Safety hooks and clothing clips

Abstract

The invention relates to a safety clasp (10), comprising: a clasp base (22); a fixing element (32) having a sharp end (33), a piercing section (34) and a support (36); and a clasp body (12) comprising a first body section (12A) and a second body section (12B) and a recess (13) defined therebetween, the body being adjustable relative to the clasp base and the fixing element so that in an open configuration, the recess is unobstructed and only the first body section accommodates the sharp end, while in a closed configuration, the piercing section bridges the recess and only the second section accommodates the sharp end. The invention also relates to a clothing clip (100) comprising the safety clasp.

Description

[0001] field

[0002] The present invention relates to a safety clasp and further to an improved clip for a garment or clothing comprising the clasp. The present invention particularly, but not exclusively, relates to a garment clip comprising a clasp for securing a garment or clothing to a medical device such as a catheter or feeding tube.

[0003] background

[0004] Many medical conditions or treatments require that patients wear medical devices for extended periods of time, whether in a hospital or home setting. For example, patients often require feeding tubes and / or catheters to help support their systems during illness and / or recovery. When the patient moves, catheters or other devices tend to cause discomfort at the point of entry into the body due to the weight of the portion of the device that is outside the patient's body.

[0005] In particular, catheters are most often connected to other associated medical devices that work in conjunction with the catheter to deliver substances, collect substances and deliver energy or record information. Such devices are typically inserted into the patient's body through the mouth, nose, intradermally or through the urethra. If the end of the catheter is not restrained in some way, such as if the end of the catheter is disconnected from the associated medical device, then discomfort may increase at the point where the catheter connects to the patient.

[0006] In addition, catheters are routinely disconnected from the medical device while still fitted to the patient. The length of the catheter that remains fitted to the patient may pose a tripping or snagging hazard if the catheter is not restrained in some way. The end of the catheter may also become a source of infection and may cause fluid to leak from the catheter if it is exposed and allowed to come into contact with an unsterile surface. For example, a catheter inserted into the urethra of a male patient may contain a certain amount of urine, which will drain if the catheter is tilted toward the floor.

[0007] The problem of loose and flexible wires, tubes or cables being difficult to secure to the human body is not unique to the medical field. For example, conventional earphones or headphones used with a personal media player are connected to the media player via a cable. The cable is usually split into two parts at a location somewhere in the chest area of ​​the person. The media player may be located near the person's waist or attached to the person's arm. The length of the cable between the media player and the person's ear tends to force the earphones or headphones downward and away from the person's ear. This can cause frustration, especially when the person is active, i.e., running, in which case the earphones may frequently fall out of the person's ears.

[0008] A clip has been described in EP3331597 which is adapted to receive a flexible cable or tube (and thus reversibly retain a medical device, in this example, such as a catheter) and securely attach it to a person's or patient's clothing. However, this clip and other similar accessory items require a pin-based attachment to pass through the clothing and secure the garment. The use of a sharp needle, even with a safety needle feature, increases the potential risk of needle stick injuries to the user or patient, which is particularly undesirable in a medical setting.

[0009] The present invention seeks to address this problem as well as the general problem of sharp object risk when creating a secure attachment to a garment, cloth or fabric.

[0010] Overview

[0011] The present invention relates to a safety clasp, comprising a clasp base; a fixing element, the fixing element having a sharp end, a piercing section and a supporting portion; and a clasp body, the clasp body comprising a first body section and a second body section and a recess defined between the first body section and the second body section, the body being adjustable relative to the clasp base and the fixing element so that in an open configuration the recess is unobstructed and only the first body section accommodates the sharp end, while in a closed configuration the piercing section bridges the recess and only the second section accommodates the sharp end.

[0012] Usefully, when the clasp body is in the open configuration, it can receive a garment or a piece of fabric into the clasp, or release it from the clasp. This is because the two-part body defines a recess, which is a gap or opening into which a garment or piece of fabric can be inserted or pushed in preparation for fastening. However, the sharp end of the fastening element is not exposed to the user because the first part of the body keeps the sharp end covered, even in the open position of the clasp, and there is no risk of needle stick injury. In addition, once the garment is in the recess and ready to be fastened, the clasp body can be adjusted by the user and slidably moved along the clasp base to a closed position or closed configuration. As the body moves, the body pushes the fabric or fabric of the garment onto the sharp end of the piercing section, piercing it onto the piercing section of the fastening element. Once in the fully closed configuration, the second part of the clasp body covers or protects the sharp end.

[0013] Thus, a key advantage of the present invention is that its arrangement and operation means that the sharp end of the securing element is not exposed to the user in either the open or closed configuration.

[0014] Furthermore, because the fastening element passes through the fabric of the garment, the clasp is able to withstand sufficient loads to be virtually secure in use. Relatively high loads can be applied without deforming the clasp or causing it to open / fail compared to standard garment fastening solutions. If the material it passes through is reasonably strong, the clasp will not fall out (unless the material tears).

[0015] Advantageously, the clasp of the present invention does not allow the user's fingers to contact the sharp end. In an embodiment, the width of the recess may be between 3 mm and 4 mm, thereby not allowing a person to accidentally trap their finger in the gap, preventing engagement with the tip of the needle at any time. Therefore, even though the safety clasp essentially uses a sharp end or needle structure, the risk of injury is greatly reduced compared to the risk of injury of a traditional safety needle, because contacting the tip or sharp end with a finger is impossible.

[0016] Furthermore, the arrangement of the safety clasp of the present invention overcomes variations in the surface properties of the material which alternative "grip" types of securing devices would be subject to in order to satisfactorily secure a garment or apparel to a medical device in use.

[0017] Additionally, in some embodiments, the first and second body sections can define an inwardly tapered recess, which can be curved, directing the fabric to an inwardly positioned apex between the first and second body sections.

[0018] In some embodiments, the clasp base is in the form of a track, preferably a monorail, on which the clasp body is mounted and slidably adjustable between an open position and a closed position. This provides a convenient and natural sliding mechanism by which the base and body operate relative to each other.

[0019] In some embodiments, it is desirable to limit or control the movement between the open configuration and the closed configuration to prevent accidental opening or closing of the clasp. This can be achieved by a frictional motion or a mechanism that temporarily or reversibly holds the clasp in the open configuration and the closed configuration. In this arrangement, the clasp is more secure. For example, the clasp base may include a mechanism configured to generate friction and control the clasp body to stop it from freely reciprocating between the open position and the closed position. Specifically, the clasp base and the body can be slidably operated together, arranged as in a ratchet system, so that the movement is appropriately controlled. Other systems designed to introduce a certain degree of control or friction can also be used.

[0020] Optionally, the clasp base may include a temporary stop mechanism. For example, the base may include a spring plate that is biased upward into the clasp body in the open position and / or the closed position and is thus configured to releasably hold the body in that position until a user provides a minimum overriding force to overcome the spring bias.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the securing element takes the form of a hook-like needle which can be secured between the base of the clasp and a garment clip to which the base itself is mounted.

[0022] In some examples, one or both of the first and second body sections of the clasp body may further include a channel protruding inwardly from the upper interior top plate surface. During reciprocating movement between the open configuration and the closed configuration, the channel of at least one section is centrally aligned with the piercing section and / or the tip within the body. The first and second body sections may also include one or more gripping features, which may be in the form of holes, to allow a user to push the clasp body to slide between its open configuration and closed configuration.

[0023] In another embodiment, the present invention extends to a garment clip comprising a non-garment-facing side and an opposite garment-facing side, wherein the garment-facing side comprises the safety hook disclosed herein.

[0024] In some embodiments, the hook base may be reversibly mounted to the garment-facing side of the clip, or in other embodiments, the base is molded with or bonded to the garment-facing side of the clip.

[0025] In some embodiments, the support section of the fixing element is arranged between the garment-facing side of the clip and the hook base so that the fixing element is securely held in place. The support section of the fixing element can be positioned below the base, or positioned in the space defined between where the track itself is coupled to the garment-facing side of the clip.

[0026] The garment clip of the present invention is particularly suitable for attaching a flexible cable or tube to a garment.Usefully, the flexible cable or tube may be connected to a medical device or form part of a catheter and / or feeding tube.

[0027] With respect to the non-garment-facing side of the garment clip, the clip may include at least one receiving formation therein comprising an elastically deformable channel for receiving a flexible cable or tube. In some examples, two parallel longitudinal channels are provided.

[0028] In an example, the clip further provides a flexible flap disposed adjacent each of the two parallel longitudinal channels, each of the respective flaps being resiliently manipulable to change the configuration of a respective one of the two parallel dimensions, and when in a second configuration, the longitudinal channel has a second dimension different from the first dimension, such that when in the second configuration, the flexible tube or cable is allowed to enter the longitudinal channel, while when in the first configuration, the flexible tube or cable is laterally restrained within the longitudinal channel. The longitudinal channel may have a high friction surface, whereby longitudinal movement of the flexible cable or tube is prevented.

[0029] In some examples, the body of the garment clip is formed from a high durometer thermoplastic elastomer, and preferably, the lining is formed from a low durometer thermoplastic elastomer.

[0030] To improve operability for the user, the clip may further include a switch configured to operate the adjustment of the clasp body between the open position and the closed position. The switch may be easier to operate if the user can actuate between the open position and the closed position without reaching the back / garment-facing side of the clip. Thus, in some embodiments, the switch may be a preformed extension of the clasp body that extends to the edge of the clip and is thus arranged to allow adjustment from the front or non-garment-facing side of the clip. The switch may have gripping features, such as serrations or roughness, for ease of use.

[0031] In some embodiments, the non-garment-facing side of the body includes at least one receiving structure therein, the structure including an elastically deformable channel for receiving a flexible cable or tube. At least one of the two parallel longitudinal channels may include a high friction surface, whereby longitudinal movement of the flexible cable or tube is prevented.

[0032] The body of the garment clip may be formed from a high hardness thermoplastic elastomer, such as Santoprene TM This provides several material properties that are advantageous to the present invention. The material is inherently flexible, thus reducing the risk of blunt or continuous trauma to the patient when the garment clip is worn due to the compliant nature of the material, and has a high coefficient of friction. Flexibility is important for deforming the channel to allow the cable or tube to enter and exit the channel. Friction is important for resisting longitudinal movement of the cable or tube relative to the garment clip.

[0033] The body of the garment clip can alternatively be formed from a flexible thermoplastic such as polypropylene. In this case, the high friction surface may be provided by a lining inserted into at least one of the two parallel longitudinal channels, the lining having a different coefficient of friction than the material of the body. The thickness of the lining may be in the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm. The material of the lining may be, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer such as Santoprene TMA particularly desirable property of this low durometer grade material is that it provides considerable resistance to movement when in close contact with other materials, even when small compressive forces are applied. The combination of a more rigid body with a low durometer liner provides the advantage that it allows both compressive forces and surface friction effects to be optimized independently, as each property is provided by separate materials.

[0034] Some applications may require longitudinal restraint of two cables or tubes, while other applications may require longitudinal restraint of one or no cables or tubes.Different embodiments of the garment clip may have longitudinal channels of different configurations having high friction surfaces and / or low friction surfaces.

[0035] In some embodiments, each of the two parallel longitudinal channels can have different sizes from each other. In other embodiments, each of the two parallel longitudinal channels can have substantially the same size. The width of each of the two parallel longitudinal channels can be in the range of 2mm-4mm. The length of each of the two parallel longitudinal channels can be in the range of 5mm-30mm. The depth of each of the two parallel longitudinal channels can be in the range of 3mm-5mm.

[0036] The garment clip may further include a corresponding wing disposed adjacent to each of the two parallel longitudinal channels, each of the corresponding wing being elastically manipulable to change the configuration of a corresponding one of the two parallel longitudinal channels, wherein when in a first configuration, the longitudinal channel has a first dimension, and when in a second configuration, the longitudinal channel has a second dimension different from the first dimension, so that when in the second configuration, the flexible tube or cable is allowed to enter the longitudinal channel, and when in the first configuration, the flexible tube or cable is laterally restricted within the longitudinal channel.

[0037] Providing a flexible flap enables manipulation of the body of the garment clip to change the size of the longitudinal channel. When in a relaxed state, a cable or tube held within the longitudinal channel is prevented from being removed laterally from the longitudinal channel. When the flap is bent, the size of the longitudinal channel increases to enable a flexible cable or tube to enter or exit the longitudinal channel laterally.

[0038] Brief Description

[0039] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings:

[0040] Figure 1 An embodiment of the present invention including a garment clip and a safety clasp is shown in exploded view;

[0041] Figure 2An embodiment of the present invention is shown in cross-section and includes an assembled garment clip having a safety clasp in an open configuration;

[0042] Figure 2a Shown in perspective Figure 2 The clip;

[0043] Figure 2b The plan view shows Figure 2 The clip;

[0044] Figure 3 An embodiment of the present invention is shown in cross-section and includes an assembled garment clip having a safety clasp in a closed configuration;

[0045] Figure 3a Shown in perspective Figure 3 The clip;

[0046] Figure 3b The plan view shows Figure 3 The clip;

[0047] Figure 4 A perspective view showing a non-garment-facing side of a garment clip according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0048] Figure 4a The plan view shows Figure 4 Clothing clips.

[0049] Detailed Description

[0050] Figure 1 An exploded view of unassembled components of one embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein a garment clip 100 may include a safety clasp 10. The safety clasp 10 includes a clasp body 12, a clasp base 22, and a fixing element 32. The body is generally hollow and includes two portions or sections, and is separated by a recessed portion or cut-out portion 13 therebetween. The recess provides access to an interior portion of the clasp body. The recess has a maximum width of 2.5 to 4 mm, but preferably about 3.5 mm, and is gradual or tapered.

[0051] The body is divided into two sections: a first section 12A and a second section 12B. When it is necessary to secure cloth, fabric or clothing to the clip, the cloth, fabric or clothing can be inserted into the recess. The clasp body section has a flat upper outer surface top plate, which is joined to the straight side of the body by a rounded upper surface corner 14. This further reduces / prevents the user from contacting sharp edges when operating the clasp. The corner section 14 may have one or more gripping members 16 to allow the user to easily grip and move / slide the clasp body. The inner surface of the straight side of the body has a channel that allows the clasp body to be mounted on its clasp base 22.

[0052] The clasp body 12 also includes a clasp base 22. In this example, the base is a monorail, and the clasp body is mounted on the base and arranged so that it can slide along the base. The base also includes a temporary non-return feature, shown as a spring plate 25, which will be explained in further detail below. The clasp also includes a fixing element or needle 32. In this example, the needle is arranged in a hook-like shape and has a tip 33, wherein a piercing section 34 is connected to a support section 36 by a curved section 35.

[0053] The garment clip 100 in this embodiment is shown with features for attaching a flexible cable or tube to a garment. These will be discussed further below. The clip has a non-garment-facing side 101 and an opposite garment-facing side 102. The garment-facing side 102 has a safety clasp 10, which is attached to the garment-facing side 102 by a clasp base 22 of the safety clasp, and which is aligned with and held to the parallel longitudinal protrusions 105. The safety clasp is used to secure the garment clip 100 to a garment worn by a person.

[0054] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2a and Figure 2b , the assembled garment clip 100 is shown in a series of different views, namely: a cross-sectional view, a perspective view and a plan view, to clearly illustrate the features of the example.

[0055] The clothing clip is shown with the safety clasp in its open configuration, wherein the tip 33 of the piercing section of the fixing member is covered by the first section 12A of the clasp body. The clasp body is not free to slide in this position, but is releasably held by the spring plate 25 of the base, which protrudes upward into the interior space of the clasp body (particularly as Figure 2 and Figure 2a 1 and 12. The clasp body 12 can be moved by a user by grasping the gripping holes 16. Four holes are shown here, one at each corner of the outer surface of the clasp body. The garment-facing side 102 of the garment clip 100 can further include a needle seat 110, in which the curved section 35 of the needle 32 rests and is supported when the needle 32 is assembled in the garment clip 100. It can be seen that in the open position, the recess 13 is not blocked by the piercing section 34 of the needle and is therefore configured to receive / release a garment from the clip.

[0056] like Figure 3 , Figure 3a and Figure 3bAs shown, the assembled clothing clip 100 is shown in a series of different views, namely: a cross-sectional view, a perspective view and a plan view, to clearly show the arrangement of features in this example. Here, the clothing clip 100 is shown as the safety clasp 10 in its closed configuration. Here, the clasp body 12 has been slidably moved relative to the needle 32 and the base 22 in the clothing clip; when the clothing clip is used, if the fabric of the garment (not shown) is located in the recess, the sharp end 33 of the needle will pierce the fabric, and the sharp end (stuck in the mechanism) will move through the recess space into the second section 12B of the clasp body, thereby fixing the fabric around the piercing section 34. The sharp end 33 is placed under the second section 12B of the clasp body 12 and protected by the second section 12B. The user cannot accidentally approach the sharp end 33 because the clasp body 12 has an internal barrier 18 in the second section 12B, which shields the sharp end in the resting position of the sharp end. The piercing section 34 extends through the recess 13, bridging the gap between the first section 12A and the second section 12B. The clasp body will not slide freely from the closed position. The clasp body is releasably retained by the spring plate 25 of the base, which protrudes upward from the plane of the clasp base 22 (especially as shown in FIG. Figure 3 visible), and less force is required to overcome the bias of the spring and slide the clasp body back to its initial open position.

[0057] Figure 4 and Figure 4a An embodiment of a garment clip 100 is shown, particularly a non-garment-facing side 101 , for securing a flexible cable or tube to a garment, such as a tube of a medical device such as a catheter.

[0058] In this example, two deformable channels 120, 124 are formed in parallel relationship on the non-clothing / garment side, but it should be understood that other embodiments may include only one deformable channel or more than two deformable channels arranged in other locations. In the illustrated embodiment, one longitudinal channel 120 may have a width of 2.6 mm, a depth of 3.6 mm, and a length of 22 mm. Flexible flaps 126, 128 are positioned outwardly adjacent to each parallel longitudinal channel 120, 124. Each flexible flap 126, 128 is biased in a first position, substantially flush with the surface of the garment clip 100.

[0059] If formed of a flexible thermoplastic elastomer, the garment clip 100 can provide flexibility for the cables or tubes to be inserted into each deformable channel 120, 124, while also being securely attached to the patient or user. The material also provides friction between the cable or tube and the garment clip 100 to help prevent the cable or tube from moving relative to the garment clip 100.

[0060] Examples of suitable materials include high hardness Santoprene TMAlternatively and preferably, the body of the clip is formed of a more rigid thermoplastic such as polypropylene, and one or more of the deformable channels 120, 124 may be lined with a different material. Such a lining may prevent or facilitate longitudinal movement of the flexible tube or cable within the deformable channel.

[0061] In use, a portion of a conduit or flexible cable is inserted into the deformable channels 120, 124 by applying force to the flexible flaps 126, 128, thereby deforming the flexible body of the clip and opening the longitudinal channels 120, 124 to allow the flexible cable or tube to enter laterally. The flexible flaps 126, 128 are then released to close, and the compressive retention force prevents the flexible cable or tube from exiting laterally from the longitudinal channel. The flexible cable or tube cannot then be easily removed laterally from the deformable channel, thereby effectively reversibly fixing the cable or tube to the garment clip on the non-garment side. Usefully, the garment clip can then be fixed to the garment on the garment / clothing side by the described action of opening and closing the safety clasp.

[0062] The present disclosure relates to a safety hook, comprising:

[0063] Hook base;

[0064] a fixation element having a sharp end, a piercing section, and a support portion; and

[0065] A clasp body comprising a first body section and a second body section and a recess defined between the first body section and the second body section, the clasp body being adjustable relative to the clasp base and the fixing element so that in an open configuration the recess is unobstructed and only the first body section accommodates the sharp end, while in a closed configuration the piercing section bridges the recess and only the second body section accommodates the sharp end.

[0066] In some embodiments, the clasp base is in the form of a track, preferably a monorail, and the clasp body is mounted on the clasp base and can be slidably adjusted between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

[0067] In some embodiments, the clasp base includes a ratchet configured to control reciprocating movement of the clasp body between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

[0068] In some embodiments, the clasp base includes a spring plate configured to releasably retain the clasp body in the open configuration or the closed configuration.

[0069] In some embodiments, the fixation element is a hook needle.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first body section and the second body section define an inwardly tapered recess.

[0071] In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second body sections further comprise an internal channel disposed around the piercing section and / or the sharpened end of the fixation element.

[0072] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the clasp body has one or more gripping features.

[0073] The present disclosure relates to a garment clip comprising a non-garment-facing side and an opposite garment-facing side, wherein the garment-facing side comprises the safety hook described above.

[0074] In some embodiments, the clasp base is reversibly mounted to the garment-facing side of the garment clip, or is molded with, or bonded to, the garment-facing side of the garment clip.

[0075] In some embodiments, the support portion of the fixing element is fixed to the garment-facing side of the garment clip by the hook base.

[0076] In some embodiments, the garment clip is used to attach a flexible cable or tube, and the non-garment-facing side of the clasp body includes at least one receiving structure located therein, the receiving structure including a resiliently deformable channel for receiving the flexible cable or tube.

[0077] In some embodiments, the at least one receiving structure comprises two parallel longitudinal channels.

[0078] In some embodiments, a corresponding wing is arranged adjacent to each of the two parallel longitudinal channels, each of the corresponding wing is elastically manipulable to change the configuration of a corresponding one of the two parallel dimensions, and when in a second configuration, the longitudinal channel has a second dimension different from the first dimension, so that when in the second configuration, a flexible cable or tube is allowed to enter the longitudinal channel, and when in the first configuration, the flexible cable or tube is laterally restricted within the longitudinal channel.

[0079] In some embodiments, at least one of the two parallel longitudinal channels comprises a high friction surface, thereby resisting longitudinal movement of the flexible cable or tube.

[0080] In some embodiments, the body of the garment clip is formed of a high durometer thermoplastic elastomer, and preferably, the lining is formed of a low durometer thermoplastic elastomer.

[0081] In some embodiments, a garment clip is used to attach a flexible cable or tube to a garment, wherein the flexible cable or tube is a catheter and / or a feeding tube.

Claims

1. A garment clip comprising a non-garment-facing side and an opposite garment-facing side, wherein the garment-facing side comprises a safety buckle, the safety buckle comprising: Hook base; a fixation element having a sharp end, a piercing section, and a support portion; and A clasp body comprising a first body section and a second body section and a recess defined between the first body section and the second body section, the clasp body being adjustable relative to the clasp base and the fixing element so that in an open configuration the recess is unobstructed and only the first body section accommodates the sharp end, while in a closed configuration the piercing section bridges the recess and only the second body section accommodates the sharp end, and wherein the clasp base comprises a friction mechanism configured to temporarily or reversibly retain the clasp body to prevent the clasp body from freely reciprocating between the open configuration and the closed configuration, Wherein, the hook base is reversibly mounted to the garment-facing side of the garment clip, or is molded together with the garment-facing side of the garment clip, or is bonded to the garment-facing side of the garment clip.

2. The clothing clip according to claim 1, wherein: The clasp base is in the form of a track, the clasp body is mounted on the clasp base, and is slidably adjustable between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

3. The clothing clip according to claim 2, wherein: The track is a single track.

4. The clothing clip according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The clasp base includes a ratchet configured to control reciprocating movement of the clasp body between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

5. The clothing clip according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The clasp base includes a spring plate configured to releasably retain the clasp body in the open configuration or the closed configuration.

6. The clothing clip according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The fixing element is a hook-shaped needle.

7. The clothing clip according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first body section and the second body section define an inwardly tapered recess.

8. The clothing clip according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: One or both of the first and second body sections further include an internal passage arranged to surround the piercing section and / or the sharp end of the fixation element.

9. The clothing clip according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The outer surface of the clasp body has one or more gripping features.

10. The clothing clip according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The support portion of the fixing element is fixed to the garment-facing side of the garment clip by the hook base.

11. The clothing clip according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The garment clip is used to attach a flexible cable or tube, and the non-garment-facing side of the clasp body includes at least one receiving structure therein, the receiving structure including a resiliently deformable channel for receiving a flexible cable or tube.

12. The clothing clip according to claim 11, wherein: The at least one receiving structure comprises two parallel longitudinal channels.

13. The clothing clip according to claim 12, wherein: A respective flap is disposed adjacent to each of the two parallel longitudinal channels, each of the respective flaps being resiliently manipulable to change a configuration of a respective one of the two parallel longitudinal channels, and when in a second configuration, the respective one of the longitudinal channels has a second dimension different from the first dimension, such that when in the second configuration, a flexible cable or tube is permitted to enter the respective one of the longitudinal channels, while when in the first configuration, the flexible cable or tube is laterally confined within the respective one of the longitudinal channels.

14. The clothing clip according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein: At least one of the two parallel longitudinal channels includes a high friction surface, thereby resisting longitudinal movement of the flexible cable or tube.

15. The clothing clip according to any one of claims 1-3 and 12-13, wherein: The main body of the clothing clip is formed of high-hardness thermoplastic elastomer.

16. The clothing clip according to claim 15, wherein: The liner is formed from a low durometer thermoplastic elastomer.

17. A garment clip according to any one of claims 1-3, 12-13 and 16 for attaching a flexible cable or tube to a garment, wherein the flexible cable or tube is a catheter and / or a feeding tube.

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