Abstract: A manicuring apparatus in the form of an elongated spade which serves two distinct functions. One such function is pushing and separating the cuticle and the other such function is removing the pterygium membrane with a scraping action. The pterygium membrane is a thin layer of skin firmly attached to and extending over the nail plate from the cuticle. The appliance comprises a handle portion and a dome portion, the latter terminating in an arcuate blade edge shaped to conform to the curvature of the cuticle edge of the nail.

Abstract: A pedicure kit comprises a toe spreader and a toe nail scissor that separates toes of a foot of a user who has difficulty bending without the user having to bend and cuts the toe nails on the toes of the foot of the user who has difficulty bending without the user having to bend. The combination includes an elongated and slender toe spreader, and an elongated and slender toe nail scissor. The elongated and slender toe spreader has a slender handle portion that is releasibly engagable in the palm of a hand of the user, and a toe spreader portion that is remote from the slender handle portion of the elongated and slender toe spreader and releasibly engages and separates the toes of the foot of the user from each other without the user having to bend, so that the toes of the foot of the user who has difficulty bending can be separated from each other without the user having to bend and separate the toes of the foot of the user with another hand of the user.

Abstract: A finger nail is decorated with an image printed on a piece of glossy coated paper, such as from a magazine, by applying a film-forming substance over the image to the piece, the substance including a resin and a solvent that is capable upon drying of forming a film that is sufficiently flexible and extensible to permit it to conform to the surface of the nail. After allowing the substance to dry and form the film, the paper under the film is wetted with water and the paper is removed to leave a film/image/paper-coating sandwich that is substantially free of paper fibers. The sandwich is cut to form a blank of a size and shape to fit the margins of the cuticle bordering the finger nail. The sized and shaped blank is applied to the finger nail, and a settable nail top coat substance in liquid form is applied over the blank and allowed to dry.

Abstract: A jet spray fingernail cleaner apparatus including a pulsating pump. The pump has a fluid exhaust tube for releasing a fluid that is held within the pump. Included is a housing that has a bottom wall with an aperture and a cylindrical side wall. The side wall has a top edge for forming a top opening of the housing. The side wall has a pair of horizontal wedge-shaped arms along opposite portions of the side wall. Each arm has an arm tip extending past a rear portion of the arm. Included is an elongated resilient finger stall for positioning within the housing. The finger stall has an upper end and a rear end with a fluid intake line that extends therefrom and through the aperture of the bottom wall of the housing. The fluid intake line couples with the fluid exhaust tube of the pump for allowing a jet stream of fluid to flow into the finger stall. Lastly, an O-ring is positioned over the housing to secure the finger stall about the housing, when the upper end is folded around the housing.

Abstract: A device including pivotally attached first and second panels each having a top, mid-section and foot and a flexible abrasive strip connecting the feet of the first and second handles with a grip in the mid-section of the first and second handles.

Abstract: An artificial nail includes a nail attachment portion having a contoured inner surface sized and shaped to conform to at least the forward edge of a user's existing fingernail. The artificial fingernail further has an accordion pleated portion having a plurality of pleats extending across the width of the artificial nail integrally formed with the nail attachment portion along the first side thereof. Furthermore, the artificial nail has a tip portion shaped and contoured to resemble a tip section of a human fingernail. The top portion is integrally formed with a second side of the accordion pleated portion. The artificial nail is preferably molded from acrylic, ABS or styrene plastic.

Abstract: An artificial fingernail is molded with an inlay on its top surface. In a preferred embodiment, the fingernail is colored to simulate the style of a French fingernail, with lighter colored cuticle and tip end portions and a darker color central portion. According to the invention, a fingernail-shaped base member is molded of a first, lighter color, preferably translucent, and an inlay of a second, darker color, preferably opaque, is molded into a top surface of the base member to produce areas of different color resulting in the desired fingernail style. Secure attachment of the inlay to the base member is insured by provision of a mechanical lock between the base member and the inlay.

Abstract: An adjustable fingernail protector for protecting the paint or polish on a fingernail after a manicure, which is attached to the finger primarily ahead of the first knuckle and behind the fingernail to avoid significantly impairing the motion of the hands. The fingernail protector includes a fingernail protective shield having a supporting base and a hood, and a securing band adapted to releasably secure the supporting base to the finger to maintain the protective shield on the finger.

Abstract: An artificial nail tip having a front portion and a back portion is disclosed. The back portion is relatively thinner as compared to the front portion defining an attachment area where the artificial nail tip is attached to a user's natural nail. A substantially "X" shaped cutout is defined in the back portion to provide strength to the artificial nail as well as reducing the chance of cracking or weakening the artificial nail tip during conforming the nail tip to the wearer's natural nail.

Abstract: A bottle holding device has a clamp for gripping a bottle or other container and defining a gripping axis, and a finger gripping arm projecting from the clamp in a direction transverse to the gripping axis. The gripping arm extends at least partially around at least one of the user's fingers to hold the bottle adjacent the user's fingers in a readily accessible and stable position.

Abstract: A process and a composite adhesive composition for applying artificial nails eliminate the need for fabrics or the application of initiators, solvents or catalysts as part of the nail application process. A preferred form of the composition comprises: cyanoacrylate adhesive and a powdered, polymeric filler in a stable, clear suspension, preferably having a viscosity of from about 100 to about 1000 cP as measured by a Brookfield viscometer at 25.degree. C. using a No. 1 spindle at 20 rpm, formed for example from two cyanoacrylates, one having a viscosity of less than about 100 cP and the other having a viscosity of at least 1000 cP. The powdered, polymeric filler enhances the strength of the cured cyanoacrylate and preferably comprises poly (ethyl methacrylate).

Abstract: A device, kit and method used in applying polish to a finger nail for obtaining a french manicure. The device can be removably engaged around a finger tip to establish a line of demarcation that approximates the curve of the tip of the finger nail. This line of demarcation allows an individual to apply a band of finger nail polish along the tip of the finger nail, while preventing the polish from contacting the portion of the finger nail away from the fingertip. The device is sufficiently flexible to be deflected from a nail-engaging position to a removing position when a force is applied against opposed sides of the device. The disclosed kit includes one or more of these devices, a container of finger nail polish and an applicator to apply the finger nail polish.

Abstract: A tool is provided for contacting a surface with a treating material without direct personal contact of either the surface treated or the treating material wherein the tool comprises a hollow cylindrical sleeve containing a spring-biased, expandable claw which, upon manual operation of a plunger attached to the claw, grasps, holds and releases the treating material.

Abstract: A fingernail cleaner assembly with a rotating brush comprising: a brush assembly including an outer housing, a button, a motor and a rotating brush; the outer housing having an essentially hollow interior with a lower region and an upper region, the lower region including battery terminals and a removable battery cover, the upper region being formed in a generally conical configuration with a rounded apex, the apex including a concave slot positioned therein; and the motor including a rotating device and a drive rod and being electrically coupled to the battery and button, the drive rod extending into the concave slot of the apex of the outer housing, the drive rod having an upper extent including a beveled gear head with gear teeth, the rotating brush including a central gear with gear teeth, the central gear including a plurality of bristles and rotatably coupled within the slot of the outer housing, the gear teeth of the central gear being meshed with the gear teeth of the beveled gear head.

Abstract: A device used when applying polish to a tip of a finger nail includes a body having a size sufficient to prevent polish from being applied to a shielded portion of the finger nail away from the tip. A passageway extends through the body and has a size sufficient to receive the tip of the nail on one side of the body and allow access by a user of the device to the tip of the nail on the other side of the body. A kit adapted for applying polish to a tip of a finger nail includes the device. A kit includes a container of finger nail polish and an applicator to apply the polish to the tip of the nail after a finger is secured to the device to permit an individual to obtain a french type manicure. A method of applying polish to a tip of a finger nail constructs a device having a body made to expose the tip of the nail while shielding the remainder of the nail. The tip of the nail is positioned in the device to expose the tip while preventing access of the polish to the remainder of the nail.

Abstract: An artificial fingernail/extension for attachment to a natural fingernail having an upper surface. The artificial nail comprises a flexible polymeric body having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface contacting the natural fingernail upper surface. The body is sized to provide a forward extension from the natural fingernail. The artificial fingernail further comprises a plurality of pores dispersed throughout the body, the pores adapted to quickly wick liquid adhesive throughout the body, from the body upper surface toward the body lower surface, wherein the adhesive contacts substantially the entire upper fingernail surface in contact with the body lower surface to form an integral bond therebetween.

Abstract: A pedicure sock for keeping a foot warm during a pedicure. The pedicure sock having individual stalls for the toes which are truncated to leave the toe nails exposed. The stalls serving to separate the tops of the toes, where the toe nails are located, such that a pedicure can be easily performed and the fresh polish on the toe nails can dry without interference from adjacent toes and toe nails.

Abstract: A nail clipper designed to trim a portion of the nail of a person's digit without causing injury to the flesh portion of the digit includes a U-shaped body that has a first and second end and includes first and second, spaced-apart handles interconnected by a central arc portion between the handles proximate the first end. The handles are resiliently biased by the central arc portion into a partially extending, normal resting position. The central arc portion serves as a hinge. A first blade is fixedly coupled to the first handle and has a cutting slot defined in the structure thereof. A second blade is operably, pivotally coupled to the first handle and has an actuator for imparting pivotal motion thereto. The actuator is operably coupled to the second handle.

Abstract: Multi-function instrument for pedicure operations and manicure operations, which comprises a body having at least one grip region and at least one coupling region for at least one main blade-like tool, characterized in that it comprises at least one cap for covering the main tool connected to at least one secondary tool.

Abstract: An attachable member for creating sculptured nails and a method for using the same. The attachment member is designed to fit beneath the fingernail of the user upon the insertion of a template beneath the nail of the user. The template is the pattern upon which a brush-applied liquid powder acrylic mix or similar product is applied. Adjacent to the template and forming an outline for the pattern is a groove designed to define the edge and form it to a uniform thickness and shape and to catch the excess mix. Outside of the groove is an adjacent area for wiping off excess.

Abstract: A device for removing a manicure coating from a nail at a fingertip is formed of a container, a soft material impregnated with a manicure removing solution and disposed in the container, a closure removably attached to the upper portion of the container for opening and closing the container, an inner closure rotatably attached to the upper portion of the container and having an opening and a cover for closing the opening, and a sheath attached to the inner closure and extending downwardly therefrom to be situated inside the container. The sheath has a side portion, an inner space at least partly surrounded by the side portion and communicating with the opening, and an open portion formed at the side portion. When the fingertip is inserted into the sheath through the opening, the nail can be located in the open portion. In this position, when the finger is turned together with the inner closure, the manicure coating can be removed from the nail by the manicure removing solution contained in the soft material.

Abstract: A fingernail removing device adapted to remove artificial fingernails from the fingers of a user comprising a plastic integrally molded rectangular container body with an inner bristle housing secured and supported by a plurality of integral rib members to the rectangular container body. The inner bristle housing has an oblong configuration defining a chamber with an opening of sufficient width to receive a plurality of fingers with one wall of said bristle housing containing a sectioned flexible brush assembly integrally molded to the inner surface of said wall. The flexible brush assembly comprises at least two separated sections of bristles, each section of bristles comprising a plurality of spaced bristle members extending inward from the inner surface of the bristle housing wall into said chamber and defining a curved passageway allowing plurality of fingers to pass therethrough while allowing the fingers to engage said bristle members, and a cover removably mounted to the container.

Abstract: Manicuring device (10) is provided that comprises an elongated cylindrical body (12) having a tapered end (14) and a second end (16) distal to the tapered end (14). An abrasive surface (18) is affixed to the outer surfaces of the body (12) near the end (16). Perforation lines (20) and (22) are disposed along intervals of the abrasive surface (18). The device (10) may be used to hone the inner surface of a fingernail or toenail.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for polishing fingernails. The polishing fingernail device comprises an integral structure having a forward portion for the fingernail section and a rearward portion for a portion of the finger rearwardly from the fingernail. The forward portion extends about the side ends of the nail and the rear end of the nail. In another embodiment the forward portion includes a section which extends under and about the forward portion of the nail being treated. The rearward portion extends about the top and side portion of the finger with a mechanism, such as a belt to releasably secure the polishing fingernail device to the finger.

Abstract: A fingernail color display device has two or more platforms attached to a shaft which is rotatably mounted on a base. Apertures around the perimeter of each platform receive and hold for display colored artificial fingernails, so that the platforms may be rotated for viewing a variety of colors and a customer's finger may be placed under a nail for comparison with skin color, etc.

Abstract: A container with applicator for nail-varnish is provided which can be held interposed between fingers. The container includes a tank (1) provided with a plug (2) having an axial brush (3) for drawing from the tank and applying the varnish to the nails. The tank (1) has a pair of opposite deep recesses (4) of curved shape, each having such a dimension as to house a finger of the user's hand in order to keep the two fingers spaced apart during the application of nail-varnish.

Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting fingernails are described. A fingernail protector includes: a resilient arcuate section having a proximal open end and a distal open end, the arcuate section 1) defining a first axis, 2) including a recess formed in the resilient arcuate section that defines a hinge axis that is substantially parallel to the first axis, the recess increasing the flexibility of the resilient arcuate section with regard to the first axis and 3) subtending an angle of at least approximately 180.degree.

Abstract: A nail polish bottle with a color matching extension cap comprising: a nail polish bottle having a roof, a floor and at least one side wall extending therebetween, the bottle including an aperture, a neck extending from the bottle around the aperture thereof, the neck including a coupling device affixed thereto; and an extension cap having an upper region and a lower region, the upper region of the cap having an open end at its uppermost extent, the upper region including a colored section resembling a colored fingernail, the lower region including a coupling device and adapted to be releasably coupled to the neck of the bottle, a brush being formed in an elongated configuration and affixed within the lower region of the cap, the brush having a plurality of hairlike bristles extending therefrom, the brush extending through the aperture in the roof and neck.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-adhesive, plasticizer-containing laminate consisting ofa) a film-forming polymeric layer containing dyestuffs and/or pigments,b) a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, andc) a removable, preferably siliconized protective film covering the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer,the film-forming polymeric layer a) of which is at least entirely covered by a layer being resistant towards the other components of the laminate and towards the materials used in the production of the laminate. The invention further relates to the use of said laminate as artificial nails applicable to toenails or fingernails.

Abstract: A new and improved pair of fingernail clippers with an associated grip have an upper clipper with a first end and a second cutting end, and a lower clipper with a first end and a second cutting end. The first end of the upper clipper is connected to the first end of the lower clipper with the second cutting end of the upper clipper adapted to cooperate with the second cutting end of the lower clipper. The upper and lower clippers extend away from one another from first towards the second end. Furthermore, an aperture is formed within the upper clipper approximate the second end, and an aperture is formed within the lower clipper approximate the second end. A post having a lower end and an upper end is positioned within the aperture of the upper clipper and within the aperture of the lower clipper. A clipper lever having a first end, and a forked second end is associated with the upper clipper. The forked second end of the clipper is pivotally secured to the upper end of the post.

Abstract: A set of digit or thumb and finger protectors provides a manicurist with protection against chafing irritation or injury from repeated contact with a nail file, emery board or the like. The set includes a thumb protector and an index-finger protector for the hand opposite a hand that holds the file or other tool. The thumb protector covers the skin on the back and sides of the thumb but allows the thumb pad to remain exposed for tactile sensation, for example to assess the smoothness of a filed surface, without having to remove the thumb protector. The index-finger protector covers the skin and nail at the end of the index finger. The index finger protector hinges adjacent the knuckle and has a throat cut out to permit free flexion and extension of the index finger. These protectors guard against accidentally filing or rasping the skin by an errant stroke.

Abstract: An improved method of constructing an artificial fingernail is provided. A commonly available non-cutaway nail extention tip or product of similar design is filed to match a wearer's cuticle and then fastened to the entire exposed portion of a person's natural fingernail using a combination of regular nail glue and gelatinous form-adaptive nail glue.

Abstract: A support for retaining and polishing artificial fingernails, comprising a cylinder, having one diameter convenient for a handle, a second diameter approximately the curvature of an artificial thumbnail and of sufficient size to hold at least one set of thumbnails, a third diameter approximately the curvature of an artificial fingernail and of sufficient size to hold at least one set of artificial fingernails, a suction cup affixed to the handle end of the device for standing the device on end, and two tape rolls, sticky side out with perforations for removal of one layer of tape at a time, that friction fit the cylinder intended for retaining the artificial thumbnails and fingernails.

Abstract: An artificial fingernail, the fingernail having the form of a thin sheet extending longitudinally forwardly between proximal and distal edges; the sheet having laterally spaced edges, and having arching curvature between the lateral edges; the proximal edge characterized by a row of serrations, certain of serrations having tapering edges of different lengths, the serrations adapted to be adhesively attached to the upper surface of a natural fingernail and to be concealed therein.

Abstract: A work station consisting of an environmental chamber and base unit especially suited for use by a manicurist in the preparation of nails and in the application of nail polish. The environmental chamber is fully enclosed to prevent noxious fumes from escaping. The noxious fumes are evacuated by a quiet, low volume exhaust motor and fan. The environmental chamber is enclosed by a transparent top cover supported by a pair of end walls and a pair of flexible curtains allowing the client and the manicurist to insert their hands into the enclosed space. The top cover provides an enclosed space allowing the collection of nail dust and providing eye protection for the client and manicurist. The environmental chamber is supported by a base unit. The base unit provides storage drawers for the supplies of the manicurist, a lamp to illuminate the work area and magnifying lens to aid the manicurist in observing the work area.

Abstract: The present application relates to artificial nail tips, particularly artificial nail tips which have an attachment area with an axial curvature and a cut-out portion which provide a comfortable and conforming fit to a variety of natural nails while maintaining structural integrity. The axial curvature of the attachment area of the nail tips is of a dual radius design which provides a more comfortable and conformable fit while helping to maintain the structural integrity of the nail tip. The cut-out portion of the nail tips is of a "V" shape which allows the nail tip attachment area to deform with less structural resistance while maintaining structural integrity. It is preferable that the V shaped cut out be at least slightly rounded at its apex to provide even greater structural integrity when the nail tip is deformed.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing nail polish comprising: a first component of a generally rigid material in an elongated configuration, the first component having an essentially planar lower face and a upper face rounded along its longitudinal axis with a pivot aperture extending laterally through the central extent thereof, the upper surface of the first component being formed with a roughened thumb grip at its leading edge and a roughened finger grip at its trailing edge; a second component of a generally linear extent and fabricated of a rigid material, the second component having a forward planar edge positionable parallel with the forward edge of the first component during operation and use, the second component having a second planar upper surface at an angle with respect to the first planar surface and positionable parallel with the rearward planar surface of the first component when in a compressed orientation, the lower component being formed with a generally curved lower surface with the pair of longitudin

Abstract: An artificial nail applicator consists of a top applicator tip having inner and outer surfaces and first and second ends and a bottom applicator tip having inner and outer surfaces and first and second ends. A spring clip is positioned between the inner surfaces of said top and bottom applicator tips.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-adhesive laminate, shapeable to toe and fingernails, containinga) a film-forming polymer layer containing at least one plasticizer,b) a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer located thereon, andc) a carrier film which covers the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and can be removed again, wherein the film-forming layer a) is also covered on the other side, at least over the entire surface, withd) a protective layer, which is likewise removable and is resistant to the other constituents of the laminate and the materials used in the preparation of the laminate.The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of such a laminate and to its use for application to toenails or fingernails as synthetic nails.

Abstract: An artificial fingernail tip having a body portion with an underside surface and outer surface. The underside and outer side surfaces extend between a leaning and a trailing end. A security element is positioned between the leading end and the trailing end and extends from the underside of the body portion and towards the trailing end. The security element is a projection constructed to define a slot which receives a user's natural fingernail to resist attachment.

Abstract: A method which can be done in a procedure of separating a small area of nail bed flesh from the nail plate's underside, where the nail plate and nail bed join, at the forefront, to an extent back toward the base of the fingernail. A visible convex line (10), across the top of the nail plate, visible due to the translucency of the nail plate, where the nail plate and nail bed join, indicates the precise location of the forefront of the nail bed, thus of the nail bed flesh. A second and identical line, simulated convex line (12), just below and adjacent to line (10), on the nail plate (20), indicates the extent to which the nail bed flesh is separated. An intermediate area (18), formed in a concavo-convex shape, between the two identical convex lines, is the area of separation of nail plate and nail bed flesh; extending the full width of the nail bed, and from approximately 0.5 or 0.7 mm, up to approximately 2.0 mm longitudinally of the nail bed.

Abstract: A side guard protection device and method for treating ingrown nails includes a plastic, flattened U-shaped channel member received down the side edge of the nail. One arm of the guard extends under the ingrown edge of the nail and the other arm of the guard lies across the upper surface of the nail, with the two arms joined at a curved section which fits snugly around the edge of the nail. The side guard is applied to one or both edges of an ingrown nail with the use of an adhesive and catalyst for instantly bonding the guard to the nail, and the adhesive is used to provide a smooth level surface over the top of the nail. The side guard directs the nail to grow straight, and the guard advances with and may be trimmed with the nail as it grows.

Abstract: A simplified system and method of applying protective coatings and/or extensions to fingernails, wherein a quantity of cyanoacrylate gel is applied to the fingernail surface from the discharge nozzle of a squeeze bottle, and the nozzle is used to spread and smooth the gel uniformly over the fingernail surface. A drop of hardener is then applied from the discharge nozzle of a squeeze bottle onto the center of the layer of gel, from whence the hardener rapidly spreads over the entire surface of the layer of gel, curing and hardening the gel.

Abstract: A protective device having two transparent, spaced-apart shields held at an angle to one another. The device is symmetric so that either shield can serve as a base for the other and either can serve as a shield. When one of the shields is horizontal, the other shield is positioned at a suitable angle with respect to the practitioner's face to shield against contact with the patient's body fluids during medical procedures. The shields are held in cantilevered relation by a single support so that access to the space therebetween is maximized and so that the device can be oriented as dictated by the handedness of the user. The device is preferably formed from a single sheet of clear plastic folded twice to form the angled shields on either side of the support. The device may be used with minor surgical procedures and any medical procedure that involves venipuncture or arterial puncture.

Abstract: For use with infants and toddlers, an improved manicuring aid has a cylindrical body (10) of semi-rigid plastic with an interior cavity (16). The body has four shallow grooves (28) for guiding and separating the fingertips; two slots (12) and (14) through which an elastic cloth restraining strap (18) for restraining and controlling finger movement is drawn; and two fingertip support ledges (30) and (32) projecting from the body. The strap comprises two hook-and-loop strips (24) and (26) and a doubled strap end (20) which is engaged when drawn through one of the two slots. Multiple support ledges and slots permit the manicuring aid to be grasped in multiple ways. Unrestricted access to the interior cavity facilitates storage, removal, and use of the elastic cloth strap. The manicuring aid does not have small parts which can cause choking or be swallowed.

Abstract: A device which provides support for the wrists, forearms and hands of both a manicurist and the person receiving the manicure while a manicure is being performed. The invention is designed to be able to be custom fitted to any work area regardless of the size including those work areas which have a ventilation system built into them.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making a decorative pattern on a finger or toe nail using fixture that may be a two part hinged fixture that receives a screen and holds it in juxtaposition to a nail. Articulated arms or a base plate position the fixture relative to the finger or toe, with the nail exposed through the fixture. A screen is inserted into the fixture. A coloring liquid is put onto the screen and is expressed through the screen by a squeegee that coacts with the fixture and resiliently deflects the screen. The part of the fixture holding the screen can be pivoted up and away from the nail to avoid smearing and facilitate changing of the screen. Multi-color patterns can be made by using a plurality of screens with different coloring liquids, such as nail polishes or lacquers.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser for use with an elongated applicator having a container with a reservoir portion and a cylindrical neck portion, a tubular insert fabricated of softer material than the container disposed in the neck portion for receiving the elongated applicator and a rotatable cap which engages the insert when in the sealing position. A plurality of axially disposed vanes are provided on the internal surface of the cylindrical neck portion which serve to cold form the outer surface of the softer insert and become embedded in the insert to prevent rotation of the insert when the cap is removed.

Abstract: A fingernail protector comprises a fingernail shield, an attachment device or fastener for temporarily securing the protector to a user's finger, and a connector or coupling portion for pivotably connecting the shield to the fastener so that the shield is disposed distally of the fastener in a use position of the shield and so that the shield is swingable about an axis oriented substantially transversely to the user's finger. The connector includes a toggle hinge which enables the shield to be pivotably connected to the attachment device or fastener so that the shield is swingable between a first stable toggle position and a second stable toggle position. The fingernail protector is an integral piece formed by injection molding.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making a decorative pattern on a finger or toe nail using a fixture that receives a stencil and holds it in juxtaposition to a nail. Articulated arms position the fixture on the finger or toe, with the nail exposed through the fixture. A stencil is inserted into the fixture. A coloring liquid is put onto the stencil and is expressed through the stencil by a squeegee that coacts with the fixture. Multi-color patterns can be made by using a plurality of stencils with different coloring liquids, such as nail polishes or lacquers.