WO2016026500A1

WO2016026500A1 - Masking cover for the hand or foot

Info

Publication number: WO2016026500A1
Application number: PCT/DK2015/050245
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Balkin Matalon
Original assignee: Revolution Copenhagen By Matalon
Priority date: 2014-08-20
Filing date: 2015-08-19
Publication date: 2016-02-25

Abstract

The invention concerns a masking cover (100) for a human hand (2) or foot (2'), where the masking cover comprises a first side (4) and a second side (6); where the masking cover comprises: a common element (8) and five individual elements (10,10',10'',10''',10''''); where the common element comprises a tubular part (12) with a first end (14) and a second end (16); where each individual element comprises a tubular part (18) with a first end (20) and a second end (22); where the first end (14) of the tubular part (12) of the common element (8) is open; where the second end (16) of the tubular part (12) of the common element (8) is partly open; where each individual element's first end (20) is fastened to the common element's second end (16) so that there is a passageway from the common element's first open end (14) via the common element's second end (16) to each individual element's first end (20) and second end (22); where each individual element's second end (22) comprises an opening (24) on its first side; where each individual element's second end (22) comprises an end closure (26), which closes off this individual element's second end in an axial direction; wherein the masking cover (100) thus has a shape corresponding to a finger glove or a toe sock; or a shape corresponding to part of a finger glove or part of a toe sock.

Description

Masking cover for the hand or foot

Field of the invention

The present invention concerns in a first aspect a masking cover for a human hand or foot for use in connection with applying nail polish. In a second aspect, the present invention concerns a kit comprising one or more masking covers according to the first aspect of the invention in combination with a package containing nail polish. In a third aspect the present invention concerns the use of the masking cover according to the first aspect of the invention or of a kit according to the second aspect of the invention for masking the skin on a hand or foot in connection with applying nail polish. In a fourth aspect, the present invention concerns a method for polishing finger or toe nails.

Background of the invention

For centuries the painting of finger and/or toe nails with paint or clear varnish has generally been part of body decoration in most cultures, especially for women. To achieve a satisfactory result, the nail polish must be applied very carefully, since it is desirable that the nail polish cover the whole nail, and only the nail, and therefore not the surrounding skin. Furthermore, it is desirable that the painted surface be even and smooth and not contain solidified clumps or stripes due to a brush stroke.

Thus, the achievement of such a satisfactory result is rather time-consuming.

Besides the fact that from a cosmetic standpoint it is undesirable for the applied nail polish to end up on the surrounding skin, such an imprecise application of nail polish can entail health risks, since nail polish contains solvents, chemical binders and colorants and/or pigments. Such chemical substances can penetrate the skin if the nail polish is applied imprecisely and thus be taken up into the body with negative health consequences. Thus, there is a need to improve the application of nail polish, resulting in an improved cosmetic result and avoiding the health risks of imprecise application of nail polish.

One purpose of the present invention is to create means for such improvements.

Brief description of the invention

This goal is achieved with a masking cover according to the first aspect of the invention; with a kit according to the second aspect of the invention; with an application according to the third aspect of the invention; and with a method according to the fourth aspect of the invention.

Thus, the masking cover according to the first aspect of the invention comprises a first side and a second side; where the masking cover comprises: a common element and five individual elements; where the common element comprises a tubular part with a first end and a second end; where each individual element comprises a tubular part with a first end and a second end; where the first end of the tubular part of the common element is open; where the second end of the tubular part of the common element is partly open; where each individual element's first end is fastened to the common element's second end so that there is a passageway from the common element's first open end via the common element's second end to each individual element's first and second end; where each individual element's second end comprises an opening on its first side; where each individual element's second end comprises an end closure, which closes off this individual element's second end in an axial direction; wherein the masking cover thus has a shape corresponding to part of a finger glove or part of a toe sock.

The kit according to the second aspect of the invention comprises one or more masking covers according to the first aspect of the invention in combination with a package containing nail polish.

The third aspect of the invention involves the application of the masking cover according to the first aspect of the invention or the application of the kit according to the second aspect of the invention for masking of the skin on a hand or foot in connection with the applying of nail polish.

The fourth aspect of the invention involves a method of painting the finger or toe nails, where the method involves: i) placing a masking cover on at least part of a hand or part of a foot, where the masking cover comprises one or more openings for exposing the nails ; ii) making sure that the masking cover is covering skin, but not nails; iii) applying nail polish to one or more nails of the fingers or toes; iv) removing of the masking cover.

With the masking cover and the kit and the application thereof and with the method according to the various aspects of the invention one can accomplish a precise applying of nail polish without applying nail polish to unwanted areas such as the skin around a nail.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 shows a plan drawing of a masking cover according to the invention designed for applying to nails on a right hand.

Figure 2 shows in perspective view a masking cover according to the invention designed for applying to nails on a left foot. Figure 3 illustrates the steps involved in the application of a masking cover according to the invention while applying nail polish to the nails of a right hand.

Figure 4 shows in detail the configuration of the second end of a tubular part of an individual element of a masking cover according to the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The first aspect of the invention comprises a masking cover for a human hand or foot, where the masking cover comprises a first side and a second side; where the masking cover comprises: a common element and five individual elements; where the common element comprises a tubular part with a first end and a second end; where each individual element comprises a tubular part with a first end and a second end; where the first end of the tubular part of the common element is open; where the second end of the tubular part of the common element is partly open; where each individual element's first end is fastened to the common element's second end so that there is a passageway from the common element's first open end via the common element's second end to each individual element's first end and second end; where each individual element's second end comprises an opening on its first side; where each individual element's second end comprises an end closure, which closes off this individual element's second end in an axial direction; wherein the masking cover thus has a shape corresponding to a finger glove or a toe sock; or has a shape corresponding to part of a finger glove or part of a toe sock. The masking cover can thus function as a masking of the skin on a human hand or a human foot in connection with applying of nail polish so that only the nails and not the skin surrounding the nails have nail polished applied to them.

This is accomplished in that the person who wants to paint their nails places the masking cover on their hand or foot such that each finger or toe fills the tubular part of each corresponding individual element so that each individual element's opening exposes those finger or toe nails and only those finger or toe nails. After this, nail polish is applied without risk of nail polish getting onto the skin surrounding each nail.

In a preferred embodiment of the masking cover according to the invention's first aspect the masking cover has a shape corresponding to a finger glove or part of a finger glove.

In such an embodiment the masking cover is preferably adapted to cover a right hand or a left hand.

In a preferred embodiment of the masking cover according to the invention's first aspect the masking cover has a shape corresponding to a toe sock or part of a toe sock.

In such an embodiment the masking cover is preferably adapted to cover a right foot or a left foot.

These embodiments make it easier to place the masking cover on a hand or on a foot, since it has a shape corresponding to a hand or a foot.

In a preferred embodiment of the masking cover according to the invention's first aspect each individual element's second end is closed on its second side.

This ensures an easier placement on a finger or on a toe, since they cannot slip out from the masking cover unintentionally.

In a preferred embodiment of the masking cover according to the invention's first aspect the masking cover is made from an elastic and/or stretchable material. In such an embodiment the material can be a polymer, such as latex, nitrile rubber, neoprene, PVC, or the material can be a fabric such as a woven fabric.

These examples for the masking cover's material make sure by their elasticity and/or stretchability that the masking cover sits tight on the skin around the nails.

In a preferred embodiment of the masking cover according to the invention's first aspect the masking cover on its inner surface is at least partly coated with a skin conditioner.

In one embodiment this skin conditioner is a stiffening skin conditioner.

In a preferred embodiment of the masking cover according to the invention's first aspect the masking cover is at least partly coated on its inner surface with an agent which provides a cooling sensation to the skin.

In a preferred embodiment of the masking cover according to the invention's first aspect the masking cover is at least partly coated on its inner surface with an agent which provides a warming sensation to the skin.

The fact that the inner surface of the masking cover is at least partly coated with a skin conditioner or an agent which provides a cooling or a warming sensation ensures that the hands or feet are subjected to a conditioning treatment at the same time as the nail polish is applied.

In a preferred embodiment of the masking cover according to the invention's first aspect the masking cover has a breaking line for breaking of the material of the masking cover for the purpose of easy removal thereof.

The second aspect of the invention comprises a kit, which includes one or more masking covers according to the invention's first aspect in combination with a package containing nail polish.

In a preferred embodiment of the kit according to the invention's second aspect the package containing nail polish is a nail polish for application by a brush, and the package contains a brush. In a preferred embodiment of the kit according to the invention's second aspect the package containing nail polish is a nail polish for application as aerosol spray, and the package contains an aerosol spray.

Such embodiments ensure that the parts are assembled which will be used to apply a nail polish with the masking cover according to the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the kit according to the invention's second aspect it furthermore contains a nail polish remover.

In a preferred embodiment this nail polish remover is acetone or acetone-free nail polish remover.

In a preferred embodiment of the kit according to the invention's second aspect it furthermore contains an implement for cosmetic treatment of nails, such as a nail file, a cuticle pusher, or the like.

Such an embodiment ensures that one also has the parts available which will be used for a proper manicure.

The third aspect of the invention involves an application of a masking cover according to the invention's first aspect or an application of a kit according to the invention's second aspect for masking of the skin on a hand or a foot in connection with applying of nail polish.

The fourth aspect of the invention involves a method of polishing finger or toe nails, where the method involves: i) placing a masking cover on at least part of a hand or part of a foot, where the masking cover comprises one or more openings for exposing the nails; ii) making sure that the masking cover is covering skin, but not nails; iii) applying nail polish to one or more nails of the fingers or toes; iv) removing of the masking cover.

In an embodiment of the invention's fourth aspect the method furthermore includes the following step before step iv): iiia) waiting until the applied nail polish is at least partly drier.

This ensures that the applied nail polish is not damaged or smudged while removing the masking cover.

In an embodiment of the invention's fourth aspect step iii) is done with brush or with aerosol spray.

In an embodiment of the invention's fourth aspect the masking cover is a masking cover according to the invention's first aspect.

Now referring to the figures for the purpose of an illustration of the present invention, fig. 1 shows a masking cover 100 for a human right hand 2.

The masking cover contains a first side 4 and a second side 6. The first side corresponds to the back of the hand 4, while the second side 6 corresponds to the palm.

The masking cover comprises: a common element 8 and five individual elements 10, 10', 10", 10" ', 10""; where the common element comprises a tubular part 12 with a first end 14 and a second end 16; where each individual element comprises a tubular part 18 with a first end 20 and a second end 22; where the first end 14 of the tubular part 12 of the common element 8 is open; where the second end 16 of the tubular part 12 of the common element 8 is partly open; where each individual element's first end 20 is fastened to the common element's second end 16 so that there is a passageway from the common element's first open end 14 via the common element's second end 16 to each individual element's first end 20 and second end 22.

Thus, each tubular part 18 of each individual element 10,10', 10", 10 '",10" " is adapted to accommodate a finger, in that the masking cover 100 comprises a tubular individual element 10 for the thumb, a tubular individual element 10' for the index finger, a tubular individual element 10" for the middle finger, a tubular individual element 10"' for the ring finger, and a tubular individual element 10" " for the little finger.

Each individual element's second end 22 is open on its first side 4, in that this element's second end has an opening 24 on its first side.

It is seen in fig. 1 that the masking cover 100 has a shape corresponding to a finger glove.

Alternatively, the masking cover 100 can have a shape corresponding to part of a finger glove, in that the common element in certain embodiments can have an extent not covering the entire hand, but rather an extent which ends midway on the palm or back of the hand.

The common element in fact only serves the purpose of holding together the individual elements, so that the masking cover can be put on in a single step, rather than each one being individual and separate, so that they would need to be put on in five separate steps.

It is seen in fig. 1 that each individual element's second end 22 comprises an end closure 26, which closes off this individual element's second end in an axial direction and thereby forms an edge of the opening 24.

Since the masking cover is made of an elastic and/or stretchable material, it is possible for the masking cover to fit snugly around the nail at the finger tips, so that the masking cover alone covers the skin around the nails without covering the nails themselves.

This is shown in detail in fig. 4, where one sees in magnified view a tubular part 12 of an individual element 10,10', 10", 10"', 10"" with its first end 14 and its second end 16 and its first side 4 and its second side 6. In its second end 16 the tubular part 12 contains an opening 24 and an end closure 26. The opening 24 is bounded by the edges 28,30,32,34, which define the transition between the opening 24 and the material of which the masking cover 100 is made. Fig. 3 illustrates the application of a masking cover in connection with applying of nail polish to the nails of the right hand. Fig. 3 shows a masking cover 100 for a right hand 2. The masking cover 100 is placed on the hand in the familiar manner of putting on an ordinary finger glove.

After the masking cover has been put in place, one can adjust the edges 28,30,32,34 of each opening 24 of each individual element, so that the edges 28,30,32,34 precisely follow the outline of the nails.

This step in the procedure is facilitated if the masking cover has applied to its inside a lotion or cream, such as a skin conditioner, which produces a slight sticky effect between the skin of the hand and the masking cover.

If the lotion should spill accidentally onto the nails themselves, the lotion can easily be dried up with a cloth or the like to ensure a satisfactory bonding of the nail polish.

When the masking cover has been placed on the hand and one has made sure that the edges 28,30,32,34 belonging to the openings 24 satisfactorily follow the contour of the nails, the applying of nail polish can begin. This is shown in fig. 3 as an applying by an aerosol spray 80,84. Alternatively, this applying can also be done with traditional and/or conventional nail polish via a brush 82.

After a short time, the masking cover can be pulled off, after which one has achieved a painting of the nails 3 of the hand 2.

The masking cover can thus be used likewise for masking the skin of the foot during a painting of the toe nails.

For this, a masking cover is used which is adapted to cover a foot or part of a foot. One such cover is shown in fig. 2.

Figure 2 shows a masking cover 100 for a human left foot 2' .

The masking cover contains a first side 4 and a second side 6. The first side corresponds to the instep, while the second side 6 corresponds to the sole of the foot. The masking cover comprises: a common element 8 and five individual elements 10, 10', 10", 10" ', 10""; where the common element comprises a tubular part 12 with a first end 14 and a second end 16; where each individual element comprises a tubular part 18 with a first end 20 and a second end 22; where the first end 14 of the tubular part 12 of the common element 8 is open; where the second end 16 of the tubular part 12 of the common element 8 is partly open; where each individual element's first end 20 is fastened to the common element's second end 16 so that there is a passageway from the common element's first open end 14 via the common element's second end 16 to each individual element's first end 20 and second end 22.

Thus, each tubular part 18 of each individual element 10,10', 10", 10"', 10"" is adapted to accommodate a toe, in that the masking cover 100 comprises a tubular individual element 10 for the first toe or big toe, a tubular individual element 10' for the second toe, a tubular individual element 10" for the third toe, a tubular individual element 10" ' for the fourth toe, and a tubular individual element 10" " for the fifth toe or little toe.

It is seen in fig. 2 that the masking cover 100 has a shape corresponding to a toe sock, that is, a sock with individual space for each toe.

Alternatively, the masking cover 100 can have a shape corresponding to part of a toe sock, in that the common element in certain embodiments can have an extent not covering most of the foot, but rather an extent which ends midway on the instep or sole of the foot.

Once again, the common element serves the purpose of holding together the individual elements, so that the masking cover can be put on in a single step, ra- ther than each one being individual and separate, so that they would need to be put on in five separate steps.

It is seen in fig. 2 that each individual element's second end 22 comprises an end closure 26, which closes off this individual element's second end in an axial direction and thereby forms an edge of the opening 24.

Fig. 2 also shows the breaking line 36, which is a line along the surface of the masking cover, and which can simplify the removal of the masking cover after the end of the painting. This is especially preferably when the masking cover has a lotion or a skin conditioner, especially a stiffening skin conditioner, applied to its inside.

A method for painting the nails thus generally involves the following steps: i) placing a masking cover 100 according to the first aspect of the invention on a hand 2 or foot 2'; ii) making sure that the hand or toe nails 3 are exposed by the openings 24 of the masking cover ; iii) applying nail polish to the finger or toe nails 3 through the openings 24 of the masking cover; iv) removing of the masking cover 100.

Figure references

2 Hand 2' Foot

3 Nail

4 First side of masking cover

6 Second side of masking cover 8 Common element

10,10\10",10" \10" " Individual element

12 Tubular part of common element

14 First end of tubular part of common element

16 Second end of tubular part of common element

18 Tubular part of individual element

20 First end of tubular part of individual element

22 Second end of tubular part of individual element

24 Opening in second end of tubular part of individual element

26 End closure of second end of tubular part of individual element

28, 30, 32, 34 Edge in opening of second end of tubular part of individual element

36 Breaking line on first or second side of masking cover

80 Package

82 Brush

84 Aerosol spray 100 Masking cover 200 Kit

Claims

Patent claims

1. Masking cover (100) for a human hand (2) or foot (2'), where the masking cover comprises a first side (4) and a second side (6); where the masking cover comprises: a common element (8) and five individual elements (10,10' ,10", 10'" ,10""); where the common element comprises a tubular part (12) with a first end (14) and a second end (16); where each individual element comprises a tubular part (18) with a first end (20) and a second end (22); where the first end (14) of the tubular part (12) of the common element (8) is open; where the second end (16) of the tubular part (12) of the common element (8) is partly open; where each individual element's first end (20) is fastened to the common element's second end (16) so that there is a passageway from the common element's first open end (14) via the common element's second end (16) to each individual element's first end (20) and second end (22); where each individual element's second end (22) comprises an opening (24); where each individual element's second end (22) comprises an end closure (26), which closes off this individual element's second end in an axial direction; wherein the masking cover (100) thus has a shape corresponding to a finger glove or a toe sock; or a shape corresponding to part of a finger glove or part of a toe sock.

2. Masking cover (100) according to claim 1 with shape corresponding to a finger glove or part of a finger glove.

3. Masking cover (100) according to claim 1 with shape corresponding to a toe sock or part of a toe sock.

4. Masking cover (100) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, where the masking cover is adapted to cover a right hand or a left hand.

5. Masking cover (100) according to any one of claims 1 or 3, where the masking cover is adapted to cover a right foot or a left foot.

6. Masking cover (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 5, where each individual element's second end (22) is closed on its second side (6).

7. Masking cover (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 6, where the masking cover is made of an elastic and/or stretchable material.

8. Masking cover (100) according to claim 7, where the material is a polymer, such as latex, nitrile rubber, neoprene, PVC, or where the material is a fabric, such as a woven fabric.

9. Masking cover (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 8, where the masking cover on its inner surface is at least partly coated with a skin conditioner.

10. Masking cover (100) according to claim 9, where the skin conditioner is a stiffening skin conditioner.

11. Masking cover (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 10, where the masking cover is at least partly coated on its inner surface with an agent which provides a cooling sensation to the skin.

12. Masking cover (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 10, where the masking cover is at least partly coated on its inner surface with an agent which provides a warming sensation to the skin.

13. Masking cover (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 12, where the masking cover has on its first side (4) or on its second side (6) a breaking line (36) for breaking of the material of the masking cover for the purpose of easy removal thereof.

14. Kit (200) comprising one or more masking covers (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 13 in combination with a package (80) containing nail polish.

15. Kit (200) according to claim 14, where the package (80) containing nail polish is nail polish for applying with a brush, and the package contains a brush (82).

16. Kit (200) according to claim 14, where the package (80) containing nail polish is nail polish for applying as aerosol spray, and the package contains an aerosol spray (84).

17. Kit (200) according to any one of claims 14 - 16 furthermore containing a nail polish remover.

18. Kit (200) according to claim 17, where the nail polish remover contains acetone or where the nail polish remover is acetone-free.

19. Kit (200) according to claim 14 - 18 furthermore containing an implement for cosmetic treatment of the nails, such as a nail file, a cuticle pusher, or the like.

20. Application of a masking cover (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 13 or a kit (200) according to any one of claims 14 - 19 for masking of the skin on a hand (2) or a foot (2') in connection with the applying of nail polish.

21. Method of painting the finger or toe nails, where the method involves: i) placing a masking cover on at least part of a hand (2) or part of a foot (2'), where the masking cover comprises one or more openings for exposing the nails; ii) making sure that the masking cover is covering skin, but not nails (3); iii) applying nail polish to one or more nails (3) of the fingers or toes; iv) removing of the masking cover.

22. Method according to claim 21, furthermore including the following step before step iv): iiia) waiting until the applied nail polish is at least partly drier.

23. Method according to claim 21 or 22, where step iii) is done with a brush (82) or with aerosol spray (84).

24. Method according to any one of claims 21 - 23, where the masking cover is a masking cover (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 13.