US20220015519A1

US20220015519A1 - Elastic hair clip

Info

Publication number: US20220015519A1
Application number: US16/928,338
Authority: US
Inventors: Kai-Mou Tsai
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-07-14
Filing date: 2020-07-14
Publication date: 2022-01-20

Abstract

A hair clip includes an elastic clip body frame having a base portion and first and second frame arms extended from the base portion and terminating in a respective free end portion, and one or two clamping arms extended from the base portion of the elastic clip body frame and suspending between the first and second frame arms. The width of each clamping arm gradually reduces from the root portion toward the free end. Subject to the gradually reducing width design of each clamping arm from the base portion toward the free end, two hair-clamping spaces are respectively defined between the first and second frame arms and the clamping arms for holding hair.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to hair accessories, and more particularly to an elastic hair clip that maintains excellent elastic grip and effectively prevents hair from slipping out.

2. Description of the Related Art

A conventional hair clip (1), as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, comprises an elongated clip body frame (11) and a clamping tongue (12) inwardly extended from one end of the elongated clip body frame (11) and suspending within the elongated clip body frame (11). The elongated clip body frame (11) is resilient and smoothly arched. When bending the two opposite ends of the elongated clip body frame (11) upward, the free end of the clamping tongue (12) is released from the elongated clip body frame (11) so that a hair-clamping space is defined between the clamping tongue (12) and the elongated clip body frame (11), as shown in FIG. 1A. When bending the middle part of the elongated clip body frame (11) upward, the clamping tongue (12) and the elongated clip body frame (11) are clamped together (see FIG. 1B) to secure hair.
FIGS. 1C and 1D illustrate another conventional design of hair clip. This design of hair clip is substantially similar to that shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B with the exception that the clamping tongue (12) has a longitudinal slot (122) on the middle.
The two conventional designs mentioned above only focus on the elastic strength of the clamping tongue (12), however, due to that the hair-clamping space between the clamping tongue (12) and the elongated clip body frame (11) is small and the two opposite lateral sides (121) of the clamping tongue (12) are straight, these two conventional designs cannot effectively prevent hair from slipping out. Simply relying on the elasticity of the clamping tongue (12) to clamp the hair cannot prevent the hair clip from falling off.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been accomplished under the circumstances in view. It is therefore the main object of the present invention to provide an elastic hair clip, which comprises an elastic clip body frame and at least one clamping arm. The elastic clip body frame comprises a base portion, and first and second frame arms. The first and second frame arms each have a fixed end and a free end. The fixed ends of the first and second frame arms are connected to the base portion. The free ends of the first and second frame arms each form a free end portion. Each clamping arm extends from the base portion and suspends between the first and second frame arms. The elastic clip body frame and the at least one clamping arm are integrally made of a flexible elastic material. The free end portion of the first and second frame arms are fastened together so that the elastic clip body frame exhibits an arched shape and can be elastically deformably bent between a released position where the free end of each clamping arm is kept apart from the first and second frame arms and a clamped position where the free end of each clamping arm is attached to the jointed free end portions of the first and second frame arms.
Furthermore, the fixed end of each clamping arm is a root portion connected to the base portion of the elastic clip body frame. The width of each clamping arm gradually reduces from the base portion toward the free end. Subject to the gradually reducing width design of each clamping arm from the base portion toward the free end, two hair-clamping spaces are respectively defined between the first and second frame arms of the elastic clip body frame and the at least one clamping arm for holding hair. The free end of each clamping arm terminates in an outer curved portion. When the at least one clamping arm and the first and second frame arms are elastically clamped together, the outer curved portion of each clamping arm effectively stop the hair from slipping out of the free end of each clamping arm. The free ends of the first and second frame arms are respectively terminated into a stop protrusion, and the stop protrusions of the first and second frame arms are fastened together by a fastening means and suspending between the outer curved portions of the at least one clamping arm, so that the connected stop protrusions of the first and second frame arms and the outer curved portions of the at least one clamping arm constitute a three-point stopping design to effectively stop the hair from slipping outward.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a released status of a hair clip according to the prior art.

FIG. 1B corresponds to FIG. 1A, showing a clamped state of the hair clip.

FIG. 1C illustrates a released status of another design of hair clip according to the prior art.

FIG. 1D corresponds to FIG. 1C, showing a clamped state of the hair clip.

FIG. 2A illustrates a released status of an elastic hair clip in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2B corresponds to FIG. 2A, showing a clamped state of the elastic hair clip.

FIG. 2C is a sectional side view of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D is a sectional side view of FIG. 2B.

FIG. 2E is a schematic top view, illustrating the elastic hair clip fastened to the hair.

FIG. 2F illustrates each clamping arm provided with an anti-slip wave portion.

FIG. 3 is an oblique top elevation of an alternate form of the elastic hair clip in accordance with the present invention, showing a wave-like center arm suspended between the two clamping arms.

FIG. 4A illustrates a different shape design of the elastic clip body frame of the elastic hair clip in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4B illustrates another different shape design of the elastic clip body frame of the elastic hair clip in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the present invention, illustrating a hair clip ornament used with the elastic hair clip.

FIG. 6A is a schematic top view of an alternate form of the elastic hair clip in accordance with the present invention, illustrating the single clamping arm provided with an anti-slip wave portion.

FIG. 6B is similar to the design of FIG. 6A, illustrating the single clamping arm provided with a center opening.

FIG. 6C illustrates the two opposite lateral sides of the clamping arm and the inner side of each of the first and second frame arms are continuously curved.

FIG. 7A is an oblique top elevation of another alternate form of the elastic hair clip in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a schematic top view, illustrating the elastic clip body frame and two clamping arms of the elastic hair clip of FIG. 7A clamped together.

FIG. 7C corresponds to FIG. 7A, illustrating the elastic clip body frame and the clamping arms continuously curved.

FIG. 7D illustrates an extended status of the elastic hair clip of FIG. 7A before bending.

FIG. 7E is a schematic top view of still another alternate form of the present invention, illustrating one clamping arm extended from one end of the solid plate-shaped the elastic clip body frame.

FIG. 8A is a schematic drawing of still another alternate form of the present invention, illustrating two clamping arms extended from one end of a solid and smoothly arched elastic clip body frame.

FIG. 8B corresponds to FIG. 8A, illustrating the clamping arms and the solid and smoothly arched elastic clip body frame bent into shape.

FIG. 8C is a schematic drawing of still another alternate form of the present invention, illustrating one single clamping arm extended from one end of a solid and smoothly arched elastic clip body frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an elastic hair clip in accordance with the present invention is shown. The elastic hair clip comprises an elastic clip body frame (2), and at least one, for example, two clamping arms (212). The elastic clip body frame (2) comprises a base portion (2111), and first and second frame arms (21) respectively and integrally extended from the base portion (2111) and respectively terminating in a respective free end portion (211). The clamping arms (212) are integrally extended from the base portion (2111) of the elastic clip body frame (2) and suspending between the first and second frame arms (21). The elastic clip body frame (2) and the two clamping arms (212) are integrally made of a flexible elastic material. The free end portions (211) of the first and second frame arms (21) are fastened together with fastening means (2112) so that the elastic clip body frame (2) exhibits a hollow arched shape and is elastically deformably bendable between a released position where the free ends of the two clamping arms (212) are kept apart from the jointed free end portions (211) of the first and second frame arms (21), as shown in FIG. 2C, and a clamped position where the free ends of the two clamping arms (212) are attached to the jointed free end portions (211) of the first and second frame arms (21), as shown in FIG. 2D.
The width of the clamping arms (212) gradually reduces from the base portion (2111) toward the free end, so that the relatively larger material width of the root portion (2122) of each of the two clamping arms (212) can maintain sufficient clamping force, thereby improving the clamping force of the clamping arms (212). Subject to the gradually reducing width design of each clamping arm (212) from the base portion (2111) toward the free end, two hair-clamping spaces (A) are respectively defined between the first and second frame arms (21) and the two clamping arms (212) for holding hair (B), as shown in FIG. 2E, improving hair-clamping stability. Furthermore, the free end of each clamping arm (212) is terminated into an outer curved portion (213), so that when the clamping arms (212) and the first and second frame arms (21) are elastically clamped together, the outer curved portions (213) of the two clamping arms (212) effectively stop the hair (B) from slipping out of the free ends of the two clamping arms (212). Furthermore, the free ends of the first and second frame arms (21) are respectively terminated into a stop protrusion (214), and the stop protrusions (214) of the first and second frame arms (21) are fastened together by the fastening means (2112) and suspending between the outer curved portions (213) of the two clamping arms (212). The connected stop protrusions (214) of the first and second frame arms (21) and the outer curved portions (213) of the two clamping arms (212) constitute a three-point stopping design to effectively stop the hair (B) from slipping outward, as shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E. Furthermore, each clamping arm (212) is configured to provide an anti-slip wave portion (2121), as shown in FIG. 2F. In an alternate form of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, the elastic hair clip further comprises a wave-like center arm (2123) integrally extended from the base portion (2111) of the elastic clip body frame (2) and suspending between the two clamping arms (212) to improve the anti-slip effect. Furthermore, the elastic clip body frame (2) can be variously shaped, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.
Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic hair clip further comprises a hair clip ornament (3) detachably fastened to the elastic clip body frame (2). The hair clip ornament (3) comprises two coupling holes (31) respectively disposed at two opposite ends of a bottom side thereof for coupling to the base portion (2111) of the elastic clip body frame (2) and the fastened free ends of the first and second frame arms (21) respectively, and a stop protrusion (33) downward protruded from one end of the center opening (32) thereof and suspending between the outer curved portions (213) of the two clamping arms (212). The stop protrusion (33) of the hair clip ornament (3) and the outer curved portions (213) of the two clamping arms (212) constitute a three-point stopping design to effectively stop the hair (B) from slipping outward.
Referring to FIG. 6A, in one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic hair clip comprises an elastic clip body frame (4) and one single clamping arm (412). The elastic clip body frame (4) comprises a base portion (4111), and first and second frame arms (41) integrally extended from the base portion (4111) and terminating in a respective free end portion (411). The clamping arm (412) is integrally extended from the base portion (4111) of the elastic clip body frame (4) and suspending between the two frame arms (41). The width of the clamping arm (412) gradually reduces from the base portion (4111) of the elastic clip body frame (4) toward the free end thereof, so that the relatively larger material width of the root portion (4122) of the clamping arm (412) can maintain sufficient clamping force, thereby improving the clamping force of the clamping arms (412). Subject to the gradually reducing width design of the clamping arm (412) from the base portion (4111) toward the free end, two hair-clamping spaces (A) are respectively defined between the first and second frame arms (21) and the two opposite sides of the clamping arm (412) for holding hair (B), improving hair-clamping stability. Furthermore, the free end of the clamping arm (412) is terminated into an outer curved portion (413), so that when the clamping arms (412) and the first and second frame arms (41) are elastically clamped together, the outer curved portions (413) of the clamping arm (412) effectively stop the hair (B) from slipping out of the free end of the clamping arm (412). Furthermore, the free ends of the first and second frame arms (41) are respectively terminated into a stop protrusion (414), and the stop protrusions (414) of the first and second frame arms (41) are fastened together and suspending between two outer curved portions (413) of the free end of the clamping arm (412). The connected stop protrusions (414) of the first and second frame arms (21) and the outer curved portions (413) of the clamping arms (412) constitute a three-point stopping design to effectively stop the hair (B) from slipping outward. Furthermore, the clamping arm (412) is configured to provide an anti-slip wave portion (4121). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6B, the clamping arm (412) can be configured to provide a center opening (4123), which can reduce the weight, but does not change the hair-clamping effect. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6C, the two opposite lateral sides of the clamping arm (412) and the inner side of each of the first and second frame arms (41) can be continuously curved to improve the anti-slip effect.
Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, in one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic hair clip comprises an elastic clip body frame (5), and two clamping arms (512) integrally extended from one end of the elastic clip body frame (5). The elastic clip body frame (5) comprises first and second frame arms (51) that have respective two opposite ends respectively fastened to each other. The elastic clip body frame (5) and the clamping arms (512) are integrally formed of one flat plate member and bent into shape. The width of the clamping arms (512) gradually reduces from the elastic clip body frame (5) toward the free end, so that the relatively larger material width of the root portion (5122) of each of the two clamping arms (512) can maintain sufficient clamping force, thereby improving the clamping force of the clamping arms (512).
Subject to the gradually reducing width design of each clamping arm (512) from the elastic clip body frame (5) toward the free end, two hair-clamping spaces (A) are respectively defined between the first and second frame arms (51) and the two clamping arms (512) for holding hair (B), improving hair-clamping stability. Furthermore, the free end of each clamping arm (512) is terminated into an outer curved portion (513), so that when the clamping arms (512) and the first and second frame arms (51) are elastically clamped together, the outer curved portions (513) of the two clamping arms (512) effectively stop the hair (B) from slipping out of the free ends of the two clamping arms (512). The elastic clip body frame (5) further comprises a stop protrusion (514) protruded from one end thereof remote from the two clamping arms (512). The stop protrusion (514) of the elastic clip body frame (5) and the outer curved portions (513) of the clamping arms (512) constitute a three-point stopping design to effectively stop the hair (B) from slipping outward. Furthermore, the clamping arms (512) are configured to provide a respective anti-slip wave portion (5121). Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D, the clamping arms (512) and the first and second frame arms (51) of the elastic clip body frame (5) can be continuously curved to improve the anti-slip effect.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7E, only one single clamping arm (52) is provided and extended from one end of the elastic clip body frame (5), and the clamping arm (52) has two outer curved portions (521) at the free end. When the clamping arm (52) and the first and second frame arms (51) of the elastic clip body frame (5) are elastically clamped together, the outer curved portions (521) of the clamping arm (512) effectively stop the hair (B) from slipping out of the free end of the clamping arm (512). The elastic clip body frame (5) further comprises a stop protrusion (514) protruded from one end thereof remote from the clamping arm (512). The stop protrusion (514) of the elastic clip body frame (5) and the outer curved portions (513) of the clamping arm (512) constitute a three-point stopping design to effectively stop the hair (B) from slipping outward.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the elastic hair clip comprises a solid and smoothly arched elastic clip body frame (6), and two clamping arms (61) extended from one end of the solid and smoothly arched elastic clip body frame (6) and bent into shape. The free end of each clamping arm (61) terminates in an outer curved portion (611). When the clamping arms (61) and the solid and smoothly arched elastic clip body frame (6) are elastically clamped together, the outer curved portions (611) of the clamping arms (61) effectively stop the hair (B) from slipping out of the free ends of the clamping arms (61).
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8C, the elastic hair clip comprises a solid and smoothly arched elastic clip body frame (6), and a clamping arm (62) extended from one end of the solid and smoothly arched elastic clip body frame (6) and bent into shape. The clamping arm (62) comprises two outer curved portions (621) at the free end thereof. When the clamping arm (62) and the solid and smoothly arched elastic clip body frame (6) are elastically clamped together, the outer curved portions (621) of the clamping arm (62) effectively stop the hair (B) from slipping out of the free end of the clamping arm (62).
In conclusion, the present invention provides an elastic hair clip design that maintains excellent elastic clamping force and effectively prevents hair (B) from slipping out.

Claims

What the invention claimed is:

1. An elastic hair clip, comprising an elastic clip body frame and two clamping arms, said elastic clip body frame comprising a base portion and first and second frame arms extended from said base portion and respectively terminating in a free end portion, said clamping arms being extended from said base portion of said elastic clip body frame and suspending between said first and second frame arms, each said clamping arm having a fixed and an opposing free end, the fixed end of each said clamping arm being a root portion connected to said base portion, said elastic clip body frame and said clamping arms being integrally made of a flexible elastic material, the free end portions of said first and second frame arms being fastened together, so that said elastic clip body frame exhibits a hollow arched shape and is elastically deformably bendable between a released position where the free ends of said clamping arms are kept apart from said first and second frame arms and a clamped position where the free ends of said clamping arms are attached to the jointed free end portions of said first and second frame arms, the width of each of said clamping arms gradually reducing from said base portion toward the free end of the respective said clamping arm, subject to the gradually reducing width design of each said clamping arm from said base portion toward the free end thereof, two hair-clamping spaces being respectively defined between said first and second frame arms and said two clamping arms for holding hair, the free end of each said clamping arm being terminated into an outer curved portion, so that when said clamping arms and said first and second frame arms are elastically clamped together, the said outer curved portions of said two clamping arms effectively stop the hair from slipping out of the free ends of said two clamping arms.

2. The elastic hair clip as claimed in claim 1, wherein the free ends of said first and second frame arms are respectively terminated into a stop protrusion and the said stop protrusions of said first and second frame arms are fastened together by a fastening means and suspending between the said outer curved portions of said two clamping arms, so that the connected said stop protrusions of said first and second frame arms and the said outer curved portions of said two clamping arms constitute a three-point stopping design to effectively stop the hair from slipping outward.

3. The elastic hair clip as claimed in claim 1, wherein each said clamping arm is configured to provide an anti-slip wave portion.

4. The elastic hair clip as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a wave-like center arm integrally extended from said base portion of said elastic clip body frame and suspending between said two clamping arms.

5. The elastic hair clip as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a hair clip ornament detachably fastened to said elastic clip body frame, said hair clip ornament comprising two coupling holes respectively disposed at two opposite ends of a bottom side thereof for coupling to said base portion of said elastic clip body frame and the fastened free ends of said first and second frame arms respectively, and a stop protrusion downward protruded from one end of a center opening thereof and suspending between the said outer curved portions of said two clamping arms, said stop protrusion of said hair clip ornament and the said outer curved portions of said two clamping arms constituting a three-point stopping design to effectively stop the hair from slipping outward.

6. The elastic hair clip as claimed in claim 1, wherein said flexible elastic material is selectively a metal, plastic or fiber material.

7. An elastic hair clip, comprising an elastic clip body frame and a clamping arm, said elastic clip body frame comprising a base portion and first and second frame arms extended from said base portion and respectively terminating in a free end portion, said clamping arm being extended from said base portion of said elastic clip body frame and suspending between said first and second frame arms, said clamping arm having a fixed and an opposing free end, the fixed end of said clamping arm being a root portion connected to said base portion, said elastic clip body frame and said clamping arm being integrally made of a flexible elastic material, the free end portions of said first and second frame arms being fastened together, so that said elastic clip body frame exhibits a hollow arched shape and is elastically deformably bendable between a released position where the free end of said clamping arm is kept apart from the jointed said free end portions of said first and second frame arms and a clamped position where the free end of said clamping arm is attached to the jointed said free end portions of said first and second frame arms, the width of said clamping arm gradually reducing from said base portion toward the free end thereof, subject to the gradually reducing width design of said clamping arm from said base portion toward the free end thereof, two hair-clamping spaces being respectively defined between said first and second frame arms and two opposite lateral sides of said clamping arm for holding hair, the free end of said clamping arm being provided with two outer curved portions, so that when said clamping arm and said first and second frame arms are elastically clamped together, the said outer curved portions of said clamping arm effectively stop the hair from slipping out of the free end of said clamping arm.

8. The elastic hair clip as claimed in claim 7, wherein the free ends of said first and second frame arms are respectively terminated into a stop protrusion, and the said stop protrusions of said first and second frame arms are fastened together and suspending between two outer curved portions of the free end of said clamping arm, the connected said stop protrusions of said first and second frame arms and said outer curved portions of said clamping arms constitute a three-point stopping design to effectively stop the hair from slipping outward.

9. The elastic hair clip as claimed in claim 7, wherein said clamping arm is configured to provide a center opening.

10. The elastic hair clip as claimed in claim 7, wherein the two opposite lateral sides of said clamping arm and an inner side of each of said first and second frame arms are continuously curved to improve the anti-slip effect.

11. The elastic hair clip as claimed in claim 7, wherein said flexible elastic material is selectively a metal, plastic or fiber material.

12. An elastic hair clip, comprising an elastic clip body frame, and two clamping arms integrally extended from one end of said elastic clip body frame, said elastic clip body frame comprising first and second frame arms that have respective two opposite ends respectively fastened to each other, each said clamping arm having a fixed and an opposing free end, the fixed end of each said clamping arm being a root portion connected to said elastic clip body frame, said elastic clip body frame and said clamping arms being integrally formed of one flat plate member and bent into shape, the width of said clamping arms gradually reducing from said elastic clip body frame toward the free end, the free end of each said clamping arm being terminated into an outer curved portion, so that when said clamping arms and said elastic clip body frame are elastically clamped together, the said outer curved portions of said two clamping arms effectively stop the hair from slipping out of the free ends of said two clamping arms.

13. The elastic hair clip as claimed in claim 12, wherein said elastic clip body frame further comprises a stop protrusion protruded from one end thereof remote from said two clamping arms, so that when said elastic clip body frame and said two clamping arms are clamped together, said stop protrusion of said elastic clip body frame and said outer curved portions of said clamping arms constitute a three-point stopping design to effectively stop the hair from slipping outward.

14. The elastic hair clip as claimed in claim 12, wherein said two clamping arms are integrally connected sided by side, so that when said elastic clip body frame and the integrally connected said clamping arms are clamped together, said stop protrusion of said elastic clip body frame and said outer curved portions of the integrally connected said clamping arms constitute a three-point stopping design to effectively stop the hair from slipping outward.

15. The elastic hair clip as claimed in claim 12, wherein said elastic clip body frame is a solid and smoothly arched elastic clip body frame, and said clamping arms are integrally extended from one end of said solid and smoothly arched elastic clip body frame.

16. The elastic hair clip as claimed in claim 15, wherein said two clamping arms are integrally connected sided by side, said solid and smoothly arched elastic clip body frame and said two clamping arms being integrally formed of one flat plate member and bent into shape.