Abstract:
Mounting clips ( 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600 ) removably engage to vertically disposed mounting surfaces, such as rain gutter downspouts, and support decorative articles for display. The mounting clips include a frame having arms ( 14, 814, 914, 1014 ) configured for attachment to a profiled outer surface of the mounting surface. Optional adapters ( 870 ) removably engage to the arms when clips are attached to non-standard diameter mounting surfaces. Length-adjusting clip arms ( 1014, 1084 ) or straps ( 970 ) may join to the frame of the clips. Or, the arms may be replaced by straps ( 1176, 1182, 1276, 1282, 1376, 1382, 1476, 1482, 1576, 1582 ). Decorative articles are joined or appended to a blank ( 44, 1644 ) that is slidably engageable with the central portion of the mounting clip. The blank ( 1644 ) may include frictional or locking engagement structure ( 1650, 1686, 1696 ).

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a national stage application (under 35 USC §371) of PCT/US2014/024081, filed Mar. 12, 2014, which claims benefit of U.S. application No. 61/777,565, filed Mar. 12, 2013. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The field of the present invention relates to mounting clips configured to mount onto a rain gutter downspout, household post, deck post, tree, pole, various sizes of lumber, doorway, or other comparable mounting surface. 
     Homeowners frequently mount various types of items onto the exterior of a building structure, including security lights, decorative lights, flags, and seasonal decorations. Many times, however, these items are not easily mounted onto building exteriors. Security lights, for example, are usually mounted onto exterior corners of buildings, using screws and specially designed mounting brackets. Decorative lights are often mounted with hook-type attachments, which are nailed or screwed into the building exterior or joined to horizontally disposed rain gutters. Flag mounts and other types of seasonal decorations are similarly mounted to building exteriors, using special attachments which are screwed or nailed into place. 
     Unfortunately, when lights, flags, decorations, and other mountable elements are not in use, the mounting devices used to attach these lights and decorations are left behind, potentially decreasing the aesthetic value of the building. In addition, when these mounting devices and their respective fastening elements are removed, damage made during installation is revealed. Depending on the material of the building structure, after removal of these elements, scratches, holes, cracks, rips, and tears in building exteriors are apparent. Besides negatively affecting the aesthetic appearance of building exteriors, the resulting damage may also provide entry sites for insects, water, wind, and dirt. 
     Various types of solutions have been proposed to attach lights, flags, decorations and other types of mountable elements to building exteriors. However, few solutions allow for attachment to a building structure without penetrating the structure&#39;s exterior. Moreover, few, if any, of these proposed solutions have considered attaching mountable elements, such as lights and decorations to rain gutter downspouts and other comparable vertically disposed mounting surfaces. 
     Downspouts, which are also commonly known as waterspouts, down pipes, drain spouts, and drain pipes, are vertically positioned conduits which are coupled to horizontally positioned gutters to carry rainwater from a gutter to ground level. Downspouts primarily direct water away from a building&#39;s foundation. By using downspouts, water may be directed to a sewer, rain collection area, or to the ground at a distance from a building foundation. Downspouts generally are positioned vertically against exterior building walls, and typically are coupled to building exteriors using straps positioned at various points along the vertical length of the downspout. Although some proposed solutions have considered clip-type attachments for decorative lights to horizontally-positioned gutters disposed along a roofline, these attachments are not adaptable to the shape and configuration of downspouts and other comparable vertically disposed mounting surfaces. 
     For these reasons, among others, there is a clear need for improved mounting clips used to mount lights, decorations, and other types of mountable elements. More particularly, a need exists for mounting clips that may be installed and removed repeatedly without causing significant harm to the supporting structure. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages, as described in the following summary. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect of the invention, a mounting clip is configured for attachment to a downspout or other comparable mounting surface. The mounting clip includes a frame having a plurality of extending arms and a central portion disposed between at least two of the plurality of extending arms. 
     In one mounting clip configuration, a blank receiving area, configured to mate with a blank, is defined in the central portion. Various types of mountable elements may be coupled to the blank, including hooks, clips, arms, and mounting plates. The extending arms, central portions and/or rear portions of the frame may include projections and channels, which are complementary to the mounting surface such that the clip engages with the surface without the need for fastening elements. 
     Variations include adding adapters or straps to the distal ends of the arms to facilitate mounting the clip to non-standard gutter downspouts or other desired mounting surfaces. The mounting clip may be configured specifically for mounting to a side surface of a downspout. The mounting clip may have movably connected arms so that the gap spacing between the distal ends of such arms may be adjusted to accommodate larger or smaller mounting surfaces. The mounting clip may have straps that attach to the ends of the arms so that the straps may be joined around a mounting surface. Alternatively, the mounting clip may not have arms, but the straps may have proximal ends that fit within a channel in the body of the mounting clip. Engagement mechanisms may be supplied to lock or engage the straps to the mounting clip. Other variations include a frictional surface on the blank or a detent snap fitting for joining the blank to the central portion. 
     A more complete understanding of the invention, including an understanding of the various configurations of mounting clips and decorative mounting articles, will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages and objects thereof, by consideration of the followed detailed description. Reference will be made to the appended drawing sheets which will first be described briefly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to similar components: 
         FIG. 1  is a right perspective view of one configuration of a mounting clip positioned for alignment onto a downspout; 
         FIG. 2  is a left perspective view of the mounting clip shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a right perspective view of the mounting clip shown in  FIG. 1  and a blank positioned in alignment with a blank receiving area on the clip; 
         FIG. 3B  is a right perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the first configuration of a mounting clip with a blank therein, wherein said blank is coupled to a flag or banner attachment; 
         FIG. 3C  is a right perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the first configuration of a mounting clip with a blank therein, wherein said blank is coupled to a hook attachment; 
         FIG. 4A  is a right perspective view of a second configuration of a mounting clip; 
         FIG. 4B  is a right perspective view of a third configuration of a mounting clip; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of the mounting clip configuration shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a right perspective view of a fourth configuration of a mounting clip; 
         FIG. 7  is a right perspective view of a mounting clip assembly; 
         FIG. 8  is a right perspective view of a fifth configuration of a mounting clip; 
         FIG. 9A  is a top view of a mounting clip configuration shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 9B  is a top view of a sixth mounting clip configuration; 
         FIG. 10  is a right perspective view of a decorative article coupled to a mounting clip; 
         FIG. 11  is a right perspective view of a decorative article having an integrated mounting clip; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of one mounting clip configuration mounted onto a vertical post; 
         FIG. 13  is a right front perspective view of a mounting clip with articulating portions at the ends of the arms; 
         FIG. 14  is a right front perspective view of a mounting clip with a removable strap engaged to the distal ends of upper arms of the mounting clip; 
         FIG. 15  is a right front perspective view of the mounting clip of  FIG. 14  with a second removable strap engaged to the distal end of a lower arm and released from the distal end of a second lower arm of the mounting clip; 
         FIG. 16  is a partially exploded right front perspective view of a mounting clip with ratcheting arms for adjusting arm spacing; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a right front perspective view of a mounting clip with ratcheting straps for adjusting strap length; 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the mounting clip of  FIG. 18  showing the mounting clip with its ratcheting straps engaged at their distal ends to surround a mounting post; 
         FIG. 20  is a right front perspective view of a mounting clip with another embodiment of ratcheting straps for adjusting strap length; 
         FIG. 21  is a partially exploded right front perspective view of the mounting clip of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a right front perspective view of a mounting clip with still another embodiment of ratcheting straps for adjusting strap length; 
         FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  23 - 23  of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a partially exploded right front perspective view of a mounting clip with yet another embodiment of ratcheting straps for adjusting strap length; 
         FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view of the mounting clip of  FIG. 24  as assembled with ratcheting straps engaged in receiving slots; 
         FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view of the mounting clip of  FIG. 24  with a proximal end of one ratcheting strap still to be engaged within a receiving slot; 
         FIG. 27  is a partially exploded right front perspective view of a mounting clip with still yet another embodiment of ratcheting straps for adjusting strap length; 
         FIG. 28  is a cross sectional view of the mounting clip of  FIG. 27  as assembled with ratcheting straps engaged in receiving slots; 
         FIG. 29  is a cross-sectional view of the mounting clip of  FIG. 27  with a proximal end of one ratcheting strap still to be engaged within a receiving slot; 
         FIG. 30  is a partially exploded right front perspective view of a mounting clip adapted for engagement to a mounting stake; 
         FIG. 31  is a right front perspective view of the mounting clip and mounting stake of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a partially exploded right front perspective view of a mounting clip and a blank wherein the blank receiving area of the central portion of the mounting clip defines a series of ridges separated by channels or valleys; 
         FIG. 33  is a right front perspective view of a blank with ridges extending outwardly from its rear surface; 
         FIG. 34  is a right front perspective view of a blank with a textured or otherwise high friction rear surface; and 
         FIG. 35  is a right front perspective view of a blank with projections extending outwardly from its rear surface. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Turning in detail to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-12  show various configurations of mounting clips  10 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 . The mounting clips and decorative mounting articles described herein are configured for mounting onto a downspout or other comparable vertically disposed mounting surface. As used herein, the term “downspout” should be broadly construed as any conduit that may couple to a roof gutter or drainage system on a building structure. Moreover, as used here, the term “building structure” should be construed broadly as any structure having walls suitable for installation of a downspout or comparable vertically disposed mounting surface. Such structures are therefore not limited to stationary building structures, but may also include boats, mobile homes, and recreational vehicles, which may be suitable for habitation. 
     It is also within the scope of this invention for the mounting clips and decorative mounting articles to be mounted on alternative mounting surfaces other than vertically disposed mounting surfaces. Alternative mounting surfaces may comprise, for example and without limitation, hand railings, deck railings, porch railings, whether horizontally disposed or angularly disposed, trees, poles, various sizes of lumber, and doorways. 
     The mounting clips and decorative mounting articles shown may be manufactured from a variety of material types. However, in preferred configurations, the clips and articles are manufactured with flexible materials, including, but not limited to, elastomeric, thermoplastic, and metallic materials. A representative metal is aluminum. Representative thermoplastic materials are polyvinylchloride (PVC) and polyurethane. A representative elastomeric material is rubber or latex rubber. Such materials should be substantially weather resistant such that they are not subject to significant corrosion upon frequent exposure to rain, snow, ice, humidity, etc. Alternatively, the materials may be impregnated with or coated with protective materials, such as but not limited to, antimicrobials, UV-resistants and/or flame retardants, which provide sufficient weather resistance. 
     Mounting clips and decorative mounting articles may also be manufactured with different types of colors such that they blend with the building structure or downspout material. Alternatively, mounting clips and decorative mounting articles may be manufactured having a contrasting color, decoration, or pattern that lends to building aesthetics or seasonal decor. For example, mounting clips may have a shape and color that changes the appearance of a downspout to appear from a distance to be a striped candy cane. In addition, mounting clips and decorative mounting articles may have shapes and colors that are complementary to other décor positioned close to the building structure. 
       FIGS. 1-3C and 12  show on version of a mounting clip  10  configured for attachment to a mounting surface  2 , such as a downspout  2   a , a post  2   b  ( FIG. 12 ), or other comparable mounting surface. The downspout  2   a  is in a substantially vertical position against a building structure  4  and may be coupled to a horizontally positioned gutter  6 , which is coupled to a roof  8  of the building structure. Referring particularly to  FIGS. 2 and 3A , in one configuration, the mounting clip  10  includes a frame  12  having a plurality of extending arms  14  and a central portion  16  disposed between at least two of the plurality of extending arms. The frame  12  has a shape that is complementary to a profiled mounting surface  17 , which is represented in hidden lines in  FIG. 2 . A “profiled mounting surface” is defined herein as a surface that engages with complementary engagement portions of a mounting clip or a decorative mounting article, as further described below. 
     Where the mounting surface  2  is a downspout that has a generally rectangular cross-section with rounded corners, the frame  12  may be substantially u-shaped such that it covers front sections and side sections of the downspout. If the mounting surface, such as a downspout, has a generally circular cross-section, however, the frame may be substantially c-shaped. Other complementary frame configurations may also be realized, depending upon the cross-sectional shape of the mounting surface. 
     In the configuration shown in  FIGS. 1, 2 and 3A , the mounting clip  10  includes at least two extending arms  14  each having an engagement portion  18  with a profiled inner section  20 . The clip  10  also includes a corner section  22  that engages with the corners  26  of the mounting surface  2 , while the profiled inner sections  20  is configured to engage with a profiled mounting surface  17 . The profiled inner section  20  of the extending arm also may include projections  30  and channels  32  that extend from an upper arm edge  34  to a lower arm edge  36 . 
     Opposing extending arms  14   a ,  14   b  may be slightly tapered toward one another such that upon installation onto a mounting surface  2 , the arms  14   a ,  14   b  are pulled apart. During installation, extending arms  14   a ,  14   b  may then be released and positioned such that projections  30  and channels  32  of the profiled inner section  20  are in substantial alignment with the profiled mounting surface  17 . Thus, when the mounting clip  10  is installed on a downspout, projections  30  fit within or engage recesses or channels of the profiled mounting surface  17 , and ridges or raised portions of the profiled mounting surface  17  fit within or engage with channels  32  such that the clip is held onto the surface without the use of fastening elements, such as tape, nails, and screws, or the like. The engagement of the profiled sections  20  of the clip  10  and the mounting surface  17  is such that the clip  10  may be quickly installed onto the mounting surfaces by pushing force, and then in turn quickly removed by pulling the extending arms away from the mounting surface  17 . When the clip  10  is mounted on the mounting surface  17 , the extending arms  14   a ,  14   b  provide sufficient force to hold the clip in place and to support various types of mountable elements  19 , including decorations, flag poles, and lights, as further described below. The engagement of the clip  10  to the mounting surface  17  is a snap fit or comparable to a snap fit, and the clip  10  may be installed and removed repeatedly from the engagement to the mounting surface  17 . 
     In the configuration shown in  FIGS. 1-3C , the central portion  16  includes a blank receiving area  38 , having a varying wall thickness, with at least one wall thickness portion having a greater wall thickness than the extending arm wall thickness. The blank receiving area  38  defines a slotted are  40 , having one section with a substantially rectangular shape, and a blank opening area  42 . The shapes of the slotted area and the blank opening area shown in  FIGS. 1-3C , however, should not be construed as limited. Each of these areas  40 ,  42  may have any shape that facilitates mating with a blank  44 . Mating may occur by slidable engagement, snap engagement, lock and key type arrangements, male and female arrangements, and/or any other engagement method used alone or in combination that allows for mounting of the blank onto the mounting clip. 
     In the configuration of  FIGS. 1-3C , the blank  44  includes a protruding section  46  and a mating section  48 . The mating section  48  is configured for positioning within the slotted area  40  such that the blank  44  slides into the blank receiving area  38 . The protruding section  46  includes a face portion  47 , which is configured for coupling with various types of mountable elements. 
     Mountable elements include, but are not limited to, arm attachments  50  ( FIG. 3B ), hook attachments  52   a  ( FIGS. 3C, 12 ),  52   b  ( FIG. 4B ),  52   c  ( FIG. 8 ), clip attachments  54  ( FIGS. 4A, 5 and 6 ), plate or bracket attachments  56  ( FIG. 7 ), and decorative articles  700  ( FIG. 10 ). These types of mountable elements  19  allow a user to position flags or banners  53  ( FIG. 3B ), string lights, security lights, birdhouses, decorative lights, decorative articles, electrical outlets, and any other product type suitable for mounting. In alternative configurations, these types of mountable elements may be integral to the central portion, as shown particularly in  FIGS. 4A, 6 and 11 . Alternatively, hooks, clips, mounting plates, and similar devices may be directly attached to a central portion on one or more clips, using fastening elements such as adhesives, tapes, and screws. See, e.g.,  FIG. 7 . The central portion  16  of the clip  10  is preferably used as an attachment point for one or more mountable elements. As such, a mountable element may be coupled to the central portion using any viable method. Such methods include use of molding techniques, adhesives, fasteners  58  ( FIG. 7 ), and other types of fastening elements. 
       FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5  show other configurations of a mounting clip  100 ,  200  that may attach to a mounting surface  2 . Here, each mounting clip includes a frame  112 ,  212  having two extending arms  114 ,  214  and an angularly aligned or slanted central portion  116 ,  216  disposed between the extending arms. When multiple mounting clips of this configuration are coupled to a downspout, the downspout may have a striped appearance when viewed from a distance. For example, where the downspout is white and the clips  100 ,  200  are red, from a distance, the downspout may look like a candy cane. This type of configuration is therefore particularly suitable for use as a decorative element during the Christmas holidays.  FIGS. 4A and 5  show a clip-type attachment  54  which may be used to string lights, garland, ropes, cords, etc.  FIG. 4B  shows an alligator hook-type attachment  52   b , which may also be used to hang lights, garland, ropes, cords, and similar objects. 
       FIG. 6  shows one configuration of a mounting clip  300  having a horizontally positioned central portion  316  and extending arms  314 . Here, the central portion of the clip includes an arm engagement portion  318   a  and a central engagement portion  318   b . The central engagement portion extends from an upper face  315  to the lower face  317  of the central portion  316 . These engagement portions  218   a ,  318   b  provide additional means of retaining the clip  300  onto a mounting surface. 
       FIG. 7  shows an example of one method of coupling mounting clips  400  to form a mounting clip assembly  402 , using a plate or bracket  56 . This type of attachment may be used to couple other types of mountable elements such as a flag holder  60 , security light brackets, etc., which are normally directly mounted onto vertical surfaces of building structures. 
       FIGS. 8, 9A and 9B  show additional configurations of mounting clips  500 ,  600 . Here, each mounting clip includes a frame  512 ,  612  having four extending arms  514 ,  614  and horizontally positioned central portion  516 ,  616  disposed between the extending arms with engagement portions  518   a ,  618   a .  FIGS. 8 and 9A  show engagement portions  518   a ,  518   b  disposed on profiled inner sections on the extending arm and the central portion. In  FIG. 9B , each extending arm  614  is configured to extend around a rear portion of a mounting surface (not shown). As such, this version of the mounting clip  600  includes rear engagement portions  618   c . Each engagement portion has projections  530 ,  630 , respectively, separated by channels  532 ,  632 , which facilitate attachment of the mounting clip  500 ,  600  to a mounting surface. 
       FIG. 10  shows another configuration of a decorative article  62  suitable for attachment to a mounting clip  10 . In  FIG. 10 , the rear of the decorative article is coupled to a blank  44 . Alternatively, a blank may be formed integrally to extend from a surface of a decorative article. Although a pumpkin is shown as the decorative article in this example, any type of decorative article or element may be coupled to the blank  44  or may have a blank integrally formed therein. Other nonlimiting examples of decorative articles include mountable stars, hearts, icicles, snow men, candy canes, reindeer, Santa Clauses, angels, stuffed animals, etc. 
       FIG. 11  shows a mounting article  700  integrally formed with the decorative article  62 , using any viable technique. Such techniques include, but are not limited to, molding and machining. 
     The mounting clips shown include engagement portions having shapes, which may be complementary to various types of profiled mounting surfaces. In preferred configurations, extending arms, central portions, and/or rear portions each include respective engagement portions having projections and channels. These respective engagement portions are configured to engage with profiled mounting surfaces such that mounting clips and decorative elements may be coupled to the mounting surfaces without use of other fastening elements. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 13 , a mounting clip  800  has a frame  812  with a central portion  816  and arms  814  extending away from the central portion. The central portion  816  of the mounting clip  800  has a slotted area  840  that forms a blank receiving area  838 . Adapters  870  are attached to the distal ends  876  of the arms  814 . Adapters  870  are formed of a resilient material, such as but not limited to, polyurethane foam, melamine foam, rubber, latex rubber. The adapters  870  modify the thickness of the arms  814 , and offer a better frictional engagement to a mounting surface when the mounting clip  800  is installed onto the mounting surface. 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  show a mounting clip  900  that has a frame  912  with a central portion  916  and arms  914  extending away from the central portion. The central portion  916  of the mounting clip  900  has a slotted area  940  that forms a blank receiving area  938 . The arms  914  define projections  930  and grooves or channels  932 . The projections  930  and channels  932  are adapted to engage with complementary grooves and ridges of a mounting structure, such as a rain gutter downspout. In some embodiments, the decorative articles to be appended to the mounting clip  900  are heavy. In some other embodiments, the mounting surface may not have complementary grooves and ridges to engage with the projections  930  and channels  932  of the arms  914  of the mounting clip. 
     To permit the mounting clip  900  to be attached to mounting surfaces that do not have complementary grooves and ridges, or to mounting surfaces that are of a different size, or to support the attachment when the mounting clip is used in association with a heavy decorative article, the mounting clip  900  may be provided with additional reinforcing straps. As shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , receiving pins  972  project outwardly from the side faces of the arms  914 . Straps  970   a ,  970   b  have a proximal end and a distal end, with holes  974  defined at or near each proximal end and distal end. Each hole  974  engages a respective pin  972  to join the straps  970   a ,  970   b  to the arms  814  of the mounting clip  900 . The straps  970   a ,  970   b  may be used singly or together in association with a mounting clip  900 . In the configuration shown in  FIG. 15 , the straps  970   a ,  970   b  are engaged to the top arms or the bottom arms, respectively. The straps  970   a ,  970   b  are engaged at one end to the arms of one side of the mounting clip  900 , and wrapped around a mounting surface, and then joined at their opposite end to the arms of the opposite side of the mounting clip. 
       FIGS. 16 and 17  show a mounting clip  1000  with adjusting arms  1014 ,  1084 . The mounting clip has a frame  1012  with a central portion  1016 . The central portion  1016  defines a slotted area  1040  that forms a blank receiving area  1038 . Channels  1080 ,  1082  are formed through the central portion  1016 . A first set of arms  1014 , have proximal ends each with a series of ridges or grooves  1070 ,  1072  on one side. The series of ridges or grooves  1070  faces the same direction as the distal end of the arm  1014 . The series of ridges or grooves  1072  faces the opposite direction from the distal end of the arm  1014 . The proximal ends of the arms  1014  are slidably inserted into the channel  1080  in such a manner that at least a portion of the series of ridges or grooves  1070 , mates with at least a portion of the series of ridges or grooves  1072 . Similarly, arms  1084  each have proximal ends that each have a series of ridges or grooves  1090 ,  1092 . As shown in  FIG. 17 , at least a portion of the series of ridges or grooves  1090  mates with at least a portion of the series of ridges or grooves  1092 . By adjusting the number of ridges or grooves in engagement, the extent that the distal ends of the arms  1014 ,  1084  are separated from one another may be adjusted. 
       FIGS. 18 and 19  show another mounting clip  1100  that lacks arms, and instead uses only straps to engage the mounting clip to a mounting surface ( 1196 ). In this embodiment, the mounting clip has a frame  1112  with a central portion  1116 . The central portion  1116  defines a slotted area  1140  that forms a blank receiving area  1138 . The central portion  1116  also includes a channel  1190  therethrough. The central channel  1190  has a series of ridges or grooves  1192  formed on an inner surface thereof. 
     A first strap  1176  has a distal end and one or more pins  1178  projecting from a surface of the first arm at or near the distal end. The first strap  1176  has a proximal end, and a series of grooves or ridges  1180  are formed at or near the proximal end. The proximal end is adapted for slidable insertion into the channel  1190 . When the proximal end is so inserted into the channel  1190 , at least some of the grooves or ridges  1180  engage or mate with at least some of the ridges or grooves  1192  defined in the channel. 
     A second strap  1182  has a distal end and one or more holes  1184  therethrough at or near the distal end. The second strap  1182  has a proximal end, and a series of grooves or ridges are formed at or near the proximal end. The proximal end is adapted for slidable insertion into the channel  1190 . When the proximal end is so inserted into the channel  1190 , at least some of the grooves or ridges of the second arm  1182  engage or mat with at least some of the ridges or grooves  1192  defined in the channel. 
     Once the first and second straps  1176 ,  1182  are engaged to the central portion  1116 , the distal ends of the first and second straps  1176 ,  1182  may be wrapped around a mounting structure  1196  and joined together by linking the pins  1178  into the holes  1184 . See  FIG. 19 . 
     A damping pad  1170  or cushion is appended or joined to a rear surface of the central portion  1116 . The damping pad  1170  improves frictional engagement of the mounting clip to the mounting structure  1196 . 
     Preferably, the straps  1276 ,  1282  are formed of a resilient material, such as rubber or spandex, or are formed of leather or plastic. 
       FIGS. 20 and 21  show another variation of a mounting clip  1200  that includes length adjustable straps  1276 ,  1282 . The mounting clip  1200  has a frame  1212  with a central portion  1216 . The central portion  1216  defines a slotted area  1240  that forms a blank receiving area  1238 . The central portion  1216  also includes a channel  1290  therethrough. A damping pad  1270  is joined or appended to a rear surface of the central portion. 
     A first strap  1276  has a distal end and one or more pins  1278  projecting from a surface of the first arm at or near the distal end. The first strap  1276  has a proximal end, and two series of grooves or ridges  1280  are formed at or near the proximal end. A slot  1288  also is formed through the thickness of the first strap at or near the proximal end. The proximal end is adapted for slidable insertion into the channel  1290 . When the proximal end of the first strap  1276  is inserted into the channel  1290 , at least some of the grooves or ridges  1280  of the first strap engage or mate with at least some of the ridges or grooves defined in the channel. 
     The second strap  1282  has a distal end and one or more holes  1284  therethrough at or near the distal end. The second strap  1282  has a proximal end, and two series of grooves or ridges are formed at or near the proximal end. In addition, a slot is formed through the thickness of the second arm at or near the proximal end. The proximal end is adapted for slidable insertion into the channel  1290 . When the proximal end of the second strap  1282  is inserted into the channel  1290 , at least some of the grooves or ridges of the second strap  1282  engage or mate with at least some of the ridges or grooves defined in the channel. 
     Retracting pins  1230 ,  1238  are positioned in association with the central portion  1216  so that the pin ends engage into the respective slots  1288  in the proximal ends of the first and second straps  1276 ,  1282  when the proximal ends of the first and second straps  1276 ,  1282  are inserted in the channel  1290 . The engagement mechanism joining the proximal ends of the straps  1276 ,  1282  to the central portion  1216  thus includes both the complementary ridges and grooves  1280  that engage complementary grooves and ridges in the channel and the retracting pins  1230 ,  1238  that engage the slots  1288 . 
       FIGS. 22 and 23  show yet another variation of the mounting clip shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 . In  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the mounting clip  1300  has a frame  1312  with a central portion  1316 . The central portion  1316  defines a slotted area  1340  that forms a blank receiving area  1338 . The central portion  1316  also includes a channel  1390  therethrough. A damping pad  1370  is joined or attached to a rear surface of the mounting clip. 
     A first strap  1376  has a distal end and one or more pins  1378  projecting from a surface of the first arm at or near the distal end. The first strap  1376  has a proximal end, and three series of grooves or ridges  1380  are formed at or near the proximal end. A first slot  1388  and a second slot  1394  also are formed through the thickness of the first strap at or near the proximal end. The proximal end is adapted for slidable insertion into the channel  1390 . When the proximal end of the first strap  1376  is inserted into the channel  1390 , at least some of the grooves or ridges  1380  of the first strap engage or mate with at least some of the ridges or grooves  1392  defined in the channel  1390 . 
     The second strap  1382  has a distal end and one or more holes  1384  therethrough at or near the distal end. The second strap  1382  has a proximal end, and three series of grooves or ridges are formed at or near the proximal end. In addition, two slots are formed through the thickness of the second arm at or near the proximal end. The proximal end is adapted for slidable insertion into the channel  1390 . When the proximal end of the second strap  1382  is inserted into the channel  1390 , at least some of the grooves or ridges of the second strap  1382  engage or mate with at least some of the ridges or grooves  1392  defined in the channel  1390 . 
     Retracting pins  1330  are positioned in association with the central portion  1316  so that the pin ends engage into the respective slots  1388 ,  1394 , in the proximal ends of the first and second straps  1376 ,  1382  when the proximal ends of the first and second straps  1376 ,  1382  are inserted in the channel  1390 . The retracting pins  1330  have springs  1334  to urge the tips of the retracting pins into position within the slots  1388 ,  1394 . The engagement mechanism joining the proximal ends of the straps  1376 ,  1382  to the central portion  1316  thus includes both the complementary ridges and grooves  1380  that engage complementary grooves and ridges in the channel and the retracting pins  1330  that engage the slots  1388 ,  1394 . 
       FIGS. 24 to 26  show still another embodiment of a mounting clip  1400  using straps rather than mounting arms. The mounting clip  1400  has a frame  1412  with a central portion  1416 . The central portion  1416  defines a slotted area  1440  that forms a blank receiving area  1438 . The central portion  1416  also includes a channel  1490  therethrough. 
     A first strap  1476  has a proximal end and a distal end. Pins or projections  1478  extend from a surface at or near the distal end. Holes  1479  are formed through the first strap  1476  at or near the proximal end. 
     A strap connector  1481  has a series of pins  1488  projecting from a distal end, and a series of grooves or ridges  1480  formed on a surface at or near its proximal end. The pins  1488  engage with holes  1479  to join the proximal end of the first strap  1476  to the strap connector  1481 . The proximal end of the strap connector  1481  is slidably insertable into the channel  1490  so that at least some of the series of grooves or ridges  1480  are held in the channel  1490 . 
     A second strap  1482  has a distal end with one or more holes  1484  formed therethrough. The second strap  1482  has a proximal end with holes formed therethrough. The holes at or near the proximal end engage with a strap attachment for the second strap. The holes  1484  at or near the distal end mate or engage with the pins  1478  of the first strap  1476  when the mounting clip is installed onto a mounting surface. 
     The first and second straps  1476 ,  1482  may be of the same or different lengths. Preferably, the straps  1476 ,  1482  and the strap connectors  1481  are formed of a resilient material, such as rubber or spandex, or are formed of leather or plastic. 
     Engagement mechanism  1495  are provided in the central portion  1416  to hold the strap connector  1481  in position within the channel  1490 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 24-26 , the engagement mechanisms include a rotatable blade  1496  that engages at least one of the grooves or ridges  1480  of a respective strap connector  1481 . 
       FIGS. 27 to 29  show still another embodiment of a mounting clip  1500 . The mounting clip  1500  has a frame  1512  with a central portion  1516 . The central portion  1516  defines a slotted area  1540  that forms a blank receiving area  1538 . The central portion  1516  also includes a channel  1590  therethrough. In this embodiment, the channel  1590  is I-shaped. 
     A first strap  1576  has a proximal end and a distal end. Pins or projections  1578  extend from a surface at or near the distal end. Holes  1579  are formed through the first strap  1576  at or near the proximal end. 
     A strap connector  1581  has a series of pins  1588  projecting from a distal end, and a series of grooves or ridges  1580  formed on a surface at or near its proximal end. The pins  1588  engage with holes  1579  to join the proximal end of the first strap  1576  to the strap connector  1581 . Outwardly directed flanges  1583  are formed at the upper part and lower part of the strap connector  1581 . The proximal end of the strap connector  1581  is slidably insertable into the channel  1590  so that at least some of the series of grooves or ridges  1580  are held in the channel  1590 . 
     A second strap  1582  has a distal end with one or more holes  1584  formed therethrough. The second strap  1582  has a proximal end with holes formed therethrough. The holes at or near the proximal end engage with a strap attachment for the second strap. The holes  1584  at or near the distal end mate or engage with the pins  1578  of the first strap  1576  when the mounting clip is installed onto a mounting surface. 
     The first and second straps  1576 ,  1582  may be of the same or different lengths. Preferably, the straps  1576 ,  1582  and the strap connectors  1581  are formed of a resilient material, such as rubber or spandex, or are formed of leather or plastic. 
     Engagement mechanism  1595  are provided in the central portion  1516  to hold the strap connector  1581  in position within the channel  1590 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 27-29 , the engagement mechanisms include a retractable pin  1596  that engages at least one of the grooves or ridges  1580  of a respective strap connector  1581 . 
       FIGS. 32-35  show a mounting clip  1600  with means to enhance engagement of a blank  1644  within a slot area  1640  and a blank receiving area  1638 . The mounting clip  1600  has a frame with a central portion  1616  that defines a slot area  1640  and a blank receiving area  1638 . Arms  1614  extend outwardly away from the central portion  1616 . The slot area  1640  has an inner surface on which a series of ridges  1650  separated by channels or grooves  1660  is formed. 
     A blank  1644  is slidably engagable within the blank receiving area  1638 . The blank  1644  may have a slotted area  1680  adapted to receive a mating piece for a decorative article (not shown). One optional blank structure as shown in  FIG. 33  has a rear surface on which a series of ridges  1656  separated by channels or grooves  1658  is formed. When the blank  1644  is slidably engaged into the blank receiving area  1638 , at least some of the ridges  1656  of the blank are held between the ridges of the slot area  1640  to more securely hold the blank in engagement with the central portion  1616  of the mounting clip  1600 . 
     A second optional blank structure  1684  as shown in  FIG. 34  has a rear surface that is textured or coated with a friction enhancing material  1686 , such as a rubber, rubber cement or nonpermanent adhesive. 
     A third optional blank structure  1694  as shown in  FIG. 35  has a rear surface from which a series of projections  1696  outwardly extend. When the blank  1694  is slidably engaged into the blank receiving area  1638 , at least some of the projections  1696  of the blank are held between the ridges of the slot area  1640  to more securely hold the blank  1694  in engagement with the central portion  1616  of the mounting clip  1600 . 
       FIGS. 30 and 31  show a mounting  1700  for a decorative article associated with a stake. The mounting has a frame  1712  with a central portion  1716 . The central portions defines a slot area  1740  and a blank receiving area  1738 . The central portion  1716  further defines a slot  1780  or channel opening to the bottom. The inner wall of the slot  1780  has at least one, but optionally more than one series of grooves and ridges  1782 ,  1784 ,  1786 . 
     Retracting pins  1788  are provided. 
     A stake  1790  includes a distal end  1791  with a ground or other mounting surface piercing point. The proximal end  1793  of the stake has a shape complementary to the slot  1780  of the central portion  1716  of the mounting  1700 . At least one, but optionally more than one series of grooves and ridges  1792 ,  1794 ,  1796  are formed at or near the proximal end  1793 . As shown in  FIGS. 30 and 31 , three series of grooves and ridges are formed on one face surface, and three series of grooves and ridges are formed on the opposite face surface of the stake. 
     The proximal end  1793  of the stake  1790  is slidably inserted into the slot  1780 , and at least some of the series of grooves and ridges of the proximal end of the stake engage or mate with at least some of the series of grooves and ridges of the slot  1780 . While the proximal end  1793  is inserted into the slot, retracting pins  1788  are pulled outwardly to retract the ends of the pins from the slot  1780 . Once the proximal end  1793  is engaged into the slot  1790 , the retracting pins  1788  are released, and the tips of such pins seat or contact within grooves of the stake. 
     Thus, various configurations of mounting clips and decorative mounting articles are disclosed. While embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the following claims. 
     GLOSSARY 
     
         
           2  mounting surface 
           2   a  downspout 
           2   b  post 
           4  building structure 
           8  roof 
           10  mounting clip 
           12  frame 
           14 ,  14   a ,  14   b  extending arms 
           16  central portion 
           17  profiled mounting surface 
           18  engagement portion 
           19  mountable element 
           20  inner surface or section 
           22  corner section 
           26  corner of mounting surface 
           30  projections 
           32  channels 
           34  upper arm edge 
           36  lower arm edge 
           38  blank receiving area 
           40  slotted area 
           42  blank opening area 
           44  blank 
           46  protruding section 
           47  face portion 
           48  mating section 
           50  arm attachments 
           52   a ,  52   b ,  52   c  hook attachments 
           54  clip attachment 
           56  plate or bracket attachment 
           58  fastener 
           62  decorative article 
           100  mounting clip 
           112  frame 
           114  extending arm 
           116  central portion 
           200  mounting clip 
           212  frame 
           214  extending arm 
           216  central portion 
           300  mounting clip 
           314  extending arm 
           316  central portion 
           317  lower face 
           318   a ,  318   b  engagement portions 
           400  mounting clip 
           402  mounting clip assembly 
           500  mounting clip 
           512  frame 
           514  extending arm 
           516  central portion 
           518   a ,  518   b  engagement portions 
           530  projections 
           532  channels 
           600  mounting clip 
           612  frame 
           614  extending arm 
           616  central portion 
           618   a ,  618   b  engagement portions 
           630  projections 
           632  channels 
           700  mounting article 
           800  mounting clip 
           812  frame portion of mounting clip 
           814  extending arms 
           816  central portion 
           830  projections 
           838  blank receiving area 
           840  slotted area 
           870  arm adapter 
           872  arm adapter 
           874  arm adapter 
           876  arm adapter 
           900  mounting clip 
           912  frame portion 
           914  extending arms 
           930  projections 
           932  channels 
           938  blank receiving area 
           940  slotted area 
           970   a ,  970   b  straps 
           972  pin or projection 
           974  hole 
           1000  mounting clip 
           1012  frame portion 
           1014  extending arms 
           1016  central portion 
           1030  projections 
           1032  channels 
           1038  blank receiving area 
           1040  slotted area 
           1070  ridges and grooves 
           1072  ridges and grooves 
           1080  channel 
           1082  channel 
           1084  extending arms 
           1090  ridges and grooves 
           1092  ridges and grooves 
           1100  mounting clip 
           1112  frame portion 
           1116  central portion 
           1138  blank receiving area 
           1140  slotted area 
           1170  resilient pad 
           1176  strap 
           1178  pins 
           1180  ridges and grooves 
           1182  strap 
           1184  holes 
           1190  channel 
           1192  ridges and grooves in channel 
           1196  post 
           1200  mounting clip 
           1212  frame portion 
           1216  central portion 
           1230  retractable pins 
           1238  blank receiving area 
           1240  slotted area 
           1270  damping pad 
           1276  strap 
           1278  pins 
           1280  ridges and grooves 
           1282  strap 
           1284  holes 
           1288  slot 
           1290  channel 
           1300  mounting clip 
           1312  frame portion 
           1316  central portion 
           1330  retractable pins 
           1334  springs 
           1338  blank receiving area 
           1340  slotted area 
           1370  damping pad 
           1376  strap 
           1378  pins 
           1380  ridges and grooves 
           1388  slot 
           1390  channel 
           1392  ridges and grooves 
           1394  slot 
           1400  mounting clip 
           1412  frame portion 
           1416  central portion 
           1438  blank receiving area 
           1440  slotted area 
           1476  strap 
           1478  pins 
           1479  holes 
           1480  ridges and grooves 
           1481  strap connector 
           1482  strap 
           1484  holes 
           1488  pins 
           1490  channel 
           1495  lock mechanism 
           1496  rotatable lock pin 
           1500  mounting clip 
           1512  frame 
           1516  central portion 
           1538  blank receiving area 
           1540  slotted area 
           1576  strap 
           1578  pins 
           1579  holes 
           1580  ridges and grooves 
           1581  strap connector 
           1582  strap 
           1583  shoulder ridge 
           1584  holes 
           1588  pins 
           1590  channel 
           1591  wider portion of channel 
           1595  locking mechanism 
           1596  retracting pin 
           1600  mounting clip 
           1614  arms 
           1616  central portion 
           1638  blank receiving area 
           1640  slotted area 
           1644  blank 
           1650  ridges 
           1652  channels 
           1656  ridges 
           1658  channels 
           1660  grooves 
           1680  slotted area 
           1684  alternate blank 
           1686  frictional surface 
           1694  alternate blank 
           1696  projections 
           1700  mounting for decorative article 
           1716  central portion 
           1738  blank receiving area 
           1740  slotted area 
           1780  channel 
           1782  ridges and grooves 
           1784  ridges and grooves 
           1786  ridges and grooves 
           1788  retracting pins 
           1790  stake 
           1791  stake distal end 
           1792  ridges and grooves 
           1793  stake proximal end 
           1794  ridges and grooves 
           1796  ridges and grooves