Article sorting apparatus

Abstract

A sock sorting apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a basket for containing socks and a sock engaging assembly carried by the basket. The sock engaging assembly includes a channel through which a first sock is engaged at a periphery thereof, and a second sock is inserted into engagement with the first sock and ingressed through the channel into the basket.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A sock sorting apparatus, comprising:
 a basket for containing socks; and   a sock engaging assembly carried by the basket, the sock engaging assembly including a channel through which a first sock is engaged at a periphery thereof, and a second sock is inserted into engagement with the first sock and ingressed through the channel into the basket.   
     
     
         2 . The sock sorting apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the channel defines a taper, with a small end of the taper facing outwardly from the basket. 
     
     
         3 . The sock sorting apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the channel defines an expansion slot for accommodating different size socks. 
     
     
         4 . The sock sorting apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the sock engaging assembly is selectively carried by the basket. 
     
     
         5 . The sock sorting apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the sock engaging assembly is selectively carried by a detent extending from the channel and being received within an opening defined in the panel. 
     
     
         6 . The sock sorting apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a panel translatable about the basket and that receives the sock engaging assembly. 
     
     
         7 . The sock sorting apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein the panel receives a plurality of sock engaging assemblies. 
     
     
         8 . The sock sorting apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein the end of the channel facing inwardly towards the basket defines a cutout portion for being flush with an inner facing surface of the panel. 
     
     
         9 . A sock engaging assembly for assisting in the folding and matching of socks, comprising
 a channel through which a first sock is engaged at a first end thereof, and a second sock is inserted into engagement with the first sock and ingressed through the second end of the channel.   
     
     
         10 . The sock engaging assembly according to  claim 9 , wherein the channel defines a taper, with the first being smaller than the second end of the channel. 
     
     
         11 . The sock engaging assembly according to  claim 9 , wherein the channel defines an expansion slot for accommodating different size socks. 
     
     
         12 . The sock engaging assembly according to  claim 9 , wherein the sock engaging assembly is configured for being selectively carried by a basket that receives paired socks. 
     
     
         13 . The sock engaging assembly according to  claim 12 , wherein sock engaging assembly includes a detent extending from the channel and being configured for being received within an opening defined in the panel. 
     
     
         14 . The sock engaging assembly according to  claim 9 , wherein the second end of the channel defines a cutout portion for being flush with an inner facing surface of the panel. 
     
     
         15 . The sock sorting apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a panel translatable about the basket and that receives the sock engaging assembly.