Abstract: Techniques for rendering animations on a display of a data processing system herein can be used with a messaging application to provide animations associated with one or more messages of a messaging session. These techniques include receiving a signal reflecting a user input to invoke an animation associated with a message displayed on a user interface of a display of a computing device, determining via a processor an animation point at a preset location specified relative to dimensions of the user interface or the display and not based on a location of the message, establishing via the processor an animation path that includes the animation point and a target display location relative to the location of the message, such that at least a portion of the animation is rendered from the animation point to the target display location relative to the message, and rendering the animation on the user interface according to the animation path.

Abstract: A clip is slidably received through apertures formed in a connector, and used in connection with the connector to selectively secure a male end form therein. The clip includes a leading end member insertable through the apertures, a trailing end member, and a pair of sides connecting the leading end member and the trailing end member. The leading and trailing end members and the sides define an elongated opening having a center aperture portion adapted to, when the clip is in a disengaged position, receive the male end form therethrough. A pair of flexible arms extend outwardly from one of the end members and engage the connector to bias the clip toward an engaged position. When the clip is in the engaged position, a portion of the leading end member engages the male end form to prevent its release from the connector.