GB2589212A

GB2589212A - A nail holding apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2589212A
Application number: GB2017961.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Yorke Eden
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-11-20
Filing date: 2020-11-16
Publication date: 2021-05-26
Anticipated expiration: 2040-11-16
Also published as: GB2589212B; GB202017961D0; GB2589106B; GB2589106A; GB201916866D0

Abstract

Apparatus for holding artificial nails comprises a body portion 2 having a lower surface (8, fig.1) configured to be in contact with a support surface, an upper surface (6, fig. 1A), and side portions 10 extending therebetween. At least one side portion provides at least one aperture 12 to receive an elongate support member 14. Each support member comprises a first end 16 and a second opposed end 18 defining an elongate axis extending therebetween. The first end is configured to be releasably engageable with the aperture of the body portion, and the second opposed end is configured to support an artificial nail thereon, preferably using adhesive putty. The body portion also comprises a receptacle 26 in which to store artificial nails. The member 14 may be L-shaped or T-shaped. A drying chamber may be incorporated into the apparatus. There may be a recess provided in communication with the aperture on the side portion. A kit for a nail holding apparatus is also disclosed including a nail holding apparatus and a drying chamber.

Description

A NAIL HOLDING 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.

US5904149 (RUHL) discloses a support device for artificial fingernails for selectively securing artificial fingernails on individual support members.

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 holding 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 aperture; 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 the at least one aperture of the body portion, and in which the second opposed end is configured to support an artificial nail thereon; and in which the body portion further comprises at least one receptacle for storing at least one artificial nail.

In this way artificial nails can be easily arranged on the apparatus and painted, prior to application, and artificial nails can be stored in the receptacles.

In some embodiments the at least one elongate support member is rotatable about the elongate axis when within the at least one aperture of the body portion. For example the cross section of the support member may be round and inserted into a round aperture so that the member can rotate. This allows the position of the nail to be changed during painting.

In some embodiments the elongate support members are straight and the aperture for receiving the member extends through a side portion substantially parallel to the surface upon which the apparatus is arranged.

In other embodiments the members are L-shaped or T-shaped and the aperture 35 receiving the member may extend downwards through the side portion towards the surface upon which the apparatus is arranged.

Advantageously the T-shaped member has two orientations in which it can be inserted to an aperture so the nail can be rotated by removing the member, turning it around and inserting the member in the opposed orientation. In this way the nail is rotated through 180 degrees thus enabling different parts of the nail to be painted or coated.

For example a first face of the nail may be coated before the nail is rotated on the member and relocated in the aperture to allow a second opposed face of the nail to be coated.

The apparatus preferably comprises ten spaced apart apertures. One aperture for 10 each nail on a pair of hands.

In some embodiments the entrance to the aperture may have a bevelled edge or a tapering entrance to help guide the first end of the elongate member into the aperture. For example the edge of the aperture may form a recess to guide the member into the 15 aperture.

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 injection moulded polypropylene.

The body portion has at least one receptacle for storing at least one artificial nail. For 30 example, the body portion may comprise a plurality of receptacles for storing artificial nails. Each receptacle may store a different sized artificial nail.

The receptacle may be a recess provided in the body into which artificial nails may be stored. In this way, nails of different sizes can be separated.

In some embodiments the body may be adapted to receive a displaceable receptacle. In this way the receptacle containing the artificial nails can be removed from the body portion. For example, the receptacle may comprise a container with a lid, the receptacle may be received in a recess or opening so as to locate the receptacle on the body portion.

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 10 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 holding 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 aperture; 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 aperture 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 holding artificial nails using the device, 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 aperture; 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 aperture 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.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method for holding 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 aperture; 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 aperture 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 to accelerate drying or setting of the nail coating.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only 25 and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1A shows a schematic illustration of a view from above of a first embodiment of 30 the present invention; Figure 1 B shows a schematic illustration of a view from below of the apparatus of Figure 1A; Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of an exploded view from above of the first embodiment; Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the invention with L-shaped elongate members Figure 4 shows an underside view of the second embodiment; Figure 5 shows an exploded view from above of the second embodiment; Figure 6 shows an exploded view from below of the second embodiment; Figure 7 shows an underside view of a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 shows the third embodiment when viewed from above; Figure 9 shows an exploded view of the third embodiment viewed from above; Figure 10 shows an exploded view from below of the third embodiment-and Figure 11 shows a third embodiment of an elongate support member.

Detailed Description of Figures

Figures -1 to 10 show embodiments of the claimed invention.

The the nail holding apparatus 100, 200, 300 comprises a body portion 2 comprising a lower surface 8' configured to be in contact with a support surface (not shown). The body portion 2 further comprises an opposed upper surface 86, and side portions 10, 10' extending between the lower surface 8' and the upper surface 6. At least one of the side portions 10 provides ten spaced apart apertures 12.

In the illustrated embodiments, the apertures 12 are all provided by the same side portion 10 of the body portion 2, i.e. by the front facing side portion 10, (i.e. the side portion facing the user). It is however to be understood that the apertures 12 may be provided by any suitable side portion, or combination of side portions. It is also to be understood that the body portion 2 may provide any suitable number of apertures 12 and is not to be limited to providing ten apertures.

The apparatus 100, 200, 300 further comprises ten elongate support members 14, each comprising a first end 16 and a second opposed end 18defining an elongate axis extending therebetween. Each elongate support member 14is composed of injection 5 moulded polypropylene.

The first end 16 of the elongate support members 14 is configured to be releasably engageable with, and rotatable about the elongate axis of the elongate support member 14 within, a corresponding aperture 12 of the body portion 2.

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

Each aperture 12 defines a plane extending at an angle to an axis extending 15 substantially perpendicular to the lower surface 6 of the body portion 2 and/or the support surface.

The apertures may have a bevelled outer edge 12A (see Figure 2), so as to guide the member 14 into the aperture 12.

The second end 18 of each elongate support member 14 further comprises an attachment member (not shown) for releasably securing an artificial nail thereon. The attachment member (not shown) is preferably an adhesive putty, such as for example a reusable adhesive putty, for example white tack.

The body portion 2 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 receptacles 26 are arranged in recesses 25 that are formed in the body 2.

Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the apparatus having 6 receptacles 26,28, ten apertures 12 arranged on a side portion 10.

The elongate support members 14 are straight with a round cross section. The apertures 12 are round so that the elongate support members 14 can be rotated when within the aperture 12. The body 2 has a flat upper surface 6 and a flat lower surface 8.

Figures 3 to 6 show a second embodiment 200 of the invention. The second embodiment 200 has oval shaped apertures 12 for receiving L-shaped elongate members 14. The apertures 12 extend through the body, downwards, towards the surface upon which the body is located. The first end of the elongate member 16 has an oval cross section to correspond with the first end of the elongate member 14. Each elongate member is not able to rotate in the aperture 12.

The view from below of the second embodiment (Figure 6) shows that the apertures 12 pass through the body to the lower surface 8.

The body portion 2 has a flat upper surface 6 and a flat lower surface 8.

Figures 7 to 10 show a third embodiment of the invention. The body portion or body 2 is moulded to define openings for the receptacles 26 and apertures for the elongate members. The body has a flat upper surface 6 whereas the lower surface 8 is open and shows the moulded features of the apparatus. As with the second embodiment 200, the third embodiment 300 has oval shaped apertures 12 for receiving L-shaped elongate members 14. The apertures 12 extend through the body, downwards, towards the surface upon which the body is located. The first end of the elongate member 16 has an oval cross section to correspond with the first end of the elongate member 14. Each elongate member is not able to rotate in the aperture.

Figure 11 shows a third embodiment of an elongate support member 14. The member 14 is T-shaped. In this way a first end of the T 16A is inserted in the aperture, and a second end of the T 16B projects upward (away from the surface upon which the apparatus is arranged). The second part of the T can be used to hold the member 14 when inserting and removing the member so that the end holding the nail does not need to be used. The T-shaped member has two orientations in which it can be inserted to an aperture. In this way the nail mounted on the member when the first end of the T 16A, can be rotated by removing the member 14, turning it around and inserting the second end of the T 16B so that the artificial nail is now in the opposed orientation. In this way the nail is rotated through 180 degrees thus enabling different parts of the nail to be painted or coated. For example a first face of the nail may be coated before the nail is rotated on the member and relocated in the aperture to allow a second opposed face of the nail to be coated.

The apparatus may further comprise a drying chamber configured to receive at least 5 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 10 chamber may be operable via a USB port.

In use, the first end 16 of the elongate support members 14 are inserted into corresponding apertures 22of the body portion for releasable engagement therewith. Adhesive putty (not shown) is placed on the second opposed ends 18 of each elongate support member 14. Artificial nails 20are then placed securely on the adhesive putty on the second ends 18 of each elongate support member 14.

The user may then apply a first coating to the upper surface of the artificial nails 20. Once the first coating has been applied to the upper surface of the nail 20, the user may then rotate the elongate support member 14 about the elongate axis thereof relative to the body portion 2 to expose a second surface of the artificial nail 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 25 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 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 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 holding 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 aperture; 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 the at least one aperture of the body portion, and in which the second opposed end is configured to support an artificial nail thereon; and in which the body portion further comprises at least one receptacle for storing at least one artificial nail.
2. A nail holding apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one elongate support member is rotatable about the elongate axis when within the at least one aperture of the body portion.
3. A nail holding apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the elongate support member is straight.
4. A holding apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the elongate support member is L-shaped
5. A nail holding apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the elongate support member is T-shaped.
6. A nail holding apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the apparatus comprises ten spaced apart apertures.
7. A nail holding apparatus according to any preceding claim 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.
8. A nail holding apparatus as claimed in claim 7, in which the drying chamber is configured to receive the body portion and the at least one elongate support member.
9. A nail holding apparatus as claimed in either of claims 7 or 8, 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.
10. A nail holding apparatus as claimed in claim 9, in which the heat source is one of: a UV curing lamp or an air blower.
11. A nail holding apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the at least one elongate support member comprises polypropylene.
12. A nail holding apparatus as claim in any preceding claim wherein the at least one aperture in communication with a corresponding recess provided by the at least one side portion.
13. A nail holding 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.
14. A nail holding 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.
15. A nail holding 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.
16. A nail holding apparatus as claimed in claim 15, in which the attachment member is an adhesive putty.
17. A nail holding apparatus as claimed in claim 16, in which the adhesive putty is a reusable adhesive putty.
18. A nail holding apparatus as claimed in claim 16, in which the adhesive putty is white tack.
19. A nail holding 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.
20. A nail holding 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.
21. A nail holding apparatus as claimed in claim 20, in which the one or more attachment features are selected from one or more of: adhesive portion(s) and/or sucker attachments.
22. A kit for a nail holding 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 aperture; 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 the at least one aperture of the body portion, and in which the second opposed end is configured to support an artificial nail thereon; and a drying chamber configured to direct a heat source towards at least the second end of the at least one elongate member.
23. A method for holding artificial nails using the device according to any of claims 1 to 21, 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 aperture; 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 aperture 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.
24. A method for holding artificial nails using the device according to any of claims 2 to 21, 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 aperture; 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 aperture 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.
25. A method as claimed in claim 23 or 24, further comprising directing a heat source to at least the second end of the at least one elongate support member.