Powered hand held linear motion device for attaching nail file tools

Abstract

The present invention relates to enhancing abrasive, buffing, filing, polishing, shaping and callus removing products for the manicure and pedicure industry by use of a linear motion tool. In particular, the invention provides a method and apparatus that uses linear motion to quickly vibrate a detachable platen by which an abrasive, buffing, polishing and or pumice device can be secured by means of temporary or permanent adhesion.

1 . An electric nail file comprising:
 a. a housing member having a top side and a bottom side, said housing member comprising:
 i. an internal electric motor, said internal electric motor capable of rotating a motor shaft, wherein the rotating a motor shaft drives a reciprocating linear drive plate, said internal electric motor capable of controllably driving the reciprocating linear drive plate in a back and forth motion; 
 ii. two external openings at the bottom side of the housing; and 
 iii. a linear drive plate having a top side and a bottom side, said linear drive plate comprising:
 1. two opposing and inwardly facing, generally U shaped, linear drive plate clips located on the bottom side of the linear drive plate, said clips attached to the linear drive plate and protruding through the two external openings at the bottom side of the housing; and 
 
   b. a platen having a top side and a bottom side, said platen configured to attach to the linear drive plate via the linear drive plate clips.   
     
     
         2 . The electric nail file of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more gears generally located between the motor and the reciprocating linear drive plate, said gear(s) converting rotational movement from the motor shaft into reciprocating linear motion. 
     
     
         3 . The electric nail file of  claim 2 , further comprising one or more cams generally located between, and in physical contact with, the motor and the one or more gears. 
     
     
         4 . The electric nail file of  claim 1 , wherein the platen is configured to receive and retain an abrasive material on the bottom side of the platen. 
     
     
         5 . The electric nail file of  claim 1 , further comprising an activation switch protruding from the top side of the housing, configured to control the speed of the reciprocating drive plate. 
     
     
         6 . The electric nail file of  claim 1 , further comprising disposable abrasive material attachable to the platen. 
     
     
         7 . The electric nail file of  claim 1 , further comprising two clip mounts located on the top side of the platen, configured to receive and secure the linear drive plate clips. 
     
     
         8 . The electric nail file of  claim 1 , further comprising a battery compartment located within the housing. 
     
     
         9 . The electric nail file of  claim 1 , further comprising an integrated circuit board. 
     
     
         10 . The electric nail file of  claim 1 , further comprising an activation switch protruding through the top side of the housing. 
     
     
         11 . The electric nail file of  claim 1 , further comprising a ridge located approximately at the midsection of the bottom side of the housing, said ridge bisecting the front and rear sections of the housing. 
     
     
         12 . The electric nail file of  claim 1 , further comprising an electrical power cord capable of supplying standard alternating current to the motor. 
     
     
         13 . The electric nail file of  claim 1 , further comprising batteries capable of supplying direct current to the motor.