Table Cover Fastening and Decor Clip

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an improved tablecloth fastening method and decoration attachment system. It utilizes a reversible clip to grasp and restrict slack tablecloth fabric below the table edge. This evenly pulls the tablecloth's perimeter taut for a secure continuous hold around the entire table using minimal clips. The clip also incorporates dual lead-in notches with holes. When the clip is closed, these notches align to create channels for threading decorations, strings, balloons onto the tablecloth edge; this avoids ad hoc fastening solutions. The invention provides firm tablecloth attachment without damaging tables or fabrics. It requires only a few clips for full security. The integrated channels allow decorations to be easily added or changed. The invention elegantly fulfills the gaps in previous tablecloth fastening and decoration methods.

Claims

1. A clip for securing a table cover to a table, comprising: a first and second elongated member connected by a hinge at one end, allowing the two members to rotate open and closed; a male insert on the end of the second member opposite the hinge; and a female receiver on the end of the first member opposite the hinge, configured to lockably receive the male insert when the clip is closed to grasp and secure hanging table cover fabric between the two members; wherein attaching the clip to the slack portion of the table cover fabric below the table's edge reduces the table cover's perimeter below the table's edges.

2. The clip of claim 1, further comprising lead-in notches located on the side edges of both the first and second elongated members, aligned when the clip is closed, each notch having a hole to create a channel, wherein the aligned lead-in notches allow decorations to be attached by threading through the channel.

3. The clip of claim 1, further comprising tabs attached by hinges to the ends of the first and second elongated members opposite the hinge; said tabs providing leverage for opening the closed clip.

4. The clip of claim 1, further comprising lead-in notches located on the side edges of both the first and second elongated members, aligned when the clip is closed, each notch having a hole to create a channel; and tabs attached by hinges to the ends of the first and second members opposite the hinge; wherein the aligned lead-in notches allow decorations to be attached by threading through the channel, and said tabs provide leverage for opening the closed clip.

5. The clip of claim 1, wherein the hinge is a spring hinge.

6. A device for securing a table cover to a table, comprising: means for grasping a portion of table cover fabric hanging below an edge of said table; means for bunching said grasped portion of said table cover fabric inward and upward toward said table to take up slack and reduce a perimeter distance of said cover's hanging portion; wherein said means for grasping and bunching fixably secure said table cover to said table continuously along said edge such that said table cover cannot shift in position.

7. The device of claim 6, further comprising means for receiving and securing one or more decorations to said table cover fabric portion adjacent to said edge of said table.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein said means for receiving and securing one or more decorations allow repeated decoration attachment and removal without requiring adjustment of said device's securing means.

9. The device of claim 6, wherein said means for grasping permit selectively releasing and re-securing said table cover fabric portion such that said device is detachable and re-attachable.

10. A method for securing a table cover to a table, comprising: placing said table cover evenly over the surface of said table; attaching a clipping device to slack fabric of said table cover hanging below the edge of said table; actuating said clipping device so as to sandwich and bunch said slack fabric of said table cover to take up slack and reduce a perimeter of said slack fabric; wherein said attaching and actuating fixably secure said table cover to said table continuously along said edge such that said table cover cannot substantially shift position on said table.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising selectively releasing said clipping device so as to detach and replace said table cover on said table surface.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising spacing multiple said clipping devices around the perimeter of said table to secure the entire said table cover.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein said actuating reduces said perimeter of said slack table cover fabric below said perimeter of said table cover on said table surface.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising lead-in notches on the clipping device, said notches having holes to create a channel; wherein said lead-in notches and holes are means for decoration attachment.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein said clipping device further comprises means for attaching decorations to said bunched slack fabric adjacent to said edge of said table.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the decorations attached to said clipping device are removable and replaceable.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The novel features believed to be characteristic of the illustrative embodiments are set forth in the appended claims. The illustrative embodiments, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and descriptions thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the clip of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a top plain view of the clip of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a side view of the clip of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a view of the clip closing.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a view of the clip fully closed.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a top view of the clip closed and the male insert protruding through the female receiver.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the clip closed.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the clip securing a table cover to a table and having a decoration attached.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] In the following sections, we will provide a detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and we will refer to accompanying illustrations as needed. It is important to note that the terminology and language used in both the description and the claims of this invention are not limited to their conventional or dictionary definitions. Instead, they should be understood within the context of this invention, defined by the inventor(s) to best convey the concepts and principles underpinning this innovation.

[0027] The form of the invention presented and elucidated in this document represents a preferred embodiment, and it does not encapsulate the entire technical essence and scope of this invention. Thus, it is essential to recognize that modifications and adjustments to the invention can be made without compromising the fundamental spirit and breadth of the invention.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, it is provided a non-limiting embodiment showing a top perspective view of the claimed table cover securing clip 10. The clip 10 comprises of a first elongated member 14 and a second elongated member 16. These two elongated members (14 and 16) are connected on one end by a hinge 12.

[0029] The first elongated member 14 has a lead-in notch 18 along one side edge. This lead-in notch 18 contains a hole 19 through the member 14. The second elongated member 16 contains a matching lead-in notch 18 and hole 19 along its side edge, which align with the notch 18 and hole 19 of the first elongated member 14 when the clip is closed.

[0030] When the two elongated members (14 and 16) are closed together in parallel, the lead-in notches 18 and holes 19 align, creating a continuous channel from the exterior to the interior space between the members. Decorations can be threaded through the aligned holes 19 and secured within this channel.

[0031] The first elongated member 14 contains a female receiver 22 on its end opposite from the hinge 12. The second member 16 contains a male insert 20 on its end opposite from the hinge 12. The male insert 20 fits snugly into the female receiver 22, creating a snap-lock mechanism when the members (14 and 16) are closed together.

[0032] Located on the ends of both elongated members (14 and 16) are small lever tabs 24 attached to the members by hinges 26. These tabs 24 can be used to pull the elongated members (14 and 16) open when they are locked together.

[0033] FIG. 2 shows a top plain view of the clip 10. The lead-in notches 18 on both members (14 and 16) are visible from this angle, demonstrating how they will align when the clip 10 is closed. FIG. 2 also displays the male insert 20 and female receiver 22 which create the locking mechanism.

[0034] The embodiment according to FIG. 3 is a side view of the clip of the present invention providing a side view of the claimed table cover securing clip 10. The male insert 20 on second member 16 snaps into the female receiver 22 (not shown) to create the locking mechanism when the clip 10 is closed. The female receiver 22 (not shown) and corresponding male insert 20 enable the reversible locking capability of the clip 10.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a view of the clip closing. The figure provides a view of the claimed table cover securing clip 10 in the process of closing. As depicted in the figure, the first elongated member 14 and second elongated member 16 are in the process of rotating closed together, with member 14 moving upwardly and member 16 also moving upwardly. The hinge 12 acts as the pivot point allowing this motion.

[0036] In the fully open position (shown in FIG. 1-3), the two members (14 and 16) would be rotated towards each other to converge vertically. As they close together, the lead-in notches 18 of each member become aligned, as do the male insert 20 of one member and female receiver 22 of the other.

[0037] Generally, the figure demonstrates the action of closing the clip 10 in preparation for securing a table cover. Once fully closed together, the male insert 20 will snap into the female receiver 22 to lock the clip 10. The lead-in notches 18 and holes 19 will also fully align to create a channel for decoration attachment.

[0038] The illustration in FIG. 5 is a view of the clip 10 in a closed position. While the figure demonstrates a hinge 12 about which the elongated members (14 and 16) have rotated to a closed position thereby engaging the locking mechanism (20 and 22), it is also anticipated the use of alligator clips or other members capable of compressing and sandwiching the hanging table cover slack. It is also anticipated the clip does not utilize the locking mechanism (20 and 22) but may as well apply pressure to the table cover fabric to hold it in place. Without limitation, the pressure may emanate from a spring clip that provides tension to the ends of the clip, thus bunching up and securing the table cover slack hanging from the table.

[0039] Making further reference to FIG. 6, a top view is shown of the clip 10 closed and the male insert 20 protruding through the female receiver 22. Specifically, the figure provides a top view of the claimed table cover securing clip 10 in the fully closed position with the male insert 20 protruding through the female receiver 22.

[0040] The first and second elongated members (14 and 16) are shown closed together in a parallel stacked orientation, connected at one end by the hinge 12. The lead-in notch 18 and corresponding hole 19 on one member are visible from this side view.

[0041] Also, the figure shows the male insert 20, located on the surface of the first elongated member 14, protruding through the female receiver 22. This demonstrates the snap-lock mechanism where the male insert 20 breaches the opening of the female receiver 22 to lock the clip 10 closed.

[0042] With the two members (14 and 16) closed together, and the male insert 20 protruding through the female receiver 22, the clip 10 can grasp excess hanging table cover fabric between the members and bunch it together. This pulls the perimeter of the table cover taut and secures it to the table.

[0043] The lead-in notch 18 and hole 19 also become aligned in the closed state to create an integrated channel for attaching decorations by threading them through the opening. The figure exhibits the critical locking and fabric-grasping functionality of the closed clip 10. FIG. 7 is the bottom view (opposite side) of the closed clip 10 in FIG. 6.

[0044] Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which is a perspective view of the clip 10 and a table cover 28 sandwiched and locked between the two elongated members (14 and 16) beneath the table edge 30.

[0045] The clip 10 is shown in the closed position with the first and second elongated members (14 and 16) pressed together in parallel, connected by the hinge 12. The lead-in notch 18 and corresponding hole 19 are visible on one member.

[0046] A portion of the table cover fabric 28 is shown grasped within the closed clip 10, bunched together by the two members (14 and 16), illustrating how the clip 10 secures the table cover by taking up and restricting excess hanging fabric to pull the perimeter taut.

[0047] The clip's 10 visible lead-in notch 18 demonstrates how, in the closed state, it will align with the matching notch of the opposite member to create an integrated channel. Decorations can be threaded through the aligned holes 19 and secured within the channel next to the grasped table cover fabric 28.

[0048] The figure has exhibited how the closed clip 10 sandwiches and locks the table cover 28 between the two members (14 and 16). It further demonstrates the device performing its primary intended function of table cover securing and decoration attachment. Only a few clips spaced around the table perimeter are needed to completely secure the cover.

[0049] While a preferred embodiment of this invention has been described for illustrative purposes, it should be noted that this invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, additions, and substitutions may be necessary or beneficial for this application, all of which remain within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims. The applicant acknowledges and anticipates such adjustments.

[0050] Consequently, the applicant intends to encompass all such alternative designs, modifications, equivalents, and variations that fall within the essence and scope of the disclosed subject matter, specifically tailored for this application. It is also important to recognize that references to items in singular form encompass items in plural form, and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise or evident from the context. Grammatical conjunctions are used to denote both disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of conjoined clauses, sentences, words, and the like, unless otherwise specified or evident from the context. Therefore, the term or should generally be understood to mean and/or, and so forth.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

[0051] The tablecloth securing clip and integrated decoration attachment system has numerous applications in the hospitality and events industries. Hotels, restaurants, caterers, banquet halls, and other establishments that host formal dining events can utilize the clips to efficiently set up tablecloth decor for functions and meals. The clips allow staff to rapidly secure tablecloths and add decorative embellishments in a reliable, reversible manner. The clips avoid damage to fabrics and tables compared to pins or weights. Event planners for weddings, galas, and conferences can also employ the clips for efficient table decoration assembly and breakdown. The invention improves tablecloth and decoration attachment processes for any large-scale dining related enterprise.