Shears with adjustable blade gap

Abstract

Generally, a nail clipper for trimming nails, in particular, a nail clipper, comprising a blade gap adjustment assembly or a blade gap calibration assembly or a combination thereof, which can be used to adjust the blade gap between opposing blades to allow a nail to be inserted between the opposing first and second blades to trim the nails, while providing a barrier for preventing a finger from being inserted between the opposing blades to avoid cutting the relevant finger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Generally, a nail clipper for trimming nails, in particular, a nail clipper, comprising a blade gap adjustment assembly or a blade gap calibration assembly or a combination thereof, which can be used to adjust the blade gap between opposing blades to allow a nail to be inserted between the opposing first and second blades to trim the nails, while providing a barrier for preventing a finger from being inserted between the opposing blades to avoid cutting the relevant finger. Summary of the invention

[0002] The present invention is a device, which includes: a first leaf member and a second leaf member, each of which includes a first leaf end opposite to a second leaf end, the first and second leaf members are connected at the first leaf end and diverge outwardly to approach the second leaf end, the first and second leaf members correspondingly include a first blade and a second blade disposed at the second leaf end in a spaced-apart, opposing relationship, and the first or second blade can be moved by pressing the first or second leaf member; a column having a length disposed between the first end portion of the column and the second end portion of the column, the column passing through the first and second leaf member orifices, the first and second leaf member orifices being disposed in the first and second leaf members correspondingly close to the first and second blades; and a blade gap adjustment assembly, which can be moved relative to the first end portion of the column or the second end portion of the column to engage the first or second elastic leaf member to adjust the blade gap between the first blade and the second blade. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a specific embodiment of the shears with adjustable blade gap of the present invention.

[0004] Figure 2 is a top plan view of a specific embodiment of the shears with adjustable blade gap of the present invention.

[0005] Figure 3 is a first side elevation view of a particular embodiment of the adjustable blade gap shears of the present invention.

[0006] Figure 4 is a second side elevation view of a particular embodiment of the adjustable blade gap shears of the present invention.

[0007] Figure 5 is a first end elevation view of a particular embodiment of a shears with adjustable blade gap.

[0008] Figure 6 is a second end elevation view of a particular embodiment of a shears having an adjustable blade gap.

[0009] Figure 7is a bottom plan view of a particular embodiment of a shears with adjustable blade gap.

[0010] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A cross section of a specific embodiment of a shear with adjustable blade gap is shown in Figure 8-8 .

[0011] Fig. 9 yes Figures 1 to 8 An exploded view of a particular embodiment of a shears with adjustable blade gap is shown in FIG.

[0012] Fig.10 is a bottom plan view of a particular embodiment of an adjustable blade gap shears further comprising a blade gap calibration component.

[0013] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 A cross section of a specific embodiment of a shear with adjustable blade gap is shown in Figure 11-11 .

[0014] Fig.12 It also includes the blade gap calibration component Figures 10 to 11 An exploded view of a particular embodiment of a shears with adjustable blade gap.

[0015] Fig.13 Methods of calibrating blade gap, adjusting blade gap, and trimming nails are shown with respect to embodiments of clippers with adjustable blade gap. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In general, reference Figures 1 to 13 , which shows a specific embodiment of a clipper (1) with adjustable blade gap and a method of making it, and using a specific embodiment of the clipper (1) with adjustable blade gap to trim a nail (2) extending from a finger (3) of an animal (4), all of which are covered by the breadth of the clipper technology with adjustable blade gap of the present invention. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "nail" broadly covers a fingernail, a claw, or a claw. The term "animal" broadly covers any animal having a nail, and without sacrificing the breadth of the foregoing, includes humans, Carnivora (e.g., dogs, cats, raccoons, hyenas, bears), kangaroos, lemurs, lizards, and birds as illustrative examples. The term "finger" covers the anatomical part from which the nail extends, and without sacrificing the breadth of the foregoing, includes the fingers or toes of terrestrial vertebrates.

[0017] Again, general reference Figures 1 to 13, a specific embodiment of a shearing tool (1) with adjustable blade gap may include a first leaf component (5) and a second leaf component (6), each of which includes a first leaf end (7A)(7B) opposite to a second leaf end (8A)(8B). The first and second leaf components (5)(6) connected at the first leaf end (7A)(7B) diverge outward and approach the second leaf end (8A)(8B). For the purposes of the present invention, the term "connected" in the alternative means direct interaction, direct contact (whether by mechanical fasteners, adhesives, welding or as a single-piece structure), or indirect connection as separate structures that are joined, combined or linked together. The first and second leaf components (5)(6) respectively include a first blade (9) or a second blade (10) located at the second leaf end (8A)(8B). In certain embodiments, the first or second leaf member (5) (6) or both may be resilient to allow the first or second blade (9) (10) or the first and second blades (9) (10) to move by depressing the first or second leaf member (5) (6) or by depressing both the first and second leaf members (5) (6) simultaneously. For purposes of the present invention, the term "resilient" means capable of rebounding or springing back to its original shape after being bent, stretched or compressed. In certain embodiments, the first blade end (10A) or the second blade end (10B) (or both the first and second blade ends (10A) (10B) may be blunted to allow the first or second blade (9) (10) to engage the nail (2) laterally and slidingly without cutting the finger (3).

[0018] Again, the main reference Figures 1 to 13 , a specific embodiment may further include a column (11) having a column length (12) disposed between a first column end (13) and a second column end (14). The column (11) may pass through first and second leaf member openings (15) (16) disposed in the first and second leaf members (5) (6) respectively, close to the first or second blade (9) (10). Fig. 9 As shown in the illustrative example of , the post (11) can, but need not necessarily, be configured as a cylinder (11A) having a flat side (11B). The first or second leaf member orifice (15)(16) can respectively define a truncated circle (16A), thereby allowing the first or second leaf member (5)(6) to be slidably spaced along the post (11) between the corresponding first and second post ends (13)(14), while substantially inhibiting rotation of the first and second leaf members (15) about the post longitudinal axis (11C). Figure 8In the illustrative example of the first leaf member aperture (15) defines an elliptical aperture (15A) and the second leaf member aperture (16) defines a truncated circle (16A). The first or second leaf member aperture (15)(16) may be of sufficient size to accommodate the arc traveled by the first or second leaf member (5)(6) when depressed.

[0019] Again, the main reference Figures 1 to 13 , specific embodiments may, but need not necessarily, include a blade gap adjustment assembly (19). The blade gap adjustment assembly (19) is movable (M1) along the first end portion (17) or the second end portion (18) of the column to respectively directly or indirectly engage the first or second leaf member (5) (6). Movement (M1) of the blade gap adjustment assembly (19) along the first or second end portion (17) (18) of the column respectively adjusts the distance between the first and second blades (9) (10) in a fixed spatial relationship to establish a blade gap (20) between the first blade and the second blade (9) (10).

[0020] Now, the main reference Figure 8 and 9 In a specific embodiment, the blade gap adjustment assembly (19) may include a first annular member (21) and a second annular member (22). The first annular member (21) may, but need not necessarily, be connected to a spacer element (23) disposed between the first annular member (21) and the second leaf member (6) in a fixed spatial relationship. The first annular member (21) and the spacer element (23) define a radially inner annular wall (24) configured to slidably engage the column (11) while substantially inhibiting rotation of the first annular member (21) and the spacer element (23) about the longitudinal axis (11C) of the column (11). Figure 8 and 9In the illustrative example of the invention, the radially inner annular wall (24) of the first annular member (21) or the inner annular wall (24) of the spacing element (23) defines a truncated circle (24A) that slidably engages a column (11) configured as a cylinder (11A) having a flat side (11B) and substantially prevents rotation of the first annular member (21) and the spacing element (23) about the column longitudinal axis (11C). The first annular member (21) extends radially outward from the spacing element (23) to a radially outer circular annular wall (25). The second annular member (22) extends between a radially inner circular annular wall (26) and a radially outer annular wall (28) that define a closed bottom circular recess (27). The first annular member (21) can be placed in the closed bottom circular recess (27) so that the radially outer circular wall (25) of the first annular member (21) is placed adjacent to the radially inner circular wall (26) of the second annular member (22), whereby the second annular member (22) rotates (R1) around the first annular member (21). In a specific embodiment, as Figure 8 As shown in the example, a centrally located aperture (29) in a closed bottom circular recess (27) of the second annular member (22) can be threadedly engaged to the second end portion (18) of the column, whereby rotation of the second annular member (22) around the first annular member (21) causes the first annular member (21) or the spacer element (23) to move (M1) against the second leaf member (6) to increase or decrease the blade gap (20) between the first and second blades (9)(10).

[0021] Again, the main reference Figure 8 and 9 In a specific embodiment, the closed end circular channel (30) can be, but need not necessarily be, disposed in the closed bottom circular recess (27) of the second annular member (22). When the second annular member (22) rotates around the first annular member (21), a pin (31) extending outward from the first annular member (21) slides in the closed end circular channel (32). The pin (31) can engage the first closed end (33) or the second closed end (34) of the closed end circular channel (32) to define a rotation (R1) of the second annular member (22) around the first annular member (21) in a clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of less than 360 degrees. In a particular embodiment, the second annular member (22) can be threadedly engaged to the second end portion (18) of the column, whereby rotation of the second annular member (22) defined by the engagement of the pin (31) with the first and second closed ends (33)(34) of the closed end channel (32) can correspondingly define a useful range of movement of the blade gap (20) established between the first and second blades (9)(10).

[0022] Now, the main reference Figures 10 to 13, specific embodiments may, but need not necessarily, include a blade gap calibration assembly (35). Figures 10 to 13 In an illustrative example of the invention, the second annular member (22) may include a centrally located aperture (29) in a closed bottom circular recess (27) through which the post second end portion (18) passes to threadably engage a blade gap calibration member (36). The blade gap calibration member (36) threadably engaged to the post second end portion (18) may rotate (R2) independently of the rotation (R1) of the second annular member (22). The rotation (R2) of the blade gap calibration member (36) causes the blade gap calibration member (35) to move (M2) along the post second end portion (18) to correspondingly move (M2) the first and second annular members (21)(22) engaged to the second leaf member (6), thereby increasing or decreasing the blade gap (20) between the first and second blades (9)(10). By rotating (R1) the second annular member (22) defined by engagement of the pin (31) with the first and second closed ends (33)(34) of the closed-end circular channel (32), the blade gap (20) can be adjusted by operation of the blade gap calibration member (36) to establish a calibrated distance (37) between the first and second blades (9)(10) useful for subsequent adjustment of the blade gap (20). In certain embodiments, as Fig.10 As shown in the illustrative example of , the blade gap calibration component (36) can be rotatably disposed in a second annular component base recess (38) of a second annular component base (39). The second annular component base recess (38) can be configured to receive the entirety of the blade gap calibration component (35) that is recessed or flush relative to the second annular component base outer surface (40).

[0023] Again, the main reference Figures 10 to 13 In certain embodiments, the blade gap calibration component (36) may, but need not necessarily, include a blade gap calibration component rotation tool (41) (also referred to as a "tool"). The tool (41) and the blade gap calibration component (36) include releasably matable engagement portions (42) (43) (also referred to as a "tool engagement portion" and a "calibration component engagement portion"). The tool engagement portion (42) may engage the calibration engagement portion (43), and the tool (41) may be rotated to correspondingly rotate (R2) the blade gap calibration component (35). Figures 10 to 13In an illustrative example of the present invention, a tool (41) includes a tool handle (44) terminating in a forked engagement portion (45) having first and second prongs (46) (47). The first and second prongs (46) (47) can be structured to be correspondingly inserted into a pair of apertures (48) (49) disposed in a blade calibration component (35). The tool handle (44) having the first and second prongs (46) (47) engaged to the pair of apertures (48) (49) can be rotated to correspondingly rotate (R2) the blade gap calibration component (35) to establish a calibrated distance (37) between the first and second blades (9) (10).

[0024] Again, the main reference Figures 10 to 13 , specific embodiments may but need not necessarily include a calibration blade (50). Calibration blade (50) (such as Fig.11 The blade gap calibration component (36) can be inserted (B1) between the first and second blades (9) (10) and the blade gap calibration component (35) is rotated (R2) to engage the first and second blades (9) (10) with the calibration blade (50). The calibration blade (50) can be removed (B2) to establish a calibrated distance (37) between the first and second blades (9) (10) that is substantially equal to the thickness of the calibration blade (50). The blade gap calibration component (36) can then be secured to the second annular component (22) (as shown in the example) in a fixed spatial relationship. Fig.10 and 11 A pair of fasteners (51)(52) threadably engaged with the second annular member (22) can be rotatably engaged to the blade gap calibration member (36) to secure the blade gap calibration member (36) to the second annular member (22) of the blade gap adjustment assembly (19) in a fixed spatial relationship. The blade gap (20) having a calibrated distance (37) between the first and second blades (9)(10) allows for subsequent adjustment through the blade gap range (53) (as shown in FIG. Fig.13 The present invention provides a method of adjusting a blade gap (20) by adjusting a blade gap range that is calibrated based on an incremental rotation (R1) of a second annular member (22) of a blade gap adjustment assembly (19) defined by engagement of a pin (31) with first and second closed ends (33) (34) of a closed end channel (32). In certain embodiments, a plurality of calibrated blades (50) of varying thicknesses may be included, thereby allowing different calibrated distances (37) between the first and second blades (9) (10) to correspondingly provide blade gaps (20) with correspondingly different blade gap ranges (53). As an example, a first calibrated distance (37) between the first and second blades (9) (10) may be associated with a first blade gap (55), and a second calibrated distance (37) between the first and second blades may be associated with a second blade gap (56).

[0025] Now, the main reference Fig.13 In certain embodiments, one or more blade gap indexes (54) may, but need not necessarily, be circumferentially disposed on the second annular member (22) of the blade gap adjustment assembly (19). The blade gap (20) may have a blade gap range (53) calibrated according to the blade gap index first and second endpoints (57) (58) of the blade gap index (54). After establishing a calibrated distance (37) between the first and second blades (9) (10) of the blade gap (29) (as described above), the blade gap index first endpoint (57) may be aligned with a blade gap index indicator (59) disposed on the first annular member (21) of the blade gap adjustment assembly (19). The blade gap calibration member (35) may then be secured to the second annular member (22) of the blade gap adjustment assembly (19) in a fixed spatial relationship, as described above. The second annular member (22) can then be rotated (R2) to align one of the plurality of indexes (60) of the blade gap index (54) with the blade gap index indicator (59) to correspondingly increase or decrease the blade gap (20) by calibrated increments throughout the blade gap range (53) calibrated according to the blade gap index (54).

[0026] Again, general reference Figures 1 to 13 , embodiments may, but need not necessarily, include a leaf pressing lever (61) having a lever first end (62) rotatably coupled to the first end portion (17) of the column. The leaf pressing lever (17) may be rotated (R3) to engage the first leaf member (5) to correspondingly move the first blade (9) toward the second blade (10). In a particular embodiment, the column (11) may, but need not necessarily, include a pivot support element (63) disposed on the first end portion (17) of the column. The blade gap adjustment assembly (19) may be moved (M1) relative to the second end portion (18) of the column to engage the second leaf member (6) to adjust the blade gap (20) between the first blade (9) and the second blade (10), and the leaf pressing lever first end (62) may be rotated in a pivot support element (63A) disposed in the first end portion (17) of the column to gradually engage the leaf pressing lever (61) with the first leaf member (5) to correspondingly move the first blade (9).

[0027] As can be readily appreciated from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention can be embodied in various ways. The present invention relates to many and various embodiments, including best modes, of an adjustable orifice scissors (1) and methods of making and using such adjustable orifice scissors (1). Additional embodiments of scissors (1) with adjustable blade gaps can be assembled using components from the various embodiments described above and shown in the figures. Specific embodiments can include and the blade gap (20) can be adjusted by operation of only a blade gap adjustment assembly (19) or only a blade gap calibration adjustment assembly (35), each of which can perform similar functions in the absence of the other. Other specific embodiments can include both a blade gap calibration adjustment assembly (35) and a blade gap adjustment assembly (19), each of which has separate structures and functions, wherein the blade gap calibration adjustment assembly (35) operates to provide an initial calibrated distance (37) between the first and second blades (9)(10), and then the blade gap adjustment assembly (19) operates to incrementally adjust the blade gap (20). Similarly, although the first leaf member and the second leaf member (5) (6) and the leaf pressing lever (61) are described and shown as being similar between the embodiments, the leaf member (5) (6) and the leaf pressing lever (61) may have different designs or configurations to position the first and second blades (9) (10) in a relative relationship and may be used with embodiments of only the blade gap calibration adjustment assembly (52) or only the blade gap adjustment assembly (19) or a combination of both.

[0028] Thus, the specific embodiments or elements of the invention disclosed by the specification or shown in the drawings or tables accompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, but rather are illustrations of the numerous different embodiments generally encompassed by the invention or of the equivalents encompassed with respect to any specific element thereof. In addition, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitly describe all possible embodiments or elements; the specification and drawings implicitly disclose many alternatives.

[0029] It should be understood that each element of the device or each step of the method can be described by device terms or method terms. Such terms can be replaced when necessary, so that the implicit broad coverage of the present invention is clear. As just one example, it should be understood that all steps of the method can be disclosed as actions, means for taking the actions, or elements causing the actions. Similarly, each element of the device can be disclosed as a physical element or an action promoted by the physical element. As just one example, the disclosure of "clippers" should be understood to cover the disclosure of "pruning" actions - whether or not explicitly discussed - and on the contrary, if the "pruning" action is effectively disclosed, this disclosure should be understood to cover the disclosure of "clippers" and even "devices for pruning". These alternative terms for each element or step should be understood to be explicitly included in the specification.

[0030] In addition, with respect to each term used, it should be understood that unless the utilization of the term in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, the commonly used dictionary definition should be understood to be included in the description of each term contained in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, each definition being incorporated herein by reference.

[0031] It is assumed that all numerical values ​​herein are modified by the term "about", whether or not explicitly stated. For the purposes of the present invention, the range can be expressed as from "about" a specific value to "about" another specific value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from one specific value to another specific value. The numerical range described by the endpoint includes all numerical values ​​included in the range. The numerical range of one to five includes, for example, numerical values ​​1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc. It should be further understood that the endpoints of each range are effective in relation to and independently of the other endpoint. When the antecedent "about" is used to express the value as an approximate value, it will be understood that the specific value forms another embodiment. The term "about" generally refers to a series of numerical values ​​that a person skilled in the art considers to be equivalent to the stated numerical value or to have the same function or result. Similarly, the antecedent "substantially" represents the same form, mode or degree to a large extent but not completely, and a specific element will have a series of configurations with the same function or result that a person of ordinary skill in the art will consider. When particular elements are expressed as approximations by using the antecedent "substantially," it is understood that the particular elements form another embodiment.

[0032] In addition, for the purpose of the present invention, unless otherwise limited, the term "a / an" entity refers to one or more of the entity. Thus, the terms "a / an", "one or more" and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein.

[0033] Therefore, it should be understood that applicants claim at least: i) each of the scissors disclosed and described herein, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative embodiments that achieve each of the functions shown, disclosed or described, v) those alternative designs and methods that achieve each of the functions shown as implicit to the disclosed and described content, vi) each feature, component and step shown as a separate and independent invention, vii) applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatus substantially as described above and with reference to any accompanying examples, x) various combinations and arrangements of each of the previous elements disclosed.

[0034] The background section of this patent application provides a statement of the field to which the present invention relates. This section may also be combined with or contain a paraphrase of certain U.S. patents, patent applications, publications, or themes of the claimed invention, which is used to relate information, problems, or concerns about the state of the art to what the present invention is directed to. Any U.S. patent, patent application, publication, statement, or other information cited or incorporated herein should not be interpreted, construed, or considered as prior art to the present invention.

[0035] The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference as part of the description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all or part of this incorporation of these claims as additional explanations in support of any or all claims or any elements or parts thereof; and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any part or all of the incorporation of these claims or any elements or parts thereof from the specification to the claims, or vice versa, as necessary to define the subject matter claimed in this application or any subsequent application or continuation, division or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of reduced fees under or to comply with any national or treaty patent statutes, rules or regulations; and this incorporation by reference shall survive throughout the pendency of this application, including any subsequent continuation, division or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereof.

[0036] In addition, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, are also intended to describe the scope and limits of a limited number of preferred embodiments of the invention and should not be interpreted as the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete list of embodiments of the invention that can be claimed. Applicants do not waive the right to further file claims based on the above description as part of any continuation, division or continuation-in-part or similar application.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a first leaf member and a second leaf member, each comprising a leaf first end opposite to a leaf second end, the first and second leaf members being coupled to the leaf first end and diverging outwardly proximate to the leaf second end, the first and second leaf members correspondingly comprising a first blade and a second blade disposed in a spaced-apart opposed relationship at the leaf second end, the first or second blade being movable by pressing the first or second leaf member; a post having a length disposed between a first post end and a second post end, the post passing through first and second leaf member apertures, the first and second leaf member apertures being disposed in the first and second leaf members proximate the first and second blades, respectively; as well as A blade gap adjustment assembly that is capable of moving relative to a first end portion of a column or a second end portion of a column to engage the first leaf member or the second leaf member to adjust the blade gap between the first blade and the second blade, wherein the blade gap adjustment assembly includes a first annular member and a second annular member, the first annular member being connected to a spacer disposed between the blade gap adjustment assembly and the second leaf member in a fixed spatial relationship, the first annular member and the spacer having an inner annular surface and an outer annular surface, the inner annular surface defining a passage through which the second end portion of the column passes, the second annular member having an inner annular surface that slidably engages the outer annular surface of the first annular member in an adjacent spatial relationship, the second annular member being movable relative to the first end portion of the column or the second end portion of the column to engage the spacer with the first or second leaf member to adjust the blade gap between the first blade and the second blade.

2. The device according to claim 1 further includes a leaf pressing lever, which has a first end of the lever connected to the first end portion or the second end portion of the column or the first or second leaf part in a rotatable manner, and the leaf pressing lever rotates to engage the first or second leaf part to move the first or second blade accordingly.

3. The device according to claim 2 further includes a pivot support disposed on the first end portion of the column, the first end of the lever rotates in the pivot support to engage the leaf pressing lever and the first leaf component, and the blade gap adjustment assembly is capable of moving relative to the second end portion of the column to engage the second leaf component to adjust the blade gap between the first blade and the second blade.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the spacer is disposed between the blade gap adjustment assembly and the second leaf member, the second annular member being movable relative to the first or second end portion of the post to engage the spacer and the second leaf member.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the second annular member and the second end portion of the column are threadedly engaged, and the second annular member is rotated relative to the second end portion of the column to move the blade gap adjustment assembly relative to the second end portion of the column to engage the second leaf member to correspondingly move the second blade to adjust the blade gap between the first blade and the second blade.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a blade gap index disposed on the blade gap adjustment assembly, wherein the blade gap index is capable of being aligned with a blade gap index indicator disposed on the first annular member through movement of the blade gap adjustment assembly to indicate an optional incremental increase or decrease in the blade gap between the first blade and the second blade.

Images