Patent Application
20170006993
The present disclosure generally relates to curing nail preparations and in particular apparatuses for controlled application of ultraviolet (UV) light to cure UV curable nail preparations applied to finger nails.
Nail polishes or gels are ordinarily supplied in a liquid form such that the nail polish or gel can be efficiently brushed onto the surface of the finger nails before hardening into the nail surface. Nail polishes are typically a suspension of pigments and binders within a liquid solvent that form a hardened shell on the nail surface when the liquid solvent evaporates and the polish polymerizes into a solid. The drawback of nail polishes is that the solvent typically comprises a volatile organic solvent to facilitate rapid evaporation of the solvent after the polish is applied to the finger nail. The volatile organic solvents have strong odors while evaporating and can have health effects when inhaled in sufficient quantities.
In response to concerns over the odors and potential toxicity of the evaporating solvents, nail gels comprising a liquid monomer or oligomer solution have increased in use as an alternative to conventional volatile solvent based nail polishes. Unlike nail polishes that polymerize and harden as the volatile solvent evaporates, the monomer or oligomer solution is a UV curable such that applied UV light initiates polymerization to form a hardened resin impregnated with the desired pigments and additives. The UV curing often improves the durability, nail adhesion and appearance of the nail gel as compared to conventional solvent based nail polishes.
Unlike solvent based nail polishes that begin to harden almost immediately upon exposure to air, UV cured nail gels only begin polymerization and hardening upon application of UV energy from a UV light source. However, if insufficient UV energy is supplied to the monomer solution, a portion of the monomer solution will remain unreacted. The unreacted monomer can cause allergies or asthma in the user. Similarly, the exterior surface of an under-cured nail polish can have a sticky or gummy texture while the interior of the nail polish can be discolored or poorly adhere to the fingernail. If excessive UV energy is applied to the fingernail, the excess UV energy can damage or burn the soft tissue surrounding the fingernail. As the polymerization reaction is an exothermic reaction, the heat from the UV light combined with the heat from the polymerization reaction can burn the soft tissue. As such, the intensity of the applied UV energy and the duration for which the UV energy is applied must be carefully controlled to properly cure the nail gel while minimizing UV exposure of the finger soft tissue.
Thus, there is a need to provide a UV lamp for curing acrylics and gels with the proper UV light intensity and duration to avoid over or under-curing applications.
The present inventors have recognized, among other things, that a problem to be solved can include administering a controlled dose of UV light at a predetermined intensity and duration to a UV curable finger nail gel applied to a finger nail. In an example, the present subject matter can provide a solution to this problem, such as by providing a curing system that has a curing oven that can be operably connected to a connector assembly. The curing oven can define a finger slot that can receive an end portion of at least one finger and shaped to align the end portion of each finger proximate to at least one UV light source positioned within the finger slot. The connector assembly can be interfaced with a mobile electronic device that operates as a controller operating each UV light source for a predetermined UV curing sequence.
In an example, the finger slot of the curing oven can have various sizes to accommodate different numbers of fingers. In certain examples, the finger slot can be sized to receive only one finger at a time within the finger slot. In other examples, the finger slot can be sized to receive at least the pointer, middle, ring and pinky finger simultaneously within the finger slot. In this configuration, a plurality of UV light source can be positioned on an upper surface of the slot and oriented to direct UV light onto the finger nails inserted into the finger slot for curing UV curable nail gel applied to the finger nails. In certain examples, each UV light source can comprise a lens for focusing the UV light emitted by the UV light source to minimize UV exposure of the surrounding soft tissue.
In an example, the plurality of UV light sources is positioned in a linear orientation in the finger slot. In certain examples, each of the UV light sources is oriented to direct UV light along parallel axes. In other examples, each of the UV light sources is oriented to direct UV light along axis intersecting to the approximate positions of the finger nails within the finger slot. In certain examples, the plurality of UV light sources is positioned in a staggered orientation and oriented to direct UV light along parallel axes. The staggered orientation aligns the parallel axes with the approximate positions of the plurality of finger nails.
In an example, the connector assembly can include a data connector that is operably connected to each of the plurality of light sources. In this configuration, the data connector can be interfaced with a corresponding data port on a mobile electronic device. The electronic device can be programmed with operating instructions for operating the UV lamps in a predetermined UV curing sequence including operating the UV lamps at the appropriate UV intensity and for a predetermined curing duration. In certain examples, the display of the electronic device can be programmed to display a countdown timer corresponding to the programmed UV curing sequence.
In an example, the electronic device can be operated to supply power for the UV light source with an onboard power supply during the programmed UV curing sequence. In certain examples, the connector assembly can include a secondary power supply for supplementing the power provided by the power supply for electronic device. In other examples, the connector assembly can include an integrated power supply that powers the UV light sources without the assistance of the power supply of the electronic device.
In an example, the connector assembly can include an electronic device housing having a back support and a plurality of wing supports. The electronic device housing is adapted to support an electronic device and align the data port of the electronic device with the data connector of the connector assembly. In certain examples, the connector assembly can include a stand rotatably connected to the back support. The stand can be rotated between a retracted position and at least one deployed position. In the retracted position, the stand is folded parallel to the back support allowing the electronic device housing to be laid flat on the back support. In at least one of the deployed positions, the stand extends transversely from the back support such that the electronic device housing can be positioned at an angle such that the display of an electronic device received within the electronic device housing is oriented for easier viewing.
In an example, the curing oven can be rotatably connected to the electronic device housing such that the curing oven is rotatable relative to the electronic device. In this configuration, the curing oven can be rotated relative to the electronic device housing between a deployed position and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the curing oven can be folded parallel to the electronic device housing to increase the portability of the curing system when the curing system is not being operated. In the deployed position, the curing oven can be folded such that the curing oven is positioned transverse to the electronic device housing. In this orientation, the curing oven can be laid flat on a planar support surface such that the user can insert their fingers into the finger slot while resting their palm on the support surface to minimize movement of the user's fingers during the UV curing sequence. In this configuration, the curing system can be more efficiently packed for transport in a handbag or other carrying case. Similarly, the rotatable connection can allow the electronic device housing to position the display of an electronic device inserted into the electronic device housing for the user to be ergonomically positioned while viewing the display while inserting their fingers into the curing oven.
This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detailed description is included to provide further information about the present patent application.
In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals can describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes can represent different instances of similar components. Some embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which:
The following description and the drawings sufficiently illustrate specific embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments can incorporate structural, logical, electrical, process, and other changes. Portions and features of some embodiments can be included in, or substituted for, those of other embodiments.
As depicted in
In an example, the curing oven 112 includes a plurality of UV light sources 122, with at least one of the UV light source 122 having different operational peak wavelengths. Various nail products comprise different monomers and oligomers which polymerize in response to different UV wavelengths. It is understood that LED UV light sources operate in a relatively narrow spectrum, such that a LED UV light source rated at 395 nm can output light in the 390-400 nm range. Thus, the use of multiple wavelengths is advantageous in order to cure nail products at an efficient intensity. In an example, the plurality of UV light sources can include four LED UV light sources that operate at a 340 nm wavelength and four LED UV lights that operate at 395 nm wavelength.
In an example, the curing oven 112 includes a plurality of UV light sources 122, with at least two of the UV light sources 122 being of different design. For example, the plurality of UV light sources 122 can include five LED UV light sources 122 operating a specific wavelength (e.g., 395 nm) and one CFL operating over a range of wavelengths (e.g., 320-360 nm). In this configuration, one product that cures at 395 nm can be cured using the LED UV light source 122, while another product that cures at 330 nm can be cured using the CFL UV light source 122.
In an example, the curing oven 112 includes one to four 1000 mW UV light sources that provide about 3.5 to 4.0 watts of power. In this configuration, the UV light sources can cure two finger nails in about 30 seconds.
The oven housing 120 can be of any suitable construction or configuration, including but not limited to plastic, metal, alloys, ceramic, polymer, carbon fibers, or combinations thereof The oven housing 116 is adapted to contain the UV radiation emitted by the UV light source 122 to minimize UV radiation. Further, the oven housing 116 can be configured and constructed of light absorbing material to reduce the amount of reflected UV light. The oven housing 116 can be fixed or adjustable in height, but is preferably configurable to adapt to a distance of approximately one inch from the top of the user's finger nails.
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In an example, the opening 112 and the finger slot 118 is sized to receive the end portions of the fingers of a single hand. In this configuration, at least one UV light source 122 is oriented to direct UV light at the finger nail of the thumb. The inventors have appreciated that the finger nail of the thumb cannot face the same direction as the other fingers when the hand is placed palm down.
As depicted in
For the purposes of this disclosure, a mobile electronic device can comprise a cellular phone, a tablet or other mobile device having a display and at least one connector port for interfacing with the data connector 124. As depicted, the mobile electronic device has a planar shape having a back portion behind the display and side edges.
As depicted in
In certain examples, each wing 132 includes a notched end 133 for gripping an edge of an electronic device inserted into the electronic device slot to remove the electronic device from the electronic device slot. In certain examples, the data connector 124 extends from the base 128 and positioned to align with a data port on an electronic device positioned on the lower edge of the electronic device.
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Although not illustrated, it is understood that various modifications can be made to the curing oven 112, such as by incorporating or allowing for a shield to be attached to the curing oven 112 in order to protect the operator's eyes or skin from UV exposure. The shield can be constructed from plastic, metal, or other types of material or combinations of materials configured to block the wavelengths emitted from a UV light. In an embodiment, the shield is translucent or transparent, in order for the operator to be able to observe the curing process.
In an example, the plurality of UV light sources 122 is connectable to a portable or stationary power source 140. The power source 140 can be any type of power source, including but not limited to a battery, fuel cell, solar power system, generator, an alternating current (AC) power supply, or a direct current (DC) power supply. The power source 140 can be a discrete, stand-alone device (e.g., an AC converter) or an integrated device (e.g., a batter in a mobile electronic device). As depicted in
As depicted in
In an example, instructional information is displayed on the display screen 302. The instruction information can include, but is not limited to manicure demonstration using the curing system 110, proper finger positioning within the finger slot 118 and how to remove the cured nail gel. In certain examples in which less than all of the fingers are simultaneously positioned in the finger slot 118, multiple views regarding proper finger positioning of different combinations of fingers are presented on the display screen.
In an example, a timer and a start button are displayed on the display screen 302. The timer 304 indicates approximately how long a person needs to expose gel-treated nails to the UV lights on the curing system 110 in order to cure the gel. The start button is used to begin the timer's countdown.
The mobile electronic device 300 includes a processor and software to control the curing system 110. The software can be provided by the distributor or manufacturer of the curing system 110. In an embodiment, the software is branded to identify the source of the software as being the same as the curing system 110. The curing system 110 can be provided by the same company that produces or provides the nail product.
During operation, a user can scan a box or a product container to obtain a product code. For example, the user can scan a bar code printed on a product container. The bar code can be a linear bar code (e.g., Universal Product Code (UPC)) or a two-dimensional bar code (e.g., QR Code). Once the product code is identified, the timer 304 can be configured appropriately for the corresponding product. In this manner, a user is exposed to an appropriate amount of UV light, where overexposure or underexposure can be harmful or produce unintended results. To avoid accidental exposure, in an embodiment, during operation, the mobile electronic device or the curing system can be configured to shut off UV lights when the angle of the respective device deviates on the x-y axis more than a threshold angle from horizontal. In an embodiment, the threshold angle is 40 degrees. In another embodiment, the threshold angle is configurable, such as by the operator of the device. Other operations are discussed below.
In certain examples, the camera can be operated to collect an image of the user's skin tone, clothing item, shoes or other accessory. In this configuration, the user can select the nail gel preparation from a database of nail gel preparation or capture an image of the nail gel preparation before comparing the color of the nail gel to the user's skin tone, clothing item, shoes or other accessory. In certain examples, alternative gel preparations having similar color shades can be presented to the user. If the user does not find the desired combination, alternative preparations and/or order information for purchasing the desired preparation can be presented to the user.
In an example, the mobile electronic device 300 is adapted to record information regarding the curing process and user information on the memory 204. The information can include information on the frequency of the curing system 110 use; duration of curing system 110 use; timing of curing system 110 use; location of user during curing system 110 use; frequently used nail gel preparations; skin tones and location at which the curing system 110 is purchased. The information can be used to improve the recommendations made to the user regarding the types and colors of nail gel preparations. In certain examples, the information can be transmitted to an offsite server for analysis by a manufacturer producing curing systems 110 or nail gel preparations or a retailer selling curing systems 110 or nail gel preparations. In certain examples, the user can opt to share the information through social media or upload the information to a calendar.
In a further embodiment, identifying the product code from the image includes identifying and parsing a bar code contained in the image to obtain the product code. The bar code can be isolation in an image and analyzed in software. In another embodiment, the user is prompted to identify the gel preparation. In such an embodiment, identifying the nail gel preparation includes receiving user input to identify the nail gel preparation.
In a further embodiment, using the product code to determine a curing configuration includes transmitting the product code to a remote data store with a query to obtain the curing configuration and receiving the curing configuration from the remote data store. The remote data store can include a manufacturer's system (e.g., a web page maintained by a manufacturer of a gel nail product). The curing configuration can be transmitted in a standardized format, such as in extensible markup language (XML). The curing configuration can include one or more parameters, such as length of curing and optimal UV light wavelength. In an embodiment, the curing configuration comprises a cure time. In an embodiment, the curing configuration comprises a target wavelength. The target wavelength is the wavelength of UV light that the formulation was designed for. Although other wavelengths can work to eventually cure the formulation, cure times can be inconveniently extended and the formulation cannot cure in the manner in which it was designed.
At block 404, at least one UV light source 122 is configured to cure the nail gel preparation.
In a further embodiment, the method 400 comprises displaying a presentation to a user of the processing device substantially contemporaneously with curing the nail gel preparation. In an embodiment, the presentation includes a timer, the timer indicating an approximate time left to cure the nail gel preparation, as depicted in
At block 504, a nail formulation is identified. The nail formulation can be identified in the various manners described above, such as in
At block 506, at least one UV light source 122 is configured to cure an application of the nail formulation on the user. Configuring each UV light source 122 can include actions such as identifying and activating a UV light source 122 in the curing oven 112 that has wavelengths appropriate to efficiently cure the nail formulation. In certain examples, the user can then be informed to rotate the fingers inserted into the finger slot 118 to cure uncured finger nail applications before repeating the process.
In a further embodiment, the method 500 includes transmitting the user identity and an identification of the nail formulation to a remote data store. The remote data store can include information such as user data, nail formulation data, sales data, and other marketing, financial, or product data. Using the information, an organization can derive sales trends, usage trends, or other information to better design and market products. The data can also be used to market cross-sells or up-sells to a user.
In a further embodiment, the method 500 includes obtaining a location of the computer and transmitting the location to a remote data store. The location can be obtained by accessing a global positioning systems (GPS) unit in the computer. Alternatively, the location can be obtained by triangulating cellular tower locations or by using a cellular tower signal strength in order to determine an approximate location.
In a further embodiment, the method 500 includes receiving location-specific data from the remote data store and presenting at least a portion of the location-specific data to the user. In an embodiment, the location-specific data comprises an advertisement for an establishment in proximity to the user. For example, while a user is applying a nail gel formulation at a coffee shop, the user can be informed of a bookstore that has a book in stock that the user had previously indicated interest in. Other location-specific information can include data such as traffic data, weather data, or the like.
Embodiments can be implemented in one or a combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Embodiments can also be implemented as instructions stored on a machine-readable storage device, which can be read and executed by at least one processor to perform the operations described herein. A machine -readable storage device can include any non-transitory mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). For example, a machine -readable storage device can include read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash-memory devices, and other storage devices and media.
Examples, as described herein, can include, or can operate on, logic or a number of components, modules, or mechanisms. Modules are tangible entities (e.g., hardware) capable of performing specified operations and can be configured or arranged in a certain manner. In an example, circuits can be arranged (e.g., internally or with respect to external entities such as other circuits) in a specified manner as a module. In an example, the whole or part of one or more computer systems (e.g., a standalone, client or server computer system) or one or more hardware processors can be configured by firmware or software (e.g., instructions, an application portion, or an application) as a module that operates to perform specified operations. In an example, the software can reside on a machine-readable medium. In an example, the software, when executed by the underlying hardware of the module, causes the hardware to perform the specified operations.
Accordingly, the term “module” is understood to encompass a tangible entity, be that an entity that is physically constructed, specifically configured (e.g., hardwired), or temporarily (e.g., transitorily) configured (e.g., programmed) to operate in a specified manner or to perform part or all of any operation described herein. Considering examples in which modules are temporarily configured, each of the modules need not be instantiated at any one moment in time. For example, where the modules comprise a general-purpose hardware processor configured using software; the general-purpose hardware processor can be configured as respective different modules at different times. Software can accordingly configure a hardware processor, for example, to constitute a particular module at one instance of time and to constitute a different module at a different instance of time.
Example computer system 600 includes at least one processor 602 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU) or both, processor cores, compute nodes, etc.), a main memory 604 and a static memory 606, which communicate with each other via a link 608 (e.g., bus). The computer system 600 can further include a video display unit 610, an alphanumeric input device 612 (e.g., a keyboard), and a user interface (UI) navigation device 614 (e.g., a mouse). In one embodiment, the video display unit 610, input device 612 and UI navigation device 614 are incorporated into a touch screen display. The computer system 600 can additionally include a storage device 616 (e.g., a drive unit), a signal generation device 618 (e.g., a speaker), a network interface device 620, and one or more sensors (not shown), such as a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, compass, accelerometer, or other sensor.
The storage device 616 includes a machine-readable medium 622 on which is stored one or more sets of data structures and instructions 624 (e.g., software) embodying or utilized by any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The instructions 624 can also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 604, static memory 606, and/or within the processor 602 during execution thereof by the computer system 600, with the main memory 604, static memory 606, and the processor 602 also constituting machine-readable media.
While the machine-readable medium 622 is illustrated in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” can include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more instructions 624. The term “machine-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any tangible medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure or that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying data structures utilized by or associated with such instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, and optical and magnetic media. Specific examples of machine-readable media include non-volatile memory, including, by way of example, semiconductor memory devices (e.g., electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)) and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.
The instructions 624 can further be transmitted or received over a communications network 626 using a transmission medium via the network interface device 620 utilizing any one of a number of well-known transfer protocols (e.g., HTTP). Examples of communication networks include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, mobile tele-electronic device networks, plain old tele-electronic device (POTS) networks, and wireless data networks (e.g., Wi-Fi, 3G, and 4G LTE/LTE-A or WiMAX networks). The term “transmission medium” shall be taken to include any intangible medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying instructions for execution by the machine, and includes digital or analog communications signals or other intangible medium to facilitate communication of such software.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to suggest a numerical order for their objects.
The Abstract is provided to allow the reader to ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit or interpret the scope or meaning of the claims. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/938,410, filed Feb. 11, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US15/15024 | 2/9/2015 | WO | 00 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61938410 | Feb 2014 | US |
