EP1204344B1

EP1204344B1 - Device for holding socks and the like together in pairs

Info

Publication number: EP1204344B1
Application number: EP00901318A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Paolo Garberoglio
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-04-27
Filing date: 2000-01-05
Publication date: 2005-05-11
Anticipated expiration: 2020-01-05
Also published as: EP1204344A1; WO2000064312A1; ITGE990045A1; DE60020127D1; AU2128000A; ATE295105T1; ITGE990045A0

Abstract

Device (1, 101, 102, 103) for holding socks and the like together in pairs (C), being extremely stable when hung to a supporting member (A), comprising a flat body (2), having a first opening (5, 51, 52, 53) and a second opening (6, 61, 62, 63), each apt to receive a sock (C) of a pair of socks according to a direction of insertion orthogonal to the flat body (2), and coupling means (3, 4) for hanging the device on the supporting member (A), in which the coupling means comprises a housing region (4) for the supporting member (A), and a central channel (3) for making the housing region (4) accessible to the supporting member (A), such central channel (3) developing along an axis of symmetry (20) of the device and having an insertion lower end (31) for the supporting member (A) and an upper end (32), at which the central channel (3) communicates with the housing region (4).

Description

The present invention relates to a device for holding socks and the like together in pairs. In particular, it relates to a device comprising a flat body, having a first opening and a second opening, each apt to receive a sock of a pair of socks, such first and second opening permitting the insertion of the sock according to a direction orthogonal to the flat body, and coupling means for hanging the device on a supporting member. The invention further relates to a device comprising a flat body having a first opening for receiving socks, said first opening permitting the insertion of said socks according to a direction orthogonal to said flat body, said first opening being symmetrically located with respect to an axis of symmetry of said device, and coupling means for hanging said device on a supporting member.

A troublesome problem, commonly occurring during domestic storage as well as in a laundry, is that of sorting out twin socks of a pair. In particular, such a search can entail a considerable waste of time after a washing machine laundering, besides it being frustrating when the laundering concerned many socks. Moreover, if the socks are hung to a supporting member like a line or a rod for drying, their removal once they are dry is usually carried out collecting all of the unsorted laundry into a single drawer. Thus, the socks belonging to different pairs intermingle among them and/or with the remaining laundry, requiring a new rummaging for twin socks.

In order to overcome the aforesaid problem, various types of devices for holding socks together in twin pairs have been proposed. Likewise devices consist of a flat body, usually made of plastics. One or two openings, i.e. through holes, are formed onto said body, inside which the socks of a pair are inserted. In particular, depending on whether the device has a single or two discrete openings, the socks of a pair will be inserted together or separately. Usually, the shape and/or the dimensions of the opening are such that the sock is gripped within the opening itself and therefore is held therein during washing in a washing machine and/or drying. For instance, US 3,774,267 discloses a device for holding socks together in pairs of the abovedescribed type.

The devices for holding socks together in pairs can also have coupling means, permitting to hang the device itself onto a line or a rod. Such means can be, e.g., a hook, integral with the device itself and arranged at a side end thereof. A device for holding socks together in pairs of this type is disclosed in US 4,132,316.

Moreover, some of the devices for holding socks together in pairs provide further holding means of the sock inside the opening. In an embodiment disclosed in the aforementioned US 3,774,267, such means consists of a peculiar shape of the aforesaid openings, consisting of a first wider port and of a second narrower port arranged sideways of the first port. Thus, the sock is inserted half-length inside the first port, according to a direction of insertion orthogonal to the flat body of the device. Then, the sock is pulled sideways, in order to allow a portion thereof to enter the second port, being captured therein.

The hereto mentioned devices for holding socks together in pairs provide the socks themselves to be inserted inside the openings according to a direction of insertion orthogonal to the aforesaid flat body. Instead, in WO 98/23806 a device for holding socks together in pairs that provides an insertion of the socks according to a direction that is substantially parallel to the flat body itself is disclosed. Further, this device as well has coupling means, specifically a rounded-shaped hook located at an upper end of the device itself.

The hereto described known art devices for holding socks together in pairs have some relevant drawbacks.

A first drawback relates to the type of coupling means used for hanging the device on a supporting member, and particularly to the shape and to the location thereof with respect to remaining portion of the device itself. In fact, in a hanging condition such coupling means does not assure a sufficient stability of the device - pair of socks set. Accordingly, the engagement between the device and the supporting member is easily disengaged by a knock or by a gust of wind, with a consequent falling of the device and of the pair of socks. Moreover, in order to provide at least some stability to the device in the aforesaid hanging condition, a user should skilfully arrange the socks within the related opening/s to ensure a balanced weight distribution.

A second drawback lies in the fact that the insertion itself of the sock/socks into the opening provided for the purpose can prove tricky, anyhow calling for a certain skill by the user.

Further, such insertion can entail a considerable effort in order to provide a firm hold of the sock within the opening. Thus, the sock has to be forced into the opening, with the entailed risk of wear, or even of tear.

A further drawback of the devices known in the art lies in the fact that the shape and the material thereof are not optimised to avoid damaging the socks themselves, the remaining laundry, or even the washing machine during laundering.

Another drawback is that usually the dimensions of the openings are optimal for a single type of sock only, e.g. for a certain thickness of the sock itself. Hence, the device is not very versatile. In particular, these devices are usually unsuitable for stockings.

Several further drawbacks are then related to an insertion of the socks according to a direction parallel rather than orthogonal to the flat body of the device for holding socks together in pairs. First of all, the socks should be ironed to perfection for an easy insertion thereof and a firm hold thereon, a circumstance clearly conflicting the fact that the socks at issue are dirty. Further, the aforesaid direction of insertion does not facilitate a balanced weight distribution, thus entailing an instability of the device in the hanging condition.

The present invention provides a device for holding socks together in pairs allowing to overcome the drawbacks hereto mentioned with reference to the known art.

A first technical problem underlying the present invention is that of providing a device for holding socks together in pairs that be stable when hung to a supporting member, like, e.g., a line or a rod.

A second technical problem is that of providing a device permitting an easy and effortless insertion of the sock into the related opening, concomitantly providing for a firm hold of the sock within the opening itself and a balanced weight distribution.

A third technical problem is that of providing a device avoiding the sock wear due to the insertion thereof into the related opening.

A further technical problem is that of providing a device optimised in order not to damage the socks, the remaining laundry, or the washing machine during laundering.

Another technical problem is that of providing a versatile device, apt to safely hold socks or stockings of different thicknesses.

For this purpose, a device according to claim 1 is provided.

According to the same inventive concept, the present invention further relates to a device according to claim 3.

The present invention further provides a retail kit, characterised in that it comprises a device for holding socks and the like together in pairs as specified above, and a pair of socks inserted in said device.

Preferred characteristics of the present invention are disclosed in the dependent claims thereof.

The present invention provides several relevant advantages. The main advantage thereof lies in that, by virtue of the aforesaid characteristics of the coupling means, the device for holding socks and the like together in pairs according to the present invention is extremely stable when hung on a supporting member. This ensures that the device be not easily overturned and/or disengaged by mechanical actions like knocks, gusts of wind and the like.

Other advantages, characteristics and modes of employ of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example and without limitative purposes. Reference will be made to the figures of the annexed drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the device for holding socks and the like together in pairs according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the device for holding socks and the like together in pairs according to the present invention;

Figure 3 is a plan view of a third embodiment of the device for holding socks and the like together in pairs according to the present invention;

Figure 4 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the device for holding socks and the like together in pairs according to the present invention;

Figure 5 is a plan view of a fifth embodiment of the device for holding socks and the like together in pairs according to the present invention; and

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the device for holding socks and the like together in pairs of Figure 1 in a hanging configuration.

With reference to Figure 1, a device 1 comprises a flat body 2, i.e., such as to have two front dimensions prevailing the thickness dimension. The directions along which such prevailing dimensions develop define a plane, that will hereinafter be referred to as main development plane of the device. Therefore, the device 1 has two faces substantially parallel to said main development plane, and specifically a front face shown in Figure 1 and a rear face not shown in the figures.

The device 1 further has an axis of symmetry 20, with respect to which the masses of the device 1 are symmetrically arranged. Said axis is vertical in the embodiment of Figure 1.

In the present embodiment, the flat body 2 has substantially the shape of a rounded triangle, thus having two

sides

21 and 22 and a base 23. The base 23 is formed in two parts, as it is bisected by a central channel 3 that will be described in greater detail in the following.

The device 1 further comprises a housing region 4, apt to house a supporting member of the device 1, like, e.g., a line or a rod. This housing region 4 is made accessible to the supporting member by the aforesaid central channel 3.

Such central channel 3 develops along the axis of symmetry 20. In particular, the central channel 3 follows a rectilinear path, partially bisecting the flat body 2. Therefore, at the base 23 the channel 3 has a lower end 31 for inserting the supporting member. Further, the channel 3 communicates with the housing region 4 at an upper end 32 thereof. The central channel 3 has a transverse dimension such as to permit the insertion therein of the supporting member. Preferably, such transverse dimension is such as to permit the insertion of such supporting member with a minimum clearance. For instance, considering that the diameter of a clothesline is typically comprised in a range of approximately 1-10 mm, the aforesaid transverse dimension is preferably comprised in a range of approximately 2-11 mm.

The central channel 3 and the housing region 4 implement coupling means of the device 1, as it will be explained in greater detail in the following.

The flat body 2 also has two identical openings, and in particular a first opening 5 and a second opening 6.

Such openings

5 and 6 are located at both sides of the central channel 3, symmetrically thereto and below the housing region 4. Each of the

openings

5 and 6 is apt to receive a sock C of a pair of socks.

The

openings

5 and 6 are three-pointed star-shaped. In particular, according to such shape, each of the

openings

5 and 6 has three V-shaped slits 72 branching off from a center 71 of the opening. Therefore, three arrowhead-shaped flaps 73, each having a rounded tip 74, are formed between adjacent slits 72. Such flaps 73 implement sock gripping means, as it will become apparent hereinafter.

According to a preferred embodiment, near each

opening

5 or 6, the flat body 2 has a portion 8 with a thickness that tapers towards the center 71 of the opening itself. Preferably, such thickness tapering is symmetrically obtained onto both the front and the rear face of the device 1. In the present embodiment, such tapering portion 8 corresponds to the area of the circumference circumscribed to the three-pointed star forming each opening. The tapering thickness provides the portion 8 with a higher deformability with respect to the remaining portion of the flat body 2, i.e., of the device 1, thereby allowing an eased insertion of the socks.

Preferably, the device 1 is made of a soft synthetic material, e.g., microporous plastics, polyurethane, polyethylene or rubber.

The modes of use of the hereto described device 1 will hereinafter be explained with reference to Figure 6.

Each sock C of a pair of socks is inserted into a

respective opening

5 or 6, according to a direction of insertion orthogonal to the main development plane of the device 1. By way of example, the modes of insertion of a sock C of a pair into the first opening 5 will now be illustrated. It is apparent that the other sock of the pair will be inserted into the second opening 6 according to completely analogous modes.

The tip of a sock C of the pair of socks is inserted into the first opening 5, at the center 71 of the latter. Such insertion can be carried out at the front face of the device 1, and in such a manner that the tip of the sock C protrude from the opposite side of the first opening 5, i.e., at the rear face thereof. During the insertion, the flaps 73 of the first opening 5 flex orthogonally to the main development plane of the device and according to the insertion verse. Such flexion is at its peak at the rounded tips 74 thereof. This flexibility of the flaps 73 of the first opening 5 is due to the properties of the soft synthetic material of the device 1, as well as to the peculiar star shape of the first opening 5. Moreover, such flexibility is enhanced by the provision of the aforementioned tapering portion 8. By virtue of such flexibility, the insertion of the sock C into the first opening 5 requires a minimal effort by a user, as the flaps 73 of the first opening 5 offer a low resistance to the insertion. Further, for a symmetrical tapering of the portion 8, i.e., at both the front and at the rear face of the device 1, the latter will not have a preferred insertion face and the use thereof will be easier.

Once the tip of the sock C is inserted into the first opening 5, the sock C itself can easily be pulled orthogonally to the main development plane of the device 1, until it is approximately halfway through the first opening 5

It will be appreciated that such insertion is very easy. Moreover, the fact that the socks be inserted orthogonally to the main development plane of the device minimises the area of contact between the device and the sock. This assures the washing of the entire sock surface, avoiding shielding effects by the device. This particular arrangement of the sock within the device also avoids a sock damaging possibly occurring if the sock itself were forced into contacting the device onto a wider surface.

During the aforesaid insertion step, the flaps 73 do not damage the sock C, by virtue of the flexibility thereof as well as of the fact that the tips 74 thereof that contact the sock C are rounded. Concomitantly, once inserted through the first opening 5 according to the abovedescribed modes, the sock C is firmly held within the device 1 by the springback force exerted by the deformed flaps 73.

Once both socks of the pair of socks are inserted into the

respective opening

5 or 6, the device 1 and the socks inserted therein are ready for the washing machine. The soft synthetic material of the device 1 and the rounded shape thereof avoid damages to the remaining laundry, or to the washing machine itself caused by the same device 1.

It has to be pointed out that the particular shape of the

openings

5 and 6, having flexible flaps 73, provide the suitability of the openings themselves to receive socks of different thicknesses, and even stockings. In fact, the port let open by each

opening

5 or 6 will widen, due to the flexion of the flaps 73, proportionally to the transverse dimensions of the sock inserted therein. In this way, each

opening

5 or 6 can adjust itself according to the dimensions of the sock or stocking that is inserted therein.

As mentioned above, the device 1 can also be hung to a supporting member, denoted as A, by its coupling means, in order to allow the drying of the sock. In particular, for hanging the device 1 the supporting member A is rove through the channel 3, and, more specifically, through the lower end 31 and the upper end 32, until striking the upper wall of the housing region 4. Thus, the socks can be aired in pairs with a single, simple motion. Of course, the aforesaid coupling means can also be used for hanging the socks onto a display rack, for instance in a shop.

It has to be pointed out that, by virtue of the aforesaid narrow transverse dimension of the central channel 3, the device 1 can also be used in lieu of the traditional clothes pegs. For this purpose, a first edge of an article of clothing to be aired, e.g., a dress or a pillowcase, can be inserted within the central channel itself, and held therein by virtue of the elasticity of the side walls of the channel and of friction. A second edge of the aforesaid article can then be inserted into the central channel of another device. In this way, the article can be hung to the supporting member A in a spread out configuration, so as to offer a wide exposed surface for airing.

The aforementioned symmetry of the device 1 with respect to the vertical axis 20 along which the central channel 3 develops provides a significant advantage of the device for holding socks and the like together in pairs according to the invention. In fact, such symmetry, and the corresponding symmetrical distribution of the masses with respect to the channel 3, makes the device 1 perfectly balanced and stable in the abovedescribed hanging configuration. This ensures that it cannot easily be overturned and/or dropped by mechanical stresses like knocks, gusts of wind and the like.

Even in presence of a strong wind and in particular circumstances, e.g., while boating, the device will enable the airing of socks and the like on a line with no risk of falling of the device itself.

As for the peculiar shape of the

openings

5 and 6, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that several variants may be effected to the abovedescribed embodiment, provided that the effectiveness thereof in enabling an easy insertion of the socks and a firm holding therein of the latter are maintained. Such openings can possibly be star-shaped with a different number of points, e.g., five-pointed. Further, such openings may be made in formats of different dimensions, to adjust to various types and/or thickness of socks and stockings.

It will also be appreciated that, by virtue of the simple and flat shape thereof, various devices of the abovedescribed type can be easily and effectively stacked.

Figures 2 to 5 relate to as many embodiments of the device for holding socks together in pairs according to the invention. Each of these embodiments will hereinafter be described referring solely to the properties thereof distinguishing it from the first embodiment. Further, members analogous to the ones already described with reference to the first embodiment will be indicated with the same number reference used hereto.

With reference to Figure 2, a device 101 for holding socks together in pairs comprises a flat body 2 having a rounded quadrilateral shape.

Such flat body 2 has a first slotted opening 51 and a second slotted opening 61, identical therebetween and symmetrically located with respect to a central channel 3.

Such openings

51 and 61 are usually closed, by virtue of the slotted implementation thereof. The slots of such slotted

opening

51 and 61 are implemented according to sinuous profiles. In particular, in plan view the profile of each of such slots is assimilable to a pair of intertwining reversed S. Each of such slots defines four flaps, each indicated with 9, of the related slotted

opening

51 or 61.

When a sock is inserted through the aforesaid slots, e.g., through the slot of the first slotted opening 51, the related flaps 9 are forced to open by a light pressure exerted orthogonally to the flat body 2. In this way, the flaps 9 flex orthogonally to the flat body 2 and according to the insertion verse. Thus, a port is formed for inserting the sock through the first slotted opening 51.

The particular shape of the openings of the above described device, slotted rather than having a port opened at all times, makes the device 101 itself particularly suitable for the insertion therein of stockings and of very thin socks.

With reference to Figure 3, a device 102 for holding socks together in pairs comprises a central channel 3 developing along a vertical axis 20 of symmetry of the device 102 itself. The central channel 3 has, at the side walls thereof, a certain number of grooves 33. The function of such grooves 33 will become apparent hereinafter. The device 102 can be arranged in a hanging condition, likewise the device 1 of the first embodiment. In particular, in such condition a supporting member A is inserted in a housing region 4 of the device 102. In the case that, in such hanging condition, the device 102 is totally or partially overturned by any sort of mechanical stress, the supporting member A could disengage from the housing region 4 through the channel 3. However, the grooves 33 prevent such a disengagement, holding the supporting member A at the inside therein and avoiding falling of the device 102.

The flat body 2 further has a first opening 52 and a second opening 62, identical among them, symmetrically located with respect to the central channel 3.

Such openings

52 and 62 are S-shaped.

The sinuous shape of these

openings

52 and 62 facilitates the holding of a sock or stocking at the inside thereof.

Preferably, also this third embodiment will provide the use of a soft synthetic material. Thus, the side walls of the

openings

52 and 62 will be flexible, and a damaging of the sock or stocking inserted therein by the sharp corners thereof will be avoided.

It is apparent that in alternative embodiments the

opening

52 and 62 may have several different shapes, e.g., be crescent-shaped.

With reference to Figure 4, a device 103 for holding socks together in pairs has a first opening 53 and a second opening 63, identical among them and symmetrically located with respect to a central channel 3.

Such openings

53 and 63 are substantially L-shaped. A ragged profile 10 is formed at a side wall of each

opening

53 and 63 facing the central channel 3. Such ragged profile 10 constitutes a gripping means of the sock or stocking within the respective opening. In fact, this ragged profile 10 will prevent the slippage of the sock or stocking off the device 103. It is understood that in this embodiment as well, the device 103 may be made of a soft synthetic material. In this way, the elasticity of the side walls of the openings will facilitate the deformation of the opening themselves during the insertion of the sock and the holding of the latter by a springback force.

With reference to Figure 5, a device 104 for holding socks together in pairs comprises a round-like - shaped flat body 2.

The flat body 2 has a first opening 54 and a second opening 64, identical therebetween and star-shaped.

The device 104 further has, at an upper portion thereof, a housing region 4 for inserting a supporting member A. Substantially, such housing region 4 is a hole drilled in the aforesaid upper portion.

The housing region 4 is made accessible to the supporting member A by a slot 11, formed sideways onto the upper portion of the flat body 2. Such slot 11 is usually closed and apt to open for inserting the supporting member A into the housing region 4. Therefore, this slot 11 has a first end 111 for sliding in the supporting member A at the outer edge of the flat body 2. The slot 11 further communicates with the housing region 4 at a second end 112 thereof.

It is understood that variants of this embodiment may provide a different location of the slot 11 onto the flat body 2. For instance, the slot 11 may be centrally formed.

The housing region 4 and the slot 11 implement coupling means of the device 104, as it will hereinafter be apparent.

When the slot 11 is closed, the housing region 4 has a vertical axis 20 of symmetry, which is also an axis of symmetry 20 of the entire device 104. The masses of the device 104 are symmetrically located with respect to such vertical axis 20. In particular, the

openings

54 and 64 are symmetrically located with respect to such vertical axis 20.

When the device 104 is to be hung to a supporting member A, the slot 11 is opened, as herein described. The device 104 is vertically positioned, and in such a manner that the supporting member A be orthogonal to the flat body 2. In such configuration, the first end 111 of the slot 11 is neared to the supporting member A, and slightly forced against the latter. This forcing causes the slot 11 to open up, thus freeing a port through which the supporting member A can be inserted inside the housing region 4. Once the supporting member A has passed through the aforesaid port, the elasticity of the material causes the upper portion of the device 104 to spontaneously wrap around the supporting member A.

In this case as well, the symmetrical distribution of the masses of the device 104 with respect to the vertical axis 20 makes the device 104 itself perfectly balanced and stable in the aforedescribed hanging condition. Moreover, since the housing region is accessible to the supporting member exclusively through a usually closed slot, the device 104 can never disengage from the supporting member, not even in case of a complete overturning thereof caused by any mechanical stress whatsoever.

Furthermore, the abovedescribed device 104 could also have a single opening for receiving socks instead of two, inside which opening both the socks of a pair can be inserted. In this way, the device will be even more compact.

It will be appreciated that the device hereto described with reference to the various embodiments thereof is of extremely easy making, and in particular it can be piece-formed with a single die.

Further, such device is durable, since the material used and the rounded shape thereof make it wear-resistant.

Of course, the device for holding socks and the like together in pairs according to the invention can also be used to keep together in pairs gloves and any other article which consists of twin units. For this purpose, the openings thereof can be modified to adjust to specific needs.

Moreover, according to variants of the aforedescribed embodiments, the plain body of the device may have advertising thereon.

Further, it has to be pointed out that the number of the openings may vary, so that the device according to the invention may even house more than one pair of socks. It is understood that such openings should allow a symmetrical distribution of the masses with respect to a vertical axis of symmetry of the device.

Of course, also the shape of the device for holding socks together in pairs may differ from the ones disclosed hereto. In particular, the flat body may be substantially round-shaped or shaped as a regular polygon with any number of sides whatsoever. However, a substantially round- or rounded triangle shape analogous to the aforedescribed ones can provide a more regular and balanced movement of the device itself during laundering in a washing machine.

Hereto, the present invention was disclosed with reference to preferred embodiments thereof. It is understood that there may be other embodiments thereof falling within the same inventive concept, all comprised within the protective scope of the annexed claims.

Claims

A device (1, 101, 102, 103) for holding socks and the like together in pairs (C), comprising

a single flat body (2), having a first opening (5, 51, 52, 53) and a second opening (6, 61, 62, 63), each apt to receive a sock (C) of a pair of socks, said first and second opening permitting the insertion of said sock (C) according to a direction orthogonal to said flat body (2), and

coupling means (3, 4) for hanging said device on a supporting member (A),

characterised in that said coupling means comprises

a housing region (4) for said supporting member (A), obtained within said flat body, and

a central channel (3), partially bisecting said flat body between said openings, for making said housing region (4) accessible to said supporting member (A), said central channel (3) developing along an axis of symmetry (20) of said body, said central channel (3) having an insertion lower end (31) for said supporting member (A) and an upper end (32), at which upper end (32) said central channel (3) communicates with said housing region (4).
The device according to claim 1, characterised in that said central channel (3) has grooves (33) apt to grip said supporting member (A).
A device (104) for holding socks and the like together in pairs (C), comprising

a single flat body (2) having an opening (54, 64) for receiving the socks (C), said opening (54, 64) permitting the insertion of said socks according to a direction orthogonal to said flat body (2), said opening being symmetrically arranged with respect to an axis of symmetry (20) of said device (104) and

coupling means (11, 4) for hanging said device (104) on a supporting member (A),

characterised in that said coupling means comprises

a housing area (4) for said supporting member (A), obtained within said flat body, and

a slot (11), formed on said flat body (2), usually closed and apt to open during the insertion of said supporting member (A) to make said housing region (4) accessible to said supporting member (A), said slot (11) having a first end (111) for inserting said supporting member (A) and a second end (112), at which second end (112) said slot (11) communicates with said housing region (4).
The device (104) according to claim 3, characterised in that it comprises a first (54) and a second (64) opening for receiving the socks (C), said openings (54, 64) permitting the insertion of said socks according to a direction orthogonal to said flat body (2) and being symmetrically arranged with respect to said axis of symmetry (20) of the device (104).
The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises, for each sock-receiving opening, a portion (8) with tapering thickness, located near said opening, said thickness being tapering towards a center (71) of said openings.
The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it has sock gripping means (73; 10), apt to hold said socks (C) within said openings.
The device according to claim 6, characterised in that said openings are star-shaped and comprise slits (72) each one V-shaped, departing from an opening center (71), and by the fact that said sock gripping means comprises flexible flaps (73) formed between the adjacent slits of said openings.
The device according to claim 7, characterised in that said flaps (73) have a rounded tip (74).
The device according to claim 6, characterised in that said sock gripping means comprises a ragged profile (10), formed on said openings.
The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said openings are slot-shaped (51, 61).
The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said flat body (2) has a rounded profile.
The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is made of a soft synthetic material.
The device according to claim 12, characterised in that said soft synthetic material is selected from a group comprising microporous plastics, polyurethane and rubber.
A retail kit, characterised in that it comprises a device (1, 101, 102, 103; 104) for holding socks and the like together in pairs (C) according to any one of the preceding claims, and a pair of socks (C) inserted in said device.