Artificial nail remover and french nail tool

Abstract

An artificial nail tool is provided having a handle portion and at least one blade portion attached thereto. Each blade portion has a leading edge and a pair of side edges. The handle portion has a first surface, a second surface, and a side edge portion extending around the periphery of the handle portion. Preferably, the leading edge has a first thickness while the handle portion has a second minimum thickness, with the first thickness being less than the second minimum thickness. In one embodiment of the invention, the blade portion has an elongate axis, with the blade portion having a rigidity imparting component extending parallel to the elongate axis. Preferably, the blade portion is of a thickness of less than 1/64″ while the handle portion is of a thickness greater than the thickness of the blade portion. In another embodiment of the invention, the tool has a handle portion and a plurality of radially extending blade portions. In this embodiment, the tool is of a generally domed shape, with each blade portion having a curved upper surface and an arcuate leading edge.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to artificial nails, such as fingernails and toenails, and more particularly to a tool which can be used to remove them when necessitated by the growth of the underlying nail or damage to the artificial nail, and alternatively in the application of French nails.

2. Description of the Related Art

This invention is directed to an artificial nail tool. With the growth of the personal healthcare and beauty industry, one of the areas which has experienced phenomenal growth has been the nailcare industry. It has been estimated that each day upwards of 500,000 individuals receive attention to their nails.

Typically, a nailcare customer returns every two weeks to an establishment which offers nailcare services for additional attention to their nails. Because of this consumer demand, nailcare can now be obtained not only at spas or high end beauty salons, but at barber shops and customized nail boutiques. One thing that has greatly impacted the industry has been the introduction of artificial fingernails.

The artificial fingernail industry has spawned an industry unto itself. Most salon catalogues devote pages to tools and products which can be used in the application or removal of artificial nails. With respect to the tools associated with the application of artificial nails, there are an increasing plurality of nail forms, drills, drill bits used in the shaping of the artificial nail, sanders used in smoothing the artificial nail prior to the application of polish, and buffers used just prior to the application of polish.

However, when it comes to the removal of artificial nails, things become relatively simplistic: a solvent is typically used to loosen the artificial nail from its position. There are two common ways for the solvent to come into contact with the artificial nail. The first way requires the wearer to soak the ends of the fingers having artificial nails. This soaking is in a solvent, such as acetone, and typically is for at least 15-30 minutes, with the solvent having been poured into a bowl or other similar device. The second way utilizes cotton balls, gauze, or cloth soaked in a solvent which are then secured in place atop the nail by wrapping aluminum or tin foil around the finger. The metal foil minimizes evaporation and dripping of the solvent. Once wrapped, the nails are left in contact with the solvent for at least 20-30 minutes.

After the artificial nails have been in contact with the solvent as discussed above, a cuticle pusher of the type well known in the art can be used to dislodge the artificial nail from its former position. Other tools that can be used in this removal process are nail clippers or cuticle nippers, which can be used to help pry off and/or cut the artificial nail that is being removed. Still another option is to grind off the existing artificial nail with a sanding band.

Regardless of the method used to remove artificial nails, all of the existing methods are relatively time consuming for both the wearer and the nail technician. Additionally, with respect to those methods which use a solvent, the hands are immersed in the chemical solvent for an extended period of time. Still further, trying to cut portions of the nail off can cause discomfort for the wearer.

Once removed and reapplied, if the wearer desires to have the “look” known as French nails, the process is not exacting. The two polishes can be applied freestyle with a steady hand, but there is no guarantee that there will be an arcuate line devoid of any minute deviation. Consequently, the final appearance may not look as refined as desired.

It is thus apparent that the need exists for an artificial nail tool that can be used so as to overcome the problems associated with the prior art of removing artificial nails and applying French nails.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed an artificial nail tool, with the tool having a handle portion and at least one blade portion. The handle portion is attached to the blade portion. Each blade portion has a leading edge and a pair of side edges, while the handle portion has a first surface, a second surface, and a side edge portion extending along the periphery of the handle portion.

The leading edge has a first thickness, and the handle portion has a second minimum thickness, with the first thickness being less than the second minimum thickness. In one embodiment, the blade portion and the handle portion are fabricated from separate materials. The blade portion has an upper surface and a lower surface, with the upper surface and the lower surface each being substantially parallel. The handle portion has a maximum width, and each blade portion has a minimum width, such that each blade portion minimum width is less than the handle portion maximum width.

The blade portion has an elongate axis, and in one embodiment the blade portion has a rigidity imparting component extending parallel to the elongate axis. The blade portion has an upper surface, with the rigidity imparting component extending partially along the upper surface parallel to the elongate axis. In one embodiment, the blade portion and the handle portion are fabricated as parts of a unitary device.

Preferably the blade portion is of a thickness of less than 1/64″. The blade portion has a first section and a second section, with the first section terminating at the leading edge, and with the second section being directly adjacent the handle portion. The first section has a first thickness, and the second section has a second thickness, with the first thickness being less than the second thickness. The blade portion is of a first length and the handle portion is of a second length, with the second length being greater than the first length.

There is also disclosed an artificial nail tool having a handle portion and a blade portion, with the blade portion having an upper surface and a lower surface, and with the upper surface and the lower surface each being substantially planar, and with the handle portion attached to the blade portion. The blade portion has a leading edge and a pair of side edges, and the handle portion has a first end, a second end, and a pair of side edges extending between the first end and the second end, with the leading edge having a first thickness, the handle portion having a second minimum thickness, and with the first thickness being less than the second minimum thickness. In one embodiment of the invention, the blade portion has an elongate axis, with the blade portion having a rigidity imparting component extending parallel to the elongate axis.

The preferred embodiment of the invention has a blade portion of a thickness of less than 1/64″. The blade portion has a first section and a second section, with the first section terminating at the leading edge, and with the second section being directly adjacent the handle portion. The first section of the blade portion has a first thickness, the second section has a second thickness, with the first thickness being less than the second thickness. The blade portion is of a first length and the handle portion is of a second length, with the second length being greater than the first length.

There is also disclosed an artificial nail tool having a handle portion and a plurality of radially projecting blade portions. The tool is of a generally domed shape. Each blade portion has a curved upper surface and a curved lower surface, as well as an arcuate leading edge. Each blade portion has two side edges, with the edges being spaced apart a first distance at the junction of the handle portion at the blade portion and spaced apart a second distance at the arcuate leading edge. The second distance is greater than the first distance for each respective blade portion. Each of the blade portions are curved between that blade portion's side edges, with a plurality of the blade portions each having a different curvature. This embodiment of the tool has at least three blade portions.

The primary objective of this invention is to provide an artificial tool that overcomes the problems heretofore associated with the removal of artificial nails.

Another objective of this invention is to provide such an artificial nail tool that overcomes the problems with application of French nails.

Another objective of this invention is to provide an artificial nail tool that is relatively easy to fabricate.

Still another objective of this invention is to provide an artificial nail tool that is relatively easy to use, but very efficient.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an artificial nail tool made in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view taken from the right side of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a front plan view of a modified embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a front plan view of another modified embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a front plan view of another modified embodiment of the invention that is similar in construction to the tool shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a front plan view of another modified embodiment of the invention that is similar in construction to the tool shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a front plan view of another modified embodiment of the invention that is similar in construction to the tool shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is a front plan view of another modified embodiment of the invention that is similar in construction to the tool shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another modified embodiment of the invention that is similar to the tool shown in FIG. 8, but having the blade curved between the handle and the tip.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an artificial nail tool made in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the tool shown in FIG. 13.

In describing the embodiments of the invention which are illustrated in the drawing, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific term so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Having reference to the drawing, attention is directed to FIG. 1, which discloses an artificial nail tool, with the invention designated generally by the numeral 10. The tool can be appreciated as being formed with a blade portion 15 and a handle portion 20. The tool can be fabricated as a unitary object completely from metal or a hard plastic, or can be fabricated in two pieces, the handle portion and the blade portion, and then assembled together. The invention is shown as a unitary object in FIGS. 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 14 and as being fabricated in two pieces in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10.

As can be appreciated from a comparison of FIGS. 1-6, 8 and 10 in the two-part embodiment of the tool 10, the blade portion has a leading edge 22 formed at the first end 23 of the blade, and an attachment portion 24 formed at the second end 25 of the blade. The leading edge can terminate in a single tip 22a, preferably slightly rounded as shown in FIG. 1, or be formed as a slightly concave surface with essentially two tips 22b as shown in FIG. 8. Optimally, it is this leading edge that facilitates the removal of the artificial nail.

The blade portion 15 also has a first surface 26 and a second surface 28 on opposite sides of the blade. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-11, the first and second surfaces, 26 and 28 respectively, are substantially planar, while the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 discloses a curved blade portion. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the blade portion 15 is curved between the two side edges (30 not being shown, and 32) of the blade portions, as well as between the first end of the blade 22 and the second edge of the blade 24. This particular blade is shown formed as a slightly concave surface with essentially two tips 22b similar to what is shown in FIG. 8. The handle of the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 12 has the same structure as the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 6, 8, and 10.

Depending on the thickness and rigidity of the blade portion, the first and second surfaces, 26 and 28 respectively, could actually be parallel to one another. Alternately, the first and second surfaces could be tapered toward each other as they approach the leading edge 22. In such an embodiment, it can be appreciated that there is a first section of the blade portion which terminates at the leading edge while a second section of the blade portion is located directly adjacent the handle portion. Moreover, in an embodiment where the blade tapers towards the leading edge, the first section at the leading edge has a first thickness and the second section immediately adjacent the handle portion has a second thickness with the first thickness being less than the second thickness.

However, as can be appreciated from a comparison of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, a rigidity imparting component 35 may be incorporated into the structure of the blade portion. This rigidity imparting component 35 is shown as preferably being a raised rib member 37 that structurally strengthens the blade so that it does not deform when subjected to pressure at the leading edge.

This raised rib member 37 could be formed by additional metal or plastic being fabricated on the surface of the blade portion, or it could be formed by stamping of the blade portion to result in the structure depicted in FIGS. 1-5. The blade portion 15 has an elongate axis 40 that extends the length of the blade. In this embodiment of the invention, the rigidity imparting component 35 is parallel to the elongate axis 40, and extends partially along the upper surface. In fact, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3, the rigidity imparting component is coincident with the elongate axis 40.

The blade portion 15 also has a first side edge 30 and a second side edge 32. In most of the embodiments of the tool shown in the drawings, it will be appreciated that the blade portion is formed such that the side edges are slightly convex, and rounded. However, the embodiments of the tool shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 disclose generally concave side edges.

Turning now to the attachment portion 24 of the blade portion 15, it will be appreciated that in those embodiments having separate handle and blade portions, the attachment portion is of a width that is less than that of the handle portion at their point of juncture. Thus the blade portion is effectively imbedded within the handle portion as can best be appreciated from FIG. 3. Securing of the blade 15 within the recess formed in the handle 20 can be done by adhesive or friction-fit.

Turning now to the handle portion 20, from a comparison of FIGS. 1-3, it will be appreciated that the handle has a first end 50 and a second end 52. The handle first end 50 is directly adjacent the blade portion 15. In fact, in the embodiment having separate blade and handle portions, the first end 50 includes the point of attachment of the blade 15. Meanwhile, the second end 52 is located at the opposite end of the tool from the leading edge.

The handle also has a first surface 54 and a second surface 56. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, made like FIGS. 6, 8, and 10, each such surface is slightly convex, but it should be understood that they could be parallel to each other. The first and second surfaces of the handle could be smooth, ribbed, or textured, depending upon the look desired. While the leading edge has a first thickness, the handle portion has a second minimum thickness with the first thickness being less than the second minimum thickness of the handle.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-5, the handle portion 20 also has a handle first side edge 57 and a handle second side edge 58, each side edge being intermediate the first and second surfaces, and with each side edge extending from the handle first end 50 to the handle second end 52. It will also be appreciated from most of the drawings that in the majority of the embodiments, the handle portion has a maximum width and the blade portion has a minimum width, with the blade portion minimum width being less than the handle portion maximum width. Furthermore, it will be appreciated from a comparison of the various embodiments of the invention disclosed in the drawings that preferably the blade portion has a first length between its tip and the blade portion located immediately adjacent the handle, and the handle portion has a second length between its first and second ends, with the second length being greater than the first length.

In the embodiment of the invention disclosed in FIG. 12, although the blade portion is of the same peripheral shape as the blade portion in FIG. 8, it is bent between the handle portion 20 and the leading edge 22. Additionally, it can be appreciated from FIG. 8 that the blade portion 15 may be curved from side edge to side edge as the blade approaches the leading edge.

There is also disclosed an artificial nail tool 100 having a handle portion 110 and a plurality of radially projecting blade portions 120. The tool is of a generally domed shape. Each blade portion has a curved upper surface 122 and a curved lower surface 124, as well as an arcuate leading edge 125.

Each blade portion 120 has two side edges 126, with the edges being spaced apart a first distance at the junction of the handle portion and the blade portion 128 and spaced apart a second distance at the arcuate leading edge 125, which preferably has “points” formed at the juncture of the side edges and arcuate leading edge. Preferably, the second distance is greater than the first distance for each respective blade portion. Each of the blade portions are curved between that blade portion's side edges, with a plurality of the blade portions each having a different curvature. This embodiment of the tool has at least three blade portions.

In actual use, one embodiment of the artificial nail tool of this invention can easily remove artificial nails. The leading edge, preferably less than 1/64″ in thickness, can get between the artificial nail and the real nail, thereby facilitating the lifting of the artificial nail from its position directly on top of the real nail surface. The flexibility and thinness of the blade portion near the leading edge minimizes discomfort, while relatively easily prying the nails apart.

The tool of this invention may also be used to remove any excess wet acrylic that remains around the cuticle or underneath the nail during application of the artificial nail. The blade portion of the tool, while flexible, is firm enough to also be able to be used to push the cuticle away from overlaying the nail.

The tool of this invention readily removes artificial nails without having to resort to cutting, grinding, or excessive exposure to solvents. In actual use, it has been found that nails can be completely and painlessly removed using this tool after the artificial nail has been soaked in a solvent for significantly less than 15 minutes. Meanwhile, nails can typically be removed using the tool of this invention after the nails have been soaked in a solvent for around 5 minutes. In fact, sometimes the tool of this invention is able to remove an artificial nail relatively painlessly without the use of any solvent.

Another embodiment of this invention is extremely useful in the application of the type of nails known as French nails, due to the two tints involved. The line defining the separation of the two tints is smooth and continuous, not jagged.

While the form of apparatus herein described constitutes a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise form of apparatus and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An artificial nail tool, said tool comprising a handle portion and at least one blade portion, said handle portion attached to each said blade portion, each said blade portion having a leading edge and a pair of side edges, said handle portion having a first surface, a second surface, and a side edge portion extending along the periphery of said handle portion, said leading edge having a first thickness, said handle portion having a second minimum thickness, said first thickness being less than said second minimum thickness.

2. The tool according to claim 1 wherein said blade portion and said handle portion are fabricated from separate materials.

3. The tool according to claim 1 wherein said blade portion has an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface and said lower surface each being substantially parallel to each other.

4. The tool according to claim 1 wherein said handle portion has a maximum width, and each said blade portion having a minimum width, each said blade portion minimum width being less than said handle portion maximum width.

5. The tool according to claim 1 wherein said blade portion has an elongate axis, said blade portion having a rigidity imparting component extending parallel to said elongate axis.

6. The tool according to claim 5 wherein said blade portion has an upper surface, said rigidity imparting component extending partially along said upper surface parallel to said elongate axis.

7. The tool according to claim 1 wherein said blade portion and said handle portion are fabricated as part of a unitary device.

8. The tool according to claim 1 wherein said blade portion is of a thickness of less than 1/64″.

9. The tool according to claim 1 wherein said blade portion has a first section and a second section, said first section terminating at said leading edge, said second section being directly adjacent said handle portion, said first section having a first thickness, said second section having a second thickness, said first thickness being less than said second thickness.

10. The tool according to claim 1 wherein said blade portion is of a first length and said handle portion is of a second length, said second length being greater than said first length.

11. An artificial nail tool, said tool comprising a handle portion and a blade portion, said blade portion having an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface and said lower surface each being substantially planar, said handle portion attached to said blade portion, said blade portion having a leading edge and a pair of side edges, said handle portion having a first end, a second end, and a pair of side edges extending between said first end and said second end, said leading edge having a first thickness, said handle portion having a second minimum thickness, said first thickness being less than said second minimum thickness.

12. The tool according to claim 11, wherein said blade portion has an elongate axis, said blade portion having a rigidity imparting component extending parallel to said elongate axis.

13. The tool according to claim 11 wherein said blade portion is of a thickness of less than 1/64″.

14. The tool according to claim 11 wherein said blade portion has a first section and a second section, said first section terminating at said leading edge, said second section being directly adjacent said handle portion, said first section having a first thickness, said second section having a second thickness, said first thickness being less than said second thickness.

15. The tool according to claim 11 wherein said blade portion is of a first length and said handle portion is of a second length, said second length being greater than said first length.

16. An artificial nail tool, said tool comprising a handle portion and a plurality of radially extending blade portions, said tool being generally of a domed shape, each said blade portion having a curved upper surface, a curved lower surface, and an arcuate leading edge.

17. The tool according to claim 16, wherein each said blade portion has two side edges, said side edges being spaced apart a first distance at the junction of the handle portion and the blade portion and spaced apart a second distance at the arcuate leading edge, said second distance being greater than the first distance for each said blade portion.

18. The tool according to claim 17 wherein each of said blade portions are curved between said side edges to exhibit curvature, with a plurality of blade portions each having a different curvature.

19. The tool according to claim 16 which includes at least three blade portions.