Apparel – Nether garments – Stockings
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-16
2001-05-29
Calvert, John J. (Department: 3765)
Apparel
Nether garments
Stockings
C024SDIG009
Reexamination Certificate
active
06237158
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to socks, and more particularly, a clip assembly for joining a matching pair of socks.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Matching pairs of socks are often separated when laundered or stored. Furthermore, matching multiple pairs of socks after laundering can be extremely cumbersome and difficult since many socks have a similar appearance. Various fasteners for joining matching socks have been heretofore designed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,558 issued to Messman discloses a device for joining socks including a flexible strip sewn to each of two matching socks. Each strip includes a mating snap-type fastener for joining the strips, and thus the socks, together.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,660 issued to Smith relates to a pair of sock clamp assemblies, each of which is clamped to a sock. One clamp includes a flange while the other includes a mating receptacle allowing the two clamps to be joined.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,413 issued to Ursino discloses a sock fastening device including a pair of fasteners each of which is attached to a sock. The fasteners include mating snap members for securing the fasteners together.
Although various devices for joining matching pairs of socks together exist, each include snap-type fasteners that are cumbersome to join and are susceptible to wear. Furthermore, snap type fasteners typically provide a tenuous attachment that can be detached with minimal force. The present invention provides sock clips that are securable with a convenient and durable tongue and groove attachment means.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sock clip assembly for joining a matching pair of socks. The assembly includes a panel attached to each sock, preferably near the ankle portion. Each panel includes a plurality of wedge-shaped tongues on an outwardly facing side thereof with similarly shaped grooves formed therebetween. Accordingly, the two panels may be joined by sliding the tongues on one of the panels into the grooves on the other panel. An ornament display panel can be similarly attached to either sock panel for displaying jewelry items and similar ornaments while the socks are being worn. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a sock clip for minimizing loss or separation of mating socks.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a sock clip that conveniently and securely joins a mating pair of socks.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a sock clip that can alternatively display jewelry items and similar ornaments while the socks are being worn. Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment when considered with the attached drawings and the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 6032294 (2000-03-01), Dean
patent: 6092241 (2000-07-01), Bellet
Calvert John J.
Hoey Alissa L.
Tolar Kenneth L
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