U.S. patent application number 12/437989 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-11 for washer friendly laundry ball.
This patent application is currently assigned to Actervis GmbH. Invention is credited to Juan Ramon Torres Martin.
Application Number | 20100281928 12/437989 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43061529 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100281928 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Martin; Juan Ramon Torres |
November 11, 2010 |
WASHER FRIENDLY LAUNDRY BALL
Abstract
A laundry ball can be used to accommodate detergent free washing
of clothes and other laundry items. To provide a more efficient and
more washer friendly laundry ball, the structure is fabricated to
have a flexible outer surface. In one embodiment the walls of the
laundry ball have only a single layer of flexible material, while
another embodiment includes walls having multiple layers with the
outer layer being more flexible. The material making up this
flexible outer surface is resilient and causes less damage to the
interior of the washing machine. Added friction also causes more
movement and agitation of the laundry ball when used, thus
enhancing its operation.
Inventors: |
Martin; Juan Ramon Torres;
(Barcelona, ES) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATENT DEPARTMENT;LARKIN, HOFFMAN, DALY & LINDGREN, LTD.
1500 WELLS FARGO PLAZA, 7900 XERXES AVENUE SOUTH
BLOOMINGTON
MN
55431
US
|
Assignee: |
Actervis GmbH
Baar/Zug
ES
|
Family ID: |
43061529 |
Appl. No.: |
12/437989 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/213 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/024
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
68/213 |
International
Class: |
D06F 35/00 20060101
D06F035/00 |
Claims
1. A laundry ball for providing detergent free cleaning in an
automated laundry machine, comprising: a first housing having a
substantially spherical shaped housing wall, an outer surface of
the first housing wall further having a plurality of flexible
extensions projecting outwardly and a plurality of openings
extending there through, wherein the first housing portion housing
wall includes a flexible outer layer causing interaction with the
laundry being cleaned; and a second housing portion having a
substantially spherical shape housing wall and plurality of
flexible extensions projecting outwardly from an outer surface
thereof, wherein the second housing portion housing wall includes a
flexible outer layer, also causing interaction with the laundry
being cleaned, the first housing portion and the second housing
portion joined with one another to create an enclosure.
2. The laundry ball of claim 1 wherein the flexible outer layer is
formed of a rubber-like material.
3. The laundry ball of claim 1 wherein the walls of the first
housing portion and the second housing portion are both formed of
an inner layer positioned adjacent the flexible outer layer,
wherein the inner layer is more rigid than the outer layer and the
inner layer is an injection molded plastic.
4. The laundry ball of claim 1 wherein the housing wall of the
second housing portion further includes openings extending there
through.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The laundry ball has been developed to allow individuals to
wash clothes and other laundry items without the need for
detergents or soap. Many laundry ball products are available on the
market, each generally including a shell or housing, which contains
various components. In certain instances, these internal components
may include detergent capsules and other detergent dispensing
devices. In many cases these devices will slowly dispense cleaning
agents (detergent) over long periods of time. Alternatively,
non-detergent components may be contained within the housing. These
non-detergent components serve various purposes such as the
emission of infrared energy, the neutralization of chlorine and the
generation of negative ions. Each of these features are provided to
maximize cleaning power. In one example, these non-detergent
components include ceramic balls or other solid components
contained within the housing to produce the above-mentioned desired
effects.
[0002] The housing of the laundry ball is typically fabricated of a
relatively rigid material. For example, plastic materials are
typically used to create a structure that is relatively rigid. This
provides a generally solid or sound enclosure to contain cleaning
materials placed therein, while also providing adequate protection.
That said, this rigid housing is also problematic in that it
creates considerable noise when utilized in a washing machine.
Further, a rigid housing can also potentially damage interior
surfaces of the washing machine due to the continuous contact. This
may ultimately result in denting or chipping of the interior
surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The various features and advantages of the preferred
embodiments are further described in the following detailed
description in conjunction with the drawings in which:
[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the laundry ball;
[0005] FIG. 2 is an expanded cross-sectional view of the laundry
ball;
[0006] FIG. 3 is a partial magnified cross-sectional view of
one-half of the laundry ball; and
[0007] FIG. 4 is a partial magnified cross-section view of another
embodiment of the laundry ball.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0008] As suggested above, a laundry ball can be utilized to
provide cleaning capabilities to a standard clothes washing machine
without the use of detergent. Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment
of laundry ball 10 is illustrated. In this embodiment, laundry ball
10 is generally spherical and includes a coupling ridge 12
extending around the circumference. As will be further discussed
below, the preferred embodiment is formulated from two-halves and
subsequently joined utilizing appropriate coupling mechanisms.
These coupling mechanisms can be positioned behind coupling ridge
12.
[0009] As further illustrated in FIG. 1, laundry ball 10 also
includes a pattern of small openings 14 in the housing. This
pattern can be arranged in virtually any desired layout and
provides openings to the interior of laundry ball 10. In addition,
a plurality of extensions, posts or fingers 28 extend outwardly
from the surface of laundry ball 10. The pattern or arrangement of
posts 28 can be configured in virtually any manner.
[0010] Laundry ball 10 is designed to hold and contain various
elements which will enhance cleaning functions when used in a
typical washing machine. For example, the interior of cleaning ball
10 may contain ceramic beads of various types, formulated from
selected materials. It is well understood to include ceramic beads
or ceramic spheres in laundry ball devices, which operate to reduce
surface tension of the water in the washing machine, thereby
enabling water molecules to penetrate the fabric and more easily
remove dirt. Further, these spheres or beads may also generate
negative ions which activate water molecules for more cleaning
power. The material provided inside laundry ball 10 may also
generate infrared energy, again to reduce surface tension and
enhance cleaning action. As another alternative, appropriate
materials may be utilized to affect the PH levels of the water than
the washing machine, again further enhancing cleaning
abilities.
[0011] Referring again to FIG. 1, coupling ridge 12 is illustrated
as having a plurality of indentations 22. These structures are
illustrated to provide gripping power and more easily allow
separation, as more fully disclosed below. Again, these structures
provide one example configuration that could potentially be
utilized.
[0012] Referring now to FIG. 2, laundry ball 10 is illustrated in a
separated cross-sectional format. As shown, laundry ball 10
includes a first half 20 and a second half 30. Each half is
generally configured as a half spherical shell. As can be
anticipated, these two halves are designed and configured to mate
with one another, thereby forming an enclosed housing. First half
20 includes coupling ridge 12 discussed above and illustrated in
FIG. 1. In a similar manner, second half 30 includes an indentation
32 designed to nest within a portion of first half 20. Although not
illustrated, it is understood that many coupling structures could
be included, such as threads, mated notches and tabs, and several
other coupling mechanisms.
[0013] Referring now to FIG. 3, one embodiment is illustrated in a
more detailed partial cross-sectional view of first half 20. As
better illustrated in this figure, first half 20 is created of a
multi-layer structure having an outer layer 24 and an inner layer
26. In this embodiment, inner layer 26 is a relatively rigid
plastic material. This inner structure can be formed utilizing well
understood and well-known injection molding techniques, or can be
formed of virtually any material. Further, outer layer 24 or outer
cover 24 is created from a flexible, more pliable material. For
example, this material making up outer layer 24 may include a
rubber type material, silicone or other easily recognized flexible
products. Utilizing this two-layer structure provides for an
overall laundry ball which is more efficient and less damaging to
typical washing machines. Less damage is created to washing
machines and related products by having a "softer" and more
flexible material in contact with the machines interior surfaces.
Further, the surface friction provided by this more flexible
material creates added interference and more movement within the
washing machine, thus further creating a more efficient
product.
[0014] In addition to the characteristics described above, outer
layer 24 also includes a surface pattern designed to manage impacts
within a washer, while also create additional friction. In the
embodiment described above, this pattern includes a plurality of
small pegs, extensions or fingers 28 extending from the surface.
Here, fingers 28 are also arranged in a pattern. This pattern can
be varied, depending on the desired appearance. That said, the
extensions 28 are arranged to increase efficiency of laundry ball
10.
[0015] In another embodiment, the wall structure can be formed of a
single layer. This embodiment is better illustrated in FIG. 4,
which shows portions of laundry ball 40 in a cross-sectional view.
More specifically, a first half 50 and a second half 60 are both
illustrated in partial cross-sectional view. In this embodiment,
the walls 52 and 62 fabricated from a very flexible material. As
illustrated, walls 52 and 62 have only a single layer, while also
having apertures 54 and 64, along with extensions 56 and 66. These
wall features (e.g. apertures 54 and 64, extensions 56 and 66) are
similar to those illustrated in FIG. 3 above.
[0016] The single layer wall structure 52 and 62 of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 4 is again, made of a very flexible material.
In this manner, laundry ball 40 is not capable of causing damage to
the interior of the washing machine in any manner. When laundry
ball 40 contacts an inner surface of a washing machine, the
effected wall structure (52 or 62) will simply be compressed and
form itself to the surface. Further, this structure will cause the
ball to slightly compress when in contact with the laundry itself.
In addition to being compressible/pliable, the surface of laundry
ball 40 will also include a level of friction which enhances
operation. More specifically, laundry ball 40 will interfere or
interact with laundry items, thus causing agitation and interaction
within the machine. This interaction will cause movement of laundry
ball 40, thus making it more efficient.
[0017] The above description generally describes the invention in
the context of a preferred embodiment. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate and understand that various modifications could
easily be made while continuing to fall within the scope and spirit
of the following claims. Applicant intends the following claims to
cover all such modifications.
* * * * *