GB2624038A

GB2624038A - Artificial fingernail/toenail arrangement and method

Info

Publication number: GB2624038A
Application number: GB2216554.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Claire Susan Amphlett Michele
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-11-07
Filing date: 2022-11-07
Publication date: 2024-05-08
Also published as: GB202216554D0

Abstract

A false nail system comprises a false nail for application onto a natural fingernail 2, the false nail having a segment 3 of woven material with a first surface 4 and a second surface 5 opposite the first surface. The segment may comprise first filaments that aligned in a first direction that are interlaced with second filaments aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The filaments may comprise waterproof or non-waterproof material. An image may be printed on the woven material. A coating of nail varnish or builder gel may be received on one surface of the false nail. The coating preferably encapsulates the open ends of the filaments. The coated segment may then be cured by exposure to UV radiation (fig. 8). The segment of woven material can preferably bend so that its curvature matches the curvature of the nail. As such it is more likely to securely adhere to the nail than a moulded plastic false nail.

Description

ARTIFICIAL FINGERNAIUTOENAIL ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD

TECHNICAL FIELD

[1] The present disclosure relates to fingernail/toenail enhancements, and to substrates and overlayers for application to fingernails/toenails. The disclosure relates to improved false fingernails/toenails and methods of production and application thereof. In particular, the disclosure relates primarily to a novel type of false fingernail/toenail for attachment on a natural fingernail/toenail (human fingernail/toenail or real fingernail/toenail) and a novel method for producing such fingernails/toenails and applying them onto a natural fingernail/toenail.

[2] More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a false fingernail/toenail comprising a section of fabric shaped and dimensioned to approximately match the natural fingernail/toenail to which it is to be applied, the fabric generally being a woven fabric which may be biodegradable. The woven fabric is suitable for receiving and, partially or wholly, absorbing a liquid material, such as a suitable gel or polish, which hardens on exposure to air or to suitable radiation, such as UV radiation.

[3] Artwork may be embedded into the false fingernail/toenail before or after the application of the fingernail onto the natural fingernail/toenail.

[4] The reader will understand that the word "fingernail" used throughout this description and the accompanying claims refers equally to toenails, the systems and processes being as applicable to toenails as fingernails. The word "fingernail" or "nail" is used simply for brevity, but, neither in the description nor the claims, should this be construed as limited to fingernails only, as toenails are also intended to be covered by the same term.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[5] In general, false fingernails in conventional systems consist of a "stick-on" layer, made of a moulded plastic, the layer being arcuate in cross-section to fit onto the natural fingernail, the curvature of the concave surface being broadly similar to that of the outer convex surface of a natural fingernail to which it is to be applied or attached. The perimeter of the layer is shaped to broadly match the perimeter of the natural fingernail, but at the distal end of the layer may extend further than the natural fingernail in order to provide the appearance of being longer, the wearer of the false fingernail thereby creating the impression of having (a) long fingernail(s).

[6] The conventional "stick-on" false fingernail is applied to the natural fingernail by means of a layer of adhesive between the false fingernail and the natural fingernail. Once adhered onto the natural fingernail the conventional false fingernail has generally a duration of a few weeks or shorter if the false fingernail is removed prematurely.

[7] The producers of conventional moulded stick-on false fingernails seek to dimension and shape their product in accordance with common or standard sizes and shapes of natural fingernails. They are usually made of a hard or semi-rigid material, such as a suitable plastic, which can be easily and cheaply produced by standard moulding processes.

[8] An alternative to the "stick-on" false fingernail referenced above is acrylic-based material which may be applied in liquid form On the manner of a coat of paint or varnish) directly onto the user's natural fingernail. The acrylic then hardens on exposure to air or suitable radiation, such as UV radiation. One notable disadvantage with this approach is that extending an acrylic-based false fingernail beyond the distal tip of the user's natural fingernail is not straightforward and requires a "nail form" (a tool which sits beneath the natural fingernail tip and forms a temporary supporting substrate for "building out" the liquid acrylic until the acrylic is hard enough to support itself) to extend beyond the natural fingernail tip. This is a messy and inconvenient way to establish longer fingernails. In addition, and most commonly used, an artificial tip covering either part or all of the nail, is stuck onto the nail and then acrylic is applied over the tip to strengthen and bond the artificial tip to the natural nail. Further references herein to "acrylic" systems are to those in which acrylic-based material may be applied in liquid form On the manner of a coat of paint or varnish) onto a natural fingernail.

[9] The false fingernails in both the stick-on and the acrylic systems are brittle and susceptible to unwanted breakage. The reader will readily understand that even through normal operation of the fingers, the fingernail tips and, above all, extended false fingernails, can easily be broken or chipped or damaged. A damaged fingernail tip is unsightly and can lead to reduced dexterity and use of the finger concerned. The user's only option in the case of a damaged extended false fingernail is to replace the damaged false fingernail with another undamaged false fingernail, which is inconvenient, time consuming, costly and environmentally unfriendly.

[0010] In both the stick-on and the acrylic conventional systems, once the false fingernail is fully installed or completed, a further step may be envisaged in which aesthetic patterns and designs may be incorporated onto the outer surface of the false fingernail, the designs being created by an artist or technician directly on the outer surface. This is painstaking work and for complex designs can be time-consuming, for both the artist and the wearer. Damage to a false fingernail which carries such an aesthetic design is particularly inconvenient if the whole false fingernail has to be replaced as a result of the damage.

OBJECTIVE TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0011] The conventional "stick-on" product is single use: after the conventional false fingernail has been removed it is discarded into the environment. With the explosion in use of false fingernails in recent times, millions of such false fingernails are being thrown away each year, causing a serious environmental hazard. The acrylic false fingernails, achieved by "painting" the liquid acrylic material onto the natural fingernail, as described above, can be easily scratched or damaged or eroded with time or, can be intentional scraped off by the wearer: the environmental considerations are similar to those of the stick-on products.

[0012] As conventional stick-on false fingernails are moulded in large quantifies, the room to provide a bespoke product customised for each user is limited. As the possibility of modifying the standard sizes and shapes and curvatures produced by such mass production methods is low, wearers with non-standard requirements are not readily accommodated. In practice, despite the inflexibility of mass produced standardised conventional false fingernails, the surfaces, shape and size of natural fingernails varies considerably, and mismatches, in terms of shape, size and above all curvature, between false fingernails and the underlying natural fingernail onto which they are applied are frequent.

[0013] Ideally, in conventional stick-on fingernail systems, the entirety of the convex upper surface of the natural fingernail is used to provide an adhering area to the concave lower surface of the false fingernail, ie with adhesive present at all parts of the interface between the false fingernail and the natural fingernail.

[0014] In reality, due to the mismatches described above, especially in mismatches in the curvature of the false fingernail and the natural fingernail, there are frequently air pockets or gaps in the interface between these two surfaces, with part of the lower concave surface of the false fingernail being unadhered, and unattached, to the convex natural fingernail, the adhering area being therefor reduced to a sub-optimal area. Some parts of the false fingernail may effective unsupported. The reader will understand that any mismatch between the perimeters of the false fingernail and the natural fingernail (save at the extended length of the false fingernail at its distal end), whether the mismatch is in excess or in deficit, will reduce the mechanical stability of the composite structure comprising the false fingernail and the natural fingernail.

[0015] Moreover, ill-fitting false fingernails (of the stick-on type), not only have the disadvantage of being poorly attached to the natural fingernail, as described above, but the mechanical weakness of the composite structure is likely to be further compromised through use of the fingernails, leading to "flapping" or partial detachment of the false fingernail, or, in the worst cases, full detachment and loss of the false fingernail. The lifetime of the false fingernail, ie the expected duration of the attachment, is likely to be reduced in such cases.

[0016] Such mismatches between the false and natural fingernails can also present health risks: germs may be able to penetrate into and accumulate in air pockets or gaps present at the interface of the false and natural fingernails. The "flapping" or partial detachment of a false fingernail can also increase the risk that the detached part of the false fingernail to catch on extraneous object, possibly lead to painful events whereby the detached part pulls of the false fingernail on the still attached part and thus also on the natural fingernail.

[0017] Conventional stick-on false fingernail systems comprise false pre-moulded plastic fingernails, as described above, joined by adhesive to the user's natural fingernail or acrylic layers (liquids) which are painted onto the user's natural fingernail and allowed to dry.

[0018] It is an objective of the present disclosure to reduce or eliminate the shortcomings of conventional systems as described above. The invention as described herein provide a novel and inventive false fingernail system and method for producing such false fingernails, in which the shape, size and curvature of the false fingernail matches those of the natural fingernail to which it is adhered, or at least reduces the degree of any mismatch in these parameters.

[0019] A further objective of the arrangement and method disclosed herein is to provide a false fingernail system offering false fingernails with greater adaptability to user's

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needs and to the varied shapes, sizes and curvatures of their natural fingernails. A yet further objective of the arrangement and method of the current disclosure is to provide a false fingernail system which is more user-friendly and provides stronger, more durable, false fingernails, than in existing systems, and which may extend beyond the normal distal end of the user's natural fingernail.

[0020] It is also an objective of the system and method disclosed herein to provide a novel and inventive false fingernail system, in which aesthetic patterns and designs may be provided on the false fingernail, without reliance on long painstaking sessions in which an artist creates/applies such patterns/designs directly on the false fingernail which is previously installed or completed in situ on the natural fingernail, as in conventional systems. It is envisaged that such patterns/designs may be "built into" the false fingernail before the false fingernail is applied to the user's natural fingernail, rather than.

[0021] A further objective of the system and method envisaged in this disclosure is to provide false fingernails, which, in the event of damage at it distal end, can be repaired, and need not be discarded, thereby avoiding waste. The system and method envisaged avoids the massive waste of discarded stick-on nails which are generally non-biodegradable and the consequential damage to the environment [0022] An advantage of the system and method disclosed herein is to provide a plurality of filaments or threads or fibres or strands, woven or configured or arranged to serve as a structure or framework to support a false fingernail on the surface of a natural fingernail, including beyond the distal tip of such natural fingernail, the filaments or threads or fibres or strands composed of waterproof or non-waterproof materials, or a mixture of both. Where filaments are non-waterproof the corresponding structure or framework has the further advantage of impermeability to water and microbes and germs, with corresponding health and hygiene benefits, as well as additional mechanical rigidity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023] Reference is now made to certain embodiments of the apparatus and method according to the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated among the accompanying drawings [0024] Figures 1 illustrates a conventional false fingernail system; [0025] Figures 2 to 9 illustrate a false fingernail according to embodiments of the invention [0026] Figure 2 illustrates a finger and a segment of woven material, before application of the woven segment [0027] Figures 3A, 3B are further views of the fingernail and woven segment as shown in Figure 2, in its uncurved state and its curved state.

[0028] Figure 4 illustrates the application of either nail varnish or builder gel.

[0029] Figure 5 shows an untrimmed segment of woven material before being shaped, after shaping and being displaced toward the natural fingernail.

[0030] Figure 6 shows the untrimmed segment overlaying the natural fingernail [0031] Figure 7 shows the segment of woven material of Figure 4, now trimmed, overlaying the natural fingernail [0032] Figure 8 shows curing by UV light [0033] Figure 9 is an illustration of coating a layer of nail polish/base coat/builder gel onto a false fingernail

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0034] This disclosure relates to a novel and inventive false fingernail system and novel and inventive method for forming and creating and/or applying such false fingernails.

[0035] An exemplary aspect of the arrangement herein disclosed is directed to a false fingernail system, comprising a false fingernail/toenail for application onto a natural fingernail or toenail, the false fingernail comprising a segment of woven material having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface.

[0036] In accordance with an exemplary aspect of the false fingernail arrangement herein disclosed a segment of woven material comprising first filaments interlaced aligned in a first direction interlaced with second filaments aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0037] According to an embodiment of a false fingernail system herein disclosed, all the filaments are composed of a non-waterproof material.

[0038] In accordance with an embodiment of a false fingernail system herein disclosed, all the filaments are composed of a waterproof material.

[0039] According to an embodiment of a false fingernail system herein disclosed the woven segment is susceptible to printing and configured to bear a printed image.

[0040] In an exemplary aspect of a false fingernail system herein disclosed the width and length of the segment of woven material is 12 mm by 30 mm.

[0041] In an embodiment of a false fingernail system herein disclosed the filaments in the woven segment have a diameter of 0.1 mm to 2 mm.

[0042] An aspect of a false fingernail system as herein disclosed is directed to the segment being configured to be overlaid on and adhered to a natural fingernail.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the false fingernail system of the invention the segment of woven material is configured to receive, on at least one surface thereof, at least one coat of nail varnish and/or at least one coat of builder gel.

[0044] In an exemplary aspect of a false fingernail system herein disclosed the at least one coating encapsulates the entirety of the segment including the open ends of the filaments.

[0045] In accordance with an aspect of a false fingernail system of the invention a coated segment of woven material is configured to be cured, by being exposed to UV radiation, and to stiffen as a result of such curing.

[0046] In an exemplary aspect of a false nail system of the invention a segment of woven material is configured to bend, wherein the curvature of at least one of its surfaces is configurable to match the curvature of the natural fingernail or toenail [0047] An exemplary aspect of a method of creating a false fingernail or toenail herein disclosed comprises taking a segment of woven material with a first surface and a second surface, opposite the first surface, and applying it to a natural fingernail.

[0048] In accordance with an aspect of a method of the invention all the filaments are composed of a non-waterproof material or of a waterproof material [0049] An embodiment of the method of the invention is directed to overlaying the segment of woven material on a natural fingernail and adhering the segment to the natural fingernail.

[0050] An exemplary aspect of a method herein disclosed comprises the step of applying, on at least one surface of the segment of woven material, at least one coat of nail varnish and/or at least one coat of builder gel.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the method herein disclosed at least one coating encapsulates the entirety of the segment, including the open ends of the filaments.

[0052] An aspect of a method herein disclosed comprises curing the coated segment, by exposing it to UV radiation, thereby stiffening the coated segment.

[0053] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES AND EMBODIMENTS [0054] The description makes use of certain numerical and letter references as appropriate to refer to features in the drawings. The same or similar references in the drawings and description have been used to indicate the same or similar parts of the apparatus.

[0055] Unless indicated otherwise by the context, any use of terms such as "first", "second", "third", "next', "successive", "last", as well as "highest", "higher', "lowest' and "lower" are adopted to distinguish one component from another, and are not intended to define any position, physical location, alignment, structure or actual order, or importance of the components specified, or to limit the alignment or structure of the embodiments described herein.. The singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references, unless, based on the context, this is clearly not the case.

[0056] Reference will be made in detail to examples and embodiments of a false fingernail system, one or more of which are illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments and examples are provided for the purpose of explanation and not to limit the invention in any way. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made in the present invention within the scope of the invention which is defined in the claims. Features illustrated or described as present in any one embodiment may also be used with another embodiment, thereby providing a yet further embodiment. The present invention covers any variations, amendments and modifications which fall within the scope of the accompanying claims and their equivalents.

[0057] Reference is made herein to "base coat", "builder gel" and "top coat": these are standard terms in the fingernail industry denoting various known substances applied in liquid form for the protection and enhancing of fingernails. These substances, once applied to the fingernail, serve as supplementary layers on the fingernail which can also serve to provide a different outer surface, such as a gloss surface. As implied by the respective names, a base coat may be applied directly on the fingernail, builder gel, which has a medium/thick viscosity (higher viscosity than a base coat), may be applied on the base coat and serves to add a further protective layer and additional depth and shape to a nail or overlay, and a top coat serves to provide the final uppermost layer. Each of these may be applied in single or multiple coats in order to achieve a different finish.

[0058] Various embodiments, aspects and implementations of the present invention, as well as technical objectives and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art, upon consideration of the description herein, in combination with the drawings.

[0059] Fig 1 illustrates a hand before application on one of the natural fingernails of a false fingernail (1) according to a conventional false fingernail system. The false fingernail (1) comprises plastic overlay generally formed by injection moulding. The false fingernail is generally elongate in form with a curved perimeter: it is shaped and dimensioned to fit onto the natural fingernail. Like the natural fingernail (2) to which it is to be attached, the false fingernail (1) is arcuate in its transverse dimension, the curvature of the false fingernail in the transverse direction being determined during its fabrication, but being fixed thereafter. In conventional systems the false fingernail (1) may be trimmed according to the shape and size of the natural fingernail (2) to which it is attached. In most cases the length of the trimmed false fingernail (1) will extend a few millimetres beyond the length of the natural fingernail (2) to create an impression of long fingernails for the wearer.

[0060] Being arcuate in cross-section, the false fingernail (1) has a concave lower external surface and a convex upper external surface. The concave lower surface is configured to be affixed to the upper convex surface of a natural fingernail (2) using an adhesive, which, in practice, may be a strong adhesive. Discrepancies between the curvatures between the concave lower surface of the false fingernail (1) and the upper surface of a natural fingernail (2) leads to parts of the false fingernail (1) being unattached, which raises the risk that the false fingernail (1) will become detached from the natural fingernail (2), thereby shortening the lifetime of the false fingernail (1). Where there are gaps between the false fingernail (1) and the natural fingernail (2) there is also the risk of moisture ingress or the possibility of germs cultivating in the pocket between the two surfaces.

[0061] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, Fig 2 illustrates a novel and inventive arrangement for forming a false fingernail on a natural fingernail (2) comprising a segment (3) of woven material or woven fabric. The segment (3) is longer than the natural fingernail (2) and may be typically 12 mm by 30 mm. The woven segment (3) is composed of threads or filaments of any material suitable for weaving, including "classical" weaving materials, such as cotton or wool, but also synthetic materials, such as nylon, plastic, rubber-based materials, etc which may be waterproof. In accordance with classical weaving patterns, the threads or filaments aligned in one direction are interlaced with threads of filaments aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Threads or filaments may be composed waterproof or non-waterproof material (see below) and may typically have a cross-section or diameter of between 0.1 mm and 2mm.

[0062] The segment (3) of woven material, in accordance with the invention, may be bent easily by the user, having a flexibility suitable for bending, between two fingers of the user, the segment into an arcuate form (Fig 3B), the curvature of the bent segment matching that of the curvature of the natural fingernail to which it is attached, as shown in Fig 5. Before being bent into a curved format (Fig 3B) the woven segment (3) is broadly planar in form (Figs 2, 3A) with two opposing (opposite) planar parallel surfaces (4,5), similar to two sides of a sheet of paper. It may be flexible enough to bend or droop under its own weight, in the manner of a piece of paper held at one end in a horizontal plane. The reader will understand that, once bent into an arcuate form, as described above, the curvature of the segment endows it with an additional mechanical rigidity, as a planar section of paper has an enhanced mechanical stability when bent into a curved form. This enhanced rigidity is sufficient for the curved segment to project beyond the distal tip of the natural fingernail, as described below.

[0063] By imposing an arcuate cross-section on the previously planar segment of woven material (Fig 3A) the opposing surfaces (4,5) become non-planar surfaces: Figs 3B and 5 illustrate a concave surface (5) of the woven segment, which forms the lower surface (5) for application to the natural fingernail (2), and a convex surface (4) which forms the (outer) upper surface (4) of the segment (3).

[0064] In accordance with the invention, various modalities of application of the false fingernail to the natural fingernail are envisaged. All modalities comprise, where necessary, the initial steps of trimming the cuticles, as well as the removal of any dust or oil.

[0065] In its simplest form the false fingernail according to an embodiment of the invention requires the application of a segment (3) of woven material on a natural fingernail (2) which has been filed and pre-coated (as shown in Fig (4)) with a base coat of standard clear nail polish or gel polish (6), the base coat covering the whole natural fingernail (2) including the nail tip, but avoiding flooding the sides and cuticle areas (2b) of the nail bed. Fig 5 illustrate an "overview" of the woven segment (3) as it is bent (to the curved/arcuate form, previously described) and moved (denoted by the broad arrow) into the proximity of the natural fingernail (2) then over and onto the upper surface of the natural fingernail (2). Fig 6 shows the untrimmed woven segment (3) placed above the natural fingernail and extending beyond its tip (2a).

[0066] The woven segment (3) is trimmed to the size of the natural fingernail (see Fig 7), but, if so desired, extends beyond the fingernail tip at the distal end (2a) of the natural fingernail (2), as discussed earlier. The woven segment is then coated with base coat whilst placed on a non-stick smooth surface such as silicone or teflon and dried using the appropriate method and then shaped accordingly. While the base layer on the natural fingernail (2) is still tacky a layer of nail or foil glue is applied and the trimmed woven segment (20 is then placed on the coated natural fingernail (2), bending the segment (2) Onto an arcuate form, as previously described) such that its curvature perfectly matches that of the natural fingernail (2) and this is allowed to dry, the trimmed segment (2) adhering to the upper surface of the natural fingernail (2).

[0067] The structure and form of the woven segment (3) is maintained by virtue of the curvature of the segment of woven material (3), as discussed earlier, allowing it to project beyond the distal end (2a) of the natural fingernail (2), as in Fig 7. At least one further coat of nail polish (Fig 9) may be applied to the trimmed woven segment (3) overlaying the natural fingernail (2), the at least one coat being applied to the entire upper surface (4) of the woven segment (3), and optionally also the edge (3a) of the segment (3), thereby encapsulating the woven material (3) in nail polish and creating a false fingernail. The false fingernail thus formed is rigid and durable. Other modalities may additionally also comprise steps of UV curing (Fig 8) and coats of builder gel, as set out below.

[0068] In an embodiment according to the invention, the false fingernail may be formed on a polished natural fingernail ie a natural fingernail coated with nail polish. In this case the first step is to remove the surface shine from the coated natural fingernail (2) using a suitable grip file, such as a 220 grip file, especially from cuticles (2b) and the sides of the natural fingernail (2). A thin base coat of gel base coat is then applied on the entirety of the natural fingernail (2) including on the distal edge (2a). After curing the base coat under UV lighting (7) for about 30 seconds (as Fig 8, but applied to the base coated natural fingernail), a layer of nail glue or foil glue is applied and the coated segment (3) of woven material placed on it (as in Fig 5), without covering the cuticle (2b) and the nail sides, and the fingernail is subjected to a further 30 seconds of UV curing (as in Fig 8). The segment (3) is then trimmed to approximately replicate the perimeter of the main part of the natural fingernail (2) or just within that perimeter, but extending beyond this perimeter at the distal end (2a) of the natural fingernail (2), thereby forming the outline of the new (false) fingernail (as in Fig 5). A layer of builder gel is then applied to the woven material (3)), covering the entirety of the woven material (3), including the extending tip at the distal end of the woven segment (3) and the woven segment's perimeter or edge (3a), as trimmed, thereby ensuring complete encapsulation of the entire woven segment (3). A further curing session is then applied to the combination of builder gel and woven segment (3), which together form the new false fingernail. Further layers, each of which must be cured, may optionally be applied. Finally the false fingernail is cleaned and dusted, and may be shaped, as appropriate, by filing or cutting. Finally a coat of top coat is applied to give shine to the nail. This coat can be either a wipe or non wipe coat of gel polish.

[0069] In another embodiment of the arrangement and process disclosed herein, the top coat is applied directly to a surface (4,5) of the woven segment (3), rather than to the natural fingernail (2). It is left for a minute in order for the top coat to absorb into the weave of the segment (3) and subjected to 30 seconds of UV light (7) Unlike in Fig 8, where the curing takes place on a segment (3) already applied to the natural fingernail (2), it is envisaged in this embodiment that the UV exposure may occur prior to the woven segment (3) being applied to the natural fingernail (2). If necessary, any excess may be wiped away. The woven segment (3) is then bent into an arcuate cross-section (as described previously) such that the coated surface forms the segment's concave lower surface (5), in order that the curvature of the woven segment (3) matches the curvature of the natural fingernail (2) to which it is to be applied. The woven segment (3), thus coated, cured and shaped, will serve as a new false fingernail. A coat of builder gel is applied to the false fingernail and this is also cured, as previously described. A second coat of builder gel is applied, also along the edges (3a) of the new false fingernail, and this is also cured, such that the woven material is encased and sealed within the gel. The new false fingernail comprising the woven segment (3) is then ready to be applied to the natural fingernail (2).

[0070] In accordance with this embodiment of the invention (as described in the previous paragraph), the natural fingernail (2) must also be prepared for the incoming woven-based false fingernail. As with other embodiments, the surface shine is removed from the natural fingernail (2) using a suitable grip file, such as a 220 grip file, ensuring no shine on the cuticles (2a) and the sides of natural fingernail (2). Again, a thin base coat of gel polish is then applied on the entirety of the natural fingernail (2), including on the distal edge. This is then cured under UV lighting for about 30 seconds (Fig 8 shows curing as applied to the overlaid segment).

[0071] Where fingernails are to be extended, builder gel may, in this embodiment of the invention, be used in combination with a "nail form" (not shown in the figures). A nail form is a tool which sits directly under the tip of natural fingernail at the hyponychium and has an upper curved surface, its curvature matching that of the underside of the natural fingernail (2), builder gel being applied directly onto the nail form surface where it is allowed to dry (or be cured) and "extend" the form of the natural fingernail. Further layers of builder gel, each dried/cured, may be applied to the extended fingernail.

[0072] With the nail form (if used) still in place, the woven segment (3), now coated, cured and shaped as described above, may then be applied to the natural fingernail (2), the segment's concave lower surface (5) being still tacky, thus forming a new false fingernail directly overlaid on the natural fingernail (2), ensuring that the cuticle and nail wall are not covered by the false fingernail and are left exposed. Once overlaid on the natural fingernail (2) the new false fingernail, the false fingernail is in situ and at least one layer of builder gel may be applied to the false fingernail to ensure it acquires the correct shape, and this is UV cured for 30 seconds, as described for previous embodiments, thereby ensuring a complete encapsulation of the new false fingernail in the desired shape. The periphery of the new false fingernail should be wiped clean, as appropriate. The nail form, if being used to extend the fingernail, may now be removed and the false fingernail shaped by filing, followed by buffing and an optional top coat of gel polish and UV curing for 30 seconds.

[0073] The reader will understand that all references herein to curing or to exposure to any UV radiation, refer also to exposure to any radiation containing UV wavelength components, including LED (light emitting diodes) or any other emitters or lamps producing spectra comprising UV wavelength components. In this respect curing may occur when the false fingernail is in situ on the natural fingernail, as in Fig 7, or, in reference to embodiments of the invention, to coated and/or (un)trimmed woven segments prior to application on the natural fingernail.

[0074] In the light of the foregoing, the reader will understand that the curvature of the false fingernail comprising a segment of woven material (3) will always match that of the natural fingernail (2) to which it is adhered. Unlike conventional stick-on fingernails the curvature of which is fixed during the moulding process, and unalterable thereafter, segments (3) of woven material, as described herein, are flexible and may be shaped and formed according to the needs of the user. The woven segment (3) can be bent or manipulated into an arcuate cross-section just prior to being applied to the natural fingernail (2), followed by shaping of the cross-section upon the natural fingernail (2) during the adhering step. Unlike the pre-moulded stick on conventional false fingernails, there can be no mismatch between the curvatures of the woven-based false fingernail and that of the upper surface of the natural fingernail (2) on which it is overlain. Consequently, defects related to curvature mismatches, such as unadhered portions of false stick-on fingernails (especially at the periphery thereof), which are liable to "flap" and/or break off or chip, are reduced or eliminated. More importantly, perfectly matching curvatures with no unadhered false fingernail portions, once coated with builder gel, as appropriate, are "sealed" in the sense that there is no risk of water infiltration or microbe ingress. The false fingernail according to the invention is more hygienic and safer than other, conventional, false fingernail systems.

[0075] Artwork on conventional false fingernails is generally applied once the false fingernail is fully installed on the natural fingernail: as stated above, aesthetic designs may be created on the stick-on fingernails or on painted acrylic false fingernails, once the false fingernail is in situ on the natural fingernail and stable enough to receive the application of a design. The reader will appreciate that with segments of woven material as a basis for a false fingernail, such aesthetic designs can be created on the woven material ahead of application onto a natural fingernail: printing of such designs, including colour designs, on woven material is generally straightforward, and may be carried on small fingernail-sized segments of woven material or, alternatively, on sheets of woven material prior to cutting of the sheets into smaller segments. Printing and cutting may be easily reproduced on industrial scales, with popular artwork being produced in considerable quantities, leading to noteworthy economies of scale and cost reductions. By making use of pre-printed woven false fingernails, the end user is thus spared the time required for intricate and painstaking artwork carried out on already installed false fingernails as in conventional systems.

[0076] As stated above, the filaments or threads of the woven segment according to the invention can be composed of any material suitable for weaving, including synthetic waterproof filaments, such as nylon, or, alternatively, porous materials, such as cotton or wool. Regardless of whether the filaments are waterproof or porous, the approach to creating the fingernail, as set out herein, is the same, with the woven material being effectively embedded or encapsulated within a shell of builder gel or other suitable material. The reader will understand that weaves of waterproof filaments have the advantage that, because they do not convey water or other liquids, that once the filaments are embedded within the gel and form the frame of the new false fingernail, the fingernail is thereafter impenetrable to moisture and microbes, and inherently more hygienic than conventional false fingernails.

[0077] One of the hazards of wearing extended fingernails is that the extended tip of the false fingernail protrudes beyond the periphery of the fingertip and is exposed to mechanical impacts and knocks, and it is commonplace for the tip to be broken or chipped, sometimes with a portion being severed from the rest of the fingernail. The damaged fingernail is unsightly and, as it catches on clothes and bedsheets, is inconvenient for the wearer. The typical damage involves a fracture which divides the false fingernail into two portions: a main portion still attached to the natural fingernail and a second portion defined by the distal profile and the fracture itself. The second portion (at the distal end of the fingernail) is frequently deformed with respect to the main portion and there is no longer a continuous surface shared by the two portions. With conventional systems the inevitable response of the wearer is to modify the profile damaged tip to "round off" the tip and reduce the degree of extension of the tip beyond the fingertip. As part of the rounding off, a portion of the tip is essentially discarded Of not already severed when the damage was incurred), such that the false fingernail is "less extended" and, in effect, shortened.

[0078] An advantage of the false fingernail according to a embodiments of the invention, is that, unlike conventional false fingernails, a damaged false fingernail tip comprising a segment of woven material can be repaired without rounding off the tip or discarding any part of the false fingernail. The filaments or threads comprised in the segment (3) are strong enough to withstand damaging impacts, such that even if the hard shell in which the woven segment (3) is encapsulated is fractured, the fracture does not sever the filaments which hold the distal portion of the fingernail shell to the main portion of the fingernail. The woven segment serves as a framework extending across the whole false fingernail, including the second portion (the distal portion) of the shell fractured from the main portion, and binds the two portions together, the two portions of the fingernail being akin to two doors joined at a hinge. As the filaments at the fracture are not severed, the distal portion of the fingernail can be realigned, rotating this portion about the fracture using the filaments as a hinge or pivot. Once the distal portion is realigned and the surfaces of the two portions is again continuous, builder gel may be reapplied to fix the two portions in their relative positions.

[0079] As outlined previously, system and method disclosed herein also eliminates the need for non-biodegradable stick-on nails entirely: the waste caused by the thousands of discarded nails and the consequential damage environment is accordingly reduced.

[0080] Whereas this disclosure makes reference to several examples of the aspects and embodiments, it will be readily understood that embodiments are not restricted to those which are explicitly referenced: all aspects and embodiments may be modified to comprise any number of amendments, alterations, variations or substitutions, including those not specifically referenced herein. Furthermore, while various embodiments have been described, it will be understood that certain features of the embodiments may relate to only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the embodiments of the invention are not to be understood as limited by the above written description but are only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

[0081] Where some features of various examples or embodiments appear in some examples, embodiments or drawings and not in others, this is only for brevity and intelligibility. Accordingly, any component or feature of any example, embodiment or figure may, in combination with any component or feature of any other example, embodiment or figure, be referenced or claimed. Components, features and structures of the aspects and embodiments disclosed herein may be combined as appropriate. Even if such combinations are not illustrated or explicitly referenced herein in relation to a particular aspect of an embodiment this is merely for brevity of the description and should not be understood to mean that such combinations are excluded or cannot occur: the different features and of the various aspects and embodiments may be mixed and combined as appropriate and this disclosure should be construed as covering all combinations and permutations of features referenced herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A false nail system for a fingernail or a toenail, comprising a false fingernail/toenail for application onto a natural fingernail or toenail, the false nail comprising a segment of woven material having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface.
2 A false nail system as in Claim 1, the segment of woven material comprising first filaments interlaced aligned in a first direction interlaced with second filaments aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
3. A false nail system as in Claim 2, wherein all the filaments are composed of a non-waterproof material.
4. A false nail system as in Claim 2, wherein all the filaments are composed of a waterproof material.
5. A false nail system as in any previous claim wherein the woven segment is susceptible to printing and configured to bear a printed image.
6. A false nail system as in any previous claim wherein the width and length of the segment is 12 mm by 30 mm.
7. A false nail system as in any previous claim wherein the filaments have a diameter of 0.1 mm to 2 mm.
8 A false nail system as in any preceding claim wherein the segment is configured to be overlaid onthe natural fingernail/toenail, wherein one of its surfaces interfaces with the natural fingernail/toenail.
9 A false nail system as in any previous claim wherein the segment of woven material is configured to receive, on at least one surface thereof, at least one coat of nail varnish and/or at least one coat of builder gel.
10. A false nail system as in Claim 9 wherein the at least one coating encapsulates the entirety of the segment including the open ends of the filaments.
11. A false nail system as in Claims 9 or 10 wherein the coated segment is configured to be cured, by being exposed to UV radiation, and to stiffen as a result of such curing.
12. A false nail system as in any preceding claim wherein the segment of woven material is configured to bend, wherein the curvature of at least one of its surfaces is configurable to match the curvature of the natural fingernail or toenail.
13. A method of creating a false nail for a fingernail or toenail, comprising taking a segment of woven material with a first surface and a second surface, opposing the first surface, for application on a natural fingernail/toenail.
14. A method as in Claim 13 wherein all the filaments are composed of a non-waterproof material or composed of a waterproof material
15. A method as in any of Claims 13 to 14 further comprising the step of overlaying the segment of woven material on a natural nail and adhering the segment to the natural nail.
16. A method as in any of Claims 13 to 15 further comprising the step of applying, on at least one surface of the segment of woven material, at least one coat of nail varnish and/or at least one coat of builder gel.
17. A method as in Claim 16 wherein the at least one coating encapsulates the entirety of the segment, including the open ends of the filaments.
18. A method as in any of Claims 15 to 17 further comprising curing the coated segment, by exposing it to UV radiation, thereby stiffening the coated segment.