Hair clip with hair holding gap

Abstract

A hair clip with a hair containment gap that allows hair to extend between spaced, axially aligned pivot joints that interconnect two cooperating clamping members.

Description

background Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to hair clips, and more particularly to hair clips with hair-accommodating gaps. Background Technology

[0002] Prior to the invention disclosed herein, a typical hair clip included two or more clamping members linked together by a single spring-biased hinge. Each clamping member consisted of a lever or handle portion for opening the clip and multiple comb-like or toothed portions for holding the hair. The spring-biased hinge provided both an axis of rotation and a spring mechanism for maintaining closure. Due to the presence of a single hinge mechanism that interrupts central exposure of the hair, the hair could only be withdrawn or pulled out from either end of the clip. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention discloses a hair clip with multiple pivot joints, wherein at least two of these joints pivot about a coaxially aligned axis. A lever or handle portion extends from the clamping member and is used to widen the space between the teeth or comb teeth. When the handle portion is released, the hair is securely held between the teeth. The multiple pivot joints improve the functionality of the hair clip and can increase the mechanical strength of the hair clip. The improved functionality includes, if necessary, holding the hair in the gap between the coaxially aligned pivot joints.

[0004] The invention disclosed herein achieves significantly more styling and usage options than conventional hair clips. Conventional hair clips use a single, centrally located hinge and spring mechanism that covers the hair. Therefore, hair can only leave or be pulled out from either end of the clip. This allows hair controlled by the clip to be pulled out through gaps, which is particularly beneficial for buns and ponytails. This is also useful in salon settings, as hairdressers can easily separate the ends or ponytail sections from the crown and roots. This has many benefits for sections of hair that have been cut, dyed, or sectioned. To assist in gripping hair through the center, one or more notches, holes, or gaps can be added to the clamping members to aid in hair separation and distribution. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention disclosed as a hair clip with two axially aligned hinges, viewed from above.

[0006] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the upper part of a hair clip with a hair-accommodating gap according to the present invention.

[0007] Figure 3A This is a front view of its second embodiment, showing a hair clip with two axially aligned hinges and two clamping members, with a gap between the members for receiving hair.

[0008] Figure 3B It provides Figure 3A A perspective view showing an example of how the claw clamp is used.

[0009] Figure 4A This is a front view of a third embodiment of the disclosed invention, which is a hair clip having two axially aligned hinges and a gap that allows hair to leave.

[0010] Figure 4B This is a perspective view of the third embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a front view of a fourth embodiment of the disclosed invention, which is a hair clip having two axially aligned hinges and a third axis defined by a flexible member.

[0012] Figure 6A This is a front view of the fifth embodiment of the disclosed invention, which is a hair clip having two axially aligned hinges and an additional opening that allows hair to pass through the center of the clip and leave.

[0013] Figure 6B Is with Figure 6A A similar front view shows the hair clip in an open configuration around the side hinge.

[0014] Figures 7A-7D Representative examples of how the invention disclosed herein can be applied to a hair clip with four different types of axially aligned hinges are shown.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a front view of the sixth embodiment of the disclosed invention, which is a hair clip having a spring-biased hinge aligned axially with the annular pivot joint. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The hair clip has two axially spaced pivot joints. Figure 1 The central part, designated 100, includes two spring hinges 110 and 120. These hinges allow the clamping members 130 and 140 and the teeth 150 and 160 to rotate about pivot axes 170 and 180. The handles (grip) 130 and 140 serve as levers to open the jaws; the spring hinges 110 and 120 cause the teeth 150 and 160 of the jaws to close around a hair. Similar to using multiple hinges on a door, the application of two axially aligned spring hinges ensures that the clamping members remain aligned and increases the strength of the jaws.

[0017] Hair clips with gaps for receiving hair, in Figure 2 The total number of Chinese citizens is represented by 200. Figure 2A first embodiment of the invention is shown, having two spaced-apart clamping members 230, 240 interconnected by elastic members 210, 220 pivoting about a common axis. Each clamping member includes a handle portion 250 and teeth 260. Figure 1 As disclosed in the document, the handles 230 and 240 serve as levers for opening the teeth 260 of the claw clamp; the elastic members 210 and 220 cause the teeth 260 of the claw clamp to close around the hair.

[0018] The inner edge 225 of each clamping member 230, 240 is formed at the intersection of the handle portions 270, 280 and the array of teeth 260 of each clamping member, and extends from the top end 226 to the bottom end 227 of each clamping member. The inner edges 225 of the clamping members 230, 240 are spaced apart such that a hair-receiving gap, notch, or hole 290 is defined and delimited by the inner edges 225 and the elastic members 210, 220 of the two clamping members 230, 240. In addition to exiting at either end as with conventional claw clips, this gap also provides a path for hair to exit through the center of the clip. Although Figure 2 The hair clip shown depicts an inner edge 225 extending in a parallel arrangement between the elastic members 210, 220; however, it should be understood that the inner edge 225 may be formed with… Figures 6A-6B The cat's eye shape shown Figures 7A-7D The circular, rectangular, or heart-shaped or any arbitrary shape of the capacitive gap shown.

[0019] Now refer to Figures 3A-3B In the second embodiment 300 of the present invention, the jaw clamp has two axially aligned, spaced-apart spring hinges 310 and 320 that connect two clamping members 330 and 340 to each other. The clamping members 330 and 340 include a handle portion 350, teeth 360, and an inner edge 325 between the handle portion 350 and the teeth 360. Figure 1 As disclosed in the document, the handles 330 and 340 serve as levers for opening the teeth 360 of the claw clamp; the spring hinges 310 and 320 cause the teeth 360 of the claw clamp to close around the hair.

[0020] Each spring hinge 310, 320 includes a first pair of arms 370 attached to and extending inwardly from a first clamping member 330, and a second pair of arms 372 attached to and extending inwardly from a second clamping member 340. As can be seen, the second pair of arms 372 are nested inside the first pair of arms 370, pivot pins 376 are received in orifices 374 in the free ends of the arms, and coil springs 378 are disposed around each pivot pin 376, with ends 380 of the coil springs 378 engaging with each clamping member 330, 340.

[0021] As in the first embodiment, the inner edge 325 of each clamping member 330, 340 is formed at the intersection of the handle portion 350 and the tooth portion 360, and extends from the top end 326 to the bottom end 327 of the clamping member. The inner edges 325 of the clamping members 330, 340 are spaced apart such that a hair-receiving gap, notch, or hole 390 is defined by the inner edge 325 together with and between the spring hinges 310, 320. In addition to exiting at either end as with conventional jaw clamps, this gap provides a path for hair to exit and pass through the center of the jaw clamp. An example of hair extending through the center of the jaw clamp is shown in... Figure 3B As shown in the image. (and) Figure 2 The embodiments shown are similar, although Figures 3A-3B The hairpin shown illustrates the inner edges extending in a parallel arrangement between the central hinges 310 and 320, but it should be understood that the inner edge 325 can form a shape with... Figures 6A-6B The cat's eye shape shown Figures 7A-7D The indicated circular, rectangular, heart-shaped, or any arbitrary shape of the capacitive gap.

[0022] Now refer to Figures 3A-3B In the second embodiment 300 of the present invention, the jaw clamp has two axially aligned spring hinges 310 and 320, which are connected to two clamping members 330 and 340, each including a handle portion 350 and a toothed portion 360. Figure 1 As disclosed, handles 330 and 340 function as levers to open the teeth 360 of the jaw clamp; spring hinges 310 and 320 cause the teeth 360 of the jaw clamp to close around the hair. The gap, notch, or hole 390 between the two clamping members 330 and 340, in addition to allowing hair to exit at either end as in conventional jaw clamps, also allows hair to pass through the center of the jaw clamp and exit. This opening can be of any arbitrary shape. An example of hair extending through the center of the jaw clamp is shown in... Figure 3B As shown in the image.

[0023] Figures 4A-4BA third embodiment 400 of the invention is shown. In this embodiment, the jaw clamp has two axially aligned spring hinges 410 and 420 connected to two clamping members 430 and 440, each clamping member including handle portions 435, 445A, and 445B and teeth 450. The spring hinges 410 and 420 rotate about a coaxial pivot axis formed by pivot pins 415 and 425. The handle portions 435, 445A, and 445B open the teeth 450 of the jaw clamp; the spring hinges 410 and 420 cause the teeth 450 of the jaw clamp to close around the hair. In this embodiment, the clamping member 440 is divided into two halves 441 and 442, defining a gap 445 between them, which allows hair to exit the jaw clamp from the middle and / or sides, in addition to the ends. This opening can have any arbitrary shape. The two halves of the clamping member 440, 441 and 442, can move independently of each other, providing additional functionality.

[0024] Figure 5 A fourth embodiment 500 of the invention is shown. In this embodiment, the claw clip has two axially aligned spring hinges 510, 520 connected to two clamping members 530, 540, each including a handle portion 550 and teeth 560. The clamping members 530, 540 are divided into two parts separated by one or more flexible members 535, 545, providing an additional axis of rotation oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis defined by the axially aligned spring hinges 510, 520. When the hair clip is pressed against a hard surface, the flexible members 535, 545 allow the clamping members 530, 540 to bend (flex), increasing the comfort of the claw clip. The spring hinges 510, 520 cause the teeth 570 to close the claws, for example, around the hair. The flexibility of the teeth 570 can further increase user comfort. Alternatively, both clamping members of the claw clip can be made of one or more semi-rigid materials. The required flexibility can be achieved, for example, by varying the material thickness at different points along the clamping member.

[0025] Figures 6A-6BA fifth embodiment 600 of the invention is shown. In this embodiment, the claw clip has two axially aligned spring hinges 610 and 620 connected to two clamping members 630 and 640, which include handle portions 650 and 660 and teeth 670. The handle portions 650 and 660 open the claw clip; the spring hinges 610 and 620 cause the teeth 670 of the claw clip to surround the hair. In this embodiment, the clamping members 630 and 640 are divided into two parts 630A and 630B, and 640A and 640B, respectively. As can be seen, hinge 680 allows the hair clip to open on an axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis of the aligned two spring hinges 610 and 620, thereby allowing the user to more easily move hair into the central opening 690 in the claw clip. Optional clasp 695 may be a magnetic clasp, a snap, or any mechanism suitable for keeping parts 630A, 630B, 640A, and 640B closed. According to the design, hinge 680 can be a spring hinge strong enough to keep the hair clip closed, making the addition of snap 695 redundant. This embodiment of the invention allows hair to leave the clip not only around either end, but also near the center of the clip pair.

[0026] The invention disclosed herein applies to hair clips with all hinge styles. Figures 7A-7D Additional examples are shown of how the invention can be applied to four representative types of hair clips with four different types of hinges. Figure 7A This is a perspective view of a decorative circular hair clip, which has two clamping members 700 and two hinges 710 raised above the plane of the clip. The hinge type is similar to that on a conventional hair clip. For clarity, the torsion spring used to ensure closure is not shown.

[0027] Figure 7B This is a perspective view of a decorative rectangular hair clip, which has two clamping members 720 and two hinges 730. These hinges are piano hinges in the plane of the clip. For clarity, a torsion spring for ensuring closure, not shown, may be in the plane of the hinge.

[0028] Figure 7C This is a perspective view of a heart-shaped gripper with two gripping members 740 and two hinges 750. The hinges in this example are either movable hinges or integral hinges made of the same or different material as the gripper's body. The hinges are designed to close without the need for additional springs.

[0029] Figure 7D This is a perspective view of a decorative flower-shaped hair clip, which has two clamping members 760 and two hinge mechanisms 770. Each of the two hinge mechanisms includes two parallel hinge pins and a spring to ensure that closure is enclosed within the hinge mechanism.

[0030] Figure 8 A seventh embodiment 800 of the invention is shown. In this embodiment, the jaw clamp has an axially aligned spring hinge 810 and two linked loops 820, which provide a second point of rotation. The hinge 810 and loops 820 are axially aligned. In this example, loops 820 are connected to two clamping members 830 and 840, which include a handle portion 850 and teeth 860. Similar to the embodiments described above, the handle portions 830, 840 serve as levers for opening the jaw clamp; the spring hinges 810, 820 cause the teeth 860 of the clamping members to close around the hair. In this embodiment, a gap, notch, or hole 890 exists between the two clamping members 830 and 840, which allows hair to leave the jaw clamp not only around either end but also near the center of the jaw clamp. The opening can be of any arbitrary shape. For example, an example of hair extending through the middle of the jaw clamp is shown again. Figure 3B As shown in the image.

[0031] Although torsion springs have been used in most of the examples shown above, those skilled in the art will understand that these are for illustrative purposes only and that all types of springs, including but not limited to torsion springs, tension springs, leaf springs or belt springs, clockwork springs, elastomeric materials, etc., may be used.

[0032] Some embodiments of the hair clip with hair-accommodating gap according to the present invention have been described and illustrated so far. Although the invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it should be clearly understood that this disclosure is illustrative only and should not be considered limiting, and the spirit and scope of the invention are limited only by the terms of the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A hair clip with a hair-accommodating gap, comprising: Two clamping members, each having a handle portion and an array of teeth. Two or more pivot joints, each pivot joint connecting the two clamping members between the handle portion and the toothed array, the two or more pivot joints hingedly connecting the two clamping members to each other, each of the two or more pivot joints being rotatable about a common axis, at least one of the two or more pivot joints including a resilient member, and One or a portion of one or both of the two clamping members are spaced apart between two pivot joints, forming a gap between the pivot joints for receiving hair, such that the clamping members can pivot between an open position and a closed position by manipulating the handle portion, in the open position the tooth arrays of the two clamping members are spaced apart, and in the closed position the tooth arrays of the two clamping members are staggered.

2. The hair clip according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The gap is provided between the clamping members.

3. The hair clip according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: One of the two or more pivot joints includes two interconnected rings, each ring being connected to one of the two clamping members.

4. A hair clip with a hair-accommodating gap, comprising: A first clamping member and a second clamping member, the first clamping member having a handle portion and an array of teeth, the second clamping member being divided into two halves, each half having a handle portion and an array of teeth, and Two or more pivot joints, each pivot joint connecting the first clamping member and one of the two halves of the second clamping member between the handle portion and the tooth array of the first clamping member and between the handle portion and the tooth array of one of the two halves of the halves, each of the two or more pivot joints hingedly connecting the first clamping member and one of the two halves of the second clamping member to each other, each of the two or more pivot joints being rotatable about a common axis, each of the two halves of the second clamping member being movable independently of each other, the two halves of the second clamping member being spaced apart along the common axis, defining a gap between them for receiving hair. This allows each of the two halves of the second clamping member to pivot relative to the first clamping member between an open position and a closed position by manipulating the handle portion of the half-clamp and the handle portion of the first clamping member. In the open position, the tooth array of the half-clamp is spaced apart from the tooth array of the first clamping member, and in the closed position, the tooth array of the half-clamp is interleaved with the tooth array of the first clamping member.

5. The hair clip according to claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: Each of the two or more pivot joints includes a resilient element for biasing the first clamping member and the two half-clamps toward the closed position.

6. A hair clip having a hair-accommodating gap, comprising: Two clamping members, each having a handle portion and an array of teeth, each of the two clamping members having a flexible intermediate portion. Two or more pivot joints, each pivot joint connecting the two clamping members between the handle portion and the toothed array, the two or more pivot joints hingedly connecting the two clamping members to each other, each of the two or more pivot joints being rotatable about a common axis, and at least one of the two or more pivot joints including a resilient element. One or a portion of the two clamping members are spaced apart between the two pivot joints, forming a gap between the pivot joints for receiving hair. This allows the clamping member to pivot between an open position and a closed position by manipulating the handle portion. In the open position, the tooth array on each of the two clamping members is spaced apart from the tooth array on the other of the two clamping members. In the closed position, the tooth array on each of the two clamping members is staggered.

7. The hair clip according to claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: The gap is provided between the clamping members.

8. A hair clip having a hair-accommodating gap, comprising: Two clamping members, each clamping member having a handle portion, a toothed array, an upper portion, a lower portion, and a side portion. Two or more pivot joints, each pivot joint connecting the two clamping members between the handle portion and the toothed array, the two or more pivot joints hingedly connecting the two clamping members to each other, each of the two or more pivot joints being rotatable about a common axis, at least one of the two or more pivot joints including a resilient member, and The upper halves of the two clamping members are interconnected via one of the two or more pivot joints, and the lower halves of the two clamping members are interconnected via one of the two or more pivot joints. A side hinge, disposed on the side of one of the two clamping members, hingedly connecting the upper and lower halves of the two clamping members, the side hinge being pivotable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the common axis of the pivot joint. A fastener, disposed on the side of another of the two clamping members, is used to fasten the upper and lower halves of the two clamping members together, such that the upper and lower halves can move between a separated position and a tightened position. In the separated position, the upper and lower halves of the two clamping members are separated; in the tightened position, the upper and lower halves of the two clamping members abut against each other. This allows the clamping member to pivot between an open position and a closed position by manipulating the handle portion. In the open position, the tooth array on each of the two clamping members is spaced apart from the tooth array on the other of the two clamping members. In the closed position, the tooth array on each of the two clamping members is staggered.

9. The hair clip according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: A portion of the two clamping members is spaced apart between the two pivot joints, forming a gap between the clamping members and the pivot joints for receiving hair.

10. A hair clip having a hair-accommodating gap, comprising: Two clamping members, each clamping member having a handle portion, an array of teeth, and an inner edge between the handle portion and the teeth, and Two or more pivot joints, each of the two or more pivot joints being connected to each of the two clamping members, at least two of the two or more pivot joints being spaced apart and rotatable about a common axis, at least one of the two or more pivot joints including a resilient member, and the handle portion of each of the two clamping members extending from the inner edge between two of the two or more pivot joints. The inner edges of the two clamping members and at least two of the two or more pivot joints together define the receptive gap, in which the elastic member is not disposed. By manipulating the handle, the clamping member can pivot between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the tooth arrays of the two clamping members are spaced apart, and in the closed position, the tooth arrays of the two clamping members are staggered to retain hair received in the gap.

11. The hair clip with a hair-accommodating gap according to claim 0, characterized in that, The elastic component causes the clamping member to move toward the closed position.

12. The hair clip with a hair-accommodating gap according to claim 11, characterized in that, The elastic component includes a helical spring.

13. The hair clip with a hair-accommodating gap according to claim 0, characterized in that, Each of the two or more pivot joints is connected to the handle portion of each of the two clamping members.

14. The hair clip with a hair-accommodating gap according to claim 0, characterized in that, Each of the two clamping members has opposite clamping ends, and the inner edge extends continuously between the clamping ends at a uniform clamping member spacing distance.

15. The hair clip with a hair-accommodating gap according to claim 10, characterized in that, The at least two pivot joints and the inner edge define the hair-retaining gap.

16. The hair clip with a hair-accommodating gap according to claim 0, characterized in that, At least one of the pivot joints has: The first pair of inwardly extending arms are attached to one of the two clamping members. The second pair of inwardly extending arms are attached to the other of the two clamping members. Each of the first pair of arms and the second pair of arms has an opening, and A pivot pin is received in the orifice of each of the first pair of arms and the second pair of arms, thereby connecting the two clamping members to each other and forming a common pivot axis about which the two clamping members rotate.

17. The hair clip with a hair-accommodating gap according to claim 16, characterized in that, The pivot pins of at least two of the two or more pivot joints form the common pivot axis.

18. A hair clip having a hair-accommodating gap, comprising: Two clamping members, each having a handle portion and an array of teeth, are spaced apart. Two or more pivot joints, each of the two or more pivot joints being connected to each of the two clamping members, at least two of the two or more pivot joints being spaced apart. At least one of the pivot joints has: The first pair of inwardly extending arms are attached to one of the two clamping members. The second pair of inwardly extending arms are attached to the other of the two clamping members. Each of the first pair of arms and the second pair of arms has a pin receiving opening. A pivot pin, received in the orifice of each of the first pair of arms and the second pair of arms, connects the two clamping members to each other and forms a common pivot axis about which the two clamping members rotate. A spring, which causes the two clamping members to move toward a closed position, and The handle portion of each of the two clamping members extends from the inner edge between two of the two or more pivot joints. The clamping member and at least two pivot joints define a clearance. By manipulating the handle, the clamping member can pivot between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the tooth arrays of the two clamping members are spaced apart, and in the closed position, the tooth arrays of the two clamping members are staggered to retain hair received in the gap.

19. The hair clip with a hair-accommodating gap according to claim 18, characterized in that, Also includes: Each of the two clamping members has an inner edge disposed between the handle portion and the teeth portion, the inner edge extending between the at least two pivot joints, the inner edge and at least two of the two or more pivot joints defining the hair-receiving gap.

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