Abstract:
An all-in-one manicure and pedicure tool system is described. The system employs a segmented towel equipped with custom sized compartments that correspond to a variety of manicure and pedicure tools. The compartments are sized to securely hold each tool with a corresponding size, and maintain them in a progressive order for use during the process of a manicure or pedicure. The towel is hygienic, as it can be easily washed and reused. The towel is configured to quickly roll up for storage and transport, and is preferably equipped with a cloth carry sack to easily bundle the system together.

Description:
CONTINUITY 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional application of provisional Patent Application No. 62/252,715, filed on Nov. 9, 2015, and priority is claimed thereto. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to salon quality manicure and pedicure tools, and more specifically relates to a set of sanitary manicure and pedicure tools housed within a specially crafted, washable, antibacterial fabric equipped with individually sized pockets configured to specifically house each of the tools, facilitating a progressive system for nail care. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0003]    It is known that individuals often visit specialized nail salons to receive a manicure and/or pedicure for their nails. Customers expect quality work in a quality setting, however, some salons employ sub-par tools, and fail to keep their equipment and working stations clean and sterilized. Ideally, quality salons prepare and sterilize every tool and sanitize working surfaces after use on each customer. 
         [0004]    Unfortunately, it has become common to hear of injuries sustained at salons as a result of poor hygienic cleaning practices. Fungal infections of the fingernail or toenail can occur if quality tools and best practice sterilization/sanitary maintenance is not performed regularly. Additionally, in cases of open wounds or otherwise damaged skin or cuticles, blood-borne problems may also arise. Many of the salons are not properly equipped to sufficiently sterilize manicuring/pedicuring tools and as a result the consumer is exposed to contagious infections and bacteria. 
         [0005]    One look at modern, conventional health or beauty magazines reveals several stories of infections and poorly kept salons which attempt to warn customers about trusting less-than-ideal salons. 
         [0006]    If a hygienic towel were employed as both a tool holder as well as a pedicure/manicure platform, the hands of the user could be prevented from coming into contact with contaminated surfaces. 
         [0007]    Thus, there is a need for a new sanitary manicure and pedicure kit system configured to securely hold all of the tools required to perform a professional manicure and/or pedicure, which is bundled together in a hygienic towel equipped with individual, custom-sized compartments to contain each requisite tool. Such a kit system can be easily sanitized for future use with a conventional washing machine, helping to ensure that the interior of the compartments are restored to sanitary conditions after each use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0008]    Each numbered enclosure on the towel will be in the shape sewn in to fit the tool so the nail technician using the present invention cannot place the tools in the incorrect compartment. The logo of the product kit of the present invention, “Sani˜Sak,” is preferably sewn into the ecologically-friendly organic terry cloth towel, which is equipped with individual compartments for each tool/supply that also acts as a towel. The towel is preferably approximately the size of the nail technician&#39;s station. Therefore, after the station is sanitized and wiped down, the towel is configured to lie on the table top, ensuring that the consumer&#39;s hands only come into contact with the towel. 
         [0009]    Additionally, it is envisioned that the present invention comes bundled with a Professional DVD or other video made to explain and educate the consumer on how and why they need to use the present invention, including easy-to-follow sterilization procedures, and detailing how the nail technician should be using the kit effectively. Namely, it is important that the present invention does not become contaminated, which can lead to infections. It is envisioned that the owner of the present invention would bring the kit of the present invention to the salon, and ensure that the nail technician solely employ the tools of the present invention on the customer. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The present invention will be better understood with reference to the appended drawing sheets, wherein: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  displays the kit system of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in an unrolled state. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a flow chart of the process of use of the present invention for a manicure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  exhibits a flow chart detailing the process of use of the present invention for a pedicure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  exhibits a flow chart detailing the process of use of the present invention for use with acrylic nails. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  displays the manicure/pedicure tools of the present invention, laid out for the manicure and pedicure embodiment of the present invention, as well as the acrylic tool set of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0016]    The present invention is an all-in-one sanitary manicure and pedicure tool kit system. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a towel ( 10 ) and a carry sack ( 40 ). The towel ( 10 ) is preferably fashioned of organic, ecologically friendly fabric, and is preferably equipped with a logo embroidered on the inside fold. The towel ( 10 ) of the present invention is preferably made in the United States. Some embodiments of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention may be equipped with an antibacterial chemical coating. The towel ( 10 ) is equipped with compartments ( 20 ) configured to hold manicure/pedicure tools ( 30 ). The compartments ( 20 ) are preferably sized according to the size tool to be held in each compartment ( 20 ), and are preferably disposed in a progressive order such that, during the process of giving a manicure or pedicure, the nail technician can move linearly along the towel ( 10 ), employing each of the manicure/pedicure tools ( 30 ) in order as needed. 
         [0017]    The towel ( 10 ) and the carry sack ( 40 ) preferably have a rustic look to provide a classic, unisex appearance. It is envisioned that the present invention is suited for use on any individual, although the product is preferably targeted at women clients. The present invention is preferably available in multiple embodiments, having a variation on the type of manicure/pedicure tools ( 30 ) presented in each embodiment. The first embodiment of the present invention, shown in  FIG. 1 , is a standard manicuring and pedicuring kit configured for use on clients that only purchase the basic services. It should be understood that the present invention is envisioned to be purchased by the customer/client, who may then bring the purchased kit of the present invention to any salon, and instruct them to use the system of the present invention to perform his or her job. 
         [0018]    This first embodiment of the present invention contains the maximum number of tools needed for manicures and pedicures, including the following tools as shown in  FIG. 5 : 
         [0019]    1. Toe and finger nail clippers 
         [0020]    2. Nail file (preferably a sanitize-able nail or pedi-file with replaceable grits) 
         [0021]    3. Fingers soaking bowl and nail brush 
         [0022]    4. Cuticle pusher 
         [0023]    5. Cuticle nipper 
         [0024]    6. Liquid Antiseptic 
         [0025]    7. Callus Pedi File 
         [0026]    8. Nail buffer 
         [0027]    9. Dust brush 
         [0028]    10. Toe separators 
         [0029]    11. Replaceable Grit(s) for nail file 
         [0030]    12. Plastic disposable liners for pedicure bowl (not shown) 
         [0031]    13. Disposable gloves (not shown) 
         [0032]    14. Antibacterial hand sanitizer (not shown) 
         [0033]    15. Antibacterial wipes (not shown) 
         [0034]    16. Small bottle of EPA registered antimicrobial solution (not shown) 
         [0035]    The second embodiment of the present invention is not only for serving clients requesting the basic services, but also for acrylic and gel clients. As such, the second embodiment of the present invention is equipped with additional tools and supplies configured for use with acrylic and gel-based nails. These additions to the manicure/pedicure tools ( 30 ) of the present invention include: 
         [0036]    16. Liquid and powder dappen containers 
         [0037]    17. Acrylic nail files 
         [0038]    18. Acrylic nippers 
         [0039]    19. Nail forms 
         [0040]    20. Sand paper bands 
         [0041]    21. Drill bits (including bit for sand paper bands) 
         [0042]    22. Acrylic brush 
         [0043]    23. Gel brush 
         [0044]    24. Pink and white acrylic shaper 
         [0045]    The process of use (for a manicure) of the present invention, as depicted in  FIG. 2 , is preferably as follows: 
         [0046]    1. A customer enters the nail salon, with the present invention in-hand via the carry sack ( 40 ), seeking a manicure. ( 100 ) 
         [0047]    2. The nail technician sanitizes his or her station thoroughly with antibacterial wipes, and dries the workstation by wiping it down with a clean paper towel. ( 110 ) 
         [0048]    3. The nail technician sanitizes his or her hands with the antibacterial hand sanitizer and puts on a pair of disposable gloves from the carry sack ( 40 ) of the present invention. ( 120 ) 
         [0049]    4. The nail technician opens the carry sack ( 40 ) of the present invention, pulls out the towel ( 10 ) containing the manicure/pedicure tools ( 30 ), and unrolls the towel across the nail workstation. ( 130 ) 
         [0050]    5. The towel is stretched out flat over the workstation, ideally encompassing the entirety of the workstation surface. ( 140 ) 
         [0051]    6. The customer places his or her first hand on the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention. ( 150 ) 
         [0052]    7. The nail technician retrieves the toe and fingernail clippers from the toe and fingernail clippers compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention, and clips the nails of the customer. ( 160 ) 
         [0053]    8. The nail technician places the toe and fingernail clippers back into the toe and fingernails compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention. ( 170 ) 
         [0054]    9. The nail technician retrieves the nail file from the nail file compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention, and files the nails of the customer. ( 180 ) Grit of the nail file is replaced if necessary. 
         [0055]    10. The nail technician prepares the finger soaking bowl, and soaks the fingers of the customer. ( 190 ) 
         [0056]    11. After the skin is loosened via the soaking bowl, the nail technician retrieves the cuticle pusher from the cuticle pusher compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention, and pushes back the cuticles of the customer. ( 200 ) 
         [0057]    12. The nail technician places the cuticle pusher back into the cuticle pusher compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention. ( 210 ) 
         [0058]    13. The nail technician retrieves the cuticle nipper from the cuticle nipper compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention, and snips the cuticles of the customer as needed. ( 220 ) 
         [0059]    14. The nail technician places the cuticle nipper back into the cuticle nipper compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention. ( 230 ) 
         [0060]    15. If in the case of the nail technician accidently cutting the customers cuticle area too deep, the small bottle of EPA registered antimicrobial is applied as an antiseptic, which is included in the kit as a precaution. 
         [0061]    16. The nail technician retrieves the nail buffer from the carry sack ( 40 ) of the present invention and buffs the nails of the customer. ( 240 ) 
         [0062]    17. The nail technician places the nail buffer back into the carry sack ( 40 ) of the present invention. ( 250 ) 
         [0063]    18. The nail technician retrieves the dust brush from the carry sack ( 40 ) of the present invention, and brushes the dust from the nails of the customer. ( 260 ) 
         [0064]    19. The nail technician paints the nails of the customer. ( 270 ) 
         [0065]    20. The nail technician instructs the customer to dry the nails in a dryer. ( 280 ) 
         [0066]    The process of use (for a pedicure) of the present invention, as depicted in  FIG. 3 , is preferably as follows: 
         [0067]    1. A customer enters the nail salon, with a carry sack ( 40 ) of the present invention, seeking a pedicure. ( 300 ) 
         [0068]    2. The nail technician sanitizes his or her station thoroughly with antibacterial wipes, and dries the workstation by wiping it down with a clean paper towel. ( 310 ) 
         [0069]    3. The nail technician sanitizes his or her hands with the antibacterial hand sanitizer and puts on a pair of disposable gloves from the carry sack ( 40 ) of the present invention. ( 320 ) 
         [0070]    4. The nail technician opens the carry sack ( 40 ) of the present invention, pulls out the towel ( 10 ) containing the manicure/pedicure tools ( 30 ), and unrolls the towel across the nail workstation. ( 330 ) 
         [0071]    5. The towel is stretched out flat over the workstation, ideally encompassing the entirety of the workstation surface. ( 340 ) 
         [0072]    6. The nail technician retrieves a plastic liner from the carry sack ( 40 ) of the present invention. He or she places the plastic liner in the pedicure tub securely, fills it with fresh soap and water, and soaks the feet of the customer. ( 350 ) 
         [0073]    7. The nail technician retrieves the toe and fingernail clippers from the toe and fingernail clippers compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention, and clips the toenails of the customer. ( 360 ) 
         [0074]    8. The nail technician places the toe and fingernail clippers back into the toe and fingernails compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention. ( 370 ) 
         [0075]    9. The nail technician retrieves the nail file from the nail file compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention, and files the toenails of the customer. ( 380 ) Grit of the nail file is replaced if necessary. 
         [0076]    10. The nail technician places the feet back into the lined tub, and soaks the feet of the customer again. ( 390 ) 
         [0077]    11. The nail technician retrieves the cuticle pusher from the cuticle pusher compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention, and pushes back the cuticles of the customer. ( 400 ) 
         [0078]    12. The nail technician places the cuticle pusher back into the cuticle pusher compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention. ( 410 ) 
         [0079]    13. The nail technician retrieves the cuticle nipper from the cuticle nipper compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention, and snips the cuticles of the customer as needed. ( 420 ) 
         [0080]    14. The nail technician places the cuticle nipper back into the cuticle nipper compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention. ( 430 ) 
         [0081]    15. If in the case of the nail technician accidently cutting the customers cuticle area too deep the small bottle of EPA registered antimicrobial solution is preferably applied to the area as an antiseptic. 
         [0082]    16. The nail technician retrieves the nail buffer from the carry sack ( 40 ) of the present invention, and buffs the toenails of the customer. ( 440 ) 
         [0083]    17. The nail technician places the nail buffer back into the carry sack ( 40 ) of the present invention. ( 450 ) 
         [0084]    18. The nail technician retrieves the callus pedi-file from the callus pedi-file compartment and proceeds to sluff off the calluses of the customer. ( 460 ) 
         [0085]    19. The nail technician removes the disposable grit portion of the callus pedi file and discards it and places the callus pedi-file back into the callus pedi-file compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention. ( 470 ) 
         [0086]    20. The nail technician retrieves the dust brush from the carry sack ( 40 ) of the present invention, and brushes the dust from the nails of the customer. ( 480 ) 
         [0087]    21. The nail technician removes the toe separators from the toe separators compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention, and places them between the customer&#39;s toes. ( 490 ) 
         [0088]    22. The nail technician paints the toenails of the customer. ( 500 ) 
         [0089]    The process of use (for acrylic/gel nails) of the present invention, as depicted in  FIG. 4 , is preferably as follows: 
         [0090]    1. A customer enters the nail salon, with a carry sack ( 40 ) of the present invention, seeking acrylic nails. ( 510 ) 
         [0091]    2. The nail technician sanitizes his or her station thoroughly with antibacterial wipes, and dries the workstation by wiping it down with a clean paper towel. ( 520 ) 
         [0092]    3. The nail technician sanitizes his or her hands with the antibacterial hand sanitizer and puts on a pair of disposable gloves from the carry sack ( 40 ) of the present invention. ( 530 ) 
         [0093]    4. The nail technician opens the carry sack ( 40 ) of the present invention, pulls out the towel ( 10 ) containing the manicure/pedicure tools ( 30 ), and unrolls the towel across the nail workstation. ( 540 ) 
         [0094]    5. The towel is stretched out flat over the workstation, ideally encompassing the entirety of the workstation surface. ( 550 ) 
         [0095]    6. The customer places his or her first hand on the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention. (560) 
         [0096]    7. The nail technician retrieves the nail file from the nail file compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention, and files the nails of the customer. ( 570 ) 
         [0097]    8. The nail technician retrieves the drill bit of choice from the drill bit compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention, and places it in her drill and shapes the customers existing acrylic nails. ( 580 ) 
         [0098]    9. The nail technician places the drill bit back into the drill bit compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention. ( 590 ) 
         [0099]    10. The nail technician determines if the acrylic nail nippers or the nail clippers are needed and retrieves them from their compartments of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention, and clips or nips the acrylic nails. ( 600 ) 
         [0100]    11. The nail technician places the acrylic nippers and nail clippers back into their compartments of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention. ( 610 ) 
         [0101]    12. The nail technician retrieves the two dappen containers from the carry sack ( 40 ) of the present invention, and fills them with fresh acrylic powder and liquid. ( 620 ) 
         [0102]    13. The nail technician retrieves the acrylic brush from the carry sack ( 40 ) and uses it to apply fresh acrylic to the customer&#39;s nails. ( 630 ) 
         [0103]    14. The nail technician retrieves and can opt to use the pink and white shaper tool from the pink and white shaper tool compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention, to shape the acrylic. ( 640 ) 
         [0104]    15. The nail technician places the pink and white shaper back into the pink and white shaper compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention. ( 650 ) 
         [0105]    16. The nail technician retrieves and can opt to use the forms from the forms compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention, to shape the acrylic. ( 660 ) 
         [0106]    17. The nail technician places the form back into the forms compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention. ( 670 ) 
         [0107]    18. The nail technician retrieves a sand paper band from the sand paper band compartment and the sand paper drill bit from the drill bit compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention, and sands the top of the acrylic nails. ( 680 ) 
         [0108]    19. The nail technician removes the sand paper band from the drill bit and discards it. The nail technician places the drill bit back into the drill bit compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention. ( 690 ) 
         [0109]    20. The nail technician retrieves the dust brush from the carry sack ( 40 ) of the present invention, and brushes the dust from the nails of the customer. ( 700 ) 
         [0110]    21. The nail technician retrieves the gel brush from the gel brush compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention, and applies gel to the acrylic nails. ( 710 ) 
         [0111]    22. The nail technician cleans the gel brush and places it back into the gel brush compartment of the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention. ( 720 ) 
         [0112]    23. The nail technician instructs the customer to dry the nails in a dryer. ( 730 ) 
         [0113]    Alternate embodiments of the present invention include variations on the color, texture, and material employed to fashion the manicure/pedicure tools ( 30 ), as well as the size of the manicure/pedicure tools ( 30 ). It is envisioned that only high quality equipment is used as the manicure/pedicure tools ( 30 ) of the present invention. 
         [0114]    It should be noted that the present invention amounts to a procedural management kit, which disposes the manicure/pedicure tools ( 30 ) in a specific, procedural arrangement to expedite and facilitate use during a pedicure or manicure. 
         [0115]    It should be noted that the towel ( 10 ) of the present invention may be washed by the user before or after use, however the preferred embodiment of the present invention is preferably equipped with an antibacterial solution, which is preferably configured to remain on the towel ( 10 ) for approximately 50 washes. The present invention should not be left at the salon, as contamination could occur. The option to wash the present invention is left to the discretion of the owner. 
         [0116]    Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the scope of this application. 
         [0117]    The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.