# Patent

## Title
Sock keeper

## Abstract

A sock keeper holds clothing items together in the laundry. A flexible base extends between opposite first and second edges, and between opposite ends. One of the base ends has a first tab projecting outward adjacent the base first edge. The opposite base end has a second tab projecting outward adjacent the base second edge. The tabs are thereby spaced apart, allowing manual grasping of the tabs separately.
A flexible tail extends from a proximal end adjacent the base first edge to an opposite distal end. The tail surface is made from the loop portion of hook-and-loop material, to ensure that the tail surface does not catch on any clothing items in the wash.
The tail closely encircles the clothing items. A base panel on the base upper surface is made from the hook portion of hook-and-loop material, so as to releasably engage the tail surface, defining a primary fastener. The base panel ends releasably engage one another above the tail distal end, defining a secondary fastener. The secondary fastener secures the primary fastener in place, so that the clothing items will not separate in the wash.

## Background
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of clothing fasteners, and more particularly to a—fastener or keeper to hold a pair of socks together for laundering.
Sock pairs become separated in the laundry, and must be paired up after drying. Devices to keep socks together are known, and some prior art patents are as follows:
Klotz, U.S. Pat. No. 3,688,348; Marcum, U.S. Pat. No. 3,390,680; Wallach, U.S. Pat. No. 3,279,008; and Munz, U.S. Pat. No. 3,086,529; each disclose a strip of fabric with Velcro® on both sides. The strip is wrapped around the socks, and secured against a portion of loops facing outward. The hooks of Klotz face inward, engaging the socks. All of the references show exposed hook material that can catch on other items in the wash. None of the references shows a secondary latching structure to ensure that the keeper stays secured.
Jones, U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,318; Christy, U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,541; Ciuffo, U.S. Pat. No. 5,321,855; and Boxer, U.S. Pat. No. 4,058,853; each disclose a Velcro® fastener sewn permanently onto each sock. The fastener does not encircle the socks, but connects the ends.
Accordingly, there is a need to provide a sock keeper that has no exposed hooks, but has only loops exposed, so as not to catch on the socks or other laundry items, or pick up lint in the washer or dryer.
There is a further need to provide a sock keeper of the type described and that has a secondary fastening portion to ensure that the keeper does not loosen in the laundry.
There is a yet further need to provide a sock keeper of the type described and that does not require being sewn or attached permanently to the socks.
There is a still further need to provide a sock keeper of the type described and that can be manufactured cost-effectively in large quantities of high quality.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a sock keeper constructed in accordance with the invention. A base extends between opposite first and second edges. The base extends between opposite ends. One of the base ends has a first tab projecting outward adjacent the base first edge. The opposite base end has a second tab projecting outward adjacent the base second edge. The tabs are thereby spaced apart, allowing manual grasping of the tabs separately. The base is made from a flexible material.
A tail extends from a proximal end adjacent the base first edge to an opposite distal end. The tail has a surface. The tail is made from a flexible material. The tail surface is made from hook-and-loop material, and specifically the loop portion. This is to ensure that the tail surface does not catch on any clothing items in the wash.
At least one base panel is attached to the base upper surface. The base panel is made of hook-and-loop material, and specifically the hook portion, so as to engage the tail surface. The base panel has first and second edges juxtaposed with the base first and second edges, respectively. The base panel has ends juxtaposed with the base ends.
In practice, the tail will be moved in an arc downward, and will closely encircle the clothing items. The tail will then pass upward over the base second edge and over the base upper surface. The tail surface will releasably engage the base panel. This engagement will define a primary fastener. The base panel tabs will be grasped separately, and the base panel ends will be moved upward and toward one another. The base panel ends will releasably engage one another above the tail distal end. This engagement will define a secondary fastener. The secondary fastener will secure the primary fastener in place, ensuring that the clothing items will not separate in the agitation of washing and drying.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
A more complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained from consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sock keeper constructed in accordance with the invention, showing the keeper in the open position.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sock keeper of FIG. 1, showing the keeper in the primary secured position.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sock keeper of FIG. 1, showing the keeper in the primary and secondary secured position.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another sock keeper constructed in accordance with the invention, showing the keeper in the open position.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the sock keeper of FIG. 4, showing the keeper in the primary secured position.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the sock keeper of FIG. 4, showing the keeper in the primary and secondary secured position.
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the sock keeper of FIG. 1, showing the tabs in two alternate positions.
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the sock keeper of FIG. 4, showing the tabs in two alternate positions.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of yet another sock keeper constructed in accordance with the invention, showing the keeper in the open position.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the sock keeper of FIG. 9, showing the keeper in the primary secured position.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the sock keeper of FIG. 9, showing the keeper in the primary and secondary secured position.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawing, and especially to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 thereof, a sock keeper constructed in accordance with the invention is shown at 10, and is used for holding a plurality of clothing items together in close juxtaposition in a washing machine and a dryer, thus obviating the need to pair the socks later. The sock keeper 10 comprises a base 12 extending between opposite first 14 and second 16 edges. The base 12 extends between opposite ends 18. One of the base ends 18 has a first tab 20 projecting outward adjacent the base first edge 14. The opposite base end 18 has a second tab 22 projecting outward adjacent the base second edge 16. The first 20 and second 22 tabs are thereby spaced apart, allowing manual grasping of the tabs separately. The first 20 and second 22 tabs can be aligned with either of the base ends 18, as shown in FIG. 7. The base 12 has opposite upper 24 and lower 26 surfaces. The base 12 is made from a flexible material.
A tail 28 extends from a proximal end 30 adjacent the base first edge 14 to an opposite distal end 32. The tail 28 is generally flat in cross-section, and has a surface 38. The tail 28 is made from a flexible material. The tail surface 38 is made from hook-and-loop material, and specifically the loop portion. This is to ensure that the tail surface 38 does not catch on any clothing items in the wash.
In general, at least one base panel 40 is attached to the base upper surface 24. The base panel 40 is made of hook-and-loop material. The base panel 40 extends between opposite first 42 and second 44 edges. The base panel 40 extends between opposite ends 46. The base panel first 42 and second 44 edges are juxtaposed with the base first 14 and second 16 edges, respectively. The base panel ends 46 are juxtaposed with the base ends 18.
In practice, the tail 28 will be moved in an arc downward, and will closely encircle the clothing items 48, as shown by arrow 49. The tail 28 will then pass upward over the base second edge 16 and over the base upper surface 24, as shown by arrow 51. The tail surface 38 will releasably engage the base panel 40. This engagement will define a primary fastener 50. The base panel tabs 20 and 22 will be grasped separately, and the base panel ends 18 will be moved upward and toward one another, as shown by arrows 53. The base panel ends 18 will releasably engage one another above the tail distal end 32, as shown in FIG. 3. This engagement will define a secondary fastener 52. The secondary fastener 52 will secure the primary fastener 50 in place, ensuring that the clothing items 48 will not separate in the agitation of washing and drying.
In particular, the base panel 40 is comprised of three parts. A central base panel 40c has hook material so as to engage the tail surface 38 and secure the primary fastener 50, as shown in FIG. 2. A first end base panel 40a includes hook material. A second end base panel 40b has loop material so as to engage the first end base panel 40a, and secure the secondary fastener 52. The first 40a and second 40b end base panels straddle the central base panel 40c. The first 40a and second 40b end base panels are disposed adjacent the base ends 18. The central base panel 40c, first end base panel 40a, and second end base panel 40b, all extend generally between the base first 14 and second 16 edges.
Turning now to FIGS, 4, 5, and 6, another sock keeper constructed in accordance with the invention is shown at 110, and is similar to sock keeper 10 described above, in that the sock keeper 110 comprises a base 112 extending between opposite first 114 and second 116 edges. The base 112 extends between opposite ends 118. One of the base ends 118 has a first tab 120 projecting outward adjacent the base first edge 114. The opposite base end 118 has a second tab 122 projecting outward adjacent the base second edge 116. The first 120 and second 122 tabs are thereby spaced apart, allowing manual grasping of the tabs separately. The first 120 and second 122 tabs can be aligned with either of the base ends 118, as shown in FIG. 8. The base 112 has opposite upper 124 and lower 126 surfaces. The base 112 is made from a flexible material.
A tail 128 extends from a proximal end 130 adjacent the base first edge 114 to an opposite distal end 132. The tail 128 is generally flat in cross-section, and has a surface 138. The tail 128 is made from a flexible material. The tail surface 138 is made from hook-and-loop material, and specifically the loop portion. This is to ensure that the tail surface 138 does not catch on any clothing items in the wash.
Sock keeper 110 differs from sock keeper 10 described above, in that only one base panel 140 is attached to the base upper surface 124. The base panel 140 is made of hook-and-loop material, and specifically the hook portion, so as to engage the tail surface 138. The base panel 140 extends between opposite first 142 and second 144 edges. The base panel 140 extends between opposite ends 146. The base panel first 142 and second 144 edges are juxtaposed with the base first 114 and second 116 edges, respectively. The base panel ends 146 are juxtaposed with the base ends 118.
In practice, the tail 128 will be moved in an arc downward, and will closely encircle the clothing items 148, as shown by arrow 149. The tail 128 will then pass upward over the base second edge 116 and over the base upper surface 124, as shown by arrow 151. The tail surface 138 will releasably engage the base panel 140. This engagement will define a primary fastener 150. The base panel tabs 120 and 122 will be grasped separately, and the base panel ends 118 will be moved upward and toward one another, as shown by arrows 153. The base panel ends 118 will releasably engage one another above and closely adjacent the tail distal end 132. The base panel ends 118 will also releasably engage the tail surface 138. These engagements will define a secondary fastener 152. The secondary fastener 152 will secure the primary fastener 150 in place, ensuring that the clothing items 148 will not separate in the agitation of washing and drying.
Referring now to FIGS, 9, 10, and 11, yet another sock keeper constructed in accordance with the invention is shown at 210, and is similar to sock keeper 110 described above, in that the sock keeper 210 comprises a base 212 extending between opposite first 214 and second 216 edges. The base 212 extends between opposite ends 218. One of the base ends 218 has a first tab 220 projecting outward adjacent the base first edge 214. The opposite base end 218 has a second tab 222 projecting outward adjacent the base second edge 216. The first 220 and second 222 tabs are thereby spaced apart, allowing manual grasping of the tabs separately. The first 220 and second 222 tabs can be aligned with either of the base ends 218. The base 212 has opposite upper 224 and lower 226 surfaces. The base 212 is made from a flexible material.
Sock keeper 210 differs from sock keeper 110 described above, in that a tail 228 extends from a proximal end 230 adjacent the base first edge 214 to an opposite distal end 232. The tail 228 is generally round in cross-section, and has a surface 238. The tail 228 cross-section has a periphery 234, and the tail surface 238 includes loop material around the periphery 234, so as to increase the area of contact of the primary fastener. The tail 228 is made from a flexible material. The tail surface 238 is made from hook-and-loop material, and specifically the loop portion. This is to ensure that the tail surface 238 does not catch on any clothing items in the wash.
At least one base panel 240 is attached to the base upper surface 224. The base panel 240 is made of hook-and-loop material. The base panel 240 extends between opposite first 242 and second 244 edges. The base panel 240 extends between opposite ends 246. The base panel first 242 and second 244 edges are juxtaposed with the base first 214 and second 216 edges, respectively. The base panel ends 246 are juxtaposed with the base ends 218.
In practice, the tail 228 will be moved in an arc downward, and will closely encircle the clothing items 248, as shown by arrow 249. The tail 228 will then pass upward over the base second edge 216 and over the base upper surface 224, as shown by arrow 251. The tail surface 238 will releasably engage the base panel 240. This engagement will define a primary fastener 250. The base panel tabs 220 and 222 will be grasped separately, and the base panel ends 218 will be moved upward and toward one another, as shown by arrows 253. The base panel ends 218 will releasably engage one another above the tail distal end 232, as shown in FIG. 11. This engagement will define a secondary fastener 252. The secondary fastener 252 will secure the primary fastener 250 in place, ensuring that the clothing items 248 will not separate in the agitation of washing and drying.
In all embodiments of the invention, the base portion of the sock keeper 10, 110, and 210, can be made from polymeric or natural materials. The hook-and-loop material is typically made from a polymeric material for required stiffness of the hooks. The sock keeper can be color-coded to aid in sorting laundry. Wall panels of hook-and-loop material (not shown) can be mounted on the walls of a closet for hanging laundry items in storage.
Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the invention. Details of the structure may be varied substantially without departing from the spirit of the invention and the exclusive use of all modifications that will come within the scope of the appended claims is reserved.
PARTS LIST
Sock Keeper


    Part
    No. Description
    10 sock keeper
    12 base
    14 base first edge
    16 base second edge
    18 base ends
    20 first tab
    22 second tab
    24 base upper surface
    26 base lower surface
    28 tail
    30 tail proximal end
    32 tail distal end
    38 tail surface
    40 base panel
    40a first end base panel
    40b second end base panel
    40c central base panel
    42 base panel first edge
    44 base panel second edge
    46 base panel ends
    48 clothing items
    49 tail down arrow
    50 primary fastener
    51 tail over arrow
    52 secondary fastener
    53 tabs up arrows
    110 sock keeper
    112 base
    114 base first edge
    116 base second edge
    118 base ends
    120 first tab
    122 second tab
    124 base upper surface
    126 base lower surface
    130 tail proximal end
    128 tail
    132 tail distal end
    138 tail surface
    140 base panel
    142 base panel first edge
    144 base panel second edge
    146 base panel ends
    148 clothing items
    149 tail down arrow
    150 primary fastener
    151 tail over arrow
    152 secondary fastener
    153 tabs up arrows
    210 sock keeper
    212 base
    214 base first edge
    216 base second edge
    218 base ends
    220 first tab
    222 second tab
    224 base upper surface
    226 base lower surface
    228 tail
    230 tail proximal end
    232 tail distal end
    234 tail periphery
    238 tail surface
    240 base panel
    242 base panel first edge
    244 base panel second edge
    246 base panel ends
    248 clothing items
    249 tail down arrow
    250 primary fastener
    251 tail over arrow
    252 secondary fastener
    253 tabs up arrows

## Claims

1. A sock keeper for holding a plurality of clothing items together in close juxtaposition, the sock keeper comprising:
a base extending between opposite first and second edges and between opposite ends, one of the base ends having a first tab projecting outward adjacent the base first edge, the opposite base end having a second tab projecting outward adjacent the base second edge, so as to space apart the first and second tabs, allowing manual grasping of the tabs separately, the base having opposite upper and lower surfaces, the base being flexible;
at least one base panel attached to the base upper surface, the base panel extending between opposite first and second edges and between opposite ends, the base panel first and second edges being juxtaposed with the base first and second edges, respectively, the base panel ends being juxtaposed with the base ends, the base panel being a hook component of hook-and-loop material; and
a tail extending from a proximal end adjacent the base first edge to an opposite distal end, the tail being flexible, the tail having a surface of a loop component of hook-and-loop material, so as to engage the base panel and not catch on clothing items; so that
the tail will be moved in an arc downward, will closely encircle the clothing items, will pass upward over the base second edge and over the base upper surface, and the tail surface will releasably engage the base panel, the engagement of the tail surface with the base panel defining a primary fastener, and the base panel ends will be moved upward and toward one another, the base panel ends will releasably engage one another above the tail distal end, the engagement of the base panel ends defining a secondary fastener, whereby the secondary fastener will secure the primary fastener in place.

2. The sock keeper of claim 1, wherein the tail is generally flat in cross-section.

3. The sock keeper of claim 2, further comprising:
a central base panel being hook material so as to engage the tail surface and secure the primary fastener;
a first end base panel being hook material; and
a second end base panel being loop material so as to engage the first end base panel and secure the secondary fastener, the first and second end base panels straddling the central base panel, the first and second end base panels being disposed adjacent the base ends, the central, first end, and second end base panels extending generally between the base first and second edges.

4. The sock keeper of claim 1, wherein the tail is generally round in cross-section with a periphery, and the tail surface includes loop material around the periphery, so as to increase the area of contact of the primary fastener.

5. A sock keeper for holding a plurality of clothing items together in close juxtaposition, the sock keeper comprising:
a base extending between opposite first and second edges and between opposite ends, one of the base ends having a first tab projecting outward adjacent the base first edge, the opposite base end having a second tab projecting outward adjacent the base second edge, so as to space apart the first and second tabs, allowing manual grasping of the tabs separately, the base having opposite upper and lower surfaces, the base being flexible;
a tail extending from a proximal end adjacent the base first edge to an opposite distal end, the tail being flexible, the tail having a surface of hook-and-loop material;
a central base panel attached to the base upper surface, the central base panel being hook-and-loop material so as to releasably engage the tail surface, the engagement of the central base panel with the tail surface defining a primary fastener; and
first and second end base panels attached to the base upper surface and straddling the central base panel, the first and second end base panels being disposed adjacent the base ends, the central, first end, and second end base panels extending generally between the base first and second edges, the first end base panel being hook material, the second end base panel being loop material so as to releasably engage the first end base panel, the engagement of the first end base panel with the second end base panel defining a secondary fastener; so that
the tail will be moved in an arc downward, will closely encircle the clothing items, will pass upward over the base second edge and over the base upper surface, and the tail surface will releasably engage the central base panel, securing the primary fastener, and the base first and second tabs will be grasped separately, the first and second end base panels will be moved upward and toward one another, and will releasably engage one another above and closely adjacent the tail distal end, securing the secondary fastener, whereby the secondary fastener will secure the primary fastener in place.

6. The sock keeper of claim 5, wherein the tail surface further comprises loop material, so as not to catch on clothing items.

7. The sock keeper of claim 6, wherein the central base panel further comprises hook material, so as to engage the tail surface.

8. The sock keeper of claim 7, wherein the tail is generally flat in cross-section.

9. The sock keeper of claim 7, wherein the tail is generally round in cross-section with a periphery, and the tail surface includes loop material around the periphery, so as to increase the area of contact of the primary fastener.

10. A sock keeper for holding a plurality of clothing items together in close juxtaposition, the sock keeper comprising:
a base extending between opposite first and second edges and between opposite ends, one of the base ends having a first tab projecting outward adjacent the base first edge, the opposite base end having a second tab projecting outward adjacent the base second edge, so as to space apart the first and second tabs, allowing manual grasping of the tabs separately, the base having opposite upper and lower surfaces, the base being flexible;
a tail extending from a proximal end adjacent the base first edge to an opposite distal end, the tail being flexible, the tail having a surface of hook-and-loop material; and
at least one base panel attached to the base upper surface, the base panel extending between opposite first and second edges and between opposite ends, the base panel first and second edges being juxtaposed with the base first and second edges, respectively, the base panel ends being juxtaposed with the base ends, the base panel being hook-and-loop material; so that
the tail will be moved in an arc downward, will closely encircle the clothing items, will pass upward over the base second edge and over the base upper surface, and the tail surface will releasably engage the base panel, the engagement of the tail surface with the base panel defining a primary fastener, and the base first and second tabs will be grasped separately, the base panel ends will be moved upward and toward one another, the base panel ends will releasably engage one another above the tail distal end, the engagement of the base panel ends defining a secondary fastener, whereby the secondary fastener will secure the primary fastener in place.

11. The sock keeper of claim 10, wherein the tail surface further comprises loop material, so as not to catch on clothing items.

12. The sock keeper of claim 11, wherein the base panel further comprises hook material, so as to engage the tail surface.

13. The sock keeper of claim 12, wherein the tail is generally flat in cross-section.

14. The sock keeper of claim 12, wherein the tail is generally round in cross-section with a periphery, and the tail surface includes loop material around the periphery, so as to increase the area of contact of the primary fastener.