US20120138245A1

US20120138245A1 - Drapery holdback

Info

Publication number: US20120138245A1
Application number: US12/960,146
Authority: US
Inventors: Mauricio AFFONSO
Original assignee: Umbra LLC
Current assignee: Umbra LLC
Priority date: 2010-12-03
Filing date: 2010-12-03
Publication date: 2012-06-07
Also published as: CA2729444A1

Abstract

A drapery holdback device comprising a flexible body having a first ply and a second ply, the body having a first end and a second end, a first magnet fixedly secured between the first and second plies proximate the first end, and a second magnet fixedly secured between the first and second plies proximate the second end where the flexible body is adapted to wrap about a drape and where the first magnet is magnetically engaged to the second magnet through a thickness of the drape.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention broadly relates to a device that draws back curtains, draperies, or the like from a window opening, and, more specifically, to a floating holdback device that draws back drapes from a window opening at various positions without wall-mounted accessories.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Accessories for holding back curtains, drapery or hanging panels are well known. Specifically, drapery holdbacks are both functional and decorative devices used to draw back drapes from a window opening. These devices allow the maximum amount of sunlight into a room when the drapes are open, while adding a decorative touch to the window treatment and the room's decor.
One type of drapery holdback is a tieback. Tiebacks are rope-like devices in which two opposing ends of the tieback are wrapped about a hanging drape and tied or joined together. Once the tieback is secured around the drape, it is removably attached to a wall-mounted hook.
One problem with the tieback type is that a user is limited to only one fixed position in which they can draw back drapes from a window opening. Thus, the user is unable to adjust the position of the drape to give the room a desired amount of sunlight. Another problem with tiebacks is the awkwardness of searching for the wall-mounted hook hidden behind the hanging draperies to attach the tieback and the cumbersome task of tying the tieback consistently around the drapes every time you draw the drapes from the window.
Another type of drapery holdback is the hardware mounted drapery holdback. Generally, this type of holdback is used as a mounted hook or holder that is positioned on the wall, a short distance from a window. Similar to the tieback type device, the wall-mounted holdback limits the drapery fabric to be drawn back to a single fixed location behind the holdback to keep it in place. Wall-mounted drapery holdbacks are secured to the wall to keep the drapes looking the same regardless of who draws the drapes back from the window. However, once mounted, a wall-mounted holdback cannot be easily transferred from one room to another.
Another problem with these previous holdbacks is the process of positioning and mounting one or two holdbacks uniformly onto the wall. The task is quite time consuming and requires a certain level of skill to install the holdbacks correctly. If the wall-mounted hardware is not installed correctly, due to the weight of the drapery fabric resting on the mounted hook, the hardware will become unfastened and eventually become dislodged from the wall.
Thus, there is a long-felt need for a drapery holdback device that draws back drapes from a window opening without the need of wall-mounted accessories. There is also a long-felt need for a drapery holdback that draws back drapes from a window opening at various positions and not just to one fixed position. There is also a long-felt need for a drapery holdback that is aesthetically pleasing and simple to secure around and remove from hanging drapes.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly comprises a drapery holdback device including a flexible body having a first ply and a second ply. The body also includes a first end and a second end, a first magnet fixedly secured between the first and second plies proximate the first end, and a second magnet fixedly secured between the first and second plies proximate the second end. The flexible body is adapted to wrap about a drape and draw back the drape from a free hanging position when the first magnet is magnetically engaged to the second magnet through a thickness of the drape.
It is a general object of the present invention to provide a device that draws back a drape from a free hanging position without using wall-mounted accessories.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device made of fabric that draws back drapes from a window without using wall-mounted accessories and complements the fabric of the drapes in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device that draws back drapes from a window opening at various positions and not just to one fixed location.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a device that is not permanently mounted to one window area but can be easily transported and used in various rooms.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciable from the following description of the preferred embodiment and alternative embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the drapery holdback device of the present invention shown wrapped about a drape;

FIG. 2 a is a front elevational view of the drapery holdback shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the device drawing back the drape at a first distance from a window;

FIG. 2 b is a view of the present invention similar to FIG. 2 a showing the drapery holdback drawing back the drape at a second distance from a window;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the drapery holdback device taken generally along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 illustrating a first end having a first magnet magnetically engaged to a second magnet at the second end through the drape;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the drapery holdback device shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the device in a folded position with the magnets engaging one another;

FIG. 5 a is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating the drapery holdback device in an unfolded position revealing one magnet;

FIG. 5 b is a view of the present invention similar to FIG. 5 a showing the drapery holdback device revealing the north pole of a first magnet facing a first ply and the south pole of the second magnet facing the first ply;

FIG. 6 a is a perspective view of the drapery holdback device illustrating the south pole of the first magnet facing the first ply and the north pole of the second magnet facing the first ply;

FIG. 6 b is a perspective view of the drapery holdback showing the north pole of the first magnet facing the first ply and the north pole of the second magnet facing the first ply;

FIG. 6 c is a view similar to FIGS. 6 a and 6 b showing the south pole of the first magnet facing the first ply and the south pole of the second magnet facing the first ply;

FIG. 6 d is a perspective view of the drapery holdback shown in FIG. 6 b illustrating a flexible body of the device being twisted;

FIG. 7 a is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the drapery holdback device;

FIG. 7 b is a view of the second embodiment of the present invention similar to FIG. 7 a showing the drapery holdback device revealing two magnets;

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b are perspective views of a third embodiment of the drapery holdback device;

FIG. 9 a is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention illustrating a drapery holdback device having a flexible body being comprised of braided rope;

FIG. 9 b is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention illustrating a drapery holdback device having a flexible body being comprised of linked chain;

FIG. 10 a is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 b is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the present invention; and,

FIG. 10 c is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects.
Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.
Adverting now to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of drapery holdback device 10 holding drape 16 away from window 20. The drapery holdback device or floating holdback device, hereafter referred to as device 10, is seen to comprise flexible body 11 including first end 12 a and first magnet 14 a being secured proximate to the first end; and second end 12 b and second magnet 14 b being secured proximate to the second end. The first and second ends are structured and arranged to magnetically attract each other. As seen in FIG. 1, flexible body 11, having first surface 18, is operatively arranged to gather at least a portion of a drape within middle portion 13 when flexible body 11 is wrapped about drape 16 and first magnet 14 a is magnetically engaged to second magnet 14 b through a thickness of drape 16.
It should be appreciated that device 10 is adapted to draw back drapes from a window opening at various positions without the use of wall-mounted accessories. For example, FIG. 2 a shows a front view of device 10 being suspended from drape 16 and holding drape 16 away from window 20 at first length D1. As best seen in FIG. 2 a, substantially half of device 10 is noticeable when the device is suspended from the drape. By noticeable, we mean that when the drapery holdback is wrapped about the drape, second half portion of first surface 18 b, second end 12 b and second magnet 14 b face outward and away from window 20 or wall and can be seen, while first end 12 a, first magnet 14 a and a first half portion of the first surface face inward and toward window 20 or wall and cannot be seen. FIG. 2 b, which is similar to the view of FIG. 2 a, illustrates device 10 holding drape 16 away from window 20 at second length D2. This is particularly advantageous because a pair of drapes, curtains, or the like can be drawn back to various positions according to a user's preference and not just to one fixed position. In other words, drapes can be pulled back to a plurality of positions, e.g., from a free hanging position to being totally pulled away from a window opening.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention taken generally along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 illustrating a first end having a first magnet being magnetically engaged, through a thickness of a drape, to a second end having a second magnet. Specifically, flexible body 11, having first surface 18 and second surface 19, forms inner loop 15 when first end 12 a and second end 12 b are joined together. Preferably, flexible body 11 is adapted to wrap about drape 16, gathering at least portion of drape 16 a within inner loop 15 when first magnet 14 a is magnetically engaged to second magnet 14 b through thickness of drape 16 b. Specifically, inner loop 15 comprises second surface 19 a-b that faces inward and comes in contact with portion of drape 16 a; thus, the surface is not visible when device 10 is wrapped about drape 16, while second half portion of first surface 18 b and first half portion of first surface 18 a face outward and can be seen by a passerby. In the present embodiment, first surface 18 and second surface 19 include matching patterns and/or colors; however, first surface 18 and second surface 19 can include a variety of patterns and/or colors to complementarily coordinate with the fabric of the drape. By pattern, we mean a decorative design that is not limited to a single color, but can include multiple colors and designs such as, for example, plaid, striped, checkered, or the like. In one embodiment, first surface 18 can include one particular pattern and/or color, while second surface 19 can include an entirely different pattern and/or color. This arrangement is particularly advantageous because it enables a user to change the appearance and/or the decor of a room by flipping the drapery holdback to expose either the first surface having a first pattern and/or color or the second surface having a second pattern and/or color.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 illustrating device 10 arranged in a folded position in which flexible body 11 forms inner loop 15 when first end 12 a and second end 12 b are joined together. It is should be understood that the flexible body of device 10 enables the device to enfold about a hanging drape or portion of a drape permitting first end 12 a and second end 12 b to magnetically engage each other through a thickness of the drape. It should also be understood that device 10 may be made of any flexible material such as, for example, plastic, leather, suede, denim, rubber, or the like. Preferably, flexible body 11 is a made of a cloth/fabric. This is particularly advantageous because the floating holding device can be made of a fabric material that complementarily coordinates with the fabric of a drape, curtain, or hanging panel from which the device is being suspended.
FIG. 5 a is a perspective view of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the drapery holdback device arranged in an unfolded position. Specifically, flexible body 11 is folded about its longitudinal axis forming first ply 24 and second ply 25 in which a middle pocket is formed between first ply 24 and second ply 25. First magnet 14 a is fixedly secured between first ply 24 and second ply 25 proximate first end 12 a and second magnet 14 b is fixedly secured between first ply 24 and second ply 25 proximate second end 12 b. It should be understood that any suitable means to secure magnets between the first and second plies can be used. Preferably, first ply 24 and second ply 25 are stitchedly secured 22 along its edges to conceal and retain first and second magnets 14 a and 14 b, respectively. However, for illustrative purposes first ply 24 has been shown as being unstitched and lifted up proximate second end 12 b to reveal magnet 14 b. FIG. 5 b further illustrates device 10 where flexible body 11 is seen to comprise first end 12 a having first end layer 26 a and second end layer 26 b forming first end pocket 23 a; and second end 12 b having second end layer 27 a and second end layer 27 b forming second end pocket 23 b. Preferably, magnet 14 a and magnet 14 b are fixedly secured within first end pocket 23 a and second end pocket 23 b, respectively. Specifically, magnets 14 a and 14 b are secured within respective end pockets 23 a and 23 b by a stitching means for stitching around the shape of the magnets. The stitched end pockets 23 a and 23 b ensure that respective magnets 14 a and 14 b are aligned where their opposite polarized ends are directed toward the same direction and do not flip over within the end pockets. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5 b, north pole N1 of first magnet 14 a faces first ply 24 and south pole S2 of second magnet 14 b faces first ply 24. Similarly, south pole S1 of first magnet 14 a faces second ply 25 and north pole N2 of second magnet 14 b faces second ply 25.
FIGS. 6 a, 6 b, and 6 c further illustrate the various arrangements of the magnet poles, similarly shown in FIG. 5 b. For example, FIG. 6 a illustrates north pole N1 of first magnet 14 a facing second ply 25 and south pole S2 of second magnet 14 b facing second ply 25. FIG. 6 b illustrates device 10 comprising first magnet 14 a having north pole N1 and south pole S1 and second magnet 14 b having north pole N2 and south pole S2. First and second magnets 14 a and 14 b are arranged between first and second plies 24 and 25 such that north pole N1 of first magnet 14 a faces first ply 24 and south pole S2 of second magnet 14 b faces second ply 25. This magnet arrangement requires flexible body 11 to be twisted at least once when the opposing poles are magnetically engaged. FIG. 6 c illustrates first magnet 14 a and second magnet 14 b being arranged between respective first and second plies 24 and 25 such that north pole N1 of first magnet 14 a faces second ply 25 and south pole S2 of second magnet 14 b faces first ply 24. This magnet arrangement requires flexible body 11 to be twisted at least once or 180° when the opposing poles are magnetically engaged. For example, FIG. 6 d illustrates device 10 having the same magnet arrangement according to FIG. 6 c; however, flexible body 11 has at least one twist T1 enabling south pole S1 of first magnet 14 a to face the same direction as north pole N2 of second magnet 14 b. The twisting effect is particularly advantageous because it adds an inherent aesthetically pleasing style to the floating holdback device when first magnet 14 a and second magnet 14 b are magnetically engaged through a thickness of a drape for gathering at least a portion of the drape around the flexible body to draw back the drape from a free hanging position. It should be appreciated that the arrangement of the magnetic poles with respect to the flexible body may be modified without departing from the scope of the appended claims. For example, the holdback device can be made in the form of a flexible magnetic strip including a top surface having a north pole and a bottom surface having a south pole. The flexible body is adapted to twist 180° positioning a portion of the south pole of the bottom surface to face the same direction as a portion of the north pole of the top surface. This configuration enables the body to be wrapped about a drape and the opposing poles to magnetically attract through the drape. Additionally, the poles of the magnetic strip can be arranged similar to that of a refrigerator magnetic, such that the strip would be constructed with alternating north and south poles, horizontally arranged on the same surface of the plane. When either the top or bottom surfaces are folded together, the magnets will alternately repel and/or attract each other as they are perpendicularly moved a few millimeters; thus, enabling the opposing ends of each surface to magnetically engage each other without twisting the flexible body.
In one embodiment at least one end may include a magnet and the opposing end may have an element comprised of a conducting ferromagnetic material such as, for example, iron, nickel, cobalt, and other alloys. In a preferred embodiment, first end 12 a having first magnet 14 a and second end 12 b having second magnet 14 b have sufficient magnetic strength to magnetically engage each other through a thickness of a drape, where the device is adapted to suspend from the drape without being attached to a substantially vertical surface. Specifically, first and second magnetic ends 16 a and 16 b are adapted to magnetically engage through various types of fabric window treatments such as, for example, curtains, lace, sheers, drapery, or the like. The magnetic strength of each magnet is strong enough to magnetically engage through curtains, which are made of lightweight fabrics and most often are unlined or draperies, which tend to be lined, and are sewn of heavier fabric. In a preferred embodiment, the magnet strength of each magnet is greater than 1995 gauss and less than 2100 gauss. Preferably, the magnet strength of each magnet is 2060 gauss. It should be apparent that the required strength of the magnets is dependent upon the thickness and the material of the drape or hanging panel and may vary accordingly. In a preferred embodiment, magnets 14 a and 14 b are oriented magnets (also known as “Anisotropic magnets”). These types of magnets are preferred because they have a preferred direction in which they should be magnetized, thus making them much stronger than unoriented magnets (also known as “Isotropic magnets”), which can be magnetized in any direction. More preferably, magnets 14 a and 14 b are rare earth magnets. Specifically, of the rare earth type magnets, Neodymium-Iron-Boron and Samarium Cobalt type magnets are preferred. In a preferred embodiment, magnets 14 a and 14 b are disk shaped; however, in accordance with the invention, the magnets may be any shape such as, for example, rectangular, circular, oval, or the like. It should be understood that the size of the magnets can vary based upon the length and width of the floating holdback device. Specifically, the diameter of the magnets is approximately 2 cm and the thickness of the magnets is approximately 3 mm.
FIGS. 7 a and 7 b show another embodiment of the floating holdback device. In this embodiment device 30 is seen to comprise flexible body 31 including first end 32 a, second end 32 b, and middle portion 33. Each end 32 a and 32 b includes first and second magnets 34 a and 34 b, respectively. Specifically, first magnet 34 a is fixedly secured proximate first end 32 a and second magnet 34 b is fixedly secured proximate second end 32 b. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 7 b, a portion of flexible body 31 is folded about a first horizontal axis proximate first end 32 a forming first end pocket 35 a having first and second first end layers 36 a-b. A portion of flexible body 31 is folded about a second horizontal axis proximate second end 32 b forming second end pocket 35 b having first and second first end layers 38 a and 38 b. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 7 a first and second first end layers 36 a and 36 b are stitchedly secured 39 along its edges to conceal and retain first magnet 34 a and first and second first end layers 38 a and 38 b are stitchedly secured 39 along its edges to conceal and retain second magnet 34 b. However, for illustrative purposes first and second first end layers 36 a and 36 b proximate first end 32 a and first and second first end layers 38 a and 38 b proximate second end 32 b have been shown as being unstitched and lifted up to reveal magnets 34 a and 34 b, respectively.
FIG. 8 a is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention illustrating device 50 including first ply 55 a and second ply 55 b in which a middle pocket is formed between first ply 55 a and second ply 55 b. First magnet Ma and second magnet 54 b are fixedly secured between first ply 55 a and second ply 55 b. FIG. 8 b further illustrates device 50 having first end 52 a, second end 52 b, and middle portion 53. First magnet 54 a being stitchedly secured proximate first end 52 a and second magnet 54 b being stitchedly secured proximate second end 52 b. Preferably, first ply 55 a and second ply 55 b are stitchedly secured 56 along its edges and around the magnets to conceal and retain first magnet 54 a and second magnet 54 b.
While FIGS. 1 through 8 show the floating holdback device having a flexible body comprised of an integral strip or strips of material, it should be understood that the particular form and shape of the flexible body may be modified without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In alternative embodiments, in accordance with the invention, the flexible body may be any form, such as braided rope, linked chain, beaded rope, or the like. For example, FIG. 9 a is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention illustrating device 60 having flexible body 61 including first end 62 a and first magnet 64 a being fixedly secured proximate to the first end; and second end 62 b and second magnet 64 b being fixedly secured proximate to the second end. Flexible body 61 is seen to include middle portion 63 being comprised of braided rope 65. FIG. 9 b is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention illustrating device 70 having flexible body 71 including first end 72 a and first magnet 74 a being fixedly secured proximate to the first end; and second end 72 b and second magnet 74 b being fixedly secured proximate to the second end. Flexible body 71 is seen to include middle portion 73 being comprised of linked chain 75.
While FIGS. 1 through 9 show the floating holdback device having magnets being fixedly secured proximate to respective ends, by a stitching means, alternatively, FIG. 10 a illustrates device 80 having a separate sewn-in pocket 84 b to secure magnet 83 b proximate second end 82 b.
FIG. 10 b illustrates a seventh embodiment of device 90 including flexible body 91 having first end 92 a, second end 92 b, and middle portion 95. In the alternative embodiment, flexible body 91 includes single ply 94 of a magnetic strip of material in which magnetic sheet 93 a is secured to first end 92 a and magnetic sheet 93 b is secured to second end 92 b.
Alternatively, FIG. 10 c illustrates device 100 including flexible body 101 having first end 102 a and second end 102 b. In this embodiment, flexible body 101 includes single ply 104 of material in which first magnet 103 a is fixedly secured to the outer surface of flexible body 101 proximate first end 102 a, and second magnet 103 b is fixedly secured to the outer surface of flexible body 101 proximate second end 102 b. While FIGS. 1 through 10 b show the floating holdback device comprising magnets having a disk-shape, it should be understood that the particular shape of the magnet may be modified without departing from the scope of the appended claims. For example, FIG. 10 c illustrates magnets 103 a and 103 b being square shaped. However, the magnets may be any shape such as, triangular, hexagonal, octagonal, or the like.
Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drapery holdback device comprising:

a flexible body having a first ply and a second ply, said body having a first end and a second end;

a first magnet fixedly secured between said first and second plies proximate said first end; and,

a second magnet fixedly secured between said first and second plies proximate said second end.

2. The drapery holdback device recited in claim 1, wherein said first magnet has a north pole and a south pole, said second magnet has a north pole and a south pole, and said first and second magnets are arranged between said first and second plies such that said north pole of said first magnet faces said first ply and said south pole of said second magnet faces said first ply.

3. The drapery holdback device recited in claim 1, wherein said first magnet has a north pole and a south pole, said second magnet has a north pole and a south pole, and said first and second magnets are arranged between said first and second plies such that said north pole of said first magnet faces said second ply and said south pole of said second magnet faces said second ply.

4. The drapery holdback device recited in claim 1, wherein said first magnet has a north pole and a south pole, said second magnet has a north pole and a south pole, and said first and second magnets are arranged between said first and second plies such that said north pole of said first magnet faces said first ply and said south pole of said second magnet faces said second ply, wherein said flexible body has at least one twist when said first and second magnets are magnetically engaged.

5. The drapery holdback device recited in claim 1, wherein said first magnet has a north pole and a south pole, said second magnet has a north pole and a south pole, and said first and second magnets are arranged between said first and second plies such that said north pole of said first magnet faces said second ply and said south pole of said second magnet faces said first ply, wherein said flexible body has at least one twist when said first and second magnets are magnetically engaged.

6. The drapery holdback device recited in claim 1, wherein said flexible body is made of fabric/cloth.

7. The drapery holdback device recited in claim 6, wherein said flexible body includes a first surface and a second surface, wherein said first surface includes a first pattern and said second surface includes a second pattern.

8. The drapery holdback device recited in claim 1, wherein said first magnet is secured between said first and second plies proximate said first end by a stitching means, and said second magnet is fixedly secured between said first and second plies proximate said second end by said stitching means.

9. The drapery holdback device recited in claim 1, wherein said first magnet is fixedly secured between said first and second plies proximate said first end by a sewn-in pocket, and said second magnet is fixedly secured between said first and second plies proximate said second end by a sewn-in pocket.

10. The drapery holdback device recited in claim 1, wherein said magnets are disk-shaped.

11. The device recited in claim 1, wherein said first and second magnets have sufficient magnetic strength to engage each other through a thickness of said drape, wherein said device is adapted to suspend from said drape without being attached to a substantially vertical surface.

12. The drapery holdback device recited in claim 11, wherein the magnetic strength of each magnet is greater than 1995 gauss and less than 2100 gauss.

13. The drapery holdback device recited in claim 12, wherein the magnetic strength of each magnet is 2060 gauss.

14. The drapery holdback device recited in claim 1, wherein said flexible body is made of plastic.

15. A device for holding back drapes comprising:

a flexible body including:

a first end pocket; a second end pocket, and a middle portion;

a first magnet; said first magnet being fixedly secured within said first end pocket; and,

a second magnet; said second magnet being fixedly secured within said second end pocket.

16. The device recited in claim 15, wherein said body is made of fabric/cloth.

17. The device recited in claim 15, wherein said middle portion is comprised of braided rope.

18. The device recited in claim 15, wherein said middle portion is comprised of a linked chain.

19. The device recited in claim 15, wherein said body is comprised of a magnetic sheet of material.

20. A device for holding back drapes comprising:

a flexible a strip of material made of cloth; said strip of material being folded about its longitudinal axis forming a perimeter edge, a first layer, a second layer and a middle pocket; said middle pocket being formed between said first layer and said second layer; said middle pocket includes a first end section and a second end section; said first and second layer is stitchedly secured among said perimeter;

a first magnet fixedly secured within said first end section; and,

a second magnet fixedly secured within said second end section;

wherein said body forms an inner loop when said first end section and said second end section are joined together, wherein said first and second magnets have sufficient magnetic strength to engage each other through a thickness of said drape for gathering at least a portion of said drape within said inner loop when said flexible body is wrapped about said drape.