Laundry protector

The present invention relates to a laundry protector, and more particularly, to a laundry protector having a housing with an interior, an exterior, and a laundry opening therebetween. A lid is attached with the housing and covers the laundry opening while a plurality of washing holes are spaced throughout the housing, passing from the interior to the exterior. The lid of the housing can be opened to expose the laundry opening so that a piece of laundry may be inserted into the interior of the housing through the laundry opening. After closing the lid and enclosing the piece of laundry in the interior of the housing, the laundry protector may be placed within a washing machine, allowing its contents to receive protection while being washed while water and detergent pass through the plurality of washing holes.

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Description
FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a laundry protector, and more particularly to a laundry protector having a housing with an interior, an exterior, and a laundry opening therebetween, allowing a piece of laundry to be inserted into the interior of the housing through the laundry opening. After enclosing the piece of laundry in the housing, the laundry protector may be placed within a washing machine, allowing its contents to receive protection while being washed.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Historically, washing laundry was accomplished through traditional hand-washing techniques. When hand washing a delicate piece of laundry such as a bra, an individual had to proceed cautiously to ensure that the piece of laundry remained undamaged.

However, with advent of washing machines, washing laundry by hand has quickly become a thing of the past. As people pile loads of laundry into washing machines, people no longer have the luxury of carefully ensuring the safety of each piece of laundry individually. Washing machines use mechanized wash cycles to wash and rinse loads of laundry. Because of the mechanized nature of an electric washing machine, delicate laundry often becomes damaged in the wash cycle.

Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a new and improved laundry protector for protecting laundry when placed within a washing machine. The present invention substantially fulfills this need.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a laundry protector, and more particularly a laundry protector having a housing with an interior, an exterior, and a laundry opening therebetween. The laundry protector also includes a plurality of washing holes in the housing, where the washing holes pass from the interior to the exterior, whereby a piece of laundry can be inserted into the interior of the housing through the laundry opening. After inserting the piece of laundry in the interior of the housing, the laundry protector may be placed in a washing machine, allowing its contents to recieve protection while being washed while water and detergent pass through the plurality of washing holes.

In another aspect, the laundry protector further comprises a lid attached with the housing, where the lid covers the laundry opening. The lid of the housing can be manipulated to expose the laundry opening and allow a piece of laundry to be inserted into the interior of the housing through the laundry opening.

Additionally, the housing is constructed of a material selected from a group consisting of plastic, rubber, and metal.

In another aspect, the laundry protector has a three-dimensional shape and the three-dimensional shape is selected from a group consisting of a sphere, a polygon, an ellipsoid, and a cylindrical shape.

Furthermore, the housing has a top portion and a flattened portion, whereby the flattened portion allows the housing to sit evenly atop a surface without rolling so that a user can easily insert the piece of laundry.

In yet another aspect, the laundry protector has a length and the length is more than approximately three inches and less than approximately fourteen inches.

In another aspect, the piece of laundry is lingerie.

Additionally, at least one item from a set including the lid and the housing includes a finger indentation, allowing a user to take hold of the laundry protector while opening or closing the laundry protector.

In another aspect, the laundry protector further comprises at least one separator in the interior of the housing, whereby the separator creates a first compartment and a second compartment thereby preventing multiple items from touching each other while being washed. Furthermore, the separator include holes therethrough, thereby allowing fluids to pass from a first compartment to a second compartment.

In yet another aspect, the laundry protector further comprises at least one laundry-securing device in the interior of the housing. The laundry-securing device may be used to hold a hook end of a bra in place while washing, thereby prohibiting a hook from catching or tearing delicate fabrics. Additionally, the laundry-securing device includes teeth to engage with a piece of laundry, thereby holding the piece of laundry in place about the laundry-securing device while being washed.

Additionally, the laundry protector further comprises a base for attaching with the housing. The base prevents the laundry protector from rolling while inserting a piece of laundry into the interior of the housing. The base is constructed such that it attaches with the housing using at least one item selected from a group consisting of a male/female screw system and a snap system.

In another aspect, the lid is attached with the housing through a connector.

In yet anther aspect, the connector comprises a hinge and a snap, where the lid is attached with the housing with the hinge, thereby allowing the lid to be swung to an open position and a closed position, wherein, when in a closed position, the snap allows the lid to be securely fastened with the housing.

In another aspect, the connector comprises threads in the housing and corresponding threads in the lid, allowing the lid to be screwed into and fastened securely with the housing.

Finally, the lid and the connector are integrally formed as a lid-connector and wherein the lid connector is constructed of rubber having a lid-lip portion for attaching with a housing-lip portion to fit securely with the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature of the laundry protector described herein will be readily apparent in the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a laundry protector according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is cut-away cross sectional view of the laundry protector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the laundry protector according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a laundry protector according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a connector according to the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a side view of another aspect of a laundry protector according to the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a blown-up, cut-away view of a circle highlighted in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 is a side view of another aspect of a laundry protector according to the present invention, where the laundry protector is attached with a base;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a base for attaching with a housing;

FIG. 9 is a cut-away cross-sectional view of another aspect of a laundry protector according to the present invention, where the laundry protector includes a separator;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the laundry protector of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cut-away cross-sectional view of another aspect of a laundry protector according to the present invention, where the laundry protector includes a laundry-securing device; and

FIG. 12 is a top view of the laundry protector of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a laundry protector, and more particularly, to a laundry protector having a housing with an interior, an exterior, and a laundry opening therebetween, allowing a piece of laundry to be inserted into the interior of the housing through the laundry opening, and after enclosing the piece of laundry in the housing, the laundry protector may be placed within a washing machine, allowing its contents to receive protection while being washed.

The following description, taken in conjunction with the referenced drawings, is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. Various modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of aspects. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the aspects presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. Furthermore it should be noted that unless explicitly stated otherwise, the figures included herein are illustrated diagrammatically and without any specific scale, as they are provided as qualitative illustrations of the concept of the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a laundry protector 100 according to the present invention. The laundry protector 100 comprises a housing 102 with an interior 104, an exterior 106, and a laundry opening 108 therebetween. Due to the side view of FIG. 1, the laundry opening 108 is shown sideways in this particular illustration. The laundry protector 100 may be any suitable three-dimensional shape, non-limiting examples of which include a sphere, a polygon, an ellipsoid, and a cylindrical shape. Additionally, the laundry protector 100 may be any suitable length or dimension allowing the laundry protector to fit within a washing mashing, a non-limiting example of which includes a length of more than three inches and less than fourteen inches.

The housing 102 may be constructed of any suitable durable material, non-limiting examples of which include plastic, rubber, and metal. A lid 110 is attached with the housing 102 and covers the laundry opening 108. The lid 110 may be constructed of any suitable durable material, non-limiting examples of which include plastic, rubber, and metal. The lid 110 is attached with the housing 102 through a connector 112. The connector 112 may be any suitable mechanism or device for connecting one object with another, non-limiting examples of which include a hinge with a snap (i.e. male/female joint system), and threads. For example, in the case where the lid 110 is attached with the housing 102 with a hinge 114, the lid 110 may be swung open and thereafter closed to be securely fastened with the housing through use of a snap 116. When a hinge 114 is used, the hinge 114 may be separately formed and thereafter attached with the lid 110, or integrally formed with the lid 110, such as a living hinge. In another example, in the case where the connector 112 uses threads, threads are included in the housing 102 with corresponding threads in the lid 110, allowing the lid 110 to be screwed into and fastened securely with the housing 102.

Additionally, a plurality of washing holes 117 pass from the interior 104 to the exterior 106 of the housing 102. The washing holes 117 may be any suitable size or placed at any suitable location to allow water and detergent to pass therethrough.

The lid 110 of the housing 102 can be opened to expose the laundry opening 108. Once opened, a piece of laundry can be inserted into the interior 104 of the housing 102 through the laundry opening 108. After closing the lid 110 and enclosing the piece of laundry in the interior 104 of the housing 102, the laundry protector 100 may be placed in a washing machine, allowing its contents to receive protection while being washed, with water and detergent passing through the plurality of washing holes 117. The piece of laundry may be any piece of laundry capable of fitting within the interior 104 of the housing 102, non-limiting examples of which include lingerie such as a bra and nylon stockings.

Furthermore, the housing 102 has a top portion 118 and a flattened portion 120. The flattened portion 120 allows the housing 102 to sit securely atop a surface without rolling so that a user can easily insert the piece of laundry into the housing 102. The flattened portion 120 may be located at any suitable location along the housing 102. For example and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the flattened portion 120 may be located on a bottom of the housing 102. In another aspect, the flattened portion 120 may be located on a side of the housing 102 which allows the laundry protector 100 to be easily loaded at an angle.

Additionally, the laundry protector 100 may optionally include finger indentations 122. The finger indentations 122 allow a user to take hold of the laundry protector 100 while opening or closing it. The finger indentations 122 may be located at any suitable location allowing a user to take hold of the laundry protector 100, non-limiting examples of such locations including in the housing 102 and the lid 110.

FIG. 2 is a cut-away cross-sectional view of a laundry protector 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the lid 110 may be manipulated to expose the laundry opening 108. Once exposed, the piece of laundry 200 may be inserted into the interior 104 of the housing 102.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the laundry protector 100 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, finger indentations 122 may be included in the lid 110, allowing a user to easily manipulate the lid 110.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the laundry protector 100 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, finger indentations 122 may be included in the bottom of the housing 102. In this particular illustration, the finger indentations are included in the flattened portion 120 of the housing 102.

FIG. 5 illustrates a laundry protector 100 with a connector 112. As stated above, the connector 112 may be any suitable mechanism or device for connecting one object with another, non-limiting examples of which include a hinge with a snap and threads. As illustrated in FIG. 5, when the connector 112 uses threads 500, threads 500 are included in the housing 102 with corresponding threads 500 in the lid 110. The threads 500 allow the lid 110 to be screwed into and fastened securely with the housing 102. A spacer 502 may be optionally included with the threads 500. The spacer 502 may be a compressible rubber, allowing the lid 110 to be secured against the housing 102. In this form, when the lid 110 is removed, the piece of laundry 200 may be inserted into the interior 104 of the housing 102. Once inserted, the lid 110 may be screwed back into place and thereby protects the piece of laundry 200.

FIG. 6A illustrates a laundry protector 100 with another type of a connector 600. In this aspect, the lid 110 and the connector 600 are integrally formed as a lid-connector 110/600. The lid-connector 110/600 may be constructed of any suitable durable material, non-limiting examples of which include plastic and rubber. Additionally, the lid-connector 110/600 may also include washing holes 117, where the washing holes pass from an interior to an exterior of the housing 102.

The connector 600 has a lid-lip portion 602 and the housing as a housing-lip portion 604. The housing-lip portion 604 is constructed such that the lid-lip portion 802 attaches therein, allowing the lid-connector 110/600 to be securely attached with the housing 102.

FIG. 6B illustrates a blown-up, cut-away view of a circle highlighted in FIG. 6A. As shown in FIG. 6B, the housing-lip portion 604 is constructed such that the lid-lip portion 602 attaches therein, allowing the lid-connector 110/600 to be securely attached with the housing 102.

FIG. 7 illustrates another aspect of a laundry protector 100 according to the present invention. In this aspect, the laundry protector 100 may be removably attached with a base 700 to prevent the laundry protector 100 from rolling while inserting a piece of laundry into the interior 104 of the housing 102. The base 700 may be constructed of any suitably durable material, non-limiting examples of which include plastic, rubber, and metal.

FIG. 8 illustrates a base 700. The base 700 may be attached with the housing through any suitable mechanism or device for attaching one object with another, non-limiting examples of which include a male/female screw system, and a snap system. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the base 700 may include a screw system 800, where the screw system 800 can be screwed into a corresponding screw system on the housing.

FIG. 9 illustrates another aspect of a laundry protector 100 according to the present invention. In this aspect, the laundry protector 100 further comprises at least one separator 900 in the interior 104 of the housing 102. The separator 900 prevents multiple items from touching each other while being washed. The separator 900 may be constructed of any suitable durable material, non-limiting examples of which include plastic, rubber, and metal. Additionally, the separator 900 may include holes therethrough, allowing fluids to pass from a first compartment 902 to a second compartment 904. Furthermore, the separator 900 may be permanently affixed or removably attached within the housing 102. When removably attached within the housing 102, the separator 900 may be removably attached through any suitable mechanism or device for removably attaching one object with another, a non-limiting example of which includes rails 906. As shown in FIG. 9, the rails 906 allow the separator 900 to be slid into and affixed with the housing 102.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the laundry protector 100 of FIG. 9. As shown, the separator 900 compartmentalizes the laundry protector 100, creating a first compartment 902 and a second compartment 904.

FIG. 11 illustrates another aspect of a laundry protector 100 according to the present invention. In this aspect, the laundry protector 100 includes a laundry-securing device 1100 in the interior 104 of the housing 102. The laundry-securing device 1100 may be any suitable mechanism or device for holding a piece of laundry firmly in place, a non-limiting example of which includes a bar. In this aspect, the laundry-securing device 1100 may be used to hold a hook end of a bra in place while washing, thereby prohibiting a hook from catching or tearing delicate fabrics. The laundry-securing device 1100 may be constructed of any suitably durable material, non-limiting examples of which include plastic, rubber, and metal.

Additionally, the laundry-securing device 1100 is attached with the housing 102 through use of a device-connector 1102. The device-connector 1102 may be any suitable mechanism or device for connecting one object with another, a non-limiting example of which includes a hinge. Furthermore, the laundry-securing device 1100 may be fastened with the housing 102 through use of a device-fastener 1104. The device-fastener 1104 may be any suitable mechanism or device for fastening one object with another, a non-limiting example of which includes a fastener tab. In this aspect, the laundry-securing device 1100 may be unfastened, allowing the piece of laundry to be placed beneath the laundry-securing device 1100. The laundry-securing device 1100 may then be placed over the piece of laundry and fastened with the housing 102 using the fastener tab.

The laundry-securing device 1100 may also include teeth 1106. The teeth 1106 are constructed such that they engage with the piece of laundry to prevent the piece of laundry from slipping out while being washed. The teeth 1106 may be any suitable size or placed at any suitable location to firmly engage with the piece of laundry.

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the laundry protector 100 of FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 12, a bra 1200 may be firmly affixed within the interior 104 of the housing 102 through use of the laundry-securing device 1100. In this aspect, a hook end 1202 of the bra 1200 is held against the housing 102 with the hooks facing the housing 102, thereby preventing the hooks from catching or tearing other delicate fabrics placed within the laundry protector 100.

Claims

1. A laundry protector comprising:

a housing with an interior, an exterior, and a laundry opening therebetween; and
a plurality of washing holes in the housing, wherein the washing holes pass from the interior to the exterior, whereby a piece of laundry can be inserted into the interior of the housing through the laundry opening, wherein, when placed within a washing machine, the piece of laundry receives protection while being washed while water and detergent pass through the plurality of washing holes.

2. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 1, wherein the laundry protector further comprises a lid attached with the housing, whereby the lid covers the laundry opening, whereby the lid of the housing can be manipulated to expose the laundry opening and allow a piece of laundry to be inserted into the interior of the housing through the laundry opening.

3. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 2, wherein the housing is constructed of a material selected from a group consisting of plastic, rubber, and metal.

4. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 3, wherein the laundry protector has a three-dimensional shape and the three-dimensional shape is selected from a group consisting of a sphere, a polygon, an ellipsoid, and a cylindrical shape.

5. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 4, wherein the housing has a top portion and a flattened portion, whereby the flattened portion allows the housing to sit evenly atop a surface without rolling so that a user can easily insert the piece of laundry.

6. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 4, wherein the laundry protector has a length and the length is more than approximately three inches and less than approximately fourteen inches.

7. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 6, wherein the piece of laundry is lingerie.

8. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 7, wherein at least one item from a set including the lid and the housing includes a finger indentation, allowing a user to take hold of the laundry protector while opening or closing the laundry protector.

9. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 8, wherein the laundry protector further comprises at least one separator in the interior of the housing, whereby the separator creates a first compartment and a second compartment thereby preventing multiple items from touching each other while being washed.

10. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 9, wherein the separator include holes therethrough, thereby allowing fluids to pass from a first compartment to a second compartment.

11. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 10, wherein the laundry protector further comprises at least one laundry-securing device in the interior of the housing, whereby the laundry-securing device may be used to hold a hook end of a bra in place while washing, thereby prohibiting a hook from catching or tearing delicate fabrics.

12. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 11, wherein the laundry-securing device includes teeth to engage with a piece of laundry, thereby holding the piece of laundry in place about the laundry-securing device while being washed.

13. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 12, wherein the laundry protector further comprises a base for attaching with the housing, whereby the base prevents the laundry protector from rolling while inserting a piece of laundry into the interior of the housing.

14. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 13, wherein the base attaches with the housing using at least one item selected from a group consisting of a male/female screw system and a snap system.

15. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 14, wherein the lid is attached with the housing through a connector.

16. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 15, wherein the connector comprises a hinge and a snap, where the lid is attached with the housing with the hinge, thereby allowing the lid to be swung to an open position and a closed position, wherein, when in a closed position, the snap allows the lid to be securely fastened with the housing.

17. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 15, wherein the connector comprises threads in the housing and corresponding threads in the lid, allowing the lid to be screwed into and fastened securely with the housing.

18. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 15, wherein the lid and the connector are integrally formed as a lid-connector and wherein the lid connector is constructed of rubber having a lid-lip portion for attaching with a housing-lip portion to fit securely with the housing.

19. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 1, wherein the housing is constructed of a material selected from a group consisting of plastic, rubber, and metal.

20. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 1, wherein the laundry protector has a three-dimensional shape and the three-dimensional shape is selected from a group consisting of a sphere, a polygon, an ellipsoid, and a cylindrical shape.

21. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 1, wherein the housing has a top portion and a flattened portion, whereby the flattened portion allows the housing to sit evenly atop a surface without rolling so that a user can easily insert the piece of laundry.

22. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 1, wherein the laundry protector has a length and the length is more than approximately three inches and less than approximately fourteen inches.

23. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 1, wherein the piece of laundry is lingerie.

24. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 1, wherein at least one item from a set including the lid and the housing includes a finger indentation, allowing a user to take hold of the laundry protector while opening or closing the laundry protector.

25. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 1, wherein the laundry protector further comprises at least one separator in the interior of the housing, whereby the separator creates a first compartment and a second compartment thereby preventing multiple items from touching each other while being washed.

26. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 25, wherein the separator include holes therethrough, thereby allowing fluids to pass from a first compartment to a second compartment.

27. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 1, wherein the laundry protector further comprises at least one laundry-securing device in the interior of the housing, whereby the laundry-securing device may be used to hold a hook end of a bra in place while washing, thereby prohibiting a hook from catching or tearing delicate fabrics.

28. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 27, wherein the laundry-securing device includes teeth to engage with a piece of laundry, thereby holding the piece of laundry in place about the laundry-securing device while being washed.

29. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 1, wherein the laundry protector further comprises a base for attaching with the housing, whereby the base prevents the laundry protector from rolling while inserting a piece of laundry into the interior of the housing.

30. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 29, wherein the base attaches with the housing using at least one item selected from a group consisting of a male/female screw system and a snap system.

31. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 1, wherein the lid is attached with the housing through a connector.

32. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 31, wherein the connector comprises a hinge and a snap, where the lid is attached with the housing with the hinge, thereby allowing the lid to be swung to an open position and a closed position, wherein, when in a closed position, the snap allows the lid to be securely fastened with the housing.

33. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 31, wherein the connector comprises threads in the housing and corresponding threads in the lid, allowing the lid to be screwed into and fastened securely with the housing.

34. A laundry protector as set forth in claim 31, wherein the lid and the connector are integrally formed as a lid-connector and wherein the lid connector is constructed of rubber having a lid-lip portion for attaching with a housing-lip portion to fit securely with the housing.

Patent History
Publication number: 20050121455
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 8, 2003
Publication Date: Jun 9, 2005
Inventor: Sheri Lee (Pacific Palisades, CA)
Application Number: 10/731,301
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: 220/676.000