U.S. patent application number 12/083172 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-10 for pin-retained clip.
Invention is credited to Hisajiro Hashimoto.
Application Number | 20090300886 12/083172 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37942448 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090300886 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hashimoto; Hisajiro |
December 10, 2009 |
Pin-Retained Clip
Abstract
A fastener including a pin holder and a pin in which is provided
a holding portion in a leading extreme portion vicinity, wherein
the pin holder, by bend forming a central portion of a longitudinal
direction of a thin plate-like spring material, is formed to have a
triangular side view shape formed by an apex and a pair of
inclining portions on either side thereof and, as well as providing
a pin holder hole for inserting a pin in the apex, a pair of
holding members, of a length such as to lock onto the holding
portion of the pin inserted into the pin holder hole, protrude from
a peripheral portion of a longitudinal direction in the pin holder
hole, in the same direction as the inclining portions. According to
this invention, a pin holder type fastener with a small pin
insertion force but a large pin extraction force, with which
moreover it is possible to end a pinning condition with an easy
operation, is provided.
Inventors: |
Hashimoto; Hisajiro;
(Aichi-ken, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JORDAN AND HAMBURG LLP
122 EAST 42ND STREET, SUITE 4000
NEW YORK
NY
10168
US
|
Family ID: |
37942448 |
Appl. No.: |
12/083172 |
Filed: |
October 7, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
October 7, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2005/018915 |
371 Date: |
May 21, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44B 9/08 20130101; A44D
2201/06 20130101; Y10T 24/1365 20150115; A44D 2201/02 20130101;
A44B 9/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/13 |
International
Class: |
A44B 6/00 20060101
A44B006/00; A44B 21/00 20060101 A44B021/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 7, 2005 |
JP |
PCT/JP2005/018915 |
Claims
1. A fastener comprising: a pin holder; and a pin in which is
provided a holding portion formed by a peripheral groove, a
depressed portion or a protruding portion in a leading extreme
portion vicinity, the fastener holding the pin by locking a holding
member of the pin holder onto the holding portion of the pin, and
ending a pinning condition by causing the holding member to
withdraw from the holding portion, wherein the pin holder, by bend
forming a central portion of a longitudinal direction of a thin
plate-like spring material into an acute angle or an arc, is formed
to have a triangular side view shape formed by an apex and a pair
of inclining portions on either side thereof, as well as providing
a pin holder hole for inserting a pin in the apex, a pair of the
holding members, of a length such as to lock onto the holding
portion of the pin inserted into the pin holder hole, protrude from
a peripheral portion of a longitudinal direction in the pin holder
hole, in the same direction as the inclining portions, and
furthermore, by bend forming longitudinal direction extreme
portions of the pair of inclining portions in a direction along a
bottom edge of the triangular side view shape, stoppers are formed
against a pinning condition ending operation which causes an
elastic compression deformation of the triangular side view shape
of the pin holder.
2. A fastener comprising: a pin holder; and a pin in which is
provided a holding portion formed by a peripheral groove, a
depressed portion or a protruding portion in a leading extreme
portion vicinity, the fastener holding the pin by locking a holding
member of the pin holder onto the holding portion of the pin, and
ending a pinning condition by causing the holding member to
withdraw from the holding portion, wherein the pin holder, by bend
forming a central portion of a longitudinal direction of a thin
plate-like spring material into an acute angle or an arc, is formed
to have a triangular side view shape formed by an apex and a pair
of inclining portions on either side thereof, as well as providing
a pin holder hole for inserting a pin in the apex, a pair of the
holding members, of a length such as to lock onto the holding
portion of the pin inserted into the pin holder hole, protrude from
a peripheral portion of a longitudinal direction in the pin holder
hole, in the same direction as the inclining portions, and
furthermore as well as forming a bottom edge portion by bend
forming one or both longitudinal direction extreme portions of the
pair of inclining portions in a direction along a bottom edge of
the triangular side view shape, a pin through hole for passing the
pin through is provided in a portion of the bottom edge portion
immediately below the pin holder hole.
3. The fastener according to claim 2, wherein in the case of
providing the bottom edge portion in both of the longitudinal
direction extreme portions of the inclining portions, by means of
ear tabs provided on one of the bottom edge portions and bend
formed in a direction of the other bottom edge portion, the two
bottom edge portions are mutually restricted in a condition in
which a relative sliding movement in the longitudinal direction is
possible.
4. A fastener comprising: a pin holder; and a pin in which is
provided a holding portion formed by a peripheral groove, a
depressed portion or a protruding portion in a leading extreme
portion vicinity, the fastener holding the pin by locking a holding
member of the pin holder onto the holding portion of the pin, and
ending a pinning condition by causing the holding member to
withdraw from the holding portion, wherein the pin holder, by bend
forming a central portion of a longitudinal direction of a thin
plate-like spring material into an acute angle or an arc, is formed
to have a triangular side view shape formed by an apex and a pair
of inclining portions on either side thereof, and as well as
providing a pin holder hole for inserting the pin in the apex,
turnback tabs protrude in a non-longitudinal direction one from
each of the pair of inclining portions, and are bend formed in such
a way as to overlap on a front surface of the inclining portions
(an exterior surface of the triangle), and the holding member, of a
length such as to lock onto the holding portion of the pin inserted
into the pin holder hole, protrudes from the pair of turnback tabs,
in the same direction as the inclining portions, toward a centre of
the pin holder hole.
5. The fastener according to claim 4, wherein by means of ear tabs
provided on non-longitudinal direction leading extreme portions of
the turnback tabs, and bend formed in a direction of the inclining
portions, the leading extreme portions of the turnback tabs are
brought into close contact with the inclining portions.
6. A fastener comprising: a pin holder; and a pin in which is
provided a holding portion formed by a peripheral groove, a
depressed portion or a protruding portion in a leading extreme
portion vicinity, the fastener holding the pin by locking a holding
member of the pin holder onto the holding portion of the pin, and
ending a pinning condition by causing the holding member to
withdraw from the holding portion, wherein the pin holder, by bend
forming a central portion of a longitudinal direction of a thin
plate-like spring material into an acute angle or an arc, is formed
to have a triangular side view shape formed by an apex and a pair
of inclining portions on either side thereof, as well as providing
a pin holder hole for inserting the pin in the apex, turnback tabs
protrude in a non-longitudinal direction one from each of the pair
of inclining portions, and are bend formed in such a way as to
overlap on a front surface of the inclining portions (an exterior
surface of the triangle), and the holding member, of a length such
as to lock onto the holding portion of the pin inserted into the
pin holder hole, protrudes from the pair of turnback tabs, in the
same direction as the inclining portions, toward a centre of the
pin holder hole, and furthermore, as well as forming a bottom edge
portion by bend forming one or both longitudinal direction extreme
portions of the pair of inclining portions in a direction along a
bottom edge of the triangular side view shape, a pin through hole
for passing the pin through is provided in a portion of the bottom
edge portion immediately below the pin holder hole.
7. The fastener according to claim 6, wherein by means of ear tabs
provided on non-longitudinal direction leading extreme portions of
the turnback tabs, and bend formed in a direction of the inclining
portions, the leading extreme portions of the turnback tabs are
brought into close contact with the inclining portions.
8. The fastener according to claim 6 or 7, wherein in the case of
providing the bottom edge portion in both of the longitudinal
direction extreme portions of the inclining portions, by means of
ear tabs provided on one of the bottom edge portions and bend
formed in a direction of the other bottom edge portion, the two
bottom edge portions are mutually restricted in a condition in
which a relative sliding movement in the longitudinal direction is
possible.
9. A fastener comprising: a pin holder; and a pin in which is
provided a holding portion formed by a peripheral groove, a
depressed portion or a protruding portion in a leading extreme
portion vicinity, the fastener holding the pin by locking a holding
member of the pin holder onto the holding portion of the pin, and
ending a pinning condition by causing the holding member to
withdraw from the holding portion, wherein the pin holder, by bend
forming a central portion of a longitudinal direction of a thin
plate-like spring material into an acute angle or an arc, is formed
to have a triangular side view shape formed by an apex and a pair
of inclining portions on either side thereof, as well as providing
a pin holder hole for inserting a pin in the apex, a pair of the
holding members, of a length such as to lock onto the holding
portion of the pin inserted into the pin holder hole, protrude from
a peripheral portion of a longitudinal direction in the pin holder
hole, in the same direction as the inclining portions, furthermore,
as well as forming a bottom edge portion by bend forming a
longitudinal direction extreme portion of one of the pair of
inclining portions in a direction along a bottom edge of the
triangular side view shape, a pin through hole for passing the pin
through is provided in a portion of the bottom edge portion
immediately below the pin holder hole, and also, as well as forming
a stand-up portion by bend forming a longitudinal direction extreme
portion of the other of the pair of inclining portions in a
direction of the apex of the triangle, a shelter member which
surrounds a leading extreme of the pin inserted into the pin holder
hole is formed by bend forming ear tabs provided at a leading
extreme of the stand-up portion.
10. A fastener comprising: a pin holder; and a pin in which is
provided a holding portion formed by a peripheral groove, a
depressed portion or a protruding portion in a leading extreme
portion vicinity, the fastener holding the pin by locking a holding
member of the pin holder onto the holding portion of the pin, and
ending a pinning condition by causing the holding member to
withdraw from the holding portion, wherein the pin holder, by bend
forming a central portion of a longitudinal direction of a thin
plate-like spring material into an acute angle or an arc, is formed
to have a triangular side view shape formed by an apex and a pair
of inclining portions on either side thereof, as well as providing
a pin holder hole for inserting the pin in the apex, pin holder
tabs are formed by bend forming longitudinal direction extreme
portions of the pair of inclining portions in such a way as to
overlap on a front surface (an exterior surface of the triangle) or
a rear surface (an interior surface of the triangle) of the
inclining portions, and the holding member, of a length such as to
lock onto the holding portion of the pin inserted into the pin
holder hole, protrudes from a longitudinal direction extreme
portion of the pair of pin holder tabs, in the same direction as
the inclining portions, toward a centre of the pin holder hole.
11. The fastener according to claim 10, wherein in the case of bend
forming the pin holder tabs in such a way as to overlap on the
front surface of the inclining portions, by means of ear tabs
provided in a non-longitudinal direction of the pin holder tabs,
and bend formed in a direction of the inclining portions, the pin
holder tabs are brought into close contact with the inclining
portions.
12. A fastener comprising: a pin holder; and a pin in which is
provided a holding portion formed by a peripheral groove, a
depressed portion or a protruding portion in a leading extreme
portion vicinity, the fastener holding the pin by locking a holding
member of the pin holder onto the holding portion of the pin, and
ending a pinning condition by causing the holding member to
withdraw from the holding portion, wherein the pin holder is
configured of a spring member, and a holder base including the
holding member, the spring member has a triangular side view shape
formed by an apex, having a shape of being bent into an acute angle
or an arc, and a pair of linear, inclining portions on either side
thereof, and also, includes a pin holder hole for inserting a pin
in the apex, and by fixing the holder base on one or both of the
pair of inclining portions, holding members of the holding base
protrude in the same direction as the inclining portions, and to a
length such as to lock onto the holding portion of the pin inserted
into the pin holder hole.
13. A fastener comprising: a pin holder; and a pin in which is
provided a holding portion formed by a peripheral groove, a
depressed portion or a protruding portion in a leading extreme
portion vicinity, the fastener holding the pin by locking a holding
member of the pin holder onto the holding portion of the pin, and
ending a pinning condition by causing the holding member to
withdraw from the holding portion, wherein the pin holder is
configured of a spring member, and a holder base including the
holding member, the spring member has a triangular side view shape
composed of an apex, having a shape of being bent into an acute
angle or an arc, and a pair of linear, inclining portions on either
side thereof, and also, includes a pin holder hole for inserting a
pin in the apex, by fixing the holder base on one or both of the
pair of inclining portions, holding members of the holding base
protrude in the same direction as the inclining portions, and to a
length such as to lock onto the holding portion of the pin inserted
into the pin holder hole, and furthermore, longitudinal direction
extreme portions of the pair of inclining portions having bottom
edge portions having a shape of being bent in a direction along a
bottom edge of the triangular side view shape, a certain space is
left between leading extreme portions of the bottom edge portions,
and a notch portion is formed through which the pin inserted into
the pin holder hole can be passed.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a pin holder type fastener
including a pin and a pin holder. Particularly preferably, the
invention is applied to a fastener of an ornament, such as a
tiepin, a brooch, a pierced earring or a necklace, but it is also
applied to a fastener of various kinds of article, other than the
ornament, of a comparatively small size.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Arts
[0004] To date, it is common that a pin holder type fastener in a
bodily ornament such as, for example, a pierced earring, as shown
in (a) in FIG. 1, has a structure in which a pin 1 having a
peripheral groove 2 in a vicinity of a leading extreme portion is
inserted into a pin fastener (omitted from the figure), and a
holding member 3 of the pin fastener is moved into a position in
which it locks into the peripheral groove 2, and is fixed. Then, as
shown in (b) in FIG. 1, by causing the holding member 3 to withdraw
from the peripheral groove 2 by means of an appropriate operation,
it is possible to extract the pin 1 from the pin fastener.
[0005] In particular, in pin holder type fasteners of recent years,
there are many structures in which the holding member's moving into
and withdrawal from the peripheral groove of the pin is carried out
using a spring material having an elastic deformation function. As
a normal pin fastener is of a small size, it is practical to
simplify the structure of the fastener by means of a pin holding
mechanism using the spring material.
[Literature 1] JP-A-2002-336014
[0006] As a first related art, a fastener of an ear decoration (a
pierced earring) proposed in the heretofore mentioned Literature 1
can be presented. The fastener, as shown in (a) in FIG. 2, provides
a hole 6 in a guide portion 5, which is a central portion of a
substrate 4. Then, a tubular guide piece 7 is fitted into the hole
6, and a pin is inserted via a through hole 8 of the guide piece 7.
Meanwhile, an elastic tab 9 accompanying a guide groove 10 is
formed in a peripheral portion of the substrate 4. The elastic tab
9 is bent gently to a rear of the substrate 4, constructing a loop
portion 11. That is, as shown in (b) in FIG. 2, a structure is such
that a pin 12 is inserted from the guide portion 5 side of the
substrate 4, causing the loop portion 11 to bite into a peripheral
groove 13 thereof, and holding the pin 12.
[0007] Next, as a second related art, a pin fastener shown by
sectional views in (a) and (b) in FIG. 3 is also proposed. In the
pin fastener 14, a pair of holding members 16 made of a material
capable of an elastic deformation are housed inside a cover 15,
which overall is circular or elliptical. The holding members 16,
being configured approximately symmetrically centered on a central
pin insertion portion 17, each include a pin holder arm 18 and a
holding arm 19 of shapes shown.
[0008] In a pinning condition, as shown in (a) in FIG. 3, each of
the holding arms 19 of the two holding members 16 pushes the other
holding member 16 in an opposite direction, as a result of which,
the pair of pin holder arms 18 is pushed in a direction of the pin
insertion portion 17. For this reason, a pin (omitted from the
figure) which is in the pin insertion portion 17 is held by the
pair of pin holder arms 18.
[0009] In a case of extracting the pin from the pin fastener 14,
button portions 20 protruding into an exterior of the cover 15 from
the holding members 16 are pressed into a direction of the center.
By so doing, as shown in (b) in FIG. 3, each of the pair of pin
holder arms 18, resisting a biasing force of the holding arm 19,
withdraws from the pin, and the pinning condition is ended.
[0010] However, in the heretofore described first and second
related arts, the mechanism is such that the holding member of the
pin fastener (that is, the loop portion 11 in the first related
art, and the pin holder arms 18 in the second related art) is
brought into contact with the peripheral groove of the pin from a
radial direction (a right angle direction). In the case of this
kind of mechanism, a pin insertion force (a force necessary when
inserting the pin into the pin fastener) and a pin extraction force
(a force necessary for extracting the pin without a withdrawal
operation of the holding member) are basically of the same
strength. Consequently, when setting the pin insertion force small
in consideration of an ease of a pinning operation, the pin
extraction force also becomes smaller. As a result of this, due to,
for example, the pierced earring becoming caught on a hair or the
like, there is a danger of the pin falling out even though a pin
extraction operation has not been carried out. For this reason, it
is not uncommon that the pierced earring falls off without being
noticed, and that the pierced earring is lost.
[0011] Next, in the heretofore described first related art, it is
necessary that an extremely small tubular guide piece 7 is
manufactured, and that this is fitted into the hole 6 of the
substrate 4. Furthermore, it is necessary that the fitted portion
is fixed by means such as a welding. Also, in the heretofore
described second related art, it is necessary that an extremely
small pair of pin fasteners 14 of a complex shape are accurately
manufactured, and installed in the cover 15. Consequently, an
increase in their manufacturing cost and installation cost is
unavoidable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] An object of the invention is to provide a pin holder type
fastener with a small pin insertion force but a large pin
extraction force, with which moreover it is possible to easily end
a pinning condition with a simple operation. Another object of the
invention is to make a structure of this kind of fastener simple,
and to reduce a manufacturing cost thereof.
(First Aspect of the Invention)
[0013] A first aspect of the invention is a fastener including: a
pin holder; and a pin in which is provided a holding portion formed
by a peripheral groove, a depressed portion or a protruding portion
in a leading extreme portion vicinity, the fastener holding the pin
by locking a holding member of the pin holder onto the holding
portion of the pin, and ending a pinning condition by causing the
holding member to withdraw from the holding portion, wherein
[0014] the pin holder, by bend forming a central portion of a
longitudinal direction of a thin plate-like spring material into an
acute angle or an arc, is formed to have a triangular side view
shape formed by an apex and a pair of inclining portions on either
side thereof,
[0015] as well as providing a pin holder hole for inserting a pin
in the apex, a pair of the holding members, of a length such as to
lock onto the holding portion of the pin inserted into the pin
holder hole, protrude from a peripheral portion of a longitudinal
direction in the pin holder hole, in the same direction as the
inclining portions, and furthermore,
[0016] by bend forming longitudinal direction extreme portions of
the pair of inclining portions in a direction along a bottom edge
of the triangular side view shape, stoppers are formed against a
pinning condition ending operation which causes an elastic
compression deformation of the triangular side view shape of the
pin holder.
[0017] In the fastener according to the first aspect, when pinning
the fastener, the pin is inserted into the pin holder hole of the
apex from a bottom edge side of the triangular shape of the pin
holder. At this time, the pin is inserted while elastically
deforming and pushing out the pair of holding members protruding
into the pin holder hole. Then, on the holding portion reaching a
protrusion position of the holding members, the holding members
lock onto the holding portion, and the pinning is completed. In the
event that the holding portion of the pin is formed by the
peripheral groove or the depressed portion, as a small clicking
sound is emitted when the holding members move into the holding
portion, it is possible to easily confirm the completion of the
pinning. As the pair of holding members protrude in the same
direction as the inclining portions, a resistance to an insertion
of the pin is weak, and a resistance to an extraction of the pin
which is in the pinning condition is extremely strong. That is, a
pin insertion force is small, while a pin extraction force is
large.
[0018] When wishing to end the pinning condition, it is sufficient
that both extremes of the pair of inclining portions of the pin
holder are pinched between a thumb and an index finger, and a force
is applied in such a way as to reduce a space between the extremes
of the inclining portions (to cause an elastic compression
deformation of the triangular side view shape of the pin holder).
By means of this operation, an elastic deformation is brought about
in such a way that the apex of the pin holder bends more acutely,
and the pair of holding members protruding from the inclining
portions are displaced away from each other. Consequently, the
holding members withdraw from the holding portion, and it is
possible to extract the pin from the pin holder.
[0019] Then, as the stoppers are formed by bend forming the
longitudinal direction extreme portions of the pair of inclining
portions in the direction along the bottom edge of the triangular
side view shape, in a pinning condition ending operation, it is
sufficient that the compression deformation of the pin holder is
caused until the stoppers come into contact with the pin. As a
result of this, the pinning condition ending operation becomes
simple and reliable, on top of which it is possible to effectively
prevent damage to the apex due to causing an excessive compression
deformation of the pin holder, and a deterioration of an elastic
deformation capacity of the apex.
(Second Aspect of the Invention)
[0020] A second aspect of the invention is a fastener including: a
pin holder; and a pin in which is provided a holding portion formed
by a peripheral groove, a depressed portion or a protruding portion
in a leading extreme portion vicinity, the fastener holding the pin
by locking a holding member of the pin holder onto the holding
portion of the pin, and ending a pinning condition by causing the
holding member to withdraw from the holding portion, wherein
[0021] the pin holder, by bend forming a central portion of a
longitudinal direction of a thin plate-like spring material into an
acute angle or an arc, is formed to have a triangular side view
shape formed by an apex and a pair of inclining portions on either
side thereof,
[0022] as well as providing a pin holder hole for inserting a pin
in the apex, a pair of the holding members, of a length such as to
lock onto the holding portion of the pin inserted into the pin
holder hole, protrude from a peripheral portion of a longitudinal
direction in the pin holder hole, in the same direction as the
inclining portions, and furthermore
[0023] as well as forming a bottom edge portion by bend forming one
or both longitudinal direction extreme portions of the pair of
inclining portions in a direction along a bottom edge of the
triangular side view shape, a pin through hole for passing the pin
through is provided in a portion of the bottom edge portion
immediately below the pin holder hole.
[0024] In the second aspect, with the exception of effects and
benefits arising from the stoppers in the heretofore described
first aspect, the same effects and benefits as in the first aspect
can be acquired. Furthermore, there are the following effect and
benefit. That is, movements of the pin and the pin holder, which
are in the pinning condition, are mutually restricted at two
points, the pin holder hole of the apex and the pin through holes
of the bottom edge portions. For this reason, as the pin holder
does not wobble around the pin, the fastener in the pinning
condition does not wobble unsteadily.
(Third Aspect of the Invention)
[0025] A third aspect of the invention is a fastener wherein, in
the case of providing the bottom edge portion in both of the
longitudinal direction extreme portions of the inclining portions,
by means of ear tabs provided on one of the bottom edge portions
and bend formed in a direction of the other bottom edge portion,
the two bottom edge portions are mutually restricted in a condition
in which a relative sliding movement in the longitudinal direction
is possible.
[0026] In the third aspect, as the two bottom edge portions bend
formed from the pair of inclining portions are mutually restricted
by the ear tabs, the pin holder has a high structural strength.
Also, as the relative sliding movement of the two bottom edge
portions in the longitudinal direction is possible, even when
providing the ear tabs, there is no interference with the pinning
condition ending operation accompanying the kind of elastic
deformation of the pin holder previously described in the first
aspect.
(Fourth Aspect of the Invention)
[0027] A fourth aspect of the invention is a fastener including: a
pin holder; and a pin in which is provided a holding portion formed
by a peripheral groove, a depressed portion or a protruding portion
in a leading extreme portion vicinity, the fastener holding the pin
by locking a holding member of the pin holder onto the holding
portion of the pin, and ending a pinning condition by causing the
holding member to withdraw from the holding portion, wherein
[0028] the pin holder, by bend forming a central portion of a
longitudinal direction of a thin plate-like spring material into an
acute angle or an arc, is formed to have a triangular side view
shape formed by an apex and a pair of inclining portions on either
side thereof, and
[0029] as well as providing a pin holder hole for inserting the pin
in the apex, turnback tabs protrude in a non-longitudinal direction
one from each of the pair of inclining portions, and are bend
formed in such a way as to overlap on a front surface of the
inclining portions (an exterior surface of the triangle), and the
holding member, of a length such as to lock onto the holding
portion of the pin inserted into the pin holder hole, protrudes
from the pair of turnback tabs, in the same direction as the
inclining portions, toward a centre of the pin holder hole.
[0030] In the fastener according to the fourth aspect, in the same
way as in the case of the first aspect, it is possible to easily
manufacture the pin holder by processing a thin plate-like spring
material, on top of which, as a structure is simple in comparison
with a heretofore known pin holder, it is possible to provide a low
cost fastener.
[0031] Also, although the structure of the pin holder is slightly
complex in comparison with the case of the first aspect, as it is
not necessary to form the pin holder hole and the holding member in
the same portion of the thin plate-like spring material, a process
of forming the pin holder hole and the holding member is easy.
(Fifth Aspect of the Invention)
[0032] A fifth aspect of the invention is the fastener in the
heretofore described fourth aspect wherein, by means of ear tabs
provided on non-longitudinal direction leading extreme portions of
the turnback tabs, and bend formed in a direction of the inclining
portions, the leading extreme portions of the turnback tabs are
brought into close contact with the inclining portions.
[0033] As the turnback tabs bend formed in such a way as to overlap
on a front surface of the inclining portions include the holding
members, every time an operation of inserting the pin in the pin
holder is carried out, a force is received which attempts to lift
the turnback tabs up from the front surface of the inclining
portions. In the event that the turnback tabs are lifted up from
the front surface of the inclining portions, it becomes impossible
to realize a good pinning condition. Consequently, by using the ear
tabs to bring the turnback tabs into close contact with the
inclining portions, as in the fifth aspect, it is possible to
completely prevent this kind of defect.
(Sixth Aspect of the Invention)
[0034] A sixth aspect of the invention is a fastener including: a
pin holder; and a pin in which is provided a holding portion formed
by a peripheral groove, a depressed portion or a protruding portion
in a leading extreme portion vicinity, the fastener holding the pin
by locking a holding member of the pin holder onto the holding
portion of the pin, and ending a pinning condition by causing the
holding member to withdraw from the holding portion, wherein
[0035] the pin holder, by bend forming a central portion of a
longitudinal direction of a thin plate-like spring material into an
acute angle or an arc, is formed to have a triangular side view
shape formed by an apex and a pair of inclining portions on either
side thereof,
[0036] as well as providing a pin holder hole for inserting the pin
in the apex, turnback tabs protrude in a non-longitudinal direction
one from each of the pair of inclining portions, and are bend
formed in such a way as to overlap on a front surface of the
inclining portions (an exterior surface of the triangle), and the
holding member, of a length such as to lock onto the holding
portion of the pin inserted into the pin holder hole, protrudes
from the pair of turnback tabs, in the same direction as the
inclining portions, toward a centre of the pin holder hole, and
furthermore,
[0037] as well as forming a bottom edge portion by bend forming one
or both longitudinal direction extreme portions of the pair of
inclining portions in a direction along a bottom edge of the
triangular side view shape, a pin through hole for passing the pin
through is provided in a portion of the bottom edge portion
immediately below the pin holder hole.
[0038] In the sixth aspect, in addition to a point that the same
effects and benefits as in the heretofore described fifth aspect
can be acquired, there are the following effect and benefit. That
is, the movements of the pin and the pin holder, which are in the
pinning condition, are mutually restricted at two points, the pin
holder hole of the apex and the pin through holes of the bottom
edge portions. For this reason, as the pin holder does not wobble
around the pin, the fastener in the pinning condition does not
wobble unsteadily.
(Seventh Aspect of the Invention)
[0039] A seventh aspect of the invention is the fastener in the
heretofore described sixth aspect wherein, by means of ear tabs
provided on non-longitudinal direction leading extreme portions of
the turnback tabs, and bend formed in a direction of the inclining
portions, the leading extreme portions of the turnback tabs are
brought into close contact with the inclining portions.
[0040] In the heretofore described sixth aspect, as the turnback
tabs bend formed in such a way as to overlap on a front surface of
the inclining portions include the holding members, every time an
operation of inserting the pin in the pin holder is carried out, a
force is received which attempts to lift the turnback tabs up from
the front surface of the inclining portions. Then, in the event
that the turnback tabs are lifted up from the front surface of the
inclining portions, it becomes impossible to realize a good pinning
condition. Consequently, by using the ear tabs to bring the
turnback tabs into close contact with the inclining portions, as in
the seventh aspect, it is possible to completely prevent this kind
of defect.
(Eighth Aspect of the Invention)
[0041] An eighth aspect of the invention is the fastener in the
heretofore described sixth aspect or seventh aspect wherein, in the
case of providing the bottom edge portion in both of the
longitudinal direction extreme portions of the inclining portions,
by means of ear tabs provided on one of the bottom edge portions
and bend formed in a direction of the other bottom edge portion,
the two bottom edge portions are mutually restricted in a condition
in which a relative sliding movement in the longitudinal direction
is possible.
[0042] In the eighth aspect, as the two bottom edge portions bend
formed from the pair of inclining portions are mutually restricted
by the ear tabs, the pin holder has a high structural strength. As
the relative sliding movement of the two bottom edge portions in
the longitudinal direction is possible, even when providing the ear
tabs, there is no interference with the pinning condition ending
operation accompanying the kind of elastic deformation of the pin
holder previously described in the first aspect.
(Ninth Aspect of the Invention)
[0043] A ninth aspect of the invention is a fastener including: a
pin holder; and a pin in which is provided a holding portion formed
by a peripheral groove, a depressed portion or a protruding portion
in a leading extreme portion vicinity, the fastener holding the pin
by locking a holding member of the pin holder onto the holding
portion of the pin, and ending a pinning condition by causing the
holding member to withdraw from the holding portion, wherein
[0044] the pin holder, by bend forming a central portion of a
longitudinal direction of a thin plate-like spring material into an
acute angle or an arc, is formed to have a triangular side view
shape formed by an apex and a pair of inclining portions on either
side thereof,
[0045] as well as providing a pin holder hole for inserting a pin
in the apex, a pair of the holding members, of a length such as to
lock onto the holding portion of the pin inserted into the pin
holder hole, protrude from a peripheral portion of a longitudinal
direction in the pin holder hole, in the same direction as the
inclining portions, furthermore,
[0046] as well as forming a bottom edge portion by bend forming a
longitudinal direction extreme portion of one of the pair of
inclining portions in a direction along a bottom edge of the
triangular side view shape, a pin through hole for passing the pin
through is provided in a portion of the bottom edge portion
immediately below the pin holder hole, and also,
[0047] as well as forming a stand-up portion by bend forming a
longitudinal direction extreme portion of the other of the pair of
inclining portions in a direction of the apex of the triangle, a
shelter member which surrounds a leading extreme of the pin
inserted into the pin holder hole is formed by bend forming ear
tabs provided at a leading extreme of the stand-up portion.
[0048] In the fastener according to the ninth aspect, in the same
way as in the case of the first aspect, it is possible to easily
manufacture the pin holder by processing a thin plate-like spring
material, on top of which, as a structure is simple in comparison
with a heretofore known pin holder, it is possible to provide a low
cost fastener. Furthermore, in the ninth aspect, there are the
following effects and benefits.
[0049] That is, as a first point, the movements of the pin and the
pin holder, which are in the pinning condition, are mutually
restricted at two points, the pin holder hole of the apex and the
pin through holes of the bottom edge portions. For this reason, as
the pin holder does not wobble around the pin, the fastener in the
pinning condition does not wobble unsteadily.
[0050] As a second point, as the stand-up portion is provided, and
the shelter member which surrounds the leading extreme of the pin
inserted into the pin holder hole is formed on the stand-up
portion, the leading extreme of the pin which is in the pinning
condition is housed inside the shelter member. As a result of this,
it is possible to prevent an accident such as, handling the
fastener carelessly, a sharp leading extreme of the pin pricking a
wearer's finger or skin.
(Tenth Aspect of the Invention)
[0051] A tenth aspect of the invention is a fastener including: a
pin holder; and a pin in which is provided a holding portion formed
by a peripheral groove, a depressed portion or a protruding portion
in a leading extreme portion vicinity, the fastener holding the pin
by locking a holding member of the pin holder onto the holding
portion of the pin, and ending a pinning condition by causing the
holding member to withdraw from the holding portion, wherein
[0052] the pin holder, by bend forming a central portion of a
longitudinal direction of a thin plate-like spring material into an
acute angle or an arc, is formed to have a triangular side view
shape formed by an apex and a pair of inclining portions on either
side thereof,
[0053] as well as providing a pin holder hole for inserting the pin
in the apex, pin holder tabs are formed by bend forming
longitudinal direction extreme portions of the pair of inclining
portions in such a way as to overlap on a front surface (an
exterior surface of the triangle) or a rear surface (an interior
surface of the triangle) of the inclining portions, and the holding
member, of a length such as to lock onto the holding portion of the
pin inserted into the pin holder hole, protrudes from a
longitudinal direction extreme portion of the pair of pin holder
tabs, in the same direction as the inclining portions, toward a
centre of the pin holder hole.
[0054] In the fastener according to the tenth aspect, in the same
way as in the case of the first aspect, it is possible to easily
manufacture the pin holder by processing a thin plate-like spring
material, on top of which, as a structure is simple in comparison
with a heretofore known pin holder, it is possible to provide a low
cost fastener.
[0055] Also, although the structure of the pin holder is slightly
complex in comparison with the case of the first aspect, as it is
not necessary to form the pin holder hole and the holding member in
the same portion of the thin plate-like spring material, a process
of forming the pin holder hole and the holding member is easy.
(Eleventh Aspect of the Invention)
[0056] An eleventh aspect of the invention is the fastener in the
heretofore described tenth aspect wherein, in the case of bend
forming the pin holder tabs in such a way as to overlap on the
front surface of the inclining portions, by means of ear tabs
provided in a non-longitudinal direction of the pin holder tabs,
and bend formed in a direction of the inclining portions, the pin
holder tabs are brought into close contact with the inclining
portions.
[0057] In the heretofore described tenth aspect, as the pin holder
tabs bend formed in such a way as to overlap on a front surface of
the inclining portions include the holding members, every time an
operation of inserting the pin in the pin holder is carried out, a
force is received which attempts to lift the pin holder tabs up
from the front surface of the inclining portions. Then, in the
event that the pin holder tabs are lifted up from the front surface
of the inclining portions, it becomes impossible to realize a good
pinning condition. Consequently, by using the ear tabs to bring the
pin holder tabs into close contact with the inclining portions, as
in the eleventh aspect, it is possible to completely prevent this
kind of defect.
(Twelfth Aspect of the Invention)
[0058] A twelfth aspect of the invention is a fastener including: a
pin holder; and a pin in which is provided a holding portion formed
by a peripheral groove, a depressed portion or a protruding portion
in a leading extreme portion vicinity, the fastener holding the pin
by locking a holding member of the pin holder onto the holding
portion of the pin, and ending a pinning condition by causing the
holding member to withdraw from the holding portion, wherein
[0059] the pin holder is configured of a spring member, and a
holder base including the holding member,
[0060] the spring member has a triangular side view shape formed by
an apex, having a shape of being bent into an acute angle or an
arc, and a pair of linear, inclining portions on either side
thereof, and also, includes a pin holder hole for inserting a pin
in the apex, and
[0061] by fixing the holder base on one or both of the pair of
inclining portions, holding members of the holding base protrude in
the same direction as the inclining portions, and to a length such
as to lock onto the holding portion of the pin inserted into the
pin holder hole.
[0062] In the ornament fastener according to the twelfth aspect, it
is not necessary to integrally form the spring member configuring
the pin holder and the holder base including the holding members.
Also, it being sufficient that a material configuring the spring
member is a material which can be elastically deformed, it is not
necessary to use a material with which a bending process is
possible. Due to these points, a selection of the material and a
design of the fastener are relatively easy. Also, as the structure
of the pin holder is simple, it is possible to provide a low cost
fastener.
[0063] When pinning the fastener, the pin is inserted into the pin
holder hole of the apex from a bottom edge side of the triangular
shape of the pin holder. At this time, the pin exerts a force on
the holding members protruding into the pin holder hole which
attempts to push the holding members out. This force is transmitted
to the spring material via the holder base including the holding
members and, by the spring member bringing about a certain degree
of deformation, the pin pushes out the holding members, and is
inserted into the pin holder hole.
[0064] Then, on the pin holder portion reaching a protrusion
position of the holding members, the heretofore described certain
degree of deformation of the spring member is removed, as a result
of which, the leading extreme portions of the holding members
return to their original protrusion positions and lock onto the pin
holder portion, and the pinning is completed. In the event that the
pin holder portion is the peripheral groove or the depressed
portion, as a small clicking sound is emitted when the holding
members lock onto the holding portion, it is possible to easily
confirm the completion of the pinning. As the holding members
protrude in the same direction as the inclining portions, a
resistance to an insertion of the pin is weak, and a resistance to
an extraction of the pin which is in the pinning condition is
extremely strong. That is, a pin insertion force is small, while a
pin extraction force is large.
[0065] When wishing to end the pinning condition, it is sufficient
that both extremes of the pair of inclining portions of the spring
member are pinched between a thumb and an index finger, and a force
is applied in such a way as to reduce a space between the extremes
of the inclining portions. By means of this operation, an elastic
deformation is brought about in such a way that the apex of the
spring member bends more acutely, and the pair of holding members
protruding from the inclining portions are displaced away from each
other. Consequently, the holding members withdraw from the pin
holder portion, and it is possible to extract the pin from the pin
holder.
(Thirteenth Aspect of the Invention)
[0066] A thirteenth aspect of the invention is a fastener
including: a pin holder; and a pin in which is provided a holding
portion formed by a peripheral groove, a depressed portion or a
protruding portion in a leading extreme portion vicinity, the
fastener holding the pin by locking a holding member of the pin
holder onto the holding portion of the pin, and ending a pinning
condition by causing the holding member to withdraw from the
holding portion, wherein
[0067] the pin holder is configured of a spring member, and a
holder base including the holding member,
[0068] the spring member has a triangular side view shape composed
of an apex, having a shape of being bent into an acute angle or an
arc, and a pair of linear, inclining portions on either side
thereof, and also, includes a pin holder hole for inserting a pin
in the apex,
[0069] by fixing the holder base on one or both of the pair of
inclining portions, holding members of the holding base protrude in
the same direction as the inclining portions, and to a length such
as to lock onto the holding portion of the pin inserted into the
pin holder hole, and furthermore,
[0070] longitudinal direction extreme portions of the pair of
inclining portions having bottom edge portions having a shape of
being bent in a direction along a bottom edge of the triangular
side view shape, a certain space is left between leading extreme
portions of the bottom edge portions, and a notch portion is formed
through which the pin inserted into the pin holder hole can be
passed.
[0071] With the ornament fastener according to the thirteenth
aspect, in addition to a point that the same effects and benefits
as in the heretofore described twelfth aspect can be acquired,
there are the following effect and benefit. That is, the movements
of the pin and the pin holder, which are in the pinning condition,
are mutually restricted at two points, the pin holder hole of the
apex of the spring member and the bottom edge portions. For this
reason, as the pin holder does not wobble around the pin, the
fastener in the pinning condition does not wobble unsteadily.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0072] FIG. 1 shows a general structural principle of a pin holder
type fastener.
[0073] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show a heretofore known pin holder type
fastener. (a) of
[0074] FIG. 4 shows a pinning condition of a fastener according to
Example 1, (b) of FIG. 4 shows a pinning ending condition, and (c)
of FIG. 4 shows a template member of a pin holder. (a) of
[0075] FIG. 5 shows a pinning condition of a fastener according to
Example 2, while (b) of FIG. 5 shows a template member of a pin
holder. (a) of
[0076] FIG. 6 shows a pinning ending condition of the fastener
according to Example 2, while (b) of FIG. 6 shows a modification
example of the template member shown in (b) of FIG. 5.
[0077] FIG. 7 shows the pinning condition of the fastener according
to Example 2 by a perspective view. (a) of
[0078] FIG. 8 shows an apex of the pin holder in the pinning
condition, (b) of FIG. 8 shows the apex of the pin holder in the
pinning ending condition, and (c) of FIG. 8 shows the apex of the
pin holder in a case in which a shape of the template member
differs.
[0079] FIG. 9 shows a template member of a pin holder according to
Example 3. (a) of
[0080] FIG. 10 shows a pinning condition of a fastener according to
Example 3, while (b) of FIG. 10 shows a pinning ending condition
thereof. (a) of
[0081] FIG. 11 shows a pinning condition of a fastener according to
Example 4, while (b) of FIG. 11 shows a template member of a pin
holder according to Example 4. (a) of
[0082] FIG. 12 shows a first template member of a pin holder
according to Example 5, while (b) of FIG. 12 shows a second
template member. (a) of
[0083] FIG. 13 shows a bottom view showing a pin holder according
to Example 6 in a condition in which a spring member thereof is
spread flat, while (b) of FIG. 13 shows a positional relationship
of a pair of holder bases in (a) of FIG. 13. (a) of
[0084] FIG. 14 shows the pin holder according to Example 6 in a
pinning condition, while (b) of FIG. 14 shows the pin holder
according to Example 6 in a pinning ending condition.
[0085] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the pin holder according
to Example 6 in the pinning condition.
[0086] FIG. 16 shows a template member of a pin holder according to
Example 7,
[0087] FIG. 17 shows a pinning condition of a fastener according to
Example 7 by means of a perspective view,
[0088] FIG. 18 shows a side view of FIG. 17, and
[0089] FIG. 19 shows an ending condition of a pinning in FIG.
18.
[0090] FIG. 20 shows a template member of a pin holder according to
Example 8, and
[0091] FIG. 21 shows a pinning condition of a fastener according to
Example 8 by means of a perspective view.
[0092] FIG. 22 shows a template member of a pin holder according to
Example 9, and
[0093] FIG. 23 shows a pinning condition of a fastener according to
Example 9 by means of a perspective view.
[0094] FIG. 24 shows a template member of a pin holder according to
Example 10, and
[0095] FIG. 25 shows a pinning condition of a fastener according to
Example 10 by means of a perspective view.
EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0096] Next, a description will be given of embodiments for
implementing a first aspect to a thirteenth aspect of the
invention, including a best embodiment thereof.
[0097] [Overall Description of Fastener]
[0098] A fastener according to the invention is a pinning type
fastener configured of a pin holder and a pin provided with a
holding portion in a vicinity of an extreme. Then, holding the pin
by locking a holding member of the pin holder in the holding
portion of the pin, a pinning condition is ended by withdrawing the
holding member from the pin holding portion.
[0099] The pin holding portion is configured of a peripheral
groove, a depressed portion and a protruding portion. It is not
essential that the peripheral groove, which is the holding portion,
is provided around a whole circumference of the pin. Also, a depth
of the peripheral groove not being limited, in the event that a
locking strength of the holding member is sufficiently high, taking
also a frictional resistance into account, it is acceptable that
the peripheral groove is formed extremely shallow, or to an extent
that the peripheral groove is barely noticeable. A shape of the
depressed portion or protruding portion, which are the holding
portion, is not limited as long as it is possible to lock the
holding member.
[0100] It is particularly preferable that the fastener of the
invention is applied to a fastener of an ornament. With regard also
to various kinds of article, other than the ornament, of a
comparatively small size, for example, a toy or an everyday
article, it is possible to fasten parts thereof together by
providing the pin holder on one of them, and the pin on the other.
Furthermore, the fastener can also be used to fasten these articles
to a wall surface, board or the like by providing the pin holder on
one of them, and the pin on the other.
[0101] A kind of ornament on which the fastener according to the
invention can be used is not limited, as long as it is an ornament
furnished with a pin holder type fastener, but a tiepin, a brooch,
a pierced earring, a necklace and the like are illustrated as being
representative. In these kinds of ornament, for example, attaching
the pin to an ornamental member side adorned with a jewel or the
like, it is possible to establish a method which holds the
ornamental member with the pin fastener. Also, as another
attachment method, the fastener can also be used as a joint of an
electric wire or an electric cable. In a saw or a cutting tool with
a handle, the fastener can also be used in a connection or the like
of the handle portion and a blade portion.
(Pin Holder According to First Aspect to Eleventh Aspect)
[0102] Although there is a large variety of embodiments of the pin
holder, any pin holder in the first aspect to the eleventh aspect
is configured using a thin plate-like spring material.
[0103] It is particularly preferable that the thin plate-like
spring material is capable of being bent, and is configured by
processing a single rectangular thin plate-like spring material. In
this case, as regards a manufacture of the pin holder, a flat,
rectangular, single thin plate-like spring material is prepared, a
pin holder hole and the holding member are formed by, for example,
performing a punching process, after which, preferably, a necessary
bending formation is carried out accompanying a heat treatment.
Consequently, as it possible to manufacture using the single thin
plate-like spring material, an installation of a plurality of parts
being unnecessary as well as a structure of the pin holder being
simple, it is possible to provide a low cost fastener.
[0104] The heretofore described thin plate-like spring material is
made of a material having an elastic deformation capacity. Although
a spring steel such as brass or stainless steel can of course be
used, as precious metals such as gold or platinum also have a
certain elastic deformation capacity, they can also be used. It is
also possible to use a hard plastic thin plate-like spring
material.
[0105] A thickness of the thin plate-like spring material is
determined as appropriate, considering an extent of the elastic
deformation capacity of the spring material, an ease of the bending
process and the like. Although dimensions of the rectangular thin
plate-like spring material are basically determined considering a
size of a pin holder to be manufactured, at the same time, vertical
and horizontal dimensions for forming a template member, to be
described hereafter, are necessary. Consequently, the vertical and
horizontal dimensions necessary for the thin plate-like spring
material may differ depending on an embodiment of the pin
holder.
[0106] Although a method of processing the thin plate-like spring
material to manufacture the pin holder is not limited, a
particularly effective and preferable method consists of the
following first process and second process.
[0107] As the first process, the punching process is performed on
the thin plate-like spring material, forming the template member (a
flat, thin plate-like spring material having a predetermined shape,
necessary for manufacturing the pin holder). It is also acceptable
that the template member is formed by an appropriate processing
method other than the punching process such as, for example, a
process using a cutter.
[0108] As the second process, a necessary bending process is
performed on the template member, configuring the pin holder. In
the second process, in order to fix a shape of a bent portion, it
is preferable that the bending process is carried out while doing
the heat treatment. The bending process includes a bending process
of an apex common to each of the following embodiments, a bending
process of a stopper in a first embodiment, a bending process of a
bottom edge portion in a second, fourth and fifth embodiment, a
bending process of an ear tab in the second to sixth embodiments, a
bending process of a turnback tab in the third and fourth
embodiments, a bending process of a stand-up portion in the fifth
embodiment, and a bending process of a pin holding tab in the sixth
embodiment.
(Pin Holder According to Twelfth Aspect and Thirteenth Aspect)
[0109] A pin holder according to the twelfth aspect and thirteenth
aspect is configured of a spring member made of a material capable
of an elastic deformation, and a holder base equipped with a
holding member.
[0110] The constituent material of the spring material not being
limited, as long as it is a material capable of an elastic
deformation, it is also possible to use, for example, precious
metals, such as gold or platinum, which have a certain elastic
deformation capacity, as well as a spring steel such as brass or
stainless steel, but more preferably, a plastic material or a
rubber material (for example, a silicone rubber material), which is
an organic spring material, can be used.
[0111] The spring member has a triangular side view shape formed by
the apex, which has a shape of being bent at an acute angle or in
an arc, and a pair of linear, inclining portions on either side of
the apex, and also includes the pin holder hole in the apex for
inserting the pin. The holder base, which includes a holding member
for holding the pin, is fixed to one or both of the pair of
inclining portions. A constituent material of the holder base is
not limited but, while it is preferable that it is made of a hard
material, an elastic deformation capacity is not necessarily
required.
[0112] By fixing the holder base to the inclining portions of the
spring member, the holding member provided on the holding base is
configured in such a way as to protrude in the same direction as
the inclining portions, and at a length such as to bite into the
peripheral groove of the pin inserted into the pin holder hole.
[0113] Herein, "fixing" the holder base to the inclining portions
of the spring member means to arrange in such a way that the holder
base, at least, does not move farther than its fixing position
toward an extreme of the inclining portions. Although details of
this kind of fixing method are not limited, for example, as will be
illustrated in embodiments and examples to be described hereafter,
as well as configuring the holder base with a material with which a
bending process is possible, the turnback tab provided on the
holder base is turned back in such a way as to wrap around the
inclining portions of the spring member, and it is possible to
bring an extreme of the turnback tab into contact with a bend
portion provided at the extreme of the inclining portions.
Furthermore, in the event that the spring member is made of a
comparatively soft plastic material or rubber material, it is also
possible to cause the bent turnback tab to bite into the inclining
portions of the spring member. Furthermore, it is also acceptable
to configure appropriate locking means on each of the inclining
portions of the spring material and the holder base, which
interlock at the fixing position of the holder base, and restrict a
movement of the holder base toward the inclining portions
extreme.
First Embodiment of Pin Holder
[0114] In the first embodiment of the pin holder according to the
invention, as well as the pin holder being made of the thin
plate-like spring material, by bend forming a central portion of a
longitudinal direction of the thin plate-like spring material into
an acute angle or an arc, it has the triangular side view shape
formed by the apex and the pair of inclining portions on either
side thereof. Furthermore, a stopper is formed by bend forming a
longitudinal direction extreme of the pair of inclining portions in
a direction along a bottom edge of the triangular side view shape.
The stopper, when causing an elastic compression deformation of the
triangular side view shape of the pin holder in a pinning condition
ending operation, functions as the stopper by coming into contact
with the pin.
[0115] In this embodiment, although this can also be said of the
other embodiments, to be described hereafter, it is possible to
optionally select a bending angle of the apex as necessary. For
example, with a pin holder for a pierced earring, it is preferable
to arrange in such a way that, the apex having a gentle bending
angle of around 100 to 150 degrees, the pair of inclining portions
have a spread. Meanwhile, with, for example, a pin holder for a
necklace, it is preferable, the apex having a sharp bending angle
of around 40 to 70 degrees, to form the pin holder slenderly.
[0116] In the apex, as well as providing the pin holder hole for
inserting the pin, a pair of holding members, of a length such as
to lock into a holding portion of the pin inserted into the pin
holder hole, protrude in the same direction as the inclining
portions from a peripheral portion of a longitudinal direction in
the pin holder hole.
Second Embodiment of Pin Holder
[0117] In the second embodiment of the pin holder according to the
invention too, as well as the pin holder being made of the thin
plate-like spring material, by bend forming the central portion of
the longitudinal direction of the thin plate-like spring material
into an acute angle or an arc, it has the triangular side view
shape formed by the apex and the pair of inclining portions on
either side thereof.
[0118] Then, in the apex, as well as providing the pin holder hole
for inserting the pin, the pair of holding members, of a length
such as to lock into the holding portion of the pin inserted into
the pin holder hole, protrude in the same direction as the
inclining portions from the peripheral portion of the longitudinal
direction in the pin holder hole.
[0119] Furthermore, as well as forming a bottom edge portion by
bend forming one or both longitudinal direction extremes of the
pair of inclining portions in the direction along the bottom edge
of the triangular shape of the pin holder, pin through holes for
passing the pin through are provided in the bottom edge portion, in
a portion immediately below the pin holder hole.
[0120] More preferably, in the case of providing the bottom edge
portion in both of the longitudinal direction extremes of the
inclining portions, as previously described, by means of ear tabs
provided on one of the bottom edge portions, and bend formed in a
direction of the other bottom edge portion, the two bottom edge
portions restrain each other in a condition in which a relative
sliding movement is possible in the longitudinal direction.
Third Embodiment of Pin Holder
[0121] In the third embodiment of the pin holder according to the
invention too, as well as the pin holder being made of the thin
plate-like spring material, by bend forming the central portion of
the longitudinal direction of the thin plate-like spring material
into an acute angle or an arc, it has the triangular side view
shape formed by the apex and the pair of inclining portions on
either side thereof.
[0122] Then, in the apex, as well as providing the pin holder hole
for inserting the pin, a turnback tab protruding in a
non-longitudinal direction from each of the pair of inclining
portions, and being bend formed in such a way as to overlap on a
front surface of the inclining portions (a triangular exterior
surface of the pin holder), a holding member, of a length such as
to lock into the holding portion of the pin inserted into the pin
holder hole, protrudes from the pair of turnback tabs, in the same
direction as the inclining portions, toward a centre of the pin
holder hole.
[0123] More preferably, ear tabs provided at a non-longitudinal
direction extreme of the turnback tabs are locked onto the
inclining portions by being bend formed in the direction of the
inclining portions, and the turnback tabs are brought into close
contact with the inclining portions by means of the ear tabs.
Fourth Embodiment of Pin Holder
[0124] In the fourth embodiment of the pin holder according to the
invention too, as well as the pin holder being made of the thin
plate-like spring material, by bend forming the central portion of
the longitudinal direction of the thin plate-like spring material
into an acute angle or an arc, it has the triangular side view
shape formed by the apex and the pair of inclining portions on
either side thereof.
[0125] Then, in the apex, as well as providing the pin holder hole
for inserting the pin, the turnback tab protruding in a
non-longitudinal direction from each of the pair of inclining
portions, and being bend formed in such a way as to overlap on the
surface of the inclining portions (the triangular exterior surface
of the pin holder), the holding member, of a length such as to lock
into the holding portion of the pin inserted into the pin holder
hole, protrudes from the pair of turnback tabs, in the same
direction as the inclining portions, toward the centre of the pin
holder hole.
[0126] Furthermore, as well as forming the bottom edge portion by
bend forming one or both longitudinal direction extremes of the
pair of inclining portions in the direction along the bottom edge
of the triangular side view shape of the pin holder, the pin
through hole for passing the pin through is provided in the bottom
edge portion, in the portion immediately below the pin holder
hole.
[0127] More preferably, the ear tabs provided at the
non-longitudinal direction extreme of the turnback tabs are locked
onto the inclining portions by being bend formed in the direction
of the inclining portions, and the turnback tabs are brought into
close contact with the inclining portions by means of the ear
tabs.
[0128] More preferably still, in the case of providing the bottom
edge portion in both of the longitudinal direction extremes of the
inclining portions, as previously described, by means of the ear
tab provided on one of the bottom edge portions, and bend formed in
the direction of the other bottom edge portion, the two bottom edge
portions restrain each other in the condition in which the relative
sliding movement is possible in the longitudinal direction.
Fifth Embodiment of Pin Holder
[0129] In the fifth embodiment of the pin holder according to the
invention too, as well as the pin holder being made of the thin
plate-like spring material, by bend forming the central portion of
the longitudinal direction of the thin plate-like spring material
into an acute angle or an arc, it has the triangular side view
shape composed of the apex and the pair of inclining portions on
either side thereof.
[0130] Then, in the apex, as well as providing the pin holder hole
for inserting the pin, the pair of holding members, of a length
such as to lock into the holding portion of the pin inserted into
the pin holder hole, protrude in the same direction as the
inclining portions from the peripheral portion of the longitudinal
direction in the pin holder hole.
[0131] Furthermore, forming the bottom edge portion by bend forming
the longitudinal direction extreme of one of the pair of inclining
portions in the direction along the bottom edge of the triangular
side view shape of the pin holder, the pin through hole for passing
the pin through is provided in the bottom edge portion, in the
portion immediately below the pin holder hole.
[0132] Also, as well as forming the stand-up portion by bend
forming the longitudinal direction extreme of the other of the pair
of inclining portions in a direction of the apex of the triangle of
the pin holder, a shelter member, which surrounds a leading extreme
of the pin inserted into the pin holder, is formed by bend forming
an ear tab provided at a leading extreme of the stand-up
portion.
Sixth Embodiment of Pin Holder
[0133] In the sixth embodiment of the pin holder according to the
invention too, as well as the pin holder being made of the thin
plate-like spring material, by bend forming the central portion of
the longitudinal direction of the thin plate-like spring material
into an acute angle or an arc, it has the triangular side view
shape formed by the apex and the pair of inclining portions on
either side thereof.
[0134] Then, in the apex, as well as providing the pin holder hole
for inserting the pin, pin holder tabs being formed by bend forming
the longitudinal direction extremes of the pair of inclining
portions in such a way as to overlap on the front surface (the
triangular exterior surface of the pin holder) or rear surface (a
triangular interior surface of the pin holder) of the inclining
portions, the holding member, of a length such as to lock into the
holding portion of the pin inserted into the pin holder hole,
protrudes from a longitudinal direction extreme of the pair of pin
holder tabs, in the same direction as the inclining portions,
toward the centre of the pin holder hole.
[0135] More preferably, in the case of bend forming the pin holder
tabs in such a way as to overlap on the front surface of the
inclining portions, by bend forming ear tabs provided at a
non-longitudinal direction extreme of the pin holder tabs in the
direction of the inclining portions, the pin holder tabs are
brought into close contact with the inclining portions by means of
the ear tabs.
Seventh Embodiment of Pin Holder
[0136] In a seventh embodiment of the pin holder according to the
invention, the pin holder is configured of the spring member, and
the holder base including the holding member.
[0137] The spring member having the triangular side view shape
formed by the apex, which has a shape of being bent at an acute
angle or in an arc, and the pair of linear, inclining portions on
either side of the apex, and also including the pin holder hole in
the apex for inserting the pin, by the holder base being fixed to
one or both of the pair of inclining portions, the holding member
of the holder base is configured in such a way as to protrude in
the same direction as the inclining portions, and to a length such
as to lock into the holder portion of the pin inserted into the pin
holder hole.
[0138] More preferably, furthermore, the longitudinal direction
extremes of the pair of inclining portions having bottom edge
portions of a shape of being bent in the direction along the bottom
edge of the triangular side view shape, a certain space is left
between leading extremes of the bottom edge portions, and a notch
portion is formed through which the pin inserted into the pin
holder hole can pass.
EXAMPLES
[0139] Next, a description will be given, based on the drawings, of
examples of the invention. A technical scope of the invention is
not limited to the following examples.
Example 1
Manufacturing Process and Configuration of Example 1
[0140] As shown in FIG. 4, a fastener 21 includes a pin holder 22
and a pin 23.
[0141] (c) of FIG. 4 shows a template member 24 for manufacturing
the pin holder 22. The template member 24 is formed by performing a
punching process or other appropriate process on a rectangular,
thin plate-like spring material, with which a bending process is
possible and which has an elastic deformation capacity. A central
portion 25 (a portion surrounded by a broken line) of the template
member 24 is a portion which forms a pin holder hole. In the
central portion 25, by providing notches 26 of a certain shape, a
pair of holding members 27 heading along a longitudinal direction
of the template member 24 are formed in a shape wherein a width
gradually becomes less heading toward a leading extreme. Although
forming the holding members 27 with this kind of shape has an
important meaning with regards to design, this will be described
hereafter in Example 2.
[0142] An accurately calculated and designed small space 28 is cut
away between leading extremes of the pair of holding members 27. In
other words, a shape is such that the pin holder hole is formed in
the central portion 25, the pair of holding members 27 protrude
toward the central portion from a peripheral portion of a
longitudinal direction in the pin holder hole, and the space 28 is
left between the leading extremes of the holding members 27.
[0143] The central portion 25 of this kind of template member 24 is
bend processed into an arc, as shown in (a) of FIG. 4. At this
time, it is preferable that the bending shape is fixed by carrying
out a heat treatment. However, the pair of holding members 27 are
not bent. It is also acceptable that both extremes of the
longitudinal direction of the template member 24 are also bent back
along broken lines 29. It is also acceptable, in order to
facilitate the bending back, to put a shallow, groove-shaped notch
in the broken line 29 portions.
[0144] The pin holder 22 formed in this way being made of a single
rectangular, thin plate-like spring material, the central portion
of the spring material is made an apex 30 bend formed into an arc,
and the pin holder 22 has a triangular side view shape including a
pair of inclining portions 31 on either side of the apex 30. The
apex 30 bend formed into an arc has a shape wherein the pair of
holding members 27 protrude from the peripheral portion of the
longitudinal direction in the pin holder hole. As the pair of
holding members 27 are not bend processed, they protrude in the
same direction as the inclining portions. When the pin 23 is
inserted into the pin holder hole, the pair of holding members 27
protrude to a length such as to bite into a peripheral groove 23a
of the pin.
(Using Condition of Example 1)
[0145] The fastener 21 according to Example 1 is used in the
following way. That is, when pinning the fastener 21, the pin 23 is
inserted from a bottom edge of the triangular shape of the pin
holder 22 into the pin holder hole of the apex 30. At this time,
the pin 23 is inserted while elastically deforming the pair of
holding members 27 protruding into the pin holder hole, and pushing
them out to an exterior. As the pair of holding members 27 protrude
in the same direction as the inclining portions 31, they do not
exhibit a strong resistance to the heretofore described insertion
of the pin. Then, on the peripheral groove 23a of the pin 23
reaching a protrusion position of the holding members 27, the
holding members 27 elastically return to an original shape and move
into the peripheral groove 23a of the pin 23, and the pinning is
completed.
[0146] As a small clicking sound is emitted when the holding
members 27 moves into the peripheral groove 23a of the pin 23, it
is possible to easily confirm the completion of the pinning. For
this reason, it is possible to reliably pin the fastener 21. In the
fastener 21 which is in the pinning condition, in a condition in
which the holding members 27 protrude in a direction opposite to a
direction in which the pin 23 comes out, the pin 23 will not come
out of the pin fastener 22 as the condition stands, as the holding
members 27 are biting into the peripheral groove 23a. For this
reason, even in the event that the pin holder 22 or pin 23 becomes
caught on, for example, a hair or other material, the pinning
condition is maintained, and a problem such as a loss due to an
ornament falling off does not occur.
[0147] When wishing to end the pinning condition of the fastener
21, extremes of the pair of inclining portions 31 of the pin holder
22 are pinched between, for example, a thumb and an index finger,
and a force is applied in directions of arrows (directions of
reducing a space between the extremes of the inclining portions 31)
shown in (b) of FIG. 4. By means of this operation, as shown in (b)
of FIG. 4, an elastic deformation is brought about in such a way
that the apex 30 of the pin holder 22 bends more acutely.
[0148] This aspect is illustrated in further detail in FIG. 8. (a)
of FIG. 8 shows the apex 30 in the pinning condition, while (b) of
FIG. 8 shows the apex 30 when ending the pinning condition. As
shown in (b) of FIG. 8, by bringing about an elastic deformation in
such a way that the apex 30 of the pin holder 22 bends more
acutely, the pair of holding members 27 are displaced away from
each other. Consequently, the pair of holding members 27 withdraw
from the peripheral groove 23a of the pin 23. For this reason, the
pin 23 easily comes out of the pin holder 22.
Example 2
Manufacturing Process and Configuration of Example 2
[0149] A fastener 32 according to Example 2 includes a pin holder
33 and the same pin 23 as in the case of Example 1. The pin holder
33 is manufactured using a template member 34 shown in (b) of FIG.
5. The template member 34 is made of a material with which a
bending process is possible, and which has an elastic deformation
capacity.
[0150] In the template member 34, by providing the notches 26 in a
central portion in the same way as the previously described
template member 24, the pair of holding members 27 and the space 28
are formed. However, in the template member 34, extension portions
35 for configuring bottom edge portions 37, to be described
hereafter, are provided at either extreme of a longitudinal
direction. In the extension portions 35, pin through holes 36 are
formed in portions which come immediately below the apex 30 when
configuring the bottom edge portions 37. As the pin through holes
36 are formed in long ovals in a left-right direction of the
figure, the inserted pin 23 can move relatively in the left-right
direction.
[0151] By bend processing the central portion of the longitudinal
direction of this kind of template member 34 into an arc, as shown
in (a) of FIG. 5, the apex 30 and the pair of inclining portions 31
are formed. Furthermore, by bend processing the extension portions
35, which are the extremes of the inclining portions 31, along
broken lines of (b) of FIG. 5, a mutually overlapping pair of
bottom edge portions 37 are formed. It is also acceptable, in order
to facilitate the bending back, to put a shallow, groove-shaped
notch in the broken line portions. The previously described pin
through holes 36 are positioned in portions of the bottom edge
portions 37 immediately below the apex 30.
[0152] Also, each leading extreme of the pair of bottom edge
portions 37 is of a length such that it does not reach a base of
the other bottom edge portion 37. Consequently, as shown in (a) of
FIG. 6, when ending a pinning condition of the fastener 32, they do
not constitute an obstacle to an operation causing an elastic
deformation of the apex 30 of the pin holder 33 in such a way that
it bends more acutely.
[0153] As shown in (b) of FIG. 5, ear tabs 38 are formed at a
leading extreme of one of the extension portions 35. After forming
the bottom edge portions 37 in the way heretofore described, the
ear tabs 38 are bend formed in a direction of the other bottom edge
portion 37. Although the same also applies to ear tabs shown in
each of the following examples, it is also acceptable, in order to
facilitate a bending back along depicted broken lines, to put a
shallow, groove-shaped notch in the ear tabs 38. By means of the
bending formation of the ear tabs 38, the two bottom edge portions
37 restrain each other in a condition in which a relative sliding
movement is possible in a longitudinal direction.
[0154] Although also common to the previously described Example 1
and to each of the examples to be described hereafter, although it
is also acceptable that the pair of holding members 27 in this
Example 2 are of a shape wherein they have the same width from a
base to a tip, it is particularly preferable that they are of a
shape wherein the width gradually becomes less heading toward the
tip, as shown in (b) of FIG. 5.
[0155] In the event that the pair of holding members 27 are of the
shape shown in (b) of FIG. 5, a portion corresponding to the apex
30 in the template member 34 (a portion indicated by a width A) is
of a greater width than base portions of the holding members 27 in
the template member 34 (portions indicated by widths B). For this
reason, when forming the apex 30 of the pin holder 33 by bend
processing the template member 34, a bending force does not
concentrate in the portion indicated by the width A. Consequently,
as shown in (b) of FIG. 8, it is possible to bend a whole, from the
portion indicated by the width A as far as the portions indicated
by the widths B on either side thereof, evenly in a gentle arc. The
apex 30 having this kind of bending shape exhibits a superior
durability in response to a repetition of a pinning condition
ending operation which causes an elastic compression deformation of
a triangular side view shape of the pin holder 33.
[0156] In the event that, provisionally, the pair of holding
members 27 are of the shape wherein they have the same width from
the base to the tip, the bending force in the bend processing of
the template member 34 concentrates in the portion corresponding to
the apex 30, and this portion is bent into a sharp arc. For this
reason, as shown in (c) of FIG. 8, a distance W between the tips of
the pair of holding members 27 is small in comparison with the case
of (b) of FIG. 8, to be described hereafter. That is, in order to
withdraw the pair of holding members 27 from the peripheral groove
of the pin 23, it is necessary to cause a greater compression
deformation of the pin holder 33. A repetition of a large
compression deformation has an adverse effect on a durability of
the elastic deformation capacity of the apex 30.
(Using Condition of Example 2)
[0157] A using condition of the fastener 32 according to Example 2
is the same as in the case of Example 1, with the exception of
points described next. That is, in the pinning of the fastener 32,
the pin 23 is passed from a bottom edge side of the triangular
shape of the pin holder 33, through the pin through holes 36, then
inserted into the pin holder hole of the apex 30. Movements of the
pin 23 and the pin holder 33, which are in the pinning condition,
are mutually restricted at two points, the pin holder hole of the
apex 30 and the pin through holes 36 of the bottom edge portions
37. For this reason, as the pin holder 33 does not wobble around
the pin 23, an ornament in the pinning condition does not wobble
unsteadily.
[0158] Furthermore, as the two bottom edge portions 37 are mutually
restricted by the ear tabs 38, the pin holder 33 has a high
structural strength. Also, as the relative sliding movement of the
two bottom edge portions 37 in the longitudinal direction is
possible, even when providing the ear tabs 38, there is no
interference with the kind of deformation of the pin holder 33 for
ending the pinning condition, previously described in Example
1.
[0159] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the fastener 32 which is in
the pinning condition.
Modification of Example 2
[0160] In Example 2, it is also acceptable to use a template member
39 shown in (b) of FIG. 6. In the template member 39, as opposed to
the previously described template members 24 and 34, a pair of
holding members 40 are not of a shape wherein they become gradually
narrower heading toward a tip, but are of the same width from a
base to the tip.
Example 3
Manufacturing Process and Configuration of Example 3
[0161] As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 10, a fastener 41 according
to Example 3 includes a pin holder 42 and the same pin 23 as in the
case of Example 1. The pin holder 42 is manufactured using a
template member 43 shown in FIG. 9.
[0162] The template member 43, in the same way as the template
member 24 according to Example 1, is formed by performing an
appropriate process, such as a punching process, on a rectangular,
thin plate-like spring material, with which a bending process is
possible and which is made of a material having an elastic
deformation capacity. Only a pin holder hole 45 is formed in a
central portion 44 of the template member 43. The same extension
portions 35 as in the template member 34 according to Example 2 are
formed at either extreme of a longitudinal direction of the central
portion 44, and also, the pin through holes 36 are formed in the
extension portions 35.
[0163] Meanwhile, turnback tabs 46 protrude in a non-longitudinal
direction from portions on both a left and right side of the pin
holder hole 45 in the central portion 44. Furthermore, a pair of
holding members 47 are provided protruding from the turnback tabs
46, in such a way as to protrude into the pin holder hole 45 when
turned back over the central portion 44. A space 49, equivalent to
the space 28 in the case of the previously described template
member 24, is set between leading extremes of the pair of holding
members 47. Also, an ear tab 48 is provided on each of the turnback
tabs 46.
[0164] The apex 30 and the pair of inclining portions 31 are formed
by bend processing the central portion of the longitudinal
direction of the template member 43 into an arc, in the same way as
in the case of Example 1. Furthermore, by bend processing the
extension portions 35, which are the extremes of the inclining
portions 31, along broken lines of FIG. 9, a mutually overlapping
pair of bottom edge portions 37 are formed. It is also acceptable,
in order to facilitate the bending back, to put a shallow,
groove-shaped notch in the extension portions 35, along the
depicted broken lines. The previously described pin through holes
36 are positioned in portions of the bottom edge portions 37
immediately below the apex 30. Each leading extreme of the pair of
bottom edge portions 37 is of a length such that it does not reach
a base of the other bottom edge portion 37.
[0165] Furthermore, the pair of turnback tabs 46 are bend formed
along depicted broken lines in such a way as to mutually overlap on
the front surface of the inclining portions 31. It is also
acceptable, in order to facilitate the bending back, to put a
shallow, groove-shaped notch in the turnback tabs 46, along the
depicted broken lines. As a result of this kind of bending
formation, the pair of holding members 47 protruding from the pair
of turnback tabs 46 attain a condition in which they protrude in a
direction of a central portion of the pin holder hole 45. The ear
tabs 48 are locked onto the inclining portions 31 by being bend
formed in the direction of the inclining portions 31, and each of
the turnback tabs 46 is brought into close contact with the
inclining portions 31 by means of the ear tabs 48.
(Using Condition of Example 3)
[0166] With the fastener 41 according to Example 3, although there
is a difference in configuration in that the holding members 47
protrude from the turnback tabs 46, with regard to the operation of
pinning the fastener 41 and the operation of ending the pinning
condition, they are the same as in the case of Example 1.
[0167] Also, in the same way as in the case of Example 2, as
movements of the pin 23 and the pin holder 42, which are in the
pinning condition, are mutually restricted at two points, the pin
holder hole 45 of the apex 30 and the pin through holes 36 of the
bottom edge portions 37, an ornament in the pinning condition does
not wobble unsteadily.
Modification of Example 3
[0168] Although not shown in a figure, as a modification example of
Example 3, in the same way as in the case of Example 2, it is also
preferable that, by bend forming the ear tab provided on one of the
bottom edge portions 37 in a direction of the other bottom edge
portion 37, the two bottom edge portions 37 restrict each other in
a condition in which a relative sliding movement is possible in the
longitudinal direction.
Example 4
Manufacturing Process and Configuration of Example 4
[0169] As shown in (a) of FIG. 11, a fastener 50 according to
Example 4 includes a pin holder 51 and the same pin 23 as in the
case of Example 1. As the fastener 50 is preferably applied, for
example, to a necklace, the pin holder 51 and the pin 23 are each
coupled to a necklace chain 52.
[0170] The pin holder 51 is manufactured using a template member 53
shown in (b) of FIG. 11. The template member 53, in the same way as
the template member 24 according to Example 1, is formed by
performing an appropriate process, such as a punching process, on a
rectangular, thin plate-like spring material, with which a bending
process is possible and which is made of a material having an
elastic deformation capacity. By providing the notches 26 of a
certain shape in a central portion 54 of the template member 53,
the pair of holding members 27 are formed leaving the space 28
between them.
[0171] The same extension portion 35 as in the template member 34
according to Example 2 is formed at one extreme of a longitudinal
direction of the central portion 54, and the pin through hole 36 is
formed in the extension portion 35. Meanwhile, an extension portion
56 for forming a stand-up portion 55, to be described hereafter, is
provided at the other extreme of the longitudinal direction of the
central portion 54. Then, a pair of ear tabs 58 protrude in a
non-longitudinal direction, through appointed bend portions 57
indicated by broken lines, in a leading extreme portion of the
extension portion 56.
[0172] The apex 30 and the pair of inclining portions 31 are formed
by bend processing the central portion of the longitudinal
direction of this kind of template member 53 into an arc, in the
same way as in the case of Example 1. In this example, the bending
angle of the apex 30 is made an acute one, and the ornament
fastener 50 is formed slenderly.
[0173] Then, by bend processing the extension portion 35 along
broken lines of (b) of FIG. 11, the bottom edge portion 37 which
has the pin through hole 36 is formed. As shown in (a) of FIG. 11,
a leading extreme of the bottom edge portion 37 is of a length such
that it does not reach the other inclining portion 31.
Consequently, when ending a pinning condition of the fastener 50,
it does not constitute an obstacle to an operation causing an
elastic deformation of the apex 30 of the pin holder 51 in such a
way that it bends more acutely.
[0174] Meanwhile, the other extension portion 56, by being bend
formed along depicted broken lines in a direction of the apex of
the triangle of the pin holder 51, forms the stand-up portion 55.
It is also acceptable, in order to facilitate the bending back, to
put a shallow, groove-shaped notch in the extension portion 56,
along the depicted broken lines. Next, by bending the ear tabs 58
provided at an extreme of the stand-up portion 55 at the appointed
bend portions 57, and bending them further along broken lines at
leading extremes thereof, a shelter member 59, which surrounds a
leading extreme of the pin 23 inserted into the pin holder hole, is
formed in a tube shape.
(Using Condition of Example 4)
[0175] With the fastener 50 according to Example 4, in the same way
as in the case of Example 2, as movements of the pin 23 and the pin
holder 51, which are in the pinning condition, are mutually
restricted at two points, the pin holder hole of the apex 30 and
the pin through holes 36 of the bottom edge portions 37, an
ornament in the pinning condition does not wobble unsteadily.
[0176] Also, as the fastener 50 is formed slenderly, in a case in
which it is used as, for example, a necklace, there being little
swelling of the fastener hidden under clothing, an impression and
appearance is favourable. Also, due to the existence of the
stand-up portion 55, the fastener 50 is stable. Furthermore, as the
shelter member 59 which surrounds the leading extreme of the pin 23
inserted into the pin holder hole is formed, it is possible to
prevent an accident such as, handling the fastener 50 carelessly, a
sharp leading extreme of the pin pricking a wearer's finger or
skin.
Example 5
Manufacturing Process and Configuration of Example 5
[0177] A fastener according to Example 5 also includes a pin holder
and the same pin 23 as in the case of Example 1. Regarding this
example, in order to avoid a duplication of a description and
illustration, only a template member 60 or 61, for manufacturing
the pin holder, will be illustrated and described.
[0178] As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 12, both the first template
member 60 and the second template member 61, in the same way as the
template member 24 according to Example 1, are formed by performing
an appropriate process, such as a punching process, on a
rectangular, thin plate-like spring material, with which a bending
process is possible and which is made of a material having an
elastic deformation capacity.
[0179] In the first template member 60, only the pin holder hole 45
is formed in a central portion 62 thereof. An extension portion 63,
for forming a pin holder tab, being provided at either extreme of a
longitudinal direction of the central portion 62, a pair of ear
tabs 64 protruding in a non-longitudinal direction, and a rather
narrow holding member 65 protruding in a longitudinal direction,
are provided at a leading extreme portion of each of the extension
portions 63.
[0180] When manufacturing the pin fastener according to this
example from the template member 60, an apex and a pair of
inclining portions are formed by bend processing the central
portion of the longitudinal direction of the template member 60
into an arc, in the same way as in the case of Example 1. Then, the
pin holder tabs are formed by bending the extension portions 63
along broken lines 63a of (a) of FIG. 12 in such a way that they
overlap on a front surface of the inclining portions. It is also
acceptable, in order to facilitate the bending back, to put a
shallow, groove-shaped notch along the broken lines. By means of
this bending process, the pair of holding members 65 attain a
condition in which they protrude into the pin holder hole 45. Next,
the ear tabs 64 of the pin holder tabs are locked onto the
inclining portions by being bend formed in the direction of the
inclining portions, and the pin holder tabs are brought into close
contact with the inclining portions by means of the ear tabs
64.
[0181] In the second template member 61, only a point of not
including the pair of ear tabs 64 is different when compared with
the first template member 60. When manufacturing the pin fastener
according to this example from the template member 61, after
forming an apex and a pair of inclining portions by bend processing
a central portion of a longitudinal direction of the template
member 61, the pin holder tabs are formed by bending the extension
portions 63 along broken lines of (b) of FIG. 12 in such a way that
they overlap on a rear surface of the inclining portions. In this
case, as the pin holder tabs are overlapped from the rear surface
of the inclining portions, it is not necessary to lock them to the
inclining portions using ear tabs or the like.
Example 6
Configuration of Example 6
[0182] As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, a fastener according to Example
6 includes a pin holder 66 and the same pin 23 as in the case of
Example 1. The pin holder 66 is configured of a spring member 67
and holder bases 68.
[0183] The spring material 67 being molded from a silicone rubber
having an appropriate hardness and elastic deformation capacity, it
has a triangular side view shape formed by an apex 69, which has a
shape of being bent at an acute angle or in an arc, and a pair of
linear, inclining portions 70 on either side of the apex 69, and
also includes a pin holder hole 71 in the apex for inserting the
pin 23.
[0184] A bottom edge portion 73 of a shape wherein it is bent in a
direction along a bottom edge of the previously mentioned
triangular side view shape is formed, through a vertical portion 72
curved in a direction approximately parallel to an insertion
direction of the pin 23, in each longitudinal direction extreme
portion of the pair of inclining portions 70. A certain space 74 is
left between leading extremes of the bottom edge portions 73, and
notch portions 75 are formed through which the pin 23 inserted into
the pin holder hole 71 can pass. With the inclining portions 70 in
the spring member 67, it is also possible to have a configuration
wherein the bottom edge portions 73 are not formed, or furthermore,
neither the bottom edge portions 73 nor the vertical portions 72
are formed.
[0185] The holder base 68 is fixed to each of the pair of inclining
portions 70. However, it is also possible to fix only one holder
base 68 to one of the inclining portions 70 only. The holder bases
68 being plate-like members made of a hard material with which a
bending process is possible, as shown in a pair in an actual fixing
position relationship in (b) of FIG. 13, they include a base
portion 76, a holding member 77 protruding from the base portion,
and a pair of turnback tabs 78 protruding in a vertical direction
with respect to the holding member 77.
[0186] Then, in a condition in which the holder bases 68 are joined
to the inclining portions 70, by bending the turnback tabs 78 in
such a way as to wrap around the inclining portions 70, the holder
bases 68 are fixed to the inclining portions 70. As extreme
portions of the holding bases 68 on inclining portion 70 leading
extreme sides come into contact with the previously mentioned
vertical portions 72, they do not move farther than their fixing
positions toward the inclining portion 70 leading extreme sides. In
the event that the vertical portions 72 or bottom edge portions 73
are not formed on the spring member 67, the kind of appropriate
fixing means previously described in the "Embodiments" section is
applied in order to fix the holding bases 68.
[0187] In the heretofore described fixing condition, the holding
members 77 of the holder bases 68 protrude in the same direction as
the inclining portions 70, and to a length such as to bite into the
peripheral groove 23a of the pin 23 inserted into the pin holder
hole 71.
(Using Condition of Example 6)
[0188] A using condition of the fastener according to Example 6 is
basically the same as in the cases of Example 1 and Example 2.
[0189] That is, when pinning the fastener, the pin 23 is inserted
into the pin holder hole 71 of the apex 69 from a bottom edge side
of the triangular shape of the spring member 67 in the pin holder
66. At this time, the pin 23 is inserted while pushing the holding
members 77 protruding into the pin holder hole 71 out to the
exterior. As the pair of holding members 77 protrude in the same
direction as the inclining portions 70, they do not exhibit a
strong resistance to the heretofore described insertion of the pin
23. Then, on the peripheral groove 23a of the pin 23 reaching a
protrusion position of the holding members 77, the holding members
77 return to an original position and move into the peripheral
groove 23a of the pin 23, and the pinning is completed.
[0190] As a small clicking sound is emitted when the holding
members 77 moves into the peripheral groove 23a of the pin 23, it
is possible to easily confirm the completion of the pinning. For
this reason, it is possible to reliably pin the fastener. In the
fastener which is in the pinning condition, in a condition in which
the holding members 77 protrude in a direction opposite to a
direction in which the pin 23 comes out, the pin 23 will not come
out of the pin holder 66 as the condition stands, as the holding
members 77 are biting into the peripheral groove 23a. For this
reason, even in the event that the pin holder 66 or pin 23 becomes
caught on, for example, a hair or other material, the pinning
condition is maintained, and the problem such as a loss due to the
ornament falling off does not occur.
[0191] When wishing to end the pinning condition of the fastener,
extremes of the pair of inclining portions 70 of the spring member
67 are pinched between, for example, a thumb and an index finger,
and a force is applied in directions of reducing a space between
the extremes of the inclining portions 70. By means of this
operation, as shown in (b) of FIG. 14, an elastic deformation is
brought about in such a way that the apex 69 of the spring member
67 bends more acutely. The space 74 left between the leading
extremes of the pair of bottom edge portions 73 allows this elastic
deformation. When the space 74 disappears, as shown in (b) of FIG.
14, by means of the elastic deformation, the pin 23 attains a
condition in which it is passing through a hole formed by the pair
of notch portions 75. By means of this kind of elastic deformation
of the spring member 67, the pair of holding members 77 are
displaced away from each other. Consequently, the pair of holding
members 77 withdraw from the peripheral groove 23a of the pin 23.
For this reason, the pin 23 easily comes out of the pin holder
66.
[0192] Also, in the pinning of the fastener, the pin 23 is passed
from a bottom edge side of the triangular shape of the spring
member 67, through the space 74, then inserted into the pin holder
hole 71 of the apex 69. Movements of the pin 23 and the pin holder
66, which are in the pinning condition, are mutually restricted at
two points, the pin holder hole 71 of the apex 69 and the bottom
edge portions 73. For this reason, as the pin holder 66 does not
wobble around the pin 23, an ornament in the pinning condition does
not wobble unsteadily.
Example 7
Manufacturing Process and Configuration of Example 7
[0193] As shown in FIG. 17, a fastener 79 according to Example 7
includes a pin holder 80 and the same pin 23 as in the case of
Example 1. The pin holder 80 is manufactured using a template
member 81 shown in FIG. 16.
[0194] The template member 81 is formed by performing a punching
process on a rectangular, thin plate-like spring material, with
which a bending process is possible and which has an elastic
deformation capacity. By providing a notch 82 of a certain shape in
a central portion of the template member 81, a pair of holding
members 83 are formed leaving a small space between leading
extremes thereof. In this example, by providing the notch 82 in a
curved shape, as illustrated, the pair of holding members 83 have a
shape wherein they become gradually narrower as they curve toward
their leading extremes. For this reason, when forming an apex of
the pin holder 80 by bend processing the template member 81, it is
possible to bend it into a particularly gentle arc.
[0195] Extension portions 88, which are to be stoppers 87 (refer to
FIG. 17), are provided on extreme sides of appointed bend lines 85
and 86 found in two places, at either extreme of a longitudinal
direction of the template member 81. Also, a pair of notches 90,
for forming small, quadrilateral erect tabs 89 (refer to FIG. 17),
are formed in each of portions sandwiched between the appointed
bend lines 85 and 86 found in two places.
[0196] This kind of central portion of the longitudinal direction
of the template member 81 is bend processed into an arc, in the
same way as in the case of Example 1 and, as shown in FIGS. 17 and
18, an apex 84 and a pair of inclining portions 91 are formed.
Furthermore, by bend processing extremes of the inclining portions
91 along the appointed bend lines 85 and 86, as shown in FIG. 18,
the stoppers 87 are formed protruding to a certain length in a
bottom edge direction, and furthermore, the erect tabs 89 are bend
processed in a direction perpendicular to the bottom edge
direction.
(Using Condition of Example 7)
[0197] A using condition of the fastener 79 according to Example 7
is basically the same as in the case of Example 1 with regard to
the operation of pinning the fastener 79 and the operation of
ending the pinning condition. However, when causing an elastic
compression deformation of the pin holder 80, as shown in FIG. 19,
as it is possible to operate placing fingers on the erect tabs 89,
the operation of ending the pinning condition is easy. Also, as the
operation is restricted by the stoppers 87 coming into contact with
the pin 23, there is no danger of causing an excessive compression
deformation of the pin holder 80.
Example 8
[0198] As shown in FIG. 21, a fastener 92 according to Example 8
includes a pin holder 93 and the same pin 23 as in the case of
Example 1. The pin holder 93 is manufactured using a template
member 94 shown in FIG. 20.
[0199] In this example, a pair of arm tabs 96 are formed at leading
extreme portions of stoppers 95, which correspond to the stoppers
87 of the heretofore described Example 7. When configuring the pin
holder 93, as shown in FIG. 21, the pair of arm tabs 96 on the two
stoppers 95 are interlinked in such a way as to overlap crossed
above and below each other. As a result of this, as the two arm
tabs 96 are mutually restricted, a structural stability of the pin
holder 93 increases. Furthermore, the two arm tabs 96 form a pin
through hole through which to pass the pin 23. Points in this
example other than those heretofore described are the same as those
in Example 7.
Example 9
[0200] A template member 97 used in Example 9 is shown in FIG. 22,
and a fastener 98 in FIG. 23. As can be seen from FIG. 23, in the
fastener 98 in this example, a stopper 101, of the same kind as in
the case of Example 7, is formed from one inclining portion 100 of
a pin holder 99 formed in a triangular side view shape.
Furthermore, a bottom edge portion 102, of the same kind as in the
case of Example 2, is formed from the other inclining portion 100,
and a pin through hole 104, through which the pin 23 is passed, is
provided in a portion of the bottom edge portion 102 immediately
below an apex 103.
[0201] The template member 97 is configured, by a bending process,
in such a way that it can form the heretofore described pin holder
99. Furthermore, in the same way as in the case of Example 7, a
pair of notches 108, for forming erect tabs 107 (refer to FIG. 23),
are formed in each of portions sandwiched between appointed bend
lines 105 and 106 found in two places.
Example 10
Manufacturing Process and Configuration of Example 10
[0202] As shown in FIG. 25, a fastener 109 according to Example 10
includes a pin holder 110 and the same pin 23 as in the case of
Example 1. The pin holder 110 is manufactured using a template
member 111 shown in FIG. 24.
[0203] The template member 111 is formed by performing a punching
process on a rectangular, thin plate-like spring material. A pair
of holding members 112, of the same kind as in the case of Example
7, are formed in a central portion of the template member 111.
[0204] In the same way as in the case of Example 7, a pair of
notches 114, for forming erect tabs 113 (refer to FIG. 25), are
formed at each extreme of the template member 111. Regarding
portions farther to each extreme of the template member 111, an
insertion portion 116, including a pair of arm tabs 115, is formed
in one of the extreme portions, while a bottom edge portion 117 is
formed in the other extreme portion. A pin through hole 118, and a
long, thin shaped window 119, into which the insertion portion 116
can be inserted, are formed in the bottom edge portion 117.
[0205] An apex 120 and a pair of inclining portions 121 are formed,
as shown in FIG. 25, by bend processing the central portion of a
longitudinal direction of the template member 111 into an arc, in
the same way as in the case of Example 1. Furthermore, a leading
extreme portion of the bottom edge portion 117 (a portion in which
the window 119 is formed), which is an extreme portion of one of
the inclining portions 121, is bend processed in advance along an
appointed bend line 122. Next, the bottom edge portion 117, and the
insertion portion 116, which is the extreme portion of the opposite
side, are each bend processed, along a predetermined appointed bend
line, in a bottom edge direction of the pin holder 110. At this
time, the insertion portion 116 is inserted into the window 119.
The pin holder 110 shown in FIG. 25 is configured by means of the
heretofore described process.
(Using Condition of Example 10)
[0206] A using condition of the fastener 109 according to Example
10 is basically the same as in the cases of the previously
described examples with regard to the operation of pinning the
fastener 109 and the operation of ending the pinning condition.
When causing an elastic compression deformation of the triangular
side view shape of the pin holder 110, as the operation is
restricted by the pair of arm tabs 115 coming into contact with a
wall 123 on the bottom edge portion 117 side, there is no danger of
causing an excessive compression deformation of the pin holder
110.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0207] According to the invention, it is possible to provide a pin
holder type fastener with a small pin insertion force but a large
pin extraction force, with which moreover it is possible to end a
pinning condition with an easy operation, and also, a processing is
easy and low cost.
* * * * *