Double layer spiral buckle

Abstract

The present invention relates to an integrally formed double-layer spiral buckle, which is constructed into a double-layer spiral ring body and presents an elongated configuration in appearance. In the present invention, the sizes of the upper loop and the lower loop are substantially different, and the two are mutually abutted at the intersection to form a fulcrum. Therefore, the present invention can use the deformation of the buckle structure and the lever principle to open the insertion opening by the user simply applying force. In addition to taking into account durability and convenience, it is more flexible when used and is suitable for conveniently and stably holding a large number of buckles or keys and other items.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a buckle for holding and storing items such as buckles or keys, and in particular to a buckle with a double-layer spiral ring body in appearance and formed in one piece, which is suitable for conveniently and stably holding a large number of buckles or keys. Background Art

[0002] Most people carry several keys with different functions, including keys for the main door of their home, house doors, car keys, company keys, and other types of keys. In order to facilitate access and storage of keys, most people will use a key ring to put a number of keys together for easy access. However, the existing key ring is usually a simple ring made of elastic metal wound several times, and the free end of the key to be inserted is tightly against the ring. The user must use his fingers to laboriously open the free end of the ring to insert the key, and often needs to repeat several attempts before success. Although this existing key ring is easy to manufacture and low in cost, it is quite inconvenient to use.

[0003] For a long time, the relevant industry has proposed several solutions to the above-mentioned industrial problems. The US patent with application publication number US3657909A discloses an integrally formed key ring, which includes two rings substantially located in the same plane, and the free end of the key ring can be released by pressing the intersection of the two rings. The European patent with authorization announcement number EP0389594B1 discloses a key ring, which includes a flat base and two holding arms extending outward from the base along the same plane. The free ends of the two holding arms are abutted up and down to string keys, and the two holding arms can be released by pressing the actuating mechanism located at the base to move upward and downward respectively to release their free ends so as to insert or remove the keys. This key ring still has the disadvantage of being too complicated in structure. Taiwan invention patent with authorization publication number TWI664929B, Taiwan utility model patent with authorization publication number TWM551848U, Japan patent with authorization publication number JP6276463B1 and U.S. patent application publication number US2410951A respectively disclose key ring structures with double-layer spiral ring bodies and integral molding, but the upper and lower loops in these structures are both circular rings and have substantially the same size, so that the upper and lower loops overlap each other, thereby lacking flexibility in use.

[0004] Therefore, there is still an earnest need in the relevant technical field for an integrally molded buckle that is highly flexible in use, simple in structure and easy to manufacture. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to meet the above-mentioned industrial needs, the inventor of this case has worked hard on research and development, and thus obtained the invention applied for in this case. The present invention relates to an integrally formed double-layer spiral fastener, which is an elongated double-layer spiral ring in appearance and can be manufactured through a traditional wire processing process. In the fastener structure disclosed in this case, the sizes of the upper loop and the lower loop are substantially different, and the two abut against each other at the intersection to form a fulcrum. Therefore, the present invention can use the deformation of the fastener structure and the principle of leverage to open the sleeve entrance by the user simply applying force. In addition to taking into account durability and convenience, it is more flexible when used and is suitable for conveniently and stably holding a large number of buckles or keys and other items.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a double-layer spiral fastener, which comprises:

[0007] An integrally formed and elastic annular body, which spirally winds downward from a first end to form an upper loop, and then extends to intersect with the first end and terminates at a second end, thereby forming an elongated lower loop;

[0008] The annular body has a first segment formed by the first end and the second end, a second segment opposite to the first segment, and two side edges connecting the first and second segments, and the first end and the second end are constructed to abut against each other in the vertical direction when the annular body is not subjected to force; and

[0009] The lower loop is substantially larger than the upper loop, and the lower loop is connected to the upper loop at the two sides near the second segment to form two fulcrums. There is a gap between the upper loop and the lower loop at the second segment to form a pressing portion facing the second segment, so that when the pressing portion is subjected to force and approaches the lower loop downward, the first end will be pried up and away from the second end.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the annular body has a substantially uniform thickness in the vertical direction and a substantially rectangular cross-section along its entire length. In a more preferred embodiment, the annular body has a width perpendicular to the thickness when viewed from its rectangular cross-section, and the thickness is substantially less than the width.

[0011] In a more preferred aspect, the first end and the second end are constructed such that the first end overlaps the second end. In a more preferred aspect, the first end and the second end are constructed into a hook shape, each having a free end generally pointing to the second segment.

[0012] In a more preferred embodiment, the first end and the second end are partially spaced apart in the up-down direction, thereby defining a separation portion for inserting a buckle or a key. In a still more preferred embodiment, the first end and the second end are respectively bent outward at the separation portion for inserting a buckle or a key.

[0013] In a preferred aspect, the pressing portion is constructed such that the upper loop is partially bent upward and away from the lower loop.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the upper loop and the lower loop overlap each other at the second segment, so that the pivot points fall on the junction of the second segment and the two sides. In another preferred embodiment, the upper loop and the lower loop do not overlap each other at the second segment, so that the pivot points fall on the two sides.

[0015] In a preferred aspect, the two sides are substantially parallel to each other. In another preferred aspect, the two sides are substantially non-parallel to each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1A FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a buckle according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 1B FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of a buckle according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 1C FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of a buckle according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a buckle according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figures 3A to 3B FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a buckle according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figures 4A to 4D FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the insertion process of the buckle according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a buckle in use according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figures 6A to 6B FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a buckle according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a buckle in use according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Description of the figure number:

[0026] 1. Buckle

[0027] 10. Ring body

[0028] 11. First end

[0029] 111. Free end

[0030] 12. Side

[0031] 13. Upper circle

[0032] 14. Side

[0033] 15. Second end

[0034] 151. Free end

[0035] 16. Next circle

[0036] 21. First Section

[0037] 22. Second Section

[0038] 23. Fulcrum

[0039] 24. Fulcrum

[0040] 25. Pressing part

[0041] 26. Separation

[0042] 27. Gap

[0043] 30. Buckle

[0044] X, up and down direction

[0045] Y, horizontal direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Unless otherwise stated, the following terms used in this specification and each claim have the definitions given below. Please note that the singular terms "a" and "an" used in the specification and each claim of this case are intended to cover one and more than one of the items contained, such as at least one, at least two or at least three, and do not mean that there is only a single item contained. In addition, the open conjunctions such as "including", "having" and so on used in the claims of this case are to indicate the combination of elements or components recorded in the claims, and do not exclude other elements or components not stated in the claims. It should also be noted that the term "or" generally also includes "and / or" in meaning, unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "substantially" and "approximately" used in the specification and patent scope of this application are used to modify any errors that may vary slightly, but such slight changes will not change the essence of the invention.

[0047] Figures 1A to 1CIt is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention, showing that the buckle 1 has an annular body 10 made of elastic material. The term "elasticity" used in this case means that it will deform when subjected to force but will not be substantially broken or damaged and can substantially return to its original shape after no longer subjected to force. Materials with appropriate elasticity include but are not limited to plastics, metals, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the elastic material includes metal wires such as stainless steel, brass, zinc alloy, such as 304 type stainless steel. It is more preferred that the metal wire has a substantially constant thickness and a substantially rectangular cross-section, and can be made into the annular body 10 through existing metal die-casting, forging, cutting and electroplating processes. The annular body 10 is integrally formed, that is, it is made from a single wire. The annular body 10 has a substantially uniform thickness and a substantially rectangular cross-section along its entire length. Preferably, the thickness of the annular body 10 is between about 0.6 mm and about 1.0 mm. More preferably, the annular body 10 has a width perpendicular to its thickness when viewed from its rectangular cross-section, and the thickness is substantially smaller than the width, so that the annular body 10 retains elasticity in the up-down direction X after spiral winding.

[0048] like Figures 1A to 1C In the first embodiment shown, the annular body 10 is generally an elongated annular body that is spirally wound twice, extending from the first end 11 along the side 12 in a straight line, spirally winding downwards once and intersecting the side 12 to form an upper loop 13, and then spirally winding downwards, extending through another straight side 14 that is parallel to the side 12 and intersecting the upper loop 13, intersecting the first end 11 and ending at the second end 15, thereby forming a lower loop 16. The term "elongated" used in this case means that the length of the annular body 10 is significantly longer than its width, including but not limited to simple geometric configurations such as long rectangle, oval-shaped and oblong-shaped, and more complex long configurations. In this example, the lower loop 16 is generally an oblong, so that the annular body 10 is also generally an oblong when viewed from the outer contour. The annular body 10 has a first segment 21, a second segment 22 disposed opposite to the first segment 21, and two side edges 12, 14 connecting the first segment 21 and the second segment 22. Preferably, the long axis of the long elliptical configuration of the annular body 10 has a size in the range of 3 cm to 15 cm. The upper loop 13 and the lower loop 16 have substantially different sizes, and the two abut against each other at the intersection to form a fulcrum. Figure 1A and 1CAs shown, the upper loop 13 is generally circular, and the area enclosed by the lower loop 16 is substantially larger than the area enclosed by the upper loop 13. The upper loop 13 abuts against the lower loop 16 at the side edges 12 and 14 near the second segment 22 to form two fulcrums 23 and 24. There is a gap between the upper loop 13 and the lower loop 16 in the vertical direction X, so that a pressing portion 25 facing the second segment 22 is formed at the upper loop 13. Preferably, the pressing portion 25 is constructed by partially bending the upper loop 13 upward and away from the lower loop 16, so as to facilitate the user to press with a finger.

[0049] According to the present invention, the first end 11 and the second end 15 are constructed so that when the annular body 10 is not subjected to force, they abut against each other in the vertical direction X to form the first segment 21. When the pressing portion 25 close to the second segment 22 is subjected to force and approaches the lower loop 16 downward, the first end 11 located in the first segment 21 will be driven to move upward and away from the second end 15 (not shown) due to the existence of the fulcrums 23 and 24, thereby opening the originally closed first segment 21 to form an entry suitable for inserting items such as keys or buckles. When the pressing portion 25 is no longer subjected to force, because the annular body 10 is elastic, the first end 11 and the second end 15 return to their original positions and abut against each other. At this time, the first segment 21 is closed again to prevent the inserted key or buckle from being detached.

[0050] It is worth noting that, according to the above structure, the fulcrums 23 and 24 are configured to be close to the second segment 22, and relatively far away from the first end 11 and the second end 15 used to constitute the first segment 21. The longer the distance between the first segment 21 and the fulcrums 23 and 24, the larger the insertion opening generated after the force is applied to the pressing portion 25 to make the first end 11 leave the second end 15. In other words, in the buckle 1, the structural feature of the fulcrums 23 and 24 being far away from the first segment 21 cooperates with the elongated configuration of the lower loop 16 to produce the effect of enlarging the insertion opening when the pressing portion 25 is subjected to force. Furthermore, since the annular body 10 retains elasticity in the vertical direction X, when the buckle or key enters the insertion opening, the user can further enlarge the insertion opening by slightly twisting the buckle or key, making it easier to insert the buckle or key. In addition, since the upper loop 13 and the lower loop 16 have different sizes and configurations, and the first segment 21 is composed of the first end 11 and the second end 15, after the buckle or key enters the insertion opening defined by the first end 11 and the second end 15, it only needs to slide along the first segment 21 for less than 180 degrees to enter the lower loop 16 and be stably held. In contrast, in the existing key ring structure in which both the upper and lower loops are annular and have substantially the same size, since the upper and lower loops are roughly overlapped in the vertical direction, after the buckle or key enters the insertion opening, it must slide along the upper and lower loops for at least about 360 degrees to enter the double-layer ring structure and be held.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the buckle 1 of the present case, when the annular body 10 is not subjected to force, the first end 11 overlaps above the second end 15, and by making them jointly bear the weight of the inserted key and other items, the mechanical strength of the first segment 21 is enhanced so that it can be hung on an object such as a purse or a belt. It is worth noting that the first end 11 and the second end 15 of the annular body 10 bear the weight of the inserted item in the width direction. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment in which the width of the annular body 10 is substantially greater than its thickness, the first end 11 and the second end 15 have a good effect in bearing weight and are not easy to deform. It is more preferred that the first end 11 and the second end 15 are both constructed in a hook shape. The term "hook-shaped" used herein means that the first end 11 and the second end 15 are bent and have free ends 111, 151 that roughly point to the second segment 22 to provide additional mechanical strength to bear the weight of the inserted item. There is no limit to the number of bends, and the shapes of the first end 11 and the second end 15 can also vary. Figure 1A In the first embodiment shown, the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 15 are bent once to present an arc-shaped hook structure. Figure 2 In the second embodiment shown, the first end 11 and the second end 15 are bent twice. The bent portion may be chamfered to have a shape such as Figure 1A and Figure 2 The smooth shape shown may also be a pointed shape (not shown). The free ends 111, 151 may extend moderately toward the second segment 22, but they generally do not contact the upper loop 13 to avoid obstructing the entry of items into the sleeve.

[0052] The sides 12, 14 may be substantially parallel to each other, such as Figure 1A As shown, they may also be substantially non-parallel to each other, such as Figure 2 As shown, the side edges 12, 14 do not even necessarily extend in a straight line, but may be curved or irregularly shaped, as long as the upper loop 13 and the lower loop 16 abut against each other to form the fulcrums 23, 24, and the lever action along the fulcrums 23, 24 are not affected.

[0053] exist Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the third embodiment of the present invention shown, the first end 11 and the second end 15 of the buckle 1 abut against each other when no force is applied, but are partially separated in the vertical direction X, preferably at the bend of the first end 11 and the second end 15, thereby defining a separation portion 26 for inserting a buckle or a key. More preferably, the first end 11 and the second end 15 are respectively bent outward at the separation portion 26 to facilitate the insertion of the buckle or the key. By providing the separation portion 26, the buckle 1 of the present invention can be used in another way, such as Figures 4A-4D shown.

[0054] Figures 4A-4D The buckle 30 is taken as an example to illustrate the steps of using the buckle 1 of the present invention as follows. Figure 4A First, partially insert the buckle 30 into the separation portion 26, at which time the first end 11 and the second end 15 are not significantly stressed; Figure 4B , moving the buckle 30 along the separation portion 26 to the free end of the first end portion 11, where the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 15 are moved away from each other due to the force, and the hole of the buckle 30 is aligned with the free end of the first end portion 11; Figure 4C , twisting the buckle 30 to move the first end 11 and the second end 15 further apart, and inserting the buckle 30 into the free end of the first end 11; and Figure 4D , the buckle ring 30 is translated along the separation portion 26, so that the buckle ring 30 enters the lower loop 16 or even the upper loop 13, at which time the first end 11 and the second end 15 are no longer subjected to force and return to the original state of abutting each other. Figure 5 As shown, through the above insertion steps, the buckle 1 of the present invention can stably hold a plurality of buckles or keys, and even further hold more buckles or keys through these buckles. Moreover, the user does not need to press the pressing portion 25 to open the insertion entrance during operation, which increases the convenience of use.

[0055] Similar to the first and second embodiments, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the fulcrums 23, 24 are also close to the second segment 22, and relatively far away from the first end 11 and the second end 15 constituting the first segment 21. According to the lever principle, the longer the distance between the first segment 21 and the fulcrums 23, 24, the greater the Figure 4B and 4C The operation shown makes it possible to reduce the force required to separate the first end 11 from the second end 15. In other words, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the structural feature of the fulcrum 23, 24 being away from the first segment 21 cooperates with the elongated configuration of the lower loop 16 to produce a labor-saving synergy effect when the buckle or key is inserted into the separation portion 26.

[0056] exist Figures 1A to 1B The first embodiment shown, Figure 2 The second embodiment shown and Figures 3A to 3B In the third embodiment shown, the upper loop 13 is arranged to overlap the second segment 22, so that the supporting points 23 and 24 fall at the junction of the second segment 22 and the side edges 12 and 14. Figures 6A to 6BIn the fourth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 , the upper loop 13 can also be arranged not to overlap with the second segment 22, so that the supporting points 23 and 24 fall on the side edges 12 and 14, and a gap 27 is formed in the horizontal direction Y substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction X. In this example, since the upper loop 13 and the lower loop 16 do not overlap in the gap 27, more holding positions are provided compared to the first embodiment, and the use is more flexible, such as Figure 7 shown.

Claims

1. A double-layer spiral fastener, characterized in that: It contains: An integrally formed and elastic annular body, which spirally winds downward from a first end to form an upper loop, and then extends to intersect with the first end and terminates at a second end, thereby forming an elongated lower loop; The annular body has a first segment formed by the first end and the second end, a second segment opposite to the first segment, and two side edges connecting the first and second segments, and the first end and the second end are constructed to abut against each other in the vertical direction when the annular body is not subjected to force; and The lower loop is substantially larger than the upper loop, and the lower loop is connected to the upper loop at the two sides near the second segment to form two fulcrums. There is a gap between the upper loop and the lower loop at the second segment to form a pressing portion facing the second segment, so that when the pressing portion is subjected to force and approaches the lower loop downward, the first end will be pried up and away from the second end.

2. The double-layered screw fastener according to claim 1, characterized in that: The annular body has a substantially uniform thickness along its entire length and a substantially rectangular cross-section.

3. The double-layered screw fastener according to claim 2, characterized in that: The annular body has a width perpendicular to the thickness, and the thickness is substantially smaller than the width.

4. The double-layered screw fastener according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first end and the second end are constructed such that the first end overlaps the second end.

5. The double-layered screw fastener according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first end and the second end are constructed in a hook shape, and each has a free end roughly pointing to the second segment.

6. The double-layered screw fastener according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first end portion and the second end portion are partially spaced apart in the up-down direction, thereby defining a separation portion for inserting a buckle or a key.

7. The double-layered screw fastener according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first end portion and the second end portion are respectively bent outward at the separation portion.

8. The double-layered screw fastener according to claim 7, characterized in that: The pressing portion is constructed such that the upper loop is partially bent upward and away from the lower loop.

9. The double-layered screw fastener according to claim 5, characterized in that: The upper loop and the lower loop overlap each other at the second segment, so that the fulcrum falls at the junction of the second segment and the two side edges.

10. The double-layered screw fastener according to claim 5, characterized in that: The upper loop and the lower loop do not overlap each other at the second segment, so that the fulcrum falls on the two side edges.

11. The double-layered screw fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The two sides are substantially parallel to each other.

12. The double-layered screw fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The two sides are not substantially parallel to each other.

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