Patents by Inventor Craig P. Gifford

Craig P. Gifford has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7536286
    Abstract: The invention is a method, process and computer program to automatically create a customized three-dimensional artificial nail object based upon an actual/existing digitized nail surface. This particular invention generates the overall desired three-dimensional nail surface by using key reference points contained in the digitized nail surface to automatically create new three-dimensional data along supplied parameters. The application of the invention results in a wide scope of possible implementations including a use for creating artificial fingernails and artificial toe-nails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: American Equities Management, LLC
    Inventors: Scott L Nielson, Craig P Gifford
  • Patent number: 7526416
    Abstract: The invention is a method, process and computer program to automatically create a customized three-dimensional artificial nail object by welding based upon an actual/existing digitized nail surface. This particular invention generates the overall desired three-dimensional nail object by taking the digitized nail surface and welding it to a preexisting desired nail tip thus creating a preferred artificial nail object. The application of the invention results in a wide scope of possible implementations including a use for creating artificial fingernails and artificial toenails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: American Equities Management, LLC
    Inventors: Scott L Nielson, Craig P Gifford
  • Publication number: 20090092310
    Abstract: A system and method for creating precision fit artificial fingernails is disclosed. Specifically, a system is disclosed that utilizes a scanned and digitized nail surface to form a precision fit three dimensional digitized artificial nail object that can be used to direct a machining device that either creates an artificial fingernail from blank stock, or to machine a custom mold that can be used to make multiple artificial fingernails having the same shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Craig P. Gifford, Scott L. Nielson
  • Patent number: 6196234
    Abstract: An artificial fingernail includes a fingernail body having an inner face extending from a tail end to an opposing tip end. At least a portion of the inner face of the fingernail body has a configuration substantially identical in complement to the exposed top surface of a specific real fingernail. As a result, the inner surface of the fingernail body can be selectively secured in a precision fit on the real fingernail so as to substantially cover all of the exposed top surface of the real fingernail. The fingernail body is integrally molded as a discrete unit comprised of an acetone resistant thermoplastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ova Nail Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig P. Gifford
  • Patent number: 5968302
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing artificial fingernails includes forming a model of a desired artificial fingernail which is then enclosed within an investment material. After the investment material has hardened, the model is removed therefrom to form a negative cast of the desired artificial fingernail. A reciprocating screw injector is then used to inject an acetone resistant thermoplastic material into the negative cast. The thermoplastic material is separated from the investment material in the shape of the desired artificial fingernail. Binding pockets are finally form on the surface of the artificial fingernail for use in attaching the artificial fingernails to the real fingernail by an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: OVA Nail Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig P. Gifford