Apparel band system and method of binding clothing articles

Abstract

The disclosed embodiments relate generally to an apparel band system for attaching clothing items together during cleaning or storage. The apparel band may also be used to provide athletic support. The material for the apparel band is a flexible, comfortable material that stretches, and preferably matches the color of the clothing article it is attached thereon. Attachment to the clothing article may be fixed or removable. The apparel band may be attached to any portion of the clothing article. Preferably the apparel band is attached such that it can be hidden or placed inside the clothing article. In addition, there may be more than one apparel band attached to a single clothing article. In another embodiment the sock band may be inherently formed in the sock such as in the form of a slot.

1 . A system for binding clothing articles together for cleaning and storage, comprising:
 at least one elongated member having flexibility; and   a clothing article having the at least one elongated member attached thereto for binding at least one other clothing article thereto.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  further includes a linking means to fixably attach the elongated member to the clothing article. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the elongating member is a slot defined by the clothing article. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated member is in the form of a circular band, and the clothing article binded thereto is disposed within the circular band. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the elongated member is disposed within the clothing article. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated member is made of an elastomeric material. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each clothing article has an elongated member disposed thereto. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the clothing article has a plurality of elongated members disposed thereon. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated member is disposed therearound the clothing article it is attached thereto for providing athletic support to the wearer of the clothing article. 
     
     
         10 . A system for binding clothing articles together for cleaning and storage, comprising:
 at least one apparel band having flexibility; and   a clothing article having the at least one apparel band attached thereto for binding at least one other clothing article thereto.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the apparel band is the same color as the clothing article that it attached thereto. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10 , further including a linking means to attach the apparel band to the clothing article that it is attached thereto. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the linking means is at least one of the following: a Velcro® strap, adhesive, sewn thread, snapfit, buckle, hook, bobbit, tape, fastener, magnet, friction fitting, spring, hinge, dowel, wire, chain, suction cup, clip, grommet, clasp, button, clamp, flange, anchor, pin, rivet, rubber band, stitches, snap, staple, zipper, strap, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the clothing article is a sock, glove, shoe, sneaker, under garment, shirt, blouse, skirt, pants, tie, belt, glove, mitten, hat, jacket, or any other clothing article. 
     
     
         15 . A system for binding clothing articles together, comprising:
 at least one apparel band having flexibility;   at least one clothing article; and   a linking means for attaching the at least one clothing article to the apparel band for the apparel band to attach at least one other clothing article thereto.   
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the apparel band is in the shape of a circle, oval, or polygon. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the apparel band has a width greater than ¼ inches. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the apparel band is made of a soft material. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein a plurality of apparel bands are attached to one clothing article. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein a plurality of apparel bands are attached at various locations on one clothing article. 
     
     
         21 . A system for binding clothing articles together for cleaning and storage, comprising:
 a clothing article defining an opening for binding at least one other clothing article thereto.   
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21  further includes an elastic band for creating access to the opening for insertion of the other clothing article therethrough. 
     
     
         23 . A method for binding apparel articles together, comprising:
 placing at least one first apparel article through a second apparel article that defines an opening for attaching the at least one first apparel article thereto.   
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the opening in the second apparel article is an elastomeric member of any shape. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the elastomeric member is hidden inside the second apparel article.