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.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), of application Ser. No. 60/659,519, filed Mar. 8, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for cleaning collapsible containers having wire loop frames to hold the containers in an expanded configuration.

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.

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.

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

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.

There is thus advantageously provided an easy method and apparatus for cleaning the fabric of a collapsible container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a collapsible container in an expanded configuration and having a washing pouch fastened to one side;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the container of FIG. 1

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;

FIG. 4 shows the container of FIG. 1 ready to be collapsed;

FIG. 5 shows the container of FIG. 4 with the sides folded substantially flat on top of each other in a partially collapsed configuration;

FIG. 6 shows the container of FIG. 5 with the washing pouch outside the folded sides and ready to be coiled;

FIG. 7 shows the flat frames of FIG. 5 being twisted and coiled into overlapping loops or coils;

FIG. 8 shows the coiled and overlapping frames ready to be inserted into the washing pouch;

FIG. 9 shows the coiled and collapsed container inserted into the washing pouch;

FIG. 10 shows the washing pouch and collapsed container being inserted into a washing machine and dryer;

FIG. 11 shows a portion of the washing pouch with releasable fasteners to hold closed an opening of the pouch;

FIG. 12 shows a further embodiment of a washing pouch with a drawstring;

FIG. 13 shows two frame ends crimped together;

FIG. 14 shows a section taken along section 14-14 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 shows the crimped segment of FIG. 13 encased in a sealant material;

FIG. 16 shows a cross-section taken along section 16-16 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 shows a cross-section taken along section 17-17 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 18 shows a further embodiment of a collapsed container held by straps;

FIG. 19 shows releasable fasteners on abutting portions of a container ready to be partially collapsed;

FIG. 20a shows a collapsed container held by a drawstring;

FIG. 20b shows an expanded container with a drawstring;

FIG. 21 is a plan view of a single panel, loop frame drying rack having straps thereon;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the panel of FIG. 21 in a bowed configuration;

FIG. 23 is a plan view of the panel of FIG. 21 in a collapsed configuration;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the panel of FIG. 22 with a flat portion and multiple straps; and

FIG. 25 is a plan view of the panel of FIG. 24 in a collapsed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.