Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting and compacting articles, such as hospital scrub garments. Included is a cabinet assembly, having user and operator accessible doors; collection bags and support associate with the cabinet; a control assembly including a microprocessor and receiver board capable of recognizing an authorized user and permit him or her access to the apparatus, and optionally a video monitoring system; a drive assembly comprising a drive motor, arm linkage, drive chain and sprockets; a pair of sweeping arms operable by the drive assembly and which cooperate with a pair of packing arm assemblies. The sweeping arms urge garments deposited by authorized users downward and to the side in the cabinet and the packing arm cooperates to compact garments which have dropped into the collection bags. A method is disclosed for selectively identifying and permitting user access to the apparatus and for automatically processing received garments into a compacted condition in the collection bags.

Abstract: A method and device for storing and sorting laundry is disclosed comprising one or more elevated laundry bins each with a top end opening and a normally-closed drop bottom. The bins are elevated above a laundry work area so that laundry contained within each bin is released to the laundry work area upon opening the drop bottom. One or more laundry bins can be combined adjacent to each other to form a multiple bin unit which sorts laundry by receiving laundry within the separate laundry bins. The method includes storing the laundry until the volume of a bin is filled whereupon it is released to a laundry machine having a load volume equal to the bin volume.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving packages in absentia using a receptacle which is temporarily attached to the door of an apartment or house. A second embodiment uses a bracket for securing a sack or chain to a door, which in combination with a lock can be used to receive packages. Both the receptacle and the bracket can only be removed from the door when it is first unlocked and opened. A combination lock permits the mail carrier to open and deposit packages in the receptacle or attach them to the bracket. The combination is provided to the mail carrier on the address label of the package, and is provided to the sender of the package by telephone or written correspondence. A sack or chain can also be used with the receptacle to receive packages which are larger than the receptacle. The method provides equal access to both U.S. mail carriers and private carriers.

Abstract: A method and device for storing and sorting laundry is disclosed comprising one or more elevated laundry bins each with a top end opening and a normally-closed drop bottom. The bins are elevated above a laundry work area so that laundry contained within each bin is released to the laundry work area upon opening the drop bottom. One or more laundry bins can be combined adjacent to each other to form a multiple bin unit which sorts laundry by receiving laundry within the separate laundry bins. The method includes storing the laundry until the volume of a bin is filled whereupon it is released to a laundry machine having a load volume equal to the bin volume.

Abstract: A transfer station is provided to allow a secure transfer of goods between a service person such as a cleaner and an owner of the goods at the owner's residence when the owner is not at home. The station includes a bag forming an enclosure for the goods and having a handle. The station also includes a capture box with a receiver for the handle and a closure that prevents removal of the handle from the receiver when closed and locked. The box has a relatively low profile and does not capture part or all of the bag to provide security for the bag. A mechanism is also provided to close and secure the bag.

Abstract: A method and device for storing and sorting laundry is disclosed comprising elevated laundry bins each with a top end opening and a normally-closed drop bottom. The bins are elevated so that laundry contained within each bin is released upon opening the drop bottom. One or more laundry bins can be combined adjacent to each other to form a multiple bin unit which sorts laundry by receiving laundry within the separate laundry bins. The method includes storing the laundry until the volume of a bin is filled whereupon it is released into a washing machine having a load volume equal to the bin volume.

Abstract: A clothes hamper (10) includes a backboard (12) configured and decorated to resemble a basketball backboard. Brackets (18) support the backboard at the top of a door. First and second generally S-shaped hooks, each having a first U-shaped configuration at one end of the S for fitting over the top edge of a door, the portion over the door edge being flattened sufficiently to enable the door to be closed with the hook over the top thereof and a second U-shaped configuration at the other end of the S in inverted relationship to the first U-shaped end for extending through the apertures of the spaced frame brackets so as to support the backboard in a vertical orientation on the door. A hoop (26) configured to resemble a basketball goal is supported on the backboard by a unitary mounting plate for pivotally attaching the hoop to the lower half of the frame.

Abstract: A deposit, collection and delivery receptacle for clothing that is intended for use in the dry cleaning and laundry industry. The receptacle serves to assure the efficient operation of a pick-up and delivery service to residential and commercial customers. The receptacle is installed on the premises of the customer in a location that is accessible to the business operator at all times during normal business hours. The business operator can pick up and deliver clothing at his convenience. The customer can deposit clothing that requires cleaning and retrieve cleaned clothing at his convenience. In order to prevent disputes between the business operator and the customer over the quantity of clothing deposited into the receptacle, said receptacle can contain the means to count or determine the quantity of clothing deposited therein.

Abstract: A multipurpose combination frame structure integrally adapted for use as a clothes stand, height measuring instrument and a small basket goal stand for kids, characterized in that it can be assembled and disassembled in a ready manner. The base of the frame is made of two orthogonally joined oblong boards with four side supporting rods slopedly attached thereto; and the vertical stand includes three detachable sticks joined together by bolts and nuts end to end. A backboard is secured at the top of the stand with a dartboard like article disposed at the center thereof. A long basket net is hung from the backboard and is either used as a goal for basketball game or as a disposal container for the laundry.

Abstract: A laundry receptacle includes a backboard and a basketball hoop removably secured thereto by a bracket. A laundry bag is affixed at its open end about the periphery of the hoop. The bracket is designed to permit quick attachment and removal of the hoop. The bracket includes a downwardly opening hook portion to engage the upper surface of the hoop and two arms to engage the underside of the hoop. Hooks disposed along the upper edge of the backboard are adapted to fit onto the upper edge of a door for supporting the backboard thereon.

Abstract: A spherical shaped laundry basket which is designed to be pulled by a side strap is disclosed. There is a compartment contained within the bottom portion of the basket for the purpose of transporting laundry related products. The laundry basket is manufactured of plastic and includes an upper, open weave pattern and a lower solid section.

Abstract: A combined laundry bag and clothes hamper in which a bag is suspended from a removable hanger which frames the bag opening, the bag being internally partitioned to allow segregation of clothes and being provided at its bottom with a zipper to permit ready removal of soiled laundry from the hamper bag. The hamper bag can be removed from the hanger, and has a drawcord to permit closure of its top to facilitate its being used to carry soiled laundry to a laundramat, washing machine or other cleaning facility.