Patent Publication Number: US-7587917-B2

Title: Modular laundry system with shelf module

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to a modular laundry system comprising at least one laundry appliance and an associated worksurface and/or an optional shelf module that can be configured to spatially and functionally optimize a household laundry area. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Most homeowners utilize laundry appliances, such as a washer and a dryer, to clean clothing and other fabric items. The laundry appliances are located in a household laundry area that can be a dedicated laundry room, a laundry closet, or part of another room or hallway of the home. A common complaint of homeowners is that the laundry area tends to be an afterthought when the home is designed. Many feel that the laundry area is small, poorly arranged, and inefficient. 
     Regardless of size, the laundry area is not optimized for performing functions other than the conventional washing and drying done in the washer and dryer, such as flat drying, hang drying, ironing, hand steaming, spot pre-treatment, stain removal, and the like. Laundry areas contain, at most, the washer and dryer and possibly a built-in sink and storage cabinets. This configuration meets the basic needs of doing laundry but neither provides facilities for performing other functions nor optimizes the process of doing laundry. Examples of functional deficiencies of the laundry area follow. 
     For example, some clothes need to be hung or laid flat to dry after washing, but there is usually no dedicated space for these items. Consequently, some people hang clothes along the top of doors, on door knobs, on hooks attached to the washer, and in other creative locations. Furthermore, to touch up a wrinkled clothing item, people have to set up the ironing board and the iron, usually outside the laundry room, and then let the iron cool and return the ironing board and the iron to its storage location after ironing. This process is extremely inconvenient and time consuming, especially if only one garment needs to be touched up. In addition, storage is a common shortcoming in laundry areas; detergents, fabric softeners, stain pre-treatment aids, delicate garment bags, and the like are often stored in locations distant from where they are actually used. 
     Additionally, the laundry area typically does not provide flat surfaces that can be employed for, for example, applying stain pre-treatments, flat drying clothing items, or for folding clothes after they have been dried. Conventional laundry appliances provide a flat surface, but the surface is not particularly suited for some of these tasks. Further, the space between horizontally arranged laundry appliances can be annoying if such tasks are conducted on top of the laundry appliances, and clothing items can fall in the space between the laundry appliances. These examples are only a few of the many deficiencies of the laundry area. 
     To address some of these problems, a hodgepodge of different gadgets, such as sweater racks, accordion hanging racks, rolling shelves, and rolling laundry carts that store ironing boards and the like, have been made commercially available. However, these solutions are not ideal; some are inconvenient to store when not in use, others are not dimensioned to optimize the space of the laundry area, and all are not aesthetically coherent with the laundry appliances. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A modular laundry system according to one embodiment of the invention comprises at least one laundry appliance, and a module adjacent to the at least one laundry appliance and comprising a vertically oriented housing and a shelf assembly comprising a shelf and movably mounted to the housing for movement between a first position, where the shelf is vertically oriented and at least partially received within the housing, and a second position, where the shelf is horizontally oriented and located exteriorly of the housing. 
     The shelf can be located in front the at least one laundry appliance in the second position. 
     The module can comprise two of the shelf assemblies, each movable between the first and second positions. The modular laundry system can comprise two of the laundry appliances horizontally arranged with the module positioned between the two laundry appliances, and the shelf of one of the shelf assemblies can be located in front of one of the two laundry appliances when in the second position, and the shelf of the other of the shelf assemblies can be located in front of the other of the two laundry appliances when in the second position. The two laundry appliances can each be front-loading laundry appliances with a front opening, and the shelves can be located below the front opening of the respective laundry appliance when in the second position. The shelves can form a generally continuous horizontal surface in front of both of the laundry appliances. The shelf assemblies can be movable independently of each other. 
     The module can have a width less than a width of the at least one laundry appliance. 
     The shelf assembly can be movable to a third position, where the shelf is vertically oriented and located exteriorly of the housing. The module can further comprise a slide that slidably couples the shelf to the housing for movement of the shelf between the first and third positions. The shelf can be pivotally coupled to the slide for movement of the shelf between the third and second positions. 
     The module can further comprise a functional element configured to provide an associated function. The functional element can comprise a hanging area. The hanging area can extend upwardly from the housing. The hanging area can comprise a hanging rod that is vertically adjustable relative to the housing. The hanging area can comprise a hanging rod that extends forwardly from the housing. The hanging rod can be slidably mounted to the housing. The functional element can comprise a staging area. The staging area can comprise an open-top recess formed in an upper surface of the housing. The staging area can further comprise a cover for selectively closing the open top of the recess. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a modular laundry system including a laundry appliance with at least one of a worksurface and an optional shelf module, each having an optional storage/staging and/or hanging area and the worksurface having an optional shelving area. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 1  comprising a pair of horizontally-disposed laundry appliances with a worksurface disposed across an upper surface of both appliances. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 1  comprising a pair of horizontally-disposed laundry appliances having a shelf module disposed between the laundry appliances and a worksurface disposed across an upper surface of both the laundry appliances and the shelf module. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 1  comprising a pair of horizontally-disposed laundry appliances having a shelf module disposed between the laundry appliances. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 1  comprising a single laundry appliance with a worksurface disposed horizontally across an upper surface of the laundry appliance. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 1  comprising a pair of horizontally-disposed laundry appliances with a worksurface disposed across an upper surface of both appliances, in a similar configuration to that shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to that shown in  FIG. 6  whereby the worksurface is provided with a saddle-bag-type staging area. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the worksurface shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of  FIG. 8  wherein the worksurface is shown having a removable and reversible insert to allow for different types of laundry-related activities to be performed on the worksurface depending upon which side of the insert is exposed. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to that shown in  FIG. 6 , wherein the worksurface is shown as including a reversible insert as described with respect to  FIGS. 8-9 , and the worksurface is provided with a rear staging area and an upwardly-extending hanging area. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view similar to that shown in  FIG. 10  illustrating the reversible nature of the insert. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view similar to that shown in  FIG. 10  illustrating the use of hanging storage compartments in a storage/staging area on the worksurface. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view showing one of the hanging storage compartments located in the staging area on the worksurface of  FIG. 12  in greater detail and also showing a radio module located in the staging area on the worksurface. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to that shown in  FIG. 10 , wherein the insert is shown as a pair of adjacent, rectangular mats, each of which is reversible to expose a different functional surface of the respective insert. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14 , wherein one of the reversible worksurface insert is shown in an exploded configuration. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to that shown in  FIG. 6 , wherein an ironing board is shown extended from the worksurface whereby arrows illustrate a first extending direction to expose the ironing board from within the worksurface and a second pivoting direction to position a supporting leg for the ironing board on a floor. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 16  wherein the ironing board has been rotated to a generally perpendicular position with respect to the worksurface to allow for greater functionality and usability of the workspace in which the modular laundry system resides. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to that shown in  FIG. 16 , wherein an ironing board is shown in an extended use position with respect to the worksurface. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 18 , wherein the ironing board has been slid from the extended use position located adjacent to the worksurface to a retracted, stored position located within the worksurface. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 10 , wherein the hanging area provided above the worksurface has a first embodiment of a shelf area. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 20 , wherein the hanging area provided above the worksurface has a second embodiment of a shelf area. 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 20 , wherein the hanging area provided above the worksurface has a third embodiment of a shelf area. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 8 , wherein a worksurface extends across a pair of horizontally-disposed laundry appliances, and a hinge supporting the worksurface locates the worksurface at a first position located atop the horizontally-disposed laundry appliances. 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 23 , wherein the hinge supporting the worksurface can be rotated to locate the worksurface at a second position located angularly and forwardly of the horizontally-disposed laundry appliances. 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 8 , wherein a worksurface comprises a wrinkle removing press shown in a closed position. 
         FIG. 26  is a fragmentary, perspective view of the embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 25 , wherein the wrinkle removing press has been pivoted to an open position and an article of clothing has been placed therein. 
         FIG. 27  is a fragmentary, perspective view of the embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 24 , wherein the wrinkle removing press has been re-pivoted to the closed position to provide a pressing function to the article of clothing placed therein. 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 8 , wherein a pair of clothing-retaining clips is integrated with the worksurface to assist a user in folding operations thereon. 
         FIG. 29  is a fragmentary, perspective view of  FIG. 28  showing the clothing-retaining clips in greater detail. 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 10 , wherein a worksurface extends across a pair of horizontally-disposed laundry appliances, and a hanging area is associated with the modular laundry system to allow articles of holding to be hung on a rod comprising a portion of the hanging area. 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 30 , wherein the hanging area is vertically adjustable via a selectively repositionable telescoping rod. 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 30 , wherein the hanging area has been completely and downwardly positioned to locate the hanging rod of the hanging area directly adjacent the worksurface extending across both horizontally-disposed laundry appliances. 
         FIG. 33A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 30 , wherein the worksurface extends across a pair of horizontally-disposed laundry appliances, and a hanging area is associated with the modular laundry system and extends through the worksurface, whereby the worksurface provides a base for the hanging area. 
         FIG. 33B  is a perspective view of the embodiments of the modular laundry system shown in particular in  FIG. 33A  and also with respect to  FIGS. 30-32  in which the vertical adjustability of the hanging area is shown to be useful when positioning the modular laundry system with respect to existing wall cabinets. 
         FIG. 34A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 10 , wherein a worksurface extends across a pair of horizontally-disposed laundry appliances, and a hanging area is associated with the modular laundry system to allow articles of holding to be hung on a laterally extended hanging rod. 
         FIG. 34B  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 34A  with the hanging rod retracted into the worksurface. 
         FIG. 35A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system, wherein the worksurface extends across a single horizontally-disposed laundry appliance and a single-width hanging area is associated with the worksurface of this embodiment. 
         FIG. 35B  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 35A  and comprising a hanger staging area. 
         FIG. 35C  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 35B  and comprising an alternative hanger staging area. 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 35A  in which the vertical adjustability of the hanging area is shown to be useful when positioning the modular laundry system with respect to existing wall cabinets. 
         FIG. 37A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 10  in which the worksurface and hanging area are provided on a stand which can rest on a floor surface, and wherein the worksurface and hanging area are shown as, by example, a double-width across a pair of horizontally-disposed laundry appliances. 
         FIG. 37B  is a perspective view an embodiment similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 37A  and further comprising a hanger staging area. 
         FIG. 38  is a perspective view of the worksurface from the embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 37A  in which the worksurface and hanging area are provided on a floor standing stand and at an insert of the worksurface is reversible to provide for a plurality of laundry-related functions to be performed on the worksurface depending upon which side of the insert is exposed. 
         FIG. 39  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to that shown in  FIG. 37A  in which the hanging area associated with the worksurface can be vertically adjusted down to a lowered position whereby a hanging rod provided on the hanging area is located adjacent to the worksurface. 
         FIG. 40  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to that shown in  FIG. 38  in which a worksurface and hanging area are provided on a floor standing stand, and wherein the worksurface is provided with a saddle-bank-type staging area associated with the worksurface and an aperture to accommodate a backsplash of a laundry appliance. 
         FIG. 41  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 40  in which a single horizontally-disposed laundry appliance is located within a recess created by the stand and the worksurface. 
         FIG. 42  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to that shown in  FIG. 8  in which the worksurface is provided as a leaf-type structure, generally comprised of end structures corresponding generally to the width of a single laundry appliance and an optional intermediate leaf for extending the overall length of the worksurface to selectively extend across at least two horizontally-disposed laundry appliances and a shelf module or other structure disposed between the horizontally-disposed laundry appliances. 
         FIG. 43  is an exploded, perspective view of the leaf-type worksurface shown in  FIG. 42 . 
         FIG. 44  is an exploded, perspective view of the leaf-type worksurface shown in  FIGS. 42-43 , and wherein the worksurface as shown having a removable and reversible functional insert provided thereon. 
         FIG. 45  is an exploded, perspective view of the leaf-type worksurface shown in  FIGS. 42-44 , wherein the intermediate leaf has been removed to illustrate the interconnectability of the end structures directly to one another. 
         FIG. 46  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system of  FIG. 1  and arranged in a configuration similar to that shown in  FIG. 4 , wherein a shelf module is disposed between a pair of laundry appliances, and which a pair of shelf assemblies of the shelf module has been extended to a use position. 
         FIG. 47  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the modular laundry system of  FIG. 46  wherein the pair of shelf assemblies has been retracted to a stored position, located generally in a flush retracted position between the laundry appliances. 
         FIG. 48  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the modular laundry system of  FIG. 46  wherein the pair of shelf assemblies has been retracted to the stored position, and wherein a hanging post has been extended from the shelf module to a use position. 
         FIG. 49  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the modular laundry system of  FIG. 46  wherein the pair of shelf assemblies has been retracted to the stored position, and wherein a storage drawer has been extended from the shelf module to a use position. 
         FIG. 50  is a perspective view of the shelf module illustrated in  FIGS. 46-47  with the pair of shelf assemblies located in the retracted position and showing a removable cover for a staging area for accessing the contents therein from an upward location. 
         FIG. 51  is a perspective view of the shelf module illustrated in  FIGS. 46-47  showing a forward hanging post extended and with phantom lines illustrating the adjustability of an upwardly-extending hanging rod. 
         FIG. 52  is an exploded perspective view of a housing for the shelf module of  FIGS. 46-47 . 
         FIG. 53  is an exploded perspective view of the pair of shelf assemblies for the shelf module of  FIGS. 46-47 . 
         FIG. 54  is a perspective view of the shelf module illustrated in  FIGS. 46-47  with the pair of shelf assemblies positioned in the retracted position. 
         FIG. 55  is a perspective view of the shelf module of  FIG. 54  showing one of the shelf assemblies in an intermediate position and the other of the shelf assemblies retracted. 
         FIG. 56  is a perspective view of the shelf module of  FIG. 54  showing one of the shelf assemblies fully extended to the use position and the other of the shelf assemblies retracted. 
         FIG. 57  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to that shown in  FIG. 12  in which lighting is incorporated into the worksurface. 
         FIG. 58  is perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to that shown in  FIG. 32  in which lighting is incorporated into a backsplash of the worksurface. 
         FIG. 59  is another embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to that shown in  FIG. 37A  in which lighting is incorporated into the hanging area of the worksurface in the form of horizontal and vertical lamps. 
         FIG. 60  is another embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to that shown in  FIG. 37A  in which lighting is incorporated into the hanging area of the worksurface in the form of a plurality of spotlights. 
         FIG. 61  is another embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to that shown in  FIG. 37A  in which lighting is incorporated into the hanging area of the worksurface in the form of a plurality of vertically spaced lights. 
         FIG. 62  is an enlarged view of the vertically spaced lights of  FIG. 61 . 
         FIG. 63  is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to that shown in  FIG. 6  in which vibration isolation pads are located between the worksurface the laundry appliances. 
         FIG. 64  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to that shown in  FIG. 38  with the addition of a vibration isolation pad. 
         FIG. 65  is a bottom perspective view of the worksurface similar to that shown in  FIG. 6  with a plurality of vibration isolation pads mounted to a bottom surface of the worksurface. 
         FIG. 66  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to that shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     A modular laundry system according to one embodiment of the invention comprises at least one laundry appliance  10  and a worksurface  12 . The modular laundry system can optionally comprise a shelf module  14  in addition to the worksurface  12  or instead of the worksurface  12 . Each of the worksurface  12  and the shelf module  14  can optionally have at least one of a storage/staging area  16  and a hanging area  18 . The worksurface  12  can further include a shelving area  19 , which is inherent in the shelf module  14 . According to one embodiment of the invention, the modular laundry system comprises two laundry appliances  10  and at least one of the worksurface  12  and the shelf module  14 , which can be selected and configured to provide desired laundry care functionality within a given laundry area. The laundry area is a space of a home in which the laundry appliance  10  conventionally resides. The laundry area can be, for example, a dedicated laundry room, a shared room, such as a combined laundry and utility room or a combined laundry room and garage, a closet, or part of another room or hallway of the home. 
     The laundry appliance  10  is a conventional appliance for washing and drying fabric items, such as clothes and linens. Examples of the laundry appliance  10  include, but are not limited to, a washing machine, including top-loading, front-loading, vertical axis, and horizontal axis washing machines, a dryer, such as a tumble dryer, including top-loading dryers and front-loading dryers, a combination washing machine and dryer, a tumbling refreshing machine, an extractor, a combination washer and dryer, and a non-aqueous washing apparatus. An exemplary non-aqueous washing apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0155393, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The non-aqueous washing apparatus of the incorporated application publication comprises a wash unit and a reclamation unit, and the laundry appliance  10  can be the wash unit. When the laundry system comprises two of the laundry appliances  10 , a first laundry appliance and a second laundry appliance, the first and second laundry appliances  10  can be the same type of laundry appliance, such as two washing machines, or different types of laundry appliances, such as a washing machine and a dryer. 
     The worksurface  12  is generally a horizontally-disposed element having an upper surface upon which various laundry-related tasks or functions can be performed including, but not limited to, sorting clothes, loading and unloading of clothes into a laundry appliance  10 , folding clothes, ironing, spot cleaning, scrubbing, and the like. The worksurface  12  can also be used for performing non-laundry-related tasks or functions. The worksurface  12  is disposed above a top of at least one of the laundry appliances  10  and/or at least one other module of a modular laundry system. For example, the worksurface  12  can be disposed on top of a single laundry appliance  10 , two laundry appliances  10  and a module, or three laundry appliances  10 . When the worksurface  12  is provided on more than one supporting structure, i.e., more than one laundry appliance  10 , more than one shelf module  14 , more than one other module, or combinations of the laundry appliance  10 , the shelf module  14 , and the other module, the worksurface  12  preferably forms a generally continuous surface above the supporting structures. The generally continuous surface extends across interfaces between the supporting structures to effectively form a unitary surface for performing functions or tasks. The continuous surface can include seams, such as those inherently present when the worksurface  12  is formed by multiple interconnected pieces, as will be described in more detail below. The worksurface  12  can have any suitable longitudinal length (i.e. width), such as the longitudinal length of one or more laundry appliances  10  alone or in conjunction with the shelf module  14  and/or another module or structure. 
     Exemplary modules of the modular laundry system are disclosed in application Ser. No. 11/323,125, filed concurrently herewith, and titled “Modular Laundry System with Horizontal Modules,” application Ser. No. 11/322,715, filed concurrently herewith, and titled “Modular Laundry System with Horizontal Module Spanning Two Laundry Appliances,” application Ser. No. 11/323/22, filed concurrently herewith, and titled “Modular Laundry System with Horizontally Arranged Cabinet Module,” application Ser. No. 11/322,739, filed concurrently herewith, and titled “Modular Laundry System with Horizontal and Vertical Modules,” application Ser. No. 11/323,075, filed concurrently herewith, and titled “Modular Laundry System with Vertical Module,” application Ser. No. 11/323,147, filed concurrently herewith, and titled “Modular Laundry System with Cabinet Module,” and application Ser. No. 11/322,742, filed concurrently herewith, and titled “Laundry Module for Modular Laundry System,” which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Other exemplary modules are disclosed in application Ser. No. 11/323,867, filed concurrently herewith, and titled “Vertical Laundry Module,” application Ser. No. 11/322,943, filed concurrently herewith, and titled “Vertical Laundry Module with Backsplash,” application Ser. No. 11/322,502, filed concurrently herewith, and titled “Non-Tumble Clothes Dryer,” application Ser. No. 11/323,270, filed concurrently herewith, and titled “Ironing Station,” and application Ser. No. 11/322,944, filed concurrently herewith, and titled “Sink Station with Cover,” which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     The shelf module  14  comprises at least one shelf that can be stowed or retracted into a storage position when not in use and extended to provide a generally horizontally-disposed surface upon which various laundry-related tasks can be performed including, but not limited to, sorting clothes, loading and unloading of clothes into a laundry appliance  10 , folding, ironing, spot cleaning, scrubbing, and the like. The shelf of the shelf module  14  can be selectively positionable by a user so that the shelf can be stored and retrieved, respectively, to optimize the space used by the shelf module  14  within the laundry workspace. 
     The storage/staging area  16  is generally an enclosed (storage) or exposed (staging) region which can store cleaning (e.g., detergent, spot cleaners, etc.), pressing (e.g., starch), and other laundry-related products (e.g., fabric softener). When the storage/staging area  16  is exposed, the products are staged in a visible displayed fashion to make them readily-accessible to a user of the laundry appliance  10 . The storage/staging area  16  is preferably associated with the worksurface  12  to store/stage the laundry-related products in a manner easily-accessible by a user adjacent to the worksurface  12  and who is typically performing laundry-related tasks on the worksurface  12 , possibly requiring easy and immediate access to the laundry-related products in the storage/staging area  16 . 
     The hanging area  18  is generally a mechanical implement for hanging clothes, whether draped over the hanging area  18  or arranged on a clothes hanger in a manner which would be apparent to one skilled in the art. Examples of the implements employed in the hanging area  18  according to the invention include, but are not limited to, a suspended horizontal rod supported at each end or in a cantilevered fashion by a medial center support. The hanging area  18  can also, according to the invention, be placed on a stand which surrounds at least one laundry appliance  10 . The hanging area  18  can also include a vertically-adjustable stand which allows the clothes-hanging. implement to be adjusted vertically with respect to ground level, the surrounding area, or an adjacent one or more laundry appliances  10  to allow the hanging area  18  to be extended so that clothing of varying lengths can be hung, or to store the hanging area  18  in a retracted position adjacent one or more laundry appliances  10  so that the hanging area  18  can be stored and selectively extended for use by a user. 
     The shelving area  19  of the worksurface  12  can comprise at least one shelf that can be stowed or retracted into a storage position when not in use and extended to provide a generally horizontally-disposed surface upon which various laundry-related tasks can be performed including, but not limited to, sorting clothes, loading and unloading of clothes into a laundry appliance  10 , folding, ironing, spot cleaning, scrubbing, and the like. When in the stowed or retracted position, the shelf need not be concealed from view; rather, the shelf is positioned in a location different than when in use. Additionally, the shelf can be a static shelf with a fixed position. The shelving area  19  can also be integrated with the hanging area  18 . 
     Turning to the drawings, various configurations of the modular laundry system are shown by example in the schematic of  FIG. 1  and the diagrams shown in  FIGS. 2-5 .  FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a modular laundry system including a laundry appliance  10  with at least one worksurface  12  and/or an optional shelf module  14 , each having an optional storage/staging area  16  and/or hanging area  18 .  FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 1  comprising a pair of horizontally-disposed laundry appliances  10  with a worksurface  12  disposed across an upper surface of both appliances  10 .  FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 1  comprising a pair of horizontally-disposed laundry appliances  10  having a shelf module  14  disposed between the laundry appliances  10  and a worksurface  12  disposed across an upper surface of both the laundry appliances  10  and the shelf module  14 .  FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram similar to  FIG. 3 , except that the modular laundry system of  FIG. 4  does not include the worksurface  12 .  FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 1  comprising one laundry appliance  10  and a worksurface  12  disposed across the laundry appliance  10 . It will be understood that these configurations are for illustrative purposes only, and that other configurations will be contemplated by one skilled in the art, and the particular examples selected for  FIGS. 2-5  shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention. 
     Beginning with  FIG. 6 , various configurations for the modular laundry system are set forth in the drawings. It will be understood that the various examples of the laundry appliances  10 , worksurfaces  12 , and shelf modules  14  in one drawing can be interchanged with and substituted for examples of these components shown in other figures so that several additional combinations of these basic components of the invention are contemplated in this invention. 
     In addition, for simplicity of description and explanation, components of the laundry appliances  10 , worksurfaces  12 , shelf modules  14 , the storage/staging area  16 , the hanging area  18 , and the shelving area  19  that are common between the various embodiments shown in the Figures herein are referred to with the same reference numerals. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 1  comprising a pair of horizontally-disposed laundry appliances  10  with a worksurface  12  disposed across an upper surface of both appliances  10 , in a similar configuration to that shown in  FIG. 2 . The laundry appliances  10  in  FIG. 6  are front-loading appliances, and while the worksurface  12  can be utilized with any type of laundry appliance  10 , the front-loading laundry appliances  10  are ideally suited for use with the worksurface  12  because the worksurface  12 , which is disposed on top of the laundry appliance  10 , does not interfere with providing access to the interior of the laundry appliance  10 . The various functions of the components  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 , and  19  are set forth above and will not be repeated embodiment-to-embodiment herein. 
     The worksurface  12  comprises a generally horizontal body  20  that can be rigid or flexible. For example, when the body  20  is flexible, the body  20  can be made of a flexible polymeric material, such as silicone or a flexible polyvinyl chloride. The body  20  can be made of any suitable material and can optionally comprise, such as by being made of, coated with, or impregnated with, a hygienic material, such as an antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, or similar substance. The horizontal body  20  of the current embodiment has a backsplash  22  extending upwardly from a rear portion thereof. In the example shown in  FIG. 6 , the backsplash has a depth sufficient for the storage/staging area  16  to be formed therein as a recess  24 . The recess  24  preferably extends substantially the width of the worksurface  12  to allow for as many laundry-related items to be stored within the storage/staging area  16  formed by the recess  24 . Alternatively, the recess  24  can be broken up into non-contiguous segments or provided with dividers (not shown) to provide for additional organization of the storage/staging area  16  formed by the recess  24 . 
     The worksurface  12  also has a pair of depending flanges  26  located at either longitudinal end of the worksurface  12 . The flanges  26  preferably extend the length of each longitudinal end of the worksurface  12  and preferably define a space therebetween having a width into which the abutted laundry appliances  10  can fit. In one embodiment, the worksurface  12  can act as a retainer to hold the pair of laundry appliances  10  (and any items located therebetween) together. As will be described in more detail below, the underside of the worksurface  12  can be provided with a vibration dampener to reduce any noise caused by vibration between the laundry appliances  10  and/or the worksurface  12  during operation of either of the laundry appliances  10  and to prevent transference of vibrations from one of the laundry appliances  10  to the other of the laundry appliances  10  or from one of the laundry appliances  10  to the worksurface  12 . In addition, a depending flange (not shown) can also be provided on a rear longitudinal edge of the worksurface  12  to assist in alignment of the rear surfaces of the adjacent (and typically abutted) laundry appliances  10 . Similarly, a depending flange (not shown) can also be provided on a front longitudinal edge of the worksurface  12  to assist in alignment of the front surfaces of the adjacent (and typically abutted) laundry appliances  10 . 
     The body  20  of the worksurface  12  can be configured as a unitary body, or as a “leaf-type” structure comprising multiple interconnected pieces allowing for various pieces having a width corresponding to, e.g., a width of a single laundry appliance  10 , the width of another worksurface  12 , or the width of a shelf module  14 , or some other width, to be connected in leaf-type fashion and which is described in greater detail herein with respect to the exemplary embodiments shown in  FIGS. 42-45 . 
     An upper surface of the worksurface  12  can be provided with a functional insert  28  (shown as two rectangular components in  FIG. 6 ). The functional insert  28  can be made of any suitable materials, including, but not limited to, polymers, such as rubber, fabrics, and composites of different types of materials. The functional insert  28  can optionally be textured according to the type of function to be performed thereon and can have any of a variety of functional coatings, such as anti-friction or anti-slip coatings. The functional insert  28  can also be entirely made of or impregnated with anti-friction or anti-slip materials. Further, the functional insert  28  can comprise a hygienic material or beneficial substrate, such as an antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, or similar substance embedded therein or coated therewith. The functional insert  28  can be permanently coupled to the worksurface  12  or removable from the worksurface  12 , such as for cleaning or replacement. According to one embodiment, the functional insert can be removed and placed in a dishwasher for cleaning. Dishwasher cleaning of the functional insert  28  ensures that the functional insert  28  is completely washed and sanitized. In addition, the functional insert  28  can be reversible with opposing surfaces configured for performing differing functions or tasks to allow for a plurality of different functions or tasks to be performed on the functional insert  28 . For example, one side of the functional insert  28  can be provided with a surface suitable for scrubbing or handwashing an item of clothing while the reverse side of the functional insert  28  can be provided with a surface suitable for ironing. The functional insert  28  can also be used, for example, to cut fabric according to sewing patterns. For this task, the functional insert  28  can be adapted to receive pins for pinning the sewing patterns and fabric in place on the functional insert  28 . In addition, the worksurface  12  can be provided with additional modular functional inserts  28  which can be substituted onto the worksurface  12  to provide for even greater flexibility in performing laundry-related functions on the worksurface  12 . Preferably, the horizontal body  20  of the worksurface  12  comprises an insert recess  21  formed on the upper surface thereof into which the functional insert(s)  28  can be placed to provide for a pleasing appearance to the worksurface  12  with the functional inserts  28  provided thereon. Additionally, the insert recess  21  in the upper surface of the worksurface  12  can position the functional insert(s)  28  on the worksurface  12  and prevent the functional insert(s)  28  from the sliding off of the upper surface of the worksurface  12 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to that shown in  FIG. 6  whereby the worksurface  12  is provided with an additional storage/staging area  16  comprising a saddle-bag staging bin  30 . The saddle-bag staging bin  30  comprises a well attached to each longitudinal end of the worksurface  12  such that the staging bins  30  are located beyond a combined width of the laundry appliances  10 . Laundry-related and non-laundry-related items can be stored in the staging bins  30  for easy access when working adjacent the laundry appliances  10  and/or the worksurface  12 . The staging bin  30  can be formed integrally with the horizontal body or removably mounted thereto so that the staging bins  30  can be removed for replacement and/or cleaning. If the staging bin  30  is removably attached to the body  20  of the worksurface  12 , the body  20  and the staging bin  30  can be provided with interlocking components, such as a socket and a detent, which would allow the attachment and disassembly of the staging bin  30  to the body  20  without the use of tools or a separate conventional fastener (although separate fasteners could be employed). 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the worksurface  12  shown in  FIG. 6 . The embodiment of the worksurface shown in  FIG. 8  is shown without the backsplash  22 . The body  20  of the worksurface  12  is shown with a functional insert  28  provided thereon.  FIG. 9  illustrates the removable and reversible nature of the functional insert  28  to allow for different types of laundry-related activities to be performed on the worksurface  12  depending upon which side of the worksurface  12  is exposed. 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to that shown in  FIG. 6 , wherein the worksurface  12  is shown having a reversible functional insert  28  as described with respect to  FIGS. 6-9 , and the worksurface  12  is provided with a rear storage/staging area  16  and an upwardly-extending hanging area  18 . The hanging area  18  comprises a cylindrical rod formed into a functional shape for hanging clothes and other laundry-related items thereon. In the example hanging area  18  shown in  FIG. 10 , the hanging area  18  comprises a pair of base rods  32 , which are mounted to opposing longitudinal rear ends of the worksurface  12 , each of which support an opposing end of a hanging rod  34 . The hanging rod  34  comprises a U-shaped member formed by an elongated central rod  36  having a spacer rod  38  extending rearwardly therefrom at each longitudinal end thereof. Each spacer rod  38  terminates in a downwardly-extending extension rod  40  which, in turn, is telescopingly received in the base rod  32  by a selectively-adjustable clamp mount  42 . Tightening the clamp mount  42 , such as by rotation, secures the extension rod  40  at a particular height with respect to the base rod  32 . Other variations on the clamp mount  42  would be apparent to one skilled in the art for retaining the extension rod  40  at a particular height with respect to the base rod  32 , and the particular embodiment of the clamp rod  42  illustrated herein shall not be limiting on the scope of the invention. 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown and described with respect to  FIG. 10  illustrating the reversible nature of the functional insert  28  on the worksurface  12  which, in the example embodiment shown in  FIGS. 10-11 , extends across both horizontally-disposed laundry appliances  10 . The functional insert  28  shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11  comprises a mat  48  supported by a frame  50  having a pair of user graspable handles  51  that facilitate removal of the functional insert  28  and reversing the functional insert  28 . 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10  wherein the storage/staging area  16  further comprises at least one staging bin  30  in the staging recess  24  on the worksurface  12  extending across both horizontally-disposed laundry appliances  10 . In this embodiment, the staging bin  30  comprises a well  44  with a rearwardly-extending flange  46  attached thereto. The staging bin  30  can be mounted within the staging recess  24  by hooking the flange  46  over an upper rear surface of the backsplash  22  located behind the staging recess  24 . The staging bins  30  can be slid longitudinally along the staging recess  24  to further optimize the functionality of the storage/staging area  16  of the worksurface  12 .  FIG. 13  is a perspective view showing one of the staging bins  30  located in the storage/staging area  16  on the worksurface  12  of  FIG. 12  in greater detail and also showing a radio module  45  staged in the staging recess  24 . The radio module  45  comprises a body  47  sized for receipt within the staging recess  24  and a rearwardly-extending flange  46  attached thereto. Similar to the staging bin  30 , the radio module  45  can be mounted within the staging recess  24  by hooking the flange  46  over an upper rear surface of the backsplash  22  located behind the staging recess  24 . It is within the scope of the invention to stage modules other than the staging bin  30  and the radio module  45  in the storage recess  24 . 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to that shown in  FIG. 10 , wherein the functional insert  28  provided on the worksurface  12  is shown as a pair of adjacent, rectangular individual functional inserts  28 , each of which can be reversible to expose a different functional surface of the functional insert  28 .  FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14 , wherein one of the reversible functional inserts  28  of the worksurface  12  is shown in an exploded configuration. Each functional insert  28  comprises a reversible mat  48  removably mounted within a frame  50 . The mat  48  can be removed from the frame  50  for cleaning or replacement with a different mat  48  having a different laundry-related functionality than the mat  48  that was initially removed. The mat  48  and frame  50  are interchangeable between longitudinal positions on the worksurface  12  and can assist a user in optimally performing laundry-related functions on the worksurface  12 . 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 , a shelf area  19  in the form of an ironing board  52  is provided on the worksurface  12 . The ironing board  52  is preferably associated with the worksurface  12  so that it can be repositioned, such as by sliding, with respect to the worksurface  12  between an extended position (as shown in  FIG. 16 ) and a retracted position, wherein the ironing board is stowed within a recess in the underside of the worksurface  12  defined by an upper surface of the laundry appliances  10 , the underside of the worksurface  12  and the flanges  26  at each longitudinal end of the worksurface  12 . The ironing board  52  is shown in  FIG. 16  extended from the worksurface  12  whereby arrow “A” illustrates a first extending direction to expose the ironing board  52  from within the worksurface  12  and arrow “B” illustrates a second direction by which a foldable leg  54  can be dropped from a folded position adjacent the underside of the ironing board  52  to a floor-engaging position to support the ironing board  52  on a floor. 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 16  wherein the ironing board  52  is pivotally mounted to at least one of the worksurface  12  and the laundry appliances  10  so that it can be rotated with respect to the worksurface  12  between a first position that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the worksurface  12  and a second position that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the worksurface  12 . The pivotal mounting of the ironing board  52  with respect to the worksurface  12  can be accomplished with known parts and need not be described to be understood by one skilled in the art. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 17 , the ironing board  52  has been rotated to the second generally perpendicular position with respect to the worksurface  12  (as shown by arrow “C”) to allow for greater functionality and usability of the workspace in which the modular laundry system resides. 
     To stow the ironing board  52  within the worksurface  12 , the ironing board  52  is rotated in the reverse direction shown by arrow “C” in  FIG. 17  to the first generally parallel position, the leg  54  is folded up against the ironing board  52  in the reverse direction shown by arrow “B” in  FIG. 16 , and, finally, the ironing board  52  is slid back along a reverse direction shown by arrow “A” in  FIG. 16  into its stowed position beneath the worksurface  12 . 
     The worksurface  12  can further comprise a power outlet  53  located anywhere on the worksurface  12 , such as in the backsplash  22 , as illustrated in  FIG. 16 . The power outlet  53  can be used to provide power to any device, including an iron  55  for use with the ironing board  52 . The worksurface  12  can also or alternatively comprising a docking station  59  for a cordless iron  57 , as shown in  FIG. 17 . The docking station  59  can be located anywhere on the worksurface  12 , such as on an iron platform  61  extending laterally from the worksurface  12 , and can provide a place to rest the cordless iron  57  when the cordless iron  57  is not in use. The iron platform  61  can be, for example, fixedly mounted to the worksurface  12  in the extended position of  FIG. 17 , slidably mounted to worksurface  12  such that the iron platform  61  is located below the upper surface of the worksurface  12  when not in use, or pivotally mounted to the worksurface  12  such that the iron platform  61  is oriented generally parallel to the side of the laundry appliance  10  when not in use. The docking station  59  can also be coupled to a source of power, such as the main power supply of the home or a battery, to recharge the cordless iron  57 . 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system having a shelf area  19  in the form of an ironing board  52 , wherein the ironing board  52  has been slid in a direction shown by arrow “A” from a retracted, stored position located within the worksurface  12 , as shown in  FIG. 19 , to an extended, use position located adjacent to the worksurface  12 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the ironing board  52  is mounted to the worksurface  12  via a mounting rack  56 , which includes a set of rails  58 , which allow the slidable movement of the ironing board  52  with respect to the worksurface  12 . In the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the foldable leg  54  described with respect to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16  is not needed because the mounting rack  56  and the rails  58  support the ironing board  52  in cantilevered fashion with respect to the laundry appliances  10  and the worksurface  12 . The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19  further includes the hanging area  18  similar to that of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 . 
     It is also contemplated that, in accordance with the invention, the hanging area  18  can also include additional components to optimize the functionality of the hanging area  18  of the modular laundry system described herein. For example,  FIG. 20  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system, wherein the hanging area  18  provided above the worksurface  12  has a first embodiment of a shelf area  19  comprising an elongated shelf  60  extending the length between the upright members of the hanging area  18 , which are the base rods  32  and the extension rods  40  in the current embodiment.  FIG. 21  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 20 , wherein the hanging area  18  provided above the worksurface  12  has a second embodiment of a shelf area  19  comprising a vertically-spaced arrangement of a plurality of full-length shelves  60  extending the length of the hanging area  18 .  FIG. 22  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 20 , wherein the hanging area  18  provided above the worksurface  12  as a third embodiment of a shelf area  19  comprising at least one full-length shelf  60  and at least one vertically spaced arrangement of a partial-length shelf  62  which can be connected at one end to one of the vertical upright members of the hanging area  18  and at an opposite end by a vertical stile  64 . 
     The provision of at least a portion of the shelving associated with the hanging area  18  allows for garments of a longer length to be hung in the portion of the hanging area  18  not occupied by the shelving  60 ,  62  while optimizing the storage space in the hanging area  18  as well. 
     The worksurface  12  can also be moveable in and of itself. For example,  FIG. 23  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 8 , wherein the worksurface  12  extends across a pair of horizontally-disposed laundry appliances  10 , and a hinge  66  is mounted in a location between the laundry appliances  10  and the underside of the worksurface  12 . The hinge  66  movably mounts the worksurface  12  between a first position located atop or overlying the horizontally-disposed laundry appliances  10  and a second position, as shown in  FIG. 24 , located angularly and forwardly of the horizontally-disposed laundry appliances  10 . A user-graspable handle  68  is provided on the worksurface  12  to assist the user in moving the worksurface  12  between the first position shown in  FIG. 23  and the second position shown in  FIG. 24 . It is within the scope of the invention to employ hinges other than the exemplary hinge  66  of  FIGS. 23 and 24  to movably support the worksurface  12 . 
     The worksurface  12  can also have a laundry-related function built into its interior. For example,  FIG. 25  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 8 , wherein a worksurface  12  comprises a wrinkle removing press  80 , which is shown in a closed position in  FIG. 25 .  FIG. 26  shows the wrinkle removing press  80  being pivoted to an open position, and an article of clothing  82  placed therein. The actual structure and function of the press  80  is well-known and need not be described in detail and would be apparent to one skilled in the art. In general, the press  80  is a clamshell-type device which has a cover  78  that can be opened so that an article of clothing  82  placed between the cover  78  and the body  20  of the worksurface  12 , as shown in  FIG. 26 , and closed, as illustrated by an arrow in  FIG. 27 , so that a laundry-related function, e.g., steaming, pressing, wrinkle removal, etc., can be performed on the clothing  82  placed therein. The worksurface  12  can include a first functional cover  28  on the body  20  to protect the body  20  from the heat generated by the press  80 , and a second functional cover  28  on top of the cover  78  so that another task, such as ironing, can be performed on the worksurface  12 . A user-graspable handle  68  is provided as well to assist the movement of the press  80  between the positions shown in  FIGS. 25-27 .  FIG. 27  shows the wrinkle removing press has been re-pivoted to the closed position to provide a pressing function to the article of clothing  82  placed therein. 
     In addition, a folding function can be provided to the modular laundry system according to the invention. For example,  FIG. 28  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 8 , wherein a pair of clothing-retaining clips  84  are integrated with a worksurface  12  located above a pair of horizontally-disposed laundry appliances  10  to assist a user in folding operations thereon.  FIG. 29  is a fragmentary, perspective view of  FIG. 28  showing the clothing-retaining clips  84  in greater detail. 
     Various embodiments of the hanging area  18  will now be described in further detail.  FIG. 30  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 10 , wherein a worksurface  12  extends across a pair of horizontally-disposed laundry appliances  10 , and a hanging area  18  is associated with the modular laundry system. As opposed to the embodiment of the hanging area  18  shown by example in  FIG. 10 , which supports the hanging area  18  on the worksurface  12 , the hanging area  18  comprises a base rod  32  which stands on a foot  86  on a floor surface. The remaining components  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42  of the hanging area  18  operate in the same manner as described earlier and need not be further described. Resting the base rod  32  on the floor surface (via the foot  86 ) allows for the base rod  32  to occupy a greater vertical length and can therefore telescopingly receive a longer length of the extension rod  40 . As can be seen in  FIG. 31 , this allows for greater vertical adjustability of the extension rod  40  with respect to the base rod  32 . Further, if the base rod  32  is selected so that the upper edge of the base rod  32  is generally aligned with an upper edge of the worksurface  12  (or a backsplash  22  if provided thereon), the extension rod  40  can be received wholly within the base rod  32  so that the elongated central rod  36  and the spacer rods  38  can be lowered adjacent to the worksurface  12  as shown in  FIG. 32 . To accommodate the central rod  36  and the spacer rods  38 , the worksurface  12  includes a peripheral U-shaped recess  87  in register with and sized to receive the central rod  36  and the spacer rods  38  in a flush manner. 
     The adjustability of the elongated central rod  36  via the receipt of the extension rod  40  into the base rod  32  can also assist a user in repositioning the elongated central rod  36  when various obstructions are present in the laundry area in which the modular laundry system resides. For example,  FIG. 33A  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 10 , wherein the worksurface  12  extends across a pair of horizontally-disposed laundry appliances  10  and a hanging area  18  is associated with the modular laundry system and extends through the worksurface  12 , whereby the worksurface  12  provides a base for the hanging area  18 .  FIG. 33B  is a perspective view of the embodiments of the modular laundry system shown in particular in  FIG. 33A , and also with respect to  FIGS. 30-32 , in which the vertical adjustability of the hanging area  18  is shown to be useful when positioning the modular laundry system with respect to existing wall cabinets, shown by example with reference numeral  88 . 
       FIG. 34A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 10 , wherein a worksurface  12  extends across a pair of horizontally-disposed laundry appliances  10 , and a hanging area  18  is associated with the modular laundry system. As opposed to the embodiment of the hanging area  18  shown by example in  FIG. 10 , which extends upward from the worksurface  12 , the hanging area  18  comprises a hanging rod  81  that extends laterally from the worksurface  12 , the hanging rod  81  is slidably mounted to the worksurface  12  through an opening  83  such that the hanging rod  81  can be extended laterally from the worksurface  12 , as shown in  FIG. 34A , for hanging items, such as on a hanger, or retracted into the worksurface  12 , as shown in  FIG. 34B , when not in use. In the illustrated embodiment, the hanging rod  81  is stored within the backsplash  22  when in the retracted position. The hanging rod  81  can be manually moved between the extended and retracted positions, or any type of actuator, such as a push-push type actuator, can be utilized to facilitate movement of the hanging rod  81 . More details of exemplary hanging rods  81  are provided in application Ser. No. 11/322,503, filed concurrently herewith, and titled “Retractable Hanging Element,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Furthermore, it is within the scope of the invention for the hanging rod  81  to be mounted to the worksurface  12  in another manner, such as in a pivotable fashion, and to extend from the worksurface  12  in another direction, such as a forward direction. 
       FIG. 35A  is another embodiment of the modular laundry system, wherein the worksurface  12  extends across a laundry appliance  10  and a single-width hanging area  18  is associated with the modular laundry system of this embodiment. The worksurface  12  is sized to accommodate a backsplash  89  of the laundry appliance  10  and includes a pair of the saddle-bad staging bins  30  arranged on opposite sides of the worksurface  12 . 
       FIG. 35B  is a perspective view of another embodiment similar to that of  FIG. 35A , but the worksurface  12  further comprises a hanger staging area  91 . The hanger staging area  91  comprises a base  93  with a laterally extending flange  97  that can be slid under the laundry appliance  10  or integrally formed with the feet  86  of the hanging area  18  such that the hanger staging area  91  is disposed on one side of the worksurface  12 . A pair of hanger rods  99  project upwardly from the base  93  and are spaced from one another a distance sufficient to support a plurality of hangers  101 . Another embodiment of the hanger staging area  91  is illustrated in  FIG. 35C . The hanger staging area  91  in  FIG. 35C  is supported by one of the staging bins  30  and comprises a pair of support hooks  104  to hang the hanger staging area  91  from the staging bin  30 . The support hooks  104  terminate at a generally triangular shaped open-face hanger container  106  sized to receive a plurality of hangers  101  that can be easily accessed. 
       FIG. 36  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 35A  in which the vertical adjustability of the hanging area  18  is shown to be useful when positioning the modular laundry system with respect to existing wall cabinets  88 . The worksurface  12  is also shown as an embodiment placed across the width of a single laundry appliance  10  and having saddle-bag staging bins  30  attached thereto, useful for organization and presentation of laundry-related items stored therein. 
       FIG. 37A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system in which the worksurface  12  and hanging area  18  are provided on a stand which can rest on a floor surface, and wherein the worksurface  12  and hanging area  18  are shown as, by example, a double-width across a pair of horizontally-disposed laundry appliances  10 . The hanging area  18  rests on a floor surface via a foot  86 , and the extension rod  40  is received within the base rod  32  and held in place by a clamp mount as previously described. In this embodiment, at least one of the base rod  32  and the extension rod  40  extends through an aperture  90  in the worksurface  12 , and the elongated central rod  36  and the extension rods  40  of the hanging area  18  can be raised and lowered relative to the base rods  32  to achieve a desired vertical position of the central rod  36 . Furthermore, the spacer rods  38  are generally triangular shaped and formed by an upper rod  39  and a lower rod  41  that intersect at their front ends and are joined at their rear ends by a vertical rod  43  that receives the extension rod  40 . Items to be hung can be hung on the lower rod  41  of the spacer rod  38  in addition to on the central rod  36 . To facilitate hanging the items on the lower rod  41 , the lower rod  41  can comprise a plurality of notches  37  sized to each receive a hanger. 
       FIG. 37B  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to that of  FIG. 37A , but the worksurface  12  further comprises the hanger storage area  91  in the form of hanger hooks  108  provided on a panel  110  that extends between rear ends of the spacer rods  38 . 
       FIG. 38  shows the embodiment of the modular laundry system in  FIG. 37A  in greater detail in which the worksurface  12  and hanging area  18  are provided on a floor standing stand, and a functional insert  28  provided on the worksurface  12  is reversible to provide for a plurality of functions to be performed on the worksurface  12  depending upon which side of the functional insert  28  of the worksurface  12  is exposed. As can be seen from  FIG. 38 , the feet  86  of the hanging area  18  can be formed as right-angle channels to allow for a portion of the laundry appliance  10  to rest thereon and provide a stabilizing force by sitting on at least a portion of the feet  86 . A cross brace  92  can be provided at a lower rear vertical area of the hanging area  18  which supports the opposing base rods  32  in bearings  94 . The cross brace  92  can assist the hanging area  18  in resisting torque forces applied on the hanging area  18  when a large amount of clothing is hung on the elongated central rod  36  and/or the spacer rods  38  of the hanging area  18  during use of the hanging area  18 . 
       FIG. 39  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to  FIG. 37A , except that the worksurface  12  is adapted to locate a portion of the hanging area  18  directly adjacent to the worksurface  12  when the hanging area  18  is fully retracted and not employed for hanging clothes. In this manner, the central rod  36  and the spacer rods  38 , which, according to the illustrated embodiment, are generally triangular, can be retracted and stored in a flush manner adjacent to the worksurface  12 , thereby providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the modular laundry system. 
       FIG. 40  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system similar to that shown in  FIG. 38  in which a worksurface  12  and hanging area  18  are provided on a freestanding stand and a functional insert  28  of the worksurface  12  is optionally reversible to provide for a plurality of laundry-related functions, and wherein the worksurface  12  is provided with saddle-bag staging bins  30  forming a storage/staging area  16  on the worksurface  12 . The worksurface  12  further includes an elongated aperture  95  positioned and sized to receive a corresponding backsplash  89  of the laundry appliance  10 , as illustrated in  FIG. 41 . When the worksurface  12  is supported by a plurality of laundry appliances  10  and/or modules, such as two of the laundry appliances  10 , the aperture  95  can be sized to accommodate the backsplashes of the plurality of laundry appliances  10  and/or modules. 
       FIG. 41  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the modular laundry system shown in  FIG. 40  in which a single horizontally-disposed laundry appliance  10  is located within a recess created by the feet  86  and the worksurface  12 . The weight of the laundry appliance  10  can transmit a stabilizing force to the hanging area  18  via the feet  86 . Additionally, it can be seen in  FIG. 41  that the staging bins  30  are located beyond a width of the laundry appliance  10 .that is located in the recess created by the feet  86  and the worksurface  12 . 
     As described earlier, the worksurface  12  can be provided as a contiguous integral structure, or as a leaf-type structure having multiple interconnected pieces connected laterally to one another as shown by example in  FIG. 42 .  FIG. 42  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular laundry system in which the worksurface  12  is provided as a leaf-type structure, generally comprised of end structures or pieces  96 , each corresponding generally to the width of a single laundry appliance  10 , and at least one intermediate leaf or piece  98  for extending the overall length of the worksurface  12  to selectively extend across at least two horizontally-disposed laundry appliances  10  and a shelf module  14  and/or third laundry appliance  10  and/or other modules disposed between the horizontally-disposed laundry appliances  10 . Examples of the other modules that can be disposed between the laundry appliances  10  are disclosed in the aforementioned and incorporated modular laundry system and module patent applications. The worksurface  12  can include any suitable number and sizes of the intermediate leafs  98  to achieve a desired longitudinal length (i.e., width) of the worksurface  12 . Furthermore, the worksurface  12  need not incorporate the intermediate leaf  98  when the modular laundry system comprises only the two laundry appliances  10  and the worksurface  12 . It is also within the scope of the invention for the worksurface  12  to comprise any size or number of segments or pieces that can be connected together laterally to form the worksurface  12  and to define the width of the worksurface  12 . 
       FIG. 43  is an exploded, perspective view of the leaf-type worksurface  12  shown in  FIG. 42  in which the interconnection between one of the end structures  96  and either the intermediate leaf  98  or another end structure  96  is shown as an interconnection between mating detents  100  and sockets  102 . Of course, another attachment method can be employed, including, but not limited to, conventional fasteners or other mechanical attachment implements that do not require the use of tools to perform the interconnection and disassembly between adjacent portions of the worksurface  12 . 
     Additionally, it can be seen in  FIG. 43  that the end structures  96  and the intermediate leaf  98  can each comprise a portion of the backsplash  22 , and the portions of the backsplash  22  mate or abut when the end structures  96  and the intermediate leaf  98  are connected together to form the unitary backsplash  22 , as shown in  FIG. 42 . Similarly, the portions of the backsplash  22  can each include a portion of the staging recess  24 , which mate or abut to form the unitary staging recess  24  when the end structures  96  and the intermediate leaf  98  are connected together. 
     As can be seen from  FIGS. 43-44 , the flanges  26  and functional insert  28  of the worksurface  12  can be formed on each of the components of the worksurface  12  (i.e., the end structures  96  and the intermediate leaf  98 ) to perform the functions as described earlier herein. The flanges  26  can be formed on both longitudinal ends of each of the components of the worksurface  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 43 and 44 , or the flanges  26  can be formed only on one longitudinal end of each of the end structures  96  so that the worksurface  12  comprises only two of the flanges  26 , with one flange  26  at each longitudinal end of the worksurface  12 . The functional insert  28  can be formed by a plurality of adjacent individual functional inserts  28 , wherein each of the components of the worksurface  12  has one of the individual functional inserts  28 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 43 and 44 , or the functional insert  28  can be a unitary functional insert that extends across all of the components of the worksurface  12 .  FIG. 44  is an exploded, perspective view of the leaf-type worksurface  12  shown in  FIGS. 42-43 , and wherein the worksurface  12  is shown having a removable and reversible functional inserts  28  on each portion of the worksurface  12  provided thereon.  FIG. 45  is an exploded, perspective view of the leaf-type worksurface  12  shown in  FIGS. 42-44 , wherein the intermediate leaf  98  has been removed to illustrate the interconnectability of the end structures  96  directly to one another. 
     In another embodiment, a shelf module  14  can be arranged adjacent to one of the laundry appliances  10  or between a pair of horizontally arranged laundry appliances  10  and includes at least one shelf mounted therein. For example,  FIG. 46  shows an embodiment of the modular laundry system of  FIG. 1  and arranged in a configuration similar to that shown in  FIG. 4 , wherein a shelf module  14  is disposed between a pair of horizontally arranged laundry appliances  10 , which are both front-loading. The shelf module  14  comprises a pair of shelf assemblies  120 , each having a shelf  122 , which are shown in  FIG. 46  in an extended, use position. Each of the shelf assemblies  120  provides a shelf for one of the laundry appliances  10  and can be moved to the extended, use position independently of one another.  FIG. 47  shows the embodiment of the modular laundry system of  FIG. 46  wherein the shelf assemblies  120  have been retracted to a stored position, located within the shelf module  14  generally in a flush retracted position between the laundry appliances  10 . A user-graspable handle  68  is provided on each shelf assembly  120  to assist the user in moving the respective shelf  122  between the retracted and extended positions. 
     In the extended position of  FIG. 46 , the shelf  122  is in a generally horizontal orientation and, according to one embodiment, is located below a front opening  124  of the corresponding laundry appliance  10 . The shelf assembly  120  in this position can be employed to perform various laundry-related activities thereon. For example, the shelf  122  can support a laundry basket to facilitate loading and unloading of clothes from the laundry appliances  10 . When both of the shelves  122  are in the extended position, as shown in  FIG. 46 , the shelves  122  form a generally continuous horizontal surface so that the laundry basket can be slid from a position in front of one of the laundry appliances  10 , such as a clothes washer, to a position in front of the other of the laundry appliances  10 , such as a dryer. In this fashion, the clothes can easily be transferred from one laundry appliance  10  to another. 
     In the retracted position of  FIG. 47 , the shelf  122  is in a generally vertical orientation and is stored in a non-obstructive fashion within the shelf module  14 , and the shelf assembly  120  frees up area within the area in which the modular laundry system resides. For example, when the shelf assembly  120  is in the stored position of  FIG. 47 , the shelf assembly  120  is out of the path of movement of a pair of lower storage drawers  126  upon which the laundry appliances  10  rest, so that the lower storage drawers  126  can be moved between retracted and extended positions in a manner which would be apparent to one skilled in the art. The lower storage drawers  126  can also be replaced with horizontal modules described in the aforementioned and incorporated modular laundry system and modules applications. 
     Other functional features of the shelf module  14  are also contemplated. For example,  FIG. 48  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the modular laundry system of  FIG. 46  wherein the shelves  122  have been retracted to the stored position, and wherein a hanging post  128  has been extended from the shelf module  14  to a use position. In the extended use position, the hanging post  128  can be used as a rod for hanging clothes thereon. In one embodiment, the hanging post  128  can be an “antenna”-type device which collapses upon itself in discrete segments, so that it takes up very little space within the interior of the shelf module  14 . In another embodiment, the hanging post  128  can be a solid rod member which simply extends and retracts into a chamber within the shelf module  14 . Other embodiments of the hanging post  128  would be apparent to one skilled in the art, and the particular embodiment of the hanging post  128  illustrated in the drawings shall not be interpreted as limiting upon the scope of this invention. More detailed descriptions of the hanging post  128  are presented in the aforementioned and incorporated “Retractable Hanging Element” patent application. 
     Another optional feature of the shelf module  14  of  FIGS. 46-47  is the storage/staging area  16  in the form of a storage drawer  130 .  FIG. 49  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the modular laundry system of  FIGS. 46-47  wherein the shelves  122  have been retracted to the stored position, and wherein the storage drawer  130  has been extended from the shelf module  14  to a use position. The storage drawer can incorporate the hanging rod  128 , as shown in  FIG. 49 , or can be provided without the hanging rod  128 . The storage drawer  130  can be mounted to the shelf module  14  via conventional drawer slides, in a tongue-in-groove manner, or any other known manner by which to slidably mount one component to another to perform slidable movement between the components. The particular examples shown herein shall not be limiting on the scope of this invention. The storage drawer  130  can provide a beneficial storage function for small items used in laundry-related operations, but which can be unsightly when simply strewn about an upper surface of a laundry appliance  10  (such as is typically done with conventional appliances not provided with the system described herein). 
     In addition, the shelf module  14  set forth in  FIGS. 46-47  can also have an additional storage/staging area  16  comprising a convenient well area  132  provided as an open-top recess extending downwardly into an upper surface of the shelf module  14  as seen in  FIGS. 46-49 . The well area  132  can provide an additional staging option to the modular laundry system set forth herein.  FIG. 50  is a perspective view of the shelf module  14  of  FIGS. 46-47  with the shelves  122  located in the retracted position and showing a removable cover  144  which can optionally be employed to selectively close the well area  132  and thereby conceal the contents of the well area  132  of the storage/staging area  16 . 
     The shelf module  14  can also have a hanging area  18 , supplementary to the hanging rod  128  previously described. The hanging area  18  comprises a base  134  which has an extension rod  136  mounted thereto by a conventional mounting member, such as a clamp mount  138 . An upper portion of the extension rod  136  has a spacer bracket  140  mounted thereto. The spacer bracket  140  is generally triangular shaped and is formed by an upper rod  139  and a lower rod  141  that intersect at their front ends and are joined at their rear ends by a vertical rod  143  that receives the extension rod  136 . Items to be hung can be hung on the lower rod  141  of the spacer bracket  140 . To facilitate hanging the items on the lower rod  141 , the lower rod  141  can comprise a plurality of notches  137  sized to each receive a hanger. A centrally-mounted elongated hanging rod  142  which extends laterally from each side of the spacer bracket  140  provides another option for the user to hang clothes in the modular laundry system using the hanging area  18 . Releasing the clamp mount  138  allows the extension rod  136  to be vertically adjusted with respect to the base  134  of the shelf module  14 .  FIG. 51  illustrates the various functionality and adjustability of the shelf module  14  of  FIGS. 46-47  showing the hanging post  128  extended and with phantom lines illustrating the adjustability of the hanging area  18 , which can vertically reposition the hanging rod  142  and the spacer rod  140 . 
     The components of the embodiment of the shelf module  14  shown in  FIGS. 46-47  will be described in detail with respect to  FIGS. 52-53 .  FIG. 52  is an exploded perspective view of a housing  146  for the shelf module  14  of  FIGS. 46-47 .  FIG. 53  is an exploded perspective view of the shelf assemblies  120  for the shelf module  14  of  FIGS. 46-47 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 52 , the housing  146  of the shelf module  14  comprises a pair of sidewalls  148 , which are interconnected at their respective upper and lower ends to an upper wall  150  and a lower wall  152 , respectively. A rear wall  154  forms a rear surface of the housing  146 . The upper, lower and rear walls  150 ,  152  and  154  cooperate to form an open-face chamber in which the shelf assemblies  120  are mounted. The upper wall  150  comprises a top plate  156  having an elongated forward aperture  158  for receipt of the well  132  in drop-in fashion and a rear aperture  160  that mounts the base  134  of the hanging area  18 . The upper wall  156  also has a support plate mounted beneath the top plate  158  and including forward and rearward journals  162  for mounting the hanging post  128 . Alternatively, the journals  162  can be provided as stamped spring members that retain the hanging post  128  thereagainst. The bottom wall  152  comprises a pair of bottom plates  164  mounted in juxtaposed relationship and provided with a plurality of glide feet  166  threadingly mounted thereto. A pair of slide tracks  168  is mounted to an interior surface of the bottom plate assembly  164  to provide for a low-friction method by which the shelf assemblies  120  can be moved between the retracted and the extended positions. A front fascia  170  is mounted to the housing  146  by a mounting bracket  172 . The front fascia  170  provides a flush outer surface for the housing  146  above the shelf assemblies  120  when the shelf assemblies  120  are in the stored position. The front fascia  170  has an aperture therethrough which journals the hanging post  128  therein and provides a flush mounted seat when the hanging post  128  is located in the retracted position. 
     With respect to the shelf assemblies  120  shown in  FIG. 53 , the shelf assemblies  120  each comprise, in this embodiment, a pivotal assembly  174  comprising the shelf  122  pivotally connected to a base  176 . The shelf  122  of each pivot assembly  174  can rotate relative to the base  176  about a generally horizontal axis when the shelf assembly  120  is extended from the interior chamber of the shelf module  14 . The base  176  comprises a clamshell housing  182  having a wheel  184  on an axle  186  located at a lower forward portion of the clamshell housing  182 . The wheel  184  is received on the axle  186  for rotational movement, and the axle  186  is mounted to the lower forward portion of the housing  182  via suitably-size and located bosses in the housing  182 . Preferably, when the wheel  184  is so mounted, it extends beneath a lower surface of the base  176  so that the base  176  can travel over a supporting surface and provide a low-friction method of movement of the base  176 . 
     An upper portion of the housing  182  is provided with a hinge mount  188 , and an exterior side surface of each opposed outer face of each base  176  further comprises a first partial-height channel  190  and a second full-height channel  192  in generally parallel relationship. The partial height channel  190  and the full-height channel  192  each extend downwardly from an upper surface of the base  176 , with the partial-height channel  190  having a vertical height less than the full-height channel  192 . 
     The shelf  122  comprises a top panel  194  having a front fascia  196  attached thereto and forming an aesthetically-pleasing forward face of the shelf  122 . The user-graspable handle  68  is preferably provided on the front fascia  196 . The underside of the top panel  194  has a recess  198  extending inwardly from an interior side surface thereof in general registry with and sized to receive the hinge mount  188  on the base  176 . A damper mount  200  is located adjacent the hinge recess  198  and depends downwardly from the underside of the top panel  194 . Opposite the hinge recess  198  and the damper mount  200  is provided a leg mount  202 . It will be understood that the particular embodiments of the mounts  198 ,  200 ,  202  shown in the drawings are by example only, and other suitable mountings could be substituted therefor without departing from the scope of this invention. 
     A leg assembly  204  is provided for supporting the top panel  194  above a floor surface and comprises a leg  206 , a brace  208  and a damper  210 . An upper end of the brace  208  is pivotally mounted to an upper region of the leg  206 . The damper  210  is a conventionally-known fluid damper, such as the shock absorber/piston-type device shown in  FIG. 53 . 
     The assembly of the shelf module  14  and the shelf assemblies  120  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 52-53 . It will be understood that any suitable attachment method can be employed to attach the components together as described including, but not limited to, conventional fasteners, snap-fit components, detents, and the like. 
     The upper, lower and rear walls  150 ,  152  and  154  are assembled together to form the rectangular housing  146  with an open front. The housing  146  is vertically oriented in that its height is greater than its width. The glide feet  166  are mounted within the bottom plate  164  of the bottom wall  152  to support the shelf module  14  on a floor surface. The hanging post  128  is received within the retainers  162  on the top plate  150  and is passed through the central aperture on the front fascia  170  so that the hanging post  128  can be extended and retracted with respect to its retention on the top wall  152 . The front fascia  170  is mounted to the top wall  152  by the mounting bracket  172 . The well  132  is dropped into place within the forward aperture  158  in the top wall  152 . The base  134  of the hanging area  18  is mounted to the top wall  152 , the extension rod  136  is mounted to the base  134  via the clamp mount  138 , and the spacer bracket  140  is mounted atop the extension rod  136  with the hanging rod  142  attached thereto. 
     To assemble each of the shelf assemblies  120 , the base  176  is assembled by mounting the clamshell housings  182  together with the axle  186  and wheel  184  subassembly located therebetween to rotatably mount the wheel  184  to the housing  182 . The top panel  194  (with the front fascia  196  attached thereto) is attached to the base  176  by inserting the hinge mount  188  into the hinge recess  198  and rotatably mounting it thereto, such as by a hinge rod  212 , which passes generally coaxially though each component to create a rotatable pivot mounting therebetween. An upper end of the leg  206  is pivotally mounted within the leg mount  202  on the underside of the top panel  194 . An upper end of the brace  208  is mounted to the leg  206  adjacent to, but spaced longitudinally from, the upper end of the leg  206 . An opposite end of the brace  208  is mounted within the full-height channel  192  of the base  176 . Opposite ends of the damper  210  are mounted respectively to the damper mount  200  on the underside of the top panel  194  and adjacent to a lower end of the partial-height channel  190  of the base  176 . 
     A pair of shelf assemblies  120  are constructed as described herein and arranged in opposed relationship to one another, and a lower surface of each base  176  rearward of the wheel  184  on each base  176  is mounted upon a corresponding slide  168  located within the interior of the housing  146 . The slides  168  assist the forward and rearward sliding of each base  176  and, thereby, each shelf  122  with respect to the housing  146  as assisted by each wheel  184  on the base  176 . 
     The shelves  122  of the shelf module  14  can be moved individually or simultaneously between the retracted and extended positions. The process of moving one of the shelves  122  is illustrated in  FIGS. 54-56 . When the shelf  122  is in the retracted position of  FIG. 54 , the shelf  122  is received within the housing  146  and is in a generally vertical orientation. 
     To move one of the shelves  122  from the retracted position of  FIG. 54 , the shelf  122  is grasped, such as by the handle  68 , and the shelf assembly  120  is pulled outwardly. During sliding movement of the shelf assembly  120  from the retracted position, the shelf  122  and the base  176  extend beyond the front opening of the housing  146 . At this point, the shelf assembly  120  achieves an intermediate position, as shown in  FIG. 55 , where the shelf  122  is located exteriorly of the housing  146  and is in a generally vertical orientation. 
     Next, the shelf  122  pivots about the hinge mount  188  to the extended use position shown in  FIG. 56 , where the shelf  122  is located exteriorly of the housing and is in a generally horizontal position. Pivotal movement of the shelf  122  relative to the base  176  can be accomplished by gravity acting on the shelf  122 . As the gravity pivots the top panel  194  of the shelf  122 , the leg  206  pivots about the leg mount  202  and drops into a generally vertical position as restricted by the damper  210  acting on the top panel  194 . Once the top panel  194  has dropped from a generally vertical position into a generally horizontal position, the leg  206  supports an outboard end of the top panel  194  as reinforced by the brace  208 . Alternatively, the shelf  122  can be manually pivoted relative to the base  176 . The other shelf  122  is placed in the extended position in the same manner, and when both of the shelves  122  are extended, as shown in  FIG. 46 , the shelves  122  form a generally continuous horizontal surface. 
     When the shelf assemblies  120  are to be returned to the stored position within the shelf module  14 , the user grasps the handles  68  on each front fascia  196  and pivots the shelves  122  upwardly about the hinge mount  188  to the intermediate position, where the shelves  122  are generally vertically oriented. As each top panel  194  approaches the generally vertical orientation, the leg  206  pivots back against the underside of the top panel  194 , and the damper  210  and the brace  208  also pivot vertically and are countersunk within the partial-height channel  190  and the full-height channel  192 , respectively. Then, the shelf assemblies  120  can be pushed rearwardly so that the base  176  travels rearwardly into the front opening of the housing  146  through the action of the slides  168  and the wheels  184 . The shelves  122  are thereby stored in a convenient manner. 
     The modular laundry system shown in  FIGS. 46-47  can further be modified by adding a worksurface  12  across the top of the laundry appliances  10  and the shelf module  14 , similar to the configuration shown in  FIG. 3 . For example, the leaf-type worksurface  12  of  FIG. 42  is especially suited for use with the modular laundry system of  FIGS. 46-47 . The worksurface  12  can be adapted to accommodate the upwardly extending hanging area  18 , or the upwardly extending hanging area  18  can be removed or modified to accommodate the worksurface  12 , such as by being mounted to the rear wall  154  of the housing  146 . Furthermore, the relative arrangement of the laundry appliances  10  and the shelf module  14  can differ from that shown in the figures; the shelf module  14  can be positioned at the far ends of the laundry appliances  10  rather than between the laundry appliances  10  or can be utilized with just one of the laundry appliances  10 . When the shelf module  14  is utilized with just one of the laundry appliances  10 , it is within the scope of the invention for the shelf module  14  to comprise only one of the shelf assemblies  120  or the pair of the shelf assemblies  120 . 
     The modular laundry system according to one embodiment of the invention can be designed to incorporate lighting into the worksurface  12 , such as directly into the worksurface  12  or into the storage/staging area, the hanging area  18 , and/or the shelving area  19 , or into the shelf module  14 . The lighting provides illumination to the laundry area and can replace or supplement lighting already present in the laundry area. The lighting can be general lighting that illuminates a general space in which the modular laundry system resides or task lighting that illuminates a specific area for performing one or more particular tasks. For task lighting, the lighting can comprise conventional white illumination sources or a task-specific illumination source, such as black lights that can be used for detecting spots on clothing items. Examples of worksurfaces  12  that incorporate lighting are illustrated in  FIGS. 57-62 . 
       FIG. 57  shows an embodiment of a worksurface  12  similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 12 , except that the bins  30  are replaced with illumination sources  220 . Each of the illumination sources  220  comprises a base  222  with a rearwardly extending flange  224 . The base  222  is sized for receipt within the staging recess  24  on the backsplash  22 , and when the base  222  is received by the staging recess  24 , the flange  224  hooks over an upper rear surface of the backsplash  22  located behind the staging recess  24  to mount the illumination source  220  to the worksurface  12 . The illumination source  220  further comprises an adjustable neck  226  extending upward from the base  222  and terminating in a light support  228  that supports a source of light (not shown) and directs the light from the light source toward the worksurface  12 . The particular illumination source  220  shown in  FIG. 57  is provided for exemplary purposes only and can be replaced or modified in any suitable manner. For example, the neck  226  can be elongated so that a user can position the light source over a specific location on the worksurface  12 . Additionally, the illumination source  220  can be mounted to an upper surface of the backsplash  22  if the backsplash  22  does not include the staging recess  24 . Alternatively, the illumination source  220  can be mounted to other locations of the worksurface  12 , such as to the staging bins  30  shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  35 A, and  40 . 
       FIG. 58  illustrates another embodiment of a worksurface  12 , which is similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 32 , wherein the lighting is incorporated into the worksurface  12 . In this example, an illumination source  220  in the form of an elongated light  230  is mounted within the backsplash  22  of the worksurface  12 . A switch  232  for controlling operation of the elongated light  230  is located adjacent to the elongated light  230  in the backsplash  22 . 
       FIGS. 59-62  present embodiments of worksurfaces  12  with an associated hanging area  18 , and the lighting is incorporated into the hanging area  18 . For example, in  FIG. 59 , which is similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 37A , the lighting comprises several illumination sources  220  in the forms of horizontal lamps  240  depending from the spacer rods  38  and vertical lamps  242  mounted to the extension rods  40 .  FIG. 60  shows an embodiment similar to that of  FIG. 59 , except that the illumination sources  220  are in the form of a plurality of spotlights  244  mounted along a rear panel  246  that spans between the spacer rods  38 . The spotlights  244  can be individually adjusted, such as by swiveling or pivoting, to direct the light to desired areas of the worksurface  12 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 61 , the illumination sources  220  are in the form of a plurality of vertically spaced lights  248  mounted along the extension rods  40 . The vertically spaced lights  248  of the illustrated embodiment are mounted in a sleeve  249  that surrounds the corresponding extension rod  40 .  FIG. 62  presents an enlarged view of the vertically spaced lights  248  from the embodiment of  FIG. 61 . 
     When the hanging area  18  includes the illumination sources  220 , the adjustable nature of the hanging area  18  can be removed or modified for the type of the illumination sources  220 , or the illumination sources  220  can be removable from the hanging area  18  so that the hanging area  18  can be adjusted or stored when not in use. Additionally, the illumination sources  220  in the hanging areas  18  can be battery powered or powered via a wired connection that can be hidden within the hanging area  18 , such as, for example, by running wires though the extension rods  40 , spacer rods  38 , and central rod  34 . 
     As previously mentioned, the worksurface  12  can be adapted to prevent transference of vibration between the laundry appliance  10  and the worksurface  12  and/or between adjacent laundry appliances  10 . Consequently, the worksurface  12  remains relatively stationary during operation of the laundry appliance  10 , and any items supported by the worksurface  12  will not shake or fall from the worksurface  12  during operation of the laundry appliance  10 . The worksurface  12  can incorporate any suitable means for damping vibration or preventing transference of vibration from the laundry appliance  10  to the worksurface  12 . For example, vibration dampening or isolation pads can be positioned between the worksurface  12  and the laundry appliance  10 . The isolation pads physically space the worksurface  12  from the laundry appliance  10  and can be made of a material that dampens vibrations. Exemplary embodiments of the worksurface  12  incorporating the vibration isolation pads are illustrated in  FIGS. 63-65 . 
       FIG. 63  shows a worksurface  12  similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 6 , except that the worksurface  12  is formed by a unitary body  20 , and the worksurface  12  includes a pair of horizontally juxtaposed isolation pads  250  between a lower surface of the worksurface  12  and the laundry appliances  10 . The isolation pads  250  can be made as a unitary isolation pad rather than separate, if desired. Additionally, the isolation pads  250  can be mounted to the bottom of the worksurface  12  so that the isolation pads  250  move with the worksurface  12  when the worksurface  12  is mounted to or removed from the laundry appliances  10 . Alternatively, the isolation pads  250  can be separate from the worksurface  12 , whereby the isolation pads  250  are mounted to the laundry appliances  10  before the worksurface  12  is positioned on the laundry appliances  10 . The isolation pads  250  are composed of a material that vibrationally isolates the worksurface  12  from the laundry appliances  10 . Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, rubber and polymeric foams. The isolation pads  250  can have any suitable thickness, depending on the material of the isolation pads  250 . For example, the thickness of the isolation pads  250  can range from about one-eighth of an inch to about one inch. 
     Another embodiment of the worksurface  12  with the isolation pad  250  is shown in  FIG. 64 . The worksurface  12  in  FIG. 64  is similar to that shown in  FIG. 37A , except that the worksurface  12  in  FIG. 64  includes a unitary isolation pad  250  positioned below the worksurface body  20 . 
     The vibration dampening and isolation means can alternatively comprise a plurality of relatively smaller isolation pads  250  mounted to the bottom of the worksurface  12 , as illustrated in  FIG. 65 . The isolation pads  250  can be randomly positioned on the bottom of the worksurface  12  or strategically located. In the illustrated embodiment, the isolation pads  250  comprise a first set  252  of the isolation pads  250  in a horizontal orientation along the bottom of the body  20  to prevent transfer of vibration from the tops of the laundry appliances  10  to the worksurface  12 , a second set  254  of the isolation pads in a generally vertical orientation along the depending flanges  26  to prevent transfer of vibration from the sides of the laundry appliances  10  to the worksurface  12 , and a third set  256  of the isolation pads  250  in a generally vertical orientation and located centrally on the body  20  such that the isolation pads  250  of the third set  256  reside between the adjacent laundry appliances  10  that support the worksurface  12  to prevent transference of vibration therebetween. 
     Rather than utilizing the isolation pads  250 , the worksurface  12  can be made such that natural resonating frequency of the worksurface  12  is a frequency that is quickly passed through during a spin operation of the laundry appliance  10  in the form of a clothes washer yet greater than the frequencies at which the laundry appliance  10  in the form of a clothes dryer operates. The natural resonating frequency of the worksurface  12  can be tailored by altering the mass of the worksurface  12 , such as by altering the thickness of the body  20  or adding counterweights. 
     To add stability to the modular laundry system, the worksurface  12  can be attached to the laundry appliance  10  to create a physically interconnected structure. For example, the worksurface  12  and the laundry appliance  10  can be connected by interlocking components, such as a socket and detent, fasteners, or adhesives. The worksurface  12  and the laundry appliance  10  can also be joined together with a joining process, such as welding. 
     Many embodiments of the worksurface  12  have been described above and shown in the drawings. Several of these embodiments of the worksurface  12  include a functional element configured to provide an associated functionality. Examples of the functional elements include the hanging area  18 , the storage/staging area  16 , the shelving area  19 , which includes the ironing board  52 , the wrinkle removing press  80 , the illumination source  220 , the vibration isolation pads  250 , the hinge  66 , the power outlet  53 , and the iron docking station  59  on the iron platform  61 . While the functional elements can be provided in any suitable location on the worksurface  12 , the functional elements in the illustrated embodiments have been shown as being located or accessed either along a perimeter of the worksurface  12  or below the upper surface of the worksurface  12  so that the functional element does not interfere with the portion of the upper surface of the worksurface  12  that the user would typically employ for performing functions or tasks. As shown in  FIG. 66 , the perimeter of the worksurface  12  defines a front  280 , a back  282 , and opposite sides  284 . In the illustration of  FIG. 66 , the backsplash  22  is located at the back  282  of the perimeter. The upper surface of the worksurface is identified with the reference numeral  286  in  FIG. 66 . The upper surface  286  is formed by the uppermost surface of the worksurface  12 . For example, the upper surface  286  can be defined by the upper surface of the functional insert  28  when the worksurface  12  comprises the functional insert  28 , the upper surface of the cover  78  of the wrinkle removing press  80 , or the upper surface of the body  20 . 
     Examples of some of the functional elements provided on or accessed from the perimeter in the previously described embodiments include the staging recess  24  formed at the back  282  in the backsplash  22  (e.g.,  FIG. 6 ), the staging bins  30  at the opposite sides  284  (e.g.,  FIGS. 7 and 35 ), the hanging area located at the back  282  (e.g.,  FIGS. 10 ,  30 ,  37 A,  41 ), the staging wells  44  located at the back  282  in the staging recess  24  (e.g.,  FIG. 12 ), the radio module  45  located at the back  282  in the staging recess  24  (e.g.,  FIG. 13 ), the shelving area  19  in the form of the ironing board  52  accessible through the front  280  (e.g.,  FIGS. 16 and 18 ), the power outlet  53  provided at the back  282  in the backsplash  22  (e.g.,  FIG. 16 ), the iron docking station  59  located at one of the opposite sides  284  (e.g.,  FIG. 17 ), the shelving area  19  located at the back  282  and mounted to the hanging area  18  at the back  282  (e.g.,  FIGS. 20-22 ), the clothing-retaining clips  84  located at the front  280  (e.g.,  FIG. 28 ), the hanging area  18  extending laterally from one of the opposite sides  284  (e.g.,  FIG. 34A ), the hanger staging area  91  located at one of the opposite sides  284  (e.g.,  FIG. 35C ), the hanger staging area  91  located at the back  282  and mounted to the hanging area  18  at the back  282  (e.g.,  FIG. 37B ), the illumination source  220  provided at the back  282  on the backsplash  22  (e.g.,  FIGS. 57 and 58 ), and the illumination source  220  provided at the back  282  on the hanging area  18  at the back  282  (e.g.,  FIGS. 59-61 ). 
     Examples of some of the functional elements provided below the upper surface  286  of the worksurface  12  in the previously described embodiments include the shelving area  19  in the form of the ironing board  52  stored below the upper surface  286  when not in use (e.g.,  FIGS. 16 and 18 ), the hinge  66  for moving the worksurface  12  relative to the laundry appliances  10  (e.g.,  FIG. 24 ), the wrinkle removing press  80  (e.g.,  FIG. 25 ), and the vibration isolation pads  250  located below the upper surface  286  (e.g.,  FIGS. 63-65 ). 
     In addition to the current application, the modular laundry system is also described in the following related applications: application Ser. No. 11/323,220, filed concurrently herewith, and titled “Modular Laundry System with Work Surface,” application Ser. No. 11/322,773, filed concurrently herewith, and titled “Modular Laundry System with Segmented Work Surface,” application Ser. No. 11/322,741, filed concurrently herewith, and titled “Modular Laundry System with Work Surface Having a Functional Insert,” and application Ser. No. 11/322,740, filed concurrently herewith, and titled “Modular Laundry System with Work Surface Having a Functional Element,” which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     As can be seen from the numerous embodiments of this invention, a modular laundry system having an integrated worksurface  12  and/or an optional shelf module  14  can have beneficial effects on a user&#39;s ability to organize the workspace surrounding one or more laundry appliances  10 . 
     While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation, and the scope of the appended claims should be construed as broadly as the prior art will permit.