Abstract: A washing machine insert for holding athletic shoes therein when washing the athletic shoes in a washing machine. The washing machine insert includes a member designed for insertion into a washing tub of a front loading style washing machine. The member has a plurality of bores extending therethrough between a pair of opposite faces of the member. Each of the bores is designed for receiving a shoe therein.

Abstract: A dosing device for dispensing a highly viscous liquid includes a frame and a flexible sheet. The frame has an open top and an open bottom. The sheet is suspended from the open top of the frame for retaining the liquid within the sheet.

Abstract: A palm-top fabric leading edge detector adapted to be incorporated in a high temperature or regular temperature, L-configured or U-configured dyeing machine includes a detector body which is releasably connected to a sensor mounted in the dyeing machine via a cable to receive a fabric leading edge detection signal from the sensor when the leading edge of a fabric that is moved through the dyeing machine for dyeing passes through the sensor. The detector processes the fabric leading edge detection signal and provides the detection result on a display on the detector body. The detector is driven by an internal power source which may be primary cells or secondary cells rechargeable by means of external power source. Visual indicator and audio signal generation device are provided to indicate the detection of the fabric leading edge in a visual and audio manner.

Abstract: A fabric support device is provided for use in a wash basket of an automatic washer. The fabric support device includes an elongated bag having a generally rectangular shape, the bag being formed from a mesh material which allows fluid to pass therethrough. The bag has an open side edge such that clothes can be inserted into the bag. At least one spring member may extend longitudinally along the bag wherein the bag may be rolled into a generally cylindrical shape against the bias of the spring and inserted into the wash basket. Upon release, the bag is biased outwardly against the inner wall of the wash basket such that clothes are supported within the wash basket for washing but are not subject to stretching, twisting and excessive movement.

Abstract: A shelf for being positioned on a generally parallelpiped shaped appliance is provided. The appliance has a top surface and first and second side surfaces extending therefrom. The shelf includes a platform on which articles may be placed and a first leg having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first leg is connected to the platform. The second end of the first leg includes one or more interlocking members configured to securely engage one of the surfaces of the appliance. The shelf includes a second leg having a first end and a second end. The first end of the second leg is connected to the platform. The second end of the second leg includes one or more interlocking members configured to securely engage one of the surfaces of the appliance whereby the first and second legs support the platform above the top surface of the appliance.

Abstract: A dye scavenging article is provided for use in scavenging extraneous random dyes from the wash and rinse waters during a laundry process. The dye scavenging article is constructed to prevent its being trapped or commingled with the clothing items by including a buoyant or floatation member. A stiffening member may also be provided which maintains the dye scavenging article in an open state during the washing process. This construction allows the dye scavenging article to be exposed to the entire volume of wash and rinse waters during the laundry process to enhance effectiveness.

Abstract: An apparatus for magnetically laundering garments with permanent ceramic magnets compiled in unique configuration with a flux density of at least 3,900 gauss at a pole face thereof, thick plastisol casing to protect magnets from water and washing machine agitation; the magnet configuration ionizes water, increasing the natural solvency to assist in releasing stains and odors in fabrics; design, size and the casing make it practical for use in washing machine, uses specially calibrated magnetism to alter the basic nature of water and increase its natural solvency by ionization for usage in a laundry machine, and a preferred embodiment includes the magnets as a rare earth magnet.

Abstract: A device, for use in a washing machine filled with water for cleaning surfaces without the use of detergent, comprising a water permeable housing containing a plurality of cation exchange resin beads, a quantity of tourmaline, a quantity of metal alloy such as copper micro-fibre strands, and a quantity of ferromagnetic material. The materials contained within the housing are in fluid communication with the laundry water and function to clean laundry by substantially reducing the quantity of dissolved solids in the water, neutralizing bacteria, germs and algae, and attracting positively charged particles from soiled laundry articles.

Abstract: This invention is to be put in the washing machine vat with clothing and finely dividing hydro molecule cluster of the washing water by which the washing water permeates into the fiber of the clothing a generally disk shaped vessel main body is configured to be raised at its upper and lower surfaces where numerous water passing holes or perforations are formed for passing water there-through, a shock absorber is attached on the vessel main body at its side periphery face; a float is attached on the main body at its upper center, and a ceramic ball, tormaline resin, magnet and copper fiber are contained in the vessel main body.

Abstract: A spherical container for a chemical solution is disclosed which is used in a washing machine. The spherical container maximizes the surface which interacts with the clothing being washed in the washing machine, yet there are no sharp edges or surfaces to damage the clothing. The sphere is sealed with the solution therewithin, and vapor, gas and/or charged particles are emitted which perform the cleaning function.

Abstract: A dye scavenging article is provided for use in scavenging extraneous random dyes from the wash and rinse waters during a laundry process. The dye scavenging article is constructed to prevent its being entrapped or commingled with the clothing items. This construction allows the dye scavenging article to be exposed to the entire volume of wash and rinse waters during the laundry process to enhance effectiveness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dosing and dispensing device for granular detergent. The device comprises a pliable bag-shaped sleeve and a maintaining means. The maintaining means plunges into the bag, of which one end is fastened in the region of the opening. Said maintaining means are collapsible and resilient. Therefore the dosing and dispensing device according to the present invention can be brought into a collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A device 10 is used during washing of a brassiere 24 to protect the brassiere and maintain the shape of the cups 24a and 24b of the brassiere. It includes an inner spherical framework 12 contained within a larger outer spherical framework 14. Each framework is formed by a pair of hemispherical sections that upon being coupled together form the individual frameworks. With the inner framework 12 open, the brassiere 24 is fitted over the hemispherical sections, with one section being placed inside each cup of the brassiere. The sections of the inner framework 12 with the brassiere thereon are then closed and placed inside an open outer framework 14. The outer framework 14 is then closed to enclose the inner framework 12, and the assembly of frameworks is placed into a washing machine. The inner and outer frameworks are open structures that allow water to flow thereto during washing.

Abstract: Two or more permanent magnets (2, 3) are sandwiched between two complimentary plastic plates (1) sealed together and disposed in a protective outer cover (20). The device is placed in the wash water of a laundry machine, where its magnetic field induces eddy currents that soften the water. As an alternative, battery powered circuitry may be provided to generate a radiated electromagnetic field, with a similar cleaning enhancement effect.

Abstract: A dishwasher bag for use in combination with an automatic dishwashing machine to ensure a thorough cleansing of small objects and articles of a fragile or delicate nature. The bag is principally comprised of an open mesh material with a large opening at the top to accommodate the convenient insertion and removal of the objects to be cleansed. The opening usually spans the approximate length of the bag and is designed to be placed and cleaned inside. The opening is reinforced usually with a rigid frame and includes a cover element with a plurality of openings to allow water to penetrate from the top. The cover is connected to the bag by one or more hinges affixed to one side of the rigid frame and includes a clasp or similar type of device to secure the cover when closed.

Abstract: A process for the machine-washing of fabrics according to which a dispensing and diffusing device of the reusable type is filled with a particulate product which is active during the washing. This device is placed in the machine together with the fabrics to be washed, and washing is subsequently carried out in the customary way. The device used comprises a flexible bag mounted on a ring made of plastic with helical radial walls providing apertures through the mouth delimited by the ring. A assembly in the form of a cage can be arranged inside the sleeve of the bag in order to maintain the form of the latter during the washing. The product dissolves progressively and little escapes from the device in solid form.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for buffing articles, such as leather goods, silverware and the like. The apparatus includes a flexible container for receiving an article to be buffed. The interior of the container has a buffing material therein and is of a size to permit relative movement of the article and the buffing material so that, when the container is moved about, such as in the drum of a clothes dryer, the article and the buffing material move continuously into frictional engagement with each other causing a buffing action to occur. Several embodiments of the container are disclosed. A clothes dryer can be used for moving the container. In the alternative, a coin operated drum can be provided.

Abstract: A shelf assembly is disclosed for use with an appliance. The appliance has a top work surface with opposing side edges and a control panel disposed at a rear portion of and extending above the top work surface. The shelf assembly comprises a tray for providing an additional work surface and having opposite first and second ends. First and second side support panels are disposed substantially vertically and each has a top end adapted to be attached to a corresponding one of the first and second ends of said tray and a bottom end adapted for resting upon the top work surface. A bracket extends between and is attached at opposite ends to the first and second side support panels, respectively. The bracket has at least one foot disposed at a height above the top work surface and rests on the top of the control panel to steady the shelf assembly and to orient the additional work surface horizontally.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for buffing articles, such as leather goods, silverware and the like. The apparatus includes a container for receiving an article to be buffed. The interior of the container has a buffing material therein and is of a size to permit relative movement of the article and the buffing material so that, when the container is moved about, such as in the drum of a clothes dryer, the article and the buffing material move continuously into frictional engagement with each other causing a buffing action to occur. Several embodiments of the container are disclosed. A clothes dryer can be used for moving the container. In the alternative, a coin operated drum can be provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for buffing articles, such as leather goods, silverware and the like. The apparatus includes a container for receiving an article to be buffed. The interior of the container has a buffing material therein and is of a size to permit relative movement of the article and the buffing material so that, when the container is moved about, such as in the drum of a clothes dryer, the article and the buffing material move continuously into frictional engagement with each other causing a buffing action to occur. Several embodiments of the container are disclosed. A clothes dryer can be used for moving the container. In the alternative, a coin operated drum can be provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an element permitting to simultaneously wash in the same bath two types of textile articles, the articles of the first type being dyed with dyes liable to run in the washing bath and to settle on the articles of the second type. The element according to the invention is in the form of a filtering envelope inside which one of the types of textile articles is enclosed, the envelope being made in a material having more tinctorial affinity towards the dyes liable to run in the bath than the articles of the second type.

Abstract: A washing bag for curtains, drapes and the like, has a net fabric and is formed at its mouth with two spaced-apart ties (drawstrings) adapted to define a compartment between them in which the suspension hooks, rings or other attachment of the curtains or drapes can be confined so that removal of these members prior to cleaning is not necessary and nevertheless the hooks and like members do not endanger the fabric of the curtain or drape during the washing operation.