U.S. patent application number 11/217271 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-19 for method and apparatus for cleaning a collapsible container.
Invention is credited to Azard Sabounjian.
Application Number | 20060231692 11/217271 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37107583 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060231692 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sabounjian; Azard |
October 19, 2006 |
Method and apparatus for cleaning a collapsible container
Abstract
A panel or container having a spring loop frame is coiled into
overlapping loops and releasably restrained in that configuration
for washing and/or drying. Encircling straps can be used, but
preferably the collapsed frame or frames are placed in a bag
selectively sized to restrain expansion, and the bag is releasably
closed.
Inventors: |
Sabounjian; Azard; (Newport
Beach, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STETINA BRUNDA GARRED & BRUCKER
75 ENTERPRISE, SUITE 250
ALISO VIEJO
CA
92656
US
|
Family ID: |
37107583 |
Appl. No.: |
11/217271 |
Filed: |
September 1, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60659519 |
Mar 8, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/95 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 33/02 20130101;
A45C 7/0063 20130101; A45C 2003/002 20130101; B65D 29/00 20130101;
A45C 2005/032 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/095 |
International
Class: |
B65B 67/12 20060101
B65B067/12 |
Claims
1. A method of cleaning a collapsing a collapsible container having
a spring loop frame in a pocket of each of a plurality of panels
which panels are joined together to form a container, the container
having an expanded configuration in which the frames are uncoiled
to form a container having a bottom connected to at least some of
the panels, and having a collapsed configuration in which the
frames are coiled adjacent each other, said method comprising the
steps of: folding the panels toward an adjacent panel until the
side panels are adjacent and overlie each other; rotating and
biasing two opposite portions of the adjacent and overlying side
panels to coil the frames into adjacent generally circular loops
overlying each other to form the collapsed configuration of the
container; inserting said adjacent overlaying loops into a washing
pouch through an opening in the washing pouch, the washing pouch
being sized to restrain the loops adjacent each other in the
collapsed container configuration; and washing pouch and collapsed
container in a washing machine.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising releasably fastening
the opening of the washing pouch in a closed position.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising removing the washed
pouch and collapsed container from the washing machine and placing
the pouch and collapsed container in a dryer; and drying the pouch
and collapsed container.
4. The method of claim 2, further comprising removing the washed
pouch and collapsed container from the washing machine and placing
the pouch and collapsed container in a dryer; and drying the pouch
and collapsed container.
5. The method of claim 2, further comprising removing the washed
collapsed container from the washing pouch, uncoiling the frames
and forming the expanded configuration of the container.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising removing the washed
collapsed container from the washing pouch, uncoiling the frames
and forming the expanded configuration of the container.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the washing pouch is fastened to
the container.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the washing pouch is fastened to
the container adjacent an edge of one of the panels.
9. The method of claim 2, wherein the washing pouch is fastened to
the container adjacent an edge of one of the panels.
10. The method of claim 2, wherein the opening is releasably
fastened by a drawstring.
11. The method of claim 2, wherein the opening is slightly smaller
than a diameter of the coiled frames.
12. A method of cleaning a collapsing a collapsible container
having a spring loop frame in a pocket of each of a plurality of
panels which panels are joined together to form a container, the
container having an expanded configuration in which the frames are
uncoiled to form a container having a bottom connected to at least
some of the panels, and having a collapsed configuration in which
the frames are coiled adjacent each other, said method comprising
the steps of: folding the panels toward an adjacent panel until the
side panels are adjacent and overlie each other; rotating and
biasing two opposite portions of the adjacent and overlying side
panels to coil the frames into adjacent generally circular loops
overlying each other to form the collapsed configuration of the
container; restraining the overlaying loops adjacent each other in
the collapsed container configuration; and washing the collapsed
container in a washing machine while restraining the overlaying
loops adjacent each other in the collapsed container
configuration.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the restraining step further
comprises placing straps around the collapsed container.
14. The method of claim 12, further drying the collapsed container
in a heated dryer while restraining the overlaying 1 oops adjacent
each other in the collapsed container configuration.
15. A method of cleaning a collapsing a collapsible container
having a spring loop frame in a pocket of each of a plurality of
panels which panels are joined together to form a container, the
container having an expanded configuration in which the frames are
uncoiled to form a container having a bottom connected to at least
some of the panels, and having a collapsed configuration in which
the frames are coiled adjacent each other, said method comprising
the steps of: folding the panels toward an adjacent panel until the
side panels are adjacent and overlie each other in a
partially-collapsed configuration; restraining the panels in the
partially collapsed configuration; and inserting the panels into an
opening of a washing machine which opening is smaller than the
panel, and washing the containers in the washing machine while
restraining the panels in the partially collapsed
configuration.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising drying the container
in a heated dryer while restraining the panels in the partially
collapsed configuration.
17. The Method of claims 1, wherein the spring loop frame comprises
metal coated with a material that prevents rust.
18. The Method of claims 10, wherein the spring loop frame
comprises metal coated with a material that prevents rust.
19. The Method of claims 13, wherein the spring loop frame
comprises metal coated with a material that prevents rust.
20. The Method of claims 1, wherein the spring loop frame comprises
a material that does not rust.
21. The Method of claims 10, wherein the spring loop frame
comprises a material that does not rust.
22. The Method of claims 13. wherein the spring loop frame
comprises a material that does not rust.
23. The Method of claims 1. wherein the spring loop frame comprises
metal having cut ends that are fastened together and covered by a
material that prevents rust.
24. The Method of claims 10 wherein the spring loop frame comprises
metal having cut ends that are fastened together and covered by a
material that prevents rust.
25. The Method of claims 13, wherein the spring loop frame
comprises metal having cut ends that are fastened together and
covered by a material that prevents rust.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e), of application Ser. No. 60/659,519, filed Mar. 8, 2005, the
entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for
cleaning collapsible containers having wire loop frames to hold the
containers in an expanded configuration.
[0003] Collapsible containers having spring loop frames are shown
in U.S. Pat. Nos. RE37,924, 5,964,533 and 6,527,136 are used for
laundry and other storage items, while collapsible containers shown
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,664,596 are used as children's play structures,
among other things. Other, larger containers can use spring-loop
frames to form tents, as illustrated by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,411,046
and 5,778,915.
[0004] These collapsible containers have fabric sides held taut by
spring loop frames. The fabric becomes soiled with use of the
container and thus the container must be cleaned or discarded.
Cleaning is a problem because the expanded spring loop frame makes
the container too bulky to fit in a washing machine. The containers
are collapsed by coiling the springs into overlapping loops which
are resiliently urged to spring open into the expanded
configuration, so it is undesirable to place the collapsed
container in a washing machine. While it is not believed such
containers have been washed, even if such a container is somehow
placed in a washing machine the spring loop frame will rust if made
of metal, and if the frame is made of plastic the plastic can
degrade and possibly break under the hot washing water and
agitation of the washing machine. There is thus a need for a way to
clean the fabric of these collapsible containers which use spring
loop frames.
[0005] One way to clean the fabric is to remove the spring loop
frame from the container and clean the fabric separately from the
spring loop frame. This is described in Published Patent App. US
2003/0189044 A1, Ser. No. 10/413925. But this patent requires each
side of the container to be made of two panels with the spring loop
frame placed between the two panels. It is expensive to make
containers with two panels on each side to hold the spring loop
frames. Further, removing and re-inserting the spring loop frames
is difficult and time consuming, and the two layers of material
allow debris to become trapped and collect. Moreover, some
collapsible containers such as shown in FIGS. 47-51 of U.S.
Published Application No US 2001/0020618 A1 have intertwined loops
which make it difficult or impossible to remove the loops from the
fabric. There is thus a continued need for an improved way to clean
the fabric of these collapsible containers which use spring loop
frames.
SUMMARY
[0006] A container is provided with a spring loop frame that does
not readily rust or break when placed in a washing machine and
washed. The container with the spring loop frame is collapsed by
coiling the frames into overlapping circles small enough to fit
into the washing machine, and the collapsed container is placed
into a water permeable bag or washing pouch. The bag is
advantageously fastened to the container, but could be separable
from the container. Preferably, but optionally, the bag is
releasably fastened close, as by a drawstring, snaps, buttons, a
zipper or other releasable fasteners. The bag and collapsed
container are then placed in a washing machine and washed. The bag
and collapsed container can be placed in a dryer for drying.
Alternatively, the collapsed container can be removed from the bag
and allowed to air-dry either in the collapsed or the expanded
configuration.
[0007] There is thus advantageously provided an easy method and
apparatus for cleaning the fabric of a collapsible container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] These and other advantages of the washable container will
become apparent in view of the following drawings and in view of
the disclosure herein, in which like numbers refer to like parts
throughout, and in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a collapsible container
in an expanded configuration and having a washing pouch fastened to
one side;
[0010] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the container of FIG. 1
[0011] FIG. 3 shows a portion of the container of FIG. 2, taken
along section 3-3, which shows a spring loop frame contained in a
pocket of one side panel of the container;
[0012] FIG. 4 shows the container of FIG. 1 ready to be
collapsed;
[0013] FIG. 5 shows the container of FIG. 4 with the sides folded
substantially flat on top of each other in a partially collapsed
configuration;
[0014] FIG. 6 shows the container of FIG. 5 with the washing pouch
outside the folded sides and ready to be coiled;
[0015] FIG. 7 shows the flat frames of FIG. 5 being twisted and
coiled into overlapping loops or coils;
[0016] FIG. 8 shows the coiled and overlapping frames ready to be
inserted into the washing pouch;
[0017] FIG. 9 shows the coiled and collapsed container inserted
into the washing pouch;
[0018] FIG. 10 shows the washing pouch and collapsed container
being inserted into a washing machine and dryer;
[0019] FIG. 11 shows a portion of the washing pouch with releasable
fasteners to hold closed an opening of the pouch;
[0020] FIG. 12 shows a further embodiment of a washing pouch with a
drawstring;
[0021] FIG. 13 shows two frame ends crimped together;
[0022] FIG. 14 shows a section taken along section 14-14 of FIG.
13;
[0023] FIG. 15 shows the crimped segment of FIG. 13 encased in a
sealant material;
[0024] FIG. 16 shows a cross-section taken along section 16-16 of
FIG. 15;
[0025] FIG. 17 shows a cross-section taken along section 17-17 of
FIG. 13;
[0026] FIG. 18 shows a further embodiment of a collapsed container
held by straps;
[0027] FIG. 19 shows releasable fasteners on abutting portions of a
container ready to be partially collapsed;
[0028] FIG. 20a shows a collapsed container held by a
drawstring;
[0029] FIG. 20b shows an expanded container with a drawstring;
[0030] FIG. 21 is a plan view of a single panel, loop frame drying
rack having straps thereon;
[0031] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the panel of FIG. 21 in a
bowed configuration;
[0032] FIG. 23 is a plan view of the panel of FIG. 21 in a
collapsed configuration;
[0033] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of the panel of FIG. 22 with a flat portion and multiple straps;
and
[0034] FIG. 25 is a plan view of the panel of FIG. 24 in a
collapsed configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] FIG. 1 shows collapsible containers having spring loop
frames with four rectangular side panels 12 arranged to form a
rectangular enclosure. A bottom 14 is fastened to the side panels,
preferably all of the side panels. The top portion 16 of the
container opposite the bottom 14 may be entirely open, but
preferably is at least partially enclosed by a top closure that
advantageously, but optionally, contains a smaller opening through
which items can be readily inserted or removed from the top of the
container 10. A pocket 20 extends around the periphery of each side
panel 12, and inside the pocket is a frame member 22. The frame
member 22 may be arranged in various configurations, depending on
the design of the particular container 10. But the frame 22 is
typically contained entirely or predominantly in a pocket 22 in
order to form the container. A handle 24 is optionally provided,
with the handle 24 being fastened to the container, preferably to
the frame as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,136, the complete
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The handle
24 could be fastened to the side panel 12, or to more than one of
the panels 12 or frames.
[0036] The sides 12 of the container are covered with material.
Depending on the use of the container the material can be solid
fabric, mesh fabric, a polymer based material such as plastic, or
other flexible materials that allow the folding of the container
from an expanded configuration to a folded, collapsed
configuration. The side panels 12 are typically made of a fabric
such as Nylon or canvas, but other materials could be used.
Preferably the side panels 12 are made of any washable material,
with a cloth material capable of allowing water and air circulation
being preferred, especially when the container 10 is for a hamper
or laundry container. The materials are ideally selected to be of a
type that is washable in a washing machine, preferably using hot
water, but cold water washable material could also be used.
[0037] The container sides 12 can form flat panels, with three or
more panels joined to form a container. But the sides 12 can be
curved, as reflected by U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,812, the complete
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The sides
12 can be joined together directly by using a common pocket 20
containing two frames 22, or by sewing adjacent pockets 20
together, or by placing a spacing strip (panel separator) 23
intermediate the adjacent pockets 20 along the vertical sides of
the panels 12 as shown in U.S. Patent RE37,924, the complete
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The bottom
14 is advantageously configured to provide a continuous juncture
with the sides 12, but need not do so as the construction vary
depending on how adjacent sides 12 are joined and on the use of the
container 10. The bottom 14 advantageously is formed of the same
material as the sides 12 and is joined to each of the sides 12
forming the container, at the lower end of the sides. Because the
bottom 14 carries the weight of the contents and transfers that
weight to the frame 22 and sides 12, the bottom may be made of more
sturdy and durable material, or made of increased thickness in
order to accommodate the increased weight. There is preferably an
open top 16 to allow maximum access to the interior of the
container 10. But a top could be added, with a closure such as a
zipper, or with an opening in a partially closed top.
[0038] Advantageously the container 10 has four quadrilateral
panels 12, sized to form a hamper for clothing, with an opening 18
comprising a smaller circle. Panels 12 about one foot wide and two
feet high, with mesh or uniform sheets of material on the panels,
are believed suitable for the hamper application. But different
sized and shaped containers can be used, including tents and
multiple bay containers as shown in Des. 433,810, the complete
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0039] The frame 22 is preferably made of a material that does not
rust or corrode during washing in a washing machine. A stainless
steal or plastic is believed suitable. Alternatively, the frame 22
can be made of a material that rusts, such as carbon spring steel,
in which case the spring frame is coated with a material to prevent
rust and oxidization, such as a plastic coating, or a powder
coating on the metal. A carbon spring steel frame 22 could be
dipped in a plastic material to coat it. A carbon spring steel
frame 22 could be galvanized or placed in a plastic tube to prevent
rusting. The rusting is undesirable because it can be transferred
to clothes during washing, or transferred to items placed in or
abutting the container 10 or the pocket 20 containing the frame
22.
[0040] The spring frames 22 are typically formed as flat strips
with one end 28 inserted into a slit in the pocket 20 and with the
two opposing ends 28 of each strip being fastened together to form
a continuous loop. Joinder mechanisms and methods such as welding,
riveting, or crimping the overlapping ends in a deformable tube 30
are typically used. Referring to FIGS. 13-17, if crimping is used,
it is desirable to use a tube 30 of non-rusting metal to encase the
overlapped ends 28 of the frame 22. A zinc or aluminum tube 30 is
believed suitable, or a tube of plastic or other material that will
not rust while holding the ends together.
[0041] It is desirable to apply a waterproof coating to the joined
ends 28 if the frame 22 is made of a material that can rust because
even if the sides of the frame are coated with a non-rusting
material the cut ends can rust. This can be achieved by encasing
the fastened ends 28 in a waterproof material 32 (FIGS. 15-16),
such as plastic, which covers the joined ends. A heat-shrink
plastic tube 32 could be used, or a curable, flowable plastic
sealant could be applied to the overlapping ends 28. Alternatively,
a waterproof paint or powder coating could be applied. An
appropriately configured tube 30 of appropriate material could form
the waterproof coating. The waterproof coating helps prevent the
ends of the frame 22 from rusting, and helps prevent rusting of any
weld or riveted ends 28.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, a washing pouch 26 may be formed from a
foldable and water permeable material, such as nylon mesh, and is
preferably but optionally fastened to one of the panels 12
preferably at the top or bottom edge of the side panel. Stitching
the washing pouch 26 on the pocket 20 along the top of the side
panel 12 is preferred, with the washing pouch 26 located on the
outside or exterior of the container 10 when the container is in
the expanded configuration. The pouch 26 could be fastened to the
inside of the pocket 20 or the container 10. Other methods of
fastening the washing pouch 26 to the panel 12 could be used,
including permanent fastening methods such as heat sealing, gluing
etc., and removable fastening methods such as snaps, buttons, etc.
Hook and loop fasteners are not preferred because the hooks can
undesirably catch other garments during washing or use of the
container 10.
[0043] The washing pouch 26 has an opening 27 of sufficient size to
allow insertion and removal of the collapsed container 10,
including the coiled frames 22, and the washing pouch 26 is
dimensioned to accommodate the container 10 in its collapsed state
as later described. The pouch 26 is small enough to fit into a
washing machine, as discussed later.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 4-8, from the expanded configuration of
FIG. 4, the container 10 may be folded into a collapsed state for
washing. FIGS. 4-8 show various steps for collapsing the container
10. Referring to FIG. 4, the first step requires moving the various
panels 12 of the container 10 until all the panels 12 lie generally
flat above each other to form a partially collapsed configuration
25. Normally the joinder of the panels 12 is such that the panels
lay flat against each other and do not tend to spring apart, so
this partially collapsed configuration 25 is a reasonably stable
configuration.
[0045] The next step includes inserting any handles 24 and the
floor panel 50 in between any two of the adjacent overlying side
panels 12, as shown in FIG. 6. This step is optional, but preferred
as these parts can extend outside the coiled frame during washing
and snag adjacent articles of clothing if they are not restrained
by being placed between panels 12. The washing pouch 26 should be
placed on the outside of the collapsed and stacked side panels 12
if it is not already in that location. In the preferred embodiment,
the resulting partially collapsed container configuration 25 is a
stack of four side panels 12. But the number of stacked panels 12
will vary with the shape and configuration of the container 10.
[0046] FIGS. 7-8 show the next step which places the container 10
into the collapsed configuration 29 by twisting the frames 22 into
overlapping coils. The collapsed configuration 29 is formed by
rotating two opposite corners of the partially collapsed container
configuration 25 in opposite directions while biasing the corners
toward each other. The partially collapsed configuration 25 will
first twist and then will rotate to form overlying circular loops
as shown in FIG. 8, to achieve the collapsed configuration 29.
Depending on the frame 22, the number of loops or coils will vary.
A metal frame having a rectangular cross-section will form three
adjacent coils, while a plastic frame with a circular cross section
can form two coils.
[0047] The next step, shown in FIG. 9, is to insert the collapsed
container 29 into the washing pouch 26 through opening 27 in the
washing pouch 26. When the collapsed configuration 29 of the
container 10 is completely inserted into the washing pouch 26, the
collapsed container 10 and washing pouch 26 are then ready for
washing by placing the washing pouch and constrained container 10
inside a washing machine 50 and washing them as shown in FIG.
10.
[0048] These coils are generally circular and lie adjacent each
other to form the collapsed configuration 29. Because the coils are
resilient they tend to spring open in this configuration, and the
pouch 26 must be selected of a material sufficiently strong to
restrain the collapsed configuration 29 from expanding. Further,
the material forming the washing pouch 26 must be sufficiently
porous to allow water to flow through the washing pouch and wash
the container 10 inside the washing pouch, and especially to wash
the fabric on the side panels 12 contained in the washing pouch 26.
Depending on the material of the side panels 12, the washing may be
with hot or cold water, or both. Because the washing pouch 26
restrains the coiled frame 22, other items can be washed with the
washing pouch and its collapsed container 10.
[0049] When washing is finished, the container 10 inside the
washing pouch 26 is removed from the washing machine 50 and it can
then be placed in a heated dryer 52. The flexible materials used on
the panels 12 and washing pouch 26 are preferably selected to
withstand the elevated drying temperatures of a tumble dryer. The
materials are selected to withstand repeated washing and drying
cycles. This includes not only the flexible material of panels 12,
but the spring material forming frame 22. Rust from the frame 22
can stain the container 10, and any other garments in the washer
and/or dryer, and may rub off on any items placed inside a washed
container 10. Thus, it is desirable to entirely avoid any
noticeable rusting of the frame 22 which is readily visible with
the unaided eye, and especially desirably to avoid rust in any
amount sufficient to visibly rub off onto other articles.
[0050] As an alternative to machine drying, after washing the
collapsed container 10 can be removed from the washing machine 26
and allowed to air-dry inside the pouch. Preferably though the
collapsed container 29 is removed from the washing pouch 26 and
then expanded into either the flat, overlying panels of the
partially collapsed configuration 25 for further drying, or further
expanded to form the fully expanded container 10 and allowed to air
dry.
[0051] The coiled spring frames 22 of the collapsed container 10
tend to expand and during the agitation of washing or the tumbling
of drying, the collapsed container 10 may slip out of the container
10. In order to ensure the coiled springs do not slip out of the
opening 27 of the washing pouch 26 during washing or drying it is
desirable to secure the collapsed container 10 inside the washing
pouch 26. This is preferably achieved by placing releasable
fasteners 34 to hold the opening 27 of the washing pouch 26 closed,
as shown in FIG. 11. Snaps, buttons, zippers, and other types of
positive locking, releasable fasteners can be used. In the figure,
part 34a represents a button, while 34b represents a snap.
Preferably the releasable fasteners 34 are selected so they do not
damage other garments being washed with the collapsed container 10
and washing pouch 26. Thus, while it is possible to use hook and
loop fasteners, such use is not preferred because the hooks snag
other garments and can snag the material on the panels 12.
Preferably two fasteners 34 are used for redundancy if the
fasteners are point fasteners. A single fastener is believed
suitable if it extends over a length of the opening 27, such as a
zipper extending along the length of the opening 27.
[0052] In a preferred embodiment the releasable fastener 34 takes
the form of a drawstring 35 encircling the opening 27, as shown in
FIG. 12. The drawstring 35 can have a locking mechanism 36, or the
user can tie a knot in the drawstring to restrict the size of the
opening 27. If a drawstring 35 is used, then the construction of
the pouch 26 is altered to accommodate the drawstring.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 18, the releasable fastener 34 could
comprise one or a few elastic members 38 encircling the collapsed
container 10 and washing pouch 26. Indeed, the washing pouch 26
could be omitted and only the elastic members 38 could be used
during washing and drying. But using only elastic members 38 is not
preferred because it is believed possible that during the agitation
of washing or the tumbling of machine drying the elastic members 38
can come off enough to allow the coiled frames 22 to escape the
confining members 38. Further, the heat of machine drying can cause
the elastic members 38 to relax and inadequately restrain the
collapsed container 10.
[0054] The washing pouch 26 need not be fastened to the container
10, but if it is not fastened the washing pouch is more readily
separated from the container and lost. The size and shape of the
washing pouch 26 relative to the collapsed container 10 is
important and a user may attempt to use an inappropriately sized
replacement bag for washing the collapsed container if the
separated bag is lost. If the washing pouch 26 is too small then
the frame 22 may be distorted so much during placement into the
washing pouch that the frame is broken, cracked or otherwise
damaged. The pouch 26 is thus about the same size and shape as the
coiled, collapsed configuration 29. As the coiled frames 22
typically form circular loops, the pouch 26 preferably has a
generally square shape.
[0055] The opening 27 of the washing pouch 26 is preferably about
the diameter of the coiled frames 22 when the coils lay adjacent
each other and form the minimum collapsed volume of the container.
The opening 27 is preferably slightly smaller than the diameter of
the collapsed coiled frames 22, because the frames can be distorted
into an oval shape to insert them into the washing pouch 26. When
the coiled frames 22 resume the circular shape inside the washing
pouch, which shape is larger than the length of the opening 27,
then the narrower opening helps retain the collapsed container
inside the washing pouch 26. If the shape is rectangular and
slightly too short, then the frame may be squeezed into an oval
shape and resiliently urged out of the opening. If the shape is
rectangular and not wide enough, then the collapsed shape 29 is
again distorted into a slightly oval shape, but is restrained by
the sides rather than being urged into or out of the opening to the
pouch. Thus, if the pouch is not square in shape, it is preferably
slightly deeper than it is wide so the oval shape does not urge the
collapsed shape 29 out of the opening to the pouch.
[0056] The opening 27 and the dimensions of the washing pouch 26
can be slightly larger than the coiled and collapsed container 10,
but preferably not too much larger. It is easier to store the
coiled and collapsed frames in as flat a position as possible,
because the uncoiling force is less than when the coils are
partially expanded. Thus, the washing pouch 26 is preferably not
too big, but is small enough to place the coils of frame 22
adjacent each other, and preferably in a substantially flat
position. The washing pouch 26 is preferably dimensioned to achieve
this configuration. The washing pouch provided with the prior art
commercial embodiment of RE37,924 and as described as pouch 70 in
that patent, has a usable size and dimension which achieves this
substantially flat position.
[0057] The thickness of the pouch 26 is preferably small. A
thickness to allow easy insertion of the collapsed container 29
into the pouch 26 is desired, but not much more as a larger
thickness can allow the coiled frame 22 to expand and the more the
frame expands the more force is needed to restrain the frame. Thus,
the pouch 26 has a thickness about the same as the thickness of the
coiled configuration 29.
[0058] An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 20. The panels 12
are placed adjacent each other to form the stacked, partially
collapsed configuration 29. Releasable fasteners 34 are placed on
one or more abutting panels 12 to hold the panels 12 next to each
other in the flat, partially collapsed configuration 29. The
releasable fasteners 34 are preferably at opposing comers and
located in or adjacent to the pockets 20 so that when the panels 12
are folded flat the fasteners 34 on adjacent panels engage to hold
the flat shape. Male and female snaps are shown in the
illustration, but other forms of releasable fasteners 34 could be
used. Once the panels 12 are fastened together, the partially
collapsed configuration 25 of panels are then placed inside a
washing machine and washed, with the fasteners 34 holding the
container 10 in the flat, partially collapsed configuration. This
embodiment is limited to collapsed containers having dimensions
small enough to fit inside washing machines. A single fastener 34
at the center of each panel 12, adjacent an edge, is also believed
suitable for this embodiment. Further, releasable fasteners 34 at
other locations on the panels 12 could be used.
[0059] FIGS. 20a-20b show a further embodiment in which a
drawstring 35 encircles the middle of the container 10, extending
through a drawstring pocket 40 formed in or formed on the material
of two opposing panels 40. The drawstring pocket 40 is preferably
on the outside or exterior of the container 10. When the panels 12
are laid flat and stacked on each other as in FIG. 20a, the
drawstring 35 can be tightened to hold the panels 12 in that flat,
stacked configuration. A drawstring lock 36 can then be used to
ensure that partially collapsed configuration is maintained. That
flat, stacked partially collapsed configuration 29 can then be
placed in a washer, and into a dryer if desired. Several
drawstrings could be used, such as a drawstring at each opposing
end of the stacked panels 12. Preferably, not more than three
drawstrings are used. This embodiment is limited to partially
collapsed containers having dimensions small enough to fit inside
washing machines. As the openings for dryers are typically large,
the washing machine openings are the limiting dimensions.
[0060] In a further embodiment, the flat stacked, partially
collapsed containers of FIGS. 19-20 could be placed in a washing
pouch 26 sized to accommodate the flat, stacked dimensions and to
maintain that flat, stacked partially collapsed configuration.
Because the panels 12 are generally sewn together or joined by
panel separators, there is no resilient force urging the panels
apart into the fully expanded configuration. But it is still
advisable to restrain the container 10 into the partially collapsed
configuration during machine washing and machine drying in order to
reduce the potential for damaging the frame 22 and panels 12. Any
of the above releasable fasteners could be used to maintain this
partially collapsed configuration. In this embodiment, the washing
pouch 26 is preferably not fastened to the container 10.
[0061] When the collapsed container 10 is removed from the washing
pouch 26, the frame members 22 will bias the container 10 into its
fully expanded state. Again, the fully expanded state of the
preferred embodiment is that shown in FIG. 4.
[0062] The method and apparatus are preferably applied to
containers having multiple sides enclosing a contained space. But a
single loop frame could be washed or cleaned using the present
disclosure.
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 21-23, a sweater drying rack 60 is shown
as described in U.S. Patent RE038591, the complete contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference. The drying rack 60 has
a single loop frame 22 in a pocket 20 with a web of material
covering the frame to form a single panel 12. One or more straps 62
fastened to the frame 22 or the pocket 20 or the web of material
forming the panel 12. The straps 62 can be fastened together using
a releasable buckle or fastener 64, or fastened to opposing
portions of the panel or frame to bow the panel 12 into a bowed
configuration shown in FIG. 22. A hook-type or clip-type fastener
could be used for this. A stiffening member 66, such as a slit tube
could be placed over the frame 22 and pocket 20 to provide a flat
portion on the frame and help stabilize the curved panel against
rocking.
[0064] The single panel 12 can be collapsed by twisting and coiling
the frame into overlapping loops, with the straps 62 encircling
portions of the collapsed frame loops before being fastened
together to confine the single panel 12 into the collapsed
configuration as shown in FIG. 23. The collapsed configuration
could be washed as described herein. Preferably, the collapsed
configuration has either another restraining member encircling the
collapsed configuration at right angles to the straps 62 shown in
FIG. 23 in order to guard against the frame expanding during the
agitation of washing or during tumble drying. The collapsed panel
12 could be placed into a washing pouch 26 that is separable from,
or fastened to the panel 12, as described herein. Thus, pouch 26 is
shown in FIG. 22, but not shown in FIG. 23. Alternatively, both the
pouch 26 and engaged straps 62 could be used to restrain the panel
12 in the collapsed configuration during washing and/or drying.
Likewise, only the washing pouch 26 could be used, with the strap
62 left disengaged, but preferably placed in the pouch to avoid
entanglement with other items during washing and/or drying.
[0065] Preferably, the single panel 12 has a shape with two
opposing substantially straight sides and a strap 62 at or adjacent
opposing ends of each substantially straight portion 68. The
substantially straight portion 68 between the straps 62 is much
longer than the tube 66 and provides a more stable drying frame.
When the straps 62 are joined to bow the single panel into the
curved drying rack the two straps help maintain the straight
portion 68 and help prevent the panel from unacceptable
distortion.
[0066] Further, the spacing of the straps 62 is preferably such
that the ends of the straps are fastened 90 degrees apart on the
coiled and collapsed frames. Thus, each strap 62 can encircle and
restrain the collapsed configuration at 90 degrees relative to the
other strap. That provides a much more stable restraint.
[0067] If desired, one or several loops 70 can be fastened to the
material forming the panel 12 to allow one or both of the straps 62
to pass through the material. In addition to the loops 70 can
form
[0068] The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the
principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described.
* * * * *