Patent Publication Number: US-7219405-B1

Title: Fabric attaching clip

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The invention generally pertains to clips for fabric attachment, and more specifically to a clip for swagging tablecloths or mounting an ornamental decoration on any fabric. 
   BACKGROUND ART 
   Previously, many types of clips have been used to provide an effective means for altering the response of fabric, such as a swag in a drape, or a tablecloth, and to attach items such as decorative renditions of skirts and flowers to a tablecloth. 
   The prior art listed below did not disclose any patents that possess the novelty of the instant invention, however the following U.S. patents are considered related: 
   
     
       
         
             
             
             
             
           
             
                 
                 
             
             
                 
               U.S. Pat. No. 
               Inventor 
               Issue Date 
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
          
             
                 
               5,275,225 
               Marasco et al. 
               Jan. 4, 1994 
             
             
                 
               5,287,614 
               Ehrlich 
               Feb. 22, 1994 
             
             
                 
               5,996,190 
               Peterson 
               Dec. 7, 1999 
             
             
                 
               6,477,751 
               Baumdicker et al. 
               Nov. 12, 2002 
             
             
                 
               6,705,380 
               Scolletta 
               Mar. 16, 2004 
             
             
                 
                 
             
          
         
       
     
   
   Marasco et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,225 discloses a swag support consisting of a rod with a longitudinal slot at the rear. A head portion is mounted in the slot, with an arm extending upward and a C-shaped front extending over the top of the rod, thereby allowing a fabric swag scarf to be introduced from below the rod. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,287,614 issued to Ehrlich discloses a method for attaching a decorative skirt around a tablecloth using spring clips with VELCRO patches. The spring clips are spaced apart and are engaged to extend radially from the tablecloth, as allowed by the flexibility of the cloth, such that the patches face outward and are attached to a mating VELCRO strip on the decorative skirt. 
   Peterson in U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,190 discloses a retainer to attach a cover and a skirt to a table. C-clamps hold the cover in place and provide a connection for a supporting pin and loop. The pin supports the skirt and the loop accepts wire or string to bind a floral arrangement. 
   Baumdicker et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,477,751 discloses a swag tether clip with a base for gathering a tablecloth. The base has an arm that pivots with male and female members. The method of using the clip includes the steps of fastening the clip to a tablecloth, gathering the cloth, engaging the clip, inserting the male member into the female member. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,380 issued to Scolletta discloses a fabric retainer having a decorative body with movable appendages extending therefrom. A portion of at least one of the appendages extends from and is connected to the body such that a passage is formed in which a fabric may be positioned. The decorative body may represent animate or inanimate objects or characters. 
   For background purposes and as indicative of the art to which the invention is related reference may be made to the remaining cited patents issued to Fogelman in U.S. Pat. No, 4,947,526 and Lightfoot in U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,393. 
   DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
   In the past, tablecloths have been swagged by hand by simply gathering the tablecloth&#39;s material and pinning it together with straight or safety pins to create a decorative effect. There has also been a need to easily mount theme decorations on cloth to create a pleasing appearance for festive or special occasions. Therefore, the primary object of the invention is to provide a method of attaching a clip to a fabric without penetrating or damaging the fabric. 
   The invention is easily used by attaching the two parts of a garter grip together, one on each side of a tablecloth or other fabric, and looping a pair of straps around a gather to make a swag in the material. The two ends of the straps are attached together with hooks and loops of VELCRO fasteners. The use of the invention is not labor intensive, as is the conventional method of using pins, since the invention contains all of the necessary components to form a swag in a tablecloth quickly and easily, with the swag formed in as little as 20 seconds. 
   An important object of the invention is that the clip serves a dual purpose by permitting a tablecloth to not only be gathered into a swag quickly but also to provide a convenient mount for decorative items on a fabric such as curtains, drapes and the like. 
   Another object of the invention is the prevention of minor injury to the user when gathering and attaching the swagged material. Such injury to the user is caused due to the difficulty of using pins that are required to penetrate several thicknesses of fabric, which often causes the pins to painfully the user&#39;s fingers. 
   Still another object permits the invention to be reused indefinitely on the same or a different fabric. When using the invention, the fabric is not damaged in any way since it is simply stretched over the button of the garter grip which does not damage or tear the threads. This damage can occur when using metal pins that bear the weight of the gathered fabric directly within the small cross-sectional area of the pin. 
   Yet another object of the invention permits the garter grip to be connected without looking, as it is intuitively obvious how the inventive fastener works. It is also easy to feel where the button is located through the fabric from the rear, and the wide radial shape of the wireform is also easily located by feel. 
   A further object of the invention permits hanging decorative items on the front of the clip to cover or disguise the clip. The third embodiment of the invention may be constructed without VELCRO but instead constructed of a decorative material that allows the clip to be exposed in an attractive manner. 
   A final object of the invention is that it is inexpensive to produce, since the garter grip and VELCRO tape are both made in quantity, the economies of number make the clip economical and within the reach of all. 
   These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a partial isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the clip attached to a tablecloth with the fabric swagged in the middle of one side, and with a theme decoration in the form of birthday candles attached to the clip. 
       FIG. 2  is a partial isometric view of the preferred embodiment of a number of attaching clips connected to a tablecloth with a theme decoration in the form of boots attached to each clip. 
       FIG. 3  is a front view of a theme decoration representing a flower. 
       FIG. 4  is a front view of a theme decoration in the form of a cowboy boot. 
       FIG. 5  is a front view of a theme decoration representing birthday candles. 
       FIG. 6  is a partial isometric view of the preferred embodiment without a theme decoration. 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of the preferred embodiment without a theme decoration. 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of the preferred embodiment with a theme decoration attached. 
       FIG. 9  is a partial isometric view of the rear of the garter grip button end attached to a loop tape strap in the preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 10  is a partial isometric view of the front of the garter grip button end attached to a loop tape strap in the preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 11  is a partial isometric view of the front of the garter grip wireform attached to a hook and loop tape strap in the preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 12  is a partial isometric view of the rear of the garter grip wireform attached to a hook and loop tape strap in the preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 13  is a partial isometric view of the second embodiment without a theme decoration. 
       FIG. 14  is a side view of the second embodiment without a theme decoration. 
       FIG. 15  is a side view of the second embodiment with a theme decoration attached. 
       FIG. 16  is a partial isometric view of the rear of the garter grip button end attached to a loop tape strap in the second embodiment. 
       FIG. 17  is a partial isometric view of the front of the garter grip button end attached to a loop tape strap in the second embodiment. 
       FIG. 18  is a partial isometric view of the front of the garter grip wireform attached to a hook and loop tape strap in the second embodiment. 
       FIG. 19  is a partial isometric view of the rear of the garter grip wireform attached to a hook and loop tape strap in the second embodiment. 
       FIG. 20  is a partial isometric view of the third embodiment without a theme decoration. 
       FIG. 21  is a side view of the third embodiment without a theme decoration. 
       FIG. 22  is a side view of the third embodiment with a theme decoration attached. 
       FIG. 23  is a partial isometric view of the rear of the garter grip button end attached to a loop tape strap in the third embodiment. 
       FIG. 24  is a partial isometric view of the front of the garter grip button end attached to a loop tape strap in the third embodiment. 
       FIG. 25  is a partial isometric view of the third embodiment with a decorative tape strap. 
       FIG. 26  is a rear view of a theme decoration representing a flower illustrating the hook tape attached thereunto. 
       FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  27 - 27  of  FIG. 26  with the hook tap attached. 
       FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  28 - 28  of  FIG. 26  with a magnet attached. 
       FIG. 29  is a side view of the fourth embodiment with loop tape and a theme decoration attached with hook tape. 
       FIG. 30  is a side view of the fourth embodiment with a metal plate and a theme decoration attached with a magnet. 
       FIG. 31  is a partial isometric view of the rear of the garter grip button end attached to a loop tape strap in the fourth embodiment. 
       FIG. 32  is a partial isometric view of the front of the garter grip button end attached to a loop tape strap in the fourth embodiment. 
       FIG. 33  is a partial isometric view of the rear of the garter grip button end attached to a strap having an integral metal plate in the fourth embodiment. 
       FIG. 34  is a partial isometric view of the front of the garter grip button end attached to a strap having an integral metal plate in the fourth embodiment. 
       FIG. 35  is a partial isometric view of the rear of the garter grip wireform attached to a strap in the fourth embodiment. 
       FIG. 36  is a partial isometric view of the front of the garter grip wireform attached to a strap in the fourth embodiment. 
   

   BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
   The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of a preferred, second, third and fourth embodiment for a fabric attaching clip  10 , (hereinafter “FAC  10 ”). Each embodiment differs only in the method used to attach the invention to a tablecloth or the like. The preferred embodiment of the FAC  10 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-12 , and  26 - 28 , utilizes a garter grip as its basic element. The garter grip is made in two parts: a button end  20  which consists of a flat thermoplastic tab in which a round button is integrally formed, and a wireform  22  which is configured to fit over the button end  20 . The wireform  22  has a wide radial shape with a distal end looped in the substantially same diameter as the stem of the button. The garter grip permits the wireform  22  to be placed over the button end  20  with fabric in between. When the wireform  22  is pulled downward the distal end loop engages the stem of the button with the fabric stretched in between, thus forming a secure connection without penetrating the fabric. 
   In all of the embodiments hook and loop tape is utilized, which is best known by its trademark name VELCRO and consists of two mating tapes, one with hooks and the other with a loop pile. When pressed together, the hook and loop tape forms a secure closure that opens by peeling the two tapes apart. Hook and loop tape is well known in the art is in common usage throughout the world. 
   The preferred embodiment of the FAC  10  utilizes the garter grip in conjunction with the hook and loop tape, with the garter grip button end  20  attached to a loop tape strap  24  which is positioned on an outer surface of a fabric  26 . The assembly of the garter grip button end  20  and loop tape strap  24  is completed using stitching  28  to sew the tab of the button end  20  to the loop tape strap  24  on one end, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
   The garter grip wireform  22  is attached to a hook and loop tape strap  30 , as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . The hook and loop tape strap  30  is positioned on an inner surface of the fabric  26  over the garter grip button end  20 , which is then tightly engaged with the fabric  26  drawn compressably between with the grip button end  20  and the wireform  22 . The FAC  10  swags the fabric  26  by gathering the fabric  26  together and encompassing the gathers with the hook and loop tape strap  30 . The end of the strap  30  is threaded into the wireform  22  and pulled therethrough for adjustment. The loop tape strap  24  is then joined to the hook side  32  of the hook and loop tape strap  30  for closure and retention of the gathered swag.  FIGS. 6 and 7  show the fabric attaching clip  10  looped together without the cloth fabric  26 , however it is easy to visualize where the fabric interfaces with the button and wireform. It should be noted that the hook and loop tape strap  30  is made of a hook tape strap  32  and a loop tape strap  24 . The straps  24 , 32  are attached on their backsides with a plurality of stitches  28 , as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
   The second embodiment of the FAC  10 , is shown in  FIGS. 13-19  and, like the preferred embodiment, utilizes the garter grip in conjunction with the hook and loop tape, with the garter grip button end  20  attached to a loop tape strap  24  which is positioned on an outer surface of a fabric  26 . The assembly of the garter grip button end  20  and loop tape strap  24  is accomplished using stitching  28  to sew the tab of the button end  20  to the loop tape strap  20  on one end, as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . 
   The garter grip wireform  22  is attached to a hook and loop tape strap  30 , as shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 . The hook and loop tape strap  30  is positioned on an inner surface of the fabric  26  over the garter grip button end  20  which is then tightly engaged with the fabric  26  drawn between with the grip button end  20 , and wireform  22 . The FAC  10  swags the fabric  26  by gathering the fabric  26  together and encompassing the gathers with the loop tape strap  30 . The loop tape strap  24  is joined to the hook side  32  of the hook and loop tape strap  30  for closure and retention of the gathered swag.  FIGS. 13 and 14  show the fabric attaching clip  10  looped together without the cloth fabric  26 . 
   As with the preferred embodiment, the hook and loop tape strap  30  is made of a hook tape strap  32  and a loop tape strap  24 , which are attached on their backsides with a plurality of stitches  28 , as shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 . However, in the second embodiment the hook and loop tape strap  30  may utilize commercial so-called “back-to-back” hook and loop tape, with the hooks on one side of the tape and loops on the other side. 
   The third embodiment of the FAC  10 , as shown in  FIGS. 20-24 , employs the same garter grip button end  20  positioned on an outer surface of a fabric  26 , with a garter grip wireform  22  positioned on the fabric&#39;s  26  inner surface. The garter grip wireform  22  is positioned over the garter grip button end  20  and drawn tightly, thereby engaging the fabric as in the previously discussed embodiments. Means for attaching an article on the outer surface of the fabric  26  adjacent to the garter grip button end  20  is achieved utilizing a single loop tape strap  24  that is located between the garter grip button end  20  and the garter grip wireform  22 . Fabric  26  is swagged in this embodiment by manually gathering the fabric  26  together and encompassing the fabric  26  with the loop tape strap  24 . 
   In the above third embodiment, a decorative tape strap  34  may be substituted for the loop tape strap  24  that is located between the garter grip button end  20  and the garter grip wireform  22 , which is used for swagging fabric by gathering the fabric  26  together and encompassing the fabric  26  with the decorative tape strap  34 . The decorative tape strap  34 , as shown in  FIG. 25 , may have decoration in any form and color that blends well with a tablecloth  36  to create a pealing appearance. 
   All of the embodiments of the FAC  10 , with the exception of the decorative tape strap  34 , include means for attaching of an article on the outer surface of the fabric  26  adjacent to the garter grip button end  20 , since a portion of the loop tape is exposed. The loop tape strap  24  is uncovered on the front surface of the clip  10  when installed which provides an ideal surface for an article containing VELCRO tape. The invention includes such an article in the form of a theme decoration  38  that includes a hook tape segment  40  attached on the theme decoration&#39;s  38  back surface.  FIGS. 1-5  and  26 - 28  show the theme decoration  38 , which may be directly attached to the installed attaching clip  10  to provide both a decorative effect for a table and to cover the clip  10 . The theme decoration  38  may be made of any hard or soft material and in any shape, color or configuration. The decorations shown in the figures are only representative of a few examples. 
   While the connection of the theme decoration  38  is shown with a hook tape segment  40  in  FIGS. 8 ,  15 ,  22 ,  26  and  27 , the means for attaching an article may include a variety of alternates including: a ferrous metal plate  42  that is affixed onto the loop tape strap  24 , and theme decoration  38  having a magnet  44  on its rear surface, as shown in  FIGS. 22 and 28 . Other methods of attachment well known in the art, can also be utilized. 
   The fourth embodiment of the FAC  10 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  29 - 36 , includes the same basic elements as described above, however the fourth embodiment&#39;s utility is limited to mounting articles on the outer surface of a fabric such as a tablecloth or drape, as shown in  FIG. 2 , which, as with the above embodiments avoids penetrating the fabric.  FIG. 29  shows the clip  10  in side elevation with the theme decoration  38  attached with VELCRO, and  FIG. 30  shows the same view, however the mounting is accomplished with the ferrous metal plate  42  that is affixed onto the loop tape strap  24 , and the theme decoration  38  has a magnet  44  attached to the rear of the theme decoration.  FIGS. 31 and 32  show the garter grip button end  20  and the loop tape strap  24 , and  FIG. 33 and 34  show the metal plate  42  in place of the VELCRO.  FIGS. 35 and 36  show the garter grip wireform  22  with a short section of loop tape strap  24  attached thereunto with stitching  28 , however ordinary webbing  46  may be used with equal ease. While the webbing  46  is not shown separately, the material is well known in the art and readily available. Further, the webbing  46  has the same visual appearance as the rear of the loop tape strap  24  shown in  FIG. 36 . The reason that webbing  46  may be used is that the purpose of the strap  24  or webbing  46  is to provide a gripping tab to pull the wireform  22  over the button  20  of the garter grip. 
   During use, all of the embodiments are installed onto the fabric  26  in the same manner, with an installer&#39;s thumb of one hand placed over the garter grip button end  20  on the outer surface of the fabric  26 . The installer&#39;s other hand grips the garter grip wireform  22  and places its wide radial-shaped portion over the stem of the button  20  with fabric in between. When the wireform  22  is pulled downward the distal loop end of the wireform  22  engages the stem of the button with the fabric stretched in between, thereby forming a secure connection without penetrating the fabric. 
   In the preferred embodiment of the FAC  10 , when making a swag, the material is gathered and the loop tape strap  24 , having the grip button attached, is circled around the gather. The end of the strap  24  is threaded into the open space between the wireform  22  and the attached hook and loop tape strap  30  and pulled by hand to adjust the size of the gather. Once the desired adjustment has been achieved, the hook side of the hook and loop tape strap  30  is urged against the loops of the strap  24 , thereby maintaining the attachment. 
   The second embodiment of the FAC  10 , utilizes basically the same procedure for making a swag in the fabric  26 , except the loop tape strap  24  is on the garter grip wireform  22  and is circled around the gathered fabric and attached to the hook tape strap  32  that is connected to the garter grip button end  20 . Adjustment of the second embodiment is accomplished by the placement of the hooks on the loops of the tapes  32  and  24 . 
   The third embodiment of the FAC  10  attaches the garter grip wireform  22  to the button end  20 , as described above, which consequently loops the webbing  46  or loop tape strap  24  around the manually gathered fabric  26 , with no further attachment required. 
   The fourth embodiment of the FAC  10  is for attaching an article to a fabric. Therefore, the garter grip button end  20  has the loop tape strap  24  hanging on the outside when the garter grip  20  is attached to the fabric  26 , thus providing the means for attaching an article such as the theme decoration  38  described above. 
   While the invention has been described in detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings, it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the appended claims.