US20170188702A1

US20170188702A1 - Front loading washer/dryer shelf

Info

Publication number: US20170188702A1
Application number: US15/398,837
Authority: US
Inventors: James Vincent Petrizzi
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-01-05
Filing date: 2017-01-05
Publication date: 2017-07-06

Abstract

A shelf apparatus for a front loading washer and/or a front loading dryer is provided. The shelf apparatus includes a rigid platform including a substantially planar top surface, a first end, and a second end opposite to the first end in a longitudinal direction; a support having a top end and a bottom end for detachably connecting the first end and the second end of the shelf to front surfaces between doors of a washer and a dryer, wherein the support is configured such that when the shelf is detachably connected to the front surfaces of the washer and the dryer, the top surface of the shelf is parallel to top surfaces of the washer and the dryer so that wet laundry can be pulled onto the top surface of the shelf from the washer and then pushed along the top surface of the shelf into the dryer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to Provisional Patent Application No. 62/275,190, filed on Jan. 5, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

Front loading washers are growing in popularity in the United States for a number of reasons. Front loading washers may be designed to use less energy, water, and detergent than traditional top loading washers. Front loading washers may more effectively spin dry clothes because they are capable of spinning at a higher speed than top loading washers. Front loading washers may use paddles to more gently agitate clothes to force water through them rather than using an agitator or impeller mechanism like top loading washers. Thus, the use of front loading washers may result in less mechanical wear and tear on fabrics. Front loading washers and dryers may also allow a user to access laundry with less bending and reaching than top loading models.
A common complaint regarding the use of front loading washers and dryers is that wet laundry may often get tangled with each other and may also be dropped on the floor during transfer from the washer to the dryer. When using a top loading washer, a user may separate tangled, wet laundry by raising it upward and pulling the wet laundry apart. Wet laundry that becomes untangled drops back into the washer. When using a front loading washer, a user may only pull wet laundry apart by pulling it horizontally out the opening of the washer. Often, the wet laundry that becomes untangled drops onto the floor. It is frustrating to have laundry that has just been washed dropped onto the floor.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a temporary shelf or a ramp that may run between an opening in the front of a front loading washer and an opening in the front of a front loading dryer. Wet laundry may be pulled onto the shelf and then pushed along the shelf into the dryer.
According to exemplary embodiments, there is provided a shelf apparatus for a front loading washer and/or a front loading dryer, including: a shelf formed as a rigid platform comprising a substantially planar top surface, a first end, and a second end opposite to the first end in a longitudinal direction; a first support having a first end connected at or adjacent to the first end of the rigid platform and a second end having a first connector configured to detachably attach to the front loading washer to support the first end of the rigid platform by transferring a downward force exerted by the rigid platform to the front loading washer; a second support having a first end connected at or adjacent to the second end of the rigid platform and a second end having a second connector configured to detachably attach to the front loading dryer to support the second end of the rigid platform by transferring a downward force exerted by the rigid platform to the front loading dryer; wherein the first and second supports are configured such that when first and second connectors are respectively detachably attached to the front loading washer and the front loading dryer, the top surface of the rigid platform substantially lies in a horizontal plane and abuts front surfaces of the front loading washer and front loading dryer at or below loading openings of the front loading washer and front loading dryer so that wet laundry can be pulled onto the top surface of the rigid platform from loading opening of the front loading washer and then pushed along the top surface of the shelf into the front loading dryer via the loading opening of the front loading dryer.
According to exemplary embodiments, there is provided a shelf apparatus for a front loading washer and/or a front loading dryer, including: a shelf formed as a rigid platform comprising a substantially planar top surface, a bottom surface, a first end, and a second end opposite to the first end in a longitudinal direction; a support attached to the bottom surface of the shelf for providing the first end and the second end of the rigid platform adjacent to front surfaces between doors of a front loading washer and a front loading dryer, wherein the support is configured such that when the shelf is provided adjacent to the front surfaces of the front loading washer and the front loading dryer, the top surface of the shelf is parallel to top surfaces of the front loading washer and the front loading dryer so that wet laundry can be pulled onto the top surface of the rigid platform from loading opening of the front loading washer and then pushed along the top surface of the shelf into the front loading dryer via the loading opening of the front loading dryer.
According to exemplary embodiments, there is provided a modular shelf system for a front loading washer and/or a front loading dryer, including: a shelf formed as a rigid platform comprising a substantially planar having a top surface, a first end, and a second end opposite to the first end in a longitudinal direction; a first support for providing the first end of the rigid platform adjacent to a front loading washer door when the front loading washer door is in open position, the first support is configured to be detachably attached to a window of the front loading washer door; a second support for providing the second end of the rigid platform adjacent to a front loading dryer door when the front loading dryer door is in open position, the second structure is configured to be detachably attached to a window of the front loading dryer door; wherein the shelf is configured such that when the front loading washer door and the front loading dryer door are in open position and when the first end of the rigid platform and the second end of the rigid platform are provided on the first support and the second support, respectively, adjacent to front surfaces of the front loading washer and the front loading dryer, the top surface of the shelf is parallel to top surfaces of the front loading washer and the front loading dryer so that wet laundry can be pulled onto the top surface of the rigid platform from loading opening of the front loading washer and then pushed along the top surface of the shelf into the front loading dryer via the loading opening of the front loading dryer.
According to exemplary embodiments, there is provided a method of laundering clothes using a front loading washer and a front loading dryer, including: providing a shelf formed as a rigid platform comprising a substantially planar top surface, a first end, and a second end opposite to the first end in a longitudinal direction; providing a first support having a first end and a second end; providing a second support having a first end and a second end; connecting first end of the first support at or adjacent to the first end of the rigid platform; detachably attaching the second end of the first support having a first connector to the front loading washer to support the first end of the rigid platform by transferring a downward force exerted by the rigid platform to the front loading washer; connecting the first end of the second support at or adjacent to the second end of the rigid platform; detachably attaching the second end of the second support having a second connector to the front loading dryer to support the second end of the rigid platform by transferring a downward force exerted by the rigid platform to the front loading dryer; wherein the first and second supports are configured such that when first and second connectors are respectively detachably attached to the front loading washer and the front loading dryer, the top surface of the rigid platform substantially lies in a horizontal plane and abuts front surfaces of the front loading washer and front loading dryer at or below loading openings of the front loading washer and front loading dryer so that wet laundry can be pulled onto the top surface of the rigid platform from loading opening of the front loading washer and then pushed along the top surface of the shelf into the front loading dryer via the loading opening of the front loading dryer.
In some examples, fastening the shelf may be attached to a front loading washer and/or front loading dryer during manufacture of the front loading washer and/or front loading dryer. For example, a first part of the shelf may be fastened to a front loading washer with a fastener and a second part of the shelf may be fastened to the front loading dryer during manufacture a fastener. The first part of the shelf to the second part of the shelf may each include a plurality of sections and corresponding stops to adjust a length of the shelf to accommodate different sizes of front loading washer and front loading dryer and different spacing between the front loading washer and the front loading dryer. The first part of the shelf fans second part of the shelf may be temporarily mated together at their ends, either due to the end structure of the first and second parts, or by connectors attached to their ends that connect together.
According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the shelf may allow a user to pull wet laundry from the washer onto the shelf and untangle the laundry as it is pulled from the front loading washer without having laundry fall onto the floor as it is untangled. According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the shelf may also allow a user to stretch the wet laundry across the shelf to untangle it. In some embodiments, a user may rest the wet laundry on the shelf and then have both hands free to untangle it.
The shelf, according to example embodiments, also provides a place that dry laundry may be stacked as it is removed from the dryer.
The shelf, according to example embodiments, may be designed in such a manner that it may be deployed when needed and removed when not in use.
The shelf, according to example embodiments, may have sides (e.g., raised opposing sides of the shelf) that may keep clothes from falling from the side of the shelf.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by describing in various exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a shelf that uses hooks for support and positioning.

FIG. 1B is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a shelf that folds for storage and that is in the process of either being deployed or removed.

FIG. 1C is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a shelf that folds for storage and that is folded and stored in a drawer below a washer or a dryer.

FIG. 1D is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of cables, supports, or bars that may support a shelf.

FIG. 1E is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a connection portion of a shelf.

FIG. 1F is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a permanent attachment point on a body of a washer or a dryer.

FIG. 1G is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a cut away view of a permanent attachment point of FIG. 1F.

FIG. 1H is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an attachment point on a door of a washer or a dryer.

FIG. 1I is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a cut away view of an attachment point of FIG. 1H.

FIG. 1J is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an attachment point on a window of a door of a washer or a dryer.

FIG. 1K is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a cut away view of an attachment point of FIG. 1J.

FIG. 1L is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a type of an eye bolt as an exemplary attachment point on a body of a washer or a dryer.

FIG. 1M is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an attachment point that may be a separate piece permanently attached to a washer or a dryer.

FIG. 1N is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an attachment point that may have a slot to temporarily capture a ball end cable.

FIG. 1O is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of edges of a shelf.

FIG. 1P is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the edge included in the shelf of FIG. 1O.

FIG. 2A is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a shelf that is attached to a front of a washer and a dryer.

FIG. 2B is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a shelf that is attached to a front of a washer and a dryer and that is in the process of either begin deployed or removed.

FIG. 2C is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a shelf that is attached to a front of a washer and a dryer and that is stored against the front of the washer and the dryer.

FIG. 3A is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a shelf that clamps over a front of a washer and a dryer for support and positioning.

FIG. 3B is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a shelf that clamps over a front of a washer and a dryer for support and positioning and that is in the process of either being deployed or removed.

FIG. 4A is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an extendable shelf that may be stored inside of a washer or a dryer.

FIG. 4B is an illustration of yet another exemplary embodiment of an extendable shelf that may be stored inside of a washer or a dryer.

FIG. 5A is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a modular shelf.

FIG. 5B is an illustration of yet another exemplary embodiment of a modular shelf.

FIG. 5C is an illustration of yet another exemplary embodiment of a modular shelf.

FIG. 5D is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a support.

FIG. 6A is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a retractable shelf.

FIG. 6B is an illustration of yet another exemplary embodiment of a retractable shelf.

FIG. 6C is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a retractable shelf that may be installed within a drawer below a washer or a dryer.

FIG. 6D is an illustration of yet another exemplary embodiment of a retractable shelf that may be installed within a drawer below a washer or a dryer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. These example embodiments are just that—examples—and many implementations and variations are possible that do not require the details provided herein. It should also be emphasized that the disclosure provides details of alternative examples, but such listing of alternatives is not exhaustive. Furthermore, any consistency of detail between various examples should not be interpreted as requiring such detail—it is impracticable to list every possible variation for every feature described herein. The language of the claims should be referenced in determining the requirements of the invention.
In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers and regions are drawn to scale, but such scale should be considered non-limiting unless otherwise expressly set forth in the claims. It will be understood that other sizes and configurations than the examples illustrated and described herein will be within the scope of the present invention. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Though the different figures show variations of exemplary embodiments, these figures are not necessarily intended to be mutually exclusive from each other. Rather, as will be seen from the context of the detailed description below, certain features depicted and described in different figures can be combined with other features from other figures to result in various embodiments, when taking the figures and their description as a whole into consideration. For example, although the figures described herein may be referred to using language such as “one embodiment,” or “certain embodiments,” these figures, and their corresponding descriptions are not intended to be mutually exclusive from other figures or descriptions, unless the context so indicates.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as “/”.
It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. Unless the context indicates otherwise, these terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section, for example as a naming convention. Thus, a “first” element, component, region, layer or section discussed below in one section of the specification may be termed (or claimed as) a “second” element, component, region, layer or section in another section of the specification or in the claims without departing from the teachings of the present invention. In addition, in certain cases, even if a term is not described using “first,” “second,” etc., in the specification, it may still be referred to as “first” or “second” in a claim in order to distinguish different claimed elements from each other.
It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to or “on” another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to or on the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, or as “contacting” or “in contact with” another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.).
Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element's or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features may then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Also these spatially relative terms such as “above” and “below” as used herein have their ordinary broad meanings—for example element A can be above element B even if when looking down on the two elements there is no overlap between them (just as something in the sky is generally above something on the ground, even if it is not directly above).
Terms such as “same,” “equal,” “planar,” or “coplanar,” as used herein when referring to orientation, layout, location, shapes, sizes, amounts, or other measures do not necessarily mean an exactly identical orientation, layout, location, shape, size, amount, or other measure, but are intended to encompass nearly identical orientation, layout, location, shapes, sizes, amounts, or other measures within acceptable variations that may occur, for example, due to manufacturing processes. The term “substantially” may be used herein to emphasize this meaning, unless the context or other statements indicate otherwise. For example, items described as “substantially the same,” “substantially equal,” or “substantially planar,” may be exactly the same, equal, or planar, or may be the same, equal, or planar within acceptable variations that may occur, for example, due to manufacturing processes.
Terms such as “about” or “approximately” may reflect amounts, sizes, orientations, or layouts that vary only in a small relative manner, and/or in a way that does not significantly alter the operation, functionality, or structure of certain elements. For example, a range from “about 0.1 to about 1” may encompass a range such as a 0%-5% deviation around 0.1 and a 0% to 5% deviation around 1, especially if such deviation maintains the same effect as the listed range.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and/or the present application, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
FIG. 1A is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a shelf 100 that may be detachably mounted between doors of a washer 10 and a dryer 20. The washer 10 includes a door 10 a, a front surface 10 b, a top surface 10 c, and a drawer 201 a. The dryer 20 includes a door 20 a, a front surface 20 b, a top surface 20 c, and a drawer 201 b. The washer door 10 a is a pivotally mounted door that is connected to the front surface 10 b of the washer 10 by hinges. Washer 10 with such a door location is commonly referred to as a front-loading washer. The dryer door 20 a is a pivotally mounted door that is connected to the front surface 20 b of the dryer 20 by hinges. Dryer 20 with such a door location is commonly referred to as a front-loading dryer. FIG. 1A illustrates a typical configuration where washer 10 is positioned adjacent to the dryer 20 in a manner such that both door 10 a and door 20 a face in a same direction to be opened outwardly.
Referring to FIG. 1A, the shelf 100 in this example is a rigid platform comprising a rectangular plank with a first end 100 a, a second end 100 b opposite to the first end 100 a and a flat top surface 100 c. As will be appreciated, the rigid platform is rigid against a downward force when deployed to support laundry as the laundry is removed from the washer 10 to be put in the dryer 20, or to support laundry upon its removal from the dryer 20 (as shown in FIG. 1A). It should be noted that the rigid platform may be collapsible and still be considered rigid. For example, the rigid platform may collapse into a different configuration than its deployed configuration when subjected to forces in other directions, such as an upward force (e.g., pushing up from the bottom of the rigid platform) or horizontal forces (e.g., compressive forces between opposite sides of the rigid platform) as discussed with herein. It will also be appreciated that the rigid platform may have a certain degree of flexing when subject to a load of laundry, but may still be considered rigid. FIG. 1A depicts an example of an installed shelf 100 that is detachably connected between the washer 10 and the dryer 20. In this exemplary embodiment, the shelf 100 is supported by hooks 120 provided on first end 100 a and/or the second end 100 b by a support 121 that rest on the hinges that connect the door 10 a/20 a to the body of the washer 10 or dryer 20. The support 121 having a top end 121 a connected to the hooks 120 and a bottom end 121 b connected to the first end 100 a and/or the second end 100 b. The shelf 100 is detachably connected between the washer door 10 a and the dryer door 20 a in a manner such that when the shelf 100 is connected, the top surface 100 c of the shelf 100 is horizontal (e.g., parallel to ground), which, in this example, is also parallel to both the horizontal top surface 10 c of the washer 10 and the horizontal top surface 20 c of the dryer 20. In this example, the shelf 100 is detachably connected to rest at a location between the washer door 10 a and the dryer door 20 a in manner such that the first end 100 a of the shelf 100 is adjacent to the washer door 10 a and the second end 100 b of the shelf 100 is adjacent to the dryer door 20 a.
In this example, the shelf 100 is supported by hooks 120 that are each temporarily connected to one of the washer 10 and dryer 20 to support the shelf 100. The hooks 120 may be connected to the shelf 100 by a support 121 (e.g., a cable or rod). Weight (downward force) of the shelf 100 and laundry thereon may be supported by supports 121 and hooks 120. In some embodiments, the outer surface (or the entire body) of hooks 120 may be made of plastic, rubber, or foam, or some other material that may be smooth and flexible and to avoid scratching the washer 10 or dryer 20 or any part of the washer 10 or dryer 20. In some embodiments, the hooks 120 may be made of a relatively stronger material like metal and covered by a plastic, rubber, or foam so that may be smooth and flexible and may not scratch the washer 10 or dryer 20 or any part of the washer 10 or dryer 20. However, it is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the various elements of the shelf 100 might be fabricated with more than one material without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Referring to FIG. 1A, the support 121 may be a cable, bar, rod or other equivalent support to attach the hooks 120 to the shelf 100. Thus, the hooks 120 may be connected to the shelf 100 by a cable, bar, or other equivalent support. In some embodiments, the support 121 may be flexible or it may be rigid. In some embodiments, the support 121 may bend only at the point where it connects to the shelf 100 so that it may fold up flat against the shelf 100 for storage. The support 121 may be rigid so that the distance between the shelf 100 and the hook 120 is always fixed to make installation and removal easier. In some embodiments, the support 121 may be comparatively very flexible to allow it to be folded in various configurations for storage.
The shelf 100 may be completely detached from the washer 10 and dryer 20 when not in use. The shelf 100 may fold 200 for storage as depicted in FIG. 1B. The shelf 100 may be folded and stored in a drawer 201 a/201 b under the washer 10/dryer 20 when not in use. For example, the shelf 100 may include a plank and a hinge attached to a bottom surface of the plank to allow the shelf 100 to be folded upon itself in one direction for storing the shelf 100 in a drawer 201 a/201 b under the washer 10/dryer 20 when the shelf is not in use. FIG. 1C illustrates an embodiment when the shelf 100 is folded and stored in the drawer 201 b under the dryer 20 when the shelf 100 is not in use. Hinges (not shown in FIG. 1B) may be attached to the planks of the shelf 100 (here on a bottom surfaces of the planks) that allow the shelf 100 to fold upon itself in one direction but resist folding in an opposite direction. As shown in FIG. 1B, the shelf 100 may fold to acquire an upside down “V” configuration, but is resistant (rigid) to folding past horizontal towards an upright “V” configuration.
FIG. 1D is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of support 121 that may support a shelf 100 and the connection portion of the shelf 100 that rests on an opening in the front of the washer 10 or dryer 20. The second end 100 b of the shelf 100 may include a front edge fastener 122, a middle edge fastener 123 and a rear edge fastener 124. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1D, the fasteners 122, 123, and 124 are positioned in the second end 100 b of the shelf 100 in a manner such that the front edge fastener 122 is located further away from the front surface 20 b of the dryer 20 in a first direction, the rear edge fastener 124 is located close (e.g., adjacent) to the front surface 20 b of the dryer 20 in the first direction, and the middle edge fastener 123 is located between the front edge fastener 122 and the rear edge fastener 124. Although not shown in FIG. 1D, in some embodiments, the first end 100 a of the shelf 100 may also include a front edge fastener 122, a middle edge fastener 123 and a rear edge fastener 124. The fasteners 122, 123, and 124 may be positioned in the first end 100 a of the shelf 100 in a manner such that the front edge fastener 122 is located further away from the front surface 10 b of the washer 10 in a first direction, the rear edge fastener 124 is located close (e.g., adjacent) to the front surface 10 b of the washer 10 in the first direction, and the middle edge fastener 123 is located between the front edge fastener 122 and the rear edge fastener 124. However, the disclosure in not limited thereto. For example, although not shown in FIG. 1D, when the first end 100 a of the shelf 100 is detachably connected to the dryer door 20 a of the dryer 20, the fasteners 122, 123, and 124 may be positioned in the first end 100 a of the shelf 100 in a manner such that the rear edge fastener 124 is located further away from the front surface 20 b of the dryer 20 in a first direction, the front edge fastener 122 is located close to the front surface 20 b of the dryer 20 in the first direction, and the middle edge fastener 123 is located between the front edge fastener 122 and the rear edge fastener 124.
The support 121 may include cables, bars, or other supports to be respectively connected to the front edge fastener 122, the middle edge fastener 123, and the rear edge fastener 124 of the shelf 100. In this exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1D, the shelf 100 is supported by two supports 121 on each end of the shelf 100. For example, one support 121 is connected to the rear edge fastener 124 of the shelf 100 and the other support 121 is connected to the front edge fastener 122 of the shelf 100. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the shelf 100 may be supported by one, two, or more supports 121. For example, in addition to or instead of the connection locations shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the supports 121 may connect to the middle edge fastener 123 of the shelf 100. In some embodiments, the shelf 100 may also be supported by contact with an edge of an opening 25 in the front surface 10 b/20 b of the washer 10 or dryer 20 when the washer door 10 a or the dryer door 20 a is in open position.
Referring to FIG. 1A-1D, in some embodiments, the combination of the shelf 100 and two supports 121 may form a shelf apparatus. The shelf 100 may be formed as a rigid platform including a substantially planar top surface 100 c, a first end 100 a, and a second end 100 b opposite to the first end 100 a in a longitudinal direction. The two supports 121 may be referred to as a first support 121 a and a second support 121 b. The first support 121 a may include a first end 121 a′ connected at or adjacent to the first end 100 a of the rigid platform of the shelf 100 and a second end 121 a″ having a first connector (e.g., hook 120 as shown in FIG. 1A) configured to detachably attach to the front loading washer 10 to support the first end 100 a of the rigid platform by transferring a downward force exerted by the rigid platform to the front loading washer 10. The second support 121 b may include a first end 121 b′ connected at or adjacent to the second end 100 b of the rigid platform of the shelf 100 and a second end 121 b″ having a second connector (e.g., hook 120 as shown in FIG. 1A) configured to detachably attach to the front loading dryer 20 to support the second end 100 b of the rigid platform by transferring a downward force exerted by the rigid platform to the front loading dryer 20. The first and second supports 121 a′, 121 b′ are configured such that when first and second connectors (hook 120) are respectively detachably attached to the front loading washer 10 and the front loading dryer 20, the top surface 100 c of the rigid platform substantially lies in a horizontal plane and abuts front surface 10 b of the front loading washer 10 and front surface 20 b of the front loading dryer 20 at or below loading openings of the front loading washer 10 and front loading dryer 20 so that wet laundry can be pulled onto the top surface 100 c of the rigid platform from loading opening of the front loading washer 10 and then pushed along the top surface 100 c of the shelf into the front loading dryer 20 via the loading opening of the front loading dryer 20.
In some embodiments, the first support 121 a may include one of a first rod and a first cord connected to the hook 120 at its first end and connected to the first end 100 a of the rigid platform at its second end and having a length sufficient to allow the hook 120 to attach and hook over a hinge (not shown) attached to a door 10 a of the front loading washer 10. In some embodiments, the second support 121 b may include one of a second rod and a second cord connected to the hook 120 at its first end and connected to the second end 100 b of the rigid platform at its second end and having a length sufficient to allow second hook 120 to attach and hook over a hinge (not shown) attached to a door 20 of the front loading dryer 20.
In some embodiments, the front loading washer 10, the front loading dryer 20 a, the shelf 100, first support 121 a and the second support 121 b may be utilized to perform a method of laundering clothes. For example, the method may include: providing a shelf 100 formed as a rigid platform comprising a substantially planar top surface 100 c, a first end 100 a, and a second end 100 b opposite to the first end 100 a in a longitudinal direction; providing a first support 121 a having a first end 121 a′ and a second end 121 a″; providing a second support 121 b having a first end 121 b′ and a second end 121 b″; connecting first end 121 a′ of the first support 121 a at or adjacent to the first end 100 a of the rigid platform; detachably attaching the second end 121 a″ of the first support 121 a having a first connector (e.g., hook 120) to the front loading washer 10 to support the first end 100 a of the rigid platform by transferring a downward force exerted by the rigid platform to the front loading washer 10; connecting the first end 121 b′ of the second support 121 b at or adjacent to the second end 100 b of the rigid platform; detachably attaching the second end 121 b″ of the second support 121 b having a second connector (e.g., hook 120 to the front loading dryer 20 to support the second end 100 b of the rigid platform by transferring a downward force exerted by the rigid platform to the front loading dryer 20. In the laundering method disclosed above, the first and second supports 121 a′, 121 b′ are configured such that when first and second connectors (hook 120) are respectively detachably attached to the front loading washer 10 and the front loading dryer 20, the top surface 100 c of the rigid platform substantially lies in a horizontal plane and abuts front surface 10 b of the front loading washer 10 and front surface 20 b of the front loading dryer 20 at or below loading openings of the front loading washer 10 and front loading dryer 20 so that wet laundry can be pulled onto the top surface 100 c of the rigid platform from loading opening of the front loading washer 10 and then pushed along the top surface 100 c of the shelf into the front loading dryer 20 via the loading opening of the front loading dryer 20.
In some embodiments, when the supports 121 are cables, the cables may be formed by a continuous single piece of cable where hook 120 is a part of the cable. Alternatively, the cable may also be formed by a continuous single piece of cable where hook 120 is attached to the cable. The hook may slide along the length of the cable through a slot (which may comprise a hole) and may be clamped to a particular location along the cable by a clamp within the slot. The total length of the cable extending from to fasteners connecting the cable to the shelf 100 may also be adjustable in a similar manner thereby allowing a user to adjust the height of the shelf to allow for a different washer 10 and dryer 20 configuration and/or dimensions.
In some embodiments, the shelf 100 may be supported by a connection portion 125 of the shelf 100 that contacts the edge of the opening 25 in the front surface 10 b/20 b of the washer 10 or dryer 20 when the washer door 10 a or the dryer door 20 a is in open position. The connection portion 125 may be generally an L-shaped in cross-section that may be inserted into the opening 25 of the washer 10 or the dryer 20. FIG. 1E is an exemplary embodiment illustrating that a connection portion 126 of the shelf 100 is resting against the inside of the washer 10 or dryer 20, that a connection portion 127 of the shelf 100 is resting against the outside of the front of the washer 10 or dryer 20, or against the inside and the outside of the washer 10 and dryer 20. The connection portion that rests against the inside or the outside of the washer and dryer may provide support and stability and may properly position the shelf 100 relative to the washer 10 and the dryer 20. The connection portion that rests against the inside or the outside of the washer 10 and the dryer 20 may be covered in a material that may not scratch, mar, or otherwise damage any portion of the washer 10 or the dryer 20.
The shelf 100 may be also be supported by hooks 120 that rest on the hinges (not shown) between the door 10 a/20 a and the body of the washer 10 or the dryer 20.
In some embodiments, the hooks 120 may also be catches and the shelf 100 may be supported by hooks or catches 120 that rest on or fit into an attachment point 128 provided on the front surface 10 b/20 b of the washer 10 or the dryer 20. FIG. 1F is an exemplary embodiment illustrating an attachment point 128 that may be built into the front surface 10 b/20 b of the washer 10 or the dryer 20. FIG. 1G is an exemplary embodiment illustrating how a hook may fit into an attachment point 128 that is built into the front surface 10 b/20 b of the washer 10 or the dryer 20.
The attachment point 128 may be added to the front surface 10 b/20 b of the washer 10 or the dryer 20 using fasteners, adhesive, or magnets to detachably connect the shelf 100 to the front surface 10 b of the front loading washer 10 and the front surface 20 b of the front loading dryer 20.
In some embodiments, the shelf 100 may be supported by hooks or catches 120 that may rest on or fit into an attachment point 129 provided on the door 10 a/20 a of the washer 10 or the dryer 20. FIG. 1G and FIG. 1H illustrate exemplary embodiments where an attachment point 129 is provided in the door 10 a/20 a of the washer 10 or the dryer 20.
In some embodiments, the shelf 100 may be supported by hooks or catches 120 that may rest on or fit into an attachment point 130 provided on a window 10 a′/20 a′of the door 10 a/20 a of the washer 10 or the dryer 20. FIG. 1J and FIG. 1K illustrate exemplary embodiments where an attachment point 130 is provided in the window 10 a′/20 a′ of the door 10 a/20 a of the washer 10 or the dryer 20.
In some embodiments, the shelf 100 may be supported by hooks or catches 120 that may rest on or fit into an eye bolt attachment point 131 provided on the front surface 10 b/20 b of the washer 10 or the dryer 20. FIG. 1L is an exemplary embodiment illustrating an eye bolt attachment point 131 provided on the front surface 10 b/20 b of the washer 10 or the dryer 20.
In some embodiments, the shelf 100 may be supported by hooks or catches 120 that may rest on or fit into a cup attachment point 132 provided on the front surface 10 b/20 b of the washer 10 or the dryer 20. FIG. 1M is exemplary embodiment illustrating a cup attachment point 132 provided on the front surface 10 b/20 b of the washer 10 or the dryer 20. The cup attachment point 132 may be built into the front surface 10 b/20 b of the washer 10 or the dryer 20 or may be added to the front surface 10 b/20 b of the washer 10 or the dryer 20 using fasteners, adhesive, or magnets.
In some embodiments, the shelf 100 may be supported by a ball end cable that fits into a ball end cable attachment point 133 provided on the front surface 10 b/20 b of the washer 10 or the dryer 20. FIG. 1N depicts a ball end cable attachment point 133 on the front surface 10 b/20 b of the washer 10 or the dryer 20. The ball end cable attachment point 133 may be built into the front surface 10 b/20 b of the washer 10 or the dryer 20 or may be added to the front surface 10 b/20 b of the washer 10 or the dryer 20 using fasteners, adhesive, or magnets.
The shelf 100 may have a support (not shown) with an end that magnetically attaches to some portion (e.g., front surface 10 b/10 c) of the washer 10 or the dryer 20. The end may attach using permanent magnets or by magnets that are electrically turned on and off to install or remove the shelf 100 based on actions or selections by the user. Permanent magnets may be strong enough to provide support for the shelf 100 and laundry but not so strong that an average user may not break the link when removing the shelf 100.
The supports 121 may be flexible and may be moved in a wide range of motion. The supports 121 may also be more rigid and allow a smaller range of motion. When the supports 121 are cables or bars, the cables or bars may have restricted motion based on the position of other parts of the washer 10 or the dryer 20 or the shelf 100. An example of this may be a support 121 that folds up flat against the shelf 100 when the shelf is folded in half as shown in FIG. 1C but extends when the shelf is unfolded to its full length as shown in FIG. 1A.
In some embodiments, the shelf 100 may include hinges 300 that may allow the shelf 100 to be folded in various parts, e.g., half as shown in FIG. 1C. The shelf 100 may use hinges 300 that may allow the shelf 100 to be locked into a planar position but not rotate beyond 180 degrees as shown in FIG. 1A.
Referring to FIGS. 1A-6D, the shelf 100, 101, 102, or 103 may have adjustable parts to accommodate different sizes of washer 10 and dryer 20 and different spacing between the washer 10 and the dryer 20. The shelf 100 may be provided with a variety of hinging mechanisms 300 to accommodate different sizes washer 10 and dryer 20 and different spacing between the washer 10 and the dryer 20. The user may select to an appropriate hinging mechanism 300 based on the size of the washer 10 and dryer 20 and the spacing between the washer 10 and dryer 20.
The connection portion 125 (shown in FIG. 1D) of the shelf 100, 101, 102, or 103 that is facing the opening 25 of the washer 10 and the dryer 20 may be of a consistent width to make maneuvering it easier or the portion that sticks into the washer 10 and dryer 20 may be wider to help funnel the laundry onto the shelf 100, 101, 102, or 103 from the washer 10 and off of the shelf 100, 101, 102, or 103 into the dryer 20.
In some embodiments, the shelf 100, 101, 102, or 103 may be designed to be level between the washer 10 and the dryer 20 or it may be designed to be higher where it connects to the dryer 20 than where it connects to the washer 10 so that any water left on the shelf 100, 101, 102, or 103 may flow back into the washer 10.
FIG. 1O is an exemplary embodiment illustrating edges 106 of the shelf 100, 101, 102 that surround the entire shelf 100, 101, 102 except for the connection portion 125 (shown in FIG. 1D) of the shelf 100, 101, 102 that is facing the opening 25 of the washer 10 and the dryer 20. The edges 106 are raised upward from the top surface 100 c of the shelf 100, 101, 102 to prevent laundry from falling from the shelf 100, 101, 102. The edges 106 may also keep any excess water from dripping off the sides of the shelf 100, 101, 102.
FIG. 1P is an exemplary embodiment illustrating edges 107 adjacent to the connection portion 125 (shown in FIG. 1D) that goes into the opening 25 of the washer 10 and the dryer 20. These edges 107 may be tapered to minimize the likelihood of laundry catching on the edge or corner.
FIG. 2A is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a shelf 101 that is attached to a front surface 10 b/20 b of a washer 10 and a dryer 20. FIG. 2A depicts a shelf 101 that may be attached to the front surface 10 b of the washer 10 and the front surface 20 b of the dryer 20 in a manner that allows the shelf 101 to be installed by sliding the shelf 101 into a position and folding out supports or legs 135 attached to a bottom surface of the shelf 101. Supports or legs 135 may be provided on a first end 101 a and a second end 101 b on a bottom surface 101 c of the shelf 101. The shelf may slide on rails 136 provided on the front surface 10 b/20 b of the washer 10 and the dryer 20. The shelf 101 may sit flush against the front surface 10 b of the washer 10 and the front surface 20 b of the dryer 20 when not in use.
FIG. 2C is an exemplary embodiment illustrating the shelf 101 in a stored position against the front surface 10 b of the washer 10 and the front surface 20 b of the dryer 20.
In some exemplary embodiment, the supports or legs 135 may rest against the front surface 10 b/20 b of the washer 10 or the dryer 20 and may be comparatively short in length or may extend all the way to the ground.
FIG. 2B is an exemplary embodiment illustrating the shelf 101 being deployed or stored and the supports 135 being folded out to deploy the shelf 101 or folded in to store the shelf.
In some embodiments, the shelf 101 may include a bracket or a slide that may be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of washer 10 and dryer 20 and different spacing between the washer 10 and the dryer 20. The shelf 101 may be made of a material and color that may blend into the front of the washer 10 and dryer 20 when not in use. The shelf 101 may be positioned as to not block the drawer 201 a below the washer 10 and the drawer 201 b below the dryer 20 when not in use. The shelf 101 may be permanently attached to the front surface 10 b of the washer 10 and the front surface 20 b of the dryer 20 and may slid into a place to be deployed and slid out of the place to be stored. In some embodiments, the shelf 101 may be made of material such that the shelf 101 be rigid and not fold.
FIG. 3A is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a shelf 102 that may clamp over a front of a washer and a dryer for support and positioning. FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of a shelf 102 that may use clamp or cantilever assemblies 140 over the front of the opening 25 of the washer 10 and the dryer 20 to support the shelf 102. The assemblies 140 may have a fixed shape or may be movable and be activated to securely hold the shelf 102 in place when deployed. In this exemplary embodiment, one clamp or cantilever assembly 140 may be provided on both a first end 102 a and a second end 102 b on a bottom surface 102 c of the shelf 102. FIG. 3B is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a shelf 102 that may clamp over a front of a washer and a dryer for support and positioning and that is in the process of either being deployed or removed. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3B, the assemblies 140 are being activated. Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the activation may include rotating a piece, pulling parts together, or spreading parts apart. The assemblies 140 may be flat surfaces that rest against the inside and the outside of the washer 10 and dryer 20. The assemblies 140 may connect to a drum, an inner body, a lint screen, or other parts that are exposed in the opening 25 in the front surface 10 b/20 b of the washer 10 or the dryer 20. In some embodiments, the assemblies 140 may replace the lint screen or other parts that are exposed in the opening 25 in the front surface 10 b/20 b of the washer 10 or the dryer 20.
In some embodiments, the shelf 102 may be completely detached from the washer 10 and the dryer 20 when not in use. The shelf 102 may be made of material such the shelf 102 may be rigid and not fold. The shelf 102 may be stored on top of the washer 10 and dryer 20, or alongside the washer 10 or the dryer 20. The shelf 102 may be hung on a nearby wall for easy access from the washer 10 and the dryer 20.
The locations of the clamp assemblies 140 on shelf 102 may be adjustable to accommodate different sizes of washer 10 and dryer 20 and different spacing between the washer 10 and the dryer 20.
FIG. 4A is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an extendable shelf 110 that may be stored may be stored inside of the washer 10 or the dryer 20 and may fold down and extend to be deployed. FIG. 4B is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of portions 180 of the extendable shelf 110 that may be installed inside of the washer 10 and the dryer 20 and may be folded up to allow the door 10 a/20 a to close when the extendable shelf 110 is not in use. The portions 180 of the extendable shelf 110 that are installed inside of the washer 10 or dryer 20 may be attached using fasteners, connect to parts within the washer 10 and the dryer 20, or replace parts within the washer 10 and the dryer 20.
The end of the extendable shelf 110 that is not stored inside of the washer 10 or dryer 20 may be supported by hooks or by some other type of catch or attachment point that may be temporarily connected for support. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4A, the end of the extendable shelf 110 that is not stored inside of the washer 10 or dryer 20 is supported by hooks 111.
In some embodiments, the extendable shelf 110 may telescope, unfold, or unroll to be deployed. The extendable shelf 110 may have different sections installed or have stops set that limit the extension size. These stops may adjust the length of the telescoping shelf to accommodate different sizes of washer 10 and dryer 20 and different spacing between the washer 10 and the dryer 20.
FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a modular shelf system that may be made up of three pieces; a washer support 190, a dryer support 190, and a modular shelf 103 that fits between the washer support 190 and the dryer support 190.
FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a washer support 190 and a dryer support 190 that may fold down from the inside of the door 10 a of the washer 10 and the door 20 a of the dryer 20. The washer and dryer supports 190 may be attached to the inside of the door 10 a of the washer 10 and the door 20 a of the dryer 20 attachments, e.g., fasteners, adhesive, or magnets.
FIG. 5C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the modular shelf 103 being folded and removed when not in use. The modular shelf 103 or parts of the modular shelf assembly, when removed, may be stored in a drawer 201 a (shown in FIG. 1A) under the washer 10 and a drawer 201 b (shown in FIG. 1A) the dryer 20, stored on top of, alongside, or stored nearby the washer 10 and the dryer 20.
FIG. 5D illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a strap 191 that may conformally wrap around the window 10 a′/20 a′or another part of the inside of the door 10 a of the washer 10 or the door 20 a of the dryer 20 to attach the support 190 to the washer 10 and the dryer 20. To better illustrate an exemplary configuration, only window 20 a′ of dryer 20 is shown in FIG. 5D but such a strap connection is also applicable to window 10 a′ of washer 10. In this example, windows 10 a′ and 20 a′ may have a three dimensional (3D) shape that extend towards the center of the washer 10/dryer 20 (a concave shape as viewed from the outside of the washer 10/dryer 20). In this example, the concave shape of windows 10 a′/20 a′ comprises a cylindrical portion around which the strap 191 may be wrapped and be connected. The washer and dryer supports 190 may remain installed within the washer 10 and dryer 20 when not in use. The washer and dryer supports 190 may be generally oval shaped in cross-section. However, the shape of the washer and dryer supports 190 may have other geometrical shapes.
The modular shelf 103 may be assembled using different hinge assemblies 320 to accommodate different sizes of washer 10 and dryer 20 and different spacing between the washer 10 and the dryer 20.
FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a retractable shelf 104 that may be installed within a drawer 202 below the washer 10 or dryer 20 when the retractable shelf 104 is not in use. The retractable shelf 104 may include a support, e.g., a leg system 137, attached to one end of a bottom surface 104 c of the shelf 104. The leg system 137 may include a pair of first leg 137 a and a pair of second leg 137 b that cross each other to expand to support the shelf 104. The leg system 137 may lock in place when the shelf 104 is deployed, and may have a lever, button, or other equivalent control mechanism to allow the leg system 137 it to be collapsed and stored when the shelf 104 is not in use. The retractable shelf 104 may have connection portions 138 that may be inserted into the opening 25 in the front of the washer 10 and the dryer 20. The shape of the connection portion 138 is such that a width of the retractable shelf 104 in a first direction where the connection portion 138 is not provided may be smaller than a width of the retractable shelf 104 in the first direction where the connection portion is provided.
FIG. 6B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the drawer 202 being open with a sufficient gap 139 to allow the leg system 137 to be deployed without interference from the connection portions 138 that insert into the opening 25 in the front of the washer 10 and the dryer 20. Once the leg system 137 is fully expanded and the retractable shelf 104 is unfolded, then the drawer 202 may be pushed in to allow the connection portions 138 of the retractable shelf 104 to be inserted into the opening 25 in the front of the washer 10 and the dryer 20. The retractable shelf 104, leg system 137 and the connection portions 138 may collectively form a retractable shelf system. The retractable shelf system may lock into place when it has been deployed and pushed in to allow the connection portions 138 of the retractable shelf 104 to be inserted into the opening 25 in the front of the washer 10 and the dryer and, although not shown, may be released by pulling a lever, pushing button, turning a knob, or some other action by the user to unlock the system and allow it to be collapsed and stored.
FIG. 6C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the retractable shelf 104. In this exemplary embodiment, the retractable shelf 104 may include hinging parts 330 that may allow the retractable shelf to be folded in half to be stored. The hinging parts 330 may also allow the retractable shelf 104 to be locked into a planar position and not rotate beyond 180 degrees.
FIG. 6D illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the retractable shelf 104 installed in the drawer 202 below the washer 10 or the dryer 20 when the retractable shelf 104 is not in use.
The retractable shelf 104 may be permanently installed in the drawer 202 using fasteners or adhesives. The retractable shelf 104 may also be securely installed in the drawer 202 by using parts that expand to form a compression fit within the drawer 202. The retractable shelf 104 may be installed in the drawer in such a manner that it may not be removed from the drawer when pulled on by the user but may have to be uninstalled by first removing the fasteners, adhesives, or releasing the compression fit.
The leg system 137 may allow the retractable shelf 104 to be tilted during deployment so that the connection portions 138 that insert into the opening 25 in the front of the washer 10 and the dryer 20 may not interfere when the retractable shelf 104 is being deployed.
In alternative embodiments, the shelf as described in the above embodiments (e.g., 100, 101, 102, or 103) and any supports may be built into the washer 10 and dryer 20 when the washer 10 and the dryer 20 are being manufactured or later added as a permanent attachment to the washer 10 and the dryer 20 (e.g., attached with a fastener not designed to be removed without tools or having a planar attachment portion that may be attached/glued with adhesive to the side of the washer 10 or dryer 20). The shelf 100, 101, 102, or 103 may have a cavity or compartment below the washer door 10 a and dryer door 20 a into which the shelf 100, 101, 102, or 103 slides and is completely concealed when not in use. The shelf 100, 101, 102, or 103 may be made of a material or color that matches the washer 10 and dryer 20 so that the shelf 100, 101, 102, or 103 may not be as obviously visible when the shelf 100, 101, 102, or 103 is folded against the front of the washer 10 b and the front of the dryer 20 b when not in use. The shelf 100, 101, 102, or 103 may be composed of two (2) parts, e.g., a first part and a second part. The first part of the shelf 100, 101, 102, or 103 may be attached, secured, or fastened to the washer 10 and the second part of the shelf 100, 101, 102, or 103 may be attached, secured, or fastened to the dryer 20 and the first and second parts of the shelf 100, 101, 102, or 103 may be connected to each other once the washer 10 and dryer 20 are being installed. In some embodiments, the first part of the shelf 100, 101, 102, or 103 may be permanently attached, secured, or fastened to the washer 10 and the second part of the shelf 100, 101, 102, or 103 may be permanently attached, secured, or fastened to the dryer 20 when the washer 10 and the dryer 20 are being manufactured. The method for connecting the two (2) parts of the shelf 100, 101, 102, or 103 may be adjustable to allow for different spacing between the washer 10 and the dryer 20. For example, each of the two parts of the shelf 100, 101, 102, or 103 may include a plurality of sections and corresponding stops to adjust a length of the shelf 100, 101, 102, or 103 to accommodate different sizes of washer 10 and dryer 20 and different spacing between the washer 10 and the dryer 20.
While the disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A shelf apparatus for a front loading washer and/or a front loading dryer, comprising:

a shelf formed as a rigid platform comprising a substantially planar top surface, a first end, and a second end opposite to the first end in a longitudinal direction;

a first support having a first end connected at or adjacent to the first end of the rigid platform and a second end having a first connector configured to detachably attach to the front loading washer to support the first end of the rigid platform by transferring a downward force exerted by the rigid platform to the front loading washer;

a second support having a first end connected at or adjacent to the second end of the rigid platform and a second end having a second connector configured to detachably attach to the front loading dryer to support the second end of the rigid platform by transferring a downward force exerted by the rigid platform to the front loading dryer;

wherein the first and second supports are configured such that when first and second connectors are respectively detachably attached to the front loading washer and the front loading dryer, the top surface of the rigid platform substantially lies in a horizontal plane and abuts front surfaces of the front loading washer and front loading dryer at or below loading openings of the front loading washer and front loading dryer so that wet laundry can be pulled onto the top surface of the rigid platform from loading opening of the front loading washer and then pushed along the top surface of the shelf into the front loading dryer via the loading opening of the front loading dryer.

2. The shelf apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first connector comprises a first hook and the second connector comprises a second hook,

wherein the first support comprises one of a first rod and a first cord connected to the first hook at its first end and connected to the first end of the rigid platform at its second end and having a length sufficient to allow the first hook to attach and hook over a hinge attached to a door of the front loading washer,

wherein the second support comprises one of a second rod and a second cord connected to the second hook at its first end and connected to the second end of the rigid platform at its second end and having a length sufficient to allow the second hook to attach and hook over a hinge attached to a door of the front loading dryer.

3. The shelf apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first hook and the second hook comprise an outer surface formed of plastic, rubber, or foam.

4. The shelf apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first fastener connecting the first end of the rigid platform to the first support and a second fastener connecting the second end of the rigid platform to the second support.

5. The shelf apparatus of claim 4, wherein each of the first end and the second end of the shelf includes a first edge fastener, a second edge fastener, and a third edge fastener for connecting the bottom end of the support to the top surface of the shelf, and wherein the first edge fastener, the second edge fastener, and the third edge fastener is positioned in a manner such that when the shelf is detachably connected to the doors of the front loading washer and the front loading dryer, one of the first edge fastener and the second edge fastener is located adjacent to a front surface of the front loading washer or the front loading dryer in a first direction and the other one of the first edge fastener and the second edge fastener is located further away from the front surface of the front loading washer or the front loading dryer in the first direction.

6. The shelf apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second supports are provided with a hook at top end that rests on or fits into an attachment point provided on the front surface of the front loading washer or the front loading dryer to detachably connect the shelf to the front surfaces of the front loading washer and the front loading dryer.

7. The shelf apparatus of claim 6, wherein the attachment point is selected from the group consisting of: an eye bolt attachment point, a cup attachment point, and a ball end cable attachment point.

8. The shelf apparatus of claim 7, the attachment point is connected to the front surface of the front loading washer or the front loading dryer with at least one of a fastener, adhesive, or magnet.

9. The shelf apparatus of claim 7, the attachment point is connected to the front surface of the front loading washer or the front loading dryer with at least one of a permanent magnet and an electromagnet.

10. The shelf apparatus of claim 6, wherein the attachment point is provided at a window of a door of the front loading washer or the front loading dryer.

11. The shelf apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a hinging part to accommodate different sizes front loading washer and front loading dryer and different spacing between the washer and the dryer,

wherein the hinging part is configured such that it allows the shelf to be folded in half and into a planar position but not rotate beyond 180 degrees.

12. The shelf apparatus of claim 1, wherein top surface of shelf includes raised edges that surround the entire shelf except for a connection portion of the shelf that is facing an opening located in the front surface of the front loading washer or the front loading dryer when the door of the front loading washer or the front loading dryer is in open position to prevent laundry from falling from the shelf and to keep any excess water from dripping off the shelf.

13. The shelf apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shelf is extendable and is configured to telescope, unfold, or unroll to be deployed.

14. The shelf apparatus of claim 13, wherein the shelf includes a plurality of sections and corresponding stops to adjust a length of telescoping shelf to accommodate different sizes of washer and dryer and different spacing between the washer and the dryer.

15. The shelf apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a front loading washer and a front loading dryer.

16. The shelf apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shelf comprises at least two planks and a hinge attached to and bottom surfaces of the two planks and connecting the two planks configured to allow the shelf to be folded upon itself in one direction to facilitate storing the shelf in a drawer of the front loading washer or the front loading drying when the shelf is not in use.

17. A shelf apparatus for a front loading washer and/or a front loading dryer, comprising:

a shelf formed as a rigid platform comprising a substantially planar top surface, a bottom surface, a first end, and a second end opposite to the first end in a longitudinal direction;

a support attached to the bottom surface of the shelf for providing the first end and the second end of the rigid platform adjacent to front surfaces between doors of a front loading washer and a front loading dryer,

wherein the support is configured such that when the shelf is provided adjacent to the front surfaces of the front loading washer and the front loading dryer, the top surface of the shelf is parallel to top surfaces of the front loading washer and the front loading dryer so that wet laundry can be pulled onto the top surface of the rigid platform from loading opening of the front loading washer and then pushed along the top surface of the shelf into the front loading dryer via the loading opening of the front loading dryer.

18. The shelf apparatus of claim 17, wherein the support includes legs provided on the first end and the second end of the rigid platform.

19. The shelf apparatus of claim 17, wherein the support includes a clamp or cantilever assembly provided over a front opening of the front loading washer and the front loading dryer to detachably connect the rigid platform to the front surfaces of the front loading washer and the front loading dryer.

20. The shelf apparatus of claim 19, the clamp or cantilever assembly is provided on both the first end and the second end on the bottom surface of the of the rigid platform.

21. The shelf apparatus of claim 19, wherein the assembly is configured to connect to a drum, an inner body, or a lint screen that is exposed in a loading opening in the front surface of the front loading washer or the front loading dryer.

22. The shelf apparatus of claim 21, wherein the assembly is configured to replace the lint screen or other parts that are exposed in the loading opening in the front surface of the front loading washer or the front loading dryer.

23. The shelf apparatus of claim of 17, wherein the support includes a leg system attached to one end of the bottom surface of the shelf, and

wherein the leg system includes a pair of first leg and a pair of second leg that cross each other to expand to support the shelf and configured to be locked in place when the shelf is deployed, and collapsed when the shelf is not in use.

24. The shelf apparatus of claim 23, wherein the shelf includes connection portions configured to be inserted into an opening located in front surfaces of the washer and the dryer when the doors are in open position.

25. The shelf apparatus of claim 17, wherein the shelf is configured to be securely installed in a drawer of the front loading washer or the front loading drying by using parts that expand to form a compression fit within the drawer.

26. A modular shelf system for a front loading washer and/or a front loading dryer, comprising:

a shelf formed as a rigid platform comprising a substantially planar having a top surface, a first end, and a second end opposite to the first end in a longitudinal direction;

a first support for providing the first end of the rigid platform adjacent to a front loading washer door when the front loading washer door is in open position, the first support is configured to be detachably attached to a window of the front loading washer door;

a second support for providing the second end of the rigid platform adjacent to a front loading dryer door when the front loading dryer door is in open position, the second structure is configured to be detachably attached to a window of the front loading dryer door;

wherein the shelf is configured such that when the front loading washer door and the front loading dryer door are in open position and when the first end of the rigid platform and the second end of the rigid platform are provided on the first support and the second support, respectively, adjacent to front surfaces of the front loading washer and the front loading dryer, the top surface of the shelf is parallel to top surfaces of the front loading washer and the front loading dryer so that wet laundry can be pulled onto the top surface of the rigid platform from loading opening of the front loading washer and then pushed along the top surface of the shelf into the front loading dryer via the loading opening of the front loading dryer.

27. The modular shelf system of claim 26, wherein first support includes a first strap that conformally wraps around the window of the front loading washer door to attach the first support to the front loading washer when the front loading washer door is in open position, and the second support includes a second strap that conformally wraps around the window of the front loading dryer door to attach the second support to the front loading dryer when the front loading dryer door is in open position.

28. A method of laundering clothes using a front loading washer and a front loading dryer, comprising:

providing a shelf formed as a rigid platform comprising a substantially planar top surface, a first end, and a second end opposite to the first end in a longitudinal direction;

providing a first support having a first end and a second end;

providing a second support having a first end and a second end;

connecting first end of the first support at or adjacent to the first end of the rigid platform;

detachably attaching the second end of the first support having a first connector to the front loading washer to support the first end of the rigid platform by transferring a downward force exerted by the rigid platform to the front loading washer;

connecting the first end of the second support at or adjacent to the second end of the rigid platform;

detachably attaching the second end of the second support having a second connector to the front loading dryer to support the second end of the rigid platform by transferring a downward force exerted by the rigid platform to the front loading dryer;