Artificial nail system and application method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses an artificial nail system and a method of applying the same, and particularly relates to a mechanically coupled nail tip comprising a base and a tip. The base is attached to a natural nail by an adhesive, and the nail tip is attached to the base by a mechanical coupling. Since the nail tip is mechanically held rather than by an adhesive, the nail tip can be easily snapped onto and disengaged from the base.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present specification generally relates to an artificial nail system, and more particularly to a mechanically coupled nail tip. BACKGROUND

[0002] An artificial nail tip is a tip that can be applied to a person's nail and can have the appearance and feel of a person's natural nail. Artificial nail tips have been used as an alternative to painting fingernails and / or for people who need to grow and maintain longer natural nails. Artificial nail tips are typically applied and held with an adhesive and can be provided with a pre-applied color or provide a base on which to apply nail polish or gel color. Artificial nail tips are often used to convey a sense of fashion and as a personal accessory.

[0003] Conventional artificial nail tips are implemented in such a way that the artificial nail tip is not easily removed and is intended to remain on the natural nail for as long as possible. As such, the more conventional nail tips are not conducive to frequent changes if, for example, a user wishes to match the nail tip to different attire or occasions. Doing so with conventional nail tip systems would be very costly or time consuming or both. Additionally, conventional press-on nails are a single use product and are then discarded. While the nail tips can be reused, the process of removing the nail is resource intensive and can potentially damage the nail tip, so the nail tips are typically not reused, which can increase waste. SUMMARY

[0004] The present embodiments include a mechanically coupled nail tip that includes a base and a tip. The base is attached to a natural nail with an adhesive, and the tip is attached to the base with a mechanical coupling. Because the tip is mechanically held rather than by an adhesive, the tip can be easily snapped on and off of the base. Features of the base interact with features of the tip in order to securely hold the tip with a natural appearance. As such, switching nail tips using the present embodiments can be quick and easy. When the ease of changing nail tips is significantly increased, the nail tips can be optimized for any and every occasion. The color or style of the nail tip can be changed at the user's whim without the hassle and time consuming process of conventional systems.

[0005] According to embodiments, a artificial nail system is provided. The artificial nail system includes a base including a base top side, a base bottom side, and one or more first mechanical features configured to receive corresponding one or more second mechanical features on a nail piece. The base bottom side is configured to attach to a natural nail and to the nail piece, which includes a nail piece top side, a nail piece bottom side, and the corresponding one or more second mechanical features. The one or more second mechanical features of the nail piece cooperate with the one or more first mechanical features of the base to fit together to couple the nail piece to the base such that the nail piece bottom side is attached to the base top side such that there is no relative movement between the base and the nail piece after attachment. The nail piece completely covers the base when attached to the base such that the base is no longer visible.

[0006] In some embodiments, the one or more first mechanical features and the one or more second mechanical features each have a width that is less than a width of the base.

[0007] In some embodiments, the one or more first mechanical features are positioned on the base top side and the one or more second mechanical features are positioned on the nail piece bottom side.

[0008] In some embodiments, the one or more first mechanical features and the one or more second mechanical features are positioned off a central longitudinal axis of the artificial nail system.

[0009] In some embodiments, the one or more first mechanical features include base tracks.

[0010] In some embodiments, the one or more second mechanical features include nail piece tracks.

[0011] In some embodiments, the one or more first mechanical features of the base slide into the one or more second mechanical features of the nail piece.

[0012] In some embodiments, the one or more first mechanical features of the base continue to slide into the one or more second mechanical features of the nail piece until the base is completely covered by the nail piece, at which point the sliding ends.

[0013] In some embodiments, the base top side includes a base recess and the nail piece bottom side includes a nail piece protrusion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the nail piece protrusion has the same volume as the space in the base recess.

[0015] In some embodiments, the nail piece protrusion snaps into the base recess to further couple the nail piece to the base.

[0016] In some embodiments, the one or more first mechanical features and the one or more second mechanical features are positioned along a central longitudinal axis of the artificial nail system.

[0017] In some embodiments, one or more first mechanical features include one or more ridges.

[0018] In some embodiments, one or more ridges include protrusions and bosses.

[0019] In some embodiments, the protrusion is an upward protrusion that extends upward from the top side of the base toward the bottom side of the plate.

[0020] In some embodiments, one or more second mechanical features include one or more grooves on the underside of the plate, the grooves being configured to snap onto an upward protrusion to secure the plate to the base.

[0021] In some embodiments, one or more first ridges further include a downward projection that extends from the base side toward the natural nail.

[0022] In some embodiments, the boss includes two raised sides along the longitudinal axis of the artificial nail system to attach the nail plate to the base.

[0023] In some embodiments, one or more second mechanical features snap onto one or more first mechanical features to attach together.

[0024] In some embodiments, the base underside is configured to receive an adhesive that is applied to attach the base underside to the natural nail.

[0025] In some embodiments, the adhesive is a gel sticker.

[0026] In some embodiments, the adhesive is a peeling gel or nail glue.

[0027] In some embodiments, the adhesive is a no-wipe peel gel.

[0028] In some embodiments, there is no gap between the plate and the base when the plate is attached to the base.

[0029] In some embodiments, the base is made of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) material, and the sheet is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic material or PMMA material.

[0030] In some embodiments, the nail plate includes one of a set of interchangeable decorative nail plates.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first plate can be detached from the base, and the second plate can be attached to the base, and the first plate can be attached to the second base.

[0032] In some embodiments, the size of the base and the nail plate varies based on the fingernail to which the base and the nail plate are intended.

[0033] In some embodiments, one or more first mechanical features and one or more second mechanical features vary in size, shape and / or design based on the size of the base and the armor plate.

[0034] In some embodiments, the box includes pairs of bases and nail plates of different sizes, wherein these pairs correspond to different fingernails or toenails.

[0035] According to an embodiment, a method for applying an artificial nail system is provided. The method includes attaching a base to a natural nail, wherein the base includes one or more first mechanical features and has a top side and a bottom side, and wherein the bottom side of the base contacts the natural nail. The method includes attaching a nail tip to the base, wherein the nail tip includes one or more second mechanical features and has a top side and a bottom side, wherein the one or more second mechanical features of the nail tip cooperate with one or more first mechanical features of the base to attach the nail tip to the base such that the bottom side of the nail tip contacts the top side of the base, such that there is no relative movement between the base and the nail tip after attachment, and wherein, when attached to the base, the nail tip completely covers the base, making the base no longer visible.

[0036] In some embodiments, one or more second mechanical features snap onto one or more first mechanical features to attach together.

[0037] In some embodiments, one or more first mechanical features include a base track on the top side of the base, and one or more second mechanical features include a plate track on the bottom side of the plate.

[0038] In some embodiments, attaching the plate to the base includes connecting one edge of one or more edges of the base to one of one or more tracks on the underside of the plate.

[0039] In some embodiments, one or more first mechanical features include one or more ridges, and one or more second mechanical features include one or more grooves.

[0040] In some embodiments, attaching the plate to the base includes connecting one of one or more ridges on the top side of the base to one of one or more grooves on the bottom side of the plate.

[0041] In some embodiments, removing the plate from the base includes applying force to one or more first mechanical features.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first plate is detached from the base and a second plate is attached to the base and the first plate is attached to the second base.

[0043] In some embodiments, the top side of the base includes a base recess, and the bottom side of the plate includes a plate protrusion.

[0044] In some embodiments, the protruding portion of the apron has the same volume as the space in the recessed portion of the base.

[0045] In some embodiments, attaching the plate to the base further includes snapping the plate protrusion into the base recess. Attached Figure Description

[0046] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments and explain these embodiments together with the specification. Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts, and in the drawings:

[0047] FIG. 1A A top view of the base according to an embodiment is shown.

[0048] FIG. 1B A left-side view of the base according to an embodiment is shown.

[0049] FIG. 1C A right-side view of the base according to an embodiment is shown.

[0050] FIG. 1D A view facing the upper edge of the base according to an embodiment is shown.

[0051] FIG. 1E A view facing the lower edge of the base according to an embodiment is shown.

[0052] FIG. 2A An oblique view of the top side of the base according to an embodiment is shown.

[0053] FIG. 2B An oblique view of the base bottom side according to an embodiment is shown.

[0054] FIG. 3A A top view of the axle according to an embodiment is shown.

[0055] FIG. 3B A left-side view of the axle according to an embodiment is shown.

[0056] FIG. 3C A right-side view of the axle according to an embodiment is shown.

[0057] FIG. 3D A view facing the upper edge of the apron according to an embodiment is shown.

[0058] FIG. 3E A view facing the lower edge of the apron according to an embodiment is shown.

[0059] FIG. 3F A bottom view of the axle according to an embodiment is shown.

[0060] FIG. 4A An oblique view of the top side of the axle according to an embodiment is shown.

[0061] FIG. 4B An oblique view of the bottom side of the axle according to an embodiment is shown.

[0062] FIG. 5A The process of attaching the armor plate to the base according to an embodiment is demonstrated.

[0063] FIG. 5B A plate attached to the base according to an embodiment is shown.

[0064] FIG. 6A A top view of the attached armor plate and base according to an embodiment is shown.

[0065] FIG. 6B The following is illustrated according to the embodiments. FIG. 6A The side view of the attached plate and base, taken from section A-A'.

[0066] FIG. 6C A bottom view of the attached armor plate and base according to an embodiment is shown.

[0067] FIG. 7A An inclined top view of the base according to the second embodiment is shown.

[0068] FIG. 7B An inclined bottom view of the base according to the second embodiment is shown.

[0069] FIG. 8 An oblique bottom view of the axle according to the second embodiment is shown.

[0070] FIG. 9A An oblique top view of the attached armor plate and base according to the second embodiment is shown.

[0071] FIG. 9B A bottom view of the attached armor plate and base according to the second embodiment is shown.

[0072] FIG. 9C The second embodiment is shown along the path as shown. FIG. 9B The attached plate and base are shown in the cross-sectional view of B-B'.

[0073] FIG. 9D The second embodiment is shown along the path as shown. FIG. 9B The attached armor plate and base are shown in the cross-sectional view of C-C'.

[0074] FIG. 10 A method for applying an artificial system according to an embodiment is shown.

[0075] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B A top view of the base according to the third embodiment is shown.

[0076] FIG. 11C to FIG. 11D An inclined top view of the base according to the third embodiment is shown.

[0077] FIG. 11E A left-side view of the base according to the third embodiment is shown.

[0078] FIG. 11F A view facing the upper edge of the base according to the third embodiment is shown.

[0079] FIG. 12A A bottom view of the armor plate according to the third embodiment is shown.

[0080] FIG. 12B An oblique view of the bottom side of the axle according to the third embodiment is shown.

[0081] FIG. 12C to FIG. 12D A bottom view of the armor plate according to the third embodiment is shown.

[0082] FIG. 12E A left-side view of the axle according to the third embodiment is shown.

[0083] FIG. 12F A view facing the upper edge of the apron according to the third embodiment is shown.

[0084] FIG. 13A A top view of the base according to the fourth embodiment is shown.

[0085] FIG. 13B A bottom view of the armor plate according to the fourth embodiment is shown.

[0086] feature: 1. Base 2. Left edge of the base 2A Base Left Orbit 3. Right edge of the base 3A Base Right Track 4. Upper edge of the base 5. Lower edge of the base 6. Base top side 7. Base of the half-moon 8. Base bottom side 10 nail plates 12. Left edge of the nail plate 12A Plate Left Track 13 Right edge of the axle 13A Plate Left Track 14. Upper edge of the tortoise shell 15. Lower edge of the nail plate 16. Top side of the axle 17. Luminous tip of the nail. 18. Underside of the toe plate 30. Central longitudinal axis 100 base 102 Left edge of base 103 Right edge of the base 104 Base upper edge 105 Lower edge of base 106 Base top side 107A Base upward protrusion 107B Base downward protrusion 108 Base bottom side 109A Base Boss 109B Base elevation side 110 nail plates 112 Left edge of the nail plate 113 Right edge of the axle 114 Upper edge of the armor plate 115 Lower edge of the nail plate 116 Top side of the armor plate 117A Armor Plate Groove 118. Underside of the axle plate 119A Rectangular Space of Plate A 119B Plate Wall 130 Central longitudinal axis 1000 methods 200 base 202 Base left edge 202A Base Left Orbit 203 Right edge of the base 203A Base Right Orbit 204 Base upper edge 205 Lower edge of base 206 Base top side 208 Base bottom side 209 Basal recess h 200 Base height w 200 Width of base h 209 height of base recess h 202 Height of the left edge of the base w202 Width of the left edge of the base t 209 Thickness of base recess r 209 The radius of the circle formed by the curvature of the concave base d 202 Distance from the left edge of the base to the base recess t 202 Thickness of the left edge of the base 210 nail plates 212 Left edge of the nail plate 212A Plate Left Track 213 Right edge of the axle 213A Plate Right Track 214 Upper edge of the nail plate 215 Lower edge of the nail plate 216 Top side of the axle 218. Underside of the nail plate. 219 Protruding part of the armor plate 220 stop component h 210 Height of the armor plate w 210 width of the nail plate h 219 Height of the protruding part of the armor plate w 219 Width of the protruding part of the nail plate h 213A Height of the right track of the armor plate w top The width between the tops of the armor plate tracks w bot The width between the bottoms of the plate tracks w 212A Width of the left track of the armor plate pw 219 Width of the protruding part of the armor plate as seen from the left side view of the armor plate. t 219 Thickness of the protruding part of the armor plate r 219 The radius of the circle formed by the curvature of the protruding part of the armor plate d 212A Lateral distance between the top and bottom of the left track of the armor plate t 212A Thickness of the left track of the armor plate 300 base 302A Base Left Orbit 303A base right track 304 base upper edge 305 Lower edge of base 306 Base top side 309A First base recess 309B Second base recess 310 nail plate 312 Left edge of the nail plate 312A Plate Left Track 313 Right edge of the axle 313A Plate Right Track 314 Upper edge of the nail plate 315 Lower edge of the nail plate 318 Underside of the nail plate 319A First Plate Protrusion 319B Second Plate Protrusion 320 stop component Detailed Implementation

[0087] Artificial nail tips are nail tips that can be applied to a person's nails. They have been used as an alternative to painting fingernails and / or to make natural nails grow longer. Artificial nail tips are easy to use and are typically available in a single solid color or multiple colors. They are often used to convey a sense of style and can also be used as an accessory.

[0088] Traditional artificial nail tips are designed to prevent them from falling off easily and to remain on natural nails for as long as possible. However, this more conventional approach makes frequent replacement difficult if, for example, the user wants to match the nail tips to different outfits or occasions. Doing so with a conventional nail tip system would be very expensive, time-consuming, or both. Furthermore, conventional press-on nails are single-use products and are then discarded. While nail tips can be reused, the removal process is resource-intensive and can potentially damage the tips, so they are generally not reused, potentially increasing waste. Therefore, improvements to existing systems are needed to address these drawbacks.

[0089] In this embodiment, the mechanically attached nail tip includes a base and a tip. The base is attached to the natural nail with an adhesive, and the tip is attached to the base via a mechanical connection. Because the tip is held in place mechanically rather than with an adhesive, it can easily snap onto and detach from the base. The mechanical features of the base interact with the mechanical features of the tip to securely hold the tip in a natural appearance. Therefore, switching nail tips using this embodiment can be quick and easy. With the significantly increased ease of changing nail tips, the tips can be optimized for any occasion. By providing mechanically attached nail tips, any color or style of nail tip can be worn at any time. Nail tips can be frequently changed to suit different occasions, and the tips can be reused indefinitely.

[0090] The first embodiment of the mechanically connected nail plate will now be described. FIG. 1A to FIG. 1E and FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B The base 1 of a mechanically connected nail plate according to an embodiment is shown. According to the embodiment, FIG. 1A A top view of base 1 is shown. FIG. 1B The left-side view of base 1 is shown. FIG. 1C The right-side view of base 1 is shown. FIG. 1D The view shown is oriented towards the upper edge of the base. FIG. 1E A view facing the lower edge of the base is shown. Further, according to an embodiment, FIG. 2A An oblique view of the top side of the base is shown. FIG. 2B An oblique view of the bottom side of the base is shown. As a result, FIG. 1A to FIG. 1E and FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B Various angles and views of base 1 are shown.

[0091] The base 1 is shaped like a natural nail, allowing it to fit snugly against the natural nail. In some embodiments, this snug fit can be a fit that reduces or eliminates the gap between the natural nail and the base 1 throughout the base 1. The base 1 has a left base edge 2 on its left side and a right base edge 3 on its right side. The base 1 curves downwards, making it the highest point in the middle longitudinally and the lowest point at the base edges 2 and 3. FIG. 1D and FIG. 1E This shows that the base 1 is convex when viewed from the front. The left edge 2 and the right edge 3 of the base are directly above the left track 2A and the right track 3A of the base, respectively. FIG. 1A The top view does not distinguish between the base edge and the base track because they are in the same vertical plane. However, FIG. 1B to FIG. 1E The vertical gaps between the base tracks 2A and 3A and the base edges 2 and 3 are shown respectively. The left base track 2A and the right base track 3A are mechanical features used to connect the base 1 to the plate 10 (see [reference]). FIG. 5A to FIG. 5BThe spacing between the base tracks 2A and 3A and the base edges 2 and 3 allows the mechanical features of the plate 10 to be inserted into the base 1 and snapped into place. The left base track 2A and the right base track 3A are straight edges fitted into the mechanical features of the plate 10. The lower sides of the base tracks 2A and 3A facing the base edges 2 and 3 are the base track sides that engage the mechanical features of the plate 10. The mechanical features of the plate 10 will be described below.

[0092] Additionally, the base 1 has an upper base edge 4 and a lower base edge 5. The upper base edge 4 is substantially straight from the left base edge 2 to the right base edge 3, while the lower base edge 5 is rounded to conform to the wearer's skin shape. Furthermore, the base 1 has a top base side 6 on its front side. The top base side 6 also includes a basal lunula 7 that mimics the lunula of a natural nail (not shown). FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C As shown, base tracks 2A and 3A are positioned on the top side 6 of the base and extend from the upper edge 4 of the base, continuing downwards to the lunula 7 of the base. Base tracks 2A and 3A do not extend all the way down to the lower edge 5 of the base. Edges 2 and 3 are straight and slightly curved at the lower edge 5 of the base. On the other side of the top side 6 of the base is the bottom side 8 of the base, which is attached to the natural nail. The bottom side 8 of the base and / or the nail is coated with adhesive to attach the base 1 to the nail. The shape of the base 1 is similar to that of the natural nail, as the base 1 will be attached to the natural nail. However, the base 1 does not cover the entire width of the nail. The edges of the nail in the width direction are not covered by the base 1 and remain exposed. A portion of the nail is left exposed for the nail tip 10. This space allows the nail tip 10 to rest on the nail and be attached to the base 1.

[0093] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3F and FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B A nail plate 10 with a mechanically connected nail tip according to an embodiment is shown. According to the embodiment, FIG. 3A A top view of plate 10 is shown. FIG. 3B The left side view of plate 10 is shown. FIG. 3C The right-side view of plate 10 is shown. FIG. 3D The view shown is oriented towards the top edge of the armor plate. FIG. 3E A view facing the lower edge of the apron is shown, and according to an embodiment, FIG. 3F A bottom view of plate 10 is shown. Further, according to an embodiment, FIG. 4A This shows a slanted view of the top side of the armor plate. FIG. 4B An oblique view of the bottom side of the axle is shown.

[0094] Plate 10 has a left edge 12 on its left side and a right edge 13 on its right side. Plate 10 curves downwards such that it is centered on the longitudinal axis (see...). FIG. 6AThe highest point is at point 1, and the lowest point is at points 12 and 13 on the edge of the plate. FIG. 3D and FIG. 3E The nail plate 10 is shown to be convex when viewed from the front. The nail plate 10 has the same shape as the base 1, allowing for a tight fit when attached to the base 1. Further, the nail plate 10 has an upper edge 14 at its free end and a lower edge 15 at its nail bed end. The free end is the end of the nail plate 10 that does not contact the finger when attached. The nail bed end, on the other hand, is the portion of the nail plate 10 that contacts the cuticle of the finger when attached. The nail plate 10 has a top side 16 visible when on the fingernail. A portion of the top side 16 includes a lunula 17 that mimics the lunula of a natural nail. The other side of the nail plate 10 is a bottom side 18, which is mostly hidden and not visible when on the nail. The only visible portion of the bottom side 18 when the nail plate 10 is on the nail is the area not covered by the base 1, such as... FIG. 5B As shown. On the bottom side 18 of the plate are the left plate track 12A and the right plate track 13A along the edge of the plate 10. Plate tracks 12A and 13A are mechanical features that cooperate with the base mechanical features (base tracks 2A and 3A) to attach the plate 10 to the base 1. The top sides of plate tracks 12A and 13A facing the bottom side 18 of the plate are the plate track sides that engage the mechanical features of the base 1. Details of the mechanical features of the base 1 have been described above. Plate tracks 12A and 13A face inwards towards the central longitudinal axis 30 of the plate 10 (see...). FIG. 6A The left track 12A of the plate is positioned on the rear side of the left edge 12 of the plate, and the right track 13A of the plate is positioned on the rear side of the right edge 13 of the plate. The tracks 12A and 13A of the plate begin around the midpoint between the upper edge 14 and the lower edge 15 of the plate and continue to the crescent 17 of the plate.

[0095] Next, the use of a mechanically attached nail tip will be described. First, the base 1 is attached to the natural nail using an adhesive. The base 1 is attached to the natural nail with its lower edge 5 contacting the nail cuticle. Since the base 1 is shaped like the natural nail, it conforms to the shape of the natural nail. There is no open space between the base 1 and the natural nail because the base 1 follows the contour of the natural nail. Furthermore, the base 1 does not extend beyond the free end of the natural nail. The base 1 does not extend across the entire width of the natural nail. This allows the nail tip 10 to easily snap into the base 1 during attachment, as will be explained below. A portion of the nail is left exposed for the nail tip 10. This space allows the nail tip 10 to rest on the nail and attach to the base 1.

[0096] Different types of adhesives can be used to attach the base side 8 to the nail. For example, the adhesive can be a release gel, nail glue, or double-sided tape. Alternatively, the adhesive can be a no-rub release gel. Any material that can firmly attach the base side 8 to the nail can be used as an adhesive. The adhesive can be applied to the natural nail or the base side 8 or both surfaces. The natural nail can be the fingernail or toenail of a human, mannequin, or animal.

[0097] After the base is firmly in place on the natural nail 1, the nail tip 10 can then be attached to the base 1. FIG. 5A The process of attaching the plate 10 to the base 1 according to an embodiment is illustrated. The bottom side 18 of the plate, including the mechanical features 12A and 13A of the plate 10, is brought into contact with the top side 6 of the base, including the mechanical features 2A and 3A of the base 1. When the plate 10 and the base 1 are engaged, the left base track 2A and the right base track 3A slide into the left base track 12A and the right base track 13A. The lower sides of the base tracks 2A and 3A (the sides facing the base edges 2 and 3) slide along the top sides of the plate tracks 12A and 13A (the sides facing the bottom side 18 of the plate). This sliding continues until the base 1 is completely covered by the plate 10 from a top view (see [reference]). FIG. 6A At this point, base 1 and plate 10 will snap together, and the sliding will end. When this happens, base tracks 2A and 3A have slid to the ends of plate tracks 12A and 13A, where they cannot proceed further. Since base tracks 2A and 3A and plate tracks 12A and 13A are of the same length, base tracks 2A and 3A will completely overlap with plate tracks 12A and 13A, at which point the tracks will snap into place. A snapping or clicking sound may be heard when plate 10 and base 1 are fully attached. Additionally, a stop (not shown) may be present at the top of plate tracks 12A and 13A to prevent base tracks 2A and 3A from advancing further.

[0098] FIG. 5B A plate 10, attached to a base 1 according to an embodiment, is shown. The plate 10 is attached to the base 1 and cannot be moved independently until the user decides to remove it from the base 1. Furthermore, when the plate 10 and the base 1 are attached, there is no gap between the plate 10 and the base 1. The plate 10 and the base 1 have the same shape, thereby preventing any space from appearing between the plate 10 and the base 1. The plate 10 and the base 1 are in close contact, with no empty space between the components.

[0099] Removing the plate 10 from the base 1 is as simple as the attachment process. To remove the plate 10 from the base 1, it can be pulled off by pulling it away from the base 1 from its upper edge 14. The plate 10 should be pulled away from the base 1 so that its lower edge 15 moves along the length of the base 1 from its lower edge 5 until it reaches its upper edge 4, at which point the mechanical features between the plate 10 and the base 1 will be separated. At this point, the plate 10 will be completely removed from the base 1.

[0100] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C The attached armor plate 10 and base 1 according to an embodiment are shown. According to the embodiment, FIG. 6A A top view of the attached armor plate 10 and base 1 is shown. FIG. 6B Showed along FIG. 6A The side view of the attached plate 10 and base 1, taken at section A-A', is shown. FIG. 6C A bottom view of the attached armor plate 10 and base 1 is shown.

[0101] although FIG. 6A The attached plate 10 and base 1 are shown, but only plate 10 is visible. Base 1 is completely covered by plate 10, and therefore... FIG. 6A The top view cannot be seen. FIG. 6A The diagram shows a central longitudinal axis 30. This axis travels longitudinally through the plate 10 between edges 12 and 13, bisecting the upper edge 14 and lower edge 15 of the plate. The mechanical features of the plate 10 and base 1 (including plate tracks 12A and 13A and base edges 2A and 3A, respectively) are not along the central longitudinal axis 30. More precisely, the mechanical features deviate from the central longitudinal axis 30. Furthermore, it can be seen that the widths of the mechanical features of base 1 (base tracks 2A and 3A) and plate 10 (plate tracks 12A and 13A) are each smaller than the widths of base 1 and plate 10, respectively. In fact, the widths of mechanical features 2A, 3A, 12A, and 13A are significantly smaller than the widths of base 1 and plate 10. Mechanical features 2A, 3A, 12A, and 13A have relatively small widths; their lengths are much greater than their widths. This provides just the right size to allow the two parts to slide together (as described in this article) and then snap together.

[0102] A second embodiment of the mechanically connected nail plate will now be described. According to the second embodiment, FIG. 7A An oblique top view of the base 100 is shown. FIG. 7BA tilted bottom view of the base 100 is shown. The base 100 includes a left edge 102 and a right edge 103. The base 100 curves downward, making it the highest point in the middle longitudinally and the lowest point at the base edges 102 and 103. FIG. 7A The base 100 is shown to be convex when viewed from the front. Further, the base 100 includes an upper base edge 104 and a lower base edge 105. The base 100 has a top base side 106 on its front side and a bottom base side 108 on the other side. Further, the base 100 includes a base boss 109A having a raised base side 109B. The base boss 109A protrudes from the top base side 106. The base boss 109A and the raised base side 109B extend from the upper base edge 104 and extend to the lower base edge 105. The base boss 109A and the raised base side 109A protrude higher as they approach the lower base edge 105. Additionally, an upward base protrusion 107A is located below the lower base edge 105. Below the upward base protrusion 107A is a downward base protrusion 107B. The upward-protruding portion 107A and the downward-protruding portion 107B are the same size and shape. Each of the protrusions 107A and 107B has an elliptical or oval shape. However, the shape is not limited to this and can also be circular, rectangular, or any other suitable shape. The base 100 has mechanical features for engaging the plate 110 to attach the base 100 to the plate 110 (the upward-protruding portion 107A and the base boss 109A). The mechanical features of the plate 110 will be described below.

[0103] FIG. 8 An oblique bottom view of the axle 110 according to the second embodiment is shown. The axle 110 includes a left edge 112 and a right edge 113. The axle 110 is curved downwards such that it is highest in the middle in the longitudinal direction and lowest at the edges 112 and 113. FIG. 8 The nail plate 110 is shown to be convex when viewed from the front. The nail plate 110 has the same shape as the base 100, allowing for a tight fit when attached to the base 100. The nail plate 110 also includes an upper edge 114 and a lower edge 115. Further, the nail plate 110 has a top side 116, which is visible when the nail plate is worn on a natural nail. On the other hand, the bottom side 118 of the nail plate is not visible. The bottom side 118 includes a rectangular space 119A with nail plate walls 119B. Further, the bottom side 118 includes a recess 117A with an open space of an oval or elliptical shape. The nail plate 110 has mechanical features for engaging the base 100 to attach the nail plate 110 to the base 100 (nail plate recess 117A and rectangular space 119A). The mechanical features of the base 100 have been described above.

[0104] Next, a description of how to attach the nail tip 110 and the base 100 will be provided. First, the base 100 is attached to the natural nail using adhesive. The base 100 is attached to the natural nail with its lower edge 105 positioned longitudinally at the center of the natural nail. The upper edge 104 of the base protrudes beyond the top of the nail. Because the base 100 is shaped like the natural nail, it conforms to the shape of the natural nail. There is no open space between the base 100 and the natural nail, as the base 100 follows the contour of the natural nail. Furthermore, the base 100 does not extend beyond the free end of the natural nail. The base 100 also does not extend across the entire width of the natural nail.

[0105] Different types of adhesives can be used to attach the base side 108 to the nail. For example, the adhesive can be a peel-off gel, nail gel, or double-sided tape. Alternatively, the adhesive can be a no-rub peel-off gel. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive is a gel sticker. The gel sticker is a double-sided gel sticker first applied to the natural nail. Subsequently, the base 100 (or a combination of the base 100 and the nail tip 110) is pressed onto and attached to the gel sticker. Any material that can firmly attach the base side 108 to the nail can be used as an adhesive. The adhesive can be applied to the natural nail or the base side 108 or both surfaces. The natural nail can be the fingernail or toenail of a human, mannequin, or animal.

[0106] Next, the nail tip 110 is attached to the base 100. The nail tip 110 can be snapped into place on the base 100 by aligning the mechanical features of the nail tip 110 (including the nail tip groove 117A and the nail tip rectangular space 119A) with the mechanical features of the base 100 (including the base upward protrusion 107A and the base boss 109A). The base upward protrusion 107A fits tightly into the nail tip groove 117A, and the base boss 109A fits tightly into the nail tip rectangular space 119A. A snapping or clicking sound can be heard when the nail tip 110 and the base 100 are attached. The nail tip 110 and the base 100 are then attached without allowing relative movement between them, maintaining the strength of the natural nail. The size and material of the base 100 and the nail tip 110 maintain the appearance of the natural nail. In addition, the design and structure of how the base 100 and the plate 110 are mechanically connected contribute to this appearance.

[0107] FIG. 9A to FIG. 9D The attached armor plate 110 and base 100 according to the second embodiment are shown. FIG. 9A An oblique top view of the attached armor plate 110 and base 100 according to the second embodiment is shown. FIG. 9AThe attached base 100 is shown through the translucent plate 110. The plate 110 is made transparent so that the base 100 underneath can be seen. In the actual configuration, the base 100 will be invisible when attached to the plate 110. Furthermore, when the plate 110 and the base 100 are attached, there is no gap between the plate 110 and the base 100. The plate 110 and the base 100 are in close contact, with no empty space between the components. FIG. 9B A bottom view of the attached armor plate 110 and base 100 is shown. FIG. 9B The diagram shows a central longitudinal axis 130. This axis travels longitudinally through the plate 110 between edges 112 and 113, bisecting the upper edge 114 and lower edge 115 of the plate. Mechanical features of the base 100 (base boss 109A and base upward protrusion 107A) and mechanical features of the plate 110 (plate rectangular space 119A and plate groove 117A) are positioned along the central longitudinal axis 130. These mechanical features are in contact with the central longitudinal axis 130. Furthermore, it can be seen that each mechanical feature has a width smaller than the width of the base 100. In other words, the mechanical features of the base 100 and the mechanical features of the plate 110 do not span the entire width of the base 100 and the entire width of the plate 110, respectively.

[0108] FIG. 9C Showing along such FIG. 9B The attached plate 110 and base 100 are shown in the cross-sectional view of B-B'. FIG. 9C This illustrates that when attached, the plate 110 and the base 100 are in close contact. In other words, the plate 110 and the base 100 have a tight fit. The bottom side 118 of the plate and the top side 106 of the base contact and assemble together like a puzzle piece. FIG. 9D The second embodiment is shown along the path as shown. FIG. 9B The attached nail plate 110 and base 100 are shown in a cross-sectional view along line C-C'. The downward-protruding portion 107B at the base functions to separate the nail plate 110 from the base 100. When a small upward force is applied to the downward-protruding portion 107B through the natural nail, the nail plate 110 will be removed from the base 100 and will no longer be attached to it. Therefore, the downward-protruding portion 107B at the base is used to remove the nail plate 110 from the base 100.

[0109] FIG. 10 A method 1000 for applying an artificial nail system according to an embodiment is shown.

[0110] At step 1001, a base (e.g., base 1 or 100) is attached to the natural nail. The base is made of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) material. The PMMA material can be a mixture of methyl methacrylate (5% to 95% by weight), alkyl methacrylate (5% to 95% by weight), titanium dioxide (IV) (less than 7% by weight), and carbon black (less than 3% by weight). Any other suitable material may also be used for the base. The base is attached by first applying a coating of adhesive to the base or the natural nail, or both. The adhesive is placed on the bottom side of the base (e.g., bottom side 8 or 108). Additionally or alternatively, the adhesive may be placed on the top side of the natural nail. When the base is pressed onto the natural nail, the lower edge of the base (5 or 105) is aligned with the cuticle of the natural nail. Because the shape of the base resembles that of the natural nail, the base conforms to the natural nail. There is a tight fit between base 1 and the natural nail. UV or LED light exposure can be used to enhance the adhesion between the substrate and the adhesive.

[0111] Different types of adhesives can be used to attach the base side (8 or 108) to the nail. For example, the adhesive can be a release gel, nail gel, or double-sided tape. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive is a no-rub release gel. In another preferred embodiment, the adhesive is a gel sticker. The gel sticker is a double-sided gel sticker first applied to the natural nail. The base 1 or 100 (or a combination of base 1 or 100 and nail tip 10 or 110) is then pressed onto and attached to the gel sticker. For the base to adhere firmly to the gel sticker, curing with an LED light is required. Further, any material that can firmly attach the base side (8 or 108) to the nail can be used as an adhesive. The adhesive can be applied to the natural nail or the base side (8 or 108) or both surfaces. The natural nail can be the fingernail or toenail of a human, mannequin, or animal.

[0112] In step 1002, a nail tip (e.g., nail tip 10 or 110) is attached to a base (1 or 100). The nail tip is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic material or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) material. The composition of the PMMA material can be similar to that of the PMMA material of the base described above. Any other suitable material can also be used for the nail tip. The mechanical features of the nail tip engage with and snap onto the mechanical features of the base to create a strong bond. The mechanical features of the base and the nail tip contact and hold each other in place. Therefore, there is a tight fit between the base and the nail tip, and relative movement between the nail tip and the base is not permitted. The mechanical features of the base and the nail tip can snap together to create a mechanically connected nail tip.

[0113] In the first embodiment, the plate tracks 12A and 13A engage with the base tracks 2A and 3A to attach the plate 10 to the base 1. In the second embodiment, the plate groove 117A and the plate rectangular space 119A engage with the base upward protrusion 107A and the base boss 109A to attach the plate 110 to the base 100.

[0114] Once the nail tips have been applied to the user's satisfaction, it's time to remove them from the base.

[0115] At step 1003, the plate (10 or 110) can be detached from the base (1 or 100). Although the plate and the base are tightly attached, they can be easily separated from each other. In the first embodiment, the plate 10 can be detached by pulling the plate 10 away from the base 1 from its upper edge 14. In the second embodiment, a small upward force can be applied to the downward protrusion 107B of the base, which will allow the plate 110 to detach from the base 100.

[0116] At step 1004, a second plate (not shown, but shaped like 10 or 110) may be attached to the base (1 or 100). The second plate is attached to the base in a manner similar to that of attaching the plate in step 1002. The mechanical features of the second plate cooperate with the mechanical features of the base to secure the second plate. Both the plate (10 or 110) and the second plate may be derived from a set of interchangeable decorative plates. The decorative plates can be interchanged by attaching and removing them from the base as needed. The color and design of the second plate may be completely different from the plate; however, the shape of the second plate will be the same as the plate, which will allow different plates to be interchanged on the base.

[0117] At step 1005, a plate (10 or 110) can be attached to a second base (not shown, but shaped like 1 or 100). The plate is attached to the second base in a manner similar to that used in step 1002. The mechanical features of the plate cooperate with the mechanical features of the second base to secure the plate. Therefore, the plate can be reused. Since all bases are covered by plates, the bases are not decorated; more precisely, the bases are purely functional. The shapes of the bases are identical so that the plates can be interchangeably attached to these bases.

[0118] At step 1006, the attached base and nail tip can be removed from the natural nail. The attached base and nail tip can be a second nail tip attached to the base (1 or 100), a nail tip (10 or 110) attached to the second base, or any other combination of base and nail tip. To remove the combined base and nail tip, a tool (not shown) (such as a sharp popsicle stick) can be inserted between the natural nail and the base to pry the base and nail tip off the natural nail. Any other removal means that detaches the base from the adhesive on the natural nail can be used.

[0119] A third embodiment of the mechanically connected nail plate will now be described. FIG. 11A to FIG. 11F The base 200 of the mechanically connected nail plate is shown. FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B A top view of base 200 is shown. FIG. 11C to FIG. 11D An oblique top view of base 200 is shown. FIG. 11E The left-side view of base 200 is shown. FIG. 11F This shows a view facing the upper edge of the base.

[0120] The base 200 is shaped like a natural nail, allowing it to fit snugly against the natural nail. In some embodiments, this snug fit, bow or arch shape, and / or radius of curvature can be a fit that reduces or eliminates the gap between the natural nail and the base 200 throughout the base 200. The base 200 includes a left edge 202 on its left side and a right edge 203 on its right side. The base 200 curves downward, making it highest in the longitudinal direction at the middle and lowest at the base edges 202 and 203. FIG. 11F This shows that the base 200 is convex when viewed from the front. Directly above the left edge 202 and right edge 203 of the base are the left base track 202A and right base track 203A, respectively. The base tracks 202A and 203A are straight edges with indentations below for attachment to the plate 210 (see [reference]). FIG. 12A to FIG. 12F ). FIG. 11A The top view only shows the base tracks 202A and 203A, but not the base edges 202 and 203, because the base edges 202 and 203 are below the base tracks 202A and 203A, respectively. However, FIG. 11C to FIG. 11FVertical gaps between base tracks 202A and 203A and base edges 202 and 203 are shown respectively. The space created by the vertical gaps is used to attach the plate 210 to the base 200. The left base track 202A and the right base track 203A are mechanical features for connecting the base 200 to the plate 210. The spacing between the base tracks 202A and 203A and the base edges 202 and 203 allows the mechanical features of the plate 210 to be inserted into the base 200 and snapped into place. The left base track 202A and the right base track 203A are straight edges fitted within the mechanical features of the plate 210. The lower side of the base tracks 202A and 203A facing the base edges 202 and 203 is the base track side that engages the mechanical features of the plate 210. The mechanical features of the plate 210 will be described below.

[0121] Additionally, the base 200 has an upper edge 204 and a lower edge 205. The upper edge 204 is substantially straight from the left edge 202 to the right edge 203, while the lower edge 205 is rounded to conform to the wearer's skin shape. Further, the base 200 has a top side 206 on its front side. Base tracks 202A and 203A are positioned on the top side 206 and extend from the upper edge 204 downwards to approximately three-quarters of the distance from the lower edge 205. FIG. 11A to FIG. 11E As shown. Edges 202 and 203 are straight and slightly curved at the lower edge 205 of the base. The top side 206 of the base includes a base recess 209 near the upper edge 204 of the base, which extends laterally from the left base track 202A to the right base track 203A. The base recess 209 is a notch or indentation in the surface of the base 200. The base recess 209 is formed in a partially circular shape extending laterally across the top side 206 of the base. The base recess 209 looks like a channel with a circular opening. When the base 200 and the plate 210 are connected, the space created by the base recess 209 is blocked by the plate protrusion 219 (see...). FIG. 12A to FIG. 12FThe base 200 and the nail tip 210 are also attached by snapping the protrusion 219 of the nail tip 210 into the base recess 209 of the base 200. On the other side of the top side 206 of the base is the bottom side 208 of the base, which is attached to the natural nail. The bottom side 208 of the base and / or the nail is coated with an adhesive to attach the base 200 to the nail. The adhesive can be a gel sticker, release glue, nail gel, double-sided tape, or any material that firmly attaches a gel sticker to the natural nail. The shape of the base 200 is similar to that of the natural nail because the base 200 will be attached to the natural nail. However, the base 200 does not cover the entire width of the nail. The edges of the nail in the width direction are not covered by the base 200 and remain exposed. A portion of the nail is left exposed for the nail tip 210. This space allows the nail tip 210 to rest on the nail and be attached to the base 200.

[0122] FIG. 11B The dimensions of various aspects of the base 200 are shown. The height h of the base 200 is also shown. 200 It is the distance from the upper edge 204 of the base to the lower edge 205 of the base. In some embodiments, the height h 200 It can be between approximately 15cm and 25cm. For example, height h 200 It can be approximately 20cm. The base width is 200. 200 It is the distance from the left to the right side of the base. Width w 200 It is longer than the distance from the left base track 202A to the right base track 203A because the bottom portion of the base 200 is wider than the base tracks. In some embodiments, the width w 200 It can be between approximately 10cm and 20cm. For example, width w 200 It can be approximately 15cm. The height h of the base recess 209 209 It is the distance from the top of the base recess 209 to the bottom of the base recess 209. In some embodiments, the height h 200 It can be between approximately 0.1cm and 1cm. For example, height h 200 It can be about 0.5cm.

[0123] FIG. 11E The following shows additional dimensions of the base 200. The height h of the left edge 202 of the base is... 202 It is the distance from the top of the left edge 202 of the base at the upper edge 204 of the base to the bottom of the left edge 202 of the base at approximately three-quarters of the distance along the downward path from the base 200. In some embodiments, height h 202 It can be between approximately 10cm and 20cm. For example, height h 202 It can be approximately 15cm. Although only the height h of the left edge 202 of the base is shown. 202However, the height of the right edge 203 of the base is basically the same. The width w of the left edge 202 of the base 202 It is the distance from the left edge 202 of the base to the left track 202A of the base. In some embodiments, the width w 202 It can be between approximately 0.5cm and 1.5cm. For example, width w 202 It could be about 1cm. (Already mentioned...) FIG. 11B The height h of the base recess 209 is shown and discussed. 209 Distance d 209 It is the distance from the upper edge 204 of the base to the top of the base recess 209. In some embodiments, the distance d 209 It can be between approximately 0.5cm and 1.5cm. For example, distance d 209 It can be approximately 1 cm. The thickness t of the base recess 209 209 It is the distance from the bottom of the space etched out by the base recess 209 to the top of the base recess 209. In some embodiments, the thickness t 209 It can be between approximately 0.05cm and 0.15cm. For example, thickness t 209 It can be approximately 0.1 cm. Radius r 209 It is the radius of the circle generated by the curvature of the base recess 209. In other words, the radius r 209 It is the radius of the trench having a circular opening formed by the base recess 209. In some embodiments, the radius r 209 It can be between approximately 0.1 cm and 1 cm. For example, radius r 209 It can be approximately 0.5cm. The provided numerical range allows for differences in finger or thumb size, as well as different preferred lengths and styles for the base 200.

[0124] FIG. 11F A view facing the upper edge 204 of the base is shown. From this perspective, a portion of the bottom side 208 of the base is shown. FIG. 11F The diagram also shows additional dimensions of the base 200. Distance d 202 It is the distance from the top of the left edge 202 of the base to the recess 209 of the base. In some embodiments, the distance d 202 It can be between approximately 0.1cm and 1cm. For example, distance d 202 It can be approximately 0.5 cm. Although only the distance d from the left edge 202 of the base is shown. 202 However, the distance between the right edge 203 of the base is basically the same. The thickness t of the left edge 200 of the base is... 202 It is the distance from the top of the left edge 202 of the base to the bottom of the left edge 202 of the base, such as FIG. 11F As shown. In some embodiments, the thickness t 202 It can be between approximately 0.5cm and 1.5cm. For example, thickness t202 It can be approximately 1 cm. Although only the thickness t of the left edge 202 at the base is shown. 202 However, the thickness of the right edge 203 of the base is basically the same.

[0125] FIG. 12A to FIG. 12F A nail plate 210 with a mechanically connected nail plate according to a third embodiment is shown. FIG. 12A A bottom view of plate 210 is shown. FIG. 12B The image shows an oblique view of the bottom side 218 of the axle plate. FIG. 12C to FIG. 12D It shows a bottom view of the armor plate. FIG. 12E The left side view of the axle is shown. FIG. 12F A view facing the upper edge 214 of the apron is shown.

[0126] When viewed from the front, plate 210 has a left edge 212 on its left side and a right edge 213 on its right side. Plate 210 curves downward, making it highest at the central longitudinal axis and lowest at the edges 212 and 213, as shown. FIG. 12F What I saw. FIG. 12F This shows that the plate 210 is convex when viewed from the front. The plate 210 has the same shape as the base 200, so that a tight fit is achieved when the plate 210 is attached to the base 200.

[0127] Furthermore, the nail plate 210 has an upper edge 214 at its free end and a lower edge 215 at its nail bed end. The free end is the end of the nail plate 210 that does not contact the finger when attached. On the other hand, the nail bed end is the portion of the nail plate 210 that contacts the cuticle of the finger when attached. The nail plate 210 has a top side 216 visible when located on the fingernail (in... FIG. 12E and FIG. 12F(See image). The other side of the nail plate 210 is the underside of the nail plate 218, which is mostly hidden and not visible when the nail plate 210 is on the nail. The only visible part of the underside of the nail plate 218 when the nail plate 210 is on the nail is the area not covered by the base 200. On the underside of the nail plate 218 are the left and right tracks 212A and 213A along the edge of the nail plate 210. The edges of the tracks 212A and 213A on the underside of the nail plate 218 protrude slightly, so that they are clamped onto the base tracks 202A and 203A on the underside of the base 200. It is designed so that the nail plate 210 can easily slide onto the base 200, but is also secure enough to prevent it from slipping off. The tracks 212A and 213A are mechanical features that cooperate with the base mechanical features (base tracks 202A and 203A) to attach the nail plate 210 to the base 200. The top sides of the plate tracks 212A and 213A facing the bottom side 218 of the plate are the plate track sides of the mechanical features of the base 200. Details of the mechanical features of the base 200 have been described above. The plate tracks 212A and 213A face inward toward the central longitudinal axis of the plate 210. The left plate track 212A is positioned on the rear side of the left edge 212 of the plate, and the right plate track 213A is positioned on the rear side of the right edge 213 of the plate. The plate tracks 212A and 213A begin around the midpoint between the upper edge 214 and the lower edge 215 of the plate 210 and continue downward toward the lower edge 215 of the plate.

[0128] The base 218 of the plate also includes a plate protrusion 219 extending laterally from the left plate track 212A to the right plate track 213A. The plate protrusion 219 extends from the surface of the plate 219. The plate protrusion 219 is an elongated protrusion with a circular shape. When the plate 210 and the base 200 are aligned, the plate protrusion 219 protrudes downward toward the base 200. In addition to the tracks 212A and 213A engaging with the tracks 202A and 203A respectively, the plate protrusion 219 engages with the base recess 209 via a snap-fit ​​(see...). FIG. 11A to FIG. 11F The plates are joined together to further attach the plate 210 to the base 200. The size of the plate protrusion 219 is exactly the same as the size of the opening of the base recess 209, so that the plate protrusion 219 is securely and tightly snapped into the base recess 209.

[0129] Furthermore, the bottom side 218 of the plate includes a stop 220 positioned above the plate protrusion 219. The stop 220 extends laterally from the left edge 212 of the plate to the right edge 213, but is slightly shorter than the plate protrusion 219. FIG. 12A to FIG. 12DAs seen in the image. With its downward-facing raised surface, the stop 220 prevents the base 200 from sliding further into the plate 210. The stop 220 holds the base 200 in the desired position, such that the base recess 209 engages with the plate protrusion 219, and the base tracks 202A, 203A fully engage with the plate tracks 212A, 213A.

[0130] FIG. 12C to FIG. 12F The dimensions of various aspects of the armor plate 210 according to the third embodiment are shown. From FIG. 12C Initially, the height h of plate 210 210 It is the distance from the upper edge 214 of the axle to the lower edge 215 of the axle. In some embodiments, the height h 210 It can be between approximately 30cm and 40cm. For example, height h 210 It can be approximately 35cm. The width of the 210mm plate (w) 210 It is the distance from the left edge 212 to the right edge 213 of the axle at the lower edge 215 of the axle. In some embodiments, the width w 210 It can be between approximately 10cm and 20cm. For example, width w 210 It can be approximately 15cm. The height h of the protruding part 219 of the armor plate. 219 It is the distance from the top of the protrusion 219 to the bottom of the protrusion 219. In some embodiments, the height h 219 It can be between approximately 0.1cm and 1cm. For example, height h 219 It can be approximately 0.5cm. The width w of the protruding part 219 of the nail plate. 219 It is the distance from the leftmost portion to the rightmost portion of the protrusion 219 of the axle. In some embodiments, the width w 219 It can be between approximately 5cm and 15cm. For example, width w 219 It can be approximately 10cm. The height h of the right track 213A of the axle. 213A It is the distance from the top of the right track 213A of the axle to the bottom of the right track 213A of the axle. In some embodiments, the height h 213A It can be between approximately 10cm and 20cm. For example, height h 213A It could be approximately 15cm. Although only the height h of the right track 213A of the armor plate is shown. 213A However, the height of the left track 212A of the plate is basically the same.

[0131] exist FIG. 12D In the middle, the width w top It is the width between the top of the left track 212A and the top of the right track 213A of the axle. In some embodiments, the width w top It can be between approximately 5cm and 15cm. For example, width wtop It can be approximately 10cm. Width w bot It is the width between the bottom of the left track 212A and the bottom of the right track 213A of the axle. In some embodiments, the width w bot It can be between approximately 5cm and 15cm. For example, width w bot It can be approximately 12.5cm.

[0132] exist FIG. 12E In the middle, the width w of the left track 212A of the axle plate 212A It is the distance in the lateral direction from the left edge 212 of the axle to the edge of the left track 212A of the axle. In some embodiments, the width w 212A It can be between approximately 0.5cm and 1.5cm. For example, width w 212A It can be approximately 1 cm. Although only the width w of the left track 212A of the axle is shown. 212A However, the width of the right track 213A of the armor plate is basically the same. The width of part of the protrusion 219 of the armor plate is pw. 219 This refers to the width of the protrusion 219 of the axle as seen from the left side view of the axle 210. In some embodiments, the width pw 219 It can be between approximately 1cm and 3cm. For example, a partial width of pw 219 It can be approximately 2cm. The thickness t of the protruding part 219 of the armor plate. 219 It is the distance from the surface of the bottom side 218 of the axle to the end of the axle protrusion 219 extending downward from the axle 210. In some embodiments, the thickness t 219 It can be between approximately 0.05cm and 0.15cm. For example, thickness t 219 It can be approximately 0.1 cm. Radius r 219 It is the radius of the circle generated by the curvature of the protrusion 219 of the apron. In other words, the radius r 219 The radius r is the radius of the circular shape of the elongated protrusion formed by the apron 219. In some embodiments, the radius r 219 It can be between approximately 0.1 cm and 1 cm. For example, radius r 219 It can be approximately 0.5 cm. Note the thickness t of the base recess 209. 209 The thickness t of the protruding part 219 of the armor plate 219 The values ​​are basically the same, and the radius r 209 and radius r 219 The values ​​are basically the same. This is done so that the protruding part 219 of the plate can be tightly locked into the recessed part 209 of the base.

[0133] exist FIG. 12F In the middle, the distance d 212AIt is the lateral distance of the offset from the top to the bottom of the left track 212A of the plate. In other words, distance d 212A This is the distance the left track 212A of the axle moves outward when comparing the top and bottom portions. In some embodiments, the distance d... 212A It can be between approximately 0.5cm and 1.5cm. For example, distance d 212A It could be approximately 1 cm. Although only the distance d of the left track 212A of the axe plate is shown. 212A However, the distance between the right track 213A of the axle plate is basically the same. Thickness t 212A It is the thickness of the left track 212A of the apron in the vertical direction. In some embodiments, the thickness t 212A It can be between approximately 0.5cm and 1.5cm. For example, thickness t 212A It could be approximately 1 cm. Although only the thickness t of the left track 212A of the plate is shown. 212A However, the thickness of the right track 213A of the nail plate is essentially the same. The provided numerical range allows for differences in finger or thumb size, as well as different preferred lengths and styles of the nail plate 210.

[0134] Next, the use of mechanically attached nail tips will be described. First, the base 200 is attached to the natural nail using an adhesive. The adhesive can be a gel sticker, release liner, nail gel, double-sided tape, or any material that securely attaches a gel sticker to the natural nail. The base 200 is attached to the natural nail, with its lower edge 215 contacting the nail cuticle. Because the base 200 is shaped like the natural nail, it conforms to the shape of the natural nail. There is no open space between the base 200 and the natural nail, as the base 200 follows the contour of the natural nail. Furthermore, the base 200 does not extend beyond the free end of the natural nail. The base 200 does not extend across the entire width of the natural nail. This allows the nail tip 210 to easily snap into the base 200 during attachment, as will be explained below. A portion of the nail is left exposed for the nail tip 210. This space allows the nail tip 210 to rest on the nail and attach to the base 200. UV or LED light exposure can be used to enhance the adhesion between the base and the adhesive.

[0135] Different types of adhesives can be used to attach the base 208 to the nail. For example, the adhesive can be a gel sticker, a release gel, nail gel, or double-sided tape. Gel stickers contain acrylate / urethane copolymers, methacrylic acid, polymers containing butyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, and acrylate / hydroxy acrylate copolymers. This gel sticker formulation has key properties that affect the strength and durability of the adhesion between the base 200 and the natural nail plate. Furthermore, gel stickers require an LED light for curing, while conventional stickers and nail gels do not. Alternatively, the adhesive can be a no-rub release gel. Any material that can firmly attach the base 8 to the nail can be used as an adhesive. The adhesive can be applied to the natural nail or the base 8, or both surfaces. The natural nail can be the fingernail or toenail of a human, mannequin, or animal.

[0136] After the base is securely positioned on the natural nail 200, the nail tip 210 can then be attached to the base 200. The bottom side 218 of the nail tip, including the mechanical features 212A and 213A of the nail tip 210, contacts the top side 206 of the base, including the mechanical features 202A and 203A of the base 200. When the nail tip 210 and the base 200 are joined, the left base track 202A and the right base track 203A slide into the left and right nail track 212A and the right nail track 213A. The lower sides of the base tracks 202A and 203A (the sides facing the base edges 202 and 203) slide along the top sides of the nail track tracks 212A and 213A (the sides facing the bottom side 218 of the nail tip). This sliding continues until the base 200 is completely covered by the nail tip 210 from a top view perspective. At this point, the base 200 and the plate 210 will snap together, and the sliding will end. When this happens, the base tracks 202A and 203A have slid to the ends of the plate tracks 212A and 213A, where they can no longer advance. Since the base tracks 202A and 203A and the plate tracks 212A and 213A are of the same length, the base tracks 202A and 203A will completely overlap with the plate tracks 212A and 213A, at which point the tracks will snap into place. A snapping or clicking sound may be heard when the plate 210 and the base 200 are fully attached. Additionally, there may be a stop (not shown) at the top of the plate tracks 212A and 213A to prevent the base tracks 202A and 203A from advancing further. In addition to the tracks, the plate protrusion 219 and the base recess 209 are another attachment means for connecting the plate 210 to the base 200. Only when the base tracks 202A and 203A have advanced to the ends of the plate tracks 212A and 213A will the plate protrusion 219 face the base recess 209. At this time, pressing the plate 210 downward will cause the plate protrusion 219 to snap into the base recess 209. Through the connection between the plate protrusion 219 and the base recess 209, the plate 210 and the base 200 have even more attachment points, thereby further securing the plate 210 to the base 200. Therefore, the plate 210 is attached to the base 200 in three locations: (1) the plate left track 212A is connected to the base left track 202A, (2) the plate right track 213A is connected to the base right track 203A, and (3) the plate protrusion 219 is connected to the base recess 209.

[0137] Plate 210 is attached to base 200 and cannot be moved independently until the user decides to remove plate 210 from base 200. Furthermore, when plate 210 and base 200 are attached, there is no gap between plate 210 and base 200. Plate 210 and base 200 have the same shape, thus preventing any space from appearing between plate 210 and base 200. Plate 210 and base 200 are in close contact, with no empty space between the parts.

[0138] Removing the plate 210 from the base 200 is as simple as the attachment process. To remove the plate 210 from the base 200, it can be pulled off by first pulling the plate 210 upwards away from the base 200 to release the plate protrusion 219 from the base recess 209, and then pulling the plate 210 away from the base 200 from the upper edge 214. The plate 210 should be pulled away from the base 200 so that the lower edge 215 of the plate moves along the length of the base 200 from the lower edge 5 of the base until it reaches the upper edge 204 of the base, at which point the mechanical features between the plate 210 and the base 200 will be separated. At this point, the plate 210 will be completely removed from the base 200.

[0139] Alternatively, the attached base 200 and nail tip 210 can be removed from the nail as a unit. To remove the combined base and nail tip, a tool (not shown) (such as a sharp popsicle stick) can be inserted between the natural nail and the base to pry the base and nail tip off the natural nail. Any other removal method that detaches the base from the adhesive on the natural nail can be used.

[0140] Now refer to FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B A fourth embodiment of a mechanically connected nail plate. FIG. 13A A top view shows the base 300 of the mechanically attached nail plate. The base 300, having the shape of a natural nail, includes a left base rail 302A and a right base rail 303A. The base rails 302A and 303A have straight edges and indentations below for attachment to the nail plate 310 (see [reference]). FIG. 13B Additionally, the base 300 has an upper edge 304 and a lower edge 305. Furthermore, the base 300 has a top edge 306 on its front side.

[0141] The top side of the base 306 includes a first base recess 309A and a second base recess 309B near the upper edge 304 of the base, which extend laterally from the left base track 302A to the right base track 303A. The first base recess 309A is positioned below the upper edge 304 of the base but above the second base recess 309B. The second base recess 309B is positioned below the first base recess 309A. The base recesses 309A and 309B are notches or indentations in the surface of the base 300. The base recesses 309A and 309B are formed in a partially circular shape extending laterally across the top side of the base 306. The base recesses 309A and 309B appear to be channels with circular openings. When the base 300 and the plate 310 are connected, the spaces created by the base recesses 309A and 309B are respectively filled by the plate protrusions 319A and 319B (see...). FIG. 13BTherefore, the base 300 and the plate 310 are also attached by snapping the plate protrusions 319A and 319B of the plate 310 into the base recesses 309A and 309B of the base 300.

[0142] FIG. 13B A nail plate 310 with a mechanically connected nail plate according to the fourth embodiment is shown. FIG. 13B A bottom view of plate 310 is shown, which is the bottom side 318 of plate 310. Plate 310 has a left side 312, which is visible from the rear view. FIG. 13B The middle part is shown on the right. The right side of plate 313 is shown on the left.

[0143] Furthermore, the nail plate 310 has an upper edge 314 at its free end and a lower edge 315 at its nail bed end. The free end is the end of the nail plate 310 that does not contact the finger when attached. On the other hand, the nail bed end is the portion of the nail plate 310 that contacts the cuticle of the finger when attached. The nail plate 310 has a top side 316 that is visible when it is on the fingernail. The other side of the nail plate 310 is a bottom side 318, which is mostly hidden and not visible when the nail plate 310 is on the nail. The only visible part of the bottom side 318 when the nail plate 310 is on the nail is the area not covered by the base 300. On the bottom side 318 are a left nail plate track 312A and a right nail plate track 313A along the edge of the nail plate 310. The edges of the plate tracks 312A and 313A on the bottom side 318 of the plate protrude slightly, so that they are clamped onto the base tracks 302A and 303A on the lower side of the base 300.

[0144] The bottom side 318 of the plate also includes a first plate protrusion 319A and a second plate protrusion 319B extending laterally from the left plate track 312A to the right plate track 313A. The plate protrusions 319A and 319B extend from the surface of the plate 319. The plate protrusions 319A and 319B are elongated protrusions with a circular shape. The plate protrusions 319A and 319B protrude downwards, facing the base 300 when the plate 310 and the base 300 are aligned. In addition to the tracks 312A and 313A engaging with tracks 302A and 303A respectively, the plate protrusions 319A and 319B are respectively engaged with base recesses 309A and 309B via snap-fit ​​connections (see...). FIG. 13A The plates 310 are then joined to further attach the plate 310 to the base 300. The plate protrusions 319A and 319B are exactly the same size as the openings of the base recesses 309A and 309B, so that the plate protrusions 319A and 319B are securely and tightly snapped into the base recesses 309A and 309B.

[0145] Furthermore, the bottom side 318 of the plate includes a stop 320 positioned above the plate protrusions 319A and 319B. The stop 320 is positioned approximately midway between the upper edge 314 and the lower edge 315 of the plate. The first plate protrusion 319A is positioned below the stop 320, and the second plate protrusion 319B is positioned below the first plate protrusion 319A. The stop 320 extends laterally from the left edge 312 of the plate to the right edge 313, but is slightly shorter than the plate protrusions 319A and 319B. FIG. 13B As seen in the image. With its downward-facing raised surface, the stop 320 prevents the base 300 from sliding further into the plate 310. The stop 320 holds the base 300 in the desired position, such that the base recesses 309A and 309B engage with the plate protrusions 319A and 319B, and the base tracks 302A and 303A fully engage with the plate tracks 312A and 313A.

[0146] The fourth embodiment is similar to the third embodiment, except that the fourth embodiment has an additional base recess 309B and an additional plate protrusion 319B. All other descriptions and measurements of the third embodiment can be used in the fourth embodiment.

[0147] The size of the base and nail plate varies based on the natural nail to which the base and nail plate are intended. For example, the size of the base and nail plate for the thumb nail is larger than that for the little finger nail. Each fingernail or toenail has a different base and nail plate size than the others. Furthermore, the mechanical characteristics of the base and nail plate also vary in size, shape, and / or design based on the size of the base and nail plate. Additionally, the box includes pairs of bases and nail plates of different sizes, where these pairs correspond to different fingernails or toenails.

[0148] Various embodiments of the system and method are disclosed in the subsequent list of numbered terms: 1. An artificial nail system comprising: a base including a top side of the base, a bottom side of the base, and one or more first mechanical features configured to receive corresponding one or more second mechanical features on a nail tip, wherein: the bottom side of the base is configured to attach to a natural nail and the nail tip, the nail tip including a top side of the nail tip, a bottom side of the nail tip, and the corresponding one or more second mechanical features, wherein: the one or more second mechanical features of the nail tip cooperate with the one or more first mechanical features of the base to assemble together to attach the nail tip to the base such that the bottom side of the nail tip is attached to the top side of the base such that there is no relative movement between the base and the nail tip after attachment, and that when attached to the base, the nail tip completely covers the base such that the base is no longer visible. 2. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein each of the one or more first mechanical features and the one or more second mechanical features has a width smaller than the width of the base. 3. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more first mechanical features are positioned on the top side of the base, and the one or more second mechanical features are positioned on the bottom side of the nail plate. 4. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more first mechanical features and the one or more second mechanical features are positioned off-center from the central longitudinal axis of the artificial nail system. 5. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more first mechanical features include a base track. 6. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more second mechanical features include a nail plate track. 7. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more first mechanical features of the base slide into the one or more second mechanical features of the nail plate. 8. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more first mechanical features of the base continue to slide into the one or more second mechanical features of the nail plate until the base is completely covered by the nail plate, at which point the sliding ends. 9. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the top side of the base includes a base recess, and the bottom side of the nail plate includes a nail plate protrusion. 10. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the nail plate protrusion has the same volume as the space in the base recess. 11. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the nail plate protrusion snaps into the base recess to further attach the nail plate to the base. 12. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more first mechanical features and the one or more second mechanical features are positioned along the central longitudinal axis of the artificial nail system. 13. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more first mechanical features comprise one or more ridges. 14. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more ridges include protrusions and bosses. 15. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the protrusion is an upward protrusion extending upward from the top side of the base toward the bottom side of the nail plate. 16. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more second mechanical features include one or more grooves on the underside of the nail plate, the one or more grooves being configured to snap onto the upward projection to secure the nail plate to the base. 17. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein one or more first ridges further include a downward projection extending from the base side toward the natural nail. 18. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the boss includes two raised sides along the longitudinal axis of the artificial nail system for attaching the nail plate to the base. 19. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more second mechanical features snap onto the one or more first mechanical features to attach together. 20. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the base underside is configured to receive an adhesive applied to attach the base underside to the natural nail. 21. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the adhesive is a gel sticker. 22. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the adhesive is a release gel or nail glue. 23. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the adhesive is a wiping-free peel-off gel. 24. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein there is no gap between the nail plate and the base when the nail plate is attached to the base. 25. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the base is made of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) material, and the nail plate is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic material or PMMA material. 26. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the nail plate comprises one of a set of interchangeable decorative nail plates. 27. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the nail plate is detachable from the base, and the second nail plate is attachable to the base, and the nail plate is attachable to the second base. 28. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the size of the base and the nail plate varies based on the fingernail to which the base and the nail plate are intended. 29. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more first mechanical features and the one or more second mechanical features vary in size, shape and / or design based on the size of the base and the nail plate. 30. The artificial nail system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the box comprises a pair of bases and nail plates of different sizes, wherein the pair corresponds to different fingernails or toenails. 31. A method of applying an artificial nail system, comprising: attaching a base to a natural nail, wherein the base includes one or more first mechanical features and has a top side and a bottom side, and wherein the bottom side of the base contacts the natural nail; attaching a nail tip to the base, wherein the nail tip includes one or more second mechanical features and has a top side and a bottom side, wherein the one or more second mechanical features of the nail tip cooperate with the one or more first mechanical features of the base to attach the nail tip to the base such that the bottom side of the nail tip contacts the top side of the base such that there is no relative movement between the base and the nail tip after attachment, and wherein, when attached to the base, the nail tip completely covers the base such that the base is no longer visible. 32. The method as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more second mechanical features are snapped onto the one or more first mechanical features to attach together. 33. The method as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more first mechanical features include a base track on the top side of the base, and the one or more second mechanical features include a plate track on the bottom side of the plate. 34. The method as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein attaching the plate to the base comprises connecting one edge of one or more edges of the base to one of one or more tracks on the underside of the plate. 35. The method as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more first mechanical features comprise one or more ridges, and the one or more second mechanical features comprise one or more grooves. 36. The method as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein attaching the plate to the base comprises connecting one of the one or more ridges on the top side of the base to one of the one or more grooves on the bottom side of the plate. 37. The method as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein removing the plate from the base comprises applying force to the one or more first mechanical features. 38. The method as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the top side of the base includes a base recess, and the bottom side of the plate includes a plate protrusion. 39. The method as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the protruding apron has the same volume as the space in the recessed base. 40. The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein attaching the plate to the base further comprises snapping the protrusion of the plate into the recess of the base. 41. The method as described in any of the preceding clauses, further comprising removing the first plate from the base and attaching a second first plate to the base and attaching the first plate to the second base.

[0149] The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made as described without departing from the scope of the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. An artificial nail system, comprising: The base includes a top side, a bottom side, and one or more first mechanical features configured to receive corresponding one or more second mechanical features on the apron, wherein: The base is configured to attach to the natural nail and the nail plate, the nail plate including a top side, a bottom side, and one or more corresponding second mechanical features, wherein: The one or more second mechanical features of the plate cooperate with the one or more first mechanical features of the base to assemble together, such that the bottom side of the plate is attached to the top side of the base, and such that there is no relative movement between the base and the plate after attachment. When attached to the base, the plate completely covers the base, making the base no longer visible.

2. The artificial nail system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The width of each of the one or more first mechanical features and the one or more second mechanical features is smaller than the width of the base.

3. The artificial nail system as described in claim 2, wherein, The one or more first mechanical features are positioned on the top side of the base, and the one or more second mechanical features are positioned on the bottom side of the plate.

4. The artificial nail system as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The one or more first mechanical features and the one or more second mechanical features are positioned off-center from the central longitudinal axis of the artificial nail system.

5. The artificial nail system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The one or more first mechanical features include a base track.

6. The artificial nail system of claim 5, wherein, The one or more second mechanical features include plate rails.

7. The artificial nail system of claim 6, wherein, The one or more first mechanical features of the base slide into the one or more second mechanical features of the plate.

8. The artificial nail system of claim 7, wherein, The one or more first mechanical features of the base continue to slide into the one or more second mechanical features of the axle until the base is completely covered by the axle, at which point the sliding ends.

9. The artificial nail system of claim 8, wherein, The top side of the base includes a base recess, and the bottom side of the plate includes a plate protrusion.

10. The artificial nail system of claim 9, wherein, The protruding portion of the armor plate has the same volume as the space in the recessed portion of the base.

11. The artificial nail system of claim 10, wherein, The protruding part of the axle engages with the recessed part of the base to further connect the axle to the base.

12. The artificial nail system of claim 3, wherein, The one or more first mechanical features and the one or more second mechanical features are positioned along the central longitudinal axis of the artificial nail system.

13. The artificial nail system of claim 12, wherein, The one or more first mechanical features include one or more ridges.

14. The artificial nail system of claim 13, wherein, The one or more ridges include protrusions and bosses.

15. The artificial nail system of claim 14, wherein, The protrusion is an upward protrusion that extends upward from the top side of the base toward the bottom side of the plate.

16. The artificial nail system of claim 15, wherein, The one or more second mechanical features include one or more grooves on the underside of the plate, the one or more grooves being configured to snap onto the upward protrusion to secure the plate to the base.

17. The artificial nail system of claim 16, wherein, One or more first ridges further include downward projections that extend from the base underside toward the natural nail.

18. The artificial nail system of claim 17, wherein, The boss includes two raised sides along the longitudinal axis of the artificial nail system to attach the nail plate to the base.

19. The artificial nail system of claim 1, wherein, The one or more second mechanical features snap onto the one or more first mechanical features to attach together.

20. The artificial nail system of claim 1, wherein, The base underside is configured to receive adhesive, which is applied to attach the base underside to the natural nail.

21. The artificial nail system of claim 20, wherein, The adhesive is a gel sticker.

22. The artificial nail system of claim 20, wherein, The adhesive is a peeling gel or nail glue.

23. The artificial nail system of claim 20, wherein, The adhesive is a no-wipe peel gel.

24. The artificial nail system of claim 1, wherein, When the armor plate is attached to the base, there is no gap between the armor plate and the base.

25. The artificial nail system of claim 1, wherein, The base is made of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) material, and the sheet is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic material or PMMA material.

26. The artificial nail system of claim 1, wherein, The nail plate includes one of a set of interchangeable decorative nail plates.

27. The artificial nail system of claim 1, wherein, The first plate can be detached from the base, and the second plate can be attached to the base.

28. The artificial nail system of claim 1, wherein, The size of the base and the nail plate varies based on the fingernail to which the base and the nail plate are intended.

29. The artificial nail system of claim 28, wherein, The one or more first mechanical features and the one or more second mechanical features vary in size, shape and / or design based on the size of the base and the armor plate.

30. The artificial nail system of claim 29, wherein, The box includes pairs of bases and nail plates of different sizes, wherein the pairs correspond to different fingernails or toenails.

31. A method of applying an artificial nail system, comprising: The base is attached to a natural nail, wherein the base includes one or more first mechanical features and has a base top side and a base bottom side, and wherein the base bottom side contacts the natural nail; The plate is attached to the base, wherein the plate includes one or more second mechanical features and has a top side and a bottom side, wherein the one or more second mechanical features of the plate cooperate with one or more first mechanical features of the base to attach the plate to the base such that the bottom side of the plate contacts the top side of the base, such that there is no relative movement between the base and the plate after attachment, and wherein, when attached to the base, the plate completely covers the base such that the base is no longer visible.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein, The one or more second mechanical features snap onto the one or more first mechanical features to attach together.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein, The one or more first mechanical features include a base track on the top side of the base, and the one or more second mechanical features include a plate track on the bottom side of the plate.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein, Attaching the plate to the base includes connecting one edge of one or more edges of the base to one of one or more tracks on the underside of the plate.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein, The one or more first mechanical features include one or more ridges, and the one or more second mechanical features include one or more grooves.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein, Attaching the plate to the base includes connecting one of the one or more ridges on the top side of the base to one of the one or more grooves on the bottom side of the plate.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein, Removing the armor plate from the base includes applying force to the one or more first mechanical features.

38. The method of claim 32, wherein, The top side of the base includes a base recess, and the bottom side of the plate includes a plate protrusion.

39. The method of claim 36, wherein, The protruding portion of the armor plate has the same volume as the space in the recessed portion of the base.

40. The method of claim 37, wherein, Attaching the armor plate to the base further includes snapping the protrusion of the armor plate into the recess of the base.

41. The method of claim 40, further comprising removing the armor plate from the base and attaching a second armor plate to the base and attaching the armor plate to the second base.

Images