"EMBELLISHMENT OBJECT FOR NAILS" DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an embellishment object which is securable to the user's nail or artificial nail.

Embellishment objects able of being secured to a user's nail or artificial nail are known, for example, nail-shaped shells of precious materials such as, for example, gold or silver, and optionally decorated with gemstones or ornamental works. Further, fashion jewellery objects to embellish nails are known. Similarly to the jewels for the embellishment of nails, fashion jewellery objects for the embellishment of nails also comprise a base body having a particular shape, or provided with ornamental works and/or further embellishment elements (for example, precious or fake gemstones) . In the scope of the present specification of the invention, the term "embellishment object for nails" includes both jewellery objects and fashion jewellery objects and ornamental objects generally intended to be applied to the user's nail in order to serve as an embellishment accessory or aesthetical distinction for the hands or feet of the "embellishment object for nails" wearer. The ornamental shells for nails of the prior art

are typically secured by glueing on the exposed upper surface (and being part of the back of the hand) of the natural nail or an artificial nail, e.g., in silicone or polymer, previously applied on the natural nail .

Such glueing, while being satisfactory from the point of view of the ornamental shell - nail connection strength, has the drawback of a substantial irreversibility. Consequently, it is not possible to remove the ornamental shell, or replace it with a different ornamental shell, without damaging extended zones of the nail or artificial nail outer surface on which the ornamental shell has been glued.

This drawback has as a consequence that the wearer of an ornamental shell for nails will have either to wear it for a very long period of time, or to completely restore also the artificial nail or the natural nail outer surface before being able to apply a new ornamental shell. The fact of not being capable of matching an embellishment object for nails with a dress or a particular look for a single night or event lasting only few hours, and subsequently replacing it with another embellishment object, currently constitutes a big obstacle to the large-scale diffusion of such

embellishment objects for nails.

Therefore, object of the present invention is to provide an embellishment object for nails having such characteristics as to obviate the drawbacks cited with reference to the prior art.

This and other objects are achieved by an embellishment object for nails according to claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments are the object of the dependant claims . In order to better understand the invention, and appreciate the advantages thereof, some non-limiting, exemplary embodiments will be described herein below, with reference to the annexed Figures, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a hand which has been embellished by an embellishment object according to an embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 2 is a perspective, enlarged view of a detail in Figure 1;

- Figure 3 is a bottom view of an embellishment object for nails according to an embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 4 is a bottom view of an embellishment object for nails according to a further embodiment of the invention; - Figure 5 is a bottom view of an embellishment

object for nails according to a further embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 6 is a bottom view of an embellishment object for nails according to a further embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 7 is a perspective view of a finger which has been embellished by an embellishment object according to Figure 4 ;

- Figure 8 is a perspective view of a finger which has been embellished by an embellishment object according to Figure 3 ;

- Figure 9 is a front view of a finger which has been embellished by an embellishment object according to Figure 2 and 3 ; With reference to the Figures, an embellishment object for nails is generally indicated with the reference numeral 1.

The embellishment object 1 comprises a base body 2 which constitutes or supports one or more decorative elements 3, for example, surface finishings, colorings, applications of ornamental structures, precious gemstones, or fashion jewellery elements.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the base body 2 comprises a nail-shaped shell, for example, in synthetic material or metal (e.g., gold),

intended to be applied to the nail outer surface in order to cover the latter.

In accordance with an alternative embodiment, such base body 2 comprises a collet for a precious or fake gemstone .

The embellishment object 1 further comprises connecting means 4, 5, 6 to secure the base body 2 to the user's hand. Advantageously, the connecting means 4, 5, 6 comprise removable mechanical connecting means, so configured as to removably couple the base body 2 with a user's nail 8.

According to an embodiment, the removable mechanical connecting means comprise one or more, preferably two pins 4 projecting from a lower surface 9 of the base body 2, which surface is intended to face the user's nail 8. The pins 4 are adapted to fit in special holes drilled in the nail 8 portion 10 extending over the finger tip. The pins 4 can be provided with a free end which is slightly flared compared to the pin shaft, so as to allow a snap- engagement of the pin into the nail hole.

Alternatively, a screwable or press-insertable clip 5 can be provided on the pin 4 free end, so that the nail 8 results to be hold between such clip 5 and the base body 2.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the removable mechanical securing means comprise one or two elastic or rigid tabs defining seats to receive the nail 8 free edge, particularly the side edges of the nail portion 10 extending over the finger tip.

In accordance with an advantageous embodiment, such elastic or rigid tabs have an essentially hooked shape, and can be so arranged as to form guide means which determine a controlled insertion direction of the embellishment object 1 on the nail 8.

Preferably, the removable mechanical connecting means 4, 5, 6 define two securing points in the portion nail 10 extending over the finger tip. A third securing point, preferably in the proximity of the nail lunula, can be implemented by a glueing point via an adhesive material, in order to obtain a firm securing of the embellishment object at three points.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the third securing point or, more generally, a securing point at or in the proximity of the nail lunula, can be implemented through means which partially or wholly enclose the finger at the nail 8. Such enclosing means advantageously comprise a ring 11 which is integral with the base body 2, or two arched rigid or elastically deformable portions, adapted to enclose

the finger at the nail 8.

According to an alternative embodiment, the enclosing means comprise one or more preferably- elastic small belts 12, for example, in silicone, secured or securable to the base body 2, and so configured as to be inserted together with the base body 2 above the finger tip, and to elastically connect the embellishment object 1 to the finger at the nail, and in addition to the above-mentioned removable mechanical connecting means .

The embellishment object for nails 1 has several advantages. It allows a prolonged use, or even an only temporary use, and a replacement at will in order to match the embellishment object for nails with different clothing types, while obviating the damages to the nail which are caused by the jewels for nails of the prior art .