METHOD AND DEVICE FOR REMOVAL OF NAIL ENHANCEMENT PRODUCT

Abstract

A self-contained device for removing nail enhancement product from nail beds having a flexible body, a closed-end portion, and an open-end portion. The closed-end portion having a reservoir portion located at a proximal end of the flexible body. The open-end portion having an extendable fitted ring-like portion located at a distal end of the flexible body securing the device to finger or toe. The self-contained device further having an absorbent pad. The absorbent pad is wetted with removing solution, such as acetone. The self-contained device and absorbent pad are placed on top of the nail bed to loosened and eventually remove nail enhancement product, such as acrylic or gel, from nail bed. The self-contained device further having at least one fitted ring to further secure the device to finger or toe.

Claims

1. A self-contained device for removing nail enhancement product from nail beds comprising: a flexible body, the flexible body comprising an internal cavity axially passing there through; a closed-end portion, said closed-end portion comprising a reservoir portion positioned at a proximal end of the flexible body; and an open-end portion, said open-end portion comprising an extendable fitted ring-like portion positioned at a distal end of the flexible body, wherein the flexible body is more rigid than the reservoir portion and the extendable fitted ring-like portion.

2. The self-contained device for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an absorbent pad, said absorbent pad positioned in the internal cavity of the flexible body between the closed-end portion and the open-end portion.

3. The self-contained device for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 2, wherein the absorbent pad is fastened to the internal cavity of the flexible body.

4. The self-contained device for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 2, wherein the absorbent pad is a cotton pad.

5. The self-contained device for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 1, the open-end portion further comprising at least one fitted ring.

6. The self-contained device for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 1, the flexible body further comprising an opening.

7. The self-contained device for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible body further comprises an opening and a lid covering the opening.

8. The self-contained device for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 7, wherein the lid is detachable.

9. The self-contained device for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 7, wherein the lid is semi-detachable.

10. A method for removing nail enhancement product from nail beds comprising: wetting an absorbent pad with a removing solution; placing the wetted absorbent pad on top of a nail bed; placing a self-contained device on finger or toe with the wetted absorbent pad, wherein the self-contained device comprises: a flexible body, the flexible body comprising an internal cavity axially passing there through, a closed-end portion, said closed-end portion comprising a reservoir portion positioned at a proximal end of the flexible body, and an open-end portion, said open-end portion comprising an extendable fitted ring-like portion positioned at a distal end of the flexible body, wherein the flexible body is more rigid than the reservoir portion and the extendable fitted ring-like portion; placing the flexible body of the self-contained device in direct contact with the wetted absorbent pad; sliding the extendable fitted ring-like portion down the finger or toe; leaving the self-contained device with the wetted absorbent pad on top of the nail bed until nail enhancement product is loosened; and removing the self-contained device with the wetted absorbent pad.

11. The method for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 10, further comprising the step of placing at least one fitted ring on the open-end portion further securing the self-contained device to the finger or toe.

12. The method for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 10, wherein the flexible body of the self-contained device further comprises an opening.

13. The method for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 12, further comprising the step of adding removing solution to the absorbent pad through the opening in the flexible body of the self-contained device.

14. The method for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 10, wherein the flexible body of the self-contained device further comprises an opening and a lid covering the opening.

15. The method for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 14, wherein the lid is detachable.

16. The method for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 14, wherein the lid is semi-detachable.

17. The method for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 10, wherein the removing solution is acetone.

18. The method for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 10, wherein the absorbent pad is a cotton pad.

19. The method for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 10, further comprising the step of discarding the self-contained device with the wetted absorbent pad.

20. The method for removing nail enhancement product as claimed in claim 10, further comprising the step of separating the wetted absorbent pad from the self-contained device, and discarding the wetted absorbent pad.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Further features of the inventive embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the embodiments relate from reading the specification and claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a self-contained device for the removal of nail enhancement products;

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a self-contained device for the removal of nail enhancement products;

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a self-contained device for the removal of nail enhancement products;

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a self-contained device for the removal of nail enhancement products with extendable fitted ring-like portion in rolled-up position;

[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates a self-contained device for the removal of nail enhancement products with extendable fitted ring-like portion in extended position;

[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates a self-contained device for the removal of nail enhancement products; and

[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates a side-view of a self-contained device for the removal of nail enhancement products.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The currently claimed self-contained device for the removal of nail enhancement products from nail beds provides for the removal and capture of previously applied nail enhancement products, such as nail gel and nail acrylic, and associated residues, such as acetone solution, in a safe and quick manner. The currently claimed self-contained device provides for the safe removal of nail enhancement products from nail beds and disposal of the same without removing solution leakage and exposure to chemical fumes, diminishing direct contact with hazardous materials.

[0034] The self-contained device 10 may be used on both fingers and toes. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, currently claimed is a self-contained device 10 for the removal of nail enhancement products from a nail bed 32 comprising a flexible body 12, a closed-end portion 14 and an open-end portion 16. The flexible body 12 comprises an internal cavity 18 axially passing there through. The closed-end 14 comprises a reservoir portion 20 positioned at a proximal end of the flexible body 12. The reservoir portion 20 adapted to capture excess nail enhancement product waste and extra removing solution. The open-end portion 16 comprises an extendable fitted ring-like portion 22 positioned at a distal end of the flexible body 12.

[0035] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, the self-contained device 10 may further comprise an absorbent pad 24. The absorbent pad 24 is positioned in the internal cavity 18 of the flexible body 12 between the closed-end portion 14 and the open-end portion 16. As shown in FIG. 7, the absorbent pad 24 may be fastened to the internal cavity 18 of the flexible body 12 by fastening means 34. The internal cavity of the flexible body may include a fabric strip, for example nylon, with a surface comprising of tiny loops or hoops that fasten to the absorbent pad.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the flexible body 12 may further comprise an opening 26. Additionally, the flexible body 12 may further comprise a lid 28 covering opening 26. Said lid may be fastened to the flexible body by self-adhesive means, for example glue. Lid 28 may be completely detachable from the flexible body. Alternatively, the lid 28 may be semi-detachable from the flexible body.

[0037] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, self-contained device 10 is placed on a finger or toe through the internal cavity 18 of the flexible body 12. The flexible body may be made out of stretchable material, for example latex rubber, wherein said material is resistant to acrylic or gel removing solution, e.g. acetone. The flexible body 12 is more rigid than the reservoir portion 20 and of the extendable fitted ring-like portion 22. The flexible body material is also thicker than both the reservoir portion material and the extendable fitted ring-like material. The higher rigidity and thickness of the flexible body provides for the secure placement of the absorbent pad 24 on top of the nail bed 32. As shown, flexible body 12 allows the self-contained device to be able to accommodate different nail lengths.

[0038] The open-end portion 16 of the self-contained device 10 comprises extendable fitted ring-like portion 22. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the extendable fitted ring-like portion 22 may be extended securing the self-contained device 10 to the finger or toe creating a snug, comfortable fit and seal for a leak-proof application. FIG. 4 illustrates the extendable fitted ring-like portion 22 in a rolled-up position. FIG. 5 illustrates the extendable fitted ring-like portion 22 in an extended position.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 7, the open-end portion 16 may further comprise at least one fitted ring 30. The at least one fitted ring 30 further secures the self-contained device 10 to the finger or toe while also providing a comfortable and leak-proof seal. The at least one fitted ring is adapted to prevent further leakage of the removing solution; therefore, further decreasing the exposure to hazardous chemicals. The at least one fitted ring may comprise rings of different sizes. Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one fitted ring may be customizable to the finger's or toe's width. The at least one fitted ring may be secured to the self-contained device. Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one fitted ring may be detachable from the self-contained device.

[0040] The closed-end 14 of the self-contained device 10 comprises reservoir portion 20. As illustrated in FIG. 6, reservoir portion 20 has a smaller diameter than flexible body 12. The reservoir portion 20 and the extendable fitted ring-like portion 22 are less rigid than flexible body 12. The greater flexibility of the reservoir portion allows for the capture of any excess removing solution.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 7, the absorbent pad 24 lays on top of the nail bed 32. The absorbent pad 24 is adapted to hold nail enhancement products removal solution, such as acetone. The removing solution may be added to the absorbent pad before the self-contained device is placed on the finger or toe. Alternatively, or in addition, the removing solution may be added to the absorbent solution after the self-contained device is placed on the finger or toe.

[0042] For example, the self-contained device 10 is placed on a finger or toe through the internal cavity 18 of the flexible body 12, wherein the absorbent pad 24 lays on top of the nail bed. Removing solution is added to the absorbent pad 24 through opening 26 wetting the absorbent pad. Further, if the flexible body includes lid 28, once the absorbent pad is wetted with removing solution, opening 26 may be covered with lid 28. Lid 28 provides further protection from the removing solution fumes and from evaporation of the removing solution. Additional removing solution may be added to the absorbent pad 24 through opening 26 as needed.

[0043] Once the removing solution is placed on the absorbent pad, the device is left stationary on the finger or toe allowing the nail enhancement product to loosen enough from the nail bed. The nail enhancement product and associated residues adhere to the absorbent pad and stay contained inside the flexible body. Then, the self-contained device with the wetted absorbent pad are removed from the finger or toe. The self-contained device with the wetted absorbent pad may be discarded. Alternatively, the wetted absorbent pad may be separated from the self-contained device and discarded leaving the self-contained device for further use.

[0044] While this invention has been shown and described with respect to a detailed embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in form and detail thereof may be made without departing from the scope of the claims of the invention.