| |
| United States Patent
|
6,012,461 |
| McKew |
January 11, 2000 |
Sculptured fingernail training systems
Abstract
A fingernail sculpting teaching system for use in practicing the
creation of an artificial fingernail on a typical human finger. The
teaching system includes a cylinder for simulating a typical human
finger. Formed at each end of the cylinder is a visual marker,
shaped to simulate a typical human nail bed, on which is placed the
material comprising the artificial fingernail bed. A form may be
provided adjacent the visual marker for receiving the material
comprising the artificial fingernail free edge. The cylinder may be
provided with a cover to faciliate removal of the artificial
fingernail from the cylinder.
| Inventors: |
McKew; Linda C.
(Phoenix, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
09/243,264 |
| Filed: |
February 3, 1999 |
| Current U.S.
Class: |
132/73 ;
132/200; 132/285; 434/100 |
| Current
International Class: |
A45D
31/00 (20060101); A45D 029/00 () |
| Field of
Search: |
132/73,320,285,200,73.5,75,75.6,76.5 434/98,99,100,219 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Primary Examiner: Mancene; Gene
Assistant Examiner: Philogene; Pedro
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman; Martin L.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fingernail sculpting teaching system for use in practicing the
creation of an artificial fingernail on a typical human finger
having a typical fingernail bed, wherein said artificial fingernail
is of the type typically comprising an artificial fingernail bed
material and artificial fingernail free edge material, said system
comprising, in combination:
(a) a bar means, having an outer surface, for simulating said human
finger; and
(b) a marker means, formed on said bar means, for assisting practice
receiving of said artificial fingernail bed material, said marker
means structured and arranged to simulate said typical fingernail
bed;
(c) wherein said bar means and said marker means are structured and
arranged to provide a teaching system for teaching the creation of
the artificial fingernail;
(d) wherein said marker means comprises a plurality of substantially
exposed edges.
2. The nail sculpting system of claim 1 wherein said bar means
comprises a cylinder having a first end and a second end.
3. The nail sculpting system of claim 2 wherein said marker means
comprises a visual marker formed adjacent to at least one of said
first end and second end, said visual marker having an inner end and
a first side edge separated by a distance from a second side edge.
4. The nail sculpting system of claim 1 further comprising a form
means, adjacent said marker means, for assisting practicing typical
providing of said bar means with said artificial nail free edge
material.
5. The nail sculpting system of claim 4 wherein said form means
comprises a variable guide means for creating said artificial nail
free edge in user-selected sizes.
6. The nail sculpting system of claim 4 wherein said bar means
comprises a cylinder having a first end and a second end.
7. The nail sculpting system of claim 6 wherein said marker means
comprises a visual marker formed adjacent to at least one of said
first end and second end, said visual marker having an inner end, an
outer end, and a first side edge separated by a distance from a
second side edge, and said outer end being located on said cylinder
a distance from a said end of said cylinder.
8. The nail sculpting system of claim 7 wherein said form means
comprises a form having a central portion structured and arranged
for location substantially between said outer end and at least one
of said first end and second end, said central portion being further
structured and arranged to substantially span a second distance at
least equal to said distance between said first side edge and said
second side edge.
9. A fingernail sculpting teaching system for use in practicing the
creation of an artificial fingernail on a typical human finger
having a typical fingernail bed, wherein said artificial fingernail
is of the type typically comprising an artificial fingernail bed
material and artificial fingernail free edge material, said system
comprising, in combination:
(a) a bar means, having an outer surface, for simulating said human
finger; and
(b) a marker means, formed on said bar means, for assisting practice
receiving of said artificial fingernail bed material, said marker
means structured and arranged to simulate said typical fingernail
bed;
(c) a cover means, attached to said outer surface of said bar means
and structured and arranged to cover at least said marker means, for
providing a non-stick surface for creating said artificial nail on
said bar means; and
(d) a first attachment means for attaching said cover means to said
bar means.
10. The nail sculpting system of claim 9 wherein said cover means
comprises a thin, smooth, and essentially non-porous material.
11. The nail sculpting system of claim 10 wherein said cover means
has a thickness of about 0.002 inches.
12. The nail sculpting system of claim 9 wherein said attachment
means comprises an adhesive.
13. A fingernail sculpting teaching system for use in practicing the
creation of an artificial fingernail on a typical human finger
having a typical fingernail bed, wherein said artificial fingernail
is of the type typically comprising an artificial fingernail bed
material and artificial fingernail free edge material, said system
comprising, in combination:
(a) a bar means, having an outer surface, for simulating said human
finger; and
(b) a marker means, formed on said bar means, for assisting practice
receiving of said artificial fingernail bed material, said marker
means structured and arranged to simulate said typical fingernail
bed;
(c) a form means, adjacent said marker means, for assisting
practicing typical providing of said bar means with said artificial
nail free edge material;
(d) a cover means, attached to said outer surface of said bar means
and structured and arranged to cover at least said marker means and
said form means, for providing a non-stick surface for creating said
artificial nail on said bar means; and
(e) a first attachment means for attaching said cover means to said
bar means.
14. The nail sculpting system of claim 13 wherein said cover means
comprises a thin, smooth, and essentially non-porous material.
15. The nail sculpting system of claim 14 wherein said cover means
has a thickness of about 0.002 inches.
16. The nail sculpting system of claim 13 wherein said attachment
means comprises an adhesive.
17. A fingernail sculpting teaching system for use in practicing the
creation of an artificial fingernail on a typical human finger
having a typical fingernail bed, wherein said artificial fingernail
is of the type typically comprising an artificial fingernail bed
material and artificial fingernail free edge material, said system
comprising, in combination:
(a) a wood cylinder having an outer surface and having a first end
and a second end;
(b) a visual marker, formed adjacent to at least one of said first
end and second end, structured and arranged to receive said
artificial fingernail bed material, said visual marker comprising:
(i) a inner end,
(ii) an outer end,
(iii) a first side edge, and
(iv) a second side edge separated by a distance from said first side
edge; and
(c) a plastic sheet attached to said outer surface of said cylinder
so as to at least cover said first marker; and
(d) an adhesive for attaching said plastic sheet to said cylinder.
18. The nail sculpting system of claim 17 further comprising a form
having a central portion structured and arranged for location
substantially between said outer end and at least one of said first
end and second end, said central portion being further structured
and arranged to substantially span a second distance at least equal
to said distance between said first side edge and said second side
edge.
19. The nail sculpting system of claim 18 wherein said plastic sheet
is structured and arranged to substantially cover said visual marker
and said form.
20. A method of making a fingernail sculpting teaching system for
use in practicing the creation of an artificial fingernail on a
typical human finger having a typical fingernail bed, wherein said
artificial fingernail is of the type typically comprising an
artificial fingernail bed material and artificial fingernail free
edge material, comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a cylinder comprising:
(i) an end,
(ii) a visual marker formed adjacent to said end;
(b) providing a form adjacent to said visual marker;
(c) providing said artificial fingernail bed material to said visual
marker;
(d) providing said artificial fingernail free edge material to said
visual form; and
(e) allowing a sufficient time for said artificial fingernail bed
material and said artificial fingernail bed material to harden;
(f) whereby a unitary artificial nail is created on said cylinder.
21. The method of claim 20 comprising the subsequent steps
consisting of at least one of the following:
(a) filing said artificial nail;
(b) shaping said artificial nail; and
(c) painting said artificial nail.
22. The method of claim 21 comprising the steps of removing said
form and said unitary artificial nail from said cylinder, whereby
said cylinder is ready for creating a separate artificial
fingernail.
23. The method of claim 20 comprising the subsequent step of
removing said unitary artificial nail from said cylinder, whereby
said cylinder is ready for creating a separate artificial
fingernail.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to providing sculptured fingernail training
systems. More particularly, this invention concerns a fingernail
sculpting apparatus for use in providing a training device to allow
those individuals with a desire to create sculptured fingernails to
practice their technique on a simulated human finger.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Typically, learning to create sculptured nails usually requires a
coordinated effort between two people--the person creating the
sculptured nail and the person volunteering his or her finger to
allow the first person to practice. For those institutions such as
beauty schools or the like which strive to maximize quality training
time, requiring the use of two students in order to allow one to
practice results in an inefficient time management problem.
Furthermore, the average consumer who desires to learn how to create
sculptured artificial fingernails may not have access to a second
person who would be willing to lend himself or herself as a practice
subject.
Though there exists a multitude of artificial fingernail types
including a variety of methods of applying the same, applicant is
unaware of any prior art which addresses the aforementioned problems
by providing a training apparatus for use in practicing the
technique associated with creating sculptured artificial
fingernails.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
A primary object of the present invention is to fulfill the
above-mentioned needs by the provision of a fingernail sculpting
training system. A further primary object of the present invention
is to provide such a system which is efficient, easy to use,
inexpensive, and easy to manufacture. Other objects of this
invention will become apparent with reference to the following
invention descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this
invention provides a fingernail sculpting teaching system for use in
practicing the creation of an artificial fingernail on a typical
human finger having a typical fingernail bed, wherein such
artificial fingernail is of the type typically comprising an
artificial fingernail bed material and artificial fingernail free
edge material, such system comprising, in combination: a bar means,
having an outer surface, for simulating such human finger; and a
marker means, formed on such bar means, for assisting practice
receiving of such artificial fingernail bed material, such marker
means structured and arranged to simulate such typical fingernail
bed.
In addition, this invention provides such a nail sculpting system
wherein such bar means comprises a cylinder having a first end and a
second end; and, wherein such marker means comprises a visual marker
formed adjacent to at least one of such first end and second end,
such visual marker having an inner end and a first side edge
separated by a distance from a second side edge. This invention
further provides such a nail sculpting system further comprising:
cover means, attached to such outer surface of such bar means and
structured and arranged to cover at least such marker means, for
providing a non-stick surface for creating such artificial nail on
such bar means; and first attachment means for attaching such cover
means to such bar means. And, it further provides such a nail
sculpting system wherein such cover means comprises a thin, smooth,
and essentially non-porous material; and, further, wherein such
cover means has a thickness of about 0.002 inches; and, yet further,
wherein such attachment means comprises an adhesive.
Additionally, it provides such a nail sculpting system further
comprising a form means, adjacent such marker means, for assisting
practicing typical providing of such bar means with such artificial
nail free edge material; also, it provides such a system wherein
such form means comprises a variable guide means for creating such
artificial nail free edge in user-selected sizes. And, this
invention provides such a nail sculpting system wherein such bar
means comprises a cylinder having a first end and a second end. In
addition, this invention provides such a nail sculpting system
wherein such marker means comprises a visual marker formed adjacent
to at least one of such first end and second end, such visual marker
having an inner end, an outer end, and a first side edge separated
by a distance from a second side edge.
Yet additionally still, this invention provides for such a nail
sculpting system wherein such form means comprises a form having a
central portion structured and arranged for location substantially
between such outer end and at least one of such first end and second
end, such central portion being further structured and arranged to
substantially span a second distance at least equal to such distance
between such first side edge and such second side edge. And, still
further, this invention provides such a nail sculpting system
further comprising: cover means, attached to such outer surface of
such bar means and structured and arranged to cover at least such
marker means and such form means, for providing a non-stick surface
for creating such artificial nail on such bar means; and first
attachment means for attaching such cover means to such bar means.
Yet further, it provides such a nail sculpting system wherein such
cover means comprises a thin, smooth, and essentially non-porous
material; and, wherein such cover means has a thickness of about
0.002 inches. Also, it provides such a nail sculpting system wherein
such attachment means comprises an adhesive.
Even further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof,
this invention provides for a fingernail sculpting teaching system
for use in practicing the creation of an artificial fingernail on a
typical human finger having a typical fingernail bed, wherein such
artificial fingernail is of the type typically comprising an
artificial fingernail bed material and artificial fingernail free
edge material, such system comprising, in combination: a wood
cylinder having an outer surface and having a first end and a second
end; a visual marker, formed adjacent to at least one of such first
end and second end, structured and arranged to receive such
artificial fingernail bed material, such visual marker comprising: a
inner end, an outer end, a first side edge, and a second side edge
separated by a distance from such first side edge; and a plastic
sheet attached to such outer surface of such cylinder so as to at
least cover such first marker; and an adhesive for attaching such
plastic sheet to such cylinder. And, further, it provides such a
nail sculpting system wherein such form means comprises a form
having a central portion structured and arranged for location
substantially between such outer end and at least one of such first
end and second end, such central portion being further structured
and arranged to substantially span a second distance at least equal
to such distance between such first side edge and such second side
edge. Also, it provides such a nail sculpting system wherein such
plastic sheet is structured and arranged to substantially cover such
visual marker and such form.
Yet further still, in accordance with a preferred embodiment
thereof, this invention provides for a fingernail sculpting teaching
system for use in practicing the creation of an artificial
fingernail on a typical human finger having a typical fingernail
bed, wherein such artificial fingernail is of the type typically
comprising an artificial fingernail bed material and artificial
fingernail free edge material, such system comprising the steps of:
providing a cylinder comprising: an end, a visual marker formed
adjacent to such end; providing a form adjacent to such visual
marker; providing such artificial fingernail bed material to such
visual marker; providing such artificial fingernail free edge
material to such visual form; and allowing a sufficient time for
such artificial fingernail bed material and such artificial
fingernail bed material to harden; whereby a unitary artificial nail
is created on such cylinder.
Additionally, the present invention provides for such a method
comprising the subsequent steps consisting of at least one of the
following: filing such artificial nail; shaping such artificial
nail; and painting such artificial nail. And it provides for such a
method comprising the subsequent step of removing such form and such
unitary artificial nail from such cylinder, whereby such cylinder is
ready for creating a separate artificial fingernail.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical human hand illustrating
the creation of an artificial sculptured fingernail onto an existing
fingernail.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a preferred form for use with all
embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present
invention specifically illustrating the visual marker.
FIG. 4 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view, taken from section 5--5 of FIG. 4,
illustrating the various layers comprising the preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4
illustrating the location of the form.
FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4
further illustrating the location of the form.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the step of applying the
artificial fingernail bed material to the marker.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the step of applying the
artificial fingernail free edge material to the form.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a subsequent step of
filing the artificial fingernail.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the final step of
removing the form and artificial fingernail from the preferred
sculptured fingernail training system embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred embodiment
of the sculptured fingernail training system.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view, taken from section 13--13 in FIG.
12, illustrating the various layers comprising the alternate
preferred embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a left side view of the alternate preferred embodiment of
FIG. 12.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the alternate preferred embodiment
of FIG. 12 illustrating the step of applying the artificial
fingernail bed material to the marker.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the alternate preferred embodiment
of FIG. 12 illustrating the step of applying the artificial
fingernail free edge material to the form.
FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the alternate preferred
embodiment of FIG. 12 illustrating the final step of removing the
artificial fingernail from the alternate preferred sculptured
fingernail training system embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND THE BEST MODE OF
PRACTICE
Referring now to the Figures, shown in perspective in FIG. 1 is a
typical human hand 20 including at least one typical human finger 21
having an existing fingernail 22 on which is being created a
sculptured artificial fingernail 25. As will be disclosed more fully
as this disclosure progresses, a sculptured artificial fingernail 25
typically comprise an artificial fingernail bed portion 26
(hereinafter bed portion 26) which is attached to that portion of
the existing fingernail overlying the fingernail bed 27, and an
artificial fingernail free edge portion 30 (hereinafter free edge
portion 30) which, with reference to a typical human fingernail 22,
comprises the whitish nail portion of the fingernail 22 which is not
directly attached to the fingernail bed 27. Also shown is a form 31
which is used in creating a stylish free edge portion 30. As will be
discussed more fully in the disclosure accompanying FIG. 2, that
portion of the form 31 which is used to create the free edge portion
30 is typically placed adjacent the distal end 32 of that portion of
the existing fingernail 22 overlying the fingernail bed 27.
With reference now to FIG. 2, a typical form 31 used to create a
free edge portion 30 is shown. The form 31 illustrated and described
herein preferably comprises a paper material having a foil-type
coating and is of the type commonly referred to as a "Horseshoe
Form" commercially available from International Nail Mfg. (Anaheim,
Calif.). Referring further to FIG. 2, the form 31 further comprises
a central portion 35 bounded by two opposing leg portions 36 which
are structured and arranged for attachment substantially along the
side portions 37 of finger 21. The central portion 35, in turn,
comprises an inner concave edge 40 and an outer convex edge 41
having an apex 42. As shown best in FIG. 1, the central portion 35
is structured and arranged for placement adjacent the existing
fingernail 22 such that the inner concave edge 40 is placed under
the existing free edge portion (not shown) adjacent the intersection
of the existing fingernail 22 and the fingernail bed 27. To ensure
that the artificial fingernail 25 is symmetric with respect to the
finger 21, it is recommended that apex 42 be substantially aligned
with the center of the existing fingernail 22 prior to attachment.
To assist in attaching the form 31 to both the existing finger 21
and fingernail 22, the form 31 described herein is typically
provided with an adhesively coated bottom surface 43 (as shown best
in FIG. 11). To assist the user in creating a free edge portion 30
having substantially planar side edges 44 (as shown best in FIG. 1),
the form 31 described herein is also provided with substantially
longitudinal guide lines 45. Also provided are curved guide lines 46
(embodying herein a variable guide means for creating such
artificial nail free edge in user-selected sizes) for assisting the
user in creating a free edge 30 of variable lengths.
Shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are, respectively, a partial perspective view
and plan view of a preferred embodiment of the artificial fingernail
sculpting system hereinafter referred to as sculpting system 47. As
will become apparent to those skilled in such art as this disclosure
progresses, all embodiments of the present invention disclosed
herein provide a useful and efficient practice piece for those
desiring to create sculptured artificial fingernails 25 without the
need for having a human subject to practice on. The sculpting system
47 of the present invention comprises an elongated cylinder 48,
preferably comprising a wooden material, and having a first end 50
and a second end 51. To simulate the approximate size of a typical
human finger 21, the cylinder 48 is substantially elongated in shape
and has a preferred diameter of approximately 1/2-inch and a
preferred length of approximately 33/4-inch. The cylinder 48
embodies herein a bar means, having an outer surface, for simulating
such human finger. Though the preferred material comprising cylinder
48 is as previously disclosed, it is to be understood that the
cylinder 48 may consist of any suitably rigid material such as,
e.g., plastic, ceramic, glass, etc.
To provide a representation of a typical nail bed 27, a visual
marker 52 is provided at preferably both the first end 50 and second
end 51, as shown in FIG. 4. Each visual marker 52 comprises a first
side edge 55, a second side edge 56, and an inner end 57 and is
preferably created by the use of acrylic-type paints (preferably
having a pinkish hue). In the present embodiment, it is preferred
that each visual marker 52 be structured and arranged to extend for
a distance of approximately 9/16-inch from each respective end 50
and 51 to each inner end 57. Each visual marker 52 embodies herein a
marker means, formed on such bar means, for assisting practice
receiving of such artificial fingernail bed material, such marker
means structured and arranged to simulate such typical fingernail
bed. Though the preferred method of creating each visual marker 52
is as disclosed above, other methods such as ink stamping or
impressing a nail bed representation onto the cylinder 48 may be
used without deviating from the spirit of the present invention.
Reference should now be made to the fact that once the artificial
fingernail 25 is created on the cylinder 48, a means is needed to
easily remove the artificial nail 25 from the cylinder 48 without
damaging the visual marker 52. To this end, the sculpting system 47
of the present invention is provided with a cover 59 (shown best in
FIG. 5), preferably comprising a substantially plastic material,
which is attached, preferably with an adhesive, to the outer surface
60 (as shown in FIG. 3) of cylinder 48. To ensure easy removal of
the artificial fingernail 25 from the cylinder 48, it is also
preferred that the material comprising the cover 59 be substantially
non-porous so as to minimize any adhesion of the material comprising
the artificial fingernail 25 to the cylinder 48. An example of a
suitable preferred cover material is that material preferably made
of a polypropylene-type material such as the type commercially
available under the name SCOTCH (TM) "Super Strength Mailing Tape"
commercially available from the 3M Company (St. Paul, Minn.) and
having a preferred thickness of approximately 0.002-inch. Using a
material like the one described illustrates the preference herein
that the cover means comprise a thin, smooth, and essentially
non-porous material. The cover 59 embodies herein cover means,
attached to such outer surface of such bar means and structured and
arranged to cover at least such marker means, for providing a
non-stick surface for creating such artificial nail on such bar
means. In addition, the cover 59 described herein is typically
provided with an adhesively coated surface (embodying herein a first
attachment means for attaching such cover means to such bar means)
which can be utilized to facilitate attachment to the cylinder 48.
Also shown in FIG. 4 is logo-type identifying indicia 61 which may
be either provided directly on the outer surface 60 of cylinder 48
or provided on a sticker (not shown) which is attached to the outer
surface 60. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view, taken from section
5--5 in FIG. 4, illustrating the arrangement of the above-mentioned
sculpting system 47 components.
Shown in FIGS. 6-11 are the preferred sequence of steps to be taken
in creating an sculptured artificial fingernail 25 using the
preferred sculpting system 47 of the present invention. Shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7 is the initial step of attaching form 31 to the
cylinder 48. For the purpose of avoiding unnecessary repetition, the
method described herein will be described with reference to end 50,
though it should be understood that the method disclosed as follows
applies equally to creating a artificial fingernail 25 on end 51.
Attachment of the form 31 to the cylinder 48 consists of first
aligning the apex 42 of form 31 with a point substantially between
the first side edge 55 and second side edge 56 of the visual marker
52 and placing the form 31 on the cylinder 48 such that the
innermost point (designated generally by reference numeral 64) of
the inner concave edge 40 lies over that part of the visual marker
52 immediately adjacent end 50. Upon achieving proper positioning,
one presses the remainder of the form 31 onto the contour of the
cylinder 48, which results in each respective leg portion 36 being
substantially attached to an opposing cylinder side portion 65. As
disclosed previously with respect to FIG. 2, the form 31 is
typically provided with an adhesively coated bottom surface 43
(shown best in FIG. 11) which is utilized to facilitate attachment
to the cylinder 48. As shown in FIG. 7, when properly positioned,
the central portion 35 of form 31 extends past the end 50 of
cylinder 48. The form 31 embodies herein a form means, adjacent such
marker means, for assisting practicing typical providing of such bar
means with such artificial nail free edge material.
After the form 31 is properly attached to the cylinder 48 in
accordance with the above mentioned procedure, the cylinder 48 is
ready to receive the materials comprising the artificial fingernail
25. Shown in FIG. 8 is the step (performed after the step of FIG. 9)
of applying the artificial fingernail bed material 66 (hereinafter
bed material 66) to that portion of the cover 59 (as shown best in
FIG. 5) adjacent the visual marker 52, thereby forming the bed
portion 26. For all embodiments described herein, the bed material
66 comprises a well-known mixture of a liquid acrylic monomer and
powdered acrylic polymer (preferably having a pinkish hue) both of
the type commercially available from Kupa Industries (Buena Park,
Calif.). Formation of the bed portion 26 consists of first placing a
brush 70, or other suitable device, into the liquid acrylic monomer
followed by placing the brush 70 into the powdered acrylic polymer.
The resultant bed material 66 mixture contained on brush 70 is
applied to that portion of the cover 59 overlying the visual marker
52 in a quantity sufficient to cover the visual marker 52 up to the
inner concave edge 40 of form 31.
Shown in perspective in FIG. 9 is the prior step of creating the
free edge portion 30. The free edge portion 30 consists of
artificial fingernail free edge material 71 (hereinafter free edge
material 71) preferably comprising a mixture of a liquid acrylic
monomer preferably of the type previously disclosed, and a powdered
acrylic polymer, preferably having a whitish hue, of the type also
commercially available from Kupa Incorporated. Formation of the free
edge portion 30 consists of first placing a brush 70, or other
suitable device, into the liquid acrylic monomer followed by placing
the brush 70 into the powdered acrylic polymer. Next, the free edge
material 71 mixture contained on brush 70 is applied onto that
central portion 35 (as shown best in FIG. 2) of form 31 spanning a
second distance being approximately equal to, and substantially
aligned with, the distance between the first side edge 55 and second
side edge 56. It is recommended that there be a minor overlap of the
bed material 66 over the free edge material 71 in order to bind the
two materials so as to create a unitary artificial fingernail 25 of
uniform strength and thickness. The method described herein embodies
a method comprising the steps of: providing a cylinder comprising an
end, a visual marker formed adjacent to such end; providing a form
adjacent to such visual marker; providing such artificial fingernail
free edge material to such form; providing such artificial
fingernail bed material to such visual marker; and allowing a
sufficient time for such artificial fingernail bed material and such
artificial fingernail bed material to harden; whereby a unitary
artificial nail is created on such cylinder.
Shown in FIG. 10 is an example of a finishing step which is often
performed, upon allowing a sufficient time for the artificial
fingernail 25 to harden, after creating a sculptured artificial nail
25 on a human finger 21. Shown specifically is the step (after
removing form 31) of using a typical fingernail file 75 to smooth
and shape the exposed outer perimeter 76 of the artificial
fingernail 25. Other finishing steps which may be performed while
the artificial fingernail is attached to the cylinder 48 include,
but are not limited to, painting and shaping the artificial
fingernail 25. FIG. 11 illustrates the step of removing the form 31
from the cylinder 48. Removal of this item consists of simply
grasping a leg portion 36 and peeling the form 31, leaving the
artificial fingernail 25 attached, off the cylinder 48. Once
removed, the cylinder 48 is immediately ready to be a practice piece
for creating another artificial fingernail 25.
Shown in FIGS. 12-14 is an alternate preferred embodiment of the
nail sculpting system hereinafter referred to as sculpting system
79. As will soon become apparent to those skilled in such art, the
alternate preferred embodiment described herein is most useful in
providing the initial nail sculpting training step of first learning
how to use the various materials (described previously with respect
to FIGS. 8 and 9) comprising an artificial fingernail 25 which is a
necessary antecedent step to learning how to attach the form 31 to
the cylinder 48. The sculpting system 79 comprises a cylinder 48 as
substantially illustrated and described previously with respect to
the aforementioned preferred embodiment. Formed adjacent each end 50
and 51 is a visual marker 80, also preferably created by the use of
acrylic-type paints (preferably having a pinkish hue), and having a
first side edge 81, a second side edge 85 and having an inner end
86. Attached adjacent to each respective end 50 and 51 is a form 31,
preferably of the type hereinbefore illustrated and described with
respect to FIG. 2.
As shown best in FIG. 12, the central portion 35 of each form 31 is
structured and arranged for placement over a portion of each visual
marker 80 such that the apex 42 lies immediately adjacent each end
50 and 51. To ensure that the artificial fingernail 25 is symmetric
with respect to the cylinder 48, it is recommended that apex 42 be
substantially aligned with the center of the visual marker 80 prior
to attachment. In order to fully accommodate the central portion 35
of form 31 while providing sufficient visual marker 80 exposure so
as to simulate the approximate size of a typical human fingernail
bed 27, it is preferred that each visual marker 80 extend from each
respective end 50 and 51 to each inner end 86 for a distance of
approximately 1-inch. It is to be understood that even though the
preferred size and arrangement of the visual marker 80 is as
described above, other arrangements may also be used without
deviating from the spirit of the present invention. Such other
arrangements include, but are not limited to, providing the visual
marker 80 with an outer end 87 (as shown in FIG. 14) which is
structured and arranged to closely abut the inner concave edge 40 of
form 31 when the form 31 is attached onto the cylinder 48 in
accordance with the above disclosed procedure. FIG. 13 is a
cross-sectional view, taken from section 13--13 in FIG. 12,
illustrating the arrangement of the various components comprising
the sculpting system 79. As shown in FIG. 13, the sculpting system
79 may also comprise a cover 59, preferably of the type fully
disclosed previously with respect to FIG. 5, which is structured and
arranged to completely overlay the cylinder 48, each visual marker
80, and each form 31. As used in the present embodiment, the cover
59 embodies herein a cover means, attached to such outer surface of
such bar means and structured and arranged to cover at least such
marker means and such form means, for providing a non-stick surface
for creating such artificial nail on such bar means. As further
shown in FIG. 12, the cylinder 48 may be provided with logo-type
identifying indicia 61 which may be either provided directly on the
outer surface 60 of cylinder 48 or provided on a sticker (not shown)
which is attached to the outer surface 60.
Shown in FIGS. 15-17 are the preferred sequence of steps to be taken
in creating an sculptured artificial fingernail 25 using the
alternate preferred sculpting system 79 of the present invention.
Shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 are the steps to be performed in creating,
respectively, the bed portion 26 and free edge portion 30 of the
artificial fingernail 25, both of which are created in the present
embodiment in the manner as fully illustrated and described
previously with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9. After allowing a
sufficient amount of time for the artificial fingernail 25 to
harden, the artificial fingernail 25 is removed from the cylinder 48
as shown in an exploded perspective view in FIG. 17. Once removed,
the cylinder 48 is immediately ready to be a practice piece for
creating another artificial fingernail 25.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes, sizes
and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as
read in connection with the above specification. Further, many other
advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.
* * * * *
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