US20230048063A1

US20230048063A1 - Ergonomic Clothes Basket Device

Info

Publication number: US20230048063A1
Application number: US17/855,979
Authority: US
Inventors: John Guinan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-08-12
Filing date: 2022-07-01
Publication date: 2023-02-16

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel ergonomic clothes basket device. The device is designed to save time and effort when transporting clothes to and from the washer and dryer. The device comprises two clothes baskets attached together at the base to fully elevate the upper basket to a height reachable while standing. Users can easily retrieve clothes from the elevated basket without having to bend over. Further, the device comprises a lid to keep clothes secure in the basket, as well as carrying handles mounted on each side for easy transport.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/232,217, which was filed on Aug. 12, 2021 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of laundry basket devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved ergonomic laundry basket device that provides users with an elevated laundry basket that prevents users from having to bend over to retrieve clothes or lift the basket. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in laundry baskets of the type which are used to store and transport large quantities of clean and soiled clothing or like articles from place to place. Laundry baskets need to be strong and durable and capable of being subjected to hard usage without injury. While traditional laundry baskets are useful, they have a tendency to be cumbersome and weak.
Furthermore, conventional laundry baskets require a user to constantly bend down to pick the basket up off the floor and/or to retrieve clothes from the basket. Constantly bending down toward the basket can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and difficult for users with back and knee pain. Further, unnecessary stretching to the floor can cause injury, especially for the elderly and those with limited physical strength and dexterity.
Thus, it is necessary for users with injuries, limited physical strength and dexterity, or elderly users to have a more ergonomically friendly laundry basket. Generally, laundry can be a time-consuming process that many users perform via constantly bending down toward the basket to retrieve clothes. However, users need to routinely store and transport dirty and clean clothes. Therefore, users require a laundry basket device that easily allows them to do laundry without unnecessary stretching to the floor.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an ergonomic clothes basket device that provides users with an elevated laundry basket that prevents users from having to bend over to ground level to retrieve clothes or lift the basket. There is also a long-felt need in the art for an ergonomic laundry basket device that eliminates the need for users to have to constantly bend down to pick up the basket or retrieve clothes. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an ergonomic laundry basket device that features two baskets attached together at the bases to fully elevate the upper basket to a height reachable while standing. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that ensures users can avoid aches and pains in the back and knees while doing laundry. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an ergonomic laundry basket device that saves time and effort when transporting clothes to and from the washer and dryer. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an ergonomic clothes basket device that prevents users from unnecessary stretching to the floor which can cause injuries.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an ergonomic clothes basket device. The device is designed to save time and effort when transporting clothes to and from the washer and dryer. The device comprises two clothes baskets attached together at the base to fully elevate the upper basket to a height reachable while standing. Users can easily retrieve clothes from the elevated basket without having to bend over. Further, the device comprises a lid to keep clothes secure in the basket, as well as carrying handles mounted on each side for easy transport.
In this manner, the ergonomic clothes basket device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that prevents users from having to bend over to ground level to retrieve clothes or lift the basket. The device allows a user to avoid aches and pains in the back and knees while doing laundry. The device saves time and effort when transporting clothes to and from the washer and dryer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an ergonomic clothes basket device. The device is designed to save time and effort when transporting clothes to and from the washer and dryer. The device comprises two clothes baskets attached together at the base to fully elevate the upper basket to a height reachable while standing. Users can easily retrieve clothes from the elevated basket without having to bend over.
In one embodiment, the device comprises two clothes baskets attached together. Each clothes basket comprises two sets of opposing side walls, a bottom base component, and an open top which forms a receptacle. Each basket can be approximately between 30-35 inches in height, preferably approximately 32 inches in height, and approximately between 20-28 inches in width, preferably approximately 24 inches in width. Typically, both baskets are the same height and size, but do not need to be; In some embodiments, the baskets comprise differing heights and sizes.
In one embodiment, the clothes baskets are round in shape, but can be any suitable shape as is known in the art, such as square, rectangular, C-shaped, oval, etc. Typically, both baskets are the same shape, but do not need to be, in some embodiments, the baskets comprise differing shapes. For example, in one embodiment, the top clothes basket is round and the bottom clothes basket is square.
In one embodiment, the two sets of opposing side walls can be solid or mostly solid. In another embodiment, the two sets of opposing side walls comprise an array or a plurality of ventilation holes. In yet another embodiment, only one set of opposing side walls comprise a plurality of ventilation holes. Any number of ventilation holes can be utilized and the ventilation holes can be any shape and size as is known in the art.
In one embodiment, the ergonomic clothes basket device is an integral, one-piece component. In another embodiment, the ergonomic clothes basket device comprises two independent clothes baskets secured together via their bases by screws, glue, bolts, etc. If secured together, the two independent clothes baskets can be unsecured for shipping and storage purposes.
In one embodiment, the ergonomic clothes basket device comprises a lid to keep clothes secure in the basket device. The lid would be the same shape and size as the open top of the clothes basket. The lid would be secured to the clothes basket via a hinge, a strap, etc., or any other suitable connecting means that allows the lid to be open and closed. The lid would typically be manufactured of the same material as the clothes baskets, but doesn't need to be, and in some embodiments, the lid can be manufactured from different material than the clothes baskets.
In one embodiment, the ergonomic clothes basket device comprises a pair of handles. The handles are secured to one set of opposing sides of each of the clothes baskets. The handles are mounted on each side for easy transport of the clothes basket. The handles can also comprise a textured grip, finger grooves, or other tactile components to aid a user in gripping and carrying the ergonomic clothes basket device. In one embodiment, a pair of handles can be secured to both sets of opposing sides of each of the clothes baskets.
In one embodiment, the ergonomic clothes basket device is manufactured from heat-sealable plastic or polymers, such as polypropylene or acylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), etc. In yet another embodiment, the ergonomic clothes basket device is manufactured from a material that is water resistant.
In another embodiment, the ergonomic clothes basket device comprises a plurality of indicia on the clothes baskets.
In yet another embodiment, a method of elevating a laundry basket to prevent users from having to bend over to ground level to retrieve clothes or lift the basket is described. The method includes the steps of providing an elevated clothes basket comprising two clothes baskets attached together at the base. The method also comprises positioning the elevated laundry basket on the ground, such that the user can retrieve clothes from the elevated basket without having to bend over. Further, the method comprises placing a lid on the elevated clothes basket to keep clothes secure within the basket. Finally, utilizing the carrying handles mounted on the side to transport the elevated basket.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an ergonomic clothes basket device is disclosed to save time and effort when transporting clothes to and from the washer and dryer. The device comprises two clothes baskets attached together at the base to fully elevate the upper basket to a height reachable while standing. Users can easily retrieve clothes from the elevated basket without having to bend over. Further, the device comprises a lid to keep clothes secure in the basket, as well as carrying handles mounted on each side for easy transport.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the ergonomic clothes basket device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the lid of one potential embodiment of the ergonomic clothes basket device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the pair of handles of one potential embodiment of the ergonomic clothes basket device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of elevating a laundry basket to prevent users from having to bend over to ground level to retrieve clothes or lift the basket in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a user utilizing a prior art clothes basket in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the ergonomic clothes basket device of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an ergonomic clothes basket device that provides users with an elevated laundry basket that prevents users from having to bend over to ground level to retrieve clothes or lift the basket. There is also a long-felt need in the art for an ergonomic laundry basket device that eliminates the need for users to have to constantly bend down to pick up the basket or retrieve clothes. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an ergonomic laundry basket device that features two baskets attached together at the bases to fully elevate the upper basket to a height reachable while standing. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that ensures users can avoid aches and pains in the back and knees while doing laundry. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an ergonomic laundry basket device that saves time and effort when transporting clothes to and from the washer and dryer. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an ergonomic clothes basket device that prevents users from unnecessary stretching to the floor which can cause injuries.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel ergonomic clothes basket device. The device is designed to save time and effort when transporting clothes to and from the washer and dryer. The device comprises two clothes baskets attached together at the base to fully elevate the upper basket to a height reachable while standing. Users can easily retrieve clothes from the elevated basket without having to bend over. Further, the device comprises a lid to keep clothes secure in the basket, as well as carrying handles mounted on each side for easy transport. The present invention also includes a novel method of elevating a laundry basket to prevent users from having to bend over to ground level to retrieve clothes or lift the basket. The method includes the steps of providing an elevated clothes basket comprising two clothes baskets attached together at the base. The method also comprises positioning the elevated laundry basket on the ground, such that the user can retrieve clothes from the elevated basket without having to bend over. Further, the method comprises placing a lid on the elevated clothes basket to keep clothes secure within the basket. Finally, utilizing the carrying handles mounted on the side to transport the elevated basket.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 is an improved clothes basket device that saves users' time and effort when transporting clothes to and from the washer and dryer. The device 100 is especially designed to allow any suitable user as is known in the art, to easily retrieve clothes from a clothes basket or lift a clothes basket, all without bending over to ground level. More specifically, the device 100 comprises two clothes baskets attached together at the base to fully elevate the upper basket to a height reachable while standing. Users can easily retrieve clothes from the elevated basket without having to bend over.
Further, the device 100 comprises two clothes baskets, a top basket 102 and a bottom basket 104 secured together. Each clothes basket 102, 104 comprises at least one side wall 106, a bottom base component 108, and an open top 110 which forms a receptacle. Additionally, if the clothes basket 102, 104 is not round, but rather square or rectangular in shape, then the at least one side wall 106 comprises two sets of opposing side walls, a first set of opposing side walls 112 and a second set of opposing side walls 114. Further, each basket 102, 104 can be approximately between 30-35 inches in height, preferably approximately 32 inches in height, and approximately between 20-28 inches in width, preferably approximately 24 inches in width. Typically, both baskets 102, 104 are the same height and size, but do not need to be, in some embodiments, the baskets 102, 104 comprise differing heights and sizes.
In one embodiment, the clothes baskets 102, 104 are round in shape, but can be any suitable shape as is known in the art, such as square, rectangular, C-shaped, oval, etc., depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Typically, both baskets 102, 104 are the same shape, but do not need to be. In some embodiments, the baskets 102, 104 comprise differing shapes. For example, in one embodiment, the top clothes basket 102 is round and the bottom clothes basket 104 is square.
In one embodiment, the two sets of opposing side walls 112, 114 can be solid or mostly solid. In another embodiment, the two sets of opposing side walls 112, 114 comprise an array or a plurality of ventilation holes 116. In yet another embodiment, only one set of opposing side walls 112 or 114 comprise a plurality of ventilation holes 116. Any number of ventilation holes 116 can be utilized and the ventilation holes 116 can be any shape and size as is known in the art. Typically, the ventilation holes 116 form a lattice structure allowing the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 to be structurally sound but light in weight and easy to transport.
In one embodiment, the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 is an integral, one-piece component. In another embodiment, the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 comprises two independent clothes baskets 102, 104 secured together via their bases 108 by screws, glue, bolts, etc., or any other suitable means as is known in the art. If secured together, the two independent clothes baskets 102, 104 can be unsecured for shipping and storage purposes.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 comprises a lid 200 to keep clothes 202 secure in the basket device 100. The lid 200 would be the same shape and size as the open top 110 of the clothes basket 102, 104. The lid 200 would be secured to the clothes basket 102 or 104 via a hinge, a strap, etc., or any other suitable connecting means 204 that allows the lid 200 to be opened and closed. The lid 200 would typically be manufactured of the same material as the clothes baskets 102, 104, but doesn't need to be, and in some embodiments, the lid 200 can be manufactured from different material than the clothes baskets 102, 104.
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 comprises a pair of handles 300. The handles 300 are secured to one set of opposing sides 112 or 114 of each of the clothes baskets 102 or 104. The handles 300 are mounted on each side for easy transport of the clothes basket 102 or 104. The handles 300 can also comprise a textured grip 302, finger grooves, or other tactile components to aid a user 304 in gripping and carrying the ergonomic clothes basket device 100. In one embodiment, a pair of handles 300 can be secured to both sets of opposing sides 112 and 114 of each of the clothes baskets 102 and 104.
In one embodiment, the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 is manufactured from heat-sealable plastic or polymers, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or any other suitable material as is known in the art, such as, but not limited to, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, etc. Generally, the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or water permeable, or comprises a coating that is water resistant or water permeable.
In another embodiment, the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the clothes baskets 102, 104, or any other indicia 306 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 306 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be laundry or brand related.
FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of the method of elevating a laundry basket to prevent users from having to bend over to ground level to retrieve clothes or lift the basket. The method includes the steps of at 400, providing an elevated clothes basket comprising two clothes baskets attached together at the base. The method also comprises at 402, positioning the elevated laundry basket on the ground, such that the user can retrieve clothes from the elevated basket without having to bend over. Further, the method comprises, at 404, placing a lid on the elevated clothes basket to keep clothes secure within the basket. Finally, at 406, utilizing the carrying handles mounted on the side to transport the elevated basket.
FIG. 5 illustrates a prior art clothes basket 504 in use and FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 of the present invention in use. Prior art clothes baskets 504 require a user 304 to constantly bend down to pick up the basket 504 or to pick clothes 202 from the basket 504, causing unnecessary stretching to the floor, which can cause injuries. However, the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 of present invention saves time and effort when transporting clothes 202 to and from the washer 500 and dryer 502. The device comprises two clothes baskets 102 and 104 attached together at the base 108 to fully elevate the upper basket 102 to a height reachable while standing. Users 304 can easily retrieve clothes 202 from the elevated basket 102 without having to bend over. Further, the device 100 comprises a lid 200 to keep clothes 202 secure in the basket 102 or 104, as well as carrying handles 300 mounted on each side 112 or 114 for easy transport.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “ergonomic clothes basket device”, “clothes basket device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the ergonomic clothes basket device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An ergonomic clothes basket device that saves a user time and effort when transporting a plurality of clothes to and from a washer and dryer, the ergonomic clothes basket device comprising:

a top clothes basket; and

a bottom clothes basket;

wherein the top clothes basket and the bottom clothes basket each comprise at least one side wall, a bottom base component, and an open top to form a receptacle;

wherein the top clothes basket and the bottom clothes basket are attached together at the bottom base components to elevate the top clothes basket to a height more easily reachable by the user while standing; and

wherein the user can easily retrieve the plurality of clothes from the top clothes basket without having to bend over.

2. The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 1, wherein each of the top clothes basket and the bottom clothes basket is rectangular in shape.

3. The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 2, wherein each of the top clothes basket and the bottom clothes basket comprises a first set of opposing side walls and a second set of opposing side walls.

4. The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 3, wherein the top clothes basket and the bottom clothes basket is approximately 32 inches in height.

5. The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 4, wherein each of the top clothes basket and the bottom clothes basket is approximately 24 inches in width.

6. The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 1, wherein each of the top clothes basket and the bottom clothes basket is a select one of a round shape, an oval shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, or a generally C-shape.

7. The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 1, wherein the at least one side wall comprises a plurality of ventilation holes.

8. The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 1, wherein the ergonomic clothes basket device is an integral, one-piece component.

9. The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 1, wherein the top clothes basket is secured to the bottom clothes basket via a plurality of fasteners.

10. The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 9, wherein the top clothes basket can be removed from the bottom clothes basket for convenient shipping and storage.

11. The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 1 further comprising a lid secured to the top clothes basket.

12. The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 1 further comprising a pair of handles secured to the at least one side wall.

13. The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 12, wherein the pair of handles comprises a textured grip.

14. The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 1 wherein each of the top clothes basket and the bottom clothes basket comprise an indicia.

15. An ergonomic clothes basket device that saves a user time and effort when transporting a plurality of clothes to and from a washer and dryer, the ergonomic clothes basket device comprising:

a top clothes basket; and

a bottom clothes basket;

wherein each of the top clothes basket and the bottom clothes basket is rectangular in shape and comprises a first set of opposing side walls and a second set of opposing side walls, a bottom base component, and an open top to form a receptacle;

wherein the first set of opposing side walls and the second set of opposing side walls comprise a plurality of ventilation holes;

wherein the top clothes basket and the bottom clothes basket are attached together at the bottom base components via a plurality of fasteners to elevate the top clothes basket to a height reachable by the user while standing;

wherein the top clothes basket can be removed from the bottom clothes basket for shipping and storage; and

16. The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 15 further comprising a lid secured to the top clothes basket.

17. The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 15 further comprising a pair of handles secured to the first set of opposing side walls.

18. The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 17, wherein the pair of handles comprises a textured grip.

19. The ergonomic clothes basket device of claim 15, wherein each of the top clothes basket and the bottom clothes basket comprise an indicia.

20. A method of elevating a laundry basket to prevent a user from having to bend over to ground level to retrieve a plurality of clothes or lift the laundry basket, the method comprising the steps of:

providing an elevated clothes basket comprising two clothes baskets attached together at a common base;

positioning the elevated laundry basket on the ground, such that the user can retrieve the plurality of clothes from the elevated clothes basket without having to bend over;

placing a lid on the elevated clothes basket to keep the plurality of clothes secure within the elevated clothes basket; and

utilizing a pair of carrying handles mounted on a side of the elevated clothes basket to transport the elevated clothes basket.