WO2005025371A1

WO2005025371A1 - Hair grip with a connection working in elongation

Info

Publication number: WO2005025371A1
Application number: PCT/EP2004/051790
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hilaire Coral; Jean-Pierre Veiniere
Original assignee: Art C.D. S.A.R.L.
Priority date: 2003-09-15
Filing date: 2004-08-13
Publication date: 2005-03-24
Also published as: JP4644199B2; RU2360586C2; JP2007505646A; RU2006108535A

Abstract

The invention relates to a hair grip, comprising two jaws (1,3), articulated about a joint (61,62; 81, 8254; 29), for relative displacement into an open or closed position and a connection (11, 12), joining each jaw to exert a return force by a deformation in elongation against the displacement of the two jaws from the closed position to the open position, in order to return the two jaws to the closed position. According to the invention, the joint is provided with a passage to permit the connection (11, 12) to cross the joint once the two jaws are displaced from the closed position to exert a return force for returning the two jaws to the open position. The connection (12) is preferably housed in two joint supports (131, 151), fixed to the jaws by two feet (133,153), joined together by two heads (135,155), extending in a joint direction (A), above the feet (133,153), to mask the connection (12) in the closed position.

Description

Description HAIR CLIP WITH AN ELONGATED WORKING LINK

Technical area

The invention relates to a hair clip more particularly comprising two articulated claws to be moved relative to each other in an open position or in a closed position and a link connecting each claw to exert a restoring force by deforming in elongation against the displacement of the two claws from the closed position to the open position in order to return the two claws to the closed position.

State of the art

A clothespin having an analogy with this type of hair clip is known from GB 829 677. The link is constituted by a helical spring with contiguous turns. Each claw is provided with a blind hole, part of which is threaded to receive by screwing each end of the helical spring. In this arrangement, the spring is concealed by the two claws. Screwing one end of the coil spring into one of the two claws is simple. However, screwing the opposite end into the other claw appears more complicated, since screwing is no longer possible when the two claws are close enough to each other to articulate around them an axis of articulation. This is the reason why it appears necessary, according to this document, to screw the second claw on the opposite end of the coil spring while exerting a traction on this coil spring to keep the two claws apart from each other. until the screwing is completely done, then release the traction to bring the two claws one in contact with the other and assemble them around the hinge pin. It thus appears that the mounting of the pliers The laundry described in this document is relatively complicated and requires a knack.

The establishment of the link appears much simpler in a hair clip known from document US 2641266. The link is formed by a rubber ribbon closed on itself. It is mounted around the two claws while being disposed on the side opposite the two lever arms of each claw with respect to the articulation. However, in this arrangement, the link is visible and in addition exerts the restoring force in any open position of the hair clip. In other words, it is necessary to exert a relentless effort on the lever arms to maintain the hair clip in the open position. This may result in some discomfort for a user, all the more marked as the amplitude of opening of the hair clip is greater.

Disclosure of invention

One of the objects of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks which have just been explained.

To this end, the invention relates to a hair clip comprising two claws articulated by a joint to be moved relative to each other in an open position or in a closed position and a link connecting each claw to exert a restoring force by deforming in elongation against the displacement of the two claws from the closed position to the open position in order to recall the two claws in the closed position, characterized in that the articulation is provided with passage to allow the link to cross the articulation when the two claws are moved from the closed position to the open position to exert a restoring force tending to return the two claws to the open position. When the link has passed through the joint, the restoring force which it exerts on the two claws keeps them in a stable open position. This allows a user to prepare the installation of the hair clip, by opening it in the stable open position. By this arrangement, it is no longer necessary to provide lever arms.

The invention also relates to a hair clip comprising two claws articulated to be moved relative to each other in an open position or in a closed position and a taut link between the claws for exert a restoring force by deforming in elongation against the displacement of the two prongs from the closed position to the open position in order to return the two prongs to the closed position, characterized in that the two prongs are provided with holes through which the link is introduced by a free end to be fixed to the two claws by fixing means.

The holes make it possible to introduce a free end of the link and then to fix it to the two claws while the latter are articulated with respect to each other and pressing one against the other in the position of closing the hair clip. This results in a simplification of the tensioning of the link. In addition, the tight link between the two claws is hidden by the joint, especially in the closed position of the hair clip.

The invention finally extends to a hair clip comprising two claws articulated by a joint to be moved relative to each other in an open position or in a closed position and a closed link on itself exerting a restoring force by deforming in elongation against the displacement of the two claws from the closed position to the open position in order to recall the two claws in the closed position, characterized in that the link is received by two articulation supports integral with the claws by two bases and articulated by two heads which extend in a direction of articulation beyond the bases to conceal the link in the closed position.

Brief description of the drawings

Other advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description of the embodiments illustrated below by the drawings.

Figures 1 to 3 show a hair clip according to a first embodiment of the invention respectively in profile view, in the closed position and in the open position and in rear view, in the closed position. The clamp illustrated by these figures has an axis, lever arms in one piece with the claws and a link arranged relative to the claws to undergo additional deformation in the open position.

Figures 4 to 6 correspond to Figures 1 to 3 above for a clamp distinguished by lever arms reported on the claws.

Figures 7 to 9 correspond to previous figures 1 to 3 for a clamp distinguished by a cylindrical connection with elastic clamping.

Figures 10 to 12 correspond to Figures 1 to 3 for a clamp distinguished by a link arranged relative to the claws to clamp the hair of the user in the closed position.

Figures 13 to 15 correspondenâux FigureslO to 12 for a clamp distinguished by the removal of the lever arms.

Figures 16 to 18 show a hair clip according to the second embodiment of the invention respectively in profile view, in the closed position and in the open position and in rear view, in the closed position. The clamp illustrated by these figures has a joint with two axes and a link passing through the joint by the passage created between the two axes to stabilize the clamp in the open position. Figures 19 to 21 correspond to Figures 16 to 18 for a clamp distinguishing by an articulation with two cylindrical connections.

Figures 22 to 24 correspond to Figures 16 to 18 for a clamp distinguished by a double articulation with two pairs of coaxial axes carried by an articulation piece.

Figure 25 is an enlargement of Figure 24.

Figure 26 is a sectional view in detail of a method of fixing the link to the claws of the hair clip according to the first or second embodiment of the invention.

Figures 27 and 28 show respectively in top view and in section a second method of fixing the link to the claws of the hair clip according to the first or second embodiment of the invention.

Figures 29 to 33 show a hair clip according to a third embodiment of the invention, respectively in profile view, in the closed position and in the open position, in rear view in the closed position, in top view in the open position and one of the claws constituting the clamp, seen from above. The clamp illustrated by these figures has a hinge pin, one-piece lever arms with the claws and a link closed on itself arranged relative to the claws to clamp the hair of the user in the closed position .

Figures 34 to 38 show a hair clip according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, respectively in profile view, in the closed position and in the open position, in rear view in the closed position, in top view in the open position and one of the claws constituting the clamp, seen from above. The clamp illustrated by these figures has a hinge pin and a link closed on itself passing through the hinge to stabilize the clamp in the open position. Figure 39 shows an example of execution of a clamp comprising a skeleton and two shells.

Mode (s) of Carrying Out the Invention

Referring to Figures 1 to 24 and 29 to 37, a hair clip comprises two claws 1 and 3 articulated to be moved relative to each other in an open position.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, Figures 1 to 15, a link 11 is fixed on the claws 1 and 3 and is stretched between them to exert a restoring force by deforming in elongation against displacement of the two claws 1 and 3 in order to return them to a closed position.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the two claws 1 and 3 are articulated by an axis 5 carried by two supports' axis 13 and 15 each secured to a claw and are moved through lever arms 7 and 9 each secured to a claw. The link 11 is fixed to each claw 1 or 3 and stretched on the side opposite to the lever arms 7 and 9 with respect to the axis 5 without it being necessary to pass it through slots formed in these lever arms. This results in a simplification for arranging the lever arms relative to the claws.

The link 11 is provided with bulges 17 and 19 to be received in notches 21 and 23 formed in the claws 1 and 3. The link is put in place by compressing the bulges 7 and 19 to introduce them through sections of passage 22 and 24, in other words holes, opening into the notches 21 and 23. The bulges 17 and 19 are understood for example to be a wedge or a bead formed at one or both ends of the link 11.

To facilitate the compression of the bulges 17 and 19 during their introduction through the holes 22 and 24, provision is made to form recesses in the bulges, for example slots or cavities. It is also planned, FIGS. 27 and 28, to set up the link through the holes without compressing the bulges but simply by rotating the link 11 in the notches 21 and 23 in order to arrange the bulges 17 and 19 in abutment against the notches 21 and 23 in a direction where the holes 22 and 24 are narrower than in the direction of introduction of the bulges through these holes.

The holes 22 and 24 may also each include a first section adapted to the passage of the bulges of the link 11 and a second section narrower than the swellings 17 and 19 for last reteniices relative to the claws 1 and 3.

Preferably, only one end of the link 11 is provided with a bulge 21 to allow the opposite end to be introduced into the passage sections 22 and 24 of the notches 21 and 23 without the need to compress this opposite end . The fixing of this end of the link 11 is then ensured by a fixing means 26, for example a U-shaped piece, for example metallic, engaging on this end to block the link 11 in the corresponding notch 19. It is also planned to fix the link to each claw using a U-shaped piece engaged with each of the two ends of the link to retain it in each of the corresponding notches. This method of attaching the link is illustrated by FIGS. 10 to 25, the latter figure showing in detail the arrangement of the U-shaped part engaged with one end of the link. Other fixing parts than a U-shaped part are also suitable for fixing the link 11 on each of the claws 1 and 3 of the hair clip, in particular a metal pinching piece or a staple.

The link 11 introduced into the passage sections 22 and 24 of the claws 1 and 3 can also be fixed to the latter by a key inserted into a hole in the link or by notches formed on one end of the link 11 and received in corresponding notches formed in the passage sections 22 and 24. It is also planned to fix the link emerging from the passage sections by gluing or welding it to the two claws 1 and 3.

The link 11 disposed on the side opposite the lever arms 7 and 9 relative to the hinge axis 5 is concealed by the axis supports 13 and 15 in the closed position in particular, as clearly visible in Figure 3 Finally, the elongation deformation of the link 11 is accompanied by a restoring force exerted symmetrically with respect to the hinge axis 5 on each claw 1 or 3.

The hair clip illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6 differs from that described above in that the lever arms 71 and 91 are attached to the claws 1 and 3.

Preferably, the lever arms 71 and 91 are attached to the claws by elastic pinching of lugs 25 and 27 in notches and advantageously in notches 21 and 23 provided for receiving the elastic link 1 1. By celagencement, concealed means for fixing the link received in these notches and thus adding to the aesthetic nature of the hair clip.

The hair clip illustrated in Figures 7 to 9 differs from those described above in that the joint is here formed of a cylindrical connection 51. In the illustrative example, a first cylinder 53 protrudes from one of the axle supports 13 from one of the two claws 1 and is inserted into a second cylinder 55 formed in the hollow in the other axle support 15 of the other claw3. Preferably, the protruding cylinder 53 integral with one 13 of the axis supports of one of the two claws 1 is inserted by elastic pinching in the second cylinder 55 formed hollow in the other axis support 15 of the 'other claw 3. This arrangement makes it possible to quickly and simply assemble the two claws of the hair clip. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the link 11 is arranged so as to undergo an additional deformation in elongation from the axis supports 13 and 15 as lesdeux claws move in the open position, Figure 2, 5 or 8. By this arrangement, the elongation deformation is increased to exert a restoring force of the two claws in the larger closed position.

The hair clip illustrates by Figures 10 to 12 is distinguished from the clip described in Figures 1 to 9 in that the link 11 is arranged relative to the claws 1 and 3 so as to clamp the hair of the user in the closed position. As can be seen in the figures, the link is placed approximately at equal distance from the claws on the one hand and from the joint on the other hand to clamp hair between the link and the claws in the closed position. By this arrangement, it increases the holding of the clamp on the hair.

The hair clip illustrated from Figures 13 to 15 is distinguished from the clip described in Figures 10 to 12 in that the lever arms have been removed.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, illustrated by Figures 16 to 24, the two claws 1 and 3 are articulated by two coaxial axes 61 and 62 or by two coaxial cylindrical connections 81 and 82 to provide between them or between them, a passage allowing the Iien11, when the two claws are moved from the closed position to the open position, to cross between the coaxial axes or between the two coaxial cylindrical connections to exert a restoring force tending to return the two prongs in the open position.

In other words, the articulation formed by the two coaxial axes or the two coaxial cylindrical connections allows the link to pass through the articulation perpendicular to the direction of articulation of the two coaxial axes or of the two coaxial cylindrical connections when the clamp is opened to stabilize the clamp in the open position, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 21.

By this arrangement, the clamp is held in the open position by the link to allow the user to better place it on her hair. Once the installation has been carried out, the user can easily close the clamp in the closed position.

It is planned to articulate the two claws by an articulation piece carrying two pairs of coaxial axes or two pairs of cylindrical connections. Such an embodiment applies both to the first and to the second embodiment.

For application to the second embodiment, Figures 22 to 24, the two claws 1 and 3 are articulated by means of an articulation piece 29 carrying a first pair of coaxial axes61, 62 for articulate one 1 of the two clamps and a second pair of coaxial axes 63, 64 to articulate the other clamp 3. The two pairs are arranged on the articulation piece so as to allow the link 11 to cross the two axes of each pair to, figure 23, stabilize the clamp in the open position. Each of the articulation axes 61 to 64 is forcibly mounted in bores 28 of two axis supports 32 and 34 of the articulation piece 29 and of the axis supports 13 and 15 of the two claws. 32 and 24 of the articulation piece 29 are housed in corresponding housings ^ and 14 formed in the axle supports 13 and 15 of the two claws 1 and 3.

For application to the first embodiment, the articulation piece carries two parallel axes, each dedicated to the articulation of one of the two claws. In the open position, the link comes into contact with the two parallel axes carried by the articulation part to undergo an additional deformation in elongation.

The axis or cylindrical connection supports 13 and 15 described in the first embodiment also apply to the second embodiment. In particular, in the stable open position, Figure 18, 21 or 23, the two axle supports 13 and 15 each secured to a claw 1 or 3 are in abutment against one another or in abutment against the intermediate articulation piece 29. Likewise, the cylindrical connection 51 described in the first embodiment also applies to the two coaxial cylindrical connections 81 and 82 of the second embodiment. In particular, each cylindrical connection 51, 81, 82 comprises a first cylinder 53, 83 secured to one of the two claws and projecting to be inserted by elastic pinching in a second cylinder 55, 85 formed hollow in the other claw. 3 or in the intermediate articulation part 29.

According to a third embodiment of the invention, illustrated by Figures 29 to 33, the two claws 1 and 3 are articulated by an axis 5. A link 12 closed on itself connects the two claws to exercise a restoring force by deforming in elongation against the displacement of the two claws relative to the hinge pin 5 from the closed position illustrated in FIG. 29 to the open position illustrated by FIG. 30 in order to recall the two claws in the closed position.

The claws are moved by means of lever arms 7 and 9 each secured to a claw.

The link 12 closed suriui itself connects the two claws by being received by notches 18,20formées dansdeux articulation supports 131, 151, which are integral claws 1, 3 pardeux bases 133, 153 and articulated by two heads 135, 155 which s '' extend in direction hinge A beyond the basesl 33, 153 pouidissimuler leϋen 12 in the closed position, figure31.

As shown in Figures 31, 32 and 33 the articulation axis is inserted in the direction of articulation A in hinge elements 137,157 fixed or integrated with the heads 135,155 of articulation supports 1 3 1, 1 5 1 .

Preferably, the link 12 is arranged relative to the claws 1 and 3 so as to clamp the hair of the user in the closed position. Thus, the notches 18,20 are formed, Figure 30, at one end of the base 133, 153 dessupportsd'articulatiorl 31, 151, forming a junction with each claw to move the link 12 away from the axis of articulationδ.

On the contrary, to obtain an additional deformation of the link 12 in the open position, provision is made to form notches 14, 16 at one end of the base 133, 153 dessupportsd'articulatiorl 31, 151. Forming a junction with each head 135, 155 these articulation supports for bringing the link 12 into contact with the articulation axis 5 in the open position.

In this third embodiment, two heads 135, 155 of the articulation supports 131, 151 can also be articulated by a cylindrical connection or by a double articulation by means of an articulation piece as described above for the first and second embodiment and more particularly illustrated by FIGS. 22 to 25. The claws can be provided with integrated or attached lever arms.

According to a fourth embodiment of the invention, illustrated by Figures 34 to 38, the two claws 1 and 3 are articulated by a hinge pin 54. A link 12 closed suilui itself connects the two claws to exert a restoring force by deforming in elongation against the displacement of the two claws 1 and 3 relative to the hinge pin 54 from the closed position illustrated in FIG. 34 to the open position illustrated by FIG. 35 in order to recall the two claws 1 and 3 in the closed position.

As shown in Figures 34 and 35, the hinge pin 54 is inserted into hinge elements 138,158 fixed to the articulation supports 131, 151 each secured to the claws 1 and 3. One of the elements of hinge of each support is provided with a light 52,56 to allow the link 12, when the claws are moved from the closed position, figure 34, to the open position, figure 35, to cross the articulation axis 54 coming to be housed in the recesses 52,56 to exert a restoring force tending to return the two claws in the open position. Here again, the link 12 crosses the articulation perpendicular to the axis of articulation A. Preferably, the openings 52, 56 only open on one side and are closed on an opposite side by a veil 50 to conceal the Iieπ12.

Preferably, the link 12 farm itself connects the two claws being received by notches 18.20 formed in the two articulatiotβl supports, 1 51 Jesquelssont integral claws 1, 3 pardeux bases 133, 153et articulated paid two heads 135,155 which extend in the direction of articulation A beyond the bases 133,153 to conceal the link 12 in the closed position, figure 36. A small fraction of the link 12 remains visible through the lights 52,56 which can be reduced to increase the concealment of the link.

Preferably also, the link 12 is arranged relative to claws 1 and 3 so as to clamp the hair of the user in the closed position. Thus, the notches 18, 20 are formed, FIG. 38, at a end of the articulation supports 131, 151, forming a junction with each claw to move the link 12 away from the articulation axis B.

The hinge pin 54 provided for the clamp according to the fourth embodiment of the invention can be replaced by a cylindrical connection of the type which has been described for example for the first and second modes of execution of the invention. Similarly, an articulation piece of the type described in connection with these embodiments also applies to a clamp according to this fourth embodiment by adapting it to form the lateral lights necessary to allow the link 12 closed on itself to cross, during the opening of the clamp, two axes or two cylindrical connections carried by this articulation piece in order to stabilize the clamp in this open position.

It should be noted that the clamp described in the various embodiments of the invention where the lever arms have been removed can be considered as a skeleton on which it is advantageously possible to have a shell serving for example for lever arm or used to completely conceal the elastic link, in particular in the fourth embodiment described above. FIG. 39 gives an example of execution of a clamp comprising a skeleton in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the invention and two shells mounted respectively on the claws 1 and 3.

The link, closed or not closed on itself, is flat or cylindrical and made of an elastomeric material, for example a rubber or a polyurethane. Preferably, this material has a Shore A hardness of between 60 and 90 units.

In one embodiment of the invention not shown, it is planned to replace the link made of elastomeric material by a helical spring fixed by its ends on each claw. The coil spring can also be closed on itself in a loop.

The hair clip according to the invention is manufactured for example by injection of thermoplastic material, the lever arms, if present, being in one piece or not with the claws. It is also planned to manufacture it by machining and thermoforming.

The hair clip according to the invention makes it possible to arrange the claws or the lever arms with greater freedom to give arbitrary aesthetic shapes to the claws or arms and thus to multiply the possibilities of models. In a particular arrangement, the link is advantageously used to clamp the hair against the claws and thus improve the holding of the clamp on the wearer's hair. In another arrangement, the link advantageously crosses the joint to stabilize the clamp in the open position and thus increase the ease of positioning while removing the lever arms from the claws. Combined with the concealment of the link, especially in the closed position, the hair clip according to the invention has a high aesthetic value.

Claims

claims

1. Hair clip comprising two claws (1, 3) articulated by an articulation (61, 6? 81, 8? 54; 29) to be moved relative to each other in an open position or in a position of closure and a link (11, 12) connecting each claw to exert a restoring force by deforming in elongation against the displacement of the two claws from the closed position to the open position in order to recall the two claws in the position of closure, characterized in that the articulation is provided with a passage to allow the link (11, 12) to pass through the articulation that the two claws are moved from the closed position to the open position to exert a tending restoring force to recall the two prongs in the open position.

2. Hair clip according to claim 1, characterized in that the two claws (1, 3) are articulated by two coaxial axes (61, 62), by two coaxial cylindrical connections (81, 82) or by an axis (54) or a cylindrical connection provided with two openings (52,56) formed on either side of the axis (54) or of the cylindrical connection to allow the link 11, 12) to cross between the two coaxial axes or between the two coaxial cylindrical connections or to cross the articulation axis (54) or the cylindrical connection while moving in the openings (52,56).

3. Hair clip comprising two claws (1, 3) articulated by a joint (5,51,29) to be moved relative to each other in an open position or in a closed position and a link (11 ) stretched between them to exert a restoring force by deforming in elongation against the displacement of the two prongs from the closed position to the open position in order to return the two prongs to the closed position, characterized in that the two prongs (1, 3) are provided with holes (22,24) through lesquelëe link (11) is introduced by a free end to be fixed to the two claws by fixing means.

4. Hair clip according to claim 3, characterized in that the fixing means are constituted by bulges (17.19) or descrans formed at the free end of the I ie

1 1).

5. Hair clip according to claim 3, characterized in that the fixing means are constituted by an insert coming into engagement with the endϋbre of the lierai 1).

6. Hair clip comprising two claws (1, 3) articulated by a joint (5,54,29) to be moved relative to each other in an open position or in a closed position and a link (12) closed on itself exerting a restoring force by deforming in elongation against the displacement of the two prongs from the closed position to the open position in order to return the two prongs to the closed position, characterized in that that the link is received by two articulation supports (131, 151 Coudai remains griffeφar deux base ^ l 33, 153) and articulated between them by two heads (135,155) which extend in a direction of articulation (A), au- beyond the bases (133,153) to conceal the link (12) in the closed position.

7. Hair clip according to claim 1, 3 or 6, characterized in that the two claws (1, 3) are articulated by means of a hinge part (29) carrying a first axis (61), a first cylindrical link (81) or a first pair of coaxial axes (61, 62) or cylindrical link (81, 82) to articulate one (1) of the two claws and a second axis (63), a second link cylindrical (83) or a second pair of coaxial axes (63,64) or cylindrical connections (83,84) to articulate the other claw (3).

8. Hair clip according to claim 3 or 6, characterized in that the link (1 1, 12) is arranged so as to undergo an additional deformationen elongation in contact with the joint (5,51,54,29) as the ferret moves in the open position.

9. Hair clip according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 6, caracteriseeen that the two claws (1, 3) are moved by means of two lever arms (7,9; 71,91) each secured to a claw and arranged on the side opposite the link with respect to the joint. 1 A hair clip according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 6, characterized in that the link (1 1, 12) is offset towards the claws (1, 3) over the joint to clamp hair against the claws in the closed position .