| CLAIMS 1. An ornamental accessory (1 ) for extension of a nail (10) comprising: - a plate-like element (2) mainly extending in a longitudinal direction (X-X), said plate-like element (2) having a top side (2A) and an opposite bottom side (2B) and defining a distal end (2C), a proximal end (2D) and two lateral edges (2E), said longitudinal direction (X-X) of the plate-like element (2) substantially coinciding with the direction of insertion of the nail (10) into said seat (5), - first anchor means (4) projecting from the surface of the bottom side (2B) of said plate-like element (2) to form a seat (5) adapted to receive said nail (10), said first anchor means (4) cooperating with a central portion of the surface of the bottom side (2B) of the plate-like element (2) to hold said nail (10) to said ornamental accessory (1) when the latter is being used, characterized in that said first anchor means (4) include an elastic tab having: - a pair of shanks (4Ai,4A2) which extend from said bottom side (2B) in a direction (Y- Y) substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction (X-X) and wherein each shank (4Aj,4A2) has a distinct origin, and - a U-shaped connection element (4Bi) which lies in a plane substantially parallel to said longitudinal direction (X-X) and has such a shape as to allow connection of the free ends of said pair of shanks (4Ai,4A2). 2. An ornamental accessory as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said central portion does not include said two lateral edges (2E) of the plate-like element (2). 3. An ornamental accessory as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the region from which said pair of shanks (4Ai,4A2) extend is located proximate to said distal end (2C). 4. An ornamental accessory as claimed in claims from 1 to 3 wherein said first anchor means (4) cooperate in at least two points (6, 7, 8, 9) of the central portion of the bottom side (2B) of the plaie-like element (2), said at least two points (6, 7, 8, 9) being in such positions, when said accessory (1) is in use, as to impart stability to said accessory (1 ) against rotation about an axis of the accessory, said axis being substantially parallel to the direction of extension (X-X). 5. An ornamental accessory as claimed in claim 4, wherein said first anchor means (4) cooperate at three points (6, 7, 8) with the central portion of the surface of the bottom side (2B) of the plate-like element (2). 6. An ornamental accessory as claimed in any claim 4 or 5, wherein said U-shaped connection element (4Bj) has such a shape that, when the accessory (1) is being used, it can engage the nail (10) at least at the two points (6, 7, 8, 9), with a given pressure, to obtain cooperation with said surface of the bottom side (2B). 7. An ornamental accessory as claimed in claim 6, wherein an apex area is defined at the bend of the U shape of said connection element (4Bi), said apex area having a depression facing towards the bottom side (2B) of said plate-like element (2). 8. An ornamental accessory as claimed in claim 7, wherein said depression constitutes a third engagement point (8) of said anchor means (4) with said nail (10), the apices of the bend of the U shape of said connection element (4Bi) constituting two further engagement points (6, 7) of said anchor means (4). 9. An ornamental accessory as claimed in any claim from 1 to 8, comprising a third portion (4C) that extends from said surface of the bottom side (2B) of said plate-like element (2) and is connected to said U-shaped connection element (4Bi), said third portion (4C) cooperating to hold said accessory (1) to the nail (10). 10. An ornamental accessory as claimed in any claim from 1 to 9, wherein said plate-like element (2) comprises a nail-shaped shell adapted to be applied to the outer surface of the nail (10) to cover it. 11. An ornamental accessory as claimed in any claim from 1 to 10, wherein the surface of the top side (2A) of said plate-like element (2) comprises a setting (3) for at least one precious stone or the like. 12. An ornamental accessory as claimed in any claim from 1 to 1 1 , comprising second anchor means (1 1) which are designed to partially or wholly encircle the finger at said nail when said accessory is being used. 13. An ornamental accessory as claimed in claim 12, wherein said second anchor means (1 1) include a ring that extends from said bottom surface of said plate-like element and two curved portions for encircling the finger at the nail. |
The present invention relates to an ornamental accessory for extension of a nail, preferably but without limitation a fake or rebuilt nail.
As used herein, the term "ornamental accessory for extension of a nail" is intended to designate items of jewelry, items of costume jewelry and ornamental items in general, which are designed to be applied to the nail of a final user as an embellishment or aesthetic characterization of the nails of the user's hands and feet.
Embellishment items are known in the art, which are adapted to be fixed to a natural or artificial nail of a user, and are conformed, for instance, as nail-shaped shells made of precious materials, such as gold or silver, and possibly decorated with gems, ornamental work and/or the like.
For example, US 2,013,290 discloses an ornamental accessory of the above type. It is particularly disclosed therein that, in operation, in order to hold the accessory on the nail, such accessory shall grip or apply a certain pressure at the side portions of the nail.
The pressure applied to such portions may cause the occurrence of unpleasant calluses or epidermal lacerations, as well as nail breakage. Such method of securing the accessory to the finger may also cause pain to the user whenever he/she should inadvertently or absent-mindedly tap his/her finger on a surface when the accessory is being used.
10 0913407 discloses an ornamental accessory, particularly a longitudinally extending artificial nail, having an anchor device movably fixed in a seat formed on the surface of the inner side of the artificial nail. Particularly, the anchor device has a thin hook-like plate which is adapted to longitudinally slide on said seat to move between a first position in which the plate engages the middle of the free end of a user's nail and a second position in which the nail may be disengaged from the artificial nail. While this solution allows an ornamental accessory to be mounted to the nail of a user, it still does not ensure effective immobility of the accessory, because the portion designed for anchorage of the anchor device to the nail is rather small. Furthermore, the fabrication of such a mobile device is quite complex, and involves a considerable increase of the manufacturing costs of these artificial nails.
In view of the above prior art, the object of the present invention is to obviate the above mentioned prior art drawbacks.
According to the present invention, this object is fulfilled by an accessory for extension of a nail as defined in claim 1.
Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, which are given by way of illustration and without limitation with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
- Figures 1 and 2 show perspective views of a first embodiment of the accessory, i.e. a top view (Figure 1) and a bottom view (Figure 2) respectively, according to the present invention;
- Figure 3 is a sectional view as taken across line A- A of Figure 2;
- Figures 4 and 5 show perspective views of a second embodiment of the accessory, i.e. a top view (Figure 4) and a bottom view (Figure 5) respectively, according to the present invention;
- Figure 6 shows a sectional view as taken across line B-B of Figure 5;
- Figure 7 shows a bottom perspective view of a third embodiment of the accessory of the present invention;
- Figure 8 shows a sectional view as taken across line C-C of Figure 7;
- Figures 9, 10 and 1 1 show perspective views of a further embodiment of a detail of the accessory of the present invention. Referring to the accompanying figures, an ornamental accessory for extension of a nail is generally designated by numeral 1.
The ornamental accessory for extension of a nail 1 comprises a plate-like element 2, substantially extending in a direction of extension X-X, and defines a top side 2A and an opposite bottom side 2B, a distal end 2C. a proximal end 2D extending in an orthogonal direction Z-Z substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X-X (when viewing such ends 2C and 2D from the lunula of the nail) and two side edges 2E.
The top side 2 A forms or supports one or more ornamental elements 3, such as surface works, colors, application of ornamental structures, precious stones or costume jewelry elements.
According to the embodiments of the invention as shown in the accompanying figures, the plate-like element 2 comprises a nail-shaped shell (i.e. a curved plate-like element), e.g. made of a synthetic material or a precious metai (e.g. gold) and designed to be applied to the outer surface of the nail to cover it.
According to one embodiment, such as the one as particularly shown in Figure 1 , the plate-like element 2 may comprise a bezel for a genuine or fake precious stone.
The ornamental accessory for extension of a nail 1 comprises first anchor means 4 projecting from the surface of the bottom side 2B of the plate-like element 2 to form a seat 5.
Particularly, the seat 5 is defined between the surface of the fixing means 4 directly facing towards the bottom side 2B of the plate-like element 2 and the latter.
The seat 5 is adapted to receive the free edge (i.e. the one opposite to the lunula) of a user's nail 10.
It shall be noted that the direction of extension X-X of the plate-like element 2 substantially coincides with the direction of insertion of the nail 10 into the seat 5, i.e. the direction in which the nail 10 fits into said seat 5.
Advantageously, the first anchor means 4 cooperate with a central portion of the bottom side 2B of the plate-like element 2 to hold the nail 10 to the ornamental accessory 1 when the latter is being used.
Particularly, the first anchor means 4 do not cooperate with the two side edges 2E of the plate-like element 2 to hold the accessory 1 to the nail 10.
In other words, the central portion does not include the two side edges 2E and may not include the distal end 2c and/or the proximal end 2D of the plate-like element 2.
Since the central portion does not include the side edges 2E and/or the distal or proximal end 2C and 2D respectively, the pressure of the accessory 1 in use will be applied to an area of the nail 10 that is little sensitive to pain, thereby avoiding injury and/or pain to the user that wears said accessory 1.
As used herein, the term central portion designates a surface of the bottom side 2B of the plate-like element 2 covering up to 95% of the surface of the bottom side 2B, i.e. the term central portion designates the surface of the side 2B excepting the area located proximate the peripheral edges of the accessory 1.
In other words, the term central portion of the bottom side 2B defines the whole area of the bottom side 2B excepting the regions proximate to the two side edges 2E and/or the distal end 2C and/or the proximal end 2D of the plate-like element 2.
Advantageously, the first anchor means 4 cooperate at least at two points 6, 7, 8, 9 of the central portion of the bottom side 2B of the plate-like element 2.
These at least two points 6, 7, 8, 9 are in such positions as to impart stability to the ornamental accessory 1 , in use, against rotation about an axis of the accessory, such axis being substantially parallel to the direction of extension X-X.
In other words, the at least two points 6. 7, 8, 9 shall be in such positions as to prevent, or at least not facilitate, rotation of the accessory 1 when the latter undergoes rotation about an axis.
Preferably, in order to achieve the technical effect of preventing rotation of the accessory 1 about an axis thereof, these at least two points 6, 7, 8, 9 shall be in positions not aligned along a line substantially parallel to the direction of insertion X-X.
Nevertheless, if these at least two points 6, 7, 8, 9 are three points 6, 7, 8 or four points 6, 7, 8, 9, then they may be aligned in pairs along respective lines that are substantially transverse to the direction X-X in which the accessory 1 is fitted.
In other words, when the nail is press fitted into the seat 5, the anchor means 4 cooperate at least at two points 6, 7, 8, 9 with the bottom surface 2B of the plate-like element 2 to hold the accessory to the nail 10; particularly the cooperation points coincide with the points at which the anchor means 4 directly contact the nail 10 and indirectly contact the surface of the bottom side 2B.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first anchor means 4 cooperate with the bottom surface 2B at three contact points 6, 7, 8 with the bottom surface portion 2B of the plate-like element 2 (see Figures 2, 5 and 7).
For example, referring to Figures 2, 5 and 7, the contact points are three contact points, whereas an additional contact point 9 is provided in Figure 1 1 (where the contact points are four cooperation contact points overall).
In one embodiment, not shown, two contact points are only provided, such as those referenced 6 and 7 in the drawings.
It shall be noted that in the term contact point, the concept of point shall not be intended as a geometrical entity, but as a surface having a limited area relative to the overall surface of the bottom side 2B.
The perimeter of such limited-area surface may be, for instance, of circular, quadrangular or possibly polygonal shape.
The first anchor means 4 are embodied by a tab with elastic properties, which is conformed to define the seat 5, the latter being adapted to receive the free edge of the nail 10.
According to an advantageous embodiment, such elastic tab has a substantially hook-like shape and may be arranged to form guide means that define the easy-fit direction of the accessory 1 on the nail 10.
The stiffness constant of these tabs is selected to:
- be effortlessly overcome when the nail 10 is introduced into the seat 5 and also ensure firm connection between the accessory 1 and the nail 10.
Also referring to Figures 2, 5, 7 and 9, the anchor means include:
- a first portion 4A that extends from the bottom side 2B of the plate-like element 2 and projects in a direction Y-Y substantially transverse to the direction of extension X- X of the accessory 1 ,
- a second portion 4B that extends in a direction of extension substantially parallel to the direction of extension X-X of the plate-like element 2, such second portion 4B being seamlessly connected to said first portion 4A.
Particularly, the first portion 4A and the second portion 4B are configured to form the seat 5, in such a manner as to determine the press-fit direction of the accessory into the nail.
In other words, the first portion 4 A and the second portion 4B form the seat 5, where the second portion 4B is the portion of the anchor means 4 that is designed to cooperate with the bottom surface 2B of the plate-like element 2 to hold the accessory 1 to the nail.
The following is preferably provided: - the portion 4A comprises a pair of shanks 4A],4A 2 which extend from the bottom side 2B in the direction Y-Y, i.e. preferably but without limitation each shank 4Ai,4A 2 has a distinct origin and projects in a direction substantially transverse to the direction X-X;
- the portion 4B comprises a U-shaped connection element 4B[ which lies in a plane substantially parallel to the direction of insertion X-X and has such a shape as to allow connection of the free ends of said pair of shanks 4Ai,4A 2 that form the portion 4 A.
It shall be noted that the region from which the pair of shanks 4Ai,4A 2 of the portion 4A extend is located in the proximity of the distal end 2C, thereby ensuring a wider area for adhesion of the plate-like element 2 to the finger of the user when the accessory is being used.
On the other hand, as the region from which the pair of shanks 4A l s 4A 2 of the portion 4A extend moves away from the distal end 2C, a wider extension of the nail 10 is obtained when the accessory is being used.
The U-shaped connection element 4Bi has such a shape that, when the accessory
1 is being used, it can engage the nail 10 at least at the two points 6, 7, 8, 9, with a given pressure, to obtain cooperation with the surface of the bottom side 2B to hold the accessory to the nail.
Particularly, referring to Figures 10 and 1 1 , an apex area is defined at the bend of the U shape of the connection element 4B, whose depression faces towards the bottom side 2B. Such depression may constitute the third engagement point 8 of the anchor means with the nail; the apices of the bend of the U shape may form the two other engagement points 6 and 7 of the anchor means 4.
Alternatively, referring to Figures 6, 10 and 1 1 , a stem 3B extends through the apex region of the bend of the U-shape of the connection element 4B and supports a bezel 3 A, at its end opposite to the surface of the bottom side 2B and a head, preferably having a quadrangular section at the other end, which engages the nail 10 to cooperate with the central portion of the bottom side 2B and hold the accessory 1 to the nail 10.
It will be appreciated that the head of the stem 3B constitutes the third engagement point of the anchor means 4.
Otherwise, the connection element 4B has such a shape that, when the accessory 1 is at rest (i.e. the nail is not within the seat 5), the thickness between the surface of the bottom side 2B and the connection element 4B is smaller than the thickness of a nail.
Referring to Figure 7, it shall be noted that the ornamental accessory 1 comprises a third portion 4C that extends from the surface of the bottom side 2B of the plate-like element 2 and is connected to the apex region of the U shape of the second portion 4B.
Such third portion 4C cooperates with the other portions 4A and 4B to hold the accessory to the nail 10.
Referring to Figure 9, the ornamental accessory 1 is shown to comprise a third portion 4D which extends transverse to the direction of extension of the pair of shanks.
Such third portion 4D may act as a fourth contact point 9 of the anchor means 4.
The ornamental accessory 1 may comprise second anchor means 1 1 which are designed to partially or wholly encircle the finger at the user's nail when said accessory is being used. Particularly, the second anchor means 1 1 include a ring that extends from the surface of the bottom side 2B of the plate-like element 2 or two curved portions adapted to encircle the finger proximate to the nail 10.
Those skilled in the art will obviously appreciate that a number of changes and variants may be made to the aiTangements as described hereinbefore to meet specific needs, without departure from the scope of the invention, as defined in the following claims.