Combined Patents (Class 132/73.5)
  • Patent number: 6941954
    Abstract: A fingernail protection device for preventing ultra-violet radiation from yellowing nail polish in a tanning bed includes a plurality of tabs. Each of the tabs is flexible and includes a plurality of adjacently positioned layers. A first layer of the plurality of layers comprises a ultra-violet radiation impermeable material. The first layer has a first side and a second side. A second layer of the plurality of layers comprises an adhesive positioned on the first layer. Each of the tabs may be removably attached to a fingernail such that the fingernail is substantially covered and protected from ultra-violet radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Michele Belcher
  • Patent number: 6901935
    Abstract: An artificial nail and polish remover includes a container for holding a quantity of solvent. The container defines a top opening, a semi-circular receptacle communicating with the top opening and a circular receptacle communicating with the top opening. The semi-circular receptacle is sized and shaped for simultaneous insertion therein of all the fore-fingers of a hand and the circular receptacle is positioned adjacent the semi-circular receptacle for insertion therein of the thumb. The container includes two indents which extend inwardly into the container for providing a secure finger grip to the container. The remover further includes a strip brush member fixedly coiled around the inside perimeter of the semi-circular receptacle and a tubular brush fixed within the circular receptacle. The remover further includes an insert fitted within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Kiss Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Yong Jin Chang
  • Patent number: 6901934
    Abstract: A system and related methods provide the artisan and his customer with artificial nails that can be magnetically coupled to a special nail holding tool, aesthetic design elements, such as geometric shapes, nail borders, exotic shapes, and the like, and a special display having defined spaces, each of which couples with a completed nail. The spaces are visually separated and given unique identification numbers. The display can be housed in an enclosure that can be hung from walls, or inclined upon horizontal surfaces. The magnetic coupling allows the nail being designed to be securely held on the holding tool, even while the tool is elevated, rotated, and turned for various desirable views. The full nail is visible because the magnetic coupling eliminates the need for typical recessed mounts or grasping devices. Full visibility is also achieved on the magnetic display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: David Ngu Tran
  • Publication number: 20040231686
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved nail polish bottle holder which holds the bottle stably at a convenient dispensing angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Vivianne Florene Watson, Ronald Charles Howe
  • Patent number: 6758220
    Abstract: An artificial nail remover device that consists of a thin, squared head at one end, and is buffered at the opposite end. The length of the device has grooved gripping apertures along the elongated body. The body is made of a flexible plastic that allows for maneuvering without fracturing after repeated use when removing artificial nails and nail tips. The artificial nail remover device eliminates the need to soak the natural nails in any solution that could cause damage to the natural nail. The handle is versatile, for use with either the right or left hand with ease. The artificial nail remover device interfits between the artificial nail and the natural nail allowing one to remove the artificial nail with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Darlene Willis
  • Publication number: 20040123875
    Abstract: A novel nail clipper equipped with a light source is comprised of including but not limited to, two elongated spring arms, a biasing lever, a pivot pin, a light source, an on/off switch and a battery. The two spring arms are rigidly secured at one end and diverge at the other end. Two cutting edges are developed at the ends. The spring arms are pressed together in opposition to their inherent resilient force by a downward pressure on the lever. Upon the downward pressure applied by lever, cutting edges cooperatively engage to clip the nail. The biasing lever is pivoted at one end, to the pin extending through the aligned openings formed by the spring arms and is rotatably mounted so that the lever may be turned 180 degrees and is then put in its stored position for compactness. The light source is installed, including but not limited to, between the two spring arms, on the surface of the biasing lever, on the front surface of upper spring arm and in the pivot pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Jongkeun Kim
  • Patent number: 6752053
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting an end of a tie wrap after a locking mechanism of the tie wrap has been engaged includes inserting the end of the tie wrap in proximity with a curved blade of a cutting tool. Pressure is applied to the cutting tool to force the curved blade against the tie wrap until the tie wrap is cut through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Joel N. Rubicam
  • Publication number: 20040065336
    Abstract: There is provided a self-contained nail care system having a base housing for storing a powered hand tool, and at least a rotary motion adapter head and a linear motion adapter head for use with the hand tool. The base housing stores the hand tool. The base housing has a nail dryer, an integrated manicure bowl, and integrated UV light and/or other types of heat source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: CONAIR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kam Fai Fung
  • Publication number: 20030217758
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for affixing a custom image to an artificial fingernail. The system comprises a memory for storing the image, a processor operatively coupled to the memory and a printer operatively coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to obtain the image from the memory and cause the printer to print the image on a material. The material with the image printed thereon is attached to the artificial fingernail using an adhesive. In addition, a method of affixing a custom image to an artificial fingernail is provided. The method comprises the steps of obtaining the image, printing the image on a material and affixing the material with the image printed thereon to the artificial nail using an adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventor: Laurence Mesirow
  • Patent number: 6647988
    Abstract: A nail care system which contains a portable case, drying compartments and drying compartment covers. The drying compartments are vertically oriented on opposite sides of the portable case. The drying compartment covers are pivotally mounted to the portable case and open and close like a gull-wing type door. The vertically oriented drying compartments allow the user to place their hands in a comfortable, vertical position in front of them during the drying process. The vertical orientation also reduces the footprint of the portable case. Further, the nail care device may be adapted to dry toenails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventor: Tristan M. Christianson
  • Patent number: 6561196
    Abstract: A method of placing photographs, pictures, or lithographs on fingernails. The nail is measured, the picture is scanned into a computer, resized to fit the selected nail size and the image is printed. A substrate is applied to the film side of the printed paper sealing the ink and providing a colored backing. Then, a second coating is added which shields the image from damage during processing. The film is separated from the paper backing. A sealant is applied to the film on the opposite side of the image, followed by a covering that guards against wear when the picture is placed on the user's nail. The image is then punched out and an adhesive is applied to the original (printed) side. Finally, the product's adhesive side is applied to the fingernail, followed by at least one coat of clear nail polish that further secures the image to the nail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Four Star Productions, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Stanford R. Gamburg
  • Patent number: 6560874
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a clipper/stripper, including: a generally V-shaped spring member; opposed cutting edges formed on distal ends of legs of said V-shaped spring member at a distal, open end of the spring member; a cam lever having a distal end therefore attached near the distal, open end of the spring member, such that pressing proximal ends of the spring member and the cam lever together causes the cutting edges to close or partially close, thus severing a portion of an item placed therebetween or stripping one material from another; and a cylindrical stabilizing structure attached near the proximal end of the spring member and extending generally horizontally orthogonally from a major axis of the clipper/stripper and generally parallel to the cutting edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Inventioneers LLC
    Inventor: Gary F. DeMezzo
  • Patent number: 6536065
    Abstract: This invention provides an ultrasonically driven nail cleaner, where the ultrasonic frequency both loosens hand and nail soil, as well as providing motion to at least a pair of brushes for removing the soil from the user's hands and nails. The moving force for the brushes and the ultrasonic loosening action are enabled by linkages providing straight line bilateral motion for both of the brushes. A rechargeable battery and a battery charger are provided for multiple uses for the structure provided, without the necessity of an AC outlet proximate the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Andrea Forrest
  • Patent number: 6532969
    Abstract: A compact, portable self-pedicure unit for use in performing self-pedicures. The self-pedicure unit includes an adjustable foot support and at least one product storage compartment. The adjustable foot support provides for positioning of the foot at an angle optimal for comfort, support, and pedicure results. The product storage compartment(s) provide the user of the self-pedicure unit with easy access to and retrieval of pedicure related supplies during performance of a self-pedicure. The product storage compartment(s) further provide for storage of pedicure related products when the unit is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Marketing Productions, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Nuzzo
  • Patent number: 6516812
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial nail with excellent antibacterial effects. In addition, the present invention concerns a method for manufacturing the antibacterial nail, wherein ABS resin material and an antibacterial agent are mixed together. The mixture is then compressed to make resin pellets, and the pellets are molded into an artificial nail by injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: KMC Exim Corp.
    Inventor: Sung Yong Chang
  • Patent number: 6494213
    Abstract: The present invention provides a slightly bendable nail file which has indicia in the form of a pictorial image. The file comprises a flexible foamed synthetic resin core sandwiched between paperboard panels, at least one of which is of a luminescent material. At least one paperboard panel has a layer of transparent grit bonded thereto. At least one paperboard panel also has an image formed thereon, the image being outwardly visible through the transparent grit. The second paperboard panel may optionally have a mirror coating. A sound chip, light emitting diode (LED), or image projector may optionally be imbedded in the foam core for enhanced audible and visual messaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Edward J. Calafut
  • Publication number: 20020166566
    Abstract: The present invention provides a slightly bendable nail file which has indicia in the form of a pictorial image. The file comprises a flexible foamed synthetic resin core sandwiched between paperboard panels, at least one of which is of a luminescent material. At least one paperboard panel has a layer of transparent grit bonded thereto. At least one paperboard panel also has an image formed thereon, the image being outwardly visible through the transparent grit. The second paperboard panel may optionally have a mirror coating. A sound chip, light emitting diode (LED), or image projector may optionally be imbedded in the foam core for enhanced audible and visual messaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Edward J. Calafut
  • Patent number: 6450175
    Abstract: A nail care instrument has abrasive portions formed by an electroplating process. The instrument comprises a base of synthetic resin, a copper film coated on one surface of the base and having a plurality of release recesses formed by corroding selected portions of the copper film. The abrasive portions formed on non-corroded portions of the copper film, wherein the abrasive portions are formed by electroplating an abrasive substance on the non-corroded portions of the copper film in a solution containing white alumina or the abrasive powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Shinwoo Union Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Il-Yong Park
  • Patent number: 6450174
    Abstract: A portable finger locating and supporting device for use during manicuring having an elongated body shaped and dimensioned to be held comfortably between the fingers and palm of one hand. The ends fo the fingers pass around a corner portion of the body which extends along the length thereof. The body has a series of spaced recesses extending around the corner portion for receiving respective fingers of the hand to locate and support the fingers separated from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Patrick Njauwa Mulaisho
  • Patent number: 6450179
    Abstract: A cosmetic container includes a lipstick compartment having a distal end adapted to removably engage one of a set of interchangeable attachments, such as a receptacle for a second cosmetic and applicator, a cosmetic pencil sharpener, or a receptacle for holding an aqueous bubble forming solution and an appropriate bubble blowing device. An attachment mechanism is provided at the distal end to engage/disengage a given attachment. The attachment mechanism has an outer surface provided with splines or the like for grippingly engaging an inner surface of the distal end of the lipstick compartment to achieve a friction-fit connection that resists undesirable rotational movement within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: John Joseph Bengis
  • Publication number: 20020112735
    Abstract: A nail file, provided with a plastic mirror for allowing a user to look into the mirror as desired, in addition to using the file for trimming, smoothing or shaping the fingernails, is disclosed. The nail file of this invention includes a board consisting of a soft resin sheet and a resin foam sheet laminated together into an integrated single board. A plastic mirror, coated with a reflective coat layer, is attached to the first surface of the single board, while a nail filing sheet is attached to the second surface of the single board. The board of the nail file may have a longitudinal shape rounded at each end thereof, or have a variety of shapes, such as a star shape, a heart shape or a flower shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Il Young Park
  • Publication number: 20020083954
    Abstract: The cosmetic system of the current invention preferably has a dispenser for dispensing a solid or semi-sold cosmetic and an applicator for applying a liquid or semi-liquid cosmetic. The dispenser and the applicator are preferably coupled through a cap portion configured for capping a container holding the liquid or semi-liquid cosmetic. The liquid or sem-liquid cosmetic can be nail polish and the solid or semi-solid cosmetic can be lipstick. The system is preferably configured such the dispenser serves a handle for applying the liquid or sem-liquid cosmetic with the applicator and the container serves as a handle for dispensing or applying the solid or semi-sold cosmetic from the dispenser. According to an embodiment of the invention, the dispenser and the applicator are configured to be detachably coupled and are marked with an identification means to match the dispenser with the applicator once they are separated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: James A. Gavney
  • Patent number: 6363943
    Abstract: A method for applying nail paint to a finger or toe nail in which a positive image Is established in a cutout defined on a plate. Nail paint is applied to the cutout to create a negative representation of the negative image in nail paint. The representation of the image in nail paint is picked up and transferred onto a nail of a person. The picked up representation is rotated through one revolution during the transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Fashion Nails, Inc.
    Inventors: Nevin C. Jenkins, Antonio Lebron
  • Patent number: 6349729
    Abstract: A portable nail polish table generally comprises a base portion and a pair of side flaps. The base portion includes nail polish bottle holding wells and a grippable, stabilizing flange. The side flaps are proximate the base portion and are able to present a substantially horizontal work surface area. The stabilizing flange is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal works surface area when presented. Further, upon gripping of the stabilizing flange, e.g., with the knees or legs, the side flaps are maintained in a substantially horizontal orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Pop Up Nails, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer L. J. Meyer, Eric J. Meyer
  • Patent number: 6328039
    Abstract: An ornamental accessory for a fingernail comprises an overlay, a cover and at least one decorative element. A recess is formed in the top surface of the overlay for receiving the decorative element and the cover is fixed over the recess to form an enclosed pocket for containing the decorative element. The decorative elements may be metallic flakes, glitter, confetti, natural gemstones, artificial gemstones or combinations thereof and are preferably freely movable within the pocket of the overlay. In an alternate embodiment, the overlay includes a raised decorative portion formed on the top surface as opposed to a recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: KMC Exim Corporation
    Inventor: Sung Yong Chang
  • Patent number: 6325069
    Abstract: A pedicure system includes a post having a handle at the proximal end and a file at the distal end. A foot support has a plate with a lower end and an upper end. The upper end is formed with a downwardly projecting plate to retain the plate at an angle. A toe support is formed as a generally U-shaped channel with a lower horizontal portion adjustably secured to the plate and upwardly extending parallel side portions to allow the toe support to be shifted from side to side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Jules Heims
  • Patent number: 6309398
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a horny skin remover, comprising a handle and a header mounted thereon attached to which, by a clamp, is a blade having at least one cutting edge. The horny skin remover has a double function of the clamp, using it both for attaching and for covering the blade in times of non-use, thereby eliminating a separate blade protection otherwise required, and at the same time insuring that protection of the blade not be forgotten, by inadvertence, as the clamp is required for mounting the blade. The blade itself is protected, when the skin remover is not used. The clamp adjustable in relation to the blade is associated to the header and has at least two adjustable positions, namely the “RELEASE” and the “COVER” positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Armin Flörke
  • Patent number: 6293283
    Abstract: A fingernail cover includes a decorative topper to fill the gap between the outgrown artificial fingernail and the cuticle of the underlying natural fingernail. The fingernail cover may also include a decorative sleeve to slip over the tip of the artificial fingernail. The fingernail cover may be used to conceal damaged fingernails, to maintain an attractive appearance of artificial nails without requiring application of nail polish, or to increase the strength of the artificial or natural fingernails. The fingernail cover may be fabricated from a material selected from among metal, gold, silver, other precious metals, metal electroplated with precious or other metal and colored injection molded plastic, particularly “neon” colors. Also, instead of sizing the decorative topper to fill the indicated gap, the topper may instead be sized to cover the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Michele Washington
  • Patent number: 6289901
    Abstract: A nail instrument includes an elongated handle, a first implement and a second implement. The elongated handle has opposite end portions. Each of the first and second implements have a connecting portion and a working portion. The connecting portion of the first implement is removably mounted to one of the opposite end portions of the elongated handle. The working portion of the first implement is in the form of a conical structure substantially comprised of emery material for providing a filing action. The connecting portion of the second implement is removably mounted to the other of the opposite end portions of the elongated handle. The working portion of the second implement is in the form of a sleeve merging into a flattened blade for providing a prying action and a scraping action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventors: Richard A. Singer, Ronda Anderson Singer
  • Patent number: 6289899
    Abstract: A kit for holding and applying nail primer. The kit includes a holder, an applicator, and an eye dropper. The holder rests on a surface. The applicator is replaceably attached to the holder and contains and applies the nail primer. The eye dropper is replaceably attached to the holder and fills the applicator with the nail primer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventor: Maryann Giordano
  • Patent number: 6234180
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for removing fingernail polish simultaneously from a plurality of fingernails of a hand. The device includes a base having a first area adapted for simultaneously receiving a plurality of fingers of the hand. A rotatable sponge is coupled to the base such that the plurality of fingernails of the hand are positionable in contact with the rotatable sponge when the plurality of fingers are positioned in the first area. A palm positioned in the base and coupled to the rotatable sponge controllably rotates the sponge. A hand activated switch on the base actuates the motor when the plurality of fingers of the hand are positioned in the first area of the base to thereby rotate the sponge and remove the fingernail polish from the plurality of fingernails. A hand activated pump controllably supplies fingernail polish removing fluid to the sponge to aid in removal of the fingernail polish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Sofspin LLC
    Inventors: Aaron L. Davis, Mary B. Davis
  • Patent number: 6220251
    Abstract: A visual enhancement kit for use in combination with a nail clipper featuring a lens that may be dismounted and interchanged with any of a plurality of lenses of varying refractive qualities. The resulting field of view of the cutting edge of the clipper and the area adjacent thereto enhances the user's ability to see the work being done by the clipper. vice as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising a means to vary the distance between said lens and cutting blades. The device may be attached to a conventional nail clipper already in use and features rotational positioning of the lens in relation to the user. The device may also be provided already attached to a nail clipper and optionally features the ability to vary the distance between the lens and the cutting edge of the clipper which is user adjustable. Using hinged connections the lens may be folded for storage in a storage compartment formed from components of the device. The device is further enhanced by an optional light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventors: Seong Won Jeong, Sang Hoon Jung
  • Patent number: 6213131
    Abstract: A fingernail stenciling system for applying novel and decorative shapes and designs upon fingernails. The fingernail stenciling system includes a carrying case having a plurality of compartments disposed inside thereof, and also includes a stencil member having a plurality of openings therein, each opening having a distinctive design and shape, and further includes a base member, an elongate member, and a finger support member, and also includes an airbrush nozzle connected to a portable air compressor and having a hopper for holding and providing paint used to paint one's fingernails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventors: Larry Vien, Lieng Hong Vang
  • Patent number: 6206009
    Abstract: A fingernail apparatus includes a base supporting a nail press station and a sprue cutting station in a spaced apart relationship. A sprue support is movably supported between the press station and the sprue cutting station. The sprue support receives one or more arcuate sprues having pluralities of radially extending artificial fingernails supported thereby. The sprue support also receives a nail cap sprue having an arcuate shape and supporting a corresponding plurality of radially extending nail caps. Each artificial nail is constructed to receive a corresponding nail cap in a snap-fit attachment. A space is created between the nail and its nail cap which receives a plurality of ornament objects. The sprue support is movable to the pressing station to snap-fit each nail cap within its underlying artificial nail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Patricia Paxson
  • Patent number: 6196234
    Abstract: An artificial fingernail includes a fingernail body having an inner face extending from a tail end to an opposing tip end. At least a portion of the inner face of the fingernail body has a configuration substantially identical in complement to the exposed top surface of a specific real fingernail. As a result, the inner surface of the fingernail body can be selectively secured in a precision fit on the real fingernail so as to substantially cover all of the exposed top surface of the real fingernail. The fingernail body is integrally molded as a discrete unit comprised of an acetone resistant thermoplastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ova Nail Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig P. Gifford
  • Patent number: 6178970
    Abstract: A portable personal grooming appliance for removing calluse and rough skin from the feet by sanding. The appliance includes body having a rechargeable battery powered motor encased therein An orbital motion head and supporting disc, adapted to be driven b, the motor, is positioned on a first end of the body. A sheet of sandpaper or a massaging pad is adapted to be removably attached to the orbital motion disc for foot sanding or massaging when applied thereto. The appliance body is orthopedically engineered to fit the palm of a user to enhance gripping. A travel case is provided to facilitate portability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventors: Veena E. Purifoy, Christy A. Beville