Abstract:
Systems, methods and devices for washing delicate items are provided. In accordance with some embodiments, an assembly for reducing wear and tear of products within an appliance is provided. The assembly comprising an elongated member having distal and proximal connectors that are secured to receiving parts of the appliance, and having least one holding element that is removably mounted along the length of the elongated member and is configured to releasably hold at least one product.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/697,058, filed Sep. 5, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The disclosed subject matter relates to systems, methods and devices for washing or drying items, including personal care and delicate items. More particularly, the disclosed subject matter relates to systems, methods and devices for washing items that are susceptible to damage when placed in washing machines or dryers, for example, personal care items, prosthetic devices and delicate items such as lingerie, brassieres, and other intimate apparel. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Given that intimate apparel is often not subject to the same wear and tear that regular garments are, it is often very delicately constructed. Adding to the delicate construction of such apparel is the proximity it shares with the wearer as well as the desired aesthetics it is expected to exude. Even in instances where intimate apparel is not nearly as delicate in construction, it is, nevertheless, constructed keeping in mind certain enhancements or features that appeal to its wearer. For example, a brassier may be constructed such that it enhances and/or supports the wearer&#39;s breasts. Similarly, speciality thongs and underwear are often constructed to enhance the buttocks of the wearer. Such a construction typically requires special care in handling, washing, drying, etc., than afforded regular garments to maintain the integrity of the offered enhancements and other features. Indeed, washing machines and dryers try to address such concerns by offering, for example, a delicate spin cycle and variations in drying temperatures. The foregoing concern is not limited to intimate apparel, but also extends to other items, for example, prosthetic devices that, too, require delicate handling when being cleaned and/or dried. 
         [0004]    Despite efforts to address issues relating to the cleaning and drying of items requiring special care by, for example, offering a delicate spin cycle or variations in drying temperatures, such items, nevertheless, suffer damage. For example, traditional washing of bras in a standard washing machine generally results in the bra straps of two or more bras becoming entangled, forming a “Gordian Knot” that is difficult and frustrating to unravel. 
         [0005]    In addition to offering a delicate spin cycle and variations in drying temperatures, numerous attempts have been made to eliminate this frustration by providing holders/containers for brassieres and similar garments for use during washing and/or drying. However, such efforts have predominantly suffered from various limitations in addressing the problem, and some have even introduced further complications. 
         [0006]    Related patents and published patent applications known in the background art include the following, which are incorporated herein in their entirety. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,473,408, issued to Alkin on Jun. 14, 1949, discloses clothes hanger providing an improved form and disposition of clips which are adapted to suspend items and permit a tension to be applied to the clipped part of the item. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,429, issued to Toyosawa on Jun. 14, 1994, discloses a laundry net for holding a brassiere while the brassiere is being laundered, has a dome-shaped bag having a substantially circular bottom member and a substantially conical upper member joined thereto for covering cups of the brassiere. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,013, issued to Mayer on Sep. 17, 1996, discloses an intimate garment protector for protecting a garment or multiple garments, namely bras, during laundering. The device comprises first and second basket members that are designed and configured to receive the cup portions of at least one bra. Preferably, the basket members have a generally dome-like or conical-like shape. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,083, issued to Sutton on Nov. 3, 1998, discloses a device used during washing of a brassiere to protect the brassiere and maintain the shape of the cups of the brassiere. It includes an inner spherical framework contained within a larger outer spherical framework. Each framework is formed by a pair of hemispherical sections that upon being coupled together form the individual frameworks. With the inner framework open, the brassiere is fitted over the hemispherical sections, with one section being placed inside each cup of the brassiere. The sections of the inner framework with the brassiere thereon are then closed and placed inside an open outer framework. The outer framework is then closed to enclose the inner framework, and the assembly of frameworks is placed into a washing machine. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,236, issued to DesForges et al. on Oct. 26, 1999, discloses a device for protecting a brassiere in a washing machine that includes a pair of hemispherically shaped shells (preferably injection molded polypropylene material) adapted to assemble together over a cup of the brassiere as a protective covering for the cup. The outer shell has a circularly shaped first rim portion and a hemispherically shaped first dome portion larger than the cup of the brassiere that extends to the first rim portion. The inner shell has a circularly shaped second rim portion and a hemispherically shaped second dome portion that extends to the second rim portion, said second dome portion having a size adapted to fit within the first dome portion of the outer shell with the first and second rim portions in concentric relationship and the cup of the brassiere disposed intermediate the first and second dome portions. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,368, issued to DesForges et al. on May 22, 2001, discloses a device for protecting a brassiere and other delicate undergarments during laundering and includes a pair of domed or hemispherically shaped shells adapted to assemble together over a cup of the brassiere as a protective covering for the cup. The outer shell has a circularly shaped first rim portion and a hemispherically shaped first dome portion larger than the cup of the brassiere that extends to the first rim portion. The inner shell has a circularly shaped second rim portion and a hemispherically shaped second dome portion that extends to the second rim portion, said second dome portion having a size adapted to fit within the first dome portion of the outer shell with the first and second rim portions in concentric relationship and the cup of the brassiere disposed intermediate the first and second dome portions. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,742,683, issued to Phan on Jun. 1, 2004, discloses a device for washing, drying, and storing brassieres and bikini tops and the like comprises an outer shell having two halves that have a plurality of holes. A foraminous inner form, which also contains a plurality of holes, has an exterior surface shaped like the contours of a padded bra cup breast side. The bra cups&#39; breast side rests against the inner form&#39;s exterior surfaces to prevent it and the bra&#39;s underwires from losing their natural curvature. The inner form is hollow and provides space for the containment of a bra&#39;s shoulder and back straps. The inner form is secured to the outer shell&#39;s two halves by a first hinge, which allows the inner form to swing from first half to second half and vice-versa, and also allows first half and second half to open and close like a clamshell. A second hinge is located between the first hinge and the inner form to allow the inner form to swing away from the outer shell&#39;s two halves and back to its original position for easy placement and removal of bra(s) inside in the device. A latching mechanism secures the device in a closed and locked or latched position and is located between the exterior and interior surfaces of the outer shell&#39;s two halves. The protruding rim on one half of the outer shell nestles within the receiving rim on the other half to prevent lateral movement of the two halves. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,973,808, issued to Peska on Dec. 13, 2005, discloses an apparatus for washing at least one item, comprising a frame having a dome shape when viewed from its end, and a generally semicircular shape when viewed from its side; and a flow through mesh on the frame which allows washing fluid (generally water) to freely flow to and from the item being washed; the apparatus having an opening through which the at least one item to be washed can be placed into and removed from the apparatus. The frame may have an endless pocket; and a stiffener disposed within the pocket, the stiffener having a length exceeding that of the endless pocket, so that ends of the stiffener overlap each other within the pocket. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,350,679, issued to Radtke et al. on Apr. 1, 2008, discloses a container for supporting a brassiere or a similar garment for cleaning and storage includes opposed flat plate members connected by a hinge, and opposed container cup members connected to the respective plate members at hinge connections for folding the container cup members over the plate members and for folding the plate members with respect to each other to form a closed container for supporting a brassiere. The plate members include hinged support members, each having an arcuate cross shape, for supporting brassiere cups between the plate members and the container cup members. Spaced apart clips secure the brassiere straps to the plate members. Spaced apart latches releasably secure the cup members to the plate members and the plate members to each other for placing the container in a compact folded position. 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,743,953, issued to Okazaki et al. on Jun. 29, 2010, discloses a brassiere holder that includes two cup receiving portions, a connecting portion and a hook portion. When the cup receiving portions are pressed from the side, the connecting portion is elastically deformed to allow the two cup receiving portions to be folded back on each other such that a part of a flange portion of the two cup receiving portions is brought into contact with the other part of the flange portion and a gap gradually increasing toward the upper side is formed between the two cup receiving portions. 
         [0017]    Traditional approaches to cleaning and drying delicate items rely on confining such items in a structure moulded to conform to the shape of the item. Other approaches have included confining such items to a bag. In addition to structural and implementation limitations these approaches present with respect to, for example, front and top loaded washers and dryers, and washers with a centrally located agitator, some approaches also tend to limit the surface area of the item being exposed to the cleaning agent, soap, detergent, water, etc. Indeed, some approaches even seem to work against the washer and dryer by hindering and limiting the cleaning and drying potential offered by such appliances. Yet other approaches tend to only accomplish separating the delicate items from the remainder, but leave unaddressed how such delicate items interact with each other within the confines of a bag. 
         [0018]    There is therefore a need in the art for approaches that minimize the wear and tear of delicate items without any significant reduction in the cleansing or drying of said items. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide methods, systems, and media that overcome these and other deficiencies of the prior art. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0019]    In accordance with various embodiments, systems, methods and devices for washing delicate items are provided. 
         [0020]    In certain embodiments, the assembly comprises a clothes line assembly comprising an elongated line made from a stretchable material, e.g., a bungee cord, the elongated line terminating on both the distal and proximal ends in a connector. Each connector is configured and dimensioned for releasable attachment to, for example, a water spin drain hole in the wall of the tub of a standard washing machine. Each connector may either be affixed or attached to an end of the elongated line. The assembly described herein is further comprised of clips or brackets configured for releasable securing, for example, a bra to the elongated line. 
         [0021]    In certain embodiments, the product may be secured within a plastic container which is then secured to the elongated line, either by securing means of the plastic container or by separate clips/brackets. 
         [0022]    In accordance with some embodiments, the assembly need not be run diametrically across the cylinder, particularly when, for example, an agitator blocks the path. In such instances, or when desired by the user, the assembly described herein is capable of being secured to the interior of the appliance in a cord like fashion that does not pass through the centre. 
         [0023]    In accordance with some embodiments, mechanisms are provided to address the problem of tangled bra straps during washing using a washing machine. 
         [0024]    It should be noted that the described assembly is reusable and provides a cleaning and drying system that is economical to manufacture. In addition, the described assembly also secures the product without unduly limiting the surface area exposed to the cleansing liquid, soap, detergent, fabric softener, etc. 
         [0025]    There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the features of the present invention in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described and which will form the subject matter of the claims. Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of an assembly for reducing wear and tear of products within an appliance, showing an exemplary use of the assembly according to certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of an assembly for reducing wear and tear of products within an appliance, showing the elements of assembly  100 , according to certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0028]      FIGS. 3-5  illustrate three connectors suitable for use with an assembly for reducing wear and tear of products within an appliance, according to certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is an illustration of a holding element suitable for use with an assembly for reducing wear and tear of products within an appliance, according to certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is an illustration of another holding element suitable for use with an assembly for reducing wear and tear of products within an appliance, according to certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is an illustration of yet another holding element suitable for use with an assembly for reducing wear and tear of products within an appliance, according to certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be adapted and modified as is appropriate for the application being addressed and that the embodiments described in more detail below may be employed in other suitable applications, and that such other additions and modifications will not depart from the scope hereof. 
         [0033]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of an assembly for reducing wear and tear of products within an appliance, showing an exemplary use of the assembly according to certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.  FIG. 1  shows an appliance  200 , which is a front-loading clothes washer and dryer. Appliance  200  performs a wash cycle for washing clothes and a dry cycle for drying clothes. Appliance  200  includes a tub  210 , which holds the clothes for washing and drying. Tub  210  includes a plurality of holes  220  along its surface for allowing circulation and drainage of water when appliance  200  is performing the wash cycle. Holes  220  further allow drainage of water and circulation of air and water vapour during the period when appliance  200  is performing the dry cycle. While various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter have been illustrated with the example of a clothes washer and dryer, it would be apparent to one skilled in the art that the principles and teachings of the disclosed subject matter may be applied to various other appliances, such as but not limited to front-loading or top-loading washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers, etc. 
         [0034]      FIG. 1  further shows assembly  100  for reducing wear and tear of a product  300  within appliance  200 . In various embodiments, product  300  may be a delicate item susceptible to wear and tear within appliance  200 . Product  300  shown in  FIG. 1  is a brassiere, which includes delicate parts such as cups, underwires, padding, etc., and is therefore particularly prone to damage and/or deformation during washing and drying. The brassiere also includes straps  310 , which are prone to entanglement during washing and drying in appliance  200 , thereby forming knots that are typically untangled manually after the washing and drying cycle. Such manual disentanglement is often tedious and time consuming. Further, the entanglement and subsequent disentanglement may also cause damage to the delicate parts of the brassiere and reduce its lifespan. While various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter have been illustrated in the context of a brassiere, it would be apparent to one skilled in the art that the principles and teachings of the disclosed subject matter may be applied to various other products or delicate items, such as but not limited to other lingerie items, prosthetic devices, and etc. 
         [0035]    Assembly  100  includes an elongated member  110 , first and second connectors  120  (not shown), and at least one holding element  130 . First and second connectors  120  are attached to a proximal and distal end of elongated member  110  respectively. Connectors  120  connect elongated member  110  to parts of appliance  200 . In various embodiments, connectors  120  are inserted into first and second holes  220  of tub  210  to connect elongated member  110  to appliance  200 . While various embodiments have been described with the example of connectors  120  that affix to holes  220  of tub  210 , it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that other mechanisms for connecting elongated member  110  to appliance  200 , such as vacuum cups/grippers, adhesives, hooks, screws, etc. may be used without deviating from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter. Holding elements  130  are removably mounted on elongated member  110  and releasably hold product  300 . Assembly  100  holds product  300  within appliance  200  in a manner that significantly mitigates the damage caused to product  300  during the operation of appliance  200 . In various embodiments, assembly  100  serves to distance product  300  from moving parts of appliance  200 , or areas within appliance  200  experiencing extreme temperatures that may damage product  300 , or from other objects within appliance  200  that may damage product  300  during operation. 
         [0036]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of an assembly for reducing wear and tear of products within an appliance, showing the elements of assembly  100 , according to certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.  FIG. 2  shows elongated member  110 , connectors  120 , and holding elements  130 . In various embodiments, elongated member  110  is made of an extensible material, such as extensible cord or a bungee cord. In another embodiment, elongated member is an extensible telescopic rod. The extensibility of elongated member  110  allows a user to easily adapt it for use with a variety of appliances  200  with different geometries, as well as for different use configurations within appliance  200 . Connectors  120  may be, without limitation, hooks, clamps, vacuum cups, adhesive pads, or other suitable fastening mechanisms. In various embodiments, connectors  120  removably connect elongated member  110  to appliance  200 . 
         [0037]    Holding elements  130  hold product  300  to reduce wear and tear suffered by it during operation of appliance  200 . Holding element  130  includes a mechanism for holding product  300 , and a mechanism for mounting itself on elongated member  110 . In various embodiments, holding element  130  has a jaw-like structure for gripping product  300  securely. In addition, in various embodiments, holding element  130  has smooth and rounded edges to further ameliorate the wear and tear of product  300 . 
         [0038]      FIGS. 3-5  illustrate three connectors suitable for use with an assembly for reducing wear and tear of products within an appliance, according to certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.  FIG. 3  shows a hook connector  310 , an embodiment of connector  120 . Hook connector  310  is attached to an end of elongated member  110  and inserted through hole  220  to connect elongated member  110  to tub  210  as shown.  FIG. 4  shows a screw connector  410 , another embodiment of connector  120 . Screw connector  410  is attached to an end of elongated member  110  and inserted and screwed into hole  220  to connect elongated member  110  to tub  210  as shown. Screw connector  410  has a substantially helical shape, with increasing radius as shown. Such a shape allows ease of insertion into hole  220 , while still providing a snug and secure fit between screw connector  410  and tub  210 .  FIG. 5  shows a snap-on connector  510 , another embodiment of connector  120 . Snap-on connector  510  is attached to an end of elongated member  110  and inserted and snapped into position in hole  220  to connect elongated member  110  to tub  210  as shown. 
         [0039]      FIG. 6  is an illustration of a holding element suitable for use with an assembly for reducing wear and tear of products within an appliance, according to certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.  FIG. 6  shows a structure of holding element  130  that will secure a product  300  while allowing adequate water and air flow to product  300  to facilitate washing and drying. Holding element  130  shown in the figure has a jaw-like structure, and includes an upper lip  602  and a lower lip  604 . Upper lip  602  and lower lip  604  are connected by hinge  606 . Lips  602  and  604  are shaped to form an elongated member channel  608 , which houses elongated member  110  during use of holding element  130 . Further, lips  602  and  604  have interlocks  610  that lock into each other when lips  602  and  604  are pressed shut, and keep them shut during use. Upper lip  602  has a convex surface  612 , and lower lip  604  has a concave surface  614 . Surfaces  612  and  614  are shaped to fit substantially snugly with each other when lips  602  and  604  are pressed shut. In various embodiments, at least one of surfaces  612  and  614  is made of compressible material, such as rubber. Lower lip  604  further includes one or more transverse bands  616 , which may be used to weave with a part of product  300  to secure product  300  with holding element  130 . In certain embodiments, transverse bands  616  may be strong rubber bands. Lips  602  and  604  further have recesses  618  that provide space for housing the portion of product  300  that connects the parts retained within holding element  130  and the remainder of product  300 . In certain embodiments, recesses  618  have a smooth and rounded surface, and are composed of soft material, to minimize wear and tear to product  300 . 
         [0040]    For washing and drying of product  300 , for example a brassiere, a part of product  300 , for example the straps  310  of the brassiere, may be weaved into transverse bands  616  before snapping upper lip  602  and lower lip  604  shut to firmly hold the brassiere. The shape of surfaces  612  and  614 , in conjunction with the compressible material used therein, provides a firm grip over straps  310  to withstand the strains of washing and drying, while minimizing the risk of wear and tear. Recesses  618  house the remaining portion of straps  310  and/or the connection between the brassiere and straps  310 . As a result, only a small part of product  300  is covered by holding element  130 , and a majority of the surface area of product  300  is directly accessible to the washing liquid/water and air for effective washing and drying. 
         [0041]    Holding element  130  further includes circulation holes  620 , which allow washing fluids and air to circulate within holding element  130 , thereby providing for washing and drying of portions of product  300  retained within holding element  130  as well. In various embodiments, finger tabs  622  are provided in at least one of lips  602  and  604  to facilitate easy opening of holding element  130 . 
         [0042]    In certain embodiments, hinge  606  includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism, when in an unlocked position, allows lips  602  and  604  to rotate along hinge  606  relative to each other. Once the locking mechanism is turned to a locked position, upper lip  602  and lower lip  604  are securely abutted against each other, and hold product  300  as well as elongated member  110  firmly. 
         [0043]      FIG. 7  is an illustration of another holding element suitable for use with an assembly for reducing wear and tear of products within an appliance, according to certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The figure shows a holding element  130  that includes a hanging hook  702 . Hanging hook  702  is pivotally connected with a hinge  704 , and can rotate along the axis of the hinge, as shown by rotating positions  702   a  and  702   b  of hanging hook  702 . Hanging hook  702  may be used to hang product  300  in order to, for example, air dry or store product  300 . During use within appliance  200 , hanging hook may be rotated to recede into a hook cavity  706  in a lip  708 , to prevent damage during operation of appliance  200 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 8  is an illustration of yet another holding element suitable for use with an assembly for reducing wear and tear of products within an appliance, according to certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Holding element  130  shown in the figure includes an upper lip  802  and a lower lip  804  joined together at joint  806 . Lips  802  and  804  have circulation holes  808 , which allow washing fluids and air to circulate within holding element  130 , thereby providing for washing and drying of portions of product  300  retained within holding element  130  as well. In various embodiments, lips  802  and  804  are made of soft, strong, and flexible material such as polymers. Lips  802  and  804  may be closed shut by the use of closing elements  810  provided substantially along the peripheries of lips  802  and  804 . In various embodiments, closing elements  810  are, without limitation, patches of Velcro® hooks and loops, interlocking Ziploc® type members, or other mechanisms for reversible and reusable fastening. 
         [0045]    Holding element  130  also includes a perforation  812  to facilitate better circulation of washing fluids and air within the holding element  130 . In certain embodiments, perforation  812  may also be used to removably attach holding element  130  with elongated member  110 . Further, in certain embodiments, elongated member  110  may be encircled by upper lip  802  and lower lip  804  once they have been closed using closing elements  810 . 
         [0046]    Recesses  814  are provided along the periphery of holding element  130  to provide space to accommodate the connecting portion of product  300 . Holding element  130  further includes one or more binders  816  attached to lower lip  804 . Binders  816  are wound around a loop  818  as shown, and include fastening elements  820  for securing binders  816 . 
         [0047]    In an exemplary use case in accordance with certain embodiments, binders  816  are tightened over brassiere straps  310  woven through them, and secured using fastening elements  820 . The remaining portion of straps  310  exits holding element  130  through recesses  814 . Elongated member  110  is attached to holding element  130  by encircling it within lips  802  and  804 . Alternatively, a portion of elongated member  110  may be received in holding element  130  through perforation  812  to achieve the desired attachment. The brassiere is thus suspended from elongated member  110  using holding element  130  inside tub  210  for the washing and drying cycle for the brassiere. Circulation holes  808  and perforation  812  provide for circulation of washing fluids and air within holding element  130  to enable cleaning and drying of straps  310  retained inside holding element  130 . 
         [0048]    Although the invention has been described and illustrated in the foregoing illustrative embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example, and that numerous changes in the details of implementation of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is only limited by the claims which follow. Features of the disclosed embodiments can be combined and rearranged in various ways.