Nail lamp

Abstract

A nail lamp is configured to cure light-curable nail product on a user's nail. The lamp includes a base and a support with discrete light sources that each may emit with the same or different light wavelength profiles, and each may emit continuously or with the same or different pulsing functions. The lamp also includes source reflectors and a ring reflector. The different wavelength profiles are configured to, in combination, cure a light-curable nail product. The pulsing function is used to cure the nail product more efficiently. The source reflectors and ring reflector are used to target specific areas of the nail. A space is disposed between the base and the support and is sized to accommodate therein the nails of an appendage of a user so as to expose the user's nails to light from the discrete light sources.

Claims

1. A nail lamp comprising: a support; and a plurality of light sources disposed on the support, wherein each light source is structured to produce light to cure a light-curable nail product and each light source includes a plurality of semiconductor LEDs on a single circuit board, with at least one of the semiconductor LEDs having a peak electromagnetic emission intensity at a first wavelength in a range from about 365 nm to about 425 nm, and with at least one other of the semiconductor LEDs having a peak electromagnetic emission intensity at a second wavelength in a range from about 365 nm to about 425 nm, the second wavelength being different from the first wavelength; and a controller coupled to the light sources, wherein the each light source is pulsable between a first intensity and a second intensity, and wherein the controller is configured to control automatic pulsing of each light source between the first intensity and the second intensity.

2. The nail lamp according to claim 1, wherein the first wavelength is in a range from about 365 nm to about 385 nm, and wherein the second wavelength is in a range from about 395 to about 425 nm.

3. The nail lamp according to claim 1, wherein the first wavelength is in a range from about 380 nm to about 390 nm, and wherein the second wavelength is in a range from about 395 to about 425 nm.

4. A nail lamp comprising: a support; a space located below the support, the space configured for a user to insert at least a single nail; two or more arrays of light sources mounted on the support including; a first array of light sources oriented to direct light downward onto the at least a single nail and including a first plurality semiconductor chips, wherein; at least one of the first plurality of semiconductor chips has a peak electromagnetic emission intensity at a first wavelength in a range from 360 nm to 440 nm, at least one other of the first plurality of semiconductor chips has a peak electromagnetic emission intensity at a second wavelength in a range from 360 nm to 475 nm, the second wavelength being different from the first wavelength and; a second array of light sources oriented to direct light onto the at least a single nail, said second array of light sources oriented at an angle relative to the first array of light sources and including a second plurality of semiconductor chips, wherein; at least one of the second plurality of semiconductor chips has a peak electromagnetic emission intensity at a third wavelength in a range from 360 nm to 475 nm, and with at least one other of the second plurality of semiconductor chips has a peak electromagnetic emission intensity at a fourth wavelength in a range from 360 nm to 440 nm, the fourth wavelength being different from the third wavelength.

5. The nail lamp of claim 4, wherein the first and third wavelengths are in the range from 360 nm to 390 nm and, the second and fourth wavelengths are in the range from 400 nm to 430 nm.

6. The nail lamp of claim 4 wherein, the first wavelength is equal to the third wavelength and the second wavelength is equal to the fourth wavelength.

7. The nail lamp of claim 4 wherein, the second array is at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to the first array.

8. The nail lamp of claim 4 wherein, the second array is at an angle of about 60 degrees relative to the first array.

9. The nail lamp of claim 4 further comprising, a third array of light sources oriented to direct light onto the at least a single nail and, said third array of light sources oriented at an angle relative to both the first array of light sources and the second array of light sources and, said third array of light sources including a third plurality of semiconductor chips wherein; at least one of the semiconductor chips has a peak electromagnetic emission intensity at a fifth wavelength in a range from 360 nm to 440 nm, and at least one other of the semiconductor chips has a peak electromagnetic emission intensity at a sixth wavelength in a range from 360 nm to 475 nm, the sixth wavelength being different from the fifth wavelength.

10. The nail lamp of claim 9 wherein the fifth wavelength is in the range from 360 nm to 390 nm and the sixth wavelength is in the range from 400 nm to 430 nm.

11. The nail lamp of claim 4 wherein the space is configured for a user to insert at least five nails of a hand or a foot.

12. The nail lamp of claim 4 wherein the second array of light sources is oriented to direct light onto a thumb of either a left hand or a right hand of a user.

13. The nail lamp of claim 9 wherein the third array of light sources is oriented to direct light onto a thumb of the other of the left hand or the right hand of a user.

14. The nail lamp of claim 4 wherein the light of the first wavelength in combination with the light of the second wavelength cures a light curable nail product more rapidly than the light of only the first wavelength or the light of only the second wavelength.

15. The nail lamp of claim 4 wherein the light of the third wavelength in combination with the light of the fourth wavelength cures a light curable nail product more rapidly than the light of only the third wavelength or the light of only the fourth wavelength.

16. The nail lamp of claim 9 wherein the light of the fifth wavelength in combination with the light of the sixth wavelength is able to cure a light curable nail product more rapidly than the light of only the fifth wavelength or the light of only the sixth wavelength.

17. The nail lamp of claim 4 wherein the space is open to the ambient environment at both the front and the rear of the space.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a better understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, as well as other objects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description, which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:

(2) FIG. 1 is a left side view of a nail lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a left perspective view of the nail lamp of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a front view of the nail lamp of FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 is a top view of the nail lamp of FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 5 is a left side view of the nail lamp of FIG. 1 with a support in a stowed position;

(7) FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the support of the nail lamp of FIG. 1;

(8) FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating a light wavelength profile of a light source cluster of the nail lamp of FIG. 1;

(9) FIG. 8 is a left perspective view of a nail lamp according to an alternative embodiment;

(10) FIGS. 9 and 10 are left side views of the nail lamp of FIG. 8 with the support in operative and stowed positions, respectively;

(11) FIG. 11 is a top view of the nail lamp of FIG. 8;

(12) FIG. 12 is a top view of the light source configuration according to an alternative embodiment of a nail lamp;

(13) FIG. 13 is a front view of the light source configuration of the nail lamp of FIG. 12;

(14) FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a nail lamp according to an alternative embodiment;

(15) FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the nail lamp of FIG. 14;

(16) FIG. 16 is a front view of the nail lamp of FIG. 14;

(17) FIG. 17 is a top front perspective view of a nail lamp according to an alternative embodiment;

(18) FIG. 18 is a front view of the nail lamp of FIG. 17;

(19) FIG. 19 is a right perspective view of the nail lamp of FIG. 17;

(20) FIG. 20 is a bottom front perspective view of the nail lamp of FIG. 17;

(21) FIG. 21 is a partial bottom view of a nail lamp according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

(22) FIG. 22 is a top rear perspective view of a nail lamp according to another embodiment;

(23) FIG. 23 is a zoomed top rear perspective view of the nail lamp of FIG. 22;

(24) FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of the nail lamp of FIG. 22;

(25) FIG. 25 is front view of the nail lamp of FIG. 22;

(26) FIG. 26 is a rear view of the nail lamp of FIG. 22;

(27) FIG. 27 is a top perspective view of a reflector of the nail lamp of FIG. 22;

(28) FIG. 28 is a top rear perspective view of a reflector and base of the nail lamp of FIG. 22;

(29) FIG. 29 is a cross section of the reflector and base of the nail lamp of FIG. 22;

(30) FIG. 30 is a top front perspective view of a nail lamp according to another embodiment;

(31) FIG. 31 shows a source reflector with both the small end and large end having circular openings;

(32) FIG. 32 shows a source reflector with both the small end and large end having oval openings;

(33) FIG. 33 shows the dimensions of a source reflector according to a particular embodiment;

(34) FIGS. 34A and 34B show a source reflector with both the small end and large end having oval openings;

(35) FIG. 35 shows a source reflector with both the small end and large end having rectangular openings;

(36) FIG. 36A shows the inside of the support in which the source reflectors are arranged;

(37) FIG. 36B shows the source reflectors arranged within the support;

(38) FIGS. 37A-E show an LED device according to a particular embodiment;

(39) FIG. 38 shows an intensity output vs. wavelength profile for an LED device according to a particular embodiment;

(40) FIG. 39 shows a heat flow vs. time graph according to a particular embodiment;

(41) FIG. 40 shows an accumulated exotherm vs. time graph according to a particular embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(42) FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a nail lamp 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The lamp 10 includes a base 20, a support 30 movably mounted to the base 20, an array 40 of discrete light sources 50 supported by the support 30 (FIG. 6), and a controller 60 (FIG. 1).

(43) As used herein, the front of the lamp 10 means the direction toward which a user's digits extend during use (to the left as shown in FIG. 1, toward the bottom as shown in FIG. 2). Conversely, the rear of the lamp 10 is an opposite side to the front (to the right as shown in FIG. 1, toward the top as shown in FIG. 2). The left side of the lamp 10 extends out of the page in FIG. 1, and the right side of the lamp 10 extends into the page in FIG. 1. The top of the lamp 10 extends upwardly in FIG. 1 and the bottom of the lamp conversely extends downwardly in FIG. 1.

(44) As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the base 20 (e.g., a first housing portion) and support 30 (e.g., a second housing portion) together define a housing 70 of the lamp 10.

(45) As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the base 20 is adapted to lay on and be supported by a horizontal surface such as a table top. The base 20 includes a platform 80 that is configured to support a user's appendage 90 (i.e., a hand or a foot).

(46) The support 30 pivotally connects to the base 20 for movement relative to the base 20 about a pivot axis 100 (see FIG. 1) between an operative position (shown in FIGS. 1-4) and an inoperative, stowed position (shown in FIG. 5). The support 30 pivots over an arc A (FIG. 1) that separates the operative and stowed pivotal positions. According to various embodiments, the arc A is greater than 10 degrees, greater than 20 degrees, and/or about 25 degrees. The lamp 10 is more compact when the support 30 is in the stowed position (FIG. 5) than when the support 30 is in the operative position (FIGS. 1-4). The stowed position facilitates easier storage and transportation of the lamp 10. According to various embodiments and as shown in FIG. 5, the array 40 of light sources 50 is enclosed within the lamp 10's housing (i.e., by being enclosed between the base 20 and the support 30) when the support 30 is in the stowed position. Consequently, positioning the support 40 in the stowed position protects the array 40 of light sources 50 during transportation and storage.

(47) Although the illustrated lamp 10 relies on a pivotal connection between the base 20 and support 30 to facilitate movement between the operative and stowed positions, the support 30 may alternatively movably connect to the base 20 using any other suitable type of connection (e.g., four-bar linkage, sliding connection, etc.) without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

(48) Alternatively, the support 30 could be rigidly connected to the base 20 without deviating from the scope of the invention. In such an embodiment, the support 30 would be permanently disposed in its operative position (for example, as illustrated by the lamp 3010 in FIGS. 14 and 15).

(49) Moreover, the base 20 could be eliminated altogether without deviating from the scope of the present invention. For example, the components of the lamp 10 could be integrated into the support 30 such that the surface on which the support 30 is placed for use (e.g., table top) forms the platform 80 on which users place their nails.

(50) According to various embodiments, left and right sides of the support 30 may be separable from each other (or pivotally connected to each other) to facilitate disassembly of the support 30 (e.g., to provide a more compact unit when not being used).

(51) When the support 30 is in the operative position, a space 110 is defined by the support 30/array 40 and the platform 80 (e.g., beneath the array 40). As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the space 110 is sized to accommodate therein all five nails 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, 90e (see FIG. 4) on the appendage 90 of the user. The platform 80 defines a bottom of the space 110. In an embodiment that omits the base 20, a flat surface on which the support 30 was placed would define the bottom of the space 110. Moving the support 30 from the operative position to stowed position reduces a size of the space 110, and may eliminate the space 110. According to one or more embodiments, when the support 30 is in the stowed position, the space 110 (if present at all) may be inaccessible to a user because the space 110 is enclosed along with the light sources 50 between the support 30 and base 20.

(52) As used herein, the term nails (e.g., the nails 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, 90e) encompasses natural nails, artificial nails, and/or artificial nail tips.

(53) Although the illustrated platform 80 and space 110 are sized to accommodate all five nails of a user's appendage 90, the platform 80 and space 110 may alternatively be sized to simultaneously accommodate a greater or fewer number of nails. For example, the platform 80 and space 110 may be sized to simultaneously accommodate the user's four nails 90b, 90c, 90d, 90e; sized to accommodate one nail at a time; or sized to simultaneously accommodate both of the user's hands (or feet) so as to accommodate all ten of the user's finger (or toe) nails (for example, the nail lamp 4010 discussed below).

(54) When the support 30 is in the operative position, the structure of the lamp 10 provides an open architecture in which the space 110 is partially and/or substantially open to the ambient environment around the lamp 10 in a variety of directions (e.g., to the front, rear, left, right, and/or top of the space 110). As shown in FIG. 4, the U shape of the support 30 helps to facilitate this open architecture and provides a suitable structural connection between the U-shaped light array 40 and the base 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the curved part 30a of the U-shape of the support 30 is disposed toward the front of the lamp 10 (bottom of FIG. 4), while the ends 30b of the U-shape extend toward the rear of the lamp 10 (top of FIG. 4). As shown in FIGS. 1-4, although the overall support 30 is generally rectangular or O-shaped, the rectangle or O includes within it a U-shape. As used herein, the term U-shaped broadly encompasses a variety of bulging shapes (e.g., a horseshoe shape, a J-shape, a C-shape, a continuous or discontinuous curved shape having constant or changing radii of curvature, a U formed by three straight lines connected at 90 degree angles, etc.). The U-shape preferably generally follows the curved pattern of the nails 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, 90e of a user's appendage 90. More preferably, the U-shape generally follows the curved nail pattern of overlaid left and right appendages 90l and 90r, respectively of a user so that the lamp 10 is designed for use by both the left appendage 90l and right appendage 90r. FIG. 4 illustrates such overlaid appendages 90 by showing a left hand 90l in solid lines and an overlaid right hand 90r in dotted lines.

(55) As viewed from above as shown in FIG. 4, the support 30 is preferably thin so that the space 110 remains substantially open to the environment above the lamp 10. According to various embodiments, a thickness T of the support 30 (as shown in FIG. 4) remains less than 4, 3, 2.5, and/or 2 inches throughout the U-shape. In the illustrated support 30, the thickness T is the largest toward the middle of the U-shape, and is narrower on the left and right sides (e.g., less than 1 inch thick, less than 0.5. inches thick at the sides).

(56) As used herein, the term substantially open with respect to a direction means that at least 40% of a projected area of the space 110 in that direction (e.g., front, rear, left, right) is unobstructed by the structure of the lamp 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the space 110 is substantially open to the ambient environment to the left of the lamp 10 despite the limited (i.e., less than 50%) obstruction caused by the left side of the support 30. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 4, the space 110 is substantially open to the ambient environment above the lamp 10 despite the limited (i.e., less than 50%) obstruction caused by the support 30. According to one or more embodiments, the at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and/or 90% of a projected area of the space in one or more directions (e.g., front, rear, left, right, top) may be unobstructed by the structure of the lamp 10.

(57) The array 40 of discrete light sources 50 is supported by the support 30 and is positioned relative to the space 110 so as to direct light from the light sources 50 to the user's five nails 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, 90e. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the array 40 of discrete light sources 50 is divided into a plurality of clusters 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 of light sources 50. As shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of clusters are arranged in a U-shaped pattern that follows the U-shape of the support 30 and the user's nails.

(58) The array 40 may be removably mounted to the support 30 (e.g., via manually actuatable clip(s), screws, etc.) such that an array 40 may be easily replaced with a different array 40 having different characteristics (e.g., different light wavelength profiles designed to cure different nail products, different light source 50 positioning designed to accommodate a different set of nail(s)). For example, separate interchangeable arrays 40 may be provided for each of the user's right and left hands and feet. Although the arrays are illustrated throughout this description as containing a number and arrangement of discrete light sources 50 of a particular size, any array may include more or fewer discrete light sources 50 and may be arranged in any suitable pattern. It is specifically noted that the invention may utilize a fewer number of higher intensity discrete light sources 50 where each of the discrete light sources 50 is physically larger in size. Similarly, the clusters may contain fewer or more discrete light sources 50. For example, in embodiments that include two sets of discrete light sources 50 having two different wavelength profiles (as described further below), a cluster may be two lights; and in embodiments that include three sets of discrete light sources 50 having three different wavelength profiles, a cluster may be two or three lights.

(59) As shown in FIG. 4, the cluster 160 is positioned to direct light from the cluster's light sources 50 to a nail 90c of a middle finger of the user's left or right hand. The clusters 150, 170 are disposed on left-rear and right-rear sides, respectively, of the cluster 160 and are positioned to direct light from their respective light sources 50 to nails 90d, 90b on the index and ring fingers, respectively, of the user's hand, depending on whether the user's right or left hand 90 is disposed in the space 110. The cluster 140 is disposed to the left-rear of the cluster 150 and is positioned to direct light from the light sources 50 of the cluster 140 to the pinky nail 90e of the user's left hand. Similarly, the cluster 180 is disposed to the right-rear of the cluster 170 and is positioned to direct light from the light sources 50 of the cluster 180 to the pinky nail of the user's right hand. The cluster 190 is disposed to the right-rear of the cluster 180 and is positioned to direct light from the light sources 50 of the cluster 190 to the thumb nail 90a of the user's left hand. Similarly, the cluster 130 is disposed to the left-rear of the cluster 140 and is positioned to direct light from the light sources 50 of the cluster 130 to the thumb nail of the user's right hand.

(60) The clusters 140, 150, 160, 170, 180 project light generally downwardly toward and onto the user's nails 90b, 90c, 90d, 90e. Because the thumb nail 90a is angled at about 60 from a horizontal orientation of the user's other four nails, the thumb-specific clusters 130, 190 may be oriented at matching angles, for example a 60 angle, a 45 angle or a 90 angle, so as to more perpendicularly project light toward and onto the user's thumb nail 90a.

(61) Although the positioning of the clusters has been described as accommodating a user's hand appendage 90, the clusters may additionally or alternatively be positioned to direct light from the light sources 50 to the nails of the user's foot appendage.

(62) As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 60 operatively connects the light sources 50 to a power source 65 (e.g., a DC battery, 110V AC wall socket). As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 60 includes a manually-actuatable switch 62 that a user may actuate to turn the lamp 100 ON and OFF (i.e., by electrically connecting/disconnecting the light sources 50 to/from the power source 65. The controller 60 can be any type of suitable controller (analog or digital circuit, electromechanical switch, programmed chip-based CPU, etc.).

(63) In the illustrated embodiment, the power source 65 is an external power source that connects to the controller 60 via suitable wires 68 (e.g., an electrical plug for use with a wall socket electrical outlet). However, the power source 65 (e.g., a battery power source) may alternatively be housed within the housing 70 (e.g., within the base 20) without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

(64) The controller 60 has left hand and right hand ON states. In the left hand ON state, the controller 60 delivers electric power to the clusters 140, 150, 160, 170, 190 so as to direct light to the nails of the user's left hand, while not delivering power to the right-hand specific clusters 130, 180. Conversely, in the right hand ON state, the controller 60 delivers electric power to the clusters 130, 150, 160, 170, 180 so as to direct light to the nails of the user's right hand, while not delivering power to the left hand specific clusters 140, 190. The controller 60 may cycle through the OFF, left hand ON, and right hand ON states in a variety of ways. In a manual embodiment, the controller may be configured to sequentially cycle to the next of the OFF, left hand ON, and right hand ON (or vice versa) states in response to sequential manual actuation of the switch 62 (e.g., a momentary switch) or another switch. In an automated embodiment, the controller 60 may be configured to respond to actuation of the switch 62 by going into one of the left hand and right hand ON states for a predetermined period of time, thereafter automatically going into the other of the left and right hand ON states for a predetermined period of time, and then automatically returning to the OFF state. As shown in FIG. 2, left and right hand indicator lights 63, 64, respectively, operatively connect to the controller 60 and are selectively illuminated by the controller 60 to indicate whether the lamp 10 is in the left hand or right hand ON state. The controller 60 may provide an audible alert when switching between the different states to indicate to the user to switch hands, or that the predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined time may be adjustable by a user so as to correspond to an appropriate curing time for the light-curable (e.g., photo-polymerizable) product on the user's nails.

(65) As shown in FIG. 2, a display 165 (e.g., LCD, LED, etc.) is operatively connected to the controller 60 and displays a time remaining for a current curing procedure. Curing times may be tailored to account for various lamp 10 and nail product parameters (e.g., the particular light sources 50 being used (e.g., their intensity and wavelength profiles), the light sources' distance to the nails and angle of incidence on the nails, the type of nail product, etc.). According to various embodiments, the lamp 10 may cure the uncured nail product on a user's nail in less than 10 minutes, less than 5 minutes, less than 3 minutes, less than 2 minutes, less than 1 minute, less than 30 seconds, and/or less than 15 seconds. According to various embodiments, the cure time may be between 5 seconds and 10 minutes. According to one embodiment, the cure time for a base coat is about 10-20 seconds, and the cure time for a subsequent color coat or top coat is about 0-2 minutes, 30-90 seconds, and/or 60-90 seconds.

(66) In the illustrated embodiment, thumb-specific clusters 130, 190 are discrete from the pinky-specific clusters 140, 180. However, according to an alternative embodiment, the clusters 180, 190 may be integrated with each other and the clusters 130, 140 may be integrated with each other so that a single cluster accommodates the pinky on one hand and the thumb on the other hand, depending upon which hand the user places in the space 110. In such an embodiment, a single ON state would replace the discrete left hand and right hand ON states of the illustrated lamp 10.

(67) In an embodiment in which the platform 80 and space 110 are sized to simultaneously accommodate both of the user's overlaid hands 90 (e.g., similar to the left and right hand positions shown in FIG. 4, but with the top hand 90 pulled rearwardly relative to the bottom hand 90 so that all ten nails are exposed), the controller 60 may simultaneously turn on all of the clusters 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190. In such an embodiment, one or more of the clusters 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 may be elongated in the front/rear direction (up/down as viewed in FIG. 4) to simultaneously accommodate the nails on the user's relatively forwardly disposed lower hand 60 and relatively rearwardly disposed upper hand 90.

(68) According to an alternative embodiment, the switch 62 may be automatically actuated by moving the support 30 between the operative and stowed positions. For example, moving the support 30 from the stowed position to the operative position may actuate the switch 62, which causes the controller 60 to move into an ON state that turns on some or all of the light sources 50. Conversely, moving the support 30 from the operative position to the stowed position may actuate the switch 62 and cause the controller to move into the OFF state that turns off the light sources 50.

(69) While the switch 62 is disposed on the base 20 in the illustrated lamp 10, the switch 62 may alternatively be disposed in any other suitable location (e.g., on the support 30, integrated into the electric cord 68).

(70) According to one or more embodiments, the use of nail-specific clusters 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 focuses light on the user's nails while reducing the user's skin exposure to such light.

(71) As explained hereinafter, the array 40 of discrete light sources 50 includes light sources 50a, 50b, 50c, that have different light wavelength profiles. The combination of different light wavelength profiles may improve the light-curing characteristics of the lamp 10 (e.g., by providing more rapid curing, by providing more even curing throughout the thickness of a light-curable nail product on a single nail, by enabling full curing with a lower overall light intensity than in various conventional nail lamps). For example, different wavelength light may penetrate the light-curable nail product to a different extent, thereby improving the overall curing of the light-curable nail product throughout the thickness of the nail product.

(72) As shown in FIG. 6, each of the clusters 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, of discrete light sources 50 include a combination of discrete light source(s) 50a, discrete light source(s) 50b, and discrete light source(s) 50c. The different clusters 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 preferably each include at least one light source 50a, at least one light source 50b, and at least one light source 50c. Each cluster 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 more preferably includes a plurality of each type 50a, 50b, 50c of light source 50. However, one or more of the clusters 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 may omit light sources 50 from one or more of the light source types 50a, 50b, 50c without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

(73) FIG. 7 illustrates the overall light wavelength profile 200 of one of the clusters 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190. The different clusters 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 may all have the same overall light wavelength profile or different light wavelength profiles.

(74) As shown in FIG. 7, the different light sources 50a, 50b, 50c have different light wavelength profiles than each other. In particular, the overall light wavelength profile 200 of the cluster 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 is made up of the combination of discrete light wavelength profiles 200a, 200b, 200c of the discrete light sources 50a, 50b, 50c, respectively.

(75) The light sources 50a have a light wavelength profile 200a that has a maximum intensity at a wavelength less than 400 nm, 390 nm, or 385 nm and/or greater than 340 nm, 350 nm, or 360 nm. According to one embodiment, the light wavelength profile 200a has a maximum intensity between about 360 and about 380 nm.

(76) The light sources 50b have a light wavelength profile 200b that has a maximum intensity at a wavelength less than 430 nm, 420 nm, or 410 nm and/or greater than 380 nm, 385 nm, 390 nm, or 400 nm. According to one embodiment, the light wavelength profile 200b has a maximum intensity between about 385 and about 425 nm.

(77) The light sources 50c have a light wavelength profile 200c that has a maximum intensity at a wavelength less than 470 nm, 460 nm, or 450 nm and/or greater than 410 nm, 420 nm, 425 nm, or 430 nm. According to one embodiment, the light wavelength profile 200c has a maximum intensity between about 430 and about 445 nm.

(78) Each of the light wavelength profiles 200a, 200b, 200c is different from each other profile 200a, 200b, 200c.

(79) According to various embodiments, the light wavelength profiles 200a, 200b, 200c of the light sources 50a, 50b, 50c each have a maximum intensity at a wavelength that is less than 475 nm, less than 460 nm, and/or less than 450 nm.

(80) Although particular wavelengths have been described with respect to particular light sources 50a, 50b, 50c, the wavelengths of any and all of the light sources 50 may alternatively have any other suitable wavelengths and/or wavelength patterns without deviating from the scope of the present invention. For example, the wavelengths may be specifically tailored to cure a particular type of light-curable nail product. While the illustrated wavelengths are in the UV spectrum, wavelengths outside of the UV spectrum may additionally and/or alternatively be used, depending on what wavelength radiation is suitable for curing the targeted light-curable nail product. Indeed, the light sources may provide any type of suitable light (e.g., ultra violet, infrared, actinic radiation, other light within or outside the visible spectrum) for curing the associated light-curable nail product.

(81) While the illustrated lamp 10 utilizes light sources 50 with different wavelength profiles, all of the light sources 50 may alternatively have the same light wavelength profile without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

(82) As shown in FIG. 6, the array 40 of discrete light sources 50 includes one or more circuit boards 220 onto which the discrete light sources 50a, 50b, 50c are mounted. Each discrete light source 50a, 50b, 50c can be a LED that has its own discrete lens. However, according to an alternative embodiment, multiple discrete light sources 50a, 50b, 50c could share a single lens while still being discrete light sources 50. For example, a single lens could cover three discrete LED semiconductor junctions of three light sources 50a, 50b, 50c, respectively. Although the light emitted from the lens would have the combined light wavelength profiles of the light sources 50a, 50b, 50c, the light sources 50a, 50b, 50c would nonetheless be discrete from each other because their respective LED semiconductor junctions remain discrete.

(83) According to alternative embodiments, the LED light sources 50a, 50b, 50c may be replaced any other suitable types of light sources 50 (e.g., florescent, gas discharge) without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

(84) Unlike conventional nail lamps that utilize light sources that focus on a single wavelength, light sources 50a, 50b, 50c of lamp 10 provide a wider range of light wavelengths, which has been found to improve performance in curing one or more types of light-curable nail products. Consequently, one or more embodiments of the invention can use an array 40 of light sources 50a, 50b, 50c with a lower overall intensity than was used by various conventional nail lamps that focused on a single wavelength.

(85) Use of the lamp 10 to cure light-curable nail product on a user's nail(s) is hereinafter described with reference to FIG. 1. The user moves the support 30 into the operative position and places his/her appropriate appendage into the space 110. Although described below with respect to nails on the hand (fingers), it is to be understood that the method applies to other appendages, e.g. feet, as well. The user actuates the switch 62 (if the lamp 10 is not configured to automatically turn ON), which causes the controller 60 to enter the left (or right) hand ON state and turn on the corresponding clusters of light sources 50. The light sources 50 direct light onto the uncured light-curable nail product and cure the nail product. The user then actuates the switch 62 to switch the controller 60 to the other hand's ON state (if the controller 60 does not automatically do so) and places his/her other appendage into the space 110. The controller 60 responsively turns on the corresponding light sources 50, which direct light on to the user's nails and cure the uncured light-curable nail product thereon.

(86) FIGS. 8-11 illustrate a lamp 1010 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The lamp 1010 is generally similar to the lamp 10. To avoid redundant description of similar features between the lamp 1010 and lamp 10, similar features in the lamp 1010 will be referenced by the number 1000 larger than the comparable reference number used in the lamp 10. Although the support 1030 of the lamp 1010 is slightly differently shaped than the corresponding support 30 of the lamp 10, the support 1030 remains U-shaped.

(87) According to one or more alternative embodiments, two or more of the clusters 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 may be combined such that the light sources 50 are more evenly distributed throughout the U-shaped array 40 without deviating from the scope of the present invention. For example, FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a nail lamp 2010 according to an alternative embodiment. To avoid redundant description, components of the lamp 2010 that are similar to components of the lamp 10 are identified using reference numbers 2000 higher than the corresponding component in the lamp 10. The lamp 2010 is generally similar to the lamp 10 except for the consolidation of the lamp 10's clusters 140, 150, 160, 170, 180 for the nails 90b, 90c, 90d, 90e into a consolidated, U-shaped cluster 2140 of light sources 2050a, 2050b, 2050c. As shown in FIG. 13, the cluster 2140 is generally parallel to the upper surface of the platform 2080. As shown in FIG. 13, the clusters 2130, 2190 of light sources 2050a, 2050b, 2050c are oriented at a 45 angle relative to the upper surface of the platform 1080 in order to generally accommodate the orientation of the user's left and right thumb nails, respectively. In other embodiments, the clusters 2130, 2190 of light sources 2050a, 2050b, 2050c can be oriented at a 60 angle or a 90 angle relative to the upper surface of the platform 1080.

(88) A controller 2060 of the lamp 2010 may simultaneously turn all of the clusters 2130, 2140, 2190 on or off. Alternatively, the controller 2060 may have (a) a left hand state that turns on the clusters 2130, 2140 but not the cluster 2190, and (b) a right hand state that turns on the clusters 2140, 2190 but not the cluster 2130.

(89) In the lamp 2010, the clusters 2130, 2140, 2190 and support 2030 rigidly mount (e.g., via bolts) to the base 2020 such that the support 2030 and clusters 2130, 2140, 2190 are always in the operative position. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the support 2030 contains the semiconductor substrates to which the light sources 2050a, 2050b, 2050c are mounted. The support 2030 additionally includes a cover (not shown) that is similar to that shown in the lamp 10.

(90) FIGS. 14-16 illustrate a lamp 3010 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. To avoid redundant description, components of the lamp 3010 that are similar to components of the lamps 10 or 2010 are identified using comparable reference numbers in the 3000 range (e.g., base 3020 corresponds to base 20 and base 2020 in lamp 10 and lamp 2010, respectively). The lamp 3010 is similar to the lamps 10 and 2010, except that the support 3030 is rigidly connected to the base 3020 such that the support 3030 is always in its operative position and the space 3110 is always sized to accommodate the user's appendage. As in the lamp 2010, the lamp 3010 includes three light clusters 3130, 3140, 3190 that each include light sources 3050 with different wavelength profiles. As shown in FIG. 15, the platform 3080 can include thumb depressions 3080a adjacent the clusters 3130, 3190. The thumb depressions 3080a are lower than the adjacent portion of the platform 3080 to provide for more comfortable positioning of the user's hand on the platform 3080.

(91) FIGS. 17-20 illustrate a lamp 4010 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. To avoid redundant description, components of the lamp 4010 that are similar to components of the lamps 10 or 2010 are identified using comparable reference numbers in the 4000 range (e.g., base 4020 corresponds to bases 20 and base 2020 in lamp 10 and lamp 2010, respectively). Similar to lamp 3010, the support 4030 is rigidly connected to the base 4020 such that the support 4030 is always in its operative position and the space 4110 is always sized to accommodate the user's appendage. As in the lamp 3010 includes three light clusters 4130, 4140, 4190 that each include light sources 4050 with different wavelength profiles. Although not shown, the platform 4080 can optionally include thumb depressions positioned similar to thumb depressions 3080a of lamp 3010.

(92) As shown in FIG. 17, the base 4020 can include a switch 4062 which in the illustrated embodiment is on the side of base 4020. In this embodiment, the switch 4062 can operate as a simple on/off switch. Additional switches 4062a, 4062b, 4062c, 4062d in the form of buttons control aspects of the illumination of discrete light sources 4050. For example, additional switches 4062a, 4062b may set a specific time for illumination, for example 30 and 60 seconds respectively, and additional switches 4062c, 4062d may modify the illumination time by, for example, adding or subtracting time in one second increments. In these embodiments, display 4165 may be an LCD screen that indicates the set illumination time.

(93) In other embodiments, each additional switch may be used to turn on light sources of discrete wavelengths. For example, additional switch 4062a may operate to turn on and off light sources 4050a of a first wavelength, additional switch 4062b may operate to turn on and off light sources 4050b of a second wavelength, and additional switch 4062c may operate to turn on and off light sources 4050c of a third wavelength. In such an embodiment, the display 4165 may indicate which wavelengths of light are being emitted. Alternatively, the additional switches may operate to turn on and off various arrays of discrete light sources. For example, additional switch 4062b may operate to turn on and off all light sources of array 4130, additional switch 4062c may operate to turn on and off all light sources of array 4140, and additional switch 4062d may operate to turn on and off all light sources of array 4190. While described above as including three different discrete light sources 4050a, 4050b, and 4050c with three different wavelength profiles, it will be appreciated that all discrete light sources have the same wavelength profile or that there may be two different discrete light sources 4050a and 4050b with two different wavelength profiles. The invention may include fewer or more additional switches depending upon the overall configuration and need for control. Display 4165 can take on other forms such as indicator lights similar to indicator lights 63 and 64 described above. The display 4165 may also display multiple functions, for example by including both an LCD display and indicator lights.

(94) As shown in FIGS. 19-20, and similar to lamp 2010 illustrated in FIGS. 12-13, the illustrated embodiment of lamp 4010 clusters 140, 150, 160, 170, 180 of lamp 10 are consolidated into a V shaped cluster 4140 of light sources 4050a, 4050b, 4050c. The cluster 4140 is generally parallel to the upper surface of the platform 4080. The V shaped cluster 4140 generally follows the shape of the four fingers of a hand with the apex (point) of the V positioned to illuminate a middle finger and the sides positioned to illuminate the shorter ring finger, index finger and pinky finger. As in other embodiments, arrays 130, 190 are positioned in the sides of support 4030 for illuminating the thumb of the right and left hand, respectively.

(95) FIG. 21 illustrates a nail lamp 5010 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. To avoid redundant description, components of the lamp 5010 that are similar to components of the lamps 10, 1010, 2010, 3010, 4010 are identified using comparable reference numbers in the 5000 range. The lamp 5010 is generally similar to the lamps 10, 1010, 2010, 3010, 4010, except that the lamp 5010, its support 5030, its base (not shown), its space 5110, and its light sources 5050 are configured to simultaneously accommodate all ten nails on both appendages (hands or feet) of the user so as to simultaneously cure the nail product on all ten side-by-side nails. As shown in FIG. 17, two clusters 5130, 5190 of lights 5050 divide the space 5110 into left and right sides for the user's left and right appendages, respectively. The clusters 5130, 5190 are positioned to direct light from their light sources 5050 toward the user's left and right thumb nails, respectively. The clusters 5130, 5190 may be angled (e.g., at a 30, 45, or 60 angle) so as to more squarely direct light onto the user's thumb nails. The two-appendage, ten nail feature of the lamp 4010 may be incorporated into any of the other lamps 10, 1010, 2010, 3010, 4010 without deviating from the scope of the invention.

(96) In the lamps 10, 1010, 2010, 3010, 4010, 5010, the various light sources and light clusters are preferably positioned to provide a similar light-source-to-nail gap, light-source-to-nail light intensity, and light-source-to-nail angle of incidence (for example about 90 so that the light squarely hits the surface of the nails) for each of the user's nails. According to various embodiments, such consistency across the different clusters provides for more uniform curing of the nail product on the user's different nails.

(97) FIGS. 22-29 illustrate a nail lamp 6010 according to another aspect of the present invention. To avoid redundant descriptions, components of the lamp 6010 that are similar to components of the lamps 10, 1010, 2010, 3010, 4010, and 5010 are identified using comparable reference numbers in the 6000 range (e.g., base 6020 corresponds to base 20 in lamp 10). The lamp 6010 includes a base 6020, a support 6030, a light source 6050, and a reflector 6260.

(98) The support 6030 of the lamp 6010 is connected to the base 6020 such that the support 6030 is in its operative position and a space 6110 between the base 6020 and the support 6030 is sized to accommodate a user's appendage. The space 6110 is open to an ambient environment at a rear portion 6110a of the space 6110. The space 6110 may additionally be open to the ambient environment at a front, a left, and/or a right portion of the space 6110. The base 6020 may be flat or may have a convex shape, as depicted in FIGS. 26 and 29.

(99) A light source 6050 is disposed within the support 6030 of the lamp 6010. The light source 6050 is configured to produce light to cure a light-curable nail product, and the light source 6050 is positioned to direct the light onto a nail of the user's appendage. The light source 6050 may be a single lighting element, or it may include a plurality of lighting elements. For example, the light source 6050 may be a single LED device, or may include multiple LED devices. While FIG. 24 shows a source reflector 6055 arranged within the support 6030 around the light source 6050, the source reflector 6055 is optional and is described in more detail below.

(100) In one embodiment, a plurality of light sources 6050 may be arranged in the support 6030. For example, the lamp 6010 may include two, three, four, or more light sources 6050. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 25, a light source 6050 corresponding to each of five nails of the user's appendage is shown. As described above, each of the plurality of light sources 6050 may include a single LED device or multiple LED devices.

(101) In another embodiment, the lamp 6010 may be configured to receive five nails of any of the user's hands and feet. The lamp 6010 may include a light source 6050 corresponding to each nail of a left appendage or a right appendage of the user. In this configuration, the lamp 6010 may include a total of seven (7) light sources 6050: one light source for each of the user's left and right thumb nails and left and right pinky finger nails, a common light source for the user's left ring finger nail and the user's right index finger nail, a common light source for the user's left and right middle finger nails, and a common light source for the user's left index finger nail and the user's right ring finger nail, for example.

(102) While the above embodiments describe configurations for only one appendage, in another embodiment the lamp 6010 may be configured to accept two appendages. In this example embodiment, rather than the common configuration just described for the three central nails of the user, ten (10) light sources 6050 may be included, one for each nail, where each light source 6050 corresponds to an individual nail of each finger/toe of the user.

(103) The lamp 6010 includes a reflector 6260 connected to a top surface of the base 6020. The reflector 6260 is arranged in an arc-shape between a left portion 6020a of the base 6020 and a right portion 6020b of the base 6020. Such an arrangement allows the reflector 6260 to reflect the light produced by the light source(s) 6050 to a front edge portion of the user's nail(s) as well as an underneath portion of the nail(s). The reflector 6260 may be arranged in a position that is offset from a perimeter of the base 6020, as shown in FIG. 28, or alternatively, may be arranged at the perimeter of the base 6020 (not shown).

(104) The reflector 6260 may be made of a plastic material, a metallic material, and/or any other type of suitably rigid material. For example, the reflector 6260 may be made of a plastic material and coated with a metallic layer having a polished finished to enhance its reflectivity. The reflector 6260 may include a wall portion 6262 and optionally a base portion 6264, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28. The base portion 6264 enhances curing of the nail product at the underneath portion of the nail(s).

(105) The wall portion 6262 may be substantially perpendicular (i.e., at 90) to the base portion 6264, or alternatively, may be at an angle smaller or larger than 90 relative to the base portion 6264. In one embodiment, the wall portion 6262 is inclined at an angle of about 90 to 100 relative to a surface of the base portion 6264, such that a top edge of the wall portion is inclined away from a central region 6020c of the base 6020, as shown in FIG. 29. The wall portion 6262 may, in another embodiment, be at an angle of about 85-90 relative to a surface of the base portion 6264 such that a top edge of the wall portion is inclined towards a central region 6020c of the base 6020. For example, the angle may be approximately 93 relative to the surface of the base portion 6264. Optimization of the angle of inclination may be achieved by varying a height of the wall portion 6262, a width of the base portion 6264, and/or a distance of the wall portion 6262 from the nail(s). In an embodiment, the height of the wall portion 6262 is taller than a height of the user's finger(s)/toe(s). For example, the reflector 6260 is positioned approximately 16 mm from an edge of the nail(s) and has an approximate height of 18 mm.

(106) In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, the base 6020 may include position indicators 6095a, 6095b, 6095c, 6095d, 6095e, 6095f, 6095g (collectively position indicators 6095). The position indicators 6095 may be represented by an indentation, a protrusion, a marking, and/or any other type of suitable means to indicate a desired nail position. Each position indicator 6095 corresponds to a nail of a right appendage and/or a nail of a left appendage. Position indicators 6095a, 6095b, 6095c, 6095d, 6095e correspond to a thumb, index, middle, ring, and pinky finger of the user's right hand, respectively, for example. Position indicators 6095f, 6095d, 6095c, 6095b, 6095g correspond to a thumb, index, middle, ring, and pinky finger of the user's left hand, respectively, for example For the sake of simplicity, the descriptions herein will refer to nails on the user's hands. As will be understood by skilled artisans, the position indicators could also be analogously arranged for toes on the user's foot/feet.

(107) More specifically, as shown in FIG. 28 and as just described, central ones of the position indicators 6095b, 6095c, 6095d are common for both the left and right hands (i.e., the three central nails of the left and right hands). The right-most position indicator for the right hand 6095e is positioned closer to a front portion of the base 6020 the right-most position indicator for the left hand 6095f Similarly, the left-most position indicator for the left hand 6095g is positioned closer to the front portion of the base than the left-most position indicator for the right hand 6095a.

(108) The base portion 6264 of the reflector 6260 may be a uniform width from the left side of the base 6264 to the right side of the base 6264. Alternatively, the base portion 6264 of the reflector 6260 may be wider at its ends (i.e., at a position approximate position indicators 6095a, 6095f) and may be narrower in a central region (i.e., at a position approximate position indictors 6095b, 6095c, 6095d). The wider base portion 6264 provides more efficient and uniform curing of the left and right thumb nails positioned at position indicators 6095a, 6095f.

(109) FIGS. 30-36 illustrate a nail lamp 7010 and associated components according to another aspect of the present invention. To avoid redundant descriptions, components of the lamp 7010 that are similar to components of the lamps 10, 1010, 2010, 3010, 4010, 5010, and 6010 are identified using comparable reference numbers in the 7000 range (e.g., base 7020 corresponds to base 20 in lamp 10).

(110) The lamp 7010 is similar to the lamp 6010, except the lamp 7010 does not include a reflector such as the reflector 6260. Additionally, the lamp 7010 includes a source reflector 7055. The lamp 7010 includes a base 7020, a support 7030, a light source 7050, and a source reflector 7055.

(111) The source reflector 7055 is arranged within the support 7030 around the light source 7050. The source reflector 7055 may be made of a plastic material, a metallic material, and/or any other type of suitably rigid material. For example, the source reflector 7055 may be made of a plastic material and coated with a metallic layer having a polished finished to enhance reflectivity.

(112) The source reflector 7055 is structured to direct the light from the light source 7050 onto a corresponding nail within a space 7110 between the base 7020 and the support 7030. The source reflector 7055 may be designed as a frustum reflector, with a small end 7056 and a large end 7057, as shown in FIG. 34. Each of the small end 7056 and large end 7057 of the source reflector 7055 may have openings shaped as one of (i) an oval, (ii) a circle, (iii) a square, (iv) a rectangle, (v) an ellipse, and (vi) a polygon. Other shapes may also be used for the openings. FIG. 32 shows a source reflector 7055 with circular openings, FIGS. 33-35 show a source reflector 7055 with oval openings, and FIG. 36 shows a source reflector 7055 with rectangular openings. While FIG. 36 is the only illustration depicting the light source 7050 in conjunction with the source reflector 7055, it should be understood that the light source 7050 is similarly arranged in FIGS. 30-35.

(113) A wall 7058 of the source reflector 7055 may be inclined at an angle between about 20 and about 50 relative to a vertical position from the small end of the source reflector 7055. For example, the wall 7058 is inclined at an angle of approximately 35 relative to the vertical position, and the source reflector 7055 has a vertical height of 11 mm. This arrangement focuses the light from the light source 7050 and directs the light to a corresponding nail within the space 7110. It should be understood that optimal values for the height of the source reflector 7055, the shape of the reflector openings, and the angle of inclination are based on the dimensions of the light source 7050, a light disbursement angle of the light source 7050, and distance from the nail(s).

(114) In an embodiment, the source reflector 7055 has an opening at the small end 7056 shaped as an oval and an opening at the large end 7057 shaped as an oval. The small end 7056 has a minor axis measuring approximately 7.5 mm and a major axis measuring 9.5 mm, and the large end 7057 has a minor axis measuring approximately 23 mm and a major axis measuring approximately 25 mm. The table below shows examples of light intensity outputs (at 250 mA) for oval source reflectors 7055 of different dimensions.

(115) TABLE-US-00001 Small Small Large Large Wall End End End End Output Shape Angle Height Minor Major Minor Major (microwatts/cm.sup.2) Oval 1 38.5 11 7.5 9.5 25 27 226.32 Oval 1-2 38.5 11 7.5 9.5 25 27 212.79 Oval 2 37 11 7.5 9.5 24 26 258.3 Oval 3 35 11 7.5 9.5 23 25 319.8 Oval 3-2 35 11 7.5 9.5 23 25 309.96 Oval 4 36 11 7.5 9.5 23.5 25.5 275.52 Oval 3B 35 11 7.5 10.5 23.5 25.5 292.74 Oval 3C 35 13 7.5 9.5 25.7 25.7 264.45

(116) FIGS. 37A-E illustrate an LED device 8050 useable as a light source in a nail lamp of embodiments of the present invention.

(117) In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 37E, the nail lamp includes an LED device 8050, a light source support 8900, and a controller 8910a, 8910b. The LED device 8050 is arranged within the light source support 8900, and the controller 8910a may be arranged on the light source support 8900 or the controller 8910b may be external to the light source support 8900, such as a wired or wireless controller. The light source support 8900 may be connectably mountable to the underside of a piece of furniture 8800, for example, a shelf on table, desk, and the like. The light source support 8900 may be connectably mountable through the use of an external mount, screws, clamps, adhesives, or any other connecting hardware or material.

(118) In another embodiment, the light source support 8900 may be connected to a nail lamp base, such as the nail lamp embodiments described herein, particularly the lamps 6010 and 7010. The LED device 8050 may be a multiple-wavelength LED device.

(119) The LED device 8050 includes a circuit board 8300 with a plurality of semiconductor chips 8310 coupled thereto. While four semiconductor chips 8310 are shown on the circuit board 8300 in FIGS. 37A and 37D, the LED device 8050 may have a different number of chips or a single chip 8310. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 37A-D, four chips 8310 are coupled to the circuit board 8300. The four chips 8310 and the circuit board 8300 are at least partially covered by a protective encapsulant or lens 8320. For example, the lens 8320 covers at least the four semiconductor chips 8310. The lens 8320 may be made of a transparent material, such as plastic, glass, and the like, in order to protect the chips 8310. The lens 8320 may be hemispherically shaped with a large light disbursement or beam angle (e.g., a 135 disbursement angle), or may alternatively be a cylindrically shaped with a domed end, which has a lower light disbursement or beam angle (e.g., a 65 disbursement angle).

(120) In an embodiment, at least one of the chips 8310 has a peak electromagnetic emission intensity at a wavelength of approximately 380-390 nm, and at least one of the chips 8310 has a peak electromagnetic emission intensity at a wavelength of approximately 395-415 nm. The lower wavelength chip(s) 8310 (i.e., the 380-390 nm chip(s)) is/are suitable for surface curing of a particular type of light-curable nail product, whereas the higher wavelength chip(s) 8310 (i.e., the 395-415 nm chip(s)) is/are suitable for bulk curing of that type of light-curable nail product. Thus, when at least one 380-390 nm chip 8310 and at least one 395-415 nm chip 8310 are utilized in the nail lamp embodiments described herein, that type of light-curable nail product can be cured efficiently. The four chips 8310 may include a combination of one 380-390 nm chip and three 395-415 nm chips, two 380-390 nm chips and two 395-415 nm chips, or three 380-390 nm chips and one 395-415 nm chip.

(121) While the above embodiment is described to include 380-390 nm and 395-415 nm chips, it should be understood that the LED device 8050 may have chips emitting at other wavelengths suitable for curing light-curable nail products of different types. In addition, and as discussed above, while four chips are described, the LED device 8050 may include two, three, four, five, etc., chips. For example, the LED device 8050 may include eight chips, with the chips emitting at some combination of 365 nm, 375 nm, 385 nm, 395 nm, 405 nm, 415 nm, 425 nm, etc., wavelengths.

(122) The LED devices 8050 just described may be, for example, those available from SemiLEDs Corp. (Taiwan) as model number N5050U-UNL2-A1G41H (hemispherical) or model N505OU-UNF2-A1G41H (cylindrical with dome-shaped end). The LED devices 8050 may include chips all having the same peak intensity wavelength, or may include semiconductor chips having different peak intensity wavelengths.

(123) The LED device 8050 is connected to and controlled by an electronic controller (not shown). A controller interface is included on the nail lamp (e.g., 6010, 7010, 8010) to enable an operator to input instructions to the controller. The controller interface may include any combination of control buttons, a control dial, a digital input pad, and the like, located on the base or another location of the nail lamp. The controller may be a CPU programmed to alter the emission intensities of the LED device(s) 8050 by controlling current to the LED device(s) 8050. For example, the controller may be used to set the LED device(s) 8050 to a 100% intensity, an intermediate intensity (e.g., 40%, 50%, 60%, 75%, 90%), or no intensity at all (e.g., an off state). The controller may control the LED device(s) 8050 as a whole (i.e., all four chips 8310 simultaneously), or the controller may control each chip 8310 individually, or the controller may control a combination of chips 8310 together.

(124) FIG. 38 depicts the relative peak intensity wavelength profile of a multiple-wavelength LED device. As shown, a first peak intensity at a wavelength of approximately 385 nm is relatively higher than a second peak intensity at a wavelength of approximately 405 nm.

(125) In another embodiment, the aforementioned light sources, particularly light sources 6050, 7050, and 8050, may be pulsable in accordance with a pulsing sequence. Pulsing may be used with a single wavelength LED device or a multiple-wavelength LED device. In a nail lamp that includes a plurality of light sources, with each including either a single LED device or a plurality of LED devices, the LED device(s) may all be pulsed simultaneously, or the LED devices may each be individually pulsed according to a different sequence. The example embodiments presented below describe a plurality of light sources each including a single LED device, but it should be understood that other types of light sources may be used.

(126) In one embodiment, the light sources are pulsable between a first intensity and a second intensity. The first intensity may be a peak intensity (100%), or an intensity lower than a peak intensity, and the second intensity may be no intensity, or something higher than no intensity but lower than the first intensity. For example, the first intensity may be 90-100% of a maximum intensity. As another example, the first intensity may be 90-100% of a maximum intensity and the second intensity may be 40-60% of a maximum intensity. The LED devices useable in the embodiments described herein typically have an intensity range between 0 microwatts/cm.sup.2 and 600 microwatts/cm.sup.2. So, for example, the light sources may be pulsable between 600 microwatts/cm.sup.2 and 0 microwatts/cm.sup.2, pulsable between 500 microwatts/cm.sup.2 and 200 microwatts/cm.sup.2, or pulsable between any other intensities (e.g., 600 microwatts/cm.sup.2 and 500 microwatts/cm.sup.2, 400 microwatts/cm.sup.2 and 200 microwatts/cm.sup.2, 300 microwatts/cm.sup.2 and 0 microwatts/cm.sup.2, etc.).

(127) The light sources may be pulsable between the first intensity and the second intensity according to a predetermined sequence. The controller may be used to adjust the intensities from the first intensity, after a predetermined amount of time, to the second intensity, and then stay at the second intensity for a predetermined amount of time. For example, the controller may be used to have the light sources emit at a peak intensity for a period of time between 0.01 and 5.0 seconds, and have the light sources emit at zero intensity (i.e., turn the light sources off) for a period of time between 0.01 and 10.0 seconds. It should be understood that the period of time for the first intensity and the second intensity may be of the same duration or of different durations.

(128) The light sources may be pulsed for a single sequence (i.e., between a first and second intensity for the predetermined amount of time), or may be repeatedly pulsed according to the sequence for a predetermined amount of time or number of cycles. For example, the controller may be used to have the light sources emit at an intensity of 600 microwatts/cm.sup.2 for 5.0 seconds (i.e., time period from 0.0 to 5.0 seconds), turn the light sources off for 10.0 seconds (i.e., time period 5.0-15.0 seconds), and repeat this cycle for a time period of 60.0 seconds. Again, while the time durations mentioned above are 5.0 seconds and 10.0 seconds, respectively, these time durations are merely examples. Other duration values may be used.

(129) Examples of pulsing sequences will now be described. In a first example, the light source is pulsable according to the following pulsing sequence: the light source is first operated at a first intensity that is 40-60% of a maximum intensity for a first duration of 0.01 to 5.0 seconds, and is then operated at a second intensity of 0% (zero intensity) for a second duration of 0.01 to 10.0 seconds. This pulsing sequence is repeated for a duration of 60.0 seconds.

(130) In another example, the light source is pulsable according to the following pulsing sequence: the light source is first operated at a first intensity that is 40-60% of a maximum intensity for a first duration of 0.5 to 2.0 seconds, and is then operated at a second intensity of 0% (zero intensity) for a second duration of 0.5 to 5.0 seconds. This pulsing sequence is repeated for a duration of approximately 4.0 to 20.0 seconds.

(131) In another example, the light source is pulsable according to the following pulsing sequence: the light source is first operated at a first intensity that is 40-60% of a maximum intensity for a first duration of 0.01 to 5.0 seconds, and is then operated at a second intensity that is 90-100% of the maximum intensity for a second duration of 0.01 to 10.0 seconds. This pulsing sequence is repeated for a duration of 60.0 seconds.

(132) In another example, the light source is pulsable according to the following pulsing sequence: the light source is first operated at a first intensity that is 40-60% of a maximum intensity for a first duration of 0.5 to 2.0 seconds, and is then operated at a second intensity that is 90-100% of the maximum intensity for a second duration of 0.5 to 5.0 seconds. This pulsing sequence is repeated for a duration of approximately 4.0 to 20.0 seconds.

(133) In another example, the light source is pulsable according to the following pulsing sequence: the light source is first operated at a first intensity that is 90-100% of a maximum intensity for a first duration of 0.01 to 5.0 seconds, and is then operated at a second intensity of 0% (zero intensity) for a second duration of 0.01 to 10.0 seconds. This pulsing sequence is repeated for a duration of 60.0 seconds.

(134) In another example, the light source is pulsable according to the following pulsing sequence: the light source is first operated at a first intensity that is 90-100% of a maximum intensity for a first duration of 0.5 to 2.0 seconds, and is then operated at a second intensity of 0% (zero intensity) for a second duration of 0.5 to 5.0 seconds. This pulsing sequence is repeated for a duration of approximately 4.0 to 20.0 seconds.

(135) In another example, the light source is pulsable according to the following pulsing sequence: the light source is first operated at a first intensity that is 90-100% of a maximum intensity for a first duration of 0.01 to 5.0 seconds, and is then operated at a second intensity of 40-60% of the maximum intensity for a second duration of 0.01 to 10.0 seconds. This pulsing sequence is repeated for a duration of 60.0 seconds.

(136) In another example, the light source is pulsable according to the following pulsing sequence: the light source is first operated at a first intensity that is 90-100% of a maximum intensity for a first duration of 0.5 to 2.0 seconds, and is then operated at a second intensity of 40-60% of the maximum intensity for a second duration of 0.5 to 5.0 seconds. This pulsing sequence is repeated for a duration of approximately 4.0 to 20.0 seconds.

(137) While just described in terms of a first and second intensity, it should be understood that any number of intensities can be used in the sequence. For example, the light sources may be emitted at an intensity of 600 microwatts/cm.sup.2 for 5.0 seconds, emitted at an intensity of 0 microwatts/cm.sup.2 for 10.0 seconds, emitted at an intensity of 400 microwatts/cm.sup.2 for 3.0 seconds, etc.

(138) An example of a pulsing sequence with three intensities will now be described. In this example, the light source is pulsable according to the following pulsing sequence: the light source is first operated at a first intensity that is 40-60% of a maximum intensity for a first duration of approximately 1.0 second, is then operated at a second intensity of 0% (zero intensity) for a second duration of approximately 1.0 second, and then operated at a third intensity that is 90-100% of a maximum intensity for a third duration of approximately 50.0 seconds. This pulsing sequence is repeated for a duration of approximately 60 seconds.

(139) Furthermore, it should be understood that after repeating the any of the above pulsing sequences, the light source may be controlled to operate continuously at one of the first, second, or third intensities for a predetermined amount of time. Alternatively, rather than repeating the sequence, the light sources may remain at a certain intensity after the sequence until the controller turns off the light sources.

(140) In an example of a pulsing sequence containing two intensities, the duration of the first intensity is from 0.5 seconds to 2.0 seconds, the duration of the second intensity is from 0.5 to 5.0 seconds, and the length of time of the sequence is from 4.0-20.0 seconds. After the sequence, the light sources emit continuously for a total time period, including the pulsing sequence, of 60.0 seconds.

(141) As mentioned above, the controller above may be coupled to a plurality of control buttons, control dials, digital input pads, and the like, located on the base or other location of the nail lamp. These control buttons, dials, etc., may be used to alter the intensities at which the light sources emit, as well as to control the pulsing sequences just described. The table below depicts examples of values for the control buttons used to adjust the intensity emissions of the lights sources as well as the pulsing sequences.

(142) TABLE-US-00002 Relative Current Intensity Setting (%) Button 1 Button 2 Button 3 Button 4 0.25 A 48 10 second 10 second 10 second pulsing (1 sec. pulsing (1 sec. pulsing (1 sec. on, 1 sec. off) on, 1 sec. on, 1 sec. off); 50 off) seconds continuous 0.50 A 96 60 seconds continuous 0.52 A 100 50 seconds continuous

(143) As shown in the table above, Button 1 is used for a lower than peak intensity and for a 10 second pulsing sequence with no continuous lighting after the pulsing sequence. When this button is used, the light sources will emit at 48% of peak intensity for 1.0 second, emit at 0 intensity for 1.0 second (i.e., the light sources are turned off), and repeat for a total duration of 10.0 seconds (i.e., 5 cycles). While this particular Button 1 shows a 10 second pulsing sequence with equal first intensity (48%) and second intensity (0%) time durations (i.e., 1 second on and 1 second off), it should be understood that Button 1 may alternatively have different durations for each of the intensities. Additionally, Button 1 may be any duration pulsing sequence, and is not limited to a 10 second pulsing sequence. For example, Button 1 may be a 20 second pulsing sequence with the light sources emitting at 48% of peak intensity for 2.0 seconds, emitting at 0 intensity for 1.0 second, and repeating this sequence. Furthermore, while described in terms of a percentage intensity and no intensity, Button 1 may alternatively be pulsed between two intensities (e.g., 48% and 100%).

(144) Button 2 is used for a lower than peak intensity for a 10 second pulsing sequence followed by a duration of continuous lighting at the same intensity. Button 3 is used for a lower than peak intensity for a continuous amount of time with no pulsing. Button 4 pulses the light sources for a 10.0 second sequence at a first intensity, and then turns the light sources on at a peak intensity for a continuous amount of time. As with Button 1, the values in the above table are exemplary only and should not be so limited. Also, while described in terms of Buttons 1-4, it should be understood that any number of buttons may be used and each combination of pulsing sequences and emission intensities may correspond to an individual button. Furthermore, as explained above, control dials, input pads, etc., may be used instead of the control buttons just described

(145) In another embodiment, the controller may be used to alter the intensity at which one of the chips within the light source emits without altering the other chips. For example, the controller may reduce the reduce the current to the first chip to cause it to emit at an intensity less than peak intensity (i.e., less than 100%) while providing full current to the remaining chip(s) to cause them to emit at peak intensity (i.e., 100%).

(146) FIGS. 39-40 show heat flow vs. time and accumulated exotherm vs. time, respectively, for light sources having no pulsing sequence, a 10 second pulsing sequence (pulsing 1.0 second on and 1.0 second off for 10.0 seconds), and a 20 second pulsing sequence (pulsing 1.0 second on and 1.0 second off for 20.0 seconds). All three samples have 60 seconds of continuous lighting after the pulse durations. As shown in FIG. 39, a no pulse sequence has a relatively high heat flow compared to the 10 second pulsing sequence and the 20 second pulse sequence. Additionally, this relatively high heat flow occurs at a time period before the peak heat flows of both the 10 second pulsing sequence and the 20 second pulsing sequence. After a 60.0 second period, the three sequences have approximate heat flow values. FIG. 40 shows the no pulse sequence resulting in a relatively high accumulated exotherm at earlier times, while the 10 second pulsing sequence and 20 second pulsing sequence result in a significantly lower accumulated exotherm at initial stages of the curing process. However, after a 60.0 second period, the three sequences have approximate accumulated exotherm values, and by 420 seconds, the accumulated exotherm is almost identical for all three sequences.

(147) FIGS. 39-40 show that, overall, pulse sequences delay the peak time at which peak heat flow occurs, reduce the peak value of heat flow, reduce the accumulated exotherm during the periods of lighting, and result in the same total exotherm as the no pulse sequence. This pulsing sequence may be designed to efficiently cure nail product while avoiding heat-induced discomfort, or burns, to the user.

(148) The foregoing illustrated embodiments are provided to illustrate the structural and functional principles of the present invention and are not intended to be limiting. To the contrary, the principles of the present invention are intended to encompass any and all changes, alterations and/or substitutions within the spirit and scope of the following claims. For example, any feature(s) of one of the lamps 10, 1010, 2010, 3010, 4010, 5010, 6010, 7010, and any feature(s) in the 8000 range, may be incorporated into any of the other lamps 10, 1010, 2010, 3010, 4010, 5010, 6010, 7010 without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

(149) This application incorporates by reference in their entirety U.S. application Ser. No. 13/827,389 filed on Mar. 14, 2013, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/059,585 filed on Oct. 3, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/058,865 filed on Oct. 2, 2014.