WO2012050632A1

WO2012050632A1 - Apparatus and device for distal-nail-portion varnish application

Info

Publication number: WO2012050632A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/028361
Authority: WO
Inventors: Noushin A. Laaly
Original assignee: Laaly Noushin A
Priority date: 2010-10-15
Filing date: 2011-03-14
Publication date: 2012-04-19

Abstract

The claimed invention relates to an apparatus for and/or means of nail varnish application along a distal perimeter portion of a nail. The claimed invention obviates certain problems associated with the process of applying nail varnish onto the distal-only portion or perimeter of a nail through an apparatus for and/or means of applying nail varnish in a controlled, uniform manner along the distal-only portion or perimeter of a nail. The claimed invention provides a controlled means of disseminating a uniform, linear or non-linear, band of nail varnish along the distal-only perimeter of a nail. This desirable outcome is effectuated for any singularity or plurality of varnish color(s), texture(s), gloss(es), and/or supplemental material(s).

Description

INTERNATIONAL PATENT APPLICATION OF

NOUSHIN A. LAALY

FILED UNDER PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT) OF THE WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANIZATION (WIPO)

WITH THE RECEIVING OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT & TRADEMARK OFFICE (USPTO) I. TITLE

Apparatus and device for distal-nail-portion varnish application. II. CLAIM TO EARLIER PRIORITY DATE OF PREVIOUSLY-FILED APPLICATION Priority is hereby claimed to the previously-filed U.S. Non-Provisional Utility Patent Application Serial No. 12/905,539, filed in the United States of America (US) with the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) on October 15, 2010 (15/10/2010), the disclosures of which are incorporated for all purposes herein by reference as if fully stated herein. As further indicated in the Request filed concurrently herewith, the Receiving Office (USPTO) is hereby respectfully requested to prepare and transmit to the International Bureau (IB) a certified copy of the above-identified earlier-filed patent application (U.S. Non- Provisional Utility Patent Application Serial No. 12/905,539) previously filed with the USPTO and the disclosures of which are incorporated for all purposes herein by reference as if fully stated herein. III. DECRIPTION

1. TECHNICAL FIELD

The claimed invention relates to an apparatus for and/or means of nail varnish application along a distal perimeter portion of a nail. The claimed invention provides a controlled means of disseminating a uniform strip of nail varnish along the distal perimeter of a nail. This desirable outcome is produced by limiting the portion of the nail surface that contacts the nail varnish applicator; only a fixed length relative to the distal tip of the nail onto which nail varnish is applied is in contact with the nail varnish applicator. Because of the fixed-length-relationship between the distal tip of a nail and the horizontal thickness of the nail varnish applicator, the resulting strip of nail varnish on the distal portion of the nail is uniform and consistent. A nail guide portion adjoins an edge of a nail, and the nail guide portion limits and directs (based upon the outer contour of the nail) the direction and extent of contact made by the varnish applicator with the surface layer of the distal-most region of the nail. The nail guide portion allows the varnish applicator to render an aesthetically-smooth and consistent- seeming layer of varnish residue on the surface layer of the distal portion of the nail. The claimed invention also provides for alternative nail varnish applicator horizontal thicknesses, varnish colors, and/or material compositions. While different users may utilize the claimed invention to produce different preferred horizontal thicknesses, varnish colors, and/or material compositions, the claimed invention will still produce the same level of consistency and control during its respective use.

2. BACKGROUND ART

Due to the time-sensitive hardening chemical characteristics of nail varnish, imperfections and/or inconsistencies with the distribution of nail varnish on the distal perimeter of the nail may become bound to the nail surface; correction of (an) imperfection(s) or inconsistency(ies) with the distribution of nail varnish would require removal of any or all of the nail varnish applied to that distal outer perimeter. The present invention obviates the problem associated with common mistakes associated with the application of nail varnish by presenting an apparatus and/or means for applying nail varnish in a controlled, uniform manner along the distal perimeter of a nail with significantly fewer imperfections or inconsistencies with the distribution of nail varnish on the distal nail perimeter.

3. DISCLOSURE OF & BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention comprises a top portion 2 and a bottom portion 4. The top portion 2 comprises a top end 6 at a top, first end, and is connected at the opposite, second end to a bottom portion 4.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 A, and 2B, an exemplary shape of the top portion 2 and the bottom portion 4 is an exemplary cylinder-like shape adapted for gripping by a hand. While the depicted exemplary embodiment is substantially cylindrical, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that depiction and reference to such an exemplary lengths of and shapes of the aforementioned top portion 2 and bottom portion 4 are merely illustrative and not a limitation of the claimed inventions; other lengths of and shape of the aforementioned elements could be used without departing from the spirit of the claimed invention. For example, the top portion 2 may comprise of indentations adapted for gripping by one or more fingers of a hand.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1 , 2A, and 2B, an exemplary embodiment of the bottom portion 4 comprises an exemplary nail guide portion 10 and an exemplary varnish applicator 14. The exemplary nail guide portion 10 comprises a hardened material with a nail guide surface 12 that is adapted for contact with a nail tip 22 of a nail 20. In the depicted exemplary embodiments, the longitudinal dimension of the claimed invention is maintained in a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to the longitudinal dimension of the finger 18. The nail tip 22 is moved laterally towards the nail guide surface 12 until the nail 20 is in contact with the nail guide surface 12. Alternatively, the apparatus of the claimed invention may be moved laterally towards the nail tip 22. The claimed invention is then depressed downwards until the varnish applicator bottom 16 of the varnish applicator 14 contacts the top surface of the nail tip 22 of a nail 20. Upon contact by the varnish applicator with the nail 20 surface, varnish residue 15 is emitted from the varnish applicator bottom 16 onto the nail 20 surface. Thereafter, the user of the claimed invention moves the varnish applicator 14 from one side of the nail tip 22 to a second side of the nail tip 22 while the nail guide surface 12 maintains contact with the nail tip 22. While reference is made herein to the arrangement, juxtaposition, orientation, and/or movement, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that depiction and reference to such an exemplary arrangement, juxtaposition, orientation, and/or movement of the aforementioned elements is/are merely illustrative and not a limitation of the claimed invention; other arrangement, juxtaposition, orientation, and/or movement of the aforementioned elements could be used without departing from the spirit of the claimed invention.

With reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3A, an exemplary embodiment of a varnish applicator 14 comprises a flat-end varnish applicator 16'. This exemplary embodiment of the varnish applicator 14 comprises an exemplary shape of a rectangular prism, whereby the exemplary flat-end varnish applicator 16' makes surface contact with the top surface of the nail 20 and transfers varnish onto the top surface of the nail tip 22. The material composition of the flat-end varnish applicator 16' may comprise a solitary, substantially-rigid, micro- porous material or a plurality of semi-malleable, longitudinally-aligned brush fibers. While reference is made herein to the material composition, three-dimensional shape, and/or bottom- surface orientation, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that depiction and reference to such an exemplary material composition, three-dimensional shape, and/or bottom- surface orientation of the aforementioned elements are merely illustrative and not a limitation of the claimed invention; other material composition, three-dimensional shape, and/or bottom- surface orientation of the aforementioned elements could be used without departing from the spirit of the claimed invention.

With reference to FIGS. 2 A, 2B and 3B, an alternative exemplary embodiment of a varnish applicator 14 comprises a brush-end varnish applicator 16". This exemplary 103 embodiment of the varnish applicator 14 comprises an exemplary shape of a cylindrical prism

104 composed of substantially-thin, soft, semi-rigid brush fibers, whereby the exemplary brush-

105 end varnish applicator 16" makes surface contact with the top surface of the nail 20 and

106 transfers varnish residue 15 onto the top surface of the nail tip 22. While reference is made

107 herein to the material composition, three-dimensional shape, and/or bottom-surface

108 orientation, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that depiction and reference

109 to such an exemplary material composition, three-dimensional shape, and/or bottom-surface

110 orientation of the aforementioned elements are merely illustrative and not a limitation of the

111 claimed invention; other material composition, three-dimensional shape, and/or bottom-

112 surface orientation of the aforementioned elements could be used without departing from the

113 spirit of the claimed invention.

114 With reference to FIGS. 1 , 2A, 2B, 3 A and 3B, the exemplary varnish residue 15

115 transferred by the varnish applicator 14 may comprise any single color, texture, gloss, and/or

116 supplemental material (e.g., varnish with glitters) or any plurality or combination of one or

117 more color(s), texture(s), gloss(es), and/or supplemental material(s). By way of a non-limiting

118 example, one exemplary embodiment of the present invention may feature a first layer

119 (consisting of any color(s), texture(s), gloss(es), and/or supplemental material(s)) emitted

120 upon, adjacent to, over, or underneath a second layer (also consisting of any color(s),

121 texture(s), gloss(es), and/or supplemental material(s)). Nevertheless, it will be understood by

122 one of ordinary skill in the art that depiction and reference to such an exemplary varnish

123 composition, of the aforementioned elements are merely illustrative and not a limitation of the

124 claimed invention; other varnish composition could be used without departing from the spirit

125 of the claimed invention.

126 Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1 , 2A, 2B, 3 A and 3B, the exemplary varnish

127 applicator 14 may be of various horizontal or vertical dimensions, based upon the preferences

128 of the user of the claimed invention. Where a particular user of the claimed invention desires

129 the horizontal thickness of the varnish residue 15 on the nail tip 22 to be greater, that particular

130 user may utilize a varnish applicator with longer vertical and/or horizontal dimensions, which

131 may allow varnish residue 15 to disseminate to a greater total aggregate amount of surface

132 area on the nail 20 or nail tip 22. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that

133 depiction and reference to such an exemplary varnish applicator dimension(s) is/are merely

134 illustrative and not a limitation of the claimed invention; other varnish applicator dimension(s)

135 could be used without departing from the spirit of the claimed invention. 136 It will be understood by someone of ordinary skill in the arts that either the guide

137 portion 10 and/or the varnish applicator 14 may be removable, disconnect-/reconnect-enabled,

138 interchangeable, and/or replaceable with the same or alternative exemplary embodiment

139 (shown or not shown here); other guide portions and/or nail varnish applicator with alternative

140 dimensions, thicknesses, and/or interior contours may be used without departing from the

141 spirit of the claimed invention.

142 The foregoing description of a preferred and alternative embodiment of the invention

143 has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be

144 exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The embodiments were

145 chosen and described to prove an illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical

146 application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various

147 embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

148 All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by

149 the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly,

150 legally, and equitably entitled.

151 4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

152 For a complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof,

153 reference is hereby made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the

154 accompanying drawings, in which like numbers designate like parts, and in which:

155 FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present

156 invention.

157 FIG. 2A illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary use of an exemplary

158 embodiment of the present invention during application to a nail.

159 FIG. 2B illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary use of an exemplary

160 embodiment of the present invention subsequent to application to a nail.

161 FIG. 3 A illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary bottom portion of the

162 present invention with an exemplary flat-end varnish applicator.

163 FIG. 3B illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary bottom portion of the

164 present invention with an exemplary brush-end varnish applicator.

165 The reference numerals below are labels for the different elements as used in the

166 drawings and are not intended to serve as a full description of each element or limit its scope

167 of equivalent elements.

168 2 - top portion

169 4 - bottom portion 170 6 top end

171 8 bottom end

172 10 nail guide portion

173 12 nail guide surface

174 14 varnish applicator

175 15 varnish residue

176 16 varnish applicator bottom

177 16' flat-end varnish applicator

178 16" - brush-end varnish applicator

179 18 finger

180 20 nail

181 22 nail tip

182 Although this invention has been described in certain specific embodiments, many

183 additional modifications and variations would be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is,

184 therefore, to be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically

185 described. Moreover, to those skilled in the various arts, the invention itself herein will

186 suggest solutions to other tasks and adaptations for other applications. Thus, the embodiments

187 of the invention described herein should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not

188 restrictive, the scope of the invention to be determined by the appended claims and their

189 equivalents rather than the foregoing description.

190 5. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

191 The claimed invention obviates certain problems associated with the process of

192 applying nail varnish onto a distal perimeter region of a nail. By way of a non-limiting

193 example, a beautician-assisted or self-administered French manicure procedure may involve

194 the application of varnish, or similar type of nail polish substance, exclusively along a uniform

195 and dimensionally-consistent distal-most region of a nail. Without the use of the apparatus

196 and/or method of the claimed invention, it is possible for the nail varnish to be spread

197 unevenly onto the distal perimeter of a nail due to the shaking of the hand of the individual

198 applying the nail varnish. The present invention obviates this problem through the means and

199 apparatuses disclosed herein. Certain benefits offered by the claimed apparatus include, but

200 are not limited to, (i) its convenience and ease of self-administration by the user or third-party-

201 administration onto another person, (ii) its relative cost-effectiveness and low cost of

202 production relative to other apparatuses achieving the same outcome, and (iii) the expeditious

203 manner in which the desired results are achieved with this apparatus.

Claims

204 IV. CLAIMS

205 1. An apparatus for varnish application comprising

206 a top portion comprising

207 a top end, and

208 a body attached to said top end; and

209 a bottom portion comprising

210 a nail guide adapted for contact with a portion of a nail, and

211 a varnish applicator adapted for transferring varnish onto said nail.

212 2. The apparatus of Claim 1 , said varnish applicator comprising

213 a flat-end varnish applicator bottom, said flat-end varnish applicator bottom

214 adapted for making substantial contact with a surface of said nail and

215 transferring varnish onto said surface.

216 3. The apparatus of Claim 2, said varnish applicator bottom further comprising

217 a substantially flat surface, said substantially flat surface adapted for making

218 substantial contact with said surface of said nail and transferring varnish onto

219 said surface.

220 4. The apparatus of Claim 3, said nail guide further comprising

221 a nail guide portion comprising a nail guide surface adapted for contacting a

222 portion of said nail and preventing a dimension of lateral movement of said

223 portion of said nail.

224 5. The apparatus of Claim 4, said body further comprising

225 a cylindrical body adapted for holding by a user.

226 6. The apparatus of Claim 1, said varnish applicator comprising

227 a brush-end applicator bottom, said brush-end applicator bottom adapted for

228 making substantial contact with a surface of said nail and transferring varnish

229 onto said surface.

230 7. The apparatus of Claim 6, said brush-end applicator bottom comprising

231 a plurality of brush fibers, said brush fibers adapted for making substantial

232 contact with said surface of said nail and transferring varnish onto said surface.

233 8. The apparatus of Claim 7, said nail guide further comprising

234 a nail guide portion comprising a nail guide surface adapted for contacting a

235 portion of said nail and preventing a dimension of lateral movement of said

236 portion of said nail.

237 9. The apparatus of Claim 8, said body further comprising 238 a cylindrical body adapted for holding by a user.

239 10. An apparatus for varnish application comprising

240 a bottom portion comprising

241 a nail guide adapted for contact with a portion of a nail;

242 a varnish applicator adapted for transferring varnish onto said nail; and

243 an attachment portion adapted for connecting said attachment portion to

244 said bottom portion.

245 11. The apparatus of Claim 10, said varnish applicator further comprising

246 a flat-end varnish applicator bottom, said flat-end varnish applicator bottom

247 adapted for making substantial contact with a surface of said nail and

248 transferring varnish onto said surface.

249 12. The apparatus of Claim 11, said varnish applicator bottom further comprising

250 a substantially flat surface, said substantially flat surface is adapted for making

251 substantial contact with said surface of said nail and transferring varnish onto

252 said surface.

253 13. The apparatus of Claim 12, said nail guide further comprising

254 a nail guide portion comprising a nail guide surface adapted for contacting a

255 portion of said nail and preventing a dimension of lateral movement of said

256 portion of said nail.

257 14. The apparatus of Claim 13, said body further comprising

258 a cylindrical body adapted for holding by a user.

259 15. The apparatus of Claim 10, said varnish applicator comprising

260 a brush-end applicator bottom, said brush-end applicator bottom adapted for

261 making substantial contact with a surface of said nail and transferring varnish

262 onto said surface.

263 16. The apparatus of Claim 15, said brush-end applicator bottom comprising

264 a plurality of brush fibers, said brush fibers adapted for making substantial

265 contact with said surface of said nail and transferring varnish onto said surface.

266 17. The apparatus of Claim 16, said nail guide further comprising

267 a nail guide portion comprising a nail guide surface adapted for contacting a

268 portion of said nail and preventing a dimension of lateral movement of said

269 portion of said nail.

270 18. The apparatus of Claim 17, said body further comprising

271 a cylindrical body adapted for holding by a user.

272 19. A method of applying varnish, said method comprising

273 pressing a nail tip against a nail guide of a varnish applicator; and

274 moving said varnish applicator from a first lateral side of said nail tip to a

275 second lateral side of said nail tip while said nail tip is in contact with said nail

276 guide.

277 20. The method of Claim 19, said varnish applicator selected from the group consisting of:

278 a flat-end varnish applicator bottom, said flat-end varnish applicator bottom

279 adapted for making substantial contact with a surface of said nail and

280 transferring varnish onto said surface; and

281 a brush-end applicator bottom, said brush-end applicator comprising a plurality

282 of brush fibers, said brush fibers adapted for making substantial contact with

283 said surface of said nail and transferring varnish onto said surface.

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