Patent Application
20180092448
The present invention relates generally to nail files, and more particularly to multi-sided nail files, each with a differing grit size to allow the user to select the best one for optimum nail smoothness and when finished filing, an integrated adjustable outer tube is rotated such that its open window no longer exposes the grit surfaces so as to protect them from damage and maintain cleanliness.
The purpose of this invention is to fulfill the need for a multi-sided nail file with differing grit sizes which are all protected through the use of an integrated rotatably protective adjustable cap, which is non-existent today.
The need to groom one's nails exists throughout a person's lifetime. In doing so, various options are available to trim and maintain the length of one's nails such as scissors and nail clippers, both of which may leave an undesired sharp point thus requiring the nail to be filed down to obtain a smooth surface. In the process of filing down a nail, file surfaces of multiple grit sizes are used. In order to achieve gratification of a smooth surface, one typically starts out filing the nail surface with the roughest grit and then sequentially steps down using files with smaller and smaller grit sizes until the desired smoothness is achieved. This practice involves the use of multiple nail files, each of which has their own size of grit.
A thorough review of prior art demonstrates the differences in the present device as a multi-sided nail file employing a means to protect those surfaces after use, which is non-existent today. Specific problems associated with nail grooming tools such as nail files and emery boards, are their limitations in providing the end user with a choice of more than two surface roughness options. Additionally, the protective sleeves of today's grooming tools are easily lost or damaged thereby leaving the surfaces exposed allowing them to be damaged or become dirty themselves, or inflict damage to other items such as sunglasses in close proximity while in a purse, handbag or other storage pouch.
Nothing known to the applicant in the prior art utilizes the unique combination of features and structural parameters of applicant's invention.
In sum, from the observation of the present invention and the prior art, it can be shown that use of this invention provides a greater utility to the user to groom one's nails in a more efficient manner while protecting itself and other items from damage.
The protected multi-sided fingernail file is a hand held and hand operated device comprising a rigid rectangular inner piece consisting of four faces, three of which are each lined with grit of differing sizes to provide for various surface roughness. A fourth side of the nail file is left blank and does not contain any grit and is not intended to be a grooming surface for one's nails. The rectangular inner piece is protected by a slightly shorter attached outer tube which can rotate about the fixed inner piece. The outer tube contains a slotted opening which then the user can rotate into position to any one of the three coated grit surfaces when nail grooming is desired. When grooming is complete and the nail file is ready for storage, the user then rotates the outer tube such that its opening is over the blank surface of the rectangular inner piece. This then protects the three grit surfaces from damage and dirt and likewise protects the other contents of the purse, handbag, or carrying pouch.
In a preferred embodiment one surface of the rectangular inner piece is coated with coarsest grit, the second surface is coated with grit not as coarse as the first and the third surface is coated with the finest grit of all three surfaces. The fourth surface of the rectangular inner piece is left uncoated. The opening in the outer tube is wide enough to accommodate a typical adult sized fingernail so as to allow access to the grit surface below. The length of the opening in the outer tube is similar to that of today's emery boards which allows for adequate back and forth motion during the nail grooming process.
In a preferred embodiment one surface of the rectangular inner piece is coated with coarsest grit which the user typically would start out with. The user would then typically proceed to the second surface which is coated with grit not as coarse as the first surface. Finally, to achieve the smoothest nail surface, the user then rotates the window of the outer tube over the third surface which is coated with the finest grit of all three surfaces, and proceeds to file the nail to their satisfaction.
It is therefore the object of this invention to introduce a nail file device with multiple filing surfaces consisting of a variety of grits for personal grooming purposes.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a nail file device that has the general appearance of a lipstick case.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a nail file device with a rotatably adjustable window in its outer shell to allow the user to expose the desired sized grit for smoothing the face of the nail.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a nail file device wherein the rotatably adjustable window can be positioned to a location where no grit is located so as to protect the other locations with grit.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a nail file device with a hole in its end to accommodate key chains and the like.
The attached drawings are included to provide additional understanding of the invention and are to be considered part of this description that illustrates the embodiments of the invention, and together with the detailed description provide an explanation of the principles of the invention.
Wherein the drawings:
The present invention is referred to generally in
With reference to
Nail grooming flat surfaces 41, 42, and 43 consist of abrasive sand grain particles of varying density herein identified as low (coarse), medium and high (fine) density grit respectively which have been applied to it. The higher the grit number, or grain density, the smoother the file. Different types of nails files are designed for different uses; therefore it is important to select the right one. For natural nails, a fine-grit cushion file is gentle yet effective. Coarse files (80-100 grit) are best for acrylic nail extensions. Medium files (240-600 grit) are best for removing small bumps, ridges or discolorations and for shaping the free edge of natural nails. Fine files (600-2400 grit) are used for buffing and shining all types of nails. Metal grit is avoided as they are harsh and can even split nails. The grit material typically is applied to paper sheet with an adhesive backing which is then attached to the inner piece 30.
According to some embodiments, a flexible paper sheet includes a first side suitable for use as a nail grooming surface and a second adhesive side opposite the first side. For example, the flexible sheet has a roughened surface on one side and a peel-and-stick type adhesive surface on the other side. For example, the roughened surface may correspond to a desired grit of sandpaper. The flexible sheet may then be secured to one of the three nail grooming surfaces 41, 42, and 43 of the inner piece 30 structure. An advantage of the aspect of this invention is that with three flexible strips present, the end user, depending upon the nail configuration to be groomed, may select the best grit size for their situation.
The nail grooming structures described herein may be provided by any suitable manufacturing techniques. For example, for a device made of plastic, the inner and outer pieces may be molded with retaining and end caps 70 and 80 respectively. Another option is to individually machine the components out of plastic, or metal.
It is easier to locate a nail grooming device when it is attached to something used on a daily basis such as a key ring. With the present invention, thru hole 90 at the base of the inner piece 30 is provided. This also allows the device to be conveniently hung on conventional retail store hooks.
With reference to
The protected multi-sided fingernail file described and illustrated herein is a preferred embodiment of the invention along with some of its variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention in which all terms are meant in their broadest, reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.
