US5782249A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Laser manicure process
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1996-09-30
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Granted: 1998-07-21
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Expires: 2016-09-30
Abstract
Abstract There is provided an improved process and apparatus for cutting and/or fingernails. The process includes the step of providing laser radiation to cut or score the nails, and optionally cooling the site of administration of the laser beam. The nails can be coated with colored lacquers to provide a multicolored design when melted by the laser.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul J. Weber
- 👤 Michael R. Weber
- 👤 Robert Weber
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:41
CPC Classifications
A; A45; A45D; A45D29/00; A45D29/02; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/18; A61B18/20; A61B18/203; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00452
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
73 words
A method for cutting or decorating fingernails comprising the step of: a) positioning a laser directing means including an articulated arm assembly containing a laser having a laser generating source in communication with a laser radiation delivery means at the fingernail site; and b) selectively energizing a laser beam of sufficient intensity to produce the desired cutting or to score the fingernail itself or a coating on the nail in a decorating procedure.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
73 words
A method for cutting or decorating fingernails comprising the step of: a) positioning a laser directing means including an articulated arm assembly containing a laser having a laser generating source in communication with a laser radiation delivery means at the fingernail site; and b) selectively energizing a laser beam of sufficient intensity to produce the desired cutting or to score the fingernail itself or a coating on the nail in a decorating procedure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 wherein a cooling means is applied to the radiation delivery means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein a cooling means is applied to the radiation delivery means and the fingernail site.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the laser beam is energized in a repetitive pulse mode and the cooling means is applied between the laser pulses.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 4 wherein said cooling means is a inert gas.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 5 wherein said inert gas is generated from liquid nitrogen.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said radiation delivery system is a fiber optic system.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the fingernails are coated.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 8 wherein a design is generated on said coating.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 8 wherein said coating comprises a fingernail lacquer.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
77 words
A method for cutting or sculpting fingernails of a person comprising the steps of: (a) securing at least one finger of said person having a fingernail portion onto a suitable hand template; (b) positioning a laser directing means including an articulate arm assembly containing a laser over the desired fingernail target site; and (c) selectively energizing a laser beam of sufficient intensity to produce the desired cutting or to score the fingernail itself in a sculpting procedure.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
77 words
A method for cutting or sculpting fingernails of a person comprising the steps of: (a) securing at least one finger of said person having a fingernail portion onto a suitable hand template; (b) positioning a laser directing means including an articulate arm assembly containing a laser over the desired fingernail target site; and (c) selectively energizing a laser beam of sufficient intensity to produce the desired cutting or to score the fingernail itself in a sculpting procedure.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 11 including cooling said target site.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 11 including the step of presoaking said fingernail with water before cutting or sculpting.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 13 wherein said laser beam is generated from a carbon dioxide laser.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method water of claim 11 including the step of providing a protective coating prior to laser cutting.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
67 words
A method for decorating fingernails of a person comprising the step of: a) coating said fingernails with at least one colored coating; b) providing a name for controlling movement of a laser to follow a preselected design; c) monitoring temperature of the fingernail site; and d) energizing a laser beam of sufficient intensity to melt said coating so as to impart a design without cutting said fingernail.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
67 words
A method for decorating fingernails of a person comprising the step of: a) coating said fingernails with at least one colored coating; b) providing a name for controlling movement of a laser to follow a preselected design; c) monitoring temperature of the fingernail site; and d) energizing a laser beam of sufficient intensity to melt said coating so as to impart a design without cutting said fingernail.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-07-20 | 2002-01-19 | 2002-07-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-07-20 | 2006-01-19 | 2006-07-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-07-20 | 2010-01-19 | 2010-07-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |