GB2410184A - Device for removing false nails or polish - Google Patents

Abstract

A false nail removing device comprises a rotating bowl 25 containing solvent 5 in reservoir 27, the bowl being also linked via pins 28 to a brush carriage 29 supporting brush means 30 with horizontally orientated fibres for proving friction to assist the removal of false nail material 31. The bowl is mounted on a base 24 which is rotated via a magnetic coupling 21, 23 by an isolated drive motor 18. A static dome 33 is located centrally so as to provide an adequate support for the hand and fingers 32, this dome may have dome grooves (32a, Fig.5b) for locating the fingers. The brush means may also be replaced by a foam (30b, Figs.4e,4f) that is coated with abrasive means for removing different types of false nail material. Brush means can also have vertically orientated fibres (30c, Fig4g,4h).

Description

FALSE NAIL REMOVING SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of the invention.

The invention relates to a human fingernail extension or false nail removing system. More specifically it relates to a rotary device that cleans and removes false nail product or nail extensions.

2. State of the art.

Prior art figure 1 shows a false fingernail varnish removing device (2) that employed a stationary sponge material (3) placed in a container made of solvent insoluble material (4). The containers sponge (3) had a solvent such as acetone (5) present within it. A finger (6) bearing a natural nail (7) or attached false nail with varnish (8) would be vertically dipped into the container in order to dissolve and thereby remove said false nail varnish (8).

Prior art figure 2 shows a nail brush (9) with nylon bristles (10) that would typically be used to clean finger nails (not shown) without false nails or varnish, in conjunction with soap, water and brushing action (not shown).

Prior art figure 3 shows a magnetic stirrer apparatus (11) as used by laboratory technicians, mixing chemicals (12) in a flask (13) by means of a chemically insulated magnetic bean (14). That is magnetically coupled to a single rotating magnet (15) driven by high-speed motor (16) inside the stirrer apparatus (1 1).

False nails are part of the nail industry and have been in use for some time.

They are usually made of an acrylic polymer, fiberglass or ultra-violet light curable material between 0.5 and one millimeter thick. Clients of false nails accept that eventually the nails need replacing as a result of mechanical damage or natural nail growth. Industry standard nail technicians regularly remove the old false nail set before applying new nail extensions. One method of removing said false nails quickly includes abrasive tipped rotary drills. This aggressive technique can easily damage the natural keratin nail surface. Increasing solvent temperature is another method that constitutes a hazard owing to its extreme volatility and therefore nail technicians resort to a much slower concordant method of removing the extensions using cold liquid acetone soak baths. Prior to removal, old extensions are clipped back until they are level with the fingertips then the nails of each hand are immersed in a static bath with acetone solvent level with the cuticles.

Repeatedly they check and scrape away at the softening false nail surface until solid acrylic is again found, returning the fingers to the solvent bath until all traces of the polymer have been removed. For the nail technician this is an extremely time consuming process. Scraping procedures that demand particular attention can only be performed on one nail at a time. A single set of ten nails can take an hour on average to complete.

Close examination of the interaction between the solvent and the fibreglass or acrylic polymer nail extension revealed that the formation of polymer solvate is a rate determined process. This rate can be altered under the correct conditions. Under previously mentioned conditions using cold soak baths without agitation solubility of the false nail is gradual owing to an inadequate solvent absorption rate. A viscous membrane of polymer solvate forms on the polymer nail surface, effectively insulating the remaining solid polymer and therefore reducing the rate of solvent penetration. It is this membrane that nail technicians manually remove in order to expose the underlying solid acrylic surface to more solvent. In conclusion a heated and continuous process of membrane stage material removal is required that will dramatically increase the solvate production rate.

A moderate surface friction process is envisaged in the form of a slowly rotating brush ring. The solvent body absorbs useful heat that is generated on the local nail surface. With the benefit of a ring-based system the false nail membrane is continuously heated gently and removed by friction means.

The use of a rotating brush ring will further enable the removal of all false nails of either hand simultaneously when used in conjunction with a shaped dome that positions and supports the client fingers, hand and wrist whilst in use. Acetone and other solvents that are vital to the nail industry are used in this system. It is necessary to ensure that solvents do not come into contact with sources of ignition at any time. Provision by means of an isolation chamber in the device will therefore serve to separate the electrically operated low voltage motor used in this system from the volatile solvents placed in a rotary bowl. Separating the motor will then require a magnetic means of coupling the motor torque energy to a rotary bowl that also carries the brush ring.

A prototype model of the device was constructed somewhat like figure 4 from solvent impervious materials. Acetone was poured into the rotary bowl forming a reservoir that is just above the brush ring. A client with clipped false nails positioned their fingers and hand correctly into the device and power was then applied. Ibe device was found to be very effective, quick and comfortable to use. The fingers were left within it only long enough to remove adequate polymer. The body of acetone solvent continuously cooled all heat generated by local friction at the nail surfaces. Changing the brush ring rotation half way through the process increased efficiency of removal. 2.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a false nail extension removing system that quickly removes all synthetic nail extensions of either hand simultaneously by a rotary friction brush ring immersed in solvent means.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a false nail extension removing system that quickly cleans the nails of either hand simultaneously by a rotary friction brush ring immersed in chemical solutions means.

It is another object of the invention to provide a false nail extension removing system that uses an isolated drive motor with magnetic coupling means to safely remove said false nails.

It is another object of the invention to provide a simplified electrical circuit to provide electrical power to the stepper motor.

It is another object of the invention to provide a stationary dome with which to support the hand and wrist during said false nail removal.

The above and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent Tom the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings. 3.

_RIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1. is a transparent side elevation view of a first prior art nail polish remover.

Figure 2. is a side elevation view of a second prior art nailbrush.

Figure 3. is a transparent side elevation view of a third prior art magnetic stirrer apparatus.

Figure 4. is a transparent side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the false nail removing system according to the invention.

Figure 4a. is an aerial view of a preferred first embodiment of the relative positions of the fingers of the right hand correctly positioned on the dome part of figure 4.

Figure 4b. is a transparent side elevation view of a first preferred embodiment of the false-nail carriage with attached horizontal brush ring part of figure 4.

Figure 4c. is an aerial view of a second preferred embodiment of the false- nail carriage with attached horizontal brush ring part of figure 4.

Figure 4d. is a transparent side elevation view of a second preferred embodiment of the false-nail carriage with attached horizontal brush ring part of figure 4.

Figure 4e. is an aerial view of a third preferred embodiment of the falsenail carriage with attached horizontal abrasive coated foam ring part of figure 4.

Figure 4f. is a transparent side elevation view of a third preferred embodiment of the false-nail carriage with attached horizontal abrasive coated foam ring part of figure 4.

Figure 4g. is an aerial view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the nail cleaning carriage with attached vertical brush ring part of figure 4.

Figure 4h. is a transparent side elevation view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the nail cleaning carriage with attached vertical brush ring part of figure 4.

Figure 5. is a transparent side elevation view of the first preferred embodiment of the dome part of figures 4 and 4a.

Figure Sa. is an aerial view of the first preferred embodiment of the dome part of figures 4 and 4a.

Figure 5b. is a transparent side elevation view of the second preferred embodiment of the dome part of figures 4 and 4a. 4.

Figure 5c. is an aerial view of the second preferred embodiment of the dome part of figures 4 and 4a.

Figure 6. is a transparent side elevation view of the rotary bowl and bearing parts of figure 4.

Figure 6a. is a rear view of the rotary bowl with coupling magnets parts of figure 4.

Figure 7. is an aerial view of the high magnetic affinity metal plate with coupling magnets part of figure 4.

Figure 7a. is a side view of the metal plate with magnetic field projection of magnets mounted on the metal plate part of figure 4.

Figure 7b. is a rear view of the metal plate part of figure 4.

Figure 8. is a transparent aerial view of the main body part of figure 4.

Figure 8a. is a transparent side elevation view of the main body part of figure 4.

Figure 9. is an aerial view of the metal base plate and fitted motor parts of figure 4.

Figure 9a. is a transparent side elevation view of the metal base plate and feet parts of figure 4.

Figure 10 is an aerial view of another preferred embodiment of the false nail removing system according to the invention.

Figure 11 is an electrical schematic diagram view of a preferred simple stepper motor power supply. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accord with these objects will be discussed in detail below the false nail removing system of the present invention in accordance with the diagrams and the following details: Tndustry employs several techniques for removing false-nails depending on material types and nail condition or health. To date the process of cleaning nails prior to working on them is optional, but it is a growing health and safety requirement with the number of circulating nail carried diseases. A process of cleaning the free edge of the natural nails (7) along with their later removal is therefore provided. Three types of false nail currently exist in the industry. The standard solid acrylic polymer and fiberglass types are soluble in acetone based solvent (5) and can therefore be removed with said solvent (5). The 'gel-coat' type is an applied monomer liquid that is cured under an ultraviolet light. Once cured the polymer is insoluble in acetone based solvent (5) and is removed with a nail file which generates considerable amounts of polymer dust and involves a great deal of manual labour.

Therefore in addition to a method of cleaning two methods of false nail removal are provided. One involves the removal of solid polymer acrylic or fiberglass false-nails (31) with continuous rotary friction in the presence of acetone based solvent (5). The other method consists of removing cured 'gel type' false-nails (31) again with continuous rotary friction but in the presence of a water or oil based coolant solution (5a) with dust suppressing qualities.

Considering first the brush characteristics. In terms of the friction process nylon bristles are preferably used owing to their ability to transfer a good percentage of the mechanical energy delivered to them. Nylon bristles bundles (10), (lea) or (lob) are acetone solvent insoluble and have mechanical rigidity with a degree of compliance. Bristles are normally packed into concentric bundles. Aligning the bundles results in the formation of a brush. Bristles do not necessarily have to be used in concentric bundles.

Manufacturers have provision to form continuous bands of clamped bristles and in either respect the outcome will be the same or similar. The number of fibers per bundle is one of the factors that determine the amount and type of work it can perform. Other factors involved include the bundle spacing, that is the number of bundles per brush ring, the fiber diameter, material composition, length and finger (6) clearance from fiber tips to dome (37) circumference. Fiber finish determines whether the fibers are smooth round tipped or rough flat tipped.

Fingernails being naturally curved have an apex. A friction brush will wear false nails (31) or (31a) or (jib) faster at their apex; that point being subjected to greatest frictional forces. 6.

Ultimately the brush should always be designed to ensure friction is available to the whole surface area of the false nails (31) or (31a) or (31b) whilst in use.

Considering now figure 4. Figure 4 is a side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of device (17). It has limited numbering for clarity purposes and will be further discussed in relevant part and purpose order. A secured stepper motor (18) in a protective chamber (19) provides direct rotational drive to a high magnetic affinity metal plate (20). Said plate (20) mechanically supports and directs the magnetic field of mounted coupling magnets ring (21). Said magnets (21) convey rotational energy through the non-metal floor (22) by locking magnetically to oppositely polarised coupling magnets (23) mounted on the rotary bowl base (24) in a manner not unlike prior art figure 3. Rotary bowl (25) is mounted on radial or thrust bearing (26) that bear the attractive force between coupled magnets (21) and (23). Rotary bowl (25) also has a reservoir (27) providing safe containment for process chemical solvent (5) or solution ((Sa) or (5b) (not shown)). The rotary bowl (25) has locating pins (28) by which rotational energy can be further conveyed to the replaceable carriage (29) or ((29a) or (29b) or (29c) (not shown)). Said carriages having mounted brush (30) or ((30a) or (30b) or (30c) (not shown)). Fingers (32) with natural nail (7) (not shown) or bearing false-nails (31) or ((31a) or (31b) (not shown)) are positioned around the lower circumference of the dome (33) slope. Fingertips (34) of fingers (32) are supported by the dome plate (35). The palm of the hand (36) (not shown) is supported on the dome top (37) whilst in use. Derivative materials are collected in the reservoir gap (38) for later disposal.

Referring now to figure 4a. A transparent aerial view of a first preferred embodiment of the ring carriage (29) of device (17) is shown. The hand (36) is placed with the palm (not shown) supported on the dome top (37). Fingers (32) are spread around the dome (33) slope with the thumb (41) and ring finger (6) diametrically opposed to promote the outward alignment of the false-nails (31). The horizontally aligned brush (30) consists of bristle bundles (10) for removing solvent (5) soluble acrylic or fiberglass type, short or clipped false-nails (31) attachments and is secured onto the internal carriage wall (45) of the brush ring carriage (29). The fingertips (34) are supported by the dome plate (35). Acetone based solvent (5) is present as a solvent reservoir (27) for the purposes of aiding the dissolving of said false- nails (31). The brush carriage (29) has location holes (39) to convey rotational drive to it from the location pins (28) (not shown) of the rotary bowl (25) (not shown).

Referring now to figure 4b. A transparent side elevation view of a first preferred embodiment of brush (30) alignment on the ring carriage (29) of figure 4. 7.

This embodiment specifically compensates for the natural variability seen in fingers (32) thickness. Natural nails (7) (not shown) have an apex at their center which is a natural feature of the three dimensional curvature possessed by human nails.

Attached short or clipped false-nails (31) follow the form of this curvature and therefore have an apex positioned as in a natural nail (7). A first preferred embodiment of brush (30) ring is constructed to produce a lower single brush ring (44) that is centered below the false-nail (31) apex at approximately one third of the distance up from the average fingertip (34).

Another offset upper single brush ring (43) is then located above the false- nail (31) apex at approximately two thirds of the distance up from the average fingertip (34).

This specific arrangement uniformly removes the more commonly removed short or clipped false-nails (31) that require a full extension. The bristles bundles (10) of both rings (43) and (44) are horizontally spaced thirteen millimeters between centers and vertically spaced six millimeters between offsets. They also have twelve millimeters long bristles giving a large degree of brush (30) compliance. The fibers are 0. 4 millimeters in diameter and packed to 2.5 millimeters cross sectional area that are embedded into and secured by the carriage wall (45). A gap of eight millimeters is allowed for averaged finger (32) thickness giving a clearance between the fiber tip (not shown) and the widest part of the dome (33) slope circumference. The fiber is round tipped for cuticle protection. The thumb (41) and the smallest finger (not shown) of the hand (36) will then receive complete brush coverage despite their differences in thickness. Offsetting of the brush rings (43) and (44) will provide motor (18) and fingers (32) load uniformity whilst in use.

This specific arrangement in conjunction with solvent solution (5) in the reservoir (27) will quickly remove a large area of short or clipped falsenails (31) polymer above and below the apex.

Longer or partly clipped false nails (31a) (not shown) with longer natural nails (7a) (not shown) require a small extension replacement and have an apex that is centered at the fingertip (34) (not shown) owing to their extension beyond it. To that end a brush ring (30a) (not shown) with another bristle bundle (10) arrangement is employed.

Other preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to three interchangeable ring carriage (29a) (29b) and (29c) with three different brush arrangement (30a), (30b) and (30c) that are used with device (17).

Referring now to figure 4c. An aerial view of a second preferred embodiment of brush ring carriage (29a) of figure 4 is shown. A horizontally aligned brush (30a) consisting of bristle bundles (lea) that are aligned into a wide brush ring (30a). 8.

Said ring (30a) is similar in nature to a continuous horizontal band of nailbrush seen in Prior Art 2. Brush ring (30a) is used to provide continuous uniform surface friction that will remove longer false-nails (3 la) (not shown) whose apex is centered at the fingertip (34a) (not shown). The ring (30a) is attached to the lower carriage wall (45a) of the brush carriage (29a).

Location holes (39a) exist for replaceable attachment to location pins (28) (not shown).

Referring now to figure 4d. A transparent side elevation view of a second preferred embodiment of brush ring carriage (29a) of figure 4 is shown. It is comprised of bristles with 0.35millimeter fiber diameters packed to 2.5 millimeters cross sectional area bundles (lea) that are embedded into and secured by the carriage wall (45a). Said bundles (lea) are vertically laid three high and spaced 4.2 millimeters between vertical centers with a further five millimeters spacing between horizontal centers. The nylon fiber is ten millimeters long, as measured from the internal circumference of the carriage wall (45a) to fiber tip. A gap of ten millimeters is allowed for averaged finger (32) (not shown) thickness giving clearance between the fiber tip (not shown) and the widest part of the dome (33) slope (not shown) circumference. The fiber is round tipped for added cuticle protection. The carriage (29a) would also be used with solvent solution (5) (not shown) as the reservoir (27).

Referring now to figure 4e. An aerial view of a third preferred embodiment of a foam ring carriage (29b) of figure 4 is shown. A horizontally aligned abrasive coated foam ring (30b) is supported by carriage (29b). It is used to remove 'gel-coat' type false-nails (31b) (not shown). An emulsion based solution (5a) (not shown) would be used as the reservoir (27a) (not shown) for the purposes of cooling, dust suppressing and lubricating the abrading false-nail (31b) (not shown) surface. The brush carriage (29b) has location holes (39b) to convey rotational drive to it from the location pins (28) (not shown) of the rotary bowl (25) (not shown). It is anticipated that an extremely fine grade of abrasive be used to coat the foam in the order of 180 or 150 grit (not shown) typically used by nail technicians in block format to buff or slightly abrade nail surfaces. For second dome embodiment (33a) is refer to figure Sb.

Referring now to figure 4f. A transparent side elevation view of a third preferred embodiment of the foam ring carriage (29b) of figure 4 is shown.

An abrasive coated foam ring (30b) is attached to the lower carriage wall (45b) of the foam ring carriage (29b) with location holes (39b). In this preferred third embodiment. The horizontally orientated foam ring (30b) comprised of 150 grit-coated foam fourteen millimeters high and ten millimeters thickness. 9.

Referring now to figure 4g. A transparent aerial view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the brush ring carriage (29c) is shown. The vertically aligned brush ring (30c) consisting of bristle bundles (lob) is for cleaning beneath the free edge of natural nails (7) (not shown) prior to false-nails ((31) or (31b) (not shown)) removal. Brush ring (30c) is secured onto the internal carriage floor (45c) of the brush ring carriage (29b). Antiseptic or surfactant solution (Sb) (not shown) would be used as the chemical reservoir (27b) (not shown) for the purposes of aiding the disinfecting or cleaning of said natural nails (7) or false-nails (31) and (31a). The brush carriage (29c) has location holes (39c) to convey rotational drive to it from the location pins (28) (not shown) of the rotary bowl (25) (not shown).

Referring now to figure 4h. A transparent side elevation view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the brush ring carriage (29c) of figure 4 is shown.

The vertically aligned brush ring (30c) is comprised of bristle bundles (10) with 0.35millimeter fiber diameter packed to 2.5 millimeters cross sectional area. They are embedded into and secured by the carriage floor (45c) to provide a uniform fiber density. The nylon fiber is ten millimeters long as measured from the internal carriage floor (45c) to fiber tip. Location holes (39c) exist for replaceable attachment to location pins (28) (not shown).

The nominal figures for brushes (30), (30a), (30b) and (30c) are variable alteration will yield comparable results. The carriages (29), (29a), (29b) and (29c) are preferably made of nylon and have rotary clearance (46), (46a), (46b) and (46c) preventing their contact with the main body part (54).

Considering now the first dome (33) embodiment of figures 4, 4a S. and Sa.

In order to provide a uniform distribution of frictional force to the natural (7) (not shown) or false-nails ((31), (31 a) and (31 b) (not shown)) the thumb (41) fingers (32) and hand (36) (not shown) need to be suitably arranged. The spreading of the fingers (32) and thumb (41) across the gradient of the dome (33) slope compensates for pressure applied by the brush ((30), (30a) and (30b) (not shown)) by altering the presenting angle of the nail apex (not shown). Fingers (32) and thumb (41) are spread across the dome (33) with ring finger (6) and thumb (41) diametrically opposed. The dome also serves to support the fingers (32) and the palm of the hand (36) (not shown). The dome plate (35) has sufficient width to prevent any contact between the fingertips (34) and the rotating rotary bowl (25) (not shown) part. The dome (33) is a machined or injection molded nylon based material replaceable part and is screwed finger tight into the main body part female threaded insert (57) (not shown) by a secured threaded stainless steel stud (42). The dome part (33) is preferably made of nylon and has a threading limit (40) that ensures rotational clearance between it and the rotary bowl (25) (not shown) and upper bearing (48) (not shown). 10.

Provision for an enhanced wrist support (not shown) could be made by the addition of an extension (not shown).

Considering now the second dome (33a) embodiment of figures Sb and 5c. In order to protect the soft tissues of the fingers (32) (not shown) from excessive abrasion whilst using the abrasive coated foam carriage (29b) (not shown) it is necessary to perform frequent checks of the progress of false- nail (31b) (not shown) removal. This is currently encountered by nail technicians and is in essence unavoidable. Protection can be obtained in the form of a modified dome (33a) shown with finger channels (32a) that serves several functions. Initially they ensure proper alignment of fingers (32) (not shown) to the brush ((30), (30a), (30b) or (30c) (not shown)). They also provide greater fingers (32) (not shown) support than dome (33) by reducing the amount of counter-torque that must be provided by the hand (36) (not shown) grip whilst in use.

The finger channels (32a) arrangement can be used by either the left or right hand and by partially submerging the finger reduces the likelihood of soft tissue abrasion by only exposing the false-nails (31b) (not show) apex to the abrasive.

Considering now the rotary bowl (25) part of figures 4 and 6. The rotary bowl (25) is preferably made of nylon and is housed in the upper area (55) (not shown) of the main body part (54) (not shown). The bowl (25) serves as the chemical solution reservoir (27), ((27a) or (27b) (not shown)) and reservoir gap (38) and means by which rotational energy is transferred to the brush carriage (29) ((29a), (29b) and (29c) (not shown)). The rotary bowl (25) is designed with high internal walling (SO) to prevent solution spillage.

In normal use the reservoir (27) or ((27a) or (27b) (not shown)) is filled just above any one brush (not shown) and by keeping any one brush (not shown) immersed in any one chemical solution (S) or ((Sa) or (Sb) (not shown)) greatly diminishes chemical spray. The rotary bowl (25) should be internally and externally machined to freely rotate on bearings (26) between the inner body wall (62) (not shown) inner body floor (61) (not shown) and dome (33) parts. Bowl (25) has by interference fit an upper radial bearing (48) and lower radial or thrust bearing (49) secured in bearing seats (51). Radial or thrust bearings (26) should be preferably made of stainless steel or nylon owing to the chemical (S), ((Sa) or (Sb) (not shown)) used in the process. In this embodiment industry size 16004 is used. The location pins (28) are protruding stainless steel shafts.

Considering now the magnetically coupled rotary drive between the rotary bowl base (24) part and the ferrous-metal rotary drive plate (20) of figures 4, 6a, 7 and 7a. Magnetic rings (21) and (23) make provision for a magnetically coupled rotary drive similar in nature to prior art 3. 11.

In this application the transferred torque requirements are higher at about one Newton-meter. Three south seeking magnets (52) and three north seeking magnets (53) are flush mounted onto the rotary bowl base (24) and equidistantly spaced to provide a uniform vertical load to the system. The magnets (52) and (53) are arranged in sequentially alternating polarity to maximise their coupling through the non-metallic lower chamber floor (22) (not shown) of device (17) to the ferrous-metal plate (20) magnetic ring (21) that has similarly arranged south seeking magnets (68) and north seeking magnets (69). Alternating polarity magnets mounted on the ferrous metal plate (20) ensure that surplus magnetic fields are contained within the metal plate (20) that being part of the closed and balanced magnetic circuit (not shown). To that end stray magnetic fieldswill not leak from the ferrous metal plate rear (70) and therefore stray magnetic fields will not interact with the stepper motor (18) casing. The overall field strength should not be so high as to load the bearings (26) excessively. This magnetic coupling arrangement provides another important safety feature by isolating the motor (18) (not shown) from the solutions ((5), (Sa) and (Sb) (not shown)).

The rotating rotary bowl (25) can be stopped at any point without injuring either client or device (17) or motor (18) (not shown). Factors that affect the magnetic coupling torque efficiency include the magnetic rings (21) and (23) axial proximity, radial distance, diameters, number of magnets, field strength, magnet type and the presence of nearby metallic materials like the ferrous metal plate (20) with a high magnetic affinity that assists the magnetic circuit. Said magnets (52), (53), (68) and (69) used are axially polarised and high field strength neodymiumferrous-boride disk type, ten millimeters in diameter, five millimeters thick and with 1000 gauss field strength as measured 3.8 millimeters from their surface. They were tight flush interference fit into the rotary bowl base (24) preventing their withdrawal under magnetic load. Holes (47) for the interference fit location pins (28) are machined into the outer wall (50) of the rotary bowl (25).

Considering further the ferrous metal plate (20) of figures 4, 7, 7a and 7b.The ferrous metal plate (20) is preferably machined from high magnetic affinity material such as mild steel. It is of a suitable diameter to ensure that the recessed magnets (68) and (69) placed upon it are flush mounted and in direct opposition of the magnetic ring (23) on the rotary bowl base (24). The ferrous metal plate (20) helps project the magnetic fields (71) of six sequentially alternating polarity magnets (68) and (69) comprising ring (21) and therefore improves magnetic coupling to the magnetic ring (23) of the rotary bowl base (24). Said metal plate (20) has a machined spigot (66) for permanently securing it to the motor spindle (72) (not shown) with a grub screw (67).

Considering now the main body part (54) of figures 4, 8 and 8a. 12.

The upper main body part (54) is preferably made of industry standard nylon, machined or injection molded to leave rotary bowl clearance (64). The cylindrical inner floor (61) and inner wall (62) are machined out to leave a central shaft (56). Said shaft (56) is machined out for the later fitting of a female threaded insert (57). At the shaft (56) base can be found the lower bearing end stop (58). The main body part (54) is then turned over and machined out to leave a protective chamber (19) area. It is within protective chamber (l9) that the stepper motor (18) is sealed. The central shaft (56) rear is internally machined for motor spindle clearance (59) and ferrous-metal plate spigot clearance (60). Female threaded inserts (65) are fitted or made part of an injection molding to take the baseplate screws (75) (not shown).

The rotary bowl (25) with assembled bearings (26) can now be fitted by sliding down the central shaft (56) and finishing at the bearing end stop (58).

A female threaded insert (57) is now strongly interference fit into the top of the central shaft (56) during which compression of the internal rotary face of upper radial bearing (48) occurs, by way of permanently securing the bearings (26) to the central shaft (56). The replaceable dome parts (37) or (37a) with metal stud (42) attached can now be screwed to the female threaded insert (57) now of the main body (54) part.

Considering now the base-plate (73) of figures 4, 9 and 9a. The baseplate (73) is preferably made of an efficient heat sinking metal to disperse the low level of heat generated by the working stepper motor (18). Aluminum alloy is used in this embodiment and can be anodised for appearance purposes. Base- plate (73) machined with motor recess (76) for stepper motor (18) placement and is secured with screws (not shown) to tapped holes (78). A cable clearance (80) from the stepper motor (18) is provided and a chemical resistant power cable (81) fed through a solvent tight cable grip (79) supplies power to said stepper motor (18). Screws (75) to the female threaded inserts (65) of the main body part (54) secure chemical resistant rubber material feet (82) and base-plate (73) through screw-holes (74). The heights of the feet (82) that support the device (17) help with convection cooling by lifting the base-plate (73) clear of any surface (not shown) upon which the device (17) may be supported in normal use. The overall weight and device feet (82) also provide mechanical stability to the device (17) greatly reducing the risk of solution (5), ((5a) or (5b) (not shown)) spillage. Motor spindle (72) is shown and will possess a machined flat (not shown) at a pre-determined position (not shown) for engagement with the grub screw (67) (not shown) of the slide fit ferrous metal plate spigot (66). The metal plate (20) must be fitted to the stepper motor (18) before fitting the baseplate (73).

Considering another embodiment of figure 10. Similar in function to two devices (17). Both are contained within the same housing (83) and are shown with two domes (33) and two brush carriages (29) with brushes (30). 13.

This particular embodiment would preferably have clockwise spin of the right hand brush carriage (29) and counterclockwise spin of the left hand brush carriage (29). The purpose of which is to remove the false nails (31) or ((31 a) (not shown)) of both hands (36) simultaneously.

Considering now the stepper motor (18) characteristics of figures 4, and 11.

The advantage of a stepper motor (18) over other types is their ability to be run at very low and consistent rotation speeds. They do not have a commutator and like all brushless motors will not produce electrical sparks or overheat appreciably if they seize or stall. This provides another essential safety feature. They are usually run from Direct Current control circuits (not shown) that generate variable frequency square waves as an energy source to regulate motor current, direction and speed. They are available in a variety of steps per revolution of the motor spindle (72) and axial loading specifications. The stepper motor (18) chosen for the device (17) steps two hundred times for every revolution of the motor spindle (72) that is 1.8 degrees per step. The reason for choosing 1.8 degrees per step is ultimately to do with the rotary bowl (25) rotational speed. Stepper motor (18) speed is controlled by the frequency of the source feeding it. Between thirty and sixty fixed revolutions per minute are required to operate device (17).

A source frequency at fifty Hertz will run a 1.8 degrees per step, stepper motor (18) smoothly, yielding sixty fixed revolutions per minute. The electricity supply frequency in the United Kingdom is fifty Hertz. To that end the expensive and power hungry electronics (not shown) normally associated with stepper motors can be eliminated for the basic electrical circuitry of figure 11.

It should be noted that in other countries such as the United States of America, the supply frequency is higher at sixty Hertz. This would increase the device (17), rotary bowl (25) speed to seventy-two revolutions per minute. This is a little high and therefore a stepper motor (18) with a greater number of steps per revolution would be needed to reduce said rotary bowl (25) speed. Common industry variants currently include 0.6, 0.9 and 1.2 degree per step motors, yielding twenty-four, thirty-six and forty-eight revolutions per minute respectively at sixty Hertz. A Direct Current motor speed controller (not shown) could however be used here to give a variable speed control to the rotary bowl (25) if necessary.

The exact rotary speed of the device is not crucial, however it will affect process time. Generally the faster the rotation the quicker polymer false nail (31) removal will be. Speeds of up to eighty revolutions per minute have been tested but can be uncomfortable for the client. Speeds down to ten revolutions per minute still work but the process time is greatly extended. In practice between thirty and sixty revolutions per minute was found to be ideal. 14.

A stepper motor (18) with about one Newton-meter running torque will provide sufficient drive torque. An industry standard twenty-three frame sized stepper motor (18) is used in this embodiment. A thirty-four frame sized stepper motor (not shown) with higher torque can be used with a small increase in device (17) overall height. The stepper motor (18) chosen has four electrical windings with eight connection leads (not shown). Generally this type has a higher torque output when wired in bipolar mode compared to um-polar wiring.

Considering the electrical schematic diagram of figure 11. The stepper motor (18) is driven with the following designed control circuit. Household mains alternating current power supply (84) is fed through safety fuse (85) and optional mains voltage selector switch (86) to the primary winding of a typical mains isolation transformer (87). In this embodiment the secondary winding of the transformer (87) is twelve volts with a center tap winding of six volts. The first two wires of winding number one and two on the stepper motor (18) are connected to one pole of the double-poled direction switch (89) and then to the six volts center tap on the transformer (87) secondary winding. The second two wires of winding number one and two of the stepper motor (18) are connected to zero volts on the transformer (87) secondary winding. The first two wires of winding number three and four of the stepper motor (18) are connected to the other pole of the double- poled direction switch (89) and then to the capacitor (88).

Capacitor (88) is then connected to the twelve volts supply of the transformer (87) secondary winding. The second two wires of winding number three and four of the stepper motor (18) are connected to zero volts on the transformer (87) secondary winding. The double poled direction switch (89) swaps one phase for the other phase to the stepper motor (18) and thereby changes its spindle (72) direction.

Capacitance value is determined or calculated to provide equal currents in the stepper motor (18) windings. The optimum point occurs when the motor operation is smooth and noiseless. At this point the two phases are pushed to or close to ninety degrees separation. Capacitors (88) are handling an alternating current and therefore common non-polarised types must be used.

They should also be oversized in voltage handling, for the twelve volts supply in this embodiment one hundred volt handling capacitors are used owing to the currents flowing through the capacitors that are around one ampere. It is also therefore advantageous to use a low leakage capacitors (88) or several paralleled lower value capacitors that are spaced equidistantly on the power supply board (not shown) in order for them to stay within their thermal operating region. Obviously lower current or higher voltage stepper motors ( l 8) with higher resistance windings can use smaller current capacitors providing the capacitance is still correct. 15.

In this embodiment capacitors (88) are made up from two paralleled capacitors to a total of 200 microfarads. The capacitance value does not have to be exact as long as it is within ten percent of theoretical. Typical tolerance types are adequate. Use is made of the winding inductance of the transformer (87) of the stepper motor (18) drive. The transformer (87) secondary has by its very nature a lower inductance between its center tap and respective zero volts, than it has between its entire secondary winding with respect to zero volts. The difference in inductance along with the capacitor (88) splits the single phase secondary winding supply into two similar amplitude current phases spaced with the ninety-degree phase shift that is needed to drive a stepper motor (18) by alternating current means.

In this embodiment the stepper motor is McLennan model 23-HSX-202.

Winding characteristics are 1.0 Amps current per phase, 8.8 milk-henry inductance per phase and 6.2 ohms resistance per phase. In fact any other motor (not shown) or geared motor (not shown) or electromagnetic induction coupling (not shown) and suitable controller (not shown) could be used instead of a stepper motor (18) where applicable, with suitable changes to the drive mechanics (not shown) and drive electronics (not shown).

It has been noted during trials that carriage (29), (29a), (29b) or (29c) rotary direction affects the efficiency of natural nail (7) cleaning and false-nails (31), (31a) or (31b) removal. Specifically of the smallest fingernail (not shown) owing to its forty five degree orientation when placed around the dome (33). The simple switching (89) of figure 11 provides directionality to the motor (18). The right hand (36) (not shown) should preferably be processed with the brush carriages spinning in a clockwise direction and the left hand (36) (not shown) with a counterclockwise direction of said carriages. The specific handed directionality helps by presenting a straight brush face that moves towards the front of smallest fingernail (not shown) before passing over it. If specific directionality is not undertaken the brush skips over most of the said smallest fingernail (not shown).

The device (17) is designed with safety as a paramount feature. Reducing client exposure time to acetone based solvent (5) by this method of removal is clearly beneficial. Other earlier embodiments of the device (17) have been made with a high-speed motor (16) and suitable gearing (not shown) that directly drive the rotary bowl (25) and function adequately but at the expense of safety.

With extensive use of device (17) the solvent (5) takes on a milky appearance with semi-solid deposition owing to high percentage of dissolved polymer. It is normally at this point that said device (17) would be cleaned. If the device (17) is left unattended following extensive use, the solvent (5) naturally evaporates from the reservoir (27) whereupon the dissolved surplus polymer sinks to the reservoir gap (38) and begins to reform (not shown). 16.

Tests on drying out processed surplus polymer (not shown) have indicated that it undergoes a permanent physical change, reforming as a powder that is easily removed by cleaning even if dried. This is different to dissolving solid polymer nails in solvent (5) that reform into solid polymer again following solvent (5) evaporation.

Before cleaning the device (17) should be disconnected from the power supply (84). The brush carriage (29) is lifted off and then the dome part (37) unscrewed and removed. The used solvent and surplus semi-solid material remaining in the rotary bowl (25) is removed preferably by siphoning into a waste container. Once the bowl reservoir area (50) is clean device (17) can be reassembled for use.

It can be generally accepted that variations or adaptations in design and materials can be made to the device herein described as the false nail removing system resulting in the same or similar false nail removing and natural nail cleaning technique. 17.

Claims (1)

1. A false nail removing system in which the synthetic fingernail and thumbnail extensions of either hand are removed by friction provided by a horizontally orientated rotating brush ring with a vertical brush face that is immersed in liquid solvents.

2. A false nail removing system according to claim 1 in which the synthetic fingernail and thumbnail extensions of either hand are removed by friction provided by a horizontally orientated rotating brush ring with a sloping brush face immersed in liquid solvents. _ 3. A false nail removing system according to claims 1 and 2 in which the synthetic fingernail and thumbnail extensions of either hand are removed by friction provided by a horizontally orientated rotating brush ring with a curved brush face immersed in liquid solvents.

4. A false nail removing system according to claims 1, 2 and 3 in which the synthetic fingernails and thumbnail extensions of either hand are removed by friction provided by an oscillating horizontally orientated brush immersed in liquid solvents.

6. A false nail removing system according to another claim in which the synthetic fingernails and thumbnail extensions of either hand are removed by friction provided by a horizontally orientated rotating abrasive coated foam ring with a vertical foam face immersed in emulsion based solutions.

7. A false nail removing system according to claim 6 in which the synthetic fingernails and thumbnail extensions of either hand are removed by friction provided by a horizontally orientated rotating abrasive coated foam ring with a sloping foam face immersed in emulsion based solutions.

8. A false nail removing system according to claims 6 and 7 in which the synthetic fingernails and thumbnail extensions of either hand are removed by friction provided by a horizontally orientated rotating abrasive coated foam ring with a curved foam face immersed in emulsion based solutions.

9. A false nail removing system according to claims 6, 7 and 8 in which the synthetic fingernails and thumbnail extensions of either hand are removed by friction provided by an electromechanical oscillating abrasive coated foam immersed in emulsion based solutions. 18.

10. A false nail removing system according to another claim in which the free edge of the fingernails and thumbnails of either the left or right hand are cleaned with a vertically orientated rotating brush ring with a horizontal brush face immersed in antiseptic or surfactant solutions.

11. A false nail removing system according to claim 10 in which the free edge of the fingernails and thumbnails of either the left or right hand are cleaned with a vertically orientated rotating brush ring with a sloping brush face immersed in antiseptic or surfactant solutions.

12. A false nail removing system according to claims 10 and 11 in which the free edge of the fingernails and thumbnails of either the left or right hand are cleaned with a vertically orientated rotating brush ring with a curved brush face immersed in antiseptic or surfactant solutions.

13. A false nail removing system according to claims 10, 11 and 12 in which the free edge of the fingernails and thumbnails of either the left or right hand are cleaned with an electromechanical oscillating brush immersed in antiseptic or surfactant solutions. 19.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. An apparatus for removing false nails from the fingers of a person, comprising: a container for holding false nail removing fluids, a rotating brush or foam for applying friction to the nails, a motor for applying rotation to said rotating brush or foam around an axis of rotation, a magnetic coupling between the motor and the said rotating brush or foam, whereby the motor is isolated from the container and the removing fluids to provide an increased level of safety.

2. The apparatus of claim l wherein the magnetic coupling comprises a plurality of magnets (21,68,69) of alternating polarity facing in the same direction and arranged around an axis of rotation.

3 The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the magnetic coupling comprises a plurality of magnets that are equidistantly spaced.

4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a dome- shaped support for the hand and fingers, said support centered on the said axis of rotation.

5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said dome has finger channels for locating the fingers.

6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said dome has at its lower portion a peripheral plate extending outwardly in a direction that is substantially normal to the axis of rotation.

7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said brush has fibres that are orientated in a direction substantially normal to the axis of rotation.

8. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said brush is ringshaped 9. The apparatus of claims 7 or 8 when dependent on 7, wherein said fibres define a brush face that is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation.

10. The apparatus of claims 1-6, wherein said foam is ring shaped 11. The apparatus of claims 1-7, wherein said foam is coated with an abrasive surface l 2. The apparatus of claims 10 to 1 1, wherein said foam defines a contact surface that is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation.

13. The apparatus of claims 1 to 6, wherein said brush has fibres that are orientated in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 to 6 & 13, wherein said brush is ring-shaped or disc-shaped l S. The apparatus of claims 1 to 6, or 13 to 14, wherein said fibres define a brush face that is substantially normal to the axis of rotation.

16. A structure comprising a housing containing two apparatus as defined in any preceding claim, one for the left hand and one for the right hand of a user.

17. A housing as defined in claim 17, wherein one apparatus has a brush or foam that rotates in clockwise direction and the other apparatus that rotates in counter-clockwise direction.

18. An apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 4 to 1 1.