US20140096489A1 - Flexible ball for transporting laundry - Google Patents

Flexible ball for transporting laundry Download PDF

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Publication number
US20140096489A1
US20140096489A1 US13/649,107 US201213649107A US2014096489A1 US 20140096489 A1 US20140096489 A1 US 20140096489A1 US 201213649107 A US201213649107 A US 201213649107A US 2014096489 A1 US2014096489 A1 US 2014096489A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
caged
caged portion
laundry
spherical
hinge
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
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US13/649,107
Inventor
Diane L. Parry
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to US13/649,107 priority Critical patent/US20140096489A1/en
Publication of US20140096489A1 publication Critical patent/US20140096489A1/en
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    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06FLAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F95/00Laundry systems or arrangements of apparatus or machines; Mobile laundries 
    • D06F95/002Baskets or bags specially adapted for holding or transporting laundry; Supports therefor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to laundry containers and, more particularly, to a flexible ball for transporting laundry and similar materials from one area to another.
  • a laundry container comprises a first caged portion; a second caged portion fitting against the first caged portion to form an open space therewithin; a hinge interconnecting the first caged portion to the second caged portion; and a closure disposed opposite the hinge, the closure operable to connect the first caged portion to the second caged portion, preventing items from escaping from the open space formed therebetween.
  • a laundry container comprises a first spherical caged portion; a second spherical caged portion fitting against the first spherical caged portion to form an open space therewithin, the first spherical caged portion and the second spherical caged portion formed from a flexible material; a flexible hinge interconnecting the first caged portion to the second spherical caged portion; and a flexible closure disposed opposite the hinge, the closure operable to connect the first spherical caged portion to the second spherical caged portion, preventing items from escaping from the open space formed therebetween.
  • a method for transporting laundry comprises placing laundry into an open spaced defined between a first caged portion and a second caged portion fitting against the first caged portion; closing the first caged portion onto the second caged portion by pivoting about a hinge; and preventing the first caged portion from separating from the second caged portion by connecting a closure disposed opposite the hinge.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laundry ball, in use, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the laundry ball of FIG. 1 showing a latching side thereof;
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the laundry ball showing a hinge side thereof.
  • an embodiment of the present invention provides a flexible ball for transporting laundry from one area to another.
  • the ball can easily be rolled down a hallway or even bounced or rolled down a staircase with little effort.
  • the flexible laundry ball can be used by people of different ages and abilities in transporting laundry safely.
  • the flexible laundry ball can be formed from two half-spherical shapes connected together with a hinge on one side thereof and with a latch on an opposite side thereof.
  • a laundry ball can include caged half spheres 10 adapted to come together to form a hollow sphere.
  • the laundry ball can be used to contain laundry 12 therein, as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the caged half spheres 10 can include openings to allow a user to pick up the laundry ball therefrom.
  • the caged half spheres 10 can be made of a flexible material, such as a silicone rubber, plastic, rubber, foam, or the like.
  • the caged half spheres 10 while being flexible, can also be resilient so that they return to their original, spherical shape, after being compressed.
  • a latching loop 14 can be attached to one of the two caged half spheres 10 and a latching tee 16 can be attached to the other of the two caged half spheres 10 .
  • the latching loop 14 may removably connect with the latching tee 16 to interconnect the caged half spheres 10 together.
  • the latching loop 14 and the latching tee 16 can be made from a flexible material, such as a silicone material, for example, to allow a user to easily maneuver the latching loop 14 and the latching tee 16 to interconnect them together.
  • the latching loop 14 and the latching tee 16 can be designed to secure the caged half spheres 10 together without allowing them to separate, especially when rolling the laundry ball or bouncing the laundry ball down a set of stairs, for example.
  • a hinge can be used to allow the caged half spheres 10 to open without disconnecting the caged half spheres 10 from each other.
  • the hinge 14 can be, for example, soft, flexible loops looped through adjacent openings of each of the two caged half spheres 10 .
  • the hinge 14 can be made from, for example, plastic, silicone, rubber, or the like.
  • a user can simply place laundry into the laundry ball and move the ball by, for example, rolling it down a hallway or bouncing it down stairs.
  • the laundry ball could be kept open and used an a dirty laundry hamper for collecting laundry prior to the need to move it.
  • a living hinge can be formed from adjacent material from the two caged half spheres 10 .
  • the laundry ball could be made oval. Such a design may be used to provide a longer hinged portion, for example.
  • the laundry ball could be made in a polyhedron shape. For example, a 20-sided polyhedron would still retain the ability to easily “roll”, while also providing a small flat surface onto which the laundry ball can remain stationary.

Abstract

A laundry moving system includes a flexible ball for transporting laundry from one area to another. When laundry is placed into the flexible laundry ball and the flexible laundry ball is closed, the ball can easily be rolled down a hallway or even bounced or rolled down a staircase with little effort. The flexible laundry ball can be used by people of different ages and abilities in transporting laundry safely. The flexible laundry ball can be formed from two half-spherical shapes connected together with a hinge on one side thereof and with a latch on an opposite side thereof.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to laundry containers and, more particularly, to a flexible ball for transporting laundry and similar materials from one area to another.
  • For people with a disability of mobility issues, transporting laundry from a hamper to a laundry room for washing can be difficult, especially when stairs or hallways are involved. For example, if a person is carrying a laundry basket and needs to hold a handrail to get down stairs, this can be extremely difficult and hazardous.
  • As can be seen, there is a need for an improved laundry basket that can be easily and safely used to transport laundry.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • In one aspect of the present invention, a laundry container comprises a first caged portion; a second caged portion fitting against the first caged portion to form an open space therewithin; a hinge interconnecting the first caged portion to the second caged portion; and a closure disposed opposite the hinge, the closure operable to connect the first caged portion to the second caged portion, preventing items from escaping from the open space formed therebetween.
  • In another aspect of the present invention, a laundry container comprises a first spherical caged portion; a second spherical caged portion fitting against the first spherical caged portion to form an open space therewithin, the first spherical caged portion and the second spherical caged portion formed from a flexible material; a flexible hinge interconnecting the first caged portion to the second spherical caged portion; and a flexible closure disposed opposite the hinge, the closure operable to connect the first spherical caged portion to the second spherical caged portion, preventing items from escaping from the open space formed therebetween.
  • In a further aspect of the present invention, a method for transporting laundry comprises placing laundry into an open spaced defined between a first caged portion and a second caged portion fitting against the first caged portion; closing the first caged portion onto the second caged portion by pivoting about a hinge; and preventing the first caged portion from separating from the second caged portion by connecting a closure disposed opposite the hinge.
  • These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laundry ball, in use, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the laundry ball of FIG. 1 showing a latching side thereof;
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2; and
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the laundry ball showing a hinge side thereof.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
  • Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a flexible ball for transporting laundry from one area to another. When laundry is placed into the flexible laundry ball and the flexible laundry ball is closed, the ball can easily be rolled down a hallway or even bounced or rolled down a staircase with little effort. The flexible laundry ball can be used by people of different ages and abilities in transporting laundry safely. The flexible laundry ball can be formed from two half-spherical shapes connected together with a hinge on one side thereof and with a latch on an opposite side thereof.
  • Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 4, a laundry ball can include caged half spheres 10 adapted to come together to form a hollow sphere. The laundry ball can be used to contain laundry 12 therein, as shown in FIG. 1. The caged half spheres 10 can include openings to allow a user to pick up the laundry ball therefrom. The caged half spheres 10 can be made of a flexible material, such as a silicone rubber, plastic, rubber, foam, or the like. The caged half spheres 10, while being flexible, can also be resilient so that they return to their original, spherical shape, after being compressed.
  • Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, a latching loop 14 can be attached to one of the two caged half spheres 10 and a latching tee 16 can be attached to the other of the two caged half spheres 10. The latching loop 14 may removably connect with the latching tee 16 to interconnect the caged half spheres 10 together. The latching loop 14 and the latching tee 16 can be made from a flexible material, such as a silicone material, for example, to allow a user to easily maneuver the latching loop 14 and the latching tee 16 to interconnect them together. The latching loop 14 and the latching tee 16 can be designed to secure the caged half spheres 10 together without allowing them to separate, especially when rolling the laundry ball or bouncing the laundry ball down a set of stairs, for example.
  • Referring now to FIG. 4, a hinge can be used to allow the caged half spheres 10 to open without disconnecting the caged half spheres 10 from each other. The hinge 14 can be, for example, soft, flexible loops looped through adjacent openings of each of the two caged half spheres 10. The hinge 14 can be made from, for example, plastic, silicone, rubber, or the like.
  • A user can simply place laundry into the laundry ball and move the ball by, for example, rolling it down a hallway or bouncing it down stairs. In some embodiments, the laundry ball could be kept open and used an a dirty laundry hamper for collecting laundry prior to the need to move it.
  • While the drawings show specific design examples for the latch and hinge mechanisms, it should be understood that other styles and designs for the latch and hinge mechanisms can be used within the scope of the present invention. For example, a living hinge can be formed from adjacent material from the two caged half spheres 10.
  • While the drawings show a round laundry ball, other shapes can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the laundry ball could be made oval. Such a design may be used to provide a longer hinged portion, for example. In other embodiments, the laundry ball could be made in a polyhedron shape. For example, a 20-sided polyhedron would still retain the ability to easily “roll”, while also providing a small flat surface onto which the laundry ball can remain stationary.
  • It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims (10)

What is claimed is:
1. A laundry container comprising:
a first caged portion;
a second caged portion fitting against the first caged portion to form an open space therewithin;
a hinge interconnecting the first caged portion to the second caged portion; and
a closure disposed opposite the hinge, the closure operable to connect the first caged portion to the second caged portion, preventing items from escaping from the open space formed therebetween.
2. The laundry container of claim 1, wherein the first caged portion and the second caged portion are spherical shaped.
3. The laundry container of claim 1, wherein the first caged portion and the second caged portion are formed from a flexible material.
4. The laundry container of claim 3, wherein the hinge and the closure are formed from a flexible material.
5. The laundry container of claim 1, wherein the hinge is formed from at least two rings interconnecting the first caged portion to the second caged portion.
6. The laundry container of claim 1, wherein the closure includes a latching loop connected to the first caged portion and a latching tee connected to the second caged portion.
7. A laundry container comprising:
a first spherical caged portion;
a second spherical caged portion fitting against the first spherical caged portion to form an open space therewithin, the first spherical caged portion and the second spherical caged portion formed from a flexible material;
a flexible hinge interconnecting the first caged portion to the second spherical caged portion; and
a flexible closure disposed opposite the hinge, the closure operable to connect the first spherical caged portion to the second spherical caged portion, preventing items from escaping from the open space formed therebetween.
8. The laundry container of claim 7, wherein the hinge is formed from at least two rings interconnecting the first spherical caged portion to the second spherical caged portion.
9. The laundry container of claim 7, wherein the closure includes a latching loop connected to the first spherical caged portion and a latching tee connected to the second spherical caged portion.
10. A method for transporting laundry comprising:
placing laundry into an open spaced defined between a first caged portion and a second caged portion fitting against the first caged portion;
closing the first caged portion onto the second caged portion by pivoting about a hinge; and
preventing the first caged portion from separating from the second caged portion by connecting a closure disposed opposite the hinge.
US13/649,107 2012-10-10 2012-10-10 Flexible ball for transporting laundry Abandoned US20140096489A1 (en)

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Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150237828A1 (en) * 2014-02-18 2015-08-27 Rosse Mary Peavey Fun ball
US9409583B1 (en) * 2015-03-11 2016-08-09 William Bors Spherical hauling device
US20160242390A1 (en) * 2015-02-20 2016-08-25 Marirose Charlene Lynch System For Holding And Drying Tennis And Other Balls, And Dog Toy
USD766535S1 (en) * 2015-03-11 2016-09-13 William Bors Spherical hauling device
US11357344B2 (en) * 2016-10-20 2022-06-14 Flora Guppy Holdings Inc. Floral arranging apparatus
US11517009B1 (en) * 2016-09-06 2022-12-06 Lori J. Sommerfield Weed-E-Bug

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US903634A (en) * 1907-10-25 1908-11-10 Richard Troemel Coffee and tea infuser.
US2786346A (en) * 1954-12-03 1957-03-26 Miltle F Brandenburg Hosiery washer
US4244470A (en) * 1979-08-06 1981-01-13 Howard Johnson Company Individual ice cream dispensing receptacle
US4532722A (en) * 1983-02-07 1985-08-06 Sax Stephen H Fabric conditioning device
US4567675A (en) * 1982-05-20 1986-02-04 Lever Brothers Company Device for conditioning fabrics in a tumble-dryer
US4779794A (en) * 1985-12-23 1988-10-25 Moore Gail S Spherical laundry basket
US4863054A (en) * 1988-08-22 1989-09-05 Lou Capetta Amusement game display container
US4874107A (en) * 1987-03-25 1989-10-17 The Procter & Gamble Company Multiple compartment container
US5064073A (en) * 1990-07-24 1991-11-12 Jeffrey Alan Folland One piece capsule with optional insert and tape seal
US5556013A (en) * 1994-06-02 1996-09-17 Ingenious Design Products Intimate garment protector
US5829083A (en) * 1997-05-20 1998-11-03 Sutton; John T. Device and method used in washing a brassiere
US5964533A (en) * 1996-09-16 1999-10-12 Lamont Limited Hamper apparatus and methods
US6032495A (en) * 1999-03-02 2000-03-07 Leu; Shiow Jiuan Freida Wash ball
US6174577B1 (en) * 1998-08-12 2001-01-16 Tony Vitorino Anti-static ball and a method of using the same
US6742683B1 (en) * 2002-07-09 2004-06-01 Kieu Thi-Bich Phan Washing, drying, and storage device for brassieres and bikini tops
US6880765B2 (en) * 2001-10-29 2005-04-19 Joseph William Tuomikoski Scent lure dispenser
USD524500S1 (en) * 2005-04-28 2006-07-04 Angel Sales, Inc. Garment cage assembly
USD579163S1 (en) * 2007-02-28 2008-10-21 Smart Fiber Ag Perforated ball dispenser for use in washing machines
US7647795B2 (en) * 2004-12-16 2010-01-19 Mami Kitaya Protective case for washing clothes
US8596452B1 (en) * 2011-05-12 2013-12-03 Nora Banks Undergarment travel case

Patent Citations (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US903634A (en) * 1907-10-25 1908-11-10 Richard Troemel Coffee and tea infuser.
US2786346A (en) * 1954-12-03 1957-03-26 Miltle F Brandenburg Hosiery washer
US4244470A (en) * 1979-08-06 1981-01-13 Howard Johnson Company Individual ice cream dispensing receptacle
US4567675A (en) * 1982-05-20 1986-02-04 Lever Brothers Company Device for conditioning fabrics in a tumble-dryer
US4532722A (en) * 1983-02-07 1985-08-06 Sax Stephen H Fabric conditioning device
US4779794A (en) * 1985-12-23 1988-10-25 Moore Gail S Spherical laundry basket
US4874107A (en) * 1987-03-25 1989-10-17 The Procter & Gamble Company Multiple compartment container
US4863054A (en) * 1988-08-22 1989-09-05 Lou Capetta Amusement game display container
US5064073A (en) * 1990-07-24 1991-11-12 Jeffrey Alan Folland One piece capsule with optional insert and tape seal
US5556013A (en) * 1994-06-02 1996-09-17 Ingenious Design Products Intimate garment protector
US5964533A (en) * 1996-09-16 1999-10-12 Lamont Limited Hamper apparatus and methods
US5829083A (en) * 1997-05-20 1998-11-03 Sutton; John T. Device and method used in washing a brassiere
US6174577B1 (en) * 1998-08-12 2001-01-16 Tony Vitorino Anti-static ball and a method of using the same
US6032495A (en) * 1999-03-02 2000-03-07 Leu; Shiow Jiuan Freida Wash ball
US6880765B2 (en) * 2001-10-29 2005-04-19 Joseph William Tuomikoski Scent lure dispenser
US6742683B1 (en) * 2002-07-09 2004-06-01 Kieu Thi-Bich Phan Washing, drying, and storage device for brassieres and bikini tops
US7647795B2 (en) * 2004-12-16 2010-01-19 Mami Kitaya Protective case for washing clothes
USD524500S1 (en) * 2005-04-28 2006-07-04 Angel Sales, Inc. Garment cage assembly
USD579163S1 (en) * 2007-02-28 2008-10-21 Smart Fiber Ag Perforated ball dispenser for use in washing machines
US8596452B1 (en) * 2011-05-12 2013-12-03 Nora Banks Undergarment travel case

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150237828A1 (en) * 2014-02-18 2015-08-27 Rosse Mary Peavey Fun ball
US20160242390A1 (en) * 2015-02-20 2016-08-25 Marirose Charlene Lynch System For Holding And Drying Tennis And Other Balls, And Dog Toy
US9848579B2 (en) * 2015-02-20 2017-12-26 Marirose Charlene Lynch System for holding and drying tennis and other balls, and dog toy
US9409583B1 (en) * 2015-03-11 2016-08-09 William Bors Spherical hauling device
USD766535S1 (en) * 2015-03-11 2016-09-13 William Bors Spherical hauling device
US11517009B1 (en) * 2016-09-06 2022-12-06 Lori J. Sommerfield Weed-E-Bug
US11357344B2 (en) * 2016-10-20 2022-06-14 Flora Guppy Holdings Inc. Floral arranging apparatus

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