PROTECTED MULTI-SIDED FINGERNAIL FILE

Abstract

An apparatus includes three nail grooming structures each of varying sandpaper densities to allow the user to select the best one for optimum nail smoothness and when finished filing, an integrated outer cap is rotated to over a location which no longer exposes the grit surfaces so as to protect them from damage and maintain cleanliness.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising: a protected multi-sided sided nail grooming device with inner component having three nail grooming structure receiving surfaces and one non-nail grooming structure receiving surface; and the nail grooming structures affixed to said nail grooming structure receiving surfaces and comprising a flexible substrate having a front surface and rear surface, said rear surface having an adhesive thereon for securing the substrate to the nail grooming structure receiving surface and said each front surface having a roughened surface comprising a layer of sandpaper consisting of sandpaper grit density differing from the other two said front surfaces; and a rotatably adjustable outer cap over said inner component consisting of an elongated window opening of sufficient size to individually expose said three nail grooming structures and said non-nail grooming structure receiving surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said nail grooming structures consists one each of low, medium, and high density sandpaper grits.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said non-nail grooming structure receiving surface contains no nail grooming structure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The attached drawings are included to provide additional understanding of the invention and are to be considered part of this description that illustrates the embodiments of the invention, and together with the detailed description provide an explanation of the principles of the invention.

Wherein the drawings:

[0016] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the components making up the protected multi-sided fingernail file showing the retaining cap, inner rectangular piece, outer tube and end cap.

[0017] FIG. 1A is a cut-away view of the end of the rectangular inner piece showing the three nail grooming surfaces and the one inner surface free of grit.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a cut-away view of the end of the assembly showing the window in the outer tube and the rounded corners of the interior piece to which the grit is adhered to on three of its sides.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention from the front and side, showing the grit through the slotted opening of the tube.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The present invention is referred to generally in FIGS. 1 to 3 by the reference numeral 10 and is intended to provide for an illustration for the construction of the nail file and is the preferred embodiment. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the figures.

[0021] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 1A, the protected multi-sided fingernail file grooming device 10 includes an elongated hollow cylindrical tube 20 and elongated generally rectangular inner piece 30 with nail grooming surfaces 41, 42, and 43 which are individually exposed through window 25 of outer tube 20. During non-use, window 25 may be rotated to a location over the inner piece surface 44 where there is no nail grooming surface present thereby protecting the other grooming surfaces from dirt and debris. The absence of any grit material on inner piece surface 44 allows for the printing of a logo, advertisement, or other message.

[0022] Nail grooming flat surfaces 41, 42, and 43 consist of abrasive sand grain particles of varying density herein identified as low (coarse), medium and high (fine) density grit respectively which have been applied to it. The higher the grit number, or grain density, the smoother the file. Different types of nails files are designed for different uses; therefore it is important to select the right one. For natural nails, a fine-grit cushion file is gentle yet effective. Coarse files (80-100 grit) are best for acrylic nail extensions. Medium files (240-600 grit) are best for removing small bumps, ridges or discolorations and for shaping the free edge of natural nails. Fine files (600-2400 grit) are used for buffing and shining all types of nails. Metal grit is avoided as they are harsh and can even split nails. The grit material typically is applied to paper sheet with an adhesive backing which is then attached to the inner piece 30.

[0023] According to some embodiments, a flexible paper sheet includes a first side suitable for use as a nail grooming surface and a second adhesive side opposite the first side. For example, the flexible sheet has a roughened surface on one side and a peel-and-stick type adhesive surface on the other side. For example, the roughened surface may correspond to a desired grit of sandpaper. The flexible sheet may then be secured to one of the three nail grooming surfaces 41, 42, and 43 of the inner piece 30 structure. An advantage of the aspect of this invention is that with three flexible strips present, the end user, depending upon the nail configuration to be groomed, may select the best grit size for their situation.

[0024] The nail grooming structures described herein may be provided by any suitable manufacturing techniques. For example, for a device made of plastic, the inner and outer pieces may be molded with retaining and end caps 70 and 80 respectively. Another option is to individually machine the components out of plastic, or metal.

[0025] It is easier to locate a nail grooming device when it is attached to something used on a daily basis such as a key ring. With the present invention, thru hole 90 at the base of the inner piece 30 is provided. This also allows the device to be conveniently hung on conventional retail store hooks.

[0026] With reference to FIG. 2, the major length of inner piece 30 is of rectangular shape with four beveled corners 31. A cross sectional face of the inner piece is generally square in shape, the diagonal of which is just undersized so as to fit snugly within cylindrical tube 20 thereby allowing tube 20 to be rotated with minimal effort while holding onto inner piece 30 near protrusion 91.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows the device in a typical configuration for use with one of the grooming surfaces exposed. An advantage of the present invention is this file can be put into a purse without scratching sun glasses and other contents which typically happens with nail files available today. The device in its typical configuration would be approximately five inches long and in diameter making it suitable for storage and transport in a pocket or purse.

[0028] The protected multi-sided fingernail file described and illustrated herein is a preferred embodiment of the invention along with some of its variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention in which all terms are meant in their broadest, reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.