AU2013101776A4 - Laundry Basket Assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

H:Ajliintenvoven\NRPortb\DCC\JLL\5071975_ .doc-12/04/2013 A laundry basket assembly, including: a first wall pivotably mounted to a second wall, and a collapsible laundry basket having a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration, the basket having a base which is releasably attachable to the first wall or the second wall, wherein the assembly has a closed state in which the basket is in its collapsed configuration between the walls, and an open state in which the first wall is pivoted relative to the second wall and the basket is in its deployed configuration, the basket being supported in the deployed configuration on the first wall or the second wall.

Description

H:\kzsy ntenvovcn\NRPoilbl\DCOKZS\5069774_| Joe·] 1/04/201J 2013101776 12 Apr 2013 -1 -

LAUNDRY BASKET ASSEMBLY

The present invention relates to a laundry basket assembly which is particularly, though not exclusively, suitable for use with top-loading or front-loading washing machines. 5

When dealing with loads of washed laundry it is usual for a person to place the loads in a basket or hamper for conveying the laundry to a washing line or dryer, A problem which can arise in this context is that the person needs to bend down to place the wet laundry in the basket, and to pick up the basket to carry it to its intended destination. Over time, this 10 has the potential to cause back injury.

The present invention seeks to alleviate the above problem, and provides, in a first aspect, a laundry basket assembly, including: a first wall pivotably mounted to a second wall, and 15 a collapsible laundry basket having a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration, the basket having a base which is releasably attachable to the first wall or the second wall, wherein the assembly has a closed state in which the basket is in its collapsed configuration between the walls, and an open state in which the first wall is pivoted 20 relative to the second wall and the basket is in its deployed configuration, the basket being supported in the deployed configuration on the first wall or the second wall.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a laundry basket housing, the housing including a first wall which is pivotably mounted to a second wall, the first wall or the 25 second wall including means for releasably attaching a base of a collapsible laundry basket, the basket having a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the housing has a closed state in which the basket is stowable between the walls in its collapsed configuration, and wherein the first wall is pivotable relative to the second wall to place the housing in an open state to thereby deploy the basket into its deployed 30 configuration, the basket being supportable in the deployed configuration on the first wall or the second wall. H:\kyi\lnWn\OwrWJRPorlW\DCC\KZS\3069774_l.doc*! 1/0W2013 2013101776 12 Apr 2013 -2-

Advantageously, the deployment of the basket into a supported position, by virtue of the pivoting movement of the first wall relative to the second wall, places the basket into a ready-to-use state in which washed laundry can be readily transferred to the basket. The 5 basket can then be conveniently detached from the assembly to carry the washing to a washing line, etc. In addition, storing the basket in the collapsed position provides for a space saving advantage.

Preferably, the assembly is mounted or mountable, with the walls in a vertical orientation, 10 to a support at a predetermined height. For example, the second wall may be mounted to the support such that the first wall can pivot relative to the second wall and the support. Advantageously, the first wall in such embodiments will tend to pivot away from the second wall by gravity. The support may be a washing machine, or a support structure on which a washing machine sits. 15

In other embodiments, the assembly may be laid flat on the ground or another horizontal surface, such that the wall to which the base of the basket is attached is horizontal.

The assembly is preferably mounted or mountable at a predetermined height above ground 20 level to prevent having to bend down to detach and pick up the basket.

Preferably, the first wall and/or the second wall are substantially planar. One or both walls may be an opaque panel (for example, of a wooden, plastics or metal composition), allowing the collapsed basket to be concealed when the assembly is secured in the closed 25 state. Alternatively, one or both walls may be transparent, or may include a wire mesh or web of nylon or other material, for example.

The assembly may be secured in the closed state using a latch or other locking mechanism. 30 In preferred embodiments, the collapsible laundry basket includes biasing means for urging the basket towards its deployed configuration when the first wall or the second wall H:\kzs\JnWnMS’cn\NRPdiiW\DCC«ZS\3lM9774_l,dQc-]l/04/2013 2013101776 12Apr2013 -3 - is pivoted to move the assembly towards the open state. The biasing means may include one or more coil springs, for example.

Preferably, the collapsible laundry basket has a circular cross section, though other shapes 5 are of course possible.

The second wall may be attachable to a support, or may be integral with the support. The basket can then be attached to the first wall such that in the collapsed configuration, its open end feces towards the second wall. If the side wall or side walls of the basket do not 10 permit substantial air flow therethrough, the effect is for a partial vacuum to be created as the basket moves towards the deployed configuration, drawing the open end of the basket towards the second wall and slowing the rate at which the base moves away from the second wall. 15 In preferred embodiments, the basket is attachable to the first wall or the second wall via a bayonet connection. The basket may have a rigid plate at its base with bayonets projecting from it so as to lock in to corresponding grooves or channels on the first wall or the second wall. Alternatively, though less conveniently, the bayonets could project from the first wall or the second wall to be received in corresponding grooves or channels at the base of the 20 basket.

In some embodiments, the assembly may be mountable directly to a washing machine (e.g. a top loading washing machine), which thereby acts as a support, or may be integral with the washing machine. The assembly may be mountable using mounting means in the form 25 of ratchet straps, buckle straps or the like. The assembly may include stabilisation means for holding the assembly in position during mounting to the support, for example legs or other members which extend from the assembly (for example, by sliding along a track on the sides of frame 14 until they lock) to engage with the ground. 30 In other embodiments, a separate support may be provided. A separate support may be useful for front loading machines, for example, since it is then possible to ensure that the H;\kz$Vntcnvorcn\NRPoifM\DCOKZ$\$0697 74_l.doc·] UW/2013 2013101776 12Apr2013 -4- mounting means does not interfere with operation of the door of the front loader.

Preferably, the assembly includes means to restrict the range of movement of the first wall relative to the second wall. The movement restriction means may include wire, chain or the 5 like which is attached at one end to the first wall and at the other end to the second wall. The movement restriction means can ensure that the first wall, when the assembly is in the open state, has a plane disposed at a predetermined angle to vertical such that the basket remains relatively upright with its open end easily accessible. Alternatively, the movement restriction means may include a rigid member such as a rod, one end of which is pivotably 10 mounted to the first frame 14 and the other end of which is constrained to move along a grooved channel during pivoting of the first frame member 14, until it reaches the end of the channel. The channel has a predetermined length to provide a maximum opening angle of the first wall 14 relative to the second wall 16. The rod may be a telescoping rod, for example. 15

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of storing a collapsible laundry basket having a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration, the method including: providing a laundry basket housing including a first wall which is pivotably 20 mounted to a second wall, the first wall or the second wall including means for releasably attaching a base of the collapsible laundry basket; attaching the base of the basket, when in its deployed configuration, to the first wall or the second wall; and pivoting one of the first wall and the second wall relative to the other to place the 25 housing into a closed state in which the basket is in its collapsed configuration.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 30 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine with a laundry basket assembly mounted to it; Η:*«\Ιη(οπνο\·βη\ΝΙΐΡοηΜ\ΟίηΚΖ8\5069774^1^θ©·ΙΙΛΜ«ΟΙ3 2013101776 12 Apr 2013 -5-

Figure 2 is a close-up view of the mounted assembly of Figure 1, in a closed state;

Figure 3 is similar to the view of Figure 2, but showing the assembly in a partially open state in which a collapsible laundry basket is partially deployed;

Figure 4 shows the assembly in a fully open state, with the basket in its fully deployed 5 configuration;

Figure 5 depicts removal of the deployed basket; and

Figure 6 shows close-up views of parts of the assembly with the basket removed.

Referring initially to Figure 1, there is shown a laundry basket assembly 10 mounted to a 10 top-loading washing machine 20 by means of straps 12. The straps 12 may be of any suitable type, but in the depicted embodiment are buckle straps. Cam straps, ratchet straps and the like may also be used.

As shown in solid lines in Figure 1, the assembly 10 is mounted to the front surface 22 of 15 washing machine 20. It will also be appreciated that the assembly can be mounted on one of the sides 24, as shown in phantom at 1 O'.

Turning to Figures 2 to 4, the operation of the assembly 10 will now be described. As shown in Figure 2, the assembly 10 is in a closed state with a first frame member (first 20 wall) 14 secured to a second frame member (second wall) 16 by a latch 18. The first frame member 14 is pivotable relative to the second frame member 16 about a hinge 15. Other pivoting mechanisms are also possible, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The second frame member 16 includes apertures through which the webbing of straps 12 may pass for securing the second frame member 16 (and therefore the assembly 10 as a 25 whole) to the front surface 22 of washing machine 20.

Referring to Figure 4, the first frame member 14 includes a substantially flat panel 142 and side walls 144. Similarly, second frame member 16 includes flat panel 162 and sidewalls 164. The first 14 and second 16 frame members, when the assembly 10 is in the closed 30 position as shown in Figure 2, are secured together by latch 18 (which cooperates with Stop 19 - see Figure 6) such that their respective sidewalls 144, 164 are in abutment so that the wmOven\NRForti>T\DCCU&amp;5V5D6977-LI.<loc*llXH/20l3 2013101776 12 Apr 2013 -6- frame members 14, 16 define a cavity to receive a collapsible basket 30, in its collapsed configuration (the collapsed configuration not being depicted in the Figures). The frame members can therefore be considered part of a split "mini cabinet" for housing the laundry basket. 5

The collapsible basket 30 has a substantially cylindrical sidewall or sleeve 32 of a flexible material. Sidewall 32 may be made of any number of different materials, including canvas, plastics, and so on. The main requirement is that the sidewall material be sufficiently flexible, but also sufficiently robust, to allow many cycles of expansion and compression 10 of the basket 30. The basket 30 also includes a biasing means in the form of a coil spring 34. Coil spring 34 is secured to the outside surface of the sidewall 32, for example by stitched webbing.

In the storage configuration shown in Figure 2, the basket 30 is in collapsed or compressed 15 form and stored in the cavity defined by frame members 14,16, with the latch 18 securing the frame members together and resisting movement which would be imparted by the expansion of spring 34. In this configuration, the open end of basket 30 bears against panel 162 of frame member 16, the other end being attached to panel 142 of frame member 14 in a manner which will later be described. 20

When latch 18 is released, as shown in Figure 3, spring 34 is no longer constrained and causes the sidewall 32 to expand, and by virtue of engagement of the open end of basket 30 with panel 162, urges frame member 14 away from frame member 16 and washing machine (support) 20. Frame member 14 effectively creates a platform and a launching 25 pad for the expanding basket 30 at the same time.

Spring 34 continues to expand until, as shown in Figure 4, the frame member 14 is restrained from further movement by restraining means (not shown). The restraining means may include a pair of wires, cables or chains, respective ends of which are attached 30 to frame members 14 and 16 (such that one of the pair is located at one edge of frames 14, 16, and the other of the pair is located at the opposite edge). Alternatively, the restraining H:\kziMnienvou:n\NRPortbl\DCClKZS^5069774_l.doc-l]/lM/l(H3 2013101776 12Apr2013 -7- means may include one or more brackets or stops located at the lower edge of frame member 16, for example.

The restraining means are preferably arranged to hold the first frame member 14 such that 5 panel 142 is disposed substantially horizontally. However, other angular positions are also possible provided the basket is still relatively easily accessible for loading with wet laundry or detaching from the frame member 14.

The sidewall 32 of the basket 30 may be made of a material which is relatively impervious 10 to air. If so, then in the process of the laundry basket 30 expanding and due to the corresponding rapid increase in volume, a partial vacuum is created inside the basket. This causes the open end of the basket 30 to be drawn towards the inner wall 162 of frame 16 through suction. This in turn tends to slows the rate at which the frame member 14 moves away from frame member 16. 15

Advantageously, small holes can be formed at points along the sidewall to enable passage of air into the interior of the basket 30. This facilitates breaking of the vacuum, thus enabling the open end of the basket 30 to be released from panel 162 such that spring 34 can be fully expanded to allow the basket 30 to stand upright as shown in Figure 5, and 20 enabling the open end to be located at a predetermined height to receive washed clothes from the washing machine.

Preferably, the sidewall is reinforced in the region of the holes to reduce the risk of tearing. 25 As best shown in Figure 6, the first frame member 14 includes four members 146 each defining a groove or slot with a stop at one end, such that four bayonets or wedges 38 at the base 36 of the basket 30 can be locked into respective members 146 by placing the base 36 of the basket 30 on the planar surface 142 and twisting the basket 30. Conversely, once the basket 30 is in the deployed configuration, as shown in Figure 5, it can be twisted in 30 the opposite direction (as shown by the curved arrows) to release the bayonets 38 from members 146 and to allow the basket 30 to be lifted (in the direction of the vertical arrows) H:\kz&amp;tfnteromcnW RPortbTJXXMCZS^069374_l.doc· 11/04/2013 2013101776 12Apr2013 -8- and carried away (for example, using handles 40) to hang out the laundry.

It will be appreciated that fewer or more than four wedges/slots can be employed in the bayonet connection. However, for a square or rectangular frame member it is convenient to 5 have one slot on each side.

Although depicted as part of a separate base plate attached to the basket 30, it will be appreciated that the bayonets 38 can be integrally formed with the basket 30. In one example, parts of the coil spring 34 could be bent into projecting wire sections which can 10 engage with slots 146.

When the laundry basket 30 has been emptied, it can again be stowed as part of the assembly 10, by slotting the bayonets 38 into members 146 and twisting the basket 30 to lock the bayonets 38. Then, the open end of the basket 30 is pushed downwards so that the 15 open end becomes vertically aligned and can be pushed flat against the panel 162 of the second frame member 16. At the same time, the first frame member 14 is lifted and pushed flat against the second frame member 16, such that the respective sidewalls 144,164 of the frame members are in abutment, and the frame members are again secured via latch 18 (or alternatively, another fastening device). 20

It will be appreciated that many other means of releasably fastening the base of the basket 30 to the first frame member are possible. For example, a hook-and-loop fastener or other means may be employed. However, a bayonet connection is particularly advantageous as it not only allows easy release of the basket 30, but also provides very secure retention of the 25 basket during deployment.

The assembly 10 may also be usable with front loading washing machines. For example, if the front loader is raised above ground level by way of a stand or other support, the assembly 10 can be fixed to the front of, and become part of, the stand. The stand may 30 have inserts which allow it to contain water to dampen vibration caused by the washing or spinning cycles of the machine. In other examples, the stand or other support has a cavity H;Uus\5TUcmo\w\NRPortH\DCCKZSW69774l.0(K-l IAWMH3 2013101776 12 Apr 2013 -9- which the assembly 10 can sit within. Either the first frame member 14 or second frame member 16 may be fastened to the support, within the cavity.

In alternative embodiments, the assembly 10 could be fixed to a drawer and could move in 5 and out with the drawer, or could be hinged either side of the drawer, on the stand itself.

In other embodiments, the assembly 10 may be supported in a horizontal orientation such that the first wall 14 is in the horizontal orientation (either being fixed to a support surface or resting on the support surface), and the second wall 16 pivots away from it to deploy the 10 basket 30. The assembly 10 may be stored in its closed state in a cavity of the support, for example.

In yet further embodiments, the assembly 10 could be formed to be integral with either a top loading or front loading washing machine. For example, the washing machine may 15 have a recessed wall on one side. A panel similar to panel 142 of frame member 14 could be hingedly connected to the side of the washing machine for pivoting movement relative to the recessed wall, and in similar fashion as described earlier in relation to frame member 14, could have means for releasably securing a basket 30 thereto. Such a panel could be formed of a plastics material, for example, and could be secured to the side of the washing 20 machine at its top edge (i.e., the edge opposite the hinge), for example by a snap fit or any other suitable fastening means. Accordingly, the hinged panel in such embodiments would become part of the face of the washing machine.

In certain embodiments, the controlled rate of deployment of the basket 30 could be 25 achieved by means other than the vacuum effect described above. For example, the pivoting of first frame member 14 could be driven by a servo motor or other electromechanical means. Alternatively, or additionally, the recessed wall of the washing machine may have a valve system formed therein to control flow of air into and/or out of the basket 30. 30

In embodiments where the assembly 10 is integrated with a washing machine, electrical 2013101776 12Apr2013 tttfu'iUnlemOrtnWRPortbhDCCKZSUOfi^^l.doc-ll/OJttOia - 10- components may be included in the assembly for performing certain functions. For example, detection circuitry may be installed in the bayonet housings 146 to detect when the bayonets 38 are properly engaged in the housings, and to provide an alert (e.g. red light or warning sound) if it is attempted to close the assembly when they are not. 5

In other embodiments, the shape of first frame member 14 and/or second frame member 16 could be changed to accommodate different shapes of surface to which the assembly 10 is to be mounted. For example, for mounting to a washing machine with a curved outer surface, second frame member 16 could be contoured to match the curve of the washing 10 machine outer surface. In other alternatives, the panel section 162 of second frame member 16 could be omitted altogether to provide an empty frame, such that the surface of the washing machine itself directly provides a bearing surface for the open end of basket 30, rather than that function being performed by panel 162. 15 In yet further embodiments, the first panel 142 and/or the second panel 162 could be replaced by wire mesh or another porous sheet material.

It will be appreciated that various modifications, additions and alterations may be made to the invention by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the 20 invention as defined in the appended claims.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of 25 any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims (26)

1. THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

   1. A laundry basket assembly, including: a first wall pivotably mounted to a second wall, and a collapsible laundry basket having a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration, the basket having a base which is releasably attachable to the first wall or the second wall, wherein the assembly has a closed state in which the basket is in its collapsed configuration between the walls, and an open state in which the first wall is pivoted relative to the second wall and the basket is in its deployed configuration, the basket being supported in the deployed configuration on the first wall or the second wall.
2. 2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the assembly is mounted or mountable, with the walls in a vertical orientation, to a support.
3. 3. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein the second wall is mounted or mountable to the support such that the first wall can pivot relative to the second wall and the support.
4. 4. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly is secured in the closed state using a latch or other locking mechanism.
5. 5. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collapsible laundry basket includes biasing means for urging the basket towards its deployed configuration when the first wall or the second wall is pivoted to move the assembly towards the open state.
6. 6. An assembly according to claim 5, wherein the biasing means include one or more coil springs.
7. 7. An assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the second wall is integral with the support.
8. 8. An assembly according to claim 7, wherein the basket is attachable to the first wall such that in the collapsed configuration, its open end faces towards the second wall.
9. 9. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the basket is attachable to the first wall or the second wall via a bayonet connection.
10. 10. An assembly according to claim 9, wherein the basket has a rigid plate at its base and at least two projections extending from the base to lock in to corresponding grooves or channels on the first wall or the second wall.
11. 11. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, including means to restrict the range of movement of the first wall relative to the second wall.
12. 12. An assembly according to claim 11, wherein the movement restriction means include at least one length of wire or chain attached at respective ends to the first wall and the second wall.
13. 13. A laundry basket housing, the housing including a first wall which is pivotably mounted to a second wall, the first wall or the second wall including means for releasably attaching a base of a collapsible laundry basket, the basket having a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the housing has a closed state in which the basket is stowable between the walls in its collapsed configuration, and wherein the first wall is pivotable relative to the second wall to place the housing in an open state to thereby deploy the basket into its deployed configuration, the basket being supportable in the deployed configuration on the first wall or the second wall.
14. 14. A housing according to claim 13, wherein the housing is mounted or mountable, with the walls in a vertical orientation, to a support.
15. 15. A housing according to claim 14, wherein the second wall is mounted or mountable to the support such that the first wall can pivot relative to the second wall and the support.
16. 16. A housing according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the assembly is secured in the closed state using a latch or other locking mechanism.
17. 17. A housing according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the second wall is integral with the support.
18. 18. A housing according to any one of claims 13 to 17, including means to restrict the range of movement of the first wall relative to the second wall.
19. 19. A housing according to claim 18, wherein the movement restriction means include at least one length of wire or chain attached at respective ends to the first wall and the second wall.
20. 20. A method of storing a collapsible laundry basket having a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration, the method including: providing a laundry basket housing including a first wall which is pivotably mounted to a second wall, the first wall or the second wall including means for releasably attaching a base of the collapsible laundry basket; attaching the base of the basket, when in its deployed configuration, to the first wall or the second wall; and pivoting one of the first wall and the second wall relative to the other to place the housing into a closed state in which the basket is in its collapsed configuration.
21. 21. A method according to claim 20, including mounting the housing, with the walls in a vertical orientation, to a support.
22. 22. A method according to claim 21, wherein the first wall is pivotable relative to the second wall and the support,
23. 23. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, including securing the housing in the closed state using a latch or other locking mechanism.
24. 24. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, including attaching the basket to the first wall such that in the collapsed configuration, its open end faces towards the second wall.
25. 25. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the basket is attached to the first wall or the second wall via a bayonet connection.
26. 26. A method according to claim 25, wherein the basket has a rigid plate at its base and at least two projections extending from the base to lock in to corresponding grooves or channels on the first wall or the second wall.