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(11) | EP 2 737 830 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Adjustable invisible table clip |
| (57) The AITC invention is to give the user the ability to clip a tablecloth to a table
by gripping the tablecloth from underneath keeping the AITC device hidden so that
the tablecloth is firmly gripped yet still looks neatly draped over a table. By positioning
the device underneath the tablecloth by clipping the AITC device to the table, the
invention comprises 2 functions; gripping the tablecloth by a built in peg function
and the adjustability of the device being able to adjust and clamp tightly to table
tops of different table thicknesses. With the purpose of combining the 2 functions
in one device and the new idea and capability of positioning the device underneath
the tablecloth will complete the invention. The device comprises four parts, the base part (2), the clip part (1), the free peg part (3) and the spring part (4). The device will function by assembling these four parts. The AITC device has two functions, clipping the device to the table top, and gripping the tablecloth fabric with the device. The combination of both clipping the device to the table and gripping the tablecloth will result in securing the tablecloth to the table. Multiple devices can be used around the table top. |
Background;
[0001] This invention relates to a new device designed specifically for clipping tablecloths to a table to stop them slipping but clipping them invisibly from underneath the tablecloth thereby solving the issue of having a visible and undesirable table clip to hold a tablecloth in place on a table. By using the AITC (Adjustable Invisible Tablecloth Clip) the tablecloth will be draped on the table freely without having any clip interfering with the tablecloth overhang, and the AITC can be adjusted to different size table top thicknesses.
Statement of invention;
[0002] The AITC invention is to give the user the ability to clip a tablecloth to a table by gripping the tablecloth from underneath keeping the AITC device hidden so that the tablecloth is firmly gripped yet still looks neatly draped over a table.
The idea of the invention comprises two functions; the ability to clip to tables of any thickness by an adjustable clip functionality and the ability to grip tablecloths by a built-in peg functionality. These two functionalities combined together in one device provide the ability to have the AITC hidden from view, underneath the tablecloth, thus completing the innovative character of this invention.
Advantages;
[0003] The ordinary table clip clips the tablecloth from the top of the tablecloth and has the disadvantage of deforming the overhang pushing the tablecloth to the underside of the table giving an undesirable look.
The AITC invention has two advantages:-
[0004] Firstly it solves the problem of having a visible table clip as the AITC device will be hidden underneath the tablecloth gripping the cloth invisibly leaving the overhang draping freely. The second advantage is the adjustable capability of the device allowing it to clamp to tables of different table top thickness.
Introduction to Drawings;
[0005] The description of the inventive AITC is illustrated in the drawings attached.
Figure 1: Shows isometric view of the AITC.
Figure 2: Shows the AITC from another angle, the device comprising four parts, the clip part (1), the base part (2), the free peg part (3) and the spring part (4).
Figure 3: Shows the AITC from another angle, the device comprising four parts, the clip part (1), the base part (2), the free peg part (3) and the spring part (4).
Figure 4: Shows the AITC from another angle, the device comprising four parts, the clip part (1), the base part (2), the free peg part (3) and the spring part (4).
Figure 5: Shows an isometric view of the base part (2) consist of the tubular passage (5).
Figure 6: Shows an isometric view of the base part (2) comprising 3 extensions, fixed peg (7), the lower jaw (6) and the front finger hold (8).
Figure 7: Shows isometric view of the base part (2) showing the tubular passage (5).
Figure 8: Shows isometric view of the base part (2) consisting of deflected upper path (15) and lower path (14).
Figure 9: Shows isometric view of the Clip part (1).
Figure 10: Shows a side view of the Clip part (1) comprising the locking steps (8), and upper jaw (17).
Figure 11: Shows a top view of the free peg (3).
Figure 12: Shows isometric view of the free peg (3) comprising the gripping tip (10), and back finger holder (9).
Figure 13: Shows isometric view of the spring part (4) with spring arms (16).
Figure 14: Shows isometric view of the AITC comprising the free peg (3), consisting of the gripping tip (10) in open position against the fixed peg (7) with the spring part (4) in a pressurised position allowing the free peg and the fixed peg(7) to move to an open position.
Figure 15: Shows an isometric view of the AITC fixed to a table top (11), showing the base part (2) below the table top, with fixed peg (7) in an open position with the gripping tip (10).
Figure 16: Shows an enlarged cross section view of the base part (2), comprising the tubular passage(5), and consisting of deflected upper path (15) and lower path (14).
Figure 17: Shows a cross section side view of the clip part (1), passing through the base part (2) in a free movement angle.
Figure 18: Shows enlarge cross section side view of the locking steps (8), passing freely through the tubular passage (5), in parallel with the lower path (14).
Figure 19: Shows a cross section side view of the clip part (1), positioned through the base part (2) in a fixed position, parallel to the deflected upper path (15).
Figure 20: Shows the enlarged cross section side view of the locking steps (8) in a fixed position parallel to the deflected upper path (15) and the locking steps are trapped at the edge of the lower path (14).
Figure 21: Shows isometric view of the AITC fitted on the table (12).
Figure 22: Shows an enlarged side view of the AITC device fitted on the table (12).
Figure 23: Shows isometric top view of the AITC fitted on the table (12).
Figure 24: Shows isometric bottom view of the AITC fitted on the table (12).
Figure 25: Shows isometric bottom view of the AITC fitted on the table (12), with fixed peg (7) in a closed position with the gripping tip (10).
Figure 26: Shows the correct position of the fingers to operate the peg.
Figure 27: Shows the tablecloth (13) with the AITC device hidden underneath.
[0006] The AITC invention is to give the user the ability to clip a tablecloth to a table by gripping the tablecloth from underneath keeping the AITC device hidden so that the tablecloth is firmly gripped yet still looks neatly draped over a table. The invention is achieved by combining 2 functions. First is the positioning of the device underneath the tablecloth by clipping the AITC device to a table of any thickness, second is gripping the tablecloth by a built in peg function.
[0007] The device comprises four parts, the base part, the clip part, the free peg part and the spring part. The device will function by assembling these four parts. Each part consists of extensions providing different functions. The base part consists of three extensions, the fix peg extension, the lower jaw extension, the front finger hold extension and formation of a tubular passage with a deflected path, the deflected path formed by a lower path and an upper path with a deflected direction and an angle between the two paths ranging between 100 to 179 degrees.
[0008] The clip part is an L shaped object consisting of two extensions, the upper jaw extension and the locking steps extension. The multiple locking steps are all triangular shaped and of the same size and of equal distance apart.
[0009] The free peg part is an L shaped object consisting of two extensions, the gripping tip extension and the back finger holder extension.
[0010] The spring part consists of two spring arms to lock the fixed peg extension and the free peg part together.
[0011] The AITC device has two functions, clipping the device to the table top, and gripping the tablecloth fabric with the device.
[0012] The clipping functionality is obtained by adjusting the upper and lower jaws by penetrating and sliding the locking extension through the tubular passage of the base part. This penetration can be fixed to a particular position and locked by tilting the clip part in one direction and unlocking in the opposite direction. The tubular passage is designed to allow the stepping lock extension to pass through the lower deflected path freely if the stepping lock is in a parallel direction to the lower path. By tilting the locking steps to be in a parallel position with the upper deflected path, the locking step extension will be trapped by the edge of the lower deflected passage resulting in locking and fixing the locking steps extension from any sliding movements. By tilting the locking steps extension back to the original position parallel to the lower deflected passage, the locking steps extension will slide freely. This functionality will give the user the ability to adjust the distance between the upper and lower jaw to become a suitable opening for varying table top thicknesses.
[0013] The second function is gripping the tablecloth fabric between the two tips of the fixed peg and the free peg. The functionality of the free peg is controlled by the spring and spring arms attached between the fixed peg and the free peg which applies pressure at all times whether the peg is open or closed. By pressing the back finger hold and the front finger hold simultaneously the tip of the free peg will move apart from the fixed peg allowing tablecloth fabric to be gripped in between. By releasing the pressure on the front and back finger holders, the tablecloth fabric will remain gripped in place. Release of the tablecloth fabric is performed by reapplying the pressure on the front and back finger holders and removing the tablecloth fabric from the device.