Dual manicure and pedicure support

Abstract

A dual manicure and pedicure support apparatus for supporting a user's hand or foot to facilitate care of fingernails or toenails. In one embodiment, a body member includes a generally planar base, an upper work surface, and a front work surface sloped for receiving a hand or a foot thereon. The body member includes a generally trapezoidal side-profile and is composed of flexible material. The upper work surface includes a plurality of holes and slots for storage of items utilized during a manicure or pedicure. The body member includes opposed sides curved inwardly to allow positioning between the user's legs during a manicure. The back side includes an enclosure covered by elastic netting for storage of utensils used in the manicure or pedicure. The body member is easily moved from between a user's legs for a manicure to a position for a pedicure without modifying the body member.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. Design application, Ser. No. 29/167,072, filed on Sep. 9, 2002.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of Invention

[0004] This invention pertains to manicure and pedicure support devices, and more particularly, pertains to a hand or a foot support for use during a manicure and/or a pedicure.

[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0006] A typical manicure includes placing one hand on a surface for an attendant or the user to trim and file the fingernails and to apply a coating of nail polish to the fingernail surfaces. A manicurist may utilize a table top on which the attendant positions the trimming utensils and individual containers holding coatings and polishes to be applied to the user's fingernails. During a pedicure, whether self-administered by the user or applied by an attendant, the foot is typically positioned against an elevated surface for the user or the attendant to trim and file the toenails and to apply coatings and polishes to the toenail surfaces. Prior manicure hand supports and pedicure foot supports are generally not adaptable for dual use as a support device for both a hand and a foot without structural modifications. A need exists for a dual support device that is configured for positioning a hand thereon while the support device is positioned proximal to a user during a manicure, and is configured for accepting a foot thereon during a pedicure.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In accordance with various features of the present invention, a dual manicure and pedicure support apparatus is provided for supporting a user's hand or foot to facilitate trimming and polishing of the user's fingernails or toenails while the user is seated, reclining, or standing. In one embodiment, the dual manicure and pedicure support includes a body member having a base, an upper work surface, a back surface and a front work surface disposed to receive thereon a hand for a manicure or a foot for a pedicure. The body member includes opposed sides curved inwardly in one embodiment to allow positioning of the body member between the legs of the user during a manicure. In one embodiment, the body member includes a generally trapezoidal side-profile, with the front work surface being sloped for receiving thereon the fingers of a hand or the toes of a foot. In the preferred embodiment, the upper work surface includes a plurality of indentations disposed thereon, such as holes and slots for storage therein of containers of coatings and items utilized during a manicure or a pedicure. The back surface of the body member includes an indented enclosure that is covered by elastic netting for storage therein of containers and items used in the manicure or the pedicure. The body member is easily shifted from a position between a user's legs for a manicure of either hand, to a position proximal to either foot for a pedicure without modifications to the body member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The above-mentioned features of the invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention read together with the drawings in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dual manicure and pedicure support apparatus of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a front view of FIG. 1, illustrating the curved sides of the body member of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a top view of FIG. 1, illustrating the upper work surface having a plurality of indentations therein;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of FIG. 1, illustrating a foot positioned on the front work surface of the body member for a pedicure;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of FIG. 1, illustrating an enclosure in the back surface of the body member;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of FIG. 1, illustrating the body member positioned between a user's legs for a manicure; and

[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a dual manicure and pedicure support member positioned between a user's knees for a manicure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] A dual manicure and pedicure support apparatus 10 is disclosed as illustrated generally in FIG. 1, including a body member 12 having a base length generally greater than the height of the body member 12. The body member 12 provides a front surface having a sloped configuration for support of a user's hand or foot in a comfortable position to facilitate trimming, filing, and applying of coatings and polish to the user's fingernails or toenails during a manicure or a pedicure. The body member 12 includes a plurality of indentations in an upper surface for storage of utensils 72, 74 and containers 68, 70 holding nail coatings and polish during a manicure or a pedicure. The body member 12 is utilized by a user in a seated, a reclining, or a standing position with either a hand or a foot positioned against the body member 12. FIG. 1 illustrates the body member 12 as having a base 14, an upper work surface 24, a sloped front work surface 32, inwardly curved sides 42, 46, and a back side 62.

[0017] In one embodiment of the dual manicure and pedicure support apparatus 10, the body member 12 includes a shape having a base length of about one foot, and having a height of between about six inches and about ten inches. When viewed from either side, the body member 12 is shaped in a generally trapezoidal profile (see FIGS. 1, 4 and 5). The body member 12 is preferably composed of flexible materials such as porous foam materials including a polyester and polyether urethane foam, a polyethylene foam, or comparable resiliently flexible materials. A preferred flexible material includes a foam having a density in a range of between about 1.65 pounds/cubic feet to about 1.9 pounds/cubic feet. The foam firmness for one embodiment of the body member 12 is in a range of about 56 pounds to about 77 pounds for a density of about 1.7 pounds/cubic feet to about 1.9 pounds/cubic feet. The foam firmness for another embodiment of the body member 12 is in a range of about 85 pounds to about 105 pounds for a density of about 1.65 pounds/cubic feet to about 1.85 pounds/cubic feet. The foam firmness of the materials composing the body member 12 is measured by testing methods utilizing standard ASTM procedures know to those skilled in the art.

[0018] A preferred embodiment for the body member 12 includes a base 14 that is substantially planar to provide a stable support base for placement of the body member 12 on a generally horizontal surface. The base 14 includes a first side 16, an opposed second side 18, and a front edge 20 that form generally straight edges and are flexible due to the properties of the porous foam material. The flexibility of the base 14, sides 16, 18 and front edge 20 allows the base 14 to temporarily conform to partially uneven supporting surfaces when placed on the user's legs, on a chair, or on a bed during a manicure or a pedicure.

[0019] The body member 12 includes an upper work surface 24 that is generally planar and is disposed substantially parallel to the base 14. A plurality of indentations such as holes 26, 26′, 28, 28′, are disposed proximal to each corner of the upper work surface 24 in the illustrated embodiment. Each hole 26, 26′, 28, 28′ includes a diameter that is slightly less that the diameter of a typical coating container. The flexible foam material composing the body member 12 allows the perimeter of each hole to be elastic and adjustable in diameter, therefore allowing each hole to accept differently shaped containers 68, 70 of coatings and nail polish for temporary storage on the upper work surface 24 (see FIGS. 1 and 4). In a central portion of the upper work surface 24, the plurality of indentations also includes a plurality of slots 30, 30′ and 30″ that are disposed with an adequate depth to provide temporary storage for utensils utilized during a manicure or a pedicure, such as a nail file 72 and a cuticle pusher 74, or other manicure and pedicure trimming utensils. The position of the holes 26, 26′, 28, 28′ and slots 30, 30′ and 30″ on the upper work surface 24 provides the user with convenient access to containers and utensils for application on the user's or a client's fingernails or toenails positioned proximal with a front edge 24′ of the upper work surface 24.

[0020] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, a front work surface 32 includes a sloped surface 34 that is angled at about a forty-five degree angle from the front edge 20 of the base 14 to the upper work surface 24. This angle can vary as desired. The sloped surface 34 provides a support for either foot (see FIG. 4), or a support for either hand (see FIG. 6) during a pedicure or a manicure. The relationship of the front work surface 32 and the upper work surface 24 provides a benefit to the user by allowing positioning of toes or fingers proximal to the front edge 24′ for efficient application on toenails or fingernails of coatings and nail polish. Significant delays in locating brushes and trimming utensils are minimized during the application of a quick-drying coating and nail polish on the user's nail surfaces, due to the positioning of coating and polish containers 68, 70 and brushes, along with trimming utensils 72, 74 in the plurality of indentations on the upper work surface 24.

[0021] In order to provide convenient and secure positioning of the body member 12 relative to the user, the opposed sides 42, 46 are shaped to include inwardly curved mid-segments 44, 48 which accommodate the interior sides of a user's legs when the user utilizes the body member 12 for a manicure. The curved mid-segments 44, 48 provide opposed concave sides which can be readily gripped by the knees or thighs of the user for positioning of the body member 12 in a generally upright configuration during a manicure (see FIG. 6). Lower portions 50, 52 of each side 42, 46 are flared outwards to intersect with the first side 16 and second side 18 of the base 14 to provide a stable foundation for the body member 12.

[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the sloped front work surface 32 receives thereon at least one of the user's feet, and possibly both feet for a pedicure when the user is seated. If the user rests one foot on the front work surface 32 with the toes positioned proximal the front edge 24′, the user's other foot can be positioned adjacent to either lower portion 50, 52. The body member 12 is maintained in an upright position by the pressure of at least one foot against the front work surface 32. Additional stabilizing support is provided during a pedicure by the body member 12 positioned adjacent to a chair or bed, or positioned against one of the user's ankles or legs with either of the upper side walls 54, 56 serving as a flexible support surface to stabilize the upper work surface 24 while the user's foot is positioned on the front work surface 32.

[0023] The back side 62 of the body member 12 is illustrated in FIG. 5 and includes a substantially planar and generally vertical surface. The back side 62 includes at least one enclosure 64 centrally disposed in the back side 62 with a depth of about one inch to about two inches. The enclosure 64 is covered by a flexible net 66 attached at each of four corners to an upper and lower sides of the enclosure 64. The flexible net 66 is resiliently stretched for insertion therein of items utilized during a manicure or a pedicure, such as containers 68, 70, appropriately sized brushes (not shown), a nail file 72, and/or a cuticle pusher 74 or other trimming utensils. With the items temporarily stored in the enclosure 64, the body member 12 is easily moved between locations of use, or is shifted from a first position between a user's legs during a manicure to a second position for receiving either of the user's feet for a pedicure without modifications to the body member 12.

[0024] In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the body member 82 includes a base 84 supporting opposed sides 86, 88 that are substantially flat and vertical, and are generally parallel to each other. The body member 82 is shaped in a trapezoidal side-profile and is preferably composed of flexible materials such that each side 86, 88 is resiliently compressed by the user upon application of pressure against each side which will return to an uncompressed shape after being released. The body member 82 includes the additional features of a front sloped surface 90 and a front edge 94 for placement of a hand or a foot thereon, and a back side 92 having an enclosure therein (not shown). An upper work surface 96 includes a plurality of holes 98, 98′, 98″, 98′″ and slots 100, 100′, 100″ disposed thereon, in order to provide storage for utensils used during a manicure or pedicure. Alternative arraignments of the holes and slots on upper work surface 96 will be apparent to one skilled in the art. The body member 82 is utilized in a manner illustrated in FIG. 7, with the user gripping the opposed sides 86, 88 between his or her knees, thereby compressing each side 86, 88 during a manicure for secure positioning of the body member 82. Upon removal of pressure against each side, the opposed sides 86, 88 return to the substantially flat and vertical orientation, thereby providing a stable base for repositioning for use during a pedicure.

[0025] From the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will recognize that the dual manicure and pedicure support apparatus 10 can include an alternative embodiment of the body member 12 having an arcuate back side ledge for placement of a hand or foot on an upper portion of the back side ledge, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Another embodiment of the body member 12 can include a base having an upwardly arched middle portion oriented along the lengthwise axis of the base, for positioning the body member 12 on a curved surface such as a portion of a reclining user's torso or on the user's leg for use during a manicure. An additional embodiment of the body member 12 includes arcuate sides that are inwardly angled to about a mid-segment of each side 42, 46, with an upwardly curved portion connected to respective sides of the upper work surface 24. Another alternate embodiment includes a base width having a lesser width than the upper work surface width in order to position the base of the body member 12 within a narrow opening such as between the user's crossed legs or between a table and an armchair while the user is in a seated or reclining position.

[0026] While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the applicant's intention to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus, methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicants' general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A support apparatus utilized for a manicure and/or a pedicure, comprising:

a body member including a base, an upper work surface, a back surface, and a front work surface disposed to receive thereon a hand for a manicure or a foot for a pedicure; and

opposed sides of said body member for positioning between a user's legs during the manicure.

2. The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein said body member includes a trapezoidal side-profile and is composed of flexible material.

3. The support apparatus of claim 2 wherein said front work surface is sloped at about a forty-five degree angle from said base to said upper work surface.

4. The support apparatus of claim 3 wherein said upper work surface includes a plurality of indentations disposed therein, said plurality of indentations arraigned in spaced-apart orientation from each indentation, whereby said plurality of indentations provide for placement therein of items utilized during a manicure or a pedicure.

5. The support apparatus of claim 3 wherein said front work surface including a front edge connecting with said upper work surface, said front work surface is disposed to receive either the user's hand or the user's foot thereon with the user's fingernails or toenails positioned proximal to said front edge of said upper work surface.

6. The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein said opposed sides including a concave curvature disposed laterally along a mid-segment of each opposed side for gripping by the user's legs during the manicure.

7. The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein said opposed sides including a concave curvature originating along each side of said base, said concave curvature extending proximal to a mid-segment of each opposed side.

8. The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein said back surface includes an enclosure centrally disposed in said back surface, said enclosure having a flexible net attached to said back surface to cover said enclosure, whereby said flexible net is stretched by the user for insertion therein of items utilized during a manicure or a pedicure.

9. The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein said back surface includes a substantially rectangular enclosure disposed in said back surface, said enclosure having a flexible net attached to said back surface to cover said enclosure, whereby said flexible net is stretched by the user for insertion into said enclosure of items utilized during a manicure or a pedicure.

10. A support device utilized for supporting a user's hand for a manicure or for supporting a user's foot for a pedicure, comprising:

a body member composed of a flexible material having a base surface and an upper work surface in parallel orientation;

a back side extended between said base surface and said upper work surface;

opposed sides having inwardly curved segments extending between said base surface and said upper work surface, said opposed sides positioned between the user's legs during the manicure; and

a front work surface of said body member being angled at less than a ninety degree angle from said base surface to said upper work surface, said front work surface accepts either of the user's foot or either of the user's hand thereon during a pedicure or manicure.

11. The support device of claim 10 wherein said opposed sides including said inwardly curved segments being oriented laterally along a central segment of each opposed side.

12. The support device of claim 10 wherein said upper work surface includes a plurality of indentations disposed therein, said plurality of indentations arraigned in spaced-apart orientation from each indentation, whereby said plurality of indentations provide for placement therein of items utilized during a manicure and/or a pedicure.

13. The support device of claim 12 wherein said plurality of indentations include a plurality of cylindrical indentations and at least one elongated indentation in said upper work surface.

14. A support device utilized for a positioning a hand for a manicure or for positioning a foot for a pedicure, comprising:

a body member having a trapezoidal side-profile, said body member including a base and an opposed upper work surface extended in substantially parallel orientation from a back side;

a front work surface opposed from said back side, said front work surface being angled to receive a hand or a foot thereon, whereby the user's fingers are positioned proximal to said upper work surface during a manicure and the user's toes are positioned proximal to said upper work surface during a pedicure; and

opposed sides curved inwardly to be readily gripped between the user's legs to position said body member proximal to the user's during the manicure.

15. The support device of claim 14 wherein said upper work surface including a plurality of indentations disposed therein, said plurality of indentations arraigned in spaced-apart orientation from each indentation, whereby said plurality of indentations provide for placement therein of items utilized during the manicure and/or the pedicure.

16. The support device of claim 14 wherein said back side includes an enclosure centrally disposed in said back side, said enclosure having a flexible net attached to said back side to cover said enclosure, whereby said flexible net is stretched by the user for insertion therein of items utilized during the manicure and/or the pedicure.

17. The support device of claim 14 wherein said front work surface including a front edge connecting with said upper work surface, said front work surface is disposed to receive either the user's hand or the user's foot thereon with the user's fingernails or toenails positioned proximal to said front edge and said upper work surface.

18. A support device utilized for a manicure and/or a pedicure, comprising:

a body member including a base surface and a spaced-apart upper work surface composed of a flexible material;

a back side extending between said base surface and said upper work surface;

opposed sides having inwardly curved surfaces for positioning said body member between the user's legs during a manicure; and

a front work surface having an angled surface sloped upwardly from said base surface to said upper work surface, said front work surface accepts a hand or a foot thereon, whereby the user's fingernails or toenails are positioned proximal to said upper work surface during the manicure or a pedicure.

19. The support device of claim 18 wherein said upper work surface including a plurality of indentations disposed in said flexible material of said upper work surface, said plurality of indentations are sized to allow placement therein of items used during the manicure or pedicure.

20. The support device of claim 18 wherein said front work surface having said angled surface sloped at about a forty-five degree angle from said base surface to said upper work surface.