IMPLEMENTS FOR REMOVING NAIL POLISH

An implement for removing nail polish includes a container having a closed end, and an open end to a chamber for holding an amount of a liquid nail polish remover. A first pad is secured to the open end, is coupled fluidly to the chamber, and extends outwardly from the open end of the container to a first outer extremity. A second pad is secured to the closed end that isolates the second pad from the chamber, and extends outwardly from the closed end of the container to a second outer extremity. The first outer extremity is broad and round relative to the second outer extremity, which is comparatively narrow and blunt-pointed. The first pad has a first density and a first softness, and the second pad has a second density greater than the first density and a second softness less than the first softness.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to tools for removing nail polish.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nail polish is a lacquer applied to nails, specifically fingernails or toenails, to decorate and protect the nail plates. Modern nail polish formulations are made of a film-forming polymer dissolved in a volatile organic solvent. This basic formulation has been expanded to include plasticizers for reducing film bitterness, dyes and pigments, opalescent pigments, adhesive polymers for promoting adhesion to the nail surface, thickening agents, and ultraviolet stabilizers to resist color changes. Nail polish formulations are routinely revised to improve their functional and aesthetic attributes.

Nail polish commonly removed with a nail polish remover used with a pad or swab. The liquid nail polish remover is an organic solvent, such as acetone or ethyl acetate, which often includes additional ingredients, such oils, scents, and coloring.

Removing nail polish with a pad or swab and a selected nail polish remover can be cumbersome and messy. Moreover, nail polish remover can be harsh on the skin. Using a hand-held pad or swab to remove nail polish from nail with a nail polish remover often results in the inadvertent application of the nail polish remover to skin areas surrounding the nails, and to the hand used to hold the pad or swab. To solve these problems, skilled artisans have developed a variety of specialized, handheld tools useful for holding the nail polish remover and applying the nail polish remover to the nail polish to be removed with an integrated applicator. However, attempts at improving the application of nail polish remover for removing nail polish have resulted in complex and expensive tools with results that are not entirely satisfactory, thereby necessitating continued improvement in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the principle of the invention, an implement for removing nail polish includes a container, a first pad assembly, and a second pad assembly. The container is elongate and includes a continuous sidewall having a closed end and an open end. The closed end, the open end, and the continuous sidewall define a chamber for holding an amount of a liquid nail polish remover. The container is arranged about a central longitudinal axis from the closed end to the open end. The first pad assembly includes a first pad carried by a first member. The first pad includes a first inner extremity, and a first outer extremity. The first pad is permeable to the liquid nail polish remover, and extends outwardly from the first member from the first inner extremity to the first outer extremity. The second pad assembly includes a second pad carried by a second member. The second pad includes a second inner extremity, and a second outer extremity. The second pad is permeable to the liquid nail polish remover, and extends outwardly from the second member from the second inner extremity to the second outer extremity. The implement further includes a first fastener assembly for releasably coupling the first member to the open end of the container, and a second fastener assembly for releasably coupling the second member to the closed end of the container. The first fastener assembly includes an element thereof carried by the first member and a complemental element thereof carried by the open end of the container. The second fastener assembly includes an element thereof carried by the second member and a complemental element thereof carried by the closed end of the container. The first pad is arranged about the longitudinal axis of the container, is coupled fluidly to the chamber, and extends outwardly from the open end of the container from the first inner extremity to the first outer extremity, when the element of the first fastener assembly is releasably coupled to the complemental element of the first fastener assembly. The second pad is arranged about the longitudinal axis of the container and is isolated from the chamber by the closed end of the container, when the element of the second fastener assembly is releasably coupled to the complemental element of the second fastener assembly. The first outer extremity of the first pad is broad and round in relation to the second outer extremity of the second pad, which is comparatively narrow and blunt-pointed. The first pad has a first density and a first softness, the second pad has a second density and a second softness, the first density of the first pad is less than the second density of the second pad, and the first softness of the first pad is greater than the second softness of the second pad. The element of the first fastener assembly comprises external threads, and the complemental element of the first fastener assembly comprises internal threads. The element of the second fastener assembly comprises external threads, and the complemental element of the second fastener assembly comprises internal threads. The open end of the container includes a first edge of the continuous sidewall that encircles an opening to the chamber. The first inner extremity of the first pad is in direct contact against the first edge of the open end of the container, when the element of the first fastener assembly is releasably coupled to the complemental element of the first fastener assembly. The closed end of the container includes a socket formed with the second complement element of the second fastener assembly, and a second edge that encircles an opening to the socket. The second inner extremity of the second pad is in direct contact against the second edge of the closed end of the container, when second member is applied to the socket and the element of the second fastener assembly is releasably coupled to the complemental element of the second fastener assembly. The continuous sidewall defines an outer surface that extends from the first edge to the second edge of the continuous sidewall. The first outer extremity of the first pad defines an outer surface, and the second outer extremity of the second pad defines an outer surface. The outer surface of the first outer extremity of the first pad abuts the outer surface of the continuous sidewall, when the element of the first fastener assembly is releasably coupled to the complemental element of the first fastener assembly. The outer surface of the second outer extremity of the second pad abuts the outer surface of the continuous sidewall, when the element of the second fastener assembly is releasably coupled to the complemental element of the second fastener assembly.

According to the principle of the invention, an implement for removing nail polish includes a container, a first pad, and a second pad. The container is elongate and includes a continuous sidewall having a closed end and an open end. The closed end, the open end, and the continuous sidewall define a chamber holding an amount of a liquid nail polish remover. The container is arranged about a central longitudinal axis from the closed end to the open end. The first pad is permeable to the liquid nail polish remover, and includes a first inner extremity, and a first outer extremity. The second pad is permeable to the liquid nail polish remover, and includes a second inner extremity, and a second outer extremity. The first inner extremity of the first pad is adhered adhesively to the open end of the container, the first pad closes the open end of the container and is coupled fluidly to the chamber, and the first pad extends outwardly from the open end of the container from the first inner extremity to the first outer extremity. The second inner extremity of the second pad is adhered adhesively to the closed end of the container and is isolated from the chamber by the closed end of the container, and the second pad extends outwardly from the closed end of the container from the second inner extremity to the second outer extremity. The first pad is arranged about the longitudinal axis of the container. The second pad is arranged about the longitudinal axis of the container. The first outer extremity of the first pad is broad and round in relation to the second outer extremity of the second pad, which is comparatively narrow and blunt-pointed. The first pad has a first density and a first softness, the second pad has a second density and a second softness, the first density of the first pad is less than the second density of the second pad, and the first softness of the first pad is greater than the second softness of the second pad. The open end of the container includes a first edge of the continuous sidewall that encircles an opening to the chamber. The first inner extremity of the first pad is adhered adhesively to the first edge of the open end of the container. The closed end of the container includes a second edge of the continuous sidewall. The continuous sidewall defines an outer surface that extends from the first edge to the second edge of the continuous sidewall. The first outer extremity of the first pad defines an outer surface, and the second outer extremity of the second pad defines an outer surface. The outer surface of the first outer extremity of the first pad abuts the outer surface of the continuous sidewall, and the outer surface of the second outer extremity of the second pad abuts the outer surface of the continuous sidewall.

According to the principle of the invention, an implement for removing nail polish includes an elongate member, a first pad, and a second pad. The elongate member includes a first end, a second end, and an outer surface that extends from the first end to the second end. The elongate member is arranged about a central longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end. The first pad is permeable to a liquid nail polish remover, and includes a first inner extremity, and a first outer extremity. The second pad is permeable to the liquid nail polish remover, and includes a second inner extremity, and a second outer extremity. The first inner extremity of the first pad is adhered adhesively to the first end of the elongate member, and the first pad extends outwardly from the first end of the elongate member from the first inner extremity to the first outer extremity. The second inner extremity of the second pad is adhered adhesively to the second end of the elongate member, and the second pad extends outwardly from the second end of the elongate member from the second inner extremity to the second outer extremity. The first pad is arranged about the longitudinal axis of the elongate member, and the second pad is arranged about the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. The first outer extremity of the first pad is broad and round in relation to the second outer extremity of the second pad, which is comparatively narrow and blunt-pointed. The first pad has a first density and a first softness, the second pad has a second density and a second softness, the first density of the first pad is less than the second density of the second pad, and the first softness of the first pad is greater than the second softness of the second pad. The first outer extremity of the first pad defines an outer surface, the second outer extremity of the second pad defines an outer surface, the outer surface of the first outer extremity of the first pad abuts the outer surface of the elongate member, and the outer surface of the second outer extremity of the second pad abuts the outer surface of the elongate member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of an implement for removing nail polish, in accordance with the principle of the invention;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are exploded views of the implement corresponding to FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively;

FIG. 5 is a section view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 illustrates the implement taken up by hand in preparation for use;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to that of FIG. 6 illustrating the implement as it would appear in use removing nail polish from a surface of a nail;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to that of FIG. 7 illustrating the implement as it would appear in use spot-cleaning the surface of the nail;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged section view of the implement corresponding to FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged section view of the implement corresponding to FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an implement for removing nail polish, in accordance with the principle of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a section view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a view of the implement of FIG. 11 shown as it would appear in use removing nail polish from a surface of a nail, the implement being shown in section view to better illustrate the components thereof; and

FIG. 14 is a section view of yet another embodiment of an implement for removing nail polish, in accordance with the principle of the invention.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is first directed to FIGS. 1-4 in which there is seen an implement 20 for removing nail polish. Implement 20 is an assembly, and includes container 21, and pad assemblies 22 and 23 coupled removably/releasably to either end of container 21. Pad assembly 22 is useful for broad removal of nail polish, and, comparison, pad assembly 22 is useful for spot-removal of nail polish, in accordance with the invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, which is a section view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2, container 21 includes a continuous sidewall 30 having outer surface 31, inner surface 32, end 33, end 34, and fluid impervious receptacle or chamber 35. End 33 is an open end, and end 34 is a closed end. Outer surface 31 extends from edge 40 at open end 33 to edge 41 at closed end 34. Outer surface 31 tapers inwardly away from edge 40 toward the middle of continuous sidewall 30. Inner surface 32 extends from edge 40 at open end 33 to edge 41 at closed end 34. Outer surface 31 tapers inwardly away from edge 41 toward the middle of continuous sidewall 30. Edge 40 is annular and encircles opening 42 to chamber 35. Closed end 34 includes horizontal bottom 44. Bottom 44 is adjacent to edge 41, and is affixed to inner surface 32. Bottom 44 and edge 40 cooperate with inner surface 32 of continuous sidewall 30 to form chamber 35, which is fluid impervious and is the contained space or interior of container 21 to receive an amount of a liquid nail polish remover through opening 42. Inner surface 32 of continuous sidewall 30 at open end 33 is formed with threads 50. Accordingly, open end 33 is inwardly threaded. Bottom 44 and edge 41 cooperate with inner surface 32 of continuous sidewall 30 to form socket 54, a hollow part for receiving and holding a corresponding part of pad assembly 23. Edge 41 encircles opening 55 to socket 54 of closed end 34. Inner surface 32 of continuous sidewall 30 of socket 54 at closed end 34 is formed with threads 57. Accordingly, socket 54 of closed end 34 is inwardly threaded. In FIG. 5, amount 48 of a liquid nail polish remover, such as an acetone-based liquid nail polish remover, an ethyl acetate liquid nail polish remover, or other selected liquid nail polish remover, is shown applied to and held in chamber 35. Implement 20 extends upright from closed end 34 to open end 33 in FIG. 5, and amount 48 fills chamber 35 from bottom 44 to just below threads 50 at open end 33 to enable pad assembly 22 to be threaded onto open end 33 of container 21 without interference from amount 48. Container 21 is arranged about a central longitudinal axis X, which extends axially through the geometric center of container 21 from closed end 34 to open end 33. Container 21 is formed of plastic, glass, ceramic, or other durable and chemically resistant material or combination of materials, and in an illustrative embodiment is integrally formed, such as by molding or machining.

Container 21 is from 3 inches to 7 inches in overall length from edge 40 of open end 33 to edge 41 of closed end 34, which enables container 21 to be easily taken up and held by hand during use removing nail polish. Chamber 35 is sized to hold from 1 fluid ounce to 3 fluid ounces of a selected liquid nail polish remover. In an illustrative embodiment, container 21 is 3 inches in length from edge 40 of open end 33 to edge 41 of closed end 34, chamber 35 is sized to hold 1 fluid ounce of a liquid nail polish remover, and amount 48 in chamber is 1 fluid ounce.

In FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, pad assembly 22 is coupled releasably to open end 33 of container 21, and pad assembly 23 is coupled releasably to closed end 34 of container 21. Referring to FIGS. 3-5, pad assembly 22 includes a carrier or member 60, and pad 61. Pad 61 is carried by member 60. Member 60 is formed of plastic, glass, ceramic, or other durable and chemically resistant material or combination of materials, and in an illustrative embodiment is integrally formed, such as by molding or machining. In FIG. 5, member 60, an annular body, includes a continuous sidewall 70 having an outer surface 71 and an inner surface 72 that extend from inner end 74 to outer end 75. Inner end 73 encircles inner opening 76, outer end 74 encircles outer opening 77, and inner surface 72 encircles channel 78, which extends through member 60 from inner opening 76 to outer opening 77. Outer surface 71 of continuous sidewall 70 is formed with threads 79 between inner end 73 and outer end 74. Accordingly, member 60 is outwardly threaded.

Referring in relevant part to FIGS. 3-5, pad 61 is formed of a porous material that is chemically resistant and permeable to liquid nail polish remover, such as sponge, artificial sponge, foam, or the like, which will enable pad 61 to absorb, hold, and dispense liquid nail polish remover. Pad 61 has a density or density characteristic, and has a softness or softness characteristic. Pad 61 is dome-shaped and includes an inner extremity 80, and extends outwardly from therefrom to outer extremity 81. Inner extremity 80 defines an inner surface 80A, which is flat. Outer extremity 81 is broad, being wide and not narrow, and round, and defines an outer surface 81A, which is a broad, being wide and not narrow, and round.

Outer end 74 of member 60 is affixed to inner surface 81A of pad 61, such as with an adhesive, and depends downwardly therefrom to inner end 73. Outer end 74 is centrally located on inner surface 81A of pad 61, and member 60 and pad 61 are coaxial in that they share a common axis about which pad assembly 22 is symmetrical. Pad 61 extends laterally outwardly from outer surface 71 to perimeter edge 84 of pad 61, and pad 61 extends axially outward from inner surface 81A affixed to outer end 74 of member 60 to outer extremity 81 and outer surface 81A.

Member 60 of pad assembly 22 relates to open end 33 of container 21, and threads 79 of member 60 releasably couple threads 50 of open end 33 of container 21 to couple pad assembly 22 releasably to open end 33 of container 21. To install pad assembly 22, pad assembly 22 is taken up by hand, inner end 73 is registered with open end 33 of container 21 in FIG. 3 and is then initially inserted through opening 42 in open end 33 of container 21, and pad assembly 22 is rotated relative to container 21 to threadably engage threads 79 of member 60 to threads 50 of open end 33 until inner surface 80A of inner extremity 80 of pad 61 between outer surface 71 of continuous sidewall 70 of member 60 and perimeter edge 84 of pad 61 comes into direct contact against, and is tightened against, edge 40 of continuous sidewall 30 of container 21, which closes open end 33 of container 21. To detach pad assembly 22 from open end 33 of container 21, the foregoing operation need only be reversed.

Member 60 and pad 61 are arranged about longitudinal axis X of container 21, pad 61 is coupled fluidly to chamber 35 and extends outwardly from open end 33 of container 21 from inner extremity 80 to outer extremity 81 and outer surface 81A, outer surface 81A of outer extremity 81 of pad 61 abuts outer surface 31 of continuous sidewall 30 of container 21 at perimeter edge 84 of pad 61 and edge 40 of container 21, and inner surface 80A of inner extremity 80 of pad 61 between outer surface 71 of continuous sidewall 70 of member 60 and perimeter edge 84 of pad 61 is in direct contact against edge 40 of open end 33 of continuous sidewall 30 of container 21 enclosing chamber 35 and amount 48 of liquid nail polish remover applied to chamber 35, when threads 79 of member 60 are releasably threaded to threads 50 of open end 33 of container 21 when pad assembly 22 is coupled releasably to open end 33 of container 21, in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, inner surface 80A of inner extremity 80 of pad 61 is open to chamber 35 by channel 78 through member 60, which couples pad 61 fluidly to chamber 35 and enables the liquid nail polish remover applied to chamber 35 to flow onto inner surface 80A when implement 20 is held in a pad 61 down orientation.

Again, outer surface 81A of pad 61 abuts outer surface 31 of continuous sidewall 30 of container 21 at perimeter edge 84 of pad 61 and edge 40 of continuous sidewall 30 of container 21, when pad assembly 22 is coupled releasably to open end 33 of container 21, in FIG. 5. Outer surface 31 tapers inwardly away from edge 40 of open end 33 of container 21 and perimeter edge 84 of pad 61 toward the middle of continuous sidewall 30 of container 21. This structure enables the entirety of outer surface 81A of pad 61 to be rubbed against a surface to be cleaned of nail polish without interference from edge 40 of container 21 and outer surface 31 of container 21, in accordance with the invention. Moreover, neither edge 40 of container 21 nor perimeter edge 84 of pad 61 extends outboard or inboard relative to the other. This structure disables edge 40 of container 21 and perimeter edge 84 of pad 61 from catching on objects or surfaces, preventing edge 40 of container 21 from premature wear, namely, from being chipped or dented, and preventing perimeter edge 84 of pad 61 from premature wear, namely, from becoming frayed or torn, in accordance with the invention.

Threads 50 and 79 constitute a fastener assembly for coupling member 60 of pad assembly 22 releasably to open end 33 of container 21. In this fastener assembly between pad assembly 22 and open end 33 of container 21, which is a non-destructive fastener assembly, threads 79 define an element thereof carried by member 60 and threads 50 define a complemental element thereof carried by open end 33 of container 21. The fastener between pad assembly 22 and open end 33 of container 21 enable pad assembly 22 to be coupled releasably to open end 33 of container 21 for enclosing amount 48 of liquid nail polish remover in chamber 35 in preparation for using implement 20 for removing nail polish, and to release pad assembly 22 from open end 33 of container 21 to open the open end 33 of container 21 to enable a user to replenish chamber 35 with liquid nail polish remover as needed, and to clean, repair, or replace pad assembly 22 with a new such pad assembly, if needed.

In FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, pad assembly 23 is coupled releasably to closed end 34 of container 21. Referring to FIGS. 3-5, pad assembly 23 includes a carrier or member 100, and pad 101. Pad 61 of pad assembly 22 is larger in size, and larger in diameter, than pad 101 of pad assembly 23. Pad 101 is carried by member 100. Member 100 is formed of plastic, glass, ceramic, or other durable and chemically resistant material or combination of materials, and in an illustrative embodiment is integrally formed, such as by molding or machining. Member 100, a lug, includes a cylindrical body 110 having outer surface 111 that extends from inner end 112 to outer end 113. Outer surface 111 of cylindrical body 110 is formed with threads 115 between inner end 112 and outer end 113. Accordingly, member 100 is outwardly threaded.

Referring in relevant part to FIGS. 3-5, pad 101 is formed of a porous material that is chemically resistant and permeable to liquid nail polish remover, such as sponge, artificial sponge, foam, or the like, which will enable pad 101 to absorb liquid nail polish remover and nail polish dissolved in liquid nail polish remover. Pad 101 has a density or density characteristic, and has a softness or softness characteristic. The density or density characteristic of pad 101 is greater than the density or density characteristic of pad 61, and the softness or softness characteristic of pad 61 is greater than the softness or softness characteristic of pad 101. In other words, density or density characteristic of pad 61 is less than the density or density characteristic of pad 101, and the softness or softness characteristic of pad 101 is less than the softness or softness characteristic of pad 61. Pad 101 is dome-shaped and includes an inner extremity 120, and extends outwardly from therefrom to an outer extremity 121. Inner extremity 120 defines an inner surface 80A, which is flat. The dome shape of pad 101 is different from the dome shape of pad 61. Specifically, outer extremity 121 is narrow and blunt pointed compared to outer extremity 81 of pad 61, which is broad and round, and defines outer surface 121A, which is a narrow and blunt-pointed compared to outer surface 81A of outer extremity 81 of pad 61, which is wide and not narrow. In other words, outer extremity 81 of pad 61 is broad and round and its outer surface 81 is broad and round, in relation to outer extremity 121 and its outer surface 121A of pad 121, which are comparatively narrow and blunt-pointed. The described shape of outer extremity 81 of pad 61 and its outer surface 81A enable pad 61 to be useful for broad removal of nail polish. In comparison, the described shape of outer extremity 121 of pad 101 and its outer surface 121A enable pad 101 to be useful for spot-removal of nail polish. The shape and form of pads 61 and 121 determine their intended uses, according to the above description. Open end 33 is somewhat enlarged relative to closed end 34 corresponding to the different sizes of the pads 61 and 101, respectively.

Outer end 113 of member 100 is affixed to inner surface 120A of pad 101, such as with an adhesive, and depends downwardly therefrom to inner end 112. Outer end 113 is centrally located on inner surface 120A of pad 101, and member 100 and pad 101 are coaxial in that they share a common axis about which pad assembly 23 is symmetrical. Pad 101 extends laterally outwardly from outer surface 111 to perimeter edge 124 of pad 101, and pad 101 extends axially outward from inner surface 120A affixed to outer end 113 of member 100 to outer extremity 121 and outer surface 121A.

Member 100 of pad assembly 23 relates to socket 54 of closed end 34 of container 21, and threads 115 of member 100 releasably couple threads 57 of socket 54 of container 21 to couple pad assembly 23 releasably to closed end 34 of container 21. To install pad assembly 23, pad assembly 23 is taken up by hand, inner end 112 is registered with socket 54 of closed end 34 of container 21 in FIG. 4 and is then initially inserted through opening 55 to socket 54 of container 21, and pad assembly 23 is rotated relative to container 21 to threadably engage threads 115 of member 100 to threads 57 of socket 54 until inner surface 120A of inner extremity 120 of pad 101 between outer surface 111 of member 100 and perimeter edge 124 of pad 101 comes into direct contact against, and is tightened against, edge 41 of continuous sidewall 30 of container 21. To detach pad assembly 23 from closed end 33 of container 21, the foregoing operation need only be reversed.

Member 100 and pad 101 are arranged about longitudinal axis X of container 21, pad 101 is isolated from chamber 35 chamber 35 by bottom 44 of closed end 34 of container 21 and extends outwardly from closed end 34 of container 21 from inner extremity 120 to outer extremity 121 and outer surface 121A, outer surface 121A of outer extremity 121 of pad 101 abuts outer surface 31 of continuous sidewall 30 of container 21 at perimeter edge 124 of pad 101 and edge 41 of container 21, and inner surface 120A of inner extremity 120 of pad 101 between outer surface 111 of cylindrical body 110 and perimeter edge 124 of pad 101 is in direct contact against edge 41 of closed end 34 of continuous sidewall 30 of container 21, when threads 115 of member 100 are releasably threaded to threads 57 of socket 54 of closed end 34 of container 21 when pad assembly 23 is coupled releasably to closed end 33 of container 21, in FIG. 5.

Again, outer surface 121A of pad 101 abuts outer surface 31 of continuous sidewall 30 of container 21 at perimeter edge 124 of pad 101 and edge 41 of continuous sidewall 30 of container 21, when pad assembly 23 is coupled releasably to closed end 34 of container 21, in FIG. 5. Outer surface 31 tapers inwardly away from edge 41 of closed end 34 of container 21 and perimeter edge 124 of pad 101 toward the middle of continuous sidewall 30 of container 21. This structure enables the entirety of outer surface 121A of pad 101 to be rubbed against a surface to be cleaned of nail polish without interference from edge 41 of container 21 and outer surface 31 of container 21, in accordance with the invention. Moreover, neither edge 41 of container 21 nor perimeter edge 124 of pad 101 extends outboard or inboard relative to the other. This structure disables edge 41 of container 21 and perimeter edge 123 of pad 101 from catching on objects or surfaces, preventing edge 41 of container 21 from premature wear, namely, from being chipped or dented, and preventing perimeter edge 124 of pad 101 from premature wear, namely, from becoming frayed or torn, in accordance with the invention.

Threads 115 and 57 constitute a fastener assembly for releasably coupling member 100 of pad assembly 23 to closed end 34 of container 21. In this fastener assembly between pad assembly 23 and closed end 34 of container 21, which is a non-destructive fastener assembly, threads 115 define an element thereof carried by member 100 and threads 57 define a complemental element thereof carried by socket 54 of closed end 34 of container 21. The fastener between pad assembly 23 and closed end 34 of container 21 enable pad assembly 23 to be releasably coupled to closed end 34 of container 21 in preparation for using implement 20 for removing nail polish, and to release pad assembly 23 from closed end 34 of container 21 to enable a user to clean, repair, or replace pad assembly 23 with a new such pad assembly, if needed.

FIG. 6 illustrates implement 20 initially taken up by hand in preparation for use in removing nail polish from a nail. While holding implement 20 in a pad 61 down position in FIG. 6, outer surface 81A of pad 61 is applied against a surface of a nail to be cleaned of nail polish in FIG. 7. In this pad 61 down position in FIG. 9, gravity forces amount 48 of liquid nail polish remover through channel 78 from chamber 35 and against inner surface 81A of inner extremity 81 of pad 61. In response, pad 61 controllably absorbs and holds the liquid nail polish remover and dispenses it to the surface of the nail to be cleaned from outer surface 81A as the user rubs outer surface 81A against and across the surface of the nail. As the liquid nail polish remover is applied to the nail polish and dissolves the nail polish on the surface of the nail, pad 61 will inherently collect the dissolved nail polish in the liquid nail polish remover when the user rubs outer surface 81A of pad 61 over the outer surface of the nail to work the liquid nail polish remover into the nail polish. The density and softness of pad 61 enable pad 61 to yield and absorb the dissolved nail polish, and the wide and broad characteristics of pad 61 and its outer surface 81A enable the user to quickly remove the nail polish from the surface of the nail.

After the nail polish is removed from the majority of the nail, there can often be residual nail polish between the base of the nail and the cuticle, which requires spot cleaning without the need for supplemental liquid nail polish remover. To employ implement 20 for spot cleaning without the need for additional nail polish remover, implement 20 is flipped around and is held pad 101 down in FIGS. 8 and 10. While holding implement 20 in this pad 101 down position, the blunt-tipped outer surface 121A of pad 61 is applied to and rubbed against the surface of the nail as needed to spot clean the nail of residual spots of any left over nail polish. The blunt-tipped shape of outer extremity 121 and it outer surface 121A enable the user to use pad 101 to reach into hard-to-reach areas that may have residual nail polish, such as the areas between the base of the nail and the cuticle, in accordance with the invention. In this pad 101 down position in FIG. 10, gravity forces amount 48 of liquid nail polish remover against bottom 44 of closed end 34 of container 21, which, of course, isolates pad 101 from chamber 35 and from the amount 48 of the liquid nail polish remover remaining in chamber 35. Bottom 44 disables pad 121 from receiving liquid nail polish from chamber 35 in the pad 101 down orientation of implement 20. Pad 121 is useful for working residual nail polish remover on the nail and agitating and loosening residual nail polish on the surface of the nail for removing the residual nail polish in those hard-to-reach areas as the user rubs the blunt-tipped outer surface 121A against the surface of the nail. Pad 121 will inherently collect and absorb the loosened and dissolved nail polish when the user rubs outer surface 121A of pad 121 over the outer surface of the nail. The density of pad 121 is greater than the density of pad 61 and the softness of pad 121 is less than the softness of pad 61, which enables pad 121 to hold its shape under comparatively more force to enable a user to more aggressively act on the nail surface for effective nail polish removing and spot cleaning, in accordance with the principle of the invention.

If a user wishes to apply more liquid nail polish to the surface of the nail and then resume use of pad assembly 23 for spot removal purposes, implement 20 is flipped around to the pad 61 down position, outer surface 81A of pad 61 is rubbed against the surface of the nail in the pad 61 down position of implement 20 to dispense more liquid nail polish remover to the surface of the nail, implement 20 is flipped around to the pad 101 down position, and outer surface 121A of pad 61 is again selectively rubbed against the surface of the nail to resume the spot cleaning. This process is repeated as necessary until the nail is free of nail polish. This process is repeated for each nail to be cleaned of nail polish.

Chamber 35 can be selectively replenished with liquid nail polish remover as needed simply by detaching pad assembly 22 from open end 33 of container 21, applying a replenishing amount of the liquid nail polish remover into chamber 35 through opening 42 of open end 33 of container 21, and then reattaching pad assembly 22 to open end 33 of container 21. Also, pad assemblies 22 and 23 can be selectively detached for cleaning, repairing, or replacing as needed.

Reference is now directed to FIGS. 11 and 12, which illustrate another embodiment of an implement 140 for removing nail polish. Implement 140 is identical to implement 20, with the exception of the noted differences described below.

Like implement 20, implement 140 is an assembly. In common with implement 20, and referring to FIGS. 11 and 12 in relevant part, implement 140 shares container 21 including continuous sidewall 30 having outer surface 31, inner surface 32, open end 33, closed end 34, fluid impervious receptacle or chamber 35, edge 40, opening 42 to chamber 35 encircled by edge 40, bottom 44, which has a greater thickness in this example, socket 54, which is shallower in this example, pad 61, pad 101, and volume 48 of liquid nail polish remover applied to chamber 35. In this embodiment, inner surface 32 of continuous sidewall 30 at open end 33 and socket 54 are not threaded, pad 61 is not coupled releasably to open end 33 of container 21 with member 60 with a non-destructive fastener assembly, and pad 101 is not coupled releasably to closed end 34 with member 100 with a non-destructive fastener assembly.

In implement 140, inner surface 81A of inner extremity 80 of pad 61 is adhered adhesively with adhesive 142 to edge 40 of open end 33 of container 21, pad 61 closes open end 33 of container 21 and is coupled fluidly pad 61 to chamber 35 via opening 42 to chamber 35, and extends outwardly from open end 33 of container 21 from inner extremity 80 to outer extremity 81. In FIGS. 12 and 13, inner surface 80A of inner extremity 80 of pad 61 is open to chamber 35 by opening 42 in open upper end 33 of container 21, which couples pad 61 fluidly to chamber 35 and enables liquid nail polish remover in chamber 35 to rest against inner surface 80A of inner extremity 80 of pad 61 and to flow into and through pad 61 to outer extremity 81 and to outer surface 81A for application to nail polish on a nail surface when implement 140 is in the pad 61 down position in FIG. 13. Further, inner surface 120A of inner extremity 120 of pad 101 is adhered adhesively with adhesive 144 to edge 41 and socket 54 of closed end 34 of container 21 and is isolated from chamber 35 by bottom 44 of closed end 34 of container 21, and extends outwardly from closed end 34 of container 21 from inner extremity 120 to outer extremity 121.

In implement 140, inner surface 81A of inner extremity 81 is contoured to a counterbore 40A in edge 40 of container 21. The inner surface 81A contouring that relates to edge 40 and counterbore 40A enables a secure fit and adhesion of inner surface 81A of inner extremity 81 of pad 61 to edge 40 and counterbore 40A of open end 33 of container 21. Further socket 54 is shallower in implement 140 compared to implement 20, and inner surface 120A of inner extremity 120 of pad 101 is contoured to edge 41 and socket 54. The inner surface 121A contouring that relates to edge 41 and socket 54 enables a secure fit and adhesion of inner surface 121A of inner extremity 121 of pad 121 to edge 41 and socket 54 of closed end 34 of container 21.

In common with implement 20, container 21 is arranged about central longitudinal axis X, which extends through container 21 from closed end 34 to open end 33, pad 61 is arranged about longitudinal axis X, and pad 101 is arranged about longitudinal X. Further in common with implement 20, outer surface 81A of outer extremity 81 of pad 61 abuts outer surface 31 of continuous sidewall 30 at perimeter edge 84 of pad 61 and edge 40 of open end 33 of container 21, outer surface 31 tapers inwardly away from edge 40 of open end 33 of container 21 and perimeter edge 84 of pad 61 toward the middle of continuous sidewall 30 of container 21, outer surface 121A of outer extremity 121 of pad 101 abuts outer surface 31 of continuous sidewall 30 at perimeter edge 124 of pad 121 and edge 41 of closed end 34 of container 21, and outer surface 31 tapers inwardly away from edge 41 of closed end 34 of container 21 and perimeter edge 124 of pad 101 toward the middle of continuous sidewall 30 of container 21.

In implement 140, amount 48 of liquid nail polish remover is applied to chamber 35, pad 61 is adhered adhesively to open end 33 to enclose chamber 35 and amount of liquid nail polish remover applied therein, and pad 101 is adhered adhesively to closed end 34 of container 21, as described above. The operation of implement 140 is identical to implement 20, and the previous discussion of the operation of implement 20 applies in every respect to implement 140. The adhesive coupling of pad 61 to open end 33 of container 21 is a destructive coupling, as is the adhesive coupling of pad 121 to closed end 34 of container 21. The couplings are destructive because they would be destroyed, i.e. torn apart, if pads were detached, i.e. torn away, from container 21. Accordingly, implement 140 is disposable and not intended to be reused after amount 48 of the liquid nail polish in chamber 35 is depleted. In other words, implement 140 is intended to be thrown away when amount 48 of liquid nail polish remover in chamber 35 is depleted.

Reference is now directed to FIG. 14, which illustrate another embodiment of an implement 150 for removing nail polish. Implement 150 is identical to implement 140, with the exception of the differences described below.

Implement 150 is an assembly. In common with implement 140, implement 150 shares pads 61 and 101. In implement 150, container 21 is replaced with an elongate member 160. In common with container 21 of implement 140, elongate member 160 shares outer surface 31, ends 33 and 34, edges 40 and 41, and socket 54. In implement 150, elongate member 160 solid and not hollow like container 21, and is thus not a container, and does not hold liquid nail polish remover. Accordingly, implement 150 is an example of a “dry” implement, in that it does not incorporate a liquid nail polish remover.

In implement 150, edge 40 encircles a socket 154 formed in end 33 of elongate member 160. Elongate member 160 has the same material characteristics as the previously-described container 21 of implements 20 and 140. Socket 154 is a hollow part for receiving and holding a corresponding part of pad 61. Inner surface 81A of inner extremity 81 of pad 61 is adhered adhesively with adhesive 156 to edge 40 and socket 154 of end 33 of elongate member elongate member 160, and extends outwardly from end 33 of elongate member 160 and inner extremity 81 to outer extremity 81. In common with implement 140, inner surface 120A of inner extremity 120 of pad 101 is adhered adhesively with adhesive 144 to edge 41 and socket 54 of end 34 of elongate member 160, and extends outwardly from end 34 of elongate member 160 from inner extremity 120 to outer extremity 121.

In implement 150, inner surface 81A of inner extremity 81 is contoured to socket 154 and edge 40 of end 33 of elongate member 160. The inner surface 81A contouring that relates to socket 154 and edge 40 enables a secure fit and adhesion of inner surface 81A of inner extremity 81 of pad 61 to edge 40 and socket 154 of end 33 of elongate member 160. Further, the inner surface 121A contouring that relates to edge 41 and socket 54 enables a secure fit and adhesion of inner surface 121A of inner extremity 121 of pad 121 to edge 41 and socket 54 of end 34 of elongate member 160.

In common with implement 140, elongate member 160 is arranged about central longitudinal axis X, which extends through elongate member 160 from end 34 to end 33, pad 61 is arranged about longitudinal axis X, and pad 101 is arranged about longitudinal X. Further in common with implement, outer surface 81A of outer extremity 81 of pad 61 abuts outer surface 31 of elongate member 160 at perimeter edge 84 of pad 61 and edge 40 of end 33 of elongate member 160, outer surface 31 tapers inwardly away from edge 40 of end 33 of elongate member 160 and perimeter edge 84 of pad 61 toward the middle of elongate member 160, outer surface 121A of outer extremity 121 of pad 101 abuts outer surface 31 of elongate member 160 at perimeter edge 124 of pad 121 and edge 41 of end 34 of elongate member 160, and outer surface 31 tapers inwardly away from edge 41 of end 33 of elongate member 160 and perimeter edge 124 of pad 101 toward the middle of elongate member 160.

Again, unlike implement 140, implement 150 is dry in that it contains no liquid nail polish remover. Other than this, implement 150 is identical to implements 20 and 140, with the exception that any liquid nail polish remover would have to be applied to the nail or directly to pad 61 and/or to pad 101 during use removing nail polish.

The adhesive coupling of pad 61 to end 33 of elongate member 160 is a destructive coupling, as is the adhesive coupling of pad 121 to end 34 of elongate member 160. The couplings are destructive because they would be destroyed, i.e. torn apart, if pads were detached, i.e. torn away, from elongate member 160. Accordingly, implement 150 is disposable and is intended to be thrown away when pads 61 and 101 become damaged or dirty rendering them unsuitable for continued use.

The invention has been described above with reference to illustrative embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the nature and scope of the invention. Various changes and modifications to the embodiments herein chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art. To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof.

Claims

1. An implement for removing nail polish, comprising:

a container, the container is elongate and includes a continuous sidewall having a closed end and an open end, the closed end, the open end, and the continuous sidewall define a chamber for holding an amount of a liquid nail polish remover, and the container is arranged about a central longitudinal axis from the closed end to the open end;
a first pad assembly;
a second pad assembly;
the first pad assembly includes a first pad carried by a first member, the first pad includes a first inner extremity, and a first outer extremity, the first pad is permeable to the liquid nail polish remover, and extends outwardly from the first member from the first inner extremity to the first outer extremity;
the second pad assembly includes a second pad carried by a second member, the second pad includes a second inner extremity, and a second outer extremity, the second pad is permeable to the liquid nail polish remover, and extends outwardly from the second member from the second inner extremity to the second outer extremity;
a first fastener assembly for releasably coupling the first member to the open end of the container, the first fastener assembly includes an element thereof carried by the first member and a complemental element thereof carried by the open end of the container;
a second fastener assembly for releasably coupling the second member to the closed end of the container, the second fastener assembly includes an element thereof carried by the second member and a complemental element thereof carried by the closed end of the container;
the first pad is arranged about the longitudinal axis of the container, is coupled fluidly to the chamber, and extends outwardly from the open end of the container from the first inner extremity to the first outer extremity, when the element of the first fastener assembly is releasably coupled to the complemental element of the first fastener assembly;
the second pad is arranged about the longitudinal axis of the container and is isolated from the chamber by the closed end of the container, when the element of the second fastener assembly is releasably coupled to the complemental element of the second fastener assembly;
the first outer extremity of the first pad is broad and round in relation to the second outer extremity of the second pad, which is comparatively narrow and blunt-pointed;
the first pad has a first density and a first softness, the second pad has a second density and a second softness, the first density of the first pad is less than the second density of the second pad, and the first softness of the first pad is greater than the second softness of the second pad.

2. The implement according to claim 1, wherein the element of the first fastener assembly comprises external threads, and the complemental element of the first fastener assembly comprises internal threads.

3. The implement according to claim 2, wherein the element of the second fastener assembly comprises external threads, and the complemental element of the second fastener assembly comprises internal threads.

4. The implement according to claim 3, wherein:

the open end of the container includes a first edge of the continuous sidewall that encircles an opening to the chamber; and
the first inner extremity of the first pad is in direct contact against the first edge of the open end of the container, when the element of the first fastener assembly is releasably coupled to the complemental element of the first fastener assembly.

5. The implement according to claim 4, wherein:

the closed end of the container includes a socket formed with the second complement element of the second fastener assembly, and a second edge that encircles an opening to the socket; and
the second inner extremity of the second pad is in direct contact against the second edge of the closed end of the container, when second member is applied to the socket and the element of the second fastener assembly is releasably coupled to the complemental element of the second fastener assembly.

6. The implement according to claim 5, wherein:

the continuous sidewall defines an outer surface that extends from the first edge to the second edge of the continuous sidewall;
the first outer extremity of the first pad defines an outer surface;
the second outer extremity of the second pad defines an outer surface;
the outer surface of the first outer extremity of the first pad abuts the outer surface of the continuous sidewall, when the element of the first fastener assembly is releasably coupled to the complemental element of the first fastener assembly; and
the outer surface of the second outer extremity of the second pad abuts the outer surface of the continuous sidewall, when the element of the second fastener assembly is releasably coupled to the complemental element of the second fastener assembly.

7. An implement for removing nail polish, comprising:

a container, the container is elongate and includes a continuous sidewall having a closed end and an open end, the closed end, the open end, and the continuous sidewall define a chamber holding an amount of a liquid nail polish remover, and the container is arranged about a central longitudinal axis from the closed end to the open end;
a first pad;
a second pad;
the first pad is permeable to the liquid nail polish remover, and includes a first inner extremity, and a first outer extremity;
the second pad is permeable to the liquid nail polish remover, and includes a second inner extremity, and a second outer extremity;
the first inner extremity of the first pad is adhered adhesively to the open end of the container, the first pad closes the open end of the container and is coupled fluidly to the chamber, and extends outwardly from the open end of the container from the first inner extremity to the first outer extremity;
the second inner extremity of the second pad is adhered adhesively to the closed end of the container and is isolated from the chamber by the closed end of the container, and extends outwardly from the closed end of the container from the second inner extremity to the second outer extremity;
the first pad is arranged about the longitudinal axis of the container;
the second pad is arranged about the longitudinal axis of the container;
the first outer extremity of the first pad is broad and round in relation to the second outer extremity of the second pad, which is comparatively narrow and blunt-pointed;
the first pad has a first density and a first softness, the second pad has a second density and a second softness, the first density of the first pad is less than the second density of the second pad, and the first softness of the first pad is greater than the second softness of the second pad.

8. The implement according to claim 7, wherein:

the open end of the container includes a first edge of the continuous sidewall that encircles an opening to the chamber; and
the first inner extremity of the first pad is adhered adhesively to the first edge of the open end of the container.

9. The implement according to claim 8, wherein:

the closed end of the container includes a second edge of the continuous sidewall;
the continuous sidewall defines an outer surface that extends from the first edge to the second edge of the continuous sidewall;
the first outer extremity of the first pad defines an outer surface;
the second outer extremity of the second pad defines an outer surface;
the outer surface of the first outer extremity of the first pad abuts the outer surface of the continuous sidewall; and
the outer surface of the second outer extremity of the second pad abuts the outer surface of the continuous sidewall.

10. An implement for removing nail polish, comprising:

an elongate member, the elongate member includes a first end, a second end, and an outer surface that extends from the first end to the second end, and the elongate member is arranged about a central longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end;
a first pad;
a second pad;
the first pad is permeable to a liquid nail polish remover, and includes a first inner extremity, and a first outer extremity;
the second pad is permeable to the liquid nail polish remover, and includes a second inner extremity, and a second outer extremity;
the first inner extremity of the first pad is adhered adhesively to the first end of the elongate member, and the first pad extends outwardly from the first end of the elongate member from the first inner extremity to the first outer extremity;
the second inner extremity of the second pad is adhered adhesively to the second end of the elongate member, and the second pad extends outwardly from the second end of the elongate member from the second inner extremity to the second outer extremity;
the first pad is arranged about the longitudinal axis of the elongate member;
the second pad is arranged about the longitudinal axis of the elongate member;
the first outer extremity of the first pad is broad and round in relation to the second outer extremity of the second pad, which is comparatively narrow and blunt-pointed;
the first pad has a first density and a first softness, the second pad has a second density and a second softness, the first density of the first pad is less than the second density of the second pad, and the first softness of the first pad is greater than the second softness of the second pad.

11. The implement according to claim 10, wherein:

the first outer extremity of the first pad defines an outer surface;
the second outer extremity of the second pad defines an outer surface;
the outer surface of the first outer extremity of the first pad abuts the outer surface of the elongate member; and
the outer surface of the second outer extremity of the second pad abuts the outer surface of the elongate member.
Patent History
Publication number: 20170303658
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 25, 2016
Publication Date: Oct 26, 2017
Inventor: Anne E. Becker (Scottsdale, AZ)
Application Number: 15/138,158
Classifications
International Classification: A45D 29/00 (20060101);