Method for Supporting Healthy Long Nail Growth and Mechanism of Nail Reinforcement

Abstract

A flexible under-nail support device and method to apply the same that promotes long healthy fingernail growth by providing nail strength and support without any interaction or damage to the nail plate (upper nail) or the hyponychium (thickened epidermis under the nail). The device has an indention, with a preferred embodiment of an inverted V that is positioned under the fingernail and around the hyponychium. Its lateral sides are bonded to at least the nails' lateral undersides to provide extra strength to the nail. The bonded device is then clipped and filed to the natural nails length. The method includes healthy easy device removal and support replacement. As the nail grows, the process of attaching and removing supports is repeated and over time results in strong, long, healthy, aesthetically pleasing nails. For immediate nail lengthening, the device may be used as scaffolding with other technologies mitigating their respective health hazards.

Claims

1. An under-nail support that when adhered to a natural or artificial nail is indented at its proximal edge thus avoiding close proximity with a hyponychium.

2. The under-nail support according to claim 1, wherein the under-nail support's proximal edge has an indention that is narrow medially and widens until ending with two lateral cusps.

3. The under-nail support according to claim 1, wherein the under-nail support's proximal edge has a polygonal-shaped indention.

4. The under-nail support according to claim 1, wherein the under-nail support's proximal edge has an inverted V-shaped indention at the proximal edge.

5. The under-nail support according to claim 1, wherein the under-nail support's proximal edge has a deeply rounded indention.

6. A method for strengthening and supporting long healthy nail growth on a human digit comprising the steps of a. Providing a flexible under-nail support shaped as to avoid contact with a hyponychium when attached; b. Adhering said under-nail support's proximal edge under the nail's free edge to at least the nail's lateral sides; c. Shaping the under-nail support to the length of the natural nail; d. Allowing the nail with under-nail support adhered to grow naturally; e. Slightly clipping the nail and under-nail support adhered to the nail once the under-nail support's strength begins to be compromised; and, f. Popping off the under-nail support manually from the nail. g. Repeating the steps a through f on a natural nail to achieve and maintain desired nail length.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the under-nail support's proximal edge has an indention that is narrow medially and widens until ending with two lateral cusps.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the under-nail support's proximal edge has a polygonal-shaped indention.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the under-nail support's proximal edge has an inverted V-shaped indention.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein the under-nail support's proximal edge has a deeply rounded indention.

11. A method for rapid lengthening of a nail on a human digit comprising the steps of a. Providing a flexible under-nail support shaped as to avoid contact with a hyponychium and to be longer than the nail when attached to the nail; b. Adhering said under-nail support's proximal edge under the nail's free edge to at least the nail's lateral sides; c. Applying sculpting acrylic atop the under-nail support which serves as a scaffold; d. Grooming the under-nail support with applied sculpting acrylic to increase the nail's length instantaneously; e. Allowing the nail to grow naturally; f. Clipping the under-nail support with applied sculpting acrylic once the under-nail support with applied sculpting acrylic is compromised; g. Popping off the under-nail support manually from the nail; and, h. Repeating the steps a through g if the under-nail support with sculpting acrylic is still needed to lengthen the natural nail.

12. The under-nail support according to claim 11, wherein the under-nail support's proximal edge has an indention that is narrow medially and widens until ending with two lateral cusps.

13. The under-nail support according to claim 11, wherein the under-nail support's proximal edge has a polygonal-shaped indention.

14. The under-nail support according to claim 11, wherein the under-nail support's proximal edge has an inverted V-shaped indention at the proximal edge.

15. The under-nail support according to claim 11, wherein the under-nail support's proximal edge has a deeply rounded indention.

16. A method for lengthening nails on a human digit then maintaining nail length comprising the steps of a. Providing a flexible under-nail support shaped as to avoid contact with a hyponychium and to be longer than the nail when attached to the nail; b. Adhering said under-nail support's proximal edge under the nail's free edge to at least the nail's lateral sides; c. Applying sculpting acrylic atop the under-nail support serving as a scaffold for the sculpting acrylic and support for the nail; d. Grooming the under-nail support with applied sculpting acrylic to increase the nail's length instantaneously; e. Allowing the nail to grow naturally; f. Clipping the under-nail support with applied sculpting acrylic once the under-nail support with applied sculpting acrylic is compromised; g. Popping off the under-nail support manually from the nail; and, h. Repeating the steps a-g if the under-nail support with sculpting acrylic is still needed to lengthen the natural nail. i. After the nail no longer requires lengthening, adhering said under-nail support's proximal edge under the nail's free edge to at least the nail's lateral sides; j. Shaping the under-nail support to the length of the natural nail; k. Allowing the nail with under-nail support adhered to grow naturally; l. Slightly clipping the nail and under-nail support adhered to the nail once the under-nail support's strength begins to be compromised; and, m. Popping off the under-nail support manually from the nail; n. Repeating the steps i through m on the natural nail to achieve and maintain desired nail length.

17. The under-nail support according to claim 16, wherein the under-nail support's proximal edge has an indention that is narrow medially and widens until ending with two lateral cusps.

18. The under-nail support according to claim 16, wherein the under-nail support's proximal edge has a polygonal-shaped indention.

19. The under-nail support according to claim 16, wherein the under-nail support's proximal edge has an inverted V-shaped indention at the proximal edge.

20. The under-nail support according to claim 16, wherein the under-nail support's proximal edge has a deeply rounded indention.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the under-nail growth supporting device with an inverted V shaped indention.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a section on line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 2A is a section on line 2a-2a of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a reference diagram of a human finger with the fingernail halved to highlight the hyponychium and other parts of the nail anatomy.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of artistry represented in FIG. 1 showing proper placement of the under-nail support under the human fingernail represented in FIG. 3.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing glue placement.

[0023] FIG. 6 shows placement direction of under-nail support before bonding.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a palm-side-down view of a human nail with the support device bonded underneath before clipping and filing.

[0025] FIG. 7A is a palm-side-up view of a human nail with the support device bonded before clipping and filing.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a human nail with support bonded underneath being clipped to the length of the natural nail.

[0027] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of filing the reinforced nail of FIG. 8 after clipping.

[0028] FIG. 10 is a palm-side-up view of the nail and support after the nail has grown right before removing support.

[0029] FIG. 11 is a palm-side-up view of the nail supports popping away from the nail as a result of the nail with the adhered supports being clipped.

[0030] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of lengthening a fingernail by applying a monomer/polymer sculpted acrylic mix on the under nail support after the support is adhered as seen in FIG. 7.

[0031] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the filing the dried sculpting acrylic mix and under nail support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0032] FIGS. 1 and 2 show the under-nail support 20 with an extended body 23. The support 20 is a thin, flexible, preferably plastic element with a rearward or proximal edge 26 and two lateral edges 24 that taper distally toward the support's tip 25. The preferred thickness of the support 20 is approximately 0.127 millimeters (0.005 inches) to 0.508 millimeters (0.020 inches). The preferred shape of the under-nail support's proximal edge 26 is an inverted V shape 28 with two cusps 21 that create a recess 22 which, when bonded to the nail, avoids the sensitive hyponychium 35 and reinforces the nail at its most injury-prone areas of the lateral and distal edges of the free edge 34. FIG. 2 is a section on line 2-2 of FIG. 1 revealing the recommended proportion of the V shape 28 to the extended body 23. Such bisection highlights one cusp 21 and the vertex 29 of the V shape 28. FIG. 2A is a section on line 2a-2a of FIG. 1. FIG. 2A reveals a flexible arch 30 of the extended body 23 that promotes sound attachment of the support 20 deep into the nail grooves 36 regardless of whether a user has flat or arched nail plates 32.

[0033] FIG. 3, is a diagram of the human finger 31 revealing the top of the nail or nail plate 32 that is often painted. The nail plate 32 rests on the nail bed 33. The free edge 34 is the section shaped during a manicure and grows distally from the nail bed 33. The thickened epidermis under the free edge 34 is the hyponychium 35 which is the sensitive area of soft skin underneath a fingernail. The nail walls 37 are the folds of skin adjacent to the nail bed 33 and help to keep the nail plates 32 attached. The nail grooves 36 are found under both sides of the free edge 34 and are indicated by the area circled.

[0034] The preferred placement 39 (represented by the dotted line) of the under-nail support 20 is highlighted in FIG. 4. For maximum support of and reinforcement of the nail walls 37 and the tear-prone lateral and distal edges of the free edge 34, the user should position the cusps 21 deeply into the nail grooves 36 under the free edge 34. Such placement also positions the recess 22 to avoid the hyponychium 35.

[0035] FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 address the method of applying the under-nail support 20. To apply, check for the proper size and placement 39 of the under-nail support 20 by properly positioning the support 20 under the nail as illustrated in FIG. 4. Turn the hand palm up and place a drop of a quick-drying adhesive 40 like Super Glue under the free edge 34 regardless of the length of the nail as illustrated in FIG. 5. To bond the nail and support 20, (see FIG. 6), hold the support 20 away from its proximal edge 26 and quickly place the cusps 21 to the underside of the free edge 34 in the direction indicated by 38. Slide the support 20 under the free edge 34 until it comfortably, yet firmly, fits against the nail walls 37, within the nail grooves 36, and around the hyponychium 35. Hold the support 20 in position for 5 to 15 seconds or until fastened securely. FIGS. 7 and 7A reveal a top-lateral and palm-side-up directional views, respectively, of the supported nail once the support 20 is adhered to the nail's free edge 34. Once the support 20 is attached, cut the distal edge of under-nail support 20 with scissors or clipped with nail clippers 41 to a length slightly longer then the natural nail. FIG. 8 suggests the pathway 42 for the now supported nail to be cut or clipped. After cutting the support 20, refine the shape of the under nail support 20 with a file 43 to blend with the nails free edge 34 as shown in FIG. 9. Now that the support 20 is in place, the reinforced nail is allowed to grow protected where it is most likely to tear (the lateral and leading edges) and the hyponychium 35 has a generous buffer from irritation.

[0036] After the supported nail has grown, FIG. 10 demonstrates the quick mechanical removal of the support 20. With fingernail clippers 41, clip the now longer free edge 34 with its attached support 20 from the vertex 29 of the V 28 to the left and from the vertex 29 to the right as illustrated by the bidirectional arrow 45. As a result of this trim, the under-nail support 20 typically splits off as pictured in FIG. 11. If needed, one can use the point of a clipper 41 or metal file and gently help pop off any remaining support 20 attached to the nail's free edge 34. Once removed, a new under-nail support 20 can be attached to a now longer nail. When the desired length is reached, individuals can maintain their own natural long nails by growing and trimming their nails in a customary manner and repeating the steps illustrated in FIGS. 4-11.

[0037] FIG. 12 illustrates how a person may use a combination of the support 20 with monomer/polymer sculpting acrylic 44 to give nails a longer desired look quickly and safely. Attach the support 20 by repeating steps illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7 and clip the support 20 past the free edge 34 to a desired length, longer than the nail. Next, do not buff, drill or damage the living parts of the nail (the nail plates 32 and beds 33), rather apply a monomer/polymer sculpting acrylic 44 with a brush 46 to the surface of the support 20 only and carefully fill in the step down created by the support 20 having been applied to the underside of the free edge 34. After the sculpting acrylic 44 is allowed to dry, the user should shape with a file 43 the support 20 with its dried layer of sculpting acrylic 44 as illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0038] To remove the under-nail support 20 that is serving as scaffolding for sculpting acrylic 44, use the method illustrated in FIG. 10simply clip the support 20 from the vertex 29 of the V 28 to the left and from the vertex 29 to the right as illustrated by the bidirectional arrow 45. The under-nail support with its sculpting acrylic will pop off as illustrated in FIG. 11.