NAIL POLISH CLEAN UP DEVICE

Abstract

A device that stores a solvent in a reservoir and has a removable tip at one end and a removable pad at another end. The device is used to modify or clean up nail polish that has been applied to the nails of the fingers or toes of a person.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/556,125 filed on Sep. 8, 2017, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Applying nail polish to the nails of hands and feet can involve complicated approaches to express artistic variety and accuracy. In some situations, errors are made that typically require the entire nail to be cleaned and redone, or the nail polish may be blemished while drying. Furthermore, the application process may unintentionally cover parts of the fingers/toes other than desired locations of the nail.

For example, in a normal application procedure, nail polish would tend to go over the nail touching skin around nail perimeter. Sometimes, when the subject's nails are wet with polish and the subject is waiting for them to dry, the subject may accidentally scratch a nail because he/she performed some function prematurely, such as using a remote control to change a channel on a television, or sipping tea and rubbing the nail on the cup handle. The scratch would then take off some of the wet nail polish creating a mess.

A device and method for fixing any of these problems, among others, in an efficient and accurate manner would prove beneficial.

SUMMARY

Provided are a plurality of example embodiments, including, but not limited to, a device for cleaning up and fixing application errors that occur during a finger/toe polishing/painting/decorating process.

The device is provided with a main body having a reservoir for holding acetone or another solvent. One end of the device has a replaceable absorbent tip that cleans up excessive nail polish around skin or cuticles. A flow button is provided to control a flow of acetone to a chamber for wetting the brush with acetone. Another end of the device is fitted with a cleaning pad for cleaning up an entire nail or nails, which can completely take off the polish on one particular nail and allow user to then start fresh on that nail, for example. This allows user to fix an affected nail without disturbing the rest of the fingernails or toenails.

Also provided is device for dispensing a solvent, comprising: a main body having a reservoir for storing the solvent; a replaceable absorbent tip configured to be installed and removed from a front portion of the main body; a flow control structure for manually controlling a flow of the solvent from the reservoir to the absorbent tip; and a replaceable absorbent pad configured to be installed and removed from a back portion of the main body.

Further provided is device for dispensing a solvent, comprising: a main body having an inner chamber; a flexible body configured to fit within the inner chamber of the main body, said flexible body including said solvent stored within the flexible body; an absorbent tip provided on a front portion of the main body; a flow control structure for manually compressing the flexible body to produce a flow of the solvent from the flexible body to the absorbent tip.

Also provided is a device for dispensing acetone, comprising: a main body having an inner chamber; a flexible body configured to fit within the inner chamber of the main body, said flexible body including said acetone stored within the flexible body; a replaceable absorbent tip comprising fibers formed as a brush provided on a front portion of the main body; a flow control structure for manually compressing the flexible body to produce a flow of the acetone from the flexible body to the absorbent tip; and a replaceable absorbent pad configured to be installed and removed from a back portion of the main body.

Further provided is a method of painting finger or toe nails with nail polish using a device comprising: a main body having a reservoir for storing a nail polish solvent; an absorbent tip configured provided at a front portion of the main body; a flow control structure for manually controlling a flow of the solvent from the reservoir to the absorbent tip, said method comprising the steps of:

• • the user moistening the absorbent tip by activating said flow control structure; and
  • applying said absorbent tip to a region of a nail for applying to a portion of already applied nail polish desired to be modified by the user.

Still further provided are any of the above devices further comprising a replaceable absorbent pad configured to be installed and removed from a back portion of the main body.

Also provided are additional example embodiments, some, but not all of which, are described hereinbelow in more detail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the example embodiments described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure relates upon reading the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an assembled view of a first embodiment of the device;

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the first embodiment of the device;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic of an exploded view of the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of a second embodiment; and

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of a third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

A device for fixing/repairing finger nail polish, among other potential uses, is provided.

FIGS. 1-3 show various views of a first embodiment 100 of the device, with FIG. 1 showing an assembled view, FIG. 2 showing an exploded view of the device 100 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 showing a schematic drawing of the view of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 shows embodiment 100 having a main body 110 including a viewing window 111 which shows a level of fluid stored in a reservoir in the main body 110. A flow button 112 is provided to force a flow of the stored fluid through a valve body 145 provided at a front portion of the main body 110, with the fluid flowing to the replaceable tip 142 installed on a front projection of the valve body 145. The replaceable tip 142 can be removed and replaced with another similar or different replaceable tip 141, as desired, in order to change the size/style of the tip, or to accommodate different types of fluid or different colors of nail polish, or to replace a worn tip.

A cap 150 is provided to cover the replaceable tip 142 by snapping on a structure provided on the valve body 145. The valve body 145 controls the flow of the fluid to the brush tip 142 and in particular blocks the flow when the device is not being used.

An ejector 120 is installed on a corresponding projection 114 at a rear portion of the main body 110. The ejector 120 is provided with a hole to receive a projecting tab from a replaceable cleaning pad 130 that can be installed on the ejector 120. The ejector 120 is configured to eject a used cleaning pad 130 from the device for replacement with a new cleaning pad 130 or an alternative component.

The device is configured such that the flow button 112, when depressed by a user, controls a flow of the fluid stored in the reservoir of the device by pressurizing the fluid and interacting with a valve in the valve body 145 that allows the user to control the flow of the fluid to the tip 142 by manually pressing and releasing the flow button 112. Generally, the fluid may be a nail polish remover, such as acetone or another solvent, or even a colored nail police. When the flow button is depressed, the acetone is pressurized and flows down through the valve into a small chamber in the replaceable tip using the pressure (or alternatively or assistively using gravity), that then allows an absorbing brush in the brush tip to soak it up to be applied to desired area of a finger nail or toenail, for example. Note that if a user wants to dispense a large amount of acetone, the user can keep pressing the flow button to increase the flow.

Note that the absorbing replacable tip might be comprised of a fiber brush, foam, cloth, or other type of absorbing material that is resistant to the fluid. In alternative embodiments, the tip may be permanently installed on the device, rather than being replaceable.

The fluid in the reservoir may be refillable by removing the valve body 145 for refill, or the fluid may be provided in a separate replaceable cartridge (such as in a manner shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4), or the entire device may be disposable once the fluid has been fully used.

The back end of device has the cleaning pad 130 that is used for cleaning up an entire nail or a number of nails. It's designed to be fitted with an absorbing cleaning pad (such as including a foam or cloth material or a short-haired bruss). Using similar mechanism as men's shaving razor (where one clicks on a new razor and flicks it off when its blunt to dispose of it), the user installs a cleaning pad, cleans the polish off an entire nail, and presses the ejector into the main body 110 to eject the dirty pad for replacement.

The brush tip 242 of the device can be used to touch-up parts of a finger or toe nail. Using a replaceable tip with a fine tip, the user can remove thin lines of nail polish from a nail, while using a replaceable tip with a wider tip the user can remove larger amounts of nail polish. The user merely wets the tip by depressing the flow button 112 until the replaceable tip is sufficiently saturated in acetone (or another fluid), and then the user can “sculpture” a desired removal of nail polish from any desired location on the nail, or at other locations.

Using the cleaning pad is accomplished by, with the front end (side with the brush tip) aimed directly above the desired nail, pressing the ‘flow’ button dispensing drops of the fluid on nail through the tip. Turning the device around with the back end having the cleaning pad facing the nail—and using the cleaning pad to rub on the nail with the acetone. Repeat until the nail is clean. Reapply polish on the clean nail. In some cases, the user may require more than one cleaning pad to completely clean and/or dry a nail. To dispose the cleaning pad, press the ejector button to release old pad and push and click on a new pad.

The sight window 211 on the side of the main body 210 of device 100 shows amount of fluid (e.g., acetone) remaining in the device. Once fluid has been consumed, the consumer disposes of device or replaces the fluid or fluid container.

The particular components are discussed in more detail below:

• • Cap 150: Example material: Plastic (that doesn't dissolve in acetone); Use: To ensure that acetone does not evaporate. Also keeps tip moist and flexible.
  • Replaceable Tip 142: Example material: Fibers (that don't dissolve in acetone) such as that of LA Girl Pro Concealer, or foam, cloth, or other absorbent material; Use: To clean up nail polish around cuticles and skin for presentable manicure.
  • Control valve (located inside the valve body 145, see, e.g., FIG. 14):

Example material: Plastic or Silicone. Ensures fluid does not flow out or leak unless user presses flow button. Allows for seamless flow of fluid from chamber to brush. Keeps fluid in chamber when not in use.

• • Valve body 145: Example material: Plastic; Use: Holds replaceable tip and ‘control valve.
  • Flow Button 112: Example material: Plastic; Use: Allows user to dispense acetone by pressing it down. When pressed it opens the control valve that allows acetone to flow toward the front of device (brush tip area).
  • Fill Sight Window 111: Example material: Clear plastic or glass; Use:

This is a window on the body of the device that allows user to see how much acetone is left.

• • Main Body 110: Example material: Plastic; Use: It holds all components of the device together, and is in a shape to be held by the user in the user's hand. Note: Inside the main body can be provided a flexible plastic, squeezable tube (container) that acts as a chamber or tank (reservoir) to house the fluid (e.g., acetone), such as shown in FIG. 4, item 215. When the flow button is pressed, it presses the tube, which then opens the control valve that allows acetone to flow.
  • Ejector 120: Example material: Plastic; Uses: a) It holds the cleaning pad while user takes off nail polish, and b) Dispenses (ejects) used cleaning pad from body of device.
  • Clean Up Pad 130: Example material: Top part is made of thick absorbent cotton pad, cloth, or foam. This is attached to a base that's made of plastic; Use: This is used to clean a whole nail with the intention of taking off entire polish.

As one example, a retail version of the device can be provided with 5 cleaning pads, and two or three replaceable tips of different configuraitons. Each pad is large enough to clean an entire nail. Additional pads can be sold at an additional price, or the user may need to purchase a new device instead.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of a second embodiment 200 of a device having a main body 210, a viewing window 111, a button receptacle 213 for receiving a flow button 212, valve body 245 for receiving a replaceable tip 241, 242 to be covered by a cap 250.

The main body 210 has a rear projection 214 for receiving an ejector 220 configured for receiving replaceable cleaning pads 230, 230′ thereon.

A fluid container 215 is provided for installation into an interior of the main body 210. The fluid container 215 may be a tube made of a soft, flexible material such as a solvent resistent plastic that is depressed and pressurized by depressing the flow button 212. As an alternative, the flow button 212 may depress a long bar or other device provided along the fluid chamber 215 to more effectively pressurize the chamber 215 to cause fluid flow and utilize more of the fluid. The fluid chamber 215 may be a permanent part of the device 200 or it may be replaceable or refillable.

FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of a device 300 having a main body 310, a viewing window 311, flow button 312, valve body 345 to hold control flap 360 that acts as a valve. Ejector 320, replaceable cleaning pad 330, and replaceable tip 342 are also provided.

In this case, the control flap 360 can be comprised of a material, such a plastic, rubber, or silicone disc that is scored to allow the flow of fluid only when the fluid is pressurized. However, other types of valve designs could be used to control the fluid flow as desired.

Note that for any of the disclosed embodiments, the various features and components may be substituted with components and features found in any of the other embodiments, as desired.

EXAMPLE TARGET MARKETS

A few of the potential markets/users for the product are provided below:

• • Self-manicurists (at home users). Not everyone has the time or money to get professional manicures.
  • Inexperienced/new nail polish consumers. Because of it's precision, the device is useful for inexperienced or new self-manicurists e.g. teens and pre-teens who are just getting into nail polish.
  • Can be used in Nail Salons and by professional manicurists.
  • Travelers—easy to take with on vacation or events.

Stay at home parents especially dads who want to bond with their little ones.

• • Nail art design lovers.

EXAMPLE USES FOR SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF EXAMPLE DEVICES

Some of the potential uses of at least some embodiments of this device include 1) Precise cleaning device due to flexible brush tip; 2) Fast clean up job; 3) Portable—perfect for on the go lifestyles; 4) Easy to use. Minimal effort during use—a plus especially when other nails are wet; 5) Can be a nail clean-up emergency device; 6) User has control of amount of acetone they require. User controls the flow button; and 7) Brush does not dry up if user closes the cap after use. In case it dries up because user forgot to close cap, it can be brought back to life by dipping it in a small bowl of solvent fluid or replaced.

Some examples of the device provide a hassle free clean up device that a) Cleans up cuticles without tip drying up and or breaking. Because the tip (brush) is made of fibers, it does not dry up. In case it does, it can be brought to life by squeezing the flow button to release acetone; b) Allows user to completely take off nail polish without touching acetone thus compromising her freshly polished fingernails; c) It is portable and can be used as an emergency clean up in cases where user does not have the full acetone bottle and cotton pads ready. Example: While camping, away on vacation etc

The use of nail color has increased as well as the prevalence of nail art as well as dress & nail match. These are key trends observed among young consumers. The increasing party culture (wear different shades of nail color at formal and informal events) is encouraging consumers to purchase multiple shades of nail color products. To be able to do this often requires fast and precise clean up.

USING EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE DEVICE

After normal nail polish application, there may be some lacquer that accidentally touched the cuticle of a finger. The finger skin may also have some slight polish on it.

By pressing on the flow button to release some of the fluid (e.g. acetone), user then rubs the brush tip on the area to be cleaned. This allows user to clean nail and/or skin without disturbing wet nails on the hand that's using device.

Accidents and errors in applying can happen, for example, even during manicure session. User assumes nail polish is dry and proceeds with other activities, leading to the problems.—The wet nail polish rubs off and is messy. The device helps clean up such messes.

By pressing the flow button continuously, the device dispenses drops of acetone directly on the nail. User controls the amount of acetone required. Once the desired amount of acetone is dispensed by the brush end, user turns device around to use the cleaning pad. By gently rubbing the pad on the nail, the polish is removed. More acetone can be dispensed if required.

Once the cleaning pad is dirty, user presses the ejector to release the pad.—If desired another pad may be installed and used. Similarly, the replaceable tips may be replaced with similar or different tips for different types of uses.

Alternative Use (Different Industry)

Filled with varnish or a paint remover rather than acetone, this device can be used by Model makers (miniature model makers for models such airplanes, cars, boats, etc. typically using plastic and/or wooden parts). The benefit of using this device is that the brush can fit in small places to clean up some painting or gluing mistakes. Also, the device can be used as a painting tool by filling it with paint.

In such use there may be no need for cleaning pads for some embodiments, while in other embodiments the cleaning pads might be used for cleanup activities. The back end may be made to enable user to fill device with varnish or paint remover or paint. The flow button allows user to release the perfect amount of varnish or other paint remover or other solvent desired to clean up the paint or glue, or it can release paint to use for fine painting of models. It can come with various shaped brushes for application to different or tight spots and different surfaces.

Other types of uses may also be provided for example embodiments of this device.

Many other example embodiments can be provided through various combinations of the above described features. Although the embodiments described hereinabove use specific examples and alternatives, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional alternatives may be used and equivalents may be substituted for elements and/or steps described herein, without necessarily deviating from the intended scope of the application. Modifications may be necessary to adapt the embodiments to a particular situation or to particular needs without departing from the intended scope of the application. It is intended that the application not be limited to the particular example implementations and example embodiments described herein, but that the claims be given their broadest reasonable interpretation to cover all novel and non-obvious embodiments, literal or equivalent, disclosed or not, covered thereby.

Claims

1. A device for dispensing a solvent, comprising:

a main body having a reservoir for storing the solvent;

a replaceable absorbent tip configured to be installed and removed from a front portion of the main body;

a flow control structure for manually controlling a flow of the solvent from the reservoir to the absorbent tip; and

a replaceable absorbent pad configured to be installed and removed from a back portion of the main body.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said solvent is selected for removing nail polish.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said absorbent tip comprises fibers configured as a brush.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said flow control structure controls the flow of the solvent by pressurizing the solvent within the reservoir.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said reservoir is comprised of a flexible body provided within a chamber of the main body.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said flow control structure is configured to drip solvent from said absorbent tip by extensive action of the flow control structure.

7. A device for dispensing a solvent, comprising:

a main body having an inner chamber;

a flexible body configured to fit within the inner chamber of the main body, said flexible body including said solvent stored within the flexible body;

an absorbent tip provided on a front portion of the main body;

a flow control structure for manually compressing the flexible body to produce a flow of the solvent from the flexible body to the absorbent tip.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein said solvent is selected for removing nail polish.

9. The device of claim 7, wherein said solvent is acetone.

10. The device of claim 7, wherein said absorbent tip comprises fibers configured as a brush.

11. The device of claim 7, wherein said absorbent tip is replaceable.

12. The device of claim 7, further comprising a replaceable absorbent pad configured to be installed and removed from a back portion of the main body.

13. The device of claim 14, wherein said flow control structure is configured to drip solvent from said absorbent tip by extensive action of the flow control structure.

14. A device for dispensing acetone, comprising:

a main body having an inner chamber;

a flexible body configured to fit within the inner chamber of the main body, said flexible body including said acetone stored within the flexible body;

a replaceable absorbent tip comprising fibers formed as a brush provided on a front portion of the main body;

a flow control structure for manually compressing the flexible body to produce a flow of the acetone from the flexible body to the absorbent tip; and

a replaceable absorbent pad configured to be installed and removed from a back portion of the main body.

15. A Method of painting nails with nail polish using the device of claim 14.

16. A method of painting finger or toe nails with nail polish using a device comprising:

a main body having a reservoir for storing a nail polish solvent;

an absorbent tip configured provided at a front portion of the main body;

a flow control structure for manually controlling a flow of the solvent from the reservoir to the absorbent tip, said method comprising the steps of:

the user moistening the absorbent tip by activating said flow control structure; and

applying said absorbent tip to a region of a nail for applying to a portion of already applied nail polish desired to be modified by the user.

17. The device of claim 16, said device further comprising a replaceable absorbent pad configured to be installed and removed from a back portion of the main body.