Disposable nail clippers and methods for using same

Abstract

A disposable nail clipper is disclosed herein. Additionally, a nail clipper with removable, disposable cutting edges is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for using the nail clipper to clip nails. The disclosed nail clipper includes two body arms and at least one cutting edge portion, which is attached to one body arm. In one embodiment, the body arms and a lever are made of three similarly sized approximately rectangular pieces. Each body arm has a cutting edge portions attached thereto so that the cutting edges oppose each other. Each cutting edge portion is located at a distal end of each body arm. In one embodiment, the cutting edge portion is fixedly secured to the distal end of a body arm. In an alternate embodiment, the cutting edge portion is removably attached to the distal end of the body arm.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]This invention pertains generally to personal grooming devices and more particularly to disposable nail clippers and methods for using the same.BACKGROUND[0002]Personal grooming devices, including nail clippers, frequently carry bacteria and other pathogens due to their contact with body tissues. Because bacteria and other pathogens from one person can be harmful to another, it is generally recommended that such devices be restricted to only one user or undergo robust sterilization before being used by another. Such restriction or sterilization, however, is difficult, if not impracticable, in certain environments such as athletic training rooms.[0003]Nail clippers of the prior art do not address the hygiene issues relating to use by many different persons, and so must be sterilized between uses by different persons if the desired level of hygiene is to be achieved. However, sterilization not only increases the cost of supplies, i.e., sterilization fluids and ves...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]As is well known in the art, a lever is preferably located on a stud or shank that links the lever arm to one body arm wherein the second body arm is free to move axially along the stud. The lever arm provides sufficient force to the distal end of the clipper upon user manipulation to cut a nail placed between the cutting edge(s). While the disclosed embodiment relies on the lever arm interacting directly on one of the body arms, it is also contemplated that the lever arm can act directly on the cutting edge, thereby eliminating force transmission through the body arm. By positioning the stud proximate the non-moving body arm, stress inherent therein during use of the clippers can also be reduced. The lever arm can be, of course, used in either the disposable or the reusable embodiment.

[0011]The present invention thus provides for a disposable nail clipper and, alternatively, the removal and replacement of disposable cutting edges of a non-disposable nail clipper. With this invention, different users can each use a new and sterile nail clipper or can use one nail clipper body many times, using new and sterile cutting edges every time. Eliminating the necessity of sterilization between each use results in significant cost and time savings. In addition to these benefits, this invention also enhances the safety and protection of athletes and others who come into contact with them by providing a quick and easy way to ensure short, neatly trimmed nails.

Problems solved by technology

Personal grooming devices, including nail clippers, frequently carry bacteria and other pathogens due to their contact with body tissues.

Such restriction or sterilization, however, is difficult, if not impracticable, in certain environments such as athletic training rooms.

Nail clippers of the prior art do not address the hygiene issues relating to use by many different persons, and so must be sterilized between uses by different persons if the desired level of hygiene is to be achieved.

However, sterilization not only increases the cost of supplies, i.e., sterilization fluids and vessels, but also increases the time delay between uses of the clippers.

In addition, sterilization requires personnel time to perform or oversee the sterilization, thus further increasing costs.

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