Light-curable artificial nails, methods of making and using light-curable artificial nails

Abstract

Generally, artificial nails, particularly light-curable artificial nails, kits including light-curable artificial nails, methods of making light-curable artificial nails, and methods of using light-curable artificial nails are provided.SOLUTION: A light-curable artificial nail (100) having an adhesive section (118A, 118B) comprising a light-curable composition in a semi-cured state is disclosed. The photocurable composition is configured to transition from a semi-cured state to a cured state based on exposure to at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. The light-curable artificial nail has a reinforcing section (120) provided on the adhesive section and a polishing section (122) provided on the adhesive section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1D

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to artificial nails, particularly light-curable artificial nails, kits containing light-curable artificial nails, methods of making light-curable artificial nails, and uses of light-curable artificial nails. [Background technology]

[0002] Artificial nails have long been popular among consumers, who use them to cosmetically enhance the appearance of their nails and / or to protect their nails. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light-curable artificial nail, the light-curable artificial nail having an adhesive section containing a photocurable composition in a semi-cured state, the photocurable composition being configured to transition from the semi-cured state to a cured state upon exposure to at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, the light-curable artificial nail further having a reinforcing section provided above the adhesive section and a polishing section provided above the adhesive section.

[0004] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit including a light-curable artificial nail configured to be applied to a natural nail using pressure and at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, the light-curable artificial nail having an adhesive section including a light-curable composition in a semi-cured state, the light-curable composition configured to transition from the semi-cured state to a cured state upon exposure to the at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, the light-curable artificial nail further including a reinforcing section disposed above the adhesive section, a polishing section disposed above the adhesive section, and a removable layer removably attached to the adhesive section.

[0005] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for making a light-curable artificial nail, the method comprising the steps of: removing a portion of the adhesive film shaped like a human nail from a semi-cured adhesive film, the portion of the adhesive film comprising a semi-cured light-curable composition; and the method further comprising the steps of removing a portion of the polish film shaped like a human nail from a polish film; and combining the portion of the adhesive film and the portion of the polish film with a reinforcing material to form a layer of the light-curable artificial nail. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1A] 1 is a plan view (top view) of a light-curable artificial nail applied to a natural nail according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 1B] 1 is a side view of a light-curable artificial nail according to some embodiments. FIG. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 is a side view of a light-cured artificial nail applied to a natural nail according to some embodiments. [Figure 1D] 1 is an exploded side view of one cross section of a stack of light-curable artificial nails, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 illustrates a number of light-curable artificial nails attached to a removable layer, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2B] 1A-1C are diagrams illustrating the elasticity and flexibility of light-curable artificial nails according to some embodiments. [Figure 3A] 1A-1C illustrate steps for placing a light-curable artificial nail onto a natural nail, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3B] FIG. 10 illustrates another step in placing the light-curable artificial nail over the natural nail. [Figure 3C] FIG. 10 illustrates another step in placing the light-curable artificial nail over the natural nail. [Figure 4A] 1A-1C illustrate some embodiments of an emitter / discharge device for curing a semi-cured light-curable artificial nail. [Figure 4B]1A-1C illustrate some embodiments of an emitter / discharge device for curing a semi-cured light-curable artificial nail. [Figure 4C] 1A-1C illustrate some embodiments of a light emitting device with a pressure member. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 illustrates one type of stencil according to some embodiments. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 illustrates another form of stencil according to some embodiments. [Figure 5C] FIG. 10 illustrates another form of stencil according to some embodiments. [Figure 5D] FIG. 10 illustrates another form of stencil according to some embodiments. [Figure 5E] 10 illustrates how to remove a semi-cured portion of a light-curable artificial nail after curing with a stencil, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6A] 1 illustrates a method of making a light-curable artificial nail, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6B] 1 illustrates a method of making a light-curable artificial nail, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a method of using a light-curable artificial nail, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to some embodiments, disclosed herein is a light-curable artificial nail, the light-curable artificial nail having an adhesive section including a light-curable composition in a semi-cured state, the light-curable composition configured to transition from the semi-cured state to a cured state upon exposure to at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, the light-curable artificial nail further having a reinforcing section disposed above the adhesive section and a polishing section disposed above the adhesive section.

[0008] In some embodiments, the photocurable composition of the adhesive section is a first photocurable composition, and the polish section comprises a second photocurable composition in a semi-cured state. In some embodiments, the first photocurable composition is different from the second photocurable composition.

[0009] In some embodiments, the adhesive section is designed to secure the light-curable artificial nail to the natural nail through pressure and at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation.

[0010] In some embodiments, the light-curable artificial nail further comprises a decorative section disposed above the polish section, the decorative section comprising one or more types of decoration.

[0011] In some embodiments, the light-curable artificial nail further comprises a topcoat section disposed above the polish section. In some embodiments, the light-curable composition of the adhesive section is a first light-curable composition, and the topcoat section comprises a third light-curable composition in a semi-cured state, the first light-curable composition being different from the third light-curable composition. In some embodiments, the topcoat section is transparent.

[0012] In some embodiments, the reinforcing section comprises a fabric material comprising at least one of fiberglass, silk, or linen.

[0013] In some embodiments, the polish section includes a colorant.

[0014] In some embodiments, the photocurable composition includes at least one component that is curable by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, visible light, or a combination thereof.

[0015] In some embodiments, the photocurable composition comprises at least one of a polymer, a film former, a plasticizer, an additive, a dispersant, a photoinitiator, a silicone, a silicon, a keratin, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, an oligomer, unreacted solvent, or a colorant.

[0016] In some embodiments, the polymer comprises at least one of a polyurethane, a (meth)acrylic polymer, a poly(methyl methacrylate), a copolymer, a vinyl polymer, a vinyl copolymer, a cellulose polymer, or a styrene butadiene polymer.

[0017] In some embodiments, the film-forming agent comprises at least one of an epoxy resin, a (meth)acrylic resin, a styrene resin, an acrylate-styrene resin, a vinyl resin, a polyester, an alkyd resin, a cellulose ester, or a resin resulting from the condensation of formaldehyde with an allyl sulfonamide.

[0018] In some embodiments, the plasticizer comprises at least one of tributyl phosphate, tributoxyethyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, triphenyl phosphate, glycerol triacetate, butyl stearate, butyl glycolate, benzyl benzoate, butyl acetyltricinolate, glyceryl acetyltricinolate, dibutyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, dimethoxyethyl phthalate, diamyl phthalate, triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, tributyl acetylcitrate, tri(2-ethylhexyl)acetylcitrate, dibutyl tartrate, or camphor.

[0019] In some embodiments, the additive is silica, fumed silica, diatomaceous earth, bentonite clay, kaolinite, pyrophyllite, sericite, saponite, smectic, vermiculite, montmorillonite, beidelite, nontronite, hectorite, talc, mica, zirconium oxide, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, saponite, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, aluminum stearate, stearalkonium, distearalkonium, organically modified clay, hydrogenated castor oil, hydrogenated castor wax, inorganically modified castor oil, organically modified castor oil, triglycerides, glyceryl tri-12-hydroxystearate , polyamide, polyamide wax, ethylenediamine 12-hydroxystearic acid diamide, 12-hydroxystearic acid diglycolamide, N-stearylricinoleamide, N-stearylstearamide, polyethylene oxide wax, urea urethane, acrylic resin, amine salt of high molecular weight polyester, salt of linear polyaminoamide and high molecular weight polyester, amide solution of polycarboxylic acid, alkyl sultanate, alkylaryl sultanate, colloidal ester, polyester resin, phenolic resin, melamine resin, epoxy resin, urethane resin, polyimide resin or polyester amide.

[0020] In some embodiments, the dispersing agent comprises at least one of a non-surface-active polymer, a surface-active component added to the gel, or a surfactant.

[0021] In some embodiments, the photocurable composition comprises about 1 weight percent (wt%) to about 50 wt% resin, about 1 wt% to about 50 wt% photoinitiator, and about 1 wt% to about 90 wt% polymer.

[0022] In some embodiments, in a semi-cured state, the photocurable composition has a viscosity of about 100×10 -6 It has an elastic modulus of from about 2.50 gigapascals (GPa), and in the cured state, the photocurable composition has a Rockwell hardness of from about 1 gram per cubic centimeter (g / cc) to about 110 g / cc.

[0023] In some embodiments, the light-curable artificial nail does not include at least one of a preformed hard plastic or an acrylic polymer.

[0024] In some embodiments, the light-curable artificial nail is in the shape of a natural nail, an oval nail, a rectangular nail, a pointed nail, or a rounded nail.

[0025] In some embodiments, the polished section is disposed above the reinforcing section.

[0026] In some embodiments, a kit is provided that includes a light-curable artificial nail configured to be applied to a natural nail using pressure and at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, the light-curable artificial nail having an adhesive section including a light-curable composition in a semi-cured state, the light-curable composition configured to transition from the semi-cured state to a cured state upon exposure to the at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, the light-curable artificial nail further including a reinforcing section disposed above the adhesive section, a polishing section disposed above the adhesive section, and a removable layer removably attached to the adhesive section.

[0027] In some embodiments, the kit further comprises a light-emitting instrument configured to emit at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation to transition the photocurable composition from a semi-cured state to a cured state.

[0028] In some embodiments, the light-emitting device is configured to emit at least one of ultraviolet or visible light, the light-emitting device is configured to emit at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of about 100 nanometers (nm) to about 780 nm, inclusive, and the light-emitting device comprises a light-emitting diode (LED).

[0029] In some embodiments, the light-emitting device comprises one or more pressure members configured to apply pressure to the topside of the light-curable artificial nail while emitting at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation.

[0030] In some embodiments, the kit further includes at least one stencil having a nail-shaped opening and a solid portion around the opening, the stencil configured to overlay the light-curable artificial nail and to pass at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation through the opening to the light-curable artificial nail and to block at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation at the solid portion.

[0031] In some embodiments, the kit includes at least one stencil, wherein the at least one stencil is (a) removably attached to the light-emitting device, (b) in the shape of a glove with a claw-shaped opening, (c) an opaque sticker, or (d) a fingertip with a claw-shaped opening.

[0032] In some embodiments, the at least one stencil is designed to apply pressure to the top side of the light-cured artificial nail when the light-cured artificial nail is placed over the natural nail.

[0033] In some embodiments, the polish section is disposed above the reinforcing section. In some embodiments, the reinforcing section comprises a fabric material. In some embodiments, the fabric material comprises at least one of fiberglass, silk, or linen.

[0034] In some embodiments, there is provided a method of making a light-curable artificial nail, the method comprising removing a portion of the adhesive film shaped like a human nail from a semi-cured adhesive film, the portion of the adhesive film comprising a semi-cured light-curable composition, the method further comprising removing a portion of the polish film shaped like a human nail from a polish film and combining the portion of the adhesive film and the portion of the polish film with a reinforcing material to form a layer of the light-curable artificial nail.

[0035] In some embodiments, the photocurable composition of the adhesive coating is a first photocurable composition and the polish coating comprises a second photocurable composition configured in a semi-cured state.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first photocurable composition is different from the second photocurable composition.

[0037] In some embodiments, the method further includes exposing the combined layer to a first electromagnetic radiation for a first predetermined period of time to bond adjacent layers of the combined layer to one another.

[0038] In some embodiments, exposing the combined layers to a first electromagnetic radiation for a first predetermined period of time causes one or more of the combined layers to transition from a first semi-cured state to a second semi-cured state.

[0039] In some embodiments, the method further includes applying the first photocurable composition in an uncured state to a first substrate to form an adhesive film, and exposing the adhesive film to second electromagnetic radiation for a second predetermined period of time to transition the adhesive film from the uncured state to a semi-cured state.

[0040] In some embodiments, the method further includes applying a second photocurable composition in an uncured state to a second substrate to form a polished coating, and exposing the polished coating to a third electromagnetic radiation for a third predetermined period of time to transition the polished coating from the uncured state to a semi-cured state.

[0041] In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing one or more decorations above the polish coating.

[0042] In some embodiments, the method further includes removing a portion of the top coat film in the shape of a human nail from the top coat film and combining the portion of the top coat film with a layer of light-curable artificial nail.

[0043] In some embodiments, the topcoat film comprises a third photocurable composition, and the method further comprises applying the third photocurable composition in an uncured state on a third substrate to form the topcoat film, and exposing the topcoat film to fourth electromagnetic radiation for a fourth predetermined period of time to transition the topcoat film from the uncured state to a semi-cured state.

[0044] In some embodiments, at least one of the polish coating or the topcoat coating is made from a non-photocurable composition.

[0045] In some embodiments, a portion of the polish coating is disposed above the reinforcing material.

[0046] In some embodiments, the reinforcing material comprises a fabric material.

[0047] In some embodiments, the fabric material comprises at least one of fiberglass, silk, or linen.

[0048] Many other features are provided in accordance with these and other aspects of the invention, which will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings.

[0049] Artificial nails, such as artificial nail extensions, can be used to lengthen and decorate natural nails. Traditional artificial nails include "press-on" nails or artificial nails applied by a manicurist. Press-on nails include acrylic nails made from acrylic polymer-based compositions. Professional nail services can build artificial nails onto natural nails using acrylic polymer-based compositions or gel-based compositions.

[0050] To apply an artificial nail based on acrylic polymers, a manicurist or nail artist may clean a client's natural nail, cut the natural nail, trim the cuticle, buff the natural nail, apply a primer, apply a base coat, cure the base coat, attach a nail tip or full nail with adhesive, apply another base coat to the nail tip or full artificial nail, cure the other base coat, apply nail polish, cure the nail polish, and apply and cure a top coat. Artificial nails provided by professional manicurists can appear very realistic (e.g., like natural nails) because at least a layer of artificial nail is built up on the client's nail bed. However, professional manicures are expensive and time-consuming, taking 1.5 to 3 hours to complete. Furthermore, professional manicures, for example, using acrylic nail polish, can easily chip or scratch.

[0051] Conventional press-on artificial nails can be applied in much less time than professionally manicured artificial nails. Such press-on artificial nails utilize a tacky glue, such as a cyanoacrylate adhesive, to attach the press-on artificial nail to the natural nail. A conventional press-on nail can be applied to the natural nail with sufficient pressure. However, conventional press-on nails often do not appear like real nails, at least because there is a visible boundary between the natural nail and the artificial nail. Additionally, conventional press-on nails adhere poorly to the natural nail and are easily removed (e.g., fall off) during normal wear. Furthermore, each person has unique, varying natural nail shapes and dimensions. Press-on nails are made of a hard, inelastic, pre-shaped plastic material that does not conform to the unique shape of natural nails. Therefore, press-on nails do not adhere reliably to natural nails and do not appear like natural nails when applied.

[0052] Aspects of the present invention solve the above-mentioned problems, as well as others, by providing a light-cured artificial nail that has the ease of application of a press-on nail, while looking as natural as a professionally manicured artificial nail, but with increased durability. In some embodiments, the light-cured artificial nail can have multiple sections (e.g., horizontal sections), each having one or more layers of similar material. These sections can be stacked on top of each other to form the light-cured artificial nail. At least one section of the light-cured artificial nail comprises a semi-cured light-curable composition, such as a gel composition. Light-cured artificial nails made from the semi-cured light-curable composition can be resilient and / or flexible, allowing the light-cured artificial nail to bend, flex, and / or stretch (shape) to conform to the unique shape of the natural nail, thereby improving the bond between the light-cured artificial nail and allowing the light-cured artificial nail to look more natural than a press-on nail. Similar to a manicured nail that is layered and built up on a person's natural nail and matches the underlying natural nail, the light-curable artificial nail may be made of one or multiple sections containing a semi-cured light-curable composition. In some embodiments, the light-curable artificial nail can effectively serve as a semi-finished (e.g., semi-cured) pre-fabricated manicured nail. When applied to the natural nail, the light-curable artificial nail can resemble professional nail polish in appearance and have approximately the same strength of bond to the natural nail, but can be applied with the ease of press-on nails.

[0053] In some embodiments, the adhesive section of the light-curable artificial nail may include a light-curable composition, e.g., a gel base coat, in a semi-cured state that remains sticky or tacky in the semi-cured state. A user may place the light-curable artificial nail on the natural nail, apply pressure to the light-curable artificial nail (using a pressure member, e.g., a nail form), and simultaneously apply pressure to cure the light-curable artificial nail, particularly the adhesive section of the light-curable artificial nail, to form a strong bond between the natural nail and the light-curable artificial nail. As described above, the light-curable artificial nail in a semi-cured state may be flexible and / or elastic to conform to the shape and curvature of the natural nail, thereby allowing the light-curable artificial nail to be placed on the natural nail in a manner that reduces or eliminates the visible boundary between the natural nail and the light-curable artificial nail, improving the adhesive bond between the natural nail and the light-curable artificial nail.

[0054] In some embodiments, multiple sections of the light-curable artificial nail can include a light-curable composition in a semi-cured state. For example, the adhesive section can include a light-curable composition, and one or more of the polish section or top coat section can include the same or different light-curable composition in a semi-cured state (e.g., a gel nail polish or gel top coat section, respectively).

[0055] In some embodiments, one or more of the sections of the light-curable artificial nail can include a non-light-curable composition. For example, the adhesive section can include a light-curable composition, and one or more of the polish section or top coat section can include a non-light-curable composition.

[0056] In some embodiments, a section of the light-cured artificial nail can include a reinforcing material that can help provide strength and / or structural properties to the light-cured artificial nail. For example, a section of the light-cured artificial nail can include a fiberglass material disposed between other sections of the light-cured artificial nail.

[0057] In some embodiments, "photocurable" can refer to a substance (e.g., a composition) that can be chemically altered to form strong and / or rigid bonds upon exposure to specific wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., light, e.g., ultraviolet (UV) light). For example, in some embodiments, a photocurable composition can be cured by a polymerization process, in which the molecules of the composition combine and react with each other into large polymer chains upon exposure to one or more wavelengths of light. Crosslinks or chemical bonds connecting different polymer chains to each other can also be created, thereby creating a structurally robust molecular network.

[0058] In some embodiments, the photocurable composition may comprise a gel composition. In some embodiments, the gel composition may be a composition that can be semi-solid in an uncured state. In some embodiments, the uncured or semi-cured gel composition may comprise one or more oligomers. In some embodiments, UV electromagnetic radiation (or specific wavelengths of UV electromagnetic radiation) may be used to cure the photocurable composition.

[0059] In some embodiments, the term "semi-cured state" (e.g., partially cured state) refers to a light-curable composition (or light-curable artificial nail generally) that has been cured (e.g., by exposure to electromagnetic radiation) for a period of time shorter than the time required to fully cure the light-curable composition. In the semi-cured state, exposure to a specified wavelength of electromagnetic radiation at an additional amount (e.g., power and / or time) can further chemically change the light-curable composition to form a stronger and / or more rigid bond. In some embodiments, the term "semi-cured state" refers to a light-curable composition (or light-curable artificial nail generally) that may be elastic, semi-solid, malleable, moldable, clay-like, stretchable, or one or more combinations thereof, and / or have a Shore A (durometer) hardness of about 90 or less.

[0060] The term "cured state" refers to a photocurable composition (or photocurable composition for photocurable artificial nails generally) that is hard, tough, and break-resistant, and / or has a Rockwell hardness of about 1 gram per cubic centimeter (g / cc) to about 110 g / cc, and / or a Shore D hardness of about 10 to about 100. In the cured state, exposure to additional amounts (e.g., power and / or time) of electromagnetic radiation at a specified wavelength does not further chemically cause the photocurable composition to form stronger and / or more rigid bonds, or does not result in such a condition. For example, in the cured state, the polymerization process may be substantially complete. In some embodiments, a photocurable artificial nail (e.g., the photocurable composition in such an artificial nail) in the cured state is harder, more durable, and / or more break-resistant than a photocurable artificial nail in a semi-cured (or uncured) state.

[0061] light curing artificial nails According to embodiments, light-curable artificial nails are disclosed herein. The light-curable artificial nails described herein may be of any suitable format, color, or shape. The light-curable artificial nails may be of any suitable format, including, but not limited to, full-coverage nails, partial nail sections, nail tips, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the light-curable artificial nail is a type of press-on artificial nail (e.g., a light-curable press-on artificial nail). For example, the light-curable artificial nail may be a light-curable press-on artificial nail that can be secured to a natural nail using one or more of exposure to one or more specified wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation and / or application of pressure (e.g., simultaneously with exposure). The light-curable artificial nail may be an artificial fingernail or an artificial toenail. Suitable colors for the light-curable artificial nail embodiments herein include, but are not limited to, any color in the visible light spectrum, such as, for example, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, black, white, pink, or combinations thereof. Suitable shapes for the light-curable artificial nail described herein include, but are not limited to, a natural nail shape, a square tip, an oval tip, a rounded tip, a square with a rounded edge, a pointed tip, a V-shaped tip, a downward curve, a claw-shaped nail, a trapezoid (e.g., from the cuticle to the tip), a triangle (e.g., from the cuticle to the tip), or combinations thereof.

[0062] 1A-1D illustrate a light-curable artificial nail suitable for attachment to a natural nail (e.g., a fingernail) according to some embodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 1A is a top view of a light-curable artificial nail attached to a natural nail according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a side view of a light-curable artificial nail according to some embodiments. FIG. 1C is a side view of a light-curable artificial nail attached to a natural nail according to some embodiments. FIG. 1D is an exploded side view of a cross section of a stack of light-curable artificial nails according to some embodiments.

[0063] In some embodiments, the light-curable artificial nail 100 has a body 102 with a shape that at least partially corresponds to the shape of the natural nail 104. The body 102 can be configured to overlie and match the shape of the user's natural nail 104. For example, the body 102 can overlie the nail bed of the natural nail 104 (shown in FIG. 1C as a curved dashed line below the light-curable artificial nail 100) from the cuticle to the fingertip (represented by dashed line 108), and in some cases extend beyond the fingertip. Thus, the body 102 can have a base 110 (also referred to herein as "base portion 110") that extends from one end of the light-curable artificial nail 100 (e.g., the bed of the light-curable artificial nail shown adjacent the cuticle of the user's finger) to the area represented by dashed line 108. In some embodiments, the body 102 may not extend all the way to the fingertip (or the dashed line of the natural nail 104 in FIG. 1A). In some embodiments, the body 102 may extend from the cuticle to a distance of about 1 millimeter (mm) to about 3 mm in front of or behind the fingertip. A shorter body 102 may be useful when the user does not want the light-curable artificial nail 100 to extend beyond the tip of the user's finger (or toe). In some embodiments, the body 102 may extend further from the cuticle.

[0064] 1A and 1B, the body 102 has a top surface 112 opposite a bottom surface 114. The top surface 112 is visible to the user and others when the light-curable artificial nail is attached to the user's finger (or toe). The bottom surface 114 is configured to adhere to and conform to the natural nail 104, or at least a portion thereof, which may or may not have a top coat or other composition on its surface.

[0065] In some embodiments, the body 102 of the light-curable artificial nail 100 has a tip portion 116 configured to extend distally from the body 102. According to some embodiments, the tip portion 116 can extend distally beyond the tip of the user's finger (or toe), represented by dashed line 108 in FIGS. 1B and 1C. In some embodiments, the tip portion 116 extends the length of the light-curable artificial nail 100 from the area represented by dashed line 108 to the distal tip of the body 102. In some embodiments, the tip portion 116 can extend from the base portion 110 of the body 102 (e.g., about 1 mm to about 3 mm before or after the tip of the finger) to the distal tip of the light-curable artificial nail 100.

[0066] 1A and 1B, the tip portion 116 and the base 110 (e.g., base portion 110) are integral and form a single piece. In some embodiments, the body 102 may have only the tip portion 116 and not the base portion 110. In other embodiments, the tip portion 116 may be joined to the base portion 110 using, for example, an adhesive or other fastening means (e.g., if non-integral). The tip portion 116 may have a top surface and a bottom surface. In some embodiments, none, some, or the entire bottom surface of the tip portion 116 may have adhesive sections.

[0067] In some embodiments, one or more of the base portion 110 or the tip portion 116 includes a colorant. In some embodiments, the base portion 110 includes a first colorant and the tip portion 116 includes a second colorant. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the base portion 110 of the body 102 located near the cuticle (e.g., the bottom portion) includes a first colorant in the form of a lunula, and the remainder of the body 102 includes a second colorant. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the tip portion 116 of the body 102 (e.g., the terminal tip or distal end of the light-curable artificial nail 100) includes one or more colorants, and the remainder of the body 102 includes at least one different colorant (e.g., a French manicure).

[0068] In some embodiments, the light-curable artificial nail 100 can be reconfigured from a flat position to a concave position. For example, the light-curable artificial nail can be peeled from a removable layer (e.g., a support) and molded to the shape of a natural nail. In another embodiment, the light-curable artificial nail can be packaged in a concave position (e.g., bottom surface 114) where the removable layer holds the artificial nail in the concave position.

[0069] In some embodiments, the body 102 of the light-curable artificial nail includes and / or is formed with one or more light-curable compositions configured in a semi-cured state. In some embodiments, the light-curable composition may include a gel composition. In some embodiments, the one or more light-curable compositions may be exposed to electromagnetic radiation (also referred to herein as "light") for a predetermined period of time (e.g., from about 10 seconds to about 15 minutes, or from about 30 seconds to about 10 minutes, or from about 60 seconds to about 5 minutes), thereby transitioning the one or more light-curable compositions from an uncured state to a semi-cured state (e.g., during manufacturing).

[0070] In some embodiments, the term "uncured state" refers to a photocurable composition that is a liquid, slurry, and / or flowable, e.g., having a viscosity of about 400 mPas or less as measured at 25° C. by a Cone & Plate viscometer (e.g., an exemplary viscometer is a REL Model CPD2000) according to ASTM D4287-00 using a 40 poise cone with a 19.1 mm diameter and a 2° angle rotating at 750 RPM.

[0071] In some embodiments, in the semi-cured state, the one or more light-curable compositions maintain some degree of elasticity, whereas in the fully cured state, the one or more light-curable compositions may be substantially non-elastic or completely non-elastic (at least compared to the light-curable compositions in the semi-cured state). When the light-curable artificial nail 100 is in the semi-cured state, the body 102 of the light-curable artificial nail 100 may be at least one of elastic, semi-solid, bendable, flexible, resilient, malleable, moldable, clay-like, stretchable, or combinations thereof to facilitate conforming the shape of the light-curable artificial nail 100 to the shape of the natural nail 104. In some embodiments, the one or more light-curable compositions of the light-curable artificial nail 100 when in the semi-cured state may have a modulus of about 100×10 -6 The modulus of elasticity may range from about 2.50 gigapascals (GPa). In some embodiments, one or more photocurable compositions of light-curable artificial nail 100, when in a cured state, may have a modulus of elasticity that is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the respective photocurable composition in a semi-cured state. For example, the modulus of elasticity of a particular photocurable composition of the light-curable artificial nail in a cured state may be greater than 2.50 GPa.

[0072] In some embodiments, the one or more photocurable compositions may be configured to transition from a semi-cured state to a cured state upon exposure of the one or more photocurable compositions to designated wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. For example, the photocurable compositions may be curable upon exposure to at least one designated wavelength (or range of wavelengths) of electromagnetic radiation, such as ultraviolet light. The light-curable artificial nail, including the body 102, may be substantially inelastic when in the cured state. For example, in the cured state, the photocurable composition of the light-curable artificial nail may have a Rockwell hardness of about 1 g / cc to about 110 g / cc, about 5 g / cc to about 90 g / cc, about 10 g / cc to about 80 g / cc, or about 20 g / cc to about 50 g / cc, and / or a Shore D hardness of about 10 to about 100, or about 30 to about 80.

[0073] According to some embodiments, the body 102 is in a semi-hardened state and has a first stiffness to provide support while maintaining a curvature corresponding to that of the natural nail 104. In some embodiments, the first stiffness may be expressed as a Shore A (durometer) hardness of about 25 to about 90, about 30 to about 80, or about 40 to about 75. In the hardened state, the body 102 has a second stiffness that is higher than the first stiffness. In some embodiments, the second stiffness may be expressed as a Rockwell hardness of about 1 g / cc to about 110 g / cc, about 5 g / cc to about 90 g / cc, about 10 g / cc to about 80 g / cc, or about 20 g / cc to about 50 g / cc, and / or a Shore D hardness of about 10 to about 100, or about 30 to about 80.

[0074] In some embodiments, the light-curable artificial nail 100 in a semi-cured state has a higher elasticity than the light-curable artificial nail 100 in a cured state. The light-curable artificial nail 100 in a semi-cured state may refer to a light-curable artificial nail having one or more (or all) of the light-curable composition of the light-curable artificial nail in a semi-cured state (e.g., including one or more layers and / or one or more sections). The light-curable artificial nail in a cured state may refer to a light-curable artificial nail having one or more (or all) of the light-curable composition of the light-curable artificial nail in a cured state (e.g., including one or more layers and / or one or more sections).

[0075] It should be noted that the use of a light-curable composition in a light-curable artificial nail is described for purposes of illustration and not limitation. In other embodiments, one or more other curable compositions can be used to form the light-curable artificial nail 100 and can be cured using one or more modalities, such as the effect of additional hardeners, drying, heat, etc.

[0076] The body 102 of some embodiments of the light-curable artificial nail 100 of the present disclosure may further include an adhesive section 118A having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The sections and layers of the light-curable artificial nail 100 are further described with reference to FIG. 1D . The first surface of the adhesive section 118A may be disposed on or coupled to at least a portion of the bottom surface of the immediately adjacent section. The second surface of the adhesive section 118A may be configured to adhere to at least a portion of the natural nail 104. In some embodiments, the adhesive section 118A may cover only a portion of the bottom surface of the immediately adjacent section and / or only a portion of the natural nail 104. In some embodiments, the adhesive section 118A may cover a portion of the entire bottom surface of the immediately adjacent section of the light-curable artificial nail 100. For example, adhesive section 118A may cover the base portion 110 of light-curable artificial nail 100, rather than the entire tip portion 116 of light-curable artificial nail 100. In some embodiments, adhesive section 118A may cover none, a portion, or the entire bottom surface of the immediately adjacent section of light-curable artificial nail 100. In some embodiments, adhesive section 118A may be of a substantially uniform thickness.

[0077] The exploded side view of the light-curable artificial nail 100, as shown in FIG. 1D, illustrates the stacking of various sections of the light-curable artificial nail 100 according to some embodiments. The light-curable artificial nail 100 is shown with an adhesive section 118B (also referred to herein as the "base coat section 118"), a reinforcement section 120 (also referred to herein as the "structural section 120"), a polish section 122, a decorative section 124, and a top coat section. A section of the light-curable artificial nail 100 may include one or more layers of the same or similar materials or compositions. It should be noted that the various sections of the light-curable artificial nail 100 as shown in FIG. 1D are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the invention. In some embodiments, the various sections can be arranged in different orders. In some embodiments, the light-curable artificial nail 100 can include the same, different, fewer, or more sections arranged in the same or different orders. In some embodiments, one or more of the particular sections may be included in the light-curable artificial nail 100. In some embodiments, some sections may be omitted. It should also be noted that Figure 1D is an exploded view of a stack-up, and in some embodiments, the various sections (and layers located within those sections) are connected to their respective adjacent sections (or respective layers) of the light-curable artificial nail 100. It should be noted that adhesive section 118A and adhesive section 118B are generally referred to as adhesive section 118.

[0078] In some embodiments, as described above, adhesive section 118 can include a photocurable composition configured to a semi-cured state. For example, adhesive section 118 can include a gel base coat that has been exposed to predetermined wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, such that the gel base coat is cured to a semi-cured state and becomes tacky and / or sticky. In some embodiments, the photocurable composition of adhesive section 118 is configured to transition from a semi-cured state to a cured state upon exposure to at least one wavelength (e.g., the predetermined wavelength) of electromagnetic radiation.

[0079] In some embodiments, the light-curable composition of adhesive section 118 is configured to be a different composition, and in some cases, a different light-curable composition, than the light-curable compositions contained in other sections of light-curable artificial nail 100.

[0080] In some embodiments, the adhesive section 118 (particularly the light-curable composition of the adhesive section 118) is designed to secure the light-curable artificial nail to the natural nail upon application of at least one predetermined wavelength of electromagnetic radiation or pressure (e.g., pressure applied to the top of the light-curable artificial nail 100 toward the natural nail). In some embodiments, this pressure will be applied simultaneously with exposure to at least one predetermined wavelength of electromagnetic radiation.

[0081] In some embodiments, adhesive section 118 may include one or more layers, such as one or more layers of a photocurable composition. In some embodiments, one or more layers of adhesive section 118 may be the same or similar materials. In some embodiments, one or more layers of adhesive section 118 may include different materials. In some embodiments, one or more layers of adhesive section 118 may be semi-cured to different amounts, with some layers being more semi-cured than other layers (e.g., more chemically altered with larger, stronger, and / or more rigid bonds). In some embodiments, all layers of adhesive section 118 are semi-cured. In other embodiments, some of the layers of adhesive section 118 are semi-cured and some are not. In some embodiments, the outer layer (e.g., bottom surface 114) is semi-cured, while one or more other layers of adhesive section 118 are either more cured or semi-cured than the outer layer of adhesive section 118.

[0082] In some embodiments, the photocurable composition of adhesive section 118 may be curable using one or more predetermined wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. In some embodiments, adhesive section 118 may be curable using one or more wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation that are different from the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation used to cure the photocurable compositions of other sections.

[0083] In some embodiments, the semi-cured adhesive section 118 is viscoelastic, removable, and re-adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive section 118 is applied during the manufacture of the light-cured artificial nail. In other embodiments, a user can apply the adhesive section 118 to the bottom surface of the light-cured artificial nail 100 or to the natural nail before attaching the light-cured artificial nail 100.

[0084] In some embodiments, the light-curable artificial nail 100 includes one or more reinforcing sections 120. In some embodiments, the reinforcing section 120 can add strength or structural properties to the light-curable artificial nail 100. For example, the reinforcing section 120 can comprise a material that is flexible but less elastic than the materials or compositions used in one or more other sections of the light-curable artificial nail 100. For example, the reinforcing section 120 can be less elastic than one or more of the adhesive section 118 (in a semi-cured state), the polish section 122 (in a semi-cured state), the decorative section 124, or the top coat section 126 (in a semi-cured state). In some embodiments, the reinforcing section 120 is designed to be thinner than one or more other sections of the light-curable artificial nail 100, so that the light-curable artificial nail (in a semi-cured or cured state) can have greater structural properties (than without the reinforcing section 120) but still have a low profile and appear more like a natural nail.

[0085] In some embodiments, the reinforcement section 120 can include a fabric material, such as a woven fabric or strands of fabric. In some embodiments, the fabric material can include one or more of fiberglass (woven fabric or individual fiberglass strands), linen (woven fabric or strands), or silk (woven fabric or strands). In other embodiments, different materials or fabrics can be used for the reinforcement section 120. In some embodiments, the reinforcement section 120 does not include a photocurable composition.

[0086] In some embodiments, the reinforcement section 120 can have one or more layers, such as one or more layers of fabric material. In some embodiments, the reinforcement section 120 can include a single layer, such as a single layer of fabric material.

[0087] In some embodiments, the reinforcing section 120 is disposed between or directly between the adhesive section 118 and the polished section 122. In some embodiments, the reinforcing section 120 may be disposed between or directly between layers of a particular section (e.g., disposed within a section such that the reinforcing section 120 is embedded within the section). For example, the reinforcing section 120 may be disposed within the layer of the adhesive section 118 (e.g., disposed directly between layers of the adhesive section). In another embodiment, the reinforcing section 120 may be disposed within the layer of the polished section 122 (e.g., disposed directly between layers of the polished section).

[0088] In some embodiments, the reinforcing section 120 may be disposed between or directly between different sections than those shown. For example, the reinforcing section 120 may be disposed between or directly between the polish section 122 and the topcoat section 126.

[0089] In yet another embodiment, the reinforcing section 120 may be disposed directly between or between sections of the same type. For example, the reinforcing section 120 may be disposed directly between or between the adhesive section 118 and another adhesive section disposed above or directly above the reinforcing section 120. In another example, the reinforcing section 120 may be disposed directly between or between the polished section 122 and another polished section disposed above or directly above the reinforcing section 120.

[0090] In some embodiments, light-curable artificial nail 100 can have one or more polish sections, such as polish section 122. Each polish section 122 can have one or more layers of the same or similar materials.

[0091] In some embodiments, polishing section 122 includes a photocurable composition. In some embodiments, the photocurable composition of polishing section 122 is different from the photocurable composition of other sections, such as the photocurable composition of adhesive section 118. In some embodiments, the photocurable composition is a gel photocurable composition.

[0092] In some embodiments, the photocurable composition includes a colorant. In some embodiments, the photocurable composition may include particles, such as reflective particles including mica.

[0093] In some embodiments, the light-curable composition may include features representative of a natural nail, such as the lunula, the nail plate, and / or the free edge of the nail, which may be formed using a light-curable composition that includes different colorants to represent such features.

[0094] In some embodiments, one or more photocurable compositions of polish section 122 are in a semi-cured state.

[0095] In some embodiments, polish section 122 does not include a light-curable composition. In some embodiments, polish section 122 includes one or more layers of acrylic nail polish. In some embodiments, the non-light-curable composition of polish section 122 may include one or more of a resin (e.g., a film former and / or adhesive), such as nitrocellulose or other polymer, a solvent (e.g., ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, propyl acetate, and isopropyl acetate), a dispersant (e.g., stearalkonium hectorite, stearalkonium bentonite), a UV stabilizer (e.g., benzophenone), or a plasticizer (e.g., trimethylpentanyl diisobutyrate, triphenyl phosphate, camphor, and ethyl tosylamide). For example, the non-light-curable composition of polish section 122 may include a polymer dissolved in a solvent. The solvent may evaporate after application to form a polymer film.

[0096] In some embodiments, the non-photocurable composition is not or only marginally curable using electromagnetic radiation. In some embodiments, the non-photocurable composition may include compositions that are not or only marginally curable under wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation outside the visible spectrum. In some embodiments, the non-photocurable composition may include compositions that are not or only marginally curable under UV electromagnetic radiation. In some embodiments, the non-photocurable composition does not include a semi-cured state. In some embodiments, the non-photocurable composition is not in a semi-solid state (e.g., not a gel) in the semi-cured state. In some embodiments, the non-photocurable composition does not include oligomers (e.g., in the uncured or semi-cured state). In some embodiments, the non-photocurable composition can be cured using a free radical reaction when the powder is exposed to a reactive monomer in a liquid.

[0097] In some embodiments, the light-curable artificial nail 100 can have a decorative section 124. In some embodiments, the decorative section 124 can include one or more decorations (e.g., gems, beads, crystals, metal emblems, rivets, pearls, etc.), nail art (e.g., painting), decals, stickers, dust, reflective particles (e.g., mica, glitter), confetti, images, graphic prints, negative space, fluids, one or more colors, patterns, nail tip art, nail tip decorations, or combinations thereof.

[0098] In some embodiments, the decorative section 124 may be disposed above or on the polished section 122. In some embodiments, the decorative section 124 may be disposed within another section, such as the polished section 122. In some embodiments, the decorative section 124 may be disposed directly between or between the polished section 122 and the topcoat section 126. In some embodiments, the decorative section 124 may be disposed within the topcoat section 126. In some embodiments, the decorative section 124 may be disposed above or on the topcoat section 126.

[0099] In some embodiments, decorative section 124 may be provided on a combination of sections. For example, one or more decorations of decorative section 124 may be provided between polish section 122 and topcoat section 126, and one or more other decorations of decorative section 124 may be provided above or on top of topcoat section 126.

[0100] In some embodiments, the light-curable artificial nail 100 can have a top coat section 126. In some embodiments, the top coat section 126 can be the uppermost section of the light-curable artificial nail 100. In some embodiments, the top coat section 126 can include one or more layers of the same or similar materials.

[0101] In some embodiments, the topcoat section 126 may be a protective section that protects sections located below the topcoat section 126. For example, the topcoat section 126 may help protect the light-curable artificial nail 100, particularly the polish section 122 and / or the decorative section 124, from chipping. In some embodiments, the topcoat section 126 may be clear or partially clear. In some embodiments, the topcoat section 126 may be glossy and / or have a shine.

[0102] In some embodiments, the topcoat section 126 may be disposed above or on the polish section 122. In some embodiments, the topcoat section 126 may be disposed above or on the decorative section 124.

[0103] In some embodiments, the topcoat section 126 can include a light-curable composition. In some embodiments, the light-curable composition of the topcoat section 126 can be different from one or more of the light-curable compositions of the other sections of the light-curable artificial nail 100. For example, the light-curable composition of the topcoat section 126 can be different from the light-curable composition of the adhesive section 118 and / or the light-curable composition of the polish section 122.

[0104] In some embodiments, the light-curable composition of one or more sections can be the same type of light-curable composition as one or more other sections of the light-curable artificial nail. For example, in some embodiments, the light-curable composition of adhesive section 118 can be the same type of light-curable composition as the polish section 122. The light-curable composition of polish section 122 can, in some embodiments, be the same type of light-curable composition as the topcoat section 126.

[0105] In some embodiments, the photocurable composition is in a semi-cured state, thereby rendering the topcoat section 126 a semi-cured photocurable section. In some embodiments, the topcoat section 126 is in a cured state.

[0106] In some embodiments, the composition of the top coat section 126 includes a non-light-curable composition. In some embodiments, the non-light-curable composition of the top coat section 126 may include one or more of a resin (e.g., a film former and / or adhesive), such as nitrocellulose or other polymer, a solvent (e.g., ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, propyl acetate, and isopropyl acetate), or a plasticizer. In some embodiments, the top coat section 126 includes a cellulosic component, such as nitrocellulose. In some embodiments, the amount (e.g., weight %) of the cellulosic component is greater than in other sections of the light-curable artificial nail 100 (e.g., to enhance gloss and / or shine).

[0107] In some embodiments, multiple sections of the light-curable artificial nail may include a light-curable composition. In some embodiments, when multiple sections include a light-curable composition, different sections may be in different cured states. For example, the light-curable composition of adhesive section 118 may be in a semi-cured state, while other sections may be in a cured state (e.g., not in a semi-cured state). In some embodiments, different sections may have different amounts (e.g., percentages) of cure but may be in the same cured state. For example, both adhesive section 118 and polish section 122 may be in a semi-cured state, but the amounts (e.g., percentages) of cure may be different. For example, adhesive section 118 may be in a 50 percent (%) cured state, while polish section 122 may be in an 80% cured state.

[0108] In some embodiments, the photocurable composition is independently present in any one or more of the adhesive section 118, the polish section 122, and / or the topcoat section 126 (i.e., gel coat) in an amount of about 0.1% to about 100% by weight, respectively, of the total weight of the adhesive section 118, the polish section 122, and / or the topcoat section 126. The photocurable composition may include at least one of a polymer, a film former, a plasticizer, an additive, a dispersant, a photoinitiator, a silicone, a silicon, a keratin, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, an oligomer, an unreacted solvent, or a colorant. In some embodiments, the photocurable composition comprises the polymer in an amount of about 0.1% to about 100%, about 1% to about 99%, about 5% to about 95%, about 10% to about 90%, about 15% to about 85%, about 20% to about 80%, about 25% to about 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the photocurable composition, or any individual value or subrange therein. In some embodiments, the polymer comprises at least one of a polyurethane, a (meth)acrylic polymer, a poly(methyl methacrylate), a copolymer, a vinyl polymer, a vinyl copolymer, a cellulose polymer, or a styrene butadiene polymer. Any of the above-described polymer components may be individually present in the photocurable composition in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 100% by weight, from about 1% to about 99% by weight, from about 5% to about 95% by weight, from about 10% to about 90% by weight, from about 15% to about 85% by weight, from about 20% to about 80% by weight, from about 25% to about 75% by weight, or any individual value or subrange within these ranges, based on the total weight of the photocurable composition. In some embodiments, a mixture of any two or more of the above-described polymeric components may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 100%, about 1% to about 99%, about 5% to about 95%, about 10% to about 90%, about 15% to about 85%, about 20% to about 80%, about 25% to about 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the photocurable composition, or any individual value or subrange within these ranges.

[0109] In some embodiments, the photocurable composition includes a film-forming agent. The film-forming agent may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the photocurable composition, or any individual value or subrange within this range. The film-forming agent may include at least one of an epoxy resin, a (meth)acrylic resin, a styrene resin, an acrylate-styrene resin, a vinyl resin, a polyester, an alkyd resin, a cellulose ester, or a resin resulting from the condensation of formaldehyde with an allyl sulfonamide. Any of the above-described film-forming components may be present in the photocurable composition in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20% by weight, about 1% to about 19% by weight, about 2% to about 18% by weight, about 5% to about 15% by weight of the total weight of the photocurable composition, or any individual value or subrange within these ranges. In some embodiments, a mixture of any two or more of the above-described film-forming components may be present in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 20%, from about 1% to about 19%, from about 2% to about 18%, from about 5% to about 15% by weight of the total weight of the photocurable composition, or any individual value or subrange therein.

[0110] In some embodiments, the photocurable composition includes a plasticizer, which may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 100%, about 1% to about 99%, about 5% to about 95%, about 10% to about 90%, about 15% to about 85%, about 20% to about 80%, or 25% to about 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the photocurable composition, or any individual value or subrange therein. In some embodiments, the plasticizer comprises at least one of tributyl phosphate, tributoxyethyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, triphenyl phosphate, glycerol triacetate, butyl stearate, butyl glycolate, benzyl benzoate, butyl acetyltricinolate, glyceryl acetyltricinolate, dibutyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, dimethoxyethyl phthalate, diamyl phthalate, triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, tributyl acetylcitrate, tri(2-ethylhexyl)acetylcitrate, dibutyl tartrate, or camphor. The plasticizer may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 100%, about 1% to about 99%, about 5% to about 95%, about 10% to about 90%, about 15% to about 85%, about 20% to about 80%, or about 25% to about 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the photocurable composition, or any individual value or subrange within these ranges. In some embodiments, a mixture of any two or more of the above-mentioned plasticizers may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 100%, about 1% to about 99%, about 5% to about 95%, about 10% to about 90%, about 15% to about 85%, about 20% to about 80%, or about 25% to about 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the photocurable composition, or any individual value or subrange within these ranges.

[0111] In some embodiments, the photocurable composition includes an additive, which may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 100%, about 1% to about 99%, about 5% to about 95%, about 10% to about 90%, about 15% to about 85%, about 20% to about 80%, or 25% to about 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the photocurable composition, or any individual value or subrange therein. In some embodiments, the additive is silica, fumed silica, diatomaceous earth, bentonite clay, kaolinite, pyrophyllite, sericite, saponite, smectic, vermiculite, montmorillonite, beidelite, nontronite, hectorite, talc, mica, zirconium oxide, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, saponite, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, aluminum stearate, stearalkonium, distearalkonium, organically modified clay, hydrogenated castor oil, hydrogenated castor wax, inorganically modified castor oil, organically modified castor oil, triglycerides, glyceryl tri-12-hydroxystearate , polyamide, polyamide wax, ethylenediamine 12-hydroxystearic acid diamide, 12-hydroxystearic acid diglycolamide, N-stearylricinoleamide, N-stearylstearamide, polyethylene oxide wax, urea urethane, acrylic resin, amine salt of high molecular weight polyester, salt of linear polyaminoamide and high molecular weight polyester, amide solution of polycarboxylic acid, alkyl sultanate, alkylaryl sultanate, colloidal ester, polyester resin, phenolic resin, melamine resin, epoxy resin, urethane resin, polyimide resin or polyester amide. In some embodiments, any one of the above-mentioned additives may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 100% by weight, about 1% to about 99% by weight, about 5% to about 95% by weight, about 10% to about 90% by weight, about 15% to about 85% by weight, about 20% to about 80% by weight, 25% to about 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the photocurable composition, or any individual value or subrange within this range.In some embodiments, a mixture of any two or more of the above-described additives may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 100% by weight, about 1% to about 99% by weight, about 5% to about 95% by weight, about 10% to about 90% by weight, about 15% to about 85% by weight, about 20% to about 80% by weight, 25% to about 75% by weight, or any individual value or subrange within this range, based on the total weight of the photocurable composition.

[0112] In some embodiments, the photocurable composition includes a dispersing agent. In some embodiments, the dispersing agent may be any one of the dispersing agents described above, present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 100%, about 1% to about 99%, about 5% to about 95%, about 10% to about 90%, about 15% to about 85%, about 20% to about 80%, or 25% to about 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the photocurable composition, or any individual value or subrange therein. The dispersing agent may include at least one of a non-surface-active polymer, a surface-active component added to the gel, or a surfactant. In some embodiments, any one of the above-described dispersants may be present in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 100%, from about 1% to about 99%, from about 5% to about 95%, from about 10% to about 90%, from about 15% to about 85%, from about 20% to about 80%, from about 25% to about 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the photocurable composition, or any individual value or subrange therein. In some embodiments, a mixture of any two or more of the above-described dispersing agents may be present in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 100% by weight, from about 1% to about 99% by weight, from about 5% to about 95% by weight, from about 10% to about 90% by weight, from about 15% to about 85% by weight, from about 20% to about 80% by weight, from about 25% to about 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the photocurable composition, or any individual value or subrange therein.

[0113] In some embodiments, the photocurable composition includes a photoinitiator. Photoinitiators are light-sensitive chemicals that decompose into free radicals, which initiates the polymerization process. For example, photoinitiators absorb one or more wavelengths of light (e.g., UV light, LED light, etc.) and convert it into the energy necessary to drive the polymerization process (i.e., curing). The specific combination and type of photoinitiator used can affect the properties of the resulting gel. For example, the more photoinitiator in the composition, the faster the composition will cure. However, if too much photoinitiator is used, the photoinitiator may cause an excessively exothermic reaction that heats the composition when applied to a client's nail. This can be particularly unpleasant for clients whose nails have been damaged by excessive filing, drilling, or harsh abrasives. In some embodiments, the adhesive section 118, polish section 122, and topcoat section 126 (i.e., gel coat) each include different amounts and / or types of photoinitiators. For example, topcoat section 126 may contain a greater amount of photoinitiator than polish section 122 and adhesive section 118. Similarly, polish section 122 may contain a greater amount of photoinitiator than adhesive section 118, but less than topcoat section 126. Adhesive section 118 may contain the least amount of photoinitiator because this adhesive section is the composition closest to the natural nail, and excessive heating may be uncomfortable for the client. In some embodiments, the photoinitiator in one or more of adhesive section 118, polish section 122, or topcoat section 126 initiates the polymerization process under UV light.

[0114] The photoinitiator may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the photocurable composition, or any individual value or subrange therein. The photoinitiator may include at least one of diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide, ethyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phenylphosphinate (TPO-L), phenylbis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide (BAPO), 1-hydroxycyclohexylphenyl ketone (HCPK), 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (BDK), 2,4,6-trimethylbenzimidodiphenylphosphine oxide, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzimidodiphenylphosphonic acid ethyl ester, isopropylthioxanthone, or camphorquinone. Any of the above-described photoinitiator components may be present in the photocurable composition in an amount of about 0.1% to about 50%, about 1% to about 25%, about 2% to about 20%, about 5% to about 15%, about 5% or less, about 3% or less, about 2% or less by weight, or any individual value or subrange within this range, of the total weight of the photocurable composition. In some embodiments, a mixture of any two or more of the above-described photoinitiator components may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 50%, about 1% to about 25%, about 2% to about 20%, about 5% to about 15%, about 5% or less, about 3% or less, about 2% or less by weight, or any individual value or subrange within this range, of the total weight of the photocurable composition. In some embodiments, adhesive section 118 comprises between about 0.1% and about 40% by weight of at least one photoinitiator, polish section 122 comprises between about 0.5% and about 45% by weight of at least one photoinitiator, and topcoat section 126 comprises between about 1.0% and about 50% by weight of at least one photoinitiator.

[0115] In some embodiments, the photocurable composition includes a colorant. The colorant may be present in the photocurable composition in an amount of about 0.1% to about 50%, about 1% to about 25%, about 2% to about 20%, about 5% to about 15%, about 5% or less, about 3% or less, about 2% or less by weight, or any individual value or subrange within this range, based on the total weight of the photocurable composition. In some embodiments, the colorant may include a pigment. The pigment may be in the form of particles. In some embodiments, the colorant includes a dispersible pigment (e.g., two, three, or four pigments, or a dispersion thereof). The composition may include one or more colorants or dispersions thereof. Suitable coloring agents include, but are not limited to, Organic Red D&C, D&C Red 6 Barium Lake, Black Iron Oxide, FD&C Blue 1 Aluminum Lake, Titanium Dioxide, FD&C Yellow 6 Aluminum Lake, or a combination of any two or more of the foregoing coloring agents.

[0116] In some embodiments, the cured adhesive section 118 can have a hardness that is less than the hardness of the cured polish section 122 and the cured topcoat section 126. In some embodiments, the cured polish section 122 can have a hardness that is less than the hardness of the cured topcoat section 126. The cured topcoat section 126 can have a hardness that is greater than the hardness of either the cured adhesive section 118 or the cured polish section 122, so that the topcoat section can adequately protect the underlying natural nail, the underlying adhesive section 118, and / or the polish section 122. In some embodiments, the cured adhesive section 118 has a Rockwell hardness of about 1 gram per cubic centimeter (g / cc) to about 100 g / cc or a Shore D hardness of about 10 to about 90. The polish section 122 in its cured state may have a Rockwell hardness of about 2 grams per cubic centimeter (g / cc) to about 105 g / cc and / or a Shore D hardness of about 15 to about 95. The topcoat section 126 may have a Rockwell hardness of about 10 grams per cubic centimeter (g / cc) to about 110 g / cc and / or a Shore D hardness of about 20 to about 100.

[0117] According to some embodiments, the light-curable artificial nail has a thickness of about 0.5 mm to about 5.0 mm, or about 0.3 mm to 2 mm. When formed with multiple layers, each layer of a particular section may have a thickness of about 0.05 mm to 1 mm, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the thickness of a section or layer of the body 102 may be non-uniform, for example, greater near the cuticle and decreasing linearly toward the tip of the light-curable artificial nail 100. In some embodiments, the body may be formed with about 4 layers to about 20 layers, or about 4 layers to about 10 layers, or about 6 layers to about 10 layers (e.g., the total number for all sections). In some embodiments, the body 102 of the light-curable artificial nail 100 has a thickness of about 0.1 cubic centimeters (cm) in one or more sections or in all sections combined. 3 ) ~ approx. 5.0cm3 The photocurable composition may include:

[0118] In some embodiments, photocurable compositions include at least one component that is curable by one or more predetermined wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. In some embodiments, photocurable compositions including at least one curable component can be cured (or semi-cured) by ultraviolet (UV) light or radiation (e.g., wavelengths of 100-400 nanometers (nm)), visible light (e.g., wavelengths of 400-780 nm), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, photocurable compositions including at least one curable component can be cured (or semi-cured) by UV radiation alone or a subset of the wavelengths of UV radiation (e.g., UVA, UVB, or UVC).

[0119] In some embodiments, the photocurable composition includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a polymer, a film former, a plasticizer, an additive, a dispersant, a photoinitiator, a silicone, a silicon, a keratin, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, an oligomer, an unreacted solvent, a colorant, or a combination thereof.

[0120] In some embodiments, the photocurable composition includes a colorant. Suitable colorants include, but are not limited to, carbon black, azo dyes, quinophthalone dyes, triphenylmethane dyes, xanthene dyes, iron oxide, iron hydroxide, titanium dioxide, sunset yellow dye, allura red dye, amaranth dye, coquina red dye, azogeranin dye, tartrazine dye, brilliant black dye, canthaxanthin dye, patent blue dye, fast green dye, brilliant blue dye, acid green dye, erythrosine dye, quinoline yellow, indigotine, curcumin, and / or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the colorant may be homogeneously mixed throughout the photocurable composition, or, if the photocurable composition is applied in layers, the colorant may be present only in the top layer or the top two or three layers of the photocurable composition. In some embodiments, the colorant does not need to be homogeneously mixed throughout the photocurable composition. For example, polishing section 122 may include a colorant in one portion of polishing section 122 and a different colorant in another portion of polishing section 122 .

[0121] In some embodiments, the polymer includes, but is not limited to, one or more of polyurethane, (meth)acrylic polymer, poly(methyl methacrylate), copolymer, vinyl polymer, vinyl copolymer, cellulose polymer, styrene butadiene polymer, or combinations thereof.

[0122] In some embodiments, the film-forming agent includes, but is not limited to, one or more of an epoxy resin, a (meth)acrylic resin, a styrene resin, an acrylate styrene resin, a vinyl resin, a polyester, an alkyd resin, a cellulose ester, a resin resulting from the condensation of formaldehyde and an allyl sulfonamide, or a combination thereof.

[0123] According to some embodiments, the plasticizer includes, but is not limited to, at least one or more of tributyl phosphate, tributoxyethyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, triphenyl phosphate, glycerol triacetate, butyl stearate, butyl glycolate, benzyl benzoate, butyl acetyltricinolate, glyceryl acetyltricinolate, dibutyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, dimethoxyethyl phthalate, diamyl phthalate, triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, tributyl acetylcitrate, tri(2-ethylhexyl)acetylcitrate, dibutyl tartrate, camphor, or combinations thereof.

[0124] In some embodiments, the additives include silica, fumed silica, diatomaceous earth, bentonite clay, kaolinite, pyrophyllite, sericite, saponite, smectic, vermiculite, montmorillonite, beidelite, nontronite, hectorite, talc, mica, zirconium oxide, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, saponite, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, aluminum stearate, stearalkonium, distearalkonium, organically modified clay, hydrogenated castor oil, hydrogenated castor wax, inorganically modified castor oil, organically modified castor oil, triglycerides, glyceryl tri-12-hydroxystearate, polyamides, polyamides, These include, but are not limited to, one or more of midwax, 12-hydroxystearic acid diamide of ethylenediamine, 12-hydroxystearic acid diglycolamide, N-stearylricinoleamide, N-stearylstearamide, polyethylene oxide wax, urea urethane, acrylic resin, amine salt of high molecular weight polyester, salt of linear polyaminoamide and high molecular weight polyester, amide solution of polycarboxylic acid, alkyl sultanate, alkylaryl sultanate, colloidal ester, polyester resin, phenolic resin, melamine resin, epoxy resin, urethane resin, polyimide resin, polyester amide, or combinations thereof.

[0125] In some embodiments, the dispersing agent includes, but is not limited to, one or more of a non-surface-active polymer, a surface-active component added to the gel, or a surfactant.

[0126] In some embodiments, the light-curable artificial nail does not include any one or more of the following: a preformed hard plastic, a primer, a base coat, a nail polish, an acrylate polymer, an acrylate copolymer, a methacrylate, an ethyl methacrylate, a butyl methacrylate, a cyanoacrylate, a urethane (meth)acrylate, a polymethyl methacrylate, a polymethyl methacrylate-polymethacrylic acid copolymer, a polypropylene glycol (meth)acrylated monomer, or a polyethylene glycol (meth)acrylated monomer. In certain embodiments, the light-curable artificial nail does not include nail polish, for example, the light-curable artificial nail includes a colorant and appears painted on, but does not include nail polish.

[0127] According to some embodiments, the photocurable composition includes one or more of, but is not limited to, a resin, a photoinitiator, or a polymer. In some embodiments, the photocurable composition includes about 1 weight percent (wt %) to about 50 wt % of a resin, about 1 wt % to about 50 wt % of a photoinitiator, and about 1 wt % to 90 wt % of a polymer, based on the total weight of the photocurable composition. In some embodiments, the photocurable artificial nail is in the shape of a natural nail, an oval nail, a rectangular nail, a pointed nail, or a rounded nail.

[0128] In some embodiments, adhesives can be used to attach different sections to one another or various layers together within a section. In some embodiments, adhesives include, but are not limited to, pressure sensitive adhesives, silicone pressure sensitive adhesives, rubber-based materials, silicone rubber, resins, silicone resins, rosin, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, polyisobutylene, styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer rubber, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer rubber, reclaimed rubber, acrylic resins, acrylic ester copolymers, methacrylic ester copolymers, polyvinyl ethers, polyurethanes, polyesters, ethylene vinyl adhesives, polysaccharides, starches, glues, or combinations thereof.

[0129] Light-curing artificial nail kit According to another embodiment, kits including one or more light-curable artificial nails in accordance with embodiments of the present invention are described herein. In some embodiments, the kits may further include a removable layer removably attached to and covering the adhesive section. For example, FIG. 2A shows multiple light-curable artificial nails 202A-202H (collectively referred to herein as "light-curable artificial nails 202") attached to a removable layer 205. The removable layer 205 may be a support made of any material, such as wax, paper, a polymeric material, or a combination thereof. The adhesive layer and removable layer 205 of the light-curable artificial nail 202 may be configured such that the removable layer 205 is easily peeled from the adhesive section and the adhesive and support materials do not chemically react with each other.

[0130] In some embodiments, the removable layer can also be used to cover the top side of the light-curable artificial nail. The removable layer applied to the top side of the light-curable artificial nail can be opaque, or at least opaque, to one or more wavelengths of light capable of curing the light-curable artificial nail.

[0131] In some embodiments, one or more of the light-curable artificial nails 202 can have a body with a shape that at least partially matches the shape of a natural nail as described herein. The light-curable artificial nails 202 can have a variety of shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the different sizes can correspond to the sizes of various fingers, such as the pinky, thumb, and middle finger. As shown in FIG. 2A , the light-curable artificial nail can have a variety of shapes, such as a rectangular shape (e.g., light-curable artificial nail 202A), a short oval shape (e.g., light-curable artificial nail 202B), a long oval shape (e.g., light-curable artificial nail 202c), a round shape (e.g., light-curable artificial nail 202D), an almond shape (e.g., light-curable artificial nail 202E), a pointed shape (e.g., light-curable artificial nail 202F), a long, pointed shape (e.g., dagger-shaped) (e.g., light-curable artificial nail 202G), or a long, horizontally-pointed oval shape (e.g., coffin-shaped) (e.g., light-curable artificial nail 202H). These examples are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the invention. In other embodiments, the light-curable artificial nails can have different shapes, or can be long, short, or regular versions of the same shape. The body of the light-curable artificial nail 202 has a top surface and an opposite bottom surface. In some embodiments, the adhesive section forms at least a portion of the bottom surface of the light-curable artificial nail 202. One or more sections of the body of the light-curable artificial nail 202 may include or be formed from a light-curable composition configured in a semi-cured state.

[0132] The semi-cured light-cured artificial nail may be flexible and / or resilient to facilitate conforming the shape of the light-cured artificial nail to the shape of the natural nail. FIG. 2B illustrates the resilience and flexibility of some embodiments of the light-cured artificial nail. In FIG. 2B, the light-cured artificial nail 202D is shown in positions A through D. In position A, the light-cured artificial nail 202D is shown in a state where no force is applied, illustrating the shape of the light-cured artificial nail 202D after it has been removed from the removable layer 205. In position B, the light-cured artificial nail 202D is shown in a state where a lateral force is applied, stretching the light-cured artificial nail 202D laterally. In position C, the light-cured artificial nail 202D is shown in a state where a vertical force is applied, stretching the light-cured artificial nail 202D vertically. In some embodiments, stretching the light-curable artificial nail 202D causes one or more of an increase in the surface area or a decrease in thickness of the light-curable artificial nail 202D. In some embodiments, the light-curable artificial nail 202D can be stretched in any direction within 360° R. In position D, the light-curable artificial nail 202D is curled onto itself, thereby demonstrating the flexibility of the light-curable artificial nail 202D.

[0133] 3A-3C illustrate steps for placing a light-curable artificial nail over a natural nail, according to some embodiments. In FIG. 3A, the light-curable artificial nail 202D is attached to the removable layer 305. The natural nail 308 is also shown. In FIG. 3B, the light-curable artificial nail 202D is removed from the removable layer 305 and positioned over the natural nail 308. After removing the removable layer 305, the adhesive section remains on the bottom surface of the light-curable artificial nail 202D, and the adhesive section of the light-curable artificial nail 202D can be positioned over the user's natural nail. As shown, in some embodiments, the light-curable artificial nail 202D does not conform to the exact shape of the user's natural nail 308. As shown, the width of the light-curable artificial nail 202D is smaller than the width of the natural nail 308.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 3C , the light-curable artificial nail 202D is placed on the natural nail 308 by stretching it to cover the surface of the natural nail. The width (as shown) of the light-curable artificial nail 202D is increased so that the light-curable artificial nail 202D covers the entire surface of the underlying natural nail 308. The adhesive section on the bottom of the light-curable artificial nail 202D adheres to the top surface of the natural nail 308 (without the user applying an adhesive coating to the natural nail or the light-curable artificial nail 202D). In some embodiments, force can be applied to press down on the light-curable artificial nail 202D, fully adhering it to the natural nail. In some embodiments, placement of the light-curable artificial nail 202D can be a single step, similar to applying traditional press-on nails.

[0135] In some embodiments, the light-cured artificial nail 202D can be shaped to resemble the shape of the natural nail 308. The light-cured artificial nail 202D is not stretched. In some embodiments, the light-cured artificial nail 202D can be flexed to match the curvature of the natural nail 308.

[0136] In some embodiments, following placement of the light-curable artificial nail 202D on the natural nail, the light-curable artificial nail 202D may be bonded to the natural nail using one or more of light curing and / or simultaneous pressure, as described with reference to Figures 4A-4C.

[0137] 4A-4C illustrate a light-emitting device for curing a light-curable artificial nail in a semi-cured state according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the kits described herein may further include a light-emitting device 410 for curing a light-curable artificial nail including a light-curable component (e.g., curing from a semi-cured state to a cured state). The light-emitting device 410 may be configured to emit one or more wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation 412, such as UV or visible light. As shown, the light-emitting device 410 includes one or more light sources 414 that emit electromagnetic radiation at specified wavelengths. In some embodiments, the light-emitting device 410 may be configured to emit light (e.g., electromagnetic radiation 412) at one or more wavelengths between 100 nm and 780 nm, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the light-emitting device includes one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) used as the light sources 414. In some embodiments, the light-emitting device 410 can be small and compact, with a maximum dimension of about 1 inch (2.54 cm) to about 8 inches (20.32 cm) or about 5 inches (12.70 cm) to about 12 inches (30.48 cm). For example, the light-emitting device 410 can have a cubic housing, the longest side of which is about 6 inches (15.24 cm) or less. In some embodiments, the LEDs are configured to emit electromagnetic radiation 412 at one or more specified wavelengths of light that cure the light-curable components of the light-curable artificial nail. In some embodiments, the light-emitting device 410 can include one or more LED light sources within a housing having dimensions of about 3 inches (7.62 cm) to about 4 inches (10.16 cm). In some embodiments, the light-emitting device 410 can be configured to automatically activate the light source when a finger is placed within the receiving cavity 416. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the housing of the light-emitting device 410 is clear or transparent. In some embodiments, one or more mirrors may also be positioned within the receiving cavity 416 or housing to reflect light onto the light-curable artificial nail.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 4B , a stencil, e.g., stencil 418, is incorporated (or removably incorporated) into light-emitting device 410, and can be manually changed either by rotation and / or by selecting a design on a user interface. Stencil 418 allows light-emitting device 410 to emit light in a pattern. As shown, the light emitted by stencil 418 illuminates in a pattern. The patterned light can cure the light-curable artificial nail in this pattern, whereby the cured portions of the light-curable artificial nail (e.g., the light-curable composition) harden and the uncured portions remain unhardened, allowing them to be removed relatively easily, leaving behind the desired pattern or shape. As shown, the darkened portions of the light-curable artificial nail are not exposed to light, and the non-darkened portions of the light-curable artificial nail are exposed to light based on the pattern of stencil 418.

[0139] In some embodiments, the stencils can be separated, so that each finger has a separate stencil or sub-stencil. In some embodiments, the emitted light can be focused to increase or decrease the size of the pattern projected onto the underlying light-curable artificial nail. For example, the stencil can be adjusted upward toward the light source or downward away from the light source (e.g., moved vertically), thereby increasing or decreasing the size of the projected pattern, respectively. In some embodiments, each stencil corresponding to an individual nail can be focused independently.

[0140] In some embodiments, the light-emitting device 410 can have a housing of any other known shape (e.g., spherical, oval, pyramidal, etc.) with a longest dimension of about 15 inches (38.1 cm) or less, or about 12 inches (30.48 cm) or less, or about 10 inches (25.40 cm) or less, or about 8 inches (20.32 cm) or less, or about 6 inches (15.24 cm) or less. In some embodiments, the light-emitting device 410, including all components and housing, can weigh 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less, or 8 pounds (3.63 kg) or less, or 5 pounds (2.27 kg) or less, or 1 pound (0.45 kg) or less. The light-emitting device 410 can be configured to receive at least a portion of at least one finger (or toe) with a light-curable artificial nail according to embodiments of the present invention attached to the natural nail.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 4C , a pressure member, e.g., pressure member 420, is disposed outside the housing of light-emitting device 410. Pressure member 420 is configured to apply pressure to the top side of the light-curable artificial nail (e.g., pressing the light-curable artificial nail against the natural nail). In some embodiments, pressure member 420 is transparent. The combination of light source 414 emitting a predetermined wavelength of light to cure the light-curable artificial nail, particularly the adhesive section of the light-curable artificial nail (e.g., from a semi-cured state to a cured state), and the simultaneously applied pressure can create a high-quality bond between the light-curable artificial nail and the natural nail. In some embodiments, pressure member 420 can include or be integrated with one or more stencils, such that the pressure member can apply pressure to the light-curable artificial nail and direct light to the light-curable artificial nail in a specific pattern. In other embodiments, pressure member 420 and stencils are separate elements.

[0142] In some embodiments, the pressure member 420 may be made of a flexible material, such as silicone, soft plastic, and / or rubber, that may be configured to conform to the shape of the light-cured artificial nail (when left attached to the user's natural nail).

[0143] In some embodiments, the pressure member 420 may include a spring member that urges the pressure member downward so that pressure can be applied to the underlying light-curable artificial nail.

[0144] 5A-5D illustrate various stencils for shaping, patterning, or applying pressure to a light-curable artificial nail, according to some embodiments. The following stencils can be used to pattern, shape, and / or apply pressure to a light-curable artificial nail as described herein. The patterns are shown in specific shapes for illustrative purposes and not as limitations of the invention. In other embodiments, the patterns can be any shape.

[0145] In some embodiments, the kits described herein may further include at least one stencil. In some embodiments, the at least one stencil may have an opening of a desired shape and a solid portion surrounding the opening. In some embodiments, the stencil is configured to overlay at least a portion of the semi-cured light-curable artificial nail, allowing light to pass through the opening (e.g., at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation through the opening) to the underlying light-curable artificial nail, while blocking light (e.g., at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation) from passing through the solid portion.

[0146] In some embodiments, the stencil can be designed to apply pressure to the top side of the light-cured artificial nail when the light-cured artificial nail is placed over the natural nail. For example, the stencil can have a curved shape so that the stencil can apply pressure to the entire top side of the light-cured artificial nail. In some embodiments, the opening in the stencil can be made of a transparent solid material, such as a transparent plastic material. The light-blocking solid portion can be made of an opaque solid material, such as an opaque plastic material.

[0147] In some embodiments, the stencil can be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the stencil is made of one or more of plastic, glass, plexiglass, cloth, rubber (e.g., latex), adhesive, and / or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the stencil can be made of a flexible material, such as silicone, soft plastic, and / or rubber. The flexible material can be configured to conform to the shape of the light-cured artificial nail when the light-cured artificial nail is placed over the natural nail.

[0148] In some embodiments, the stencil may have two or more irregularly shaped openings. In some embodiments, one or more openings may have a shape including, but not limited to, a natural nail, a square tip, an oval tip, a rounded tip, a square with rounded edges, a pointed tip, a V-shaped tip, a claw shape, a trapezoid (e.g., from the cuticle to the tip), a triangle (e.g., from the cuticle to the tip), and / or any geometric shape (e.g., a star, a diamond, a square, a rectangle, a circle, etc.). According to various embodiments, any portion of the semi-cured light-curable artificial nail that is not exposed to light will not fully cure. Therefore, the semi-cured portion remaining after full curing and other portions of the light-curable artificial nail (e.g., based on application of the stencil) may be removed and / or peeled off, leaving only the fully cured portion of the nail that was exposed to light through the stencil opening.

[0149] FIG. 5A illustrates one type of stencil for shaping, patterning, or applying pressure to a light-curable artificial nail, according to some embodiments. The stencil 505 may have one or more openings and one or more solid portions. The stencil 505 may be inserted into a light-emitting device, such as light-emitting device 410, so that the light-emitting device can emit light in a specific pattern. The stencil 505 may be similar to stencil 418 described with reference to FIG. 4B. According to some embodiments, at least one stencil 505 may be removably attached to the light-emitting device. For example, the stencil may be a material (e.g., a glass plate, a flexible plastic plate, etc.) configured to slide into a receiving feature (e.g., a track, a pair of tracks, a slot, a pair of slots, etc.) on the light-emitting device.

[0150] In some embodiments, the stencil 505 can be configured as a pressure member, such as pressure member 420 of FIG. 4C. Thus, the stencil 505 can block electromagnetic radiation at the solid portion, allow electromagnetic radiation to pass through the openings, and the stencil can apply pressure to the top side of one or more light-curable artificial nails. Notably, in some embodiments, the stencils described herein can expose the entire light-curable artificial nail through the openings in the stencil. The stencil can function (e.g., primarily) as a pressure member and, in some cases, can protect the user's hand (e.g., skin) from exposure to electromagnetic radiation.

[0151] FIG. 5B illustrates another form of stencil for shaping, patterning, or applying pressure to the light-curable artificial nail, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the stencil 510 may be an opaque material (e.g., an opaque sticker) with an adhesive surface and an opening (e.g., a solid or clear material) of a desired shape. The sticker may be configured to cover at least a portion of the fingertip (or toetip) and removably adhere to the finger (or toe) and the light-curable artificial nail. The stencil 510 is shown on the light-curable artificial nail 202D. The solid portion of the opaque sticker surrounding the opening may be configured to block or substantially block light from the light-emitting device. In some embodiments, the sides of the stencil 510 may wrap around and adhere to at least a portion of the side of the finger to apply pressure to the light-curable artificial nail.

[0152] 5C illustrates another form of stencil for shaping, patterning, or applying pressure to a light-cured artificial nail, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the stencil 520 may be in the form of a glove that is placed near the fingertip (or toe tip) and has an opening of a desired shape as described herein. In some embodiments, the opening in the stencil 520 may comprise a transparent solid material. The glove, particularly the tips of the fingers of the glove, can exert pressure on the top side of the light-cured artificial nail. The glove may be of any suitable material that blocks or substantially blocks one or more desired wavelengths of light.

[0153] 5D illustrates another form of stencil for shaping, patterning, or applying pressure to a light-cured artificial nail, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the stencil 530 may be a fingertip positioned near the fingertip and having an opening of a desired shape. In some embodiments, the fingertip may fit onto a single finger. In some embodiments, the opening in the stencil 530 may be made of a solid transparent material. In some embodiments, the stencil 530 may be used to apply pressure to the topside of an underlying light-cured artificial nail, as described herein.

[0154] FIG. 5E illustrates removing a semi-cured portion of the light-curable artificial nail after curing using a stencil, according to some embodiments. FIG. 5E illustrates a user using a tool, such as a file, to remove a portion of the light-curable artificial nail that remains semi-cured after curing another portion of the light-curable artificial nail using a stencil. As described above, the stencil can block a portion of the emitted light from the light-emitting device from reaching a first portion of the light-curable artificial nail. The first portion of the light-curable artificial nail remains semi-cured. The stencil also allows a portion of the emitted light to reach a second portion of the light-curable artificial nail. The second portion of the light-curable artificial nail is cured to a cured state. Because the first portion of the light-curable artificial nail in the semi-cured state is softer than the second portion of the light-curable artificial nail in the cured state, the first portion of the light-curable artificial nail is easier to remove (e.g., requires less force to be applied) than the second portion. As shown, a first portion of the light-cured artificial nail is removed using a file, leaving behind a second portion of the light-cured artificial nail in the desired pattern.

[0155] Method for making light-curable artificial nails Methods 600, 650 may be performed using one or more of manufacturing equipment, operators, or combinations thereof (e.g., collectively or individually referred to herein as "equipment"). The operations of methods 600, 650 are described as being performed sequentially for purposes of explanation and not limitation. In some embodiments, operations may be performed in parallel. In some embodiments, the same, different, more, or fewer operations may be performed. In some embodiments, operations may be performed in the same or different order.

[0156] FIG. 6A illustrates a method of making a light-curable artificial nail according to some embodiments.

[0157] According to some embodiments, operation 605 of method 600 provides a mold having a recess. The recess may have a shape that corresponds at least in part to the shape of a natural nail. In some embodiments, the recess may be of any desired shape, and the recess may correspond in shape to the shape of the light-curable artificial nail.

[0158] In operation 610, the equipment deposits the photocurable composition into the mold recess. In some embodiments, the photocurable composition is deposited in an uncured state. In some embodiments, depositing the photocurable composition comprises an injection molding operation, which injects a gel composition into the mold. In other embodiments, depositing the photocurable composition involves providing the gel composition near or within the mold recess, and using a flat surface, such as the edge of a squeegee blade, to move an amount of the photocurable composition within the recess, if applicable, to remove excess photocurable composition from the mold recess.

[0159] In some embodiments, one or more coatings, decorations, colorants, or other materials may be placed in the recesses before or after application of the photocurable composition and / or may be placed on top of the photocurable composition received in the recesses. For example, if the recesses are shaped like nails, a decoration in the form of a cuticle may be placed on top of the photocurable composition at the base of the nail. In another example, rhinestones, glitter, or other decorative material may be placed on or pressed into the photocurable composition.

[0160] In operation 615, the instrument cures the light-curable composition from an uncured state to a semi-cured state. The light-curable composition is cured to form at least a portion of the body of the light-curable artificial nail. For example, the light-curable composition may be exposed to one or more wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation while still in the mold for a period of time sufficient to cure the material from an uncured state to a semi-cured state. In some embodiments, the period of time to cure the semi-cured state may be from about 5 seconds to about 15 minutes, from about 30 seconds to about 10 minutes, from about 60 seconds to about 5 minutes, or from about 5 seconds to about 5 minutes. In the semi-cured state, the light-curable artificial nail may be elastic, semi-solid, moldable, clay-like, and / or stretchable to facilitate conforming the shape of the light-curable artificial nail to the shape of the natural nail. The light-curable composition is configured to transition from a semi-cured state to a cured state upon exposure to one or more wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. In some embodiments where multiple sections or layers are used to form the light-cured artificial nail, the process may be repeated for one or more of the multiple sections and / or multiple layers, as described below.

[0161] In operation 620, at least a portion of the body of the semi-cured light-curable artificial nail is removed from the mold cavity.

[0162] In some embodiments, operations 605-620 (represented by arrows from operation 620 to operation 605) can be performed repeatedly to form one or more layers and / or sections of the light-curable artificial nail. In some embodiments, the same mold or different molds can be used. In some embodiments, the same light-curable composition or different light-curable compositions can be used.

[0163] In operation 625, one or more layers and / or sections may be combined to form the body of the light-curable artificial nail. In some embodiments, one or more layers may be sufficiently tacky so that they can be combined together with the application of pressure. In some embodiments, the combined layers may be further cured from a first semi-cured state to a second semi-cured state that is more hardened than the first semi-cured state. The additional curing may help bond the various layers and / or sections together. In some embodiments, pressure may be used in conjunction with the effect of light to bond the various layers and / or sections together. In some embodiments, additional materials, such as adhesives, may be provided between the various layers and / or sections to help combine and / or bond the various layers and / or sections together.

[0164] In other embodiments, a method for forming a light-curable artificial nail may include disposing one or more layers or sections of a light-curable composition described herein in a mold cavity. In some embodiments, one or more layers or sections may be allowed to harden (e.g., if not a non-light-curable composition) or semi-cured (e.g., for a period of about 1 second to about 20 seconds), after which a subsequent layer is placed on top of the previous layer. In some embodiments, each layer may have a thickness of about 0.05 mm to about 1 mm. In some embodiments, the resulting thickness of the light-curable artificial nail may be about 0.5 mm to about 5.0 mm. As with the methods described above, in some embodiments, one or more coatings, decorations, colorants, or other decorative materials may be placed in the cavity before or after adding a layer or section of material, e.g., a layer of a light-curable composition.

[0165] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further prepare the photocurable composition. In some embodiments, the photocurable composition is prepared before being placed into the mold cavity. The photocurable composition may be prepared by combining one or more components, including, but not limited to, polymers, film formers, plasticizers, additives, dispersants, photoinitiators, silicones, silicon, keratin, ethylenically unsaturated monomers, oligomers, unreacted solvents, colorants, and / or combinations thereof.

[0166] In some embodiments, preparing a photocurable composition includes combining about 1% to about 50% by weight of a resin, about 1% to about 50% by weight of a photoinitiator, and about 1% to about 90% by weight of a polymer to form a combined material. Combining these components may further include mixing the combined material for about 5 seconds to about 5 minutes, and / or mixing the components while they are combined. In some embodiments, the resulting photocurable composition is a liquid prior to curing. In some embodiments, the uncured liquid photocurable composition may have a dynamic viscosity of about 1 centipoise (cp) to about 1500 cp at 20° C., as measured, for example, using the method described in International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 2884 or ISO 2555.

[0167] 6B illustrates a method of making a light-curable artificial nail according to some embodiments. It should be noted that in some embodiments, components or operations of method 600 can be combined with components or operations of method 650 of FIG. 6B, and vice versa. It should be noted that operations 655-665 can be repeated (represented by arrows from operation 665 to operation 655) to form various layers or sections using the same or different light-curable compositions, as described herein.

[0168] In operation 655 of method 650, the device deposits the uncured photocurable composition onto a substrate to form a film. For example, the uncured photocurable composition may be deposited onto a flat substrate to form a thin layer or sheet of uncured photocurable composition.

[0169] In some embodiments, the apparatus may deposit an adhesive photocurable composition in an uncured state on a first substrate to form an adhesive film. In some embodiments, the apparatus may deposit a polish photocurable composition in an uncured state on a second substrate to form a polish film. In some embodiments, the apparatus may deposit a topcoat photocurable composition in an uncured state on a third substrate to form a topcoat film. In some embodiments, one or more of the above photocurable compositions may be different from one another.

[0170] In operation 660, the equipment exposes the coating to electromagnetic radiation for a predetermined period of time.

[0171] In some embodiments, the apparatus can expose the adhesive film to a second electromagnetic radiation for a second predetermined period of time to transition the adhesive film from an uncured state to a semi-cured state. In some embodiments, the apparatus can expose the polish film to a third electromagnetic radiation for a third predetermined period of time to transition the polish film from an uncured state to a semi-cured state. In some embodiments, the apparatus can expose the topcoat film to a fourth electromagnetic radiation for a fourth predetermined period of time to transition the topcoat film from an uncured state to a semi-cured state. In some embodiments, one or more of the predetermined periods of time can be the same as or different from one another.

[0172] In some embodiments, at least one of the polish coating or the topcoat coating is formed from a non-photocurable composition. In some embodiments, if a particular layer or section does not contain a photocurable composition, the particular layer or section may be disposed on the semi-cured coating. For example, if the topcoat section is not made from a photocurable composition and the polish section is made from a photocurable composition, the topcoat composition may be disposed on the semi-cured polish coating. If the topcoat section is not made from a photocurable composition, the polish composition may be disposed above the adhesive coating (e.g., with the reinforcement section disposed on the adhesive section) or on the adhesive coating. If both the polish section and the topcoat section are not made from photocurable compositions, the polish section composition may be disposed above or on the semi-cured adhesive section. The polish section composition may be allowed to dry, and the topcoat section may be disposed on the dried polish section.

[0173] In other embodiments, if a particular layer or section does not include a photocurable composition, the particular layer or section may be provided on a substrate to form a coating, and the particular layer or section may be removed from the coating in a manner similar to that described above with respect to operations 655 and 660.

[0174] In operation 665, the instrument removes a portion of the coating in the shape of a human fingernail from the semi-cured film. In some embodiments, this portion of the coating may be removed using a stamp or otherwise cut from the film.

[0175] In some embodiments, the device removes a portion of the adhesive film in the shape of a human fingernail from the adhesive film in a semi-cured state. This portion of the adhesive film comprises a photocurable composition configured in a semi-cured state. In some embodiments, the device removes a portion of the polish film in the shape of a human fingernail from the polish film. In some embodiments, the device removes a portion of the topcoat film in the shape of a human fingernail from the topcoat film.

[0176] In some embodiments, the device places one or more decorations on the polish coating. In some embodiments, a reinforcing material is obtained. In some embodiments, the reinforcing material comprises a fabric material. In some embodiments, the fabric material comprises one or more of fiberglass, silk, or linen.

[0177] In operation 670, the instrument combines one or more portions into a combined layer (or section). In some embodiments, the portions may comprise a semi-cured light-curable composition, which may be tacky and sticky, so that the portions (e.g., layers or sections) can be combined together with pressure. In some embodiments, an adhesive or other material may be used to combine the various portions (or other materials, layers, or sections). In some embodiments, a portion of the adhesive coating, a portion of the polish coating, and the reinforcement material are combined together into a layer of the light-curable artificial nail. In some embodiments, a portion of the polish coating is disposed on the reinforcement material. In some embodiments, the instrument combines a portion of the topcoat coating with the layer of the light-curable artificial nail to form a combined layer of the light-curable artificial nail.

[0178] At operation 675, the combined layers are exposed to electromagnetic radiation. In some embodiments, the apparatus exposes the combined layers to the first electromagnetic radiation for a first predetermined period of time to bond each adjacent layer of the combined layers to one another. In some embodiments, exposing the combined layers to the first electromagnetic radiation for the first predetermined period of time transitions one or more of the combined layers from a first semi-cured state to a second semi-cured state. In the second semi-cured state, one or more of the photocurable compositions of the combined layers are more cured (but not fully cured) than in the first semi-cured state.

[0179] How to Use Light-Cured Artificial Nails 7 illustrates a method of using a light-cured artificial nail according to some embodiments. Method 700 can be performed by a user, such as a nail technician or a user applying a light-cured artificial nail to their natural nail.

[0180] Method 700 includes removing the semi-cured light-cured artificial nail from the removable layer 705. In some embodiments, the light-cured artificial nail can include an adhesive section disposed on at least a portion of a bottom surface of the light-cured artificial nail.

[0181] In operation 710, the light-cured artificial nail in a semi-cured state is placed over the natural nail. As noted herein, the light-cured artificial nail in a semi-cured state is elastic and / or bendable to facilitate conforming the light-cured artificial nail to the shape of the natural nail. Placing the light-cured artificial nail over the natural nail may include one or more of the following operations: directing, stretching, pushing, pulling, moving, lengthening, or otherwise shaping the light-cured artificial nail to create a desired shape while covering (e.g., completely covering) the natural nail.

[0182] For example, a user can align one side of the light-cured artificial nail (in a semi-cured state) adjacent to (e.g., approximately flush with) one of the nail folds running adjacent to the natural nail and attach the light-cured artificial nail to a portion of the natural nail. The user can then bend and / or stretch the light-cured artificial nail so that it covers the entire natural nail and the other side of the light-cured artificial nail is aligned adjacent to the opposite nail fold of the natural nail. Thus, a particular light-cured artificial nail can be adapted to different shapes and / or angles of different natural nails.

[0183] Once the user is satisfied with the shape of the semi-cured light-curable artificial nail placed on the natural nail, method 700 includes curing the semi-cured light-curable composition with one or more predetermined wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation in operation 715. The light-curable composition can transition from the semi-cured state to a cured state, resulting in a cured light-cured artificial nail.

[0184] In some embodiments, the light-curable artificial nail may be applied to the top of the natural nail using pressure, such that the light-curable artificial nail is bonded to the natural nail by the adhesive. In some embodiments, pressure may be applied simultaneously with curing. In some embodiments, pressure may be applied by a pressure member (and / or stencil) on the light-emitting instrument.

[0185] According to some embodiments, curing includes inserting a finger (or toe) having the semi-cured light-curable artificial nail attached thereto into a light-emitting instrument and activating a light source of the light-emitting instrument to emit one or more wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. In some embodiments, the method may further include inserting a stencil into the light-emitting instrument. In some embodiments, the stencil may be placed over the semi-cured light-curable composition, and then the finger may be inserted into the light-emitting instrument. In some embodiments, the stencil and / or pressure member may apply pressure to the light-curable artificial nail to help form a bond between the light-curable artificial nail and the natural nail. In some embodiments, curing the light-curable artificial nail to a cured state results in only the portion of the semi-cured light-curable composition exposed to the electromagnetic radiation being cured. The semi-cured portion of the remaining body is filed, trimmed, or otherwise removed, leaving behind the cured portion. According to some embodiments, the semi-cured body is transformed into a cured state with one curing cycle of the light-emitting instrument.

[0186] Methods of using the light-cured artificial nail as described herein may further include cleaning the natural nail and then placing the light-cured artificial nail over the natural nail. In some embodiments, cleaning includes applying a cleaning solution to the natural nail.

[0187] According to embodiments, the light-curable artificial nail in a cured state may have a Rockwell hardness of about 1 g / cc to about 110 g / cc, about 5 g / cc to about 90 g / cc, about 10 g / cc to about 80 g / cc, or about 20 g / cc to about 50 g / cc, and / or a Shore D hardness of about 10 to about 100, or about 30 to about 80. In some embodiments, the cured light-curable artificial nail may be overcoated with a photocurable composition including a colorant and / or a photocurable composition including a colorant that is subsequently cured to a cured state. In some embodiments, the light-curable artificial nail in a cured state does not include any one or more of a preformed hard plastic, a primer, a base coat, a nail polish, an acrylate polymer, an acrylate copolymer, a methacrylate, an ethyl methacrylate, a butyl methacrylate, a cyanoacrylate, a urethane (meth)acrylate, a polymethyl methacrylate, a polymethyl methacrylate-polymethacrylic acid copolymer, a polypropylene glycol (meth)acrylated monomer, or a polyethylene glycol (meth)acrylated monomer.

[0188] Various embodiments of artificial nails, methods of making artificial nails, and methods of using artificial nails have been described herein. It is to be understood that aspects of the invention are not limited to the details of the construction or process steps set forth in the following description. Aspects of the invention are used to describe other embodiments, which can be embodied or carried out in various ways.

[0189] Throughout this specification, when "one embodiment," "a particular embodiment," "one or more embodiments," or "an embodiment" is mentioned, this means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus, the appearances of phrases such as "in one or more embodiments," "in a particular embodiment," "in one embodiment," or "in one embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0190] As used in the specification, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, for example, the reference to "(an) active ingredient" includes a single active ingredient as well as mixtures of two or more different active ingredients. The term "example" or "exemplary" is used herein to serve as an example, if any. Any aspect or design described herein as an "example" or "exemplary" should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, the use of the term "example" or "exemplary" is intended to provide a concrete example of a technical concept. The term "or" as used herein is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, the phrase "X includes A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X contains A, X contains B, or X contains both A and B, then the phrase "X contains A or B" is satisfied in any of the above cases.

[0191] As used herein, the term "about" in connection with a measured quantity refers to the normal variation in that measured quantity that would be expected by one of ordinary skill in the art making the measurement and exercising a level of care commensurate with the objectivity of the measurement and the precision of the measuring device. In certain embodiments, the term "about" includes the recited number ±10%, such that "about 10" includes 9 to 11.

[0192] The phrase "at least about" in connection with a measured quantity refers to the normal variation in that measured quantity and any greater quantity that would be expected by one of ordinary skill in the art making the measurement and exercising a level of care commensurate with the objectivity of the measurement and the precision of the measuring device. In certain embodiments, the phrase "at least about" includes 10% of the recited number minus any greater quantity, such that "at least about 10" includes 9 and any number greater than 9. This term may also be expressed as "about 10 or greater." Similarly, the phrase "about or less" typically includes 10% of the recited number plus any lesser quantity, such that "about 10 or less" includes 11 and any number less than 11. This term may also be expressed as "about 10 or less."

[0193] Unless otherwise specified, all parts and percentages are by weight. Weight percent (wt%) is based on the total composition free of any volatiles, i.e., on dry solids, unless otherwise specified.

[0194] Spatially relative terms, such as "upper," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," and other terms used herein, refer to the relative location of one element with respect to another. Unless otherwise specified, spatially relative terms are not intended to be limited to absolute orientations, but are intended to include different orientations of elements (e.g., rotated 90 degrees, flipped, etc.) in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if an element in a figure is rotated 180 degrees, an element described as an "upper" element may then be considered oriented as a "lower" element without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0195] As used herein, the terms "over," "above," "below," "between," and "on" refer to the relative position of one section, layer of material, or element with respect to another section, layer, or element. For example, when a section is disposed above, over, or below another section, the section may be in direct contact with the other section or may have one or more intervening sections. Furthermore, when a section is disposed between two other sections, the section may be in direct contact with the two other sections or may have one or more intervening sections. In contrast, when a first section is "on" a second section, the first section is in direct contact with the second section. Similarly, unless expressly specified otherwise, when an element is disposed between two other elements, the first section may be in direct contact with the adjacent element or may have one or more intervening sections, layers, or elements.

[0196] Although the disclosure herein refers to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the compositions and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is intended to cover such modifications and variations provided within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A light-curable artificial nail, comprising: an adhesive section including a photocurable composition in a semi-cured state, the photocurable composition configured to transition from the semi-cured state to a cured state upon exposure to at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation; A reinforcing section is provided above the adhesive section, A light-curable artificial nail having a polish section disposed above the adhesive section.

2. 2. The light-curable artificial nail according to claim 1, wherein the light-curable composition of the adhesive section is a first light-curable composition, and the polish section contains the second light-curable composition in a semi-cured state.

3. 3. The light-curable artificial nail of claim 2, wherein the first light-curable composition is different from the second light-curable composition.

4. 10. The light-curable artificial nail of claim 1, wherein said adhesive section is designed to secure said light-curable artificial nail to a natural nail by application of pressure and by application of said at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation.

5. 2. The light-curable artificial nail according to claim 1, further comprising a decorative section disposed above said polish section, said decorative section having one or more types of decoration.

6. 2. The light-curable artificial nail of claim 1, further comprising a top coat section disposed above said polish section.

7. 7. The light-curable artificial nail according to claim 6, wherein the light-curable composition of the adhesive section is a first light-curable composition, and the top coat section includes a third light-curable composition in the semi-cured state, and the first light-curable composition is different from the third light-curable composition.

8. 7. The light-curable artificial nail of claim 6, wherein said top coat section is clear.

9. The light-curable artificial nail of claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing section comprises a fabric material including at least one of fiberglass, silk, or linen.

10. The light-curable artificial nail of claim 1 , wherein the polish section includes a colorant.

11. 10. The light-curable artificial nail of claim 1, wherein the light-curable composition comprises at least one component curable by ultraviolet (UV) light, visible light, or a combination thereof.

12. 10. The light-curable artificial nail of claim 1, wherein the light-curable composition comprises at least one of a polymer, a film former, a plasticizer, an additive, a dispersant, a photoinitiator, a silicone, a silicon, a keratin, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, an oligomer, an unreacted solvent, or a colorant.

13. 13. The light-curable artificial nail of claim 12, wherein the polymer comprises at least one of a polyurethane, a (meth)acrylic polymer, a poly(methyl methacrylate), a copolymer, a vinyl polymer, a vinyl copolymer, a cellulose polymer, or a styrene butadiene polymer.

14. 13. The light-curable artificial nail according to claim 12, wherein the film-forming agent comprises at least one of an epoxy resin, a (meth)acrylic resin, a styrene resin, an acrylate-styrene resin, a vinyl resin, a polyester, an alkyd resin, a cellulose ester, or a resin resulting from the condensation of formaldehyde with an allyl sulfonamide.

15. 13. The light-curable artificial nail according to claim 12, wherein the plasticizer comprises at least one of tributyl phosphate, tributoxyethyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, triphenyl phosphate, glycerol triacetate, butyl stearate, butyl glycolate, benzyl benzoate, butyl acetyltricinolate, glyceryl acetyltricinolate, dibutyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, dimethoxyethyl phthalate, diamyl phthalate, triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, tributyl acetylcitrate, tri(2-ethylhexyl)acetylcitrate, dibutyl tartrate, or camphor.

16. The additives include silica, fumed silica, diatomaceous earth, bentonite clay, kaolinite, pyrophyllite, sericite, smectic, vermiculite, montmorillonite, beidelite, nontronite, hectorite, talc, mica, zirconium oxide, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, saponite, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, aluminum stearate, stearalkonium, distearalkonium, organically modified clay, hydrogenated castor oil, hydrogenated castor wax, inorganically modified castor oil, organically modified castor oil, triglycerides, glyceryl tri-12-hydroxystearate, polyamides, polyamide waxes.

13. The light-curable artificial nail according to claim 12, comprising at least one of ethylenediamine 12-hydroxystearic acid diamide, 12-hydroxystearic acid diglycolamide, N-stearylricinoleamide, N-stearylstearamide, polyethylene oxide wax, ureaurethane, acrylic resin, amine salt of high molecular weight polyester, linear polyaminoamide and salt of high molecular weight polyester, amide solution of polycarboxylic acid, alkyl sultanate, alkylaryl sultanate, colloidal ester, polyester resin, phenolic resin, melamine resin, epoxy resin, urethane resin, polyimide resin, and polyester amide.

17. 13. The light-curable artificial nail of claim 12, wherein the dispersing agent comprises at least one of a non-surface-activated polymer, a surface-active component added to a gel, or a surfactant.

18. 10. The light-curable artificial nail of claim 1, wherein the light-curable composition comprises about 1 weight percent (wt %) to about 50 wt % resin, about 1 wt % to about 50 wt % photoinitiator, and about 1 wt % to about 90 wt % polymer.

19. In the semi-cured state, the photocurable composition has a viscosity of about 100×10 -6 10. The light-curable artificial nail of claim 1, wherein the light-curable composition has a modulus of elasticity of from about 1 gigapascal (GPa) to about 2.50 GPa, and in the cured state, the light-curable composition has a Rockwell hardness of from about 1 gram per cubic centimeter (g / cc) to about 110 g / cc.

20. 10. The light-curable artificial nail of claim 1, wherein the light-curable artificial nail does not include at least one of a preformed hard plastic or an acrylic polymer.

21. 10. The light-curable artificial nail of claim 1, wherein the light-curable artificial nail is in the shape of a natural nail, an oval nail, a rectangular nail, a pointed nail, or a rounded nail.

22. 2. The light-curable artificial nail according to claim 1, wherein the polish section is disposed above the reinforcing section.

23. A kit comprising: a light-curable artificial nail configured to be applied to a natural nail using pressure and at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, said light-curable artificial nail comprising: an adhesive section including a photocurable composition in a semi-cured state, the photocurable composition configured to transition from the semi-cured state to a cured state upon exposure to at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation; A reinforcing section is provided above the adhesive section, a polishing section disposed above the adhesive section; The kit has a removable layer removably attached to the adhesive section.

24. 24. The kit of claim 23, further comprising a light-emitting instrument configured to emit at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation to transition the photocurable composition from the semi-cured state to the cured state.

25. 25. The kit of claim 24, wherein the light-emitting device is configured to emit at least one of ultraviolet or visible light, the light-emitting device is configured to emit at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of about 100 nanometers (nm) to about 780 nm, inclusive, and the light-emitting device comprises a light-emitting diode (LED).

26. 25. The kit of claim 24, wherein the light-emitting device comprises one or more pressure members configured to apply pressure to a topside of the light-curable artificial nail while emitting the at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation.

27. 24. The kit of claim 23, further comprising at least one stencil having a nail-shaped opening and a solid portion around the opening, the stencil configured to overlay the light-curable artificial nail and to pass the at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation through the opening to the light-curable artificial nail and to block the at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation at the solid portion.

28. 25. The kit of claim 24, comprising at least one stencil, wherein the at least one stencil is (a) removably attached to the light-emitting device, (b) in the shape of a glove having a claw-shaped opening, (c) an opaque sticker, or (d) a fingertip having a claw-shaped opening.

29. 28. The kit of claim 27, wherein the at least one stencil is designed to apply pressure to a top side of the light-cured artificial nail when the light-cured artificial nail is placed over a natural nail.

30. 24. The kit of claim 23, wherein the polishing section is disposed above the reinforcing section.

31. The kit of claim 23 , wherein the reinforcement section comprises a fabric material.

32. 32. The kit of claim 31, wherein the fabric material comprises at least one of fiberglass, silk, or linen.

33. 1. A method for making a light-curable artificial nail, comprising: removing a portion of the adhesive film in the shape of a human fingernail from the semi-cured adhesive film, the portion of the adhesive film including the semi-cured photocurable composition; removing a portion of the polish film in the shape of the human fingernail from the polish film; The method includes combining said portion of said adhesive coating and said portion of said polish coating with a reinforcing material into a layer of said light-curable artificial nail.

34. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the photocurable composition of the adhesive coating is a first photocurable composition and the polish coating comprises a second photocurable composition configured in the semi-cured state.

35. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the first photohardenable composition is different from the second photohardenable composition.

36. 35. The method of claim 34, further comprising exposing the combined layer to a first electromagnetic radiation for a first predetermined period of time to bond adjacent layers of the combined layer to one another.

37. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the step of exposing the combined layers to the first electromagnetic radiation for the first predetermined period of time transitions one or more of the combined layers from a first semi-cured state to a second semi-cured state.

38. applying the first photocurable composition in an uncured state onto a first substrate to form the adhesive coating; 35. The method of claim 34, further comprising exposing the adhesive film to a second electromagnetic radiation for a second predetermined period of time to transition the adhesive film from the uncured state to the semi-cured state.

39. applying the second photocurable composition in an uncured state onto the second substrate to form the polished coating; 39. The method of claim 38, further comprising exposing the polished coating to a third electromagnetic radiation for a third predetermined period of time to transition the polished coating from the uncured state to the semi-cured state.

40. 34. The method of claim 33, further comprising providing one or more decorations above the polish coating.

41. removing a portion of the topcoat film in the shape of a human fingernail from the topcoat film; 34. The method of claim 33, further comprising combining said portion of said topcoat film with said layer of said light-curable artificial nail.

42. the topcoat film comprises a third photocurable composition, and the method comprises: applying the third photocurable composition in an uncured state onto a third substrate to form the topcoat film; 42. The method of claim 41, further comprising exposing the topcoat film to a fourth electromagnetic radiation for a fourth predetermined period of time to transition the topcoat film from the uncured state to a semi-cured state.

43. 42. The method of claim 41, wherein at least one of the polish coating or the topcoat coating is made from a non-photocurable composition.

44. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the portion of the polished coating is disposed above the reinforcing material.

45. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the reinforcing material comprises a fabric material.

46. 46. ​​The method of claim 45, wherein the fabric material comprises at least one of fiberglass, silk, or linen.

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