Artificial nail containing liquid

Abstract

An artificial fingernail is molded to contain liquid. According to the invention, the edge of a first layer is joined to the edge of a second layer. A liquid portion is positioned in between the first layer and the second layer. The color and composition of the liquid portion, along with decorative objects placed in the liquid portion, produce a desired cosmetic effect.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates in general to artificial fingernails and toenails. More particularly, this invention relates to an artificial nail containing liquid to produce a desired cosmetic effect.

2. Description of the Related Art

Artificial nails are frequently used to enhance the appearance of natural fingernails and toenails. An artificial nail is usually a thin, plastic material applied on top of a natural fingernail or toenail. The plastic material typically has color similar to a natural nail. Artificial nails are manufactured in numerous shapes and sizes to accommodate the natural nails of different people.

After applying an artificial nail, nail polish or adhesive designs can be applied to the nail to produce a desired cosmetic effect. For example, bright-colored nail polish can be used to decorate the artificial fingernail. In addition, small stickers or painted designs can be applied to further embellish the nail.

Artificial fingernails and toenails pose two considerable problems. First, decorative methods such as nail polish, paint, or adhesives require significant care, skill, and time to apply. Additionally, only the outside surface of an artificial nail can be decorated, limiting the possibilities of cosmetic effects.

Accordingly, there is need for an artificial nail manufactured capable of achieving a decorative design without having to exercise the degree of care, skill, and time typically needed. In addition, there is need for an artificial nail with different decorative designs.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,699,813, Carroll discloses an artificial fingernail molded with an inlay on its top surface. In a preferred embodiment, the fingernail is colored to simulate the style of a French fingernail, with lighter colored cuticle and tip end portions and a darker color central portion. According to the invention, a fingernail-shaped base member is molded of a first, lighter color, preferably translucent, and an inlay of a second, darker color, preferably opaque, is molded into a top surface of the base member to produce areas of different color resulting in the desired fingernail style. Secure attachment of the inlay to the base member is insured by provision of a mechanical lock between the base member and the inlay.

Unlike Carroll, the present invention has a liquid layer that adds to the cosmetic design of the nail. Carroll uses an inlay, which is not liquid, to increase decorative appeal. Carroll cannot achieve the cosmetic effect associated with liquid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide an artificial nail with a cosmetic design incorporated into it.

A second object of the invention is to provide an artificial nail with more than one layer.

A third object of the invention is to provide an artificial nail with a liquid portion.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides an artificial fingernail molded to contain liquid. According to the invention, the edge of a first layer is joined to the edge of a second layer. A liquid portion is positioned in between the first layer and the second layer. The color and composition of the liquid portion, along with decorative objects placed in the liquid portion, produce a desired cosmetic effect.

Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side plan view of an artificial fingernail produced in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 as combined with a natural fingernail in an assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a second embodiment as combined with a natural fingernail in an assembly according to the invention;

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, a side plan view of an artificial fingernail 10 produced in accordance with the invention is shown. Artificial nail 10 is formed with a top layer 12, a bottom layer 11 and a liquid portion 14 occupying the clearance area between the two layers.

Still referring to FIG. 1, liquid portion 14 may include decorative objects 13 made of plastic, paper, or other material. Decorative objects 13 come in a variety of shapes, including stars, circles, polygons, and hearts. In addition, different colors, levels of clarity, and levels of viscosity for liquid portion 14 may be used. Levels of clarity range from transparent to fluorescent to opaque. Fluorescent material is used for luminescence in the dark. Liquids of different viscosity include thinner liquids like water, liquids like oil and thicker gravy-like liquids. Furthermore, liquid portion 14 may include air to allow for the movement of liquid and decorative objects 13. A combination of air, water and other liquids, along with an assigned color for each liquid, may also be used to produce a desired cosmetic effect.

With reference to FIG. 1, top layer 12 and bottom layer 11 may be molded out of a completely transparent material or a translucent material simulating the natural color of a natural fingernail. The transparent nature allows liquid portion 14 to be seen through top layer 12. Top layer 12 and bottom layer 11 may comprise those materials commonly employed in the manufacture of artificial fingernails, i.e., ABS plastic, nylon, or vinyl acetate.

Still referring to FIG. 1, top layer 12 or bottom layer 11 may be a transparent color. Alternatively, top layer 12 or bottom layer 11 may be a solid color. Any combination of colors and transparencies for top layer 12 and bottom layer 11 can be used to produce a desired cosmetic effect.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a front plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 is shown. Top layer 12 and bottom layer 11 form the shape of a natural fingernail, allowing for a proper fit with a natural fingernail.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 as combined with a natural fingernail in an assembly according to the invention is shown. The edge of top layer 12 and the edge of bottom layer 11 are joined along border 21 by glueing, melting or otherwise attaching the two edges. If liquid portion 14 contains air, movement of finger 20 will cause liquid portion 14 and decorative objects to move within artificial fingernail 10. If liquid portion 14 does not contain air, liquid portion 14 may not move within artificial fingernail 10, but decorative objects 13 may still move within liquid portion 14.

In an alternative embodiment, the area formed between top layer 12 and bottom layer 11 may contain air and no liquid. Decorative objects 13 may be placed and can move within the chamber formed by joining top layer 12 to bottom layer 11.

With reference to FIG. 4, a top view of a second embodiment as combined with a natural fingernail in an assembly according to the invention is shown. In this embodiment, liquid portion 14 only occupies the area covering finger 20. Nail tip 30 does not contain liquid. Instead, nail tip 30 is solid, with no space between top layer 12 and bottom layer 11. Nail tip 30 may be thinner than the area covering finger 20.

Still referring to FIG. 4, nail tip 30 may be molded out of a translucent material simulating the natural color of a natural fingernail. Nail tip 30 may comprise those materials commonly employed in the manufacture of artificial fingernails, i.e., ABS plastic, nylon, or vinyl acetate.

Other embodiments of the invention will appear to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. For example, the present invention may be used with equal success in the application of artificial toenails. It is intended that the specification and examples to be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

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20. An artificial nail for use on a natural nail comprising:

a first layer having a first edge;

a second layer having a second edge, the first edge being joined to the second edge; and

a nail tip portion and a nail base portion, a clearance area existing in and extending substantially over one of said portions of the nail, and decorative objects being contained in the clearance area.