Toilet – Nail device – Abrader – file or buffer
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-20
2001-10-16
Robert, Eduardo C. (Department: 3732)
Toilet
Nail device
Abrader, file or buffer
Reexamination Certificate
active
06302118
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to reflexology tools and method therefor and, more particularly, to a fingernail and fingertip stimulator and a method for use thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The field of reflexology has recognized that stimulation of the fingers and fingertips can provide a feeling of relaxation and stimulation. In a publication, “Body Reflexology” by Mildred Carter published in 1993 buffing of fingernails together for the above benefit was described when the author stated “Place the fingernails of one hand against the fingernails of the other hand and buff them together. Buff faster and faster, until you are making them sing. After doing this for a few minutes, stop and hold the hands relaxed. Feel the build-up of electrical energy in the hands. When you relax, you feel this powerful force stimulating your whole body.”
While the mechanism is not clear, I have found that buffing the nails and the resulting, repetitive impacts between the fingernails does provide stimulation and relaxation to the fingernails and fingertips. This stimulation, I have also found, can provide overall relaxation.
Stimulation of the fingernails is also the subject of U.S. Pat. No. 4,187,837 issued Feb. 12, 1980 to Baum.
The study of reflexology recognizes that nerves from all parts of the body have endings in the hands and feet. By applying pressure to the hands and/or feet, a reaction in the corresponding area of the body can be felt. The effects of this pressure are easing, healing or energizing of the nervous system.
A drawback to fingernail against fingernail buffing is that the fingernails do provide a consistent surface for buffing. Further, stimulating action provided by the repeated fingernail-to-fingernail contact is not efficiently imparted since the number of contacts (impacts) during any buffing cycle is limited by the number of fingernails of the other hand which are contacted.
Accordingly, there has been a need for a novel fingernail stimulator and method which is of simplified construction, easy to use and which provides an even greater benefit and contribution to one's well-being. Additionally, a fingernail stimulator and method is needed which provides an area over which the fingernails are buffed to provide a uniform stimulus. Further there is a need for a device which provides for a greater number of impacts during the buffing cycle to increase the stimulation. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with this invention, it is an object of this invention to provide a fingernail and fingertip stimulator and method that increases and provides for more efficient stimulation.
It is a further object to provide a fingernail stimulator and method that provides a surface area over which the fingernails are buffed to provide a substantially uniform and increased stimulus.
The present invention resides in a fingernail stimulator and method for use as a reflexology tool for relaxing and energizing the fingernails and fingertips. The fingernail stimulator comprises, generally, at least one plate and a rough substantially non-abrasive surface on at least one portion thereof against which the fingernails of one or both hands are rubbed. A method of using the fingernail stimulator is also described.
The at least one plate may be constructed of a moderately stiff material, for example acrylic plastic. The at least one portion includes at least one outer surface of the plate which may itself be roughened or have adhered to it the rough substantially non-abrasive surface adhered to it or otherwise attached in some manner such as by two sided adhesive tape, glue or the like. The at least one plate is preferably rectangular, however, any desired shape may be used.
In a first embodiment, the fingernail stimulator further includes a stand which holds the at least one plate in an upright position. The stand holds the substantially-rectangular plate or plates along one sides of the at least one plate. The stand is a base portion that is preferably substantially triangular-shaped to provide stability when placed on a table or other substantially flat surface. Both outer surfaces of the at least one plate have the rough substantially non-abrasive surface making it possible to stimulate the fingernails of both hands at the same time.
In a second embodiment, the plate is placed in a substantially flat position with the rough substantially non-abrasive surface on an upper surface thereof The fingernails of both hands are placed on the upper surface of the plate.
In a third embodiment, the fingernail stimulator further includes a plate driver coupled to the plate. The plate driver oscillates the plate back and forth providing the necessary beneficial friction against the substantially motionless fingernails which are preferably held stationary in one fixed position.
In the method of the invention using the fingernail stimulator of the first embodiment, the user places a bottom portion of the stand on any flat surface that is comfortable or places it on his or her lap. The user briskly and lightly rubs in preferably an up and down fashion the flat surface of the fingernails of the left hand on one of the outer surfaces and the fingernails of the right hand on the other of the outer surface. With the fingernail stimulator of the second embodiment, the user should briskly and lightly rub the flat part of the fingernails of both hands over the same rough substantially nonabrasive surface. In the method of the invention using the fingernail stimulator of the third embodiment, the user need only place the flat surface of the fingernails on the same rough substantially nonabrasive surface. The oscillating movement of the plate provides the necessary movement against the fingernails. The fingernails should be preferably stimulated in this manner about five minutes, three times a day.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1152330 (1915-08-01), Macomber
patent: 1553756 (1925-09-01), Dienner
patent: 3387313 (1968-06-01), Smith et al.
patent: 3993027 (1976-11-01), Mullin
patent: 4003372 (1977-01-01), Willoby
patent: 4184499 (1980-01-01), Seidler
patent: 4187837 (1980-02-01), Braun
patent: 4329981 (1982-05-01), Dungl
patent: 4996946 (1991-03-01), Olson
patent: 5038716 (1991-08-01), Olson
patent: 5716331 (1998-02-01), Chang
patent: 5755676 (1998-05-01), Chen
patent: 5910123 (1999-06-01), Wang
Anderson Philip J.
Anderson & Morishita
Robert Eduardo C.
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