Manicure Device

Abstract

An adjustable hand support is designed to help one paint nails easily with beautiful results. The device comprises a base, digit rests, fingertip rests and nail rests. The base may resemble a human hand with five digit rests. A human hand is inserted into the device and the length is adjusted allowing the fingertip protecting membrane reside at the optimum place to protect all of the fingers. The fingertip rests slide forward and back by the use or rails which engage with slots in the extension. The nail rest fits that the free edge to protect the finger skin from getting nail cover composition on the skin. The nail rest may also have a nail fold mask is to protect the nail fold from polish. Optionally, the fingertip rest comprises an accessory allowing for stamping, stenciling and French nail ornamentations.

Claims

1. A device for use in applying nail coating composition to a nail, comprising a base comprising a plurality of digit rests, wherein at least one of the digit rests comprises a fingertip rest, wherein the fingertip rest comprises a nail rest.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the fingertip rest is adjustable along the length of the digit rest.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the digit rest comprises a set of slots, and the fingertip rest comprises a set of rails, so that the rails engage within the slots.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein length adjusting component further comprises a pawl, ratchet and a release tab whereby the release tab resides within a groove in the base.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the base has a unibody structure.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the base has a modular structure.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises five digit rests.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises six digit rests.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein a nail coating composition bottle holder is attached to the base.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein a nail fold mask is attached to the nail rest.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the nail fold mask is designed to protect the skin surrounding the nail from a nail coating composition.

12. The device of claim 1, further comprising a flip up tool, comprising a pair of arms, a pad, and pivot in holes in the fingertip rest.

13. The device of claim 1, further comprising a flip up tool for use with stamps, stencils, scraping or French manicures, comprising a pair of arms, a pad, and pivot in holes in the fingertip rest.

14. An apparatus comprising two devices of claim 1 connected together with a hinge.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the two devices connected with a hinge form a clamshell.

16. A method of forming a nail coating, comprising the use of the device of claim 1, comprising the steps of placing a fingertip onto the fingertip rest and applying a nail coating composition to a nail.

17. The method of claim 16, the method further comprising the step of adjusting the fingertip rest is along the length of the digit rest.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings. The exemplary embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the drawings and further explained hereinunder.

[0067] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the device of the present invention.

[0068] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the device of the present invention.

[0069] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the device of the present invention without fingertip rests.

[0070] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the device of the present invention without fingertip rests.

[0071] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the device of the present invention without fingertip rests.

[0072] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the device of the present invention.

[0073] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the fingertip rest.

[0074] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view showing how a fingernail is placed onto the fingertip rest for use.

[0075] FIG. 9 is a top plan view showing how a hand is placed onto the device for use.

[0076] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the fingertip rest with a flip up tool.

[0077] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the fingertip rest with a nail fold mask.

[0078] FIG. 12 is a planar view of the nail fold mask.

[0079] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the end of the digit rest without the fingertip rest.

[0080] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the fingertip rest.

[0081] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the flip-up tool in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0082] Many people find great satisfaction in having beautifully painted nails. Unfortunately, painting one's own nails can be problematic, especially when applying the nail coating composition with one's non-dominant hand. Polish can be inadvertently applied to the tips of fingers and subsequently needs removal. The application of the nail coating composition may be spotty or clumped, requiring stripping and reapplication. What should be a pleasurable experience can quickly become time-consuming and frustrating. For a nail coating composition to adhere properly and become chip-resistant, wrap polish around the end of the nail tip. The device of the present invention makes the application of nail coating composition easy.

[0083] The ergonomic and easily adjustable device of the present invention provides solid support that comfortably covers the fingertip areas under and slightly around the fingernail for a wide range of hand sizes. A nail coating composition can then be applied in a steady and secure manner, providing a stationary target. This leads to a better-quality manicure and a delightful experience.

[0084] The present invention, in part, is directed to an adjustable hand support to help women paint their nails with beautiful results. Such a device enables people who may not usually polish their nails to polish their nails themselves and keep them polished long term.

[0085] People can create professionally manicured results at home. This will enable not only the current at-home self-polishers but also convert professionally polished customers to become self-polishers.

[0086] Applying nail polish and other ornamental or medical nail coatings is often slow and potentially very sloppy. When applying nail polish to finger nails it is often accidentally applied to the skin. Under one embodiment, this invention keeps nail polish off of the skin.

[0087] Further, the device and method of the present invention successfully obviate the problems in nail coating industry, such as glue-on protective devices falling off prematurely, messy pre-applied protective lotions and latex masking coatings, and difficult process of removing pre-applied protective lotions and latex masking coatings.

[0088] This invention even allows people with shaky hands to self-apply nail polish. The invention allows people with unsteady hands to apply nail polish quickly.

[0089] The device and method of the present invention save time by allowing the user to insert a protective membrane over the nail fold and/or under the free edge of the nail while quickly protecting skin from nail polish. Additional features may include an integrated nail polish bottle holder and an integrated flip-up tool for stampings and stencils.

[0090] A slightly modified embodiment is contemplated for use on the feet. In such an embodiment, the base would resemble the sole of the foot and the fingertip rests and nail rests are designed to fit a foot.

[0091] For illustrative purposes, the principles of the present invention are described by referencing various exemplary embodiments thereof. Although particular embodiments of the invention are specifically described herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the same principles are equally applicable to and can be employed in other apparatuses and methods. Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of any particular embodiment shown. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Further, although certain methods are described with reference to certain steps that are presented herein in certain order, in many instances, these steps may be performed in any order as may be appreciated by one skilled in the art, and the methods are not limited to the particular arrangement of steps disclosed herein.

[0092] All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

[0093] Any member in a list of species that are used to exemplify or define a genus may be mutually different from, or overlapping with, or a subset of, or equivalent to, or nearly the same as, or identical to, any other member of the list of species. Further, unless explicitly stated (such as when reciting a Markush group), the list of species that define or exemplify the genus is open, and it is given that other species may exist that define or exemplify the genus just as well as, or better than, any other species listed.

[0094] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” may be used interchangeably herein. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” may be used interchangeably.

[0095] The abbreviations and symbols as used herein, unless indicated otherwise, take their ordinary meaning.

[0096] The term “nail”, refer to either a fingernail or a toenail, either a natural nail or an artificial nail. The term “nail” also refers to a human nail, as well as to any toughened keratin at the end of a digit of a non-human animal. As is understood from the context, the term “nail” may refer to a nail that has no coating on it or a nail that already has several layers of a nail lacquer composition on it, or a nail that comprises a nail coating.

[0097] The term “client” refers to a person whose nails are being treated. For the sake of brevity, the client is referred to in the description as “she” though the client may be female, male, or any other sex or gender and may use any appropriate pronoun. Under one embodiment, the client is a non-human animal with nails or any toughened keratin at the end of a digit. As used throughout, for readability purposes, the third person plural pronouns also refer to third-person singular pronouns and vice versa. For example, in English, the pronouns “they”, “them”, “theirs”, and any other declensions of the third person plural pronoun also refers to the similarly declined third-person singular pronouns.

[0098] The phrase “nail technician” or “technician” is a worker skilled or licensed in the art of providing nail extensions, artificial nails, acrylic nails, gel nails, and other manicure services for clients. Alternative names for a nail technician may include a manicurist or a cosmetologist. Such a person may work for pay at a nail salon or may be a manicure aficionado.

[0099] Under one embodiment of the present invention, the client and the nail technician are two different individuals. Although the invention description below describes the nail technician and the client as two separate individuals, it is understood that the claimed invention and methods are also suitable for use by a single person who is both a nail technician and a client. Under such an embodiment of the present invention, the client and the nail technician are the same people.

[0100] The phrase “nail coating composition” refers to a lacquer, a gel, or any other fluid that is suitable to be applied to fingernails or toenails to decorate or protect the nail plates that, when hardened, is a nail coating. The term “gel” is defined broadly and not restricted to any particular narrow definition. A gel is a fluid or semi-fluid, or jelly-like substance; it may be a Newtonian, rheopectic, or thixotropic fluid.

[0101] Further, the definition of the phrase “nail coating composition” includes any composition applied to nails for decorative or medical reasons. The definition includes nail polish, base coat, primer, protein strengtheners, other strengtheners, top coat, medical nail coating composition, stop biting solution nail coating composition, pharmaceutical nail coating composition, nutritionals nail coating composition, gel coat, acrylic, stamping, stencils, air brush, appliques, and like.

[0102] The phrase “nail coating” refers to the hardened, fully cured substance covering a part or all of the nail and any portions of this substance that extends or is built beyond the nail's free edge. The phrase “nail coating” refers to a finish product (which may then be buffed or filed), and may be composed of a single layer or multiple layers. The phrase “nail coating” is interpreted broadly, and it includes any hardened substance on a nail due to the application of a nail gel, a nail polish, a nail enamel or a nail varnish.

[0103] The term “digit” refers to a finger, a toe, or any other appendage which comprises a nail. A thumb is a considered a finger.

[0104] The present invention relates to a device for use in applying nail coating composition to a nail. The device comprises at least a base comprising a plurality of digit rests, wherein at least one of the digit rests comprises a fingertip rest, wherein the fingertip rest comprises a nail rest.

[0105] The device 10 comprises at least a base 11, a digit rest 14, a fingertip rest 30, and a nail rest 40. Alternatively, the device 10 comprises at least a base 11 comprising at least one digit rest 14, at least one fingertip rest 30, and at least one nail rest 40.

[0106] The device of the present invention serves as a manicure aid which will be especially useful for clients who want to polish their own nails. The device is especially helpful for clients who do not have very good finger dexterity or who suffer from any condition causing unsteadiness or shakiness. Under one embodiment, this invention has the working title of Knock-Out Nails Manicure Aid.

[0107] The term “rest” as used in the phrases “digit rest”, “fingertip rest”, “nail rest”, “palm rest”, and like, refers to the part of the device onto with the body part rests when the device is in use. The part of the rest that the body part touches is the surface of the rest.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 1, this device of the present invention comprises a base 11 upon which the client having their nails done will rest her hand comfortably. In one embodiment, the base 10 is in the shape of a hand, a foot, or any other appendage comprising digits with a nail. Under one embodiment, the shape of the hand may be slightly larger to comfortably accommodate a client's hand, foot, or any other appendage comprising digits with a nail. Under one embodiment, the shape of the hand may be slightly smaller to comfortably accommodate a client's hand, foot, or any other appendage comprising digits with a nail.

[0109] Under one embodiment, the base 11 has a unibody structure. The term “unibody” means that the entire based, or essentially the entire base, or the majority of the entire base is made from the same material. The unibody device is composed of a single material that has uniform chemical and physical properties. The material used is rigid enough that the device holds its shape during the use of the device to allow for efficient or effective nail coating composition application.

[0110] Under another embodiment, the base 11 has a modular structure. This means that the base 11 is assembled from pieces or parts. Under one embodiment, the base 11 is created in pieces or sections to save on shipping and packaging space. Under one embodiment, the base 11 is created in pieces or sections to modify the base to suit a particular client's shape of the hand. In FIGS. 1 and 2, a seam line 12 shows a modular structure of the base 11. The pieces may be fitted together reversibly or irreversibly. The pieces may be fitted together by any appropriate method, including snapping the pieces together, screwing them together, gluing them together, etc.

[0111] Under one embodiment, the base 11 has an integrated palm/heel rest 13, so that the fingers or toes are elevated to a proper working height without straining.

[0112] The base 11 comprises a digit rest 14. A digit rest 14 is a part of the base onto which at least a part of a digit is placed thereupon, or placed slightly above. An alternative term for the “digit rest” is a finger rest or an extension. Under one embodiment, the digit rest is in contact with, or in close distance to the proximal phalange or medial phalange, or both.

[0113] Under one embodiment, the base comprises a single digit rest 14. Under one embodiment, the base comprises two digit rests. Under one embodiment, the base comprises three digit rests. Under one embodiment, the base comprises four digit rests. Under one embodiment, the base comprises five digit rests. Under one embodiment, the base comprises six digit rests. Under one embodiment, the base comprises more than six digit rests.

[0114] In embodiments with fewer than five digit rests, such a device is useful due to lower production costs, for use for training of technicians, for model use, or toy use.

[0115] Under one embodiment, the base 11 comprising the digit rests 14, approximates the shape of a hand.

[0116] Under one embodiment, the base 11 is right-handed, meaning that the base is designed to look like, or alternatively accept, a right hand. An example of a right-hand base 11 is in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0117] Under one embodiment, the base 11 is left-handed, meaning, that the base is designed to look like, or alternatively accept, a left hand.

[0118] Under one embodiment, the base comprises a digit rest 14 designed to accept a client's thumb. Under one embodiment, the thumb digit rest is flat. Under an alternative embodiment, the thumb digit rest is at an angle to accommodate a natural curvature of the thumb with respect to the plane of the palm.

[0119] Under one embodiment, the device of the present invention comprises a base 11 with six digit, with the sixth being the thumb of the opposite hand. This embodiment enables a single base 11 to serve for both right and left hand.

[0120] Under another embodiment, the device comprises ten digit rests. Such a device is useful for salon use, wherein the technician and the client are two different individuals. Having a base with ten digits allows for a rapid application of nail coating composition.

[0121] The device of the present application also comprises a fingertip rest 30. Under one embodiment, the distal phalange rest on a fingertip rest 30, when the device is in use.

[0122] Under one embodiment, the fingertip rest 30 is attached permanently to the digit rest 14. The client adjusts her hand to fit the device prior to use.

[0123] The present invention is also directed to a device for use in applying a nail coating composition to a nail, comprising a base comprising a plurality of digit rests, wherein at least one of the digit rests comprises a fingertip rest, wherein the fingertip rest comprises a nail rest, wherein the fingertip rest is adjustable along the length of the digit rest, wherein the digit rest comprises a set of slots, and the fingertip rest comprises a set of rails so that the rails engage within the slots.

[0124] Under such embodiment, the fingertip rest 30 is adjustable along a portion of the digit rest 14. Under one embodiment, the fingertip rest 30 is friction fitted on the digit rest 14.

[0125] Under one embodiment, the digit rest 14 has a set of slots 20, along which the fingertip rest may slide. A set of slots may be a single slot, a pair of slots, or a higher number of slots.

[0126] The purpose of these slots is to provide a means by which the fingertip rest 30 can move forward and backward and be held captive by the slots 20. Under one embodiment, the fingertip rest comprises a set of rails 21 so that the rails will engage with the slots 20 in the digit rest 14 and slide easily.

[0127] Under one embodiment, the fingertip rest 30 moves along the digit rest without being locked into a position.

[0128] Under an alternative embodiment, the fingertip rest is locked position. Under one embodiment, the locking is achieved by the ratchet-pawl mechanism.

[0129] Under one embodiment, each digit rest 14 has the means to lock the fingertip rest 30 in place. Referring to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, this is accomplished in one embodiment by the use of a pawl 16, a ratchet 17, and a release tab 18. In the bottom of the base 11 in each digit rest 14 is a groove 19. In this groove 19, a release tab 18 resides being attached at the end closer to the palm and free at the end of the digit rest 14. The Tab will be able to deflect up and down to allow a ratchet 17 on the release tab 18 to engage or disengage with the pawl 16 in fingertip rest 30. By this means the fingertip rest 30 is locked in place by ratchet 17 normally and be able to be slide back and forth by depressing the release tab 18.

[0130] Attached to the fingertip rest 14 is a nail rest 40. The nail rest 40 is a semi-rigid apparatus. To be used properly the correct distance of the fingertip rest 30 is found and set so that the fingernail is properly resting on and protected by top edge 41 of the nail rest 40. Under the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, the nail rest 40 is shaped in a way as shown with a finger 23 so as to be able to protect a fingernail 24 while being polished or otherwise coated with a nail coating composition.

[0131] Under one embodiment, the base 11 further comprises a nail polish bottle holder 50. The nail polish bottle holder 50 is attached to the base 11 by any of several means, including snap in place, slot and tab system, screws, glue, and others. Under one embodiment, the nail polish bottle holder is unibody with the base.

[0132] Under one embodiment, the bottle holder 50 consists of one of more small boxes or cylinders. Under one embodiment, the box or cylinder has a closed bottom. Under one embodiment, the box or cylinder has an open bottom.

[0133] A bottle of nail polish 51 fits upright in the nail polish holder 50. Alternatively, the bottle can also be put at an angle for dispensing ease and to get the last portions out of the bottle. This may be accomplished by fitting the bottle diagonally across the opening of the nail polish holder.

[0134] Under one embodiment, the nail rest is attached to a nail fold mask 60. The nail fold mask 60 is a loop of material that also enables protection of the eponychium and perionychium during polishing. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, such a nail fold mask 60 is comprised of a semi-rigid loop in the shape of a fingernail with a pliable curtain portion that sits on the nail and protects the finger skin. The nail fold mask is designed to sit in the area of a fingernail usually pushed back during a manicure. The nail fold mask 60 is designed to protect the skin surrounding the nail from a nail coating composition.

[0135] The device of the present invention under one embodiment further comprises a flip-up tool 70. The flip-up tool is indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 10. Such a flip-up tool is useful for the application of stamps, stencils, French manicures. The flip-up tool is comprised of two arms 72 and a pad 73. The two arms 72 click into respective holes 71 on each side of fingertip rest 30. The flip-up tool 70 pivots about the pair of holes.

[0136] To use the flip-up tool 70, the tool is first flipped away from the nail. For a stamp a small stamp pad is used on the end of the tool. To use a stamp a little polish is first administered on the stamp which is then rotated forward and the design is stamped on the fingernail.

[0137] For a stencil, the stencil is affixed to the pad and is flip onto the nail. Then, paint or spray is applied through the stencil for the desired effect.

[0138] For a French manicure, the pad will mask a small area leaving the distinctive tip or stamp on a different color in the desired shape.

[0139] The present invention is also directed to an apparatus comprising two devices connected together with a hinge. Under one embodiment, the two devices are a device with left-handed base and a device with a right-hand base 11, bound together with a hinge.

[0140] Under one embodiment, the two devices connected with a hinge form a clamshell. A clamshell is an apparatus, formed of two roughly equal halves of a clamshell with a hinge to enclose a space.

[0141] Under one embodiment, the two devices snap together or fit together. Under one embodiment, the Clamshell comprises a clasp.

[0142] Under one embodiment, the apparatus contains a space within the apparatus. This space is suitable for storing the rest of the parts and/or accessories.

[0143] The present invention is also directed to a method of using the device of the present invention.

[0144] Under one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of using the device of the present invention to apply a nail.

[0145] Under one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of forming a nail coating to a nail comprising the use of the device, wherein the device comprises a base comprising a plurality of digit rests, wherein at least one of the digit rests comprises a fingertip rest, wherein the fingertip rest comprises a nail rest, comprising the steps of placing a fingertip onto the fingertip rest, and applying a nail coating composition to the nail.

[0146] The method comprises at least two steps: firstly, a fingertip is placed onto the fingertip rest. Secondly, a nail coating composition is applied to a nail.

[0147] The first step requires the placement of the client's fingertip only to the fingertip rest. Under one embodiment, the top edge 41 of the nail rest 40 is placed gently under the nail's free edge.

[0148] Under one embodiment, the first step also allows the placement of the other fingertips onto the other fingertip rests. Further, under one embodiment, the client paces the entire hand onto the device, so that some, most, or all of the fingertips are placed onto the fingertip rests; some, most or all of the proximal and medial phalanges of the digits are placed onto their respective digit rests 14, and palm is placed onto the palm rest 13.

[0149] The second step requires the application of a nail coating composition onto a nail. Under one embodiment, the nail is that on the fingertip of the digit that was placed onto the fingertip rest.

[0150] Under one embodiment, there is also an intermediate step between the first step and the second step. This intermediate step is an adjustment of the fingertip rests along the length of the digit rest.

[0151] The adjustment may be done by moving the fingertip rest 30 along the digit rest 14. Under one embodiment, the fingertip rests are moved to overcome the friction. Under one embodiment, the fingertip rests are moved by depressing the release tab 18, moving the fingertip rest into a suitable position, and releasing the release tab 18.

[0152] The device of the present invention solves various problems associated with the application of nail polish composition.

[0153] One of the advantages of the device and method of the present invention is that the device caters to those with the short nails. This device gives a way for those with the short nails the ability to have well-manicured hands with polished nails. This may be achieved even without the expense and hassle of going to a salon.

[0154] Another advantage of the device and the method of the present invention is that the device secures the placement of the client's hand and fingertips in the device to offer the stability that gives the opposite hand a more precise and easier time to polish the nails. The device allows for better polish application with the user's non-dominant hand versus without the device.

[0155] Yet another advantage of the device and the method of the present invention is that the device fits securely under the free edge of the nail allowing the user to wrap the nail coating composition around the front of the free edge of the nail which causes the nail coating to last longer and makes it more resistant to chipping.

[0156] A further advantage of the device and the method of the present invention is that the client may remove the finger from the device shortly after the application of the nail coating composition without smearing the nail coating composition prior to the formation of the nail coating.

[0157] Still another advantage of the device and the method of the present invention is that the use of the device protects the nail folds, including eponychium or perionychium, from being injured during nail filing. The device allows isolating only the nail for filing and shaping.

[0158] Yet a further advantage of the device and the method of the present invention is that the device allows for easy use of stencils for proper shaping, so all nails are the same length and shape. Stencils can be changed according to the desired nail shape.

[0159] Still further advantage of the device and the method of the present invention is that the placement of the top edge of the nail rest allows for the proper placement of the white of the nail, allowing an accurate placement of a stencil for French manicures.

EXPERIMENTAL

[0160] This design exemplified in FIGS. 1 to 15 has been tested and shown to allow a significantly increased amount of comfort and precision possible compared to commercially available designs.

[0161] While the present invention has been described with reference to several embodiments, which embodiments have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, such embodiments are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention. The scope of the invention is to be determined from the claims appended hereto. Further, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and the principles of the invention.