Shielding device for protecting fingers

Abstract

The utility model provides a shielding device for protecting fingers of a user. The shielding device is configured to shield a user's finger when the product is applied to a nail on the user's finger. The shielding device includes a base for supporting a user's finger, and a cover member connected to the base and made of an elastic material so as to be elastically stretchable. The bottom surface of the cover member has a selected coefficient of friction to engage a finger around the user's nail to protect a finger portion around the user's nail. The shielding device can be repositioned between the loading position and the use position, so that the cover component is cleanly separated from the fingers of the user, and the fingernails are prevented from being stained by the product through the cover component.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to cosmetic skin care devices, and more particularly to shielding devices for protecting a user's fingers when applying product to the nails on the user's fingers. BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a finger guard that can be used to protect a finger during the application of a product, such as a liquid polish, to the nail on the finger. It is a common practice for individuals to improve and beautify their nails by painting a color or other finish on the outer surface of the nail. This painting can be accomplished by using various nail enamels, nail polishes, or similar cosmetic products. A common modern method of applying such nail enamels is by using a painting brush to apply the nail enamel to the surface of the nail.

[0003] It is desirable to be able to apply nail enamel in a manner that produces a neat appearance. Because nail enamel tends to spread along the nail, care must be taken when applying nail enamel so that the finished nail achieves a neat appearance. Applying nail enamel to a nail can become even more complicated when the nail enamel is applied with a non-dominant hand. For example, an individual who is right-handed can have difficulty applying nail enamel to the nails on the right hand using the non-dominant left hand, and vice versa, an individual who is left-handed can have difficulty applying nail enamel to the nails on the left hand using the non-dominant right hand. In addition, applying nail enamel can be difficult for those who lack dexterity or coordination. For example, children or teenagers who lack experience in applying nail enamel can have difficulty keeping the nail enamel away from the skin surrounding the nail. If the nail enamel is inadvertently applied to the skin, or the nail enamel inadvertently spreads to the skin during the drying process, and the nail enamel is not cleaned from the skin, the final appearance can appear to be hasty or careless, and the nail enamel that spread to the skin can cause skin irritation or dryness.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a device that simplifies the process of applying nail enamel by protecting the skin surrounding the nail during the application of the nail enamel. Various aspects of the present disclosure will be discussed in detail below to meet this particular need. SUMMARY

[0005] According to one aspect, there is provided a shielding device for protecting a user's finger when applying a product to a nail on the user's finger. The shielding device comprises a base including a finger cradle formed to support the user's finger, and a cover member coupled to the base, wherein the cover member has a through hole formed therein and is made of an elastic material so as to be elastically stretched from an unextended position to an extended position when the user's finger is placed on the base so as to at least partially position the through hole over the nail, wherein the cover member includes an engaging portion having a bottom surface positioned to engage a proximal end portion of the user's finger relatively close to the nail when the cover member is in the extended position, and wherein the bottom surface has a coefficient of friction selected for human skin so as to retain the cover member in the extended position by friction during engagement of the bottom surface with the proximal end portion of the user's finger.

[0006] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of using a shielding device for protecting a user's finger when applying a product to a nail on the user's finger. The method comprises: placing the user's finger on a base of the shielding device; stretching an elastic cover member of the shielding device from an unextended position to an extended position so that a through hole formed in the elastic cover member is at least partially positioned over the nail on the user's finger, the elastic cover member being coupled to the base of the shielding device for stretching between the unextended position and the extended position; and manipulating the elastic cover member of the shielding device so that a bottom surface of the elastic cover member contacts a proximal end portion of the user's finger relatively close to the nail on the user's finger, the bottom surface of the elastic cover member having a coefficient of friction selected for human skin so as to retain the elastic cover member in the extended position by friction during contact of the bottom surface of the elastic cover member with the proximal end portion of the user's finger. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shielding device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 2A is Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the shielding device of

[0010] Figure 2B is Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the shielding device of

[0011] Figure 3 is Figure 1is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shielding device according to the present disclosure, wherein a user is pulling a tab of a cover member for stretching the cover member to an extended position;

[0012] Figure 4A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a shielding device according to the present disclosure, wherein the base of the shielding device is a multi-piece base;

[0013] Figure 4B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shielding device according to the present disclosure, wherein the base of the shielding device is a multi-piece base and the upper base member is in a loaded position; Figure 4A

[0014] Figure 5 Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a shielding device provided according to the present disclosure, wherein a cover portion of the shielding device has been pulled to a use position around a proximal portion of a finger; and

[0015] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method of using a shielding device according to another aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] For the sake of brevity, the figures of the accompanying drawings are referred to in order to avoid repetition regarding explanation as can occur in the description of the figures. Additionally, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more implementations described herein. It can be obvious, however, to one skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations are illustrated and described herein, the principles of the present disclosure can be implemented using any number of techniques, which have not been shown or described herein. The present disclosure should not be limited to the example implementations and techniques described herein but can be practiced with any number of other implementations and techniques.

[0017] ​​Unless otherwise indicated herein, the various terminology used throughout this specification can be read and understood as follows: “or” is inclusive and not exclusive, as written throughout this document; singular articles and pronouns connotes the plural throughout this document, and vice versa, as appropriate; likewise, gendered pronouns connotes its counterpart pronoun, so pronouns should not be understood as limiting anything recited herein to only use, implementation, performance, etc. by a single gender. “Exemplary” should be understood as “illustrative” or “exemplifying,” and not necessarily as “preferred” over other embodiments. Further definitions of terms can be set forth herein; as will be understood by reading this specification, these definitions can apply to previous and subsequent instances of the terms. It will also be noted that the use of “a” or “an” herein will be understood to mean “at least one,” unless otherwise indicated or unless it would be clear to those skilled in the art that it is meant to be “one.”

[0018] Modifications, additions, or omissions can be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses can be integrated or separated, and the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein can be performed by more, fewer, or other components. Additionally, steps recited in any of the methods can be performed in any suitable order. As used herein, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

[0019] As used herein, when describing the relationship between two connected components, “attached” includes instances in which the two connected components are “directly attached,” which is where the two connected components are in contact with each other, and also includes instances in which the connected components are “indirectly attached,” which is where the connected components are not in contact with each other but are connected with one or more other components intervening therebetween.

[0020] As used herein, terms describing the relative position of an element, such as “top,” “upper,” “bottom,” “lower,” or other like terms, will be understood to refer to the placement of the described element in use as part of a device. For example, if reference is made to a device having an upper member, it will be understood that the upper member is described as having an upper position when in use as part of the device or in a position of use, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0021] As used herein, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" are to be construed as being inclusive and open ended and not exclusive. Specifically, when used in this specification including the claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or components are included. These terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

[0022] As used herein, the terms "about" and "approximately" are intended to encompass variations in numerical values of a range, for example, variations in attributes, parameters and dimensions.

[0023] Modifications, additions, or omissions can be made to the apparatuses and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. "Each" means every member of a set or subset of a set.

[0024] The embodiments described herein are exemplary (e.g., in materials, shapes, dimensions, and configuration details) and are not limited by the appended claims and any modifications thereof. It will be understood by those within the art that further modifications and adaptations of the examples provided herein are possible, and the following examples are not limited to the one or more implementations. Thus, the scope of the disclosure is not to be limited to the following examples, but is to be extended to encompass all such modifications and adaptations.

[0025] The present disclosure provides a shielding device 100 for protecting a user's finger 200 when a product, such as a cosmetic, is applied to a nail 202 on the user's finger 200.

[0026] Reference Figures 1 to 5 is provided an embodiment of a shielding device 100 for protecting a user's finger 200 when a product is applied to a nail 202 on the user's finger 200. The shielding device 100 includes a base 110 having a finger cradle 112 formed to support a user's finger 200. The shielding device further includes a cover member 120 connected to the base 110. The cover member 120 has a through hole 130 formed therethrough and is made of an elastic material so as to be elastically stretched from an unextended position (see Figure 2A ) to an extended position (see Figure 2B ) so as to at least partially position the through hole 130 over the nail 202 when the user's finger 200 is placed on the base 110. The cover member 120 includes an engaging portion having a bottom surface 122 that, when the cover member 120 is in the extended position (as shown in Figure 2BThe bottom surface 122 of the engaging portion of the cover member 120 is positioned to engage the proximal portion 204 of the user's finger 200 at a location closer to the proximal portion 204 of the finger 200 relative to the nail 202 (as shown). The bottom surface 122 of the engaging portion of the cover member 120 has a coefficient of friction selected for human skin so as to releasably hold the cover member 120 in the extended position by frictional forces during engagement of the bottom surface 122 with the proximal portion 204 of the user's finger 200.

[0027] To apply the product to the nail 202 on the user's finger 200, the product is applied through the through-hole 130 to the nail 202. By configuring the shield device 100 such that the through-hole 130 is at least partially positioned over the nail 202 when in the extended position, the through-hole 130 directs the product toward the nail 202, while the cover member 120 surrounding the through-hole 130 protects the proximal portion 204 of the user's finger 200 from the product.

[0028] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the shield device 100 is configured to be worn on the user's finger 200 such that the through-hole 130 is positioned over the nail 202 on the user's finger 200 when the cover member 120 is in the extended position. Figures 1 to 5 In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the shield device 100 is configured to be worn on the user's finger 200 such that the through-hole 130 is positioned over the nail 202 on the user's finger 200 when the cover member 120 is in the extended position.

[0029] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the shield device 100 is configured to be worn on the user's finger 200 such that the through-hole 130 is positioned over the nail 202 on the user's finger 200 when the cover member 120 is in the extended position. Figure 6In the illustrated embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of using the shielding device 100 for protecting a user's finger 200 when applying a product to a nail 202 on the finger 200. The method of using the shielding device 100 includes a first step SI 10 of placing the user's finger 200 on the base 110 of the shielding device 110 and a second step S120 of stretching the cover member 120 of the shielding device 100 from the unextended position to the extended position such that the through-hole 130 formed in the cover member 120 is positioned at least partially over the nail 202 on the user's finger 200. As previously described, the cover member 120 is coupled with the base 110 of the shielding device 120 for stretching between the unextended position and the extended position. The method of using the shielding device 100 further includes a step S130 of manipulating the cover member 120 of the shielding device 100 such that the bottom surface 122 of the cover member 120 is in contact with a proximal portion 204 of the user's nail 200 proximate to the nail 202 on the user's finger 200. As previously described, the bottom surface 122 of the cover member 120 has a selected coefficient of friction for human skin such that the cover member 120 is releasably retained in the extended position by frictional forces during contact of the bottom surface 122 of the cover member 120 with the proximal portion 204 of the user's finger 200. In some embodiments, the shape of the through-hole 130 is designed such that when the cover member 120 is stretched from the unextended position to the extended position and the through-hole 130 is positioned at least partially over the nail 202 on the user's finger 200, a portion of the nail 202 on the finger 200 is at least partially received in the through-hole 130 on the cover member 120.

[0030] In other words, the use of the shielding device 100 involves the user first placing their finger 200 on the finger cradle 112 of the base 110. The user then pulls the cover member 120 in a direction such that the cover member 120 stretches from the unextended position to the extended position (thereby increasing in length) to at least partially align the through-hole 130 over the nail 202 on the user's finger 200. When the cover member 120 is stretched to the extended position, the bottom surface 122 of the cover member 120 is in contact with the proximal portion 204 of the user's finger 200 proximate to the nail 202. The selected coefficient of friction of the bottom surface 122 of the cover member 120 provides a degree of friction between the bottom surface 122 of the cover member 120 and at least the proximal portion 204 of the user's finger 200 for retaining the cover member 120 in the extended position. By retaining the cover member 120 immobile in the extended position, the through-hole 130 is at least partially maintained in position over the nail 202 of the user's finger 200 such that the product can be properly applied to the nail 202 through the through-hole 130. When the cover member 120 is in the extended position, the cover member 120 and the through-hole 130 can be arranged in a variety of ways relative to the nail 202 of the user's finger 200.

[0031] In another embodiment, the method of using the shielding device 100 further includes the step of applying the product to the nail 202 on the user's finger 200 through the aperture 130 of the cover member 120.

[0032] In another additional embodiment, the method of using the shielding device 100 further includes the step of manipulating the cover member 120 of the shielding device 100 such that a portion of the user's finger 200 and / or a portion of the nail 202 on the finger 200 abuts against the edge 530 of the aperture 130 for retaining the cover member 120 in the extended position (see FIG. 4). Figure 5 In this embodiment, the aperture 130 of the cover member 120 is sized to accommodate at least a portion of the finger 200 and / or the nail 202 on the finger 200 when the cover member 120 is pulled to the extended position and the aperture 130 is positioned over the nail 202. When at least a portion of the finger 200 and / or the nail 202 on the finger 200 is accommodated in the aperture 130, at least a portion of the finger 200 and / or the nail 202 on the finger 200 will abut against the edge 530 of the aperture 130. In this configuration, at least a portion of the finger 200 and / or the nail 202 abutting against the edge 530 of the aperture 130 will resist the elastic force present in the cover member 120, which will tend to bias the cover member 120 back towards the unextended position when the cover member 120 is stretched away from the unextended position. In this manner, at least a portion of the finger 200 and / or the nail 202 abutting against the edge 530 of the aperture 130 will retain the cover member 120 in the extended position, thereby retaining the aperture 130 in a position at least partially over the nail 202.

[0033] In this embodiment, the combined effect of the frictional force exerted due to the selected coefficient of friction of the bottom surface 122 of the cover member 120 and the retention of at least a portion of the finger 200 and / or the nail 202 against the edge 530 of the aperture 130 will collectively retain the cover member 120 in the extended position, thereby retaining the aperture 130 in a position at least partially over the nail 202.

[0034] In yet another additional embodiment, the method of using the shielding device 100 further includes the step of manipulating the cover member 120 of the shielding device 100 such that a portion of the nail 202 on the user's finger 200 penetrates through the aperture 130 of the cover member 120 and rests on the top surface 120a of the cover member 120 for further retaining the cover member 120 in the extended position (see FIG. 4). Figure 5). In this embodiment, the through-hole 130 is shaped such that when the cover member 120 is pulled to the extended position and the through-hole 130 is positioned over the nail 202, a first portion of the nail 202, such as a distal portion of the nail 202 that extends beyond one end of the finger 200, will be received by the through-hole 130 and pass through the through-hole 130 to rest on the top surface 120a of the cover member 120, while a second portion of the nail 202 or a portion of the finger 200 will be received in the through-hole 130 and abut against the edge 530 of the through-hole 130. As previously described, the retaining action of the at least one portion of the finger 200 and / or the nail 202 that is in contact with the edge 530 of the through-hole 130, and the first and second portions of the nail 202 that are in contact with the top surface 120a of the cover member 120 and the through-hole 130 of the cover member 120, respectively, of the cover member 120, will resist the resilient force present in the cover member 120 that urges the cover member 120 toward the unextended position. In this embodiment, the combination of the nail 202 and / or the finger 200 being in contact with the top surface 120a and against the through-hole 130 of the cover member 120, and the frictional force exerted due to the selected coefficient of friction between the bottom surface 122 of the cover member 120 and the user's finger 200, collectively retain the cover member 120 in the extended position, thereby retaining the through-hole 130 in a position that is at least partially over the nail 202.

[0035] As described above, the cover member 120 is coupled to the base 110 and is made of a resilient material so as to be elastically stretchable from the unextended position to the extended position (see Figure 2A and 2B ), such that the through-hole 130 can be positioned relative to the nail 202. The cover member 120 disclosed herein can be made of various resilient materials that are suitably resiliently stretchable to provide for the stretching of the cover member 120 between the unextended position and the extended position. Such resilient materials include, but are not limited to, elastomers, thermoset polymers, rubbers, synthetic rubber materials, and synthetic rubber-plastic hybrid materials.

[0036] In one exemplary embodiment, the cover member 120 is made of a resilient silicone gel material.

[0037] In another embodiment, the cover member 120 is formed such that the selected coefficient of friction of the bottom surface 122 of the engaging portion of the cover member 120 is in the range of 0.3 to 1.7, preferably 0.4 to 1.2, more preferably 0.55 to 0.68, and more preferably 0.60 to 0.64. It should be appreciated, however, that other lower (and of course higher) coefficients of friction between the cover member 120 and the proximal portion 204 of the user's finger 200 can also be provided for retaining the cover member 120 in the extended position.

[0038] In one embodiment, the selected coefficient of friction of the bottom surface 122 of the engagement portion of the cover member 120 is provided by the inherent frictional properties of the resilient material of the cover member 120.

[0039] In another alternative embodiment, the selected coefficient of friction of the bottom surface 122 of the engagement portion of the cover member 120 is provided by an auxiliary material applied to the bottom surface 122 of the engagement portion of the cover member 120 in order to provide the bottom surface 122 with the selected frictional properties. For example, the auxiliary material can be a material that is at least partially tacky, which will provide the selected coefficient of friction between the bottom surface 122 of the engagement portion of the cover member 120 and the user's finger 200, and which is applied to the bottom surface 122 of the cover member 120. When the bottom surface 122 of the cover member 120 is in contact with the finger 200, the material that is at least partially tacky applied to the bottom surface 122 of the cover member 120 will cause the user's finger 200 to apply a frictional force to the bottom surface 122 of the cover member 120 for retaining the cover member 120 in the extended position.

[0040] The cover member 120 disclosed herein can be connected to the base 110 in various ways and in various configurations. For example, at least a portion of the rim of the cover member 120 can be mounted to the base 110 by an adhesive disposed on the base 110. Alternatively, the cover member 120 can also be securely fastened to the base 110 by a plurality of fastening elements, such as screws or rivets, which can pass through the cover member 120 and be securely received into corresponding holes on the base 110.

[0041] The cover member 120 disclosed herein can have a variety of shapes and forms suitable for frictionally engaging the user's finger 200 for retaining the cover member 120 in the extended position.

[0042] In embodiments such as Figures 1 to 5 In the embodiment shown, the cover member 120 has a partially rectangular form, including a partially rectangular top and bottom surface, and a first end and a pair of side edges. The cover member 120 is configured such that each of the first end and the pair of side edges of the cover member 120 are connected with the base 110 for connecting the cover member 120 with the base 110.

[0043] In embodiments such as Figures 1 to 5 In the particular embodiment provided, the cover member 120 includes a first cover member portion and a second cover member portion. The first cover member portion has a generally rectangular form, and includes a first end and a pair of side edges that are connected with the base 110. The first cover member portion includes the through hole 130, and defines the engagement portion of the cover member 120 such that the bottom surface 122 of the engagement portion is formed on the lower surface of the first cover member portion of the cover member 120.

[0044] In some embodiments of the cover member 120, the first cover member portion and the second cover member portion are formed as components of a single integral cover member. In other embodiments of the cover member 120, the first cover member portion and the second cover member portion are separate components that are fixed together to form the cover member 120.

[0045] In such Figures 1 to 5 In another embodiment shown, the cover member 120 includes a pull tab 128 extending from an end of the cover member 120. The shape of the pull tab 128 is generally designed to be gripped by a user (see [reference]). Figure 3 ), used to stretch the shielding portion of the cover member 120 from the non-extended position to the extended position.

[0046] In such Figures 1 to 5 In the provided specific embodiment, a pull tab 128 of the cover member 120 defines a second cover member portion of the cover member 120. The pull tab 128 includes a pull tab neck 128a and a pull tab gripping area 128b, the pull tab gripping area 128b being formed at the end of the pull tab neck 128a and having a width greater than the pull tab neck 128a. The pull tab neck 128a is connected to and extends outwardly from the first cover member portion. The connection between the pull tab neck 128a and the first cover member portion is such that the pull tab 128 is laterally aligned with the through-hole 130 on the cover member 120.

[0047] As described above, the cover member 120 also includes a through hole 130 formed within the cover member 120. Figures 1 to 5 In the provided specific embodiment, the through-hole 130 extends between a portion of the rectangular top and bottom surfaces of the cover member 120. The through-hole 130 is arranged within the cover member 120 for use when the cover member 120 is stretched (see...). Figure 3 When extended, it is at least partially above the nail 202 of the user's finger 200.

[0048] In another embodiment of the through hole 130, the through hole 130 has a nail-shaped shape, which roughly corresponds to the shape of the nail 202 on the user's finger 200.

[0049] In another additional embodiment, the through-hole 130 of the cover member 120 is designed to be smaller than the nail 202 on the user's finger 200, such that when the cover member 120 is stretched to its extended position and the through-hole 130 is located above the nail 202, the through-hole 130 stretches around the nail 202, and the cover member 120 applies an inward elastic force to the nail 202 to retain the nail 202 within the through-hole 130. In this way, the user's nail 202 is more securely held in the through-hole 130, and the positioning of the proximal portion 204 of the cover member 120 for protecting the user's finger 200 is also well maintained.

[0050] In one embodiment, the size of the through-hole 130 of the cover member 120 is designed such that the maximum diameter of the through-hole 130 in the un-stretched position is less than the maximum length of the nail 202 on a user’s finger. While the size of the nail 202 on different user’s fingers can vary, it is known that the average length of male nails varies from about 9.4 mm to about 15.7 mm, while the average length of adult female nails varies from about 9.0 mm to about 15.6 mm (see Jung, J.W., Kim, K.S., Shin, J.H., Kwon, Y.J., Hwang, J.H., & Lee, S.Y. (2015). Nail configuration. Archives of plastic surgery, 42(6), 753-760, https: / / doi.org / 10.5999 / aps.2015.42.6.753). Thus, in some embodiments of the through-hole 130, the size of the through-hole 130 is designed such that the maximum diameter of the through-hole 130 is less than 9.0 mm. In other embodiments, the size of the through-hole 130 is designed such that the maximum diameter of the through-hole 130 is in the range of 9.0 mm to 15.7 mm.

[0051] In another embodiment, when the user of the shielding device 100 is a child, the size of the through-hole 130 is designed such that the maximum diameter of the through-hole 130 is in the range of 6.0 mm to 9.0 mm, more specifically, in the range of 6.5 mm to 7.5 mm.

[0052] The base 110 of the shielding device 100 described herein can have a variety of forms and configurations. The base 110 is generally configured to include a substantially flat bottom surface that rests on an external surface during use of the shielding device 100. The base 110 is also formed to support the user’s finger 200 by the finger holder 112 when the product is applied to the user’s nail 202 and the cover member 120 shields the user’s finger 200. In Figures 1 to 3 In the specific embodiments provided, the base 110 has a rectangular shape and includes an opening in its upper portion. The cover member 120 is mounted to the base 110 such that the cover member 120 extends across the opening while providing a gap in which the user’s finger 200 can be inserted.

[0053] In one embodiment, the base 110 of the shielding device 100 is constructed from a plastic material selected from a group including, but not limited to, high and low density polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS, ABS), polycarbonate (PC), and polyester (PET) of suitable rigidity and strength.

[0054] In one embodiment, the cover member 120 includes a first end, and the first end of the cover member 120 is mounted to the first end of the base 110.

[0055] In some embodiments, the finger rest 112 is integrally formed with the base 110 for supporting the user's finger 200. In other embodiments, the finger rest 112 is formed as a component of the base 110, but is removably mounted to the remainder of the base 110 so that the finger rest 112 can be separated from the remainder of the base 110.

[0056] In a first embodiment of the finger rest 112, the finger rest 112 includes a top surface that is angled toward the first end of the base 110 to support the user's finger 200 at an angle relative to the bottom surface of the base 110.

[0057] In a second embodiment of the finger rest 112, the finger rest 112 is oriented to support the user's finger 200 at a non-zero angle relative to the cover member 120 so as to urge the proximal portion 204 of the user's finger 200 into engagement with the engagement portion of the cover member 120.

[0058] Although Figures 1 to 6 The embodiments provided in the Background section illustrate the finger rest 112 being formed as a structure that protrudes upwardly from the base 110 or lower base member 410a so that the top of the finger rest 112 is in a vertically upward position relative to the surface surrounding the finger rest 112, this need not be the case. In other embodiments, the finger rest 112 can be formed so that the top of the finger rest 112 is generally flush with the surface surrounding the finger rest 112.

[0059] The base 110 of the shielding device 100 can have various shapes and configurations to achieve different functions. In embodiments such as those shown in Figs. 1-3, the base 110 is a single piece base 110 that is formed as a generally planar structure that is configured to support the user's finger 200 in a generally planar position. Figure 4A and 4B In embodiments such as those shown in Figs. 4-6, the shielding device 100 is formed as a multi-piece shielding device 400, and the base 110 is formed as a multi-piece base 410 that is manipulated to reposition the cover member 120 relative to the user's finger 200 when the user's finger 200 is supported on the finger rest 112 on the base 410. In embodiments such as those shown in Figs. 7-9, the base 110 is a multi-piece base 410 that includes a lower base member 410a having a support surface for supporting the user's finger 200, wherein the support surface is defined on the finger rest 112. Figure 4A and 4B In embodiments such as those shown in Figs. 4-6, the shielding device 100 is formed as a multi-piece shielding device 400, and the base 110 is formed as a multi-piece base 410 that is manipulated to reposition the cover member 120 relative to the user's finger 200 when the user's finger 200 is supported on the finger rest 112 on the base 410. In embodiments such as those shown in Figs. 7-9, the base 110 is a multi-piece base 410 that includes a lower base member 410a having a support surface for supporting the user's finger 200, wherein the support surface is defined on the finger rest 112. Figure 4A and Figure 4B) between which the upper base member 412 is supported on the lower base member 410a. In some embodiments, the multi-component shielding device 400 includes all of the above-described features and elements of the shielding device 100.

[0060] In another embodiment, the upper base member 412 is hingedly mounted to the lower base member 410a by at least one hinged element 414 such that the upper base member 412 can pivot about the lower base member 410a between the use position and the loading position.

[0061] In another additional embodiment, as shown in Figure 4A and 4B the multi-component shielding device 400 is formed such that the cover member 120 is connected only with the upper base member 412 of the base 110, and such that the upper base member 412 is movably connected with the lower base member 410a for movement directly away from the lower base member 410a in order to prevent interference with any product on the nails 202, such as nail polish. Since the cover member 120 is connected only with the upper base member 412, and the upper base member 412 is movably connected with the lower base member 410a, any movement of the upper base member 412 relative to the lower base member 410a will move the cover member 120 relative to the lower base member 410a. By moving the cover member 120 relative to the lower base member 410a, the cover member 120 can be separated from the user’s fingers and nails 202 once the product is applied to the user’s nails 202, thereby preventing any interference with the product on the nails 202, such as smearing or smudging, by the cover member 120, and preventing the product on the cover member 120 from leaking onto the user’s fingers 200.

[0062] In a specific embodiment, as provided in Figure 4A and 4B the upper base member 412 is hingedly mounted to the lower base member 410a such that, in the use position, the upper base member 412 is on top of the lower base member 410a. The upper base member 412 and the lower base member 410a have shapes of corresponding dimensions. The upper base member 412 includes a main portion 412a and a pair of arm portions 412a extending in parallel away from the main portion 412a so as to define a gap therebetween. The cover member 120 is fixedly connected with the main portion 412a and the pair of arm portions 412b of the upper base member 412 so as to span the gap between the pair of arm portions 412b and the main portion 412a.

[0063] In one embodiment, the base 110 is a multi-component base 410, and the base 110 includes the finger cradle 112, the lower base member 410a is formed to include the finger cradle 112 such that the finger cradle 112 defines a support surface of the lower base member 410a for supporting the user’s fingers 200.

[0064] In Figure 4A And 4B In the specific embodiment provided, when the upper base member 412 is in the use position on top of the lower base member 410a, the finger rest 112 is positioned on the lower base member 410a to be directly under the cover member 120.

[0065] In one embodiment, the base 110 of the multi-component shield 400 is configured as a multi-component base 410 formed to control movement of the lower base member 410a and the upper base member 412 relative to each other.

[0066] In another embodiment, the base 110 is a multi-component base 410, at least one of the upper base member 412 and the lower base member 410a includes a connecting element configured to removably secure the upper base member 412 to the lower base member 410a when the upper base member 412 is in the use position on top of the lower base member 410a. In this manner, the upper base member 412 can be maintained in the use position and prevented from moving relative to the lower base member 410a while the product is being applied to the nail 202 on the user's finger 200.

[0067] In another embodiment, the multi-component base 410 of the multi-component shield 400 further includes at least one biasing element (not shown) connected between the lower base member 410a and the upper base member 412 for biasing the upper base member 412 toward the loading position. The at least one biasing element of the multi-component shield 400 can have a variety of forms corresponding to the form of the multi-component base 410. For example, in embodiments where the upper base member 412 and the lower base member 410a are hingedly connected by the hinge element 414, the multi-component base 410 can include at least one biasing element in the form of a coil spring operably connected with the hinge element 414 for biasing the upper base member 412 and the lower base member 410a apart toward the loading position.

[0068] In embodiments such as Figures 4A to 4BIn another additional embodiment shown, the multi-part base 410 further includes an actuation button 170 that is operably connected with the connection element and is actuatable by a user to actuate the connection element such that the upper base member 412 can be moved from the use position to the loading position and separated from the lower base member 410a. In this manner, when the multi-part base 410 includes the actuation button 170, the connection element, and at least one biasing element for biasing the upper base member 412 toward the loading position, the actuation button 170 of the base 110 can be actuated to release the connection element that holds the upper base member 412 and the lower base member 410a together in the use position, and then the at least one biasing element will drive the upper base member 412 to move toward the loading position.

[0069] In Figure 4A and 4B In particular embodiments provided, the button 170 is movably mounted to the multi-part base 410 and includes a button head that is shaped to facilitate grasping by a user. The button 170 is movably mounted to the multi-part base 410 to slide relative to the multi-part base 410 between an actuation position ( Figure 4B ) and an unactuated position ( Figure 4A ). The button 170 is connected with the connection element such that when the button is moved between the actuation position and the unactuated position, the button will engage with the connection element to release the connection element.

[0070] The particular embodiments described above have been shown by way of example, and it should be understood that these embodiments can be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms. It should be further understood that the embodiments were intended to be examples only and were not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the scope of the disclosure is broader than any particularly disclosed embodiment, and encompasses all devices, systems and methods falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A shielding device for protecting a user's fingers when applying a product to the fingernails, the shielding device comprising: A base, which includes a finger support, the finger support being configured to support a user's fingers; as well as A cover member connected to the base, wherein the cover member has a through hole formed therein and is made of an elastic material so that when a user's finger is placed on the base, the cover member can elastically stretch from a non-extended position to an extended position so as to position the through hole at least partially above the nail; The cover member includes an engagement portion having a bottom surface that, when the cover member is in the extended position, is positioned to engage the proximal portion of a user's finger near the nail. as well as The bottom surface has a coefficient of friction selected for human skin so that the cover member is held in the extended position by friction during engagement between the bottom surface and the proximal portion of the user's finger.

2. The shielding device according to claim 1, wherein the cover member has a partially rectangular shape, including a first end and a pair of sides, and wherein the first end and the pair of sides are connected to the base.

3. The shielding device of claim 2, wherein a first end of the cover member is mounted to a first end of the base, wherein the base includes a finger support, the finger support being shaped to support a user's finger, and wherein the finger support includes a top surface angled toward the first end of the base to support the user's finger at an angle relative to the bottom surface of the base.

4. The shielding device of claim 1, wherein the finger support is oriented to support the user's finger at a non-zero angle relative to the cover member, so as to drive the proximal portion of the user's finger to engage the engagement portion of the cover member.

5. The shielding device according to claim 1, wherein the base is a multi-component base, and wherein the multi-component base comprises: A lower base component, the lower base component including a finger support, the finger support defining a support surface of the lower base component for supporting a user's finger; as well as An upper base member is movably mounted to a lower base member for moving between a loading position and a use position, wherein in the use position, the upper base member is supported on top of the lower base member.

6. The shielding device of claim 5, wherein the cover member is connected only to the upper base member of the multi-part base, and wherein the upper base member is movably connected to the lower base member for movement directly away from the lower base member to prevent interference with any nail polish on the nails.

7. The shielding device according to claim 5, wherein the upper base member is hinged to the lower base member.

8. The shielding device of claim 5, wherein at least one of the upper base member and the lower base member includes a connecting element configured to releasably secure the upper base member to the lower base member when the upper base member is in a use position on the lower base member.

9. The shielding device of claim 8, wherein the multi-component base further comprises at least one biasing element connected between the lower base member and the upper base member for biasing the upper base member toward the loading position.

10. The shielding device of claim 9, wherein the multi-component base further includes an actuation button operably connected to the connecting element and actuable by a user to actuate the connecting element such that the upper base member moves from the use position toward the loading position and separates from the lower base member.

11. The shielding device of claim 1, wherein the cover member includes a pull tab extending from an end of the cover member, and wherein the pull tab is shaped to be gripped by a user for stretching a shielding portion of the cover member from the unextended position toward the extended position.

12. The shielding device of claim 1, wherein the size of the through-hole of the cover member is designed to be smaller than the fingernail on the user's finger, such that when the cover member is stretched to the extended position and the through-hole is positioned above the fingernail, the through-hole is stretched around the fingernail, and the cover member applies an inward elastic force to the fingernail to retain the fingernail within the through-hole.

13. The shielding device according to claim 12, wherein the size of the through hole is designed such that the maximum diameter of the through hole is less than 9.0 mm.

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