Adjustable nail clipper

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to a trimmer for cutting (or trimming) the claws of domesticated animals. The trimmer includes a first handle, a second handle, and at least one blade. Pivoting movement of the first handle relative to the second handle causes the blade to move between a pre-cutting position and a cutting position. The transition from the pre-cutting position to the cutting position is configured to cut a claw located in the path of the blade. The trimmer can also include a guide for receiving a respective claw and directing the claw to be positioned within the path of the blade. In one example, the guide can include a single aperture, where the effective open area of the aperture is adjustable to accommodate a respective claw. In another example, the guide can include a plurality of apertures, each aperture sized to receive a claw of a respective size.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to grooming tools for animals, and more specifically to a nail trimmer for animals with one or more claws. Background Technology

[0002] Domesticated animals with one or more claws may have difficulty keeping their claws at a comfortable length. Therefore, in some cases, owners can provide their animals with a device that allows them to naturally maintain their claws. For example, for cats, owners can provide a scratching post so that the cat can naturally wear its claws down to a comfortable length by using the scratching post.

[0003] In other situations, owners may actively participate in maintaining the length of their domesticated animal's claws. For example, an owner may trim the claws with a pair of trimming shears. When trimming claws with scissors, owners may accidentally injure the animal if they are not careful. For example, trimming the claws too short can cause physical pain to the domesticated animal and may result in bleeding (also known as cutting into flesh).

[0004] Therefore, some scissors can detect and indicate a safe cutting length so that the owner doesn't cut into the meat of a domesticated animal. However, domesticated animals may struggle during claw trimming, and the owner may still accidentally cut the claws too short. Therefore, some scissors may include a physical stop to prevent the claws from being cut too short. However, given the differences in claws between domesticated animals and / or the frequency of claw trimming, a physical stop may not be equally effective for all domesticated animals (e.g., the user may still accidentally cut into the meat of their domesticated animal). Summary of the Invention

[0005] An example of a trimming shear for cutting one or more claws of an animal may include: a body defining a first handle, a second handle, a guide, a blade, and a shifter. The second handle is pivotally connected to the body, wherein the second handle pivots relative to the first handle in a handle plane. The guide extends from the body and defines an aperture for receiving a corresponding claw of the one or more claws of the animal. The blade extends in a blade plane, configured to be moved along a blade path between a pre-cutting position and a cutting position in response to pivoting movement of the second handle relative to the first handle, wherein the blade plane extends transversely to the handle plane. The shifter may be configured to adjust the pre-cutting position of the blade relative to the aperture such that the maximum insertion distance of the corresponding claw within the aperture is at least partially defined by the pre-cutting position of the blade.

[0006] Another example of a trimming shear for cutting one or more claws of an animal may include: a body defining a first handle, a second handle, a guide, a blade, and a shifter. The second handle is pivotally connected to the body, wherein the second handle pivots relative to the first handle in a handle plane. The guide extends from the body and defines an aperture for receiving a corresponding claw of the one or more claws of the animal, the aperture having a circular shape. The blade extends in a blade plane and defines a cutting edge with an arcuate shape, the blade being configured to be moved along a blade path in the blade plane between a pre-cutting position and a cutting position in response to pivoting movement of the second handle relative to the first handle, wherein the blade plane extends perpendicular to the handle plane. The shifter is configured to adjust the pre-cutting position of the blade relative to the aperture such that the maximum insertion distance of the corresponding claw within the aperture is at least partially defined by the pre-cutting position of the blade, the shifter including an indicator configured to provide an indication of the effective opening area of ​​the aperture.

[0007] Another example of a trimming shear for cutting one or more claws of an animal may include: a first body, a second body, and a guide. The first body may have a first handle portion and a first cutting portion. The second body may have a second handle portion and a second cutting portion. A cutting area may be defined between the first and second cutting portions. The second body is pivotally coupled to the first body such that the first handle portion, the first cutting portion, the second handle portion, and the second cutting portion pivot in a common plane. The guide is slidably coupled to the first body and configured to slide linearly along a sliding axis extending substantially parallel to the common plane. The guide may include: a receiving surface substantially parallel to the common plane; a blade-facing surface opposite to and substantially parallel to the common plane; and a plurality of holes. The plurality of holes may extend from the receiving surface and through the blade-facing surface. The plurality of holes may be configured to receive a corresponding claw of the one or more claws. Attached Figure Description

[0008] These and other features and advantages will be better understood by reading the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1A A schematic side view of an example of a trimming shear for cutting the claws of domesticated animals at a pre-cutting position, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0010] Figure 1BThe embodiments shown are consistent with those of this disclosure. Figure 1A A schematic top view of the trimmer shear.

[0011] Figure 2A The embodiments consistent with those shown in this disclosure are illustrated. Figure 1A A schematic side view of the trimming shear in another pre-cutting position.

[0012] Figure 2B The embodiments shown are consistent with those of this disclosure. Figure 2A A schematic top view of the trimmer shear.

[0013] Figure 3A The embodiments shown are consistent with those of this disclosure. Figure 1A A schematic side view of the trimmer shear in the cutting position.

[0014] Figure 3B The embodiments shown are consistent with those of this disclosure. Figure 3A A schematic top view of the trimmer shear.

[0015] Figure 4A The illustration shows an embodiment consistent with the present disclosure, in the first pre-cutting position. Figure 1A An example of a trimmer cutting blade.

[0016] Figure 4B The illustration shows a second pre-cutting position consistent with embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 1A An example of a trimmer cutting blade.

[0017] Figure 4C The embodiments shown are consistent with those of this disclosure. Figure 1A An example of a dressing shearer's cutting blade in the third pre-cutting position.

[0018] Figure 4D The illustration shows a fourth pre-cutting position consistent with embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 1A An example of a trimmer cutting blade.

[0019] Figure 5 A schematic top view of an example trimming cutter for cutting the claws of domesticated animals, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown, the trimming cutter having a guide in a storage position.

[0020] Figure 6 The embodiments shown are consistent with those of this disclosure. Figure 5 Another schematic top view of the trimmer shear, in which the guide is in the use position.

[0021] Figure 7 The embodiments shown are consistent with those of this disclosure. Figure 5A schematic top view of an example of a trimming shear, wherein the guide includes at least one non-circular hole.

[0022] Figure 8 A top view of an exemplary trimming shear in the cutting position, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0023] Figure 9 The illustration shows a pre-cutting position consistent with embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 8 A top view of the trimmer shear.

[0024] Figure 10 The illustration shows a pre-cutting position consistent with embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 8 A bottom view of the trimmer shear.

[0025] Figure 11 The illustration shows a pre-cutting position consistent with embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 8 An exploded view of the trimmer shear. Detailed Implementation

[0026] This disclosure generally relates to a trimming cutter for cutting (or trimming) the claws of domesticated animals. The trimming cutter includes a first handle, a second handle, and at least one blade. Pivoting motion of the first handle relative to the second handle causes the blade to move between a pre-cutting position and a cutting position. The transition from the pre-cutting position to the cutting position is configured to cut the claw located in the blade path. The trimming cutter may also include a guide for receiving the corresponding claw and guiding the claw to be positioned within the blade path. In one example, the guide may include a single hole, wherein the effective opening area of ​​the hole is adjustable to accommodate the corresponding claw. In another example, the guide may include multiple holes, each sized to receive a claw of a corresponding size. Thus, the guide can generally be described as reducing the risk of accidentally cutting flesh when cutting a claw.

[0027] Figures 1-3 illustrate a schematic example of a trimming shear 100. The trimming shear 100 includes a body 102 defining a first handle 104, a second handle 106 pivotally connected to the body 102, a blade 108, and a guide 110 extending from the body 102. The guide 110 defines an aperture 114 for receiving at least a portion of an animal's paw. Pivoting movement of the second handle 106 relative to the first handle 104 causes the blade 108 to move along a blade path 112 between a pre-cutting position (e.g., as shown in Figures 1 and 2) and a cutting position (e.g., as shown in Figure 3). The blade path 112 extends in a blade plane 113 such that the blade 108 moves linearly within the blade plane 113 and parallel to the upper surface 111 of the guide 110. The blade plane 113 extends laterally (e.g., perpendicularly to) the handle plane 115. The handle plane 115 extends through the first handle 104 and the second handle 106, such that pivoting motion of the first handle 104 and / or the second handle 106 occurs in the handle plane 115.

[0028] When in the pre-cutting position, the blade 108 is positioned along the guide 110 such that the claw received within the hole 114 does not make cutting contact with the blade 108 (e.g., the blade 108 may contact the claw but not penetrate it). In some cases, when the blade 108 is in the pre-cutting position, the blade 108 may partially obscure the hole 114 (e.g., as shown in FIG2). Thus, when the blade 108 is in the pre-cutting position, the maximum insertion distance of the claw within the hole 114 can be at least partially defined by the pre-cutting position of the blade 108. In other words, the effective opening area of ​​the hole 114 (e.g., the opening area of ​​the hole 114 capable of receiving the claw) can be adjusted by adjusting the pre-cutting position of the blade 108 relative to the hole 114.

[0029] The trimmer 100 may include a positioner 116 configured to adjust the pre-cutting position of the blade 108 relative to the hole 114. For example, the positioner 116 may be configured to adjust the pre-cutting position of the blade 108 such that the blade 108 partially obscures the hole 114 when in the pre-cutting position. Thus, the positioner 116 can generally be described as adjusting the maximum insertion distance of the jaws within the hole 114. In other words, the maximum insertion distance of the jaws within the hole 114 is at least partially defined by the pre-cutting position of the blade 108. In some cases, the positioner 116 may include an indicator 117 configured to provide an indication of the maximum insertion distance for a corresponding pre-cutting position. For example, the indicator 117 may be configured to provide an indication of the effective opening area of ​​the hole 114 for a corresponding pre-cutting position of the blade 108. In other words, the indicator 117 may (e.g., using a digital scale) provide an indication of the amount of overlap between the blade 108 and the hole 114 for a corresponding pre-cutting position. In some cases, the indexer 116 can be configured to adjust the insert 108 between two or more predetermined pre-cutting positions. For example, the indexer 116 can be configured to adjust the insert 108 between at least four predetermined pre-cutting positions (see, for example, see...). Figures 4A-4D The illustration shows an example of the blade 108 being adjusted along the guide 110 between four different predetermined pre-cut positions. Alternatively, the indexer 116 can be configured such that the pre-cut position of the blade 108 can generally be described as infinitely adjustable.

[0030] In some cases, the indexer 116 may be configured to be rotated by the user. Rotation of the indexer 116 causes the insert 108 to move relative to the guide 110 and along the insert path 112, thereby adjusting the pre-cutting position. In other words, rotation of the indexer 116 causes a corresponding linear movement of the insert 108, thereby adjusting the pre-cutting position of the insert 108. For example, the indexer 116 may include a gear configured to engage with the insert 108 or a corresponding rack defined by the insert 108, such that rotation of the indexer causes a corresponding linear movement of the insert 108. As a further example, the indexer 116 may include a cam configured to engage (directly or indirectly) a portion of the insert 108, such that rotation of the indexer causes a corresponding linear movement of the insert 108. Additionally or alternatively, the pre-cutting position may be adjusted by pivoting the second handle 106 relative to the first handle 104. For example, when the insert 108 is in the desired pre-cutting position after a pivoting motion, the indexer 116 can be actuated to adjust the pre-cutting position to the current position of the insert 108. In this example, the indexer 116 can be configured to be depressed and actuate the insert lock. Actuating the insert lock adjusts the pre-cutting position to the current position of the insert 108.

[0031] As shown, the insert 108 defines a cutting edge 118 with an arcuate shape (e.g., semi-circular or semi-elliptical). This arcuate shape typically corresponds to the shape of the claw. Thus, when the pre-cutting position of the insert 108 is adjusted, the exposed area of ​​the hole 114 has a generally arcuate shape (e.g., circular or elliptical). This allows for improved adjustment of the maximum insertion distance of the corresponding claw compared to a configuration where the cutting edge 118 has a linear shape.

[0032] As shown, the hole 114 can be circular in shape. When the pre-cutting position of the blade 108 is adjustable (e.g., compared to an example where the hole 114 has an elliptical shape), the circular shape allows for receiving a wider variety of claw sizes within the hole 114. However, the hole 114 can have any shape, including, for example, an elliptical shape.

[0033] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A schematic example of a trimming shear 500 is shown. The trimming shear 500 includes a first body 502 and a second body 504. The first body 502 includes a first handle portion 506 and a first cutting portion 508. The second body 504 includes a second handle portion 510 and a second cutting portion 512. The first body 502 is pivotally coupled to the second body 504 such that when the first handle portion 506 and the second handle portion 510 pivot toward each other, the first cutting portion 508 and the second cutting portion 512 pivot toward each other. As shown, the handle portion 506 and the handle portion 510, as well as the cutting portion 508 and the cutting portion 512, pivot in a common plane 511. The first cutting portion 508 and the second cutting portion 512 each define a corresponding cutting edge 514 and a cutting edge 516. One or more of the cutting edge 514 and / or the cutting edge 516 may have an arcuate shape. The first cutting edge 514 and the second cutting edge 516 define a cutting region 518 between them. In other words, the cutting region 518 can generally be described as being defined between the first cutting portion 508 and the second cutting portion 512. The cutting region 518 is configured to receive a jaw such that when the cutting edges 514 and 516 transition from the pre-cutting position to the cutting position, the jaw positioned in the cutting region is cut.

[0034] The trimmer 500 includes a guide 520 having a receiving surface (or upper surface) 529, a blade-facing surface (or lower surface) opposite to the receiving surface 529, and a plurality of holes 522 extending from the receiving surface 529 and through the blade-facing surface. The blade-facing surface and the receiving surface 529 are substantially parallel (e.g., within a parallel 5°, 4°, 3°, 2°, or 1°) to a common plane 511.

[0035] The hole 522 is configured to receive an animal's paw. For example, the guide 520 may include at least four holes 522. The guide 520 may be configured in a storage location (e.g., as...) Figure 5 (as shown) and usage location (e.g., as shown) Figure 6 The guide 520 is configured to extend over the cutting region 518 when in the use position, such that at least one hole 522 can be aligned (e.g., center-aligned) with the cutting region 518. Each hole 522 has a different size, wherein each size is configured to limit the maximum insertion distance of a claw inserted therein. Thus, the size of the hole 522 can be based on the claw size of various animals and / or animals of different sizes. For example, as shown, the guide 520 may include four holes 522 arranged in descending order of size. In some cases, as shown, each hole 522 may have a circular shape. In other cases, at least one of the holes 522 may have a non-circular shape. For example, as shown... Figure 7 As shown, at least one hole 522 may be elliptical. The hole 522 may include a tapered region extending around its perimeter, such that at least a portion of the central cross-section of each hole 522 is a truncated cone. This configuration allows for easier insertion of the claw into the hole.

[0036] The guide 520 is slidably coupled to one of the first body 502 and the second body 504, such that the position of the guide 520 relative to the cutting area 518 can be adjusted. For example, the guide 520 can slide along either the first body 502 or the second body 504 such that a hole 522 having dimensions corresponding to the claw of the animal to be trimmed is aligned with the cutting area 518. As shown, the guide 520 is configured to slide parallel to a sliding axis 524. The sliding axis 524 may extend substantially parallel to a common plane 511. For example, the guide 520 may be configured to slide along the sliding axis 524 and along (e.g., substantially parallel to) the upper surface 521 or upper surface 523 of a corresponding one of the first body 502 and the second body 504. The upper surface 521 of the first body 502 and the upper surface 523 of the second body 504 can generally be described as the animal-facing surface of the first body 502 and the animal-facing surface of the second body 504 when the claw is inserted into the hole 522. The sliding axis 524 extends between the first handle portion 506 and the second handle portion 510, passes through the pivot point 525 of the first body 502 and the second body 504, and extends between the first cutting portion 508 and the second cutting portion 512.

[0037] The guide 520 is configured to slide linearly along a sliding axis 524. For example, the first body 502 may include a plurality of tracks 526 configured to slidably receive the guide 520 therein. In other words, the guide 520 is slidably coupled to the first body 502 using the tracks 526. The guide 520 may be configured to form an interference fit with the tracks 526 such that movement of the guide 520 within the tracks 526 requires the application of a predetermined amount of force. Additionally or alternatively, the trimming shear 500 may include a shifter 528 coupled to the first body 502 or the second body 504 and configured to releasably engage a portion of the guide 520. The shifter 528 is configured to hold the guide 520 in a predetermined position. For example, the shifter 528 may include a cam configured to apply a clamping force on the guide 520, such that the guide 520 is held in the desired position. As another example, the indexer 528 may include one or more teeth configured to engage corresponding grooves in the guide 520, such that the guide 520 is held in a desired position. In some cases, the indexer 528 may include a gear configured to engage with the guide 520 or a corresponding rack defined by the guide 520, such that rotational movement of the gear causes a corresponding linear movement of the guide 520.

[0038] In some cases, the guide 520 can be removed from the track 526. Removing the guide 520 from the track 526 allows the guide 520 to be inserted into the track 526 in the opposite direction. For example, for a guide 520 having four holes 522 arranged in size, in a first direction, the two smallest holes 522 can be aligned with the cutting area 518, and when the direction is reversed to a second direction, the two largest holes 522 can be aligned with the cutting area 518. Such a structure allows for a reduction in the overall longitudinal length of the guide 520.

[0039] Figure 8 A top view of an exemplary trimming shear 800 in the cutting position is shown. Figure 9 A top view of the dressing shearer 800 in the pre-cutting position is shown, and Figure 10A bottom view of a trimming shear 800 in a pre-cutting position is shown. The trimming shear 800 includes a first body 802 and a second body 804. The first body 802 includes a first handle portion 806 and a first cutting portion 808. The second body 804 includes a second handle portion 810 and a second cutting portion 812. The first body 802 is pivotally coupled to the second body 804 such that when the first handle portion 806 pivots toward the second handle portion 810, the first cutting portion 808 pivots toward the second cutting portion 812. In other words, the first body 802 and the second body 804 switch between a cutting position and a pre-cutting position in response to pivoting motion. A biasing mechanism 813 (e.g., a spring) may be disposed between the first body 802 and the second body 804 such that the biasing mechanism 813 pushes the first body 802 and the second body 804 toward the pre-cutting position.

[0040] As shown in the figure, a first handle portion 806, a first cutting portion 808, a second handle portion 810, and a second cutting portion 812 pivot in a common plane 811. The first cutting portion 808 and the second cutting portion 812 each define corresponding cutting edges 814 and 816. Cutting edges 814 and 816 may have an arcuate shape. A cutting region 818 is defined between the first cutting edge 814 and the second cutting edge 816. In other words, the cutting region 818 can generally be described as being defined between the first cutting portion 808 and the second cutting portion 812. The cutting region 818 is configured to receive a claw therein. When the claw is received within the cutting region 818, the cutting edges 814 and 816 are configured to cut the claw in response to the pivoting movement of the first handle portion 806 and the second handle portion 810. In other words, the claw positioned within the cutting region 818 is cut in response to the trimmer shears 800 transitioning from a pre-cutting position to a cutting position.

[0041] The trimming shear 800 includes a guide 820 slidably connected to a first body 802 or a second body 804. The guide 820 has a receiving surface (or upper surface) 821, a blade-facing surface (or lower surface) 823 opposite to the receiving surface 821, and a plurality of holes 822 extending from the receiving surface 822 and through the blade-facing surface 823. The blade-facing surface 821 and the receiving surface 823 are substantially parallel to a common plane 811 (e.g., within a parallel range of 5°, 4°, 3°, 2°, or 1°).

[0042] The holes 822 are configured to receive an animal's claw therein. For example, the guide 820 may include at least four holes 822, each hole 822 having a different opening size (e.g., diameter). In some cases, the holes 822 may be arranged according to their opening sizes (e.g., from smallest to largest). Each opening size may correspond to the maximum insertion distance of the claw accommodated in that opening. For example, the diameter of each hole 822 may range from 0.5 mm to 6.5 mm. As another example, the first hole 822 may have a diameter of 2 mm, the second hole 822 may have a diameter of 2.5 mm, the third hole 822 may have a diameter of 3 mm, and the fourth hole 822 may have a diameter of 3.5 mm. As yet another example, the first hole 822 may have a diameter of 4 mm, the second hole 822 may have a diameter of 4.5 mm, the third hole 822 may have a diameter of 5 mm, and the fourth hole 822 may have a diameter of 5.5 mm. As another example, the first hole 822 may have a diameter of 1.5 mm, the second hole 822 may have a diameter of 2 mm, the third hole 822 may have a diameter of 2.5 mm, and the fourth hole 822 may have a diameter of 3 mm.

[0043] In some cases, the measured diameter difference between directly adjacent holes 822 may be at least 0.5 mm. For example, the first hole 822 may have a measured diameter of 1.5 mm, while the directly adjacent second hole 822 may have a measured diameter of 2 mm. Although the guide 820 is shown as having four holes 822, the guide 820 may have any number of holes 822. For example, the guide 820 may have at least two holes 822, at least three holes 822, or any other number of holes 822.

[0044] The guide 820 is configured to slide relative to the cutting region 818 such that the corresponding hole 822 can be aligned with the cutting region 818 (e.g., center-aligned). For example, the guide 820 may be configured to slide linearly along a sliding axis 825 extending substantially parallel to the common plane 811.

[0045] In some cases, the guide 820 may be configured to be slidably connected to the first handle portion 806 of the first body 802. For example, the guide 820 may be slidably received within the first handle portion 806. As shown, an actuator 824 extends from a slot 826 extending along the first handle portion 806, wherein movement of the actuator 824 relative to the slot 826 causes a corresponding movement of the guide 820 relative to the cutting region 818.

[0046] Figure 11An exploded view of a dressing shearer 800 in a pre-cutting position is shown. As shown, a slot 826 is defined in a plate 1100, which extends on a track 1102 defined in a first handle portion 806. In other words, when coupled to the first handle portion 806, the plate 1100 at least partially surrounds the track 1102, such that an actuator 824 extends from the slot 826. The track 1102 is configured to slidably receive a guide 820, such that the guide 820 slides within the track 1102 in response to movement of the actuator 824 within the slot 826. A indexer 1104 may be coupled to the first body 802. For example, the indexer 1104 may be coupled to the first handle portion 806, such that at least a portion of the indexer 1104 extends within the track 1102. The indexer 1104 is configured to hold the guide 820 in one or more predetermined positions relative to the cutting area 818. At least one of the one or more predetermined positions corresponds to a corresponding position in the hole 822 that is aligned with the cutting area 818.

[0047] As shown, the indexer 1104 is configured to engage with a corresponding recess of a plurality of recesses 1106 defined in the guide 820. The indexer 1104 includes a spring arm 1108 configured to move between a holding position and an adjusting position. Thus, in some cases, the indexer 1104 may be a spring (e.g., a torsion spring). When in the holding position, at least a portion of the spring arm 1108 is received within the corresponding recess 1106 defined in the guide 820. In response to the actuator 824 pushing the guide 820 to slide within the track 1102, the spring arm 1108 is pushed towards the adjusting position. When in the adjusting position, the spring arm 1108 disengages from the corresponding recess 1106 and slidably engages a transition surface 1110 of the guide 820 extending from the corresponding recess 1106 (e.g., extending between adjacent recesses 1106).

[0048] The spring arm 1108 may include an engagement region 1112 configured to be received within a recess 1106. The engagement region may have a shape generally corresponding to the shape of the recess 1106. The shapes of the engagement region 1112 and the recess 1106 may be configured to mate such that the spring arm 1108 can transition from a holding position to an adjusting position in response to a predetermined force applied by the actuator 824 along an axis generally extending along the track 1102. For example, the engagement region 1112 and the recess 1106 may have a triangular shape, an arcuate shape, and / or any other shape configured such that the spring arm 1108 transitions from a holding position to an adjusting position in response to a predetermined force applied by the actuator 824 along an axis generally extending along the track 1102.

[0049] As shown, the guide 820 includes at least four recesses 1106 and at least four holes 822, wherein each recess 1106 corresponds to a corresponding hole 822 such that when the engagement region 1112 is received within the corresponding recess 1106, the corresponding hole 822 is aligned with the cutting region 818. Although the guide 820 is shown as having four recesses 1106, the guide 820 may have any number of recesses 1106. For example, the guide 820 may have at least two recesses 1106, at least three recesses 1106, or any other number of recesses 1106.

[0050] While specific embodiments of this disclosure have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications be covered within the scope of this disclosure in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A trimmer for cutting one or more claws of an animal, comprising: a first body having a first handle portion and a first cutting portion; a second body having a second handle portion and a second cutting portion; a cutting region defined between the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion, wherein the first body and the second body are pivotably coupled such that the first handle portion, the first cutting portion, the second handle portion, and the second cutting portion pivot in a common plane; a guide slidably coupled to the first body and linearly slidable along a sliding axis extending substantially parallel to the common plane, the guide comprising: an upper surface substantially parallel to the common plane; a lower surface opposite the upper surface and substantially parallel to the common plane; and a plurality of holes extending through the guide from the upper surface to the lower surface, each of the plurality of holes having a different size to receive the one or more claws.

2. The trim shear of claim 1, wherein, the first handle portion defines a track for slidably receiving the guide.

3. The trimmer of claim 2, further comprising a plate extending over the track.

4. The trimmer of claim 3, further comprising an actuator configured to extend from a slot defined in the plate, movement of the actuator relative to the slot causing a corresponding movement in the guide.

5. The trimmer of claim 1, further comprising an indexer coupled to the first body, the indexer configured to hold the guide in a plurality of predetermined holding positions relative to the first body.

6. The trim shear of claim 5, wherein, the indexer has a guide engagement region; wherein the guide has a plurality of grooves; and wherein the guide engagement region of the indexer is respectively placeable in a different one of the plurality of grooves in each of the plurality of holding positions.

7. The trim shear of claim 1, wherein, the plurality of holes comprises at least four holes.

8. The trim shear of claim 7, wherein, the plurality of holes is arranged according to the size of the holes.

9. The trim shear of claim 1, wherein, each of the plurality of holes has a circular shape.

10. The trim shear of claim 1, wherein, at least one of the plurality of holes has a non-circular shape.

11. The trimmer of claim 1, wherein, the first cutting portion has a first cutting portion cutting edge; the second cutting portion has a second cutting portion cutting edge; the first cutting portion cutting edge is arcuate; and the second cutting portion cutting edge is arcuate.

12. The trimmer of claim 1, wherein, the first body and the second body transition from a pre-cutting position to a cutting position or from a cutting position to a pre-cutting position when pivoted about a pivot axis; and a biasing mechanism urges at least one of the first body and the second body toward the pre-cutting position.

Images