US2288386A - Method of manicuring and article for same - Google Patents

Description

June 30, 1942. c. w. BELDEN METHOD OF MANICURING AND ARTICLE FOR SAME Filed Oct. 18; 1941 fi-ZEh :-T' Ca /7545s 14 1512205. Z414 Q4,

Patented June 30, 1942 METHOD OF MANICURING AND ARTICLE FOR SAME Charles W. Belden, Chicago, 111., assignor to Steiner Sales Company, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Utah Application October 18, 1941, Serial No. 415,556

This invention relates generally to a method 11 Claims.

of manicuring and an article therefor and is directed particularly to such a method and appliance applicable for beautifying the nails of the hands and feet.

Heretofore one of the modes of beautifying both the hands and the feet has been to color the nails thereof, this being accomplished in the past, by the application of colored matter to the nails, the colored matter being in the form of a liquid and being applied by means of a brush or a tube. The application of such a liquid to the nail has, up to the present, been considered the optimum since it presents a minimum increase in the thickness of the nail and since it presents the desired sheen and luster, there being no disfiguring or artificial appearing pads or the like involved in the application thereof to the nail to increase the thickness thereof unduly or to present a surface appearance which is unnatural and unlike that of the nail.

As is well known, the particular shape of the nails on the digits of both the hands and feet contributes largely to the beautification of the hands and feet. It has been found that the optimum of beauty is represented by nails which are oval and elongated to represent the commonly known almond"-shaped nail. However, as is well known, nails which are naturally such a shape are very few and, therefore, to the end that such shape be simulated, those persons who possess relatively wide nails have found it necessary that liquid coloring matter be applied thereto in a configuration which does not cover the entire nail, but which simulates the almondshaped nail Such application has been found to be exceedingly difficult and because of the inability of the average person to so apply the liquid coloring matter, it has been necessary to utilize the services of one skilled in such applications in order that the beautifying effect be obtained.

To the end that the average user may manicure the nails of the digits to obtain an almondshaped effect for the nail and as a principal object of the present invention, there is provided herein a method of manicuring and an article therefor which enables the user to color the nails of the digits without resorting to the services of one skilled in the manicuring art and without incurring added expenditure in order to attain uniformity of configuration for the colored matter.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new method of manicuring and beautifying the finger nails by imparting to them a simulation of a desired shape which method entirely eliminates the use of liquid polish and thus eliminates the necessity for the application thereof by a brush.

The application of a liquid to the nail is attended by certain other disadvantages. The more important of these disadvantages are that the coating so obtained is not chipproof and is found to peel irregularly not only from the edge of the nail, but at central points thereof, this being caused by the uneven deposit which is necessarily obtained by the usual unskilled application by means of a brush or the like and because the application is made in strokes which overlap one another each nether layer being partially dried before the next layer or overlap is applied thereto whereby the deposit is made in strata rather than as a single uniform layer of the coloring matter; considerable time is re quired for the colored deposit to dry and often the tedious task of applying the material is undone by an accidental smearing on one or more of the nails; a smooth uniform application is not obtained, that is, the coloring matter is thinner in some spots on a given nail than on others; in the hands of the usual unskilled user the coloring matter is necessarily applied to the entire nail and thereby irregularities in shape thereof are augmented rather than hidden; irregularities such as are found in cleft nails appear on the surface of the application; a special remover solution such as acetone or the like is required to remove the old application prior to refinishing the nails, this procedure being as tedious and painstaking as that of applying it; the coloring matter, in order to be quick-drying contains a volatile ingredient which likewise evaporates in the bottle or container thus causing the remaining coloring matter to become exceedingly thick and unusable; containers of this material are constantly subject to being knocked over and the removal of the material from fabrics and the like is very difficult; it is impractical to carry the coloring matter in the purse of the user since by the previous methods of application by a brush or the like, the coating cannot be casually applied; furthermore, true matches of the shades of polish for each nail are not obtained because of the uneven applications to the various nails and because the tone of the material changes as the volatile agent evaporates in the container.

To the end that the above disadvantages may be avoided and as another important object of the shape of the wearers nail; which may be easily and quickly applied and removed; which conceals nail imperfections such as those result= ing from cleft nails; which does not require application of a liquid by brushing or the like; which does not require expert application by a professional manicurist; which may be carried in the purse and may be quickly and easily applied since no liquid whatsoever such as liquid coloring matter, or liquid remover is required.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a novel package for nail covers whereby the latter may be compared with the nails of the digits as to size and configuration before being removed from the package assembly.

In accordance with the general features of the invention and to the end that the above advantages may be attained, there is provided herein a pre-formed, pre-dried finger nail or toe nail decorative coating which may be formed into a desired shape and, as so formed, may be readily and quickly applied by the user and may be conveniently carried in the pocket or in a purse.

According to another feature of the invention there is provided herein a color coating for finger nails or toe nails which represents a continuous, uniform, unstratified, homogeneous layer and which, when applied to the nail, is not subject to cracking, chipping, peeling or the like.

I am aware of prior caps of fabric or the like which have been used for nail decoration purposes. However, these caps materially increase the thickness of the nail to which they are applied and, furthermore, they require a suitable further covering of shellac, polish or the like which involves expert application as above described. I am also aware of the previous applicaiton of decorative designs to the finger and toe nails by adhesion. However, such applications do not function, as does the present invention, to overcome the difficulties presented by the method involved in application by a brush or the like, or the problem presented by chipping and peeling of nail coloring matter of the past. Furthermore, they do not offer to the user an appliance which, in effect, accurately and neatly, simulates the appearance of a well-formed nail to one which is too broad. cleft or otherwise deformed.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following specification and accompanying drawing in which- Figure 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the manner in which the nail decoration may be applied;

Figure 3 is a plan view partly broken away, of a further modification of the invention;

Figures 4, 5 and 6 are perspective views showing the manner in which the'form shown in Figure 3 may be utilized;

Figure 7 is a perspective view showing one manner in which the modifications of Figures 1 and 3 may be packaged; and

Figure 8 is a View of still another means in which the nail covers may be packaged.

It is to be understood that the embodiments shown herein are for illustrative purposes only and-may be changed or modified without de- (iii assesses parting from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

As previously explained, one oi. the important advantages derived from the use of colored matter to decorate the surface of a finger or toe nail is the creation of an illusion as to the shape of the nail. While of course styles relating to beautification change from time to time, it has for many years been generally accepted that the elongated, oval-shape is the most desirable for a finger nail. This being the case, it is the desire of those who are conscious of the beauty of their hands to attain at least the appearance of having nails of this shape regardless of the fact that a large percentage of women possess nails which are considerably broader and have a considerably more square appearance than is generally accepted as the optimum for beauty.

It has been found that a wide or square nail may be given the appearance of an elongate, oval nail by the application of the coloring matter upon the former shape of nail to configurate to the elongated shape. This, however, requires that the coloring matter be applied, not generally over the entire surface of the nail, but rather that it be applied to conform to a particular outline. To attain this outline neatly, perfectly and artistically to give the desired results has been found to be usually beyond the abilities of the average user. This has been found to be the case particularly with regard to the right hand which of course must have the coloring matter applied by the left hand of the user. Furthermore the inconvenience and expense involved in visiting a beautician has placed such a procedure beyond the abilities of many.

Additionally, it has been found, as above ex.- plained, that such a coating applied by means of a brush in liquid form must be provided with an ingredient which is quick drying, in order to satisfy the demand of the usual user of such nail coloring material. To so satisfy the consumer such an ingredient has in fact been incorporated in the usual liquid and it has been found that the necessity for such an ingredient has resulted in the application of a coating on the nail which readily chips, peels and cracks. This is caused by the fact that the application of the liquid is usually a prolonged and tedious procedure during which the liquid applied by each individual brush stroke dries or partially dries prior to the application of the next brush stroke after the brush has been replenished, with the result that the liquid is deposited in a series of strata rather than in a homogeneous layer. It is the separation of these strata, one from another which, in a large measure, results in the ultimate cracking and peeling of the finish when applied.

As previously stated, in the application of a liquid by a brush, overlaps occur in the brush strokes with the result that certain sections of the coating will be thicker than others and thus a somewhat unsightly appearing finish is obtained.

As is well known the nails of many people are cleft that is, they are corrugated or undulated particularly at the intermediate portion thereof. It is well known that by the application of liquid coloring matter to such nails the liquid readily seeps into'the undulations or corrugations of a cleft nail and thus the irregular surface contour of the nail is presented in spite of the application of the coloring matter.

As will be readily seen the above disadvantages and others to be explained presently are gener= ally attributable to the liquid form in which the coloring matter is applied to the nails.

It has been found, however, that a highly superior decorative effect may be obtained by forming and shaping the decorative coating prior to its presentation to the user whereby the latter can apply it to the nail to obtain the results desired. Under such circumstances the tedious, time-consuming procedure of applying a liquid is obviated, the necessity for carefully shaping the application upon the nail to obtain the desired effect is obviated and furthermore the coating is represented not by a stratified layer but rather by a uniform, homogeneous layer which has been found to be not subject to cracking, shipping and peeling as has been the case heretofore.

In preparing the embodiments of the invention shown in the drawing there is provided a base I of relatively heavy paper or the like to which is secured, by a water soluble paste, a nail cover II of the desired color and shape which may, by moistening, be removed therefrom.

It is contemplated that the adhesive which retains the cover I I upon the base I0 be applied in sufficient quantity therebetween so that enough will remain upon the cover II to secure the same to the nail when it is applied thereto.

In the manufacture of the embodiments shown in the drawing it is contemplated that coloring matter of the usual ingredients, with the exception that the quick drier need not be incorporated, be mixed in relatively large quantities, and when mixed. be deposited by a uniform and continuous application similar to printing or single stroke brushing by means of a stencil in the preformed shape ultimately desired, upon suitable bases I0 after the deposit of adhesive thereto. Alternatively, the mixture may be suitably formed into large homogeneous, flexible sheets of uni form thickness and of uniform color and tint. Thereafter these sheets may be suitably cut by dies into pieces having the desired shape and size whereupon they may be adhered to the bases I0.

It has been found that the cover II so made is of uniform texture, color and thickness and furthermore it is formed to a precise shape, each cover having the same general shape relative to the others and thus imparting a beautifying appearance of regularity to each of the fingers of each hand. It will also be seen that not only is the nail decorative element susceptible of being conveniently carried in the pocket or the purse, but, as stated above, it may be easily and quickly applied under any circumstances and does not require the elaborate preparations and procedure usually involved in the application of a finger nail cover by means of a brush impregnated with a liquid;

Thus it will be seen that in the assembly shown in Figure 1, after the user has selected the desired shape and size, the cover II together with its base Ill may be moistened and the intermediate adhesive thus loosened, the cover II may be lifted off the base III and thereafter placed over the respective nail and applied thereto by conforming it to the usual curved configuration of the nail by pressure, the adhesive comprising a portion of that which was previously utilized to adhere the cover II to its base l0. It will be seen that such a procedure may be accomplished with little or no trouble and under any circumstances by the user without necessitating the tedious procedure of brushing a liquid on the nail. Thereafter, if the extremity of the nail is formed to the desired curvature and the cover extends thereover, it may be filed down to conform to the nail. If, however, the nail is then to be shaped, the cover and the nail may be filed or out together.

In so manufacturing the assembly shown in Figure 1 it will be seen that there is provided a flexible, colored nail cover, the use of which avoids the disadvantages previously stated.

Principally, the cover so provided affords a new method of manicuring which may be practiced by an unskilled user yet the beautifying effects desired are obtained to a greater degree than have been obtained heretofore; the cover is not stratified and therefore is susceptible to cracking and chipping to a much less degree than those which are applied directly to the nail by a brush; the cover is of uniform thickness and therefore does not present streaks as was the case heretofore; the color or tint is uniform since the batches from which the covers are made are relatively large and since the drying agent may be eliminated whereby evaporation and concentration of the liquid such as that which takes place in the small containers now utilized, is avoided; the application of the covers H to finger nails which are irregular such as those which are cleft, conceals the irregularities by adhering to the high spots on the nail and thus not conforming to the configuration of these irregularities. In this last regard it has been found that even in the case of serious disfigurement a pleasing, beautifying effect is obtained by successively applying two or three similarly shaped covers, one above the other, whereby the irregularities which might show through the first cover are increasingly eliminated in each successive cover. The precise shape desired is obtained by the unskilled user and the necessity of the tedious and pains-taking task of applying the liquid in a given shape uniformly with respect to each finger or each toe, usually done crudely and inefficiently by the unskilled user. is entirely eliminated. Due to the pre-dried state of the cover II it is unnecessary for the user to take the usual necessary care against smudging the liquid during the considerable lengthy drying period required when liquid is applied to the nails.

In the construction shown in Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 there is provided a base I2 of transparent material such as glassine or the like, to which is secured by adhesion through the medium of a water soluble paste, a finger nail cover I3.

In this construction the base I2 has one side covered with the uniform layer of the adhesive and the cover l3 after being prepared in the manner described in connection with Figures 1 and 2, is adhered to the base through the medium of this coating of adhesive designated as I4 in the drawing.

In the use of such a construction the base together with the cover I3 is moistened to loosen the paste I4 whereupon the entire assembly is placed over the finger to be treated in such a manner that the cover I3 is aligned with the nail so that the user may make the proper selection as to size, as shown in Figure 5. Thereafter one finger may be placed against the cover I3 to retain it in proper position relative to the finger being manicured and the base I2 may be drawn away therefrom until a portion of the cover I3 adheres to the finger nail whereupon the base I2 may be further withdrawn as disclosed in Figure 6. An advantage of the last described construction is that the cover l3 continues to collect a coating of adhesive material as it is slid over the base i2 and thus secure adhesion between the nail and the cover is insured.

Due to the natural variation in the size of human nails it is contemplated that the nail covers will be provided in various standard sizes adapted to conform to the average size nail of each digit as shown in Figure '7. In the event that the cover, when applied to a particular digit is too large and extends over the end thereof it is merely necessary to file or cut the excess away to obtain the desired configuration. Thereafter the nails may .be filed to the desired shape and the cover thereon will also be cut away by the me to conform exactly to the desired shape of the nail.

From the foregoing it will be seen that there is provided herein a greatly improved method of manicuring finger and toe nails and there is also provided a covering therefor which is infinitely more durable than the heretofore used liquid applications in that it is uniform and homogeneous and thus not subject to cracking, chipping and the like. Furthermore, the application thereof to the nail is accomplished easily and readily without requiring expertness on the part of the user and the removal thereof is accomplished without the use of acetone solutions and the like. It is also to be noted that there is provided herein an article and method of application thereof to the nails whereby each. nail is rendered to appear strictly uniform with respect to the others as to outline configuration and whereby surface irregularities thereof may he eficiently concealed to present a smooth uniform appearance as to both configuration and color.

It has also been found that the economic aspect of the invention is highly advantageous. As previously stated when the nail coloring matter is put up in bottles and sold to the consumer for application by a brush it is essential that a quick drying ingredient be incorporated therein. While this ingredient causes relatively quick drying, when the liquid is applied to the nails it also evaporates in the bottle with the result that the last one-third or one-quarter of the bottle is highly concentrated. In this highly concentrated condition it becomes thick and gummy and unusable and furthermore, the color becomes more intense with the result that the consumer is, during the use of that portion of the bottle, not applying the color or tint which was originally purchased as being particularly suited to the purchaser. It will be readily understood that these disadvantages are entirely eliminated by the present invention.

As previously stated the nail covers it and it,

when manufactured in accordance with the invention, are ideally suited for carrying in the pocket or purse of the user. To the end that they be conveniently packaged for such use they may be assembled in the form shown in Figure 7.

As shown in this embodiment the backing member or base it! is of such a size as to receive a plurality of the nail covers, the size being varied to conform generally to variations in the size of the nails of a single hand or foot. As in the case of Figure l, the covers it are secured to the base iii by means of a suitable watersoluble adhesive. After being so secured to the base, the latter is partially cut away to afford a protruberant portion for each of the covers whereby each may be placed in an overlying aaeaase position relative to the nail for comparison as to size and shape before removal from the package assembly. It will be readily understood that assemblies such as that described can be made of such dimensions that they will fit conveniently into the pocket or purse of the user and that more than one may be carried without becoming bulky.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 8 the expanses of nail coloring matter are adhered to a base in the manner described heretofore. As in Figure 7, these expanses are made of such variations in size that each accommodates a given nail. In this embodiment the base it has the covers it adhered thereto and is scored to provide removable sections if each of which is transversely scored as at it. The base is further scored around the outline of each cover as at E9 whereby the entire chain of covers may be separated from the base, whereupon by separation from one another along score lines it, each is provided with a handling tab whereby it may be held against the nail for purposes of comparison and to facilitate handling of the base during removal of the cover to the nail desired.

From the foregoing it will be seen that there is provided herein a novel method of manicuring the nails and a novel manicuring element for the purpose of beautifying the hands or the feet and that the invention herein has obviated many of the long-known disadvantages which have attended the application of liquid nail coatings to the finger nails and toe nails by means of a brush. Additionally, there is afforded by the invention herein a finger nail coating which, while it may be quickly and easily applied and removed, it nevertheless represents the neat and beautifying appearance attained heretofore only by those skilled in the application of liquid polish to the hands and feet.

The material of this invention, as a preformed article of manufacture, has that quality by which simple wetting of it conditions it for adhesive attachment to a clean nail by simple pressure. It is true that there is no objection to the use of an adhesive for securing the predried film or article to the nail, but one of the reasons why adhesive is used at all is for the purpose of holding the article in flat condition and to prevent adhesive attachment of one article to another, as might occur if the articles were thrown loosely into a receptacle, without being backed with some base material to which the preformed article is attached. Thus, the mounting by the use of adhesive prevents accidental deformation, in some respects makes the material more easily accessible, and when mounted on a transparent base makes it easier to match the film to the particular nail to which it is to be applied.

An important result of the use of this invention is the saving of time and the lessening of irritability, which so often follows after one has applied nail polish by means of a brush and has to wait in a virtually helpless condition, in so far as any useful work is concerned, while the polish dries. The use of the invention avoids the further irritability which results from being able to do only one hand at a time.

The basic conception of the present invention is the application to the nail of preformed or molded nail polish or nail finishing material as a readyformed film or cover, as distinguished from the application of such material in liquid form, by brush or other applicator.

Another conception is the application of such material without the use of any liquid whatever by an applicator, thereby eliminating the need for professional services, assuring successful unprofessional application, and veiy materially reducing the cost to the user, to the manufacturer, and to the distributor.

Another basic conception is that of the production of an article of manufacture, as a skinlike piece of predried nail polish or nail finishing material or nail enamel or the like, adapted for direct application in preformed condition to the nails of the human digits.

The basic results which, in so far as I am aware, have never before been accomplished, are the quick and easy application to the nail of a perfectly formed nonlaminated film or cover or finishing material which will not crack and which can be easily and quickly removed without the use and application of the liquid material ordinarily applied with an applicator for this pur pose.

The actual article as a predried film of skinlike texture or quality may be applied by first applying adhesive to the piece or to the nail. It is preferable, however, that the use of any liquid adhesive applied by brush either to the piece or to the nail, be unnecessary.

The films are provided in various sizes and shapes. The advantages are that the polish or piece of film is chip-proof, that it is unnecessary to wait for the polish to dry. The result of application is a clear, smooth, uniform finish. Each cover or film is perfectly shaped and preferably the shape does not conform to the irregular shape of the nail itself. The film provides an extra heavy coating for concealing nail imperfections. The film is insoluble in water. The film finish as applied herein as a preformed piece lasts longer because it is unnecessary to refinish on account of chipping, this chipping occurring when the nail finish or cover is applied by brush. No removing agent such as nail polish remover, acetone, etc., is necessary because this cover film can be peeled off. The device of this invention is economical because the use of bottled polish or finish and therefore the drying of the polish in a bottle or evaporation of its solvent base is eliminated. There is no spilling of polish.

Another advantage is that the user knows exactly what the shade or color as applied will be, because the material is in predried state. Ordinary liquid finishing material does not always have, after it is applied, the same shade as it had in the bottle. Deception of this kind is avoided by the use of this invention.

Another advantage is that there are no bubbles or air pockets as is often the case when the finish is applied from a bottle by brush. Another advantage is that no quick-drying material is needed to make up the pieces of film of this invention and of course it is not necessary to wait for the material to dry as it is, following application by brush.

Another advantage is that the predried finish film can be so shaped at the inner end as to not cover the moon and so that the inner end fits the curved contour of the moon. Not only is this accomplished, but the desirable almond-shaped effect is given to each nail and the effect is uniform for all nails of all digits. Of course, there is no intention to limit the invention to the exact shape of the preformed finish film, but the advantage of uniformity of contour is, in the estimation of users, very important.

The film covers or finish covers may be sold in bulk form as separated articles of various sizes, each produced by stamping from a sheet of nail covering or finishing material, each film having on one face water-soluble orother suitable adhesive. The series of assorted sizes of film covers may be put up in punchboard form, or they may be mounted on a sheet so that they may be cut from the sheet by the use of scissors. In each case the sheet forms a base to which the preformed articles are releasably attached, An important conception is that of having the base transparent so that the nail can be seen through the base to permit ready comparison of the size of the film with the size of the nail to which it is to be applied.

In a case where the outer end of the nail is broken off, the unsightliness can be avoided and the nail can, so to speak, be restored to its original contour to match the contour of the other nails of the hand by applying a preformed cover, preferably of almond shape, and then shaping the end of the material by the use of the usual nail file. In some cases no shaping at all may be necessary. In other cases surplus material of the film may be removed to the very edge of the end of the broken nail after that edge has been suitably smoothed by the use of a nail file. This invention provides means which is quickly applicable and which can be quickly removed simply by peeling, but which is with difficulty removed by the application of water.

In so far as I am aware, no one has provided any means by which the brush application of color or other cosmetic application to the nail can be entirely avoided, nor provided any means by which the application of a finish of any suitable configuration or tint or color can be so quickly applied and so easily removed, and with such excellent visual results on either the right or the left hand.

The new result obtained by this invention is a tremendous saving in time in the application of the coloring matter or finish, the uniformity with which the application can be made, the provision of means by which uniformity of shape can be had (which is impossible when the material is applied by brush), and the ease with which the material can be removed, thus making it possible to change from one color of nail finish to another when it is desired to have the nail finish match the wearing apparel.

The broad gist of the invention is related to the saving of time, along with a uniformity of effect and quality rarely possible except by a professional manicurist.

I am aware that various sheet material has been applied to the finger nails for one purpose or another, but in so far as I am aware, no one has ever had the basic conception of doing away entirely with the use of brushes or other applicators for applying liquid coloring or other finishing material to the nails ofthe digits.

Although the drawing has been lined to represent the color red or pink, it will be understood that other colors, or a neutral, colorless preformed film of the same material may be used and that such use is contemplated herein.

It is further understood that the invention is broader than the manner of mounting the films, although the specific mounting structures are features.

What I claim is:

1. In a method of manicuring nails on digits, the steps of first selecting a thin preformed cover -of nail finishing material of a size and configuration conforming closely with that of the particular nail being treated, applying said cover over the exposed surface of the nail and bending the same so as to become flush with and conform to that surface, adhering the cover to that surface by tightly pressing the cover against that surface, applying i3. further cover of the same material oversaid previous cover to conceal any undulationsjiin the nail not covered by the first cover, andthereafter trimming the extremity of the cover to the desired shape.

2. In a method of manicuring the nail of a digit the steps of overlaying the nail with a transparent base sheet having adhered thereto by a water soluble base a pre-formed nail cover thereby to compare said cover with said nail as to size and configuration, moistening said cover with said base, removing said cover, with some of said adhesive from said base, applying said cover to said nail and adhering the cover to the surface of said nail by pressing cover against that surface.

3. A method of manufacturing a cosmetic cover for nails of the digits which includes forming nail finishing material into a relatively thin, flexible, homogeneous sheet of uniform thickness and tint, shaping said sheet into expanses having opposed curved edges, and adhering said expanses to a base element by a water soluble adhesive.

4i. As an article of manufacture, a sheet of base material and a plurality of expanses of pre-dried, pre-shaped nail finishing material adhered thereto for removal from said base to a human nail to impart a simulated shape to said nail, said base being cut away to afford a protruding portion for each of said expanses whereby each expanse may be aligned in an overlying position relative to the nails on the digits to compare the same as to size and configuration.

5. An article of manufacture consisting of a preformed film of nail polishing material adapted for direct application to a nail of a human digit to substantially cover and give finish to the same.

6. An article of manufacture consisting of a preformed, dried film of finger nail polishing mae essence terial oi almond=shaped contour and adapted for direct application to a nail or a hn digit to cover and give h to the same.

7. A device of the class described, comprising a transparent base having separably detachably secured thereto a series of spaced or preformed nail hing terial or substantially the same shape but of various sizes.

8. A nail-finishing article consisting of a preformed, preolried, moulded material having the physical characteristics of the material which is ordinarily applied to the nails by brush, said article being sumciently thin to be capable oi. wrinkling before application to the nail, but being smoothable after application and being adapted after wetting with water to adhere securely to the nail as a result of pressure, and being capa= bie of removal by peeling.

9. A method of manicuring which consists in securing an almond-shaped preformed sheet of finger nail-finishing material to the nail, the material being of a size to complemly cover the nail in a lengthwise direction and to project beyond the outer margin, and then filing oil the projecting portion to conform to the outline of said outer margin.

10. A method of manicuring the nail of the human digit in which the outer margin has not been shaped, which comprises securing a pre== formed sheet of nail-finishing material to the nail to substantially cover the same and to project beyond the unshaped outer margin, then simultaneously shaping the nail and finishing material to give the desired marginal contour.

11. As a means for avoiding the use of liquid nail-finishing material and its application by brush, the method which consists in forming a thin, homogeneous sheet composed only of nailfinishing material, cutting the sheet to provide a plurality of finger nail covers and removably mounting these covers on transparent bases and in such manner that size matching between the nail and a cover can be accomplished by placing a base over the finger and sighting through the base.

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