Abstract:
A sparkling fingernail coating constructed in a multilayer process provides a fingernail covering that is aesthetically pleasing and durable. The sparkling fingernail coating may comprise a foundation layer, glitter adhesion layer, and a protective top layer. Each layer may be cured in sequence for one or more predefined periods of time to ensure durability and a predictable lifetime for the sparkling fingernail coating.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The invention relates to decorative fingernail treatments and applications, and in particular to a durable sparkling fingernail coating and method of application therefor. 
         [0003]    2. Related Art 
         [0004]    A variety of decorative fingernail treatments are available today. For instance women and men are known to apply nail polish of various colors to their fingernails to improve or create a desired appearance for their fingernails. Nail polish comes in a variety of colors and can be applied by a consumer or by a professional. 
         [0005]    In addition to nail polish, more complex fingernail treatments are also available. Typically, these are applied by a professional technician, such as at a nail spa or day spa. These fingernail treatments can range in complexity and cost. A client may schedule periodic nail appointments for such fingernail treatments much like clients do for hair stylists. However, a client seeking a fingernail treatment may not desire the treatment if his or her last treatment is currently in good condition. 
         [0006]    From the discussion that follows, it will become apparent that the present invention addresses the deficiencies associated with the prior art while providing numerous additional advantages and benefits not contemplated or possible with prior art constructions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    A sparkling fingernail coating is disclosed herein. The sparkling fingernail coating provides an aesthetically pleasing and attractive fingernail coating, while being durable. This durability is achieved via the elements and process of forming the sparkling fingernail coating. The durability reduces the number of fingernail applications a client must undergo and provides predictability with regard to the amount of time the sparkling fingernail coating will “last” before it becomes worn, unsightly, or otherwise undesirable. 
         [0008]    As disclosed herein, the sparkling fingernail coating may comprise a variety of configurations. For instance, in one exemplary embodiment, a sparkling fingernail coating for a fingernail may comprise a foundation layer applied to a top surface and tip of the fingernail, a glitter adhesion layer applied to the foundation layer, and a plurality of glitter particles embedded in the glitter adhesion layer. The glitter will typically be embedded while the glitter adhesion layer is partially cured. A transparent top layer may be applied to the glitter adhesion layer. The transparent top layer will typically be applied to the glitter adhesion layer after the glitter adhesion layer is fully cured. It is noted that multiple top layers may be provided such as to increase protection of the glitter adhesion layer, to allow buffing to a smooth finish (by first increasing the thickness of the top layer), or both. 
         [0009]    Various combinations of transparent and color tinted layers may be used to form a sparkling fingernail coating. For instance, the foundation layer may be transparent while the glitter adhesion layer is tinted to a particular color. Alternatively, the glitter adhesion layer may also be transparent. It is noted that the layers may vary in thickness as well. For example, the glitter adhesion layer may be a thin or thinner layer relative to the foundation layer (or top layer). 
         [0010]    The glitter adhesion layer (and other layers) may be cured by curing device. Also, it is noted that the glitter adhesion layer may be applied to the foundation layer after the foundation layer has fully cured. 
         [0011]    In another exemplary embodiment, a sparkling fingernail coating for a fingernail comprises a first layer configured to secure the sparkling fingernail coating to the fingernail, and a second layer configured to carry a plurality of glitter particles therein. Typically the second layer will cover the first layer and is applied to the first layer after the first layer is fully cured. 
         [0012]    A plurality of glitter particles may be embedded in the second layer. Typically, the plurality of glitter particles will be embedded after the second layer is partially cured. One or more third layers may cover the second layer and the plurality of glitter particles. Typically, the one or more third layers will be applied to cover the second layer and plurality of glitter particles after the second layer is fully cured. 
         [0013]    Various curing devices may be used to cure one or more layers of the sparkling fingernail coating. For example, the second layer may be partially cured and/or fully cured with UV light (or other curing element such as a heating element or fan). 
         [0014]    It is noted that the second layer may be tinted to a particular color, while the one or more third layers are transparent. Also, the one or more third layers may be buffed to a smooth finish. 
         [0015]    Various methods for applying or manufacturing a sparkling fingernail coating for a fingernail are disclosed herein as well. For instance, one exemplary method for applying a sparkling fingernail coating may comprise applying a foundation layer configured to secure the sparkling fingernail coating to the fingernail to a top surface and tip of the fingernail, covering the foundation layer with a glitter adhesion layer, partially curing the glitter adhesion layer with a curing device for a first period of time to generate a partially cured glitter adhesion layer, and applying a plurality of glitter particles to the partially cured glitter adhesion layer. 
         [0016]    The plurality of glitter particles may be embedded into the partially cured glitter adhesion layer. The glitter adhesion layer may then be fully cured with the curing device for a second period of time to generate a fully cured glitter adhesion layer having the plurality of glitter particles embedded therein. The fully cured glitter adhesion layer may then be covered with a transparent top layer configured to protect the glitter adhesion layer. 
         [0017]    It is noted that the second period of time for curing will typically be longer than the first period of time. Also, the foundation layer may be fully cured before the glitter adhesion layer is applied. In addition, excess glitter outside a peripheral edge of the fingernail may be removed after the glitter adhesion layer has fully cured. The transparent top layer may be buffed to generate a smooth finish after it has fully cured. 
         [0018]    Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary sparkling fingernail coating; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2A  is a cross section view of an exemplary foundation layer; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2B  is a cross section view of an exemplary glitter adhesion layer; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2C  is a cross section view of an exemplary glitter adhesion layer having glitter particles applied thereto; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2D  is a cross section view of an exemplary sparkling fingernail coating; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary application process for a sparkling fingernail coating. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0026]    In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. 
         [0027]    In general, the sparkling fingernail coating disclosed herein is a durable fingernail coating having a long lasting finish and consistent lifetime. This is advantageous in that it reduces the number of applications a client must undergo as well as associated costs in time and money. In addition, the application process herein results in a predictable lifetime for the coating, allowing clients to schedule or plan for a next fingernail coating application. As its name implies the sparkling fingernail application is also aesthetically pleasing and attractive. 
         [0028]    The sparkling fingernail coating will now be described with regard to the drawings of  FIGS. 1-3 .  FIG. 1  illustrates a completed or finished sparkling fingernail coating  108  applied to the fingernail  104  of a client&#39;s finger  112 . As can be seen and as will be described further below, the sparkling fingernail coating  108  includes a suspension of glitter or other sparking particles applied in a multistep process. 
         [0029]      FIGS. 2A-2D  illustrate elements of the sparkling fingernail coating  108 . In  FIGS. 2A-2D , the sparkling fingernail coating  108  is shown via a cross sectional view across Line 1 of  FIG. 1 . As can be seen and as will be described further below, the sparkling fingernail coating  108  may include one or more layers or sections that, in combination, provide the predictable lifetime and durability along with a eye catching and aesthetically pleasing appearance, as discussed above. 
         [0030]    The application process that creates the sparkling fingernail coating  108  will now be described with regard to the flow diagram of  FIG. 3 , which illustrates an exemplary application process for the sparkling fingernail coating. In the following, the application process is described with reference to  FIGS. 2A-2D . 
         [0031]    At a step  304 , a foundation layer  204  may be applied to a fingernail  104 , such as shown in  FIG. 2A . The foundation layer  204  will typically be a liquid or gel applied directly to a fingernail  104 , such as via a brush or other applicator. If the fingernail  104  is currently covered or coated, it may be cleaned to provide a clean surface upon which the foundation layer  204  may be applied. In general, the foundation layer  204  provides a layer or substrate upon which the other layers or sections of the sparkling fingernail coating may be applied. In one or more embodiments, the foundation layer  204  may provide stronger adhesion to the fingernail  104  than other layers of the sparkling fingernail coating. Typically, the foundation layer  204  will be clear or transparent. This allows the fingernail  104  to be seen if desired. It is noted that the foundation layer  204  may be pigmented in some embodiments, such as to match the color of a higher layer of the sparkling fingernail coating. 
         [0032]    At a step  308 , the foundation layer  204  may be cured for a predefined period of time to solidify the foundation layer. In general, the period of time will be such that the foundation layer  204  is fully cured or set (e.g., fully dried and/or hardened) when curing is complete. Typically, it will take 30 seconds to 1 minute to fully cure the foundation layer  204 . 
         [0033]    Curing may be aided by various curing devices. For example, heat, moving air, and/or light may be applied to a client&#39;s fingernail  104  to cure the foundation layer  204  (or other layer). This is beneficial in that it can speed up the curing process. Also, in some embodiments, heat or light may activate certain compounds within the foundation layer  204  (or other layer) to allow for a desired or improved final product. 
         [0034]    In one or more embodiments, a curing device may comprise a nail dryer. Such a curing device may include one or more heating elements, light emitters (such as UV or infrared light bulbs), or both to respectively apply heat and/or light to a client&#39;s fingernail  104 . In addition or alternatively, a fan or the like may be provided to move air around the client&#39;s fingernail  104 . The curing device may include an enclosure configured to accept one or more fingers  112  so as to allow one or multiple fingernails  104  to be cured at once. For instance, a client may cure all his or her fingernails  104  at once with this configuration. 
         [0035]    It is noted that the predefined curing period may be adjusted based on the type of curing device used. For example, a UV light may only require 30 seconds to fully cure the foundation layer  204 , while other light sources may need 1 minute to fully cure the foundation layer. 
         [0036]    At a step  312 , a glitter adhesion layer  208  may be applied to the foundation layer  204 , such as shown in  FIG. 2B . In one or more embodiments, the glitter adhesion layer  208  will be a distinct material composition as compared to the other layers of the sparkling fingernail coating. For instance, the foundation layer may be configured to secure or adhere the sparkling fingernail coating to a fingernail, while the glitter adhesion layer is configured to carry glitter particles embedded or suspended therein. 
         [0037]    The glitter adhesion layer  208  may be applied in liquid or gel form. Typically, the glitter adhesion layer  208  will be applied (on top of the foundation layer) to cover the entire fingernail  104  including its tip. In one or more embodiments, the glitter adhesion layer  208  may be a thin layer relative to the foundation and other layers of the sparkling fingernail coating. In addition, in some embodiments, the glitter adhesion layer  208  may be tinted to various colors to impart a color to the sparkling fingernail coating. 
         [0038]    At a step  316 , the glitter adhesion layer  208  may be partially cured (e.g., heated or exposed to light or moving air) for a predefined period of time to prepare the glitter adhesion layer to accept and bond to glitter. This may occur by exposing the fingernail  204  to a curing device for the predefined period of time. Typically, heating will only occur for a short period of time to allows the glitter adhesion layer  208  to soften. For example, the glitter adhesion layer  208  may be heated for 5 to 10 seconds in some embodiments to prepare the glitter adhesion layer to accept and bond to glitter. The short period of time is not sufficient to fully cure the glitter adhesion layer thus preserving the glitter adhesion layer&#39;s ability to bond to glitter. 
         [0039]    At a step  320 , glitter  212  may be applied to the glitter adhesion layer  208 . This may occur by sprinkling, spreading, or pouring individual glitter particles  212  onto the glitter adhesion layer. As shown in  FIG. 2C  for example, the glitter  212  is being applied across the glitter adhesion layer  208  with a brush  220 . Typically, the glitter  212  will be applied to cover the entire glitter adhesion layer  208 . 
         [0040]    At a step  324 , the glitter adhesion layer  208  (now carrying the glitter  212 ) may be cured for a predefined period of time to set the glitter. For example, the glitter adhesion layer  208  may be cured for 30 to 60 seconds to at least partially cure (e.g., dry and/or harden) the glitter adhesion layer. 
         [0041]    At a step  328 , the glitter  212  may be pressed into the glitter adhesion layer  208 . For example, a brush  220  may be used to tap or press the glitter  212  into the glitter adhesion layer  208 . The glitter  212  will typically be pressed in a direction perpendicular or normal to the surface of the fingernail  104 . This presses the glitter  212  into the glitter adhesion layer  208 , thus embedding the glitter without moving the glitter in a lateral direction. In cases where a brush is used, the nail technician may manipulate the brush handle  216  in such manner to press the glitter  212  as disclosed herein. 
         [0042]    Once the glitter  212  has been pressed, the glitter adhesion layer  208  may be cured again for a predefined period of time at a step  332 . Typically, this curing will fully cure (e.g., harden) the glitter adhesion layer  208 . For example, the glitter adhesion layer  208  may be cured for another 30 to 60 seconds to fully cure the glitter adhesion layer  208 . 
         [0043]    With the sparkling fingernail coating, the glitter  212  is only manicured after the glitter adhesion layer  208  has been fully cured at step  332 . Therefore, once fully cured, excess glitter  212  (as well as foundation layer or glitter adhesion layer material) may be removed. For example, excess glitter  212  may be removed from around the client&#39;s fingernail  104 . This produces a sharp border for the sparkling fingernail coating that matches the peripheral shape of the client&#39;s fingernail  104 . Removal of excess glitter  212  will typically only occur outside the client&#39;s fingernail  104 . This prevents desired glitter  212  from becoming dislodged. 
         [0044]    At a step  340 , a top layer  224  may be applied to seal in the glitter  212  and prevent the glitter from becoming dislodged, such as shown in  FIG. 2D . Typically the top layer  224  will be transparent so as to not impair visibility of the glitter  212 . It is contemplated that the top layer  224  may be tinted various colors or be somewhat translucent if desired. 
         [0045]    In general, the top layer  224  may be applied in a liquid or gel form to cover the entire fingernail  104 , thus covering all the applied glitter  212 . At a step  344 , the top layer  224  may be cured so as to harden or dry the top layer. For example, the top layer  224  may be cured for 30 to 60 seconds to fully cure the top layer forming a completed sparkling fingernail coating. Once cured, the fingernail  104  may be filed to improve the shape of the sparkling fingernail coating  108 . It is noted that filing may only occur after the top layer  224  has been applied and cured in one or more embodiments. This prevents the glitter  212  from becoming undesirably dislodged during filing. 
         [0046]    At a step  348 , the sparkling fingernail coating  108  may optionally be buffed to produce a smooth finish for the sparkling fingernail coating. It is noted that only the top layer  224  should be buffed. In other words, buffing should be discontinued if the top layer  224  has been buffed away at one or more locations of the fingernail  104 . 
         [0047]    At a decision step  352 , if the sparkling fingernail coating  108  now has a smooth shiny or other desired finish, the application process may end at a step  356 . If not, another top layer  224  may be applied at step  340 , cured at step  344 , and buffed at step  348  until a desired finish is achieved. 
         [0048]    As can be seen, the use of filing and buffing is limited to later stages of the process to avoid undesirably dislodging any glitter  212 . In addition, the various layers and curing stages give the sparkling fingernail coating  108  durability as well as a predictable lifetime before it becomes worn out or unsightly. 
         [0049]    While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, and embodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in any combination or arrangement.