U.S. patent application number 14/486403 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-17 for nail covering.
The applicant listed for this patent is BEAUTY SOLUTIONS AGENCY INC.. Invention is credited to Sandra Blanche Malafarina.
Application Number | 20160073759 14/486403 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55453518 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160073759 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Malafarina; Sandra Blanche |
March 17, 2016 |
NAIL COVERING
Abstract
Transfer nail coating application strips have an adhesive layer
that is attached to a clean and dry nail without water, and can be
immediately encapsulated with any type of top coat for nails. An
ink layer bonded to the adhesive layer can have any desired color
and/or pattern. When the strips are larger than the nail, the
adhesive layer and the ink layer will completely cover the nail and
tear at the edges of the nail with a remainder of the layers
attached to a base layer of the strips when removed from the nail
after application.
Inventors: |
Malafarina; Sandra Blanche;
(Montreal, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BEAUTY SOLUTIONS AGENCY INC. |
Montreal |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
55453518 |
Appl. No.: |
14/486403 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/200 ;
427/154; 427/208.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 29/001
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 29/00 20060101
A45D029/00 |
Claims
1. A method of applying a nail covering comprising: preparing a
coating application strip having a base layer, an ink layer and an
adhesive layer, said strip being dimensioned to be larger than the
nail at least in a widthwise direction so as to cover at least skin
adjacent to lateral sides of the nail; applying the coating
application strip to a clean and dry finger or toe nail to cause
the adhesive layer to stick to the nail up to an edge of said nail
near said skin adjacent to at least lateral sides of the nail, and
to cover at least part of said skin adjacent to at least the
lateral sides of the nail with an excess portion of the adhesive
layer and the ink layer, wherein said excess portion attaches to
said skin adjacent to at least the lateral sides of the nail;
removing the base layer from the nail, leaving the adhesive layer
and the ink layer on the nail and said excess portion of the
adhesive layer and the ink layer on said skin adjacent to at least
the lateral sides of said nail; encapsulating the adhesive layer
and the ink layer on the nail by applying a top coat to the nail;
curing or drying said top coat; and wiping clean said excess
portion of the adhesive layer and the ink layer attached to said
skin adjacent to the nail of the finger or toe after said top coat
is cured or dried.
2. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein said removing
comprises tearing part of the adhesive layer and the ink layer near
the edges of the nail as the base layer is removed carrying only a
part of said excess portion of the adhesive layer and the ink layer
beyond the edges of the nail.
3. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein a tool is used to
apply pressure on the base layer to cause the adhesive layer to
attach to the nail.
4. The method as defined in claim 2, wherein the coating
application strip comprises a transfer coating layer between the
base layer and the ink layer.
5. The method as defined in claim 3, wherein the coating
application strip comprises a transfer coating layer between the
base layer and the ink layer.
6. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the coating
application strip comprises a transfer coating layer between the
base layer and the ink layer.
7. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the base layer is
transparent to make a design pattern of the ink layer visible, and
said applying comprises aligning the coating applicator strip with
respect to the nail.
8. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the base layer is
opaque and has alignment marks printed thereon that correspond to
an alignment of a design pattern of the ink layer, and said
applying comprises aligning the coating applicator strip using the
alignment marks with respect to the nail.
9. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the coating
application strip is provided with a releasable protective layer
over the adhesive layer, further comprising removing the protective
layer prior to said applying the coating application strip to a
finger or toe nail.
10-17. (canceled)
18. The method as defined in claim 1, comprising using a cleaning
or toning product to clean the fingers or toes when said top coat
has cured.
19. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This patent application relates to finger nail and/or toe
nail covering products and application methods, as used and
implemented by professional nail technicians, aestheticians, beauty
professionals, cosmeticians and/or consumers.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Nail covering products in the form of stickers, decals or
foil that are applied to finger and toe nails are known. For
example, nail polish strips are sold by Sally Hansen.RTM. under the
name of "Salon effects real nail polish strips" and are provided in
24 styles. Such strips, usually pre-cut to attempt to fit a nail
shape and size, are adhesively applied to a dry nail (like a
sticker), and the excess strip material is filed away. See also
"DIY Nail Art in 5 Easy Steps" by Alessandra Foresto in the June
2012 issue of O, THE OPRAH MAGAZINE. Such nail stickers are also
commercially available from a variety of sources and available in a
wide variety of patterns and colors. A base coat of nail polish or
a top coat covering the sticker strip is not required and in fact
may interfere with the sticker's design and shine.
[0003] It is also known to apply water decals to fingernails. A
water decal is a thin film carrying print material that is
releasable with tweezers or other small tools, from a backing when
wet. As it is applied to the nail, the decal can slide on the
surface and needs to be handled to avoid tearing and carefully
positioned to deliver its full decorative benefit. A base coat of
nail polish is typically required to be applied to the nail to make
the decal stand out, and, the decal being thinner, a compatible
clear top coat polish could be applied to the decal to attach the
decal to the nail and to protect the fragile decal. Such compatible
clear top coats are limited to a handful of types with specific
chemical composition that will not distort or dissolve the decal's
colors. With decals, the ink-bearing film that is transferred to
the nail is usually sized to be smaller than the nail, since
trimming the decal to fit the edge is complicated, and it would
partially lose its design benefit
[0004] It is also known, although less so, to apply water-based
temporary tattoos to fingernails in a manner similar to water
decals. Temporary tattoos typically have a paper backing, an
adhesive film applied to the backing that bears the ink or pigment
of the tattoo, and a protective cover over the film and ink. The
protective cover is removed, and the film can be released from the
backing when wet. In the case of skin, by wetting and pressing the
tattoo against the skin, the film with the ink or pigment is
transferred to the skin and adhesively stuck onto the skin. In the
case of nails, the film is released from the backing by wetting and
applying pressure on the nail, and thus it can cling to the nail
surface and overhang at its edges. In general, temporary tattoo
films cannot slide over the nail like decals and thus require more
talent and actual training to properly apply. After the top coat is
applied to the film-covered nail and air dried, the overhang can be
removed by cleaning the finger using rubbing alcohol or isopropyl
alcohol (IPA).
[0005] It is also known to apply foil strips to fingernails. Foil
strips are thin and mostly sold in rolls of films carrying metallic
ink of various colors and designs. To apply foil to fingernails, it
is necessary to first cover each nail with specialized adhesive
using a hand brush, and wait for it to dry out for approximately
one minute. Once the adhesive is dry, the foil is applied to the
nail and the metallic ink is released from the film layer and
remains on the nail portions that were covered with the adhesive. A
clear top coat can be applied to protect the thin foil from
chipping away.
[0006] The variety of colors and patterns possible with nail strips
and the application of water decals and foils is of great interest
to professional nail technicians and to consumers. The detailed
patterns and visual effects available using strips or decals cannot
reasonably be achieved using other forms of polish application or
even by using airbrush or other nail covering techniques without
uncommon artistic talent and much more time (up to 2 hours), tools
and efforts.
[0007] Nail strips can be difficult to apply over the whole surface
in a smooth fashion because of the curvature of most nails and the
thickness of the strips. Further, their thickness and shine make
them less compatible with top coats and thus less durable, leading
to peel off or damage in a matter of two or three days. And their
shape, pre-cut to attempt to fit a nail shape and size, rarely fits
well natural nail shapes and/or length leading to material waste
that could reach up to 50%. Water decals and water-based temporary
tattoos can be difficult to position as explained above and to
apply correctly on the nail without tear or distortion, and since
the wetness of the covering on the nail, mixed with the adhesive
can interfere with the application of a top coat, extra drying time
and possibly the use of a small sponge to absorb the water is
required to complete the process (up to one minute per nail). Foil
strips are more complex to apply than stickers and water tattoos
because they require applying adhesive smoothly and evenly with a
brush on technique on the nail surface prior to apply the foil. If
the adhesive does not cover the entire surface of the nail,
including edges, empty spots will remain therefore compromising the
decorative benefits of the foil. Foils also require extra time to
dry before applying.
SUMMARY
[0008] Applicant has discovered that waterless thin adhesive films
bearing ink or pigment that are transferred by pressure or heat
alone without using water to release the film from the backing can
bond with sufficient strength to a clean, dry nail so as to tear
the film from the backing all around the edges of the nail easily
and precisely. Since there are no compatibility issues because the
waterless thin adhesive is already dry and clean, a greater number
of top coat formulations can be applied to the film remaining on
the nail without delay to secure the film, providing an effective
and durable nail covering lasting longer (up to 3 weeks in some
cases) without losing its shine or decorative benefits. As no water
is used, the application of the top coat is faster and more
effective. And since the film tears easily at the edges of the
nail, positioning the film to retain the maximum decorative
benefits is simpler and easier, and clean-up required for any film
overhanging the nail is reduced.
[0009] Applicant has also discovered that thin adhesive films
bearing ink or pigment that are transferred by pressure or heat
alone without using water to release the film from the backing can
bond with sufficient strength to a clean, dry nail, and then be
covered by most any top coat, that will be compatible with the film
remaining on the nail. In this case, the film transferred to the
nail can be sized to fit within the nail surface without extending
to the edges of the nail.
[0010] In some embodiments, transfer nail coating application
strips have an adhesive layer that is attached to a clean and dry
nail without water, and can be immediately encapsulated with a top
coat nail polish. An ink layer bonded to the adhesive layer can
have any desired color and/or pattern. When the strips are larger
than the nail, the adhesive layer and the ink layer will completely
cover the nail and tear at the edges of the nail with a remainder
of the layers attached to a base layer of the strips when removed
from the nail after application. This reduces waste while making it
easier to apply to the entire nail surface, without the need for
uncommon talent.
[0011] In some embodiments, a method of applying a nail covering
comprises preparing a coating application strip having a base
layer, an ink layer and an adhesive layer, applying the coating
application strip to a clean and dry finger or toe nail to cause
the adhesive layer to stick to the nail, removing the base layer
from the nail, leaving the adhesive layer and the ink layer on the
nail, and applying a top coat to the nail to encapsulate the
adhesive layer and the ink layer on the nail. The coating
application strip can be dimensioned to be larger than the nail,
and the step of removing can comprise tearing the adhesive layer
and the ink layer near the edges of the nail as the base layer is
removed carrying part of the adhesive layer and the ink layer
beyond the edges of the nail. Optionally, a tool is used to apply
pressure on the base layer to cause the adhesive layer to attach to
the nail. The coating application strip can comprise a transfer
coating layer between the base layer and the ink layer.
[0012] The base layer can be transparent to make a design pattern
of the ink layer visible, and the step of applying can comprises
aligning the coating applicator strip with respect to the nail. The
base layer can be opaque and have alignment marks printed thereon
that correspond to an alignment of a design pattern of the ink
layer, and the step of applying can comprise aligning the coating
applicator strip using the alignment marks with respect to the
nail.
[0013] The coating application strip can be provided with a
releasable protective layer over the adhesive layer, further
comprising removing the protective layer prior to the applying of
the coating application strip to a finger or toe nail.
[0014] In some embodiments, there is provided a method of
manufacturing finger or toe nail coating application strips for
delivery of an adhesive film having an ink layer to a clean and dry
finger or toe nail for subsequent encapsulation on the finger or
toe nail with a top coat material. This method comprises producing
a sheet material having a base layer, an ink layer having a desired
solid color and/or pattern and an adhesive layer, and cutting the
sheet to form finger or toe nail coating application strips. The
individual coating application strips can be dimensioned to be
larger than the intended nail, and the strips can be for delivery
to the nail to cover an entire surface of the nail by applying
pressure to the base layer to cause the adhesive layer to attach to
the entire nail surface and to tear the adhesive layer and the ink
layer near the edges of the nail as the base layer is removed
carrying part of the adhesive layer and the ink layer beyond the
edges of the nail. The sheet material can further comprise a
transfer coating layer between the base layer and the ink layer.
The sheet material can further comprise a releasable protective
layer on the adhesive layer, and the strips can be for delivery to
the nail by removing the releasable protective layer prior to
applying the strips to the nail. The base layer can be transparent
to make a design pattern of the ink layer visible, and the strips
can be for delivery to the nail by aligning the coating applicator
strip with respect to the nail prior to applying the strip to the
nail. The base layer can be opaque and have alignment marks printed
thereon that correspond to an alignment of a design pattern of the
ink layer, and the strips can be for delivery to the nail by
aligning the coating applicator strip using the alignment marks
with respect to the nail prior to applying the strip to the
nail.
[0015] The finger or toe nail coating application strips can be cut
into individual nail portions. The finger or toe nail coating
application strips can be cut into a roll for use with a number of
individual nail applications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The invention will be better understood by way of the
following detailed description of embodiments of the invention with
reference to the appended drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-section of a dry temporary
tattoo product showing five layers according to the prior art;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-section (c-curve) of the nail
covering being applied to a finger nail illustrating tearing of the
transfer coating adhered to the backing or base layer at the edges
of the nail where the adhesive layer is bonded to the nail;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross section of the nail covering
applied to a finger nail with a top coat; and
[0020] FIG. 4, appearing on the drawing sheet with FIG. 1, is a
flow diagram illustrating the application steps according to one
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a "waterless tattoo" as is
more fully described in US patent application publication
2006/0154031, published on Jul. 13, 2006 to Brian Tomlinson, the
specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The
sheet material of the tattoo 100 has a base layer 110, a transfer
coating 120, an ink layer 130, and adhesive layer 140 and a
protective top layer 150. Such a waterless tattoo 100 is designed
for application of a temporary tattoo to the skin. The top layer
150 is peeled away from the adhesive layer, and the tattoo 100 is
pressed against dry skin. With pressure applied to the base layer
110, the adhesive layer 140 sticks to the skin and can allow the
base layer 110 to be carefully peeled away from the transfer
coating 120 leaving the layers 140, 130 and 120 intact on the
skin.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, a nail coating strip 100' is prepared
for application to a nail. The strip 100' is prepared with a
protective top layer 150 that is removed prior to application. The
protective top layer simplifies packaging and handling of the strip
100', and could be omitted in cases of suitable packaging that
would avoid contact or contamination of the adhesive layer 140. The
top layer 150 can be transparent or opaque, and provides visibility
of the ink layer when transparent. The backing or base layer 110
can be opaque or transparent. When transparent, it can help the
user to align the strip 100' on the nail 220, particularly when the
ink layer has a pattern that can be aligned with respect to the
nail. Alignment marks can also be provided on an opaque strip 100'
to guide the user.
[0023] The strip 100' is oversized with respect to nail 220 of a
finger or toe 200, and extends over the nail folds 230 at the sides
and front. The strip can be cut to shape to match an edge of the
nail at the cuticle 210 or any other side, or it can be extended
over all sides. The latter option is simpler in preparing the strip
100'. Prior to application, the nail surface can be cleaned of any
oil or dirt, and then dried. This can be done with an alcohol wipe
if desired.
[0024] An applicator tool 250 of suitable shape, such as a
45-degree angled birchwood or metal stick, can be used to apply
pressure to the backing layer 110 to have the adhesive layer 140
bond to the nail surface 220. The tool 250 can be pressed or rubbed
particularly around the edge of the nail 220. The bonding force of
the adhesive 140 to the nail 220 is not only sufficient to have the
transfer coating 120 pull away from the base layer 110, but also to
tear layers 120,130,140 at tears 240. Thus, after rubbing with
applicator 250, the strip 100' is removed from the nail with the
layers 120,130,140 over the nail 220 attached to the nail 220,
while a remainder is attached to the base layer 110. The base layer
110 has to be sufficiently tear-resistant to allow pressure to be
applied to it to have the layers 140,130,120 bond and transfer to
the nail at the edges.
[0025] In FIG. 3, there is shown the portion of the layers
120,130,140 attached to the nail surface 220 with the application
of a top coat 260 that encapsulates the layers 120,130,140. The
quality of the encapsulation is enhanced by the thinness of the
layers 120,130,140. While it is possible that some of the layers
120,130,140 attach to the side folds of the finger or toe, the
bonding is so weak that it can be easily wiped clean. This cleaning
can be done after applying, drying and/or curing the top coat. The
layers 120,130,140 essentially extend to the edge of the nail,
however, it is possible that a gap between the edge of the nail and
the layers 120,130,140 is created. Encapsulation of the layers
120,130,140 by the top coat 260 has the advantage that the edges
are protected by the top coat. In the case of sticker nail strips,
the edges are not well protected.
[0026] While a single application of layers 120,130,140 is
illustrated, it will be appreciated that it is possible to apply a
second set of layers 120,130,140 on top of a set already applied to
the nail, so as to superpose two nail covers. In this case,
compatible strips 100' can be used that are applied one on top of
each other prior to the application of top coat 260, or
alternatively a second strip 100' of a different or complementary
design can be used over a first-applied set of layers 120,130,140
covered with top coat 260.
[0027] It will be appreciated that the transfer coating 120 is
essential to protect the ink layer 130 when a tattoo 100 is applied
to the skin. In the case of strip 100', the transfer coating 120
can be optional, namely when the ink layer 130 is stable and not
disturbed by the base layer 110 or by the application of the chosen
top coat 260, then coating 120 can be omitted. The top coat 260
will provide the requisite protection of the ink layer 130.
[0028] The steps involved in applying the nail coating according to
one embodiment are set out in FIG. 4. With respect to known nail
coating techniques, the method taught herein is significantly
faster to apply the decorative ink layer to the nail, while the
addition of applying the top coat, not done with conventional nail
polish strips, provides for a more durable coating with a more
vivid appearance.
[0029] The manufacturing of the strips 100' can be done using a
variety of processes. An example of a manufacturing process is
detailed in the above-mentioned US patent application publication
2006/0154031. The ink or pigment layer 130 can be printed or
applied during manufacturing of the sheet material from which
strips 100' are cut. Sheet material stock having printed thereon
the desired color and/or patterns on layer 130 can be cut into
individual strips or rolls or pre-cut sheets and suitably packaged
for professional or consumer use.
[0030] Alternatively, layer 130 can be printed, using for example
an ink jet or laser printer, onto strips 100' on a more
personalized basis, for example at a nail salon, in the home or at
a pharmacy. Computer generated images allow for considerable
customization of designs or colors.
[0031] Using a printer to print strips 100' also allows consumers
and professionals to select the color and/or design of the printed
material on the strips 100'. For example, one could take a photo
image using a smartphone camera of a dress pattern, and edit the
image to create a desired nail strip appearance to have a same or
complementary look. Images from the user can be sent, for example,
to a web server or loaded into a kiosk located at a retail store,
pharmacy or point of sale where the user can adjust the scale
and/or appearance of the nail strips to be printed. A bank of
selectable and/or editable designs can also be provided to the
user, along with image editing software that can allow, for
example, scaling and cropping of images, as well as making any
adjustments for individual nails, if desired. Delivery of the
printed nail strips 100' can be done by mail or delivery service,
or picked up in-store, for example at a beauty counter in a
pharmacy or drug store, or at a printer associated with a kiosk
device or a point of sale.
[0032] It will also be appreciated that nail strip designs can be
tailored to the dimensions of an individual's finger or toe nails.
Measurements can be specified to the web server or kiosk device by
taking measurements using a ruler, taking a camera image or by
trial and error by providing the user with a size on a scale or
other measurement parameters, or by remembering the user's last
used dimensions, and allowing the user to adjust the dimensions
with subsequent print orders.
[0033] It will also be appreciated that distinctive or innovative
nail strip designs made by one person can be shared with friends,
with consumers or with other professionals for free or for a fee.
Designs can be shared or advertised using Facebook.RTM. pages or
websites, for example.
[0034] As will be appreciated, the ink layer can provide a pattern
with a blank or transparent background that can also be combined
with any suitable base coat of nail polish color. The ink layer 130
can alternatively be sufficiently opaque so as to avoid the need to
apply a base coat of nail polish prior to applying the strip 100'.
As with conventional nail polish strips, the strips 100' can
replace conventional nail polish and have a solid color. In
addition to or in place of ink, metallic films or other suitable
materials can be used to provide the covering design or color.
[0035] While in the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the nail strip
100' is sized to be larger than the nail 220, it is also possible
to prepare strips 100' that are made to fit within the nail 220.
This alternative can provide an interesting inset image or design
on a nail, however, it cannot fully cover the nail 220. The
waterless application of the layers 140,130,120 is still an
advantage over water decals and water-based temporary tattoos,
since there is no water to interfere with the application of the
top coat polish and no adhesive is needed prior to application.
[0036] A UV cured or an air cured top coat 260 can be applied, as
desired. In some cases, better compatibility with the layers 130
and 120 may be obtained by choosing a gel-based top coat. Suitable
top coats are:
[0037] Air-cured regular top coat (by Sally Hanson or Essie among
others)
[0038] Air-cured quick dry top coat (by Sally Hanson or Essie among
others)
[0039] Air-cured high gloss top coat (by Sally Hanson or Essie
among others)
[0040] Air-cured matte top coat by (Sally Hanson or Essie among
others)
[0041] UV-cured soft gel polish (by Shellac or OPI among
others)
[0042] UV-cured hard gel polish (by BrisaLite or CND among
others)
[0043] Acrylates polymers used as a top coat (by CND among
others)
[0044] Acrylates olygomers used as a top coat (by CND among
others)
[0045] Removal of the nail coating can be done using a suitable
remover product for the top coat 260. The layers 120,130 are
typically removed with the top coat material.
[0046] A kit can be provided as a single package or as a set of
items. The kit can comprise pre-cut nail strips 100', an
application tool 250 and suitable instructions based, such as
instructions based on FIG. 4. The tool 250 can be of any suitable
shape or size to apply the requisite pressure to have the adhesive
layer 140 attach to the nail. The tool 250 can be omitted, and the
strip 100' can be applied using pressure from the nail technician's
thumb or finger or make-up pad. The kit may also comprise the top
coat product 260, particularly where there can be concern for
compatibility between the top coat and layers 120,130. The strips
100' can also be provided as a roll that the user can cut to the
desired length. The kit can in this case include a dispenser and/or
a cutting device for this purpose.
[0047] The kit can also comprise a UV lamp or UV LED source for
curing the top coat. When a top coat has cured, the fingers or toes
can be cleaned using baby oil or isopropyl alcohol, and so the kit
can include a quantity of baby oil or other post-application
cleaning or toning product.
* * * * *