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: A collapsible container is provided having four side panels with twist-and-fold frames, joined on two opposing ends by end panels. A zippered opening is placed in one end panel and in one side panel. Handles are formed in the end panel on the side by the side panel containing the opening. Handles are formed in at least one of the side panels on either side of the side panel containing the opening, adjacent the end panels.

Abstract: Provided is a collapsible container generally including a collapsible housing having a twistable and bendable frame member to enable the housing to be disposed in a deployed configuration during use and a stowed configuration during non-use. The collapsible housing may further include a plurality of side panels collectively forming an enclosure. The housing may additionally include a bottom panel connected to each of the side panels. Reinforcing straps may be connected to opposing side panels and extend across the side panels from a top portion of the side panel to a bottom portion of the side panel for providing support to the housing. The straps may extend upwards to form handles to facilitate carrying and transport of the container.

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 adapted to allow a person to manually carry items within the container by use of at least one handle connected to the container. The container has a plurality of flexible loop frames each contained in a pocket connected to form sides of the container in an expanded configuration. The handle has a first end extending through a buttonhole in one of the pockets and encircling the flexible frame and the pocket portion containing the flexible frame. The handle may further have a second end extending through another buttonhole in the pocket or an adjacent pocket and encircling the flexible frame and the pocket portion containing the flexible frame. The edge of the buttonholes is preferably finished with strengthening structure.

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 shoe rack having at least one rod with an elongated rib extending outward from the rod and along a length of the rod. First and second end frames are connected to the rod by connectors. A plurality of shoe holders are mounted on the rod, the shoe holders having a base with a hole through which the rod and rib extends. The hole is sufficiently larger than the rod to allow movement of the shoe holder along a length of the rod. Two stops are connected to the base of each shoe holder or connected to one of the frames. The stops are located on opposing sides of the rib and spaced apart a distance selected to define an arc through which the shoe holder rotates. The connector has a projection mating with the rods, and parallel walls spaced apart to fit over a rail mate with.

Abstract: Soiled garments are placed in a mesh laundry bag. Two holes in the bag are connected by a spindle sleeve and placed over a spindle of a washing machine so the spindle passes through the center of the bag to center the bag during washing. The bag allows delicate garments to be washed and held separate from other garments in the washing machine. The bag is releasably fastened to connectors on the washing machine's tub which contains the spindle. Releasable closures around the holes prevent garments from slipping out of the bag during washing. An internal stand can be placed in the spindle sleeve to hold the bag in position to receive laundry when the bag is outside the tub. An external frame can do the same.

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 collapsible container has a longitudinal axis with a top frame and a bottom frame connected by a spiral frame where the frames encircle the axis. The spiral frame is collapsible along the axis and the container has a web of flexible material supported by the frame. A first stiffener has opposing ends fastened to the container along a length of the frame that curves outward around the longitudinal axis. The stiffener has a first curved position extending adjacent the frame and a second position curved in an opposite direction to define an opening to a compartment between the frame and the stiffener. The compartment has a sidewall formed by a sheet of material fastened to the stiffener and the web of material supported by the frame. A plurality of these compartments can be provided, with the stiffener holding the entrance to the compartment open or closed.

Abstract: A collapsible container has twist-and-fold panels in which a web of flexible material is held taut by a tension loop frame fastened to a periphery of the web. The container has a first and second panel each with a top and a bottom joined by sides, and with each side on the first panel being connected to a different one of the sides on the second panel. Either the web of material between the top and bottom on the first panel is shorter than the unrestrained distance between the top and bottom of the first frame or a strap connects the top and bottom of the first frame, so the top and bottom of the first panel are bowed out of a flat plane and extend away from the second panel when the container is in the expanded configuration. A bottom sheet fastened to the bottom of the first and second panels, and a top panel is optionally fastened to the top of the panels.

Abstract: A collapsible laundry rack is provided wherein a plurality of cross members for hanging clothes may be attached to first and second scissor structures via a plurality of tab connectors and socket connectors. In particular, the distal ends of the cross members may be attached to the socket connector which is selectively removable from tab connectors attached to corresponding points of the first and second scissor structures. A socket portion of the socket connector may be aligned to a tab portion of the tab connector. Release levers formed on the tab portion may be inserted into the socket until retention members of the tab portion engage cam edges of the socket portion. To remove the tabs from the socket, the release levers may be inwardly deflected to deflect the retention members inwardly to release the retention members from the cam edges. Alternatively, the tab connectors may be attached to distal ends of the cross members.

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 drying rack has a single, continuous spring-loop frame having a web of material held by the frame to form a generally flat panel. First and second, generally parallel straps fasten to opposing sides of the panel. Shortening the straps bends the panel into a convexly arcuate configuration. The straps are generally parallel and adjustable in length. Handhold openings are provided in opposing hold sides of the panel, adjacent the frame, along an axis perpendicular to the straps.

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.