Sock Bond

Abstract

An article of clothing, which can be a sock; a system comprising two or more articles of clothing; and a method of washing articles of clothing. The article of clothing includes a connection means to attach to another article of clothing. The connection means is machine washable and allows two articles of clothing to be kept together throughout a washing process.

Description

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

Novel aspects of the present disclosure relate to clothing, including socks, and methods for washing clothing.

Background

Currently, people wash clothing by placing the clothing inside a washing machine, moving that clothing into a dryer, removing that clothing from the dryer, then sorting the clothing. Some clothing, including socks, must be paired during the sorting process. For example, people may find matching pairs of socks, and roll them together, to have them ready to be selected as a pair to be worn at a later date. This pairing is burdensome, especially if there is only one match for each article of clothing. For example, if a person washes twenty pairs of socks, and each pair is a slightly different color, the person may need to dig around through the pairs of socks to try to scavenge for a matching set. As another example, where socks are washed with other clothing, it may be difficult to find a matching sock where the matching sock is hidden behind other clothing. There exists a need for an integrated system that binds pairs of socks together throughout the washing and drying process that eliminates the frustration of either sorting or losing socks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Novel aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a sock bond. The sock bond can allow two articles of clothing, such as socks, to be bonded (i.e., attached) together. The present disclosure includes a novel article of clothing, which can be a sock, that comprises a connection means. The article of clothing can comprise an inside having a uniform surface, and an outside having a uniform surface. The connection means can be fixed to one of the uniform surface of the inside or the uniform surface of the outside, wherein the connection means is operable to attach to one or more additional articles of clothing.

The article of clothing can be configured to fit over a human foot such that, when the article of clothing is over a human foot, at least part of the inside is in contact with the human, and the outside is not in contact with the human. In some embodiments, the connection means is fixed to the uniform surface of the inside of the article of clothing.

In some embodiments, the connection means is a strap stitched to the uniform surface of the outside, wherein the connection means can attach to the one or more additional articles of clothing by inserting the one or more additional articles of clothing partially through a loop created by the strap and the uniform surface of the outside.

In some embodiments, the connection means is a loop of material stitched to the uniform surface of the outside, wherein the connection means can attach to the one or more additional articles of clothing by inserting the one or more additional articles of clothing partially through the loop.

In some embodiments, the connection means comprises the same material as the inside and outside, and is fixed to the uniform surface of the inside or the uniform surface of the outside by being formed using the same thread as the inside and outside.

In some embodiments, the connection means comprises a material that can withstand temperatures over 176 degrees Fahrenheit without losing its ability to attach to the one or more additional articles of clothing.

The present disclosure includes a novel system. The system can include a first article of clothing comprising an inside having a uniform surface, an outside having a uniform surface, and a connection means fixed to one of the uniform surface of the inside or the uniform surface of the outside. The system can include a second article of clothing attached to the first article of clothing through application of the connection means.

In some embodiments, the connection means is fixed to one of the uniform surface of the inside or the uniform surface of the outside through stitching, the connection means forms a loop through which the second article of clothing can be at least partially inserted, and the connection means is applied by inserting the second article of clothing partially through the connection means.

The present disclosure includes a novel method for using an article of clothing having a connection means. The method may comprise inserting a first sock partially through a loop formed on a side of a second sock; inserting the two socks, together, into a washing machine, by grasping only one of the first sock or the second sock; running the washing machine; moving the two socks, together, into a dryer, by grasping only one of the first sock or the second sock; removing the two socks, together, from the dryer, by grasping only one of the first sock or the second sock.

In some embodiments, the loop is formed of a material that can stretch more than fifty percent of its original length without yielding.

In some embodiments, the loop is stitched to the side of the second sock.

Other aspects, embodiments and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures. In the figures, each identical, or substantially similar component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a single numeral or notation. For purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every figure. Nor is every component of each embodiment of the invention shown where illustration is not necessary to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an article of clothing having an internal connection means;

FIG. 2 depicts an article of clothing having an external connection means;

FIG. 3 depicts a clothing system having two articles of clothing attached through an external connection means; and

FIG. 4 depicts a method for using an article of clothing having a connection means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Novel aspects of this disclosure provide for several benefits. First, a connection means allows for articles of clothing to be attached together without the need to roll one of the articles of clothing. Second, attaching the articles of clothing to each other helps maintain a relationship between them that can alleviate the need to sort and pair the clothing after washing them.

FIG. 1 depicts an article of clothing having an internal connection means.

Articles of clothing are items that are worn by a user. They can include, for example, shirts, shorts, pants, undergarments, gloves, or jackets. In a preferred embodiment, the articles of clothing are socks. Socks benefit from the fact that people typically wash many at a time, and they are organized in pairs.

Connection means are mechanisms for connecting (i.e., attaching) two or more items to each other. They can include, for example, loops, latches, straps, hooks, clips, zippers, buttons, or screws, or a combination of such means.

In particular, FIG. 1 depicts a sock 100 having a connection means 102, an inside 104, and an outside 106. The connection means 102 is shown as a strap that is stitched on two sides onto the inside 104. Because the connection means 102 is stitched on two of its sides, this leaves a space between the connection means 102 and the inside 104 between the stitched portions. This space is a loop that comprises both the connection means 102 and part of the inside 104.

In some embodiments, the connection means 102 can be attached to the inside 104 other than through stitching. For example, the connection means 102 can be a strap that is connected to the inside 104 through a button or a clip, or through a combination of mechanisms. The connection means 102 can also be a strap that is formed of the same materials as the inside 104, and can be formed during the process of forming the inside 104, for example by using the same thread. In some embodiments, the connection means 102 is itself a loop, rather than a strap that forms a loop based on its combination with the inside 104.

The surfaces of socks may be described as uniform where the texture is consistent, and there are no protrusions from the relatively flat surface. As is depicted, the surfaces of the sock 100 are uniform, excluding the connection means 102 and the location of the inside 104 where the connection means 102 is fixed. Accordingly, the connection means 102 is fixed on a uniform surface of the inside 104, making that part of the surface where the connection means 102 is fixed non-uniform.

FIG. 2 depicts an article of clothing having an external connection means. In particular, FIG. 2 depicts a sock 200 having a connection means 202, an inside 204, and an outside 206. The sock 200 is similar to the sock 100 except that the connection means 202 is on the outside 206 instead of being on the inside 204. Selection of where to position the connection means 202 can be based on implementation and preferences. For example, an internal connection means 102 (fixed to the inside 104) can be preferable where users do not want the connection means 102 to be visible to other people when being worn. Furthermore, an external connection means 202 (fixed to the outside 206) can be preferable where users do not want to feel the connection means 202 on the surface of their skin when being worn.

The connection means 102, 202 is depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 near the top of the socks 100, 200. This may be desirable to be more comfortable to the user because higher locations on a person's leg may be less sensitive. In other embodiments, the connection means 102, 202 may be lower on the socks 100, 200.

FIG. 3 depicts a clothing system having two articles of clothing attached through an external connection means. In particular, FIG. 3 depicts a first sock 400 partially inserted into a second sock 300 through a connection means 302 fixed on the outside 306 of the second sock 300. As is depicted, the connection means 302 is a strap that forms a loop on the outside 306 by being stitched to the outside 306 in two places. As is depicted, the first sock 400 is firmly attached to the second sock 300 based on compression of the first sock 400 at the location of the connection means 302 on the outside 306.

In some embodiments, the connection means 302 comprises an elastic material, and squeezes the first sock 400. In some embodiments, the connection means 302 comprises materials that are less elastic than the materials of the first sock 400 such that inserting the first sock 400 through the loop formed by the connection means 302 and part of the outside 306 depends more on compressing the circumference of the first sock 400 than on expanding the circumference of the loop. The size and/or elasticity of the connection means 302 should optimally be selected such that the first sock 400 cannot easily slide in and out of the loop, thereby becoming detached from the second sock 300. For example, a person should be able to pull the first sock 400 in and out of the loop, but normal operation of a washing machine and dryer should not be able to do so.

As depicted, the second sock 300 has a visible connection means, while the first sock 400 does not. In some embodiments, only one sock has a connection means, and in some embodiments, both socks do. Both socks having connection means may be preferable for redundancy, for example, where a pack of socks includes interchangeable socks (e.g., with the same designs).

FIG. 4 depicts a method 500 for using an article of clothing having a connection means. As depicted, the method 500 begins at step 502 with inserting a first sock partially through a loop formed on a side of a second sock. This step may be described as attaching the first sock to the second sock by applying the connection means. This step may be accomplished by pushing or pulling the first sock through the loop formed in the side of the second sock. The loop formed in the side of the second sock may be a strap that is stitched into the inside or the outside of the second sock. The connected pair of socks may be referred to as a clothing system comprising two articles of clothing.

Then, at step 504, inserting the two socks, together, into a washing machine, by grasping only one of the first sock or the second sock. This step illustrates that the two socks are attached together snuggly enough that they stay together when one is held. Next, at step 506, running the washing machine.

Next, at step 508, moving the two socks, together, into a dryer, by grasping only one of the first sock or the second sock, and running the dryer. This step illustrates that the two socks are still firmly attached even after the washing process. This step also illustrates that the connection means, in this case a loop, should preferably be water resistant so that the two socks maintain their connection throughout the washing process.

Finally, at step 510, removing the two socks, together, from the dryer, by grasping only one of the first sock or the second sock. This step illustrates that the two socks are still firmly attached even after the drying process. This step also illustrates that the connection means, in this case a loop, should preferably be heat resistant so that the two socks maintain their connection throughout the drying process. Commercial driers can reach temperatures of about 176 degrees Fahrenheit, so materials operable in temperatures at or above 176 degrees Fahrenheit are preferable for the socks, including for the connection means.

Based on this method, a user attaches two socks together by using a connection means associated with one of the two socks, then washes and dries the socks in a washer and dryer, respectively, such that, when the user removes the two socks from the dryer, they are still attached to one another. This method is exemplary, and illustrates a possible implementation of the invention disclosed in this application.

This exemplary method illustrates some of the benefits of the instant application. For example, the sock pair stays together during this process, which alleviates the need to find matching socks after the user removes the socks from the dryer. The method may continue, for example, by putting the two-sock combination into a drawer or suit case, where the socks may be laid together in flat, rather than in rolled, formations. The method may continue thereafter to a step of separating the first sock from the second sock by pulling the first sock out of the loop formed on the side of the second sock so that the socks may be worn, one on each foot, without a connection between the socks.

Although embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to several elements, any element described in the embodiments described herein are exemplary and can be omitted, substituted, added, combined, or rearranged as applicable to form new embodiments. A skilled person, upon reading the present specification, would recognize that such additional embodiments are effectively disclosed herein. For example, where this disclosure describes characteristics, structure, size, shape, arrangement, or composition for an element or process for making or using an element or combination of elements, the characteristics, structure, size, shape, arrangement, or composition can also be incorporated into any other element or combination of elements, or process for making or using an element or combination of elements described herein to provide additional embodiments.

Additionally, where an embodiment is described herein as comprising some element or group of elements, additional embodiments can consist essentially of or consist of the element or group of elements. Also, although the open-ended term “comprises” is generally used herein, additional embodiments can be formed by substituting the terms “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of.”

While this invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. An article of clothing comprising: an inside having a uniform surface;an outside having a uniform surface; anda connection means fixed to one of the uniform surface of the inside or the uniform surface of the outside, wherein the connection means is operable to attach to one or more additional articles of clothing.

2. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the article of clothing is configured to fit over a human foot, wherein: when the article of clothing is over a human foot, at least part of the inside is in contact with the human,when the article of clothing is over a human foot, the outside is not in contact with the human, andthe connection means is fixed to the uniform surface of the inside.

3. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein: the connection means is a strap stitched to the uniform surface of the outside, wherein the connection means can attach to the one or more additional articles of clothing by inserting the one or more additional articles of clothing partially through a loop created by the strap and the uniform surface of the outside.

4. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein: the connection means is a loop of material stitched to the uniform surface of the outside, wherein the connection means can attach to the one or more additional articles of clothing by inserting the one or more additional articles of clothing partially through the loop.

5. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein: the connection means comprises the same material as the inside and outside, and is fixed to the uniform surface of the inside or the uniform surface of the outside by being formed using the same thread as the inside and outside.

6. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the connection means comprises a material that can withstand temperatures over 176 degrees Fahrenheit without losing its ability to attach to the one or more additional articles of clothing.

7. A system comprising: a first article of clothing comprising: an inside having a uniform surface;an outside having a uniform surface; anda connection means fixed to one of the uniform surface of the inside or the uniform surface of the outside; anda second article of clothing attached to the first article of clothing through application of the connection means.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein: the connection means is fixed to one of the uniform surface of the inside or the uniform surface of the outside through stitching;the connection means forms a loop through which the second article of clothing can be at least partially inserted; andthe connection means is applied by inserting the second article of clothing partially through the connection means.

9. A method for using an article of clothing having a connection means, the method comprising: inserting a first sock partially through a loop formed on a side of a second sock;inserting the two socks, together, into a washing machine, by grasping only one of the first sock or the second sock;running the washing machine;moving the two socks, together, into a dryer, by grasping only one of the first sock or the second sock;running the dryer; andremoving the two socks, together, from the dryer, by grasping only one of the first sock or the second sock.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the loop is formed of a material that can stretch more than fifty percent of its original length without yielding.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the loop is stitched to the side of the second sock.