Patent Publication Number: US-2021169194-A1

Title: Low-Profile Hair Clip

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of PCT International Application PCT/EP2019/062704 filed May 16, 2019, which claims priority to German Application No. 10 2018 111 910.0 filed May 17, 2018. The entire disclosures of the applications referenced above are incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a hair clip. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Hair clips of the related art are used to hold hair, especially medium to long hair, to fix it to the head or to hold it together to form a ponytail. Often, using such hair clip, hair can be pushed up from the neck and clamped to the back of the head. An example of such a hair clip is shown, for instance, in DE 20 2017 103 753 U1. 
     DE 20 2017 103 753 U1 shows a hair clip formed by two clamping bodies. The clamping bodies are connected to each other via a joint and are mounted so as to be movable about a swivel axis defined by the joint. The swivel axis divides the clamping bodies into a clamping portion and a pressure portion. An elastic element presses the clamping portions together with a clamping force. Applying pressure to the pressure portions will spread the clamping portions apart, and the clip can be placed in the hair. 
     Hair clips of this type can be handled easily, especially with one hand, and can be placed precisely in the hair. However, the disadvantage is that the pressure portions for spreading the clip protrude from the enclosed hair and are therefore conspicuously visible. The protruding pressure portions not only have a strong influence on the hairstyle, but also fundamentally limit the design options of the hairstyle. In addition, the protruding pressure portions are susceptible to getting caught on clothing or other objects or otherwise become entangled. Using the hair clip with caps, hats or helmets is therefore severely restricted or even impossible. 
     Alternatively, hair clips without protruding pressure portions are known. EP 1 982 612 A1, for example, shows a hair clip in which two clamping bodies are connected to each other at one base side, so that when the clip is placed in the hair, the base sides will rest against the hair without protruding. However, the disadvantage here is the elaborate mechanism with a torsion and a pressure spring by which the clip is attached to the hair. Since the mechanism is designed in such a way that the clamping bodies are pressed apart in the normal state and are only fixed when placed, it is difficult to readjust the clip after placement. In addition, the clip does not have the clamping force of a clip described above when fastened, so that the clip is less stable and must be readjusted by hand more often. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is an object to provide a hair clip which avoids the above mentioned disadvantages. Further, it is an object to provide a hair clip that provides a stable hold when worn and which is flexible, not bulky, and easy to use one-handed. Yet further, it is an object to provide a hair clip that is inexpensive and has a simple structure. 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a hair clip comprising: a first clamping body having a first base portion and a first clamping portion, a second clamping body having a second base portion and a second clamping portion, a joint by which the first base portion and the second base portion are coupled to one another along a swivel axis, so that the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are arranged movable relative to one another about the swivel axis, an elastic element configured to force the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion into a combined position, and a first actuator arranged on the first base portion for moving the first clamping portion relative to the second clamping portion from the combined position into a spread position, wherein the first base portion further comprises a receptacle for receiving an element of the first actuator so that the actuator is movable through the receptacle relative to the first base portion from a first position to a second position relative to the first base portion. 
     The hair clip is thus based on the principle of a conventional hair clip, in which hair can be clamped between two pretensioned clamping portions. A pressure portion, which corresponds here to the at least one actuator, can be used to spread the clamping portions apart and to place the clip in the hair. 
     However, according to the present disclosure, the at least one actuator is not rigidly fixed to one of the clamping bodies as in a conventional hair clip, but is arranged on the clamping body movable relative thereto to assume at least two positions relative to the base portion of the clamping body. In particular, the at least one actuator can be moved back and forth between the first position and the second position. 
     In the first position, the actuator protrudes from the clamping portion as in a conventional hair clip, so that a force can be exerted on the clamping body via the actuator to spread the clamping portions apart against a clamping force. The spread clip can be placed in the hair and fixed by releasing the actuator. 
     After the clip has been applied, the actuator can be moved into the second position, in which it no longer protrudes from the clamping portions and the hair, but preferably rests within the clamped hair, especially while being recessed in it. Thus, while wearing the hair clip, no actuator protrudes beyond the clip and from the hair, and the clip is less bulky and less noticeable within the hair. The clamping bodies can lie smoothly on the combined hair and thus do not hinder the wearing of headgear. This also reduces the risk of the clip accidentally getting caught. 
     The at least one actuator can be brought back into the first position at any time, preferably by a simple hand movement, allowing the clip to be operated as usual. Therefore, the hair clip can be operated easily and with one hand, just like a conventional hair clip. Furthermore, the hair clip can be placed precisely in the hair and can be easily adjusted at any time. 
     In a further refinement, the hair clip is configured to clamp hair between the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion, wherein the first actuator is configured to fix the hair, in particular to be recessed into the hair, in the second position, when hair is clamped between the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion. 
     According to this refinement, the actuator will fix the clamped hair, when in the second position. Preferably, the actuator is recessed into the clamped hair. Thus, the actuator is not only positioned in a safe manner, but also stabilizes the hairstyle and the hair clip in the hair. The refinement thus contributes to a further stabilization of the hairstyle and a long-lasting fit of the clip. 
     In a further refinement, the swivel axis and a point on a side of the first clamping portion facing away from the first base portion defines a first clamping plane, wherein, in the first position, a larger part of the first actuator or the entire first actuator is located on a side of the first clamping plane facing away from the second clamping portion and, in the second position, a larger part of the first actuator or the entire first actuator is located on a side of the first clamping plane facing the second clamping portion. 
     According to this refinement, the actuator is thus “extended” as far as possible in the first position, so that there is a large lever of the actuator relative to the first clamping body. Thereby, the clip can be operated easily against the clamping force. In the second position, on the other hand, the actuator is hidden as far as possible and almost completely within the “inside” of the clip, so that the actuator does not protrude significantly or not at all from the hair. 
     In a further refinement, the receptacle is configured to guide the first actuator from the first position into the second position. 
     According to this refinement, the actuator is arranged in a receptacle on the first base portion so that it can move between the first position and the second position. The actuator can thus be easily and permanently attached to the hair clip. 
     In an example refinement, the receptacle is formed such that the first actuator can be at least partially inserted through the receptacle in order to be moved back and forth between the first position and the second position. 
     According to this refinement, the actuator and the corresponding receptacle can be of a simple design. The refinement thus contributes to a simple and cost-effective production of the hair clip. 
     In another example refinement, the receptacle is formed from a separate sleeve. 
     According to this refinement, the mechanical load applied to the clamping body by the actuator can be absorbed by the sleeve. Low wear is achieved thereby. In addition, the sleeve allows precise guidance of the actuator and thus improves the handling of the hair clip. 
     In a further refinement, the first actuator has a first stop, which, in the second position, rests against the first base portion. 
     In this refinement, the first actuator has at least on one side a termination element such as a cap, which prevents the first actuator from being moved beyond the first position. 
     In a further example refinement, the first actuator also has a second stop which, in the first position, rests against the first base portion. 
     In this refinement, termination elements on both sides of the actuator prevent that the clip slips out of the hair. This refinement thus further contributes to better handling of the clip and allows the actuator to be held permanently on the hair clip despite the variable positions it can assume. Similarly, the termination elements also indicate to a user, whether the respective first or second position has been completely assumed. 
     In a further refinement, the first actuator has means such as a notch or clamping groove, by which the actuator can be fixed in a self-retaining manner in the first position. 
     According to this refinement, the actuator can thus initially be fixed in the first position, in which it is used as pressure portion for spreading the clamping portions apart. Thereby, when the clip is applied, the actuator cannot slip and the clip can be handled safely. 
     In a further refinement, the first actuator has a curvature to increase an opening angle between the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion, when the first actuator is actuated. 
     According to this refinement, the actuator is designed in an arc to increase the distance that causes the lift of the clamping portions to each other. Thereby, the clip can be opened further than with a straight actuator, and thus the clip can be placed in the hair more easily. 
     In a further refinement, the first actuator has an element which can be inserted through a correspondingly shaped receptacle in the first base portion. The element can be shaped like a pin, for example. 
     According to this refinement, the first actuator can be inserted into the hair like a hairpin, making it particularly easy to move the actuator from the first position to the second position and to recess the actuator into the hair. The corresponding receptacles can also be easily formed, so that several receptacles can be provided on a base portion, and the actuator can thus be placed at different locations. This refinement thus further contributes to simple and cost-effective production as well as variable design and easy handling. 
     In an example refinement, the first actuator has at least one further element which can be inserted through a further correspondingly shaped receptacle in the first base portion, the one element and the at least one further element being connected to one another via a bracket. 
     According to this refinement, the actuator thus comprises two insertable elements which are combined into a U-shaped element via a bracket. The actuator thus corresponds in its form to a staple with two pins connected by a bracket. The insertable elements can be pushed into the base portion via receptacles that are spaced apart. The bracket on the one hand ensures greater stability of the actuator and on the other hand serves as a stop so that the elements cannot be pushed beyond the receptacles. Overall, the use of several parallel elements connected by a bracket increases the effective area for actuating the actuator, thus simplifying handling. At the same time, the plurality of elements that can be recessed into the hair improves the hold of the clip. 
     In another refinement, the second clamping body has a second actuator located on the second base portion for moving the second clamping portion relative to the first clamping portion, and the second actuator is arranged on the second base portion movable relative thereto so that the second actuator can assume a first position and a second position relative to the second base portion. 
     According to this refinement, both clamping bodies comprise an actuator to simplify handling of the clip. The actuators can be actuated against each other simultaneously making it particularly easy to spread the two clamping portions apart. The actuators may be operated by one hand. 
     In an example refinement, the first clamping body and the second clamping body are formed such that the first actuator and the second actuator, when in the second position, do not touch each other, in particular are moved past each other. 
     According to this refinement, the actuators are offset from each other so that they rest against or are recessed into the hair at offset positions. Thereby, the stability provided by the hair clip can be further increased, as the actuators rest against or engage with the hair at various positions. 
     In a further refinement, the second clamping body is identical in shape to the first clamping body. 
     According to this refinement, the first clamping body and the second clamping body have the same form. This allows a cost-effective production of the hair clip, as only one template or tool is needed to produce the first clamping body and the second clamping body. Especially, if the clamping body is manufactured by injection molding, the manufacturing costs can be reduced advantageously. 
     It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination indicated in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a hair clip according to the prior art. 
         FIG. 2  a side view of a hair clip according to the prior art. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a hair clip according to an embodiment in a spread state. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the embodiment according to  FIG. 3  in a closed state with actuators being in the first position. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the embodiment according to  FIG. 3  in a closed state with actuators being in the second position. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the hair clip. 
         FIG. 7  is an example embodiment of an actuator and a receptacle in a base portion of the hair clip. 
         FIG. 8  shows the embodiment according to  FIG. 7  in a disassembled state. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hair clip with pin-like actuators connected by brackets, which are in a first position. 
         FIG. 10  is a further perspective view of the embodiment according to  FIG. 9  with the pin-like actuators being in a second position. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of another example embodiment with curved actuators. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an actuator of the hair clip. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another embodiment of an actuator of the hair clip. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the hair clip having two identical clamping bodies. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before describing the embodiments of the hair clip below with reference to  FIGS. 3 to 11 , a conventional hair clip according to the prior art will be described first. 
       FIG. 1  shows a conventional hair clip according to the prior art. The hair clip  1  has two clamping bodies  2 ,  3 , each of which is divided into a clamping portion  4   a ,  4   b  and a pressure portion  5   a ,  5   b . At the transitions between the clamping portions  4   a ,  4   b  and the pressure portions  5   a ,  5   b  is a hinge portion  6   a ,  6   b  with sectional barrels. A common hinge pin  7 , which is inserted through the sectional barrels of the hinge portions  6   a ,  6   b , connects the first clamping body  2  and the second clamping body  3  with each other and a coil spring  8  presses the two clamping portions  4   a ,  4   b  together with a clamping force. By applying pressure on the pressure portions  5   a ,  5   b , the clamping portions  4   a ,  4   b  can be spread apart to place the clip in the hair. 
       FIG. 2  shows a side view of the conventional hair clip when clipped to the hair. The clamping portions  4   a ,  4   b  enclose a certain amount of hair and hold it together.  FIG. 2  shows that the amount of hair is essentially held together only by the clamping force of the coil spring, so that the hair clip can easily slip in the direction of the hair. The fit and wearing comfort can be negatively affected thereby. In addition, the fixed pressure portions  5   a ,  5   b  are constantly and conspicuously visible and thus have a strong influence on the hairstyle. 
     In view of the disadvantages of conventional hair clips, various embodiments of an improved hair clip are described in the following with reference to  FIGS. 3 to 11 . Identical reference signs describe the same parts in all figures and are not explained in detail for each figure. 
       FIG. 3  shows a first embodiment of a hair clip according to an aspect of the present invention in a side view. The hair clip is here denoted in its entirety with reference numeral  10 . 
     The hair clip  10  has a first clamping body  12  and a second clamping body  14 , which are connected to each other by a joint  16 . The first clamping body  12  and the second clamping body  14  can be identical. The description of the first clamping body  12  can thus analogously apply to the second clamping body  14 . It is understood, however, that in other embodiments the clamping bodies can be of different shapes while still implementing the mechanism according to this disclosure. 
     The clamping bodies  12 ,  14  are each divided into a base portion and a clamping portion, i.e. the first clamping body  12  comprises a first base portion  18  and a first clamping portion  20  and the second clamping body  14  comprises a second base portion  22  and a second clamping portion  24 . Base portion and clamping portion together form the clamping body as a single piece. As indicated in  FIG. 3 , the base portion can be defined by a section along one side edge of the clamping portion. 
     The clamping portions  20 ,  24  can have different shapes. The hair that is to be held in place are clamped between them. Preferably, the clamping portions  20 ,  24  are comb-shaped with teeth arranged next to each other, which engage the hair. A shaft, over which the teeth are joined together, preferably forms the respective base portion. The comb-like clamping portions can fix the hair particularly well. However, the invention is not limited to clamping portions formed like this. 
     The joint  16 , which connects the two clamping bodies  12 ,  14 , is arranged at the base portions  18 ,  22  of the two clamping bodies  12 ,  14 . The two clamping bodies  12 ,  14  are mounted on the joint  16  so that they can move about a swivel axis  26 . As shown here, the joint  16  can be designed as a hinge with two interlocking leafs  28  arranged at the base portion. The leaves  28  have sectional barrels in which a common hinge pin is inserted defining the swivel axis  26  of the hair clip. 
     The clamping portions  20 ,  24  can be swiveled around the swivel axis  26  into a combined position or a spread position. In the combined position, the clamping portions  20 ,  24  lie against each other if there is no hair in between, or if the clamping portions  20 ,  24  are comb-like, they will interlock. In the spread position, the two clamping portions  20 ,  24  are separated from each other, at least enough to tuck the hair to be held between the clamping portions  20 ,  24 . 
     The hair clip  10  is pretensioned by an elastic element and the clamping portions  20 ,  24  are forced into a combined position thereby. The elastic element can be a torsion spring, for example. A torsion spring is a spring that works by torsion or twisting, i.e. a flexible elastic object that stores mechanical energy when twisted. When the torsion spring is rotated, it generates a torque in the opposite direction, proportional to the angle by which the torsion spring is rotated. Designed as a coil spring, the torsion spring can extend along the swivel axis  26  and compress the clamping portions  20 ,  24  starting from the base portion  18 ,  22 . It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to a torsion spring, but that other elastic elements are also conceivable, which force the clamping portions  20 ,  24  into the combined position. 
     To spread the clamping portions  20 ,  24 , at least one actuator  30  is provided, which is arranged on the first base portion  18 . With the help of the actuator, the first clamping portion  20  can be moved relative to the second clamping portion. In other words, a lever can be exerted via the first actuator  30  relative to the swivel axis  26  to press the first clamping portion  20  against a clamping force that holds the clamping portions  20 ,  24  together. The first actuator  30  is turned outwards for actuating the hair clip  10 , i.e. if the swivel axis  26  and a point on a side of the first clamping portion  20  facing away from the first base portion  18  define a first clamping plane, in the first position, a larger part of the first actuator  30  or the entire first actuator  30  is located on a side of the first clamping plane facing away from the second clamping portion  24 . 
     Preferably, the hair clip  10  is symmetrical, so that a corresponding second actuator  32  can be provided on the second base portion  22  of the second clamping body  14 , which is designed in the same way as the first actuator  30 . The following description of the first actuator  30  can therefore also be applied analogously to the second actuator  32 . 
     The hair clip according to the present disclosure is characterized by the actuator  30  being able to assume two positions on the hair clip  10  compared to a conventional hair clip, i.e. the actuator is arranged on the base portion in a movable manner, so it can be moved from a first position into a second position. The function and effect of a movable actuator  30 , or movable actuators  30 ,  32 , is explained in more detail using  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a side view of the embodiment according to  FIG. 3  in a closed state with the actuators  30 ,  32  in the first position.  FIG. 5  shows a corresponding side view with the actuators  30 ,  32  in the second position. 
     In  FIG. 4 , the hair clip is fixed in the hair and the hair clip is in a closed state, with the actuators “extended” and serving as pressure portions. In this state, hair  34  is enclosed between the clamping portions  20 ,  24  defining the “inside” of hair clip  10 . 
     The actuators  30 ,  32  are in the first position and protrude outwards, i.e. from the inside to the outside of the hair clip. As with a conventional hair clip, the actuators  30 ,  32  can be used in this position as pressure portions to open the clip. For this purpose, the actuators  30 ,  32  are each pressed together in a direction of movement  36   a ,  36   b  defined by the swivel axis  26 , which causes the clamping portions  20 ,  24  to expand. Advantageously, this can be done with one hand by squeezing the actuators  30 ,  32  between the fingers and the palm of one hand. If only one actuator is provided, the fingers or the palm of the hand can alternatively grasp the base portion or the clamping portion of the clamping body where no actuator is provided to perform the corresponding opening movement. 
     The bearing of the actuator  30 ,  32  can be designed such that a direction of movement  38   a ,  38   b  of the actuators  30 ,  32  from the first position into the second position is substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement  36   a ,  36   b  defined by the swivel axis  26 . “Substantially orthogonal” in this context means that an angle between the directions of movement  36 ,  38  is at least between 80° and 100°, in particular between 85° and 95° and especially 90°. 
     According to the shown embodiment, the actuators  30 ,  32  are arranged movable in receptacles in the base portions  18 ,  22 . The receptacles are designed to guide the actuators  30 ,  32  in a direction of movement  38   a ,  38   b , which is substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement  36   a ,  36   b  defined by the swivel axis  26 , i.e. the actuators  30 ,  32  are arranged such that they can be moved from the first position along the direction of movement  38   a ,  38   b  into the inside of the hair clip  10  to assume the second position. In particular, the actuators  30 ,  32  are arranged such that in the second position the actuators are recessed in the clamped hair  34 . This is shown for clarification in  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 5  shows the hair clip with “retracted” actuators  30 ,  32 , i.e. with actuators  30 ,  32  in the second position. The state of the hair clip as shown in  FIG. 5  corresponds to the state in which the clip is finally worn in the hair. 
     In this state, the actuators  30 ,  32  essentially no longer extend beyond the hair clip  10 . Only a termination element  40 , which is intended to prevent the actuators  30 ,  32  from being pushed beyond the second position, may exceed the volume defined by the clamped hair  34 . In the second position, the actuators  30 ,  32  can thus be stuck in the clamped hair  34  to provide greater stability. In particular, the actuators  30 ,  32 , which are stuck into the hair, prevent the hair clip  10  from slipping over time, which might negatively affect the comfort and appearance of the hairstyle. 
     In an example embodiment, an angle between the actuator and an orthogonal line to the outside of the base portion is between 10° and 30°, in particular 20°. This means that the receptacles on the base portion are designed such that the actuators  30 ,  32  are guided at an angle to the outside of the base portion in such a way that the actuators  30 ,  32  retract nearly centrally into the hair in the closed state to achieve optimum stability. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 5 , the actuators  30 ,  32  can be designed such that they move past each other in the second position, i.e. the first actuator and the second actuator do not touch each other in the second position. By moving the actuators  30 ,  32  past each other, a particularly high degree of stability can be achieved, since the actuators  30 ,  32  engage as centrally and deeply as possible in the hair  34 . At the same time, the actuators  30 ,  32  can be designed as long as possible to effectively serve as pressure portions in the first position. 
       FIG. 6  shows the previously described embodiment in a perspective view. Here, the clamping bodies  12 ,  14  are comb-shaped and the clamping portions  20 ,  24  are formed by a plurality of curved teeth  42  arranged side by side along a shaft  44 . The shaft  44  corresponds to a base portion of the clamping body in the sense of the present disclosure. The actuators  30 ,  32  are arranged on the shaft (base portion) and can be inserted into the shaft through receptacles  46 . The actuators  30 ,  32  according to this embodiment are pin-shaped and the receptacles are correspondingly shaped as holes. 
     Several receptacles can be provided on the shaft  44 , so that further actuators with identical function can be arranged on one shaft  44 . A plurality of actuators on one shaft  44  can simplify handling of the clip, as there is a larger contact surface, when the actuators are pressed together. Furthermore, stability of the hairstyle is further increased by the additional fixations. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the first clamping body  12  and the second clamping body  14  can be identical, wherein the two identical clamping bodies  12 ,  14  are offset to each other along the swivel axis  26  in the assembled state due to the adjacent leafs  28  of the joint  16 . Thus, the teeth  42  can engage each other so that the actuators  30 ,  32  of the two clamping bodies  12 ,  14  do not touch each other in the second position. 
     According to this embodiment, the clamping bodies  12 ,  14  are pretensioned in a combined position by a coil spring  48  as an elastic element. The coil spring  48  is wound around a hinge pin  50 , with one spring part  52   a ,  52   b  pressing on each of the shafts  44  to bring the clamping portions together with a defined clamping force. It goes without saying that other means are conceivable which force the clamping portions into the combined position. 
       FIG. 7  shows a close-up of an embodiment of an actuator and a corresponding receptacle for it.  FIG. 8  shows the same view, but with the actuator dismantled into its individual parts. 
     According to the shown embodiment, the actuator  30  can have a pin-like shape with termination elements  40 ,  41  at the top and bottom. The termination elements  40 ,  41  prevent the actuator  30  from sliding out of the receptacle  46 . The receptacle  46  can be a sleeve  54 , which sits in a recess of the shaft  44 . The sleeve  54  can absorb part of the mechanical load acting on the shaft when the clip is opened. 
     The pin-like form of the actuator and the guiding sleeve both contribute to a light-weight and discreet design of the hair clip, which means that less material is required for the hair clip, an thus enabling resource-saving production. 
     In addition, the sleeve  54  can guide the actuator  30  when moving from the first position into the second position, providing a defined direction of movement  38  of the actuator, and thus ensuring that the actuator can be optimally placed in the hair. 
     According to the embodiment shown here, the actuator  30  may further comprise a clamping groove  56 . The clamping groove  56  prevents the actuator  30  from moving automatically out of the first position and accidentally slipping into the second position, when being compressed. 
     It goes without saying that the actuator and receptacles shown here are to be understood as examples only. Other shapes and forms are conceivable, which achieve the same effect of fixing the clip in the hair, while the actuator no longer protrudes beyond the clip. For example, a sword-like form of the actuator, which is held in a slot-like receptacle in the shaft, is conceivable as well. This configuration would have the advantage of a larger surface area, which further improves the stabilization of the hair and makes it easier to press the actuators. 
     Furthermore, it is conceivable that the actuators are not mounted on the base portion by insertion, but, according to another embodiment, be rotated around the base portion to pivot from a first position into a second position. The actuators could then lie against the hair parallel to the clamping portions and be pressed against the hair, for example by a spring, to provide additional stability. Likewise, the actuators would no longer protrude unfavorably from the clip and could be turned inside the clip. 
     In addition, a plurality of actuators can be combined independently of the respective bearing to further improve fixation and stabilization. Such an embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , for example. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  show a hair clip having a similar design to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , but with actuators  30 ,  32  comprising several insertable elements  57  connected to each other by a bracket  58 . This design has the advantage of enlarging an area that is essential for touching the actuator and for its operation, while the actuator is altogether of slender and light design, and can therefore still be easily recessed into the hair. 
     It goes without saying that, in addition to the variant with two insertable elements  57  shown here, a plurality of insertable elements  57  can also be grouped together like a comb via one or more brackets  58 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the combined actuators can be recessed into the inside of the hair clip in the same way as individually insertable actuators. In addition, the bracket  58  serves as a termination element. 
       FIG. 11  shows a further embodiment, in which the actuators  30 ,  32  each have a curvature  60 . The curvature  60  of the individual actuators  30 ,  32  results from the fact that the actuators  30 ,  32  are bent against the respective direction of movement  36   a ,  36   b  defined by the swivel axis  26  to increase a rotation angle between the swivel axis  26  and the tips of the actuators  30 ,  32 . Thereby, an opening angle  62  between the swivel axis and the clamping portions can be increased when the actuators  30 ,  32  are pressed together, making it easier to place hair inside the clip. Especially, in the case of interlocking clamping portions, the increase in the opening angle is advantageous. 
       FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an actuator of the hair clip. 
     Similar to the embodiments of  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the actuator  30 ,  32  is designed as an insertable actuator. The actuator  30 ,  32  has two insertable elements  57 , which are connected to each other via a bracket  58 . The actuator  30 ,  32  can thus be inserted in the manner described above through receptacles in the base portions of the clamping body of the hair clip. 
     The pin-like, insertable elements  57  can be S-shaped, as shown in  FIG. 12 . In particular, the S-shape  66  may be formed on a section of the insertable elements  57  facing away from the bracket  58 . The S-shape  66  facilitates fixing of the actuator  30 ,  32  in the “extended” position, i.e. in the first position, so that the actuator  30 ,  32  does not change its position during actuation. The S-shape  66  can be realized without any major effort, which makes the actuator  30 ,  32  particularly easy to manufacture. 
       FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of another actuator. 
     As before, the actuator  30 ,  32  is designed as an insertable bracket, which has two insertable elements  57 , which are connected to each other via a bracket  58 . 
     Here, the insertable bracket has a latching mechanism with one or more slots  68   a ,  68   b , which are recessed in the insertable elements  57 . In particular, a first slot  68   a  may be provided at the lower end of the insertable elements  57 , i.e. at the end of the insertable elements  57  opposite to the bracket  58 . The slot  68   a  allows the material at this end of the insertable element  57  to yield slightly so that the insertable element  57  can be inserted into the receptacle in the base portion. The thickening  70   a  at the same end prevents the insertable bracket from being pulled out too easily and also serves as termination element  41 . 
     An additional slot  68   b  in a middle section of the insertable elements  57  can be used together with a further thickening  70   b  at the middle height of slot  68   b  as a latching element so that the insertable element  30 ,  32  does not slip into the clip when the actuator  30 ,  32  is actuated. At the same time, with a little more pressure, the insertable bracket can be easily recessed into the hair. 
     It goes without saying that the two embodiments for actuators  30 ,  32  shown above are only to be understood as examples. In particular, the features shown in the above embodiment may be combined in other embodiment. The overall design of the actuators  30 ,  32  contributes to a simplified handling of the hair clip. 
     Finally,  FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a clamping body of the hair clip. 
     The first clamping body  12  and the second clamping body  14  can be identical. Therefore, the following description only refers to one of the two clamping bodies. 
     The clamping body  12  is divided into a clamping portion  20  and a base portion  18 , as described above. The clamping portion  20  is formed by individual teeth  42 , which are held together by the base portion  18 . In the base portion  18 , hole-shaped receptacles  46  are provided, into which the previously described insertable brackets can be inserted as actuators (not shown here). 
     The two clamping bodies  12 ,  14  can be connected to each other via joint portions  6 . In the example embodiment, each clamping body may comprises at least three joint bars. A third joint bar  72   a  can prevent the clamping bodies  12 ,  14  from slipping along an axis of rotation  26  defined by pivot pin  50 , which may be similar to or different than the hinge pin  50  of  FIG. 6 . In addition, the additional joint bar  72   a  increases the stability of the joint advantageously. In particular, the third joint bar  72   a  can be designed somewhat wider than the other joint bars and thus serve as a stable support for the spring legs, which transmit a large force at this point. 
     Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 14 , an outer tooth of the teeth  42  can additionally have a loop  74  which serves as a counter bearing for a tooth of the other clamping body. Thereby, fitting the clip in the hair can be further improved. 
     It goes without saying that the illustration of the clamping bodies in  FIG. 14  is only to be understood as an example and that other configurations are conceivable. In particular, the features of the shown clamping bodies may be combined with the features of the clamping bodies of the previous embodiment. 
     According to an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a hair clip comprising: a first clamping body having a first base portion and a first clamping portion, a second clamping body having a second base portion and a second clamping portion, a joint by which the first base portion and the second base portion are coupled to one another along a swivel axis, so that the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are arranged movable relative to one another about the swivel axis, an elastic element configured to force the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion into a combined position, and a first actuator arranged on said first base portion for moving said first clamping portion relative to said second clamping portion from said combined position into a spread position, said first actuator is arranged on said first base portion movable relative thereto to assume a first position and a second position relative to said first base portion. The hair clip may comprise an element which can be inserted through a correspondingly shaped receptacle in the first base portion. The element can be shaped like a pin. 
     The phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A OR B OR C), using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be construed to mean “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.”