Abstract:
An apparatus to prevent small launderables such as delicates, underwear and socks from falling to the floor when transferring between a washer and a dryer includes a framework having a flexible strip that attaches and conforms to a surface of the appliance. A pair of pivoting arms for support of a fabric mesh cover is connected the strip. The arms are extended as to stretch the mesh cover or folded back against the strip when not in use.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to a support that attaches to the exterior of a washer or dryer for the support and sorting of small articles of clothing such as hose, socks and underwear. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Sales of front loading washers and dryers are increasing relative to older top loading units because they use less water with comparable loads and clean better due to their tumbling action. Whatever the type of appliance, one problem is the sorting of small articles such as socks and underwear. Another issue is the transferring of clothing from a washer to a dryer or removing the clothes from the dryer, which often results in small launderables dropping to the floor and soiling. 
         [0003]    What is needed is a mesh support that is affixed to the front of a washer or dryer that can be folded against the unit&#39;s body or secured in a position supportive of small articles of clothing so as to prevent articles from falling to the floor when transferring articles from a washer to a dryer or when removing the articles from the dryer. 
         [0004]    It would be desirable to provide a folding framework that removably attaches to; and folds against a washer or dryer when not in use. 
         [0005]    It would be further desirable to provide the foregoing framework with a removable mesh cover that promotes air flow and supports articles in a flat aspect when sorting or air drying the articles. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The present invention relates generally to a removably attachable apparatus for the support of small articles of clothing wherein portions of the support are closely conformable to the countours of a surface to which the support is attached. More specifically, the apparatus of the present invention possesses at least (1) a flexible semi-rigid strip that is conformable to the various flat or curved surfaces prevalent in current front loading washers and dryers and (2) an attachment means that is preferably magnetic or adhesive. 
         [0007]    In one aspect of the present invention, the attaching portion of a conformable support with pivoting arms is attachable to either a curved surface, a flat surface or a combination of curved and flat surfaces. 
         [0008]    In another aspect of the present invention a removable fabric mesh cover bridges the space between pivoting arms to provide a supportive surface for small launderable articles. 
         [0009]    It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the overall dimensions of the apparatus of the present invention can vary. The framework of the apparatus can be of any sufficiently semi-rigid material to support the weight of several small articles of clothing. Preferably, the attachment means includes magnets that are inset flush into the corformable portion of the apparatus or via adhesive (e.g., double sided adhesive strip) between the conformable portion and the surface to which it is attached. 
         [0010]    The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures wherein the scale depicted is approximate. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment according to the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the embodiment of ( FIG. 1 ) in a partially folded state with net covering  12  removed; 
           [0013]      FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  are front plan views of the left and right sides of the embodiment shown in ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ); 
           [0014]      FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  are bottom plan views of the left and right sides of the embodiment shown in ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ); 
           [0015]      FIG. 3   c  is a top down plan view of stop  18   b  with wedge  19   b  in dashed line; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment according to the present invention that is partially open; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment according to the present invention that is locked in an open position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  shows a preferred embodiment in a partially folded state when attached to a dryer front; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  shows the preferred embodiment of ( FIG. 6 ) being adjusted to a position with arms extended; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  shows the preferred embodiment of ( FIG. 6 ) with arms extended and locked into place; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  shows a mesh cover for placement over arms  16   a,    16   b;    
           [0022]      FIG. 10  depicts a typical use scenario wherein the apparatus of the invention is affixed just below the door of a washer or dryer; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  depicts a removal of the apparatus from a surface and indicating the flexibility of the conformable member  14 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference Listing 
       [0000]    
       
           10  frame assembly 
           12  net 
           14  comformable member 
           15  magnetic members 
           16   a,    16   b  left and right arms 
           18   a,    18   b  left and right stops 
           19   a,    19   b  left and right wedge members 
           20   a,    20   b  left and right hinges 
           22   a,    22   b  left and right hinge pins 
           26  appliance surface 
       
     
       Definitions 
       [0034]    Unless otherwise explained, any technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. The term “comprises” means “includes.” All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. In case of conflict, the present specification, including explanations of terms, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. 
         [0035]    Referring generally to  FIGS. 1-11 , a preferred embodiment according to the present invention includes a framework  10  with a flexible strip defining a conformable member  14  and a pair of pivotable arms  16   a,    16   b;  one arm at each end of the strip. While in the particular embodiment depicted, the arms are hingeably connected to the flexible strip, those skilled in the art and having access to this disclosure will appreciate other possible hinging or pivoting means (e.g., living hinge) by which the framework can assume a folded or extended position. Arms  16   a,    16   b  are secured in an extended position by stops  18   a,    18   b  each of which is linearly actuable via sliding hinge pin  22   a,    22   b  and each of which possesses a wedge portion  19   a,    19   b  extending from the bottom of the stop which is slid into place so as to abut portions of the strip and arms and prevent the arms from collapsing. Raising the stops unlocks the arms and permits the arms to fold inwardly and against strip  14 . Preferably, the flexible strip is non-rigid plastic such as polyethylene or PVC generally no greater than 0.25 inches in thickness which is sufficiently flexible to conform and sufficiently adhere to a curved or flat surface common in contemporary appliances. The ends of the strip may be built up to accept hinges of a more rigid plastic, or the hinges can be formed from the same material as the strip and reinforced with a sleeve around which the knuckles move. A removable fabric mesh cover  12  is placed over the arms to provide a surface for catching, and thereby preventing dropped articles from falling to the floor. The fabric mesh cover also provides a surface for air drying and sorting small articles of clothing if desired. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  are respectively, plan views of the left front and right front side of a preferred embodiment with the right side arm folded over the left side arm.  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  show the embodiment of ( FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b ) inverted and flipped to present the back left and right sides of the embodiment. The dashed lines represent magnetic members which are inset in and flush with the flexible strip. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 4 and 5  depict respectively, right corner view wherein stop  18   b  has been raised via sliding hinge pin  22   b,  and a left corner view wherein stop  18   a  has been lowered into place between the hinged members in order to maintain an extended position for the arms relative to the strip. For smooth operation, the hinge pins reside inside and turn within a rigid sleeve (not shown) which may be plastic or metal, around which the knuckles of the hinge move. Preferably, the angle between the strip and the arms is at, or slightly greater than 90 degrees when the arms are fully extended. 
         [0038]    Moving to  FIGS. 6-8  with reference again to  FIGS. 4-5 , a preferred embodiment is shown affixed to the front of a washer or dryer just below the appliance door (not shown). In  FIG. 6 , stop  18   a  is raised in order to free arm  16   a  and permit it to be swung away from strip  14  (see  FIG. 7 ).  FIG. 8  shows stop  18   a  rotated inwardly and lowered into place between arm  16   a  and strip  14  to lock the arm in position. 
         [0039]      FIG. 9  is a top perspective view showing a mesh cover  12  for placement over arms  16   a,    16   b  wherein each arm in slipped into sewn channels as indicated by the directional arrows. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 10 and 11  depict respectively, a preferred embodiment affixed to the front of a washer or dryer, and the removal of the embodiment from the appliance surface. Note the flexibility of strip  14 . Preferably, the attachment means are inset magnetic members which are flush with the rear side of the strip that contacts the appliance surface providing sufficient adherence—yet permitting a user to readily remove the apparatus framework when desired. Adhesive means such as double stick tape can be used in cases where the appliance cabinet is non-magnetic. 
         [0041]    It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended to be limiting to the particular forms and examples disclosed. Accordingly, it is intended that this disclosure encompass any further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of this disclosure, and falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.