ARTICLES HAVING CONNECTABLE DEVICES AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THE DEVICES
A set of at least two articles of clothing, each having at least one suction-based connector affixed thereto, such that when said connectors are suctionally engaged, they produce and maintain a suction-force connection therebetween, substantially until the connectors are subjected to a sufficient force that separates them.
Applicants claim the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/890,994, filed Feb. 21, 2007, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention relates to connecting articles by suction-based connectors, in particular, sets of articles of clothing such as socks, gloves, and mittens prior to washing, drying, and/or storing.
BACKGROUNDIt is often useful to connect separate but associated articles of clothing, for example, socks, gloves, and mittens, just prior to storing or cleaning so that they can be easily dealt with. For example, after numerous separated pairs of different socks are washed in a washing machine and then dried, much time can be spent sorting the individual socks into matching pairs. Although sorting socks differing only in color is relatively easy, it becomes more time consuming in the case of a family having persons who wear socks differing only slightly in color, size or design. Persons in dormitories, in team sports, or military service having identical socks could reduce laundry expenses by being able to jointly wash and dry their combined loads of socks in one coin-operated washer and one coin-operated drier instead of separate machines if thereafter they could ensure being able to match their own socks versus others' socks, especially if there is no discernible difference between them.
Connecting socks with, for example, a safety pin has the disadvantage of the pin coming open during washing or drying, subjecting the person grabbing a bunch of the socks to potentially being stuck by the open pin. Also, connecting with a pin or other means that are not intended to remain on the articles of clothing before and after storage or washing requires storing and finding the connecting means when storage and washing of the clothing are desired. Still further, a pin or similar connecting means takes significant time to put onto and take off of the articles of clothing. Connecting articles of clothing by attaching a snap to the articles has the disadvantage of requiring a male/female-type match to connect the clothing and has the disadvantage of requiring pulling on the clothing to release the snapping mechanism. Connecting articles of clothing by a Velcro-type mechanism has the disadvantage of requiring a male/female-type match to connect the clothing and further may harm or adversely affect other clothing in the cleaning process by attaching thereto if not fully engaged or covered during the cleaning process. A Velcro-type mechanism has the further disadvantage of requiring pulling on the clothing to release the attachment.
Therefore, a method and means for quickly, easily, and safely obtaining properly matched sock pairs or other particularly grouped articles of clothing would be useful.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne embodiment of the present invention includes a first sock, a second sock, a first suction cup affixed to the first sock, and a second suction cup affixed to the second sock. The first and second socks are connectable by forcing together the first and second suction cups. The first and second suction cups can comprise a thermoplastic material and be affixed to the first and second socks respectively by heating the thermoplastic material sufficiently to bond to the first and second socks, respectively. More generally, the first and second suction cups comprise an adhesive material that affixes the first and second cups to the first and second socks respectively.
The first suction cup is removably affixed to the first sock and the second suction cup is removably affixed to the second sock. Alternatively, they may be substantially permanently affixed.
Another embodiment is a pair of articles of clothing including a first sock, a second sock, a suction cup affixed to the first sock, and a suction-retentive member affixed to the second sock. The suction cup and the suction retentive member are configured to be joined to hold together the first and second socks. The suction-retentive member can have a substantially flat surface against which the suction cup can be forced. The suction-retentive member is flexible and made of a polymeric material. As noted above, these components can be removably affixed to the socks or substantially permanently affixed to them. The suction cup and the suction-retentive member can each comprise a thermoplastic material that affixes the suction cup and suction-retentive member to the first and second socks respectively. More generally, the suction cup and the suction-retentive member ca each comprise an adhesive material that affixes the suction cup and suction-retentive member to the first and second socks respectively.
Another embodiment is a method of making a pair of socks connectable, including the steps of providing a first sock and a second sock. Other steps are affixing a first suction-based component to the first sock and affixing a second suction-based component to the second sock. The first and second suction-based components are configured to be connected together with suction. The first and second suction-based components can comprise suction cups. Alternatively, the first component can be a suction cup and the second component can have a substantially flat surface against which the suction cup can be forced to connect the first and second socks. The affixing steps can comprise substantially permanently affixing the first and second suction-based components to the first and second socks, respectively, or alternatively removably affixing the components to the socks.
While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and text are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
The present invention involves sets of articles of clothing, such as socks or stockings, gloves, mittens, that are connected using suction-based components that, when engaged, provide a suction-connecting force. The most common sock design within the scope of the present invention is a sock having an open top end and a closed bottom end, but the present invention is not limited to that design or type of socks. Other designs or types of socks also within the scope of the present invention include, but not limited to, socks used by baseball or other sports players having a bottom end partially closed by a crossing piece or strap-like element, sometimes referred to as a stirrup sock, and a sock having both ends open, often worn between the ankle and knee to keep the calf muscle warm by persons exercising or practicing ballet or other dances.
The cup and base regions of suction cups 2a, 2b are not necessarily entirely integral and uniformly of the same material. In the embodiments shown herein, the cup and base regions of the affixed suction cups 2a, 2b are integral and of the same material, while in other embodiments (not shown), the cup and base regions of suction cups 2a, 2b can be of different material, substantially permanently bonded by suitable means, for example, by welding during molding the two regions separately, or after molding the two regions separately, for example, such as by heat-based welding, solvent-based welding, or adhesive. Generally suitable adhesives include vinyl-based, polymeric acrylate-based (e.g., PMMA), and epoxy-based adhesives.
Suction cups 2a, 2b are not limited to specific designs and dimensions. Cup regions 4a, 4b are preferably, but not necessarily, of substantially circular cross-section, but may also be of generally oval cross-section or other suitable geometry. In
The suction force that connects the socks 1a, 1b is made by urging together with sufficient force the suction cups 2a, 2b such that fluid, usually air, between the cups 2a, 2b is forced out from between them, and such that one or both of the suction cups are elastically deformed and a fluid seal is formed between them. This creates a lower pressure environment between the suction cups 2a, 2b than that outside the suction cups, hence the suction force that connects the cups 2a, 2b and thereby the respective socks 1a, 1b. An established, connective suction force will be maintained as long as fluid (e.g., air, other gas, water, or other liquid) surrounding the region between the engaged cups 2a, 2b does not enter that region and equalize the pressure within the region to that outside the region. The connection provided by the cups 2a, 2b is intended to withstand the challenge of washing, drying, and storing the pair of socks 1 for the next use so that a step of matching up separated socks is eliminated (or at least reduced for a group of socks).
The suction cups 2a, 2b can be substantially permanently affixed to the socks. By this, it is meant that the affixation of the cups 2a, 2b is such that the cups 2a, 2b are intended to remain attached for the expected life of the sock or article of clothing, although the cups could be removed for example by cutting the sock fabric or by cutting off a significant portion of the cups leaving a smaller portion on the socks. That is, the cups 2a, 2b are intended to remain after repeated washing in soaps, detergents, bleaches, fabric softeners, and combinations thereof, at washing temperatures, such as up to about 180° F., and after repeated drying at drying temperatures, such as up to about 150° F., that is, for the normal life of the sock. Alternatively, the cups can be more removably affixed, that is, they can be removed without from the sock without any or substantial harm to the sock or the cup.
Base regions 5a, 5b of the cups 2a, 2b may be substantially permanently affixed to a sock or other article, for example, by heating and melting a portion of each base region 5a, 5b to flow into the sock fabric if base regions 5a, 5b are made of or include a thermoplastic material, or by a suitable adhesive between base regions 5a, 5b and into the sock fabric.
For cups that are made of a thermoplastic material, known heating/melting processes can be used to substantially permanently affix the cups 2a, 2b to the socks 1a, 1b by melting a portion of the base region 5a, 5b to the socks 1a, 1b. One such process is ultrasonic welding, in which the surface (not shown) of the base regions 5a, 5b can be, for example, rough or otherwise non-smooth and flat such that the ultrasonic energy melts that surface when pressed against the sock causing the melted thermoplastic material to cool and bond to the sock 1a, 1b. In addition or alternatively, a thermoplastic member such as a thin disk (not shown) can be placed on the inside of the sock, which can be melted through the sock to the base region 5a, 5b of the cups 2a, 2b to provide the cup-to-sock bond.
To adhesively affix the cups 2a, 2b to the socks 1a, 1b, the base regions 5a, 5b can be roughened or otherwise prepared or modified (e.g., primed) to enhance adhesion. Generally suitable adhesives are those that bond the selected cup material and sock material. Examples include polymeric acrylate-based (e.g., PMMA) and epoxy-based adhesives. Hot melt adhesives can be used as well, such as adhesives made of materials that are the same as or similar to the thermoplastic material of which the cup is made.
Suction cups 2a, 2b, engaged as in
Rather than being substantially permanently affixed, the suction cups 2a, 2b can be removably affixed to the socks 1a, 1b, respectively. By referring to this embodiment as having removably affixed suction cups, it is meant that the affixation of the cups 2a, 2b is such that the cups 2a, 2b are intended to be removable from and replaceable onto the socks 1a, 1b as desired during the expected life of the socks or another article of clothing without damaging the cups or socks. Removable suction cups are readily reusable if one or both socks become unexpectedly damaged before the end of their normally useful life. Removable affixation of suction cups 2a, 2b can be accomplished by using suitable known mating fasteners (not shown) such as a post and a removable, engageable clasp similar to that used for pierced earrings such that the post transfixes the fabric from one side of the fabric and is secured by the clasp on the other side of the fabric; a threaded post and a matingly threaded retainer, for example, a male threaded post with a pointed end to facilitate transfixing through the fabric and female threaded retainer that matingly threads onto the threaded post; or a post that does not pierce the fabric but is at least partially surrounded by the fabric and a removable mating cap that affixes to the fabric-covered post after straight insertion or after insertion and rotation. Non-mating, removable affixation means include, but are not limited to, small, spring-biased clamps such as an alligator-type clip, a wire-like element securely affixed to a portion of the suction cup and that can be run through the sock fabric and secured to the suction cup, and other such means as are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art of fasteners. Though removable, suction cups 2a, 2b remain affixed to the socks 1a, 1b and to each other through washing and drying as described above until released by pinching or pulling apart the cups 2a, 2b.
Though not shown, it is easily understood that the suction cups and suction retentive elements can be placed on different parts of a sock, such as nearer the open end so that either remain outside a shoe when one is put on by the wearer. Similarly, the suction cup and retentive element can be placed on the back, front, or side of the sock. If the pair of socks includes a right-footed and a left-footed sock, the suction cup and/or suction retentive element can be placed, for example, on the outer side of the right-footed and left-footed socks to avoid or reduce the rubbing together of the suction cups, of a suction cup with the suction-retentive element, or of these components with the wearer's shoes or with other items.
As set forth above, the suction cups and suction retentive elements provide means for connecting, joining, or holding together articles of clothing, using suction force. Similarly set forth above are means for affixing the cups to the socks, including thermoplastic materials, adhesives, clasps, and the like.
The suction cups, suction-retentive elements, or other suction-based connectors may be made as a set of a particular color, as having multiple colors, as having an identifiable design, shape, marking, or lettering, or a combination thereof. Different sets of connectors may have different colors, designs, shapes, markings, and lettering, or a combination thereof so that the sets and the articles they are affixed to are readily differentiable.
As noted, the present invention is useful for connecting socks. It is, however, useful for connecting mittens, gloves, and other articles of clothing. Another embodiment of the invention is a set of articles comprising a child's coat and pair of gloves or mittens, wherein the coat has at least two affixed suction cups, for example, each cup located near the end of each sleeve, and each glove or mitten has a suction cup such that each suction cup of the glove or mitten is connectively engaged to a suction cup on the coat, and this set of connected articles can be hung up at home or school to dry when the gloves or mittens have become wet from playing in the snow, reducing the likelihood of losing one or both gloves or mittens. Similarly, matching sets of gloves, mittens, hats, scarves, and jackets, such as fleece versions of these articles, can be kept together with the present invention for storage purposes or even for washing/drying purposes.
Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for connecting articles of clothing including socks, by suction-based components. One step of the method is providing a first sock having a top open end, a bottom closed end, and a first means for providing a suction-connective force. Another step is providing a second sock having a top open end, a bottom closed end, and a second means for providing a suction-connective force. Another step is connecting the first and second socks by sufficiently forcing together the first and second means for providing the suction-connective force to produce a substantially secure but releasable suction-connective force between said components. Structures described above, including suction cups and suction-retentive members, can be used with this method.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular sets, articles, structures, features, or steps, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of such articles, structures, features, and steps and embodiments that do not include all of the described sets, articles, structures, features, and steps. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
Claims
1. A pair of articles of clothing, comprising: wherein the first and second socks are connectable by forcing together the first and second suction cups.
- a first sock;
- a second sock;
- a first suction cup affixed to the first sock; and
- a second suction cup affixed to the second sock;
2. The invention of claim 1 wherein the first and second suction cups comprise a thermoplastic material and are affixed to the first and second socks respectively by having heated the thermoplastic material sufficiently to bond to the first and second socks, respectively.
3. The invention of claim 1 wherein the first and second suction cups comprise an adhesive material that affixes the first and second cups to the first and second socks respectively.
4. The invention of claim 1 wherein the first suction cup is removably affixed to the first sock and the second suction cup is removably affixed to the second sock.
5. A pair of articles of clothing, comprising: wherein the suction cup and the suction retentive member are configured to be joined to hold together the first and second socks.
- a first sock;
- a second sock;
- a suction cup affixed to the first sock; and
- a suction-retentive member affixed to the second sock;
6. The invention of claim 5 wherein the suction-retentive member has a substantially flat surface against which the suction cup can be forced.
7. The invention of claim 5 wherein the suction-retentive member is flexible and made of a polymeric material.
8. The invention of claim 5 wherein the suction cup is substantially permanently affixed to the first sock and the suction-retentive member is substantially permanently affixed to the second sock.
9. The invention of claim 5 wherein the suction cup and the suction-retentive member each comprise a thermoplastic material that affixes the suction cup and suction-retentive member to the first and second socks respectively.
10. The invention of claim 5 wherein the suction cup and the suction-retentive member each comprise an adhesive material that affixes the suction cup and suction-retentive member to the first and second socks respectively.
11. A method of making a pair of socks connectable, comprising the steps of: wherein the first and second suction-based components are configured to be connected together with suction.
- providing a first sock and a second sock;
- affixing a first suction-based component to the first sock; and
- affixing a second suction-based component to the second sock;
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the first and second suction-based components comprise suction cups.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein the first suction-based component comprises a suction cup and wherein the second suction-based component has a substantially flat surface against which the suction cup can be forced to connect the first and second socks.
14. The method of claim 11 wherein the affixing steps comprising substantially permanently affixing the first and second suction-based components to the first and second socks, respectively.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 21, 2008
Publication Date: Sep 18, 2008
Applicants: Rike A. Dierssen-Morice (Stillwater, MN), Pierre G. A. Morice (Stillwater, MN)
Inventors: Rikke A. Dierssen-Morice (Stillwater, MN), Pierre G. A. Morice (Stillwater, MN)
Application Number: 12/035,118
International Classification: A43B 17/00 (20060101); A41D 27/00 (20060101);