US20100024835A1

US20100024835A1 - Kit comprising at least one structure for bonding to a nail and at least one trimmer tool for trimming the structure

Info

Publication number: US20100024835A1
Application number: US12/303,189
Authority: US
Inventors: Aline Abergel
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2006-06-09
Filing date: 2007-06-08
Publication date: 2010-02-04
Also published as: EP2026676A1; WO2007144734A1; FR2901974A1; FR2901974B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a kit (1) comprising: at least one structure (3) for bonding to at least one nail; a packaging device (2) for packaging the structure(s); and at least one trimmer tool for trimming the structure(s), said trimmer tool being secured to the packaging device, the at least one trimmer tool comprising: at least one spike or sharp edge, making it possible to trim the structure (3) once said structure is applied to the nail; and/or at least one recess presenting a shape that makes it possible substantially to match the shape of the edge of the nail that is engaged therein; and/or at least a pair of clippers, in particular a pair of clippers made of plastics material.

Description

The present invention relates to a kit comprising at least one structure for bonding to a nail, and at least one trimmer tool for trimming the structure.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,993,084 discloses films for bonding to nails so as to protect them. Each film includes a portion for folding onto the underside of the nail, the film being folded more easily as a result of incisions made in the film by means of an orange stick. The perforated films are proposed in a variety of dimensions making it possible to use them on different nails.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,746,460 proposes patches for bonding to nails in such a manner as to create an enamel-type effect. The patches, available with different dimensions, can present lengths that exceed the lengths of the corresponding nails, with the excess lengths being removed (the patches being trimmed to length) by means of a file or scissors.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,941,954 discloses a protective element for applying on a nail in order to protect it against UV radiation.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention seek to make it easier to apply a structure, in particular a decorative structure, on a nail.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention thus provide a kit comprising:

- at least one structure for bonding to at least one nail; and
- at least one trimmer tool for trimming the structure(s).

In an aspect of the invention, the kit includes a packaging device for packaging the structure(s), and the or at least one of the trimmer tools is secured to the packaging device, optionally being made integrally with the packaging device by molding. Thus, it is easier to apply the structure, and the user does not have to ready an appropriate trimmer tool prior to applying the structure.
In another aspect of the invention, and independently or in combination with the above, the structure for bonding to the nail may present a shape that is continuous, and have dimensions that are large enough, after trimming, to cover at least two nails. This can make it easier to manufacture the structure.
In another aspect of the invention, and likewise independently or in combination with the above, the kit may include at least two different trimmer tools for trimming the structure. This can improve the quality with which the structure is applied.
In an embodiment of the invention, the trimmer tool, or at least one of the trimmer tools, comprises at least one spike or sharp edge, making it possible to trim the structure once said structure has been applied to a nail.
The spike may present a substantially conical shape, for example, or, in a variant, it may present a substantially beveled shape, amongst other possibilities.
The spike may be arranged so as to enable it to be used as an orange stick, for example.
If so desired, the trimmer tool, or at least one of the trimmer tools, may include at least one recess presenting a shape that is selected to make it possible substantially to match the free edge of the nail that is engaged in said recess. The user may trim off the portion of the structure that extends beyond the nail by pressing the nail against the bottom wall of the recess, and possibly rubbing it thereagainst. The recess may extend substantially along a longitudinal axis, and it may present a cross-section that varies along said longitudinal axis, thereby making it possible, in particular, for the user to place the nail at the position in which it best matches the shape of the recess, thereby making it easier to trim off the structure portion that extends beyond the nail, and thereby improving the precision with which the structure is applied.
In a variant, the recess may define a slot that may be relatively narrow, enabling at least a portion of the nail to pass therethrough. The dimensions of the slot may be selected in such a manner as to limit back and forth movement of the nail, while enabling it to pivot in order to make it easier to trim off the portion of the structure that extends beyond the nail.
Whatever its shape, the above-mentioned recess may present a rough surface, or, in a variant, a smooth surface. Where appropriate, a rough surface may make it easier to remove a portion of the structure by means of a nail file effect.
In an embodiment of the invention, the trimmer tool or at least one of the trimmer tools, comprises at least one pair of clippers, in particular a pair of clippers made of plastics material. By way of example, the pair or clippers may be used like nail clippers for removing the excess structure that overhangs from the nail.
Where appropriate, the trimmer tool, or at least one of the trimmer tools, may comprise at least one knife with which the structure can come into contact in order to be cut. The knife may be stationary or rotary.
The kit of the invention may optionally include a trimmer tool that makes it possible to trim the structure to the selected length, the trimmer tool including an optionally-toothed blade.
The structure for bonding to the nail is advantageously self-adhesive. In a variant, an adhesive may be applied by means of an applicator to the nail or to the structure, prior to said structure being applied.
In an embodiment of the invention, the kit includes at least two individual structures, each for being applied to a nail, and then optionally trimmed so as to match the shape of said nail.
Where appropriate, the individual structures may present different dimensions and/or shapes so as to enable them to be fitted more easily to all of the nails.
At least one of the structures may present at least one rounded edge for substantially matching, at least in part, the outline of the nail.
In another embodiment of the invention, the structure presents a shape that is continuous, and has dimensions that are large enough, after trimming, to cover at least two different nails. By way of example, the structure may present parallel rectilinear edges and it may be in the form of a continuous strip.
The structure may be flexible, and it may comprise both a decorative layer, in particular a colored layer, and an adhesive layer. The structure may include at least one layer that has the appearance of nail varnish. By way of example, the structure may include a decorative layer that is colored with one or more pigments and/or colorants that are normally used in the field of cosmetics.
The structure may form one or more decorative patterns depending on its shape.
The structure may also include at least one embossed pattern.
After being applied, the structure may remain flexible or it may harden on drying.
Before use, the structure may optionally be covered by at least one removable protective film, on its adhesive face and/or on its decorative face.
The structure is arranged in such a manner as to be cosmetically acceptable, and it may include a hypoallergenic adhesive.
The structure may optionally be packaged in sealed manner in the packaging device, in particular when it contains at least one volatile solvent.
In an embodiment of the invention, the structure(s) of the kit is/are carried in removable manner by at least one support that may comprise at least one strip or sheet.
In an embodiment of the invention, the support is in the form of a roll, with all of the structures being carried by the same support strip. In a variant, the structures of the kit may be carried by a plurality of separate supports.
The packaging device may comprise at least one dispenser making it possible to dispense the structure(s), and in which the above-mentioned roll is rotatably mounted. This makes it easier to dispense the structures.
The trimmer tool, or at least one of the trimmer tools, may be carried by the dispenser, which can reduce the risk of the trimmer tool(s) being lost, increase the accuracy and the reproducibility of the trimming where appropriate, and may possibly also reduce the cost of manufacture.
By way of example, a trimmer tool may be mounted on the dispenser in movable manner, in particular in slidable manner. The trimmer tool may comprise at least one knife with which the structure comes into contact while it is being dispensed by the dispenser, so as to enable the structure to be cut to a selected width, for example. The knife may comprise a spike, a blade, or a rotary disk cutter, for example. The dispenser may include two knives, making it possible to cut each structure in symmetrical manner to a desired width that is adapted to the nail to be decorated, the cutting creating parallel edges on the structure being cut.
The dispenser may comprise a casing, and the trimmer tool may be made integrally with the casing.
The dispenser advantageously includes guide means for guiding the structure and/or a support of the structure, making it possible to separate them while the structures are being dispensed.
In an embodiment of the invention, the kit includes a plurality of structures that are carried by separate supports. The packaging device may thus comprise a package, e.g. at least one box, in which the structures are disposed.
By way of example, the trimmer tool is formed integrally with a portion of the package, e.g. with a base of the box.
In another of its aspects, the invention also provides a roll comprising a rolled-up support strip on which there is disposed at least one structure for bonding to the nail, the structure including at least one layer that has the appearance of nail varnish.
In another of its aspects, the invention also provides a dispenser for dispensing at least one structure for bonding to a nail, the dispenser comprising:

- the structure(s); and
- a support for supporting the structure(s), said support being in the form of a roll that is mounted to turn in the dispenser.

In another of its aspects, the invention also provides a method of applying makeup to a nail by means of one of the kits as defined above, the method comprising the steps consisting in:

- bonding a structure of the kit to the nail; and
- using a trimmer tool of the kit to trim at least a portion of the structure that extends beyond the nail.

The invention can be better understood on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention, and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrammatic and fragmentary views, respectively from above and from below, showing an example of a dispenser of the invention,

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary longitudinal section showing the dispenser of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary view showing, in isolation, the roll of the dispenser of FIGS. 1 to 3, carrying a plurality of structures for bonding to the nails;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary cross-section showing a structure carried by a support of the invention;

FIGS. 6 to 8 are diagrammatic and fragmentary plan views showing various examples of structures of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary longitudinal section of the recess of the dispenser of FIGS. 1 to 3, with a nail applied to the bottom wall of said recess;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary cross-section of the FIG. 9 recess;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary view showing another trimmer tool formed on a dispenser of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary section showing the FIG. 1 trimmer tool;

FIG. 13 shows a portion of the structure that is bonded to the nail being trimmed by means of the FIG. 11 trimmer tool;

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary view showing a dispenser constituting another embodiment of the invention, and including trimmer tools presenting a spike and/or a sharp edge;

FIGS. 15 and 16 respectively show two examples of a trimmer tool;

FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary view showing a trimmer tool constituting another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a plan view as seen looking along XVIII of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary longitudinal section showing a trimmer tool mounted in slidable manner on the dispenser of FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary front view showing the FIG. 19 trimmer tool;

FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary view showing a variant of a trimmer tool; and

FIGS. 22 and 23 are diagrammatic and fragmentary perspective views showing various elements of a packaging device constituting another embodiment of the invention.

In the figures, the relative proportions of the various component elements of the kit are not necessarily true to scale, for the purpose of clarity of the drawing.
FIGS. 1 to 3 show a kit 1 comprising a dispenser 2 defining a packaging device for packaging a plurality of self-adhesive structures 3, each for bonding to a respective nail.
The dispenser 2 comprises a casing 4 that is made of a thermoplastic material, for example, and that defines a housing 5 for receiving a roll 7 that can turn about a hub 8 that is secured to the casing 4, as shown in FIG. 3, so as to accompany the dispensing of the structures 3.
The dispenser 2 can include one or more internal partitions 25 that guide the support strip 9 towards an outlet 21.
By way of example, the support strip 9 presents constant width, as can be seen in FIG. 4.
In the example under consideration, the structures 3 are disposed at regular intervals on one of the faces of the support strip 9.
As shown in FIG. 5, each structure 3 can include a decorative layer 10 that contains pigments and/or colorants that are normally used in cosmetics, for example, and an adhesive layer 11 that makes it possible to bond the structure 3 to the nail.
The decorative layer 10 can be a single layer or it can comprise a plurality of thicknesses of different compositions, e.g. a colored under layer and a protective varnish.
The adhesive of the layer 11 is advantageously hypoallergenic.
Each structure 3 is fastened in removable manner to the support strip 9, e.g. via a release layer 12 that can be a non-stick coating, e.g. made of paper, that covers the substrate of the support 9.
If so desired, and before being used, the structure 3 can be protected by a removable protective film (not shown) that covers the outside of the decorative layer 10.
Each individual structure 3 can present a generally oblong outline, making it possible to match the shape of a nail at least approximately.
In the example shown in FIG. 4, all of the structures 3 are identical and are large enough to cover a nail of any format format that is normally encountered.
In a variant, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the structures 3 can present shapes and/or dimensions that vary, so as to be able to adapt more easily to the various nail formats.
For example, the support strip 9 can carry successive groups, each made up of several structures 3 that do not have identical dimensions, each structure 3 of a group being for applying to the nail of a particular finger, for example.
In the example in FIG. 6, the structures 3 are oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the support 9, and in the example shown in FIG. 7, the structures 3 are oriented substantially perpendicularly to said axis.
In a variant, as shown in FIG. 8, the structure 3 can present a continuous shape that completely covers a face of the support strip 9, for example.
The dispenser 2 can include guide means 20 for guiding the structure 3 and the support strip 9, making it possible to separate them at the outlet 21 of the dispenser 2.
As shown in FIG. 3, the guide means 20 can be arranged to deflect the support strip 9 upwards through a slot 24 that is formed behind a cross-member 24 of the dispenser 2.
The support strip 9 is guided into contact with a corner 22 that makes it easier to detach the strip from the structures 3 that do not follow the support strip 9 into the slot 23, and can be taken away one by one by the user.
The corner 22 advantageously defines an acute angle, e.g. lying in the range 20° to 45°.
The casing 4 can present a bottom wall 30 on which a recess 31 is formed, as can be seen in FIG. 2 in particular.
The recess 31 extends along a longitudinal axis Y and presents a cross-section that varies along said longitudinal axis.
In the example under consideration, the depth of the cross-section of the recess 31 passes through a maximum between its two longitudinal ends 32 and 33.
The surface of the recess 31 can be rough or smooth, the presence of a small amount of grain possibly creating abrasion that is favorable to trimming, the surface of the recess being alternately rough in some places and smooth in others.
The recess 31 forms a trimmer tool, making it possible to fold and to trim the portion of the structure 3 that extends beyond the nail S, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.
The fact that the cross-section of the recess 31 varies along the longitudinal axis Y enables the user to position the nail S at the place in the recess 31 that has the shape that best matches the shape of the edge of the nail.
As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the trimmer tool can be in the form of a recess 34 of different shape, e.g. defining a narrow slot. The slot can present dimensions that make it possible to insert the end of a nail therein, so as to bear against the bottom wall 36 of the recess 34, which bottom wall is rough, for example, with a view to trimming the portion of the structure 3 that extends beyond the nail S.
In addition to, or as a replacement for the trimmer tools described above, the dispenser 2 can include one or a plurality of trimmer tools, each including a spike or a sharp edge.
As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, and by way of example, the dispenser 2 can include two spikes 40 that can be made integrally with the casing 4. By way of example, each trimmer tool is defined by a bevel 41, as shown in FIG. 15, or, in a variant, can present a substantially conical shape 42, as shown in FIG. 16.
By way of example, the trimmer tools are disposed on top of the casing 4 and can be used to trim the portion of a structure 3 on the nail that extends beyond said nail, e.g. using them like an orange stick, with a view to matching the shape of the structure 3 to the shape of the nail.
If so desired, the dispenser 2 can also include a trimmer tool 45 that forms a pair of clippers, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.
The tool 45 can be made integrally with the remainder of the casing 4 by injection molding plastics material.
By way of example, the pair of clippers 45 can be arranged so as to enable the structure 3 to be trimmed as with nail clippers.
Downstream from the outlet 21, the dispenser 2 can include a trimmer tool 50 that makes it possible to trim the structure 3 to a selected width, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20.
By way of example, the trimmer tool 50 comprises a knife 52 that is mounted in slidable manner on a cross-member 51 of the casing 4, like a slider.
The knife 52 is disposed in such a manner that the structure 3, while being extracted from the dispenser 2, is displaced in contact with said knife, thereby cutting it parallel to the longitudinal axis X.
By adjusting the position of the knife 52, it is possible to cut the structure 3 to the desired width.
In the example shown in FIG. 20, the dispenser 2 includes a single knife 52.
In a variant, as shown in FIG. 21, the dispenser 2 can include two slidable knives 50, making it possible to cut two opposite sides of said structure, thereby cutting it symmetrically, which is advantageous when the structure initially presents an oblong shape that is wider than the shape of the nail to be covered.
Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.
For example, the knives 52 could be rotary disk cutters, each having a beveled edge.
The structures 3 could be packaged in some other way, e.g. in a package 55 that includes a base 56, for example. At least one trimmer tool could be made integrally with the base 56, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. The package 55 could include at least two trimmer tools that are made integrally therewith, one in the form of a recess, for example, and the other comprising a spike or a sharp edge.
By way of example, the structures 3 that are present in the package 55 could be fastened in groups in removable manner on support sheets.
The package 55 could also include one or more trimmer tools that are separate from the package, but that are packaged with the structures in the package 55.
The characteristics of the various embodiments could be combined together within variants not shown.
Throughout the text, the expression “comprising a” should be understood as being synonymous with “comprising at least one”.
The term “trim” should not be understood in a narrow sense, and it encompasses any shaping of the structure regardless of whether it is obtained by cutting, abrasion, or tearing, and in particular shaping in contact with the edge of the nail.

Claims

1. A kit comprising:

at least one structure for bonding to at least one nail;

a packaging device for packaging the at least one structure; and

at least one trimmer tool for trimming the at least one structure, said trimmer tool being secured to the packaging device, the at least one trimmer tool comprising at least one of:

at least one spike or sharp edge, making it possible to trim the structure once the at least one structure is applied to the nail,

at least one recess presenting a shape that makes it possible substantially to match the shape of the edge of the nail that is engaged therein, and

at least a pair of clippers.

2. A kit comprising:

at least one structures for bonding to at least one nail, said structure presenting a shape that is continuous, and dimensions that are large enough, after trimming, to cover at least two nails; and

at least one trimmer tool for trimming the at least one structure.

3. A kit comprising:

at least one structure for bonding to at least one nail; and

at least two different trimmer tools for trimming the at least one structure.

4. A kit according to claim 1, in which the trimmer tool, or at least one of the trimmer tools, comprises at least one spike or sharp edge, for trimming the at least one structure once the at least one structure is applied to the nail.

5. A kit according to claim 1, in which the trimmer tool, or at least one of the trimmer tools, includes at least one recess having a shape configured for substantially matching the shape of the edge of the nail that is engaged therein.

6. A kit according to claim 5, in which the recess extends along a longitudinal axis, and presents a cross-section that varies along said longitudinal axis.

7. A kit according to claim 5, in which the recess defines a slot making it possible to insert at least a portion of a nail.

8. A kit according to claim 5, in which the recess presents a rough surface.

9. A kit according to claim 5, in which the recess presents a smooth surface.

10. A kit according to claim 1, in which the trimmer tool, or at least one of the trimmer tools, comprises at least a pair of clippers.

11. A kit according to claim 10, in which the trimmer tool or at least one of the trimmer tools comprises at least one knife with which the structure can come into contact.

12. A kit according to claims 1, in which the kit includes at least two trimmer tools.

13. A kit according to claim 12, in which the trimmer tools are different,

14. A kit according to claim 1, in which the at least one structure is self-adhesive.

15. A kit according to claim 1, in which the at least one structure is flexible.

16. A kit according to claim 1, in which the kit includes at least two individual structures.

17. A kit according to claim 16, in which the at least two individual structures present different dimensions and/or shapes.

18. A kit according to claim 1, in which the at least one structures has at least one rounded edge.

19. A kit according to claim 1 in which the at least one structure has a shape that is continuous, and dimensions that are large enough, after trimming, to cover at least two nails.

20. A kit according to claim 2, in which the at least one structure presents parallel rectilinear edges.

21. A kit according to claim 1, in which the at least one structure includes at least one decorative layer that has the appearance of nail varnish.

22. A kit according to claim 1, in which the at least one structure is carried in removable manner by a support.

23. A kit according to claim 22, in which the support is in the form of a roll.

24. A kit according to claim 23, in which the packaging device comprises at least one dispenser for dispensing the at least one structure, and in which device the roll is mounted to turn.

25. A kit according to claim 24, in which the trimmer tool, or at least one of the trimmer tools is carried by the dispenser.

26. A kit according to claim 25, in which at least one trimmer tool is mounted on the dispenser in movable manner.

27. A kit according to claim 25, in which the trimmer tool comprises at least one knife with which the structure can come into contact while it is being dispensed by the dispenser, enabling the structure to be cut to a selected width.

28. A kit according to claim 25, in which the dispenser comprises a casing, with the trimmer tool being made integrally with the casing.

29. A kit according to claim 25, in which the dispenser includes guide means making it possible to separate the structure from its support.

30. A kit according to claim 1, in which the kit includes a plurality of structures that are carried by separate supports.

31. A kit according to claim 30, in which the packaging device comprises at least one package in which the structures are disposed.

32. A kit according to claim 31, in which the trimmer tool, or at least one of the trimmer tools, is formed integrally with a portion of the package.

33. A method of applying makeup comprising:

bonding a structure of a kit of claim 1 to the nail; and

using a trimmer tool of the kit to trim at least a portion of the structure that extends beyond the nail.