US20120260930A1

US20120260930A1 - Water Works Nail Pic

Info

Publication number: US20120260930A1
Application number: US13/368,899
Authority: US
Inventors: Lorie Anne Kimble
Original assignee: NAIL PIC LLC
Current assignee: NAIL PIC LLC
Priority date: 2011-04-13
Filing date: 2012-02-08
Publication date: 2012-10-18

Abstract

An architecture is presented that provides a nail cleaning device designed for cleaning away debris or stains trapped in a user's nail bed. The nail cleaning device comprises a liquid retaining reservoir and a spray nozzle in fluid communication with the reservoir for emitting a liquid stream under a user's fingernails or toenails. The reservoir is typically a cylinder shaped chamber with a hollow interior cavity, and a hose positioned within the cavity to allow water to pass through the cavity from an external water source. The water is emitted from the cavity via a liquid stream from the spray nozzle. The nail cleaning device further comprises a trigger positioned along the reservoir for releasing the liquid stream from the spray nozzle, and a chamber positioned within the reservoir for dispensing soap. The nail cleaning device also comprises an external hose that connects the reservoir to a pressurized water supply.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/517,020 filed Apr. 13, 2011.

BACKGROUND

Good hygiene is an important part of almost anyone's basic necessities in life, and according to many, clean hands are the most important place to start. Those who work with their hands such as gardeners, mechanics, cooks, bakers, and many others, find it hard to maintain clean nails. The harsh nail brushes, abrasive nail scrubbers, and sharp pick instruments that can be used to clean nails are often ineffective and painful to use. An effective solution is necessary.
There is a need for a nail cleaning device that effectively and painlessly cleans away debris or stains trapped in the fingernail bed. The present invention discloses a nail cleaning device or nail pic device that is easily attached to a faucet of a sink or other pressurized water source and houses its own liquid soap for easy application. The device could also have a separate container for housing its own water supply. The device gently but effectively washes away any dirt, food, or grime caught under the fingernails or toenails using gentle water pressure.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a nail cleaning device designed for cleaning away debris or stains trapped in a user's fingernail or toenail bed. The nail cleaning device comprises a liquid retaining reservoir and a spray nozzle in fluid communication with the reservoir for discharging a liquid stream under a user's fingernails or toenails to remove debris and stains. The reservoir is preferably a cylindrically shaped chamber with a hollow interior cavity comprising a hose, and is designed to allow an amount of liquid, such as water, to pass through the cavity or chamber. The water is discharged from the cavity via a liquid stream from the spray nozzle. The water is pressurized by an external pressurized water source (i.e., the faucet) or it can be pressurized independently by the trigger mechanism.
Furthermore in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nail cleaning device further comprises a trigger positioned along the reservoir for releasing the liquid stream from the spray nozzle, and a chamber positioned within the reservoir for dispensing a soap or stain removing liquid. The nail cleaning device also comprises an external hose that connects the reservoir to a faucet or other pressurized water source. Typically, water from the faucet is directed through the external hose into the hose of the cavity or chamber of the reservoir and discharged through the spray nozzle, which is in fluid communication with the reservoir.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a nail cleaning delivery device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of the internal cavity of the nail cleaning delivery device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2A and B illustrate a perspective view of the spray nozzle of the nail cleaning device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the nail cleaning device connected to a faucet in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.
The present invention discloses a nail cleaning device or nail pic device that is easily attached to a faucet of a sink, or other water supply, and houses its own liquid soap for easy application. The device gently but effectively washes away any dirt, food, or grime caught under the fingernails or toenails using gentle water pressure and/or soap.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 1A illustrate a nail cleaning device 100 designed for cleaning away debris or stains trapped in a user's fingernail or toenail bed. The nail cleaning device 100 comprises a reservoir 102 and a spray nozzle 104 removably secured to, and in fluid communication with an end of the reservoir 102, for emitting a liquid stream under a user's fingernails or toenails to remove debris and stains. The device 100 can also be used to clean other small, and/or hard to reach objects. The reservoir 102 would generally be constructed of plastic, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), though any other suitable material may be used to manufacture the reservoir 102 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. The reservoir 102 is approximately between ¼ and 2 inches in diameter, and approximately between 1 and 5 inches long.
Furthermore, the reservoir 102 is typically a cylinder shaped chamber with a hollow interior cavity 110, but can be any suitable shape or size as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, such as rectangular, oval, etc. The hollow interior cavity 110 comprises a hose 112 which runs through the cavity 110. The hose 112 is designed to accept water from a water source and discharge water from the cavity 110 via a liquid stream from the spray nozzle 104.
The spray nozzle 104 is removably secured to, and in fluid communication with, an end of the reservoir 102 and hose 112, and is typically circular in shape, but can be any suitable shape or size as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention provided that the same is capable of emitting a liquid stream to the desired nail site in the manner described herein. The spray nozzle 104 is approximately between ¼ and 2 inches in diameter, and approximately between ¼ and 1 inches long. Furthermore, a trigger 106 is positioned along the reservoir for discharging the liquid contents of the reservoir 102 through the spray nozzle 104. The trigger 106 is typically a button that a user depresses, but can be any other suitable trigger as is known in the art such as a switch, toggle, etc., without affecting the overall concept of the invention.
Furthermore, the nail cleaning device 100 comprises a chamber 108 positioned within the reservoir 102 for retaining and dispensing a liquid soap, stain removing liquid, or any other cleaning liquid. The liquid soap can be an anti-bacterial soap or any other soap as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Typically, the liquid soap or stain removing liquid within the chamber 108 is released in the liquid stream when the trigger 106 is depressed. The hose 112 of the cavity 110 retains the water, preventing the liquid soap or stain removing liquid to mix with the water beforehand. Specifically, once a user presses the trigger 106, liquid from the hose 112 is combined with the liquid soap or stain removing liquid from the chamber 108 and released as a liquid stream/soap mixture from the spray nozzle 104, which is applied under the fingernails or toenails of a user. However, the chamber 108 is not necessary and the reservoir 102 can be used without the chamber 108. For example, a user could pre-treat their nails, by dipping their nails into a heavier, cream-like consistency soap and then apply the nail cleaning device 100 under their nails to remove debris and/or stains. Furthermore, the liquid soap and water can be premixed and stored in a separate reservoir (not shown). A pump within the reservoir would pump the contents of the reservoir to the spray nozzle 104.
FIG. 2A and B illustrate the spray nozzle 104 of the nail cleaning device, wherein the spray nozzle 104 comprises multiple openings for discharging the contents of reservoir 102. As shown in FIG. 2A, opening 200 of the spray nozzle 104 comprises a grouping of smaller holes arranged in a half-moon shape to clean an entire nail bed. Opening 208 of the spray nozzle 104 is a half-moon or arc shaped opening to also clean the entire nail bed. Specifically, the openings 200 and 208 comprise a plurality of jets or apertures spaced in an arc shape and designed to be placed directly under the tip of a user's nail to clean the entire nail bed. The jets of the openings 200 and 208 expel water between 5 and 75 psi (pounds per square inch) in a generally semi-circle spray. Opening 202 comprises a singular jet or aperture for discharging the contents of reservoir 102. Opening 210 comprises a slotted aperture for discharging the contents of reservoir 102. Openings 202 and 210 are used to target one specific area on the nail bed at a higher pressure. Specifically, the jet of openings 202 and 210 expels water between 60 and 90 psi. The spray nozzle 104 can also rotate when the singular jet spray is used for openings 202 or 210. Typically, the spray nozzle 104 is turned by a user to alternate between the openings 200, 202, 208 and 210. Specifically, the spray nozzle 104 would have a dial on the end, enabling a user to turn the spray nozzle 104 to the desired opening (200, 202, 208 and 210). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2B, the spray nozzle 104 can comprise separate, interchangeable heads 206 A-D, wherein one head 206A comprises a plurality of jets or apertures spaced in an arc shape and designed to be placed directly under the tip of a user's nail. The jets expel water in a generally semi-circle spray to clean the entire nail bed. And, a second head 206B comprises a single stream jet spray opening used to target one specific area on the nail bed at a higher pressure. A third head 206C comprises an arc shaped opening for expelling water in a generally semi-circle spray to clean the entire nail bed. And, a fourth head 206D comprises a slotted opening used to target one specific area on the nail bed at a higher pressure. The heads 206 A-D are removably secured to the spray nozzle 104 by any securing means as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention.
FIG. 3 illustrates the nail cleaning device 100 connected to a faucet 300. The nail cleaning device 100 comprises a liquid retaining reservoir 102 and a spray nozzle 104 removably secured to, and in fluid communication with, an end of the reservoir 102 for emitting a pressurized liquid stream under a user's fingernails or toenails to remove debris and stains. Furthermore, the reservoir 102 is typically a cylinder shaped chamber with a hollow interior cavity or chamber comprising a hose 112, and is designed to allow an amount of liquid, such as water or any other suitable liquid as is known in the art, to pass through the cavity or chamber (not shown). The water is emitted from the cavity via a liquid stream from the spray nozzle 104.
A trigger 106 is positioned along the reservoir for releasing the liquid stream from the spray nozzle 104. Additionally, the nail cleaning device 100 comprises a chamber 108 positioned within the reservoir 102 for dispensing a soap or stain removing liquid. Typically, the soap or stain removing liquid within the chamber 108 is released in the liquid stream when the trigger 106 is depressed. The nail cleaning device 100 also comprises an external hose 302 that connects the reservoir 102 to a faucet 300. The nail cleaning device 100 can be connected to a kitchen or bathroom faucet 300, or any other suitable faucet as is known in the art. The external hose 302 can be any suitable length as is known in the art, such that the external hose 302 allows a user ample length to maneuver while cleaning their nails. Typically, water from the sink is directed through the external hose 302 into the hose 112 of the cavity or chamber 110 of the reservoir 102 and released at the end of the reservoir 102 through the spray nozzle 104. However, external hose 302 and/or hose 112 are not needed and the cavity 110 of the reservoir 102 can be pre-filled with water and/or soap and used without external hose 302 and/or hose 112. A pump (not shown) within the reservoir 102 would pump the contents of the reservoir to the spray nozzle 104. A user would then re-fill the cavity of the reservoir 102 as needed to continue nail cleaning.
Furthermore, the nail cleaning device 100 comprises a pressure valve (not shown), for controlling pressure of the liquid stream. The pressure valve can be any pressure valve known in the art provided that it is of a size that can be positioned within the reservoir 102. A user can adjust the pressure valve depending on the amount of water pressure he or she wants or needs when cleaning their nails. Additionally, the nail cleaning device 100 comprises a temperature gauge (not shown) for determining temperature of the water stream. The temperature gauge can be any temperature gauge known in the art provided that it is of a size that can be positioned within the reservoir 102. Typically, a user would control the temperature of the water at the faucet, or other water source. Or, a user can just add water already at the desired water temperature to the cavity of the reservoir 102.
In use, a user secures an external hose to an end of the reservoir and connects the reservoir to a faucet via the external hose. The faucet can be a kitchen or bathroom faucet, or any other pressurized water supply. Optionally, the user can then fill a chamber in the reservoir with soap or stain removing liquid. Next, the user rotates the spray nozzle to the desired opening, or replaces the spray nozzle with an interchangeable spray head comprising the desired opening and secures the head in place on the spray nozzle. The user then turns the faucet on and allows water to flow from the faucet through the external hose. The water is directed through the external hose into the hose of the cavity or chamber of the reservoir. The user then depresses the trigger which releases water out the end of the reservoir through the spray nozzle. If the user filled the chamber with soap or stain removing liquid, then depression of the trigger would also cause the soap or stain removing liquid to dispense from the chamber and combine with the water. The water mixture would then be released at the end of the reservoir through the spray nozzle. The nail cleaning device is then placed under a user's nails to clean away debris and/or stains. After use, the external hose at the end of the reservoir can be removed and a cap (not shown) can placed to cover the inlet to the reservoir. The external hose can then be drained of any un-used water, cleaned and allowed to dry.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A nail cleaning device, comprising:

a liquid retaining reservoir;

a spray nozzle in fluid communication with the liquid retaining reservoir; and

a trigger positioned along the reservoir for discharging contents of the liquid retaining reservoir through the spray nozzle.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a chamber within the liquid retaining reservoir for retaining soap.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the chamber comprises a stain removing liquid.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the soap mixes with the liquid retained in the liquid retaining reservoir and is discharged through the spray nozzle.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein a hose is positioned within the liquid retaining reservoir to allow water to pass through the reservoir.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the liquid retaining reservoir comprises an external hose to connect the liquid retaining reservoir to a pressurized water supply.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the spray nozzle comprises more than one discharge opening.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein one of said more than one discharge openings discharges the liquid retaining reservoir contents in a generally semi-circle spray to clean entire nail bed.

9. The device of claim 7, wherein one of said more than one discharge openings discharges the liquid retaining reservoir contents in a single stream spray to target a specific area of the nail.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the spray nozzle rotates when the single stream spray is used.

11. The device of claim 7, wherein the spray nozzle turns to alternate between the more than one discharge opening.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the spray nozzle comprises more than one interchangeable heads wherein one of said more than one interchangeable heads discharges the liquid retaining reservoir contents in a generally semi-circle spray and wherein a second of said more than one interchangeable heads discharges the liquid retaining reservoir contents in a single stream spray.

13. The device of claim 1, further comprising a pressure valve, for controlling pressure of the liquid retaining reservoir contents.

14. The device of claim 1, further comprising a temperature gauge for determining temperature of the liquid retaining reservoir contents.

15. A nail cleaning device, comprising:

a liquid retaining reservoir;

a chamber positioned within the reservoir for dispensing a stain removing liquid;

a spray nozzle in fluid communication with the liquid retaining reservoir for discharging contents of the liquid retaining reservoir; and

a trigger positioned along the liquid retaining reservoir for releasing the contents of the liquid retaining reservoir; and

wherein the stain removing liquid within the chamber is released when the trigger is depressed.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the spray nozzle comprises more than one opening.

17. The device of claim 15, further comprising a pressure valve, for controlling pressure of the liquid retaining reservoir contents.

18. The device of claim 15, further comprising a temperature gauge for determining temperature of the liquid retaining reservoir contents.

19. The device of claim 15, wherein the liquid retaining reservoir comprises an external hose to connect the liquid retaining reservoir to a pressurized water supply.

20. A device for nail cleaning, comprising:

a liquid retaining reservoir, wherein the liquid retaining reservoir comprises:

a chamber positioned within the liquid retaining reservoir for dispensing soap; and

a trigger positioned along the liquid retaining reservoir for discharging contents of the liquid retaining reservoir and the soap;

a spray nozzle in fluid connection with the liquid retaining reservoir; and

an external hose connected to an end of the liquid retaining reservoir for connecting the liquid retaining reservoir to a pressurized water supply.