Patent Publication Number: US-2011073123-A1

Title: Manicure and pedicure implement case

Description:
This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of provisional application Ser. No. 61/246,122, filed Sep. 26, 2009, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to hygiene products. More particularly, the present invention relates to a sanitizable device used to transport and store manicure and pedicure implements and may be used as a towel and/or hygienic barrier from unsanitary surfaces. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Each year, millions of women and men go to resorts, nail salons, or spas for manicure and pedicure services. During the course of manicure and pedicure procedures, various implements may be used such as nail clippers, nail files, emery boards, cuticle nippers, cuticle pushers, nail buffers, pumice bars or stones, callus removers, toe separators, and nail brushes. These implements are used to shape and trim the nails and cuticles, exfoliate dead skin and remove calluses, prepare the nails for polish, and otherwise come into direct contact with the recipient&#39;s hands and feet. Most of these implements are reused for more than a single session, and salons customarily reuse these same implements from customer to customer, and from one day to the next. 
     The Risks 
     Unfortunately, numerous customers each year also receive something they did not expect during their pedicure: fungal, virus, or staph infections. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, pedicure health risks include fungal infections, such as athlete&#39;s foot and nail fungus, and bacterial skin infections, including MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), a potentially serious antibiotic-resistant staph infection. 
     Bacteria and fungus can easily move from one person to the next on pedicure implements that have not been properly sterilized. Germs, bacteria, fungus, and other contaminants can accumulate on the surfaces of various implements, such as on the blades of cuticle nippers, the pumice stones used to exfoliate dead skin cells and rub off calluses, and the porous surfaces of toe separators. While most reputable nail salons should clean their pedicure implements regularly, customers have no way of knowing just how thoroughly their particular implements have been cleaned since the last visitor, how often those implements are replaced, what kinds of disinfectants are used, or how long those disinfectants are used on each implement during each cleaning session. Often, people receiving a pedicure are doing so on vacation, at an unfamiliar or new location, or were sent to a new nail salon for a pedicure as a gift from a friend. In each of these situations, the customer knows nothing or very little about the cleanliness or sanitary procedures of the salon. 
     Even at the cleanest salons, some implements like nail buffers, toe separators, and nail files cannot be sterilized, and these implements are rarely replaced after each customer. Further, the Center for Disease Control mandates that disinfection of pedicure equipment should be done with an EPA hospital disinfectant for at least ten minutes between clients. Clearly, not all nail salons enforce that rule. In fact, many salons schedule appointments closer than ten minutes apart, which does not allow for proper cleaning and sterilization of pedicure implements. Such practices increase the risk of transmission of fungal or bacterial infections from customer to customer. 
     Even in the rare case when a nail salon allows customers to rent lockers, cubicles, or other storage space to keep their own pedicure implements at the salon, these lockers or cubby holes are inefficient and difficult to administer by salons and are often expensive. Further, the customer has no way of knowing if other users are using or tampering with either the cubby holes or the implements themselves or if the salon is renting out the same storage space to more than one customer. There could also possibly be cross-contamination through either airborne contaminants, dripping from other pedicure implements, or splashing of used foot bath water. Also, this setup requires a user to only visit a single nail salon, and is ineffective if a customer wishes to try out a new salon, or is on vacation. 
     Additionally, cross contamination can occur from dirty towels used at nail salons. Towels are not only used to dry the hands or feet of a client, but manicurist often use them as mats or barriers for placement of hands and feet while performing manicure and pedicure procedures. As a result, towels often catch sloughed off skin cells and nail clippings and may even have blood if the customer happens to bleed while getting his or her cuticles cut or during some other manicure or pedicure procedure. Such barriers may be ideal in preventing cross-contamination from occurring between the client and potentially unsanitary surfaces such as manicure tabletops and footrests used for manicures and pedicures. However, as discussed above with respect to the manicure and pedicure implements, there is no guarantee that towels are properly sanitized and washed or even replaced. Some salons may use the same soiled towel on multiple clients without being washed in-between uses. 
     Further, even if a consumer is fortunate enough to find a salon that does take extraordinary precautions, that particular salon may be overly expensive or in an inconvenient location. Clearly, there is a need in the art for a device that will help allow all customers to ensure optimum cleanliness and reduce the risk of infection, achieve piece of mind, and reduce stress and the need to research the sanitary practices of multiple salons, all while remaining affordable and effective at any nail salon. 
     The Solution 
     The safest approach in preventing pedicure-related infection is for clients to bring their own pedicure implements to any pedicure appointment. In order to eliminate the risk of infection due to improperly-sterilized pedicure implements, the American Podiatric Medical Association recommends that pedicure customers bring their own implements. This approach will eliminate the chance of cross-contamination of bacteria, viruses, or staph infection from other people. Also, this gives each pedicure recipient control over their own implement sterilization, allowing them to ensure the cleanliness and safety of their own implements at any nail salon location. 
     What is needed in the art is a device that can contain all the necessary manicure and pedicure implements used by professionals, keeps these implements bundled together and organized, and is easily portable. Moreover, what is needed in the art is such a device that is also sanitizable to further ensure that the implements themselves are sanitary and a device that can also function as a towel and/or barrier between potentially contaminated surfaces. Such a device would make it easier for, and thus encourage, customers to bring their own sterile implements to each manicure or pedicure while ensuring that there is also no cross-contamination via unsanitary towels or surfaces used for hands or feet placement during manicure and pedicure procedures. 
     The advantages of such devices would be numerous. They would encourage pedicure customers to bring their own sterile implements, which would eliminate the risk of cross-contamination of fungus, bacteria, or staph infections. They would reduce the spread of these forms of disease. They would give users piece of mind, open up more choices in pedicure locations, and allow them to more thoroughly relax and enjoy a pedicure procedure that is meant to be soothing, relaxing, and healthy. 
     Drawbacks and Potential Improvements 
     While various cases exist that could be used to transport and store manicure and pedicure implements, none fulfill the need in the art as discussed above. Consumers require a device that can serve to not only contain the various implements, but to keep them organized, be lightweight and easily portable, make it easy for the user or pedicurist to find the proper implements and return them to their place, and be unobtrusive and stylish, making it more likely that users will actually use the device and take it with them in public. Consumers would also benefit from a case that includes the necessary high-quality implements used by professionals as well as a case that can also function as a towel and/or barrier from unsanitary surfaces. 
     Devices that currently exist in the art are customarily made of rigid materials such as plastic, vinyl, leather, metal, or other non-breathable material, which does not allow the pedicure implements to properly aerate and dry out after each use. Many of the cases currently on the market are rigid in shape (e.g., box shaped) and are limited in size (e.g., many of the cases are wallet-sized) so it is unable to contain the necessary implements used by professionals. Given that many of the cases currently on the market are adapted for use for specific implements and are shaped and sized accordingly, it is often difficult to replace an implement with different versions or varieties of that implement. 
     The implements in such devices are not easily assessable since each implement is often tightly encased in a specific compartment or negative mold-like structure specifically adapted for that particular implement which not only prevents versatility if the user decides to switch out a particular implement, but makes the interior of such cases (and all surfaces that come in contact with the implements) difficult to thoroughly clean. Such devices may be wiped down, but since such devices are typically made of plastic, vinyl, leather, metal, or combinations thereof, they are not machine washable making it difficult to completely sanitize. Moreover, the devices currently on the market cannot also function as a towel and/or barrier from unsanitary surfaces on which a client&#39;s hands and feet are placed during a manicure and pedicure procedure. 
     Cases currently on the market that are sold with implements as manicure or pedicure sets are rarely sold with the necessary implements used by professionals. Instead, such kits include unnecessary implements such as scissors and tweezers which are not used by professionals during manicure or pedicure procedures while other sets include metal nail files and metal cuticle pushers which are rarely used and may even cause injury. 
     Other advantages of the present invention will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the ensuing description of the present invention. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention provides a sanitizable device that can encase the necessary manicure and pedicure implements, keeps these implements bundled together and organized, and is easily transportable. The present invention allows users to bring their own sterilized implements needed for any manicure or pedicure and eliminates the chance of cross-contamination of bacteria, fungus, or staph infections from other people. Such a device gives each manicure/pedicure recipient control over their own implement sterilization, allowing them to ensure the cleanliness and safety of their own implements at any pedicure location. The device of the present invention is sanitizable since it is completely machine or hand washable to further ensure that the implements themselves are sanitary. Furthermore, the present invention also functions as a sanitary towel to dry the hands or feet of a client and/or functions as a mat or barrier for placement of a client&#39;s hands and feet while performing various manicure and pedicure procedures. Such barriers are ideal in protecting cross-contamination from occurring between the client and unsanitary surfaces such as unclean manicure tables and pedicure footrests. 
     To achieve the foregoing and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention, the present invention is generally directed to a washable manicure and pedicure implement case comprising: (a) a rectangular fabric body comprised of a top edge, a bottom edge, a first edge, a second edge, an interior layer, an exterior layer, and a plurality of pockets located on the interior layer and linearly positioned along the bottom edge; and (b) a closing structure comprised of a first closing member and a second closing member. The first closing member is positioned on top of the second closing member when the case is in the open configuration, and the first closing member and the second closing member are both attached to the midpoint of the first edge. When the case is in the closed configuration, the body is configured into a roll with the second edge positioned inside the roll and the exterior layer exposed (i.e., the body is rolled from the second edge toward the first edge while exposing the exterior layer to form a roll), and the first closing member and the second closing member are tied around the roll into a knot or bow. In one embodiment, the body and the closing structure are constructed of terry cloth which allows the case to be also used as a towel. In alternate embodiments, the body is constructed of a cotton fabric, as for example, a cotton blend home decorating fabric which are typically used for drapery and upholstery. The first closing member and the second closing member may be constructed of satin double-sided ribbon in certain versions of the invention. Additionally, the plurality of pockets may be comprised of eight pockets or may be comprised of seven pockets in other embodiments. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a combination towel and manicure and pedicure implement case. In this embodiment, the present invention may be used as a towel or alternatively, as a manicure and pedicure implement case. Such embodiments provide an all-in-one feature for any manicure and pedicure. The combination towel and manicure and pedicure implement case comprises (a) a rectangular towel body comprised of a top edge, a bottom edge, a first edge, a second edge, an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a plurality of pockets to hold manicure and pedicure implements wherein the plurality of pockets is located on the interior surface and is linearly positioned along the bottom edge; and (b) a first closing member and a second closing member wherein the first closing member is positioned on top of the second closing member when the case is in the open configuration, and the first closing member and the second closing member are both attached to the midpoint of the first edge. When the manicure and pedicure implement case is in the closed configuration, the towel body is configured into a roll with the second edge positioned inside the roll and the exterior surface exposed (i.e., the towel body is rolled from the second edge toward the first edge exposing the exterior surface to form a roll) and the first closing member and the second closing member are tied around the roll. The towel body, the first closing member, and the second closing member are constructed of terry cloth or of any other absorbent material suitable for towels. Indeed, the combination towel and manicure and pedicure implement case may even be constructed from a standard hand towel. The plurality of pockets may be comprised of eight pockets or may be comprised of seven pockets in other versions of the invention. 
     Yet, in another aspect of the present invention, a manicure and pedicure system is comprised of a washable manicure and pedicure implement case (as described hereinabove) that includes a plurality of pockets containing a set of manicure and pedicure implements. The manicure and pedicure set includes a pair of toe nail separators, at least one wood stick cuticle pusher, a cuticle nipper, a nail file, a pumice stone, a file and rasp implement, a nail clipper, a nail buffer, a callus remover, and a nail brush. In other embodiments, the set of manicure and pedicure implements also includes sanitizing tablets to sanitize foot bath water used for pedicures. In one embodiment, the body, the first closing member, and the second closing member of the manicure and pedicure implement case are all constructed of terry cloth allowing the manicure and pedicure implement case to be also used as a towel. The body of the manicure and pedicure implement case may be constructed of a cotton fabric such as a cotton blend home decorating fabric used in drapery and upholstery. Also, the first closing member and the second closing member of the case may be constructed of satin double-sided ribbon. Nonetheless, the plurality of pockets may be comprised of any suitable amount of pockets. For example, in one version of the invention, the plurality of pockets is comprised of seven pockets and in another version, the plurality of pockets is comprised of eight pockets. 
     The above description sets forth a summary of embodiments of the present invention so that the description that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention may not include all of the features or characteristics listed in the above summary. There may be, of course, other features of the invention that will be described below and may form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in further detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. 
     The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     Other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, various features of embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a manicure and pedicure implement case in the closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2 . depicts a perspective view of the manicure and pedicure implement case shown in  FIG. 1  in the open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3 . depicts a top view of the manicure and pedicure implement case shown in  FIG. 1  in the open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a perspective view of a manicure and pedicure implement case in the closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following description of embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, certain embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a manicure and pedicure implement case in the closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The case of the present invention is comprised of a body  100  which includes a top edge  102  and a bottom edge  101 . While in the closed position, the case is held closed by a closing structure  400 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , closing structure  400  is comprised of a first closing member  420  and a second closing member  440  which are both attached to the midpoint of first edge  103  of body  100  (see  FIG. 2 ). First closing member  420  and second closing member  440  may each further include an end  445  (see  FIG. 2 ) which is comprised of a cup-like structure formed of at least one seam that protects the ends of first closing member  420  and second closing member  440  from fraying and tearing and also provides uniform arrow-like end points as components of a bow which is aesthetically pleasing. 
     When the case of the present invention is in the closed position (i.e., rolled up), first closing member  420  is wrapped around one side of the body  100  and the second closing member  440  is wrapped around the other side of the body  100  as shown in  FIG. 1 . In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 , first closing member  420  and second closing member  440  are tied into a bow or knot to secure body  100  closed. In such embodiments as shown in  FIG. 1 , first closing member  420  and second closing member  440  may be comprised of a ribbon material, the same material as body  100 , or any suitable material that acts like a tie to secure body  100  in the closed configuration.  FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention wherein both the body  100  and closing structure  400  are made of the same fabric material, as for example, a towel-like or terry cloth material. In such embodiments of the invention, the manicure and pedicure implement case may also be used as a towel for manicure and pedicure procedures and as a barrier form unsanitary surfaces such as pedicure tables and footrests.  FIG. 4  illustrates that closing structure  400  is not limited to a particular configuration, size, width, length, or shape so long as it is long enough to wrap around and secure body  100  closed. 
       FIG. 2 . depicts a perspective view of the manicure and pedicure implement case shown in  FIG. 1  in the open configuration. A shown in  FIG. 2 , the manicure and pedicure implement case of the present invention is comprised of a body  100 , a plurality of pockets  200 , and closing structure  400  which includes first closing member  420  and second closing member  440 . Body  100  includes a bottom edge  101 , a top edge  102 , a first edge  103 , and a second edge  104  which forms a rectangular shape. First closing member  420  and second closing member  440  are attached to the midpoint area of first edge  103 . First edge  103  is the edge to which closing structure  400  is attached to, but the positioning of first edge  103  is not limited to the left edge of body  100  as shown in  FIG. 2 . In other variations of the invention, first edge  103  may be positioned on the right side of body  100 , and second edge  104  may be positioned on the left side of body  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , body  100  is further comprised of a interior surface  110  that engages with the manicure and pedicure implements and a exterior surface  120  that is exposed when the case is rolled up onto the closed configuration. Exterior surface  120  is positioned below interior surface  110  when the case of the present invention is in the open configuration as shown in  FIG. 2 . Interior surface  110  and exterior surface  120  may be comprised of one layer of fabric (and thus the terms refer to the surfaces only), or interior surface  110  and exterior surface  120  may be comprised of separate layers of fabric adjoined together. 
     The manicure and pedicure implement case shown in  FIG. 2  is configured into the closed position as shown in  FIG. 1  by: (i) rolling up second edge  104  toward first edge  103  into a roll so that second edge  104  is positioned inside the roll and exterior surface  120  is exposed, (ii) wrapping first closing member  420  around one side of rolled body  100  and wrapping second closing member  440  around the other side of rolled body  100 , and (iii) tying first closing member  420  with second closing member  440 . 
     Body  100  may be made of any suitable machine or hand washable fabric that allows for the easy rolling of body  100  into the closed position. The washable feature of the fabric allows the user to thoroughly sanitize the manicure and pedicure implement case to further ensure the cleanliness of the implements to be contained inside the case. Because of the fabric quality, the manicure and pedicure implement case of the present invention may also function as a mat or barrier between the user and unsanitary surfaces that a user may come into contact during a manicure or pedicure procedure. Such surfaces may include footrests used in pedicures and the surfaces of manicure tables. Additionally, in the embodiments wherein the case body is made of absorbent materials (e.g., terry cloth, velour, etc.), the case of the present invention may also function as a towel. Other suitable fabrics for body  100  (as well as closing structure  400 ) may include purely cotton fabric, cotton blends, other natural and washable blends, or blends comprised of synthetic fibers such as polyester so long as the fabric is washable. For example, in one embodiment, body  100  may be constructed of a cotton blend home decorating fabric which is typically used for drapery and upholstery. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention wherein body  100  and closing structure  400  are both made of a terry cloth or a towel-like material. The embodiments made of material used for towels have additional functions as they also can be used as a sterile towel during or after the manicure or pedicure procedure as discussed above. For instance, the user may rest his/her feet or hands on the case during a pedicure or manicure, and such embodiments may be used as a towel to dry the user&#39;s hands or feet. Thus, another aspect of the present invention is directed to a combination towel and manicure and pedicure implement case. In embodiments which are constructed of terry cloth or other absorbent fabrics suitable for towels, the present invention may be used as a towel or alternatively, as a manicure and pedicure implement case. Such embodiments provide an all-in-one feature for any manicure and pedicure. In alternate variations, a standard hand towel may be used to construct the manicure and pedicure implement case of the present invention. In such variations, the plurality of pockets  200  may be formed by folding the hand towel (which would be designated as body  100  or towel body  100 ) longitudinally to a less than half way point to permit the formation of pockets (wherein the crease or fold forms bottom edge  101  and the bottom part of the pockets), sewing vertical seams in-between designated pockets, and attaching closing structure  400  to the first edge  103  of towel body  100 . Alternatively, the plurality of pockets may be sewn directly onto towel body  100  without longitudinally folding towel body  100 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , the plurality of pockets  200  is positioned linearly above lower edge  101  of body  100 . Each pocket may hold at least one manicure or pedicure implement. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the plurality equals eight and the plurality of pockets  200  includes a first pocket  210  with a first pocket opening  211 , a second pocket  220  with a second pocket opening  221 , a third pocket  230  with a third pocket opening  231 , a fourth pocket  240  with a fourth pocket opening  241 , a fifth pocket  250  with a fifth pocket opening  251 , a sixth pocket  260  with a sixth pocket  261 , a seventh pocket  270  with a seventh pocket opening  271 , and an eighth pocket  280  with an eighth pocket opening  281 . Pockets  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240 ,  250 ,  260 ,  270 , and  280  are linearly positioned parallel to top edge  102  and bottom edge  101  of body  100 , and each of the pockets  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240 ,  250 ,  260 ,  270 , and  280  is separated from the adjacent pocket by stitching running vertically on each side of the pocket. Pocket  210  includes stitching  31  on first edge  103  of body  100 , and the right side of pocket  210  includes stitching  32  separating pocket  210  from pocket  220 . The left side of pocket  220  includes stitching  32  separating pocket  210  from pocket  220 , and the right side of pocket  220  includes stitching  33  separating pocket  220  from pocket  230 . The left side of pocket  230  includes stitching  33  separating pocket  220  from pocket  230 , and the right side of pocket  230  includes stitching  34  separating pocket  230  from pocket  240 . The left side of pocket  240  includes stitching  34  separating pocket  230  from pocket  240 , and the right side of pocket  240  includes stitching  35  separating pocket  240  from pocket  250 . The left side of pocket  250  includes stitching  35  separating pocket  240  from pocket  250 , and the right side of pocket  250  includes stitching  36  separating pocket  250  from pocket  260 . The left side of pocket  260  includes stitching  36  separating pocket  250  from pocket  260 , and the right side of pocket  260  includes stitching  37  separating pocket  260  from pocket  270 . The left side of pocket  270  includes stitching  37  separating pocket  260  from pocket  270 , and the right side of pocket  270  includes stitching  38  separating pocket  270  from pocket  280 . The left side of pocket  280  includes stitching  38  separating pocket  270  from pocket  280 , and the right side of pocket  280  includes stitching  39  on second edge  104  of body  100 . Seams  31 ,  32 ,  33 ,  34 ,  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38 , and  39  assist in encasing and organizing the manicure and pedicure implements within the case of the present invention, and may be of any suitable dimensions and configuration. 
     Although the plurality of pockets  200  is depicted with eight pockets  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240 ,  250 ,  260 ,  270 , and  280 , any suitable quantity of pockets are possible so long as they accommodate the necessary implements for a manicure or pedicure. In alternate embodiments, multiple implements may be placed in each of the pockets. The size, dimensions, shape, and configuration of each of the eight pockets  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240 ,  250 ,  260 ,  270 , and  280  may also vary in other embodiments of the invention so long as the pockets are so dimensioned as to be able to contain manicure and pedicure implements. 
     For example, in one embodiment of the invention, the plurality of pockets  200  is comprised of eight pockets and first pocket  210  may measure about 2 inches wide, second pocket  220  may measure about 4 inches wide, third pocket  230  may measure about 2½ inches wide, fourth pocket  240  may measure about 3½ inches wide, fifth pocket  250  may measure about 2½ inches wide, sixth pocket  260  may measure about 3⅓ inches wide, seventh pocket  270  may measure about 3 inches wide, and eight pocket  280  may measure about 2 inches wide. In another embodiment of the invention, the plurality of pockets  200  is comprised of seven pockets and first pocket  210  may measure about 2 inches wide, second pocket  220  may measure about 4 inches wide, third pocket  230  may measure about 3 inches wide, fourth pocket  240  may measure about 4 inches wide, fifth pocket  250  may measure about 3 inches wide, sixth pocket  260  may measure about 4 inches wide, and seventh pocket  270  may measure about 3 inches wide. Of course, the above measurements are presented for example only, and they are not limited to the exact measurements since variations are possible so long as the pocket is so dimensioned as to be able to contain a manicure or pedicure implement and variations inevitably may occur during the sewing or manufacturing process. Additionally, the order or configuration of the various pocket sizes is not limited to a particular configuration. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a top view of the manicure and pedicure implement case shown in  FIG. 1  in the open configuration and includes broken lines representing manicure and pedicure implements. For purposes of illustration, one embodiment of the present invention may hold the following manicure and pedicure implements: a pair of toe nail separators  710 , wood stick cuticle pushers  715 , cuticle nipper  720 , nail file  730 , pumice stone  740 , file and rasp implement  750 , nail clipper  765 , nail buffer  760 , callus remover  770 , nail brush  780 , and sanitizing tablets  785  which are used to sanitize foot bath water used in pedicures. By way of example, pocket  210  may hold toe nail separators  710  and wood stick cuticle pushers  715 , pocket  220  may hold nippers  720 , pocket  230  may hold nail file  730 , pocket  240  may hold pumice stone  740 , pocket  250  may hold file and rasp  750 , pocket  260  may hold nail clipper  765  and nail buffer  760 , pocket  270  may hold callus remover  770 , and pocket  280  may hold nail brush  780  and sanitizing tablets  785 . 
     Of course, the foregoing manicure and pedicure implements may be held in any suitable pocket as each pocket is not limited to a specific implement. For instance, pocket  210  may hold nail brush  780 , pocket  240  may hold nail buffer  760 , pocket  250  may hold callus remover  770 , pocket  260  may hold pumice stone  740 , pocket  270  may hold nail buffer  260 , pocket  280  may hold toe nail separators  710  and wood stick cuticle pushers  715 , etc. Nail clipper  765  may be held in or clipped onto any of the pockets. Also, any of the pockets may further hold a bottle of nail polish or any other item or implement that the user may wish to bring to a manicure or pedicure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , another aspect of the present invention is directed to a manicure and pedicure system that is comprised of: (1) a manicure and pedicure implement case comprised of (a) body  100  that includes a bottom edge  101 , top edge  102 , first edge  103 , second edge  104 , a plurality of pockets  200  with seams separating each of the pockets, and (b) a closing structure  400  that includes at least one closing member to be wrapped around body  100  when in the closed position (see also  FIGS. 1 and 4 ); and (2) a set of manicure and pedicure implements. In one embodiment, the set of manicure and pedicure implements include: toe nail separators  710 , wood stick cuticle pushers  715 , cuticle nippers  720 , nail file  730 , pumice stone  740 , file and rasp  750 , nail clipper  765 , nail buffer  760 , callus remover  770 , nail brush  780 , and sanitizing tablets  785 . 
     Any suitable implements known in the art may be used. For example, the system of the present invention may include: straight line deluxe clippers, All Season Professional™ nail file, rubber grip professional nipper, European “blade” callus remover, ergonomic, 2-sided professional file &amp; rasp, “Sani-Tab”™ sanitizing tablets, all-wood stick mani/pedi cuticle pushers, Pumi-Bar™ pumice stone, 4-sided nail buffer, and 5 inch Easy-Grip™ nail brush. Of course, in alternate embodiments, the contents of the manicure and pedicure implements may vary so long as they contain the necessary implements for manicure and pedicures unlike the sets currently on the market which contain unnecessary implements such as scissors and tweezers as discussed in the Background section above. 
     EXAMPLES 
     In the foregoing description of embodiments of the invention, reference was made to the accompanying figures, which form a part of this application. The figures show, by way of illustration, certain embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other variations are possible and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. A variety of embodiments are possible wherein each embodiment includes a different combination of the different aspects and elements of the present invention. 
     For example, in one embodiment, a manicure and pedicure implement case comprises: (a) a rectangular fabric body comprised of a top edge, a bottom edge, a first edge, a second edge, an interior layer, an exterior layer, and a plurality of pockets located on the interior layer and linearly positioned along the bottom edge; and (b) a closing structure comprised of a first closing member and a second closing member. The first closing member is positioned on top of the second closing member when the case is in the open configuration, and the first closing member and the second closing member are both attached to the midpoint of the first edge. When the case is in the closed configuration, the body is configured into a roll with the second edge positioned inside the roll and the exterior layer exposed (i.e., the body is rolled from the second edge toward the first edge while exposing the exterior layer to form a roll), and the first closing member and the second closing member are tied around the roll into a knot or bow. In one variation, the body and the closing structure are constructed of terry cloth which allows the case to be also used as a towel. In further variations, the body is constructed of a cotton fabric, as for example, a cotton blend home decorating fabric which are typically used for drapery and upholstery. The first closing member and the second closing member may be constructed of satin double-sided ribbon in certain versions of the invention. Additionally, the plurality of pockets may be comprised of eight pockets or may be comprised of seven pockets in other embodiments. 
     In another example, an alternate embodiment of the invention is directed to a combination towel and manicure and pedicure implement case. In this embodiment, the present invention may be used as a towel or alternatively, as a manicure and pedicure implement case. Such embodiments provide an all-in-one feature for any manicure and pedicure. The combination towel and manicure and pedicure implement case comprises (a) a rectangular towel body comprised of a top edge, a bottom edge, a first edge, a second edge, an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a plurality of pockets to hold manicure and pedicure implements wherein the plurality of pockets is located on the interior surface and is linearly positioned along the bottom edge; and (b) a first closing member and a second closing member wherein the first closing member is positioned on top of the second closing member when the case is in the open configuration, and the first closing member and the second closing member are both attached to the midpoint of the first edge. When the manicure and pedicure implement case is in the closed configuration, the towel body is configured into a roll with the second edge positioned inside the roll and the exterior surface exposed (i.e., the towel body is rolled from the second edge toward the first edge exposing the exterior surface to form a roll) and the first closing member and the second closing member are tied around the roll. The towel body, the first closing member, and the second closing member are constructed of terry cloth or of any other absorbent material suitable for towels. Indeed, the combination towel and manicure and pedicure implement case may even be constructed from a standard hand towel. The plurality of pockets may be comprised of eight pockets or may be comprised of seven pockets in other versions of the invention. 
     In a further example, another embodiment of the invention is directed to a manicure and pedicure system comprising a washable manicure and pedicure implement case (as described in the two examples above) that includes a plurality of pockets containing a set of manicure and pedicure implements. The manicure and pedicure set includes a pair of toe nail separators, at least one wood stick cuticle pusher, a cuticle nipper, a nail file, a pumice stone, a file and rasp implement, a nail clipper, a nail buffer, a callus remover, and a nail brush. In other variations of the invention, the set of manicure and pedicure implements also includes sanitizing tablets to sanitize foot bath water used for pedicures. In one variation, the body, the first closing member, and the second closing member of the manicure and pedicure implement case are all constructed of terry cloth allowing the manicure and pedicure implement case to be also used as a towel. The body of the manicure and pedicure implement case may be constructed of a cotton fabric such as a cotton blend home decorating fabric used in drapery and upholstery. Also, the first closing member and the second closing member of the case may be constructed of satin double-sided ribbon. Nonetheless, the plurality of pockets may be comprised of any suitable amount of pockets. For example, in one version of the invention, the plurality of pockets is comprised of seven pockets and in another version, the plurality of pockets is comprised of eight pockets. 
     It can be realized from the embodiments described herein that the present invention provides a manicure and pedicure implement case that can securely hold the necessary manicure and pedicure implements, keeps these implements bundled together and organized, and is easily transportable. The user simply rolls up the manicure and pedicure implement case and takes it with him or her to the salon. The present invention allows for safer and more sanitary manicures and pedicures as it allows users to bring their own sterilized implements and eliminates the chance of cross-contamination of bacteria, fungus, or staph infections from other people. The present invention provides each manicure/pedicure recipient control over their own implement sterilization, allowing them to ensure the cleanliness and safety of their own implements at any salon. 
     The device of the present invention is sanitizable since it is completely machine or hand washable to further ensure that the implements themselves are sanitary. The user can simply wash the manicure and pedicure implement case of the present invention, and the user can easily sanitize the implements with hot water and a capful of bleach or Barbicide® or by any other suitable method known in the art. Furthermore, the present invention also functions as a sanitary towel to dry the hands or feet of a client and/or functions as a mat or barrier for placement of a client&#39;s hands and feet while performing various manicure and pedicure procedures. Such barriers are ideal in protecting cross-contamination from occurring from unsanitary surfaces such as unclean manicure tables and pedicure footrests. 
     In the embodiments of the present invention directed to a manicure and pedicure system, the manicure and pedicure set includes every implement a professional uses for a pedicure and manicures unlike the devices currently on the market which contain implements not suitable for—or used by professionals such as tweezers and scissors. 
     It is to be understood that although some advantages of the present invention are described herein, it is not necessary that all the advantageous features and/or all the advantages need to be incorporated into every embodiment of the invention. 
     Further Embodiments 
     Although the present invention has been described above in considerable detail with reference to certain versions thereof, other versions are possible. Some of the components of the invention (e.g., pockets and closing structure) may be of any suitable shape, size, and/or configuration; may further include structures not described hereinabove; and may be positioned at alternate suitable locations within the device without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     In other embodiments of the invention, body  100  may be constructed of fabrics other than cotton blends such as polyester, bamboo, flannel, twill fabric, denim, chenille, velvet, etc. so long as the fabric is a washable version thereof. Also, the positioning of first edge  103  (which is attached to the closing structure  400 ) is not limited to the left side of body  100  as it also may be positioned on the right side of body  100  with second edge  104  positioned on the left side of body  100 . 
     In alternate variations, first closing member  420  and second closing member  440  may be comprised of any suitable lasso, rope, cord, belt, or similar structure and may further include buttons, clasps, a hook and loop closing mechanism commonly known as VELCRO®, or any suitable fastening system. For instance, first closing member  420  may include the female part of a button system and second closing member  440  may include the male part of a button system wherein the female and male parts of the button system inter-engage when closing the case of the present invention. Similarly first closing member  420  may include a hook system and second closing member  440  may include the loop system and when first closing member  420  and second closing member  440  are wrapped around body  100 , the hook and loop system inter-engage thereby securing the case of the present invention in the closed configuration. 
     Yet, in other variations, closing structure  400  may be comprised of only one closing member which wraps around the entire body  100  in the closed position. For example, closing structure  400  may be comprised of an elastic loop which wraps around and stretches around the entire body  100  in the closed configuration. In another example, the one closing member may allow for adjustability. The closing member may be belt-like in form or like a tying member made of any variety of any materials (various types of ribbon, the same material as body  100 , or other suitable material) and may include any suitable fastening system such as VELCRO®. For instance, one side of the closing member may include a hook system and the other side of the same closing member may include a loop system and when the closing member is wrapped around body  100 , the hook and loop system inter-engage within the closing member thereby securing the case of the present invention in the closed configuration. Thus, closing structure  400  is comprised of at least one closing member. 
     In further embodiments, the manicure and pedicure system of the present invention may be specially adapted for use with manicures only and thus would not include pedicure implements and the case would be configured and sized accordingly. 
     While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.