CLEAN CLOTHES CATCHER
An apparatus to prevent small launderables such as delicates, underwear and socks from falling to the floor when transferring between a washer and a dryer includes a framework having a flexible strip that attaches and conforms to a surface of the appliance. A pair of pivoting arms for support of a fabric mesh cover is connected the strip. The arms are extended as to stretch the mesh cover or folded back against the strip when not in use.
The present invention relates generally to a support that attaches to the exterior of a washer or dryer for the support and sorting of small articles of clothing such as hose, socks and underwear.
BACKGROUNDSales of front loading washers and dryers are increasing relative to older top loading units because they use less water with comparable loads and clean better due to their tumbling action. Whatever the type of appliance, one problem is the sorting of small articles such as socks and underwear. Another issue is the transferring of clothing from a washer to a dryer or removing the clothes from the dryer, which often results in small launderables dropping to the floor and soiling.
What is needed is a mesh support that is affixed to the front of a washer or dryer that can be folded against the unit's body or secured in a position supportive of small articles of clothing so as to prevent articles from falling to the floor when transferring articles from a washer to a dryer or when removing the articles from the dryer.
It would be desirable to provide a folding framework that removably attaches to; and folds against a washer or dryer when not in use.
It would be further desirable to provide the foregoing framework with a removable mesh cover that promotes air flow and supports articles in a flat aspect when sorting or air drying the articles.
SUMMARYThe present invention relates generally to a removably attachable apparatus for the support of small articles of clothing wherein portions of the support are closely conformable to the countours of a surface to which the support is attached. More specifically, the apparatus of the present invention possesses at least (1) a flexible semi-rigid strip that is conformable to the various flat or curved surfaces prevalent in current front loading washers and dryers and (2) an attachment means that is preferably magnetic or adhesive.
In one aspect of the present invention, the attaching portion of a conformable support with pivoting arms is attachable to either a curved surface, a flat surface or a combination of curved and flat surfaces.
In another aspect of the present invention a removable fabric mesh cover bridges the space between pivoting arms to provide a supportive surface for small launderable articles.
It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the overall dimensions of the apparatus of the present invention can vary. The framework of the apparatus can be of any sufficiently semi-rigid material to support the weight of several small articles of clothing. Preferably, the attachment means includes magnets that are inset flush into the corformable portion of the apparatus or via adhesive (e.g., double sided adhesive strip) between the conformable portion and the surface to which it is attached.
The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures wherein the scale depicted is approximate.
- 10 frame assembly
- 12 net
- 14 comformable member
- 15 magnetic members
- 16a, 16b left and right arms
- 18a, 18b left and right stops
- 19a, 19b left and right wedge members
- 20a, 20b left and right hinges
- 22a, 22b left and right hinge pins
- 26 appliance surface
Unless otherwise explained, any technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. The term “comprises” means “includes.” All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. In case of conflict, the present specification, including explanations of terms, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
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It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended to be limiting to the particular forms and examples disclosed. Accordingly, it is intended that this disclosure encompass any further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of this disclosure, and falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
Claims
1. An apparatus to prevent small launderable articles from dropping to the floor when transferring the articles from a washer to a dryer or removing the articles from the dryer, and for the temporary support of the articles comprising:
- (1) a framework including a conformable flexible strip for attachment to a curved or flat surface which follows the contour of the surface when removably attached thereto and wherein pivotable arms are coupled to the strip,
- (2) magnetic or adhesive means for attaching the flexible strip, and,
- (3) a soft mesh cover defining an article support surface placed over the arms.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the mesh cover is removable.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the arms are at least securable in an extended position.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the arms are securable in a collapsed position.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 21, 2014
Publication Date: Jul 23, 2015
Inventor: GAIL ANN SPECKMANN (PLANO, TX)
Application Number: 14/159,476