U.S. patent application number 15/014948 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-26 for french manicure made easy nail pen device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Noushin Laaly. Invention is credited to Noushin Laaly.
Application Number | 20160143415 15/014948 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56008966 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160143415 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Laaly; Noushin |
May 26, 2016 |
FRENCH MANICURE MADE EASY NAIL PEN DEVICE
Abstract
Provided is a nail pen for nail varnish application along a
distal perimeter portion of a nail. The claimed invention obviates
certain problems associated with the process of applying nail
varnish onto the distal-only perimeter of a nail by presenting an
apparatus and/or means for applying nail varnish in a controlled,
uniform manner along the distal perimeter of a nail. The claimed
invention provides a controlled means of disseminating a uniform
strip of nail varnish along the distal perimeter of a nail. This
desirable outcome is effectuated even for different varnish residue
thicknesses and/or varnish colors. Also provided is a nail varnish
applicator with a channel made from an impermeable material.
Inventors: |
Laaly; Noushin; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Laaly; Noushin |
Los Angeles |
CA |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
56008966 |
Appl. No.: |
15/014948 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14295182 |
Jun 3, 2014 |
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15014948 |
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12905539 |
Oct 15, 2010 |
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14295182 |
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61279798 |
Oct 26, 2009 |
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61956206 |
Jun 3, 2013 |
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62260229 |
Nov 25, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
401/193 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 34/042 20130101;
A45D 2029/002 20130101; A45D 29/00 20130101; A45D 34/04
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 34/04 20060101
A45D034/04; A45D 29/00 20060101 A45D029/00 |
Claims
1. A nail pen comprising: a top portion for holding the nail pen; a
bottom portion. the bottom portion comprising: a) an applicator,
the applicator holding varnish. the applicator having a rectangular
bottom surface configured for contacting with a distal portion of a
nail, the bottom rectangular surface having a width and a length,
the length of the rectangle longer than the width of the rectangle,
the length of the rectangle defining a thickness of a strip of
varnish applied to the distal portion of the nail; b) a nail guide,
the guide not holding varnish, the guide having a surface facing
the applicator adapted for contacting a tip of the nail, the
surface of the guide for contacting the tip of the nail extending
below the bottom surface of the nail applicator relative to the
nail pen being in a vertical position; wherein a user positions the
surface of the guide against the nail tip and places the applicator
against the distal portion of the nail to apply the strip of
varnish to the distal portion of the nail.
2. The nail pen of claim 1, wherein the surface of the nail guide
contacting the tip of the nail abuts the width of the rectangular
bottom portion of the applicator, and wherein the length of the
rectangular bottom portion of the applicator and the surface of the
guide that contacts the nail tip are perpendicular to each
other.
3. The nail pen of claim 2, wherein the surface of the guide
contacting the nail tip extends in a horizontal direction on both
sides of the width of the rectangular bottom of the applicator.
4. The nail pen of claim 1, wherein the guide has a first portion
that is substantially parallel to the top portion of the nail pen,
and a lower portion that is bent towards the guide in relation to
the top portion.
5. The nail pen of claim 1, wherein the guide has a ring that
detachably attaches to a complementary region in the bottom portion
of the nail pen.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The claimed invention obviates certain problems associated
with the process of applying nail varnish onto a distal perimeter
region of a nail. By way of a non-limiting example, a
beautician-assisted or self-administered French manicure procedure
may involve the application of varnish, or similar type of nail
polish substance, exclusively along a uniform and
dimensionally-consistent distal-most region of a nail. Without the
use of the apparatus and/or method of the claimed invention, it is
possible for the nail varnish to be spread unevenly onto the distal
perimeter of a nail due to the shaking of the hand of the
individual applying the nail varnish. Due to the fast-hardening
chemical characteristics of nail varnish, any imperfections or
inconsistencies with the distribution of nail varnish on the distal
perimeter of the nail will become bound to the nail surface. The
correction of any minor imperfection or inconsistency with the
distribution of nail varnish would not be able to be fixed without
the removal of any or all of the nail varnish applied to that
distal outer perimeter. The present invention obviates this dilemma
by presenting an apparatus and/or means for applying nail Varnish
in a controlled, uniform manner along the distal perimeter of a
nail with significantly fewer imperfections or inconsistencies with
the distribution of nail varnish on the distal nail perimeter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The claimed invention relates to an apparatus and/or means
for nail varnish application along a distal perimeter portion of a
nail. The claimed invention provides a controlled means of
disseminating a uniform strip of nail varnish along the distal
perimeter of a nail. This desirable outcome is produced by limiting
the portion of the nail surface that contacts the nail varnish
applicator; only a fixed length relative to the distal tip of the
nail onto which nail varnish is applied is in contact with the nail
varnish applicator. Because of the fixed-length-relationship
between the distal tip of a nail and the horizontal thickness of
the nail varnish applicator, the resulting strip of nail varnish on
the distal portion of the nail is uniform and consistent. A nail
guide portion adjoins an edge of a nail, and the nail guide portion
limits and directs (based upon the outer contour of the nail) the
direction and extent of contact made by the varnish, applicator
with the surface layer of the distal-most region of the nail. The
nail guide portion allows the varnish applicator to render an
aesthetically-smooth-and consistent-seeming layer of varnish
residue on the surface layer of the distal portion of the nail.
[0003] The claimed invention also provides for alternative nail
varnish applicator horizontal thicknesses, varnish colors, and/or
material compositions. While different users may utilize the
claimed invention to produce different preferred horizontal
thicknesses, varnish colors, and/or material compositions, the
claimed invention still produce the same level of consistency and
control during its respective use.
[0004] Provided is a nail pen for varnish application comprising:
a. a body that allows for holding the nail pen; b. a varnish
reservoir; c. an applicator attached to the body in fluid
communication with the reservoir for transferring varnish to the
nail, the applicator having a first end for receiving the varnish
from the reservoir and a second end for applying the varnish, the
first end and the second end in fluid communication with each
other, the applicator body made from a non-permeable material that
limits the varnish from entering or leaving the applicator
exclusively from the first end and the second end (through a
channel or a permeable material inside of the applicator), the
applicator of a suitable size for applying a French manicure;
wherein the nail pen is used for applying a French manicure. The
first end can be directly attached to the body. The nail guide can
be in proximity to the second end adapted for contact with a
portion of a nail to guide the nail pen for application of a French
manicure. The nail guide can be detachable. The nail guide can be a
ring for attaching the detachable nail guide to the nail pen. The
nail guide can be non-detachable. The nail guide can be straight.
The nail guide can bend towards the applicator at an angle. The
nail guide can have a straight and a bent portion, the straight
portion attached to the body and being substantially parallel to
the applicator body (and/or direction of channel inside the body)
and perpendicular to the applicator tip, and the bent portion
bending towards the applicator. The second opening can be formed by
two edges running parallel to each other. The second opening can be
rectangular in shape. The second opening can be formed by two edges
that are diameters of two identical semi-circles that are mirror
reflections of each other and have a concave shape. The second
opening can have a length of about 1 mm to about 1 cm. The nail pen
can further comprise a button for pushing through the varnish. The,
applicator can be of a suitable size to apply a French manicure of
a length of about 1 mm to about 1 cm or 2 mm to about 1 cm.
[0005] Provided is a nail pen for varnish application comprising: a
top portion that allows for holding the nail pen; a bottom portion
comprising a detachable nail guide incapable of holding varnish
adapted for contact with a distal portion of a nail; a varnish
applicator capable of holding varnish adapted for transferring
varnish onto said nail, wherein the nail pen is used to apply a
French manicure. The nail pen can further comprise having a nail
guide with a ring for attaching the detachable nail guide to the
nail pen. The nail guide can bend towards the applicator at an
angle. The nail guide can have a straight and a bent portion, the
straight portion attached to the body and being substantially
parallel to the applicator body and perpendicular to the applicator
tip, and the bent portion bending towards the applicator. The
French manicure can be a length of 1 mm to about 1 cm or 2 mm to
about 1 cm. The nail pen can comprise a button for pushing through
the varnish.
[0006] Provided is a nail pen comprising: a top portion for holding
the nail pen; a bottom portion, the bottom portion comprising: a)
an applicator, the applicator holding varnish, the applicator
having a rectangular bottom surface configured for contacting with
a distal portion of a nail, the bottom rectangular surface having a
width and a length, the length of the rectangle longer than the
width of the rectangle, the length of the rectangle defining a
thickness of a strip of varnish applied to the distal portion of
the nail; b) a nail guide, the guide not holding varnish, the guide
having a surface facing the applicator adapted for contacting a tip
of the nail, the surface of the guide for contacting the tip of the
nail extending below the bottom surface of the nail applicator
relative to the nail pen being in a vertical position; wherein a
user positions the surface of the guide against the tail tip and
places the applicator against the distal portion of the nail to
apply the strip of varnish to the distal portion of the nail. The
top portion can further comprise a hollow cavity for holding
varnish. The surface of the nail guide contacting the tip of the
nail can abut the width of the rectangular bottom portion of the
applicator, and wherein the length of the rectangular bottom
portion of the applicator and the surface of the guide that
contacts the nail tip are perpendicular to each other. The surface
of the guide contacting the nail tip can extend in a horizontal
direction on both sides of the width of the rectangular bottom of
the applicator. The guide can have a first portion that is
substantially parallel to the top portion of the nail pen, and a
lower portion that is bent towards the guide in relation to the top
portion. The guide can have a ring that detachably attaches to a
complementary region in the bottom portion of the nail pen.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 2A illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary
use of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention during
application to a nail.
[0009] FIG. 2B illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary
use of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention subsequent
to application to a nail.
[0010] FIG. 3A illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary
bottom portion of the present invention with an exemplary flat-end
varnish applicator.
[0011] FIG. 3B illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary
bottom portion of the present invention with an exemplary brush-end
varnish applicator.
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a nail pen with a bent nail guide.
[0013] FIG. 5A illustrates a bent nail guide that is detachable
[0014] FIG. 5B illustrates a straight nail guide that is
detachable.
[0015] FIG. 5C illustrates a nail pen for receiving a detachable
nail guide.
[0016] FIG. 5D illustrates the nail pen of FIG. 5C with the nail
guide of FIG. 5B.
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a nail pen with a button, and an
applicator that is impermeable on the outside and has an opening
that allows varnish to leave.
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a nail pen with an applicator that is
impermeable on the outside and has an opening that allows varnish
to leave.
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates an applicator that is impermeable on the
outside and has an opening that allows varnish to leave, with a
straight nail guide.
[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates a nail pen with an applicator that is
impermeable on the outside and has an opening inside that allows
varnish to leave the applicator. The nail peak also has a bent nail
guide.
[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates an elevational view of an applicator
that is impermeable on the outside and having a channel on this
inside for movement of varnish.
[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates an elevational view of an applicator
that is impermeable on the outside and having a channel on this
inside for movement of varnish.
[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an applicator that
is impermeable on the outside.
[0024] FIG. 13 illustrates a nail pen with the guide and the
applicator having the same width.
[0025] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a nail pen with a
guide and an applicator having a bottom rectangular surface.
[0026] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of the nail pen of
FIG. 14, the view shown from the side not shown in FIG. 14 (FIG. 14
is a left perspective view and FIG. 15 is a right perspective
view).
[0027] FIG. 16 illustrates flow of varnish in a nail pen from a
reservoir (hollow cavity) inside the nail pen through a permeable
applicator and to the rectangular bottom portion of the applicator
that is configured to apply varnish to a nail
[0028] FIG. 17 illustrates application of varnish to a nail by
pressing the nail tip against the surface of the guide facing the
applicator and applying varnish to the nail by the applicator to
the distal portion of the nail.
[0029] FIG. 18 illustrates a channel of a nail applicator. Varnish
would flow from the hollow cavity inside the nail pen down the
channel to the tip of the nail.
[0030] FIG. 19 illustrates a first end of the applicator
illustrated in FIG. 12. The first end contacts a distal portion of
the nail.
[0031] FIG. 20 illustrates a second end of the applicator
illustrated in FIG. 12. Varnish enters the second end from a hollow
cavity (reservoir) of the
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0032] The reference numerals below are labels for the different
elements as used in the drawings and are not intended to serve as a
full description of each element or limit its scope of equivalent
elements.
[0033] 2 top portion
[0034] 4 bottom portion
[0035] 6 top end
[0036] 8 bottom end
[0037] 10 nail guide portion
[0038] 10a. bent portion of nail guide
[0039] 12 nail, guide surface
[0040] 14 varnish applicator
[0041] 15 varnish residue
[0042] 16 varnish applicator bottom
[0043] 16' flat-end varnish applicator
[0044] 16'' brush-end varnish applicator
[0045] 18 finger
[0046] 20 nail
[0047] 22 nail tip
[0048] 24 Push Button
[0049] 25 impermeable applicator
[0050] 26 applicator tip
[0051] 27 Opening
[0052] 28 Channel
[0053] 29 varnish
[0054] 30 Ring Portion of detachable nail guide
[0055] 32 complementary receiving unit
[0056] 33 Body (with a hollow cavity inside containing
reservoir)
[0057] 34 reservoir (hollow cavity inside the body)
[0058] 35 Detachable nail guide
[0059] 36 Semi-Circular portion
[0060] 37 Distal Portion of nail
[0061] 38 First End of applicator (where varnish comes out)
[0062] 39 Second End of applicator (where varnish enters)
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0063] With reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, an exemplary
embodiment of the claimed invention comprises a top portion 2 and a
bottom portion 4. The top portion 2 comprises a top end 6 at a top,
first end, and is connected at the opposite, second end to a bottom
portion 4.
[0064] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, an
exemplary shape of the top portion 2 and the bottom portion 4 is an
exemplary cylinder-like shape adapted for gripping by a hand. While
the depicted exemplary embodiment is substantially cylindrical, it
will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that
depiction and reference to such an exemplary lengths of and shapes
of the aforementioned top portion 2 and bottom portion 4 are merely
illustrative and not a limitation of the claimed inventions; other
lengths of and shape of the aforementioned elements could be used
without departing from the spirit of the claimed invention. For
example, the top portion 2 may comprise of indentations adapted for
gripping by one or more fingers of a hand.
[0065] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, an
exemplary embodiment of the bottom portion 4 comprises an exemplary
nail guide portion 10 and an exemplary garnish applicator 14. The
exemplary nail guide portion 10 comprises a hardened material with
a nail guide surface 12 that is adapted for contact with a nail tip
22 of a nail 20. In the exemplary embodiments depicted, the
longitudinal dimension of the claimed invention is maintained in a
substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to the
longitudinal dimension of the finger 18. The nail tip 22 is moved
laterally towards the nail guide surface 12 until the nail 20 is in
contact with the nail guide surface 12. Alternatively, the
apparatus of the claimed invention may be moved laterally towards
the nail tip 22. The claimed invention is then depressed downwards
until the varnish applicator bottom 16 of the varnish applicator 14
contacts the top surface of the nail tip 22 of a nail 20. Upon
contact by the varnish applicator with the nail 20 surface, varnish
residue 15 is emitted from the varnish applicator bottom 16 onto
the nail 20 surface. Thereafter, the user of the claimed invention
moves the varnish applicator 14 from one side of the nail tip 22 to
a second side of the nail tip 22 while the nail guide surface 12
maintains contact with the nail tip 22. While reference is made
herein to the arrangement, juxtaposition, orientation, and/or
movement, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art
that depiction and reference to such an exemplary arrangement,
juxtaposition, orientation, and/or movement of the aforementioned
elements are merely illustrative and not a limitation of the
claimed invention; other arrangement, juxtaposition, orientation,
and/or movement of the aforementioned elements could be used
without departing from the spirit of the claimed invention.
[0066] With reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3A, an exemplary
embodiment of a varnish applicator 14 comprises a flat-end varnish
applicator 16'. This exemplary embodiment of the varnish applicator
14 comprises an exemplary shape of a rectangular prism, whereby the
exemplary flat-end varnish applicator 16' makes surface contact
with the top surface of the nail 20 and transfers varnish onto the
top surface of the nail tip 22. The material composition of the
flat-end varnish applicator 16' may comprise a solitary,
substantially-rigid, micro-porous material or a plurality of
semi-malleable, longitudinally-aligned brush fibers. While
reference is made herein to the material composition,
three-dimensional shape, and/or bottom-surface orientation, it will
be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that depiction
and reference to such an exemplary material composition,
three-dimensional shape, and/or bottom-surface orientation of the
aforementioned elements are merely illustrative and not a
limitation of the claimed invention; other material composition,
three-dimensional shape, and/or bottom-surface orientation of the
aforementioned elements could be used without departing from the
spirit of the claimed invention.
[0067] With reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3B, an alternative
exemplary embodiment of a varnish applicator 14 comprises a
brush-end varnish applicator 16''. This exemplary embodiment of the
varnish applicator 14 comprises an exemplary shape of a cylindrical
prism composed substantially of substantially-thin, soft,
semi-rigid brush fibers, whereby the exemplary brush-end varnish
applicator 16'' makes surface contact with the top surface of the
nail 20 and transfers varnish residue 15 onto the top surface of
the nail tip 22. While reference is made herein to the material
composition, three-dimensional shape, and/or bottom-surface
orientation, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the
art that depiction and reference to such an exemplary material
composition, three-dimensional shape, and/or bottom-surface
orientation of the aforementioned elements are merely illustrative
and not a limitation of the claimed invention; other material
composition, three-dimensional shape, and/or bottom-surface
orientation of the aforementioned elements could be used without
departing from the spirit of the claimed invention.
[0068] With reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, the exemplary
varnish residue 15 transferred by the varnish applicator 14 may
comprise any single color, texture, gloss, and/or suppemental blend
(e.g., varnish with glitters) or any combination of one or more of
the aforementioned color, texture, gloss, and/or supplemental
blend. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art
that depiction and reference to such an exemplary varnish
composition, of the aforementioned elements are merely illustrative
and not a limitation of the claimed invention; other varnish
composition could be used without departing from the spirit of the
claimed invention.
[0069] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, the
exemplary varnish applicator 14 may be of various horizontal or
vertical dimensions, based upon the preferences of the user of the
claimed invention. Where a particular user of the claimed invention
desires the horizontal thickness of the varnish residue 15 on the
nail tip 22 to be greater, that particular user may utilize a
varnish applicator with longer vertical and/or horizontal
dimensions, which may allow varnish residue 15 to disseminate to a
greater total aggregate amount of surface area on the nail 20 or
nail tip 22. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the
art that depiction and reference to such an exemplary varnish
applicator dimension(s) is/are merely illustrative and not a
limitation of the claimed invention; other varnish applicator
dimension(s) could be used without departing from the spirit of the
claimed invention.
[0070] It will be understood by someone of ordinary skill in the
art that either the guide portion 10 and/or the varnish applicator
14 may be removable, disconnect-/reconnect-enabled,
interchangeable, and/or replaceable with the same or alternative
exemplary embodiment (shown or not shown here); other guide
portions and/or nail varnish applicator with alternative
dimensions, thicknesses, and/or interior contours may be used
without departing from the spirit of the claimed invention.
[0071] FIG. 4 illustrates a nail pen with a guide 10 that is bent
23 at an angle towards a user's nail. The bottom portion of the
guide 23 points downward and toward the user and the applicator 14,
at an angle of approximately 20 to 50 degrees. A user would touch
her nail to the lower portion 23 of the guide, which has an angle.
The nail guide has a first straight portion (in relation to the pen
body) followed by a second portion that bends toward the
applicator.
[0072] FIG. 5A and 5B illustrate a detachable guide (35) that can
be attached to a nail pen. The detachable guide in FIGS. 5A and 5B
can have a hollow ring that slide into the bottom of the nail pen
in a complementary region (32 as illustrated in FIG. 5C) in such
manner that the guide is positioned next to the applicator. FIG. 5D
illustrates the guide of FIG. 5B (a ring with the guide portion
attached thereto) in position on the nail pen where the guide is
positioned next to the applicator.
[0073] FIG. 6 illustrates a nail pen with a button (24). This
button (4) can be used to push varnish though the varnish reservoir
(34) in the nail pen body (33). FIG. 6 also illustrates a nail pen
where a unique applicator (25) is used to apply varnish (29). In
this embodiment, varnish (29) is comes out only from the opening
(27) of applicator tip (26). The sides of the varnish applicator
(25) are not permeable, and contain the varnish inside the
applicator (25). The tip (26) of the varnish applicator (25) can be
shaped like semi-circles (36), where the diameter of each of the
semi-circles form the bottom of the tip (26) defined the length of
the tip. A gap between the two semi-circles (36) allows varnish to
leave the reservoir through opening (27) and be applied to distal
portion of a nail (37). Specifically, the applicator (25) is a
hollow cylinder with two openings, and in one of the two openings
the end of the applicator tapers towards the center with a
semi-circular portion to form a rectangular bottom opening
(27).
[0074] FIG. 7 illustrates a nail pen that is similar to the nail
pen of FIG. 6 except that the applicator tip (26) has two flat
portions that define the opening of the tip (26) rather than
semi-circular parts (36). The detachable guides (35) can be placed
on the nail pen illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0075] FIG. 8 illustrates the nail pen of FIG. 7 with a guide
attached thereto. Varnish (29) is applied through the bottom
opening (27) of the nail pen to the distal portion of the nail
(37). The bottom opening (27) is rectangular, and is formed by two
parallel edges. The guide (10) is pressed against the edge of the
nail of a user, and the bottom opening (27) applies the varnish to
the distal portion of the nail (37) at a substantially
perpendicular position. FIG. 9 illustrates the nail pen of FIG. 7
with a guide that is bent (10a) at the bottom. The guide (10) bends
toward the applicator (25) (or alternatively applicator 14) in
relation to the nail pen top portion (2) having a vertical
position. The guide can have a first straight (vertical) portion
(12) that is parallel to the central axis of the body, followed by
a bent portion (10a) that bends towards the applicator in an upward
direction.
[0076] FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 illustrate the various views of the
varnish applicator (14) with a first end (38) and a second end
(39). The first end (38) has a flat rectangular bottom surface for
applying varnish. The second end is attached to the nail pen and is
in fluid communication with a reservoir (34) containing varnish
(29). The varnish travels to the flat rectangular bottom surface
16'. The width of flat rectangular bottom 16' can be about 2 mm to
about 7 mm, such as about 5 mm. The length of flat rectangular
bottom 16' can be about 1 mm to about 1 cm, such as about 1 mm to
about 5 mm, such as about 1.5 mm to about 3.5 mm. Other lengths
suitable for application of a French manicure to a natural nail can
also be used. The length is typically longer than the width, such
as about 2-5 times the width.
[0077] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a nail pen with applicator
(14). As shown in this figure, the guide (10), inside surface (12)
and the flat end (16') of the varnish applicator (14) have the same
length, and have the same alignment, and have a uniform
direction.
[0078] FIG. 14 illustrates a nail pen with an applicator (14) and a
guide (10). The applicator (14) illustrated in this figure is made
from an absorbent material, through which varnish moves through
primarily by diffusion. The applicator (14) has a rectangular
flat-end bottom (16') for applying varnish to the distal portion of
the nail (37). The rectangular flat-end bottom (16') of applicator
(14) is positioned in the nail pen in a perpendicular fashion to
the inside surface of the nail guide (12) that is configured to
contact the edge of the nail. The length of the rectangular
flat-end bottom (16') is longer than the width (such as by a factor
of more than 2, or more than 3, generally 2-5 times longer), and
the direction of the length of the rectangular flat-end bottom 16'
is perpendicular to the inside surface (12) of the nail guide (10)
in relation to a horizontal line in surface (12) (For example the
lower straight boundary line on surface 12 shown in FIG. 15). The
rectangular flat-end bottom (16') has a length that defines the
length of the French manicure strip placed on the distal portion of
the nail. FIG. 15 illustrates the same nail pen as FIG. 14, except
a right perspective view is shown. The perspective vies of FIGS. 14
and 15 illustrate the guide (10) extending on both side of
applicator (14) in a horizontal fashion (relative to the nail pen
being in a vertical position). The guide (10) also extends below
the bottom end (16') of applicator (14).
[0079] FIG. 16 illustrates movement of varnish (29) through the
nail pen of FIGS. 14 and 15. Varnish (29) moves from reservoir (34)
inside of the nail pen to applicator (14), which is made from an
absorbent material that allows for movement of varnish (29)
primarily by diffusion. The varnish (29) diffuses from top (shown
in broken lines in FIGS. 16 and 17) of applicator (14) to the
rectangular flat end bottom 16' of applicator (14). When the flat
end bottom (16') of applicator (14) is contacted with the distal
portion (37) of the nail (20) of a human, varnish (29) is applied
to the nail (20).
[0080] FIG. 17 illustrates the edge of the tip of the nail (22)
contacting nail guide inside surface (12). The nail guide inside
surface (12) is substantially at a perpendicular or slightly bent
position (less than 30 degrees relative to a vertical axis)
relative to the distal portion of the nail (37). The inside surface
of the nail guide (12) extends to below the edge of the nail tip
(22). The user presses the inside surface of guide (12) against the
edge of nail tip (22), and then moves the nail pen across the nail
tip (22), resulting in deposit of varnish residue to the distal
portion (37) of the nail (22) by the flat end bottom (16') of
applicator (14).
[0081] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a nail pen. A button (24)
can push varnish out of the reservoir (34) to the applicator tip
(26) which in this embodiment is shown with a channel (28) and an
impermeable wall around channel (28). Alternatively, varnish (29)
can move from the reservoir (34) to the applicator tip (26) via
gravitational force and/or diffusion. Diffusion particularly works
when the applicator tip is made from an absorbent material.
[0082] FIG. 19 illustrates a first end (38) of the impermeable
applicator (25) of FIG. 12. First end (38) is in fluid
communication with varnish inside of the nail pen. The opening of
the first end (38) contacts the distal portion (37) of a nail to
apply a strip of varnish.
[0083] FIG. 20 illustrates a second end (39) of the impermeable
applicator (25) of FIG. 12. Varnish from the nail pen enters the
impermeable applicator (25) from a hollow cavity (34) inside of the
nail pen.
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