DEVICE IN WHICH A GARMENT WITH A CRINKLED APPEARANCE MAY BE CLEANED

Abstract

A device in which a garment with a crinkled appearance may be stored or laundered is taught comprising a washable bag with sufficient elasticity to retain the garment in a predetermined position so that the appearance of the garment remains crinkled. So that the washable bag can he dried as well as washed, the bag is preferably made from fabric that resists melting at temperatures conventionally experienced during the clothes drying process. The bag further has snag-free surface and at least one opening to receive the garment. Means for hanging may be provided so that the device can be easily stored.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a device for maintaining the original appearance of a crinkled garment during washing, drying and storage, so that its appearance stays uniform and unnecessary wrinkles are minimized.

Garments with an initial crinkled appearance, also know as crepe fabric, lose that appearance after being subjected to repeated cleaning processes. Crinkled garments naturally stretch out after being subjected to the normal process of washing and drying.

One method of maintaining the crinkled appearance of a garment is to twist the garment from top to bottom and secure the twisted garment with rubber bands or ties, and then tie the entire garment in a knot to store it. This method is time consuming and cumbersome to accomplish, the garment does not crinkle evenly, new wrinkles are created, and laying the twisted garment on a shelf or in a drawer tends to flatten out some of the crinkles over time.

ADVANTAGES OF THIS INVENTION

To alleviate this problem, and others which will become apparent from the disclosure which follows, the present invention conveniently allows the garment to be placed in a bag where it is compressed in a desired position to maintain the crinkles, even while the garment is laundered, dried or stored. Because a means for hanging is provided, no flattening occurs, and the garment with the crinkles maintained is ready for wearing upon removal from the bag.

The process of bagging the crinkled garment takes about thirty seconds. A detachable hanger or hook allows the bag to be washed and dried without damage to other garments. The detachable hanger or hook can be attached to the bag after laundering and used to hang the device with the garment in a closet or any other desired location. This device and the methods taught by this invention will allow for easy maintenance of ready to wear crinkled garments.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

Still other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure that follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, a device in which a garment with a crinkled appearance may be cleaned is taught comprising a washable bag, having means for compressing a garment disposed therein, into which the garment may be drawn. The means for compressing comprises the bag having sufficient elasticity to retain the garment in a predetermined position so that the appearance of the garment remains crinkled. So that the washable bag can be dried as well as washed, the bag is preferably made from fabric that resists melting at temperatures conventionally experienced during the clothes drying process, and thus can be used in hot air environments such as a clothes dryer. Alternatively, the garment in the bag can be drip-dried.

Preferably, the bag comprises a sleeve independent of a snagging surface. Since the garment is to be drawn into the bag, having a snag-free bag will insure that the garment is not compromised by using the bag. The sleeve is preferably elongated with a top end and a bottom end and a top opening. The means for compressing may comprise the elongated sleeve having at least one drawstring for applying a squeezing pressure toward the centerline of the sleeve to retain the garment in a predetermined position so that the appearance of the garment remains crinkled.

The means for hanging may be disposed proximate the top end for supporting the top end of the sleeve at a higher elevation than the bottom end. Means for hanging may further be provided with a top hanger disposed proximate the top end for supporting the top end of the sleeve at a higher elevation than the bottom end and with a bottom hanger disposed proximate the bottom end for supporting the bottom end of the sleeve at a higher elevation than the top end, so that the device can be hung from one of the top end, the bottom end, and both the top end and the bottom end.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device in which a garment with a crinkled appearance may be stored and/or cleaned in which the bag is shaped as an elongated sleeve with a top opening and a top loop is provided to receive a hanger;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the device in which a garment with a crinkled appearance has been inserted thereby expanding the sleeve to accommodate the garment;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2 showing a garment secured in place by the resilient walls of the sleeve;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the device showing a sleeve that does not require elasticity as it has separate means for compressing which can be actuated by a draw string that is wrapped around the length of the sleeve;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of the sleeve of the device showing an opening at the top end and an opening at the bottom end, with the top opening larger than the bottom opening;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of the top section of the sleeve showing a drawstring used for closure of the opening and for hanging the device from a hook or a knob;

FIGS. 7A through 7D shows one method for drawing the garment into the sleeve of the device in which the garment is secured by thrusting a hand holding the garment into one end of the sleeve and the opposite opening of the sleeve being pulled back over the hand and the garment, and then the hand is withdrawn from the garment. Alternatively, the hand with the garment attached can be pushed into the sleeve entirely as shown in 7A and 7C, without drawing the sleeve back upon itself as shown in 7B, and thereafter the hand and arm can be removed as shown in 7D.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 7B showing the positions of the end openings as the garment is drawn into the device;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 7D showing the garment within the sleeve;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of the sleeve showing a bottom loop and a top loop as part of the means for hanging;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the device in which a garment with a crinkled appearance may be stored and/or cleaned having a longitudinal opening and means for closing the longitudinal opening, said device being shown in an open position;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an embodiment of FIG. 11 showing the device in a closed position;

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of a prior art crepe fabric with a crinkled appearance;

FIG. 12A is a cross sectional view taken along the line 11A-11A of FIG. 11 showing the crinkled appearance of the crepe fabric; and

FIG. 12B is a cross sectional view taken along the line 11B-11B of FIG. 11 showing the crinkled appearance of the crepe fabric.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent that the invention may be practiced without these specific details.

Without departing from the generality of the invention disclosed herein and without limiting the scope of the invention, the discussion that follows will refer to the invention as depicted in the drawing.

According to one embodiment, a device in which a garment 1 with a crinkled appearance may be cleaned is taught by this important invention. The device comprises a washable bag 2, having means for compressing 3 a garment 1 disposed therein, into Which the garment may be drawn. According to one embodiment, the means for compressing comprises the bag having sufficient elasticity to retain the garment 1 in a predetermined position, as shown in FIG. 2, so that the appearance of the garment remains crinkled. A suitable material for use in the elastic bag is one using spandex or a like material. So that the washable bag can be dried as well as being washed the bag is preferably made from fabric that resists melting at temperatures conventionally experienced during the clothes drying process and thus can be used in hot air environments, such as a clothes dryer.

According to one embodiment, the bag comprises a sleeve 2a independent of a snagging surface. Since the garment 1 is to be drawn into the bag, as best shown in FIGS. 7A-7D, having a snag-free bag will insure that the garment is not compromised by using the bag. As best shown in FIG. 1, the sleeve is preferably elongated with a top end 3a and a bottom end 3b and a top opening 3c, According to one embodiment, the sleeve 2a has a bottom opening 3d as shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 10. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of the top opening is greater than the cross-sectional area of the bottom opening, as shown in FIG. 4. Moreover, the sleeve may be elongated with a top end and a bottom end and a bottom opening. The means for hanging of the device may be disposed proximate the bottom end for supporting the bottom end of the sleeve at a higher elevation than the top end. 1.

As best shown in FIGS. 11 and 11A, the elongated sleeve 2a may have a longitudinal opening 32 and means for closing 34 the longitudinal opening. Obvious variants of the means for closing will be readily understood by those skilled in the art to include a variety of closures, fasteners, hook and loop mating material and the like. The means for closing 34 the longitudinal opening may also comprise a zipper 34a as shown in the drawing.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the means for compressing 3 preferably comprises the elongated sleeve having at least one drawstring 4 for applying a squeezing pressure toward the centerline of the sleeve to retain the garment 1 in a predetermined position so that the appearance of the garment remains crinkled.

Means for hanging may further be provided with a top hanger 5 connected to a top loop 6 disposed proximate the top end 3a for supporting the top end of the sleeve 2a at a higher elevation than the bottom end as shown in FIG. 1. The top loop comprises a strap that can be secured with Velcro® 7 or the like so that it can secure the device to a cloth hanging rod independent of a top hanger. As shown in FIG. 10, a bottom hanger, similar to the top hanger 5, may be disposed in a bottom loop 8 proximate the bottom end 3h for supporting the bottom end of the sleeve at a higher elevation than the top end, so that the device can be hung from one of the top end, the bottom end, and both the top end and the bottom end.

In FIG. 6, a device is shown comprising means for hanging disposed proximate the top end 3a for supporting the top end of the sleeve at a higher elevation than the bottom end 3b. According to one embodiment, the means for hanging comprises a drawstring 4 fastened to the top opening 3c of the sleeve.

According to one embodiment, the elastic bag 2 has sufficient elasticity to retain the garment 1 in a predetermined position so that the appearance of the garment remains crinkled. According to another embodiment, the bag 2 with means for compressing 3 a garment 1 disposed in the bag, into which the garment may be drawn, and the bag has sufficient compressibility to retain the g era in a predetermined crinkled position so that the crinkled appearance of the garment is sustained upon removal from the bag 2.

The device of the present invention has the advantage of being easy to use. One method for cleaning a garment 1 having a crinkled appearance comprises:

a. crinkling the garment in a predetermined position;

b. drawing the garment in the predetermined position into a washable elastic bag having sufficient elasticity to retain the garment in the predetermined position;

c. washing the garment in the bag; and

d. drying the garment in the bag, so that the crinkled appearance of the garment is sustained upon removal from the bag. Additionally, the garment may be stored in the predetermined position in the bag.

According to another method for cleaning a garment 1 having a crinkled appearance, the following steps are provided: crinkling the garment in a predetermined position; drawing the garment in the predetermined position into a washable bag 2 having means for compressing 3 a garment disposed in said bag with said bag having sufficient compressibility to retain the garment in the predetermined position; washing the garment in the bag; and drying the garment in the bag, so that the crinkled appearance of the garment is sustained upon removal from the bag. Additionally, the step of activating the means for compressing 3 to retain the garment 1 in the predetermined position may be provided, as shown in FIG. 4, The drawstring 4 employed may be tied at either or both ends and it may be locked in place with a fastener 9. Where activation of the means for compressing is provided, the step of deactivating the means for compressing to release a squeezing pressure directed toward the center of the bag that retained the garment in the predetermined position may be required. And again, the garment in the predetermined position may be stored in the bag.

A method for retaining a crinkled appearance of a garment 1 is also provided by the instant invention comprising:

a. crinkling the garment in a predetermined position;

b. drawing the garment in the predetermined position into a bag, having means for compressing 3 a garment disposed in said bag, said bag having sufficient compressibility to retain the garment in the predetermined position;

c. storing the garment in the predetermined position in the bag; and

d. removing the garment from the bag, so that the crinkled appearance of the garment is sustained upon removal from the bag.

Additionally, the step of activating the means for compressing 3 to retain the garment 1 in the predetermined position may be provided. Where activation of the means for compressing is provided, the step of deactivating the means for compressing to release a squeezing pressure directed toward the center of the bag that retained the garment in the predetermined position may be required. And again, the garment in the predetermined position may be stored in the bag.

While this invention has been described in connection with the best mode presently contemplated by the inventor for carrying out his invention, the preferred embodiments described and shown are for purposes of illustration only, and are not to be construed as constituting any limitations of the invention. Modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and all modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

My invention resides not in any one of these features per se, but rather in the particular combinations of some or all of them herein disclosed and claimed and it is distinguished from the prior art in these particular combinations of some or all of its structures for the functions specified.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, including variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification, that would be deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, 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, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1-18. (canceled)

19. A method for cleaning a garment having a crinkled appearance comprising: a. crinkling the garment in a predetermined position; b. drawing the garment in the predetermined position into a washable elastic bag having sufficient elasticity to retain the garment in the predetermined position; c. washing the garment in the bag; and d. drying the garment in the bag, so that the crinkled appearance of the garment is sustained upon removal from the bag.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of storing the garment in the predetermined position in the bag.

21-24. (canceled)

25. A method for retaining a crinkled appearance of a garment comprising: a. crinkling the garment in a predetermined position; b. drawing the garment in the predetermined position into a bag, having means for compressing a garment disposed in said bag, said bag having sufficient compressibility to retain the garment in the predetermined position; c. storing the garment in the predetermined position in the bag; and d. removing the garment from the bag, so that the crinkled appearance of the garment is sustained upon removal from the bag.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of activating the means for compressing to retain the garment in the predetermined position.

27. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of storing the garment in the predetermined position in the bag.

28. The method of claim 26, further comprising the step of deactivating the means for compressing to release a squeezing pressure directed toward the center of the bag that retained the garment in the predetermined position.

29. A method for storing a garment in a device in which a garment with a crinkled appearance may be stored and cleaned while retaining the crinkled appearance of the garment during both storing and cleaning, the device comprising a washable bag having sufficient elasticity to retain the garment in a predetermined position so that the appearance of the garment remains crinkled having means for compressing a garment disposed therein, into which the garment maybe drawn, the bag having a top opening, a tubular body formed of an elongated sleeve, and a bottom opening, wherein a diameter of the bottom opening is smaller than a diameter of the top opening, the method comprising the steps of compressing the garment; and inserting the garment into the device through at least one of the top opening and the bottom opening.

30. A method as claimed in claim 29, further comprising the steps of laundering the device, and hanging the device in a storage position, wherein the garment is stored in the device while the device is hanging in the storage position.