WASHER FRIENDLY LAUNDRY BALL
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.
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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.
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.
The various features and advantages of the preferred embodiments are further described in the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings in which:
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
As further illustrated in
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.
Referring again to
Referring now to
Referring now to
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.
In another embodiment, the wall structure can be formed of a single layer. This embodiment is better illustrated in
The single layer wall structure 52 and 62 of the embodiment illustrated in
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.
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.
Type: Application
Filed: May 8, 2009
Publication Date: Nov 11, 2010
Applicant: Actervis GmbH (Baar/Zug)
Inventor: Juan Ramon Torres Martin (Barcelona)
Application Number: 12/437,989