Description

ARTIFICIAL NAIL/TIP ARRANGEMENTS HAVING MULTIPLE SECTIONS

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to artificial nails and/or artificial tips for nails. More particularly, the present invention relates to arrangements, systems and methods for providing artificial nail or tip arrangements having multiple sections. Background Art

[2] Artificial nails are generally used to enhance the cosmetic appearance of fingers and/ or toes, and may also be used to replace missing or damaged natural nails or possibly enhance the appearance of the existing nails. Typically, artificial nails or tips can be used to obtain a desired nail length and/or shape when the natural nail is too weak to grow without breaking. The use of artificial nails or tips may also be preferred in certain situations since the nail polish may better adhere to the artificial nail surface compared to the surface of a natural nail.

[3] It is known in the art to provide artificial nail arrangements which are formed from multiple sections. Such arrangements can be made from thin, molded plastic sections which are bonded together to form a general shape of a natural nail. In order to attach the separate sections to one another, a bonding adhesive can be applied to one or more of the sections. The sections are then positioned with respect to each other such that they form the shape of a natural nail. Typically, two or more adjacent sections, together, form a top surface of the nail arrangement.

[4] There are several drawbacks associated with such existing nail arrangements. For example, typically, the bond between adjacent sections has a tendency to fail, thus resulting in a separation of one or more sections of the nail arrangement from the remaining sections. Another drawback with such known artificial nail arrangements is that their appearance is usually readily distinguishable from natural nails. For example, often the bonding of the adjacent sections which form the top surface of the nail arrangement results in such top surface having noticeable bumps and/or seams. Achieving a substantially smooth top surface with the conventional artificial nail arrangements can be difficult, and often requires considerable skill in applying the nail arrangement.

[5] Accordingly, there is a need for a nail arrangement having multiple sections in which a strong bond is provided between adjacent sections of the nail arrangement and which, additionally, appears at least somewhat in distinguishable from natural nails. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[6] There is a need for a nail arrangement having multiple sections in which a strong bond is provided between adjacent sections of the nail arrangement and which, additionally, appears at least somewhat in distinguishable from natural nails. Technical Solution

[7] An artificial nail or tip arrangement comprising:

[8] a first section having a first top surface and a first bottom surface; a second section being adjacent to the first section and having a second top surface and a second bottom surface; wherein the first and second sections form a combined arrangement which has a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being configured to be provided at a front portion of the natural nail and the proximal end being configured to be provided opposite to the distal end, wherein the distal end is provided further away from a cuticle portion of the natural nail than the proximal end; and wherein at least one first portion of the first bottom surface overlays the second top surface such that at least one second portion of the second top surface overlaid by the first bottom surface forms an acute angle with respect to the first top surface at a contact point with the second top surface.

[9] A method for providing an artificial nail or tip arrangement comprising:

[10] providing a first section having a first top surface and a first bottom surface; providing a second section adjacent to the first section having a second top surface and a second bottom surface; forming the combined arrangement from the first and second sections, the combined arrangement having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being configured to be provided at a front portion of the natural nail of a user, and the proximal end being configured to be provided opposite to the distal end, and the distal end being provided further away from a cuticle portion of the natural nail than the proximal end; and overlaying at least one portion of the second top surface with the first bottom surface such that the at least one portion of the second top surface overlaid by the first bottom surface forms an acute angle with respect to the first top surface at a contact point with the second top surface. Brief Description of the Drawings

[11] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Figures, in which:

[12] FIG. 1 is a side view of a nail or tip arrangement in accordance with one exemplary embodiment;

[13] FIG. 2 is a top view of the nail or tip arrangement in accordance with one exemplary

embodiment;

[14] FIG. 3 is a side view of the nail or tip arrangement in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;

[15] FIG. 4 is a side view of the nail or tip arrangement in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment;

[16] FIG. 5 is a side view of a nail or tip arrangement in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; and

[17] FIG. 6 is a top view of the nail or tip arrangement in accordance with one exemplary embodiment.

[18] Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals and characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like features, elements, components or portions of the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, while the subject invention will now be described in detail with reference to the figures, it is done so in connection with the illustrative embodiments. It is intended that changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the subject invention as defined by the appended claims. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[19] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, arrangements, systems and methods for providing artificial nail or tip arrangements having multiple sections may be provided to address at least such need and others.

[20] In certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an artificial nail or a tip arrangement can be provided. The exemplary arrangement may include a first section having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a second section positioned adjacent to the first section having a top surface and a bottom surface. The first and second sections may form a combined arrangement having a proximal end and a distal end. At least one portion of the bottom surface of the first section may contact the top surface of the adjacent second section such that the portion of the top surface of the second section overlaid by the bottom surface of the adjacent first section may form an acute angle with respect to the top surface of the first section.

[21] In other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a method can be provided for providing an artificial nail or a tip arrangement. In particular, a first section having a top surface and a bottom surface can be provided, an adjacent second section having a top surface and a bottom surface can also be provided. Further, the combined arrangement may be formed from the first and second sections. It is also possible to overlay at least one portion of the top surface of the second section with the bottom surface of the adjacent first section such that the portion of the top surface of the second section overlaid by the bottom surface of the adjacent first section may form an

acute angle with respect to the top surface of the first section.

[22] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include arrangements, systems and methods for providing artificial nails/tips. While the exemplary arrangements, systems and methods of the present invention may be applied to any bodily extension, e.g., a finger or a toe, they are particularly useful for a cosmetic or visual enhancement of fingernails. The exemplary embodiments may be used in both retail applications (e.g., full-coverage nails, etc.) and also in professional applications (e.g., an acrylic method, etc.). Mode for the Invention

[23] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an artificial nail/tip arrangement 10 comprising two sections. The artificial nail/tip arrangement 10 can be generally shaped to simulate the appearance of a natural nail. For example, one or more of the artificial nail/tip arrangements 10 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may have approximately rectangular or curved shapes with their lengths being larger than their widths. However, the exemplary artificial nail/tip arrangements 10 may also be provided in any shape or size depending on the desired application thereof.

[24] For purposes of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the term

"artificial nail" may include, but not limited to, both a full-cover nail which may be intended to be applied over the entire surface of a wearer's natural nail and a nail extension which may be intended to be applied to a portion of a wearer's natural nail. A wearer's natural nail may be a fingernail or a toenail. Accordingly, artificial nails according to certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be artificial nails sized and shaped to be applied to a wearer's fingernails or toenails. In one exemplary embodiment, the artificial nail/tip arrangement 10 may be manufactured in a number of standard sets by size and length, such that the user/wearer can then select the desired size and length that approximates the user's/wearer's nail size and shape.

[25] As shown in FIG. 1, the nail/tip arrangement 10 may be sized such that at least a portion of the arrangement 10 extends distally up to and/or from a wearer's natural nail 15 (e.g., from the cuticle thereof). In certain exemplary embodiments, the nail/tip arrangement 10 may comprise a first section 20 having a top surface 60 and a bottom surface 80, as well as a second section 30 having a top surface 70 and a bottom surface 90. In one exemplary embodiment, second section 30 may be disposed immediately and laterally adjacent the first section 20 and be overlaid by at least a portion of the first section 20. In certain exemplary embodiments, the first section 20 and the section 30, when adjoined, may form a combined arrangement having a distal end 40 and a proximal end 50, with the proximal end being at or near the cuticle of the wearer's

finger (a natural nail 15). In an alternative exemplary embodiment, either or both of the first section 20 and the second section 30 may comprise one or more subsections, which combined, may form the first section 20 and second section 30, respectively.

[26] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the proximal end 50 may be configured to be provided on the cuticle portion of the natural nail 15. In a further exemplary embodiment, the distal end 40 may be configured to be provided at a front portion of the natural nail 15 which is opposite to and away from the cuticle portion.

[27] In certain exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the bottom surface 80 of the first section 20 overlays at least a portion of the top surface 70 the second section 30 to form an interface 95. In one exemplary embodiment, the interface 95 between adjacent sections 20, 30 may comprise one or more segments. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the interface 95 can comprise a single segment including a substantially continuous curve. As shown in FIG. 1, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the top surface 70 of the second section 30 can have a curved shape that curves away from the top surface 60 of the first section 20. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the top surface 70 of the second section 30 can have a section which can have a straight shape that extends in at least partially a straight manner away from the top surface 60 of the first section 20. To that effect, at least a portion of the bottom surface 80 of the first section 20 may have a shape that can substantially correspond in shape to at least one portion of the top surface 60 of the first section 20.

[28] In one exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the top surface 70 of the second section 30 may form an angle with respect to a portion of the top surface 60 of the first section 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a portion of the top surface 70 of the second section 30 configured to be provided at a distance from the cuticle, such as in a position at or near a tip of the finger, may form an acute angle with respect to a top surface 60 of the first section 20. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the bottom surface 80 of the first section 20 contacts the top surface 70 of the second section 30 across substantially its entire length. Alternatively, a portion of the first section 20 may extend distally beyond the second section 30 such that a portion of the bottom surface 80 of the first section 20 does not contact the top surface 70 of the second section 30.

[29] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a nail/tip arrangement 10 according to certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the top surface 60 of the first section 20 and the top surface 70 of the second section 30 form a substantially smooth top surface of the nail/tip arrangement 10. Additionally, while FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment where the top portion 60 of the first section 20 extends laterally from distal end 40 a particular distance toward the proximal end 50, it

should be appreciated that the top portion 60 of the first section 20 may extend from the distal end 40 laterally toward the proximal end 50 for any alternative distance.

[30] FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a nail/tip arrangement 100 according to the present invention. As with the exemplary embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the exemplary nail/tip arrangement 100 may comprise a first section 110 having a top surface 120 and a bottom surface 125, as well as a second section 130 having a top surface 135 and a bottom surface 140. As with previously-described exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the bottom surface 125 of the first section 110 can overlay at least a portion of the top surface 135 the second section 130 to form an interface 145. As an alternative to previously-described exemplary embodiments, the interface 145 between adjacent sections may comprise a plurality of segments. For example, with reference to similar elements in FIG. 2, the interface 145 may comprise a first segment comprising a substantially continuous curve and a second segment disposed distally with respect to the first segment which can extend substantially parallel to the top surface 120 of the first section 110. Accordingly, the portion of the top surface 135 of the second portion 130 which corresponds to the second segment of the interface 145 may also extend substantially parallel to the top surface 120 of the first section 110. Nevertheless, as with previously- described exemplary embodiments, a portion of the top surface 135 of the second section 130, which is configured to be provided at a particular distance from the cuticle, may form an acute angle with respect to a top surface 120 of the first portion 110.

[31] In certain exemplary embodiments, the nail/tip arrangements 10, 100 may be generally of a uniform thickness, for example, about 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm, and may decrease in thickness (e.g., taper) toward the proximal end 50 to facilitate the attachment and blending with a natural nail 15. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the nail/tip arrangements 10, 100 may have any thickness, and can taper depending on any preferred aesthetics and/or other factors.

[32] In further exemplary embodiments of the present invention, one or more sections which comprise the nail/tip arrangements 10, 100 may be provided in a particular color or a plurality of colors. Referring again to FIG. 1, in one exemplary embodiment, the first section 20 may be provided in a different color from one or more remaining sections of the nail/tip arrangement 10. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the first section 20 may comprise a white color (nail polish), off-white or near- white color, wherein the second section 30 may comprise a contrasting or different color (nail polish) thereby providing the appearance of a "French tip" or "French manicure." Additionally, for example, the second section 30 may comprise a translucent polymeric material which can simulate the color of a natural fingernail. Alternatively, either or

both of the first section 20 and/or the second section 30 may be provided in any color.

[33] In yet a further exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the first section 20 may have a color which is substantially uniform through a thickness of the section. For example, the first section 20 may be formed from a substantially homogenous material such that an appearance of the first section 20 is substantially the same extending from the top surface 60 to the bottom surface 80. In this manner, the appearance of a colored first section 20 of the nail/tip arrangement 10 would not be diminished by scratching, chipping, rubbing and/or peeling as is the case with artificial nails, where the color can be applied as a thin layer disposed over the distal tip section 40. Moreover, the first section 20 formed with a substantially uniform color through its thickness according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may reduce or eliminate the steps of coating the artificial nail section with a thin layer of nail polish or other colored solution, as well as the additional step of sealing the thin colored layer of the artificial nail/tip arrangement 10 with a sealing agent.

[34] In an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the application of the exemplary nail/tip arrangement 10 to the natural nail 15 can be as follows. After the selection of an appropriately sized nail/tip arrangement 10, the user may apply a selected conventional adhesive, such as an ethylcyanoacrylate -based glue, to the natural nail 15. The second section 30 of the nail/tip arrangement 10 may then be placed on the natural nail 15 so as to cover substantially all or a portion of the surface of the natural nail 15. Pressure may be applied to the nail/tip arrangement 10 by pressing down on the second section 30. Such pressure may cause the second section 30 to compress and conform to the contour of the surface of the wearer's natural nail 15, thereby likely providing a better fit. Subsequently, the user may apply a selected conventional adhesive to the top surface 70 of the second section 30. The first section 20 may then be placed at least partially on or overlap the top surface 70 to form the exemplary combined nail/tip arrangement 10. If desired, once applied, the nail/tip arrangement 10 may be trimmed and shaped using a nail file. Alternatively, the nail/tip arrangement may be applied to a natural nail 15 using any known methods.

[35] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the nail/tip arrangement 10 may be provided to the user as a unitary piece. That is, in such exemplary embodiment, the nail/tip arrangement 10 can be provided to the user with the first section 20 bonded to the second section 30. Accordingly, in this exemplary embodiment, the application of the nail/tip arrangement 10 can involve merely adhering the combined nail/tip arrangement 10 to the surface of the wearer's natural nail 15.

[36] FIG. 4 illustrates still another exemplary embodiment of the nail/tip arrangement 100 according to the present invention. As with the exemplary embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 1-3, the exemplary nail/tip arrangement 200 may

comprise a first section 20 having a top surface 60 and a bottom surface 80, as well as a second section 30 having a top surface 70 and a bottom surface 90. As with previously-described exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the bottom surface 80 of the first section 20 can overlay at least a portion of the top surface 70 the second section 30 to form an interface 95. As an alternative or in addition to previously- described exemplary embodiments, a third section 205 includes a bottom surface 210 which can be provided on a portion 85of the top surface 70 of the second section 30 which is provided at or near the cuticle of the finger nail or on a portion of the top surface 70 of the second section 30 which is away from, positioned opposite to or at a distance from the first portion 20. For example, the interaction between the bottom surface 210 of the third section 205 and the portion 85 of the top surface 70 of the second section 30 can form another interface 220.

[37] According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least the portion 85 of the top surface 70 of the second section 30 can have a curved shape that curves away from a top surface 215 of the third section 205. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least the portion 85 of the top surface 70 of the second section 30 can have a section which can have a straight shape that extends in at least partially a straight manner away from the top surface 215 of the third section 205. To that effect, at least a portion of the bottom surface 210 of the third section 205 may have a shape that can substantially correspond in shape to the portion 85 of the top surface 70 of the second section 30.

[38] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate yet another exemplary embodiment of a nail/tip arrangement

300 according to the present invention. As with the exemplary embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4, the exemplary nail/tip arrangement 300 may comprise a first section 20 having a top surface 60 and a bottom surface 80, as well as a second section 30 having a top surface 70 and a bottom surface 90. As with previously-described exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the bottom surface 80 of the first section 20 can overlay at least a portion of the top surface 70 the second section 30 to form an interface 95. Additionally, abutting sections of the top surface 60 of the first section 20 and the top surface 70 of the second section 30 may form a top interface 305. While top interface 305 is depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6 as forming a curved interface, the top interface 305 may have any configuration such as, for example, straight, angled, or the like. As an alternative or in addition to previously-described exemplary embodiments, a slight bump or ridge 310 may be provided along the top interface 305. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the ridge 310 may be formed by slightly increasing the thickness of either or both of the first section 20 and the second section 30 near the top interface 305. In one exemplary embodiment, the ridge 310 may be configured to assimilate the natural look of a French manicure. As

will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, in a painted/natural French manicure, a slight bump is formed along the French line due to the additional layer of nail polish.

[39] In yet further exemplary embodiment, the nail/tip arrangement 10, 100, 200, 300 and/or the sections 20, 30, 120, 130, 205 thereof may be formed by injection molding. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the nail/tip arrangement 10 and/or the sections 20, 30, 205 thereof may be formed by the hot tip gate process and/or the runner system method as described in U.S. Publication No. 2006/0237027, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the artificial nail/tip arrangement 10 may be formed by any known method.

[40] In other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the nail/tip arrangements

10, 100, 200, 300 and/or sections 20, 30, 205 thereof may be formed from any plastic- like material commonly employed in the manufacture of artificial nails, such as ABS plastic, nylon, tenite acetate, vinyl acetate, polycarbonates, polyvinyl chloride, and the like, or any mixture thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, the materials for the first section 20, the second section 30 and/or the third section 205 may be chosen so as to be compatible and bond with each other chemically so that the sections adhere together and the risk of separation between sections is minimized. Additionally, such materials may be chemically resistant to certain products, such as nail polish or adhesives used to apply the nail/tip arrangements 10, 100, 200 to the wearer's natural nail 15.

[41] The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the invention. Various modifications and alterations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous systems, arrangements and methods which, although not explicitly shown or described herein, embody the principles of the invention and are thus within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, to the extent that the prior art knowledge has not been explicitly incorporated by reference herein above, it is explicitly being incorporated herein in its entirety. All publications referenced herein above are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Industrial Applicability

[42] While the exemplary arrangements, systems and methods of the present invention may be applied to any bodily extension, e.g., a finger or a toe, they are particularly useful for a cosmetic or visual enhancement of fingernails. The present invention may be used in both retail applications (e.g., full-coverage nails, etc.) and also in professional applications (e.g., an acrylic method, etc.).