[0001] The object of the present invention is a device for the identification and classification
of single items of clothing or paired items such as socks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Currently, the identification of items of clothing is complicated, particularly for
the blind or for persons with another type of visual impairment. Generally, when items
of clothing are paired, in some cases it is complicated to match them correctly; for
this reason, embroidery or tapes are used for the correct identification of the pair
of the item. Therefore, the technical problem solved by the present invention is that
of facilitating the task of matching the separate items in a simple, intuitive way,
and in a sufficiently universal manner to be usable by persons with serious visual
handicaps.
EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION
[0003] With the aim of solving the aforementioned technical problem, the device object of
the invention is presented, comprising two elements mutually linked preferably by
joining tongue and groove, and with an exterior shape defined for their identification,
in such a way that a first device is located on one item of clothing and a second
device, with an identical external motif is located on the matching item, enabling
the identification and classification of the same in an intuitive, simple and rapid
manner.
[0004] These two parts pierce the fabric of the item to be marked and are locked together,
the only part remaining visible being the external part of the female elements which
due to their shape, texture or structure enable the correct identification and/or
classification of the item(s) of clothing, even for persons with a high degree of
visual impairment, as said identification and classification is performed by touching
the same. Throughout the description and the claims, the word "comprise" and its variants
shall not exclude other technical characteristics, addenda, components or steps. For
those skilled in the art, other objects, advantages and characteristics of the invention
will become apparent in part from the description and in part from the practice of
the invention. The following examples and drawings are provided for illustrative purposes,
and are not intended to be limitative of the present invention. Furthermore, the present
invention covers all possible combinations of preferred and particular embodiments
indicated herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the use of the device for the identification of
items of clothing which is the object of the present invention.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0006] As may be observed in the attached figures, the device for the identification of
items of clothing which is the object of the present invention comprises a first female
element (1) which is positioned on the exterior of the item of clothing (5) to which
it is to be affixed. On the other side, interiorly, and piercing the fabric of the
aforementioned item (5), a second male element (2) is linked by joining tongue and
groove, thus firmly and securely affixing the device (1,2) to the item of clothing
(5) and enabling its identification and classification by means of the external region
(3) of the first female element (1).
[0007] More specifically, in the particular embodiment portrayed in figure 1, the female
element (1) comprises an external surface or region (3) endowed with a differentiating
aesthetic motif, in such a way the identification and classification of the item of
clothing is based on the matching of said aesthetic motif. This is particularly useful
for persons with considerable visual impairment, as it enables identification of the
garment by means of touching the device, irrespective of the type of garment, or the
colour or texture of the same.
[0008] The female element (1) and the male element (2) may be linked together by means of
a linking tape (6) in order to prevent the loss of either of the two elements. In
this particular embodiment, the join is made by means of joining tongue and groove
(4,4'), this being the most secure and resistant means. In the embodiment portrayed
in figure 1 a single attachment point is depicted, but several may be employed together,
with no limit to the number of the same. The joining tongue and groove may be executed
by means of any method or system and the lock may be permanent or releasable. Likewise,
other mechanical links of the type featuring clips are also useful, on condition that
they guarantee sufficient resistance to permit automatic washing and automatic drying
of the item of clothing once the device has been affixed. The materials of which the
device is constructed may be of any type, on condition that they fulfil the required
level of resistance to automatic washing and automatic drying.
[0009] Finally, it should be noted that the identification of the item of clothing may be
performed by means of a single device or a combination of several, according to the
wishes of the user. Likewise, the devices may comprise on their first element (1)
- this being the one which remains on the exterior of the garment - a linking means
(7) which corresponds to a linking means on the first element (1) of another device,
to enable the linking of the two. In this way, should the device be used for the identification
of socks, one device is affixed to each of the socks in the pair, and the two devices
are linked by way of said linking means (7) of each.
1. A device for the identification of items of clothing comprising a first element (1)
comprising an external area (3) decorated with aesthetic motifs and a second element
(2), characterised in that said first element (1) and said second element (2) are mechanically bonded through
the fabric of the item of clothing (5) in such a way that said external area (3) of
said first element (1) faces the exterior of said item of clothing (5).
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, where the first element (1) is female and the second
element (2) is male, in such a way that the bonding is produced by joining tongue
and groove (4,4').
3. A device as claimed in claim 1, where the first element (1) is male and the second
element (2) is female, in such a way that the bonding is produced by joining tongue
and groove (4,4'), regardless of the order of placing the elements (4,4').
4. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, which is manufactured in a material which
is resistant to automatic washing and automatic drying.
