Apparatus for pairing socks

Abstract

An apparatus that pairs socks, and that comprises an elastic cord, a sleeve made of satin fabric, a spring clip, and a means of joining or tying the ends of the cord. The elastic cord is inserted into the satin sleeve, and the two ends of the elastic cord are inserted through the spring clip. Finally, the ends of the elastic cord are tied together using the joining means. The apparatus is used to pair socks together during laundering, drying, hanging, and storing, and thus saves time wasted matching the pairs of socks.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention refers to an apparatus that pairs socks.

BACKGROUND ART

It is a well-known problem that during the laundering, drying and folding of socks, time is wasted matching the pairs of socks.

The present invention is an apparatus that pairs socks during the laundering, drying and storing of socks in the closet or sock drawer pending their use.

THE INVENTION

(The Numbers in Parentheses Refer to the Corresponding Numbers in the Drawings)

The present invention refers to an apparatus (1) that pairs socks. The apparatus comprises a cord (2), a sleeve (5), a clip (3), and means of joining the ends of the cord (4). Drawing No. 3 depicts the components of the apparatus (1).

The cord (2) is made of an elastic material. The cord (2) should be about 20 cm. long, although the invention refers to cords of any length.

The sleeve (5) is made of a satin fabric or any other material, provided it is not highly absorptive or is a material that dries relatively very quickly; Satin fabrics meet these requirements.

The clip (3) can be a standard kind of clip used for closing of handbags. For example, the clip can be of the common kind used to close handbags in conjunction with a cord, whereby both of the cords ends are inserted through one or two-holes in the clip and are tightened to the clip by means of a spring. The pressure of the spring on the cord is released by pressing a button on the clip and thus, the handbag or relevant object can be opened or closed according to need. The clip (3) used in the implementation of the invention should be made of plastic with one or two holes in its center, through which the cord (2) is inserted. The clip must also have a button that enables closing and opening as mentioned.

The joining means (4) is designed to tie and connect the ends of the cord (2) so as to enable more convenient and efficient use of the apparatus (1). It is possible and desirable that the joining means be made of plastic as is common.

Assembly of the apparatus (1): The cord (2) is inserted into the sleeve (5). Then, the two ends of the cord are inserted through the hole or holes in the clip (3). Finally, the two ends of the cord (2) are tied together using the joining means (4). Drawing No. 1 depicts the apparatus (1) when assembled and in open (released) position whereas Drawing No. 2 depicts it in closed (tightened) position.

The apparatus is used as follows: After taking off the socks (or at any other later stage), the socks are placed in the apparatus (1), i.e. inserted through the loop formed by the sleeve (5) and the cord (2), and the apparatus (1) is tightened so as to pair the socks together, as depicted, for instance, in Drawing No. 4.

Then, the paired socks can be placed together in the washing machine, drier, or storage closet pending their use.

The advantages of using the apparatus (1) are many and include: (a) The apparatus facilitates pairing of socks during laundering, drying, folding, and storing. (b) The apparatus (1) also facilitates hanging of the socks on the clothes line, in that the socks are hung on either side of the clothes line (one sock on is each side).

While the present invention has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but is intended to 20 cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings attached to the application are not intended to limit the scope of the invention and the possible ways of its application. The drawings are intended only to illustrate the invention and constitute only one of many possible ways of its application.

Drawing No. 1: Drawing No. 1 depicts the apparatus (1) in open (released) state, including an elastic cord (2), a spring clip (3), a joining means (4), and a sleeve made from satin fabric (5).

Drawing No. 2: Drawing No. 2 depicts the apparatus (1) in closed (tightened) state, including an elastic cord (2), a spring clip (3), a joining means (4), and a sleeve made from satin fabric (5).

Drawing No. 3: Drawing No. 3 depicts the components of the apparatus (1) in pre-assembly state, including an elastic cord (2), a spring clip (3), a joining means (4), and a sleeve made from satin fabric (5).

Drawing No. 4: Drawing No. 4 depicts the apparatus (1) in closed (tightened) state, holding a pair of socks (6).

Claims

1. A apparatus that pairs matching socks, and that comprises a cord and a clip,

such that the two ends of the said cord are inserted through a hole or holes in the said clip in such a way that enables to pair the socks together within the loop that is formed.

2. The apparatus mentioned in claim No. 1, whereby the said clip includes a spring and push button that locks or releases the said cord, which is inserted through the said clip.

3. The apparatus mentioned in claim No. 2, including a sleeve into which the said cord is inserted, which extends to the ends of the said clip.