Protective Film For Application to An Individual's Body

Abstract

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a protective film for application to a portion of an individual's body, a method for applying a protective film to a portion of an individual's body, and an apparatus with a protective film for application to a portion of the individual's body are provided.

Claims

1. A protective film for application to a portion of an individual's body, comprising: a first side; and a second side having an adhesive for securing the protective film to the portion of the individual's body, wherein the adhesive includes an active ingredient configured to disperse at least one health additive onto the portion of the individual's body where the protective film is applied, and wherein the portion of the individual's body is at least one of the individual's nail and the individual's skin.

2. The protective film of claim 1, wherein the first side has a smooth surface for application of a decorative treatment.

3. The protective film of claim 2, wherein the decorative treatment is one of a lacquer nail polish, a gel nail polish, a second adhesive and an artificial nail, and an acrylic material.

4. The protective film of claim 1, wherein the adhesive is made of a plurality of beads spaced apart from one another by a plurality of gaps.

5. The protective film of claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is time-released and disperses the at least one health additive onto the portion of the individual's body, in which the protective film is applied, after a predetermined amount of time.

6. The protective film of claim 1, wherein the active ingredient immediately disperses the at least one health additive onto the portion of the individual's body upon application.

7. The protective film of claim 1, wherein the at least one health additive includes at least one of a topical medication and a repairing additive for repairing the condition of the portion of the individual's body to which the protective film is applied.

8. The protective film of claim 1, wherein the at least one health additive includes at least one of a vitamin, a protein, and a nutrient for strengthening the condition of the portion of the individual's body to which the protective film is applied.

9. The protective film of claim 1, the protective film is configured to protect the portion of the individual's body from damage caused by at least one of an application of a decorative treatment, a removal process of the decorative treatment, and an external element.

10. The protective film of claim 9, wherein the external element includes friction, against the individual's skin, caused by one of the individual's clothing and shoes.

11. The protective film of claim 2, wherein the protective film is a releasing mechanism for removal of the decorative treatment from the individual's nail.

12. The protective film of claim 1, wherein the individual's skin includes one of a callus, a blister, and a crack.

13. A method for applying a protective film to a portion of an individual's body, comprising the steps of providing the protective film for application to the individual's body, the protective film having a first side and a second side with an adhesive for securing the protective film to the portion of the individual's body, wherein the adhesive includes an active ingredient configured to disperse at least one health additive onto the portion of the individual's body where the protective film is applied and wherein the portion of the individual's body is at least one of the individual's nail and the individual's skin; instructing the individual to apply the protective film to the portion of an individual's body; and dispersing at least one health additive onto the portion of the individual's body where the protective film is applied, wherein the at least one health additive is configured to improve the condition of the portion of the individual's body where the protective film is applied, and wherein the protective film provides a barrier from one of an application of a decorative treatment, a removal process of the decorative treatment, and an external element to minimize damage caused to the portion of the individual's body in which the film is applied.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: instructing the individual to determine the shape of the protective film based on the portion of the individual's body in which the film is being applied.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the protective film has a predetermined shape to fit the portion of the individual's body.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the predetermined shape is a nail shape.

17. The method of claim 13, further comprising: instructing the individual to remove a backing membrane from the second side of the protective film, wherein the backing membrane overlies and protects the adhesive and health additive from exposure prior to application to the portion of the individual's body.

18. An apparatus with a protective film, comprising: an artificial nail having a nail body with an upper surface and a lower surface; an adhesive disposed against the lower surface for securing the nail body to a nail of an individual; and wherein the adhesive forms the protective film and wherein the protective film is made of a plurality of beads spaced apart from by a plurality of gaps, wherein the plurality of beads include an active ingredient configured to disperse at least one health additive onto the individual's nail when the lower surface of the nail body has been applied against the individual's nail, and wherein the protective film forms a barrier between the artificial nail and the individual's nail to protect the individual's nail from damage caused by one of an application of decorative treatments on the artificial nail and a removal process of the artificial nail from the individual's nail.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the active ingredient is a time-released ingredient and disperses the at least one health additive onto the individual's nail after a predetermined amount of time.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the at least one health additive is configured to strengthen the condition of the individual's nail.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Other aspects of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0025] FIGS. 1A and 1B are illustrations of the anatomy of a nail of an individual;

[0026] FIG. 2 is a top view of an example of a protective film for application to an individual's body in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a protective film in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 4 is an illustration of examples of various shapes of a protective film for application to an individual's body in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 5 is an illustration of an example of the application of a protective film to an individual's nail in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure:

[0030] FIG. 6 is an illustration of an example of a protective film applied to an individual's foot in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for applying a protective film to an individual's body in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an apparatus with a protective film for application on a fingernail in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0033] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of an apparatus with a protective film for application to an individual's fingernail in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0034] Detailed aspects of the present disclosure are provided herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary and may be embodied in various and alternative forms. It is not intended that these aspects illustrate and describe all possible forms of the disclosure. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. As those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, various features of the present disclosure as illustrated and described with reference to any of the figures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce examples of the present disclosure that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of features illustrated provide representative examples for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure may be desired for particular applications or implementations. Additionally, the features and various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further examples of the disclosure.

[0035] A protective film 100 for application to a portion of an individual's body, a method of applying a protective film 100 to a portion of an individual's body, and an apparatus 130 with a protective film 100 for application to a portion of individual's body are provided. The protective film 100 and apparatus 130 with the protective film 100 are designed to be applied to an individual's nail 116 or a portion of the individual's skin 118. The protective film 100 and apparatus 130 with the protective film 100 are also designed to act as a protective barrier from damage caused by the application or removal of decorative treatment on the individual's nail 116, or one or more external elements against the portion of the individual's skin 118 such as friction generated by the individual clothes or shoes. The protective film 100 and apparatus 130 with the protective film 100 may include an active ingredient which disperses one or more health additives 114 for enhancing, improving, or repairing the condition of the individual's nail 116 or skin 118. The protective film 100 and apparatus 130 with the protective film 100 may further act as a releasing mechanism for easy removal of the decorative treatments from the nail 116. Accordingly, use of the protective film 100, the method of applying the protective film 100, or apparatus 130 with the protective film 100 provides health benefits to the individual as well as minimizes the negative effects, discussed above, caused by decorative treatments or external elements.

[0036] With reference to the figures, FIGS. 2-4 illustrate the protective film 100 for application on the individual's body in its broadest aspects, FIGS. 5-6 illustrate examples of different parts of the individual's body where the protective film 100 applied, FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the method for applying the protective film 100 described in FIGS. 2-4, and FIGS. 8-9 illustrate an apparatus 130 with a protective film 100 for application on the individual's body and in particular, the individual's nail 116.

[0037] According to an aspect, the protective film 100 can include a first side 102 and a second side. The first side 102 may have a smooth surface 106 for application of a decorative treatment (not shown). The second side has an adhesive 108 for securing the protective film 100 to the portion of the individual's body. The adhesive 108 can include an active ingredient 112 configured to disperse one or more health additives 114 into the portion of the individual's body 110, where the protective film 100 is applied. The portion of the individual's body 110, in which the protective film 100 is applied, may be the individual's nail 116 (fingernail or toe nail) or a portion of the individual's skin 118 such as on a callus, a blister, or a crack formed therein.

[0038] According to an aspect, the decorative treatment may include the application of a lacquer nail polish, a gel nail polish, a second adhesive and an artificial nail, or an acrylic overlay with or without an artificial nail.

[0039] According to one aspect, the active ingredient 112 with one or more health additives 114 is incorporated or infused in the adhesive 108. The active ingredient 112 and/or the health additives 112 may be time-released such that the health additives are dispersed onto the portion of the individual's body after or for a predetermined amount of time following application of the protective film to the individual's body. In another aspect, the active ingredient 112 and/or the health additives 112 may be time-released such that the health additives are dispersed continuously onto the portion of the individual's body, immediately when applied or after a predetermined amount of time following application, until the protective film is removed. The health additives 114 may include one or more vitamins, minerals, proteins, nutrients, topical medications, homeopathic treatments, repairing additives, or a combination thereof for enhancing, improving, or repairing the condition of the individual's nail 116 or skin 118. Such may include, but is not limited to, salicylic acid, urea, or carbamide. For example, where the protective film 100 is applied to a callus, the active ingredient 112 may include first health additive 114 such as salicylic acid and a second health additive. Alternatively, where the protective film 100 is applied to a callus, the active ingredient 112 may include salicylic acid, a second health additive, and a third health additive. Additionally, in a further example where the protective film 100 is applied to a callus, the adhesive 108 infused with the active ingredient 112 with one or more health additives 114 may assist in isolating the callus, such that callus becomes partially or entirely detached from the individual's skin, when the protective film 100 removed. Accordingly, the individual may see part of or their entire callus stuck to the used protective film 100.

[0040] Another aspect of the adhesive 108 may include plurality of heads 122 spaced apart from one another by a plurality of gaps 124. The plurality of beads 122 and plurality of gaps 124 may form a grid pattern. The plurality of beads 122 may entrap the active Ingredient 112 containing one or more health additives 114, which may be a time-released ingredient and may disperse one or more health additives 114 onto the portion of the individual's body 110, in which the protective film 100 is applied, after a predetermined amount of time. In an alternative aspect, the active ingredient 112 may be a non-time released ingredient and may immediately disperse one or more health additives 114 onto the portion of the individual's body 110 upon application.

[0041] In one aspect, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the protective film 100 may be pre-cut or may have a pre-determined shape to more accurately fit the portion of the individual's body. Accordingly, one or more protective film 100 be formed by a film sheet and may have a perforated edges to indicate the pre-cut or pre-determined shapes and separate the individual shapes from the film sheet. For instance, the protective film 100 may have a nail like shape for application to the individual's nail. In another example, the protective film 100 may have a rectangular, square, circular, triangular, oval, oblong, or U-like shape for application to the individual's skin. As shown in FIG. 6, one of the protective films 100 has a U-like shape for application to the individual's heel. Additionally, another protective film 100 has a triangular shape for application on the bottom of the individual's foot, where a callus may be located. Further, the protective film 100 may have the same shape as the callus on the individual's skin. In another instance, one or more shapes of the protective film 100 may be applied to an area of individual's skin to accommodate the shape of their body or to accommodate the shape of a callus area.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows the protective film 100, as discussed above and as shown in FIGS. 2-4, in the process of being applied to the individual's nail 116. Similarly, FIG. 6 shows the protective film 100, also discussed above and shown in FIGS. 2-4, on the individual's skin 118 and in particular, on the individual's foot 126. The method or process for application of the protective film 100 to the individual's body 110 and in particular, to the individual's nail 116 as shown in FIG. 5 and the individual's foot 126 as shown in FIG. 6, is described in further detail below, as depicted in FIG. 7, and may further reference FIGS. 2-6.

[0043] According to an aspect, a system and method for applying the protective film 100 to a portion of an individual body 110 is also provided. The method may include providing 200 the protective film 100 for application to the individual's body 110, instructing 202 the individual to apply the protective film 100 to the portion of an individual's body 110, and dispersing 204 one or more health additives 114 onto the portion of the individual's body 110 where the protective film 100 is applied, which may be configured to improve the condition of the portion of the individual's body 110 where the protective film 100 is applied as discussed above. In application, the protective film 100 may provide a barrier from damage associated with the application of a decorative treatment, the removal process of the decorative treatment, or one or more external elements. The method may also include instructing the individual to determine the shape of the protective film 100 based on the portion of the individual's body 110 in which the film 100 is being applied. The shape may be predetermined or pre-cut. The method may further include instructing the individual to remove a backing membrane from the second side of the protective film 100. The backing membrane may overlie and protect the adhesive 108 and health additive from exposure prior to application to the portion of the individual's body 110.

[0044] In one example, the method may enable the individual to decorate their nail 116. The system and method can be utilized in connection with either an individual's finger or toe nails 116. According to this aspect, the system can include applying a thin film 100 over an individual's nail 116, as shown in FIG. 5. The film 100 can be sized so that a single sized film 100 can be used on each nail 116. According to another aspect, the film 100 can include multiple perforations that allow the film 100 to be sized for different sized nails 116. The film 100 may be applied from the individual's cuticle to the tip of the nail 116, as also shown in FIG. 5, or vice versa. According to still another aspect, films 100 in different sizes (i.e., small, medium, or large) can also be employed (see FIGS. 4 and 6). The film 100 may be a topical film and may be constructed of a membrane material, as shown in FIGS. 2-4. It will be appreciated that the film 100 may be constructed of a variety of other suitable materials.

[0045] It is a further aspect of the present disclosure that a protective film 100 as applied to the individual's skin 118 is the same protective film or may have similar characteristic to the protective film 100 as applied to the individual's nail 116, described above. The protective film 100 and method also can be utilized in connection with the individual's skin 118 on any portion of the individual's body 110. In particular, the protective film 100 may be applied to the individual's skin 118 prior to or after any damage, such as cracks, blisters, or calluses, has occurred. The protective film 100 may be designed to act as a protective shield on the skin 118 and may also act as a repairing agent alter damage has occurred. According to an aspect, the system can include applying a thin film 100 over a portion of the individual's skin 118 on the individual's body 110. The film 100 can be sized so that a single sized filmed can be used on the portion of the individual's skin 118. The film 100 may have various sizes (small, medium, and large) and may further include multiple perforations that allow the film 100 to be sized easily for different portions of the individual's body 110, as shown in FIG. 6. The film 100 may be a topical film and may be constructed of membrane material. It will be appreciated that the film 100 may alternatively be constructed of a variety of other suitable material.

[0046] According to an aspect, the film 100 may have two sides 102, 104 and may an adhesive 108 disposed on one side for attachment to the skin 118, as shown in FIGS. 2-4. Once attached to the skin 118, the film 100 serves as a protective shield from outside elements coming into contact with the individual's skin 118. An active or an active ingredient 112 such as a health additive, repairing additive, vitamin, or medication may be included in or entrapped by the adhesive 108 that is used to secure the film 100 to the individual's skin 118. The active ingredient 112 may be a time-released active ingredient 112 that is released or dispersed into the skin 118 of the individual's body 110 after a predetermined time after the film 100 has been applied to the individual's skin 118. For Instance, the active ingredient 112 may be time-released within minutes, hours, or days after application. In an alternative aspect, the active ingredient 112 may be a non-time released active ingredient 112 that is released or dispersed into the individual's skin 118 immediately when the film 100 is applied to the individual's skin 118. The active ingredient 112 may be used to protect and give nutrients to the skin 118. Additionally, the active ingredient 112 may be used to repair the skin 118. For instance, as shown in FIG. 6, the film 100 may be placed on an individual's callus on their foot 126 to repair the individual's loot 126 and reduce the callus. It is appreciated that the protective film 100 may be utilized to repair other damage to the individual's skin 118.

[0047] It is appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the protective film 100 may be provided on its own as discussed above, or may be incorporated into another apparatus 130 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0048] As discussed above, an apparatus 130 with a protective film 100 incorporated there is also provided. In its broadest aspect, the apparatus 130 may include an artificial nail 132 having a nail body 134 with an upper surface 136 and a lower surface 138, and an adhesive 108 disposed against the lower surface for securing the nail body 134 to a nail 116 of an individual. The adhesive 108 forms the protective film 100, which may be made of a plurality of beads 122 spaced apart from one another by a plurality of gaps 124. The plurality of beads 122 may include an active ingredient configured to disperse one or more health additives 114 onto the individual's nail 116. The protective film 100 may also form a barrier between the artificial nail 132 and the individual's nail 116 to protect the individual's nail 116 from damage caused by the application of decorative treatments on the artificial nail 132 or the removal of the artificial nail 132 from the individual's nail 116.

[0049] With reference to FIG. 8, the apparatus 130 includes an artificial nail 132 having a nail body 134 for overlying and being secured to a natural fingernail 116 of a person. In one example, the nail body 134 is made of an acrylic material; however, other materials could be utilized. When disposed on a fingernail 116, the apparatus 130 not only provides for an aesthetically pleasing covering of the fingernail 116, but also protects the fingernail 116 and delivers at least one beneficial health additive 114 to the fingernail 116.

[0050] The nail body 134 has a lower surface and an upper surface 136. The lower surface 138 is sized and configured to overlie and be secured to the fingernail 116. In one example, a portion of the lower surface engages the natural fingernail 116, and another portion extends over and away from the fingernail 116. It should be appreciated that the nail body 134 could have other shapes and sizes, e.g., the boundaries of the nail body 134 may be shaped and sized such that they are flush with the perimeter of the natural fingernail 116.

[0051] The upper surface 136 may receive one or more coatings such as nail polish 142 and finishing materials. The nail polish 142 can be used to make the apparatus 130 look like the natural fingernail 116 or it can also be used to provide other attractive and unique appearances. The finishing material can be used to protect the natural fingernail 116 and/or the nail polish 142 from damage.

[0052] As best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, an adhesive 108 is disposed against the lower surface 138 for securing the apparatus 130 to the fingernail 116. The adhesive 108 is separated into a plurality of beads 122 that are spaced from one another by a plurality of gaps 124 in a grid pattern. In FIG. 9, the grid pattern has an outer perimeter that has a circular shape. It should be appreciated, however, that other shapes may be utilized including, but not limited to, a rectangular shape and a square shape. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the cells of the grid may have various shapes and sizes.

[0053] At least one health additive 114 is disposed against the lower surface 138 of the nail body 134 in one or more of the gaps 124 for being delivered onto the natural fingernail 116 of the person after the lower surface 138 of the nail body 134 has been applied against the fingernail 116 of the person. The health additive 114 may include various vitamins, proteins, nutrients, etc. The health additive 114 may also be homeopathic in nature. If should be appreciated that a single type of health additive 114 may be utilized, or more than one health additive 114 may be used. If more than one health additive 114 is utilized, the different types of health additives 114 may be disposed uniformly across the lower surface 138 of the nail body 134 or they may be positioned at different predetermined locations on the lower surface 138 of the body to deliver specific health additives 114 to different parts of the fingernail 116 as needed.

[0054] Based on the type of health additive 114 utilized, the health additive 114 may encourage healthy development of the natural fingernail 116 and/or inhibit the growth of bacteria or other harmful organisms between the apparatus 130 and the natural fingernail 116. Furthermore, the health additive 114 may be configured to be time-released or released immediately upon the placement of the apparatus 130 on the fingernail 116.

[0055] It should also be appreciated that the grid-shaped pattern of the adhesive 108 and health additive 114 on the lower surface 138 of the nail body 134 provides for even distribution of the adhesive 108 and health additive 114, while ensuring that the nail body 134 remains secured to the natural fingernail 116.

[0056] With reference back to FIG. 8, a backing membrane 140 removeably overlies the adhesive 108 and the health additive 114 on the lower surface 138 for covering and protecting the adhesive 108 and the health additive 114 prior to removal of the backing membrane 140 and subsequent placement of the lower surface 138 of the nail body 134 on the natural fingernail 116. Said another way, in an initial configuration, the backing membrane 140 overlies and protects the adhesive 108 and health additive 114. The backing membrane 140 may be removed from the nail body 134 into an exposed configuration in which the adhesive 108 and health additive 114 are exposed to allow the adhesive 108 and health additive 114 to be placed over the natural fingernail 116. The backing membrane 140 also ensures that that health additive 114 and adhesive 108 are preserved prior to placement of the apparatus 130 onto the natural fingernail 116.

[0057] Note that not all of the activities described above in the general description or the examples are required, that a portion of a specific activity may not be required, and that one or more further activities may be performed in addition to those described. Still further, the orders in which activities are listed are not necessarily the order in which they are performed.

[0058] The specification and illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The specification and illustrations are not intended to serve as an exhaustive and comprehensive description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that use the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be used and derived from the disclosure, such that a structural substitution, logical substitution, or another change may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0059] Certain features are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any sub combination. Further, reference to values stated in ranges includes each and every value within that range.

[0060] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.

[0061] The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover any and all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments that fall within the scope of the present invention. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

[0062] Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.