U.S. patent application number 12/632980 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-09 for artificial nail or tip arrangement and method of making same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kiss Nail Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Kyu Sang Han.
Application Number | 20110132384 12/632980 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44080796 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110132384 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Han; Kyu Sang |
June 9, 2011 |
ARTIFICIAL NAIL OR TIP ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME
Abstract
Exemplary embodiments of artificial nail or tip arrangement and
method of making the same can be provided. For example, at least
one body can be provided which can have a particular surface with a
shape that at least approximately corresponds to a shape of at
least one portion of a natural nail. Further, an adhesive layer can
be secured to at least one portion of the surface of the body. The
adhesive layer can have a first surface which adheres to at least
one portion of the particular surface of the body and a second
surface which is provided to adhere to an upper surface of the at
least one portion of the natural nail when directly applied
thereto. Further, a removable layer can be provided which covers at
least one section of the second surface of the adhesive layer, and
which is removable to expose at least one portion of the second
surface of the adhesive layer for an application to the upper
surface of the portion of the natural nail. The removable layer can
include at least one section which extends outwardly outside a
periphery of the body.
Inventors: |
Han; Kyu Sang; (Port
Washington, NY) |
Assignee: |
Kiss Nail Products, Inc.
Port Washington
NY
|
Family ID: |
44080796 |
Appl. No.: |
12/632980 |
Filed: |
December 8, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/73 ;
156/61 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 31/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/73 ;
156/61 |
International
Class: |
A45D 29/00 20060101
A45D029/00; A45D 31/00 20060101 A45D031/00 |
Claims
1. An artificial nail or tip arrangement comprising: at least one
body have a particular surface with a shape that at least
approximately corresponds to a shape of at least one portion of a
natural nail; an adhesive layer secured to at least one portion of
the surface of the at least one body, the adhesive layer having a
first surface which adheres to at least one portion of the
particular surface of the at least one body and a second surface
which is provided to adhere to an upper surface of the at least one
portion of the natural nail when directly applied thereto; and a
removable layer which covers at least one section of the second
surface of the adhesive layer, and which is removable to expose at
least one portion of the second surface of the adhesive layer for
an application to the upper surface of the at least one portion of
the natural nail, wherein the removable layer includes at least one
section which extends outwardly outside a periphery of the at least
one body.
2. The artificial nail or tip arrangement according to claim 1,
wherein the at least one section of the removable layer includes a
tab which is structured to be grasped outside the periphery of the
at least one body.
3. The artificial nail or tip arrangement according to claim 2,
wherein the tab is positioned at an outer edge of the removable
layer on an opposite end to a portion of the at least one body
which is adapted to be at or near a cuticle of the natural
nail.
4. The artificial nail or tip arrangement according to claim 2,
wherein the tab is positioned at an outer side edge of the
removable layer, and extending outside the periphery of the at
least one body.
5. The artificial nail or tip arrangement according to claim 1,
wherein the at least one section of the removable layer includes at
least two tabs, at least one of which being structured to be
grasped outside the periphery of the at least one body.
6. The artificial nail or tip arrangement according to claim 5,
wherein the tabs are positioned at opposite side edges of the
removable layer, and extend outside the periphery of the at least
one body.
7. The artificial nail or tip arrangement according to claim 5,
wherein the tabs include at least three tabs, and wherein two of
the tabs are positioned at opposite side edges of the removable
layer, and at least one of the tabs is positioned at an outer edge
of the removable layer on an opposite end to a portion of the at
least one body which is adapted to be at or near a cuticle of the
natural nail.
8. The artificial nail or tip arrangement according to claim 1,
wherein the at least one section is bendable such that in a bent
state, the at least one section has a significant portion thereof
that is provided within the periphery of the at least one body when
view from a top view.
9. The artificial nail or tip arrangement according to claim 1,
wherein the at least one section is configured to be straightened
from the bent state when in use.
10. The artificial nail or tip arrangement according to claim 1,
wherein the at least one section is detachable from the removable
layer.
11. A method of making an artificial nail or a nail tip,
comprising: (a) forming at least one body having a shape
corresponding to at least one portion of the artificial nail or the
nail tip, a first convex surface and a second concave surface in a
well portion of a mold part; (b) disposing a composite strip over
the at least one body, the composite strip comprising an adhesive
layer having first and second layer surfaces and a removable liner,
the first layer surface facing the second concave surface of the at
least one body, the second layer surface being covered by the
removable liner; (c) applying a pressure to the composite strip so
as to press at least one portion of the adhesive layer into an
adhesive contact with the second concave surface of the at least
one body; and (d) reducing or eliminating the application of the
pressure to the portion of the composite strip which adhered to the
second concave surface of the at least one body.
12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising cutting or
edging the composite strip to form at least one section provided on
top of the composite strip for facilitating a removal of the liner
from the adhesive layer, wherein the liner includes at least one
section which extends outwardly outside a periphery of the at least
one body.
13. The method according to claim 12, the at least one section of
the removable layer includes a tab which is structured to be
grasped outside the periphery of the at least one body.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the tab is positioned
at an outer edge of the removable layer on an opposite end to a
portion of the at least one body which is adapted to be at or near
a cuticle of the natural nail when provided thereto.
15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the tab is positioned
at an outer side edge of the removable layer, and extending outside
the periphery of the at least one body.
16. The method according to claim 12, wherein the at least one
section of the removable layer includes at least two tabs, at least
one of which being structured to be grasped outside the periphery
of the at least one body.
17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the tabs are
positioned at opposite side edges of the removable layer, and
extend outside the periphery of the at least one body.
18. The method according to claim 15, wherein the tabs include at
least three tabs, and wherein two of the tabs are positioned at
opposite side edges of the removable liner, and at least one of the
tabs is positioned at an outer edge of the removable liner on an
opposite end to a portion of the at least one body which is adapted
to be at or near a cuticle of the natural nail.
19. The method according to claim 12, further comprising bending
the at least one section such that in a bent state, the at least
one section has a significant portion thereof that is provided
within the periphery of the at least one body when view from a top
view.
20. The method according to claim 12, wherein the at least one
section is configured to be straightened from the bent state when
in use.
21. The method according to claim 12, wherein the at least one
section is detachable from the removable liner.
22. The method according to claim 11, wherein the composite strip
comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive film covered on one side of
thereof with a silicon treated paper or plastic film.
23. The method according to claim 11, wherein the pressure applied
to the composite strip is a gas pressure.
24. The method according to claim 11, wherein at least one robotic
arm applies the pressure to the composite strip.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates to artificial nails (e.g.,
finger nails or toe nails), nail extensions, tips, etc. and a
method of making the same. In particular, exemplary embodiments of
the present disclosure relate to a pre-taped with adhesive for
securing the artificial nail to a user's natural nail that has a
protective layers extending beyond a periphery of a respective
artificial nail, nail extension, tip, etc.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0002] It has been known in the art of adorning the hands to
provide ornamental fingernail accessories made from thin, molded
plastic members manufactured generally in the shape of a
fingernail. (See, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,100 issued to Chang).
Indeed, this patent describes an ornamental accessory for a
fingernail including an overlay having a reusable pressure adhesive
layer pre-applied to a bottom surface thereof for application and
bonding to the wearer's natural nail, and a method of making the
same. Typically, the wearer applies an amount of a liquid bonding
adhesive to the accessory or the natural nail and affix the
accessory to the nail. An alternative to this process is described
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,934 issued to Mast et al. which provides an
adhesive press-on tab system for attaching artificial fingernails
to the wearer's natural nails. The tabs are essentially
double-sided adhesive tape with removable liners that are
interposed between the artificial fingernail and the natural
fingernail.
[0003] Attempts have been made to provide an ornamental fingernail
having a pre-applied pressure sensitive layer with varying degrees
of success. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,903 issued to Hoffman
et al. describes a self adhesive laminate having an adhesive
composition made of an acrylic copolymer requiring acrylic acid and
titanium chelate ester. U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,679 issued to Holt et
al. describes that an acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive known in
the art can be used in a method for treating damaged fingernails.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,384 issued to Hokama et al. describes that a
pressure-sensitive adhesive known in the art can be used in a
method for accomplishing a rapid and durable manicure. U.S. Pat.
No. 4,860,774 issued to Becker describes that a commercially
available pressure-sensitive adhesive can be used in a method for
fingernail reinforcement.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 7,185,660 to Han describes an artificial
fingernail and method of making an artificial fingernail in which
the artificial fingernail is pre-taped with an adhesive layer
covered by a removable liner during the manufacturing process. In
one aspect, the artificial fingernail includes a polymeric body
having a shape corresponding with at least a portion of a natural
fingernail. An adhesive layer is secured to at least a portion of
the lower surface of the polymeric body. The adhesive layer is
configured so as to adhere to an upper surface of a wearer's
natural fingernail when applied thereto. A removable liner covers
the adhesive layer and is removable to expose the adhesive layer
for application to the natural fingernail. The removable liner is
provided within the periphery of the artificial fingernail.
[0005] Although a number of artificial fingernails having
pre-applied adhesive are known, there is still a need for an
artificial fingernail which is easy to manufacture and to use by
the consumer, which has that has a protective removable layer
extending beyond a periphery of a respective artificial fingernail,
fingernail extension, tip, etc.
[0006] Accordingly, there may be a need to address and/or overcome
at least some of the deficiencies described herein above.
SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, an artificial fingernail, fingernail extension, tip,
etc and method of making can be provided.
[0008] In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, For
example, artificial nail or tip arrangement can be provided which
can include at least one body that can have a particular surface
with a shape that at least approximately corresponds to a shape of
at least one portion of a natural nail. Further, an adhesive layer
can be secured to at least one portion of the surface of the body.
The adhesive layer can have a first surface which adheres to at
least one portion of the particular surface of the body and a
second surface which is provided to adhere to an upper surface of
the at least one portion of the natural nail when directly applied
thereto. Further, a removable layer can be provided which covers at
least one section of the second surface of the adhesive layer, and
which is removable to expose at least one portion of the second
surface of the adhesive layer for an application to the upper
surface of the portion of the natural nail. The removable layer can
include at least one section which extends outwardly outside a
periphery of the body.
[0009] According to a certain exemplary embodiment, the section(s)
of the removable layer can include a tab which is structured to be
grasped outside the periphery of the body. The tab can be
positioned at an outer edge of the removable layer on an opposite
end to a portion of the body which is adapted to be at or near a
cuticle of the natural nail. As an alternative or in addition, the
tab can be positioned at an outer side edge of the removable layer,
and extend outside the periphery of the body.
[0010] In another exemplary embodiment, the section(s) of the
removable layer can include at least two tabs, at least one of
which being structured to be grasped outside the periphery of the
body. The tabs can be positioned at opposite side edges of the
removable layer, and extend outside the periphery of the body. As
an alternative or in addition, the tabs can include at least three
tabs, and two of the tabs can be positioned at opposite side edges
of the removable layer, and at least one of the tabs is positioned
at an outer edge of the removable layer on an opposite end to a
portion of the body which is adapted to be at or near a cuticle of
the natural nail.
[0011] In still another exemplary embodiment, the section(s) can be
bendable such that in a bent state, the section(s) can have a
significant portion thereof that is provided within the periphery
of the body when view from a top view. For example, the section(s)
can be configured to be straightened from the bent state when in
use. Further, the section(s) can be detachable from the removable
layer.
[0012] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, a method for making an artificial nail or a nail tip
can be provided. For example, at least one body can be formed which
can have a shape corresponding to at least one portion of the
artificial nail or the nail tip, a first convex surface and a
second concave surface in a well portion of a mold part. A
composite strip can be disposed over the body, with the composite
strip comprising an adhesive layer having first and second layer
surfaces and a removable liner. The first layer surface can face
the second concave surface of the body, and the second layer
surface can be covered by the removable liner. A gas pressure can
be applied to the composite strip which presses at least one
portion of the adhesive layer into an adhesive contact with the
second concave surface of the body. The application of the gas
pressure to the portion of the composite strip which adhered to the
second concave surface of the at least one body can then be reduced
and/or eliminated.
[0013] According to a still further exemplary embodiment, it is
possible to cut or edge the composite strip to form at least one
section provided on top of the composite strip for facilitating a
removal of the liner from the adhesive layer. For example, the
liner can include at least one section which extends outwardly
outside a periphery of the body. Further, the composite strip can
include a pressure sensitive adhesive film which can cover on one
side of thereof with a silicon treated paper or plastic film.
[0014] According to a certain exemplary embodiment of the method,
the section(s) of the removable liner can include a tab which is
structured to be grasped outside the periphery of the body. The tab
can be positioned at an outer edge of the removable liner on an
opposite end to a portion of the body which is adapted to be at or
near a cuticle of the natural nail. As an alternative or in
addition, the tab can be positioned at an outer side edge of the
removable liner, and extend outside the periphery of the body.
[0015] In another exemplary embodiment of the method, the
section(s) of the removable layer can include at least two tabs, at
least one of which being structured to be grasped outside the
periphery of the body. The tabs can be positioned at opposite side
edges of the removable liner, and extend outside the periphery of
the body. As an alternative or in addition, the tabs can include at
least three tabs, and two of the tabs can be positioned at opposite
side edges of the removable liner, and at least one of the tabs is
positioned at an outer edge of the removable liner on an opposite
end to a portion of the body which is adapted to be at or near a
cuticle of the natural nail.
[0016] In a further exemplary embodiment of the method, the
section(s) can be bendable such that in a bent state, the
section(s) can have a significant portion thereof that is provided
within the periphery of the body when view from a top view. For
example, the section(s) can be straightened from the bent state
when in use. Further, the section(s) can be detachable from the
removable liner.
[0017] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will become apparent
upon reading the following detailed description of the exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction
with the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Further objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures
showing illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, in
which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of an
artificial fingernail of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the first embodiment
of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a side view of a mold and of processing according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of
the artificial fingernail of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the second embodiment
of FIG. 4;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a side view of a third exemplary embodiment of the
artificial fingernail of the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the third embodiment
of FIG. 6;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a side view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of
the artificial fingernail of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the third embodiment
of FIG. 8.
[0028] Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals and
characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like
features, elements, components or portions of the illustrated
embodiments. Moreover, while the subject disclosure will now be
described in detail with reference to the figures, it is done so in
connection with the illustrative embodiments. It is intended that
changes and modifications can be made to the described exemplary
embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the
subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0029] Turning now in detail to the drawings, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2
show an artificial fingernail 10 according to a first exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure. The term "artificial
fingernail" can include, but is not limited to, a full-cover nail
intended to be applied over the entire surface of a wearer's
natural nail (e.g., a finger nail or a toe nail), a nail extension
or "nail tip" intended to be applied to at least one portion of a
wearer's natural nail, and the like.
[0030] For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the artificial nail
10 can include a polymeric body 20 corresponding to a shape of at
least one portion of a natural fingernail. The polymeric body 20
can be designed as a full-cover nail, a partial artificial nail
portion and/or an artificial nail tip. The polymeric body 20 can be
made from a composition of acrylonitrile-butadine-styrene (ABS)
plastic and a polycarbonate. Further, the polymeric body 20 can
also be made from any plastic-like material commonly employed in
the manufacture of artificial nails, such as ABS plastic, nylon,
tenite acetate, vinyl acetate, polycarbonates, polyvinyl chloride,
etc.
[0031] Examples of suitable hard materials for the polymeric body
20 can include Styrolux.RTM. 684D (SBC), a styrene-butadine block
copolymer available from BASF Corporation; Cyro.RTM. R40 (acrylic
base), an acrylic-based multipolymer available from Cyro Industries
of Rockaway, N.J.; Lexane KR01 (PC)(trade name), a polycarbonate
available from GE Plastics; K-resin.RTM. (SBC), a styrene-butadiene
copolymer available from Chevron Phillips Chemical Company; TP-UXS
(MMBS)(trade name), a methyl methacrylate butadiene styrene
terpolymer available from DENKA of Tokyo, Japan; Starex.RTM. 5010
(ABS), an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene available from Samsung
Cheil Industries; Zylar.RTM. 220 (SMMC) and Nas.RTM. 30, styrene
methyl methacrylate copolymers available from Nova Chemicals; and
Toyalac 920 (Clear ABS), an acryloritrile butadiene styrene
available from Toray Resin Company.
[0032] The polymeric body 20 can have has a thickness of, e.g.,
between about 0.35 and 0.65 mm, but other thickness of the
polymeric body are certainly conceivable. The polymeric body 20 can
include an upper surface 22 which is provided to be away from a
surface of the wearer's natural nail and a lower surface 24 which
is structured to face a top surface of the wearer's natural nail.
An adhesive layer 30 can be secured to at least one portion of the
lower surface 24, preferably a proximal portion of lower surface 24
which is intended to be closer to a cuticle of the wearer's natural
nail. The adhesive layer 30 is configured to adhere to an upper
surface of the wearer's natural nail when applied thereto. The
adhesive layer 30 can include, e.g., a copolymer of acrylic ester
and vinyl acetate formed from an aqueous acrylic copolymer emulsion
that has been dried on a carrier film.
[0033] A removable liner 40 can be provided to be provided on and
cover the adhesive layer 30. Such exemplary liner 40 can be
removable from the adhesive layer 30 to expose adhesive layer 30
for the application to the wearer's natural fingernail. In
particular, according to the first exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure, the liner 40 includes a tab 42 for facilitating
removal of the liner 40 from the adhesive layer 30 extending
outwardly beyond the periphery of the polymeric body 20. According
to this exemplary embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tab
42 can be integrally and/or detachably connected to a front edge of
the liner 40, e.g., at and/or a front edge of the polymeric body 20
that is provided at or close to a cuticle of the wearer's natural
nail.
[0034] Indeed, due to the positioning of the tab 42 beyond the
periphery of the polymeric body 20 and/or the artificial nail 10,
it is easier and quicker for the user or anyone else to remove the
tab 42 from the adhesive layer 30 that is provided on the polymeric
body 20. This can be because there is structure to obstruct the
user or anyone else from grasping the tab 42 to remove it from the
adhesive layer 30. In addition, it is possible to bend the tab 42
to be initially situated under the lower surface 24 when it is
packaged. This exemplary configuration (i.e., bending) of the tab
42 can facilitate an easier packaging of the artificial nail 10 (or
tip/extension), and possibly reduce and/or prevent damage or
unintended removal of the tab 42. When the wearer or anyone else is
prepared to remove the tab 42, it can be unbent such that it
extends beyond the periphery of the polymeric body 20.
[0035] For example, the adhesive layer 30 can include a film
including a pressure sensitive adhesive, and the removable liner 40
can include a silicon treated paper or plastic film. According to
one embodiment, an unsupported laminating film having a thickness
between 0.100 and 0.150 mm can used as adhesive layer 30. The film
may be a vinyl film coated on each side with an adhesive. For
example, the removable liner 40 can be made from plastic, paper or
another material, and have a surface that is in contact with the
adhesive layer 30 that is configured for easy removal thereof when
pulled by the wearer or anyone else.
[0036] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a
method for making an artificial fingernail can be provided. For
example, at least one polymeric body having a shape corresponding
with at least a portion of a natural nail can be formed. For
example, in FIG. 3, an injection mold is illustrated which includes
a mold part 50 for forming the polymeric body, four polymeric
bodies 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d being shown. The mold part 50 includes at
least one and preferably several cavities or well portions, with
four well portions 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, as shown in FIG. 3. Each
well portion 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d can have the shape, size and
thickness of the respective polymeric bodies 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d.
Each polymeric body 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d formed in mold part 50 has a
first convex surface 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d and a second concave
surface 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d.
[0037] After forming polymeric bodies 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, a
composite strip 300 is disposed over the polymeric bodies. The
composite strip 300 can include the adhesive layer 30 having first
and second layer surfaces 32, 34 and the removable liner 40. For
example, the composite strip 300 can include a pressure sensitive
adhesive film covered on one side with a silicon treated paper or
plastic film. The first layer surface 32 faces the second concave
surfaces 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d of the polymeric bodies 20a, 20b, 20c,
20d. The second layer surface 34 can be covered by the removable
liner 40.
[0038] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, gas pressure and/or air pressure can then be directed
toward the mold part 50, and specifically toward the second layer
surface 34. Thus, in such manner, the first layer surface 32 of the
adhesive layer 30 is pushed to contact and adhere to the second
concave surfaces 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d of the polymeric bodies 20a,
20b, 20c, 20d. According to another exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure, it is possible to utilize one or more robotic
arms (not shown in the drawings) to press the composite strip 300
on top of the polymeric bodies 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d so that such
composite strip 300 contacts these polymeric bodies 20a, 20b, 20c,
20d. Such robotic arm(s) can be controlled via a computer
arrangement (e.g., a microprocessor) which can implement and/or
execute the software residing on a computer-accessible medium
(e.g., hard disk, floppy drive, memory stick, RAM, ROM, etc.) to
control the robotic arm(s) to press the composite strip 300 on top
of the polymeric bodies 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d.
[0039] Further, the polymeric bodies 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d can then be
removed from mold part 50 with the composite strip portions adhered
to the respective concave surfaces 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d of polymeric
bodies 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. Each composite strip 300 can then be cut
with a die or other cutting tool in the area 60 shown by the arrows
in FIG. 2 to form the removable liner and the tab 42 on the
composite strip 300 for facilitating the removal of the liner 40
from the adhesive layer 30. For example, the tab can be formed by
cutting through the adhesive layer 300, but not completely through
the liner 40 in the area of the tab 42.
[0040] A second exemplary embodiment of the artificial fingernail
10 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. All of the parts of this second
exemplary embodiment as provided in FIGS. 4 and 5 that are labeled
in the same manner as those as provided in the first exemplary
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be the same or similar
parts. The difference between the first and second embodiments is
that another tab 43 is provided at a side of the polymeric body 20
and/or the artificial nail 10. In particular, according to the
second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the tab 43
is provided for facilitating removal of the liner 40 from the
adhesive layer 30 extending outwardly beyond the periphery of the
polymeric body 20. Particularly, the tab 43 can be integrally
and/or detachably connected to a right side edge of the liner 40,
e.g., at and/or a right side edge of the polymeric body 20.
[0041] A third exemplary embodiment of the artificial fingernail 10
is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. All of the parts of this third exemplary
embodiment as provided in FIGS. 6 and 7 that are labeled in the
same manner as those as provided in the second exemplary embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 can be the same or similar parts. The
difference between the second and third embodiments is that another
tab 44 is provided at an opposite side of the polymeric body 20
and/or the artificial nail 10 from the side at which tab 43 was
provided. In particular, the tab 44 can be integrally and/or
detachably connected to a left side edge of the liner 40, e.g., at
and/or a left side edge of the polymeric body 20.
[0042] A fourth exemplary embodiment of the artificial fingernail
10 is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. All of the parts of this fourth
exemplary embodiment as provided in FIGS. 6 and 7 that are labeled
in the same manner as those as provided in the first, second and
third exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and
7 can be the same or similar parts. The difference between the
fourth exemplary embodiment and the first, second and third
exemplary embodiments is that all three tabs 42, 43, 44 are
provided at the respective sides of the polymeric body 20 and/or
the artificial nail 10. Thus, the wearer of the artificial nail 10
or anyone else can pull any one or more of the tabs 42, 43, 44 to
remove the liner from the adhesive layer 30, so that the adhesive
layer can be applied to the top surface of at least one portion of
the wearer's natural nail.
[0043] The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the
invention. Various modifications and alterations to the described
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of
the teachings herein. Indeed, the arrangements and methods
according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention can
be used with the exemplary embodiments described herein. It will
thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to
devise numerous systems, arrangements and methods which, although
not explicitly shown or described herein, embody the principles of
the invention and are thus within the spirit and scope of the
present invention. In addition, to the extent that the prior art
knowledge has not been explicitly incorporated by reference herein
above, it is explicitly being incorporated herein in its entirety.
All publications referenced herein above are incorporated herein by
reference in their entireties.
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