Selectively removable and protective nail cover kit

Abstract

A selectively removable and protective nail cover kit that includes one or more elastically deformable and unitary bodies each having a sidewall with an outer surface, with a first end enclosing and defining a lower aperture, with a second end opposing the first end of the sidewall, defining a body length separating the first and second ends of the sidewall, of a practical sidewall thickness spanning the body length, and with an inner surface defining a nail placement cavity that is enclosed by the sidewall and preformed into an arcuate shape, spans from the lower aperture and terminating at an upper internal wall of the elastically deformable and unitary body that is disposed proximal to the second end of the sidewall, and of a length less than 2 inches.

Claims

1. A selectively removable and protective nail cover kit comprising: an elastically deformable and unitary body having a sidewall with an outer surface, with a left side, with a right side opposing the left side of the unitary body, with a first end enclosing and defining a lower aperture, with a second end opposing the first end of the sidewall and having a single continuous arcuate surface spanning to and from the left and right sides of the sidewall, defining a body length separating the first and second ends of the sidewall, of a sidewall thickness within a range of 0.1-1.0 inches spanning the body length, and with an inner surface defining a nail placement cavity: enclosed by the sidewall and preformed into an arcuate shape; spanning from the lower aperture and terminating at an upper internal wall of the elastically deformable and unitary body that is disposed proximal to the second end of the sidewall; and of a length less than 2 inches.

2. The selectively removable and protective nail cover kit according to claim 1, wherein: the body length is within a range of 0.25 inches to 0.55 inches.

3. The selectively removable and protective nail cover kit according to claim 1, consisting of: a set of ten of said elastically deformable and unitary bodies consisting of five pairs each respectively having equal body length dimensions.

4. The selectively removable and protective nail cover kit according to claim 3, wherein: at least four of the five pairs each respectively having unique body length dimensions.

5. The selectively removable and protective nail cover kit according to claim 4, wherein: at least four of the five pairs each increase in length with respect to one another.

6. The selectively removable and protective nail cover kit according to claim 5, wherein: the unique body length dimensions of the at least four of the five pairs each respectively have a body length within a range of 0.25 inches to 0.55 inches.

7. The selectively removable and protective nail cover kit according to claim 1, wherein: the outer surface of the sidewall is preformed into an arcuate shape.

8. The selectively removable and protective nail cover kit according to claim 1, wherein: the nail placement cavity tapers in thickness separating the inner surface of the sidewall from the lower aperture to the upper internal wall of the elastically deformable and unitary body.

9. The selectively removable and protective nail cover kit according to claim 1, wherein: the nail placement cavity uniformly tapers in thickness separating the inner surface of the sidewall from the lower aperture to the upper internal wall of the elastically deformable and unitary body.

10. The selectively removable and protective nail cover kit according to claim 1, wherein: the elastically deformable and unitary body is of a transparent material.

11. The selectively removable and protective nail cover kit according to claim 1, wherein the sidewall is formed with a front portion extending from the first end to the second end and a rear portion extending from the first end to the second end, the front and rear portions each defining a substantially planar surface spanning to and from the left and right sides of the sidewall.

12. The selectively removable and protective nail cover kit according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the sidewall defines a slot thereon to facilitate in expanding or deforming the sidewall.

13. A selectively removable and protective nail cover kit comprising: an elastically deformable and unitary body having a sidewall with a left side, with a right side opposing the left side of the sidewall of the unitary body, with an outer surface, with a first end enclosing and defining a lower aperture, with a second end opposing the first end of the sidewall and having a single continuous arcuate surface spanning to and from the left and right sides of the sidewall, defining a body length within a range of 0.25 inches to 0.55 inches separating the first and second ends of the sidewall, and with an inner surface defining a nail placement cavity: enclosed by the sidewall and preformed into an arcuate shape; spanning from the lower aperture and terminating at an upper internal wall of the elastically deformable and unitary body that is disposed proximal to the second end of the sidewall; and of a length less than 2 inches.

14. The selectively removable and protective nail cover kit according to claim 13, consisting of: a set of ten of said elastically deformable and unitary bodies consisting of five pairs each respectively having equal body length dimensions.

15. The selectively removable and protective nail cover kit according to claim 14, wherein: at least four of the five pairs each respectively having unique body length dimensions.

16. The selectively removable and protective nail cover kit according to claim 15, wherein: at least four of the five pairs each increase in length with respect to one another.

17. The selectively removable and protective nail cover kit according to claim 13, wherein: the outer surface of the sidewall is preformed into an arcuate shape.

18. The selectively removable and protective nail cover kit according to claim 13, wherein: the nail placement cavity tapers in thickness separating the inner surface of the sidewall from the lower aperture to the upper internal wall of the elastically deformable and unitary body.

19. The selectively removable and protective nail cover kit according to claim 13, wherein the first end of the sidewall defines a slot thereon to facilitate in expanding or deforming the sidewall.

20. The selectively removable and protective nail cover kit according to claim 13, wherein the sidewall is formed with a front portion extending from the first end to the second end and a rear portion extending from the first end to the second end, the front and rear portions each defining a substantially planar surface spanning to and from the left and right sides of the sidewall.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an elastically deformable body utilized with the selectively removable and protective nail cover kit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the elastically deformable body in FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is an elevational front view of the elastically deformable body in FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the elastically deformable body in FIG. 1;

(6) FIGS. 5-6 are elevational side views of the elastically deformable body in FIG. 1;

(7) FIG. 7 is an elevational rear view of the elastically deformable body in FIG. 1;

(8) FIG. 8 is an elevational front view of an elastically deformable body with exemplary dimensions in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

(9) FIG. 9 is an elevational side view of an elastically deformable body with exemplary dimensions in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

(10) FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an elastically deformable body along section line 8-8 in FIG. 8 with exemplary dimensions in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

(11) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a selectively removable and protective nail cover kit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(12) While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

(13) The present invention provides a novel and efficient selectively removable and protective nail cover kit that solves the above-described problems known in the prior art and shields, protects, and adorns a user's nail(s) in an effective and efficient manner.

(14) Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 11, one embodiment of the present invention is shown in a perspective view. The figures show several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of a selectively removable and protective nail cover kit, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 11, includes an elastically deformable and unitary body 100 having a sidewall 102 with an outer surface 106, with a first end 108 and with a second end 112 opposing the first end 108 of the sidewall 102. In some embodiments, the first and second ends 108, 112 are the terminal ends of the body 100. The elastically deformable and unitary body 100 is preferably of a polymeric material, such as silicone rubber, but may be of another elastically deformable material such as neoprene. The body 100 is unitary in that it operates and is used as a single piece. As such, the body 100 may be injected molded, cast, or otherwise formed from multiple pieces (e.g., laser or heat welding) to form a unitary piece of material. The outer surface 106 is preferably smooth to the touch and of transparent material to effectuate display of the underlying nail surface in which it covers. To that end, it may be completely transparent or translucent, yet fall under the purview of being transparent unless otherwise indicated.

(15) As seen best in FIG. 1 and FIG. 10, the outer surface 106 can be seen forming an arcuate shape that beneficially enables functionality of a user's nail(s) and reduces the likelihood of the nail becoming damaged. The outer surface 106 may have portions on the front and rear sides of the body 100 that are substantially planar as they extend longitudinally up toward the second end 112 which is preferably of a convex and/or arcuate shape. The second end 112 may define, in certain embodiments, an upper aperture 110 that allows the tip of the user's nail to protrude therethrough. The upper aperture 110 may span substantially and continuously from the left and right side of the body 100 and beneficially enables functional control of the tip(s) of the user's nail(s), while protecting the front and rear of the user's nail(s). In other embodiments, like shown best in FIG. 10, the second end 112 does not define any openings and is a wall formed with merging portions of the sidewall 102. Therefore, the only access to a nail placement cavity 404 in said embodiment would be a lower aperture 400 defined and enclosed by the first end 108 of the sidewall 102. As used herein, the term “wall” is intended broadly to encompass continuous structures, as well as separate structures that are coupled together so as to form a substantially continuous external surface. In some embodiments, the second end 112 may also be described as being rounded and/or having the sidewall 102 merge together to form a point.

(16) With reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 3, and FIG. 8, the body 100 may define a body length 300 separating the first and second ends 108, 112 of the sidewall 102. Exemplary and preferred dimensions, shown in inches, are depicted in FIG. 8, wherein the body length 300 is preferably, but not necessarily, within a range of 0.25 inches to 0.55 inches to provide comfort to the user and facilitate effective use of the user's nails. The sidewall thickness may also be within a range of 0.1-1.0 inches spanning partially or entirely of the body length 300 to provide comfort to the user and facilitate effective use of the user's nails. The sidewall thickness may be uniform in some embodiments or may vary in thickness. Also looking at FIG. 1 (and FIG. 7), the sidewall 102 can also be seen having a single continuous arcuate surface spanning to and from the left and right sides of the sidewall 102.

(17) With reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 4, and FIG. 10, the inner surface 402 of the sidewall 102 that defines the nail placement cavity 404 may uniformly taper in thickness separating the inner surface 402 (on opposing sides) of the sidewall 102 from the lower aperture 400 to the upper internal wall 104 of the elastically deformable and unitary body 100. As shown best in FIG. 10, the lower aperture 400 and beginning of the nail placement cavity 404 may be approximately 0.17 mm. When desired for use, the user may insert his or her nail(s) into the nail placement cavity 404 by expanding or elastically deforming the sidewall 102, inserting his or her nail until reaching an upper internal wall 104 or surface, and releasing the sidewall 102. In some embodiments, the first end 108 of the sidewall 102 defines one or two opposing slots 1000 configured to facilitate in expanding or deforming the sidewall 102. In other embodiments, the user may insert his or her nail(s) into the nail placement cavity 404, thereby causing the body to flex and/or deform. In either method of insertion, the compression force of the sidewall 102 causes the body 100 to securely remain on the user's nail(s) when in use. The sizing of the nail placement cavity 404 and elasticity of the body 100 enable the user to preserve the integrity of his or her nail(s) without damaging any design of the nails or causing discomfort to the user. Additionally, the body 100 has been shown to preserve the design of the nails longer than normal conventional designs without the body 100 applied thereon. When not desired for use or selective removal, the user will simply reverse the order of steps to insert his or her nail(s).

(18) The nail placement cavity 404 is enclosed by the sidewall 102 and is beneficially preformed into an arcuate shape (e.g., using manufacturing or post-manufacturing methods) to effectuate placement and use of the body 100. In other embodiments, the sidewall 102 is not preformed. The nail placement cavity 404 can be seen spanning from the lower aperture 400 and terminating at an upper internal wall 104 of the elastically deformable and unitary body 100 that is disposed proximal (e.g., at or near—within 15% of the overall length) to the second end 112 of the sidewall 102. The nail placement cavity 404 is also beneficially of a length less than 2 inches.

(19) In one embodiment, the selectively removable and protective nail cover kit includes a set of ten elastically deformable and unitary bodies 1100a-j consisting of five pairs each respectively having equal body length dimensions. This is best shown in FIG. 11. At least four of the five pairs may each respectively have unique body length dimensions, e.g., there will be two bodies equally sized and designed to fit the user's thumbs, there will be two bodies equally sized and designed to fit the user's middle fingers, there will be two bodies equally sized and designed to fit the user's little fingers, and four bodies equally sized and designed to fit the user's index fingers and ring fingers (which have been shown to be substantially equal among users). In other embodiments, the kit will have two bodies equally sized and designed to fit the user's index fingers and two bodies equally sized and designed to fit the user's ring fingers.

(20) In some embodiments, at least four of the five pairs each increase in length with respect to one another, e.g., the thumb has the greatest body length (e.g., approximately 1.16 mm), then the middle finger (e.g., approximately 1.10 mm), then the index and ring fingers (e.g., approximately 1 mm), and then the little finger (e.g., approximately 0.90 mm). In one embodiment, the unique body length dimensions of the at least four of the five pairs each respectively have a body length 300 within a range of 0.25 inches to 0.55 inches.

(21) Although a specific order of executing the process steps has been disclosed and depicted, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more steps shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all of the process steps can be combined into a single process.

(22) Moreover, various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this disclosure also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the above described features.