Patent Publication Number: US-2018038403-A1

Title: Clip Assembly For Use Holding Sinuous Springs

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICAIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/226,163 filed Aug. 2, 2016, a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/501,696 filed Sep. 30, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,427,094, a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/648,611 filed Oct. 10, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,991,016, each being fully incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to clip assemblies for use in the manufacture of furniture and, more particularly, for holding sinuous springs in position in furniture. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In many industries, as, for example, in the mattress or bedding industry, it is common practice to secure two wires or rods, such as a spring element of a mattress, to a border wire with clips made from sheet metal. Such clips are generally in a U-shape having an arcuate crown portion and oppositely spaced leg portions depending from the crown portion. The two wires to be connected are placed between the leg portions of the clip and the leg portions pushed together by a clinching tool, thus securing or locking the two wires together. 
     Such a clinching tool typically includes a J-shaped jaw into which the leading clip of a stack of clips is indexed. The clinching tool has a blade which shears off the first clip from a stack of clips placed inside the clinching tool. U.S. Pat. No. 2,574,811 shows such a clinching tool. 
     In order to operate the clinching tool, it is necessary to place a plurality of clips inside the clinching tool in an orderly fashion. The clips must be similarly oriented and in an abutting relationship to one another, each clip abutting the two adjacent clips in an orderly fashion. 
     Clips must be interconnected to each other in a flexible manner so that the stack of clips can be wound into the clinching tool. 
     The clips must also be interconnected with sufficient strength so that they are able to withstand high tensile forces associated with winding and unwinding of the stack of clips upon a spool in the clinching machine. Accidental breakage of the connector connecting adjacent clips would be detrimental to the operation of the clinching machine. 
     One common way used to interconnect similar U-shaped sheet metal clips together is by means of non-metal, elongated flexible members made of plastic. Slots or grooves through the arcuate portion of each U-shaped clip are lined up, such that the non-metallic flexible members may be placed inside all of the grooves in order to connect the clips together in a flexible manner. 
     Several techniques have been developed to secure the non-metallic flexible connectors inside the slots of each clip. U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,821 discloses deforming the side edges of the arcuate crown portion of each clip inwardly so as to crimp the plastic connectors inside the grooves or slots on the arcuate top portions of the sheet metal U-shaped clips. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,564,564; 5,682,994 and 5,878,880 each disclose a U-shaped clip having tabs extending upwardly from slots formed in the arcuate crown portion of the clip. After connectors are placed inside the slots of a plurality of aligned clips, a roller or rollers pass over the arcuate crown portions of the clips to push down the tabs of each clip, thereby securing the connectors inside the slots. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,880 discloses a clip made of sheet metal having a U-shaped hook portion inside which is secured a sheet of cushioning material, such as plastic. When a wire is placed inside the hook portion, the cushioning material prevents wire-on-wire noise, such as squeaking. U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,064 discloses another such clip having a plastic liner to prevent metal-on-metal squeaking or “noise”. Over time, these plastic liners may wear out or move/shift. 
     These two patents, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,878,880 and 5,833,064, disclose U-shaped clips which may be connected to identical clips in a string and which have prongs or tacks inherently formed from the sheet metal, the prongs being bent downwardly and adapted to be inserted into wooden rails of furniture frames. These prongs or tacks have a smooth surface which may not hold the clip inside wooden rails of furniture frames as securely as desired. 
     Thus, there is a need for a clip assembly which may be made partially of metal and partially of plastic which does not result in squeaking or “noise” over time. 
     There is further a need for a clip assembly which may be constructed of less sheet metal than known clips, thereby reducing the cost of the clips. 
     There is further a need for a clip assembly which provides improved holding strength when inserted inside wooden rails of furniture frames. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention comprises a clip assembly for securing an end portion of a sinuous spring to a wooden rail. The clip assembly comprises two components: a plastic clip or piece and at least two metal fasteners molded together into a unitary clip assembly. In some embodiments, the plastic piece comprises a generally planar body portion, a U-shaped hook portion extending outwardly from one end of the body portion and a generally planar flange portion extending outwardly from the other end of the body portion in a direction generally perpendicular to the body portion. The hook portion of the plastic piece is adapted to receive and retain the end portion of a sinuous spring. 
     Each metal fastener has a generally planar head and a shank. The generally planar head is commonly circular, but may be any desired shape. The shank may be ribbed, creased and/or serrated to ensure a sturdy, secure connection of the clip assembly to the wood of the furniture frame. The metal fasteners and plastic piece are molded together into a unitary member, the head of each metal fastener being encased by the flange portion of the plastic piece. The shank of each metal fastener extends through the plastic piece and is adapted to extend into the wooden rail. In some embodiments, each clip assembly may have two metal fasteners. In other embodiments, each clip assembly may have four metal fasteners. 
     According to another aspect of this invention, the clip assembly comprises a non-metallic clip or piece having a generally planar body portion and a U-shaped hook portion extending outwardly from one end of the body portion and a generally planar flange portion extending outwardly from the other end of the body portion in a direction generally perpendicular to the body portion. The U-shaped hook portion is adapted to receive and retain a portion of a spring. The generally planar body portion of the non-metallic piece has a ledge extending from one side edge to the opposed side edge of the non-metallic piece, the hook portion and ledge being adapted to receive and retain the end portion of the sinuous spring. 
     The clip assembly further comprises at least two metal fasteners. Each metal fastener has a generally planar head which may be circular or any other desired shape and a shank. The shank may be ribbed, creased and/or serrated to ensure a sturdy, secure connection of the clip assembly to the wood of the furniture frame. 
     The metal fastener and non-metallic piece are molded together into a unitary member, the head of each metal fastener being encased by the flange portion of the non-metallic piece. The shank of each metal fastener is adapted to extend into the wooden rail. 
     According to another aspect of this invention, the clip assembly comprises a non-metallic piece comprising a generally planar body portion, a U-shaped hook portion extending outwardly from one end of the body portion and a generally planar flange portion extending outwardly from the other end of the body portion in a direction generally perpendicular to the body portion. The generally planar body portion of the non-metallic piece has a ledge extending from one side edge to the opposed side edge of the plastic piece, the hook portion and ledge being adapted to receive and retain the end portion of the sinuous spring. The clip assembly further comprises two spaced metal fasteners, each metal fastener having a generally planar head and a shank. The metal fasteners and non-metallic piece are molded together into a unitary member, the head of each metal fastener being encased by the flange portion of the non-metallic piece. The shanks of the metal fasteners extend through the flange portion of the non-metallic piece and are adapted to extend into the wooden rail. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a furniture frame and sinuous springs extending from one side to the other side of the frame, clip assemblies in accordance with one embodiment being secured to the frame sides; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of the encircled area  2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2A  is an enlarged view of the encircled area  2 A of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2B  is an enlarged view like the encircled area  2  showing pieces of connector secured to the clip assembly; 
         FIG. 2C  is an enlarged view like the encircled area  2 A showing pieces of connector secured to the clip assembly; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a portion of a collated string of clip assemblies of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a portion of another collated string of clip assemblies; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the portion of the collated string of clip assemblies of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of the portion of the collated string of clip assemblies of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a partially disassembled view of a portion of the clip assembly of  FIGS. 2B and 2C ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a partially disassembled view, similar to  FIG. 6 , of a portion of an alternative embodiment of clip assembly; 
         FIG. 6B  is a partially disassembled view, similar to  FIG. 6 , of a portion of an alternative embodiment of clip assembly; 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the clip assembly of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of the clip assembly of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a bag or collection of clip assemblies; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a frame and sinuous springs extending from one side to the other side of the frame, clip assemblies in accordance with another embodiment being secured to the frame sides, similar to  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of the encircled area  11  of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 11A  is an enlarged view, similar to  FIG. 11 , of the clip assembly of  FIG. 11  showing pieces of connector secured to the clip assembly; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a portion of a collated string of clip assemblies of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of a portion of another collated string of clip assemblies; 
         FIG. 13  is a top plan view of the portion of the collated string of clip assemblies of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a side elevational view of the portion of the collated string of clip assemblies of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a partially disassembled view of a portion of the clip assembly of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 15A  is a partially disassembled view, similar to  FIG. 15 , of a portion of an alternative embodiment of clip assembly; 
         FIG. 16  is a top plan view of the clip assembly of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a side elevational view of the clip assembly of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a furniture frame and sinuous springs extending from one side to the other side of the frame, clip assemblies in accordance with another embodiment being secured to the frame sides, similar to  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 19  is an enlarged view of the encircled area  19  of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 19A  is an enlarged view, similar to  FIG. 19 , of the clip assembly of  FIG. 19  showing a piece of connector secured to the clip assembly; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a portion of a collated string of clip assemblies of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a top plan view of the portion of the collated string of clip assemblies of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a side elevational view of the portion of the collated string of clip assemblies of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a partially disassembled view of a portion of the clip assembly of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a top plan view of the clip assembly of  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a side elevational view of the clip assembly of  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a furniture frame and sinuous springs extending from one side to the other side of the frame, clip assemblies in accordance with another embodiment being secured to the frame sides, similar to  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 27  is an enlarged view of the encircled area  27  of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 27A  is an enlarged view, similar to  FIG. 27 , of the clip assembly of  FIG. 26  showing pieces of connectors secured to the clip assembly; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a portion of a collated string of clip assemblies of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a top plan view of the portion of the collated string of clip assemblies of  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a side elevational view of the portion of the collated string of clip assemblies of  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a partially disassembled view of a portion of the clip assembly of  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a top plan view of the clip assembly of  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a side elevational view of the clip assembly of  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of a furniture frame and sinuous springs extending from one side to the other side of the frame, clip assemblies in accordance with one embodiment being secured to the frame sides; 
         FIG. 35  is an enlarged view of the encircled area  35  of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 35A  is an enlarged view of the encircled area  35 A of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 35B  is an enlarged view like the encircled area  35  showing pieces of connector secured to the clip assembly; 
         FIG. 35C  is an enlarged view like the encircled area  35 A showing pieces of connector secured to the clip assembly; 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective view of a portion of a collated string of clip assemblies of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 36A  is a perspective view of a portion of another collated string of clip assemblies; 
         FIG. 36B  is a perspective view of a portion of another collated string of clip assemblies; 
         FIG. 37  is a top plan view of the portion of the collated string of clip assemblies of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 38  is a side elevational view of the portion of the collated string of clip assemblies of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 39  is a perspective view of a furniture frame and sinuous springs extending from one side to the other side of the frame, clip assemblies in accordance with another embodiment being secured to the frame sides; 
         FIG. 40  is an enlarged view of the encircled area  40  of  FIG. 39 ; 
         FIG. 40A  is an enlarged view of the encircled area  40 A of  FIG. 39 ; 
         FIG. 41  is a perspective view of a frame and sinuous springs extending from one side to the other side of the frame, clip assemblies in accordance with another embodiment being secured to the frame sides; 
         FIG. 42  is an enlarged view of the encircled area  42  of  FIG. 41 ; 
         FIG. 42A  is an enlarged view, similar to  FIG. 42 , of the clip assembly of  FIG. 42  showing pieces of connector secured to the clip assembly; 
         FIG. 43  is a perspective view of a portion of a collated string of clip assemblies of  FIG. 41 ; 
         FIG. 43A  is a perspective view of a portion of another collated string of clip assemblies; 
         FIG. 44  is a top plan view of the portion of the collated string of clip assemblies of  FIG. 43 ; 
         FIG. 45  is a side elevational view of the portion of the collated string of clip assemblies of  FIG. 43 ; 
         FIG. 46A  is a bottom perspective view of a portion of another clip assembly; 
         FIG. 46B  is a side elevational view of the clip assembly of  FIG. 46A ; 
         FIG. 46C  is a front view of the clip assembly of  FIG. 46A ; 
         FIG. 46D  is a top view of the clip assembly of  FIG. 46A ; 
         FIG. 46E  is a cross sectional view taken along the line  46 E- 46 E of  FIG. 46D ; 
         FIG. 47A  is a bottom perspective view of a portion of another clip assembly; 
         FIG. 47B  is a side elevational view of the clip assembly of  FIG. 47A ; 
         FIG. 47C  is a front view of the clip assembly of  FIG. 47A ; 
         FIG. 48A  is a perspective view of one metal fastener used in the clip assemblies of  FIGS. 46A-47C ; 
         FIG. 48B  is a side elevational view of the metal fastener of  FIG. 48A ; 
         FIG. 49A  is a perspective view of another metal fastener which may be used in the clip assemblies of  FIGS. 46A-47C ; 
         FIG. 49B  is a side elevational view of the metal fastener of  FIG. 49A ; 
         FIG. 50A  is a perspective view of another metal fastener which may be used in the clip assemblies of  FIGS. 46A-47C ; 
         FIG. 50B  is a side elevational view of the metal fastener of  FIG. 50A ; 
         FIG. 51A  is a perspective view of another metal fastener which may be used in the clip assemblies of  FIGS. 46A-47C ; 
         FIG. 51B  is a side elevational view of the metal fastener of  FIG. 51A ; 
         FIG. 51C  is a bottom view of the metal fastener of  FIG. 51A ; 
         FIG. 52A  is a perspective view of another metal fastener which may be used in the clip assemblies of  FIGS. 46A-47C ; 
         FIG. 52B  is a side elevational view of the metal fastener of  FIG. 52A ; 
         FIG. 52C  is a bottom view of the metal fastener of  FIG. 52A ; 
         FIG. 53A  is a perspective view of a portion of a collated string of clip assemblies of  FIGS. 46A-46E ; and 
         FIG. 53B  is a perspective view of a portion of a collated string of clip assemblies of  FIGS. 47A-47C . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Referring to the drawings, and particularly to  FIG. 1 , there is illustrated a portion of a piece of furniture  10  comprising a rectangular frame  12  comprising two side walls  14  and two end walls  16  (only one being shown in  FIG. 1 ). For purposes of this document, the word “furniture” is not intended to be limiting; it may include seats for vehicles or other frames. The frame  12  is most commonly made of wood, but may be made of other suitable materials. In the embodiment of frame  12  shown in  FIG. 1 , each of the side and end walls  14 ,  16 , respectively, is placed on edge with the height “H” being greater than the width “W” of each wall. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , furniture piece  10  further comprises a plurality of clip assemblies  18  secured to the side walls  14  of the frame  12  in a spaced manner for securing and retaining a plurality of sinuous springs  20 . Clip assemblies  18 , secured to opposed side walls  14 , are aligned to receive and retain end portions  21  of sinuous springs  20  in desired positions and under desired amounts of tension, as shown in  FIG. 1 . Commonly, such sinuous springs  20  are arched or bowed upwardly to provide resiliency to the furniture piece  10 . 
       FIGS. 2 and 2A  each show one of the clip assemblies  18  secured to one of the side walls  14  of frame  12 . As best shown in  FIG. 6 , each clip assembly  18  comprises a first non-metallic piece or clip  22 , usually made of plastic, and a second metal piece or fastener  24 , respectively. The pieces  22 ,  24  are joined together and secured to one of the side walls  14  of the generally rectangular furniture frame  12 . 
     The first piece  22  of clip assembly  18  comprises a U-shaped hook portion  26  adapted to receive and retain an end portion  21  of one of the sinuous springs  20 . The first piece  18  further comprises a generally planar body portion  28  which includes a ledge  30  extending from one side edge  32  to the opposed side edge  32  of the body portion  28  of the first piece  22  of the clip assembly  18 . When the end portion  21  of one of the sinuous springs  20  is inserted into the U-shaped hook portion  26 , the ledge  30  of the body portion  28  holds or retains the end portion  21  of the sinuous spring  20  in a receptacle  31 , illustrated in  FIG. 8 . The first piece  22  of clip assembly  18  further comprises a generally planar flange portion  34  extending outwardly from the end of the body portion  28  opposite the U-shaped hook portion  26  in a direction generally orthogonal or perpendicular to the body portion  28 . As best shown in  FIG. 2A , the flange portion  34  of the first piece  22  of clip assembly  18  has a pair of spaced grooves  36  adapted to receive non-metallic connectors  38  which connect multiple clip assemblies  18  together, as shown in  FIGS. 3-5 . In some embodiments, the grooves  36  may be omitted. For example, clip assemblies shown in  FIG. 6  may lack grooves  36 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the flange portion  34  of the first piece  22  of clip assembly  18  has a pair of spaced openings  40 , each opening  40  extending through the thickness of the flange portion  34  of the first piece  22  of clip assembly  18 . Although the openings  40  are shown as being round holes, they may be any other shapes, such as rectangular, for example. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 6 , the second piece  24  of clip assembly  18  has a pair of tacks  42  extending downwardly from a generally planar, generally U-shaped body portion  44  of the second piece  24  of clip assembly  18 . More particularly, each of the tacks  42  extends downwardly from one of the sides  45  of the generally U-shaped body portion  44  of the second piece  24  of clip assembly  18 . The sides  45  of the generally U-shaped body portion  44  of the second piece  24  of clip assembly  18  are connected by a connecting portion  47 . The tacks  42  of the second piece  24  of clip assembly  18  are located and sized to pass through the openings  40  of the first piece  22  of clip assembly  18 . Each of the tacks  42  of the second piece  24  of clip assembly  18  has a crease  46  therein so the tack  42  has a non-planar cross-section. More particularly, the cross-section of each tack  42  has a generally “V-shape”, as shown in  FIG. 5 . As best shown in  FIG. 8 , each of the tacks  42  of the second piece  24  of clip assembly  18  also has a plurality of vertically spaced serrations or indentations  48  to improve the holding strength of the clip assembly  18  to the wooden furniture frame  12 . 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates an alternative clip assembly  18   a  having a first piece  22  identical to the one shown in  FIG. 6  and a second piece  24   a  in which the tacks  24   a  are generally planar, lacking the crease and serrations  48  of each of the tacks  24  of the second piece  24  of clip assembly  18  shown in  FIG. 6 . As shown in  FIG. 6A , each of the tacks  42   a  of second piece  24   a  of clip assembly  18   a  lacks the crease  46  and serrations  48  of each of the tacks  24  of the second piece  24  of clip assembly  18  shown in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates an alternative clip assembly  18   b  having a first piece  22   b  slightly different than the first piece  22  shown in  FIG. 6  and a second piece  24  identical to the second piece  24  of clip assembly  18  shown in  FIG. 6 . As shown in  FIG. 6B , first piece  22   b  of clip assembly  18   b  lacks the openings  40  of the first piece  22  of clip assembly  18  shown in  FIG. 6 . In clip assembly  18   b , the tacks  42  of the second piece  24  of clip assembly  18   b  may be driven through the material of the first piece  22   b  of clip assembly  18   b . Alternatively, tacks like tacks  42   a  of the second piece  24   a  of clip assembly  18   a  may be used with a second piece of a clip assembly having no openings, in which case the tacks would be driven through the material of the first piece of the clip assembly. In any of the embodiments described or illustrated herein, the plastic or non-metallic piece of the clip assembly may lack openings, and the tacks of the metallic piece driven through the plastic or non-metallic material in order to secure the pieces of the clip assembly together. 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2 and 2A , the tacks  42  of the second piece  24  of clip assembly  18  are secured inside one of the side walls  14  of furniture frame  12  with either an automated/mechanical machine or hand-held tool. When secured in place, the flange portion  34  of the first piece  22  of clip assembly  18  contacts or abuts an outer side surface  50  of one of the side walls  14  of furniture frame  12 , and the body portion  28  of the first piece  22  of clip assembly  18  contacts or abuts an upper end surface  52  of one of the side walls  14  of furniture frame  12 . As best shown in  FIG. 2 , the U-shaped hook portion  26  of the first piece  22  of clip assembly  18  is located generally above the inside side surface  54  of one of the side walls  14  of furniture frame  12 . 
       FIG. 3  shows four clip assemblies  18  aligned in a similar orientation and having the flange portion  34  of the first piece  22  of clip assembly  18  contacting or proximate the body portion  28  of the first piece  22  of an adjacent clip assembly  18 . When the clip assemblies are juxtaposed in such a manner, the grooves  36  of each clip assembly  18  are co-linearly aligned to permit a flexible connector  38  to be inserted into each of the aligned grooves  36  and extend the length of the aligned clip assemblies  18 . As best shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , the two flexible connectors  38  are trapped or sandwiched between the first and second pieces  22 ,  24  of each clip assembly  18 , each flexible connector being inside a plurality of aligned grooves  36  of multiple clip assemblies  18 . 
     Although  FIGS. 3-5  show four clip assemblies  18  aligned in a string  56  of aligned collated clip assemblies  18 , the string  56  of aligned collated clip assemblies  18  may be made of any number of clip assemblies  18  connected together. In each of the aligned collated clip assemblies  18 , the connectors  38  are trapped between the first and second pieces  22 ,  24  of the collated clip assembly  18 . 
     The connectors  38  used to interconnect adjacent aligned clip assemblies  18  into a string  56  are preferably fabricated from a plastic material, such as a low density polyethylene or polyester plastic. The connectors  38  provide a flexibility in the collated string  56  of clip assemblies  18 , which is needed when the string  56  is bent and rolled into a spool for insertion into a clinching tool. The connectors  38  have the required tensile strength to withstand pulling and twisting forces without breaking. Also, when a last clip assembly is cut off from the string  56 , there are no sharp or jagged barbs left over to injure workers or tear fabric covering the clipped wires. 
     When used in a clipping tool, the connectors  38  may be broken between adjacent clip assemblies  18  in the collated string  56  of clip assemblies  18 , leaving portions  58  of the connectors  38  with the clip assembly  18  secured to the frame  12 .  FIGS. 2B and 2C  illustrate two such clip assemblies  18 , each clip assembly  18  having portions  58  of the connectors  38  still with the clip assembly  18  when the clip assembly  18  is secured to one of the side walls  14  of frame  12 . 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates four clip assemblies  18  aligned in a string  57  of aligned collated clip assemblies. The string  57  of aligned collated clip assemblies  18  may be made of any number of clip assemblies  18  connected together using plastic or non-metallic connectors  39 . In each of the aligned collated clip assemblies  18 , connectors  39 , made of the material of the second pieces  22  of clip assemblies  18 , extend between the second pieces  22  of adjacent clip assemblies  18 . Connectors  39  may be broken where desired in a clipping tool, manually or any other known manner to separate adjacent clip assemblies. This type of connection using the same plastic or non-metallic material of a clip assembly may be used in any embodiment shown or described herein. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a package  60  of clip assemblies  18 , which may be used to secure sinuous springs  20  to a frame  12 , as described herein. However, in this embodiment of clip assembly  18 , the second metallic piece  24  may or may not have any grooves. If the clip assemblies  18  lack the grooves, a plurality of such clip assemblies  18  may not be connected with flexible connectors  38 , like clip assemblies  18 . Therefore, the clip assemblies  18  may not be connected to each other and may be sold in a package  60  of individual clip assemblies. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a portion of a piece of furniture  10   b  comprising a rectangular frame  12   b  comprising two side walls  14   b  and two end walls  16   b  (only one being shown in  FIG. 10 ). The frame  12   b  is most commonly made of wood, but may be made of other suitable materials. In the embodiment of frame  12   b  shown in  FIG. 10 , each of the side and end walls  14   b ,  16   b , respectively, is oriented such that the width “W” of each wall  14   b ,  16   b  is greater than its height “H”. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , furniture piece  10   b  further comprises a plurality of clip assemblies  18   b  secured to the side walls  14   b  of the frame  12   b  in a spaced manner for securing and retaining a plurality of sinuous springs  20 . Clip assemblies  18   b , secured to opposed side walls  14   b , are aligned to receive and retain end portions  21  of sinuous springs  20  in desired positions and under desired amounts of tension, as shown in  FIG. 10 . Commonly, such sinuous springs  20  are arched or bowed upwardly to provide resiliency to the furniture piece  10 . 
       FIGS. 11 and 11A  each show one of the clip assemblies  18   b  secured to one of the side walls  14   b  of frame  12   b . As best shown in  FIG. 15 , each clip assembly  18   b  comprises a first non-metallic piece  22   b , usually made of plastic, and a second metal piece  24   b , respectively. The pieces  22   b ,  24   b  are joined together and secured to one of the side walls  14   b  of the generally rectangular furniture frame  12   b.    
     As best shown in  FIG. 15 , the first piece  22   b  of clip assembly  18   b  comprises a U-shaped hook portion  26   b  adapted to receive and retain an end portion  21  of one of the sinuous springs  20 . The first piece  22   b  of clip assembly  18   b  further comprises a generally planar body portion  28   b , which includes a ledge  30   b  extending from one side edge  32   b  to the opposed side edge  32   b  of the body portion  28   b  of the first piece  22   b  of the clip assembly  18   b . When the end portion  21  of one of the sinuous springs  20  is inserted into the U-shaped hook portion  26   b , the ledge  30   b  of the body portion  28   b  holds or retains the end portion  21  of the sinuous spring  20  in a receptacle  31   b , illustrated in  FIG. 17 . As best shown in  FIG. 15A , the body portion  28   b  of the first piece  22   b  of clip assembly  18   b  has a pair of spaced grooves  36   b  along the outer periphery of the body portion  16   b , each of the grooves  36   b  being adapted to receive a non-metallic connector  38 . Two connectors  38  connect multiple clip assemblies  18   b  together, as shown in  FIGS. 12-14 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , the body portion  28   b  of the first piece  22   b  of clip assembly  18   b  has four openings  40   b , each opening  40   b  extending through the thickness of the body portion  28   b  of the first piece  22   b  of clip assembly  18   b . As best shown in  FIG. 15 , the second piece  24   b  of clip assembly  18   b  has four tacks  42   b  extending downwardly from a generally planar, generally body portion  44   b  of the second piece  24   b  of clip assembly  18   b . More particularly, each of the tacks  42   b  is formed from material from the body portion  44   b  of the second piece  24   b  of clip assembly  18   b  using a punch press. The tacks  24   b  initially lie in the plane of the body portion  44   b  and are bent downwardly out of the plane, thereby leaving four openings  62  in the body portion  44   b  of the second piece  24   b  of clip assembly  18   b . The tacks  42   b  of the second piece  24   b  of clip assembly  18   b  are located and sized to pass through the openings  40   b  of the first piece  22   b  of clip assembly  18   b . Each of the tacks  42   b  of the second piece  24   b  of clip assembly  12  is generally planar, lacking the crease and serrations of the tacks  42   c  of the second piece  24   c  of clip assembly  18   c , shown in  FIG. 15A . 
       FIG. 15A  illustrates an alternative clip assembly  18   c  having a first piece  22   b  identical to the one shown in  FIG. 15  and a second piece  24   c  in which the tacks  42   c  has a crease  46  therein so the tack  42   c  has a non-planar cross-section. More particularly, the cross-section of each tack  42   c  has a generally “V-shape”, as shown in  FIG. 15A . As best shown in  FIG. 15A , each of the tacks  42   c  of the second piece  24   c  of clip assembly  18   c  also has a plurality of serrations or indentations  48  to improve the holding strength of the clip assembly  18   c  to the wooden furniture frame. 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 10, 11 and 11A , the tacks  42   b  of the second piece  24   b  of clip assembly  18   b  are secured inside one of the side walls  14   b  of furniture frame  12   b  with a clipping tool (not shown). When secured in place, the body portion  28   b  of the first piece  22   b  of clip assembly  18   b  contacts or abuts an upper side surface  50   b  of one of the side walls  14   b  of furniture frame  12   b . As best shown in  FIGS. 11 and 11   b , the U-shaped hook portion  26   b  of the first piece  22   b  of clip assembly  18   b  is located generally towards the interior of the rectangular frame  12   b.    
       FIG. 12  shows four clip assemblies  18   b  aligned in a similar orientation and having the body portion  28   b  of the first piece  22   b  of a clip assembly  18   b  contacting or proximate the U-shaped hook portion  26   b  of the first piece  22   b  of an adjacent clip assembly  18   b . When the clip assemblies  18   b  are juxtaposed in such a manner, the grooves  36   b  of each clip assembly  18   b  are co-linearly aligned to permit a flexible connector  38  to be inserted into each of the aligned grooves  36   b  and extend the length of the aligned clip assemblies  18   b . As best shown in  FIGS. 12-14 , the two flexible connectors  38  are trapped or sandwiched between the first and second pieces  22   b ,  24   b  of each clip assembly  18   b , each flexible connector  38  being inside a plurality of aligned grooves  36   b  of multiple clip assemblies  18   b.    
     Although  FIGS. 12-14  show four clip assemblies  18   b  aligned in a string  56   b  of aligned collated clip assemblies  18   b , the string  56   b  of aligned collated clip assemblies  18   b  may be made of any number of clip assemblies  18   b  connected together. 
     The connectors  38  used to interconnect adjacent aligned clip assemblies  18   b  into a string  56   b  are preferably fabricated from a plastic material, such as a low density polyethylene or polyester plastic. The connectors  38  provide a flexibility in the collated string  56   b  of clip assemblies  18   b , which is needed when the string  56   b  is bent and rolled into a spool for insertion into a clipping tool. The connectors  38  have the required tensile strength to withstand pulling and twisting forces without breaking. Also, when a last clip assembly is cut off from the string  56   b , there are no sharp or jagged barbs left over to injure workers or tear fabric covering the clipped wires. 
     When used in a clipping tool, the connectors  38  may be broken between adjacent clip assemblies  18   b  in the collated string  56   b  of clip assemblies  18   b , leaving portions  58  of the connectors  38  with the clip assembly  18   b  secured to the frame  12   b .  FIG. 11A  illustrates one such clip assembly  18   b , each clip assembly  18   b  having portions  58  of the connectors  38  still with the clip assembly  18   b  when the clip assembly  18   b  is secured to one of the side walls  14   b  of frame  12   b.    
       FIG. 12A  illustrates four clip assemblies  18   b  aligned in a string  57   b  of aligned collated clip assemblies. The string  57   b  of aligned collated clip assemblies  18   b  may be made of any number of clip assemblies  18   b  connected together using connectors  39 . In each of the aligned collated clip assemblies  18   b , connectors  39 , made of the same material of the second pieces  22   b  of clip assemblies  18   b , extend between the second pieces  22   b  of adjacent clip assemblies  18   b . Connectors  39  may be broken where desired in a clipping tool, manually or in any known manner. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a portion of a piece of furniture  10   d  comprising a rectangular frame  12   d  comprising two side walls  14   d  and two end walls  16   d  (only one being shown in  FIG. 18 ). The frame  12   d  is most commonly made of wood, but may be made of other suitable materials. In the embodiment of frame  12   d  shown in  FIG. 18 , each of the side and end walls  14   d ,  16   d , respectively, is oriented such that the width “W” of each wall  14   d ,  16   d  is greater than its height “H”. 
     As shown in  FIG. 18 , furniture piece  10   d  further comprises a plurality of clip assemblies  18   d  secured to the side walls  14   d  of the frame  12   d  in a spaced manner for securing and retaining a plurality of sinuous springs  20 . Clip assemblies  18   d , secured to opposed side walls  14   d , are aligned to receive and retain end portions  21  of sinuous springs  20  in desired positions and under a desired amount of tension, as shown in  FIG. 18 . Commonly, such sinuous springs  20  are arched or bowed upwardly to provide resiliency to the furniture piece  10   d.    
       FIGS. 19 and 19A  each show one of the clip assemblies  18   d  secured to one of the side walls  14   b  of frame  12   b . As best shown in  FIG. 23 , each clip assembly  18   d  comprises a first non-metallic piece  22   d , usually made of plastic, and a second metal piece  24   d , respectively. The pieces  22   d ,  24   d  are joined together and secured to one of the side walls  14   d  of the generally rectangular furniture frame  12   d.    
     As shown in  FIG. 23 , the first piece  22   d  of clip assembly  18   d  comprises a U-shaped hook portion  26   d  adapted to receive and retain an end portion  21  of one of the sinuous springs  20 . The first piece  22   d  of clip assembly  18   d  further comprises a generally planar body portion  28   d , which includes a ledge  30   d  extending from one side edge  32   d  to the opposed side edge  32   d  of the body portion  28   d  of the first piece  22   d  of the clip assembly  18   d . When the end portion  21  of one of the sinuous springs  20  is inserted into the U-shaped hook portion  26   d , the ledge  30   d  of the body portion  28   d  holds or retains the end portion  21  of the sinuous spring  20  in a receptacle  31   d , illustrated in  FIG. 25 . As best shown in  FIG. 23 , the U-shaped hook portion  26   d  of the first piece  22   d  of clip assembly  18   d  has a groove  36   d  extending inwardly from the outer surface of the U-shaped hook portion  26   d , the groove  36   d  being adapted to receive a non-metallic connector  38 . One connector  38  connects multiple clip assemblies  18   d  together, as shown in  FIGS. 20-22 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 23 , the body portion  28   d  of the first piece  22   d  of clip assembly  18   d  has four openings  40   d , each opening  40   d  extending through the thickness of the body portion  28   d  of the first piece  22   d  of clip assembly  18   d . As best shown in  FIG. 23 , the second piece  24   d  of clip assembly  18   d  has four tacks  42   d  extending downwardly from a generally planar, generally body portion  44   d  of the second piece  24   d  of clip assembly  18   d . More particularly, each of the tacks  42   d  is formed from material from the body portion  44   d  of the second piece  24   d  of clip assembly  18   d  using a punch press. The tacks  24   d  initially lie in the plane of the body portion  44   d  and are bent downwardly out of the plane, thereby leaving four openings  62  in the body portion  44   d  of the second piece  24   d  of clip assembly  18   d . The tacks  42   d  of the second piece  24   d  of clip assembly  18   b  are located and sized to pass through the openings  40   d  of the first piece  22   d  of clip assembly  18   d . Each of the tacks  42   d  of the second piece  24   d  of clip assembly  12  are generally planar, lacking the crease and serrations of the tacks  42   c  of the second piece  24   c  of clip assembly  18   c , shown in  FIG. 15A . However, the tacks  42   d  of the second piece  24   d  of clip assembly  18   d  may have creases or serrations, as illustrated and described herein. 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 18, 19 and 19A , the tacks  42   d  of the second piece  24   d  of clip assembly  18   d  are secured inside one of the side walls  14   d  of furniture frame  12   d  with a clipping tool (not shown). When secured in place, the body portion  28   d  of the first piece  22   d  of clip assembly  18   d  contacts or abuts an upper side surface  50   d  of one of the side walls  14   d  of furniture frame  12   d . As best shown in  FIGS. 19 and 19A , the U-shaped hook portion  26   d  of the first piece  22   d  of clip assembly  18   d  is located generally towards the interior of the rectangular frame  12   d.    
       FIG. 20  shows four clip assemblies  18   d  aligned in a similar orientation and having the body portion  28   d  of the first piece  22   d  of a clip assembly  18   d  contacting or proximate the U-shaped hook portion  26   d  of the first piece  22   d  of an adjacent clip assembly  18   d . When the clip assemblies  18   d  are juxtaposed in such a manner, the groove  36   d  of each clip assembly  18   b  is co-linearly aligned to permit a flexible connector  38  to be inserted into the aligned grooves  36   d  and extend the length of the aligned clip assemblies  18   d . As best shown in  FIGS. 20-22 , the flexible connector  38  is trapped or sandwiched between the first and second pieces  22   d ,  24   d  of each clip assembly  18   d , each flexible connector  38  being inside a plurality of aligned grooves  36   d  of multiple clip assemblies  18   d.    
     Although  FIGS. 20-22  show four clip assemblies  18   d  aligned in a string  56   d  of aligned collated clip assemblies  18   d , the string  56   d  of aligned collated clip assemblies  18   d  may be made of any number of clip assemblies  18   d  connected together. 
     The connector  38  used to interconnect adjacent aligned clip assemblies  18   d  into a string  56   d  is preferably fabricated from a plastic material, such as a low density polyethylene or polyester plastic. The connector  38  provides flexibility in the collated string  56   d  of clip assemblies  18   d , which is needed when the string  56   d  is bent and rolled into a spool for insertion into a clipping tool. The connector  38  has the required tensile strength to withstand pulling and twisting forces without breaking. Also, when a last clip assembly is cut off from the string  56   d , there are no sharp or jagged barbs left over to injure workers or tear fabric covering the clipped wires. 
     When used in a clipping tool, the connector  38  may be broken between adjacent clip assemblies  18   d  in the collated string  56   d  of clip assemblies  18   d , leaving portions  58  of the connector  38  with the clip assembly  18   d  secured to the frame  12   d .  FIG. 19A  illustrates one such clip assembly  18   d , each clip assembly  18   d  having portions  58  of the connector  38  still with the clip assembly  18   d  when the clip assembly  18   d  is secured to one of the side walls  14   d  of frame  12   d.    
       FIG. 26  illustrates a portion of a piece of furniture  10   e  comprising a rectangular frame  12   e  comprising two side walls  14   e  and two end walls  16   e  (only one being shown in  FIG. 26 ). The frame  12   e  is most commonly made of wood, but may be made of other suitable materials. In the embodiment of frame  12   e  shown in  FIG. 26 , each of the side and end walls  14   e ,  16   e , respectively, is oriented such that the width “W” of each wall  14   e ,  16 e is greater than its height “H”. 
     As shown in  FIG. 26 , furniture piece  10   e  further comprises a plurality of clip assemblies  18   e  secured to the side walls  14   e  of the frame  12   e  in a spaced manner for securing and retaining a plurality of sinuous springs  20 . Clip assemblies  18   e , secured to opposed side walls  14   e , are aligned to receive and retain an end portion  21  of a sinuous spring  20  in a desired position and under a desired amount of tension, as shown in  FIG. 26 . Commonly, such sinuous springs  20  are arched or bowed upwardly to provide resiliency to the furniture piece  10   e.    
       FIGS. 27 and 27A  each show one of the clip assemblies  18   e  secured to one of the side walls  14   e  of frame  12   e . As best shown in  FIG. 31 , each clip assembly  18   e  comprises a first non-metallic piece  22   e , usually made of plastic, and a second metal piece  24   e , respectively. The pieces  22   e ,  24   e  are joined together and secured to one of the side walls  14   e  of the generally rectangular furniture frame  12   e.    
     The first piece  22   e  of clip assembly  18   e  comprises a U-shaped hook portion  26   e  adapted to receive and retain an end portion  21  of one of the sinuous springs  20  having an end ledge  64 . The first piece  22   e  of clip assembly  18   e  further comprises a generally planar body portion  28   e , which includes a stop  66  extending from one side edge  32   e  to the opposed side edge  32   e  of the body portion  28   e  of the first piece  22   e  of the clip assembly  18   e . When the end portion  21  of one of the sinuous springs  20  is inserted into the U-shaped hook portion  26   e , the stop  66  of the body portion  28   e  abuts the frame  12   e , as shown in  FIG. 27 . The U-shaped hook portion  26   e  holds or retains the end portion  21  of the sinuous spring  20  in a receptacle  31   e , illustrated in  FIG. 27 . As best shown in  FIG. 27A , the body portion  28   e  of the first piece  22   e  of clip assembly  18   e  has a pair of spaced grooves  36   e  along the outer periphery of the body portion  28   e , each of the grooves  36   e  being adapted to receive a non-metallic connector  38 . Two connectors  38  connect multiple clip assemblies  18   e  together, as shown in  FIGS. 28-30 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 27 , the body portion  28   e  of the first piece  22   e  of clip assembly  18   e  has four openings  40   e , each opening  40   e  extending through the thickness of the body portion  28   e  of the first piece  22   e  of clip assembly  18   e . As best shown in  FIG. 27 , the second piece  24   e  of clip assembly  18   e  has four tacks  42   e  extending downwardly from a generally planar, generally body portion  44   e  of the second piece  24   e  of clip assembly  18   e . More particularly, each of the tacks  42   e  is formed from material from the body portion  44   e  of the second piece  24   e  of clip assembly  18   e , using a punch press. The tacks  24   e  initially lie in the plane of the body portion  44   e  and are bent downwardly out of the plane, thereby leaving four openings  62  in the body portion  44   e  of the second piece  24   e  of clip assembly  18   e . The tacks  42   e  of the second piece  24   e  of clip assembly  18   e  are located and sized to pass through the openings  40   e  of the first piece  22   e  of clip assembly  18   e . Each of the tacks  42   e  of the second piece  24   e  of clip assembly  12  is generally planar, lacking the crease of the tacks  42   c  of the second piece  24   c  of clip assembly  18   c  shown in  FIG. 15A . However, the tacks  42   e  of the second piece  24   e  of clip assembly  18   e  may have creases or serrations, as illustrated and described herein. 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 26, 27 and 27A , the tacks  42   e  of the second piece  24   e  of clip assembly  18   e  are secured inside one of the side walls  14   e  of furniture frame  12   e  with a clipping tool (not shown). When secured in place, the body portion  28   e  of the first piece  22   e  of clip assembly  18   e  contacts or abuts an upper side surface  50   e  of one of the side walls  14   e  of furniture frame  12   e . As best shown in  FIGS. 27 and 27A , the U-shaped hook portion  26   e  of the first piece  22   e  of clip assembly  18   e  is located generally towards the interior of the rectangular frame  12   e.    
       FIG. 28  shows four clip assemblies  18   e  aligned in a similar orientation and having the body portion  28   e  of the first piece  22   e  of a clip assembly  18   e  contacting or proximate the U-shaped hook portion  26   e  of the first piece  22   e  of an adjacent clip assembly  18   e . When the clip assemblies  18   e  are juxtaposed in such a manner, the grooves  36   e  of each clip assembly  18   e  are co-linearly aligned to permit a flexible connector  38  to be inserted into each of the aligned grooves  36  and extend the length of the aligned clip assemblies  18   e . As best shown in  FIGS. 28-30 , the two flexible connectors  38  are trapped or sandwiched between the first and second pieces  22   e ,  24   e  of each clip assembly  18   e , each flexible connector  38  being inside a plurality of aligned grooves  36   e  of multiple clip assemblies  18   e.    
     Although  FIGS. 28-30  show four clip assemblies  18   e  aligned in a string  56   e  of aligned collated clip assemblies  18   e , the string  56   e  of aligned collated clip assemblies  18   e  may be made of any number of clip assemblies  18   e  connected together. 
     The connectors  38  used to interconnect adjacent aligned clip assemblies  18   e  into a string  56   e  are preferably fabricated from a plastic material, such as a low density polyethylene or polyester plastic. The connectors  38  provide flexibility in the collated string  56   e  of clip assemblies  18   e , which is needed when the string  56   e  is bent and rolled into a spool for insertion into a clipping tool. The connectors  38  have the required tensile strength to withstand pulling and twisting forces without breaking. Also, when a last clip assembly is cut off from the string  56   e , there are no sharp or jagged barbs left over to injure workers or tear fabric covering the clipped wires. 
     When used in a clipping tool, the connectors  38  may be broken between adjacent clip assemblies  18   e  in the collated string  56   e  of clip assemblies  18   e , leaving portions  58  of the connectors  38  with the clip assembly  18   e  secured to the frame  12   e .  FIG. 27A  illustrates one such clip assembly  18   e , each clip assembly  18   e  having portions  58  of the connectors  38  still with the clip assembly  18   e  when the clip assembly  18   e  is secured to one of the side walls  14   e  of frame  12   e.    
       FIG. 34  illustrates a portion of a piece of furniture  10   f  comprising a rectangular frame  12  comprising two side walls  14  and two end walls  16  (only one being shown in  FIG. 34 ). The frame  12  is the same frame illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 34 , furniture piece  10   f  further comprises a plurality of clip assemblies  18   f  secured to the side walls  14  of the frame  12  in a spaced manner for securing and retaining a plurality of sinuous springs  20 . Clip assemblies  18   f , secured to opposed side walls  14 , are aligned to receive and retain end portions  21  of sinuous springs  20  in desired positions and under desired amounts of tension, as shown in  FIG. 34 . Commonly, such sinuous springs  20  are arched or bowed upwardly to provide resiliency to the furniture piece  10   f.    
       FIGS. 35 and 35A  each show one of the clip assemblies  18   f  secured to one of the side walls  14  of frame  12 . As best shown in  FIG. 35A , each clip assembly  18   f  comprises a first non-metallic piece or clip  22   f , usually made of plastic, and a second metal piece or fastener  24   f  molded together into a unitary member. Each clip assembly  18   f  is secured to one of the side walls  14  of the generally rectangular furniture frame  12 , with the tacks or projections  42   f  of the clip assembly  18   f  being embedded in the frame side wall  14 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 35 and 35A , the first piece  22   f  of clip assembly  18   f  comprises a U-shaped hook portion  26   f  adapted to receive and retain an end portion  21  of one of the sinuous springs  20 . The first piece  18   f  further comprises a generally planar body portion  28   f  which includes a ledge  30   f  extending from one side edge  32   f  to the opposed side edge  32   f  of the body portion  28   f  of the first piece  22   f  of the clip assembly  18   f . When the end portion  21  of one of the sinuous springs  20  is inserted into the U-shaped hook portion  26   f , the ledge  30   f  of the body portion  28   f  holds or retains the end portion  21  of the sinuous spring  20  in a receptacle  31   f , illustrated in  FIG. 36 . The first piece  22   f  of clip assembly  18   f  further comprises a generally planar flange portion  34   f  extending outwardly from the end of the body portion  28   f  opposite the U-shaped hook portion  26   f  in a direction generally orthogonal or perpendicular to the body portion  28   f . As best shown in  FIG. 35A , the flange portion  34   f  of the first piece  22   f  of clip assembly  18   f  has a pair of spaced parallel grooves  36   f  adapted to receive non-metallic connectors  38  which connect multiple clip assemblies  18   f  together, as shown in  FIGS. 36-38 . In some embodiments, the grooves  36   f  may be omitted. For example, clip assemblies  18   g  shown in  FIGS. 39-40A  lack grooves. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 35A-38 , the second piece  24   f  of clip assembly  18   f  has a pair of tacks  42   f  extending downwardly from a generally planar, generally U-shaped body portion  44   f  of the second piece  24   f  of clip assembly  18   f . More particularly, each of the tacks  42   f  extends downwardly from one of the sides  45   f  of the generally U-shaped body portion  44   f  of the second piece  24   f  of clip assembly  18   f . As best shown in  FIG. 37 , the sides  45   f  of the generally U-shaped body portion  44   f  of the second piece  24   f  of clip assembly  18   f  are connected by a connecting portion  47   f . Although the generally planar body portion  44   f  of clip assembly  18   f  is illustrated as being generally U-shaped, it may be generally rectangular or any other desired shape. The drawings are not intended to limit the configuration of the generally planar body portion  44   f  of clip assembly  18   f.    
     As best shown in  FIGS. 35A-38 , the generally planar body portion  44   f  of clip assembly  18   f  is encased by or surrounded by the flange portion  34   f  of the first piece  22   f  of clip assembly  18   f  during a molding process. As best shown in  FIG. 38 , tacks  42   f  of the second piece  24 f of clip assembly  18   f  are located and sized to pass through the flange portion  34   f  of the first piece  22   f  of clip assembly  18   f . Each of the tacks  42   f  of the second piece  24   f  of clip assembly  18   f  is illustrated as being generally planar like the tacks  42   a  shown in  FIG. 6A . However, each of the tacks  42   f  may have a crease therein so the tack  42   f  has a non-planar cross-section. Although not shown, the cross-section of each tack  42   f  may have a generally “V-shape”, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 6B . Although not shown, each of the tacks  42   f  of the second piece  24   f  of clip assembly  18   f , whether creased or not, may have a plurality of vertically spaced serrations or indentations like the serrations or indentations  48  shown in tacks  42  in  FIGS. 6, 6B and 8  to improve the holding strength of the clip assembly  18   f  to the furniture frame  12 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 34, 35 and 35A , the tacks  42   f  of the second piece  24   f  of clip assembly  18   f  are secured inside one of the side walls  14  of furniture frame  12  with either an automated/mechanical machine or hand-held tool. When secured in place, the flange portion  34   f  of the first piece  22   f  of clip assembly  18   f  contacts or abuts an outer side surface  50  of one of the side walls  14  of furniture frame  12 , and the body portion  28   f  of the first piece  22   f  of clip assembly  18   f  contacts or abuts an upper end surface  52  of one of the side walls  14  of furniture frame  12 . As best shown in  FIG. 35 , the U-shaped hook portion  26   f  of the first piece  22   f  of clip assembly  18   f  is located generally above the inside side surface  54  of one of the side walls  14  of furniture frame  12 . The tacks  42   f  of the clip assembly  18   f  enter the side walls  14  through the outer side surfaces  50  of the side walls  14  as shown in  FIG. 35A . 
       FIG. 36  shows four clip assemblies  18   f  aligned in a similar orientation and having the flange portion  34   f  of the first piece  22   f  of clip assembly  18   f  contacting or proximate the body portion  28   f  of the first piece  22   f  of an adjacent clip assembly  18   f . When the clip assemblies  18   f  are juxtaposed in such a manner, the grooves  36   f  of each clip assembly  18   f  are co-linearly aligned to permit a flexible connector  38  to be inserted into each of the aligned grooves  36  and extend the length of the aligned clip assemblies  18   f . As best shown in  FIGS. 36-38 , the two flexible connectors  38  are trapped or sandwiched in the first piece  22   f  of each clip assembly  18   f , each flexible connector  38  being inside a plurality of aligned grooves  36   f  of multiple clip assemblies  18   f.    
     Although  FIGS. 36-38  show four clip assemblies  18   f  aligned in a string  56   f  of aligned collated clip assemblies  18   f , the string  56   f  of aligned collated clip assemblies  18   f  may be made of any number of clip assemblies  18   f  connected together using connectors  38 . In each of the aligned collated clip assemblies  18   f , the connectors  38  are trapped inside the grooves  36   f  of the collated clip assembly  18   f.    
     The connectors  38  used to interconnect adjacent aligned clip assemblies  18   f  into a string  56   f  are preferably fabricated from a plastic material, such as a low density polyethylene or polyester plastic. The connectors  38  provide flexibility in the collated string  56   f  of clip assemblies  18   f  which is needed when the string  56   f  is bent and rolled into a spool for insertion into a clinching tool. The connectors  38  have the required tensile strength to withstand pulling and twisting forces without breaking. Also, when a last clip assembly  18   f  is cut off from the string  56   f , there are no sharp or jagged barbs left over to injure workers or tear fabric covering the clipped wires. 
     When used in a clipping tool, the connectors  38  may be broken between adjacent clip assemblies  18   f  in the collated string  56   f  of clip assemblies  18   f , leaving portions  58  of the connectors  38  with the clip assembly  18   f  secured to the frame  12 .  FIGS. 35B and 35C  illustrate two such clip assemblies  18   f , each clip assembly  18   f  having portions  58  of the connectors  38  still with the clip assembly  18   f  when the clip assembly  18   f  is secured to one of the side walls  14  of frame  12 . 
       FIG. 36A  illustrates four clip assemblies  18   f  aligned in a string  57   f  of aligned collated clip assemblies. The string  57   f  of aligned collated clip assemblies  18   f  may be made of any number of clip assemblies  18   f  connected together using connectors. In each of the aligned collated clip assemblies  18   f , connectors  39 , made from the non-metallic or plastic material of the second pieces  22   f  of clip assemblies  18   f , extend between the second pieces  22   f  of adjacent clip assemblies  18   f . Connectors  39  may be broken where desired manually or by a clipping tool or by any known means. 
       FIG. 36B  illustrates four clip assemblies  18   h  aligned in a string  57   g  of aligned collated clip assemblies. The string  57   g  of aligned collated clip assemblies  18   h  may be made of any number of clip assemblies  18   h  connected together using connectors  39 . In each of the aligned collated clip assemblies  18   h , connectors  39 , made from the non-metallic or plastic material of the second pieces  22   h  of clip assemblies  18   h , extend between the second pieces  22   h  of adjacent clip assemblies  18   h . Connectors  39  may be broken where desired manually or by a clipping tool or by any known means. 
       FIG. 39  illustrates a portion of a piece of furniture  10   g  comprising the same rectangular frame  12  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 34 . As shown in  FIG. 39 , furniture piece  10   g  further comprises a plurality of clip assemblies  18   g  secured to the side walls  14  of the frame  12  in a spaced manner for securing and retaining a plurality of sinuous springs  20 . Clip assemblies  18   g , secured to opposed side walls  14 , are aligned to receive and retain end portions  21  of sinuous springs  20  in desired positions and under desired amounts of tension, as shown in  FIG. 39 . Commonly, such sinuous springs  20  are arched or bowed upwardly to provide resiliency to the furniture piece  10   g.    
       FIGS. 40 and 40A  each show one of the clip assemblies  18   g  secured to one of the side walls  14  of frame  12 . As best shown in  FIG. 40A , each clip assembly  18   g  has a first piece  22   g  identical to the first piece  22   f  of clip assembly  18   f  without the grooves  36   f . Each clip assembly  18   g  has a second metal piece  24   f  identical to the second metal piece  24   f  of clip assembly  18   f . The pieces  22   g ,  24   f  are molded together into a unitary member and secured to one of the side walls  14  of the generally rectangular furniture frame  12 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 40A , the first piece  22   g  of clip assembly  18   g  comprises a U-shaped hook portion  26   g  adapted to receive and retain an end portion  21  of one of the sinuous springs  20 . The first piece  22   g  further comprises a generally planar body portion  28   g  which includes a ledge  30   g  extending from one side edge  32   g  to the opposed side edge  32   g  of the body portion  28   g  of the first piece  22   g  of the clip assembly  18   g . When the end portion  21  of one of the sinuous springs  20  is inserted into the U-shaped hook portion  26   g , the ledge  30   g  of the body portion  28   g  holds or retains the end portion  21  of the sinuous spring  20  in a receptacle  31   g , illustrated in  FIG. 40 . The first piece  22   g  of clip assembly  18   g  further comprises a generally planar flange portion  34   g  extending outwardly from the end of the body portion  28   g  opposite the U-shaped hook portion  26   g  in a direction generally orthogonal or perpendicular to the body portion  28   g . As best shown in  FIG. 40A , the generally planar body portion  44   f  of the second piece  24   f  of clip assembly  18   g  is encased by or surrounded by the flange portion  34   g  of the first piece  22   g  of clip assembly  18   g  during a molding process. Rather than being secured together with connectors, these clip assemblies  18   g  may be stored and transported in a package  60  as shown in  FIG. 9  or any other like container or package. 
       FIG. 41  illustrates a portion of a piece of furniture  10   h  comprising a rectangular frame  12   b  comprising two side walls  14   b  and two end walls  16   b  (only one being shown in  FIG. 41 ). The frame  12   b  is most commonly made of wood, but may be made of other suitable materials. Frame  12   b  is identical to the frame  12   b  shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 41 , furniture piece  10   h  further comprises a plurality of clip assemblies  18   h  secured to the side walls  14   b  of the frame  12   b  in a spaced manner for securing and retaining a plurality of sinuous springs  20 . Clip assemblies  18   h , secured to opposed side walls  14   b , are aligned to receive and retain end portions  21  of sinuous springs  20  in desired positions and under desired amounts of tension, as shown in  FIG. 41 . Commonly, such sinuous springs  20  are arched or bowed upwardly to provide resiliency to the furniture piece  10   h.    
       FIGS. 42 and 42A  each show one of the clip assemblies  18   h  secured to one of the side walls  14   b  of frame  12   b . As best shown in  FIG. 42A , each clip assembly  18   h  comprises a first non-metallic piece  22   h , usually made of plastic, and a second metal piece  24   h  molded together into a unitary member. The pieces  22   h ,  24   h  are joined together and secured to one of the side walls  14   b  of the generally rectangular furniture frame  12   b.    
     As best shown in  FIGS. 42-45 , the first piece  22   h  of clip assembly  18   h  comprises a U-shaped hook portion  26   h  adapted to receive and retain an end portion  21  of one of the sinuous springs  20 . The first piece  22   h  of clip assembly  18   h  further comprises a generally planar body portion  28   h  which includes a ledge  30   h  extending from one side edge  32   h  to the opposed side edge  32   h  of the body portion  28   h  of the first piece  22   h  of the clip assembly  18   h . When the end portion  21  of one of the sinuous springs  20  is inserted into the U-shaped hook portion  26   h , the ledge  30   h  of the body portion  28   h  holds or retains the end portion  21  of the sinuous spring  20  in a receptacle  31   h , illustrated in  FIG. 45 . As best shown in  FIG. 42 , the body portion  28   h  of the first piece  22   h  of clip assembly  18   h  has a pair of spaced grooves  36   h  along the outer periphery of the body portion  16   h , each of the grooves  36   h  being adapted to receive a non-metallic connector  38 . Two connectors  38  connect multiple clip assemblies  18   h  together, as shown in  FIGS. 43-45 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 45 , the second piece  24   h  of clip assembly  18   h  has four tacks  42   h  extending downwardly from a generally planar body portion  44   h  of the second metal piece  24   h  of clip assembly  18   h . More particularly, each of the tacks  42   h  is formed from material from the body portion  44   h  of the second piece  24   h  of clip assembly  18   h  using a punch press. As best shown in  FIGS. 42-44 , tacks  24   h  initially lie in the plane of the body portion  44   h  and are bent downwardly out of the plane, thereby leaving four openings  62  in the body portion  44   h  of the second piece  24   h  of clip assembly  18   h . The tacks  42   h  of the second piece  24   h  of clip assembly  18   h  are located and sized to pass through the first piece  22   h  of clip assembly  18   h . Each of the tacks  42   h  of the second piece  24   h  of clip assembly  18   h  is generally planar, lacking the crease and serrations of the tacks  42   c  of the second piece  24   c  of clip assembly  18   c , shown in  FIG. 15A . However, each of the tacks  42   h  may have a crease therein so the tack  42   h  has a non-planar cross-section. Although not shown, the cross-section of each tack  42   h  may have a generally “V-shape”, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 6B . Although not shown, each of the tacks  42   h  of the second piece  24   h  of clip assembly  18   h , creased or not, may have a plurality of vertically spaced serrations or indentations like the serrations or indentations  48  shown in tacks  42  in  FIGS. 6, 6B and 8  to improve the holding strength of the clip assembly  18   h  to the furniture frame  12   b.    
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 41, 42 and 42A , the tacks  42   h  of the second piece  24   h  of clip assembly  18   h  are secured inside one of the side walls  14   b  of furniture frame  12   b  with a clipping tool (not shown). When secured in place, the body portion  28   h  of the first piece  22   h  of clip assembly  18   h  contacts or abuts an upper side surface  50   b  of one of the side walls  14   b  of furniture frame  12   b . As best shown in  FIGS. 42 and 42A , the U-shaped hook portion  26   h  of the first piece  22   h  of clip assembly  18   h  is located generally towards the interior of the rectangular frame  12   b.    
       FIG. 43  shows four clip assemblies  18   h  aligned in a similar orientation and having the body portion  28   h  of the first piece  22   h  of a clip assembly  18   h  contacting or proximate the U-shaped hook portion  26   h  of the first piece  22   h  of an adjacent clip assembly  18   h . When the clip assemblies  18   h  are juxtaposed in such a manner, the grooves  36   h  (see  FIG. 42 ) of each clip assembly  18   h  are co-linearly aligned to permit a flexible connector  38  to be inserted into each of the aligned grooves  36   h  and extend the length of the aligned clip assemblies  18   h . As best shown in  FIGS. 43-45 , each flexible connector  38  is inside a plurality of aligned grooves  36   h  of multiple clip assemblies  18   h.    
     Although  FIGS. 43-45  show four clip assemblies  18   h  aligned in a string  56   h  of aligned collated clip assemblies  18   h , the string  56   h  of aligned collated clip assemblies  18   h  may be made of any number of clip assemblies  18   h  connected together. 
     The connectors  38  used to interconnect adjacent aligned clip assemblies  18   h  into a string  56   h  are preferably fabricated from a plastic material, such as a low density polyethylene or polyester plastic. The connectors  38  provide flexibility in the collated string  56   h  of clip assemblies  18   h , which is needed when the string  56   h  is bent and rolled into a spool for insertion into a clipping tool. The connectors  38  have the required tensile strength to withstand pulling and twisting forces without breaking. Also, when a last clip assembly is cut off from the string  56   h , there are no sharp or jagged barbs left over to injure workers or tear fabric covering the clipped wires. 
     When used in a clipping tool, the connectors  38  may be broken between adjacent clip assemblies  18   h  in the collated string  56   h  of clip assemblies  18   h , leaving portions  58  of the connectors  38  with the clip assembly  18   h  secured to the frame  12   b .  FIG. 42A  illustrates one such clip assembly  18   h , each clip assembly  18   h  having portions  58  of the connectors  38  still with the clip assembly  18   h  when the clip assembly  18   h  is secured to one of the side walls  14   b  of frame  12   b.    
       FIG. 43A  illustrates four clip assemblies  18   h  aligned in a string  57   h  of aligned collated clip assemblies. The string  57   h  of aligned collated clip assemblies  18   h  may be made of any number of clip assemblies  18   h  connected together using connectors  39 . In each of the aligned collated clip assemblies  18   h , connectors  39 , made of the same material of the second pieces  22  of clip assemblies  18   h , extend between the second pieces  22   h  of adjacent clip assemblies  18   h . Connectors  39  may be broken where desired in a clipping tool, manually or in any known manner. 
       FIGS. 46A-46E  shows another variation of clip assembly  18   i . As best shown in  FIG. 46A , each clip assembly  18   i  has a first plastic or non-metallic piece  22   i  identical to the first piece  22   g  of clip assembly  18   g  without the grooves. Each clip assembly  18   i  has a pair of fasteners  25 . Although two fasteners  25  are illustrated any number of fasteners may be used. Each of the fasteners  25  is a unitary ribbed fastener, preferably made of metal, having a generally planar head  29  and a ribbed shank  70 , shown in detail in  FIGS. 48A and 48B . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 48A and 48B , the shank  70  of fastener  25  has a pointed or conical end  72  opposite the generally planar head  29  and a plurality of grooves  74  between which are the ribs  76 . Although the drawings show grooves  74  of shank  70  being equidistant from each other, they may be any desired size and placed in any desired locations. The drawings are not intended to be limiting. The ribs  76  and grooves  76  help hold the shank  70  inside the wood of a frame  12 . The piece  22   i  and metal fasteners  25  are molded together into a clip assembly  18   i  and secured to one of the side walls  14  of the generally rectangular furniture frame  12 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 46A , the first piece  22   i  of clip assembly  18   i  comprises a U-shaped hook portion  26   i  adapted to receive and retain an end portion  21  of one of the sinuous springs  20 . The first piece  22   i  further comprises a generally planar body portion  28   i  which includes a ledge  30   i  extending from one side edge  32   i  to the opposed side edge  32   i  of the body portion  28   i  of the first piece  22   i  of the clip assembly  18   i . When the end portion  21  of one of the sinuous springs  20  is inserted into the U-shaped hook portion  26   i , the ledge  30   i  of the body portion  28   i  holds or retains the end portion  21  of the sinuous spring  20  in a receptacle  31   i , illustrated in  FIG. 46B . The first piece  22   i  of clip assembly  18   i  further comprises a generally planar flange portion  34   i  extending outwardly from the end of the body portion  28   i  opposite the U-shaped hook portion  26   i  in a direction generally orthogonal or perpendicular to the body portion  28   i . As best shown in  FIG. 46C , the heads  29  and upper portions of the shanks  70  of the fasteners  25  of clip assembly  18   i  are encased by or surrounded by the flange portion  34   i  of the first piece  22   i  of clip assembly  18   i  during a molding process. Rather than being secured together with flexible connectors, these clip assemblies  18   i  may be stored and transported in a package  60 , as shown in  FIG. 9  or molded together as shown in  FIG. 53A  and described below. 
       FIGS. 47A-47C  show another variation of clip assembly  18   j . As best shown in  FIG. 47A , each clip assembly  18   j  has a first non-metallic or plastic piece  22   j  identical to the first piece  22   h  of clip assembly  18   h  without the grooves shown in  FIGS. 42-45 . Each clip assembly  18   j  has four fasteners  25 . Although four fasteners  25  are illustrated, any number of fasteners may be used. Each of the fasteners  25  is a unitary ribbed fastener, preferably made of metal, having a generally planar head  29  and a ribbed shank  70 , shown in detail in  FIGS. 48A and 48B  and described above. The piece  22   j  and fasteners  25  are molded together into a unitary member and secured to one of the side walls  14  of the generally rectangular furniture frame  12 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 47A , the first piece  22   j  of clip assembly  18   j  comprises a U-shaped hook portion  26   j  adapted to receive and retain an end portion  21  of one of the sinuous springs  20 . The first piece  22   j  further comprises a generally planar body portion  28   j  which includes a ledge  30   j  extending from one side edge  32   j  to the opposed side edge  32   j  of the body portion  28   j  of the first piece  22   j  of the clip assembly  18   j . When the end portion  21  of one of the sinuous springs  20  is inserted into the U-shaped hook portion  26   j , the ledge  30   j  of the body portion  28   j  holds or retains the end portion  21  of the sinuous spring  20  in a receptacle  31   j , illustrated in  FIG. 47A . As best shown in  FIG. 47C , the heads  29  and an upper portion, but not all, of the shanks  70  of the fasteners  25  of clip assembly  18   j , are encased by or surrounded by the body portion  28   j  of the first piece  22   j  of clip assembly  18   j  during a molding process. Rather than being secured together with connectors, these clip assemblies  18   j  may be stored and transported in a package  60 , as shown in  FIG. 9  or molded together as shown in  FIG. 53B  and described below. 
       FIGS. 49A and 49B  illustrate another embodiment of metal fastener  78  which may be used in place of metal fastener  25  in any of the embodiments shown or described herein, particularly clip assembly  18   i  shown in  FIGS. 46A-46E  and clip assembly  18   j  shown in  FIGS. 47A-47C . Each of the fasteners  78  is a unitary fastener, preferably made of metal, having a generally planar head  80  and a tapered shank  82 , shown in detail in  FIGS. 49A and 49B . The tapered shank  82  of fastener  78  has a smooth exterior surface  84  with no grooves or ribs. The tapered shank  82  has a pointed or conical end  86  opposite the generally planar head  80 . The shank  82  has a circular cross-section which decreases in diameter from its upper end proximate the generally planar head  80  towards its lower end at the bottom of the conical end  86 . Although the drawings show tapered shank  82  being a certain length, the shank may be any desired length. The drawings are not intended to be limiting. 
       FIGS. 50A and 50B  illustrate another embodiment of metal fastener  88  which may be used in place of fastener  25  in any of the embodiments shown or described herein, particularly clip assembly  18   i  shown in  FIGS. 46A-46E  and clip assembly  18   j  shown in  FIGS. 47A-47C . Each of the fasteners  88  is a unitary fastener, preferably made of metal, having a generally planar head  90  and a tapered shank  92 , shown in detail in  FIGS. 50A and 50B . The tapered shank  92  of fastener  88  has parallel smooth exterior first and second surfaces  95  with no grooves or ribs. The linear distance between the smooth exterior first and second surfaces  95  defines a thickness “T” of the shank  92  which is uniform along the length of the shank  92 . The tapered shank  92  has a pointed end  94  opposite the generally planar head  90 . The shank  92  decreases in width “WW” (linear distance between side edges  96 ) from its upper end proximate the generally planar head  90  to its lower end  94 . Although the drawings show smooth exterior first and second surfaces  95  of shank  92 , they need not be smooth. The drawings are not intended to be limiting. 
       FIGS. 51A, 51B and 51C  illustrate another embodiment of metal fastener  98  which may be used in place of fastener  25  in any of the embodiments shown or described herein, particularly clip assembly  18   i  shown in  FIGS. 46A-46E  and clip assembly  18   j  shown in  FIGS. 47A-47C . Each of the fasteners  98  is a unitary fastener, preferably made of metal, having a generally planar head  100  and a creased and serrated shank  102 . The shank  102  has a central crease  104  extending along its length dividing the shank  102  into first and second sides  106  extending outwardly from crease  104 , as best shown in  FIG. 51C . The sides are separated by an angle  108 , best shown in  FIG. 51C . The tapered shank  102  has a pointed end  110  opposite the generally planar head  100 . Each side  106  of shank  102  decreases in width from its upper end proximate the generally planar head  100  to its lower end. Each side of shank  102  has a serrated outer edge  112  having spaced serrations or indentations  114 . Although the drawings show three indentations  114  per side  106  evenly spaced apart, the indentations may be any desired size and at any desired locations. Although the drawings show the sides  106  spaced apart by angle  108 , the angle may be any desired angle. The drawings are not intended to be limiting. The crease  104  and serrations  114  help hold the shank  102  inside the wood of a frame  12 . 
       FIGS. 52A, 52B and 52C  illustrate another embodiment of metal fastener  116  which may be used in place of fastener  25  in any of the embodiments shown or described herein, particularly clip assembly  18   i  shown in  FIGS. 46A-46E  and clip assembly  18   j  shown in  FIGS. 47A-47C . Each of the fasteners  116  is a unitary fastener, preferably made of metal, having a generally planar head  118  and a creased shank  120 . The shank  120  has a central crease  122  extending along its length dividing the shank  120  into first and second sides  124  extending outwardly from crease  122 , as best shown in  FIG. 52C . The sides  124  are separated by an angle  128 , best shown in  FIG. 52C . The tapered shank  120  has a pointed end  130  opposite the generally planar head  118 . Each side  124  of creased shank  120  decreases in width from its upper end proximate the generally planar head  118  to its lower end. Each side  124  of shank  120  has a smooth outer edge  132  and a uniform thickness. Although the drawings show the sides  124  spaced apart by angle  128 , the angle may be any desired angle. The drawings are not intended to be limiting. The central crease  122  helps hold the shank  120  inside the wood of a frame  12 . 
       FIG. 53A  illustrates four clip assemblies  18   i  aligned in a string  57   i  of aligned collated clip assemblies. The string  57   i  of aligned collated clip assemblies  18   i  may be made of any number of clip assemblies  18   i  connected together using connectors  39 . In each of the aligned collated clip assemblies  18   i , connectors  39 , made of the same material of the plastic or non-metallic pieces  22   i  of clip assemblies  18   i , extend between the pieces  22   i  of adjacent clip assemblies  18   i . Connectors  39  may be broken where desired in a clipping tool, manually or any other known manner to separate adjacent clip assemblies. 
       FIG. 53B  illustrates four clip assemblies  18   j  aligned in a string  57   j  of aligned collated clip assemblies. The string  57   j  of aligned collated clip assemblies  18   j  may be made of any number of clip assemblies  18   j  connected together using connectors  39 . In each of the aligned collated clip assemblies  18   j , connectors  39 , made of the same material of the plastic or non-metallic pieces  22   j  of clip assemblies  18   j , extend between the pieces  22   j  of adjacent clip assemblies  18   j . Connectors  39  may be broken where desired in a clipping tool, manually or any other known manner to separate adjacent clip assemblies. 
     Although the tacks and shanks are shown having a certain cross-sectional configuration, they may be other sizes or shapes. Similarly, the openings in the non-metallic pieces of the clip assemblies may be any desired shapes or sizes. Although we have described several embodiments of the invention, we do not intend to be limited except by the scope of the following claims.