Abstract:
A nail care system designed for use in a manicure or pedicure process that is comprised of an assembly of disposable implements required for the manicure or pedicure process and a packaging system comprising individual sections. The individual sections of the packaging system are linked together in a chronological order necessary to complete a manicure or a pedicure, each individual section is adapted to hold and once sealed to sterilely secure a single chronologically ordered disposable implement of the assembly. The individual sections are separable from the packaging system and unsealable thereby providing access to a particular disposable implement secured therein when the particular disposable implement is required in accordance with the chronological ordering of the manicure or pedicure process.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This present application claims all available benefit, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/996,624 filed May 12, 2014. By this reference, the full disclosure of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/996,624 is incorporated herein as though now set forth in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to manicure and pedicure systems and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to manicure and pedicure systems and a method of use thereof that lowers the risk that infections can be transmitted through cross-contamination. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    The transmission of infections, such as fungal, bacterial, and viral, is a concern for customers, nail technicians, and owner/operators of nail salons and spas. While the transmission of infections in nail salon and spas may occur in various ways, the transmission of infections through cross-contamination is common. Cross-contamination is the process by which bacteria or other microorganisms are unintentionally transferred with harmful effect from one substance or object to another. For example, if a particular tool or implement that is required in the manicure and pedicure process is used on multiple customers, this raises the risk that infections can be transmitted through cross-contamination. 
         [0006]    Reducing the risk of cross-contamination is typically addressed through the use of autoclaves to clean and sterilize instruments such as nail clippers that are reused during the manicure and pedicure process. Autoclaves expose the instruments to high temperature steam for several minutes and are effective at neutralizing infections that can contaminate instruments thereby helping to prevent the transmission of these infections. 
         [0007]    However, not all the tools used in the manicure and pedicure process can be autoclaved. Tools such as nail files (emery boards) and buffers cannot be autoclaved and in some establishments these tools are reused multiple times raising the risk of cross-contamination. In addition, the creams and lotions used in the manicure and pedicure process often come in large containers and are used on multiple customers also raising the risk that infections can be transmitted through cross-contamination. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, a manicure and pedicure system and a method of use thereof that lowers the risk that infections will be transmitted through cross-contamination would be useful. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In accordance with a method and apparatus for nail care, a nail care system designed for use in a manicure or pedicure process is comprised of an assembly of disposable implements required for a manicure or pedicure and a packaging system comprising individual sections. The individual sections of the packaging system are linked together in a chronological order necessary to complete a manicure or a pedicure. Furthermore, each individual section is adapted to hold and once sealed to sterilely secure a single chronologically ordered disposable implement of the assembly. The individual sections are separable from the packaging system and unsealable. Unsealing the individual section provides access to a particular disposable implement secured therein when the particular disposable implement is required in accordance with the chronological ordering of the manicure or pedicure process. 
         [0010]    In a first and second embodiment of the nail care system, the disposable implements for the manicure or pedicure process comprise nail polish remover, cuticle softener lotion, a nail file, a buffer stone, a cuticle oil, moisturizing lotion, and oil remover. To hold and secure these disposable implements, the packaging system comprises first through seventh individual sections, wherein: the first individual section includes the nail polish remover, the second individual section includes the cuticle softener lotion, the third individual section includes the nail file, the fourth individual section includes the buffer stone, the fifth individual section includes the cuticle oil, the sixth individual section includes the moisturizing lotion, and the seventh individual section includes the oil remover. 
         [0011]    In a third and fourth embodiment of the nail care system, the disposable implements for a manicure or pedicure process comprise nail polish remover, cuticle softener lotion, a nail file, a buffer stone, a cuticle oil, callus remover lotion, pumice bar, exfoliation crème, moisturizing lotion, and oil remover. To hold and secure these disposable implements, the packaging system comprises first through tenth individual sections, wherein: the first individual section includes the nail polish remover, the second individual section includes the cuticle softener lotion, the third individual section includes the nail file, the fourth individual section includes the buffer stone, the fifth individual section includes the cuticle oil, the sixth individual section includes, the callus remover lotion, the seventh individual section includes the pumice bar, the eighth individual section includes the exfoliation crème, the ninth individual section includes the moisturizing lotion, and the tenth individual section includes the oil remover. 
         [0012]    In the first and third embodiment of the nail care system, the packaging system is a packaging tray and the individual sections are compartments. The compartments comprise a container, a lip, and a cover. The container provides storage space and is adapted to hold any particular disposable implement useful in the manicure or pedicure process. The lip is formed integrally about the compartment, wherein the lip segregates one compartment from another and includes a perforation that allows a compartment to be separated from the packaging tray. The cover is adapted to seal a particular disposable implement within the compartment. Furthermore, the cover includes a tab that allows the cover to be opened from the compartment and a user to gain access to the particular disposable implement stored therein. 
         [0013]    In the second and fourth embodiment of the nail care system, the packaging system is a packet system and the individual sections are packets. The packets comprise a cover and a border that form a pocket. The pocket provides a storage space and is adapted to hold any particular disposable implement useful in a manicure or pedicure process. The border segregates one packet from another and includes a perforation that allows the packet to be separated from the packet system. In addition, the border includes a tab that allows the cover to be opened and a user to gain access to the particular disposable implement stored within the pocket. 
         [0014]    In a method of using the nail care system in a manicure or pedicure process, a nail technician separates from the packaging system a first individual section in the chronological order. Then the nail technician unseals the first individual section and removes the disposable implement secured therein. The disposable implement is then used in the manicure or pedicure process. After being used in the manicure or pedicure process the nail technician disposes of the disposable implement as well as the first individual section. The nail technician then sequentially performs with each next individual section the steps of separating, unsealing, removing, using, and disposing of implements as well as the individual sections until a final individual section remains. Upon reaching the final individual section, the nail technician unseals the final individual section, removes the disposable implement secured therein, uses the disposable implement in the manicure or pedicure process, and disposes of the disposable implement as well as the final individual section. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a first embodiment of a nail care system. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a side view illustrating the first embodiment of the nail care system. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating the removal of a cover from a compartment of the first embodiment of the nail care system. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a top view illustrating the separation of a compartment from a packaging tray of the first embodiment of the nail care system. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating an alternative compartment configuration for the first embodiment of the nail care system. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating implements contained within the compartments of the first embodiment of the nail care system. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of the nail care system. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a side view illustrating the second embodiment of the nail care system. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating the opening of a packet of the second embodiment of the nail care system. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a top view illustrating the separation of a packet from a packet system of the second embodiment of the nail care system. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view illustrating an alternative packet configuration for the second embodiment of the nail care system. 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view illustrating implements contained within the packets of the second embodiment of the nail care system. 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view illustrating a third embodiment of the nail care system. 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is a side view illustrating the third embodiment of the nail care system. 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view illustrating an alternative compartment configuration for the third embodiment of the nail care system. 
           [0030]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view illustrating implements contained within the compartments of the third embodiment of the nail care system. 
           [0031]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view illustrating a fourth embodiment of the nail care system. 
           [0032]      FIG. 18  is a side view illustrating the fourth embodiment of the nail care system. 
           [0033]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view illustrating an alternative packet configuration for the fourth embodiment of the nail care system. 
           [0034]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view illustrating implements contained within the packets of the fourth embodiment of the nail care system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0035]    As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components or steps. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a first embodiment of a nail care system  10  including a packaging tray  20 . The nail care system  10  may be used in a manicure or pedicure process, however, in the first embodiment, the nail care system  10  will be employed in a manicure process. The packaging tray  20  can be made of any suitable material, such as polystyrene, polyethylene, and the like. The packaging tray  20  in the first embodiment is composed of individual compartments  21 - 27  that connect together to form the packaging tray  20 . One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that more or less compartments may be added or removed from the packaging tray  20  depending upon application. The compartments  21 - 27  store implements used in a manicure or pedicure process and each includes a lip  50 , a container  51 , and a cover  52 . The lip  50 , the container  51 , and the cover  52  of the compartments  21 - 27  work in concert to hold and secure a particular implement required in the manicure process within one of the compartments  21 - 27 . The compartments  21 - 27  may contain any implement that is useful in the manicure process such as a tool, cream, or oil. Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the nail care system  10 , the compartments  21 - 27  as well as the manicure implements contained therein are disposable. 
         [0037]    The containers  51  of the compartments  21 - 27  provide a storage space and are adapted to hold any particular disposable implement useful in a manicure or pedicure process. The containers  51  are made of any suitable material such as plastic that can hold solid materials as well as liquids. Furthermore, the containers  51  of the compartments  21 - 27  may be clear allowing a nail technician to see an implement contained within the compartments  21 - 27  or opaque allowing the labeling of the compartments  21 - 27 . 
         [0038]    The covers  52  of the compartments  21 - 27  each include a tab  54  and secure to the lips  50  of the compartments  21 - 27  using any suitable means such as an adhesive or heat sealing. The tab  54  of the cover  52  allows a nail technician to remove the cover  52  from the lip  50  of a particular compartment  21 - 27 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , to remove the cover  52  from the lip  50 , a nail technician grasps the tab  54  and pulls away from the lip  50  to remove the cover  52  and allow the nail technician access to the implements contained within the container  51  of a particular compartment  21 - 27 . The cover  52  is made of any suitable material such as plastic that can seal solid materials as well as liquids within the container  51  of the compartments  21 - 27 . Furthermore, the cover  52  of the compartments  21 - 27  may be clear allowing a nail technician to see an implement contained within the compartments  21 - 27  or opaque allowing the labeling of the compartments  21 - 27 . 
         [0039]    The lips  50  of the compartments  21 - 27  segregate the various compartments  21 - 27  and connect at perforations  31 - 36 . The segregation of the compartments  21 - 27  prevents implements contained within the compartments  21 - 27  from commingling during shipping or transport. The perforations  31 - 36  allow the compartments  21 - 27  to be separated from the packaging tray  20  and used when the particular implement contained therein is required in the manicure process. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , to separate the compartment  21  from the packaging tray  20 , the nail technician would tear along the perforation  31  and remove the compartment  21  from the packaging tray  20 . 
         [0040]    The packaging tray  20  increases efficiency and decreases the time required to perform a manicure by ensuring that the nail technician has all disposable implements necessary in the manicure process in chronological order and readily available from the packaging tray  20 . Specifically, the compartment  21  of the nail care system  10  is the first compartment used during the manicure process. When needed in the manicure process, the nail technician separates the compartment  21  along the perforation  31  from the packaging tray  20  and then opens the compartment  21  to access and employ the implement therein. The nail technician repeats the process of separating the remaining compartments  22 - 26  in chronological order from the packaging tray  20  along perforations  32 - 36  and employing the manicure implements contained therein until the compartment  27  is the only remaining compartment. Finally, the compartment  27  is opened and the implement therein is employed in the manicure process thereby completing the method and use of the first embodiment of the nail care system  10 . 
         [0041]    In addition to increasing the efficiency of the manicure process, the nail care system  10  also reduces the risk that infections will be transmitted through cross-contamination. As stated above, the compartments  21 - 27  as well as the implements contained therein are disposed of after they are used in the manicure process. This ensures that only one customer comes in contact with the nail care system  10 , thereby eliminating re-use and thus reducing the risk that infections will occur through cross-contamination. 
         [0042]    The packaging tray  20  of the nail care system  10  may be manufactured such that the compartments  21 - 27  and the manicure implements contained therein are sterile. For example, the packaging tray  20  can be manufactured and assembled in a clean room or exposed to UV radiation after the manufacturing process, thereby ensuring the packaging tray  20  and the manicure implements contained within the compartments  21 - 27  are sterile. 
         [0043]    Although the compartments  21 - 27  in the first embodiment of the nail care system  10  are separated from the packaging tray  20  and used in chronological order, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the compartments  21 - 27  may be separated and used in any order desired by the nail technician. Furthermore,  FIG. 5  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the nail care system  10  wherein some of the compartments  21 - 27  are placed adjacent as well as front to back. 
         [0044]    It should be understood that the packaging tray  20  of the nail care system  10  may be manufactured so that the compartments  21 - 27  include any implement that is useful in a manicure process. Nevertheless, as an illustrative example and shown in  FIG. 6 , the compartments  21 - 27  of the first embodiment of the nail care system  10  include a nail polish remover in compartment  21 , a cuticle softener lotion in the compartment  22 , a nail file in the compartment  23 , a buffer stone in the compartment  24 , cuticle oil in the compartment  25 , moisturizing lotion in the compartment  26 , and oil remover in the compartment  27 . In the first embodiment of the nail care system  10 , the compartments are of equal size in order to aid the manufacturing process, however, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that individual compartments  21 - 27  may be different sizes to include multiple implements, increased quantity of implements, or decreased quantity of implements depending upon application. For example, the size of the compartment  23  may be increased to include multiple nail files or the size of the compartment  27  may be increased or decreased to include a greater or lesser quantity of oil remover. 
         [0045]    The compartment  21  includes a swab soaked in any suitable substance such as acetone that can remove nail polish present on a customer&#39;s nails. The compartment  22  includes a cuticle softener lotion that softens and conditions the customer&#39;s cuticles. The compartment  23  includes a nail file that is used to gently grind down and shape the edges of nails. The compartment  24  includes a buffer stone which smoothes and polishes the customer&#39;s nail. The compartment  25  includes cuticle oil that fortifies and strengthens a customer&#39;s nails. The compartment  26  includes massaging lotion that softens and moisturizes a customer&#39;s hands. The compartment  27  includes an oil remover that removes oils and other substances that would prevent nail polish from adhering to a customer&#39;s nail. 
         [0046]    Described hereafter is the preferred method of using the first embodiment of the nail care system  10  in a manicure process to reduce the risk that infections are transmitted through cross-contamination. In a typical manicure process the nail technician preps the customer&#39;s hands and nails by soaking the customer&#39;s hands and nails in warm water and trimming the customer&#39;s nails to the appropriate shape and length. After prepping the customer&#39;s hands and nails, the nail technician is ready to use the nail care system  10  in the manicure process. The nail technician begins by taking hold of the packaging tray  20  and separating the compartment  21  along the perforation  31 . The nail technician then grasps the tab  54  of the cover  52  and pulls away from the lip  50  to remove the cover  52  and allow the nail technician access to nail polish remover (acetone swab) contained within the compartment  21 . The nail technician applies the nail polish remover (acetone swab) to the customer&#39;s nails removing any nail polish. Once the customer&#39;s nails are free of nail polish the nail technician will dispose of the nail polish remover (acetone swab) and the compartment  21 . 
         [0047]    Following the disposal of the nail polish remover and the compartment  21 , the nail technician then takes hold of the packaging tray  20  and separates the compartment  22  along the perforation  32 . After separating the compartment  22 , the nail technician grasps the tab  54  of the cover  52  and pulls away from the lip  50  to remove the cover  52  and allow the nail technician access to the cuticle softener lotion contained within the compartment  22 . The nail technician then applies the cuticle softener lotion to the customer&#39;s cuticles to soften them. Once the cuticle softener lotion has been applied, the nail technician will dispose of any remaining cuticle softener lotion and the compartment  22 . In a typical manicure process after the application of the cuticle softener lotion, the nail technician removes any calluses or excess cuticles around the nail. 
         [0048]    Once the nail technician has removed any calluses or excess cuticles the nail technician is ready to continue the use of the nail care system  10  in the manicure process. The nail technician continues by taking hold of the packaging tray  20  and separating the compartment  23  along the perforation  33 . After separating the compartment  23 , the nail technician grasps the tab  54  of the cover  52  and pulls away from the lip  50  to remove the cover  52  and allow the nail technician access to the nail file contained within the compartment  23 . The nail technician removes the nail file and uses it to shape and smooth the edges of the customer&#39;s nails. After smoothing and shaping the edges of the customer&#39;s nails, the nail technician disposes of the nail file and the compartment  23 . 
         [0049]    Following the disposal of the nail file and the compartment  23 , the nail technician takes hold of the packaging tray  20  and separates the compartment  24  along the perforation  34 . After separating the compartment  24 , the nail technician grasps the tab  54  of the cover  52  and pulls away from the lip  50  to remove the cover  52  and allow the nail technician access to the buffer stone contained within the compartment  24 . The nail technician removes the buffer stone and uses it to buff the customer&#39;s nails in order to prepare them for later application of nail polish. Once the buffing of the customer&#39;s nails is complete, the nail technician disposes of the buffer stone and the compartment  24 . 
         [0050]    After disposing of the buffer stone and the compartment  24 , the nail technician takes hold of the packaging tray  20  and separates the compartment  25  along the perforation  35 . Once the compartment  25  separates from the packaging tray  20 , the nail technician grasps the tab  54  of the cover  52  and pulls away from the lip  50  to remove the cover  52  and allow the nail technician access to the cuticle oil contained within the compartment  25 . The nail technician applies the cuticle oil to the customer&#39;s cuticles to fortify and strengthen the customer&#39;s cuticles. After applying cuticle oil to the customer&#39;s nails the nail technician will dispose of any remaining cuticle oil and the compartment  25 . 
         [0051]    Following the disposal of the compartment  25 , the nail technician takes hold of the packaging tray  20  and separates the compartment  26  along the perforation  36 . After separating the compartment  26 , the nail technician grasps the tab  54  of the cover  52  and pulls away from the lip  50  to remove the cover  52  and allow the nail technician access to the moisturizing lotion contained within the compartment  26 . The nail technician applies the moisturizing lotion to the customer&#39;s hands to hydrate and soften the customer&#39;s hands. Subsequent to applying moisturizing lotion to the customer&#39;s hands, the nail technician disposes of any remaining moisturizing lotion and the compartment  26 . 
         [0052]    After the nail technician disposes of the compartment  26 , the nail technician opens the remaining compartment  27  by grasping the tab  54  of the cover  52  and pulling away from the lip  50  to remove the cover  52  and allow the nail technician access to the oil remover contained within the compartment  27 . The nail technician applies the oil remover to the customer&#39;s nails to remove oils and aid nail polish in adhering to the customer&#39;s nails. Once the oil remover is applied, the nail technician disposes of any remaining oil remover and the compartment  27 , thereby completing the method and use of the first embodiment of the nail care system  10 . 
         [0053]    Although not required, an additional step may be performed in the manicure or pedicure process in which nail polish is added to the customer&#39;s nails after the application of oil remover. Furthermore, although the first embodiment describes a packaging tray  20  comprising individual compartments  21 - 27  that store the manicure implements, any packaging system that comprises individual sections may be used. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate a second embodiment of a nail care system  100  including a packet system  120 . The nail care system  100  may be used in a manicure or pedicure process, however, in the second embodiment, the nail care system  100  will be employed in a manicure process. The packet system  120  in the second embodiment is composed of individual packets  121 - 127  that connect together to form the packet system  120 . One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that more or less packets may be added or removed from the packet system  120  depending upon application. The packets  121 - 127  store implements used in a manicure or pedicure process and each includes a cover  150  and a border  151 . The cover  150  and the border  151  form a pocket  152  which holds and secures a particular implement required in the manicure process within one of the packets  121 - 127 . The packets  121 - 127  may contain any implement that is useful in the manicure process such as a tool, cream, or oil. Furthermore, in the second embodiment of the nail care system  100 , the packets  121 - 127  as well as the manicure implements contained therein are disposable. 
         [0055]    The covers  150  of the packets  121 - 127  are made of any suitable material such as plastic that can seal solid materials as well as liquids within the pocket  152  of the packets  121 - 127 . Furthermore, the covers  150  of the packets  121 - 127  may be clear allowing a nail technician to see an implement contained within the packets  121 - 127  or opaque allowing the labeling of the packets  121 - 127 . 
         [0056]    The borders  151  of the packets  121 - 127  separate the various packets  121 - 127 . In particular, the packets  121 - 127  of the packaging system  120  are individually sealed at the borders  151  and connect at perforations  131 - 136 . Individually sealing the packets  121 - 127  at the borders  151  segregates the various pockets  152  of the packets  121 - 127 . The segregation of the pockets  152  prevents implements contained within the packets  121 - 127  from commingling during shipping or transport. In addition, the borders  151  of the packets  121 - 127  each include a tab  154  that allows a nail technician to open a particular packet  121 - 127 . As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , to open the packets  121 - 127 , a nail technician grasps the tab  154  and pulls away from the border  151  to open the packets  121 - 127  and allow the nail technician access to the implements contained within the pocket  152  of a particular packet  121 - 127 . 
         [0057]    The perforations  131 - 136  allow the packets  121 - 127  to be separated from the packet system  120  and used when the particular implement contained therein is required in the manicure process. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , to separate the packet  121  from the packet system  120 , the nail technician would tear along the perforation  131  and remove the packet  121  from the packet system  120 . 
         [0058]    The packet system  120  increases efficiency and decreases the time required to perform a manicure by ensuring that the nail technician has all disposable implements necessary in the manicure process in chronological order and readily available from the packet system  120 . Specifically, the packet  121  of the nail care system  100  is the first packet used during the manicure process. When needed in the manicure process, the nail technician separates the packet  121  along the perforation  131  from the packet system  120  and then opens the packet  121  to access and employ the implement therein. The nail technician repeats the process of separating the remaining packets  122 - 126  in chronological order from the packet system  120  along perforations  132 - 136  and employing the manicure implements contained therein until the packet  127  is the only remaining packet. Finally, the packet  127  is opened and the implement therein is employed in the manicure process thereby completing the method and use of the second embodiment of the nail care system  100 . 
         [0059]    In addition to increasing the efficiency of the manicure process, the second embodiment of the nail care system  100  also reduces the risk that infections will be transmitted through cross-contamination. As stated above, the packets  121 - 127  as well as the implements contained therein are disposed of after they are used in the manicure process. This ensures that only one customer comes in contact with the second embodiment of the nail care system  100 , thereby eliminating re-use and thus reducing the risk that infections will occur through cross-contamination. 
         [0060]    The packet system  120  of the nail care system  100  may be manufactured such that the packets  121 - 127  and the manicure implements contained therein are sterile. For example, the packet system  120  can be manufactured and assembled in a clean room or exposed to UV radiation after the manufacturing process, thereby ensuring the packet system  120  and the manicure implements contained within the packets  121 - 127  are sterile. 
         [0061]    Although the packets  121 - 127  in the second embodiment of the nail care system  100  are separated from the packet system  120  and used in chronological order, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the packets  121 - 127  may be separated and used in any order desired by the nail technician. Furthermore,  FIG. 11  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the nail care system  100  wherein the some of the packets  121 - 127  are placed adjacent as well as front to back. 
         [0062]    It should be understood that the packet system  120  of the nail care system  100  may be manufactured so that the packets  121 - 127  include any implement that is useful in a manicure process. Nevertheless, as an illustrative example and shown in  FIG. 12 , the packets  121 - 127  of the second embodiment of the nail care system  100  include a nail polish remover in packet  121 , a cuticle softener lotion in the packet  122 , a nail file in the packet  123 , a buffer stone in the packet  124 , cuticle oil in the packet  125 , moisturizing lotion in the packet  126 , and oil remover in the packet  127 . In the second embodiment of the nail care system  100 , the packets  121 - 127  are of equal size in order to aid the manufacturing process, however, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the packets  121 - 127  and their corresponding pockets  152  may be different sizes to include multiple implements, increased quantity of implements, or decreased quantity of implements depending upon application. For example, the size of the packet  123  may be increased in size to include multiple nail files or the size of the packet  127  may be increased or decreased to include a greater or lesser quantity of oil remover. 
         [0063]    The packet  121  includes a swab soaked in any suitable substance such as acetone that can remove nail polish present on a customer&#39;s nails. The packet  122  includes a cuticle softener lotion that softens and conditions the customer&#39;s cuticles. The packet  123  includes a nail file that is used to gently grind down and shape the edges of nails. The packet  124  includes a buffer stone which smoothes and polishes the customer&#39;s nail. The packet  125  includes cuticle oil that fortifies and strengthens a customer&#39;s nails. The packet  126  includes massaging lotion that softens and moisturizes a customer&#39;s hands. The packet  127  includes an oil remover that removes oils and other substances that would prevent nail polish from adhering to a customer&#39;s nail. 
         [0064]    Described hereafter is the preferred method of using the second embodiment of the nail care system  100  in a manicure process to reduce the risk that infections are transmitted through cross-contamination. In a typical manicure process the nail technician preps the customer&#39;s hands and nails by soaking the customer&#39;s hands and nails in warm water and trimming the customer&#39;s nails to the appropriate shape and length. After prepping the customer&#39;s hands and nails, the nail technician is ready to use the nail care system  100  in the manicure process. The nail technician begins by taking hold of the packet system  120  and separating the packet  121  along the perforation  131 . 
         [0065]    The nail technician grasps the tab  154  of the packet  121  and pulls away from the border  151  to open the packet  121  and allow the nail technician access to nail polish remover (acetone swab) contained within the packet  121 . The nail technician applies the nail polish remover (acetone swab) to the customer&#39;s nails removing any nail polish. Once the customer&#39;s nails are free of nail polish the nail technician disposes of the nail polish remover (acetone swab) and the packet  121 . 
         [0066]    Following the disposal of the nail polish remover and the packet  121 , the nail technician then takes hold of the packet system  120  and separates the packet  122  along the perforation  132 . After separating the packet  122 , the nail technician grasps the tab  154  of the packet  122  and pulls away from the border  151  to open the packet  122  and allow the nail technician access to the cuticle softener lotion contained within the packet  122 . The nail technician applies the cuticle softener lotion to the customer&#39;s cuticles to soften them. Once the cuticle softener lotion has been applied, the nail technician will dispose of the cuticle softener lotion and the packet  122 . In a typical manicure process after the application of the cuticle softener lotion, the nail technician removes any calluses or excess cuticles around the nail. 
         [0067]    Once the nail technician has removed any calluses or excess cuticles the nail technician is ready to continue the use of the nail care system  10  in the manicure process. The nail technician continues by taking hold of the packet system  120  and separating the packet  123  along the perforation  133 . After separating the packet  123 , the nail technician grasps the tab  154  of the packet  123  and pulls away from the border  151  to open the packet  123  allowing the nail technician access to the nail file contained within the packet  123 . The nail technician removes the nail file and uses it to shape and smooth the edges of the customer&#39;s nails. After smoothing and shaping the edges of the customer&#39;s nails, the nail technician will dispose of the nail file and the packet  123 . 
         [0068]    Following the disposal of the nail file and the packet  123 , the nail technician takes hold of the packet system  120  and separates the packet  124  along the perforation  134 . After separating the packet  124 , the nail technician grasps the tab  154  of the packet  124  and pulls away from the border  151  to open the packet  124  and allow the nail technician access to the buffer stone contained within the packet  124 . The nail technician removes the buffer stone and uses it to buff the customer&#39;s nails in order to prepare them for later application of nail polish. Once the buffing of the customer&#39;s nails is complete, the nail technician disposes of the buffer stone and packet  124 . 
         [0069]    After disposing of the buffer stone and the packet  124 , the nail technician takes hold of the packet system  120  and separates the packet  125  along the perforation  135 . Once the packet  125  separates from the packet system  120 , the nail technician grasps the tab  154  of the packet  124  and pulls away from the border  151  to open the packet  124  and allow the nail technician access to the cuticle oil contained within the packet  125 . The nail technician applies the cuticle oil to the customer&#39;s cuticles to fortify and strengthen the customer&#39;s cuticles. After applying cuticle oil to the customer&#39;s nails the nail technician will dispose of any remaining cuticle oil and the packet  125 . 
         [0070]    Following the disposal of the packet  125 , the nail technician takes hold of the packet system  120  and separates the packet  126  along the perforation  136 . After separating the packet  126 , the nail technician grasps the tab  154  of the packet  126  and pulls away from the border  151  to open the packet  126  and allow the nail technician access to the moisturizing lotion contained within the packet  126 . The nail technician applies the moisturizing lotion to the customer&#39;s hands to hydrate and soften the customer&#39;s hands. After applying moisturizing lotion to the customer&#39;s hands, the nail technician will dispose of any remaining moisturizing lotion and the packet  126 . 
         [0071]    After the nail technician disposes of the packet  126 , the nail technician opens the remaining packet  127  by grasping the tab  154  of the packet  127  and pulls away from the border  151  to open the packet  127  and allow the nail technician access to the oil remover contained within the packet  127 . The nail technician applies the oil remover to the customer&#39;s nails to remove oils and aid nail polish in adhering to the customer&#39;s nails. After applying oil remover to the customer&#39;s nails the nail technician will dispose of any remaining oil remover and the packet  127 , thereby completing the method and use of the second embodiment of the nail care system  100 . 
         [0072]    Although not required, an additional step may be performed in the manicure or pedicure process in which nail polish is added to the customer&#39;s nails after the application of oil remover. Furthermore, although the second embodiment describes a packet system  120  comprising individual packets  121 - 127  that store the manicure implements, any packaging system that comprises individual sections may be used. 
         [0073]      FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate a third embodiment of a nail care system  200  including a packaging tray  220 . The nail care system  200  may be used in a manicure or pedicure process, however, in the third embodiment, the nail care system  200  will be employed in a pedicure process. The packaging tray  220  can be made of any suitable material, such as polystyrene, polyethylene, and the like. The packaging tray  220  in the third embodiment is composed of individual compartments  221 - 230  that connect together to form the packaging tray  220 . One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that more or less compartments may be added or removed from the packaging tray  220  depending upon application. The compartments  221 - 230  store implements used in a manicure or pedicure process and each includes a lip  250 , a container  251 , and a cover  252 . The lip  250 , the container  251 , and the cover  252  of the compartments  221 - 230  work in concert to hold and secure a particular implement required in the pedicure process within one of the compartments  221 - 230 . The compartments  221 - 230  may contain any implement that is useful in the pedicure process such as a tool, cream, or oil. Furthermore, in the third embodiment of the nail care system  200 , the compartments  221 - 230  as well as the pedicure implements contained therein are disposable. 
         [0074]    The containers  51  of the compartments  21 - 27  provides a storage space and are adapted to hold any particular disposable implement useful in a manicure or pedicure process. The containers  51  are made of any suitable material such as plastic that can hold solid materials as well as liquids. Furthermore, the containers  51  of the compartments  21 - 27  may be clear allowing a nail technician to see an implement contained within the compartments  21 - 27  or opaque allowing the labeling of the compartments  21 - 27 . 
         [0075]    The covers  252  of the compartments  221 - 230  each include a tab  254  and secure to the lips  250  of the compartments  221 - 230  using any suitable means such as an adhesive or heat sealing. The tab  254  of the cover  252  allows a nail technician to remove the cover  252  from the lip  250  of a particular compartment  221 - 230 . To remove the cover  252  from the lip  250 , a nail technician grasps the tab  254  and pulls away from the lip  250  to remove the cover  252  and allow the nail technician access to the implements contained within the container  251  of a particular compartment  221 - 230  (identical to  FIG. 3  in the first embodiment of the nail care system  10 ). The cover  252  is made of any suitable material such as plastic that can seal solid materials as well as liquids within the container  251  of the compartments  221 - 230 . Furthermore, the cover  252  of the compartments  221 - 230  may be clear allowing a nail technician to see an implement contained within the compartments  221 - 230  or opaque allowing the labeling of the compartments  221 - 230 . 
         [0076]    The lips  250  of the compartments  221 - 230  segregate the various compartments  221 - 230  and connect at perforations  231 - 239 . The segregation of the compartments  221 - 230  prevents implements contained within the compartments  221 - 230  from commingling during shipping or transport. The perforations  231 - 239  allow the compartments  221 - 230  to be separated from the packaging tray  220  and used when the particular implement contained therein is required in the pedicure process. To separate the compartment  221  from the packaging tray  220 , the nail technician would tear along the perforation  231  and remove the compartment  221  from the packaging tray  220  (identical to  FIG. 4  in the first embodiment of the nail care system  10 ). 
         [0077]    The packaging tray  220  increases efficiency and decreases the time required to perform a pedicure by ensuring that the nail technician has all disposable implements necessary in the pedicure process in chronological order and readily available from the packaging tray  220 . Specifically, the compartment  221  of the nail care system  200  is the first compartment used during the pedicure process. When needed in the pedicure process, the nail technician separates the compartment  221  along the perforation  231  from the packaging tray  220  and then opens the compartment  221  to access and employ the implement therein. The nail technician repeats the process of separating the remaining compartments  222 - 229  in chronological order from the packaging tray  220  along perforations  232 - 239  and employing the pedicure implements contained therein until the compartment  230  is the only remaining compartment. Finally, the compartment  230  is opened and the implement therein is employed in the pedicure process thereby completing the method and use of the third embodiment of the nail care system  200 . 
         [0078]    In addition to increasing the efficiency of the pedicure process, the nail care system  200  also reduces the risk that infections will be transmitted through cross-contamination. As stated above, the compartments  221 - 231  as well as the implements contained therein are disposed of after they are used in the pedicure process. This ensures that only one customer comes in contact with the nail care system  200 , thereby eliminating re-use and thus reducing the risk that infections will occur through cross-contamination. 
         [0079]    The packaging tray  220  of the nail care system  200  may be manufactured such that the compartments  221 - 231  and the pedicure implements contained therein are sterile. For example, the packaging tray  220  can be manufactured and assembled in a clean room or exposed to UV radiation after the manufacturing process, thereby ensuring the packaging tray  220  and the pedicure implements contained within the compartments  221 - 231  are sterile. 
         [0080]    Although the compartments  221 - 231  in the third embodiment of the nail care system  200  are separated from the packaging tray  220  and used in chronological order, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the compartments  221 - 231  may be separated and used in any order desired by the nail technician. Furthermore,  FIG. 15  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the nail care system  200  wherein the compartments  221 - 230  are placed side by side. 
         [0081]    It should be understood that the packaging tray  220  of the nail care system  200  may be manufactured so that the compartments  221 - 231  include any implement that is useful in a pedicure process. Nevertheless, as an illustrative example and shown in  FIG. 16 , the compartments  221 - 231  of the third embodiment of the nail care system  200  include a nail polish remover in compartment  221 , a cuticle softener lotion in the compartment  222 , a nail file in the compartment  223 , a buffer stone in the compartment  224 , cuticle oil in the compartment  225 , callus remover lotion in the compartment  226 , a pumice bar in the compartment  227 , exfoliation crème in the compartment  228 , lotion in the compartment  229 , and oil remover in the compartment  230 . In the third embodiment of the nail care system  200 , the compartments are of equal size in order to aid the manufacturing process, however, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that individual compartments  221 - 230  may be different sizes to include multiple implements, increased quantity of implements, or decreased quantity of implements depending upon application. For example, the size of the compartment  223  may be increased to include multiple nail files or the size of the compartment  230  may be increased or decreased to include a greater or lesser quantity of oil remover. 
         [0082]    The compartment  221  includes a swab soaked in any suitable substance such as acetone that can remove nail polish present on a customer&#39;s nails. The compartment  222  includes a cuticle softener lotion that softens and conditions the customer&#39;s cuticles. The compartment  223  includes a nail file that is used to gently grind down and shape the edges of nails. The compartment  224  includes a buffer stone which smoothes and polishes the customer&#39;s nails. The compartment  225  includes cuticle oil that fortifies and strengthens a customer&#39;s nails. The compartment  226  includes callus remover lotion that facilitates the removal of calluses on a customer&#39;s feet. The compartment  227  includes the pumice bar that helps to remove any remaining calluses on the customer&#39;s feet after application of the callus remover lotion. The compartment  228  includes exfoliation crème that helps to soften a customer&#39;s feet. The compartment  229  includes massaging lotion that softens and moisturizes a customer&#39;s feet. The compartment  230  includes an oil remover that removes oils and other substances that would prevent nail polish from adhering to a customer&#39;s nail. 
         [0083]    Described hereafter is the preferred method of using the third embodiment of the nail care system  200  in a pedicure process to reduce the risk that infections are transmitted through cross-contamination. In a typical pedicure process the nail technician preps the customer&#39;s feet and nails by soaking the customer&#39;s feet and nails in warm water and trimming the customer&#39;s nails to the appropriate shape and length. After prepping the customer&#39;s feet and nails, the nail technician is ready to use the nail care system  200  in the pedicure process. The nail technician begins by taking hold of the packaging tray  220  and separating the compartment  221  along the perforation  231 . The nail technician then grasps the tab  254  of the cover  252  and pulls away from the lip  250  to remove the cover  252  and allow the nail technician access to nail polish remover (acetone swab) contained within the compartment  221 . The nail technician applies the nail polish remover (acetone swab) to the customer&#39;s nails removing any nail polish. Once the customer&#39;s nails are free of nail polish the nail technician will dispose of the nail polish remover (acetone swab) and the compartment  221 . 
         [0084]    Following the disposal of the nail polish remover and the compartment  221 , the nail technician then takes hold of the packaging tray  220  and separates the compartment  222  along the perforation  232 . After separating the compartment  222 , the nail technician grasps the tab  254  of the cover  252  and pulls away from the lip  250  to remove the cover  252  and allow the nail technician access to the cuticle softener lotion contained within the compartment  222 . The nail technician then applies the cuticle softener lotion to the customer&#39;s cuticles to soften them. Once the cuticle softener lotion has been applied, the nail technician will dispose of any remaining cuticle softener lotion and the compartment  222 . In a typical pedicure process after the application of the cuticle softener lotion, the nail technician removes any calluses or excess cuticles around the nail. 
         [0085]    Once the nail technician has removed any calluses or excess cuticles the nail technician is ready to continue the use of the nail care system  200  in the pedicure process. The nail technician continues by taking hold of the packaging tray  220  and separating the compartment  223  along the perforation  233 . After separating the compartment  223 , the nail technician grasps the tab  254  of the cover  252  and pulls away from the lip  250  to remove the cover  252  and allow the nail technician access to the nail file contained within the compartment  223 . The nail technician removes the nail file and uses it to shape and smooth the edges of the customer&#39;s nails. After smoothing and shaping the edges of the customer&#39;s nails, the nail technician disposes of the nail file and the compartment  223 . 
         [0086]    Following the disposal of the nail file and the compartment  223 , the nail technician takes hold of the packaging tray  220  and separates the compartment  224  along the perforation  234 . After separating the compartment  224 , the nail technician grasps the tab  254  of the cover  252  and pulls away from the lip  250  to remove the cover  252  and allow the nail technician access to the buffer stone contained within the compartment  224 . The nail technician removes the buffer stone and uses it to buff the customer&#39;s nails in order to prepare them for later application of nail polish. Once the buffing of the customer&#39;s nails is complete, the nail technician disposes of the buffer stone and the compartment  224 . 
         [0087]    After disposing of the buffer stone and the compartment  224 , the nail technician takes hold of the packaging tray  220  and separates the compartment  225  along the perforation  235 . Once the compartment  225  separates from the packaging tray  220 , the nail technician grasps the tab  254  of the cover  252  and pulls away from the lip  250  to remove the cover  252  and allow the nail technician access to the cuticle oil contained within the compartment  225 . The nail technician applies the cuticle oil to the customer&#39;s cuticles to fortify and strengthen the customer&#39;s cuticles. After applying cuticle oil to the customer&#39;s nails the nail technician will dispose of any remaining cuticle oil and the compartment  225 . 
         [0088]    Following the disposal of the compartment  225 , the nail technician takes hold of the packaging tray  220  and separates the compartment  226  along the perforation  236 . After separating the compartment  226 , the nail technician grasps the tab  254  of the cover  252  and pulls away from the lip  250  to remove the cover  252  and allow the nail technician access to the callus remover lotion contained within the compartment  226 . The nail technician applies the callus remover lotion to the customer&#39;s feet to remove any unwanted calluses from the customer&#39;s feet. Subsequent to applying callus remover lotion to the customer&#39;s feet, the nail technician disposes of any remaining callus remover lotion and the compartment  226 . 
         [0089]    After the nail technician disposes of the compartment  226 , the nail technician takes hold of the packaging tray  220  and separates the compartment  227  along the perforation  237 . Following the separating of the compartment  227 , the nail technician grasps the tab  254  of the cover  252  and pulls away from the lip  250  to remove the cover  252  and allow the nail technician access to the pumice bar contained within the compartment  227 . The nail technician uses the pumice bar to remove any calluses that remain on the customer&#39;s feet after application of the callus remover lotion. Once, the nail technician has removed any remaining calluses from the customer&#39;s feet, the nail technician disposes of the pumice bar and the compartment  227 . 
         [0090]    Subsequent to disposal of the pumice bar and the compartment  227 , the nail technician takes hold of the packaging tray  220  and separates the compartment  228  along the perforation  238 . Following the separating of the compartment  228 , the nail technician grasps the tab  254  of the cover  252  and pulls away from the lip  250  to remove the cover  252  and allow the nail technician access to exfoliation crème contained within the compartment  228 . The nail technician uses the exfoliation crème to smooth the customer&#39;s feet. Once, the nail technician has applied the exfoliation crème the customer&#39;s feet, the nail technician disposes of any remaining exfoliation crème and the compartment  228 . 
         [0091]    Following the disposal of the compartment  228 , the nail technician takes hold of the packaging tray  220  and separates the compartment  229  along the perforation  239 . After separating the compartment  229 , the nail technician grasps the tab  254  of the cover  252  and pulls away from the lip  250  to remove the cover  252  and allow the nail technician access to the moisturizing lotion contained within the compartment  229 . The nail technician applies the moisturizing lotion to the customer&#39;s feet to hydrate and soften the customer&#39;s feet. Subsequent to applying moisturizing lotion to the customer&#39;s feet, the nail technician disposes of any remaining moisturizing lotion and the compartment  229 . 
         [0092]    After the nail technician disposes of the compartment  229 , the nail technician opens the remaining compartment  230  by grasping the tab  254  of the cover  252  and pulling away from the lip  250  to remove the cover  252  and allow the nail technician access to the oil remover contained within the compartment  230 . The nail technician applies the oil remover to the customer&#39;s nails to remove oils and aid nail polish in adhering to the customer&#39;s nails. Once the oil remover is applied, the nail technician disposes of any remaining oil remover and the compartment  230 , thereby completing the method and use of the third embodiment of the nail care system  200 . 
         [0093]    Although not required, an additional step may be performed in the manicure or pedicure process in which nail polish is added to the customer&#39;s nails after the application of oil remover. Furthermore, although the third embodiment describes a packaging tray  220  comprising individual compartments  221 - 230  that store the pedicure implements, any packaging system that comprises individual sections may be used. 
         [0094]      FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrate a fourth embodiment of a nail care system  300  including a packet system  320 . The nail care system  300  may be used in a manicure or pedicure process, however, in the fourth embodiment, the nail care system  300  will be employed in a pedicure process. The packet system  320  in the fourth embodiment is composed of individual packets  321 - 330  that connect together to form the packet system  320 . One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that more or less packets may be added or removed from the packet system  320  depending upon application. The packets  321 - 330  store implements used in a manicure or pedicure process and each includes a cover  350  and a border  351 . The cover  350  and the border  351  form a pocket  352  which holds and secures a particular implement required in the manicure process within one of the packets  321 - 330 . The packets  321 - 330  may contain any implement that is useful in the pedicure process such as a tool, cream, or oil. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment of the nail care system  300 , the packets  321 - 330  as well as the pedicure implements contained therein are disposable. 
         [0095]    The covers  350  of the packets  321 - 330  are made of any suitable material such as plastic that can seal solid materials as well as liquids within the pocket  352  of the packets  321 - 330 . Furthermore, the covers  350  of the packets  321 - 330  may be clear allowing a nail technician to see an implement contained within the packets  321 - 330  or opaque allowing the labeling of the packets  321 - 330 . 
         [0096]    The borders  351  of the packets  321 - 330  separate the various packets  321 - 330 . In particular, the packets  321 - 330  of the packaging system  320  are individually sealed at the borders  351  and connect at perforations  331 - 339 . Individually sealing the packets  321 - 330  at the borders  351  segregates the various pockets  352  of the packets  321 - 330 . The segregation of the pockets  352  prevents implements contained within the packets  321 - 330  from commingling during shipping or transport. In addition, the borders  351  of the packets  321 - 330  each include a tab  354  that allows a nail technician to open a particular packet  321 - 330 . To open the packets  321 - 330 , a nail technician grasps the tab  354  and pulls away from the border  351  to open the packets  321 - 330  and allow the nail technician access to the implements contained within the pocket  352  of a particular packet  321 - 330  (identical to  FIG. 9  in the second embodiment of the nail care system  100 ). 
         [0097]    The perforations  331 - 339  allow the packets  321 - 330  to be separated from the packet system  320  and used when the particular implement contained therein is required in the pedicure process. To separate the packet  321  from the packet system  320 , the nail technician would tear along the perforation  331  and remove the packet  321  from the packet system  320  (identical to  FIG. 10  in the second embodiment of the nail care system  100 ). 
         [0098]    The packet system  320  increases efficiency and decreases the time required to perform a pedicure by ensuring that the nail technician has all disposable implements necessary in the pedicure process in chronological order and readily available from the packet system  320 . Specifically, the packet  321  of the nail care system  300  is the first packet used during the pedicure process. When needed in the pedicure process, the nail technician separates the packet  321  along the perforation  331  from the packet system  320  and then opens the packet  321  to access and employ the implement therein. The nail technician repeats the process of separating the remaining packets  322 - 329  in chronological order from the packet system  320  along perforations  332 - 329  and employing the pedicure implements contained therein until the packet  330  is the only remaining packet. Finally, the packet  330  is opened and the implement therein is employed in the pedicure process thereby completing the method and use of the fourth embodiment of the nail care system  300 . 
         [0099]    In addition to increasing the efficiency of the pedicure process, the fourth embodiment of the nail care system  300  also reduces the risk that infections will be transmitted through cross-contamination. As stated above, the packets  321 - 330  as well as the implements contained therein are disposed of after they are used in the pedicure process. This ensures that only one customer comes in contact with the fourth embodiment of the nail care system  300 , thereby eliminating re-use and thus reducing the risk that infections will occur through cross-contamination. 
         [0100]    The packet system  320  of the nail care system  300  may be manufactured such that the packets  321 - 330  and the pedicure implements contained therein are sterile. For example, the packet system  320  can be manufactured and assembled in a clean room or exposed to UV radiation after the manufacturing process, thereby ensuring the packet system  320  and the pedicure implements contained within the packets  321 - 330  are sterile. 
         [0101]    Although the packets  321 - 330  in the fourth embodiment of the nail care system  300  are separated from the packet system  320  and used in chronological order, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the packets  321 - 330  may be separated and used in any order desired by the nail technician. Furthermore,  FIG. 19  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the nail care system  300  wherein the packets  321 - 330  are placed side by side. 
         [0102]    It should be understood that the packet system  320  of the nail care system  300  may be manufactured so that the packets  321 - 330  include any implement that is useful in a pedicure process. Nevertheless, as an illustrative example and shown in  FIG. 20 , the packets  321 - 330  of the fourth embodiment of the nail care system  300  include a nail polish remover in packet  321 , a cuticle softener lotion in the packet  322 , a nail file in the packet  323 , a buffer stone in the packet  324 , cuticle oil in the packet  325 , callus remover lotion in the packet  226 , a pumice bar in the packet  227 , exfoliation crème in the packet  228 , lotion in the packet  229 , and oil remover in the packet  230 . In the fourth embodiment of the nail care system  300 , the packets  321 - 330  are of equal size in order to aid the manufacturing process, however, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the packets  321 - 330  and their corresponding pockets  352  may be different sizes to include multiple implements, increased quantity of implements, or decreased quantity of implements depending upon application. For example, the size of the packet  323  may be increased in size to include multiple nail files or the size of the packet  330  may be increased or decreased to include a greater or lesser quantity of oil remover. 
         [0103]    The packet  321  includes a swab soaked in any suitable substance such as acetone that can remove nail polish present on a customer&#39;s nails. The packet  322  includes a cuticle softener lotion that softens and conditions the customer&#39;s cuticles. The packet  323  includes a nail file that is used to gently grind down and shape the edges of nails. The packet  324  includes a buffer stone which smoothes and polishes the customer&#39;s nail. The packet  325  includes cuticle oil that fortifies and strengthens a customer&#39;s nails. The packet  226  includes callus remover lotion that facilitates the removal of calluses on a customer&#39;s feet. The packet  227  includes the pumice bar that helps to remove any remaining calluses on the customer&#39;s feet after application of the callus remover lotion. The packet  228  includes exfoliation crème that helps to soften a customer&#39;s feet. The packet  229  includes massaging lotion that softens and moisturizes a customer&#39;s feet. The packet  230  includes an oil remover that removes oils and other substances that would prevent nail polish from adhering to a customer&#39;s nail. 
         [0104]    Described hereafter is the preferred method of using the fourth embodiment of the nail care system  300  in a pedicure process to reduce the risk that infections are transmitted through cross-contamination. In a typical pedicure process the nail technician preps the customer&#39;s feet and nails by soaking the customer&#39;s feet and nails in warm water and trimming the customer&#39;s nails to the appropriate shape and length. After prepping the customer&#39;s feet and nails, the nail technician is ready to use the nail care system  300  in the pedicure process. The nail technician begins by taking hold of the packet system  320  and separating the packet  321  along the perforation  331 . 
         [0105]    The nail technician grasps the tab  354  of the packet  321  and pulls away from the border  351  to open the packet  321  and allow the nail technician access to nail polish remover (acetone swab) contained within the packet  121 . The nail technician applies the nail polish remover (acetone swab) to the customer&#39;s nails removing any nail polish. Once the customer&#39;s nails are free of nail polish the nail technician disposes of the nail polish remover (acetone swab) and the packet  321 . 
         [0106]    Following the disposal of the nail polish remover and the packet  321 , the nail technician then takes hold of the packet system  320  and separates the packet  322  along the perforation  332 . After separating the packet  322 , the nail technician grasps the tab  354  of the packet  322  and pulls away from the border  351  to open the packet  322  and allow the nail technician access to the cuticle softener lotion contained within the packet  322 . The nail technician applies the cuticle softener lotion to the customer&#39;s cuticles to soften them. Once the cuticle softener lotion has been applied, the nail technician will dispose of the cuticle softener lotion and the packet  322 . In a typical pedicure process after the application of the cuticle softener lotion, the nail technician removes any calluses or excess cuticles around the nail. 
         [0107]    Once the nail technician has removed any calluses or excess cuticles the nail technician is ready to continue the use of the nail care system  300  in the pedicure process. The nail technician continues by taking hold of the packet system  320  and separating the packet  323  along the perforation  333 . After separating the packet  323 , the nail technician grasps the tab  354  of the packet  323  and pulls away from the border  351  to open the packet  323  allowing the nail technician access to the nail file contained within the packet  323 . The nail technician removes the nail file and uses it to shape and smooth the edges of the customer&#39;s nails. After smoothing and shaping the edges of the customer&#39;s nails, the nail technician will dispose of the nail file and the packet  323 . 
         [0108]    Following the disposal of the nail file and the packet  323 , the nail technician takes hold of the packet system  320  and separates the packet  324  along the perforation  334 . After separating the packet  324 , the nail technician grasps the tab  354  of the packet  324  and pulls away from the border  351  to open the packet  324  and allow the nail technician access to the buffer stone contained within the packet  324 . The nail technician removes the buffer stone and uses it to buff the customer&#39;s nails in order to prepare them for later application of nail polish. Once the buffing of the customer&#39;s nails is complete, the nail technician disposes of the buffer stone and packet  324 . 
         [0109]    After disposing of the buffer stone and the packet  324 , the nail technician takes hold of the packet system  320  and separates the packet  325  along the perforation  335 . Once the packet  325  separates from the packet system  320 , the nail technician grasps the tab  354  of the packet  324  and pulls away from the border  351  to open the packet  324  and allow the nail technician access to the cuticle oil contained within the packet  325 . The nail technician applies the cuticle oil to the customer&#39;s cuticles to fortify and strengthen the customer&#39;s cuticles. After applying cuticle oil to the customer&#39;s nails the nail technician will dispose of any remaining cuticle oil and the packet  325 . 
         [0110]    Following the disposal of the packet  325 , the nail technician takes hold of the packet system  320  and separates the packet  326  along the perforation  336 . After separating the packet  326 , the nail technician grasps the tab  354  of the packet  326  and pulls away from the border  351  to open the packet  326  and allow the nail technician access to the callus remover lotion contained within the packet  326 . The nail technician applies the callus remover lotion to the customer&#39;s feet to remove any unwanted calluses from the customer&#39;s feet. Subsequent to applying callus remover lotion to the customer&#39;s feet, the nail technician disposes of any remaining callus remover lotion and the packet  326 . 
         [0111]    After the nail technician disposes of the packet  326 , the nail technician takes hold of the packet system  320  and separates the packet  327  along the perforation  337 . Following the separating of the packet  327 , the nail technician grasps the tab  354  of the packet  327  and pulls away from the border  351  to open the packet  327  and allow the nail technician access to the pumice bar contained within the packet  327 . The nail technician uses the pumice bar to remove any calluses that remain on the customer&#39;s feet after application of the callus remover lotion. Once, the nail technician has removed any remaining calluses from the customer&#39;s feet, the nail technician disposes of the pumice bar and the packet  327 . 
         [0112]    Subsequent to disposal of the pumice bar and the packet  327 , the nail technician takes hold of the packet system  320  and separates the packet  328  along the perforation  338 . Following the separating of the packet  328 , the nail technician grasps the tab  354  of the packet  328  and pulls away from the border  351  to open the packet  328  and allow the nail technician access to exfoliation crème contained within the packet  328 . The nail technician uses the exfoliation crème to smooth the customer&#39;s feet. Once, the nail technician has applied the exfoliation crème the customer&#39;s feet, the nail technician disposes of any remaining exfoliation crème and the packet  328 . 
         [0113]    Following the disposal of the packet  328 , the nail technician takes hold of the packet system  320  and separates the packet  329  along the perforation  339 . After separating the packet  329 , the nail technician grasps the tab  354  of the packet  329  and pulls away from the border  351  to open the packet  329  and allow the nail technician access to the moisturizing lotion contained within the packet  329 . The nail technician applies the moisturizing lotion to the customer&#39;s feet to hydrate and soften the customer&#39;s feet. After applying moisturizing lotion to the customer&#39;s feet, the nail technician will dispose of any remaining moisturizing lotion and the packet  329 . 
         [0114]    After the nail technician disposes of the packet  329 , the nail technician opens the remaining packet  330  by grasping the tab  354  of the packet  330  and pulls away from the border  351  to open the packet  330  and allow the nail technician access to the oil remover contained within the packet  330 . The nail technician applies the oil remover to the customer&#39;s nails to remove oils and aid nail polish in adhering to the customer&#39;s nails. After applying oil remover to the customer&#39;s nails the nail technician will dispose of the any remaining oil remover and the packet  330 , thereby completing the method and use of the fourth embodiment of the nail care system  300 . 
         [0115]    Although not required, an additional step may be performed in the manicure or pedicure process in which nail polish is added to the customer&#39;s nails after the application of oil remover. Furthermore, although the fourth embodiment describes a packet system  320  comprising individual packets  321 - 330  that store the pedicure implements, any packaging system that comprises individual sections may be used. 
         [0116]    Although the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing preferred embodiments, such description has been for exemplary purposes only and, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, many alternatives, equivalents, and variations of varying degrees will fall within the scope of the present invention. That scope, accordingly, is not to be limited in any respect by the foregoing detailed description; rather, it is defined only by the claims that follow.