Method and apparatus for flocking an article and the article produced thereby

A clip for retaining a first object to a second object wherein the second object has a feature for engaging a clip, the clip comprising:

• a spring member;
• an adhesive applied to the spring member;
• flock material secured to the spring member with the adhesive;
• said clip having a hose being manufactured in accordance with the method comprising the steps of:
• applying an adhesive layer to a uniform depth completely covering the outside portion of the surface of the spring portion of said spring member;
• inserting the spring member into a flocking apparatus;
• electrically charging the flocking apparatus while oppositely charging the spring member;
• and
• introducing flocking fibers into the flocking apparatus so as to attribute an electrical charge to the fibers which is opposite to the electrical charge of the spring member;
• whereby the fibers are electrostatically applied to the surface of the spring member, the fibers thereafter being permanently secured to the spring member by the adhesive layer of sufficient thickness, and the flocking fibers reduce the friction between the spring member and said feature of the second object to facilitate assembly, and whereby the flocking fibers dampen vibration between the first object and the second object.