423, 523, 623, 723, and/or 823) along the common-seam-line (e.g., 225, 325, 725, and/or 825) may be substantially removable.

In some embodiments, container 201 may comprise interior surfaces 261. See e.g., FIG. 2B. In some embodiments, interior surfaces 261 may substantially circumscribe the volume of that given container (e.g., 201). In some embodiments, interior surfaces 261 may be substantially inside surfaces of the given container (e.g., 201). In some embodiments, substantially all of such interior surfaces 261 may be substantially smooth to facilitate cleaning and to minimize adhesion of microbial contaminants to such interior surfaces 261. In some embodiments, interior surfaces 261 may be treated with one or more of: a cleaner, an anti-microbial agent, a disinfectant, or a perfume. In some embodiments, the anti-microbial agent may be one or more of: a bleach, an alcohol, a fungicide, a peroxide, an oxidizing agent, and the like.

A FIG. 3 series of figures may show various views of nail clippings catcher 300. The FIG. 3 series of figures may comprise FIG. 3A through and including FIG. 3E. FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of nail clippings catcher 300. FIG. 3B depicts a perspective exploded view of nail clippings catcher 300. FIG. 3C depicts a right side view of nail clippings catcher 300. (Note: this right side view may be equivalent to top and bottom views due to radial symmetries.) FIG. 3D depicts a front view, at a slight perspective, of nail clippings catcher 300. FIG. 3E depicts a back view of nail clippings catcher 300.

As shown in FIG. 3B, nail clippings catcher 300 may be assembled from four separate parts: first-hemisphere 321, second-hemisphere 323, digit-disk 205, and clipper-disk 209. In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 321, second-hemisphere 323, digit-disk 205, and clipper-disk 209 may be assembled together forming a container 301, e.g., as shown in FIG. 3A.

In some embodiments, nail clippings catcher 300 may comprise container 301. See e.g., FIG. 3A. In some embodiments, container 301 may be for receiving at least one distal portion 9053 of digit 9051 (see e.g., FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B), for receiving cutting end 9005 of nail clipper 9001 (see e.g., FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B), and for receiving a plurality of cut nail clippings (i.e., a portion cutoff from nail 9055). In some embodiments, container 301 may be substantially hollow and may substantially circumscribe a volume. This volume may be the space within container 301, i.e., this volume may be the space substantially defined and bounded by interior surfaces 361 (see e.g., FIG. 3B for interior surfaces 361).

In some embodiments, container 301 may be one or more of: elastomeric, flexible, semi-flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. In some embodiments, container 301 may be elastomeric, flexible, semi-flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. In some embodiments, at least a quarter of container 301 may be substantially transparent. In some embodiments, container 301 may be substantially transparent.

In some embodiments, nail clippings catcher 300 may comprise two substantially opposing use holes, a digit-hole 203 and a clipper-hole 207. In some embodiments, these two substantially opposing use holes may be located as part of container 301. In some embodiments, these two substantially opposing use holes may provide access to the volume of the container 301. In some embodiments, digit-hole 203 may be sized to removably receive at least one distal portion 9053 of digit 9051. In some embodiments, clipper-hole 207 may be sized to removably receive cutting end 9005 of nail clipper 9001.

In some embodiments, container 301 may comprise two hemispheres joined together, first-hemisphere 321 and second-hemisphere 323. In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 321 and second-hemisphere 323 may be joined together at a common-seam-line 325. See e.g., FIG. 3B and FIG. 3A.

In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 321 may be joined to second-hemisphere 323 along the common-seam-line 325 by one or more of: a friction fit, a snap fit, a threaded fit, an ultrasonic weld, a heat weld, a solvent bond, or a chemical adhesive bond.

In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 321 may comprise a digit-disk-cutout 327. In some embodiments, digit-disk-cutout 327 may be disposed opposite from common-seam-line 325 on first-hemisphere 321. In some embodiments, second-hemisphere 323 may comprise a clipper-disk-cutout 329. In some embodiments, clipper-disk-cutout 329 may be disposed opposite from common-seam-line 325 on second-hemisphere 323. In some embodiments, digit-disk-cutout 327 may capture digit-disk 205. In some embodiments, clipper-disk-cutout 329 may capture clipper-disk 209. See e.g., FIG. 3B.

In some embodiments, digit-disk 205 may be joined to first-hemisphere 321 at digit-disk-cutout 327 by one or more of: a friction fit, a snap fit, a threaded fit, an ultrasonic weld, a heat weld, a solvent bond, or a chemical adhesive bond.

In some embodiments, clipper-disk 209 may be joined to second-hemisphere 223 at clipper-disk-cutout 329 by one or more of: a friction fit, a snap fit, a threaded fit, an ultrasonic weld, a heat weld, a solvent bond, or a chemical adhesive bond.

In some embodiments of nail clippings catcher 300, common-seam-line 325 may be substantially parallel to: the major surfaces of digit-disk-cutout 327 and/or to the major surfaces of clipper-disk-cutout 329. See e.g., FIG. 3B.

In some embodiments, container 301 may comprise interior surfaces 361. See e.g., FIG. 3B. In some embodiments, interior surfaces 361 may substantially circumscribe the volume of that given container (e.g., 301). In some embodiments, interior surfaces 361 may substantially inside surfaces of the given container (e.g., 301). In some embodiments, substantially all of such interior surfaces 361 may be substantially smooth to facilitate cleaning and to minimize adhesion of microbial contaminants to such interior surfaces 361. In some embodiments, interior surfaces 361 may be treated with one or more of: a cleaner, an anti-microbial agent, a disinfectant, or a perfume.

A FIG. 4 series of figures may show various views of nail clippings catcher 400. The FIG. 4 series of figures may comprise FIG. 4A through and including FIG. 4E. FIG. 4A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of nail clippings catcher 400. FIG. 4B depicts a perspective exploded view of nail clippings catcher 400. FIG. 4C depicts a right side view of nail clippings catcher 400. (Note: this right side view may be equivalent to top and bottom views due to radial symmetries.) FIG. 4D depicts a front view, at a slight perspective, of nail clippings catcher 400. FIG. 4E depicts a back view of nail clippings catcher 400.

As shown in FIG. 4B, nail clippings catcher 400 may be assembled from two separate parts: first-hemisphere 421 with integral digit-disk 205 and second-hemisphere 423 with integral clipper-disk 209. In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 421 may be integral to digit-disk 205. See e.g., FIG. 4B. In some embodiments, second-hemisphere 423 may be integral to clipper-disk 209. See e.g., FIG. 4E. In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 421, second-hemisphere 423, digit-disk 205, and clipper-disk 209 may be assembled together forming container 401, e.g., as shown in FIG. 4A.

In some embodiments, nail clippings catcher 400 may comprise container 401. See e.g., FIG. 4A. In some embodiments, container 401 may be for receiving at least one distal portion 9053 of digit 9051 (see e.g., FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B), for receiving cutting end 9005 of nail clipper 9001 (see e.g., FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B), and for receiving a plurality of cut nail clippings (i.e., a portion cutoff from nail 9055). In some embodiments, container 401 may be substantially hollow and may substantially circumscribe a volume. This volume may be the space within container 401, i.e., this volume may be the space substantially defined and bounded by interior surfaces 461 (see e.g., FIG. 4B for interior surfaces 461).

In some embodiments, container 401 may be one or more of: elastomeric, flexible, semi-flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. In some embodiments, container 401 may be elastomeric, flexible, semi-flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. In some embodiments, at least a quarter of container 301 may be substantially transparent. In some embodiments, container 401 may be substantially transparent.

In some embodiments, nail clippings catcher 400 may comprise two substantially opposing use holes, a digit-hole 203 and a clipper-hole 207. In some embodiments, these two substantially opposing use holes may be located as part of container 401. In some embodiments, these two substantially opposing use holes may provide access to the volume of the container 401. In some embodiments, digit-hole 203 may be sized to removably receive at least one distal portion 9053 of digit 9051. In some embodiments, clipper-hole 207 may be sized to removably receive cutting end 9005 of nail clipper 9001.

In some embodiments, container 401 may comprise two hemispheres joined together, first-hemisphere 421 and second-hemisphere 423. In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 421 and second-hemisphere 423 may be joined together at a common-seam-line 325. See e.g., FIG. 4B and FIG. 4A.

In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 421 may be joined to second-hemisphere 423 along the common-seam-line 325 by one or more of: a friction fit, a snap fit, a threaded fit, an ultrasonic weld, a heat weld, a solvent bond, or a chemical adhesive bond.

In some embodiments of nail clippings catcher 400, common-seam-line 325 may be substantially parallel to: the major surfaces of digit-disk 205 and/or to the major surfaces of clipper-disk 209. See e.g., FIG. 4B.

In some embodiments, container 401 may comprise interior surfaces 461. See e.g., FIG. 4B. In some embodiments, interior surfaces 461 may substantially circumscribe the volume of that given container (e.g., 401). In some embodiments, interior surfaces 461 may be substantially inside surfaces of the given container (e.g., 401). In some embodiments, substantially all of such interior surfaces 461 may be substantially smooth to facilitate cleaning and to minimize adhesion of microbial contaminants to such interior surfaces 461. In some embodiments, interior surfaces 461 may be treated with one or more of: a cleaner, an anti-microbial agent, a disinfectant, or a perfume.

A FIG. 5 series of figures may show various views of nail clippings catcher 500. The FIG. 5 series of figures may comprise FIG. 5A through and including FIG. 5F. FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of nail clippings catcher 500. FIG. 5B depicts a perspective exploded view of nail clippings catcher 500. FIG. 5C depicts a left side view of nail clippings catcher 500. FIG. 5D depicts a right side view, at a slight perspective, of nail clippings catcher 500. FIG. 5E depicts a front view of nail clippings catcher 500. FIG. 5F depicts a back view of nail clippings catcher 500.

As shown in FIG. 5B, nail clippings catcher 500 may be assembled from two separate parts: first-hemisphere 521 with integral digit-disk 205 and second-hemisphere 523 with integral clipper-disk 209. In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 521 may be integral to digit-disk 205. See e.g., FIG. 5B. In some embodiments, second-hemisphere 523 may be integral to clipper-disk 209. See e.g., FIG. 5B. In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 521, second-hemisphere 523, digit-disk 205, and clipper-disk 209 may be assembled together forming container 501, e.g., as shown in FIG. 5A.

In some embodiments, nail clippings catcher 500 may comprise container 501. See e.g., FIG. 5A. In some embodiments, container 501 may be for receiving at least one distal portion 9053 of digit 9051 (see e.g., FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B), for receiving cutting end 9005 of nail clipper 9001 (see e.g., FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B), and for receiving a plurality of cut nail clippings (i.e., a portion cutoff from nail 9055). In some embodiments, container 501 may be substantially hollow and may substantially circumscribe a volume. This volume may be the space within container 501, i.e., this volume may be the space substantially defined and bounded by interior surfaces 561 (see e.g., FIG. 5B for interior surfaces 561).

In some embodiments, container 501 may be one or more of: elastomeric, flexible, semi-flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. In some embodiments, container 501 may be elastomeric, flexible, semi-flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. In some embodiments, at least a quarter of container 501 may be substantially transparent. In some embodiments, container 501 may be substantially transparent.

In some embodiments, nail clippings catcher 500 may comprise two substantially opposing use holes, a digit-hole 203 and a clipper-hole 207. In some embodiments, these two substantially opposing use holes may be located as part of container 501. In some embodiments, these two substantially opposing use holes may provide access to the volume of the container 501. In some embodiments, digit-hole 203 may be sized to removably receive at least one distal portion 9053 of digit 9051. In some embodiments, clipper-hole 207 may be sized to removably receive cutting end 9005 of nail clipper 9001.

In some embodiments, container 501 may comprise two hemispheres joined together, first-hemisphere 521 and second-hemisphere 523. In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 521 and second-hemisphere 523 may be joined together at a common-seam-line 225. See e.g., FIG. 5B and FIG. 5A.

In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 521 may be joined to second-hemisphere 523 along the common-seam-line 225 by one or more of: a friction fit, a snap fit, a threaded fit, an ultrasonic weld, a heat weld, a solvent bond, or a chemical adhesive bond.

In some embodiments of nail clippings catcher 500, common-seam-line 225 may be substantially perpendicular to: the major surfaces of digit-disk 205 and/or to the major surfaces of clipper-disk 209. See e.g., FIG. 5B.

In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 521 may comprise half-clipper-disk-cutout 229. See e.g., FIG. 5B. In some embodiments, second-hemisphere 523 may comprise half-digit-disk-cutout 227. See e.g., FIG. 5B. In some embodiments, when the first-hemisphere 521 may be joined to second-hemisphere 523 along common-seam-line 225, half-digit-disk-cutout 227 may capture digit-disk 205. See e.g., FIG. 5B and FIG. 5A. In some embodiments, when first-hemisphere 521 may be joined to second-hemisphere 523 along common-seam-line 225, half-clipper-disk-cutout 229 may capture clipper-disk 209. See e.g., FIG. 5B and FIG. 5F.

In some embodiments, digit-disk 205 may be joined to second-hemisphere 523 at half-digit-disk-cutout 227 by one or more of: a friction fit, a snap fit, a threaded fit, an ultrasonic weld, a heat weld, a solvent bond, or a chemical adhesive bond.

In some embodiments, clipper-disk 209 may be joined to first-hemisphere 521 at half-clipper-disk-cutout 229 by one or more of: a friction fit, a snap fit, a threaded fit, an ultrasonic weld, a heat weld, a solvent bond, or a chemical adhesive bond.

In some embodiments, container 501 may comprise interior surfaces 561. See e.g., FIG. 5B. In some embodiments, interior surfaces 561 may substantially circumscribe the volume of that given container (e.g., 501). In some embodiments, interior surfaces 561 may be substantially inside surfaces of the given container (e.g., 501). In some embodiments, substantially all of such interior surfaces 561 may be substantially smooth to facilitate cleaning and to minimize adhesion of microbial contaminants to such interior surfaces 561. In some embodiments, interior surfaces 561 may be treated with one or more of: a cleaner, an anti-microbial agent, a disinfectant, or a perfume.

A FIG. 6 series of figures may show various views of nail clippings catcher 600. The FIG. 6 series of figures may comprise FIG. 6A through and including FIG. 6F. FIG. 6A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of nail clippings catcher 600. FIG. 6B depicts a perspective exploded view of nail clippings catcher 600. FIG. 6C depicts a left side view of nail clippings catcher 600. FIG. 6D depicts a right side view, at a slight perspective, of nail clippings catcher 600. FIG. 6E depicts a front view of nail clippings catcher 600. FIG. 6F depicts a back view of nail clippings catcher 600.

As shown in FIG. 6B, nail clippings catcher 600 may be assembled from two separate parts: first-hemisphere 621 with integral digit-disk 205 and with integral clipper-disk 209 and second-hemisphere 623. In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 621 may be integral to digit-disk 205. In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 621 may also be integral to clipper-disk 209. See e.g., FIG. 6B. That is, in some embodiments, first-hemisphere 621 may be integral with both digit-disk 205 and with clipper-disk 209. In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 621, second-hemisphere 623, digit-disk 205, and clipper-disk 209 may be assembled together forming container 601, e.g., as shown in FIG. 6A.

In some embodiments, nail clippings catcher 600 may comprise container 601. See e.g., FIG. 6A. In some embodiments, container 601 may be for receiving at least one distal portion 9053 of digit 9051 (see e.g., FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B), for receiving cutting end 9005 of nail clipper 9001 (see e.g., FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B), and for receiving a plurality of cut nail clippings (i.e., a portion cutoff from nail 9055). In some embodiments, container 601 may be substantially hollow and may substantially circumscribe a volume. This volume may be the space within container 601, i.e., this volume may be the space substantially defined and bounded by interior surfaces 661 (see e.g., FIG. 6B for interior surfaces 661).

In some embodiments, container 601 may be one or more of: elastomeric, flexible, semi-flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. In some embodiments, container 601 may be elastomeric, flexible, semi-flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. In some embodiments, at least a quarter of container 601 may be substantially transparent. In some embodiments, container 601 may be substantially transparent.

In some embodiments, nail clippings catcher 600 may comprise two substantially opposing use holes, a digit-hole 203 and a clipper-hole 207. In some embodiments, these two substantially opposing use holes may be located as part of container 601. In some embodiments, these two substantially opposing use holes may provide access to the volume of the container 601. In some embodiments, digit-hole 203 may be sized to removably receive at least one distal portion 9053 of digit 9051. In some embodiments, clipper-hole 207 may be sized to removably receive cutting end 9005 of nail clipper 9001.

In some embodiments, container 601 may comprise two hemispheres joined together, first-hemisphere 621 and second-hemisphere 623. In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 621 and second-hemisphere 623 may be joined together at common-seam-line 225. See e.g., FIG. 6B and FIG. 6A.

In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 621 may be joined to second-hemisphere 623 along the common-seam-line 225 by one or more of: a friction fit, a snap fit, a threaded fit, an ultrasonic weld, a heat weld, a solvent bond, or a chemical adhesive bond.

In some embodiments of nail clippings catcher 600, common-seam-line 225 may be substantially perpendicular to: the major surfaces of digit-disk 205 and/or to the major surfaces of clipper-disk 209. See e.g., FIG. 6B.

In some embodiments, second-hemisphere 623 may comprise half-digit-disk-cutout 227. See e.g., FIG. 5B. In some embodiments, second-hemisphere 623 may comprise half-clipper-disk-cutout 229. See e.g., FIG. 5B. In some embodiments, when the first-hemisphere 621 may be joined to second-hemisphere 623 along common-seam-line 225, half-digit-diskcutout 227 may capture digit-disk 205. See e.g., FIG. 6B and FIG. 6A. In some embodiments, when first-hemisphere 621 may be joined to second-hemisphere 623 along common-seam-line 225, half-clipper-disk-cutout 229 may capture clipper-disk 209. See e.g., FIG. 6B and FIG. 6F.

In some embodiments, digit-disk 205 may be joined to second-hemisphere 623 at half-digit-disk-cutout 227 by one or more of: a friction fit, a snap fit, a threaded fit, an ultrasonic weld, a heat weld, a solvent bond, or a chemical adhesive bond.

In some embodiments, clipper-disk 209 may be joined to second-hemisphere 623 at half-clipper-disk-cutout 229 by one or more of: a friction fit, a snap fit, a threaded fit, an ultrasonic weld, a heat weld, a solvent bond, or a chemical adhesive bond.

In some embodiments, container 601 may comprise interior surfaces 661. See e.g., FIG. 6B. In some embodiments, interior surfaces 661 may substantially circumscribe the volume of that given container (e.g., 601). In some embodiments, interior surfaces 661 may substantially inside surfaces of the given container (e.g., 601). In some embodiments, substantially all of such interior surfaces 661 may be substantially smooth to facilitate cleaning and to minimize adhesion of microbial contaminants to such interior surfaces 661. In some embodiments, interior surfaces 661 may be treated with one or more of: a cleaner, an anti-microbial agent, a disinfectant, or a perfume.

A FIG. 7 series of figures may show various views of nail clippings catcher 700. The FIG. 7 series of figures may comprise FIG. 7A through and including FIG. 7E. FIG. 7A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of nail clippings catcher 700. FIG. 7B depicts a perspective exploded view of nail clippings catcher 700. FIG. 7C depicts a right side view of nail clippings catcher 700. (Note: this right side view may be similar to top and bottom views due to radial symmetries.) FIG. 7D depicts a front view, at a slight perspective, of nail clippings catcher 700. FIG. 7E depicts a back view of nail clippings catcher 700.

As shown in FIG. 7B, nail clippings catcher 700 may be assembled from three separate parts: first-hemisphere 721 integral with second-hemisphere 723 (via integral hinge 751), digit-disk 205, and clipper-disk 209. That is, in some embodiments of nail clippings catcher 700, first-hemisphere 721 may be integral with second-hemisphere 723 via shared and integral hinge 751; and digit-disk 205 and clipper-disk 209 may be separate parts of an overall assembly. See e.g., FIG. 7B. In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 721, second-hemisphere 723, digit-disk 205, and clipper-disk 209 may be assembled together forming container 701, e.g., as shown in FIG. 7A.

In some embodiments, nail clippings catcher 700 may comprise container 701. See e.g., FIG. 7A. In some embodiments, container 701 may be for receiving at least one distal portion 9053 of digit 9051 (see e.g., FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B), for receiving cutting end 9005 of nail clipper 9001 (see e.g., FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B), and for receiving a plurality of cut nail clippings (i.e., a portion cutoff from nail 9055). In some embodiments, container 701 may be substantially hollow and may substantially circumscribe a volume. This volume may be the space within container 701, i.e., this volume may be the space substantially defined and bounded by interior surfaces 761 (see e.g., FIG. 7B for interior surfaces 761).

In some embodiments, container 701 may be one or more of: elastomeric, flexible, semi-flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. In some embodiments, container 701 may be elastomeric, flexible, semi-flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. In some embodiments, at least a quarter of container 701 may be substantially transparent. In some embodiments, container 701 may be substantially transparent.

In some embodiments, nail clippings catcher 700 may comprise two substantially opposing use holes, a digit-hole 203 and a clipper-hole 207. In some embodiments, these two substantially opposing use holes may be located as part of container 701. In some embodiments, these two substantially opposing use holes may provide access to the volume of the container 701. In some embodiments, digit-hole 203 may be sized to removably receive at least one distal portion 9053 of digit 9051. In some embodiments, clipper-hole 207 may be sized to removably receive cutting end 9005 of nail clipper 9001.

In some embodiments, container 701 may comprise two hemispheres joined together, first-hemisphere 721 and second-hemisphere 723. In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 721 and second-hemisphere 723 may be joined together at a common-seam-line 725. See e.g., FIG. 7B and FIG. 7A.

In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 721 may be joined to second-hemisphere 723 along the common-seam-line 725 by one or more of: a friction fit, a snap fit, a threaded fit, an ultrasonic weld, a heat weld, a solvent bond, or a chemical adhesive bond.

In some embodiments of nail clippings catcher 700, common-seam-line 325 may be substantially parallel to: digit-disk-cutout 327 and/or to clipper-disk-cutout 329. See e.g., FIG. 7B. In some embodiments of nail clippings catcher 700, common-seam-line 325 may be substantially parallel to: the major surface of digit-disk 205 and/or to the major surfaces of clipper-disk 209. See e.g., FIG. 7B.

In some embodiments, digit-disk 205 may be joined to first-hemisphere 721 at digit-disk-cutout 327 by one or more of: a friction fit, a snap fit, a threaded fit, an ultrasonic weld, a heat weld, a solvent bond, or a chemical adhesive bond.

In some embodiments, clipper-disk 209 may be joined to second-hemisphere 723 at clipper-disk-cutout 329 by one or more of: a friction fit, a snap fit, a threaded fit, an ultrasonic weld, a heat weld, a solvent bond, or a chemical adhesive bond.

In some embodiments of nail clippings catcher 700, along a portion of common-seam-line 725 may be hinge 751. See e.g., FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B. In some embodiments, hinge 751 may permanently join first-hemisphere 721 to second-hemisphere 723. In some embodiments, hinge 751 may be a region of elastomer and/or of plastic, that may be thin enough to repeatedly flex and bend without breaking. In some embodiments of nail clippings catcher 700, hinge 751 may be integral to both first-hemisphere 721 and to second-hemisphere 723. In some embodiments, hinge 751 may be a region of repeatedly bendable or foldable plastic. In some embodiments, hinge 751 may be a region of repeatedly bendable or foldable elastomer.

In some embodiments, container 701 may comprise interior surfaces 761. See e.g., FIG. 7B. In some embodiments, interior surfaces 761 may substantially circumscribe the volume of that given container (e.g., 701). In some embodiments, interior surfaces 761 may be substantially inside surfaces of the given container (e.g., 701). In some embodiments, substantially all of such interior surfaces 761 may be substantially smooth to facilitate cleaning and to minimize adhesion of microbial contaminants to such interior surfaces 761. In some embodiments, interior surfaces 761 may be treated with one or more of: a cleaner, an anti-microbial agent, a disinfectant, or a perfume.

A FIG. 8 series of figures may show various views of nail clippings catcher 800. The FIG. 8 series of figures may comprise FIG. 8A through and including FIG. 8E. FIG. 8A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of nail clippings catcher 800. FIG. 8B depicts a perspective exploded view of nail clippings catcher 800. FIG. 8C depicts a right side view of nail clippings catcher 800. (Note: this right side view may be similar to top and bottom views due to radial symmetries.) FIG. 8D depicts a front view, at a slight perspective, of nail clippings catcher 800. FIG. 8E depicts a back view of nail clippings catcher 800.

As shown in FIG. 8B, nail clippings catcher 800 may be assembled from one single article of manufacture comprising regions of: first-hemisphere 821 integral with second-hemisphere 823 (via integral hinge 851), and digit-disk 205 integral with first-hemisphere 821, and clipper-disk 209 integral with second-hemisphere 823. That is, in some embodiments of nail clippings catcher 800, first-hemisphere 821 may be integral with second-hemisphere 823 via shared and integral hinge 851. That is, in some embodiments of nail clippings catcher 800, first-hemisphere 821 may be integral with digit-disk 205. See e.g., FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B. That is, in some embodiments of nail clippings catcher 800, second-hemisphere 823 may be integral with clipper-disk 209. See e.g., FIG. 8B and FIG. 8E. In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 821, second-hemisphere 823, digit-disk 205, and clipper-disk 209 may be assembled together forming container 801, e.g., as shown in FIG. 8A. Such a single article of manufacture may be injection molded and/or 3D printed. And in some embodiments, further processed with for example, die cutting may form digit-hole 203 and may form clipper-hole 207.

In some embodiments, nail clippings catcher 800 may comprise container 801. See e.g., FIG. 8A. In some embodiments, container 801 may be for receiving at least one distal portion 9053 of digit 9051 (see e.g., FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B), for receiving cutting end 9005 of nail clipper 9001 (see e.g., FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B), and for receiving a plurality of cut nail clippings (i.e., a portion cutoff from nail 9055). In some embodiments, container 801 may be substantially hollow and may substantially circumscribe a volume. This volume may be the space within container 801, i.e., this volume may be the space substantially defined and bounded by interior surfaces 861 (see e.g., FIG. 8B for interior surfaces 861).

In some embodiments, container 801 may be one or more of: elastomeric, flexible, semi-flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. In some embodiments, container 801 may be elastomeric, flexible, semi-flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. In some embodiments, at least a quarter of container 801 may be substantially transparent. In some embodiments, container 801 may be substantially transparent.

In some embodiments, nail clippings catcher 800 may comprise two substantially opposing use holes, a digit-hole 203 and a clipper-hole 207. In some embodiments, these two substantially opposing use holes may be located as part of container 801. In some embodiments, these two substantially opposing use holes may provide access to the volume of the container 801. In some embodiments, digit-hole 203 may be sized to removably receive at least one distal portion 9053 of digit 9051. In some embodiments, clipper-hole 207 may be sized to removably receive cutting end 9005 of nail clipper 9001.

In some embodiments, container 801 may comprise two hemispheres joined together, first-hemisphere 821 and second-hemisphere 823. In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 821 and second-hemisphere 823 may be joined together at a common-seam-line 825. See e.g., FIG. 8B and FIG. 8A.

In some embodiments, first-hemisphere 821 may be joined to second-hemisphere 823 along the common-seam-line 825 by one or more of: a friction fit, a snap fit, a threaded fit, an ultrasonic weld, a heat weld, a solvent bond, or a chemical adhesive bond.

In some embodiments of nail clippings catcher 800, along a portion of common-seam-line 825 may be hinge 851. See e.g., FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B. In some embodiments, hinge 851 may permanently join first-hemisphere 821 to second-hemisphere 823. In some embodiments, hinge 851 may be a region of elastomer and/or of plastic, that may be thin enough to repeatedly flex and bend without breaking. In some embodiments of nail clippings catcher 800, hinge 851 may be integral to both first-hemisphere 821 and to second-hemisphere 823. In some embodiments, hinge 851 may be a region of repeatedly bendable or foldable plastic. In some embodiments, hinge 851 may be a region of repeatedly bendable or foldable elastomer.

In some embodiments, container 801 may comprise interior surfaces 861. See e.g., FIG. 8B. In some embodiments, interior surfaces 861 may substantially circumscribe the volume of that given container (e.g., 801). In some embodiments, interior surfaces 861 may be substantially inside surfaces of the given container (e.g., 801). In some embodiments, substantially all of such interior surfaces 861 may be substantially smooth to facilitate cleaning and to minimize adhesion of microbial contaminants to such interior surfaces 861. In some embodiments, interior surfaces 861 may be treated with one or more of: a cleaner, an anti-microbial agent, a disinfectant, or a perfume.

A FIG. 9 series of figures may show various views of nail clippings catcher 900. The FIG. 9 series of figures may comprise FIG. 9A through and including FIG. 9G. FIG. 9A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of nail clippings catcher 900. FIG. 9B depicts a perspective exploded view of t nail clippings catcher 900. FIG. 9C depicts a right side view of nail clippings catcher 900. (Note: this right side view may be similar to top and bottom views due to radial symmetries.) FIG. 9D depicts a front view of nail clippings catcher 900. FIG. 9E depicts a back view of nail clippings catcher 900. FIG. 9F depicts nail clippings catcher 900 where an iris-opening 973 is partially closed, shown from a front view. FIG. 9G depicts nail clippings catcher 900 where iris-opening 973 is partially open, shown from a front view.

As shown in FIG. 9B, nail clippings catcher 900 may be assembled from five main components: collar 971, iris-opening 973, union 977, hemisphere-housing 983, and clipper-disk 209. In some embodiments, collar 971, iris-opening 973, union 977, hemisphere-housing 983, and clipper-disk 209 may be assembled together forming container 901, e.g., as shown in FIG. 9A.

In some embodiments, nail clippings catcher 900 may comprise container 901. See e.g., FIG. 9A. In some embodiments, container 901 may be for receiving at least one distal portion 9053 of digit 9051 (see e.g., FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B), for receiving cutting end 9005 of nail clipper 9001 (see e.g., FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B), and for receiving a plurality of cut nail clippings (i.e., a portion cutoff from nail 9055). In some embodiments, container 901 may be substantially hollow and may substantially circumscribe a volume. This volume may be the space within container 901, i.e., this volume may be the space substantially defined and bounded by interior surfaces 961 (see e.g., FIG. 9B for interior surfaces 961).

In some embodiments, container 901 may be one or more of: elastomeric, flexible, semi-flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. In some embodiments, container 901 may be elastomeric, flexible, semi-flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. In some embodiments, at least a quarter of container 901 may be substantially transparent. In some embodiments, container 901 may be substantially transparent. In some embodiments, hemisphere-housing 983 may be substantially transparent.

In some embodiments, nail clippings catcher 900 may comprise two substantially opposing use holes, a digit-hole 903 and clipper-hole 207. In some embodiments, these two substantially opposing use holes may be located as part of container 901. In some embodiments, these two substantially opposing use holes may provide access to the volume of the container 901. In some embodiments, digit-hole 903 may be sized to removably receive at least one distal portion 9053 of digit 9051. In some embodiments, clipper-hole 207 may be sized to removably receive cutting end 9005 of nail clipper 9001.

In some embodiments, container 901 may comprise: collar 971, iris-opening 973, union 977, and hemisphere-housing 983. In some embodiments, iris-opening 973 may circumscribe digit-hole 903. In some embodiments, iris-opening 973 may be a mechanical iris with a plurality of blades 975 that partially opens and partially closes, changing a diameter of digit-hole 903. See e.g., FIG. 9F where this diameter is smaller because iris-opening 973 may be partially closed. See e.g., FIG. 9G, where this diameter may be larger because iris-opening 973 may be partially opened. In some embodiments, iris-opening 973 may be disposed and captured between collar 971 and a first-side 979 of union 977. See e.g., FIG. 9B. Partial opening and partial closing of iris-opening 973 may be controlled by rotational turning movement of collar 971 with respect to union 977. Such mechanical irises like iris-opening 973 are well understood in the art. Each blade 975 may be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. Each blade 975 may be an elastomer and/or a plastic. In some embodiments, hemisphere-housing 983 may be attached to a second-side 981 of union 977. In some embodiments, second-side 981 of union 977 may be disposed opposite from first-side 979. See e.g., FIG. 9B. In some embodiments, distal from union 977 on hemisphere-housing 983 may be clipper-disk-cutout 329 that may capture clipper-disk 209. See e.g., FIG. 9B.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of hemisphere-housing 983 may be substantially transparent. In some embodiments, at least a portion of collar 971 may be substantially transparent. In some embodiments, at least a portion of each blade 975 may be substantially transparent.

In some embodiments, clipper-disk 209 may be joined to hemisphere-housing 983 at clipper-disk-cutout 329 by one or more of: a friction fit, a snap fit, a threaded fit, an ultrasonic weld, a heat weld, a solvent bond, or a chemical adhesive bond.

In some embodiments, container 901 may comprise interior surfaces 961. See e.g., FIG. 9B. In some embodiments, interior surfaces 961 may substantially circumscribe the volume of that given container (e.g., 901). In some embodiments, interior surfaces 961 may be substantially inside surfaces of the given container (e.g., 901). In some embodiments, substantially all of such interior surfaces 961 may be substantially smooth to facilitate cleaning and to minimize adhesion of microbial contaminants to such interior surfaces 961. In some embodiments, interior surfaces 961 may be treated with one or more of: a cleaner, an anti-microbial agent, a disinfectant, or a perfume.

FIG. 10A depicts nail clippings catcher 200 in use with nail clipper 9001 shown from a back view, with a portion (e.g., cutting end 9005) of nail clipper 9001 inserted into clipper-hole 207 of clipper-disk 209. FIG. 10B depicts nail clippings catcher 200 in use with nail clipper 9001 shown from a right back perspective view, with the portion (e.g., cutting end 9005) of nail clipper 9001 inserted into clipper-hole 207 of clipper-disk 209. FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B illustrate an importance of the unique shape of clipper-hole 207 in mitigating against cut nail clippings from escaping the given nail clippings catcher, until the user is ready to empty the given nail clippings catcher. In particular, the pair of oppositely disposed minor tabs 215 that protrude into gap 9007 assist in retaining such cut nail clippings. Recall FIG. 1A for gap 9007. Additionally, in FIG. 10B, a portion of major tab 211 may be shown bending up and abutting against a bottom handle portion of nail clipper 9001, which may demonstrate how a flexible or semi-rigid clipper-disk 209 may be useful in mitigating against loss of cut nail clippings from the given nail clippings catcher.

Note, in some embodiments, nail clippings catcher 200 shown in FIG. 10A and in FIG. 10B, may be replaced with other nail clippings catchers disclosed herein, such as, but not limited to: nail clippings catcher 300, nail clippings catcher 400, nail clippings catcher 500, nail clippings catcher 600, nail clippings catcher 700, nail clippings catcher 800, and/or nail clippings catcher 900.

In some embodiments, a system for cutting nails and catching cut nail clippings may comprise a nail clipper and a nail clipping catcher. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, such a nail clipper may be nail clipper 9001 (see e.g., FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 10A, and/or FIG. 10B). For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, such a nail clippings catcher may be: nail clippings catcher 200, nail clippings catcher 300, nail clippings catcher 400, nail clippings catcher 500, nail clippings catcher 600, nail clippings catcher 700, nail clippings catcher 800, or nail clippings catcher 900.

Note, the various hemispheres (e.g., various first-hemispheres and various second-hemispheres, and/or hemisphere housing 983), and component parts in general (e.g., digit-disk 205 and/or clipper-disk 209) described and disclosed herein may be manufactured via injection molding and/or via 3D printing. In some embodiments, digit-disk 205 and/or clipper-disk 209 may be formed from die cutting of sheets of appropriate elastomers. In some embodiments, digit-disk 205 and/or clipper-disk 209 may be formed from die cutting of sheets of appropriate plastics.

Note, the various hemispheres (e.g., various first-hemispheres and various second-hemispheres, and/or hemisphere housing 983), and component parts in general (e.g., digit-disk 205 and/or clipper-disk 209) described and disclosed herein may be constructed substantially from one or more elastomers and/or plastics that are suitable for repeated sterilization via one or more of: microwaves, bleach, alcohols, peroxides, oxidizing agents, and the like.

Note, the various nail clippings catchers (e.g., 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and/or 900) described and disclosed herein may be suitable for use with either fingernails or toenails.

Note, in some embodiments, the various containers (e.g., 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701, 801, and/or 901) described and disclosed herein may be substantially shaped as spheres or ovoids, with at least one flat exterior portion.

Note, component parts of the various nail clippings catchers (e.g., 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and/or 900) may be substantially constructed of one or more of: thermoformed plastics and/or elastomers. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, some such elastomers may be silicone(s) and/or rubber(s) (natural and/or synthetic). In some embodiments, all such component parts may be substantially constructed from the same plastics and/or elastomers. In some embodiments, all such component parts may be substantially constructed from different plastics and/or elastomers. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, in some embodiments, digit-disk 205 and/or clipper-disk 209 may be substantially constructed from an elastomer(s); while hemisphere component parts may be substantially constructed from one or more thermoformed plastics.

Various nail clippings catchers have been described and disclosed. The foregoing description of the various exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching without departing from the spirit of the invention.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

NAIL CLIPPINGS CATCHER

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