Single blade nail cutter

Abstract

To provide a novel and innovative nail cutter and method for cutting nails, such as human fingernails.SOLUTION: A nail cutter is provided that includes a first member and a second member. A first end portion of the first member includes a blade. A first end portion of the second member does not include a blade. The first and second members are coupled such that the first member is movable relative to the second member between first and second positions and, when the first member moves from the first position to the second position, the blade moves toward the first end portion of the second member. A third member is coupled to the first member and is movable between third and fourth positions. Moving the third member from the third position to the fourth position moves the first member, relative to the second member, from the first position to the second position. Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Background technology]

[0001]

[0001] Nail clippers are handheld grooming tools designed to cut (e.g., clip) and shape fingernails and toenails. Nail clippers typically consist of a pair of blades and a lever mechanism for moving the blades toward each other. Each of the blades is typically made of stainless steel and is designed to crush / tear through the nail. Thus, when the nail is placed between the blades and the blades are moved toward each other, the blade crushes / tears a portion of the nail. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0002]

[0002] The present disclosure provides new and innovative nail clippers and methods for cutting nails, such as human fingernails. The nail clippers have a single-blade design including a first member having a blade opposed to a second member having a non-blade opposing surface. The non-blade opposing surface bears the majority of the force required to cut the nail, thereby slowing the dulling process of the blade. In some embodiments, the non-blade opposing surface may be constructed of a material having a low enough hardness to significantly reduce the dulling of the blade if it were to contact the non-blade opposing surface, thereby further slowing the dulling process. In some embodiments, the single-blade design may limit or prevent the blade from contacting the non-blade opposing surface via a recess and / or blade stop mechanism, thereby further slowing the dulling process. The single blade design of the present nail clippers additionally provides the clippers with the versatility to have other functions besides supporting and cutting the nail, such as preventing separation of the nail bed or limiting how short the nail can be cut, by eliminating the requirement of opposing blade designs that the opposing blades be aligned very close to one another. The single blade design also allows for greater versatility for material selection of the various components of the nail clippers.

[0003] In one example, the nail clipper includes a first member and a second member. A first end of the first member includes a blade. The second member does not include a blade, has a first end with a recess positioned to receive a cutting edge of the blade of the first member, and 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. As the first member moves from the first position to the second position, 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 without contacting any surface of the second member both during movement from the first position to the second position and when in a rest position when the cutting edge of the blade is received in the recess upon completion of movement. 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 move the first member relative to the second member from the first position to the second position when the third member moves from the third position to the fourth position.

[0004]

[0004] In one example, a method of cutting a human nail includes 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, where the first end of the second member does not include the blade, and moving the blade toward the first end of the second member while the nail is positioned between the blade and the first end of the second member such that the blade cuts the nail.

[0005]

[0005] Additional features and advantages of the disclosed method and apparatus are described in and become apparent from the following detailed description and figures. The features and advantages described herein are not exhaustive, and in particular, many additional features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the figures and this description. Furthermore, it should be noted that the language used in this specification has been selected primarily for readability and descriptive purposes, and not to limit the scope of the subject matter of the present invention.

[0006]

[0006] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the accompanying drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference numerals. Furthermore, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference numeral with a dash and a second numeral that distinguishes between the similar components. When only a first numeral is used in this specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first numeral regardless of the second numeral. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a nail clipper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2]

[0008] FIG. 2 is a side view of the nail clipper of FIG. 1 in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3]

[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the nail clipper of FIG. 1 in an open position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]

[0010] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the nail clipper of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A]

[0011] 5A is a top view of a blade of the nail clipper of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B]

[0012] FIG. 5B is a front view of the blade of FIG. 5A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]

[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of a lower member of the nail clipper of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7]

[0014] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the nail clipper of FIG. 1 showing the cutting edge of the blade of the nail clipper within the recess in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8]

[0015] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the nail clipper of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9]

[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a nail being cut by the nail clipper of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10]

[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the cutting path of the blade of the nail clipper of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11]

[0018] 1 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for cutting a nail according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008]

[0019] Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

[0009]

[0020] The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended to be an explanation of various configurations and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of enabling 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 all instances.

[0010]

[0021] Nail clippers typically consist of a pair of opposing blades and a lever mechanism for moving the blades towards each other. In this design, the opposing blades apply opposing forces to the nail during the nail clipping action and then contact each other after clipping the nail, which can lead to dulling or bending of one or both of the opposing blades. As the opposing blades become more dull with continued use, more energy (e.g., force) must be applied to the lever mechanism for the opposing blades to completely cut the nail. In dull blades, a significant portion of this energy is accumulated and released upon final separation of the distal nail edges, causing the blades to contact each other with greater force, producing an audible "click" sound, thereby further facilitating the dulling process. Additionally, the force required between the opposing blades causes the cut edges of the nail to be rougher, which in turn causes the severed nail to be ejected at a faster rate.

[0011]

[0022] In contrast, the present nail clipper has a single blade design that includes a first member with a blade facing a second member with a non-blade facing surface, thereby addressing at least the above-mentioned shortcomings of typical nail clippers. For example, the non-blade facing surface bears a greater proportion of the force required to cut the nail than the cutting edge of the blade, thereby slowing the dulling process of the blade. In some embodiments, the non-blade facing surface can be constructed of a material with a hardness low enough to significantly reduce the dulling of the blade if it were to contact the non-blade facing surface, thereby further slowing the dulling process. In some embodiments, the single blade design can limit or prevent the blade from contacting the non-blade facing surface, thereby further slowing the dulling process. The single blade design of the present nail clipper additionally provides the nail clipper with the versatility to have other functions besides supporting and cutting the nail, such as preventing separation of the nail bed or limiting how short the nail can be cut, by eliminating the requirement of opposing blade designs that the opposing blades are aligned very close to each other. The single blade design also allows for greater versatility for material selection for the various components of the nail clipper.These and other advantages of the present nail clipper will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the figures.

[0012]

[0023] The deficiencies noted herein are merely exemplary and are included to highlight problems identified by the inventors with existing nail clippers that they are attempting to remedy. The embodiments of the nail clipper described below may address some or all of these deficiencies and other deficiencies known in the art. The embodiments of the improved nail clipper described herein may offer other advantages than those described above and below, and may be used in other applications than those described above and below.

[0013]

[0024] 1-4 show various views of an exemplary nail clipper 100 capable of cutting a nail (e.g., a human nail). 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 embodiments, the blade 108 can be integral with the body 104. In other embodiments, 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 completely cut the nail. The cutting edge 109 can have a curvature that is anatomically aligned with a human nail. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the cutting edge 109 can be curved in a first direction, such as by having a curvature (radius of curvature) in the xy plane. The cutting edge 109 is anatomically aligned to the longitudinal curvature of a human nail in this example (e.g., the curvature at the tip of the nail). The longitudinal curvature is the curvature of the nail as viewed from the top of the hand (perpendicular to the palm) in the direction of nail growth. The z-axis in FIG. 5A is into the page. In another example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the cutting edge 109 can be curved in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, such as by having a curvature (radius of curvature) in the yz plane. The cutting edge 109 is anatomically aligned to the transverse curvature of a human nail in this example (e.g., the curvature of the entire nail). The transverse curvature is the curvature of the nail perpendicular to the direction of nail growth (end view of the finger). The x-axis in FIG. 5B is into the page. In some embodiments, the cutting edge 109 can be curved in both the first and second directions. In such an embodiment, the cutting edge 109 is anatomically aligned with both the longitudinal and lateral curvatures of the human nail.

[0014]

[0025] Returning to FIGS. 1-4, the nail clipper 100 further includes an opposing member 110 (e.g., a second member) that 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 functions 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 such that the cutting member 102 is movable relative to the opposing member 110 between a first position and a second position. For example, the opposing member 110 can be coupled to the cutting member 102 by a pivot pin 112. The pivot pin 112 can be positioned to pass through openings 400A and 400B of the cutting member 102 and openings 400E and 400F of the opposing member 110 as shown. As 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, FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the cutting member 102 in a first position, which is any position where the blade 108 is sufficiently separated from the first end 114 to allow placement of a nail between the blade 108 and the first end 114. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the cutting member 102 in a second position, where the blade 108 is closer to the first end 114 compared to when the blade 108 is in the first position. For example, the blade 108 can be in the second position when the blade 108 has completely cut the nail or just after the blade 108 has completely cut the nail.

[0015]

[0026] In at least some embodiments, 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 further 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 such embodiments, 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, FIG. 8 shows the cutting edge 109 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 portion and / or surface of the opposing member 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. Reducing or eliminating contact between the cutting edge 109 and the counter member 110 via the recess 116 slows the dulling process of the cutting edge 109 and extends the useful life of both the cutting edge 109 and the counter member 110.

[0016]

[0027] A typical nail clipper design with opposing blades utilizes a common material for the majority of nail clippers. Thus, the common material must meet the functional and manufacturing requirements of both the opposing blades and the lever mechanism. In contrast, the bladeless nature of the opposing member 110 and / or the presence of the recess 116 allows for increased flexibility in the materials used for the nail clipper 100. For example, the blade 108 can include or be constructed entirely of a first material that is different from a second material that the opposing member 110 includes or is constructed entirely of. The body 104 of the cutting member 102 can include or be constructed entirely of the same material as the blade 108 or a different material from the blade 108. In some embodiments, the first material of the blade 108 has a higher hardness than the second material of the opposing member 110. For example, the first material of the blade 108 can have a harderness than typical nail clipper blade materials because the nail clipper 100 eliminates blade-to-blade contact and blade contact against opposing surfaces that a harder material is not suited to withstand, such as by the recesses 116. A harder blade improves grip of the nail edge as the nail is cut.

[0017]

[0028] In some embodiments, the hardness of the first material of the blade 108 is at least 55 HRC on the Rockwell C scale. For example, the hardness of the first material of the blade 108 may be in the range of 55 HRC to 65 HRC. In comparison, a typical opposing blade design nail clipper has a blade with a hardness of 48 HRC to withstand contact between the blades and provide sufficient compliance to bend the mechanism upon depression of the lever. The first material of the blade 108 can include a metal (e.g., steel) or other moderately hard material. For example, the first material of the blade 108 can include steel, which can have a hardness in the range of 61 HRC to 62 HRC. The opposing member 110 can be constructed of a material with a hardness low enough to significantly reduce dulling of the blade 108 if it were to contact the opposing member 110. In various embodiments, the second material of the opposing member 110 can include a polymeric material. In one example, the polymeric material can be a resin. The first end 114 of the facing member 110 may include or be composed entirely of resin. Alternatively, the second material of the facing member 110 may include glass-filled nylon.

[0018]

[0029] Returning to FIGS. 1-4, 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 to allow the lever 120 to move between a third position and a fourth position. For example, the second end 122 of the lever 120 may be coupled to the second end 107 of the cutting member 102 via a pivot pin 123. The pivot pin 123 may be positioned to pass through the openings 400C and 400D of the cutting member 102 and the respective openings of the lever 120. The lever 120 may also be considered to be coupled to the opposing member 110 by being coupled to the cutting member 102 coupled to the opposing member 110. 1 and 3 each show an example of the lever 120 in a third position (FIG. 1 shows the cut position, whereas FIG. 3 shows the open / empty position), whereas FIG. 2 shows an example of the lever 120 in a fourth position. The mechanism is adjusted so that the normal / cut position and the open / empty position of the lever are two stable positions that require an energy input to move from one position to the other. This is achieved by adjusting the motion of a rear pin with a spring-loaded force. The pin is further down in these two lever positions than between these two lever positions. The nail clipper 100 is configured such that the cutting member 102 is moved from the first position to the second position relative to the counter member 110 when the lever 120 is moved from the third position to the fourth position. For example, when a user presses lever 120 with a force component in the direction of arrow 124, a point is reached where lever 120 forces blade 108 to move in the direction of arrow 126 toward first end 114 of opposing member 110. Prior to reaching this point, lever 120 can pivot about the axis of pivot pin 123 without moving blade 108 toward or away from first end 114 of opposing member 110.

[0019]

[0030] The third position of the lever 120 may be any position of the lever 120 such that depressing the lever 120 with a force component in the direction of the arrow 124 does not cause motion of the blade 108 or causes motion of the blade 108, while the blade 108 is in the first position. For example, the lever 120 may be in the third position before the blade 108 has completely cut the nail. The fourth position of the lever 120 may be any position of the lever 120 such that depressing the lever 120 with a force component in the direction of the arrow 124 causes the blade 108 to be in the second position. For example, the lever 120 may be in the fourth position when the blade 108 is completely cutting the nail or immediately after the blade 108 has completely cut the nail.

[0020]

[0031] The nail clipper 100 is configured such that the force for the nail cutting action 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 further away from the blade 108 compared to the point of the lever 120 where the force for the nail cutting action is applied. In this way, the lever 120 is coupled to the cutting member 102 such that the first end 121 of the lever 120 moves towards the first end 114 of the counter member 110 during the movement of the lever 120 from the third position to the fourth position. By limiting the distance between where the user controls the lever 120 for the nail cutting action and where the cutting action is performed, the position of the blade 108 can be finely adjusted to perform a precise cut. In at least some embodiments, the counter member 110 includes at least one fulcrum about which the lever 120 pivots when the lever 120 is pressed to move the first end 121 toward the first end 114 of the counter member 110. For example, the counter member 110 can include fulcrums 302A, 302B. FIG. 6 shows a side view of the fulcrum 302B, which extends above a portion of the body 111 between the opening 400E and the fulcrum 302B. The lever 120 can be pivoted to allow contact between the lever 120 and the fulcrums 302A, 302B to be broken. Pivoting the lever 120 in this manner allows for improved access to the compartment 300 formed by the counter member 110, as will be further described below.

[0021]

[0032] Another advantage of the single blade design of the nail clipper 100 is the adjustable pivot ratio that the single blade design provides. For example, the nail clipper 100 can be manufactured with a variety of dimensions to achieve a variety of mechanical characteristics. For example, any of the following distances can be altered such that the nail clipper 100 exhibits a variety of 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 fulcrums 302A, 302B, and the distance between the fulcrums 302A, 302B and the force application portion of the lever 120.

[0022]

[0033] In various embodiments, 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 include a metal (e.g., steel) or other moderately hard material. Alternatively, the biasing member 304 can include a polymeric material, such as a resin. Alternatively, the polymeric material can be glass-filled nylon. As best shown in FIG. 7 , the biasing member 304 is placed on the pivot pin 123 to allow the biasing member 304 to apply a force to the pivot pin 123 in a direction away from the lever 120. Applying this force to the pivot pin 123 causes the biasing member 304 to bias the pivot pin 123 toward the second end 115 of the opposing member 110, thereby biasing the first end 121 of the lever 120 away from the first end 114 of the opposing member 110. This allows the first end 121 of the lever 120 to spring away from the first end 114 of the opposing member 110 when the pawl is sheared. In instances where the lever 120 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the opposing member 110, the biasing member 304 does not exert a biasing force on the pivot pin 123.

[0023]

[0034] To help slow the dulling of the cutting blade 109, the nail clipper 100 can include a mechanism that prevents the cutting blade 109 from moving too far and contacting at least the distal end of the recess 116 of the opposing member 110. In various embodiments, the mechanism prevents the cutting blade 109 from contacting any surface of the recess 116. For example, FIGS. 1-4 show the opposing member 110 including a stop 118 extending outwardly from the body 111. The same stop, or at least a similar stop, can be located on the opposite side of the opposing member 110, which is not visible in FIGS. 1-4. The stop 118 is configured such that the body 104 of the cutting member 102 contacts the stop 118 before the cutting blade 109 contacts the recess 116 as the blade 108 is moved toward the first end 114 of the opposing member 110. In this manner, the stop 118 prevents the cutting blade 109 from contacting the opposing member 110.

[0024]

[0035] As previously mentioned, the opposing member 110 forms a compartment 300. As the nail is severed by the cutting edge 109 of the blade 108, the severed nail is collected in the compartment 300. In at least some embodiments, the lever 120 is movable to a fifth position in which the lever 120 is releasably coupled to the opposing member 110 and overlies the compartment 300. In the fifth position, the lever 120 thereby functions as a lid for containing the severed nail in the compartment 300. In this way, the lever 120 can function as both a lever used to actuate the nail-severing action and as a lid for holding the severed nail. This described dual function of the lever 120 reduces part count and design complexity.

[0025]

[0036] 9 shows a schematic diagram of 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 embodiments, the distance between the leading edge of the first end 114 and the recess 116 of the first end 114 can be such that it limits how short the first end 114 of the opposing member 110 can cut the nail 902. Furthermore, this distance and the shape of the leading edge of the first end 114 and / or the angle of the blade can reduce separation of the nail 902 from the nail bed 904 of the finger 900.

[0026]

[0037] In some embodiments, the nail clipper 100 may be configured such that the cutting edge 109 of the blade 108 completely cuts the nail using a curved cutting path. A typical opposing blade nail clipper design includes opposing blades that travel a substantially collinear path with the blade cutting edge oriented perpendicular to the nail during the nail cutting operation. Such designs lead to a less favorable cut at the end of the nail that is approximately 90°. In contrast, the curved cutting path of the nail clipper 100 provides a more favorable cut edge that is less than 90° around the edge of the nail. For example, FIG. 10 shows an example of a curved cutting path 1000 through which the blade 108 travels during a nail cutting operation. In an embodiment using the curved cutting path 1000, the blade 108 is disposed further away from the second end 115 of the opposing member 110 when the cutting member 102 is in the second position compared to when the cutting member 102 is in the first position.

[0027]

[0038] In some embodiments, the mechanical pivot pins 112, 123 of the nail clippers 100 may be replaced with a malleable mechanism with flexible hinge points, such as in the one-piece embodiment of the nail clippers 100, where all components of the nail clippers 100 are integral with each other, in addition to the blade 108. Alternatively, all components of the nail clippers 100 are integral with each other. For example, the lever 120 is integral with the cutting member 102 at a first hinge, and the cutting member 102 is integral with the opposing member 110 at a second hinge. The fulcrum 302A is integral with the opposing member 110 at a third 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 moved toward each other, the nail clippers 100 bends at all three hinges such that the blade 108 is moved toward the recess 116. Compared to typical nail clipper designs, the compliant mechanism aspects of the nail clipper 100 allow for reduced part count, reduced failure modes, improved adjustability of the compliant mechanism behavior, and increased durability (e.g., relative moving parts in a mechanical hinge wear down over time).

[0028]

[0039] FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary method for cutting a human nail. Although the exemplary method 1200 is described with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. 11, it will be appreciated that other methods of performing the procedures associated with the method 1200 may be utilized. For example, additional blocks may be added, or some of the described blocks may be omitted. The method 1200 includes, in 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.

[0029]

[0040] At block 1204, the blade is moved toward the first end of the second member while the nail is disposed between the blade and the first end of the second member such that the blade cuts the nail. In some embodiments, moving the blade toward the first end of the second member includes pressing a third member (e.g., lever 120) of the nail clippers. For example, moving the blade toward the first end of the second member can include pressing a first end (e.g., first end 121) of the third member of the nail clippers toward the first end of the second member. In at least some embodiments, moving the blade toward the first end of the second member 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 of the second member. In at least some embodiments, moving the blade toward the first end of the second member is performed such that the cutting edge of the blade is prevented from contacting the second member. The nail to be cut may be received in a compartment of the second member (e.g., compartment 300) after the nail is cut. In some embodiments, the method 1200 includes releasably coupling a third member to the second member such that the third member overlies the compartment.

[0030]

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the nail clipper and the nail cutting method may include additional embodiments, such as any single embodiment or any combination of embodiments, described below or in connection with one or more other processes or devices described elsewhere herein. In a first embodiment, the nail clipper includes a first member; a second member; and a third member. The first end of the first member includes a blade. The second member does not include a blade and has a first end 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. 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 is movable between a third position and a fourth position. The third member is configured to move the first member relative to the second member from the first position to the second position when the third member moves from the third position to the fourth position.

[0031]

[0042] In a second aspect, in combination 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.

[0032]

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

[0033]

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

[0034]

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

[0035]

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

[0036]

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

[0037]

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

[0038]

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

[0039]

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

[0040]

[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, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction.

[0041]

[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 such that a first end of the third member moves toward a first end of the second member during movement of the third member from the third position to the fourth position.

[0042]

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

[0043]

[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.

[0044]

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

[0045]

[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, and in the fifth position the third member is releasably coupled to the second member.

[0046]

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

[0047]

[0058] In an eighteenth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first to seventeenth aspects, a method of cutting a human nail includes 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, where the first end of the second member does not include the blade, and moving the blade toward the first end of the second member while the nail is positioned between the blade and the first end of the second member such that the blade cuts the nail.

[0048]

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

[0049]

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

[0050]

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

[0051]

[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 a third member of the nail clipper.

[0052]

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

[0053]

[0064] In a 24th aspect, in combination with one or more of the 18th to 23rd aspects, the method includes releasably connecting a third member to the second member such that the third member overlies the compartment.

[0054]

[0065] In a twenty-fifth aspect, in combination with one or more of the eighteenth to twenty-fourth aspects, moving the blade toward the first end of the second member includes pressing a third member of the nail clipper. The nail to be cut is received in a compartment of the second member after the nail is cut, and the method includes releasably coupling the third member to the second member such that the third member overlies the compartment.

[0055]

[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 a first end of a third member of the nail clipper toward the first end of the second member.

[0056]

[0067] All numerical ranges herein should be understood to include all integer values ​​(whole or fractional) within the range, including the range endpoints. Furthermore, these numerical ranges should be interpreted as providing support for claims directed to any number or any subset of the numerical ranges set forth above. For example, a disclosure of 1 to 10 should be interpreted as providing support for ranges such as 1 to 8, 3 to 7, 1 to 9, 3.6 to 4.6, and 3.5 to 9.9.

[0057]

[0068] As used herein, "or" is inclusive and not exclusive, unless otherwise expressly stated or otherwise supported by context. Thus, as used herein, "A or B" means "A, B, or both," unless otherwise expressly stated or otherwise supported by context. Furthermore, "and" is both jointly and severally, unless otherwise expressly stated or otherwise supported by context. Thus, as used herein, "A and B" means "A and B, jointly or severally," unless otherwise expressly stated or otherwise supported by context.

[0058]

[0069] The above specification provides a complete description of the structure and use of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Although certain embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of detail or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, the scope of the present disclosure encompasses all changes, substitutions, variations, changes, and modifications of the exemplary embodiments described or shown herein that would be understood by a person skilled in the art. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described or shown herein. Also, although the present disclosure has described and shown each embodiment herein as including certain components, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps, any of these embodiments can include any combination or permutation that would be understood by a person skilled in the art of any of the components, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps described or shown anywhere in the present specification. Furthermore, in the appended claims, references to devices or systems, or components of devices or systems, being adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or functioning to perform a particular function encompass those devices, systems, or components, so long as they are so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or functioning, regardless of whether that particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked. Furthermore, although the present disclosure describes or shows particular embodiments as providing certain advantages, a particular embodiment may provide none of those advantages, or may provide some or all of those advantages. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 100 Nail Clippers 102 Cutting material 104 Body 106 First end 107 Second End 108 Blade 109 Cutting edge 110 Opposing member 111 Body 112 Pivot pin 114 First end 115 Second End 116 Recess 118 Stop part 120 Lever 121 First end 122 Second End 123 Pivot pin 124 Arrow 126 Arrow 300 Compartments 302A Fulcrum 302B Fulcrum 304 Pressing member 400A Aperture 400B opening 400C opening 400D opening 400E Opening 400F opening 900 fingers 902 Claws 904 Nail bed 1000 curved cutting path

Claims

1. a first member, a first end of the first member including a blade; a second member, the first end of the second member comprising: Blade not included a recess disposed to receive a cutting edge of the blade of the first member; A second member; and Equipped with 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, and when the first member moves from the first position to the second position, the blade: The cutting edge of the blade is received in the recess; moving the cutting edge of the blade toward the first end of the second member such that the cutting edge does not contact any surface of the second member. Nail clippers.

2. a third member coupled to the first member and movable between a third position and a fourth position; Further equipped with 2. The nail clipper of claim 1, wherein the third member is configured to move the first member relative to the second member from the first position to the second position when the third member moves from the third position to the fourth position.

3. 2. The nail clipper of claim 1, wherein the second member comprises a stop configured to contact the first member and to prevent the cutting edge of the blade from contacting the second member when the first member is in the second position.

4. the blade comprises a first material; The nail clipper of claim 1 , wherein the second member comprises a second material having a hardness less than a hardness of the first material.

5. the first material comprises a metal; The nail clipper of claim 4 , wherein the second material comprises a polymeric material.

6. The nail clipper of claim 5 , wherein the polymeric material comprises fibers dispersed in a polymeric matrix.

7. The nail clipper of claim 1 , wherein the first end of the second member comprises a resin.

8. The nail clipper of claim 4 , wherein said hardness of said first material is at least 55 HRC.

9. The nail clipper of claim 1 , wherein said blade is integral with the body of said first member.

10. 2. The nail clipper of claim 1, wherein the cutting edge of the blade is curved in a first direction and a second direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction.

11. 3. The nail clipper of claim 2, wherein the third member is coupled to the first member such that a first end of the third member moves toward the first end of the second member during movement of the third member from the third position to the fourth position.

12. a second end of a third member pivotally connected to the second end of the first member; 12. The nail clipper of claim 11, wherein the first member is pivotally connected to the second member at a location disposed between the first end of the second member and the second end of the second member.

13. 2. The nail clipper of claim 1, wherein the blade is disposed further 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.

14. the second member defines a compartment configured to receive a severed nail between the blade and the first end of the second member; 3. The nail clipper of claim 2, wherein said third member is movable to a fifth position, in which said third member is releasably coupled to said second member and overlies said compartment.

15. 1. A method of cutting a human nail, comprising the steps of: positioning 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, the first end of the second member not including a blade and having a recess positioned to receive a cutting edge of the blade of the first member; moving the blade toward the first end of the second member while the nail is disposed between the blade and the first end of the second member such that the blade cuts the nail, the cutting edge of the blade being received within the recess and the cutting edge of the blade not contacting any surface of the second member; The method includes:

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the second member comprises a stop configured to contact the first member and to prevent the cutting edge of the blade from contacting the second member when the blade is moved toward the first end of the second member.

17. the blade comprises a metal having a hardness of at least 55 HRC; The method of claim 15 , wherein the second member comprises a polymeric material.

18. the cutting edge of the blade is curved in a first direction and a second direction; The method of claim 15 , wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

19. moving the blade toward the first end of the second member includes pressing a third member of the nail clipper; the nail to be severed is received in a compartment of the second member after the nail has been severed; The method of claim 15 , wherein the method includes releasably coupling the third member to the second member such that the third member overlies the compartment.

20. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein moving the blade toward the first end of the second member comprises pressing a first end of a third member of the nail clipper toward the first end of the second member.

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