MANUAL DEVICE FOR NAIL CUTTING

Abstract

A manual nail clipper comprising a main body (100) and a manual drive mechanism (150) configured to actuate at least one cutting element, characterized in that the device further comprises: a positioning support (510) configured to receive at least partially a user's finger, said support being provided with a depth stop configured to define a limit position of the finger with respect to the cutting element; a length adjustment system (210) configured to regulate the distance between the depth stop of the positioning support (510) and the cutting element; and a cutting head (300) removably attachable to the main body (100).

Description

MANUAL DEVICE FOR NAIL CUTTING Technical field of the invention The present invention falls within the technical sector of manual mechanical devices intended for personal care and hygiene, and more particularly within the field of manual instruments for nail cutting. More specifically, the invention relates to a manual nail cutting device equipped with finger positioning means and cutting length adjustment, as well as interchangeable cutting heads, aimed at improving the precision, repeatability and safety of the cut in domestic, professional and healthcare applications. Background of the invention Manual nail clippers, such as conventional lever-operated nail clippers, are widely known in the prior art. These devices typically comprise a base, two opposing cutting elements, and a lever-operated mechanism that provides mechanical advantage to facilitate cutting. However, in most cases, the user must position the finger and visually determine the cutting length without objective physical references, which can lead to uneven cuts, asymmetries, or injuries due to excessive depth. In order to improve the safety or comfort of the cut, various partial solutions have been proposed in the state of the art. US patent 3812868 discloses a nail clipper with front and side guards designed to reduce the risk of accidental cuts to the surrounding skin. The patent includes a front guard that acts as a limiter for the finger, but does not describe a structured, cradle-like positioning support to stabilize the finger in a defined position, nor an adjustable cutting length system with a retention mechanism configured to maintain a selected position. US5918375 describes a nail clipper with a sliding guide or gauge marked to measure nail length before cutting. While this document introduces a dimensional reference concept, the solution relies on pre-measurement rather than a structural positioning support with an integrated physical stop that automatically guarantees the cutting depth during operation. Interchangeability of cutting heads with different shapes is also not considered. US patent 3832771 discloses a nail clipper with means for modifying the curvature of the blades and even contemplates the possibility of replacing heads to vary said curvature. However, the focus is on the geometric configuration of the cutting edge, without integrating a combined positioning support system with an adjustable depth stop or a structured system for adjusting the length, which can be fixed by means of a retention mechanism. Regarding waste collection, documents such as EP2737822, US3855698, and US5546658 describe nail clippers with compartments or reservoirs for storing the clippings generated during cutting. These solutions focus on waste containment but do not address precise finger stabilization or controlled and repeatable cutting length regulation via an adjustable positioning system integrated into the main body. Similarly, Spanish utility model ES 1 165 734 discloses a nail clipper with a rotating head, allowing the orientation of the cutting element to be changed. However, this solution does not include a positioning support with an adjustable depth stop or a longitudinal adjustment system configured to precisely define the remaining nail length. It follows from the above that the prior art describes partial solutions aimed, in isolation, at improving safety through guards, facilitating length measurement, allowing modification of the cut curvature, or incorporating waste compartments. However, no device has been described that integrates these features in a combined and structural manner. i. a positioning support configured as a cradle with adjustable depth stop; ii. a length adjustment system associated with a retention mechanism that allows a selected position to be fixed; iii. interchangeable cutting heads that allow selection of the finishing morphology; iv. and, optionally, an integrated waste disposal unit. Consequently, the technical problem of providing a manual nail cutting device that allows for effective finger stabilization, a physical and repeatable determination of the cutting length, and morphological adaptability of the finish, all while maintaining simple and safe manual operation, persists in the state of the art. The present invention proposes to solve this technical problem through the structural configuration defined in the claims. Description of the invention The present invention provides a manual nail cutting device designed to overcome the limitations of known instruments, in particular the lack of finger stability during cutting, the absence of an objective physical reference that allows repeatable control of nail length, and the inability to adapt the morphology of the finish to different user needs. To this end, the invention is based on the structural integration of a set of technical means that cooperate functionally with each other and that allow the precise and controlled definition of the finger position, the depth of the cut and the geometry of the cutting element. Specifically, the device comprises a main body to which a positioning support is attached, configured to at least partially receive the user's finger. This support acts as a guiding cradle, stabilizing the finger in a predetermined position during the cutting operation, and incorporates a depth stop that physically defines the limit of the finger's advance toward the cutting element. In this way, the length of nail to be cut is determined by an objective mechanical reference, eliminating the sole reliance on the user's visual estimation. Additionally, the device incorporates a length adjustment system located between the positioning support and the cutting head, allowing for adjustable modification of the effective distance between the positioning stop and the cutting plane. This adjustment system is linked to a retention mechanism designed to maintain the selected position during use, preventing unintentional movement and ensuring consistent cutting results in successive uses. The invention also provides for interchangeable cutting heads that can be removably attached to the main body. This feature allows for the selection of different geometries, curvatures, or cutting configurations depending on the type of nail, the finger being treated, or the user's preferences, without needing to replace the entire device. In certain embodiments, these heads may incorporate a safety housing designed to limit accidental access to the cutting elements and improve protection of the surrounding skin. The device also includes a manual drive mechanism that transmits the force applied by the user to the cutting element, said mechanism being configured to provide a force multiplication by means of a lever arrangement, which facilitates cutting even on harder nails without increasing the effort required. Optionally, the device can include a waste container designed to collect the cuttings generated during the cutting operation, helping to maintain a clean environment and preventing the uncontrolled dispersal of these wastes. This container can be integrated into the main body or configured as a removable element for easy emptying and cleaning. Thanks to the combination of the described features, the invention effectively solves the technical problem, providing a device that ensures a stable finger position, adjustable physical control of the cutting length, and functional adaptability of the cutting element. Compared to the prior art, the invention offers greater precision and repeatability of the result, a substantial improvement in safety during use, and greater functional versatility, all while maintaining a simple manual structure suitable for manufacturing using conventional industrial processes. Throughout the description and claims, the word "comprises" and its variants are not intended to exclude other technical features, additives, components, or steps. For those skilled in the art, other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent partly from the description and partly from the practice of the invention. The following examples and drawings are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to restrict the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention covers all possible combinations of the particular and preferred embodiments indicated herein. Brief description of the figures The following section briefly describes a series of drawings that help to better understand the invention and that are expressly related to an embodiment of said invention which is presented as a non-limiting example thereof. FIG 1. Shows a perspective view of the manual nail cutting device according to an embodiment of the invention, in which the main body (100), the manual drive mechanism (150), the length adjustment system (210), the positioning support (510) and the retention mechanism (410) can be seen. FIG 2. Shows a perspective view of the device with the positioning support (510) separated from the main body (100), illustrating its interchangeable configuration and removable attachment to the device. FIG 3. Shows a perspective view of the device provided with the waste deposit (600), arranged in the lower area of ​​the main body (100), as well as the retention mechanism (410) associated with the length adjustment system. FIG 4. Shows a front perspective view of the device in the position of use, in which the interchangeable cutting head (300), the positioning support (510), the length adjustment system (210), the retention mechanism (410), the drive mechanism (150) and the waste container (600) can be seen. Exposition of a detailed method of carrying out the invention A preferred, non-limiting embodiment of the manual nail cutting device according to the invention is described below, with reference to the accompanying figures. The device comprises a main body (100) configured as a rigid supporting structure, preferably obtained by injection molding of high mechanical strength polymeric material, such as ABS, polycarbonate or equivalent material, although it can also be manufactured in light metal alloys or combinations of materials. The main body (100) defines an outer casing that houses and supports the various functional elements of the device, including the drive mechanism (150), the length adjustment system (210), and the cutting head coupling means (300). In the embodiment shown, the body (100) has a substantially prismatic configuration with a front area intended for finger insertion and a rear area intended to support the drive mechanism (150). The manual drive mechanism (150) is configured as a lever articulated to the main body (100), and may be connected by a transverse shaft or metal pin that allows its angular movement. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanism (150) is arranged according to a lever system that provides force multiplication, so that the force applied manually by the user at the free end of the lever is transmitted, amplified, to the cutting element of the head (300). This configuration allows cutting with reduced effort, even on very hard nails. A positioning support (510) is located on the front of the main body (100), configured to receive at least partially a user's finger. In the embodiment shown, this support (510) takes the form of a cradle or housing with a front opening, which guides the finger axially toward the cutting head (300). The support (510) includes an internal depth stop configured to establish a limit position of the finger with respect to the cutting plane of the head (300). This stop may consist of a transverse inner wall or a protruding element integrated into the structure of the support (510). The positioning support (510) can be configured as an interchangeable element, removably attachable to the main body (100) by means of snap-on mechanisms, sliding guides, elastic locks, or equivalent means. This interchangeability allows supports (510) to be provided with different internal dimensions or geometries adapted to fingers or toes, as shown in the corresponding figures. Between the positioning support (510) and the cutting head (300) there is a length adjustment system (210) configured to regulate the effective distance between the depth stop of the support (510) and the cutting plane defined by the cutting element of the head (300). In the preferred embodiment, the adjustment system (210) comprises a linear displacement mechanism, such as a slide, threaded spindle, telescopic guide or equivalent element, which allows controlled modification of the relative position of the support (510) or the head (300). The adjustment system (210) is associated with a retention mechanism (410) configured to maintain the selected position during use. In a specific embodiment, the retention mechanism (410) may consist of a friction system, a ratchet, a spring-locked gear, a tightening screw, or any equivalent mechanical means that prevents unintentional displacement of the adjustment (210) once the desired position has been set. The cutting head (300) is located at the front of the main body (100) and comprises at least one cutting element configured to sever the protruding portion of the nail when the mechanism (150) is actuated. The head (300) is removably attached to the main body (100) and can be secured by mechanical means, pins, threads, elastic locks, or equivalent systems that allow for its replacement without complex tools. The interchangeability of the head (300) allows for the selection of different curvatures, widths, or cutting edge configurations adapted to various cutting requirements. In certain embodiments, the cutting head (300) may be partially surrounded by a safety housing intended to limit lateral or top access to the cutting element, reducing the risk of accidental contact with adjacent skin. A waste container (600) can be fitted to the lower part of the main body (100) to collect the cuttings generated during the cutting operation. This container (600) can be aligned with the lower part of the cutting head (300) so that the waste falls into it by gravity. The container (600) can be configured as a removable element, attached to the body (100) by means of guides, fittings, or elastic interlocks that allow its removal for emptying and cleaning. In operation, the user inserts their finger into the positioning support (510) until the fingertip contacts the depth stop. They then adjust the cutting length using the adjustment system (210) until the desired distance between the stop and the cutting plane is reached, locking this position with the retention mechanism (410). Next, they activate the drive mechanism (150), which transmits amplified force to the cutting head (300), resulting in the cutting of the nail. The resulting clippings are collected in the hopper (600), if present. The functional cooperation between the positioning support (510), the length adjustment system (210) with its retention mechanism (410) and the interchangeable head (300) allows for a repeatable, precise cut adapted to different configurations, while maintaining simple and safe manual operation. The present embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention, and structural modifications or technical equivalents may be introduced without departing from the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A manual nail trimming device comprising a main body (100) and a manual drive mechanism (150) configured to actuate at least one cutting element, characterized in that the device further comprises: a positioning support (510) configured to receive at least partially a user's finger, said support being provided with a depth stop configured to define a limit position of the finger with respect to the cutting element; a length adjustment system (210) configured to regulate the distance between the depth stop of the positioning support (510) and the cutting element; and a cutting head (300) removably attachable to the main body (100). 2.A device according to claim 1, wherein the manual drive mechanism (150) is configured as a lever articulated to the main body (100) that provides a force multiplication between the force applied by the user and the force transmitted to the cutting element.

3. A device according to any of claims 1 and 2, wherein the positioning support (510) is configured as a cradle with a front opening that guides the finger axially toward the cutting head (300).

4. A device according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the positioning support (510) is configured as an interchangeable element removably attachable to the main body (100).

5. A device according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the length adjustment system (210) comprises a linear displacement mechanism selected from a slide, a threaded spindle, a telescopic guide, or an equivalent mechanical means.

6. A device according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the length adjustment system (210) comprises a retention mechanism (410) configured to maintain a selected adjustment position during use of the device.

7. A device according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cutting head (300) comprises at least one cutting element configured to section the nail by the action of the drive mechanism (150).

8. A device according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cutting head (300) is configured to be replaced by another head with a different cutting geometry, curvature, or cutting element configuration.

9. A device according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cutting head (300) comprises a safety housing configured to limit accidental access to the cutting element. 10.A device according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein it incorporates a waste container (600) arranged to collect the cuttings generated during the cutting operation.

11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the waste container (600) is configured as a detachable element with respect to the main body (100).