Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a clipping article suitable for securing or clipping a cord and in particular, but not exclusively to a clipping article suitable for securing or clipping an electrical cord.

Background of Invention

E lectrical appliances having electric cords are widely used today. Cell phone chargers, laptop chargers, toasters, hair driers, curling wands, hair straighteners etc. are only few examples of many day to day appliances using electrical cords. The use of electric cords, and the use of extension cords, data cabl es and multi adapter boards, seems to be i ncreasi ng year by year as peopl e use more and more personal el ectroni c dev i ces, househol d el ectri cal appliances, computer equipment and electrical power tools both at home and in people ^' s work environments.

One of the problems with all of the electric cords is organising them properly so that they are not unsightly or so that they do not create cl utter, but so that they are instead organized in a neat and tidy manner. Preventing the clutter and organizing the cords properly not only looks aesthetically pleasing but can also increase the life of the cord, and can help to prevent accidents. Increasingly workplaces are looking for ways to stow or secure cords in a safe and aesthetically pleasing manner. Furthermore, unorganized cords often tangle easi ly and untangl i ng them can be a ti me consumi ng exercise.

The above problems apply not only to electric cords or but also to other similar elongated objects such as pipes, garden hose, ropes, cables etc.

In the past, a number of different types of arti cl es f or cl i ppi ng or securi ng cords have been proposed. However, in most cases they either come with complicated designs or fail to provide a good secure cord retention that is capable of securing a cord that may be pulled from multi pi e di recti ons.

There is a need for a clipping article for clipping a cord that is of relatively compact and simple design and yet is efficient for securing or clipping and organizing cords or similar el ongated items. T here i s a need f or a cl i ppi ng arti cl e for cl i ppi ng a cord that i s easy to use and which provides good tension and grip to the cord to which resists forces that pull the cords form a range of directions.

A I so, the is a need for a cl i ppi ng arti cl e for cl i ppi ng a cord that is re- usable, durabi e can be used for temporary or semi -permanent cord solutions and has variety of applications.

In this specification unless the contrary is expressly stated, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combi nation thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge; or known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.

Prior References

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications may be referred to herein; this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country. Definitions

It is acknowl edged that the term : comprise ^" may, under varyi ng j urisdi cti ons, be attri buted with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term : comprise ^" shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term : comprised ^" or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

F or the purpose of thi s specifi cati on, and unl ess otherwi se noted, the term : cord ^" i s i ntended to refer primarily to an electrical wire that is wrapped in a protective covering and used to connect a device to a power source or to transmit data. It is intended that the term :cord ^" can also refer to non- electrical elongate objects such as thin ropes or similar shaped objects.

Object of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a clipping article suitable for securing or clipping a cord or similar item(s) that will go some way towards ameliorating some or all of the disadvantages and limitations of the known art, or which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Summary of the invention

Accordingly, in one aspect the invention broadly resides in a clipping article for securing or cl i ppi ng a cord or the I i ke, the cl i ppi ng article comprisi ng:

a body porti on that i s hoi I ow and whi ch extends from a f i rst end of the body porti on to a second and opposite end of the body portion, the body portion having an internal surface adapted to receive a length of a cord, and an external surface,

wherein,

the body portion includes: a gap or channel extending from the external surface to the internal surface and from the first end to the second end;

at I east a f i rst protrusi on and a second protrusi on that are both I ocated on a f i rst si de of the gap, the first and second protrusions extending from the body portion towards the gap in a first direction;

at I east a thi rd protrusi on that i s I ocated on a second si de of the gap, the second si de being opposite to the first side, and the third protrusion extending from the body portion towards a space between the first and second protrusions in a second direction that is opposi te to the f i rst di recti on; and

the first protrusion is situated at or adjacent the first end, the second protrusion is situated at or adj acent the second end, and the thi rd protrusi on i s situated about a mi d- poi nt along a length of the body portion, the length of body portion being a length extending from the first end to the second end.

Preferably, the gap is a non-li near gap, and a mid-line that extends along the length of the gap between the first end and the second end of the body portion is a line having three or more changes in direction.

Preferably, the mid-line that extends along the length of the gap between the first end and the second end of the body portion is a line having four changes in direction.

Preferably the mid-line that extends along the length of the gap between the first end and the second end of the body portion has a shape that is substantially square or rectangular wave shaped.

Preferably, the changes i n di recti on of the mi d-l i ne occur at or adj acent i nboard ends of the first and the second protrusions, the inboard ends of the first and the second protrusions bei ng the ends of the f i rst and the second protrusi ons that are situated nearest to a mi dpoi nt along the length of the body portion. Preferably, the first, second and third protrusions each have substantially rectangular profiles.

Preferably, the exposed corners of the substantially rectangular profiles of the first, second and third protrusions that face an opposing protrusion, are sharp corners, or are substantially non-radiused corners.

Preferably, a length of each of the first, second and third protrusions, in a direction along the length of the body portion, is equivalent to approximately a third of the length of the body portion.

Preferably, the length of the third protrusion, in a direction along the length of the body portion, is substantially equal to the length of the space between the first and the second protrusions.

Preferably, the width of the gap, when the clipping article is empty, is in the range of a quarter to a half of an i nside diameter of the body portion.

Preferably, the body portion has an elongate shape.

Preferably, the length of the body portion is at least four times the inside diameter of the body portion.

Preferably, both the first end and the second end of the body portion are tapered ends.

Preferably, the tapered f i rst and second ends each i ncl ude a tapered or bevel ed surface that extends from the external surface.

Preferably, the internal surface of the body portion is substantially cylindrical in shape. Preferably, the body portion is cylindrical or has a substantially cylindrical shape. Preferably, the clipping article further includes an attachment means.

Preferably, the attachment means extends outwardly from the external surface of the body portion.

Preferably, the attachment means extends from the external surface of the body portion at a location on the body portion that is a substantially opposite to the location of the gap in the body portion.

Preferably, the attachment means is joined to the body portion at or neara mid- point along the length of the body portion.

Preferably, the body portion comprises or is adapted to receive, the attachment means on the external surface of the body portion.

Preferably, the attachment means is located or is adapted to be located on the external surface of the body portion opposite the gap.

Preferably, the attachment means i s I ocated or i s adapted to be I ocated i n or near the mi ddl e of the body portion.

Preferably, the attachment means is formed integrally with the body portion. Preferably, the attachment means includes a loop section. Preferably, the attachment means includes a hook section.

Preferably, the attachment means is a clip or bracket having the same features as the body porti on of the cl i ppi ng arti cl e as def i ned above. Preferably, the body portion or part of the body portion is made of a flexible material, for exampl e a resi I i ent pi asti cs materi al .

Preferably, the attachment means is made of a flexible material.

In another aspect, the invention broadly resides a clipping article suitable for securing or cl i ppi ng a cord or the I i ke, the cl i ppi ng article compri si ng:

a body porti on that i s hoi I ow and whi ch extends from a f i rst end of the body porti on to a second end of the body porti on, the body porti on havi ng an i ntemal surface adapted to receive a length of the cord, and an external surface;

wherein, the body portion comprises a gap or channel extending from the external surface to the internal surface and from the first end to the second end; and

wherein the gap is a non-linear gap and is shaped as a wave with at least one peak and at least two troughs.

Preferably, the wave is a square or rectangular shaped wave, or a substantially square or rectangular shaped wave.

Optional ly, the wave is a triangular or a substantial ly triangular shaped wave.

Optional ly, the wave is a si ne wave shaped wave, or a substantial ly si ne wave shaped wave.

Optional ly, the wave is a saw tooth shaped wave or a substantial ly saw tooth shaped wave.

Preferably, the body portion has an elongated shape.

Preferably, the body portion is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape.

Preferably, the body portion comprises or is adapted to receive an attachment means on the external surface of the body portion. Preferably, the attachment means is located or is adapted to be located on the external surface of the body portion opposite the gap.

Preferably, the attachment means i s I ocated or i s adapted to be I ocated i n or near the mi ddl e of the body portion.

Preferably, the attachment means and the body portion are integrally formed. Preferably, the attachment means includes a loop section. Preferably, the attachment means includes a hook section.

Preferably, the attachment means is a bracket having same features as the body portion of the cl i ppi ng arti cl e as def i ned above.

Preferably, the body portion or part of the body portion is made up of a flexible material. Preferably, the attachment means is made up of a flexible material.

In yet another aspect the invention broadly resides in a method of clipping a cord to a clipping article as defined in any one of the above statements, wherein the method compri ses at I east the f ol I owi ng step:

inserting the cord through the gap and into contact with the internal surface of the body portion that is adapted to receive a length of the cord, thereby allowing the internal surface of the body portion to tightly retain the length of the cord that is in engagement with the internal surface.

Preferably, the method involves the following step prior to the step of inserting the cord though the gap and i nto contact with the i nternal surface of the body porti on:

bending the cord by applying external force on the cord. Preferably the method i nvolves the f ol I owi ng step pri or to, or duri ng, the step of i nserti ng the cord though the gap and into contact with the internal surface of the body portion: deformi ng the body porti on to temporari ly i ncrease the wi dth of the gap.

This invention may also broadly be said to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of the parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents such equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

It will also be understood that where a product, method or process as herein described or claimed and that is sold incomplete, as individual components, or as a ^' Kit of Parts _, that such exploitation will fall within the ambit of the invention.

T hese and other features and character! sti cs of the present i nventi on, as wel I as the method of operati on and f uncti ons of the rel ated el ements of structures and the combi nati on of parts and economics of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the f ol I owi ng descri pti on with reference to the accompany i ng drawi ngs, al I of whi ch form part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures.

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms ^' upper_, 1ower_, Vight_, 1eft_, Vertical _. , ^' horizontal _, ^' top_, ^' bottom_, lateral _. , longitudinal _, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices i 11 ustrated i n the attached drawi ngs, and descri bed i n the f ol I owi ng specif i cati on are si mply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting. Brief Description of Drawings

The invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, and by reference to the accompanyi ng drawi ngs;

Figure 1a is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the cl i ppi ng arti cl e of the present i nventi on.

Figure 1 b is an end view of the embodiment of F igure 1a.

Figure l c is a side view of the embodiment of F igure 1a.

F igure 1 d is a top plan view of the embodi ment of F igure 1 a.

Figure 2a is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the cl i ppi ng arti cl e of the present i nventi on.

F igure 2b is an end view of the embodi ment of F igure 2a.

Figure 2c is a side view of the embodi ment of F igure 2a.

F igure 2d is a top plan view of the embodi ment of F igure 2a.

Figures 3a to 3c show the steps for clipping a cord on the clipping article of F igures 1a-1d.

Figure 4 shows an example of using the clipping article of F igures 1a-1d.

Figure 5a is a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of the cl i ppi ng arti cl e of the present i nventi on. F igure 5b is an end view of the embodi ment of F igure 5a.

Figure 5c is a side view of the embodi ment of F igure 5a.

F igure 5d is a top plan view of the embodi ment of F igure 5a.

Figure 6a is a perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the cl i ppi ng arti cl e of the present i nventi on.

F igure 6b is an end view of the embodi ment of F igure 6a.

Figure 6c is a side view of the embodi ment of F igure 6a.

F igure 6d is a top plan view of the embodi ment of F igure 6a.

Figure 7a is a perspective view of a fifth preferred embodiment of the cl i ppi ng arti cl e of the present i nventi on.

F igure 7b is an end view of the embodi ment of F igure 7a.

Figure 7c is a sideview of the embodiment of F igure 7a.

F igure 7d is a top plan view of the embodi ment of F igure 7a.

Figure 8 shows an example of using the clipping article of F igures 7a-7d.

Figure 9 shows an example of using the clipping article of F igures 1a-1d together or in combination with the clipping article of F igures 5a-5d.

Figure 10a is a perspective view of a sixth preferred embodiment of the cl i ppi ng arti cl e of the present i nventi on. Figure 10b is an end view of the embodiment of F igure 10a.

Figure lOc is a side view of the embodiment of Figure lOa.

Figure 10d is a top plan view of the embodiment of F igure 10a.

Figure 11 shows an example of using the clipping article of F igures 10a- 10d

Detailed Description of the Preferred E mbodiment(s)

The following description will describe the invention in relation to examples and/or drawings. Unless otherwise explicitly specified herein, the drawings are not drawn to scale.

Referring now to the drawings, Figures 1a-1d show a first preferred embodiment of a cl i ppi ng arti cl e ( 10) accordi ng to present i nventi on that i s suitabi e for securi ng or cl i ppi ng a cord. T he cl i ppi ng arti c I e ( 10) compri ses a I ength of an el ongate si eeve or a body porti on (14) having two ends; a first end (14a) and a second end (14b). At least the body portion ( 14) or part of the body porti on ( 14) i s pref erabl y made out of a f I ex i bl e or resi I i ent materi al , preferably a pliable plastic or an elastomeric material or the material is made from elastomeric compounds.

As it can be seen in the figures, the body portion (14) of this preferred embodiment has a substantially cylindrical tube or sleeve shape, having a hollow interior (13). The hollow interior (13) is adapted to receive a length of the cord - this will be described in greater detail later in this specification. The substantially cylindrical shape means that the length of the body portion (14) inherently comprises an external surface (14c) and an internal surface (14d). The internal surface (14d) of the body portion (14) is substantially cylindrical in shape. T he body porti on ( 14) i s el ongate i n shape, and both the f i rst end ( 14a) and the second end (14b) of the body portion (14) are tapered ends. The tapered first and second ends (14a and 14b) each include a tapered or beveled surface (15) that extends from the external surface (14c) and towards a centerline of the body portion (14). The length of the body portion (14) is about four times an inside diameter of the body portion, the inside diameter being the diameter of the internal surface (14d). It is considered advantageous that the length of the body portion (14) is at least four times the inside diameter as this allows the clipping article (10) to securely grip a cord (10 ^" ) due to the significant area of contact between the cl i ppi ng arti cl e ( 10) and the cord (10 ^" ).

The body portion (14) of this preferred embodiment includes a gap or a channel (12) extending from the external surface (14c) to the internal surface (14d) and from the first end (14a) to the second end (14b).

There are two prongs or protrusions, namely a first protrusion (17) and a second protrusion (18) that are both located on a first side (12a) of the gap (12). As it can be seen, the first and second protrusi ons ( 17 and 18) both extend from the body porti on ( 14) towards the gap ( 12) i n a f i rst di recti on. T here i s a thi rd prong or a thi rd protrusi on ( 19) I ocated on a second side (12b) of thegap (12), the second side (12b) being opposite to the first side (12a). The thi rd protrusi on ( 19) extends from the body porti on ( 14) towards a space (11) between the first and second protrusions (17 and 18) in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

The first protrusion (17) is situated at or adjacent the first end (14a) and the second protrusion (18) is situated at or adjacent the second end (14b). The third protrusion (19) is situated about a mid-point along a length of the body portion (14), the length of body porti on bei ng a I ength extendi ng from the f i rst end ( 14a) to the second end ( 14b) .

Hence, the gap (12) is a non-linear channel/gap in the body portion (14) that extends from the f i rst end ( 14a) to the second end ( 14b) and from the external surface ( 14c) to the i nternal surface (14d), and is formed as a shape of a wave (a rectangular or substantial ly rectangular wave in this case) with one peak and two troughs.

T he wi dth of the gap ( 12) when the cl i ppi ng arti cl e ( 10) i s empty, i s i n the range of a quarter to a half of the inside diameter of the body portion, and ideally approximately three eights of the i nsi de di ameter pi us or mi nus ten percent. F or exampl e a cl i ppi ng arti cl e ( 10) that is configured to secure a 240v power lead, the inside diameter will be about six millimeters and the width of the gap will be in the range of 1.5 to 3 millimeters, or ideally about 2.25 millimeters plus or minus ten percent. The width of the gap (12) is the distance between the first side (12a) and the second side (12b), which can also be said to be the distance between the edge of each of the protrusions that faces the opposing side of the gap and the opposi ng si de of the gap.

The gap (12) is a non- linear gap, and a mid- line (12a) that extends along the length of the gap (12) between the first end (14a) and the second end (14b) of the body portion (14) is a line that preferably has three or more changes in direction. And in this example, the midline (12a) is a line having four changes in direction and has a shape that is substantially square or rectangular wave shaped as can be seen in Figure 1 d.

The first, second and third protrusions (17, 18 and 19) each have substantially rectangular profiles. The exposed corners of the substantially rectangular profiles of the first, second and thi rd protrusions (17, 18 and 19), or at least the exposed corners that face an opposi ng protrusion, are sharp corners, or are substantially non-radiused corners. The sharp corners help to keep a cord (10 ^" ) retained within the body portion (14) as the corners can catch and grip the cord (10 ^" ) to help prevent removal.

A length of each of the first, second and third protrusions (17, 18 and 19), in a direction along the length of the body portion, is equivalent to approximately a third of the length of the body porti on. T he I ength of the thi rd protrusi on ( 19), i n a di recti on al ong the I ength of the body portion (14), is substantially equal to the I ength of the space (11) between the first and the second protrusions (17 and 18). T he changes i n di recti on of the mi d- 1 i ne ( 12a) occur at or adj acent i nboard ends of the f i rst and the second protrusions (17 and 18), the inboard ends of the first and the second protrusions (17 and 18) being the ends of the first and the second protrusions that are situated nearest to a midpoint along the length of the body portion (14).

As it can be seen in Figures 1a-1c, the clipping article (10) also includes an attachment means which extends outwardly from the external surface (14c) of the body portion (14). The attachment means extends from the external surface (14c) at a location on the body portion (14) that is a substantially opposite to the location of the gap (12) in the body portion (14). The attachment means is joined to the body portion (14) at or near a midpoint along the length of the body portion (14).

In this example, the attachment means is in the form of a ring or a loop or a loop section (16). The loop (16) is connected to or is integrally formed with the external surface (14c) of the body porti on ( 14) . T he purpose of the I oop ( 16) wi 11 be more apparent I ater i n thi s specification.

Figures 2a to 2d show a second preferred embodiment of a clipping article according to present invention that is suitable for clipping a cord. The body portion (24) of the clipping article (20) shown in Figures 2a to 2d is same or substantially similar to the body portion (14) of the clipping article (10) shown in Figures 1a to 1d, hence need not be explained again.

The difference between the first embodiment of the clipping article (10) and the second embodiment of the clipping article (20) is in the orientation of the attachment means. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the longitudinal axis (not shown) in the X direction along which the body portion (14) extends is parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (not shown) in the X direction along which the loop (16) extends. However, in the second embodiment, the longitudinal axis (not shown) in theX direction along which the body portion (24) extends is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (not shown) in theX direction along which the loop (26) extends. In other words, the loop (16) and the loop (26) are oriented with an angular difference of 90 degrees or substantially 90 degrees. This difference can be clearly identified upon compari ng F i gure 1 c that shows the si de v i ew of arti cl e ( 10) wi th F igure 2c that shows the side view of article (20).

Figures 3a to 3c visually illustrate an example of how a cord (10 ^" ) may be clipped to the clipping article of the present invention. Figures 3a to 3c illustrate the example using the cl i ppi ng arti cl e ( 10) accordi ng to the f i rst embodi ment of the i nventi on. H owever, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that this same technique may equally apply to the second embodi ment of the i nventi on descri bed above or even further embodi ments of the i nventi on described later in this specification.

As shown in Figure 3a, firstly the clipping article (10) and the cord (10 ^" ) are placed near each other.

Secondly, a length of the cord can be bent or kinked substantially as shown in Figure 3b to facilitate installation into the clipping article (10). The cord (10 ^" ) is bent by applying external force such that the length of the cord (10 ^" ) that is to be inserted inside the hollow i nteri or ( 13) of the body porti on ( 14) through the gap ( 12) i s of the same shape or i s of the substantially similar shape as that of the non-linear gap (12). The body portion (14) can also flex during this fitting process, to accommodate the cord (10 ^" ) fitting into the narrower gap (12). In this way, the cord (10 ^" ) is fitted inside the hoi low interior (13) of the flexible body porti on ( 14) through the gap ( 12) .

Once snugly fitted inside the body portion (14) of the clipping article (10), the cord will return to its original unbent or unfolded state due to the shape of the body portion (14), as well as any application of external forces, for example stretching or tension forces applied to the cord. Alternatively, the cord (10 ^" ) can be placed at one end of the body portion (14), and pressed into the gap (12) via external (compression) force. The body portion (14) will flex open as the cord is placed in the gap (12). The cord is bent accordingly as it is pressed into the body portion (14) around the bend in the gap. The body portion (14) will resume its original shape after the cord ( 10 ^" ) has been successful I y f i tied i nsi de the cl i ppi ng arti cl e ( 10) .

Once, the cord i s fitted i nsi de the cl i ppi ng arti cl e ( 10), i t remai ns i n pi ace vi a I i near f ri cti on. In Figure 3c, arrow labelled ^' d_ refers to the internal surface area of the body portion (14). A s I ong as the cord ( 10 ^" ) has a si i ghtly I arger di ameter than the i nsi de diameter of the body portion (14), the clipping article (10) will grip the cord (10 ^" ) and friction between the internal surface (14d) and the cord (10 ^" ) will resist movement of the cord (10 ^" ) in a direction along the length of the body portion (14).

It is the internal surface area of the internal surface (14d) that gives linear friction to the cord (10 ^" ) along the length indicated by arrow(s) ^' e_. Additionally, when the force is applied linearly in the direction of arrow ^' e_, a moment is created forcing point indicated by arrow Ί_ into the cord causing an increase in friction.

This linear friction is sufficient to support appliances such as typical household items. The shape of the clipping article (10), once fitted, supports the weight of the cord itself as well as smaller items in the direction of arrow ^' g_.

A n advantage of havi ng at I east one bend i n the gap ( 12) means that, when vi ewed end-on (e.g. Figure2b) nearly all the circumference of the cord has contact with the clipping article (10); much more so than if the gap was linear. This aids considerably when applying force in the direction (g). The bends in the gap (12) (giving the :three pronged ^" look) is the best and preferred solution as this means that the cord need only be kinked or bent in one place as the cord i s pushed through the non- 1 i near gap ( 12) . If the cord had to be bent i n mul ti pi e locations it would make the clipping article (10) more difficult to place onto and remove from a cord. A nother advantage of havi ng at least one bend i n the gap (12) is that if, due to the weight of the suspended item (such as a hai rdryer), the cord begi ns to be pul I ed out of the cl i ppi ng article (10), the force required to bend the cord will resist the force being applied and will hel p to stop the cord from bei ng pul I ed out at the bend, and the suspended item wi 11 remai n attached to the clipping article (10). This results in the clipping article (10) being able to suspend heavier items.

A sequence of figures 3c to 3a (a reverse of the process shown in Figures 3a to 3c) visually illustrates an example of how a cord (10 ^" ) may be undipped from the clipping article of the present invention. Fi rstly, the cord (10 ^" ) that is tightly/snugly fitted inside the hollow interior (13) of the flexible body portion (14), as shown in Figure 3c is taken out from the cl i ppi ng article (10) through the gap ( 12), by apply i ng an extensi on force. T hat i s, the step involves grasping the cord (10 ^" ) near one end of the clipping article (10); pulling the clipping article (10) in the direction of :g ^" ; and pulling the cord (10 ^" ) in the opposite direction of :g ^" . The cord (10 ^" ) will cause the body portion (14) to flex open a little, expanding the width of the gap (12), and allowing the cord (10 ^" ) to be pulled out through the gap (12).

Once, taken out from the clipping article (10), the portion of the cord that was previously fitted i nsi de the body porti on ( 14) wi 11 eventual ly return to its origi nal un-f I exed state either automatically due to its resilient properties or due to application of an external force (e.g. stretching or extension) during or after the cord (10 ^" ) removal.

F i gure 4 shows an exampl e of a use of the cl i ppi ng arti cl e ( 10) of the f i rst embodi ment. A s can be seen, the cord (40 ^" ) of an electronic apparatus, inthis case a hai rdryer (45) is clipped inside the body portion (14) of the clipping article (10 ^" ). A hook (43) that is mounted on a wall (not shown) is engaged with the loop (16) of the clipping article (10). As the result, the hairdryer (45) is suspended by the clipping article (10) on the hook (43) of the existing wall thereby preventing clutter and making the cord safer. The circular shape of the loop (16) allows the clipping article (10) to swivel or rotate about the hook (43), thereby further helping to prevent the cord (40 ^" ) from being disengaged from the clipping article (10) if the cord (40 ^" ) is pulled or moves about

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that article (20) of the second embodiment descri bed above or one or more of the other embodi ments descri bed bel ow may be equal ly be used in the place of article (10) to similarly engage with the hook (43).

Figures 5a to 5d show a third preferred embodiment of a clipping article according to present inventi on that is suitable for securing or clipping a cord. The body portion (54) of the clipping article (50) shown in Figures 5a to 5d is the same or is substantially similar to the body porti on ( 14) of the cl i ppi ng arti cl e ( 10) shown i n F i gures 1 a to 1 d, hence need not be explained again.

The difference between the first embodiment of the clipping article (10) and the third embodiment of the clipping article (50) is in the type of attachment means. Specifically, in the first embodiment of the clipping article (10) the attachment means is a loop (16), whereas in this third embodiment of the clipping article (50), the attachment means (50) is a hook or a hook section (56).

Figures 6a to 6d show a fourth preferred embodiment of a clipping article according to present invention that is suitable for clipping a cord. The body portion (54) of the clipping article (50) shown in Figures 6a to 6d is same or substantially similar as the body portion (54) of the clipping article (50) shown in Figures 5a to 5d, hence need not be explained again.

The differences between the third embodiment of the clipping article (50) and the fourth embodiment of the clipping article (60) are the location of the attachment means, and the design of the hooks themselves. Specifically, in the third embodiment, the hook (56) is attached to or integrally formed with the body portion (54) at or near the middle of the body portion (54). However, in the fourth embodiment, the hook (66) is attached to or is integrally formed with the body portion (64) near one end of the body portion (64). This can be clearly identified upon comparing Figure 5c that shows the side view of article (50) with Figure 6c that shows the side view of article (60). It is also apparent from Figures 5c and 6c that the design of the hook (66) is different and has a greater curvature than the hook (56).

Figures 7a to 7d show a fifth preferred embodiment of a clipping article according to present i nventi on that i s suitabl e f or cl i ppi ng a cord. T he body porti on (74) of the cl i ppi ng article (70) shown in Figures 7a to 7d is same or substantially similar as the body portion (54) of the clipping article (50) shown in Figures 5a to 5d, hence need not be explained again.

The differences between the third embodiment of the clipping article (50) and the fifth embodi ment of the cl i ppi ng arti cl e (70) are i n the ori entati on of the attachment means, and slightly in the design of attachment means as well. Specifically, in the third embodiment, the longitudinal axis (not shown) in an X direction along which the body portion (54) extends is parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (not shown) in the X direction along which the hook (56) extends.

However, in the fourth embodiment, the longitudinal axis in the X direction (not shown) along which the body portion (74) extends is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (not shown) in theX direction along which the hook (76) extends. In other words, the hook (56) and the hook (76) are oriented with an angular difference of 90 degrees or substantially 90 degrees. This can be clearly identified upon comparing Figure 5c that shows the side view of article (50) with Figure 7c that shows the side view of article (70). It is also apparent from Figures 5c and 7c that hook (76) is of different design and has a greater curvature than hook (56).

Figure 8 shows an example of a use of a clipping article, in this case article (70) of the fifth embodiment. As shown, multiple articles (70) can be used to engage with the cord (80 ~) of party lights (82) at multiple locations. A hook (76) of the clipping article (70) is engaged with the support rod (87). As a result, articles (70) and the support rod (87) are able to support the weight of the cord (80 ^" ) as well as the party lights (82). Hence, the plurality of articles (70) can be used for installation of party lights (82) such as Christmas lights in a neat and tidy manner without cluttering.

Instead of article (70), a person skilled in the art may find articles of one or more embodiments described above or below to be equally suitable for engaging with the cord (80 ^" ).

Figure 9 shows an example of a use of two articles, in this case the clipping article (10) of the first embodiment and clipping article (50) of the second embodiment It can be seen that the cord (90 ^" ) of an el ectroni c apparatus, i n thi s case a hai r dryer (45), is cl i pped i nsi de the body portion (14) of the clipping article (10) in one location and the clipping article ( 50) i n another I ocati on. T he hook ( 56) of the c I i ppi ng arti c I e ( 50) that i s then engaged wi th the loop (16) of the clipping article (10). As a result, the hair dryer (45) that is plugged into the wal I i s suspended usi ng a combi nati on of the two arti cl es ( 10 and 50) i n a neat and ti dy manner without cl utteri ng.

A person skilled in the art will find combination of articles of other embodiments of the i nventi on to be equal ly sui tabl e for the same or si mi I ar purposes.

Figures 10a to 10d show a sixth preferred embodiment of a clipping article according to present inventi on that is sui table for clipping a cord. The body portion (104) of the clipping article (100) shown in Figures 10a to 10d is same or substantially similar as the body portion (14) of the clipping article (10) shown in Figures 1a to 1d, hence need not be explained again.

The difference between the first preferred embodiment of the clipping article (10) and the sixth preferred embodi ment of the cl i ppi ng arti cl e ( 100) is i n the type of attachment means. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the attachment means is a loop (10) whereas in this third embodiment, the attachment means is a clip or bracket (106) that is same or substantially similar to the body portion (104). In this preferred embodiment the length of the body portion (104) is larger than the length of the clip (106). Also, the longitudinal axis (not shown) in the X direction of the body portion (104) is parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (not shown) in theX direction of the clip (106).

However, a person skilled in the art may appreciate that many other variations are equally possible. For example, the length of the body portion (104) can be smaller or the same as the length of the clip (106). Also, the longitudinal axis (not shown) in the X direction of the body portion (104) may not necessarily be parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis in the X direction (not shown) of the clip (106). For example, the longitudinal axes (not shown) in the X direction may even be oriented so that they are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular, i.e. 90 degrees or substantially 90 degrees apart from each other.

Figure 11 shows an example of a use of a clipping article, in this case article (100) of the sixth embodi ment. A s shown, the cl i ppi ng arti cl e ( 100) can be used to engage with the cord (110 ^" ) of a cell phone charger. The body portion (104) of the clipping article (100) is engaged with a I ength of a cord ( 110 ^" ) i n one I ocati on and the attachment means or the cl i p (106) of the clipping article (100) is engaged with the cord (110 ^" ) in another location. As the result article (100) is able to organise the cord (110 ^" ) of the cell phone charger in a neat and ti dy manner and thereby preventi ng cl utter and tangl i ng.

It is possible that the clipping articles of the above embodiments are colored for aesthetic enhancement The color can be customized according to targeted user ^" s requirements or taste.

T here are number of producti on methods that coul d be used to produce the cl i ppi ng arti cl es of the preferred embodiments. The most suitable production method would be injection molding. At this point in time, it is envisaged that it would be a single stage injection mould process, unless there is requi rement for two different plastic types (e.g. if there was a requi rement for a much stronger : hook ^" accessory, that part may be made from a different plastic than the body portion). Another production method could be via 3-d printing. However, this is a slow and relatively expensive production method.

M ethod of use

The clipping article (10) can be used in a method of clipping a cord that comprises two or more of the f ol I owi ng steps:

o bendi ng the cord by applyi ng external force on the cord, and/or o deforming the body portion (14) to temporarily increase the width of the gap (12), and

o inserting the cord (10~) through the gap (12) and into contact with the i nternal surface ( 14b) of the body porti on ( 14), thereby al I owi ng the i nternal surface (14b) to tightly retain the section of the cord that is in engagement with the internal surface (14b).

E xample of a suitable material

The body portion or the whole article is preferably made out of a flexible plastic material suitable for the purpose. Pliable plastic is one example of a suitable material.

It may be possible to make the clipping article or part of article from any moldable substance such as steel, aluminum, brass or rubber. However, pliable plastic is the most preferred material for home use products.

A skilled person may appreciate, depending upon the application, it may sometimes be desi rabl e to have the attachment means and/or the body porti on of the cl i ppi ng article to be made out of a much stronger or harder materi al s i ncl udi ng metal s order to support the I oad. For example, if there were applications for very large size articles, such as for shipping hawsers, suspension bridge cables etc., then pliable plastic may not be suitable and substances such as rubber, brass, or aluminum may be more appropriate. V ariations

T o those skilled in the artto whi ch the i nventi on rel ates, many changes i n construct! on and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departi ng from the scope of the i nventi on as defi ned i n the appended clai ms. T he disclosures and the description herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

For example, in the preferred embodiments, the protrusions are rectangular, however, in an alternative embodi ment the protrusions can be of a number of other shapes that a person ski 11 ed i n the art woul d envi sage to be suitabl e for the purpose, for exampl e, but not I i mited to circular, square, triangular, etc.

The size of the three protrusions need not necessarily be identical to each other.

In the preferred embodiments, the body portion or sleeves are cylindrical or substantially cylindrical. Although, that is most preferred, the body portion can be of any other hollow three dimensional shapes that a person skilled in the art would envisage to be suitable for the purpose, such as but not limited to cuboidal, hexagonal prism, triangular prism etc.

T he body porti on shoul d have f i rst, second and thi rd protrusi ons ori ented i n the manner as depicted in the drawings, but may have multiple sets of such three protrusions extending along the length of the body portion. For example, instead of one set of three protrusions, there could be two or more sets of similar first, second and third protrusions extending along the length of the body portion.

The use of the clipping article(s) is/are not limited to those as described above with reference to the drawi ngs. M any other uses of the cl i ppi ng article or combi nati on of articles are equally possible.

Although preferable, the attachment means need not be integrally formed with the body portion and could be attachable to the body portion. For example, the body portion may have smal I recess or f ormati on wi th i nternal thread and the attachment means may have an engaging portion with matching external thread that could engage with the internal thread i n the recess or f ormati on i n the body porti on, thereby connecti ng together the body porti on and the attachment means. This is only one example of serval other alternative way of attaching the attachment means to the body portion.

In some cases, the clipping article may not contain attachment means at all. Such articles without attachment means and just a body portion may be suitable for many purposes. For exampl e, such article may be used i n appl i cati ons whi ch do not requi re suspendi ng but sti 11 require the cords to be clipped at one or more locations to prevent the length of the cord from being folded or bent at that particular location or locations. But, of course, having attachment means is most preferable as that provides multi-purpose functionalities such as the ones described above with reference to the drawings.

The clipping article may come in various sizes and diameters depending upon the applications. For example, if it is designed for clipping the cord of the telephone and tablet chargers, the internal diameter of the hollow body porti on/sleeve as well as thesizewill be smal I . H owever, if the cl i ppi ng arti cl e is for cl i ppi ng the cord of a hai r dryer or cl i ppi ng a pipe or a garden hose, it will have a comparatively larger diameter and may be also a larger size.

The clipping article may be sold either individually or in a pack containing two or more articles.

The orientations of protrusions are important but the shapes of the attachment means as depicted i n the drawi ngs are a few of the several other alternatives shapes. T he attachment means may come in many other shapes depending upon the purpose.

T he attachment means need not necessari ly be I ocated at the centre of the body porti on and coul d be I ocated near the f i rst and or second ends dependi ng upon the appl i cati on. The clipping article may have multiple attachment means of the same type or combination of two or more attachment means of different types. For example, the clipping article of the first embodiment may have two loops or combinations of hooks, loops, clips and/or brackets.

A dva ntages of the i nventi on

Some of the main advantages or benefits of the clipping article is that it possess one or more of the f ol I owi ng advantages:

I Simple and compact design means it is easy and less costly to manufacture,

I The clipping article of the present invention not only contacts the cord via the prongs but the internal surface area of the body portion in the form of the sleeve also contacts the cord. Large internal surface area of the body portion being in contact with the cord provides much better tension and grip to the cord in multiple directions. Such design also provides lineal friction along both directions of the cord, as well as enough friction to remain on the cord even if the tension is 90 degrees to the I i ne of the cord,

I Can come in various sizes to accommodate cords of different diameters,

I Easy to use,

I Can be used for clipping other elongated items such as garden hose, pipes, cables, etc.,

I Multi-purpose design due to body portion and attachment means,

I The three prong design of the cord helps undesirable unclipping of the cord from the clipping article,

I Re- usable,

I Durable,

I C an be used for temporary or semi - permanent cord sol uti ons, or

A I most unl i mi ted appl i cati ons.