CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/302,444, filed on January 24, 2022, entitled “Sock Linking System And Methods Of Manufacture,” which is incorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Maintaining socks and other apparel items in pairs can be difficult and time consuming. Traditional socks generally lack a way to maintain pairs together, and particularly a way which is capable of maintaining pairs of socks together when not in use that also remains readily available when the socks are in use. Embodiments described herein address these and other challenges associated with maintaining pairs of socks together.

SUMMARY

[0003] This disclosure relates to linking pairs of socks together. In some embodiments, each sock includes a fastener opening near the circular opening for a leg or foot formed by the material of the socks. A removable fastener may link the socks together by forming a closed loop passing through the fastener opening of each sock. In some embodiments, a sock linking system is described. The system may comprise a first sock, a second sock, and a fastener. The fastener may comprise a first end, a second end, and a center portion extending between the first end and the second end. The first sock and the second sock may each comprise material that forms a cylindrical body having a top edge defining a circular opening into an interior of the cylindrical body. The material may form a first fastener opening adjacent to the top edge and extending through the material. The fastener may be configured to pass through the first fastener opening of the first sock and the first fastener opening of the second sock. The first end may be removably couplable to the second end. The fastener may form a closed loop when the first end is removably coupled with the second end.

[0004] In some embodiments, the material forms a second fastener opening adjacent to the top edge and extending through the material. The first fastener opening and the second fastener opening may be formed at antipodal points around the circular opening. In some embodiments, the material forms a heel portion and the antipodal points are equidistant from a line that extends perpendicularly along the material from the top edge and bisects the heel portion. In some embodiments, the material forms a heel portion and the first fastener opening is formed at a point on a line that extends perpendicularly along the material from the top edge and bisects the heel portion.

[0005] In some embodiments, the material that forms the first fastener opening includes a loop of material extending outward from the cylindrical body. The first fastener opening may extend through the loop of material perpendicular to the top edge. In some embodiments, the first fastener opening extends through the loop of material parallel with the top edge. In some embodiments, the first fastener opening extends parallel to the top edge and perpendicularly through the cylindrical body.

[0006] In some embodiments, the material comprises a first piece that forms the cylindrical body and a second piece that forms the first fastener opening. The first piece and the second piece may be joined at the top edge. In some embodiments, the material comprises a single piece of material that forms the cylindrical body and the first fastener opening, the cylindrical body is formed by a first manufacturing process, and the first fastener opening is formed during the first manufacturing process.

[0007] In some embodiments, the fastener is characterized by a length extending from the first end to the second end. The second end may comprise one or more walls that form a cavity having a first width perpendicular to the length and extending through a depth of the fastener from a first surface of the fastener to a second surface of the fastener opposite the first surface. The center portion may be characterized by a second width parallel with the first width and being less than or equal to the first width. The first end may be characterized by a third width parallel with the first width and being greater than the first width.

[0008] In some embodiments, a method of making a sock linking system is described. The method may comprise obtaining a first sock and a second sock. The first sock and the second sock may each comprise material that forms a cylindrical body having a top edge defining a circular opening into an interior of the cylindrical body. The method may further comprise forming, using the material, a first fastener opening adjacent to the top edge and extending through the material. The method may further comprise providing a fastener. The fastener may comprise a first end, a second end, and a center portion extending between the first end and the second end. The fastener may be configured to pass through the first fastener opening of the first sock and the first fastener opening of the second sock. The first end may be removably couplable to the second end. The fastener may form a closed loop when the first end is removably coupled with the second end.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method further comprises forming, using the material, a second fastener opening adjacent to the top edge and extending through the material at an opposite point around the circular opening from the first fastener opening. Forming the first fastener opening may comprise cutting through the material that forms the cylindrical body parallel to the top edge. In some embodiments, forming the first fastener opening comprises creating a loop of the material extending outward from the cylindrical body.

[0010] In some embodiments, the material comprises a first piece that forms the cylindrical body and a second piece that forms the first fastener opening. Forming the first fastener opening may comprise joining the first piece and the second piece at the top edge. In some embodiments, the first fastener opening extends through the material parallel to the top edge. In some embodiments, the cylindrical body is formed by a first manufacturing process and the first manufacturing process comprises forming the first fastener opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of various embodiments may be realized by reference to the following figures. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a sock linking system.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a sock in a sock linking system depicting an exemplary placement of fastener openings.

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of an exemplary fastener opening construction in a sock linking system.

[0015] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate embodiments of socks in a sock linking system depicting alternative fastener openings and placements. [0016] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an embodiment of a fastener in a sock linking system depicted in an open and closed state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] As described herein, consumers may have numerous reasons to link two articles of clothing together, such as socks, mittens, gloves, and the like. For example, linking socks and other pairs of clothing together may be a desirable convenience in various situations, including traveling, outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping, as well as in military and sporting scenarios. As a practical application, consumers may wish to link pairs of socks when doing laundry. For example, in circumstances where laundry facilities are shared, linking pairs of socks may assist in keeping a particular individual’s socks separated from socks belonging to other individualss, maintain each sock with its corresponding mate, and/or reduce the instance of lost socks.

[0018] As another example, the ability to link pairs of socks may simplify the process of hanging socks to dry by allowing the socks to be hung by the link with each sock acting as a counterbalance on either side of the line without the need for additional clips or clothespins. Because feet can perspire heavily, many socks are designed with fabrics and knitting patterns that allow them to wick moisture away from the foot, thereby making socks an ideal candidate for hang drying. In addition to reducing the carbon emissions associated with drying socks in a machine, as described further below, hanging socks to dry may further extend their useful life by preventing dryer heat from damaging sock material, such as stretch nylon and Spandex.

[0019] While these and other benefits of linking articles of clothing together may be readily ascertainable, maintaining socks and other apparel items in pairs can be difficult and time consuming. Traditional socks generally lack the means or structure to easily maintain pairs together when not in use. Such deficiencies may lead to user frustration and excess waste. For example, while it may be possible to fold or roll some items of apparel, such as socks, into each other, this may result in reduced cleaning efficacy during a washing cycle. Alternatively, rejoining pairs of items, such as socks, following a wash cycle may be cumbersome due to the time and effort spent searching for matching pairs of items and/or may result in waste due to matching pairs being separated before entering the washing cycle. [0020] In addition to the difficulty and frustration of rejoining pairs of items, there are further financial and environmental impacts associated with the inability to effectively maintain pairs of items together. For example, when a pair of socks become separated, and one of the socks is lost or misplaced, often the other sock is discarded. This not only is a waste of financial resources, but also unnecessarily increases the number of socks (and the amount of accompanying packaging) required by consumers. As socks are produced in massive quantities to clothe the general public, increasing the demand for socks on a per- capita basis can have dramatic effects on the overall demand and resulting environmental impacts of manufacturing additional socks to meet such demand.

[0021] To alleviate some of the problems described above, solutions may include the use of standalone clips or fasteners configured to connect any two pieces of fabric together. Other solutions may include sewing or adhering connection points to pairs of articles that are either configured to mate with another connection point or enable a linking device to pass therethrough, thereby linking both connection points together. However, while such solutions may partially address the overall inability to maintain socks and other apparel items in pairs, they present their own unique set of challenges.

[0022] For example, while a standalone clip or fastener may be an effective tool for connecting two articles together, such a device may be bulky or uncomfortable were it to remain fixed to either item while in use. Accordingly, such devices may often be removed before wearing the articles of clothing and subsequently lost or misplaced in time for it to be used again. Further, the addition of connection points may similarly result in articles of clothing that are either uncomfortable to wear, or difficult to manufacture. For example, an additional mating structure added to a sock may impede other clothing (e.g., pants) from smoothly overlaying the sock and/or make uncomfortable contact with a wearer’s skin. As another example, due in part to the nature and construction of knitted socks, sewing or adhering an additional component may result in additional complexity, and therefor additional costs, associated with manufacturing.

[0023] As such, there is a need for a sock design that is cost effective from a manufacturing perspective, allows pairs of socks to be linked together when not in use, and remains unobtrusive but readily available while the socks are in use. For example, some embodiments describe a sock linking system comprising a pair of socks and a small fastener. Each sock may include a fastener opening defined be the sock’s material that enables the fastener to pass through each opening in each sock and form a loop, thereby connecting the pair of socks together when not in use. Further, when in use, the fastener may remain connected to either sock in an unobtrusive fashion, thereby ensuring that the fastener is readily available to connect the two socks together again after their use.

[0024] As further described herein, such a design may present numerous advantages over the existing technology. For example, a sock linking system as described herein may provide a simplified means to hang socks to dry, such as over a clothesline, drying rack, or other airdrying apparatus, without needing to clip or attach an individual sock to a clothesline. In addition, by linking socks using the systems described herein at the outset, hang drying a load of laundry can be performed in the time it would have taken to sort socks after washing or drying them in a machine with far less effort. This may create an incentive to avoid the use of machine dryers, thereby resulting in a reduction in both energy consumption and carbon emissions. For example, avoiding the use of a machine dryer may result in an approximate energy savings between 3-6 KWh. In the aggregate, the energy savings created by 500,000 households deciding to hang dry one load a week for a year instead of using a dryer may result in energy savings equivalent to the output of a medium-sized wind farm. Further, preventing the energy waste and pollution of lost sock mates could save hundreds of gigawatt hours annually, putting a significant tool for carbon emission reduction into the hands of consumers.

[0025] Additionally, such a design may be incorporated into existing methods of manufacture at little or no additional cost or complexity. For example, by incorporating the fastener opening into the overall design of sock, the fastener opening can be created during the same manufacturing process out of the same material used to create the sock. As such, manufacturers can avoid incorporating additional steps, material, and/or machines into the process, thereby reducing the burden on manufacturers and the resulting cost to consumers.

[0026] Additional benefits and details are provided in relation to the figures. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a sock linking system 100. As shown, system 100 includes a pair of socks 104 and a fastener 108. Socks 104 can comprise a variety of materials, such as cotton, wool, and synthetic fibers, such as polyester and nylon. Socks 104 can be made through a variety of methods, including knitting, crocheting, and weaving. Each sock 104 may include a toe 112, a heel 116, an ankle 120, and a leg 124. The toe 112 and the heel 116 may each by rounded parts of the material that cover the toes and heels of a foot, respectively. The ankle 120 may include the part of the sock that fits around an ankle, and the leg 124 may be the part of the sock that extends upward from the ankle 120 away from heel 116 forming a cylindrical body. An edge of material at the top end of the leg 124 opposite the heel 116 may define a circular opening 132 into the interior of the socks 104. In some embodiments, the edge of material at the top end of the leg 124 may include a welt formed by doubling-over the material of the socks 104.

[0027] While illustrated as mid-calf socks, socks 104 may be any suitable length depending on the type of sock. For example, the leg 124 of socks 104 may end just above the ankle 120. As another example, the leg 124 of socks 104 may extend above an intended wearer’s knee. Socks 104 may include dress socks, athletic socks, casual socks, and the like. Dress socks may be made of thin, smooth material and worn with formal attire. Athletic socks may be designed for certain activities such as running, hiking, and playing sports and may include a moisture-wicking material to keep feet dry. Casual socks may describe a range styles and materials designed to be worn in a variety of circumstances.

[0028] As further illustrated, socks 104 may include one or more fastener openings 128 adjacent to the circular opening 132. Fastener openings 128 may be described as holes, slots, or loops in the material of socks 104. While each sock 104 is illustrated as including two fastener openings 128 on either side, socks 104 may include fewer or more fastener openings 128 at other positions or locations around the circular opening 132, as described further herein. For example, each sock 104 may alternatively include a single fastener opening in the front or back of the sock. Fastener openings 128 may be designed to allow at least a portion of fastener 108 to pass therethrough. For example, as described further below, a first end of fastener 108 may be threaded through at least one fastener opening 128 of each sock 104 and connected to an opposite end of fastener 108, thereby forming a loop around a piece of material from each sock 104 and connecting the pair of socks 104 together.

[0029] As illustrated, the fastener 108 may be inserted through a single fastener opening 128 of each sock 104 before closing the fastener 108. Such a configuration may be preferable to allow the circular opening 132 of each sock 104 to remain open while the fastener 108 is attached. For example, allowing the circular opening 132 to remain open may provide for more thorough cleaning of the socks during a wash cycle by allowing the inner surfaces of the socks to be open and/or move freely against each other. Further, allowing the circular opening 132 to remain open may allow for quicker and more effective drying during a drying process by allowing increased air circulation throughout an interior of the sock 104. In some embodiments, the fastener 108 may also be configured to pass through each fastener opening 128 of each sock 104 before closing the fastener 108. Such a configuration may be preferable to maintain the circular opening 132 in a compressed state, such as when compressed for travel or for linking taller, heavier socks.

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a sock 200 in a sock linking system depicting an exemplary placement of fastener openings. The sock 200 may be the same or a different sock as either of the socks 104 described above. For example, as illustrated, sock 200 includes a first fastener opening 208 and a second fastener opening 212 adjacent to a circular opening 216 into the interior of the sock 200. The first fastener opening 208 and the second fastener opening 212 may be located on opposite sides of the sock as opposed to a front or back of the sock. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the first fastener opening 208 and the second fastener opening 212 may be positioned such that a first line 220 drawn between the first fastener opening 208 and the second fastener opening 212 intersects with a second line 224 drawn across the circular opening 216 parallel to an axis 228 extending between a toe 232 of the sock 200 and a heel 236 of the sock 200.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first fastener opening 208 and the second fastener opening 212 are located at antipodal points around the circular opening 216. Stated differently, the location of the first fastener opening 208 may be directly opposite, or across from, the location of the second fastener opening 212 such that there is an equal distance in either direction from the first fastener opening 208 to the second fastener opening 212 around the edge of the circular opening 216. Additionally, or alternatively, the antipodal points may be positioned equidistant from a third line 240 that extends perpendicularly along the material of the sock 200 from the top edge and bisects the heal 236. Alternatively, the first fastener opening 208 and the second fastener opening 212 may be biased toward a front or a rear of the circular opening 216.

[0032] In some embodiments, including the first fastener opening 208 and the second fastener opening 212 on opposite sides of the sock 200 allows the sock 200 to function as either a “left” sock or a “right” sock. For example, when connecting two socks as shown in FIG. 2, either sock may be connected to the other sock from either side with both socks having the same orientation (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1). Such a design may further reduce manufacturing complexity by providing a single design applicable to each sock as opposed to having a first design for socks with a fastener opening on a “left” side and a second design for socks with a fastener opening on a “right” side. Such a design may further allow for a user who owns several pairs of socks to interchangeably mix-and-match their socks while maintaining the ability to link any two socks together facing in the same direction.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of an exemplary fastener opening construction 300. Construction 300 includes a fastener opening 304 formed from the material 308 comprising the leg of a sock 312. Some or all of the fastener openings described above in relation to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 may use the same or a similar construction as construction 300. As further described above in reference to sock 200, while illustrated as including a single fastener opening 304, the sock 312 may include an additional fastener opening located on an opposite side of the sock 312 from the fastener opening 304. The fastener opening 304 may extend through the material 308 from an external surface of the sock 312 into an interior of the sock 312 accessible from the circular opening.

[0034] In some embodiments, the fastener opening 304 is formed by cutting a hole or “slit” into the material 308 of the sock 312. As further illustrated, the fastener opening 304 may be reinforced with stitching 320 sewn into the material 308 of the sock 312 around the perimeter, or edges, of the fastener opening 304 to prevent the surrounding material from stretching, tearing, fraying, deteriorating, or otherwise becoming deformed as a result of cutting through the material 308 or from forces applied to it by a fastener inserted into the fastener opening 304.

[0035] In some embodiments, the stitching 320 and/or the material surrounding the fastener opening 304 is designed to distinguish the fastener opening 304 from the remainder of the sock 312. For example, the material (e.g., thread or yam) used for the stitching 320, and/or the material bordering the fastener opening 304, may be a different color from the surrounding material to visually indicate the location of the fastener opening 304. As another example, the material hording the fastener opening 304 may be further reinforced with additional material compared with the surrounding material, such as by sewing an additional piece of material between the stitching 320 and the material 308 of the sock, or by knitting additional rows or layers of material along the border of the fastener opening 304. As such, the border may act as a tactile indicator for the location of the fastener opening 308. Such visual or tactile indicators for the location of the fastener opening 304 may allow consumers to quickly and easily insert a fastener when linking socks together. Additionally, or alternatively, such visual indicators and reinforcement may reduce unwanted damage caused to a sock when creating the fastener opening 308 (e.g., by cutting through the material 308).

[0036] In some embodiments, the stitching 320 is sewn or knitted into the material 308 of the sock 312 prior to creating the fastener opening 304 through the material 308. For example, a rectangular stitching 320 may be sewn into the material of the sock around the desired location of the fastener opening 304. The stitching may be performed manually or by an automated process with a sewing machine or sock-specific sewing operation. For example, the stitching may be provided or implemented as a step during the typical manufacturing process for making a sock. Subsequently, the material 308 within the rectangular stitching 320 may be cut along the length of the rectangular stitching 320 to form the fastener opening 304 through the material 308. Cutting the material 308 may similarly be performed manually or by an automated process. For example, cutting the material 308 may be performed as a subsequent step in the manufacture of the sock 312. Alternatively, the fastener opening 304 may be opened, or cut, by a consumer upon obtaining the sock 312.

[0037] In some embodiments, the fastener opening 304 is formed from two adjacent openings extending through the material 308 as described above. For example, two parallel cuts or openings separated by a strip of the material 308 may be made through the material 308. As a non-limiting example, the width of the strip separating the parallel openings may be selected from a range between one quarter of an inch and one half of an inch. Using such a design, a fastener may be passed through either opening to link the sock 312 to another sock. Additionally, or alternatively, a fastener may be passed through one of the openings in a first direction, and subsequently passed through the other opening in the opposite direction such that the strip of material forms an opening extending parallel with the surface of the sock 312. Stated differently, the strip of material may form a loop structure extending outward from the surface when pulled away from the surrounding material. Additional methods of forming a loop from the material 308 are described further herein.

[0038] While described above as being formed by cutting through the material 308, the fastener opening 304 may alternatively be formed as part of the process used to form the material 308 of the sock 312. For example, similar methods used to create a buttonhole or similar opening while knitting, weaving, or crocheting a piece of fabric may be applied when forming the material 308 to include the fastener opening 304. As described above, incorporating the process used to form the fastener opening 304 within the process used to form the material 308 for the remainder of the sock 312 may simplify the overall manufacturing process, thereby minimizing additional production costs as compared with other methods in which the fastener opening 304 is formed after the process used to form the material 308 of the sock 312.

[0039] As illustrated, the fastener opening 304 may be located on the leg of the sock 312 at a predefined vertical distance 348 from a top edge 316 of the sock 312. For example, the fastener opening 304 may be located within a welt 344 of the sock 312 created by doubling- over the end of the material 308 onto itself. As such, the welt 344 may provide a natural reinforcement for the fastener opening 304 when coupled via a fastener to another fastener opening (e.g., in another sock, or with the opposing fastener opening on the same sock). Additionally, or alternatively, the predefined distance 348 from the top edge 316 of the sock 312 may be selected to provide sufficient material 308 between the fastener opening 304 and the top edge 316 to support a fastener and/or to enable the fastener to form a closed loop around the portion of material between the fastener opening 304 and the top edge 316. For example, the predefined distance 348 may be greater for socks that are heavier, or made of a thicker material, to provide additional material between the fastener opening 304 and the top edge 316 compared with socks that are lighter or made of a thinner material. As a nonlimiting example, the predefined distance 348 may be located between one quarter of an inch and one inch from the top edge 316.

[0040] In some embodiments, a fastener opening formed from adjacent or parallel openings, as described above, allows the fastener opening 304 to be located at a greater vertical distance 348 from the top edge 316 of the sock 312, or in other portions of the sock 312. As a result, fasteners that form a closed loop with a maximum diameter less than the vertical distance 348 may still be used to link socks together by forming a closed loop around the strips of material separating each of the adjacent or parallel openings on each sock. Additionally, or alternatively, a fastener opening formed from adjacent or parallel openings may reduce the number of openings that need to be created in the material 308 (e.g., by knitting or cutting) and/or be designed to reduce contact between a fastener and the body when worn. For example, the adjacent or parallel openings may extend through a single layer of the welt 344. As such, a fastener may be threaded through a first opening into the hollow section of the welt 344 and back out of the hollow section through the second opening. Further, the adjacent or parallel openings may extend through an external layer of the welt 344. As such, the strip of material separating the adjacent or parallel openings on the external surface of the sock 312 may maintain a portion of the fastener within the hollow section of the welt 344, thereby reducing or eliminating contact between the fastener and a wearer’s skin.

[0041] In some embodiments, the fastener opening 304 extends through the material 308 in a substantially straight line when the material 308 is in a relaxed state (e.g., not stretched or under tension). For example, as further illustrated, the fastener opening 304 may be defined by a length 352 extending parallel to the top edge 316. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the length 352 are selected to enable a fastener to pass therethrough without stretching or deforming the surrounding material 308. For example, the length 352 may be selected to match a width of the fastener when passed through the fastener opening 304. As a non-limiting example, the length or diameter of the fastener opening 304 may be selected from a range between one quarter of an inch and one half of an inch. While illustrated and described as extending through the material 308 parallel to the top edge 316, the orientation of the fastener opening 304 may alternatively extend perpendicular to the top edge 316, at a 45 degree angle, or at another angle relative to the top edge 316 as desireable for optimum operation.

[0042] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate embodiments of socks in a sock linking system including alternative fastener openings and placements. While illustrated and described above in reference to one or more fastener openings located on either side of a sock, fastener openings described herein may alternatively be located on a front or back of a sock. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, sock 400 and sock 450 may each include a single fastener opening 404 located on a rear of the sock 400 at a point on a line 408 that extends perpendicularly from a top edge 412 of material 420 and bisects a heel portion 416. Alternatively, each sock may include a single fastener opening located on a front of the sock opposite the point on the line 408.

[0043] Including a single fastener opening 404 at a front or rear of each sock may allow each sock to function as either a “left” sock or a “right” sock. For example, a fastener may be inserted through the fastener opening 404 of two socks facing in opposite directions with the back of each sock contacting each other. Such a design may further reduce manufacturing complexity. For example, a single manufacturing design applicable to each sock may be used as opposed to having a first design for socks with a fastener opening on a “left” side and a second design for socks with a fastener opening on a “right” side. Additionally, or alternatively, by including a single fastener opening, the modifications from existing sock designs may be simplified as compared with the addition of multiple fastener openings.

[0044] As described above, the fastener opening 404 may be located at a predefined distance from the top edge 412 using a same or similar construction as construction 300 described above. In other words, the fastener opening 404 may extend through the material 420 of the sock 400 from an external surface on the front or rear of the sock 400 into an interior of the sock 400. Alternatively, and as illustrated, the fastener opening 404 may extend through a loop 424 of the material 420.

[0045] The loop 424 may be joined or otherwise formed at or near the top edge 412 of a sock and extend outward from the top edge 412 or the surrounding material 420. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the loop 424 may be formed at a predefined distance from the top edge 412 of the sock 400. As another example, and as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the loop 424 may be formed at the top edge 412 of the sock 450. In some embodiments, the loop 424 is formed from a different piece of material than the remainder of the sock to which the loop 424 is joined. The separate pieces of material may then be joined, such as by stitching, adhering, or bonding the loop material to the sock material at or near the top edge 412 of the sock. For example, cord loops may be stitched on to the sock as the rear seam or top welt is knitted closed.

[0046] Alternatively, the material 420 may comprise a single piece of material that forms the body of the sock and the loop 424. For example, while knitting the body of the sock, the loop 424 may be created by knitting a loop of the material 420 that extends outward from the body near the top edge 412 or extending from the top edge 412. In some embodiments, the loop 424 is created as the body of the sock is knitted (e.g., before the body of the sock is complete) and before the rear seam or top welt is knitted closed. Creating the loop 424 within the same manufacturing process as the remainder of the sock may further reduce the cost and complexity associated with manufacturing socks capable of being linked together as described herein.

[0047] As further illustrated in FIG. 4A, the loop 424 may include a strip of material parallel with the top edge 412 such that the fastener opening 404 extends through the loop 424 in a first direction 432 perpendicular to the top edge 412. Alternatively, and as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the loop 424 may include a strip of material perpendicular to the top edge 412 such that the fastener opening 404 extends in a second direction 436 through the loop 424 parallel to the top edge 412. In some embodiments, the width of the loop 424, or the width of the strip of material that forms the loop 424, may be selected based on the relative weight and/or size of the sock. For example, larger or heaver socks may include a wider loop while smaller or lighter socks may include a narrower loop. Selecting the width of the loop 424 based on the relative weight and/or size of the sock may ensure that the loop 424 is capable of spreading, distributing, or sustaining the force applied to the loop 424 by a fastener without distorting the sock or the loop 424. As a non-limiting example, the width of the loop 424 may be selected from within a range of one eighth of an inch to one half of an inch wide.

[0048] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an embodiment of a fastener 502 in a sock linking system depicted in an open state 500 and closed state 550. The fastener 502 may be the same or include a similar structure as fastener 108 described above. For example, the fastener 502 may be inserted through one or more fastener openings on a pair of socks before closing the fastener 502 to link the pair of socks together. The fastener 502 may be made from metal, plastic, or other semi-rigid material or combination of materials that are configured to remain flexible during use while substantially maintaining their original structure and shape. For example, the fastener 502 may be stamped out from a thin sheet of a plastic or metal material, such as high-density polyethylene. Such material may be selected to allow for mass production at reasonably low costs. Alternatively, the fastener 502 may include a string or strap of flexible material, such as a length of hook-and-loop material.

[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the fastener 502 may be characterized by a length 504 extending from a first end 508 of the fastener 502 to a second end 512 of the fastener 502. The length 504 of the fastener 502 may be selected to provide the fastener with enough flexion to allow the first end 508 of the fastener 502 to address the second end 512 of the fastener 502, as further illustrated in FIG. 5B. Additionally, or alternatively, the length 504 of the fastener 502 may be selected such that the diameter 516 of the closed loop formed by the fastener 502 in the closed state 550 by mating or removably coupling the first end 508 to the second end 512 is large enough to enclose the material between a fastener opening and a top edge on one or more socks or to enclose loops of material extending outward from one or more socks, as further described above. As a non-limiting example, the length 504 may be selected from a range between one half of an inch and three inches long, and may preferably be at least an inch long.

[0050] As further illustrated in FIG. 5 A, the fastener 502 may be characterized by multiple widths at various points along the length 504 of the fastener 502 between the first end 508 and the second end 512. For example, the fastener 502 may have a first width 520 at the first end 508, a second width 524 throughout a center or a midsection 528 of the fastener 502, and a third width 532 at the second end 512 of the fastener 502. In some embodiments, the maximum width of the fastener 502, may be selected to enable the fastener 502 to pass through a fastener opening as described above. For example, the maximum width may be selected from within a range of half an inch to as narrow as an eighth of an inch.

[0051] In some embodiments, the second end 512 is configured to mate with the first end 508 to retain the fastener 502 in a closed loop. For example, the second end 512 of the fastener 502 may comprise one or more walls that form a cavity 536 extending through a depth 540 of the fastener 502. The cavity 536 may have a cavity width 544 perpendicular to the length 504 and a cavity length 548 parallel to the length 504. In some embodiments, the first width 520 of the first end 508 is greater than the cavity width 544, the second width 524 throughout the midsection 528 is less than the cavity width 544, and the cavity length 548 is selected to allow the first end 508 to pass through the cavity 536 by rotating the first end 508 (e.g., by twisting the midsection 528) of the fastener 502 perpendicular with respect to the cavity 536, thereby forming a loop as illustrated in FIG. 5B with the midsection 528 extending through the cavity 536. Subsequently, when the first end 508 is rotated in the opposite direction, or allowed to return to its original orientation, the first width 520 of the first end 508 may prevent the first end 508 from passing back through the cavity 536, thereby retaining a closed loop structure.

[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 5 A, the majority of the length 504 may be characterized by the second end 512 while the lengths of the midsection 528 and the first end 508 are selected to minimize their overall length while still enabling them to extend through the cavity 536 and maintain the structure of the first end 508 when passed through the cavity 536 respectively. In such embodiments, by extending the third width 532 of the second end 512 along the majority of the length 504, the fastener 502 may provide additional surface area to distribute the force applied by the fastener 502 on a fastener opening, thereby reducing the wear and damage caused to socks by the fastener 502 over time. For example, such a configuration may be beneficial when used with socks including fastener openings oriented horizontally with respect to the top edge of the sock. Alternatively, and as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the majority of the length 504 may be characterized by the midsection 528. In such embodiments, the overall surface area applied by the fastener 502 to a fastener opening may be reduced, such as for socks including fastener openings oriented vertically with respect to the top edge of the sock.

[0053] The methods, systems, and devices discussed above are examples. Various configurations may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, in alternative configurations, the methods may be performed in an order different from that described, and/or various stages may be added, omitted, and/or combined. Also, features described with respect to certain configurations may be combined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elements of the configurations may be combined in a similar manner. Also, technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and do not limit the scope of the disclosure or claims.

[0054] Specific details are given in the description to provide a thorough understanding of example configurations (including implementations). However, configurations may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques have been shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the configurations. This description provides example configurations only, and does not limit the scope, applicability, or configurations of the claims. Rather, the preceding description of the configurations will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing described techniques. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.

[0055] Having described several example configurations, various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For example, the above elements may be components of a larger system, wherein other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of the invention. Also, a number of steps may be undertaken before, during, or after the above elements are considered.