Articles of Clothing Having Connectable Devices

and Methods for Making and Using the Devices

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The 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.

BACKGROUND

[0002] It 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.

[0003] 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.

[0004] 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 INVENTION

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention includes 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 can be flexible and made of a polymeric material.

[0006] Alternatively, the suction cup can be a first suction cup and the suction- retentive member can be a second suction cup.

[0007] A suction cup can be substantially permanently affixed to the first sock and the suction-retentive member is substantially permanently affixed to the second sock. Likewise, it can be more removably affixed. At least one of the suction cup and the suction-retentive member include an adhesive material that affixes at least one of the suction cup and suction-retentive member to at least one of the first and second socks respectively.

[0008] Another embodiment of the invention is a method of making a pair of socks connectable. One step is 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.

[0009] Alternatively, the first suction-based component can comprise a suction cup and the second suction-based component can have a substantially flat surface against which the suction cup can be forced to connect the first and second socks.

[0010] The affixing steps can involve substantially permanently affixing the first and second suction-based components to the first and second socks, respectively. Alternatively, the step can involve a more removable affixing of these components.

[0011] 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention having an unconnected pair of socks with each sock having an affixed suction cup.

[0013] FIG. 1 B is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A with the socks connected by the suction cups.

[0014] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention having an unconnected pair of socks with one sock having an affixed suction cup and the other sock having an affixed substantially flat, suction-retentive element.

[0015] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 2A with the socks connected by the suction cup and suction-retentive element.

[0016] FIG. 3A is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the suction cup shown in FIGS. 1A, 1 B, 2A, and 2B.

[0017] FIG. 3B is a front view of an embodiment of the suction cup shown in FIG.

3A.

[0018] FIG. 4A is a front view of an embodiment of the suction-retentive element shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0019] FIG. 4B is a side view of an embodiment of the suction-retentive element shown in FIG. 4A.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, but with a suction cup and suction-retentive element on each of the two socks.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention in which a suction cup is positioned within a graphical design on a sock.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] 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.

[0023] FIGS. 1 A and 1 B show one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 A shows an unconnected pair of socks 1 , each sock 1a, 1b having a substantially permanently affixed suction cup 2a, 2b, respectively. FIG. 1 B shows these socks 1a, 1b connected by the mutually engaged suction cups 2a, 2b. Suction cups 2a, 2b

respectively have cup regions 4a, 4b each with a smooth, generally concave surface, and base regions 5a, 5b opposite cup regions 4a, 4b by which the suction cups may be affixed to the socks. Suction cups 2a, 2b comprise an elastomeric and resilient material, for example, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene (e.g., commercially available as Hypalon®), natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, butyl rubbers (e.g., copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene), halogenated butyl rubbers (e.g., chlorobutyl rubber, bromobutyl rubber), styrene- butadiene rubbers (e.g., copolymer of polystyrene and polybutadiene), nitrile rubbers (e.g., a copolymer of polybutadiene and acrylonitrile), hydrated nitrile rubbers (e.g., commercially available as Therban® and Zetpol®), chloroprene rubbers (e.g., polychloroprene, Neoprene®, Baypren®), epichlorohydhn rubber, ethylene propylene rubbers (e.g., a copolymer of polyethylene and polypropylene), ethylene propylene diene rubber, (a terpolymer of polyethylene, polypropylene and a diene-component), polyacrylic rubbers, polysulfide rubbers, polyurethane rubbers, silicone rubbers, fluorosilicone rubbers, tetrafluoro ethylene/propylene rubbers, saturated rubbers that cannot be cured by sulfur vulcanization, silicone, elastomers, for example, such as, fluoroelastomers (e.g., commercially available as Viton®, Tecnoflon®, Fluorel® and Dai-El®), perfluoroelastomers (e.g., commercially available as Kalrez®), thermoplastic elastomers, and thermoplastic vulcanizates (e.g., commercially available as Santoprene®), latex, or a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer, and may be made by usual molding methods, such as injection molding. Silicone is resistant to most detergents and bleach, is moldable to any shape, and can be colored or clear. Other alternative materials include polyurethanes, vinyl-based polymers, such as, for example, vinyl chloride and vinylidene chloride, and polymeric fluorocarbons, such as, for example, Viton®, which is flexible, chemical resistant, and heat resistant. Some vinyl chloride polymers have a softening temperature close to the upper temperatures of some clothes dryers and very hot water so that a choice of material should be made with the likely upper temperatures of cleaning in mind. Generally, suitable materials for suction cups 2a, 2b include elastomeric resilient materials having a durometer shore A hardness value ranging from about 40 to about 70.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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 FIGS. 1A, 1 B, cup regions 4a, 4b are shown as substantially circular and may have an outside diameter ranging from about 0.37 inch to about 0.75 inch, and may have a radius of curvature ranging from about 0.5 inch to about 1 inch, although other dimensions can be used. The base regions 5a, 5b are not limited to a specific geometry and may be generally or substantially circular, oval, square, or rectangular.

[0026] 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).

[0027] 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 ⁰ F, and after repeated drying at drying temperatures, such as up to about 150 ⁰ 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] Suction cups 2a, 2b, engaged as in FIG. 1 B, remain engaged throughout such washing and drying conditions, yet are readily separable by pinching on their sides or by pulling them apart. A pinchable release is preferred to a pulling release to minimize stress on the article's fabric.

[0032] 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.

[0033] FIGS. 2A and 2B show another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A shows an unconnected, exemplary pair of socks 11 , sock 11a having an affixed suction cup 12, and sock 11b having an affixed substantially flat, suction-retentive element 13 by means such as, for example, as described above for cups 2a, 2b. FIG. 2B shows the socks 11a, 11b connected by suction cup 12 and suction-retentive element 13. Substantially flat means the surface region of the suction-retentive element 13 engaged by the suction cup 12 is substantially planar and smooth, in particular the surface portions of element 13 in contact with the surface portion of the engaged suction cup. However, suction-retentive element 13 need not be substantially flat but may also comprise a somewhat concave or convex portion in its surface region encompassed by the engaged suction cup. Various other surface geometries and configurations of the suction-retentive element 13 may be used as long as they provide connective suction when engaged with the suction cup. Suction-retentive element 13 comprises a polymeric, metallic, or inorganic (e.g., a ceramic) material and can be made by known processes such as stamping, molding, casting, etc. In addition to smoothness, the material of suction-retentive element 13 has a sufficient surface energy to remain suctionally engaged with suction cup 12 until forcibly released by pinching the suction cup or by pulling the suction cup from element 13. Although suction cup 12 and suction-retentive element 13 are shown substantially permanently affixed to socks 11a, 11b, respectively, either suction cup 12 or suction-retentive element 13, or both, may be removably affixed to socks 11a, 11b, respectively, by means such as those described previously.

[0034] FIGS. 3A and 3B show perspective side and front views of an embodiment of the suction cups 2 or 12, which are shown affixed to socks in FIGS. 1A, 1 B, 2A, and 2B.

[0035] FIGS. 4A and 4B show side and front views of an embodiment of a suction-retentive element 13, which is a suction-based connector shown affixed to a sock in FIGS. 2A, and 2B. Suction-retentive element 13 has a first surface to which a suction cup may be forced and against and a second surface bondable to an article of clothing such as a sock. The element could be bonded to a sock within a suitable thermoplastic or pressure-sensitive adhesive. Generally available thermoplastic adhesives can be applied to element 13 (and cups) using available hot-melt applicators.

A similar approach would involve the element 13 and/or the cups in this embodiment or in other embodiments noted herein to include a layer or other configuration of thermoplastic adhesive such that the element and/or cups can be attached to a sock using a household iron much like an iron-on patch. The suction-retentive element 13 easily permits a name, initials, or other identifying marks of the person, or a logo, or other graphic to be applied to, inscribed in, or formed integrally with the element or the cup.

[0036] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the present invention similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, having two pairs of suction-based connectors that include suction cup 22a and suction-retentive element 23a on sock 21a and suction cup 22b and suction-retentive element 23b on sock 21b. That is, two suction-based connectors are used rather than one pair to connect the socks 21a, 21b. Though this embodiment is shown with a vertical arrangement of the cups 22a, 22b and retentive elements 23a, 23b and with relative positions of the suction cup 22a and retentive element 23a that is opposite the relative positions of suction cup 22b and retentive element 23b, the vertical positioning could be replaced with a horizontal, diagonal, or other positioning, and the relative positions could be the same rather than opposite as shown. Retentive elements 23a, 23b are substantially similar or equivalent to suction- retentive element 13. Still further, even more cup pairs or cup/retentive element pairs than are shown can be employed on a sock, or on one or more articles of a set.

[0037] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention in which a suction cup 32 (or suction-retentive element, not shown) is positioned within a graphical design 34 on sock 31. For example, the graphical design 34 could be a decorative design, such as the polka dots as shown, a logo, a combination thereof, or other graphics. Similarly, graphics could be added to the cup 32 (not shown).

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.