Abstract: A nail clipper retaining device is disclosed for retaining nail clippings within a typical nail clipper. The device utilizes as a fastening system, a universal slotted mounting located at the bottom of the u-shape channel. The slotted mounting catch slides into position between the head of the lever arm pivot pin and the lower stationary spring member of the typical nail clipper. The force between the head of the lever arm pivot pin and lower stationary spring member of the initially loaded compressive cutting mechanism of the typical nail clipper secures the retaining device to the lower spring member. The device can be easily and effortlessly mounted and dismounted for the purpose of evacuating accumulated nail clippings, cleaning and sterilization.

Abstract: A device and method for strengthening a natural fingernail includes a nail reinforcing device made of a pliable and conformable material having a thickness that is less than the thickness of a natural fingernail. The nail reinforcing device can be preformed and shaped to correspond to the shape of a natural fingernail or can be shaped to correspond to the general shape of the natural fingernail to which it is attached or adhered. A method for strengthening a natural fingernail of the present invention comprises applying an adhesive to at least a portion of the bottom (underneath) surface of the free end of the natural fingernail, to at least a portion of the top surface of the natural fingernail, or to at least a portion of the upper surface of the nail reinforcing device. The body of the nail reinforcing device is then positioned and maintained under the natural fingernail so as to provide contact between the upper surface of the nail reinforcing device and the bottom surface of the natural fingernail.

Abstract: A conical nail file having a handle and two conical files each formed of a convex conical surface and concave conical surface confocally arranged to terminate in a conical apex is provided and designed to interfit underneath an acrylic nail and reach and file the area of the acrylic nail adjacent to the free end of the natural fingernail and the nail bed.

Abstract: A device for removing toe nail polish that operates while the user sits or stands with one or more feet in the device with the toe nails of the feet/foot positioned beneath a toe nail polish remover assembly including a toe nail polish removing sponge that is periodically refilled with nail polish remover from a reservoir and that moves back and forth in a reciprocating motion across the user's toes.

Abstract: A hand operated self-contained machine made out of molded plastic for applying an image on a nail of a person's digit or a golf ball, consisting of a base frame including side rails. An element is provided to establish a reference point. An image creating holder is integrally molded to the side rails. A wheel having projections holding a plate containing a plurality of images is supported on the holder and can be indexed to any one of a plurality of positions by the interaction of the projections and the holder. An image composed of an image defining coating material is created at one image position on the plate. A positioning member receives and adjustably positions a person's digit or object in an appropriate orientation relative to the reference point. A transfer member is mounted on the side rails and a manually operable drive member drives the transfer member in a continuous smooth movement, and a method wherein the support of the image plate is indexed to present a new image.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nail tip sizing tool is performed by providing a handle with at least one slot and a set of artificial nail tips of different widths and lengths with each nail tip having a cuticle end and a tip end. The tip ends of at least selected ones of the nail tips are cut to establish a substantially uniform nail tip length as measured between the cuticle end and the cut tip end. The cut tip ends are then inserted equal distances into at least one slot of the handle such that the cuticle ends of the nail tips are substantially aligned and the nail tips are in adjacent side-by-side relationship in progressively nail tip width size. Since the nail tip sizing tool has nail tips identical to the nail tips stored in "tip boxes" of the operator, once sizing is performed, the selected artificial nail tip is identical to the sized artificial nail tip of the nail tip sizing tool.

Abstract: An artificial nail overlay on which a predetermined picture or pattern has been pre-printed. The overlay is flattened to be dyed or printed so that it provides advantage of removing the separate designing work on silk fabrics during the attaching process of the artificial nail to a natural nail.

Abstract: A composition of matter, for making artificial fingernails, includes a mixture of protein and plastic. The preferred form of protein is gelatin. The preferred plastic is a plastic having a melting temperature of 500.degree. F. or less. In a preferred embodiment, one forms a mixture containing about 2-8%. gelatin (by weight), the balance being plastic. The components are mixed together, liquefied, and injection molded to form artificial fingernails. The artificial fingernails made according to the present invention are strong but flexible. When affixed to a natural nail, they have been found to strengthen the underlying natural nail after being worn for about 2-3 weeks.

Abstract: A hand-operated apparatus for applying an image on a person's fingernail consisting of a base having an upper surface defining a first cutout. A stop is provided to establish a reference point. An image creating plate is received in the first cutout for creating an image composed of an image defining coating material. A digit positioning member having a V-shaped groove receives and positions a person's digit relative to the location of the created image. An orientation surface is defined by the base against which the free end of the person's digit bears to establish, in cooperation with the V-shaped groove, the appropriate orientation relative to the reference point. A transfer member is mounted on the base movable over the upper surface for transferring the created image from the image creating plate to the person's nail. A method for applying an art image on a person's nail in which a reference point is established.

Abstract: A nested tray and stand for holding a plurality of nail image material bottles. The stand has a rounded annular base plate with a hollow cylinder extending vertically from its inner rim. A receptacle for holding absorbent material saturated with a suitable solvent is defined at the upper part of the cylinder. A slotted cap closes off the top of the cylinder with absorbent material exposed through the slot. The tray is a molded annular configuration that slips over the stand and provides a series of peripherally recesses each of which recess can hold a bottle in a plurality of orientations.

Abstract: Systems of the invention for forming artificial fingernails include methods, apparatus and kits. A form implement is fashioned into a complementary shape of a fingernail. Acrylic material in a gelatinous state, applied to a base comprised of a natural fingernail and optionally an artificial fingernail tip, is molded by further application of a form. A form of the invention tends to shape the acrylic material in a preferred manner before it hardens in the polymerization process. The form, left in intimate contact with the hardening acrylic material, imparts its shape and texture to the material. A form, thereafter having been removed from a newly created artificial fingernail, creates a superior looking nail having a smooth transparent look which is more natural and desirable. In addition, forms of the invention result in better shaped nails having less defects than nails formed via commonly known techniques.

Abstract: An adjustable magnifying attachment for a hand held implement is provided. The adjustable magnifying attachment includes a support base, an extension arm, a lens holder, and a magnifying lens. The support base has a hole and a slot, which is configured to receive a portion of the hand held implement and to secure the support base on the hand held implement. The extension arm has a first end section and a second end section. The first end section of the extension arm is snugly mounted in the hole in the base but may still rotate and slide in the hole in the support base. The second end section of the extension arm terminates in a clip. The lens holder retains the magnifying lens and includes a mounting bracket with a pivot rod that joins a pair of opposed bracket arms at a position spaced apart from the lens holder. The pivot rod is secured in the clip of the extension arm so that the lens holder may pivot about the pivot rod.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and an apparatus for decorating or coloring fingernails or toenails. According to the method, a subject's fingernail is scanned to obtain an image and the image is transferred to a computer. The computer then maps out the fingernail surface and scales a selected image or design to fit on the fingernail. This information is then used by the computer to activate an inkjet assembly to print out the stored image on the fingernail surface.

Abstract: An application unit for a product includes a reservoir (4) having a neck (10) delimiting an opening (15) obturated in a detachable manner by an obturating element (26). The neck comprises a wiper element (22) joined to the neck (10) by an elastically deformable connecting means (24), the wiper element (22) forming at least one ring portion (22, 40) having an edge (25) capable of permitting the wiping of an application element (30). The wiper element (22) is capable of pivoting from a first position wherein the ring portion is situated substantially inside the neck (10) under the constraint of the obturating element (26), to a second inclined position obtained during the withdrawal of the obturating element.

Abstract: Decorated nails and methods therefor preferably using tissue paper and metallic foils. Crumbled pieces of metallic foil or pieces of tissue paper are mixed with a substantially clear polish and applied to a nail with the pieces in an overlapping relationship or immediately adjacent one another to present a textured or stained-glass effect, respectively. Alternatively, a thin layer of a metallic foil or tissue paper may be affixed to the nail over an adhesive layer. A substantially clear top sealing layer is applied over the decorated nail.

Abstract: An artificial nail tip facilitates the creation of "French" nails. The nail tip includes a dam which divides the surface of the nail into two regions. By applying acrylic materials of different colors to the two regions, filling the regions up against the dam, one creates a nail having more than one color, and having a well-defined boundary between regions of different color. In another embodiment, the dam is affixed directly to the fingernail, and some of the acrylic material is applied to a temporary form that is attached to the fingernail. As in the first embodiment, two differently-colored acrylic materials are applied to different regions, up to the dam, to create a "French" nail. The present invention makes it possible to create "French" nails without the need for extensive training or talent, since the dam provides a guide for the application of the differently-colored acrylics.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a masking device utilized during the application of nail polish to a fingernail. In one embodiment, the masking device includes a clamp having a first finger gripping portion and a second finger-gripping portion. A flexible shield portion is connected to the clamp and extends distally therefrom and conforms to the shape of a finger so as to cover a proximal portion of the fingernail. The shield portion includes a distal edge defining either a curved or straight line across the fingernail.

Abstract: A device and method for strengthening a natural fingernail includes a nail reinforcing device made of a pliable and conformable material having a thickness that is less than the thickness of a natural fingernail. The nail reinforcing device can be preformed and shaped to correspond to the shape of a natural fingernail or can be shaped to correspond to the general shape of the natural fingernail to which it is attached or adhered. A method for strengthening a natural fingernail of the present invention comprises applying an adhesive to at least a portion of the bottom (underneath) surface of the free end of the natural fingernail or to the upper surface of the nail reinforcing device. The nail reinforcing device is then positioned and maintained under the natural fingernail so as to provide contact between the upper surface of the nail reinforcing device and the bottom surface of the natural fingernail.

Abstract: An artificial nail remover container device and method comprising an inner chamber containing hot water for heating solvent in at least one outer chamber or basin. The bottom of the outer chamber can have ridges and/or marbles. The inner chamber can have a vibrator motor driven by a rechargeable battery for agitating the solvent for removal of artificial nails from fingernails.

Abstract: A manicure shield including a padded base for propping up the forearms of a manicure patron. A support is secured to the padded base and extends upwardly from one of its sides. A transparent book holder is secured to the support and is spaced from the padded base at a distance sufficient to allow the hands of the patron to be positioned between the padded base and the transparent book holder. A transparent panel is hingedly connected to the top of the transparent book holder to shield the faces of the patron and manicurist from debris ejected from the patron's fingernails and from airborne germs.

Abstract: A manicure station for providing an area for performing manicures. The manicure station includes a base with a pair of pivot arms upwardly extending from the base. A stage extends between the pivot arms and a magnifying assembly is pivotally mounted to the pivot arms. A pair of compartments for holding items therein are provided on the base.

Abstract: A portable cosmetic bottle holder is formed from a sheet of flexible foam material having a thickness and having a generally U-shaped configuration that is defined by a periphery. The foam is provided with a plurality of recepticles for receiving and holding cosmetic bottles. The foam material has an interior spaced inward from the periphery that defines a work space where one can rest their hands when applying cosmetics, such as nail polish. A rigid backing layer may be joined to the lower surface of the foam.

Abstract: Artificial fingernails and fingernail kits which are comprised of a plurality of pieces laminated together form a composite nail having a preferred look. A preferred look called "French Manicure" is obtained where the color scheme very accurately resembles the colors of a natural nail. Fingernails of the invention have a pink color visible through a white translucent material. The arrangement of the pieces which form the composite nail may include a structure where a first thin piece made of translucent material is attached to a second thin piece made of colored material. The composite nail may be attached in a conventional way to a natural nail or alternatively, the nail may be built-up, step-by-step onto a natural nail.

Abstract: An article of footwear for use during and following the application of a pedicure. The article includes a body consisting of a leg portion, an ankle portion, and a foot portion. At the toe end of the foot portion are defined a plurality of apertures. Fitted to the approximate peripheries of the apertures and extending therefrom are a like plurality of open-ended toe sheaths. The sheaths may be selectively extended or retracted through unrolling or rolling as desired.

Abstract: A support device for artificial fingernails for selectively securing artificial fingernails on individual support members, which device includes an elongated base having a substantially planar bottom surface and a plurality of individual nail support members connected to the base and extending vertically therefrom. Each support member includes a top portion forming a nail support surface which includes a quantity of reusable tacky material incorporated thereon for securing an individual nail to the support surface. In the preferred embodiment, the base is sized for accommodating five, similarly sized, vertically extending nail support members in spaced relation aligned along the longitudinal axis of the base.

Abstract: A new nail polish template for protecting the skin adjacent a nail from contact with nail polish while painting the nail. The inventive device includes a generally trapezoidal member having top and bottom surfaces, opposite first and second sides, and opposite third and fourth sides extending between the first and second sides of the member. The member also has a plurality of nested portions. Each portion of the member is extended from the first side of member towards the second side of the member. Each of the portions is separable from member to define a cutout.

Abstract: A nail tool has a triangular, elongate tube which provides three planar surfaces and at least two corners. The planar surfaces provide a treatment surface such as an abrasive which is disposed on an intermediate layer of resilient foam. The tube is hollow which helps reduce weight.

Abstract: Method and stenciled glove for applying designs to fingernails or toenails. The stenciled glove includes digits having tips with ornamental cutout shapes and filing cutout patterns. An inner adhesive dot is provided proximate each cutout shape for stabilizing the glove tips over the nails. Nail polish is applied to the tips of the stenciled glove to form designs on the nails which can also be filed into decorative patterns.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nail clipper having a container for collecting and containing cut finger and toe nails. The container has separable first and second portions to allow for easy disposal of cut material. The first portion has an open bottom wall and the second portion has an open top wall and is removable from the first portion. The open top of the second portion is removably and reengageably attached to the open bottom of the first portion, such that the second portion slidably engages within the first portion of the container. The container includes a utensil or utensils, for example a nail file, in a receptacle in the second portion. The utensil can be used both when the second portion is attached to the first portion and when the second portion is detached from the first portion.

Abstract: A nail polish bottle holder having a receptor well for the bottle and an elongate strap affixed to the well for securing the holder in a convenient place as for example a woman's wrist.

Abstract: A finger and toe nail repair kit and method wherein the kit comprises an adhesive which will both bond natural nail material and dissolve polystyrene, a multiplicity of polystyrene pellets, a cuticle stick, a buffing board with sufficient grit to grind a dried mixture of adhesive and polystyrene, and a buffing block to remove the shine from the nail after mending the nail and in preparation for a coating as desired.

Abstract: An ornamental accessory for a fingernail which includes an elongated overlay having a top surface and a bottom surface and first and second ends, the first end having a shape and size approximating the shape and size of at least the end of a fingernail. The base portion is fixed to, and substantially coextensive with, at least the second end of the overlay. In preferred embodiments, the overlay is transparent or translucent while the base is translucent or opaque, and the base also forms an abutment for use in fitting the accessory to the end of the nail of the user. Furthermore, the present ornamental accessory is preferably an artificial fingernail tip, and most preferably a French tip.

Abstract: A new nail wrap molder for helping form silk wraps on a fingernail to match the natural contour of the fingernail. The inventive device includes an elongate base portion and a form portion extending from the upper surface of the base portion. The form portion has an arcuate upper forming surface designed for resting a fingernail on to permit the application and forming of a silk wrap or artificial nail on the fingernail. The form portion also has an abutment wall orientated towards the proximal end of the base portion which is designed for abutting the tip of a finger against it when the fingernail to be molded rests upon the arcuate upper forming surface of the form portion.

Abstract: A pedicure stand includes a horizontal beam, first and second legs fixed to a first end of the beam and extending downwardly therefrom and inclined outwardly away from each other, third and fourth legs fixed to a second end of the beam and extending downwardly therefrom and inclined outwardly away from each other, and a pad of soft material fixed to an upper surface of the horizontal beam.

Abstract: A new support trays for a hand and foot for providing a support rest for a foot or hand while permitting accessibility to the nails for pedicures or manicures. The inventive device includes a tray member with a skirt wall outwardly extending from the lower surface of the tray member around the outer perimeter of the tray member. The upper surface of the tray member has a depression formed therein for resting an extremity of a human limb. Such as a hand or a foot, therein.

Abstract: Graduated artificial fingernail tips for creating longer fingernails includes an artificial fingernail tip and length-indiciating indicia on an upper surface of the tip. The length-indicating indicia may be numbers or letters corresponding to graduated trim points. A method for applying the graduated artificial fingernail tips is also provided which includes buffing out the indicia after conventional adhesion of the tip to the natural nails. The graduated tips and method enable a quick and easy application of the tips to create a manicure with nails of substantially uniform length.

Abstract: In a reservoir having a screw cap for nail enamel, mascara or the like, with a view to attaining a defined final position in the screwing process and reliable closing that is impermeable to liquids and gas-tight, manufacturing tolerances of the reservoir, as occur in particular with glass reservoirs, being taken into account, it is provided that on the upper side of an annular collar (11) of the reservoir (1), provision is made for at least one projection (12) which extends over a certain angle at circumference (.beta.1, .beta.

Abstract: A method of bonding an artificial nail to a nail with a photocurable cyanoacrylate adhesive or of decorating an artificial nail or a nail using the adhesive. The adhesive comprises (A) an cyanoacrylate monomer, (B) a catalyst selected from the group consisting of a metallocene compound comprising a transition metal of Group VIII of the periodic table and aromatic electron system ligands, and a mixed catalyst consisting of a combination of a cleavage-type photoinitiator and a metallocene compound comprising a transition metal of Group VIII of the periodic table and aromatic electron system ligands, an acetylacetonatoplatinum(II) complex, and a specific metal complex which releases a nucleophilic agent upon light irradiation.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a nail filing guide is provided for controlling the shape and quality of symmetry of a nail, particularly a fingernail. The nail filing guide comprises a digit rest and a shape wall; the shape wall having an outer contour defining a desired nail shape and a thickness size to accommodate the size of the nail. The outer contour of the wall has an angle established to shape a nail perpendicular to the growth pattern of the nail and a contour to accommodate the desired contour of the nail. Specific embodiments of the nail guides include a pointed contour, a blunt contour, a so-called opaque contour, and a round contour. Extending outward from the shape wall is a support porch for guiding a nail file rested against the support porch. Importantly, the tip of the shape wall is curved to conform generally to the natural lateral curve of the nail.

Abstract: The Nail Easel Detailing and Storage Kit for applying nail polish and ornamentation to artificial fingernails, comprises a convenient durable unit (10) with an attached lid (12) having a removable easel (26) with a multitude of angles and levels to apply nail polish, enamels and artistic ornamentation to at least ten displayed artificial fingernails. Artificial fingernails are applied by releasable double-sided adhesive tabs to the nail station (32) having a specifically designed convex head, suspending a releasable fingernail. A storage compartment (20) within the base of a unit provides the opportunity to store supplies including but not limited to, artificial fingernails, decals, pinstripes, fingernail adhesive, double-sided adhesive tabs, files and buffers.

Abstract: An abrasive pad having multiple abrasive fibers is confined within a cylindrical vessel having nail polish solvent. The pad has an oversized finger hole in which one or more fingers having artificial nails can be accommodated. The artificial nails are removed by rubbing the artificial nail against the abrasive pad.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing artificial support to the entire underneath surface of a natural fingernail so that the natural nail can grow without breaking.

Abstract: A cuticle pusher manicuring appliance which employs a pusher head having an upper member and a lower member with a rounded slot therebetween. The cuticle is captured in the slot while it is being pushed by the appliance. The lower member lifts the edge of the cuticle a precise distance from the nail surface while the upper member prevents the cuticle edge from being lifted above the slot. The dome structure of the upper member acts as an inhibitor, stopping the edge of the pusher from invading the matrix of the nail, a delicate area where the nail cells are produced.

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.

Abstract: A packaged assortment of artificial fingernails including a package defining a storage chamber, a display compartment with a transparent wall portion, and a cavity having an inner end disposed adjacent to said display compartment, the cavity having a transparent wall section and being shaped and arranged to receive a finger end visible therethrough. Also included in the package are a plurality of artificial fingernails of various sizes retained within the storage chamber and an artificial fingernail of given size retained in the display compartment and having a fingernail end adjacent to the inner end of the cavity, the fingernail of given size having a fingernail surface visible through the transparent wall portion. The display compartment, cavity and artificial fingernail of given size facilitate selection of a package retaining fingernails of sizes appropriate for a particular user.

Abstract: A workstation apparatus for use by manicurists in the application of artificial nails and the like, to protect the technician and client from the debris and vapors generated in the nail application process. The provides a covered working surface and circulates the contaminated air through purifying filters, and conditions the temperature and humidity of the air, before returning the air to the work surface.

Abstract: A device for dispensing and holding artificial fingernails for decoration includes a housing having an upper work platform, and a plurality of magazine assemblies disposed within the housing. Each of the magazine assemblies includes a body for storing a plurality of artificial fingernails in stacked relation, and a spring biased plunger disposed in the body for urging the artificial fingernails upwardly within the body. The device further includes a slide having a plurality of slide members which are slidable through the respective magazine bodies for engaging the rear edge of the uppermost fingernail in each of the magazine assemblies and advancing the fingernail outwardly through an exit opening in the body of each of the magazine assemblies. The exit openings are disposed on the upper work surface of the work platform.

Abstract: There is provided an improved process and apparatus for cutting and/or fingernails. The process includes the step of providing laser radiation to cut or score the nails, and optionally cooling the site of administration of the laser beam. The nails can be coated with colored lacquers to provide a multicolored design when melted by the laser.

Abstract: A new method of decorating fingernails for styling nails in a multitude of attractive designs for longer wear. The inventive device includes a first step of applying a first coat of thick nail coverage to a fingernail. The second step involves cutting a piece of nail paper corresponding to the fingernail. The third step includes pressing the piece of nail paper onto the fingernail over the thick nail coverage. The fourth step includes working the piece of nail paper on the fingernail for a tight fit. The fifth step includes buffing all edges of the fingernail and the nail paper with a sponge file. The sixth step includes applying a first coat of epoxy over the piece of nail paper. The seventh step includes allowing the first coat of epoxy to dry. The eighth step includes applying a second coat of epoxy over the piece of nail paper. The final step includes allowing the second coat of epoxy to dry.

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 motor positioned in the base and coupled to the rotatable sponge controllably rotates the sponge. A palm 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.