US20080276952A1

US20080276952A1 - Disposable Nail Buffing Tool

Info

Publication number: US20080276952A1
Application number: US11/747,165
Authority: US
Inventors: Phong H. Nguyen; Chung Quoc Nguyen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-05-10
Filing date: 2007-05-10
Publication date: 2008-11-13

Abstract

A disposable nail buffing tool with a holder for receiving a buffing block. The holder may be made of plastic, metal, graphite, or some other light weight and rigid material. The holder has a receptacle for receiving a buffing block. In one embodiment the sides of the receptacle are angled inwards, to grasp and hold the buffing block. The holder also has handles to facilitate holding and using the nail buffing tool. The buffing block is removably received in the receptacle of the holder. The buffing block is made of a compressible layer and one or more abrasive layers attached to the compressible layer. The compressible layer is made of foam or hard sponge. The abrasive layer may be sand paper glued to the compressible layer or as in one embodiment, directly sprayed onto the compressible layer.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to nail care products, and in particular to a disposable nail buffing tool for use with natural or artificial nails.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The cosmetic industry enjoyed unparalleled growth in recent years fueled by rising salaries and reduced leisure time. Nail salons are positively booming as people with more disposable income, find less and less time to take care of their beauty needs. Fortunately, they have utilized a part of their newfound wealth to patronize nail salons with greater frequency. A typical nail salon customer may visit their favorite salon every week for complete nail care.
Complete nail care includes such services as trimming, shaping, smoothing, and finally polishing to perfection all twenty nails. This painstaking labor, which once took most of the afternoon, can now be done by a professional in less than twenty minutes. Saving time, getting perfect nails, and perhaps being pampered for a short time, are all reasons why nail salons are more and more popular.
To shape and polish nails, nail care professionals use many cutting and filing tools, including buffing blocks. A typical buffing block is a rectangular piece of compressible material such as foam or hard sponge glued to sand paper. Generally four sides of a buffing block are covered in sand paper. In some buffing blocks, the sand paper has varying degrees of abrasiveness. For example one side may be highly abrasive for shaping nails, while another may be made of fine sand paper for smoothing and polishing nails. Buffing blocks are typically palm sized and larger to facilitate comfortable grasping. Most buffing blocks have the approximate dimensions of 100 mm×30 mm×25 mm. (L×W×H). A buffing block can be used repeatedly without wearing down the sandpaper. However, as more people are patronizing nail salons, problems with sanitation occur when a normal buffing block is used.
As with any industry that affects the general public, certain standards are required to keep the public safe. Title 16 Division 9 §981 (a) of the California Code of Regulations Board of Barbering and Cosmetology require that:

- a) All instruments and supplies which come into direct contact with a patron and cannot be disinfected (for example, cotton pads, sponges, emery boards, and neck strips) shall be disposed of in a waste receptacle immediately after use.
  Sanitation requirements like these prevent the spread of communicable diseases such as warts, fungus, ring worms, and other skin afflictions spread by contact. As one can imagine, due to the sheer volume of customers patronizing a nail salon, even one contaminated nail tool can infect dozens of customers.

One solution is to disinfect all surfaces which contact clients, with alcohol or similar disinfectants. The problem with this solution is that buffing blocks are made of a sponge or foam core. The foam or sponge would obviously soak up any solution rendering the buffing block useless. Also the abrasive outer layer cannot be cleaned with solutions because the sand paper may dissolve. The same results occur when cardboard emery boards are placed in solution.
Thus the simple solution is to simply discard the used buffing block after each client. As with most regulations, there is a cost of compliance. Buffing blocks cost approximately $2.00 each. A typical nail care session may use several different types to shape and smooth the nail. Beginning with the more abrasive variety and ending with a smooth soft silk polishing pad. A typical nail appointment costs about $10.00. If even three buffing blocks are used, ⅗ths of revenue is used up. Furthermore this cost cannot be passed through to client, because at some point, the convenience of professional nail care will be outweighed by the price.
Reducing the size of the buffing block would reduce the cost of manufacture. However, this is also not a perfect solution because the smaller the buffing block the harder it is to hold. In a typical day, the average nail care professional sees as many as twenty clients or four hundred nails. After extended use, the practitioner's hands would cramp leading to less precise shaping and polishing, not to mention pain and fatigue.
Metal files could be sanitized and therefore reused, but they too have their drawbacks. Nails come in different shapes and sizes, with most typically curved at the sides. A metal file cannot properly reach these edges because it is straight and rigid. Using the points on a metal file to reach these curves, leads to nicks and cuts.
It is thus apparent that the need exists for a nail buffing tool that is easy to use, cost effective to manufacture, and complies with sanitary regulations. Such a tool would necessarily be disposable yet less expensive than the current art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the invention relates to a disposable nail buffing apparatus having two distinct components. A buffing block and a holder for the buffing block. The holder has an area sufficient to grasp and includes a receptacle for a buffing block. The holder may be made of a rigid plastic, metal, or composite material so long as it is light weight. In an exemplary embodiment the holder is made of a light weight rigid plastic. The holder may have ergonomic handles so that the nail buffing apparatus may be grasped firmly over a longer period of time. Furthermore, the exemplary holder is between 60-70 mm in length, 20-30 mm in width, and 30-40 mm in height. The size of the holder compliments the palm of a typical hand for added comfort and precise use.
In the exemplary embodiment the handles form the sides of the holder. The handles are higher, relative to the horizontal plane, than the middle of the holder, forming a saddle-like shape. This shape may allow the user to place one or two fingers into the depression enhancing control of the nail buffing apparatus during use. The edges of the holder, where a user would grasp the holder, are rounded. Not only does the rounded shape lend the apparatus aesthetic appeal, it may also serve a more practical purpose. Sharp edges bite into the hand causing pain and fatigue. More rounded edges may allow longer more comfortable use.
In the one embodiment, the holder has a receptacle area where a buffing block may be received. The sides of the receptacle area may be sufficiently angled such that the compressible layer of a buffing block will fit snuggly into the receptacle and prevent movement of the buffing block during use. In the exemplary embodiment the sides of the receptacle form an acute angle with the base of the holder to trap the foam layer of the buffing block. In one embodiment the angle between the receptacle side and the bottom of the receptacle is 30°. Angles between 25° and 35° should be sufficient to hold the buffing block while at the same time facilitate easy removal and replacement of the buffing block. When a buffing block is snapped into the receptacle, the compressible layer of the buffing block fills the area of the acute angle and creates tension sufficient to hold the buffing block in place. Obviously other means to temporarily attach the buffing block to the holder would work as well. Such means may include, hook and loop fasteners, glue, tacks, etc.
The exemplary buffing block is made of a compressible layer such as foam, hard sponge or other material which is compressible under pressure but retains its original shape once pressure is relieved. The compressible layer slightly deforms when the buffer block is applied to the nail. This compressible layer acts as a cushion, evenly distributing pressure around the entire surface of the nail, giving a more even polish. Also, the curved edges of a nail can be more easily reached. A metal file that does not bend cannot follow the curve of a nail as easily as a buffing block with a compressible layer. The compressible layer is attached to an abrasive layer. The abrasive layer may comprise silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, diamond dust, metallic filing, etc. In the exemplary embodiment the abrasive material is sprayed directly onto the compressible layer during manufacture, but any method of adhering the abrasive layer onto the compressible layer would suffice. Such methods may include embedding the abrasive material onto a paper layer and sticking the paper layer onto the foam layer.
To reduce the cost of manufacture, in the exemplary embodiment, only one side of the compressible layer is covered with an abrasive layer, but it should be obvious to one skilled in the art that two or more surfaces coated or otherwise attached with an abrasive layer would not change the invention. The choice of using one abrasive surface, however, makes economic sense because most of the cost of manufacturing the buffing block is in creating the abrasive layer. Furthermore, in professional nail salons the invention may see only one use before being disposed of. More than one abrasive layer would therefore be a waste of money.
One of the novel traits of the invention is the size of the buffing block used. In the exemplary embodiment the buffing block is substantially smaller, and therefore less costly to make, than prior art. The exemplary buffing block is between 55-65 mm in length, 15-25 mm in width, and 5-15 mm in height. As mentioned previously, a small buffing block is hard to hold and over time may cause pain to the user. To overcome this problem, while retaining a cost effective size, the buffing block is removably attached to or removably placed into an ergonomic holder, such that the buffing block can generally be easily removed from the holder or easily attached to the holder.
As the title of the invention suggests, the exemplary embodiment is disposable. Specifically the buffing block part of the invention may be disposed of after each client. The holder part of the invention may be retained for the next customer. Simply disinfect the holder and pop a new buffing block into place. Disposing the buffing block is an effective way of complying with sanitary regulations. Using a new buffing block for each customer should reduce the risk of spreading a contagious skin disease. An additional benefit is less use of Barbersol or similar disinfectants, which emit hazardous fumes into the workplace.
The invention presents an elegant solution to the aforementioned problems.
One objective met by this invention is providing a nail buffing that is comfortable to hold and use when shaping and polishing real and artificial nails.
Another objective met by this invention is complying with various safety and sanitation codes requiring the disposal of buffing blocks and emery boards after each customer. Each buffing block is removable from the holder and a replacement easily installed.
Still another objective met by this invention is reducing the cost of manufacturing the buffing block. Each buffing block may include only one abrasive layer as compared to the two or more found in the prior art. Furthermore each buffing block is significantly smaller than those in commercial use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a representative example of the invention without the buffing block.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a representative example of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a representative example of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross section of a representative example of the invention including the buffing block also in cross section.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a representative example of the invention including buffing block depicted hovering below the holder.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a representative example of the buffing block.

FIG. 7 is a frontal view of a representative example of the buffing block.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a representative example of the buffing block.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary disposable nail buffing tool 100, showing only the holder section of the apparatus. The holder 101 may be formed of a light weight but rigid material such as plastic, metal, graphite, etc. The edges of the holder 101 are, for the most part, rounded to prevent cutting into the users hands. The sides of the holder are higher relative to the horizontal axis than the middle of the holder, forming a saddle-like shape. The middle of the holder may be rounded, allowing one or two fingers to rest comfortably in the depression.
In the exemplary embodiment, a light weight composition is desirable for several reasons. A lighter disposable nail buffing tool is easier to manipulate with precision. The nail care professional can shape the nail more accurately and polish the nail to a higher sheen. Also, a lighter disposable nail buffing tool can be used for a longer period of time, without cramping or fatiguing the hands.
The exemplary disposable nail buffing tool 100 is further designed for comfort. The edges 101 are all rounded with the exception of the edges of the receptacle 104. When grasped tightly during use, the rounded edges should provide a greater degree of comfort than if the edges were left sharp.
In the representative sample, the bottom of the holder is an inverted box-like receptacle 104. This receptacle 104 holds the buffing block (not shown). The sides of the receptacle 104 form an acute angle with the bottom of the holder (more clearly depicted in FIG. 4). As discussed in more detail below the buffing block (not shown here) is removably attached to receptacle 104.
FIG. 2 is an overhead view of an exemplary disposable nail buffing tool 100. The exemplary samples generally have a length in the range of 60-70 mm and a width in the range of 20-30 mm.
FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary disposable nail buffing tool 100. In this example the sides 102 of the tool are higher than the middle 103 of the tool, relative to the horizontal plane. The unique shape allows a nail care professional to firmly grasp the exemplary tool. By placing one or more fingers between the elevated sides 102 of the tool, a user may be able to guide the movement of the tool with greater precision. The finger(s) so placed also exerts slight downward pressure on the tool. The slight downward pressure on the tool keeps the abrasive layer (shown later) in constant contact with the nail surface, providing a more even polishing or shaping.
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary disposable nail buffing tool 100. In this example the buffing block is removably attached to the holder 101. The compressible layer 105 of the buffing block is wider than the sides of the receptacle 104. This difference in size causes the foam layer to compress slightly upon insertion into the receptacle. The tension created helps to keep the buffing block in place during use. The acute angle formed by the sides 104 of the receptacle and the bottom of the receptacle may also play a role in keeping the buffing block in place. Angled, as described, the sides actively grab onto the foam layer preventing movement of the buffing block, especially downward movement.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention 100, showing both the holder 101 and buffing block. This figure is included to show the relative orientation of buffing block prior to insertion into the holder. In this example the buffing block is made of a compressible layer 105 and an abrasive layer 106.
As explained earlier, the buffing block may contain only one abrasive layer to reduce the cost of manufacture. Health and sanitation regulations require disposal of a buffing block once used on a client to reduce the risk of spreading skin diseases. To aid compliance, the exemplary buffing blocks are both smaller than the prior art and comprise one abrasive layer. A cheaper buffing block may make it cost effective for nail salons to dispose of buffing blocks after each customer.
FIG. 6 is a side view of an exemplary buffing block showing the compressible layer 105 and abrasive layer 106. FIG. 7 is a front view of an exemplary buffing block showing the compressible layer 105 and the abrasive layer 106. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary buffing block showing the compressible layer 105 and the abrasive layer 106. The compressible layer is formed of a hard sponge, foam, or other material of similar characteristic. The compressible layer may cushion the nail during use for a more even polish and better control. Furthermore, the compressible layer may allow the buffing block to smooth and polish the hard to reach curves at the edges of the nail. In the exemplary embodiment the abrasive layer is sprayed onto the compressible layer. Generally speaking, spraying on the abrasive layer results in a tighter bond between the compressible layer and the abrasive layer. However, gluing the abrasive layer to the compressible layer or some other method not contemplated may work just as well.
While the invention has been described in connection with various embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is capable of further modifications. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptation of the invention following, in general, the principles of the invention, and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within the known and customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains

Claims

1. A nail buffing tool comprising;

a holder having a receptacle, and

a buffing block removably received in said receptacle.

2. The nail buffing tool of claim 1, wherein said holder is made of a light weight but rigid material such as plastic, aluminum, graphite, etc.

3. The nail buffing tool of claim 1, wherein the sides of said holder form handles.

4. The nail buffing tool of claim 2, wherein said holder includes a receptacle for removeably attaching a buffing block.

5. The nail buffing tool of claim 3, wherein the sides of said receptacle are acutely angled sufficient to hold said buffing block.

6. A nail buffing tool comprising;

a holder having a receptacle, and

a buffing block removably received in the receptacle comprising one compressible layer and one or more abrasive layer(s), said compressible layer being formed from a foam or sponge and said abrasive layer comprising abrasive grit.

7. The nail buffing tool of claim 6, wherein said buffing block is removably attached to the holder.

8. The nail buffing tool of claim 6, wherein said abrasive grit is selected from an abrasive group comprising diamonds, synthetic diamonds, silicon carbide, and aluminum oxide.

9. The nail buffing tool of claim 6, wherein said abrasive grit is sprayed onto said compressible layer.

10. The nail buffing tool of claim 6 wherein, said compressible layer is thicker than said abrasive layer.

11. A nail buffing tool having a holder with a receptacle comprising;

a buffing block adapted to be removably received in the receptacle of the holder; the buffing block comprising one compressible layer and one abrasive layer, said compressible layer being formed from a foam or sponge and said abrasive layer comprising abrasive grit.

12. The nail buffing tool of claim 11, wherein the buffing block has a length in the range of 55 mm to 65 mm and width in the range of 20 mm to 30 mm.

13. The nail buffing tool of claim 11 wherein said buffing block is removably attached to the holder.

14. The nail buffing tool of claim 11, wherein said abrasive grit is selected from an abrasive group comprising diamonds, synthetic diamonds, silicon carbide, and aluminum oxide.

15. The nail buffing tool of claim 11, wherein said abrasive grit is sprayed onto said compressible layer.

16. The nail buffing tool of claim 11 wherein, said compressible layer is thicker than said abrasive layer.