Abstract: A combined storage apparatus comprises a vacuum storage bag and a storage container is provided. The bottom of the vacuum storage bag forms a stiffened surface. A flexible walled container with sidewalls has pockets formed in two opposing sidewalls and stiffening panels placed into the pockets to stiffen the sidewalls during use while folding flat for shipping. The stiff bottom of the vacuum bag cooperates with the stiffened sidewalls to form a container that can be stacked. After the vacuum storage bag contains an article and is vacuumed, the vacuum storage bag is then placed into the storage container and helps support the side walls to facilitate stacking of the containers.

Abstract: A flexible, air-tight storage bag has an entrance opening for inserting an item to be stored into said bag with a releasably-closable seal across said entrance opening. A one-way valve assembly is installed in a surface of the bag and in fluid communication with the inside of the bag to allow air inside the bag to exit the bag. The valve has an outer portion with a conical or curved exterior surface having an apex and a plurality of exit holes adjacent the apex so a vacuum cleaner nozzle can be placed over the exit holes. The outer portion has a conical or curved surface with at least one ridge thereon or groove therein extending away from the apex and beyond the exit holes to reduce the suction. A circular flange in the valve is located so air passes through the flange. A flexible diaphragm is placed in the circular flange so the diaphragm abuts an edge of the flange to vary the flow of air.

Abstract: A laundry rack is provides having a plurality of scissor linkages formed by pairs of inner and outer legs with each leg having an upper and lower end, with each pair of legs having aligned bores through which each pair of legs are rotationally connected. Each scissor linkage having aligned bores through which cross-members can be connected to join two scissor linkages to form at least a first end frame having at least an upper and lower linkage, and at least two scissor linkages being joinable to form a second end frame having at least an upper and lower linkage. Each end frame having respective first and second elongated latch members. The latch member each having first and second opposing ends that are laterally offset from each other. The first end being rotatably connected to an upper end of the inner leg on the upper scissor linkage and located on an outer side of that upper end.

Abstract: Disclosed is a collapsible container comprised of a top panel, a bottom panel, at least one intermediate panel, at least one side wall, and at least one divider panel. Each of the panels and the side wall may be covered with flexible material such that the collapsible container is movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position. The top panel is spaced apart from the bottom panel with the intermediate panels being interposed therebetween in spaced relation. The side wall partially extends around the top, bottom and intermediate panels to partially enclose the collapsible container and define a plurality of compartments with an opening to each compartment. Each one of the top, intermediate and bottom panels has a tension loop extending therearound and configured to outwardly urge the top, bottom and intermediate panel perimeters such that the top, intermediate and bottom panels are generally held taut.

Abstract: A collapsible container is used to carry items. The container has a plurality of flexible frames contained in pockets with material connecting the pockets to define panels when the frames are in an expanded configuration. The frames are adapted to twist and fold into overlapping loops to define a smaller, collapsed configuration. The pockets on the top sides of the panels have openings, with the frames extending across the openings. The openings are sized to allow a person's hand to enter the opening and grip the frame to lift the container during use of the container to carry things. Alternatively, the openings are sized smaller than the width of a flexible strap that encircles the frame in the opening so a person can lift the container with the strap.

Abstract: Disclosed is a collapsible bag comprised of a top panel, a bottom panel, at least one intermediate panel, at least one side wall, and at least one divider panel. Each of the panels and the side wall may be covered with flexible material such that the collapsible bag is movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position. The top panel is spaced apart from the bottom panel with the intermediate panels being interposed therebetween in spaced relation. The side wall partially extends around the top, bottom and intermediate panels to partially enclose the collapsible bag and define a plurality of bays. Each one of the top, intermediate and bottom panels has a tension loop extending therearound and configured to outwardly urge the top, bottom and intermediate panel perimeters such that the top, intermediate and bottom panels are generally held taut.

Abstract: A collapsible container is used to carry items. The container has a plurality of flexible frames contained in pockets with material connecting the pockets to define panels when the frames are in an expanded configuration. The frames are adapted to twist and fold into overlapping loops to define a smaller, collapsed configuration. The pockets on the top sides of the panels have openings, with the frames extending across the openings. The openings are sized to allow a person's hand to enter the opening and grip the frame to lift the container during use of the container to carry things. Alternatively, the openings are sized smaller than the width of a flexible strap that encircles the frame in the opening so a person can lift the container with the strap.

Abstract: A pop-up container, including four side panels, a top panel and a floor panel constructing a close structure. At least one of the side panel has a zipper that allows the pop-up container to be open sufficiently wide such that one can easily store or access clothes in the container. The walls of the container are made of flexible and foldable material. At least two opposite panels comprise foldable perimeters with tension-loop frames so that the pop-up container can be collapsed into a flat piece and received in a carrying bag. The pop-up container further comprises a hanger bar detachably connected to the container for hanging clothes. The hanger bar may be supported from the ground to provide additional support to the hanger bar and container to prevent from bowing or buckling of the container. A method is also provided in which an enclosure is formed by un-coiling a plurality of panels each having a tension-loop frame with the panels being joined together to form the enclosure.

Abstract: A collapsible container is used to carry items. The container has a plurality of flexible frames contained in pockets with material connecting the pockets to define panels when the frames are in an expanded configuration. The frames are adapted to twist and fold into overlapping loops to define a smaller, collapsed configuration. The pockets on the top sides of the panels have openings, with the frames extending across the openings. The openings are sized to allow a person's hand to enter the opening and grip the frame to lift the container during use of the container to carry things. Alternatively, the openings are sized smaller than the width of a flexible strap that encircles the frame in the opening so a person can lift the container with the strap.

Abstract: A laundry drying rack has an elongate member having an opening. The laundry drying rack further has a connecting rod having a connecting rod distal end. In an embodiment of the present invention, the laundry drying rack is further provided with an end connector having a resilient pronged end and a post end. A tubular coupling is further provided having a coupling distal end, an opposing coupling proximal end, and an internal ridge formed circumferentially therein. The coupling proximal end receives the connecting rod distal end. The coupling distal end receives the resilient pronged end which the internal ridge for rotatable engagement of the tubular coupling thereabout. In another embodiment of present invention, the laundry drying rack further has a cylindrical connector which has an external groove which engages an elastic retaining ring for connecting the elongate leg member and the connecting rod.

Abstract: A stand for supporting laundry includes a pair of oppositely disposed legs which are interconnected by one or more connecting rods. The legs are constructed of scissor linkages which allow the legs to be readily folded and unfolded, and cross members may be used to hold the legs in an open position. Advantageously, the laundry stand uses connectors which pivotably attach the scissor linkages and allow the connecting rods to connect the legs. In particular, the connectors have a first end configured to be fastened to the connecting rod and a second end configured to be inserted through an opening in one or both of the legs.

Abstract: A modular stacking storage unit with flexible containers is disclosed. The storage unit includes a rigid outer frame comprising a base section, vertical members rising from each corner of the base section, and a plurality of front and back support members. Each storage container or receptacle has flexible material supported between the front and back support members. The front support member is lower then rear support member to increase access to the storage container when multiple modules are stacked. The container has a wider top and a narrower bottom to taper the container and further improve access to a lower container. The top end of each vertical member of each module is shaped to mate with either the bottom end of the vertical members of another container module, a top member, or a support for a clothes bar. The base section has wheels to increase the mobility of the storage unit.