CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/744,930 filed Oct. 5, 2012, which is herein incorporated reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD Embodiments of the technology relate, in general, to systems and methods for retaining articles, and in particular to systems and methods for retaining articles for storage and throughout a cleansing process.
BACKGROUND Organizing and cleansing clothing articles are activities with which people are nearly universally familiar. From the closet or dresser, through use and subsequent cleansing, and then back to storage, clothing articles have ample opportunity to become disorganized or even lost. Currently, different types of hampers and methods of manual sorting can be used to maintain some level of organization for pre-washed clothing. However, such devices and methods can be limited in maintaining organization throughout a cleansing process.
SUMMARY In accordance with one embodiment, an article retention system can include an article retainer including a strap, where the strap can be formed from a washable material, an attachment member, where the attachment member can be coupled with the strap and the attachment member can be configured to hang the article retainer, and a first article fastener, where the first article fastener can be associated with the strap and the first article fastener can be configured to retain a first clothing article. The article retention system can include a receptacle that can be associated with the article retainer, where the receptacle can be configured to substantially retain the article retainer during a washing process.
One embodiment of an article retention system can include an article retainer that can include a strap, where the strap can have an elongate rectangular configuration and can be formed from a washable material, an attachment member, where the attachment member can be coupled with a first end of the strap and the attachment member can be a hook configured to hang the article retainer, and a plurality of article fasteners, where each of the plurality of article fasteners can be spaced apart and can be fixedly attached to the strap, where each of the plurality of article fasteners can be configured to retain a clothing article. The article retention system can include a receptacle that can be selectively attachable to the article retainer, where the receptacle can be a porous mesh bag that can be configured to retain the article retainer, where the receptacle can include a closure that can substantially close the receptacle.
An article retention system can include an article retainer, a means for attaching a first clothing article to the article retainer, a means for hanging the article retainer, and a receptacle that can be configured to retain the article retainer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present disclosure will be more readily understood from a detailed description of some example embodiments taken in conjunction with the following figures:
FIG. 1 depicts an environmental view showing a plurality of article retainers in use according to one embodiment.
FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view an article retainer according to one embodiment.
FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a receptacle configured to retain an article retainer according to one embodiment.
FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of an article retention system according to one embodiment, where the article retention system is shown having an article retainer and an associated receptacle.
FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the article retention system shown in FIG. 4, where the article retainer is shown associated with a plurality of clothing articles.
FIG. 6A depicts a perspective view of the article retention system of FIG. 5, where the article retainer is shown removed detached from the receptacle.
FIG. 6B depicts a perspective view of the article retention system of FIG. 6, where the article retainer is shown retained within the receptacle such that the receptacle can be placed in a washing machine.
FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an alternate version of an article retainer.
FIG. 8 depicts an alternate version of an article retainer shown associated with a plurality of clothing articles.
FIG. 9 depicts an alternate version of an article retainer shown associated with a plurality of clothing articles.
FIG. 10 depicts an alternate version of an article retainer shown associated with a plurality of clothing articles.
FIG. 11A depicts an alternate version of an article retainer shown associated with a plurality of clothing articles.
FIG. 11B depicts the article retainer depicted in FIG. 11A, where the article retainer is shown being turned inside out.
FIG. 12 depicts an alternate version of an article retainer shown associated with a plurality of clothing articles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, and use of the apparatuses, systems, methods, and processes disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that systems and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments. The features illustrated or described in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with the features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.
Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with any embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment, or “in an embodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
Described herein are example embodiments of apparatuses, systems, and methods for retaining, organizing, and cleansing articles, such as clothing articles. In one example embodiment, an article retainer can organize and store clothing articles (e.g., pairs of socks) such that related articles are not lost during a cleansing process. In some embodiments, the article retainer, along with a receptacle, can be included in an article retention system, which can help retain and organize clothing articles during the cleansing or washing process. Systems and methods described herein can reduce the likelihood that associated, matching, or otherwise related articles are lost during a laundry process. It will be appreciated that the systems described herein can be configured for use with any suitable related articles, such as socks, matching undergarments, sporting equipment, or the like. It will be appreciated that systems and methods described herein can be used to retain clean articles and/or soiled articles.
The examples discussed herein are examples only and are provided to assist in the explanation of the apparatuses, devices, systems and methods described herein. None of the features or components shown in the drawings or discussed below should be taken as mandatory for any specific implementation of any of these the apparatuses, devices, systems or methods unless specifically designated as mandatory. For ease of reading and clarity, certain components, modules, or methods may be described solely in connection with a specific figure. Any failure to specifically describe a combination or sub-combination of components should not be understood as an indication that any combination or sub-combination is not possible. Also, for any methods described, regardless of whether the method is described in conjunction with a flow diagram, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified or required by context, any explicit or implicit ordering of steps performed in the execution of a method does not imply that those steps must be performed in the order presented but instead may be performed in a different order or in parallel.
Example embodiments described herein can provide organization for clothing articles and can reduce the likelihood that related articles are lost during the laundry process. An article retainer can be configured to retain related clothing articles, such as a first clothing article and a related second clothing article, after being worn by a user. Both the first clothing article and the related second clothing article, each of which can be attached or clipped to the article retainer, can then be placed into a receptacle and into washing machine or other cleansing device. After the cleansing and drying process is complete, the article retainer retaining the first clothing article and the related second clothing article can be hung in a closet or the like until the first clothing article and the related second clothing article are needed. By retaining clothing articles in such a manner throughout the cleansing and drying process, the article retention system can help eliminate pre-wash and post-wash sorting. Embodiments of the article retainer can help users save time searching for related or matching articles can reduce the likelihood that related articles will be lost, and can ensure that related articles are conveniently stored or transported together.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an example embodiment of an article retainer 10 is shown. It will be appreciated that the article retainers 10 can be stored, hung, or otherwise placed in any suitable environment. Each article retainer 10 can include a strap 18 that can be configured to retain clothing articles, such as a first clothing article 12 and a second related clothing article 14 with a fastener 16. As illustrated in FIG. 1, each of the article retainers 10 can include an attachment member 20 that can be used to hang the article retainer in any suitable location. The article retainer 10 can be configured to retain number or type of articles, including matched or paired articles, throughout a cleansing process. For example, after use, the first clothing article 12 and the related second clothing article 14 can be clipped or otherwise attached to the article retainer 10, such that the first clothing article and the second clothing article can be retained together throughout pre-wash storage, washing, drying, and pre-use hanging. The article retainer 10 can be configured for placement in a washing machine, drying machine, or any other suitable device associated with a laundry process.
Referring to FIG. 2, it will be appreciated that the article retainer 10 can include any suitable strap 18. The strap 18 can be an elongated, substantially rectangular piece of washer safe material or any other suitable material. It will be appreciated that the shape of the strap 18 is shown by way of example only, where the article retainer 10 can include any suitable material, such as an elastic material, having any suitable shape such as a circle, oval, rectangle, trapezoid, square, polygon, or the like. The article retainer 10 can include a plurality of straps (not shown) in an alternate embodiment. The strap 18 can be associated with the attachment member 20, where the attachment member 20 can be integrally formed with the strap 18, can be selectively removable from the strap 18, snapped to the strap 18, or otherwise attached. The attachment member 20 can include a hook configured for hanging the article retainer 10 in a closet, but it will be appreciated that any suitable number or shape of attachment members are contemplated. For example, the attachment member can be a hook, elastic band, magnet, loop, clip, or the like. In example embodiment, the attachment member or hook can rotate or otherwise move relative to the strap. The article retainer can include any suitable number of fasteners 16, where the fasteners can be permanently attached to or selectively removable from the strap 18. The fasteners can include clips, buckles, clamps, clasps, grommets, hanger, loops, hooks, hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, straps, ties, alligator clips, snaps, bands, magnetic clips, or the like. One or a plurality of fasteners can be associated with either or both sides of the article retainer and can be positioned at any location along the article retainer. Fasteners 16 can be coupled to the strap 18 with, for example, one or a plurality of tethers 34, rivets, or the like.
In an alternate embodiment, the article retainer (not shown) can be configured to form a loop where the article retainer has a first attachment member at one end and a second attachment member at a second end. The first attachment member and the second attachment member can be selectively coupled with one another to form a loop.
Referring to FIG. 3, the article retainer 10 can be associated with a receptacle 22, where the receptacle 22 can be configured to retain the article retainer 10 during the washing process. The receptacle 22 can include an outer surface 24 made of material, such as nylon or polyester, that can define an internal cavity 26 that can have an aperture 28 at one end. During use, the article retainer 10 can be configured for insertion into the aperture 28 and cavity 26 of the receptacle 22. The outer surface 24 of the receptacle 22 can be porous such that water and soap can pass freely into the receptacle 22 such that the one or a plurality of clothing articles retained by the article retainer 10 can be washed. The receptacle 22 can include a closure 30, such as a drawstring, hook and loop fastener, or zipper, that can be used to close the aperture 28 during use. The receptacle 22 can be coupled with or selectively attached to the article retainer 10, as described in more detail herein, or can be a separate article. Providing a receptacle 22 can prevent articles attached to the article retainer 10 from becoming detached, however, it will be appreciated that a receptacle 22 is not required. Receptacles can include pockets, can be any suitable size or shape, can come in a variety of different sizes, can be shaped or sized for specific clothing articles, or can otherwise be suitably configured.
Referring to FIG. 4, one version of an article retention system 32 is shown. The article retention system 30 can include the article retainer 10 shown in FIG. 2 and the receptacle 22 shown in FIG. 3, although any suitable combination of article retainers and receptacles is contemplated. The article retainer 10 can be coupled to the receptacle 22 in any suitable manner, for example the attachment member 20 can be coupled with both the strap 18 and the receptacle 20, where the fastener 20 can be configured to pivot relative to the receptacle 20 such that the strap 18 can be rotated and placed into the receptacle 22. Alternatively, the article retainer 10 can be selectively releasable from the receptacle 22. During use, referring to FIG. 5, a plurality of articles, such as a first clothing article 12 and a related second clothing article 14, can be associated with the article retainer 10. Articles associated with the article retainer 10 can be clothing, a related pair, related sets, related outfits, or the like.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the articles associated with the article retainer 10 can include a plurality of matched pairs of socks. It will be appreciated that articles can include items related by an association to a common activity (e.g., a set of volleyball pads), by an association to common weather conditions (e.g., winter hat, scarf, pair of gloves), by an association to a school uniform, or by any of a variety of associations.
Referring to FIG. 6A, during use, the article retainer 10 can be filled with one or a plurality of soiled clothing articles. The article retainer 10 can be detached from the receptacle 22 and can then be inserted into the receptacle 22. Referring to FIG. 6B, once the article retainer 10 is inserted into the receptacle 22, the closure 30 can be tightened or otherwise closed such that the article retainer 10 is substantially retained within the receptacle 22. The receptacle 22 can then be placed into a washing machined and can be washed in a standard manner, where water, soap, detergent, or the like can pass through the receptacle 22. After washing, the receptacle 22 can be placed into the dryer. Alternatively, the article retainer 10 can be hung up with the attachment member 20 such that the articles can dry. In on embodiment, once the attached articles are dry, they can be left on the article retainer hanging in a closet until a user wants to wear the articles.
FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment of an article retainer 110 that can include a strap 118 that can be configured to retain clothing articles with a plurality of clips 116. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the article retainer 110 can include a fabric loop attachment member 120 that can be used to hang the article retainer 110 in any suitable location. The article retainer 110 can be configured to retain any suitable number or type of articles, including matched or paired articles, throughout a cleansing process. The article retainer 110 can be configured for placement in a washing machine, drying machine, or any other suitable device associated with a laundry process. The plurality of clips 116 can be coupled to the strap 118 with, for example, one or a plurality of tethers 134, where the tethers 134 can include a snap such that each of the plurality of clips 116 is selectively removable from the strap 118.
FIG. 8 illustrates an alternate embodiment of an article retainer 210 that can include a sheet 218, having an upper portion 270 and a lower portion 272, which can be configured to retain clothing articles with a plurality of fasteners 216. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the article retainer 210 can include a fabric loop attachment member 220 that can be used to hang the article retainer 210 in any suitable location. The article retainer 210 can be configured to retain any suitable number or type of articles, including matched or paired articles, throughout a cleansing process. The article retainer 210 can be configured for placement in a washing machine, drying machine, or any other suitable device associated with a laundry process. The plurality of clips 216 can be coupled to the sheet 218 with, for example, one or a plurality of tethers 234. The sheet 218 can be configured such that the upper portion 270 can be folded over the lower portion 272. The upper portion 270 and the lower portion 272 can be retained in a folded configuration when a first attachment 274 is associated with a second attachment 276 where, for example, the first attachment 274 and the second attachment 276 can be a hook and loop fastener. The attachment member 220 can be passed through a corresponding loop 278 such that the article retainer 210 can be hung in a folded position. The article retainer 210 can be washed or dried in the folded position, where the folded position may help prevent clothing articles from being pulled away from of off of the article retainer 210. In an alternate embodiment, the sheet can form a portion of a bag, where the article retainer can be turned inside out such that clothing articles can be retained on the inside of the bag.
FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of an article retainer 310 that can include an outer sheet 318 and an inner sheet 319 that can be divided into a plurality of sections 380. Each of the plurality of sections 380 can define an internal cavity such that each of the plurality of sections 380 can function as a pouch that can retain one or a plurality of articles 312. Each of the plurality of sections 380 can have a slit 382, or other suitable opening, that can be formed in the outer sheet 318 to permit insertion and removal of articles. In an example embodiment, the outer sheet 318 can be configured from a first material, such as opaque plastic, and the inner sheet 319 can be configured from a second material such as a porous mesh. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the article retainer 310 can include an attachment member 320 that can be used to hang the article retainer 310 in any suitable location. In an example embodiment, the article retainer 310 can be rolled up for transport or for insertion into a washing machine, where a strap 378 can be coupled with the attachment member 320 to retain the article retainer 310 in a substantially rolled configuration. The article retainer 310 can be configured to retain any suitable number or type of articles, including matched or paired articles, throughout a cleansing process. The article retainer 310 can be configured for placement in a washing machine, drying machine, or any other suitable device associated with a laundry process. It will be appreciated that any suitable number of sections, pouches, or retainers having any suitable shape or size are contemplated. It will be appreciated that each of the plurality of sections can be identically sized, can be differently sized, or can be shaped to retain a particular type of article, such as a pair of socks. Each of the plurality of sections 380 can include a closure (not shown), such as a zipper, that can be used to close the slit 382 or opening. The outer sheet 318 or the inner sheet 319 can be impregnated with or otherwise contain anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-odor, detergent, or other suitable compounds or chemicals. The article retainer can include pouches for detergent, dryer sheets, or the like.
FIG. 10 illustrates an alternate embodiment of an article retainer 410 that can include an outer sheet 418 and an inner sheet 419 that can be divided into a plurality of sections 480. Each of the plurality of sections 480 can define an internal cavity such that each of the plurality of sections 480 can function as a pouch that can retain one or a plurality of articles 412. Each of the plurality of sections 480 can have a slit 482, or other suitable opening, that can be formed in the outer sheet 418 to permit insertion and removal of articles. Each of the plurality of sections 480 can be removable from the article retainer 410 such that the removable sections can be washed separately, stored separately, or the like. For example, after washing, each of the plurality of sections 480 can be removed and stacked in a drawer, where sorting becomes unnecessary. In an example embodiment, the outer sheet 418 can be configured from a first material, such as opaque plastic, and the inner sheet 419 can be configured from a second material such as a porous mesh. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the article retainer 410 can include an attachment member 420 that can be used to hang the article retainer 410 in any suitable location. In an example embodiment, the article retainer 410 can be rolled up for transport or for insertion into a washing machine, where a strap 478 can be coupled with the attachment member 420 to retain the article retainer 410 in a substantially rolled configuration. The article retainer 410 can be configured to retain any suitable number or type of articles, including matched or paired articles, throughout a cleansing process. The article retainer 410 can be configured for placement in a washing machine, drying machine, or any other suitable device associated with a laundry process. It will be appreciated that any suitable number of sections, pouches, or retainers having any suitable shape or size are contemplated. It will be appreciated that each of the plurality of sections can be identically sized, can be differently sized, or can be shaped to retain a particular type of article, such as a pair of socks. Each of the plurality of sections 480 can include a closure (not shown), such as a zipper, that can be used to close the slit 482 or opening. The outer sheet 418 or the inner sheet 419 can be impregnated with or otherwise contain anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-odor, detergent, or other suitable compounds or chemicals. The article retainer can include pouches for detergent, dryer sheets, or the like.
FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an alternate embodiment of an article retainer 510 that can include an outer sheet 518 and an inner sheet 519 that can define an internal cavity. The article retainer 510 can have a slit 582, or other suitable opening, that can be formed in the outer sheet 518. In an example embodiment, the outer sheet 518 can be configured from a first material, such as opaque plastic, and the inner sheet 519 can be configured from a second material such as a porous mesh. As illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the article retainer 510 can include an attachment member 520 that can be used to hang the article retainer 510 in any suitable location. The outer sheet 518 can include a plurality of fasteners 516 that can be used to retain one or a plurality of articles such as clothing articles. During use, after an article has been attached, the article retainer 510 can be folded inside out. For example, the user can grasp the slit 582 and invert the article retainer 510 such that the plurality of fasteners 516 can now be within a cavity defined by the inverted outer sheet 518. In this manner, articles can be attached to the article retainer 510 and then the article retainer 510 can be inverted such that clothing articles and the like are held within the article retainer 510. This can facilitate the article retainer 510 functioning as both a hanging strap and a bag for washing articles. Protecting articles within the article retainer 510 during the wash may prevent articles from being pulled off of the article retainer 510.
FIG. 12 illustrates an alternate embodiment of an article retainer 610 that can include an outer sheet 618 and an inner sheet 619 that can be divided into a plurality of sections 680. Each of the plurality of sections 680 can define an internal cavity such that each of the plurality of sections 680 can function as a pouch that can retain one or a plurality of articles 612. Each of the plurality of sections 680 can have a slit 682, or other suitable opening, that can be formed in article retainer 610 to permit insertion and removal of articles. In an example embodiment, the outer sheet 618 can be configured from a first material, such as opaque plastic, and the inner sheet 619 can be configured from a second material such as a porous mesh. As illustrated in Figure 12, the article retainer 610 can include an attachment member 620 that can be used to hang the article retainer 610 in any suitable location. The article retainer 610 can be configured for placement in a washing machine, drying machine, or any other suitable device associated with a laundry process. It will be appreciated that any suitable number of sections, pouches, or retainers having any suitable shape or size are contemplated. It will be appreciated that each of the plurality of sections can be identically sized, can be differently sized, or can be shaped to retain a particular type of article, such as a pair of socks. Each of the plurality of sections 680 can include a closure, such as a zipper, that can be used to close the slit 682 or opening. The outer sheet 618 or the inner sheet 619 can be impregnated with or otherwise contain anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-odor, detergent, or other suitable compounds or chemicals. The article retainer can include pouches for detergent, dryer sheets, or the like.
In various embodiments disclosed herein, a single component can be replaced by multiple components and multiple components can be replaced by a single component to perform a given function or functions. Except where such substitution would not be operative, such substitution is within the intended scope of the embodiments.
Some of the figures can include a flow diagram. Although such figures can include a particular logic flow, it can be appreciated that the logic flow merely provides an exemplary implementation of the general functionality. Further, the logic flow does not necessarily have to be executed in the order presented unless otherwise indicated.
The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the forms described. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above teachings. Some of those modifications have been discussed, and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best illustrate principles of various embodiments as are suited to particular uses contemplated. The scope is, of course, not limited to the examples set forth herein, but can be employed in any number of applications and equivalent devices by those of ordinary skill in the art. Rather it is hereby intended the scope of the invention to be defined by the claims appended hereto.
