Abstract: The method herein describes a process of creating an inlayed design in wet nails. The purpose for this process is decorating finger, toe and acrylic nails. Preferably the utility kit for this process will include one base handle and at least one implement design tip. After applying acrylic or three coats of colored polish, the implement design tip is pressed into wet nail surface, allow to dry, and protected by covering with clear top coat. The implanted design will remain until next manicure.

Abstract: A device and process for treatment of ingrowing nails or felons includes a thin flexible inert body of flat, substantially rectangular configuration. The body is folded at least once in a first configuration to define a dihedric angular body. In another preferred form, the device is folded twice to form a double walled construction. In the present treatment, a portion of the nail is first separated from the affected underlying epidermis area of the affected finger or toe. Next, the device is held with the fold thereof aligned with the released edge of the nail, and is inserted over the released edge of the nail. The nail is received between facing surfaces of the device, with the released nail edge extending inside the fold between the facing surfaces. The device is positioned such that the folded surfaces of the device overlap the affected area and the released nail edge is held away from the affected area.

Abstract: A finger-operated leverage tool has first and second lever elements with opposite ends and upper and lower elongated surfaces. A connection joins one end of each of the lever elements and holds the lever elements in a movable angular position with respect to each other. Elongated frictional surface strips of a material different than the material of the lever elements are secured to the upper surface of the first lever element and to the lower surface of the second lever element to prevent slippage of the fingers of a person operating the tool.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the formation of artificial nail surfaces, whether natural nail coatings or nail extenders, which comprises first impregnating a fabric matrix with a cyanoacrylate monomer, forming the impregnated fabric matrix into an artificial nail surface shape and thereafter contacting the impregnated matrix with an organotin compound to cause the monomer to become polymerized and solidify in contact with the matrix and in the formed nail shape. In a preferred embodiment, the organotin compound is mixed with one or more additives in a liquid and the liquid is dispensed onto the monomer surface with an eyedropper, although, if desired, the additives can be incorporated separately prior to the contact of the impregnated matrix with the organotin compound.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying and using fabric fingernail wrap material wherein the material is a porous fabric material supplied in sheets having releasable adhesive material on one side, which side is adheres to a backing material and wherein shapes of individual fabric elements are cut through the fabric and into the backing material such that individually shaped fingernail fabric materials may be removed and applied as a final step in a process of applying a tip material to a portion of a fingernail, appropriately buffing and shaping, and applying the fabric wrap material with its self adhesive side against the nail and tip extension and finally applying appropriate polish or other finishing materials.

Abstract: An arm support and finger positioning stand for use by a manicurist in manicuring the fingernails of a customer has a first transverse arcuate surface B positioned at a level for supporting the hand by engaging the arm just below the wrist to serve as an arm rest; and a second transverse arcuate surface D positioned above and forwardly of the first transverse arcuate surface at a level for receiving the palm of the customer's hand with the fingers extending forwardly and curved downwardly resting upon a forward portion of the second transverse arcuate surface in position for being individually raised for manicuring a respective fingernail with the remaining fingers resting upon the forward position of the second transverse arcuate surface.

Abstract: A stand to support a patron's hand in suspension and contributes to better posture for the nail technicians that includes a base assembly that rests on a flat horizontal surface and a diagonal flat member rigidly attached to the base assembly, at an angle between 30 and 60 degrees with respect to the resting horizontal surface. Padded sheets are used to provide comfort to a patron's elbow and, when needed, to prop it up using padded sheets of different widths.

Abstract: A manicure file for acrylic nails including an elongate, substantially flexible yet rigid stick with opposite distal ends having flat upper and lower surfaces and, a rounded peripheral edge. A layer of resilient material is adhered to each of the distal ends in sandwiched relation between the stick and an outer exposed layer of emery material disposed in covering relation thereto, wherein hardened acrylic nail outer and inner surfaces and nail edges can be filed smooth without damaging the cuticle or skin surrounding the nail.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for precisely and efficiently applying a coating to the nails of ones hands and toes and covering the cuticle and skin tissue bounding the nails to prevent coating from being applied thereto and to precisely define the area of coating applied to the nails. An adhesive backed mask is provided for covering the cuticle and skin tissue which has a cut-out portion for framing the nail to be coated. A plurality of masks are provided in a booklet and are removable therefrom for use, preferably by tearing a mask from a page of the booklet with a portion of the page on which it is adhered.

Abstract: Fingernail repair patches are provided and consists of a plurality of different sized and molded nail patches. Each nail patch is ready to fit any damaged fingernail then glue is applied to the fingernail, so that the nail patch can cover and reinforce a damaged area to be mended, thus allowing any type of wrap to be applied over the nail patch.

Abstract: A manicure sheet for use in manicuring fingernails comprising a left-and-right pair of masking sheets which are stuck onto the left and right halves of the fingertip for masking skin parts proximate to the nail. Each sheet has in its tip part an L-shaped incision (11) defined by a basal side (12) corresponding to the nail's basal edge and a perpendicular side (13) corresponding to either of the nail's opposite edges. The sum of the lengths of the joined basal sides of the L-shaped incisions in the left-and-right pair of masking sheets (1) and (2) is made larger than the length of the basal side of the nail.

Abstract: A pigment coating formulation for use in cosmetics and method of application to pigments is disclosed. The combination of a carboxylic acid and a metal salt of a carboxylic acid provides for an improved coating and advantages in pigment suspension, dispersion and product stability in nail polish.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of applying nail polish in an artistic manner to a fingernail which includes using a liquid medium that is adapted to support a given amount of nail polish. The nail polish is freely suspended on the surface of the liquid medium, whereby the nail polish is artistically arranged to create and define a desired design configuration. The artistic configuration of the nail polish is readily formed by arranging or rearranging a drop or a plurality of drops of the nail polish while supported on the liquid medium. A suitable implement such as a toothpick or the like is lightly touched to the surface of the nail polish so as to move the suspended nail polish into a configuration that will provide the desired results for the transfer of the nail polish as designed to the surface of a fingernail. These steps are repeated for each of the fingernails.

Abstract: The combination of a fingernail having adhered to the surface thereof and providing a smooth surface, a coating formed from a polymer of an acrylic monomer, a hydrocarbon solvent and a wax. The acrylic monomer can be acrylic or methacrylic. The solvent can be an alkane or alkene having 6 to 8 carbon atoms. The wax can be paraffin. Also included into the composition can be added an antioxidant and/or thickening agent.The novel method which comprises applying to a fingernail a liquid composition containing an acrylic monomer, a hydrocarbon solvent, and a wax, and allowing the composition to dry to form an adherent polymeric coating.The fingernail may be the natural fingernail alone, or together with an artificial fingernail extension.

Abstract: A fingernail guard to be attached to a fingernail and comprising a pair of opposing sides that are coextensively joined to one another at a fold line therebetween. The sides are hingedly connected to and bent downwardly from said fold line to form an envelope in which to receive and thereby insulate a portion of the fingernail against cracking, chipping and similar damage. Each side of the fingernail guard includes a plurality of projections extending from the fold line. The projections are spaced from one another and adapted to rotate relative to the fold line and to each other to enable the shape of the nail guard to conform to the contour of the wearer's fingernail when the opposing sides of the nail guard are attached to respective sides of the wearer's nail and the fold line embraces the outer edge of said nail.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of sealing a human nail by applying a sealing material such as carnauba wax to the top of the nail using an applicator having a surface to which the sealing material adheres. The sealing material is released by rubbing the surface against the top of the nail to coat it with a thin layer of the sealing material.

Abstract: A manicure shield for restraining loose sculptured nail chips to protect a manicurist and a customer which includes a free-standing enclosure having a first opening in the rear of the enclosure sized to allow the passage of the customer's hand and a second opening in the front of the enclosure sized to permit manicuring of the customer's fingernails by the manicurist, where the free-standing enclosure is structured such that free-flying chips produced during the manicuring operation are shielded from the faces and bodies of the customer and manicurist. The manicure shield can be, for example, an accordion-like collapsible design or a box-like foldable design.

Abstract: A fingernail shield includes a tube having a diameter larger than that of a typical human finger and an adhesive within the tube for securing the tube to a finger. The fingernail shield preferably has an octagonal cross-section and is tapered to form a frustum shape. The tube may have a notch at one end for locating the adhesive, and is preferably made of a transparent, colored plastic. A method of protecting drying polish on the nail of a finger using this shield, includes the steps of placing the shield around a finger over the nail, orienting the shield so that the adhesive is adjacent to the side of the finger opposite the nail, pressing the side of the finger opposite the nail against the adhesive to secure the shield to the finger, leaving the shield secured to the finger until the polish hardens, and pulling the finger out of the adhesive and withdrawing it from the shield.

Abstract: A strap of flexible material having abrasive material mounted on or embedded in the surface of a central portion thereof for use in the self-removal of foot calluses by persons who cannot or can only with difficulty bend over. The opposing ends of the strap do not have abrasive material mounted thereon and are gripped by the user with respective hands. Upon placing the abrasive material in contact with the foot callus, the user alternatingly pulls on one end of the strap with the left hand while providing tension with the right hand and then pulls on the other end of the strap with the right hand while providing tension with the left hand, in the manner of shining a shoe. As a result of this back and forth motion, the abrasive material rubs against the callus, thereby removing the surface layer of the callus through abrasion.

Abstract: A toe stretcher comprising stretching posts stood upright at positions corresponding to spacings between toes, the stretching posts being formed of an elastic material having a diameter capable of spreading a portion between toes on a base plate of the size capable of putting the tip of toes thereon.

Abstract: An artificial nail tip having cosmetic and/or prosthetic applications, which includes a recessed rear portion with a predisposed edge pattern which facilitates more efficient and effective attachment to both normal and problem nails. A stair-step, sawtooth or other useful pattern is cut into the edges of the predisposed edge for use as an accurate guide in length for quick and symmetrical trimming of excess material from the rear portion of the artificial nail during fitting and attachment. The edge pattern also increases the area with which a suitable adhesive comes into contact and thereby increases the strength of the bond to a natural nail.

Abstract: A finger nail polish removing structure including a container for holding nail polish removing liquid with a base and a lid, and a finger nail scrubbing structure mounted within the container in spaced relation to the container base bottom wall and to the lid top wall, defining a liquid chamber in the base and an upper chamber above the finger nail scrubbing structure. In some embodiments the finger nail scrubbing structure is supported within the container base, and includes five finger bore openings with four bore openings, of substantially equal diameter on a circle within the planar extent of the finger nail scrubbing structure and with the fifth bore opening a thumb tip receiving opening of greater diameter than the other four finger openings and displaced closer to the center of the finger nail scrubbing structure to receive simultaneously the finger nails and nail finger tips to the nail end joints of all five fingers of one hand.

Abstract: An artificial nail includes an acrylic top layer mounted on a collagen support layer in the form of a mesh. The proximal end of the nail includes a plurality of anchor points, preferably three semi-circular anchor points. The proper size nail is selected by use of sizers. The toe or finger is prepared for implantation of the artificial nail by a puncturing tool which has a pattern of tines on its flat base.

Abstract: Container for treating fingers or finger nails includes a cup with a sponge therein immersed in a treatment solution. The container is provided with a double walled seal, which is connected positively and/or non-positively to the inner wall of the cup of the container. At the top, the inner seal engages against a shoulder of the cup and secures the underlying sponge. The sponge has a vertically extending hole for receiving a finger to be treated. The sponge absorbs the liquid or solution contained in the cup for treating finger. The hole can be provided with a replaceable lining. Closable slits are provided in the seal for the insertion of the finger, so that no liquid flows out or evaporates. The seal can be held on its circumference by a spring ring, which engages against a cam or is located in a groove in the inner wall of the cup and is consequently positively held.

Abstract: By providing separate, easily mountable members which incorporate finger/thumb receiving and holding zones constructed for use and access by individuals with reduced or impaired manual dexterity, a control improving and enhancing system is achieved which is mountable directly to conventional implements, such as manicure implements. Preferably, each control improving and enhancing system is constructed for being quickly and easily securely mounted to existing implements and may be removable therefrom for use on other implements. In addition, each control improving and enhancing system is constructed with enlarged, specially constructed, readily accessible, easily employable finger/thumb receiving and supporting zones which are positioned to assure complete operational control of the implement, thereby enabling individuals with reduced or impaired manual dexterity, or with varying stages of joint diseases, such as arthritis, to naturally and confidently use the implements.

Abstract: A method for rapidly accomplishing a durable manicure, that includes the steps:a) providing a flexible tab having a protective and separable upper layer, and a durable lower layer, the tab having the shape of a fingernail forward tip portion,b) applying and adhering the tab lower layer to the fingernail forward tip portion so that the tab extends proximate the forward edge of the fingernail forward tip portion,c) then peeling off the tab upper layer, thereby to expose the lower layer which has an upper surface,d) whereby the fingernail has an upwardly exposed upper surface of selected finish on the lower layer, and at its forward tip portion.

Abstract: A manicure device is described which comprises an applicator stick which, at one end, has an absorbent swab tip over one end of the stick and which at its opposed end merges with an integral manicure tip. The stick is preferably formed of a composite of polymer, e.g. polypropylene, and wood chip filler, e.g., a softwood chip filler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device which is utilized to identify an assailant. The device comprises a member simulating an artificial nail or an artificial nail having at least one sharp prong associated therewith for penetrating or scratching the skin of the assailant when sufficient pressure is applied thereto by the finger. A substance in dry, liquid or dehydrated form that is capable of identifying the assailant or providing an itching or burning sensation is carried by the prong. When pressure is applied to the device by the finger on which the device is mounted and is sufficient to pierce or scratch any exposed skin area of the assailant, the substance is then introduced into the blood stream of the assailant, thereby effectively thwarting the action of the assailant.

Abstract: A device for use in removing finger nail polish while protecting the user's fingers and nails from deleterious effects of contact with nail polish remover solution. The device includes a pair of elongate imperforate channel-like members which underlie and extend between a pair of user's fingers and which mount therebelow a swab adapted to be impregnated with polish remover and rubbed against the nails having polish to be removed.

Abstract: A disposable fingernail polish removing device structured to be worn on the end of one finger while removing old fingernail polish from another fingernail. The device includes an inner cover of very thin, non-porous material and an outer layer connected over the inner cover and formed of somewhat compressible, absorbant material such as felt, compressed cotton, sponge material, or the like. When the device is placed over the end of one finger and liquid nail polish remover is disbursed into the outer layer, another fingernail may be rubbed with the outer surface of the device to remove its old fingernail polish. Because the inner cover is non-porous, the nail polish on the fingernail over which the device is placed is protected. Additional structure is provided for enhanced nail polish removal along the base and side margins of fingernails.

Abstract: A nail repair device for repairing a split or broken fingernail or for cosmetically enhancing the appearance of a fingernail has a support portion for positioning underneath the natural nail and a handle portion of which the support portion may be manipulated into position. The fixture is effected by applying adhesive to the support portion, positioning the support portion firmly under the natural nail to secure the nail repair device to the natural fingernail and then removing the handle portion. The support portion suitably has a lip which may be butted up against the edge of the natural fingernail. The support portion may be trimmed to leave a forward part protruding and a nail extension may be applied to the protruding part.

Abstract: A manicuring aid for use with infants between the ages of six months and two years old has a hollow cylindrical body (10) of pliable plastic. The body (10) has shallow grooves (24) for guiding and separating the fingertips; a support ledge (26) for supporting the fingertips; and a loop (28) through which an elastic restraining strap (18) for restraining and controlling finger movement is drawn. The strap (18) comprises two strips (20) and (22) with hook-and-loop fasteners and is fixed within an interior cavity (16) which is revealed when the end (12) of the body is removed.

Abstract: A manicure shield is set forth provided with an elongate convex shield to overlie a fingernail to prevent inadvertent contact with a nail and a foreign object during a drying procedure subsequent to the applying of a liquid convering and the like. The shield is formed with a plurality of parallel downwardly depending legs pivotally mounted to an upper, relatively rigid polymeric ring integrally secured to a lower resilient recircling ring for securement about a finger adjacent an associated fingernail of an individual. The lower ring may alternatively be defined by a pair of resiliently biased legs for securement to an individual's finger. A flexible tab secured to an upper surface of the upper ring is in contact with the rear convex surface of the shield to maintain the shield in an upper or lowered position.

Abstract: A method for making sets of artificial fingernails wherein a single scene spans a set of 10 artificial fingernails. An image is photographically imprinted on a semi-rigid layer of photographic film. A layer of transparent plastic film is laminated over the layer of photographic film. The individual artificial fingernails are punched out of the layer of photographic film, and each is contoured by means of a heated press so that each artificial fingernail has a compound curvature wherein a proximal portion has a generally cylindrical curvature and a distal portion has a generally spherical curvature.

Abstract: A fingernail polish protector that can be detachably connected to the fingers of a person who has just had a fresh coat of nail polish. A separate fingernail polish protector would be attached to each finger. The fingernail polish protector has the configuration of an elongated tubular sleeve that is frusto-conical in shape. It's front end and rear ends are both open.

Abstract: A transparent safety guard for use by manicurists. The safety guard includes an elongate concave flaring transparent shield securable to the wrist or ankle of a customer so that fingernail and toenail clippings which would otherwise propel towards the eyes of the manicurist or customer are prevented from doing so.

Abstract: A nail polish display stand is formed from a cylindrical housing having an open top end and a hollow interior defined by an interior side wall and an interior floor. A plurality of steps are formed in the interior side wall and form perpendicularly intersecting horizontal annular and vertical cylindrical surfaces. The steps increase in diameter from the interior floor to the open top end of the housing. A plurality of various different shades of nail polish color samples are displayed on the horizontal and/or vertical surfaces of the steps. The color samples may be individually provided on artificial nails secured on the steps. The nails may be mounted on a plurality of spaced arcuate mounting surfaces or may alternatively be secured within a plurality of pairs of spaced slots on the steps. The display stand allows an extremely large number of different color shades to be displayed in a small space.

Abstract: A fingernail protector is set forth utilizing an upper top convex shell formed with an arcuate convex upper surface overlying and pivoted at its forward end to an underlying shell formed with a planar bottom surface. The shells are biased in a normally opened position and include securement means at their entrance portions.

Abstract: A pliable sheath for animal toe nails, providing protection for humans, furniture, clothes, and other animals. A sheath of this nature reduces self inflected trauma to the animal and provides an alternative to declawing. Protection is provided, while still leaving the animal with its natural defenses. The sheath, being adhered to the animal toe nail, loosens and drops off, when the toe nail grows and changes shape. Leaving the animal's own natural defenses in tact.

Abstract: A fingernail protective device is set forth for surrounding securement about a fingernail wherein the protective device includes a plurality of embodiments which includes an accommodating slot, apertures, a "V" shaped slot, as well as an overfolded member for protection of an associated fingernail.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for precisely and efficiently applying a coating to the nails of ones hands and toes and covering the cuticle and skin tissue bounding the nails to prevent coating from being applied thereto and to precisely define the area of coating applied to the nails. An adhesive backed mask is provided for covering the cuticle and skin tissue which has a cut-out portion for framing the nail to be coated. A plurality of masks are provided in a booklet and are removable therefrom for use, preferably by tearing a mask from a page of the booklet with a portion of the page on which it is adhered.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supply and using artificial fingernail material wherein the material comprises porous fabric-like material supplied in sheets which are die cut in advance to the appropriate size for a person's fingernails and are supplied on a backing board upon which they are die cut and within a plastic wrap package appropriately scored so that strips of the plastic may be removed and utilized in pressing the individual fabric fingernail coverings over the nail, which will first be supplied with an artifical tip, and which, with the tip, already has a special adhesive polish material applied, in such manner that the adhesive polish material is forced upwardly through the fabric, after which a finish coating of polish is applied and the fabric nail is trimmed and polished to the appropriate final desired shape.

Abstract: This nail polish kit is designed to provide color and protection to fingernails with little effort on the part of a user. Primarily, it consists of a very thin colored body with a rounded end for substantail mating engagement with the cuticle of a person's finger. There are a multiple number of these articles in a kit and each is adhered to two paper strips that are peeled away to apply the body to the fingernails of a person's hand. The opposite end of the colored body also extends past the front of the fingernail for using scissors to cut it to conform to the curved extending end of the fingernail.

Abstract: A nail polish applicator has an elongated shank having a bottle cap for engagement with a nail polish bottle at one end and a rectangular foam rubber sponge nail polish applicator at an opposite end. In a first embodiment, a rectangular scraping plate is secured overlying one side face of the rectangular sponge and has a sharpened scraping edge extending slightly beyond a bottom surface of the sponge. The scraping edge is utilized for scraping polish from nail cuticles, stirring polish within the bottle and scraping polish from the side walls of the polish bottle. In a second embodiment, the scraping plate is secured on a bottom surface of the sponge and has a concave bottom surface, forming spaced parallel side scraping edges.

Abstract: The present invention is a nail hydration device in which a substrate sheet or film, suitable for application to the fingernail or toenail surface, includes a moisturizing constituent for hydrating the nail material. Preferably, the film is a polymeric film, more preferably a moisture vapor permeable polymeric film, adjacent to which is incorporated an aqueous phospholipid composition, an adhesive layer, and optional hydrolyzed animal protein (gelatin, collagen, etc.). The most preferred aqueous phospholipid composition contains water and soya phospholipids such as, for example, an aqueous soya lecithin emulsion. Typically, the aqueous phospholipid composition is dispersed within the adhesive layer. The films or tapes, which may be backed with a release liner and/or precut in the appropriate shapes, are applied to the exposed fingernails or toenails to hydrate and otherwise treat the nail material to prevent nail brittleness. The films or tapes may be applied periodically on a nightly (i.e.

Abstract: A hollow cylindrical rod having a tapered end is shaped to include a soft tissue depressor and separator surface and a safety knife surface. The safety knife surface is composed of a cutting edge placed within the port so that it only cuts portions of the ingrown nail within the port as the device is pulled away. The separator surface depresses and separates the soft tissue to expose the ingrown nail portion and maintains separation from the blade during cutting and space for cut nail fragments without contacting the soft tissue. The device may include a serrated surface to smooth any burrs from the cut nail surface. The tapered end can be angled or rotated around the cylindrical axis to increase separation or expose the knife blade to new nail portions while maintaining the separation between nail and soft tissue.

Abstract: A cuticle treatment apparatus comprises a manicuring instrument comprising an elongated shaft having first and second blades extending from the ends of the shaft; a plurality of first and second covers for removably covering the first and second ends, respectively, the first and second covers being made from an absorbent material and being impregnated with a skin moisturizer; a plurality of pads made from an absorbent material and being impregnated with a skin moisturizer for softening the cuticle to be treated prior to use of the instrument; and a container for holding the instrument, the covers, and the pads.

Abstract: An artificial fingernail material is disclosed. It contains base-treated bone powder of a particular particle size in a curable adhesive. A process for applying this material to the nail by applying an adhesive, adding bone powder and repeating as needed is disclosed as is the process for preparing the particular bone powder.

Abstract: A form for providing a support for the application of artificial fingernail material is disclosed herein. The form is generally horseshoe-shaped, the improvement comprising the addition of a lip member on the portion of the platform adjacent to the finger. The lip member provides additional support and attachment sites for the form to the finger and prevents bowing of the form as a result of notches provided on each side of the lip member accommodate folds of skin on the sides of the nail.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermochromic artificial nail comprising an artificial nail having provided thereon a thermochromic layer, which comprises a thermochromic material changeable in visible external color in response to a change in temperature, wherein said thermochromic layer has a thickness of at least 1 .mu.m.