GB2589106A

GB2589106A - A nail painting apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2589106A
Application number: GB1916866.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Yorke Eden
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-11-20
Filing date: 2019-11-20
Publication date: 2021-05-26
Anticipated expiration: 2039-11-20
Also published as: GB2589212A; GB202017961D0; GB2589106B; GB2589212B; GB201916866D0

Abstract

A nail painting apparatus 2 comprising a body portion 4 comprising a lower surface 6 configured to be in contact with a support surface. Body portion 4 further comprises an upper surface 8 and side portions 10 extending between upper and lower surfaces 6,8. At least one of the side portions 10 provides at least one recess 12. The apparatus 2 further comprises at least one elongate support member 14 comprising first end 16 and opposed second end 18 defining an elongate axis extending therebetween. First end 16 is configured to be releasably engageable with, and rotatable about said axis of the support member 14 within the recess 12. Second end 18 supports an artificial nail 20. The apparatus 2 may comprise ten spaced apart recesses 14. The apparatus 2 may comprise a drying chamber comprising a heat source such as a UV curing lamp or an air blower, into which the body portion 4 and member 14 are received. Second end 18 may be provided with an attachment member such as a reusable adhesive putty or white tack for securing the nail 20 thereon. A kit of parts and method for painting artificial nails are also disclosed.

Description

A NAIL PAINTING APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus, a kit, and a method for securely holding artificial nails for applying a coating to one or more surfaces thereof.

Background

There is a growing trend for wearing painted artificial nails. While painting artificial nails, there is a risk that the coating, such as for example varnish, may be unintentionally deposited on the adjacent skin of the user. Furthermore, it is difficult to accurately and neatly apply a coating to a user's hand using the non-writing hand.

There is therefore a need for an apparatus which is able to securely support artificial nails for painting prior to application to the fingers of a user.

Prior Art

US 9713371 discloses a compact portable LED nail curing lamp has surface-mounted light emitting diode (SMD LED) lights. The lamp provides fast and consistent results producing high gloss finish and even curing of nail polish (e.g., UV-curable gel polish). The nail lamp has a micro USB port, which can be used to power the lamp using a wall adapter, car charger; laptop USB port, or mobile power bank for ultimate portability.

US20040112397 discloses a nail designer kit for holding and manipulating artificial fingernails while being polished or decorated comprising a container and a plurality of design sticks on which artificial fingernails are mounted.

EP2306864 discloses a kit including a package containing a plurality of preformed artificial nails having an application tab that removably clings to a surface of the nail, the application tab assembly including a body protruding from the nail, an attachment portion; and, optionally, an adhesive disposed between the body and the artificial nail. The clinging portion of the attachment portion, and the adhesive, if utilized, leaves substantially no residue on the artificial nail when the application tab assembly is removed from the surface of the artificial nail.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a nail painting apparatus comprising: a body portion comprising a lower surface configured to be in contact with a 10 support surface, an opposed upper surface, and side portions extending therebetween, in which at least one side portion provides at least one recess; at least one elongate support member comprising a first end and a second opposed end defining an elongate axis extending therebetween, in which the first end is configured to be releasably engageable with, and rotatable about the elongate axis 15 of the elongate support member within, the at least one recess of the body portion, and in which the second opposed end is configured to support an artificial nail thereon.

The apparatus preferably comprises ten spaced apart recesses.

The apparatus may further comprise a drying chamber configured to receive at least the second end of the at least one elongate support member.

The drying chamber may be configured to receive the body portion and the at least one elongate support member. The drying chamber preferably comprises a heat source configured to provide heat to at least the second end of the at least one elongate support member. The heat source may be selected from one of: a UV curing lamp or an air blower.

In one embodiment, the at least one elongate support member preferably comprises 30 injection moulded polypropylene.

The body portion may further comprise at least one receptacle for storing at least one artificial nail. For example, the body portion may comprise a plurality of receptacles for storing artificial nails. Each receptacle may store a different sized artificial nail.

In one embodiment, the or each recess of the body portion may be in communication with a corresponding aperture provided by the at least one side portion. The or each aperture preferably defines a plane extending substantially perpendicular to the lower surface of the body portion and/or the support surface.

The at least one recess of the body portion is preferably in communication with a corresponding aperture provided by the at least one side portion. The or each aperture preferably defines a plane extending at an angle to an axis extending substantially perpendicular to the lower surface of the body portion and/or the support surface.

In one embodiment, the second end of the at least one elongate support member further comprises an attachment member for releasably securing an artificial nail thereon. The attachment member is preferably an adhesive putty, such as for example a reusable adhesive putty, for example white tack.

The body portion may be composed of one or more of: metal and/or natural materials and/or plastic. The lower surface of the body portion may further comprise one or more attachment features for securing the lower surface to the support surface. The one or more attachment features may be selected from one or more of: adhesive portion(s) and/or sucker attachments.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for a nail painting apparatus comprising: a body portion comprising a lower surface configured to be in contact with a 25 support surface, an opposed upper surface, and side portions extending therebetween, in which at least one side portion provides at least one recess; and at least one elongate support member comprising a first end and a second opposed end defining an elongate axis extending therebetween, in which the first end is configured to be releasably engageable with, and rotatable about the elongate axis 30 of the elongate support member within, the at least one recess of the body portion, and in which the second opposed end is configured to support an artificial nail thereon; and optionally a drying chamber configured to direct a heat source towards at least the second end of the at least one elongate members.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for painting artificial nails, the method comprising: obtaining a body portion comprising a lower surface configured to be in contact with a support surface, an opposed upper surface, and side portions extending therebetween, in which at least one side portion provides at least one recess; obtaining at least one elongate support member comprising a first end and a second opposed end defining an elongate axis extending therebetween; inserting the first end of the at least one elongate support member into a corresponding recess of the body portion for releasable engagement therewith; supporting at least one artificial nail on a corresponding second opposed end of the at least one elongate support member; applying a first coating to a first surface of the at least one artificial nail; rotating the at least one elongate support member about the elongate axis thereof relative to the body portion to expose a second surface of the at least one artificial nail; and applying a second coating to the second surface of the at least one artificial nail.

The method may further comprise directing a heat source to at least the second end of the at least one elongate support member.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only 20 and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a view from above of one embodiment of the 25 apparatus of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of a view from below of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic illustration of an exploded view from above of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a schematic illustration of a view from above of a further embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 5 shows a schematic illustration of a view from below of the apparatus of Figure 4; and Figure 6 shows a schematic illustration of an exploded view from above of the 5 apparatus of Figure 4.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the Figures, the nail painting apparatus 2, 2' comprises a body portion 4, 4' comprising a lower surface 6, 6' configured to be in contact with a support surface (not shown). The body portion 4, 4' further comprises an opposed upper surface 8, 8', and side portions 10, 10' extending between the lower surface 6, 6' and the upper surface 8, 8'. At least one of the side portions 10, 10' provides ten spaced apart recesses 12, 12'.

In the illustrated embodiments, the recesses 12, 12' are all provided by the same side portion 10, 10' of the body portion 4, 4', i.e. by the front facing side portion 10, 10' (i.e. the side portion facing the user). It is however to be understood that the recesses 12, 12' may be provided by any suitable side portion, or combination of side portions. It is also to be understood that the body portion 4, 4' may provide any suitable number of recesses 12, 12' and is not to be limited to providing ten recesses.

The apparatus 2, 2' further comprises ten elongate support members 14, 14', each comprising a first end 16, 16' and a second opposed end 18, 18' defining an elongate 25 axis extending therebetween. Each elongate support member 14, 14' is composed of injection moulded polypropylene.

The first end 16, 16' of the elongate support members 14, 14' is configured to be releasably engageable with, and rotatable about the elongate axis of the elongate 30 support member 14, 14' within, a corresponding recess 12, 12' of the body portion 4, 4'.

The second opposed end 18, 18' of each elongate support member 14, 14' is configured to support an artificial nail 20, 20' thereon.

Each recess 12, 12' of the body portion 4,4' is in communication with a corresponding aperture 22, 22' provided by the side portion 10. Each aperture 22, 22' defines a plane extending at an angle to an axis extending substantially perpendicular to the lower surface 6, 6' of the body portion 4, 4' and/or the support surface.

The second end 18, 18' of each elongate support member 14, 14' further comprises an attachment member 24, 24' for releasably securing an artificial nail thereon. The attachment member 24, 24' is preferably an adhesive putty, such as for example a reusable adhesive putty, for example white tack.

The body portion 4' further comprise six spaced apart receptacles 26' each configured to store artificial nails. Each receptacle 26' has a threaded lid 28' for sealing the contents inside.

The apparatus may further comprise a drying chamber configured to receive at least the second end of the at least one elongate support member. The drying chamber may be configured to receive the body portion and the at least one elongate support member. The drying chamber may comprise a heat source configured to provide heat to at least the second end of the at least one elongate support member. The heat source may be selected from one of: a UV curing lamp or an air blower. The drying chamber may be operable via a USB port.

In use, the first end 16, 16' of the elongate support members 14, 14' are inserted into corresponding recesses 12, 12' of the body portion for releasable engagement therewith. Adhesive putty 24 is placed on the second opposed ends 18, 18' of each elongate support member 14, 14'. Artificial nails 20, 20' are then placed securely on the adhesive putty 24 on the second ends 18, 18' of each elongate support member 14, 14'.

The user may then apply a first coating to the upper surface of the artificial nails 20, 20'. Once the first coating has been applied to the upper surface of the nail 20, 20', the user may then rotate the elongate support member 14, 14' about the elongate axis thereof relative to the body portion 4, 4' to expose a second surface of the artificial nail 20, 20'. The user may then apply a second coating to the second surface of the artificial nail.

Once the first and optionally second coatings have been applied to and dried on the artificial nail, the nails may be applied to the hands of the user.

The apparatus of the present invention may be used to accurately and neatly paint 5 artificial nails prior to application to the hands of the user, thereby reducing the risk of coatings unintentionally being applied to adjacent skin of the user.

By supporting the artificial nails independent of the hands of the user, the user may accurately apply the coating without having to use a non-writing hand thereby 10 improving the accuracy of the applied coating and improving the visual effect achieved.

The apparatus of the present invention may be used to accurately and neatly paint multiple surfaces of artificial nails, thereby enabling the user to create improved visual effects.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

Claims 1 A nail painting apparatus comprising: a body portion comprising a lower surface configured to be in contact with a support surface, an opposed upper surface, and side portions extending therebetween, in which at least one side portion provides at least one recess; and at least one elongate support member comprising a first end and a second opposed end defining an elongate axis extending therebetween, in which the first end is configured to be releasably engageable with, and rotatable about the elongate axis of the elongate support member within, the at least one recess of the body portion, and in which the second opposed end is configured to support an artificial nail thereon.
2. A nail painting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the apparatus comprises ten spaced apart recesses.
3. A nail painting apparatus as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2, in which the apparatus further comprises a drying chamber configured to receive at least the second end of the at least one elongate support member.
4. A nail painting apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which the drying chamber is configured to receive the body portion and the at least one elongate support member.
5. A nail painting apparatus as claimed in either of claims 3 or 4, in which the drying chamber comprises a heat source configured to provide heat to at least the second end of the at least one elongate support member.
6. A nail painting apparatus as claimed in claim 5, in which the heat source is one of: a UV curing lamp or an air blower.
7. A nail painting apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the at least one elongate support member comprises injection moulded polypropylene.
8. A nail painting apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the body portion further comprises at least one recess or receptacle for storing at least one artificial nail.
9. A nail painting apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the at least one recess is in communication with a corresponding aperture provided by the at least one side portion, and in which the or each aperture defines a plane extending substantially perpendicular to the lower surface of the body portion and/or the support surface.
10. A nail painting apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the at least one recess is in communication with a corresponding aperture provided by the at least one side portion, and in which the or each aperture defines a plane extending at an angle to an axis extending substantially perpendicular to the lower surface of the body portion and/or the support surface.
11. A nail painting apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the second end of the at least one elongate support member further comprises an attachment member for releasably securing an artificial nail thereon.
12. A nail painting apparatus as claimed in claim 11, in which the attachment member is an adhesive putty.
13. A nail painting apparatus as claimed in claim 12, in which the adhesive putty is a reusable adhesive putty.
14. A nail painting apparatus as claimed in claim 12, in which the adhesive putty is white tack.
15. A nail painting apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the body portion is composed of one or more of: metal and/or natural materials and/or plastic.
16. A nail painting apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the lower surface of the body portion comprises one or more attachment features for securing the lower surface to the support surface.
17. A nail painting apparatus as claimed in claim 16, in which the one or more attachment features are selected from one or more of: adhesive portion(s) and/or sucker attachments.
18. A kit for a nail painting apparatus comprising: a body portion comprising a lower surface configured to be in contact with a support surface, an opposed upper surface, and side portions extending therebetween, in which at least one side portion provides at least one recess; and at least one elongate support member comprising a first end and a second opposed end defining an elongate axis extending therebetween, in which the first end is configured to be releasably engageable with, and rotatable about the elongate axis of the elongate support member within, the at least one recess of the body portion, and in which the second opposed end is configured to support an artificial nail thereon; and optionally a drying chamber configured to direct a heat source towards at least the second end of the at least one elongate members.
19. A method for painting artificial nails, the method comprising: obtaining a body portion comprising a lower surface configured to be in contact with a support surface, an opposed upper surface, and side portions extending therebetween, in which at least one side portion provides at least one recess; obtaining at least one elongate support member comprising a first end and a second opposed end defining an elongate axis extending therebetween; inserting the first end of the at least one elongate support member into a corresponding recess of the body portion for releasable engagement therewith; supporting at least one artificial nail on a corresponding second opposed end of the at least one elongate support member; applying a first coating to a first surface of the at least one artificial nail; rotating the at least one elongate support member about the elongate axis thereof relative to the body portion to expose a second surface of the at least one artificial nail; and applying a second coating to the second surface of the at least one artificial nail.
20. A method as claimed in claim 19, further comprising directing a heat source to at least the second end of the at least one elongate support member.