Apparatus and Methods for Manicures

Abstract

A method of applying a curable formulation to an object includes positioning an amount of formulation on a surface before curing the formulation, the formulation being curable by an electromagnetic energy. While the amount of formulation remains on the surface, a first amount of the electromagnetic energy may be directed to the formulation to cure a first area of the uncured formulation, while leaving a second area of the formulation uncured. Force may be applied to press the surface onto the object to transfer the second area of uncured formulation to the object. Some or all of the first area of cured formulation may remain on the surface as the second area of uncured formulation is transferred to the object. The formulation may be a nail polish formulation, and the object may be a fingernail of a user.

1 . A method of applying a curable formulation to an object, comprising:
 positioning an amount of formulation on a surface before curing the formulation, the formulation being curable by an electromagnetic energy;   while the amount of formulation remains on the surface, directing a first amount of the electromagnetic energy to the formulation to cure a first area of the uncured formulation, while leaving a second area of the formulation uncured; and   applying force to press the surface onto the object to transfer the second area of uncured formulation to the object.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising directing a second amount of the electromagnetic energy to the second area of uncured formulation that has been transferred to the object to cure the second area of uncured formulation. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising detecting a shape of the object prior to directing the first amount of the electromagnetic energy to the formulation. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein directing the first amount of the electromagnetic energy to the formulation includes directing the first amount of the electromagnetic energy in a pattern that leaves the second area of uncured formulation in a shape corresponding to the detected shape of the object. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the formulation is a nail polish formulation, and the object is a fingernail. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein directing the second amount of the electromagnetic energy to the second area of uncured formulation includes selectively curing the second area of uncured formulation. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein directing the second amount of the electromagnetic energy to the second area of uncured formulation includes bulk curing the second area of uncured formulation. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the first amount of electromagnetic energy is directed from a first source of electromagnetic energy, and the second amount of electromagnetic energy is directed from the first source of electromagnetic energy. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the first amount of electromagnetic energy is directed from a first source of electromagnetic energy, and the second amount of electromagnetic energy is directed from a second source of electromagnetic energy different than the first source. 
     
     
         10 . A method of using a nail polish application system, the method comprising:
 positioning a nail polish application component within the nail polish application system, the nail polish application component having a plurality of areas of nail polish formulation positioned on a transfer film of the nail polish application component;   positioning a user's first fingernail at least partially in the nail polish application system so that a first one of the plurality of areas of nail polish formulation confronts the user's first fingernail;   engaging the nail polish application component with the user's first fingernail so that an amount of the first one of the plurality of areas of nail polish formulation transfers from the transfer film to the user's first fingernail;   nail polish formulation nail polish formulation positioning a second fingernail of the user at least partially in the nail polish application system;   after engaging the nail polish application component with the user's first fingernail, positioning a portion of the nail polish application component so that a second one of the plurality of areas of nail polish formulation confronts the user's second fingernail; and   engaging the nail polish application component with the user's second fingernail so that an amount of the second one of the plurality of areas of nail polish formulation transfers from the transfer film to the user's second fingernail.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the first one of the plurality of areas of nail polish formulation and the second one of the plurality of areas of nail polish formulation are continuous with each other on the transfer film. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the first one of the plurality of areas of nail polish formulation is discrete and spaced apart from the second one of the plurality of areas of nail polish formulation on the transfer film. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the transfer film stretches to match contours of the user's first fingernail as the nail polish application component engages the user's first fingernail. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the transfer film is formed of a silicone, a thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”), or a thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”). 
     
     
         15 . A nail polish application component for use with a nail polish application system, the nail polish application component comprising:
 a transfer film having a nail polish formulation positioned on the transfer film, the nail polish formulation being curable by an electromagnetic energy and including a first area of nail polish formulation and a second area of nail polish formulation;   the nail polish application component having a storage condition in which a protective covering covers the nail polish formulation to prevent the electromagnetic energy from passing through the protective layer to cure the nail polish formulation;   the nail polish application component having an operative condition in which the nail polish application component is received within the nail polish application system and the nail polish formulation is exposed to allow the electromagnetic energy to cure the nail polish formulation;   wherein, in the operative condition of the nail polish application component, the transfer film is advanceable from a first position in which the first area of nail polish formulation confronts a user's fingernail positioned within the nail polish application system to a second position in which the second area of nail polish formulation confronts the user's fingernail positioned within the nail polish application system.   
     
     
         16 . The nail polish application component of  claim 15 , wherein the nail polish formulation on the transfer film has a thickness of between about 50 μm and about 400 μm. 
     
     
         17 . The nail polish application component of  claim 15 , wherein the first area of nail polish formulation and the second area of nail polish formulation are continuous with each other on the transfer film. 
     
     
         18 . The nail polish application component of  claim 15 , wherein the first area of nail polish formulation is discrete and spaced apart from the second of area of nail polish formulation on the transfer film. 
     
     
         19 . The nail polish application component of  claim 15 , wherein the transfer film is formed of a silicone, a thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”), or a thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”). 
     
     
         20 . The nail polish application component of  claim 15 , wherein the transfer film is configured to stretch to match contours of the user's fingernail as the nail polish application component engages with the user's fingernail.