WO2018201256A1

WO2018201256A1 - Laundry hamper

Info

Publication number: WO2018201256A1
Application number: PCT/CA2018/050532
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anu LUTHRA
Original assignee: Luthra Anu
Priority date: 2017-05-04
Filing date: 2018-05-03
Publication date: 2018-11-08
Also published as: CA3062236A1

Abstract

Described herein is a collapsible laundry hamper which includes a flexible enclosure and an internal structure to support the side walls and base of the flexible enclosure, and to allow the hamper to stand in a stable position horizontally, vertically or both horizontally and vertically. The internal structure comprises first and second side frames connected by a collapsible linkage which allows the structure to collapse and expand while maintaining the first and second frames in an angular orientation that is substantially the same in the collapsed compared to the expanded position. The laundry hamper may include a removable and flexible divider which allows the user to separate their clothes. The laundry hamper may include one or more carry straps to allow a user to conveniently grasp the laundry hamper with one hand or to carry the laundry hamper in a hands-free manner.

Description

LAUNDRY HAMPER

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to laundry containers, and more particularly portable laundry hampers.

Description of the Related Art

In recent years, a number of different ways of storing and sorting laundry have become very popular. However, hampers today remain bulky, non-portable, often times dangerous to use when traveling up and down staircases. Sorter systems that do exist are comprised of heavy, bulky semi-permeant structures. Although pop-up mesh laundry bags are lightweight, they are not durable.

Accordingly, there is a continuing need for alternative laundry hampers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an aspect, there is provided a laundry hamper comprising:

a flexible enclosure defining an interior chamber,

a first opening formed in the flexible enclosure, the first opening communicative with the interior chamber;

a collapsible laundry hamper frame moveable from an expanded position to a collapsed position and received within the interior chamber, the collapsible laundry hamper frame comprising:

a first side frame;

a second side frame;

at least one collapsible linkage coupled to both the first side frame and the second side frame;

an angular relationship between the first side frame and the second side frame remaining substantially the same in the expanded position and the collapsed position.

The laundry hamper allows for organizing and transporting laundry in an efficient time saving way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a laundry hamper frame. Figure 2 shows (A) end, (B) side and (C) perspective views of a sequence of moving the laundry hamper frame shown in Figure 1 from a fully expanded position to a fully collapsed position.

Figure 3 shows the laundry hamper frame shown in Figure 1 inserted within the interior chamber of a flexible enclosure to form a collapsible laundry hamper.

Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of a variant of the laundry hamper frame.

Figure 5 shows (A) side and (B) end views of a sequence of moving the laundry hamper frame shown in Figure 4 from a fully expanded position to a fully collapsed position; and (C) side views of a modification of the laundry hamper frame shown in Figure 4, modified to substitute telescopic posts with collapsible accordion or corrugated panels.

Figure 6 shows (A) a side view of a second variant of the laundry hamper frame, (B) a perspective view of a lockable sliding hinge joint included in the second variant frame, and (C) side views of a sequence of moving the second variant frame from an expanded position to a collapsed position.

Figure 7 shows (A) side and (B) perspective views of a third variant of the laundry hamper frame.

Figure 8 shows (A) a perspective view of the second variant frame shown in Figure 6 with a modified lockable sliding hinge, (B) a longitudinal cross-section view of the modified lockable sliding hinge in operation; and (C) a perspective view of the modified lockable sliding hinge isolated from the second variant frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMB ODF ENT S

With reference to the drawings, an adjustable, collapsible laundry hamper is described. The laundry hamper comprises a flexible material enclosure supported by a collapsible frame. Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a laundry hamper frame (30) comprises a telescopic side frame (33) pivotally connected to a first end of a folding spine (35) and a molded unitary side frame (11) connected to a second end of the folding spine (35). The folding spine (35) comprises a centrally located pivot joint that directs collapsing or expansion of the laundry hamper frame (30). The telescopic side frame (33) and the molded unitary side frame (11) are maintained in a generally parallel orientation to each other in both the expanded position and the collapsed position.

The telescopic side frame (33) has a telescopic frame support bar (1) that connects to a first large telescopic pipe (2) and a second large telescopic pipe (8). The large telescopic pipes (2) and (8) attach to opposing ends of the main support bar (1) using an inference fit (also known as friction fit or press fit) and may be outfitted with an adhesive bonding agent. The first large telescopic pipe (2) connects to a first mid-sized telescopic pipe (3) and the second large telescopic pipe (8) connects to a second mid-sized telescopic pipe (7). Mid-sized telescopic pipes (3) and (7) are slidably coupled to and slide into large telescopic pipes (2) and (8), respectively. The first mid-sized telescopic pipe (3) connects to a first small telescopic pipe (4) and the second midsized telescopic pipe (7) connects to a second small telescopic pipe (6). Small telescopic pipes (4) and (6) are slidably coupled and slide into mid-sized telescopic pipes (3) and (7), respectively. A telescopic frame horizontal bar (5) provides first and second posts extending perpendicularly from opposing ends of the telescopic frame horizontal bar (5), with the first and second perpendicular posts frictionally fitting within the first small telescopic pipe (4) and the second small telescopic pipe 6, respectively, the friction fit optionally reinforced with adhesive bonding.

The large telescopic pipes (2) and (8) are concentrically mated to their respective midsized telescopic pipes (3) and (7) with a tolerance such to allow coaxial sliding movement between the pipes. This coaxial sliding movement allows for a first stage of device expansion and is bound by using pre-manufactured guide holes with corresponding C-spring button locks (not shown; also referred to as C-clip button lock). The embedded upper C-spring button lock in each respective telescoping pipe assembly constrains the coaxial sliding movement of the extension or contraction when the guide holes are aligned in either one or two positions, respectively. By pressing the C-spring button, the reversibly locked or latched connection is released allowing a telescoping pipe to be extended or collapsed. Similarly, the connection of mid-sized telescopic pipes (3) and (7) are concentrically mated to their respective small telescopic pipes (4) and (6) with a tolerance such to allow coaxial sliding movement between the pipes. This coaxial sliding movement allows for a second stage of device expansion and is again bound (similar to the first stage expansion) by using pre-manufactured guide holes with corresponding C-spring button locks (not shown).. Telescopic frame horizontal bar (5) is attached to small telescopic pipes (4) and (6) using an interference fit and may be outfitted with an adhesive bonding agent.

The telescopic side frame (33) is pivotally coupled to a first longitudinal end of the folding spine post (35) and the molded unitary side frame (11) is pivotally coupled to a second longitudinal end of the folding spine post (35). The telescopic frame support bar (1) is slidably and rotationally received through a bore formed in a first arm (22) of the first end hinge which is pivotally connected to a second arm (21) of the first end hinge by a hinge pin (19) received through corresponding mating apertures (20) of the first and second arms (22, 21). While a first end of second arm (21) provides a mating aperture (20) to form a pivot joint on hinge pin (19), an opposing second end of the second arm (21) attaches to a first longitudinal end of a first spine post (18). A second longitudinal end of the first spine post (18) attaches to a first arm (17) of a central hinge. The first arm (17) of the central hinge is pivotally connected to a second arm (15) of the central hinge, pivoting on central hinge pin (16). The second arm (15) of the central hinge attaches to a first longitudinal end of the second spine post (14). An opposing second longitudinal end of the second spine post (14) attaches to a second arm (9) of a second end hinge which is pivotally connected a first arm (10) of the second end hinge, the pivot connection formed by hinge pin (13) received through corresponding mating apertures (12) of the first and second arms

(9) and (10), so that hinge pin (13) defines the axis of rotation of the first and second arms (9) and

(10) . The molded unitary side frame (11) is slidably and rotationally received through a bore formed in the first arm (10) of the second end hinge. Both the telescopic side frame (1) and the molded unitary side frame (11) can optionally and independently be held in place to limit rotational and/or translational motion with respect to first arm (22) of first end hinge or first arm (10) of second end hinge, respectively, for example, by deploying a set screw that holds set in the receiving bore of the first arm (22) of the first end hinge and/or the receiving bore formed in the first arm (10) of the second end hinge. Each of the three hinge sections may have a slotted guide section cut into a hinge arm (for example, hinge arms 9, 17 and 21) where the guide slot is restricted enough to require additional force to pivot it into its locked position.

Figure 2 shows (A) longitudinal end view, (B) a lateral side view, and (C) a perspective view of the same sequence of collapsing the laundry hamper frame (30) from an open or expanded position, to an intermediate collapsed position, to a fully closed or collapsed position. The telescopic side frame (33) and the molded unitary side frame (11) are maintained in a generally parallel orientation to each other in both the fully expanded position and the fully collapsed position, as well as optionally in intermediate positions. Maintaining the generally parallel orientation allows for the angular relationship between a plane defined by the telescopic side frame (33) and a plane defined by the molded unitary side frame (11) to remain substantially constant when moving from an expanded position to a collapsed position. More specifically, it can be seen that for each of the telescopic side frame (33) and the molded unitary side frame (11) considered individually, each side frame remains generally parallel to its previous position when moving from an expanded position to a collapsed position, or vice versa. Stated in term of longitudinal spacing between the side frames, Figure 2 demonstrates that relative difference of longitudinal spacing in a collapsed position of laundry hamper frame (30) when comparing corresponding points on the perimeters of the two side frames is generally low. This low relative difference is in contrast to a collapsing mechanism of folding inwards where the side frames (35) and (11) would rotate and angle inwards such that the corresponding points nearest the connection of the side frames to the first and second longitudinal ends of folding spine post (35) are spaced significantly greater than corresponding points of the side frames that are furthest from the folding spine post connection providing higher relative differences of longitudinal spacing when comparing corresponding points on the perimeters of the two side frames; further a collapsing mechanism of folding inward provides higher relative differences of longitudinal spacing when comparing the corresponding points in the collapsed and expanded positions. The collapsing mechanism as shown in Figure 2, allows corresponding points nearest the connection of the side frames to the first and second longitudinal ends of folding spine post (35) to be spaced similarly, perhaps even generally equal, to corresponding points of the side frames that are furthest from the folding spine post connection providing lower relative differences of longitudinal spacing when comparing corresponding points on the perimeters of the two side frames in the collapsed position and the expanded position.

Figure 3 shows the laundry hamper frame (30) supporting a flexible enclosure or covering (40) to form a laundry hamper (50). The laundry hamper (50) is a collapsible multipurpose laundry hamper. The size and shape of the laundry hamper frame (30) and the flexible enclosure (40) are matched based on predetermined dimensions.

The flexible enclosure (40) is shaped as a rectangular cube with 6 panels - a longitudinal top panel, a longitudinal bottom panel, a first longitudinal side panel, a second longitudinal side panel, a first lateral side panel and a second lateral side panel - that combine together to form a chamber that receives the laundry hamper frame (30). The flexible enclosure (40) allows the laundry hamper to have a removable divider (42) to pre-sort clothes. The longitudinal top panel functions as a lid of the flexible enclosure (40). A detachable mesh bag (not shown) may be coupled to a surface of the flexible enclosure (40), including for example an interior surface of the longitudinal top panel. The mesh bag allows the user to pre-sort clothes. The removable mesh bag may be decoupled from the flexible enclosure (40) and can directly be put into a washing machine and dryer for sanitation. The longitudinal top panel defines an opening communicative with the interior chamber of the flexible enclosure (40), the opening equipped with a zipper (44) or other suitable reversible fastener to allow the flexible enclosure (40) of the laundry hamper to be open and closed. A side zipper (46) on one of the first or second lateral side panels allows the flexible enclosure (40) of the laundry hamper to be open and closed in a vertical position. Two carry straps (48a, 48b) symmetrically attached to opposing sides of the flexible enclosure (40) - more specifically, attached to first and second longitudinal side panels, respectively - provide convenient handles allow the laundry hamper to be portable, and advantageously held in a single hand of a user. Carry straps are optional, but when present one or more carry straps may be sized as one or more shoulder straps to allow hands-free portability of the laundry hamper, for example in a satchel or back pack carrying manner.

The materials to be used for the covering include but not limited to plastic coated fabric.

The material used for this hamper, unlike the material used in the hampers and laundry bags one finds today, may be mold resistant.

In operation, the laundry hamper is a multi-functional hamper that allows a user to position it in either a horizontal position or vertical position. This laundry hamper can use the removable divider (42) to sort clothes, and the removable mesh bag (not shown) allows the user to expand sorting ability. The central hinge (comprising components 15, 16, 17) of the folding spine (35) allows the laundry hamper to collapse, which allows it to be easily stored away. The first end hinge (comprising components 19, 20, 21, 22) and the second end hinge (comprising components 9, 10, 12, 13) located at opposing longitudinal ends of the folding spine (35) also facilitate collapsing of the laundry hamper for easy storage. This laundry hamper can be used either horizontally or vertically due to the end and central hinges. This laundry hamper has the ability to be functional either horizontally or vertically. More, specifically, the laundry hamper comprises an internal structure, such as the laundry hamper frame (30), that provides sufficient support to the panels of the flexible enclosure (40), to allow the laundry hamper to stand in a stable position both horizontally and vertically.

Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of a variant of the laundry hamper frame (30) shown in Figure 1. The variant laundry hamper frame (100) shown in Figure 4 comprises a first side frame, a second side frame and a plurality of collapsible posts coupled to corresponding points of both the first and second side frames.

The first side frame comprises two long pipes (103, 104) and two shorter pipes (102, 106) of equal diameter conjoined by four, three way 90 degree connector fittings (101, 105, 107 and 136). Each pipe and fitting joint is assembled using an interference fit and may be outfitted with an adhesive bonding agent or set screws to provide additional structural support. Note, each three way 90 degree connector will have one long, and one short pipe connection of the first side frame in a single plane, for example the horizontal plane with the vertical connection on the three way, 90 degree connector fittings utilized to mate the telescoping columns with the first side frame assembly.

The plurality of collapsible posts are provided by four telescoping columns or posts (140, 141, 142, 143). Each of the four, similar, telescoping columns are an assembly of three vertical locking posts of variable diameters which can be constructed of any material of suitable rigidity, for example PVC. The upper locking posts (108, 110, 134 and 135) of each telescoping column assembly have the smallest and are concentrically mated to their respective middle locking posts (112, 113, 130 and 131) with a tolerance of such to allow coaxial movement between the each upper and middle locking posts in the vertical axis. This vertical movement allows for the first stage of device expansion and is bound using pre-manufactured guide holes with corresponding C-spring button locks (109, 111, 132 and 133). The embedded upper C-spring button lock in each respective telescoping column assembly constrains the vertical movement of extension or contraction when the guide holes on the upper and middle locking posts are aligned in either one of two positions, respectively. By pressing the C-spring button, the fixed connection is released allowing the telescoping post to be extended or collapsed. Similar, is the connection between each of the lower vertical locking posts (117, 116, 124, and 128) and their respective middle locking posts. The exception is that in this instance, the middle posts are of a smaller diameter than the lower posts. Lower C-spring button locks (115, 114, 127 and 129) constrain the second stage of coaxial, vertical movement between the middle and lower locking posts.

The first side frame and four telescoping column assemblies are mated to a second side frame assembly to complete the laundry hamper frame via the vertical connector of the lower three way 90 degree connector fittings (120, 118, 123 and 126). The second side frame assembly is of similar construction to the first side frame assembly, similarly comprising two long pipes (121, 124) and two shorter pipes (119, 125) of equal diameter in addition to the lower three way, 90 degree connectors.

Similar to the laundry hamper frame (30) shown in Figure 1, the variant laundry hamper frame shown in Figure 4 can be inserted into a flexible enclosure, such as flexible enclosure (40) shown in Figure 3, to form a collapsible laundry hamper. Figure 5 shows (A) a lateral side view and (B) longitudinal end view of the same sequence of collapsing the variant laundry hamper frame shown in Figure 4 from an open or expanded position, to an intermediate collapsed position, to a fully closed or collapsed position. The first and second side frames of the variant laundry hamper frame (100) are maintained in a generally parallel orientation to each other in both the fully expanded position and the fully collapsed position, as well as in intermediate positions. Maintaining the generally parallel orientation allows for the angular relationship between a plane defined by the first side frame and a plane defined by the second side frame to remain substantially constant when moving from an expanded position to a collapsed position. More specifically, it can be seen that for each of the first side frame and the second side frame considered individually, each side frame remains generally parallel to its previous position when moving from an expanded position to a collapsed position, or vice versa. Stated in term of longitudinal spacing between the side frames, Figure 5 demonstrates that relative difference of longitudinal spacing when comparing corresponding points on the perimeters of the two side frames in the collapsed position is generally low - ie., corresponding points nearest the connections of the side frames to the telescopic columns are spaced similarly, perhaps even generally equal, to corresponding points of the side frames that are furthest from the telescoping column connections providing lower relative differences of longitudinal spacing when comparing corresponding points on the perimeters of the two side frames in the collapsed position, as well as the expanded position, and optionally in an intermediate collapsed position.

Operationally, the variant laundry hamper frame (100) can be inserted within flexible enclosure (40) and function to stabilize a horizontal or vertical orientation of the flexible enclosure (40), similar to the function of laundry hamper frame (30). The laundry hamper comprising flexible enclosure (40) supported by laundry hamper frame (100) has the ability to be functional either horizontally or vertically. More, specifically, the laundry hamper comprises an internal structure, such as the laundry hamper frame (100), that provides sufficient support to the panels of the flexible enclosure (40), to allow the laundry hamper to stand in a stable position both horizontally and vertically.

Laundry hamper frame (100) may provide advantages compared to laundry hamper frame (30). For example, an advantage is a simpler joint design using the C-button locking system likely resulting in reduced manufacturing cost. Another advantage may be a reduced product weight and complexity for failure as there are no large metal/mechanical joints needed in laundry hamper frame (100). Another advantage is that laundry hamper frame (100) will likely provide greater stability, especially when the hamper is empty.

Figure 6 shows a side view of a second variant of the laundry hamper frame (30) shown in Figure 1. The second variant laundry hamper frame (200) shown in Figure 6 comprises a first side frame, a second side frame, a plurality of collapsible posts coupled to corresponding points of both the first and second side frames, and a pair of scissor linkages pivotally coupled to corresponding points of both the first and second side frames. The scissor linkage is configured to be latched or locked at one or more positions to hold a spatial relation of the first side frame to the second side frame.

The first side frame comprises two half-hoops (237, 238). The second side frame also comprises two half-hoops (239, 240). These half-hoops interlock with one another to form a complete hoop-frame, ie., a closed loop, for both the first side frame and the second side frame. At each of the four corners of the first and second side frames is a tube which stands vertically (perpendicularly) in relation to the plane of each side frame. The tubes on the corners of the second side frame are inserted into tubes at the corners of the first side frame and are free to move telescopically in the vertical direction. Thus, the corresponding mating tubes extending perpendicularly from the first and second side frame mate telescopically to form four telescopic posts, and the first side frame and the second side frame are coupled by four telescopic posts (260; two telescopic posts not shown). The four telescopic posts maintain the first and second side frames in a parallel co-aligned relationship in both an expanded position and a collapsed position as well as one or more optional intermediate positions as desired.

In addition to four telescopic posts, the first and second side frames are also coupled with two parallel co-aligned scissor linkages (only a single scissor linkage is shown). The scissor linkage (250) comprises two scissor arms (241a, 241b) that are pivotally coupled together at a central pivot joint (251) and the two scissor arms are free to pivot about the axis defined by the pivot joint. At a first end of each scissor arm is a fixed hinge (242a, 242b). The first and second fixed hinges (242a, 242b) are fixed in place, at corresponding co-aligned points, on the first and second side frames, respectively, to provide a degree of freedom of rotational motion of the first end of each scissor arm relative to the frame, while the fixed connection of each fixed hinge to each side frame prevents translation or sliding of the first end of the scissor arm in a linear direction along the side frame. At a second end of the first scissor arm (241a) is a sliding hinge (243) which slidably couples the second end of the first scissor arm to the second side frame so that the second end of the first scissor arm is free to slide along the second side frame in a linear direction. At a second end of the second scissor arm (241b), co-axially opposite the fixed hinge (242a) and co-aligned parallel with the sliding hinge (243), is a lockable sliding hinge (244) which slidably couples the second end of the second scissor arm to the first side frame so that the second end of the second scissor arm is able to slide along the first side frame and can be latched or locked in place at one or more positions as desired. The scissor arms are able to rotate about the axes defined by the hinges. The two scissor linkages, one on each side of the frames, are maintained in co-alignment during each expanded or collapsed position or any number of intermediate positions as desired.

The lockable sliding hinge (244) is comprises a main slide body (245) sized to fit onto the first side frame in a way that minimizes resistance to sliding. The main slide body houses a single, horseshoe shaped, spring (246). The spring rests in a channel that restricts its movements to a single vertical direction in a position with its legs on two ramp sections in the main slide body. The first side frame has slots (not shown) into which the spring can fit in order to latch or lock the linear sliding movement of the hinge. In its resting position the spring legs fit into the slots in the first side frame and prevent linear sliding motion along the frame. An actuator button (247) is in place above the spring and is able to be pressed in order to move the spring. When pressed the spring legs are forced down the ramp sections of the body and as a result the legs are spread apart. When the button is depressed fully the legs are spread to be wider than the upper frame, removing spring legs from corresponding slots, and the hinge is free to move along the frame.

In the scissor linkage (250), when the lockable sliding hinge (244) is latched in place, there are 3 of 4 corners (ie., ends of the first and second scissor arms) held in a stationary position. In this position, any forces through the free sliding hinge (243) are transferred to the second scissor arm (241b) which is fully fixed. This transfer of forces allows the scissor linkage to remain stationary and the hamper to hold its position without any additional locking, latching or fixing of telescopic posts (260). However, additional latching of telescopic posts may optionally be incorporated as desired.

Figure 7 shows side elevation and perspective views of a third variant of the laundry hamper frame (30) shown in Figure 1. The third variant laundry hamper frame (300) shown in Figure 7 comprises a first side frame, a second side frame, and a U-shaped scissor mechanism comprising a pair of scissor linkages pivotally coupled to corresponding points of both the first and second side frames. The scissor linkages are configured to be latched or locked at one or more positions to hold a spatial relation of the first side frame to the second side frame.

The first side frame (308) and second side frame (309) are connected to two fixed hinges (314) each. The U-shaped scissor mechanism comprises two U-shaped scissor arms (310, 311). Each U-shaped scissor arm comprises a pair of parallel scissor arm portions that are joined at a corresponding end by a connecting perpendicular base arm portion to form a U-shape. A radial plane at the center of the base arm defines a plane of symmetry of each U-shaped scissor arm. The two U-shaped scissor arms are joined together by a central pivot joint at corresponding middle points of each of the corresponding scissor arm portions of the two U-shaped scissor arms (310, 311) and are free to pivot about this point. As each U-shaped scissor arm provides a pair of scissor arm sections, pivotal coupling of the two U-shaped scissor arms requires two corresponding central pivot joints (315). The two central pivot joints are co-axially aligned and maintain co-axial alignment in collapsed and expanded positions of the laundry hamper frame. The base arm portion of each U-shaped scissor arm is secured to the first or second side frame by connection to the fixed hinges (314) and the base arm portion is allowed to rotate freely inside this hinge relative to the first or second side frame. The ends of the second U-shaped scissor arm (311) are respectively connected to a pair of corresponding sliding hinges (312) which in turn are slidably mounted to the second side frame (309), providing translational motion in that the sliding hinges (312) are free to slide along the second side frame (309). The ends of the first U-shaped scissor arm (310) are respectively connected to a pair of corresponding lockable sliding hinges (313) which in turn are slidably mounted to the first side frame (308), providing translation motion that can be reversibly latched in that the lockable sliding hinges (313) are able to slide along the first side frame (308) and can be locked in place as desired. The U-shaped scissor arms are able to rotate on each hinge.

The lockable sliding hinge comprises components shown in Figure 6B. The main slide body (245) is sized to fit onto the upper frame in a way that it will provide no resistance to sliding. The main body houses a single, horseshoe shaped, spring (246). The spring rests in a channel that restricts its movements to a single vertical direction in a position with its legs on two ramp sections in the main body. The upper frame has slots into which the spring can fit in order to lock the movement of the hinge. In its resting position the spring legs fit into the slots in the upper frame and prevent motion along the frame. An actuator button (247) is in place above the spring and is able to be pressed in order to move the spring. When pressed the spring legs are forced down the ramp sections of the body and as a result the legs are spread apart. When the button is depressed fully the legs are spread to be wider than the upper frame and the hinge is free to move along the frame.

In the scissor mechanism, when the lockable sliding hinge is locked in place, there are 3 of 4 hinges held in a stationary position. In this position, any forces through the free sliding hinge (312) are transferred to the other rod which is fully fixed. This transfer of forces allows the scissor mechanism to remain stationary and the hamper to hold its position.

Figure 8 shows a modification of laundry hamper frame (200) with a modified lockable sliding hinge (280). Figure 8A shows a perspective view of the laundry hamper frame, while Figure 8B shows a magnified cross-section view of the locking mechanism of the lockable sliding hinge (280) and Figure 8C shows a perspective view of the lockable sliding hinge in isolation from laundry hamper frame (200). Lockable sliding hinge (280) comprises a cylindrical body (280a) defining a lumen having a diameter (ie., interior diameter of the body 280a) sized to slidably receive a portion of first side frame half-hoop (238). A radial extension (280b) projecting from cylindrical body (280a) forms a hinge or pivot joint (284) with the second arm (241b) of scissor linkage (250). The cylindrical body (280a) forms a threaded end (280c). A plurality of axially aligned longitudinal gaps (280d) segment the threaded end (280c) so that the threaded end (280c) is formed of a plurality of arcuate threaded segments or sections separated by longitudinal gaps (280d) that combine to form the cylindrical threaded end (280c). A lock nut (282) defining a threaded lumen (282a) threadably engages threaded end (280c) of lockable sliding hinge (280). The threaded lumen (282a) is sized with a diameter to circumferentially collapse threaded end (280c) as lock nut (282) is tightened to progressively advance threaded engagement and threaded overlap of threaded lumen (282a) with threaded end (280c). Longitudinal gaps (280d) provide spaces to facilitate circumferential collapse of the threaded end (280c). Prior to engagement with lock nut (282) the plurality of threaded segments of the threaded end (280c) are biased to a circumferentially expanded position that provides an inner diameter of threaded end (280c) that slidably receives a rod or tube of the first side frame (for example, half-hoop 238). Engagement with lock nut (282) acts against the bias to circumferentially collapse the threaded end (280c) to actuate a circumferentially collapsed position of the threaded end with an inner diameter that results in the threaded end (280c) being frictionally fixed to the corresponding rod or tube of the first side frame. The lockable sliding hinge (280) is shown in the context of laundry hamper frame (200), but it may also readily be configured in laundry hamper frame (300). An illustrative version and several variants of a collapsible laundry hamper have been described above without any intended loss of generality. Further examples of modifications and variation are now provided. Still further variants, modifications and combinations thereof are contemplated and will be apparent to the person of skill in the art.

For example, the laundry hamper frame may be constructed of a variety of materials including plastic components, metal components or combinations thereof. Components will be suitably rigid to structurally stabilize the laundry hamper in both vertical and horizontal positions. The laundry hamper frame comprises a first side frame, a second side frame, and at least one collapsible linkage coupled to both the first side frame and the second side frame. Each of the first and second frames and at least one collapsible linkage may be independently formed of any desired material or any combination of material.

The at least one collapsible linkage may be any suitable linkage that allows the angular relationship between the first side frame and the second side frame to remain substantially the same in the expanded position and the collapsed position, and optionally substantially the same in an intermediate collapsed position, and optionally substantially the same throughout the collapsing movement. The at least one collapsible linkage may comprise one or more hinged posts, one or more telescopic posts, one or more scissor arm linkages (also referred to as X-arm or X-frame linkage), one or more accordion or corrugated posts, and the like, configured to maintain the substantially same angular relationship of the first side frame to the second side frame in both the expanded and collapsed position.

While the first and second side frames of the laundry hamper frame are shown as relatively narrow borders defining relatively larger central openings, the borders may be widened or the central openings filled with one or more solid panels or cross-braces or cross-struts to configure semi-closed or even fully closed first and/or second side frames as desired, particularly for first and second side frames that are not collapsible. Similarly, other components of the laundry hamper frame may have any combination of cross-panels, cross-braces and cross-struts configured to provide additional reinforcement and support to the frame structure as desired for specific implementations.

The first and second side frames may be constructed from a plurality of components or may be formed or molded as a single unitary component. Constructing one or both of the first and second side frames as a unitary integrally formed piece is particularly feasible when the first or second side frame is not collapsible. Furthermore, first and second side frames may be formed as single integrated pieces incorporating all or part of the at least one collapsible linkage including, for example, embodiments where the first side frame and a plurality of first tubes extending perpendicularly from the first side frame are formed as a single piece and the second side frame and a plurality of second tubes extending perpendicularly from the second side frame are formed as a single piece, the plurality of first tubes having a larger interior diameter than the exterior diameter of the plurality of second tubes and each plurality of first tubes co-axially and slidably receiving a corresponding one of the plurality of second tubes to form a plurality of telescopically collapsible posts.

The entire laundry hamper frame may be formed or molded as an integrated unitary piece in embodiments when permitted by the type of collapsible linkage between the first and second side frames. For example, forming the laundry hamper frame as a single integral piece may be possible in embodiments where the first and second frames are non-collapsible and are connected by a plurality of accordion (also referred to as corrugated) panels to provide the at least one collapsible linkage.

The flexible enclosure may be made of any suitable material and may include antimicrobial properties. The flexible enclosure may include a stretchable material. Suitable material types and combinations may be found in fabrics available in textile industries, including natural or synthetic fabrics, or combinations thereof. More specifically, examples of suitable material types may be found among fabrics in the personal baggage industry such as those used to manufacture gym bags, duffel bags, suitcases, backpacks, purses, satchels, and the like. In many embodiments, the flexible enclosure can be considered a fabric enclosure.

The flexible enclosure and the laundry hamper frame may be of any desired corresponding shape and size. For example, the first and second side frames of the laundry hamper frame may be independently shaped as a triangle, ellipse, circle, semi-circle, square, rectangle, trapezoid, pentagon, hexagon, or any desired polygonal shape, and the flexible enclosure may be shaped accordingly. The size of the first and second side frames may be identical, similar or different as desired and the flexible enclosure may be shaped accordingly. Often the flexible enclosure may be sized to be taut on the laundry hamper frame in an expanded position, the flexible enclosure stretched to apply a resistive force (depending on desired tautness for a specific implementation) to the laundry hamper frame in an expanded position. In other embodiments, the flexible enclosure may remain slack on the laundry hamper frame in the expanded position. Varying levels of tautness or slackness can be accommodated as desired. The flexible enclosure may include any desired fastener or connector to reversibly attach an interior surface of the flexible enclosure to the laundry hamper frame, including for example straps, clips, hooks, and the like. Fasteners or connectors extending from the interior surface of the flexible enclosure may be particularly useful in embodiments having the flexible enclosure remain slack on the laundry hamper frame in the expanded position.

The flexible enclosure may be configured with two openings, a first opening on a longitudinal panel to provide access from above reaching into the flexible enclosure when the hamper is oriented horizontally and a second opening on a lateral panel to provide access from above for reaching into the flexible enclosure when the hamper is oriented vertically. Further openings may be formed as desired. A single opening may suffice in implementations where a single orientation of vertical or horizontal will suffice.

At least one opening will be sized to allow easy insertion and removal of the laundry hamper frame. Where two or more openings are provided it is not necessary that both openings be sized to allow removal of the laundry hamper frame, but can be so configured if desired. The laundry hamper frame is typically inserted or removed in a collapsed or partially collapsed state.

The openings will typically be equipped with a reversible fastener. Any suitable reversible fastener may be used including, for example, zippers, buttons, snaps, Velcro-type hook-and-loop, clips, and the like.

The frame joints may be equipped with one or more joint locks or brakes. Any conventional joint lock or brake may be installed, and may be coordinated to hinged joints and/or telescoping joints and/or components slidably engaging the first or second side frame, or any other parts of the laundry hamper frame as suited to specific implementations. A joint lock or brake may function to ensure the hamper does not collapse while in use. A joint lock or brake may be especially useful as frame components wear over time and multiple usage. A joint lock or brake includes components that prevent motion in a moveable joint. For example, example lockable sliding hinge (244) or its modification lockable sliding hinge (280) comprise lock or brake mechanisms to prevent or fix linear sliding movement along the first side frame. An alternative to the lockable sliding hinge can be a lock or brake operably controlling motion of the central pivot in the scissor arm linkage. A joint lock or brake functions to maintain a position of the collapsible laundry hamper frame. In certain embodiments, a joint lock or brake functions to maintain a position of a component of the laundry hamper frame while allowing a change of position of the laundry hamper frame. A C-clip spring button mechanism is yet another example of a suitable joint lock or brake. For example, lockable sliding hinge (244) can be modified to be latched in an expanded position by a C-clip spring button projecting from the first side frame and engaging a receiving bore formed in the cylindrical body of lockable sliding hinge (244). A C-clip spring button is an example of a spring button latch, and other types of spring button latches are readily available and may be used to maintain a position of a joint of the laundry hamper frame. Further, conventional locking, latching or braking mechanisms may be accommodated, including for example detent formations, hooks, clips, straps, and the like. Combinations of locking, latching or braking mechanisms may also be configured as desired to suit specific implementations.

Any suitable collapsible linkage may be used to connect the first side frame to the second side frame of the laundry hamper frame. For example, the collapsible linkage may be a hinged folding collapsible post, a telescopic collapsible post or a scissor linkage. The collapsible linkage is configured to maintain the first and second side frames in parallel facing opposition in both an expanded position and a collapsed position.

Incorporation of at least one scissor linkage in the laundry hamper frame provides advantages of structural robustness and ease of control of collapsing and ease of control of braking or locking, among other benefits. Although the at least one scissor linkage can be a single scissor linkage coupled to opposing portions of the first and second side frames, in certain embodiments the at least one scissor linkage comprises multiple distinct scissor linkages, including for example the at least one scissor linkage comprising a first scissor linkage coupled to opposing first portions of the first and second side frames, and a second scissor linkage couple to opposing second portions of the first and second side frames as shown for example in Figures 7B and 8A. Each scissor linkage can comprise one or more scissor-link units or X-link units with the number of units generally indicated by the number of aligned central pivot points. A scissor linkage consisting of a single scissor-link unit can be considered a simple scissor linkage, while a scissor linkage comprising multiple pivotally connected scissor-link units can be considered a compound scissor linkage. A scissor linkage, regardless of the number of scissor-link units will typically provide four ends, with a first pair of ends coupled to the first side frame and a second pair of ends coupled to the second side frame. In examples as shown in Figures 7B and 8A, the first and second scissor linkages comprise four ends, first and second ends that are pivotably coupled to opposing first and second attachment points of the first and second side frames, respectively, and third and fourth ends that are pivotably coupled to opposing third and fourth attachment points of the first and second side frames, respectively. The attachment points may be any suitable connector mounted on or formed on the first or second side frames, including for example fixed locking fin (151), sliding car (152), sliding hinges (243, 312), lockable sliding hinges (244, 280, 313), and fixed hinges (242a, 242b, 314). The attachment points may comprise fixed attachment points or sliding attachments points or any combination thereof, including examples of all four attachment points being sliding attachment points. When four attachment points are connecting to first and second side frames, at least two attachment points will be sliding attachment points and often at least one of the sliding attachment points will comprise a lock or brake. For example, as shown in Figure 8A the opposing first and second attachment points are fixed to the first and second side frames, respectively, and the opposing third and fourth attachment points slidably engage the first and second side frames, respectively, and at least one of the third and fourth attachment points comprises a lock or a brake.

The plurality of collapsible posts for the laundry hamper frame (100) may be any number of posts that are 2 or more posts. A single post may be used in implementations that can accommodate reduced stability. Similarly, laundry hamper frame (30) need not be limited to a single post and can be modified to have 2 or more hinged posts as desired.

Hinged joints and telescopic joints may be included together within a laundry hamper frame. For example, laundry hamper frame (100) may be modified to connect each of the telescoping columns with the upper frame and the lower frame using lockable hinged/pivot joints. Such a laundry hamper frame may be collapsible to a smaller size than either laundry hamper frame (30) or laundry hamper frame (100).

Similarly, scissor linkages, hinged joints and telescopic joints may be used alone or in any combination within a laundry hamper frame. Any further collapsible linkage, including for example accordion or corrugated panel(s), compression springs, or tension springs, may be accommodated either independently or in combination with other types of collapsible linkages. For example, accordion or corrugated panels (144, 145) are shown in Figure 5C replacing corresponding telescopic posts (141, 142) in laundry hamper frame (100) to form modified laundry hamper frame (100a). The laundry hamper frame (100a) can include a lock bar (150) to fix the laundry hamper frame (100a) in an expanded position, and optionally in an intermediate collapsed or fully collapsed position as well. The lock bar (150), at a first end, is pivotally connected to a fixed locking fin (151) projecting from long pipe (121). The lock bar (150), at a second end, is pivotally connected to a sliding car (152) slidably engaged in a slide track formed within long pipe (104). Brakes, locks or detents may be incorporated as desired to fix or arrest motion of the lock bar at desired positions within the range of an expanded position to a collapsed position. The pivotable coupling of lock bar (150) to first and second side frames may accommodate variation including for example replacing fixed locking fin (151) with fixed hinge (242b) and replacing sliding car (152) with lockable sliding hinge (244 or 280). In a further example, accordion or corrugated panels (144, 145) shown in Figure 5C may be substituted with tension springs that bias the laundry hamper frame (100a) to the collapsed position with lock bar (150) used to maintain an expanded position, and optionally an intermediate collapsed position. In a further example, accordion or corrugated panels (144, 145) shown in Figure 5C may be substituted with compression springs that bias the laundry hamper frame (100a) to the expanded position with a strap or hook used to maintain a collapsed position, and optionally an intermediate collapsed position.

An angular relationship between the first and second side frames remaining substantially the same in the expanded position and the collapsed position is an expression describing orientation of the first and second side frames in the collapsed versus expanded state that distinguishes a collapsing mechanism of the laundry hamper frame described herein a collapsing mechanism of first and second side frames folding inwards towards each other or folding outwards away from each other. Maintaining the angular relationship of first and second sides frames substantially the same in the expanded and collapsed position provides advantages compared to a folding inwards of the first and second side frames that transition a substantially parallel relationship in an expanded position to a substantially co-planar relationship in the collapsed position, including for example reduced pinching of the flexible enclosure during collapsing to reduce obstruction to the collapsing motion. As another example, an advantage includes a quicker and more reproducible collapsing process for user experience. Still further advantages will be recognized by the person of skill in the art.

Embodiments described herein are intended for illustrative purposes without any intended loss of generality. Still further variants, modifications and combinations thereof are contemplated and will be recognized by the person of skill in the art. Accordingly, the foregoing detailed description is not intended to limit scope, applicability, or configuration of claimed subject matter.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A laundry hamper comprising:

a flexible enclosure defining an interior chamber,

a first side frame;

a second side frame;

at least one scissor linkage coupled to both the first side frame and the second side frame;

2. The laundry hamper of claim 1, wherein the at least one scissor linkage comprises a first scissor linkage coupled to opposing first portions of the first and second side frames, and a second scissor linkage couple to opposing second portions of the first and second side frames.

3. The laundry hamper of claim 2, wherein each of the first and second scissor linkages comprising first and second ends that are pivotably coupled to opposing first and second attachment points of the first and second side frames, respectively, and third and fourth ends that are pivotably coupled to opposing third and fourth attachment points of the first and second side frames, respectively.

4. The laundry hamper of claim 3, wherein the opposing first and second attachment points are fixed to the first and second side frames, respectively, and the opposing third and fourth attachment points slidably engage the first and second side frames, respectively.

5. The laundry hamper of claim 4, wherein at least one of the third and fourth attachment points comprises a lock or a brake.

6. The laundry hamper of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one scissor linkage comprises a brake to maintain a position of the collapsible laundry hamper frame.

7. The laundry hamper of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a brake to maintain a position of the collapsible laundry hamper frame.

8. The laundry hamper of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising linkage is a plurality of collapsible posts coupled to both the first side frame and the second side frame.

9. The laundry hamper of claim 9, wherein the plurality of collapsible posts are telescopically collapsible.

10. The laundry hamper frame of claim 1, wherein the angular relationship is substantially parallel.

11. A laundry hamper comprising:

a flexible enclosure defining an interior chamber,

a reversible fastener mounted on the flexible enclosure to reversibly close the first opening;

a first side frame;

a second side frame;

12. The laundry hamper of claim 11, wherein the first opening is sized to allow for removal of the laundry hamper frame.

13. The laundry hamper of claim 11, further comprising at least one carry strap handle mounted to an external surface of the flexible enclosure.

14. The laundry hamper frame of claim 11, further comprising a second opening formed in the flexible enclosure, the second opening communicative with the interior chamber and a reversible fastener mounted on the flexible enclosure to reversibly close the second opening.

15. The laundry hamper of claim 14, wherein the first opening is located on a first side of the flexible enclosure, and the second opening is located on a second side of the flexible enclosure.

16. The laundry hamper of claim 15, wherein the first side is a longitudinal side and the second side is a lateral side that is transverse to the first side

17. The laundry hamper of claim 16, wherein the flexible enclosure is shaped as a rectangular cube having four longitudinal sides and two lateral sides.

18. The laundry hamper of claim 11, further comprising a removable divider positioned within the interior chamber.

19. The laundry hamper of claim 11, further comprising a removable mesh bag removably attached to an interior surface of the flexible enclosure.

20. The laundry hamper frame of claim 1 1, wherein the angular relationship is substantially parallel.

21. The laundry hamper of claim 11, wherein the flexible enclosure comprises a material with anti-microbial properties.

22. The laundry hamper of claim 11, wherein the at least one collapsible linkage is a collapsible post coupled to both the first side frame and the second side frame.

23. The laundry hamper of claim 22, wherein the collapsible post is collapsible by folding.

24. The laundry hamper of claim 22, wherein the collapsible post is telescopically collapsible.

25. The laundry hamper of claim 1 1, wherein the at least one collapsible linkage is a plurality of collapsible posts coupled to both the first side frame and the second side frame.

26. The laundry hamper of claim 11, wherein the at least one collapsible linkage is a scissor linkage coupled to both the first side frame and the second side frame.