Nail Filer and Grooming Tool for Pets and Other Animals

Abstract

The present invention is a grinding apparatus which will increase efficiency and safety of grooming and caring for dogs and cats.

Claims

1. A grinding apparatus comprising a solid, cuplike structure of abrasive and durable material, capable of rotating around its central concave point at varying rotational velocities and in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions when connected to a power source.

2. The grinding apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a pedestal for the abrasive member or other means of connection, a support structure for handling by a user, means of activating and deactivating the apparatus, means of controlling the rotational speed and direction of the abrasive member, and a power source.

3. A method of using the grinding apparatus of claim 1 or 2 for filing the nails or claws of animals.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE

[0006] Unless otherwise stated, all dimensions are in inches and drawings are not to scale.

[0007] FIG. 1 depicts various perspectives of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention comprises an apparatus for and method of grinding, filing and otherwise grooming the claws, nails, beaks and other keratin or protein-based appendages of pets. The head of the tool will be in the shape of a concave cup, with the intention that it would keep the pet's nail within the cup structure and prevent the pet's nail from slipping off the grinding mechanism and/or causing an injury. Such a mechanism has the further benefit of creating a smooth complete finish of the nail and provides a level of comfort to both owner and pet. The concave filing mechanism is positioned at the top of a small pedestal of plastic or otherwise that may insert into a handheld rotary tool.

[0009] The present invention will function by way of a concave cup which would gently but securely hold in place the nail of a dog, cat, bird, or other pet, while it polishes the tip and outer surface layers of nail, the extent of which is determined by the user and customizable for the pet. The polishing and reducing of the nail will occur by virtue of the rotation stone cup-shaped apparatus. The rotations per minute (RPM) and/or the direction of the rotation will vary depending on the type and size of the animal, the length and thickness of the nail, and the nature of the filing action required.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention will be of dimensions and weight capable of comfortable use as a handheld tool. The handle of the present invention can be made of wood, plastic, aluminum, steel or any other rigid, lightweight material, capable of mass production.

[0011] The grinding mechanism of the present invention, in the preferred embodiment, will be made of stone, in the shape of a concave cup or cone. It may be removable or replaceable as the grinding surface becomes dull. The present invention may be customized for different species or size of animal and/or the grinding mechanism may be customized for such specific uses.

[0012] There are varying methods capable of powering the present invention, including a replaceable battery in the handle or via wire and plug.

EXAMPLES

[0013] The present invention is more fully described by way of the following non-limiting examples and objects of the invention. These examples should, in no way, be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0014] Applicant devised the present invention, while having a need for the solution it provides and discovering the unmet need therefor. The Applicant, after considering several possible iterations of the present invention, built a preliminary prototype demonstrating an embodiment and proof of principle. FIG. 1 provides perspectives and guidance for manufacturing and producing the present invention. Iterations of the Applicant's prototype and the exemplary images in FIG. 1 are examples of the various versions and embodiments of the invention and the possible modes, methods and means of its construction, which are contemplated by Applicant in this application.

[0015] In one example, the present invention can be used for larger animals, including large dogs, and feature a thick handle of approximately one to three inches in width or diameter; with a large grinding stone atop such handle, with a deep recession, capable of receiving a large nail, in both thickness and length.

[0016] In another example, the present invention can be tailored for use with animals with smaller paws, and consequently, thinner, frailer and/or shorter nails. It would consist of a smaller, concave stone cup, which would not require a large handle, as described above.

[0017] For larger animals, who are not easily frightened of noise, the RPM can be higher; whereas, the RPM can be decreased for a slower grooming process, which may be less intimidating to smaller and/or more easily excitable animals. Furthermore, the ability to alternate the rotational direction would accommodate various circumstances, including particular needs of the animal and/or injuries or sensitivities.

[0018] The foregoing examples and description of the preferred embodiments should be interpreted as illustrating, rather than as limiting, the present invention as defined herein. All variations and combinations of the features above are intended to be within the scope of this application and the variations and descriptions herein.