Patent Publication Number: US-11390982-B1

Title: Portable washer and dryer

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/802,272, entitled “PORTABLE WASHER AND DRYER,” filed Feb. 7, 2019. The disclosure of the foregoing application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The conventional washing machine and dryer are relatively large appliances. Each unit typically includes a rotating drum driven by an electric motor. The rotating drum provides a tumbling action for washing as well as for drying the clothes. The drying unit can also include an electrical heat source which produces hot air that passes over the clothes as the drum rotates. Such conventional appliances are usually permanently installed in a building and generally require a large amount of electricity to operate. These conventional appliances usually serve the purpose when large loads of clothing items are required to be washed and/or dried, as in typical households. 
     SUMMARY 
     This specification describes a portable apparatus for washing and drying clothes. This specification further describes a method of manufacturing a portable apparatus for washing and drying clothes. 
     In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in an apparatus for washing and drying clothes that includes a washing unit and a drying unit. The washing unit includes a washer top end and a washer bottom end, the washer top end including a securable cover that selectively covers and exposes an opening, a washing compartment having an inner layer extending between the top washer end to the bottom washer end of the washing unit, the inner layer including a plurality of washing grooves, the washing compartment configured to be collapsible, a water tube connected from the top washer end to the bottom washer end of the washing unit, a water hose extending from a side wall of the washing unit at a location that is closer to the top washer end than the bottom washer end of the washing unit, and a wringer coupled to an end of the washing compartment that is closer to the bottom washer end of the washing unit than the top washer end of the washing unit. The drying unit is coupled to the washing unit, the drying unit includes a top dryer end and a bottom dryer end, a first dryer side wall and a second dryer side wall, wherein the washing unit is configured to be coupled to the first dryer side wall of the drying unit, a drying compartment extending between a lower side of the top dryer end to an upper side of the bottom dryer end of the drying unit, a power compartment at the bottom dryer end and coupled to the drying compartment, a fan assembly at the top dryer end and coupled to the drying compartment, a heating assembly coupled to the second dryer side wall of the drying unit, and an air vent located in the second dryer side wall of the drying unit. 
     These and other aspects can each optionally include one or more of the following features. 
     In some implementations, a washer blade assembly is coupled to the washing compartment and connected to the top end and bottom end of the washing unit. In some implementations, the washer blade assembly includes a connector; a first washer blade, and a second washer blade operably coupled to the first washer blade via the connector. In some implementations, the washer blade assembly is made of a bendable material and configured to reduce size when a pressure is applied. 
     In some implementations, the heating assembly includes a plurality of heating bulbs. In some implementations, the drying unit further includes a drying baffle located in the drying compartment. 
     In some implementations, the power compartment includes at least one DC motor. In some implementations, the power compartment houses at least one DC motor and an AC/DC converter. In some implementations, the AC/DC converter is electrically connected to the heating assembly, DC motor, and fan assembly. 
     In some implementations, the washing unit further includes an air release device. In some implementations, the air release device includes an air release string configured to release air from the washing compartment after a user pulls the air release device outward from an air release receptacle. In some implementations, the fan assembly includes two or more fans. 
     In some implementations, a strap connected to the top end of the drying unit. In some implementations, the strap connected to the top end of the drying unit by a first connector and a second connector. In some implementations, the strap is adjustable for different lengths. 
     In some implementations, the washing compartment is configured to hold at least two gallons of water. 
     In some implementations, the water hose includes a water hose connector. In some implementations, the water hose connector is configured to connect to the threads of a resealable screw-top container. In some implementations, the water hose connector is adjustable to connect to a plurality of water sources. 
     In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a method of manufacturing a portable apparatus for washing and drying clothes including connecting a securable cover that selectively shields and exposes an opening to a top washer end of a washing unit, inserting, into the washing unit, a washing compartment having an inner layer between the top washer end and a bottom end of the washing unit, the inner layer including a plurality of washing grooves, the washing compartment configured to be collapsible, connecting a water tube from the top end to the bottom end of the washing unit, connecting a water hose extending from a first side wall of the washing unit at a location that is closer to the top washer end than the bottom washer end of the washing unit, connecting a wringer to an end of the washing compartment that is closer to the bottom washer end of the washing unit than the top washer end of the washing unit, connecting a top dryer end and a bottom dryer end to a first dryer side wall of a drying unit, connecting a top dryer end and a bottom dryer end to a second side wall of the drying unit, inserting, into the drying unit, a drying compartment to a lower side of the top dryer end and an upper side of the bottom dryer end, connecting a power compartment at the bottom dryer end of the drying unit, connecting a fan assembly at the top dryer end of the drying unit, connecting a heating assembly to the second dryer side wall of the drying unit, and connecting an air vent to the second dryer side wall of the drying unit. 
     Some implementations include one or more of the following features. In some implementations, the method further includes connecting a second side wall of the washing unit to the first dryer side wall of the drying unit. 
     Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented to realize one or more of the following advantages. Utilizing a portable apparatus for washing and drying clothes that can be easily transportable allows a user, such as a traveler, the ability to wash and/or dry clothes quickly, without having to find washer and/or dryer appliances while traveling. 
     The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a cross sectional view of an example portable apparatus for washing and drying articles of clothing. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of an example portable apparatus for washing and drying articles of clothing. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a cross sectional view of an example environment of washing an article of clothing with an example washing unit. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an example environment of using an example washing unit for washing articles of clothing. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an in use cross sectional view of an example washing unit. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an in use cross sectional view of an example washing unit. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional view of an example drying unit. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an in use cross sectional view of an example drying unit. 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram of electrical components for an example drying unit. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a cross sectional view of an example drying unit. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a cross sectional view of an example drying unit. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a cross sectional view of an example washing unit. 
         FIG. 13  is a flow diagram describing a process for manufacturing a portable apparatus for washing and drying clothes. 
     
    
    
     Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     People that travel, either for business or leisure, generally may not have access to washing appliances. However, they may still wish to wash and dry their clothes while they are away from their homes. The size of the laundry load is normally relatively small for travelers because there are only limited number of garments that are needed to be washed and/or dried. One option is to wash clothes by hand which can be very burdensome. Some places do offer laundry services for people that travel, but these can be cost prohibitive. Thus, people would appreciate a portable device which could be used for washing and drying clothes at an airport, bus stop, and the like. A portable washing and drying device can also be appreciated by mobile homes owners, studio apartments, or the like, which may not have dedicated laundry space to install large conventional washing and laundry appliances. 
     This document describes a portable apparatus for washing and/or drying clothes. This document further describes a method of manufacturing the portable apparatus for washing and drying clothes. 
     Many aspects of the subject matter described herein can be better understood with the references made to the drawings below. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the components of the present invention. Moreover, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts through the several views in the drawings. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a cross sectional view of an example portable apparatus  100  for washing and drying articles of clothing. The apparatus  100 , as shown, includes a washing unit  102  coupled to a drying unit  104 . In some implementations, the apparatus  100  can include only the washing unit  102 , only the drying unit  104 , or the washing unit  102  and the drying unit  104  as separate and uncoupled units. For example the drying unit  104  and the washing unit  102  could be two separate devices, used to wash and/or dry articles of clothing separately, but then can be configured to be connected together by brackets, or other connecting means, in order to be easily transported, like a suitcase or bag, as shown in  FIG. 2 . In some implementations, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a second side wall  173  of the washing unit  102  is coupled to the first side wall  163  of the drying unit  104 . 
     The washing unit  102  has a top end  103 , a bottom end  105 , a first side wall  172 , and a second side wall  173 . The washing unit  102  includes an opening  106  that can be covered by a securable top  107  at the top end  103 , and a wringer  115  at the bottom end  105 . The washing unit  102  includes a washing compartment  110  that has an inner wall  117  extending between the top end  103  to the bottom end  105  of the washing unit  102 . 
     According to some embodiments, the inner wall  117  includes a plurality of washing grooves  111 . The washing grooves  111  provide a rutted surface such that articles of clothing, when pressure is applied, can be scrubbed and washed as they are rubbed against the washing grooves  111 . Alternatively, the washing grooves  111  may be incorporated as a particular material of the inner wall  117  in the washing compartment  110 . For example, the material could be a flexible plastic that is coarse, or includes several bumps or grooves that would also scrub an article of clothing when pressure is applied. 
     The washing unit  102  includes a water tube  119  and a water hose  170  connected to the water tube  119  near the top end  103  coupled to the first side wall  172 . As shown, the water tube  119  is outside of the washing compartment  110  and extends from the top end  103  to the bottom end  105  of the washing unit  102 . The water tube  119  is configured to supply water to and from the washing compartment  110 . The water hose  170  is used to supply clean water to the washing unit  102  (e.g., as shown and further described with reference to  FIG. 3 ). Additionally, when the washing unit is turned upside down, the water hose  170  is used to empty water in the washing unit (e.g., as shown and further described with reference to  FIG. 6 ). 
     The water hose  170  can include a water hose connector  171  that is configured to connect to threads of a sink or faucet. Additionally, or alternatively, the water hose connector  171  can be configured to connect to threads of an extension hose (not shown) that allows a user more flexibility to attach the water hose  170  to a sink or water source further away. 
     In some implementations, the water hose connector  171  is configured to connect to threads of a resealable screw-top container. For example, a 2-liter bottle can be screwed to the water hose connector and be used for filling up the water tube  119  and/or the washing compartment  110 . Additionally, or alternatively, the dirty water after washing the articles of clothing can be emptied into an empty 2-liter bottle. When connected to a resealable screw-top container, spillage of water, especially the dirty and soapy water after washing cycle, can be reduced. 
     The washing compartment  110  further includes a washer blade assembly  116  that extends between the top end  103  and the bottom end  105  of the washing unit  102 . The washer blade assembly  116  includes a first washer blade  112  and a second washer blade  114  coupled to the first washer blade by a connector  113 . In some implementations, the washer blade assembly  116  is made of a collapsible material that allows the washer blade assembly  116  to collapse when squeezed or compressed by a user. The collapsible material can be foam, a sponge-like material, or some types of compressible plastic. Materials such as HDPE, PVA compound sponges, paper or cardboard wicks or filters, or even fabric material may be used. Alternatively, the washer blade assembly  116  can be made of a more rigid material that would not collapse when squeezed by a user. 
     In some implementations, the washer blade assembly  116  is a fixed component (e.g., not designed to rotate about an axis). When the washer blade assembly  116  is a fixed component, the user can move articles of clothing around the washer blade assembly  116  rather than rotating the washer blade assembly  116  itself. 
     Alternatively, the washer blade assembly  116  can be a rotatable component that is capable of being rotated about an axis (e.g., a vertical axis) that extends through the top end  103  and the bottom end  105 . When the washer blade assembly  116  is a rotatable component, the articles of clothing can be scrubbed and washed, by both of the washer blade assembly  116  and the washing grooves  111 , as the user grabs and squeezes the washing compartment. More specifically, when the users grabs and squeezes the washing component, the articles of clothing are moved around the washer blade assembly  116  creating a scrubbing action. This will be further described herein with reference to  FIG. 4 . These and other features and processes of using the washing unit  102  as described in  FIG. 1  are further described below with reference to  FIGS. 3-6 . 
     The drying unit  104  has a top end  161 , a bottom end  162 , a first side wall  163 , and a second side wall  164 . As shown, the washing unit  102  is coupled to the first side wall  163  of the drying unit  104 . The drying unit  104  includes a fan compartment  140  at the top end  161 , a power compartment  120  at the bottom end  162 , and a heating assembly  135  and an air vent  138  coupled to the second side wall  164 . However, the specific locations of these components can be different than the specific configuration shown in  FIG. 1 . In other words, different configurations can be used for the locations of the fan compartment  140 , power compartment  120 , heating assembly  135 , the air vent  138 , and so forth. 
     The drying unit  104  includes a heating compartment  130  extending between a lower side of the top end  161  and an upper side of the bottom end  162 . In some implementations, the drying unit  104  includes a drying baffle  132  located in the heating compartment  130 . The drying baffle  132  is configured to rotate about an axis  133  that extends between a center of the lower side of the top end  161  and a center of the upper side of the bottom end  162 . The rotation of the baffle provides a function of tumbling articles of clothing to aide in a drying process. 
     In some implementations, the drying unit  104  includes heating assembly  135  that includes heating bulbs  136 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the drying unit  104  includes a power switch  150  coupled to the heating assembly  135 . Alternatively, the power switch  150  can be located anywhere accessible by a user on the outside of the drying unit  104 , or connected to the drying unit  104  by a power cord. The power switch  150  can be provided in many different forms, such as a toggle switch, electronic push button, heat-sensitive button, slide switch, and so on. 
     In some implementations, the drying baffle  132  is powered by a direct current (DC) motor  122  housed in the power compartment  120 . As shown, the power compartment  120  includes the DC motor  122  and an AC/DC converter  124 . The AC/DC converter  124  is configured to be connected to a standard AC power source (e.g., 120 volts at 60 Hz frequency) by the electrical cable  126  and plug adapter  127 . The AC/DC converter  124  can also supply power to the heating assembly  135  and fan compartment  140 . Alternatively, the power compartment  120  could include a DC battery in lieu of, or in addition to, the AC/DC converter  124 . For example, the DC battery can be a rechargeable battery that can be charged by the standard AC power source. Other self-contained power sources that can be used include alkaline batteries, lead acid batteries, solar power cells, Ni-Cad batteries, lithium batteries, or the like. The electrical components of the drying unit  104  are further described herein with reference to  FIG. 9 . 
     The fan compartment  140  includes a fan assembly  142 . The fan assembly  142  includes fans  144 ,  146 , and  148 . Alternatively, the fan assembly  142  can include a different number of fans, or even one fan. The fan assembly  142  is configured to rotate about an axis  141  (e.g., a horizontal axis) extending between the first side wall  163  and the second side wall  164  of the drying unit  104 , and circulate air within the drying unit  104  during operation. The circulated air is vented through the air vent  138 . The operation of the fan assembly  142  and the air circulation within the drying unit  104 , is further described herein with reference to  FIGS. 7-8 . These and other features and processes of using the drying unit  104  as described in  FIG. 1  are further described below with reference to  FIGS. 7-11 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the example portable apparatus  100  for washing and drying articles of clothing. As shown, the exterior of the portable apparatus  100  includes the washing unit  102  coupled to the drying unit  104 . The exterior of the washing unit  102  is a washer bag pouch  202 . As described herein, a flexible washer bag pouch  202  is used, as opposed to a hard surface, so that a user can squeeze and manipulate articles of clothing located within the washing unit  102  during a washing operation as described herein with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
     The exterior of the drying unit  104  includes a top exterior portion  204 , a middle exterior portion  206 , and a bottom exterior portion  208 . The exterior portions  204 ,  206 , and  208  may be made of suitable high strength materials to withstand forces and stresses imparted from various angles and positions during the drying operation of the apparatus  100  and as the apparatus  100  travels through different conditions. The selected material may further be lightweight so that the apparatus  100  may still be easily transportable. In some embodiments, the exterior portions  204 ,  206 , and  208  may be made of carbon fiber materials. 
     In some embodiments, and as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the portable apparatus  100  includes a carrying strap  212  attached to the top exterior portion  204  of the drying unit  104  by fasteners  214  and  216 . Additionally, or alternatively, the portable apparatus  100  includes a handle. Alternatively, the portable apparatus  100  includes an adjustable telescoping handle at the top exterior portion  204  and wheels at the bottom exterior portion  208 , and operates similar to a suitcase. 
     The features and processes of using the washing unit  102  as described in  FIG. 1  are now described below with reference to  FIGS. 3-6 . 
       FIG. 3  is an example illustration  300  an article of clothing being washed with an example washing unit, such as washing unit  102 . In particular the item  320  is placed by a user into the washing compartment  110  through the opening  106  by opening the top  107 . Then a user can initiate the washing process by adding water  304  to the washing compartment of the washing unit  102 . Additionally, a user can optionally add detergent through the opening  106  when the user placed item  320  in the washing unit  102 . The amount of water can vary since the washing compartment  110  does not need to be filled completely. In some embodiments, a user may be instructed to fill the washing compartment  110  half full (or some other appropriate level). For example, the washing compartment  110  may be configured to hold four liters, thus, a user can use a standard 2-liter bottle to correctly fill the washing compartment  110  half full of water. Alternatively, the washing compartment  110  may be configured to hold two liters, thus, a user can use a standard 1-liter bottle. 
     When the user is ready to scrub the clothes by squeezing on the washer bag pouch  202  of the washing unit  102 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , air pressure may need to be reduced. To reduce the air pressure, the washing unit  102  includes air release device  308  (also considered a plug) to reduce the air pressure to allow the washer bag pouch  202  to shrink around the articles of clothing. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the air release device  308  has been pulled out of the air release receptacle  306 , so that air can be released out of the washing compartment  110 . The air release device can stay connected to the air release receptacle  306  by the air release string  307  to reduce the chance a user may lose the air release device  308 . Alternatively, other types of plugs or air release devices may be utilized to reduce the air pressure. 
       FIG. 4  is an example illustration  400  of using an example washing unit, such as washing unit  102 , for washing articles of clothing. As shown, the user has released the air pressure and is squeezing or compressing the washer bag pouch  202  by the user&#39;s hands  402 . Assuming clothing is inside the washing unit  102 , the clothing is being scrubbed against the inner wall  117  of the washing compartment  110  because of the squeezing or compression. If this particular washing unit  102  includes a washer blade assembly  116 , then it can be assumed the washer blade assembly is made of a flexible material, as discussed previously, allowing the washer blade assembly  116  to be compressed with the user&#39;s actions. Additionally, or alternatively, if the inner wall  117  includes the plurality of washing grooves  111 , as the user&#39;s hands  402  compress the washer bag pouch  202 , the articles of clothing are being scrubbed with each compression as the washing grooves  111  are placed in contact with the clothing. 
       FIG. 5  is an example illustration  500  an example washing unit, such as washing unit  102 , being used for washing articles of clothing. In particular, the illustration  500  shows item  320  being removed from the washing compartment  110  of the washing unit  102  through opening  106 . As shown, the securable top  107  is in an open position so the user can remove and/or add clothes to the washing compartment  110 . It should be assumed that the illustration  500  is depicting the washing unit  102  and item  320  following a user compressing the washer bag pouch  202 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , to scrub and wash item  320 . Thus, the illustration  500  of  FIG. 5  depicts a user removing a saturated article of clothing in order to prepare for the next step of squeegeeing out the water and removing the dirty and/or soapy water. Squeegeeing out the water can be performed using the wringer  115 , as will be further described below with reference to  FIG. 6 . Additionally, or alternatively, the squeegeeing can be done manually by the user to remove as much water from the item  320  as possible. 
       FIG. 6  is an example illustration of a cross sectional view of an example washing unit, such as washing unit  102 , for washing articles of clothing. In particular,  FIG. 6  illustrates squeegeeing out water from item  320  using the wringer  115 , and draining the dirty and/or soapy water out of the washing compartment. It should be noted that the washing unit  102  is now flipped over 180° in order to drain the water. The water hose  170  is at the bottom to release the water, and the wringer  115  is at the top of the washing unit. The wringer  115  includes a turning handle  610 . The turning handle  610  can be cranked or turned by a user to operate the wringer  115  as a person feeds the item  320  into the wringer  115 . As shown, water is squeegeed out of the item  320  into the washing compartment  110 . A user can drain the water in the washing compartment  110  through the water hose  170  and into a sink  602 . Alternatively, a user can drain the water into a screw-top container and either dispose of the container, or dump the water to a suitable place for dumping dirty and/or soapy water, such as a sink, toilet, outside ground, and the like. Additionally, a user could attach an extension hose to the water hose  170  via the water hose connector  171  to extend the reach of the water hose  170  to avoid spillage. 
     The features and processes of using the drying unit  104  as described in  FIG. 1  are now described below with reference to  FIGS. 7-11 . 
       FIG. 7  is an example illustration  700  of an example drying unit, such as drying unit  104 , for drying articles of clothing. In particular, the illustration  700  depicts the different air flows created by some of the components in the heating unit  104 , such as the heating assembly  135 , the fan assembly  142 , and the air vent  138 . For example, heating air flows  702  are created by the heating bulbs  136  in the heating assembly  135 , and heating air flows  702  are dispersed throughout the heating compartment  130 . Air flows  704  are propagated throughout the heating compartment  130  by the fan assembly  142 . Exit air flows  706  are vented out of the heating compartment  130  through the vent  138 . 
       FIG. 8  is an illustration  800  an example drying unit, such as drying unit  104 , for drying articles of clothing. In particular, the illustration  800  depicts a different cross sectional perspective than the illustration  700  in order to show how the heat air flows  702  created by the heating bulb  136  are dispersed throughout the heating compartment  130 . In some implementations, a baffle, such as drying baffle  132 , although not shown in  FIG. 8 , is used to circulate the clothes, such as item  320 , throughout the heating compartment  130 . Alternatively, a baffle is not used, and the clothes are dried by the air flows  704 , and heating air flows  702 . 
       FIG. 9  is a block diagram of electrical components for an example drying unit  900 , such as drying unit  104 , for drying articles of clothing. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the drying unit  900  includes the AC/DC converter  124  connected to AC power source  902 . The AC/DC converter converts AC power from AC power source  902  to DC power. The AC/DC converter  124  provides DC power to the DC motor  122 , where both the AC/DC converter  124  and the DC motor  122  are housed within the power compartment  120 . The AC/DC converter  124  further provides DC power to the heating assembly  135  and the fan assembly  142 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a cross sectional view of an example drying unit  1004  for drying articles of clothing. In particular,  FIG. 10  shows a bottom portion of drying unit  1004  with power compartment  1020  and air vent  1038 . Drying unit  1004  is similar to drying unit  104  as described in  FIG. 1 , however, drying unit  1004  does not including a heating assembly. Thus, during operation, articles of clothing would be dried by a fan assembly (not shown) circulating the air and being vented through the air vent  1038  to air dry the articles of clothing. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a cross sectional view of an example drying unit  1104  for drying articles of clothing. In particular,  FIG. 11  shows a bottom portion of drying unit  1104  with power compartment  1120 , air vent  1138 , and heating assembly  1135 . Drying unit  1104  is similar to drying unit  104  as described above, however, drying unit  1104  does not include a baffle for a function of tumbling articles of clothing. Thus, during operation, drying unit  1104  relies on the air flows from the air vent  1138 , heating assembly  1135 , and the fan assembly (not shown) to dry the articles of clothing. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a cross sectional view of an example washing unit  1202  for washing articles of clothing. In particular, washing unit  1202  is shown with top end  1203  with a sealable lid  1207  configured to be opened and closed by a user. In this exemplary embodiment, the entire lid  1207  can be removed. For example, the lid  1207  can be twisted off along groves on the top end  1203  of the washing unit  1202  (not shown). Additionally, or alternatively, the lid  1207  can be opened by a hinge (not shown). 
       FIG. 13  is a flow diagram describing a process  1300  for manufacturing a portable apparatus for washing and drying clothes. The process  1300  includes connecting a securable cover that selectively shields and exposes an opening to a top washer end of a washing unit ( 1302 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , securable top  107  is connected to the top end  103  of the washing unit  102 . 
     The process  1300  further includes inserting, into the washing unit, a washing compartment having an inner layer between the top washer end and a bottom end of the washing unit, ( 1304 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the washing unit  102  includes a washing compartment  110  that has an inner wall  17  extending between the top end  103  to the bottom end  105  of the washing unit  102 . In some implementations, the inner layer includes a plurality of washing grooves. For example, the inner wall  117  includes a plurality of washing grooves  111  that provide a rutted surface such that articles of clothing, when pressure is applied, can be scrubbed and washed as they are rubbed against the washing grooves  111 . In some implementations, the washing compartment configured to be collapsible. For example, the components in the washing unit  102  can be made of a collapsible material that allows the components to collapse when squeezed or compressed by a user. The collapsible material can be foam, a sponge-like material, or some types of compressible plastic. 
     The process  1300  further includes connecting a water tube from the top end to the bottom end of the washing unit ( 1306 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the washing unit  102  includes a water tube  119  and a water hose  170  connected to the water tube  119  near the top end  103  of the washing unit  102 . In some implementations, the water tube  119  is outside of the washing compartment  110  and extends from the top end  103  to the bottom end  105  of the washing unit  102 . In some implementations, the water tube  119  is configured to supply water to and from the washing compartment  110 . 
     The process  1300  further includes connecting a water hose extending from a first side wall of the washing unit at a location that is closer to the top washer end than the bottom washer end of the washing unit ( 1308 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the washing unit  102  includes a first side wall  172  and a second side wall  173 , where a water hose  170  can be connected to the water tube  119  near the top end  103  and coupled to the first side wall  172  of the washing unit  102 . The water hose  170  is used to supply clean water to the washing unit  102  (e.g., as shown and further described with reference to  FIG. 3 ). In some implementations, when the washing unit is turned upside down, the water hose  170  is used to empty water in the washing unit (e.g., as shown and further described with reference to  FIG. 6 ). In some implementations, the water hose  170  can include a water hose connector  171  that is configured to connect to threads of a sink or faucet. Additionally, or alternatively, the water hose connector  171  can be configured to connect to threads of an extension hose (not shown) that allows a user more flexibility to attach the water hose  170  to a sink or water source further away. 
     The process  1300  further includes connecting a wringer to an end of the washing compartment that is closer to the bottom washer end of the washing unit than the top washer end of the washing unit ( 1310 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the washing unit  102  includes a wringer  115  near the bottom end  105  of the washing unit  102 . In particular,  FIG. 6  illustrates squeegeeing out water from item  320  using the wringer  115 , and draining the dirty and/or soapy water out of the washing compartment. It should be noted that the washing unit  102  is now flipped over 180° in order to drain the water. In some implementations, the water hose  170  is at the bottom to release the water, and the wringer  115  is at the top of the washing unit. In some implementations, the wringer  115  includes a turning handle  610 . For example, the turning handle  610  can be cranked or turned by a user to operate the wringer  115  as a person feeds the item  320  into the wringer  115 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , water is squeegeed out of the item  320  into the washing compartment  110 . 
     The process  1300  further includes connecting a top dryer end and a bottom dryer end to a first dryer side wall of a drying unit ( 1312 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the drying unit  104  has a top end  161 , a bottom end  162 , a first side wall  163 , and a second side wall  164 . 
     The process  1300  further includes connecting a top dryer end and a bottom dryer end to a second side wall of the drying unit ( 1314 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the drying unit  104  has a top end  161 , a bottom end  162 , a first side wall  163 , and a second side wall  164 . 
     The process  1300  further includes inserting, into the drying unit, a drying compartment to a lower side of the top dryer end and an upper side of the bottom dryer end ( 1316 ). The drying unit  104  includes a heating compartment  130  extending between a lower side of the top end  161  and an upper side of the bottom end  162 . In some implementations, the drying unit  104  includes a drying baffle  132  located in the heating compartment  130 . The drying baffle  132  is configured to rotate about an axis  133  that extends between a center of the lower side of the top end  161  and a center of the upper side of the bottom end  162 . The rotation of the baffle provides a function of tumbling articles of clothing to aide in a drying process. 
     The process  1300  further includes connecting a power compartment at the bottom dryer end of the drying unit ( 1318 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the power compartment  120  is located at the bottom end  162  of the drying unit  104 . In some implementations, the power compartment  120  includes the DC motor  122  and an AC/DC converter  124 . The AC/DC converter  124  can be configured to be connected to a standard AC power source (e.g., 120 volts at 60 Hz frequency) by the electrical cable  126  and plug adapter  127 . In some implementations, the AC/DC converter  124  can supply power to the heating assembly  135  and fan compartment  140 . Alternatively, the power compartment  120  could include a DC battery in lieu of, or in addition to, the AC/DC converter  124 . 
     The process  1300  further includes connecting a fan assembly at the top dryer end of the drying unit ( 1320 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a fan compartment  140  includes a fan assembly  142  at the top dryer end  161  of the drying unit  104 . In some implementations, the fan assembly  142  includes fans  144 ,  146 , and  148 . Alternatively, the fan assembly  142  can include a different number of fans, or even one fan. The fan assembly  142  is configured to rotate about an axis  141  (e.g., a horizontal axis) extending between the first side wall  163  and the second side wall  164  of the drying unit  104 , and circulate air within the drying unit  104  during operation. The circulated air is vented through the air vent  138 . The operation of the fan assembly  142  and the air circulation within the drying unit  104 , is further described herein with reference to  FIGS. 7-8 . 
     The process  1300  further includes connecting a heating assembly to the second dryer side wall of the drying unit ( 1322 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a heating assembly  135  is coupled to the second side wall  164  of the drying unit  104 . In some implementations, the heating assembly  135  includes heating bulbs  136 . In some implementations, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the drying unit  104  includes a power switch  150  coupled to the heating assembly  135 . Alternatively, the power switch  150  can be located anywhere accessible by a user on the outside of the drying unit  104 , or connected to the drying unit  104  by a power cord. The power switch  150  can be provided in many different forms, such as a toggle switch, electronic push button, heat-sensitive button, slide switch, and so on. 
     The process  1300  further includes connecting an air vent to the second dryer side wall of the drying unit ( 1324 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , air vent  138  is coupled to the second side wall  164  of the drying unit  104 . During operation, circulated air is vented through the air vent  138 . 
     In some implementations, a process for manufacturing a portable apparatus for washing and drying clothes can further include connecting a second side wall of the washing unit to the first dryer side wall of the drying unit. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a second side wall  173  of the washing unit  102  is coupled to the first side wall  163  of the drying unit  104 . 
     While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any features or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. 
     Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. 
     Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.