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1. Fields of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improved hair clip structure, and more particularly to a structure that provides an even and stable clamping force. Meanwhile, a convenient, durable and appealing effect of the hair clip can be achieved.
2. Description of the Related Art
As shown in FIG. 6, a popular hair clip of the prior art includes two clamping portions 10, 11 with corresponding projecting ears 12 for receiving a conventional torsional spring 13. A clamping force created by two legs 14, 15 of the torsional spring 13 acts on the clamping portions 10, 11. Of course, the above-mentioned conventional structure provides many economic and convenient advantages. However, the torsional spring 13 has restricted service life. Meanwhile, many problems like loosening, inclination and slip-away of the hair clip are often caused in use either by insufficient clamping force of the torsional spring 13 or by uneven force applied to the legs 14, 15 that is attributed to many factors like improper production process, material, assembly, operation, or unexpected external force application.
In view of the foregoing shortcomings of the prior art, the inventor of the present invention based on years of experience in the related industry to conduct extensive researches and experiments, and finally invented a hair clip structure in accordance with the present invention.
It is a primary object of the invention to provide a hair clip structure that employs a ring spring to completely change the shape of the conventional elastic piece, thereby providing a completely new appearance different from the conventional design. In addition to the convenient assembly advantage, a wider force-applying surface is available. In this way, the problems of the conventional hair clips can be avoided. Moreover, the service life the hair clip can be prolonged.
According to the invention, a groove is formed slightly above the projecting ears of the left and right clamping portions, respectively, such that the ring spring is positioned against the external side of the grooves when the ring spring is forced in an open position. Accordingly, a resilient force created by the ring spring may act upon both of the left and right clamping portions, thereby forming a proper inward clamping force.
The accomplishment of this and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description and its accompanying drawings of which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment according to the present invention after assembly;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment according to FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a side view of the preferred embodiment according to FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is another side view of movements of the preferred embodiment according to FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment according to the present invention after assembly;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a conventional hair clip structure.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a hair clip in accordance with the invention includes a left clamping portion 20, a right clamping portion 30, a positioning pin 40, and a ring spring 50. The internal side of the left and right clamping portions 20, 30 is provided with a pair of projecting ears 22, 32 near the center of the upper portion for a pivotal connection. The projecting ears 22, 32 include pin holes 24, 34 for the insertion of the positioning pin 40. A groove 26, 36 is formed slightly above the projecting ears 22, 32 of the left and right clamping portions 20, 30, respectively, such that the ring spring 50 is positioned against the external side of the grooves 26, 36 when the ring spring 50 is forced in an open position. In this way, a resilient force created by the ring spring 50 may act upon both of the left and right clamping portions 20, 30, thereby forming a proper inward clamping force.
As shown in FIG. 5, the ring spring 54 is bent in a polygonal shape for increasing the resilient force.
In summation of the above description, the present invention herein enhances the performance than the conventional structure and further complies with the patent application requirements and is submitted duly for the patent application.
While the invention has been described by means of specific embodiments, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention set forth in the claims.