Abstract:
A securing member or tether clip for swagging a table cloth, fabric or other similar material, has a base for gathering the table cloth to form a swag. The base includes a first end and a second end. A first arm is swingably connected to the first end of the base. A male member is connected the first arm, the male member has a neck and a head connected to the neck. A catch extends the arm. A second arm is swingably connected to the second end of the base. A female member is connected to the second arm for receiving the male member. A first hinge is connected between the first arm and the base. A second hinge is connected between the second arm and the base. A hook and loop fastener includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is connected to the clip. An augmenting attachment is connected to the second portion of the hook and loop fastener. The second portion connects the attachment to the first portion of the hook and loop fastener. A method of using the clip includes the steps of fastening the clip to an article such as a table cloth, gathering the article, engaging the article, inserting the male member into the female member, and attaching the attachment to the fastener.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application claims benefit of patent application U.S. Ser. No. 09/383,873 filed Aug. 26, 1999, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates in general to the field of fasteners. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tether or clip for fastening and securing loose articles such as a swag. Specifically, a preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a tether clip and method for fastening, collecting, gathering, and securing draped cloth and other materials to tables, window fixtures, or other fixtures.  
           [0004]    2. Discussion of the Related Art  
           [0005]    In the past, one way to provide a decorative swag for a curtain, table cloth, fabric or other similar material, was to hand gather and pleat the swag one row at a time. Then while the gathered pleats were being held, one would try to pin through the several layers of fabric that have been gathered to secure them. If any of the pleats were accidentally missed, upon release those particular pleats would fall out. When using this method, one had to decide exactly where to begin collecting or gathering the fabric to create the most appealing swag or scalloped look. Thus, one would start at the bottom edge of the table linen, at a predetermined spot. Then using two hands one would manually gather fabric, determine the size of the pleats, and fold each preceding area the same way, constantly making sure that the pleats were even and still in place. Once the desired droop of the fabric and the gathered height to the table top were satisfactory, the pleated fabric would be held while the fabric was secured. If a pleat was not exactly the same as the others, it would be redone. If a securing member was not within reach, the pleating would be released and started over when a member was found.  
           [0006]    One unsatisfactory, previously recognized approach in an attempt to solve the problem referred to herein involves the use of a stick pin. However, oftentimes it was difficult to force the straight pin or safety pin through each of the individual pleats made. After the pleats were secured, the pleating was then secured from underneath and behind into the surrounding fabric so that the pinned pleats would stay in place. Nonetheless, the pin might protrude from the pleat or be obvious to the viewer. Moreover, no further decorations were available to attach except for ribbon bow, which only adds to the amount of material which has to be secured by the pin.  
           [0007]    Further disadvantages and limitations include the fact that the past pin procedure was time consuming; required one skilled or adept at understanding the concepts of swagging; caused damage to fabrics, as well as to laborer&#39;s fingers pricked with pins and to others snagged or pricked with pins; limited the decorative options to one look; revealed unsightly pin protrusions;  
           [0008]    limited the thickness and weight of fabric available for use; limited the ability to decorate with anything other than what a straight pin may attach; required instruction and training; and was difficult to adjust swag depths without removal of pinned pleat.  
           [0009]    Moreover, this previously recognized solution also has the disadvantage of relatively high costs, including high labor and training cost.  
           [0010]    As decorating is a competitive business, a preferred solution will be seen by the end user as being cost effective, efficient, versatile, and providing almost unlimited swag and decorating options.  
           [0011]    What is needed therefore is a method which does not require much, if any, training or skill; does not create perforations, indents or damage to fabric; generally does not use stick pins which protrude to injure the setup personnel or party guests; and allows for: quick setup and take down; one-hand manipulation; self-guiding as fabric is drawn up; automatic pleating; securely locking of fabric in place; inserting of greens, other accents or fabrics into pleating with ease as it is being gathered; consistency and uniformity of gather; detailed and elaborate pleating with multiple layers having fabric secured in place as the pleats are being made; customized pleating as it is being drawn up or after it has been secured; accommodation of any thickness from extremely sheer to heavy or textured fabric; generally unlimited styles of pleating and swag; adjusting swag drop to even it out or change the look without having to remove the device and repeat the entire pleating procedure again; extending of wear on fabric or linen, thus being cost effective; draping and adding of garlands and other assorted fabrics; using top edge of table, large thick ceiling swags which can be gathered with no damage to permanent fixtures and decor; suspending or hanging of items from the bottom, top or sides of the attachment clip; creating multiple layers of swags with several different fabrics and still be effective time management; creating a bordered edge around top overlap of table; securing chair ties; draping garlands, fabric, cord etc., from the bottom edge of swag; and attaching metallic, non-flexible items and larger items for decoration.  
           [0012]    Heretofore these requirements have not been fully met without incurring various disadvantages.  
         SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
         [0013]    By way of summary, the present invention is directed to a tether clip for securing an article. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term tether is defined as a device that holds or restrains an object or objects. The clip described herein is such a device, though other devices are known to people skilled in the art as able to perform the same functions.  
           [0014]    One object of the present invention is to provide a method that is predictable and reproducible, thereby decreasing variance and operating costs. Another object of the invention is to provide a method that has one or more of the characteristics discussed above but which is relatively simple to set up and accomplish using relatively low-skilled workers.  
           [0015]    In accordance with one aspect of the invention, these objects are achieved by providing a method which comprises the steps of providing a securing member that may include a base having a first end and a second end, a first arm connected to the first end of the base, a male member connected to the base, a second arm connected to the second end of the base, a female member connected to the second arm, at least one hinge connected to the base, and a fastener connected to at least one arm; fastening the securing member to the article including the steps of gathering the article within the securing member, engaging the article with the male member, and inserting the male member into the female member; and attaching an attachment to the fastener on the securing member.  
           [0016]    In another embodiment, these objects are satisfied by providing an encapsulating securing member which may be made from rigid, semi-rigid or flexible material. Preferably, the securing member is a clip constructed and arranged to collect, draw together, gather or pleat cloth, fabric, linen or other materials, and thus, generally alter the physical contour of the original edge of the cloth, fabric, linen and/or other materials. The securing member then contains and secures the cloth, fabric or materials so that a scalloped, swagged or gathered appearance is obtained or the material collected becomes entrapped and secured.  
           [0017]    Preferably, the member or clip is of a generally U-shaped structure that can be assembled from two rigid or semi-rigid outside arms joined by hinges or pivotal, swingable couplings along a base. The clip may also be unitarily formed of a single piece of resilient and moldable material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or fabricated with flexible detachable attachments.  
           [0018]    Preferably, all embodiments of the securing member may be manipulated with one hand to automatically pleat the materials and to allow for freedom for adjustment and customization. An interlocking securing mechanism on the clip is at the upward top end of the front and back of the first and second arm, respectively. The mechanism incorporates a male member and compatible female receptacle member. In the open position, the securing member forms a well-defined receiving mouth for automatically aligning and regulating the collecting, gathering or pleating of the materials.  
           [0019]    When the material has been collected, gathered or pleated between the front and back of the arms, one of the male/female members is secured, pinned, snapped or locked through an adjacent section of material and into the other male/female receiving member. This entraps the adjacent section of materials in such a way as to support the securing member and its encased material without penetrating or otherwise disturbing the integrity of material.  
           [0020]    The encased materials are then secured and supported at desired position. When the male and female members interlock, any portion of the securing member is immediately available for receiving an attachment of any type. Such attachments may be any decorative embellishment. Alternatively, the embellishment may be incorporated by molding the embellishment as part of the securing member itself.  
           [0021]    The securing mechanism may be released by laterally sliding or perpendicularly reversing the securing procedure locking mechanism. This also will release any entrapped or secured material.  
           [0022]    The securing member or clip preferably is self expanding and self supporting. It may be made in any multitude of lengths, widths and depths which are most appropriate for size and thickness of material being collected. The clip may or may not have any decorative augmentation either fixed or detachable.  
           [0023]    In another embodiment, the objects are met by providing a tether clip for a swagged table cloth comprised of a round member, a generally C-shaped member for receiving the round member, a means for holding the clip to the cloth, a means for retaining the table cloth, a fastening means attached to the clip, and a means for concealing the clip which is connected to the fastening means.  
           [0024]    These, and other, aspects and objects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0025]    A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which:  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention, showing the embodiment in the closed position;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention in an open position;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in use on a 1 tablecloth;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 6 is a side, cutaway view of an embodiment of the present invention in use on a tablecloth;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 11 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 10 in use;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 12 is a side, cutaway view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 in use;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 13 is a side, cutaway view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 10 more clearly pointing out the shape of the pin;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 15 is a side, cutaway view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 16 is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 in use;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 19 is an end view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 18;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the interchangeability of various embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0052]    The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.  
         [0053]    The specific embodiments of the present invention described by the following, nonlimiting examples serve to illustrate various features of significance. The examples are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the present invention may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the present invention. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It is within the level of ordinary skill in the art after having knowledge of the invention disclosed herein to alter structure without decreasing the function of clip.  
         [0054]    1. System Overview  
         [0055]    Referring generally to FIGS.  1 - 6 , the present invention is a securing member  9  used for creating a swag  7  in a hanging fabric article  5  such as a tablecloth or curtain. The securing member  9  (e.g., FIGS.  17 - 18 ) can comprise a tether clip  10  as seen in FIGS.  1 - 16  and  20 - 26 . The clip  10  is used to secure a swag  7  in an article  5  as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.  
         [0056]    Turning specifically now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the tether clip  10  generally consists of a strip of material  16 , a first hinge  30 , and a second hinge  34 . The placement of the first hinge  30  creates a first arm portion  20  and the placement of the second hinge  34  creates a base  15  and a second arm portion  27 .  
         [0057]    The first arm  20  carries a male member  25  having a neck  26  and a head  28 . The second arm  27  carries a female member  29 . The female member  29  is configured and dimensioned large enough to receive both the male member  25  and the article making up the swag. Preferably, the head  28  of the male member  25  is rod-shaped and the female member  29  includes a C-shaped portion to accept the male member  25 . The female member  29  may also include a neck. As shown most clearly in FIGS. 5 and 6, the article  5  is gathered to the desired height within the clip  10  and the male member  25  is snapped into the female member  29  to create a swag  7 .  
         [0058]    As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention provides a finger catch  32  with which to easily grasp the first arm  20  of the clip  10 . In another embodiment, shown at FIG. 2, the clip  10  has a ledge  31  connected to the second arm  27  and the female member  29 , providing extra durability of the clip  10 .  
         [0059]    In the embodiment shown at FIG. 3, only a first hinge  30  is employed. In this embodiment, the first hinge  30  creates both a first arm  20  and a second arm  27  without creating a base  15 . This embodiment is particularly useful for creating a swag  7  in articles  5  made of thin materials, such as sheer drapes, with which the width that a base  15  provides may be counterproductive.  
         [0060]    As shown in FIG. 4, another embodiment of the present invention is envisioned in which the arm portions  20 ,  27  are less noticeable. This I-shaped modification allows the arms  20 ,  27  to be less visible, use less fabricating material, and be lighter while still allowing the male and female members  25 ,  29  of the clip  10  to retain the same width and thus the same ability to secure a swag. The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 has the added advantage of creating a different tuck and drape effect in the swag when such is desired.  
         [0061]    Turning now to the embodiment shown at FIG. 7, it is envisioned that the clip  10  could include a friction piece  100  located on the inside surface  21  of the clip  10 . The preferably square, rubber-like friction piece  100  creates friction on a swag and thus helps to hold an article placed in the clip  10  without slipping. The friction piece  100  is preferably bonded to the inside surface  21  of the clip  10  with glue.  
         [0062]    Referring to FIG. 8, the tether clip  10  can also be modified to include an additional arm  102 . The additional arm  102  allows additional decorative material to be placed on the swag without disturbing the swag. The additional material could include a length of ribbon, another swag of a lighter, different colored material, a string of beads, a flower chain, or other such items. A person having skill in the art will understand that the additional arm  102  can be attached to the clip  10  in a variety of ways. The additional arm  102  can have a base  104  that is glued, welded, or in another appropriate way attached to the clip  10 . In addition, the base  104  of the additional arm  102  could be attached either to the base  15  of the clip  10  or to an arm  20 ,  27  of the clip  10 .  
         [0063]    Referring now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of the present invention is envisioned for articles of a thinner material. As seen previously in FIG. 3, a clip  10  having a base  15  wide enough to accommodate the thickness of a gathered fabric swag may not be desirable for a thinner material. The embodiment of FIG. 3 can be further modified to reduce the profile of the male and female members  25 ,  29  by replacing them with a friction connector, such as, snap head  106  and snap receptor  108  shown in FIG. 9. Alternatively, a magnetic connector may be used. This modification provides the clip  10  with all-around thinness to more efficiently and effectively retain a swag  7  in an article  5  of a thinner nature (not shown). This embodiment may be constructed of a more flexible and lightweight plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene to further enable retention of thin articles  5  in a swag  7 .  
         [0064]    Referring now to FIGS.  10 - 13 , it is conceivable that a decorator would desire a swag  7  across the middle of a hanging, pinnable, fabric article  5  rather than formed from the material of the article  5  itself. In this embodiment, an integral pin  110  is provided on the outside surface  22  of the clip  10 . For strength when holding a heavy swag  7 , the integral pin  110  of FIG. 13 can be configured in a Z-shape and can be molded within a holding base  112  on the outside surface of the clip  10 . This embodiment allows a clip  10  to easily be dropped anywhere on a hanging fabric article  5  for attaching a swag  7 .  
         [0065]    In some situations, it will be desirable to place a swag  7  on a firm, non-fabric surface  114 . The embodiment shown in FIGS.  14 - 16  allows a clip  10  to be attached to such a surface  114 . The embodiment of FIGS.  14 - 16  comprises a keyhole  116  in one of either the first or second arms  20 ,  27 . This allows the clip  10  to be attached to a protrusion  118  in the non-fabric surface  114 . The protrusion  118  may be existing or may be placed by the decorator, and can include items such as a pushpin or a nail.  
         [0066]    In another embodiment, illustrated at FIG. 17, the securing member  9  is comprised of but not limited to a safety pin  62  and a hook  65  having a lip  63 . The safety pin  62  is pinned to the hanging fabric article  5  at the desired location and the lip  63  of the hook  65  is hung over the safety pin  62 . The swag  7  is created by gathering the article  5  into the hook  65 .  
         [0067]    Referring now to FIGS.  18 - 20 , another embodiment of the securing member  9  is envisioned. In this embodiment, the securing member  9  is comprised of at least three tubular members  55  and a hollow, split-lengthwise cylinder  120 . The first and second halves  50 ,  52  of the cylinder  120  contain the tubular members  55 . At least two of the tubular members  55  are within the first half cylinder  50  while the remaining tubular members  55  are located within the second half cylinder  52 . When the first and second half cylinders  50 ,  52  are engaged over a hanging fabric article, a retaining pin  62  is inserted into the tubular members  55  to retain the first and second half cylinders  50 ,  52  over an article to create a swag. FIG. 20 shows securing member  9  in combination with clip  10 .  
         [0068]    Turning now to FIGS.  21 - 22 , it is envisioned that extra parts  122  (such as a cylinder) could be glued to or molded integrally with the clip  10  to provide for placement of flower stems or other narrow decorations (not shown). These parts  122  allow for significant space savings. In FIG. 21, the member  122  is parallel to the length of the arm  27 , while in FIG. 22 the member  122  is perpendicular to the length of the arm  27 .  
         [0069]    The embodiment of the present invention shown in different forms in FIGS.  23 - 25  provides a plurality of female members  29   a - c  on the clip  10 . This embodiment is useful when a variety of effects are desired in a swag  7 . This embodiment also illustrates that the strip of material  16  with which the clip  10  is made need not be rigid, but rather can be made of a variety of materials such as plastic, rubber, cloth, or any appropriate combination of materials. If the strip of material  16  is a combination of generally rigid and generally flexible materials, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the connection between the rigid and flexible materials would create a first hinge  30  and could be made in any manner, including gluing the flexible material to the rigid material and molding the flexible material within the rigid material. Alternatively, FIG. 23 shows an elongated base  15  to allow male member head  28  to connect with any of plurality of female members  29   a - c . Likewise, the male member  25  in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 could be attached to the flexible material of the first arm  20  with glue or by molding the material of the first arm  20  within the male member  25 .  
         [0070]    Finally, FIG. 26 illustrates an embodiment of a clip  10  having no hinges  30 ,  34  or base  15 . Rather, the clip  10  of this embodiment has first and second arms  20 ,  27  which are connected with a plurality of male members  25  and a corresponding plurality of female members  29 . This embodiment has a number of advantages in that it can be placed either horizontally or vertically on a hanging fabric article  5 , can be used to gather a swag  7  or other decorative or useful items, and can achieve a variety of decorative looks without hinges  30 ,  34  being visible.  
         [0071]    An important feature of each of the above embodiments is that each preferably also comprises a fastener  35  with which to fasten decorative attachments  40 . A person of skill in the art will recognize that the fastener  35  can be of any appropriate type, such as the hook-and-loop variety, any adhesive, pin, or any alternative material which may secure decorative attachment. As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 20, when the fastener  35  is of the hook-and-loop variety, a first fastening portion  36  will be attached to the securing member  9  and a second fastening portion  37  will be attached to the decorative attachment  40 . The decorative attachments  40  can include silk or plastic flowers, ribbons, small vases for fresh flowers, buttons, etc. Another securing member  9  could even be attached to the first fastening portion  36 , as shown in FIG. 20.  
         [0072]    In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the clip  10  measures about 5½ inches long when fully opened. The first arm  20  is about 2¼ inches long from the finger catch  32  to the first hinge  30 . The base  15  is preferably ½ inch long. The second arm  27  is preferably 2 inches long. The head  28  of the male member  25  preferably has a diameter of {fraction (7/32)} inches. The female member  29  has an outside diameter of ½ inch and an inside diameter of ⅜ inches. The neck  26  of the male member  25  extends approximately {fraction (5/32)} inches.  
         [0073]    In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the safety pin or hooking device  62  measures about 2 inches long. The hook  65  has a width preferably less than 2 inches so that the lip  63  of the hook  65  can be received by the safety pin  62 .  
         [0074]    Referring to FIGS.  18 - 20 , both the first half  50  and the second half  52  of this embodiment are about  2  inches long. The tubular members  55  connected to the halves  50 ,  52  have an outside diameter of roughly {fraction (7/32)} inches. The retaining pin  60  is about  2  inches long.  
         [0075]    2. In Use and Operation  
         [0076]    When in use and operation, the securing member or clip  10  is grasped in one of a decorator&#39;s hands in an open position (see FIG. 2). An article to be secured is lifted in the other hand. The opened securing member is then placed around a first edge of the article. The clip is used to gather the article (such as a table cloth) using the gathering portion (preferably base  15 , and arms  20  and  27 ) of the clip  10 . Gathering of the cloth article occurs when the clip is moved generally upwardly toward a second edge of the cloth. (FIGS. 5 and 6). The shape of the clip allows for ease in creating swags and simultaneously pleating them, such as the one shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Once the swag has been gathered for the right effect, the securing member is fastened or held to the cloth article by using a fastening portion. As shown in FIG. 6, the fastening portion is preferably comprised of a round male member  25  inserted into a C-shaped female member  29 .  
         [0077]    In a preferred embodiment such as the one shown in FIG. 6, the clip further includes an attachment portion which is comprised of a fastening means such as a hook and loop fastener  36 . The fastening means is  36  attached or connected to the clip by preferably an adhesive. This fastener is used to attach a decoration  40  to the securing member  10 . Such a decorative means serves to give the decorator a multitude of decorative options and also helps to conceal the clip.  
         [0078]    Although the above dimensions are preferred for each embodiment shown herein, one skilled in the art will realize that the dimensions may vary widely.  
         [0079]    The best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, but practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications, and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept.  
         [0080]    For example, the individual elements and components need not be fabricated from the disclosed materials, but could be fabricated from virtually any suitable materials of any texture, shape or color. Moreover, the securing member  9  may be extruded, molded, fabricated, assembled, pressed, welded, soldered and glued. Further, the securing member  9  may be constructed of one flexible, long-looping strip  16 . Such an embodiment would utilize only a top securing mechanism, such as the male member  25 —female member  29  arrangement of the clip  10 .  
         [0081]    Furthermore, the attachments  40  may be constructed of metal, rigid, flexible and/or semi-rigid plastic, tubing, rubber, fabric including ribbon, webbing, nylon, vinyl, cord, wood, cardboard, pressed board, dense paper, plexiglass, polymers, glass, mirror glass, laminate, elastic or leather. Similarly, the other elements of the securing member  9  may be constructed of similar materials.  
         [0082]    Additionally, the elements may be molded, pressed, textured, shaped, curved, slotted with holes, opaque, semi-transparent, transparent, colored, dyed, painted, veneered, of varied lengths, stamped, imprinted, covered, slipped into another tubing, fabric or other material, or any combination thereof.  
         [0083]    Moreover, although the securing member  9  preferably includes a round male member  25  and corresponding female member  29 , generally any variation thereon is acceptable including one or more of the following: a square male and female, a round male and square female, a square male and round female, a flexible male and adjustable female, solid or hollow members, a pin or pointed insert, a ball and a socket, hooks and loops, a pivot, a spring, a clasp, a snap, a twist and lock, and a cylinder and a rod.  
         [0084]    The various other configurations of the elements may include perforations, slits, rounded edges, curves, V-shapes, elongates, C-shapes, and S-shapes. Alternative embodiments of the hinges may include a flat hinge, more than one hinge, a flexible hinge, a rigid hinge, a thinned section of extruded plastic or the like, a molded hinge, a jointed or non-jointed hinge, and a hinge created by leaving space between the sides and covering with flexible yet durable material.  
         [0085]    The decorations  40  may be attached to the securing member  9  at the front, bottom, back and/or top or in any combination thereof or in any of the following ways: gluing, welding, hook and loop fastener, stapling, brackets, screws, nails, part of actual mold, and any combination thereof. If detachable, the following may be used: male/female slot and notch, hooks, snaps, magnets, pins, ties, thread-throughs, tape, staples, slide and pocket, and any combination of the above.  
         [0086]    Additional attachments  40  may include storage containers, custom decorations, line of fabrics, party favors, centerpieces, invitations, floral and green accents, theme accessories, beads, pre-measured accessories, corporate logos and trademarks, attachable hooks to hold garland or draping accessories, cylinders, a loop or ring to thread accessories through or hang accessories from, a fresh water vial, a plastic pocket or slide in front to insert items or in back for storage of small accessories, and attachments to allow the securing member to be suspended upside down. Moreover, the attachment  40  may be constructed to allow the securing member  9  to be used as the skirting clip.  
         [0087]    The present invention need not be assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any shape, and assembled in virtually any configuration. Further, although the embodiments described herein have elements described as physically separate modules, it will be manifest that the each of the various elements may be integrated into the element with which it is associated. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive.  
         [0088]    There are virtually innumerable uses for the present invention, all of which need not be detailed here. All the disclosed embodiments can be practiced without undue experimentation. For example, the present invention may be used in nearly any environment including fashion clothing, buffet lines, conference tables, guest tables and chairs, room decor, head tables, dessert tables, presentation tables, ceiling and railing draping, window or entrance displays, and showcase designs for hotels and banquet facilities, halls and wedding chapels, restaurants and off-premise catering, country clubs, conference centers and trade shows, and special events and weddings. Alternatively, the clip of the present invention may be used for safety purposes in the home, office, or clinic to: keep tubes and cords separated and easily attach labels; keep tubes separated and secured to a pillow case, sheet, or surgical table; hold the ends of the sheets in place to insure coverage of patient; hold bags, surgical towels to side of surgical table; hold a small light or items to garment or piece of cloth, etc.; attach screening around interior or exterior support rods; attach company signs, warnings and flags; and secure keys, jewelry, ID badges, arts and crafts, or other home decor.  
         [0089]    The terms upper, lower, top, bottom and the like in the specification and claims are intended to assist the reader in understanding invention and are not intended as terms of limitation. The term “connected” is used broadly herein and includes integral with, attached, affixed, joined, adjacent, and fastened. It is not meant to imply only direct attachment but rather connection through other elements or parts. It is intended that the appended claims cover any additions, modifications and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims.