DEVICE FOR NAIL APPLIQUE TRANSFER, SHEET OF NAIL APPLIQUES AND METHOD FOR NAIL APPLIQUE TRANSFER

Abstract

Disclosed is a die-cut device for nail applique transfer. The device includes a thin film element having a proximal end, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and a lower surface and forming a nail applique. The device includes an adhesive layer disposed on the lower surface of the thin film element and an application tab detachably attached to a portion of the adhesive layer adjacent to the distal end of the thin film element. The adhesive layer has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the adhesive layer is adjacent to the distal end of the thin film element and is covered with the application tab. The second portion of the adhesive layer remains exposed for transfer of the nail applique to a fingernail or toenail. The application tab is suitable for a user to grasp when the nail applique is transferred to the fingernail or toenail.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0059123 filed on May 16, 2014 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for nail applique transfer, a sheet of nail appliques, and a method for nail applique transfer, which are associated with the transfer of nail decals or appliques to natural nails using an adhesive in order to improve the aesthetic appearance of the nails. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device capable of transferring a nail decal or applique in an easier and simpler manner, and a die-cut sheet of nail decals or appliques.

2. Description of the Related Art

Artificial nails, nail decals, and nail appliques have long been used to adorn the appearance of natural nails. Many people choose artificial nails because their own nails are too weak to resist embrittlement and to grow to a desired length. Other reasons for the choice of artificial nails are explained by the fact that artificial nails are more durable and stronger than natural nails and maintain their good surface gloss. Some individuals are unsatisfied with the contour and shape of their own natural nails and choose artificial nails to make their own nails look beautiful in appearance.

It is well known that decorative nail accessories made of thin molded plastic members in the form of nails are useful for hand decoration. Indeed, many artificial nail manufacturers combine various factors, such as materials, styles, and colors, to provide nail accessories. For example, stenciled designs or designs colored by airbrushing are often used to decorate the surfaces of conventional artificial nails.

Liquid adhesives have been used to attach conventional artificial nails to natural nails. For example, a, large amount of a liquid adhesive is applied to the lower surface of a conventional artificial nail or the surface of a natural nail to which a nail accessory is attached. Then, an overlay is generally disposed over the entire surface of the artificial nail. The overlay is usually transparent or translucent such that a decorative design on the surface of the artificial nail is visible. Once the overlay is hardened, the artificial nail is formed as desired.

Many techniques are well known for decorating fingernails or toenails with nail decals or appliques. Such decals or appliques are formed using thermal-sensitive or pressure-sensitive adhesive films to make nails stronger and more beautiful. The application of opaque or transparent graphic films onto fingernails or toenails offers many advantages as follows. The graphic films render the nails glossy, support the nails, and allow the nails to have graphics or special colors. In addition, the graphic films can protect the nails from moisture, drying, trimming, dirt, irregular brush stroke, and debris. Furthermore, the graphic films can prevent cancers and fumes caused by chemicals. Moreover, the graphic films are easy to remove. With the advent of artificial nail accessories, users can enjoy intricately pre-designed nails that are attached to and easily detachable from natural nails.

Conventional nail decals or appliques are provided as various decorative designs on one or more sheets. Such decorative designs are stenciled, colored by airbrushing or band-painted on a sheet. A user chooses a desired design from the sheet and transfers the design to the user's natural nail. Sometimes, a group of many designs are densely packed on a sheet, making it difficult to transfer a single decal from the group.

Particularly, cutting and separation of a selected design from other designs on a sheet involves laborious steps. Specifically, once the selected design is cut out of the sheet, a small piece of paper having a decal and other transfer materials are left on a user's natural nail. For transfer of the decal to the natural nail, the location of the decal on the natural nail should be adjusted. This location adjustment is difficult to perform, causing frequent dropping of the decal or false transfer of the decal to an undesired location on the nail.

As an alternative, the use of a self-adhesive decal can be considered. The self-adhesive decal refers to a decal that is peeled from the surface of a sheet to which the decal is detachably attached. In this case, however, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is exposed to the outside, making it difficult to handle the decal. Further, it is impossible to adjust the adhesive materials of the pressure-sensitive adhesive without contact of fingers with the adhesive, and as a result, the decal is not fixed to a natural nail.

Many attempts have made to solve the problems associated with the use of prior art decals. For example, U.S. Patent Application No. 2008/0283073 (assigned to Park) discloses a handling tab that is easy to grasp when a decal is transferred to a natural nail. The tab is an essential element of the decal and should be separated from the decal once transferred. The separation of the tab from the decal may bring about an undesirable change in the appearance of the nail.

Accordingly, it is preferred to provide a set of nail decals or appliques that is capable of making changes in the design of user's natural nails depending on how the decals or appliques are arranged on the user's natural nails. It is more preferred to provide a set of nail decals without the need to separate selected decals from the other decals by cutting. It is also preferred to provide a set of nail decals that enables accurate arrangement of the decals on nails and is easy to handle during transfer to the nails.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention leas been made in an effort to solve the problems of the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for nail applique transfer that includes an application tab adapted to arrange a decal at an exact location on a nail and is easy to handle during transfer to the nail, and a sheet of nail appliques.

The present invention provides a device for transferring a nail applique to a fingernail or toenail. The device includes a thin film element having a proximal end, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and a lower surface. The thin film element forms a nail applique. The device includes an adhesive layer disposed on the lower surface of the thin film element and an application tab detachably attached to a portion of the adhesive layer adjacent to the distal end of the thin film element. The application tab may have one end matching the distal end of the thin film element.

The application tab has a connection portion adapted to cover only a portion of the adhesive layer adjacent to the distal end of the thin film element and includes an extension portion extending outward from the distal end of the thin film element. The extension portion is suitable for a user to grasp the tab when the nail applique is transferred to a fingernail or toenail.

Preferably, the application tab includes at least one bending line along which the tab is bent during transfer of the nail applique. The bending line is creased on the lower surface of the tab opposite the adhesive layer. The crease extends in the direction from the proximal end of the thin film element to the distal end of the thin film element.

The application tab includes a body portion, a neck portion, and a head portion wherein the body portion forms the connection portion and the head portion, together with the neck portion, forms the extension portion. The neck portion is a narrow band extending outward from the body portion to the head portion and the head portion has a wider shape than the band, which allows a user to grasp the tab.

The device constitutes a portion of a sheet of nail appliques before separation. Generally, the sheet of nail appliques includes a substrate. The substrate has an upper surface forming a detachable support surface and at least one cut-out portion. The cut-out portion is a portion partially cut out of the substrate.

The thin film element forming a nail applique is detachably supported on the upper surface of the substrate. The lower surface of the thin film element is in direct contact with the upper surface of the substrate. The distal end of the nail applique lies on the cut-out portion of the substrate. The adhesive layer has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is arranged between the cut-out portion of the substrate and the lower surface of the nail applique at the distal end. The second portion is arranged between the upper surface of the substrate and the lower surface of the nail applique at the proximal end outside the cut-out portion.

The distal end of the nail applique overlaps a connection portion of the cut, out portion of the substrate. The cut-out portion has an extension portion extending outward from the distal end of the nail applique. In this case, the first portion of the adhesive layer is arranged between the connection portion of the cut-out portion of the substrate and the lower surface of the nail applique at the distal end. The second portion of the adhesive layer is arranged between the upper surface of the substrate and the lower surface of the nail applique at the proximal end outside the cut-out portion.

The device of the present invention is formed by separating the cut-out portion from the substrate. The application tab of the device is formed by the cut-out portion separated from the substrate. The nail applique, together with the cut-out portion, is removed from the substrate and is supported by the adhesive layer and the cut-out portion. The second portion of the adhesive layer is exposed when the nail applique is removed from the substrate.

The cut-out portion of the substrate is preferably defined by a die-cut partially extending along the periphery of the cut-out portion. The die-cut is defined by at least one holding tie. The holding tie connects the cut-out portion to the other portion of the substrate outside the cut-out portion to fix the cut-out portion to the other portion of the substrate before removal of the cut-out portion from the substrate.

Preferably, the cut-out portion includes at least one bending line along which the cut-out portion is bent after removal of the cut-out portion from the substrate. The bending line may be creased on the lower surface of the cut-out portion opposite the adhesive layer. The crease extends in the direction from the proximal end of the thin film element to the distal end of the thin film element.

Preferably, the cut-out portion is provided in plurality. The cut-out portions are pieces partially cut from the substrate. Each cut-out portion supports the distal end of the nail applique. The substrate has a peripheral edge aligned with at least one portion of the proximal end of the nail applique. This alignment of the peripheral edge facilitates the selection of a size and an arrangement of the nail applique suitable for transfer to a natural nail.

The cut-out portion may be separated from the substrate when a pressure is applied thereto from the lower surface of the substrate opposite the upper surface of the substrate.

The present invention also provides a method for transferring nail appliques to fingernails or toenails. The method of the present invention requires nail appliques, each of which has a detachable adhesive layer supported by a substrate. The substrate includes a cut-out portion that detachably supports a distal end of the applique and is partially cut out of the substrate. The cut-out portion, together with the nail applique, is removed from the substrate. The cut-out portion forms an application tab adapted to support the distal end of the nail applique. A first portion of the adhesive layer of the nail applique is exposed when the nail applique is removed from the substrate. While the application tab supporting the distal end of the nail applique is held, a proximal end of the nail applique located opposite the distal end is aligned so as to match the cuticle edge of a fingernail or toenail. The exposed portion of the adhesive layer is arranged to face the fingernail or toenail. With this arrangement, the proximal end of the nail applique is attached to the fingernail or toenail. Once the proximal end protects the nail, the application tab is removed from the distal end of the nail applique.

When the application tab is removed from the distal end of the nail applique, a second portion of the adhesive layer disposed at the distal end of the nail applique is exposed. According to the method of the present invention, the step of removing the cut-out portion from the substrate includes cutting a holding tie connecting the cut-out portion to the other portion of the substrate.

The method of the present invention further includes bending the application tab to adjust the nail applique to the curvature of the fingernail or toenail. The application tab can be bent by a creased bending line formed on the surface of the cut-out portion.

The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the detailed description set forth below. However, the drawings, etc. do not serve to limit the invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims that follow.

The present invention is directed to the transfer of nail decals in a more accurate and convenient manner. The present invention has the advantage that nail decals are easy to manufacture and simple to transfer. In addition, one or more devices for nail decal transfer can be packaged and supplied to consumers. Therefore, the devices for nail decal transfer are available at low price and are simple to package.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a is a front or plan view of a sheet of devices for nail applique or decal transfer according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1 b is a front or plan view of a sheet of devices for nail applique or decal transfer according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1 c is a front or plan view of a sheet of devices for nail applique or decal transfer according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear or bottom view of the sheet illustrated in FIG. 1a;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1a before removal of the device for decal transfer from the sheet illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged rear or bottom view of one of the devices in the sheet illustrated in FIG. 2 before removal of the device from the sheet;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged rear or bottom view of another device in the sheet illustrated in FIG. 2 before removal of the device from the sheet;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4 before removal of the device from the sheet;

FIG. 6 a is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the device illustrated in FIG. 6 is removed from the sheet, turned over, and curved along a natural nail;

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating nail appliques of devices in a selected sheet having a predetermined size;

FIG. 8 a is a cross-sectional illustrating a state in which only a portion of a device according to the present invention is removed from a sheet;

FIG. 8 b is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which about one half of the device of FIG. 8a is removed from the sheet;

FIG. 8 c is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which about the device of FIG. 8a is completely removed from the sheet;

FIG. 9 a is a plan view illustrating a first step of a method of using a device according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 b is a plan view illustrating a next step after the first step of the method;

FIG. 9 c is a plan view illustrating a final step of the method;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged rear or bottom view of a device according to a further embodiment of the present invention before the device is removed from a sheet;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged rear or bottom view of a device according to another embodiment of the present invention before the device is removed from a sheet;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged rear or bottom view of a device according to another embodiment of the present invention before the device is removed from a sheet;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged rear or bottom view of a device according to another embodiment of the present invention before the device is removed from a sheet;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 10 before removal of the device from the sheet;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 12 before removal of the device from the sheet;

FIG. 16 a is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first step of a method of using each of the devices illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 15 according to the present invention;

FIG. 16 b is a cross-sectional view illustrating a next step after the first step of the method;

FIG. 16 c is a cross-sectional view illustrating a final step of the method;

FIG. 17 a is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first step of a further method of using each of the devices illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 15 according to the present invention;

FIG. 17 b is a cross-sectional illustrating a next step of the method; and

FIG. 17 c is a cross-sectional view illustrating a final step of the method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a sheet of nail appliques or decals. FIGS. 1a to 1c and 2 illustrates sheets 10 of nail appliques or decals 16 according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Each of the sheets 10 has a plurality of devices 12. The terms “applique” and “decal” are used interchangeably herein.

The sheet 10 is preferably designed such that the decals 16 having different sizes temporarily attached to the entire upper surface of a substrate 11 can be separated on the rear surfaces thereof. Preferably, the substrate 11 is made of silicone and is coated with a release paper.

The decals 16 are preferably arranged on the substrate 11 such that they have functional patterns and are aesthetically satisfactory. It is particularly preferred that the decals 16 are arranged in parallel along the periphery of the substrate 11 according to their size. It is preferred that the decals 16 are arranged in both lateral directions along the periphery of the substrate 11. Alternatively, the plurality of decals 16 may be arranged only on one lateral surface of the substrate. In either case, the decals 16 are arranged on the substrate 11. With this arrangement, a user can easily see designs 14 and sizes of the decals.

Each of the decals 16 has a thin film element whose shape easily conforms to a nail. Each decal 16 has a minimal ability to return to a shape that does not confirm to a nail due to the tendency of the decal to fail apart from the nail. Each decal 16 is in substantial agreement with a natural fingernail or toenail in size and shape. The decals 16 may have various sizes corresponding to different sizes of the nails of not only a certain user, but also other users.

The decals 16 can provide uniform colors in a simple manner, like graphic designs or manicures. The decals 16 can be printed with most colors that are fixed or invariable. The decals 16 may be treated with conventional high-gloss finishes such as manicure.

The decals 16 are preferably arranged in such a manner that a proximal end 18 of each decal is directed outward from the center of the substrate 11. In an alternative embodiment, the decals 16 may be arranged in the reverse direction when the proximal end 18 of each decal is distant from the peripheral edge 17 of the substrate, which will be discussed below.

That is, the decals are preferably arranged such that the proximal ends are directed outward from the center of the substrate (see FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2, 4, and 5). Alternatively, the decals may be arranged such that the proximal ends are directed toward the center of the substrate (see FIGS. 1c, 12, and 13).

In each of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 2 to 9, each peripheral edge 17 of the substrate 11 is aligned so as to at least conform to a portion of the proximal end 18 of the nail applique 16. When the substrate 11 is fixed, various decal samples 16 and one or inure decals 16 temporarily attached to nails to determine the sizes and appearances of selected decals are provided to the nails of a user.

Each decal 16 may be a full-cover decal 16a, as illustrated in the left hand side of FIG. 1a. The full-cover decal 16a has a proximal end 18 at least having a peripheral contour corresponding to the curvature of the cuticle edge of a natural fingernail or toenail. Preferably, the full-cover decal 16a is originally designed to have a planar elliptical convexly curved proximal end 18 and a convexly curved distal end 20 opposite the proximal end. Both the proximal end and the distal end of the full-cover decal 16a have peripheral contours corresponding to the curvature of the cuticle edge of a natural fingernail or toenail. Therefore, both ends of the decal 16a are adapted to the cuticle edge. As a result, two changes in the design of each decal are possible.

The full-cover decal 16a has a length corresponding to the distance between the distal end and the proximal end. The length of the full-cover decal 16a corresponds to the length of a fingernail or toenail to which the decal 16a is to be attached. The peripheral contours of the distal ends and the proximal ends of the decals 16 serve as guides for the attachment of the decals 16 to natural nails, which will be discussed below.

For example, the sizes, shapes, and curvatures of the distal end and the proximal end of the full-cover decal 16a illustrated in FIG. 1 correspond to the average size, shape, and curvature of the cuticle edges of users' index fingers. Alternatively, the sizes, shapes, and curvatures of the distal end and the proximal end of the full-cover decal 16a may correspond to the average size, shape, and curvature of the cuticle edges of users' thumbs.

Unlike the previous embodiments, the lengthwise opposite ends of each full-cover decal 16a may have different curvatures. For example, the distal end of the decal 16a has a curvature corresponding to the average curvature of the cuticle edges of the cuticle edges of users' index fingers, while the proximal end of the decal 16a has a curvature corresponding to the average curvature of the cuticle edges of the cuticle edges of users' thumbs.

In another embodiment, the proximal end of each decal 16 may have a concave peripheral contour, as illustrated in the right hand side of FIG. 1a. In this embodiment, the decal 16 may have a tip shape 16b. Preferably, the tip-shaped decal 16b is originally designed to have a planar shape defined by a concavely curved proximal end 18 and a concavely curved distal end 20 opposite the proximal end 18. The proximal end 18 is transferred to a desired location on a natural nail to express a desired appearance along the length of the natural nail.

In any case, it is preferred that the set of the decals 16 provides both full-cover and tip shapes on the same substrate, as illustrated in FIG. 1a. A package of one or more sheets 10 can be typically supplied to a user. The decals 16 have sizes and curvatures suitable for transfer to all fingernails of a general user.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the decal 16 is temporarily attached to the upper surface 28 of the substrate 11. In this regard, an adhesive is used between the decal 16 and the substrate 11. The substrate 11 has a typical thin plate structure well known in the art.

The adhesive used in the above-mentioned embodiment is a pressure-sensitive adhesive or self-adhesive and can be peeled from the substrate 11. In this manner, upon removal of the decal from the substrate 11 for transfer to a natural nail, the adhesive remains unremoved on the lower surface of the decal 16. The adhesive is strong enough to securely fix the decal 16 to the nail. If needed, the decal may also be detached from the nail. The adhesive is resistant to most oils, solvents, weak acids, alkalis, and salt without damage to the nail.

Basically, the decal 16 has a thin plate structure. Alternatively, the decal 16 may be provided together with another substrate having a thin plate structure known in the field of nail decoration. For example, a dry transfer adhesive may be used. In this case, the decal 16 is transferred to a natural fingernail or toenail by a suitable dry transfer technique known in the art.

The decal 16 may be formed by any suitable way well known in the art. For example, the decal 16 may be formed using a material known in the art, such as a graphic film (3M™ Scotchcal™) produced by 3M Corporation. Other examples of suitable materials for the decal 16 include graphic films, self-adhesive films, vinyl films, polyester films, Mylar films, rubber films, and other films.

Preferably, the decal 16 is formed using a non-liquid thermally curable pressure sensitive self-adhesive film. The decal 16 may also be formed using a thermal sensitive graphic film. Examples of suitable graphic films include self-adhesive thin films, such as vinyl films, cast films, 2 mil films, high-performance films, long-term films, and premium films. The thin films may include about 2 millimeter or less thick vinyl cast graphic films. The graphic films may have a structure in which a 2 millimeter or less thick graphic film is laminated on a 2 millimeter or less thick vinyl cast graphic film layer. The film or substrate 11 may exhibit visual effects. Examples of such visual effects are various visual properties of ornamental elements, such as brightness, degree of clearness, background patterns, refractiveness, fluorescence, pearl luster, luminousness, transparency, mattness, gloss, holographic, iridescence, and glitter.

On the other hand, the substrate 11 or the decal 16 may be made of a vinyl film. Examples of such vinyl films include solid films and flexible films produced by suitable casting techniques known in the art. Preferred vinyl cast films are well known in the field of graphics. Preferably, the vinyl film is composed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a polymeric or monomeric plasticizer, a pigment, a UV absorber, a heat stabilizer, a filler, and a processing aid. The plasticizer can control the flexibility of the film, the pigment can produce a desired color, and the UV absorber can improve the resistance of the film to UV light. Additional advantages of the cast film are good dimensional stability, a small thickness of about 2 millimeters or less, high conformability, improved durability, and superior paint-like finish.

On the other hand, the adhesive may be applied to the paper-like substrate 11 to form an adhesive layer 30. A uniform nail glossy layer containing a partially cured nail glossy material may be disposed on the adhesive layer to form the decal 16. The nail glossy layer may have any shape.

In another preferred embodiment, the adhesive may be applied to the substrate 11 to form an adhesive layer 30. A uniform nail glossy layer containing a partially cured nail glossy material may be formed on the adhesive layer to form a nail glossy film Whose shape is within the general shape of a natural nail. In this embodiment, the adhesive layer 30 is attached to the substrate 11 but is peeled from the decal 16.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 3, the adhesive layer may have a second portion 30b formed opposite to the nail glossy layer and on the surface facing the substrate 11. The second portion 30b may serve as an adhesive area to which a nail is to be adhered. When the nail glossy film 16 is removed from the substrate 11, the first portion 30a of the adhesive layer is first peeled from the substrate 11. At this time, the nail glossy film 16 has the adhesive area on the opposite surface of the decal. The decal 16 or applique thus formed is arranged and pressurized on a nail, and as a result, it is firmly attached to the nail.

The decal 16 may be formed using a primed film by a suitable process known in the art. Examples of printing processes suitable to express desired designs include, but are not limited to, silk screening, flexographic printing, gravure printing, digital printing, digital flexo printing, offset printing, and hot stamping. In addition to these processes, pieces separated from a single application tab may be combined together to form a decorative design.

On the other hand, the printed graphic layer may be a layer containing a dye or pigment. The colorant-containing layer can be attached to a thin film substrate, for example, a vinyl cast film substrate, under heat or pressure. The graphic layer is the first layer to make the graphic laminate visible, Generally, the colorant contained in the graphic layer forms a graphic design on the thin film substrate during printing, for example, in the course of heat transfer to the vinyl film. The colorant-containing layer may be provided in plurality. In this case, the colorant-containing layers may be arranged continuously.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the substrate 11, as viewed from the rear 32 or bottom surface. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a die-cut 22 is formed in the substrate 11 and defines the contour of a cut-out portion 24 of the substrate. The cut-out portion 24, which is also referred to as an “application tab”, is integrally formed with the substrate. The die-cut 22 is a portion free of the substrate material and is in the form of a narrow band around the application tab 24. The decal application tab 24 constitutes the device 12 for transferring the decal 16 to a natural nail, which will be explained in more detail below.

A cutting die is used to form the die-cut 22, and cuts the cut-out portion 24, leaving gaps where one or more holding ties 26 are formed along the periphery of the cut-out 22. The formation of the holding ties 26 is well known in the related art. The holding ties 26 are narrow, weak, slender pieces of the substrate. The holding ties 26 connect the cut-out, tab 24 to the other portion of the substrate. Preferably, at least two holding ties 26 are provided to the cut application tab 24. The holding ties 26 should be strong enough to fix the application tab to prevent the tab from being easily popped out of the substrate before removal of the tab. Preferably, the holding ties 26 have a width of at least 0.001 inches for sufficient strength. The holding ties 26 may be exemplary means for fixing the tab 12 to the substrate prior to removal of the tab 12. The tab can be removed from the substrate when a force is applied to the rear surface 32 of the substrate with a finger, which will be explained in detail below.

A die-cut knife penetrates the substrate 11 to remove the application tab 24 and reaches only the adhesive layer 30 to protect the decal 16 from damage. That is, the die-cut 22 extends through the substrate 11 but does not reach the decal 16, as illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3. As a result, the decal is not completely removed from the substrate. The cut portion can be separated from the application tab 24 and enables a user to grasp the decal 16 by hand without contact with the adhesive layer 30. The application tab 24 has the function of removing the decal 16 from the substrate 11. Another function of the application tab 24 is to facilitate handling of the decal even when the decal is transferred to a nail, which will be explained below.

The tab 24 can be formed into various shapes. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the tab 24 may be, for example, a circle or ellipse 24a as the simplest shape. The tab 24 has a first portion 40 as an extension portion uncovered with the decal 16. The first portion 40 is preferably a circle or ellipse 24b in shape. The extension portion 40 extends outward from the distal end 20 of the decal 16 so that a user can grasp the tab. The tab 24 has a second portion 42 opposite the circle or ellipse 24a. The second portion 42 is a connection portion covered with the decal 16 and the adhesive layer 30. When the tab 24 is removed from the substrate, the decal 16 is temporarily attached to the connection portion 42 and is thus supported by the connection portion during transfer, which will be explained in detail below.

The connection portion 42 of the tab 24a supporting the decal 16 does not completely overlap the decal 16 and the adhesive layer 30. With this arrangement, when the tab is pulled from the substrate 11, the second portion 30b of the adhesive layer of the decal may be exposed, Specifically, when the tab 24 is removed from the substrate 11, the decal 16 is removed along with the tab, which will be explained in detail below. When the proximal end 18 of the decal is peeled from the uncut other portion 11a of the substrate, the connection portion 42 of the tab remains temporarily fixed to the distal end 20 of the decal 16.

FIG. 5 illustrates a more complex shape of the application tab 24b. The application tab 24b includes a body portion 44 serving as the connection portion 42 of the tab for supporting the decal 16, in this regard, the body portion 44 forms a bottom of the tab or overlaps the distal end 20 of the decal 16. The application tab 24b includes a narrow neck portion 46 released from the distal end 20 of the decal 16 and extending outward from the body portion 44. The application tab 24b includes a roundish oval head portion 48 extending outward from the neck portion. The head portion 48 has a wider shape than the neck portion 46. This shape allows a user to conveniently grasp the tab 24b. The reason for the narrow shape of the neck portion 46 is to bend the tab removed from the substrate 11.

The holding ties 26 are arranged around the shape of the tab 24, irrespective of the shape of the tab 24. The holding ties 26 temporarily fix the tab to the substrate 11 before removal of the tab. The number of the holding ties 26 is preferably two or more. At least one bending line 50 is formed in the tab 24, irrespective of the shape of the tab. The bending line 50 is preferably formed in plurality. The tab is bent along the bending lines 50 during transfer of the decal. Particularly, the bending lines 50 extend in the direction from the proximal end 18 of the decal 16 to the distal end of the decal to allow the decal to be curved in both lateral directions with respect to the lengthwise direction of the decal. More preferably, the number of the bending lines 50 included in the tab 24 is two. The two bending lines 50 are inclined at an angle with respect to each other to form a V shape whose vertex is directed toward the proximal end 18 of the decal 16.

As illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, each bending line 50 is creased or forms a score-line on the bottom surface 32 of the substrate 11. The crease or score-line may have a V-shape in cross section and does not completely penetrate the substrate, leaving the tab intact. The V-shaped crease or score-line collapses to provide a space, so that the tab is curved laterally to allow the decal to further match the curvature of a natural nail. The creases of the ellipse tab 24a illustrated in FIG. 4 extend in length over the entire area of the tab. In contrast, the creases of the head-body-shaped tab 24b illustrated in FIG. 5 extend in length only in the body portion 44.

The holding ties 26 may be arranged along the periphery of the cut-out. That is, it is important that at least a portion of the decal is originally supported on the cut-out tab 24 and the uncut other portion of the decal is originally supported on the surface portion of the substrate 11.a.

Prior to transfer of the decal, the tab protects the adhesive layer 30 and supports the decal. When the application tab 24 is removed from the substrate, the second portion 30b is exposed, which will be explained in detail below. That is, when removed from the substrate, the application tab, together with the decal, remains unremoved to form the device 12 for transferring the decal to a natural nail.

The use of the devices 12 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 is illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9.

Preferably, the surfaces of natural nails 36 should be cleaned with a suitable solvent such as alcohol or manicure before transfer of the decals 16 to the natural nails. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the decals have sizes and shapes corresponding to those of the natural nails 36. A user selects the desired one from the plurality of decals having different sizes provided in the sheet 10.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8a to 8c the selected decal 16 is peeled from the rear surface. 32 of the substrate by applying a force to the cut portion of the tab 24 with a finger. The holding tie 26 temporarily fixing the tab to the substrate is cut by further displacing the tab 24 from the substrate 11. Once the holding tie 26 is cut, the tab 24 is popped out of the peelable surface of the substrate and is pushed upward from the substrate 11 to peel the decal 16 including the adhesive layer 30. Once completely removed from the substrate 11, the device 12 can be used for clear transfer of the nail decal.

As illustrated in FIG. 8c, the substrate, the decal 16, and the application tab 24 cut from the adhesive layer are included in the device 12. The first portion 30a of the adhesive layer 30 is covered with the connection portion 42 of the application tab 24, but the second portion 30b of the adhesive layer is not covered with the tab and remains for transfer to the natural nail 36. While the proximal end of the decal is aligned to match the cuticle edge of the natural nail, the distal end 20 of the decal 16 is adjusted such that a portion of the distal end 20 is covered with the connection portion 42 of the tab 24. Therefore, the tab 24 allows the user to handle the decal 16 without contact with the adhesive layer 30.

Referring to FIGS. 9a to 9c, the proximal end 18 of the decal 16 is aligned to conform to the contour of the cuticle edge 38 of the natural nail 36 and the exposed second portion 30b of the adhesive layer of the decal is arranged on the surface of the natural nail. Once the proximal end 18 of the decal 16 is aligned, a low pressure is applied to the proximal end of the decal, the exposed second portion 30b of the adhesive layer 30 at the proximal end comes into contact with the surface of the natural nail, and as a result, the proximal end of the decal is attached to the nail. The device 12 is at least as long as the extension portion 40, extends outward from the distal end 20 of the decal 16, and protrudes from the end of the natural nail 36. The tab 24 is easily peeled from the distal end of the decal 16, leaving the decal on the corresponding nail. After subsequent removal of all portions protruding from the decal 16, the decal is accurately attached to the nail and securely protects the nail.

In the further embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1b, 1c, 10, and 11, application tabs 60a and 60b are provided without any extension portions. A distal end 62 of each of the tabs 60a and 60b is adjusted to match the distal end 20 of the decal 16. No portion of each tab extends outward from the distal end of the decal. That is, the end 62 of the application tab may match the distal end 20 of the thin film element (see FIG. 14).

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the rear 32 or bottom surface of the substrate 11. The formation of the die-cut 22 in the substrate 11 and the contours of the cut-out portions 60a and 60b are specifically illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. Each cut-out portion is formed essentially together with the substrate. The die-cut 22 is free of the substrate material and is formed in the form of a narrow band around each application tab. Before the tab is popped out from the substrate by a pressure applied to the rear surface 32 of the substrate by a finger, the die-cut 22 forms a holding tie through which the cut-out tab is connected to the other portion of the substrate, along the periphery of the cut-out portion.

In these embodiments, however, the distal end 62 of each tab corresponds to the shape of the distal end 20 of the decal. For example, the arc-shaped convex distal end 62 of the tab 60a is aligned with the convex distal end 20 of the decal 16, as illustrated in FIG. 10. In this case, the length of the decal 16 for transfer is determined after the distal end portion of the decal 16 is removed along with the tab. For removal of the tab, holes 64 may be formed in the decal 16, as specifically explained below.

After removal of the tab 60a and the decal 16 from the substrate 11, the lower surface of the tab and the upper surface of the decal are grasped by the user's thumb and index finger to transfer the decal to the natural nail. In this manner, when the tab is removed from the substrate, the decal 16 remains attached temporarily to the tab 60a and is supported by the tab 60a during transfer.

After removal of the tab 60a and the decal 16 from the substrate 11, the lower surface of the tab and the upper surface of the decal are grasped by the user's thumb and index finger to transfer the decal to the natural nail. In this manner, when the tab supporting the decal is removed from the substrate, the decal 16 remains attached temporarily to the tab 60a.

As explained above, the tab 60a supporting the decal 16 does not completely overlap the decal 16 and the adhesive layer 30. Accordingly, when the tab is pulled from the substrate 11, the second portion 30b of the adhesive layer of the decal is exposed. Particularly, when the tab 60a is removed from the substrate, the decal 16 is removed together with the tab, which be explained in detail below. The proximal end 18 of the decal is peeled from the uncut other portion 11a of the substrate, while the tab 60a is temporarily attached to the distal end 20 of the decal 16. For transfer to a natural nail, the second portion 30b of the adhesive layer is exposed.

The application tab 60b illustrated in FIG. 11 is similar to but more complex than that illustrated in FIG. 5. The application tab 60b includes a body portion 66, a neck portion 68, and a head portion 70, whose shapes and properties are the same as those described above. Particularly, the narrow neck portion 68 extends outward from the body portion 66, and the head portion 70 is roundish oval and extends outward from the neck portion. The head portion 70b has a wider shape than the neck portion 68. This shape allows a user to conveniently grasp the tab 60b together with the decal 16. The narrow neck portion 68 enables bending of the tab, for example, when it is intended to remove the tab from the substrate 11.

However, the tab 60b including the head portion 70 supports and props the distal end 20 of the decal over the entire region thereof. Thus, the distal end 20 of the decal 16 has a shape corresponding to the tab 60b portion removed from the other portion after transfer of the decal.

Each of the tabs 60a and 60b illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 has the bending line 50 along which the tab can be bent during transfer of the decal. Each of the tabs 60a and 60b has a proximal end 72 opposite the distal end 62. The proximal end 72 has a convex V shape that enables bending of the tab and the decal. The V-shaped proximal end 72 enables the tab and the decal to be easily curved in lateral directions with respect to the lengthwise direction of the decal.

In each of the foregoing embodiments, the decals 16 are arranged on the substrate 11 and are directed outward with respect to the periphery of the substrate. Thus, the proximal ends of the decals are arranged adjacent to the cuticle edges of natural nails before removal of the decals from the substrate. This arrangement renders the use of the decals convenient.

In other embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the proximal end 18 of each decal 16 is directed inward with respect to the periphery of the substrate. The direction of the decal is opposite to the directions of the decals 16 in the foregoing embodiments (see FIG. 1c), In these embodiments, the distal end 20 of each decal 16 is directed outward with respect to the periphery of the substrate. An application tab 60c (FIG. 12) or 60d (FIG. 13) is provided under the distal end of each decal. Due to this structure, a user can conveniently remove the tab 60c or 60d and the decal 16 while preventing the tab from popping out from the center of the substrate.

The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 are substantially the same as the previous embodiments in all aspects, except, that the peripheral edge 17 of the substrate 11 located corresponding to each decal is at least defined by a portion of the distal end 62 of the tab at the distal end 20 of the decal aligned to conform to the distal end of the tab.

In these embodiments, each die-cut 22 is formed adjacent to the peripheral edge of the substrate. To this end, the die-cut 22 is formed in the substrate 11. The tabs 60c and 60d are clearly distinguished from the substrates. In the substrate, each tab is simply connected to the other portion of the substrate by the decal 16. Before removal of each tab from the substrate, one or more easy-to-cut holding ties are arranged to connect the cut-out tab to the other portion of the substrate. The number of the holding ties may vary depending on the size of the cut-out 22.

In the embodiments, a portion of the decal originally supported on each of the cut-out tabs 60a, 60b, 60c, and 60d and the other portion originally supported on the uncut surface portion 11a of the substrate are important because they protect the adhesive layer 30 or support the decal prior to transfer of the decal. As explained in detail below, when each of the application tabs 60a, 60b, 60c, and 60d is removed from the substrate, the second portion 30b of the adhesive layer is exposed. That is, when removed from the substrate, the application tab, together with the decal, remains removed to form the device for transferring the decal to a natural nail.

With respect to FIGS. 14 and 15, each decal 16 is temporarily attached to the upper surface 28 of the substrate 11, as explained above. In this regard, the adhesive layer 30 is formed between the decal and the substrate 11. The substrate 11 has a typical thin plate structure well known in the art.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the die-cut 22 is formed in the substrate. In contrast, the die-cut 22 illustrated in FIG. 15 is located in the interior region of the substrate. However, each of the tabs 60a, 60b, 60c, and 60d does not completely cover the decal and the adhesive layer 30 while supporting the decal. With this arrangement, when the tab is pulled from the substrate 11, the second portion 30b of the adhesive layer of the decal may be exposed, as explained above.

The devices 12 illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 15 are used in a manner similar to those described above. It is particularly preferred that the decal 16 selected for transfer is supported by the corresponding tab 60a, 60b, 60c or 60d and is separated from the rear surface 32 of the substrate by applying a pressure to the cut portion forming the tab 60a, 60b, 60c or 60d by a finger. When it is intended to cut the holding ties temporarily fixing each of the tabs 60a, 60b, 60c, and 60d to the substrate 11, the tab is further pushed from the substrate. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, when it is intended to peel the decal 16 including the adhesive layer 30 from the detachable support surface of the substrate, the tab 60a is further pushed upward from inside the substrate 11. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the tab 60c is pushed upward from the edge of the substrate 11.

In any embodiment, the device 12 can transfer a nail decal in an easy and simple manner. The device includes the application tab 60a, 60b, 60c or 60d, the decal 16, and the adhesive layer 30, which are cut from the substrate. For transfer to the natural nail 36, the second portion 30b of the adhesive layer remains uncovered with the tab 60a, 60b, 60c or 60d and only the first portion 30a of the adhesive layer 30 is covered with the tab. As explained above, while the proximal end 18 of the decal is aligned to match the cuticle edge of the natural nail, a portion of the distal end of the decal 16 is covered with the tab 60a, 60b, 60c or 60d to adjust the distal end of the decal, Therefore, the use of the tab enables a user to handle the decal without contact with the adhesive layer 30.

Referring to FIGS. 16a to 16c, when the selected decal 16 has a length corresponding to the natural nail 36, the proximal end 18 of the decal 16 is aligned to conform to the contour of the cuticle edge 38 of the natural nail 36 and the exposed second portion 30b of the adhesive layer of the decal is arranged on the surface of the natural nail. Once the proximal end 18 of the decal 16 is aligned, a low pressure is applied to the proximal end of the decal, the exposed second portion 30b of the adhesive layer 30 at the proximal end comes into contact with the surface of the natural nail 36, and as a result, the proximal end of the decal is attached to the nail. The length of the device prior to transfer of the other portion of the decal is determined after the tab 60a or 60c is removed from the distal end 20 of the decal 16, The removal of the tab is realized by bending back the distal end of the decal, as illustrated in FIG. 16b, Once the tab is removed, the decal is left on, attached to, and pressed against the nail at the distal end 20 thereof. The decal 16 or the nail 36 may be trimmed to remove all portions protruding from the decal 16. In addition, the decal securely protects the nail and is accurately brought into contact with the nail.

In a further embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 17a to 17c, the decal has a length corresponding to the sum of the lengths of the tab and the nail. The decal is aligned to conform to the tab and nail. The decal is left on the nail and the portion of the decal overlapping the tab can be removed together with the tab. For removal of the tab, holes 64 may be formed in the decal adjacent to the tab, as explained above.

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention is directed to the transfer of nail decals in a more accurate and convenient manner. The present invention has the advantage that nail decals are easy to manufacture and simple to transfer. In addition, one or more devices for nail decal transfer can be packaged and supplied to consumers. Therefore, the devices for nail decal transfer are available at low price and are simple to package.

The present invention has been described in detail with reference to its specific embodiments. These embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and improvements are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Simple modifications and changes of the present invention belong to the scope of the present invention, and the specific scope of the present invention will be clearly defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for transferring a nail applique to a fingernail or toenail, comprising: a thin film element having a proximal end, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and a lower surface and forming a nail applique;an adhesive layer disposed on the lower surface of the thin film element; andan application tab detachably attached to a portion of the adhesive layer adjacent to the distal end of the thin film element,wherein the adhesive layer has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the adhesive layer is adjacent to the distal end of the thin film element and is covered with the application tab, the second portion of the adhesive layer remains exposed for transfer of the nail applique to a fingernail or toenail, the application tab is suitable for a user to grasp when the nail applique is transferred to the fingernail or toenail.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the application tab has one end matching the distal end of the thin film element.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the application tab comprises a connection portion adapted to cover the first portion of the adhesive layer adjacent to the distal end of the thin film element and an extension portion extending outward from the distal end of the thin film element and suitable for a user to grasp when the nail applique is transferred to the fingernail or toenail.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the application tab has at least one bending line along which the tab is bent during transfer of the nail applique.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the bending line comprises a crease formed on the lower surface of the tab opposite the adhesive layer and the crease extends in the direction from the proximal end of the thin film element to the distal end of the thin film element.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the application tab comprises a body portion, a neck portion extending outward from the body portion, and a head portion opposite the body portion and extending outward from the neck portion, the neck portion comprising a narrow band extending outward from the body portion to the head portion, the head portion having a wider shape than the band to allow a user to grasp the tab.

7. The device according to claim 3, wherein the application tab comprises a body portion forming the connection portion, a neck portion, and a head portion, together with the neck portion, forming the extension portion, the neck portion comprising a narrow band extending outward from the body portion to the head portion, the head portion having a wider shape than the band to allow a user to grasp the tab.

8. A sheet of nail appliques comprising: a substrate having an upper surface forming a detachable support surface and at least one cut-out portion at least partially cut out of the substrate;thin film elements detachably supported on the upper surface of the substrate and forming nail appliques; andadhesive layers, each of which is disposed on the lower surface of the corresponding nail applique,wherein the nail applique comprises a lower surface facing the upper surface of the substrate, a distal end, and a proximal end opposite the distal end, the proximal end overlaps the cut-out portion of the substrate, and the adhesive layer has a first portion arranged between the cut-out portion of the substrate and the lower surface of the nail applique at the distal end and a second portion arranged between the upper surface of the substrate and the lower surface of the nail applique at the proximal end outside the cut-out portion.

9. The sheet according to claim 8, wherein the proximal end is directed outward from the center of the substrate.

10. The sheet according to claim 8, wherein the proximal end is directed inward toward the center of the substrate.

11. The sheet according to claim 8, wherein the distal end of the nail applique overlaps the connection portion of the cut-out portion, the extension portion of the cut-out portion of the substrate extends outward from the distal end of the nail applique, and the first portion of the adhesive layer is arranged between the connection portion of the cut-out portion of the substrate and the lower surface of the nail applique at the distal end.

12. The sheet according to claim 8, wherein the cut-out portion of the substrate is separable from the substrate to form a device for transferring the nail applique to a fingernail or toenail, the device comprising an application tab formed by the cut-out portion separated from the substrate, the nail applique supported on the cut-out portion and, together with the cut-out portion, removed from the substrate, and the adhesive layer having a second portion exposed when the nail applique is removed from the substrate.

13. The sheet according to claim 8, wherein the cut-out portion of the substrate is defined by a die-cut partially extending along the periphery of the cut-out portion.

14. The sheet according to claim 8, wherein the substrate comprises at least one holding tie that connects the cut-out portion to the other portion of the substrate outside the cut-out portion to fix the cut-out portion to the other portion of the substrate before removal of the cut-out portion from the substrate.

15. The sheet according to claim 8, wherein the cut-out portion comprises at least one bending line along which the cut-out portion is bent after removal of the cut-out portion from the substrate.

16. The sheet according claim 15, wherein the bending line comprises a crease formed on the lower surface of the cut-out portion opposite the adhesive layer and the crease extends from the proximal end of the thin film element to the distal end of the thin film element.

17. The sheet according to claim 8, wherein the cut-out portion comprises a body portion, a neck portion extending outward from the body portion, and a head portion opposite the body portion and extending outward from the neck portion, the neck portion comprising a narrow band extending outward from the body portion to the head portion, the head portion having a wider shape than the band to allow a user to grasp the cut-out portion.

18. The sheet according to claim 8, wherein the sheet comprises a plurality of cut-out portions partially cut from the substrate and the distal end of the nail applique is supported on each of the cut-out portions.

19. The sheet according to claim 8, wherein the substrate comprises a peripheral edge aligned with at least one portion of the proximal end of the nail applique.

20. The sheet according to claim wherein the cut-out portion is arranged at the peripheral edge of the substrate.

21. The sheet according to claim 8, wherein the cut-out portion is separable from the substrate by a pressure applied thereto from the lower surface of the substrate opposite the upper surface of the substrate.

22. A method for transferring nail appliques to fingernails or toenails, comprising: providing adhesive layers detachably supported on a substrate to nail appliques, the substrate comprising cut-out portions partially cut from the substrate and the cut-out portions supporting the distal ends of the nail appliques thereon;removing the cut-out portions, together with the nail appliques, forming application tabs adapted to support the distal ends of the nail appliques from the substrate, each of the adhesive layers having a first portion exposed when the corresponding nail applique is removed from the substrate;aligning the proximal ends of the nail appliques opposite the distal ends with the cuticle edges of fingernails or toenails while holding the application tabs adapted to support the distal ends;arranging the exposed adhesive layers on the fingernails or toenails to attach the proximal ends of the nail appliques to the fingernails or toenails; andremoving the application tabs from the distal ends of the nail appliques.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the application tabs are removed from the distal ends of the nail appliques by exposing second portions of the adhesive layers at the distal ends of the nail appliques.

24. The method according to claim 22, wherein the cut-out portions are removed from the substrate by cutting holding ties adapted to connect the cut-out portions to the other portions of the substrate.

25. The method according to claim 22, further comprising bending the application tabs to adjust the nail appliques to the curvatures of the fingernails or toenails.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the application tabs are bendable by bending lines formed on the cut-out portions of the substrate.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the bending lines are creases formed on the surfaces of the cut-out portions.