Patent Publication Number: US-8978665-B2

Title: Nail polish device

Description:
This application claims priority of Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/830,154, filed Jun. 2, 2013. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a nail polish device that can be used to apply and/or remove nail polish, particularly a nail polish device that minimizes the release of harmful solvents and other ingredients into the ambient environment during application or removal of nail polish, and more particularly a nail polish device that minimizes the release of harmful solvents and other ingredients into the ambient environment during application or removal of nail polish by enclosing the vapors from such solvents and ingredients in a substantially closed space and absorbing and/or neutralizing said vapor using vapor inhibiting actives disposed on the surface of the enclosure. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Nail polish devices of the present invention include nail polish applicators and removers. 
     Nail polish applicator has been provided in varied formats. Liquid nail polish is typically supplied in small bottles and applied with a brush that is attached to the bottle&#39;s screw-on cap. Liquid nail polish is also supplied using a pen-shaped device, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,530,709. 
     Nail polish remover typically comprises an absorbent material. The absorbent material is used to deliver a liquid that is capable of dissolving the lacquer on a nail. One commonly used remover is a cotton ball, and another example is a natural material or synthetic absorbent woven or nonwoven material, such as those discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,405,735, and US Appl. Publ. No. 20090090376, and referenced cited therein. 
     Liquid nail polish and liquid nail polish removing formulation typically comprise harmful organic compounds that can be released into the ambient air during use. For example, liquid nail polish comprises a volatile solvent such as ethyl acetate or butyl acetate. Ethyl acetate has been recognized as an irritant and flammable material. Butyl acetate is also known to be flammable. Liquid nail polish remover traditionally comprises acetone. Acetone has a pungent smell, and is considered irritating and highly flammable. Acetonitrile has also been used as a solvent for nail polish remover and it is known to be a toxic and flammable solvent. Ethyl acetate has also been employed as a replacement for acetone in nail polish remover. Examples of some other harmful organic compounds found in some nail polish and nail polish removing formulations include propylene carbonate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl succinate, tocopheryl acetate, denatonium benzoate, propylene glycol, camphor, and isopropyl alcohol. 
     With conventional nail polish applicators and removers, the harmful volatile organic compounds can be released into the ambient environment, leading to air pollution and discomfort of the persons present in close proximity. The volatile organic compounds readily evaporate from the brushes of the nail polish applicators, and from the absorbent material of the remover, which is impregnated with the remover preparation during use. The vapors of the harmful volatile organic compounds pollute the ambient air, particularly in a substantially closed environment with limited air exchange with the atmosphere. The vapors may also lead to acute discomfort of the persons in close proximity as well as chronic health conditions upon repeated exposure. For example, acetone vapor is known to possess an unpleasant smell, can cause eye irritation and bronchial irritation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention concerns a nail polish device for applying or removing nail polish. The nail polish device comprises 1, a liquid delivering means for delivering a liquid nail polish or liquid nail polish removing composition; 2, a main body structure substantially enclosing the liquid delivering means with an opening for receiving the fingers or toes of the user during use; and 3, a vapor inhibiting material disposed on the main body structure, along the surface proximal to the liquid delivering means, said vapor inhibiting material being effective in inhibiting vapors and/or excess liquids from the liquid nail polish or removing composition by either absorbing the same and/or neutralizing the same. 
     The liquid delivering means can be in any suitable form so long it can be used to effectively deliver liquid nail polish or nail polish removing composition to a nail surface. One example of the liquid delivering means include an absorbent material, such as a cotton ball, rayon, a sponge, a foam, a fabric or a pad manufactured from natural or synthetic woven and nonwoven material. Another example of the liquid delivering means includes a brush. 
     The main body structure substantially encloses the liquid delivery means so that vapors released from the liquid nail polish or removing composition are trapped within the confines of the main body structure during use. The main body structure can be generally in the shape of a bell, a shell, a cap, a dome, or in any form comprising a continuous layer of material so shaped to define an opening and a recess extending from said opening. 
     The main body structure has an opening for receiving the fingers or toes of the user. During use, a finger or toe is inserted into the opening, and the nail comes into contact with the liquid delivery means. The main body structure and the finger or toe combine to convert said recess into a space substantially closed and isolated from the ambient environment. Thereafter, a nail polish can be applied from the liquid delivering means or the lacquer can be dissolved upon contact with the removing composition in the liquid delivering means. 
     The main body structure has a vapor/liquid inhibiting composition on its inner surface, which is the surface of the main body structure proximal to the recess and to the liquid delivering means. The vapor/liquid inhibiting material comprises one or more vapor inhibiting active and/or a liquid inhibiting active, and may further comprise a carrier for the actives. The vapor/liquid inhibiting material can absorb the vapor and/or liquid, and/or neutralize the same. During use, the vapors released from the liquid nail polish or removing composition permeate the substantially closed space and are in contact with the inhibiting composition on the structure&#39;s inner surface. The inhibiting composition can entrap and/or neutralize the vapors. If there is excess liquid, the inhibiting composition can entrap and/or neutralize it as well. The end result of the entrapment and/or neutralization is less release of vapor and/or liquid into the ambient environment. 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a nail polish applicator that can minimize the release of harmful vapors into the ambient environment during use. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a nail polish remover that can minimize the release of harmful vapors into the ambient environment during use. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide a nail polish applicator or a remover that comprises a vapor/liquid inhibiting composition. 
     It is yet another object of this invention to provide a nail polish applicator or remover that comprises a liquid delivering means, a structure for enclosing said liquid delivering means, and a vapor/liquid inhibiting composition disposed on the surface of the enclosure, which is the surface proximal to the liquid delivering means. 
     It is still a further object of this invention to provide a nail polish applicator or remover that comprises a liquid delivering means, a structure for enclosing said liquid delivering means, a vapor/liquid inhibiting composition disposed on the surface of the enclosure, which is the surface proximal to the liquid delivering means, and a holding means that is connected to the liquid delivering means either directly, or indirectly (e.g., through their separate connections to the structure). 
     It is still another object of this invention to provide a nail polish applicator or remover that comprises a liquid delivering means, a structure for enclosing said liquid delivering means, a vapor/liquid inhibiting composition disposed on the surface of the enclosure, which is the surface proximal to the liquid delivering means, and at least one hole on said structure permitting the insertion of a finger or toe for application. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       The foregoing aspects and other features of the present invention are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of the nail polish device according to a first embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is the top view of the nail polish device according to the first embodiment, viewed along the line of  2 - 2 . 
         FIGS. 3 and 3   a  are two variations of the cross sectional view of the nail polish device according to the first embodiment, viewed along the line of  3 - 3 . 
         FIG. 4  is the cross sectional view of the nail polish device according to the first embodiment, viewed along the line of  3 - 3 , further showing a bottle of liquid nail polish or nail polish removing liquid. 
         FIG. 5  is the cross sectional view of the nail polish device according to a first embodiment, viewed along the line of  3 - 3 , further showing a finger or toe and a nail during use. 
         FIG. 6   a  is a side view of the nail polish device according to a second embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6   b  is a top view of the nail polish device according to the second embodiment, viewed along the line of  6   b - 6   b.    
         FIG. 6   c  is the cross sectional view of the nail polish device according to the second embodiment, viewed along the line of  6   c - 6   c.    
         FIG. 7   a  is a side view of the nail polish device according to a third embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7   b  is a top view of the nail polish device according to the third embodiment, viewed along the line of  7   b - 7   b.    
         FIG. 7   c  is the cross sectional view of the nail polish device according to the third embodiment, viewed along the line of  7   c - 7   c.    
         FIGS. 8   a  through  8   d  are the expanded views of the area enclosed by the broken line indicated by  8 - 8  in  FIG. 7   c , according to the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the nail polish device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is the top view of the nail polish device according to the fourth embodiment, viewed along the line of  9 - 9  in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is the cross sectional view of the nail polish device according to the fourth embodiment, viewed along the line of  11 - 11 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such as top, bottom, up, down, over, above, and below may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The words “connect,” “couple,” and similar terms with their inflectional morphemes do not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but also include connections through mediate elements or devices. Although the present invention will be described with reference to the identified embodiments as shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used. 
     First Embodiment of the Invention 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , there is shown a nail polish device  10  incorporating features according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The nail polish device  10  comprises a main body structure  100 , a liquid delivering means  120 , and a vapor inhibiting material  130 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the nail polish device comprises a main body structure  100 . The main body structure  100  has a top  102 , and a shell  104  extending from said top  102 . The distal end of the shell  104  defines an opening  106 . The opening  106 , the inner surface  105  of the shell  104 , and the undersurface of the top  102  combine to define a recess  108 . 
     The main body structure  100  is at least partially visually transparent. The transparency allows the user to observe the application of liquid nail polish or removing liquid in the space of the recess  108 . The main body structure  100  is preferably transparent in its entirety to permit the maximum field of view. It is also contemplated that the main body structure  100  is transparent only in portions so long as the view is not severely obstructed. For example, the main body structure  100  can have a transparent top  102  and non-transparent shell  104 . Suitable material for manufacturing the transparent portion of the main body structure  100  includes glass, quartz, plastics, polymers and rubbers. Examples of plastics and polymers are polycarbonates such as those produced from the reaction of bisphenol A and phosgene, family of polyacrylates (such as polyacrylate, polymethacrylates, polymethyl acrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylates, polybutyl acrylate, and polybutyl methacrylate), polysiloxanes such as polydimethylsiloxane, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, as well as other polymers. Suitable rubbers include natural rubber as well as siloxane-based rubber. Suitable material for manufacturing the non-transparent portion of the main body structure, if present, can include any synthetic and natural material commonly found in containers, such as glass, plastics, polymers, rubbers, metals, paper and wood. 
     A liquid delivering means  120  is provided within the recess  108 . The liquid delivering means  120  can be in any form suitable for applying liquid nail polish and/or delivering a liquid for dissolving lacquer. The liquid delivering means  120  preferably is attached to the top  102 . 
     Material particularly suitable for applying liquid nail polish includes any material having the ability to absorb and retain fluid, such as a brush, cotton, wool, sponge, felt, sponge, pad or paper. A brush is preferred. When a brush is used, the brush is attached to the top  102  directly or via a stem portion of a material fused, glued or otherwise attached to the material of the top  102 , such as a plastic, metal or wood. When other material is used, the liquid delivering means is attached to the undersurface of the top  102  by a commonly used manufacturing means of attachment, such as, for example, a glue compound. The glue compound used as the attachment means must be of a composition not affected by prolonged contact with the nail polish solution. 
     Material particularly suitable for delivering a liquid for dissolving lacquer can be constructed of any material having the ability to absorb and retain fluid, such as, for example, cotton, wool, sponge, felt, sponge, pad or paper. The liquid delivering means is attached to the undersurface of the top  102  by a commonly used manufacturing means of attachment, such as, for example, a glue compound. The glue compound used as the attachment means must be of a composition not affected by prolonged contact with the nail polish removal solution. 
     A vapor inhibiting material  130  is provided on the inner surface  105  of the shell  104 . Preferably, the vapor inhibiting material  130  is also provided on the undersurface of the top  102 . Collectively, the inner surface  105  of the shell  104  and the undersurface of the top  102  are called the host surface. 
     The vapor inhibiting material can comprise a vapor absorbent material which can effectively absorb the vapors, or a vapor neutralizing material effective in neutralizing the vapors, or a mixture of the two. The vapor absorbent material comprises one or more actives for absorbing vapors, and the vapor neutralizing material comprises one or more actives for neutralizing vapors. Both the vapor absorbent material and the vapor neutralizing material may further comprise a filler material and/or a carrier material, such as zeolite or a sponge. It is noted that the vapor inhibiting material may also function to absorb and/or neutralize excess liquids. 
     Examples of the absorbent active include activated carbon, zeolite, clay, coffee grounds, tea leaf grounds, baking soda and cyclodextrin (e.g., hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin). The absorbent active can absorb vapors and/or liquids and prevent the same from being released to the ambient environment. 
     The neutralizing actives differ from the absorbent actives in that the neutralizing actives chemically react with the vapors and turn the vapor or combine with the vapor into a new compound that is not volatile or harmful, while the absorbent actives absorb vapors but maintain the chemical identity of the vapors. An example of the neutralizing actives is a primary amine which can react with acetone and form an imine (Schiff base). When a primary amine is used, acid is preferably added to the vapor neutralizing material to promote the reaction. 
     The vapor inhibiting material  130  can be provided in the form of a superficial coating on the host surface, or in the form of powders and/or particles partially set into the host surface. 
     The superficial coating can be in the form of a viscous liquid, powders, particles, liquid/powders/particles attached to the host surface through the use of adhesives, or a porous carrier (such as a sponge or zeolitic material) impregnated with the liquid/powders/particles. In one embodiment, the superficial coating is in the form of a viscous liquid comprising one or more vapor inhibiting active (e.g., vapor absorbent active or vapor neutralizing active) dispersed in a viscous liquid, e.g., tar. In yet another embodiment, the superficial coating comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive impregnated or coated with one or more vapor inhibiting active. Such pressure sensitive adhesive can be any one from the art, including those based on natural rubber, cis-poly(isoprene), cis-poly(butadiene), styrene-isoprene-styrene triblock copolymers, poly(dimethyl siloxane) elastomers, polyisobutylene, poly(ethylene vinylacetate), styrene-co-butadiene random copolymer, poly(urethanes) and acrylonitrile rubbers.  FIG. 3  is illustrative of the two preceding embodiments. 
     In another embodiment, there is provided at least one reservoir on the host surface, and one or more vapor inhibiting actives are placed within said reservoir. For example, the reservoir can be in the form of cavities on the host surface. Alternatively, at least one protrusion  109  is provided radiating from the host surface into the recess, and the protrusion and the shell  104  form an acute or right angle therebetween and define a reservoir for storing vapor inhibiting material. Preferably, the protrusion runs circumferentially along the inner surface  105  of the shell in one or more full circles or in one or more segments of a circle.  FIG. 3   a  is illustrative of this alternative embodiment. This alternative embodiment is particularly preferred because the vapor inhibiting material  130  can be readily replaced and replenished. The protrusion can be produced using any material suitable for making the main body structure. 
     The vapor inhibiting material  130  can also be in the form of powders/particles at least partially set into the host surface. The powders/particles can be formed from the active per se, or from porous carrier impregnated with the active. The powders/particles can be set into the host surface by contacting the host surface with the powders/particles before the host surface hardens during the manufacturing process of the main body structure  100 , if the manufacturing process involves a molten state of the host surface. The powders/particles can also be set into the host surface after the manufacture of the main body structure  100 , by applying a heat source to the host surface to raise the temperature of the host surface to a point where the host surface at least partially melts and subsequent contacting the molten surface with particles/powders. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , during storage, the nail polish device  10  is placed on top of a container  134  holding a liquid nail polish or nail polish removing liquid  136 . A proper seal between the container  134  and the nail polish device  10  can be secured in many ways. The seal can be achieved by a tight fitting between the upper portion of the container  134  and the inner surface (as possibly further extended inward by the inclusion of the vapor inhibiting material  130 ) of the shell  104 . The seal can also be achieved by matching grooves on the inner surface of the shell  104  and on the exterior surface of the upper portion of the container  134 . Yet another way for achieving a proper seal is by providing a stopper to the undersurface of the cap  102 , said stopper extending downward and having a size and shape matching the opening of the upper portion of the container. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , during use, the user places a finger/toe  160  at a working area, ensures that the liquid delivering means  120  is soaked with the liquid  136 , and moves the nail polish device  10  above the nail to cause the liquid delivering means  120  to come into contact with the nail and move across the area of a nail  170 . If the top  102  and/or the shell  104  is composed of rigid material, the structural rigidity requires movement along the same trajectory and to the same extent. Alternatively, if the top  102  and/or the shell  104  is composed of deformable material (such as an elastic polymer or rubber material), the structural flexibility allows movement of the liquid delivering means  120  without requiring movement of the top  102  and/or the shell  104  along the same trajectory, or to the same extent. Any vapor released from the liquid delivering means will be entrapped and/or neutralized by the vapor inhibiting material  130 . 
     Second Embodiment of the Invention 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6   a  to  6   c , in a second embodiment, the nail polish device  10  comprises a main body structure  100 , a liquid delivering means  120 , and a vapor inhibiting means  130 , all of which as discussed above with reference to the first embodiment with respect to structure, functional, material and variations thereof, and further comprises a holding means  110  for convenient holding by fingers. Such holding means may be in the form of a ring, a knob, a protrusion or any suitable structure by which the user can insert his/her finger for secured handling of the device or can otherwise hold onto the device. 
     The holding means  110  is coupled to the top  102 . The top  102  substantially follows the same trajectory as the holding means  110  during use. 
     Third Embodiment of the Invention 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7   a  through  7   c , and  8   a , in a third embodiment, the nail polish device  10  compromises a main body structure  100 , a liquid delivering means  120 , a vapor inhibiting means  130 , and a holding means  110 , wherein the liquid delivering means  120  and the holding means  110  connect to form a unitary structure  140 . While all other parts can be as discussed previously in the preceding embodiments, the holding means  110  is not directly coupled to the top  102 . Preferably, the nail polish device further comprises a stem portion  145  between the liquid delivering means  120  and the holding means  110 , and the stem portion  145  extends through an aperture  150  of the top  102 . The gap  148  between the stem portion  145  and the perimeter of the aperture  150  permits lateral and/or pivotal movement of the liquid delivering means  120  without concurrent movement of the top  102 . During use, the user can grab the device by the holding means  110 , and move the liquid delivering means  120  across a nail without moving the top  102  and/or shell  104  along the same trajectory or the same extent. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8   b , preferably, the unitary structure  140  of the second variation further comprises a cap  150   a  above the aperture  150  on top of the top  102 . The cap  150   a  extends radially from the stem portion  145  of the unitary structure with a size adequate to cover the entire aperture  150 . The cap  150   a  can be an integral part of the stem portion  145  or an add-on. During storage, the cap rests above the aperture, seals the aperture around its perimeter, and prevents escape of the vapors through the opening of the aperture around the unitary structure  140 . The cap can be made of any material that is used in the manufacturing of the main body structure  10 , and a particularly suitable material is a rubber or a synthetic polymer. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8   c , still more preferably, the unitary structure  140  of the second variation comprises a first cap  150   a  above the aperture  150  on top of the top  102  and a second cap  150   b  under the aperture at the undersurface of the top  102 . The caps extend radially from the stem of the unitary structure with a size adequate to cover the entire aperture  150 . The caps  150   a  and  150   b  can be an integral part of the stem portion  145  or an add-on. The caps  150   a  and  150   b  prevent escape of the vapors through the opening of the aperture around the unitary structure  140 . The caps  150   a  and  150   b  also function together to define a limited range of vertical freedom of motion for the stem portion  145  of the unitary structure. Of course, the unitary structure may comprise cap  150   b  in the absence of cap  150   a.    
     Referring to  FIG. 8   d , more preferably, an elastic seal  160  is provided in the aperture  150  between the unitary structure  140  and the perimeter of the aperture. The elastic seal  160  occupies the gap between the stem portion and the aperture, and prevents escape of the vapors through the gap. The elasticity of the seal  160  permits lateral/pivotal motion of the absorbent material  130  when the user moves the holding means without requiring concurrent motion or deformation of the top  102  and/or shell  104 . Therefore, the top  102  and/or the shell  104  can be composed of a rigid or a deformable material. 
     The elastic seal  160  can be made of any material that is elastic and chemically resistant to the ingredients of the liquid nail polish or a removing composition. Nonexclusive examples of the material for making the elastic seal include unsaturated rubbers (e.g., natural polyisoprene, synthetic polyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloroprene rubber, copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene, styrene-butadiene rubber, copolymer of butadiene and acrylonitrile), saturated rubbers (ethylene propylene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, polyacrylic rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluoroelastomers, perfluoroelastomers, polyether block amides, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate), thermoplastic elastomers, the proteins resilin and elastin, polysulfide rubber and elastolefin. 
     Of course, the elastic seal  160  can be used separately from or in combination with the caps  150   a  and/or  150   b.    
     Fourth Embodiment of the Invention 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9-11 , in a fourth embodiment of the invention, the nail polish device  10  comprises a main body structure  100 , a liquid delivering means  120 , and a vapor inhibiting means  130 , all of which as discussed above in the preceding embodiments, and further comprises at least one hole  180  in the shell  104 , adapted for receiving one or more fingers or toes. 
     The hole  180  runs through a wall of the shell  104 , and can assume any shape and size suitable for receiving one or more fingers or toes. The hole  180  can be in the shape of a circle, a square, a rectangle, an elliptical, an oval, or any other suitable shapes. The hole  180  is of a suitable size for receiving one or more fingers or toes. The hole  180  is positioned with its upper edge (the edge proximal to the undersurface of the cap  102 ) at the same height or slightly above the height of the lowest point (distal from the undersurface of the cap  102 ) of the liquid delivering means  120 . Therefore, when a finger or toe is inserted into the hole, the nail is readily in touch with the liquid delivering means  120  to receive the liquid nail polish or removing composition. When used as such, the distal end of the shell  104  can be rested directly on a surface to form a seal between the shell and the surface and prevent escape of vapors from the opening  106 . Preferably, an elastic rim is provided along the distal end of the shell  104  to secure a tight seal. A proper seal can also be formed between the finger or toe with the perimeter of the hole  180 , further limiting the escape of the vapors. 
     Although not shown in  FIGS. 9-11 , the nail polish device  10  of this embodiment preferably further comprises a holding means as described in preceding embodiments. In addition, the nail polish device  10  preferably further comprise the cap(s) and/or seal as described above. 
     Other Embodiments 
     The above-mentioned embodiments are examples and should not be construed as the only possible embodiments of the present invention. Many more embodiments and variations can be contemplated without departure from the teaching of the present invention and these embodiments and variations are deemed part of the present invention. 
     For example, the present invention is also directed to a modified device that can be used in conjunction with commercially available nail polish devices. With a pen-shaped applicator or a brush-shaped applicator, the modified device can comprise a structure  100  as described above, a vapor inhibiting composition  130  as described above, and a hole in the top  102  of the structure. The hole is adapted for receiving the body of said pen-shaped applicator or brush-shaped applicator, so that the part of the applicator that is imbued with the liquid is positioned within the recess  108 . If desired, caps  150   a  and/or  150   b  can be placed adjacent to the hole for sealing the hole, or an elastic liner  160  can be provided.