Tools for removing nail polish and buffing nails

Abstract

A nail care tool having an ergonomic elongated handle, an operational head, and a male/female system or mechanism suitable to connect or disconnect the elongated handle and the operational head is presented. The tool also has a removable scraper or end tip inserted in one of the ends of the handle, useful in cleaning critical cuticle areas. The operational head may have different shapes and its external surface has different operational lining materials commonly used in the nail care and maintenance processes. In some embodiments, the lining material on the operational head is an absorbent material, while in other embodiments, it is an abrasive material. By connecting the ergonomic handle to the operational removable head having the absorbent material, the tool is suitable to be used as a nail polish remover applicator, meaning being able to remove nail polishes. On the other hand, by engaging the ergonomic handle to the operational removable head having an abrasive material as a lining material, the tool is conveniently used as a nail buffing tool.

Claims

1. A nail care tool useful for removing nail polish, buffing, and cleaning fingernails, toenails, and their surrounding areas thereof, said tool comprising: A. a handle section comprising: a single ergonomic, elongated, integral body, comprising an external configuration having a first cylindrical elongated section having a free end, a second cylindrical elongated section having a wider diameter than the first cylindrical elongated section, following the first cylindrical section, having no exit to the exterior of the handle, and a third elongated section having four identical rectangular sides following the second cylindrical section, ending with a flat square end and having no exit to the exterior of the handle; (a) a male-connecting unit, having an elongated body protruding outwardly from the center of said flat square end and having no exit to the exterior of said elongated body; (b) an internal cavity projected inwardly from the free end of the first cylindrical section and into said first cylindrical section, having an exit outwardly oriented into the free end of the first cylindrical body and positioned at the opposite side of the male-connecting unit; wherein the only exit to the exterior in said single ergonomic, elongated, integral body is the exit of said internal cavity; B. a single head section comprising: (a) a main body, said body comprising: i) a bottom section having a flat configuration; ii) a lateral section, formed by sides extending upwardly from edges of said bottom section and having an external surface and an internal surface; iii) a top section having an external surface and an internal surface that encloses edges of sides of said lateral section, creating said main body; iv) a single female-connecting unit having an internal cavity projected inwardly from the bottom section and into the interior of the main body and having a single exit outwardly oriented toward the bottom section; wherein an only exit to the exterior of said main body is an exit of the internal cavity of the single female-connecting unit; and (b) an operational material, covering at least all the external surface of the lateral section of the main body; and wherein the male-connecting unit and the female-connecting unit constitute a single male/female connecting system that non-permanently connects the head section to the handle section.

2. The nail care tool as recited in claim 1, further comprising a scraper section having an elongated cylindrical body with first pointy end and a second diagonal end inserted in a non-permanent manner into cylindrical cavity located at the first end located at the cylindrical section of the handle section.

3. The nail care tool as recited in claim 1, further comprising a head cap simulating the shape of the main body of the head section.

4. The nail care tool as recited in claim 1, wherein the male-connecting unit and the female-connecting unit are threaded.

5. The nail care tool as recited in claim 1, wherein the operational material fixed to the external surface of the main body of the head section comprises a suitable material capable of absorbing and retaining fluids.

6. The nail care tool as recited in claim 5, wherein the suitable material capable of absorbing and retaining fluids used as operational material is selected from felt, polyester, polypropylene, cotton, sponge, or any combination thereof.

7. The nail care tool as recited in claim 5, wherein the main body of the head section comprises a single unit body with an external geometrical shape having a tridimensional rectangular section with curved or concave lateral sides that are extended continuously forming a four sides pyramidal shape top section.

8. The nail care tool as recited in claim 5, wherein the main body of the head section comprises a single unit body with an external geometrical shape having a tridimensional triangular section with curved or concave lateral sides that are extended continuously forming a three sides pyramidal shape top section.

9. The nail care tool as recited in claim 5, wherein the main body of the head section comprises an external geometrical shape having a tridimensional triangular section with flat lateral sides that are extended continuously forming a three sides pyramidal shape top section.

10. The nail care tool as recited in claim 5, wherein the main body of the head section comprises a single unit body with an external geometrical shape having a tridimensional rectangular section with two curved or concave lateral sides and two flat lateral sides that are extended continuously forming a four sides pyramidal shape top section.

11. The nail care tool as recited in claim 1, wherein the operational material fixed to the external surface of the main body of the head section comprises an abrasive buffing material.

12. The nail care tool as recited in claim 11, wherein the main body of the head section comprises a single unit body with an external geometrical shape having a tridimensional rectangular section with flat sides.

13. The nail care tool as recited in claim 11, wherein the main body of the head section comprises a single unit body with an external geometrical shape having a tridimensional rectangular section with concave lateral sides.

14. The nail care tool as recited in claim 11, wherein the main body of the head section comprises a single unit body with an external geometrical shape having a tridimensional triangular section with flat lateral sides.

15. The nail care tool as recited in claim 11, wherein the main body of the head section comprises a single unit body with an external geometrical shape having a tridimensional triangular section with concave lateral sides.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The foregoing and additional features and characteristics of the embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description considered with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are used herein in a manner of example only, and wherein:

(2) FIG. 1A shows a front view of a given embodiment according to the invention, having its corresponding head cap on, wherein the different components of the tool are assembled, and wherein the external surface of the lateral and top sections of the head section comprises an operational lining of absorbing material useful in removing nail polish, defined as a nail polish remover applicator in the instant application.

(3) FIG. 1B illustrates the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, wherein the different components of the tool are separated into their components.

(4) FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate perspective and top views, respectively, of the head section of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, said head comprising a lateral section with four concave lateral sides and a top section with four pyramidal sides.

(5) FIG. 3 illustrates the top bottom view of the free end of the first cylindrical section and the single exit of the internal cavity on said free end of the first cylindrical section of the handle illustrated in FIG. 1B.

(6) FIG. 4 illustrates the top view of the flat square end of the third elongated section, of the handle illustrated in FIG. 1B, having at its center the top view of the extension protruding from said flat square end at the handle.

(7) FIG. 5 illustrates the head section of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A with a sheath lining of an absorbent material fixed to the exterior surface of its lateral and top sections.

(8) FIG. 6 illustrates a single unit sheath lining of an absorbent material, in a cap-like shape, ready to be fixed to the exterior surface of the lateral and top sections of the head as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 5.

(9) FIG. 7A illustrates a rectangular strip of an absorbent material, useful in an alternate process to fix said material to the lateral section of the head of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A.

(10) FIG. 7B illustrates a single unit of an absorbent material, useful in an alternate process for adhering said material to the top section of the head section of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A.

(11) FIG. 8 illustrates the head cap of the head section shown in FIG. 1B, which is useful for protecting the head section once it is not in use.

(12) FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate perspective views of an embodiment according to the invention, comprising a head with a lateral section having three concave lateral sides and its corresponding head cap, respectively, and wherein the external surface of the lateral and top sections of the head comprises a lining of absorbing material useful in the removal of nail polish, defined as a nail polish remover applicator in the instant application.

(13) FIG. 9C is a top view of the head section of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A, which comprises a top section with three sides pyramidal shape.

(14) FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate perspective views of an embodiment according to the invention, comprising a head with with a lateral section having three straight lateral sides and its corresponding head cap, respectively, and wherein the external surface of the lateral section and the top section of the head comprises a lining of absorbing material useful in the removal of nail polish, defined as a nail polish remover applicator in the instant application.

(15) FIG. 10C illustrates a top view of the head section of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10A, which has a three-sided pyramidal shape top section.

(16) FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a perspective view of an embodiment according to the invention, comprising a head with a lateral section having two concave sides and two straight sides with two concave sides and two straight sides, and its corresponding head cap, respectively, and wherein the external surface of the lateral and top sections of the head comprises a lining of absorbing material useful in the removal of nail polish, defined as a nail polish remover applicator in the instant application.

(17) FIG. 11C illustrates a top view of the head section of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11A, which has a four sides pyramidal shape top section.

(18) FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate perspective views of an embodiment of a nail buffing tool, according to the invention, comprising a head with a lateral section having four straight lateral sides and a flat top section, with four straight lateral sides and a flat top, and its corresponding head cap, respectively.

(19) FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate perspective views of an embodiment according to the invention, comprising a head with a lateral section having four concave lateral sides and flat top section, and its corresponding head cap, respectively, and wherein the external surface of the lateral section of the head comprises a lining of abrasive material useful in buffing nails, thus providing a nail buffing tool.

(20) FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate perspective views of an embodiment according to the invention, comprising a head with a lateral section having three straight lateral sides and a flat top section, and its corresponding head cap, respectively, and wherein the external surface of the head comprises a lining of abrasive material useful in buffing nails, thus providing a nail buffing tool.

(21) FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate perspective views of an embodiment according to the invention, comprising a head with a lateral section having three concave lateral sides and its corresponding head cap, respectively, and wherein the external surface of the lateral section of the head comprises a lining of abrasive material useful in buffing nails, thus providing a nail buffing tool.

(22) FIGS. 16 to 18 show different manners of using the tool according to the instant invention: in FIG. 16, an embodiment of the invention is shown being used in the removal of nail polish after the absorbent material covering the lateral and top section of the head has been soaked in solvent from an external solvent source; in FIG. 17, an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in use as a nail buffing tool; and in FIG. 18, is illustrated the used of the scraper tip in cleaning cuticle areas and pushing cuticle and surrounding areas.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

(23) Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. It is thus to be understood that this invention is not limited to particularly exemplified structures, components, methods, or uses, as such may, of course, vary. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the invention only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms a. an, and the include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for the claims and/or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

(24) In general terms, a series of embodiments according to the instant invention are herein disclosed. All embodiments comprise an ergonomic elongated handle, a scraper, a head section, and a male/female connecting system or mechanism suitable for connecting and disconnecting the head section from the handle. Head caps simulating the external geometry of each described head section are also disclosed.

(25) The head section comprises a main body, said main body comprising a bottom section having a flat configuration; a lateral section, formed by sides extending upwardly from the edges of the bottom section, and having an external surface and an internal surface; a top section having an external surface and an internal surface which edges converge with the edges of the sides of the lateral section, creating said main body. The lateral section, as the top section of the head, is continuous, meaning they do not have any openings or apertures from or to the interior of the head. The bottom section, however, has a single female-connecting unit with an internal cavity projected inwardly into the interior of the main body of the head and a single exit outwardly oriented toward the bottom section. Said exit is the only exterior opening on the entire main body of the head section.

(26) The head section may have different geometrical shapes, and all of the said head sections include an operational material fixed on the external surface of the lateral and/or the top sections of the head. As previously defined, it is a suitable material customarily used in nail polish removal or nail buffing. Any embodiments herein described wherein the operational material is an absorbent material, are called throughout this application a nail polish remover applicator or nail polish removal tool, while those embodiments having as the operational material an abrasive material are herein named as nail buffer or nail buffing tool. Therefore, said operational material defines the particular function of a given embodiment of the tool according to the invention, and it may be fixed, secured, attached, or adhered on the external surface of the lateral and/or top sections of the head of the tool by means of any suitable and convenient method known in the art, with the intention to cover said external surface in such a manner that said operational material remains fixed or attached to said external surface.

(27) In regard to the ergonomic elongated handle described herein, it is used in all the embodiments, adding versatility to the invention. It comprises a hard and continuous elongated integral body comprising an external configuration having a first cylindrical elongated section having a free end, a second cylindrical elongated section having a wider diameter than the first cylindrical elongated section, following the first cylindrical section, and a third elongated section, having four identical rectangular sides following the second cylindrical section and ending with a flat square end. The general external contour of the handle provides an ergonomic shape that facilitates gripping, maneuvering, and prolonged use without causing excess stress in the user's hand. The second and wider cylindrical section is suitably adapted to the length and curvature of the hand, providing relaxation to the user.

(28) Similarly, said handle also comprises an elongated solid body extension protruding outwardly from the center of the square flat end. This provides a male-connecting unit designed to cooperatively be received into the single female-connecting unit formed by the internal cavity projected inwardly into the interior of the head's main body via the single exit outwardly oriented toward the bottom section of the head. Thus, said male-female connection system constitutes a suitable male-female connecting system or mechanism that allows the connection of the head section to the handle section in a non-permanent manner, therefore also quickly allowing the connection/disconnection of the head and the handle.

(29) It also comprises a single internal cavity at the free end of the first cylindrical section, which is projected inwardly into said first cylindrical section. This small cavity has a single exit outwardly oriented to the free end of the first cylindrical body and in the opposite position of the male-connecting unit. With the exception of this cavity, the handle's internal body has no other exit or opening.

(30) Regarding the cleaning end tip or scraper, it is a small stick made of any solid, hard, and firm material such as wood, plastic, or other material, strong enough to maintain its structure while being pushed and pulled inside the peripheral areas of a fingernail or toenail to remove small particles, usually dirt or the like, from the cuticle areas or the distal edge of the fingernail or toenail. It comprises a nonthreaded cylindrical body with a first pointy end and a second diagonal end. The scraper is inserted in the interior of the small cylindrical cavity at the free endo of the first cylindrical section of the handle. Since said cylindrical cavity is sized to receive only nearly half of the scraper length, once inserted in said cavity, one end of the scraper remains enclosed inside the handle. In contrast, the other end of the scraper remains free for use. Similarly, since the rest of the handle is solid and hard, the end of the enclosed scraper in the cavity's interior resists the pressure exerted during the scraping, and it cannot sink into the interior of the handle. Similarly, grabbing and pulling the free end of the scraper easily removes it from the handle. In this manner, the user may select to their convenience the use of the first pointy end or second diagonal end of the scraper by merely selecting which end is inserted into the handle or by simply removing or detaching it from the handle and reinserting it in a predetermined position.

(31) In particular, and in reference to the drawings, FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate embodiment 180 of the invention. FIG. 1A illustrates embodiment 180, which is already assembled, while FIG. 1B shows individual parts of embodiment 180. It comprises an elongated ergonomic handle 181, scraper 182, head 183, and head cap 184. Embodiment 180 also comprises a male/female connecting system or mechanism in order to connect or disconnect head 183 to or from handle 181, respectively. In some embodiments, such a mechanism comprises a threaded male connecting unit and a female threaded connecting unit that may be connected or disconnected by simply fastening or unfastening the head 183 to or from handle 181. Such a system may be substituted by any other suitable connecting system that allows the non-permanent connection of head 183 to handle 181.

(32) The ergonomic design of the handle 181 provides a suitable configuration or shape where the User may place and accommodate his or her hand and fingers, thus allowing the relaxation of the hand muscles. As shown in FIG. 1A, elongated ergonomic handle 181 comprises a first cylindrical section, and a second cylindrical section, having a wider diameter than the first section. Both sections are identified with the numeral 189, followed by the second cylindrical section, a third elongated section 190, having four identical rectangular sides and ending with a flat square end 192, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Numeral 189 shows the first and second cylindrical sections of the handle, which starts at the free end 188 of the first cylindrical section of the handle 181 and constantly increases in diameter to render the second cylindrical section to further decrease said diameter up to position 191, wherein there is a transition in geometry from a cylindrical shape or configuration to a rectangular shape, thus providing a third elongated section 190, which has four identical rectangular sides, which concludes as a flat square end 192 of the handle 181. At the free end 188 of the first cylindrical section, there is a cylindrical cavity 218, shown in the bottom view of the handle in FIG. 3, which is the only internal cavity of the handle. Said cavity 218 is projected inwardly into said first cylindrical section, wherein is enclosed, and it has a single exit outwardly oriented to the free end of the first cylindrical section 188. With the exception of this cavity, the handle's internal body has no other opening or exit from its interior. At the center of the flat square end 192 of the elongated third elongated section 190, handle 181 comprises an elongated male connector section 193, which is positioned opposite the cylindrical cavity unit 188, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 4. Elongated ergonomic handle 181 may be made of any suitable rigid, durable material such as molded plastic, resin, metal, or plastic; more preferably, resin or plastic.

(33) Scraper 182 is a stick made of any solid and firm material, such as felt, wood, firm foam, plastic, or other suitable material. It comprises a cylindrical body 185 with a first pointy end 186 and a second diagonal end 187. Scraper 182 is inserted non-permanently into the nonthreaded cylindrical internal cavity 218, located at the first end 188 of the first cylindrical section of handle 181.

(34) Head 183 is connected in a non-permanent manner to the second end 192 of handle 181. It is disposable or reusable. FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of head 183, while FIG. 2B illustrates its top view. It comprises a main body, with a lateral section 194, having a tridimensional rectangular configuration formed by curved or concave lateral sides 195a, 195b, 195c, and 195d, extending upwardly and continuously from the edges of the flat base section and wherein the edges of said lateral sides converge with the edges of top section 196, forming a four-sided pyramidal shape, as shown in FIG. 2A. The lateral section 194, as the top section 196 of the head183 do not have any openings or apertures from or to the interior of the main body of the head. The base section, however, has a single female-connecting unit 197 that comprises an internally threaded cavity at the center of the bottom section projecting inwardly into the interior of the main body of the head and having a single exit outwardly oriented toward the bottom section. The cavity provides a single exterior opening in the entire main body of the head section. Said internally threaded cavity is the only single threaded part of the head 183, and it constitutes the female connecting unit designed to cooperatively be adapted to the male connecting unit of handle 181, which is the elongated body extension 193, protruding outwardly from the center of the square flat end 192 of handle 181. Thus, in this embodiment 180, handle 181 may be connected to and may be disconnected from head 183 by means of inserting the male connecting threaded unit 193 on the female connecting unit or threaded opening 197 and fastening or unfastening it, respectively. According to the invention, such a male/female connecting system or mechanism may be substituted by any other suitable connecting system that allows the non-permanent connection of head 183 to the handle 181.

(35) The external surface of the head 183 comprises operational material 219, made of a suitable material capable of absorbing and retaining fluids, such as felt, polyester, polypropylene, cotton, and sponge; preferably polyester or polypropylene felt. The operational material of the absorbent material is fixed to the external surface of the lateral section 194 and the top section 196 of the head 183 by means of any suitable covering methods known in the art. For instance, said absorbent material 219, alternatively, may be molded in a single unit or sheath layer 220, as the one illustrated in FIG. 6, which simulates the shape of the lateral section 194 and the top section 196 of the head 183 and which is further fixed on the external surface of said lateral section 194 and the top section 196 of the head 183. Such a single unit or sheath layer 220 may be suitably made by a heat molding process in a cap-like shape that simulates the shape of the lateral section 194 and the top section 196 of the head section 183.

(36) Once prepared or molded, said sheath layer 220 may be fixed to the lateral section, and the top section of the head 183 by any suitable fixing means known in the art. Any of said fixing means may comprise substances resistant to acetone and similar solvents. Such means may include adhesives, such as hot-melt adhesive, glue, epoxy, double-sided adhesive, and thermal bonding.

(37) The operational material 219, alternatively, may be fixed to the external surface of the lateral section of the head 183 by adhering a rectangular strip 221 of the selected absorbent material, illustrated in FIG. 7A, around the said lateral sides of head 183, thus covering the external surface of said lateral section 194 of head 183. Subsequently, top section 196 is covered by adhering to it a single piece 222 of the absorbent material, as the one illustrated in FIG. 7B.

(38) FIG. 8 illustrates a tridimensional and perspective view of head cap 184. It may be made of plastic and simulate the external geometrical shape of the lateral and top sections of the head 183. This cap is intended to cover these sections and protect them when not in use.

(39) FIG. 9A illustrates embodiment 199 of the invention. FIG. 9B illustrates the corresponding head cap 204 for embodiment 199, and FIG. 9C shows a top view of embodiment 199. Embodiment 199 comprises the same main external sections as embodiment 180: a head having an operational material of absorbent material 219 fixed on the external surface of lateral section 201 and top section 203, an elongated ergonomic handle, a male/female connecting/disconnecting system, a scraper, and a head cap. However, the head section 200 of embodiment 199 is different from the head section of embodiment 180 since it comprises a single unit body with lateral section 201 having an external geometrical tridimensional in triangular shape formed by curved or concave lateral sides 202a, 202b and 202c, that are extended continuously until converging into a three sides pyramidal shape top section 203, shown in the top view illustrated in FIG. 9C.

(40) As mentioned previously, head cap 204 simulates the external geometrical shape of lateral section 201 and top section 203 of head 200. Similarly, FIG. 10A illustrates embodiment 205 of the invention, comprising the same main external sections of embodiment 180: a head having an operational material of absorbent material 219 fixed on the external surface of lateral section 207, and top section 209, an elongated ergonomic handle, a male/female connecting/disconnecting system, a scraper, and a head cap. However, the head section 206 of embodiment 205 is different from the head section of embodiment 180 since it comprises a single unit body with lateral section 207 having an external geometrical tridimensional in triangular shape formed by flat lateral sides 208a, 208b and 208c that are extended continuously until converging into a three-sided pyramidal shape top section 209, shown in FIG. 10C. Head cap 210 simulates the external shape of the lateral section 207 and top section 209 of head 206, as shown in FIG. 10B.

(41) Likewise, FIG. 11A illustrates embodiment 211 of the invention, comprising the same main external sections of embodiment 180: a head having an operational material of absorbent material 219 fixed on the external surface of lateral section 213, and top section 216, an elongated ergonomic handle, a male/female connecting/disconnecting system, a scraper, and a head cap.

(42) However, the head section 212 of embodiment 211 is different from the head section of embodiment 180 since it comprises a single unit body with lateral section 213 having an external geometrical tridimensional triangular shape formed by two curved or concave lateral sides, 214a and 214b, and two flat lateral sides, 215a and 215b, that are extended continuously until converging into a four sides pyramidal shape top section 216, shown in FIG. 11C. As illustrated in FIG. 11B, head cap 217 simulates the external shape of head 212.

(43) The scope of this invention also comprises embodiments directed to tools useful in buffing nails, wherein, the operational material fixed on the external surface of the lateral section 249 of the head section 247 of the tool 244 is an abrasive material 228, in place of an absorbing material 219, thus providing a nail buffing tool or nail buffer. Said abrasive material 228 is fixed, attached, or adhered to the external surface of the lateral sides of the lateral section 249 of the head section 247 of the tool. The abrasive material 218 is commercially available in resilient strips, pads, sheets, or rolls format. Said resilient material may have one of its surfaces covered with an adhesive that is ready to be fixed, attached, or adhered to a suitable surface, while the opposite side comprises the buffing material. The resilient material is also commercially available, having both surfaces of the strip covered with buffing material. Said buffing material is available in a variety of coarse-grit abrasive layers, which have different degrees of roughness.

(44) The abrasive material 228 material may be fixed securely on the lateral sides of the lateral section of the head section of the tool by any suitable bonding means, including but not limited to gluing, cementing, and bonding. These means include adhesives, such as hot-melt adhesive, glue, double-sided adhesive, and thermal bonding. In a preferred embodiment, a bonding medium, such as an adhesive, is employed to fix and secure each piece of abrasive material 228 to the lateral sides of the lateral section. Embodiments of the buffing tools within the scope of the invention comprise embodiments having the abrasive material fixed, adhered, or attached to all lateral sides of the lateral section of the head section having the same preselected coarse-grit or roughness. In other embodiments, the buffer tools have fixed, adhered, or attached preselected strips having different coarse-grits of roughness or a combination thereof on a given lateral sides of the head section. For instance, in a given embodiment having a head with four lateral sides, it may have fixed, adhered, or attached a resilient strip coated with a coarse-grit abrasive layer; other of the lateral sides may have fixed, adhered, or attached a resilient pad with a medium-grit abrasive layer, while another lateral side may have fixed, adhered, or attached a resilient pad coated with a fine-grit abrasive layer, while the remaining lateral side may have fixed, adhered, or attached to them a resilient material with an extra fine grit abrasive layer.

(45) FIG. 12A illustrates embodiment 244, a nail buffing tool according to the instant invention. It comprises the same main external sections of embodiment 180: a head, an elongated ergonomic handle, a male/female connecting/disconnecting system, a scraper, and a head cap. However, the head section 247 of embodiment 244 is different from the head section of embodiment 180 since it comprises a single unit body with an external geometrical shape having a tridimensional rectangular lateral section 249 constituted by the flat lateral sides 250a, 250b, 250c and 250d, and a flat topside-top section 250e. As illustrated in FIG. 12B, head cap 248 simulates the external shape of head 247. In addition, said sides of the lateral and top sections of head 247 have fixed, adhered, or attached on its external surface a resilient strip or pad comprising a film of buffing material 228.

(46) FIG. 13A illustrates embodiment 251 of the instant invention, which comprises the same main external sections of embodiment 244: a head having an operational material of buffing material 228 fixed on its external surface, an elongated ergonomic handle, a male/female connecting/disconnecting system, a scraper, and a head cap. However, in embodiment 251, head 252 comprises a single unit body with an external geometrical shape having a tridimensional rectangular lateral section 253, which is formed by the concave or curved lateral sides 254a, 254b, 254c, and 254d, and a flat top section 254e. Head cap 255, illustrated in FIG. 13B, simulates the external shape of the lateral and top sections of head 252.

(47) FIG. 14A illustrates embodiment 256 of the instant invention, which comprises the same main external sections of embodiment 244: a head having fixed, adhered, or attached on the external surface of the lateral sections 258, a resilient strip or pad comprising a film of buffing material 228, an elongated ergonomic handle, a male/female connecting/disconnecting system, a scraper, and a head cap. Nonetheless, in embodiment 256, head 257 comprises a single unit body with an external geometrical shape having a tridimensional triangular lateral section 258, formed by the flat lateral sides 259a, 259b, and 259c, and a flat top section 259d. As illustrated in FIG. 14B, head cap 260 simulates the external shape of the lateral and top sections of head 257.

(48) FIG. 15A illustrates embodiment 261 of the instant invention, which comprises the same main external sections of embodiment 244: a head having fixed, adhered, or attached on the external surface of the lateral section 263, a resilient strip or pad comprising a film of buffing material 228, an elongated ergonomic handle, a male/female connecting/disconnecting system, a scraper, and a head cap. However, in embodiment 261, head 262 comprises a single unit body with an external geometrical shape having a tridimensional triangular lateral section 263 formed by the concave or curved lateral sides 264a, 264b, and 264c, and a flat top section 264d. As shown in FIG. 15B, head cap 265 simulates the external shape of the lateral section and top section of head 262.

(49) In operational terms, the use of the applicator tool 180 is illustrated in FIG. 16, wherein the User first grabs the handle 181 with one hand surrounding the second cylindrical section of the handle 181 and, after saturating the absorbent material 219, fixed, attached, or adhered to the head section of the nail polish removal tool 180 in an external solvent source, proceeds to rub the saturated section of the applicator head 183 over the nail polish to be removed on the nails of the opposite hand. This pressured rubbing action removes the nail polish therefrom. More specifically, the handle 181 is held with its second cylindrical section in the hand palm while the thumb of the user is resting on one of the rectangular faces of the third elongated section 190 of the handle, while one of the rectangular sides of the lateral section 194 of head 183 is being used to remove the nail polish from a nail.

(50) On the other hand, the use of the nail buffing tool 251, as herein disclosed, is illustrated in FIG. 17. As shown, the User grabs the handle 181 with one hand and buffs one of their nails with the other hand. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the nail buffing tool 251 is held with the second cylindrical section of the ergonomic elongated handle 181 resting inside the hand's palm while the thumb of the user is resting on the rectangular sides of section 190 and one of the lateral sides of the lateral section 253 of the head 252 is being used to buff a nail.

(51) In FIG. 18, the use of scraper 182 is illustrated. The User is shown removing the remains of materials. The scraper 182 is useful for detailed nail cleaning, particularly around cuticle areas.

(52) Finally, while the present invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, in both summarized and detailed forms, it will be understood that many substitutions, changes, and variations in the described embodiments, applications, and details of the novel tool illustrated herein and of its operation can be made by those skilled in the art to adapt it to various usages and conditions, without departing from the spirit of this invention. As such, these changes and modifications are properly, equitably, and intended to be within the full range of equivalence of the following. While the invention has been described in conjunction with some embodiments, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.