GB2585869A

GB2585869A - Cosmetic apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2585869A
Application number: GB1910301.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Moore Marcus; Eleftheriou Harry
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-07-18
Filing date: 2019-07-18
Publication date: 2021-01-27
Also published as: GB201910301D0

Abstract

The artificial nail overlay fits the surface of a human fingernail and has: a display layer 16 to display monochromatic or colour images on, or through, an upper surface of the overlay; a data receiving module 20 for receiving digital media files associated with said images; and a power source 18 for powering the display layer 16. The display layer 16 may be an LCD, OLED or curved screen. The data-receiving module may use a low power, wireless communication protocol, e.g. Bluetooth RTM. The power source 18 may be a rechargeable lithium battery or use near-field wireless, energy-scavenging, or radio frequency conversion charging. A database may act as a library for a user to select an image to be transmitted to the artificial nail, which may be accessed via a mobile device, such as a smartphone, so that a user can change the colour or design of fingernails at will.

Description

COSMETIC APPARTUS

The present invention relates to a cosmetic apparatus for application to human keratinous material and, particularly, though not exclusively, to an artificial fingernail overlay for application to human Fingernails.

It is known to apply lacquers, polishes or gels to the human fingernails and toenails for decorative purposes. This may involve the application of multiple layers of film-forming polymer materials using numerous different brush applicators to achieve the desired decorative effect. This task may be performed by the wearer, or by visiting a professional nail technician or artist where it may be coupled with other manicure services.

Due to the adhesion strength of polymer materials on the nail, organic solvents, such as acetone, are typically used to remove nail polishes or gels when they become damaged, their appearance deteriorates, or once the wearer simply wishes to change the type of polish or gel used, or its colour. Indeed, there is a desire amongst wearers of nail polish and gels to ensure that the colour and/or design of fingernails adequately matches or complements clothing choices which can of course vary from day-to-day, if not more frequently. However, since the removal and re-application of new polishes or gels is a time-consuming and potentially expensive task, polishes and gels are typically worn for at least several days irrespective of the wearers clothing choices.

Nail polishes and removers are typically provided in fluid form within small containers and hence can be fiddly and messy to apply, and susceptible to spillage. There are also concerns surrounding the risk to human health associated with noxious fumes emitted from nail polishes, and the potential adverse effects associated with repeated exposure to polymers and solvents. Indeed, in some jurisdictions (for example, Los Angeles and San Francisco in the United States) nail polishes containing dibutyl phthalate, toluene, and formaldehyde are considered by public authority environmental regulators to be a hazardous waste.

The use of artificial fingernails formed from acrylic, polycarbonate or hard gels can provide alternative options for decoration of fingernails. However, artificial fingernails do not overcome the problem of ensuring that the colour and/or design of fingernails adequately matches or complements changing clothing choices. Indeed, the application of artificial fingernails can in some instances be a somewhat technical task best undertaken by a professional nail technician. Consequently, artificial fingernails are often worn for a period of one month or longer such that the wearer has no opportunity to vary the colour of design of their fingernails during this period.

In recognition of the aforementioned drawbacks of traditional nail polishes, gels and existing artificial fingernails the inventors of the present invention have devised an alternative cosmetic apparatus for application to human fingernails.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an artificial fingernail overlay adapted for conformity with the surface of a human fingernail of a user comprising: a display layer attached to, or incorporated within, the artificial fingernail overlay for displaying monochromatic and/or polychromatic images on, or through, an upper surface thereof; a data-receiving module attached to, or incorporated within, the artificial fingernail overlay for receiving digital media files associated with said monochromatic and/or polychromatic images; and a power source attached to, or incorporated within, the artificial fingernail overlay for powering the display layer.

Optionally, the artificial fingernail overlay is curved to conform with the surface of a human fingernail.

The artificial fingernail overlay may be forced from a thermoplastic polymer such as polycarbonate, or any other material exhibiting suitable strength and weight characteristics.

Optionally, the display layer comprises a liquid-crystal (LCD) display.

Alternatively, the display layer comprises an organic light-emitting diode (0 LED) display.

It will be appreciated that the display should be capable of displaying static images mimicking conventional nail polish, gel or artificial fingernails. However, it is envisaged that more complex polychromatic static designs may also be displayed. Furthermore, the displaying of animated images which may be fast-moving or gradually changing.

Optionally, the display layer is curved to complement the surface profile of the artificial fingernail overlay to which it is attached, or incorporated within.

Optionally, the data-receiving module is adapted to receive digital media files via a wireless communication protocol.

Optionally, the wireless communication protocol is a low-power, short-range wireless communication protocol.

Optionally, the short-range wireless communication protocol is Bluetooth®.

Optionally, the power source is a rechargeable lithium battery cell.

Optionally, the power source is chargeable via an at-contact and/or a near-field over-the-air wireless charging protocol.

Optionally, the power source is an energy-scavenging power source which harvests energy from ambient sources.

An example of an appropriate power source is the Battery-Free Bluetooth® chip manufactured by Wiliot, Inc. This chip can communicate with any device enabled by Bluetooth Low Energy, such as smartphones, Wi-Fi access points and Internet of Things (loT) devices. It is powered by scavenging energy from ambient radio frequencies. However, alternative energy-scavenging transducers are envisaged such as accelerometers or photovoltaic cells, or those drawing energy from WiFi signals. It is further envisaged that power from a mobile device such as a smartphone may be wirelessly shared on the basis of PowerShake technology, i.e. as disclosed in CHI '16 Proceedings of the 2016 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Pages 4734-4745 accessible here: http://jarrodknibbe.comfilles/powershake.pdf Optionally, the power source comprises at least one antenna for receiving a radio-frequency (RF) input for conversion into a DC power output.

For example, the power source may be charged via inductive coupling. Alternatively, an ultra-small radio-frequency (RF) based wireless charging solution such as Energous Corporation's WattUp® power receiver may be utilised.

Optionally, the data-receiving module also acts as the power source.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for selectively displaying monochromatic and/or polychromatic images on an artificial fingernail overlay worn by a user according to the first aspect, wherein the system comprises a data-transmission module for transmitting digital media files associated with said monochromatic and/or polychromatic images.

Optionally, the system comprises a database and a graphical user interface facilitating the viewing and selection of multiple monochromatic and/or polychromatic image choices by the user.

Optionally, the system comprises a memory module to facilitate storage of one or more monochromatic and/or polychromatic images selected by a user.

Optionally, the system executes a software application which provides said database and/or said graphical user interface and/or said memory module.

It will be appreciated that a user may select one or more images for immediate transmission to one or more the artificial fingernail overlays. Alternatively, the user may wish to store "favourite" images within a library for future use.

Optionally, the software application is executed on, or accessed remotely via, a mobile device.

Optionally, the mobile device is a smartphone.

Optionally, the data-transmission module is provided by the mobile device.

Optionally, the data-transmission module is adapted to transmit said digital media files via a wireless communication protocol.

Optionally, the short-range wireless communication protocol is Bluetooth®.

Further features and advantages of the first and second aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams, in which:-Fig. 1 shows an artificial fingernail overlay applied over a human fingernail; Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-section through the artificial fingernail overlay of Fig. 1 along line A-A; Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a system for displaying images on artificial fingernail overlays controlled by a smartphone device paired to the overlays; and Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a human hand wherein each finger is provided with an artificial fingernail overlay displaying a different image.

Fig. 1 shows a human finger 10 onto which an artificial fingernail overlay 12 in accordance with the present invention has been attached. Suitable means for attaching the artificial fingernail overlay 12 will be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art and need not be described in any detail. In some embodiments, the artificial fingernail overlay 12 is formed from a relatively thin polycarbonate material which is curved to complement the surface profile of the underlying human fingernail (not shown). Therefore, to the casual observer, the artificial fingernail overlay 12 will look the same as a conventional artificial fingernail.

However, as shown in Fig. 2, the artificial fingernail overlay 12 comprises several additional components interposed between a concavely curved inner base layer 14 and a convexly curved outer layer 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the convexly curved layer 16 is a liquid crystal (LCD) display 16 defining the outermost layer of the artificial fingernail overlay 12. However, in alternative embodiments, a protective transparent layer may be applied over the display 16 to define the outermost layer.

Concealed beneath the convexly curved display 16 is a micro-power source 18 for powering the display 16; and a data-receiving module 20 for receiving digital media files as will be described further below. In some embodiments, the micro-power source 18 and the data-receiving module 20 are integrated as part of a system-on-chip (SoC) design. The data-receiving module 20 is adapted to receive digital media files transmitted to it via a wireless communication protocol such as Bluetooth®. As explained further below, the digital media files may be transmitted from, or using, a user's smartphone device (see Fig. 3) which is paired with the artificial fingernail overlays 12.

The micro-power source 18 shown in Fig. 2 is a rechargeable lithium battery cell, but it could instead be provided in the form of an alternative nanogenerator power source providing the required power output within the required dimensional constraints. The battery cell 18 is wirelessly chargeable over-the-air and/or scavenges energy from external ambient sources, for example, solar, thermal, or kinetic energy One example of an appropriate power source is the Battery-Free Bluetooth® chip manufactured by Wiliot, Inc. This chip can communicate with any device enabled by Bluetooth Low Energy, such as smartphones, Wi-Fi access points and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. It is powered by scavenging energy from ambient radio frequencies. However, alternative energy-scavenging transducers are envisaged such as accelerometers or photovoltaic cells, or those drawing energy from WiFi signals. It is further envisaged that power from a mobile device such as a smartphone may be wirelessly shared on the basis of PowerShake technology, i.e. as disclosed in CHI '16 Proceedings of the 2016 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Pages 4734-4745 accessible here: http://j arrodknib be.com/files/powershake.pdf Fig. 3 shows a system for displaying images on artificial fingernail overlays 12 comprising a smartphone device 30 for transmitting digital media files to each artificial fingernail overlay using the Bluetooth® short-range wireless communication protocol. It will be appreciated that the smartphone executes a software application which generates a graphical user interface (GUI) to enable the user to browse and/or search and/or edit and/or create monochromatic and/or polychromatic images for subsequent transmission to artificial fingernail overlays. A memory module 22 forming part of the software application allows images selected by a user to be stored in a library as "favourites" for later use. The software application may provide the user with the ability to purchase additional digital media files associated with additional nail colours, images or designs, and/or share these with friends.

The graphical user interface generated by the software application allows the user to transmit colours, images or designs to each artificial fingernail overlays, either on a collective basis (i.e. all fingernails provided with the same colour and/or design); or on an individual basis (i.e. allowing the user to select a different colour and/or design for each fingernail), as shown in Fig. 4. The process of transmitting and receiving each digital media file via Bluetooth® facilitates near the instantaneous display of user-selected colour and/or design choices on the displays 16 desired artificial fingernail overlays 12 worn by the user.

It will be appreciated that there are significant potential environmental and human health benefits associated with the present invention in terms of eliminating noxious fumes and the use of liquid-form chemicals by the user.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been disclosed herein in detail, this has been done by way of example and for the purposes of illustration only. The aforementioned embodiments are not intended to be limiting with respect to the scope of the appended claims. It is contemplated by the inventors that various substitutions, alterations, and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. By way of examples, it is envisaged that the system of the present invention may be adapted to change colour or design choices automatically dependent on ambient or other conditions such as acoustics (e.g. as detected by a smartphone's microphone); user mood (e.g. as determined via a user's social media account input); temperature (e.g. as determined by local weather data obtained via an appropriate software application on the user's device); or time of day (e.g. as determined by a clock on the user's device).

Claims

CLAIMSAn artificial nail overlay adapted for conformity with the surface of a human fingernail of a user comprising: a display layer attached to, or incorporated within, the artificial nail overlay for displaying monochromatic and/or polychromatic images on, or through, an upper surface thereof; a data-receiving module attached to, or incorporated within, the artificial nail overlay for receiving digital media files associated with said monochromatic and/or polychromatic images; and a power source attached to, or incorporated within, the artificial nail overlay for powering the display layer.
2. An artificial nail overlay according to claim 1, wherein the display layer comprises a liquid-crystal (LCD) display.
3. An artificial nail overlay according to claim 1, wherein, the display layer comprises an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display.
4. An artificial nail overlay according to any preceding claim, wherein the display layer is curved to complement the surface profile of the artificial nail overlay to which it is attached, or incorporated within.
S. An artificial nail overlay according to any preceding claim, wherein, the data-receiving module is adapted to receive digital media files via a wireless communication protocol.
6. An artificial nail overlay according to claim 5, wherein, the wireless communication protocol is a low-power, short-range wireless communication protocol.
7. An artificial nail overlay according to claim 6, wherein the short-range wireless communication protocol is Bluetooth®.
8. An artificial nail overlay according to any preceding claim, wherein the power source is a rechargeable lithium battery cell.
9. An artificial nail overlay according to any preceding claim, wherein the power source is chargeable via an at-contact and/or a near-field over-the-air wireless charging protocol.
10. An artificial nail overlay according to any preceding claim, wherein the power source is an energy-scavenging power source which harvests energy from ambient sources.
11. An artificial nail overlay according to any preceding claim, wherein the power source comprises at least one antenna for receiving a radio-frequency (RF) input for conversion into a DC power output.
12. An artificial nail overlay according to any preceding claim, wherein the data-receiving module also acts as the power source.
13. A system for selectively displaying monochromatic and/or polychromatic images on an artificial nail overlay worn by a user in accordance with any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the system comprises a data-transmission module for transmitting digital media files associated with said monochromatic and/or polychromatic images.
14. A system according to claim 13, further comprising a database and a graphical user interface facilitating the viewing and selection of multiple monochromatic and/or polychromatic image choices by the user.
15. A system according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising a memory module to facilitate storage of one or more monochromatic and/or polychromatic images selected by a user.
16. A system according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein a software application is executed to provide said database and/or said graphical user interface and/or said memory module.
17. A system according to claim 16, wherein the software application is executed on, or accessed remotely via, a mobile device.
18. A system according to claim 17, wherein the mobile device is a smartphone.
19. A system according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the data-transmission module is provided by the mobile device.
20. A system according to any of claims 13 to 19, wherein the data-transmission module is adapted to transmit said digital media files via a wireless communication protocol.
21. A system according to claim 20, wherein the wireless communication protocol is a low-power, short-range wireless communication protocol.
22. A system according to claim 21, wherein the short-range wireless communication protocol is Bluetooth O.