Adjustable nail clipper

Abstract

A trimmer scissors for shearing animal claws, comprising a first body and a second body pivotably coupled in a pivot plane about a pivot axis, a blade having a shearing edge, the blade movable in a blade plane along a blade path in response to a pivoting movement of the first body and / or the second body, wherein the blade plane is transverse to the pivot plane, a guide coupled to the first body, the guide movable in a guide plane along a guide path, wherein the guide plane is substantially parallel to the blade plane and the guide has a plurality of holes extending through the guide, and wherein each hole of the guide is positionable relative to the shearing edge of the blade such that the shearing edge shears a claw placed in each hole, respectively, when the blade is moved from a retracted position to an extended position.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 202,269, filed June 3, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to grooming tools for animals, and more particularly to nail trimmers for animals with one or more claws. Background Technology

[0004] Domestic animals with one or more claws may have difficulty maintaining 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 felines, owners can provide a scratching post, which the feline can use to naturally wear its claws down to a comfortable length.

[0005] In other situations, owners may actively participate in maintaining the length of their pet's claws. For example, an owner may use a pair of nail trimmers to cut the claws. When using nail trimmers, owners may accidentally injure their animals without taking appropriate precautions. For example, cutting the claws too short can cause physical pain and bleeding (also known as cutting the living flesh under the nail).

[0006] Therefore, some scissors can detect and indicate a safe cutting length, preventing owners from cutting into the live flesh under their pet's nails. However, pets may struggle during nail trimming, and owners may still accidentally cut the nails too short. Therefore, some scissors may include physical stops that prevent nails from being cut too short. However, given the differences between pets' nails and / or the frequency of nail trimming, physical stops may not be equally effective for all pets (e.g., a user may still accidentally cut into the live flesh under their pet's nails). Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure generally relates to trimming shears for cutting (or trimming) the claws of domestic animals.

[0008] A trimmer scissors for shearing an animal claw includes a first body and a second body pivotably coupled about a pivot axis in a pivot plane; a blade having a shearing edge, the blade movable in a blade plane along a blade path in response to pivotal movement of the first body and / or the second body, wherein the blade plane is transverse to the pivot plane; a guide coupled to the first body, the guide movable in a guide plane along a guide path, wherein the guide plane is substantially parallel to the blade plane, and the guide has a plurality of apertures extending through the guide, and wherein each aperture of the guide is positionable relative to the shearing edge of the blade such that the shearing edge shears a claw placed in each aperture, respectively, as the blade moves from a retracted position to an extended position.

[0009] A trimmer scissors for shearing one or more claws of an animal includes a first body having a first handle portion; a second body having a second handle portion, the first body and the second body pivotably coupled such that at least one of the first body and the second body pivots relative to the other about a pivot axis in a pivot plane; a blade having a shearing edge, the blade movable in a blade plane along a blade path between a retracted position and an extended position in response to pivotal movement of at least one of the first body and the second body relative to the other, wherein the blade plane is transverse to the pivot plane; a guide coupled to the first body, the guide movable in a guide plane along a guide path, wherein the guide plane is substantially parallel to the blade plane, and the guide has a plurality of apertures extending through the guide, each aperture of the plurality of apertures having a different size to receive the one or more claws; and wherein each aperture of the guide is positionable relative to the shearing edge of the blade such that the shearing edge shears a claw placed in each aperture, respectively, as the blade moves from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0010] The trimmer scissors further include the blade and the guide disposed adjacent to and / or in contact with each other.

[0011] The trimmer scissors further include a bottom surface of the guide adjacent to and in contact with a top surface of the guide.

[0012] The trimmer scissors further include the blade and the guide at least partially disposed in an enclosed channel.

[0013] The trimmer scissors further include the shearing edge concealed by the enclosed channel when the blade is in the retracted position.

[0014] The trimmer scissors further include the enclosed channel being a rectangular channel.

[0015] The trimmer scissors further include the enclosed channel formed by a rectangular ring.

[0016] The trimmer scissors further include the blade being planar and the guide being planar.

[0017] The trimmer scissors further comprise the blade is linearly movable in the blade plane along the blade path and / or is slidable in the blade plane along the blade path.

[0018] The trimmer scissors further comprise the guide is linearly movable in the guide plane along the guide path and / or is slidable in the guide plane along the guide path.

[0019] The trimmer scissors further comprise the cutting edge is arcuate.

[0020] The trimmer scissors further comprise at least one of the plurality of holes is circular.

[0021] The trimmer scissors further comprise at least one of the plurality of holes is non-circular.

[0022] The trimmer scissors further comprise a biasing mechanism that urges the blade to the retracted position when the blade is in the extended position.

[0023] The trimmer scissors further comprise the blade plane is substantially perpendicular to the pivot plane. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] These and other features and advantages will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1A A schematic side view of an example of trimmer scissors for trimming a claw of a domestic animal in a pre-shearing position is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 1B A schematic top view of the trimmer scissors of Figure 1A is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2A A schematic side view of the trimmer scissors of Figure 1A is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, in another pre-shearing position.

[0028] Figure 2B A schematic top view of the trimmer scissors of Figure 2A is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 3A A schematic side view of the trimmer scissors of Figure 1A is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a shearing position.

[0030] Figure 3B A schematic top view of the trimmer scissors of Figure 3A is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 4AAn example of a trimming shear in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in a first pre-shear position. Figure 1A An example of a trimming shear in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in a first pre-shear position.

[0032] An example of a trimming shear in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in a second pre-shear position. Figure 1A An example of a trimming shear in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in a second pre-shear position.

[0033] An example of a trimming shear in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in a third pre-shear position. Figure 1A An example of a trimming shear in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in a third pre-shear position.

[0034] An example of a trimming shear in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in a fourth pre-shear position. Figure 1A An example of a trimming shear in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in a fourth pre-shear position.

[0035] Figure 5 An example of a trimming shear in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in a first pre-shear position.

[0036] Figure 6 An example of a trimming shear in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in a first pre-shear position. Figure 5 An example of a trimming shear in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in a first pre-shear position.

[0037] Figure 7 An example of a trimming shear in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in a first pre-shear position. Figure 5 An example of a trimming shear in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in a first pre-shear position.

[0038] Figure 8 An example of a trimming shear in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in a first pre-shear position.

[0039] Figure 9 An example of a trimming shear in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in a first pre-shear position. Figure 8 An example of a trimming shear in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in a first pre-shear position.

[0040] Figure 10 An example of a trimming shear in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in a first pre-shear position. Figure 8 An example of a trimming shear in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in a first pre-shear position.

[0041] Figure 11 An example of a trimming shear in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in a first pre-shear position. Figure 8 An example of a trimming shear in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in a first pre-shear position.

[0042] Figure 12 An example of a trimming shear in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in a first pre-shear position.

[0043] Figure 13 The illustration shows an embodiment conforming to this disclosure in a sheared position. Figure 12 A perspective view of the trimming shears.

[0044] Figure 14 The image shows a position before shearing, conforming to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 12 A bottom view of the pruning shears.

[0045] Figure 15A Embodiments conforming to this disclosure are shown. Figure 12 Example of a guide for trimming scissors.

[0046] Figure 15B Embodiments conforming to this disclosure are shown. Figure 12 Example of a guide for trimming scissors.

[0047] Figures 16A to 16D show the positions before shearing. Figure 12 A perspective view of the trimming shears, with the guide in four different guide positions. Detailed Implementation

[0048] This disclosure generally relates to trimming shears for cutting (or trimming) the claws of domestic animals. The trimming shears include a first handle, a second handle, and at least one blade. Pivoting motion of the first handle relative to the second handle pushes the blade 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 shears may also include a guide for receiving a 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 a corresponding claw. In another example, the guide may include multiple holes, each sized to receive a corresponding claw size. Thus, the guide can generally be described as reducing the risk of accidentally cutting live flesh under the claw when cutting a claw.

[0049] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a schematic example of a trimmer scissors 100. The trimmer scissors 100 includes a main body 102 defining a first handle 104, a second handle 106 pivotably coupled to the main body 102, a blade 108, and a guide 110 extending from the main body 102. The guide 110 defines a hole 114 for receiving at least a portion of a claw of an animal. Pivoting movement of the second handle 106 relative to the first handle 104 urges the blade 108 along a blade path 112 between a pre-shearing position (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) and a shearing position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3). The blade path 112 extends in a blade plane 113 such that the blade 108 moves linearly in the blade plane 113 and parallel to a top surface 111 of the guide 110. The blade plane 113 extends transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to a handle plane 115. The handle plane 115 extends through the first handle 104 and the second handle 106 such that pivoting movement of the first handle 104 and / or the second handle 106 occurs in the handle plane 115.

[0050] When in the pre-shearing position, the blade 108 is positioned along the guide 110 such that a claw received within the hole 114 is not in shearing contact with the blade 108 (e.g., the blade 108 can be in contact with the claw, but not penetrate the claw). In some cases, the blade 108 can partially obstruct the hole 114 when the blade 108 is in the pre-shearing position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2). As such, a maximum insertion distance of a claw within the hole 114 when the blade 108 is in the pre-shearing position can be at least partially defined by the pre-shearing position of the blade 108. In other words, an effective open area of the hole 114 (e.g., an open area of the hole 114 capable of receiving a claw) can be adjusted by adjusting the pre-shearing position of the blade 108 relative to the hole 114.

[0051] The trimmer scissors 100 can include an index 116 configured to adjust a pre-shear position of the blade 108 relative to the aperture 114. For example, the index 116 can be configured to adjust the pre-shear position of the blade 108 such that the blade 108 partially obstructs the aperture 114 when in the pre-shear position. Thus, the index 116 can generally be described as adjusting a maximum insertion distance of the claw within the aperture 114. In other words, the maximum insertion distance of the claw within the aperture 114 is defined, at least in part, by the pre-shear position of the blade 108. In some cases, the index 116 can include an indicator 117 configured to provide an indication of the maximum insertion distance for a corresponding pre-shear position. For example, the indicator 117 can be configured to provide an indication of the effective open area of the aperture 114 for a corresponding pre-shear position of the blade 108. In other words, the indicator 117 can provide an indication (e.g., using a numerical scale) of the amount of overlap between the blade 108 and the aperture 114 for a corresponding pre-shear position. In some cases, the index 116 can be configured to adjust the blade 108 between two or more predetermined pre-shear positions. For example, the index 116 can be configured to adjust the blade 108 between at least four predetermined pre-shear positions (see, e.g., FIGS. 4A-4D, which illustrate an example of adjusting the blade 108 along the guide 110 between four different predetermined pre-shear positions). Alternatively, the index 116 can be configured such that the pre-shear position of the blade 108 can be generally described as infinitely adjustable. Figure 4A

[0052] In some cases, the index 116 can be configured to be rotated by a user. Rotation of the index 116 can cause the blade 108 to move relative to the guide 110 and along the blade path 112 such that the pre-shear position is adjusted. In other words, rotation of the index 116 can cause a corresponding linear motion of the blade 108, thereby adjusting the pre-shear position of the blade 108. For example, the index 116 can include a gear configured to engage a corresponding rack coupled to or defined by the blade 108 such that rotation of the index 116 causes a corresponding linear motion of the blade 108. As another example, the index 116 can include a cam configured to engage (directly or indirectly) a portion of the blade 108 such that rotation of the index 116 causes a corresponding linear motion of the blade 108. Additionally or alternatively, the pre-shear position can be adjusted by a pivotal motion of the second handle 106 relative to the first handle 104. For example, when the blade 108 is in a desired pre-shear position after the pivotal motion, the index 116 can be actuated such that the pre-shear position is adjusted to the current position of the blade 108. In this example, the index 116 can be configured to depress and actuate a blade lock. Actuation of the blade lock adjusts the pre-shear position to the current position of the blade 108.

[0053] ​As shown, the blade 108 defines a shear edge 118 having an arcuate shape (e.g., semi-circular or semi-elliptical). The arcuate shape can generally correspond to the shape of the claw. As such, when the pre-shear position of the blade 108 is adjusted, the exposed area of the aperture 114 has a generally arcuate shape (e.g., circular or elliptical). This can allow for improved adjustment of the maximum insertion distance of the corresponding claw, as compared to configurations in which the shear edge 118 has a linear shape.

[0054] As shown, the aperture 114 can have a circular shape. When the pre-shear position of the blade 108 is adjustable, the circular shape can allow for greater variability in the size of the claw to be received within the aperture 114 (e.g., as compared to examples in which the aperture 114 has an elliptical shape). However, the aperture 114 can have any shape, including, for example, an elliptical shape.

[0055] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A schematic example of a trimmer scissors 500 is shown. The trimmer scissors 500 includes a first body 502 and a second body 504. The first body 502 includes a first handle portion 506 and a first shear portion 508. The second body 504 includes a second handle portion 510 and a second shear portion 512. The first body 502 is pivotably coupled to the second body 504 such that when the first handle portion 506 and the second handle portion 510 are pivoted toward one another, the first shear portion 508 and the second shear portion 512 are pivoted toward one another. As shown, the handle portions 506 and 510 and the shear portions 508 and 512 pivot in a common plane 511. The first shear portion 508 and the second shear portion 512 each define a corresponding shear edge 514 and 516. One or more of the shear edges 514 and / or 516 can have an arcuate shape. The first shear edge 514 and the second shear edge 516 define a shear region 518 therebetween. In other words, the shear region 518 can generally be described as being defined between the first shear portion 508 and the second shear portion 512. The shear region 518 is configured to receive a claw such that when the shear edges 514 and 516 are transitioned from a pre-shear position to a shear position, the claw located in the shear region is sheared.

[0056] The trimmer scissors 500 includes a guide 520 having a receiving surface 529 (or top surface), a blade-facing surface (or bottom surface) opposite the receiving surface 529, and a plurality of apertures 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 to the common plane 511 (e.g., within 5°, 4°, 3°, 2°, or 1° of parallelism).

[0057] Holes 522 are configured to receive a claw of an animal therein. For example, guide 520 can include at least four holes 522. Guide 520 can be configured to transition between a storage position (e.g., as shown in Figure 5 FIG. 1) and a use position (e.g., as shown in Figure 6 FIG. 2). When in the use position, at least a portion of guide 520 is configured to extend over shear region 518 such that at least one hole 522 can be aligned (e.g., centrally aligned) with shear region 518. Each of holes 522 has a different size, where each size is configured to limit a maximum insertion distance of a claw inserted therein. Accordingly, the sizes of holes 522 can be based on various animals and / or claw sizes of animals of different sizes. For example and as shown, guide 520 can include four holes 522 arranged in order of largest to smallest size. In some cases and as shown, each of holes 522 can have a circular shape. In other cases, at least one of holes 522 can have a non-circular shape. For example and as shown in Figure 7 FIG. 3, at least one hole 522 can have an elliptical shape. Holes 522 can include a tapered region extending around an outer perimeter of hole 522 such that a central cross-section of at least a portion of each of holes 522 is frustoconical. Such a configuration can allow a claw to be more easily inserted therein.

[0058] Guide 520 is slidably coupled to one of first body 502 or second body 504 such that a position of guide 520 relative to shear region 518 can be adjusted. For example, guide 520 can slide along first body 502 or second body 504 such that a hole 522 having a size corresponding to a claw of an animal to be trimmed is aligned with shear region 518. As shown, guide 520 is configured to slide parallel to a sliding axis 524. Sliding axis 524 can extend substantially parallel to common plane 511. For example, guide 520 can be configured to slide along sliding axis 524 and along (e.g., substantially parallel to) a top surface 521 or 523 of a respective one of first body 502 or second body 504. Top surfaces 521 and 523 of first body 502 and second body 504 can generally be described as surfaces of first body 502 and second body 504 that face an animal when a claw is inserted into a hole 522. Sliding axis 524 extends between first handle portion 506 and second handle portion 510, through a pivot point 525 of first body 502 and second body 504, and between first shear portion 508 and second shear portion 512.

[0059] The guide 520 is configured to slide linearly along the slide axis 524. For example, the first body 502 can include a plurality of rails 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 rails 526. The guide 520 can be configured to form an interference fit with the rails 526 such that a predetermined amount of force is required to move the guide 520 within the rails 526. Additionally or alternatively, the trimmer scissors 500 can include an index 528 coupled to the first body 502 or the second body 504 and configured to releasably engage a portion of the guide 520. The index 528 is configured to hold the guide 520 in a predetermined position. For example, the index 528 can include a cam configured to exert a clamping force on the guide 520 such that the guide 520 is held in a desired position. For another example, the index 528 can include one or more teeth configured to engage corresponding recesses in the guide 520 such that the guide 520 is held in a desired position. In some cases, the index 528 can include a gear configured to engage a corresponding rack coupled to or defined by the guide 520 such that rotational motion of the gear causes corresponding linear motion of the guide 520.

[0060] In some cases, the guide 520 can be removable from the rails 526. Removing the guide 520 from the rails 526 allows the guide 520 to be inserted into the rails 526 in an opposite orientation. For example, for a guide 520 having four holes 522 arranged by size, in a first orientation, the two smallest holes 522 can be aligned with the shear region 518, and when the orientation is reversed to a second orientation, the two largest holes 522 can be aligned with the shear region 518. Such a configuration can allow for a reduction in the overall longitudinal length of the guide 520.

[0061] Figure 8 a top view of the example trimmer scissors 800 in a shearing position is shown, Figure 9 a top view of the trimmer scissors 800 in a pre-shearing position is shown, Figure 10A bottom view of a trimmer scissors 800 in a pre-shear position is shown. The trimmer scissors 800 includes a first body 802 and a second body 804. The first body 802 includes a first handle portion 806 and a first shear portion 808. The second body 804 includes a second handle portion 810 and a second shear portion 812. The first body 802 is pivotably coupled to the second body 804 such that the first shear portion 808 pivots toward the second shear portion 812 when the first handle portion 806 is pivoted toward the second handle portion 810. In other words, the first body 802 and the second body 804 transition between a shear position and a pre-shear position in response to a pivoting motion. A biasing mechanism 813 (e.g., a spring) can be disposed between the first body 802 and the second body 804 such that the biasing mechanism 813 urges the first body 802 and the second body 804 toward the pre-shear position.

[0062] As shown, the first handle portion 806, the first shear portion 808, the second handle portion 810, and the second shear portion 812 pivot in a common plane 811. The first shear portion 808 and the second shear portion 812 each define a corresponding shear blade 814 and 816. The shear blades 814 and 816 can have an arcuate shape. A shear region 818 is defined between the first shear blade 814 and the second shear blade 816. In other words, the shear region 818 can generally be described as being defined between the first shear portion 808 and the second shear portion 812. The shear region 818 is configured to receive a claw therein. When a claw is received within the shear region 818, the shear blades 814 and 816 are configured to shear the claw in response to a pivoting motion of the first handle portion 806 and the second handle portion 810. In other words, a claw located within the shear region 818 is sheared in response to the trimmer scissors 800 transitioning from the pre-shear position to the shear position.

[0063] The trimmer scissors 800 includes a guide 820 that is slidably coupled to the first body 802 or the second body 804. The guide 820 has a receiving surface 821 (or top surface), a blade-facing surface 823 (or bottom surface) opposite the receiving surface 821, and a plurality of holes 822 that extend from the receiving surface 821 and through the blade-facing surface 823. The blade-facing surface 823 and the receiving surface 821 are substantially parallel to the common plane 811 (e.g., within 5°, 4°, 3°, 2°, or 1° of parallelism).

[0064] Holes 822 are configured to receive a paw of an animal therein. For example, guide 820 can include at least four holes 822 each having a different opening size (e.g., diameter). In some cases, holes 822 can be arranged in order of opening size (e.g., from smallest to largest). Each opening size can correspond to a maximum insertion distance of a paw received therein. For example, a measurement of a diameter of each of holes 822 can be in a range of 0.5 millimeters (mm) to 6.5 mm. For another example, a first hole 822 can have a diameter of 2 mm, a second hole 822 can have a diameter of 2.5 mm, a third hole 822 can have a diameter of 3 mm, and a fourth hole 822 can have a diameter of 3.5 mm. For yet another example, a first hole 822 can have a diameter of 4 mm, a second hole 822 can have a diameter of 4.5 mm, a third hole 822 can have a diameter of 5 mm, and a fourth hole 822 can have a diameter of 5.5 mm. For yet another example, a first hole 822 can have a diameter of 1.5 mm, a second hole 822 can have a diameter of 2 mm, a third hole 822 can have a diameter of 2.5 mm, and a fourth hole 822 can have a diameter of 3 mm.

[0065] In some cases, a measurement of a difference in diameter between holes 822 immediately adjacent can be at least 0.5 mm. For example, a first hole 822 can have a diameter of 1.5 mm, and an immediately adjacent second hole 822 can have a diameter of 2 mm. Although guide 820 is shown as having four holes 822, guide 820 can have any number of holes 822. For example, guide 820 can have at least two holes 822, at least three holes 822, or any other number of holes 822.

[0066] Guide 820 is configured to be slidable relative to shear region 818 such that respective holes 822 can be aligned (e.g., centered) with shear region 818. For example, guide 820 can be configured to slide linearly along a slide axis 825 that extends substantially parallel to common plane 811.

[0067] In some cases, guide 820 can be configured to be slidably coupled to first handle portion 806 of first body 802. For example, guide 820 can be slidably received within first handle portion 806. As shown, actuator 824 extends from a slot 826 that extends along first handle portion 806, where movement of actuator 824 relative to slot 826 causes corresponding movement of guide 820 relative to shear region 818.

[0068] Figure 11An exploded view of the trimmer scissors 800 is shown in a pre-shear position. As shown, a slot 826 is defined in a plate 1100 that extends over a track 1102 defined in the first handle portion 806. In other words, when coupled to the first handle portion 806, the plate 1100 at least partially encloses the track 1102 such that the actuator 824 extends from the slot 826. The track 1102 is configured to slidably receive the guide 820 such that the guide 820 slides within the track 1102 in response to movement of the actuator 824 within the slot 826. An indexer 1104 can be coupled to the first body 802. For example, the indexer 1104 can 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 at one or more predetermined positions relative to the shear region 818. At least one of the one or more predetermined positions corresponds to a position in which a respective one of the apertures 822 is aligned with the shear region 818.

[0069] As shown, the indexer 1104 is configured to engage with a respective one of a plurality of recesses 1106 defined in the guide 820. The indexer 1104 includes a spring arm 1108 that is configured to move between a holding position and an adjustment position. Thus, in some cases, the indexer 1104 can 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 a respective recess 1106 defined within 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 toward the adjustment position. When in the adjustment position, the spring arm 1108 disengages from the respective recess 1106 and slidably engages a transition surface 1110 of the guide 820 that extends from the respective recess 1106 (e.g., between immediately adjacent recesses 1106).

[0070] The spring arm 1108 can include an engagement region 1112 that is configured to be received within the recess 1106. The shape of the engagement region can generally correspond to the shape of the recess 1106. The shape of both the engagement region 1112 and the recess 1106 can be configured to cooperate such that the spring arm 1108 can be caused to transition from the holding position to the adjustment position in response to the actuator 824 being exposed to a predetermined force applied along an axis that generally extends along the track 1102. For example, the engagement region 1112 and the recess 1106 can have a triangular shape, an arcuate shape, and / or any other shape that is configured such that the spring arm 1108 transitions from the holding position to the adjustment position in response to the actuator 824 being exposed to a predetermined force applied along an axis that generally extends along the track 1102.

[0071] 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 shearing 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.

[0072] Figure 12 Figure 16D illustrates an example trimmer scissors 1200 with a guillotine-type (linear motion) cutting element. The trimmer scissors 1200 includes: an elongated first body 1202 including a first handle 1204; an elongated second body 1205 including a second handle 1206 pivotally coupled to the first body 1202; a flat blade 1208; and an elongated flat guide 1220 extending from the first body 1202. The guide 1220 defines a plurality of holes 1222 for receiving at least a portion of an animal's paw. The guide 1220 of the trimmer scissors 1200 is not integrally formed with the first body 1202 as a single integral piece as shown in trimmer scissors 100, but is instead formed as a separate, replaceable elongated component as shown in trimmer scissors 500. The pivoting movement of the second body 1205 relative to the first body 1202 is along the blade cutting axis / path 1212 in the pre-cutting position (e.g., as shown in…). Figure 12 As shown, this can also be called the retraction position) and the shearing position (e.g., as shown in the diagram). Figure 13 As shown, or may be referred to as the extended position, the blade 1208 is pushed between these positions. The blade shearing axis / path 1212 is in the blade plane (in... Figure 1B Extending in (shown as 113), the blade 1208 moves linearly in the blade plane and parallel to the top surface 1229 of the guide 1220. The blade plane is transverse to, and more particularly substantially perpendicular to (e.g., within 5 degrees of perpendicularity) the handle pivot plane (in... Figure 1B (shown as 115 in the middle) extends. The handle pivot plane (also referred to as the common plane) extends through the first handle 1204 and the second handle 1206, such that the pivoting movement of the first handle 1204 and / or the second handle 1206 occurs in the handle / common plane.

[0073] When in the pre-shearing position, the blade 1208 is positioned along the guide 1220 such that the prongs received within the selected aperture 1222 are not in shearing contact with the blade 1208. The trimmer scissors 1200 differ from the trimmer scissors 100 in that the blade 1208 does not substantially partially obstruct the aperture 1222 when the blade 1208 is in the pre-shearing position. Thus, the maximum insertion distance of the prongs within the aperture 1222 when the blade 1208 is in the pre-shearing position is not substantially at least partially defined by the pre-shearing position of the blade 1208. In other words, for the trimmer scissors 1200, the effective open area of the aperture 1222 (e.g., the open area of the aperture 1222 capable of receiving the prongs) is not substantially adjusted by adjusting the pre-shearing position of the blade 1208 relative to the aperture 1222. For the trimmer scissors 1200, this is substantially accomplished with a plurality of apertures 1222 having different sizes.

[0074] Thus, the trimmer scissors 1200 need not include the indexer 116 shown with the trimmer scissors 100. However, it should be appreciated that the trimmer scissors 1200 can include the indexer 116 (including the indicator 117), and the blade 1208 can be used to at least partially define the aperture 1222 as another fine adjustment mechanism to provide for the provision of a sized aperture 1222 between two adjacent sized apertures 1222 of the guide 1220.

[0075] As Figure 13 As best shown, the blade 1208 defines a beveled shearing edge 1218 having a concave arcuate shape (e.g., a semi-circular or semi-elliptical shape). The arcuate shape can substantially correspond to the shape of the prongs. As shown, when the second body 1205 / second handle 1206 is pivoted downward about the pivot / axle axis 1225 relative to (toward) the first body 1202 / first handle 1204, the pivot arm 1240 pushes the blade 1208 to extend forward. Conversely, when the force pushing the second body 1205 / second handle 1206 toward the first body 1202 / first handle 1204 is released or otherwise removed, the biasing mechanism 1242 (e.g., a helical compression spring) pushes the second body 1205 / second handle 1206 relative to (away from) the first body 1202 / first handle 1204. As shown, when the second body 1205 / second handle 1206 is pivoted upward about the pivot / axle axis 1225 relative to (toward) the first body 1202 / first handle 1204, the pivot arm 1240 pushes the blade 1208 to retract backward.

[0076] As shown, at the forward end region of the first body 1202 (forward of the pivot / pin axis 1225), the first body 1202, as well as the blade 1208 and the guide 1220, are disposed and held in opposing positions to each other in an enclosed polygonal (in particular, quadrilateral, more particularly, rectangular) channel 1252 of a planar annular reinforcing member 1250, shown as a split rectangular ring / loop. Alternatively, while the channel 1252 is shown as being formed by the annular member 1250, the channel 1252 can also be formed by the first body 1202 (with or without the annular member 1250) to house the blade 1208 and the guide 1220 therein.

[0077] As shown, at the forward end region of the first body 1202 (forward of the pivot / pin axis 1225), the first body 1202, as well as the blade 1208 and the guide 1220, are disposed and held in opposing positions to each other in an enclosed polygonal (in particular, quadrilateral, more particularly, rectangular) channel 1252 of a planar annular reinforcing member 1250, shown as a split rectangular ring / loop. Alternatively, while the channel 1252 is shown as being formed by the annular member 1250, the channel 1252 can also be formed by the first body 1202 (with or without the annular member 1250) to house the blade 1208 and the guide 1220 therein.

[0078] As shown, at the forward end region of the first body 1202 (forward of the pivot / pin axis 1225), the first body 1202, as well as the blade 1208 and the guide 1220, are disposed and held in opposing positions to each other in an enclosed polygonal (in particular, quadrilateral, more particularly, rectangular) channel 1252 of a planar annular reinforcing member 1250, shown as a split rectangular ring / loop. Alternatively, while the channel 1252 is shown as being formed by the annular member 1250, the channel 1252 can also be formed by the first body 1202 (with or without the annular member 1250) to house the blade 1208 and the guide 1220 therein.

[0079] As Figure 12 , Figure 14 , Figure 15A and Figure 15B As clearly shown, the guide 1220 has a blade-facing receiving top surface 1229, a bottom surface 1230 opposite the top surface 1229, and a plurality of apertures 1222 extending from the top surface 1229 to the bottom surface 1230. The top surface 1229 and the bottom surface 1230 are substantially parallel to each other (e.g., within 5°, 4°, 3°, 2°, or 1° of parallelism).

[0080] The apertures 1222 are configured to receive a claw of an animal therein. For example, the guide 1220 can include at least four apertures 1222. The guide 1220 can be configured to transition between a (hidden) storage position (not shown) and a plurality of use positions (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 16A-16D). As Figures 15A-15BAs clearly shown, each hole in the aperture 1222 has a different size, wherein each size is configured to limit the maximum insertion distance of a claw inserted therein. Therefore, the size of the aperture 1222 can be based on the claw size of various animals and / or animals of different sizes. For example, and as shown, the guide 1220 may include four apertures 1222 arranged according to sizes from largest to smallest. For example, the measured diameter of each aperture 1222 may be between 0.5 mm and 6.5 mm. As another example, the first aperture 1222 may have a measured diameter of 2 mm, the second aperture 1222 may have a measured diameter of 2.5 mm, the third aperture 1222 may have a measured diameter of 3 mm, and the fourth aperture 1222 may have a measured diameter of 3.5 mm. For example, the first hole 1222 can have a measured diameter of 4 mm, the second hole 1222 can have a measured diameter of 4.5 mm, the third hole 1222 can have a measured diameter of 5 mm, and the fourth hole 1222 can have a measured diameter of 5.5 mm. Alternatively, the first hole 1222 can have a measured diameter of 1.5 mm, the second hole 1222 can have a measured diameter of 2 mm, the third hole 1222 can have a measured diameter of 2.5 mm, and the fourth hole 1222 can have a measured diameter of 3 mm.

[0081] In some cases, the measured diameter difference between adjacent holes 1222 can be at least 0.5 mm. For example, the first hole 1222 can have a measured diameter of 1.5 mm, and the adjacent second hole 1222 can have a measured diameter of 2 mm. Although the guide 1220 is shown as having four holes 1222, the guide 1220 can have any number of holes 1222. For example, the guide 1220 can have at least two holes 1222, at least three holes 1222, or any other number of holes 1222.

[0082] In some cases, and such as Figure 15A As shown, each hole in hole 1222 can have a circular shape. In other cases, such as Figure 15B As shown, at least one of the holes 1222 may have a non-circular shape, such as an oval shape. For example, at least one hole 1222 may have an elliptical shape. The hole 1222 may include a tapering region extending around the outer periphery of the hole 1222, such that at least a portion of the central cross-section of each hole 1222 is a truncated cone. This configuration allows for easier insertion of the claw.

[0083] The guide 1220 is movably, more particularly slidably, coupled to the first body 1202, the ring member 1250, and the ring member 1256 such that the extended / retracted position of the guide 1220 can be adjusted relative to the shear blade 1218 of the blade 1208. For example, the guide 1220 can slide along the first body 1202, the ring member 1250, and the ring member 1256 such that the hole 1222 of a size corresponding to the claw of the animal to be trimmed is positioned to be sheared by the shear blade 1218 of the blade 1208 when the blade 1208 is extended from a pre-shearing (retracted) position to a shearing (extended) position. In other words, each hole 1222 of the guide 1220 can be positioned relative to the shear blade 1218 such that the shear blade 1218 shears the claw placed in each hole 122, respectively, when the blade 1208 is moved from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0084] As shown, the guide 1220 is configured to slide along a guide positioning axis / path 1224 that extends substantially parallel to the blade shear axis / path 1212 (e.g., within 5 degrees of parallelism) and along a guide plane that extends substantially parallel to the blade plane (e.g., within 5 degrees of parallelism). More particularly, the guide 1220 and the blade 1208 can be configured to move, more particularly slide, substantially parallel to each other (e.g., within 5 degrees of parallelism) with a top surface 1229 of the guide 1220 adjacent to and / or contacting a bottom surface 1209 of the blade 1208 that is opposite the top surface 1207 of the blade 1208. The top surface 1229 of the guide 1220 and the top surface 1207 of the blade 1208 can be generally described as the surfaces that face the animal when the claw is inserted into the hole 1222.

[0085] The guide 1220 is configured to move, more particularly slide, linearly along the guide positioning axis / path 1224 within the ring member 1250 and the ring member 1256. In other words, the ring member 1250 and the ring member 1256 are configured to movably, more particularly slidably, receive the guide 1220 (and the blade 2108) therein. The guide 1220 can be configured to form an interference fit with the ring member 1250 and the ring member 1256 such that movement of the guide 1220 within the ring member 1250 and the ring member 1256 requires a predetermined amount of force to be applied. As Figure 15A and Figure 15B As shown, the guide 1220 can be inserted into and removed from the remainder of the trimming scissors 1200 as a separate insert. This can require changing the size and / or shape of the hole 1222.

[0086] Referring briefly to Figure 12The underside of the ring member 1256 can include a locking mechanism 1260, specifically a set screw, that locks the guide 1220 in place once a suitable position of the guide 1220 has been achieved in order to trim the desired claw. The screw can be threadably engaged with a threaded through hole in the ring member 1256.

[0087] Deactivating the locking mechanism 1260 by unscrewing the screw can allow the guide 1220 to move relative to the first body 1202, the ring member 1250 and the ring member 1256 as described above. Once a suitable position of the guide 1220 has been achieved in order to trim the desired claw, the locking mechanism 1260 can be activated by screwing the screw, in which case the end face of the screw presses (clamps) the guide 1220 against the first body 1202 and the ring member 1256. In this case, the guide 1220 can be held in a fixed position when the claw is being sheared / trimmed.

[0088] While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pair of trimming shears for cutting off one or more claws of an animal, comprising: A first body, the first body having a first handle portion; A second body, the second body having a second handle portion; The first body and the second body are pivotally connected such that at least one of the first body and the second body pivots relative to each other about a pivot axis in a pivot plane; A blade with a shearing edge, the blade being able to move in a blade plane along a blade path between a retracted position and an extended position in response to pivoting motion of at least one of the first body and the second body relative to each other, wherein the blade plane is transverse to the pivoting plane; A guide member, coupled to the first body, is movable along a guide path in a guide plane substantially parallel to the blade plane, and has a plurality of holes extending through it, each of the plurality of holes having a different size to receive the one or more claws; and Each hole in the guide is positionable relative to the shearing edge of the blade, such that when the blade moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the shearing edge cuts the claws positioned in each hole; and The blade and the guide are at least partially disposed within the enclosure passage.

2. The trimming scissors according to claim 1, wherein, The blade and the guide are configured to be adjacent to each other and / or in contact with each other.

3. The trimming scissors according to claim 1, wherein, The top surface of the guide is adjacent to and in contact with the bottom surface of the blade.

4. The trimming scissors according to claim 1, wherein, When the blade is in the retracted position, the shearing edge is hidden by the enclosure channel.

5. The trimming scissors according to claim 1, wherein, The enclosure passage is a rectangular passage.

6. The trimming shears according to claim 1, wherein, The enclosure passage is formed by a rectangular ring.

7. The pruning shears according to claim 2, wherein, The blade is planar, and the guide is planar.

8. The trimming scissors according to claim 1, wherein, The blade is capable of linear movement along the blade path in the blade plane and / or sliding along the blade path in the blade plane.

9. The pruning shears according to claim 1, wherein, The guide is capable of linear movement along the guide path in the guide plane and / or sliding along the guide path in the guide plane.

10. The trimming shears according to claim 1, wherein, The shearing blade is arc-shaped.

11. The trimming shears according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the plurality of holes is circular.

12. The pruning shears according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the plurality of holes is non-circular.

13. The trimming shears according to claim 1, wherein, The trimmer also includes a biasing mechanism that pushes the blade to the retracted position when the blade is in the extended position.

14. The pruning shears according to claim 1, wherein, The blade plane is substantially perpendicular to the pivot plane.

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