Patent Grant
7373728
Scissors are universally used in the cutting of hair in beauty salons and in barbershops. Although scissors are manufactured in various designs and constructions, they almost always incorporate two pivotably connected blades each having coacting cutting regions on one side of the pivot point and handle portions provided on the other side of the pivot point with finger and thumb supports. Manipulation by the operator of the scissors by relative movement of the operator's fingers and thumb causes corresponding pivotable movement of the cutting blades whereby the cutting regions cooperate to cut hair positioned therebetween.
The finger openings provided in a pair of scissors, e.g., ring finger and thumb, are often standardized by the manufacturer. However, scissors are sold to and used by multiple operators whose finger sizes vary greatly. It is therefore unusual that stock finger and thumb openings in a pair of purchased scissors will properly fit the operator. In this regard, the openings are oversized by the manufacturer so as to accommodate ring inserts that allow personalizing of the openings to fit one's fingers and thumb. Scissors having inserts of various construction are known from U.S. Pat. Nos. 970,406, 1,357,200, 2,640,264, 3,840,990, 3,974,563, 4,091,539, 5,720,103, 5,778,540, 5,781,999, 5,819,416, 5,987,757, 6,000,138 and 6,397,478.
There are also known polymer ring inserts that can be removably inserted into the finger and thumb openings of a pair of scissors to reduce their effective size. These ring inserts have been provided each of a different outside diameter and a different inside diameter. Although these ring inserts can modify a pair of scissors to accommodate certain finger and thumb sizes, there are operators whose finger sizes do not match appropriately those of the known ring inserts. As a result, the operator will select the best possible size to accommodate the operator's fingers. However, the ring insert may still result in the finger or thumb opening being either too large or too small. This can result in improper fit of the scissors, potentially causing carpal tunnel syndrome with prolonged use.
There is therefore the need for ring inserts that can be provided in a kit containing a plurality of inserts that more correctly fit the user's fingers, as well as a template for proper selection of the ring inserts.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention there is described a scissors insert kit comprising a plurality of ring inserts having an outside diameter and an inside diameter, the plurality of ring inserts forming at least one group comprising at least a first ring insert and a second ring insert, the first and second ring inserts within the at least one group having the same outside diameter and a different inside diameter.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is described a scissors insert kit comprising a plurality of polymer ring inserts each having an outside diameter and an inside diameter, the plurality of ring inserts forming a plurality of groups, each group comprising at least a first ring insert and a second ring insert, the first and second ring inserts within a group having the same outside diameter and a different inside diameter, wherein the outside and inside diameters of the first and second ring inserts within one of the groups are different from the outside and inside diameters of the first and second ring inserts in another one of the groups.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is described a template for selecting a ring insert for a scissors based upon a person's finger size, the template comprising means for identifying the size of a person's finger between a first and second knuckle thereof, and means for associating a ring insert of predetermined size with the identified size of the person's finger.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is described a template for selecting a ring insert for a scissors based upon a person's finger size, the template comprising a plate having a plurality of holes each of a different size for identifying the size of a person's finger between a first and second knuckle thereof, and indicia selected from the group consisting of numbers, letters, symbols, colors and combinations thereof uniquely associated with one of the holes and one of the ring inserts.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is described a template for selecting a ring insert for a scissors based upon a person's finger size, the template comprising an illustration of a person's finger and a plurality of reference marks provided on the illustration between at least the locations of a person's first and second knuckles for identifying the size of the person's finger therebetween, and indicia selected from the group consisting of numbers, letters, symbols, colors and combinations thereof uniquely associated with one of the reference marks and one of the ring inserts.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is described a kit for modifying a pair of scissor, the kit comprising a plurality of ring inserts having an outside diameter and an inside diameter, the plurality of ring inserts forming at least one group comprising at least a first ring insert and a second ring insert, the first and second ring inserts within the at least one group having the same outside diameter and a different inside diameter; and a template for selecting a ring insert from the at least one group for a scissors based upon a person's finger size, the template comprising means for identifying the size of a person's finger between a first and second knuckle thereof, and means for associating a ring insert of predetermined size with the identified size of the person's finger.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is described a kit for modifying a pair of scissors, the kit comprising a plurality of polymer ring inserts each having an outside diameter and an inside diameter, the plurality of ring inserts forming a plurality of groups, each group comprising at least a first ring insert and a second ring insert, the first and second ring inserts within a group having the same outside diameter and a different inside diameter, wherein the outside and inside diameters of the first and second ring inserts within one of the groups are different from the outside and inside diameters of the first and second ring inserts in another one of the groups; and a template for selecting a ring insert from one of said groups for a scissors based upon a person's finger size, the template comprising a plate having a plurality of holes each of a different size for identifying the size of a person's finger between a first and second knuckle thereof, and indicia selected from the group consisting of numbers, letters, symbols, colors and combinations thereof uniquely associated with one of the holes and one of the ring inserts.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is described a kit for modifying a pair of scissors, the kit comprising a plurality of polymer ring inserts each having an outside diameter and an inside diameter, the plurality of ring inserts forming a plurality of groups, each group comprising at least a first ring insert and a second ring insert, the first and second ring inserts within a group having the same outside diameter and a different inside diameter, wherein the outside and inside diameters of the first and second ring inserts within one of the groups are different from the outside and inside diameters of the first and second ring inserts in another one of the groups; and a template for selecting a ring insert from one of the groups for a scissors based upon a person's finger size, the template comprising an illustration of a person's finger and a plurality of reference marks provided on the illustration between at least the locations of a person's first and second knuckles for identifying the size of the person's finger therebetween, and indicia selected from the group consisting of numbers, letters, symbols, colors and combinations thereof uniquely associated with one of the reference marks and one of the ring inserts.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is described a method for selecting a ring insert for a pair of scissors, the method comprising providing a plurality of ring inserts having an outside diameter and an inside diameter, the plurality of ring inserts forming at least one group comprising at least a first ring insert and a second ring insert, the first and second ring inserts within the at least one group having the same outside diameter and a different inside diameter; measuring a person's finger size using a template; and selecting one of the ring inserts by associating at least one of the ring inserts with the measured size of the person's finger.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is described a method for selecting a ring insert for a pair of scissors, the method comprising providing a plurality of polymer ring inserts each having an outside diameter and an inside diameter, the plurality of ring inserts forming a plurality of groups, each group comprising at least a first ring insert and a second ring insert, the first and second ring inserts within a group having the same outside diameter and a different inside diameter, wherein the outside and inside diameters of the first and second ring inserts within one of the groups are different from the outside and inside diameters of the first and second ring inserts in another one of the groups; measuring the size of a person's finger by inserting the person's finger into at least one of a plurality of holes each of a different size; associating each of the holes with one of the plurality of ring inserts, and selecting one of the ring inserts from one of the groups based upon the measured size of the person's finger.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is described a scissors insert kit comprising a plurality of ring inserts having an outside diameter and an inside diameter, the plurality of ring inserts forming at least one group comprising at least a first ring insert and a second ring insert, the first and second ring inserts within at least one group having the same outside diameter and a different inside diameter, wherein the inside diameter of the ring inserts is in the range of about 4.25 millimeters to about 9.75 millimeters smaller than the outside diameter of the ring inserts.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is described a scissors insert kit comprising a plurality of ring inserts having an outside diameter and an inside diameter, the plurality of ring inserts forming at least one group comprising at least a first ring insert and a second ring insert, the first and second ring inserts within at least one group having the same outside diameter and a different inside diameter, wherein the inside diameter of the ring inserts is in the range of about 18% to about 40% smaller than the outside diameter of the ring inserts.
The above description, as well as further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood with reference to the following detailed description of Ring Insert Kit For Scissors And Template For Use Therewith, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements, there is shown in
The arcuate shape member 116 of handle extension 114 includes a crest 126 arranged generally midway along the upper portion of the arcuate shape member as shown in
The finger receiving opening 118 is generally a circular shaped opening, or a variation thereof, such as an oval shaped opening and the like. The finger receiving opening 118 is therefore defined by the arcuate shaped member 116 that defines the slope segments 128, 130 extending on either side of the crest 126.
A projection 132 is formed extending outwardly from the sloped segment 128 along the arcuate shaped member 116. Another projection 134 is formed extending outwardly from the handle 110 arranged spaced from projection 132 to provide a finger receiving opening 136 therebetween. As shown, the projection 132 is arranged generally adjacent the crest 126 of the arcuate shaped member 116. The resulting finger receiving opening 136 is partially bordered by the arcuate side surfaces of the projections 132, 134 and an intervening arcuate shaped portion 138 of the handle 110.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the projections 132, 134 are triangular in shape, projection 132 being larger than projection 134. The projections 132, 134 can be integrally formed during manufacture of the handle 110 using conventional manufacturing techniques. It is also contemplated that the projections 132, 134 may have other shapes, such as square, cylindrical, C-shaped, hook-shaped, polygonal, or any other shape that is suitable for defining a finger receiving opening 136 therebetween. Although the projections 132, 134 are preferably integrally formed with the handle 110, they may be detachable or separately secured to the handle. For example, the projections 132, 134 may be detachable by including a threaded portion adapted to receive a threaded portion on the handle 110, for example, threaded stud and threaded opening combination. In addition, the projections 132, 134 may be provided in separate pieces that are welded or otherwise attached to the handle 110. The projections 132, 134 may also be formed of polymer materials that can be snapped fit about portions of the handle 110 and the arcuate shaped member 114.
In use of the scissors, one's thumb is inserted into the finger receiving opening 124, one's ring finger is inserted into finger receiving opening 118, and one's middle finger is received within the finger receiving opening 136. In certain circumstances, the operator may place their middle finger into the finger receiving opening 118 and their index finger into the finger receiving opening 136. In either event, the finger receiving opening 136 is adapted to restrict sliding of the person's finger up the slope segment 128, passed the crest 126, and onto the slope segment 130. The projection 132 effectively acts as a stop in the rearward direction to preclude displacement of one's finger from the proper cutting position within the finger receiving opening 136. In a similar manner, projection 134 acts as a stop, restricting sliding of one's finger forwardly along the handle 110.
The present invention has thus far been described with respect to the preferred embodiment. In this regard, the preferred embodiment includes a pair of spaced apart projections 132, 134. As noted, projection 132 functions as a stop to restrict the person's finger from sliding up and over the arcuate shaped member 116 defining the handle extension 114. It is contemplated that only a single projection 132 is required in accordance with the broad aspects of the present invention. Although preferred, it is not a requirement that projection 134 be incorporated into the construction of the handle 110.
In order to adapt a pair of scissors to the finger size of a particular user, the present invention provides a plurality of ring inserts 140 as shown in
In order to adapt a pair of scissors to the finger size of the operator, the ring inserts 140 are provided in various combinations of outside diameter and inside diameter. In this regard, the ring inserts 140 are provided in pairs or groups of at least two ring inserts to be received within a finger receiving opening 118, 124 of a designated size, while accommodating for different user finger sizes. In accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the ring inserts 140 are provided in a plurality of groups, each group including at least a pair of ring inserts having the same outside diameter, but different inside diameters. The ring inserts 140 may be packaged in a kit containing a single group of ring inserts, or a plurality of groups of ring inserts, each group including at least a pair of inserts of the same outside diameter, but different inside diameters. It is further contemplated that the groups may include more than a pair of ring inserts 140 to accommodate a greater range of operator finger sizes.
Referring again to
Other outside and inside diameters are contemplated within the present invention although not specifically identified. The above described ring inserts have their inside diameter ranging from about 4.25 millimeters to about 9.75 millimeters smaller than their outside diameter. The size difference in the described ring inserts is in the range of about 18% to about 40% smaller inside diameter than the outside diameter.
It is to be understood that any number of ring inserts 140 may be included in any one of the aforementioned groups I-IV. In addition, a kit of ring inserts 140 may include the insert rings of any single one group or the insert rings of a plurality of groups I-IV, packaged together, commingled or separately maintained in identified groups. Thus, the term “group” is not intended to mean that the plurality of ring inserts 140 are required to be identifiable or provided in separate groups thereof. As such, the plurality of ring inserts 140 from more than one group can be commingled with each other for selection by the user.
In a preferred embodiment, each of the ring inserts 140 shown in groups I-IV will be included in a single kit. In addition, odd sized ring inserts may be included in any one of the aforementioned groups and packaged in one of the aforementioned ring insert kits. One such ring insert 146 is shown in
Turning to
The ring inserts 140 may be sized manually by the user placing his finger and thumb within one of the ring inserts to determine its fit. Once the appropriate ring insert 140 is selected, the ring insert may be fit into one of the ring receiving openings 118, 124 of the scissors 100. The procedure for selecting a ring insert 140 in this manner, is a trial and error procedure that may be repeated as may be required to obtain the proper scissors fit. This is facilitated by the ring inserts 140 being removable once inserted into the scissors 100.
The ring inserts 140 may also be selected with the aide of a template 148 as shown in
In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the holes 152 are sized to have a diameter corresponding to the inside diameter of the ring inserts 140, 146 as shown in
In selecting a ring insert 140, the user inserts his ring or other finger into one of the holes 152 to determine its fit. In this regard, the inside diameter of the hole 152 should fit snuggly about the person's ring finger between the first and second knuckle from the tip of the person's finger. This process of measurement is repeated using the person's thumb to determine a snug fit between the mid-point of the thumbnail and the bottom of the thumb cuticle. The corresponding inside diameter of the selected holes 152 are noted so as to select a corresponding ring insert 140.
By way of example, upon measuring a ring finger size of 17.9 millimeters, the user would select the corresponding ring insert 140 from group I having the same inside diameter and an outside diameter of 24.5 millimeters. The ring insert 140 is placed into the finger receiving opening 118 to size the opening for the person's ring finger. By way of another example, upon identifying a finger size of 14.75 millimeters, the user can select one of the ring inserts 140 from either group I or group II, corresponding to outside diameters of 24.5 millimeters and 23.75 millimeters, respectively. The user would select the appropriate ring insert 140, which best fits within the required finger receiving opening 118, 124. Hope designated C/C1 corresponds to the two insert rings 140 both having an inside diameter of 14.75 millimeters but different outside diameters, i.e., 24.5 and 23.75 millimeters.
The ring inserts 140 have been described as being singularly inserted into one of the finger receiving openings 118, 124. However, it is contemplated that a pair of ring inserts 140 may be nested together, as may be required, to accommodate the size of a particular finger receiving opening 118, 124. For example, if a person's finger measures 12.25 millimeters pursuant to template 148, the correspondence ring insert 140 may be selected from Group IV having an outside diameter of 20.25 millimeters. If this outside diameter is too small for the finger receiving opening 118, the ring insert 140 may be nested within the ring insert from group I having an inside diameter of 20 millimeters and an outside diameter of 24.5 millimeters. This combination provides a relatively small inside diameter and a relatively large outside diameter providing greater versatility to the ring inserts.
By way of further illustration only, and with reference to
To facilitate the selection of the appropriate ring insert 140, the holes 152 and ring inserts may be correspondingly coded such as by the use of color, letters, numbers, symbols, and combinations thereof. In accordance with one embodiment, each of the holes 152 on the template 148 are designated by the appropriate inside diameter and a letter that may be printed in a predetermined color. The ring inserts 140 may be similarly formed from polymer material that has the same color as the holes 152 of the same inside diameter. It is also contemplated that the ring inserts 140 may be stamped with a corresponding letter or inside diameter measurement. Accordingly, the holes 152 may be coded to a corresponding one of the ring inserts 140 using a variety of techniques.
Referring to
As noted, the user will place his hand overlying the hand illustration 156 with the edge of one's ring finger aligned with reference line 160. The user will press his ring finger lightly noting the area between the first and second knuckles generally identified by the two spaced apart knuckle reference lines 162, 164. The user will select the appropriate color/letter that matches the ring finger width associated with one of the ring finger reference lines 166. In this regard, each of the ring finger reference lines 166 may be of a different color, designated by a different letter, number, symbol, or combinations thereof. Based upon the designated ring finger reference line 166, the user can select the appropriate ring insert 140 from the ring insert kit.
In a like manner, the user places his thumb on the thumb illustration 158 aligned with the reference line 168. The user notes the area between the mid-thumb nail and bottom of the cuticle designated generally between thumb reference lines 170, 172. The thumb width is designated by selecting one of the thumb reference lines 174, which may also be coded to one of the ring inserts 140 in the manner as described with respect to the ring finger reference lines 166. Although the thumb illustration 158 has been shown separate from the hand illustration 156, it is contemplated that the thumb illustration may be included as part of the hand illustration. Having selected the appropriate ring inserts 140 for the user's ring finger and thumb, the ring inserts are inserted into the finger receiving openings 118, 124 of the scissors 100.
Although the present invention has been described with particular applicability to a pair of scissors 100, it is to be understood that any hand implement that is manipulated by one's fingers in a manner similar to a pair of scissors via finger receiving openings have applicability to the ring inserts and templates of the present invention.
Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
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| 20050217123 A1 | Oct 2005 | US |
