MINIATURE, MULTIPLE ANGLE ACCESSIBLE, ULTRAVIOLET NAIL GEL CURING LAMP AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a miniature, multiple-angle accessible nail gel curing lamp that minimizes the size of a light exposure area, while at the same time providing access to the light exposure area for a customer's hand, and both of technician's hands. This lamp is particularly useful for performing the gel-press on technique of applying artificial nails with a UV-curable nail gel. Some embodiments include a base, a riser extending generally upward from the base, and a lamp head extending generally horizontally from the riser, where the lamp head is operatively connectable to a power source and comprises an ultraviolet light emitting diode (UV LED) configured to direct light emitted by the UV LED generally toward the base, thereby defining a light exposure area extending from the UV LED downward toward the base, and where an arc of access to the light exposure area is defined as an arc in a plane generally parallel to the UV LED and centered on the UV LED, so that the base, the riser and the lamp head are configured to allow unimpeded access of a user's hand to the light exposure area throughout the arc of access and where the arc of access is at least 180 degrees, and in some instances, at least 270 degrees.

Claims

1. An nail gel curing lamp comprising: a base; a riser extending generally upward from the base; a lamp head extending generally horizontally from the riser; wherein the lamp head is operatively connectable to a power source and comprises an ultraviolet light emitting diode (UV LED) configured to direct light emitted by the UV LED generally toward the base, thereby defining a light exposure area extending from the UV LED downward toward the base; wherein an arc of access to the light exposure area is defined as an arc in a plane generally parallel to the UV LED and centered on the UV LED, wherein the base, the riser and the lamp head are configured to allow unimpeded access of a user's hand to the light exposure area throughout the arc of access; and wherein the arc of access is at least 180 degrees.

2. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 1 wherein the UV LED comprises at least one and not more than five, UV LED's.

3. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 1 wherein the arc of access is equal to or greater than 270 degrees.

4. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 1 wherein the base, riser and lamp head are integrated as a single structure.

5. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 1 wherein the lamp head comprises two UV LEDs.

6. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 1 wherein the lamp head comprises three UV LEDs.

7. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 1 comprising: a height of access to the light exposure area is defined as the height from the UV LED to the base; wherein the height of access is between 35 mm and 65 mm.

8. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 1 wherein the lamp is no more than 66 mm tall.

9. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 1 further comprising an activation button for activating the UV LEDs.

10. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 9 wherein the activation button is located on the riser.

11. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 9 wherein the activation button is located on the lamp head.

12. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 9 wherein the activation button is located on the base.

13. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 9, further comprising a timer with a preselected activation time, wherein the activation button is operatively connected to the timer, such that when the activation button is pressed, the timer commences and the UV LEDs are activated for the preselected activation time.

14. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 13 wherein the preselected activation time is at least 10 seconds.

15. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 13 wherein the preselected activation time is at least 30 seconds.

16. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 13 wherein the preselected activation time is 60 seconds.

17. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 1 wherein the base further comprises a non-slip surface.

18. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 1 wherein the UV LEDs emit light at a wavelength between about 330 nm and 440 nm.

19. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 1 wherein lamp head further comprises recessed apertures for each of the UV LEDs, whereby the light emitted by each of the UV LEDs is further directed downwardly and lateral light exposure from the UV LEDs is limited.

20. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 1 wherein the power source is an internal battery.

21. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 1 wherein the power source is a mini-USB power connection.

22. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the lamp is comprised of acetone-resistant material.

23. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 1 wherein the base comprises a plate.

24. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 1 wherein the base comprises a ring.

25. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 1 wherein the base comprises a plurality of horizontal supports.

26. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 1 wherein the riser comprises a plate.

27. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 1 wherein the riser comprises a strut.

28. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 1 wherein the lamp has a height of about 66 mm, a width of about 47 mm, a depth of about 58 mm, a height of access of about 40 mm, and a depth of access of about 43 mm.

29. An accessible nail gel curing lamp comprising: a base; a riser extending generally upward from the base; a lamp head extending generally horizontally from the riser and operably connectable to a power source; wherein the lamp head comprises between one and five ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV LEDs) configured to direct light emitted by the UV LEDs generally toward the base, thereby defining a light exposure area extending from the UV LED downward toward the base; and wherein the base, riser and lamp head are configured such that the light exposure area is accessible to a user's hand from three different directions without impediment by the base, riser or lamp head.

30. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 29 wherein the three different directions comprise a first direction, a second direction and a third direction, and wherein the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are each vectors in the same plane in the light exposure area and are each offset by 90 degrees from each respective adjacent direction.

31. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 29 wherein the UV LED comprises at least one, and not more than five, UV LED's.

32. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 29 wherein the arc of access is equal to or greater than 270 degrees.

33. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 29 wherein the base, riser and lamp head are integrated as a single structure.

34. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 29 wherein the lamp head comprises two UV LEDs.

35. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 29 wherein the lamp head comprises three UV LEDs.

36. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 29 comprising: a height of access to the light exposure area is defined as the height from the UV LED to the base; wherein the height of access is between 35 mm and 65 mm.

37. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 29 wherein the lamp is no more than 66 mm tall.

38. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 29 further comprising an activation button for activating the UV LEDs.

39. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 38 wherein the activation button is located on the riser.

40. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 38 wherein the activation button is located on the lamp head.

41. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 38 wherein the activation button is located on the base.

42. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 38, further comprising a timer with a preselected activation time, wherein the activation button is operatively connected to the timer, such that when the activation button is pressed, the timer commences and the UV LEDs are activated for the preselected activation time.

43. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 42 wherein the preselected activation time is at least 10 seconds

44. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 42 wherein the preselected activation time is at least 30 seconds.

45. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 42 wherein the preselected activation time is 60 seconds.

46. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 29 wherein the base further comprises a non-slip surface.

47. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 29 wherein the UV LEDs emit light at a wavelength between about 330 nm and 440 nm.

48. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 29 wherein lamp head further comprises recessed apertures for each of the UV LEDs, whereby the light emitted by each of the UV LEDs is further directed downwardly and lateral light exposure from the UV LEDs is limited.

49. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 29 wherein the power source is an internal battery.

50. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 29 wherein the power source is a mini-USB power connection.

51. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 29 wherein at least a portion of the lamp is comprised of acetone-resistant material.

52. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 29 wherein the base comprises a plate.

53. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 29 wherein the base comprises a ring.

54. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 29 wherein the base comprises a plurality of horizontal supports.

55. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 29 wherein the riser comprises a plate.

56. The nail gel curing lamp of claim 29 wherein the riser comprises a strut.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] In the descriptions that follow, like parts or steps are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0073] FIG. 1 illustrates a top front perspective view of an embodiment of the nail lamp;

[0074] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom front perspective view of the nail lamp of FIG. 1;

[0075] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the nail lamp of FIG. 1;

[0076] FIG. 4 illustrates a back view of the nail lamp of FIG. 1;

[0077] FIG. 5 illustrates a left side view of the nail lamp of FIG. 1;

[0078] FIG. 6 illustrates a top front perspective view of the embodiment of the nail lamp of FIG. 1 in preparation for use;

[0079] FIG. 7 illustrates another view of the nail lamp of FIG. 1 in further preparation for use;

[0080] FIG. 8 illustrates another view of the nail lamp of FIG. 1 in use;

[0081] FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of the nail lamp of FIG. 1;

[0082] FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of the nail lamp of FIG. 1, with an arc of access to the light exposure area shown; and

[0083] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the nail lamp of FIG. 1, with an arc of access to the light exposure area shown, and further illustrating the hand of a customer and the hands of a nail technician engaged in an exemplary use of the nail lamp.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] The present embodiments disclose and describe a miniature, multiple-angle accessible, ultra-violet LED powered, nail gel flash curing lamp, which is particularly useful for gel press-on technique of applying artificial finger nails. The embodiments disclosed herein are intended to be instructional and not limiting to the scope of the claims, except where specifically set forth. Moreover, while the description focuses on certain embodiments and uses, it will be understood that this disclosure is non-limiting, and the present embodiments could be applicable to other applications for which a miniature UV LED lamp would be useful.

[0085] With reference to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a miniature, multiple-angle accessible, ultraviolet nail gel curing lamp 10 is illustrated. The lamp 10 includes a base 12, a riser 14 and a lamp head 16. In the embodiment shown, the base 12, the riser 14 and the lamp head 16 are integrated as a single unit, but they need not be so. The base 12 also includes a finger placement depression 18. The lamp head 16 also includes a purely decorative curly brace scroll design 22 along its outer edge.

[0086] With reference to FIG. 2, the embodiment of the lamp 10 also includes two UV LED's 24, each in its respective recess 26 on the underside of the lamp head 16. Each UV LED 24 is operatively attached to an electrical power source. In various embodiments, the lamp head 16 may include one, two, three, four, five or even six UV LEDs. The UV LEDs 24 are tuned to emit ultraviolet light in a spectrum of between approximately 330 nm and 440 nm. In one embodiment, the light spectrum emitted is 400 nm, for the curing of commercially available UV-curable nail gel. The lamp 10 also includes an activation button 28 on the riser 14. However, in other embodiments not shown, the activation button 28 may be located on the lamp head 16, or the base 12. The lamp 10 may also include a timer, operatively connected to the activation button 28. The timer may be set to one or more pre-selected activation times, such as 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 45 seconds, and 60 seconds. The timer is, in turn, operatively connected to the UV LED's 24, and upon expiration of the pre-selected activation time, the timer activates a switch to turn off the UV LED's 24.

[0087] The embodiment of the lamp 10 includes a mini-USB port 30, for providing electrical power to the lamp 10. In some embodiments, not shown, the lamp 10 includes a rechargeable internal battery for wireless operation. In such embodiments, the mini-USB port 30 may be used to charge the internal battery. In other embodiments, not shown, the lamp 10 may use non-rechargeable batteries, such as AA alkaline batteries, for its electrical power source. The base 12 includes feet 32 for supporting the lamp 10 on a flat surface such as a table. The feet 32 may be rubberized, or of some other non-skid substance, to prevent or reduce the potential for the lamp to slide if it is bumped during use.

[0088] With reference to FIGS. 3-5, additional views of the embodiment of the lamp 10 are illustrated, including, respectively, a front view, a back view, and a left side view.

[0089] In certain embodiments, the lamp has exemplary dimensions of a height of 66 mm, a depth of 58 mm, and a width of about 47 mm. In another embodiment, the lamp has exemplary dimensions of a height of about 66 mm, a width of about 47 mm, a depth of about 58 mm, a height of access of about 40 mm, and a depth of access of about 43 mm.

[0090] In certain alternative embodiments of the lamp 10, not shown, the base 12 may have an alternative structure, such as a plate, a ring, or a plurality of horizontal supports, so long as the base 12 serves to hold the rest of the lamp 10 in a stable and upright position. Similarly, in certain alternative embodiments of the lamp 10, not shown, the riser 14 may have an alternative structure, such as a plate, a strut, a rod or a bar, so long as the riser 14 serves to hold the rest of the lamp 10 in a stable and upright position, and provides for an unimpeded arc of access to the light exposure area as discussed herein.

[0091] With reference to FIGS. 6-8, a method of use is illustrated, highlighting one of the benefits of the embodiment, namely the multiple angle accessibility of the lamp 10, particularly for use in the gel press-on nail technique. In FIG. 6, a customer holds her hand 34 in position under the lamp 10, with her finger 38 extended in anticipation of receiving a gel press-on nail prepared as discussed herein with UV-curable nail gel. In FIG. 7, the technician uses her left hand 36 to hold the customer's finger 38 in proper position generally under the UV-LEDs 24 of the lamp head 16. In FIG. 8, the technician uses her right hand 40 to hold and correctly place an artificial nail 42 onto the cuticle of the customer's finger 38. The technician may activate the lamp 10 either immediately prior to placement of the artificial nail 42, or immediately after. The technician will press and hold the artificial fingernail 42 in place on the customer's finger 38, to ensure proper placement and eliminate air bubbles, while the UV-LED's 24 are active and projecting UV light 44 downwardly so that the artificial nail 42 is bonded to the client's finger 38 by at least a partial cure of the UV-curable nail gel. The amount of time needed for this partial cure varies, but can range from as little as ten seconds, to thirty seconds, to as long as one minute. Thus, FIGS. 6-8 illustrate the ability of a nail tech to use both hands, while maneuvering and manipulating a client's finger 38, under the lamp head 16. This ability is, at least in part, the result of the configuration of the base 12, riser 14 and lamp head 16, so as to provide three open sides to the area under the UV-LED's 24.

[0092] This multiple-angle accessibility feature is further illustrated in the overhead views of FIGS. 9-11. FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the nail lamp 10. FIG. 10 builds upon FIG. 9 and includes dashed lines to indicate the relative position of the two UV-LEDs 24 within their recesses 26. FIG. 10 also includes a center point 50 of the UV-LEDs 24 and a dashed line 51 illustrating the light exposure area 52 that the UV-LEDs 24 generate when the UV-LEDs 24 are activated. Lines 54 extend outwardly from the center point 50, to the edge of the riser 14. When viewed in a plane, these lines 54, in combination with the dashed line 51, define an arc of access 56 to the light exposure area 52. Specifically, a nail tech and a customer may access the light exposure area 52, with their hands 34, 36, 40, without impediment by the base 12, the riser 14 or the lamp head 16, from any point along the arc of access 56. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the arc of access 56 is greater than 180 degrees, and in fact is at least 270 degrees.

[0093] With respect to FIG. 11, which builds upon FIG. 10, a broken line illustration shows the customer's left hand 34, the nail tech's left hand 36 and the nail tech's right hand 40. As can be seen, the customer's left hand 34 (or right hand, not shown), the nail tech's left hand 36 and the nail tech's right hand 40 each can easily access the light exposure area 52 under the lamp head 16, each from a different direction along the arc of access 56. Specifically, the customer's left hand 34 accesses the light exposure area 52 along a first direction 60, the nail tech's left hand 36 accesses the light exposure area 52 along a second direction 62, and the nail tech's right hand 40 accesses the light exposure area 52 along a third direction 64. The first direction 60, second direction 62, and third direction 64 are each off-set approximate ninety degrees from each adjacent direction.

[0094] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific embodiments disclosed.