Abstract:
Structural elements and features are provided to significantly reduce the time and effort required in the household laundry process of collecting dirty laundry, washing, drying, hanging, and storing laundry. These same structural elements improve the quality of the laundry output. A reduction in time and effort is accomplished by locating a laundry facility central to a plurality of rooms within the building structure and placing closets within the walls separating the laundry facility from the adjacent rooms. These closets are accessible from the laundry facility on one side and the respective room on the other. In another aspect of the invention, rooms that are not directly adjacent to the laundry facility may be located on a hallway common to the laundry facility and the non-adjacent rooms. The walls dividing the non-adjacent rooms from the common hallway may likewise include closets that are accessible from the common hallway on one side and the respective room on the other. In a variation of the present invention the laundry facility is combined with the hallway. Most of the rooms where the laundry will be used are adjacent to the laundry facility/hallway combinations. The walls dividing the rooms from the hallway may likewise include closets that are accessible from the hallway on one side and the respective room on the other.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to previously-filed provisional application Ser. No. 60/785,322 filed Mar. 23, 2006, which is relied on and incorporated herein fully by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many homes have a separate facility or general area for the purpose of cleaning laundry, such as clothes, curtains, linens, dish clothes, and towels. This laundry facility or area typically contains a washer and dryer, clothes racks, and detergents and cleaners. In many homes, the process of washing laundry typically includes: (1) moving dirty laundry from a bedroom or bathroom to the laundry facility; (2) washing and drying the laundry; (3) placing the clean laundry into a container so that it can be returned to its respective bedroom or bath room; (4) folding or hanging the laundry; and (5) placing the laundry in its proper place in the room (such as in a closet or dresser) where it is stored prior to use. 
     Traditionally, the laundry process required a person to move throughout the house back and forth from the laundry facility to complete his or her task. This process also required significant movement of laundry, as well as handling and folding, increasing both labor and time. 
     Consequently, there is a need for an invention that can reduce the amount of time required by the person cleaning the laundry and returning it to its proper place in the residence, while at the same time improve the quality and condition of the laundry when returned or stored. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides improved household laundry functions which decrease the overall time and effort of the laundry process of collecting dirty laundry, washing, drying, hanging, and storing laundry. This present invention also improves the quality of the laundry output. 
     One embodiment of the present invention provides a building structure, typically a house, preferably configured to include five structural elements. 
     The first structural element is composed of closets, accessible from two sides, herein referred to as “dual access closets.” The second and third structural elements relate to the laundry facility and/or the hallway, herein referred to as “the specifically configured laundry facility” and the “the specifically configured hallway,” respectively. These elements may also be referred to as the “laundry facility” and “hallway” for ease of explanation. The second structural element is the configuration of the laundry facility and the hallway in a manner that allows full and efficient access to the dual access closets. The third structural element is the narrow width configuration of the laundry facility and hallway. 
     A fourth structural element is the configuration of the rooms where the laundry will be used, such as bedrooms and dressing rooms, in a manner that allows full and efficient access to the dual access closets. The fifth element of the present invention is the placement of the following in relationship to each other: the laundry facility, the hallway, the dual access closets, and the rooms where the laundry will be used, such as bedrooms, dressing rooms, bathrooms and kitchen. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the specifically configured laundry facility is centrally located among a majority of rooms where the laundry will be used, such as bedrooms, dressing rooms, bathrooms, and kitchen, and is separated from at least some of the adjoining rooms by walls containing dual access closets. The dual access closets can be accessed from both sides: the laundry facility on one side and the adjacent room(s) on the other. Dirty laundry can be collected with minimal or no steps from the closet(s) adjacent to the laundry facility and placed in the washer. Of chief benefit, clean laundry can be hung or shelved from the washer and/or dryer into the closet(s) adjacent to the laundry facility with minimal or no steps. The clean laundry is conveniently accessible to the end-user(s) without any further movement of laundry. 
     Additionally, the building structure is preferably configured so that rooms that are not directly adjacent to the specifically configured laundry facility, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, are located on a hallway common to the specifically configured laundry facility and the non-adjacent rooms. The specifically configured hallway is configured in a manner so that the wall dividing the non-adjacent rooms from the hallway may include dual access closets accessible from the common hallway on one side and the respective non-adjacent room on the other. The non-adjacent rooms are placed near the laundry facility in order to minimize steps taken in the laundry process. 
     In a variation of the present invention, also utilizing the above-described five structural elements, the laundry facility is combined with the hallway. Thus, most of the rooms where the laundry is used, such as bedrooms and dressing rooms, are adjacent to the hallway, as well as the laundry equipment. In the presently described embodiment, the specifically configured hallway is used instead of the specifically configured laundry facility. The specifically configured hallway is configured in a manner so that the wall dividing the rooms from the hallway may include dual access closets accessible from the hallway on one side and the respective room on the other. 
     A significant advantage of the present invention is that the occupants of the bedrooms, dressing rooms, and/or bathrooms are not disturbed during the laundry process of collecting dirty laundry and returning clean laundry. 
     In another embodiment, the laundry facility is placed adjacent to the kitchen; or in the case of a two story structure, the kitchen is adjacent to the stairway, the top of which is either adjacent to or in close proximity to the laundry facility on the second floor. Laundry and meal preparation are two of the most time-consuming household processes and are frequently performed simultaneously. Therefore, locating these two rooms adjacent to each other benefits both processes. While many homes locate these two rooms adjacent to each other, the present invention offers the advantage of allowing the meal preparer to more quickly return to the kitchen due to the efficiencies of the laundry process. Alternately, if the laundry processor is an office worker or other type worker, the office or other type room may be placed adjacent to the laundry facility. 
     By way of explanation, several terms used within the present description are defined as follow. As used herein, reach-in closets are closet that do not have an aisle; clothes and other laundry items are removed and stored (hung and shelved) by standing outside of the closet. Walk-in closets, on the other hand, do have an aisle; clothes and other laundry items are removed and stored (hung and shelved) by entering (or walking into) the closet. Laundry movement efficiency, as used herein, refers to the reduction of steps required to collect dirty laundry and return clean laundry to closets, cabinets, shelves, etc. where it will be stored and used in order to reduce the time and effort required in the household laundry process of collecting dirty laundry, washing, drying, hanging, and storing laundry. The terms non-adjacent rooms, non-adjacent dual access closets, and non-adjacent dual access linen cabinets, as used herein, refer to rooms, closets, and cabinets not adjacent to the laundry facility. 
     Other objects, features, and aspects of the present invention are provided by various combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed elements, as well as methods of utilizing the same, which are discussed in greater detail below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, which makes reference to the accompanying figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a top schematic view of a building structure arranged in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top schematic view of another building structure arranged in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a top schematic view of a building structure arranged in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a top schematic view of a building structure arranged in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a top schematic view of another building structure arranged in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a top schematic view of another building structure arranged in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a top schematic view of another building structure arranged in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a top schematic view of another building structure arranged in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a top schematic view of another building structure arranged in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a top schematic view of another building structure arranged in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a top schematic view of another building structure arranged in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a top schematic view of another building structure arranged in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a top schematic view of a laundry facility of the building structure of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a top diagrammatic view of fans used in combination with the laundry facility of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a top schematic view of a dual access closet of the building structure of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 16  is a top schematic view of a dual access closet of a building structure in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Repeat use of reference characters in the present drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on or in another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, the embodiments also contain labels of rooms (e.g., “master bedroom”) showing a plausible configuration of the building structure, but it should be understood that these labels are for ease of understanding, and the invention should not be limited to the designs shown and described herein. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a building structure  10  constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Building structure  10  comprises a number of other structures including a master bedroom  12 , a laundry facility  14 , bedrooms  16  and  18 , kitchen  20 , and family room  22 . A hallway  24  is adjacent to and connects laundry facility  14 , bedrooms  16  and  18 , and master bedroom  12 . Master bedroom  12  includes a master bath  26  and a dual access closet  28 . Bedrooms  16  and  18  include dual access closets  30  and  32 , respectively, and are connected by a bath  34  located between the bedrooms. Baths  26  and  34  include dual access linen closets  36  and  38 , respectively. Laundry facility  14  includes laundry equipment  40 , and, in another embodiment, may include additional laundry equipment  42 . 
     In another embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , building structure  10  consists of two stories, a first floor  44  and a second floor  46 . First floor  44  and second floor  46  are connected by a stairway  48 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first structural element presents as dual access closets  28 ,  30 , and  32 , as well as dual access linen cabinets  36  and  38 . The second structural element configures laundry facility  14  in a manner that allows full and efficient access to the dual access closet  28  from the laundry facility. Thus, the length and height dimensions of the wall in laundry facility  14  common to dual access closet  28  are configured to equal or exceed the length and height dimensions of the opening for dual access closet  28 . 
     To accommodate the non-adjacent rooms and closets, the second structural element configures hallway  24  to allow full and efficient access to dual access closets  30  and  32  from the hallway. Thus, the height of the wall in hallway  24  common to dual access closets  30  and  32  equals or exceeds the height of the respective opening of dual access closets  30  and  32 . The length of specifically configured hallway  24  equals or exceeds the combined length of bedrooms  16  and  18  and bath  34 . 
     The third structural element presents as a relatively narrow configuration of specifically configured laundry facility  14 . This narrow configuration allows dirty laundry to be collected from dual access closet  28  and made available to laundry equipment  40  and  42  with minimal or no steps. Of chief benefit, this relatively narrow configuration allows clean laundry to be hung or stored into dual access closet  28  from laundry facility  14  with minimal or no steps. While a width of only three feet between laundry equipment  40  and  42  and closet  28  is sufficient for normal laundry processes and provides the greatest degree of laundry movement efficiency, however, a width of more than three feet may be preferred and is acceptable in the present invention. Likewise, specifically configured hallway  24  presents as a narrow configuration (approximately three to four feet) in order to increase laundry movement efficiency for the non-adjacent rooms. It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that laundry facility  14  and hallway  24 , as well as the other structures included in building structure  10 , may be constructed having other dimensions smaller or larger without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     The fourth structural element configures master bedroom  12  and bedrooms  16  and  18  in a manner that allows full and efficient access to respective dual access closets  28 ,  30 , and  32 . Thus, the length and height dimensions of the respective walls in bedrooms  12 ,  16 , and  18  common to respective dual access closets  28 ,  30 , and  32  equal or exceed the length and height dimensions of the respective closets&#39; openings in order to allow full and efficient access to the closets by the occupant(s) of each respective bedroom. 
     The fifth structural element presents as the placement of specifically configured laundry facility  14  in relationship to dual access closet  28 , and the placement of specifically configured master bedroom  12  in relationship to the closet. Laundry facility  14  is located on the side of dual access closet  28  opposite master bedroom  12 . Master bedroom  12  is located on the side of dual access closet  28  opposite laundry facility  14 . As a result, dual access closet  28  is located between specifically configured laundry facility  14  and specifically configured master bedroom  12  in the manner described above and in such a manner that one side opens to the laundry facility and the other side opens to master bedroom  12 . 
     For the placement of hallway  24  in relationship to laundry facility  14 , the fifth structural element presents as the placement of hallway  24  adjacent to laundry facility  14  in order to increase laundry movement efficiency. Dual access closets  30  and  32  are located along hallway  24  near laundry facility  14 , as are dual access linen cabinets  36  and  38 . 
     For the placement of hallway  24 , dual access closets  30  and  32 , cabinets  36  and  38 , and non-adjacent rooms  16 ,  18 ,  26 , and  34  in relationship to one another, the fifth structural element presents as follows: Hallway  24  is located on the side of dual access closets  30  and  32  opposite respective bedrooms  16  and  18 . Bedrooms  16  and  18  are placed on the respective side of dual access closets  30  and  32  opposite hallway  24 . As a result, dual access closets  30  and  32  are located between specifically configured hallway  24  and respective bedrooms  16  and  18  in the manner described above and in such a manner that one side opens to hallway  24  and the other side opens to the respective bedrooms. In like manner, dual access linen cabinets  36  and  38  open to hallway  24  on one side and respective baths  26  and  34  on the other. 
     The combination of the five structural elements permits dirty laundry to be collected from dual access closet  28  and made available to laundry equipment  40  and  42  with minimal or no steps and, of chief benefit, permits clean laundry to be removed from the laundry equipment and hung or stored in dual access closet  28  with minimal or no steps. The clean laundry is conveniently accessible to the occupant(s) of master bedroom  12  without any further movement of laundry. The quality of the laundry output benefits from the minimal amount of time that elapses between the time the laundry is removed form equipment  40  and  42  and hung or stored in dual access closet  28  thereby decreasing wrinkles in the laundry output. The quality of the laundry output also benefits from the fact that the laundry will not be transported to another location, decreasing the possibility of soiling and/or wrinkling. 
     For the non-adjacent dual access closets  30  and  32  and dual access linen cabinets  36  and  38 , the combination of the five structural elements allows both dirty laundry to be collected from the closets, as well as from the cabinets, and clean laundry to be hung and stored into the same with minimal steps. The clean laundry is conveniently accessible to the occupant(s) of bedrooms  16  and  18  and bathrooms  26  and  34 . 
     A significant advantage of the present invention is that the occupants of bedrooms  12 ,  16 , and  18  and of bathrooms  26  and  34  are not disturbed during the laundry process of collecting dirty laundry and returning clean laundry. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , in another embodiment, laundry facility  14  is located adjacent to kitchen  20 . In yet another embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the kitchen is located adjacent to stairway  48 , the top of which is located adjacent to laundry facility  14  on the second floor. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a building structure  10 . For laundry processing,  FIG. 3  is constructed similar to the building structure illustrated in  FIG. 1  with the following exceptions. Dressing room  50  is adjacent to dual access closet  28 , whereas in  FIG. 1 , master bedroom  12  is adjacent to dual access closet  28 .  FIG. 3  also adds passage  52  to allow direct access from laundry facility  14  into dressing room  50 . In the presently described embodiment, all closets and laundry storage have been removed from master bedroom  12 . Closets within laundry facility  14  and/or dressing room  50  may be enclosed using doors and walls, or may be left open. Closets  29   a ,  29   b ,  29   c , and  29   d  may be used for hanging laundry or other storage. In yet another embodiment, building structure  10  can include a slanted wall  54  and nook  56 , as opposed to being a strictly square design; while these features do not enhance laundry functions, they do illustrate that the invention can present with architectural interest. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates building structure  10  constructed similar to the building structure illustrated in  FIG. 1  and described above. In another embodiment, dual access closets  28 ,  30 , and  32  ( FIG. 1 ) are replaced by walk-in dual access closets  58 ,  60 , and  62  ( FIG. 4 ), respectively. 
     The first structural element presents as walk-in dual access closets  58 ,  60 , and  62 . Dual access linen cabinets  36  and  38  are also provided. The second structural element configures laundry facility  14  in a manner that allows full and efficient access to the dual access closet  58  from the laundry facility. An opening  64  provides a connection between laundry facility  14  and closet  58 , wherein full and efficient access is provided to the closet by placing the opening  64  in line with an aisle  66  of dual access closet  58  and in line with laundry equipment  40 . 
     To accommodate non-adjacent rooms  16  and  18 , the second structural element configures hallway  24  to allow full and efficient access to walk-in dual access closets  60  and  62  from the hallway. Full and efficient access from hallway  24  is provided for walk-in dual access closets  60  and  62  by placing openings  68  and  70  in line with respective aisles  72  and  74 . In  FIG. 4  the doors for openings  68  and  70  are illustrated with bi-fold doors. It should be understood that other types of doors may be used. 
     The third structural element presents as a relatively narrow configuration of specifically configured laundry facility  14  thereby increasing laundry movement efficiency. While a width of only three feet between laundry equipment  40  and  42  and a solid wall adjacent to master bedroom  12  is sufficient for normal laundry processes and provides the greatest degree of laundry movement efficiency, a width of more than three feet may be preferred and is acceptable in the present invention. Likewise, specifically configured hallway  24  presents as relatively narrow configuration (approximately three to four feet) thereby increasing laundry movement efficiency for non-adjacent bedrooms  16  and  18 . It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that laundry facility  14  and hallway  24 , as well as the other structures included in building structure  10 , may be constructed having other dimensions smaller or larger without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     The fourth structural element configures master bedroom  12  and bedrooms  16  and  18  to allow full and efficient access to respective walk-in dual access closets  58 ,  60 , and  62 . Thus, the wall in master bedroom  12  common to walk-in dual access closet  58  provides opening  76  in line with aisle  66  in order to allow full and efficient access to the closet by occupant(s) of the master bedroom. The walls in bedrooms  16  and  18  common to respective walk-in dual access closets  60  and  62  provide respective openings  78  and  80  in line with respective aisles  72  and  74  in order to allow full and efficient access to the closets by occupant(s) of the respective bedrooms. 
     The fifth structural element is placement of specifically configured laundry facility  14  in relationship to walk-in dual access closet  58 , and the placement of specifically configured master bedroom  12  in relationship to the closet. Laundry facility  14  is located on the side of walk-in dual access closet  58  that is opposite master bedroom  12 . Master bedroom  12  is located on the side of walk-in dual access closet  58  that is opposite laundry facility  14 . As a result, walk-in dual access closet  58  is placed between specifically configured laundry facility  14  and specifically configured master bedroom  12  in the manner described above and in such a manner that one side opens to the laundry facility and the other side opens to the master bedroom. 
     For the placement of hallway  24  in relationship to laundry facility  14 , the fifth structural element presents as the placement of hallway  24  adjacent to laundry facility  14  in order to increase laundry movement efficiency. Walk-in dual access closets  60  and  62  are located along adjacent hallway  24  near laundry facility  14 , as are dual access linen cabinets  36  and  38 . 
     For the placement of hallway  24 , dual access closets  60  and  62 , cabinets  36  and  38 , and non-adjacent rooms  16 ,  18 ,  26  and  34 , the fifth structural element presents as follows: Hallway  24  is located on the side of walk-in dual access closets  60  and  62  opposite respective bedrooms  16  and  18 . Bedrooms  16  and  18  are located on the sides of respective walk-in dual access closets  60  and  62  that are opposite hallway  24 . As a result, walk-in dual access closets  60  and  62  are located between hallway  24  and respective bedrooms  16  and  18  in the manner described above and in such a manner that openings  68  and  70  open to the hallway and openings  78  and  80  open to bedrooms  16  and  18 , respectively. In like manner, dual access linen cabinets  36  and  38  open to hallway  24  on one side and respective bathrooms  26  and  34  on the other. In another embodiment, laundry facility  14  is located adjacent to kitchen  20 . 
     In another embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a building structure  10  is constructed similar to the building structure of  FIG. 4 . Two walk-in dual access closets  58   a  and  58   b  are added by expanding walk-in dual access closet  58  ( FIG. 4 ). Aisles  66   a  and  66   b  are defined by walk-in dual access closets  58   a  and  58   b , respectively, and an aisle  66   c  is defined between the closets. Opening  76  provides access to walk-in dual access closets  58  from master bedroom  12  and is inline with aisle  66   c . In another embodiment, an opening on the wall opposite opening  64  as denoted by shadow lines  82  provides access to walk-in dual access closets  58 . It should be understood that opening  82  may be in addition to opening  76  or may replace opening  76  thereby eliminating the need for aisle  66   c.    
     Openings  64  and  82  provide full and efficient access to walk-in dual access closets  58  by placing the openings inline with aisles  66   a  and  66   b . Opening  76  provides full and efficient access to walk-in dual access closets  58  by placing the opening inline with aisle  66   c . Walk-in dual access closets  58  are located between laundry facility  14  and master bedroom  12  such that the closets are accessible from the laundry facility on one side and the master bedroom on the other allowing improved laundry efficiency as described above. It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that other structural elements of building structure  10  illustrated in  FIG. 5  are similar in construction and use as those described above with respect to the building structure shown in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a building structure  10 . For  FIG. 6 , description of the five structural elements is similar to  FIG. 1  above with the exceptions described as follows. The first structural element presents as dual access closets  28 ,  30  and  32  as in  FIG. 1 . However,  FIG. 6  offers the advantage of two dual access closets  28  and  30 , servicing two bedrooms  12  and  16 , adjacent to laundry facility  14  as opposed to only one dual access closet  28  servicing one bedroom  12  adjacent to laundry facility  14  in  FIG. 1 . As in  FIG. 1 , dual access closet  32  is directly across hallway  24  from laundry facility  14 . 
     The second structural element configures laundry facility  14  not only to allow full and efficient access to dual access closet  28  as does  FIG. 1 , but to also allow same for dual access closet  30 . Thus, the dimensions of laundry facility  14  are configured to accommodate both closet  28  and  30 . Also, laundry facility  14  is configured such that laundry equipment  40  is placed at a distance from the door to closet  30  to allow full and efficient access to dual access closet  30 . 
     In  FIG. 6 , the third structural element is similar to  FIG. 1  in that laundry facility  14  has a relatively narrow configuration. 
     For  FIG. 6 , the description of the fourth structural element regarding the configuration of the bedrooms is similar to that of  FIG. 1 . 
     For  FIG. 6 , the fifth structural element differs from  FIG. 1  only in the placement of bedroom  16  and corresponding dual access closet  30 , in that bedroom  16  is located on the side of dual access closet  30  opposite laundry facility  14 , instead of opposite hallway  24  as in  FIG. 1 . In  FIG. 6 , the total distance between laundry equipment  40  and  42  and dual access closet  30  is reduced over the distance between same in  FIG. 1 . 
     In another embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , building structure  10  is a two-story structure. It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the structural elements of building structure  10  of  FIG. 7  are similar in construction and use as those described with respect to building structure  10  of  FIG. 6 , such that two dual access closets  28  and  30  are adjacent to laundry facility  14  and one dual access closet  32  is directly across hallway  24   a  from laundry facility  14 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , in another embodiment kitchen  20  is placed adjacent to laundry facility  14  to allow full and efficient access to the kitchen from the laundry facility. Thus the kitchen  20  and the three bedrooms  12 ,  16  and  18  form a rectangle around the laundry facility providing the shortest distance between the laundry facility and the rooms where the laundry will be used ( 20 ,  12 ,  16 , and  18 ) of all the embodiments presented herein. In  FIG. 7 , kitchen  20  is located adjacent stairway  48  to allow laundry to be efficiently moved from laundry facility  14  to the kitchen via the stairway. 
     In another embodiment and referring to  FIG. 8 , building structure  10  is a two-story building structure, which includes four dual access closets  28 ,  30 ,  32   a  and  32   b  that present as the first structural element. All four dual access closets are adjacent to laundry facility  14  and are of the reach-in type. 
     The second structural element configures laundry facility  14  in a manner that allows full and efficient access to dual access closets  28 ,  30 , and  32  from the laundry facility. Thus, the height dimension of the walls in laundry facility  14  common to respective dual access closets  28 ,  30 , and  32  is configured to equal or exceed the height dimension of the closets&#39; respective openings. Also the length dimension of the wall in laundry facility  14  common to dual access closet  28  equals or exceeds the length of closet  28  and the length dimension of the wall in the laundry facility common to dual access closets  30  and  32  equals or exceeds the combined length of closets  30  and  32 . 
     The third structural element presents as a narrow configuration of specifically configured laundry facility  14 . Because dual access closet  28  is parallel to dual access closets  30  and  32 , and vise versa, access from all dual access closets to laundry equipment  40  and optional laundry equipment  42  is best accomplished by placing the laundry equipment in the middle of the laundry facility with the fronts of the washer and dryer facing each other and at distance from each other that allows passage when the doors to the laundry equipment are open. This configuration allows both dirty laundry to be collected from dual access closets  28 ,  30 , and  32  and clean laundry to be hung or stored into same with minimal or no steps. 
     The fourth structural element configures master bedroom  12  and bedroom  16  in a manner that allows full and efficient access to respective dual access closets  28  and  30 . Thus the length and height dimensions of the respective walls in bedrooms  12  and  16  common to respective dual access closets  28  and  30  equal or exceed the length and height dimensions of respective openings to the closets in order to allow full and efficient access to the closets by occupants of the bedrooms. Since dual access closet  32  opens to hallway  24   a  instead of bedroom  18 , the fourth structural element configures hallway  24   a  in a manner that allows full and efficient access to the closet. Thus the height dimension of the wall in hallway  24   a  common to dual access closet  32  equals or exceeds height dimensions of the openings to the closets in order to allow full and efficient access to the closets by occupants of bedroom  18 ; the length dimension of the hallway&#39;s wall equals or exceeds the combined length of bedroom  18 . 
     The fifth structural element presents as the placement of specifically configured laundry facility  14  in relationship to dual access closet  28 , and the placement of specifically configured master bedroom  12  in relationship to the closet. Laundry facility  14  is placed on the side of dual access closet  28  that is opposite master bedroom  12 . Specifically configured master bedroom  12  is placed on the side of dual access closet  28  opposite laundry facility  14 . As a result, dual access closet  28  is placed between specifically configured laundry facility  14  and specifically configured master bedroom  12  in the manner described above and in such a manner that one side opens to the laundry facility and the other side opens to the master bedroom. The fifth structural element also presents as the placement of the laundry facility  14  in relationship to the dual access closet  30 , and the placement of bedroom  16  in relationship to the dual access closet  30 . Laundry facility  14  is placed on the side of dual access closet  30  that is opposite bedroom  16 . Bedroom  16  is placed on the side of dual access closet  30  opposite laundry facility  14 . Thus, dual access closet  30  is placed between the specifically configured laundry facility  14  and bedroom  16  in the manner described in the two preceding sentences and in such a manner that one side opens to laundry facility  14  and the other side opens to bedroom  16 . 
     The fifth structural element also presents as the placement of laundry facility  14  in relationship to the dual access closet  32 , and the placement of hallway  24   a  in relationship to the closet. Laundry facility  14  is placed on the side of dual access closet  32  that is opposite hallway  24   a . Hallway  24   a  is placed on the side of dual access closet  32  opposite laundry facility  14 . As a result, dual access closet  32  is located between specifically configured laundry facility  14  and hallway  24   a  in the manner described above and in such a manner that one side opens to laundry facility  14  and the other side opens to hallway  24   a . Bedroom  18  is located on hallway  24   a  directly across from respective dual access closet  32 . In another embodiment, kitchen  20  is located adjacent to stairway  48 , the top of which is near laundry facility  14 . 
     In another embodiment and referring to  FIG. 9 , building structure  10  is a two-story building structure, which includes dual access closets  28  and  30  adjacent to laundry facility  14  and dual access closets  32  across hallway  24   a  from laundry facility  14 . It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the advantage of the presently described embodiment is that closets  32  are located within rooms  18  and that the disadvantage is that closets  32  are located across hallway  24   a  from laundry facility  14 . It should also be understood that the other structural elements of building structure  10  are similar in construction and operation to those described above with respect to  FIG. 8 . 
     In another embodiment and referring to  FIG. 10 , building structure  10  includes laundry facility  14  coaxial with hallway  24   b , which is common to laundry facility  14  and bedrooms  16  and  18 . It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that building structure  10  is beneficial for use of a laundry cart in that there would be no turns to make due to the fact that laundry facility  14  is in a straight line with hallway  24   b  common to laundry facility  14  and non-adjacent bedrooms  16  and  18 . 
     The first structural element presents as walk-in dual access closet  58  and reach-in dual access closets  30  and  32 . Additionally, dual access linen cabinets  36  and  38  are provided. The second structural element configures laundry facility  14  in a manner that allows full and efficient access to dual access closet  58  from laundry facility  14 ; thus opening  64  is provided in laundry facility  14  to allow full and efficient access to closet  58  by placing opening  64  in line with aisle  66  of closet  58  and in line with laundry equipment  40 . Dual access linen closet  36  is provided adjacent to laundry facility  14  and master bathroom  12  to allow linens, such as towels and sheets, to be passed directly from laundry facility  14  to master bathroom  26 . 
     To accommodate non-adjacent bedrooms  16  and  18  and closets  30  and  32 , the second structural element configures hallway  24   b  to allow full and efficient access to dual access closets  30  and  32  from hallway  24   b . Thus, the height of the wall in hallway  24   b  common to dual access closets  30  and  32  equals or exceeds the height of the respective closets&#39; openings; the length of the specifically configured hallway equals or exceeds the combined length of bedroom  16 , bathroom  34 , and bedroom  18 . 
     The third structural element presents as a relatively narrow configuration of specifically configured laundry facility  14 . This narrow configuration allows dirty laundry to be collected from dual access closet  58  and made available to laundry equipment  40  with minimal or no steps. This relatively narrow configuration also allows clean laundry to be hung or stored into dual access closet  58  from laundry facility  14  with minimal or no steps. While a width of only three feet between laundry equipment  40  and a solid wall is sufficient for normal laundry processes and offers the greatest degree of laundry movement efficiency, a width of more than three feet may be preferred and is acceptable in the present invention. 
     The fourth structural element configures master bedroom  12 , and bedrooms  16  and  18  in a manner that allows full and efficient access to respective dual access closets  58 ,  30 , and  32 . Thus, the wall in master bedroom  12  common to walk-in dual access closet  58  provides opening  76  in line with aisle  66  in order to allow full and efficient access to closet  58  by occupant(s) of master bedroom  12 . The length and height dimensions of the respective walls in bedrooms  16  and  18  common to respective dual access closets  30  and  32  equal or exceed the length and height dimensions of the respective closets&#39; openings in order to allow full and efficient access to the closets by the occupants of the respective bedrooms. 
     The fifth structural element presents as the placement of specifically configured laundry facility  14  in relationship to dual access closet  58 , and the placement of specifically configured master bedroom  12  in relationship to dual access closet  58 . Laundry facility  14  is placed on the side of dual access closet  58  that is opposite master bedroom  12 . Master bedroom  12  is placed on the side of dual access closet  58  opposite laundry facility  14 . As a result, dual access closet  58  is placed between specifically configured laundry facility  14  and specifically configured master bedroom  12  in the manner described above and in such a manner that one side opens to laundry facility  14  and the other side opens to master bedroom  12 . In like manner, dual access linen cabinet  36  opens to laundry facility  14  on one side and master bathroom  26  on the other. 
     For the placement of hallway  24  in relationship to laundry facility  14 , the fifth structural element presents as the placement of hallway  24   b  adjacent to laundry facility  14  in order to increase laundry movement efficiency. Dual access closets  30  and  32  are placed on hallway  24   b  near laundry facility  14  as are dual access linen cabinets  38 . Hallway  24   b  is also placed in-line with laundry facility  14  rendering the structure ideal for the use of a laundry cart in that there would be no turns to make with the cart in order to access all dual access closets; therefore, laundry cart storage  07  is provided. 
     For the placement of hallway  24   b , dual access closets  30  and  32 , linen cabinets  38 , and non-adjacent rooms  16 ,  18  and  34  in relationship to each other, the fifth structural element presents as follows: Hallway  24   b  is placed on the side of dual access closets  30  and  32  opposite respective bedrooms  16  and  18 . Bedrooms  16  and  18  are placed on the respective side of dual access closets  30  and  32  opposite hallway  24   b . As a result, dual access closets  30  and  32  are placed between the specifically configured hallway  24   b  and respective bedrooms  16  and  18  in the manner described above and in such a manner that one side opens to hallway  24   b  and the other side opens to respective bedrooms  16  and  18 . In like manner, dual access linen cabinets  38  open to hallway  24   b  on one side and respective bathrooms  34  on the other. 
     In another embodiment and referring to  FIG. 11 , a building structure  10  for a smaller house is shown including a single dual access closet  28 . Structure and function of laundry facility  14 , dual access closet  28  and master bedroom  12  are similar to those described in  FIG. 1 . In another embodiment, kitchen  20  is located adjacent to laundry facility  12 . 
     In another embodiment and referring to  FIG. 12 , a building structure  10  is disclosed where the laundry facility  14  and hallway  24  of other embodiments described above (e.g.,  FIG. 1 ) are combined into a single laundry facility hallway (indicated at  15  and referred to as “combined facility”). An advantage of the presently described embodiment is a reduction of square footage over structures with a separate laundry facility. Possible disadvantages of the presently described embodiment is a lack of room for storage of laundry supplies, lack of room for optional laundry equipment  42  ( FIG. 1 ), congestion and clutter in combined facility  15  during the laundry process, the disturbance of occupants in adjacent rooms  16  and  34  by the sound produced by laundry equipment  40 , as well as the significant distance between laundry equipment  40  and kitchen  20 . This structure would require no turns for the use of a laundry cart to reach all dual access closets, and therefore, laundry cart storage  07  is provided. 
     The first structural element presents as dual access closets  28 ,  30 ,  32  and  33 . The second structural element configures combined facility  15  in a manner that allows full and efficient access to dual access closets  28 ,  30 ,  32 , and  33  from the combined facility. Thus, the height of the walls in combined facility  15  common to dual access closets  28 ,  30 ,  32 , and  33  equals or exceeds the height of the respective closets&#39; openings; the length of the specifically configured combined facility equals or exceeds the combined length of laundry cart closet  07 , master bedroom  12 , and bedroom  19 . 
     The third structural element presents as a relatively narrow configuration of the combined facility  15 . This narrow configuration allows dirty laundry to be collected from dual access closets  28 ,  30 ,  32 , and  33  and made available to laundry equipment  40  with minimal or no steps. This relatively narrow configuration also allows clean laundry to be hung or stored into dual access closets  28 ,  30 ,  32 , and  33  from combined facility  15  with minimal or no steps. While a width of only three feet between laundry equipment  40  and a solid wall is sufficient for normal laundry processes and offers the greatest degree of laundry movement efficiency, however, a width of more than three feet may be preferred and is acceptable in the present invention. 
     The fourth structural element configures master bedroom  12  and bedrooms  16 ,  18 , and  19  in a manner that allows full and efficient access to respective dual access closets  28 ,  30 ,  32 , and  33 . Thus, the length and height dimensions of the respective walls in bedrooms  12 ,  16 ,  18 , and  19  common to respective dual access closets  28 ,  30 ,  32 , and  33  equal or exceed the length and height dimensions of respective closets&#39; openings in order to allow full and efficient access to the closets by the occupants of the respective bedrooms. 
     The fifth structural element presents as the placement of the specifically configured combined facility  15  in relationship to dual access closets  28  and  33 , and the placement of respective master bedroom  12  and bedroom  19  in relationship to the respective closets. Combined facility  15  is placed on the side of dual access closets  28  and  33  that is opposite respective master bedroom  12  and bedroom  19 . Master bedroom  12  and bedroom  19  are placed on the respective side of dual access closets  28  and  33  opposite combined facility  15 . As a result, dual access closets  28  and  33  are placed between combined facility  15  and master bedroom  12  and bedroom  19  in the manner described above and in such a manner that one side opens to combined facility  15  and the other side opens to the respective bedroom. 
     The fifth structural element also presents as the placement of specifically configured combined facility  15  in relationship to the dual access closets  30  and  32 , and the placement of specifically configured bedrooms  16  and  18  in relationship to the respective closets. Combined facility  15  is placed on the side of dual access closets  30  and  32  opposite respective bedrooms  16  and  18 . Bedrooms  16  and  18  are placed on the respective side of dual access closets  30  and  32  opposite combined facility  15 . As a result, dual access closets  30  and  32  are placed between specifically configured combined facility  15  and respective bedrooms  16  and  18  in the manner described above and in such a manner that one side opens to combined facility  15  and the other side opens to the respective bedroom. 
     It should be understood that  FIGS. 13 ,  14 ,  15 , and  16  are offered as possible additions to the present invention, in that the other aspects of the invention can function without FIGS.  13 ,  14 ,  15 , and  16 . It should be further understood that  FIGS. 13 ,  14 ,  15 , and  16  operate independent of each other. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , an overhead rod  84 , either permanent or retractable, running length-wise through laundry facility  14  permits immediate hanging of clothes that are to be transferred to any non-adjacent closets. The quality of the laundry output benefits from the minimal amount of time that elapses between when laundry is removed from equipment  40  and hung on rod  84  thereby decreasing wrinkles in the laundry output. A second overhead rod  86  running parallel to rod  84  and several inches from rod  84  allows large items to be draped over both rods for drying. The purpose of rod  86  is to allow airflow to assist in the drying process and to prevent the large items from touching the floor. The double rod feature is particularly helpful for large items that cannot be placed in the dryer (of equipment  40 ), such as electric blankets. It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the number of hanging rods, such as rods  84  and  86 , is variable based on the size and structure of laundry facility  14 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , a fan or multiple fans  88  may be placed in the closets described above (such as closet  28  of  FIG. 1 ), preferably attached to the ceiling of the closets, or in laundry facility  14  ( FIG. 1 ) to permit air drying of clothes. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , folding and transporting of laundry are further reduced by including shelving in the dual access closets described above, such as dual access closet  28  ( FIG. 1 ). It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that shelves  90  can be used in both reach-in and walk-in dual access closets. Shelving  90  accommodates laundry baskets and/or other containers for the sorting and storage of clean clothing and linens, such as underwear, socks, towels, washcloths, sheets, etc. This feature eliminates the need for folding the aforesaid items and conveniently places items in an accessible place for the end-user. The need for transporting these items is eliminated for dual access closets adjacent to laundry facility  14  ( FIG. 1 ), such as closet  28  ( FIG. 1 ), and minimized for the non-adjacent dual access closets, such as closet  30  ( FIG. 1 ). Shelving  90  preferably has an adjustable height feature to accommodate the varying needs of end-users and may be placed in the closet(s) underneath or above hanging clothes or may run floor to ceiling, within or beside the closet(s), such as closet  28  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , in another embodiment of the present invention, a revolving hanger system  92  is disclosed and may be used in a dual access closet, such as closet  28  ( FIG. 1 ). As described above with respect to  FIG. 1 , dual access closet  28  is located within a common wall adjacent to laundry facility  14  on one side and master bedroom  12  on the other. Door  94  opens to laundry facility  14  ( FIG. 1 ) on one side, while door  96  opens to another room located opposite the common wall from the laundry facility. Although closet  28  opens to laundry facility  14  ( FIG. 1 ) via door  94 , it should be understood that closet  28  may be employed between a room and a common hallway. Doors  94  and  96  are depicted as sliding doors to closet  28 , but it should be understood that the doors can be hinged, pocket doors, folding doors, etc., as long as the doors allow users to access the closet from opposite sides (denoted by arrows  98  and  100 ), respectively. Hangers holding clothes and other laundry can be placed on hanger system  92 , which moves along a path within closet  28  ( FIG. 1 ) as denoted by arrows  102  and  104 . As a result, items placed on hanger system  92  from the right side of closet  28  ( FIG. 1 ) as denoted by arrow  104  will move to counterclockwise along the path of the hanger system to the closet&#39;s left side as denoted by arrow  102  and vise versa. It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the manner of rotation of hanging system  92  can be altered depending on the size and structure of the rooms adjacent to the closet and the needs of the end-users. Therefore, clean laundry may be placed and organized on revolving hanger system  92  while standing in one spot from laundry facility  14  ( FIG. 1 ), and an occupant of a room on the opposite side, such as master bedroom  12  ( FIG. 1 ), may select from all the items on the revolving hanger system while standing in another spot. Dirty laundry may also be placed and organized on revolving hanger system  92  while standing in one spot and can also be collected while standing in another spot. As a result, the amount of time and labor required in the laundry process is optimized. 
     While one or more embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that any and all equivalent realizations of the present invention are included within the scope and spirit thereof. Thus, the embodiments presented herein are by way of example only and are not intended as limitations of the present invention. Therefore, it is contemplated that any and all such embodiments are included in the present invention as may fall within the scope of the present invention.