Versatile Tube Clip Device

Abstract

A versatile clip designed primarily to fit over the folded end of a tube containing toothpaste or other materials, but with many other applications as well, such as a closure for bags and an organizer for papers and other flat items. It has a unique one-piece design that makes it inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use.

1 . A clip of simple one-piece construction made of a plastic or metal with spring-like characteristics in the general shape of the letter “U” when fully open, having tabs on the outside of the clip, whereby the space between the two jaws of said clip may be easily opened by squeezing said tabs between the thumb and forefinger of the user, and when said tabs are released said jaws close and clamp onto the material or object between them. 
   
   
       2 . The clip of  claim 1  wherein one of said tabs has a hole, whereby said clip and whatever it is holding may be hung on a hook for transport or storage. 
   
   
       3 . The clip of  claim 1  wherein said jaws may be roughened or textured on their inside surfaces and may have lips on their forward inside edges, whereby providing resistance of said clip to slipping off whatever it is holding. 
   
   
       4 . The clip of  claim 1  wherein the forward edges of said jaws are nearly touching when there is nothing between them, but the opening between said jaws becomes progressively larger toward the back of said clip, whereby said clip will accommodate and securely hold one fold or several folds of a tube or one piece or several pieces of other material. 
   
   
       5 . The clip of  claim 1  wherein said tabs are of a rectangular shape the same width as said clip. 
   
   
       6 . The clip of  claim 1  in an alternative embodiment wherein said tabs are narrower at the top than the body of the clip and rounded in shape.