Sock matching apparatus and method

Abstract

An apparatus and method for matching socks or other substantially identical objects comprises a first sock with a first symbol disposed on it and a second sock with a second symbol disposed on it. The second symbol is non-identical to and associated with the first symbol. The symbols may be associated with each other by comprising a query and response, different representations of the same concept, two parts of a whole, source or origin, and other associations. The apparatus and method assist in matching as well as in teaching desired concepts.

1 . (canceled) 
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the first symbol comprises a query and the second symbol comprises a response to the query. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the first symbol comprises a problem and the second symbol comprises an answer to the problem. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the second symbol comprises a representation of the first symbol in different form. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the first symbol comprises a graphical representation and the second symbol comprises a text description. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the first symbol comprises text in a first language and the second symbol comprises a translation of the text into a second language. 
   
   
       7 . (canceled) 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the first symbol comprises a representation of two or more parts and the second symbol comprises a representation of a combination of the parts. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the first symbol comprises a first geographical feature and the second symbol comprises a second geographical feature encompassing the first geographical feature. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the first symbol comprises a letter and the second symbol represents an object beginning with the letter. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the first symbol comprises text and the second symbol indicates the source of the text. 
   
   
       12 . A sock-matching and teaching method for use with socks capable of being worn under shoes, the method comprising:
 providing a first sock having a first symbol disposed thereon;   matching the first sock with a second sock having a second symbol disposed thereon, the second symbol being non-directional, in that an order of the symbols does not impact matching by association, and non-identical relative to the first symbol, the second symbol being non-symmetric with the first symbol, and associated with the first symbol other than by providing a part of an image that together with the first symbol forms a whole image; and   teaching or reinforcing a fact unrelated to the socks by the step of matching.   
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein matching the first sock with the second sock comprises choosing the second sock from a plurality of third socks. 
   
   
       14 . (canceled) 
   
   
       15 . (canceled) 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein each symbol is disposed near a toe of its respective sock, with the top of each symbol oriented toward the toe of its respective sock and the bottom of each symbol oriented toward a heel of its respective sock. 
   
   
       17 . (canceled) 
   
   
       18 . (canceled) 
   
   
       19 . (canceled) 
   
   
       20 . (canceled) 
   
   
       21 . (canceled)