Abstract:
A hand grooming station, specifically for nails, which permits a user to paint, polish or otherwise groom his or her fingernails in a comfortable and unobtrusive manner via an elevated ramp while care products are easily recognizable and organized. In addition, the base is formed with a curvature and structural support to provide stability while a lip relates to a raised edge to contain spillage.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]    The present invention is a hand grooming station, specifically for nails, which permits a user to groom his or her fingernails in a comfortable and unobtrusive manner via an elevated ramp while care products are easily recognizable and organized. In addition, the present invention is formed with a curvature and structural support to provide stability while a lip relates to a raised edge to contain spillage. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
       [0002]    Polished fingernails are a necessity for many people. In addition, people ranging in age from their early teens up to when they become elderly engage in such grooming activity. Professional manicures also can be expensive for some people, while others merely may wish to paint and polish their own fingernails. The present invention is geared to those who want to care for their own fingernails in an organized, comfortable, clean and efficient manner. 
         [0003]    Typically, many people possess a bag or carrying case that contains the multitude of fingernail polish. This means that many bottles featuring varying colors and brands are stuffed into at least one bag. In addition, other related items dealing with such aspects as cuticles, filing and clipping also are scattered throughout. This creates a problem of organization, as the bag often must be emptied of its contents so that a particular color or brand can be utilized. The present invention solves this problem by forming holes into an organizational surface that are elevated and supported by intermittently placed platforms. The bottles can be placed into the holes. Meanwhile, because the platforms elevate the organizational surface, the placement of these platforms permits the user a clear line of sight to instantly identify the varying colors and brands of the bottle instead of just the bottle cap. 
         [0004]    Painting and polishing fingernails also requires a degree of accuracy and stability. For example, users typically must paint their fingernails while holding their hand in the air. Some people find that their hands shake and require the hand to be rested on a table or other fixed surface. Others merely find that they need a surface to keep their hand from moving as they concentrate on the act of painting or polishing. The present invention solves this problem by including an elevated ramp that extends from the base of the present invention. The preferred embodiment of the elevated ramp extends at a 45-degree angle. The elevated ramp allows the user to rest his or her hand at an angle so that the grooming process can be achieved in an accurate and stable manner. The present invention also accommodates users facing the awkwardness of comfortably grooming their fingernails by forming a curvature into the front of the base of the present invention. The curvature is such that the present invention is more stable and close to the user&#39;s body as it wraps partially around the torso or lap. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,312 issued to Donnell on Jun. 22, 1999 is a nail polish bottle holder. Unlike the present invention, Donnell is formed from a sheet of flexible foam material with designated areas available so that polish bottles can be pushed into the foam. The present invention, in contrast, provides holes in such a manner that fingernail-grooming bottles can seamlessly be placed into a hole so that the bottle label or color is still easily identifiable. In addition, Donnell requires that a user&#39;s hand be rested on the surface of the foam. However, the present invention provides an elevated ramp for this purpose. The elevated ramp, along with other features of the present invention, can be securely fitted onto a base of the present invention. Meanwhile, a lip for spillage protection extends along the front of the base, the front of the base curved in such a manner as to wrap around the front of a person&#39;s body or around a lap. Donnell, in contrast, does not account for shape or angle that adds to such important areas as stability, containment and ease of use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
       [0006]    The present invention is a grooming station specifically catering to fingernails. The present invention is formed with a structural support that contains a base and curved back wall. The front of the base is curved in such a manner to wrap around the front of a person&#39;s body or otherwise fit seamlessly on and around a user&#39;s lap. The base also is formed with a lip with a raised edge so as to contain a spill. The preferred embodiment of the present invention also has two handles formed into the left and right sides of the curved back wall. 
         [0007]    The surface of the base has an elevated ramp placed at the center of the base. The elevated ramp is at such an angle so that a user can rest his or her hand on the ramp with the fingers extended. When the fingers are extended, the fingernails will be positioned above the left compartment and the right compartment. The left compartment and right compartment are pockets formed with a depth to hold grooming products that may be heavier or shaped differently than normal bottles. The right compartment and left compartment are placed at the rear end of the center of the base to maintain balance as the heavier objects placed within the right compartment and left compartment will maintain an optimal and stable center of gravity. 
         [0008]    Curving around the curved back wall is the left platform and right platform, also referred to herein as platforms. The platforms are elevated above the surface of the base. Holes are formed within the platforms where standard fingernail grooming product bottles can be placed through. While most holes are standard circumference, it should be noted that the preferred embodiment of the present invention also includes at least one wider hole so that a wider circumference bottle can be placed through. Segmented supports of the platforms are positioned incrementally from the surface of the base to the platforms. In this manner, the platforms are elevated in a stable manner. At the same time, the bottoms of the grooming product bottles are visible to the user. This means that a user can easily view varying colors of nail polish, etc. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a front view of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a bottom view of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  displays a top view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  exhibits the center wedge of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention with the elevated ramp in the ideal placement. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0014]    The present invention is a grooming station specifically catering to fingernails. It is portable and also is disposable in the preferred embodiment. As we see in  FIG. 1 , the present invention is formed with a structural support ( 5 ) that holds together a base ( 10 ) and curved back wall ( 20 ). The front of the base ( 10 ) is curved in such a manner to wrap around the front of a person&#39;s body or otherwise fit seamlessly on and around a user&#39;s lap. The base ( 10 ) and curved back wall ( 20 ) are preferably made of a sturdy yet light and commonly disposable material such as cardboard. An additional embodiment envisions that the base ( 10 ) and curved back wall ( 20 ) are made of a conventional light plastic that is smooth and conducive to cleaning and wiping. The structural support ( 5 ) is lined around the edges of the base ( 10 ) and curved back wall ( 20 ). In this manner, the structural support ( 5 ) encircles the present invention so that it remains sturdy and supportive and therefore prevents flimsiness. The front of the base ( 10 ) also is formed with a lip ( 30 ) with a raised edge so as to contain a spill. The lip ( 30 ) extends from the structural base ( 5 ). The preferred embodiment of the structural base ( 5 ) and lip ( 30 ) envisions that these elements be composed of a relatively thin metal or hard plastic band that lines the present invention. 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  also shows that the surface of the base ( 10 ) has an elevated ramp ( 40 ) placed at the center of the base ( 10 ). The elevated ramp ( 40 ) angled so that a user can rest his or her hand on the elevated ramp ( 40 ) with the fingers extended. When the fingers are extended, the fingernails will be positioned above the left compartment ( 50 ) and the right compartment ( 60 ). The left compartment ( 50 ) and right compartment ( 60 ) are pockets formed with a depth to hold grooming products that may be heavier or shaped differently than normal bottles. In addition, items such as files and clippers can be rested against or clipped onto the sides of the left compartment ( 50 ) and right compartment ( 60 ). The right compartment ( 60 ) and left compartment ( 50 ) are placed at the rear end of the center of the base ( 10 ) and abutting the center of the curved back wall ( 20 ) to maintain balance as the heavier objects and grooming products are placed within the right compartment ( 60 ) and left compartment ( 50 ) will maintain an optimal and stable center of gravity. The elevated ramp ( 40 ) and the left compartment ( 50 ) and right compartment ( 60 ) are composed of similar material as the base ( 10 ). But the angles and compact nature of these elements result in a condensed attribute that provides more stability and support. This is particularly true for the elevated ramp ( 40 ) because the compact nature of its angles permit the user to rest his or hand on the elevated ramp ( 40 ). 
         [0016]    The curved back wall ( 20 ) is elevated and extends from the base ( 10 ) of which it is connected. The curved back wall ( 20 ) in the preferred embodiment extends higher than the left compartment ( 50 ) and the right compartment ( 60 ). The sides of the curved back wall ( 20 ) gradually lower in height until they reach a meeting point ( 130 ) with the sides of the curved back wall ( 20 ) and the base ( 10 ). In the preferred embodiment, the meeting point ( 130 ) is located adjacent to and also meets the end of the platforms ( 110 ) that are closest to the lip ( 30 ). 
         [0017]    Curving around the curved back wall ( 20 ) is the left platform ( 108 ) and right platform ( 109 ), also referred to herein as platforms ( 110 ). The platforms ( 110 ) are elevated above the surface of the base ( 10 ). Holes ( 90 ) are formed within the platforms ( 110 ) where standard fingernail grooming product bottles can be placed through. While most holes ( 90 ) are standard circumference, it should be noted that the preferred embodiment of the present invention also includes at least one wider hole ( 100 ) so that a wider circumference bottle can be placed through. In addition, the preferred embodiment envisions that the holes ( 90 ) are not necessarily circular, but feature varying shapes and sizes. In this manner, the present invention accommodates varying types of grooming products such as square bottles, etc. It should be noted that the wider hole ( 100 ) of this description is representative of the fact that shapes and sizes of the holes ( 90 ) may vary. 
         [0018]    Segmented supports of the platforms ( 110 ) are positioned incrementally from the surface of the base ( 10 ) to the platforms ( 110 ). In this manner, the platforms ( 110 ) are elevated in a stable manner. At the same time, the bottoms of the grooming product bottles are visible to the user. This means that a user can easily view varying colors of nail polish, etc.  FIG. 1  offers an example of a nail polish bottle ( 150 ) placed within a hole ( 90 ). 
         [0019]    The preferred embodiment of the present invention also includes a left handle and a right handle, hereinafter referred to as handles ( 120 ). The handles ( 120 ) are preferably placed along the sides of the curved back wall ( 20 ).  FIG. 1  offers the additional embodiment of handle flaps ( 125 ) emanating from the handles ( 120 ) so that a user can pop the handle flaps ( 125 ) into their original position for aesthetic or other purposes. 
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is a view of the bottom of the present invention. In one embodiment, each element of the present invention can be fitted into place via slits ( 160 ) cut into the base ( 10 ). In this manner, each platform ( 110 ), left compartment ( 50 ), right compartment ( 60 ), and elevated ramp ( 40 ) will have foldable bottoms ( 170 ) extending at various points on the bottom of these elements of the present invention. The foldable bottoms ( 170 ) in the preferred embodiment of the present invention are preferably of conventional material with properties of being relatively sturdy and tight, so that they remain securely in place after the foldable bottoms ( 170 ) are placed through the slits ( 160 ) and folded flush against the bottom of the base ( 10 ). The foldable bottoms ( 170 ) are configured to match the length and thickness of their corresponding slits ( 160 ). This means that, for example, the foldable bottoms ( 170 ) of the elevated ramp ( 40 ) will only be designated to fit properly into the slits ( 160 ) located at the front center and center of the base ( 10 ). 
         [0021]      FIG. 2  also offers a view of the structural support bottoms ( 180 ). The structural support bottoms ( 180 ) in the preferred embodiment are formed in the same conventional manner as the foldable bottoms ( 170 ). However, the structural support bottoms ( 180 ) extend from the structural support ( 20 ) inward toward the center of the base ( 10 ). As we see in  FIG. 2 , the structural support bottoms ( 180 ) wrap tightly onto the bottom of the base ( 10 ) so as to connect the structural support ( 20 ) to the base ( 10 ). This means that if a user lifted the present invention by the structural support ( 20 ), the entire present invention would remain intact and together, along with any products placed within its confines. The same goes for lifting other elements of the present invention. 
         [0022]    In addition to the preferred embodiment of the present invention outlined above, the present invention is also envisioned in a variety of alternate embodiments. As an alternative to the foldable bottoms ( 170 ) and slits ( 160 ) mentioned above, one embodiment of the present invention preferably employs a plastic or similar polymer to mold the base ( 10 ) and much of the sustaining structure of the present invention, making the present invention more durable. Additionally, the alternate embodiment of the present invention preferably maintains at least one compartment ( 310 ), crafted into the plastic or other polymer. These compartments can be seen in  FIG. 3  on either side—the left compartment ( 310 ) and the right compartment ( 330 ) are fashioned to accept inserts ( 360 ), preferably molded out of a foam-based material, designed to hold bottles of finger nail polish or other nail-related items. These inserts ( 360 ) are similar to the holes ( 90 ) of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, in that the serve a similar function. The inserts ( 360 ) are preferably foam-based so that the foam may compress and form a secure seal around nail polish bottles and other tools. Circular cutouts within the inserts ( 360 ) are designed to snugly secure nail polish bottles in place when not in use. The inserts ( 360 ) may be removed for cleaning or replacement, and it is envisioned that multiple types of inserts ( 360 ) may be configured to fit in the at least one compartment ( 310 ). Other types of inserts ( 360 ) may include those fashioned to securely hold larger-than-average bottles of nail polish, nail polish remover, or other manicure tools or liquids. In this likeness, the present invention is envisioned to be modular. The inserts ( 360 ) are preferably secured within the at least one compartment ( 310 ) via an adhesive or conventional self-adhesive strip. 
         [0023]    It is envisioned that, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, the elevated ramp ( 40 ) is a detachable piece, designed to separate from the base for ease of cleaning and transport. The elevated ramp ( 40 ) can be seen in  FIG. 5  as detached from the primary body of the present invention, as envisioned in an alternate embodiment of the present invention. It is envisioned that the angle of the elevated ramp ( 40 ) may vary in accordance with the desires of the end-user. The elevated ramp ( 40 ) is fashioned to be placed at the center of the base ( 10 ) of the present invention. Alternate embodiments of the present invention preferably maintain the curved back wall ( 20 ) of the preferred embodiment of the present invention; however, it can be envisioned that the back may be squared off instead, preferably with rounded corners to prevent accidental injury to a user. Alternate embodiments of the present invention, as seen in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 5 , may have additional cylindrical inlays ( 300 ) molded into the plastic in order to accommodate additional tools traditionally employed during a manicure. 
         [0024]    Ideally, when in use, the user places his or her hand, with fingers extended, on the elevated ramp ( 40 ) preferably located in the approximate center of the base ( 10 ), preferably of an injection-molded plastic that is resistive to nail polish remover. The elevated ramp is designed to stabilize the hand during the act of painting or filing. The user would then preferably apply a tool or nail polish to the nails. In the event that the user spills any liquids, the base ( 10 ) will catch and contain the spill. In the event that a puddle of liquid is formed on the base ( 10 ), the lip ( 30 ) will ensure that the liquid remains within the confines of the base ( 10 ), ensuring nail polish does not stain flooring or clothing. 
         [0025]    Alternate embodiments of the present invention may also employ at least one platform ( 110 ), preferably found on both sides of the present invention. The at least one platform ( 110 ) is preferably elevated noticeably from the base ( 10 ) of the present invention. The at least one platform ( 110 ) provides compartments, including but not limited to the right compartment ( 330 ), the left compartment ( 310 ) assist the user of the present invention in the organization of his or her manicure supplies, as they provide easily accessible space for storing manicure items securely. The alternate embodiment is preferably fashioned with a lip ( 30 ) that is curved such that it may contour to an individual&#39;s body when the present invention is in use. It is envisioned that the present invention may rest on the user&#39;s lap, or otherwise on a table or floor proximal to the user. Alternate embodiments of the present invention are envisioned to be durable and used multiple times without significant loss of structural integrity over time. It is similarly envisioned that, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, a case or top cover may be crafted to fit over the entirety of the present invention in order to facilitate travel, or simply to better store the present invention when not in use. 
         [0026]    Alternate embodiments of the present invention may also feature an illuminating attachment, to facilitate use of the present invention at night time, or in a room with insufficient lighting. Additionally, it is envisioned that the present invention is available in an assortment of colors and sizes fashioned to appeal to a wide variety of individuals. Other embodiments may feature a more defined lip ( 30 ), such as one greater than ¼ of an inch in height, in order to better contain large spills. Additionally, alternate embodiments of the present invention may feature inserts ( 360 ) that are able to accommodate a vast assortment of bottles of nail polish, which vary both in shape and size. The foam-based insert is preferably designed to contort and compress around a nail polish bottle, ensuring it remains in place, ideally within a gap in the foam-based insert, even as the present invention is in transit. In this manner, the present invention is envisioned as a secure storage compartment for commonly used tools and polishes employed during a manicure. It is envisioned that a specific vacancy within the foam-based insert is designed to facilitate the act of painting one&#39;s nails by securely holding the nail polish bottle in place during use, such that the user need not hold the nail polish bottle in one hand—often the hand on which nails are being painted—and nail polish brush with the other hand. In this manner, the user need not worry about spilling the nail polish on a damageable item such as carpeting or clothing during the act of polishing his or her nails. Additionally, the specific vacancy intended for placing the nail polish bottle currently in use, proximal to the target nails being painted, may also maintain the nail polish bottle at a slight angle, in order to further minimize spillage. The nail polish bottle currently in use would preferably be obtusely angled towards the user. 
         [0027]    It is to be understood that the present invention is a grooming station for nails of user that has an elevated ramp ( 40 ), a curved back wall ( 20 ), a base ( 10 ), and at least one compartment. The elevated ramp ( 40 ) of the grooming station is preferably placed such that it is extending upward in the direction of the curved back wall ( 20 ). Furthermore, the present invention employs at least one insert, preferably foam-based, which is to be placed within the at least one compartment ( 310 ). The at least one insert ( 360 ) has at least one gap, allowing for the placement of nail polish bottles securely within the insert ( 360 ). Additionally, at least one handle ( 120 ) is preferably found on the present invention. The at least one handle ( 120 ) is in communication with the curved back wall ( 20 ). It is similarly envisioned that the present invention maintains at least one compartment ( 310 ) fashioned to accept an assortment of inserts ( 360 ).