U.S. patent application number 13/334500 was filed with the patent office on 2013-06-27 for devices and methods for curing nail gels.
The applicant listed for this patent is Danny Lee Haile. Invention is credited to Danny Lee Haile.
Application Number | 20130161531 13/334500 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48653005 |
Filed Date | 2013-06-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130161531 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haile; Danny Lee |
June 27, 2013 |
DEVICES AND METHODS FOR CURING NAIL GELS
Abstract
Novel nail gel curing devices and methods of their use are
disclosed. Novel shields for nail gel curing devices and methods of
their use are also disclosed. The devices and shields are useful
for curing nail gels and more particularly where light emitting
diode "LED" equipped devices are used to cure UV-VIS curable nail
gel resins.
Inventors: |
Haile; Danny Lee; (La
Mirada, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Haile; Danny Lee |
La Mirada |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48653005 |
Appl. No.: |
13/334500 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
250/455.11 ;
250/515.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01J 2219/1203 20130101;
B01J 2219/0877 20130101; A45D 29/00 20130101; B01J 19/123 20130101;
G02B 5/208 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
250/455.11 ;
250/515.1 |
International
Class: |
B01J 19/12 20060101
B01J019/12; G02B 5/22 20060101 G02B005/22 |
Claims
1. A nail gel curing device, comprising: an outer housing, a base,
a dome and a detachable tray, said housing, base, dome and tray
defining an irradiation chamber, an opening to said chamber for
inserting a hand or foot of a user, and a space between the dome
and housing, said irradiation chamber being suitable for curing
five nails of a user's hand or foot; said dome comprising a
plurality of light emitting diodes for curing nails positioned in
the irradiation chamber; and said space being sufficient to
accommodate electronic or electric circuitry to operate the
plurality of light emitting diodes in the curing device; a shield
slidably attached to the device; said shield being capable of
reducing the opening's size by sliding from an open to a more
closed position, said closing diminishing a user's secondary
exposure to UV light exiting the confines of the device; and
electronic or electric circuitry to operate the plurality of light
emitting diodes in the curing device.
2. A nail gel curing device according to claim 1, wherein plurality
of light emitting diodes are substantially uniformly disposed about
the top and sides of the dome.
3. A nail gel curing device according to claim 1, wherein each
light emitting diode provides from about 2 to about 5 watts of
power.
4. A nail gel curing device according to claim 1, wherein the
combined light emitting diode wattage is in a range of from about
20 to about 40 watts.
5. A nail gel curing device according to claim 3, wherein the
combined light emitting diode wattage is from about 30 to about 36
watts.
6. A nail gel curing device according to claim 1, wherein the light
emitting diodes employ reflectors.
7. A nail gel curing device according to claim 1 wherein AC, DC or
battery power is used to operate the device.
8. A nail gel curing device according to claim 1, wherein said
shield is attached to the exterior surface of said outer
housing.
9. A shield for a nail gel curing device, comprising: a solid
material that reduces the transmission of UV light from exiting the
confines of the device; said shield being capable of slidably
attaching to the device in proximity to an opening in the device
for inserting a user's hand or foot into an irradiation chamber;
said shield further being capable of reducing the opening's size by
sliding from an open to a more closed position with respect to the
opening; such that when the shield is in a more closed position,
the amount of light that can escape the device is diminished.
10. A shield according to claim 9, which is attached to the
exterior surface of the outer housing.
11. A method for curing gel-coated nails comprising: inserting a
hand or foot of a user into a device according to claim 1; said
hand or foot having one or more gel-coated nails capable of being
cured by UV irradiation, sliding the shield of said device to a
more closed position; and curing said one or more gel-coated nails
with UV irradiation.
12. A method of inhibiting the transmission of UV light from
exiting the confines of a nail gel curing device, comprising:
slidably attaching a shield according to claim 9 to a nail gel
curing device; inserting a hand or foot of a user into the nail gel
curing device, said hand or foot having one or more gel-coated
nails capable of being cured by UV irradiation; sliding the shield
of said device to a more closed position; and curing said one or
more gel-coated nails with UV irradiation.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein generally
relate to devices and methods for curing nail gels and more
particularly to light emitting diode "LED" equipped devices that
may reduce overall curing time, generate less heat, be easier or
less expensive to operate or maintain, or may reduce the level of
extraneous secondary UV light to which a user is exposed outside
the confines of the fingernail gel curing device.
[0002] Consumers use nail coatings to cosmetically enhance the
appearance of their nails or protect the nails from the abuses
found in their everyday environment. However, nail coating
compositions typically lack the durability desired by consumers or
are difficult to apply or remove in terms of time or effort. The
lack of durability is often evidenced by a chipping or peeling of
the coating soon after the original coating has been applied,
requiring at least in part a reapplication of the coating in an
attempt to recreate the aesthetic appearance or the therapeutic
benefits of the original nail coating.
[0003] Traditional nail coatings generally include two varieties:
polish type, which cure by solvent evaporation, and polymer type,
which cure by chemical reaction. Polymer type materials include,
for example, powder/liquid systems and gel systems.
[0004] Gel systems, in contrast to the traditional polish and other
polymer-type systems, particularly ultraviolet-cured gel systems,
often comprise a gel that may be brushed onto the nails, cured, and
shaped to create lifelike artificial nails. As compared with
traditional polishes or other non-gel polymer-type systems, gel
systems are relatively easy to use, are applicable in less time,
are lightweight on the nail, have no odor (or only minimal odor),
are durable, and have a high quality shine.
[0005] While thicker nail coatings may in general be more desirable
due to their richer color or greater durability of the finished
nail coating, it can be challenging to reasonably rapidly and
substantially cure the entirety of the coating after its
application. This is especially true for thicker or more highly
pigmented UV-curable gel-based nail coating systems. This may be
due, in part, to the nature of these coatings. For example, while
UV light may readily penetrate the outermost regions of the coating
composition to initiate the cure, the higher levels or darker hues
of certain pigments in some coating compositions may limit
penetration of the UV radiation into the innermost regions of the
applied gel coating composition and thus increase the time required
to substantially cure the entirety of the coating.
[0006] Often there is also a trade off in the choice of nail
coatings between a particular coating's durability and its ease of
removal. For example, some prior art gel coating compositions,
while durable, cannot be readily removed by typical "soak-off"
procedures and require a more laborious removal process.
Alternatively, while some prior art gel coating compositions are
very easily removed; those properties may lead to premature
chipping or peeling of the coating, requiring additional
maintenance or reapplication to stabilize the coating's overall
appearance.
[0007] Lilley (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,391,938, 6,803,394 and 6,599,958)
discloses certain light cured nail coatings that are applied to
natural nails or artificial nail tips for cosmetic purposes and
methods of their use, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety.
[0008] Haile (PCT published Application WO 2011/011304 A2)
discloses certain radiation curable gel nail coating compositions,
kits comprising such compositions and their methods of use, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, in
its entirety.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,130,553 discloses a device for forming
artificial nails by curing a jelly-like visible light-curable
resin. The device reportedly employs fluorescent lamps to cure a
gel thinly applied to fingernails.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 7,712,473 discloses a fingernail gel curation
device that allows an individual to rapidly cure and dry fingernail
gel that has been applied to their fingertips, thereby saving time
for individuals and preventing unnecessary ultraviolet light
exposure.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,979,523 discloses a device employing a
radiation source of essentially horseshoe shape placed within a
housing that reportedly provides for essentially uniform
ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of all the nails of all the fingers of
a hand of a user.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,367 discloses a nail drying device
including a housing having lower and upper adjustable portions and
including an ultraviolet light source enclosed therein.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,697 discloses a self-enclosed
workstation box having side access ports with built-in sleeve
guards, a removable viewing shield, a storage bin inside of the box
with a holder on the bin cover for storing and supporting supplies
thereon. Reportedly, the viewing shield can be hinged to the box
for allowing access to the entire interior of the box.
[0014] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,762,425, Strait discloses a portable
device for curing gel nail preparations utilizing UV light to cure
gel nail preparations as applied to finger and toe nails. Strait
notes that the device can be used to treat one or both hands or one
or both feet with no changes or adjustments required.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 7,804,074 discloses a lightray treatment
device, whose lightray treatment chamber reportedly can be accessed
by the left, as well as the right hand, without a change in the
position of the lightray treatment device or a change in the
posture of the body of the user being required.
[0016] US Published Patent Application No. 20110036997 discloses a
device containing an ultraviolet (UV) light source, which generates
UV radiation by LED in lieu of a UV lamp, for curing nail gels. The
design is said to improve the efficiency of the device.
[0017] A wide range of devices for curing photo-curable nail
finishes are known in the art. In some cases, these devices suffer
from the buildup of heat that is co-generated by the lamps used to
cure the nail finishes. If not removed, the heat may lead to
improper or incomplete curing of the finish or discomfort to the
consumer. In other cases, the light source utilized or its light
distribution is inefficient leading to long curing times with
concomitant radiation overexposure to hands or feet, or incomplete
nail finish curing. Other known devices fail to shield the consumer
from radiation that may escape the device. Still other devices
employ radiation sources that require maintenance or exchange on a
short time cycle to perform satisfactorily. Yet other designs are
cumbersome, costly to manufacture, or require the consumer to
maintain uncomfortable positions during the curing operation. In
certain other devices, access to the working surfaces of the unit
for, inter alia, general cleaning or hygienic operation is limited
by the design itself.
[0018] What is needed are devices that efficiently cure
photo-curable nail gels or nail gel systems without buildup of
significant heat while employing radiation sources that rapidly and
substantially cure the gels without unnecessarily irradiating the
consumer's hands or feet. Devices are also needed that are cost
effective in use or require less maintenance than prior art
systems, especially those that are inexpensive to manufacture,
easier to clean, have a smaller footprint, or are portable in
design. Still other devices are needed that substantially shield
the consumer from radiation that escapes the confines of the device
during the curing operation. The subject matter disclosed herein is
directed to these and other important ends.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] In accordance with an embodiment, the subject matter
disclosed herein is directed, in part, to novel devices for curing
photo-curable nail gels that have been applied to a fingernail or
toenail, and methods of their use. In particular, the subject
matter herein disclosed is directed to fingernail (or toenail) gel
curing devices having a substantially non-UV transmitting shield
slidably attached thereto for reducing or otherwise substantially
inhibiting the escape of UV light emitted by the LEDs from the
devices to control or limit the level of extraneous secondary UV
light to which a user is exposed, said secondary exposure occurring
outside the confines of the fingernail gel curing or drying device.
In certain embodiments, the device employs a plurality of LEDs
substantially uniformly disposed about the top and sides of an
inner chamber or dome to more uniformly distribute and utilize the
ultraviolet light for curing of all five nails of a hand or foot in
a relatively shorter period of time as compared to prior art
devices. The plurality of LEDs may include any number of LEDs such
as 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or
more. The LEDs employed in the devices are selected on their
ability to emit radiation within the ultraviolet-visible light
range "UV-VIS spectrum" and to cure the photo-curable gel. The
durability of LEDs minimizes the need to replace bulbs or radiation
sources throughout the lifetime of the devices. The LEDs typically
provide from about 2 to about 5 watts of power per LED, which
permits facile curing while minimizing a user's overexposure to
primary irradiation as well as reducing heat generation in the
device, thus providing a level of comfort and safety for the
consumer. Generally speaking, it is advantageous to elect a wattage
of LED such that the total wattage number of LEDs times watts per
LED is in the range of about 20 to about 40 watts, preferably from
about 30 to about 36 watts, at least in part dependent on the
device selected. The LEDs may employ reflectors to focus their
light efficiently at the targeted nails. This can be carried out
advantageously, for example, thorough the use of diamond or other
faceted reflectors.
[0020] In certain embodiments, the device is ergonomically designed
for client comfort. In other embodiments, the device has a tray
that is readily removable to allow sanitizing of the irradiation
chamber or tray. The tray may be attached in any suitable way that
allows its ready removal. For example, it may be attached to the
lower portion of the device, such as to the base or lower edge of
the outer housing. When attached, the tray is positioned
substantially in a plane parallel to the plane of the base of the
device. In some instances, a series of magnets may be employed to
hold the tray in place until its removal is desired for cleaning or
other maintenance purposes. In instances where magnets are
employed, their location is not critical as long as they do not
interfere with either curing or tray removal. In some embodiments,
the magnets are associated with the removable tray. In other
embodiments, the magnets are associated with the base or outer
housing.
[0021] In yet other embodiments, the device includes one or more
timing devices to set the time for curing. These timers may be
preset for specific durations of time between about 1 second and
about 120 seconds, for example, 5, 10, 20, or 30 seconds. This
allows an operator to choose a set curing time for curing the nail
gel by pushing a button rather than by manually programing the
timer. The timers may also include a countdown function to assist
the operator in using the device. In still other embodiments, the
device incorporates a computerized hand-sensor such as a motion
detector, to automatically initiate irradiation by the LEDs for the
correct preset time whenever a hand or foot is placed into the
irradiation chamber. In certain embodiments, the device may also be
equipped with a stand to allow an alternative position for a thumb
while the other four digits on a hand are being irradiated. Due to
the nature of the nail coating process, it is useful that the
elements of the device be solvent resistant to common nail
polish/nail gel solvents including acetone.
[0022] In other embodiments, the subject matter disclosed herein is
directed, in part to a non-UV transmitting shield that may be
attached to a fingernail or (toenail) gel curing device employing
LEDs to cure the nail gel. The manner of the shield's attachment
allows the shield to be repositioned by sliding from one position
to another. The shield is attached in proximity to the opening to
the irradiation chamber. In the full open position, the shield does
not affect the size of the irradiation chamber opening. The shield
may be slid in such a way as to reduce the size of the opening
(i.e., a more closed position). The distance that the shield may
travel in preparation for nail curing is only limited by the hand
or foot placed in the curing nail gel curing device. In this
manner, the shield may be employed to reduce the level of
extraneous secondary UV light to which a user is exposed. As used
herein the term "secondary UV light", refers to any secondary UV
exposure emitted by, but occurring outside the confines of, the
fingernail gel curing device. The shield is typically placed on or
near the outside surface of the device housing to which it is
attached to maximize its secondary exposure shielding properties
while minimizing any interference with any primary curing
irradiation internal to the device. In an open position, the shield
allows ready insertion of the hand or foot having gel coated nails
into the irradiation chamber of the device to which the shield is
attached and where curing takes place. After the hand or foot
having freshly gelled nails is inserted into the gel curing device,
the shield may be moved closer to the hand or foot by sliding it
partially across the opening to reduce the size of the opening.
When the shield is moved into a more closed position, the non-UV
transmitting shield reduces the amount of extraneous secondary UV
light to which a user is exposed, by reducing the size of the
opening through which any UV light emitted within the device may
escape the confines of the device, such as its irradiation chamber,
for example.
[0023] The material of construction for the shield is not critical.
Any solid material that may be readily shaped or molded into a
shield, considered safe for contact by consumers, and that reduces
or otherwise substantially inhibits the transmission of UV light
emitted by the LEDs contained in the fingernail gel curing device
may be used as a means of controlling the level of extraneous
secondary UV light exposure occurring outside the confines of the
device. The shield may be attached to a fingernail gel curing
device in any number of ways so long as the shield may be opened or
closed readily, and the manner of closure allows the shield's
position to be adjusted to accommodate different hand or foot
sizes. For example, the shield may be attached in a slidable
fashion, preferably above the insertion point or opening of the
hand or foot into the device, such that the shield may slide down
to any extent necessary to contact the hand or foot of the
consumer, to reduce the size of the opening and maximize protection
against any extraneous secondary UV light exposure occurring
outside the confines of a fingernail gel curing device.
[0024] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a fingernail gel curing device which has all of the
advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
[0025] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
fingernail gel curing device which may be easily and efficiently
manufactured and marketed.
[0026] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
fingernail gel curing device which is of durable and reliable
construction.
[0027] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a fingernail gel curing device which is economically affordable and
available for relevant market segment of the purchasing public.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of an exemplary
embodiment of a device according to the present invention. FIG. 1
is a view from below the device. FIG. 2 is a view from above the
device that shows a shield in the up or open position.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a
device according to the present invention with a shield in the open
or up position.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a view from above the device of an exemplary
embodiment according to the present invention from the left
side.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
device according to the present invention with a shield in a
lowered position.
[0032] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a device turned
upside down of an exemplary embodiment according to the present
invention showing a detachable tray as well as a view of the
embodiment's irradiation chamber.
[0033] FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of an alternative
exemplary embodiment of a device according to the present
invention. FIG. 7 is a view from above the device and shows a
shield in the up or open position. FIG. 8 is a view from below the
device with base attached.
[0034] FIGS. 9 and 10 provide exploded perspective views of the
alternative exemplary embodiment from FIG. 7 of a device according
to the present invention showing a detachable tray and the
associated stand, as well as a view of the embodiment's irradiation
chamber. FIG. 9 is a view from above the device. FIG. 10 is a view
from below the device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0035] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of certain embodiments of the subject matter set forth
herein, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the
appended drawings. As used herein, an element or step recited in
the singular and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be
understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps,
unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references
to "one embodiment" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding
the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the
recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the
contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or a
plurality of elements having a particular property may include
additional such elements not having that property.
[0036] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which
are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the
subject matter disclosed herein may be practiced. These
embodiments, which are also referred to herein as "examples," are
described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art
to practice the subject matter disclosed herein. It is to be
understood that the embodiments may be combined or that other
embodiments may be utilized, and that structural, logical, and
electrical variations may be made without departing from the scope
of the subject matter disclosed herein. The following detailed
description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and
the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein is defined by the
appended claims and their equivalents. In the description that
follows, like numerals or reference designators will be used to
refer to like parts or elements throughout. In this document, the
term "or" is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, unless otherwise
indicated. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary,
embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or a plurality of
elements having a particular property may include additional such
elements not having that property.
[0037] As used herein, the term "slidably attached" refers to means
for enabling the shield to slide in a direction that either
enlarges or reduces the size of the opening to the irradiation
chamber in the device that is available to the user for insertion
of an attendant hand or foot requiring nail gel curing.
[0038] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to
FIGS. 1 through 6 thereof, a new fingernail gel curing device
embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and
generally designated by the reference numeral 1 will be described.
The device 1 comprises an outer housing 16, a base 14, and a dome
19 as shown in certain of FIGS. 1 through 6. The outer housing,
base and dome are attached to one another and configured such that
they define an irradiation chamber 8 within the device and below
the apex of the dome. They also define a space between the outer
housing 16 and the dome 19 in which the electronics, including the
LEDs, timers, and power controls are located. They are attached to
one another and configured such that the dome 19 and irradiation
chamber 8 are within the outer housing. FIG. 1 is a perspective
view taken from the back lower left of an exemplary embodiment of
an LED-equipped fingernail gel curing device of the present
invention having a shield 6 that reduces the level of extraneous
secondary UV light to which a user is exposed outside the confines
of the fingernail gel curing device. The shield is not visible if
FIG. 1 but is visible in FIG. 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,
a detachable tray 2 is magnetically affixed at the base of the
device in a substantially horizontal manner in relation to the
base. The rear of the device' outer housing has a viewing window 3
for the timer and three buttons 4 for preset times of irradiation.
The device also has an electrical connection 5 for providing power
to the device. The tray has a series of openings 12 that align with
corresponding openings 13 in the base of the device, to which the
tray is removably attached, to allow air to enter the internal
space as defined by the outer housing, base and dome through the
openings and exit through grillwork located in the apex of the
dome. This air moving through the device enables heat generated by
the LEDs or other electronics during operation to be removed from
the device. The tray also has protuberances (or feet) 17 attached
to its lower face to permit entry of outside air from underneath
the device through the openings into the internal space of the
device where the electronics are housed.
[0039] FIG. 2 is a perspective view taken from the front upper
right of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 depicts a
slidable shield 6 set in the open position above the opening 7 to
the irradiation chamber 8 in the embodiment shown. Two LEDs 9 of a
plurality of such are shown inset into the side walls 10 of the
dome comprising the irradiation chamber.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a frontal view of the exemplary embodiment shown
in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 better illustrates aspects of the dome, the
irradiation chamber side walls 10, the LEDs 9 and the shield 6 in
its open position.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a side view taken from the left of the exemplary
embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 illustrates the position and
curvature of the shield 6 in an open position.
[0042] FIG. 5 is a left perspective view of the exemplary
embodiment shown in FIG. 1 taken from above the device. FIG. 5
shows the shield 6 in a slidably lowered position, reducing the
size of the opening 11 to the irradiation chamber relative to when
the shield is in its fully open position.
[0043] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary
embodiment shown in FIG. 1 turned upside down to allow viewing of
the dome. FIG. 6 depicts a detached tray 2 with air openings 12
corresponding to the openings 13 in the device base 14, exposing
the irradiation chamber 8 to visual inspection, including a view of
the positions of 15 of the pb 18 2W LEDs 9 employed for nail gel
curing. An optional motion detector (exemplified by a two-part
transmitter-receiver type) that is capable of activating the LEDs
may be added with proper alignment, for example, to opposing facie
of the dome.
[0044] As seen in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the base 14
generally conforms to a horseshoe-like shape within a plane, with
its outer edges 15 attached to the outer housing 16. The shape of
the base's outer edge substantially corresponds to the shape of the
bottom edge of the outer housing. The base has a number of
perforations 13 or openings to assist in the circulation of air
through the device. The base also has a plurality of protuberances
17 on its lower face that may act as feet in situations where the
tray has been removed (such as for irradiation of toenails), as
well as to provide spacing between the device and any surface upon
which it rests, allowing for air to enter or exit the device for
cooling purposes.
[0045] The base and the dome may be prepared from a wide range of
construction materials or combinations of construction materials.
Suitable construction materials include those that are reflective
of or do not otherwise transmit appreciable UV-VIS light, are
durable, lightweight (for portability purposes),or are easily
machined or molded into a desired shape. Such materials would be
readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, once armed
with the present disclosure. It is convenient to prepare these from
a metal, such as stainless steel, to take advantage of the
durability of the metal, its magnetic properties and the light
reflectiveness of its surface. The base and dome may be of a
continuous material or prepared separately and subsequently joined
together. The shape of the base's inner edge 18 substantially
corresponds to the lower edges of the dome such that the dome edges
can be attached to the base's inner edge, for example, by soldering
or tack welding. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the dome is
formed from a single sheet of metal. The interior shape of the dome
may be any shape that provides support for the LEDs and that
reflects the UV-VIS rays sufficiently to provide curing to the nail
gel. In the illustrative embodiment, the dome's apex 19 adopts the
shape of a non-equilateral octagon having a longest side with the
plane of the apex being generally parallel to the base of the
device. The octagon-shaped apex has a plane of symmetry
perpendicular to the plane of the dome's apex, the plane bisecting
the longest side and the opposing side of the octagon. Extending
from each of the non-longest sides of the octagon is a metal petal,
each petal shaped substantially as an isosceles trapezoid with the
shorter of its parallel sides adjoining one of the non-longest
sides of the dome's apex octagon. The outside edge of each of the
trapezoid (longer of its two parallel sides) is attached to the
base at the base's inside edge, the attachment defining an acute
angle between the plane of the base and each petal, such that the
petals, so attached, together form the sidewalls of the irradiation
chamber. The longest side of the octagon, having no
trapezoid-shaped petal, generally defines the top of the opening
for the device irradiation chamber.
[0046] The embodiment in FIG. 6 also shows grillwork 20 that allows
air warmed by electronics' generated heat to escape the internal
space in the device, the grillwork located in the apex of the dome
which at least in part defines the irradiation chamber.
[0047] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to
FIGS. 7 through 10 thereof, a new fingernail gel curing device
embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and
generally designated by the reference numeral 21 will be described.
The device 21 comprises an outer housing 22, a base, and a dome 32.
The dome is visible in FIG. 10. The outer housing, base and dome
are attached to one another and configured such that they define an
irradiation chamber within the device and below the apex of the
dome. They also define a space between the outer housing and the
dome in which the electronics, including the LEDs, timers, and
power controls are located. FIG. 7 is a perspective view taken from
the front upper right of an exemplary embodiment of an LED-equipped
fingernail gel curing device of the present invention having a
shield 23 that reduces the level of extraneous secondary UV light
exposure to which a user is exposed outside the confines of the
fingernail gel curing device. The device has an optional stand 24.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view taken from the back lower right of an
exemplary embodiment of an LED-equipped fingernail gel curing
device of the present invention. The rear of the device' outer
housing has a viewing window 25 for the timer and three buttons 26
for preset times of irradiation. The device also has an electrical
connection 27 for providing power to the device. In FIG. 8, the
base of the device is resting on an optional stand. A detachable
tray 30 (see FIG. 9) is magnetically and removably affixed to the
base of the device in a substantially horizontal manner in relation
to the base. The tray is interposed between the base 34 of the
device and the optional stand 24. The tray and the stand have a
series of matched openings 28 that align with corresponding
openings 28 in the base of the device to allow air to enter or exit
the internal space as defined by the outer housing, base and dome
through the openings. This air moving through the device enables
heat generated by the LEDs or other electronics during operation to
be removed from the device.
[0048] FIG. 9 is a exploded perspective view taken from the front
upper right of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9
depicts a slidable shield 23 set in the open position above the
opening 29 to the irradiation chamber 32. In FIG. 9, a detachable
tray 30, with openings 28 for air circulation assistance, is
magnetically affixed at the base of the device in a substantially
horizontal manner in relation to the base. The optional stand 24 is
also depicted.
[0049] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary
embodiment shown in FIG. 7 taken from below the device. FIG. 10
further depicts a detached tray 30 with air openings 28
corresponding to the openings 33 in the device base, exposing the
irradiation chamber 32 to visual inspection, including three LEDs
31 of a plurality of such shown inset into the irradiation
chamber's dome 32 comprising the irradiation chamber.
[0050] As seen in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the base 34
generally conforms to a horseshoe-like shape within a plane, with
its outer edges attached to the outer housing 35. The shape of the
base's outer edge substantially corresponds to the shape of the
bottom edge of the outer housing. The base has a number of
perforations 33 or openings to assist in the circulation of air
through the device. The base also has a plurality of protuberances
36 formed on or attached to its lower face that may act as feet in
situations where the tray has been removed (such as for irradiation
of toenails), as well as to provide spacing between the device and
any surface upon which it rests, allowing for air to enter or exit
the device for cooling purposes, such as may be need for example to
moderate heat generation by the enclosed electronics. These
protuberances are aligned with similarly sized openings 37 in the
tray to assist in the alignment of the base and tray. The tray also
has plurality of protuberances 38 formed on or attached to its
lower face that may act as feet in situations where the optional
stand is not present, as well as to provide spacing between the
device and any surface upon which it rests, allowing for air to
enter or exit the device for cooling purposes. The protuberances in
the base are also aligned with similarly sized insets in the
optional stand 24 to assist with the alignment of the base to the
stand when the tray is not in use, including the alignment of the
ventilation openings of the base and stand.
[0051] When ranges are used herein for physical properties, such as
LED wattage, or for numbers of elements comprising the device, all
combinations and subcombinations of properties and numbers of
elements therein are intended to be included.
[0052] When any variable occurs more than one time in any device,
component or in any method, its definition in each occurrence is
independent of its definition at every other occurrence.
Combinations of variables are permissible only if such combinations
result in functioning devices or functional methods.
[0053] The disclosures of each patent, patent application and
publication cited or described in the application are hereby
incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.
[0054] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous
changes and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments
of the subject matter disclosed herein and that such changes and
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the
subject matter disclosed herein.
[0055] It is to be understood that the above description is
intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the
above-described embodiments or aspects thereof may be used in
combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be
made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings
of the invention without departing from its scope.
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