Nail clippers with one blade

Abstract

Nail cutters (100), comprehensive: - a first element (102), wherein a first end section of the first element (102) has a blade; and - a second element (110), wherein a first end section of the second element (110): - has no blade; and - has a recess (116) which is positioned to receive an edge of the blade of the first element (102), - wherein the second element (110) is coupled to the first element (102) such that the first element (102) is movable relative to the second element (110) between a first and a second position, wherein, when the first element (102) moves from the first position to the second position, the blade of the first element (102) moves in the direction of the first end section of the second element (110), such that: - the cutting edge of the blade of the first element (102) is received within the recess (116); and - the cutting edge of the blade of the first element (102) does not touch any surface of the second element (110) - wherein the second element (110) comprises a stop (118) configured to touch the first element (102) and to prevent the cutting edge of the blade of the first element (102) from touching the second element (110) when the first element (102) is in the second position.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] A nail clipper is a handheld grooming tool used to shorten (e.g., clip) and shape fingernails and toenails. Typically, a nail clipper consists of a pair of blades and a lever mechanism to bring the blades together. Each blade is usually made of stainless steel and is designed to crush or break nails. Therefore, when a nail is placed between the blades and they are brought together, the blades crush or break a section of the nail.

[0002] Publication US 2020 / 0214420 A1 discloses a medical scraping tool for human nails or skin.

[0003] Publication JP 2005 131 035 A discloses a nail clipper which is specifically designed to cut nails into a decorative shape. SUMMARY

[0004] This disclosure provides a novel and innovative nail cutter and a method for cutting nails, including human nails. The nail cutter features a single-blade design comprising a first element with a blade facing a second element with a blade-free counter-surface. The blade-free counter-surface withstands a significant portion of the force required to cut a nail, thereby slowing the dulling process of the blade. In some aspects, the blade-free counter-surface can be constructed of a material with sufficiently low hardness to significantly mitigate the dulling of the blade should it come into contact with the blade-free counter-surface, further slowing the dulling process.The single-blade design limits or prevents contact between the blade and the bladeless counter-surface via a recess and a blade-stop mechanism, which can further slow down the dulling process. The single-blade design of this nail clipper also provides the clipper with the flexibility to perform other functions besides supporting and cutting the nail, such as preventing nail bed separation or limiting how short the nail can be cut, by eliminating the design requirement that opposing blades must be closely aligned. The single-blade design also allows for greater flexibility in the material selection for the various components of the nail clipper.

[0005] The nail cutter has a first element and a second element. The first end section of the first element has a blade. The second element has a first end section without a blade and a recess positioned to receive an edge of the blade of the first element. It is coupled to the first element so that the first element is movable between a first and a second position relative to the second element.When the first element moves from the first position to the second position, the blade moves toward the first end section of the second element, so that the cutting edge of the blade is engaged within the recess without touching any surface of the second element, both during the movement from the first position to the second position and during a rest position when the movement is complete and the cutting edge of the blade is engaged within the recess. In one example, a third element is coupled to the first element and movable between the third and fourth positions. The third element is configured to move the first element relative to the second element from the first position to the second position when the third element moves from the third position to the fourth position.

[0006] In one example, a method for cutting a human nail includes positioning the nail between a blade of a first element of a nail cutter and a first end section of a second element of the nail cutter, wherein the first end section of the second element has no blade and has a recess positioned to receive an edge of the blade of the first element; and moving the blade of the first element toward the first end section of the second element while the nail is between the blade and the first end section of the second element, such that the blade cuts the nail, the edge of the blade of the first element is received within the recess, and the edge of the blade of the first element does not touch any surface of the second element.The second element includes a stop designed to touch the first element and prevent the cutting edge of the blade of the first element from touching the second element when the first element is in the second position.

[0007] Additional features and advantages of the disclosed method and apparatus are described in detail below and are evident from the figures. The features and advantages described herein are not exhaustive, and many additional features and advantages will be obvious to a person skilled in the art in view of the figures and the description. Furthermore, it should be noted that the language used in the description has been chosen primarily for readability and teaching purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] A deeper understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following figures. In the accompanying figures, similar components or features may have the same reference numerals. Furthermore, different components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference numeral with a hyphen and a second numeral that differentiates the similar components from one another. If only the first reference numeral is used in the patent specification, the description applies to all similar components with the same first reference numeral, irrespective of the second reference numeral. Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a nail cutter according to one aspect of the present revelation. Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the nail clipper. Fig. 1 in a closed position, according to one aspect of the present revelation. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the nail clipper. Fig. 1 in an open position according to one aspect of the present revelation. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the nail clipper from Fig. 1, according to one aspect of the present revelation. Fig. Figure 5A illustrates a top view of a nail cutter blade from Fig. 1, according to one aspect of the present revelation. Fig. 5B illustrates a front view of the blade of Fig. 5A, according to one aspect of the present revelation. Fig. Figure 6 illustrates a side view of a lower element of the nail clipper. Fig. 1, according to one aspect of the present revelation. Fig. Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the nail cutter. Fig. 1, showing an edge of the nail cutter blade within a recess, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 8 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the nail cutter. Fig. 1, according to one aspect of the present revelation. Fig. Figure 9 illustrates a schematic representation of a nail, with which the nail clippers of Fig. 1 is cut, according to one aspect of the present revelation. Fig. Figure 10 illustrates a schematic representation of the cutting path of a nail cutter blade. Fig. 1, according to one aspect of the present revelation. Fig. Figure 11 illustrates a flowchart of an example procedure for cutting a nail, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0009] Identical reference symbols and designations in the different drawings indicate identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] The detailed description set forth below, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is intended to serve as a description of various embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of disclosure. Rather, the detailed description includes specific details intended to provide a comprehensive understanding of the inventive subject matter. It is clear to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not necessary in every case.

[0011] A nail clipper typically consists of a pair of opposing blades and a lever mechanism to bring the blades together. With this design, the opposing blades exert opposing forces on a nail during the clipping process and touch after the nail is cut, which can cause one or both of the opposing blades to become dull or bend. As the opposing blades become duller with continued use, more energy (e.g., force) must be applied to the lever mechanism to ensure the opposing blades cut through the nail.

[0012] With a dull blade, a significant portion of this energy is stored and released upon the final separation of the distal nail edge, causing the blades to collide with considerable force and an audible "click," further accelerating the dulling process. The force required between the opposing blades also contributes to a rougher cutting edge of the nail and a higher velocity of the ejected nail clippers.

[0013] In contrast, the present nail cutter features a single-blade design, comprising a first element with a blade and a second element with a blade-free counter-surface. This addresses at least some of the disadvantages of a typical nail cutter. For example, the blade-free counter-surface, rather than the cutting edge of the blade, withstands a significant portion of the force required to cut a nail, thus slowing down the dulling process of the blade. In some respects, the blade-free counter-surface can be constructed from a material with sufficiently low hardness to significantly mitigate the dulling of the blade should it come into contact with the blade-free counter-surface, further slowing down the dulling process. The single-blade design limits or prevents contact between the blade and the blade-free counter-surface, which can slow down the dulling process even further.The single-blade design of this nail cutter provides it with the flexibility to perform other functions besides supporting and cutting the nail, such as preventing nail bed separation or limiting how short the nail can be cut, by eliminating the design requirement that opposing blades must be closely aligned. The single-blade design also allows for greater flexibility in the choice of materials for the various components of the nail cutter. These advantages of this nail cutter, as well as other benefits, will become apparent to those skilled in the art through the following description of the figures.

[0014] The disadvantages mentioned here are merely representative and are listed to highlight the problems that the inventors have identified in existing nail clippers and are attempting to address. Aspects of the nail clipper described below may address some or all of these disadvantages, as well as others from the prior art. Aspects of the improved nail clipper described herein may offer other advantages and be used in different applications than those described above and below.

[0015] Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. Figure 4 illustrates different views of an exemplary nail cutter 100 capable of cutting nails (e.g., human nails). The nail cutter 100 has a cutting element 102 (e.g., a first element). The cutting element 102 has a body 104 and a blade 108. The blade 108 is arranged at a first end section 106 of the cutting element 102. The first end section 106 is opposite a second end section 107 of the cutting element 102. In some embodiments, the blade 108 may be formed integrally with the body 104. In other embodiments, the blade 108 may be a separate component coupled to the body 104. The blade 108 includes an edge 109 that is sharp enough to cut through a nail. The edge 109 may have a curvature that is anatomically aligned with a human nail. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the blade 108 may have a curvature that is anatomically aligned with a human nail. Fig. As shown in Figure 5A, the cutting edge 109 is curved in a first direction by exhibiting a curvature (or radius of curvature) in the xy-plane. In this example, the cutting edge 109 is anatomically aligned with the longitudinal curvature of a human nail (e.g., the curvature at the nail tip). The longitudinal curvature is the curvature of the nail when viewed from above (perpendicular to the palm) in the direction of nail growth. The z-axis in Fig. 5A runs into and out of the page. In another example, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5B, the cutting edge 109 can be curved in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, by exhibiting a curvature (a radius of curvature) in the yz-plane. In this example, the cutting edge 109 is anatomically aligned with the transverse curvature of a human nail (i.e., the curvature of the entire nail). The transverse curvature is the curvature of the nail perpendicular to the nail growth direction (view from the front of the finger). The x-axis in Fig. 5B extends into and out of the side. In some aspects, the cutting edge 109 can be curved in both directions. In such aspects, the cutting edge 109 anatomically aligns with both the longitudinal and transverse curvature of a human nail.

[0016] Back to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4. The nail cutter 100 further comprises an opposing element 110 (e.g., a second element), which can be a nail support platform. The counterpart 110 has a body 111 with a first end section 114 opposite a second end section 115. The counterpart 110 does not have a blade but rather serves as a nail support platform. For example, the first end section 114 of the body 111 does not have a blade. The counterpart 110 is coupled to the cutting element 102 such that the cutting element 102 is movable relative to the counterpart 110 between a first and a second position. For example, the counterpart 110 can be coupled to the cutting element 102 by a pivot pin 112. The pivot pin 112 can be positioned through the openings 400A and 400B of the cutting element 102 and the openings 400E and 400F of the counterpart 110 as shown.When the cutting element 102 moves from the first position to the second position, the blade 108 moves towards the first end section 114 of the counterpart 110. For example, . Fig. 1 an example of a cutting element 102 which is in the first position, which is any position in which the blade 108 is sufficiently far separated from the first end section 114 to allow a nail to be positioned between the blade 108 and the first end section 114. Fig. Figure 2 shows an example of the cutting element 102 in the second position, in which the blade 108 is closer to the first end section 114 than when the blade 108 is in the first position. For example, the blade 108 can be in the second position while the blade 108 is cutting through a nail or immediately after the blade 108 has cut through the nail.

[0017] The first end section 114 of the counterpart 110 has a recess 116. The recess 116 can prevent any contact between the cutting edge 109 of the blade 108 and any part and / or surface of the counterpart 110. The recess 116 can also prevent any contact between the cutting edge 109 of the blade 108 and any part and / or surface of any component or element located within the recess 116 or above the counterpart 110. The recess 116 is shaped and positioned to receive the cutting edge 109 of the blade 108 when the cutting element 102 is in the second position. For example, Figure 1 shows Fig. 8. The cutting edge 109 is positioned within the recess 116. The cutting edge 109 and the recess 116 can be aligned such that the cutting edge 109 does not contact any part and / or surface of the mating part 110 that forms the recess 116 when the cutting edge 109 is received within the recess 116. For example, the recess 116 can have a curvature that matches the curvature of the cutting edge 109. By reducing or eliminating the contact between the cutting edge 109 and the mating part 110 via the recess 116, the dulling process of the cutting edge 109 is slowed down, and the service life of both the cutting edge 109 and the mating part 110 is increased.

[0018] In typical nail clipper designs with opposing blades, a common material is used for the majority of the nail clipper. This common material must therefore meet the functional and manufacturing requirements of both the opposing blades and the lever mechanism. On the other hand, the bladeless nature of the counterpart 110 and / or the presence of the recess 116 allow for greater flexibility in the materials used for the nail clipper 100. For example, the blade 108 can have a first material, or be made entirely of a material different from a second material that the counterpart 110 has or is made of. The body 104 of the cutting element 102 can have the same material as the blade 108, a different material than the blade 108, or be made entirely of a different material.In some aspects, the first material of blade 108 exhibits greater hardness than the second material of its counterpart 110. For example, the first material of blade 108 can be harder than the blade materials of typical nail clippers because the nail clipper 100 eliminates contact between blades and between the blade and the opposing surface, for example, due to the recess 116, which materials with higher hardness cannot withstand. Blades with higher hardness improve nail edge preservation when cutting nails.

[0019] In some embodiments, the hardness of the first material of the blade 108 is at least 55 HRC on the Rockwell hardness scale, Part C. For example, the hardness of the first material of the blade 108 may be in the range of 55 to 65 HRC. In contrast, the blades of typical opposing-blade nail clippers have a hardness of 48 HRC to withstand blade-to-blade contact and to provide sufficient compliance for the mechanism to flex when the lever is depressed. The first material of the blade 108 may be a metal (e.g., steel) or another suitably hard material. For example, the first material of the blade 108 may be steel, which may have a hardness in the range of 61 to 62 HRC. The counterpart 110 may be constructed of a material with a sufficiently low hardness to substantially reduce dulling of the blade 108 when the blade 108 comes into contact with the counterpart 110.In various embodiments, the second material of the counterpart 110 can be a polymer material. In one example, the polymer material can be resin. The first end section 114 of the counterpart 110 can comprise resin or consist entirely of it. Alternatively, the second material of the counterpart 110 can comprise glass-filled nylon.

[0020] Back to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4. The nail cutter 100 further includes a lever 120 (e.g., a third element). The lever 120 has a first end section 121 opposite a second end section 122 and is coupled to the cutting element 102, such that the lever 120 is movable between the third and fourth positions. For example, the second end section 122 of the lever 120 can be coupled to the second end section 107 of the cutting element 102 via a pivot pin 123. The pivot pin 123 can be positioned through the openings 400C and 400D of the cutting element 102 and the corresponding openings of the lever 120. The lever 120 can also be considered coupled to the counterpart 110 by being coupled to the cutting element 102, which in turn is coupled to the counterpart 110. Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 3 each shows examples of lever 120 in a third position ( Fig. Figure 1 shows a cutting position, while Fig. 3 shows an open / emptying position), while Fig. Figure 2 shows an example of the lever 120 in a fourth position. The mechanism is tuned such that the normal / cutting position of the lever and the open / empty position are two stable positions, and the transition from one to the other requires an input of energy. This is achieved by tuning the movement of the rear pin, on which a force is exerted by the spring. In these two lever positions, the pin is positioned lower than in the intermediate position. The nail cutter 100 is designed such that when the lever 120 is moved from the third position to the fourth position, the cutting element 102 moves relative to the counterpart 110 from the first position to the second position. For example, if a user pushes the lever 120 with a force component in the direction of arrow 124, a point is reached where the lever 120 forces the blade 108 to move towards the first end section 114 of the counterpart 110 in the direction of arrow 126.Before this point is reached, the lever 120 can pivot about the axis of the pivot pin 123 without causing the blade 108 to move towards or away from the first end section 114 of the counterpart 110.

[0021] The third position of the lever 120 can be any position in which pressing the lever 120 with a force component in the direction of arrow 124 does not cause any movement of the blade 108, or causes movement of the blade 108 while the blade 108 is in the first position. For example, the lever 120 can be in the third position before the blade 108 cuts through a nail. The fourth position of the lever 120 can be any position in which pressing the lever 120 with a force component in the direction of arrow 124 causes the blade 108 to be in the second position. For example, the lever 120 can be in the fourth position while the blade 108 is cutting through a nail, or immediately after the blade 108 has cut through the nail.

[0022] The nail cutter 100 is designed such that the force for a nail-cutting operation is applied to the lever 120 that is closer to the first end section 121 than to the second end section 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 force is applied during the nail-cutting operation. In this way, the lever 120 is coupled to the cutting element 102, so that the first end section 121 of the lever 120 moves towards the first end section 114 of its counterpart 110 as the lever 120 moves from the third position to the fourth position. By limiting the range between the point where the user controls the lever 120 for a nail-cutting operation and the point where the cutting action takes place, precise control of the blade 108's position and precise cuts are achieved.In at least some embodiments, the counterpart 110 has at least one pivot point about which the lever 120 pivots when the lever 120 is pressed to move the first end section 121 towards a first end section 114 of the counterpart 110. For example, the counterpart 110 may have pivot points 302A, 302B. Fig. Figure 6 shows a side view of pivot point 302B, which extends over the portion of body 111 between opening 400E and pivot point 302B. Lever 120 can be pivoted to release contact between lever 120 and pivot points 302A and 302B. Pivoting lever 120 in this way provides better access to a compartment 300 formed by the counterpart 110, as described below.

[0023] Another advantage of the single-blade design of the Nail Cutter 100 is the adjustable pivot ratios it allows. For example, the Nail Cutter 100 can be manufactured with different dimensions, resulting in various mechanical properties. Specifically, each of the following distances can be adjusted to give the Nail Cutter 100 different mechanical characteristics: the distance between the blade 108 and the pivot pin 112, the distance between the pivot pin 112 and the pivot pin 123, the distance between the pivot pin 123 and the pivot points 302A and 302B, and the distance between the pivot points 302A and 302B and the portion of the lever 120 upon which force is applied.

[0024] In various embodiments, the nail cutter 100 incorporates a biasing mechanism that biases the lever 120 away from the fourth position and toward the third position. For example, the counterpart 110 may include a biasing element 304, which is made of a metal (e.g., steel) or another suitable hard material. Alternatively, the biasing element 304 may be made of a polymer material such as resin. Alternatively, the polymer material may be glass-filled nylon. As is best described in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the preload element 304 rests on the pivot pin 123, allowing it to exert a force on the pivot pin 123 in a direction away from the lever 120. By exerting this force on the pivot pin 123, the preload element 304 pushes the pivot pin 123 toward the second end section 115 of the counterpart 110, thereby pushing the first end section 121 of the lever 120 away from the first end section 114 of the counterpart 110. In this way, the first end section 121 of the lever 120 can spring away from the first end section 114 of the counterpart 110 as soon as a nail is cut. In cases where the lever 120 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the counterpart 110, the preload element 304 does not exert a preload force on the pivot pin 123.

[0025] To slow down the dulling of the cutting edge 109, the nail cutter 100 may have a mechanism that prevents the cutting edge 109 from traveling too far and from touching at least the far end of the recess 116 of the counterpart 110. In various aspects, the mechanism prevents the cutting edge 109 from touching any surface of the recess 116. As the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the counterpart 110 includes a stop 118, which extends, for example, from the body 111. An identical or at least similar stop can be positioned on the opposite side of the counterpart 110, which is shown in Figure 4. Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 is not visible. The stop 118 is designed such that when the blade 108 is moved towards the first end section 114 of the counterpart 110, the body 104 of the cutting element 102 contacts the stop 118 before the cutting edge 109 contacts the recess 116. In this way, the stop 118 prevents the cutting edge 109 from contacting the counterpart 110.

[0026] As already mentioned, the counterpart 110 forms the compartment 300. Nail remnants are collected within the compartment 300 when the nails are cut by the cutting edge 109 of the blade 108. In at least some embodiments, the lever 120 is movable into a fifth position in which it is detachably coupled to the counterpart 110 and covers the compartment 300. In this fifth position, the lever 120 acts as a lid to retain the nail remnants in the compartment 300. In this way, the lever 120 can be used both as a lever to initiate the nail-cutting process and as a lid to secure the nail remnants. This dual function of the lever 120 reduces the number of parts and the complexity of the design.

[0027] Fig. Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of a nail 902 of a finger 900 being cut with a nail clipper 100. For simplicity, only the blade 108 and part of the counterpart 110 of the nail clipper 100 are shown. In various aspects, the distance between a leading edge of the first end section 114 and the recess 116 of the first end section 114 can be such that the first end section 114 of the counterpart 110 limits how short the nail 902 can be cut. This distance, as well as the shape of the leading edge of the first end section 114 and / or the angle of the blade, can also reduce the separation of the nail 902 from a nail bed 904 of the finger 900.

[0028] In some embodiments, the nail cutter 100 can be designed such that the cutting edge 109 of the blade 108 cuts a nail with a curved cutting path. Typical nail clipper designs involve opposing blades that move along a substantially collinear path, with the blade edges oriented perpendicular to the nail during the nail-cutting process. Such designs result in a less favorable cut of approximately 90° at the nail tip. In contrast, the curved cutting path of the nail cutter 100 provides a more favorable cut edge of less than 90° at the edge of the nail. For example, [Figure 1] shows Fig. Figure 10 shows an example of a curved cutting path 1000 over which the blade 108 moves during a nail-cutting operation. With respect to the curved cutting path 1000, the blade 108 is positioned further away from the second end section 115 of the counterpart 110 when the cutting element 102 is in the second position than when the cutting element 102 is in the first position.

[0029] In some embodiments, the mechanical pivot pins 112, 123 of the nail cutter 100 can be replaced by a compliant mechanism with flexible hinge points, for example, a one-piece design aspect of the nail cutter 100 in which all components of the nail cutter 100, except for the blade 108, are formed integrally. Alternatively, all components of the nail cutter 100 are formed integrally. For example, the lever 120 is formed integrally with the cutting element 102 at a first hinge, and the cutting element 102 is formed integrally with the counterpart 110 at a second hinge. The pivot point 302A is formed integrally with the counterpart 110 at a third hinge. The lever 120 encloses a first handle, and the counterpart 110 encloses a second handle.When the first and second handles are brought closer together, the nail cutter 100 flexes at all three hinges, thus directing the blade 108 towards the recess 116. Compared to typical nail clipper designs, the yielding mechanism of the nail cutter 100 results in fewer parts, fewer types of failure, better fine-tuning of the yielding mechanism's behavior, and improved durability (e.g., relatively moving parts in mechanical hinges wear out over time).

[0030] Fig. Figure 11 shows a flowchart of an example procedure for cutting a human nail. Although the example procedure 1200 refers to the one in Fig.As described in the illustrated flowchart 11, it is understood that other procedures can be used to perform the actions assigned to procedure 1200. For example, additional blocks can be added, or some of the described blocks can be omitted. At block 1202, procedure 1200 involves positioning a nail between a blade (e.g., blade 108) of a first element (e.g., cutting element 102) of a nail cutter (e.g., nail cutter 100) and a first end section (e.g., first end section 114) of a second element (e.g., counterpart 110) of the nail cutter 100. The first end section of the second element does not have a blade. The first end section of the second element has a recess positioned to receive a cutting edge of the blade of the first element.

[0031] In block 1204, the blade is moved towards the first end section of the second element while the nail is positioned between the blade of the first element and the first end section of the second element. This ensures that the blade of the first element cuts the nail, the cutting edge of the blade of the first element is received within the recess, and the cutting edge of the blade of the first element does not touch any surface of the second element. The second element includes a stop designed to contact the first element and prevent the cutting edge of the blade of the first element from touching the second element when the first element is in the second position. In some aspects, moving the blade towards the first end section of the second element involves pressing a third element (e.g., lever 120) of the nail cutter.For example, moving the blade towards the first end section of the second element can involve pressing a first end section (e.g., first end section 121) of the third element of the nail cutter towards the first end section of the second element. In at least some embodiments, moving the blade towards the first end section of the second element is performed such that a cutting edge (e.g., cutting edge 109) of the blade is received in a recess (e.g., recess 116) in the first end section of the second element. In at least some embodiments, moving the blade towards the first end section of the second element is performed in such a way as to prevent a cutting edge of the blade from contacting the second element. The cut nail can be received in a compartment (e.g., compartment 300) of the second element after cutting.In some embodiments, method 1200 comprises the detachable coupling of the third element with the second element, such that the third element overlaps the compartment.

[0032] Some embodiments of the present nail cutter and nail-cutting method may have additional aspects, such as any single aspect or combination of aspects described below or in conjunction with one or more other processes or devices described elsewhere herein. In a first aspect, a nail cutter has a first element; a second element; and a third element. A first end section of the first element has a blade. The second element has a first end section that does not have a blade and is coupled to the first element such that the first element is movable between the first and second positions relative to the second element. As the first element moves from the first position to the second position, the blade moves toward the first end section of the second element.The third element is coupled to the first element and movable between the third and fourth positions. The third element is configured to move the first element relative to the second element from the first position to the second position when the third element moves from the third position to the fourth position.

[0033] In a fourth aspect, in combination with one or more of the aspects from the first to the third, the blade comprises a first material; and the second element comprises a second material with a hardness that is less than the hardness of the first material.

[0034] In a fifth aspect, in combination with one or more of the aspects from the first to the fourth, the first material includes a metal.

[0035] In a sixth aspect, in combination with one or more of the aspects from the first to the fifth, the second material comprises a polymer material.

[0036] 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.

[0037] In an eighth aspect, in combination with one or more aspects from the first to the seventh, the polymer material comprises fibers dispersed in a polymer matrix.

[0038] In a ninth aspect in combination with the fourth aspect, the hardness of the first material is at least 55 HRC.

[0039] In a tenth aspect, in combination with one or more aspects from the first to the ninth, the blade is formed in one piece with a body of the first element.

[0040] In an eleventh aspect, in combination with one or more of the first to tenth aspects, the edge of the blade is curved in a first direction and in a second direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction.

[0041] In a twelfth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first to eleventh aspects, the third element is coupled with the first element, such that a first end section of the third element moves towards the first end section of the second element, while the third element moves from the third position to the fourth position.

[0042] In a thirteenth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first to twelfth aspects, a second end section of the third element is pivotably coupled to a second end section of the first element, and the first element is pivotably coupled to the second element at a location situated between the first end section of the second element and a second end section of the second element.

[0043] In a fourteenth aspect, in combination with one or more aspects from the first to the thirteenth aspect, the blade is positioned further away from a second end section of the second element when the first element is in the second position than when the first element is in the first position.

[0044] In a fifteenth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first to fourteenth aspects, the second element defines a compartment designed to receive a nail cut between the blade and the first end section of the second element.

[0045] In a sixteenth aspect, in combination with one or more aspects from the first to the fifteenth aspect, the third element can be moved into a fifth position in which the third element is solvably coupled with the second element.

[0046] In a seventeenth aspect, in combination with one or more aspects from the first to the sixteenth aspect, the second element defines a compartment designed to receive a nail cut between the blade and the first end section of the second element, and the third element is movable into a fifth position in which the third element is detachably coupled to the second element and overlaps the compartment.

[0047] In an eighteenth aspect, in combination with one or more aspects from the first to the seventeenth, a method for cutting a human nail comprises arranging the nail between a blade of a first element of a nail cutter and a first end section of a second element of the nail cutter, the first end section of the second element having no blade; and moving the blade towards the first end section of the second element while the nail is between the blade and the first end section of the second element, so that the blade cuts the nail.

[0048] In a nineteenth aspect, in combination with an eighteenth aspect, the movement of the blade towards the first end section of the second element is carried out in such a way that an edge of the blade is received in a recess in the first end section of the second element.

[0049] In a twentieth aspect, in combination with one or more of the eighteenth to nineteenth aspects, the movement of the blade towards the first end section of the second element is carried out in such a way as to prevent any edge of the blade from touching the second element.

[0050] In a twenty-first aspect, in combination with one or more of the eighteenth to twentieth aspects, the blade comprises a metal with a hardness of at least 55 HRC and the second element comprises a polymer material.

[0051] In a twenty-second aspect, in combination with one or more of the eighteenth to twenty-first aspects, moving the blade towards the first end section of the second element involves pressing a third element of the nail cutter.

[0052] In a twenty-third aspect, in combination with one or more of the eighteenth to twenty-second aspects, the cut nail is taken up in a compartment of the second element after being cut off.

[0053] In a twenty-fourth aspect, in combination with one or more aspects from the eighteenth to the twenty-third, the procedure involves the solvable coupling of the third element with the second element, such that the third element overlaps the compartment.

[0054] In a twenty-fifth aspect, in combination with one or more aspects from the eighteenth to the twenty-fourth, moving the blade towards the first end section of the second element involves pressing a third element of the nail cutter. The cut nail is received in a compartment of the second element after being cut, and the procedure includes the releasable coupling of the third element to the second element so that the third element overlaps the compartment.

[0055] In a twenty-sixth aspect, in combination with one or more of the eighteenth to twenty-fifth aspects, moving the blade towards the first end section of the second element includes pressing a first end section of a third element of the nail cutter towards the first end section of the second element.

[0056] All numerical ranges herein should be understood to include numbers, whole or fractional, within the range, including the ends of the ranges. Furthermore, these numerical ranges should be interpreted as providing support for any claim relating to any number or subset of numbers within that range. For example, a disclosure of 1 to 10 should be interpreted as supporting a range of 1 to 8, 3 to 7, 1 to 9, 3.6 to 4.6, 3.5 to 9.9, and so on.

[0057] Unless expressly stated otherwise or the context implies otherwise, "or" herein is inclusive and non-exclusive. Therefore, "A or B" herein means "A, B, or both," unless expressly stated otherwise or the context implies otherwise. Furthermore, "and" here means both jointly and individually, unless expressly stated otherwise or the context implies otherwise. Therefore, "A and B" herein means "A and B, jointly or jointly," unless expressly stated otherwise or the context implies otherwise.

[0058] The above patent specification provides a complete description of the structure and use of illustrative embodiments of this disclosure. Although certain embodiments have been described above with a degree of accuracy or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, the scope of this disclosure includes all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications of the embodiments described or illustrated herein, as they would be understood by a person skilled in the art. The scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described or illustrated herein.Although the embodiments described and illustrated in this disclosure are such that they include certain components, elements, features, functions, processes or steps, each of these embodiments may include any combination or permutation of the components, elements, features, functions, processes or steps described or illustrated elsewhere herein, as would be understood by a person skilled in the art.Furthermore, the reference in the appended claims to a device or system, or a component of a device or system that is adapted, designed, capable, configured, activated, operable, or operational to perform a specific function, includes that device, system, or component, regardless of whether that specific function is activated, switched on, or unlocked, or not, as long as the device, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, activated, operable, or operational. Although this disclosure describes or illustrates certain embodiments as providing certain advantages, certain embodiments may additionally provide none, some, or all of these advantages.

Claims

[1] Nail cutters (100), comprising: - a first element (102), wherein a first end section of the first element (102) has a blade; and - a second element (110), wherein a first end section of the second element (110): - has no blade; and - has a recess (116) which is positioned to receive an edge of the blade of the first element (102), - wherein the second element (110) is coupled to the first element (102) such that the first element (102) is movable relative to the second element (110) between a first and a second position, wherein, when the first element (102) moves from the first position to the second position, the blade of the first element (102) moves in the direction of the first end section of the second element (110), such that: - the cutting edge of the blade of the first element (102) is received within the recess (116); and - the cutting edge of the blade of the first element (102) does not touch any surface of the second element (110) - wherein the second element (110) comprises a stop (118) configured to touch the first element (102) and to prevent the cutting edge of the blade of the first element (102) from touching the second element (110) when the first element (102) is in the second position. [2] Nail cutter (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: - a third element coupled to the first element (102) and movable between a third and a fourth position, wherein the third element (120) is configured to move the first element (102) relative to the second element (110) from the first position to the second position when the third element (120) moves from the third position to the fourth position. [3] Nail cutter (100) according to claim 1, wherein the blade of the first element (102) comprises a first material; and the second element (110) comprises a second material having a hardness that is less than the hardness of the first material. [4] Nail cutter (100) according to claim 3, wherein the first material comprises a metal; and the second material comprises a polymer material. [5] Nail cutter (100) according to claim 4, wherein the polymer material comprises fibers dispersed in a polymer matrix. [6] Nail cutter (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first end section of the second element (110) comprises resin. [7] Nail cutter (100) according to claim 3, wherein the hardness of the first material is at least 55 HRC. [8] Nail cutter (100) according to claim 1, wherein the blade of the first element (102) is formed integrally with a body of the first element (102). [9] Nail cutter (100) according to claim 1, wherein the cutting edge of the blade of the first element (102) is curved in a first direction and in a second direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction. [10] Nail cutter (100) according to claim 2, wherein the third element (120) is coupled to the first element (102) such that a first end section of the third element moves towards the first end section of the second element (110) while the third element (120) moves from the third position to the fourth position. [11] Nail cutter (100) according to claim 10, wherein a second end section of the third element (110) is pivotably coupled to a second end section of the first element (102); and the first element (102) is pivotably coupled to the second element (110) at a location arranged between the first end section of the second element (110) and a second end section of the second element (110). [12] Nail cutter (100) according to claim 1, wherein the second element (110) is coupled to the first element (102) such that the blade of the first element (102) is arranged closer to a second end section of the second element (110) when the first element (102) is in the second position than when the first element (102) is in the first position. [13] Nail cutters (100), comprising: - a first element (102), wherein a first end section of the first element (102) has a blade; and - a second element (110), wherein a first end section of the second element (110): - has no blade; and - has a recess (116) which is positioned to receive an edge of the blade of the first element (102), - wherein the second element (110) is coupled to the first element (102) such that the first element is movable relative to the second element between a first and a second position, wherein, when the first element moves from the first position to the second position, the blade of the first element (102) moves in the direction of the first end section of the second element (110), such that: - the cutting edge of the blade of the first element (102) is received within the recess (116); and - the cutting edge of the blade of the first element (102) does not touch any surface of the second element (110), - a third element (120) coupled to the first element (102) and movable between a third and a fourth position, wherein the third element (120) is configured to move the first element (102) relative to the second element (110) from the first position to the second position when the third element (120) moves from the third position to the fourth position, - wherein the second element (110) defines a compartment configured to receive a nail cut between the blade and the first end section of the second element (110); and the third element (120) is movable into a fifth position in which the third element (120) is detachably coupled to the second element (110) and overlaps the compartment. [14] Method for cutting a human nail, the method comprising: - Arranging the nail between a blade of a first element (102) of a nail cutter (100) and a first end section of a second element (110) of the nail cutter (100), wherein the first end section of the second element (110) has no blade and has a recess (116) positioned to receive an edge of the blade of the first element (102); and - Moving the blade of the first element (102) towards the first end section of the second element (110) while the nail is located between the blade of the first element (102) and the first end section of the second element (110), such that the blade of the first element (102) cuts the nail, the cutting edge of the blade of the first element (102) is received within the recess (116) and the cutting edge of the blade of the first element (102) does not touch any surface of the second element (110), and - wherein the second element (110) comprises a stop (118) configured to touch the first element (102) and to prevent the cutting edge of the blade of the first element (102) from touching the second element (110) when the first element (102) is in the second position. [15] Method according to claim 14, wherein the blade of the first element (102) comprises a metal having a hardness of at least 55 HRC; and the second element (110) comprises a polymer material. [16] Method according to claim 14, wherein the cutting edge of the blade of the first element (102) is curved in a first direction and in a second direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction. [17] Method for cutting a human nail, the method comprising: - Arranging the nail between a blade of a first element (102) of a nail cutter (100) and a first end section of a second element (110) of the nail cutter (100), wherein the first end section of the second element (110) has no blade and has a recess (116) positioned to receive an edge of the blade of the first element (102); and - Moving the blade of the first element (102) towards the first end section of the second element (110) while the nail is located between the blade of the first element (102) and the first end section of the second element (110), such that the blade of the first element (102) cuts the nail, the cutting edge of the blade of the first element (102) is received within the recess (116) and the cutting edge of the blade of the first element (102) does not touch any surface of the second element (110), and wherein moving the blade towards the first end section of the second element (110) includes pressing a third element of the nail cutter (100); wherein the cut nail is received in a compartment of the second element (110) after the nail has been cut; and wherein the method comprises the releasable coupling of the third element with the second element (110) such that the third element (120) overlaps the compartment. [18] Method according to claim 14, wherein moving the blade of the first section (102) towards the first end section of the second element (110) comprises pressing a first end section of a third element of the nail cutter (100) towards the first end section of the second element (110).

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