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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         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.