METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ADJOINING A PAIR OF SOCKS

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of adjoining a pair of socks comprising the steps of: attaching a button to a first sock of the pair of socks; creating an insertion mechanism in a second sock of the pair of socks; and inserting the button into the insertion mechanism to join the first sock to the second sock. The insertion mechanism may include an open loop. The present invention further relates to a pair of adjoining socks comprising: a button on a first sock; and a mechanism for inserting the button on a second sock. The mechanism for inserting may include an open loop.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus to join a pair of socks during the laundering process.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] Many times when laundering clothing, socks are separated during the laundry process. Clothing is usually placed into a machine washer and the load of clothing is placed in a dryer to dry. Most individuals launder socks with the rest of the clothing and consequently matching socks are displaced through the laundering process. As clothes are remove from the dryer, many times the user must search for matching socks that have been laundered with the batch of clothing. Socks are routinely misplaced while being placed into a washer and dryer and therefore further search is necessary to be sure that matching socks are found after completing a load of laundry.

[0005] The devices of the prior art have been developed to address the problem of maintaining the location of a pair of socks during laundering. One such device is U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,158 which discloses a clip assembly for joining two matching socks to prevent the matching socks from being separated when laundered or stored that includes a pair of panels where each are attached to the exterior surface of a sock. U.S. Pat. No. 6,389,657 discloses a sock clip for holding a pair of socks together through a laundry cycle to prevent the need for matching socks after the laundry cycle. Also another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,990,694 discloses a sock comprising first and second openings positioned on the body where the openings are sufficient size to allow a second sock to be threaded through the openings and therefore retain the pair of socks together. The opening is a channel like opening that joins the socks together during the laundry process.

[0006] It would be desirable to have a means and apparatus to join socks that is attached or integrated with the sock itself. Such a device alleviates the necessity of a separate device to join socks during a laundering process. Further such an integrated apparatus should be easy to implement and yet effective in keeping the socks together during the laundering process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention relates to a method of adjoining a pair of socks comprising the steps of: attaching a button to a first sock of the pair of socks; creating an insertion means in a second sock of the pair of socks; and inserting the button into the insertion means to join the first sock to the second sock. The insertion means may include an open loop. The present invention further relates to a pair of adjoining socks comprising: a button on a first sock; and a means for inserting the button on a second sock. The means for inserting may include an open loop.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 depicts a pair of socks that include a adjoining device according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] The present invention relates to a device and method of adjoining a pair of socks in order to keep the socks from separating in the laundry. The present invention implements the use of a small button and an open loop that receives the button in order to join a pair of socks. One sock of the pair of socks includes a small button and the matching sock includes a loop that is sewn into the edge of the sock where the loop provides a means for the insertion of the button and therefore the joining of the socks during the laundering thereof. The button and loop are integrated in the socks and therefore alleviates the necessity of a separate device to join the socks. The present invention may be implemented with the socks during the manufacturing process and readily used by the user when laundering the socks.

[0010] In reference to FIG. 1, a pair of socks 12, which include the attachment means according to the present invention, is depicted. One sock includes an upper rim 11 and the matching sock includes an upper rim 13. Near the upper rim 13 a small loop 16 is sewn into the rim. This loop 16 provides a means for inserting a button 14 that is sewn into the rim 11 of the matching sock. The button 14 and adjoining loop 16 therefore provides a means to unite and join a pair of socks during the laundering process.

[0011] The method of adjoining the socks according to the present invention helps the socks remain together during the laundering process. Although the button 14 is shown on the outer portion of the rim 11, alternatively the button 14 may be placed on the inside of the sock and work just as effectively with the matching loop 16. Once the button 14 is adjoined into the loop 16, the socks can remain together during the laundering process therefore eliminating the necessity of sorting separating and locating matching socks once the laundry is complete. Further since the attachment means of the button and loop are at the upper rim of each sock the devices are not visible while an individual may be wearing a pair of socks. Since the attachment means is integrated with socks is not necessary to attach a separate device to join the socks or to locate the separate device to join the socks prior to placing them in the laundry. The adjoining of the socks after the use thereof and before laundering therefore helps to eliminate the problem of lost socks and reduces the time required to sort and separate a completed batch of laundry. The instant invention has been shown and described in what it considers to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made there from within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A method of adjoining a pair of socks comprising the steps of: a. attaching a button to a first sock of the pair of socks; b. creating an insertion means in a second sock of the pair of socks; and c. inserting the button into the insertion means to join the first sock to the second sock.

2. The method of adjoining according to claim 1, where said insertion means includes an open loop.

3. A pair of adjoining socks comprising: a. a button on a first sock; and b. a means for inserting the button on a second sock.

4. The pair of adjoining socks according to claim 3, where said means for inserting includes an open loop.

5. A pair of adjoining socks comprising: a. an attachment means on a first sock; and b. a means for receiving the attachment means on the second sock.

6. The pair of adjoining socks according to claim 5, where said attachment means includes a button.

7. The pair of adjoining socks according to claim 5, where said means for receiving includes an open loop.

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