Abstract
A steam nail polish removal device includes a base, multiple replaceable lids, a clear tray, a digital interface, a heating and vaporizing component, and a power adapter. The replaceable lids comprise at least a fingernail lid and a toenail lid, wherein the same device can effectively remove both fingernail polish and toenail polish. The digital interface further comprises at least a power button, a timing bottom, and a status indicator, wherein users can adjust the power level and the steaming period according to their needs and readily read the heating status of the device.
Claims
1. A nail polish removal system comprising: a base portion comprising a heating element and a storage tray, the storage tray being operable to receive a fluid and receive thermal energy from the heating element; a lid portion that is selectively detachable from the base portion, the lid portion comprising at least one opening providing access to a treatment space at least partially defined by an internal volume between the storage tray and the lid portion.
2. The nail polish removal system of claim 1, wherein the lid portion comprises at least four spaced apart openings operable to receive a plurality of a user's fingers or toes.
3. The nail polish removal system of claim 1, wherein the opening comprises at least one of a petal and a flap to provide a sealing function.
4. The nail polish removal system of claim 1, further comprising a second lid portion and wherein the second lid portion comprises a distinct arrangement of one or more openings relative to the lid portion.
5. The nail polish removal system of claim 1, further comprising a user-interface portion in communication with the heating element to control power to the heating element.
6. The nail polish removal system of claim 1, wherein the lid portion comprises a convex structure.
7. The nail polish removal system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the lid portion and the base portion comprises at least one of a ramp and a thread and the lid portion is rotatably securable to the base portion.
8. A nail polish removal system comprising: a base portion comprising a heating element and a storage tray, the storage tray being operable to receive a fluid and receive thermal energy from the heating element; a lid portion that is selectively detachable from the base portion and operable to communicate with a user, the lid portion comprising at least one opening; an at least partially sealed treatment space extending between the storage tray and an inner portion of the lid portion.
9. The nail polish removal system of claim 8, wherein the lid portion comprises at least four spaced apart openings operable to receive a plurality of a user's fingers or toes.
10. The nail polish removal system of claim 8, wherein the at least one opening comprises at least one of a petal and a flap to provide a sealing function for evaporated fluid.
11. The nail polish removal system of claim 8, further comprising a second lid portion and wherein the second lid portion comprises a distinct arrangement of one or more openings relative to the lid portion.
12. The nail polish removal system of claim 8, further comprising a user-interface portion in communication with the heating element to control power to the heating element.
13. The nail polish removal system of claim 8, wherein the lid portion comprises a substantially rigid portion and a flexible portion.
14. The nail polish removal system of claim 8, wherein at least one of the lid portion and the base portion comprises at least one of a ramp and a thread and the lid portion is rotatably securable to the base portion.
15. A method of nail polish removal, the method comprising: providing a polish removal device having a base portion comprising a heating element and a storage tray, the storage tray being operable to receive a fluid and receive thermal energy from the heating element, and a plurality of lid portions that are selectively detachable from the base portion and comprise at least one opening, and a treatment space; selecting one of the plurality of lid portions based on a user's anatomy to be treated; providing a quantity of fluid to the storage tray; securing the selected lid portion of the plurality of lid portions to the base portion; inserting a user's anatomy comprising nail polish to be removed at least partially through the at least one opening; and applying at least one of a command and electrical power to the heating element to delivery thermal energy to the fluid.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the polish removal device comprises a timer and wherein power to the heating element is terminated after a predetermined amount of time.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein at least one of the plurality of lid portions comprises a plurality of spaced apart openings and each of the openings is operable to receive a portion of a user's anatomy.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the polish removal device comprises a user-interface.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the user-interface is operable to selectively control an amount of power delivered to the heating element.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein the polish removal device comprises a timer and wherein at least one of a visual and audio indicia is provided upon the expiration of a predetermined amount of time.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a steam nail polish removal device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 1B illustrates a sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a steam nail polish removal device with a power adapter outlet on a base of the device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0034] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate a steam nail polish removal device with a fingernail lid including a silicone component attached to the device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0035] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate a steam nail polish removal device with a toenail lid attached to the device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0036] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate a steam nail polish removal device with dissembled nail treatment lids and silicone components according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0037] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate embodiments of a steam nail polish removal system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0038] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and various dimensions may be altered. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] Although the following text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the description is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this disclosure. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.
[0040] FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an embodiment of a steam nail polish removing device 100 comprising an outer lid 102, a base 104, and a user interface 106. In the non-limiting embodiment, the user interface 106 comprises one power button 108, two timing buttons 110A for shortening the timing and 110B for extending the timing, a digital screen 112, and a set of status indicators 132. It is appreciated that the number and mechanism of the control buttons may vary in different embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, there may be only one timing-adjusting button, and in some other embodiments, the timing control may be a turning adjuster. The base 104 of the device 100 further comprises an outer case 104, a power socket 114, and a circuit board 120, as shown in FIG. 1B.
[0041] In the non-limiting embodiment, the device has a heating section, including a heating plate 116 and a metallic shell 118. In the non-limiting embodiment, the metallic shell 118 is fixed to the heating plate 116. It is appreciated that in some other embodiments, the metallic shell may be removable from and replaced by the heating plate. In some embodiments, a nail polish removal receiver (for example, a tray 502 in FIG. 5A) is provided and placed on top of the metallic shell 118, and the tray is constructed to receive and store nail polish removal solution (in a liquid stage). Once the device 100 is turned on, the heating plate 116 provides thermal energy to the metallic shell 118. When the temperature reaches a level that starts and accelerates the evaporation of acetone, the user can then insert their fingers (or toes) into a heated chamber 140 containing vaporized acetone solution.
[0042] In the non-limiting embodiment, a temperature sensor (not shown in the figures) controls the heating plate 116 to maintain the acetone temperature within 5 C., ensuring that the temperature inside the clear tray remains comfortable for the human body. In some embodiments, the device has a power button 108 to turn the device 100 on and off, as shown in FIG. 1A. In some other embodiments, the power button can further adjust the power level of the device to provide desired heating and steaming strength. In the illustrated embodiment, the timing button set 110 comprises two separate timing buttons, 110A and 110B. The timing button set 110 allows users to adjust the steaming period. For example, users can select a steaming period between approximately five to twenty minutes. Specifically, the button 110A allows users to shorten the steaming period, and the + button 110B enables users to extend the steaming period. Adjustable steaming periods ensure nail polish solution vapor and steam penetrate nail polish sufficiently and ease the nail polish removal process. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the power and timing buttons are configured as part of the touch screen, allowing quick response and easy wiping and cleaning of the digital interface. In some other embodiments, the buttons may be installed in various forms, including, but not limited to, non-physical touch buttons or twisting buttons. The buttons may further be installed in a separate remote, allowing easy access and control.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 1A, the outer lid 102 of the steam nail polish device 100 is configured in a solid dome shape, covering the top opening of the base 104 and optionally covering the nail treatment lids (as shown in FIG. 1B). The outer lid 102 is constructed with heat and steam-safe materials. When in use, users may keep the outer lid 102 on device 100 during the pre-heating period to prevent the solution vapor from escaping. After finishing their nail treatment, users may immediately cover the device 100 with the outer lid 102 to prevent steam and remaining acetone from spilling and evaporating outside the device 100. Thus, the outer lid 102 may assist in saving the costs of nail polish removal solution refill and increase device efficiency. Further, keeping the outer lid 102 on the device after use may prevent dust and debris from falling into the device base 104.
[0044] FIG. 1B provides a sectional view of the steam nail polish treatment device 100. In the non-limiting embodiment, the device 100 further comprises a toenail lid 122 and a silicone component 124 underneath the outer lid 102. As shown in FIG. 1B (and FIG. 4B below), the silicone component further comprises a plurality of protrusions 126 configured to secure the silicone component to the toenail lid 122. In the present embodiment, when assembled, the protrusions 126 are aligned and in contact with an inner circumference 130 of the toenail lid 122. It is appreciated that the arrangement of the protrusions may vary in other embodiments. The toenail lid 122 and the silicone component 124 can also be replaced with a fingernail lid and its corresponding silicone component, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C.
[0045] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a steam nail polish removal device 200 with a power adapter 204 and a connecting port 202 on a base of the device 200. In some embodiments, the power adapter 204 is a one-piece adapter with a connecting tip 206. In other embodiments, the power adapter may comprise at least two components, including an adapter portion and a replaceable tip portion. The connecting tip 206 can be inserted into the connecting port 202. The connecting tip is selected from a group of tips, including but not limited to USB-A, USB-B, USB-C, and DC adapter tips.
[0046] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate an embodiment of a steam nail polish removal device 300 with a fingernail lid 302 covering a top opening 306 of the device. Specifically, the fingernail lid 302 comprises at least one finger slot 304. In some embodiments, the fingernail lid comprises a plurality of finger slots 304, and each slot 304 is sized and operable to receive a finger. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, with ergonomic considerations, the finger slots 304 are arranged semi-circularly and are aligned with the circumference of the top opening 306 of the base. The placement and shape of the finger slots and a dome-shaped top 322 of the fingernail lid 302 allow users to naturally place their hands on top of the fingernail lid 302 while inserting their fingers into the finger slots 304. In other embodiments, one large finger/hand slot may be presented, allowing users to submerge their hands entirely into the device without separating the fingers.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 3C, to improve the user experience and comfort, the finger slots 304 are placed on a plane approximately parallel to the bottom 308 (shown in FIG. 3B) of the base 326. In some embodiments, the finger slots 304 further comprise a plurality of slot petals 314, wherein the petals are made of flexible materials, such as silicone. When in use, users may insert their fingers into the finger slots with a comfortable angle, ranging from 0 degrees to nearly perpendicular to the finger slots. In the non-limiting embodiment, the finger slot 304 is constructed in an approximate ellipse shape. A silicone seal covers the finger slot 304, and the silicone seal further has a three-point cut forming three petals 314 on the seal. It is appreciated that in other embodiments, the number of the finger slot petal 314 may vary. In some embodiments, the finger slot may be constructed in other shapes, for example, in a circular shape. When a user inserts their fingers into the finger slots, the slot petals will bend inwardly toward the device base and seal around the fingers, keeping them underneath the fingernail lid. The fingernail lids with the slot petals will further improve the sealing effects, as the petals can narrowly fit around fingers and prevent the nail polish removal vapor from evaporating from the finger slot and beyond the fingernail lid.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the fingernail lid 302 includes a wrist resting surface 310 and a finger placement portion 312. In some embodiments, the wrist resting surface 310 is proximate parallel to the bottom surface 308 of the base 326. When the lid 302 is installed on the base 326, the wrist resting surface 310 is further leveled with the opening 306 of the base. In the non-limiting embodiment, the finger placement portion 312 is raised from the hand resting surface 310 and is constructed in a dome shape. The finger placement portion further has one or more finger slots 304. Around each one of the finger slots 304, a finger slot ramp 318 is provided for users to grab and rest their fingers upon.
[0049] FIG. 3C provides a bottom view of a silicone component 340 of the fingernail lid 302. In the non-limiting embodiment, the silicone component 340 has five finger slots 304 to receive fingers. The finger slots are covered with flexible material, such as soft rubber, to make them comfortable to touch and effectively prevent most of the acetone from evaporating. The silicone component further has a plurality of protrusions 316 constructed to secure around the circumference and central part of the fingernail lid 302 and/or rotationally secure the lid 302 to the base.
[0050] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate embodiments of a steam nail polish removal device with a toenail lid 400 attached to the device. In the illustrated embodiment, the toenail lid 400 is constructed in a dome shape. The toenail lid 400 further comprises a foot slot 408. Similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, the toenail lid 400 also comprises a silicone component 406, which further comprises protrusions 416 (as shown in FIG. 4D) for easy securing and replacement. The silicone component has a platform 412. The platform 412 provides a resting area for users to rest a portion of a foot (e.g., the ball of a foot) during a steaming session, the silicone component 406 also has a curtain 410 covering the foot slot 408. In some embodiments, the curtain 410 is construed in a brush shape with multiple bristles 414 (also see component 522 in FIG. 5B) arranged on the same panel. The bristles 414 are made from soft materials, such as silicone, so users can easily insert their feet into the slot. The curtain-covered half-dome space further maintains heat and steam inside the lid and improves the steaming effect. In the non-limiting embodiments, the foot slot 408 comprises an opening nearly perpendicular to the bottom of the base. Users may readily insert their foot into the slot 408 and position it approximately parallel to the floor.
[0051] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate an embodiment of a base 500 of a steam nail polish removal device with a top opening 522 operable to be covered with a lid component (as shown in FIG. 1C). The base 500 also comprises a tray 502 and nail treatment lids 518 and 520 designated to be placed on top of the base 500 and at least partially covering the top opening 522. In the non-limiting example, the tray 502 comprises a clear tray made with soft rubber and constructed in a bowl shape. It is appreciated that, in other embodiments, the tray may be made with any material that is heat-resistant and constructed in any shape that is compatible with the structure of the base. As shown in FIG. 5A, the tray 502 further comprises a circular bottom 508 with a first diameter and a circular top edge 510 with a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter. The tray 502 also comprises two handles 506A and 506B, placed around the circumference of the edge 510 and positioned at the opposing side of the circumference so that users can easily place the tray 502 in the base 500. The base 500 also comprises a heating element and a metallic shell coated and/or made with metal or other thermally conductive materials used to heat the tray 502 and the solution contained therein. (See FIGS. 1A-1C for a detailed discussion about the heating element and the metallic shell). In a preferred embodiment, two clear trays are provided so that users can replace the tray when one tray has a low volume of the solution without refilling the clear tray with additional solution.
[0052] Various embodiments of the present disclosure comprise features to enable quick removal and/or replacement of portions of the device. As shown and described herein, the embodiment of the present disclosure provides for different features to receive, for example, a user's hands or feet. Such features or replaceable components are contemplated in some embodiments as comprising one or more quick-connect mechanisms, ramps, cams, or threaded portions to remove and replace components. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 5A-5C, lid connecting mechanisms 512 and 516 are provided. Feature 512 is contemplated as comprising a threaded, angled, or ramped portion to rotatably receive and secure an upper portion 312, 412. The portions 312 and 412 are contemplated in various embodiments as being easily yet securely rotated into position and rotated out of engagement for removal. Specifically, the four base notches 512 and the nail treatment lids 518 and 520 comprise at least one lid notch 516. The lid notches are installed in the corresponding locations, matching the notches on the base. This design allows users to flexibly adjust the direction of the lids and the base so that they can have a digital screen facing toward themselves when applying self-treatment or facing away from themselves when having the treatment done by someone else, such as a salon service professional.
[0053] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate a steam nail polish removal system 600 comprising a nail polish file set 602, a steam nail polish removal device 606, and a nail polish removal finishing set 604. In the non-limiting embodiment, the nail polish file set 602 further comprises a file handle 602A and a set of file tips 602B, wherein users can choose different surfaces and sizes best suited for their nail polish product types. In other embodiments, the nail polish file set may be a one-piece tool with a file tip fixed to a handle. The nail polish removal finishing set 604 comprises at least two tools: a pusher 604B and a nail scraper 604A. While the steam nail polish removal device 606 alone can help effectively remove nail polish, users may also wish to employ tools to, for example, file the hardened nail polish surface first, then soften the nail polish with the vaporized nail polish removal solution made within the device, remove residual nail polish and smooth the nail surface with the nail scraper, and clean the surrounding cuticle tissues with the pusher. It is appreciated that the order of applying the file set 602, the device 606, and the finishing set 604 may vary depending on the needs and preferences of the users.
[0054] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0055] It is to be appreciated that any feature described herein can be claimed in combination with any other feature(s) as described herein, regardless of whether the features come from the same described embodiment.
