Multiple Style Nail Applique

Abstract

A nail appliqué and a method for decorating a natural fingernail or toenail. The nail appliqué generally has a distal end, a proximal end opposite the distal end, a distal decorative portion disposed adjacent the distal end and a proximal decorative portion disposed adjacent the proximal end. The nail appliqué has a length greater than the length of the fingernail or toenail to which the appliqué is to be attached. The distal end has a convex curvature substantially matching the curvature of the cuticle end of the fingernail or toenail to which the appliqué is to be applied and the proximal end has a convex curvature substantially matching the curvature of the distal end such that either the distal end or the proximal end of the appliqué can be applied to the same fingernail or toenail.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to nail appliqués that are applied to natural nails with an adhesive to enhance the cosmetic appearance of the nail, and more particularly to a single nail appliqué that provides multiple style variations.[0002]Artificial nails and nail appliqués have been used for many years to enhance the cosmetic appearance of the fingers and toes. Some individuals opt to use artificial nails because their own nails are too weak to grow to a desirable length without breaking. Others choose artificial nails because they are considerably stronger and more durable than natural nails, and because nail polish adheres better to the artificial nail surface. Some individuals are unhappy with the shape and contour of their natural nail and opt to use an artificial nail to improve the appearance of their nails.[0003]It has been known in the art of adorning the hands to provide ornamental fingernail accessories made from thin, molded p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]In this preferred embodiment, the distal decorative portion has a length defined between the distal end and the central decorative portion and the proximal decorative portion has a length defined between the proximal end and the central decorative portion, wherein both the length of the distal decorative portion and the length of the proximal decorative portion are shorter than the length of the fingernail or toenail to which the appliqué is to be applied. Also, the length of the distal decorative portion is preferably less than the length of the proximal decorative portion.

[0016]In an alternative embodiment, the length of the distal decorative portion is greater than the length of the fingernail or toenail to which the appliqué is to be applied and the length of the proximal decorative portion is less than the length of the fingernail or toenail to which the appliqué is to be applied.

Problems solved by technology

Some individuals opt to use artificial nails because their own nails are too weak to grow to a desirable length without breaking.

Some individuals are unhappy with the shape and contour of their natural nail and opt to use an artificial nail to improve the appearance of their nails.

Moreover, because nail size varies from person to person, it is virtually impossible to design a single nail appliqué that will universally fit every fingernail.

This problem becomes even more aggravated when applying appliqués with French-style manicure designs because both the size of the nail bed and the size of the lunula portion of the nail bed also vary from person to person.

Specifically, it is impossible to provide a single nail appliqué having a French-style manicure design with a nail bed size that will match every wearer.

The obvious problem with these approaches is the increased expense involved and the larger packaging required for providing multiple appliqués per fingernail.

This would naturally disadvantageously affect both consumers who would be required to pay more per package and retailers who would have to stock and display larger packages.

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