Apparatus for fastening items on a mantle or shelf

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed for securing decorative items such as figurines, lights, garland and Christmas stockings on top of or hanging over the front edge of a shelf or mantel. The apparatus has a retainer that is secured to the wall or the rear of a mantel or shelf, a fastener that is fixed to the decorative item, and an adjustable length tether connecting the two. The retainer is preferably a flat piece that inserts between the rear edge of the shelf or mantel but may be a U shaped clip mounted on the back edge of a shelf. The apparatus prevents the decorative items from being accidentally knocked off or pulled off the shelf or mantel.

1 - 19 . (canceled)  
   
   
       20 . Apparatus for holding items on and/or hanging items from shelves or mantels that are adjacent to a wall, with the shelf or mantel having a top, a front edge furthest from the wall and a rear edge nearest the wall, so that an item is not easily knocked off the shelf or mantel to the floor, the apparatus comprising: 
 a first element for holding an item and being positioned on top of a shelf or mantel near its front edge;    a second element adapted to be held against the wall; and    means for connecting the first and second elements so that any force applied to an item will not cause the item and the first element to which it attached to fall from the shelf or mantel to the floor.    
   
   
       21 . The holding apparatus in accordance with  claim 20  wherein there is a space between the wall and the shell or mantle and the second element comprises a thin strip that is inserted into the space between the wall and shelf or mantle and the thin strip is for holding the connecting means.  
   
   
       22 . The holding apparatus in accordance with  claim 20  wherein the second element is attached directly to the wall next to the rear edge of the shelf or mantle.  
   
   
       23 . Apparatus for holding items on and/or hanging items from shelves or mantels of different widths that are adjacent to a wall, with the shelf or mantel having a top, a front edge furthest from the wall and a rear edge nearest the wall, so that an item is not easily knocked off the shelf or mantel to the floor, the apparatus comprising: 
 a first element for holding an item and being positioned on top of a shelf or mantel near its front edge;    a second element adapted to be held against the wall; and    means for connecting the first and second elements to span shelves or mantels of different widths between their front edge and their real edge so that any force applied to an item will not cause the item and the first element to which it is attached to fall from the shelf or mantel to the floor.    
   
   
       24 . The holding apparatus in accordance with  claim 23  wherein the length of the connecting means is adjustable and its length is set to just reach from the second element to the first element to both of which it is connected so that if a force is applied to an item and the first element to which it attached the last mentioned item and first element will not fall off the shelf or mantel.  
   
   
       25 . The holding apparatus in accordance with  claim 24  wherein there is a space between the wall and the shelf or mantle and the second element comprises a strip that is inserted into the space between the wall and shelf or mantle and the connecting means is connected thereto.  
   
   
       26 . The holding apparatus in accordance with  claim 24  wherein the second element is attached directly to the wall next to the rear edge of the shelf or mantle.  
   
   
       27 . The holding apparatus in accordance with  claim 23  wherein the length of the connecting means exceeds the width of a shell or mantel and if a force is applied to an item and the first element to which it is attached the last mentioned item and first element to which it is attached may fall off the shelf or mantel but will not hit the floor.  
   
   
       28 . The holding apparatus in accordance with  claim 27  wherein there is a space between the wall and the shelf or mantle and the second element comprises a strip that is inserted into the space between the wall and shelf or mantle and the connecting means is connected thereto.  
   
   
       29 . The holding apparatus in accordance with  claim 27  wherein the second element is attached directly to the wall next to the rear edge of the shelf or mantle.