Utility Nail Tip

Abstract

A utility nail tip, for attaching on a natural nail of a user by a bonding agent, incudes a nail portion, having an underside contact surface configured to fit size, shape and curvature of a top surface of the natural nail of the user and being made of a material adapted for attaching on the top surface of the natural nail, and a utility portion, integrally extended from the nail portion and supported by the nail portion, which is made of a material and configured to perform a specific function as a tool.

Claims

1. A utility nail tip for attaching on a natural nail of a user by a bonding agent, comprising: a nail portion, having an underside contact surface configured to fit size, shape and curvature of a top surface of the natural nail of the user and being made of a material adapted for attaching on the top surface of the natural nail; and a utility portion, integrally extended from the nail portion and supported by the nail portion, which is made of a material and configured to perform a specific function as a tool.

2. The utility nail tip, as recited in claim 1, wherein a rough affixing surface is provided on at least a portion of the underside contact surface of the nail portion of the utility nail tip and configured for increasing a contacting surface area of the rough affixing surface to pick up the bonding agent applied between the underside contact surface of the nail portion of the utility nail tip and the top surface of the natural nail of the user, while reducing a thickness of the bonding agent applied between the underside contact surface of the nail portion of the utility nail tip and the top surface of the natural nail of the user.

3. The utility nail tip, as recited in claim 2, wherein the rough affixing surface is a coarse surface.

4. The utility nail tip, as recited in claim 3, wherein a plurality of indented grooves is formed on the rough affixing surface to form the coarse surface.

5. The utility nail tip, as recited in claim 3, wherein the rough affixed surface is filed to form the coarse surface.

6. The utility nail tip, as recited in claim 1, wherein the utility portion has a predetermined shape and size extended from a distal edge of the nail portion to form a utility tool having a specific function after the nail portion is securely attached to the natural nail of the user.

7. The utility nail tip, as recited in claim 2, wherein the utility portion has a predetermined shape and size extended from a distal edge of the nail portion to form a utility tool having a specific function after the nail portion is securely attached to the natural nail of the user.

8. The utility nail tip, as recited in claim 6, wherein a thickness of the utility portion is thicker than a thickness of nail portion.

9. The utility nail tip, as recited in claim 7, wherein a thickness of the utility portion is thicker than a thickness of nail portion.

10. The utility nail tip, as recited in claim 6, wherein a thickness of the nail portion is determined according to features and conditions of the natural nail of the user for having sufficient strength to securely attached on the top surface of the natural nail of the user, and the thickness of the utility portion is determined according to the specific function to be performed for having sufficient stiffness and strength to perform the specific function.

11. The utility nail tip, as recited in claim 7, wherein a thickness of the nail portion is determined according to features and conditions of the natural nail of the user for having sufficient strength to securely attached on the top surface of the natural nail of the user, and the thickness of the utility portion is determined according to the specific function to be performed for having sufficient stiffness and strength to perform the specific function.

12. The utility nail tip, as recited in claim 10, a thickness of a base part of the utility portion is thicker than a distal edge of the nail portion inwardly to form a reinforcing step edge having a curvature and configuration adapted for resting on a free edge of the natural nail of the user.

13. The utility nail tip, as recited in claim 11, a thickness of a base part of the utility portion is thicker than a distal edge of the nail portion inwardly to form a reinforcing step edge having a curvature and configuration adapted for resting on a free edge of the natural nail of the user.

14. The utility nail tip, as recited in claim 1, wherein the nail portion is an artificial nail tip having an outer attaching surface opposing the underside contacting surface, and that the utility portion is an independent element having an attaching portion which has an inner attaching surface sized, shaped and configured to be adhered to outer attaching surface of the nail portion to form the utility nail tip.

15. The utility nail tip, as recited in claim 2, wherein the nail portion is an artificial nail tip having an outer attaching surface opposing the underside contacting surface, and that the utility portion is an independent element having an attaching portion which has an inner attaching surface sized, shaped and configured to be adhered to outer attaching surface of the nail portion to form the utility nail tip.

16. The utility nail tip, as recited in claim 10, wherein the nail portion is an artificial nail tip having an outer attaching surface opposing the underside contacting surface, and that the utility portion is an independent element having an attaching portion which has an inner attaching surface sized, shaped and configured to be adhered to outer attaching surface of the nail portion to form the utility nail tip.

17. The utility nail tip, as recited in claim 11, wherein the nail portion is an artificial nail tip having an outer attaching surface opposing the underside contacting surface, and that the utility portion is an independent element having an attaching portion which has an inner attaching surface sized, shaped and configured to be adhered to outer attaching surface of the nail portion to form the utility nail tip.

18. The utility nail tip, as recited in claim 1, wherein the utility nail tip is applied and cured on the natural nail of the user through an applying method comprising steps of: (a) picking a utility nail tip from a plurality of utility nail tips that is sized and shaped to fit a size, shape and curvature of a natural nail of a user to be applied with the utility nail tip thereon; (b) applying a bead of a bonding agent to a base of the underside contact surface of the nail portion of the utility nail tip; and (c) adhering the utility nail tip onto the top surface of the corresponding natural nail of the user by pressing and holding for a predetermined of time.

19. The utility nail tip, as recited in claim 18, wherein the step (c) further comprises steps of: (c1) gradually pressing the nail portion of the utility nail tip onto the top surface of the corresponding natural nail of the user, from a base to a tip of the nail portion of the utility nail tip, to ensure a tight seal and to prevent air bubbles; and (c2) continuing to press the nail portion of the utility nail tip onto the corresponding top surface of the natural nail of the user.

20. The utility nail tip, as recited in claim 18, wherein the applying method further comprises a detaching step of detaching the utility nail tip by soaking the natural nail with the nail portion of the utility nail tip attached thereon with a remover agent for relatively short period of time, and then the utility nail tip is capable of being popped off easily from the natural nail.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating five different utility nail tips attached on five natural nails of a hand of a user according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a utility nail tip according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 3A is a sectional view of the utility nail tip as shown in FIG. 2 according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 3B is a front view of the utility nail tip as shown in FIG. 2 according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a partial sectional schematic view illustrating the utility nail tip as shown in FIG. 2 secured on a natural nail of a finger of the user according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 5A is a rear perspective view of the utility nail tip according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a rough affixing surface on an underside contact surface of the utility nail tip.

[0048] FIG. 5B is a rear perspective view of the utility nail tip according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an alternative mode of the rough affixing surface on an underside contact surface of the utility nail tip.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating the attachment between the natural nail and the nail portion of the utility nail tip according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a first alternative mode of the utility nail tip according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating an alternative shape of the utility nail tip according to a second alternative mode of the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating an alternative shape of the utility nail tip according to a third alternative mode of the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10F are schematic views illustrating various shapes of the utility nail tip according to a fourth to a ninth alternative mode of the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0054] The following description is disclosed to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. Preferred embodiments are provided in the following description only as examples and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined in the following description would be applied to other embodiments, alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 6, a utility nail tip 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the utility nail tip 1, which is configured for attaching on a natural nail 30 of a user 3 by a bonding agent 40, comprises a nail portion 10 and a utility portion 20.

[0056] The nail portion 10 has an underside contact surface 11 configured to fit size, shape and curvature of a top surface 31 of the natural nail 30 of the user 3 and is made of a material adapted for attaching on the top surface 31 of the natural nail 30, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0057] The utility portion 20 is integrally extended from the nail portion 10 and supported by the nail portion 20, which is made of a material and configured to perform a specific function as a tool. The utility portion 20 can be shaped and configured as a pick for playing guitar, lute, zither or the like, a painting knife, pen, trim or the like. In other words, the utility portion is configured to perform a specific utility function such that the user 3 may attach various utility nail tips with different functionalities on natural nails 30 of one hand or both hands of the user 3, as shown in FIG. 1, so as to allow the user to perform specific hand tasks, such as playing musical instrument, making ceramics, painting an artwork, and etc., with different finger at the same time.

[0058] The utility portion 20 and the nail portion 10 of the utility nail tip 1 can be made integrally in one piece as shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, or alternatively made by integrally securing a nail portion element 10 and a utility portion element 20 together to form the utility nail tip 1 as shown in FIG. 7.

[0059] According to the preferred embodiment, the nail portion 10 and the utility portion 20 are preferred to be made in different materials, wherein the material of the nail portion 10, such as soft gel material, hard gel material, acrylic material and the like, is adapted for detachably adhering on the natural nail 30 of the user 3, and the material of the utility portion 20 is plastic or acrylic material, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), mixture of fiberglass and resin, nylon, rubber, and the like, that is adapted for adhering on the nail portion 20 and perform specific functions designed thereof. In other words, when the utility nail tip 1 is an integral body, the two materials of the nail portion 10 and the utility portion 20 can be made by molding to form an integral piece. Alternatively, the nail portion 10 and the utility portion 20 can be made independently, which are integrally combined by, for example, adhering the utility portion 20 on the nail portion 10 by the manufacturer during production.

[0060] Some users prefer to attach and secure utility portion 20 onto the nail portion 10 by themselves. Since a user may always like to use one or more particular fingers to wear different functional utility portions to perform different works from time to time, then the user may select the same size, shape and configuration of the nail portion 10 to be attached on the particular natural nail 30 each time. Accordingly, according to a first alternative mode of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 7, the independent utility portion 20 comprises an attaching portion 201 which is downwardly extended and has an inner attaching surface 21 while the independent nail portion 10 has an outer attaching surface 12, as shown in FIG. 7, such that the user may select different utility portions 20 with different shapes and configurations for different purposes to overlap the attaching portion 201 of the utility portion 20 on the nail portion 10 and adhere the inner attaching surface 21 of the attaching portion 201 of the utility portion 20 to the outer attaching surface 12 of the nail portion 10 with adhesive composition adapted for bonding the two materials of the nail portion 10 and the utility portion 20 together.

[0061] The user may attach and secure the elected utility portion 20 onto the nail portion 10 first and then apply and cure the entire utility nail tip 1 on the natural nail 30 by means of an applying method to be described below. Or, alternatively, the user 3 may attach the independent nail portion 10 on the desired natural nail 30 first by means of the applying method, and then attach and secure the utility portion 20 on the nail portion 10 after the attachment of the nail portion 10 on the natural nail 30 has been cured.

[0062] One essential factor for using the utility portion 20 to perform its specific function nicely and firmly enough is the attachment between the nail portion 10 and the natural nail 30 of the user 3. Referring to FIG. 5A to FIG. 6, a rough affixing surface 111 is provided on at least a portion of the underside contact surface 11 of the nail portion 10 of the utility nail tip 1 and configured for increasing a contacting surface area of the rough affixing surface 111 to pick up the bonding agent 40 applied between the underside contact surface 111 of the nail portion 11 of the utility nail tip 1 and the top surface 31 of the natural nail 30 of the user 3, while reducing a thickness of the bonding agent 40 applied between the underside contact surface 11 of the nail portion 10 of the utility nail tip 1 and the top surface 3 of the natural nail 30 of the user 3.

[0063] According to the preferred embodiment, the rough affixing surface 111 is a coarse surface formed on the underside contact surface 11. As shown in FIG. 5A, a plurality of indented grooves 111A is formed on the rough affixing surface 111 making the rough affixing surface a coarse surface. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5B, a plurality of indented/protruded dots or scratches 111B is formed on the rough affixing surface 111 making the rough affixing surface 111 a coarse surface. The rough affixing surface 111 can be built-in made by molding or by filing during the production of the utility nail tip 1 by the manufacturer. Of course, for best attachment to the condition and nature of the natural nail 30 of a particular user 3, the user 3 may apply filing and/or buffing by a file to form the rough affixing surface 111 on the underside contact surface 11 of the nail portion 10 of the utility nail tip 1, to additional form more coarse surface around the rough affixing surface 111 or to add the depth of the indented grooves 111A or dots (scratches) 111B before applying and curing on the natural nail 30 of the user or according to the actual need. At least a central portion or a surrounding portion of the underside contact surface 11 is formed with the rough affixing surface 111. Of course, the entire underside contact surface 11 that will be contact with the top surface 31 of the natural nail 30 can be provided with the rough affixing surface 111.

[0064] The presence of the rough affixing surface 111 on the underside contact surface 11 of the nail portion 10 of the utility nail tip 1 substantially increases a contacting surface area of the rough affixing surface 111, as shown in FIG. 6, to pick up the bonding agent 40 applied between the underside contact surface 11 of the nail portion 10 of the utility nail tip 1 and the top surface 31 of the natural nail 20 of the user 3, while reducing a thickness of the bonding agent 40 applied between the underside contact surface 11 of the nail portion 10 of the utility nail tip 10 and the top surface 31 of the natural nail 30 of the user 3 so as to securely and firmly adhere nail portion 10 on the natural nail 30 to well support the utility portion 20 extended from the nail portion 10 to perform its function. It is appreciated, the underside contact surface 11 is a curved surface fitting the curvature of the top surface 31 of the natural nail 30, wherein the rough affixing surface 111 is also a curved rough affixing surface 111, such that the curvature of the underside contact surface 11 and the rough affixing surface 111 thereon further strengthens the attachment of the nail portion 10 and the natural nail 30, that enhances a firm and rigid base to allow the utility portion 20 to sustain force during the performing of the specific functions thereof, such as striking the strings of a guitar while the utility portion 20 is functioned as a guitar pick.

[0065] The utility portion 20, according to the utility nail tip 1 as illustrated in FIG. 2 to FIG. 7 or attached on the natural nail 30 of the thumb of the user 3 as illustrated in FIG. 1, is embodied to function as a guitar pick. It is well known that a pick, also known as a plectrum, typically has a generally triangular or teardrop-shaped. Some guitarists may prefer a sharper point for precision playing, while others may prefer a more rounded tip for a smoother sound. The utility portion 20 has a triangular or teardrop-shaped with a sharper or rounder tip 22 for striking strings for a smoother sound or a precision playing.

[0066] It is appreciated that a user may wear and attach one utility nail tip 1 with its utility portion 20 functioned as pick with a round tip 22 onto one finger's natural nail 30 and another utility nail tip 1 with its utility portion 20 functioned as pick with a sharper tip 22 onto another finger's natural nail 30 so that the user 3 may perform precision playing and play both smoother sound with the same hand. The user 3 may also wear and attach different utility nail tips 1 with various sizes onto different fingers' natural nails 30 on the same hand to play the musical instrument.

[0067] As a pick-type utility portion 20 of the utility nail tip 1, the utility portion 20 is preferred to be made from a variety of materials, each with its own unique characteristics, such as plastic (such as celluloid or nylon), rubber, metal, felt, or even exotic materials like bone or tortoiseshell alternatives, wherein different materials can produce variations in tone, grip, durability, and feel. Also, its thickness also affects the flexibility, attack, and tone of the pick, wherein thicker picks produce a heavier tone and are less flexible, while thinner picks offer more flexibility and a lighter tone.

[0068] Preferably, the nail portion 10 has the same size of the natural nail 30 to be attached thereon and the utility portion 20 has a predetermined shape and size extended from a distal edge 13 of the nail portion 10 to form the utility tool having the specific function extended from the natural nail tip of the natural nail 30 of the user 3 after the nail portion 10 is securely attached to the natural nail 30 of the user 3.

[0069] According to the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 7, a thickness of the utility portion 20 is thicker than a thickness of nail portion 10, wherein the thickness of the nail portion 10 is determined according to the features and conditions of the natural nail 30 of the user 3 for having sufficient strength to securely attached on the top surface 31 of the natural nail 30 of the user 3, and the thickness of the utility portion 20 is determined according to the specific functions to be performed for having sufficient stiffness and/or strength to perform the specific functions.

[0070] It is appreciated that a reinforcing step edge 23 is formed inwardly at a base part of the utility portion 20 which is thicker than the distal edge 13 of the nail portion 10, which has a curvature and configuration adapted for resting on a free edge of the natural nail 30 of the user 3, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.

[0071] It is worth mentioning that, as shown in FIG. 7, at least one of the outer attaching surface 12 of the nail portion 10 and the inner attaching surface 21 of the utility portion 20 also provided with the rough affixing surface 111 (111A or 111B) as shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B to enhance the affixing ability of the bonding agent 40 applied therebetween to secure the utility portion 20 to the nail portion 10. Also, both the outer attaching surface 12 and the inner attaching surface 12 are curved surface matching with each other and a thickness of the attaching portion 201 of the utility portion 20 gradually reduces from the reinforcing step edge 23 to a free edge 24 thereof.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 8, an alternative shape of the utility nail tip 1 according to a second alternative mode of the above preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the utility portion 20 of the utility nail tip 1 has a narrowed tip end 202 and two slanted sides 203, 204 to form a taper shape to be adapted for functioning as a painting knife.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 9, an alternative shape of the utility nail tip 1 according to a third alternative mode of the above preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the utility portion 20 of the utility nail tip 1 has a curved tip end 205 to form a J shape nail tip tool that is adapted to be functioned as a trimmer for trimming, a spoon for picking oil paint, or etc.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 10A, an alternative shape of the utility nail tip 1 according to a fourth alternative mode of the above preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the utility portion 20 of the utility nail tip 1 has a serrated tip end 206 to be adapted for functioning as a painting knife, scraper or etc.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 10B, an alternative shape of the utility nail tip 1 according to a fifth alternative mode of the above preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the utility portion 20 of the utility nail tip 1 has a sharper tip 207 to be adapted for functioning as a pointer knife or scraper, etc.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 10C, an alternative shape of the utility nail tip 1 according to a sixth alternative mode of the above preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the utility portion 20 of the utility nail tip 1 has a curved slot 208 that is adapted to be functioned as a trimmer or the like.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 10D, an alternative shape of the utility nail tip 1 according to a seventh alternative mode of the above preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the utility portion 20 of the utility nail tip 1 has a sharpen blade edge 209 to be adapted for functioning as a blade or knife for painting or making ceramics, etc.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 10E, an alternative shape of the utility nail tip 1 according to a eighth alternative mode of the above preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the utility portion 20 of the utility nail tip 1 has a rectangular tip 210 to be adapted for functioning as a knife or trimmer for painting or making ceramics, etc.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 10F, an alternative shape of the utility nail tip 1 according to a ninth alternative mode of the above preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the utility portion 20 of the utility nail tip 1 has a taper tip 211 to be adapted for functioning as a knife or trimmer for painting or making ceramics, etc.

[0080] It is appreciated that the shapes of the utility portion 20 of the utility nail tip 1 as illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 10F are merely for exemplary purposes and should not be construed as limitations to the scope of the claimed invention. Other alternative shapes and configurations are apparent derivations of the claimed invention within the inventive concept of the present invention.

[0081] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the utility nail tip 1 according to the present invention is adapted to be applied and cured on a predetermined natural nail 30 of a user 3 through an applying method comprising steps of: [0082] (a) picking a specific utility nail tip 1 from a plurality of utility nail tips 1 that is sized and shaped to fit a size, shape and curvature of the natural nail 30 of the user 3 to be applied with the utility nail tip 1 thereon; [0083] (b) applying a bead of a bonding agent 40 to a base of the underside contact surface 111 of the nail portion 10 of the utility nail tip 1; and [0084] (c) adhering the utility nail tip 1 onto the top surface 31 of the corresponding natural nail 30 of the user 1 by pressing and holding for a predetermined of time, for example 10-30 seconds.

[0085] Preferably, the step (c) is performed under light, such as UV or LED lamp.

[0086] Preferably, when there is no built-in rough affixing surface 111 preformed on the underside contact surface 11 of the nail portion 10 of the utility nail tip 1, before the step (b), the applying method further comprises a step of forming a rough affixing surface 111 on the underside contact surface 11 of the nail portion 10 of the utility nail tip 1 by filing at least a portion of the underside contact surface 11.

[0087] Preferably, before the step (c), the applying method further comprises a step of applying a layer of the bonding agent 40 to the top surface 31 of the natural nail 30 of the user 3.

[0088] Preferably, the step (c) further comprises steps of: [0089] (c1) gradually pressing the nail portion 10 of the utility nail tip 1 onto the top surface 31 of the corresponding natural nail 30 of the user 3, from a base to a tip of the nail portion 10 of the utility nail tip 1, to ensure a tight seal and to prevent air bubbles; and [0090] (c2) continuing to press the nail portion 10 of the utility nail tip 1 onto the corresponding top surface 31 of the natural nail 30 of the user 3.

[0091] Preferably, the step (c2) is executed while applying a UV or LED light to each of the gel nail tips 1.

[0092] Preferably, the step (c) further comprises a step of: [0093] (c3) after removal of pressure, applying the UV or LED light to each of the nail portions 10 of the utility nail tips 1 for a length of time sufficient to completely cure and harden the bonding agent 40 and form a bonding layer between each of the gal nail tips 1 and the corresponding natural nail 30 of the user 3.

[0094] Preferably, the applying method further comprises a detaching step of detaching the utility nail tip by soaking the natural nail 30 with the nail portion 10 of the utility nail tip 1 attached thereon with remover agent such as an acetone for relatively short period of time, and then the utility nail tip 1 is capable of being popped off easily from the natural nail 30.

[0095] One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting.

[0096] It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. The embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present invention and is subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.