Single-blade nail clippers

Abstract

A nail clipper is provided that includes a first member and a second member. The first end of the first member includes a blade. The first end of the second member does not include a blade. The first and second members are coupled such that the first member is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the second member, and when the first member moves from the first position to the second position, the blade moves toward the first end of the second member. A third member is coupled to the first member and is movable between a third position and a fourth position. Moving the third member from the third position to the fourth position causes the first member to move from the first position to the second position relative to the second member. Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Nail clippers are handheld grooming tools designed for cutting (e.g., nipping) and trimming fingernails and toenails. Typically, nail clippers consist of a pair of blades and a lever mechanism for moving the blades toward each other. Each blade is typically made of stainless steel and is designed to crush / clip a nail. Thus, when a nail is positioned between the blades and the blades are moved toward each other, the blades crush / clip a portion of the nail. Summary of the Invention

[0002] The present invention provides a novel and innovative nail clipper and a method for cutting nails (e.g., human nails). The nail clipper of the present invention utilizes a single-blade design, comprising a first member having a blade and a second member having a bladeless opposing surface, the first member opposing the second member. The bladeless opposing surface bears a significant portion of the force required to cut the nail, thereby slowing the process of blade blunting. In some aspects, the bladeless opposing surface can be constructed from a material with a sufficiently low hardness to significantly reduce blunting when the blade contacts the bladeless opposing surface, further slowing the blunting process. In some aspects, the single-blade design limits or prevents the blade from contacting the bladeless opposing surface through a recess and / or a blade stop mechanism, further slowing the blunting process. The single-blade design of the nail clipper of the present invention also provides flexibility, enabling the clipper to perform other functions beyond supporting and cutting nails. For example, by eliminating the need for closely aligned blades in opposing blade designs, this prevents nail bed separation or limits the length of the nail that can be cut. The single-blade design also provides greater flexibility in the choice of materials for the various components of the nail clipper.

[0003] In an example, a nail clipper includes a first member and a second member. The first end of the first member includes a blade. The second member has a first end that does not include a blade but instead has a recess positioned to receive the cutting edge of the blade of the first member, and the second member is coupled to the first member such that the first member is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the second member. When moving from the first member to the second member, the blade moves toward the first end of the second member such that the cutting edge of the blade is received in the recess and does not contact any surface of the second member during the movement from the first position to the second position and during the rest position after the movement is completed and the cutting edge of the blade is received in the recess. A third member is coupled to the first member and is movable between a third position and a fourth position. The third member is configured to cause the first member to move from the first position to the second position relative to the second member when the third member moves from the third position to the fourth position.

[0004] In an example, a method of cutting a person's nails includes placing the nail between a blade of a first member of the nail clippers and a first end of a second member of the nail clippers, wherein the first end of the second member does not include a blade; and when the nail is placed between the blade and the first end of the second member, moving the blade toward the first end of the second member so that the blade cuts off the nail.

[0005] Additional features and advantages of the disclosed methods and apparatus will be described in, and will become apparent from, the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. This description is not exhaustive of all features and advantages, and many additional features and advantages will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, particularly from the drawings and description. Furthermore, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been selected primarily for readability and instructional purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be achieved by reference to the following drawings. In the drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference numeral. In addition, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference numeral with a dash and a second reference numeral to distinguish the similar components. If only the first reference numeral is used in the specification, the description applies to any similar component having the same first reference numeral, regardless of the second reference numeral.

[0007] Figure 1 A perspective view of a nail clipper according to an aspect of the present invention is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 shows an aspect of the present invention Figure 1 A perspective view of the nail clippers in the closed position.

[0009] Figure 3 According to one aspect of the present disclosure, Figure 1 A perspective view of the nail clippers in the open position.

[0010] Figure 4 shows an aspect of the present invention Figure 1 Exploded view of a nail clipper.

[0011] Figure 5A shows an aspect of the present invention Figure 1 Top view of the blade of a nail clipper.

[0012] Figure 5B shows an aspect of the present invention Figure 5A Front view of the blade.

[0013] Figure 6shows an aspect of the present invention Figure 1 Side view of the lower member of the nail clipper.

[0014] Figure 7 shows an aspect of the present invention Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a nail clipper showing the cutting edge of the nail clipper's blade within a recess.

[0015] Figure 8 shows an aspect of the present invention Figure 1 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a nail clipper.

[0016] Figure 9 The nail according to one aspect of the present invention is shown being Figure 1 Schematic diagram of nail clippers cutting.

[0017] Figure 10 shows an aspect of the present invention Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the cutting path of the blade of a nail clipper.

[0018] Figure 11 A flow chart illustrating an example method for cutting nails according to an aspect of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings represent like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended to describe various configurations and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. On the contrary, the detailed description includes specific details, and its purpose is to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not required in every case.

[0021] Nail clippers typically include a pair of opposing blades and a lever mechanism for moving the blades toward each other. With this design, the opposing blades apply opposing forces to the nail during the nail clipping operation and contact each other after the nail is clipped, which can cause one or both of the opposing blades to become blunt or bent. Because the opposing blades become increasingly blunt with continued use, more energy (e.g., force) must be applied to the lever mechanism to cause the opposing blades to cut the nail. With blunt blades, a significant portion of the energy is stored and released after the distal nail edges finally separate, causing the blades to contact each other with great force and a "clicking" sound, further accelerating the blunting process. The force required between the opposing blades also makes the cut edge of the nail rougher and causes nail scrapings to be discharged at a higher rate.

[0022] On the other hand, the nail clippers of the present invention have a single-blade design, comprising a first member with a blade and a second member with a bladeless opposing surface, the first member opposing the second member. This design at least addresses the aforementioned shortcomings of typical nail clippers. For example, the bladeless opposing surface (rather than the blade's cutting edge) bears a significant portion of the force required to cut the nail, which slows the blade's dulling process. In some aspects, the bladeless opposing surface can be constructed from a material with a sufficiently low hardness to significantly reduce the dulling effect of the blade upon contact with the bladeless opposing surface, thereby further slowing the dulling process. In some aspects, the edge design restricts or prevents the blade from contacting the bladeless opposing surface, which can even further slow the dulling process. The single-blade design of the nail clippers of the present invention also provides flexibility, allowing the clippers to perform other functions beyond supporting and cutting nails. For example, by eliminating the need for the opposing blades to be closely aligned with each other in opposing blade designs, this can prevent nail bed separation or limit the length of the nail that can be cut. The single-blade design also provides greater flexibility in the choice of materials for the various components of the nail clippers. These and other advantages of the nail clippers of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art through the following description of the accompanying drawings.

[0023] The shortcomings mentioned here are merely representative and are intended to highlight the problems the inventors have discovered with respect to existing nail clippers and seek improvements thereto. Various aspects of the nail clippers described below may address some or all of these shortcomings, as well as other shortcomings known in the art. Various aspects of the improved nail clippers described herein may offer additional advantages beyond those described above and below, and may be used in applications other than those described above and below.

[0024] Figures 1 to 4 Various views of an example nail clipper 100 capable of cutting a nail (e.g., a human nail) are shown. The nail clipper 100 includes a cutting member 102 (e.g., a first member). The cutting member 102 includes a body 104 and a blade 108. The blade 108 is disposed at a first end 106 of the cutting member 102. The first end 106 is opposite a second end 107 of the cutting member 102. In some aspects, the blade 108 can be integral with the body 104. In other aspects, the blade 108 can be a separate component coupled to the body 104. The blade 108 includes a cutting edge 109 that is sharp enough to cut a nail. The cutting edge 109 can have a curvature that is anatomically consistent with a human nail. For example, as Figure 5A As shown, the cutting edge 109 can be curved in a first direction, for example by having a curvature (radius) in the xy plane. In this example, the cutting edge 109 is anatomically consistent with the longitudinal curvature of a human fingernail (e.g., the curvature of the fingernail tip). The longitudinal curvature is the curvature of the fingernail in the direction of nail growth when viewed from a top view of the hand (perpendicular to the palm). Figure 5AThe z-axis in points in and out of the page. In another example, Figure 5B As shown, the cutting edge 109 can be curved in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, for example by having a curvature (radius) in the yz plane. In this example, the cutting edge 109 is anatomically consistent with the transverse curvature of a person's fingernail (e.g., the curvature of the entire fingernail). The transverse curvature is the curvature of the fingernail perpendicular to the direction of nail growth (end view of the finger). Figure 5B The x-axis in the figure points to the inside and outside of the page. In some aspects, the cutting edge 109 can be bent in the first direction and the second direction. In these aspects, the cutting edge 109 is consistent with the longitudinal curvature and the transverse curvature of people's nails in anatomy.

[0025] Back to Figures 1 to 4 , the nail clipper 100 also includes an opposing member 110 (e.g., a second member), which can be a nail support platform. The opposing member 110 includes a body 111 having a first end 114 opposite a second end 115. The opposing member 110 does not include a blade but instead serves as a nail support platform. For example, the first end 114 of the body 111 does not include a blade. The opposing member 110 is coupled to the cutting member 102 so that the cutting member 102 can move between a first position and a second position relative to the opposing member 110. For example, the opposing member 110 can be coupled to the cutting member 102 via a pivot pin 112. The pivot pin 112 can be positioned as shown through openings 400A and 400B of the cutting member 102 and openings 400E and 400F of the opposing member 110. When the cutting member 102 moves from the first position to the second position, the blade 108 moves toward the first end 114 of the opposing member 110. For example, Figure 1 An example of the cutting member 102 is shown in a first position, which is any position where the blade 108 is sufficiently separated from the first end 114 to allow a nail to be positioned between the blade 108 and the first end 114 . Figure 2 An example of the cutting member 102 being in the second position is shown, wherein the blade 108 is closer to the first end 114 than when the blade 108 is in the first position. For example, the blade 108 may be in the second position while the blade 108 is cutting a nail or immediately after the blade 108 cuts a nail.

[0026] In at least some aspects, the first end 114 of the opposing member 110 includes a recess 116. The recess 116 can prevent any and all contact between the cutting edge 109 of the blade 108 and any portion and / or surface of the opposing member 110. The recess 116 can also prevent any and all contact between the cutting edge 109 of the blade 108 and any portion and / or surface of any component or member located within the recess 116 or above the opposing member 110. In these aspects, the recess 116 is shaped and positioned to receive the cutting edge 109 of the blade 108 when the cutting member 102 is in the second position. For example, Figure 8 The cutting edge 109 is shown positioned within the recess 116. The cutting edge 109 and the recess 116 can be aligned so that when the cutting edge 109 is received within the recess 116, the cutting edge 109 does not contact any portion and / or surface of the opposing member 110 that forms the recess 116. For example, the recess 116 can have a curvature that matches the curvature of the cutting edge 109. Reducing or eliminating contact between the cutting edge 109 and the opposing member 110 by the recess 116 slows down the dulling process of the cutting edge 109 and increases the service life of both the cutting edge 109 and the opposing member 110.

[0027] Typical nail clipper designs with opposing blades use a common material for most of the clipper. Therefore, the common material must meet the functional and manufacturing requirements of both the opposing blades and the lever mechanism. On the other hand, the bladeless nature of the opposing member 110 and / or the presence of the recess 116 provide greater flexibility in the materials used for the nail clipper 100. For example, the blade 108 may comprise or be entirely composed of a first material that is different from a second material comprised of or entirely composed of the opposing member 110. The body 104 of the cutting member 102 may comprise or be entirely composed of the same material as the blade 108 or a different material from the blade 108. In some aspects, the first material of the blade 108 may have a greater hardness than the second material of the opposing member 110. For example, the first material of the blade 108 may have a greater hardness than the blade material of typical nail clippers because the nail clipper 100 eliminates blade-to-blade contact and, for example, because the recess 116 eliminates contact between the blade and the opposing surface (a higher hardness material is not suited to withstand such contact). The harder the blade, the better the grip on the nail edge when cutting.

[0028] In some aspects, the hardness of the first material of blade 108 is at least 55 HRC on the Rockwell Hardness Scale (C). For example, the hardness of the first material of blade 108 can be in the range of 55 HRC to 65 HRC. In comparison, the blades of typical nail clippers with opposing blade designs have a hardness of 48 HRC to withstand blade-to-blade contact and provide sufficient compliance for the mechanism to flex when the lever is depressed. The first material of blade 108 can include metal (e.g., steel) or other suitably hard material. For example, the first material of blade 108 can include steel, which can have a hardness in the range of 61 HRC to 62 HRC. Opposing member 110 can be constructed of a material with a sufficiently low hardness to significantly reduce dulling of blade 108 when blade 108 contacts opposing member 110. In various aspects, the second material of opposing member 110 can include a polymer material. In one example, the polymer material can be a resin. The first end 114 of opposing member 110 can include or be entirely composed of a resin. Alternatively, the second material of the opposing member 110 may include glass-filled nylon.

[0029] Back to Figures 1 to 4 The nail clipper 100 further includes a lever 120 (e.g., a third member). The lever 120 includes a first end 121 opposite a second end 122, and is coupled to the cutting member 102 such that the lever 120 can move between a third position and a fourth position. For example, the second end 122 of the lever 120 can be coupled to the second end 107 of the cutting member 102 via a pivot pin 123. The pivot pin 123 is positioned through openings 400C and 400D of the cutting member 102 and corresponding openings of the lever 120. The lever 120 can also be considered to be coupled to the opposing member 110 by being coupled to the cutting member 102, with the cutting member 102 being coupled to the opposing member 110. Figure 1 and Figure 3 Each shows an example where the lever 120 is in the third position ( Figure 1 shows the cutting position, and Figure 3 shows the open / clear position), while Figure 2The example of lever 120 in the fourth position is shown. The mechanism is adjusted so that the lever's normal / cutting position and open / empty position are two stable positions, requiring energy input to switch from one position to the other. This is achieved by the force exerted by a spring on the lever, which moves the pin backward. The pin is lower in these two lever positions than in the position between them. The nail clipper 100 is configured so that when lever 120 moves from the third position to the fourth position, the cutting member 102 moves from the first position to the second position relative to the opposing member 110. For example, when a user presses lever 120 with a force component in the direction of arrow 124, the lever 120 forces the blade 108 to move in the direction of arrow 126 toward the first end 114 of the opposing member 110, reaching a point. Before reaching this point, lever 120 can pivot about the axis of pivot pin 123 without causing the blade 108 to move toward or away from the first end 114 of the opposing member 110.

[0030] The third position of lever 120 can be any position of lever 120 where pressing lever 120 with a force component in the direction of arrow 124 does not cause blade 108 to move, or causes blade 108 to move, but blade 108 is in the first position. For example, before blade 108 cuts a nail, lever 120 can be in the third position. The fourth position of lever 120 can be any position of lever 120 where pressing lever 120 with a force component in the direction of arrow 124 causes blade 108 to be in the second position. For example, lever 120 can be in the fourth position while blade 108 cuts a nail, or immediately after blade 108 cuts a nail.

[0031] The nail clipper 100 is configured so that the force for the nail cutting operation is applied to the lever 120 closer to the first end 121 than to the second end 122. In other words, the pivot point of the lever 120 is farther from the blade 108 than the point on the lever 120 where the force for the nail cutting operation is applied. In this manner, the lever 120 is coupled to the cutting member 102 such that when the lever 120 moves from the third position to the fourth position, the first end 121 of the lever 120 moves toward the first end 114 of the opposing member 110. Limiting the span between the position where the user controls the lever 120 for the nail cutting operation and the position where the cutting action is performed enables precise control of the position of the blade 108 and accurate cutting. In at least some aspects, the opposing member 110 includes at least one fulcrum on which the lever 120 pivots when the lever 120 is pressed to move the first end 121 toward the first end 114 of the opposing member 110. For example, the opposing member 110 may include a fulcrum 302A and a fulcrum 302B. Figure 6A side view of fulcrum 302B is shown extending above the portion between opening 400E and fulcrum 302B of body 111. Lever 120 can be pivoted so that contact between lever 120 and fulcrums 302A and 302B can be severed. Pivoting lever 120 in this manner allows for greater access to compartment 300 formed by opposing member 110, as will be described further below.

[0032] Another advantage of the single blade design of nail clippers 100 is the adjustable pivot ratio that single blade design provides.For example, nail clippers 100 can be manufactured to have the various sizes that realize various mechanical properties.For example, any one of the following distances can be changed so that nail clippers 100 shows different mechanical properties: the distance between blade 108 and pivot pin 112, the distance between pivot pin 112 and pivot pin 123, the distance between pivot pin 123 and fulcrum 302A, fulcrum 302B and the distance between fulcrum 302A, fulcrum 302B and the part that lever 120 applies force.

[0033] In various aspects, the nail clipper 100 includes a biasing mechanism that biases the lever 120 away from the fourth position and toward the third position. For example, the opposing member 110 can include a biasing member 304 that can comprise a metal (e.g., steel) or other suitable hard material. Alternatively, the biasing member 304 can comprise a polymer material such as a resin. Alternatively, the polymer material can be glass-filled nylon. Figure 7 As best shown, the biasing member 304 rests on top of the pivot pin 123 so that the biasing member 304 can apply a force to the pivot pin 124 in a direction away from the lever 120. By applying this force to the pivot pin 123, the biasing member 304 pushes the pivot pin 123 toward the second end 115 of the opposing member 110, which urges the first end 121 of the lever 120 away from the first end 114 of the opposing member 110. In this way, once the nail is cut, the first end 121 of the lever 120 can be ejected from the first end 114 of the opposing member 110. When the lever 120 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the opposing member 110, the biasing member 304 does not apply a biasing force to the pivot pin 123.

[0034] To help slow the rate at which the cutting edge 109 becomes dull, the nail clipper 100 can include a mechanism that prevents the cutting edge 109 from moving too far and contacting at least the distal end of the recess 116 of the opposing member 110. In various aspects, the mechanism prevents the cutting edge 109 from contacting any surface of the recess 116. For example, Figures 1 to 4The opposing member 110 is shown to include a stop 118 extending outwardly from the body 111. The same or at least similar stop may be located on the opposite side of the opposing member 110 (on either side). Figures 1 to 4 16 ). The stopper 118 is configured such that when the blade 108 moves toward the first end 114 of the opposing member 110, the body 104 of the cutting member 102 contacts the stopper before the cutting edge 109 contacts the recess 116. In this manner, the stopper 118 prevents the cutting edge 109 from contacting the opposing member 110.

[0035] As previously mentioned, relative member 110 forms compartment 300.When nail is cut by the cutting edge 109 of blade 108, nail scrapings are collected in compartment 300.In at least some aspects, lever 120 can be moved to the fifth position, in which lever 120 is releasably coupled to relative member 110 and covers compartment 300. Lever 120 thus acts as a lid in the fifth position, so that nail scrapings are contained in compartment 300. In this way, lever 120 both can be used as the lever for actuating the nail cutting operation and can also be used as the lid for sealing nail scrapings. The above-mentioned dual function of lever 120 reduces number of parts and design complexity.

[0036] Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrates a nail 902 of a finger 900 being cut by a nail clipper 100. For simplicity, only a portion of the blade 108 and opposing member 110 of the nail clipper 100 are shown. In various aspects, the distance between the leading edge of the first end portion 114 and the recess 116 of the first end portion 114 can be such that the first end portion 114 of the opposing member 110 limits the length of the nail 902 that can be cut. This distance, along with the shape of the leading edge of the first end portion 114 and / or the angle of the blade, can also mitigate separation of the nail 902 from the nail bed 904 of the finger 900.

[0037] In some aspects, the nail clippers 100 can be configured so that the cutting edge 109 of the blade 108 cuts the nail in a curved cutting path. Typical opposing blade nail cutting pliers designs include opposing blades that travel in a path substantially collinear with the blade cutting edges during the nail cutting operation, with the blade cutting edges oriented perpendicular to the nail. Such a design results in a less than ideal cut of approximately 90° at the end of the nail. On the other hand, the curved cutting path of the nail clippers 100 provides a more ideal cutting edge on the edge of the nail that is less than 90°. For example, Figure 10 An example of a curved cutting path 1000 is shown through which the blade 108 travels during a nail cutting operation. In aspects having the curved cutting path 1000, the blade 108 is further away from the second end 115 of the opposing member 110 when the cutting member 102 is in the second position than when the cutting member 102 is in the first position.

[0038] In some aspects, the mechanical pivot pin 112 and the mechanical pivot pin 123 of the nail clippers 100 can be replaced by a compliant mechanism with a flexible hinge point, for example, in the overall design of the nail clippers, wherein all the components of the nail clippers 100 except the blade 108 are integrated. Alternatively, all the components of the nail clippers 100 are integrated with each other. For example, the lever 120 is integrated with the cutting member 102 at the first hinge, and the cutting member 102 is integrated with the opposing member 110 at the second hinge. The fulcrum 302A is integrated with the opposing member 110 at the 3rd hinge. The lever 120 includes a first handle, and the opposing member 110 includes a second handle. When the first handle and the second handle are close to each other, the nail clippers 100 bends at all three hinges so that the blade 108 approaches toward the recess 116. The compliant mechanism aspects of nail clipper 100 reduce part count, reduce failure modes, increase adjustability of compliant mechanism response, and increase durability compared to typical nail clipper designs (eg, relatively moving parts in a mechanical hinge wear out over time).

[0039] Figure 11 A flow chart of an example method for cutting a person's nails is shown. Figure 11 , but it should be understood that other methods of performing the actions associated with method 1200 may be used. For example, additional blocks may be added, and some of the blocks described may be omitted. Method 1200 includes, at block 1202, placing a nail between a blade (e.g., blade 108) of a first member (e.g., cutting member 102) of a nail clipper (e.g., nail clipper 100) and a first end (e.g., first end 114) of a second member (e.g., opposing member 110) of the nail clipper 100. The first end of the second member does not include a blade.

[0040] At block 1204, when a nail is placed between the blade and the first end of the second member, the blade is moved toward the first end of the second member so that the blade cuts the nail. In some aspects, moving the blade toward the first end of the second member includes pressing a third member of the nail clippers (e.g., lever 120). For example, moving the blade toward the first end of the second member may include pressing the first end of the third member of the nail clippers (e.g., first end 121) toward the first end of the second member. In at least some aspects, moving the blade toward the first end of the second member is performed so that the cutting edge of the blade (e.g., cutting edge 109) is received in a recess (e.g., recess 116) in the first end of the second member. In at least some aspects, moving the blade toward the first end of the second member is performed so that the cutting edge of the blade is prevented from contacting the second member. After the nail is cut, the cut nail can be received in a compartment (e.g., compartment 300) of the second member. In some aspects, method 1200 includes releasably coupling the third member to the second member so that the third member covers the compartment.

[0041] In one or more aspects, the nail clippers and nail cutting methods of the present invention may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below, or in combination with one or more other processes or devices described elsewhere herein. In a first aspect, the nail clippers include a first member; a second member; and a third member. The first end of the first member includes a blade. The second member has a first end that does not include a blade and is coupled to the first member so that the first member can move between a first position and a second position relative to the second member. When the first member moves from the first position to the second position, the blade moves toward the first end of the second member. The third member is coupled to the first member and can move between a third position and a fourth position. The third member is configured to move the first member from the first position to the second position relative to the second member when the third member moves from the third position to the fourth position.

[0042] In a second aspect, in conjunction with the first aspect, the first end of the second member includes a recess positioned to receive the cutting edge of the blade when the first member is in the second position.

[0043] In a third aspect, in combination with one or more of the first or second aspects, the second member includes a stopper configured to contact the first member when the first member is in the second position and prevent the cutting edge of the blade from contacting the second member.

[0044] In a fourth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first to third aspects, the blade includes a first material; and the second member includes a second material having a lower hardness than the first material.

[0045] In a fifth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first to fourth aspects, the first material includes metal.

[0046] In a sixth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first to fifth aspects, the second material comprises a polymer material.

[0047] In a seventh aspect, in combination with one or more of the first to sixth aspects, the first material comprises a metal, and the second material comprises a polymer material.

[0048] In an eighth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first to seventh aspects, the polymeric material comprises fibers dispersed in a polymeric matrix.

[0049] In a ninth aspect, in combination with the fourth aspect, the first material has a hardness of at least 55 HRC.

[0050] In a tenth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first to ninth aspects, the blade is integrally formed with the main body of the first member.

[0051] In an eleventh aspect, in combination with one or more of the first to tenth aspects, the cutting edge of the blade is curved in a first direction and a second direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0052] In a twelfth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first to eleventh aspects, the third member is coupled to the first member so that the first end of the third member moves toward the first end of the second member while the third member moves from the third position to the fourth position.

[0053] In the thirteenth aspect, in combination with one or more aspects of the first to twelfth aspects, the second end of the third member is pivotally coupled to the second end of the first member, and the first member is pivotally coupled to the second member at a position between the first end of the second member and the second end of the second member.

[0054] In a fourteenth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first to thirteenth aspects, the blade is disposed farther from the second end of the second member when the first member is in the second position than when the first member is in the first position.

[0055] In a fifteenth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first to fourteenth aspects, the second member defines a compartment configured to receive nail clippings between the blade and the first end of the second member.

[0056] In a sixteenth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first to fifteenth aspects, the third member is movable to a fifth position in which the third member is releasably coupled to the second member.

[0057] In a seventeenth aspect, in combination with one or more of aspects one to sixteen, the second member defines a compartment configured to receive nail clippings between the blade and the first end of the second member, and the third member is movable to a fifth position in which the third member is releasably coupled to the second member and covers the compartment.

[0058] In an eighteenth aspect, in combination with one or more aspects of aspects one to seventeen, a method for cutting human nails includes: placing the nail between a blade of a first member of the nail clippers and a first end of a second member of the nail clippers, wherein the first end of the second member does not include a blade; and when the nail is located between the blade and the first end of the second member, moving the blade toward the first end of the second member so that the blade cuts the nail.

[0059] In a nineteenth aspect, in combination with the eighteenth aspect, moving the blade toward the first end of the second member is performed so that the cutting edge of the blade is received in the recess in the first end of the second member.

[0060] In a twentieth aspect, in combination with one or more of the eighteenth to nineteenth aspects, moving the blade toward the first end portion of the second member is performed so that the cutting edge of the blade is prevented from contacting the second member.

[0061] In a twenty-first aspect, in combination with one or more of aspects eighteen to twentieth, the blade comprises a metal having a hardness of at least 55 HRC, and the second member comprises a polymer material.

[0062] In a twenty-second aspect, in combination with one or more of the eighteenth to twenty-first aspects, moving the blade toward the first end of the second member includes pressing the third member of the nail clipper.

[0063] In a twenty-third aspect, in combination with one or more of aspects eighteen to twenty-second, after the nail is cut, the cut nail is received in the compartment of the second member.

[0064] In a twenty-fourth aspect, in combination with one or more of aspects eighteen to twenty-third, the method includes releasably coupling a third member to the second member such that the third member overlies the compartment.

[0065] In a twenty-fifth aspect, in combination with one or more of aspects 18 to 24, moving the blade toward the first end of the second member includes pressing a third member of the nail clippers. After the nail is cut, the cut nail is received in a compartment of the second member, and the method includes releasably coupling the third member to the second member such that the third member covers the compartment.

[0066] In a twenty-sixth aspect, in combination with one or more of the eighteenth to twenty-fifth aspects, moving the blade toward the first end of the second member includes pressing the first end of the third member of the nail clipper toward the first end of the second member.

[0067] All numerical ranges herein should be understood to include all integers, non-negative integers, or fractions within the range, including both ends of the range. In addition, these numerical ranges should be interpreted as providing support for claims for any number or subset of numbers within the range. For example, disclosure of a range from 1 to 10 should be interpreted as supporting a range from 1 to 8, from 3 to 7, from 1 to 9, from 3.6 to 4.6, from 3.5 to 9.9, etc.

[0068] Unless expressly stated otherwise or the context indicates otherwise, "or" herein is inclusive, not exclusive. Thus, as used herein, "A or B" means "A, B, or both A and B," unless expressly stated otherwise or the context indicates otherwise. Furthermore, "and" is conjunctive, unless expressly stated otherwise or the context indicates otherwise. Thus, as used herein, "A and B" means "A and B together or A and B separately," unless expressly stated otherwise or the context indicates otherwise.

[0069] The above description provides a complete description of the structure and use of the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. Although certain embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity or with reference to one or more separate embodiments, the scope of the present disclosure includes all variations, substitutions, modifications, alterations, and modifications of the example embodiments described or illustrated herein that would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the example embodiments described or illustrated herein. In addition, although the present disclosure describes and illustrates various embodiments herein as including specific parts, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps, any of these embodiments may include any combination or arrangement of parts, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps described or illustrated anywhere herein that would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, in the appended claims, references to a device, system, or component of a device or system that is suitable for, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, or operable to perform a particular function include the device, system, or component, regardless of whether it or the particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as the device, system, or component is suitable for, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable, or operable. Furthermore, although the present invention may describe or illustrate a particular embodiment as providing particular advantages, that particular embodiment may provide none, some, or all of those advantages.

Claims

1. A nail clipper comprising: a first member, wherein the first end of the first member includes a blade; and A second member, wherein the first end of the second member: The blade is not included; having a recess positioned to receive a cutting edge of a blade of the first member, wherein the second member is coupled to the first member such that the first member is movable relative to the second member between a first position and a second position, wherein when the first member moves from the first position to the second position, the blade of the first member moves toward the first end of the second member such that: The cutting edge of the blade of the first member is received within the recess; and The cutting edge of the blade of the first member does not contact any surface of the second member, Wherein, the second member includes a stopper configured to contact the first member and prevent the cutting edge of the blade of the first member from contacting the second member when the first member is in the second position.

2. The nail clipper according to claim 1, further comprising: a third member coupled to the first member and movable between a third position and a fourth position, wherein the third member is configured to cause the first member to move from the first position to the second position relative to the second member when the third member moves from the third position to the fourth position.

3. The nail clipper according to claim 1, wherein The blade of the first member comprises a first material; and The second member includes a second material having a lower hardness than the first material.

4. The nail clipper according to claim 3, wherein: The first material comprises a metal; and The second material comprises a polymer material.

5. The nail clipper according to claim 4, wherein: The polymeric material comprises fibers dispersed in a polymer matrix.

6. The nail clipper according to claim 1, wherein: The first end portion of the second member includes resin.

7. The nail clipper according to claim 3, wherein: The hardness of the first material is at least 55 HRC.

8. The nail clipper according to claim 1, wherein: The blade of the first member is integrated with the body of the first member.

9. The nail clipper according to claim 1, wherein: The cutting edge of the blade of the first member is curved in a first direction and a second direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

10. The nail clipper according to claim 2, wherein: The third member is coupled to the first member such that when the third member moves from the third position to the fourth position, the first end of the third member moves toward the first end of the second member.

11. The nail clipper according to claim 10, wherein: The second end of the third member is pivotally coupled to the second end of the first member; and The first member is pivotally coupled to the second member at a position between the first end of the second member and the second end of the second member.

12. The nail clipper according to claim 1, wherein The second member is coupled to the first member such that a blade of the first member is closer to a second end of the second member when the first member is in the second position than when the first member is in the first position.

13. A nail clipper comprising: a first member, wherein a first end portion of the first member includes a blade; A second member, wherein the first end of the second member: The blade is not included; having a recess positioned to receive the cutting edge of the blade of the first member, and wherein the second member is coupled to the first member such that the first member is movable relative to the second member between a first position and a second position, wherein when the first member moves from the first position to the second position, the blade of the first member moves toward the first end of the second member such that: The cutting edge of the blade of the first member is received within the recess; and the cutting edge of the blade of the first member not contacting any surface of the second member, a third member coupled to the first member and movable between a third position and a fourth position, wherein the third member is configured to cause the first member to move from the first position to the second position relative to the second member when the third member moves from the third position to the fourth position, in: the second member defining a compartment configured to receive a nail cut between the blade of the first member and the first end of the second member; and The third member is movable to a fifth position in which the third member is releasably coupled to the second member and covers the compartment.

14. A method of cutting a human nail, the method comprising: placing the nail between a blade of a first member of a nail clipper and a first end of a second member of the nail clipper, wherein the first end of the second member does not include a blade but rather has a recess positioned to receive the cutting edge of the blade of the first member; and When the nail is placed between the blade of the first member and the first end of the second member, the blade of the first member is moved toward the first end of the second member so that the blade of the first member cuts the nail, the cutting edge of the blade of the first member is received in the recess, and the cutting edge of the blade of the first member does not contact any surface of the second member, The second member includes a stopper configured to contact the first member and prevent the cutting edge of the blade of the first member from contacting the second member when the blade of the first member moves toward the first end of the second member.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The blade of the first member comprises a metal having a hardness of at least 55 HRC; and The second member comprises a polymer material.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein: The cutting edge of the blade of the first member is curved in a first direction and a second direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

17. A method of cutting a human nail, the method comprising: placing the nail between a blade of a first member of a nail clipper and a first end of a second member of the nail clipper, wherein the first end of the second member does not include a blade but rather has a recess positioned to receive the cutting edge of the blade of the first member; and When the nail is placed between the blade of the first member and the first end of the second member, the blade of the first member is moved toward the first end of the second member so that the blade of the first member cuts the nail, the cutting edge of the blade of the first member is received in the recess, and the cutting edge of the blade of the first member does not contact any surface of the second member, in: Moving the blade of the first member toward the first end of the second member includes pressing a third member of the nail clipper; After the nail is cut, the cut nail is received in the compartment of the second member; and The third member is releasably coupled to the second member such that the third member covers the compartment.

18. The method according to claim 14, wherein Moving the blade of the first member toward the first end of the second member includes pressing the first end of the third member of the nail clipper toward the first end of the second member.

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