Tool for removing nail polish and buffing nails
11690433 · 2023-07-04
Inventors
Cpc classification
A45D2200/1018
HUMAN NECESSITIES
International classification
Abstract
A nail care tool having an ergonomic elongated handle and a removable operational head attached to the handle is presented. The tool also has a removable scraper or end tip inserted in one of the ends of the handle, useful in cleaning critical cuticle areas. The operational head has adhered to it a lining of material commonly used in the nail care and maintenance processes; for instance, it may be a nail polish removal material or a nail buffing material. In some embodiments of the invention, the ergonomic handle and the head are interconnected in a nonpermanent manner by a male/female system; in such embodiments, the head may be engage or connected to the handle by screwing the head to the handle and, it may be disengaged or disconnected, by simply unscrewing it from the handle. In other embodiments of the invention, the handle is connected to the head by a hold/release system, allowing the User to connect the head and the handle by inserting an already assembled cartridge inside the handle into a rectangular internal cavity on the head. In order to disconnect the head from the handle, the User slides backwardly a button on the ergonomic handle without even having to touch the head. The hold/release system allows the User to easily attach or detach heads to the handle. The operational removable head required for any of the embodiments may have different shapes and operational lining materials, in order for the User to use the tool as an applicator—meaning being able to remove most of the nail polishes—or as a nail buffer.
Claims
1. A nail care tool comprising: A. a handle, said handle comprising an ergonomic elongated body; and said ergonomic elongated body further comprising: 1) a cylindrical elongated section having a first end and a second end; 2) a rectangular elongated section having a first end, connected to the second end of the cylindrical elongated section, and a second end; 3) a first internal cavity located inside the first end of the cylindrical elongated section; 4) a second internal cavity located inside the second end of the elongated rectangular section; 5) an aperture on the rectangular elongated section in direct communication with the second internal cavity; B. a head section comprising: (1) a main body, having an external surface and a lower side; (2) an internal rectangular cavity, located inside of the head main body with an exit toward the lower side, said internal rectangular cavity comprising: a) a top side, b) a right side, c) a left side, d) a bottom side and e) a distal flat wall; (3) a first head locking snap, located in the right side of the internal rectangular cavity situated inside the main body of the head section, said first head locking snap comprising an elongated rectangular body able to move inward and outward in reference to the interior of the internal rectangular cavity located inside of the main body of the head section; and said elongated rectangular body further comprising: a) an upper side, b) a lower side, c) a first end connected to the internal rectangular cavity and a d) second end; (4) a wedge connected to the second end of the elongated rectangular body of the first head locking snap and positioned in direction of the interior of the internal rectangular cavity, located inside of the main body of the head section; (5) a second head locking snap, located in the left side of the internal rectangular cavity located inside of the head main body, said second head locking snap comprising an elongated rectangular body able to move inward and outward in reference to the interior of the internal rectangular cavity located inside of the main body of the head section; and said elongated rectangular body further comprising: a) an upper side, b) a lower side, c) a first end connected to the internal rectangular cavity and a d) second end; (6) a wedge connected to the second end of the elongated rectangular body of the second head locking snap and positioned in direction of the interior of the internal rectangular cavity, located inside of the main body of the head section; (7) an elongated protruding extension, located along the bottom side of the internal rectangular cavity of the main body of the head section; (8) a protruding cylindrical section that extends from the internal distal flat wall to the interior of the internal rectangular cavity, located inside of the main body of the head section; (9) an operational material, fixed on the external surface of the main body of the head section; C. a slider button comprising: (2) a main body having a front surface and a rear surface; (3) a first elongated extension, having a first end, connected to the rear surface of the main body of the slider button, and a second end; (4) a second elongated extension, having a first end, connected to the rear surface of the main body of the slider button in a parallel position in reference to the first elongated extension, and a second end; (5) a first wedge connected laterally to, and pointing outwardly from, the second end of the first elongated extension connected to the rear surface of the main body of said slider button; (6) a second wedge connected laterally to, and pointing outwardly from, the second end of the second elongated extension connected to the rear surface of the main body of said slider button; D. a first cap, said first cap comprising: (1) a square body, having a front surface and a rear surface; (2) a first elongated extension, having a first end, connected to the rear surface on the square body, and a second end; (3) a second elongated extension, having a first end, connected to the rear surface of the square body in a parallel position in reference to the first elongated extension, and a second end; (4) a first wedge connected to, and pointing outwardly from, the lateral side of said second end of the first elongated extension connected to the rear surface of square body; (5) a second wedge connected to, and pointing outwardly from, the lateral side of the second end of second elongated extension connected to the rear surface of square body; E. a second cap comprising: (1) a main square body having a front surface, a rear surface, a circular opening across said front and rear surfaces, and a carved-out section on one of the sides of said main square body; (2) a first elongated extension having a first end, connected to the front surface of said square body, and a second end; (3) a second elongated extension having a first end, connected to the front surface of said square body and located parallel to the first elongated extension, and a second end; (4) a first wedge section connected to, and pointing outwardly from, the lateral side of said second end of the first elongated extension connected to the front surface of said square body of said second cap; (5) a second wedge, connected to, and pointing outwardly from, the lateral side of the second end of the second elongated extension that is connected to the front surface of said square body of said second cap; F. a first compression spring, having a first end and a second end; G. a second compression spring, having a first end and a second end; H. an actuator comprising: (1) a main rectangular body, said main rectangular body comprising: a) a proximal end; b) a distal end; c) a first section comprising an internal cavity, having a round entrance that is located at the proximal end of the main rectangular body; d) a second section comprising an internal cavity, having a top section and a bottom section, wherein the internal width of said top section is narrower than the width of said bottom section, and wherein said internal cavity is located in a parallel position with reference to the internal cavity located at the proximal end of the main rectangular body; (2) a first elongated extension having a first end, connected to the distal end of said main rectangular body, and a second end; (3) a second elongated extension having a first end, connected to the distal end of said main rectangular body and in parallel position with reference to the first elongated extension, and a second end; (4) a first wedge connected to, and pointing outwardly from, the lateral side of said second end of the first elongated extension that is connected to the distal end of said main rectangular body; (5) a second elongated wedge, connected to, and pointing outwardly from, the lateral side of the second end of the second extension that is connected to the distal end of said main rectangular body; I. a cartridge comprising: (1) a rectangular hollow body having: a) a top side, b) a right side, c) a left side, d) a bottom side, e) a proximal end and f) a distal end; (2) a rectangular depression, located on said top side and near the proximal end of the rectangular hollow body; (3) a first aperture, located inside the rectangular depression located on said top side and near the proximal end of the rectangular hollow body; (4) a second aperture passing through the right side of rectangular hollow body and in a parallel position with reference to the first aperture located inside the rectangular depression on the top side of the hollow body; (5) a third aperture passing through the left side of rectangular hollow body, in a parallel position with reference to the second aperture and in a parallel position with reference to the first aperture located inside the rectangular depression on the top side of the hollow body; (6) a wall, located in the interior of said rectangular hollow body, said wall comprising an internal circular opening; (7) a fourth aperture passing through the right side of the rectangular hollow body and adjacent to the right side of said wall at the interior of said rectangular hollow body, said fourth aperture comprising: a) a first section and b) a second section, wherein said first section has a broader area in reference to the second section; (8) a fifth aperture passing through the left side of the rectangular hollow body and adjacent to the right side of said wall at the interior of said rectangular hollow body, said fourth aperture comprising: a) a first section and b) a second section, wherein said first section has a broader area in reference to the second section; (9) a sixth aperture passing through the right side of the hollow rectangular body and adjacent to the right side of said wall at the interior of said rectangular hollow body; (10) a seventh aperture passing through the left side of the hollow rectangular body and adjacent to the right side of said wall at the interior of said rectangular hollow body; (11) a rail, located on the bottom side of the rectangular hollow body; J. a flat rectangular cover; K. a plunger comprising: (1) a square section having a front surface and a rear surface; (2) a cylindrical section, having a first end and a second end, connected to the front surface of the square section; (3) a rounded depression, located at the center of the rear surface of said square section; wherein a hold/release system capable of fastening and holding the head section to the handle section is formed when: (a) the first spring is enclosed between the aligned first and second elongated extensions of the first cap and the internal cavity, having a rounded entrance, that is located at the proximal end of the main rectangular body of said actuator; (b) the first and second extensions of the actuator are inserted through the proximal end of the rectangular hollow body of the cartridge until actuator is fully introduced inside said hollow cavity, causing that: i. the first wedge, connected to the distal end of said main rectangular body of said actuator, to be positioned on the second section of the fourth aperture, passing through the right side of the rectangular hollow body of the cartridge; ii. the second wedge, connected to the distal end of said main rectangular body of said actuator, is positioned on the second section of the fifth aperture, passing through the left side of the rectangular hollow body; and, simultaneously, iii. the first wedge and second wedge, on the first elongated extension and the second elongated extension of the first cap, respectively, are inserted through the second and third apertures, located in the right and left sides of the rectangular hollow body of the cartridge, respectively, enclosing first spring between the first cap and the internal cavity, having a rounded entrance, that is located at the proximal end of the main rectangular body of said actuator; and, as a consequence, iv. the internal cavity on the second section of the main rectangular body of the actuator is aligned with the first aperture located inside the rectangular depression, located on said top side and near the proximal of the cartridge; (c) placing the flat rectangular cover on the depression located on said top side of the rectangular hollow body of the cartridge; (d) inserting the already assembled proximal part of the cartridge into the second internal cavity located inside the second end of the elongated rectangular section of the handle; (e) inserting first and second elongated extensions of slider button into the aperture on the rectangular elongated section of the handle, thus allowing said first and second elongated extensions of the slider button to pass through: i. the aperture of the cover, ii. the first aperture located inside the rectangular depression situated on said top side of the cartridge, and iii. through the internal cavity on the second section on the main rectangular body of the actuator; wherein the first and second wedges of first and second elongated extensions of the slider button are inserted, and secured, at the broader section of said internal cavity on the second section of the actuator; (f) inserting second spring into the cylindrical section of the plunger; (g) inserting the rectangular section of the plunger into the first and second extensions of the direct contact with the circular opening and the front surface of the main square body of second cap; (h) introducing the cylindrical section on the plunger, having the second spring already inserted into the hollow cavity on the distal end of the cartridge; (i) inserting the distal section of the cartridge into the internal rectangular cavity of the head section by matching rail on the bottom side of cartridge with the elongated protruding extension on the bottom side of rectangular internal cavity on the interior of head, causing that: i. the protruding cylindrical section, located in the internal distal flat wall of the internal rectangular cavity of the main body of the head section, be accommodated inside the rounded depression on the rear surface of the plunger; causing ii. the insertion of the first wedge of the first head locking snap on the first section of the fourth aperture on the right side of the cartridge, and the second wedge on the second head locking snap be inserted on the first section of the fifth aperture on the left side of the cartridge; and, simultaneously, iii. the pushing of the second spring in between the front surface of the plunger and the internal wall on the cartridge, by the action of the protruding cylindrical section, located in the internal distal flat wall of the internal rectangular cavity of the head main body, thus compressing the second spring, while the head section is connected to the handle; and; wherein the head section is released from the handle section by moving the slider button backward, action that also moves the actuator backward, and the first and second wedges on the actuator's extensions also are moved from the second section of the fourth and fifth apertures of the cartridge to the first section of the same fourth and fifth apertures; said movement expulses the wedges on the first and second head locking snaps from the fourth and fifth apertures on the cartridge, thus ejecting the head section from the handle section.
2. The nail care tool as recited in claim 1, further comprising a head cap simulating the shape of the main body of the head section.
3. The nail care tool as recited in claim 1, wherein the operational material fixed to the external surface of the main body of the head section comprises a suitable material capable to absorb and retain fluids.
4. The nail care tool as recited in claim 3, wherein the main body of the head section comprises a single unit body with an external geometrical shape having a tridimensional rectangular section with curved or concave lateral sides that are extended continuously forming a top four sides pyramidal shape top section.
5. The nail care tool as recited in claim 3, wherein the main body of the head section comprises a single unit body with an external geometrical shape having a tridimensional triangular section with curved or concave lateral sides that are extended continuously forming a three sides pyramidal shape top section.
6. The nail care tool as recited in claim 3, wherein the main body of the head section comprises an external geometrical shape having a tridimensional triangular section with flat lateral sides that are extended continuously forming a three sides pyramidal shape top section.
7. The nail care tool as recited in claim 3, wherein the main body of the head section comprises a single unit body with an external geometrical shape having a tridimensional rectangular section with two curved or concave lateral sides and two flat lateral sides that are extended continuously forming a four sides pyramidal shape top section.
8. The tool as recited in claim 3, wherein the suitable material capable to absorb and retain fluids used as operational material is selected from felt, polypropylene, cotton, sponge, or any combination thereof.
9. The nail care tool as recited in claim 1, wherein the operational material fixed to the external surface of the main body of the head section comprises a suitable abrasive buffing material.
10. The nail care tool as recited in claim 9, wherein the main body of the head section comprises a single unit body with an external geometrical shape having a tridimensional rectangular section with flat sides.
11. The nail care tool as recited in claim 9, wherein the main body of the head section comprises a single unit body with an external geometrical shape having a tridimensional rectangular section with concave lateral sides.
12. The nail care tool as recited in claim 9, wherein the main body of the head section comprises a single unit body with an external geometrical shape having a tridimensional triangular section with flat lateral sides.
13. The nail care tool as recited in claim 9, wherein the main body of the head section comprises a single unit body with an external geometrical shape having a tridimensional triangular section with concave lateral sides.
14. The nail care tool as recited in claim 1, further comprising a scraper section having an elongated cylindrical body with a first pointy tip end and a second diagonal end, wherein said cylindrical body is non-permanently inserted in the first internal cavity of the cylindrical elongated section of the handle.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The foregoing and additional features and characteristics of the embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description considered with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are used herein in a manner of example only, and wherein:
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
(48) Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. It is thus to be understood that this invention is not limited to particularly exemplified structures, components, methods or uses, as such may, of course, vary. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the invention only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for the claims and/or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
(49) In general terms, a series of embodiments according to the instant invention are herein disclosed. All embodiments comprising a head section, an ergonomic elongated handle, a given system to connect and disconnect the head section from the handle. The head section may have different geometrical shapes and all of said head sections include an operational material fixed on the external surface of the head section. Any embodiments herein described comprising as the operational material a nail polish removal material, are herein named “applicator tool”; while those embodiments having as the operational material an abrasive material, are herein named as “buffing tool”. Head caps simulating the external geometry of each described head sections are also disclosed.
(50) In particular, and in reference to the drawings,
(51) Embodiment 20 comprises an elongated ergonomic handle 21, a scraper 22, a head 23 and a head cap 24. External surface of the head 23 comprises an operational material 25 used in the maintenance of nails. As explained above, the phrase “operational material”, as recited in this application, is defined as a material normally used in the maintenance of nails, such as those used in the nail polish removal or nail buffing. The use of a nail polish material as the operational material are called throughout this application as “applicator” or “applicator tool”; while the use of an abrasive material as the operational material are named throughout this application as “buffing” or “buffing tool”. Therefore, said operational material defines the particular function of a given embodiment of the tool according to the invention and it may be fixed, secured, attached, or adhered on the external surface of the head section of the tool by means of any suitable and convenient method known in the art, with the intention to cover said external surface of the head section in such a manner that said operational material remains fixed or attached to said external surface. Embodiment 20 illustrates an operational material used in nail polish removal fixed to head 23, thus it represents an applicator tool.
(52) Embodiment 20 also comprises a system that enables the holding or releasing of the head 23 at the will of the User, without the need to touch said head 23. The ergonomic design of the handle 21 provides a suitable shape where the User may place and accommodate its hand and fingers, thus allowing the relaxation of the hand muscles even after hours of using the tool.
(53) As shown in
(54) Scraper 22 is a stick made of any solid and firm material such as, felt, wood, firm foam, plastic, or other suitable material. It comprises a cylindrical body 35 with a first pointy or tip end 36 and a second diagonal end 37. Scraper 22 may be inserted in a non-permanent manner into the cylindrical internal cavity 31, located at the first end 28 of handle 21.
(55) Head 23 is connected in a non-permanent manner to second end 30 of handle 21. It is disposable or reusable and may be ejected from handle 21 by slider button 33, as explained below. As illustrated in
(56) Around the external surface of lateral sides 39a, 39b, 39c and 39d, as well as the external surface of corresponding sides of top section 40, head 23 of embodiment 20 also comprises an operational material 25, made of a suitable material capable to absorb and retain fluids, such as felt, polypropylene, cotton, and sponge; more preferably felt or polypropylene. Said operational material of absorbent material is fixed to said sides by means of any suitable covering methods known in the art. Alternatively, the absorbent material may be molded in a single unit or sheath layer 42, as the one illustrated in
(57) In some embodiments, a bonding medium, such as an adhesive resistant to acetone and the like solvents, is employed to fix and secure the sheath layer 42 of the selected absorbent material over the surface of head 23. In an alternative method, said operational material may be fix to the lateral sides 39a, 39b, 39c and 39d of the head 23 by adhering a rectangular strip 43 of the selected absorbent material, illustrated in
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(60) Similarly, the interior surface of the internal cavity 45 on the left side 48, shown in
(61) As illustrated in
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(63) Head 23 is not permanently attached to handle 21 and it may be ejected from said elongated body one the User slides button 33 backwardly. The ejection of head 23 is possible due to a system that allows the hold and release of head 23 on or from handle 21, respectively. As illustrated in
(64) Regarding first cap 68, as illustrated in
(65) First compression spring 69 and second compression spring 73 are made of any material with sufficient strength to withstand repeated use, for instance plastic, steel or stainless steel, but preferably stainless steel.
(66) As illustrated in
(67) As shown in
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(69) On topside 109, near the proximal end 113, it comprises a rectangular depression 115, which has inside a rectangular aperture 116 that is open to the internal cavity 117 of the cartridge 71. On the right side 110, it also comprises: a first aperture 118; a second aperture 119, having section 120 and section 121, wherein section 120 has a broader area in reference to section 121; and a third aperture 122, which is located near the distal end 114 of cartridge 71. Similarly, in the left side 111, it comprises: a first aperture 123; a second aperture 124, having a section 125 and a section 126, wherein section 125 has a larger area than section 126; and a third aperture 127, which is located near the distal end 114 of cartridge 71. The first aperture 118 on the right side 110 is aligned or is in a parallel position with respect to the first aperture 123 on the left side 111, being both of said first apertures, 118 and 123, located near the proximal end 113 of cartridge 71 and, simultaneously, said first apertures, 118 and 123, are aligned to aperture 116 on topside 109. Second aperture 119 on right side 110 is identical in shape to the second aperture 124 on the left side 111. Furthermore, apertures 119 and 124 are aligned to or in a parallel position to one another. Similarly, at the near end of distal end 114 of cartridge 71, the third aperture 122 is aligned to or in a parallel position with third aperture 127. First apertures 118 and 123 of cartridge 71 are intended to position first and second wedges, 82 and 86, of first cap 68, as explained below.
(70) Cartridge 71 also comprises an inner wall 128, comprising a round opening 129. Said inner wall 128 is located inside the cartridge 71, in the section of the internal cavity 117 situated between the second apertures, 119, 124, and third apertures 122, 127. On the bottom side 112, cartridge 71, near the distal end 114, also comprises rail 131.
(71) The hold/release system also comprises a plunger 74, illustrated in
(72) Second cap 75 also comprises a first wedge section 148 connected to the lateral side of the second end 147 of first extension 145. Second cap 75 also comprises a second extension 149, having: a first end 150, which is connected to the rear surface 141 of square body 139, and a second end 151. It also comprises a second wedge section 152 connected to the lateral side of the second end 151 of second extension 149. First extension 145 and second extension 149 are located in a parallel position with reference to each other. In other words, said extensions are aligned in reference to one another, while first and second wedges, 148 and 152, are positioned in an outwardly position with reference to the first and second extensions, 145 and 149. Third apertures 122 and 127 of cartridge 71 are intended to position first and second wedges, 148 and 152, of first cap 68, as explained below.
(73) The system, capable of hold and release head 23, on or from the handle 21, respectively, also requires the slider button 33. As illustrated in
(74) As suggested in
(75) As a consequence, aperture 96 on top side 97 of actuator 70 is aligned with aperture 116 on the top side 109 of cartridge 71; first wedge 103 of first extension 100 of actuator 70 is positioned in second aperture 119 on the right side 110 of cartridge 71; and second wedge 107 of second extension 104 of actuator 70 is positioned in second aperture 124 on the left side 111 of cartridge 71. Afterwards, cover 72a, which has on its center a rectangular aperture 72b, is placed on rectangular depression 115 on topside 109 of cartridge 71. Thus, said aperture 72b of cover 72a is aligned with aperture 116 on the topside 109 of cartridge 71.
(76) Furthermore, once the cartridge 71 has been assembled with the first cap 68, the first spring 69, actuator 70 and cover 72a, as discussed previously, it is inserted at the rectangular section 27 of handle 21. Then, slider button 33 is inserted into aperture 33a on topside 34 of handle 21, thus passing through aperture 72b of the cover 72a, aperture 116 of the cartridge 71 and through the aperture 96 on the actuator 70, since those three apertures, 116, 72b and 96, are already aligned. In this manner, first wedge 162 on first extension 156 of the slider button 33 and second wedge 163 of the second extension 159 of the slider button 33 are inserted and secured at broader section 99 on aperture 96 of actuator 70.
(77) On the other hand, second spring 73 is inserted into the cylindrical section 132 of plunger 74; rectangular section 135 of the plunger 74 is inserted between the first extension 145 and second extension 149 of second cap 75. Cylindrical section 132 of plunger 74, having second spring 73 already inserted into it, is then introduced at the distal section 114 of cartridge 71 into the internal cavity 117 of cartridge 71. In this manner, second spring 73 is kept captive between internal wall 130 of cartridge 71 and front surface 136 of rectangular section 135 of plunger 74, since the first wedge 148 on the first extension 145 of the second cap 75 is inserted and secured within the third aperture 122 on the right side 110 of cartridge 71 and the second wedge 152 of the second extension 149 of the second cap 75 is inserted and secured into third aperture 127 on the left side 111 of cartridge 71.
(78) Once the cartridge 71 containing the mentioned different components of the hold/release system, already set up or assembled, is inserted into the rectangular distal section 27 of elongated ergonomic handle 21, the distal section 114 of cartridge 71 is then inserted into the internal rectangular cavity 45 of head 23 by matching rail 131 on the bottom side 112 of cartridge 71 with the elongated protruding extension 65 on the bottom side 49 of rectangular internal cavity 45 on the interior of head 23. By inserting distal section 114 of the cartridge 71 on the interior rectangular cavity 45 inside head 23, the protruding cylindrical section 66 that extends from the center or near the center of the internal distal flat wall 50 enters through the round aperture 142 of second cap 75, matching the round depression 138 on the rear surface 137 of the rectangular section 135 of plunger 74.
(79) In this manner, once the second end 66b of protruding cylindrical section 66 is accommodated inside round depression 138 on the rear surface 137 of plunger 74, it pushes and contracts the second spring 73 in between the front surface 136 of plunger 74 and the internal wall 130 on cartridge 71 while the head 23 is connected to the handle 21. As a consequence, first wedge 57 on the first head locking snap 51 is moved along the external surface of the right side 110 of the cartridge 71 until it is inserted and secured on the broader section 120 of the second aperture 119 of the cartridge 71. Simultaneously, the second wedge 64 of the second head locking snap 58 moves along the external surface of the left side 111 of the cartridge 71 until it is inserted and secured on the larger area section 125 of the second aperture 124 of the cartridge 71. Thus, the hold/release system, as already explained, requires the integration of all parts illustrated in
(80) The release of the head 23 is achieved once the button 33 is moved backwards and released, since extensions 156 and 159 of button 33 pull the actuator 70 backwards, due to the fact that button's wedges, 162 and 163, are secured into the internal cavity 95 of the actuator 70. Such movement presses and compresses the first spring 69. Also, the first and second wedges of the actuator, 103 and 107, respectively, are repositioned from the narrower sections, 121 and 126, to the broader sections 120 and 125, of the second cartridge apertures 119 and 124. Such reposition, simultaneously, results in the release or disconnection of wedges 57 and 64 of first and second head locking snaps, 51 and 58, since they are pushed outwardly from the broader sections 120 and 125 on second apertures 119 and 124. Thus, second spring 73 is free to release its potential energy into kinetic energy that is used in pushing head 23 away from handle 21. In other words, second spring 73 is free to return to its relaxed—non compressed—position and said kinetic energy pushes the head 23 out of the handle 21. It should be noted that the first spring 69, once the slider button 33 is set fee, returns to the decompressed position, liberating kinetic energy that pushes the actuator 70 back to its initial position, re-positioning actuator's wedges 103 and 107 to the narrower sections, of the second apertures 119 and 124 on the right and left sides, 110 and 111, of cartridge 71. The disclosed hold and release system herein described may be adapted to any other item having a removable section.
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(85) As already described regarding embodiment 20, scraper 182 is a stick made of any solid and firm material such as: felt, wood, firm foam, plastic, or other suitable material. It comprises a cylindrical body 185 with a first pointy or tip end 186 and a second diagonal end 187. Scraper 182 may be inserted in a non-permanent manner to the first end 188 of elongated ergonomic handle 181.
(86) Regarding elongated ergonomic handle 181, it comprises a cylindrical section 189 and a rectangular section 190. Cylindrical section 189 starts at the first end 188 and constantly increases in diameter to further decrease said diameter up to a point 191, wherein the second rectangular section 190 starts, which concludes in second end 192. Attached to said second rectangular section 190, it comprises an elongated threaded cylindrical section 193.
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(88) Head cap 184 is made of plastic and simulates the external shape of head 183. This cap is intended to cover head 183 in order to protect it one it is not being used.
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(92) The scope of this invention also comprises embodiments directed to tools useful in buffing nails, wherein, the operational material fixed on the external surface of the head section of the tool is abrasive material in place of an absorbing material. Specifically, said abrasive material is fixed, attached, or adhered to the external surface of the lateral sides of the head section of the tool. For instance, as illustrated in
(93) Head 221 is connected to handle 21 by means of the same hold/release system described above for embodiment 20 and is reusable. Head 221 comprises a single unit body with an external geometrical shape having a tridimensional rectangular section 223 with flat lateral sides 224a, 224b, 224c and 224d, and a flat topside 224e. Said flat lateral sides have fixed, adhered, or attached a resilient pad 225, having a front surface 226 with a film of adhesion material and a back surface 227 comprising, as the operational material, a film of buffing material 228. Such resilient pad 225 may be made of foam or rubber. The buffing material, which is commercially available with and without a resilient pad, has a variety of grits or coarseness. In one of the preferred embodiments, the buffing material fixed, adhered, or attached being used in the lateral sides 224a, 224b, 224c and 224d are of different grits. In other preferred embodiments, it may be of the same grit or any other combination of grits. For instance, one of the said lateral sides may have fixed, adhered, or attached a resilient pad coated with a coarse-grit abrasive layer, other of the lateral sides may have fixed, adhered, or attached a resilient pad with a medium-grit abrasive layer, while other lateral side may have fixed, adhered, or attached a resilient pad coated with a fine-grit abrasive layer. The remaining lateral side may have fixed, adhered, or attached to them a resilient material with an extra fine grit abrasive layer, such as those made out of Teflon.
(94) Each resilient material pad 225 is fixed securely to the lateral sides 224a, 224b, 224c and 224d of head 221 by any suitable bonding means compatible with the resilient material being used, including but not limited to gluing, cementing, and bonding. Such means include adhesives, such as: hot-melt adhesive, glue, double sided adhesive, and thermal bonding. In a preferred embodiment, a bonding medium, such as an adhesive, is employed to fix and secure each resilient material pad 225 to the lateral sides 224a, 224b, 224c and 224d. As illustrated in
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(102) In operational terms, the use of the applicator tool 20 is illustrated in
(103) On the other hand, the use of the buffing tool 229, as herein disclosed, is illustrated in
(104) On
(105) Finally, while the present invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, in both summarized and detailed forms, it will be understood that many substitutions, changes and variations in the described embodiments, applications and details of the novel tool illustrated herein and of its operation can be made by those skilled in the art to adapt it to various usages and conditions, without departing from the spirit of this invention. As such, these changes and modifications are properly, equitably, and intended to be within the full range of equivalence of the followings. While the invention has been described in conjunction with some embodiments, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the forgoing description. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.