US20150354129A1 - Laundry transfer apparatus - Google Patents
Laundry transfer apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150354129A1 US20150354129A1 US14/299,558 US201414299558A US2015354129A1 US 20150354129 A1 US20150354129 A1 US 20150354129A1 US 201414299558 A US201414299558 A US 201414299558A US 2015354129 A1 US2015354129 A1 US 2015354129A1
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- Prior art keywords
- transfer
- laundry
- conduit
- frame
- washing machine
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- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 58
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 claims description 19
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000007792 addition Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004900 laundering Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010981 drying operation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003607 modifier Substances 0.000 description 1
- NJPPVKZQTLUDBO-UHFFFAOYSA-N novaluron Chemical compound C1=C(Cl)C(OC(F)(F)C(OC(F)(F)F)F)=CC=C1NC(=O)NC(=O)C1=C(F)C=CC=C1F NJPPVKZQTLUDBO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B5/00—Suspended or hinged panels forming a table; Wall tables
- A47B5/04—Suspended or hinged panels forming a table; Wall tables foldable
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F95/00—Laundry systems or arrangements of apparatus or machines; Mobile laundries
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G11/00—Chutes
- B65G11/02—Chutes of straight form
- B65G11/023—Chutes of straight form for articles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G11/00—Chutes
- B65G11/18—Supports or mountings
- B65G11/183—Supports or mountings for articles
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F95/00—Laundry systems or arrangements of apparatus or machines; Mobile laundries
- D06F95/002—Baskets or bags specially adapted for holding or transporting laundry; Supports therefor
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to the field of laundry. More specifically, the invention involves a laundry support device that eases the task of laundering clothing. More specifically, the invention relates to a laundry transfer aid for use in connection with relocating laundry between a conventional washing machine and a dryer.
- This course of events generally requires a user to pick up clothes from the floor, inspect them to determine whether the clothes are sullied and then either place them into the dryer with the clothes that were successfully transferred or re-wash the clothes if they became dirty from making contact with the floor during an unsuccessful transfer to the dryer.
- the prior art discloses mechanisms used in connection with the transfer of laundry. However, most are generally inapplicable to laundry operations that utilize a separate washing machine and a separate dryer machine. The prior art also focuses predominantly on commercial laundry transfer operations and mechanisms that are inapplicable to and inappropriate for use with household washing machines and drying machines.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,186 covers a commercial shuttle hopper system for loading and unloading commercial washing machines.
- the system comprises a bucket to receive laundry and includes lift and tilt assemblies to dump the buckets and discharge the laundry into a washer or dryer.
- Chinese Patent 202967440 covers a commercial linen conveyor device having shuttle wheels and a drive mechanism that are placed on a support frame with a conveyor belt.
- the device allows mechanical automatic transfer of linen between a washing machine and the dryer, and eliminates the need for manual transfer.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,404,303 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,556 both teach combination washing machines and dryers that allow clothing to drop from a washing machine through a hole positioned beneath the washing machine into a dryer. After the washing machine finishes the cycle, the laundry is automatically transferred by falling to the dryer.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a laundry transfer apparatus that fits and folds away neatly between a washing machine and a dryer, thereby minimizing the spatial requirements for the apparatus.
- a laundry transfer apparatus comprising a rigid frame that forms a casing or exterior sleeve within which is disposed a transfer bridge or conduit that traverses a distance between the openings of a washing machine and dryer.
- the apparatus further comprises a plurality of wings or support ledges that rest on the top surfaces of the washing machine and dryer, respectively, and sized to help the apparatus straddle the space therebetween.
- the transfer conduit preferably comprises a substantially planar surface formed by individual table sections that are hingedly attached to a base and which fold out to form the conduit when the laundry transfer apparatus is in use.
- the conduit may also serve as a folding table after a drying cycle is complete.
- the base is slidably engaged to the frame via a railing or other conventional sliding mechanism.
- the individual table sections are folded upright and pushed inside the exterior sleeve or casing for safe storage.
- Alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention include a conduit with sections having outer perimeter walls to help prevent clothing from falling to the floor.
- the laundry transfer apparatus includes folding or telescoping support legs that support the conduit during use.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the laundry transfer apparatus of the present invention, in a closed or retracted position;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the laundry transfer apparatus with the sliding support member or spine in an extended position and the conduit in a partially open position;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first alternate embodiment of the laundry transfer apparatus with an extension section integrated into the conduit in a folded or closed position;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective of the alternate embodiment of the laundry transfer apparatus shown in FIG. 3 with the extension section in an unfolded or open position;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second alternate embodiment of the laundry transfer apparatus with perimeter walls incorporated onto the conduit;
- FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a laundry transfer apparatus in a retracted position vertically suspended between a side loader washing machine and dryer;
- FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the laundry transfer apparatus in a partially extended position, with the individual sections forming the conduit being unfolded along with the conduit support legs;
- FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the laundry transfer apparatus in a fully extended position
- FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the first alternate embodiment of the laundry transfer apparatus in a fully extended position.
- FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of another preferred alternate embodiment of the laundry transfer apparatus in a fully extended position, with a telescoping conduit section and telescoping legs.
- the apparatus 10 comprises a generally rigid frame 12 that forms an exterior casing 14 within which a transfer bridge or conduit 16 is located in a closed and retracted position.
- the casing 14 comprises lateral walls or partitions 18 , a cover 20 and bottom or base 34 .
- a back (not shown) may be provided as well.
- Partitions 18 are positioned on either said of the exterior casing 14 and are intended to separate transfer conduit 16 from the sides of the washing machine and dryer between which the apparatus 10 is positioned.
- Partitions 18 also facilitate the conduit so that it may remain in an upwardly folded and closed position when apparatus 10 is not in use. As shown in FIG. 1 , it should be appreciated that partitions 18 are not required to extend fully forward, and thus, conduit 16 may at least partially extend forward beyond the edge of partitions 18 , even when conduit 16 is in a fully retracted position.
- partitions 18 are formed of a hard or flexible solid wall to keep dust and dirt from entering the interior of apparatus.
- partitions 18 may also be formed utilizing a substantially transparent screen, lattice grating or similar support structure through which the interior of said casing is visible.
- Partitions may be formed with up to approximately 90% of open surface area in said support structure, if desired.
- a support structure open surface area is defined as the percent (%) area that is not blocked by the structural members comprising the support structure.
- cover 20 is connected to partitions 18 and comprises a handle 24 for carrying apparatus 10 during transport or cleaning thereof.
- cover 20 further comprises a pair of upper extensions, wings or support ledges 26 that rest upon the top surfaces of a washing machine and dryer positioned on either side of apparatus 10 .
- Support ledges 26 thus extend laterally beyond partitions 18 and enable partitions 18 to serve as a boundary guard to prevent contact with the interior of casing 14 and transfer conduit 16 .
- Support ledges 26 vertically suspend apparatus 10 at an ideal height enabling conduit 16 to extend into an open, unfolded position at the mouth of a side loading washing machine and side loading dryer.
- extensions, wings or support ledges 26 are shown in a preferred embodiment to be integrally formed with cover 20 , it should be appreciated and understood that extensions, wings or support ledges may be incorporated and attached as part of apparatus 10 , but separate from cover 20 . For example, one or more extensions may be appended at a given height along partition 18 to vertically suspend apparatus 10 .
- Transfer conduit 16 is comprised of individual, substantially planar table sections 22 that are each attached to a first spine or sliding support member 30 .
- transfer bridge or conduit 16 and its substantially planar sections 22 are attached by hinged connectors 28 to sliding support member 30 .
- Sliding support member 30 is slidably engaged to frame 12 and casing 14 via conventional sliding rail 32 , typically utilized in sliding drawers and the like.
- sliding rail 32 is positioned between sliding support member 30 and base 34 that is also slidably connected to frame 12 , thus providing for multiple railing extensions which together may bear the weight of the extended transfer conduit 16 (with and without clothing).
- a base 34 may be rendered immobile by fixedly fastening it to partitions 18 , as depicted, for example, in FIG. 7 .
- an intermediate sliding support and railing may be placed between sliding support member 30 and base 34 , if additional extension members are desired beyond the length provided in connection with sliding support member 30 .
- sliding rails may be provided on the interior side of partitions, and sliding support member 30 (or intermediate sliding supports) may be slidably engaged to the partitions utilizing sliding rails.
- An alternate configuration for shifting the transfer conduit from a retracted position to an extended position is to provide a pivot point or pin (in the central rear vicinity of the transfer conduit) around which the transfer conduit may rotate forward 90 degrees into position substantially similar to that shown in FIG. 2 .
- the table sections of the transfer conduit are folded back into place and the entire conduit with its table sections is rotated in the reverse 90 degrees, rearward into a retracted position.
- transfer conduit 16 when apparatus 10 is in use, transfer conduit 16 is pulled from its retracted position into an extended position outside frame 10 , forward of the face of washing machine and dryer. After transfer conduit 16 extends forward, table sections 22 pivot down and outward from their upright folded positions.
- a latch and chain may be provided to prevent table sections 22 from falling outward automatically and away from one another once they clear the front of the washing machine and dryer.
- a hydraulic or ‘soft-close’ adapter or hinge may be provided in place of the conventional hinge depicted in the figures.
- each of table sections 22 must also be of sufficient length to that each extends laterally at least across a majority of the openings of a typical side loader washing machine and dryer, and most preferably span at least 75% of each of the washing machine and dryer openings. The greater the span of the conduit (from left to right), the lower the likelihood that laundry removed from a washing machine will fall to the ground prior to placement in the dryer.
- transfer conduit 16 should be vertically positioned such that the openings of each of the washing machine and dryer are more than 50% accessible and preferably more than 75% accessible. In that regard it is most preferably for conduit 16 to be positioned low enough along the height of the openings of the washing machine and dryer so as not to interfere with the laundry transfer process. When utilizing a vertically suspended apparatus 10 , the height of the conduit 16 is consistently positioned. This allows apparatus to be utilized regardless of whether or not a pedestal drawer is used for both the washing machine and dryer.
- Each table section 22 comprises a width dimension that is preferably in the range of 8 to 16 inches so as to be able to accommodate a complete single load, both during the laundry transfer process as well as to accommodate a complete load of folded laundry after the drying cycle is complete.
- perimeter walls 35 may optionally be incorporated at the edges of the table sections 22 of conduit 16 , as depicted in FIG. 5 .
- perimeter walls 35 are flexible and composed of soft rubber-like material. This feature enables table sections 22 to fold upward without interfering with one another when conduit 16 is retracted and with causing damage to the perimeter walls 35 that come into contact with one another.
- apparatus 10 During use, apparatus 10 must be positioned sufficiently forward relative to the face or front edge of a washing machine and dryer such that when table sections 22 pivot downward, they do not hit the sides of the washing machine and dryer, and thereby fall just beyond and at the door or mouth of an open side loading washing machine and side loading dryer.
- table sections 22 are fitted with mechanically folding support legs 36 positioned at the edges of table sections 22 .
- Mechanically folding support legs 36 fold downward and are of sufficient length to reach the floor to support transfer conduit 16 when apparatus 10 is in use for transfer of clothing between washing machine and dryer.
- folding support legs 36 remain folded against table sections 22 so that conduit 16 can clear partitions 18 and slide interior of casing 14 .
- a transfer conduit may be provided in sliding engagement with a base and then placed and/or secured between a washing machine and dryer so that the transfer conduit may later be extended out from between the washing machine and dryer and then unfolded for use of its table section(s). After use, the table sections are folded back and retracted between washing machine and dryer.
- the frame and/or casing depicted in the figures is/are not always required to practice the present invention.
- other features e.g., as the perimeter walls, extension surfaces, support legs
- additional weight may have to be provided to stabilize the device so that it does not tip when the transfer conduit is extended out from between the washing machine and dryer.
- the device e.g., as at the partition walls or base
- the washing machine and dryer that may properly serve as a sufficient means to stabilize the device as well.
- FIG. 3 With reference to FIG. 3 , FIG. 4 and FIG. 9 , there is shown another preferred embodiment of the laundry transfer apparatus 10 .
- the primary distinction of this apparatus 10 is the addition of an extension surface 38 which enables apparatus 10 to be utilized with a top loading washing machine.
- transfer conduit 16 spans a larger distance to reach the opening of a top loader washing machine, which is positioned on the upper surface of a washing machine, as shown in FIG. 9 . While typically fully horizontally oriented, when utilizing a conduit 16 with an extension surface 38 , said conduit is slanted enabling laundry to slide down from the opening of the washing machine.
- FIG. 9 While typically fully horizontally oriented, when utilizing a conduit 16 with an extension surface 38 , said conduit is slanted enabling laundry to slide down from the opening of the washing machine.
- FIG. 10 there is shown a further preferred embodiment of the laundry transfer apparatus 10 , with an internally retractable, telescoping extension surface 38 A.
- telescoping, ball jointed support legs 36 A are provided in place of folding support legs 36 .
- FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 depict an extension surfaces 38 , 38 A that appear on the left side of the transfer conduit 16 , it should be understood that extension surfaces 38 , 38 A may be provided on either side (or both sides) of transfer conduit 16 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Accessory Of Washing/Drying Machine, Commercial Washing/Drying Machine, Other Washing/Drying Machine (AREA)
- Main Body Construction Of Washing Machines And Laundry Dryers (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates generally to the field of laundry. More specifically, the invention involves a laundry support device that eases the task of laundering clothing. More specifically, the invention relates to a laundry transfer aid for use in connection with relocating laundry between a conventional washing machine and a dryer.
- The process of transferring laundry from a washing machine to a dryer is frequently unwieldy and cumbersome. In particular, after a washing cycle is complete, wet clothing in a washing machine is often tangled together (typically caused by washing machine spin cycle) leaving a user with a scrambled muddle of clothing that is difficult to handle. When a user aims to transfer wet clothing out of the washing machine and into a dryer, a user typically attempts to grab an entire mound of clothing from the washing machine, hoping to capture every last article. Unfortunately, while most of a load may be successfully transferred into the dryer in a single attempt, a user often finds some pieces of clothing on the floor. This course of events generally requires a user to pick up clothes from the floor, inspect them to determine whether the clothes are sullied and then either place them into the dryer with the clothes that were successfully transferred or re-wash the clothes if they became dirty from making contact with the floor during an unsuccessful transfer to the dryer.
- The prior art discloses mechanisms used in connection with the transfer of laundry. However, most are generally inapplicable to laundry operations that utilize a separate washing machine and a separate dryer machine. The prior art also focuses predominantly on commercial laundry transfer operations and mechanisms that are inapplicable to and inappropriate for use with household washing machines and drying machines.
- For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,186 covers a commercial shuttle hopper system for loading and unloading commercial washing machines. The system comprises a bucket to receive laundry and includes lift and tilt assemblies to dump the buckets and discharge the laundry into a washer or dryer.
- Chinese Patent 202967440 covers a commercial linen conveyor device having shuttle wheels and a drive mechanism that are placed on a support frame with a conveyor belt. The device allows mechanical automatic transfer of linen between a washing machine and the dryer, and eliminates the need for manual transfer.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,404,303 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,556 both teach combination washing machines and dryers that allow clothing to drop from a washing machine through a hole positioned beneath the washing machine into a dryer. After the washing machine finishes the cycle, the laundry is automatically transferred by falling to the dryer.
- Accordingly, despite the respective benefits of the foregoing prior art systems, there remains a need for a laundry transfer apparatus that eases the task of laundering clothing in connection with household laundry machines.
- In view of the limitations and drawbacks in the prior art, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a laundry transfer apparatus for use in connection with relocating laundry between a conventional household washing machine and a dryer.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a laundry transfer apparatus that minimizes the incidence of clothing becoming soiled between washing and drying operations.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide a laundry transfer apparatus that also functions as a folding table between a washing machine and dryer.
- It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a laundry transfer apparatus that can be used in connection with both side loader and top loader washing machines and dryers.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a laundry transfer apparatus that fits and folds away neatly between a washing machine and a dryer, thereby minimizing the spatial requirements for the apparatus.
- Additional objectives will be apparent from the description of the invention that follows.
- In summary, there is provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention a laundry transfer apparatus comprising a rigid frame that forms a casing or exterior sleeve within which is disposed a transfer bridge or conduit that traverses a distance between the openings of a washing machine and dryer. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of wings or support ledges that rest on the top surfaces of the washing machine and dryer, respectively, and sized to help the apparatus straddle the space therebetween. The transfer conduit preferably comprises a substantially planar surface formed by individual table sections that are hingedly attached to a base and which fold out to form the conduit when the laundry transfer apparatus is in use. The conduit may also serve as a folding table after a drying cycle is complete. The base is slidably engaged to the frame via a railing or other conventional sliding mechanism. When the use of the laundry transfer apparatus is complete, the individual table sections are folded upright and pushed inside the exterior sleeve or casing for safe storage. Alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention include a conduit with sections having outer perimeter walls to help prevent clothing from falling to the floor. In another alternate preferred embodiment, the laundry transfer apparatus includes folding or telescoping support legs that support the conduit during use.
- Additional features of the laundry transfer apparatus are described below in more detail.
- The above-described and other advantages and features of the present disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and drawings of which
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the laundry transfer apparatus of the present invention, in a closed or retracted position; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the laundry transfer apparatus with the sliding support member or spine in an extended position and the conduit in a partially open position; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first alternate embodiment of the laundry transfer apparatus with an extension section integrated into the conduit in a folded or closed position; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective of the alternate embodiment of the laundry transfer apparatus shown inFIG. 3 with the extension section in an unfolded or open position; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second alternate embodiment of the laundry transfer apparatus with perimeter walls incorporated onto the conduit; -
FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a laundry transfer apparatus in a retracted position vertically suspended between a side loader washing machine and dryer; -
FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the laundry transfer apparatus in a partially extended position, with the individual sections forming the conduit being unfolded along with the conduit support legs; -
FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the laundry transfer apparatus in a fully extended position; -
FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the first alternate embodiment of the laundry transfer apparatus in a fully extended position; and -
FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of another preferred alternate embodiment of the laundry transfer apparatus in a fully extended position, with a telescoping conduit section and telescoping legs. - With reference to
FIG. 1 ,FIG. 2 ,FIG. 6 ,FIG. 7 andFIG. 8 there is shown a preferred embodiment of thelaundry transfer apparatus 10. As shown inFIG. 1 , theapparatus 10 comprises a generallyrigid frame 12 that forms anexterior casing 14 within which a transfer bridge orconduit 16 is located in a closed and retracted position. Thecasing 14 comprises lateral walls orpartitions 18, acover 20 and bottom orbase 34. A back (not shown) may be provided as well.Partitions 18 are positioned on either said of theexterior casing 14 and are intended to separatetransfer conduit 16 from the sides of the washing machine and dryer between which theapparatus 10 is positioned.Partitions 18 also facilitate the conduit so that it may remain in an upwardly folded and closed position whenapparatus 10 is not in use. As shown inFIG. 1 , it should be appreciated thatpartitions 18 are not required to extend fully forward, and thus,conduit 16 may at least partially extend forward beyond the edge ofpartitions 18, even whenconduit 16 is in a fully retracted position. - In a preferred embodiment,
partitions 18 are formed of a hard or flexible solid wall to keep dust and dirt from entering the interior of apparatus. However, it should be appreciated and understood thatpartitions 18 may also be formed utilizing a substantially transparent screen, lattice grating or similar support structure through which the interior of said casing is visible. Partitions may be formed with up to approximately 90% of open surface area in said support structure, if desired. A support structure open surface area is defined as the percent (%) area that is not blocked by the structural members comprising the support structure. - In a preferred embodiment,
cover 20 is connected topartitions 18 and comprises ahandle 24 for carryingapparatus 10 during transport or cleaning thereof. In a preferred embodiment, as best depicted inFIGS. 6 through 8 ,cover 20 further comprises a pair of upper extensions, wings orsupport ledges 26 that rest upon the top surfaces of a washing machine and dryer positioned on either side ofapparatus 10.Support ledges 26 thus extend laterally beyondpartitions 18 and enablepartitions 18 to serve as a boundary guard to prevent contact with the interior ofcasing 14 and transferconduit 16.Support ledges 26 vertically suspendapparatus 10 at an idealheight enabling conduit 16 to extend into an open, unfolded position at the mouth of a side loading washing machine and side loading dryer. Although extensions, wings orsupport ledges 26 are shown in a preferred embodiment to be integrally formed withcover 20, it should be appreciated and understood that extensions, wings or support ledges may be incorporated and attached as part ofapparatus 10, but separate fromcover 20. For example, one or more extensions may be appended at a given height alongpartition 18 to vertically suspendapparatus 10. -
Transfer conduit 16 is comprised of individual, substantiallyplanar table sections 22 that are each attached to a first spine or slidingsupport member 30. In a preferred embodiment, transfer bridge orconduit 16 and its substantiallyplanar sections 22 are attached by hingedconnectors 28 to slidingsupport member 30. Slidingsupport member 30 is slidably engaged toframe 12 andcasing 14 via conventional slidingrail 32, typically utilized in sliding drawers and the like. As shown inFIG. 1 , slidingrail 32 is positioned between slidingsupport member 30 andbase 34 that is also slidably connected to frame 12, thus providing for multiple railing extensions which together may bear the weight of the extended transfer conduit 16 (with and without clothing). In an alternate preferred embodiment, abase 34 may be rendered immobile by fixedly fastening it topartitions 18, as depicted, for example, inFIG. 7 . In such an embodiment, an intermediate sliding support and railing may be placed between slidingsupport member 30 andbase 34, if additional extension members are desired beyond the length provided in connection with slidingsupport member 30. In a further alternate embodiment, sliding rails may be provided on the interior side of partitions, and sliding support member 30 (or intermediate sliding supports) may be slidably engaged to the partitions utilizing sliding rails. - An alternate configuration for shifting the transfer conduit from a retracted position to an extended position is to provide a pivot point or pin (in the central rear vicinity of the transfer conduit) around which the transfer conduit may rotate forward 90 degrees into position substantially similar to that shown in
FIG. 2 . After use is complete, the table sections of the transfer conduit are folded back into place and the entire conduit with its table sections is rotated in the reverse 90 degrees, rearward into a retracted position. - As shown in
FIG. 2 andFIG. 7 , whenapparatus 10 is in use, transferconduit 16 is pulled from its retracted position into an extended position outsideframe 10, forward of the face of washing machine and dryer. Aftertransfer conduit 16 extends forward,table sections 22 pivot down and outward from their upright folded positions. A latch and chain may be provided to preventtable sections 22 from falling outward automatically and away from one another once they clear the front of the washing machine and dryer. Alternatively, to prevent a sudden unfolding of table sections, a hydraulic or ‘soft-close’ adapter or hinge may be provided in place of the conventional hinge depicted in the figures. - Significantly, as shown in
FIG. 8 , care should be taken so that the length of each oftable sections 22 are not too long, whereby the door(s) of the washing machine and/or dryer may preventtable sections 22 from falling flat. Furthermore, each oftable sections 22 must also be of sufficient length to that each extends laterally at least across a majority of the openings of a typical side loader washing machine and dryer, and most preferably span at least 75% of each of the washing machine and dryer openings. The greater the span of the conduit (from left to right), the lower the likelihood that laundry removed from a washing machine will fall to the ground prior to placement in the dryer. By the same token, transferconduit 16 should be vertically positioned such that the openings of each of the washing machine and dryer are more than 50% accessible and preferably more than 75% accessible. In that regard it is most preferably forconduit 16 to be positioned low enough along the height of the openings of the washing machine and dryer so as not to interfere with the laundry transfer process. When utilizing a vertically suspendedapparatus 10, the height of theconduit 16 is consistently positioned. This allows apparatus to be utilized regardless of whether or not a pedestal drawer is used for both the washing machine and dryer. - Each
table section 22 comprises a width dimension that is preferably in the range of 8 to 16 inches so as to be able to accommodate a complete single load, both during the laundry transfer process as well as to accommodate a complete load of folded laundry after the drying cycle is complete. To help prevent clothing from falling to the floor during the laundry transfer process,perimeter walls 35 may optionally be incorporated at the edges of thetable sections 22 ofconduit 16, as depicted inFIG. 5 . Preferably,perimeter walls 35 are flexible and composed of soft rubber-like material. This feature enablestable sections 22 to fold upward without interfering with one another whenconduit 16 is retracted and with causing damage to theperimeter walls 35 that come into contact with one another. - During use,
apparatus 10 must be positioned sufficiently forward relative to the face or front edge of a washing machine and dryer such that whentable sections 22 pivot downward, they do not hit the sides of the washing machine and dryer, and thereby fall just beyond and at the door or mouth of an open side loading washing machine and side loading dryer. As depicted inFIG. 6 ,FIG. 7 andFIG. 8 ,table sections 22 are fitted with mechanically foldingsupport legs 36 positioned at the edges oftable sections 22. Mechanically foldingsupport legs 36 fold downward and are of sufficient length to reach the floor to supporttransfer conduit 16 whenapparatus 10 is in use for transfer of clothing between washing machine and dryer. Whenapparatus 10 is not in use, foldingsupport legs 36 remain folded againsttable sections 22 so thatconduit 16 can clearpartitions 18 and slide interior ofcasing 14. - It should further be understood that a transfer conduit may be provided in sliding engagement with a base and then placed and/or secured between a washing machine and dryer so that the transfer conduit may later be extended out from between the washing machine and dryer and then unfolded for use of its table section(s). After use, the table sections are folded back and retracted between washing machine and dryer. In this regard, it should be appreciated that the frame and/or casing depicted in the figures is/are not always required to practice the present invention. Likewise other features (e.g., as the perimeter walls, extension surfaces, support legs) remain optional additions. With an embodiment that does not include a frame or casing, additional weight may have to be provided to stabilize the device so that it does not tip when the transfer conduit is extended out from between the washing machine and dryer. Likewise, if the device (e.g., as at the partition walls or base) is sufficiently pressed between (or under) the washing machine and dryer, that may properly serve as a sufficient means to stabilize the device as well.
- With reference to
FIG. 3 ,FIG. 4 andFIG. 9 , there is shown another preferred embodiment of thelaundry transfer apparatus 10. The primary distinction of thisapparatus 10 is the addition of anextension surface 38 which enablesapparatus 10 to be utilized with a top loading washing machine. In this embodiment, with the aid ofextension surface 38,transfer conduit 16 spans a larger distance to reach the opening of a top loader washing machine, which is positioned on the upper surface of a washing machine, as shown inFIG. 9 . While typically fully horizontally oriented, when utilizing aconduit 16 with anextension surface 38, said conduit is slanted enabling laundry to slide down from the opening of the washing machine. Likewise, with reference toFIG. 10 , there is shown a further preferred embodiment of thelaundry transfer apparatus 10, with an internally retractable, telescopingextension surface 38A. In this embodiment, telescoping, ball jointedsupport legs 36A are provided in place offolding support legs 36. AlthoughFIG. 9 andFIG. 10 depict an extension surfaces 38, 38A that appear on the left side of thetransfer conduit 16, it should be understood that extension surfaces 38, 38A may be provided on either side (or both sides) oftransfer conduit 16. - The accompanying drawings only illustrate a preferred embodiments of a laundry transfer apparatus. However, other types and configurations are possible, and the drawings are not intended to be limiting in that regard. Thus, although the description above and accompanying drawings contains much specificity, the details provided should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiment(s) but merely as providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiment(s). The drawings and the description are not to be taken as restrictive on the scope of the embodiment(s) and are understood as broad and general teachings in accordance with the present invention. While the present embodiment(s) of the invention have been described using specific terms, such description is for present illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that modifications and variations to such embodiments, including but not limited to the substitutions of equivalent features, materials, or parts, and the reversal of various features thereof, may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should also be noted that the terms “first,” and “second,” and similar terms may be used herein to modify various elements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US14/299,558 US9222215B1 (en) | 2014-06-09 | 2014-06-09 | Laundry transfer apparatus |
US14/950,336 US9516943B2 (en) | 2014-06-09 | 2015-11-24 | Laundry transfer apparatus |
US15/344,987 US9743753B2 (en) | 2014-06-09 | 2016-11-07 | Laundry transfer apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US14/299,558 US9222215B1 (en) | 2014-06-09 | 2014-06-09 | Laundry transfer apparatus |
Related Child Applications (1)
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US14/950,336 Continuation US9516943B2 (en) | 2014-06-09 | 2015-11-24 | Laundry transfer apparatus |
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US20150354129A1 true US20150354129A1 (en) | 2015-12-10 |
US9222215B1 US9222215B1 (en) | 2015-12-29 |
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US14/299,558 Expired - Fee Related US9222215B1 (en) | 2014-06-09 | 2014-06-09 | Laundry transfer apparatus |
US14/950,336 Expired - Fee Related US9516943B2 (en) | 2014-06-09 | 2015-11-24 | Laundry transfer apparatus |
US15/344,987 Expired - Fee Related US9743753B2 (en) | 2014-06-09 | 2016-11-07 | Laundry transfer apparatus |
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US14/950,336 Expired - Fee Related US9516943B2 (en) | 2014-06-09 | 2015-11-24 | Laundry transfer apparatus |
US15/344,987 Expired - Fee Related US9743753B2 (en) | 2014-06-09 | 2016-11-07 | Laundry transfer apparatus |
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US (3) | US9222215B1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160075515A1 (en) * | 2014-06-09 | 2016-03-17 | Ez Load Llc | Laundry transfer apparatus |
US20170188702A1 (en) * | 2016-01-05 | 2017-07-06 | James Vincent Petrizzi | Front loading washer/dryer shelf |
CN108313515A (en) * | 2017-12-22 | 2018-07-24 | 南通海立电子有限公司 | A kind of capacitor finished product collection device |
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CN107916525B (en) * | 2016-10-11 | 2021-04-30 | 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | Clothes washing and protecting integrated machine and working method thereof |
CN110055711A (en) * | 2018-01-18 | 2019-07-26 | 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | A kind of multiple laundry treating apparatus |
CN110055713A (en) * | 2018-01-18 | 2019-07-26 | 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | A kind of multiple laundry treating apparatus |
CN110055707A (en) * | 2018-01-18 | 2019-07-26 | 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | A kind of multiple laundry treating apparatus |
CN110055706A (en) * | 2018-01-18 | 2019-07-26 | 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | A kind of multiple laundry treating apparatus |
USD932223S1 (en) * | 2019-04-30 | 2021-10-05 | Zhanbo Li | Folding table |
US11535977B2 (en) | 2020-09-30 | 2022-12-27 | Monotony.ai, Inc. | Autonomous laundry washing and drying devices, systems, and methods of use |
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US2685441A (en) * | 1950-09-15 | 1954-08-03 | Alma R Baade | Fold-away clothes hamper for automatic washing machines |
US5411164A (en) * | 1991-09-13 | 1995-05-02 | Smith; Paul C. | Laundry area organizer disposed between a clothes washer and dryer |
US5992186A (en) | 1998-03-10 | 1999-11-30 | Ellis Corporation | Shuttle hopper system for loading and unloading commercial washing and drying machines |
FR2869331B1 (en) | 2004-04-21 | 2006-08-04 | Annelise France Suzann Jermann | CONTINUOUS LAUNDRY WASHING MACHINE HAVING AN IMPROVED TRANSFER STRUCTURE |
US6978556B1 (en) | 2005-01-19 | 2005-12-27 | Ephelius Cornelious | Combination washing machine and dryer |
US7404303B1 (en) | 2005-11-14 | 2008-07-29 | Barbosa Domingos D | Automatic drop washer/dryer |
DE102006044283A1 (en) * | 2006-09-20 | 2008-04-03 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Set comprising a domestic appliance and an accessory |
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US20110226641A1 (en) * | 2010-03-19 | 2011-09-22 | Evangelia Vensel | Laundry Cubby System |
WO2012047119A1 (en) * | 2010-10-06 | 2012-04-12 | Compac Technologies Limited | Arrangements for transferring articles |
CN102151006B (en) * | 2011-01-07 | 2013-11-06 | 吴健中 | Vertically lifting and sliding foldable frame |
US8910857B1 (en) * | 2013-07-01 | 2014-12-16 | Brian Hegarty | Laundry basket |
US20150030261A1 (en) * | 2013-07-24 | 2015-01-29 | Farzad David Mahjoubi | Laundry Bag Assembly |
US9222215B1 (en) * | 2014-06-09 | 2015-12-29 | Ez Load Llc | Laundry transfer apparatus |
-
2014
- 2014-06-09 US US14/299,558 patent/US9222215B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2015
- 2015-11-24 US US14/950,336 patent/US9516943B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2016
- 2016-11-07 US US15/344,987 patent/US9743753B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160075515A1 (en) * | 2014-06-09 | 2016-03-17 | Ez Load Llc | Laundry transfer apparatus |
US9516943B2 (en) * | 2014-06-09 | 2016-12-13 | Ez Load Llc | Laundry transfer apparatus |
US20170051450A1 (en) * | 2014-06-09 | 2017-02-23 | Ez Load Llc | Laundry transfer apparatus |
US9743753B2 (en) * | 2014-06-09 | 2017-08-29 | Ez Load Llc | Laundry transfer apparatus |
US20170188702A1 (en) * | 2016-01-05 | 2017-07-06 | James Vincent Petrizzi | Front loading washer/dryer shelf |
CN108313515A (en) * | 2017-12-22 | 2018-07-24 | 南通海立电子有限公司 | A kind of capacitor finished product collection device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20170051450A1 (en) | 2017-02-23 |
US9743753B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 |
US9516943B2 (en) | 2016-12-13 |
US20160075515A1 (en) | 2016-03-17 |
US9222215B1 (en) | 2015-12-29 |
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