U.S. patent application number 11/502959 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-14 for tube wonder lock.
Invention is credited to Michael I. Patterson.
Application Number | 20080034478 11/502959 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39049034 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080034478 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Patterson; Michael I. |
February 14, 2008 |
Tube wonder lock
Abstract
An adjoining device for securing paired items of clothing, such
as socks, or gloves comprises a releasable fastening tab strip
embedded with velcro hook and loop fastening elements and a tab
strip embedded with velcro hooks wherein first tab appended
horizontally on one sock of a pair and the second tab appended
vertically with a belt loop form on the other sock of same pair
allows loop section of first tab to engage after being inserted
through the opening of belt loop of second tab strip with hooks,
and then, closed to interconnect with hooks of first tab strip
appended horizontally providing a secure releasable attachment that
resist forces that separate paired articles clothing during the
laundry process.
Inventors: |
Patterson; Michael I.;
(Southaven, MS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael I. Patterson
8044 Pinebrook Dr.
Southaven
MS
38671
US
|
Family ID: |
39049034 |
Appl. No.: |
11/502959 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/239 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 11/002 20130101;
D06F 95/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/239 |
International
Class: |
A41B 11/00 20060101
A41B011/00 |
Claims
1. In conjunction with a pair of socks and an adjoining device for
attaching both socks of a pair, first sock of same pair affixed
with a releasably folding tab with an area for an indicia placement
on backing of second section of first tab consisting of a
complementary hook and pile fastening means adjutant to second tab
fabricated with hooks affixed to second sock of same pair
comprising: I. A flexible tab constructed of a strip of cloth, with
applicable indicia on backing, affixed horizontally having two
sections the first fabricated with a strip of hook elements, which
also is appended to upper back side of leg portion, FIG. 3, of
first sock of same pair adjutant to second section of same tab of
first sock fabricated with a strip of pile elements is moveable in
an open, when attaching, and closed, while being worn, position
with both sections of same tab forms a fastening means. II. A
flexible second tab devised of a cloth backing consisting of an
embedded strip of fabricated hooks with second tab appended to
upper back side of leg portion of second sock of same pair affixed
in a belt loop fashion adjutant to pile section of first tab of
first sock of the same pair. III. Said first tab in conjunction
with said second tab appended separately to said socks of a pair,
said second section with fabricated pile elements of first tab is
inserted through and pressed against, thus interconnecting with,
belt loop with hook elements of said second tab, now overlaying
hook elements of said first tab forms a second engagement with
first section of first tab providing a double fastening means
securing said socks of a pair for laundry.
2. The socks of claim 1, wherein socks of a pair carrying tabs
appended on upper back side of same pair attaches together same
socks of a pair by fastening means of hook and pile elements
fabricated on said first tab of first sock of a pair and hook
elements fabricated on said second tab of second sock of same
pair.
3. The socks claimed in claim 1, first tab comprised of a strip of
cloth embedded with two sections a hook end and a pile end appended
on upper back side of first sock of a pair complimenting the hook
elements of second tab appended in a belt loop fashion affixed to
upper backside of second sock of same pair allowing for easy
insertion of pile strip of first tab to interconnect with hook
elements of second tab providing a fastening means to secure both
socks of a pair during the laundry process.
4. The socks of claim 1, in which the pile end of first tab
appended to the first sock of a pair releasably opens and closes
protecting the first tab when closed from foreign matter, or
clothing providing accessibility for attaching to second tab when
opened which is efficiently initiated due to the second tab being
affixed in a belt loop fashion with hook elements facing inwardly
away from other clothing articles to prevent snagging having a
strip of cloth backing which has a none attaching surface.
5. The first and second tabs as claimed in claim 1, the first tab
comprised of a a strip of flexible cloth consisting of two sections
a strip of pile elements and a strip of hook elements affixed
horizontally on said first sock adjutant a moveable pile end which
opens and closes, thus when the second section of first tab is
utilized in a closed position, it interconnects with hook elements
of second tab affixed vertically in a belt loop fashion which,
afterwards, further extends through belt loop forming a second
engagement with hook elements of first section of first tab of
first sock efficiently and securing the same of which resist forces
that occur in conventional and modernized washers and dryers during
the laundry process.
6. The socks of claim 1 wherein an attachment device is comprised
of hook and pile fastening elements which forms a tab that
releasably opens and closes and a tab strip in a belt loop
fashion.
7. The socks of claim 1 wherein first tab of first sock is closed
when being worn with an an indicia imprinted on backing of second
section and opened for attaching to second tab of second sock of a
pair for securing said pair of socks from separating during
laundry.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] In general, this invention relates to an adjoining
(attachment) device for securing and holding together paired
articles of clothing (socks, gloves, etc.) from being separated
during and after the process of laundering.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] The common household task of matching articles of clothing
that come in pairs, particularly socks and gloves, after which the
washing and drying process has been completed, often results in a
frustrating and time consuming chore for the individual performing
the duty of laundering because of, but not limited to, similarities
in design, fabric, size, or a large quantity of an assortment of
pairs of clothing items that requires an individual to manually
sort and match paired items prior to placing them in a designated
storage area.
[0005] Various methods for adjoining pairs of clothing items have
been developed and proposed as a means for resolving this common
issue of keeping together pairs of clothing items throughout the
laundry process of washing and drying. However, though many present
a means for accomplishing such a task, to one extent, or another
they are all limited in either areas of flexibility, availability,
efficiency, durability, or they may be of a discomfort to the
wearer (individual) over a gradual period of time due to the
placement and type of fastening element being used as the
attachment device such as a metallic snap-type, or hook and eye
fastener etc.
[0006] In order to promote longevity of both the attachment device
and the pairs of clothing being joined by such a mechanism,
flexibility is essential of which promotes comfort and enables
paired socks to endure several laundry processes of washing and
drying without prematurely rupturing due to the harsh stresses that
can be caused by metallic type fasteners, which can also, in the
process of time, cause a discomfort to the wearer. An attachment
devise for securing socks disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,751 to
Mason, is an embodiment of a male and female metallic
snap-type-fastener attached to each sock that releasably engages
for purposes of, but not limited to, laundry and storage. However;
metallic type fasteners have a tendency to incur, in areas where
appended, localized stresses that can blemish the appearance of
paired articles of clothing due to external forces that occur in
the laundry process thus creating an undesirable contact, or
rubbing against the skin of the wearer as noted in U.S. Pat. No.
5,918,318 to H. F. Jones that if any discomfort felt against the
skin by any fastening element associated with socks, or gloves is
unacceptable.
[0007] Another method for securing pairs of socks in preparation
for laundering, is the use of a sock clip which is found in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,389,657 granted to Turner. Durable in it's construction,
yet this clip is subject to the probability of being misplaced,
lost, or located in an area contrary to where an individual has
chosen to take off their socks. Therefore, this pairing attachment,
along with other external attachments (clamps, pins, clips, etc)
devised and proposed for securing paired articles of clothing,
particularly socks, lacks availability as noted in U.S. Pat. No.
4,165,555 to Boxer al.
[0008] Being that we live in a microwavable (fast-paced) society,
by modern standards, especially in rapidly growing countries, the
demand for convenience and efficiency of reliable products, or
services to be rendered in a timely fashion is greatly appreciated
by both the retailer and the consumer upon reception of such
products, or services. As it relates to an attachment device for
securing pairs of socks together throughout the laundry process
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,318 to H. F. Jones, it is both
durable and flexible comprising two tabs wherein a flexible strip
of cloth with hook and pile elements appended to each sock of a
pair of which, when both tabs are open, are able to join both socks
by way of the velcro hook end and loop end affixed on one sock of a
pair releasably attaches to the hook end and loop end elements of
the other sock of same pair in a vertical alignment. This system of
securing paired articles of clothing, such as socks and gloves,
prior to and after the laundry process, has resolved many of the
issues documented in U.S. Pat. No. 4,165,555 to Boxer et al.
However, taking into consideration a person(s) returning home from
work, school, or exhausted from an athletic endeavor (excercise)
etc, fatigue can render one impatient having no desire to release
both tabs of hook and pile, and then, interconnect the open tab
strip with hook and pile appended to one sock of a pair to the open
tab strip with hook and pile of the other sock of same pair
positioning the attachment of both socks in parallel fashion as
illustrated in FIG. 2 of drawing sheet 1 of 3 in said U.S. Pat. No.
5,918,318 to J. H. Franklin so that the tab strip hook end of one
sock of a pair can adjoin with the tab strip loop end of the other
sock of same pair and vice versa. Although convenient, this method
involves a four-step-process which is not time friendly in today's
modern society. Therefore, this method of securing socks of a pair
in preparation for laundering is inefficient, time consuming, and
can be intolerable when time is of the essence.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is an attachment device developed for
the purposes of adjoining and securing paired articles of clothing
such as, but not limited to, a pair of socks, to prevent the
separation of attached clothing items during the laundry process of
washing and drying. The embodiment of the device is a tab
consisting of a flexible strip of cloth having two sections,
composed of velcro, the first embedded with hook elements appended
to first sock of a pair and the second section embedded with pile
elements moveable between a open and closed position both affixed
in a horizontal angle thus releasably engages with the second tab
with a strip of cloth backing embedded with hook elements, velcro,
appended vertically in a belt loop fashion to the second sock of
same pair. The preferred position of the attachment appended is
approximately one inch and a half of an inch below the edge of the
opening of the sock which enables the wearer to neatly fold the
edge of the sock 2 to 3 inches downward overlapping the attachment,
or allow the tabs to be shown openly displaying an indicia
(trademark, design, etc.).
[0010] The objective of the present invention is to provide an
attachment device that resolves, or ameliorates the problems found
in the prior art aforementioned under the heading, DESCRIPTION OF
RELATED ART. The embodiment of the attachment device is comprised
of both the necessary elements to adjoin and secure socks of a pair
throughout the laundry process, and the essential qualities of
durability, flexibility, and efficiency which promotes long life of
the attachment device, comfort for the wearer, and cost
effectiveness for the consumer being that it greatly reduces the
burden of having to replace a pair of socks due to one of a pair
being lost, or misplaced.
[0011] Another object of the invention to be expressed is to
provide a tab with a hook and pile structure that releasably
engages with a second tab with hook elements both being separately
appended to each sock of same pair by means of, but not limited to,
stitching which forms a durable long-lasting flexible mend
promoting long life of the sock and the attachment, thus exceeding
the durability of attachments formed with metallic-snap-type
fasteners devised as a fastening device for securing paired
articles of clothing.
[0012] Another important aspect of the object of the invention to
be expressed is the necessity of same devise having a tab with a
hook and loop end and a separate tab with hooks that provides a
reliable releasably attachment of which usage and procedure is
child friendly to utilize (attach), and time-wise, more efficient
than the procedure found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,318 to J. H.
Franklin which requires a four-step process to adequately attach
both socks of a pair, whereas in the present invention, comparably
improved, it only requires a two-step process to attach socks of a
pair in preparation for laundry, less time and materials needed to
manufacture without depleting from the ability to secure socks of a
pair.
[0013] One of the primary objectives established in the development
of the attachment device is to provide an easy attach-to-join
release tab of which usage and procedure is child friendly,
efficient (not time consuming), durable, non-depreciation in
comfort to the wearer, and cost effective (inexpensive) for the
purposes of being manufactured.
[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide an attachment
device that is affixed to the socks to assure availability prior to
and after the laundry process which also, unlike external
attachment devices (clip, pins, connectors, etc.) such as found in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,775,849 to R. Messman, or U.S. Pat. No. 6,389,657
to D. C. Turner, it does not bare the risk of being lost, or found
by a child which bares the posibility of being swallowed.
[0015] It is also an object of the invention to provide an
attachment device that is inexpensive to manufacture of which
process also imprints, or embeds an indicia of origin being that
the attachment can be customized for mass production at the
manufacturing facility of Fastenation Inc., 120 Brighton Road, Unit
#2, Clifton N.J. 07012 USA and Textol Systems Inc., 435 Meadow
Lane, Carlstadt, N.J. 07072.
[0016] It is also an object of the invention to provide an
arrangement wherein the elements of the attachment device,
efficiently, releasably engages securing, but not limited to, socks
of a pair for laundry and storage resolving the problems found in
the aforementioned prior art and simultaneously providing the
essential qualities of durability, comfort, flexibility,
availability, and cost effectiveness.
[0017] The Present and forthcoming objects of this invention will
be expressed more accurately and vividly in the drawings and
specifications throughout the furtherance of this review.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] In accordance with the present invention, one embodiment of
the current drawings shall be described in reference to:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a pair of socks with
the first embodiment of one sock of a pair appended with a
releasable tab and the second sock of same pair appended with a tab
strip with a belt loop.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a front perspective exploded view of both tabs of
the pair of socks in FIG. 1 in an opened position illustrating the
elements (cloth, hook and pile) and construction of both tabs.
[0021] FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial front view of both socks with
tabs of FIG. 1 with one tab in an open position appended to one
sock of a pair and the second tab appended to the second sock of
same pair with a belt loop.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a partial front view of both socks with tabs of
FIG. 3 showing the pile end of first tab of first sock of a pair
being inserted into the belt loop of second tab of second sock
[0023] FIG. 5 is a partial front view of FIG. 1 showing the
arrangement of the invention interconnected by both tabs of both
socks of a pair.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] As illustrated in FIG. 1 tabs 12 and 14 of this preferred
invention is further explained in detailed for the purposes of
broadening it's usage and function as it relates to securing a pair
of socks 10a and 10b.
[0025] One element of the attachment device tab 12 is comprised of
a flexible strip cloth backing 16 with two sections the first
consisting of a strip of pile elements 20 and the second consisting
of a strip of hook elements 18 affixed horizontally to the upper
back side of sock 10a of first sock of a pair in an open position
as shown in FIG. 3 which can be closed, as illustrated in FIG. 1,
to shield from foreign matter, or snagging of other clothing
material.
[0026] Another important embodiment of the attachment device is tab
14 which is comprised of a strip of hook elements 24, FIG. 2,
fabricated upon a flexible strip of cloth 22 which is appended to
the back side of sock 10b, FIG. 3, forming a belt loop with the
hook elements 24 facing the leg portion of sock 10b and the
flexible strip of cloth 22 of same embodiment facing outwardly
shielding hook 24 against foreign matter and snagging of other
clothing items providing an advantage over devices requiring the
opening of both tabs for the purposes of securing articles of a
pair as found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,058,853 to Rubin and Robert
Boxer.
[0027] In particular, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrates the method by
which the tabs 12 and 14, comprised of hook and pile elements, are
interconnected to prepare socks of a pair, 10a and 10b, for the
laundry process of washing, drying, and storage. In the current
procedure illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the pile strip 20 of tab
12, as seen in FIG. 4 of sock 10a, being in an opened position, is
inserted through the belt loop of tab 14 of sock 10b which enables
the pile elements 22 of tab 12 of sock 10a to interconnect with the
hook elements 24 of tab 14 which forms the first engagement of the
attachment. Easily the pile strip 20 of tab 12 is fully inserted
through and connected to the belt loop, a novelty of efficiency,
consisting of hook elements 24 of tab 14 of sock 10b, engages with
the hook elements 18 of tab 12 of sock 10a forming a double
attachment which resist the forces that incur in conventional and
modernized washers and dryers, thus preventing socks of a pair from
becoming separated during the laundry process.
[0028] Another important aspect of the invention is the method of
fixation of tabs 12 and 14 and the preferred location of the same
embodiment. [0029] 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the flexible strip of,
but not limited to, cloth 16 allows for stitching in a rectangular
pattern around the perimeter of the hook end 18 which enables the
pile end 20 to be opened and closed with very little effort as
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 being affixed to the back side of sock
10a. Stitching can also be performed upon the face of the hook end
18 in a diagonal design forming an (X) pattern centered in a
rectangular pattern without depleting the ability of the hook
elements 18 from engaging securely with the pile strip 20. An area
of affixation for effectiveness in functionality and usability is
preferably the upper back side of socks of a pair as illustrated in
FIG. 5 where, also, the indicia 26 can be revealed representing the
origin of it's being. [0030] 2. The suggested area for stitching
tab 14 is at both ends of the vertical flexible strip of cloth 22
in a pattern that resembles a square which, after being affixed to
sock 10b, forms a belt loop that allows easy insertion of pile
strip 20 of sock 10a and effortless engaging of hook elements 24
and pile elements 20 requiring only a two-step method for securing
articles of a pair as opposed to the four-step procedure discussed
in the SUMMARY in paragraph 010. [0031] 3. Other feasible and
effective methods for affixing the present embodiment to socks of a
pair are lamination and flexible epoxy cements which are currently
being manufactured and sold by Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing
as noted in U.S. Pat. No. 6,775,849 to R. Messman.
[0032] In reference to the dimensions of the embodiment of the
present invention, tab 12 is approximately three inches in length,
and a half of an inch in width. The hook strip 18 and pile strip 20
of Tab 12 is approximately one inch and a half of an inch in length
and a quarter of an inch in width. Tab 14 is approximately one inch
and a half of an inch in length with a width of a half of an inch.
The hook strip 24 of tab 14 is approximately a quarter of an inch
in width.
[0033] Both tabs, 12 and 14, are located approximately one inch and
a half of an inch below the top edge of the socks 10a and 10b of
which, if desired, the wearer can fold the edge of the sock over
the tabs 12 and 14 for extra protection of the embodiment
especially during various intense physical activities, or they may
be shown openly revealing the indicia 26 of FIGS. 1 and 5
representing the origin of it's being. Relative to the various
sizes of socks that are worn by individuals of different ages, the
embodiment of the present invention can be modified in size
respectfully for suitability of the wearer without negating from
the scope of the invention aforementioned in the dimensions of the
embodiment of the attachment device. Thus, other feasable
modifications may be revealed through those skilled in the art.
[0034] The construction and visual aspects of the present invention
is not limited to the dimensions of the current embodiment as it
relates to the most beneficial means of carrying out the invention,
but all aspects of the preferred embodiment pertaining to the
attachment device shall be expressed within the scope of the claims
in the furtherance of the specifications.
* * * * *