Nail care device

Abstract

A nail care device for cleaning and buffing nails comprising; a housing having a front housing cavity that is open on one end with the open end configured for horizontal insertion of a digit nail, a digit positioner placed at said open front cavity, an open at one end hallow interchangeable bristle case with bristles protruding inward providing contact to nail directly connected to an axle enclosed in the middle of the housing cavity, a motor connected to said bristle case by said axle and that motor be located directly behind a closed end of the bristle case, a ball bearing ring for smoother rotation of bristle case disposed in housing cavity between said front cavity and said bristle case, a power source providing power to said motor and, a power control.

Claims

1. A nail care device comprising: a) a housing including: i) a front portion having an opening extending through a proximal end thereof; and ii) a rear portion matingly engaged to a distal end of the front portion; b) a finger stopper circumferentially and removably coupled to the opening, wherein at least an exterior surface of the finger stopper is rubber, and wherein a shape of the finger stopper configured to receive a user's digit is half-octagonal in a front view of the device; c) a bristle case disposed within the housing and including a plurality of bristles disposed therein, wherein the opening opens into the bristle case; d) a ball bearing ring coupled to the bristle case; e) a motor rotationally engaged to a distal end of the bristle case; f) a battery electrically connected to the motor; g) a push button power switch electrically connected to the motor and battery, wherein a level of power delivered to the motor is regulated by a level of depression of the power switch; wherein the housing, the finger stopper, the bristle case, the ball bearing ring, the motor, and the battery are axially aligned wherein the bristle case is rotated within the housing by the battery powered motor.

2. The nail care device of claim 1, wherein the power switch is located on an exterior surface of the rear portion.

3. The nail care device of claim 2, further comprising a charger port on the housing in electrical communication with the battery; and a charger that mates with the charger port to recharge the battery.

4. The nail care device of claim 3, wherein the ball bearing ring is located between the bristle case and the front portion of the housing and a second ball bearing ring is located between the bristle case and the motor.

5. The nail care device of claim 1, further comprising a charger port on the housing in electrical communication with the battery; and a charger that mates with the charger port to recharge the battery.

6. The nail care device of claim 1, wherein the ball bearing ring is located between the bristle case and the front portion of the housing and a second ball bearing ring is located between the bristle case and the motor.

7. The nail care device of claim 2, wherein the ball bearing ring is located between the bristle case and the front portion of the housing and a second ball bearing ring is located between the bristle case and the motor.

8. The nail care device of claim 1, wherein the housing is oval or egg shaped.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows.

(2) FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a nail care device, according to an embodiment of the present invention,

(3) FIG. 1B is a perspective transparent view of the nail care device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 2 is a perspective transparent view of the nail care device's bristle case, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

(5) FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the nail care device, according to an embodiment of the present, invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(6) Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to FIGS. 1A-3, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.

(7) Referring to FIGS. 1A-3, the nail care device includes: a housing 8 having an internal cavity, the housing being open on one end; a finger stopper 14, a bristle case 16; bristles 26: a power switch 20; a motor 22; and a battery 24. The housing 8 may also include a ball bearing ring 28 for smoother movement of the bristle case 16.

(8) In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the housing 8 includes a rear portion 10 and a front portion 12, each portion 10, 12 having a cavity therein. The rear portion 10 may be connected to the front portion 12 by an annular ridge and grooves 18, or by a twist and/or a screw. However, other attachment means can be used to connect the rear portion 10 to the front portion 12. The front portion 12 has an opening for a user's finger(s) to access the bristles 26. Attached to the front portion 12, the linger stopper 14 holds the finger(s) stern. Depending on the desired application, the finger stopper 14 can be integrated into, i.e., affixed to, or removable from the housing 8. The housing 8 is preferably elliptical or egg-shaped, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. However, the housing 8 can be made in any shape, including rectangular, round, square, or cylindrical. The housing cavity can be made out of plastic, rubber, metal, or any other suitable material. In a preferred embodiment, the housing 8 is palm sized. However, the housing 8 can be constructed in any size, based on the intended application. Likewise, the housing 8 can be manufactured in any color. The exterior of the housing 8 may bear a logo and/or design. The housing cavity may have dividers (not shown) separating the battery 24, the motor 22, and the bristle case 16. Other suitable configurations can be used to contain the battery 24, the motor 22, and the bristle case 16 in the housing 8. In a preferred embodiment, the power switch 20 is located on the rear cavity 10, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. Additionally, the power switch 20 is preferably a push button control. However, other suitable power switches 20 and locations of the power switch 20 can be used. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1B. the housing 8 includes a ball bearing ring 28 for smoother movement of the bristle case 16.

(9) The nail care device can be used as a toe nail cleaner and polisher with optimal length, width and depth, such that the housing cavity and/or bristle casing cavity would provide a suitable fit. The nail care device shown in FIGS, 1A-1B has a two-piece housing 8 that includes a front portion 12 and a rear portion 10, each portion 10, 12 having a cavity therein. However, depending on the desired application, the housing 8 could be constructed as a single-piece molding or, alternatively, it may have more than two pieces. In an embodiment, an access point (not shown) on the rear portion 10 can be used for the user to access the battery 24. In a further or alternative embodiment, the housing includes a charger port (not shown). In a further or alternative embodiment, the housing includes separation columns (not shown) to separate the bristle case 16 from the motor 22. In a further or alternative embodiment, the housing includes separation columns (not shown) to separate the motor 22 from the battery 24. In a further or alternative embodiment, the housing includes an accessible battery portal (not shown). In a further or alternative embodiment, the device includes a distinctive sound and may be altered if suitable and desired. In a further or alternative embodiment, the device includes a distinctive vibration and may be altered if suitable and desired. In a further or alternative embodiment, the device includes distinctive light(s) if suitable and desired.

(10) With reference to FIGS. 1A-1B and 3, the finger stopper 14 is coupled to the front portion 12. In an embodiment, the finger stopper 14 is affixed to the opening of the front portion 12 Alternatively, the finger stopper 14 is removable from the front portion 12. In a preferred embodiment, the finger stopper 14 is coated with rubber for grip. However, the finger stopper 14 can be made out of other suitable materials. In an embodiment, the finger stopper 14 includes a rubber shell to provide grip. In an embodiment, the finger stopper 14 has a half-octagon shape. However, other suitable and desired shapes can be used.

(11) The bristle case 16 is disposed within the housing 8. In a preferred embodiment, the bristle case 16 is cylindrical in shape. However other suitable or desired shapes can be used for the bristle case 16. In an embodiment, the bristle case 16 is made of a plastic material. However, other suitable materials can be used to make the bristle case 16. The size of the bristle ease 16 will vary depending on the size of the cavity within the housing 8. In an embodiment, the device includes a ball bearing ring 28 for smoother movement, i.e., rotation, of the bristle case 16. The bristle case 16 includes insertion holes (not shown) where the bristles 26 are inserted, lined and arranged within the bristle case 16. The bristles 26 may be single or grouped in clusters. Other suitable and desired arrangements of the bristles 26 can be employed. Additionally, different grades of bristles, ranging from soft to firm for abrasion, can be used. Alternatives for the bristles 26 may be feathers and/or sponges. Other suitable and desired material in replacement and/or additional of the bristles 26 can be used.

(12) In an embodiment, the motor 22 moves in one direction at one speed. However, a multi-directional motor, or other suitable motor, can be used, depending on the desired application. The motor 22 is powered by a power source 24. In an embodiment, the power source 24 is a battery. As shown in FIG. 1B, the power source 24 is disposed completely in the cavity of the housing 8. The power source 24 may be accessible to the user through an access point (not shown). The motor 22 and the power source 24 are disposed in electrical communication with one another. The power switch 20 transfers power from the power source 24 to the motor 22

(13) In an embodiment, the power source 24 includes a disposable or rechargeable battery. Other suitable means of providing electrical power to the motor can be used as well. The access point (not shown) on the rear cavity 10 can be used to access the internally-disposed battery 24 for repair or replacement.

(14) In an embodiment, the battery is charged by a plug-in a/c charger (not shown). In another embodiment, the battery is charged by a wireless a/c charger (not shown). In yet another embodiment, the battery is charged by a wireless stand a/c charger (not shown).

(15) With reference to FIGS. 1A-1B, the power switch 20 transfers power from the battery 24 to the motor 22 when depressed. Release of the power switch 20 will discontinue power to the motor 22. In an embodiment, slow release of the power switch 20 will decrease power to the motor 22. In an embodiment, the power switch 20, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, is a push button. In another embodiment, the power switch 20, is a heat sensor or finger scanner. However, other suitable and desired means of power control can be used.

(16) In an embodiment, the device includes a charger (not shown) for one or more devices. In an embodiment, the device includes a display stand (not shown) for one or more devices. In an embodiment, the device includes a display box (not shown) for one or more devices.

(17) The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims.