Nail correction device

Abstract

To effectively correct severely deformed nails. [Solution] The nail corrector 1 is composed of an upper surface 11 and a bottom surface 12, and the bottom surface 12 has a curved portion 21 and a straight portion 22. With the end of the curved portion 21 abutting against the side edge of the nail, a force is applied to the end portion as a point of application, a point on the curved portion spaced apart from the end portion as a fulcrum, and a point on the straight portion as a point of force, and by using the principle of leverage, the side edge of the nail is separated from the skin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a nail corrector.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a method for correcting nails, a technique has been proposed in which a small piece having an appropriate restoring force is attached to the surface of the nail, and the shape of the nail is gradually corrected into a normal form (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the conventional technique described in Patent Document 1 applies a load to the nail by utilizing the restoring force of the small piece attached to the deformed nail and corrects its form. Such a method using the restoring force has a problem that a correction effect cannot be obtained for a nail whose tip is bent at an acute angle or a nail deformed so as to bite into the skin.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to effectively correct highly deformed nails.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, a nail corrector according to one aspect of the present invention is a plate-shaped nail corrector having a contact surface that contacts the nail, where the contact surface includes a straight portion having a first length and a curved portion having a second length shorter than the first length and having a convex curve on the side of the nail to be contacted, and With the end of the curved portion in contact with the side edge of the nail, the end acts as the point of application, a point on the curved portion separated from the end acts as the fulcrum, and a point on the straight portion acts as the point of force application. When force is applied to the point of force application, the first nail correction function separates the side edge of the nail from the skin by the principle of leverage. It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, severely deformed nails can be effectively corrected. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a nail straightening device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] Figure 1 is a side view of the nail correction device. [Figure 2B] Figure 1 is a top view of the nail correction device. [Figure 3A] This is an enlarged image of Figure 2. [Figure 3B] This is an enlarged image of Figure 2. [Figure 4] These figures illustrate the operation of a nail correction device having the configuration shown in Figures 1 to 3. [Figure 5A] This diagram illustrates the parts of nail correction devices that are applied to various nail shapes. [Figure 5B] This diagram illustrates the parts of nail correction devices that are applied to various nail shapes. [Figure 5C] This diagram illustrates the parts of nail correction devices that are applied to various nail shapes. [Figure 6A] This diagram illustrates the contact points between the side edge and the curved portion. [Figure 6B] This diagram illustrates the contact points between the side edge and the curved portion. [Figure 6C] This diagram illustrates the contact points between the side edge and the curved portion. [Figure 7A] This is a diagram illustrating another example of the use of nail correction devices. [Figure 7B]It is a diagram for explaining another example related to the use of the nail corrector. [Figure 7C] It is a diagram for explaining another example related to the use of the nail corrector. [Figure 8A] It is a diagram for explaining another example different from FIG. 7 related to the use of the nail corrector. [Figure 8B] It is a diagram for explaining another example different from FIG. 7 related to the use of the nail corrector. [Figure 8C] It is a diagram for explaining another example different from FIG. 7 related to the use of the nail corrector. [Figure 9] It is a diagram for explaining another example different from FIGS. 7 and 8 related to the use of the nail corrector. [Figure 10] It is a diagram for explaining another example different from FIGS. 7 to 9 related to the use of the nail corrector. [Figure 11] It is a diagram for explaining another example different from FIGS. 7 to 10 related to the use of the nail corrector. [Figure 12] It is a diagram for explaining another example different from FIGS. 7 to 11 related to the use of the nail corrector.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0010] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the configuration of the nail corrector 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a nail corrector according to an embodiment of the nail corrector of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a side view of the nail corrector of FIG. 1. FIG. 2B is a top view of the nail corrector of FIG. 1. FIGS. 3A and 3B are enlarged image views showing FIG. 2.

[0011] Here, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, the following defined directions will be used.

[0012] That is, as a coordinate system based on the finger F, the axes XF, YF, and ZF shown in FIG. 1 are used. In other words, assuming a toe F of a foot in contact with the floor, the plane whose normal is the direction in which gravity acts (parallel to the ZF axis) as shown in Figure 1, i.e., the plane parallel to axes XF and YF, is called the "XF-YF plane". Of the XF-YF planes, the surface to which the pad of the toe F makes contact (corresponding to the floor mentioned above) is called the "horizontal plane". In Figure 1, axis XF is perpendicular to axis ZF and also perpendicular to the direction in which the nail plate N grows. That is, the direction of the arrow on axis XF shown in Figure 1 is called the "positive direction of axis XF," and the opposite direction is called the "negative direction of axis XF." Furthermore, in Figure 1, the YF axis is perpendicular to the ZF axis and parallel to the direction in which the nail plate N grows. That is, the direction of axis YF shown in Figure 1 is called the "positive direction of axis YF," and the opposite direction is called the "negative direction of axis YF." Furthermore, in Figure 1, the direction of the arrow on the ZF axis is called the "positive direction of axis ZF," and the opposite direction is called the "negative direction of axis ZF."

[0013] Furthermore, the axes X, Y, and Z shown in Figures 2A and 2B are used as a coordinate system based on the nail correction device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As will be explained in more detail later, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the nail correction device 1 is a rectangle with a long side and a short side, and has a curved plate-like member with a thickness that is shorter in length than the short side. In other words, as shown in Figure 2A, when the non-curved side of the plate-like member is in contact with the floor, the plane whose normal is the direction in which gravity acts (parallel to axis Z) as shown in Figure 2A, that is, the plane parallel to axes X and Y, is called the "XY plane". In Figure 1, axis X is perpendicular to axis Z and parallel to the long side direction of the plate-like member. That is, the direction of the arrow for axis X shown in Figure 1 is called the "positive direction of axis X," and the opposite direction is called the "negative direction of axis X." Furthermore, in Figure 1, the Y-axis is perpendicular to the Z-axis and perpendicular to the direction of the longer side (parallel to the direction of the shorter side). That is, the direction of axis Y shown in Figure 1 is called the "positive direction of axis Y," and the opposite direction is called the "negative direction of axis Y." In Figure 1, the direction of the arrow on the Z axis is called the "positive direction of axis Z," and the opposite direction is called the "negative direction of axis Z."

[0014] The nail correction device 1 is a correction device used to correct the shape of the nail and is configured as a rectangular plate-shaped member. The material for the nail correction device 1 should have sufficient hardness to prevent easy breakage, while also possessing resilience (stretchability), transparency, good processability, and virtually no adverse effects on the body. In this embodiment, ABS resin is used as such a material.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the nail straightening device 1 comprises a rectangular surface 11 and a surface 12 facing the surface 11. Here, as shown in Figure 1, with the pad of finger F positioned on a horizontal plane, when viewed in the negative direction of the Z-axis (viewed from above), surface 11 is located on the upper side, and surface 12 is positioned to contact the nail plate N of finger F. Therefore, hereafter, surface 11 will be referred to as "upper surface 11" and surface 12 as "bottom surface 12". The bottom surface 12 is divided into a curved portion 21 and a straight portion 22, which are the parts that come into contact with the nail plate N.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2A, the curved portion 21 has a length L1 in the direction of axis Z, and the straight portion 22 has a length L2 in the direction of axis X. As shown in Figure 1, the curved portion 21 and the straight portion 22 are used so as to contact the nail plate N when the nail plate N is corrected. Specifically, as will be described later, as shown in Figure 1, when the side edge Nm is corrected, the curved portion 21 is fixed to the side edge Nm. The position of the curved portion 21 that contacts the side edge Nm acts as the point of application, a part of the straight portion 22 acts as the point of force application, and a predetermined position of the curved portion 21 between the point of application and the point of force application, close to the point of application, acts as the fulcrum. By functioning in this way, a certain force is applied to the point of application, and the side edge Nm is corrected according to the principle of leverage. The force applied to the point of application in this manner will be referred to as the "corrective force" below. Therefore, the length L1 of the curved portion 21 needs to be long enough so that it functions as both a fulcrum and a point of application when it comes into contact with the nail plate N to correct the nail plate N. On the other hand, a portion of the straight section 22 functions as a point of force application to compensate for the lateral edge Nm. Therefore, the length L2 of the straight section 22 must be long enough for the operator's hand to apply the load necessary to compensate for the lateral edge Nm to the point of force application. Furthermore, as will be described later, the portion of the straight section 22 that is not in contact is cut off, so the length L2 must be determined taking this cut into consideration. In this embodiment, lengths L1 are set to 10 mm and L2 to 17 mm.

[0017] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the curved portion 21 and the straight portion 22 have a thickness L3 in the Z-axis direction. Multiple types of nail correction tools 1 with different thicknesses L3 are provided in this embodiment to accommodate the thickness, hardness, and size of the nail plate N. Therefore, the practitioner can select the type of nail correction tool 1 that is suitable for the thickness, hardness, and size of the nail plate N and perform the procedure. Specifically, for example, in this embodiment, a first type of nail correction tool 1 with a thickness L3 of 1.8 mm and a second type of nail correction tool 1 with a thickness L3 of 1.1 mm are provided. In this case, if the nail plate N is hard and thick, the first type of nail correction device 1 is selected. On the other hand, if the nail plate N has a normal thickness or is thin, or for small nails other than those of the big toe, the second type of nail correction device 1 is selected.

[0018] The reason why 1.8 mm was adopted as the thickness L3 of the first type of nail correction device 1 is as follows: If the thickness L3 is greater than 1.8 mm, the corrective force applied to the nail plate N becomes excessively strong, which can cause problems such as the nail plate N peeling off the skin of the finger F or the procedure being accompanied by severe pain. Furthermore, if the thickness L3 is even thicker, problems arise such as the need for more effort when cutting the straight section 22. On the other hand, the thinner the thickness L3, the weaker the corrective force of the nail correction device 1 becomes. Therefore, 1.8 mm, which is the maximum thickness that does not cause the above-mentioned problems, is adopted as the thickness L3 of the first type of nail correction device 1 in this embodiment.

[0019] Furthermore, the reason why 1.1 mm was adopted as the thickness L3 of the Type 2 nail correction device 1 is as follows: If the thickness L3 is thinner than 1.1 mm, the corrective force applied to the nail plate N becomes excessively weak, which can lead to problems such as the inability to obtain the corrective effect. On the other hand, while increasing the thickness L3 strengthens the corrective force, it can lead to problems such as damage to the thin nail plate N or severe pain during the procedure. Therefore, 1.1 mm, the maximum thickness that does not cause the aforementioned problems, is adopted as the thickness L3 of the second type of nail correction device 1 in this embodiment.

[0020] As described above, when the lateral edge Nm is corrected by the lever principle, a portion of the curved portion 21 functions as a fulcrum, and a position spaced apart from this fulcrum functions as a point of application. Therefore, if the curvature of the curved portion 21 is excessively large, the contact surface between the portion of the curved portion 21 that functions as a point of application and the lateral edge Nm becomes smaller, resulting in a large localized load being applied to this contact surface. This can lead to problems such as the nail correction device 1 peeling off the lateral edge Nm, the nail plate N peeling off the skin of the finger F, or severe pain during the procedure. Furthermore, as will be described in more detail later, if the curvature of the curved portion 21 is excessively large, the area of ​​the curved portion 21 that can function as a fulcrum is limited, which can make the procedure difficult. On the other hand, if the curvature of the curved portion 21 is too small, the area in which it can function as a fulcrum becomes wider, but as the curved portion 21 approaches a straight line, the lever principle becomes less effective, which can lead to problems such as a decrease in the corrective force applied to the side edge Nm.

[0021] Therefore, the degree of curvature of the curved portion 21 should be such that, when it comes into contact with the side edge Nm, a region is secured in which the lever principle can function and which can function as a fulcrum. In this embodiment, the curved portion 21 is constructed by bending the bottom surface 12 in the positive Z-axis direction by a height L4, starting from a state in which the straight portion 22 is in contact with a horizontal surface. Specifically, in this embodiment, a height L4 of 1 mm is used.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the curved portion 21 has an end 31 on the side opposite to the side connected to the straight portion 22. On the other hand, the straight section 22 has an end portion 32 on the side opposite to the side connected to the curved section 21. As shown in Figure 3A, a gel spot 41 is provided on the upper surface 11 facing the end 31 of the bottom surface 12. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3B, a gel spot 42 is provided on the upper surface 11 facing the end 32 of the bottom surface 12.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3A, the gel spot 41 is constructed by cutting the upper surface 11 of the nail correction device 1 in a range of length L6 from the end in the negative direction of axis X so as to slope downward towards the end. The thickness of the end in the Z-axis direction is configured to be L5. As shown in Figure 3B, the gel spot 42 is constructed by cutting the upper surface 11 of the nail correction device 1 in a manner such that the length L6 from the end in the positive direction of the X axis is cut diagonally downward towards the end. The thickness in the Z axis direction of the end is configured to be L5. Specifically, in this embodiment, a thickness of 0.8 mm and a length of 3 mm are used for L5.

[0024] The reasons for selecting a thickness of 0.8 mm for L5 and a length of 3 mm for L6 are as follows.

[0025] Specifically, as will be explained later using Figure 4, when the end portion 31 of the curved portion 21 abuts against the side edge Nm and the side edge Nm is corrected by the lever principle, the end portion 31 and the gel spot 41 function as adhesive application surfaces. Also, when the end portion 32 of the straight portion 22 abuts against the side edge Nm and the nail plate N is corrected, the end portion 32 and the gel spot 42 function as adhesive application surfaces. Therefore, the practitioner uses gel spots 41 and 42 as indicators to determine the position and amount of adhesive to apply. In this embodiment, a length of 3 mm is adopted as the length L6, which serves as a guideline for applying such an appropriate amount of adhesive.

[0026] As will be explained in more detail later using Figure 4, for example, when the end portion 31 of the curved portion 21 comes into contact with the side edge Nm and the side edge Nm is corrected by the lever principle, adhesive is applied from the side edge Nm to the gel spot 41 in order to strengthen the bonding force between the end portion 31 and the side edge Nm. At this time, if the thickness L5 is too thick (the height of the gel spot 41 is too high when viewed from the position of the side edge Nm), it becomes difficult to continuously apply adhesive from the side edge Nm to the gel spot 41, and it becomes difficult to strengthen the bonding force between the end portion 31 and the side edge Nm. On the other hand, if a large amount of adhesive is applied from the end of the side edge Nm to the gel spot 41 in order to strengthen the adhesion between the end portion 31 and the side edge Nm, problems may arise such as requiring effort to scrape off the adhesive that has adhered to the surface of the nail plate N after the nail correction device 1 has been fixed in place, or the adhesive adhering to the skin. On the other hand, if the thickness L5 is too thin (the height of the gel spot 41 is too low when viewed from the position of the side edge Nm), the application of adhesive becomes easier, but the resistance of the nail straightening device 1 to deformation weakens, causing the nail straightening device 1 to whiten and cease to function. Therefore, a thickness of 0.8 mm is adopted as the thickness L5 in this embodiment, as it allows for easy application of the adhesive and ensures a certain corrective force.

[0027] Furthermore, the reason why gel spots 41 and 42 are cut in such a way that they slope downwards towards the end is as follows. As will be explained in more detail later using Figure 4, for example, when the end portion 31 of the curved portion 21 comes into contact with the side edge Nm and the side edge Nm is corrected by the lever principle, the end portion 31 facing the gel spot 41 functions as a point of application. Therefore, if the gel spot 41 were to be cut in a stepped shape rather than at an angle, a localized force would be applied to the stepped portion as a point of application, which could cause the stepped portion to whiten and cease to function, or the nail correction device 1 could break at the stepped portion. For this reason, in order to maintain resistance to deformation, the gel spots 41 and 42 are cut so that their ends slope downwards.

[0028] Furthermore, since the nail correction device 1 is transparent, the practitioner can easily see the gel spots 41 formed on the upper surface 11 even when viewing the end 31 from the bottom surface 12. Therefore, the practitioner can apply the appropriate amount of adhesive to the appropriate position on the end 31 while referring to the gel spots 41. Similarly, even when the practitioner views the end 32 from the bottom 12 side, they can easily see the gel spots 42 that are formed on the top 11 side. Therefore, the practitioner can apply the appropriate amount of adhesive to the appropriate position on the end 32 while referring to the gel spots 42.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2B, the nail correction device 1 has a width L7 as the length of the shorter side of the upper surface 11. As described above using Figure 1, when the side edge Nm is corrected, the curved portion 21 is fixed to the side edge Nm. Then, the side edge Nm is corrected by the lever principle. Therefore, the width L7 needs to be a width that has sufficient resistance so that it does not easily break even when a strong load is applied to the nail correction device 1. Specifically, for example, in this embodiment, a width of 3 mm is adopted for L7. The reason why a width of 3 mm was adopted for L7 is as follows. That is, if the width L7 is wider than 3 mm, the adhesive area when the nail plate N and the bottom surface 12 are fixed together will be large, which may cause problems such as a wide area of ​​damage to the nail plate N. Furthermore, if the width L7 is wider, problems will arise such as the need for more effort when cutting the straight portion 22. On the other hand, as the width L7 becomes narrower, the resistance of the nail correction device 1 to deformation weakens, causing the nail correction device 1 to whiten and cease to function. In addition, the bonding area when the nail plate N and the base surface 12 are fixed together becomes smaller, which can lead to problems such as the nail correction device 1 easily coming off the nail plate N. Therefore, 3 mm, the maximum width that does not cause the aforementioned problems, is adopted as the width L7 in this embodiment.

[0030] Furthermore, as described above, the nail correction device 1 has a rectangular top surface 11 and a bottom surface 12, and the bottom surface 12 is divided into a curved portion 21 and a straight portion 22 in the X-axis direction. Therefore, regardless of whether the target of correction is the left foot, the right foot, the lateral edge Nm, or the lateral edge Np, the treatment can be performed simply by changing the orientation of the nail correction device 1 in the X-axis direction.

[0031] Next, with reference to Figure 4, the operation of the nail correction device 1 having the configuration shown in Figures 1 to 3 above will be explained.

[0032] Before explaining the function of nail correction device 1, we will describe the adhesive used in the procedure for correcting the nail plate N. A light-curing adhesive is preferred as the adhesive. The reasons for this preference are as follows: Light-curing adhesives have high adhesive strength and can be cured by exposure to light. Unlike adhesives that harden by mixing, for example, two liquids, they can be cured gradually according to the amount of light exposure. Therefore, the procedure can be carried out while checking with the patient about the pain they feel when fixing the nail correction device 1 to the nail plate N and applying pressure to the nail plate N. As a result, the pain felt by the patient can be suppressed. In addition, the procedure can be interrupted and the adhesive reapplied before the nail correction device 1 is completely fixed to the nail plate N. In this embodiment, two types of light-curing adhesives are used depending on the application. As will be described in more detail later, the high-viscosity gel-like adhesive HV (hereinafter referred to as "gel HV") is used for fixing the lateral edge Nm to the end 31, repairing damaged areas of the nail plate N, or for coating. Furthermore, the low-viscosity gel-like adhesive LV (hereinafter referred to as "gel LV") can be used for fixing the side edge Nm to the end 31, repairing when the nail plate N and the bottom surface 12 are about to separate, filling gaps between the nail plate N and the bottom surface 12, or for coating purposes.

[0033] The following describes the function of nail correction device 1.

[0034] In step ST1, the practitioner applies gel HV to the end 31 of the nail correction device 1. The amount of gel HV to be applied and the location of application are determined by the practitioner by referring to the gel spot 41. Specifically, when the practitioner views the nail correction device 1 from the negative Z-axis direction (bottom surface 12 side) (towards the top surface 11), they can see the area of ​​the gel spot 41 and apply an appropriate amount of adhesive to the appropriate location so that it covers the gel spot 41. The amount of gel HV to be applied is preferably about the size of one-third of a grain of rice.

[0035] In step ST2, the practitioner brings the end portion 31 to which the gel HV has been applied into contact with the side edge Nm, thereby ensuring close contact between the end portion 31 and the side edge Nm. If excess gel HV is not removed at this time, the excess gel HV will cause a bulge in an area of ​​the nail plate N that is not suitable as a fulcrum, and this bulge will become the fulcrum, making it impossible to effectively apply load to the lateral edge Nm. Therefore, the practitioner removes the gel HV that has protruded from between the edge 31 and the lateral edge Nm with a spatula.

[0036] In step ST3, the practitioner irradiates the gel HV at the point where the end portion 31 and the side edge Nm are in contact with ultraviolet light (for example, ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 365n) using an LED lamp L (hereinafter referred to as "lamp L"). As a result, the gel HV hardens, and the end portion 31 and the side edge Nm are fixed together.

[0037] In step ST4, the practitioner takes gel HV onto the tip of a spatula and applies it to the area from the end of the side edge Nm to approximately two-thirds of the way across the gel spot 41, while the end 31 and side edge Nm of step ST3 are fixed together. If an excessive amount of gel HV is applied at this time, the excess gel HV will cause parts of the nail plate N that are not suitable as fulcrums to bulge, and these bulging parts will become fulcrums, making it impossible to effectively apply load to the lateral edge Nm. On the other hand, if the amount of gel HV applied is excessively small, problems may arise such as the edge 31 peeling off from the side edge Nm or the inability to apply corrective force. Gel spots 41 can also solve these problems. That is, the practitioner can apply the appropriate adhesive for fixation by referring to the area of ​​the gel spot 41.

[0038] The practitioner holds a portion of the straight section 22 of the nail correction device 1 and tilts the straight section 22 in the negative direction of the Z axis to check whether the lateral edge Nm and the end portion 31 are fixed together, whether the lateral edge Nm separates from the skin K, and how much the lateral edge Nm lifts. If it is confirmed that the lateral edge Nm is separated from the skin K, then the end portion 31 acts as the point of application, one point in the curved portion 21 acts as the fulcrum, and a part of the straight portion 22 acts as the point of force application, and it can be seen that the lateral edge Nm can be corrected by the lever principle. Furthermore, it becomes possible to confirm the adjustment of the positional relationship between the point of application, the fulcrum, and the point of force application depending on the amount that the lateral edge Nm is lifted. If, as a result of these checks, it is determined that the lateral margin Nm can be sufficiently corrected, the process proceeds to step ST5. On the other hand, if the lateral edge Nm and the end portion 31 are not sufficiently fixed, or if the lateral edge Nm does not separate from the skin K, that is, if there is no prospect of sufficiently correcting the lateral edge Nm, the process may be returned to step ST3.

[0039] In step ST5, the practitioner applies more gel HV between the base surface 12 and the nail plate N. The amount of gel HV is preferably such that a small amount of gel HV protrudes from between the base surface 12 and the nail plate N when the straight section 22 is tilted in the negative direction of the Z axis. This is because if there is too much gel HV protruding, it will require more effort to file the surface of the nail plate N after the nail correction device 1 has been fixed in place.

[0040] In step ST6, the practitioner holds a portion of the straight section 22 (the portion that functions as the point of force application) and tilts it in the negative direction of the Z axis (the direction of the arrow in Figure 4). As a result, in the nail correction device 1, the end portion 31 of the curved section 21 functions as the point of application, the portion of the straight section 22 held by the practitioner functions as the point of force application, and the portion of the curved section 21 between the point of application and the point of force application, and close to the point of application, functions as a fulcrum, and the lateral edge Nm is separated from the skin K by the principle of leverage. Furthermore, the practitioner brings the bottom surface 12, which extends from the curved portion 21 to a part of the straight portion 22, close to the nail plate N. The angle at which the straight portion 22 is tilted when bringing the bottom surface 12 close to the nail plate N is preferably about half of the angle between the nail correction device 1 and the nail plate N immediately before step ST6. This is because if the straight portion 22 is tilted excessively (beyond half of the standard angle) to contact the nail plate N, problems such as the nail correction device 1 coming off the nail plate N or the nail plate N peeling away from the skin may occur. The practitioner brings the base 12 close to the nail plate N, and then removes any excess gel HV that has spilled out between the base 12 and the nail plate N using a spatula. Then, with the nail correction device 1 fixed in the position where it is tilted in the negative direction of the Z axis (the position where the base surface 12 is close to the nail plate N), the practitioner irradiates the gel HV located at the point where the base surface 12 and the nail plate N are close together with ultraviolet light using lamp L. As a result, the gel HV hardens, and the base surface 12 and the nail plate N become fixed together.

[0041] In step ST7, the practitioner cuts off the portion of the straight section 22 that was not fixed to the nail plate N. The practitioner then files the cut surface of the straight section 22 and its surrounding area in a predetermined manner in order to arrange the nail correction device 1 and the nail plate N that are fixed together.

[0042] In step ST8, the practitioner applies gel LV to fill the small gap between the nail plate N and the nail correction device 1, which are bonded together. The practitioner then irradiates the applied gel LV with ultraviolet light using lamp L. This hardens the gel LV, causing the nail correction device 1 to bond more firmly to the nail plate N. Finally, the practitioner applies a rice-grain-sized amount of gel HV to the entire nail plate N. This prevents the nail correction device 1 from peeling off the nail plate N. At this time, the practitioner also applies gel HV up to the boundary between the nail plate N and the cuticle of the finger F. This allows the practitioner to see how much new nail has grown, and to quickly confirm the effect of the correction on the lateral edge Nm in relation to the amount of nail growth.

[0043] In the explanation of Figure 4, it was stated that the curved portion 21 of the nail correction device 1 is fixed to the side edge Nm, and the side edge Nm is corrected by the lever principle, but this is not the only way. That is, the straight portion 22 of the nail correction device 1 may be fixed to the side edge Nm, and the shape of the nail plate N may be corrected. Therefore, using Figures 5A to 5C, we will explain the parts of the nail correction device that are applicable to various nail shapes.

[0044] Figures 5A to 5C illustrate the parts of nail correction devices that are applied to various nail shapes.

[0045] It is generally said that nails have a tendency to grow inward. Normally, the force that causes the nail to curl inward is counteracted by an outward force exerted by external loads such as daily walking and exercise. The balance between the inward force and the outward force maintains the nail's normal shape. However, if this balance between the inward and outward forces is lost, for example, if the inward force becomes stronger than the outward force, nail deformation can occur.

[0046] However, nail deformation can vary in shape and degree. Therefore, in order to effectively correct various types of deformed nails, the nail correction device 1 of this embodiment has a first nail correction function (function in the curved portion 21) that corrects the lateral edge Nm using the principle of leverage, as well as a second nail correction function (function in the straight portion 22) that utilizes the elastoplastic force of the material of the nail correction device 1 itself.

[0047] Specifically, for example, as shown in Figure 5A, the second nail-correcting function is primarily exerted for nail plates N that have been deformed to be curved as a whole. In other words, when the claw plate N is corrected, the straight section 22 is fixed to the side edge Nm. Then, the bottom surface 12 is fixed to the claw plate N in such a way that it is tilted toward the negative direction of the Z axis. In this case, a restorative force acts on the nail correction device 1 due to the properties of its material. Therefore, the nail correction device 1, which is curved to contact the nail plate N, experiences this restorative force in the direction of returning to its plate-like shape (the positive direction of the Z axis). In other words, this restorative force acts as an outward spreading force on the nail plate N, which has deformed to curve inward, thus correcting the shape of the nail plate N.

[0048] On the other hand, for nail plates N in which a portion of the lateral edge Nm is locally deformed, as shown in Figures 5B and 5C, the first nail-correcting function is mainly exerted.

[0049] Figure 5B shows a nail plate N (hereinafter referred to as "ingrown nail") in which the nail as a whole is straight, but a portion of the lateral edge Nm is locally deformed at a right angle or acute angle and intrudes into the skin K. In cases of ingrown toenails like this, a portion of the lateral edge Nm is embedded in the skin K, making it difficult to apply the nail correction device 1 to the ingrown area. Therefore, conventional correction methods have not been able to effectively correct such ingrown toenails. Therefore, the first nail correction function is employed to effectively correct such ingrown toenails. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5B, the end 31 of the curved portion 21 is brought into contact with and fixed at a predetermined position on the lateral edge Nm. Then, when the bottom surface 12 is tilted in the negative direction of the Z-axis by the practitioner, the end 31 of the curved portion 21 acts as the point of application, and a part of the curved portion 21 acts as the fulcrum, and the portion included in the region NA shown in Figure 5B is lifted in the positive direction of the Z-axis by the principle of leverage. As a result, the lateral edge Nm is separated from the skin K. In this way, the first nail-correcting function is activated, allowing ingrown toenails to be effectively corrected.

[0050] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5C, for example, the end 31 of the curved portion 21 may be brought into contact with a locally deformed portion of the side edge Nm that is at a right angle or acute angle. When the bottom surface 12 is tilted by the practitioner in the negative direction of the Z axis, the end 31 of the curved portion 21 functions as the point of application, and a part of the curved portion 21 functions as a fulcrum, and the deformed portion of the side edge Nm is corrected by the principle of leverage. By appropriately changing the contact area of ​​the nail correction device 1 in this way and exerting the first nail correction function, effective correction can be performed according to various types of deformed nails.

[0051] Thus, the nail correction device 1 has a first nail correction function performed by the curved portion 21 and a second nail correction function performed by the straight portion 22. Therefore, even if the shape and degree of deformation of the lateral edge Nm and the lateral edge Np differ, the first nail correction function and the second nail straightening function work together to enable effective treatment for both the lateral edge Nm and the lateral edge Np.

[0052] Next, we will explain the relationship between the contact position of the curved portion 21 with respect to the side edge Nm and the corrective force.

[0053] Figures 6A to 6C illustrate the contact positions between the side edge and the curved portion.

[0054] Generally, the principle of levers is based on the balance between the product of the distance from the fulcrum to the point of effort and the force applied to the point of effort, and the product of the distance from the fulcrum to the point of application and the force applied to the point of application. That is, for example, as shown in Figure 6A, when the end portion 31 functions as a point of application that abuts against the side edge Nm, the distance from the point of application to the fulcrum differs depending on whether point a or point b is selected as the fulcrum. As a result, the distance from the fulcrum to the point of application of force, the force required at the point of application of force, and the force applied to the point of application of force (corrective force) all change. Therefore, the practitioner can use any position within the curved portion 21 as a fulcrum to perform effective corrections according to the thickness, hardness, size, and shape of the nail plate N and its lateral edge Nm.

[0055] For example, if the end portion 31 is used as the point of application and a part of the straight portion 22 functions as the point of force application, and the force applied to the point of force application is constant, then when comparing Figure 6B, where point a is the fulcrum, with Figure 6C, where point b is the fulcrum, a greater force is applied at the point of application in Figure 6B, where the distance from the point of application to the fulcrum is shorter. Therefore, if the practitioner wants to increase the corrective force, it is preferable to use point a as the fulcrum. Also, for example, if the nail plate N is small (the distance from the fulcrum to the point of application is insufficient), the practitioner should use point a as the fulcrum, which is closer to the position where the end portion 31 makes contact (the point of application). In other words, when it is desired to apply a large load to the point of application, or when the width of the side edge Nm is small (i.e., the distance from the fulcrum to the point of application is insufficient), the practitioner should use point a as the fulcrum. On the other hand, if, for example, the load applied to the point of application is small, or if the width of the lateral edge Nm is sufficiently large (enough distance can be secured from the fulcrum to the point of application), the practitioner may choose point b as the fulcrum.

[0056] In this way, the curved portion 21 can function as a fulcrum at any position depending on the shape, hardness, and degree of deformation of the nail. Therefore, the practitioner can perform corrections more effectively according to their own strength and the shape of the nail plate N.

[0057] Furthermore, because the nail correction device 1 is easy to process due to the properties of its material, it can be used by cutting off the end of the end portion 31. By using the curved portion 21, which is cut to any length at the end of the end portion 31, the distance from the fulcrum to the point of application can be arbitrarily determined, allowing the practitioner to perform correction more effectively according to the shape of the nail plate N. Also, by cutting off the end of the end portion 31, the degree of curvature of the curved portion 21 can be arbitrarily selected, allowing the practitioner to perform effective correction according to various deformed nails.

[0058] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and any modifications, improvements, etc., that can achieve the objectives of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0059] In the above-described embodiment, the nail plate N was corrected by bringing the bottom surface 12 of the nail correction device 1 into contact with the nail plate N, but the method is not limited to this. That is, the nail plate N may also be corrected by bringing the top surface 11 of the nail correction device 1 into contact with the nail plate N.

[0060] Figures 7A to 7C illustrate other examples of the use of nail correction devices. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7A, for a nail that has deformed so that the nail plate N protrudes in a triangular shape in the positive Z-axis direction (hereinafter referred to as a "triangular nail"), the upper surface 11 of the curved portion 21 comes into contact with it, as shown in Figure 7B. In this case, a restorative force acts on the nail correction device 1 due to the properties of its material. Therefore, the curved nail correction device 1, which is in contact with the nail plate N, experiences this restorative force in the direction of returning to a plate-like shape (the positive direction of the Z axis). That is, this restorative force acts on the triangular nail as an outward spreading force, thereby correcting the shape of the triangular nail. By bringing the concave portion on the upper surface 11 side of the curved portion 21 into close contact with the convex shape on top of the triangular nail in this way, it becomes possible to effectively correct the triangular nail while avoiding the peeling off of the nail correction device 1, as shown in Figure 7C.

[0061] As mentioned above, the nail correction device 1 is easy to process due to the properties of its material, and can therefore be used to repair cracked nails and the like by cutting it into smaller pieces.

[0062] For example, the nail correction device 1 may be used in multiple layers. The following examples of treatment using two nail correction devices, 1-1 and 1-2, are explained using Figures 8A to 8C. Figures 8A to 8C illustrate other examples of the use of nail correction devices that differ from those shown in Figure 7. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8A, in the case of a nail plate N whose lateral edge Nm is deformed at a right angle or acute angle, first the end 31 or end 32 of the nail correction device 1-1 is brought into contact with the lateral edge Nm and fixed in place. Then, as shown in Figure 8B, the nail straightening device 1-1 is tilted until the straight section 22 is approximately parallel to the Z-axis direction, and the nail straightening device 1-1 is cut off from the fixed section, leaving only the fixed section. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8C, the end 31 of the curved portion 21 may be brought into contact with and fixed to the end 31 or end 32 fixed to the side edge Nm of another nail correction device 1-2, thereby correcting the side edge Nm using the principle of leverage. In this way, by using nail correction device 1-2 on top of nail correction device 1-1, it becomes possible to properly correct even severely deformed nails. In the above explanation, for the sake of ease of understanding, it was described as using two nail correction devices 1-1 and 1-2. However, as described above, nail correction device 1 has both a curved portion 21 and a straight portion 22. Therefore, the practitioner may use the straight portion 22 of nail correction device 1-1 as nail correction device 1-1 in Figure 8C, and the curved portion 21 of the cut nail correction device 1-1 as nail correction device 1-2 in Figure 8C. This makes it possible to perform the procedure described using Figures 8A to 8C with only one nail correction device 1.

[0063] For example, the nail correction device 1 can also be used with the following adhesive method. Figure 9 illustrates another example of the use of a nail correction device, different from those shown in Figures 7 and 8. The bonding method in the example shown in Figure 9 involves applying gel HV to different positions in step ST4 of Figure 4. Specifically, in the example shown in Figure 9, the gel HV is also applied to the area R1 between the nail plate N and the finger F. When ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the gel HV applied in this manner using the lamp L, the gel HV hardens. Subsequently, when the practitioner tilts the corrective device 1 as shown in step ST6 of Figure 4, a force (hereinafter referred to as "force FOR") is exerted in the direction indicated by the arrow FOR in Figure 9, causing the nail corrective device 1 to separate from the nail plate N.

[0064] Here, when gel HV is applied as shown in step ST4 of Figure 4, the gel HV adheres to the surface of the nail plate N by bonding. In contrast, when gel HV is applied as shown in Figure 9, the gel HV hardens in a unified state from the upper part of the gel spot 41 of the orthodontic device 1 (position in the positive direction of axis Z and the negative direction of axis X) to region R1. Due to the shape of this hardened gel HV, it is fixed in a way that supports the nail plate N. As a result, the adhesion between the corrective device 1 and the nail plate N becomes stronger compared to that shown in Figure 4, and the adhesion is maintained even when the practitioner tilts the nail corrective device 1 as shown in step ST6 of Figure 4. In other words, if the practitioner determines that gel HV can also be applied to the area R1 between the nail plate N and the finger F, they can apply gel HV as shown in Figure 9 to more firmly fix the nail correction device 1 to the nail plate N. This makes it possible to effectively correct severely deformed nails.

[0065] Furthermore, the practitioner can apply the method of applying gel HV described in Figure 9 to the nail plate N of the example described in Figures 8A to 8C. Specifically, for example, the practitioner can apply gel HV as shown in Figure 9 and then cure it using lamp L, without using the nail correction tool 1-1 shown in Figure 8C.

[0066] Figure 10 illustrates another example of the use of a nail correction device, different from those shown in Figures 7 to 9. The bonding method in the example shown in Figure 10 involves applying gel HV to different positions in Figure 5B. In the example in Figure 9, gel HV was applied to region R1 between the nail plate N and finger F via the positive direction of axis X. However, the practitioner can also apply gel HV as shown in Figure 10. That is, as shown in the example in Figure 10, the practitioner can apply gel HV to the region between the nail plate N and finger F via region R2 in the negative direction of axis YF. In other words, in the example shown in Figure 10, as described above, gel HV is applied in the positive direction of axis X when viewed from the nail correction device 1, and also in the region R2 in the negative direction of axis Y. Although not shown in the figure, gel HV is also applied to the region between the nail plate N and the finger F via a position in the negative direction of axis Z in region R2. Then, when the applied gel HV is irradiated with ultraviolet light from lamp L, the gel HV hardens.

[0067] As a result, as explained using Figure 9, the shape of the hardened gel HV allows it to adhere to and support the nail plate N. As a result, the adhesion between the corrective device 1 and the nail plate N becomes stronger compared to that shown in Figure 4, and the adhesion is maintained even when the practitioner tilts the nail corrective device 1 as shown in step ST6 of Figure 4. In other words, if the practitioner determines that they can also apply gel HV to the area R1 between the nail plate N and the finger F, they can apply gel HV as shown in Figure 10 to more firmly fix the nail correction device 1 to the nail plate N. This makes it possible to effectively correct severely deformed nails.

[0068] If the practitioner determines that they cannot apply gel HV to the area R1 between the nail plate N and the finger F, or to the area R2 in the negative direction of the axis Y of the nail plate N, as explained using Figures 9 and 10, they may apply gel HV as shown in step ST4 of Figure 4. Specifically, for example, if the nail plate N is embedded in the finger F, it is preferable to use the application method of step ST4 shown in Figure 4, rather than the gel HV application method shown in Figure 9. Furthermore, for example, if the nail plate N is short relative to the finger F (i.e., a condition close to a so-called short nail), it is preferable not to use the gel HV application method shown in Figure 10.

[0069] In the example shown in Figure 5A above, the nail correction device 1 deforms the nail plate N, and the nail correction device 1 itself also deforms. In the explanation of Figure 5B above, the nail correction device 1 lifts the edge of the nail plate N. In the example shown in Figure 5C above, the nail correction device 1 does not deform (relatively), while the nail plate N deforms. Thus, whether or not the nail plate N deforms depends on the balance between the restorative force of the nail plate N and the restorative force of the nail correction device 1. Here, if the thickness L3 of the nail correction device 1 is different, the restorative force of the nail correction device 1 will be different. Therefore, as mentioned above, multiple types of nail correction devices 1 with different thicknesses L3 are available.

[0070] Figure 11 illustrates another example of the use of a nail correction device, different from those shown in Figures 7 to 10. Specifically, the example in Figure 11 shows an example of correction using the nail correction tool 1a of this embodiment, which has a high restorative force and a large thickness. In particular, the example of correction shown in Figure 11 shows an example in which the nail in the example in Figure 5B described above is corrected using the nail correction tool 1a, which has a higher restorative force because its thickness L3 is larger. In the example shown in Figure 11, the nail straightening device 1a is not deformed because its thickness L3 is large. The nail plate N is firmly fixed to the end 31 of the curved portion 21 of the nail straightening device 1a by a gel (not shown). As shown on the left side of Figure 5B, the side of the nail straightening device 1a in the positive direction of axis X is pushed down in the negative direction of axis Z. As a result, the nail plate N deforms from the shape shown in Figure 5B, as shown in Figure 11. Thus, the nail correction device of this embodiment is fixed by applying gel only in the positive direction of the axis ZF of the nail plate N, thereby allowing the nail plate N to be deformed during treatment.

[0071] Traditional corrective devices were designed to induce deformation of the nail plate through repeated treatments over a long period of time. Furthermore, even after such a long treatment period, some individuals did not experience any deformation due to their weak restorative capacity, resulting in minimal effectiveness.

[0072] In contrast, the nail correction device 1 of this embodiment has high restorative power, so it can deform the ingrown toenail in a single treatment, and by making the nail plate N no longer digging into the finger F, it is possible to alleviate pain and other discomforts. Furthermore, because the nail correction device 1 is fixed to the nail plate N using gel, it can be applied to nails with shapes that are difficult to treat with conventional methods. In the example in Figure 11, we described a nail correction device 1a with a larger thickness L3 compared to the nail correction device 1 in the example in Figure 5B, but this can also be applied to other nail shapes as described above. That is, the practitioner can change the amount of deformation of the nail plate N by using a nail correction device 1 with appropriately different thicknesses L3 depending on the nail shape.

[0073] Furthermore, the nail correction device 1 of this embodiment is useful not only for the various nail shapes described above, but also for nails that are ingrown toenails (not curved nails) and are also short nails. Although not illustrated, the characteristics of a nail that is not a simple ingrown toenail but rather a severely ingrown toenail, and is also short, will be explained using a coordinate system based on finger F as shown in Figure 1. Because such a nail is short, it is short in the direction of axis YF. Furthermore, ingrown toenails that are not curved have less curvature in the direction of axis ZF. As a result, the edge of the nail in the direction of axis XF is shallowly embedded in the toe F in a direction approximately parallel to the XF-YF plane. Consequently, when axis ZF of the nail plate N is in the positive direction, the flesh of the toe F rides over it. This means that when viewed from the positive direction of axis ZF, the length of the nail plate N in the direction of axis ZF is shortened by the riding-up flesh. Thus, a nail that is not an ingrown toenail but rather a severely ingrown toenail, and is also short in both the direction of axis XF and axis YF, is short in both directions. In other words, when viewed from the positive direction of axis ZF, the area is small.

[0074] It was difficult to apply conventional nail correction devices to such nails. In other words, conventional correction devices that fix the grown portion of the nail in some way were difficult to apply. Also, for example, conventional correction devices with low restorative force sometimes failed to provide sufficient force and correction even when applied, because the length in the direction of axis XF was short. However, the nail correction device 1 of this embodiment has high restorative force and a curved portion 21, making it possible to exert corrective force even on nails with a small surface area. In other words, the nail correction device 1 of this embodiment can appropriately correct even highly deformed nails, such as ingrown toenails that are not curved but also have a deep cut.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the practitioner was described as applying gel to the surface of the nail plate N to fix the nail correction device 1, but it can also be fixed in the following way. Figure 12 illustrates another example of the use of a nail correction device, different from those shown in Figures 7 to 11. In other words, as shown in Figure 12, the practitioner can file away a portion of the thick nail plate N, and then fix the nail correction device 1 in place using gel in the filed-away space. Specifically, first, the practitioner files away area R3 of the nail plate N shown in Figure 12. Then, the practitioner applies gel to area R3 and, with the nail correction device 1 fitted as indicated by the arrow, cures the gel using lamp L. This results in a stronger bond between the nail correction device 1 and the nail plate N.

[0076] In other words, by fitting the nail correction device 1 into the area R3 that has been filed down, the contact area between the nail correction device 1 and the nail plate N can be increased. This results in a stronger bond. Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, when gel is applied in the negative direction of axis XF to the gel spot 41 of the nail correction device 1 fitted into region R3, the hardened gel becomes a single unit (with fewer structures in the direction of axis XF), resulting in stronger adhesion.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the practitioner determines the position and amount of adhesive to be applied using the gel spots 41 and 42 as indicators. In this embodiment, 3 mm is used as the length L6 to serve as a guideline for applying such an appropriate amount of adhesive, but the amount of gel to be applied is not limited to this. In other words, for example, the practitioner only needs to adjust the amount of gel applied using gel spots 41 and 42 as indicators.

[0078] Specifically, for example, suppose the practitioner determines, based on the shape of the nail plate N and the history of previous corrections, that the adhesion of the nail correction device 1 only needs to be limited to a certain extent so that it can be easily removed for further correction. In this case, the practitioner can apply and fix the gel to a predetermined percentage (for example, 20%) of the gel spot 41. For example, suppose the practitioner determines, based on the shape of the nail plate N and the history of previous corrections, that the nail correction device 1 needs to be firmly fixed. In this case, the practitioner can apply gel to the entire area (i.e., 100%) of the gel spot 41 and fix it in place. Furthermore, as explained using Figures 9 and 10 above, by using the gel spot 41 as a guide, the gel can be applied to the side where the nail plate N and the nail correction device 1 do not come into contact (region R1 in Figure 9), and to the negative region R2 of the axis YF where the nail plate N has grown, and applied to as many sides as possible, resulting in a stronger bond. Thus, gel spots 41 and 42 serve as indicators for the practitioner to understand the amount and location of gel application, thereby improving the convenience of the procedure.

[0079] To summarize the above, when using the nail correction device 1 of this embodiment, because a gel HV that hardens with ultraviolet light from the lamp L is used, the practitioner can freely fix the nail correction device 1 according to their judgment, that is, according to the condition of the nail plate N. Furthermore, the nail correction device 1 of this embodiment can improve convenience when using gel HV by having gel spots 41 and 42, etc.

[0080] Furthermore, although the above embodiment corrects the lateral edge Nm using a single nail correction tool 1, it is not limited to this. That is, for example, the lateral edge Nm and the lateral edge Np may be corrected simultaneously by bringing the single nail correction tool 1 into contact with the lateral edge Nm from the lateral edge Nm to the lateral edge Np.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, gel HV was used when the end portion 31 abutted against the side edge Nm, but the invention is not limited to this, and gel LV may be used when the end portion 31 abutted against the side edge Nm.

[0082] In summary, the nail correction device 1 to which the present invention applies only needs to be as described below, and can take various forms.

[0083] In other words, the nail correction device to which the present invention applies is: A plate-shaped nail correction device having a contact surface (bottom surface 12) that contacts the nail (nail plate N), The aforementioned contact surface is A straight section (straight section 22) having a first length (length L2 in Figure 2), A curved portion (curved portion 21) having a second length shorter than the first length (length L1 in Figure 2) and a convex curve on the side of the claw that makes contact, Includes, With the end of the curved portion in contact with the edge of the nail, the end acts as the point of application, a point on the curved portion separated from the end acts as the fulcrum, and a point on the straight portion acts as the point of force application. When force is applied to the point of force application, the first nail correction function (for example, the first nail correction function in Figures 5B and 5C) moves the edge of the nail away from the skin by the principle of leverage. It is equipped with.

[0084] This allows for the application of appropriate load to deformed nail shapes (for example, the lateral edge Nm in Figures 5B and 5C) that cannot be corrected by correction methods that utilize the elastoplastic force (restorative force of the material) of nail correction devices, thereby effectively correcting their shape.

[0085] Also, nail correction devices are A second nail correction function (for example, the second nail correction function in Figure 5A) is provided by having at least a portion of the straight section come into contact with the nail, including the edge, thereby using elastoplastic force to separate the edge of the nail from the skin. To further prepare.

[0086] This allows for the application of appropriate pressure to the entire nail plate, for example, if it has been deformed into a curved shape, thereby effectively correcting its shape.

[0087] Furthermore, nail correction devices, The curved portion and the straight portion of the contact surface have indicator areas (gel spots 41 and 42) at their respective ends that serve as indicators for the location where adhesive should be applied to the nail, including the edge, for contacting the nail straightening device. To possess.

[0088] This allows for the application of the correct amount of adhesive to the nail plate in the appropriate location, preventing the nail correction device from peeling off or the sides of the device lifting up during the correction process.

[0089] Furthermore, the curved portion has a region that can serve as a fulcrum in the first claw correction function.

[0090] This makes it possible to perform appropriate corrections on nails with various shapes (for example, the nails shown in Figures 6B and 6C). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 1... Nail straightening device, 11... Top surface, 12... Bottom surface, 21... Curved section, 22... Straight section, 31, 32... Ends, 41, 42... Gel spots

Claims

[Claim 1] A plate-shaped nail correction device having a contact surface that contacts a nail, wherein the contact surface includes a straight portion having a first length and a curved portion having a second length shorter than the first length and having a convex curve toward the nail that contacts it, wherein the curved portion has the convex curve toward the nail over the entire range of the second length, and with the end of the curved portion in contact with the edge of the nail, the end acts as the point of application, a point of the curved portion spaced away from the end acts as the fulcrum, and a point on the straight portion acts as the point of force application.

Images