BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The current invention relates to a manicure table with at least one recess for fingernail drying devices. Each recess opens to at least one side of the table, but in all instances they comprise a drying device for fingernail applications. Other embodiments comprise recesses containing drying devices for pedicures in addition to manicures.
The prior art contains other tables and enclosures which accommodate devices and equipment. U.S. Pat. No. 1,813,821 (Ruebsahm) discloses a combination dresser and manicure table. The draws open to both opposing sides of the dresser or cabinet portion of the device. The drawers do not appreciably shift laterally, because of stops which are slidably mounted upon rod members.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,029 (Rentz) discloses a manicure workstation with an environmental chamber and base unit. The enclosed environmental chamber prevents fumes from escaping into ambient air. A low volume exhaust motor and fan removes fumes from the chamber. The chamber contains an absorbent towelette which collects nail dust upon the bottom chamber surface. There is also a hinged end wall for access to the chamber's interior.
The Rentz chamber has a transparent top cover, as well as flexible curtains which allow the customer and operator to insert their hands into the chamber. The base unit contains storage drawers, a lamp and the operator's magnifying lens. The base unit has an upper surface upon which the entire chamber rests while attached to the base unit.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,903 (Blackshear) discloses a manicurist workstation which is designed to protect the operator and customer from nail debris and vapors. There is a covered working surface and installed devices within the manicure table which circulate contaminated air through filters. Devices within the manicure table also modify the air temperature and humidity before returning the air through vents within the table. The operator and customer insert their hands through apertures with rubber flanges on the exterior opposing surfaces of the manicure table.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,373 (Pham) discloses a portable apparatus for controlling and eliminating vapor emissions at a manicure workstation. The apparatus include a housing which surrounds an isolation chamber. A plenum chamber containing a fan is physically continuous with the isolation chamber. There is a filter between the plenum chamber and external air. The apparatus contains housing as a physically separate space, and which sits upon the support surface of the workstation. The apparatus contains openings, which provide continuity between the portable housing interior and the external air.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,697 B1 (Ziff) discloses a nail protector comprising a self-enclosed workstation box. This box contains a side access port and built-in sleeve guards, a removable viewing shield and a storage bin within the box, as well as a compartment or rack for supplies. The viewing shield can be hinged to the box for access to the entire box interior. Arm rests can be located inside the box for the operator's or customer's hand. A bottom port allows fumes and debris to exit by a fan and filter.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,103,845 (Mathews) discloses a manicure shield for restraining loose sculptured nail chips. The shield contains a freestanding enclosure with an opening through one for the customer's hands, and a second opening on the opposing shield side of the enclosure for the operator's hands. Some embodiments contain enclosures with a folding design for storage purposes.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,784,270 (DeLapp) discloses a manicure table with a top component with inclines upward from the customer's side of the table surface. This top component contains recessed cups for lotions and heating elements which maintain the lotions at an appropriate temperature. The table also contains a tray, draw and two cabinets for instruments and other supplies. U.S. Pat. Des. 149,807 (Gaitskill) discloses a design for a manicurist's table top. The tabletop apparently comprises numerous recessed openings with attached covers. The recessed openings appear along the upper tabletop surface as well as one table.
U.S. Pat. Des. 91,111 (Guild) discloses a design for a vanity ensemble. The upper surface of the vanity apparently contains vertically recessed contiguous compartments which open through the upper surface. There is a hinged cover encompassing all three compartments and the cover attaches to one side of the contiguous compartments. The cover apparently contains a mirror on its inner surface. The hinged cover is flush with the remaining vanity upper surface whenever the cover lies in a closed position.
None of the above devices contain a combination of a recess with a drying device which can be disconnected or run on batteries, and which is easily removed for replacement or repair. Furthermore, none of the above devices comprise one or more recesses which are shaped, sized and positioned for maximum comfort of the customer during a shorter drying process. Finally, none of the above devices combine all these features in an economical manner, while preventing fumes from the drying process to dissipate into ambient air.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a manicure table with at least one recess for installation and operation of a fingernail drying device. In the preferred embodiment the recess is of sufficient dimension to also comfortably contain at least one hand of a customer along a customer side of the table. The recess is parallel to the curved width of the manicure table and perpendicular to the length (longest dimension) of the tabletop. For round manicure tables the recess opens through the customer and operator surfaces at any point(s) along a diameter of the table. For square manicure tables the recess opens from the table surface on two opposing sides.
In the preferred embodiment the entire recess is rectangular or square, as well as the recess openings along the customer or operator sides of the tabletop. In other embodiments the recess walls are curved and continuous with the customer and operator sides of the tabletop. There may also be a circular or other curved opening along both sides of a tabletop, but preferably recess walls intersect at right angles. The dimensions of the recess depend in part upon the size of the installed drying device, and which is preferably a small electrically operated fan. The dimensions of the recess also depend upon the dimensions of the specific tabletop.
Preferably within a recess there is at least one electrical outlet for operation of a nail polish drying device. The electrical wires are positioned and operationally connected in a manner well known in this particular art, but battery operated devices are also within the scope of the invention. The preferred drying device attaches within the recess and is conventional and electrically operated. The drying device must also easily disconnect and be removable from the recess for repair or replacement.
Accordingly, it is the purpose of this invention to provide a manicure table which enhances the drying, of nail polish and other nail cosmetic applications.
It is also the purpose of this invention to provide a convenient and customer comfortable manner in which to dry nail polish in a short period of time.
It is also the purpose of this invention to provide a manner in which to dry nails which does not require additional space or cluttered equipment upon the manicure table surface.
These and other utilities of the invention are further apparent from the appended figures and DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT, OTHER EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE, infra.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a partial anterior view of the preferred manicure table with a single middle recess along the customer side of the tabletop.
FIG. 2 is partial posterior view of the manicure table of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an exploded posterior view of the manicure table of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is an anterior exploded view of the interior assembly of the tabletop of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 illustrates in isolated closeup view of the customer's hand resting within the single middle recess of the manicure table of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6A illustrates a partial anterior cutaway view of the wiring of the fan and switch within the manicure table of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6B illustrates the circuitry of the fan and switch within the manicure table of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT, OTHER EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE
Preferred Embodiment
Referring initially to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of manicure table 1 contains a single middle recess 2 with a first recess opening 2a and a second recess opening 2b (not seen in this view) within table top 1a. However, a first recess 2a, which is not located in the middle of tabletop 1a, is also within the scope of the invention. Tabletop 1a preferably comprises a minimum tabletop width 1b of approximately twelve inches, and a maximum curved tabletop width 1bb of approximately fifteen inches. Maximum tabletop length 1c and tabletop height 1d are preferably approximately 24 inches and seven inches respectively. However other dimensions are also within the scope of the invention.
Still referring to FIG. 1, tabletop 1a is supported at tabletop first and second opposing edges 10a, 10b respectively, by first tabletop support 7a and second tabletop support 7b. Each tabletop support 7a, 7b are preferably hollow with a plywood structure and particleboard veneer. Each tabletop support wall 7g is preferably approximately 0.5 inch in plywood thickness.
Still referring to FIG. 1, each first tabletop support 7a comprises a first upper flat support surface 13a and a first lower flat support surface 13b. Similarly each second tabletop support 7b comprises a second upper flat support surface 13aa and a second lower flat support source 13bb. Preferably each opposing first and second tabletop support 7a, 7b respectively is approximately 28 inches in height, nine inches in posterior width, and 16 inches in maximum depth. Anterior support surface 7c is semi-circular in shape, while posterior support surface 7d is straight and linear in profile. However, other dimensions and measurements are also within the scope of the invention.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, tabletop 1a comprises a customer side 3a and an opposing operator side 3b within tabletop depth 1d. Opposing customer side 3a defines an exteriorly convex curve 3aa, and convex curve 3aa terminates at first and second opposing tabletop edges 11a, 11b respectively. However, other shapes of customer side 3a are also within the scope of the invention. Opposing operator side 3b preferably contains a second recess 34 with a second recess opening 34a, but second recess 34 does not open exteriorly to customer tabletop side 3a. Second recess 34 is preferably rectangular or square in cross section.
In other embodiments manicure table 1 contains a first elevated tabletop support 7a and a second elevated tabletop support 7b with a removable slanting cabinet 7c. Opposing tabletop supports 7a, 7b support manicure table 1 upon a flat horizontal surface. Additional manicure table structures and configurations are also within the scope of this invention.
Referring now to FIG. 4, each tabletop 1a comprises partially hollow interior space 5b. Hollow interior space 5b is preferably divided into a lateral first compartment 16a, second middle compartment 16b, and lateral third compartment 16c by first compartment wall 17a and second compartment wall 17c respectively. First and second compartment walls 17a, 17c respectively define space 16b in which first middle single drying recess 2 is constructed and located within tabletop 1a, infra.
Referring now to FIG. 3, opposing first and second tabletop supports 7a, 7b respectively attach to tabletop 1a, and tabletop 1a is positioned between and adjacent to each tabletop support 7a, 7b. Each first interior tabletop support surface 7aa comprises first, second and third connecting screw apertures 38a, 38b, 38c respectively. Connecting screw apertures 38a, 38b, 38c align in a V-shaped manner. In a similar manner fourth, fifth and sixth connecting screw apertures 38d, 38e and 38f respectively (generically connecting screw apertures 38) form a v-shaped alignment within second interior tabletop support surface 7cc.
Still referring to FIG. 3, seventh, eighth and ninth threaded screw apertures 39a, 39b, 39c respectively within first tabletop side 1aa, align in a ‘V’ configuration identical to that of connecting screws 38 along interior support surface 7aa. Threaded seventh, eight and ninth screw apertures 39a, 39b, 39c respectively congruently align with corresponding seventh, eighth and ninth connecting screw apertures 38a, 38b and 38c respectively (within opposing first support interior surface 7aa) when manicure table 1 is completely assembled.
In a similar manner tenth, eleventh and twelfth threaded screw apertures 39d, 39e and 39f within second tabletop side 1bb (not seen in this view) congruently align with corresponding connecting screw aperture 38d, 38e and 38f within interior tabletop support surface 7cc within assembled manicure table 1.
Still referring to FIG. 3, preferably each threaded screw aperture 38 within tabletop interior support surface 7aa or 7cc is circular in cross-section, and contains an exteriorly threaded metal insert 40. Each threaded metal insert 40 threads into and lodges within a corresponding circular aperture 39. Each metal insert 40 comprises interior thread 40a, so each metal insert 40 threads and mechanically retains a corresponding screw 60 through connecting screw aperture 38, thereby mechanically connecting first table top support interior side 7aa and first tabletop side 1aa.
Still referring to FIG. 3, identical metal inserts 40 receive corresponding screws 60 which attach second table top interior surface 7cc and second tabletop side 1bb to each other. In this manner, screws 50 connect tabletop 1a to each first and second tabletop supports 7a, 7b respectively through circular screw apertures 38, 39. However, other mechanical and adhesive approaches of attaching the tabletop 1a to tabletop supports 7a, 7b are also within the scope of the invention.
Referring to FIG. 3, in addition to connecting screw apertures 38 first interior tabletop support surface 7aa comprises first large circular opening 41 and second smaller circular opening 42. First large circular opening 41 is continuous and congruent with third large circular opening 43 within first tabletop side 1aa, whenever tabletop 1a is attached to tabletop support 7a. Referring to FIG. 1, first tabletop upper support surface 13a comprises first top aperture 45 and second top aperture 46. The purpose of first top aperture 45 is insertion of a steel hanger on which to hang tools (not seen). Second top aperture 46 is necessary for insertion of a post which is a component of a manicure table lamp (not seen). Each first exterior support surface 7hh comprises rubber-lined circular aperture 48. Apertures 45, 46 and 48 directly communicate with first table top support interior space 100a. As seen in FIG. 3 first and second larger apertures 42, 47 provide the passageway for fan wires 70, infra.
Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 6A, third large circular opening 43 is continuous with hollow tabletop support interior space 100c when ever manicure table 1 is assembled. Large congruently continuous circular openings 41 and 43 carry electrical wires (generically wires 70) infra, through first wall aperture 44a, second wall aperture 44b and third perpendicular wall aperture 44c. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, first smaller circular opening 42 is continuous with second smaller circular opening 47 within first tabletop side 1aa whenever first tabletop support 7a attaches to tabletop 1a.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 preferably first table top support 7a comprises one cabinet 82a, and second table top support 7b preferably comprises first and second storage cabinets 82b, 82c respectively. Preferably each first and second tabletop support 7a, 7b comprises first, second, third and fourth coasters 75a, 75b, 75c, 75d respectively (generically coasters 75). Each coaster 75 attaches to the bottom of each tabletop support 7a, 7b in a well-known manner for maximum mobility of assembled manicure table 1.
Referring to FIG. 3, preferably manicure tabletop 1a has granite table top 45. Granite table top 45 is preferably made of natural granite stone, and is approximately 24 inches in maximum length and 1.0 inch in thickness. Granite tabletop 45 is also preferably approximately twelve inches in minimum width, and approximately fifteen inches in maximum width. Preferably granite table top 45 attaches to tabletop 1a by an appropriate adhesive, but attachment by other approaches is also within the scope of the invention.
Referring to FIG. 4, tabletop 4aa is preferably made of a particleboard sheet with a conventional veneer exterior finish used in conventional kitchen countertops. Referring to FIG. 1, first and second exterior curved surfaces 100a, 100b of first and second tabletop supports 7a, 7b respectively are preferably made of plywood with a particle board veneer.
Still referring to FIG. 4, tabletop surface 1aa is preferably comprised of a single sheet of particleboard which permanently adheres the laminate veneer. Appropriate adhesives are well known in this particular art. The particleboard sheet is preferably approximately ⅝ inches in thickness. Middle tabletop section 16b comprises most convex exterior surface 3aa and single middle drying recess 2 infra. In the preferred embodiment middle tabletop compartment 16b also contains a centrally positioned circular window 51 within operator tabletop side 3b.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, in the preferred embodiment tabletop 1a contains centrally positioned single middle recess 2 within middle tabletop section 16b. Single middle drying recess 2 is preferably rectangular in cross section with its longitudinal axis 2h parallel to manicure tabletop width 1bb. Single middle recess 2 is preferably approximately 14.5 inches in longitudinal length 2h, 9.0 inches in recess width, and 5.0 inches in recess height. However, other dimensions of single middle recess 2 are also within the scope of the invention.
Referring to FIG. 1 single middle recess 2 preferably comprises single recess interior 2e which is co-extensive with middle tabletop section 16b. Referring to FIG. 4 single recess interior 2e is preferably defined by five recess walls: first lateral recess wall 17a, top recess wall 17b (not seen in this view), second lateral recess wall 17c, bottom recess wall 17d, and posterior recess wall 17e (generically recess walls 17).
Lateral recess walls 17a, 17c also comprise compartment walls 17a, 17c, but with a laminate veneer. This laminate veneer is continuous with a laminate veneer along the remaining recess walls 17. Bottom recess wall 17d also preferably comprises the bottom particleboard structure of tabletop 1a, while top recess wall 17b preferably comprises the upper tabletop particleboard. Posterior recess wall 17e partially comprises operator tabletop side 3b.
Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, preferably recess walls 17 form a continuous hollow rectangular space 2e around which recess walls 17 meet each other at right angles. However, continuous curved attachment of recess walls 17 are also within the scope of this invention. Also within the scope of the invention are recess walls 17 which are physically separate without a laminate veneer but which permanently adhere to each other. In still other embodiments single middle recess 2 is circular in cross section with one continuous cylindrical interior wall and two opposing circular recess openings.
Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, in the preferred embodiment single middle recess 2 opens exteriorly through first recess opening 2a within customer tabletop side 3a, and second circular recess opening 51 within operator table top side 3b. As seen in FIG. 2, in other embodiments lateral storage recess 34 is adjacent to middle drying recess 2. Lateral storage recess 34 preferably does not open exteriorly to customer tabletop side 3a, but only to operator tabletop side 3b through storage exterior opening 34a.
Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, single middle recess 2 contains drying device 10. Drying device 10 is preferably a small ‘window-type fan’ 10a and the most preferred AC fan 10a has the following characteristics:
- Dimensions: 120 mm×120 mm×38 mm
- Bearing system: Sleeve bearing
- Rated voltage: 110 to 50/60 Vac/Hz
- Rated current: 0.30 amp
- Rated Power: 29/24 watt
- Ratted speed: 2600/3000 plus or minus 10%
- Static air pressure: mmH2O (inch H2O) 7.4 (0.29)
- Air Flow: CFM (CMM) 97 (2.75)
However, other drying devices 10 are also within the scope of invention 1.
Still referring to FIG. 4, window-type fan 10a reversibly attaches to posterior wall interior surface 17ee by screws or rivets 60 in a manner well known in this particular industry. Rotating fan spokes 10b radiate from circular recess opening 51 within posterior recess wall 17e. In this manner, air from middle compartment 16b exits through circular recess opening 51 while the customer's nail applications dry within single middle recess 2.
Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, preferably there is a small circular metal spoke screen 52. Spoke screen 52 mechanically attaches to the exterior surface of operator tabletop side 3b in a manner which is concentric with circular opening 51. As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, rectangular screen 53 completely encloses window type fan 10a within single middle recess 2. In this manner screen 53 prevents in injury to the customer's hand(s) during a drying operation.
Referring now to FIG. 6A, preferably window type fan 10a operates electrically through first, second, third and fourth electrical wires 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d respectively, infra. In additional embodiments and modes, other wiring configurations are also within the scope of this invention. In still other embodiments drying device 10 operates with a suitable battery.
Operation of Manicure Table 1 in the Best Mode
Referring to FIG. 5, the operator first completes nail applications of at least one hand 80 of the customer. The customer then places hand 80 within single middle recess 2 along tabletop side 3a. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the operator then turns switch 71 to the operating mode on the operator tabletop side 3b to activate fan 10a. Hand 80 remains within recess opening 2a with fan 10a operating until the nail applications are dry. In other embodiments, if single drying recess 2 is of appropriate width then two nail applications, each on one hand 80, can dry simultaneously.
To end the drying session, the operator turns switch 71 to the off position, thereby breaking the circuit to window type fan 10a. The customer removes one or both hands 80 from the single recess 2. For replacement of a window type fan 10a, the operator applies a screwdriver to loosen screws 60 and removes window-type fan 10a through customer side recess opening 2a.
Production and Assembly of Manicure Table 1
Manicure table 1 is preferably made of: particleboard, plywood, conventional laminate and natural granite. There are also preferably cabinet hinges (not seen), drawer tracks (not seen), door handles 85 and caster wheels 75. Please see FIGS. 1 and 2. First and second curved surfaces 100a, 100b respectively of first and second tabletop supports 7a, 7b respectively are the only portions of manicure table 1 made of plywood.
Each manicure table 1 is assembled as follows: The manufacturer first severs particleboard into small pieces according to precut patterns. These particleboard pieces are then assembled into tabletop 1a. Tabletop supports 7a, 7b frameworks are cut from plywood, and then covered with particleboard veneer. The manufacturer permanently adheres laminate to the surfaces of particleboard of tabletop 1a and tabletop supports 7a, 7b.
Laminate edges are filed unto there are no sharp projections thereon. Similarly, cabinet doors and cabinet drawers within tabletop supports 7a, 7b are assembled from precut particleboard sections, and laminate is similarly adhered to the door and drawer surfaces. Hinges and sliding tracts are added to cabinet doors 82a, 82b, 82c and drawers (not seen).
Referring now to FIG. 6A, the manufacturer inserts the cord containing first, second, and third electrical wires 70a, 70b and 70c respectively (generically electrical wires 70) from electrical outlet 76 and electrical plug 77. Wires 70a, 70b and 70c enter exterior large aperture 48 and traverse hollow tabletop support 7a.
Still referring to FIG. 6A first, second and third electrical wires 70a, 70b, 70c respectively traverse congruent apertures 41 and 43. Wires 70a, 70b, 70c then enter first tabletop compartment 16a, and then middle tabletop compartment 16b through first aperture 44a. Within middle tabletop compartment 16b, wire 70c connects to fan 10a as a ground wire for safety purposes. First electrical wire 70a traverses second aperture 44b and third perpendicular aperture 44c to directly connect to switch 71.
Still referring to FIG. 6A,second electrical wire 70b directly operatively connects to fan 10a and then leaves fan 10a as fourth electrical wire 70d. Fourth electrical wire 70d connects to switch 71 through apertures 44b and 44c, thereby completing the circuitry illustrated in FIG. 6B. Wires 70a, 70b, 70d thereby form a breakable circuit between switch 71 and fan 10a. This preferred wiring described supra is particularly advantageous because it is not located where the customer or operator places their legs.
Window type fan 10a and control switch 71 are next assembled into tabletop 1a. and attached therein with screws 60. The manufacturer attaches window type fan 10a to posterior recess walls 17e prior to assembly of upper tabletop surface 1aa. Attachment of tabletop 1a to each tabletop support 7a, 7b is accomplished by inserting screws 60 through circular apertures 39 and corresponding circular apertures 38 within first and second interior tabletop support surfaces 1aa, 1bb. Please see FIG. 3.
Still referring to FIG. 3, each screw 60 inserts through tabletop side 1aa or tabletop side 1bb, through connecting aperture 38 and into the corresponding screw aperture 39. Within each screw aperture 39, screw 60t threads into metal threaded sleeve 40. Threaded sleeves 40 are part of the best mode, because particleboard of the preferred embodiment will not maintain a threaded screw 60 in position. However, other means of attaching tabletop 1a to tabletop supports 7a, 7b are also within the scope of the invention. Other materials are also within the scope of the invention which do not require threaded sleeves 40.
Referring to FIG. 4, the manufacturer creates recess walls 17 of middle drying recess 2 by cutting particleboard into small pieces and creating a four-walled structure with staples and an appropriate adhesive. Uppermost wall 17b of each middle drying recess 2 is actually the bottom surface of the particleboard comprising tabletop 1a. Similarly bottom recess wall 17a of each middle drying recess 2 is actually the bottom particleboard sheet forming tabletop lower surface 3c. Each first and second lateral recess wall 17a, 17c respectively of middle drying recess 2 also simultaneously function as compartment walls. There is also a continuous layer of laminate upon each recess wall interior surface which functions as the interior smooth surface 33 of recess 2.
Referring to FIG. 4, fan 10a preferably attaches by screws 60 to posterior recess wall 17e from interior 2e. Preferably and in the best mode, Fan 10a attaches to posterior wall 17e prior to attachment of top tabletop surface 1aa.
Patent Application
20080143223
